Narada's Vision of Radha

Verse 1 (padma.5.71.1)

श्रीदेव्युवाच- भगवन्सर्वभूतेश सर्वात्मन्सर्वसंभव । देवेश्वर महादेव सर्वज्ञ करुणाकर

śrīdevyuvāca- bhagavansarvabhūteśa sarvātmansarvasaṁbhava deveśvara mahādeva sarvajña karuṇākara

Shri Devi said: "O Lord, ruler of all beings, Self of all, source of all, Lord of gods, Mahadeva, all-knowing, ocean of compassion,"

Verse 2 (padma.5.71.2)

त्वयानुकंपितैवाहं भूयोऽप्याहानुकंपया । त्रैलोक्यमोहना मंत्रास्त्वया मे कथिताः प्रभो

tvayānukaṁpitaivāhaṁ bhūyo'pyāhānukaṁpayā trailokyamohanā maṁtrāstvayā me kathitāḥ prabho

"though I am already blessed by your compassion, once again, out of compassion, you have told me the world-bewitching mantras, O Lord;"

Verse 3 (padma.5.71.3)

तेन देवेन गोपीभिर्महामोहनरूपिणा । केन केन विशेषण चिक्रीडे तद्वदस्व मे

tena devena gopībhirmahāmohanarūpiṇā kena kena viśeṣaṇa cikrīḍe tadvadasva me

"by that god, together with the gopis, taking on a form of great enchantment, with what particular companion did he sport? Tell me that."

Verse 4 (padma.5.71.4)

महादेव उवाच। एकदा वादयन्वीणां नारदो मुनिपुंगवः । कृष्णावतारमाज्ञाय प्रययौ नंदगोकुलम्

mahādeva uvāca ekadā vādayanvīṇāṁ nārado munipuṁgavaḥ kṛṣṇāvatāramājñāya prayayau naṁdagokulam

Mahadeva said: "Once, Narada, foremost of sages, playing his vina, learning of Krishna's descent, went to Nanda's Gokula."

Verse 5 (padma.5.71.5)

गत्वा तत्र महायोगमयेशं विभुमच्युतम् । बालनाट्यधरं देवदर्शनं नंदवेश्मनि

gatvā tatra mahāyogamayeśaṁ vibhumacyutam bālanāṭyadharaṁ devadarśanaṁ naṁdaveśmani

"Having gone there, he saw the lord of great yoga, the all-pervading, unfallen one, in his childlike sport, a sight fit for the gods, in Nanda's house,"

Verse 6 (padma.5.71.6)

सुकोमलपटास्तीर्णहेमपर्यंकिकोपरि । शयानं गोपकन्याभिः प्रेक्षमाणं सदा मुदम्

sukomalapaṭāstīrṇahemaparyaṁkikopari śayānaṁ gopakanyābhiḥ prekṣamāṇaṁ sadā mudam

"lying upon a golden couch spread with the softest cloth, gazed upon always with joy by the cowherd maidens,"

Verse 7 (padma.5.71.7)

अतीव सुकुमारांगं मुग्धं मुग्धविलोकनम् । विस्रस्तनीलकुटिलकुंतलावनिमंडलम्

atīva sukumārāṁgaṁ mugdhaṁ mugdhavilokanam visrastanīlakuṭilakuṁtalāvanimaṁḍalam

"his limbs exceedingly delicate, innocent, his very glance innocent, his dark, curling locks scattered upon the ground,"

Verse 8 (padma.5.71.8)

किंचित्स्मितांकुरव्यंजदेकद्विरदकुड्मलम् । स्वप्रभाभिर्भासयंतं समंताद्भवनोदरम्

kiṁcitsmitāṁkuravyaṁjadekadviradakuḍmalam svaprabhābhirbhāsayaṁtaṁ samaṁtādbhavanodaram

"the mere sprout of a smile revealing a bud of one or two teeth, illuminating the whole interior of the house on every side with his own radiance,"

Verse 9 (padma.5.71.9)

दिग्वाससं समालोक्य सोऽतिहर्षमवाप ह । संभाष्य गोपतिं नंदमाह सर्वप्रभुप्रियः

digvāsasaṁ samālokya so'tiharṣamavāpa ha saṁbhāṣya gopatiṁ naṁdamāha sarvaprabhupriyaḥ

Seeing him thus, clad only in the directions, he felt the greatest joy. Having greeted the lord of cowherds, Nanda, that one dear to all lords said,

Verse 10 (padma.5.71.10)

नारायणपराणां तु जीवनं ह्यतिदुर्लभम् । अस्य प्रभावमतुलं न जानंतीह केचन

nārāyaṇaparāṇāṁ tu jīvanaṁ hyatidurlabham asya prabhāvamatulaṁ na jānaṁtīha kecana

"Life devoted to Narayana is exceedingly rare indeed; his matchless glory none here truly know."

Verse 11 (padma.5.71.11)

भव ब्रह्मादयोऽप्यस्मिन्रतिं वांच्छन्ति शाश्वतीम् । चरितं चास्य बालस्य सर्वेषामेव हर्षणम्

bhava brahmādayo'pyasminratiṁ vāṁcchanti śāśvatīm caritaṁ cāsya bālasya sarveṣāmeva harṣaṇam

"Even Shiva, Brahma, and the others long for eternal devotion to him; and the deeds of this child are a delight to all."

Verse 12 (padma.5.71.12)

मुदा गायंति शृण्वंति चाभिनंदंति तादृशाः । अस्मिंस्तव सुतेऽचिंत्यप्रभावे स्निग्धमानसाः

mudā gāyaṁti śṛṇvaṁti cābhinaṁdaṁti tādṛśāḥ asmiṁstava sute'ciṁtyaprabhāve snigdhamānasāḥ

"With joy do such beings sing, hear, and rejoice, their hearts filled with affection for this incomprehensibly powerful son of yours,"

Verse 13 (padma.5.71.13)

नराः संति न तेषां वै भवबाधा भविष्यति । मुंचेह परलोकेच्छाः सर्वा बल्लवसत्तम

narāḥ saṁti na teṣāṁ vai bhavabādhā bhaviṣyati muṁceha paralokecchāḥ sarvā ballavasattama

"There are men for whom no worldly affliction shall ever come. Give up, here, O best of cowherds, every desire for the next world."

Verse 14 (padma.5.71.14)

एकांतेनैकभावेन बालेऽस्मिन्प्रीतिमाचर । इत्युक्त्वा नंदभवनान्निष्क्रांतो मुनिपुंगवः

ekāṁtenaikabhāvena bāle'sminprītimācara ityuktvā naṁdabhavanānniṣkrāṁto munipuṁgavaḥ

"With single-minded devotion, cultivate love for this child alone." Having said this, that foremost sage went forth from Nanda's house.

Verse 15 (padma.5.71.15)

तेनार्चितो विष्णुबुद्ध्या प्रणम्य च विसर्जितः । अथासौ चिंतयामास महाभागवतो मुनिः

tenārcito viṣṇubuddhyā praṇamya ca visarjitaḥ athāsau ciṁtayāmāsa mahābhāgavato muniḥ

Worshipped by Nanda with the thought that he was Vishnu himself, and bowed to, he took his leave. Then that greatly blessed sage began to reflect:

Verse 16 (padma.5.71.16)

अस्य कांता भगवती लक्ष्मीर्नारायणे हरौ । विधाय गोपिकारूपं क्रीडार्थं शार्ङ्गधन्वनः

asya kāṁtā bhagavatī lakṣmīrnārāyaṇe harau vidhāya gopikārūpaṁ krīḍārthaṁ śārṅgadhanvanaḥ

"His beloved, the blessed goddess Lakshmi, dwelling in Narayana Hari, having assumed the form of a gopi for the sake of the sport of the wielder of the Sharnga bow,"

Verse 17 (padma.5.71.17)

अवश्यमवतीर्णा सा भविष्यति न संशयः । तामहं विचिनोम्यद्य गेहेगेहे व्रजौकसाम्

avaśyamavatīrṇā sā bhaviṣyati na saṁśayaḥ tāmahaṁ vicinomyadya gehegehe vrajaukasām

"has surely descended without doubt. I shall today search for her in every house of the dwellers of Vraja."

Verse 18 (padma.5.71.18)

विमृश्यैवं मुनिवरो गेहानि व्रजवासिनाम् । प्रविवेशातिथिर्भूत्वा विष्णुबुद्ध्या सुपूजितः

vimṛśyaivaṁ munivaro gehāni vrajavāsinām praviveśātithirbhūtvā viṣṇubuddhyā supūjitaḥ

Having reflected thus, the foremost of sages entered the houses of the residents of Vraja as a guest, and was well worshipped, being thought to be Vishnu.

Verse 19 (padma.5.71.19)

सर्वेषां बल्लवादीनां रतिं नंदसुते पराम् । दृष्ट्वा मुनिवरः सर्वान्मनसा प्रणनाम ह

sarveṣāṁ ballavādīnāṁ ratiṁ naṁdasute parām dṛṣṭvā munivaraḥ sarvānmanasā praṇanāma ha

Seeing the supreme devotion of all the cowherds and others toward the son of Nanda, the foremost sage bowed to them all in his mind.

Verse 20 (padma.5.71.20)

गोपालानां गृहे बालां ददर्श श्वेतरूपिणीम् । स दृष्ट्वा तर्कयामास रमा ह्येषा न संशयः

gopālānāṁ gṛhe bālāṁ dadarśa śvetarūpiṇīm sa dṛṣṭvā tarkayāmāsa ramā hyeṣā na saṁśayaḥ

In the house of a cowherd, he saw a girl of fair, white complexion. Seeing her, he reasoned: "This must surely be Rama, without doubt."

Verse 21 (padma.5.71.21)

प्रविवेश ततो धीमान्नंदसख्युर्महात्मनः । कस्यचिद्गोपवर्य्यस्य भानुनाम्नो गृहं महत्

praviveśa tato dhīmānnaṁdasakhyurmahātmanaḥ kasyacidgopavaryyasya bhānunāmno gṛhaṁ mahat

Then that wise one entered the great house of a certain excellent cowherd, a friend of the great-souled Nanda, named Bhanu.

Verse 22 (padma.5.71.22)

अर्चितो विधिवत्तेन सोऽप्यपृच्छन्महामनाः । साधो त्वमसि विख्यातो धर्मनिष्ठतया भुवि

arcito vidhivattena so'pyapṛcchanmahāmanāḥ sādho tvamasi vikhyāto dharmaniṣṭhatayā bhuvi

Duly worshipped by him, that great-minded one asked: "O virtuous one, you are renowned in this world for your steadfastness in dharma."

Verse 23 (padma.5.71.23)

तवाहं धनधान्यादि समृद्धिं संविभावये । कच्चित्ते योग्यः पुत्रोऽस्ति कन्या वा शुभलक्षणा

tavāhaṁ dhanadhānyādi samṛddhiṁ saṁvibhāvaye kaccitte yogyaḥ putro'sti kanyā vā śubhalakṣaṇā

"I perceive the abundance of your wealth and grain. Do you have a worthy son, or a daughter of auspicious marks,"

Verse 24 (padma.5.71.24)

यतस्ते कीर्तिरखिलं लोकं व्याप्य भविष्यति । इत्युक्तो मुनिवर्य्येण भानुरानीय पुत्रकम्

yataste kīrtirakhilaṁ lokaṁ vyāpya bhaviṣyati ityukto munivaryyeṇa bhānurānīya putrakam

"through whom your fame might spread throughout the entire world?" Thus addressed by the foremost sage, Bhanu brought forth his son,"

Verse 25 (padma.5.71.25)

महातेजस्विनं दृप्तं नारदायाभ्यवादयत् । दृष्ट्वा मुनिवरस्तं तु रूपेणाप्रतिमं भुवि

mahātejasvinaṁ dṛptaṁ nāradāyābhyavādayat dṛṣṭvā munivarastaṁ tu rūpeṇāpratimaṁ bhuvi

of great splendor and pride, and had him greet Narada. Seeing him — of unmatched beauty in the world,

Verse 26 (padma.5.71.26)

पद्मपत्रविशालाक्षं सुग्रीवं सुंदरभ्रुवम् । चारुदंतं चारुकर्णं सर्वावयवसुंदरम्

padmapatraviśālākṣaṁ sugrīvaṁ suṁdarabhruvam cārudaṁtaṁ cārukarṇaṁ sarvāvayavasuṁdaram

with eyes wide as lotus petals, a graceful neck, beautiful brows, fine teeth, fine ears, every limb beautiful —

Verse 27 (padma.5.71.27)

तं समाश्लिष्य बाहुभ्यां स्नेहाश्रूणि विमुच्य च । ततः स गद्गद प्राह प्रणयेन महामुनिः

taṁ samāśliṣya bāhubhyāṁ snehāśrūṇi vimucya ca tataḥ sa gadgada prāha praṇayena mahāmuniḥ

embracing him with both arms and shedding tears of affection, that great sage then spoke, his voice choked with love.

Verse 28 (padma.5.71.28)

नारद उवाच-। अयं शिशुस्ते भविता सुसखा रामकृष्णयोः । विहरिष्यति ताभ्यां च रात्रिंदिवमतंद्रितः

nārada uvāca- ayaṁ śiśuste bhavitā susakhā rāmakṛṣṇayoḥ vihariṣyati tābhyāṁ ca rātriṁdivamataṁdritaḥ

Narada said: "This child of yours will become the close friend of Rama and Krishna; he will sport with them both, day and night, tirelessly."

Verse 29 (padma.5.71.29)

तत आभाष्य तं गोपप्रवरं मुनिपुंगवः । यदा गंतुं मनश्चक्रे तत्रैवं भानुरब्रवीत्

tata ābhāṣya taṁ gopapravaraṁ munipuṁgavaḥ yadā gaṁtuṁ manaścakre tatraivaṁ bhānurabravīt

Then, having spoken thus to that excellent cowherd, when the foremost sage resolved to depart, Bhanu spoke to him there:

Verse 30 (padma.5.71.30)

एकास्ति पुत्रिका देव देवपत्न्युपमा मम । कनीयसी शिशोरस्य जडांधबधिराकृतिः

ekāsti putrikā deva devapatnyupamā mama kanīyasī śiśorasya jaḍāṁdhabadhirākṛtiḥ

"I have one daughter, O god, comparable to the wife of a god, younger than this boy, but she is dull, blind, and deaf in appearance."

Verse 31 (padma.5.71.31)

उत्साहाद्वृद्धये याचे त्वां वरं भगवत्तम । प्रसन्नदृष्टिमात्रेण सुस्थिरां कुरु बालिकाम्

utsāhādvṛddhaye yāce tvāṁ varaṁ bhagavattama prasannadṛṣṭimātreṇa susthirāṁ kuru bālikām

"Eagerly I beg of you a boon for her improvement, O most excellent one — by your mere gracious glance, make the girl whole."

Verse 32 (padma.5.71.32)

श्रुत्वैवं नारदो वाक्यं कौतुकाकृष्टमानसः । अथ प्रविश्य भवनं लुठंतीं भूतले सुताम्

śrutvaivaṁ nārado vākyaṁ kautukākṛṣṭamānasaḥ atha praviśya bhavanaṁ luṭhaṁtīṁ bhūtale sutām

Hearing these words, Narada, his mind drawn by curiosity, then entered the house and saw the daughter rolling upon the ground.

Verse 33 (padma.5.71.33)

उत्थाप्यांके निधायातिस्नेहविह्वलमानसः । भानुरप्याययौ भक्तिनम्रो मुनिवरांतिकम्

utthāpyāṁke nidhāyātisnehavihvalamānasaḥ bhānurapyāyayau bhaktinamro munivarāṁtikam

Lifting her up and placing her on his lap, his heart overwhelmed with affection — Bhanu too approached, bowed in devotion, near the great sage.

Verse 34 (padma.5.71.34)

अथ भागवतश्रेष्ठः कृष्णस्यातिप्रियो मुनिः । दृष्ट्वा तस्याः परं रूपमदृष्टाश्रुतमद्भुतम्

atha bhāgavataśreṣṭhaḥ kṛṣṇasyātipriyo muniḥ dṛṣṭvā tasyāḥ paraṁ rūpamadṛṣṭāśrutamadbhutam

Then that foremost of Bhagavatas, that sage exceedingly dear to Krishna, seeing her supreme form, unseen and unheard of before, wondrous,

Verse 35 (padma.5.71.35)

अभूत्पूर्वसमं मुग्धो हरिप्रेमा महामुनिः । विगाह्य परमानंदसिंधुमेकरसायनम्

abhūtpūrvasamaṁ mugdho haripremā mahāmuniḥ vigāhya paramānaṁdasiṁdhumekarasāyanam

became bewildered as never before, filled with love for Hari, that great sage, having plunged into an ocean of supreme bliss, a single essence of rapture.

Verse 36 (padma.5.71.36)

मुहूर्त्तद्वितयं तत्र मुनिरासीच्छिलोपमः । मुनींद्रः प्रतिबुद्धस्तु शनैरुन्मील्य लोचने

muhūrttadvitayaṁ tatra munirāsīcchilopamaḥ munīṁdraḥ pratibuddhastu śanairunmīlya locane

For two muhurtas that sage remained there, motionless as stone. When the foremost sage awoke, slowly opening his eyes,

Verse 37 (padma.5.71.37)

महाविस्मयमापन्नस्तूष्णीमेव स्थितोऽभवत् । अंतर्हृदि महाबुद्धिरेवमेवं व्यचिंतयत्

mahāvismayamāpannastūṣṇīmeva sthito'bhavat aṁtarhṛdi mahābuddhirevamevaṁ vyaciṁtayat

overcome with great astonishment, he remained silent. In his heart, that man of great wisdom pondered thus:

Verse 38 (padma.5.71.38)

भ्रांतं सर्वेषु लोकेषु मया स्वच्छंदचारिणा । अस्या रूपेण सदृशी दृष्ट्वा नैव च कुत्रचित्

bhrāṁtaṁ sarveṣu lokeṣu mayā svacchaṁdacāriṇā asyā rūpeṇa sadṛśī dṛṣṭvā naiva ca kutracit

"Wandering freely through all the worlds, I have never anywhere seen one equal to her in beauty."

Verse 39 (padma.5.71.39)

ब्रह्मलोके रुद्रलोक इंद्रलोके च मे गतिः । न कोपि शोभाकोट्यंशः कुत्राप्यस्या विलोकितः

brahmaloke rudraloka iṁdraloke ca me gatiḥ na kopi śobhākoṭyaṁśaḥ kutrāpyasyā vilokitaḥ

"I have gone to Brahmaloka, Rudraloka, and Indraloka — nowhere have I beheld even a fraction, a millionth part, of her splendor."

Verse 40 (padma.5.71.40)

महामाया भगवती दृष्टा शैलेंद्रनंदिनी । यस्या रूपेण सकलं मुह्यते सचराचरम्

mahāmāyā bhagavatī dṛṣṭā śaileṁdranaṁdinī yasyā rūpeṇa sakalaṁ muhyate sacarācaram

"I have seen the goddess Mahamaya, daughter of the mountain-lord, by whose form the entire moving and unmoving world is bewitched —"

Verse 41 (padma.5.71.41)

साप्यस्याः सुकुमारांगी लक्ष्मीं नाप्नोति कर्हिचित् । लक्ष्मीः सरस्वती कांति विद्याद्याश्च वरस्त्रियः

sāpyasyāḥ sukumārāṁgī lakṣmīṁ nāpnoti karhicit lakṣmīḥ sarasvatī kāṁti vidyādyāśca varastriyaḥ

"yet even she, delicate-limbed as she is, never attains to this girl's splendor. Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Kanti, Vidya, and the other excellent goddesses —"

Verse 42 (padma.5.71.42)

छायामपि स्पृशंत्यस्याः कदाचिन्नैव दृश्यते । विष्णोर्यन्मोहिनीरूपं हरो येन विमोहितः

chāyāmapi spṛśaṁtyasyāḥ kadācinnaiva dṛśyate viṣṇoryanmohinīrūpaṁ haro yena vimohitaḥ

"not even their shadow ever touches hers, it seems. Even Vishnu's Mohini form, by which even Hara was bewildered —"

Verse 43 (padma.5.71.43)

मया दृष्टं च तदपि कुतोऽस्यासदृशं भवेत् । ततोऽस्यास्तत्त्वमाज्ञातुं न मे शक्तिः कथंचन

mayā dṛṣṭaṁ ca tadapi kuto'syāsadṛśaṁ bhavet tato'syāstattvamājñātuṁ na me śaktiḥ kathaṁcana

"that too I have seen; how then could it compare to her? Therefore I have no power whatsoever to know her true nature."

Verse 44 (padma.5.71.44)

अन्ये चापि न जानंति प्रायेणैनां हरेः प्रियाम् । अस्याः संदर्शनादेव गोविंदचरणांबुजे

anye cāpi na jānaṁti prāyeṇaināṁ hareḥ priyām asyāḥ saṁdarśanādeva goviṁdacaraṇāṁbuje

"Others too, it seems, generally do not know this beloved of Hari. From the mere sight of her alone, at Govinda's lotus feet,"

Verse 45 (padma.5.71.45)

या प्रेमर्द्धिरभूत्सा मे भूतपूर्वा न कर्हिचित् । एकांते नौमि भवतीं दर्शयित्वातिवैभवम्

yā premarddhirabhūtsā me bhūtapūrvā na karhicit ekāṁte naumi bhavatīṁ darśayitvātivaibhavam

"such an abundance of love arose in me as never before. In private I shall praise you, having witnessed your supreme glory —"

Verse 46 (padma.5.71.46)

कृष्णस्य संभवत्यस्या रूपं परमतुष्टये । विमृश्यैवं मुनिर्गोपप्रवरं प्रेष्य कुत्रचित्

kṛṣṇasya saṁbhavatyasyā rūpaṁ paramatuṣṭaye vimṛśyaivaṁ munirgopapravaraṁ preṣya kutracit

"for it must be that Krishna's own form arises for her supreme delight." Having thus reflected, the sage, sending the excellent cowherd away somewhere,

Verse 47 (padma.5.71.47)

निभृते परितुष्टाव बालिकां दिव्यरूपिणीम् । अपि देवि महायोगमायेश्वरि महाप्रभे

nibhṛte parituṣṭāva bālikāṁ divyarūpiṇīm api devi mahāyogamāyeśvari mahāprabhe

in private, praised the girl of that divine form: "O goddess, mistress of great yoga-maya, great lady,"

Verse 48 (padma.5.71.48)

महामोहनदिव्यांगि महामाधुर्यवर्षिणि । महाद्भुतरसानंदशिथिलीकृतमानसे

mahāmohanadivyāṁgi mahāmādhuryavarṣiṇi mahādbhutarasānaṁdaśithilīkṛtamānase

"of divinely bewitching limbs, showering great sweetness, your mind loosened by the bliss of the most wondrous sweetness,"

Verse 49 (padma.5.71.49)

महाभाग्येन केनापि गतासि मम दृक्पथम् । नित्यमंतर्मुखादृष्टिस्तव देवि विभाव्यते

mahābhāgyena kenāpi gatāsi mama dṛkpatham nityamaṁtarmukhādṛṣṭistava devi vibhāvyate

"by what great fortune have you come within the path of my sight! Your gaze, O goddess, seems ever turned within,"

Verse 50 (padma.5.71.50)

अंतरेव महानंदपरितृप्तैव लक्ष्यसे । प्रसन्नं मधुरं सौम्यमिदं सुमुखमंडनम्

aṁtareva mahānaṁdaparitṛptaiva lakṣyase prasannaṁ madhuraṁ saumyamidaṁ sumukhamaṁḍanam

"as if you are inwardly ever satisfied with great bliss. This gracious, sweet, gentle, beautiful face,"

Verse 51 (padma.5.71.51)

व्यनक्तिपरमाश्चर्यं कमप्यंतः सुखोदयम् । रजः संबंधिकलिका शक्तिस्तत्वातिशोभने

vyanaktiparamāścaryaṁ kamapyaṁtaḥ sukhodayam rajaḥ saṁbaṁdhikalikā śaktistatvātiśobhane

"reveals a supreme wonder, some inner rising of joy. You are the very bud of the power connected with the principle of Rajas, most splendid in essence,"

Verse 52 (padma.5.71.52)

सृष्टिस्थितिसमाहाररूपिणी त्वमधिष्ठिता । तत्त्वं विशुद्धसत्वाशु शक्तिर्विद्यात्मिका परा

sṛṣṭisthitisamāhārarūpiṇī tvamadhiṣṭhitā tattvaṁ viśuddhasatvāśu śaktirvidyātmikā parā

"presiding as the very form of the gathering of creation and preservation. You are that principle — the swift power of pure goodness, the supreme power of the nature of knowledge,"

Verse 53 (padma.5.71.53)

परमानंदसंदोहं दधती वैष्णवं परम् । का त्वयाश्चर्यविभवे ब्रह्मरुद्रादिदुर्गमे

paramānaṁdasaṁdohaṁ dadhatī vaiṣṇavaṁ param kā tvayāścaryavibhave brahmarudrādidurgame

"bearing the mass of supreme bliss, the highest of the Vaishnava powers. Who are you, in this wondrous glory unfathomable even to Brahma, Rudra and the rest?"

Verse 54 (padma.5.71.54)

योगींद्राणां ध्यानपथं न त्वं स्पृशसि कर्हिचित् । इच्छाशक्तिर्ज्ञानशक्तिः क्रियाशक्तिस्तवेशितुः

yogīṁdrāṇāṁ dhyānapathaṁ na tvaṁ spṛśasi karhicit icchāśaktirjñānaśaktiḥ kriyāśaktistaveśituḥ

"You never touch even the path of meditation of the lords of yoga. The will-power, the knowledge-power, the action-power of the Lord —"

Verse 55 (padma.5.71.55)

तवांशमात्रमित्येवं मनीषा मे प्रवर्त्तते । मायाविभूतयोऽचिंत्यास्तन्मायार्भकमायिनः

tavāṁśamātramityevaṁ manīṣā me pravarttate māyāvibhūtayo'ciṁtyāstanmāyārbhakamāyinaḥ

"these, I now think, are but a fraction of your own portion. The unthinkable powers of maya, the very children of that maya,"

Verse 56 (padma.5.71.56)

परेशस्य महाविष्णोस्ताः सर्वास्ते कलाकलाः । आनंदरूपिणी शक्तिस्त्वमीश्वरि न संशयः

pareśasya mahāviṣṇostāḥ sarvāste kalākalāḥ ānaṁdarūpiṇī śaktistvamīśvari na saṁśayaḥ

"all of these are but fractions of fractions belonging to the supreme Lord, Maha-Vishnu. You are the power of the very form of bliss, O goddess — of this there is no doubt."

Verse 57 (padma.5.71.57)

त्वया च क्रीडते कृष्णो नूनं वृंदावने वने । कौमारेणैव रूपेण त्वं विश्वस्य च मोहिनी

tvayā ca krīḍate kṛṣṇo nūnaṁ vṛṁdāvane vane kaumāreṇaiva rūpeṇa tvaṁ viśvasya ca mohinī

"With you, surely, Krishna sports in the forest of Vrindavana. Even in your form as a mere child, you are the enchantress of the universe."

Verse 58 (padma.5.71.58)

तारुण्यवयसा स्पृष्टं कीदृक्ते रूपमद्भुतम् । कीदृशं तव लावण्यं लीलाहासेक्षणान्वितम्

tāruṇyavayasā spṛṣṭaṁ kīdṛkte rūpamadbhutam kīdṛśaṁ tava lāvaṇyaṁ līlāhāsekṣaṇānvitam

"Touched by the age of youth, what then must your wondrous form be like? What must your loveliness be like, joined with playful smiles and glances?"

Verse 59 (padma.5.71.59)

हरि मानुषलोभेन वपुराश्चर्यमंडितम् । द्रष्टुं तदहमिच्छामि रूपं ते हरिवल्लभे

hari mānuṣalobhena vapurāścaryamaṁḍitam draṣṭuṁ tadahamicchāmi rūpaṁ te harivallabhe

"O beloved of Hari, I wish to see that wondrous form of yours, adorned with wonder in that human form,"

Verse 60 (padma.5.71.60)

येन नंदसुतः कृष्णो मोहं समुपयास्यति । इदानीं मम कारुण्यान्निजं रूपं महेश्वरि

yena naṁdasutaḥ kṛṣṇo mohaṁ samupayāsyati idānīṁ mama kāruṇyānnijaṁ rūpaṁ maheśvari

"by which even Krishna, the son of Nanda, shall be enchanted. Now, out of your compassion, O great goddess, your own form —"

Verse 61 (padma.5.71.61)

प्रणताय प्रपन्नाय प्रकाशयितुमर्हसि । इत्युक्ता मुनिवर्य्येण तदनुव्रतचेतसा

praṇatāya prapannāya prakāśayitumarhasi ityuktā munivaryyeṇa tadanuvratacetasā

"to me, who am bowed and surrendered, may you deign to reveal." Thus addressed by that foremost sage, his heart devoted to her,"

Verse 62 (padma.5.71.62)

महामाहेश्वरीं नत्वा महानंदमयीं पराम् । महाप्रेमतरोत्कंठा व्याकुलांगीं शुभेक्षणाम्

mahāmāheśvarīṁ natvā mahānaṁdamayīṁ parām mahāprematarotkaṁṭhā vyākulāṁgīṁ śubhekṣaṇām

having bowed to that great goddess, supremely blissful, filled with great yearning of love, her limbs trembling, her eyes auspicious,

Verse 63 (padma.5.71.63)

ईक्षमाणेन गोविंदमेवं वर्णयतास्थितम् । जयकृष्ण मनोहारिञ्जय वृंदावनप्रिय

īkṣamāṇena goviṁdamevaṁ varṇayatāsthitam jayakṛṣṇa manohāriñjaya vṛṁdāvanapriya

gazing upon Govinda, thus stood praising her: "Victory to you, Krishna, enchanting one! Victory, beloved of Vrindavana!"

Verse 64 (padma.5.71.64)

जयभ्रूभंगललित जयवेणुरवाकुल । जय बर्हकृतोत्तंस जयगोपीविमोहन

jayabhrūbhaṁgalalita jayaveṇuravākula jaya barhakṛtottaṁsa jayagopīvimohana

"Victory, graceful arch of brows! Victory, filled with the sound of the flute! Victory, crowned with peacock feathers! Victory, enchanter of the gopis!"

Verse 65 (padma.5.71.65)

जय कुंकुमलिप्तांग जय रत्नविभूषण । कदाहं त्वत्प्रसादेन अनया दिव्यरूपया

jaya kuṁkumaliptāṁga jaya ratnavibhūṣaṇa kadāhaṁ tvatprasādena anayā divyarūpayā

"Victory, your limbs anointed with saffron! Victory, adorned with jewels! When, by your grace, together with her of divine form,"

Verse 66 (padma.5.71.66)

सहितं नवतारुण्य मनोहारि वपुःश्रिया । विलोकयिष्ये कैशोरे मोहनं त्वां जगत्पते

sahitaṁ navatāruṇya manohāri vapuḥśriyā vilokayiṣye kaiśore mohanaṁ tvāṁ jagatpate

"endowed with the splendor of fresh youth and an enchanting body, shall I behold you, enchanting one, in your youthful form, O lord of the universe!"

Verse 67 (padma.5.71.67)

एवं कीर्त्तयतस्तस्य तत्क्षणादेव सा पुनः । बभूव दधती दिव्यं रूपमत्यंतमोहनम्

evaṁ kīrttayatastasya tatkṣaṇādeva sā punaḥ babhūva dadhatī divyaṁ rūpamatyaṁtamohanam

As he thus praised, at that very moment she once more became possessed of a divine, most enchanting form,

Verse 68 (padma.5.71.68)

चतुर्दशाब्दवयसा संमितं ललितं परम् । समानवयसश्चान्यास्तदैव व्रजबालिकाः

caturdaśābdavayasā saṁmitaṁ lalitaṁ param samānavayasaścānyāstadaiva vrajabālikāḥ

graceful, of the measure of fourteen years of age, most excellent; and other maidens of Vraja of the same age,

Verse 69 (padma.5.71.69)

आगत्य वेष्टयामासुर्दिव्यभूषांबरस्रजः । मुनींद्रः स तु निश्चेष्टो बभूवाश्चर्यमोहितः

āgatya veṣṭayāmāsurdivyabhūṣāṁbarasrajaḥ munīṁdraḥ sa tu niśceṣṭo babhūvāścaryamohitaḥ

having come, surrounded her, adorned with divine ornaments, garments, and garlands. The foremost sage became motionless, bewildered with wonder.

Verse 70 (padma.5.71.70)

बालायास्तास्तदा सख्यश्चरणांबुकणैर्मुनिम् । निषिच्य बोधयामासुरूचुश्च कृपयान्विताः

bālāyāstāstadā sakhyaścaraṇāṁbukaṇairmunim niṣicya bodhayāmāsurūcuśca kṛpayānvitāḥ

Then her friends, sprinkling the sage with drops of water from her feet, revived him and spoke to him, filled with compassion:

Verse 71 (padma.5.71.71)

मुनिवर्य महाभाग महायोगेश्वरेश्वर । त्वयैव परया भक्त्या भगवान्हरिरीश्वरः

munivarya mahābhāga mahāyogeśvareśvara tvayaiva parayā bhaktyā bhagavānharirīśvaraḥ

"O excellent sage, greatly blessed, lord of the lords of great yoga! By your own supreme devotion, the Lord Hari, the Ishvara,"

Verse 72 (padma.5.71.72)

नूनमाराधितो देवो भक्तानां कामपूरकः । यदियंब्रह्मरुद्राद्यैर्देवैः सिद्धमुनीश्वरैः

nūnamārādhito devo bhaktānāṁ kāmapūrakaḥ yadiyaṁbrahmarudrādyairdevaiḥ siddhamunīśvaraiḥ

"has surely been well worshipped, the god who fulfills the desires of his devotees — since she, whom Brahma, Rudra and the other gods, the perfected ones, and the lords of sages,"

Verse 73 (padma.5.71.73)

महाभागवतैश्चान्यैर्दुर्दर्शा दुर्गमापि च । अत्यद्भुतवयोरूपमोहिनी हरिवल्लभा

mahābhāgavataiścānyairdurdarśā durgamāpi ca atyadbhutavayorūpamohinī harivallabhā

"and other great Bhagavatas cannot behold, hard even to approach — she of wondrous age and enchanting form, the beloved of Hari,"

Verse 74 (padma.5.71.74)

केनाप्यचिंत्य भाग्येन तवदृष्टिपथं गता । उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ विप्रर्षे धैर्यमालंब्य सत्वरम्

kenāpyaciṁtya bhāgyena tavadṛṣṭipathaṁ gatā uttiṣṭhottiṣṭha viprarṣe dhairyamālaṁbya satvaram

"has come, by some inconceivable fortune, within the path of your sight. Rise, rise, O sage among brahmins! Taking hold of your composure, quickly,"

Verse 75 (padma.5.71.75)

एनां प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य नमस्कुरु पुनःपुनः । किं न पश्यसि चार्वंगीमत्यंतव्याकुलामिव

enāṁ pradakṣiṇīkṛtya namaskuru punaḥpunaḥ kiṁ na paśyasi cārvaṁgīmatyaṁtavyākulāmiva

"circumambulate her and bow again and again. Do you not see this lovely-limbed one, as though exceedingly agitated?"

Verse 76 (padma.5.71.76)

अस्मिन्नेव क्षणे नूनमंतर्धानं गमिष्यति । नानया सह संलापः कथंचित्ते भविष्यति

asminneva kṣaṇe nūnamaṁtardhānaṁ gamiṣyati nānayā saha saṁlāpaḥ kathaṁcitte bhaviṣyati

"At this very moment she shall surely vanish from sight. Never again shall you have any conversation with her,"

Verse 77 (padma.5.71.77)

दर्शनं च पुनर्नास्याः प्राप्स्यसि ब्रह्मवित्तम । किंतु वृंदावने कापि भात्यशोकलता शुभा

darśanaṁ ca punarnāsyāḥ prāpsyasi brahmavittama kiṁtu vṛṁdāvane kāpi bhātyaśokalatā śubhā

"nor shall you obtain sight of her again, O knower of Brahman. But somewhere in Vrindavana there shines a certain auspicious ashoka-creeper,"

Verse 78 (padma.5.71.78)

सर्वकालेऽपि पुष्पाढ्या सर्वदिग्व्यापि सौरभा । गोवर्द्धनाददूरेण कुसुमाख्यसरस्तटे

sarvakāle'pi puṣpāḍhyā sarvadigvyāpi saurabhā govarddhanādadūreṇa kusumākhyasarastaṭe

"ever laden with flowers at all seasons, its fragrance spreading in every direction, not far from Govardhana, on the bank of the lake called Kusuma."

Verse 79 (padma.5.71.79)

तन्मूले ह्यर्द्धरात्रे च द्रक्ष्यस्यस्मानशेषतः । श्रुत्वैवं वचनं तासां स्नेहविह्वलचेतसाम्

tanmūle hyarddharātre ca drakṣyasyasmānaśeṣataḥ śrutvaivaṁ vacanaṁ tāsāṁ snehavihvalacetasām

"At its root, at midnight, you shall see us all completely." Hearing these words of hers, her mind overwhelmed with affection,

Verse 80 (padma.5.71.80)

यावत्प्रदक्षिणीकृत्य प्रणमेद्दंडवन्मुनिः । मुहूर्त्तद्वितयं बालां नानानिर्माणशोभनाम्

yāvatpradakṣiṇīkṛtya praṇameddaṁḍavanmuniḥ muhūrttadvitayaṁ bālāṁ nānānirmāṇaśobhanām

as the sage was still circumambulating and bowing prostrate before that girl of manifold beautiful adornment, two muhurtas passed.

Verse 81 (padma.5.71.81)

आहूय भानुं प्रोवाच नारदः सर्वशोभनाम् । एवं प्रभावा बालेयं न साध्या दैवतैरपि

āhūya bhānuṁ provāca nāradaḥ sarvaśobhanām evaṁ prabhāvā bāleyaṁ na sādhyā daivatairapi

Narada then summoned Bhanu and said to him regarding that all-beautiful girl: "Such is the glory of this child that even the gods cannot rival her."

Verse 82 (padma.5.71.82)

किंतु यद्गृहमेतस्याः पदचिह्नविभूषितम् । तत्र नारायणो देवः स्वयं वसति माधवः

kiṁtu yadgṛhametasyāḥ padacihnavibhūṣitam tatra nārāyaṇo devaḥ svayaṁ vasati mādhavaḥ

"But in whatever house her footprints have adorned, there the god Narayana Madhava himself dwells,"

Verse 83 (padma.5.71.83)

लक्ष्मीश्च वसते नित्यं सर्वाभिः सर्वसिद्धिभिः । अद्य एनां वरारोहां सर्वाभरणभूषणाम्

lakṣmīśca vasate nityaṁ sarvābhiḥ sarvasiddhibhiḥ adya enāṁ varārohāṁ sarvābharaṇabhūṣaṇām

"and Lakshmi too dwells there eternally, with all her powers of perfection. Today, this excellent girl, adorned with every ornament,"

Verse 84 (padma.5.71.84)

देवीमिव परां गेहे रक्ष यत्नेन सत्तम । इत्युक्त्वा मनसैवैनां महाभागवतोत्तमः

devīmiva parāṁ gehe rakṣa yatnena sattama ityuktvā manasaivaināṁ mahābhāgavatottamaḥ

"like a supreme goddess — protect her with the greatest care in your house, O virtuous one." Having said this, that foremost of great Bhagavatas,"

Verse 85 (padma.5.71.85)

तद्रूपमेव संस्मृत्य प्रविष्टो गहनं वनम् । अशोकलतिकामूलमासाद्य मुनिसत्तमः

tadrūpameva saṁsmṛtya praviṣṭo gahanaṁ vanam aśokalatikāmūlamāsādya munisattamaḥ

recalling that very form in his mind, entered the dense forest. Reaching the root of the ashoka-creeper, that foremost of sages,

Verse 86 (padma.5.71.86)

प्रतीक्षमाणो देवीं तां तत्रैवागमनं निशि । स्थितोऽत्र प्रेमविकलश्चिंतयन्कृष्णवल्लभाम्

pratīkṣamāṇo devīṁ tāṁ tatraivāgamanaṁ niśi sthito'tra premavikalaściṁtayankṛṣṇavallabhām

awaiting that goddess's arrival there that very night, remained there, distraught with love, thinking of Krishna's beloved.

Verse 87 (padma.5.71.87)

अथ मध्यनिशाभागे युवत्यः परमाद्भुताः । पूर्वं दृष्ट्वास्तथान्याश्च विचित्राभरणस्रजः

atha madhyaniśābhāge yuvatyaḥ paramādbhutāḥ pūrvaṁ dṛṣṭvāstathānyāśca vicitrābharaṇasrajaḥ

Then, in the middle of the night, young women of the utmost wonder — the one he had seen before, and others too — adorned with wondrous ornaments and garlands,

Verse 88 (padma.5.71.88)

दृष्ट्वा मनसि संभ्रांतो दंडवत्पतितो भुवि । परिवार्य मुनिं सर्वास्ताः प्रविविशुः शुभाः

dṛṣṭvā manasi saṁbhrāṁto daṁḍavatpatito bhuvi parivārya muniṁ sarvāstāḥ praviviśuḥ śubhāḥ

seeing them, his mind astonished, he fell prostrate upon the ground. Surrounding the sage, all those auspicious ones entered the grove.

Verse 89 (padma.5.71.89)

प्रष्टुकामोऽपि स मुनिः किंचित्स्वाभिमतं प्रियम् । नाशकत्प्रेमलावण्यप्रियभाषाप्रधर्षितः

praṣṭukāmo'pi sa muniḥ kiṁcitsvābhimataṁ priyam nāśakatpremalāvaṇyapriyabhāṣāpradharṣitaḥ

Though the sage wished to ask something dear to his own heart, he was unable to, overwhelmed by their loving, beautiful, and sweet speech.

Verse 90 (padma.5.71.90)

अथागता मुनिश्रेष्ठं कृतांजलिमवस्थितम् । भक्तिभारानतग्रीवं सविस्मयं ससंभ्रमम्

athāgatā muniśreṣṭhaṁ kṛtāṁjalimavasthitam bhaktibhārānatagrīvaṁ savismayaṁ sasaṁbhramam

Then she who had come before approached that foremost sage, who stood with joined palms, his neck bowed under the weight of devotion, filled with wonder and awe,

Verse 91 (padma.5.71.91)

सुविनीततमं प्राह तत्रैव करुणान्विता । अशोकमालिनी नाम्ना अशोकवनदेवता

suvinītatamaṁ prāha tatraiva karuṇānvitā aśokamālinī nāmnā aśokavanadevatā

and spoke, most humbly, filled with compassion — she named Ashokamalini, the deity of the ashoka forest.

Verse 92 (padma.5.71.92)

अशोकमालिन्युवाच। अशोककलिकायां तु वसाम्यस्यां महामुने । रक्तांबरधरा नित्यं रक्तमालानुलेपना

aśokamālinyuvāca aśokakalikāyāṁ tu vasāmyasyāṁ mahāmune raktāṁbaradharā nityaṁ raktamālānulepanā

Ashokamalini said: "I dwell, O great sage, in this very bud of the ashoka; I ever wear red garments, am anointed with red garlands,"

Verse 93 (padma.5.71.93)

रक्तसिंदूरकलिका रक्तोत्पलवतंसिनी । रक्तमाणिक्यकेयूर मुकुटादिविभूषिता

raktasiṁdūrakalikā raktotpalavataṁsinī raktamāṇikyakeyūra mukuṭādivibhūṣitā

"with a red vermilion mark, adorned with red lotuses, decorated with bracelets and a crown of red rubies."

Verse 94 (padma.5.71.94)

एकदा प्रियया सार्द्धं विहरंत्यो मधूत्सवे । तत्रैव मिलिता गोपबालिकाश्चित्रवाससः

ekadā priyayā sārddhaṁ viharaṁtyo madhūtsave tatraiva militā gopabālikāścitravāsasaḥ

"Once, sporting together with my beloved companion at the spring festival, the cowherd maidens of many-colored garments gathered there together."

Verse 95 (padma.5.71.95)

अहं चाशोकमालाभिर्गोपवेषधरं हरिम् । रमारूपाश्च ताः सर्वा भक्त्या सम्यगपूजयम्

ahaṁ cāśokamālābhirgopaveṣadharaṁ harim ramārūpāśca tāḥ sarvā bhaktyā samyagapūjayam

"And I, together with all those maidens who bore the very form of Rama, worshipped with devotion Hari in his cowherd guise, adorned with garlands of ashoka."

Verse 96 (padma.5.71.96)

ततः प्रभृति चैतासां मध्ये तिष्ठामि सर्वदा । भूषाभिर्विविधाभिश्च तोषयित्वा रमापतिम्

tataḥ prabhṛti caitāsāṁ madhye tiṣṭhāmi sarvadā bhūṣābhirvividhābhiśca toṣayitvā ramāpatim

"Since then, I have remained ever in their midst, having gratified the lord of Lakshmi with manifold ornaments."

Verse 97 (padma.5.71.97)

परात्परमहं सर्वं विजानामीह सर्वतः । गोगोपगोपिकादीनां रहस्यं चापि वेद्म्यहम्

parātparamahaṁ sarvaṁ vijānāmīha sarvataḥ gogopagopikādīnāṁ rahasyaṁ cāpi vedmyaham

"I know everything here, beyond the beyond, from every side; I know too the secret of the cows, cowherds, and gopis."

Verse 98 (padma.5.71.98)

तव जिज्ञासितं सर्वं हृदि प्रत्यभिभाषितम् । तां देवीमद्भुताकारामद्भुतानंददायिनीम्

tava jijñāsitaṁ sarvaṁ hṛdi pratyabhibhāṣitam tāṁ devīmadbhutākārāmadbhutānaṁdadāyinīm

"All that you sought to know has been answered in your heart already." Concerning that goddess of wondrous form, bestower of wondrous bliss,

Verse 99 (padma.5.71.99)

हरेः प्रियां हिरण्याभां हीरकोज्ज्वलमुद्रिकाम् । कथं पश्यामि लोलाक्षीं कथं वा तत्पदांबुजम्

hareḥ priyāṁ hiraṇyābhāṁ hīrakojjvalamudrikām kathaṁ paśyāmi lolākṣīṁ kathaṁ vā tatpadāṁbujam

"the beloved of Hari, golden-hued, her ring gleaming like diamond — how may I see her restless eyes, or her lotus feet,"

Verse 100 (padma.5.71.100)

आराध्यतेऽतिभक्त्येति त्वया ब्रह्मन्विमर्शितम् । तत्र ते कथयिष्यामि वृत्तांतं सुमहात्मनाम्

ārādhyate'tibhaktyeti tvayā brahmanvimarśitam tatra te kathayiṣyāmi vṛttāṁtaṁ sumahātmanām

"she who is worshipped only with the greatest devotion" — thus you have reflected, O brahmin. "Now I shall tell you the story of those very great souls,"

Verse 101 (padma.5.71.101)

मानसे सरसि स्थित्वा तपस्तीव्रमुपेयुषाम् । जपतां सिद्धमंत्रांश्च ध्यायतां हरिमीश्वरम्

mānase sarasi sthitvā tapastīvramupeyuṣām japatāṁ siddhamaṁtrāṁśca dhyāyatāṁ harimīśvaram

"who, dwelling by the Manasa lake, undertook intense austerity, reciting the perfected mantras, meditating upon Hari, the Lord,"

Verse 102 (padma.5.71.102)

मुनीनां कांक्षतां नित्यं तस्या एव पदांबुजम् । एकसप्ततिसाहस्रं संख्यातानां महौजसाम्

munīnāṁ kāṁkṣatāṁ nityaṁ tasyā eva padāṁbujam ekasaptatisāhasraṁ saṁkhyātānāṁ mahaujasām

"sages who ever longed for her very lotus feet — seventy-one thousand in number, of the greatest power —"

Verse 103 (padma.5.71.103)

तत्तेऽहं कथयाम्यद्य तद्रहस्यं परं वने

tatte'haṁ kathayāmyadya tadrahasyaṁ paraṁ vane

"that secret of theirs, supreme, I shall now tell you here in the forest."