Vidyapati's Vision of the Blue Mountain and Narada's Teaching on Bhakti

Verse 1 (skanda.2.50.1)

इन्द्रद्युम्न उवाच । जन्मप्रभृति तत्र त्वं न प्रयातो द्विजोत्तम । कथं विद्याद्भवान्दिव्यवृत्तांतं पुरुषोत्तमे

indradyumna uvāca janmaprabhṛti tatra tvaṁ na prayāto dvijottama kathaṁ vidyādbhavāndivyavṛttāṁtaṁ puruṣottame

Indradyumna said: O best of Brahmins, you have never once gone there since your birth — how then do you know the divine account of Purushottama?

Verse 2 (skanda.2.50.2)

विद्यापतिरुवाच । तत्र स्थितोऽहं सायाह्ने भगवंतमुपागमम् । तस्मिन्काले दिव्यगन्धो ववौ च शिशिरो मरुत्

vidyāpatiruvāca tatra sthito'haṁ sāyāhne bhagavaṁtamupāgamam tasminkāle divyagandho vavau ca śiśiro marut

Vidyapati said: Being there in the evening, I drew near to the Lord; at that moment a divine fragrance spread, and a cool breeze began to blow.

Verse 3 (skanda.2.50.3)

उद्यतः संकुलः शब्दः श्रूयते स्म वियत्पथे । क्रमाद्याहि प्रयाहीति स तु वर्णमयः स्वनः

udyataḥ saṁkulaḥ śabdaḥ śrūyate sma viyatpathe kramādyāhi prayāhīti sa tu varṇamayaḥ svanaḥ

A tumultuous sound rose and was heard along the path of the sky — that voice, formed of syllables, kept saying, 'come in order, proceed, proceed.'

Verse 4 (skanda.2.50.4)

दिविष्ठानां पतत्पुष्पवृष्ट्याच्छादितपर्वतः । समागमोऽभूत्सान्निध्ये वैकुंठस्य महीपते

diviṣṭhānāṁ patatpuṣpavṛṣṭyācchāditaparvataḥ samāgamo'bhūtsānnidhye vaikuṁṭhasya mahīpate

O king, the mountain was covered by a shower of flowers cast down by the sky-dwelling gods; that great gathering took place in the presence of the Lord of Vaikuntha.

Verse 5 (skanda.2.50.5)

वीणावेणुमृदंगानां चर्चरीणां च निःस्वनः । अभूतपूर्वस्तत्रासीद्दिव्यगानविमिश्रितः

vīṇāveṇumṛdaṁgānāṁ carcarīṇāṁ ca niḥsvanaḥ abhūtapūrvastatrāsīddivyagānavimiśritaḥ

There arose an unprecedented sound of vinas, flutes, mridangas and charchari drums, mingled there with divine song.

Verse 6 (skanda.2.50.6)

सहस्रमुपचाराणां प्रीतये परमेशितुः । देवैः समर्पितं तत्र मनुष्यादृष्टपूर्वकम्

sahasramupacārāṇāṁ prītaye parameśituḥ devaiḥ samarpitaṁ tatra manuṣyādṛṣṭapūrvakam

A thousand offerings of loving service, such as men had never before beheld, were rendered there by the gods for the Supreme Lord's pleasure.

Verse 7 (skanda.2.50.7)

संपूज्य विधिवद्देवं करमात्रोपलक्षिताः । जयपूर्वैश्च तं स्तोत्रैः संतोष्य मधुसूदनम्

saṁpūjya vidhivaddevaṁ karamātropalakṣitāḥ jayapūrvaiśca taṁ stotraiḥ saṁtoṣya madhusūdanam

Having duly worshipped the god — the worshippers marked out there only by their hands — and having pleased Madhusudana with hymns of victory,

Verse 8 (skanda.2.50.8)

यथागतं ते त्रिदशाः प्रययुस्त्रिदशालयम् । तेषु यातेषु शबरः सखा विश्वावसुर्मम

yathāgataṁ te tridaśāḥ prayayustridaśālayam teṣu yāteṣu śabaraḥ sakhā viśvāvasurmama

— the thirty gods departed for their own heaven just as they had come. When they had gone, my friend, the hunter Vishvavasu,

Verse 9 (skanda.2.50.9)

दिव्योपहारभोज्यानि माल्यं चेदं ददौ मम । अनर्घ्यमेतदम्लानं श्रीराज्यसुखदायकम्

divyopahārabhojyāni mālyaṁ cedaṁ dadau mama anarghyametadamlānaṁ śrīrājyasukhadāyakam

— gave me divine offerings, foods, and this garland, priceless and unfading, the bestower of royal fortune and happiness.

Verse 10 (skanda.2.50.10)

अलक्ष्मीपापरक्षोघ्नं योग्यं तेनाहृतं मया । शृणुष्व तस्य संस्थानं विष्णोर्यत्क्षेत्रमुत्तमम्

alakṣmīpāparakṣoghnaṁ yogyaṁ tenāhṛtaṁ mayā śṛṇuṣva tasya saṁsthānaṁ viṣṇoryatkṣetramuttamam

— which destroys misfortune, sin and demons, and is fit to be worn, brought by him and received by me. Now hear of the nature of that field, Vishnu's supreme abode.

Verse 11 (skanda.2.50.11)

अपूर्वशिल्पनैपुण्यं रूपं चास्य मनोहरम् । न भूमिजन्मना पुंसा शक्यते गदितुं हि तत्

apūrvaśilpanaipuṇyaṁ rūpaṁ cāsya manoharam na bhūmijanmanā puṁsā śakyate gadituṁ hi tat

Its unprecedented artistry and its enchanting form cannot indeed be described by any man born of this earth.

Verse 12 (skanda.2.50.12)

तद्भाग्यपौरुषाभ्यां तल्लक्षितं कथयामि ते । समंताद्गहनाकीर्णं क्षेत्रं नीलाद्रिनाभिकम्

tadbhāgyapauruṣābhyāṁ tallakṣitaṁ kathayāmi te samaṁtādgahanākīrṇaṁ kṣetraṁ nīlādrinābhikam

Through your good fortune and effort, I shall tell you of it as I myself perceived it: a field with the Blue Mountain as its navel, surrounded on every side by dense forest.

Verse 13 (skanda.2.50.13)

आयामविस्तृतिभ्यां च विख्यातं क्रोशपंचकम् । तीर्थराजस्य वेलायां स्वर्णवालुकयावृतम्

āyāmavistṛtibhyāṁ ca vikhyātaṁ krośapaṁcakam tīrtharājasya velāyāṁ svarṇavālukayāvṛtam

Renowned for a length and breadth of five krosas, it lies on the shore of the king of sacred fords, covered over with golden sand.

Verse 14 (skanda.2.50.14)

अद्रेः शृंगे महानुच्चः कल्पस्थायी वटो महान् । क्रोशायतः पुष्पफलवर्जितः पल्लवोज्ज्वलः

adreḥ śṛṁge mahānuccaḥ kalpasthāyī vaṭo mahān krośāyataḥ puṣpaphalavarjitaḥ pallavojjvalaḥ

On the mountain's peak stands a vast, towering banyan tree that endures for an aeon — spreading a krosa wide, bare of flower and fruit, yet radiant with foliage.

Verse 15 (skanda.2.50.15)

सूर्यापक्रमणे तस्य छायां नापक्रमेत वै । तस्य पश्चात्प्रदेशे हि कुंडं रोहिणसंज्ञकम्

sūryāpakramaṇe tasya chāyāṁ nāpakrameta vai tasya paścātpradeśe hi kuṁḍaṁ rohiṇasaṁjñakam

Even when the sun moves on, its shade never moves away. Behind it, to the west, lies the pool named Rohina.

Verse 16 (skanda.2.50.16)

जलोद्गमान्नीलदृषदारोहणविभूषितम् । बहिः स्फटिकवेदीभिश्चतुर्दिक्षु परीवृतम्

jalodgamānnīladṛṣadārohaṇavibhūṣitam bahiḥ sphaṭikavedībhiścaturdikṣu parīvṛtam

It is adorned at its water-source with a rise of dark stone, and is enclosed on the outside, on all four sides, by crystal terraces.

Verse 17 (skanda.2.50.17)

अघसंघातहारीभिरद्भिः पूर्णं मनोरमम् । तत्पूर्ववेदिकामध्ये न्यग्रोधच्छायशीतले

aghasaṁghātahārībhiradbhiḥ pūrṇaṁ manoramam tatpūrvavedikāmadhye nyagrodhacchāyaśītale

It is full of waters that carry away the masses of sin, and delightful; in the midst of the platform before it, cool with the shade of the banyan,

Verse 18 (skanda.2.50.18)

इन्द्रनीलमयो देव आस्ते चक्रगदाधरः । एकाशीत्यंगुलमितः स्वर्णपद्मोपरि स्थितः

indranīlamayo deva āste cakragadādharaḥ ekāśītyaṁgulamitaḥ svarṇapadmopari sthitaḥ

— there abides the god, sapphire-hued, bearing discus and mace, eighty-one finger-widths in height, standing upon a golden lotus.

Verse 19 (skanda.2.50.19)

अष्टमीचन्द्रशकलशोभाविजयिभालभूः । स्मेरेंदीवरयुग्मश्रीधिक्कारोद्यतलोचनः

aṣṭamīcandraśakalaśobhāvijayibhālabhūḥ smereṁdīvarayugmaśrīdhikkārodyatalocanaḥ

His brow triumphs even over the beauty of the eighth-day crescent moon; his pair of smiling eyes rises up scorning the very beauty of blue lotuses.

Verse 20 (skanda.2.50.20)

आननामृतभानूद्यत्संतापत्रयमोचनः । नासापुटद्वयोद्भासितिलपुष्पप्रशोभनः

ānanāmṛtabhānūdyatsaṁtāpatrayamocanaḥ nāsāpuṭadvayodbhāsitilapuṣpapraśobhanaḥ

By the rising of his face, a nectar-sun, the three-fold afflictions are dispelled; his two nostrils shine beautifully like sesame blossoms.

Verse 21 (skanda.2.50.21)

वपुषोऽश्ममयत्वेऽपि सुस्मितस्रपिताधरः । हाससंफुल्लगंडाभ्यां रुचिरं चिबुकं हनुः

vapuṣo'śmamayatve'pi susmitasrapitādharaḥ hāsasaṁphullagaṁḍābhyāṁ ruciraṁ cibukaṁ hanuḥ

Though his body is made of stone, his lips are moist with a gentle smile; his lovely chin and jaw shine between cheeks that have blossomed with laughter.

Verse 22 (skanda.2.50.22)

अनन्यपूर्वघटितं सृक्किणीयुगमंजसा । हासनिम्नाधरौ गंडौ चिबुकं सृक्किणी शुभे

ananyapūrvaghaṭitaṁ sṛkkiṇīyugamaṁjasā hāsanimnādharau gaṁḍau cibukaṁ sṛkkiṇī śubhe

The corners of his two lips are fashioned with an artistry found nowhere else, effortlessly; his cheeks dip with laughter, and his chin and auspicious lip-corners complete his beauty.

Verse 23 (skanda.2.50.23)

वहन्निदर्शनं देवो विश्वकर्मादिशिल्पिनाम् । मकरास्यकर्णभूषाशोभिश्रुतियुगेन सः

vahannidarśanaṁ devo viśvakarmādiśilpinām makarāsyakarṇabhūṣāśobhiśrutiyugena saḥ

The god, presenting an example even for Vishvakarma and other divine craftsmen, his pair of ears shining with makara-shaped ear-ornaments,

Verse 24 (skanda.2.50.24)

गुरुभार्गवयोर्मध्ये पूर्णचंद्रोपहासकः । ग्रैवयशोभाजनककंठदेशेन पश्यताम्

gurubhārgavayormadhye pūrṇacaṁdropahāsakaḥ graivayaśobhājanakakaṁṭhadeśena paśyatām

— his face, as if the full moon set between Jupiter and Venus, mocks the moon's own beauty; his throat is the very source of a necklace's splendor to those who behold it.

Verse 25 (skanda.2.50.25)

दक्षिणावर्त्तशंखस्य मुक्ताजन्माभिशंककृत् । पीनायतस्कंधयुगजानुदीर्घचतुर्भुजः

dakṣiṇāvarttaśaṁkhasya muktājanmābhiśaṁkakṛt pīnāyataskaṁdhayugajānudīrghacaturbhujaḥ

His throat casts doubt upon the very birth of a pearl from a right-whorled conch; his four arms are long, reaching to his knees, and his shoulders full and broad.

Verse 26 (skanda.2.50.26)

स्वच्छनिर्मलहारोपशोभकोरःस्थलो विभुः । धत्ते चतुर्दशजगद्दिव्यकौस्तुभबिंबितम्

svacchanirmalahāropaśobhakoraḥsthalo vibhuḥ dhatte caturdaśajagaddivyakaustubhabiṁbitam

The Lord's chest is graced with a clear, spotless necklace; he wears the divine Kaustubha jewel, in which the fourteen worlds stand reflected.

Verse 27 (skanda.2.50.27)

निम्ननाभिह्रदाविष्टतनुरोमालिमंजुलः । हारं त्रिवलिमध्येन स्थाणुत्वपरिणामकः

nimnanābhihradāviṣṭatanuromālimaṁjulaḥ hāraṁ trivalimadhyena sthāṇutvapariṇāmakaḥ

His fine, charming line of body-hair disappears into the deep pool of his navel; the necklace, passing through the three folds of his waist, seems there to have become fixed for ever.

Verse 28 (skanda.2.50.28)

सुरत्नमेखलादाम्ना किंकिणीमौक्तिकस्रजा । जगल्लावण्यपुटके स्फिचौ देवस्य शोभतः

suratnamekhalādāmnā kiṁkiṇīmauktikasrajā jagallāvaṇyapuṭake sphicau devasya śobhataḥ

With a beautiful jewel-set girdle-cord, strung with little bells and a garland of pearls, the god's hips shine — the very casket of the world's loveliness.

Verse 29 (skanda.2.50.29)

जघनालंविमुक्तास्रक्पीतचैलोपशोभितम् । जंघास्तंभयुगं मोक्षमांगल्यतोरणाश्रयम्

jaghanālaṁvimuktāsrakpītacailopaśobhitam jaṁghāstaṁbhayugaṁ mokṣamāṁgalyatoraṇāśrayam

His two thigh-pillars, graced with a yellow garment hanging loose from the waist, are the very support of liberation's auspicious archway.

Verse 30 (skanda.2.50.30)

वृत्तानुपूर्वजानुभ्यां मालया प्रपदीनया । रत्नाढ्यवलयाभ्यां च शोभेते चरणौ विभोः

vṛttānupūrvajānubhyāṁ mālayā prapadīnayā ratnāḍhyavalayābhyāṁ ca śobhete caraṇau vibhoḥ

The Lord's two feet shine with round, well-formed knees, with a garland reaching to the toes, and with jewel-studded anklets.

Verse 31 (skanda.2.50.31)

हारकंकणकेयूर मुकुटाद्यैरलंकृतम् । ज्ञानाहंकारकैश्वर्यशब्दब्रह्मणि केशवः

hārakaṁkaṇakeyūra mukuṭādyairalaṁkṛtam jñānāhaṁkārakaiśvaryaśabdabrahmaṇi keśavaḥ

Keshava, adorned with necklace, bracelets, armlets, crown and the rest, stands himself established in knowledge, self-hood, sovereignty and the word-Brahman, the Veda.

Verse 32 (skanda.2.50.32)

चक्रपद्मगदाशंखपरिणामानि धारयन् । सर्वाशाद्योतको देवो नीलाद्रेरुपरि स्थितः

cakrapadmagadāśaṁkhapariṇāmāni dhārayan sarvāśādyotako devo nīlādrerupari sthitaḥ

Bearing the manifold forms of discus, lotus, mace and conch, the god who illumines every quarter stands upon the peak of the Blue Mountain.

Verse 33 (skanda.2.50.33)

भक्त्या प्रणम्य दृष्ट्वा यं देहबंधात्प्रमुच्यते । वामपार्श्वगता लक्ष्मीराश्लिष्टा पद्मपाणिना

bhaktyā praṇamya dṛṣṭvā yaṁ dehabaṁdhātpramucyate vāmapārśvagatā lakṣmīrāśliṣṭā padmapāṇinā

Seeing whom and bowing to him with devotion, a man is freed from the bondage of the body; on his left side sits Lakshmi, embraced by his lotus-hand,

Verse 34 (skanda.2.50.34)

वल्लकीवादनपरा भगवन्मुखलोचना । सर्वलावण्यवसतिः सर्वालंकारभूषिता

vallakīvādanaparā bhagavanmukhalocanā sarvalāvaṇyavasatiḥ sarvālaṁkārabhūṣitā

— intent on playing the vina, her gaze fixed upon the Lord's face, the very abode of all loveliness, adorned with every ornament.

Verse 35 (skanda.2.50.35)

तावपश्यं हि जगतः पितरावचलस्थितौ । तूष्णींभूतौ स्मेरदृशाऽनुगृह्णंतौ च पश्यतः

tāvapaśyaṁ hi jagataḥ pitarāvacalasthitau tūṣṇīṁbhūtau smeradṛśā'nugṛhṇaṁtau ca paśyataḥ

I beheld those two, the parents of the universe, standing motionless, silent, gazing upon me and gracing me with a smiling look.

Verse 36 (skanda.2.50.36)

सजीवौ तावबुधं भो दीनानुग्रहकारणात् । छत्रीभूतफणावृंदः शेषः पश्चादवस्थितः

sajīvau tāvabudhaṁ bho dīnānugrahakāraṇāt chatrībhūtaphaṇāvṛṁdaḥ śeṣaḥ paścādavasthitaḥ

O sage, out of grace toward the humble, those two seemed alive; behind them stood Shesha, his cluster of hoods forming a canopy.

Verse 37 (skanda.2.50.37)

अग्रे व्यवस्थितं दृष्टं वपुर्बिभ्रत्सुदर्शनम् । कृतांजलिपुटं तस्य पश्चाद्गरुडमास्थितम्

agre vyavasthitaṁ dṛṣṭaṁ vapurbibhratsudarśanam kṛtāṁjalipuṭaṁ tasya paścādgaruḍamāsthitam

In front stood, visibly, Sudarshana in its embodied form; and behind, with folded hands, stood Garuda.

Verse 38 (skanda.2.50.38)

एवमद्भुतरूपं तं दृष्ट्वा साक्षाच्छ्रियः पतिम् । चेतोरज्जुभिराकृष्टमिव तत्रैव धावति

evamadbhutarūpaṁ taṁ dṛṣṭvā sākṣācchriyaḥ patim cetorajjubhirākṛṣṭamiva tatraiva dhāvati

Having thus beheld that wondrous form of the very Lord of Shri, my mind, as if drawn by the cords of my own heart, ran straight there and would not leave.

Verse 39 (skanda.2.50.39)

अनेकजन्मसाहस्रैः सुकर्माण्यर्जितानि चेत् । युगपत्परिपक्वानि यस्यासौ तं हि पश्यति

anekajanmasāhasraiḥ sukarmāṇyarjitāni cet yugapatparipakvāni yasyāsau taṁ hi paśyati

He whose good deeds, gathered across many thousands of births, ripen all at once — he alone comes to behold him.

Verse 40 (skanda.2.50.40)

तीर्थस्नानतपोदानदेवयज्ञव्रतैरपि । नालमालोकितुं मर्त्यस्तादृशं पुरुषोत्तमम्

tīrthasnānatapodānadevayajñavratairapi nālamālokituṁ martyastādṛśaṁ puruṣottamam

Not even through bathing at sacred fords, austerity, charity, worship of the gods, or vows can a mortal become able to behold such a Purushottama.

Verse 41 (skanda.2.50.41)

ये नीलमूर्तिं विमलांबराभं ध्यायंति विष्णुं पुरुषोत्तमस्थम् । ते क्षीणबंधाः प्रविशंति विष्णोः पुरं हि यत्प्राप्य न शोचतीह

ye nīlamūrtiṁ vimalāṁbarābhaṁ dhyāyaṁti viṣṇuṁ puruṣottamastham te kṣīṇabaṁdhāḥ praviśaṁti viṣṇoḥ puraṁ hi yatprāpya na śocatīha

Those who meditate on Vishnu, dark of form like the spotless sky, dwelling in Purushottama — their bonds worn away, they enter Vishnu's own city, attaining which one grieves here no more.

Verse 42 (skanda.2.50.42)

विद्याभिरष्टादशभिः प्रणीतं नानाविधं कर्मफलं नृणां यत् । एकत्र तत्सर्वममुष्य विष्णोः संदर्शनस्यैति शतांशमानम्

vidyābhiraṣṭādaśabhiḥ praṇītaṁ nānāvidhaṁ karmaphalaṁ nṛṇāṁ yat ekatra tatsarvamamuṣya viṣṇoḥ saṁdarśanasyaiti śatāṁśamānam

Whatever manifold fruits of action men gain through the eighteen branches of learning — all of them together do not equal even a hundredth part of the fruit of one sight of this Vishnu.

Verse 43 (skanda.2.50.43)

किमत्र वाच्यं त्वधिकं क्षितींद्र पुंसो मतिर्यावदुपैति कामान् । लभेत नीलाद्रिपतिं प्रणम्य ततोऽधिकंक्षेत्रभुवो महिम्ना

kimatra vācyaṁ tvadhikaṁ kṣitīṁdra puṁso matiryāvadupaiti kāmān labheta nīlādripatiṁ praṇamya tato'dhikaṁkṣetrabhuvo mahimnā

What more need be said here, O lord of the earth? Whatever a man's mind reaches toward in desire, he gains all of it, and more besides, by bowing to the Lord of the Blue Mountain, through the greatness of this sacred ground.

Verse 44 (skanda.2.50.44)

स एव दाता क्रतुभिः स यष्टा सत्यप्रवक्ता स तु धर्मशीलः । सर्वैर्गुणैः सर्वभवैर्वरिष्ठो नीलाद्रिनाथः खलु येन दृष्टः

sa eva dātā kratubhiḥ sa yaṣṭā satyapravaktā sa tu dharmaśīlaḥ sarvairguṇaiḥ sarvabhavairvariṣṭho nīlādrināthaḥ khalu yena dṛṣṭaḥ

He alone is a true giver through sacrifice, he alone the true sacrificer, he alone the speaker of truth, he alone righteous — best among all beings, in every quality — who has beheld the Lord of the Blue Mountain.

Verse 45 (skanda.2.50.45)

तत्र ये सेवकाः संति माधवस्य जगत्पतेः । तेभ्यः सकाशान्माहात्म्यमिदं ज्ञातं मया नृप

tatra ye sevakāḥ saṁti mādhavasya jagatpateḥ tebhyaḥ sakāśānmāhātmyamidaṁ jñātaṁ mayā nṛpa

O king, it was from those very servants of Madhava, Lord of the universe, who dwell there, that this greatness became known to me.

Verse 46 (skanda.2.50.46)

तस्मिन्परंपरायातमादिसृष्टेः पुरातनम् । प्रसिद्धमिदमाख्यानं श्रुत्वा तत्रागतो ह्यहम्

tasminparaṁparāyātamādisṛṣṭeḥ purātanam prasiddhamidamākhyānaṁ śrutvā tatrāgato hyaham

Having heard there this ancient, celebrated account, handed down in unbroken succession since the beginning of creation, I have come here.

Verse 47 (skanda.2.50.47)

त्वदाज्ञया तत्र गत्वा दृष्ट्वा श्रीपुरुषोत्तमम् । निवेदितं ते राजेंद्र यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु

tvadājñayā tatra gatvā dṛṣṭvā śrīpuruṣottamam niveditaṁ te rājeṁdra yathecchasi tathā kuru

By your command I went there, beheld Shri Purushottama, and have now related all this to you, O foremost of kings; do now as you wish.

Verse 48 (skanda.2.50.48)

इंद्रद्युम्न उवाच । आप्तवाक्याद्भगवतः श्रुत्वा रूपमघापहम् । कृतकृत्योऽस्मि भगवन्दिव्यनिर्माल्यसंगमात्

iṁdradyumna uvāca āptavākyādbhagavataḥ śrutvā rūpamaghāpaham kṛtakṛtyo'smi bhagavandivyanirmālyasaṁgamāt

Indradyumna said: Having heard, from trustworthy words, of the Lord's sin-destroying form, and, O venerable one, through contact with this divine offered-garland, I have become fulfilled.

Verse 49 (skanda.2.50.49)

बहुजन्मस्वर्जितानि क्षीणानि दुरितानि मे । अधिकारी त्वहं जातो दर्शने श्रीपतेरिह

bahujanmasvarjitāni kṣīṇāni duritāni me adhikārī tvahaṁ jāto darśane śrīpateriha

The sins gathered by me across many births have been worn away; I have now become fit for the sight of the Lord of Shri, even here.

Verse 50 (skanda.2.50.50)

सर्वात्मनाहं यास्यामि राज्येन सुसमृद्धिना । तत्रावासं करिष्यामि पुरदुर्गाणि चैव हि

sarvātmanāhaṁ yāsyāmi rājyena susamṛddhinā tatrāvāsaṁ kariṣyāmi puradurgāṇi caiva hi

With my whole being I shall go there, together with my flourishing kingdom; there I shall make my dwelling, and raise cities and forts as well.

Verse 51 (skanda.2.50.51)

क्रतुना हयमेधेन यक्ष्ये प्रीत्यै मुरद्विषः । शतोपचारैः श्रीनाथं पूजयिष्ये दिनेदिने

kratunā hayamedhena yakṣye prītyai muradviṣaḥ śatopacāraiḥ śrīnāthaṁ pūjayiṣye dinedine

With the horse-sacrifice I shall offer worship for the pleasure of the enemy of Mura; day after day I shall worship the Lord of Shri with a hundred forms of service.

Verse 52 (skanda.2.50.52)

व्रतोपवासनियमैः प्रीणयिष्ये जगद्गुरुम् । वाक्यामृतेन संतप्तं यथा मामभिषेक्ष्यति

vratopavāsaniyamaiḥ prīṇayiṣye jagadgurum vākyāmṛtena saṁtaptaṁ yathā māmabhiṣekṣyati

By vows, fasts and observances I shall please the Guru of the universe, so that he may console and consecrate me, tormented as I am, with the nectar of his word.

Verse 53 (skanda.2.50.53)

दीनानुकंपी भगवान्साक्षान्नारायणो विभुः । एवं स श्रद्धया भक्त्या संस्तुते यावदीश्वरम्

dīnānukaṁpī bhagavānsākṣānnārāyaṇo vibhuḥ evaṁ sa śraddhayā bhaktyā saṁstute yāvadīśvaram

The Lord, compassionate to the humble, is directly Narayana, the all-pervading one. Thus, while he was praising the Lord with faith and devotion,

Verse 54 (skanda.2.50.54)

नारदस्तत्र संप्राप्तो भुवनालोककौतुकी । तमायांतमृषिं दृष्ट्वा वैष्णवाग्र्यं विधेः सुतम्

nāradastatra saṁprāpto bhuvanālokakautukī tamāyāṁtamṛṣiṁ dṛṣṭvā vaiṣṇavāgryaṁ vidheḥ sutam

— Narada, curious to view the worlds, arrived there. Seeing that sage approaching, foremost among Vaishnavas, the son of Brahma,

Verse 55 (skanda.2.50.55)

आशशंस स्वकार्यस्य सिद्धिं नरपतिस्तदा । उत्थाय सहसा विप्राः पाद्यार्घ्याचमनीयकैः । वरासनस्थं प्रणतः प्रोवाचेदं कृतांजलिः

āśaśaṁsa svakāryasya siddhiṁ narapatistadā utthāya sahasā viprāḥ pādyārghyācamanīyakaiḥ varāsanasthaṁ praṇataḥ provācedaṁ kṛtāṁjaliḥ

— the king then hoped for the success of his own undertaking. O Brahmins, rising at once, honoring him with water for the feet, offering-water and sipping-water, bowing before him as he sat on the excellent seat, with joined palms he spoke thus:

Verse 56 (skanda.2.50.56)

इन्द्रद्युम्न उवाच । अद्य मे सफला यज्ञा दानमध्ययनं तपः

indradyumna uvāca adya me saphalā yajñā dānamadhyayanaṁ tapaḥ

Indradyumna said: Today my sacrifices, charity, study and austerity have borne fruit,

Verse 57 (skanda.2.50.57)

यन्मे गृहं समागच्छद्द्वितीया ब्रह्मणस्तनुः । कृतार्थो यद्यपि मुने आगमानुग्रहात्तव

yanme gṛhaṁ samāgacchaddvitīyā brahmaṇastanuḥ kṛtārtho yadyapi mune āgamānugrahāttava

— since you, a second body of Brahma himself, have come to my home. Although, O sage, I am already fulfilled by the grace of your very arrival,

Verse 58 (skanda.2.50.58)

तथापि त्वत्प्रसादाय किमाज्ञां करवाणि ते । किं प्रयोजनमुद्दिश्य भवनं मे पवित्रितम्

tathāpi tvatprasādāya kimājñāṁ karavāṇi te kiṁ prayojanamuddiśya bhavanaṁ me pavitritam

— still, what command of yours shall I carry out for your favor? With what purpose has my dwelling been made sacred by your visit?

Verse 59 (skanda.2.50.59)

जैमिनिरुवाच । तच्छ्रुत्वा नृपतेर्वाक्यं भक्तिप्रश्रयकोमलम् । उवाच ब्रह्मणः पुत्रः स्मितपूर्वं महीपतिम्

jaiminiruvāca tacchrutvā nṛpatervākyaṁ bhaktipraśrayakomalam uvāca brahmaṇaḥ putraḥ smitapūrvaṁ mahīpatim

Jaimini said: Hearing the king's words, made gentle by devotion and humility, the son of Brahma, smiling, spoke to the king:

Verse 60 (skanda.2.50.60)

नारद उवाच । इंद्रद्युम्न नृपश्रेष्ठ विमलैस्त्वद्गुणोत्करैः । प्रीणिता देवताः सिद्धा मुनयो ब्रह्मणा सह

nārada uvāca iṁdradyumna nṛpaśreṣṭha vimalaistvadguṇotkaraiḥ prīṇitā devatāḥ siddhā munayo brahmaṇā saha

Narada said: O Indradyumna, best of kings, by your spotless multitude of virtues the gods, the Siddhas, the sages, and Brahma himself have all been pleased.

Verse 61 (skanda.2.50.61)

स्वप्रतिष्ठा पृथग्योग्या गुणा एकैकशस्तव । ब्रह्मणः सदने स्थित्यै पर्याप्तास्तु समीहिताः

svapratiṣṭhā pṛthagyogyā guṇā ekaikaśastava brahmaṇaḥ sadane sthityai paryāptāstu samīhitāḥ

Each one of your virtues, even taken separately, is worthy of its own renown; taken together they are enough, and desirable enough, to secure a place in Brahma's own world.

Verse 62 (skanda.2.50.62)

अवतीर्णो नरं द्रष्टुं तिष्ठंतं बदराश्रमे । तद्ध्यानावसरे ज्ञातो व्यवसायस्तवेदृशः

avatīrṇo naraṁ draṣṭuṁ tiṣṭhaṁtaṁ badarāśrame taddhyānāvasare jñāto vyavasāyastavedṛśaḥ

I had descended to see the sage Nara, dwelling at Badarikashrama; during his meditation, this resolve of yours became known to me.

Verse 63 (skanda.2.50.63)

साधु व्यवसितं राजन्याभूत्ते बुद्धिरीदृशी । सहस्रजन्मस्वभ्यासाद्भक्तिर्भवति भूपते

sādhu vyavasitaṁ rājanyābhūtte buddhirīdṛśī sahasrajanmasvabhyāsādbhaktirbhavati bhūpate

Well resolved, O king, that such a resolve arose in you; O lord of the earth, devotion comes into being only through the practice of a thousand births.

Verse 64 (skanda.2.50.64)

नीलाचलगुहावासे माधवे जगतां धवे । पितामहो महाप्राज्ञो यमाराध्य जगत्पतिम्

nīlācalaguhāvāse mādhave jagatāṁ dhave pitāmaho mahāprājño yamārādhya jagatpatim

By worshipping Madhava, Lord of the world, dwelling in the cave of the Blue Mountain, the wise Grandsire, Brahma,

Verse 65 (skanda.2.50.65)

विनिर्ममे सृष्टिमिमां लेभे पैतामहं पदम् । तदन्वयप्रसूतोऽसि युक्ता ते भक्तिरीदृशी

vinirmame sṛṣṭimimāṁ lebhe paitāmahaṁ padam tadanvayaprasūto'si yuktā te bhaktirīdṛśī

— fashioned this creation and won the station of Grandsire. You are born in that very lineage; fitting indeed is such devotion in you.

Verse 66 (skanda.2.50.66)

चतुर्वर्गफला भक्तिर्विष्णौ नाल्पतपःफलम् । अनाद्यविद्या सुदृढपञ्चक्लेशविवर्द्धिनी

caturvargaphalā bhaktirviṣṇau nālpatapaḥphalam anādyavidyā sudṛḍhapañcakleśavivarddhinī

Devotion to Vishnu bears the fruit of all four aims of life; it is not the fruit of some small austerity. Beginningless ignorance is what firmly nourishes the five afflictions.

Verse 67 (skanda.2.50.67)

एकैवेयं विष्णुभक्तिस्तदुच्छेदाय जायते । भवारण्ये प्रतिपदं दुःखसंकटसंकुले

ekaiveyaṁ viṣṇubhaktistaducchedāya jāyate bhavāraṇye pratipadaṁ duḥkhasaṁkaṭasaṁkule

This Vishnu-bhakti alone arises to cut down that ignorance, in the forest of worldly existence crowded at every step with suffering and distress.

Verse 68 (skanda.2.50.68)

नराणां भ्रमतां विष्णुभक्तिरेका सुखप्रदा । निरालये द्वंद्ववातप्रोद्यतेस्मिन्सुदुस्तरे

narāṇāṁ bhramatāṁ viṣṇubhaktirekā sukhapradā nirālaye dvaṁdvavātaprodyatesminsudustare

For men wandering in this shelterless world, stirred by the winds of the pairs of opposites, so hard to cross, Vishnu-bhakti alone bestows happiness.

Verse 69 (skanda.2.50.69)

निमग्नानां भवांभोधौ विष्णुभक्तिस्तरिः स्मृता । आश्रित्यैकां भगवतीं विष्णुभक्तिं तु मातरम्

nimagnānāṁ bhavāṁbhodhau viṣṇubhaktistariḥ smṛtā āśrityaikāṁ bhagavatīṁ viṣṇubhaktiṁ tu mātaram

For those sunk in the ocean of worldly existence, Vishnu-bhakti is remembered as the very boat. Taking refuge in this one divine mother, Vishnu-bhakti,

Verse 70 (skanda.2.50.70)

सन्तः सन्तुष्टमनसो न तु शोचन्ति जातुचित् । विष्णुभक्तिसुधापानसंहृष्टानां महात्मनाम्

santaḥ santuṣṭamanaso na tu śocanti jātucit viṣṇubhaktisudhāpānasaṁhṛṣṭānāṁ mahātmanām

— the good, their minds content, never grieve at all. For those great souls who have thrilled at drinking the nectar of Vishnu-bhakti,

Verse 71 (skanda.2.50.71)

ब्राह्म्यं पदं स्वल्पलाभो भाजनानां विमुक्तये । त्रिविधो योंऽहसा राशिः सुमहाञ्जन्मिनां नृप

brāhmyaṁ padaṁ svalpalābho bhājanānāṁ vimuktaye trividho yoṁ'hasā rāśiḥ sumahāñjanmināṁ nṛpa

— even the station of Brahma is but a small gain for such vessels fit for liberation. O king, the threefold, immense mass of sin belonging to embodied beings,

Verse 72 (skanda.2.50.72)

विष्णुभक्तिमहादाववह्नौ स शलभायते । प्रयागगंगाप्रमुखतीर्थानि च तपांसि च

viṣṇubhaktimahādāvavahnau sa śalabhāyate prayāgagaṁgāpramukhatīrthāni ca tapāṁsi ca

— is consumed like a moth in the great forest-fire that is Vishnu-bhakti. The sacred fords headed by Prayaga and the Ganga, and austerities,

Verse 73 (skanda.2.50.73)

अश्वमेधः क्रतुवरो दानानि सुमहांति च । व्रतोपवासनियमाः सहस्राण्यर्जिता अपि

aśvamedhaḥ kratuvaro dānāni sumahāṁti ca vratopavāsaniyamāḥ sahasrāṇyarjitā api

— the horse-sacrifice, best of rites, great acts of charity, and thousands of vows, fasts and observances undertaken,

Verse 74 (skanda.2.50.74)

समूह एषामेकत्र गुणितः कोटिकोटिभिः । विष्णुभक्तेः सहस्रांशसमोऽसौ न हि कीर्तितः

samūha eṣāmekatra guṇitaḥ koṭikoṭibhiḥ viṣṇubhakteḥ sahasrāṁśasamo'sau na hi kīrtitaḥ

— the sum of all of these together, even multiplied ten million times ten million over, is not declared equal to even a thousandth part of Vishnu-bhakti.

Verse 75 (skanda.2.50.75)

जैमिनिरुवाच । विष्णुभक्तेस्तु माहात्म्यं श्रुत्वा ब्रह्मर्षिणोदितम् । विष्णुभक्तेः स्वरूपं हि ज्ञातुकामः क्षितीश्वरः

jaiminiruvāca viṣṇubhaktestu māhātmyaṁ śrutvā brahmarṣiṇoditam viṣṇubhakteḥ svarūpaṁ hi jñātukāmaḥ kṣitīśvaraḥ

Jaimini said: Having heard the greatness of Vishnu-bhakti thus declared by the Brahmarshi, the lord of the earth, desiring now to know the very nature of Vishnu-bhakti,

Verse 76 (skanda.2.50.76)

नारदं पुनराहेदं वाक्यं सत्कारयुक्तिमान्

nāradaṁ punarāhedaṁ vākyaṁ satkārayuktimān

— honoring him fittingly, spoke again these words to Narada.

Verse 77 (skanda.2.50.77)

इन्द्रद्युम्न उवाच । महिमा विष्णुभक्तेस्तु साधु प्रोक्तो महामुने । तस्याः स्वरूप जिज्ञासा चिरान्मे हृदि वर्त्तते

indradyumna uvāca mahimā viṣṇubhaktestu sādhu prokto mahāmune tasyāḥ svarūpa jijñāsā cirānme hṛdi varttate

Indradyumna said: O great sage, the greatness of Vishnu-bhakti you have well declared; the longing to know its very nature has dwelt long in my heart.

Verse 78 (skanda.2.50.78)

लक्षणं वर्णयेदानीं भक्तेर्वैष्णवपुंगव । त्वदन्यो न हि वक्ता स्याद्विज्ञातो मे महीतले

lakṣaṇaṁ varṇayedānīṁ bhaktervaiṣṇavapuṁgava tvadanyo na hi vaktā syādvijñāto me mahītale

O foremost of Vaishnavas, now describe the defining marks of devotion; on this earth I know of no other who could speak of it besides you.

Verse 79 (skanda.2.50.79)

नारद उवाच । साधु राजंस्त्वया पृष्टं भक्तिलक्षणमुत्तमम् । कथयिष्ये यथार्थं त्वां भक्तिभाजनमुत्तमम्

nārada uvāca sādhu rājaṁstvayā pṛṣṭaṁ bhaktilakṣaṇamuttamam kathayiṣye yathārthaṁ tvāṁ bhaktibhājanamuttamam

Narada said: Well asked, O king, this excellent question about the mark of devotion; since you are yourself a most fit vessel for devotion, I shall tell you the truth of it.

Verse 80 (skanda.2.50.80)

अपात्रे न हि वाच्येयं नरेंऽधे मलिनांतरे । शृणुष्वावहितो राजन्प्रोच्यमानां मयानघ

apātre na hi vācyeyaṁ nareṁ'dhe malināṁtare śṛṇuṣvāvahito rājanprocyamānāṁ mayānagha

This is not to be told to an unfit person, one blind and impure of heart. O sinless king, listen attentively to what I am about to say.

Verse 81 (skanda.2.50.81)

सामान्यतो विशेषाच्च विष्णोर्भक्तिं सनातनीम् । अत्यन्तसुखसंप्राप्तौ विच्छेदे दुःखसंततेः

sāmānyato viśeṣācca viṣṇorbhaktiṁ sanātanīm atyantasukhasaṁprāptau vicchede duḥkhasaṁtateḥ

This eternal devotion to Vishnu, considered both generally and in particular, in the attaining of supreme happiness and the severing of the continuity of sorrow—

Verse 82 (skanda.2.50.82)

हेतुरेकोऽयमेवेति संश्रयाद्भक्तिरुच्यते । त्रिधा सा गुणभेदेन तुरीया निर्गुणा मता

hetureko'yameveti saṁśrayādbhaktirucyate tridhā sā guṇabhedena turīyā nirguṇā matā

— being relied upon as the sole cause of this, it is called bhakti. By the distinction of the gunas it is threefold, and a fourth kind is held to be beyond the gunas.

Verse 83 (skanda.2.50.83)

कामक्रोधाभिभूतानां दृष्ट्वा यान्यं न पश्यताम् । लब्धये चाभिचाराय भक्तिः स्यान्नृप तामसी

kāmakrodhābhibhūtānāṁ dṛṣṭvā yānyaṁ na paśyatām labdhaye cābhicārāya bhaktiḥ syānnṛpa tāmasī

O king, the devotion of those overcome by desire and anger, who though seeing see nothing but their own gain, practiced for profit or for sorcery — that is called tamasic devotion.

Verse 84 (skanda.2.50.84)

यशसे चातिरिक्ताय परस्य स्पर्द्धयापि वा । प्रसंगात्परलोकाय भक्तिः सा राजसी स्मृता

yaśase cātiriktāya parasya sparddhayāpi vā prasaṁgātparalokāya bhaktiḥ sā rājasī smṛtā

Devotion practiced for excessive fame, or out of rivalry with another, or incidentally for the sake of the world beyond — that is called rajasic devotion.

Verse 85 (skanda.2.50.85)

आमुष्मिकं स्थिरतरं दृष्ट्वा भावान्विनश्वरान् । पश्यताश्रमवर्णोक्तान्धर्मान्नैव जिहासता

āmuṣmikaṁ sthirataraṁ dṛṣṭvā bhāvānvinaśvarān paśyatāśramavarṇoktāndharmānnaiva jihāsatā

Seeing the world beyond as the more enduring, and worldly states as perishable, yet, beholding the duties enjoined for one's stage of life and caste, never wishing to abandon them—

Verse 86 (skanda.2.50.86)

आत्मज्ञानाय या भक्तिः क्रियते सा तु सात्त्विकी । जगच्चेदं जगन्नाथो नान्यं चापि च कारणम्

ātmajñānāya yā bhaktiḥ kriyate sā tu sāttvikī jagaccedaṁ jagannātho nānyaṁ cāpi ca kāraṇam

— the devotion practiced for the sake of Self-knowledge, that is sattvic. This universe is itself the Lord of the universe, and has no other cause—

Verse 87 (skanda.2.50.87)

अहं च न ततो भिन्नो मत्तोसौ न पृथक्स्थितः । हीनं बहिरुपाधीनां प्रेमोत्कर्षेण भावनम्

ahaṁ ca na tato bhinno mattosau na pṛthaksthitaḥ hīnaṁ bahirupādhīnāṁ premotkarṣeṇa bhāvanam

— 'I am not different from him, nor does he stand apart from me' — this contemplation, free of all external limiting adjuncts, born of the very excellence of love—

Verse 88 (skanda.2.50.88)

दुर्लभा भक्तिरैषा हि मुक्तयेऽद्वैतसंज्ञिता । सात्त्विक्या ब्रह्मणः स्थानं राजस्या शक्रलोकताम्

durlabhā bhaktiraiṣā hi muktaye'dvaitasaṁjñitā sāttvikyā brahmaṇaḥ sthānaṁ rājasyā śakralokatām

— this is that rare devotion called non-dual, which leads to liberation. Through sattvic devotion one attains the station of Brahma, through rajasic the world of Indra;

Verse 89 (skanda.2.50.89)

प्रयांति भुक्त्वा भोगान्हि तामस्या पितृलोकताम् । पुनरागत्य भूर्लोकं भक्तिं तां वैपरीत्यतः

prayāṁti bhuktvā bhogānhi tāmasyā pitṛlokatām punarāgatya bhūrlokaṁ bhaktiṁ tāṁ vaiparītyataḥ

— through tamasic devotion, after enjoying its pleasures, one attains the world of the ancestors, then returns again to the earthly realm. By a reversal of order, this devotion—

Verse 90 (skanda.2.50.90)

तामसो राजसीं कुर्याद्राजसः सात्त्विकीं तथा । सात्त्विको मुक्तिमाप्नोति कृत्वा चाद्वैतभावनाम्

tāmaso rājasīṁ kuryādrājasaḥ sāttvikīṁ tathā sāttviko muktimāpnoti kṛtvā cādvaitabhāvanām

— the tamasic devotee should turn into the rajasic, and the rajasic in turn into the sattvic. The sattvic devotee, having cultivated the contemplation of non-duality, attains liberation.

Verse 91 (skanda.2.50.91)

एकामपि समाश्रित्य क्रमान्मुक्तिपथं व्रजेत् । विष्णुभक्तिविहीनस्य श्रौतस्मार्ताश्च याः क्रियाः

ekāmapi samāśritya kramānmuktipathaṁ vrajet viṣṇubhaktivihīnasya śrautasmārtāśca yāḥ kriyāḥ

Taking refuge in even one of these, a man gradually walks the path of liberation. But whatever rites — Vedic or traditional — one devoid of Vishnu-bhakti performs—

Verse 92 (skanda.2.50.92)

प्रायश्चित्तादिकं तीर्थं यात्रा कृच्छ्रादिकं तपः । कुले प्रसूतिः शिल्पानि सर्वं लौकिकभूषणम्

prāyaścittādikaṁ tīrthaṁ yātrā kṛcchrādikaṁ tapaḥ kule prasūtiḥ śilpāni sarvaṁ laukikabhūṣaṇam

— atonements and the like, pilgrimage to sacred fords, austerities such as the kricchra vow, high birth, and the arts and crafts — all of it is mere worldly ornament.

Verse 93 (skanda.2.50.93)

कायक्लेशः फलं तेषां स्वैरिणी व्यभिचारवत् । कुलाचारविहीनोऽपि दृढभक्तिर्जितेंद्रियः

kāyakleśaḥ phalaṁ teṣāṁ svairiṇī vyabhicāravat kulācāravihīno'pi dṛḍhabhaktirjiteṁdriyaḥ

Their fruit is only bodily hardship, like the wantonness of an unchaste woman. But whoever, even without ancestral custom, holds firm devotion and mastery of the senses,

Verse 94 (skanda.2.50.94)

प्रशस्यः सर्वलोकानां न त्वष्टादशविद्यकः । भक्तिहीनो नृपश्रेष्ठ सज्जातिर्द्धार्मिकस्तथा

praśasyaḥ sarvalokānāṁ na tvaṣṭādaśavidyakaḥ bhaktihīno nṛpaśreṣṭha sajjātirddhārmikastathā

— he is praiseworthy in every world, not the man versed merely in the eighteen sciences. O best of kings, one without devotion, be he ever so well-born and righteous,

Verse 95 (skanda.2.50.95)

नाल्पभाग्यस्य पुंसो हि विष्णौ भक्तिः प्रजायते । यां तु संपाद्य यत्नेन कृतकृत्यो न सीदति

nālpabhāgyasya puṁso hi viṣṇau bhaktiḥ prajāyate yāṁ tu saṁpādya yatnena kṛtakṛtyo na sīdati

— devotion to Vishnu is not born in a man of little merit. But whoever, having gained it through effort, becomes fulfilled, sinks into sorrow no more.

Verse 96 (skanda.2.50.96)

यया वेत्ति जगन्नाथं सा विद्या परिकीर्तिता । येन प्रीणाति भगवांस्तत्कर्माशुभनाशनम्

yayā vetti jagannāthaṁ sā vidyā parikīrtitā yena prīṇāti bhagavāṁstatkarmāśubhanāśanam

That by which the Lord of the world is known is called true knowledge; and that action by which the Lord is pleased destroys all inauspiciousness.

Verse 97 (skanda.2.50.97)

विष्णुभक्तश्च संप्रोक्तस्ताभ्यां युक्तो दृढव्रतः । यत्पादपांसुना विश्वं पूयते सचराचरम्

viṣṇubhaktaśca saṁproktastābhyāṁ yukto dṛḍhavrataḥ yatpādapāṁsunā viśvaṁ pūyate sacarācaram

He who is joined to both of these, firm in his vow, is proclaimed a devotee of Vishnu — by the dust of whose feet the whole moving and unmoving universe is purified.

Verse 98 (skanda.2.50.98)

सृष्टिस्थितिविनाशानां स्वेच्छया प्रभवत्यसौ । कि पुनः क्षुद्रकामानां भूमिस्वर्गादिसंपदाम्

sṛṣṭisthitivināśānāṁ svecchayā prabhavatyasau ki punaḥ kṣudrakāmānāṁ bhūmisvargādisaṁpadām

He becomes capable, by his own will, even of creation, preservation and dissolution — how much more, then, of such trifling desires as the wealth of earth or heaven!

Verse 99 (skanda.2.50.99)

वासुदेवस्य भक्तस्य न भेदो विद्यतेऽनयोः । वासुदेवस्य ये भक्तास्तेषां वक्ष्यामि लक्षणम्

vāsudevasya bhaktasya na bhedo vidyate'nayoḥ vāsudevasya ye bhaktāsteṣāṁ vakṣyāmi lakṣaṇam

Between Vasudeva and his devotee there is no difference at all. Now I shall declare to you the marks of those who are devotees of Vasudeva.

Verse 100 (skanda.2.50.100)

प्रशांतचित्ताः सर्वेषां सौम्याः कामजितेंद्रियाः । कर्मणा मनसा वाचा परद्रोहमनिच्छवः

praśāṁtacittāḥ sarveṣāṁ saumyāḥ kāmajiteṁdriyāḥ karmaṇā manasā vācā paradrohamanicchavaḥ

Tranquil in mind toward all, gentle, having mastered desire and the senses, they wish harm to no one in deed, mind, or speech;

Verse 101 (skanda.2.50.101)

दयार्द्रमनसो नित्यं स्तेयहिंसापराङ्मुखाः । गुणेषु परकार्येषु पक्षपातमुदान्विताः

dayārdramanaso nityaṁ steyahiṁsāparāṅmukhāḥ guṇeṣu parakāryeṣu pakṣapātamudānvitāḥ

— their hearts ever softened with compassion, ever averse to theft and violence; they take joy in siding with virtue and with the good deeds of others.

Verse 102 (skanda.2.50.102)

सदाचारावदाताश्च परोत्सवनिजोत्सवाः । पश्यावः सर्वभूतस्थं वासुदेवममत्सराः

sadācārāvadātāśca parotsavanijotsavāḥ paśyāvaḥ sarvabhūtasthaṁ vāsudevamamatsarāḥ

Bright with good conduct, counting another's joy as their very own, free of envy, they say: 'let us behold Vasudeva abiding in all beings.'

Verse 103 (skanda.2.50.103)

दीनानुकंपिनो नित्यं भृशं परहितैषिणः । राजोपचारपूजायां लालनाः स्वकुमारवत्

dīnānukaṁpino nityaṁ bhṛśaṁ parahitaiṣiṇaḥ rājopacārapūjāyāṁ lālanāḥ svakumāravat

Ever compassionate to the humble, deeply devoted to others' welfare, they extend royal hospitality and honor to others, cherishing them tenderly as their own children.

Verse 104 (skanda.2.50.104)

कृष्णसर्पादिव भयं बाह्ये परिचरंति ते । विषयेष्वविवेकानां या प्रीतिरुपजायते

kṛṣṇasarpādiva bhayaṁ bāhye paricaraṁti te viṣayeṣvavivekānāṁ yā prītirupajāyate

They move about among outward objects as warily as one who fears a black serpent. The pleasure that arises in the undiscerning for objects of sense—

Verse 105 (skanda.2.50.105)

वितन्वते तु तां प्रीतिं शतकोटिगुणां हरौ । नित्यकर्तव्यताबुद्ध्या यजंतः शंकरादिकान्

vitanvate tu tāṁ prītiṁ śatakoṭiguṇāṁ harau nityakartavyatābuddhyā yajaṁtaḥ śaṁkarādikān

— that same pleasure they direct toward Hari, magnified a hundred million times. Worship of Shankara and the other gods they perform as an ever-due duty,

Verse 106 (skanda.2.50.106)

विष्णुस्वरूपान्ध्यायंति भक्त्या पितृगणेष्वपि । विष्णोरन्यं न पश्यंति विष्णुं नान्यत्पृथग्गतम्

viṣṇusvarūpāndhyāyaṁti bhaktyā pitṛgaṇeṣvapi viṣṇoranyaṁ na paśyaṁti viṣṇuṁ nānyatpṛthaggatam

— yet even there they meditate, with devotion, upon their forms as Vishnu, even in the case of the ancestors. They see nothing other than Vishnu, and never see Vishnu as apart from anything else.

Verse 107 (skanda.2.50.107)

पार्थक्यं न च पार्थक्यं समष्टिव्यष्टिरूपिणः । जगन्नाथ तवास्मीति दासस्त्वं चास्मि नो पृथक्

pārthakyaṁ na ca pārthakyaṁ samaṣṭivyaṣṭirūpiṇaḥ jagannātha tavāsmīti dāsastvaṁ cāsmi no pṛthak

In him who is of the form both of the whole and of the part, there is difference, and yet no difference: 'O Lord of the universe, I am yours' — 'you are my master, and I am not separate from you' — such is the feeling they hold.

Verse 108 (skanda.2.50.108)

अन्तर्यामी यदा देवः सर्वेषां हृदि संस्थितः । सेव्यो वा सेवको वापि त्वत्तो नान्योऽस्ति कश्चन

antaryāmī yadā devaḥ sarveṣāṁ hṛdi saṁsthitaḥ sevyo vā sevako vāpi tvatto nānyo'sti kaścana

Since the god who dwells within, the inner controller, is seated in the hearts of all, whether as the one served or the servant, there exists none other than you.

Verse 109 (skanda.2.50.109)

इति भावनया कृतावधानाः प्रणमंतः सततं च कीर्त्तयंतः । हरिमब्जजवन्द्यपादपद्मं प्रभजंतस्तृणवज्जगज्जनेषु

iti bhāvanayā kṛtāvadhānāḥ praṇamaṁtaḥ satataṁ ca kīrttayaṁtaḥ harimabjajavandyapādapadmaṁ prabhajaṁtastṛṇavajjagajjaneṣu

Attentive in this contemplation, forever bowing and singing his praise, they worship Hari, whose lotus feet are revered even by the lotus-born Brahma, and hold the people of the world to be as insignificant as a blade of grass.

Verse 110 (skanda.2.50.110)

उपकृतिकुशला जगत्स्वजस्रं परकुशलानि निजानि मन्यमानाः । अपि परपरिभावने दयार्द्राः शिवमनसः खलु वैष्णवाः प्रसिद्धाः

upakṛtikuśalā jagatsvajasraṁ parakuśalāni nijāni manyamānāḥ api paraparibhāvane dayārdrāḥ śivamanasaḥ khalu vaiṣṇavāḥ prasiddhāḥ

Skilled in continually benefiting the world, counting others' good fortune as their own, their hearts softened with compassion even when scorned, their minds ever auspicious — such indeed are the Vaishnavas renowned to be.

Verse 111 (skanda.2.50.111)

दृषदि परधने च लोष्टखंडे परवनितासु च कूटशाल्मलीषु । सखिरिपुसहजेषु बन्धुवर्गे सममतयः खलु वैष्णवाः प्रसिद्धाः

dṛṣadi paradhane ca loṣṭakhaṁḍe paravanitāsu ca kūṭaśālmalīṣu sakhiripusahajeṣu bandhuvarge samamatayaḥ khalu vaiṣṇavāḥ prasiddhāḥ

Equal-minded toward a stone and another's wealth, toward a clod of earth and another's wife, toward thorny false silk-cotton trees, toward friend, foe, brother and kinsman alike — such indeed are the Vaishnavas renowned to be.

Verse 112 (skanda.2.50.112)

हरिचरणसरोजयुग्मचित्ता जडिमधियः सुखदुःखसाम्यरूपाः । अपचितिचतुरा हरौ निजात्मनतवचसः खलु वैष्णवाः प्रसिद्धाः

haricaraṇasarojayugmacittā jaḍimadhiyaḥ sukhaduḥkhasāmyarūpāḥ apaciticaturā harau nijātmanatavacasaḥ khalu vaiṣṇavāḥ prasiddhāḥ

Their minds fixed on Hari's pair of lotus feet, seeming dull-witted to the world, of even temper in pleasure and pain, skilled in reverence toward Hari, their speech ever bowed low in humility — such indeed are the Vaishnavas renowned to be.

Verse 113 (skanda.2.50.113)

रथचरणगदाब्जशंखमुद्राकृतितिलकांकितबाहुमूलमध्याः । मुररिपुचरणप्रणामधूलीधृतकवचाः खलु वैष्णवा जयंति

rathacaraṇagadābjaśaṁkhamudrākṛtitilakāṁkitabāhumūlamadhyāḥ muraripucaraṇapraṇāmadhūlīdhṛtakavacāḥ khalu vaiṣṇavā jayaṁti

Their upper and middle arms marked with tilaka in the shape of the discus, mace, lotus and conch, wearing as their very armor the dust gathered from bowing at the feet of the enemy of Mura — such are the Vaishnavas who triumph.

Verse 114 (skanda.2.50.114)

मुरजिदपधनापकृष्टगन्धोत्तमतुलसीदलमाल्यचंदनैर्ये । वरयितुमिव मुक्तिमाप्तभूषाकृतिरुचिराः खलु वैष्णवा जयंति

murajidapadhanāpakṛṣṭagandhottamatulasīdalamālyacaṁdanairye varayitumiva muktimāptabhūṣākṛtirucirāḥ khalu vaiṣṇavā jayaṁti

Those who, adorned with the finely scented tulsi-leaf garlands and sandal-paste taken from the very offerings of the enemy of Mura, appear beautiful in their ornaments as if to woo Liberation herself — such are the Vaishnavas who triumph.

Verse 115 (skanda.2.50.115)

विगलितमदमानशुद्धचित्ताः प्रसभविनस्यदहंकृतिप्रशांताः । नरहरिममराप्तबंधुमिष्ट्वा क्षयितशुचः खलु वैष्णवा जयंति

vigalitamadamānaśuddhacittāḥ prasabhavinasyadahaṁkṛtipraśāṁtāḥ naraharimamarāptabaṁdhumiṣṭvā kṣayitaśucaḥ khalu vaiṣṇavā jayaṁti

Their minds purified, freed of pride and conceit, their very egotism forcibly broken down and stilled, having worshipped Man-Lion, kinsman even of the immortals, their sorrows destroyed — such are the Vaishnavas who triumph.

Verse 116 (skanda.2.50.116)

भगवति सततं प्रभक्तिभाजां शुभचरितं तव लक्ष्म नोभ्यधायि । श्रुतिपथभवतीर्णमाशु पुंसां हरति मलं चिरसंचितं यदेतत्

bhagavati satataṁ prabhaktibhājāṁ śubhacaritaṁ tava lakṣma nobhyadhāyi śrutipathabhavatīrṇamāśu puṁsāṁ harati malaṁ cirasaṁcitaṁ yadetat

O Lord, the auspicious mark that belongs to those ever devoted to you could never be fully declared. This your glory, having descended by the path of scripture, swiftly carries away the impurity accumulated by men over long ages.

Verse 117 (skanda.2.50.117)

न हि धनमपि मृग्यते कदाचिन्न खलु शरीरजखेदसंप्रयोगः । मृदुलघुवचसाभिधानकीर्तिं भजनमहं तव दास्य एव चिंता

na hi dhanamapi mṛgyate kadācinna khalu śarīrajakhedasaṁprayogaḥ mṛdulaghuvacasābhidhānakīrtiṁ bhajanamahaṁ tava dāsya eva ciṁtā

They never seek even wealth, nor do they take on bodily hardship; with gentle, simple words they proclaim your name and your fame. My worship, and my only concern, is simply to be your servant.

Verse 118 (skanda.2.50.118)

शुभचरितमपि द्विषंति पुंसां स्वयमिह दुश्चरितानुबंधचित्ताः । महदकुशलमप्यवाप्य सुस्था भगरसरसिका अवैष्णवास्ते

śubhacaritamapi dviṣaṁti puṁsāṁ svayamiha duścaritānubaṁdhacittāḥ mahadakuśalamapyavāpya susthā bhagarasarasikā avaiṣṇavāste

Those whose own minds are bound to evil conduct hate here even the good conduct of others; complacent even under great misfortune, relishing only sensual pleasure — such indeed are the non-Vaishnavas.

Verse 119 (skanda.2.50.119)

परमसुखपदं हृदंबुजस्थं क्षणमपि नानुसज्जंति मत्तभावाः । वितथवचनजालकैरजस्रं पिदधति नाम हरेरवैष्णवास्ते

paramasukhapadaṁ hṛdaṁbujasthaṁ kṣaṇamapi nānusajjaṁti mattabhāvāḥ vitathavacanajālakairajasraṁ pidadhati nāma hareravaiṣṇavāste

Those of intoxicated disposition never attach themselves, even for a moment, to the supreme abode of happiness seated within the lotus of the heart; with nets of false words they endlessly conceal the name of Hari — such indeed are the non-Vaishnavas.

Verse 120 (skanda.2.50.120)

परयुवतिधनेषु नित्यलुब्धाः कृपणधियो निजकुक्षिभारपूर्णाः । नियतपरमहत्त्वमन्यमाना नरपशवः खलु विष्णुभक्तिहीनाः

parayuvatidhaneṣu nityalubdhāḥ kṛpaṇadhiyo nijakukṣibhārapūrṇāḥ niyataparamahattvamanyamānā narapaśavaḥ khalu viṣṇubhaktihīnāḥ

Ever greedy for other men's young wives and wealth, mean of mind, filled only with concern for their own bellies, forever imagining themselves supremely great — such men, devoid of devotion to Vishnu, are truly beasts wearing a human form.

Verse 121 (skanda.2.50.121)

अनवरतमनार्यसंगरक्ताः परपरिभावकहिंसकाऽतिरौद्राः । नरहरिचरणस्मृतौ विरक्ता नरमलिनाः खलु दूरतो हि वर्ज्याः

anavaratamanāryasaṁgaraktāḥ paraparibhāvakahiṁsakā'tiraudrāḥ naraharicaraṇasmṛtau viraktā naramalināḥ khalu dūrato hi varjyāḥ

Those forever attached to ignoble company, contemptuous of others, violent and utterly fierce by nature, and averse to the remembrance of Man-Lion's feet — such impure men are to be shunned from afar.