Padmavati Receives a Benediction From Lord Shiva

 

Text1

Suta Gosvami said: О great sages, thereafter, the Supreme Lord, Kalki, who is the personification of religious principles, described to the king the duties of brahmanas while sitting in the royal assembly, appearing just like a brilliant sun.

Text2

Lord Kalki said: When the final dissolution of the universe will take place, everyone, even Lord Brahma, will be annihilated. At that time, the entire universe will become merged within Me. In the beginning, only I existed, and thereafter, all living entities and elements emanated from Me.

T ext3

After the final dissolution, the entire universe remained unmanifest and there was no one except the Supersoul. Then, at the end of that long and dark night, I manifested My universal form in order to enact the pastime of material creation.

Text 4

That universal form of Mine has thousands of heads, thousands of eyes, and thousands of legs. From the mouth of the universal form came the supremely powerful Brahma, who spoke the four Vedas.

Texts 5-6

In accordance with My order, which is as good as the Vedas, the omniscient Brahma began his work of creating the living entities, who are My separated parts and parcels, as well as the time factor, and the planetary systems In the beginning, Brahma created the progenitors, Manus, demigods, and human beings.

Text 7

Although all of them are My parts and parcels, they engage in different kinds of activities by the arrangement of may a, under the dictation of the three modes of material nature As a result, all moving and non-moving living entities are materially designated.

Text 8

All moving and non-moving living entities are My separated parts and parcels, although they appear to be products of maya. At the end, everyone will merge into Me. The brahmanas and other members of the social order are just like parts of My body.

Text 9

The brahmanas always worship Me by the performance of devotional activities, such as sacrifice, study of the Vedas, undergoing austerities, and giving chanty.

Text 10

The twice-born devotees who preach the purport of the Vedas, and who are themselves personifications of the Vedas, please Me to such an extent that none of the demigods or anyone else can.

Text 11

The Vedic knowledge has spread only by the work of those who are twice-born. All of the living entities in this world, who are My parts and parcels, are being protected by the Vedas Therefore it is to be concluded that those who are twice-born are the principal instruments for maintaining My body.

Text 12

That is why I offer My obeisance’s to the brahmanas from My position in the mode of pure goodness. Those who are twice-born are the shelter of everyone and they serve Me, considering Me to be the basis of the entire universe.

Text 13

Vishakhayupa said: My dear Lord, kindly describe to me the characteristics of a genuine brahmana. In what way do they render devotional service unto You? It appears that their words carry the weight of Vedic injunctions, by Your mercy.

Text 14

Lord Kalki said: I exist beyond the realm of visible moving and non-moving entities, as described in the Vedas I am celebrated as the non- manifested Supreme Personality of Godhead. The Vedas are manifested in various forms through the mouths of the brahmanas.

Text 15

The religion of the brahmanas is to render pure devotional service unto Me Being pleased by their devotional service, 1 incarnate, along with Goddess Lakshmi, in every millennium.

Text 16

A sacred thread should be prepared by either married or unmarried brahmana ladies They should take three strands of thread and fold them to make six circles.

Text 17

According to the injunctions of the Vedas, the sacred thread should consist of six circles of thread. It should divide one’s back into two halves as it hang from the shoulder to the navel.

Text 18

Such a sacred thread should be worn by brahmanas who study the Yajur Veda The sacred thread for those who study the Sama Veda should hang below the navel This is the Vedic injunction When the sacred thread is placed over the left shoulder, it gives one strength.

Text 19

It is the duty of those who are twice-born to mark the forehead with tilaka made of clay, ash, or sandalwood paste Marking the body with tilaka is a limb of devotional service The brahmanas decorate their foreheads with tilaka, beginning from the nose up to the hairline.

Text 20

The length of one’s tilaka should be three fingers. Vishnu and Shiva reside within the marking of tilaka. Therefore, simply by seeing a person’s tilaka, one becomes freed from sinful reactions.

Text 21

The heavenly planets are present m the Hands of a brahmana. Worlds are non-different from the Vedas. Sacrificial ingredients also exist in the Hands of a brahmana In his body reside all the holy places, and attachment for religious principles, as well as the three modes of material nature, resides within his navel.

Text 22

The Gayatri mantra is a brahmana’s necklace, and his heart is the residence of the Supreme Brahman Religious principles reside on a brahmanas chest and religion resides on his back.

Text 23

О King, the brahmanas are considered to be the real leaders of society and so it is the duty of everyone to worship them, and show them respect by greeting them cheerfully. Even though the brahmanas may belong to any of the four ashramas, they always preach My mission as their prime occupation.

Text 24

Even young brahmana boys are enriched with transcendental knowledge and austerity. For this reason, they are very dear to Me. Indeed, I incarnate with in the material world just to show the truth of their statements, which are always based upon the Vedas.

Text 25

By hearing these discussions of those who are twice-born, good fortune will prevail as all of one’s sinful reactions are vanquished. Indeed, by such submissive hearing, one can be freed of the contamination of Kali so that no anxiety or fear will be able to enter his heart.

Text 26

After hearing these discussions, which destroy the contamination of Kali, from the lotus-like mouth of Lord Kalki, the exalted Vaishnava king, Vishakhayupa, departed with a purified mind.

Text 27

The day passed and evening approached when the supremely intelligent Shuka, who was favored by Lord Shiva, arrived before Lord Kalki after wandering about at his will. He offered his obeisance’s to Lord Kalki and then stood before Him with folded hands.

Text 28

Upon seeing Shuka, who was reciting prayers, Lord Kalki smilingly said: May you achieve auspiciousness. Where are you coming from? What have you eaten?

Text 29

Shuka said: My dear Lord, I will tell You something of great interest and so please hear me with attention I have just visited the island known as Simhala, which is situated in the middle of the ocean.

Text 30

Please listen to the wonderful characteristics of that island, which is ruled over bv a king named Brihadratha. He has a beautiful daughter whose qualities are like nectar, and which are very pleasing to hear about.

Text 31

This girl was born from the womb of Queen Kaumudi. One who heads of her divine qualities is relieved of all sinful reactions That island is inhabited by the members of all the four varnas.

Text 32

The island is decorated with beautiful palaces, residential quarters, agricultural fields, and cities. Many gates and pillars bedecked with jewels and crystal have been erected here and there. Indeed, the entire island shines like gold.

Text 33

On that island reside тащ nicely dressed women who are decorated with auspicious characteristics There are many beautiful lakes m which cranes and swans are seen placing.

Text 34

These lakes were filled with lotus flowers and water lilies, and they are surrounding bv gardens filled with jasmine and other varieties of flowers. Bumblebees hover over those flowers, being intoxicated by their aroma and honey Everywhere there are seen beautiful gardens, bushes, and creepers.

Texts 35-36

That beautiful island is ruled by the pious King Brihadratha. His daughter, named Padmavati, is certainly glorious and possessed of a spotless reputation. Such a talented girl, possessing matchless beauty, is very rarely found within the three worlds. Just by seeing her, one is reminded of Rati, the enchanter of the named of Cupid She is a wonderful creation of the creator and her characteristics are simply wonderful.

Text 37

She worships Lord Shiva, along with her companions as Parvati is respected and worshiped by all, this princess is adored by one and all In the association of her friends, she remains fully absorbed in chanting mantras and meditating on the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Text 38

Understanding that Kamala, whose face is exquisitely beautiful and who is very dear to Lord Hari, had incarnated with in this world, Shankara, the lord of the demigods, along with Parvarti, joyfully came to see her.

Text 39

Upon seeing Lord Shiva and Parvati before her, eager to bestow upon her a benediction, Padmavati shyly stood with her head bent down, being unable to utter a sound.

Text 40

Lord Shiva said: О fortunate one, you will receive Lord Narayana as your husband. He will joyfully accept your Hand in marriage. Rest assured that there is no other prince on earth who is a suitable match for you.

Text 41

Anyone who lustily casts his glance upon you will immediately be transformed into a woman, regardless of his age.

Text 42

Whether they be demigods, demons, Nagas, Gandharvas, Charanas, or anyone else, if they simply desire to enjoy a conjugal relationship with you, they will immediately transform into women.

Texts 43-44

However, this curse is not applicable to Lord Hari, who is your only husband. It is only applicable to others. Now, you may give up your penance and return home. Do not give any further trouble to your tender body, which is the object for the attainment of great happiness. О lover of Hari! О Kamala! Please take care of your soft and gentle body. After awarding his benediction to Padmavati, Lord Shiva disappeared from view.

Text 45

Having received her desired benediction from Lord Shiva, Padmavati’s happiness knew no bound, so that her face blossomed brightly. She then offered her obeisance’s to Uma and Mahadeva and returned home.

Thus ends the translation of the fourth chapter of Shri Kalki Purana.

 

CHAPTER FIVE

Padmavati’s Svayamvara

 

Text 1

Shuka said: After a long time had passed, King Brihadratha realized that his daughter, Padmavati, had grown up. Fearing some misbehavior on her part, the king began to consider the matter very seriously.

Text2

He addressed his queen: О fortunate one, I am considering Handing over my daughter to a pious king who belongs to a noble family and thus accept him as my son-m-law.

T ext3

However, the queen said. О King, the lord of Parvati has already assured us that Padmavati’s husband will undoubtedly be Lord Hari.

Text 4

Upon hearing this, King Brihadratha said: When will Lord Hari, who is present within the hearts of all living entities, accept our daughter as His wife?

Texts 5-6

I do not feel that I am so fortunate as to be able to Hand over my daughter to Lord Vishnu. What piety have I accumulated so that I will be able to accept Lord Hari as my son-in-law? Therefore, just like the Muni’s daughter, Vedavati, or Lakshmi, who appeared from the ocean of milk as it was being churned, I would like to arrange a svayamvara for my jewel-like daughter, Padmavati. Let Lord Hari come and accept her in this way.

Text 7

Having made this resolution, the king invited all the other kings of the country who were adorned with good qualities, of good character, learned, very wealthy, and m the prime of their youth.

Text 8

To insure the svayamvara’s grand success, King Brihadratha made auspicious arrangements throughout his kingdom. He ordered religious rituals to be performed throughout the land, and he also made arrangements for the stay of the invited guests.

Text 9

Meanwhile, many kings having the desire to accept Padmavati’s Hand in marriage arrived in that island fully decorated with golden ornaments and accompanied by their armies.

Text 10

Some kings and princes arrived on chariots, some on elephants, and yet others came ndmg on beautiful horses. A white umbrella was held over the heads of these powerful kings as they were fanned with white chamaras.

Texts 11-13

Because of the highly shining weapons in their Hands, these princes appeared as beautiful as Indra, surrounded by all the demigods Among the kings who arrived there were Ruciras’va, Shukarma, Madiraksa, Drdhasuga, Krishnasara, Parada, Jimuta, Kruramardana, Kasa, Kusambu, Vasuman, Kanka, Kracharia, Safijaya, Gurumitra, Piamathl, Vijrmbhah, Srnjaya and Aksama.

Text 14

When the kings arrived at the svayamvara, they were respectfully greeted and thus they took their seats in a happy mood. A dancing and singing program then commenced for their pleasure Because of the presence of these illustrious rulers of men, the arena looked very colorful and enchanting.

Text 15

The eyes and minds of everyone who saw these aristocratic and powerful kings became filled with joy. When everyone was comfortably seated, Brihadratha requested his associates to bring his uniquely beautiful daughter onto the stage.

Text 16

Padmavati’s complexion was golden, and her face resembled the full moon She possessed all godly qualities, and she was decorated with a garland of flowers Her entire body was covered with jewels, pearls, and coral.

Text 17

When I saw Padmavati, I considered her to be the personification of maya, which bewilders everyone. Then again, I wondered whether she was Rati-devi herself, the beloved consort of Cupid, appearing upon the earth Although I have traveled throughout the heavenly planets, as well as on this earth, and indeed throughout the entire three worlds, I had never seen a more beautiful girl tHari Padmavati.

Text 18

When Padmavati came out from the palace, hundreds of her companions and maid-servants surrounded her on all sides.

Texts 19-21

When the princess left the palace, she was protected by her personal guards, who were equipped with various weapons. Professional singers walked before her as she arrived at the svayamvara arena. An enchaniting sound was created by her ankle bells and her earrings swung back and forth as she slowly entered within the midst of the assembled kings and princes, gazing in all directions, a flower garland in her Hand. Padmavati was then informed of the family background and distinguishing characteristics ot all those who had come seeking her Hari in marriage.

Text 22

Her hair swung to and fro as she glanced about the arena, and this increased the beauty of her cheeks. Her face appeared even more beautiful when she smiled, so that she resembled a fully blossomed lotus flower.

Text 23

The waist of the princess was very thm, she was dressed in red garments, and her voice was pleasing to the ear, like the singing of a cuckoo When I saw all of these manifestations of feminine attractiveness, I thought that the princess had decided to purchase the entire three worlds by paying the price of her exquisite beauty.

Text 24

As soon as the assembled kings saw the jewel-like Padmavati, they became greatly afflicted by the arrows of the Cupid Indeed, they were so struck with wonder that that their weapons fell from their hands.

Text25

However, as the kings gazed upon the princess with lusty desires, they suddenly transformed into females, much to their astonishment. Their bodily features, chaiactenstics, and personalities became just like women. Their waists were thin an d their figures were beautiful. Indeed, their beautiful bodies bent slightly forward due to the weight of their heavy breasts.

Text26

Their movements and smiles, as well as their dancing and singing skills became that of a woman. Their faces appeared charming, just like blooming lotus flowers. Upon finding themselves to be beautiful women, the kings followed Padmavati as if they were h e r companions.

Text27

At that time, I climbed up into a banyan tree, desiring to watch the svayamvara of Padmavati. I was already very upset after seeing all that had taken place. I waited just to hear if Padmavati would express her unhappmess because all the kings had turned into women.

Text28

О Lord Kalki, You are the master of the universe. Let me disclose to You the lamentations of Your consort, Kamala. while she was meditating upon her worshipable lord, Shankara.

Text 29

All the kings who came there, hoping to marry Padmavati, were rejected by their respective carriers, the elephants and horses, and even their soldiers. When they followed the princess as her companions, she took off all her ornaments and began to write something on the ground with her right toe. With a desire to make the words of Lord Shiva come true, Padmavati fixed her mind on her own beloved Lord Hari, the supreme controller.

Thus ends the translation of the fifth chapter of Shri Kalki Purana.

 

CHAPTER SIX

⇐ Предыдущая12345678910Следующая ⇒

Поделиться: