Bhagavatapurana 10.59: ADHYAYA 59
The Srimad Bhagavatam 10.59
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ADHYAYA 59
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Krishna destroys Narakasura. Marries sixteen thousand damsels; restores Ear-rings to Aditi; from Indraloka brings down the tree of Parijata.
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1. The king said:— How Bhauma (Naraka) was subdued by the Almighty Lord and how those women came to be imprisoned by him (were carried away) - kindly tell me of this prowess of Krishna, weilder of Sarnga. D. how those women had been carried away.
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[Sri Suka said:— [When the blessed Lord Sri Krishna was at Dwaraka, Indra came down from Swarga with a despondent and anxious heart.]
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2. His mother deprived of her ear-rings, himself of his umbrella and turned out from his place, i. e., Amaradri, Indra complained to Krishna of the troublesome activity of Narakasura: [Govinda comforted Indra and sent him away with due respect:] and with His wife Govinda mounted Garuda and proceeded to city of Pragjyotisha.
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3. The city was impregnable with hill fortifications, fortifications of weapons, water, fire, air and strong and fearful wires of Mura on all sides.
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4. Sri Krishna shattered down the hills with His Gada, the fortifications of weapons with His shafts, those of fire, water and air with His Chakra and those of Mura's wires with His sword.
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5. With the blasts of His conch, Krishna blew down the engines as well as the heart of the brave and with His heavy gada (mace) the ramparts of the inmost keep.
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6. Hearing the blowing conch, terrific like the thunders of deluge, Mura, the asura of five heads, who lay in sleep, rose from the waters.
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7. Most terrible to be eyed and by his dazzling light fierce like the sun and fire of deluge, Mura raised his trident and rushed at Krishna with his five mouths wide open, as if to devour the three worlds, and looked like a serpent rushing at Garuda.
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8. He swiftly brandished his trident and threw it on at Garuda and roared with all his five mouths: filled the earth and the heavens, all the directions and the sky and also the whole cavity of the globe.
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9. Then, with great force Hari cut into three with His two shafts, the trident that was rushing towards Garuda, and also stuffed his mouths with shafts; the enraged asura too, dashed (another) Gada at Krishna.
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10. On the field Krishna, Gada's brother, broke with His *gada* into a thousand pieces that asura's *gada* rushing towards Him. Now the asura lifting up his arms, rushed at Him and Ajita cut off his heads with His Chakra.
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11. His heads cut off, the asura fell lifeless into the water, like a mountain with its crest (wings) cut off by the powerful Indra. [A joyful shower of flowers fell on the head of Krishna when Mura the asura fell]. The asura's seven sons, enraged and impatient at the slaughter of their father and determined to take revenge, sallied forth in full preparation.
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12. They were Tamra, Antariksha, Sravana, Vibhavasu, Vasu, Nabhasvan and Aruna the seventh: directed by Naraka and armed with weapons, with the commander of the forces named Peeta at their head, they issued forth (into the battle-field).
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13. Terrific in their rage, they came up and showered on Krishna, their shafts, swords, maces, Saktis, Rishtis and tridents: but the Almighty Lord of unfailing energy - wonderful it is! cut down with His shafts the whole body of weapons into as tiny pieces as sesamum seeds.
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14. & 15. Krishna sent to the city of Yama all those that came headed by Peetha, their heads, thighs, arms, feet and armours (bows) having been cut and split open. Seeing all his commanders so destroyed by the shafts of Achyuta, Naraka, the son of Bhumi, could not contain his rage and issued forth with his rutting elephants born of the sea of milk, [with many thousands of elephants and chariots and a vast army the powerful Naraka entered the field] and there he espied the Lord seated on Garuda with His consort like a cloud just above the sun and bright with streaks of lightning, and at Him he discharged his Sataghni and all his soldiers simultaneously struck.
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16. With His sharp arrows swift with wonderful wings, the Almighty brother of Gada deprived that army of Naraka of arms, heads, thighs and necks and at the same time struck down all his horses and elephants.
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17. Hari with His sharp arrows cut off each into three pieces
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all those weapons and missiles which the soldiers of the enemy severally discharged.
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18. Sri Krishna was borne on by Garuda who with his wings struck down elephants, inflicting wounds with his bill and claws.
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19. They in their distress retreated into the city and when he saw his army beaten and put to flight by Garuda, Naraka single-handed fought on in the field.
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20. With his Sakti Bhauma struck him (Garuda) from whose body even Vajrayudha was thrown back [like Indra striking a hill with his vajra] and struck with it Garuda who remained unshaken like an elephant struck with a garland of flowers.
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[1. As Naraka fought on, O great king, nothing was ever so little shaken. So he took up his bow and showered volleys of arrows on Krishna, who, with His own, cut down all of them.
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2. Then perceiving that Naraka was trying to set up and discharge Ardhachandra from his bow, Kesava cut it off when he was about to pull the string.
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3. Then Dhara's son (Naraka) took up his heavy mace of hard iron, which Madhusudhana cut to pieces with a shaft sharp like knife.
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4. Then again, Bhauma, capable of crushing his enemies' strength, lifted his keen-edged axe and dashed it against Vishnu, which Sridhara (Krishna) cut with His sword.
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5. Then Naraka, the vanquisher of enemies discharged at Krishna seventy-five Tomaras and roared like a lion.
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6. With a single arrow and simultaneously Kesava cut off all the Tomaras and it was a most wonderful feet].
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21. His previous attempt having failed, Bhauma snatched up Sula to strike at Achyuta: but before he discharged it, Hari cut off with His keen-edged Chakra the head of Naraka who was seated on the elephant.
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22. Falling on the ground his head shone brilliant with the ear-rings and the beautiful crown. "Ha, Ha," "well done" shouted out sages: and the great celestials showered flowers on Mukunda and praised Him.
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1. On the fall of Naraka, the great Daitya, invited by the great citizens and accompanied by celestial ranks and rulers of the cardinal points, Krishna with His queen entered the city of Pragjyotisha to have a look at it.
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2. The foremost one among Yadus saw there the wonder of a hill of precious jewels, and the most charming Umbrella of Varuna, dripping with water, O Bharata.
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3. To Indra Krishna sent the hill of jewels and the umbrella to Varuna, through the Daitya servants.
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4. Having given them leave to depart, the Lord of the Universe went alone into Naraka's palace which was like unto that of Indra.
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23. Then Naraka's mother Bhu (Dhara) waited upon Krishna, delivered the two ear-rings of brilliant jewels, chased in Jambunada gold of purest carat and also a Vaijayanti, a Vanamala, the umbrella of Varuna and a great jewel. (D. and introduced to Him her gradson, the warrior Bhagadatta).
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24. O king, with an intensely devout heart and joined hands the goddess Bhu bowed and offered her prayers to the Lord of the Universe worshipped by the highest gods.
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25. The deity Bhudevi said:— I bow to Thee, O Supreme Ruler, God of gods, O weilder of Sankha, Chakra and Gada. Salutation to Thee, O Paramatman that assumest at Thy will many forms to grant the prayers of Thy devotees.
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26 & 27. Salutation to One that has a lotus in His navel! salutation to the One whose feet are like unto lotus, salutation to Thee that art the almighty Lord Vasudeva, Vishnu of lotus—eyes and lotus feet, the Perfect Person, the First Cause and salutation to Thee, perfect in wisdom.
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28. Salutation to Thee that art the Unborn, creator of this world, that art perfect, One of infinite powers, O Antaryamin of the great and small, the Master of all creatures, O Paramatman, salutation to Thee.
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29 & 30. When Thou choosest to create, Thou supportest the vehement Rajoguna and Tamoguna for destruction. But Thou art not affected by either of them; and for the maintenance of the world Thou supportest the quality of Satva, O Lord of the Universe. Though different, Thou art Time, the Principle of matter and the Perfect Person, Water, Earth, air, the Sky, the objects of sense, Ahankara, Mahat, the whole world of mobile and immobile creatures, but with regard to Thee that art without a second, O Almighty One, this is mere illusion.
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[When I was, O Lord, lifted by Thee assuming the form of a boar, this son was born of me at Thy touch; so he was given to me by Thyself and by Thyself he has been now struck down].
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31. Here is his son and he has in fear sought Thy lotus-like feet, O Lord that removest the affliction of Thy refugees; therefore may Thou protect him and place on his head Thy lotus-like hand that removes all impurity!
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32. Sri Suka said:— Thus (worshipped) prayed to in prayerful words, by the goddess Bhu, humble in devotion, the Almighty Lord promised protection and entered into Bhauma's mansion rich in every respect.
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[1. Having appointed him ruler of his heriditary kingdom and restored its ministers to their places, Hari visited the series of apartments in the harem of Narakasura].
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33. There he found sixteen thousand noble princesses captured by Narakasura in his successful expeditions against other kings.
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34. (Seeing Krishna that entered), all the women in the prime of youth, well adorned aud of charming build) were, O king, fascinated at the sight of the great hero and mentally chose for their beloved consort the personage whom Providence brought to them.
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35. They all severally found one support to their heart in their devout passion for Krishna. “May He be only my consort, let the Maker approve of my choice”.
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36. Krishna sent to Dwaraka all those women, provided with clean (fine) dress after bath, in palanquins, as also the great treasures, chariots and horses and immense cash, gold and silver [loaded on donkeys and camels].
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37. Also sixty-four white elephants of great strength, having four tusks and born of Iravata species, [having given but one called Suprateeka to Bhagadatta, the rest he sent to Dwaraka].
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38. & 39. The Lord repaired to the court of the great Indra in Swarga and gave the two ear-rings to Aditi and was worshipped by the Ruler of the gods and his queen. Desired by His Consort, (Satyabhama) that beloved Lord pulled out the Parijata tree, placed it on Garuda, routed out Indra and other celestials and brought it down to His city (on earth).
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40. It was brought and planted to adorn the garden attached to Satyabhama’s mansion; from Swarga bees followed the tree, thirsting after its fragrant honey.
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41. Indra who had once repeatedly bowed to the feet of Krishna touching them with his crown and begged of Him for the accomplishment of his purpose, now accomplished of his purpose he quarrelled with Him! Pity! Even in the gods overpowering is the passion of anger; fie upon the lordly fortune.
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42. Then, at one and the same auspicious hour the eternal and undecaying Lord married all those damsels in the due form in their several houses, assuming as many forms as they were.
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43. In their houses, each of which appeared to excel every other, the Lord of incomprehensible activity was constantly present.
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He the Lord, ever perfect in His own blissfulness (glory), sported with the amsas of Lakshmi, behaving like an ordinary mortal, and doing the duties of a house-holder.
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[1. How could it be a matter for wonder that Hari was at the same time severally present with every one of the queens—Hari who grants the wishes of His devotees, who is of unlimited nature and One without a second?
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2. Krishna, the Supreme Ruler of Yogins, is seen even to-day by His devotees in and out and everywhere, in hundreds and thousands of forms.]
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44. Having thus attained the Lord of Lakshmi as their partner whose ways even Brahma and others do not make out, those women worshipped Him with joy that waxed every moment, with their affectionate and lovely smiles and looks, in their new relation and in their indistinct and hesitating expressions and deportment.
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45. By readily going forth to meet, offering seat and articles of worship, washing His feet, presenting betel-leaf, refreshing Him with fans, pigments of sandal and wreaths of flowers, combing His hair, arranging beds and for His baths and bringing presents, hundreds of servants-maid attentively rendered Him their services.
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Vijayadhwaja's 65.
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The episode of bringing of Parijata.
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1. Sri Suka said:— Having slain the fierce Danava, Naraka, Krishna, the destroyer of Danavas, departed on the back of Garuda, from the city of Pragjyotisha, O king.
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2. Passing through the sky to worship the mother of the gods He came to the city of the celestials, Satyabhama accompanying Him.
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3. Nearing the gates of Swarga, Krishna blew His noble conch of sublime sound; on hearing it, the celestials came forth with the articles of worship (Arghya, Padya, etc.,)
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4. Worshipped by the gods bent with devotion and relieved of fear, He entered the beautiful palace of Indra, the Ruler of the gods.
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5. There Indra with Sachi worshipped Kesava offering jewels, ornaments excellent celestial pigments and flowers.
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6. Then with His queen He repaired to the city of His mother Aditi; seeing her son coming up, she offered welcome to Achyuta.
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7. Hari bowed to her; and in great affection she pronounced her benedictions and honoured Him, the foremost of Yadus, who had not been seen for a long time.
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8. O son of Kuru race, Satyabhama also instructed by Krishna placed the ear-rings at the feet of her mother-in-law and bowed to her.
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9. She embraced the daughter-in-law and was highly placed at the recovery of the lost ear-rings; with her eyes filled with tears of joy, Kasyapa's wife spoke thus:
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10. "O auspicious one, by the virtue of my grace, believe it, never shall variance with thy beloved Lord, or deformity or old age be thy part.
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11. Then having taken leave of her and also of the gods, Kesava mounted on Tarkshya (Garuda) with Satyabhama and journeyed on.
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12. Borne on by Garuda of great strength and power, the Lord and His consort espied a wonderful garden called Nandana, sending forth charming fragrance, well watched and beloved of Indra.
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13. Noticing that garden of divine smell and blossoms Satya took Krishna by the hand and said, "I long to go into this fine garden and sport about for a while, O Kesava."
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14. Out of regard for her words, Krishna alighted from Garuda, and entered the garden guarded by Indra's servants.
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15. & 16. There she saw the celestial trees resounding with the voice of blithesome bees, bent with the weight of fruits, and thickly covered over with flower-dust, with tender leaves gently waving before the breeze and attractive with the warbling of birds; there strolling about she noticed the great tree of Parijata. 17. On seeing it, she asked Krishna, her eyes bewildered with wonder, ‘What tree is this, O Lord? The most wonderful it is in all the worlds.
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18. & 19. ‘Truly accomplished of all purposes are they who enjoy the fruits of this tree, its spacious bottom in all coral; its huge trunk is all silver, it is covered with foliage of Indraneela jewels, the dais round it is built of radiant Vaidurya; its flowers are rubies and its fruits are pearls of various sizes.
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20. ‘Gomedhas are its ripe fruits—Diamonds adorn it as Kinjalka (filaments): hundreds of its branches are brilliant with emeralds.
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21. ‘O Lord of the Universe, this tree has completely possessed my heart and this tree should be taken home, if I am beloved of Thee, O Lord.
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22. ‘When they see me sitting in the shade of this tree, Thy other consorts, O faultless one, may think me the most beloved of Thee, O Achyuta.’
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23. Thus requested by Satya, His beloved consort, Krishna said, “O good one, this is a tree that should not be removed from Nandana garden.”
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24. “Formerly, this came out of the sea of milk when churned by the gods and asuras: and it was then given to Indra by all the celestials who always subsist on its fruits.
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25. “Disregarding my friend Indra, I should not take it away, this jewel among trees, O beautiful one, as I keep only to the path of righteousness.
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26. “If the tree Parijata is taken, O beautiful one, terrible fighting is certain to ensue with the celestials who would have it only for themselves.”
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27. & 28. Thus told by the Supreme Lord, Satyabhama again said,—“Why threaten me with hollow words, O Slayer of Kamsa, Sachi was not well-behaved and did not welcome and honour me when I visited; this tree is indeed the cause of it and she is also proud of the prowess of her husband.”
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29. At any cost this tree Parijata must be taken away, O Achyuta, if I am Thy beloved one: if I am not, give it up then.
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30. Thus importuned by Satya, Krishna, despising the guards there, pulled out the tree with the roots and placed it on Garuda.
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31. Thereupon some of the guards resisted Govinda and some quickly ran to inform Indra of the occurrence.
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32. “O Krishna, Krishna, this tree, held sacred by the immortals, should not be carried away: if Thou takest, Thou wilt at once reap the fruit thereof.
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33. “With this tree, O Krishna, Thou wilt not reach Thy city:— presently Thou wilt see Indra at Thy back (heels), up with his weapons.”
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34. Some guards quickly went up to Indra who was sitting in the company of Sachi, and said, O King:—
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35. The guards said:— Neglecting all the guards (the gods), thy Queen Indrani as well as thyself, Krishna’s wife has taken away the great tree of Parijata.
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36. She was distinctly told by us while offering resistance, but Hari’s beloved wife reproached us and took away the tree, elated with her Lord’s prowess.
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37. Sri Suka said:—Thus hearing the very unpleasant intelligence Indra was enraged like a serpent beaten with a stick and, looking at Sachi beside him, he could not put up with that insult.
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38. Indra issued public notice for the preparation of (rallying) his army, collected his soldiers, sent for the protectors of the world and set out at once:—
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39. Mounted on Iravata of four tusks, the king of elephants, with Vajra in his hand, Indra proceeded, the celestials following him.
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40. The god Vaisvanara [Agni] put on his strong armour, mounted his horse and with a terrible Sataghni, and a ladle like unto a tail, proceeded to the battle.
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41. The powerful Yama, too, mounted on his buffaloe, took up his rod and, accompanied by Mrityukala and others, followed Indra, eager to fight.
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42. Nirriti of great energy mounted his terrible vehicle borne by men, and endowed with long arms, with a sword in his hand, proceeded to the fight.
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43. Varuna made haste, mounted his formidable crocodile, and with ropes and noose in his hand, followed Indra to the fight.
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44. Putting on his armour, armed with Tomara, Vayu rode on the back of the antelope and followed Indra to fight with the weilder of Chakra.
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45. In his palanquin borne by four men, Kubera quickly proceeded with Mudgara for his weapon, eager to fight with Vishnu.
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46. Rudra mounted his huge Vrishabha (bull), with his keen-edged trident, uplifted, accompanied Indra with the large crowds of his Bhutas.
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47. With Bheri, Sankha, and Mridanga, with Panava, Anaka, and Gomukha, with pipes of gold, with excellent and numerous cymbals sounded.
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48. By the noise of the tires of wheels and the harsh neighings of horses, by roaring like lions and fearful striking of their arms, by loud challenge, summoning warriors to the battle;
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49. Hundreds and thousands of the celestials crying out "Where goest thou? Stop, stop, do not go";
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50. Some brandishing their numerous weapons, some urging on their vehicle, hundreds and thousands of them vieing to be in the front.
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51. With terrible twanging of their bow-strings, with endless roaring like lions, the uncontrollable celestials went forward to attack even as jackals may march against a lion.
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Thus ends the Vijayadhwaja's Adhyaya 65.
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[Vijayadhwaja's Adyaya 66.]
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Kubera defeated by Satyabhama. Varuna and others driven back.
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1. Sri Suka said:— Seeing the celestials, rushing forward to attack, the Lord of the Universe said to Satya, "Here are thy worthy guests".
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2. As Krishna said this, the celestial warriors sent (for the purpose) roared and showered arrows on Krishna, O best of Kurus. 3. Thereupon, confounded at the difficulty, Satya took up the bow and, with a series of shafts, cut off those discharged by the celestial warriors.
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4. Next came the powerful Kubera followed by many Guhyakas, and twanging his bow chased with gold at both ends and as high as a palm tree,
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5. He discharged shafts of golden hilts and frequently roared like a lion, rushed forward in battle and cried out, "Stop, stop".
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6. Satya speedily served him at his extensive belly with five sharp arrows that cut through vital parts, O king.
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7. Very severely struck with her shafts Kubera sent three Bhallas to Hari's Queen and loudly roared.
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8. to 13. Before they reached her, she cut them with three *Ardhachandra* shafts (from her bow); and again Hari's queen pierced Kubera in the fore-head with eight shafts swift like thought called Vatsandantas, O best of Kurus; severely hurt by those shafts Kubera, son of Pulastya, mad with rage, sent twenty-one sharp arrows: she cut them on the way off with seven arrows, O king, in half a minute, each into three pieces; then Satya grew angry, and with an ardhachandra, cut down the great bow of Kubera into two, just about his hold. O king, then in great anger like a serpent Kubera got another bow and stringing it discharged volleys of arrows; but those arrows she sportfully cut off with shafts of hard knots and it was an astonishing spectacle.
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14. to 16. Thereupon the angry Kubera looked Satyabhama in the face and said, "Look here. I shall slay thee to-day, note my prowess"; saying this the foremost one of Guhyakas, all the gods witnessing, eager to wipe off the disgrace of defeat, set in his bow, tall as a palm, the best arrow of ardhachandra, intending to kill her.
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17. Perceiving his mind, Hari's queen cut off his bow at its hold with a shaft of Kshurapra.]
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18. Then he took up a terrific Mudgara, formidable to *danavas*, brandished it a hundred times and threw it on the queen.
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19. That Mudgara of formidable size, rushing towards her, Krishna caught hold of with his left hand and laughed. 20. Thereupon Kubera, the lord of wealth, left the battle-field and took to his heels; and Krishna praised His queen and with high regards embraced her.
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21. Kubera having turned his back to Krishna on the battle-field, Varuna marched against Him with his ropes in his hand.
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22. Seeing his advance on the back of his crocodile, Tarkshya of great strength sprang at him, just as a tiger may at a bull.
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23. Terrible was the combat between Tarkshya and Varuna, the lord of waters, like that between Bali and Indra in the war of the gods and the Asuras.
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24. The enraged Varuna threw his rope about the neck of Tarkshya, the son of Kasyapa, and dragged him with great force, like one lion dragging another.
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25. Garuda lifted up Varuna with the ends of his wings, seizing his crocodile with his claws and threw him into the sea.
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26. Varuna lost his vehicle and with difficulty recovered his cords and on foot he rapidly retreated from the field and made towards his home.
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27. Varuna having thus gone away, Vayu and Agni both together met Govinda on the field, O best of Kurus.
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28. Agni with five arrows and Vayu with three fought with Govinda and it was an amazing sight.
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29. Thereupon, Govinda, the destroyer of foes, laughed and pierced Agni with one arrow and Vayu with seven.
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30. Severely struck on the chest with the one keen-edged arrow, Agni thought that Sri Krishna was not an ordinary mortal and quickly ran away from the field.
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31. & 32. On seeing Agni retreat from battle and finding his own body completely pierced with arrows, he perceived that it was Vishnu that came to fight in battle and from the battle he fled for life.
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33. Next, seated on the buffaloe and with eyes glowing with anger, Yama attacked Krishna, with his brilliant rod.
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34. Pundarikaksha saw him raising the huge rod and felled it from his hand to the ground by despatching His Gada. 35. When his rod was struck down by Gada, Yama, with shaking hands, turned his back and ran away with his buffaloe, O best of Kurus.
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36. Seeing Yama retreat, Nirriti, confounded with fear, perceived Govinda's strength and did not advance to fight with Him.
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37. But Sankara of extensive energy, armed with a trident and riding on his bull, advanced to attack Krishna in battle, accompanied by his numerous troops of Bhutas.
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38. Both celebrated for their strength and energy and prowess, They fought most fearfully, each seeking to overthrow the other.
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39. With ten arrows Rudra hit Krishna and Tarkshya with five and cried out in the battle, "Stop, Stop."
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40. Then Krishna, the destroyer of enemies' fortress, took up His Sarnga, hit the rider on the bull simultaneously with thirty shafts.
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41. On the field Garuda, the enemy of serpents, with both his claws and wings and his bill, tormented the bull.
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42. In the course of the fight, Krishna with fifty Narachas hit Sankara that blesses the world.
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43. Then Rudra brandished his formidable and pointed trident and, in great rage, dashed it at Krishna.
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44. Kesava saw the trident rushing towards Him and to ward it off, sent His heavy Gada known as Kaumodaki that crushes Daityas.
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45. That Kaumodaki and trident fought with each other in the sky and fearfully flaming forth fell together into the sea.
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46. That Gada Kaumodaki thrust the trident down into the sea and itself returned to the hand of Krishna and that trident also gradually returned to the hand of Siva.
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47. Then Siva, adorned with serpents, snatched up his sharp sword and, spurring the bull with his heels, advanced towards Krishna in battle.
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48. Quickly taking hold of the bull by the two horns, Garuda hurled him along with Siva over a distance of hundred bows.
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49. Then the rider on the bull, the weilder of trident abandoned the battle and quickly retreated, followed by his Pramatha forces, O king.
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[Vijayadhwaja's Adhyaya 67].
10.59.p151
Vanquished Indra apologises to Krishna and Satyabhama. Their return to Dvaraka. Parijata planted in the yard of Satyabhama's palace.
10.59.p152
1. & 4. Sri Suka said:— Indra himself, the ruler of the gods, put on his crown, mounted his great elephant armed with quivers and his bow and, remembering the words of his wife regarding the Parijata, advanced in battle towards Krishna even as an elephant may do towards a lion.
10.59.p153
3. Hari, destroyer of enemies, saw him advancing and blew His conch, filling all the cardinal points with its terrible sound.
10.59.p154
4. Advancing in battle and twanging his big bow, Indra struck Krishna with a sharp shaft.
10.59.p155
5. Struck on his chest with Indra's shaft Hari laughed and said, "Rightly thou art Indra and this is worthy of thee."
10.59.p156
6. Again Indra set ten shafts in his bow which was like unto a great serpent, and drawing it as far as his ears, discharged them at Krishna and at His Chakra and roared.
10.59.p157
7. As they came on, the Great Hero, the enemy of Kamsa, cut them into three pieces with a single shaft and sportfully hit Indra with ten specially whetted arrows.
10.59.p158
8. Those arrows pierced through the coats and the body of Indra, the Ruler of the gods, and were seen to come out in immense force, reeking with blood.
10.59.p159
9. Again Indra set and discharged sixteen arrows from his bow, which he drew to the utmost length and Govinda cut them also down with three shafts.
10.59.p160
10. Again Hari hit Indra with thirty arrows, all of which plunged into his chest.
10.59.p161
11. Thereupon Indra fell into a rage like a serpent beaten with a club, and goaded his great elephant on to Garuda. 12. That elephant goaded by Indra approached Garuda and with his four tusks knocked at him between the two arms.
10.59.p162
13. Then with his bill, wings and claws Garuda tormented Iravata, the great elephant.
10.59.p163
14. Indra then raised his formidable Vajra, the terror of Danavas and threw it at Vishnu, all beings witnessing.
10.59.p164
15. When it came, Krishna, Madhu's enemy, caught hold of Indra's weapon with his left hand and laughed outright.
10.59.p165
16. His weapon lost and his vehicle shattered by Garuda, Indra, cast down with shame, retreated from the field, O king.
10.59.p166
17. Seeing him thwarted of his purpose and preparing to flee, Satyabhama laughed and said as follows:—
10.59.p167
18. Satyabhama said:— Come on, Indra, return, do not go away, O weilder of Vajra, for it is not fit that Paulomi's Lord should take to his heels.
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19. "Thy queen Paulomi, proud of her lord's prowess and of her own lordly status, will at once scorn thee for defeat in battle."
10.59.p169
20. Hearing Satyabhama's words uttered in ridicule, Indra turned towards her and said to the smiling queen.
10.59.p170
21. Indra said:— "Who could escape the disgrace of defeat, having on the battle-field stood opposed to that One Father of all the three worlds by whom are created the gods, Asuras, the great Nagas, Yakshas, Siddhas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Pisachas, Rakshasas and all.
10.59.p171
22. "Just as a weak calf, at the time of sucking milk, seems sometimes to rebel against its own mother, so also we, O Goddess, that are propitiated with sacrificial offerings betray our own childishness before the absolute Lord".
10.59.p172
23. Having thus replied to the daughter of Satrajit, O foremost son of Bharata's race, Indra bowed with joined hands and said to Vasudeva.
10.59.p173
24. Indra said:— 'Salutation to Thee, O Ruler of the gods and God of gods, Madhava, O Lord of the Universe, forgive all my faults:—
10.59.p174
25. 'May Thou be pleased not to forsake me! I seek Thee alone as protector. I am most foolish and wanting in control over my heart, O Lord that art kind unto those that resort to Thee for shelter!. 26 & 27. ‘This Iravata, this Vajra, this tree, this kingdom of immortals, this city of Amaravati—this whole universe is in Thy hands, I am Thy servant; whatever Thou likest of these may be freely taken.
10.59.p175
28 to 30. But I submit, O Govinda, the cause of my opposing Thee: (It is this). Thou, O Lord, art pleased with undivided attention to remain in the mortal world: when Parijata, the Kalpa tree, is taken thither by Thee, the earth becomes quite equal to Swarga—therefore, O tiger of Yadu’s race, I stood opposed to Thee: that may be excused, O Lord, by Thee that knowest what is or is not, proper to do.’
10.59.p176
31. Sri Suka said:— O best of Kurus, the Ruler of the gods thus apologising, the Almighty Lord Janardana with a smile on His face said to Indra.
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32. The Lord said:—No offence has been given by Thee, O Indra, thy fault is Mine, for, we are not different.
10.59.p178
33. O thousand-eyed one, what is now done by Thee, whether good or bad, is all done by Myself; let there be no concern about it.
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34. When I return to the heavenly region, this excellent tree of Parijata will under My command return of itself to Nandana.
10.59.p180
35 to 37. When Vasudeva thus spoke, the Ruler of the gods begged Govinda, Satyabhama and Garuda for pardon and said:— “May Thou be pleased to protect my son, Thy brother-in-law, known as Bhibhatsu”. Repeating this request many times, Indra got leave to depart with all the protectors of the cardinal points; with his Vajra restored to him Indra returned to his city. Having sent away Indra and the rulers of the cardinal points, Krishna said to Garuda, “Let us go back to Dwaraka”.
10.59.p181
38. & 39. Garuda, the enemy of serpents, bore with ease Govinda, Satyabhama and the tree of Parijata.
10.59.p182
40. & 41. And having entered the beautiful city adorned with many entrances and portals, decorated with flags and festoons, with floors moistened and kept clean, bowed to and worshipped by the great Yadus who waited on Him with offerings of betel-leaf, wreaths of flowers, sandal and pigments and Akshatas, with trumpets and other auspicious instruments played upon, holy texts being loudly sung, Sri Krishna went into the celestial court-hall of Sudharma attended by the wise and the elders.
10.59.p183
42. & 43. Krishna duly bowed to Ahuka, Vasudeva and His elder brother Balarama and duly honoured by them took His seat on the exalted golden dais in the middle of the hall.
10.59.p184
44. O tiger among kings, Krishna now shone like Indra in heaven, Brihaspati and the protectors of the world waiting upon Him.
10.59.p185
45. In the yard of Satyabhama’s mansion Krishna caused the great Parijata tree to be planted, surrounded with a high dais built of precious stones.
10.59.p186
46. On hearing of the return of Devaki’s son with a large host of other damsels, all the women of Yadava race came to see Him.
10.59.p187
47. O son of Kuru race, Vasudeva, Rohini and all other ladies came to see Krishna on His safe return after vanquishing the enemy.
10.59.p188
48. Krishna who is Vishnu Himself, saw all the mothers who came with Devaki and bowed to them: and they honoured Him with their benedictions.
10.59.p189
49. Like-wise, Rukmini and other queens of superhuman beauty, well adorned, and beloved of Krishna, approached and bowed to their Lord.
10.59.p190
50. to 52. Revati, the wife of Balarama, the well-known Trivakra, and Durga, Subhadra, Chitra and others, the ladies of Bhoja, Vrishni and Andhaka families, all with their glad and blooming faces, came in great curiosity to see Govinda safe and triumphant over the enemy as well as Satyabhama and the celestial tree brought (from Swarga).
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53. All that had gathered there showered on Mukunda’s crown fried rice, flowers and Akshatas as they chose and returned to their several mansions.
10.59.p192
(Thus ends Vijayadhawaja’s 67th Adhyaya).
Linked texts (1)
- Bhāgavatapurāṇa — Vyāsa, Sanskrit