VISHNU PURAN BOOK. V. CHAP.
XVII.XIII.XIX.XX
Akrura's meditations
on Krishna: his arrival at Gokula: his delight at seeing Krishna and his
brother.
AKRURA, having set off
in his quick travelling car, proceeded to visit Krishna at the pastures of
Nanda; and, as he went along, he congratulated himself on his superior good
fortune, in having an opportunity of beholding a descended portion of the
deity. "Now," thought he, "has my life borne fruit; my night is
followed by the dawn of day; since I shall see the countenance of Vishnu, whose
eyes are like the expanded leaf of the lotus. I shall behold that lotus-eyed
aspect of Vishnu, which, when seen only in imagination, takes away the sins of
men. I shall to-day behold that glory of glories, the mouth of Vishnu, whence
proceeded the Vedas, and all their dependant sciences. I shall see the
sovereign of the world, by whom the world is sustained; who is worshipped as
the best of males, as the male of sacrifice in sacrificial rites. I shall see
Kes'ava, who is without beginning or end; by worshipping whom with a hundred
sacrifices, Indra obtained the sovereignty over the gods. That Hari, whose
nature is unknown to Brahma, Indra, Rudra, the As'wins, the Vasus, Adityas, and
Maruts, will this day touch my body. The soul of all, the knower of all, he who
is all, and is present in all, he who is permanent, undecaying, all-pervading,
will converse with me. He, the unborn, who has preserved the world in the
various forms of a fish, a tortoise, a boar, a horse [*1], a lion, will this
day speak to me. Now the lord of the earth, who assumes shapes at will, has
taken upon him the condition of humanity, to accomplish some object cherished
in his heart. That Ananta, who holds the earth upon his crest, and who has
descended upon earth for its protection, will this day call me by my name.
Glory to that being, whose deceptive adoption of father, son, brother, friend,
mother, and relative, the world is unable to penetrate. Glory to him, who is
one with true knowledge, who is inscrutable, and through whom, seated in his
heart, the Yogi crosses the wide expanse of worldly ignorance and illusion. I
bow to him, who, by the performers of holy rites, is called the male of
sacrifice (Yajnapurusha); by pious worshippers is termed Vasudeva; and by the
cultivators of philosophy, Vishnu. May he in whom cause and effect, and the
world itself, is comprehended, be propitious to me, through his truth; for
always do I put my trust in that unborn, eternal Hari; by meditation on whom,
man becomes the repository of all good things."
His mind thus animated
by devout faith, and meditating in this manner, Akrura proceeded on his road,
and arrived at Gokula a little before sunset, at the time of the milking of the
cows; and there he saw Krishna amongst the cattle, dark as the leaf of the full
blown lotus; his eyes of the same colour, and his breast decorated with the
Srivatsa mark; long armed, and broad chested; having a high nose, and a lovely
countenance, brightened with mirthful smiles; treading firmly on the ground,
with feet whose nails were tinted red; clad in yellow garments, and adorned
with a garland of forest flowers; having a fresh-gathered creeper in his hand,
and a chaplet of white lotus flowers on his head. Akrura also beheld there
Balabhadra, white as a jasmine, a swan, or the moon, and dressed in blue
raiment; having large and powerful arms, and a countenance as radiant as a
lotus in bloom; like another Kailasa mountain, crested with a wreath of clouds.
When Akrura saw these
two youths, his countenance expanded with delight, and the down of his body
stood erect with pleasure: for this he thought to be supreme happiness and
glory; this, the double manifestation of the divine Vasudeva; this was the
twofold gratification of his sight, to behold the creator of the universe: now
he hoped that his bodily form would yield fruit, as it would bring him in
contact with the person of Krishna; and that the wearer of infinite forms would
place his hand on his back; the touch of whose finger alone is sufficient to
dispel sin, and to secure imperishable felicity: that hand which launches the
fierce irresistible discus, blazing with all the flames of fire, lightning, and
the sun, and slaughtering the demon host washes the collyrium from the eyes of
their brides: that hand into which Bali poured water, and thence obtained
ineffable enjoyments below the earth, and immortality and dominion over the
gods for a whole Manwantara, without peril from a foe. "Alas! he will
despise me, for my connexion with Kansa, an associate with evil, though not
contaminated by it. How vain is his birth, who is shunned by the virtuous? and
yet what is there in this world unknown to him who resides in the hearts of all
men, who is ever existent, exempt from imperfection, the aggregate of the
quality of purity, and identical with true knowledge? With a heart wholly
devoted to him, then, I will approach the lord of all lords, the descended
portion of Purushottama, of Vishnu, who is without beginning, middle, or
end."
Footnotes
^541:1 The commentator
explains this to mean Hayagriva, or Vishnu with the neck and head of a horse;
who, it is said in the second book of the Bhagavata, appeared at the end of a
great sacrifice performed by Brahma, and breathed from his nostrils the texts
of the Vedas. The fourth Avatara is always elsewhere said to be the Vamana, or
dwarf.
CHAP. XVIII.
Grief of the Gopis on
the departure of Krishna and Balarama with Akrura: their leaving Gokula. Akrura
bathes in the Yamuna; beholds the divine forms of the two youths, and praises
Vishnu.
THUS meditating, the
Yadava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am
Akrura," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishna laid
upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the
lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Kes'ava
and Rama entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all
that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there
they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with
proper hospitality. Akrura told them how their father Anakadundubhi, the
princess Devaki, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the
iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had
been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of
Kes'in said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of
liberal gifts: Rama and I will go to-morrow to Mathura along with you. The elders
of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here
to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and
his adherents."
Having given orders
accordingly to the cowherds, Akrura, with Kes'ava and Rama, retired to rest,
and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and
the youths prepared to depart for Mathura with Akrura. The Gopis, seeing them
about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets
were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda
depart for Mathura, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be
regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city.
Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathura, he will never
again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopis. Hari, the pride of the
station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable
destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and
significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic
breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of
his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Kes'ava, who has mounted
the car to go to Mathura, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate
Akrura. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel
for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he
is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Rama: haste! let us stop him! Why
talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss? What can they do for
us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at
their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to
detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women
of Mathura, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of
Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold,
enraptured, Krishna on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day
to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathura, when they see the person of Govinda.
What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose
brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishna! Alas! the
eyes of the Gopis have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahma, after
he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari
for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms:
and now the cruel Akrura urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy
females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot
wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!"
Thus lamented by the women, Kes'ava and Rama quitted the district of Vraja
[*1]. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the
banks of the Yamuna, when Akrura requested them to halt a little, whilst he
performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river [*2]. Accordingly the
intelligent Akrura bathed, and rinsed his mouth, and then entering the stream,
he stood meditating upon the supreme being; but he beheld mentally [*3]
Balabhadra, having a thousand hooded beads, a garland of Jasmine flowers, and
large red eyes, attended by Vasuki, Rambha, and other mighty serpents, praised
by the Gandharbas, decorated with wild flowers, wearing dark coloured garments,
crowned with a chaplet of lotuses, ornamented with brilliant earrings,
inebriate, and standing at the bottom of the river in the water [*4]. On his
lap he also beheld, at his ease, Krishna, of the complexion of a cloud [*5],
with full and coppery eyes, having an elegant form, and four hands, armed with
the discus and other weapons, wearing yellow clothes, decorated with many
coloured flowers, and appearing like a cloud embellished with streams of
lightning and the bow of Indra; his breast was marked with the celestial sign,
his arms were radiant with bracelets, a diadem shone on his brow, and he wore a
white lotus for his crest: he was attended by Sanandana and other holy sages,
who, fixing their eyes upon the tips of their noses, were absorbed in profound
meditation.
When Akrura beheld
Balarama and Krishna in this situation, he was much amazed, and wondered how
they could so quickly have got there from the chariot. He wished to ask them
this, but Janarddana deprived him of the faculty of speech at the moment.
Ascending then from the water, he repaired to the car, and there he found them
both quietly seated in the same human persons as before. Plunging again into
the water, there he again beheld them, hymned as before by the Gandharbas,
saints, sages, and serpents. Apprehending, therefore, their real character, he
thus eulogized the eternal deity, who consists of true knowledge:--
"Salutation to
thee, who art uniform and manifold, all-pervading, supreme spirit, of
inconceivable glory, and who art simple existence. Salutation to thee, O
inscrutable, who art truth, and the essence of oblations. Salutation to thee, O
lord, whose nature is unknown, who art beyond primeval matter, who existest in
five forms, as one with the elements, with the faculties, with matter, with the
living soul, with supreme spirit. Shew favour to me, O soul of the universe,
essence of all things, perishable or eternal, whether addressed by the
designation of Brahma, Vishnu, S'iva, or the like. I adore thee, O god, whose
nature is indescribable, whose purposes are inscrutable, whose name even is
unknown; for the attributes of kind or appellation are not applicable to thee,
who art THAT [*6], the supreme Brahma, eternal, unchangeable, untreated. But as
the accomplishment of our objects cannot be attained except through some
specific form, thou art termed by us Krishna, Achyuta, Ananta, or Vishnu. Thou,
unborn divinity, art all the objects of these impersonations; thou art the
gods, and all other beings; thou art the whole world; thou art all. Soul of the
universe, thou art exempt from change, and there is nothing except thee in all
this existence. Thou art Brahma, Pas'upati, Aryaman, Dhatri, and Vidhatri; thou
art Indra, air, fire, the regent of the waters, the god of wealth, and judge of
the dead; and thou, although but one, presidest over the world with various
energies, addressed to various purposes. Thou, identical with the solar ray,
createst the universe; all elementary substance is composed of thy qualities;
and thy supreme form is denoted by the imperishable term SAT (existence). To
him who is one with true knowledge, who is and is not perceptible, I bow. Glory
be to him, the lord Vasudeva, to Sankarshana, to Pradyumna, and to Aniruddha
[*7]."
Footnotes
^545:1 In the
Bhagavata, Hari Vans'a, &c. several adventures of Krishna, during his residence
at Vraja, are recorded, of which our text makes no mention. Of these, the two
most popular are Krishna's taking away the clothes of the Gopis whilst bathing,
and his liberating the Gopas from the mouth of Aghasura, disguised as a vast
serpent, into which they had entered, thinking it a cavern in a mountain. The
omission of these two legends, or of any of the rest, is not much to be
regretted.
^546:2 The noonday
prayer, or Sandhya.
^546:3 By his Dhyana,
or force of meditation, in which it is attempted to bring before the mind's eye
some definite form of the object of adoration. In this case Akrura is compelled
to see a form he did not anticipate. The Hari Vans'a very clumsily sets him to
meditate upon the serpent S'esha, which spoils the story, intended as that is
to exhibit the identity of Balarama and Krishna with the supreme.
^546:4 Balarama was
thus visible in his real character of S'esha, the chief of serpents, the couch
of Vishnu, and supporter of the world.
^546:5 Or rather, he
beheld Ghanas'yama, an appellation of Krishna, who is so called from being as
black (s'yama) as a cloud (ghana).
^547:6 Tad, 'that;'
all that is, or that can be conceived.
^547:7 Akrura's piety
is here prophetic; the son and grandson of Krishna (see <page 440>) are
not yet born: but this is the Vaishnava style of addressing Krishna or Vishnu,
as identical with four Vyuhas, 'arrangements' or 'dispositions,' Krishna,
Balarama, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha. See As. Res. XVI. 35. In this, as in
several other places, the Vishnu P. differs from some of the other narratives
of Krishna, by the length and character of the prayers addressed to Vishnu. The
Hari Vans'a, for instance, here has no prayer or panegyric at all: the
Bhagavata inserts one.
CHAP. XIX.
Akrura conveys Krishna
and Rama near to Mathura, and leaves them: they enter the town. Insolence of
Kansa's washerman: Krishna kills him. Civility of a flower-seller: Krishna
gives him his benediction.
THUS the Yadava
Akrura, standing in the river, praised Krishna, and worshipped him with
imaginary incense and flowers. Disregarding all other objects, he fixed his
whole mind upon the deity; and having continued for a long time in spiritual
contemplation, he at last desisted from his abstraction, conceiving he had
effected the purposes of soul. Coming up from the water of the Yamuna, he went
to the car, and there he beheld Rama and Krishna seated as before. As his looks
denoted surprise, Krishna said to him, "Surely, Akrura, you have seen some
marvel in the stream of the Yamuna, for your eyes are staring as if with
astonishment." Akrura replied, "The marvel that I have seen in the
stream of the Yamuna I behold before me, even here, in a bodily shape; for he
whom I have encountered in the water, Krishna, is also your wondrous self, of
whose illustrious person the whole world is the miraculous developement. But
enough of this; let us proceed to Mathura: I am afraid Kansa will be angry at
our delay; such is the wretched consequence of eating the bread of
another." Thus speaking, he urged on the quick horses, and they arrived
after sunset at Mathura. When they came in sight of the city, Akrura said to
Krishna and Rama, "You must now journey on foot, whilst I proceed alone in
the car; and you must not go to the house of Vasudeva, for the elder has been
banished by Kansa on your account."
Akrura having thus
spoken, left them, and entered the city; whilst Rama and Krishna continued to
walk along the royal road. Regarded with pleasure by men and women, they went
along sportively, looking like two young elephants. As they roamed about, they
saw a washerman colouring clothes, and with smiling countenances they went and
threw down some of his fine linen. The washerman was the servant of Kansa, made
insolent by his master's favour; and he provoked the two lads with loud and
scurrilous abuse, until Krishna struck him down, with his head to the ground,
and killed him. Then taking the clothes, they went their way, clad in yellow
and blue raiment, until they came to a flower-seller's shop. The flower-seller
looked at them with astonishment, and wondered who they could be, or whence
they could have come. Seeing two youths so lovely, dressed in yellow and blue
garments, he imagined them to be divinities descended upon earth. Being
addressed by them with mouths budding like lotuses, and asked for some flowers,
he placed his hands upon the ground, and touched it with his head, saying,
"My lords have shewn me great kindness in coming to my house, fortunate
that I am; I will pay them homage." Having thus spoken, the flower-seller,
with a smiling aspect, gave them whatever choice flowers they selected, to
conciliate their favour. Repeatedly prostrating himself before them, he
presented them with flowers, beautiful, fragrant, and fresh. Krishna then,
being much pleased with him, gave him this blessing; "Fortune, good
friend, who depends upon me, shall never forsake you: never shall you suffer
loss of vigour, or loss of wealth: as long as time shall last your descendants
shall not fail. Having long tasted various delights on earth, you shall finally
obtain, by calling me to recollection, a heavenly region, the consequence of my
favour. Your heart shall ever be intent on righteousness, and fulness of days
shall be the portion of your posterity. Your descendants shall not be subject
to natural infirmities, as long as the sun shall endure." Having thus
spoken, Krishna and Rama, worshipped by the flower-seller, went forth from his
dwelling [*1].
Footnotes
^549:1 These incidents
are told, with some unimportant differences, in the other accounts of Krishna's
youth.
CHAP. XX.
Krishna and Balarama
meet Kubja; she is made straight by the former: they proceed to the palace.
Krishna breaks a bow intended for a trial of arms. Kansa's orders to his
servants. Public games. Krishna and his brother enter the arena: the former
wrestles with Chanura, the latter with Mushtika, the king's wrestlers; who are
both killed. Krishna attacks and slays Kansa: he and Balarama do homage to
Vasudeva and Devaki: the former praises Krishna.
As they proceeded
along the high road, they saw coming towards them a young girl, who was
crooked, carrying a pot of unguent. Krishna addressed her sportively, and said,
"For whom are you carrying that unguent? tell me, lovely maiden; tell me
truly." Spoken to as it were through affection, Kubja, well disposed
towards Hari, replied to him also mirthfully, being smitten by his appearance;
"Know you not, beloved, that I am the servant of Kansa, and appointed,
crooked as I am, to prepare his perfumes. Unguent ground by any other he does
not approve of: hence I am enriched through his liberal rewards." Then
said Krishna, "Fair-faced damsel, give us of this unguent, fragrant and
fit for kings, as much as we may rub upon our bodies." "Take
it," answered Kubja.; and she gave them as much of the unguent as was
sufficient for their persons; and they rubbed it on various parts of their
faces and bodies [*1], till they looked like two clouds, one white and one
black, decorated by the many-tinted bow of Indra. Then Krishna, skilled in the
curative art, took hold of her, under the chin, with the thumb and two fingers,
and lifted up her head, whilst with his feet he pressed down her feet; and in
this way he made her straight. When she was thus relieved from her deformity,
she was a most beautiful woman; and, filled with gratitude and affection, she
took Govinda by the garment, and invited him to her house. Promising to come at
some other time, Krishna smilingly dismissed her, and then laughed aloud on
beholding the countenance of Baladeva [*2].
Dressed in blue and
yellow garments, and anointed with fragrant unguents, Kes'ava and Rama
proceeded to the hall of arms, which was hung round with garlands. Inquiring of
the warders which bow he was to try, and being directed to it, he took it, and
bent it; but drawing it with violence, he snapped it in two [*3], and all
Mathura resounded with the noise which its fracture occasioned. Abused by the
warders for breaking the bow, Krishna and Rama retorted, and defied them, and
left the hall.
When Kansa knew that
Akrura had returned, and heard that the bow had been broken, he thus said to
Chanura and Mushtika, his boxers: "Two youths, cowherd boys, have arrived;
you must kill them both, in a trial of strength, in my presence; for they practise
against my life. I shall be well pleased if you kill them in the match, and
will give you whatever you wish; not else. These two foes of mine must be
killed by you fairly or unfairly. The kingdom shall be ours in common, when
they have perished." Having given them these orders, he sent next for his
elephant driver, and desired him to station his great elephant Kuvalayapida,
who was as vast as a cloud charged with rain, near the gate of the arena, and
drive him upon the two boys when they should attempt to enter. When Kansa had
issued these commands, and ascertained that the platforms were all ready for
the spectators, he awaited the rising of the sun, unconscious of impending
death.
In the morning the
citizens assembled on the platforms set apart for them, and the princes, with
the ministers and courtiers, occupied the royal seats. Near the centre of the
circle judges of the games were stationed by Kansa, whilst he himself sat apart
close by upon a lofty throne. Separate platforms were erected for the ladies of
the palace, for the courtesans, and for the wives of the citizens [*4]. Nanda
and the cowherds had places appropriated to them, at the end of which sat
Akrura and Vasudeva. Amongst the wives of the citizens appeared Devaki,
mourning for her son, whose lovely face she longed to behold even in the hour
of his destruction. When the musical instruments sounded, Chanura sprang forth,
and the people cried, "Alas!" and Mushtika slapped his arms in
defiance. Covered with must and blood from the elephant, whom, when goaded upon
them by his driver, they had slain, and armed with his tusks, Balabhadra and
Janarddana confidently entered the arena, like two lions amidst a herd of deer.
Exclamations of pity arose from all the spectators, along with expressions of
astonishment. "This then," said the people, "is Krishna! this is
Balabhadra! This is he by whom the fierce night-walker Putana was slain; by
whom the waggon was overturned, and the two Arjuna trees felled! This is the
boy who trampled and danced on the serpent Kaliya; who upheld the mountain
Govarddhana for seven nights; who killed, as if in play, the iniquitous
Arishta, Dhenuka, and Kes'in! This whom we see is Achyuta! This is he who has
been foretold by the wise, skilled in the sense of the Puranas, as Gopala, who
shall exalt the depressed Yadava race! This is a portion of the all-existing,
all-generating Vishnu, descended upon earth, who will assuredly lighten her load!"
Thus did the citizens describe Rama and Krishna, as soon as they appeared;
whilst the breast of Devaki glowed with maternal affection; and Vasudeva,
forgetting his infirmities, felt himself young again, on beholding the
countenances of his sons as a season of rejoicing. The women of the palace, and
the wives of the citizens, wide opened their eyes, and gazed intently upon
Krishna. "Look, friends," said they to their companions; "look
at the face of Krishna; his eyes are reddened by his conflict with the
elephant, and the drops of perspiration stand upon his cheeks, outvieing a full
blown lotus in autumn, studded with glittering dew. Avail yourself now of the
faculty of vision. Observe his breast, the seat of splendour, marked with the
mystic sign; and his arms, menacing destruction to his foes. Do you not notice
Balabhadra, dressed in a blue garment; his countenance as fair as the jasmine,
as the moon, as the fibres of the lotus stem? See how he gently smiles at the
gestures of Mushtika and Chanura, as they spring up. And now behold Hari
advance to encounter Chanura. What! are there no elders, judges of the field?
How can the delicate form of Hari, only yet in the dawn of adolescence, be
regarded as a match for the vast and adamantine bulk of the great demon? Two
youths, of light and elegant persons, are in the arena, to oppose athletic
fiends, headed by the cruel Chanura. This is a great sin in the judges of the
games, for the umpires to suffer a contest between boys and strong men."
As thus the women of the
city conversed with one another, Hari, having tightened his girdle, danced in
the ring, shaking the ground on which he trod. Balabhadra also danced, slapping
his arms in defiance. Where the ground was firm, the invincible Krishna
contended foot to foot with Chanura. The practised demon Mushtika was opposed
by Balabhadra. Mutually entwining, and pushing, and pulling, and beating each
other with fists, arms, and elbows, pressing each other with their knees,
interlacing their arms, kicking with their feet, pressing with their whole
weight upon one another [*5], fought Hari and Chanura. Desperate was the
struggle, though without weapons, and one for life and death, to the great
gratification of the spectators. In proportion as the contest continued, so
Chanura was gradually losing something of his original vigour, and the wreath
upon his head trembled from his fury and distress [*6]; whilst the
world-comprehending Krishna wrestled with him as if but in sport. Beholding
Chanura losing, and Krishna gaining strength, Kansa, furious with rage,
commanded the music to cease. As soon as the drums and trumpets were silenced,
a numerous band of heavenly instruments was heard in the sky, and the gods
invisibly exclaimed, "Victory to Govinda! Kes'ava, kill the demon
Chanura!" Madhusudana having for a long time dallied with his adversary,
at last lifted him up, and whirled him round, with the intention of putting an
end to him. Having whirled Chanura round a hundred times, until his breath was
expended in the air, Krishna dashed him on the ground with such violence as to
smash his body into a hundred fragments, and strew the earth with a hundred
pools of gory mire. Whilst this took place, the mighty Baladeva was engaged in
the same manner with the demon bruiser Mushtika. Striking him on the head with
his fists, and on the breast with his knees, he stretched him on the ground,
and pummelled him there till he was dead. Again, Krishna encountered the royal
bruiser Tomalaka, and felled him to the earth with a blow of his left hand.
When the other athletae saw Chanura, Mushtika, and Tomalaka killed, they fled
from the field; and Krishna and Sankarshana danced victorious on the arena,
dragging along with them by force the cowherds of their own age. Kansa, his
eyes reddening with wrath, called aloud to the surrounding people, "Drive
those two cow-boys out of the assembly: seize the villain Nanda, and secure him
with chains of iron: put Vasudeva to death with tortures intolerable to his
years: and lay hands upon the cattle, and whatever else belongs to those
cowherds who are the associates of Krishna."
Upon hearing these
orders, the destroyer of Madhu laughed at Kansa, and, springing up to the place
where he was seated, laid hold of him by the hair of his head, and struck his
tiara to the ground: then casting him down upon the earth, Govinda threw
himself upon him. Crushed by the weight of the upholder of the universe, the
son of Ugrasena, Kansa the king, gave up the ghost. Krishna then dragged the
dead body, by the hair of the head, into the centre of the arena, and a deep
furrow was made by the vast and heavy carcass of Kansa, when it was dragged
along the ground by Krishna, as if a torrent of water had run through it [*7].
Seeing Kansa thus treated, his brother Sumalin came to his succour; but he was
encountered, and easily killed, by Balabhadra. Then arose a general cry of
grief from the surrounding circle, as they beheld the king of Mathura thus
slain, and treated with such contumely, by Krishna. Krishna, accompanied by
Balabhadra, embraced the feet of Vasudeva and of Devaki; but Vasudeva raised
him up; and he and Devaki recalling to recollection what he had said to them at
his birth, they bowed to Janarddana, and the former thus addressed him:
"Have compassion upon mortals, O god, benefactor and lord of deities: it
is by thy favour to us two that thou hast become the (present) upholder of the world.
That, for the punishment of the rebellious, thou hast descended upon earth in
my house, having been propitiated by my prayers, sanctifies our race. Thou art
the heart of all creatures; thou abidest in all creatures; and all that has
been, or will be, emanates from thee, O universal spirit! Thou, Achyuta, who
comprehendest all the gods, art eternally worshipped with sacrifices: thou art
sacrifice itself, and the offerer of sacrifices. The affection that inspires my
heart and the heart of Devaki towards thee, as if thou wast our child, is
indeed but error, and a great delusion. How shall the tongue of a mortal such
as I am call the creator of all things, who is without beginning or end, son?
Is it consistent that the lord of the world, from whom the world proceeds,
should be born of me, except through illusion? How should he, in whom all fixed
and moveable things are contained, be conceived in the womb and born of a
mortal being? Have compassion therefore indeed, O supreme lord, and in thy
descended portions protect the universe. Thou art no son of mine. This whole
world, from Brahma to a tree, thou art. Wherefore dost thou, who art one with
the supreme, beguile us? Blinded by delusion, I thought thee my son; and for
thee, who art beyond all fear, I dreaded the anger of Kansa, and therefore did
I take thee in my terror to Gokula, where thou hast grown up; but I no longer
claim thee as mine own. Thou, Vishnu, the sovereign lord of all, whose actions
Rudra, the Maruts, the As'wins, Indra, and the gods, cannot equal, although
they behold them; thou who hast come amongst us for the benefit of the world,
art recognised, and delusion is no more."
Footnotes
^550:1 They had their
bodies smeared in the style called Bhaktichheda; that is, with the separating
or distinguishing (chheda) marks of Vaishnava devotion (bhakti): certain
streaks on the forehead, nose, cheeks, breast, and arms, which denote a
follower of Vishnu. See As. Res. XVI. 33.
^551:2 The story is
similarly told in the Bhagavata, &c.
^551:3 The bending or
breaking of a bow is a favourite incident in Hindu heroic poetry, borrowed, no
doubt, from the Ramayana, where, however, it has an object; here it is quite
gratuitous.
^551:4 The Bhagavata
enters into even fewer [p. 552] particulars than our text of the place set
apart for the games. The Hari Vans'a gives a much more detailed description,
which is in some respects curious. The want of any technical glossary, and the
general manner in which technical terms are explained in the ordinary
dictionaries, render it difficult to understand exactly what is intended, and
any translation of the passages must be defective. The French version, however,
probably represents a much more splendid and theatrical scene than the text
authorizes, and may therefore admit of correction. The general plan is nothing
more than an enclosed space, surrounded by temporary structures of timber or
bambus, open or enclosed, and decorated with hangings and garlands. It may be
doubted if the details described by the compiler of the Hari Vans'a were very
familiar even to him; for his description is not always very consistent or
precise. Of two commentators, one evidently knows nothing of what he attempts
to explain; but with the assistance of the other the passages may be thus,
though not always confidently, rendered:--
"The king, Kansa,
meditating on these things, went forth from his palace to the place which had
been prepared for the sight of the ceremonial (1), to inspect the scaffolds (2)
which had been constructed. He found the place close set with the several
platforms (3) of the different public bodies (4), strongly put together, and
decorated with roofed pavilions of various sizes, supported by columns, and
divided into commodious chambers (5). The edifice was extensive, well arranged,
secured by strong rafters (6), spacious and lofty, and commodious and secure.
Stairs led to the different galleries (7). Chairs of state (8) were placed in
various parts of it. The avenues that conducted to it were narrow (9). It was
covered with temporary stages and sheds (10), and was capable of sustaining the
weight of a multitude.
"Having seen the
place of the festival thus adorned, Kansa gave orders, and said, 'To-morrow let
the platforms and terraces and pavilions (11) be decorated with pictures and
garlands and flags and images (12), and let them be scented with fragrant
odours, and covered over with awnings (13). Let there be ample heaps of dry,
pounded cow-dung (14) provided on the ground, and suitable refreshment chambers
be covered over, and decorated with bells and ornamented arches (15). Let large
water jars be securely fixed in order, capable of holding a copious supply, and
provided with golden drinking-cups. Let apartments be prepared (16), and
various kinds of beverage, in appropriate vessels, be ready. Let judges of the
games be invited, and corporations with their chiefs. Let orders be issued to
the wrestlers, and notice be given to the spectators; and let platforms for
their accommodation be fitted up in the place of assembly.'" (17)
When the meeting takes
place, the site of the games is thus described: "Upon the following day
the amphitheatre (18) was filled by the citizens, anxious to behold the games.
The place of (19) was supported by
octagonal painted pillars (20), [p. 553] fitted up with terraces and doors and
bolts, with windows circular or crescent; shaped, and accommodated with seats
with cushions (21), and it shone like the ocean whilst large clouds hang upon
it, with spacious, substantial pavilions (22), fitted up for the sight of the
combat; open to the front (23), but screened with beautiful and fine curtains
(24), crowned with festoons of flowers, and glistening with radiance like
autumnal clouds. The pavilions of the different companies and corporations,
vast as mountains, were decorated with banners, bearing upon them the
implements and emblems of the several crafts (25). The chambers of the
inhabitants of the inner apartments shone near at hand, bright with gold and
painting and net-work of gems: they were richly decorated with precious stones,
were enclosed below with costly hangings, and ornamented above with spires and
banners, and looked like mountains spreading their wings in the sky; while the
rays of light reflected from the valuable jewels were blended with the waving
of white chowries, and the musical tinkling of female ornaments. The separate
pavilions of the courtesans were graced by lovely women, attired in the most
splendid dresses (27), and emulated the radiance of the cars of the gods. In
the place of assembly there were excellent seats, couches made of gold, and
hangings of various colours, intermixed with bunches of flowers: and there were
golden vases of water, and handsome places for refreshment, filled with fruits
of various kinds, and cooling juices, and sherbets fit for drinking (28). And
there were many other stages and platforms, constructed of strong timber, and
hangings by hundreds and thousands were displayed: and upon the tops of the
houses, chambers fitted up with delicate jalousies, through which the women
might behold the sports, appeared like swans flying through the air.
"In front stood
the pavilion of Kansa, surpassing all the rest in splendour, looking like mount
Meru in radiance; its sides, its columns, being covered with burnished gold;
fastened with coloured cords; and every way worthy the presence of a king."
In justification of
the rendering of the above, an explanation of the technical terms, taken either
from dictionaries or from the commentators, may be subjoined. (1) Kansa went to
the Prekshagara, literally 'house of seeing;' but it is evident, from its
interior being visible to spectators on the tops of the houses, as subsequently
mentioned, that it was not a theatre, or covered edifice. If a building at all,
it was merely a sort of stockade. One commentator calls it, 'a place made for
seeing the sacrifice;' (2) Manchanam avalokaka. The Mancha is commonly
understood to signify a raised platform, with a floor and a roof, ascended by a
ladder: see Dictionary. (3) Mancha-vata. Vata is either 'site' or 'inclosure,'
and is used here without much affecting the sense of Mancha. The compound is
explained by the commentators, 'prepared places', or 'the sites of the
platforms'. (4) The S'renis', associations [p. 554] of artificers practising
the same art. One of the commentaries understands the term to be here used to
denote, not their station, but their labours: 'The structure was the work of
the artificers.' (5) Several words occur here of technical import. The passage
is, ###. Valabhi is said by the commentator to mean a structure with a pent
roof, supported by six columns. Kuti, a circular one, having seven
roofs--something perhaps like a Chinese pagoda--and four columns. The
Eka-stambha is a chamber, supported by one column. (6) Saraniryyuham. It is
difficult to understand the necessity of rafters in an inclosure in which the
platforms and stages seem to have been erected independently of any floor or
wall: but the commentary explains Niryyuha, 'strong brackets, projecting from a
house:' (7) Aslishta sushshta mancharohanam. The first epithet is explained, 'not
contracted'; the second, 'well constructed'; and for the 'ascending' (Arohanam)
we have 'where was a line of steps' or 'ladders' There is another reading of
the text, however, which may be rendered, 'Having steps well secured in their
ascent above'. (8) 'Seats for kings'. (9) Such is the literal purport of
Sanchara-patha-sankulam; implying, possibly, the formation of passages by
fences on either side. (10) This is doubtful: the phrase is
Chhannam-tad-vedikabhi. Chhannam means, literally, 'covered,' and can scarcely
be used in the sense of 'overspread or filled with.' Vedika means an elevated
floor or terrace, with which a hall or edifice cannot well be 'covered;' and
therefore requires the sense here given to Chhanna. The commentators are
silent. (11) The Manchavatas and Valabhis, as above: the other term is Vithi,
'a shop,' 'a stall,' 'a terrace,' 'a road.' (12) Let them be Vapushmanta;
'having painted or sculptured figures'. The other commentary renders it merely
'pleasant' or 'agreeable'. (13) 'Covered above with cloths'. The use of the
awning or Semiana is very common in India. (14) For the wrestlers to rub over
their bodies to absorb the perspiration (15) This is all rather questionable:
the passage is most usually, ###. Vali or Bali in one sense means 'the edge of
a thatch,' and may be put for some sort of temporary structure, a kind of
retiring or refreshment room for the boxers and wrestlers. In some copies it is
read, 'beautiful with cloths spread,' on which the performers may sit when
disengaged; perhaps a sort of carpet on the ground. (16) The expression is
again Vali. Another sense of the word is, offering of viands, or of the remains
of a sacrifice, to all beings; but that cannot be its purport here; nor is it
ever used in the sense of viands in general. The verb Kalpa or Klrip also
usually [p. 555] implies 'making.' (17) Manchavata; 'in the Samaja,' or
'assembly.' (18) Maharanga, 'the great place of the performance.' Ranga is
'acting' or 'representation;' also the place or site of it. (19) All the copies
consulted, except one, offer an irregularity of construction, which, although
defended by the commentators, is a license scarcely allowable. The epithets of
the first verse are all in the plural number; they then occur in the singular,
to agree with the only substantive in the description, Samajavata. According to
the commentaries, the plural term Manchas understood is the substantive to the
epithets of the first stanza, and Samajavata the singular to those of the other
verses. This awkwardness is however avoided by the reading of an old and very
good copy, which puts it all in the singular; as ### (20) The expression is
Charana, literally 'foot;' explained by the commentator, Stambha, 'post' or
'pillar' (21) The reading of most of the copies is S'ayanottama, which may be
taken as the sense of Talottama, 'couches or benches with cushions.' (22)
Manchagarais, 'temporary houses.' (21) Or 'fronting to the east'. (24)
Nirmuktais: explained by the commentator to mean 'fine threads,' 'network,' or
'gauze,' through which persons, females especially, may see without being seen.
(25) ### (26) 'With ridges and projections'. The commentator explains this,
'with flags on the top of them.' (27) This appears to be intended for an
epithet of the women, although Astarana is not usually applied to dress. (28)
Phala, of course, is 'fruit.' Avadans'a is explained in lexicons, what is eaten
to excite thirst:' one comment gives it, what may be sucked,' as tamarinds, and
the like. Changeri is explained, 'fluids for drinking, made with sorrel, or
acid fruits;' that is, sherbets. (29) ### is an epithet of the Prekshagara, or
look-out house of the women, situated on the tops of their houses, according to
the commentators; an arrangement very compatible with the form of Indian houses,
which have flat roofs, commonly enclosed by a trellis work, or jalousie of
masonry. It is observable, that in the Vishnu Purana, and in the Mahabharata,
on various public occasions, the women take their places on the platforms, or
in the pavilions, without curtains or screens.
^557:5 The terms here
used are technical, and refer to the established modes of wrestling amongst
Hindu athletae. 1. Sannipata is described 'mutual laying hold of.' 2. Avaduta,
'letting go of the adversary.' g. Kshepana, 'pulling to, and casting back.' 4.
Mushtinipata, 'striking with fists.' 5. Kilanipata, 'striking with the elbow.'
6. Vajranipata, 'striking with the fore-arm.' 7. Janunirghata, 'pressing or
striking with the knees.' 8. Bahuvighattana, 'interlacing the arms.' 9. Padoddhuta,
kicking.' 10. Prasrishta, 'intertwining of the whole body.' In some copies
another term occurs, As'manirghata, 'striking with stones,' or 'striking blows
as hard as with stones;' for stones could scarcely be used in a contest
specified as 'one without weapons'
^557:6 Krishna
contended with Chanura, 'who through distress and anger shook the flowers of
his crest;' The two last terms are explained, the flower of the wreath on his
head.'
^558:7 Et latus mediam
sulcus diducit arenam.
'The yielding sand
being furrowed into a ditch or a water-course, by the dead bodies being dragged
over it. The text is, ###.
The Vishnu Purana,
translated by Horace Hayman Wilson,
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