ŚrīmadBhāgavatam | Adhyayanam
Canto 01 | Chapter 08
Protection of Parīkṣit in the Womb by Śrī Kṛṣṇa
(Uttarā’s prayer for protection from Aśvatthāmā’s brahmāstra; preservation of the Pāṇḍava dynasty by the grace of Śrī Kṛṣṇa; Kuntīdevī’s prayers; Dharmarāja’s remorse over the destruction of relatives in the war)
Chapter introduction
In the Seventh Chapter, the principle that became the cause for the manifestation of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam is established through the divine vision of Vyāsa Mahārṣi. Thereafter, through Aśvatthāmā’s unrighteous act, Draupadī’s compassion, Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s instruction on dharma, and Arjuna’s determination of dharma, it is shown how dharma and compassion are to be harmonized. The Eighth Chapter takes that narrative further and most movingly establishes the Lord’s protectorship and the unwavering surrender of His devotees.
After being released, Aśvatthāmā launches a brahmāstra targeting the unborn Parīkṣit, the sole remaining heir of the Pāṇḍava dynasty. At that life-threatening moment, Uttarādevī takes refuge in Śrī Kṛṣṇa with complete surrender. Her prayer, in which she asks not for her own protection but for the protection of the child in her womb, stands as a great example of a devotee’s selfless faith and dependence upon the Lord.
In this chapter, the glory of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s grace manifests as another important episode. The Lord, who is the master of the entire universe, protects the unborn Parīkṣit from the effects of the brahmāstra through His divine power. This divine protection is not merely the saving of a child’s life; it is also the preservation of the great devotee who would, in the future, become qualified to hear Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.
Thereafter, the prayers offered by Kuntīdevī and the remorse expressed by Dharmarāja over the destruction of relatives that occurred in the war add further gravity to this chapter. Thus, the Eighth Chapter establishes the Lord’s protectorship, the devotee’s surrender, and the glory of divine grace, and reveals how the flow of the Bhāgavatam was continued through the protection of Parīkṣit.
Ślokapāṭham
(sūta uvāca)
atha te samparetānāṁ snānāmudakamicchatām ।
dātuṁ sakṛṣṇā gaṅgāyāṁ puraskṛtya yayuḥ striyaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.01 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
(sūtaḥ uvāca)
atha te samparetānām snānām udakam icchatām ।
dātum sa kṛṣṇāḥ gaṅgāyām puraḥ kṛtya yayuḥ striyaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sūtaḥ : Sūta Mahārṣi; uvāca : said; atha : thereafter; te : they; samparetānām : for the deceased; snānām udakam : bathing and water oblations; icchatām : desiring to perform; dātum : to offer; sa kṛṣṇāḥ : together with Draupadī; gaṅgāyām : to the river Gaṅgā; puraḥ kṛtya : placing in front; yayuḥ : went; striyaḥ : the women;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Sūta Mahārṣi said: Thereafter, those who desired to offer bathing and water oblations for the deceased (the Pāṇḍavas and others), together with Draupadī, went to the river Gaṅgā, placing the women in front.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Explaining this, Sūta Mahārṣi said. Together with Draupadī, Kuntīdevī and the other women went to the bank of the Gaṅgā. They arrived there with the intention of offering water oblations to their departed relatives. Because of the separation caused by the war, the hearts of all were filled with sorrow.
Ślokapāṭham
te ninīyodakaṁ sarve vilapya ca bhṛśaṁ punaḥ ।
āplutā haripādābja rajaḥpūtasarijjale ॥
॥ 01.08.02 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
te ninīya udakam sarve vilapya ca bhṛśaṁ punaḥ ।
āplutāḥ haripādābja rajaḥ pūta sarijjale ॥
Pada - Padārtham
te : they; ninīya : having offered; udakam : water oblation; sarve : all; vilapya : having lamented; ca : and; bhṛśam : greatly; punaḥ : thereafter; āplutāḥ : having bathed; haripādābja : of the lotus feet of Śrī Hari; rajaḥ : dust; pūta : purified; sarijjale : in the river water;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
All of them, having greatly lamented and offered water oblations, thereafter bathed in the waters of the Gaṅgā river, which were purified by the dust of the lotus feet of Śrī Hari.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
The Pāṇḍavas and those with them offered water oblations in the Gaṅgā river for their departed relatives. At that time, they lamented deeply in sorrow. Thereafter, they bathed in those waters of the Gaṅgā, which had been purified by the dust of the lotus feet of Śrī Hari, and completed the purification rites. In this way, they performed the duties that form part of the funeral rites for the deceased.
Ślokapāṭham
tatrāsīnaṁ kurupatiṁ dhṛtarāṣṭraṁ sahānujam ।
gāndhārīṁ putraśokārtāṁ pṛthāṁ kṛṣṇāṁ ca mādhavaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.03 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tatra āsīnam kurupatim dhṛtarāṣṭram saha anujam ।
gāndhārīm putra śoka ārtām pṛthām kṛṣṇām ca mādhavaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tatra : there; āsīnam : seated; kurupatim : Yudhiṣṭhira, the lord of the Kuru dynasty; dhṛtarāṣṭram : Dhṛtarāṣṭra; saha anujam : together with his younger brothers; gāndhārīm : Gāndhārī; putra śoka ārtām : afflicted by the grief of separation from her sons; pṛthām : Kuntīdevī; kṛṣṇām : Draupadī; ca : and; mādhavaḥ : Śrī Kṛṣṇa;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
There, Yudhiṣṭhira, the lord of the Kuru dynasty, seated together with his younger brothers, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Gāndhārī afflicted by the grief of separation from her sons, Kuntīdevī, and Draupadī, Śrī Kṛṣṇa…
Saraḷa Bhāvam
After the water-oblation ceremony, Yudhiṣṭhira was seated there together with his four younger brothers. Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Gāndhārī who was afflicted by grief over the loss of her sons, Kuntīdevī, and Draupadī were also present there. Although the war had ended, the sorrow caused by it was still continuing within all of them. In the next verse, Śrī Kṛṣṇa and the sages present there console them.
Ślokapāṭham
sāntvayāmāsa munibhiḥ hatabandhūn śucārpitān ।
bhūteṣu kālasya gatiṁ darśayannapratikriyām ॥
॥ 01.08.04 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
sāntvayāmāsa munibhiḥ hata bandhūn śucā arpitān ।
bhūteṣu kālasya gatim darśayan apratikriyām ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sāntvayāmāsa : consoled; munibhiḥ : together with the sages; hata bandhūn : those who had lost their relatives; śucā arpitān : those overcome by grief; bhūteṣu : among all living beings; kālasya : of time; gatim : movement, course of action; darśayan : showing, explaining; apratikriyām : that which cannot be resisted;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Together with the sages, Śrī Kṛṣṇa consoled those who had lost their relatives and were overcome by grief. Explaining to them the irresistible course of time among all living beings, He comforted them.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
All those who had lost their relatives were in deep sorrow. Together with the sages, Śrī Kṛṣṇa consoled them. He explained to them that birth, death, and separation occur under the influence of time. He made them understand that no one can obstruct the course of time.
Ślokapāṭham
sādhayitvā’jātaśatroḥ svarājyaṁ kitavairhṛtam ।
ghātayitvāsato rājñaḥ kacasparśakṣatāyuṣaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.05 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
sādhayitvā ajātaśatroḥ sva rājyam kitavaiḥ hṛtam ।
ghātayitvā asataḥ rājñaḥ kaca sparśa kṣata āyuṣaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sādhayitvā : having caused to regain; ajātaśatroḥ : of the one who has no enemies (Dharmarāja); sva rājyam : his own kingdom; kitavaiḥ : by the deceitful ones; hṛtam : taken away; ghātayitvā : having slain; asataḥ : the wicked; rājñaḥ : king; kaca sparśa kṣata āyuṣaḥ : whose lifespan was diminished because of the offence of touching the hair;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Having caused Dharmarāja, who has no enemies, to regain his own kingdom that had been taken away by the deceitful ones, and having slain that wicked king whose lifespan was diminished because of the offence of touching the hair (of Draupadī).
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Dharmarāja was able to regain the kingdom that had been taken from the Pāṇḍavas through deceit in the game of dice. That wicked king, who had previously insulted Draupadī by disgracefully touching her hair, was also slain in the war. Thus, the enemies of the Pāṇḍavas were destroyed and Dharmarāja regained his kingdom.
Ślokapāṭham
yājayitvā’śvamedhaistam tribhiruttamakalpakaiḥ ।
tadyaśaḥ pāvanaṁ dikṣu śatamanyorivātanot ॥
॥ 01.08.06 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
yājayitvā aśvamedhaiḥ tam tribhiḥ uttama kalpakaiḥ ।
tat yaśaḥ pāvanam dikṣu śatamanyoḥ iva ātanot ॥
Pada - Padārtham
yājayitvā : having caused to perform sacrifices; aśvamedhaiḥ : with Aśvamedha sacrifices; tam : him (Dharmarāja); tribhiḥ : with three; uttama kalpakaiḥ : conducted according to the highest standards; tat : his; yaśaḥ : fame; pāvanam : sacred; dikṣu : in all directions; śatamanyoḥ : of Indra, who performed a hundred sacrifices; iva : like; ātanot : spread;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Having caused him (Dharmarāja) to perform three Aśvamedha sacrifices conducted according to the highest standards, He spread his sacred fame in all directions like the fame of Indra, who performed a hundred sacrifices.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
By the grace of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, Dharmarāja performed three Aśvamedha sacrifices according to the highest standards. Through those great sacrifices, his fame spread in all directions and attained even greater sanctity and glory. Just as the fame of Indra, who performed a hundred sacrifices, became renowned everywhere, so too the fame of Dharmarāja spread throughout the world.
Ślokapāṭham
amantrya pāṇḍuputrāṁśca śaineyoddhavasaṁyutaḥ ।
dvaipāyanādibhirvipraiḥ pūjitaiḥ pratipūjitaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.07 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
amantrya pāṇḍu putrān ca śaineya uddhava saṁyutaḥ ।
dvaipāyana ādibhiḥ vipraiḥ pūjitaiḥ pratipūjitaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
amantrya : having taken permission and bid farewell; pāṇḍu putrān : the Pāṇḍavas; ca : and; śaineya : Sātyaki; uddhava : Uddhava; saṁyutaḥ : accompanied by; dvaipāyana ādibhiḥ : by Vyāsa Mahārṣi and others; vipraiḥ : by the brāhmaṇas; pūjitaiḥ : by those who had honoured Him; pratipūjitaḥ : having honoured them in return;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Accompanied by Sātyaki and Uddhava, Śrī Kṛṣṇa took leave of the Pāṇḍavas and, having been honoured by the brāhmaṇas headed by Vyāsa Mahārṣi, honoured them in return.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
After all the necessary duties had been completed, Śrī Kṛṣṇa decided to return to Dvārakā. He took leave of the Pāṇḍavas. At that time, Sātyaki and Uddhava were with Him. Vyāsa Mahārṣi and the other brāhmaṇas honoured Him. Śrī Kṛṣṇa also honoured them in return.
Ślokapāṭham
gantuṁ kṛtvāmatirbrahman dvārakāṁ rathamāsthitaḥ ।
upalebhe’bhidhāvantīm uttarāṁ bhayavihvalām ॥
॥ 01.08.08 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
gantum kṛtvā matiḥ brahman dvārakām ratham āsthitaḥ ।
upalebhe abhidhāvantīm uttarām bhaya vihvalām ॥
Pada - Padārtham
gantum : to go; kṛtvā : having made; matiḥ : decision; brahman : O brāhmaṇa (Śaunaka Mahārṣi); dvārakām : to Dvārakā; ratham āsthitaḥ : having mounted the chariot; upalebhe : saw; abhidhāvantīm : running towards; uttarām : Uttarā; bhaya vihvalām : distressed with fear;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O brāhmaṇa! Having decided to go to Dvārakā and mounted His chariot, Śrī Kṛṣṇa saw Uttarā running towards Him, distressed with fear.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Sūta Mahārṣi explains this to Śaunaka Mahārṣi. Having decided to go to Dvārakā, Śrī Kṛṣṇa mounted His chariot. At that moment, Uttarā came running towards Him in great fear and distress. Seeking protection from a danger, she took shelter of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Ślokapāṭham
(uttarā uvāca)
pāhi pāhi mahāyogin devadeva jagatpate ।
nānyaṁ tvadabhayaṁ paśye yatra mṛtyuḥ parasparam ॥
॥ 01.08.09 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
(uttarā uvāca)
pāhi pāhi mahā yogin deva deva jagat pate ।
na anyam tvat abhayam paśye yatra mṛtyuḥ parasparam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
pāhi pāhi : protect, protect; mahā yogin : O great yogī; deva deva : O God of the devas; jagat pate : O Lord of the universe; na anyam : no other; tvat abhayam : one who can grant fearlessness more than You; paśye : I see; yatra : where; mṛtyuḥ : death; parasparam : to one another;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O great yogī! O God of the devas! O Lord of the universe! Protect me, protect me. In this world, where people are causes of death to one another, I do not see anyone other than You who can grant fearlessness.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Uttarā, overwhelmed with fear, takes shelter of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and begs Him to protect her. She addresses Him as the God of the devas and the Lord of the universe. Seeing fear of death everywhere in this world, she says that she can see no one other than Śrī Kṛṣṇa who is capable of granting her protection.
Ślokapāṭham
abhidravati māmīśa śarastaptāyaso vibho ।
kāmaṁ dahatu māṁ nātha mā me garbho nipātyatām ॥
॥ 01.08.10 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
abhidravati mām īśa śaraḥ tapta āyasaḥ vibho ।
kāmam dahatu mām nātha mā me garbhaḥ nipātyatām ॥
Pada - Padārtham
abhidravati : is rushing towards; mām : me; īśa : O Lord; śaraḥ : arrow; tapta āyasaḥ : a fiery iron arrow; vibho : O all-pervading one; kāmam : if it so pleases; dahatu : let it burn; mām : me; nātha : O protector; mā : let not; me : my; garbhaḥ : child in the womb; nipātyatām : be destroyed;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Lord! O all-pervading one! A fiery iron arrow is rushing towards me. O protector! If it so pleases, let it burn me, but let not my child in the womb be destroyed.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Seeing the terrifying weapon rushing towards her, Uttarā appeals to Śrī Kṛṣṇa for protection. She prays that even if her own life is lost, the child in her womb should be protected. She desires the safety of the child in her womb more than her own safety.
Ślokapāṭham
(sūta uvāca)
upadhārya vacastasyā bhagavān bhaktavatsalaḥ ।
apāṇḍavamidaṁ kartuṁ drauṇerastramabudhyata ॥
॥ 01.08.11 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
(sūta uvāca)
upadhārya vacaḥ tasyāḥ bhagavān bhakta vatsalaḥ ।
apāṇḍavam idam kartum drauṇeḥ astram abudhyata ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sūta uvāca : Sūta Mahārṣi said; upadhārya : having understood; vacaḥ : the words; tasyāḥ : of her; bhagavān : the Supreme Lord; bhakta vatsalaḥ : affectionate towards His devotees; apāṇḍavam : so as to destroy the Pāṇḍava dynasty; idam : this; kartum : to do; drauṇeḥ : of Aśvatthāmā, the son of Droṇa; astram : weapon; abudhyata : understood;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Sūta Mahārṣi said. The Supreme Lord, who is affectionate towards His devotees, understood her words and realized that this was the weapon released by Aśvatthāmā, the son of Droṇa, to destroy the Pāṇḍava dynasty.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Having heard Uttarā’s prayer, Śrī Kṛṣṇa immediately understood the danger she was facing. He recognized that it was the weapon released by Aśvatthāmā. He also understood that the weapon had been released with the intention of completely destroying the Pāṇḍava dynasty.
Ślokapāṭham
tarhyevatha muniśreṣṭha pāṇḍavāḥ pañcasāyakān ।
ātmano’bhimukhān dīptān ālakṣyāstrāṇyupādaduḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.12 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tarhi eva atha muni śreṣṭha pāṇḍavāḥ pañca sāyakān ।
ātmanaḥ abhimukhān dīptān ālakṣya astrāṇi upādaduḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tarhi eva : then immediately; atha : now; muni śreṣṭha : O best of sages; pāṇḍavāḥ : the Pāṇḍavas; pañca : five; sāyakān : arrows; ātmanaḥ abhimukhān : coming towards them; dīptān : blazing; ālakṣya : having noticed; astrāṇi : weapons; upādaduḥ : took up;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O best of sages! Then immediately, the five Pāṇḍavas, noticing the blazing arrows coming towards them, took up their weapons.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
While Uttarādevī was praying, the Pāṇḍavas also noticed that a danger was approaching. Seeing the blazing weapon-power rushing towards them, they understood that it was dangerous. Although they did not fully know its nature, they immediately took up their weapons to confront that danger.
Ślokapāṭham
vyasanaṁ vīkṣya tatteṣām ananyaviṣayātmanām ।
sudarśanena svāstreṇa svānāṁ rakṣāṁ vyadhādvibhuḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.13 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
vyasanam vīkṣya tat teṣām ananya viṣaya ātmanām ।
sudarśanena sva astreṇa svānām rakṣām vyadhāt vibhuḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
vyasanam : danger; vīkṣya : seeing; tat : that; teṣām : of those; ananya : having no other refuge; viṣaya : as the object of focus; ātmanām : those who had taken Him alone as their refuge; sudarśanena : with the Sudarśana disc; sva astreṇa : with His own weapon; svānām : for His own people; rakṣām : protection; vyadhāt : provided; vibhuḥ : the all-powerful Supreme Lord;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
The all-powerful Supreme Lord, seeing the danger of those who had no other refuge and had taken Him alone as their object of focus, provided protection for His own people with His own weapon, the Sudarśana disc.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śrī Kṛṣṇa saw the danger faced by the Pāṇḍavas and Uttarā. In order that calamity might not befall those who had taken refuge in Him alone, He immediately acted. He provided protection for them by employing His Sudarśana disc.
Ślokapāṭham
antaḥsthaḥ sarvabhūtānām ātmā yogeśvaro hariḥ ।
svamāyayāvṛṇodgarbhaṁ vairāṭyāḥ kurutantave ॥
॥ 01.08.14 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
antaḥsthaḥ sarva bhūtānām ātmā yogeśvaraḥ hariḥ ।
sva māyayā āvṛṇot garbham vairāṭyāḥ kuru tantave ॥
Pada - Padārtham
antaḥsthaḥ : present as the indwelling controller; sarva bhūtānām : in all living beings; ātmā : the Self; yogeśvaraḥ : the Lord of all mystic powers; hariḥ : Śrī Hari; sva māyayā : by His divine power; āvṛṇot : covered and protected; garbham : the child in the womb; vairāṭyāḥ : of Uttarā, the daughter of Virāṭa; kuru tantave : for the continuation of the Kuru dynasty;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Śrī Hari, who is present as the indwelling controller in all living beings and who is the Lord of all mystic powers, covered and protected the child in the womb of Uttarā, the daughter of Virāṭa, by His divine power for the continuation of the Kuru dynasty.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
When the child in Uttarā’s womb was in danger, Śrī Kṛṣṇa protected him. By His divine power, He covered and protected the child in the womb from the effects of that weapon. In this way, the child in the womb remained safe so that the Kuru dynasty could continue.
Ślokapāṭham
yadyapyastraṁ brahmaśiraḥ tvamoghaṁ cāpratikriyam ।
vaiṣṇavaṁ teja āsādya samuśāmyadbhṛgūdvaha ॥
॥ 01.08.15 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
yadi api astram brahmaśiraḥ tu amogham ca apratikriyam ।
vaiṣṇavam tejaḥ āsādya samuśāmyat bhṛgu udvaha ॥
Pada - Padārtham
yadi api : although; astram brahmaśiraḥ : the Brahmaśirā weapon; tu : however; amogham : unfailing; ca : and; apratikriyam : irresistible; vaiṣṇavam tejaḥ : the divine effulgence of Śrī Hari; āsādya : having encountered; samuśāmyat : became pacified; bhṛgu udvaha : O foremost of the Bhṛgu dynasty (Śaunaka Mahārṣi);
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O foremost of the Bhṛgu dynasty (Śaunaka Mahārṣi)! Although the Brahmaśirā weapon was unfailing and irresistible, it became pacified upon encountering the divine effulgence of Śrī Hari.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
The Brahmaśirā weapon released by Aśvatthāmā was extremely powerful. It would not ordinarily fail, and it was very difficult to resist. Nevertheless, after encountering the divine power of Śrī Hari, its effect was pacified. In this way, the child in Uttarā’s womb was protected.
Ślokapāṭham
mā maṁsthā hyetadāścaryaṁ sarvāścaryamaye’cyute ।
ya idaṁ māyayā devyā sṛjatyavati hantyajaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.16 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
mā maṁsthāḥ hi etat āścaryam sarva āścaryamaye acyute ।
yaḥ idam māyayā devyā sṛjati avati hanti ajaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
mā maṁsthāḥ : do not regard; hi : certainly; etat : this; āścaryam : as astonishing; sarva āścaryamaye : who is the abode of all wonders; acyute : in Acyuta, Śrī Kṛṣṇa; yaḥ : who; idam : this universe; māyayā devyā : by His divine māyā-śakti; sṛjati : creates; avati : protects; hanti : dissolves; ajaḥ : the unborn one;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Do not regard this as astonishing in the case of Acyuta, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who is the abode of all wonders. Being unborn, He creates, protects, and dissolves this universe through His divine māyā-śakti.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Sūta Mahārṣi says that no one should be astonished by the protection of the child in Uttarā’s womb. He indicates that Śrī Kṛṣṇa is not an ordinary person but possesses unlimited powers. He explains that the creation, maintenance, and dissolution of this universe also take place through His power.
Ślokapāṭham
brahmatejo vinirmuktaiḥ ātmajaiḥ saha kṛṣṇayā ।
prayāṇābhimukhaṁ kṛṣṇam idamāha pṛthā satī ॥
॥ 01.08.17 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
brahma tejaḥ vinirmuktaiḥ ātmajaiḥ saha kṛṣṇayā ।
prayāṇa abhimukham kṛṣṇam idam āha pṛthā satī ॥
Pada - Padārtham
brahma tejaḥ : from the effulgence of the Brahmaśirā weapon; vinirmuktaiḥ : freed; ātmajaiḥ : with her sons; saha : together with; kṛṣṇayā : with Draupadī; prayāṇa abhimukham : prepared for departure; kṛṣṇam : Śrī Kṛṣṇa; idam : thus; āha : said; pṛthā : Kuntīdevī; satī : the virtuous lady;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Together with her sons, who had been freed from the effulgence of the Brahmaśirā weapon, and with Draupadī, the virtuous Kuntīdevī spoke thus to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who was prepared for departure.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śrī Kṛṣṇa protected the Pāṇḍavas and the child in Uttarā’s womb from the danger of the Brahmaśirā weapon. After that danger had passed, He prepared to return to Dvārakā. At that time, Kuntīdevī, together with her sons and Draupadī, approached Him and began to offer her prayers.
Ślokapāṭham
(kuntī uvāca)
namasye puruṣaṁ tvādyam īśvaraṁ prakṛteḥ param ।
alakṣyaṁ sarvabhūtānām antarbahiravasthitam ॥
॥ 01.08.18 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
(kuntī uvāca)
namasye puruṣam tvā ādyam īśvaram prakṛteḥ param ।
alakṣyam sarva bhūtānām antaḥ bahiḥ avasthitam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
kuntī uvāca : Kuntīdevī said; namasye : I offer obeisance; tvā : unto You; puruṣam : as the Supreme Person; ādyam : the original cause; īśvaram : the Supreme Controller; prakṛteḥ param : beyond material nature; alakṣyam : not perceivable; sarva bhūtānām : by all living beings; antaḥ : within; bahiḥ : without; avasthitam : situated;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Supreme Person! I offer obeisance unto You, who are the original cause, the Supreme Controller, beyond material nature, not perceivable by all living beings, and situated within and without all living beings.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī begins her prayer by glorifying the supreme nature of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. He is the original cause of the entire universe, the Supreme Controller of all, and beyond the qualities of material nature. Although He is present within all living beings as the indwelling controller and pervades everything externally, ordinary living beings cannot truly perceive Him. Kuntīdevī therefore offers her humble obeisance unto Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who is the Supreme Self.
Ślokapāṭham
māyājavanikācchannam ajñādhokṣajamavyayam ।
na lakṣyase mūḍhadṛśā naṭo nāṭyadharo yathā ॥
॥ 01.08.19 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
māyā javanikā channam ajñam adhokṣajam avyayam ।
na lakṣyase mūḍhadṛśā naṭaḥ nāṭyadharaḥ yathā ॥
Pada - Padārtham
māyā : māyā; javanikā : curtain; channam : covered; ajñam : unborn; adhokṣajam : beyond the reach of the senses; avyayam : imperishable; na lakṣyase : are not perceived; mūḍhadṛśā : by those of undiscerning vision; naṭaḥ : an actor; nāṭyadharaḥ : one who has assumed a costume; yathā : just as;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Covered by the curtain of māyā, unborn, beyond the reach of the senses, and imperishable, You are not perceived by those of undiscerning vision, just as an actor in costume is not recognised.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī says that not everyone can recognize the true nature of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Although He appears like a human being, His real nature is not accessible to ordinary vision. Just as an actor in disguise is not recognized by everyone, those with undiscerning vision cannot understand the supreme nature of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Ślokapāṭham
tathā paramahaṁsānāṁ munīnāmamalātmanām ।
bhaktiyogavidhānārthaṁ kathaṁ paśyema hi striyaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.20 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tathā parama haṁsānām munīnām amala ātmanām ।
bhakti yoga vidhāna artham katham paśyema hi striyaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tathā : such; parama haṁsānām : of the paramahaṁsas; munīnām : of the sages; amala ātmanām : whose hearts are pure; bhakti yoga vidhāna artham : for the purpose of teaching bhakti-yoga; katham : how; paśyema : can we perceive; hi : certainly; striyaḥ : we who are women;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
How can we, who are women, perceive such a One, who can be understood by the paramahaṁsas and sages of pure hearts, and who has appeared for the purpose of teaching bhakti-yoga?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī expresses her humility. She asks how women like herself can understand the greatness of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who can be understood only by paramahaṁsas and great sages whose hearts are pure. Although He has appeared for the purpose of teaching bhakti-yoga, she indicates that understanding His true nature is not an ordinary matter.
Ślokapāṭham
kṛṣṇāya vāsudevāya devakīnandanāya ca ।
nandagopakumārāya govindāya namo namaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.21 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
kṛṣṇāya vāsudevāya devakī nandanāya ca ।
nanda gopa kumārāya govindāya namaḥ namaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
kṛṣṇāya : unto Śrī Kṛṣṇa; vāsudevāya : unto the son of Vasudeva; devakī nandanāya : unto the one who brought joy to Devakī; ca : and; nanda gopa kumārāya : unto the beloved child of Nanda and the cowherds; govindāya : unto the one who gives joy to the cows, the cowherds, and the senses; namaḥ namaḥ : repeated obeisance;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Repeated obeisance unto Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the son of Vasudeva, the one who brought joy to Devakī, the beloved child of Nanda and the cowherds, and the one who gives joy to the cows, the cowherds, and the senses.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī glorifies Śrī Kṛṣṇa through His various names. She addresses Him as the son of Vasudeva, the one who brought joy to Devakī, the beloved child of Nanda and the cowherds, and the one who gives joy to the cows, the cowherds, and the senses. Through these names, she expresses her devotion, affection, and reverence for Śrī Kṛṣṇa, repeatedly offering her obeisance unto Him.
Ślokapāṭham
namaḥ paṅkajanābhāya namaḥ paṅkajamāline ।
namaḥ paṅkajanetrāya namaste paṅkajāṅghraye ॥
॥ 01.08.22 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
namaḥ paṅkaja nābhāya namaḥ paṅkaja māline ।
namaḥ paṅkaja netrāya namaḥ te paṅkaja aṅghraye ॥
Pada - Padārtham
namaḥ : obeisance; paṅkaja nābhāya : unto the lotus-naveled Lord; namaḥ : obeisance; paṅkaja māline : unto the one adorned with a garland of lotuses; namaḥ : obeisance; paṅkaja netrāya : unto the one whose eyes are like lotuses; namaḥ te : obeisance unto You; paṅkaja aṅghraye : unto the one whose feet are like lotuses;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Obeisance unto the lotus-naveled Lord. Obeisance unto the one adorned with a garland of lotuses. Obeisance unto the one whose eyes are like lotuses. Obeisance unto You whose feet are like lotuses.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī offers obeisance while remembering the divine beauty of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. She describes Him as the lotus-naveled Lord, the wearer of a garland of lotuses, the one whose eyes resemble lotus petals, and the one whose feet are like lotuses. With devotional obeisance, she glorifies His divine form.
Ślokapāṭham
yathā hṛṣīkeśa khalena devakī
kaṁsena ruddhāticiraṁ śucārpitā ।
vimocitā’haṁ ca sahātmajā vibho
tvayaiva nāthena muhurvipadgaṇāt ॥
॥ 01.08.23 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
yathā hṛṣīkeśa khalena devakī
kaṁsena ruddhā aticiram śucā arpitā ।
vimocitā aham ca saha ātmajāḥ vibho
tvayā eva nāthena muhuḥ vipat gaṇāt ॥
Pada - Padārtham
yathā : just as; hṛṣīkeśa : O Hṛṣīkeśa; khalena : by the wicked one; devakī : Devakīdevī; kaṁsena : by Kaṁsa; ruddhā : imprisoned; aticiram : for a long time; śucā arpitā : subjected to grief; vimocitā : was delivered; aham : I; ca : and; saha ātmajāḥ : together with my sons; vibho : O Lord; tvayā eva : by You alone; nāthena : by the protector; muhuḥ : repeatedly; vipat gaṇāt : from groups of calamities;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Hṛṣīkeśa! Just as Devakīdevī, who was imprisoned for a long time by the wicked Kaṁsa and subjected to grief, was delivered, O Lord, I too, together with my sons, have repeatedly been delivered by You alone, our protector, from groups of calamities.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī remembers the hardships experienced by Devakīdevī. Just as Śrī Kṛṣṇa delivered Devakīdevī, who suffered for a long time under the imprisonment of Kaṁsa, He also delivered her and her sons from many calamities. With gratitude, she recalls that at every major danger they faced in life, they received the protection of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Ślokapāṭham
viṣānmahāgneḥ puruṣādadarśanāt
asatsabhāyā vanavāsakṛcchrataḥ ।
mṛdhe mṛdhe’nekamahārathāstrato
drauṇyastrataścāsma hare’bhirakṣitāḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.24 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
viṣāt mahā agneḥ puruṣāda darśanāt
asat sabhāyāḥ vanavāsa kṛcchrataḥ ।
mṛdhe mṛdhe aneka mahāratha astrataḥ
drauṇi astrataḥ ca asma hare abhirakṣitāḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
viṣāt : from poisoning; mahā agneḥ : from the great fire; puruṣāda : from the man-eater; darśanāt : from encountering; asat : of the wicked; sabhāyāḥ : from the assembly; vanavāsa : forest exile; kṛcchrataḥ : from the hardships; mṛdhe mṛdhe : in battle after battle; aneka : many; mahāratha : great warriors; astrataḥ : from the weapons; drauṇi : of Aśvatthāmā, the son of Droṇa; astrataḥ : from the weapon; ca : and; asma : we; hare : O Hari; abhirakṣitāḥ : have been protected;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Hari! From poisoning, from the great fire, from encountering the man-eater, from the assembly of the wicked, from the hardships of forest exile, from the weapons of many great warriors in battle after battle, and also from the weapon of Aśvatthāmā, the son of Droṇa, we have been protected (by You).
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī recalls one by one the many calamities faced by the Pāṇḍavas. She remembers Bhīma’s poisoning, the fire of the lac palace, the danger from Hiḍimba, the humiliation in the Kaurava assembly, the hardships of forest exile, and the many dangers encountered during the Mahābhārata war. She also remembers the recent protection from the weapon of Aśvatthāmā. With gratitude, she says that in all these calamities, Śrī Kṛṣṇa alone stood as their sole protector and preserved them.
Ślokapāṭham
vipadaḥ santu naḥ śaśvat tatra tatra jagadguro ।
bhavato darśanaṁ yatsyād apunarbhavadarśanam ॥
॥ 01.08.25 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
vipadaḥ santu naḥ śaśvat tatra tatra jagat guro ।
bhavataḥ darśanam yat syāt apunaḥ bhava darśanam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
vipadaḥ : calamities; santu : let there be; naḥ : for us; śaśvat : always; tatra tatra : here and there; jagat guro : O teacher of the universe; bhavataḥ : Your; darśanam : audience; yat : which; syāt : may occur; apunaḥ : not again; bhava : material existence or rebirth; darśanam : seeing or experiencing;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O teacher of the universe! Let there always be calamities for us here and there, because through them Your audience may occur. When Your audience is obtained, there is no need to again experience material existence or rebirth.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī offers a remarkable prayer. She remembers that whenever calamities arose, they received the protection and presence of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, she says that the audience of the Lord obtained during times of distress is extremely valuable. For those who obtain the audience of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, there is no need to again experience the cycle of birth and death. Such an audience grants the highest good to the living being.
Ślokapāṭham
janmaiśvaryaśrutaśrībhir edhamānamadaḥ pumān ।
naivārhatyabhidhātuṁ vai tvāmakiñcanagocaram ॥
॥ 01.08.26 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
janma aiśvarya śruta śrībhiḥ edhamāna madaḥ pumān ।
na eva arhati abhidhātum vai tvām akiñcana gocaram ॥
Pada - Padārtham
janma : high birth; aiśvarya : wealth; śruta : learning; śrībhiḥ : beauty and prosperity; edhamāna madaḥ : one whose pride is increasing; pumān : a person; na eva arhati : is not qualified; abhidhātum : to address or pray to; vai : certainly; tvām : You; akiñcana gocaram : who are accessible to those who have no material possessions or supports;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
A person whose pride has increased because of high birth, wealth, learning, beauty and prosperity is certainly not qualified to address You, who are accessible to those who have no material possessions or supports.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī says that pride becomes an obstacle to approaching the Lord. One whose ego has increased because of high birth, wealth, learning, or prosperity cannot truly take shelter of the Lord. She indicates that those who are humble and depend upon the Lord rather than upon their own strength can easily approach Him.
Ślokapāṭham
namo’kiñcanavittāya nivṛttaguṇavṛttaye ।
ātmārāmāya śāntāya kaivalyapataye namaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.27 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
namaḥ akiñcana vittāya nivṛtta guṇa vṛttaye ।
ātmārāmāya śāntāya kaivalya pataye namaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
namaḥ : obeisance; akiñcana vittāya : unto the wealth of those who have no material possessions or supports; nivṛtta guṇa vṛttaye : unto the one who is beyond the modes of material nature; ātmārāmāya : unto the one who rejoices in Himself; śāntāya : unto the peaceful one; kaivalya pataye : unto the Lord of liberation; namaḥ : obeisance;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Obeisance unto the wealth of those who have no material possessions or supports, unto the one who is beyond the modes of material nature, unto the one who rejoices in Himself, unto the peaceful one, and unto the Lord of liberation.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī glorifies Śrī Kṛṣṇa with additional divine qualities. She says that He is the true shelter and wealth of those who have no material supports. She describes Him as one who is beyond the modes of material nature, who experiences complete joy within Himself, and whose nature is perfect peace. She offers obeisance unto Him, the Lord who can bestow liberation.
Ślokapāṭham
manye tvāṁ kālamīśānam anādinidhanaṁ vibhum ।
samaṁ carantaṁ sarvatra bhūtānāṁ yanmithaḥ kaliḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.28 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
manye tvām kālam īśānam anādi nidhanam vibhum ।
samam carantam sarvatra bhūtānām yanmithaḥ kaliḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
manye : I consider; tvām : You; kālam : as time itself; īśānam : the supreme ruler; anādi nidhanam : without beginning or end; vibhum : all-pervading; samam carantam : acting with equal vision; sarvatra : everywhere; bhūtānām : among living beings; yanmithaḥ : in their mutual dealings; kaliḥ : differences and conflicts;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
I consider You to be time itself, the supreme ruler, without beginning or end, all-pervading, and acting with equal vision everywhere. Yet differences and conflicts are seen in the mutual dealings of living beings.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī states that Śrī Kṛṣṇa has equal vision towards all living beings. Yet among living beings, differences, friendships, enmities, and other varieties are seen. She indicates that these arise not because of any partiality on the part of the Lord, but because of the individual actions and dispositions of the living beings themselves. This idea is explained more clearly in the following verse.
Ślokapāṭham
na veda kaścidbhagavaṁścikīrṣitam
tavehamānasya nṛṇāṁ viḍambanam ।
na yasya kaściddayito’sti karhicit
dveṣyaśca yasmin viṣamā matirnṛṇām ॥
॥ 01.08.29 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
na veda kaścit bhagavan cikīrṣitam
tava iha mānasya nṛṇām viḍambanam ।
na yasya kaścit dayitaḥ asti karhicit
dveṣyaḥ ca yasmin viṣamā matiḥ nṛṇām ॥
Pada - Padārtham
na veda : cannot know; kaścit : anyone; bhagavan : O Lord; cikīrṣitam : intended purpose; tava : Your; iha : in this world; mānasya : acting like a human being; nṛṇām viḍambanam : human-like pastimes; na : not; yasya : for whom; kaścit : anyone; dayitaḥ : specially dear; asti : is; karhicit : at any time; dveṣyaḥ ca : nor anyone hateful; yasmin : regarding whom; viṣamā matiḥ : the notion of partiality; nṛṇām : belongs to human beings;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Lord! No one can understand Your intention and Your human-like pastimes while You act like a human being in this world. No one is ever specially dear to You, nor is anyone hateful to You. The notion of partiality regarding You belongs only to human beings.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī says that it is not easy to fully understand the actions of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Although He behaves like a human being, His purposes cannot be completely understood by ordinary people. He does not possess special partiality or hatred towards anyone. However, human beings perceive Him in that way according to their own viewpoint.
Ślokapāṭham
janma karma ca viśvātmann ajasyākarturātmanaḥ ।
tiryaṅnṛṣiṣu yādassu tadatyantaviḍambanam ॥
॥ 01.08.30 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
janma karma ca viśva ātman ajasya akartuḥ ātmanaḥ ।
tiryak nṛṣiṣu yādassu tat atyanta viḍambanam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
janma : birth; karma : activities; ca : and; viśva ātman : O soul of the universe; ajasya : of the unborn one; akartuḥ : of one who is not bound by action; ātmanaḥ : of You; tiryak : among animals and birds; nṛṣiṣu : among human beings and sages; yādassu : among aquatic beings; tat : that; atyanta viḍambanam : exceedingly wonderful;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O soul of the universe! For You, who are unborn and not bound by action, to have birth and activities, and to appear among animals and birds, among human beings and sages, and among aquatic beings, is exceedingly wonderful.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī remembers the divine incarnations of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. It appears astonishing to her that although He is unborn, He appears to take birth. She also says that His appearing in various species and forms and performing activities is wonderful. She indicates that these are not births like those of ordinary living beings, but divine pastimes of the Lord.
Ślokapāṭham
gopyādade tvayi kṛtāgasi dāma tāvat
yā te daśā’śrukalilāñjanasambhramākṣam ।
vaktraṁ ninīya bhayabhāvanayā sthitasya
sā māṁ vimohayati bhīrapi yadbibheti ॥
॥ 01.08.31 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
gopī ādade tvayi kṛta āgasi dāma tāvat
yā te daśā aśru kalila añjana sambhrama akṣam ।
vaktram ninīya bhaya bhāvanayā sthitasya
sā mām vimohayati bhīḥ api yat bibheti ॥
Pada - Padārtham
gopī : mother Yaśodā; ādade : took; tvayi : when You; kṛta āgasi : had committed an offence; dāma : a rope (to bind little Kṛṣṇa); tāvat : then; yā : which; te : Your; daśā : condition; aśru kalila : filled with tears; añjana sambhrama akṣam : having eyes disturbed with smeared collyrium; vaktram : face; ninīya : lowering; bhaya bhāvanayā : with a feeling of fear; sthitasya : standing; sā : that; mām : me; vimohayati : amazes; bhīḥ : fear itself; api : even; yat : of whom; bibheti : is afraid;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
When You had committed an offence, mother Yaśodā took a rope to bind You. At that time, Your condition of standing with a face lowered, with eyes filled with tears and disturbed by smeared collyrium, and with a feeling of fear, amazes me; for even fear itself is afraid of You.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī remembers the Dāmodara pastime of mother Yaśodā. She recalls the occasion when mother Yaśodā took a rope to bind Śrī Kṛṣṇa for stealing butter. She describes how Śrī Kṛṣṇa stood there like a frightened child, with tears in His eyes. It amazes her that the Lord, who is the cause of fear for all beings, appeared afraid before His devotee, mother Yaśodā.
Ślokapāṭham
kecidāhurajaṁ jātaṁ puṇyaślokasya kīrtaye ।
yadoḥ priyasyānvavāye malayasyeva candanam ॥
॥ 01.08.32 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
kecit āhuḥ ajam jātam puṇya ślokasya kīrtaye ।
yadoḥ priyasya anvavāye malayasya iva candanam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
kecit : some; āhuḥ : say; ajam : You who are unborn; jātam : as having taken birth; puṇya ślokasya : of the one whose fame is virtuous; kīrtaye : for the glory; yadoḥ : of Yadu; priyasya : beloved; anvavāye : in the dynasty; malayasya iva : just as on Mount Malaya; candanam : the sandalwood tree;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Some say that You, who are unborn, took birth in the beloved dynasty of Yadu for the glory of that virtuous and renowned king, just as the sandalwood tree grows on Mount Malaya.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī refers to various opinions that people express regarding the reason for Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s appearance. She says that some believe He appeared in the Yadu dynasty in order to increase its fame. Just as Mount Malaya becomes renowned because of its sandalwood trees, they say that the Yadu dynasty became even more famous because of Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s appearance within it.
Ślokapāṭham
apare vasudevasya devakyāṁ yācito’bhyagāt ।
ajastvamasya kṣemāya vadhāya ca suradviṣām ॥
॥ 01.08.33 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
apare vasudevasya devakyām yācitaḥ abhyagāt ।
ajaḥ tvam asya kṣemāya vadhāya ca sura dviṣām ॥
Pada - Padārtham
apare : others; vasudevasya : by Vasudeva; devakyām : in Devakīdevī; yācitaḥ : having been prayed to; abhyagāt : You appeared; ajaḥ : unborn; tvam : You; asya : of this world; kṣemāya : for the welfare; vadhāya : for the destruction; ca : and; sura dviṣām : of those who hate the devas;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Others say that You, though unborn, appeared in Devakīdevī as a result of Vasudeva’s prayer, for the welfare of this world and for the destruction of those who hate the devas.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī mentions another opinion regarding the reason for Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s appearance. She says that some believe Śrī Kṛṣṇa appeared in the womb of Devakīdevī because of the prayers of Vasudeva. They explain that He appeared for the welfare of the world and for the destruction of the wicked.
Ślokapāṭham
bhārāvatāraṇāyānye bhuvo nāva ivodadhau ।
sīdantyā bhūribhāreṇa jāto hyātmabhuvārthitaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.34 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
bhāra avatāraṇāya anye bhuvaḥ nauḥ iva udadhau ।
sīdantyāḥ bhūri bhāreṇa jātaḥ hi ātmabhuvā arthitaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
bhāra avatāraṇāya : for reducing the burden of the earth; anye : others; bhuvaḥ : of the earth; nauḥ iva : like a boat; udadhau : in the ocean; sīdantyāḥ : sinking; bhūri bhāreṇa : because of excessive burden; jātaḥ : You appeared; hi : certainly; ātmabhuvā : by Brahmā; arthitaḥ : having been prayed to;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Others say that, having been prayed to by Brahmā, You appeared in order to reduce the burden of the earth, which was sinking under a great burden like a boat in the ocean.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī mentions yet another opinion regarding the reason for Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s appearance. She indicates that people believed the earth had become burdened by unrighteous rulers and wicked persons. Some therefore say that when Brahmā prayed, Śrī Kṛṣṇa appeared to reduce that burden upon the earth.
Ślokapāṭham
bhave’smin kliśyamānānām avidyākāmakarmabhiḥ ।
śravaṇasmaraṇārhāṇi kariṣyanniti kecana ॥
॥ 01.08.35 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
bhave asmin kliśyamānānām avidyā kāma karmabhiḥ ।
śravaṇa smaraṇa arhāṇi kariṣyan iti kecana ॥
Pada - Padārtham
bhave asmin : in this material existence; kliśyamānānām : for those who are suffering; avidyā kāma karmabhiḥ : because of ignorance, desires, and actions; śravaṇa smaraṇa arhāṇi : worthy of hearing and remembrance; kariṣyan : as one who performs; iti : thus; kecana : some;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Some say that You appeared in order to perform activities worthy of hearing and remembrance for those who are suffering in this material existence because of ignorance, desires, and actions.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī mentions another opinion regarding the reason for Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s appearance. She indicates that living beings suffer in material existence because of ignorance, desires, and bondage to actions. Some therefore say that Śrī Kṛṣṇa appeared to perform divine pastimes that are worthy of hearing and remembrance for such suffering living beings.
Ślokapāṭham
śṛṇvanti gāyanti gṛṇantyabhīkṣṇaśaḥ
smaranti nandanti tavaihitaṁ janāḥ ।
ta eva paśyantyacireṇa tāvakam
bhavapravāhoparamaṁ padāmbujam ॥
॥ 01.08.36 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
śṛṇvanti gāyanti gṛṇanti abhīkṣṇaśaḥ
smaranti nandanti tava ihitam janāḥ ।
te eva paśyanti acireṇa tāvakam
bhava pravāha uparamam pada ambujam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
śṛṇvanti : hear; gāyanti : sing; gṛṇanti : glorify; abhīkṣṇaśaḥ : constantly; smaranti : remember; nandanti : rejoice; tava ihitam : Your activities and pastimes; janāḥ : people; te eva : they alone; paśyanti : see; acireṇa : very soon; tāvakam : Your; bhava pravāha uparamam : that which brings an end to the flow of material existence; pada ambujam : lotus feet;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Those people who constantly hear, sing, glorify, remember, and rejoice in Your activities and pastimes, they alone very soon behold Your lotus feet, which bring an end to the flow of material existence.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī speaks about devotees who remain connected with the Lord’s pastimes. They hear about Śrī Kṛṣṇa, glorify Him, remember Him, and rejoice in His divine pastimes. She says that such devotees ultimately attain the lotus feet of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Those lotus feet are described as bringing an end to bondage in material existence.
Ślokapāṭham
apyadya nastvaṁ svakṛtehita prabho
jihāsasi svitsuhṛdo’nujīvinaḥ ।
yeṣāṁ na cānyadbhavataḥ padāmbujāt
parāyaṇaṁ rājasu yojitāṁhasām ॥
॥ 01.08.37 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
api adya naḥ tvam svakṛta ihita prabho
jihāsasi svit suhṛdaḥ anujīvinaḥ ।
yeṣām na ca anyat bhavataḥ pada ambujāt
parāyaṇam rājasu yojita aṁhasām ॥
Pada - Padārtham
api : whether; adya : now; naḥ : us; tvam : You; svakṛta ihita : having personally done much good; prabho : O Lord; jihāsasi svit : do You wish to abandon; suhṛdaḥ : friends; anujīvinaḥ : those who live depending upon You; yeṣām : for whom; na ca anyat : there is nothing else; bhavataḥ pada ambujāt : apart from Your lotus feet; parāyaṇam : refuge; rājasu : in royal affairs; yojita : engaged; aṁhasām : afflicted with troubles;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Lord! Having personally done so much good for us, do You now wish to leave us? Do You wish to abandon such friends as us, who live depending upon You, who have no refuge other than Your lotus feet, and who are afflicted with troubles while engaged in royal affairs?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī offers this prayer as Śrī Kṛṣṇa is about to leave Hastināpura. She pleads that He should not leave the Pāṇḍavas after having done so much good for them and protected them from many dangers. She expresses that the Pāṇḍavas depend upon Śrī Kṛṣṇa alone for their life, protection, and welfare. Amid the difficulties associated with the responsibilities of ruling a kingdom, she humbly states that they have no refuge other than His lotus feet.
Ślokapāṭham
ke vayaṁ nāmarūpābhyāṁ yadubhiḥ saha pāṇḍavāḥ ।
bhavato’darśanaṁ yarhi hṛṣīkāṇāmiveśituḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.38 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
ke vayam nāma rūpābhyām yadubhiḥ saha pāṇḍavāḥ ।
bhavataḥ adarśanam yarhi hṛṣīkāṇām iva īśituḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
ke : what importance; vayam : we; nāma rūpābhyām : by name and form; yadubhiḥ saha : along with the Yādavas; pāṇḍavāḥ : the Pāṇḍavas; bhavataḥ adarśanam : absence of Your presence; yarhi : when; hṛṣīkāṇām : for the senses; iva : like; īśituḥ : when there is no controller;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
When there is no presence of Yours, what importance do we Pāṇḍavas, along with the Yādavas, have merely by name and form? Like senses without a controller.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī expresses her humility even further. She feels that the Pāṇḍavas and the Yādavas derive their honour only because of the presence of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. If He is no longer present, she says that their greatness and significance have no real value. Just as the senses require a controller, she indicates that their lives also require the presence of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Ślokapāṭham
neyaṁ śobhiṣyate tatra yathedānīṁ gadādhara ।
tvatpadairaṅkitā bhāti svalakṣaṇavilakṣitaiḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.39 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
na iyam śobhiṣyate tatra yathā idānīm gadādhara ।
tvat padaiḥ aṅkitā bhāti sva lakṣaṇa vilakṣitaiḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
iyam : this (Hastināpura); na śobhiṣyate : will not shine; tatra : then; yathā : as; idānīm : now; gadādhara : O wielder of the mace; tvat : Your; padaiḥ : by the feet; aṅkitā : marked; bhāti : shines; sva : its own; lakṣaṇa : marks; vilakṣitaiḥ : distinguished, special;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Gadādhara! This (Hastināpura) will not shine then as it shines now, marked by Your feet and distinguished by their special marks.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī says that the glory of Hastināpura is due to the presence of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. She states that the city now appears exceedingly beautiful because it is adorned with the marks of His feet. She feels that after Śrī Kṛṣṇa departs, this splendour will no longer remain in the same way.
Ślokapāṭham
ime janapadāḥ svṛddhāḥ supakvauṣadhivīrudhaḥ ।
vanādrinadyudanvantaḥ hyedhante tava vīkṣitaiḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.40 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
ime janapadāḥ su ṛddhāḥ supakva auṣadhi vīrudhaḥ ।
vana adri nadi udanvantaḥ hi edhante tava vīkṣitaiḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
ime : these; janapadāḥ : inhabited regions; su ṛddhāḥ : greatly prosperous; su pakva : well-ripened; auṣadhi : grains and crops; vīrudhaḥ : trees and creepers; vana : forests; adri : mountains; nadi : rivers; udanvantaḥ : oceans; hi : certainly; edhante : are flourishing; tava : by Your; vīkṣitaiḥ : glances;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
These inhabited regions, the greatly prosperous and well-ripened grains and crops, the trees and creepers, the forests, mountains, rivers, and oceans are certainly flourishing because of Your glances.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī points to the prosperity of the land. She says that the inhabited regions, crops, trees and creepers, forests, mountains, rivers, and oceans are all flourishing. She feels that all this prosperity and abundance are possible only because of the gracious glance of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Ślokapāṭham
atha viśveśa viśvātman viśvamūrte svakeṣu me ।
snehapāśamimaṁ chindhi dṛḍhaṁ pāṇḍuṣu vṛṣṇiṣu ॥
॥ 01.08.41 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
atha viśva īśa viśva ātman viśva mūrte svakeṣu me ।
sneha pāśam imam chindhi dṛḍham pāṇḍuṣu vṛṣṇiṣu ॥
Pada - Padārtham
atha : now; viśva īśa : O Lord of the universe; viśva ātman : O soul of the universe; viśva mūrte : O universal form; svakeṣu : towards relatives; me : my; sneha pāśam : bond of attachment; imam : this; chindhi : cut off; dṛḍham : strong; pāṇḍuṣu : towards the Pāṇḍavas; vṛṣṇiṣu : towards the Vṛṣṇis;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Lord of the universe! O soul of the universe! O universal form! Cut off this strong bond of attachment that I have towards my relatives, namely the Pāṇḍavas and the Vṛṣṇis.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī expresses a special desire in her prayer. She knows that the Pāṇḍavas and the members of the Vṛṣṇi dynasty are very dear relatives to her. However, she feels that her deep attachment towards them binds her mind. Therefore, she prays to Śrī Kṛṣṇa to remove that bond of attachment.
Ślokapāṭham
tvayi me’nanyaviṣayā matirmadhupate’sakṛt ।
ratimudvahatādaddhā gaṅgevaughamudanvati ॥
॥ 01.08.42 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tvayi me ananya viṣayā matiḥ madhupate asakṛt ।
ratim udvahatāt addhā gaṅgā iva ogham udanvati ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tvayi : in You; me : my; ananya viṣayā : not directed towards any other object; matiḥ : mind; madhupate : O Lord of Madhu; asakṛt : constantly; ratim : affection; udvahatāt : may it carry, may it possess; addhā : directly; gaṅgā : the river Gaṅgā; iva : like; ogham : its current; udanvati : towards the ocean;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Lord of Madhu! May my mind, not directed towards any other object, constantly possess affection for You, just as the river Gaṅgā directly carries its current towards the ocean.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī prays that her mind may always remain fixed upon Śrī Kṛṣṇa. She desires that her affection should flow continuously towards Him without being drawn to other objects. Just as the river Gaṅgā naturally flows towards the ocean, she prays that her mind may naturally and constantly flow towards Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Ślokapāṭham
śrīkṛṣṇa kṛṣṇasakha vṛṣṇyṛṣabhāvanidhrug
rājanyavaṁśadahanānapavargavīrya ।
govinda godvijasurārtiharāvatāra
yogeśvarākhilaguro bhagavannamaste ॥
॥ 01.08.43 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
śrī kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa sakha vṛṣṇi ṛṣabha avani dhruk
rājanya vaṁśa dahana anapavarga vīrya ।
govinda go dvija sura ārti hara avatāra
yogeśvara akhila guro bhagavan namaḥ te ॥
Pada - Padārtham
śrī kṛṣṇa : O Śrī Kṛṣṇa; kṛṣṇa sakha : O friend of Arjuna; vṛṣṇi ṛṣabha : O best of the Vṛṣṇi dynasty; avani dhruk : O protector of the earth; rājanya vaṁśa dahana : O destroyer of royal dynasties; anapavarga vīrya : O one whose prowess never diminishes; govinda : O Govinda; go : of the cows; dvija : of the brāhmaṇas; sura : of the devas; ārti : sufferings; hara : remover; avatāra : one who has descended; yogeśvara : O Lord of yoga; akhila guro : O teacher of the entire universe; bhagavan : O Lord; namaḥ te : obeisance unto You;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Śrī Kṛṣṇa! O friend of Arjuna! O best of the Vṛṣṇi dynasty! O protector of the earth! O destroyer of royal dynasties! O one whose prowess never diminishes! O Govinda! O one who has descended to remove the sufferings of the cows, the brāhmaṇas, and the devas! O Lord of yoga! O teacher of the entire universe! O Lord! Obeisance unto You.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Kuntīdevī continues her prayer with many divine names. She glorifies Śrī Kṛṣṇa as the friend of Arjuna, the best of the Vṛṣṇi dynasty, the protector of the earth, and the destroyer of unrighteousness. She addresses Him as the Lord of yoga who has descended to protect the cows, the brāhmaṇas, and the devas. Thus, remembering His various divine forms and activities, she finally offers her obeisance to the Lord, the teacher of the entire universe.
Ślokapāṭham
(sūta uvāca)
pṛthayetthaṁ kalapadaiḥ pariṇūtākhilodayaḥ ।
mandaṁ jahāsa vaikuṇṭhaḥ mohayanniva māyayā ॥
॥ 01.08.44 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
(sūta uvāca)
pṛthayā ittham kala padaiḥ pariṇūta akhila udayaḥ ।
mandam jahāsa vaikuṇṭhaḥ mohayan iva māyayā ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sūta uvāca : Sūta Mahārṣi said; pṛthayā : by Kuntīdevī; ittham : in this manner; kala padaiḥ : with sweet words; pariṇūta : praised; akhila udayaḥ : the abode of all auspicious qualities; mandam : gently; jahāsa : smiled; vaikuṇṭhaḥ : Śrī Kṛṣṇa; mohayan iva : as if bewildering; māyayā : by His divine potency;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Sūta Mahārṣi said. Thus praised by Kuntīdevī with sweet words, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the abode of all auspicious qualities, gently smiled, as though bewildering by His divine potency.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Sūta Mahārṣi says that after Kuntīdevī completed her heartfelt prayer, Śrī Kṛṣṇa listened to her glorification. Hearing her words filled with devotion and affection, He gently smiled. Through that smile, He appeared to graciously accept her prayer.
Ślokapāṭham
tāṁ bāḍhamityupāmantrya praviśya gajasāhvayam ।
striyaśca svapuraṁ yāsyan premṇā rājñā nivāritaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.45 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tām bāḍham iti upāmantrya praviśya gaja sāhvayam ।
striyaḥ ca sva puram yāsyan premṇā rājñā nivāritaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tām : her (Kuntīdevī); bāḍham iti : “so be it”; upāmantrya : having replied; praviśya : having entered; gaja sāhvayam : Hastināpura; striyaḥ ca : and the women; sva puram : to His own city; yāsyan : while preparing to go; premṇā : out of affection; rājñā : by King Yudhiṣṭhira; nivāritaḥ : was restrained;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Having replied to her (Kuntīdevī), “So be it,” and having entered Hastināpura (after getting down from the chariot and re-entering the royal palace), and having also (taken leave of) the (other) women, while going to His own city, He was restrained by King Dharmarāja out of affection.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Having mounted the chariot to depart for Dvārakā, Śrī Kṛṣṇa listened to Kuntīdevī’s prayer and conveyed His assent to her. Thereafter, He got down from the chariot and re-entered the royal palace of Hastināpura, where He also met the other women present there. Later, when He was about to depart for Dvārakā, Dharmarāja, because of his immense affection for Him, prevented Him from leaving immediately. This incident shows that the Pāṇḍavas wished to enjoy the Lord’s presence for some more time.
Ślokapāṭham
vyāsādyairīśvarehājñaiḥ kṛṣṇenādbhutakarmaṇā ।
prabodhito’pi itihāsaiḥ nābudhyata śucārpitaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.46 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
vyāsa ādyaiḥ īśvara iha ājñaiḥ kṛṣṇena adbhuta karmaṇā ।
prabodhitaḥ api itihāsaiḥ na abudhyata śucā arpitaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
vyāsa ādyaiḥ : by Vyāsa Mahārṣi and others; īśvara iha ājñaiḥ : by great souls who can teach dharma here; kṛṣṇena : by Śrī Kṛṣṇa; adbhuta karmaṇā : by the performer of wonderful deeds; prabodhitaḥ api : although instructed; itihāsaiḥ : by historical accounts; na abudhyata : was not consoled; śucā arpitaḥ : one overwhelmed by grief;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Although instructed by Vyāsa Mahārṣi and others, by the great souls who can teach dharma here, by Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the performer of wonderful deeds, and by historical accounts, the one overwhelmed by grief (Dharmarāja) was not consoled.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
After the Mahābhārata war, Dharmarāja was deeply grief-stricken. Great elders such as Vyāsa Mahārṣi and Śrī Kṛṣṇa tried in many ways to console him. They attempted to strengthen his mind by reminding him of events from the past. Even so, remembering the destruction of his relatives, Dharmarāja remained absorbed in grief.
Ślokapāṭham
āha rājā dharmasutaḥ cintayan suhṛdāṁ vadham ।
prākṛtenātmanā viprāḥ snehamohavaśaṁgataḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.47 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
āha rājā dharma sutaḥ cintayan suhṛdām vadham ।
prākṛtena ātmanā viprāḥ sneha moha vaśam gataḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
āha : said; rājā : the king; dharma sutaḥ : the son of Dharma; cintayan : contemplating; suhṛdām : of relatives; vadham : the killing; prākṛtena : with an ordinary; ātmanā : mind; viprāḥ : O brāhmaṇas; sneha : affection; moha : delusion; vaśam gataḥ : having come under the influence of;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O brāhmaṇas! The king, the son of Dharma, contemplating the killing of his relatives, and having come under the influence of affection and delusion with an ordinary mind, said.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
After the Mahābhārata war had ended, Dharmarāja was deeply distressed as he reflected upon the death of his relatives. Like an ordinary human being, he came under the influence of affection and delusion and could not forget the destruction that had occurred in the war. Filled with that inner anguish, he began to express the sorrow that was in his heart.
Ślokapāṭham
aho me paśyatājñānaṁ hṛdi rūḍhaṁ durātmanaḥ ।
pārakyasyaiva dehasya bahvyo me’kṣauhiṇīrhatāḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.48 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
aho me paśyata ajñānam hṛdi rūḍham durātmanaḥ ।
pārakyasya iva dehasya bahvyaḥ me akṣauhiṇīḥ hatāḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
aho : alas; me : my; paśyata : behold; ajñānam : ignorance; hṛdi : in the heart; rūḍham : firmly established; durātmanaḥ : of one of evil understanding like me; pārakyasya iva : as though belonging to another; dehasya : for the body; bahvyaḥ : many; me : because of me; akṣauhiṇīḥ : akṣauhiṇī armies; hatāḥ : were destroyed;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Alas! Behold the ignorance firmly established in the heart of one of evil understanding like me. Because of me, many akṣauhiṇī armies were destroyed for the sake of this body, which is as though belonging to another.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Dharmarāja blames himself. Reflecting on the terrible war that was fought for the sake of this temporary body, which is not truly one’s own forever, he becomes distressed. He feels that many akṣauhiṇī armies were destroyed because of him. Therefore, with sorrow, he speaks about the ignorance that he feels is deeply rooted in his heart.
Ślokapāṭham
bāladvijasuhṛnmitra pitṛbhrātṛgurudruhaḥ ।
na me syānnirayānmokṣaḥ hyapi varṣāyutāyutaiḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.49 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
bāla dvija suhṛt mitra pitṛ bhrātṛ guru druhaḥ ।
na me syāt nirayāt mokṣaḥ hi api varṣa ayuta ayutaiḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
bāla : to children; dvija : to brāhmaṇas; suhṛt : to well-wishers; mitra : to friends; pitṛ : to fathers and elders; bhrātṛ : to brothers; guru : to teachers; druhaḥ : one who has caused harm; na : not; me : for me; syāt : would there be; nirayāt : from hell; mokṣaḥ : release; hi : certainly; api : even; varṣa ayuta ayutaiḥ : after tens of millions of years;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
For me, who has caused harm to children, brāhmaṇas, well-wishers, friends, fathers, brothers, and teachers, there would certainly be no release from hell, even after tens of millions of years.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Dharmarāja places even greater blame upon himself. He reflects that children, relatives, friends, elders, and teachers also perished in the war. Thinking himself responsible for their deaths, he becomes overwhelmed with remorse. He laments that for such a sin he may have to suffer in hell for an exceedingly long time.
Ślokapāṭham
naino rājñaḥ prajābhartuḥ dharmayuddhe vadho dviṣām ।
iti me na tu bodhāya kalpate śāsanaṁ vacaḥ ॥
॥ 01.08.50 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
na enaḥ rājñaḥ prajā bhartuḥ dharma yuddhe vadhaḥ dviṣām ।
iti me na tu bodhāya kalpate śāsanam vacaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
na : not; enaḥ : sin; rājñaḥ : for a king; prajā bhartuḥ : for one who protects the citizens; dharma yuddhe : in a righteous war; vadhaḥ : killing; dviṣām : of enemies; iti : thus; me : for me; na tu : however not; bodhāya : for understanding, consolation; kalpate : is sufficient; śāsanam vacaḥ : the injunction of scripture;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
The scriptural statement that for a king who protects the citizens, the killing of enemies in a righteous war is not a sin, is however not sufficient to bring consolation to me.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
The elders tried to console Dharmarāja by explaining that a king incurs no sin by killing enemies in a righteous war undertaken to protect his subjects. However, Dharmarāja says that such scriptural reasoning is unable to bring peace to his mind. Although the war was fought according to dharma, he continues to grieve over the immense loss of life that occurred.
Ślokapāṭham
strīṇāṁ maddhatabandhūnāṁ droho yo’sāvihotthitaḥ ।
karmabhirgṛhamedhīyaiḥ ahaṁ kalpo vyapohitum ॥
॥ 01.08.51 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
strīṇām mat hata bandhūnām drohaḥ yaḥ asau iha utthitaḥ ।
karmabhiḥ gṛhamedhīyaiḥ aham kalpaḥ vyapohitum ॥
Pada - Padārtham
strīṇām : of the women; mat : because of me; hata : slain; bandhūnām : whose relatives; drohaḥ : offence, injury; yaḥ : which; asau : that; iha : here; utthitaḥ : has arisen; karmabhiḥ : by rituals; gṛhamedhīyaiḥ : prescribed for householders; aham : I; kalpaḥ : am capable; vyapohitum : to remove;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
I am not capable of removing, by the ritual duties prescribed for householders, this offence that has arisen here toward the women whose relatives were slain because of me.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Dharmarāja reflects upon the women who lost their husbands, sons, and other relatives because of the war. He feels responsible for their suffering. He thinks that even by performing sacrifices and other religious duties, he cannot completely remove the wrong that has arisen from their loss. Therefore, his remorse continues to remain deep within his heart.
Ślokapāṭham
yathā paṅkena paṅkāmbhaḥ surayā vā surākṛtam ।
bhūtahatyāṁ tathaivaikāṁ na yajñairmārṣṭumarhati ॥
॥ 01.08.52 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
yathā paṅkena paṅka ambhaḥ surayā vā surā kṛtam ।
bhūta hatyām tathā eva ekām na yajñaiḥ mārṣṭum arhati ॥
Pada - Padārtham
yathā : just as; paṅkena : with mud; paṅka ambhaḥ : muddy water; surayā : with liquor; vā : or; surā kṛtam : impurity caused by liquor; bhūta hatyām : the sin arising from killing living beings; tathā eva : in the same way; ekām : this single; na : not; yajñaiḥ : by sacrifices; mārṣṭum : to cleanse, remove; arhati : is possible;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Just as it is not possible to cleanse muddy water with mud, or to remove the impurity caused by liquor with liquor, in the same way it is not possible to remove this sin arising from killing living beings by means of sacrifices.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Dharmarāja expresses his remorse even more clearly. He gives the example that mud cannot be cleaned with more mud, and that an impurity caused by liquor cannot be removed by liquor itself. In the same way, he feels that the loss of life caused by the war cannot simply be erased through sacrifices. Therefore, his grief and sense of remorse continue to remain in his heart.
Chapter conclusion Ślokapāṭham
iti śrīmadbhāgavate mahāpurāṇe pāramahaṁsyāṁ saṁhitāyām ।
prathama skandhe aṣṭamo’dhyāyaḥ ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
iti śrīmat bhāgavate mahā purāṇe pāramahaṁsyām saṁhitāyām ।
prathama skandhe aṣṭamaḥ adhyāyaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
iti : thus; śrīmat bhāgavate : in Śrīmad Bhāgavatam; mahā purāṇe : in the Mahāpurāṇa; pāramahaṁsyām saṁhitāyām : in the compendium intended for the paramahaṁsas; prathama skandhe : in the First Canto; aṣṭamaḥ adhyāyaḥ : the Eighth Chapter;
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Thus, in the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam Mahāpurāṇa, in the compendium intended for the paramahaṁsas, the Eighth Chapter of the First Canto.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Thus ends the Eighth Chapter of the First Canto of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. In this chapter are described Uttarā’s prayer of surrender for the protection of the unborn Parīkṣit from Aśvatthāmā’s brahmāstra, Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s protection of Parīkṣit, the profound prayers offered by Kuntīdevī, and Dharmarāja’s remorse over the destruction of relatives in the war.
“Remembered in times of distress, the Lord blossoms in the devotee’s heart as the sole refuge.”
Other Study Paths | Canto 01 | Chapter 08
Parāyaṇam | Bhāvārtham | Sāram | Sārāmśam