> > Srimad Bhagavatam - Canto 4
> > Sanskrit, word-for-word and original translation of Swami Prabhupâda
> > (for the purports one will have to consult the books under the copyright of the BBT)

> > Canto 4 Part 2

> > **************

> > Chapter Twenty-one: Instructions by Mahârâja Prthu

> > ********

> > TEXT 1

> > maitreya uvâca

> > mauktikaih kusuma-sragbhir

> > dukûlaih svarna-toranaih

> > mahâ-surabhibhir dhûpair

> > manditam tatra tatra vai

> > maitreyah uvâca--the great sage Maitreya continued to speak; mauktikaih--with pearls; kusuma--of flowers; sragbhih--with garlands; dukûlaih--cloth; svarna--golden; toranaih--by gates; mahâ-surabhibhih--highly perfumed; dhûpaih--by incense; manditam--decorated; tatra tatra--here and there; vai--certainly.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The great sage Maitreya told Vidura: When the King entered his city, it was very beautifully decorated to receive him with pearls, flower garlands, beautiful cloth and golden gates, and the entire city was perfumed with highly fragrant incense.

> > ********

> > TEXT 2

> > candanâguru-toyârdra-

> > rathyâ-catvara-mârgavat

> > puspâksata-phalais tokmair

> > lâjair arcirbhir arcitam

> > candana--sandalwood; aguru--a kind of fragrant herb; toya--the water of; ârdra--sprinkled with; rathyâ--a path for driving a chariot; catvara--small parks; mârgavat--lanes; puspa--flowers; aksata--unbroken; phalaih--by the fruits; tokmaih--minerals; lâjaih--wetted grains; arcirbhih--by lamps; arcitam--decorated.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Fragrant water distilled from sandalwood and aguru herb was sprinkled everywhere on the lanes, roads and small parks throughout the city, and everywhere were decorations of unbroken fruits, flowers, wetted grains, varied minerals, and lamps, all presented as auspicious paraphernalia.

> > ********

> > TEXT 3

> > savrndaih kadalî-stambhaih

> > pûga-potaih pariskrtam

> > taru-pallava-mâlâbhih

> > sarvatah samalankrtam

> > sa-vrndaih--along with fruits and flowers; kadalî-stambhaih--by the pillars of banana trees; pûga-potaih--by collections of young animals and by processions of elephants; pariskrtam--very nicely cleansed; taru--young plants; pallava--new leaves of mango trees; mâlâbhih--by garlands; sarvatah--everywhere; samalankrtam--nicely decorated.

> > TRANSLATION

> > At the street crossings there were bunches of fruits and flowers, as well as pillars of banana trees and betel nut branches. All these combined decorations everywhere looked very attractive.

> > ********

> > TEXT 4

> > prajâs tam dîpa-balibhih

> > sam bhrtâsesa-mangalaih

> > abhîyur mrsta-kanyâs ca

> > mrsta-kundala-manditâh

> > prajâh--citizens; tam--to him; dîpa-balibhih--with lamps; sambhrta--equipped with; asesa--unlimited; mangalaih--auspicious articles; abhîyuh--came forward to welcome; mrsta--with beautiful bodily luster; kanyâh ca--and unmarried girls; mrsta--colliding with; kundala--earrings; manditâh--being bedecked with.

> > TRANSLATION

> > As the King entered the gate of the city, all the citizens received him with many auspicious articles like lamps, flowers and yogurt. The King was also received by many beautiful unmarried girls whose bodies were bedecked with various ornaments, especially with earrings which collided with one another.

> > ********

> > TEXT 5

> > sankha-dundu bhi-ghosena

> > brahma-ghosena cartvijâm

> > vivesa bhavanam vîrah

> > stûyamâno gata-smayah

> > sankha--conchshells; dundubhi--kettledrums; ghosena--by the sound of; brahma--Vedic; ghosena--chanting; ca--also; rtvijâm--of the priests; vivesa--entered; bhavanam--the palace; vîrah--the King; stûyamânah--being worshiped; gata-smayah--without pride.

> > TRANSLATION

> > When the King entered the palace, conchshells and kettledrums were sounded, priests chanted Vedic mantras, and professional reciters offered different prayers. But in spite of all this ceremony to welcome him, the King was not the least bit affected.

> > ********

> > TEXT 6

> > pûjitah pûjayâm âsa

> > tatra tatra mahâ-yasâh

> > paurân jânapadâms tâms tân

> > prîtah priya-vara-pradah

> > pûjitah--being worshiped; pûjayâm âsa--offered worship; tatra tatra--here and there; mahâ-yasâh--with a background of great activities; paurân--the noble men of the city; jâna-padân--common citizens; tân tân--in that way; prîtah--being satisfied; priya-vara-pradah--was ready to offer them all benediction.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Both the important citizens and the common citizens welcomed the King very heartily, and he also bestowed upon them their desired blessings.

> > ********

> > TEXT 7

> > sa evam âdîny anavadya-cestitah

> > karmâni bhûyâmsi mahân mahattamah

> > kurvan sasâsâvani-mandalam yasah

> > sphîtam nidhâyâruruhe param padam

> > sah--King Prthu; evam--thus; âdîni--from the very beginning; anavadya--magnanimous; cestitah--performing various works; karmâni--work; bhûyâmsi--repeatedly; mahân--great; mahat-tamah--greater than the greatest; kurvan--performing; sasâsa--ruled; avani-mandalam--the surface of the earth; yasah--reputation; sphîtam--widespread; nidhâya--achieving; âruruhe--was elevated; param padam--to the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.

> > TRANSLATION

> > King Prthu was greater than the greatest soul and was therefore worshipable by everyone. He performed many glorious activities in ruling over the surface of the world and was always magnanimous. After achieving such great success and a reputation which spread throughout the universe, he at last obtained the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

> > ********

> > TEXT 8

> > sûta uvâca

> > tad âdi-râjasya yaso vijrmbhitam

> > gunair asesair gunavat-sabhâjitam

> > ksattâ mahâ-bhâgavatah sadaspate

> > kausâravim prâha grnantam arcayan

> > sûtah uvâca--Sûta Gosvâmî said; tat--that; âdi-râjasya--of the original king; yasah--reputation; vijrmbhitam--highly qualified; gunaih--by qualities; asesaih--unlimited; guna-vat--fittingly; sabhâjitam--being praised; ksattâ--Vidura; mahâ-bhâgavatah--the great saintly devotee; sadah-pate--leader of the great sages; kausâravim--unto Maitreya; prâha--said; grnantam--while talking; arcayan--offering all respectful obeisances.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Suta Gosvami continued: O Saunaka, leader of the great sages, after hearing Maitreya speak about the various activities of King Prthu, the original king, who was fully qualified, glorified and widely praised all over the world, Vidura, the great devotee, very submissively worshiped Maitreya Rsi and asked him the following question.

> > ********

> > TEXT 9

> > vidura uvâca

> > so 'bhisiktah prthur viprair

> > labdhâsesa-surârhanah

> > bibhrat sa vaisnavam tejo

> > bâhvor yâbhyâm dudoha gâm

> > vidurah uvâca--Vidura said; sah--he (King Prthu); abhisiktah--when enthroned; prthuh--King Prthu; vipraih--by the great sages and brâhmanas; labdha--achieved; asesa--innumerable; sura-arhanah--presentations by the demigods; bibhrat--expanding; sah--he; vaisnavam--who has received through Lord Visnu; tejah--strength; bâhvoh--arms; yâbhyâm--by which; dudoha--exploited; gâm--the earth.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Vidura said: My dear brahmana Maitreya, it is very enlightening to understand that King Prthu was enthroned by the great sages and brahmanas. All the demigods presented him with innumerable gifts, and he also expanded his influence upon personally receiving strength from Lord Visnu. Thus he greatly developed the earth.

> > ********

> > TEXT 10

> > ko nv asya kîrtim na srnoty abhijno

> > yad-vikramocchistam asesa-bhûpâh

> > lokâh sa-pâlâ upajîvanti kâmam

> > adyâpi tan me vada karma suddham

> > kah--who; nu--but; asya--King Prthu; kîrtim--glorious activities; na srnoti--does not hear; abhijnah--intelligent; yat--his; vikrama--chivalry; ucchistam--remnants; asesa--innumerable; bhûpâh--kings; lokâh--planets; sa-pâlâh--with their demigods; upajîvanti--execute livelihood; kâmam--desired objects; adya api--up to that; tat--that; me--unto me; vada--please speak; karma--activities; suddham--auspicious.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Prthu Maharaja was so great in his activities and magnanimous in his method of ruling that all the kings and demigods on the various planets still follow in his footsteps. Who is there who will not try to hear about his glorious activities? I wish to hear more and more about Prthu Maharaja because his activities are so pious and auspicious.

> > ********

> > TEXT 11

> > maitreya uvâca

> > gangâ-yamunayor nadyor

> > antarâ ksetram âvasan

> > ârabdhân eva bubhuje

> > bhogân punya jihâsayâ

> > maitreyah uvaca--the great saint Maitreya said; ganga--the River Ganges; yamunayoh--of the River Yamuna; nadyoh--of the two rivers; antarâ--between; ksetram--the land; âvasan--living there; ârabdhân--destined; eva--like; bubhuje--enjoyed; bhogân--fortunes; punya--pious activities; jihâsayâ--for the purpose of diminishing.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The great saintly sage Maitreya told Vidura: My dear Vidura, King Prthu lived in the tract of land between the two great rivers Ganges and Yamuna. Because he was very opulent, it appeared that he was enjoying his destined fortune in order to diminish the results of his past pious activities.

> > ********

> > TEXT 12

> > sarvatrâskhalitâdesah

> > sapta-dvîpaika-danda-dhrk

> > anyatra brâhmana-kulâd

> > anyatrâcyuta-gotratah

> > sarvatra--everywhere; askhalita--irrevocable; âdesah--order; sapta-dvîpa--seven islands; eka--one; danda-dhrk--the ruler who holds the scepter; anyatra--except; brâhmana-kulât--brâhmanas and saintly persons; anyatra--except; acyuta-gotratah--descendants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead (Vaisnavas).

> > TRANSLATION

> > Maharaja Prthu was an unrivaled king and possessed the scepter for ruling all the seven islands on the surface of the globe. No one could disobey his irrevocable orders but the saintly persons, the brahmanas and the descendants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead [the Vaisnavas].

> > ********

> > TEXT 13

> > ekadâsîn mahâ-satra-

> > dîksâ tatra divaukasâm

> > samâjo brahmarsînâm ca

> > râjarsînâm ca sattama

> > ekadâ--once upon a time; âsît--took a vow; mahâ-satra--great sacrifice; dîksâ--initiation; tatra--in that function; diva-okasâm--of the demigods; samâjah--assembly; brahma-rsînâm--of great saintly brâhmanas; ca--also; râja-rsînâm--of great saintly kings; ca--also; sat-tama--the greatest of devotees.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Once upon a time King Prthu initiated the performance of a very great sacrifice in which great saintly sages, brahmanas, demigods from higher planetary systems and great saintly kings known as rajarsis all assembled together.

> > ********

> > TEXT 14

> > tasminn arhatsu sarvesu

> > sv-arcitesu yathârhatah

> > utthitah sadaso madhye

> > târânâm udurâd iva

> > tasmin--in that great meeting; arhatsu--of all those who are worshipable; sarvesu--all of them; su-arcitesu--being worshiped according to their respective positions; yâtha-arhatah--as they deserved; utthitah--stood up; sadasah--amongst the assembly members; madhye--within the midst; târânâm--of the stars; udu-rât--the moon; iva--like.

> > TRANSLATION

> > In that great assembly, Maharaja Prthu first of all worshiped all the respectable visitors according to their respective positions. After this, he stood up in the midst of the assembly, and it appeared that the full moon had arisen amongst the stars.

> > ********

> > TEXT 15

> > prâmsuh pînâyata-bhujo

> > gaurah kanjâruneksanah

> > sunâsah sumukhah saumyah

> > pînâmsah sudvija-smitah

> > prâmsuh--very tall; pîna-âyata--full and broad; bhujah--arms; gaurah--fair-complexioned; kanja--lotuslike; aruna-îksanah--with bright eyes resembling a morning sunrise; su-nâsah--straight nose; sumukhah--with a beautiful face; saumyah--of a grave bodily stature; pîna-amsah--shoulders raised; su--beautiful; dvija--teeth; smitah--smiling.

> > TRANSLATION

> > King Prthu's body was tall and sturdy, and his complexion was fair. His arms were full and broad and his eyes as bright as the rising sun. His nose was straight, his face very beautiful and his personality grave. His teeth were set beautifully in his smiling face.

> > ********

> > TEXT 16

> > vyûdha-vaksâ brhac-chronir

> > vali-valgu-dalodarah

> > âvarta-nâbhir ojasvî

> > kâncanorur udagra-pât

> > vyûdha--broad; vaksâh--chest; brhat-sronih--thick waist; vali--wrinkles; valgu--very beautiful; dala--like a leaf of a banyan tree; udarah--abdomen; âvarta--coiled; nâbhih--navel; ojasvî--lustrous; kâncana--golden; uruh--thighs; udagra-pât--arched instep.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The chest of Maharaja Prthu was very broad, his waist was very thick, and his abdomen, wrinkled by lines of skin, resembled in construction a leaf of a banyan tree. His navel was coiled and deep, his thighs were of a golden hue, and his instep was arched.

> > ********

> > TEXT 17

> > sûksma-vakrâsita-snigdha-

> > mûrdhajah kambu-kandharah

> > mahâ-dhane dukûlâgrye

> > paridhâyopavîya ca

> > sûksma--very fine; vakra--curly; asita--black; snigdha--slick; mûrdhajah--hair on the head; kambu--like a conch; kandharah--neck; mahâ-dhane--very valuable; dukûla-agrye--dressed with a dhotî; paridhâya--on the upper portion of the body; upavîya--placed like a sacred thread; ca--also.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The black, slick hair on his head was very fine and curly, and his neck, like a conchshell, was decorated with auspicious lines. He wore a very valuable dhoti, and there was a nice wrapper on the upper part of his body.

> > ********

> > TEXT 18

> > vyanjitâsesa-gâtra-srîr

> > niyame nyasta-bhûsanah

> > krsnâjina-dharah srîmân

> > kusa-pânih krtocitah

> > vyanjita--indicating; asesa--innumerable; gâtra--bodily; srîh--beauty; niyame--regulated; nyasta--given up; bhûsanah--garments; krsna--black; ajina--skin; dharah--putting on; srîmân--beautiful; kusa-pânih--having kusa grass on the fingers; krta--performed; ucitah--as it is required.

> > TRANSLATION

> > As Maharaja Prthu was being initiated to perform the sacrifice, he had to leave aside his valuable dress, and therefore his natural bodily beauty was visible. It was very pleasing to see him put on a black deerskin and wear a ring of kusa grass on his finger, for this increased the natural beauty of his body. It appears that Maharaja Prthu observed all the regulative principles before he performed the sacrifice.

> > ********

> > TEXT 19

> > sisira-snigdha-târâksah

> > samaiksata samantatah

> > ûcivân idam urvîsah

> > sadah samharsayann iva

> > sisira--dew; snigdha--wet; târâ--stars; aksah--eyes; samaiksata--glanced over; samantatah--all around; ûcivân--began to speak; idam--this; urvîsah--highly elevated; sadah--amongst the members of the assembly; samharsayan--enhancing their pleasure; iva--like.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Just to encourage the members of the assembly and to enhance their pleasure, King Prthu glanced over them with eyes that seemed like stars in a sky wet with dew. He then spoke to them in a great voice.

> > ********

> > TEXT 20

> > câru citra-padam slaksnam

> > mrstam gûdham aviklavam

> > sarvesâm upakârârtham

> > tadâ anuvadann iva

> > câru--beautiful; citra-padam--flowery; saksnam--very clear; mrstam--very great; gûdham--meaningful; aviklavam--without any doubt; sarvesâm--for all; upakâra-artham--just to benefit them; tadâ--at that time; anuvadan--began to repeat; iva--like.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Maharaja Prthu's speech was very beautiful, full of metaphorical language, clearly understandable and very pleasing to hear. His words were all grave and certain. It appears that when he spoke, he expressed his personal realization of the Absolute Truth in order to benefit all who were present.

> > ********

> > TEXT 21

> > râjovâca

> > sabhyâh srnuta bhadram vah

> > sâdhavo ya ihâgatâh

> > satsu jijnâsubhir dharmam

> > âvedyam sva-manîsitam

> > râjâ uvâca--the King began to speak; sabhyâh--addressing the ladies and gentlemen; srnuta--kindly hear; bhadram--good fortune; vah--your; sâdhavah--all great souls; ye--who; iha--here; âgatâh--present; satsu--unto the noble men; jijnâsubhih--one who is inquisitive; dharmam--religious principles; âvedyam--must be presented; sva-manîsitam--concluded by someone.

> > TRANSLATION

> > King Prthu said: O gentle members of the assembly, may all good fortune be upon you! May all of you great souls who have come to attend this meeting kindly hear my prayer attentively. A person who is actually inquisitive must present his decision before an assembly of noble souls.

> > ********

> > TEXT 22

> > aham danda-dharo rajâ

> > prajânâm iha yojitah

> > raksitâ vrttidah svesu

> > setusu sthâpitâ prthak

> > aham--I; danda-dharah--carrier of the scepter; râjâ--king; prajânâm--of the citizens; iha--in this world; yojitah--engaged; raksitâ--protector; vrtti-dah--employer; svesu--in their own; setusu--respective social orders; sthâpitâ--established; prthak--differently.

> > TRANSLATION

> > King Prthu continued: By the grace of the Supreme Lord I have been appointed the king of this planet, and I carry the scepter to rule the citizens, protect them from all danger and give them employment according to their respective positions in the social order established by Vedic injunction.

> > ********

> > TEXT 23

> > tasya me tad-anusthânâd

> > yân âhur brahma-vâdinah

> > lokâh syuh kâma-sandohâ

> > yasya tusyati dista-drk

> > tasya--his; me--mine; tat--that; anusthânât--by executing; yân--that which; âhuh--is spoken; brahma-vâdinah--by the experts in Vedic knowledge; lokâh--planets; syuh--become; kâma-sandohâh--fulfilling one's desirable objectives; yasya--whose; tusyati--becomes satisfied; dista-drk--the seer of all destiny.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Maharaja Prthu said: I think that upon the execution of my duties as king, I shall be able to achieve the desirable objectives described by experts in Vedic knowledge. This destination is certainly achieved by the pleasure of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the seer of all destiny.

> > ********

> > TEXT 24

> > ya uddharet karam râjâ

> > prajâ dharmesv asiksayan

> > prajânâm samalam bhunkte

> > bhagam ca svam jahâti sah

> > yah--anyone (king or governor); uddharet--exact; karam--taxes; râjâ--king; prajâh--the citizens; dharmesu--in executing their respective duties; asiksayan--without teaching them how to execute their respective duties; prâjanâm--of the citizens; samalam--impious; bhunkte--enjoys; bhagam--fortune; ca--also; svam--own; jahâti--gives up; sah--that king.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Any king who does not teach his citizens about their respective duties in terms of varna and asrama but who simply exacts tolls and taxes from them is liable to suffer for the impious activities which have been performed by the citizens. In addition to such degradation, the king also loses his own fortune.

> > ********

> > TEXT 25

> > tat prajâ bhartr-pindârtham

> > svârtham evânasûyavah

> > kurutâdhoksaja-dhiyas

> > tarhi me 'nugrahah krtah

> > tat--therefore; prajâh--my dear citizens; bhartr--of the master; pinda-artham--welfare after death; sva-artham--own interest; eva--certainly; anasûyavah--without being envious; kuruta--just execute; adhoksaja--the Supreme Personality of Godhead; dhiyah--thinking of Him; tarhi--therefore; me--unto me; anugrahah--mercy; krtah--being done.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Prthu Maharaja continued: Therefore, my dear citizens, for the welfare of your king after his death, you should execute your duties properly in terms of your positions of varna and asrama and should always think of the Supreme Personality of Godhead within your hearts. By doing so, you will protect your own interests, and you will bestow mercy upon your king for his welfare after death.

> > ********

> > TEXT 26

> > yûyam tad anumodadhvam

> > pitr-devarsayo 'malâh

> > kartuh sâstur anujnâtus

> > tulyam yat pretya tat phalam

> > yûyam--all you respectable persons who are present here; tat--that; anumodadhvam--kindly approve of my proposal; pitr--persons coming from Pitrloka; deva--persons coming from the heavenly planets; rsayah--great sages and saintly persons; amalâh--those who are cleansed of all sinful activities; kartuh--the performer; sâstuh--the order-giver; anujnâtuh--of the supporter; tulyam--equal; yat--which; pretya--after death; tat--that; phalam--result.

> > TRANSLATION

> > I request all the pure-hearted demigods, forefathers and saintly persons to support my proposal, for after death the result of an action is equally shared by its doer, its director and its supporter.

> > ********

> > TEXT 27

> > asti yajna-patir nâma

> > kesâncid arha-sattamâh

> > ihâmutra ca laksyante

> > jyotsnâvatyah kvacid bhuvah

> > asti--there must be; yajna-patih--the enjoyer of all sacrifices; nâma--of the name; kesâncit--in the opinion of some; arha-sattamâh--O most respectable; iha--in this material world; amutra--after death; ca--also; laksyante--it is visible; jyotsnâ-vatyah--powerful, beautiful; kvacit--somewhere; bhuvah--bodies.

> > TRANSLATION

> > My dear respectable ladies and gentlemen, according to the authoritative statements of sastra, there must be a supreme authority who is able to award the respective benefits of our present activities. Otherwise, why should there be persons who are unusually beautiful and powerful both in this life and in the life after death?

> > ********

> > TEXT 28-29

> > manor uttânapâdasya

> > dhruvasyâpi mahîpateh

> > priyavratasya râjarser

> > angasyâsmat-pituh pituh

> > îdrsânâm athânyesâm

> > ajasya ca bhavasya ca

> > prahlâdasya bales câpi

> > krtyam asti gadâbhrtâ

> > manoh--of Manu (Svâyambhuva Manu); uttânapâdasya--of Uttânapâda, the father of Dhruva Mahârâja; dhruvasya--of Dhruva Mahârâja; api--certainly; mahî-pateh--of the great king; priyavra-tasya--of Priyavrata, in the family of Mahârâja Dhruva; râjarseh--of great saintly kings; angasya--of the name Anga; asmat--my; pituh--of my father; pituh--of the father; îdrsânâm--of such personalities; atha--also; anyesâm--of others; ajasya--of the supreme immortal; ca--also; bhavasya--of the living entities; ca--also; prahlâdasya--of Mahârâja Prahlâda; baleh--of Mahârâja Bali; ca--also; api--certainly; krtyam--acknowledged by them; asti--there is; gadâ-bhrtâ--the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who carries a club.

> > TRANSLATION

> > This is confirmed not only by the evidence of the Vedas but also by the personal behavior of great personalities like Manu, Uttanapada, Dhruva, Priyavrata and my grandfather Anga, as well as by many other great personalities and ordinary living entities, exemplified by Maharaja Prahlada and Bali, all of whom are theists, believing in the existence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who carries a club.

> > ********

> > TEXT 30

> > dauhitrâdîn rte mrtyoh

> > socyân dharma-vimohitân

> > varga-svargâpavargânâm

> > prâyenaikâtmya-hetunâ

> > dauhitra-âdîn--grandsons like my father, Vena; rte--except; mrtyoh--of personified death; socyân--abominable; dharma-vimohitân--bewildered on the path of religion; varga--religion, economic development, sense gratification and liberation; svarga--elevation to the heavenly planets; apavargânâm--being freed from material contamination; prâyena--almost always; eka--one; âtmya--the Supreme Personality of Godhead; hetunâ--on account of.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Although abominable persons like my father, Vena, the grandson of death personified, are bewildered on the path of religion, all the great personalities like those mentioned agree that in this world the only bestower of the benedictions of religion, economic development, sense gratification, liberation or elevation to the heavenly planets is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

> > ********

> > TEXT 31

> > yat-pâda-sevâbhirucis tapasvinâm

> > asesa janmopacitam malam dhiyah

> > sadyah ksinoty anvaham edhatî satî

> > yathâ padângustha-vinihsrtâ sarit

> > yat-pâda--whose lotus feet; sevâ--service; abhirucih--inclination; tapasvinâm--persons undergoing severe penances; asesa--innumerable; janma--birth; upacitam--acquire; malam--dirtiness; dhiyah--mind; sadyah--immediately; ksinoti--destroys; anvaham--day after day; edhatî--increasing; satî--being; yathâ--as; pada-angustha--the toes of His lotus feet; vinihsrtâ--emanating from; sarit--water.

> > TRANSLATION

> > By the inclination to serve the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, suffering humanity can immediately cleanse the dirt which has accumulated in their minds during innumerable births. Like the Ganges water, which emanates from the toes of the lotus feet of the Lord, such a process immediately cleanses the mind, and thus spiritual or Krsna consciousness gradually increases.

> > ********

> > TEXT 32

> > vinirdhutâsesa-mano-malah pumân

> > asanga-vijnâna-visesa-vîryavân

> > yad-anghri-mûle krta-ketanah punar

> > na samsrtim klesa-vahâm prapadyate

> > vinirdhuta--being specifically cleansed; asesa--unlimited; manah-malah--mental speculation or the dirt accumulated in the mind; pumân--the person; asanga--being disgusted; vijnâna--scientifically; visesa--particularly; vîrya-vân--being strengthened in bhakti-yoga; yat--whose; anghri--lotus feet; mûle--at the root of; krta-ketanah--taken shelter; punah--again; na--never; samsrtim--material existence; klesa-vahâm--full of miserable conditions; prapadyate--takes to.

> > TRANSLATION

> > When a devotee takes shelter at the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he is completely cleansed of all misunderstanding or mental speculation, and he manifests renunciation. This is possible only when one is strengthened by practicing bhakti-yoga. Once having taken shelter at the root of the lotus feet of the Lord, a devotee never comes back to this material existence, which is full of the threefold miseries.

> > ********

> > TEXT 33

> > tam eva yûyam bhajatâtma-vrttibhir

> > mano-vacah-kâya-gunaih sva-karmabhih

> > amâyinah kâma-dughânghri-pankajam

> > yathâdhikâravasitârtha-siddhayah

> > tam--unto Him; eva--certainly; yûyam--all you citizens; bhajata--worship; âtma--own; vrttibhih--occupational duty; manah--mind; vacah--words; kâya--body; gunaih--by the particular qualities; sva-karmabhih--by occupational duties; amâyinah--without reservation; kâma-dugha--fulfilling all desires; anghri-pankajam--the lotus feet; yathâ--as far as; adhikâra--ability; avasita-artha--fully convinced of one's interest; siddhayah--satisfaction.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Prthu Maharaja advised his citizens: Engaging your minds, your words, your bodies and the results of your occupational duties, and being always open-minded, you should all render devotional service to the Lord. According to your abilities and the occupations in which you are situated, you should engage your service at the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead with full confidence and without reservation. Then you will surely be successful in achieving the final objective in your lives.

> > ********

> > TEXT 34

> > asâv ihâneka-guno 'guno 'dhvarah

> > prthag-vidha-dravya-guna-kriyoktibhih

> > sampadyate 'rthâsaya-linga-nâmabhir

> > visuddha-vijnâna-ghanah svarûpatah

> > asau--the Supreme Personality of Godhead; iha--in this material world; aneka--various; gunah--qualities; agunah--transcendental; adhvarah--yajna; prthak-vidha--varieties; dravya--physical elements; guna--ingredients; kriyâ--performances; uktibhih--by chanting different mantras; sampadyate--is worshiped; artha--interest; âsaya--purpose; linga--form; nâmabhih--name; visuddha--without contamination; vijnâna--science; ghanah--concentrated; sva-rûpatah--in His own form.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The Supreme Personality of Godhead is transcendental and not contaminated by this material world. But although He is concentrated spirit soul without material variety, for the benefit of the conditioned soul He nevertheless accepts different types of sacrifice performed with various material elements, rituals and mantras and offered to the demigods under different names according to the interests and purposes of the performers.

> > ********

> > TEXT 35

> > pradhâna-kâlâsaya-dha rma-sangrahe

> > sarîra esa pratipadya cetanâm

> > kriyâ-phalatvena vibhur vibhâvyate

> > yathânalo dârusu tad-gunâtmakah

> > pradhâna--material nature; kâla--time; âsaya--desire; dharma--occupational duties; sangrahe--aggregate; sarîre--body; esah--this; pratipadya--accepting; cetanâm--consciousness; kriyâ--activities; phalatvena--by the result of; vibhuh--the Supreme personality of Godhead; vibhâvyate--manifested; yathâ--as much as; analah--fire; dârusu--in the wood; tat-guna-âtmakah--according to shape and quality.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The Supreme Personality of Godhead is all-pervading, but He is also manifested in different types of bodies which arise from a combination of material nature, time, desires and occupational duties. Thus different types of consciousness develop, just as fire, which is always basically the same, blazes in different ways according to the shape and dimension of firewood.

> > ********

> > TEXT 36

> > aho mamâmî vitaranty anugraham

> > harim gurum yajna-bhujâm adhîsvaram

> > sva-dharma-yogena yajanti mâmakâ

> > nirantaram ksoni-tale drdha-vratâh

> > aho--O all of you; mama--unto me; amî--all of them; vitaranti--distributing; anugraham--mercy; harim--the Supreme Personality of Godhead; gurum--the supreme spiritual master; yajna-bhujâm--all the demigods eligible to accept yajna offerings; adhîsvaram--the supreme master; sva-dharma--occupational duties; yogena--by dint of; yajanti--worship; mâmakâh--having a relationship with me; nirantaram--incessantly; ksoni-tale--on the surface of the globe; drdha-vratâh--with firm determination.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the master and enjoyer of the results of all sacrifices, and He is the supreme spiritual master as well. All of you citizens on the surface of the globe who have a relationship with me and are worshiping Him by dint of your occupational duties are bestowing your mercy upon me. Therefore, O my citizens, I thank you.

> > ********

> > TEXT 37

> > mâ jâtu tejah prabhaven maharddhibhis

> > titiksayâ tapasâ vidyayâ ca

> > dedîpyamâne jita-devatânâm

> > kule svayam râja-kulâd dvijânâm

> > mâ--never do it; jâtu--at any time; tejah--supreme power; prabhavet--exhibit; mahâ--great; rddhibhih--by opulence; titiksayâ--by tolerance; tapasâ--penance; vidyayâ--by education; ca--also; dedîpyamâne--upon those who are already glorified; ajita-devatânâm--Vaisnavas, or the devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; kule--in the society; svayam--personally; râja-kulât--greater than the royal family; dvijânâm--of the brâhmanas.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The brahmanas and Vaisnavas are personally glorified by their characteristic powers of tolerance, penance, knowledge and education. By dint of all these spiritual assets, Vaisnavas are more powerful than royalty. It is therefore advised that the princely order not exhibit its material prowess before these two communities and should avoid offending them.

> > ********

> > TEXT 38

> > brahmanya-devah purusah purâtano

> > nityam harir yac-caranâbhivandanât

> > avâpa laksmîm anapâyinîm yaso

> > jagat-pavitram ca mahattamâgranîh

> > brahmanya-devah--the Lord of the brahminical culture; purusah--the Supreme Personality; purâtanah--the oldest; nityam--eternal; harih--the Personality of Godhead; yat--whose; carana--lotus feet; abhivandanât--by means of worshiping; avâpa--obtained; laksmîm--opulences; anapâyinim--perpetually; yasah--reputation; jagat--universal; pavitram--purified; ca--also; mahat--great; tama--supreme; agranîh--foremost.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the ancient, eternal Godhead, who is foremost amongst all great personalities, obtained the opulence of His staunch reputation, which purifies the entire universe, by worshiping the lotus feet of those brahmanas and Vaisnavas.

> > ********

> > TEXT 39

> > yat-sevayâsesa-guhâsayah sva-râd

> > vipra-priyas tusyati kâmam îsvarah

> > tad eva tad-dharma-parair vinîtaih

> > sarvâtmanâ brahma-kulam nisevyatâm

> > yat--whose; sevayâ--by serving; asesa--unlimited; guhâ-âsayah--dwelling within the heart of everyone; sva-rât--but still fully independent; vipra-priyah--very dear to the brâhmanas and Vaisnavas; tusyati--becomes satisfied; kâmam--of desires; îsvarah--the Supreme Personality of Godhead; tat--that; eva--certainly; tat-dharma-paraih--by following in the footsteps of the Lord; vinîtaih--by humbleness; sarva-âtmanâ--in all respects; brahma-kulam--the descendants of brâhmanas and Vaisnavas; nisevyatâm--always being engaged in their service.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is everlastingly independent and who exists in everyone's heart, is very pleased with those who follow in His footsteps and engage without reservation in the service of the descendants of brahmanas and Vaisnavas, for He is always dear to brahmanas and Vaisnavas and they are always dear to Him.

> > ********

> > TEXT 40

> > pumâl labhetânativelam âtmanah

> > prasîdato 'tyanta-samam svatah svayam

> > yan-nitya-sambandha-nisevayâ tatah

> > param kim atrâsti mukham havir-bhujâm

> > pumân--a person; labheta--can achieve; anati-velam--without delay; âtmanah--of his soul; prasîdatah--being satisfied; atyanta--the greatest; samam--peace; svatah--automatically; svayam--personally; yat--whose; nitya--regular; sambandha--relationship; nisevayâ--by dint of service; tatah--after that; param--superior; kim--what; atra--here; asti--there is; mukham--happiness; havih--clarified butter; bhujâm--those who drink.

> > TRANSLATION

> > By regular service to the brahmanas and Vaisnavas, one can clear the dirt from his heart and thus enjoy supreme peace and liberation from material attachment and be satisfied. In this world there is no fruitive activity superior to serving the brahmana class, for this can bring pleasure to the demigods, for whom the many sacrifices are recommended.

> > ********

> > TEXT 41

> > asnâty anantah khalu tattva-kovidaih

> > sraddhâ-hutam yan-mukha ijya-nâmabhih

> > na vai tathâ cetanayâ bahis-krte

> > hutâsane pâramahamsya-paryaguh

> > asnâti--eats; anantah--the Supreme personality of Godhead; khalu--nevertheless; tattva-kovidaih--persons in knowledge of the Absolute Truth; sraddhâ--faith; hutam--offering fire sacrifices; yat-mukhe--whose mouth; ijya-nâmabhih--by different names of demigods; na--never; vai--certainly; tathâ--as much; cetanayâ--by living force; bahih-krte--being bereft of; huta-asane--in the fire sacrifice; pâramahamsya--regarding devotees; paryaguh--never goes away.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Although the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Ananta, eats through the fire sacrifices offered in the names of the different demigods, He does not take as much pleasure in eating through fire as He does in accepting offerings through the mouths of learned sages and devotees, for then He does not leave the association of devotees.

> > ********

> > TEXT 42

> > yad brahma nityam virajam sanâtanam

> > sraddhâ-tapo-mangala-mauna-samyamaih

> > samâdhinâ bibhrati hârtha-drstaye

> > yatredam âdarsa ivâvabhâsate

> > yat--that which; brahma--the brahminical culture; nityam--eternally; virajam--without contamination; sanâtanam--without beginning; sraddhâ--faith; tapah--austerity; mangala--auspicious; mauna--silence; samyamaih--controlling the mind and senses; samâdhinâ--with full concentration; bibhrati--illuminates; ha--as he did it; artha--the real purpose of the Vedas; drstaye--for the purpose of finding out; yatra--wherein; idam--all this; âdarse--in a mirror; iva--like; avabhâsate--manifests.

> > TRANSLATION

> > In brahminical culture a brahmana's transcendental position is eternally maintained because the injunctions of the Vedas are accepted with faith, austerity, scriptural conclusions, full sense and mind control, and meditation. In this way the real goal of life is illuminated, just as one's face is fully reflected in a clear mirror.

> > ********

> > TEXT 43

> > tesâm aham pâda-saroja-renum

> > âryâ vaheyâdhi-kirîam âyuh

> > yam nityadâ bibhrata âsu pâpam

> > nasyaty amum sarva-gunâ-bhajanti

> > tesâm--of all of them; aham--I; pâda--feet; saroja--lotus; renum--dust; âryâh--O respectable persons; vaheya--shall bear; adhi--up to; kirîtam--helmet; âyuh--up to the end of life; yam--which; nityadâ--always; bibhratah--carrying; âsu--very soon; pâpam--sinful activities; nasyati--are vanquished; amum--all those; sarva-gunâh--fully qualified; bhajanti--worship.

> > TRANSLATION

> > O respectable personalities present here, I beg the blessings of all of you that I may perpetually carry on my crown the dust of the lotus feet of such brahmanas and Vaisnavas until the end of my life. He who can carry such dust on his head is very soon relieved of all the reactions which arise from sinful life, and eventually he develops all good and desirable qualities.

> > ********

> > TEXT 44

> > gunâyanam sîla-dhanam krta jnam

> > vrddhâsrayam samvrnate 'nu sampadah

> > prasîdatâm brahma-kulam gavâm ca

> > janârdanah sânucaras ca mahyam

> > guna-ayanam--one who has acquired all the good qualities; sîla-dhanam--one whose wealth is good behavior; krta jnam--one who is grateful; vrddha-âsrayam--one who takes shelter of the learned; samvrnate--achieves; anu--certainly; sampadah--all opulences; prasîdatâm--be pleased upon; brahma-kulam--the brâhmana class; gavâm--the cows; ca--and; janârdanah--the Supreme Personality of Godhead; sa--with; anucarah--along with His devotee; ca--and; mahyam--upon me.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Whoever acquires the brahminical qualifications--whose only wealth is good behavior, who is grateful and who takes shelter of experienced persons--gets all the opulence of the world. I therefore wish that the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His associates be pleased with the brahmana class, with the cows and with me.

> > ********

> > TEXT 45

> > maitreya uvâca

> > iti bruvânam nrpatim

> > pitr-deva-dvijâtayah

> > tustuvur hrsta-manasah

> > sâdhu-vâdena sâdhavah

> > maitreyah uvâca--the great sage Maitreya continued to speak; iti--thus; bruvânam--while speaking; nr-patim--the King; pitr--the denizens of Pitrloka; deva--the demigods; dvi jâtayah--and the twice-born (the brâhmanas and the Vaisnavas); tustuvuh--satisfied; hrsta-manasah--greatly pacified in mind; sâdhu-vâdena--by expressing congratulations; sâdhavah--all the saintly persons present.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The great sage Maitreya said: After hearing King Prthu speak so nicely, all the demigods, the denizens of Pitrloka, the brahmanas and the saintly persons present at the meeting congratulated him by expressing their good will.

> > ********

> > TEXT 46

> > putrena jayate lokân

> > iti satyavatî srutih

> > brahma-danda-hatah pâpo

> > yad veno 'tyatarat tamah

> > putrena--by the son; jayate--one becomes victorious; lokân--all the heavenly planets; iti--thus; satya-vatî--becomes true; srutih--the Vedas; brahma-danda--by the curse of brâhmanas; hatah--killed; pâpah--the most sinful; yat--as; venah--the father of Mahârâja Prthu; ati--great; atarat--became delivered; tamah--from the darkness of hellish life.

> > TRANSLATION

> > They all declared that the Vedic conclusion that one can conquer the heavenly planets by the action of a putra, or son, was fulfilled, for the most sinful Vena, who had been killed by the curse of the brahmanas, was now delivered from the darkest region of hellish life by his son, Maharaja Prthu.

> > ********

> > TEXT 47

> > hiranyakasipus câpi

> > bhagavan-nindayâ tamah

> > viviksur atyagât sûnoh

> > prahlâdasyânubhâvatah

> > hiranyakasipuh--the father of Prahlada Mahârâja; ca--also; api--again; bhagavat--of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; nindayâ--by blaspheming; tamah--in the darkest region of hellish life; viviksuh--entered; atyagât--was delivered; sûnoh--of his son; prahlâdasya--of Mahârâja Prahlâda; anubhâvatah--by the influence of.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Similarly, Hiranyakasipu, who by dint of his sinful activities always defied the supremacy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, entered into the darkest region of hellish life; but by the grace of his great son, Prahlada Maharaja, he also was delivered and went back home, back to Godhead.

> > ********

> > TEXT 48

> > vîra-varya pitah prthvyâh

> > samâh sanjîva sâsvatîh

> > yasyedrsy acyute bhaktih

> > sarva-lokaika-bhartari

> > vîra-varya--the best of the warriors; pitah--the father; prthvyâh--of the globe; samâh--equal to in years; sanjîva--live; sâsvatîh--forever; yasya--whose; îdrsî--like this; acyute--unto the Supreme; bhaktih--devotion; sarva--all; loka--planets; eka--one; bhartari--maintainer.

> > TRANSLATION

> > All the saintly brahmanas thus addressed Prthu Maharaja: O best of the warriors, O father of this globe, may you be blessed with a long life, for you have great devotion to the infallible Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the master of all the universe.

> > ********

> > TEXT 49

> > aho vayam hy adya pavitra-kîrte

> > tvayaiva nâthena mukunda-nâthâh

> > ya uttamaslokatamasya visnor

> > brahmanya-devasya kathâm vyanakti

> > aho--oh, goodness; vayam--we; hi--certainly; adya--today; pavitra-kîrte--O supreme purity; tvayâ--by you; eva--certainly; nâthena--by the Lord; mukunda--the Supreme Personality of Godhead; nâthâh--being the subject of the Supreme; ye--one who; uttama-sloka-tamasya--of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is praised by the nicest verses; visnoh--of Visnu; brahmanya-devasya--of the worshipable Lord of the brâhmanas; kathâm--words; vyanakti--expressed.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The audience continued: Dear King Prthu, your reputation is the purest of all, for you are preaching the glories of the most glorified of all, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Lord of the brahmanas. Since, due to our great fortune, we have you as our master, we think that we are living directly under the agency of the Lord.

> > ********

> > TEXT 50

> > nâtyadbhutam idam nâtha

> > tavâjîvyânusâsanam

> > prajânurâgo mahatâm

> > prakrtih karunâtmanâm

> > na--not; ati--very great; adbhutam--wonderful; idam--this; nâtha--O lord; tava--your; âjîvya--source of income; anusâsanam--ruling over the citizens; prajâ--citizens; anurâgah--affection; mahatâm--of the great; prakrtih--nature; karuna--merciful; âtmanâm--of the living entities.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Our dear lord, it is your occupational duty to rule over your citizens. That is not a very wonderful task for a personality like you, who are so affectionate in seeing to the interests of the citizens, because you are full of mercy. That is the greatness of your character.

> > ********

> > TEXT 51

> > adya nas tamasah pâras

> > tvayopâsâditah prabho

> > bhrâmyatâm nasta-drstînâm

> > karmabhir daiva-samjnitaih

> > adya--today; nah--of us; tamasah--of the darkness of material existence; pârah--the other side; tvayâ--by you; upâsâditah--increased; prabho--O lord; bhrâmyatâm--who are wandering; nasta-drstînâm--who have lost their goal of life; karmabhih--on account of past deeds; daiva-samjnitaih--arranged by superior authority.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The citizens continued: Today you have opened our eyes and revealed how to cross to the other side of the ocean of darkness. By our past deeds and by the arrangement of superior authority, we are entangled in a network of fruitive activities and have lost sight of the destination of life; thus we have been wandering within the universe.

> > ********

> > TEXT 52

> > namo vivrddha-sattvâya

> > purusâya mahîyase

> > yo brahma ksatram âvisya

> > bibhartîdam sva-tejasâ

> > namah--all obeisances; vivrddha--highly elevated; sattvâya--unto the existence; purusâya--unto the person; mahîyase--unto one who is so glorified; yah--who; brahma--brahminical culture; ksatram--administrative duty; âvisya--entering; bibharti--maintaining; idam--this; sva-tejasâ--by his own prowess.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Dear lord, you are situated in your pure existential position of goodness; therefore you are the perfect representative of the Supreme Lord. You are glorified by your own prowess, and thus you are maintaining the entire world by introducing brahminical culture and protecting everyone in your line of duty as a ksatriya.

> > Back to the running text