Chapter Four Udyoga-praśna-varṇana Description of Questions About the Lord's Appearance

śrī-bhagavān uvāca—the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; nanda—of Nanda; upananda—and Upananda; bhavane—in the home; śrīdāmā—Śrīdāmā; subalaḥ—Subala; sakhā—friends; stoka-kṛṣṇaḥ—Stoka-kṛṣṇa; arjunaḥ—Arjuna; aṁśaḥ—partial expansions; ca—also; nava—new; nanda—of Nanda; gṛhe—in the home; vidhe—O Brahmā.

viśālaṛṣabha-tejasvi—Viśāla, Ṛṣabha, and Tejasvī; devaprastha-varūthapāḥ—Devaprastha and Varūthapa; bhaviṣyanti—will be; sakhāyaḥ—friends; me—My; vraje—in Vraja; ṣaḍ—six; vṛṣabhānuṣu—in the homes of the relatives of King Vṛṣabhānu.

śrī-brahmā uvāca—Śrī Brahmā said; kasya—of whom?; vai—indeed; nanda—of Nanda; padavī—path; kasya—of whom?; vai—indeed; vṛṣabhānutā—of King Vṛṣabhānu; vada—tell; deva—of the demigods; pate—O lord; sākṣāt—directly; upanandasya—of Upananda; lakṣaṇam—the characteristics.

śrī-bhagavān uvāca—the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; gāḥ—cows; pālayanti—protect; ghoṣeṣu—in the homes of the cowherds; sadā—always; gaḥ—for the cows; vṛttayaḥ—activities; aniśam—day and night; te—they; gopālāḥ—protectors of the cows; mayā—by Me; proktāḥ—said; teṣām—of them; tvam—you; lakṣaṇam—characteristics; śṛṇu—please hear.

nandaḥ—Nanda; proktaḥ—said; sa-gopālaiḥ—with the gopas; nava-lakṣa—900,000; gavām—of cows; patiḥ—the master; upanandaḥ—Upananda; ca—also; kathitaḥ—said; paṣca-lakṣa—500,000; gavām—of cows; patiḥ—the master.

vṛṣabhānuḥ—Vṛṣabhānu; saḥ—he; uktaḥ—said; yaḥ—who; daśa-lakṣa—one million; gavām—of cows; patiḥ—the master; gavām—of cows; koṭiḥ—ten million; gṛhe—in the home; yasya—of whom; nanda-rājaḥ—King Nanda; saḥ—he; eva—certainly; hi—indeed.

koṭi-ardham—five million; ca—and; gavām—of cows; yasya—of whom; vṛṣabhānu-varaḥ—Vṛṣabhānu; tu—indeed; saḥ—he; etādṛśau—like this; vraje—in Vraja; dvau—two; tu—indeed; sucandraḥ—Sucandra; droṇaḥ—Droṇa; eva—indeed; hi—certainly.

sarva-lakṣaṇa-lakṣya-aḍhyau—opulent with all virtues; gopa-rājau—two gopa kings; bhaviṣyataḥ—will be; śata—hundred; candra—moons; ānanānām—whose faces; ca—also; sundarīṇām—of beautiful girls; su-vāsasām—beautifully dressed; gopīnām—gopīs; mat—My; vraje—in Vraja; ramye—beautiful; śata—hundreds; yūthaḥ—groups; bhaviṣyati—will be.

śrī-brahmā uvāca—Śrī Brahmā said; he—O; dīna—of the poor; bandhaḥ—friend; he—O; deva—Lord; jagat—of the universes; kāraṇa—of the causes; kāraṇa—the cause; yūthasya—of the groups; lakṣaṇam—characteristic; sarvaṁ—all; tat—that; me—to me; brūhi—please speak; para-īśvara—O Supreme Lord.

śrī-bhagavān uvāca—the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; arbudam—a hundred million; daśa—ten; koṭīnāṁ—ten million; munibhiḥ—by sages; kathitam—said; vidhe—O Brahmā; daśa—ten; arbudam—a hundred million; yatra—where; bhavet—may be; saḥ—that; api—also; yūthaḥ—group; prakathyate—is said.

goloka—of Goloka; vāsinyaḥ—the residents; kaścit—some; kāścit—some; vai—indeed; dvāra-pālikāḥ—doorkeepers; śṛṅgāra-prakarāḥ—decorators; kāścit—some; kāścit—some; kāścit—some; śayyā-upakārakāḥ—arranging the bed.

pārṣadā—associates; ākhyāḥ—named; tathā—so; kāścit—some; śrī-vṛndāvana—of Vṛndāvana; pālikāḥ—the protectors; govardhana—by Govardhana Hill; nivāsinyaḥ—residing; kāścit—some; kuṣja—in the forest groves; vidhāyikāḥ—arranging.

me—of Me; nikuṣja—in the forest groves; nivāsinyaḥ—residing; bhaviṣyanti—will be; vraje—in Vraja; mama—My; evam—thus; ca—also; yamunā—of the Yamunā; yūthaḥ—the group; jāhnavī—of the Ganges; yūthaḥ—the group; eva—certainly; ca—also.

ramāyāḥ—of Ramā; madhu-mādhavyāḥ—of Madhu-Mādhavī; virajāyāḥ—of Virajā; tathā—so; eva—indeed; ca—and; lalitāyāḥ—of Lalitā; viśākhāyāḥ—of Viśākhā; māyā-yūthaḥ—group; bhaviṣyati—will be.

etāḥ—they; hi—indeed; aṣṭa—eight; sakhīnāṁ—of friends; ca—also; sakhīnām—of friends; kila—certainly; ṣoḍaśa—sixteen; dvatriṁśat—32; ca—and; sakhīnām—of friends; tu—indeed; yūthāḥ—groups; bhāvyāḥ—will be; vraje—in Vraja; vidhe—O Brahmā.

śruti—of the Vedas; rūpāḥ—forms; ṛṣi—of the sages; rūpāḥ—forms; maithilāḥ—of the women of Mithilā; kauśalāḥ—the people of Koṣalā; tathā—so; ayodhyā-pura-vāsinyaḥ—the women of Ayodhyā; yajṣa-sītāḥ—the Yajṣa Sītās; pulindakāḥ—the Pulindā girls.

yāsām—to whom; mayā—by Me; varaḥ—benediction; dattaḥ—given; pūrve—before; pūrve—before; yuge yuge—in different yugas; tāsām—of them; yūthāḥ—groups; bhaviṣyanti—will be; gopīnām—of gopīs; mat—My; vraje—in Vraja; śubhe—beautiful.

śrī-brahmā uvāca—Śrī Brahmā said; etāḥ—they; katham—how; vraje—in Vraja; bhāvyāḥ—will be; kena—by what?; pūṇyena—pious deed; kaiḥ—by what?; varaiḥ—benedictions; durlabham—difficult to attain; hi—indeed; padam—state; tat—that; vai—certainly; yogibhiḥ—by yogīs; puruṣottama—O Supreme Personality of Godhead.

śrī-bhagavān uvāca—the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; śvetadvīpe—in Śvetadvīpa; ca—also; bhūmānam—the Lord; śrutayaḥ—the personified Vedas; tuṣṭuvuḥ—offered prayers; param—greatly; uṣatībhiḥ—beautiful; girābhiḥ—with words; ca—also; prasannaḥ—pleased; abhūt—became; sahasra-pāt—the universal form, who has a thousand feet.

śrī-hariḥ uvāca—Śrī Hari said; varam—a benediction; vṛṇīta—choose; yūyam—you; vai—certainly; yat—what; manaḥ—by the heart; vāṣchitam—is desired; mahat—great; yeṣām—by whom; prasannaḥ—pleased; aham—I am; sākṣāt—directly; teṣām—of them; kim—what?; durlabham—difficult to attain; bhuvi—on the earth.

śrī-śrutayaḥ ūcuḥ—the personified Vedas said; vāk—words; manaḥ—and mind; gocara—the range; atītam—beyond; tataḥ—therefore; na—not; jṣāyate—known; tu—indeed; tat—that; ānanda—bliss; mātram—only; iti—thus; yat—what; vandanti—they say; iha—here; pura-vidaḥ—the cholars of the Purāṇas; tat—that; rūpam—form; darśaya—please show; asmākam—to us; yadi—if; deyaḥ—to be given; varaḥ—a benediction; hi—indeed; naḥ—to us.

śrī-bhagavān uvāca—the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; śrutvā—having heard; etat—this; darśayām āsa—He showed; svam—His own; lokam—realm; prakṛteḥ—the material world; param—beyond; kevala—only; anubhava—experience; ānanda—bliss; mātram—only; akṣaram—changeless; avyayam—indestructible.

yatra—where; vṛndāvanam—Vṛndāvana; nāma—named; vanaṁ-forest; kāma-dughaiḥ—fulfilling desires; drumaiḥ—with trees; manorama—beautiful; nikuṣja—with forest groves; aḍhyam—opulent; sarva—in all; ṛtu—seasons; sukha-samyutam—with happiness.

yatra—where; govardhanaḥ—Govardhana; nāma—named; su-nirjhara—with beautiful streams; darī—and caves; yutaḥ—endowed; ratna—jewels; dhātu—and minerals; mayaḥ—consisting; śrīmāt—beautiful; su-pakṣi-gaṇa-saṅkulaḥ—filled with beautiful birds.

yatra—where; nirmala—pure; pānīyā—water; kālindī—Yamunā; saritām—of streams; varā—the best; ratna—with jewels; baddha—studded; ubhaya—both; taṭī—banks; haṁsa—with swans; padma—and lotuses; ādi—beginning; saṅkulā—filled.

nānā—various; rāsa—of rāsa dances; rasa—by the nectar; unmattam—intoxicated; yatra—where; gopī—of gopīs; kadambakam—the multitude; tat-kadambaka—of that multitude; madhya—in the middle; sthaḥ—standing; kiśora—youthful; ākṛtiḥ—form; acyutaḥ—the infallible Lord.

darśayitvā—having seen; iti—thus; ca—also; prāha—said; bruta—please tell; kim—what?; karavāṇi—shall I do; vaḥ—of you; dṛṭṭaḥ—seen; madīyaḥ—My; lokaḥ—realm; ayam—which; yataḥ—than which; na—not; asti—is; param—better; varam—benediction.

śrī-śrutayaḥ ūcuḥ—the personified Vedas said; kandarpa—of Kāmadevas; koṭi—millions; lāvaṇye—handsomeness; tvayi—when You; dṛṭṭe—are seen; manāṁsi—hearts; naḥ—our; kāminī—of beautiful and amorous girls; bhāvam—the nature; āsadya—attaining; smara—by amorous desires; kṣubdhāni—agitated; asaṁśayam—without doubt.

yathā—as; goloka-vāsinyaḥ—the girls of Goloka; kāminītvena—with the status of being beautiful girls; gopikāḥ—gopīs bhajanti—worship; ramaṇam—a lover; matvā—considering; cikīrṣā—desire; ajani—is born; naḥ—of us; tathā—so.

śrī-hariḥ uvāca—Śrī Hari said; durlabhaḥ—difficult to attain; durghaṭaḥ—impossible; ca—and; eva—indeed; yuṣmākam—your; su—beautiful; manorathaḥ—desire; mayā—by Me; anumoditāḥ—allowed; samyak—completely; satyaḥ—true; bhavitum—to be; arhati—is worthy.

āgamini—come; viriṣcau—when Brahmā; tu—indeed; jāte—is born; sṛṭṭi—creation; artham—for the purpose; udyate—is manifested; kalpa-sārasvatam—the Sārasvata-kalpa; prāpya—attaining; vraje—in Vraja; gopyaḥ—gopīs; bhaviṣyatha—you will become.

pṛthivyām—on the earth; bhārate—in Bhārata-varṣa; kṣetre—in the place; māthure—in the district of Mathurā; mama—My; maṇḍale—circle; vṛndāvane—in Vṛndāvana; bhaviṣyāmi—I will become; preyān—the beloved; vaḥ—of you; rasa—of the rāsa dance; maṇḍale—in the circle.

jāra-dharmeṇa—as a paramour; su-sneham—affection; su-dṛḍham—firm; sarvataḥ—than all; adhikam—greater; mayi—for Me; samprāpya—attaining; sarvāḥ—all; hi—indeed; kṛtākṛtyāḥ—usccessful; bhaviṣyatha—you will become.

śrī-bhagavān uvāca—the Supreme Personality of Godhead said; tāḥ—they; ca—also; gopyaḥ—gopīs; bhaviṣyanti—will become; pūrva—previous; kalpa—from the kalpa; varān—benedictions; mama—My; anyāsām—of other; ca—also; eva—certainly; gopīnām—gopīs; lakṣaṇam—characteristics; śṛṇu—please hear; tat—that; vidhe—O Brahmā.

surāṇām—of the devotees; rakṣaṇārthāya—for protection; rākṣasānām—of the demons; vadhāya—for the killing; ca—also; tretāyām—in Tretā-yuga; rāmacandraḥ—Rāmacandra; abhūt—was; vīraḥ—hero; daśaratha—of Daśaratha; ātmajaḥ—the son.

sītā—of Sītā; svayamvaram—to the svayamvara; gatvā—having gone; dhanuḥ—of the bow; bhaṅgam—breaking; cakāra—did; saḥ—He; uvāha—married; jānakīm—Janaka's daughter; sītām—Sītā; rāmaḥ—Rāma; rājīva—lotus; locanaḥ—eyed.

tam—Him; dṛṭṭvā—seeing; maithilāḥ—the women of Mithilā; sarvāḥ—all; purandhryaḥ—married; mumuhuḥ—became agitated; vidhe—O Brahmā; rahasi—in a secluded place; ūcuḥ—said; mahātmānam—to the Lord; bhartā—the husband; naḥ—of us; bhava—please become; he—O; raghaḥ—Raghu.

tāḥ—to them; āha—said; rāghava—of the Rāghava dynasty; indraḥ—the king; ca—also; mā—don't; śocam—lament; kuruta—do; striyaḥ—women; dvāpara—of Dvāpara-yuga; ante—at the end; kariṣyāmi—I will do; bhavatīnām—of you; manoratham—the desire.

tīrtham—pilgrimage; dānam—charity; tapaḥ—austerity; śaucam—cleanliness; samācarata—perform; tattvataḥ—in truth; śraddhayā—with faith; parayā—with great; bhaktyā—devotion; vraje—in Vraja; gopyaḥ—gopīs; bhaviṣyatha—you will become.

iti—thus; tābhyaḥ—to them; varam—benediction; datvā—giving; śrī-rāmaḥ—Śrī Rāma; karuṇā—of mercy; nidhiḥ—an ocean; koṣalān—to the country of the Koṣalas; prayayau—went; dhanvī—with His bow; tejasā—with power; jita—conquered; bhārgavaḥ—Paraśurāma.

mārge—on the road; ca—also; kauṣalāḥ naryaḥ—the women of Koṣala; rāmam—Lord Rāma; dṛṭṭvā—seeing; ati—very; sundaram—handsome; manasā—with their hearts; vavrire—chose; tam—Him; vai—indeed; patim—as their husband; kandarpa—than many Kāmadevas; mohanam—charming.

manasā—with the heart; api—also; varam—choice; rāmaḥ—Rāma; dadau—gave; tābhyaḥ—them; hi—indeed; aśeṣa—all; vit—knowing; manoratham—desire; kariṣyāmi—I will do; vraje—in Vraja; gopyaḥ—gopīs; bhaviṣyatha—you will become.

āgatam—arrived; sītayā—Sītā; sārdham—with; sainyena—army; raghu-nandanam—the joy of the Raghus; ayodhyā-pura-vāsinyaḥ—the women of Ayodhyā; śrutvā—hearing; draṣṭum—to see; samāyayuḥ—came.

vīkṣya—seeing; tam—Him; moham—agitation; āpannāḥ—attained; mūrchitāḥ—fainted; prema—with love; vihvalāḥ—overcome; tepus tapaḥ—they performed austerities; tāḥ—they; sārāyū—of the Sarāyū river; tīre—on the shore; rāma-dhṛta-vratāḥ—with a vow to attain Lord Rāma.

ākāśa—from the sky; vāk—a voice; abhūt—was; tāsām—of them; dvāpara—of Dvāpara-yuga; ante—at the end; manorathaḥ—desire; bhaviṣyati—will be; na—no; sandehaḥ—doubt; kālindī—of the Yamunā; tīra—on the bank; je—born; vane—in the forest.

pituḥ—of His father; vākyāt—by the statement; yadā—when; rāmaḥ—Rāma; daṇḍaka—Daṇḍaka; ākhyam—named; vanam—to the forest; gataḥ—gone; cacāra—went; sītayā—Sītā; sārdham—with; lakṣmaṇena—and Lakṣmaṇa; dhanuṣmatā—the expert bowman.

gopāla—of Lord Gopāla; upāsakāḥ—worshipers; sarve—all; daṇḍakāraṇya-vāsinaḥ—the residents of the Daṇḍaka forest; dhyāyantaḥ—meditating; satatam—always; mām—on Me; vai—indeed; rāsa—the rāsa dance; artham—for the purpose; dhyāna-tat-parāḥ—rapt in meditation.

yeṣām—of whom; āśramam—the hermitage; āsadya—attaining; dhanuḥ—bow; bāṇa—and arrows; dharaḥ—holding; yuvā—young; teṣām—of them; dhyāne—in meditation; gataḥ—gone; rāmaḥ—rāma; jaṭā-mukuṭa-maṇḍitaḥ—decorated with matted locks of hair.

anya—another; ākṛtim—form; te—they; tam—Him; vīkṣya—seeing; param—then; vismita—surprised; mānasāḥ—at heart; dhyānāt—from meditation; utthāya—rising; dadṛśuḥ—they saw; koṭi—millions; kandarpa—of Kāmadeva's; sannibham—like.

ūcuḥ—said; te—they; ayam—He; nu—indeed; gopālaḥ—is Gopāla; vaṁśī—a flute; vetre—and stick; vinā—without; prabhuḥ—the Lord; ittham—thus; vicārya—thinking; manasā—with their heart; nemuḥ—bowed down; cakruḥ—did; stutim—prayers; parām—great.

varam—a benediction; vṛṇīta—please choose; munayaḥ—O sages; śrī-rāmaḥ—Śrī Rāma; tān—to them; uvāca—said; ha—indeed; yathā—as; sītā—Sītā; tathā—so; sarve—all; bhūyaḥ sma—let us become; iti—thus; vādinaḥ—saying.

śrī-rāmaḥ uvāca—Śrī Rāma said; yathā—as; hi—indeed; lakṣmaṇaḥ—Lakṣmaṇa; bhrātā—brother; tathā—so; prārthyaḥ—requested; varaḥ—benediction; yadi—if; adya—today; eva—indeed; sa-phalaḥ—fruitful; bhāvyaḥ—will be; bhavadbhiḥ—by you; mat—of Me; prasaṅgataḥ—by the association.

sītā—Siātā; yathā—as; iti—thus; vākyena—by the statement; durghaṭaḥ—impossible; durlabhaḥ—unattainable; varaḥ—benediction; eka—one; patnī—wife; vrataḥ—vow; aham—I; vai—indeed; maryādā—of the rules of religion; puruṣa—of persons; uttamaḥ—the best.

tasmāt—therefore; tu—indeed; mat—of Me; vareṇa—by the benediction; api—also; dvāpara-ante—at the end of Dvāpara-yuga; bhaviṣyatha—you will become; manoratham—desire; kariṣyāmi—I will do; bhavatām—of you; vāṣchitam—desired; param—then.

iti—thus; datvā—having given; varam—benediction; rāmaḥ—Rāma; tataḥ—then; paṣcavatīm—to the Pa 24cavatī forest; gataḥ—went; parṇa—of leaves; śālam—a cottage; samāsadya—attaining; vana—in the forest; vāsam—residence; cakāra—did; ha—indeed.

tat—of Him; darśana—by the sight; smara—with amorous desires; rujaḥ—agitated; pulindyaḥ—Pulinda girls; prema—with love; vihvalāḥ—overcome; śrīmat—of the handsome Lord; pāda—of the feet; rajaḥ—the dust; dhṛtvā—holding; prānān—life; tyaktum—to abandon; samudyatāḥ—were ready.

brahmacāri—of a brahmacāri; vapuḥ—the form; bhūtvā—becoming; rāmaḥ—Rāma; tatra—there; samāgataḥ—went; uvāca—said; prāṇa—of life; santyāgam—giving up; mā—don't; kūryata—do; striyaḥ—O women; vṛthā—uselessly.

vṛndāvane—in Vṛndāvana; dvāpara-ante—at the end of Dvāpara-yuga; bhavitā—will become; vaḥ—of you; manorathaḥ—the desire; iti—thus; uktvā—saying; brahmacārī—the brahmacārī; tu—certainly; tatra—there; eva—indeed; antarādhīyata—disappeared.

atha—then; rāmaḥ—Rāma; vānara—of monkeys; indraiḥ—with the kings; rāvaṇa-ādīn—beginning with rāvaṇa; niśācarān—demons, who move in the night; jitvā—defeating; laṅkām—Laṅkā; etya—going; sītā—Sītā; puṣpakena—on a flower-chariot; puram—to His own city; yayau—went.

sītām—Sītā; tatyāja—renouncing; rāja—of kings; indraḥ—the king; vane—in the forest; loka—of the people; apavādataḥ—because of the criticism; ahaḥ—ah; satām—of the saintly devotees; api—also; bhuvi—in the world; bhavanam—manifestation; bhūri—great; duḥkha—pain; dam—giving.

yadā yadā—whenever; akarot—performed; yajṣam—a sacrifice; rāmaḥ—Rāma; rajīva—lotus; locanaḥ—eyed; tadā—then; tadā—then; svarṇamayīm—golden; sītām—Sītā; kṛtvā—making; vidhānataḥ—according to the rules of religion.

yajṣa-sītā-samūhaḥ—a multitude of these Deities; abhūt—was; mandire—in the palace; rāghavasya—of Rāma; ca—and; tāḥ—they; caitanya-ghanā bhūtvā—having come to life; rantum—to enjoy; rāmam—to Rāma; samāgataḥ—went.

tāḥ—to them; āha—said; raghu-vaṁśa-indraḥ—the king of the Raghu dynasty; na—not; aham—I; gṛhnāmi—I accept; he—O; priyāḥ—O beloveds; tadā—then; ūcuḥ—said; tāḥ—they; prema-parāḥ—full of love; rāmam—to Rāma; daśaratha—of Daśaratha; ātmajam—the son.

katham—why?; ca—and; asmān—us; na—not; gṛhnāsi—You accept; bhajantīḥ—the worshiping; maithilīḥ satīḥ—chaste women of Mithilā; ardha—half; aṅgī—Your body; yajṣa—of the yajṣa; kāleṣu—at the times; satatam—always; kārya-sādhinīḥ—performing duties with You.

dharmiṣṭhaḥ—religious; tvam—You; śruti-dharaḥ—aware of the teachings of the Vedas; adharmavat—like an impious person; bhāṣase—You speak; katham—why?; karam—hand; gṛhitvā—taking; tyajasi—You reject; tataḥ—then; pāpam—sin; avāpsyasi—You will attain.

śrī-rāmaḥ uvāca—Śrī Rāma said; samīcīnam—right; vacaḥ—statement; satyam—truth; yuṣmābhiḥ—by you; gaditam—said; ca—also; me—of Me; eka—one; patnī—wife; vrataḥ—vow; aham—I; hi—Indeed; rāja—king; ṛṣiḥ—sage; sītayā—by Sītā; ekayā—alone.

tasmāt—therefore; yūyam—you; dvāpara—of Dvāpara-yuga; ante—at the end; puṇye—spiritual; vṛndāvane—in Vṛndāvana; vane—forest; bhaviṣyatha—you will be; kariṣyāmi—I will do; yuṣmākam—of you; tu—certainly; manoratham—the desire.

tś—they;a vraje—in Vraja; api—and; bhaviṣyanti—will be; yajṣa-sītāḥ—the yajṣ-sītās; ca—also; gopikāḥ—gopīs; anyāsām—of other; ca—also; eva—indeed; gopīnām—gopīs; lakṣaṇam—characteristics; śṛṇu—please hear; tat—that; vidhe—O Brahmā.