The Bhagavata Purana 3

by Bibek Debroy

  218 He assumed many different forms, so that there was a Krishna between every two gopis.

  219 There were many Krishnas, as dark blue as clouds.

  220 Dhruva pada.

  221 The nakshatras.

  222 The dams constructed along fields. There is an allusion to Krishna having broken down common social norms.

  223 The bees were buzzing like singing gandharvas.

  224 That is, he was not affected by any of this.

  225 And is not polluted.

  226 A muhurta is a period of forty-eight minutes. Brahma muhurta is named after Brahma and is an auspicious time just before dawn, regarded as the last muhurta of the night. The precise hour depends on the time when the sun rises.

  227 The god in question is Shiva, Ambika is Parvati’s name.

  228 Krishna and Balarama.

  229 Kubera is the lord of riches/treasure. Guhyakas are a semi-divine species who are Kubera’s companions.

  230 Lakshmi.

  231 The arms of the rivers are the waves, which actually fail to touch him.

  232 Meaning Yashoda.

  233 Minstrels and bards who sang the composition of others.

  234 Krishna’s name, one who wears a garland of wild flowers.

  235 The moon.

  236 The ones sent by Kamsa to kill Krishna.

  237 Vasudeva.

  238 Divine sage.

  239 Meaning Shiva. The idea is that Kamsa offers a sacrifice to Shiva and Shiva’s bow as a counter to Krishna.

  240 Akrura was generous in giving gifts and was known as Danapati.

  241 Jarasandha was Kamsa’s father-in-law.

  242 Garuda.

  243 Cucumber.

  244 Shankha means Panchajana and Yavana means Kalayavana.

  245 Viryashulka is when the maiden is offered to the suitor who shows the most valour (virya), shulka meaning price.

  246 Described in Chapter 10(64).

  247 An akshouhini is an army, consisting of 21,870 chariots, 21,870 elephants, 65,610 horse riders and 109,350 foot soldiers.

  248 As in pradakshina. Since this is a good omen, Akrura will be able to see Krishna.

  249 The text has this double negation.

  250 Bodies.

  251 Shakra.

  252 Literally, sweet-smelling and fragrant. There is also a plant and a flower by the name of sougandhika.

  253 Kshetra is the field, that is, the body. Kshetrajna is one who knows the body, that is, the soul, both human and universal.

  254 Shvaphalka was Akrura’s father.

  255 Kamsa’s order.

  256 Since the word used is kishora, they were older than ten and younger than fifteen.

  257 A mixture of honey and water, customarily offered to a guest.

  258 Akrura was senior.

  259 Alternatively, instead of offspring, the subjects.

  260 Akrura was also descended from Madhu and was also Madhava.

  261 Nanda.

  262 Krura means cruel and Akrura means someone who is not cruel.

  263 The blinking of an eye.

  264 Krishna.

  265 The chariot had halted there.

  266 Ananta, Shesha.

  267 Interpreted as Kailasa.

  268 Strictly speaking, two big toes and other toes. That is what a literal translation would be.

  269 The number nine means the saptarshis, Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and Vasishtha, and two others who are not in the list, but are important enough. For example, Kashyapa and Jamadagni are possibilities.

  270 Uparichara Vasu.

  271 The personified forms of the goddesses. Pushti is nourishment, Gira is speech/Sarasvati, Kanti is beauty, Kirti is fame, Tushti is contentment, Ila is the earth, Urja is energy, Avidya is the negation of Vidya and Shakti is power.

  272 Akrura.

  273 Interpreted as ahamkara.

  274 That which is not born is interpreted as Prakriti and the other is Purusha.

  275 Brahma.

  276 Prakriti.

  277 Destiny, nature and one’s own nature, respectively.

  278 Karma and yoga having been mentioned, this is interpreted as the pancharatra mode, agama texts followed by the Satvatas.

  279 Narasimha.

  280 Parashurama.

  281 Barbarians, those who did not speak Sanskrit.

  282 Akrura.

  283 Akrura.

  284 The Ganga.

  285 Shrenis.

  286 When the ornaments were in pairs.

  287 Applied collyrium.

  288 This is interpreted as distress due to separation from him.

  289 Krishna.

  290 After death. Form like his own means sarupya.

  291 Later, Sudamna is often referred to as Sudama.

  292 Padya is water to wash the feet, arghya is a gift.

  293 Maidservant.

  294 Literally, bent in three places—neck, breasts and waist.

  295 This has an interpretation that they used contrasting colours to enhance their own natural complexions. Krishna used yellow paste and Balarama used blue paste.

  296 The rainbow.

  297 When awake and when asleep. When sleeping, he had nightmares.

  298 In a mirror, or in the water.

  299 Ghosts.

  300 Nalada is identified as the Indian spikenard, or as the Hibiscus rosa. Here, it probably means the hibiscus, red in colour.

  301 The elephant keeper also had assistants. Hence the plural.

  302 Trinavarta.

  303 Shankhachuda.

  304 Dhenuka was killed by Balarama, but a distinction is not being drawn between Krishna and Balarama. Alternatively, the residents of Mathura may have got some wrong reports.

  305 Here too, Vatsa and Baka were actually killed by Krishna.

  306 Literally, a boy who is younger than fifteen years.

  307 Does not speak and remains silent, or defends adharma.

  308 Ramaa, Lakshmi.

  309 A pole erected for a sacrifice to Indra is brought down after the sacrifice is over.

  310 In the arena.

  311 The royal gallery.

  312 Kamsa.

  313 Divine ones.

  314 Kamsa’s wives and the wives of his brothers.

  315 This curse has been described in Chapter 9(19). Yadu and his descendants were barred from inheriting Yayati’s kingdom. This doesn’t solve the problem, since Ugrasena was also descended from Yadu. The interpretation is that Ugrasena was permitted this deviation because he was so commanded by Krishna.

  316 Shura’s son means Vasudeva. Dvija samskara means the second birth and refers to the sacred thread ceremony.

  317 The brahmanas.

  318 Cows and calves.

  319 As long as they were students, they would follow the vow of brahmacharya. This was taken by reciting the gayatri mantra. Therefore, the vow is known as gayatra.

  320 Avantipura is the city of Avanti, also known as Ujjaini/Ujjain. By deduction, Sandipani originally hailed from Kashi/Varanasi, though it is also possible that this refers to his gotra being Kashyapa.

  321 Vedanga means a branch of the Vedas and these were six kinds of learning that were essential to understand the Vedas—shiksha (phonetics), kalpa (rituals), vyakarana (grammar), nirukta (etymology), chhanda (metre) and jyotisha (astronomy). Dhanurveda means the science of warfare. The six schools of darshana or philosophy are nyaya, vaisheshika, samkhya, yoga, mimamsa and Vedanta. Samkhya and yoga are not mentioned in the text and Vedanta is left implicit. The text uses the word anvikshiki knowledge (translated as knowledge of logic), which would naturally mean mimamsa, closely allied to nyaya. The six methods of political science (rajaniti) are sandhi (peace), vigraha (war), yana (marching), asana (remaining in one place), dvaidhi (dividing one’s forces into two parts) and samshraya (seeking refuge).

  322 There are sixty-four types of arts (kala)—(1) singing; (2) playing on musical instruments; (3) dancing; (4) drama; (5) painting; (6) painting th
e body; (7) making designs with rice and flowers for offerings; (8) using flowers to make beds; (9) painting teeth, limbs and garments; (10) ornamenting a floor with precious stones; (11) preparing a bed; (12) playing music with water pots; (13) mixing colours; (14) making wreaths and garlands; (15) ornamenting the head; (16) beautifying the body with garments; (17) decorating the ears; (18) making fragrances; (19) making ornaments; (20) jugglery; (21) using disguise; (22) sleight of hand; (23) preparing tasty food; (24) preparing tasty and colourful drinks; (25) needlework and weaving; (26) puppetry; (27) making musical instruments; (28) solving puzzles; (29) making images; (30) speaking cryptically; (31) reciting from books; (32) dramaturgy; (33) solving enigmatic verses; (34) cane work and making arrows; (35) spinning; (36) carpentry; (37) architecture; (38) testing silver and jewels; (39) metallurgy; (40) decorating jewels with colours; (41) mineralogy; (42) medicine using herbs; (43) arranging fights between rams, cocks and quails; (44) teaching parrots to speak; (45) driving out (an enemy or a disease); (46) hairdressing; (47) reading letters hidden inside a closed fist; (48) learning mlechchha languages; (49) learning indigenous languages; (50) making toy carts with flowers; (51) constructing magic squares; (52) conversation; (53) mind reading; (54) lexicography; (55) prosody; (56) gambling; (57) controlling evil spirits; (58) attracting remoted objects; (59) playing children’s games; (60) using mystical powers; (61) playing tricks; (62) disguising the inferior quality of a cloth; (63) using rituals; and (64) making amulets. Since these are translated from long Sanskrit words, the list of sixty-four varies from one interpretation to another.

  323 A maharatha is a great charioteer.

  324 Balarama.

  325 This is Sandipani speaking.

  326 The preceptor of the gods.

  327 Type of duck.

  328 Krishna.

  329 Nanda.

  330 That is, Vasudeva.

  331 Arishta.

  332 Thrice the length of a palm tree.

  333 Respectively, human, subhuman and Narasimha avataras.

  334 Depending on the interpretation, this is also translated in a slightly different way.

  335 The plural is used, but it is clearly a single gopi speaking.

  336 The hair on the bee.

  337 The women from Mathura.

  338 Lakshmi, the one who is seated on a lotus.

  339 Vijaya is Arjuna’s name. Vijaya’s friend is an indirect way of referring to Krishna.

  340 There are seven nether regions—atala, vitala, sutala, rasatala, talatala, mahatala and patala.

  341 As Rama, the Indra among the apes being Vali.

  342 Respectively Sita and Shurpanakha.

  343 Meaning Nanda.

  344 Sushupti.

  345 Svairinis are loose women who have sex with anyone they want, but only with those from the same varna. Here, the word is being used in a broader sense of a courtesan. Pingala’s story will be told in the Eleventh Skandha.

  346 There is scope for interpretation. Alternatively, they realized that Adhokshaja was within themselves.

  347 Kshana.

  348 Or, what is the point of being born as Brahma?

  349 In the eyes of their husbands and families.

  350 The king of medicines is interpreted as amrita, drunk by the gods.

  351 That of the gopis.

  352 Brahma.

  353 Uddhava.

  354 Here, Vasudeva means Krishna’s father and the king is Ugrasena.

  355 Trivakra.

  356 This is a reference to the boon asked for by Trivakra.

  357 From the sacred texts.

  358 The sight of virtuous ones purifies instantly, while tirthas and gods have to be worshipped for a long time.

  359 Hastinapura.

  360 Dhritarashtra. Dhritarashtra’s mother was Ambika. While Dhritarashtra was physically blind, the blindness can also be taken to be metaphorical. Dhritarashtra’s son was Duryodhana.

  361 Somadatta.

  362 Drona.

  363 Kripa.

  364 Duryodhana is often referred to as Suyodhana.

  365 Ashvatthama.

  366 Akrura.

  367 By deceitful, one presumably means Shakuni, though Shakuni is not named.

  368 Pritha/Kunti and Akrura were cousins.

  369 Akrura.

  370 Krishna and the others.

  371 The wealth is enjoyed by sons.

  372 Akrura was generous in giving gifts and was known as Danapati.

  373 Krishna’s intention is to kill all the wicked kings, not only the ones who have assembled at the moment. Therefore, Jarasandha should remain alive, so that he can raise more armies.

  374 Jarasandha.

  375 As Nanda’s son.

  376 This can be interpreted as Jarasandha’s affliction because of his son-in-law’s death.

  377 Jarasandha was born in two pieces and these were brought together and revived by the demoness Jara.

  378 Respectively, the chariots of Krishna and Balarama.

  379 The comparison is with a river.

  380 Of the chariots. Alternatively, the shields.

  381 Balarama.

  382 Respectively, words from the sacred texts, as well as common maxims. Friendly kings restrained Jarasandha from retiring to the forest.

  383 Minstrels and bards who also composed.

  384 Kalayavana asked Narada who would be good enough to fight against him and Narada mentioned the Yadavas.

  385 The architect of the gods.

  386 The science of architecture.

  387 Sudharma is the assembly hall of the gods and Parijata is Indra’s celestial coral tree.

  388 We have taken liberties with the text in this sentence, since the meaning isn’t obvious. Does it mean within Sudharma? Does it mean near the Parijata tree? We have interpreted it more generally.

  389 Kubera’s eight treasures (nidhi) are named Mahapadma (large lotus), Padma (lotus), Shankha (conch shell), Kurma (tortoise), Nila (sapphire), Kunda (jasmine), Kumuda (a jewel) and Makara. However, the list varies.

  390 Kalayavana.

  391 A makara is a mythical aquatic creature, but can loosely be translated as shark or crocodile.

  392 Krishna.

  393 This cave has been identified as a lake near Dhavalapura (Dholapur), ten yojanas from Mathura. There used to be a mountain there earlier.

  394 Kalayavana.

  395 Kartikeya, Kumara.

  396 To protect them, Muchukunda had gone to heaven, though he was unable to enjoy heaven, since he was busy fighting the asuras.

  397 Muchukunda asked for the boon that he might sleep for a long time. If anyone disturbed his sleep, he would instantly be reduced to ashes.

  398 Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

  399 That is, you are the most important of these three. Therefore, you are Vishnu.

  400 Yuvanashva’s son was Mandhata. Mandhata’s (Youvanashva’s) son was Muchukunda.

  401 Past, present and future.

  402 Vaasudeva.

  403 That is, made of earth.

  404 Through predatory creatures, burial or cremation.

  405 Without taints.

  406 The one without qualities or attributes, the brahman.

  407 The five senses and the mind.

  408 Breathing.

  409 Kali yuga hadn’t quite arrived, since it would set in after Krishna’s death. However, it was imminent.

  410 Kalayavana was only the leader of the yavanas.

  411 Indra.

  412 Revata’s son was Kakudmi/Raivata and his daughter was Revati. This incident has been described in Chapter 9(3).

  413 Svayamvara is a ceremony where the maiden herself (svayam) chooses her husband (vara) from assembled suitors.

  414 Garuda.

  415 Shishupala’s.

  416 There were eight forms of marriage—some desirable, others less so. One of these undesirable forms is rakshasa, where the bride is forcibly abducted by the groom.

  417 As conveyed by the brahmana.
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  418 Daughter of the mountain, Parvati.

  419 The brahmana’s.

  420 There is the implicit image of those kings being like kindling and Rukmini resembling a fire generated by churning kindling.

  421 From the brahmana.

  422 Constellation.

  423 Kundina was the capital of Vidarbha, identified with Kaundinyapura in Amravati division.

  424 Triyama, three yamas, nine hours.

  425 Brahma.

  426 An interpretation is added. Since Rukmini was born from Shri’s portion, the brahmana would be blessed with prosperity.

  427 Bhishmaka.

  428 This is the citizens speaking with each other.

  429 This is Rukmini praying.

  430 Those whose husbands were alive.

  431 Literally, a kanthasutra is a thread worn around the neck. It can be interpreted as the mangalasutra worn by married women.

  432 Rukmini. They gave her prasada.

  433 We have deliberately not translated shyama. Usually, this means dark. But shyama also means a woman who has not had children and it is this second meaning, in the sense of virgin, which is intended here. More specifically, shyama is used for a maiden who is not yet sixteen years old.

  434 The enemy.

  435 This is Jarasandha speaking.

  436 Krishna.

  437 The shame contributing to this.

  438 Addressed to Rukmini. His words are partly addressed to Rukmini and partly to Krishna.

  439 Brahma.

  440 This is addressed to Rukmini.

  441 Such as the sun or the moon, reflected in different images in different vessels of water.

  442 One perceives the sun through the eye.

  443 A small measure of time.

  444 Kuhu is the deity (and the day) for the night of the new moon. The moon disappears (dies), but this is not real.

  445 Rukmi.

  446 Identified as a village near Vidisha, in Bhopal district.

  447 Ramaa, Shri/Lakshmi.

  448 Kama is the god of love. When he disturbed Shiva, the fire in Shiva’s third eye reduced him to ashes. Kama thus became Ananga (the one without a body).

  449 Kama resorted to Vasudeva.

  450 Pradyumna would kill the asura Shambara.

  451 Mayavati used to work in the kitchen. She was Rati, Kama’s wife, and had taken birth so that she might be reunited with her husband.

  452 Great maya.

  453 A malevolent being that survives on human flesh.

  454 Dvaraka.

  455 For example, the shrivatsa mark and Koustubha were missing.