Balarama sahasra nama                            

 

 Sri Garga-samhita


 Canto Eight, Volume Two                 

 

 

 

Chapter Nine

 

 

Sri Rama-rasa-krida

Lord Balarama's Rasa Dance

 

 

Text 1

 

 

     duryodhana uvaca muni-sardula bhagavan balabhadro naga- kanyabhir gopi_bhih kada kalindi_-kule vijahara.

 

     duryodhana uvacaDuryodhana said; muni-sardulaO tiger of sages; bhagavanLord; balabhadrahBalarama; nagasnake; kanyabhihwith the girls; gopi_bhihwith the gopis; kadawhen?; kalindi_-kuleon the Yamuna's shore; vijaharaenjoyed pastimes.

 

 

     Duryodhana said: O tiger of sages, when did Lord Balarama enjoy the rasa dance on the Yamuna's shore with gopis that had been snake-girls in their previous birth?

 

 

Text 2

 

 

     sri_-pradvipaka uvaca ekada dvaraka-nagarad dhi talankam ratham asthapya suran didrksuh param utkantho nanda-raja-gokula- go-gopala-gopi_-gana-sankulah sankarsana agatas cirotkanthabhyam nandaraja-yasodabhyam parisvakto gopi_-gopala-gobhir militva tatra dvau masau vasantikau cavatsi_t.

 

     sri_-pradvipaka uvacaSupreme Personality of Godhe; ekadaone day; dvaraka-nagaratfrom Dvaraka; hiindeed; talankammarked with the sign of the palm tree; rathamchariot; asthapyamounting; suranthe demigods; didrksuhdesiring to see; paramgreatly; utkanthaheager; nanda-raja-gokulain King Nanda's Gokula; go- gopala-gopi_-ganathe cows, gopas, and gopis; sankulahagitated; sankarsanaLord Balarama; agatascame; cirotkanthabhyamyearning for a long time; nandaraja-yasodabhyamby Yasoda and King Nanda; parisvaktahembraced; gopi_-gopala-gobhihby the gopas and gopis; militvameeting; tatrathere; dvautwo; masaumonths; vasantikauin spirngtime; caand; avatsi_tresided.

 

 

     Sri Pradvipaka Muni said: One day, eager to see His devotees, Lord Balarama mounted His chariot bearing a palm-tree flag, left Dvaraka, and, yearning to see the gopas, gopis, and cows, went to Gokula. Yasoda and King Nanda embraced Him when He arrived. Later He met with the gopas and gopis. He stayed there for two months.

 

 

Text 3

 

 

     atha ca ya naga-kanyah purvoktas ta gopa-kanya bhutva balabhadra-prapty-artham gargacaryad balabhadrapacangam grhi_tva tenaiva siddha babhuvuh. tabhir baladeva ekada prasannah kalindi_-kule rasa-mandalam samarebhe. tadaiva caitra-purnimayam purna-candro 'runa-varnah sampurnam vanam rajayan vireje.

 

     athathen; caand; yawho; naga-kanyahthe snake girls; purvoktahpreviously described; tathey; gopa-kanyagopis; bhutvabecoming; balabhadra-prapty-arthamto attain Lord Balarama; gargacaryatfrom Garga Muni; balabhadraof Lord Balarama; pacangamthe five methods of worship; grhi_tvaaccepting; tenaby that; evaindeed; siddhaperfect; babhuvuhbecame; tabhihwith them; baladevaBalarama; ekadaone day; prasannahhappy; kalindi_of the Yamuna; kuleon the shore; rasa-mandalamthe rasa- dance circle; samarebheattained; tadathen; evaindeed; caitra- purnimayamon the full moon of the month of Caitra; purnafull; candrahmoon; aruna-varnahred; sampurnamfull; vanamforest; rajayanmaking red; virejeshone.

 

 

     The previously described snake-girls became gopis and, in order to attain Lord Balarama's association, on Garga Muni's advice followed the five methods of worshiping Lord Balarama. In this way they became perfect. Pleased with them, Lord Balarama enjoyed a rasa-dance with them on the full-moon night of the month of Caitra (March-April), a night when the red moon reddened the whole of Vrndavana forest.

 

 

Text 4

 

 

     si_tala manda-yanah kamala-makaranda-renu-vrnda- samvrtah sarvato vayavah parivavuh kalinda-giri-nandini_-cala- lahari_bhir ananda-dayini_ pulinam vimalam hy acitam cakara. tatha ca kuja-prangana-nikuja-pujaih sphural-lalita-pallava-puspa-paragair mayura-kokila-pumskokila- kujitair madhupa-madhura-dhvanibhir vraja-bhumir vibhrajamana babhuva.

 

     si_talacool; manda-yanahslowly moving; kamala- makaranda-renu-vrnda-samvrtahfilled with lotus pollen; sarvataheverywhere; vayavahbreezes; parivavuhblew; kalinda-giri- nandini_-cala-lahari_bhihmoving the Yamuna's waves; ananda- dayini_delightful; pulinamthe shore; vimalamsplendid; hyindeed; acitamcollected; cakara.did; tathaso; caand; kuja- prangana-nikuja-pujaihwith the forest goves and courtyards; sphural-lalita-pallavaplayfully blossoming petals; puspaflowers; paragaihwith pollen; mayurapeacocks; kokila-pumskokilaand cuckoos; kujitaihcooing; madhupa- madhura-dhvanibhihwith the sweet hummingof bees; vraja-bhumihthe land of Vraja; vibhrajamanashining; babhuvabecame.

 

 

     Cooling, gentle, delightful, lotus-pollen filled breezes pushed the Yamuna's waves and blew to the splendid shore. Then the land of Vraja became very splendid, its many forest groves and courtyards filled with the fragrant pollen of playfully and gracefully blossoming flowers, with the cooing of cuckoos and peacocks, and with the sweet humming of bees.

 

 

Text 5

 

     tatra kvanad-ghantika-nupurah sphuran-mani-maya-kataka- kati-sutra-keyura-hara-kiri_ta-kundalayor upari kamala-patrair ni_lambaro vimala-kamala-patrakso yaksi_bhir yaksa-rad iva gopi_bhir gopa-rad rasa-mandale reje.

 

     tatrathere; kvanatsounding; ghantikabells; nupurahanklets; sphuran-mani-maya-katakaglittering gend bracelets with jewels; kati-sutrabelts; keyuraarmlets; haranecklaces; kiri_tacrowns; kundalayohand earrings; upariabove; kamala-patraihwith lotus petals; ni_lambarahblue garments; vimala-kamala-patraksahglistening lotus eyes; yaksi_bhihwith Yaksis; yaksa-radKuvera; ivalike; gopi_bhihwith the gopis; gopa-radthe king of the gopas; rasa-mandalein the rasa- dance circle; rejeshone.

 

 

     Decorated with tinkling ankle-bells, glittering gold and jewel necklace, armlets, belt, crown, and earrings, and with many lotus petals, dressed in blue garments, and His eyes like glittering lotus petals, Lord Balarama was splendid with the gopis in the rasa-dance circle. He was like Kuvera surrounded by a host of beautiful yaksis.

 

 

Text 6

 

 

     atha varuna-presita varuni_ devi_ puspa-bhara-gandhi-lobhi- milinda-nadita-vrksa-kotarebhyah patanti_ sarvato vanam surabhi_- cakara. tat-pana-mada-vihvalah kamala-visala-tamrakso makaradhvajavesa-calad-dhuryanga-bhango vihara-kheda- prasvedambu-kanair galad-ganda-sthala-patra-bhango gajendra- gatir gajendra-sundadanda-sama-dordanda-mandito gaji_bhir gaja-rajendra ivonmattah simhasane nyasta-halo musala-panih koti_ndu-purna-mandala-sankasah prodgamad-ratna-maji_ra- pracala-nupura-prakvanat-kanaka-kinkini_bhih kankana-sphurat- tatanka-purata-hara-sri_-kanthanguli_ya-siromanibhih pravidambini_-krta-sarpini_-syama-veni_-kuntala-lalita-ganda- sthala-patravali_bhih sundari_bhir bhagavan bhuvanesvaro vibhrajamano viraraja atha ca reme.

 

     athathen; varunaby Varuna; presitasent; varuni_Varu.ni; devi_goddess; puspa-bhara-gandhi-lobhimade greedy by the scent of the flowers; milindaof bees; naditasounded; vrksaof the trees; kotarebhyahfrom the hollows; patantifall; sarvataheverywheer; vanamthe forest; surabhi_fragrant; cakaramade; tat-pana-mada- vihvalaheager to drink it; kamala-visala-tamraksahHis eyes large red lotus flowers; makaradhvajaof Kamadeva; avesafrom the entrance; calatmoving; dhuryanga-bhangahgreat limbs; vihara- khedaexhausted from pastimes; prasvedambu-kanaihwith drops of perspiration; galad-ganda-sthala-patra-bhangahtrickling down His cheeks; gajendraof the king of elephants; gatihwalking; gajendra-sundadanda-sama-dordanda-manditahdecorated with arms like elephants' trunks; gaji_bhihwith female elephants; gaja- rajendrathe king of the kings of the kings of elephants; ivalike; unmattahintoxicated; simhasaneon a throne; nyasta- halahweakened; musala-panihclub in hand; koti_ndu-purna-mandala- sankasahsplendid like millions of moons; prodgamad-ratna-maji_ra-pracala-nupura-prakvanat-kanaka-kinkini_bhihwith tinkling anklets and ornaments; kankanabracelets; sphuratglistening; tatankaearrings; puratagolden; haranecklace; sri_-kanthagraceful neck; anguli_yarings; siromanibhihcrest jewels; pravidambini_-krtamocking; sarpini_snake girls; syamablack; veni_braids; kuntalahair; lalitagraceful; ganda-sthalacheeks; patravali_bhihwith pictures and decorations; sundari_bhihbeautiful; bhagavanthe Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhuvanesvarahthe master of the worlds; vibhrajamanahshining; virarajashone; athathen; caand; remeenjoyed.

 

 

     Then, sent by the demigod Varuna, Goddess Varuni, in the form of honey oozing from the hollows of trees filled with the humming of bees made greedy by the sweet scent of the flowers, made the entire forest very fragrant. Eager to drink that honey, His eyes now red lotus flowers, His limbs weakened by enjoying amorous pastimes, perspiration born from the fatigue of His pastimes now streaming down His cheeks and washing away the pictures and designs drawn there, walking like an elephant king, decorated with mighty arms like the trunks of elephant kings, as if intoxicated, sitting on a throne, relinquishing His plow, His club still in His hand, splendid like ten million full moons, His jewel anklets, bracelets, and other ornaments tinkling, His gold earrings, necklaces, finger-rings, and jewel crown glittering, and surrounded by beautiful gopis, their cheeks decorated with graceful pictures and designs and their black braids mocking the beautiful snake girls, Lord Balarama, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of the worlds, shone with great splendor, and enjoyed transcendental pastimes.

 

 

Text 7

 

 

     atha ha vava kalindi_-kula-kantara-paryatana-vihara- parisramodyat-sveda-bindu-vyapta-mukharavindah snanartham jala- kri_dartham yamunam durat sa ajuhava. tatas tv anagatam tatini_m halagrena kupito vicakarsa iti hovaca ca.

 

     athathen; haindeed; vavablew; kalindi_-kula-kantara- paryatanawandering on the Yamuna's shore; viharafrom pastimes; parisramafrom fatigue; udyatmanifesting; sveda-bindudrops of perspiration; vyaptacovered; mukharavindahlotus face; snanarthamto bathe; jalawater; kri_dapastimes; arthamfor the purpose; yamunamthe Yamuna; duratfrom afare; saHe; ajuhava.called; tatahthen; tvindeed; anagatamnot come; tatini_mthe shore; halaof His plow; agrenawith the tip; kupitahangered; vicakarsadragged; itithus; haindeed; uvacaspoke; caalso.

 

 

     His lotus face covered with perspiration born from the fatigue of wandering along the Yamuna's shore and enjoying many pastimes, Lord Balarama called for the Yamuna to come to Him so He could bathe and enjoy water-pastimes. When the Yamuna did not come, Lord Balarama became angry and began to drag it to Him, scratching its shore with the tip of His plow. Lord Balarama said:

 

 

Text 8

 

 

     adya mam avajaya nayasi mayahutapi musalena tvam kama- carini_m satadha nesya eva nirbhartsita sa bhuri-bhi_ta yamuna cakita tat-padayoh patitovaca.

 

     adyatoday; mamMe; avajayadisrespecting; nayasiyou go; mayaby Me; ahutacalled; apieven thoguh; musalenawith the club; tvamyou; kama- carini_mgoing as you like; satadhainto a hundred streams; nesyeI will lead; evaindeed; nirbhartsitarebuked; sashe; bhuri-bhi_tavery afraid; yamunathe Yamuna; cakitafrightened; tat-padayohat His feet; patitafallen; uvacaspoke.

 

 

     Today you have no respect for Me. Even though I call, you ignore My order and go your own way as you wish. Now I will divide you into a hundred tiny streams." Rebuked with these words and now very afraid, the Yamuna came before Lord Balarama, fell at His feet, and said:

 

 

Text 9

 

 

     rama rama sankarsana balabhadra maha-baho tava param vikramam na jane. yasyaikasmin murdhni sarsapavat sarvam bhu-khanda-mandalam drsyate. tasya tava param anubhavam ajananti_m prapannam mam moktum yogyo 'si. tvam bhakta-vatsalo 'si.

 

     rama ramaRama Rama; sankarsanaSankarsana; balabhadraBalabhadra; maha-bahahO mighty-armed; tavaof You; paramgreat; vikramampower; nanot; jane.know; yasyaof whom; ekasminin one; murdhnihead; sarsapavatlike a mustard seed; sarvamentire; bhu-khanda-mandalamearth; drsyate.is seed; tasyaof Him; tavaof Yoiu; paramgreat; anubhavampower; ajananti_mnot knowing; prapannamsurrenedered; mamto me; moktumto realso; yogyahis appropriate; asiYou are; tvamYou; bhakta-vatsalahthe lover of Your devotees; asiare.

 

 

     Rama! Rama! Sankarsana! Balabhadra! O mighty-armed one! I did not know Your great power. The entire earth is seen resting like a single tiny mustard-seed on one of Your many heads. It is proper for You to release Me, who have now surrendered to You and who did not know Your true glories. You should release me because You are always affectionate to Your devotees.

 

 

Text 10

 

 

     ity evam yacito balabhadro yamunam tato vyamucat punah karenubhih kari_va gopi_bhir gopa-rad jale vijagaha. punar jalad vinirgatya tata-sthaya balabhadraya sahasa yamuna copayanam ni_lambarani hema-ratna-maya-bhusanani divyani ca dadau ha vava tani gopi_-yuthaya prthak prthak vibhajya svayam ni_lambare vasitva kacani_m malam nava-ratna-mayi_m dhrtva mahendro varanendra iva balabhadro vireje.

 

     ity evamthus; yacitahrequested; balabhadrahLord Balarama; yamunamthe Yamuna; tatahthen; vyamucatreleased; punahagain; karenubhihwith many female elephants; kari_a male elephant; ivalike; gopi_bhihwith the gopis; gopa-radthe king of gopas; jalein the water; vijagaha.enjoyed pastimes; punahagain; jalatfrom the water; vinirgatyaemerging; tata-sthayastaying on the shore; balabhadrayato Lord Balarama; sahasaquickly; yamunathe Yamuna; caand; upayanamapproach; ni_lambaraniblue garments; hema-ratna-maya-bhusananiornaments of gold and jewels; divyanisplendid; caand; dadaugave; haindeed; vavawent; tanithem; gopi_-yuthayato the gopis; prthak prthakeach one; vibhajyadividing; svayampersonally; ni_lambarethe blue garments; vasitvadressing; kacani_mgold; malamnecklace; nava- ratna-mayi_mmade of nine jewels; dhrtvataking; mahendrahIndra; varanendrathe king of elephants; ivalike; balabhadrahLord Balarama; virejeshone.

 

 

     Begged in this way, Lord Balarama released the Yamuna. Then He enjoyed in the Yamuna's waters, as an elephant enjoys with its many wives. When He returned to the shore the Yamuna approached and gave Him gifts of many blue garments and many ornaments of gold and jewels. Lord Balarama divided the gifts among the girls, giving some to each gopi. Then He dressed in one of the blue garments and decorated Himself with a necklace of gold and nine kinds of jewels. Then He enjoyed with the gopis as the king of elephants enjoys with its many wives.

 

 

Text 11

 

 

     ittham kauravendra yadavendrasya ramatah sarva vasantiki_r nisa vyati_ta babhuvuh. bhagavato balabhadrasya hastinapuram iva vi_ryam sucayati_va hy adyapi ca krsta-vartmana yamuna vahati. imam ramasya rasa-katham yah srnoti sravayati ca sa sarva-papa-patalam chittva tasya parasparam ananda-padam pratiyati. kim bhuyah srotum icchasi.

 

     itthamthus; kauravendraO king of the Kauravas; yadavendrasyaof the king of the Yadavas; ramatahfrom Lord Balarama; sarvaall; vasantiki_hspringtime; nisanight; vyati_tapassed; babhuvuh.became; bhagavatahof the Supreme Personality of Godhead; balabhadrasyaLord Balarama; hastinapuramto Hastinapura; ivalike; vi_ryampower; sucayatishows; ivalike; hyindeed; adyapieven today; caand; krsta-vartmanaby the dragged path; yamunathe Yamuna; vahatiflows; imamthis; ramasyaof Lord Balarama; rasaofd the rasa dance; kathamthe narration; yahone who; srnotihears; sravayatirecounts; caand; sahe; sarva-papa-patalamthe entirety of a great host of sins; chittvadestroying; tasyaof him; parasparammutual; ananda-padamthe abode of bliss; pratiyatigoes; kimwhat?; bhuyahmore; srotumto hear; icchasido you wish.

 

     O king of the Kauravas, in this way Lord Balarama, the king of the Yadavas, spent that springtime night with the gopis. Even today the Yamuna flows in many divided streams at that place, a testimony to the great strength, equal to that of a host of elephants, of Lord Balarama, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. A person who hears or recounts these pastimes of Lord Balarama destroys the entirety of a great host of sins and attains transcendental bliss. What more do you wish to hear?


 

 

 

.FN 6

Chapter Ten

 

 

Sri Balarama-paddhati-patala

The Paddhati and Patala of Lord Balarama

 

 

Text 1

 

 

     duryodhana uvaca bhagavan gargacaryena gopi_-yuthaya katham dattam balabhadra-pacangam tat-krpaya vadatat. tvam sarvajo 'si.

 

     duryodhana uvacaDuryodhana said; bhagavanO master; gargacaryenaby Garga Muni; gopi_-yuthayato the gopis; kathamdescription; dattamgiven; balabhadra-pacangamthe five metjods of worshiping Lord Balarama; tatthat; krpayakindly; vadatat.should tell; tvamyou; sarvajahall-knowing; asiare.

 

 

     Duryodhana said: O master, you know everything. Please kindly repeat to me what Garga Muni spoke to the gopis to tell them of the five-part worship of Lord Balarama.

 

 

Text 2

 

 

     sri_-pradvipaka uvaca kauravendra ekada gargacaryah kalinda-nandini_m snatum gargacalad vraja-mandalam cajagama. tatraikante marul-li_laijal-lalita-lata-taru-pallava-puspa-gandha- matta-milinda-puje kalindi_-kula-kalita-nikuje sri_-rama-krsna- dhyana-tat-param gargacaryam pranamya nagendra-kanyah sma iti jati-smara gopa-kanyah sri_mad-balabhadra-prapty-artham sevanam papracchus tasam paramam bhaktim vi_ksya paddhati-patala-stotra- kavaca-sahasra-namani gopi_-yuthaya sa pradadau. kim bhuyas tvam tad-grahanam kartum icchasi vadatat.

 

     sri_-pradvipaka uvacaSri Pradvipaka Muni said; kauravendraO king of the Kauravas; ekadaone day; gargacaryahGarga Muni; kalinda-nandini_mto the Yamuna; snatumto bathe; gargacalatfrom Mount Garga; vraja-mandalamto the circle of Vraja; caand; ajagamacame; tatrathere; ekantein one place; marutbreezes; li_lapastimes; ejatmoving; lalitagraceful; latavines; tarutrees; pallavasprouts; puspaflowers; gandhascent; mattamaddened; milinda-pujea host of bees; kalindi_- kulaon the shore of the Yamuna; kalitaperceived; nikujein the forest grove; sri_-rama-krsnaof Krsna and Balarama; dhyanameditation; tatto that; paramintent; gargacaryamto Garga Muni; pranamyabowing down; nagendra-kanyahthe snake princesses; smaindeed; itithus; jati-smararemembering their previous birth; gopa-kanyahgopis; sri_mad-balabhadra-prapty-arthamto attain Lord Balarama; sevanamservice; papracchuhasked; tasamof them; paramamgreat; bhaktimdevotion; vi_ksyaseeing; paddhati-patala- stotra-kavaca-sahasra-namanithe paddhati, patala, stotra, kavaca, and sahasra-nama; gopi_-yuthayato the gopis; sahe; pradadaugave; kimwhat?; bhuyahmore; tvamyou; tad- grahanamunderstanding that; kartumto do; icchasiwish; vadatatmay speak.

 

 

     Sri Pradvipaka Muni said: O king of the Kauravas, one day Garga Muni left Mount Garga and went to Vraja to bathe in the Yamuna. In a certain forest grove by the Yamuna's shore, where gentle breezes moved the graceful trees, flowering vines, and new sprouts, and where the bees were maddened by the sweet scent of the flowers, some gopis bowed down before Garga Muni, who was rapt in meditation on Lord Krsna and Lord Balarama. Remembering their previous birth as snake-princesses, the gopis asked him what kind of devotional service they should perform to attain the company of Lord Balarama. Seeing their great devotion, Garga Muni gave these gopis the paddhati, patala, stotra, kavaca, and sahasra- nama of Lord Balarama. What more do you wish to hear? You may ask.

 

 

Text 3

 

 

duryodhana uvaca

 

ramasya paddhatim bruhi

     yaya siddhim vrajamy aham

tvam bhakta-vatsalo brahman

     guru-deva namo 'stu te

 

     duryodhana uvacaDuryodhana said; ramasyaof Lord Balarama; paddhatimthe paddhati; bruhiplease tell; yayaby which; siddhimperfection; vrajamyattain; ahamI; tvamyou; bhakta- vatsalahaffectionate to the devotees; brahmanO Brahmana; guru- devaO Gurudeva; namahobeisances; astushould be; teunto you.

 

 

     Duryodhana said: Please describe the paddhati of Lord Balarama, reciting which I may attain perfection. O brahmana, you are affectionate to the devotees. O gurudeva, I bow down before you.

 

 

Text 4

 

 

sri_-pradvipaka uvaca

 

rama-margasya niyamam

     srnu parthiva-sattama

yena prasanno bhavati

     balabhadro maha-prabhuh

 

     sri_-pradvipaka uvacaSri Pradvipaka Muni said; rama- margasyaof the path to Lord Balarama; niyamamthe restrictions; srnuplease hear; parthiva- sattamaO best of kings; yenaby which; prasannahpleased; bhavatiis; balabhadrahLord Balarama; maha-prabhuhthe Supreme Personality of Godhead.

 

 

     Sri Pradvipaka Muni said: O best of kings, please hear the regulative principles of the path to Lord Balarama. When one follows these principles Lord Balarama, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, becomes pleased with him.

 

 

Text 5

 

 

sahasra-vadano devo

     bhagavan bhuvanesvarah

na danair na ca ti_rthais ca

     bhaktya labhyas tv ananyaya

 

     sahasra-vadanahwho has a thousand heads; devahthe Lord; bhagavanthe Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhuvanesvarahthe master of the worlds; nanot; danaihby charity; nanot; caand; ti_rthaihby pilgrimages; caand; bhaktyaby devotional service; labhyahattainable; tvindeed; ananyayawithout anything else.

 

 

     Lord Balarama, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of the worlds, and who is also thousand-headed Lord Ananta, is not attained by giving charity or going on pilgrimage. He is attained only by devotional service.

 

 

Text 6

 

 

sat-sangam etyasu siksed

     bhaktim vai sri_-harer guroh

sa siddhah kathito jatam

     yasya vai prema-laksanam

 

     sat-sangamassociation with devotees; etyaattaining; asuquickly; si_ksetshould learn; bhaktimdevotion; vaiindeed; sri_-harehof Lord Krsna; gurohof the guru; sahe; siddhahperfect; kathitahsaid; jatamborn; yasyaof whom; vaiindeed; prema-laksanamcharacterized by love.

 

 

     By associating with the devotees, one quickly learns the truth of devotion to Lord Krsna and to one's guru. A person who learns this is said to have attained perfection. He has attained love for Lord Krsna.

 

 

Text 7

 

 

brahme muhurte cotthaya

     rama-krsneti ca bruvan

natva gurum bhuvam caiva

     tato bhumyam padam nyaset

 

     brahme muhurteat brahma-muhurta; caand; utthayarising; rama-krsnaRama Krsna; itithus; caand; bruvansaying; natvabowing; gurumto the guru; bhuvamthe world; caand; evaindeed; tatahthen; bhumyamon the ground; padamfoot; nyasetshould place.

 

 

     One should rise at brahma-muhurta, chant the holy names of Lord Krsna and Lord Balarama, and bow down before one's guru. Only then should one place his feet on the ground.

 

 

Text 8

 

 

vary upasparsya rahasi

     sthito bhutva kusasane

hastav utsanga adhaya

     sva-nasagra-niri_ksanah

 

     varywater; upasparsyatouching; rahasiin a secluded place; sthitahstaying; bhutvabecoming; kusasaneon a kusa mat; hastavhands; utsangein his lap; adhayaplacing; sva-nasagra- niri_ksanahgazing at the tip of the nose.

 

 

     In a secluded place one should touch water, sit on a kusa- grass mat, place his hands on his lap, and gaze at the tip of his nose.

 

 

Text 9

 

 

dhyayet param harim devam

     balabhadram sanatanam

gauram ni_lambaram hy adyam

     vana-mala-vibhusitam

 

     dhyayetshould meditate; paramthen; harimon Lord Hari; devamthe Supreme Personality of Godhead; balabhadramLord Balarama; sanatanameternal; gauramfair; ni_lambaramwith blue garmwents; hyindeed; adyamthe first; vana-mala- vibhusitamdecorated with a forest garland.

 

 

     Then one should meditate on Lord Balarama, the eternal Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose compelxion is fair, and who is dressed in blue garments and decorated with a forest garland.

 

 

Texts 10 and 11

 

 

evam dhyana-paro nityam

     pri_ty-artham halinah prabhoh

tri-kala-sandhya-krc chuddho

     mauni_ krodha-vivarjitah

 

akami_ gata-lobhas ca

     nirmohah satya-vag bhavet

dvi-varam jala-panarthi_

     eka-bhukto jitendriyah

 

     evamthus; dhyana-parahrapt in meditation; nityamalways; pri_ty-arthamfor the pleasure; halinahof Lord Balarama; prabhohthe Supreme Personality of Godhead; tri- kala-sandhyaat sunrise, noon, and sunset; krtdoing; suddhahpure; mauni_silent; krodha-vivarjitahfree from anger; akami_free from lust; gata-lobhasfree from greed; caand; nirmohahfree from ilussion; satya-vagspeaking truthfully; bhavetshould be; dvi-varamtwice; jala-panarthi_drinking water; eka-bhuktaheating once; jitendriyahccontrolling the senses.

 

 

     Pure, silent, free from anger, lust, greed, and illusion, speaking truthfully, controlling the senses, drinking water twice in a day and eating only once, to please Lord Balarama one should thus meditate on Him at sunrise, noon, and sunset.

 

 

Text 12

 

 

ksaumambaro bhumi-sayi_

     bhutva payasa-bhojanah

evam nirjita-sad-vargo

     bhaved ekagra-manasah

 

     ksaumambarahwearing simple cotton clothing; bhumi- sayi_sleeping on the ground; bhutvabecoming; payasa- bhojanaheating milk; evamthus; nirjita-sad-vargahcontrolling the sex material tendencies; bhavetshould become; ekagra- manasahmeditating with single-pointed concentration.

 

 

     Wearing simple cotton clothing, sleeping on the ground, and fasting from all but milk, one may conquer the six material tendencies and meditate with single-pointed concentration.

 

 

Text 13

 

 

tasya prasanno bhavati

     sada sankarsano harih

paripurnatamah saksat

     sarva-karana-karanah

 

     tasyawith him; prasannahpleased; bhavatiis; sadaalways; sankarsanahLord Balarama; harihthe Supreme Personality of Godhead; paripurnatamahperfect and complete; saksatdirectly; sarva- karana-karanahthe cause of all causes.

 

 

     With such a person Lord Balarama, the perfect and complete Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cause of all causes, becomes pleased.

 

 

Text 14

 

 

ittham sri_-balabhadrasya

     kathita paddhatir maya

kauravendra maha-baho

     kim bhuyah srotum icchasi

 

     itthamthus; sri_-balabhadrasyaof Lord Balarama; kathitaspoken; paddhatihthe paddhati; mayaby me; kauravendraO king of the kurus; maha-bahahO mighty-armed one; kimwhat?; bhuyahmore; srotumto hear; icchasido you wish.

 

 

     O mighty-armed Kaurava king, now I have described to you the paddhati of Lord Balarama. What more do you wish to hear.

 

Text 15

 

 

duryodhana uvaca

 

muni_ndra deva-devasya

     patalam bruhi me prabhoh

yena sevam karisyami

     tat-padambujayoh sada

 

     duryodhana uvacaDuryodhana said; muni_ndraO king of sages; deva-devasyaO master of the demigods; patalamthe patalam; bruhiplease tell; meme; prabhohof the Lord; yenaby whcih; sevamservice; karisyamiI will do; tat-padambujayohat His lotus feet; sadaalways.

 

 

     Duryodhana said: O king of sages, O master of the demigods, please describe to me the patala of Lord Balarama, following which I will always serve Lord Balarama's lotus feet.

 

 

Text 16

 

 

sri_-pradvipaka uvaca

 

balasya patalam guhyam

     viddhi siddhi-pradayakam

ekante brahmana dattam

     naradaya mahatmane

 

     sri_-pradvipaka uvacaSri Pradvipaka Muni said; balasyaof Lord Balarama; patalamthe patala; guhyamsecret; viddhiplease know; siddhiperfection; pradayakamgiving; ekanteat one place; brahmanaby Lord Brahma; dattamgiven; naradayato narada; mahatmanethe great soul.

 

 

     Sri Pradvipaka Muni said: Now please understand Lord Balarama's patala, which brings perfection, and which the demigod Brahma gave to Narada Muni.

 

 

Text 17

 

 

pranavam purvam uddhrtya

     kama-bi_jam tatah param

kalindi_-bhedana-padam

     sankarsanam atah param

 

     pranavamOm; purvamfirst; uddhrtyaspeaking; kama-bi_jamthe Kama-bija syllable; tatahthen; paramafter; kalindi_-bhedana- padamthe breaker of the Yamuna; sankarsanamLord Balarama; atah paramthen.

 

 

     First, speak the syllable Om. Then, speak the Kama-bija syllable (klim). Then recite the names Kalindi-bhedana (the breaker of the Yamuna) and Sankarsana.

 

 

Text 18

 

caturthyam tam dvayam krtva

     svaham pascad vidhaya ca

mantra-rajam imam rajan

     brahmoktam sodasaksaram

 

     caturthyamfourth; tamthat; dvayamboth; krtvadoing; svahamSvaha; pascatthen; vidhayaplacing; caand; mantra-rajamking of mantras; imamthis; rajanO king; brahmoktamspoken by Brahma; sodasaksaramsixteen syllables.

 

 

     After speaking these two names, then recite the word svaha. O king, this sixteen-syllable king of mantras was spoken by the demigod Brahma.

 

 

     Note: The mantra then is Om klim kalindi-bhedanaya sankarsanaya svaha.

 

 

Text 19

 

 

japel laksam vrati_ bhutva

     sahasrani ca sodasa

ihamutra param siddhim

     samprapnoti na samsayah

 

     japetone should chant; laksama hundred thousand times; vrati_following a vow; bhutvabecoming; sahasranithousand; caand; sodasasixteen; ihain this life; amutraand the next; paramsupreme; siddhimperfection; samprapnotiattains; nano; samsayahdoubt.

 

 

     Following this vow one should chant this mantra 116,000 times. Thus one will attain the supreme perfection in this life and the next. Of this there is no doubt.

 

 

Texts 20 and 21

 

 

atha japtasya mantrasya

     maha-pujam samacaret

dvatrimsat-patra-samyuktam

     karnika-kesarojjvalam

 

bhavyam kajam paca-varnam

     likhitva sthandile subhe

tasyopari nyased rajan

     hema-simhasanam subham

tasmin sri_-baladevasya

     param arcam prapujayet

 

     athathen; japtasyachanted; mantrasyaof the mantra; maha- pujamgreat worship; samacaretshould perform; dvatrimsat32; patrapetals; samyuktamwith; karnika-kesarojjvalamsplendid lotus whorl; bhavyambeautiful; kajamlotus flower; paca-varnamfive colors; likhitvadrawing; sthandileon the ground; subheauspicious; tasyathat; upariabove; nyasetshould place; rajanO king; hema-simhasanama golden trhone; subhambeautiful; tasminthere; sri_-baladevasyaof Lord Balarama; paramsupreme; arcamworship; prapujayetshould worship.

 

 

     Then the person who has chanted the mantra this number of times should perform the great worship of Lord Balarama. On auspicious ground he should draw a thirty-two petal lotus of five colors and with a splendid whorl. O king, he should place there a beautiful golden throne, and on that throne He should place Lord Balarama. Then he should perform the great worship of Lord Balarama.

 

 

Text 22

 

 

     om namo bhagavate purusottamaya vasudevaya sankarsanaya sahasra-vadanaya mahanantaya svaha. anena mantrena sikha- bandhanam krtva sarvatas tam pranamya tat-sammukho bhutva svayam nato bhavet. om jaya jayananta balabhadra kama-pala talanka kalindi_-bhajana aviravirbhuya mama sammukho bhaveti. anena mantrenavahanam kuryat. om namas te 'stu si_ra-pane hala-musala-dhara rauhineya ni_lambara rama revati_-ramana namo 'stu te. anena mantrenasana-padyarghya-snana-madhuparka-dhupa- di_pa-yajopavi_ta-naivedya-vastra-bhusana-gandha- puspaksata-puspajali-ni_rajanadi_n upacaran prakalpayet. om visnave madhusudanaya vamanaya trivikramaya sri_dharaya hrsi_kesaya padmanabhaya damodaraya sankarsanaya vasudevaya pradyumnayaniruddhayadhoksajaya purusottamaya sri_- krsnaya namah. iti pada-gulpha-januru-katy-udara-parsva-prsthi- bhuja-kandhara-netra-siramsi prthak prthak pujayami_ti mantrena sarvanga-pujam kuryat. atha sankha-cakra-gada- padmasi-dhanur-bana-hala-musala-kaustubha-vanamala-sri_vatsa- pi_tambara-ni_lambara-vamsi_-vetra-garudanka-talanka-ratha- daruka-sumati-kumuda-kumudaksa-sri_damadi_n pranava-purvena caturthyam tena namah samyuktena nama-mantrena prthak prthak sampujya. tatha visvaksena-vedavyasa-durga-vinayaka-dikpala- grahadi_n kamale sarvatah sve sve sthane sampujayet. punah parisamuhanadi_-sthali_-paka-vidhanena vaisvanaram sampujya purvoktena mula-mantrena paca-vimsati-sahasrany ahuti_r juhuyat. tathastau sahasrani dvadasaksarena tathastau sahasrani catur-vyuha-mantrenahutir juhuyat. tato 'gnim pradaksini_-krtya namaskrtyacaryam maharha-vastra- suvarnabharana-tamra-patra-savatsa-go-suvarna-daksinabhih sampujya tatha brahmanan bhojanadyaih sampujya nagara-janebhyo bhojanam dattvacaryan pranamet. ittham balasya patalanusarena yo 'nusmarati ihamutra siddhi-samrddhibhih samvrto bhavati. sri_- rama-patalam guhyam maya te hy anuvarnitam. sarva-siddhi-pradam rajan kim bhuyah srotum icchasi.

 

     omOm; namahobeisances; bhagavateto the Supreme Personality of Godhead; purusottamayathe supreme person; vasudevayathe son of Vasudeva; sankarsanayaLord Sankarsana; sahasra-vadanayawho has a thousand heads; mahanantayathe great Lord Anbanta; svahasvaha; anenawith this; mantrenamantra; sikhasikha; bandhanamtying; krtvadoing; sarvatahin all respects; tamto Him; pranamyabowing; tat-sammukhahbefore Him; bhutvabecing; svayampersonally; natahbowed; bhavet.should be; omOm; jayavitory; jayavictory; anantaO limitless one; balabhadraO Balarama; kama- palaO fulfiller of desires; talankaO Lord who acrries the mark of the palm tree; kalindi_-bhajanaO breaker of the Yamuna; aviravirbhuyaappearing; mamaof me; sammukhahin the presence; bhavaplease become; itithus; anenawith this; mantrenamantra; avahanaminvoking the presence; kuryat.should do; omOm; namahobeisances; teto you; astushould be; si_ra- paneplow in hand; hala-musalaplow and club; dharaholding; rauhineyaO son of Rohini; ni_lambaradressed in blue garments; ramaO Balarama; revati_-ramanaO lover of Revati; namahobeisances; astushould be; teto You; anenawith this; mantrenamantra; asanaseat; padyapadya; arghyaarghya; snanabath; madhuparkamadhuparka; dhupaincense; di_palamp; yajopavi_tasacred thread; naivedyafood; vastragarments; bhusanaornaments; gandhascent; puspaflowers; aksataunbroken rice; puspaof flowers; ajalihandful; ni_rajanaarati; adi_nbeginning with; upacaranservices; prakalpayetshould perform; omOm; visnaveto Lord Visnu; madhusudanayathe killer of Madhu; vamanayaVamana; trivikramayaTrivikrama; sri_dharayaSridhara; hrsi_kesayaHrsikesa; padmanabhayawhose navel is a lotus flower; damodarayawho waist is bound with a rope; sankarsanayawho was pulled from Devaki's womb; vasudevayathe son of Vasudeva; pradyumnayaPradyumna; aniruddhayaAniruddha; adhoksajayaAdhoksaja; purusottamayathe Supreme Person; sri_- krsnayaSri Krsna; namah.obeisances; itithus; padafeet; gulphaankles; januknees; uruthighs; katyhips; udarabelly; parsvasides; prsthiback; bhujaarms; kandharashoulders; netraeyes; siramsiand head; prthak prthakeach one individually; pujayamiI worship; itithus; mantrenawith the mantra; sarvanga-pujamthe worship of all limbs; kuryat.should perform; athathen; sankhaconchshell; cakradisc; gadaclub; padmalotus; asisword; dhanuhbow; banaarrow; halaplow; musalaclub; kaustubhaKaustubha jewel; vanamalaforest garland; sri_vatsaSrivatsa mark; pi_tambarayellow garments; ni_lambarablue garments; vamsi_flute; vetrastick; garudaGaruda; ankamark; talapalm tree; ankamark; rathachariot; darukaDaruka; sumatiSumati; kumudaKumuda; kumudaksaKumudaksa; sri_damaSridama; adi_nbeginning with; pranava-purvenawith Om first; caturthyamfourth; tenaby that; namahobeisances; samyuktenawith; nama-mantrenaby tha mantras of names; prthak prthakone after another; sampujya.should worship; tathaso; visvaksenaVisvaksena; vedavyasaVedavyasa; durgaDurga; vinayakaVinayaka; dikpalathe protectors of the directions; grahathe planets; adi_nbeginning with; kamaleon the lotus flower; sarvataheach; sve sve sthanein his own place; sampujayet.should worship; punahagain; parisamuhanasprinkling water; adibeginning with; sthali_in an earthen pot; pakacooking; vidhanenaby the action; vaisvanaramVaisvanara; sampujyaworshiping; purvoktenapreviously spoken; mula- mantrenawith the mula-mantra; paca-vimsati- sahasrany25,000; ahuti_hoblations; juhuyatshould offer; tathaso; astau sahasrani8,000; dvadasaksarenawith 12 syllables; tathathen; astau sahasrani8,000; catur-vyuha- mantrenawith mantras to the catur-vyuha; ahuti_hoblations; juhuyat.should offer; tatahthen; agnimthe sacred fire; pradaksini_-krtyacircumambulating; namaskrtyabowing down; acaryamto the guru; maharhavery valuable; vastragarments; suvarnagolden; abharanaornaments; tamrared; patrapetals; savatsawith calves; gahcows; suvarnaand gold; daksinabhihwith daksina; sampujyaworshiping; tathaso; brahmananthe brahmanas; bhojanadyaihbeginning with food; sampujyaworshiping; nagara- janebhyahthe residents of the city; bhojanamfood; dattvagiving; acaryanto the gurus; pranametshould offer obeisances; itthamthus; balasyaof Lord Balarama; patalanusarenaby following the patala; yahone who; anusmaratiremembers; ihain this life; amutraand the next; siddhiof perfection; samrddhibhihwith increase; samvrtahaccompanied; bhavati.becomes; sri_-rama- patalamthe patala of Lord Balarama; guhyamsecret; mayaby me; teto you; hyindeed; anuvarnitam.described; sarva-siddhi- pradamgiving all perfection; rajanO king; kimwhat?; bhuyahmore; srotumto hear; icchasiyou wish.

 

 

     Chanting the mantra om namo bhagavate purusottamaya vasudevaya sankarsanaya sahasra-vadanaya mahanantaya svaha" (Obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sankarsana, who is thousand-headed Lord Ananta, and who is the son of Vasudeva), one should tie his sikha. Then one should bow down before the deity and in all directions.

     Then, chanting the mantra om jaya jayananta balabhadra kama-pala talanka kalindi_-bhajana aviravirbhuya mama sammukho bhava" (Om. O Lord Balarama, O Lord Ananta, O fulfiller of desires, O Lord who carries a palm-tree flag, O Lord who broke the Yamuna, all glories to You! O Lord, please appear before me.), one should request Lord Balarama to appear.

     Then, chanting the mantra om namas te 'stu si_ra- pane hala-musala-dhara rauhineya ni_lambara rama revati_-ramana namo 'stu te" (O Lord who holds a plow in Your hand, O Lord who holds a plow and club, O son of Rohini, O Lord dressed in blue garments, O Balarama, O husband of Revati, obeisances to You!), one should offer a throne, padya, arghya, bath, madhuparka, incense, lamp, sacred thread, food, garments, ornaments, fragrant flowers, unbroken grains of rice, handsful of flowers, arati, and other services.

     Then, chanting the mantra, om visnave madhusudanaya vamanaya trivikramaya sri_dharaya hrsi_kesaya padmanabhaya damodaraya sankarsanaya vasudevaya pradyumnayaniruddhayadhoksajaya purusottamaya sri_-krsnaya namah. (Om. Obeisances to Lord Visnu, the killer of Madhu, the Lord who is the Vamana incarnation, the Lord who covered the universe in three steps, the Lord who maintains the goddess of fortune, the master of the senses, the Lord whose navel is a lotus flower, the Lord whose waist was bound by a rope, the Lord who was carried from Devaki's womb, the Lord who is the son of Vasudeva, the Lord who is Pradyumna, the Lord who is Aniruddha, the Lord who is beyond the material senses, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is all-attractive Sri Krsna!) and also the mantra pada- gulpha-januru-katy-udara-parsva-prsthi-bhuja-kandhara-netra- siramsi prthak prthak pujayami" (I worship the Lord's feet, ankles, knees, thighs, hips, belly, sides, back, arms, shoulders, eyes, and head.), one should worship all the limbs of Lord Balarama.

     Then, chanting the word namah before each one, and putting each word in the dative case, one should worship Lord Balarama's conchshell (with the mantra sankhaya namah), disc (cakraya namah), club (gadayai namah), lotus (padmaya namah), sword (asaye namah), bow (dhanuse namah), arrows (banebhyah namah), plow (halaya namah), club (musalaya namah), Kaustubha jewel (kaustubhaya namah), forest garland (vanamalayai namah), Srivatsa mark (srivatsaya namah), yellow garments (pitambaraya namah), blue garments (nilambaraya namah), flute (vamsyai namah), stick (vetraya namah), chariot marked with the flag of Garuda (garudanka-rathaya namah), chariot marked with the flag of a palm tree (talanka-rathaya namah), and His associates Daruka (darukaya namah), Sumati (sumataye namah), Kumuda (kumudaya namah), Kumudaksa (kumudaksaya namah), and Sridama (sridamaya namah).

     Then one should place Visvaksena, Vedavyasa, Durga, Ganesa, the planets, and the protectors of the directions in their respective places in the lotus and then one should worship them. Then, sprinkling water and offering food cooked in an earthen pot, one should worship the sacred fire.

     Then, chanting the previously described mula-mantra (om klim kalindi-bhedanaya sankarsanaya svaha) one should offer 25,000 oblations. Then, chanting the twelve-syllable mantra (om namo bhagavate vasudevaya), one should offer 8,000 oblations. Then, chanting the catur-vyuha mantra (om namo bhagavate tubhyam vasudevaya saksine, pradyumnayaniruddhaya namah sankarsanaya ca), one should again offer 8,000 oblations.

     Then one should circumambulate the sacred fire, bow down before the guru, worship him with daksina of valuable garments, gold ornaments, copper vessels, cows with their newborn calves, and much gold, worship the brahmanas by offering them food and gifts, feed the people of the city, and bow down before the gurus. Meditating on Lord Balarama by following this paddhati, one attains perfection in this life and the next. In this way I have described to you Lord Balarama's confidential paddhati, which gives all perfection. O king, what more do you wish to hear?


 

 

 

.FN 6

Chapter Eleven

 

 

Sri Balabhadra-stava-raja

The King of Prayers to Lord Balarama

 

 

Text 1

 

 

duryodhana uvaca

 

stotram sri_-baladevasya

     pradvipaka maha-mune

vada mam krpaya saksat

     sarva-s