The Glory of Dvaraka as Described by Vishnu's Attendants

Verse 1 (skanda.7.479.1)

नारदस्त्वग्रतो गत्वा प्रणम्याथ हरिप्रियाम् । उवाच ललितां वाचं हर्षयन्द्वारकां पुरीम् ॥ १ ॥

nāradastvagrato gatvā praṇamyātha haripriyām | uvāca lalitāṁ vācaṁ harṣayandvārakāṁ purīm || 1 ||

Narada, going forward and bowing to her who is beloved of Hari, spoke sweet words, delighting the city of Dvaraka.

Verse 2 (skanda.7.479.2)

श्रीनारद उवाच । पश्यपश्य महाभागे सर्वे प्राप्ताः सुशोभने । तीर्थक्षेत्राणि देवाश्च ऋषयश्चैव कृत्स्नशः ॥ २ ॥

śrīnārada uvāca | paśyapaśya mahābhāge sarve prāptāḥ suśobhane | tīrthakṣetrāṇi devāśca ṛṣayaścaiva kṛtsnaśaḥ || 2 ||

Shri Narada said: Behold, behold, O most fortunate and beautiful one — all the sacred fords, fields, gods and sages have arrived here entirely.

Verse 3 (skanda.7.479.3)

पश्येमं पुरतः प्राप्तं प्रयागं तीर्थकैः सह । द्वारके तव पादाब्जे लुण्ठंते श्रद्धयाद्भुतम् ॥ ३ ॥

paśyemaṁ purataḥ prāptaṁ prayāgaṁ tīrthakaiḥ saha | dvārake tava pādābje luṇṭhaṁte śraddhayādbhutam || 3 ||

O Dvaraka, behold this Prayaga arrived before you together with the other sacred fords, rolling in wondrous devotion at your lotus feet.

Verse 4 (skanda.7.479.4)

इदं तु पुष्करं तीर्थं नमति श्रद्धया शुभे । इयं तु गौतमी पुण्या सर्वतीर्थसमाश्रया ॥ ४ ॥

idaṁ tu puṣkaraṁ tīrthaṁ namati śraddhayā śubhe | iyaṁ tu gautamī puṇyā sarvatīrthasamāśrayā || 4 ||

O auspicious one, this Pushkara tirtha bows with devotion, and here too is the sacred Gautami, the refuge of all sacred fords.

Verse 5 (skanda.7.479.5)

सिंहस्थे च गुरौ भद्रे संप्राप्ता सौभगं महत् । किन्तु दुर्जनसंसर्गाद्दग्धा पापाग्निना भृशम् ॥ ५ ॥

siṁhasthe ca gurau bhadre saṁprāptā saubhagaṁ mahat | kintu durjanasaṁsargāddagdhā pāpāgninā bhṛśam || 5 ||

O gracious one, when Jupiter is in Leo she attains great fortune, but through contact with the wicked she had been grievously scorched by the fire of sin.

Verse 6 (skanda.7.479.6)

तत्रोपायमभिज्ञाय ऋषीणां शृण्वतां तदा । श्रुत्वा कर्णे महच्छब्दं संप्राप्तेयं तवांतिकम् ॥ ६ ॥

tatropāyamabhijñāya ṛṣīṇāṁ śṛṇvatāṁ tadā | śrutvā karṇe mahacchabdaṁ saṁprāpteyaṁ tavāṁtikam || 6 ||

Then, having learned the remedy as the sages listened, and having heard that great word with her ears, she has now come here into your presence.

Verse 7 (skanda.7.479.7)

नमस्करोति देवि त्वां द्वारके गौतमी शुभा । पश्यपश्य महापुण्या इयं भागीरथी शुभा ॥ ७ ॥

namaskaroti devi tvāṁ dvārake gautamī śubhā | paśyapaśya mahāpuṇyā iyaṁ bhāgīrathī śubhā || 7 ||

O goddess Dvaraka, this auspicious Gautami bows to you. Behold, behold, this greatly sacred and auspicious Bhagirathi too.

Verse 8 (skanda.7.479.8)

नमस्करोति ते पादौ संहृष्टा च पुनःपुनः । पश्येमां नर्मदां रम्यां प्रणतां तव पादयोः ॥ ८ ॥

namaskaroti te pādau saṁhṛṣṭā ca punaḥpunaḥ | paśyemāṁ narmadāṁ ramyāṁ praṇatāṁ tava pādayoḥ || 8 ||

Filled with joy again and again, she bows to your feet. Behold this lovely Narmada too, prostrate at your feet.

Verse 9 (skanda.7.479.9)

यमुना चन्द्रभागेयमियं प्राचीसरस्वती । सरयूर्गंडकी प्राप्ता गोमती पूर्ववाहिनी ॥ ९ ॥

yamunā candrabhāgeyamiyaṁ prācīsarasvatī | sarayūrgaṁḍakī prāptā gomatī pūrvavāhinī || 9 ||

The Yamuna, this Chandrabhaga, this Prachi-Sarasvati, the Sarayu, the Gandaki, and the eastward-flowing Gomati have all arrived here.

Verse 10 (skanda.7.479.10)

शोणः सिन्धुनदी चैता अन्याश्च सरितां वराः । कृष्णा भीमरथी पुण्या कावेर्य्याद्याः सरिद्वराः ॥ १० ॥

śoṇaḥ sindhunadī caitā anyāśca saritāṁ varāḥ | kṛṣṇā bhīmarathī puṇyā kāveryādyāḥ saridvarāḥ || 10 ||

The Shona, the Sindhu, and other excellent rivers, together with the Krishna, Bhimarathi, the sacred Kaveri and other foremost streams.

Verse 11 (skanda.7.479.11)

सीताचक्षुर्नदी भद्रा नमंत्येताः पदांबुजम् । द्वारके ता महापुण्याः सप्तद्वीपोद्भवाः पराः ॥ ११ ॥

sītācakṣurnadī bhadrā namaṁtyetāḥ padāṁbujam | dvārake tā mahāpuṇyāḥ saptadvīpodbhavāḥ parāḥ || 11 ||

The rivers Sita, Chakshu and Bhadra bow to your lotus feet. O Dvaraka, those supremely sacred rivers, born in the seven continents, are here.

Verse 12 (skanda.7.479.12)

मन्दाकिनी महापुण्या भोगवत्यादिसंयुता । पश्याश्चर्यमिदं भद्रे वाराणसी विमुक्तिदा ॥ १२ ॥

maṁdākinī mahāpuṇyā bhogavatyādisaṁyutā | paśyāścaryamidaṁ bhadre vārāṇasī vimuktidā || 12 ||

The greatly sacred Mandakini, accompanied by the Bhogavati and others. Behold this wonder, O gracious one — Varanasi, the bestower of liberation, is here too.

Verse 13 (skanda.7.479.13)

भक्त्या ते च पदांभोजं शिरस्याधाय वर्तते । कुरुक्षेत्रं महापुण्यं नमति त्वामहर्निशम् ॥ १३ ॥

bhaktyā te ca padāṁbhojaṁ śirasyādhāya vartate | kurukṣetraṁ mahāpuṇyaṁ namati tvāmaharniśam || 13 ||

She devotedly bears your lotus feet upon her head. The greatly sacred Kurukshetra too bows to you day and night.

Verse 14 (skanda.7.479.14)

द्वारके मथुरां पश्य प्रणतां तव पादयोः । अयोध्याऽवंतिकामायास्ता नमंति पदांबुजम् ॥ १४ ॥

dvārake mathurāṁ paśya praṇatāṁ tava pādayoḥ | ayodhyā'vantikāmāyāstā namanti padāṁbujam || 14 ||

O Dvaraka, behold Mathura prostrate at your feet. Ayodhya, Avantika and Maya — these too bow to your lotus feet.

Verse 15 (skanda.7.479.15)

कांची गया विशाला च विरजा लुठति क्षितौ । शालिग्रामं महाक्षेत्रं पतितं तव पादयोः । विराजते प्रभासं च क्षेत्रं च पुरुषोत्तमम् ॥ १५ ॥

kāñcī gayā viśālā ca virajā luṭhati kṣitau | śāligrāmaṁ mahākṣetraṁ patitaṁ tava pādayoḥ | virājate prabhāsaṁ ca kṣetraṁ ca puruṣottamam || 15 ||

Kanchi, Gaya, Vishala and Viraja roll upon the ground. The great field of Shaligrama lies fallen at your feet. The field of Prabhasa and the field of Purushottama also shine there.

Verse 16 (skanda.7.479.16)

भार्गवादीनि चान्यानि सर्वक्षेत्राणि सुन्दरि । द्वारके प्रणमंति त्वां भक्त्योत्थाय पुनःपुनः ॥ १६ ॥

bhārgavādīni cānyāni sarvakṣetrāṇi sundari | dvārake praṇamaṁti tvāṁ bhaktyotthāya punaḥpunaḥ || 16 ||

O beautiful one, Bhrigukshetra and all the other fields, O Dvaraka, rising again and again with devotion, bow to you.

Verse 17 (skanda.7.479.17)

पश्येमान्सागरान्सप्त पतितस्तांब पादयोः । पश्यारण्यानि सर्वाणि नैमिषं प्रणतं पुरः ॥ १७ ॥

paśyemānsāgarānsapta patitastāṁba pādayoḥ | paśyāraṇyāni sarvāṇi naimiṣaṁ praṇataṁ puraḥ || 17 ||

O Mother, behold these seven oceans fallen at your feet. Behold all the forests, and Naimisha too, prostrate before you.

Verse 18 (skanda.7.479.18)

धनुष्कं च दशारण्यं दंडकारण्यमर्बुदम् । नारायणाश्रमं पश्य द्वारके प्रणतं तथा ॥ १८ ॥

dhanuṣkaṁ ca daśāraṇyaṁ daṁḍakāraṇyamarbudam | nārāyaṇāśramaṁ paśya dvārake praṇataṁ tathā || 18 ||

Dhanushka, Dasharanya, Dandakaranya, Arbuda, and Narayanashrama — behold, O Dvaraka, these too are bowed before you.

Verse 19 (skanda.7.479.19)

अयं मेरुश्च कैलासो मन्दराद्याः सहस्रशः । हिमाद्रिर्विंध्यशैलश्च श्रीशैलाद्याः प्रहर्षिताः । एते ह्यृषिगणाः सर्वे नमंतिस्म पुनःपुनः ॥ १९ ॥

ayaṁ meruśca kailāso mandarādyāḥ sahasraśaḥ | himādrirviṁdhyaśailaśca śrīśailādyāḥ praharṣitāḥ | ete hyṛṣigaṇāḥ sarve namaṁtisma punaḥpunaḥ || 19 ||

This Meru, Kailasa, the thousand Mandaras and others, the Himalaya, the Vindhya, and Shrishaila with the rest — all rejoicing, and all these hosts of sages too, bow again and again.

Verse 20 (skanda.7.479.20)

गंगाद्याः सागराः शैला नृत्यंति पुरतस्तव । ऋषिदेवगणाः सर्वे सर्वे गर्जंति नामभिः ॥ २० ॥

gaṁgādyāḥ sāgarāḥ śailā nṛtyaṁti puratastava | ṛṣidevagaṇāḥ sarve sarve garjaṁti nāmabhiḥ || 20 ||

The Ganga and other rivers, the oceans and the mountains dance before you. All the hosts of sages and gods roar forth with the divine names.

Verse 21 (skanda.7.479.21)

श्रीप्रह्लाद उवाच । इत्येवं वदतस्तस्य द्वारका हृष्टमानसा । नृत्यतो मुदितान्वीक्ष्य सर्वान्प्रेम्णाभिनंद्य च । उवाच ललिता वाचं गौतमीं स्पृश्य पाणिना ॥ २१ ॥

śrīprahlāda uvāca | ityevaṁ vadatastasya dvārakā hṛṣṭamānasā | nṛtyato muditānvīkṣya sarvānpremṇābhinaṁdya ca | uvāca lalitā vācaṁ gautamīṁ spṛśya pāṇinā || 21 ||

Shri Prahlada said: When he had spoken thus, Dvaraka, joyful at heart, beholding all the delighted ones dancing and greeting them all with love, touched Gautami with her hand and spoke sweet words.

Verse 22 (skanda.7.479.22)

भागीरथीप्रयागादीन्क्षेत्रादीनथ सर्वशः । द्वारका मधुरालापैः सर्वानानंदयत्तदा ॥ २२ ॥

bhāgīrathīprayāgādīnkṣetrādīnatha sarvaśaḥ | dvārakā madhurālāpaiḥ sarvānānandayattadā || 22 ||

To Bhagirathi, Prayaga and all the other fields, Dvaraka then, with sweet speech, brought delight to them all.

Verse 23 (skanda.7.479.23)

अथाश्चर्यमभूत्तत्र सर्वानंदविवर्द्धनम् । अथ तावत्तदाऽऽकाशे गीतवाद्यजयस्वनाः ॥ २३ ॥

athāścaryamabhūttatra sarvānandavivardhanam | atha tāvattadākāśe gītavādyajayasvanāḥ || 23 ||

Then a wonder occurred there, increasing everyone's joy: in the sky there arose sounds of song, music and shouts of victory.

Verse 24 (skanda.7.479.24)

गर्जनानि सुपुण्यानि हरिशब्दैः पृथक्पृथक् । अपश्यन्वै तदा सर्वे ब्रह्माद्या देवनायकाः ॥ २४ ॥

garjanāni supuṇyāni hariśabdaiḥ pṛthakpṛthak | apaśyanvai tadā sarve brahmādyā devanāyakāḥ || 24 ||

Highly sacred roars arose, each distinct, resounding with the names of Hari. Then all beheld Brahma and the other lords of the gods.

Verse 25 (skanda.7.479.25)

महेशः स्वगणैः सार्द्धं भवान्या समदृश्यत । इन्द्रस्तु त्रिदशैः सार्द्धं यक्षगन्धर्वकिन्नरैः ॥ २५ ॥

maheśaḥ svagaṇaiḥ sārddhaṁ bhavānyā samadṛśyata | indrastu tridaśaiḥ sārddhaṁ yakṣagandharvakinnaraiḥ || 25 ||

Mahesha was seen together with His hosts and Bhavani. And Indra too, together with the thirty gods, the yakshas, gandharvas and kinnaras.

Verse 26 (skanda.7.479.26)

मरुद्भिर्लोकपालैश्चा नृत्यमानाः प्रहर्षिताः । सिद्धविद्याधराः सर्वे वस्वादित्याश्च सग्रहाः ॥ २६ ॥

marudbhirlokapālaiścā nṛtyamānāḥ praharṣitāḥ | siddhavidyādharāḥ sarve vasvādityāśca sagrahāḥ || 26 ||

With the Maruts and the guardians of the quarters, dancing in delight, were all the Siddhas, Vidyadharas, the Vasus, Adityas, and the planets.

Verse 27 (skanda.7.479.27)

भृग्वाद्याः सनकाद्याश्च नृत्यमानाः प्रहर्षिताः । ब्रह्माणं च नमस्कृत्य सप्तस्वर्गस्थिताः सुराः ॥ २७ ॥

bhṛgvādyāḥ sanakādyāśca nṛtyamānāḥ praharṣitāḥ | brahmāṇaṁ ca namaskṛtya saptasvargasthitāḥ surāḥ || 27 ||

Bhrigu and the others, and Sanaka and his brothers, dancing in delight, and the gods dwelling in the seven heavens, having bowed to Brahma,

Verse 28 (skanda.7.479.28)

ऊचुस्ते द्वारकां दृष्ट्वा ब्रह्मेशानादयस्तदा । हर्षविह्वलितात्मानो वीक्ष्याऽन्योन्यं च विस्मिताः ॥ २८ ॥

ūcuste dvārakāṁ dṛṣṭvā brahmeśānādayastadā | harṣavihvalitātmāno vīkṣyā'nyonyaṁ ca vismitāḥ || 28 ||

Then, beholding Dvaraka, Brahma, Shiva and the others, overwhelmed with joy, looking at one another in astonishment, spoke.

Verse 29 (skanda.7.479.29)

देवा ऊचुः । सेयं वै द्वारका देवी वहते यत्र गोमती । यत्राऽऽस्ते भगवान्कृष्णः सेयं पुण्या विराजते ॥ २९ ॥

devā ūcuḥ | seyaṁ vai dvārakā devī vahate yatra gomatī | yatrāste bhagavānkṛṣṇaḥ seyaṁ puṇyā virājate || 29 ||

The gods said: This indeed is the goddess Dvaraka, where the Gomati flows, where the Lord Krishna resides — this sacred one shines forth.

Verse 30 (skanda.7.479.30)

सर्वक्षेत्रोत्तमा या च सर्वतीर्थोत्तमोत्तमा । स्वर्गादप्यधिका भूमौ द्वारकेयं प्रकाशते ॥ ३० ॥

sarvakṣetrottamā yā ca sarvatīrthottamottamā | svargādapyadhikā bhūmau dvārakeyaṁ prakāśate || 30 ||

She who is the best of all fields and the very best of all sacred fords — this Dvaraka shines upon the earth, surpassing even heaven.

Verse 31 (skanda.7.479.31)

एतद्वै चक्रतीर्थं च यच्छिला चक्र चिह्निता । मुक्तिदा पापिनां लोके म्लेच्छदेशेऽपि पूजिता ॥ ३१ ॥

etadvai cakratīrthaṁ ca yacchilā cakra cihnitā | muktidā pāpināṁ loke mlecchadeśe'pi pūjitā || 31 ||

This indeed is Chakra-tirtha, whose stone bears the mark of the discus, granting liberation to sinners in the world, and worshipped even in barbarian lands.

Verse 32 (skanda.7.479.32)

प्रह्लाद उवाच । ब्रह्मादीनागतान्दृष्ट्वा विस्मिता नारदादयः । क्षेत्राणि तीर्थमुख्यानि विस्मितानि सरिद्वराः । प्रणेमुर्युगपत्सर्वे सर्वाः सर्वाणि सर्वशः ॥ ३२ ॥

prahlāda uvāca | brahmādīnāgatāndṛṣṭvā vismitā nāradādayaḥ | kṣetrāṇi tīrthamukhyāni vismitāni saridvarāḥ | praṇemuryugapatsarve sarvāḥ sarvāṇi sarvaśaḥ || 32 ||

Prahlada said: Beholding the arrival of Brahma and the others, Narada and his companions were astonished; the fields, the principal sacred fords, and the excellent rivers were astonished too. All of them, together, everywhere, bowed to all.

Verse 33 (skanda.7.479.33)

ब्रह्मादीनां च तीर्थानां दृष्ट्वा यात्रां मनोहराम् । द्वारकां प्रति विप्रेन्द्रा विस्मिता द्वारकौकसः ॥ ३३ ॥

brahmādīnāṁ ca tīrthānāṁ dṛṣṭvā yātrāṁ manoharām | dvārakāṁ prati viprendrā vismitā dvārakaukasaḥ || 33 ||

O foremost of brahmins, seeing the charming procession of Brahma and the sacred fords toward Dvaraka, the dwellers of Dvaraka were amazed.

Verse 34 (skanda.7.479.34)

दृष्ट्वा देवगणाः सर्वे द्वारकां प्रति मंदिरे । गीतवाद्यादि निर्घोषैर्नृत्यमानाः प्रहर्षिताः ॥ ३४ ॥

dṛṣṭvā devagaṇāḥ sarve dvārakāṁ prati mandire | gītavādyādi nirghoṣairnṛtyamānāḥ praharṣitāḥ || 34 ||

Beholding the temple of Dvaraka, all the hosts of gods, delighted, began to dance amid the sounds of song and music.

Verse 35 (skanda.7.479.35)

वदन्तो जयशब्दांश्च सेयं कृष्णप्रियेति च । दृष्ट्वा ब्रह्ममहेशानौ द्वारकां प्रीतमानसौ ॥ ३५ ॥

vadanto jayaśabdāṁśca seyaṁ kṛṣṇapriyeti ca | dṛṣṭvā brahmeśānau dvārakāṁ prītamānasau || 35 ||

Crying out shouts of victory and saying "this indeed is Krishna's beloved," Brahma and Mahesha, beholding Dvaraka, became joyful at heart.

Verse 36 (skanda.7.479.36)

त्यक्त्वा च वाहने श्रेष्ठे दण्डवत्पतितौ भुवि । ऊचतुश्च तदा देवौ द्वारकां प्रति हर्षितौ ॥ ३६ ॥

tyaktvā ca vāhane śreṣṭhe daṇḍavatpatitau bhuvi | ūcatuśca tadā devau dvārakāṁ prati harṣitau || 36 ||

Leaving their excellent mounts, the two gods fell prostrate upon the earth like a staff, and then, rejoicing, spoke to Dvaraka.

Verse 37 (skanda.7.479.37)

श्रेष्ठा त्वमम्ब सर्वेभ्योऽस्मदादिभ्योऽपि सर्वतः । यतस्त्वां न त्यजेत्साक्षाद्भगवान्विष्णुरव्ययः ॥ ३७ ॥

śreṣṭhā tvamamba sarvebhyo'smadādibhyo'pi sarvataḥ | yatastvāṁ na tyajetsākṣādbhagavānviṣṇuravyayaḥ || 37 ||

O Mother, you are supreme above all of us in every way, for the imperishable Lord Vishnu Himself never forsakes you.

Verse 38 (skanda.7.479.38)

अतो दर्शय देवेशं कृष्णं कंसविनाशनम् । यद्दर्शनान्महासिद्धिः सर्वेषां च भविष्यति ॥ ३८ ॥

ato darśaya deveśaṁ kṛṣṇaṁ kaṁsavināśanam | yaddarśanānmahāsiddhiḥ sarveṣāṁ ca bhaviṣyati || 38 ||

Therefore show us the lord of gods, Krishna, the destroyer of Kamsa, by whose sight great accomplishment shall come to all.

Verse 39 (skanda.7.479.39)

प्रह्लाद उवाच । इत्युक्त्वा प्रययौ देवी तीर्थक्षेत्रादिसंयुता । ब्रह्मेशानौ पुरस्कृत्य हृष्टौ दृष्ट्वा महोत्सवान् ॥ ३९ ॥

prahlāda uvāca | ityuktvā prayayau devī tīrthakṣetrādisaṁyutā | brahmeśānau puraskṛtya hṛṣṭau dṛṣṭvā mahotsavān || 39 ||

Prahlada said: Having said this, the goddess, together with the sacred fords and fields, placing Brahma and Ishana at the fore — both delighted at beholding the great festivity — set forth.

Verse 40 (skanda.7.479.40)

गीतवाद्यपताकैश्च दिव्योपायनपाणिभिः । प्राप्योवाच ततो देवान्द्वारका हर्षविह्वला ॥ ४० ॥

gītavādyapatākaiśca divyopāyanapāṇibhiḥ | prāpyovāca tato devāndvārakā harṣavihvalā || 40 ||

With song, music, banners and divine offerings in hand, Dvaraka, reaching the gods, overwhelmed with joy, spoke to them.

Verse 41 (skanda.7.479.41)

पश्यतां पश्यतां देवाः सोऽयं वै द्वारकेश्वरः । प्राप्य संदर्शनं यस्य मुक्तानां यत्फलं भवेत् । न विद्यते सहस्रेषु ब्रह्मांडेषु च यत्फलम् ॥ ४१ ॥

paśyatāṁ paśyatāṁ devāḥ so'yaṁ vai dvārakeśvaraḥ | prāpya saṁdarśanaṁ yasya muktānāṁ yatphalaṁ bhavet | na vidyate sahasreṣu brahmāṁḍeṣu ca yatphalam || 41 ||

Behold, behold, O gods, this indeed is the Lord of Dvaraka, obtaining whose sight yields the fruit that liberated souls attain — a fruit not found even in a thousand universes elsewhere.

Verse 42 (skanda.7.479.42)

ततो देवगणाः सर्वे क्षेत्रतीर्थादिसंयुताः । पश्चिमाभिमुखं दृष्ट्वा कृष्णं क्लेशविनाशनम् । प्रणेमुर्युगपत्सर्वे प्रहृष्टाः समुपागताः ॥ ४२ ॥

tato devagaṇāḥ sarve kṣetratīrthādisaṁyutāḥ | paścimābhimukhaṁ dṛṣṭvā kṛṣṇaṁ kleśavināśanam | praṇemuryugapatsarve prahṛṣṭāḥ samupāgatāḥ || 42 ||

Then all the hosts of gods, together with the fields and sacred fords, beholding Krishna facing west, the destroyer of afflictions, joyfully approached together and bowed down.

Verse 43 (skanda.7.479.43)

गीतवाद्यप्रघोषैश्च नृत्यमानाः समंततः । जयशब्दं नमःशब्दं गर्जंतो हरिनामभिः ॥ ४३ ॥

gītavādyapraghoṣaiśca nṛtyamānāḥ samaṁtataḥ | jayaśabdaṁ namaḥśabdaṁ garjaṁto harināmabhiḥ || 43 ||

Dancing all around amid the resounding of song and music, roaring out shouts of victory, words of salutation, and the names of Hari,

Verse 44 (skanda.7.479.44)

ब्रह्मा भवो भवानी च सेन्द्रा देवगणा भुवि । दृष्ट्वा कृष्णं प्रणेमुस्ते भक्त्योत्थाय पुनःपुनः ॥ ४४ ॥

brahmā bhavo bhavānī ca sendrā devagaṇā bhuvi | dṛṣṭvā kṛṣṇaṁ praṇemuste bhaktyotthāya punaḥpunaḥ || 44 ||

Brahma, Shiva, Bhavani, and the hosts of gods with Indra, beholding Krishna upon the earth, rose again and again in devotion and bowed down.

Verse 45 (skanda.7.479.45)

प्रयागादीनि तीर्थानि गंगाद्याः सरितोऽमलाः । ऋषयो देवगंधर्वाः शुकाद्याः सनकादयः । वीक्ष्य वक्त्रं महाविष्णोः प्रणेमुश्च मुहुर्मुहुः ॥ ४५ ॥

prayāgādīni tīrthāni gaṅgādyāḥ sarito'malāḥ | ṛṣayo devagandharvāḥ śukādyāḥ sanakādayaḥ | vīkṣya vaktraṁ mahāviṣṇoḥ praṇemuśca muhurmuhuḥ || 45 ||

The sacred fords beginning with Prayaga, the pure rivers led by the Ganga, the sages, the divine gandharvas, Shuka and others, and Sanaka and his brothers — beholding the face of the great Vishnu, bowed again and again.

Verse 46 (skanda.7.479.46)

कृष्णकृष्णेति कृष्णेति जय कृष्णेति वादिनः । स्नात्वा तु गोमतीनीरे तीरे चैव महोदधेः । कमलासनः संहृष्टः श्रीमत्कृष्णमपूजयत् ॥ ४६ ॥

kṛṣṇakṛṣṇeti kṛṣṇeti jaya kṛṣṇeti vādinaḥ | snātvā tu gomatīnīre tīre caiva mahodadheḥ | kamalāsanaḥ saṁhṛṣṭaḥ śrīmatkṛṣṇamapūjayat || 46 ||

Crying "Krishna, Krishna, victory to Krishna," and having bathed in the waters of the Gomati and on the shore of the great ocean, the lotus-seated Brahma, greatly delighted, worshipped the glorious Krishna.

Verse 47 (skanda.7.479.47)

स्वर्धेनुपयसा स्नाप्य दिव्यैश्चामृतपंचकैः । भवश्चाथ भवानी च पूजयामास भक्तितः ॥ ४७ ॥

svardhenupayasā snāpya divyaiścāmṛtapaṁcakaiḥ | bhavaścātha bhavānī ca pūjayāmāsa bhaktitaḥ || 47 ||

Bathing Him with the milk of the celestial cow and with the divine five nectars, Shiva and Bhavani worshipped Him with devotion.

Verse 48 (skanda.7.479.48)

इन्द्रो देवगणाः सर्वे योगिनः सनकादयः । ऋषयो नारदाद्याश्च गंगाद्याश्च सरिद्वराः ॥ ४८ ॥

indro devagaṇāḥ sarve yoginaḥ sanakādayaḥ | ṛṣayo nāradādyāśca gaṅgādyāśca saridvarāḥ || 48 ||

Indra, all the hosts of gods, the yogis headed by Sanaka, the sages beginning with Narada, and the Ganga and the other excellent rivers,

Verse 49 (skanda.7.479.49)

अमूल्याभरणैर्भक्त्या महारत्नविनिर्मितैः । दिव्यैर्माल्यैरनेकैश्च नन्दनादिसमुद्भवैः ॥ ४९ ॥

amūlyābharaṇairbhaktyā mahāratnavinirmitaiḥ | divyairmālyairanekaiśca nandanādisamudbhavaiḥ || 49 ||

With invaluable ornaments crafted of great gems, and with many divine garlands sprung from Nandana and other celestial groves, they worshipped with devotion.

Verse 50 (skanda.7.479.50)

प्रियया श्रीतुलस्या वै श्रीमत्कृष्णमपूजयन् । धूपैर्नीराजनैर्दिव्यैः कर्पूरैश्च पृथक्पृथक् ॥ ५० ॥

priyayā śrītulasyā vai śrīmatkṛṣṇamapūjayan | dhūpairnīrājanairdivyaiḥ karpūraiśca pṛthakpṛthak || 50 ||

With His beloved Tulasi, with incense, with divine waving of lamps, and with camphor, each in turn, they worshipped the glorious Krishna.

Verse 51 (skanda.7.479.51)

नैवेद्यैर्विविधैः पुष्पैर्दिव्यैः कर्पूरवासितैः । सकर्पूरैश्च तांबूलैः प्रियैश्चोपायनैस्तथा ॥ ५१ ॥

naivedyairvividhaiḥ puṣpairdivyaiḥ karpūravāsitaiḥ | sakarpūraiśca tāṁbūlaiḥ priyaiścopāyanaistathā || 51 ||

With varied food-offerings, with divine flowers scented with camphor, with betel mixed with camphor, and with cherished gifts as well.

Verse 52 (skanda.7.479.52)

महामांगलिकैः सर्वैः सुदिव्यैर्मंगलाऽऽर्तिकैः । संपूज्यैवं महाविष्णुं कृष्णं क्लेशविनाशनम् । प्रहृष्टा ननृतुः सर्वे गीतवाद्यप्रहर्षिताः ॥ ५२ ॥

mahāmāṁgalikaiḥ sarvaiḥ sudivyairmaṁgalārtikaiḥ | saṁpūjyaivaṁ mahāviṣṇuṁ kṛṣṇaṁ kleśavināśanam | praharṣitā nanṛtuḥ sarve gītavādyapraharṣitāḥ || 52 ||

With all the great auspicious rites and the divine waving of festive lamps, having thus worshipped the great Vishnu, Krishna, destroyer of afflictions, all of them, rejoicing, delighted with song and music, began to dance.

Verse 53 (skanda.7.479.53)

पुरतः कृष्णदेवस्य ह्यप्सरोभिः समन्विताः । ब्रह्मा च ब्रह्मपुत्राश्च ततः सेन्द्रा मरुद्गणाः ॥ ५३ ॥

purataḥ kṛṣṇadevasya hyapsarobhiḥ samanvitāḥ | brahmā ca brahmaputrāśca tataḥ sendrā marudgaṇāḥ || 53 ||

Before Lord Krishna, together with the celestial nymphs, Brahma and the sons of Brahma, and then the Maruts with Indra.

Verse 54 (skanda.7.479.54)

ब्रह्मादीन्नृत्यतः प्रेक्ष्य भगवान्कमलेक्षणः । वारयामास हस्तेन प्रीतः प्राह सुरान्विभुः ॥ ५४ ॥

brahmādīnnṛtyataḥ prekṣya bhagavānkamalekṣaṇaḥ | vārayāmāsa hastena prītaḥ prāha surānvibhuḥ || 54 ||

Seeing Brahma and the others dancing, the lotus-eyed Lord restrained them with His hand, and the all-pervading Lord, pleased, addressed the gods.

Verse 55 (skanda.7.479.55)

श्रीभगवानुवाच । भोभो ब्रह्मन्महेशान हे भवानि महेश्वरि । क्षेत्राणि सर्वतीर्थानि नारदः सनकादयः । प्रीतोऽहं भवता सम्यक्सर्वान्कामानवाप्स्यथ ॥ ५५ ॥

śrībhagavānuvāca | bhobho brahmanmaheśāna he bhavāni maheśvari | kṣetrāṇi sarvatīrthāni nāradaḥ sanakādayaḥ | prīto'haṁ bhavatā samyaksarvānkāmānavāpsyatha || 55 ||

The Blessed Lord said: O Brahma, O Mahesha, O Bhavani, O Maheshvari, O all you fields and sacred fords, O Narada, O Sanaka and your brothers — I am well pleased with you; you shall obtain all your desires.

Verse 56 (skanda.7.479.56)

प्रह्लाद उवाच । तदाभिलषितान्ल्लब्ध्वा सर्वान्कामवरानथ । भक्त्या परमया श्रीमत्कृष्णं प्रोचुः प्रहर्षिताः ॥ ५६ ॥

prahlāda uvāca | tadābhilaṣitānllabdhvā sarvānkāmavarānatha | bhaktyā paramayā śrīmatkṛṣṇaṁ procuḥ praharṣitāḥ || 56 ||

Prahlada said: Then, having obtained the boons of all their desired wishes, they, with supreme devotion, rejoicing, spoke to the glorious Krishna.

Verse 57 (skanda.7.479.57)

देवा ऊचुः । प्राप्तः कामवरोऽस्माभिः सर्वतः कृपया विभो । सप्रेमा त्वत्पदांभोजे भक्तिर्भव्याऽनपायिनी ॥ ५७ ॥

devā ūcuḥ | prāptaḥ kāmavaro'smābhiḥ sarvataḥ kṛpayā vibho | sapremā tvatpadāṁbhoje bhaktirbhavyā'napāyinī || 57 ||

The gods said: O Lord, by Your grace we have obtained the boon of our desires in every way. May our loving, auspicious, and unfailing devotion to Your lotus feet remain forever.

Verse 58 (skanda.7.479.58)

प्रह्लाद उवाच । तथैव पूजयामासुः रुक्मिणीं कृष्णवल्लभाम् । अथ ब्रह्मेशानौ सर्वेषां शृण्वतामिदम् ॥ ५८ ॥

prahlāda uvāca | tathaiva pūjayāmāsuḥ rukmiṇīṁ kṛṣṇavallabhām | atha brahmeśānau sarveṣāṁ śṛṇvatāmidam || 58 ||

Prahlada said: In the same way they worshipped Rukmini, the beloved of Krishna. Then, as all listened, Brahma and Ishana spoke thus.

Verse 59 (skanda.7.479.59)

श्रद्धया परया युक्तौ द्वारकां प्रत्यवोचतुः । त्वं देवि सर्वतीर्थानां क्षेत्राणामुत्तमोत्तमा ॥ ५९ ॥

śraddhayā parayā yuktau dvārakāṁ pratyavocatuḥ | tvaṁ devi sarvatīrthānāṁ kṣetrāṇāmuttamottamā || 59 ||

Filled with supreme reverence, the two of them said to Dvaraka: O goddess, you are the very best among all sacred fords and fields.

Verse 60 (skanda.7.479.60)

पर्वतानां यथा मेरुः सिन्धूनां सागरो यथा । प्राणो यथा शरीराणामिन्द्रियाणां तु वै मनः ॥ ६० ॥

parvatānāṁ yathā meruḥ sindhūnāṁ sāgaro yathā | prāṇo yathā śarīrāṇāmindriyāṇāṁ tu vai manaḥ || 60 ||

As Meru is among mountains, as the ocean is among rivers, as the vital breath is among the parts of the body, and as the mind is among the senses,

Verse 61 (skanda.7.479.61)

तेजस्विनां यथा वह्निस्तत्त्वानां चैत्त्य ईज्यते । यथा ग्रहर्क्षताराणां सोमो वै ज्योतिषां धुवम् । एषां प्रकाशपुंजानां यथा सूर्य्यः प्रकाशते ॥ ६१ ॥

tejasvināṁ yathā vahnistattvānāṁ caittya ījyate | yathā graharkṣatārāṇāṁ somo vai jyotiṣāṁ dhruvam | eṣāṁ prakāśapuṁjānāṁ yathā sūryaḥ prakāśate || 61 ||

As fire is among luminous things, as consciousness is worshipped among the principles, as the moon is fixed as foremost among the planets, constellations and stars among the luminaries, and as the sun shines among these masses of light,

Verse 62 (skanda.7.479.62)

यथा नः सर्वदेवानां महाविष्णुरयं महान् । तथैव सर्वतीर्थानां पूज्येयं द्वारका शुभा ॥ ६२ ॥

yathā naḥ sarvadevānāṁ mahāviṣṇurayaṁ mahān | tathaiva sarvatīrthānāṁ pūjyeyaṁ dvārakā śubhā || 62 ||

As this great Mahavishnu is supreme among all of us gods, so too, among all sacred fords, this auspicious Dvaraka is worthy of worship.

Verse 63 (skanda.7.479.63)

प्रह्लाद उवाच । इत्युक्त्वा सर्वदेवानां क्षेत्रादीनां च सत्तमाः । आधिपत्ये सुरेशानौ द्वारकामभिषेचतुः ॥ ६३ ॥

prahlāda uvāca | ityuktvā sarvadevānāṁ kṣetrādīnāṁ ca sattamāḥ | ādhipatye sureśānau dvārakāmabhiṣecatuḥ || 63 ||

Prahlada said: Having spoken thus, the two lords of the gods, the most excellent among all gods and fields, anointed Dvaraka to the position of sovereignty.

Verse 64 (skanda.7.479.64)

ब्रह्मेशानौ तथा देवाः प्रजेशा ऋषयोऽमलाः । तीर्थानां क्षेत्रराजानां महाराजत्वकारणम् ॥ ६४ ॥

brahmeśānau tathā devāḥ prajeśā ṛṣayo'malāḥ | tīrthānāṁ kṣetrarājānāṁ mahārājatvakāraṇam || 64 ||

Brahma and Ishana, the gods, the lords of creatures, and the pure sages, establishing thereby the reason for her supreme sovereignty among the sacred fords and the kings of fields,

Verse 65 (skanda.7.479.65)

चक्रुर्महाभिषेकं तु द्वारकायाः प्रहर्षिताः । वादयन्तो विचित्राणि वादित्राणि महोत्सवे ॥ ६५ ॥

cakrurmahābhiṣekaṁ tu dvārakāyāḥ praharṣitāḥ | vādayanto vicitrāṇi vāditrāṇi mahotsave || 65 ||

Rejoicing, performed the great consecration of Dvaraka, playing marvelous instruments amid that great festival.

Verse 66 (skanda.7.479.66)

दिव्यैः पञ्चामृतैस्तोयैः सर्वतीर्थसमुद्भवैः । पुण्यैश्चाकाशगंगाया दिग्गजानां करोद्धृतैः ॥ ६६ ॥

divyaiḥ pañcāmṛtaistoyaiḥ sarvatīrthasamudbhavaiḥ | puṇyaiścākāśagaṅgāyā diggajānāṁ karoddhṛtaiḥ || 66 ||

With the divine five nectars, with waters sprung from all the sacred fords, and with the sacred waters of the celestial Ganga drawn up by the trunks of the elephants of the quarters.

Verse 67 (skanda.7.479.67)

अथ वासांसि दिव्यानि दत्त्वा चाऽऽचमनं तथा । चर्चितां चन्दनैर्दिव्यैर्दिव्याभरणभूषिताम् ॥ ६७ ॥

atha vāsāṁsi divyāni dattvā cācamanaṁ tathā | carcitāṁ candanairdivyairdivyābharaṇabhūṣitām || 67 ||

Then, offering divine garments and water for sipping, anointing her with divine sandal-paste and adorning her with divine ornaments,

Verse 68 (skanda.7.479.68)

पूजां च चक्रिरे पुष्पैश्चंदनादिसमुद्भवैः । तदा जाता महादिव्या पुरुषाः पार्षदा हरेः ॥ ६८ ॥

pūjāṁ ca cakrire puṣpaiścaṁdanādisamudbhavaiḥ | tadā jātā mahādivyā puruṣāḥ pārṣadā hareḥ || 68 ||

And worshipped her with flowers born of sandalwood and the like. Then there appeared the greatly divine attendant beings of Hari.

Verse 69 (skanda.7.479.69)

विष्वक्सेनसुनंदाद्या द्योतयन्तो दिशो दश । जयशब्दं नमःशब्दं वदंतः पुष्पवर्षिणः ॥ ६९ ॥

viṣvaksenasunaṁdādyā dyotayanto diśo daśa | jayaśabdaṁ namaḥśabdaṁ vadaṁtaḥ puṣpavarṣiṇaḥ || 69 ||

Vishvaksena, Sunanda and the others, illuminating the ten directions, uttering shouts of victory and salutation, showered down flowers.

Verse 70 (skanda.7.479.70)

गीतवादित्रघोषेण नृत्यमानाः प्रहर्षिताः । किरीटकुण्डलैर्हारैर्वैजयंत्या विभूषिताः ॥ ७० ॥

gītavāditraghoṣeṇa nṛtyamānāḥ praharṣitāḥ | kirīṭakuṇḍalairhārairvaijayaṁtyā vibhūṣitāḥ || 70 ||

Dancing joyfully to the sound of song and instruments, adorned with crowns, earrings, necklaces and the Vaijayanti garland,

Verse 71 (skanda.7.479.71)

श्यामाश्चतुर्भुजाः पीतवस्त्रमाल्यैर्विभूषिताः । स्वप्रभा दीप्यमानौ ते दृष्ट्वा ब्रह्ममहेश्वरौ ॥ ७१ ॥

śyāmāścaturbhujāḥ pītavastramālyairvibhūṣitāḥ | svaprabhā dīpyamānau te dṛṣṭvā brahmeśvarau || 71 ||

Dark-hued, four-armed, adorned with yellow garments and garlands, shining with their own radiance, those attendants, beholding Brahma and Maheshvara,

Verse 72 (skanda.7.479.72)

नारदं सनकादींश्च महाभागवतानृषीन् । तेऽपि तानपि संहृष्टाः प्रहर्षागतसंभ्रमाः ॥ ७२ ॥

nāradaṁ sanakādīṁśca mahābhāgavatānṛṣīn | te'pi tānapi saṁhṛṣṭāḥ praharṣāgatasaṁbhramāḥ || 72 ||

And Narada, Sanaka and the other great Bhagavata sages — they too became greatly delighted, filled with an eager flurry born of joy.

Verse 73 (skanda.7.479.73)

ववंदिरे ततोऽन्योऽन्यं हृष्टा आलिंगनादिभिः । ऋषयोऽन्ये च देवाश्च प्रणेमुर्विष्णुपार्षदान् ॥ ७३ ॥

avaṁdire tato'nyonyaṁ hṛṣṭā āliṁganādibhiḥ | ṛṣayo'nye ca devāśca praṇemurviṣṇupārṣadān || 73 ||

Then, delighted, they bowed to one another with embraces and the like. The other sages and gods too bowed to the attendants of Vishnu.

Verse 74 (skanda.7.479.74)

अथ ते समुपागम्य द्वारकां विष्णुपार्षदाः । नत्वाऽथ द्वारकानाथं द्वारकां वै तथैव च ॥ ७४ ॥

atha te samupāgamya dvārakāṁ viṣṇupārṣadāḥ | natvātha dvārakānāthaṁ dvārakāṁ vai tathaiva ca || 74 ||

Then those attendants of Vishnu, approaching Dvaraka, having bowed to the Lord of Dvaraka and likewise to Dvaraka herself,

Verse 75 (skanda.7.479.75)

संपूज्य श्रद्धया भक्त्या निःश्रेयसवनोद्भवैः । कुसुमैर्विविधैर्दिव्यैस्तुलस्या तद्वनोत्थया ॥ ७५ ॥

saṁpūjya śraddhayā bhaktyā niḥśreyasavanodbhavaiḥ | kusumairvividhairdivyaistulasyā tadvanotthayā || 75 ||

Worshipping with faith and devotion, with various divine flowers sprung from the grove of supreme bliss, and with Tulasi grown in that same grove,

Verse 76 (skanda.7.479.76)

तदुत्पन्नैः फलैर्दिव्यैर्धूपैर्नीराजनैः प्रभुम् । विविधैश्चान्नतांबूलैर्दत्त्वा कृष्णमतोषयन् ॥ ७६ ॥

tadutpannaiḥ phalairdivyairdhūpairnīrājanaiḥ prabhum | vividhaiścānnatāṁbūlairdattvā kṛṣṇamatoṣayan || 76 ||

With divine fruits born there, with incense, with the waving of lamps, and offering various foods and betel, they gratified the Lord Krishna.

Verse 77 (skanda.7.479.77)

क्षेत्रतीर्थादिराजानां महाराजस्त्वमीश्वरि । इति सर्वे वदन्तस्तु द्वारकां च ववंदिरे ॥ ७७ ॥

kṣetratīrthādirājānāṁ mahārājastvamīśvari | iti sarve vadantastu dvārakāṁ ca avaṁdire || 77 ||

"O sovereign goddess, you are the supreme monarch among the kings of fields and sacred fords" — saying thus, all of them offered homage to Dvaraka.

Verse 78 (skanda.7.479.78)

एतस्मिन्नंतरे विप्रा देवदुन्दुभिनिस्वनाः । अश्रूयंत महाशब्दा अभवन्पुष्पवृष्टयः ॥ ७८ ॥

etasminnaṁtare viprā devadundubhinisvanāḥ | aśrūyaṁta mahāśabdā abhavanpuṣpavṛṣṭayaḥ || 78 ||

O brahmins, meanwhile the sounds of divine kettledrums were heard, great voices resounded, and showers of flowers fell.

Verse 79 (skanda.7.479.79)

अथाऽऽसीन्महदाश्चर्य्यं शृण्वन्तु ऋषिसत्तमाः । कुरुक्षेत्रं प्रयागं च सव्यदक्षिणपार्श्वयोः ॥ ७९ ॥

athāsīnmahadāścaryaṁ śṛṇvantu ṛṣisattamāḥ | kurukṣetraṁ prayāgaṁ ca savyadakṣiṇapārśvayoḥ || 79 ||

Then a great wonder occurred — listen, O foremost of sages — Kurukshetra and Prayaga, on the left and right sides,

Verse 80 (skanda.7.479.80)

स्थित्वा जगृहतुर्द्दिव्ये श्वेतच्छत्रे मनोहरे । द्वारकायस्तथा शुभ्रे चामरव्यजने शुभे ॥ ८० ॥

sthitvā jagṛhaturdivye śvetacchatre manohare | dvārakāyastathā śubhre cāmaravyajane śubhe || 80 ||

Standing there, took hold of Dvaraka's charming divine white parasol and the pure, auspicious whisk-fan.

Verse 81 (skanda.7.479.81)

अयोध्या मथुरा माया वाराणसी जयस्वनैः । स्तुवंत्यन्यास्तथान्यानि सर्वक्षेत्राणि सर्वशः ॥ ८१ ॥

ayodhyā mathurā māyā vārāṇasī jayasvanaiḥ | stuvantyanyāstathānyāni sarvakṣetrāṇi sarvaśaḥ || 81 ||

Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Varanasi and all the other fields, in every direction, praised her with shouts of victory.

Verse 82 (skanda.7.479.82)

तीर्थानि सरितः सर्वा द्वारकाया मुखांबुजम् । पश्यतः परमानंदं लेभिरे देवमानवाः ॥ ८२ ॥

tīrthāni saritaḥ sarvā dvārakāyā mukhāṁbujam | paśyataḥ paramānaṁdaṁ lebhire devamānavāḥ || 82 ||

All the sacred fords and rivers, gazing upon the lotus face of Dvaraka, and gods and men alike, attained supreme bliss.

Verse 83 (skanda.7.479.83)

आहुश्च पार्षदा विष्णोर्धन्यान्येतानि सर्वशः । दृष्ट्वा तु द्वारकां पुण्यां सर्वलोकैकमण्डनाम् ॥ ८३ ॥

āhuśca pārṣadā viṣṇordhanyānyetāni sarvaśaḥ | dṛṣṭvā tu dvārakāṁ puṇyāṁ sarvalokaikamaṇḍanām || 83 ||

And the attendants of Vishnu declared: Blessed indeed, in every way, are these who have beheld this sacred Dvaraka, the sole ornament of all the worlds.

Verse 84 (skanda.7.479.84)

वेदयज्ञतपोजाप्यैः सम्यगाराधितो हरिः । प्रसीदेद्यस्य तस्य स्याद्द्वारकागमने मतिः ॥ ८४ ॥

vedayajñatapojāpyaiḥ samyagārādhito hariḥ | prasīdedyasya tasya syāddvārakāgamane matiḥ || 84 ||

He on whom Hari, duly worshipped through the Vedas, sacrifice, austerity and recitation, becomes pleased — he alone gains the resolve to journey to Dvaraka.