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Topic 15 - Dialogue between the sages- Yagyavalkya and Bharadvaja and the greatness of Prayaga
दोहा
Meaning: Now, having enshrined the lotus feet of Shri Raghunathji in my heart and received his grace, I describe the beautiful dialogue of the meeting of the two great sages. || 43 (b) ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Bhardwaj Muni lives in Prayag, he has great love for the feet of Shri Ramji. He is an ascetic, has a detached mind, has good senses, is rooted in mercy and is very clever in the path of charity. 1॥
Meaning: In the month of Magha, when the sun enters the Capricorn constellation, everyone comes to Prayag, the king of pilgrimage sites. Gods, demons, Kinnaras, and groups of humans all respectfully bathe in the Triveni (the confluence of the three rivers). || 2 ||
Meaning: They worship the lotus feet of Shri Venimadhav and their bodies are filled with joy upon touching the Akshayavat tree. The ashram of Bharadwaj is very sacred, supremely beautiful, and pleasing to the minds of the greatest sages. ||3||
Meaning: The assembly of sages and ascetics who go to bathe at Prayag, the king of pilgrimage sites, gathers there (at Bharadwaja's ashram). In the morning, they all bathe with great enthusiasm and then recount stories of God's glories to one another. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: They describe the nature of Brahman, the principles of Dharma, and the classification of the elements, and they speak of devotion to God, accompanied by knowledge and detachment. ||44||
चौपाई
Meaning: In this way, they bathe throughout the month of Magha, and then everyone returns to their respective hermitages. Every year, there is great joy there in this manner. After bathing in the month of Makara (Capricorn), the sages depart. || 1 ||
Meaning: After bathing completely in the river during the auspicious time of Makar Sankranti, all the sages returned to their respective hermitages. Sage Bharadwaja, however, held onto the feet of the supremely wise sage Yajnavalkya and kept him with him. ||2||
Meaning: He respectfully washed their lotus feet and seated them on a very sacred seat. After performing the worship, he described the glorious reputation of Muni Yagyavalkya and then spoke in a very pure and gentle voice: ||3||
Meaning: O Lord! A great doubt troubles my mind; the essence of the Vedas is entirely within your grasp (that is, since you alone know the essence of the Vedas, you can dispel my doubt), but I feel fear and shame in expressing that doubt [fear because you might think I am testing you, and shame because so much of my life has passed, yet I still lack this knowledge]. And if I don't express it, I will suffer a great loss [because I will remain ignorant]. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: O Lord! The saints preach this principle, and the Vedas, Puranas, and sages also declare the same: that concealing anything from one's guru prevents the attainment of pure knowledge in the heart. ||45||
चौपाई
Meaning: It is with this thought that I reveal my ignorance. O Lord! Please show mercy on this servant and dispel this ignorance. Saints, Puranas, and Upanishads have sung the praises of the boundless power of the name of Rama. ||1||
Meaning: The embodiment of welfare, the embodiment of knowledge and virtues, the immortal Lord Shambhu keeps chanting the name of Ram continuously. There are four castes of living beings in the world, all of them attain supreme status by dying in Kashi. 2॥
Meaning: O great sage! That too is the glory of Rama's name, because Lord Shiva, out of compassion, imparts the name of Rama [to those who die in Kashi] (and thus they attain the supreme state). O Lord! I ask you, who is this Rama? O merciful one, please explain it to me. ||3||
Meaning: One Rama is the son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya; his character is known throughout the world. He suffered immense sorrow due to separation from his wife and, in his anger, killed Ravana in battle. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: O Lord! Is He the same Rama, or someone else, whom Lord Shiva worships? You are the abode of truth and know everything; please tell me after careful consideration. || 46 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: O Lord! Please narrate that story in detail, so that this great illusion of mine may be dispelled. Upon hearing this, Yajnavalkya smiled and said, "You already know the glory of Lord Raghunath." ||1||
Meaning: You are a devotee of Lord Rama in thought, word, and deed. I have understood your cleverness. You wish to hear about the mysterious qualities of Lord Rama; that is why you have asked this question as if you were utterly foolish. ||2||
Meaning: O father! Listen attentively and respectfully; I am narrating the beautiful story of Lord Rama. Great ignorance is like the mighty demon Mahishasura, and the story of Lord Rama is like the fearsome Goddess Kali [who destroys him]. ||3||
Topic 16 - Sati’s bewilderment, Shri Ram’s divine glory and Sati’s remorse
चौपाई
Meaning: The story of Shri Rama is like the rays of the moon, which the saintly chakora birds always drink. Parvati had the same doubt, and then Lord Shiva answered her in detail. || 4 ||
दोहा
Meaning: Now, according to my understanding, I will narrate the conversation between Uma and Lord Shiva. Listen, O sage, to the time and reason for which it took place; your sorrow will be dispelled. ||47||
चौपाई
Meaning: Once in Tretayuga, Lord Shiva went to sage Agastya. Jagajjanani Bhavani Satiji was also with him. The sage considered him to be the God of the entire world and worshiped him. 1॥
Meaning: Munivar Agastyaji told the story of Ram in detail, which Maheshwar listened to as great pleasure. Then the sage asked Lord Shiva for the beautiful Hari Bhakti and after finding him worthy, Lord Shiva formulated the devotion [with mystery]. 2॥
Meaning: Lord Shiva stayed there for some days, narrating and listening to the stories of Lord Raghunath's virtues. Then, after taking leave of the sage, Lord Shiva, along with Daksha's daughter Sati, departed for his home (Kailash). ||3||
Meaning: During those days, Lord Hari had incarnated in the Raghu dynasty to relieve the burden of the earth. That imperishable Lord, at that time, had renounced the kingdom due to his father's command and was wandering in the Dandaka forest in the guise of an ascetic or sage. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Lord Shiva was thinking in his heart, "How will I be able to have a vision of the Lord? The Lord has taken an incarnation secretly; if I go, everyone will find out." || 48 (a) ||
सोरठा
Meaning: A great turmoil arose in Lord Shiva's heart because of this, but Sati was unaware of this secret. Tulsidas says that Lord Shiva was afraid of the secret being revealed, but his eyes were longing for a glimpse of her. || 48 (b) ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Ravana had asked Brahma for death at the hands of a human. The Lord wanted to fulfill Brahma's words. If I don't go near him, I will have great regret. Lord Shiva was thinking in this way, but no plan seemed to work. ||1||
Meaning: In this way, Lord Shiva became overwhelmed with worry. At that very moment, the wicked Ravana went and took Maricha with him, and he (Maricha) immediately transformed into a deceptive deer. ||2||
Meaning: The foolish Ravana abducted Sita by deceit. He had no idea of the true power of Lord Rama. After killing the deer, Lord Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana, returned to the hermitage, and finding it empty (i.e., not finding Sita there), tears welled up in their eyes. ||3||
Meaning: Lord Raghunath (Rama) is distraught with separation like an ordinary human being, and both brothers are wandering in the forest searching for Sita. Even in Him, who is beyond all union and separation, the pain of separation is clearly visible. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: The character of Lord Raghunath is truly extraordinary; only enlightened sages can understand it. Those with dull intellect, however, are especially deluded and mistakenly interpret things quite differently in their hearts. ||49||
चौपाई
Meaning: Lord Shiva saw Lord Rama at that very moment, and immense joy arose in his heart. He gazed at that ocean of beauty (Lord Ramachandra) to his heart's content, but, considering the timing inappropriate, he did not introduce himself. ||1||
Meaning: Saying, "Glory to the pure and blissful Lord who purifies the world," Lord Shiva, the destroyer of Kamadeva (the god of love), set forth. The compassionate Lord Shiva, repeatedly filled with joy, was walking along with Sati. ||2||
Meaning: When Sati saw Shiva's condition, a great doubt arose in her mind. [She thought to herself,] "The whole world worships Shiva; He is the Lord of the universe; gods, humans, and sages all bow down to Him." ||3||
Meaning: They bowed down to the prince, calling him the embodiment of eternal bliss and the supreme abode, and were so overwhelmed with love upon seeing his beauty that even now, the affection in their hearts cannot be contained. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Can that Brahman, who is all-pervading, free from illusion, unborn, invisible, desireless, and without any distinctions, and whom even the Vedas do not fully comprehend, take on a physical body and become a human being? ||50||
चौपाई
Meaning: Lord Vishnu, who assumes a human body for the benefit of the gods, is also omniscient like Lord Shiva. Will Lord Vishnu, the storehouse of knowledge, the lord of Lakshmi and the enemy of demons, search for a woman like an ignorant person? ॥ 1॥
Meaning: Then, Lord Shiva's words could not be false. Everyone knows that Lord Shiva is omniscient. Such immense doubt arose in Sati's mind, and no amount of wisdom could dispel it from her heart. ||2||
Meaning: Although Goddess Bhavani did not say anything explicitly, Lord Shiva, who knows everything, understood everything. He said, "O Sati, listen, it is your feminine nature to have such doubts. You should never harbor such suspicions in your mind." ||3||
Meaning: He whose story was sung by Sage Agastya, and whose devotion I narrated to the sage, is none other than my beloved deity, Lord Raghuvir, whom wise sages always serve. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: Whom the wise sages, yogis and siddhas constantly meditate upon with a pure mind and whose fame the Vedas, Puranas and scriptures sing by saying 'Neti-Neti', the same omnipresent, master of all the universes, Mayapati, eternally supremely independent Brahmarup Lord Shri Ram has incarnated [by his own will] in the form of the gem of Raghukul for the benefit of his devotees.
सोरठा
Meaning: Although Lord Shiva explained things to her many times, Sati could not grasp his teachings. Then, understanding the power of God's illusion in his mind, Lord Mahadeva smiled and said: || 51 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: If you have so many doubts in your mind, why don't you go and test it yourself? I will be sitting here in the shade of this banyan tree until you return to me. || 1 ||
Meaning: In whatever way this great delusion born of your ignorance is dispelled, think carefully with proper discernment and then do accordingly. Having received Lord Shiva's command, Sati departed and began to think to herself, "Brother! What should I do (how should I test him)?" || 2 ||
Meaning: Lord Shiva then surmised in his mind that all was not well with Sati, the daughter of Daksha. When even his explanations failed to dispel her doubts, he realized that fate itself was against them, and that Sati's well-being was now in jeopardy. ||3||
Meaning: Whatever Rama has ordained will happen. Who can expand upon it through argumentation? Thinking thus, Lord Shiva began chanting the name of Lord Hari, and Sati went to where Lord Rama, the abode of bliss, was. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Sati repeatedly pondered in her mind, then assumed the form of Sita and proceeded towards the path from which, [according to Sati's thoughts], King Rama was coming. || 52 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Seeing Sati's disguised form, Lakshmana was astonished and greatly confused. He became very serious and could not say anything. The wise Lakshmana knew the power of Lord Raghunath. ||1||
Meaning: Lord Shri Ramchandraji, the Lord of Gods who sees everything and knows everyone's heart, understood the deception of Sati, whose mere remembrance destroys ignorance, he is the omniscient Lord Shri Ramchandraji. 2॥
Meaning: Just see the effect of a woman's nature, that even there (in front of the omniscient Lord), Sati wanted to conceal the truth. After praising the power of his own illusion in his heart, Lord Rama smiled and spoke in a gentle voice. ||3||
Meaning: First, the Lord greeted Sati with folded hands and introduced himself, mentioning his father's name as well. Then he asked, "Where is Lord Shiva, whose emblem is the bull? Why are you wandering alone in this forest?" ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Hearing Shri Ramchandra's gentle and mysterious words, Sati felt very embarrassed. She went (silently) to Lord Shiva, feeling great anxiety in her heart. || 53 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: That I did not heed Lord Shiva's words and attributed my own ignorance to Lord Rama. Now, what answer will I give to Lord Shiva? [Thinking thus,] an extremely terrible burning sensation arose in Sati's heart. ||1||
Meaning: Lord Rama understood that Sati was distressed; so He manifested some of His divine power and showed it to her. As Sati was walking along the path, she witnessed this wondrous sight: Lord Rama was walking ahead with Sita and Lakshmana. [Sita was shown at this moment so that Sati could see Lord Rama's true, blissful form, and so that the misconception of separation and sorrow she had conceived would be dispelled, and she would return to her normal state.] || 2 ||
Meaning: [Then she] turned around and looked behind her, and there too, Lord Rama appeared in a beautiful form, along with his brother Lakshmana and Sita. Wherever she looked, Lord Rama was present, and wise and accomplished sages were serving him. ||3||
Meaning: Sati saw many Shivas, Brahmas, and Vishnus, each more powerful than the last, possessing boundless influence. [She saw that] all the gods, in various guises, were bowing at the feet of Lord Rama and serving him. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: He saw countless unparalleled Satis, Brahmanis, and Lakshmis. These [goddesses] were present in forms corresponding to the forms of Brahma and other deities. || 54 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Wherever Sati saw Lord Rama, she also saw all the gods present there along with their divine powers. She also saw all the animate and inanimate beings of the world in their various forms. ||1||
Meaning: [They saw that] the gods, in many disguises, were worshipping Lord Rama. But they did not see any other form of Lord Rama. They saw many forms of Lord Rama with Sita, but those forms did not have different appearances. ||2||
Meaning: [Everywhere] she saw the same Lord Rama, the same Lakshmana, and the same Sita—seeing this, Sati was greatly frightened. Her heart trembled, and she lost all awareness of her surroundings. She closed her eyes and sat down on the path. ||3||
Meaning: Then, opening her eyes, she saw that Daksha's daughter (Sati) was nowhere to be seen. Then, bowing her head repeatedly at the feet of Lord Rama, she went to where Lord Shiva was. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: When she approached him, Lord Shiva smiled, inquired about her well-being, and asked, "How did you test Lord Rama? Tell me everything truthfully." || 55 ||
मासपारायण, दूसरा विश्राम
Topic 17 - Disowning of Sati by Shiva and Shiva’s trance
चौपाई
Meaning: The story of Shri Rama is like the rays of the moon, which the saintly chakora birds always drink. Parvati had the same doubt, and then Lord Shiva answered her in detail. || 4 ||
दोहा
Meaning: Now, according to my understanding, I will narrate the conversation between Uma and Lord Shiva. Listen, O sage, to the time and reason for which it took place; your sorrow will be dispelled. ||47||
चौपाई
Meaning: Once in Tretayuga, Lord Shiva went to sage Agastya. Jagajjanani Bhavani Satiji was also with him. The sage considered him to be the God of the entire world and worshiped him. 1॥
Meaning: Munivar Agastyaji told the story of Ram in detail, which Maheshwar listened to as great pleasure. Then the sage asked Lord Shiva for the beautiful Hari Bhakti and after finding him worthy, Lord Shiva formulated the devotion [with mystery]. 2॥
Meaning: Lord Shiva stayed there for some days, narrating and listening to the stories of Lord Raghunath's virtues. Then, after taking leave of the sage, Lord Shiva, along with Daksha's daughter Sati, departed for his home (Kailash). ||3||
Meaning: During those days, Lord Hari had incarnated in the Raghu dynasty to relieve the burden of the earth. That imperishable Lord, at that time, had renounced the kingdom due to his father's command and was wandering in the Dandaka forest in the guise of an ascetic or sage. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Lord Shiva was thinking in his heart, "How will I be able to have a vision of the Lord? The Lord has taken an incarnation secretly; if I go, everyone will find out." || 48 (a) ||
सोरठा
Meaning: A great turmoil arose in Lord Shiva's heart because of this, but Sati was unaware of this secret. Tulsidas says that Lord Shiva was afraid of the secret being revealed, but his eyes were longing for a glimpse of her. || 48 (b) ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Ravana had asked Brahma for death at the hands of a human. The Lord wanted to fulfill Brahma's words. If I don't go near him, I will have great regret. Lord Shiva was thinking in this way, but no plan seemed to work. ||1||
Meaning: In this way, Lord Shiva became overwhelmed with worry. At that very moment, the wicked Ravana went and took Maricha with him, and he (Maricha) immediately transformed into a deceptive deer. ||2||
Meaning: The foolish Ravana abducted Sita by deceit. He had no idea of the true power of Lord Rama. After killing the deer, Lord Rama, along with his brother Lakshmana, returned to the hermitage, and finding it empty (i.e., not finding Sita there), tears welled up in their eyes. ||3||
Meaning: Lord Raghunath (Rama) is distraught with separation like an ordinary human being, and both brothers are wandering in the forest searching for Sita. Even in Him, who is beyond all union and separation, the pain of separation is clearly visible. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: The character of Lord Raghunath is truly extraordinary; only enlightened sages can understand it. Those with dull intellect, however, are especially deluded and mistakenly interpret things quite differently in their hearts. ||49||
चौपाई
Meaning: Lord Shiva saw Lord Rama at that very moment, and immense joy arose in his heart. He gazed at that ocean of beauty (Lord Ramachandra) to his heart's content, but, considering the timing inappropriate, he did not introduce himself. ||1||
Meaning: Saying, "Glory to the pure and blissful Lord who purifies the world," Lord Shiva, the destroyer of Kamadeva (the god of love), set forth. The compassionate Lord Shiva, repeatedly filled with joy, was walking along with Sati. ||2||
Meaning: When Sati saw Shiva's condition, a great doubt arose in her mind. [She thought to herself,] "The whole world worships Shiva; He is the Lord of the universe; gods, humans, and sages all bow down to Him." ||3||
Meaning: They bowed down to the prince, calling him the embodiment of eternal bliss and the supreme abode, and were so overwhelmed with love upon seeing his beauty that even now, the affection in their hearts cannot be contained. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Can that Brahman, who is all-pervading, free from illusion, unborn, invisible, desireless, and without any distinctions, and whom even the Vedas do not fully comprehend, take on a physical body and become a human being? ||50||
चौपाई
Meaning: Lord Vishnu, who assumes a human body for the benefit of the gods, is also omniscient like Lord Shiva. Will Lord Vishnu, the storehouse of knowledge, the lord of Lakshmi and the enemy of demons, search for a woman like an ignorant person? ॥ 1॥
Meaning: Then, Lord Shiva's words could not be false. Everyone knows that Lord Shiva is omniscient. Such immense doubt arose in Sati's mind, and no amount of wisdom could dispel it from her heart. ||2||
Meaning: Although Goddess Bhavani did not say anything explicitly, Lord Shiva, who knows everything, understood everything. He said, "O Sati, listen, it is your feminine nature to have such doubts. You should never harbor such suspicions in your mind." ||3||
Meaning: He whose story was sung by Sage Agastya, and whose devotion I narrated to the sage, is none other than my beloved deity, Lord Raghuvir, whom wise sages always serve. ||4||
छंद
Meaning: Whom the wise sages, yogis and siddhas constantly meditate upon with a pure mind and whose fame the Vedas, Puranas and scriptures sing by saying 'Neti-Neti', the same omnipresent, master of all the universes, Mayapati, eternally supremely independent Brahmarup Lord Shri Ram has incarnated [by his own will] in the form of the gem of Raghukul for the benefit of his devotees.
सोरठा
Meaning: Although Lord Shiva explained things to her many times, Sati could not grasp his teachings. Then, understanding the power of God's illusion in his mind, Lord Mahadeva smiled and said: || 51 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: If you have so many doubts in your mind, why don't you go and test it yourself? I will be sitting here in the shade of this banyan tree until you return to me. || 1 ||
Meaning: In whatever way this great delusion born of your ignorance is dispelled, think carefully with proper discernment and then do accordingly. Having received Lord Shiva's command, Sati departed and began to think to herself, "Brother! What should I do (how should I test him)?" || 2 ||
Meaning: Lord Shiva then surmised in his mind that all was not well with Sati, the daughter of Daksha. When even his explanations failed to dispel her doubts, he realized that fate itself was against them, and that Sati's well-being was now in jeopardy. ||3||
Meaning: Whatever Rama has ordained will happen. Who can expand upon it through argumentation? Thinking thus, Lord Shiva began chanting the name of Lord Hari, and Sati went to where Lord Rama, the abode of bliss, was. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Sati repeatedly pondered in her mind, then assumed the form of Sita and proceeded towards the path from which, [according to Sati's thoughts], King Rama was coming. || 52 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Seeing Sati's disguised form, Lakshmana was astonished and greatly confused. He became very serious and could not say anything. The wise Lakshmana knew the power of Lord Raghunath. ||1||
Meaning: Lord Shri Ramchandraji, the Lord of Gods who sees everything and knows everyone's heart, understood the deception of Sati, whose mere remembrance destroys ignorance, he is the omniscient Lord Shri Ramchandraji. 2॥
Meaning: Just see the effect of a woman's nature, that even there (in front of the omniscient Lord), Sati wanted to conceal the truth. After praising the power of his own illusion in his heart, Lord Rama smiled and spoke in a gentle voice. ||3||
Meaning: First, the Lord greeted Sati with folded hands and introduced himself, mentioning his father's name as well. Then he asked, "Where is Lord Shiva, whose emblem is the bull? Why are you wandering alone in this forest?" ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Hearing Shri Ramchandra's gentle and mysterious words, Sati felt very embarrassed. She went (silently) to Lord Shiva, feeling great anxiety in her heart. || 53 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: That I did not heed Lord Shiva's words and attributed my own ignorance to Lord Rama. Now, what answer will I give to Lord Shiva? [Thinking thus,] an extremely terrible burning sensation arose in Sati's heart. ||1||
Meaning: Lord Rama understood that Sati was distressed; so He manifested some of His divine power and showed it to her. As Sati was walking along the path, she witnessed this wondrous sight: Lord Rama was walking ahead with Sita and Lakshmana. [Sita was shown at this moment so that Sati could see Lord Rama's true, blissful form, and so that the misconception of separation and sorrow she had conceived would be dispelled, and she would return to her normal state.] || 2 ||
Meaning: [Then she] turned around and looked behind her, and there too, Lord Rama appeared in a beautiful form, along with his brother Lakshmana and Sita. Wherever she looked, Lord Rama was present, and wise and accomplished sages were serving him. ||3||
Meaning: Sati saw many Shivas, Brahmas, and Vishnus, each more powerful than the last, possessing boundless influence. [She saw that] all the gods, in various guises, were bowing at the feet of Lord Rama and serving him. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: He saw countless unparalleled Satis, Brahmanis, and Lakshmis. These [goddesses] were present in forms corresponding to the forms of Brahma and other deities. || 54 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Wherever Sati saw Lord Rama, she also saw all the gods present there along with their divine powers. She also saw all the animate and inanimate beings of the world in their various forms. ||1||
Meaning: [They saw that] the gods, in many disguises, were worshipping Lord Rama. But they did not see any other form of Lord Rama. They saw many forms of Lord Rama with Sita, but those forms did not have different appearances. ||2||
Meaning: [Everywhere] she saw the same Lord Rama, the same Lakshmana, and the same Sita—seeing this, Sati was greatly frightened. Her heart trembled, and she lost all awareness of her surroundings. She closed her eyes and sat down on the path. ||3||
Meaning: Then, opening her eyes, she saw that Daksha's daughter (Sati) was nowhere to be seen. Then, bowing her head repeatedly at the feet of Lord Rama, she went to where Lord Shiva was. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: When she approached him, Lord Shiva smiled, inquired about her well-being, and asked, "How did you test Lord Rama? Tell me everything truthfully." || 55 ||
मासपारायण, दूसरा विश्राम
Topic 18 - Sati’s visit to Daksha’s sacrifice
दोहा
Meaning: Daksha summoned all the sages and began performing a grand sacrifice. He respectfully invited all the deities who were entitled to receive a share of the sacrificial offerings. || 60 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: [Upon receiving Daksha's invitation,] the Kinnaras, Nagas, Siddhas, Gandharvas, and all the gods set out with their wives. All the gods, except Vishnu, Brahma, and Lord Shiva, departed in their respective celestial vehicles. ||1||
Meaning: Sati saw many beautiful celestial chariots flying across the sky. Divine maidens were singing sweet songs, which were so captivating that they could distract even the sages from their meditation. || 2 ||
Meaning: When Sati asked [the reason for the gods traveling in their celestial chariots], Lord Shiva explained everything. Hearing about her father's sacrifice, Sati was somewhat pleased and thought, "If Lord Shiva gives me permission, I can use this as an excuse to go and stay at my father's house for a few days." ||3||
Meaning: Because she was deeply saddened by being abandoned by her husband, but considering it her own fault, she remained silent. Finally, Sati, her voice tinged with fear, hesitation, and love, spoke in a charming manner: ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: O Lord! There is a grand celebration at my father's house. If you grant me permission, O abode of grace, I would like to go and witness it with due respect. || 61 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Lord Shiva said, "You have spoken well, and I like what you said. But it is wrong that they did not send an invitation. Daksha has invited all his daughters; but because of our enmity, he has forgotten to invite you as well." ||1||
Meaning: Once, Brahma became displeased with us in his assembly, and because of that, he still insults us. O Bhavani! If you go there uninvited, neither affection nor respect will remain, and your dignity will be compromised. ||2||
Meaning: Although there is no doubt that one should go to the house of a friend, master, father, and teacher even without being invited, yet going to the house of someone who harbors ill feelings towards you does not bring good fortune. ||3||
Meaning: Lord Shiva explained in many ways, but due to destiny, Sati did not understand. Then Lord Shiva said that if she went without being invited, it would not be a good thing in his opinion. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Lord Shiva tried to dissuade her in many ways, but when Sati did not stop under any circumstances, Lord Shiva, Tripurari, sent her away accompanied by his chief attendants. || 62 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: When Bhavani arrived at her father's (Dakṣa's) house, no one greeted her out of fear of Daksha, except for her mother, who received her respectfully. Her sisters, however, met her with many smiles. ||1||
Meaning: Daksha did not even inquire about their well-being; upon seeing Sati, his entire body was consumed by anger. Then, when Sati went and saw the sacrifice, she did not see any portion of the offering dedicated to Lord Shiva there. ||2||
Meaning: Then she understood what Lord Shiva had said. Sati's heart burned with anger at the insult to her husband. The previous sorrow (of being abandoned by her husband) had not affected her as deeply as the immense grief she felt at that moment (due to the insult to her husband). ||3||
Meaning: Although there are many kinds of terrible sufferings in the world, the humiliation of one's caste is the most unbearable. Understanding this, Sati became very angry. Her mother tried to console and pacify her in many ways. || 4 ||
Topic 19 : Sati’s self-immolation through the fire of Yoga out of indignation at the slight offered to Her Spouse by Her father , destruction of Daksha’s sacrifice
दोहा
Meaning: But she could not tolerate the insult to Lord Shiva, and her heart found no peace. Then, she angrily rebuked the entire assembly with harsh words. ||63||
चौपाई
Meaning: O members of the assembly and all the sages! Listen. All those who have insulted or listened to the insults against Lord Shiva here will immediately receive the consequences of their actions, and my father Daksha will also regret his actions greatly. ||1||
Meaning: Wherever one hears the condemnation of saints, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu (the consort of Lakshmi), the proper conduct is that, if possible, one should cut off the tongue of the person who is speaking ill of them, and if that is not possible, one should cover one's ears and flee from that place. ||2||
Meaning: Lord Maheshwara, the slayer of the demon Tripura, is the soul of the entire universe; He is the father of the world and the benefactor of all. My foolish father insults Him; and this body of mine is born from the seed of Daksha. ||3||
Meaning: Therefore, I will immediately relinquish this body, having enshrined Lord Shiva, who bears the moon on his forehead and has the bull as his emblem, in my heart. Saying this, Sati consumed her body in the fire of yoga. A great uproar arose throughout the entire sacrificial hall. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Hearing the death of Sati, Lord Shiva's followers started destroying the Yagya. Seeing the Yagya being destroyed, Munishwar Bhriguji protected it. 64 ॥
चौपाई
Meaning: When Shiva received all this news, he became angry and sent Virabhadra. Upon arriving there, Virabhadra destroyed the sacrifice and gave all the gods their due punishment. ||1||
Meaning: Daksha met the same fate, known throughout the world, that befalls those who are hostile to Shiva. This history is known to the entire world, therefore I have described it briefly. || 2 ||
Topic 20 : Descent of Goddess Parvati and Her penance
Meaning: At the time of her death, Sati asked Lord Hari for the boon that she would have devotion to Lord Shiva's feet in every birth. For this reason, she was born again as Parvati in the house of Himavan. ||3||
Meaning: Ever since Uma was born in the house of Himachal, all kinds of divine powers and wealth spread throughout the region. The sages built beautiful hermitages here and there, and Himachal provided them with suitable places. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: On that beautiful mountain, many kinds of new trees became perpetually laden with flowers and fruits, and many types of gem mines appeared there. || 65 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Holy water flows in all the rivers, and the birds, animals, and bees all live happily. All creatures have abandoned their natural enmity, and on the mountain, they all live together in harmony and love. ||1||
Meaning: With Parvati's return home, the mountain is shining with such splendor as a devotee shines upon attaining devotion to Rama. In his (the mountain king's) home, new auspicious celebrations take place daily, whose glory is sung even by Brahma and other deities. ||2||
Meaning: When Narada heard all this news, he went out of curiosity to the home of Himavan. The king of the mountains received him with great respect, washed his feet, and offered him a comfortable seat. ||3||
Meaning: Then, along with his wife, he bowed his head at the sage's feet and sprinkled the water from his feet throughout the house. Himachal praised his good fortune greatly and, calling his daughter, placed her at the sage's feet. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: [And he said,] O great sage! You are all-knowing and possess knowledge of the past, present, and future. Your reach is everywhere. Therefore, please consider carefully and tell us about the merits and demerits of the girl. || 66 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Narada Muni smiled and said in a gentle, mysterious voice, "Your daughter is a treasure trove of all virtues. She is naturally beautiful, well-behaved, and intelligent. Her names are Uma, Ambika, and Bhavani." ||1||
Meaning: The girl is endowed with all auspicious qualities; she will always be dear to her husband. Her marital bliss will remain unbroken, and her parents will gain honor through her. || 2 ||
Meaning: She will be revered throughout the entire world, and nothing will be unattainable by serving her. In this world, women will remember her name and walk the path of unwavering devotion to their husbands, as if treading on the sharp edge of a sword. ||3||
Meaning: O King of Mountains! Your daughter is virtuous. Now, listen to the few flaws she has. She is devoid of merit, lacking in respect, without parents, indifferent, and carefree (or perhaps, without doubt/hesitation). ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: She will get a husband who is a yogi, with matted hair, a detached heart, naked, and wearing an inauspicious attire. Such is the fate indicated by the lines on her hand. || 67 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Upon hearing Narada Muni's words and accepting them as truth in their hearts, the husband and wife (Himavan and Maina) were saddened, while Parvati was pleased. Narada himself did not understand this mystery, because although everyone's outward appearance was the same, their inner understanding was different. ||1||
Meaning: All the friends, Parvati, King Himavan, and Maina—everyone's bodies were thrilled with joy, and their eyes were filled with tears. [Thinking that] the words of the divine sage could not be false, Parvati treasured those words in her heart. ||2||
Meaning: She developed affection for Lord Shiva's lotus feet, but a doubt arose in her mind that meeting him would be difficult. Sensing that the time was not right, Uma concealed her love and then went and sat in her friend's lap. || 3 ||
Meaning: Thinking that the words of the divine sage could not be false, Himavan, Maina, and all the clever companions became worried. Then, gathering courage in his heart, the king of the mountains said, "O Lord, tell me, what remedy should be adopted now?" ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: The sage said, "O Himavan! Listen, whatever destiny the Creator has inscribed on one's forehead, neither gods, demons, humans, serpents, nor sages can erase it." ||68||
चौपाई
Meaning: However, I will suggest one solution. If fate is kind, it may succeed. Uma will undoubtedly receive a husband exactly as I have described to you. ||1||
Meaning: However, all the flaws I have pointed out in the prospective groom, in my opinion, are present in Lord Shiva. But if the marriage takes place with Lord Shiva, everyone will consider even these flaws as virtues. ||2||
Meaning: Just as Lord Vishnu sleeps on the serpent Shesha, yet learned people do not find any fault with him; similarly, the Sun and the god of fire consume all kinds of substances, both good and bad, but no one speaks ill of them. ||3||
Meaning: Both pure and impure water flows in the Ganges, yet no one calls it impure. Like the sun, fire, and the Ganges, the powerful are not affected by any fault. || 4 ||
दोहा
Meaning: If foolish people compete in this way out of pride in their knowledge, they will fall into hell for an entire eon. Can a living being ever be equal to God (completely independent)? || 69 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Knowing that it is made from Ganges water, saints never drink wine. But just as that same wine becomes pure when it mixes with the Ganges, there is a similar distinction between God and the soul. ||1||
Meaning: Lord Shiva is inherently powerful, for He is God. Therefore, this marriage will bring all kinds of blessings. However, worshipping Lord Mahadeva is very difficult, yet He is easily pleased by penance and austerity. ||2||
Meaning: If your daughter performs penance, Lord Shiva, the destroyer of Tripura, can change her destiny. Although there are many eligible grooms in the world, there is no other suitable husband for her except Lord Shiva. ||3||
Meaning: Lord Shiva is the bestower of boons, the destroyer of the sorrows of those who take refuge in Him, an ocean of compassion, and the one who pleases the hearts of His devotees. Even performing millions of yogic practices and chanting mantras will not yield the desired results without worshipping Lord Shiva. || 4 ||
दोहा
Meaning: Saying this, and remembering the Lord, Narada Muni blessed Parvati and said, "O King of the mountains! Cast aside your doubts; now all will be well." || 70 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Having said this, Narada Muni departed for Brahmaloka. Now listen to what happened next. Finding her husband alone, Maina said, "O Lord! I did not understand the meaning of the sage's words." ||1||
Meaning: If a suitable home, groom, and family are found for our daughter, then arrange the marriage. Otherwise, let the girl remain unmarried (I do not want to marry her to an unsuitable groom); because, O Lord, Parvati is as dear to me as my own life. ||2||
Meaning: If a suitable groom is not found for Parvati, everyone will say that mountains are inherently inert (foolish). O Lord, please consider this carefully before arranging the marriage, so that you do not experience any regret later. ||3||
Meaning: Saying this, Maina fell at her husband's feet, resting her head on them. Then Himavan lovingly said, "Even if fire were to appear in the moon, Narada's words cannot be false." ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: O beloved! Cast aside all worries and remember Lord Shiva. He who created Parvati will surely bring about your well-being. || 71 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Now, if you truly love the girl, go and instruct her to perform such penance that she may attain Lord Shiva. This suffering will not end by any other means. ||1||
Meaning: Narada's words are full of profound meaning and are based on sound reasoning, and Lord Shiva is the storehouse of all beautiful qualities. Considering this, abandon your [false] doubts. Lord Shiva is completely flawless in every respect. ||2||
Meaning: Hearing her husband's words, Maina was pleased in her heart and immediately went to Parvati. Upon seeing Parvati, tears welled up in her eyes. She affectionately took her into her lap. ||3||
Meaning: Then she embraced her again and again. Mena's throat was choked with emotion; she could not speak. Mother Bhavani, the mother of the universe, is all-knowing. [Understanding the state of her mother's heart, she spoke to her in gentle words that brought comfort to her mother.] ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Mother, listen, I will tell you; I had a dream in which a handsome, fair-complexioned, noble Brahmin gave me this instruction— || 72 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: O Parvati! Consider what Narada has said to be true and go perform penance. This idea has also pleased your parents. Penance is the giver of happiness and the destroyer of sorrow and faults. ||1||
Meaning: It is through the power of penance that Brahma creates the universe, and it is through the power of penance that Vishnu sustains the entire world. It is through the power of penance that Shiva (in his form as Rudra) destroys the universe, and it is through the power of penance that Shesha bears the weight of the Earth. ||2||
Meaning: O Bhavani! The entire creation is based on penance. Knowing this in your heart, go and perform penance. Hearing this, the mother was greatly astonished and called Himavan and recounted the dream to him. ||3||
Meaning: After explaining everything to her parents in various ways, Parvati happily set off to perform penance. Her dear family members, father, and mother were all distraught. No one could utter a word. ||4||
दोहा
Meaning: Then Sage Vedashira came and explained everything to everyone. Upon hearing about the glory of Goddess Parvati, everyone was satisfied. || 73 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: Keeping the feet of Pranapati (Shivji) in her heart, Parvati ji went to the forest and started doing penance. Parvati ji's extremely delicate body was not fit for penance, yet remembering her husband's feet she gave up all pleasures. 1॥
Meaning: A fresh devotion to the Lord's feet arose in his heart every day, and she became so engrossed in penance that she completely forgot about her body. He subsisted on roots and fruits for a thousand years, and then spent another hundred years eating only greens. ||2||
Meaning: For some days, he subsisted on water and air, and then observed strict fasts for several days. For three thousand years, he ate only the dried leaves of the Bael tree that fell to the ground. ||3||
Meaning: Then the dry leaves were also left, that is why Parvati's name became 'Aparna'. Seeing Uma's body emaciated due to penance, a solemn voice of Brahma came from the sky.
दोहा
Meaning: O daughter of the king of mountains, listen! Your wish has been fulfilled. Now give up all these unbearable hardships (difficult penance). You will now meet Lord Shiva. || 74 ||
चौपाई
Meaning: O Bhavani! There have been many patient, ascetic, and wise people, but no one has performed such (rigorous) penance. Now, consider this supreme Brahma's words to be eternally true and perpetually pure, and cherish them in your heart. ||1||
Meaning: When your father comes to call you, give up your stubbornness and go home, and when you meet the Seven Sages, you will understand the true meaning of these words. || 2 ||
Meaning: Upon hearing Brahma's words spoken from the sky, Parvati was delighted, and her body trembled with joy. [Yajnavalkya said to Bharadwaja:] I have narrated the beautiful story of Parvati; now listen to the charming story of Shiva. ||3||
Meaning: Ever since Sati left her body, there was dispassion in Lord Shiva's mind. He always started chanting the name of Shri Raghunathji and started listening to the stories of the virtues of Shri Ramchandraji everywhere. 4॥
दोहा
Meaning: Chidanand, the abode of happiness, devoid of attachment, pride and lust, Lord Shiva, who gives joy to all the worlds, started wandering on the earth with Lord Shri Hari (Shri Ramchandraji) in his heart (absorbed in the meditation of God). 75 ॥
चौपाई
Meaning: They would sometimes impart knowledge to the sages and sometimes describe the virtues of Lord Rama. Although the wise Lord Shiva is detached, He was still saddened by the grief of separation from His devotee (Sati). ||1||
Meaning: In this way, a long time passed. Lord Rama's feet were the object of ever-increasing devotion. When Lord Rama saw Shiva's [rigorous] discipline, [unwavering] love, and the unwavering resolve of devotion in his heart, || 2 ||
Meaning: Then Lord Shri Ramachandra, who is grateful, compassionate, the embodiment of beauty and virtue, and a great effulgence of divine light, appeared. He praised Lord Shiva in many ways and said, "Who but you could have successfully completed such a difficult vow?" ||3||
Meaning: Shri Ramchandraji explained to Lord Shiva in many ways and narrated the birth of Parvatiji. By the grace of Shri Ramchandraji, he described in detail the most sacred act of Parvatiji. 4॥