Gopala-campu
Gopal Champu
[1] The next morning Madhukaṇṭha began speaking at the assembly of King Nanda who was gazing with adoration at Kṛṣṇa’s face, tasting its sweetness.
[2] As messengers came and went many times, two messengers appeared. Coming forward, they touched Nanda’s feet and, on being questioned, they described eight constituent powers of the king—master, ministers, friends, treasury, kingdom, fortress, army and citizens and then about Kṛṣṇa, Balarāma, Vasudeva, Uddhava and others. Then they became silent.
[3] Nanda said, “Why do you not say anything else?”
[4] The messengers said, “How can we speak painful news?”
[5] Everyone said, “Messengers should tell everything. Why are you showing aversion?”
[6] The messengers said, “Rukmiṇī gave birth to a son. But the child disappeared. Without her child she began to lament terribly.”
[7] Everyone with pale faces said, “Oh! Oh! Kṛṣṇa, who has a joyful heart, must have been filled with grief.”
[8] The messengers said, “No, no. Rather, he relieved everyone including Rukmiṇī of worries.”
[9] Everyone said with relief, “Then something auspicious will happen.”
[10] After messengers came and went for some days, again two different messengers came and saiddirectly, “We just saw something most amazing.”
[11] Nanda said, “What is that?”
[12] The messengers said, “One day Kṛṣṇa was playing dice with intimate friends in the Sudharmā hall filled with excellent dharma. As he was playing, some citizens of bold action, with great commotion, fear, excitement, like the ocean overflowing the shore, began urgently speaking, ‘Viśvakarmā has come to see you, who are the embodiment of all auspicious results, but it is painful to look at him with our eyes. Please instruct us so he will become as gentle as the moon.’”
[13] Kṛṣṇa laughed slightly and said:
The sun does not act in this cruel way with us. But in order to defeat us, Satrājit, who performed sacrifices to please the sun, having pleased the sun, is wearing a jewel given by the sun and has come here.
[14] This is well known:
A low person who has previously received affliction from others is unbearable in giving pain to others. The sun does not give as much pain as hot sand does. ||1||
[15] Under the influence of time, he will be punished.
[16] When everyone went to see him in a laughing mood and gathered in their houses, listen to the conduct of proud Satrājit, which Uddhava revealed while all were listening with astonished smiles. “Oh! Look, look! Disrespecting Kṛṣṇa, the center jewel of the sun—the source of Satrājit’s gem—the sun which dispels darkness in the sky, the crest jewel of the three worlds, the wish-fulfilling stone of his family, the master of the Kaustubha jewel, Satrājit does not offer the jewel to Kṛṣṇa but rather wants to compete with him since he is full of pride on attaining it. Going to his house, Satrājit has commenced a huge festival, and has fixed the jewel in his room using brāhmaṇas from your assembly. Every day the gem creates eight bhāras of gold and destroys all calamities.”
[17] Uddhava continued speaking, “What more should I say about this selfish person? Our founder Yadu cannot compare with the youngest of the inhabitants of Vraja. Brahmā has praised the ordinary people there:
So what is left for you to give these devotees of Vṛndāvana, whose homes, wealth, friends, dear relations, bodies, children and very lives and hearts are all dedicated only to you? SB 10.14.35
What misfortune! Let that be. The devatās, leaving Svarga, have sent the Pārijāta, Kubera’s jewel and the Sudharmā hall. And when Kṛṣṇa, like a beggar, politely requested him to give the jewel to Ugrasena to test the jewel, Satrājit refused. The well-bred people do not want to accept the bones relished by dogs but they sometimes come out of curiosity to see the pārijāta and Kuvera’s gem. If Satrājit has refused, very well. He will cause his own punishment.”
[18] Nanda said, “Then what?”
[19] The messengers said, “Then we came here. The rest of the events will be told by two other messengers.”
In that manner, two other messengers arrived. Producing auspiciousness, they told the rest of the story.
[20] “Seeing that Kṛṣṇa wanted the jewel, Satrājit gave it to his brother Prasena to keep. This was done to deflect rumors that he did not want Kṛṣṇa to have it but this created more rumors. Then, Prasena, with the jewel around his neck, one day mounted his horse, and while traveling in the forest, died because of his past sins. People spoke loudly about this. Another catastrophe took place. Satrājit with his assembly members spread the rumor that Kṛṣṇa had killed Prasena out of greed for the gem and made everyone hide in the ground out of shame.”
[21] All the people of Vraja, hearing this said, “We all love his fame. By hearing blissfully about his actions in Dvārakā we can bear separation. But his actions for showing affection to Ugrasena and others have given opposite results, filled with evil. Our lives have become filled with misery. Let that be. Please tell the rest of the news.”
[22] The messengers said, “Then we came here.”
Day after day the minds of the people of Vraja were tainted with pain. For a long time no news came. Finally the obstructions ceased. One day after a long time, many foot soldiers came quickly. They were like trees which had been in the hot summer sun. With choked voices they said, “Everything is fine.”
[23] Without giving them rest, Nanda took the leader by the hand and asked generally.
[24] The messenger said, “Understanding that a lion killed Prasena and that a bear had killed the lion, Kṛṣṇa followed the bear’s tracks and entered its cave. He fought with the bear for twenty-eight days. He took the jewel and the bear’s daughter and also accepted Satrājit’s daughter.” ||2||
[25] Having the messenger recover, Nanda fed him and then in the assembly said, “Please tell the details.”
[26-27] The messenger said, “When Satrājit and others gathered and discussed privately every day, making accusations, Kṛṣṇa whose intelligence is like an ocean for the intelligent, understanding the situation but acting as if he did not, gathered hundreds of persons not too favorable to himself and favorable to Satrājit and began to discuss the subject.
‘Look. Suddenly we are having great calamity. That is because one thief is criticizing me. Therefore let us go. We will look for the place where Prasena died.’ After considering this, he put those somewhat favorable to Satrājit in front and he followed behind. Noticing the tracks of Prasena’s horse, and fearing that the tracks would be obliterated by the vehicles, he began walking on foot, and found the dead body of Prasena with his horse. Seeing a lion’s marks on his body, he followed the lion’s tracks and then saw the lion’s body on the ground torn apart by a bear. Thus the earth reinstated the fame of Kṛṣṇa by preserving the foot prints of the horse and the lion.”
[28] Nanda said, “What happened to the jewel which causes his enemies to doubt him?”
[29] The messenger said, “The jewel could not be found though they tried to find it.”
[30] Nanda said, “Oh! Why was that?”
[31] The messenger said, “The lion and the bear both took it.”
[32] Nanda said, ‘What would the lion and bear gain from taking it?”
[33] The messenger said, “Like a mouse attracted to a gold coin, the lion was attracted to the jewel’s intriguing qualities. The bear Jāmbavān also was attracted in the same way.”
[34] Nanda said, “There should be no confusion for the great souls about the results of this incident. But I did not know that such cruelty and lack of mercy could manifest. Please tell the rest of the news.”
[35] The messenger said, “Following the bear’s clear tracks, they came to what was probably the entrance to the bear’s cave.”
[36] The people of Vraja said in agitation, “Then what happened?”
[37] The messenger said, “Making an excuse that he would go first, since all the others were reluctant to enter, Kṛṣṇa entered the cave with happiness, knowing that the result would be auspicious.”
[38] All who heard had previously said, “Then what happened?” Now they stopped speaking.
[39] The messenger said:
Entering the cave, he destroyed the darkness which caused blindness with the rays from his hand, and not being surprised at anything in front of him, eventually saw a young boy named Sukumāra playing with the jewel along with his nurse. Without harming the boy, Kṛṣṇa took the jewel and remained there out of curiosity to see the boy play. The nurse however, suddenly seeing the strange form of a human, began trembling. She thought as follows:
“Oh! Though he has the complexion of a rain cloud, a face like the rising moon, and clothing golden like Lakṣṁī, he seems interested in the jewel and the boy. My heart, trembling with fear, has become unsteady.” ||3||
[40] Thinking thus, she began shouting. When she did so, angry Jāmbavān with contracted eyes appeared and, not appreciating Kṛṣṇa’s sweet beauty, fought with him with all his strength.”
[41] The assembled people said with consternation, “Then what happened?”
[42] The messenger said, “The fight continued for twenty-eight days and nights without rest.” The speaker stopped speaking, overcome with distress.
[43] On hearing this, Nanda and Yaśodā fainted and all others in agitation said, “Tell us what happened to Kṛṣṇa without regard for the rest of the story.”
[44] The messenger said:
His limbs crushed by Kṛṣṇa’s fists, Jāmbavān, his pride broken, spoke to Kṛṣṇa with praise. ||4||
[45] The devotee’s pain does not appeal to us. Thus we will not describe Jāmbavān’s pitiable condition. But Kṛṣṇa, affectionate to the fallen, mercifully touched him with his hand which gives all auspiciousness, unable to bear his elaborate praises. By that touch, he was freed of his pain and saw the beauty of Kṛṣṇa. Seeing Rāma’s beauty included in Kṛṣṇa, Jāmbavān developed the eight sāttvika-bhāvas. Kṛṣṇa made his mind become fixed on Rāma, and he then stood with folded hands, awaiting Kṛṣṇa’s order. Kṛṣṇa explained briefly his reason for coming. The best of bears, with clear mind, considering the situation with shame, entered his house and brought his jewel of a daughter and the jewel, and offered them to Kṛṣṇa. He satisfied Kṛṣṇa with bathing, drinking water and other items.
[46] Attaining Kṛṣṇa on whom she had meditated from birth, as her husband, Jāmbavatī fainted and her father became disturbed. ||5||
[47] Her meditation:
My father is an old bear. So is my mother. So are all their relatives. Living in this cave, how can I see other objects of this world? But who is this person, the king of the sapphires, whose praiseworthy words are as tender as a blossoming lotus, whose eyes are attractive, whose cloth shines like gold, and who attracts me constantly? ||6||
[48] Nanda said, “Then what?”
[49] The messenger said, “Remembering the nectar touch of Kṛṣṇa’s hand, Jāmbavān began to pray. ‘Just as I recovered from fainting by the touch of your hand, my daughter also will be revived by the touch of your hand.’ When Kṛṣṇa touched her with his hand she became conscious. Getting up after a muhūrta of fainting, she made bodily movements. Singing auspicious songs, Jāmbavān felt himself successful. Placing his daughter and Kṛṣṇa carefully on his shoulders, acting as a royal carriage, he carried them to the entrance of the cave. After the first thirteen days of waiting at the entrance the people of Dvārakā had given up hope and in grief returned to their houses. They did not enter the cave.”
[50] Hearing this and looking at the speaker’s face, the people who had lost their color said, “Oh! Why did they do this?”
[51] The messenger said, “Some of the people of Dvārakā feared for their own lives and for the lives of Ugrasena and others.”
[52] After recounting the words of the messenger, Madhukaṇṭha then said, “Some days after Kṛṣṇa returned, taking the opportunity, Uddhava in remorse spoke to the assembly with a derisive laugh ‘The people of Gokula became disturbed by the agitation of Kāliya (for Kṛṣṇa’s safety) but we have become ignorant, and simply fear for our lives.’”
[53-54] Hearing this Yaśodā said, “Speak to Nanda. Why can’t someone not defeat them with proper reasoning and taking our son by the hand, bring him back? Why do they place the young boy among indifferent people with no affection? Oh! What should I say! If my stomach does not burst today, it is not a stomach but cruelty itself!”
[55] Hearing this, everyone cried. With choked voice Nanda again spoke, “Then what happened?”
[56] The messenger said, “The people returned after many days to Dvārakā since the place was far and the people were dejected. Hearing from them, Balarāma and others, with eagerness discussed about departing for the cave. Some worshiped Durgā for auspiciousness. Some shouted at Satrājit that his life was finished. At that moment Kṛṣṇa blew Paṣcajanya. This was mixed with the auspicious music produced by Jāmbavān. Hearing this, Balarāma and many others became filled with joy, and produced an uproar of excitement. They went to him and, seeing him who made the jewel around his neck insignificant in effulgence by his own luster, took him to the palace along with the new bride with great festivity.”
[57] Hearing this, the people of Vraja decorated the messengers with golden ornaments and then sent off others pairs of messengers for other news because of their longing.
[58-59] When two more messengers arrived, Nanda asked as previously.
They said, “When Kṛṣṇa returned, he called Satrājit to the assembly with respect. After relating all that had happened, he finally gave the jewel to him with a smile.”
[60] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[61] The messengers said:
First the jewel turned away from Kṛṣṇa and then turned face downwards (in shame) to Satrājit. In these two ways it turned away. ||7||
[62] Satrājit began to think, “Kṛṣṇa is secretly angry with me. How can I satisfy him? How to prevent his relatives from cursing me? Ah yes! I should be clever like Jāmbavān. By giving my jewel of a daughter, even more valuable, along with this jewel, I will satisfy him though I have deliberately made him my enemy.”
[63-64] Thinking in this way, acting in his own interests (to avoid the curse), by the proper method, he gave his daughter named Satyabhāmā along with the jewel. He did not know that Jāmbavān (unlike himself) had awakened previous strong bhakti. When Satrājit gave both, Kṛṣṇa accepted his fortunate daughter, for the sake of her life, but not the jewel, because he understood the girl’s devotion and Satrājit’s lack of devotion. His lack of devotion has been described. Satyabhāmā’s bhakti was unlimited and she had natural attachment to Kṛṣṇa. Satrājit’s giving the gem and his daughter was a cause of astonishment for several of his friends including his father.
She had no other goal than Kṛṣṇa. From her birth she had rati for him. Out of shyness, she hid this from her father. When she reached youth, this attraction became fully manifested. How could she hide her rati and how could he restrict her? ||8||
Hear the amazing incident when Satyabhāmā from childhood would see Kṛṣṇa from the lattice holes in the terrace. The tears from her eyes mixed with the collyrium covered the whole area, making it into black Kalinda Mountain (source of the Yamunā River). ||9||
[65] Nanda said, “Then what?”
[66] The messengers said, “Then we came here. Look out for the next messengers.”
[67] When the reciter took a break, the bards of Vraja began praising Kṛṣṇa, describing some of the events of the future messengers.
Dressed in fine cloth, sitting in the assembly, Kṛṣṇa met with the citizens.
They said that the sun god had come to see his lotus feet. ||a||
Laughing, he said it was not the sun. It was Satrājit, who was shining because of the jewel. Hearing this, the citizens left, but Satrājit, like an offender whose life would be quickly finished, did not come to Kṛṣṇa. ||b||
To reveal Satrājit’s pride, Kṛṣṇa along with Balarāma asked him to give the jewel to Ugrasena. Satrājit gave the jewel to Prasena and Kṛṣṇa laughed. ||c||
When the lion killed Prasena who was wearing the jewel, Kṛṣṇa became grave. When Prasena did not return, Satrājit’s party reviled Kṛṣṇa and made him their enemy. ||d||
Searching for him with many others, Kṛṣṇa saw that he had been killed by a lion.
Following the lion’s tracks to a mountain, he with the others saw that the lion had been killed. ||e||
Though they saw the marks of the bear, Kṛṣṇa did not see the jewel. Following the bear tracks, he came to a mountain cave. He entered so others would not lament for their safety. ||f||
Entering, he went to the excellent city of the great bear with a desire to take the jewel. He then saw the jewel. He saw Sukumāra, best of the bear dynasty, playing with the jewel near his nurse. ||g||
Kṛṣṇa wanted to take the jewel. The nurse, terrified and trembling, began to scream.
The excellent bear, losing his intelligence, with a strong urge, fought with Kṛṣṇa. ||h||
He fought with Kṛṣṇa for twenty-eight days without a break. Fighting with him a long time, Kṛṣṇa showed mercy to him, as his own child. ||i||
Purified in his heart, Jāmbavān accepted Kṛṣṇa as his master and, understanding his offense, pleased him. With the highest devotion, he gave his daughter and the Syamantaka jewel along with ornaments and cloth. ||j||
Kṛṣṇa went home with the jewel and the girl. He gave the jewel to its owner and was satisfied with a successful act. Satrājit was ashamed and desired to give his most fortunate daughter and the jewel to Kṛṣṇa. ||k||
Kṛṣṇa wanted the daughter but not the jewel. The daughter had bhakti and the jewel he attained by endeavor. Seeing Śatadhanvā trying to flee with the jewel, instigated by Akrūra and Kṛtavarma, clever Kṛṣṇa killed Śatadhanvā and took the jewel from Akrūra. ||l||
Doing many actions, he satisfied the Yadus and he became happy. Without laziness, always fully perfect, the moon of your dynasty nourishes the bee-like eyes of the people of Vraja.
|| m|| ||10||
[68-69] Madhukaṇṭha said:
When two more messengers arrived, as previously they spoke before Nanda. “Everyone is happy but there is one cause of sorrow, difficult to uproot. We do not know what will happen in the future.”
[70] Nanda said, “Ah! What is that?”
[71] The two messengers said, “Satyabhāmā and Jāmbavatī have not yet married him. Very sad, they do not eat.”
[72] Nanda said, “Why did they not get married?”
[73] The messengers said, “Because your permission has not been given. I think that Vasudeva is reluctant to obtain your permission.”
[74] Nanda said to all, “Now many kings will give their daughters to Kṛṣṇa. But there will be some obstacle because of us. At one time we should give a letter telling them not to be embarrassed.”
[75] Everyone said, “Yes. But send it to Uddhava.”
[76] Nanda said, “Let it be written this way:
Dear Uddhava! The many desires that we had have been dissolved by the creator. Do your actions with my general permission, by which a particle of goodness can arise for those women who have the quality of engaging in his service with devotion. Kṛṣṇa should be served in each house by his wives.” ||11||
[77] When the letter arrived in Dvārakā, Kṛṣṇa understood the contents through Uddhava. He sent a reply through a messenger indicating his agreement, which they happily accepted. Another pair of messengers then arrived on another occasion in front of Nanda. On being questioned they said, “Kṛṣṇa along with Balarāma went to Hastināpura in the most auspicious way.”
[78] Nanda said, “Why was that?”
[79] The messengers said, “They heard about the fear created by the enemies. All the Pāṇḍavas, entering a new house made of poisonous material by Dhṛtarāṣṭra, were burned to ashes with their mother by a sudden conflagration of fire. This is what they heard.”
[80] Nanda said, “What misfortune! What I did not want has happened. Two more messengers should go to Hastināpura.”
Two messengers went and returned. From them he heard of another misfortune. “When Satrājit was sleeping in the palace in Dvārakā some sly person killed him at night and stole the jewel.”
[81] Nanda said, “Oh! Is this true?”
[82] The messengers said, “Yes. Satyabhāmā, Kṛṣṇa’s wife, giving up peaceful words, not respected in that house, put his body in oil to preserve it and with tearful eyes came to Hastināpura with great effort and described everything to them.”
[83] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[84] The messengers said, “The brothers, in great grief, did not remain there for an instant but departed for Dvārakā with her.”
[85] Nanda said, “Oh! It is good that my son gave up the association of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. Now we will understand the particulars from the mouths of messengers coming from Dvārakā.”
[86] Among the messengers two came and after inquires about their welfare, they gave this information, “Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma had arrived in Dvārakā.”
[87] Nanda said, “When they arrived what happened?”
[88] The messengers said, “When they arrived, they questioned everyone about the killer of Satrājit and concluded the cause.”
[89] Nanda said, “How did they do this?”
[90] The messengers said, “His sin produced his death.”
[91] Nanda said, “Please explain this.”
[92] The messengers said:
One spy told this to Kṛṣṇa privately. Seeing the opportunity when Kṛṣṇa was not in Dvārakā and hearing of the scheming of Dhṛtarāṣṭra towards the Pāṇḍavas, seeing this as significant, Akrūra gave up dharma for his own interests and with Kṛtavarmā spoke frankly to Śatadhanvā. “Why do you not take the jewel?”
[93] Śatadhanvā said, “Whose jewel?”
[94] Akrūra said, “The rascal who was afraid of Kṛṣṇa, for getting our help, promised us his daughter, but then gave up the Vedas and gave her to Kṛṣṇa.”
[95] Śatadhanvā said, “By taking other’s property one’s auspiciousness is destroyed.”
[96] The two said, “Fool! Know that instead of taking the bride given to him take the jewel. What is the fault in that?”
[97] Śatadhanvā said, “Satrājit sleeps with the jewel around his neck. How to take it?”
[98] The two said, “Fool! If you say he is sleeping, what loophole are we suggesting?”
[99] Śatadhanvā said, “If he wakes while I take the jewel it will be a condemned act.”
[100] Akrūra said, “O fool! Should he not go to the same place as his brother?”
[101] Hearing this, all the people of Vraja said while laughing, “What was his intention?”
[102] Upananda said, “Satrājit deserves to be killed by unknown means like Prasena.”
[103] Everyone said, “Akrūra is righteous. His fame is known in far lands.”
[104] Nanda said, “Controlled by the workings of fate, when a devotee like Akrūra makes a mistake it is not a laughing matter.”
[105] The messengers said, “Uddhava examined the cause of such actions. It was not the result of being cursed by the people of Vraja for taking Kṛṣṇa away. Bad acts arise from being separate from Kṛṣṇa, by association with those who oppose him.”
[106] Nanda said, “Let that be. Tell us what the spy later found out.”
[107-108] The messengers said, “Śatadhanvā killed Satrājit and stole the gem. But it was not given to Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma though they had asked for it. Uddhava revealed this about Satrājit:
Satrājit kept the jewel in his house because it gave wealth. Keeping the jewel in the house to avoid destruction brought all destruction. Listen! His brother was killed in the forest and he was killed in his house. One can clearly understand that all things not favorable to Kṛṣṇa are destroyed.” ||12||
[109] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[110-112] The messengers said, “Understanding the truth, Kṛṣṇa was about to kill Śatadhanvā, but he did not kill him immediately. ‘If he flees alone, this will be the opportunity to kill him. Then there will no longer be disturbance in Dvārakā.’ When it was clear that he was the killer, Śatadhanvā became frightened. Cruel Akrūra and Kṛtavarmā, afraid of Kṛṣṇa, refused to protect him. Without shelter, he mounted a speedy horse and fled. Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma pursued him on their chariots. When Kṛṣṇa came to a grove in Mithilā, Śatadhanvā gave up his almost-dead horse and fled. Pursuing the murderer on foot quickly, Kṛṣṇa threw his whirling cakra and cut off his head. He searched his clothing of two pieces but could not find the jewel. Going to Balarāma, he said confidentially, ‘It was useless to kill Śatadhanvā. We could not get the jewel.’ Balarāma, whose eyes were contracted, spoke to lamenting Kṛṣṇa. ‘The ignorant fellow has given the jewel to some trustworthy person in the city. Go there quickly. I want to see the king of Mithilā who has been distracted and has diminished prema for me.’”
[113] As the talk progressed, everyone asked the two messengers “What Balarāma said seems to be untrue—giving up Kṛṣṇa and going alone. Please explain how this impossibility is possible.”
[114] The messengers said, “There is one auspicious reason for this. Do not disbelieve it. Balarāma thought as follows. ‘Śatadhanvā trusted Akrūra and Kṛtavarmā. Those two had instigated him to steal the jewel and kill Satrājit. They were thus cursed. He gave the jewel to Akrūra because he was famous for his righteousness. But the people of Vraja, who were immersed in affection for Kṛṣṇa, who became burned by the fire of approaching separation, saw Akrūra as cruel. This subject is not to my taste. Kṛṣṇa will be respected with wealth beyond the ordinary. That need not be described. Later the wise will describe this. It is not to my liking to go back to Dvārakā, but all-tolerant Kṛṣṇa should go, for when he alone arrives quickly on his chariot no enemy will be able to do anything. He will shoot his weapons and face him and speak. But I will not see that. On the pretext of seeing a friend, I will maintain some affectionate anger.’”
[115] Nanda said, “By contact with a contaminated object a crystal appeared contaminated though it is pure white within. Let that be! Let us return to the topic. Did Kṛṣṇa return to Dvārakā?”
[116] The messengers said, “He went there and we then left.”
[117] Nanda said, “Śatadhanvā because of his sinful nature was not supposed to be burned. His funeral rites were nil. What happened to sinful Akrūra and Kṛtavarmā?”
[118] The messengers said while laughing, “The two fled at high speed from Dvārakā.”
[119] When messengers repeatedly came with news about Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, one day, two messengers came and gave news about remarkable Dvārakā. “O Nanda! Now Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma have gone to Indraprastha.”
[120] Nanda said, “For what purpose?”
[121] The messengers said, “To meet the five Pāṇḍavas along with Kuntī.”
[122] Nanda said, “Oh! So her sons and she were saved from the fire?”
[123] The messengers said, “Yes.”
[124] Nanda said in joy, “How was that?”
[125] The messengers said, “They followed an underground path hinted at by Vidura.”
[126] Nanda said, “The Pāṇḍavas like shady trees for our son, though almost burnt, sprouted again by protecting their bodies through sowing them in the earth.”
[127] The messengers said, “O Nanda, that’s what happened! What can we say? Then they married Draupadī together and now remain in the same house.”
[128] Everyone said, “How can you say that they all married her?”
[129] The messengers said, “That story cannot be immediately confirmed.”
[130] Nanda said, “The learned have some scripture containing opinions about this. Let that be. Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma had come close (to Indraprastha).” Putting a secret message for Kṛṣṇa in a food box, Nanda gave it to messengers, telling them to go. It describes their lamentable condition:
If a son is far away, the father can go there and the mother can see that. Or both can go. Or the son can come and see them. But for us, things are otherwise. (We cannot go and he cannot come.) Since he is in a situation impossible to approach, we cannot bear this situation. The messengers can see his beauty, but we are unfortunate. ||13||
[131] Everyone with tears in their eyes and hairs standing on end said, “If the messengers’ eyes were our eyes, we would be able to taste his lotus face. Those eyes, coming and going with the playful movements like bees, would satisfy us completely, who would drink the honey, but who have dried up and are situated far from you.” ||14||
[132] Having sent off the messengers with articles for Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, the people of Vraja cried. Two messengers came from Kṛṣṇa and offered respects. Offering respects to Kṛṣṇa’s representative, they read this attractive message in the letter from Kṛṣṇa:
Until I have clearly killed all the enemies I cannot return. But by another method I am constantly there. I am pleased if you take that sphūrti as my external form.
If you do not, then it will cause great pain for me as it will for you. ||15||
[133] They also revealed a message from Balarāma. It was his representative:
O Nanda! You are my father and Yaśodā is my mother. I cannot think of you as different from Vasudeva and Devakī. I am delayed in coming because Kṛṣṇa is delayed. If he delays too long I will come sooner. ||16||
[134] Putting this in his mind and believing it, taking a breath, Nanda asked, “Who is affectionate to Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma among the Kurus?”
[135] The messengers said:
Kuntī and the five Pāṇḍavas, sons of Kuntī, are affectionate to him. Kuntī always praises Yaśodā’s prema. Yudhiṣṭhira praises Nanda, Bhīma praises Balarāma, Arjuna praises the cowherd Arjuna, and Nakula and Sahadeva praise the prema of Stoka-kṛṣṇa. The sages on seeing them describe the pastimes of Vraja to them. ||17||
[136] Also Vidura, understanding those types of love, listens to those narrations eagerly.
[137] Nanda said, “Oh! We have concluded that topic. Let that be, now please tell what Kṛṣṇa desired to do.”
[138] The messengers said:
After some days, Kṛṣṇa sent Balarāma and others to Dvārakā. Desiring to have fun in the forest with Arjuna, he was wandering on the bank of the Yamunā. When Agni (the mouth of the devatās) begged for food, Kṛṣṇa made the Khāṇḍava forest, inhabited by ferocious Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, snakes, tigers, lions, bears and deer, into Agni’s food. On another day he took away the daughter of the sun. At that time we met him for getting service.
[139] Kṛṣṇa went into a forest with Arjuna and entered a dense, pleasurable area having trees like umbrellas, giving tempting fruits and flowers, filled with many birds, far from the water.
He entered a hermitage to rest for a short period. He looked in all directions and with astonishment, smiles, regret and compassion, experienced the cries of parrots and śārika birds to be the lamentation of the gopīs having attachment to him.
O prince of Vraja! O sapphire jewel! O touchstone of Vraja! O moon of Vṛndāvana! O dear lover of the Vraja gopīs! O giver of joy to the three worlds by dancing on the Yamunā shore! O beloved! When will you see those young girls? ||18||
The voice meant to say mat tīra (my bank) but because of agitation said tat-tīra.
[140] Everyone said, “What happened then?”
[141] The messengers said:
On the order of Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna searched everywhere and saw a dark young woman of splendid beauty, in the distance. Desiring a special husband, she was performing austerities, and offering worship and respects to her deity.
[142] Seeing her with astonishment, Arjuna informed Kṛṣṇa. Desiring her, in order to enter that nearby place, Kṛṣṇa sent Arjuna. By the radiance of his smile he made black Arjuna turn white. Gently approaching her, Arjuna lowered his head and asked, “Who are you? Why are you performing difficult austerities?”
[143] Embarrassed and disturbed on seeing someone other than Kṛṣṇa near her in a lonely forest, suddenly she introduced herself.
“O brother! I am the daughter of the sun god, named Yamunā. I am doing austerities. I live in the water in a dwelling made by my father. I am constantly vowing that the person who satisfies the universe and plays in Vṛndāvana will be my husband.” ||19||
[144] Everyone asked the messengers, “Why did she go to another place and perform austerities for attaining her desire?”
[145] The messengers said, “She had ascertained that he would be in that forest with his close friend Arjuna.”
[146] Nanda, pining for Vṛndāvana, sighed and said, “Then what happened?”
[147-148] The messengers said:
With tears in his eyes, and choked voice Arjuna quickly went to Kṛṣṇa and told what she had said. “I have great attraction for the Yamunā and for her black color. She should flow in the middle of Vṛndāvana”, with this reasoning, he approached her on an island. Her eyes were astonished by his radiance and constantly followed him because of his variegated beauty. She glanced at him and immediately fainted. At that place the two, spreading their dark complexions, established their bonds of prema.
[149] When tears flowed from one, perspiration flowed from the other. When one became stunned, the other regained consciousness. When this happened, Arjuna assisted Kṛṣṇa and after some time brought him out of that astonishing condition.
[150] His thirst awakened by anurāga, Kṛṣṇa put her on his chariot in that condition and recovered after a long time. He sent her to Kuntī secretly by Arjuna, and the women of the palace took her down from the chariot.
[151] Hearing from Arjuna, Kuntī looked at her with curiosity. Determining who she was, astonished with unblinking eyes, filled with respect and affection, she placed her among the best of women.
[152] Madhukaṇṭha said:
Giving them cloth and ornaments, Kṛṣṇa sent off two messengers. Nanda heard the news from two other messengers:
O Nanda! Your son built Yudhiṣṭhira’s city with Viśvakarmā’s help. Previously he gave the Khāṇḍava forest of Indra to Agni. On offering the forest, a huge blaze arose. Saving Mayadānava from the fire, Mayadānava built the assembly hall. Giving the hall to the Pāṇḍavas, he sent Yamunā to Dvārakā. ||20||
[153] In building the city and hall, Indra became the object of joking.
O Indra! Previously full of cuckoos and other birds, the Khāṇḍava forest now remains full of embers. Do not have a crooked mind. ||21||
[154] In the assembly, Nanda said with a smile, “No one can compare with the daughter of the sun, most fortunate, who comes from a respected royal lineage. I do not consider it proper unless her father gives her. Please describe the details.”
[155] The messengers said:
Hearing the news, the sun god was greatly pleased. He invited all the devatās for the festival and came to Dvārakā, which defeats the pride of Svarga. Dvārakā with all its houses brought the sun god under control with its beauty, and attracted the earth by its unprecedented festivities. ||22||
How to describe his amazement, since the sun god was an astrologer, knower of Vedic rites and father of the bride? When he gave the bride and glanced at the groom, he became motionless like a picture. There was nothing as amazing as this. ||23||
[156] Madhukaṇṭha said:
As previously messengers came and gave news of five other marriages.
The fifth marriage
Kṛṣṇa stole Mitravindā, the daughter of Rājādhidevī, sister of Vasudeva, since Mitravindā accepted Kṛṣṇa previously as her husband when her brothers Vinda and Anuvinda opposed and enemy kings wanted to marry her. ||24||
[157] The bards sing thus:
He defeated the two brothers who opposed his marriage to Mitravindā and similarly defeated the enemy kings since she had similar powers of vīra (courage). The sage Bharata defines perseverance (utsāha) as the manifestation of strength in offering oneself to a lover or manifestation of strength to defeat the enemy. ||25||
[158] Nanda said with embarrassment, “The custom of the Yadus is not to marry a close relative. Kṛṣṇa did so because he considered his gotra to be different (a cowherd).”
[159] The messengers said:
It was not right for her to marry anyone else. Though her friends advised her that it was not proper to have attraction for Kṛṣṇa, on seeing him she became strongly attached to him as her only goal.
The women gave instruction in joy, “He is your uncle’s son and is like a cloud.” Her moon face then turned red in anger like the sun. ||26||
[160] Everyone asked, “Since she was in the inner chambers of the palace in Avantī how did she manage to see Kṛṣṇa?”
[161] The messengers said, “Uddhava has fully described this to us. Previously Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma had gone secretly to Avantī to study but they did not tell you since they feared you would worry. By dedicated service to guru, in sixty four days they learned the fourteen types of knowledge and the sixty-four arts. They made their guru happy by bringing back their dead son, killing the Paṣcajana demon and subduing Yamarāja. In doing such difficult actions for others, they moved the hearts of compassionate people. Understanding who they were, Rjājadhdevī brought them to her house and welcomed them as guests with affection.”
[162] Nanda said with tears, “Because of the fortune caused by Parjanya’s pious acts, auspiciousness has occurred. Tell the details.”
[163] The messengers said, “The marriage was carried out similar to others.”
[164] Madhukaṇṭha said:
Hearing about all these festivals, all the people of Vraja became motionless like pictures.
What more can be said?
The Sixth Marriage
[165] The messengers said to Nanda, “There was a daughter of the king named Nagnajit of Kośala. She was bound by strong rope of attachment.”
[166] Nanda said, “Please explain this.”
[167] The messengers said:
That daughter named Satyā gave up everything because of desire for Kṛṣṇa.
The lightning of her glance appeared on the new cloud of his complexion. Rain of tears appeared when his voice vibrated like thunder. Not attaining his nature, she moistened everything with her tears. ||27||
[168] When her father saw she was attracted to Kṛṣṇa, joy overtook his heart. But he had an enemy in the form of his brother’s son named Brhadbala. At the insistence of friends combined with strong armies, the king could not do as he wanted.
[169] After much thinking, he concluded as follows. “An action must be found for which no kṣatriya has the power, and by which, skill from practice cannot succeed, but which Govinda, who is endowed with all powers and who was enthroned by the devatās headed by Indra and Surabhī, can perform. The opportunity should be found in simultaneously tying up seven bulls raised with joy, which cannot be moved by anyone, which have the nature of great demons, which cannot tolerate the smell of heroes, which are filled with anger, and which possess unconquerable power.”
[170] After thinking in this way, with the permission of Bṛhadbala he saw that the groups of warriors, powerful kings of the world, who had been summoned by Bṛhadbala and had close association with him, all got their limbs broken by the bulls. Consulting the wise, he called Kṛṣṇa with affection.
[171] Nanda said, “Then what happened.”
[172] The messengers said:
With a huge army for support, Kṛṣṇa came with an excited heart. Arjuna and Balarāma came with him. Knowing the affection and intentions of the king, he sent him a message through one of the leaders in secret in order to subdue or be subdued by the seven bulls which could not be controlled by the whole world.
“O king! What you have decided is something of Indra’ capacity. Your desire to give your daughter to the person who can bind the bulls, out of a desire for finding the strongest person, is only a pretext. This is not an agreement for kṣatriya-dharma—to give in exchange for a tax. I ask for your daughter out of affection as one asks a boon from a devatā. I do not desire to pay the tax.”
Ashamed, the king sent a reply by the messenger: “Your words are correct. I did not arrange this exchange for my daughter but I have decided that taming the seven bulls in exchange for my daughter is the way that you can marry her.”
[173] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[174] The messengers said:
Kṛṣṇa smiled and did as the king desired.
Kṛṣṇa tied up the demonic bulls with sharp horns, fixed on killing everyone, that could not be touched, that galloped about in the strong enclosure, roaring fiercely with strong breathing. Seeing those bulls, the universe shouted in dismay and became blind. ||28||
To bind the bulls, Kṛṣṇa’s body became like rope, and the rope was incidental for, stunning the bulls and all enemies, he shone like the midday sun among them. ||29||
[175] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[176] The messengers said:
When he subdued the bulls, the queens and all the men and women gave the bride to him in joy while music blared. After the marriage, he gave Kṛṣṇa all the servants and troops that he sent to accompany them home. ||30||
When the kings who were crushed by the bulls attacked Kṛṣṇa on the road, Arjuna fended them off with his arrows but he did not kill them, for fear of inauspiciousness. ||31||
[177] Nanda said, “Did Kṛṣṇa go to Dvārakā with all auspiciousness?”
[178] The messengers said, “Yes. Because of that, we have come here.”
The seventh marriage
[179] After two messengers left, two more arrived in haste and said, “The sister of Vasudeva named the famous Śrutakīrti had sons equal to Nagnajit, with fame equal to the full moon.”
[180] Everyone said, “How is that?”
[181] The messengers said:
They gave their sister named Bhadrā, full of all good qualities to Kṛṣṇa, who desired her.
The devotion of the brothers for Kṛṣṇa was born as their sister. Their devotion for the Lord was non-different from her. That devotion for the Lord manifested in her form. ||32||
[182] Like the two messengers, Madhukaṇṭha and Snigdhakaṇṭha began to consider, “We have had similar devotion from our childhood. Though this has been heard here and there after consideration, it should not be told in the assembly of elders.” They said:
Her limbs were dark and beautiful. Wearing yellow cloth she played with her friends. She worshiped the Lord using paraphernalia of a king. The well-bred girl held that desire for her Lord in her heart, felt shame, covered her desire and constantly lost consciousness. ||33||
The eighth marriage
[183] Other messengers arrived later and spoke. They said:
There was a king of Madra named Bṛhatsena in the spotless dynasty of Sindhunada, living in the west. He had a daughter named Lakṣmaṇā, endowed with auspicious qualities. Now an auspicious festival has occurred with special features.
Thought the well-bred daughter did not reveal the prema for Kṛṣṇa dwelling in her heart, her mother understood it by her talking during sleep. ||34||
“O sun god! I offer respects to you. Receive from my hands this worship including arghya and worthy items studded with precious jewels! I say to you repeatedly as your daughter, ‘I surrender to you.’ Have me married to Kṛṣṇa like Kālindī.” ||35||
“In the sky, a youth with the complexion of a new cloud sees me and smiles gently. I should know him. I hide among my friends.” O king! Your daughter Lakṣmaṇā has gone to sleep. Why does she always speak incoherently? I am her mother but do not understand. ||36||
[184] Her father, king of Madra, full of affection, gave a methodwhich was difficult to perform even for Arjuna, who was the best among all archers.
[185] The king announced the following promise.
“In the wide courtyard there is a water trench which is very deep. In the trench there is a pole. On top of the pole which is covered, there is a revolving fish, while the base is uncovered. I will give my daughter to the warrior who can look at the reflection in the water and after seeing it once, draw his bow and pierce the fish with his arrow.” ||37||
[186] Deciding in this way, he distributed the announcement and called the warriors.
When the kings understood clearly the method of victory they announced their individual victories and were respected by the king of Madra. First they should take the bow, then string the bow, then pulling the string, concentrate on the target in order to succeed. ||38||
I offer respects to the king of Madra who humbled Anuvinda, enemy of Kṛṣṇa, in the contest to win his daughter. ||39||
Jarāsandha, Śiśupāla, Duryodhana, Bhīma and Karṇa were only capable of stringing the bow. Lesser kings were completely useless. ||40||
Arjuna touched the fish with his arrow, which no one else in the world could see. Though he was also victorious, the king gave his daughter to Kṛṣṇa who pierced the fish. ||41||
Arjuna previously had become pure in body. He was defeated by Kṛṣṇa because he attained his qualities by the grace of Kṛṣṇa’s smile. ||42||
Kṛṣṇa piercing the fish arranged by Bṛhatsena was only an excuse. It was an opportunity to pierce the pride of the enemies. The form was different but the intention was the same. ||43||
[187] How he pierced the fish is described.
He took up the bow and strung it. He pulled the arrow back to his ear with a thunderous shout and released the arrow. He pierced the covering and the heart of the fish as well as the hearts of the rascals. ||44||
The arrow pierced two or three attractive coverings which could not be pierced and then pierced the heart of the diamond fish rotating at every moment. By the arrow’s friction with the coverings and with the fish, sparks shot out with a shattering sound, creating fear in the host of enemies spread everywhere. The arrow, cutter of demons, defeated them all. ||45||
When the auspicious moment of abhijit (victory at midday) arrived, Kṛṣṇa’s time arrived. When that time arrived, he pierced the fish. When he cut the fish, flowers fell from the heavens. ||46||
When flowers fell constantly, the daughter of Bṛhatsena accepted Kṛṣṇa as her husband. When she accepted him, fine music sounded on earth and in the heavens. ||47||
[188] Nanda said, “Then what happened?”
[189] The messengers said:
Inflaming the anger of Jarāsandha and others, Kṛṣṇa placed Lakṣmaṇā, glowing pink like a lotus in her feet, hands, eyes and face, on his chariot and went to Dvārakā, protected by a cage of arrows. They prepared to fight him, but Kṛṣṇa beat them with a dense shower of arrows like swans under heavy rain. Some gave up their lives.
O Nanda! Just as the sun lights up your town by its light, so your son in Dvārakā lights up the city by his effulgence. ||48||
[190] Accompanied by Bṛhatsena with huge armies, they celebrated the marriage with great festivity.
[191] Madhukaṇṭha concluded:
“O Nanda! According to your order, Kṛṣṇa married all these women. Fulfilling your desires he is now on your lap.” ||49||
Hearing this, Nanda pulled him to his lap, keeping him there with joy. He moistened Kṛṣṇa’s head with his tears while Yaśodā fainted. ||50||
[192] The bards of Vraja sang, giving joy to all.
He married three queens including Rukmiṇī, with playfulness and joy, celebrated by brāhmaṇas and all others.
He married Kālindī who performed austerities to attain him. Lord of Vraja! Listen. He accepted Mitravindā, destroying the hopes of Vinda and Anuvinda.
He kindly accepted Satyā. He bound seven mad bulls and produced auspiciousness.
Her brothers found Kṛṣṇa, affectionate to his devotees to be most suitable and gave their sister Bhadrā to him.
O king of the cowherds! Hear about the eighth marriage. Understanding his daughter Lakṣmaṇā desired Kṛṣṇa as her husband, the king of Madra brought Kṛṣṇa and devised a small fish as a target. Kṛṣṇa pierced the unseen fish.
In Vraja, Kṛṣṇa creates bliss. O Nanda! He is present among the devotees. O king of the cowherds, present in the assembly! Look! Look! ||51||
[193] When the topic was concluded in Nanda’s assembly, the speaker spoke in the assembly of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.
[194] Madhukaṇṭha said:
When all these marriages were occurring, the gopīs were not completely aware of this through the messengers. They heard bits and pieces from others. This was stated earlier. Now the intentions of Kṛṣṇa should be considered.
Kṛṣṇa got married to pass his time since the gopīs and the queens were actually one in nature. ||52||
[195] The gopīs heard that Rukmiṇī and others were very affectionate to Kṛṣṇa during the pilgrimage to Kurukṣetra. This shows that they were actually one in form.
Pṛthā, Gāndhārī, Draupadī, Subhadrā, the wives of other kings and the Lord’s cowherd girlfriends were all amazed to hear of the queens’ deep love for Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and Soul of all beings, and their eyes filled with tears. SB 10.84.1
Candrāvalī was Rukmiṇī. Rādhā was Satyabhāmā. Viśākhā was Kālindī. Lalitā was Jāmbavatī.Śyāmā was Lakṣmaṇā, Śaibyā was Mitravindā, and Bhadrāvalī was Bhadrā. Padmā was Satyā. They were almost equivalent in nature. ||53||
[196] Though they were of the same nature, they were not exactly equal in giving happiness to Kṛṣṇa. As rubbing oil on the feet soothes the eyes, so when he enjoyed with the queens, the gopīs felt some relief, because of some identity. In this way they could pass the time without going insane.
Yes, the queens who are somewhat equivalent of the gopīs had internal sphūrti of relationships with Kṛṣṇa. One can understand that from two chapters in the Bhāgavatam (SB 10.83-84). But when Kṛṣṇa at a distance plays his flute, touches a creeper with his hand or touches the water with his foot, the gopīs become stunned, and their hairs stand on end out of joy. ||54||
[197] It is said:
evaṁ vraja-striyo rājan kṛṣṇa-līlānugāyatīḥ |
remire’haḥsu tac-cittās tan-manaskā mahodayā ||
O King, thus during the daytime the women of Vṛndāvana took pleasure in continuously singing about the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa, and those ladies’ minds and hearts, absorbed in him, were filled with great festivity. SB 10.35.26
[198] Kṛṣṇa also married sixteen thousand other queens, which will be described later. Whatever has happened has happened.
Now however, O Rādhā! May the women of the city far away give up Kṛṣṇa whom you embrace, for now in Vraja even those who associate with Kṛṣṇa cannot compare with you. ||55||
[199] When the talk had extended this far, the two reciters went with all others to their residences. Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, hearing the pleasant talks, attained intense bliss and went to the house of pastimes within the mansion.