The Glory of the Gift of Food and Water

Verse 1 (padma.7.21.1)

व्यास उवाच- ब्रह्मणो वचनं श्रुत्वा हरिशर्मा द्विजोत्तमः । भूयोऽपि तं नमस्कृत्य भक्त्या प्राहेति जैमिने

vyāsa uvāca- brahmaṇo vacanaṁ śrutvā hariśarmā dvijottamaḥ bhūyo'pi taṁ namaskṛtya bhaktyā prāheti jaimine

Vyasa said: O Jaimini, hearing Brahma's words, the excellent brahmin Harishaman again bowed to him and spoke thus, with devotion.

Verse 2 (padma.7.21.2)

हरिशर्मोवाच- प्रोक्तानि यानि दानानि सुखहूनि त्वया प्रभो । कस्मै देयानि दानानि तन्मे गदितुमर्हसि

hariśarmovāca- proktāni yāni dānāni sukhahūni tvayā prabho kasmai deyāni dānāni tanme gaditumarhasi

Harishaman said: Lord, you have described these happiness-bringing gifts — be pleased to tell me, to whom should such gifts be given?

Verse 3 (padma.7.21.3)

ब्रह्मोवाच- सर्वेषामेव वर्णानां ब्राह्मणः परमो गुरुः । तस्मै देयानि दानानि भक्तिश्रद्धासमन्वितैः

brahmovāca- sarveṣāmeva varṇānāṁ brāhmaṇaḥ paramo guruḥ tasmai deyāni dānāni bhaktiśraddhāsamanvitaiḥ

Brahma said: Of all the castes, the brahmin is the supreme teacher; gifts should be given to him, with devotion and faith.

Verse 4 (padma.7.21.4)

सर्वदेवाश्रयो विप्रः प्रत्यक्षस्त्रिदशो भुवि । स तारयति दातारं दुस्तरे विश्वसागरे

sarvadevāśrayo vipraḥ pratyakṣastridaśo bhuvi sa tārayati dātāraṁ dustare viśvasāgare

The brahmin is the refuge of all the gods, a visible god upon this earth; he ferries the giver across this hard-to-cross ocean of the universe.

Verse 5 (padma.7.21.5)

ब्राह्मण उवाच- सर्ववर्णगुरुर्विप्रस्त्वया प्रोक्तः सुरोत्तम । तेषां मध्ये तु कः श्रेष्ठः कस्मै दानं प्रदीयते

brāhmaṇa uvāca- sarvavarṇagururviprastvayā proktaḥ surottama teṣāṁ madhye tu kaḥ śreṣṭhaḥ kasmai dānaṁ pradīyate

The brahmin said: Best of gods, you have said the brahmin is the teacher of every caste; but among brahmins themselves, who is foremost? To whom should the gift be given?

Verse 6 (padma.7.21.6)

ब्रह्मोवाच- सर्वेऽपि ब्राह्मणाः श्रेष्ठाः पूजनीयाः सदैव हि । स्तेयादिदोषतप्ता ये ब्राह्मणा ब्राह्मणोत्तम

brahmovāca- sarve'pi brāhmaṇāḥ śreṣṭhāḥ pūjanīyāḥ sadaiva hi steyādidoṣataptā ye brāhmaṇā brāhmaṇottama

Brahma said: All brahmins alike are excellent and ever worthy of worship; best of brahmins, even brahmins tainted by faults such as theft —

Verse 7 (padma.7.21.7)

अस्माकं द्वेषिणस्ते च परेभ्यो न कदाचन । अनाचारा द्विजाः पूज्या न च शूद्रा जितेन्द्रियाः । अभक्ष्यभक्षका गावो लोकानां मातरः स्मृताः

asmākaṁ dveṣiṇaste ca parebhyo na kadācana anācārā dvijāḥ pūjyā na ca śūdrā jitendriyāḥ abhakṣyabhakṣakā gāvo lokānāṁ mātaraḥ smṛtāḥ

— even if hostile toward us, are never lower than members of other castes. Even brahmins fallen from proper conduct remain worthy of worship — a self-controlled Shudra does not equal them; and even a cow that eats unfit food is still reckoned the mother of all the worlds.

Verse 8 (padma.7.21.8)

माहात्म्यं भूमिदेवानां विशेषादुच्यते मया । तव स्नेहाद्द्विजश्रेष्ठ निशामय समाहितः

māhātmyaṁ bhūmidevānāṁ viśeṣāducyate mayā tava snehāddvijaśreṣṭha niśāmaya samāhitaḥ

Out of affection for you, best of brahmins, I shall declare the glory of these earthly gods in particular — listen with a focused mind.

Verse 9 (padma.7.21.9)

क्षत्त्रियाणां च वैश्यानां शूद्राणां गुरवो द्विजाः । अन्योन्यं गुरवो विप्राः पूजनीयाश्च भूसुराः

kṣattriyāṇāṁ ca vaiśyānāṁ śūdrāṇāṁ guravo dvijāḥ anyonyaṁ guravo viprāḥ pūjanīyāśca bhūsurāḥ

Brahmins are the teachers of kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras; and among themselves too, brahmins are one another's teachers, worthy of worship as earthly gods.

Verse 10 (padma.7.21.10)

ब्राह्मणं पूजयेद्यस्तु विष्णुबुद्ध्या नरोत्तम । आयुः पुत्रश्च कीर्तिश्च संपत्तिस्तस्य वर्द्धते

brāhmaṇaṁ pūjayedyastu viṣṇubuddhyā narottama āyuḥ putraśca kīrtiśca saṁpattistasya varddhate

Whatever excellent man worships a brahmin with the awareness that he is Vishnu — his lifespan, his sons, his fame, and his fortune all increase.

Verse 11 (padma.7.21.11)

संचिनोति द्विजं यस्तु मूढधीर्मानवो भुवि । सुदर्शनेन तच्छीर्षं हंतुमिच्छति केशवः

saṁcinoti dvijaṁ yastu mūḍhadhīrmānavo bhuvi sudarśanena tacchīrṣaṁ haṁtumicchati keśavaḥ

Whatever dull-witted man on this earth torments a brahmin, Keshava wishes to strike off his very head with the Sudarshana discus.

Verse 12 (padma.7.21.12)

पुष्पहस्तं पयोहस्तं देवहस्तं च जैमिने । न नमेद्ब्राह्मणं प्राज्ञस्तैलाभ्यंगितविग्रहम्

puṣpahastaṁ payohastaṁ devahastaṁ ca jaimine na namedbrāhmaṇaṁ prājñastailābhyaṁgitavigraham

O Jaimini, the wise should not bow to a brahmin whose hands are occupied with flowers, milk, or a deity's image, or whose body is anointed with oil.

Verse 13 (padma.7.21.13)

जलस्थं देववेश्मस्थं ध्यानमज्जितचेतसम् । देवपूजां प्रकुर्वंतं न नमेद्ब्राह्मणं बुधः

jalasthaṁ devaveśmasthaṁ dhyānamajjitacetasam devapūjāṁ prakurvaṁtaṁ na namedbrāhmaṇaṁ budhaḥ

The wise should not bow to a brahmin standing in water, present in a temple, absorbed in meditation, or engaged in the worship of a deity.

Verse 14 (padma.7.21.14)

बहिष्क्रियां प्रकुर्वंतं भुंजानं च द्विजोत्तम । तथा सामानि गायंतं न नमेद्ब्राह्मणं बुधः

bahiṣkriyāṁ prakurvaṁtaṁ bhuṁjānaṁ ca dvijottama tathā sāmāni gāyaṁtaṁ na namedbrāhmaṇaṁ budhaḥ

Best of brahmins, the wise should also not bow to a brahmin easing himself, eating, or chanting the Sama hymns.

Verse 15 (padma.7.21.15)

ब्राह्मणा यत्र तिष्ठंति बहबो द्विजसत्तम । प्रत्येकं तु नमस्कारस्तत्र कार्यो न धीमता

brāhmaṇā yatra tiṣṭhaṁti bahabo dvijasattama pratyekaṁ tu namaskārastatra kāryo na dhīmatā

Best of brahmins, where many brahmins are gathered together, the wise should not offer a separate bow to each one individually.

Verse 16 (padma.7.21.16)

कृताभिवादनं विप्रं भक्त्या यो नाभिवादयेत् । स चाण्डालसमो ज्ञेयो नाभिवाद्यः कदाचन

kṛtābhivādanaṁ vipraṁ bhaktyā yo nābhivādayet sa cāṇḍālasamo jñeyo nābhivādyaḥ kadācana

Whoever fails to devotedly return the greeting of a brahmin who bows to him should be known as an outcaste; he should never be bowed to in turn.

Verse 17 (padma.7.21.17)

कृतप्रणामंतनयंनमेतांपितरौनच । कृतप्रणामाः सर्वेऽपि नमस्कार्या द्विजैर्द्विजाः

kṛtapraṇāmaṁtanayaṁnametāṁpitaraunaca kṛtapraṇāmāḥ sarve'pi namaskāryā dvijairdvijāḥ

Parents should not return the bow of their own son when he bows to them; but brahmins, when bowed to by other brahmins, should always return that homage.

Verse 18 (padma.7.21.18)

कृतदोषान्द्विजान्गाश्च न द्विषन्ति विचक्षणाः । द्विषंति वापि मोहेन तेषां रुष्टः सदा हरिः

kṛtadoṣāndvijāngāśca na dviṣanti vicakṣaṇāḥ dviṣaṁti vāpi mohena teṣāṁ ruṣṭaḥ sadā hariḥ

The discerning bear no hatred even toward faulted brahmins and cows; those who, out of delusion, hate them — with them Hari remains ever displeased.

Verse 19 (padma.7.21.19)

याचकान्ब्राह्मणान्यस्तु कोपदृष्ट्या प्रपश्यति । सूचीप्ररोपणं तस्य नेत्रयोः कुरुते यमः

yācakānbrāhmaṇānyastu kopadṛṣṭyā prapaśyati sūcīpraropaṇaṁ tasya netrayoḥ kurute yamaḥ

Whoever looks upon supplicant brahmins with an angry eye — Yama drives needles into both of his eyes.

Verse 20 (padma.7.21.20)

विप्रनिर्भर्त्सनं मूढा येन वक्त्रेण कुर्वते । तस्मिन्वक्त्रे यमस्तप्तं लोहदंडं ददाति वै

vipranirbhartsanaṁ mūḍhā yena vaktreṇa kurvate tasminvaktre yamastaptaṁ lohadaṁḍaṁ dadāti vai

Whatever fools revile brahmins with their mouths, into that very mouth Yama thrusts a red-hot iron rod.

Verse 21 (padma.7.21.21)

ब्राह्मणो यद्गृहं भुंक्ते तद्गृहे केशवः स्वयम् । देवताः सकला ये च पितरश्च सुरर्षयः

brāhmaṇo yadgṛhaṁ bhuṁkte tadgṛhe keśavaḥ svayam devatāḥ sakalā ye ca pitaraśca surarṣayaḥ

In whatever house a brahmin eats, in that house Keshava himself, all the gods, the ancestors, and the divine sages —

Verse 22 (padma.7.21.22)

विप्रपादोदकं यस्तु कणमात्रं वहेद्बुधः । देहस्थं पातकं तस्य सर्वमेवाशु नश्यति

viprapādodakaṁ yastu kaṇamātraṁ vahedbudhaḥ dehasthaṁ pātakaṁ tasya sarvamevāśu naśyati

— are present. Whatever wise person carries even a single drop of the water that has washed a brahmin's feet, all the sin lodged in his body is instantly destroyed.

Verse 23 (padma.7.21.23)

कोटिब्रह्माण्डमध्येषु संति तीर्थानि यानि वै । तीर्थानि तानि सर्वाणि विप्रपादे तु दक्षिणे

koṭibrahmāṇḍamadhyeṣu saṁti tīrthāni yāni vai tīrthāni tāni sarvāṇi viprapāde tu dakṣiṇe

Whatever sacred fords exist within millions of universes, all those fords reside in the right foot of a brahmin.

Verse 24 (padma.7.21.24)

विप्रपादोदकैर्नित्यं सिक्तं स्याद्यस्य मस्तकम् । स स्नातः सर्वतीर्थेषु सर्वयज्ञेषु दीक्षितः

viprapādodakairnityaṁ siktaṁ syādyasya mastakam sa snātaḥ sarvatīrtheṣu sarvayajñeṣu dīkṣitaḥ

Whoever's head is constantly sprinkled with the water that has washed a brahmin's feet is deemed to have bathed in every sacred ford, and to have been initiated into every sacrifice.

Verse 25 (padma.7.21.25)

सर्वपापानि घोराणि ब्रह्महत्यादिकानि च । सद्यस्तस्य विनश्यंति विप्रपादांबुधारणात्

sarvapāpāni ghorāṇi brahmahatyādikāni ca sadyastasya vinaśyaṁti viprapādāṁbudhāraṇāt

All terrible sins, beginning with the slaying of a brahmin, are instantly destroyed simply by holding the water that has washed a brahmin's feet.

Verse 26 (padma.7.21.26)

क्षयाद्या व्याधयः सर्वाः परमक्लेशदायिकाः । गच्छंति विलयं सद्यो विप्रपादांबुधारणात्

kṣayādyā vyādhayaḥ sarvāḥ paramakleśadāyikāḥ gacchaṁti vilayaṁ sadyo viprapādāṁbudhāraṇāt

All diseases, beginning with consumption, bringing the greatest suffering, likewise vanish instantly by holding that same water.

Verse 27 (padma.7.21.27)

पित्रर्थं यानि तोयानि दीयंते विप्रपादयोः । तैस्तृप्ताः पितरः स्वर्गे तिष्ठंत्याचंद्रतारकम्

pitrarthaṁ yāni toyāni dīyaṁte viprapādayoḥ taistṛptāḥ pitaraḥ svarge tiṣṭhaṁtyācaṁdratārakam

Whatever water is offered at a brahmin's feet on behalf of the ancestors, satisfied by it, the ancestors dwell in heaven for as long as the moon and stars endure.

Verse 28 (padma.7.21.28)

प्रक्षाल्य विप्रचरणौ दूर्वाभिर्योऽर्चयेद्बुधः । तेनार्चितो जगत्स्वामी विष्णुः सर्वसुरोत्तमः

prakṣālya vipracaraṇau dūrvābhiryo'rcayedbudhaḥ tenārcito jagatsvāmī viṣṇuḥ sarvasurottamaḥ

Whatever wise person washes a brahmin's two feet and worships them with durva grass, by that very act he worships the Lord of the universe, Vishnu, foremost of all the gods.

Verse 29 (padma.7.21.29)

विप्राणां पादनिर्माल्यं यो मर्त्यः शिरसा वहेत् । सत्यं सत्यमहं वच्मि तस्य मुक्तिर्हि शाश्वती

viprāṇāṁ pādanirmālyaṁ yo martyaḥ śirasā vahet satyaṁ satyamahaṁ vacmi tasya muktirhi śāśvatī

Whatever mortal bears upon his own head the residue from a brahmin's feet — truly, truly I say, his liberation is assuredly everlasting.

Verse 30 (padma.7.21.30)

विप्रं प्रदक्षिणीकृत्ये वंदते यो नरोत्तमः । प्रदक्षिणीकृता तेन सप्तद्वीपा वसुन्धरा

vipraṁ pradakṣiṇīkṛtye vaṁdate yo narottamaḥ pradakṣiṇīkṛtā tena saptadvīpā vasundharā

Whatever excellent man circumambulates a brahmin and bows to him has, by that very act, circumambulated the whole earth with its seven continents.

Verse 31 (padma.7.21.31)

यो दद्यात्फलतांबूलं विप्राणां पादसेचनात् । रोगी रोगात्प्रमुच्येत पापी मुच्यत पातकात्

yo dadyātphalatāṁbūlaṁ viprāṇāṁ pādasecanāt rogī rogātpramucyeta pāpī mucyata pātakāt

Whoever, after moistening a brahmin's feet, offers fruit and betel-leaf — through that, the sick are freed from sickness, and the sinful are freed from sin.

Verse 32 (padma.7.21.32)

मुच्यते बन्धनाद्बद्धो विप्राणां पादसेचने । अनपत्याश्च या नार्यो मृता पत्याश्च याः स्त्रियः

mucyate bandhanādbaddho viprāṇāṁ pādasecane anapatyāśca yā nāryo mṛtā patyāśca yāḥ striyaḥ

Even one bound in captivity is freed from bondage by moistening a brahmin's feet; women who are childless, or women whose husbands have died —

Verse 33 (padma.7.21.33)

बह्वपत्या जीववत्सा विप्रपादस्य सेचनात् । माहाम्त्यं शृणु विप्रेन्द्र सर्वपापप्रणाशनम्

bahvapatyā jīvavatsā viprapādasya secanāt māhāmtyaṁ śṛṇu viprendra sarvapāpapraṇāśanam

— become blessed with many living children by moistening a brahmin's feet. Foremost of brahmins, now hear that further glory, which destroys every sin.

Verse 34 (padma.7.21.34)

द्विजांघ्रिसेचनस्याहं समासेन ब्रवीमि ते । पूर्वं भद्रक्रियो नाम पवित्रकुलसंभवः

dvijāṁghrisecanasyāhaṁ samāsena bravīmi te pūrvaṁ bhadrakriyo nāma pavitrakulasaṁbhavaḥ

I shall tell you in brief the glory of moistening a brahmin's feet. In a former time there lived, born of a pure lineage, a brahmin named Bhadrakriya —

Verse 35 (padma.7.21.35)

बभूव ब्राह्मणो विष्णोः परिचर्यापरायणः । वेदवित्सदयः शांतः पितृभक्तिपरायणः

babhūva brāhmaṇo viṣṇoḥ paricaryāparāyaṇaḥ vedavitsadayaḥ śāṁtaḥ pitṛbhaktiparāyaṇaḥ

— devoted to the service of Vishnu, a knower of the Vedas, compassionate, peaceful, devoted to honoring his ancestors.

Verse 36 (padma.7.21.36)

अतिथीनां कृता पूजा ज्ञातिपूजाकरस्तथा । एकदा स द्विजश्रेष्ठस्तैलाभ्यंगितविग्रहः

atithīnāṁ kṛtā pūjā jñātipūjākarastathā ekadā sa dvijaśreṣṭhastailābhyaṁgitavigrahaḥ

He was one who honored guests and respected his kinsmen. Once that excellent brahmin, his body anointed with oil —

Verse 37 (padma.7.21.37)

जगाम सरसीं स्नातुं गृहीतस्नानवस्त्रकः । कृतस्नानः स विप्रेन्द्रो विधिना तर्पणादिकम्

jagāma sarasīṁ snātuṁ gṛhītasnānavastrakaḥ kṛtasnānaḥ sa viprendro vidhinā tarpaṇādikam

— took his bathing cloth and went to a lake to bathe. Foremost of brahmins, having bathed, he duly performed the water-offerings to the ancestors —

Verse 38 (padma.7.21.38)

चकार सर्वशास्त्रज्ञः सर्वलोकहिते रतः । समाप्य स्नानकर्माणि हरिनामानि कीर्तयन्

cakāra sarvaśāstrajñaḥ sarvalokahite rataḥ samāpya snānakarmāṇi harināmāni kīrtayan

— knower of every scripture, devoted to the welfare of all people, he performed these acts. His bathing rites complete, chanting the names of Hari —

Verse 39 (padma.7.21.39)

आजगाम स्वके गेहे हरिपूजापरोऽभवत् । पादौ प्रक्षालयामास पानीयैरतिशीतलैः

ājagāma svake gehe haripūjāparo'bhavat pādau prakṣālayāmāsa pānīyairatiśītalaiḥ

— he returned to his own house, and became engaged in the worship of Hari. He washed his two feet with exceedingly cool water.

Verse 40 (padma.7.21.40)

प्रक्षालितांघ्रिहस्तोऽसौ ब्राह्मणो ब्राह्मणार्चकः । स्थापयामास सर्वाणि स्नानोपकरणानि च

prakṣālitāṁghrihasto'sau brāhmaṇo brāhmaṇārcakaḥ sthāpayāmāsa sarvāṇi snānopakaraṇāni ca

Having washed his feet and hands, that brahmin, a worshipper of brahmins himself, put away all his bathing implements.

Verse 41 (padma.7.21.41)

द्वारदेशे द्विजश्रेष्ठ निदाघतपनातपैः । तापितो भषकः कश्चिदग्निकल्पैः समागतः

dvāradeśe dvijaśreṣṭha nidāghatapanātapaiḥ tāpito bhaṣakaḥ kaścidagnikalpaiḥ samāgataḥ

Best of brahmins, at his doorway, scorched by the fire-like heat of the summer sun, some dog had come.

Verse 42 (padma.7.21.42)

विप्रपादोदके तस्मिन्प्रसुप्तोत्यंतशीतले । विप्रपादोदकस्पर्शाद्भषक्तोऽत्यंतपातकी

viprapādodake tasminprasuptotyaṁtaśītale viprapādodakasparśādbhaṣakto'tyaṁtapātakī

In that most cool water that had washed the brahmin's feet, he fell asleep. By the mere touch of that water, that exceedingly sinful dog —

Verse 43 (padma.7.21.43)

विमुक्तः पातकैः सर्वैः कोटिजन्मकृतैरपि । स सुप्तो मन्दिरद्वारि भषको विकलस्तृषा

vimuktaḥ pātakaiḥ sarvaiḥ koṭijanmakṛtairapi sa supto mandiradvāri bhaṣako vikalastṛṣā

— was freed from every sin, even those committed across millions of births. That dog, tormented by thirst, remained asleep at the doorway of the house.

Verse 44 (padma.7.21.44)

पानीयं याचयामास ताडितो द्विजकिंकरैः । जगाम पंचतां सद्यस्तत्रैव भषको द्विजः

pānīyaṁ yācayāmāsa tāḍito dvijakiṁkaraiḥ jagāma paṁcatāṁ sadyastatraiva bhaṣako dvijaḥ

He begged for water, whereupon the brahmin's servants struck him; and right there that dog met death at once. Brahmin —

Verse 45 (padma.7.21.45)

द्विजाङ्घ्रिसेचनस्पर्शाद्भषको वीतकल्मषः । तमालोक्य महात्मानं मूर्तिमंतमिवेश्वरम्

dvijāṅghrisecanasparśādbhaṣako vītakalmaṣaḥ tamālokya mahātmānaṁ mūrtimaṁtamiveśvaram

— that dog, purified of every sin by the mere touch of the water from the brahmin's feet, beholding that great soul as though he were God himself, made visible —

Verse 46 (padma.7.21.46)

विनयावनतः प्राह ब्राह्मणोऽसौ तपोधनः । ब्राह्मण उवाच- कस्त्वं ब्रूहि महाभाग केन दुःखी तु कर्मणा । भषकस्य कुले जातो नानादुःखसमाकुले

vinayāvanataḥ prāha brāhmaṇo'sau tapodhanaḥ brāhmaṇa uvāca- kastvaṁ brūhi mahābhāga kena duḥkhī tu karmaṇā bhaṣakasya kule jāto nānāduḥkhasamākule

— bowed humbly and spoke thus to that ascetic brahmin. The brahmin said: O most fortunate one, tell me, who are you? For what deed are you sorrowful, born into the dog's lineage, so full of every misery?

Verse 47 (padma.7.21.47)

ब्रह्मोवाच- वचनं तस्य विप्रर्षेः समाकर्ण्य महायशाः । कथयामास वृत्तांतं मूलतः सर्वमात्मनः

brahmovāca- vacanaṁ tasya viprarṣeḥ samākarṇya mahāyaśāḥ kathayāmāsa vṛttāṁtaṁ mūlataḥ sarvamātmanaḥ

Brahma said: Hearing the words of that sage-brahmin, that once-famous one began to tell the whole account of himself, from the very root.

Verse 48 (padma.7.21.48)

अहमासं सर्वभौमः शङ्खनामा महाबलः । चतुर्वर्षसहस्राणि महीं कृत्स्नामपालयम्

ahamāsaṁ sarvabhaumaḥ śaṅkhanāmā mahābalaḥ caturvarṣasahasrāṇi mahīṁ kṛtsnāmapālayam

I was a universal sovereign named Shankha, of great strength; for four thousand years I ruled the whole earth.

Verse 49 (padma.7.21.49)

मयाज्ञया कृताः सर्वे जिताश्च रिपवो युधि । दत्तानि सर्वदानानि पालिताज्ञा तयोनिजाः

mayājñayā kṛtāḥ sarve jitāśca ripavo yudhi dattāni sarvadānāni pālitājñā tayonijāḥ

All things were done at my command, I conquered my enemies in battle, I gave every kind of gift, and I duly protected my own subjects.

Verse 50 (padma.7.21.50)

एकदाऽहं महाभागं संधितः स्मरसायकैः । बलाज्जनवधूं कांचिज्जहार भृशसुंदरीम्

ekadā'haṁ mahābhāgaṁ saṁdhitaḥ smarasāyakaiḥ balājjanavadhūṁ kāṁcijjahāra bhṛśasuṁdarīm

Once, pierced by the arrows of Kama, I forcibly abducted some exceedingly beautiful woman.

Verse 51 (padma.7.21.51)

तेन पापप्रभावेण मम श्रीः संशयं गता । ततस्समस्तैर्लोकैश्च निरस्तोऽहं महाबलः

tena pāpaprabhāveṇa mama śrīḥ saṁśayaṁ gatā tatassamastairlokaiśca nirasto'haṁ mahābalaḥ

By the power of that sin, my splendor fell into peril; then all my people rejected me, mighty though I was.

Verse 52 (padma.7.21.52)

ततस्तु भ्रष्टराज्योऽहं काननाभ्यंतरे स्थितः । क्षुधातृषापरिश्रांतःकदाचित्पंचतां गतः

tatastu bhraṣṭarājyo'haṁ kānanābhyaṁtare sthitaḥ kṣudhātṛṣāpariśrāṁtaḥkadācitpaṁcatāṁ gataḥ

Then, deprived of my kingdom, I dwelt within the forest; wearied by hunger and thirst, at last I met my death.

Verse 53 (padma.7.21.53)

अंतकस्य पुरं गत्वा दुःखं भुक्तं मया चिरम् । तदाकर्ण्य विप्रेन्द्र शृण्वतां चित्तदुःखदम्

aṁtakasya puraṁ gatvā duḥkhaṁ bhuktaṁ mayā ciram tadākarṇya viprendra śṛṇvatāṁ cittaduḥkhadam

Going to the city of Death, I suffered for a long time. Foremost of brahmins, hearing of it would grieve the hearts of those who listen —

Verse 54 (padma.7.21.54)

संतप्तलोहशस्त्रायां तप्ता ताम्रमयीं महीम् । संरेमे प्रज्वलद्वह्निं शिखाततिसुभीषणाम्

saṁtaptalohaśastrāyāṁ taptā tāmramayīṁ mahīm saṁreme prajvaladvahniṁ śikhātatisubhīṣaṇām

— I wandered over ground made of heated copper, set with red-hot iron weapons, among terrible blazing tongues of flame.

Verse 55 (padma.7.21.55)

ततस्तु शमनादेशाल्लोहस्तंभं सुभीषणम् । ज्वलता वह्निना तप्तं समालिङ्ग्य स्थितोऽस्म्यहम्

tatastu śamanādeśāllohastaṁbhaṁ subhīṣaṇam jvalatā vahninā taptaṁ samāliṅgya sthito'smyaham

Then, at Yama's command, I was made to embrace a terrifying pillar of iron, heated by blazing fire, and stand there.

Verse 56 (padma.7.21.56)

शीते क्षुरांबुधाराभिः सिक्तोऽहं यमकिङ्करैः । दुःखमन्यच्च सुमहद्भुक्तं तत्र यमालये

śīte kṣurāṁbudhārābhiḥ sikto'haṁ yamakiṅkaraiḥ duḥkhamanyacca sumahadbhuktaṁ tatra yamālaye

By Yama's servants I was drenched with cold streams sharp as razors; in Yama's abode I suffered many other great sorrows besides.

Verse 57 (padma.7.21.57)

ततो नरकशेषे च जन्मासाद्य मुहुर्मुहुः । पापयोनौ मया दुःखमनुभूतं चिरं महत्

tato narakaśeṣe ca janmāsādya muhurmuhuḥ pāpayonau mayā duḥkhamanubhūtaṁ ciraṁ mahat

Then, as the remainder of that hellish punishment, obtaining birth again and again in sinful wombs, I endured great suffering for a long time.

Verse 58 (padma.7.21.58)

त्वत्पादजलसंसर्गान्मुक्तोऽहं पापरज्जुना । गच्छामि परमं धाम दुर्ल्लभं योगिनामपि

tvatpādajalasaṁsargānmukto'haṁ pāparajjunā gacchāmi paramaṁ dhāma durllabhaṁ yogināmapi

By contact with the water of your feet, I have been freed from the very rope of sin; now I go to that supreme abode, hard to attain even for yogis.

Verse 59 (padma.7.21.59)

त्वं मे गुरुर्द्विजश्रेष्ठ नमस्तेऽस्तु महात्मने । त्वत्प्रसादाद्विमुक्तोऽहं पापैर्यामि पुरं हरेः

tvaṁ me gururdvijaśreṣṭha namaste'stu mahātmane tvatprasādādvimukto'haṁ pāpairyāmi puraṁ hareḥ

Best of brahmins, you are my very teacher — homage to you, great soul. By your grace, freed from every sin, I go now to Hari's own city.

Verse 60 (padma.7.21.60)

भद्रक्रिय उवाच- पूर्वजन्मकथा राजन्मनुष्यो न कदाचन । अतस्तु तनयं त्यक्त्वा सर्वदा नीतिमाचरेत्

bhadrakriya uvāca- pūrvajanmakathā rājanmanuṣyo na kadācana atastu tanayaṁ tyaktvā sarvadā nītimācaret

Bhadrakriya said: O king, a man never has knowledge of his former births; therefore, setting aside even attachment to one's own son, one should always practice sound statecraft.

Verse 61 (padma.7.21.61)

नीतिग्राही नृपो यस्तु विपत्तिर्नास्ति तस्य वै । चिरं भुनक्ति पृथिवीं कंटकैः परिवर्जिताम्

nītigrāhī nṛpo yastu vipattirnāsti tasya vai ciraṁ bhunakti pṛthivīṁ kaṁṭakaiḥ parivarjitām

Whatever king holds fast to statecraft — no misfortune ever befalls him; he long enjoys the earth, free of every troublesome thorn.

Verse 62 (padma.7.21.62)

यस्मै न रोचते नीतिर्भूपालाय दुरात्मने । भ्रष्टश्रीरचिरेणापि स भवेन्नात्र संशयः

yasmai na rocate nītirbhūpālāya durātmane bhraṣṭaśrīracireṇāpi sa bhavennātra saṁśayaḥ

Whatever wicked-minded king takes no pleasure in sound statecraft, he swiftly loses his own splendor — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 63 (padma.7.21.63)

आयुर्बलं यशो मित्रं विजयं सुखमिच्छता । मंत्रिणः पंडिता राज्ञा नियोज्याः सर्वदैव हि

āyurbalaṁ yaśo mitraṁ vijayaṁ sukhamicchatā maṁtriṇaḥ paṁḍitā rājñā niyojyāḥ sarvadaiva hi

A king who desires long life, strength, fame, friendship, victory, and happiness should always appoint learned ministers.

Verse 64 (padma.7.21.64)

अवज्ञाय महीभर्तुस्त्यजंते सादरं बुधाः । सभायां बुधहीनायां नीतिर्बलवती नहि

avajñāya mahībhartustyajaṁte sādaraṁ budhāḥ sabhāyāṁ budhahīnāyāṁ nītirbalavatī nahi

If treated with contempt, even respected learned men abandon the ruler; in a court devoid of the wise, sound policy never has real force.

Verse 65 (padma.7.21.65)

ततो नीतौ विनष्टायां सहसा धरणीपतेः । राजश्रियो विनश्यंति सकोशबलवाहनाः

tato nītau vinaṣṭāyāṁ sahasā dharaṇīpateḥ rājaśriyo vinaśyaṁti sakośabalavāhanāḥ

Then, once sound policy is lost, the ruler's whole royal fortune — treasury, army, and vehicles together — suddenly collapses.

Verse 66 (padma.7.21.66)

ब्राह्मणान्गणकांश्चैव वैद्यांश्च बांधवांस्तथा । नृपाः कल्याणमिच्छंति न द्विषंति कदाचन

brāhmaṇāngaṇakāṁścaiva vaidyāṁśca bāṁdhavāṁstathā nṛpāḥ kalyāṇamicchaṁti na dviṣaṁti kadācana

Kings should desire the welfare of brahmins, astrologers, physicians, and their own kinsmen; they should never bear hatred toward them.

Verse 67 (padma.7.21.67)

गतश्रीर्गणकद्वेष्टा वैद्यद्वेष्टायुवर्जितः । ज्ञातिद्वेष्टानिष्कुलः स्याद्द्विजद्वेष्टाखिलार्तिभाक्

gataśrīrgaṇakadveṣṭā vaidyadveṣṭāyuvarjitaḥ jñātidveṣṭāniṣkulaḥ syāddvijadveṣṭākhilārtibhāk

One who hates an astrologer loses his fortune, one who hates a physician loses his lifespan, one who hates his kinsmen loses his own lineage, and one who hates a brahmin becomes bound to every affliction.

Verse 68 (padma.7.21.68)

राजानः पितरः प्रोक्ताः पुत्रा जानपदास्तथा । ततो भूपाः पालयंति प्रजाः पुत्रमिवौरसान्

rājānaḥ pitaraḥ proktāḥ putrā jānapadāstathā tato bhūpāḥ pālayaṁti prajāḥ putramivaurasān

Kings are declared to be fathers, and their subjects their children; therefore rulers should protect their subjects just as they would their own natural-born sons.

Verse 69 (padma.7.21.69)

पौरलोके तथा कुर्याद्यथा स्नेहो निजात्मजे । प्रजापीडाकरा ये च भूपाला अतिपापिनः

pauraloke tathā kuryādyathā sneho nijātmaje prajāpīḍākarā ye ca bhūpālā atipāpinaḥ

The affection shown to one's own son should extend equally to the townspeople; whatever kings inflict suffering upon their subjects are exceedingly sinful.

Verse 70 (padma.7.21.70)

शिरःस्था विपदस्तेषां विज्ञेया दीर्घदर्शिभिः । विवेकिनो महीपालाः पालयंति यथा प्रजाः

śiraḥsthā vipadasteṣāṁ vijñeyā dīrghadarśibhiḥ vivekino mahīpālāḥ pālayaṁti yathā prajāḥ

The far-sighted should know that misfortune hangs constantly over such kings' heads. Just as discerning kings protect their subjects —

Verse 71 (padma.7.21.71)

तथा तानपि देवेशः पालयत्यनिशं हरिः । प्रजानां पालनं दंडं द्वेऽपि राज्ञे शुभावहे

tathā tānapi deveśaḥ pālayatyaniśaṁ hariḥ prajānāṁ pālanaṁ daṁḍaṁ dve'pi rājñe śubhāvahe

— so too the Lord of gods, Hari, ever protects those very kings. The protection of subjects and the punishment of the wicked — both bring good fortune to a king.

Verse 72 (padma.7.21.72)

द्वाभ्यां विवर्जिता भूपास्ते विज्ञेया नृपाधमाः । दुष्टानां शासनं चैव शिष्टानां प्रतिपालनम्

dvābhyāṁ vivarjitā bhūpāste vijñeyā nṛpādhamāḥ duṣṭānāṁ śāsanaṁ caiva śiṣṭānāṁ pratipālanam

Whatever kings lack both of these should be known as the lowest of kings. The punishment of the wicked, and the protection of the virtuous —

Verse 73 (padma.7.21.73)

प्रकुर्वंतो महीपालाश्चिरं नंदंति भूतले । न्यायेनोपार्जितं वित्तं यत्नाद्रक्षेन्महीपतिः

prakurvaṁto mahīpālāściraṁ naṁdaṁti bhūtale nyāyenopārjitaṁ vittaṁ yatnādrakṣenmahīpatiḥ

— kings who do both these things alone rejoice long upon this earth. A king should carefully protect wealth justly acquired.

Verse 74 (padma.7.21.74)

दुर्वृत्तो हि महीपालो विपत्तौ न हि विस्तरेत् । नृपाः कल्याणमिच्छंतो निजराज्यं शुभाशुभम्

durvṛtto hi mahīpālo vipattau na hi vistaret nṛpāḥ kalyāṇamicchaṁto nijarājyaṁ śubhāśubham

A king of evil conduct cannot endure amid misfortune. Kings who desire well-being should constantly —

Verse 75 (padma.7.21.75)

पश्यंति नित्यं विप्रेन्द्र सत्वराश्चारचक्षुषा । परचक्रभयं यावन्नायाति चिंतयेद्भयम्

paśyaṁti nityaṁ viprendra satvarāścāracakṣuṣā paracakrabhayaṁ yāvannāyāti ciṁtayedbhayam

— keep watch, foremost of brahmins, with the eyes of spies, ever vigilant. So long as the danger of a hostile force has not yet arrived, one should keep that danger constantly in mind.

Verse 76 (padma.7.21.76)

आगते तु भये भूप आचरेन्निर्भयोऽपि च । ज्ञातौ वापि च मित्रे वा पुत्रे वापि च मंत्रिणि

āgate tu bhaye bhūpa ācarennirbhayo'pi ca jñātau vāpi ca mitre vā putre vāpi ca maṁtriṇi

But when the danger has actually come, the king should act without any fear. Toward a kinsman, a friend, a son, or a minister —

Verse 77 (padma.7.21.77)

कुर्यान्मुखेन गांभीर्यं मनसा प्रेमकेवलम् । मंत्रिणो ज्ञातयः पुत्राः प्रजाश्च भ्रातरस्तथा

kuryānmukhena gāṁbhīryaṁ manasā premakevalam maṁtriṇo jñātayaḥ putrāḥ prajāśca bhrātarastathā

— one should show outward dignity, while inwardly holding only love. Ministers, kinsmen, sons, subjects, and brothers alike —

Verse 78 (padma.7.21.78)

गांभीर्यहीनं भूपालं मन्यंते नहि भूपवत् । तिष्ठंति प्रथमं दूरे न संति पुरतस्तथा

gāṁbhīryahīnaṁ bhūpālaṁ manyaṁte nahi bhūpavat tiṣṭhaṁti prathamaṁ dūre na saṁti puratastathā

— do not regard a king lacking in dignity as a true king at all; they stand off at a distance, and do not come before him.

Verse 79 (padma.7.21.79)

लोकाश्रयं न हीच्छन्ति त्यक्तगांभीर्यभूपतेः । एकश्च मंत्री राजा वै चिरं राज्यत्वमिच्छता

lokāśrayaṁ na hīcchanti tyaktagāṁbhīryabhūpateḥ ekaśca maṁtrī rājā vai ciraṁ rājyatvamicchatā

People do not wish to take shelter under a king who has abandoned his dignity. A king who desires his kingdom to last long should keep a single chief minister.

Verse 80 (padma.7.21.80)

कर्तव्यः सकले राज्ये वृद्धये न हि भूसुर । अत्यंतबुद्धिवृत्तीनां भृत्यानां सपदं हरेत्

kartavyaḥ sakale rājye vṛddhaye na hi bhūsura atyaṁtabuddhivṛttīnāṁ bhṛtyānāṁ sapadaṁ haret

O earthly god, for the growth of the whole kingdom, a single chief minister should be relied upon; a king should quickly curb the standing of overly clever servants.

Verse 81 (padma.7.21.81)

तस्मात्संसदि भूपालो भृत्यमन्यं नियोजयेत् । मूर्खस्त्रीविजितो राजा गीतवाद्यरतः सदा

tasmātsaṁsadi bhūpālo bhṛtyamanyaṁ niyojayet mūrkhastrīvijito rājā gītavādyarataḥ sadā

Therefore a king should also appoint other officials within his court. A foolish king, controlled by women, ever absorbed in song and music —

Verse 82 (padma.7.21.82)

तुरंगवाहनैर्हीनः सहसा विपदं व्रजेत् । आचारग्रहणं सत्यं स्ववाक्यप्रतिपालनम्

turaṁgavāhanairhīnaḥ sahasā vipadaṁ vrajet ācāragrahaṇaṁ satyaṁ svavākyapratipālanam

— devoid of horses and mounts, suddenly falls into misfortune. Adherence to proper conduct, truthfulness, keeping one's own word —

Verse 83 (padma.7.21.83)

गांभीर्यं चेति भूपानां लक्षणानि द्विजोत्तम । स कथं नृपतिर्यस्तु प्रतापेन विवर्जितः

gāṁbhīryaṁ ceti bhūpānāṁ lakṣaṇāni dvijottama sa kathaṁ nṛpatiryastu pratāpena vivarjitaḥ

— and dignity, best of brahmins — these are the marks of true kings. How can he be called a king who is devoid of majesty?

Verse 84 (padma.7.21.84)

स कथं नृपतिर्येनाऽनिर्जिता परमेदिनी । जितायां परमेदिन्यां यावत्पादं व्रजेन्नृपः

sa kathaṁ nṛpatiryenā'nirjitā paramedinī jitāyāṁ paramedinyāṁ yāvatpādaṁ vrajennṛpaḥ

And how can he be called a king who has not conquered the whole earth? Having conquered the whole earth, for every additional step the king advances —

Verse 85 (padma.7.21.85)

प्रतिपादेऽश्वमेधस्य फलं प्राप्नोति चाक्षयम् । परभूमिजयाकांक्षी हतो नृपतिभिर्युधि

pratipāde'śvamedhasya phalaṁ prāpnoti cākṣayam parabhūmijayākāṁkṣī hato nṛpatibhiryudhi

— he obtains, for every step, the imperishable fruit of a horse-sacrifice. Whatever king, desiring conquest of another's land, is slain in battle —

Verse 86 (padma.7.21.86)

तदागच्छेत्परं स्थानं विमुक्तः सर्वपातकैः । युधि प्राप्तजयो राजा प्राप्नोति परमं पदम्

tadāgacchetparaṁ sthānaṁ vimuktaḥ sarvapātakaiḥ yudhi prāptajayo rājā prāpnoti paramaṁ padam

— freed from every sin, he attains the supreme abode. And the king who achieves victory in battle likewise attains the supreme state.

Verse 87 (padma.7.21.87)

संग्रामे प्राप्तमृत्युर्वा दिवीन्द्र संपदं लभेत् । त्यक्तशस्त्रं त्यक्तसत्वं पलायनपरायणम्

saṁgrāme prāptamṛtyurvā divīndra saṁpadaṁ labhet tyaktaśastraṁ tyaktasatvaṁ palāyanaparāyaṇam

One who meets death in battle likewise obtains, in heaven, riches equal to Indra's own. Whoever, casting aside his weapon, his courage lost, bent on flight —

Verse 88 (padma.7.21.88)

योद्धारं यदि यो हंति स भूपो यात्यधोगतिम् । पलायनपरो युद्धे तद्धंता च द्विजोत्तम

yoddhāraṁ yadi yo haṁti sa bhūpo yātyadhogatim palāyanaparo yuddhe taddhaṁtā ca dvijottama

— a warrior slays such a man, that king falls into a downward state. Best of brahmins, whoever flees in battle, and whoever kills the one who flees —

Verse 89 (padma.7.21.89)

तावुभावपि तिष्ठेतां नरकेऽत्यंतदुःसहे । युद्ध्येत्साहसवान्योद्धा तद्धंता च द्विजोत्तम

tāvubhāvapi tiṣṭhetāṁ narake'tyaṁtaduḥsahe yuddhyetsāhasavānyoddhā taddhaṁtā ca dvijottama

— both of them alike dwell in a most unbearable hell. Whatever courageous warrior fights in battle, and whoever slays him, best of brahmins —

Verse 90 (padma.7.21.90)

तिष्ठेतां तावपि स्वर्गे यावच्चन्द्र दिवाकरौ । बहुनात्र किमुक्तेन संक्षेपादुच्यते मया

tiṣṭhetāṁ tāvapi svarge yāvaccandra divākarau bahunātra kimuktena saṁkṣepāducyate mayā

— both alike dwell in heaven for as long as the sun and moon endure. What more need be said here? I tell it in brief.

Verse 91 (padma.7.21.91)

प्रजापालनकृद्राजा कदाचिन्नावसीदति । ब्रह्मोवाच- इति ब्रुवति भूपाले तस्मिन्गलितकल्मषे

prajāpālanakṛdrājā kadācinnāvasīdati brahmovāca- iti bruvati bhūpāle tasmingalitakalmaṣe

A king who protects his subjects never suffers misfortune. Brahma said: As that king, his taint now gone, was speaking thus —

Verse 92 (padma.7.21.92)

पुष्पवृष्टिरभूत्तस्मिन्महती गगनाद्द्विज । अथ दूताः समायाताः केशवस्य महात्मनः

puṣpavṛṣṭirabhūttasminmahatī gaganāddvija atha dūtāḥ samāyātāḥ keśavasya mahātmanaḥ

— brahmin, a great shower of flowers fell upon him from the sky. Then the messengers of the great-souled Keshava arrived —

Verse 93 (padma.7.21.93)

राजहंसयुतं दिव्यं रथमादाय सुन्दरम् । रथं स तं समारुह्य दिव्यं कनकनिर्मितम्

rājahaṁsayutaṁ divyaṁ rathamādāya sundaram rathaṁ sa taṁ samāruhya divyaṁ kanakanirmitam

— bringing a beautiful, divine chariot, made of gold, drawn by royal swans. Mounting that divine, golden chariot —

Verse 94 (padma.7.21.94)

जगाम विष्णुभवनं स राजा गतकल्मषः । विप्रपादोदकस्यैतन्माहात्म्यं ते प्रकीर्तितम्

jagāma viṣṇubhavanaṁ sa rājā gatakalmaṣaḥ viprapādodakasyaitanmāhātmyaṁ te prakīrtitam

— that king, now sinless, went to Vishnu's own abode. Thus has this glory of a brahmin's foot-water been declared to you.

Verse 95 (padma.7.21.95)

तच्छ्रुत्वा भक्तिभावेन नरो निर्वाणमाप्नुयात् । इति ते कथितं सर्वं श्रोतुं यद्वांछितं त्वया

tacchrutvā bhaktibhāvena naro nirvāṇamāpnuyāt iti te kathitaṁ sarvaṁ śrotuṁ yadvāṁchitaṁ tvayā

Hearing this with devotion, a man attains ultimate liberation. Thus I have told you all that you wished to hear.

Verse 96 (padma.7.21.96)

गच्छ ब्राह्मण भद्रं ते चक्रिणो निलयं प्रति । हरिशर्मोवाच- क्षुधानलेन महता शरीरं मम दह्यते

gaccha brāhmaṇa bhadraṁ te cakriṇo nilayaṁ prati hariśarmovāca- kṣudhānalena mahatā śarīraṁ mama dahyate

Go, brahmin, may all be well with you, toward the abode of the discus-bearing Lord. Harishaman said: My body is burning with the great fire of hunger.

Verse 97 (padma.7.21.97)

केनोपायेन भगवन्क्षुधाशांतिर्भवेन्मम । एतन्मे वद देवेश भक्तस्त्वं भक्तवत्सलः

kenopāyena bhagavankṣudhāśāṁtirbhavenmama etanme vada deveśa bhaktastvaṁ bhaktavatsalaḥ

My Lord, by what means can my hunger be quelled? Lord of gods, tell me this — you cherish your devotees, and I am your devotee.

Verse 98 (padma.7.21.98)

प्राप्नोमि सुमहद्दुःखं नित्यं दग्धक्षुधानलैः । ब्रह्मोवाच- यच्छरीरं त्वया पुष्टं सततं भोजनैः कृतम्

prāpnomi sumahadduḥkhaṁ nityaṁ dagdhakṣudhānalaiḥ brahmovāca- yaccharīraṁ tvayā puṣṭaṁ satataṁ bhojanaiḥ kṛtam

I suffer great sorrow constantly, scorched by the fire of hunger. Brahma said: The body that you constantly nourished with food —

Verse 99 (padma.7.21.99)

भुंक्ष्व तस्य शरीरस्य मांसानि द्विजसत्तम । आत्मतृप्तिं प्रकुर्वन्ति भोजनेन परस्य ये । मांसानि स्वशरीराणां भुंजते तेपरत्र हि

bhuṁkṣva tasya śarīrasya māṁsāni dvijasattama ātmatṛptiṁ prakurvanti bhojanena parasya ye māṁsāni svaśarīrāṇāṁ bhuṁjate teparatra hi

— best of brahmins, feed upon the flesh of that very body. Those who, without ever feeding others, satisfy only their own hunger — in the world beyond, they feed upon the flesh of their own bodies.

Verse 100 (padma.7.21.100)

व्यास उवाच- ब्रह्मणो वचनं श्रुत्वा निष्ठुरं द्विजसत्तमः । पुनस्तुष्टाव तं देवं वचनैः कोमलाक्षरैः

vyāsa uvāca- brahmaṇo vacanaṁ śrutvā niṣṭhuraṁ dvijasattamaḥ punastuṣṭāva taṁ devaṁ vacanaiḥ komalākṣaraiḥ

Vyasa said: Hearing Brahma's harsh words, that excellent brahmin again praised that god with gentle words.

Verse 101 (padma.7.21.101)

ब्राह्मण उवाच-। प्रसीद देवदेवेश शरणागतपालक । क्षमस्व सकलं दोषं सुरश्रेष्ठ नमोऽस्तु ते

brāhmaṇa uvāca- prasīda devadeveśa śaraṇāgatapālaka kṣamasva sakalaṁ doṣaṁ suraśreṣṭha namo'stu te

The brahmin said: God of gods, protector of those who take refuge in you, be gracious. Best of gods, forgive all my faults — homage to you.

Verse 102 (padma.7.21.102)

मलमूलप्रकीर्णानि वपूंषि वहतां नृणाम् । सर्व एव प्रभो दोषाः संति केचिद्गुणा न च

malamūlaprakīrṇāni vapūṁṣi vahatāṁ nṛṇām sarva eva prabho doṣāḥ saṁti kecidguṇā na ca

In us mortals who bear bodies filled with filth, my Lord, there exist only faults — no virtues whatsoever.

Verse 103 (padma.7.21.103)

कृतं मया मोहवता दूषणं क्षंतुमर्हसि । शरणापन्नलोकानां सद्भिर्दोषो न चेक्ष्यते

kṛtaṁ mayā mohavatā dūṣaṇaṁ kṣaṁtumarhasi śaraṇāpannalokānāṁ sadbhirdoṣo na cekṣyate

The fault I have committed, deluded as I was, you are well able to forgive; the virtuous never take note of the faults of those who have taken refuge with them.

Verse 104 (padma.7.21.104)

आत्मदेहस्य मांसानि भोक्तुं ब्रह्मन्न शक्यते । देहिनां वद यद्योग्यं संतुष्टिर्जायते यतः

ātmadehasya māṁsāni bhoktuṁ brahmanna śakyate dehināṁ vada yadyogyaṁ saṁtuṣṭirjāyate yataḥ

Brahman, it is simply not possible to eat the flesh of one's own body; tell me what is truly fitting for embodied beings, by which contentment may arise.

Verse 105 (padma.7.21.105)

इत्येवमुक्तं वचनं भक्त्या तेनाग्रजन्मना । उवाच सदयो ब्रह्मा सर्वज्ञो ब्राह्मणप्रियः

ityevamuktaṁ vacanaṁ bhaktyā tenāgrajanmanā uvāca sadayo brahmā sarvajño brāhmaṇapriyaḥ

When that brahmin had spoken thus, with devotion, the compassionate, omniscient Brahma, who cherishes brahmins, spoke as follows.

Verse 106 (padma.7.21.106)

ब्रह्मोवाच- शोकं मा कुरु विप्रेन्द्र शृणु मे वचनं शुभम् । आहारो लभते येन प्रकारेणात्र संप्रति

brahmovāca- śokaṁ mā kuru viprendra śṛṇu me vacanaṁ śubham āhāro labhate yena prakāreṇātra saṁprati

Brahma said: Foremost of brahmins, do not grieve — hear my auspicious words as to how food might now be obtained here —

Verse 107 (padma.7.21.107)

आत्मनो जायते पुत्रो यथैवात्मा तथा सुतः । तस्मात्पुत्रकृतं कर्म लभंते पितरः खलु

ātmano jāyate putro yathaivātmā tathā sutaḥ tasmātputrakṛtaṁ karma labhaṁte pitaraḥ khalu

— a son is born from one's own self; as the self is, so is the son. Therefore, whatever deed a son performs is indeed obtained by his father.

Verse 108 (padma.7.21.108)

चिरं तिष्ठसि देवस्य भवनेऽत्यंतशोभने । एवमुक्तस्ततस्तेन स विप्रः क्षुधयाकुलः

ciraṁ tiṣṭhasi devasya bhavane'tyaṁtaśobhane evamuktastatastena sa vipraḥ kṣudhayākulaḥ

Remain long in this most beautiful abode of the god. Thus told, that brahmin, still tormented by hunger —

Verse 109 (padma.7.21.109)

स्वप्ने संदर्शनं दत्वा पुत्रं वचनमब्रवीत् । ब्राह्मण उवाच- दीक्षितोऽसि सुतश्रेष्ठ तथास्तु परमां शिवम्

svapne saṁdarśanaṁ datvā putraṁ vacanamabravīt brāhmaṇa uvāca- dīkṣito'si sutaśreṣṭha tathāstu paramāṁ śivam

— appeared to his own son in a dream and spoke these words to him. The brahmin said: Excellent son, Dikshita, may the highest blessing be upon you.

Verse 110 (padma.7.21.110)

तवास्मि जनकः सौम्य ममदुःखं निशामय । तपःप्रभावैः परमं धाम प्राप्तं मया सुत

tavāsmi janakaḥ saumya mamaduḥkhaṁ niśāmaya tapaḥprabhāvaiḥ paramaṁ dhāma prāptaṁ mayā suta

Gentle one, I am your own father — hear now my sorrow. My son, by the power of austerity I have attained this supreme abode.

Verse 111 (padma.7.21.111)

क्षुधानलेन संतप्तस्तत्र सीदाम्यहं सदा । यदा मयि पितृस्नेहस्तवास्ति सुत संप्रति

kṣudhānalena saṁtaptastatra sīdāmyahaṁ sadā yadā mayi pitṛsnehastavāsti suta saṁprati

There, tormented by the fire of hunger, I suffer always. My son, if you now indeed feel a father's affection for me —

Verse 112 (padma.7.21.112)

तदान्नमुदकं चापि मदर्थं दीयतां द्विज । यत्किंचिद्दीयते पुत्रैः पित्रर्थं क्षितिमंडले

tadānnamudakaṁ cāpi madarthaṁ dīyatāṁ dvija yatkiṁciddīyate putraiḥ pitrarthaṁ kṣitimaṁḍale

— then give food and water on my behalf, brahmin. Whatever a son gives here on this earth for the sake of his father —

Verse 113 (padma.7.21.113)

लभंते पितरस्तच्च यत्पुत्राः पितृदेहजाः । पुरा परमया भक्त्या पूजितो भगवान्मया

labhaṁte pitarastacca yatputrāḥ pitṛdehajāḥ purā paramayā bhaktyā pūjito bhagavānmayā

— all of that his ancestors obtain, since sons are born from their father's own body. In former days I worshipped the Blessed Lord with the utmost devotion —

Verse 114 (padma.7.21.114)

गीतैर्वाद्यैश्चनृत्यैश्च स्तवपाठैश्च शोभनैः । गंधैर्धूपैश्च नैवेद्यैर्घृतपूर्णप्रदीपकैः

gītairvādyaiścanṛtyaiśca stavapāṭhaiśca śobhanaiḥ gaṁdhairdhūpaiśca naivedyairghṛtapūrṇapradīpakaiḥ

— with song, music, and dance, and with beautiful hymns of praise; with fragrance, incense, food-offerings, and lamps filled with ghee —

Verse 115 (padma.7.21.115)

पाद्यार्घ्याचमनीयैश्च ध्यानैरावाहनादिभिः । न दत्तं जगदीशाय कृपणेन मयात्मज

pādyārghyācamanīyaiśca dhyānairāvāhanādibhiḥ na dattaṁ jagadīśāya kṛpaṇena mayātmaja

— with foot-washing water, offerings, sipping water, meditation, and invocation — yet, my son, being a miser, to the Lord of the world I never gave —

Verse 116 (padma.7.21.116)

अन्नमत्रमपि क्वापि नैवेद्यं पापहारिणे । अतिथेर्न कृता पूजा तोयैरन्यैः कदाचन

annamatramapi kvāpi naivedyaṁ pāpahāriṇe atitherna kṛtā pūjā toyairanyaiḥ kadācana

— food or a food-offering in a proper vessel, that destroyer of sin; nor did I ever honor a guest, even with water.

Verse 117 (padma.7.21.117)

ज्ञातीनां याचकानां च संतुष्टिर्न कृता मया । तेनैव कर्मणा पुत्र नारायणगृहेऽपि च

jñātīnāṁ yācakānāṁ ca saṁtuṣṭirna kṛtā mayā tenaiva karmaṇā putra nārāyaṇagṛhe'pi ca

Nor did I ever satisfy my kinsmen or those who came asking. My son, because of that very deed, even here in Narayana's own house —

Verse 118 (padma.7.21.118)

क्षुधानलेन संतप्तः सीदामि प्रतिवासरे । अतोऽन्नतोयदानानि दरिद्राय द्विजातये

kṣudhānalena saṁtaptaḥ sīdāmi prativāsare ato'nnatoyadānāni daridrāya dvijātaye

— I am tormented by the fire of hunger, suffering day after day. Therefore give gifts of food and water to a poor brahmin —

Verse 119 (padma.7.21.119)

दत्वा क्षिप्रं सुरश्रेष्ठ प्राणरक्षां कुरुष्व भोः । अथवा न करोषि त्वं निष्ठुरत्वाद्यदा भवान्

datvā kṣipraṁ suraśreṣṭha prāṇarakṣāṁ kuruṣva bhoḥ athavā na karoṣi tvaṁ niṣṭhuratvādyadā bhavān

— quickly, and thereby save my very life. But if, out of cruelty, you fail to do this —

Verse 120 (padma.7.21.120)

स्वमांसान्येव भोक्ष्यामि तदा वै विष्णुमंदिरे । अथाऽसौ क्षुधितो विप्रः शुष्ककंठोष्ठतालुकः

svamāṁsānyeva bhokṣyāmi tadā vai viṣṇumaṁdire athā'sau kṣudhito vipraḥ śuṣkakaṁṭhoṣṭhatālukaḥ

— then I shall be forced to feed upon my own flesh, right here in Vishnu's own temple. Then that hungry brahmin, his throat, lips, and palate all parched —

Verse 121 (padma.7.21.121)

इत्युक्त्वा दीक्षितं पुत्रमदृश्यः सहसाऽभवत् । ततः प्रभाते विमले प्रादुर्भूते दिवाकरे

ityuktvā dīkṣitaṁ putramadṛśyaḥ sahasā'bhavat tataḥ prabhāte vimale prādurbhūte divākare

— having said this to his son Dikshita, suddenly became invisible. Then, at clear dawn, as the sun rose —

Verse 122 (padma.7.21.122)

स्वप्ने यदुक्तं पित्रा तु चिंतयामास दीक्षितः । आत्मनः कर्मदोषेण परलोकेऽपि मत्पिता

svapne yaduktaṁ pitrā tu ciṁtayāmāsa dīkṣitaḥ ātmanaḥ karmadoṣeṇa paraloke'pi matpitā

— Dikshita reflected on what his father had said in the dream: "By the fault of his own past deeds, my father, even in the world beyond —

Verse 123 (padma.7.21.123)

क्षुधया दग्धसर्वाङ्गः सीदति प्रतिवासरम् । धिगस्तु मां मंदधियं कृपणप्रवरञ्जनम्

kṣudhayā dagdhasarvāṅgaḥ sīdati prativāsaram dhigastu māṁ maṁdadhiyaṁ kṛpaṇapravarañjanam

— his whole body scorched by hunger, suffers day after day. Shame upon me, dull-witted, the very worst kind of miserly son!

Verse 124 (padma.7.21.124)

मयापि पितृपुण्येन न किञ्चिदपि दीयते । इति संचिंत्य बहुधा दीक्षितोऽपि द्विजोत्तम

mayāpi pitṛpuṇyena na kiñcidapi dīyate iti saṁciṁtya bahudhā dīkṣito'pi dvijottama

— I too have never given anything at all for my father's own merit." Reflecting thus at great length, Dikshita —

Verse 125 (padma.7.21.125)

ददौ दानानि विप्रेभ्यः श्रद्धाभक्तिसमन्वितः । तेन पुण्यप्रभावेण तृषयारहितः क्षुधा

dadau dānāni viprebhyaḥ śraddhābhaktisamanvitaḥ tena puṇyaprabhāveṇa tṛṣayārahitaḥ kṣudhā

— endowed with faith and devotion, gave gifts to brahmins. By the power of that merit, freed from both hunger and thirst —

Verse 126 (padma.7.21.126)

तस्थौ नारायणागारे यावत्कालं शृणुष्व तत् । चतुर्युगसहस्राणि ब्रह्मणोऽहं प्रकीर्तितम्

tasthau nārāyaṇāgāre yāvatkālaṁ śṛṇuṣva tat caturyugasahasrāṇi brahmaṇo'haṁ prakīrtitam

— his father dwelt on in Narayana's own house. For how long, hear now — I shall tell you: four thousand cosmic ages are reckoned as a single day of Brahma.

Verse 127 (padma.7.21.127)

भवंति तस्मिन्नेवाह्नि मनवश्च चतुर्दश । इंद्राश्चतुर्द्दश प्रोक्तास्तस्मिन्नेव दिने च ते

bhavaṁti tasminnevāhni manavaśca caturdaśa iṁdrāścaturddaśa proktāstasminneva dine ca te

Within that same single day there occur fourteen Manus, and within that same day, fourteen Indras as well, so it is declared.

Verse 128 (padma.7.21.128)

भुंजते ब्राह्मणः श्रेष्ठ विषयान्स्वान्पृथक्पृथक् । एकस्मिन्ब्रह्मदिवसे भुक्त्वा स्वान्विषयाञ्छुभान्

bhuṁjate brāhmaṇaḥ śreṣṭha viṣayānsvānpṛthakpṛthak ekasminbrahmadivase bhuktvā svānviṣayāñchubhān

Excellent brahmin, each of them enjoys his own separate reign. Having enjoyed their own auspicious reigns within that single day of Brahma —

Verse 129 (padma.7.21.129)

इन्द्राश्च मनवश्चैव विनश्यंति चतुर्दश । विष्णुलोके स्थिते तस्मिन्हरिशर्मातिभास्वरे

indrāśca manavaścaiva vinaśyaṁti caturdaśa viṣṇuloke sthite tasminhariśarmātibhāsvare

— those fourteen Indras and fourteen Manus pass away. As that most radiant Harishaman remained there in Vishnu's own world —

Verse 130 (padma.7.21.130)

समस्तसुखदे रम्ये ब्रह्मणो दिवसो गतः । तत्रासौ कालमेतावद्भुक्त्वा भोगान्मनोरमान्

samastasukhade ramye brahmaṇo divaso gataḥ tatrāsau kālametāvadbhuktvā bhogānmanoramān

— a single day of Brahma passed, there in that all-happiness-giving, delightful place. Having enjoyed such delightful pleasures for that whole span of time —

Verse 131 (padma.7.21.131)

परमं ज्ञानमासाद्य प्रविवेश हरेस्तनुम् । व्यास उवाच- अन्नतोयसमं दानं संसारे नास्ति जैमिने

paramaṁ jñānamāsādya praviveśa harestanum vyāsa uvāca- annatoyasamaṁ dānaṁ saṁsāre nāsti jaimine

— attaining supreme knowledge, he merged into Hari's own body. Vyasa said: O Jaimini, in this world there is no gift equal to the gift of food and water.

Verse 132 (padma.7.21.132)

सर्वदानफलान्येव अन्नतोयप्रदानतः । न च पात्रपरीक्षा च न कालनियमः क्वचित्

sarvadānaphalānyeva annatoyapradānataḥ na ca pātraparīkṣā ca na kālaniyamaḥ kvacit

Through the gift of food and water, the fruits of every other gift are obtained; for it, neither examination of the recipient nor any restriction of time is needed at all.

Verse 133 (padma.7.21.133)

अन्नतोयप्रदानेषु निरुक्तस्तत्वदर्शिभिः । अन्नतोयप्रदानानि कर्तव्यानि सदैव हि

annatoyapradāneṣu niruktastatvadarśibhiḥ annatoyapradānāni kartavyāni sadaiva hi

The seers of truth have thus expounded the gift of food and water; therefore the gift of food and water should always, without fail, be made.

Verse 134 (padma.7.21.134)

एतत्पठंति मनुजाः परमादरेण माहात्म्यमन्नजलयोश्च तथा द्विजानाम् । ते प्राप्य चान्नजलदानफलं ततोंऽते नारायणस्य निलयं सुखदं प्रयांति

etatpaṭhaṁti manujāḥ paramādareṇa māhātmyamannajalayośca tathā dvijānām te prāpya cānnajaladānaphalaṁ tatoṁ'te nārāyaṇasya nilayaṁ sukhadaṁ prayāṁti

Whatever men read, with the utmost reverence, this glory of the gift of food and water shown to brahmins — obtaining the fruit of that gift of food and water, they attain at last that happiness-giving abode of Narayana.