Varaha Purana — Chapter 170
VrP 170.1
श्रीवराह उवाच ।। पुनरन्यत् प्रवक्ष्यामि तच्छृणुष्व वसुन्धरे ।। मथुरायां पुरा वृत्तं गोकर्णस्य महात्मनः।। वसुकर्णः पिता तस्य वैश्यो धनसमृद्धिमान्
śrīvarāha uvāca || punaranyat pravakṣyāmi tacchṛṇuṣva vasundhare || mathurāyāṃ purā vṛttaṃ gokarṇasya mahātmanaḥ|| vasukarṇaḥ pitā tasya vaiśyo dhanasamṛddhimān
Śrī Varāha said: Again I shall tell another (story); listen to it, O Vasundharā—what happened formerly in Mathurā to the great-souled Gokarṇa. His father was Vasukarṇa, a vaiśya abounding in wealth.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.2
तस्य भार्या सुशीला तु नाम्ना गुणसमन्विता ।। भर्त्तुः प्रियकरी साध्वी न प्रसूता वयोऽधिका
tasya bhāryā suśīlā tu nāmnā guṇasamanvitā || bharttuḥ priyakarī sādhvī na prasūtā vayo'dhikā
His wife was well-conducted and, in accordance with her name, endowed with virtues; she did the husband's pleasure, was chaste, had borne no child, and was advanced in years.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.3
विललाप च सुश्रोणि चैकान्ते दीनमानसा ।। सरस्वती संगमेऽथ स्त्रियो दृष्ट्वा प्रजावतीः
vilalāpa ca suśroṇi caikānte dīnamānasā || sarasvatī saṃgame'tha striyo dṛṣṭvā prajāvatīḥ
And the fair-hipped woman lamented in a solitary place, with dejected mind, at the confluence of the Sarasvatī, having seen women who had offspring.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.4
वृक्षमूले तु तत्रैव मुनिरेकः समास्थितः ।। तस्या विलपितं श्रुत्वा शनैः सकरुणं हृदि
vṛkṣamūle tu tatraiva munirekaḥ samāsthitaḥ || tasyā vilapitaṃ śrutvā śanaiḥ sakaruṇaṃ hṛdi
But right there at the foot of a tree a certain sage was seated; hearing her lamenting, softly, with compassion in (his) heart, (he spoke).
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.6
इति तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा सा स्त्री ऋषिमथाब्रवीत् ।। सापत्यास्तु स्त्रियो दृष्ट्वा क्रीडन्त्यो बालकैः सह
iti tasya vacaḥ śrutvā sā strī ṛṣimathābravīt || sāpatyāstu striyo dṛṣṭvā krīḍantyo bālakaiḥ saha
Having heard his words, that woman then said to the sage: "Seeing women with children, playing together with (their) little ones—
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.7
मम तन्नास्ति हि मुने दुर्भगायाः प्रजासुखम् ।। उवाच मुनिशार्दूलस्तां स्त्रियं पुत्रगर्द्धिनीम्
mama tannāsti hi mune durbhagāyāḥ prajāsukham || uvāca muniśārdūlastāṃ striyaṃ putragarddhinīm
—that joy of offspring is not mine, O sage, unlucky as I am." The tiger among sages spoke to that woman who longed for a son:
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.8
देवतायाः प्रसादेन तव पुत्रो भविष्यति ।। शिवस्यायतनं पुण्यं गोकर्णेति च विश्रुतम्
devatāyāḥ prasādena tava putro bhaviṣyati || śivasyāyatanaṃ puṇyaṃ gokarṇeti ca viśrutam
"By the favour of the deity you will have a son. There is a holy sanctuary of Śiva, well known as Gokarṇa;
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.9
जात हार्दः प्रियं चेष्टं शनैः स्त्रियमथाब्रवीत् ।। का त्वं कस्यासि सुभगे किमर्थं रोदिषि स्वयम् तमाराधय देवेशं पत्या सह यशस्विनि ।। स्नानदीपोपहारेण स्तोत्रैर्नानाविधैर्जपैः
jāta hārdaḥ priyaṃ ceṣṭaṃ śanaiḥ striyamathābravīt || kā tvaṃ kasyāsi subhage kimarthaṃ rodiṣi svayam tamārādhaya deveśaṃ patyā saha yaśasvini || snānadīpopahāreṇa stotrairnānāvidhairjapaiḥ
Affection arose (in him), and he gently spoke to the woman what was dear and welcome: "Who are you, whose (wife) are you, fair lady, why do you weep alone? Worship that lord of the gods together with your husband, O illustrious one, with bathing, lamps and offerings, with hymns and recitations of many kinds."
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.11
स तद्वचनमाकर्ण्य प्रीतियुक्तं सुसंयुतम् ।। जगादोच्चैः प्रियां देवि भद्रं जातो मनोरथः
sa tadvacanamākarṇya prītiyuktaṃ susaṃyutam || jagādoccaiḥ priyāṃ devi bhadraṃ jāto manorathaḥ
Having heard that speech of hers, affectionate and well put together, he said aloud to his beloved: "Lady, it is well — the wish has come to be."
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.12
ममाप्येतन्मतं देवि यदुक्तमृषिणा ततः ।। इति प्रियां समाभाष्य प्रियया च तथाऽकरोत्
mamāpyetanmataṃ devi yaduktamṛṣiṇā tataḥ || iti priyāṃ samābhāṣya priyayā ca tathā'karot
"This too is my view, lady — what was said by the sage." Having thus addressed his beloved, he did so along with her.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.13
सरस्वत्याः संगमे तौ स्नात्वा गोकर्णमर्चतुः ।। पुष्पदीपोपहारं तु चक्राते तौ दिनेदिने
sarasvatyāḥ saṃgame tau snātvā gokarṇamarcatuḥ || puṣpadīpopahāraṃ tu cakrāte tau dinedine
At the confluence of the Sarasvatī the two bathed and worshipped (Śiva as) Gokarṇa; and day after day the two made offerings of flowers and lamps.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.14
एवं तयोर्दशाब्दानि गतानि सुतहेतवे ।। ततः प्रसन्नो भगवानुमापतिरुवाच ह
evaṃ tayordaśābdāni gatāni sutahetave || tataḥ prasanno bhagavānumāpatiruvāca ha
Thus ten years passed for the two of them for the sake of a son; then the Lord, Umā's husband, being pleased, spoke:
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.15
भविष्यति युवां पुत्रो रूपवान्गुणसंयुतः ।। सस्यसन्ततिवद्दृश्यः सन्तानो यस्य वै बहु
bhaviṣyati yuvāṃ putro rūpavānguṇasaṃyutaḥ || sasyasantativaddṛśyaḥ santāno yasya vai bahu
"A son shall be yours, handsome and endowed with good qualities, whose offspring shall be seen to be many, like a succession of crops."
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.16
देवतानां प्रसादेन तदुक्तस्य भविष्यति ।। इत्युक्तौ तौ तु देवेन स्नानं कृत्वा सरस्वतीम्
devatānāṃ prasādena taduktasya bhaviṣyati || ityuktau tau tu devena snānaṃ kṛtvā sarasvatīm
"By the favour of the gods it shall come about for him of whom this was said." Thus addressed by the god, the two, having bathed in the Sarasvatī,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.17
प्रभाते देवदेवाय ददौ द्रव्यमनन्तकम् ।। ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ भोज्यं वस्त्राय बहुदक्षिणम्
prabhāte devadevāya dadau dravyamanantakam || brāhmaṇebhyo dadau bhojyaṃ vastrāya bahudakṣiṇam
at dawn gave endless goods to the God of gods; to the brahmins he gave food, and for clothing an abundant fee.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.18
ततस्तस्यां सुशीलायां गर्भाधानमविन्दत ।। ततः प्रववृधे गर्भः शुक्लपक्षे यथा शशी ।। सुषुवे दशमे मासि पुत्रं बालं शशिप्रभम्
tatastasyāṃ suśīlāyāṃ garbhādhānamavindata || tataḥ pravavṛdhe garbhaḥ śuklapakṣe yathā śaśī || suṣuve daśame māsi putraṃ bālaṃ śaśiprabham
Then he obtained the conception of an embryo in that virtuous woman; thereafter the embryo grew as the moon (grows) in the bright fortnight; in the tenth month she bore a son, a child with the radiance of the moon.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.19
गोसहस्रं तदा दत्त्वा ससुवर्णं सवस्त्रकम् ।। बहुशः सर्ववर्णेभ्यः पुत्रजन्ममहोत्सवे
gosahasraṃ tadā dattvā sasuvarṇaṃ savastrakam || bahuśaḥ sarvavarṇebhyaḥ putrajanmamahotsave
Then, at the great festival of the son's birth, having given a thousand cows together with gold and clothing, abundantly, to (people of) all classes —
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.21
एवमन्नप्राशनं च चूडोपनयनं तथा ।। अतःपरं च गोदानं वैवाहिकमनुत्तमम्
evamannaprāśanaṃ ca cūḍopanayanaṃ tathā || ataḥparaṃ ca godānaṃ vaivāhikamanuttamam
thus too the first feeding of rice, the tonsure and the initiation, and after that the gift of a cow and the most excellent marriage rite —
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.22
दानं तु ददतस्तस्य देवतां पूजयिष्यतः ।। कृतानि बहुमुख्यानि मंगलानि यथाविधि
dānaṃ tu dadatastasya devatāṃ pūjayiṣyataḥ || kṛtāni bahumukhyāni maṃgalāni yathāvidhi
while he was giving gifts and worshipping the deity, many chief auspicious ceremonies were performed according to rule.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.23
ततः प्रविष्टे तारुण्ये त्वप्रजं वीक्ष्य पुत्रकम् ।। पुनर्विवाहयामास भार्याणां च चतुष्टयम्
tataḥ praviṣṭe tāruṇye tvaprajaṃ vīkṣya putrakam || punarvivāhayāmāsa bhāryāṇāṃ ca catuṣṭayam
Then, when (the son) had entered youth, seeing the boy childless, he had him married again — to a set of four wives.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.24
वयोरूपगुणोपेतास्तस्य भार्याः सुलोचनाः ।। अप्रजा एव ताः सर्वा नाभवत्पुत्रिणी क्वचित्
vayorūpaguṇopetāstasya bhāryāḥ sulocanāḥ || aprajā eva tāḥ sarvā nābhavatputriṇī kvacit
His wives were endowed with youth, beauty and good qualities, fair-eyed; yet all of them were childless — not one of them ever became a mother.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.26
प्रपामालाश्च नित्यान्नं भोजनं वर्त्तनानि च ।। अनित्यतां ततो मत्वा चंचलाऽस्थिरजीवितम्
prapāmālāśca nityānnaṃ bhojanaṃ varttanāni ca || anityatāṃ tato matvā caṃcalā'sthirajīvitam
And water-booths, garlands, daily food, meals and livelihoods — then, considering (all things) impermanent, and life unsteady and fickle,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.27
विनियोगः कृतस्तेन सर्वदा सर्वकर्मसु ।। गोकर्णस्य समीपे तु पश्चिमे चक्रपाणिनः
viniyogaḥ kṛtastena sarvadā sarvakarmasu || gokarṇasya samīpe tu paścime cakrapāṇinaḥ
an allotment was made by him always for all these works; and near Gokarṇa, to the west, of the Discus-bearer
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.28
प्रासादं कारयामास पंचायतनकं हरेः ।। आरामस्तत्र विस्तीर्णः पुष्पजात्यस्तथैव च
prāsādaṃ kārayāmāsa paṃcāyatanakaṃ hareḥ || ārāmastatra vistīrṇaḥ puṣpajātyastathaiva ca
he had a temple built for Hari, of the five-shrine type; there was a broad pleasure-garden there, and likewise kinds of flowers.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.29
तेनैव धर्म आरब्धः प्रजार्थो देवसेवनम् ।। वापीकूपतडागानि देवतायतनानि च आम्रजम्बीरनारङ्गं बीजपूरः सदाडिमः ।। प्राकारं कारयामास परिखामण्डलीयकम्
tenaiva dharma ārabdhaḥ prajārtho devasevanam || vāpīkūpataḍāgāni devatāyatanāni ca āmrajambīranāraṅgaṃ bījapūraḥ sadāḍimaḥ || prākāraṃ kārayāmāsa parikhāmaṇḍalīyakam
By him alone was this religious work begun — the service of the god for the sake of offspring: step-wells, wells and tanks, and temples of the deities, and mango, lemon and orange, citron and pomegranate; he had a surrounding wall built, ringed with a moat.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.31
स्नानं पूजादिकं तद्वन्मार्जनं दीपकर्म च ।। कुर्वन्ति देवतागारे ताः सर्वाः शुभलोचना
snānaṃ pūjādikaṃ tadvanmārjanaṃ dīpakarma ca || kurvanti devatāgāre tāḥ sarvāḥ śubhalocanā
Bathing (the god), worship and the rest, and likewise sweeping and the tending of lamps, all those fair-eyed women perform in the temple.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.32
पतिव्रता महाभागाश्चतुरो भगिनीर्यथा ।। नित्यकालं पतेर्वाक्ये स्थिताः कुर्वन्त्यहर्निशम्
pativratā mahābhāgāścaturo bhaginīryathā || nityakālaṃ patervākye sthitāḥ kurvantyaharniśam
Devoted to their husband, greatly blessed, like four sisters, standing always by their husband's word, they do (this) day and night.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.33
मालाकारस्तथा नित्यं विटपांश्च प्रसिंचति ।। पालयामास विधिवद्विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा
mālākārastathā nityaṃ viṭapāṃśca prasiṃcati || pālayāmāsa vidhivadvidhidṛṣṭena karmaṇā
And so the garland-maker waters the branches every day; he tended (them) properly, with action as the rule prescribes.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.34
जाताः सुपुष्पवन्तश्च द्रुमाः फलसमन्विताः ।। नित्यकालं त्वर्पयन्तः फलानां सुमहोत्सवम्
jātāḥ supuṣpavantaśca drumāḥ phalasamanvitāḥ || nityakālaṃ tvarpayantaḥ phalānāṃ sumahotsavam
The trees came to bear fine flowers and were laden with fruit, constantly furnishing a great festival of fruits.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.35
दीयते भुज्यते सर्वैर्यथा शक्रस्तथा सदा ।। एवं तु वसतस्तस्य मथुरायां स्थितस्य च
dīyate bhujyate sarvairyathā śakrastathā sadā || evaṃ tu vasatastasya mathurāyāṃ sthitasya ca
It is given, it is eaten by all — he was ever like Śakra. And as he was living thus, settled in Mathurā,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.36
धनस्य संक्षयो जातः प्रत्यहं ददतः सतः ।। शेषमात्रे धने तस्य चिन्ताभून्महती तदा
dhanasya saṃkṣayo jātaḥ pratyahaṃ dadataḥ sataḥ || śeṣamātre dhane tasya cintābhūnmahatī tadā
the wealth of one who kept giving day after day came to be used up; and when only a remnant of his wealth was left, great anxiety arose in him.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.37
मातापित्रोः कुटुम्बस्य भरणीयस्य भोजनम् ।। कथं ब्रूहि करिष्यामि महाकष्टं तु सोऽब्रवीत्
mātāpitroḥ kuṭumbasya bharaṇīyasya bhojanam || kathaṃ brūhi kariṣyāmi mahākaṣṭaṃ tu so'bravīt
"Tell me, how shall I provide food for my mother and father and for the household that must be supported?" — and he said, "This is a great hardship."
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.38
इति निश्चित्य मनसा वणिग्भावं हृदि स्थिरम् ।। कृत्वा सार्थमुपामन्त्र्य निर्गतः पूर्वमण्डलम्
iti niścitya manasā vaṇigbhāvaṃ hṛdi sthiram || kṛtvā sārthamupāmantrya nirgataḥ pūrvamaṇḍalam
Having so decided in his mind, and having made the resolve to be a merchant firm in his heart, he engaged a caravan and set out for the eastern region.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.39
तत्र क्रीत्वा सुपण्यानि उत्तरापथगानि च ।। यातायातं ततः कृत्वा लाभालाभविचक्षणः
tatra krītvā supaṇyāni uttarāpathagāni ca || yātāyātaṃ tataḥ kṛtvā lābhālābhavicakṣaṇaḥ
There he bought fine goods, including those from the northern route, and then, making the journey there and back, being skilled in profit and loss,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.41
मणिरत्नं ह्यश्वरत्नं पट्टरत्नं समर्थकम् ।। गृहीत्वा तु समागच्छन्मथुरायां गृहं प्रति
maṇiratnaṃ hyaśvaratnaṃ paṭṭaratnaṃ samarthakam || gṛhītvā tu samāgacchanmathurāyāṃ gṛhaṃ prati
taking gem-jewels, horse-jewels, and valuable silk-jewels, he came back toward his home in Mathurā.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.42
एकदा सार्थसम्भारो विश्रान्तुमुपचक्रमे ।। सानौ पर्वतसामीप्ये प्रभूतयवसोदके
ekadā sārthasambhāro viśrāntumupacakrame || sānau parvatasāmīpye prabhūtayavasodake
One day the caravan with its loads set about resting on a tableland near a mountain, where grass and water were plentiful.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.43
नद्यास्तीरे सुप्रदेशे आवासांश्च प्रचक्रिरे ।। निवेश्य भाण्डं तत्रैव अश्वानां यवसादिकम्
nadyāstīre supradeśe āvāsāṃśca pracakrire || niveśya bhāṇḍaṃ tatraiva aśvānāṃ yavasādikam
On the river bank, in a good spot, they made their camps, setting down the goods right there, and the fodder and the rest for the horses.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.44
समादिश्येतिकृत्यं च भृत्यैः कतिपयैर्वृतः ।। समारुरोह तं शैलं बहुकन्दरशोभितम्
samādiśyetikṛtyaṃ ca bhṛtyaiḥ katipayairvṛtaḥ || samāruroha taṃ śailaṃ bahukandaraśobhitam
Having assigned what was to be done, and attended by a few servants, he climbed that mountain, which was adorned with many caverns.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.45
क्रीडार्थं विहरंस्तत्र सोऽपश्यत् स्थानमुत्तमम् ।। प्रसन्नसलिलोपेतं नारङ्गैस्तु विभूषितम्
krīḍārthaṃ viharaṃstatra so'paśyat sthānamuttamam || prasannasalilopetaṃ nāraṅgaistu vibhūṣitam
Wandering about there for pleasure, he saw an excellent place, supplied with clear water and adorned with orange trees,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.46
फलवन्तश्च वृक्षाश्च पुष्पाणि सुरभीणि च ।। पाषाणसन्धौ तत्रस्थैर्मालाकारैस्तु रोपितम्
phalavantaśca vṛkṣāśca puṣpāṇi surabhīṇi ca || pāṣāṇasandhau tatrasthairmālākāraistu ropitam
and trees bearing fruit, and fragrant flowers — planted in a cleft of the rock by garland-makers who lived there.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.47
तत्रारुह्य दरीद्वारं यावद्दृष्टिर्निपात्यते ।। तावदभ्यागतादीनि स्वागतादि शृणोति च
tatrāruhya darīdvāraṃ yāvaddṛṣṭirnipātyate || tāvadabhyāgatādīni svāgatādi śṛṇoti ca
Having climbed up there, as soon as his glance fell on the mouth of a cave, he heard words like "you have come" and "welcome".
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.48
श्रुत्वापि शब्दप्रभवं किमेतदिति निश्चयम् ।। करिष्यंस्तत्र चैकान्ते दृष्टः पञ्जरगः शुकः
śrutvāpi śabdaprabhavaṃ kimetaditi niścayam || kariṣyaṃstatra caikānte dṛṣṭaḥ pañjaragaḥ śukaḥ
Even after hearing (this), meaning to determine "what is the source of this sound?", there in one corner he saw a parrot in a cage.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.49
तेनोक्तं भो इहागच्छ आतिथ्यं करवाणि ते ।। पाद्यं गृहाण भोः पान्थ आसनं ते इदं शुभम्
tenoktaṃ bho ihāgaccha ātithyaṃ karavāṇi te || pādyaṃ gṛhāṇa bhoḥ pāntha āsanaṃ te idaṃ śubham
It said: "Sir, come here, let me offer you hospitality. Accept water for your feet, O traveller; this good seat is for you.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.51
आगत्य पितरौ मह्यं विशेषं तौ करिष्यतः ।। अतिथेरागतस्येह पूजाया विमुखो भवेत्
āgatya pitarau mahyaṃ viśeṣaṃ tau kariṣyataḥ || atitherāgatasyeha pūjāyā vimukho bhavet
When my parents come they will do you special (honour). One should not turn away from the honouring of a guest who has arrived here.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.52
गृहस्थस्तस्य पितरो वसन्ति नरके ध्रुवम् ।। पूजिते पूजिताः स्वर्गे मोदन्ते कालमक्षयम्
gṛhasthastasya pitaro vasanti narake dhruvam || pūjite pūjitāḥ svarge modante kālamakṣayam
The ancestors of such a householder surely dwell in hell; but when (the guest) is honoured they too are honoured and rejoice in heaven for undecaying time.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.53
अतिथिर्यस्य भग्नाशो गृहात्प्रव्रजते यदि ।। आत्मनो दुष्कृतं तस्मै दत्त्वा तत्सुकृतं हरेत्
atithiryasya bhagnāśo gṛhātpravrajate yadi || ātmano duṣkṛtaṃ tasmai dattvā tatsukṛtaṃ haret
If a guest whose hope has been broken goes away from a house, he leaves his own ill deeds to (that householder) and carries off his merit.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.54
तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन पूज्यो वै गृहमेधिना ।। काले प्राप्तस्त्वकाले वा यथा विष्णुस्तथैव सः
tasmātsarvaprayatnena pūjyo vai gṛhamedhinā || kāle prāptastvakāle vā yathā viṣṇustathaiva saḥ
Therefore a householder must honour (a guest) with every effort; whether he arrives at a fitting time or an unfitting one, he is just as Viṣṇu is.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.55
एवंविधाः शुभा वाचो वैश्यो धर्मोपदेशकात् ।। श्रुत्वा शुकात्स सर्वस्मै गोकर्णो मुदितोऽब्रवीत्
evaṃvidhāḥ śubhā vāco vaiśyo dharmopadeśakāt || śrutvā śukātsa sarvasmai gokarṇo mudito'bravīt
Having heard such auspicious words from the parrot, the instructor in dharma, the vaiśya Gokarṇa, delighted, spoke to the whole (assembly):
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.56
ऋषिः कस्त्वं पुराणज्ञः किं वा देवोऽथ गुह्यकः ।। तव प्रसन्नरूपस्य यस्येयं वागमानुषी
ṛṣiḥ kastvaṃ purāṇajñaḥ kiṃ vā devo'tha guhyakaḥ || tava prasannarūpasya yasyeyaṃ vāgamānuṣī
"Who are you—a seer knowing the ancient lore? Or a god, or a guhyaka? For you, of gracious form, this speech is not human.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.57
कस्त्वं कथय मे सत्यमुत्साहश्चातिथिप्रियः ।। धन्यः स मानुषो यस्य नित्यं सन्निहितो भवान्
kastvaṃ kathaya me satyamutsāhaścātithipriyaḥ || dhanyaḥ sa mānuṣo yasya nityaṃ sannihito bhavān
Tell me truly who you are—you whose eagerness is (also) a fondness for guests. Blessed is that man near whom you are always present."
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.58
इत्युक्तः स शुकः सर्वं शशंसात्मपुराकृतम् ।। शृणु रौद्रं यथा पूर्वे मया कृतमबुद्धिना
ityuktaḥ sa śukaḥ sarvaṃ śaśaṃsātmapurākṛtam || śṛṇu raudraṃ yathā pūrve mayā kṛtamabuddhinā
Addressed thus, the parrot related all that he himself had formerly done: "Hear the dreadful thing that was done by me before, when I was without understanding—
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.59
शुकस्य विप्रियं यादृङ् महर्षेस्तु तपस्यतः ।। सुमेरोरुत्तरे पार्श्वे महर्षिगणसेविते
śukasya vipriyaṃ yādṛṅ maharṣestu tapasyataḥ || sumeroruttare pārśve maharṣigaṇasevite
—what an offence (I gave) to Śuka, the great sage, while he was practising austerity on the northern slope of Sumeru, frequented by the hosts of great sages.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.61
ऋषयस्तत्र चाजग्मुरसितो देवलस्तदा ।। मार्कण्डेयो भरद्वाजो यवक्रीतस्ततो भृगुः
ṛṣayastatra cājagmurasito devalastadā || mārkaṇḍeyo bharadvājo yavakrītastato bhṛguḥ
And there the seers came: Asita, Devala then, Mārkaṇḍeya, Bharadvāja, Yavakrīta, then Bhṛgu,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.62
अङ्गिरास्तैत्तिरी रैभ्यः काण्वो मेधातिथिः कृतः ।। तन्तुः सुतन्तुरादित्यो वसुमानेकतो द्वितः
aṅgirāstaittirī raibhyaḥ kāṇvo medhātithiḥ kṛtaḥ || tantuḥ sutanturādityo vasumānekato dvitaḥ
Aṅgiras, Taittiri, Raibhya, Kāṇva, Medhātithi, Kṛta, Tantu, Sutantu, Āditya, Vasumān, Ekata, Dvita,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.63
वामदेवश्चाश्वशिरास्त्रिशीर्षो गौतमोदरः ।। अन्ये च सिद्धा देवाश्च पन्नगा गुह्यकास्तथा
vāmadevaścāśvaśirāstriśīrṣo gautamodaraḥ || anye ca siddhā devāśca pannagā guhyakāstathā
and Vāmadeva, Aśvaśiras, Triśīrṣa, Gautamodara, and others—siddhas and gods, serpents and guhyakas as well.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.64
शुकं सम्मुखयामासुः पप्रच्छुर्द्धर्मसंहिताम् ।। अहं तु वामदेवस्य शिष्यो नाम्ना शुकोदरः
śukaṃ sammukhayāmāsuḥ papracchurddharmasaṃhitām || ahaṃ tu vāmadevasya śiṣyo nāmnā śukodaraḥ
They put questions before Śuka and asked him about the compendium of dharma. Now I was Vāmadeva's pupil, Śukodara by name,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.65
भ्रष्टः श्रद्धान्वितो बाल्यात्सुनीत्यामग्रतश्चरन् ।। ऊहापोहकरं प्रश्नं वारंवारं च पृष्टवान्
bhraṣṭaḥ śraddhānvito bālyātsunītyāmagrataścaran || ūhāpohakaraṃ praśnaṃ vāraṃvāraṃ ca pṛṣṭavān
lapsed (in conduct) yet full of faith, out of boyishness pushing myself to the front in (matters of) good policy, and I asked again and again questions raising objections and refutations.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.66
अन्यायवादिनं मां च गुरुर्नित्यं निषेधति ।। गुरूणामग्रतो वाक्यं कथायां वदतां सह
anyāyavādinaṃ māṃ ca gururnityaṃ niṣedhati || gurūṇāmagrato vākyaṃ kathāyāṃ vadatāṃ saha
And the teacher constantly restrains me, who speak improperly; (yet I would speak) words before the elders while they were speaking together in discussion—
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.67
पूर्वपक्षाश्च सिद्धान्ताः परस्परजिगीषवः ।। अन्तरे चान्तराक्षेपं पुनर्नैवमवोचथाः
pūrvapakṣāśca siddhāntāḥ parasparajigīṣavaḥ || antare cāntarākṣepaṃ punarnaivamavocathāḥ
the prima facie positions and the settled conclusions, (the disputants) each wishing to defeat the other; and (when I made) an interruption in the midst (of it, they said,) "Do not speak so again!"
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.68
एवं निषेधितश्चाहं गुरुणा मुनिसत्तमैः ।। न कृतं यन्मया वाक्यं तेनाहं शपितस्तदा
evaṃ niṣedhitaścāhaṃ guruṇā munisattamaiḥ || na kṛtaṃ yanmayā vākyaṃ tenāhaṃ śapitastadā
Thus I was forbidden by my teacher and by the best of sages; because the command was not carried out by me, I was then cursed.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.69
शुकेन कोपाच्छापो मे दत्तोऽयं जल्पको बटुः ।। यथानामा त्वयं पक्षी शुको भवति नान्यथा
śukena kopācchāpo me datto'yaṃ jalpako baṭuḥ || yathānāmā tvayaṃ pakṣī śuko bhavati nānyathā
By Śuka in anger this curse was given me: "This chattering student—let him become a bird, a parrot (śuka), as his name is, and not otherwise!"
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.71
मुनयस्तं महात्मानं शुकं तत्त्वार्थवित्तमम् ।। नान्यथा नान्यथा चोक्तं कदाचित्त्संभविष्यति
munayastaṃ mahātmānaṃ śukaṃ tattvārthavittamam || nānyathā nānyathā coktaṃ kadācittsaṃbhaviṣyati
The sages (said) to that great soul Śuka, the foremost knower of the truth of things: "'Not otherwise, not otherwise' has been said—will it ever come about (that he is released)?"
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.72
आगामिकाले दास्यामि वरमस्मै शुकाय भो।। युष्माकमुपरोधेन यथारूपो विहङ्गमः
āgāmikāle dāsyāmi varamasmai śukāya bho|| yuṣmākamuparodhena yathārūpo vihaṅgamaḥ
"In time to come I shall grant a boon to this parrot, sirs. By your insistence, though he be a bird in form,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.73
अयं भविष्यति सदा सद्भावहितभावनः।। पुराणतत्त्ववेत्ता च सर्वशास्त्रार्थपारगः
ayaṃ bhaviṣyati sadā sadbhāvahitabhāvanaḥ|| purāṇatattvavettā ca sarvaśāstrārthapāragaḥ
he shall always be one whose mind dwells on what is good and beneficial, a knower of the truth of the ancient lore, and one who has reached the far shore of the meaning of all the scriptures.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.74
मथुरायां मृतः पश्चाद्ब्रह्मलोकं गमिष्यति ।। एवं शापं वरं गृह्य तस्माद्दीनो ह्यहं द्रुतम्
mathurāyāṃ mṛtaḥ paścādbrahmalokaṃ gamiṣyati || evaṃ śāpaṃ varaṃ gṛhya tasmāddīno hyahaṃ drutam
Dying at Mathurā he shall afterwards go to Brahmā's world." Thus, having received the curse and the boon, I, wretched, straightway (departed) from there,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.75
मथुरामथुरोच्चारं कुर्वन्नित्यमतन्द्रितः।। नित्योद्विग्नश्च मे गात्रे हिमाद्रौ तु गुहां वसन्
mathurāmathuroccāraṃ kurvannityamatandritaḥ|| nityodvignaśca me gātre himādrau tu guhāṃ vasan
ever untiring, uttering "Mathurā, Mathurā," and ever trembling in my body, dwelling in a cave on the Himālaya.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.76
प्राप्तोऽहं शबरेणैव येनाहं पञ्जरे धृतः ।। शबरस्तु सभार्यो वै क्रीडते स मया सह
prāpto'haṃ śabareṇaiva yenāhaṃ pañjare dhṛtaḥ || śabarastu sabhāryo vai krīḍate sa mayā saha
(There) I was caught by a Śabara, by whom I was kept in a cage; and the Śabara together with his wife plays with me.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.77
मुनेः प्रसादान्मे ज्ञानं न जहाति कदाचन ।। भुज्यते ह्यवशेनैव कृतं येन यथा च यत्
muneḥ prasādānme jñānaṃ na jahāti kadācana || bhujyate hyavaśenaiva kṛtaṃ yena yathā ca yat
By the sage's grace my knowledge never leaves me; for whatever anyone has done, and however, that is experienced (by him) helplessly.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.78
स्वस्थो भव महाभाग मा स्म शोके मनः कृथाः ।। इत्युक्तः स तु गोकर्णस्तदा तेन शुकेन च
svastho bhava mahābhāga mā sma śoke manaḥ kṛthāḥ || ityuktaḥ sa tu gokarṇastadā tena śukena ca
"Be at ease, greatly fortunate one; do not set your mind on grief." Thus addressed then by that parrot, Gokarṇa —
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.79
तस्य तद्वचनं हृद्यं शुकमोक्षप्रदायकम् ।। या सा मुक्तिप्रदा रम्या मधुरा पापनाशिनी
tasya tadvacanaṃ hṛdyaṃ śukamokṣapradāyakam || yā sā muktipradā ramyā madhurā pāpanāśinī
that speech of his, pleasing to the heart, bestowing the parrot's release — she who (that speech which) grants liberation, delightful, sweet, destroying sin —
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.81
मथुरावासिनं श्रुत्वा गोकर्णं स शुकस्तदा ।। पुत्रं संस्थाप्य चात्मानं गोकर्णस्य यथेप्सितम्
mathurāvāsinaṃ śrutvā gokarṇaṃ sa śukastadā || putraṃ saṃsthāpya cātmānaṃ gokarṇasya yathepsitam
Then that parrot, having heard that Gokarṇa dwelt in Mathurā, and having established (his own) son and himself according to Gokarṇa's wish —
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.82
एवं च वदतस्तस्य शबरी शयनोत्थिता ।। दर्पान्निर्गत्य तु बहिर्ददर्शासनसंस्थितम्
evaṃ ca vadatastasya śabarī śayanotthitā || darpānnirgatya tu bahirdadarśāsanasaṃsthitam
And while he was speaking thus, the Śabara woman, risen from her bed, coming outside in her pride, saw (him) seated on a seat,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.83
भृत्यैः परिवृतं चारुदर्शनीयस्वरूपकम् ।। निरीक्ष्य बहुशस्तत्र शुको वचनमब्रवीत्
bhṛtyaiḥ parivṛtaṃ cārudarśanīyasvarūpakam || nirīkṣya bahuśastatra śuko vacanamabravīt
surrounded by servants, of lovely and handsome form. Having looked at him again and again there, the parrot spoke these words:
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.84
प्रियातिथिं च संप्राप्तं मातः पूज्यतमं शुचिम् ।। कुरु पूजां यथार्हं च गोकर्णस्य वरातिथेः
priyātithiṃ ca saṃprāptaṃ mātaḥ pūjyatamaṃ śucim || kuru pūjāṃ yathārhaṃ ca gokarṇasya varātitheḥ
"Mother, a dear guest has arrived, most worthy of honour, pure; do the worship as is fitting for Gokarṇa, the excellent guest."
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.85
शुकस्य वचनाद्यावत्पूजार्थमुपकल्पितम् ।। न ददाति ततस्तत्र वनाच्छबर आगतः
śukasya vacanādyāvatpūjārthamupakalpitam || na dadāti tatastatra vanācchabara āgataḥ
At the parrot's word, though what was prepared for the worship (was ready), she does not give it; then the Śabara came there from the forest.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.86
तस्याग्रे तु पुनस्तेन शुकेनातिथिपूजनम् ।। शंसितं स तथेत्युक्त्वा कृत्वा पूजां प्रणम्य च
tasyāgre tu punastena śukenātithipūjanam || śaṃsitaṃ sa tathetyuktvā kṛtvā pūjāṃ praṇamya ca
Then in his presence the parrot again urged the honouring of the guest; he, saying "so be it," performed the worship and bowed,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.87
फलानि मांसयुक्तानि मधूनि सुरभीणि च।। संपाद्य संविदं कृत्वा वद किङ्करवाणि ते
phalāni māṃsayuktāni madhūni surabhīṇi ca|| saṃpādya saṃvidaṃ kṛtvā vada kiṅkaravāṇi te
and having procured fruits together with meat and fragrant honeys, and having made agreement, (said:) "Speak — your servants are (here)."
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.88
इत्युक्तः शबरेणाथ गोकर्णो वाक्यमब्रवीत् ।। अन्यत्किंचिदथो देयं यदि किंचिद्ददासि च
ityuktaḥ śabareṇātha gokarṇo vākyamabravīt || anyatkiṃcidatho deyaṃ yadi kiṃciddadāsi ca
Thus addressed by the Śabara, Gokarṇa then spoke these words: "Something else is to be given, if indeed you will give me anything —
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.89
शुकोऽयं पञ्जरस्श्चश्च पुत्रार्थं मे प्रदीयताम् ।। मथुरायां गमिष्यामि कृतार्थः पितुरन्तिके
śuko'yaṃ pañjarasścaśca putrārthaṃ me pradīyatām || mathurāyāṃ gamiṣyāmi kṛtārthaḥ piturantike
let this parrot along with the cage be given to me for my son's sake; I shall go to Mathurā, my purpose fulfilled, into my father's presence."
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.91
सरस्वत्याः फले चैव दत्ते दास्यामि ते शुकम् ।। शबरेणैवमुक्तस्तु गोकर्णः प्रत्यभाषत
sarasvatyāḥ phale caiva datte dāsyāmi te śukam || śabareṇaivamuktastu gokarṇaḥ pratyabhāṣata
"When the fruit of the Sarasvatī has been given (told), I shall give you the parrot." Thus addressed by the Śabara, Gokarṇa replied:
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.92
सरस्वत्याः सङ्गमे च यत्फलं लभते नरः ।। स्नानेन किं फलं तस्य यदि जानासि तद्वद
sarasvatyāḥ saṅgame ca yatphalaṃ labhate naraḥ || snānena kiṃ phalaṃ tasya yadi jānāsi tadvada
"What fruit a man obtains at the confluence of the Sarasvatī — what is the fruit for him from bathing? If you know it, tell that."
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.93
शबर उवाच ।। शुकेनानेन मे सर्वं मथुरायाश्च यत्फलम्
śabara uvāca || śukenānena me sarvaṃ mathurāyāśca yatphalam
The Śabara said: "By this parrot (I have learned) all that is the fruit of Mathurā for me,
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.94
यत्फलं सङ्गमस्योक्तं शृणुयाद्द्वादशीव्रतम् ।। वियोनिस्थो राक्षसो वा तिर्यग्योनिं गतस्य वा
yatphalaṃ saṅgamasyoktaṃ śṛṇuyāddvādaśīvratam || viyonistho rākṣaso vā tiryagyoniṃ gatasya vā
and what fruit has been declared of the confluence. Should one hear (of) the twelfth-day observance — whether one be in a wrong birth, or a rākṣasa, or gone into an animal birth —
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.95
यमुद्दिश्य व्रतं कुर्यात्स गच्छेत्परमां गतिम् ।। सङ्गमस्य फलं तस्य दृष्ट्वा गोकर्णमीश्वरम्
yamuddiśya vrataṃ kuryātsa gacchetparamāṃ gatim || saṅgamasya phalaṃ tasya dṛṣṭvā gokarṇamīśvaram
the one with reference to whom one performs the vow would go to the highest goal; that is the fruit of the confluence, having seen Gokarṇa the Lord.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain
VrP 170.96
नासौ यमपुरं याति विष्णुलोकं च गच्छति ।। एवं मया श्रुतं तस्य सङ्गमस्य महाफलम्
nāsau yamapuraṃ yāti viṣṇulokaṃ ca gacchati || evaṃ mayā śrutaṃ tasya saṅgamasya mahāphalam
He does not go to Yama's city, and he goes to Viṣṇu's world. Thus I have heard the great fruit of that confluence.
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition
VrP 170.170
इत्युक्ता सा च सुश्रोणी प्रणिपत्य प्रसाद्य तम् ।। भर्त्रे सा कथयामास यदुक्तं मुनिना प्रियम् जातकर्म तथा चैव नामकर्म चकार च ।। गोकर्णं नाम तस्यैव पिता चक्रे निरूप्य च प्रावर्त्तनं च कूपेषु येन सिंचेत्प्रवाटिकाम् ।। पुष्पाणि च विचिन्वंति सर्वास्ता वरयोषितः क्रीत्वा क्रेयानि वस्तूनि लाभालाभं विचार्य च ।। उत्तरापथदेशात्तु सार्थं सबहुविस्तरम् फलानीमानि स्वादूनि मधुमांसोदकानि च ।। यथेष्टं यावतीच्छा च तावद्गृह्णन्त्विमे नराः तपश्चचार विपुलं शुको व्याससुतो महान् ।। श्रोतुकामाः पुराणानि सेतिहासानि नैगमाः इत्युक्तमात्रे वचने तत्रैवाहं शुकोदरः ।। शुकत्वं तत्क्षणात्प्राप्तः क्षमस्वेत्यूचु तेजसा तस्यां वसाम्यहं भद्र वाणिज्यार्थमिहागतः ।। पुनरिच्छामहे तत्र भाण्डं गृह्य यथासुखम् इत्युक्तमात्रे वचने शबरो वाक्यमब्रवीत् ।। अस्माकं यमुनास्नानं सङ्गमे यमुनाम्भसः
ityuktā sā ca suśroṇī praṇipatya prasādya tam || bhartre sā kathayāmāsa yaduktaṃ muninā priyam jātakarma tathā caiva nāmakarma cakāra ca || gokarṇaṃ nāma tasyaiva pitā cakre nirūpya ca prāvarttanaṃ ca kūpeṣu yena siṃcetpravāṭikām || puṣpāṇi ca vicinvaṃti sarvāstā varayoṣitaḥ krītvā kreyāni vastūni lābhālābhaṃ vicārya ca || uttarāpathadeśāttu sārthaṃ sabahuvistaram phalānīmāni svādūni madhumāṃsodakāni ca || yatheṣṭaṃ yāvatīcchā ca tāvadgṛhṇantvime narāḥ tapaścacāra vipulaṃ śuko vyāsasuto mahān || śrotukāmāḥ purāṇāni setihāsāni naigamāḥ ityuktamātre vacane tatraivāhaṃ śukodaraḥ || śukatvaṃ tatkṣaṇātprāptaḥ kṣamasvetyūcu tejasā tasyāṃ vasāmyahaṃ bhadra vāṇijyārthamihāgataḥ || punaricchāmahe tatra bhāṇḍaṃ gṛhya yathāsukham ityuktamātre vacane śabaro vākyamabravīt || asmākaṃ yamunāsnānaṃ saṅgame yamunāmbhasaḥ
Thus addressed, that fair-hipped woman, bowing down and propitiating him, told her husband the pleasing thing the sage had said. And (the father) performed the birth-rite and likewise the naming-rite; after due consideration his father gave him the name Gokarṇa. And (there was) a channelling from the wells by which one might water the garden-plot; and all those excellent women gather the flowers. Having bought the goods to be bought, and having considered profit and loss, (they brought) a caravan of great extent from the northern country. "These fruits are sweet, and honey, meat and water; let these men take as much as they wish, as they please." The great parrot, the son of Vyāsa, practised vast austerity; the vedic men, desirous of hearing the purāṇas together with the epic tales — the moment those words were spoken, right there I, being in a parrot's belly, in that very instant attained parrothood; "forgive!" they said, with power. "In that (city) I dwell, good sir; I have come here for the sake of trade; we wish (to go) there again, taking our wares at our ease." The moment those words were spoken, the Śabara spoke: "Ours is the bathing in the Yamunā, at the confluence of the Yamunā's waters."
AI translation rendered from the Sanskrit, not a published edition — the model flagged this verse as uncertain