The Dialogue of Parikshit and Uddhava

Verse 1 (skanda.2.153.1)

।। श्रीसूत उवाच ।। ।। अथोद्धवस्तु तान्दृष्ट्वा कृष्णकीर्तनतत्परान् ।। सत्कृत्याथ परिष्वज्य परीक्षितमुवाच ह

śrīsūta uvāca athoddhavastu tāndṛṣṭvā kṛṣṇakīrtanatatparān satkṛtyātha pariṣvajya parīkṣitamuvāca ha

Suta said: Then Uddhava, seeing them devoted to the chanting of Krishna's glory, honoured them, embraced Parikshit, and spoke to him.

Verse 2 (skanda.2.153.2)

।। उद्धव उवाच ।। ।। धन्योऽसि राजन्कृष्णैकभक्त्या पूर्णोऽसि नित्यदा ।। यस्त्वं निमग्नचित्तोऽसि कृष्णसंकीर्तनोत्सवे

uddhava uvāca dhanyo'si rājankṛṣṇaikabhaktyā pūrṇo'si nityadā yastvaṁ nimagnacitto'si kṛṣṇasaṁkīrtanotsave

Uddhava said: Blessed are you, O king, ever filled with sole devotion to Krishna, in that your mind is immersed in the festival of Krishna's sankirtana.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.153.3)

कृष्णपत्नीषु वज्रे च दिष्ट्या प्रीतिः प्रवर्तिता ।। तवोचितमिदं तात कृष्णदत्तांग वैभव

kṛṣṇapatnīṣu vajre ca diṣṭyā prītiḥ pravartitā tavocitamidaṁ tāta kṛṣṇadattāṁga vaibhava

Fortunately, love has been established toward Krishna's wives and toward Vajra; this is indeed fitting for you, dear one, whose very glory was bestowed by Krishna.

Verse 4 (skanda.2.153.4)

द्वारकास्थेषु सर्वेषु धन्या एते न संशयः ।। येषां व्रजनिवासाय पार्थमादिष्टवान्प्रभुः

dvārakāstheṣu sarveṣu dhanyā ete na saṁśayaḥ yeṣāṁ vrajanivāsāya pārthamādiṣṭavānprabhuḥ

Among all those dwelling in Dvaraka, blessed indeed are these, without doubt, for whose settling in Vraja the Lord instructed Arjuna.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.153.5)

श्रीकृष्णस्य मनश्चंद्रो राधास्यप्रभयान्वितः ।। तद्विहारवनं गोभिर्मण्डयन्रोचते सदा

śrīkṛṣṇasya manaścaṁdro rādhāsyaprabhayānvitaḥ tadvihāravanaṁ gobhirmaṇḍayanrocate sadā

Krishna's moon-like mind, endowed with the radiance of Radha's face, ever shines, adorning his forest of sport with cows.

Verse 6 (skanda.2.153.6)

कृष्णचन्द्रः सदा पूर्णस्तस्य षोडश याः कलाः ।। चित्सहस्रप्रभाभिन्ना अत्रास्ते तत्स्वरूपता

kṛṣṇacandraḥ sadā pūrṇastasya ṣoḍaśa yāḥ kalāḥ citsahasraprabhābhinnā atrāste tatsvarūpatā

Krishnachandra is ever full; his sixteen digits, distinguished by a thousand rays of consciousness, exist here — that is his very nature.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.153.7)

एवं वज्रस्तु राजेन्द्र प्रपन्नभयभञ्जकः ।। श्रीकृष्णदक्षिणे पादे स्थानमेतस्य वर्तते

evaṁ vajrastu rājendra prapannabhayabhañjakaḥ śrīkṛṣṇadakṣiṇe pāde sthānametasya vartate

Thus, O king of kings, Vajra is the destroyer of the fear of those who have taken refuge; his place is at the right foot of Sri Krishna.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.153.8)

अवतारेऽत्र कृष्णेन योगमायाऽति भाविता ।। तद्बलेनात्मविस्मृत्या सीदन्त्येते न संशयः

avatāre'tra kṛṣṇena yogamāyā'ti bhāvitā tadbalenātmavismṛtyā sīdantyete na saṁśayaḥ

In this incarnation, the Yogamaya of Krishna was made intensely active; by her power, through forgetfulness of their own selves, these beings suffer — of this there is no doubt.

Verse 9 (skanda.2.153.9)

ऋते कृष्णप्रकाशं तु स्वात्मबोधो न कस्यचित् ।। तत्प्रकाशस्तु जीवानां मायया पिहितः सदा

ṛte kṛṣṇaprakāśaṁ tu svātmabodho na kasyacit tatprakāśastu jīvānāṁ māyayā pihitaḥ sadā

Without the manifestation of Krishna, no one has knowledge of their own true self; that manifestation, for embodied souls, is ever concealed by Maya.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.153.10)

अष्टाविंशे द्वापरान्ते स्वयमेव यदा हरिः ।। उत्सारयेन्निजां मायां तत्प्रकाशो भवेत्तदा

aṣṭāviṁśe dvāparānte svayameva yadā hariḥ utsārayennijāṁ māyāṁ tatprakāśo bhavettadā

In the twenty-eighth age, at the end of Dvapara, when Hari himself withdraws his own Maya, then that manifestation occurs.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.153.11)

स तु कालो व्यतिक्रांतस्तेनेदमपरं शृणु ।। अन्यदा तत्प्रकाशस्तु श्रीमद्भागवताद्भवेत्

sa tu kālo vyatikrāṁtastenedamaparaṁ śṛṇu anyadā tatprakāśastu śrīmadbhāgavatādbhavet

That time, however, has now passed; therefore hear this other truth — at other times, that manifestation comes about through the Shrimad Bhagavata.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.153.12)

श्रीमद्भागवतं शास्त्रं यत्र भागवतैर्यदा ।। कीर्त्यते श्रूयते चापि श्रीकृष्णस्तत्र निश्चितम्

śrīmadbhāgavataṁ śāstraṁ yatra bhāgavatairyadā kīrtyate śrūyate cāpi śrīkṛṣṇastatra niścitam

Wherever and whenever the scripture Shrimad Bhagavata is recited or heard by devotees, there Sri Krishna is certainly present.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.153.13)

श्रीमद्भागवतं यत्र श्लोकं श्लोकार्द्धमेव च ।। तत्रापि भगवान्कृष्णो बल्लवीभिर्विराजते

śrīmadbhāgavataṁ yatra ślokaṁ ślokārddhameva ca tatrāpi bhagavānkṛṣṇo ballavībhirvirājate

Wherever even a single verse of Shrimad Bhagavata, or even half a verse, is recited, even there the Lord Krishna shines, together with the cowherd-women.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.153.14)

भारते मानवं जन्म प्राप्य भागवतं न यैः ।। श्रुतं पापपराधीनैरात्मघातस्तु तैः कृतः

bhārate mānavaṁ janma prāpya bhāgavataṁ na yaiḥ śrutaṁ pāpaparādhīnairātmaghātastu taiḥ kṛtaḥ

Those who, having obtained a human birth in Bharata, subject to their sins, have not heard the Bhagavata — by them, verily, self-slaughter has been committed.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.153.15)

श्रीमद्भागवतं शास्त्रं नित्यं यैः परिसेवितम् ।। पितुर्मातुश्च भार्यायाः कुलपंक्तिः सुतारिता

śrīmadbhāgavataṁ śāstraṁ nityaṁ yaiḥ parisevitam piturmātuśca bhāryāyāḥ kulapaṁktiḥ sutāritā

By those who constantly serve the scripture Shrimad Bhagavata, the lineage of father, mother and wife is well delivered across.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.153.16)

विद्याप्रकाशो विप्राणां राजां शत्रुजयो विशाम् ।। धनं स्वास्थ्यं च शूद्राणां श्रीमद्भागवताद्भवेत्

vidyāprakāśo viprāṇāṁ rājāṁ śatrujayo viśām dhanaṁ svāsthyaṁ ca śūdrāṇāṁ śrīmadbhāgavatādbhavet

The illumination of learning for brahmins, victory over enemies for kings, wealth and good health for the vaishyas and shudras — all these come from the Shrimad Bhagavata.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.153.17)

योषितामपरेषां च सर्ववांछितपूरणम् ।। अतो भागवतं नित्यं को न सेवेत भाग्यवान्

yoṣitāmapareṣāṁ ca sarvavāṁchitapūraṇam ato bhāgavataṁ nityaṁ ko na seveta bhāgyavān

And for women and others, the fulfilment of every desire comes from it. Therefore, who among the fortunate would not constantly serve the Bhagavata?

Verse 18 (skanda.2.153.18)

अनेकजन्मसंसिद्धः श्रीमद्भागवतं लभेत् ।। प्रकाशो भगवद्भक्तेरुद्भवस्तत्र जायते

anekajanmasaṁsiddhaḥ śrīmadbhāgavataṁ labhet prakāśo bhagavadbhakterudbhavastatra jāyate

One who has attained perfection through many births obtains the Shrimad Bhagavata; in it arises the manifestation and the very birth of devotion to the Lord.

Verse 19 (skanda.2.153.19)

सांख्यायनप्रसादाप्तं श्रीमद्भागवतं पुरा ।। बृहस्पतिर्दत्तवान्मे तेनाहं कृष्णवल्लभः

sāṁkhyāyanaprasādāptaṁ śrīmadbhāgavataṁ purā bṛhaspatirdattavānme tenāhaṁ kṛṣṇavallabhaḥ

The Shrimad Bhagavata, obtained formerly through the grace of Sankhyayana, was given to me by Brihaspati; by it I have become dear to Krishna.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.153.20)

आख्यायिका च तेनोक्ता विष्णुरात निबोध ताम् ।। ज्ञायते संप्रदायोऽपि यत्र भागवतश्रुतेः

ākhyāyikā ca tenoktā viṣṇurāta nibodha tām jñāyate saṁpradāyo'pi yatra bhāgavataśruteḥ

And a story was told by him, O Vishnurata — learn it; in it too is known the lineage of transmission of the hearing of the Bhagavata.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.153.21)

।। श्रीबृहस्पतिरुवाच ।। ।। ईक्षांचक्रे यदा कृष्णो मायापुरुषरूपधृक् ।। ब्रह्मा विष्णुः शिवश्चापि रजःसत्त्वतमोगुणैः

śrībṛhaspatiruvāca īkṣāṁcakre yadā kṛṣṇo māyāpuruṣarūpadhṛk brahmā viṣṇuḥ śivaścāpi rajaḥsattvatamoguṇaiḥ

Brihaspati said: When Krishna, taking the form of the Purusha of Maya, cast his glance, then Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva arose, through the qualities of rajas, sattva and tamas.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.153.22)

पुरुषास्त्रय उत्तस्थुरधिकारांस्तदादिशत् ।। उत्पत्तौ पालने चैव संहारे प्रक्रमेण तान्

puruṣāstraya uttasthuradhikārāṁstadādiśat utpattau pālane caiva saṁhāre prakrameṇa tān

The three Purushas arose; he then assigned to them their respective offices, in order, over creation, preservation and destruction.

Verse 23 (skanda.2.153.23)

ब्रह्मा तु नाभिकमलादुत्पन्नस्तं व्यजिज्ञपत् ।। ।। श्रीब्रह्मोवाच ।। ।। नारायणादिपुरुष परमात्मन्नमोऽस्तु ते

brahmā tu nābhikamalādutpannastaṁ vyajijñapat śrībrahmovāca nārāyaṇādipuruṣa paramātmannamo'stu te

Brahma, born from the lotus of his navel, submitted to him. Brahma said: O primal Purusha beginning with Narayana, O Supreme Self, salutation to you.

Verse 24 (skanda.2.153.24)

त्वया सर्गे नियुक्तोऽस्मि पापीयान्मां रजोगुणः ।। त्वत्स्मृतौ नैव बाधेत तथैव कृपया प्रभो

tvayā sarge niyukto'smi pāpīyānmāṁ rajoguṇaḥ tvatsmṛtau naiva bādheta tathaiva kṛpayā prabho

I have been appointed by you to the work of creation; may the sinful quality of rajas never obstruct my remembrance of you — grant this by your grace, O Lord.

Verse 25 (skanda.2.153.25)

।। श्रीबृहस्पतिरुवाच ।। ।। यदा तु भगवांस्तस्मै श्रीमद्भागवतं पुरा ।। उपदिश्याब्रवीद्ब्रह्मन्सेवस्वैनत्स्वसिद्धये

śrībṛhaspatiruvāca yadā tu bhagavāṁstasmai śrīmadbhāgavataṁ purā upadiśyābravīdbrahmansevasvainatsvasiddhaye

Brihaspati said: Then the Lord, having formerly taught the Shrimad Bhagavata to him, said: O Brahma, serve this for your own perfection.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.153.26)

ब्रह्मा तु परमप्रीतस्तेन कृष्णाप्तयेऽनिशम् ।। सप्तावरणभंगाय सप्ताहं समवर्तयत्

brahmā tu paramaprītastena kṛṣṇāptaye'niśam saptāvaraṇabhaṁgāya saptāhaṁ samavartayat

Brahma, greatly delighted, ceaselessly, in order to attain Krishna and to break the seven veils of ignorance, instituted the seven-day recitation, the Saptaha.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.153.27)

श्रीभागवतसप्ताहसेवनाप्तमनोरथः ।। सृष्टिं वितनुते नित्यं ससप्ताहः पुनःपुनः

śrībhāgavatasaptāhasevanāptamanorathaḥ sṛṣṭiṁ vitanute nityaṁ sasaptāhaḥ punaḥpunaḥ

Having attained his heart's desire through the service of the Shrimad Bhagavata Saptaha, he continually extends creation, again and again, together with the Saptaha.

Verse 28 (skanda.2.153.28)

विष्णुरप्यर्थयामास पुमांसं स्वार्थसिद्धये ।। प्रजानां पालने पुंसा यदनेनापि कल्पितः

viṣṇurapyarthayāmāsa pumāṁsaṁ svārthasiddhaye prajānāṁ pālane puṁsā yadanenāpi kalpitaḥ

Vishnu too petitioned the Purusha for the accomplishment of his own purpose, since he too had been appointed by him to the protection of created beings.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.153.29)

।। श्रीविष्णुरुवाच ।। ।। प्रजानां पालनं देव करिष्यामि यथोचितम् ।। प्रवृत्त्या च निवृत्त्या च कर्मज्ञानप्रयोजनात्

śrīviṣṇuruvāca prajānāṁ pālanaṁ deva kariṣyāmi yathocitam pravṛttyā ca nivṛttyā ca karmajñānaprayojanāt

Vishnu said: O Lord, I shall carry out the protection of created beings as is fitting, through action and through cessation, for the purposes of karma and jnana.

Verse 30 (skanda.2.153.30)

यदायदैव कालेन धर्मग्लानिर्भविष्यति ।। धर्मं संस्थापयिष्यामि ह्यवतारैस्तदा तदा

yadāyadaiva kālena dharmaglānirbhaviṣyati dharmaṁ saṁsthāpayiṣyāmi hyavatāraistadā tadā

Whenever, in the course of time, there is a decline of dharma, then, through my incarnations, I shall establish dharma anew.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.153.31)

भोगार्थिभ्यस्तु यज्ञादिफलं दास्यामि निश्चितम् ।। मोक्षार्थिभ्यो विरक्तेभ्यो मुक्तिं पञ्चविधां तथा

bhogārthibhyastu yajñādiphalaṁ dāsyāmi niścitam mokṣārthibhyo viraktebhyo muktiṁ pañcavidhāṁ tathā

To those who desire enjoyment, I shall certainly grant the fruit of sacrifices and the like; and to those who, being detached, desire liberation, the fivefold liberation.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.153.32)

येऽपि मोक्षं न वाञ्छन्ति तान्कथं पालयाम्यहम् ।। आत्मानं च श्रियं चापि पालयामि कथं वद

ye'pi mokṣaṁ na vāñchanti tānkathaṁ pālayāmyaham ātmānaṁ ca śriyaṁ cāpi pālayāmi kathaṁ vada

But those who do not even desire liberation — how am I to protect them? And how am I to protect my own self and Shri as well? Tell me this.

Verse 33 (skanda.2.153.33)

तस्मा अपि पुमानाद्यः श्रीभागवतमादिशत् ।। उवाच च पठस्वैनत्तव सर्वार्थसिद्धये

tasmā api pumānādyaḥ śrībhāgavatamādiśat uvāca ca paṭhasvainattava sarvārthasiddhaye

To him too, the primal Purusha taught the Shrimad Bhagavata, and said: Recite this for the accomplishment of your every purpose.

Verse 34 (skanda.2.153.34)

ततो विष्णुः प्रसन्नात्मा परमार्थकपालने ।। समर्थोऽभूच्छ्रिया मासिमासि भागवतं स्मरन्

tato viṣṇuḥ prasannātmā paramārthakapālane samartho'bhūcchriyā māsimāsi bhāgavataṁ smaran

Then Vishnu, his mind delighted, became capable of protecting the supreme purpose, together with Shri, by remembering the Bhagavata month after month.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.153.35)

यदा विष्णुः स्वयं वक्ता लक्ष्मीश्च श्रवणे रता ।। तदा भागवतश्रावो मासेनैव पुनःपुनः

yadā viṣṇuḥ svayaṁ vaktā lakṣmīśca śravaṇe ratā tadā bhāgavataśrāvo māsenaiva punaḥpunaḥ

When Vishnu himself is the narrator and Lakshmi is engaged in listening, then the hearing of the Bhagavata is completed in a month, again and again.

Verse 36 (skanda.2.153.36)

यदा लक्ष्मीः स्वयं वक्त्री विष्णुश्च श्रवणे रतः ।। मासद्वयं रसास्वादस्तदातीव सुशोभते

yadā lakṣmīḥ svayaṁ vaktrī viṣṇuśca śravaṇe rataḥ māsadvayaṁ rasāsvādastadātīva suśobhate

When Lakshmi herself is the narrator and Vishnu is engaged in listening, then the tasting of its essence over two months becomes exceedingly beautiful.

Verse 37 (skanda.2.153.37)

अधिकारे स्थितो विष्णुर्लक्ष्मीर्निश्चिन्तमानसा ।। तेन भागवतास्वादस्तस्या भूरि प्रकाशते

adhikāre sthito viṣṇurlakṣmīrniścintamānasā tena bhāgavatāsvādastasyā bhūri prakāśate

Vishnu, established in his office, and Lakshmi, her mind free of care — through him, the tasting of the Bhagavata's essence shines forth abundantly for her.

Verse 38 (skanda.2.153.38)

अथ रुद्रोऽपि तं देवं संहाराधिकृतः पुरा ।। पुमांसं प्रार्थयामास स्वसामर्थ्यविवृद्धये

atha rudro'pi taṁ devaṁ saṁhārādhikṛtaḥ purā pumāṁsaṁ prārthayāmāsa svasāmarthyavivṛddhaye

Then Rudra too, formerly appointed to the office of destruction, petitioned that Purusha-Deva for the increase of his own power.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.153.39)

।। श्रीरुद्र उवाच ।। ।। नित्ये नैमित्तिके चैव संहारे प्राकृते तथा ।। शक्तयो मम विद्यन्ते देवदेव मम प्रभो

śrīrudra uvāca nitye naimittike caiva saṁhāre prākṛte tathā śaktayo mama vidyante devadeva mama prabho

Rudra said: O God of gods, my Lord, I possess powers for the eternal dissolution, the occasional dissolution, and the elemental dissolution as well.

Verse 40 (skanda.2.153.40)

आत्यंतिके तु संहारे मम शक्तिर्न विद्यते ।। महद्दुःखं ममैतत्तु तेन त्वां प्रार्थयाम्यहम्

ātyaṁtike tu saṁhāre mama śaktirna vidyate mahadduḥkhaṁ mamaitattu tena tvāṁ prārthayāmyaham

But for the final, absolute dissolution, I have no power; this is a great sorrow for me — therefore I petition you.

Verse 41 (skanda.2.153.41)

।। श्रीबृहस्पतिरुवाच ।। ।। श्रीमद्भागवतं तस्मा अपि नारायणो ददौ ।। स तु संसेवनादस्य जिग्ये चापि तमोगुणम्

śrībṛhaspatiruvāca śrīmadbhāgavataṁ tasmā api nārāyaṇo dadau sa tu saṁsevanādasya jigye cāpi tamoguṇam

Brihaspati said: To him too, Narayana gave the Shrimad Bhagavata; and he, through devoted service of it, conquered even the quality of tamas.

Verse 42 (skanda.2.153.42)

कथा भागवती तेन सेविता वर्षमात्रतः ।। लये त्वात्यंतिके तेनावाप शक्तिं सदाशिवः

kathā bhāgavatī tena sevitā varṣamātrataḥ laye tvātyaṁtike tenāvāpa śaktiṁ sadāśivaḥ

The Bhagavata narrative was served by him over the course of a year; and thereby, Sadashiva obtained the power for the final, absolute dissolution.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.153.43)

।। उद्धव उवाच ।। ।। श्रीभागवतमाहात्म्य इमामाख्यायिकां गुरोः ।। श्रुत्वा भागवतं लब्ध्वा मुमुदेऽहं प्रणम्य तम्

uddhava uvāca śrībhāgavatamāhātmya imāmākhyāyikāṁ guroḥ śrutvā bhāgavataṁ labdhvā mumude'haṁ praṇamya tam

Uddhava said: Having heard from my guru this story concerning the greatness of the Shrimad Bhagavata, and having obtained the Bhagavata myself, I rejoiced, bowing to him.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.153.44)

ततस्तु वैष्णवीं रीतिं गृहीत्वा मासमात्रतः ।। श्रीमद्भागवतास्वादो मया सम्यङ्निषेवितः

tatastu vaiṣṇavīṁ rītiṁ gṛhītvā māsamātrataḥ śrīmadbhāgavatāsvādo mayā samyaṅniṣevitaḥ

Then, adopting the Vaishnava method, for the duration of a month, the tasting of the essence of Shrimad Bhagavata was thoroughly served by me.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.153.45)

तावतैव बभूवाहं कृष्णस्य दयितः सखा ।। कृष्णेनाथ नियुक्तोऽहं व्रजे स्वप्रेयसीगणे

tāvataiva babhūvāhaṁ kṛṣṇasya dayitaḥ sakhā kṛṣṇenātha niyukto'haṁ vraje svapreyasīgaṇe

By that very much, I became a beloved friend of Krishna; and then I was appointed by Krishna to attend to his own beloved company in Vraja.

Verse 46 (skanda.2.153.46)

विरहार्त्तासु गोपीषु स्वयं नित्यविहारिणा ।। श्रीभागवतसंदेशो मन्मुखेन प्रयोजितः

virahārttāsu gopīṣu svayaṁ nityavihāriṇā śrībhāgavatasaṁdeśo manmukhena prayojitaḥ

For the gopis afflicted by separation, by him who himself is ever engaged in sport, the message of the Shrimad Bhagavata was conveyed through my mouth.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.153.47)

तं यथामति लब्ध्वा ता आसन्विरहवर्ज्जिताः ।। नाज्ञासिषं रहस्यं तच्चमत्कारस्तु लोकितः

taṁ yathāmati labdhvā tā āsanvirahavarjjitāḥ nājñāsiṣaṁ rahasyaṁ taccamatkārastu lokitaḥ

Obtaining it according to their understanding, they became free of separation; I myself did not know that secret then — but its wonder was there for all to see.

Verse 48 (skanda.2.153.48)

स्वर्वासं प्रार्थ्य कृष्णं च ब्रह्माद्येषु गतेषु मे ।। श्रीमद्भागवते कृष्णस्तद्रहस्यं स्वयं ददौ

svarvāsaṁ prārthya kṛṣṇaṁ ca brahmādyeṣu gateṣu me śrīmadbhāgavate kṛṣṇastadrahasyaṁ svayaṁ dadau

When, having entreated Krishna, and, after Brahma and the others had departed to their heavenly abodes, I too sought the same — Krishna himself gave me that secret in the Shrimad Bhagavata.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.153.49)

पुरतोऽश्वत्थमूलस्य चकार मयि तद्दृढम् ।। तेनात्र व्रजवल्लीषु वसामि बदरीं गतः

purato'śvatthamūlasya cakāra mayi taddṛḍham tenātra vrajavallīṣu vasāmi badarīṁ gataḥ

Before the root of the ashvattha tree, he made that firm within me; by that, though gone to Badari, I still dwell here among the creepers of Vraja.

Verse 50 (skanda.2.153.50)

तस्मान्नारदकुण्डेऽत्र तिष्ठामि स्वेच्छया सदा ।। कृष्णप्रकाशो भक्तानां श्रीमद्भागवताद्भवेत्

tasmānnāradakuṇḍe'tra tiṣṭhāmi svecchayā sadā kṛṣṇaprakāśo bhaktānāṁ śrīmadbhāgavatādbhavet

Therefore I dwell here at Narada-kunda always, of my own will; the manifestation of Krishna to his devotees comes about through the Shrimad Bhagavata.

Verse 51 (skanda.2.153.51)

तदेषामपि कार्य्यार्थं श्रीमद्भागवतं त्वहम् ।। प्रवक्ष्यामि सहायोऽत्र त्वयैवानुष्ठितो भवेत्

tadeṣāmapi kāryyārthaṁ śrīmadbhāgavataṁ tvaham pravakṣyāmi sahāyo'tra tvayaivānuṣṭhito bhavet

Therefore, for the purpose of these people as well, I shall expound the Shrimad Bhagavata; let assistance in this be rendered by you.

Verse 52 (skanda.2.153.52)

।। श्रीसूत उवाच ।। ।। विष्णुरातस्तु श्रुत्वा तदुद्धवं प्रणतोऽब्रवीत् ।। ।। श्रीपरीक्षिदुवाच ।। ।। हरिदास त्वया कार्य्यं श्रीभागवतकीर्तनम्

śrīsūta uvāca viṣṇurātastu śrutvā taduddhavaṁ praṇato'bravīt śrīparīkṣiduvāca haridāsa tvayā kāryyaṁ śrībhāgavatakīrtanam

Suta said: Vishnurata, hearing this, bowed and said to Uddhava. Parikshit said: O servant of Hari, the recitation of the Shrimad Bhagavata should be undertaken by you.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.153.53)

आज्ञाप्योऽहं यथाकार्य्यं सहायोऽत्र मया तथा ।। ।। श्रीसूत उवाच ।। ।। श्रुत्वैतदुद्धवो वाक्यमुवाच प्रीतमानसः

ājñāpyo'haṁ yathākāryyaṁ sahāyo'tra mayā tathā śrīsūta uvāca śrutvaitaduddhavo vākyamuvāca prītamānasaḥ

I am to be commanded as to what is to be done; in this I shall render assistance. Suta said: Hearing this speech, Uddhava, his mind pleased, spoke.

Verse 54 (skanda.2.153.54)

।। उद्धव उवाच ।। ।। श्रीकृष्णेन परित्यक्ते भूतले बलवान्कलिः ।। करिष्यति परं विघ्नं सत्कार्ये समुपस्थिते

uddhava uvāca śrīkṛṣṇena parityakte bhūtale balavānkaliḥ kariṣyati paraṁ vighnaṁ satkārye samupasthite

Uddhava said: On this earth abandoned by Sri Krishna, the powerful Kali will create great obstruction when this good work is undertaken.

Verse 55 (skanda.2.153.55)

तस्माद्दिग्विजयं याहि कलिनिग्रहमाचर ।। अहं तु मासमात्रेण वैष्णवीं रीतिमास्थितः

tasmāddigvijayaṁ yāhi kalinigrahamācara ahaṁ tu māsamātreṇa vaiṣṇavīṁ rītimāsthitaḥ

Therefore go forth on a conquest of the quarters, and subdue Kali; I, meanwhile, established in the Vaishnava method, within a single month —

Verse 56 (skanda.2.153.56)

श्रीमद्भागवतास्वादं प्रचार्य त्वत्सहायतः ।। एतान्सम्प्रापयिष्यामि नित्यधाम्नि मधुद्विषः

śrīmadbhāgavatāsvādaṁ pracārya tvatsahāyataḥ etānsamprāpayiṣyāmi nityadhāmni madhudviṣaḥ

— spreading the tasting of the essence of the Shrimad Bhagavata, with your assistance, shall bring these people to the eternal abode of the enemy of Madhu.

Verse 57 (skanda.2.153.57)

।। श्रीसूत उवाच ।। ।। श्रुत्वैवं तद्वचो राजा मुदितश्चिन्तयातुरः ।। तदा विज्ञापयामास स्वाभिप्रायं तमुद्धवम्

śrīsūta uvāca śrutvaivaṁ tadvaco rājā muditaścintayāturaḥ tadā vijñāpayāmāsa svābhiprāyaṁ tamuddhavam

Suta said: Hearing this speech, the king, both delighted and troubled by a thought, then submitted his own inclination to that Uddhava.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.153.58)

।। श्रीपरीक्षिदुवाच ।। ।। कलिं तु निग्रहीष्यामि तात ते वचसि स्थितः ।। श्रीभागवतसंप्राप्तिः कथं मम भविष्यति

śrīparīkṣiduvāca kaliṁ tu nigrahīṣyāmi tāta te vacasi sthitaḥ śrībhāgavatasaṁprāptiḥ kathaṁ mama bhaviṣyati

Parikshit said: I shall indeed subdue Kali, dear one, remaining true to your word; but how shall I myself attain the Shrimad Bhagavata?

Verse 59 (skanda.2.153.59)

अहं तु समनुग्राह्यस्तव पादतले श्रितः ।। ।। श्रीसूत उवाच ।। ।। श्रुत्वैतद्वचनं भूयोऽप्युद्धवस्तमुवाच ह

ahaṁ tu samanugrāhyastava pādatale śritaḥ śrīsūta uvāca śrutvaitadvacanaṁ bhūyo'pyuddhavastamuvāca ha

I am one to be graced by you, having taken refuge at your feet. Suta said: Hearing this speech, Uddhava again spoke to him.

Verse 60 (skanda.2.153.60)

।। उद्धव उवाच ।। ।। राजंश्चिन्ता तु ते काऽपि नैव कार्या कथंचन ।। तवैव भगवच्छास्त्रे यतो मुख्याधिकारिता

uddhava uvāca rājaṁścintā tu te kā'pi naiva kāryā kathaṁcana tavaiva bhagavacchāstre yato mukhyādhikāritā

Uddhava said: O king, you should have no worry whatsoever in any way, for the principal entitlement to this scripture of the Lord belongs to you alone.

Verse 61 (skanda.2.153.61)

एतावत्कालपर्य्यन्तं प्रायो भागवतश्रुतेः ।। वार्तामपि न जानन्ति मनुष्याः कर्मतत्पराः

etāvatkālaparyyantaṁ prāyo bhāgavataśruteḥ vārtāmapi na jānanti manuṣyāḥ karmatatparāḥ

Up to this time, people intent upon worldly action generally do not even know of the very existence of the hearing of the Bhagavata.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.153.62)

त्वत्प्रसादेन बहवो मनुष्या भारताजिरे ।। श्रीमद्भागवतप्राप्तौ सुखं प्राप्स्यन्ति शाश्वतम्

tvatprasādena bahavo manuṣyā bhāratājire śrīmadbhāgavataprāptau sukhaṁ prāpsyanti śāśvatam

By your grace, many people in the arena of Bharata, upon attaining the Shrimad Bhagavata, shall obtain everlasting happiness.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.153.63)

नन्दनन्दनरूपस्तु श्रीशुको भगवानृषिः ।। श्रीमद्भागवतं तुभ्यं श्रावयिष्यत्यसंशयः

nandanandanarūpastu śrīśuko bhagavānṛṣiḥ śrīmadbhāgavataṁ tubhyaṁ śrāvayiṣyatyasaṁśayaḥ

The blessed sage Sri Shuka, himself in the form of the son of Nanda, shall without doubt cause the Shrimad Bhagavata to be heard by you.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.153.64)

तेन प्राप्स्यसि राजंस्त्वं नित्यं धाम व्रजेशितुः ।। श्रीभागवतसंचारस्ततो भुवि भविष्यति

tena prāpsyasi rājaṁstvaṁ nityaṁ dhāma vrajeśituḥ śrībhāgavatasaṁcārastato bhuvi bhaviṣyati

By that, O king, you shall attain the eternal abode of the Lord of Vraja; and thereby the spread of the Shrimad Bhagavata shall come to be upon the earth.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.153.65)

तस्मात्त्वं गच्छ राजेन्द्र कलिनिग्रहमाचर ।। ।। श्रीसूत उवाच ।। ।। इत्युक्तस्तं परिक्रम्य गतो राजा दिशां जये

tasmāttvaṁ gaccha rājendra kalinigrahamācara śrīsūta uvāca ityuktastaṁ parikramya gato rājā diśāṁ jaye

Therefore, O king of kings, go forth and subdue Kali. Suta said: Thus addressed, the king circumambulated him and departed for the conquest of the quarters.

Verse 66 (skanda.2.153.66)

वज्रस्तु निजराज्येशं प्रतिबाहुं विधाय च ।। तत्रैव मातृभिः साकं तस्थौ भागवताशया

vajrastu nijarājyeśaṁ pratibāhuṁ vidhāya ca tatraiva mātṛbhiḥ sākaṁ tasthau bhāgavatāśayā

Vajra, having appointed a deputy over his own kingdom, remained right there, together with his mothers, in the hope of attaining the Bhagavata.

Verse 67 (skanda.2.153.67)

अथ वृन्दावने मासं गोवर्द्धनसमीपतः ।। श्रीमद्भागवतास्वादस्तूद्धवेन प्रवर्तितः

atha vṛndāvane māsaṁ govarddhanasamīpataḥ śrīmadbhāgavatāsvādastūddhavena pravartitaḥ

Then, in Vrindavana, near Govardhana, for a month, the tasting of the essence of the Shrimad Bhagavata was set in motion by Uddhava.

Verse 68 (skanda.2.153.68)

तस्मिन्नास्वाद्यमाने तु सच्चिदानन्दरूपिणी ।। प्रचकाशे हरेर्लीला सर्वतः कृष्ण एव च

tasminnāsvādyamāne tu saccidānandarūpiṇī pracakāśe harerlīlā sarvataḥ kṛṣṇa eva ca

As it was being tasted, the sport of Hari, of the very form of being-consciousness-bliss, shone forth on every side, and Krishna himself was manifest.

Verse 69 (skanda.2.153.69)

आत्मानं च तदन्तःस्थं सर्वेऽपि ददृशुस्तदा ।। वज्रस्तु दक्षिणे दृष्ट्वा कृष्णपादसरोरुहे

ātmānaṁ ca tadantaḥsthaṁ sarve'pi dadṛśustadā vajrastu dakṣiṇe dṛṣṭvā kṛṣṇapādasaroruhe

Then all of them saw their own self dwelling within it; and Vajra, seeing himself established at the right lotus-foot of Krishna —

Verse 70 (skanda.2.153.70)

स्वात्मानं कृष्णवैधुर्य्यान्मुक्तस्तद्भुव्यशोभत ।। ताश्च तन्मातरः कृष्णे रासरात्रिप्रकाशिनि

svātmānaṁ kṛṣṇavaidhuryyānmuktastadbhuvyaśobhata tāśca tanmātaraḥ kṛṣṇe rāsarātriprakāśini

— freed from the anguish of separation from Krishna, he shone in that very place. And those mothers of his, in Krishna who shines forth in the night of the Rasa —

Verse 71 (skanda.2.153.71)

चंद्रे कलाप्रभारूपमात्मानं वीक्ष्य विस्मिताः ।। स्वप्रेष्ठ विरहव्याधिविमुक्ताः स्वपदं ययुः

caṁdre kalāprabhārūpamātmānaṁ vīkṣya vismitāḥ svapreṣṭha virahavyādhivimuktāḥ svapadaṁ yayuḥ

— seeing themselves, in that moon, in the form of the radiance of his digits, astonished, freed from the affliction of separation from their beloved, went to their own eternal place.

Verse 72 (skanda.2.153.72)

येऽन्ये च तत्र ते सर्वे नित्यलीलान्तरं गताः ।। व्यावहारिकलोकेभ्यः सद्योऽदर्शनमागताः

ye'nye ca tatra te sarve nityalīlāntaraṁ gatāḥ vyāvahārikalokebhyaḥ sadyo'darśanamāgatāḥ

And all the others who were there likewise passed into the midst of the eternal pastime, becoming instantly invisible to the eyes of worldly people.

Verse 73 (skanda.2.153.73)

गोवर्द्धननिकुञ्जेषु गोषु वृन्दावनादिषु ।। नित्यं कृष्णेन मोदन्ते दृश्यन्ते प्रेमतत्परैः

govarddhananikuñjeṣu goṣu vṛndāvanādiṣu nityaṁ kṛṣṇena modante dṛśyante prematatparaiḥ

In the groves of Govardhana, among the cows, in Vrindavana and elsewhere, they rejoice eternally with Krishna, and are seen only by those devoted to love.

Verse 74 (skanda.2.153.74)

।। श्रीसूत उवाच ।। ।। य एतां भगवत्प्राप्तिं शृणुयाच्चापि कीर्तयेत् ।। तस्य वै भगवत्प्राप्तिर्दुःखहानिश्च जायते

śrīsūta uvāca ya etāṁ bhagavatprāptiṁ śṛṇuyāccāpi kīrtayet tasya vai bhagavatprāptirduḥkhahāniśca jāyate

Suta said: Whoever hears, or also recites, this account of the attainment of the Lord — for him, verily, the attainment of the Lord and the destruction of sorrow come about.