King Indradyumna and the Discovery of the Purushottama Kshetra

Verse 1 (skanda.2.47.1)

मुनय ऊचुः । कस्मिन्युगे स तु नृप इन्द्रद्युम्नोऽभवन्मुने । कस्मिन्देशेऽस्य नगरं कथं वा पुरुषोत्तमम्

munaya ūcuḥ kasminyuge sa tu nṛpa indradyumno'bhavanmune kasmindeśe'sya nagaraṁ kathaṁ vā puruṣottamam

The sages said: In which age, O sage, did that king Indradyumna live? In which country was his city? And how did Purushottama come to be?

Verse 2 (skanda.2.47.2)

गत्वा च विष्णोः प्रतिमां कारयामास वा कथम् । एतत्सर्वं विस्तरतः कथयस्व महामुने

gatvā ca viṣṇoḥ pratimāṁ kārayāmāsa vā katham etatsarvaṁ vistarataḥ kathayasva mahāmune

And having gone there, how did he cause the image of Vishnu to be made? Tell us all this in full detail, O great sage.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.47.3)

याथातथ्येन सर्वज्ञ परं कौतृहलं हि नः

yāthātathyena sarvajña paraṁ kautṛhalaṁ hi naḥ

O all-knowing one, we are filled with the greatest curiosity to know this exactly as it happened.

Verse 4 (skanda.2.47.4)

जैमिनिरुवाच । साधु साधु द्विजश्रेष्ठा यत्पृच्छध्वं पुरातनम् । सर्वपापहरं पुण्यं भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदं शुभम्

jaiminiruvāca sādhu sādhu dvijaśreṣṭhā yatpṛcchadhvaṁ purātanam sarvapāpaharaṁ puṇyaṁ bhuktimuktipradaṁ śubham

Jaimini said: Well done, well done, O best of the twice-born! This ancient tale you have asked about is one that removes all sin, is meritorious, grants both enjoyment and liberation, and is auspicious.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.47.5)

चरितं तस्य वक्ष्यामि तथावृत्तं कृते युगे । शृणुध्वं मुनयः सर्वे सावधाना जितेन्द्रियाः

caritaṁ tasya vakṣyāmi tathāvṛttaṁ kṛte yuge śṛṇudhvaṁ munayaḥ sarve sāvadhānā jitendriyāḥ

I shall tell his story exactly as it happened in the Krita Yuga; listen, all you sages, with attention, your senses mastered.

Verse 6 (skanda.2.47.6)

आसीत्कृतयुगे विप्रा इन्द्रद्युम्नो महा नृपः । सूर्यवंशे स धर्मात्मा स्रष्टुः पंचमपूरुषः

āsītkṛtayuge viprā indradyumno mahā nṛpaḥ sūryavaṁśe sa dharmātmā sraṣṭuḥ paṁcamapūruṣaḥ

O brahmins, in the Krita Yuga there was a great king named Indradyumna, of the solar dynasty, righteous of soul, the fifth in descent from the Creator.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.47.7)

सत्यवादी सदाचारोऽवदातः सात्त्विकाग्रणीः । न्यायात्सदा पालयति प्रजाः स्वा इव स प्रजाः

satyavādī sadācāro'vadātaḥ sāttvikāgraṇīḥ nyāyātsadā pālayati prajāḥ svā iva sa prajāḥ

Truthful, of good conduct, spotless, foremost among men of pure disposition, he ever governed his subjects with justice, as though they were his own children.

Verse 8 (skanda.2.47.8)

अध्यात्मविज्ज्ञानशौंडः शूरः संग्रामवर्द्धनः । सदोद्यतः सदा विप्रपूजकः पितृभक्तिमान्

adhyātmavijjñānaśauṁḍaḥ śūraḥ saṁgrāmavarddhanaḥ sadodyataḥ sadā viprapūjakaḥ pitṛbhaktimān

Learned in spiritual knowledge, valiant, ever triumphant in battle, ever alert, ever a worshipper of brahmins, and devoted to his ancestors.

Verse 9 (skanda.2.47.9)

अष्टादशसु विद्यासु बृहस्पतिरिवापरः । ऐश्वर्येण सुराधीशः कुबेरः कोषसंचये

aṣṭādaśasu vidyāsu bṛhaspatirivāparaḥ aiśvaryeṇa surādhīśaḥ kuberaḥ koṣasaṁcaye

In the eighteen branches of learning he was like a second Brihaspati; in majesty like the lord of the gods, and in the amassing of treasure like Kubera.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.47.10)

रूपवान्सुभगः शीली दाता भोक्ता प्रियंवदः । यष्टा समस्तयज्ञानां ब्रह्मण्यः सत्यसंगरः

rūpavānsubhagaḥ śīlī dātā bhoktā priyaṁvadaḥ yaṣṭā samastayajñānāṁ brahmaṇyaḥ satyasaṁgaraḥ

Handsome, fortunate, gracious, generous, one who both gave and enjoyed, gentle of speech; a performer of every sacrifice, devoted to brahmins, and true to his word.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.47.11)

वल्लभो नरनारीणां पौर्णमास्यां यथा शशी । आदित्य इव दुष्प्रेक्ष्यः शत्रुपक्षक्षयंकरः

vallabho naranārīṇāṁ paurṇamāsyāṁ yathā śaśī āditya iva duṣprekṣyaḥ śatrupakṣakṣayaṁkaraḥ

He was as dear to men and women alike as the full moon; hard to gaze upon like the sun, and a destroyer of the ranks of his enemies.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.47.12)

वैष्णवः सत्य संपन्नो जितक्रोधो जितेंद्रियः । राजसूयं क्रतुवरं वाजिमेधसहस्रकम्

vaiṣṇavaḥ satya saṁpanno jitakrodho jiteṁdriyaḥ rājasūyaṁ kratuvaraṁ vājimedhasahasrakam

A devotee of Vishnu, endowed with truth, master of anger and of his senses, he performed the excellent Rajasuya sacrifice and a thousand horse-sacrifices,

Verse 13 (skanda.2.47.13)

इयाज परमः श्रीमान्मुमुक्षुर्धर्मतत्परः । एवं सर्वगुणोपेतः स पृथ्वीं पालयन्नृपः

iyāja paramaḥ śrīmānmumukṣurdharmatatparaḥ evaṁ sarvaguṇopetaḥ sa pṛthvīṁ pālayannṛpaḥ

— this most glorious king, seeking liberation, devoted to righteousness. Thus endowed with every virtue, that king continued to rule the earth.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.47.14)

अवंतींनाम नगरीं मालवे भुवि विश्रुताम् । उवास सर्वरत्नाढ्यां द्वितीयाममरावतीम्

avaṁtīṁnāma nagarīṁ mālave bhuvi viśrutām uvāsa sarvaratnāḍhyāṁ dvitīyāmamarāvatīm

He dwelt in the city named Avanti, renowned in the land of Malava, rich with every jewel, a second city of the gods.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.47.15)

तत्र स्थितो नरपतिर्विष्णौ भक्तिमनुत्तमाम् । चकार मनसा वाचा कर्मणा परमाद्भुताम्

tatra sthito narapatirviṣṇau bhaktimanuttamām cakāra manasā vācā karmaṇā paramādbhutām

Dwelling there, the king cultivated, in mind, word, and deed, a supreme and most wonderful devotion to Vishnu.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.47.16)

एवं प्रवर्तमानोऽसौ कदाचिच्छ्रीपतेर्विभोः । पूजासमयमासाद्य देवार्चनगृहांतरे

evaṁ pravartamāno'sau kadācicchrīpatervibhoḥ pūjāsamayamāsādya devārcanagṛhāṁtare

Conducting himself thus, once, when the time came for the worship of the Lord of Shri, within the inner sanctuary of the shrine,

Verse 17 (skanda.2.47.17)

विद्वद्भिः कविभिश्चैव तीर्थयात्राप्रसिद्धिभिः । दैवज्ञैः श्रोत्रियैः सार्द्धं पुरोहितमवस्थितम्

vidvadbhiḥ kavibhiścaiva tīrthayātrāprasiddhibhiḥ daivajñaiḥ śrotriyaiḥ sārddhaṁ purohitamavasthitam

— surrounded by scholars, poets, men renowned for their pilgrimages, astrologers, and Vedic scholars, addressed his priest, who sat there with them,

Verse 18 (skanda.2.47.18)

आदृतो व्याजहारेद ज्ञायतां क्षेत्रमुत्तमम् । यत्र साक्षाज्जगन्नाथं पश्यामोऽनेन चक्षुषा

ādṛto vyājahāreda jñāyatāṁ kṣetramuttamam yatra sākṣājjagannāthaṁ paśyāmo'nena cakṣuṣā

— with respect, and said: "Let that supreme sacred field be discovered where we may behold the Lord of the universe directly, with these very eyes."

Verse 19 (skanda.2.47.19)

एवमुक्तो नृपाग्र्येण वैष्णवेन पुरोहितः । तीर्थयातृव्रजं पश्यन्नुवाच प्रश्रितं वचः

evamukto nṛpāgryeṇa vaiṣṇavena purohitaḥ tīrthayātṛvrajaṁ paśyannuvāca praśritaṁ vacaḥ

Thus addressed by the foremost of kings, that devotee, the priest, looking upon the assembly of pilgrims, spoke these humble words:

Verse 20 (skanda.2.47.20)

भोभोस्तीर्थाटनव्यग्रा धार्मिकास्तीर्थकोविदाः । यदादिशति देवोऽयं युष्माभिस्तच्छ्रुतं किल

bhobhostīrthāṭanavyagrā dhārmikāstīrthakovidāḥ yadādiśati devo'yaṁ yuṣmābhistacchrutaṁ kila

"O you devout men, so intent on pilgrimage, so learned in sacred fords, you have surely heard what this king now commands.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.47.21)

विज्ञाय तस्याभिप्रायं कश्चित्सुबहुतीर्थगः । उवाच वाग्ग्मी राजानं बद्धांजलिपुटं मुदा

vijñāya tasyābhiprāyaṁ kaścitsubahutīrthagaḥ uvāca vāggmī rājānaṁ baddhāṁjalipuṭaṁ mudā

Understanding his intent, a certain man, well-traveled to many sacred fords and skilled in speech, joyfully joined his palms and said to the king —

Verse 22 (skanda.2.47.22)

राजन्ननेकतीर्थानि व्यचारिषमहं प्रभो । आशैशवात्क्षितितले श्रुतान्यन्यैस्तु यानि वै

rājannanekatīrthāni vyacāriṣamahaṁ prabho āśaiśavātkṣititale śrutānyanyaistu yāni vai

"O king, O lord, since my very childhood I have wandered to many sacred fords upon this earth, and of others besides, which I have heard of from other men —

Verse 23 (skanda.2.47.23)

ओढ्रदेश इति ख्यातो वर्षे भारतसंज्ञिते । दक्षिणस्योदधेस्तीरे क्षेत्रं श्रीपुरुषोत्तमम्

oḍhradeśa iti khyāto varṣe bhāratasaṁjñite dakṣiṇasyodadhestīre kṣetraṁ śrīpuruṣottamam

— in the land called Bharata there is a country famed as Odra, and there, on the shore of the southern ocean, lies the field of Shri Purushottama,

Verse 24 (skanda.2.47.24)

यत्र नीलगिरिर्नाम समंतात्काननावृतः । तस्योत्संगे कल्पवृक्षः समंतात्क्रोशसंमितः

yatra nīlagirirnāma samaṁtātkānanāvṛtaḥ tasyotsaṁge kalpavṛkṣaḥ samaṁtātkrośasaṁmitaḥ

where there is a mountain named Nilagiri, surrounded on all sides by forest; in its embrace stands a wish-fulfilling tree, spreading a full krosha around,

Verse 25 (skanda.2.47.25)

तस्य छायां समाक्रम्य ब्रह्महत्यां व्यपोहति । तस्य पश्चाद्दिशि ख्यातं कुंडं रौहिणसंज्ञितम्

tasya chāyāṁ samākramya brahmahatyāṁ vyapohati tasya paścāddiśi khyātaṁ kuṁḍaṁ rauhiṇasaṁjñitam

merely by entering whose shade, the sin of killing a brahmin is dispelled. To its west there is a pool renowned by the name Rohina,

Verse 26 (skanda.2.47.26)

तत्पूर्णं कारणांभोभिः स्पर्शनादेव मुक्तिदम् । तस्य प्राक्तटमास्थाय नीलेंद्रमणिनिर्मिता

tatpūrṇaṁ kāraṇāṁbhobhiḥ sparśanādeva muktidam tasya prāktaṭamāsthāya nīleṁdramaṇinirmitā

filled with the primordial waters of dissolution, granting liberation by mere touch. Established on its eastern bank, fashioned of blue sapphire,

Verse 27 (skanda.2.47.27)

तनुः श्रीवासुदेवस्य साक्षान्मुक्तिप्रदायिनी । तत्र कुंडे तु यः स्नात्वा दृष्ट्वा तु पुरुषोत्तमम्

tanuḥ śrīvāsudevasya sākṣānmuktipradāyinī tatra kuṁḍe tu yaḥ snātvā dṛṣṭvā tu puruṣottamam

— that form of Shri Vasudeva grants liberation directly. Whoever bathes in that pool and beholds Purushottama,

Verse 28 (skanda.2.47.28)

अश्वमेधसहस्रस्य फलं प्राप्य विमुच्यते । तत्रास्त आश्रमश्रेष्ठः ख्यातः शबरदीपकः

aśvamedhasahasrasya phalaṁ prāpya vimucyate tatrāsta āśramaśreṣṭhaḥ khyātaḥ śabaradīpakaḥ

obtains the fruit of a thousand horse-sacrifices and is liberated. There is a most excellent hermitage there, known as Shabaradipaka,

Verse 29 (skanda.2.47.29)

पश्चिमस्यां दिशि विभोर्वेष्टितः शबरालयैः । यस्मादेकपदीमार्गो येन विष्ण्वालयं व्रजेत्

paścimasyāṁ diśi vibhorveṣṭitaḥ śabarālayaiḥ yasmādekapadīmārgo yena viṣṇvālayaṁ vrajet

to the west of the Lord, surrounded by the dwellings of the Shabaras, from which a single narrow footpath leads, by which one may reach the abode of Vishnu,

Verse 30 (skanda.2.47.30)

यत्र साक्षाज्जगन्नाथः शंखचक्रगदाधरः । जंतूनां दर्शनान्मुक्तिं यो ददाति कृपानिधिः

yatra sākṣājjagannāthaḥ śaṅkhacakragadādharaḥ jaṁtūnāṁ darśanānmuktiṁ yo dadāti kṛpānidhiḥ

where the Lord of the universe himself dwells, bearing conch, discus, and mace — that treasury of compassion who grants liberation to creatures by the mere sight of him.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.47.31)

तत्रोषितं मया राजन्वर्षं श्रीपुरुषोत्तमे । तुष्ट्यर्थं देवदेवस्य व्रतिना वनवासिना

tatroṣitaṁ mayā rājanvarṣaṁ śrīpuruṣottame tuṣṭyarthaṁ devadevasya vratinā vanavāsinā

O king, I dwelt there in Shri Purushottama for a full year, keeping a vow and living in the forest, to please the god of gods.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.47.32)

प्रतिरात्रं भगवतो दर्शनाय दिवौकसाम् । आगतानां महाराज दिव्यगंधो ह्यमानुषः

pratirātraṁ bhagavato darśanāya divaukasām āgatānāṁ mahārāja divyagaṁdho hyamānuṣaḥ

O great king, every night, from the gods who come there for the Lord's sight, one perceives an otherworldly, divine fragrance;

Verse 33 (skanda.2.47.33)

नानास्तुतिवचःकल्पपुष्पवृष्टिश्च लभ्यते । महिमैष न कुत्रापि विष्णोः स्थाने प्रकाशते

nānāstutivacaḥkalpapuṣpavṛṣṭiśca labhyate mahimaiṣa na kutrāpi viṣṇoḥ sthāne prakāśate

one hears manifold hymns of praise, and a rain of divine flowers falls there too; this glory is not manifest in any other abode of Vishnu.

Verse 34 (skanda.2.47.34)

पौराणिकी प्रवृत्तिश्च श्रुता तत्र महीपते । वायसो माधवं दृष्ट्वा तिर्यग्देहोऽपि मुच्यते

paurāṇikī pravṛttiśca śrutā tatra mahīpate vāyaso mādhavaṁ dṛṣṭvā tiryagdeho'pi mucyate

O lord of the earth, I heard there also this account handed down from the Puranas: that even a crow, upon beholding Madhava, was liberated, though it bore the body of a beast.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.47.35)

नाधिकारी पुण्यकृत्ये ज्ञानहीनोऽपि पार्थिव । तृषार्त्तो रौहिणे कुंडे जलं पातुं समागतः

nādhikārī puṇyakṛtye jñānahīno'pi pārthiva tṛṣārtto rauhiṇe kuṁḍe jalaṁ pātuṁ samāgataḥ

O king, one without any right to meritorious deeds, devoid even of knowledge — merely a thirsty fool who had come to Rohina pool to drink water —

Verse 36 (skanda.2.47.36)

त्यक्त्वा कालवशात्प्राणान्विष्णुसारूप्यमाप्तवान् । अहमासं पुरा मूर्खस्तत्प्रसादात्तु सांप्रतम्

tyaktvā kālavaśātprāṇānviṣṇusārūpyamāptavān ahamāsaṁ purā mūrkhastatprasādāttu sāṁpratam

— having given up his life there, overtaken by death, attained a form like Vishnu's own. I too was formerly a fool, but by his grace, now,

Verse 37 (skanda.2.47.37)

अष्टादशसु विद्यासु शेषो वा स्यान्ममापरः । मतिश्च निर्मला जाता विष्णोः पश्यामि नापरम्

aṣṭādaśasu vidyāsu śeṣo vā syānmamāparaḥ matiśca nirmalā jātā viṣṇoḥ paśyāmi nāparam

only Shesha himself, perhaps, could surpass me in the eighteen branches of learning; my mind has become spotless, and I see nothing greater than Vishnu.

Verse 38 (skanda.2.47.38)

त्वं यस्माद्विष्णुभक्तोऽसि सततं च दृढव्रतः । अतस्तवोपदेशार्थमागतोऽहं तवांतिकम्

tvaṁ yasmādviṣṇubhakto'si satataṁ ca dṛḍhavrataḥ atastavopadeśārthamāgato'haṁ tavāṁtikam

Since you are a devotee of Vishnu, and ever steadfast in your vows, it is for the very purpose of instructing you that I have come into your presence.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.47.39)

नो धनं न च भूमिं च त्वत्तः संप्रार्थ्यतेऽधुना । व्यलीकमेतन्मा बुद्ध्वा तत्रस्थं श्रीधरं भज

no dhanaṁ na ca bhūmiṁ ca tvattaḥ saṁprārthyate'dhunā vyalīkametanmā buddhvā tatrasthaṁ śrīdharaṁ bhaja

Neither wealth nor land is being asked of you now; do not take this for falsehood — go and worship Shridhara, who dwells there."

Verse 40 (skanda.2.47.40)

एवमुक्त्वा तु जटिलः सर्वेषां पश्यतां तदा । अंतर्द्धानं जगामाशु राजा परमविस्मयम्

evamuktvā tu jaṭilaḥ sarveṣāṁ paśyatāṁ tadā aṁtarddhānaṁ jagāmāśu rājā paramavismayam

Having said this, the matted-haired ascetic vanished at once before the eyes of them all; and the king was struck with the utmost wonder.

Verse 41 (skanda.2.47.41)

अवाप्य व्याकुलमतिः कथं मे निर्वहेदिति । पुरोहितमुवाचेदं तस्यैवार्थस्य साधने

avāpya vyākulamatiḥ kathaṁ me nirvahediti purohitamuvācedaṁ tasyaivārthasya sādhane

With a troubled mind, thinking "How shall this be accomplished for me?" — to bring about that very purpose he spoke thus to his priest:

Verse 42 (skanda.2.47.42)

इन्द्रद्युम्न उवाच । अमानुषमिदं वृत्तं श्रुत्वेदानीममानुषात् । बुद्धिस्त्वरयते तत्र यत्रास्तेऽसौ गदाधरः

indradyumna uvāca amānuṣamidaṁ vṛttaṁ śrutvedānīmamānuṣāt buddhistvarayate tatra yatrāste'sau gadādharaḥ

Indradyumna said: Having heard this superhuman account from that superhuman being, my mind now hastens toward the place where that Wielder of the Mace dwells.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.47.43)

मम धर्मार्थकामा हि त्वदायत्ता द्विजोत्तम । अविरुद्धास्त्वत्प्रसादात्त्रिवर्गः साधितो मया

mama dharmārthakāmā hi tvadāyattā dvijottama aviruddhāstvatprasādāttrivargaḥ sādhito mayā

O best of the twice-born, my righteousness, wealth, and pleasure all depend upon you; by your grace alone have I accomplished the three, each without conflict with the others.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.47.44)

इदानीं चेद्द्विजश्रेष्ठ त्वमत्रार्थे गमिष्यसि । चतुर्वर्गस्तु संपूर्णः प्राप्तः स्यात्सांप्रतं मया

idānīṁ ceddvijaśreṣṭha tvamatrārthe gamiṣyasi caturvargastu saṁpūrṇaḥ prāptaḥ syātsāṁprataṁ mayā

Now, O best of the twice-born, if you would go there for this purpose, then I shall this very moment have gained the fourth end of life, completing the full set of four.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.47.45)

पुरोहित उवाच । बाढमेतत्करिष्यामि यथा द्रक्ष्यसि केशवम् । वर्माच्छादितचक्षुर्भ्यां साक्षान्मुक्तिप्रदं विभुम्

purohita uvāca bāḍhametatkariṣyāmi yathā drakṣyasi keśavam varmācchāditacakṣurbhyāṁ sākṣānmuktipradaṁ vibhum

The priest said: I shall certainly do this, so that you may see Keshava — that all-pervading Lord who grants liberation directly, even to eyes still veiled as by armor.

Verse 46 (skanda.2.47.46)

एवमत्र यतिष्यामि तत्र सर्वे यथा वयम् । वत्स्यामः ससहायाश्च क्षेत्रे श्रीपुरुषोत्तमे

evamatra yatiṣyāmi tatra sarve yathā vayam vatsyāmaḥ sasahāyāśca kṣetre śrīpuruṣottame

I shall strive toward this end, that all of us, together with our companions, may come to dwell in that field of Shri Purushottama.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.47.47)

साफल्यं किमतो राजञ्जन्मिनो जन्मनो भवेत् । पुरुषं तमसः पारं साक्षाद्द्रक्ष्यसि माधवम्

sāphalyaṁ kimato rājañjanmino janmano bhavet puruṣaṁ tamasaḥ pāraṁ sākṣāddrakṣyasi mādhavam

O king, what greater fulfillment could there be for a mortal's birth than this? You shall behold directly that Person beyond all darkness, Madhava himself.

Verse 48 (skanda.2.47.48)

भ्राता विद्यापतिर्नाम कनीयान्मे व्रजिष्यति । देशभ्रमणशीलैश्च चारैः सह तवाधुना

bhrātā vidyāpatirnāma kanīyānme vrajiṣyati deśabhramaṇaśīlaiśca cāraiḥ saha tavādhunā

My younger brother, named Vidyapati, shall now go there together with your spies, whose nature it is to travel through the land.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.47.49)

तत्र गत्वा जगन्नाथं दृष्ट्वा स हि गिरौ यथा । कंटकावाससंस्थानं भूप्रदेशं प्रमीय च

tatra gatvā jagannāthaṁ dṛṣṭvā sa hi girau yathā kaṁṭakāvāsasaṁsthānaṁ bhūpradeśaṁ pramīya ca

Having gone there, and beheld the Lord of the universe, and having surveyed that mountain, its thorny dwelling-places, and the surrounding land,

Verse 50 (skanda.2.47.50)

तूर्णं प्रवृत्तिमानेता श्रेयोऽस्माकं भविष्यति । तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा राजा पुनरुवाच ह

tūrṇaṁ pravṛttimānetā śreyo'smākaṁ bhaviṣyati tasya tadvacanaṁ śrutvā rājā punaruvāca ha

he shall quickly bring back word — in this alone lies our welfare. Having heard these words of his, the king spoke again:

Verse 51 (skanda.2.47.51)

इन्द्रद्युम्न उवाच । साधु ब्रह्मन्समाधाय व्यवसायो विचारितः । अहं प्रथमतोप्येतच्छ्रुत्वैव कृतनिश्चयः

indradyumna uvāca sādhu brahmansamādhāya vyavasāyo vicāritaḥ ahaṁ prathamatopyetacchrutvaiva kṛtaniścayaḥ

Indradyumna said: Well done, O brahmin — you have deliberated with care and devised this plan. I too, indeed, had already resolved, the very moment I heard this,

Verse 52 (skanda.2.47.52)

तत्र क्षेत्रे भगवतः सन्निधौ निवसाम्यहम् । तद्गच्छतु तव भ्राता यथेष्टं साधयिष्यति

tatra kṣetre bhagavataḥ sannidhau nivasāmyaham tadgacchatu tava bhrātā yatheṣṭaṁ sādhayiṣyati

that I would dwell in that field, in the very presence of the Lord. So let your brother go there — he shall accomplish it as he sees fit.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.47.53)

इत्युक्त्वांतःपुरं राजा प्रविवेश मुदान्वितः । पुरोहितोऽपि तान्सर्वान्यथावदनुपूर्वशः

ityuktvāṁtaḥpuraṁ rājā praviveśa mudānvitaḥ purohito'pi tānsarvānyathāvadanupūrvaśaḥ

Having said this, the king, filled with joy, retired into his inner apartments. The priest, too, in due order and proper manner,

Verse 54 (skanda.2.47.54)

राजाज्ञया पूजयित्वा प्राहिणोत्स्वं स्वमाश्रमम् । भ्रातरं सुमुहूर्ते च दैवज्ञकृतनिश्चये

rājājñayā pūjayitvā prāhiṇotsvaṁ svamāśramam bhrātaraṁ sumuhūrte ca daivajñakṛtaniścaye

honored them by the king's command and sent them off, each to his own hermitage; and, at an auspicious hour fixed by the astrologers, sent forth his own brother,

Verse 55 (skanda.2.47.55)

प्रस्थापयामास तदा कृतस्वस्त्ययनं द्विजैः । अपसर्पैः प्रत्ययिकैः पुष्पस्यन्दनमास्थितः

prasthāpayāmāsa tadā kṛtasvastyayanaṁ dvijaiḥ apasarpaiḥ pratyayikaiḥ puṣpasyandanamāsthitaḥ

after brahmins had pronounced blessings of good fortune upon him, together with trustworthy spies, mounted upon a flower-decked chariot.

Verse 56 (skanda.2.47.56)

ततः संप्रस्थितो विप्राः स तु विद्यापतिर्द्विजः । मनसा चिन्तयामास मध्ये स्यन्दनमास्थितः

tataḥ saṁprasthito viprāḥ sa tu vidyāpatirdvijaḥ manasā cintayāmāsa madhye syandanamāsthitaḥ

O brahmins, then that brahmin Vidyapati set out on his journey, and, seated in the midst of the chariot, began to reflect in his mind:

Verse 57 (skanda.2.47.57)

अहो मे सफलं जन्म सुकल्या शर्वरी च मे । द्रक्ष्यामि यद्भगवतो मुखपद्ममघापहम्

aho me saphalaṁ janma sukalyā śarvarī ca me drakṣyāmi yadbhagavato mukhapadmamaghāpaham

"Ah, my birth is fulfilled, and this very night is blessed for me, for I shall behold the Lord's lotus face, which dispels all sin.

Verse 58 (skanda.2.47.58)

श्रवणाद्यैरुपायैर्यं यतमाना अहर्निशम् । पश्यंति यतयः चेतः पुंडरीके व्यवस्थितम्

śravaṇādyairupāyairyaṁ yatamānā aharniśam paśyaṁti yatayaḥ cetaḥ puṁḍarīke vyavasthitam

him whom ascetics, striving day and night through the means of hearing and the rest, behold with inner sight, fixing their minds upon the lotus of the heart —

Verse 59 (skanda.2.47.59)

तमद्य नीलशिखरिशृंगस्थं बिभ्रतं वपुः । वपुःसंबन्धहरणं साक्षाद्द्रक्ष्यामि चक्रिणम्

tamadya nīlaśikhariśṛṁgasthaṁ bibhrataṁ vapuḥ vapuḥsaṁbandhaharaṇaṁ sākṣāddrakṣyāmi cakriṇam

him, this very day, seated upon the peak of the Blue Mountain, bearing that form, the Discus-bearer who removes the very bond of embodiment — him I shall see directly.

Verse 60 (skanda.2.47.60)

श्रुति स्मृतीहासपुराणवाक्यैर्यद्रूपमास्थापयितुं न शक्यम् । तच्छ्रीनिधे रूपमदृष्टपूर्वं दृष्ट्वा तरिष्यामि भवांबुराशिम्

śruti smṛtīhāsapurāṇavākyairyadrūpamāsthāpayituṁ na śakyam tacchrīnidhe rūpamadṛṣṭapūrvaṁ dṛṣṭvā tariṣyāmi bhavāṁburāśim

That form which not even the words of the Vedas, the codes of law, epic and Purana together have been able fully to establish — beholding that form of the treasury of Shri, never before seen, I shall cross the ocean of worldly existence.

Verse 61 (skanda.2.47.61)

यन्नामसंकीर्तनतस्त्रिवांहः संघः प्रणाशं स्मरतां प्रयाति । तमद्य विश्वेश्वरमप्रमेयं साक्षात्करिष्यामि गिरौ वसन्तम्

yannāmasaṁkīrtanatastrivāṁhaḥ saṁghaḥ praṇāśaṁ smaratāṁ prayāti tamadya viśveśvaramaprameyaṁ sākṣātkariṣyāmi girau vasantam

He, by the mere chanting of whose name the mass of threefold sins of those who remember him is utterly destroyed — that immeasurable Lord of the universe, dwelling upon the mountain, I shall this day behold directly.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.47.62)

यत्पादपद्माननुसंहितस्य पदेपदे दुःखमुपार्जितस्य । तमः प्रकांडप्रभवं कदाचिन्नात्माश्रितं कर्मभिरेति नाशम्

yatpādapadmānanusaṁhitasya padepade duḥkhamupārjitasya tamaḥ prakāṁḍaprabhavaṁ kadācinnātmāśritaṁ karmabhireti nāśam

For one who has not taken refuge in his lotus feet, who has gathered suffering at every step, the darkness that clings to the self, born of dense ignorance, never comes to an end through works alone.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.47.63)

आराध्य सूक्ष्मं स्वगुहानिवासं यं पञ्चकोषावृतमात्मसंस्थम् । वेदांतगीराह न चापि वेद वंदे स्वविद्यैकनिवेद्यमाद्यम्

ārādhya sūkṣmaṁ svaguhānivāsaṁ yaṁ pañcakoṣāvṛtamātmasaṁstham vedāṁtagīrāha na cāpi veda vaṁde svavidyaikanivedyamādyam

I bow to that primal one, subtle, dwelling in his own inmost cave, veiled by the five sheaths, seated within the self — of whom even the voice of Vedanta could not fully speak, nor could it know him, he who can be revealed only by knowledge of his own true nature.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.47.64)

ब्रह्मांडमालाकलितानुरोमं सहस्रमूर्द्धांघ्रिदृशं पुराणम् । निःश्वासवातोत्थित वेदराशिं सर्वप्रपंचेशमहं प्रपद्ये

brahmāṇḍamālākalitānuromaṁ sahasramūrddhāṁghridṛśaṁ purāṇam niḥśvāsavātotthita vedarāśiṁ sarvaprapaṁceśamahaṁ prapadye

I take refuge in him, the ancient one, in each of whose hairs is strung a garland of universes, who has a thousand heads, feet, and eyes, from whose very breath arose the mass of the Vedas, the lord of all manifest creation.

Verse 65 (skanda.2.47.65)

यन्मायया निर्मितकूटमेतत्सृष्टिक्षयस्थानविलासि रूपम् । निरूपितारोपितहेयरूपस्वरूपहीनं प्रणवस्वरूपम्

yanmāyayā nirmitakūṭametatsṛṣṭikṣayasthānavilāsi rūpam nirūpitāropitaheyarūpasvarūpahīnaṁ praṇavasvarūpam

This apparent form, fabricated by his maya, plays its part in creation, preservation, and dissolution; yet his true self is free of every describable, superimposed, discardable form — his very being is the syllable Om.

Verse 66 (skanda.2.47.66)

तिर्यक्तृषाशांतिनिमित्ततोऽपि यदृच्छया यत्सविधं प्रयातः । देहेन तेनैव सरूपमुक्तिमवाप तं दृष्टिपथं करिष्ये

tiryaktṛṣāśāṁtinimittato'pi yadṛcchayā yatsavidhaṁ prayātaḥ dehena tenaiva sarūpamuktimavāpa taṁ dṛṣṭipathaṁ kariṣye

He, near to whom even a beast, coming by mere chance simply to quench its thirst, attained liberation in the very form of that same body — him I shall bring within the range of my sight this day.

Verse 67 (skanda.2.47.67)

अहो अहो मे खलु भाग्यशंसी यत्कोटिजन्मार्जितपुण्य एकः । समुत्थितो मे खलु चर्मदृग्भ्यां विलोकयिष्ये जगदादिकंदम्

aho aho me khalu bhāgyaśaṁsī yatkoṭijanmārjitapuṇya ekaḥ samutthito me khalu carmadṛgbhyāṁ vilokayiṣye jagadādikaṁdam

Ah, ah, my fortune indeed proclaims itself, that a single portion of merit, gathered through millions of births, has arisen in me — with these very fleshly eyes I shall behold the primal root of the universe."

Verse 68 (skanda.2.47.68)

इत्थं संचिन्तयन्विप्रः प्रहृष्टेनांतरात्मना । अतीतं बहुमध्वानं नाबुध्यद्रथवेगतः

itthaṁ saṁcintayanvipraḥ prahṛṣṭenāṁtarātmanā atītaṁ bahumadhvānaṁ nābudhyadrathavegataḥ

Thus reflecting, his inmost self filled with joy, the brahmin, carried on by the speed of the chariot, did not even notice how great a distance of road had passed.

Verse 69 (skanda.2.47.69)

दिनमध्ये व्यतिक्रांते लंबिते बहुवासरे । वर्त्मन्यदृश्यताग्रे तु देशो भुवनमंडनः

dinamadhye vyatikrāṁte laṁbite bahuvāsare vartmanyadṛśyatāgre tu deśo bhuvanamaṁḍanaḥ

When the midday hour had passed, and many days had gone by, that country, the very ornament of the world, came into view ahead upon the road.

Verse 70 (skanda.2.47.70)

ओढ्रसंज्ञस्तु भो विप्राः क्षितिमंडलपावनः । इत्थं पश्यन्वनांतानि गिरिदुर्गाश्च मार्गगान् । सूर्यास्तमनवेलायां महानद्यास्तटेऽभवत्

oḍhrasaṁjñastu bho viprāḥ kṣitimaṁḍalapāvanaḥ itthaṁ paśyanvanāṁtāni giridurgāśca mārgagān sūryāstamanavelāyāṁ mahānadyāstaṭe'bhavat

O brahmins, that country, known as Odra, is the very purifier of the whole earth. Thus, passing forest edges and rugged mountain paths, at the hour of sunset he arrived at the bank of the great river.

Verse 71 (skanda.2.47.71)

अवरुह्य रथाद्विप्रः कृत्वा चाह्निकमादृतः । उपास्य पश्चिमां सन्ध्यां दध्यौ स मधुसूदनम्

avaruhya rathādvipraḥ kṛtvā cāhnikamādṛtaḥ upāsya paścimāṁ sandhyāṁ dadhyau sa madhusūdanam

Descending from the chariot, the brahmin, with due reverence, performed his daily observances; and, having worshipped at the evening twilight, he meditated upon Madhusudana.

Verse 72 (skanda.2.47.72)

रथपृष्ठे स्थितो रात्रिं गमयित्वा त्वरान्वितः । महानदीं समुत्तीर्य प्रातःकृत्यं समाप्य सः

rathapṛṣṭhe sthito rātriṁ gamayitvā tvarānvitaḥ mahānadīṁ samuttīrya prātaḥkṛtyaṁ samāpya saḥ

Remaining upon the chariot, he passed the night; then, hastening, he crossed the great river, and, having completed his morning observances,

Verse 73 (skanda.2.47.73)

चिंतयन्नेव गोविंदं प्रतस्थे रथमास्थितः । पश्यन्भगवतो मार्गं श्रोत्रियाणां हि यज्वनाम्

ciṁtayanneva goviṁdaṁ pratasthe rathamāsthitaḥ paśyanbhagavato mārgaṁ śrotriyāṇāṁ hi yajvanām

he set forth once more, mounted on his chariot, still meditating on Govinda, watching the Lord's own road, passing villages of Vedic scholars and sacrificers,

Verse 74 (skanda.2.47.74)

वह्निवर्चस्विनां विप्रा ग्रामान्पूगैरलंकृतान् । विलंघ्यैकाम्रकवनं यावदायाति स द्विजः

vahnivarcasvināṁ viprā grāmānpūgairalaṁkṛtān vilaṁghyaikāmrakavanaṁ yāvadāyāti sa dvijaḥ

those brahmins radiant as fire, their villages adorned with areca groves, until, having passed beyond, that brahmin came to the Ekamraka forest —

Verse 75 (skanda.2.47.75)

शंखचक्रगदापद्मधारिणो ददृशे जनान् । जन्मांतरितमात्मानं बुबुधे दिव्यरूपिणम्

śaṅkhacakragadāpadmadhāriṇo dadṛśe janān janmāṁtaritamātmānaṁ bubudhe divyarūpiṇam

there he beheld people bearing conch, discus, mace and lotus; he felt as though he had entered another existence altogether, and perceived himself as taking on a divine form.

Verse 76 (skanda.2.47.76)

अवरुह्य रथात्तूर्णं साष्टांगं प्रणिपत्य च । हर्षाश्रुपूर्णनयनो नान्यत्किंचिदपश्यत

avaruhya rathāttūrṇaṁ sāṣṭāṁgaṁ praṇipatya ca harṣāśrupūrṇanayano nānyatkiṁcidapaśyata

Descending swiftly from the chariot, prostrating himself full length upon the ground, his eyes filled with tears of joy, he saw nothing else at all,

Verse 77 (skanda.2.47.77)

केवलं मनसा विष्णुं पश्यन्बाह्ये च भो द्विजाः । एवं व्रजन्यदा विप्रो ध्यायन्पश्यन्स्तुवन्हरिम्

kevalaṁ manasā viṣṇuṁ paśyanbāhye ca bho dvijāḥ evaṁ vrajanyadā vipro dhyāyanpaśyanstuvanharim

O brahmins, seeing Vishnu alone, whether with the inward mind or the outward eye. Thus proceeding, as that brahmin went on meditating, gazing, and praising Hari,

Verse 78 (skanda.2.47.78)

अपश्यत्काननाकीर्णं कल्पन्यग्रोधभूषितम् । नीलाचलं लिखंतं खं पश्यतां पापनाशनम्

apaśyatkānanākīrṇaṁ kalpanyagrodhabhūṣitam nīlācalaṁ likhaṁtaṁ khaṁ paśyatāṁ pāpanāśanam

— he beheld the Blue Mountain, thick with forest, adorned with the wishing-tree and the banyan, seeming to scrape the very sky, destroying the sins of those who look upon it.

Verse 79 (skanda.2.47.79)

अत्यद्भुतं निवसंति साक्षात्तनुभृतो हरेः । उपत्यकायामारूढः समंतान्मार्गयन्द्विजः

atyadbhutaṁ nivasaṁti sākṣāttanubhṛto hareḥ upatyakāyāmārūḍhaḥ samaṁtānmārgayandvijaḥ

Most wonderfully, embodied forms of Hari himself dwell there. Climbing up onto the foothills, searching all about for a path, that brahmin —

Verse 80 (skanda.2.47.80)

मार्गं न लेभे विप्रोऽसौ मुकुंदालोकनोत्सुकः । असुप्यत ततो भूमौ कुशानास्तीर्य वाग्यतः

mārgaṁ na lebhe vipro'sau mukuṁdālokanotsukaḥ asupyata tato bhūmau kuśānāstīrya vāgyataḥ

— eager as he was for the sight of Mukunda, could find no path. So, falling silent, he spread kusha grass and lay down to sleep upon the ground,

Verse 81 (skanda.2.47.81)

दर्शने तस्य देवस्य तमेव शरणं ययौ । ततः शुश्राव वचनं गिरेः पश्चादमानुषम्

darśane tasya devasya tameva śaraṇaṁ yayau tataḥ śuśrāva vacanaṁ gireḥ paścādamānuṣam

taking refuge in that very god for the sake of seeing him. Then he heard, from behind the mountain, a superhuman voice,

Verse 82 (skanda.2.47.82)

भगवद्भक्तिविषयं संलापं कुर्वतां मिथः । ततो विद्यापतिर्हृष्टोऽनुसरंस्तं जगाम वै

bhagavadbhaktiviṣayaṁ saṁlāpaṁ kurvatāṁ mithaḥ tato vidyāpatirhṛṣṭo'nusaraṁstaṁ jagāma vai

[voices] conversing with each other on the subject of devotion to the Lord. Then Vidyapati, overjoyed, followed that sound and went in its direction.

Verse 83 (skanda.2.47.83)

ददर्श शबरागारैर्वेष्टितं परितो द्विजाः । क्षेत्रस्य दीपसंस्थानं ख्यातं शबरदीपकम्

dadarśa śabarāgārairveṣṭitaṁ parito dvijāḥ kṣetrasya dīpasaṁsthānaṁ khyātaṁ śabaradīpakam

O brahmins, he beheld a place surrounded on all sides by the huts of the Shabaras, renowned as Shabaradipaka, the very lamp of that sacred field.

Verse 84 (skanda.2.47.84)

तत्र गत्वा शनैर्विप्रः प्रविश्य विनयान्वितः । ददर्श विष्णुभक्तांस्ताञ्छंखचक्रगदाधरान्

tatra gatvā śanairvipraḥ praviśya vinayānvitaḥ dadarśa viṣṇubhaktāṁstāñchaṁkhacakragadādharān

Going there, and entering slowly and with humility, the brahmin beheld those devotees of Vishnu, bearing conch, discus, and mace.

Verse 85 (skanda.2.47.85)

प्रणम्य शिरसा विप्रस्तस्थौ बद्धांजलिस्तदा । ततोविश्वावसुर्नाम शबरः पलितांगकः

praṇamya śirasā viprastasthau baddhāṁjalistadā tatoviśvāvasurnāma śabaraḥ palitāṁgakaḥ

Bowing his head, the brahmin stood there with joined palms. Just then a Shabara named Vishvavasu, his limbs grey with age,

Verse 86 (skanda.2.47.86)

अवसाय हरेः पूजां पूजाशेषोपशोभितः । संप्राप्तो गिरिमध्यात्तु तस्मिन्नेव क्षणे द्विजाः

avasāya hareḥ pūjāṁ pūjāśeṣopaśobhitaḥ saṁprāpto girimadhyāttu tasminneva kṣaṇe dvijāḥ

having finished his worship of Hari, adorned with the remnants of that offering, arrived that very instant, O brahmins, from the midst of the mountain.

Verse 87 (skanda.2.47.87)

आलोक्य तं द्विजो हर्षमुपयातो व्यचिंतयत् । एष प्राप्तो हरेः स्थानाच्छ्रांतो निर्माल्यभूषितः

ālokya taṁ dvijo harṣamupayāto vyaciṁtayat eṣa prāpto hareḥ sthānācchrāṁto nirmālyabhūṣitaḥ

Seeing him, the brahmin, filled with joy, thought to himself: "This man has come from Hari's own dwelling; though weary, he is adorned with the god's own offerings.

Verse 88 (skanda.2.47.88)

वैष्णवाग्र्य इतो वार्तां विष्णोः प्राप्स्यामि दुर्लभाम् । चिंतयन्नेव विप्रोऽसौ शबरेणाभ्यभाषत

vaiṣṇavāgrya ito vārtāṁ viṣṇoḥ prāpsyāmi durlabhām ciṁtayanneva vipro'sau śabareṇābhyabhāṣata

From this foremost of Vaishnavas I shall obtain that rare news of Vishnu." Thinking thus, the brahmin spoke to the Shabara.

Verse 89 (skanda.2.47.89)

शबर उवाच । कुतः समागतो विप्र काननांतं सुदुस्तरम् । क्षुत्तृड्भिरतिश्रांतश्च सुखमत्रास्यतां चिरम्

śabara uvāca kutaḥ samāgato vipra kānanāṁtaṁ sudustaram kṣuttṛḍbhiratiśrāṁtaśca sukhamatrāsyatāṁ ciram

The Shabara said: From where have you come, O brahmin, into this well-nigh impassable forest region? You are utterly exhausted with hunger and thirst; rest here comfortably a while.

Verse 90 (skanda.2.47.90)

पाद्यमासनमर्घं च दत्त्वा विश्वावसुर्द्विजम् । उवाच प्रश्रयगिरा प्रस्तुतं प्रतिपादयन्

pādyamāsanamarghaṁ ca dattvā viśvāvasurdvijam uvāca praśrayagirā prastutaṁ pratipādayan

Offering water for the feet, a seat, and the guest-offering, Vishvavasu spoke to the brahmin in a humble voice, addressing the matter at hand:

Verse 91 (skanda.2.47.91)

फलैः पाकेन वा विप्र प्राणयात्रा भवेत्तव । यत्तुभ्यं रोचते तद्वै दीयतेऽत्र मया द्विज

phalaiḥ pākena vā vipra prāṇayātrā bhavettava yattubhyaṁ rocate tadvai dīyate'tra mayā dvija

"O brahmin, let your life be sustained, whether by fruits or by cooked food; O twice-born one, whatever pleases you, that I shall give you here.

Verse 92 (skanda.2.47.92)

भाग्यं ममाद्य भगवञ्जीवितं सफलं च मे । प्राप्तोऽसि मद्गृहं विप्र साक्षाद्विष्णुरिवापरः

bhāgyaṁ mamādya bhagavañjīvitaṁ saphalaṁ ca me prāpto'si madgṛhaṁ vipra sākṣādviṣṇurivāparaḥ

My good fortune today, O venerable one, and my life is fulfilled, for you, O brahmin, have come to my house as if you were, directly, a second Vishnu."

Verse 93 (skanda.2.47.93)

इति ब्रुवाणं शबरं प्रोवाच द्विजपुंगवः । न मे फलैर्न पाकेन कार्यं वैष्णवपुंगव

iti bruvāṇaṁ śabaraṁ provāca dvijapuṁgavaḥ na me phalairna pākena kāryaṁ vaiṣṇavapuṁgava

To the Shabara speaking thus, that foremost of brahmins replied: "O foremost of Vaishnavas, I have no need of fruits nor of cooked food.

Verse 94 (skanda.2.47.94)

यदर्थमागतं दूरात्साधो तत्सफलं कुरु । इन्द्रद्युम्नस्य नृपतेरवंतिपुरवासिनः

yadarthamāgataṁ dūrātsādho tatsaphalaṁ kuru indradyumnasya nṛpateravaṁtipuravāsinaḥ

O good man, fulfill instead the purpose for which I have come from so far away. I am the priest of King Indradyumna, who dwells in the city of Avanti,

Verse 95 (skanda.2.47.95)

पुरोहितोऽहं संप्राप्तो विष्णोर्दर्शनलालसः । राज्ञाग्रे तैर्थिकानां हि समाजावसरे श्रुतम्

purohito'haṁ saṁprāpto viṣṇordarśanalālasaḥ rājñāgre tairthikānāṁ hi samājāvasare śrutam

and I have come here longing for the sight of Vishnu. In the king's presence, on the occasion of an assembly of pilgrims, it was heard

Verse 96 (skanda.2.47.96)

तीर्थक्षेत्रप्रसंगेन केनचित्प्रस्तुतं तदा । तथा निवेदितं क्षेत्रं राजाग्रे जटिलेन वै

tīrthakṣetraprasaṁgena kenacitprastutaṁ tadā tathā niveditaṁ kṣetraṁ rājāgre jaṭilena vai

that someone, in the course of discussing sacred fields, had mentioned this place, and that a matted-haired ascetic likewise had described this field before the king.

Verse 97 (skanda.2.47.97)

आनुपूर्व्याच्च तत्सर्वं कथयामास स द्विजः । एतदर्थमहं साधो राज्ञा चोत्कण्ठितेन वै

ānupūrvyācca tatsarvaṁ kathayāmāsa sa dvijaḥ etadarthamahaṁ sādho rājñā cotkaṇṭhitena vai

That brahmin had told it all in due order. It is for this very purpose, O good man, that I, most eager,

Verse 98 (skanda.2.47.98)

प्रेषितोऽहं हरिं द्रष्टुमत्रस्थं नीलमाधवम् । दृष्ट्वा यावन्नरपतेर्वार्त्तां नेष्यामि सोऽप्यहम्

preṣito'haṁ hariṁ draṣṭumatrasthaṁ nīlamādhavam dṛṣṭvā yāvannarapatervārttāṁ neṣyāmi so'pyaham

have been sent by the eager king to behold Hari here, Nilamadhava; and having seen him, I myself shall carry the news back to the king.

Verse 99 (skanda.2.47.99)

निराहारो ध्रुवं साधो तन्मां विष्णुं प्रदर्शय

nirāhāro dhruvaṁ sādho tanmāṁ viṣṇuṁ pradarśaya

I shall surely take no food, O good man; therefore show me that Vishnu."