Stava-mālā chapter-44

Chando’stadasakam 491

samphulla-cchandah |

The meter is samphulla. It is described as follows:

chandas tad yato lau yadi samphullaka-namancati

Starting with Ils sll 11 (ta, ya, la, la) is called samphulla.

The poem has been written according to this.

atha rasakrida The Rasa dance

parisphuratu sundaram caritam atra laksmi-pates tatha bhuvana-nandinas tad-avatara-vmdasya ca I harer api camatkrti-prakara-vardhanah kintu me bibharti hrdi vismayam kam api rasa-lila-rasah ||30||

May the beautiful pastimes of the lord of Laksmi manifest in this world. May the pastimes of all avataras, giving joy to the world manifest. But the rasa of the rasa dance, increasing the astonishment of Krsna himself, cause indescribable astonishment in my heart.

The author describes how the rasa dance to be discussed is supreme among all pastimes. May all the pastimes of power concerning Visnu with Laksmi as described in the scriptures, manifest in this world. May the pastimes of all his avataras such as Narasimha manifest in this world. These are not astonishing to me. But the rasa of the rasa dance causes indescribable astonishment in my heart. That pastime increases the astonishment of the Lord himself, Krsna.

santi yadyapi me prajya Illas tas ta manoharah | na hi jane smrte rase mono me kidrsam bhavet ||

Though all my major pastimes in Vraja are attractive, I do not know what will happen to my mind when I think of the rasa dance. (Brhad-vamana Parana)

sarada-vidhu-viksana-madhu-vardhita-mada-pura ista-bhajana-vallabha-jana-citta-kamala-sura gopa-yuvati-mandala-rnati-mohana-kala-gita mukta-sakala-krtya-vikala-yauvata-parivita

O Krsna, intoxicated by the honey of seeing the autumn moon! O Krsna, sun for the lotus hearts of the gopis dedicated to you! O Krsna, bewildering the gopis by the sound of your flute! O Krsna, surrounded by helpless gopis who gave up household duties!

You became more intoxicated by the liquor of seeing the autumn moon. You are the sun for the lotus hearts of the gopis who were dedicated to you. You make their minds blossom. The next line is clear. You enchant the gopis by the sound of your flute. You are surrounded by gopis who came, made helpless by the flute sound (yikala), giving up their household duties.

yosid-amala-netra-kamala-lobhi-dasana-mala kautuka-bhara-nirmita-khara-narma-vacana-jala tan-nisamana-sasru-nayana-bhirubhir abhinlta vallabha-jana-kheda-Samana-vibhrama-bhara-vita

O Krsna, showing your teeth as you smiled out of greed for the pure lotus eyes of the gopis! O Krsna, who joked profusely with rough words out of joy! O Krsna, who lured the gopis who, hearing your words, wept! O Krsna, who skillfully pacified the lamentation of the gopis!

You showed your teeth in a smile expressing your desire for the pure lotus eyes of the gopis. You spoke intolerable, rough, joking words filled with crooked words expressing your joy. “Why

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have you chaste women come to the forest at night? This is condemned. If you say you came to see the forest in the autumn moon, that has been achieved. If you came to see me, everyone is attracted to me, not just you. Therefore, it is best to go home quickly.”

You brought the gopis who hearing your words began to weep. Bhlru means a woman according to Dhananjaya. They entreated him, “You should not speak to us in this way since we, surrendered to you, were called by you in the night.” With charm you pacified the gopis’ lamentation.

syama-vimala-kanti-patala-dhuta-madana-laksa raktima-dhara-yosid-adhara-cumba-racana-daksa vigraha-pada-yauvata-mada-viksana-parilina candima-dhara-bhakta-nikara-mana-bhuja-ga-vina

O Krsna, causing hundreds of thousands of Cupids to tremble by your dark, pure beauty! O Krsna, expert at kissing the gopis’ coral-red lips! O Krsna, who disappeared on seeing the pride of the gopis, which was contrary to the dance! O Krsna, Garuda for the snake of pride in the angry gopis!

You make a hundred thousand Cupids tremble by your pure, dark beauty. With your gopi associates your beauty bewilders Cupid. You are expert at kissing the gopis’ lips, red like coral. Sukadeva says:

Hi viklavitam tasam Srutva yogesvaresvarah prahasya sa-dayam gopir atmaramo ’py ariramat

Smiling upon hearing these despondent words from the gopis, Lord Krsna, the supreme master of all masters of mystic yoga, mercifully enjoyed with them, although he is self-satisfied. (SB 10.29.42)

tabhih sametabhir udara-cestitah priyeksanotphulla-mukhibhir acyutah udara-hasa-dvija-kunda-didhatir vyarocatainanka ivodubhir vrtah

Among the assembled gopis, the infallible Lord Krsna appeared just like the moon surrounded by stars. He whose activities are so magnanimous made their faces blossom with his affectionate glances, and his broad smiles revealed the effulgence of his jasmine-bud-like teeth. (SB 10.29.43)

bahu-prasara-parirambha-karalakoru nivi-standlabhana-narma-nakhagra-pataih ksvelydvaloka-hasitairvraja-sundarinam uttambhayan rati-patim ramayam cakara

Sri Krsna went with the gopis to the bank of the Yamuna, where the sand was cooling and the wind, enlivened by the river’s waves, bore the fragrance of lotuses. There Krsna threw his arms around the gopis and embraced them. He aroused Cupid in the beautiful young ladies of Vraja by touching their hands, hair, thighs, belts and breasts, by playfully scratching them with his fingernails, and also by joking with them, glancing at them and laughing with them. In this way the Lord enjoyed his pastimes. (SB 10.29.46)

You disappeared on seeing the gopis’ pride in their good fortune, who took shelter of a position which was contrary to the rasa dance. Vigraha means conflict according to Visvalocana. You were Garuda (vina) for the snake of pride in all the angry gopis, who thought “I am the best.”

“The rasa dance with unity can only take place when their pride is destroyed by separation from me.” Thus he disappeared.

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Sukadeva says:

evam bhagavatah krsnal labdha-mana mahatmanah dtmanam menire strinam maninyo hy adhikam bhuvi

The gopis became proud of themselves for having received such special attention from Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and each of them thought herself the best woman on earth. (SB 10.29.47)

tasam tat-saubhaga-madarh viksya manath ca kesavah prasamaya prasadaya tatraivantaradhlyata

Lord Kesava, seeing the gopis too proud of their good fortune, wanted to relieve them of this pride and show them further mercy. Thus he immediately disappeared. (SB 10.29.48)

lola-galibhir arta-matibhir abhir anabhidrsta puspa-gurusu valli-tarusu bhurisu. pariprsta labdha-nalina-gandha-pulina-gopy-anukrta-lila sasvad-amita-ranga-ramita-radhika vara-sila

O Krsna, unseen by the gopis, full of pain, and trembling as they walked! O Krsna, about whom they asked the many creepers and trees laden with flowers! O Krsna, whose pastimes were imitated by the gopis on the bank laden with lotus fragrance! O Krsna, who enjoyed constantly unlimited pastimes with Radha! O Krsna, whose nature is most excellent!

You could not be seen by the gopis, in pain and trembling as they walked. They inquired about you from the flowering trees. Sukadeva says:

antarhite bhagavati sahasaiva vrajanganah atapyams tam acaksanah karinya ivayuthapam

When Lord Krsna disappeared so suddenly, the gopis felt great sorrow at losing sight of him, like a group of female elephants who have lost their mate. (SB 10.30.1)

gayantya uccair amum eva samhata vicikyur unmattaka-vad vanad vanam papracchur akasa-vad antaram bahir bhutesu santam purusam vanaspatin

Singing loudly of Krsna, they searched for him throughout the Vrndavana forest like a band of madwomen. They even asked the trees about him, who as the Supersoul is present inside and outside of all created things, just like the sky. (SB 10.30.4)

Your pastimes of killing Putana, breaking the cart, etc., were imitated by the gopis on the bank fragrant with lotuses. Sukadeva

says:

ity unmatta-vaco gopyah krsnanvesana-katarah Illa bhagavatas tas ta hy anucakrus tad-atmikah

Having spoken these words, the gopis, distraught from searching for Krsna, began to act out his various pastimes, fully absorbed in thoughts of him. (SB 10.30.14)

When he disappeared he took Radha with him. You constantly enjoyed unlimited pastimes with Radha. You had an excellent nature, responding to Radha, who had the most excellence.

phuUa-susama-vanya-kusuma-mandita-dayitanga keli-talina-vaktra-nalina-bhrngita-tad-apanga nirbhara-rati-vardhana-mati-nihnuta-nija-deha prema-Sarana-vallabha-gana-mdnasa-kusa-leha

O Krsna, who decorated Radha’s limb with beautiful, blossoming forest flowers! O Krsna, whose lotus face, the bed

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of pastimes, made Radha’s glance into a bee! O Krsna, who disappeared from her, thinking of increasing the rasa dance to the extreme! O Krsna, whose actions made the minds of the surrendered gopis auspicious!

You decorated her limbs with beautiful blossoming forest flowers. You transformed her glance into a bee for your lotus face, the abode of pastimes. Talina means bed according to Halayudha.

tais taih padais tat-padavim anvicchantyo ’grato’balah vadhvah padaih su-prktani vilokyartah samabruvan

The gopis began following Krsna’s path, as shown by his many footprints, but when they saw that these prints were thoroughly intermixed with those of his dearmost consort, they became perturbed and spoke as follows. (SB 10.30.26)

kasyah padani caitani yataya nanda-sununa amsa-nyasta-prakosthayah karenoh karinayathd

[The gopis said:] Here we see the footprints of some gopl who must have been walking along with the son of Nanda Maharaja. He must have put his arm on her shoulder, just as an elephant rests his trunk on the shoulder of an accompanying she-elephant. (SB 10.30.27)

anayaradhito nunam bhagavan harir isvarah yan no vihaya govindah prito yam anayad rahah

Certainly this particular gopi has perfectly worshiped the all-powerful Personality of Godhead, Govinda, since he was so pleased with her that he abandoned the rest of us and brought her to a secluded place. (SB 10.30.28)

Thus, the supreme position of Radha is proved. Without their minds being one, the rasa dance could not take place. He began to accomplish this. You disappeared thinking of increasing the rasa dance with their minds being one. You thought that you should disappear from Radha also to make their minds one. You acted in this way to make the minds of the gopis who were dependent on affection, auspicious. You acted for giving auspiciousness to all the gopis. To make their mind one for happiness in the rasa dance, you disappeared from all of them.

drsta-vikala-radha-nikhila-yauvata-parihuta bhuri-rudita-tat-tad-udita-vithibhir abhibhuta viklava-tanu-gopa-sutanu-locana-padavita caru-hasana pita-vasana kunkuma-bhara-pita

O Krsna, beckoned by all the gopis when they saw Radha suffering! O Krsna, conquered by the gopis as they wept intensely! O Krsna, who appeared to the disturbed gopis! O Krsna, with attractive smile, with yellow cloth! O Krsna, yellowed by abundant kuhkuma!

All the gopis called out to you on seeing Radha in distress. Sukadeva says:

ity evam darsayantyas tas cerur gopyo vicetasah yam gopim anayat krsno vihayanyah striyo vane sa ca mene tadatmanam varistham sarva-yositam hitva gopih kama-yana mam asau bhajate priyah

As the gopis wandered about, their minds completely bewildered, they pointed out various signs of Krsna’s pastimes. The particular gopi whom Krsna had led into a secluded forest when he had abandoned all the other young girls began to think herself the best of women. “My beloved has rejected all the other gopis,” She thought, “even though they are driven by Cupid himself. He has chosen to reciprocate with me alone.” (SB 10.30.35-36)

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tato gatva vanoddesam drpta kesavam abravlt na paraye ’ham calitum naya mamyatra te manah

As the two lovers passed through one part of the Vrndavana forest, the special gopl began feeling proud of herself. She told Lord Kesava, “1 cannot walk any further. Please carry me wherever you want to go.” (SB 10.30.37)

evam uktah priyam aha skandha aruhyatam iti tatas cantardadhe krsnah sa vadhiir anvatapyata

Thus addressed, Lord Krsna replied, “Just climb on my shoulder.” But as soon as he said this, he disappeared. His beloved consort then immediately felt great remorse. (SB 10.30.38)

anvicchantyo bhagavato margam gopyo ’viduritah dadrsuh priya-vislesan mohitam duhkhitam sakhim

While continuing to search out Krsna’s path, the gopis discovered their unhappy friend close by. She was bewildered by separation from her lover. (SB 10.30.40)

Seeing Radha’s prema, the others gave up envy of her and thought with one mind. In this way Krsna, desiring the rasa dance, accomplished his wish. Without envy, they all called out, “O gem of rasas! Show yourself!” Radha acted in order to show the other gopis her auspiciousness. Krsna acted for producing happiness of the rasa dance by making their minds one. He fell under the control of the gopis who wept profusely.

jayati te ’dhikamjanmana vrajah srayata indira sasvad atra hi dayita drsyatam diksu tavakas tvayi dhrtasavas tvam vicinvate

fortune, always resides here. It is only for your sake that we, your devoted servants, maintain our lives. We have been searching everywhere for you, so please show yourself to us. (SB 10.31.1)

You appeared to the eyes of the gopis who suffered from separation. 0 Krsna, with attractive smile! O Krsna wearing yellow cloth! O Krsna, yellowed by excessive kunkuma! Sukadeva says:

iti gopydh pragayantydh pralapantyas ca citradha ruruduh su-svaram rajan krsna-darsana-lalasah

O King, having thus sung and spoken their hearts out in various charming ways, the gopis began to weep loudly. They were very eager to see Lord Krsna. (SB 10.32.1)

tasam avirabhuc chaurih smayamana-mukhambujah pltambara-dharah sragyi sdksan manmatha-manmathah

Then Lord Krsna, a smile on his lotus face, appeared before the gopis. Wearing a garland and a yellow garment, he directly appeared as one who can bewilder the mind of Cupid, who himself bewilders the minds of ordinary people. (SB 10.32.2)

nandita-mati-ghosa-yuvati-vasasi vinivista tusti-racana-caru-vacana-dhuta-hrdaya-rista sammada-caya-phulla-hrdaya-yauvata-tata-rasa kunda-radana-caru-vadana-sobhita-mrdu-hasa

O Krsna, made to sit on the cloth of the joyous gopis! O Krsna, who destroyed the wounds in their hearts by your attractive, satisfying words! O Krsna, who began the rasa dance with the gopis whose hearts blossomed with great bliss! O Krsna, whose tender smile decorated a face attractive with jasmine teeth!

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You were made to sit as the acarya upon the upper cloths of the gopis who were joyous on seeing you, to teach them the conclusions of prema.

tad-darianahlada-vidhuta-hrd-rujo manorathantam Srutayo yatha yayuh svair uttariyaih kuca-kunkumankitair aciklpann asanam atma-bandhave

Their heartache vanquished by the ecstasy of seeing Krsna, the gopis, like the personified Vedas before them, felt their desires completely fulfilled. For their dear friend Krsna they arranged a seat with their shawls which were smeared with the kuhkuma powder from their breasts. (SB 10.32.13)

You destroyed (dhuta) the injury (rista) in their hearts by attractive words which satisfied them. The son of Nanda is rough. When asked, “Why in the night have you abandoned us young girls who worship you,” you answered, “Since you gave up the authority of worldly opinion, of the Vedas and of your relatives for me, I for only a moment gave you up to increase your attachment for me.” They thought, “He still has not accepted our love, though we desire his benefit alone.” Seeing their dissatisfaction, he said, “I am indebted always to you, my pure devotees.”

na paraye ’ham niravadya-samyujam sva-sadhu-krtyam vibudhayusapi vah ya mabhajan durjara-geha-srnkhalah samvrscya tad vah pratiyatu sadhuna

I am not able to repay my debt for your spotless service, even within a lifetime of Brahma. Your connection with me is beyond reproach. You have worshiped me, cutting off all domestic ties, which are difficult to break.

Therefore, please let your own glorious deeds be your compensation. (SB 10.32.22)

You gave them a spiritual answer. By that they were pleased. “You gave up the chains of household duties difficult to break and worshipped me. I cannot respond by giving up the same chains. Since I cannot fulfil the promise to respond as my devotees worship me, I am a debtor.”

He then performed the rasa dance with the gopis who were all of one mind, their hearts blossoming with heaps of bliss (sammada- caya) by his words which showed he was controlled by their prema. You smiled softly with a face, attractive with teeth like jasmines.

dvi-dvi-yuvati-madhya-vasati-vardhita-ruci-kamya labdha-lalitabhrnga-valita-campaka-tati-sdmya sva-sva-savidha-bodhi-vividha-vesa-yuvati-hrdya sarikara-mukha-daivata-sukha-vardhi-natana-vidya

O Krsna, who attracted the gopis by your beauty, as you stayed between each pair! O Krsna, like a graceful bee among masses of campaka flowers! O Krsna, pleasing to the gopis dressed in various ways, who thought that you were with them individually! O Krsna, whose art of dancing increased the happiness of Siva and others!

You were most desirable because of your beauty which increased by being situated between pairs of gopis.

rasotsavah sampravrtto gopi-mandala-manditah yogesvarena krsnena tasam madhye dvayor dvayoh pravistena grhitanam kanthe sva-nikatam striyah

The festive rasa dance commenced, with the gopis arrayed in a circle. Lord Krsna expanded himself and

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entered between each pair of gopis, and as that master of mystic power placed his arms around their necks, each girl thought he was standing next to her alone. (SB 10.33.2-3)

It is explained that because of his swift movements he was simultaneously with each of them. You were like graceful bees on masses of campaka flowers.

tatratisusubhe tabhir bhagavan devakl-sutah madhye manlnam haimanam maha-marakato yatha

In the midst of the dancing gopis, Lord Krsna appeared most brilliant, like an exquisite sapphire in the midst of golden ornaments. (SB 10.33.6)

You were attractive (hrdya) to the gopis dressed in various ways, who thought that you were with them personally. Your knowledge of dancing increased the happiness of Siva and other devatas. Your art of dancing astonished Siva and others.

mohita-sasi-mandala vasi-khecara-muni-yosa kinkini-yuta-nupura-ruta-lambhita-paritosa saurabha-pura-mista-khapura-ranjita-madhurasya susthu-mahita-gita-sahita-yauvata-tata-lasya

O Krsna, who enchanted the moon! O Krsna, who satisfied the Gandharvas and sages’ wives by the sound of your ankle bells! O Krsna, whose sweet face was tinged with betel nut full of fragrance! O Krsna, who danced with the gopis who sang praiseworthy songs!

You enchanted the moon by your dancing. You satisfied the Gandharvas and others living and moving in the sky, the wives of sages, by the sound of your ankle bells. To see the rasa dance, Lord Siva and others came, and enchanted by the bliss of the

rasa festival, saw a portion of the pastime according to their

qualification.

His servant Yogamaya covered the confidential portions.

Sukadeva says:

yam manyeran nabhas tavad vimana-sata-sankulam divaukasam sa-daranam autsukydpahrtdtmandm

The demigods and their wives were overwhelmed with eagerness to witness the rasa dance, and they soon crowded the sky with their hundreds of celestial

airplanes. (SB 10.33.3)

tato dundubhayo nedur nipetuh puspa-vrstayah jagur gandharva-patayah sa-strikas tad-yaso ’malatn

Kettledrums then resounded in the sky while flowers rained down and the chief Gandharvas and their wives sang Lord Krsna’s spotless glories. (SB 10.33.4)

valayanam nupuranath kinkininam ca yositam sa-priyanam abhuc chabdas tumulo rasa-mandale

A tumultuous sound arose from the armlets, ankle bells and waist bells of the gopis as they sported with their beloved Krsna in the circle of the rasa dance. (SB 10.33.5)

krsna-vikriditam viksya mumuhuh khe-cara-striyah kamarditah saSankas ca sa-gano vismito ’bhavat

The wives of the demigods, observing Krsna’s playful activities from their airplanes, were entranced and became agitated with lust. Indeed, even the moon and his entourage, the stars, became astonished. (SB 10.33.18)

Your sweet face was colored by betel nut mixed with cloves,

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laden with fragrance. Khapura means betel nut. You were made to dance by the gopis along with their most praiseworthy singing. Sukadeva says:

uccair jagur nrtyamana rakta-kanthyo rati-priyah krsnabhimarsa-mudita yad-gitenedam avrtam

Eager to enjoy conjugal love, their throats colored with various pigments, the gopis sang loudly and danced. They were oveijoyed by Krsna’s touch, and they sang songs that filled the entire universe. (SB 10.33.8)

kacit samam mukundena svara-jatlr amisritah unninye pujila tena priyata sadhu sadhv iti

One gopl, joining Lord Mukunda in his singing, sang pure melodious tones that rose harmoniously above his. Krsna was pleased and showed great appreciation for her performance, saying “Excellent! Excellent!” (SB 10.33.9)

visva-karana-dhairya-harana-karana-kala-gana raktibhir upaniddha-pasupa-bhiru-kalita-mana kilji-valaya-tandava-laya-ghurnita-siira-rdji komala-rana-satpada-gana-gunjita-bhara-bhaji tatra rahasi rasa-mahasi sambhrta-vara-sobha

O Krsna, whose soft songs made the devatas lose control of their senses! O Krsna, honored by the gopis controlled by prema! O Krsna, displaying fine beauty in the dancing festival which was devoid of unqualified people, which stupefied Indra with its graceful dancing and jingling ankle bells, which was filled with the soft humming of bees!

Your soft singing caused the ears, eyes and minds of the devatas to lose control.

You were honored by the gopis who were controlled by anuraga. Sukadeva says:

gopyah sphurat-purata-kundala-kuntala-tvid- ganda-sriya sudhita-hasa-nirlksanena manam dadhatya rsabhasyajaguh krtani punyani tat-kara-ruha-sparsa-pramodah

The gopis honored their hero with smiling glances sweetened by the beauty of their cheeks and the effulgence of their curly locks and glittering golden earrings. Overjoyed from the touch of his fingernails, they chanted the glories of his all-auspicious transcendental pastimes. (SB 10.33.21)

He had fine beauty in the dancing festival which was devoid of unqualified people. (This line comes later in the text).

trailokya-laksmy-eka-padam vapur dadhat

His transcendental body, the exclusive abode of beauty and opulence within the three worlds, shone brilliantly as the gopis worshiped him. (SB 10.32.14)

How was the rasa dance? It defeated Indra by the dancing with jingling ankle bells. It was filled with the soft buzzing of bees. It was filled with humming of bees attracted by the fragrance.

mauktika-Suci-susmita-ruci-srsta-yuvati-lobha marjita-rati-khinna-yuvati-mandala-mrdu-ganda prema-lalaha-kama-kalaha-pandita-bhuja-danda

O Krsna, who incited the gopis’ desire by the beauty of your smile, bright like pearls! O Krsna, who wiped the cheeks of the gopis fatigued by amorous pastimes! O Krsna, whose arms were expert at amorous embraces desired in prema!

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You incited the gopis’ desire for you by your beautiful smile shining like pearls.

You wiped the soft cheeks of the gopis who were fatigued by the enjoyment.

Your arms were expert at amorous embracing, which was desired in prema.

Sukadeva says:

krtva tavantam atmanam yavatir gopa-yositah reme sa bhagavdms tabhir almaramo ’pi lllayd

Expanding himself as many times as there were cowherd women to associate with, the Supreme Lord, though self satisfied, playfully enjoyed their company (SB 10.33.19)

tasam rati-viharena Srantanam vadanani sah pramrjat karunah pretnna santamenanga panind

Seeing that the gopis were fatigued from conjugal enjoyment, my dear King, merciful Krsna lovingly wiped their faces with his comforting hand. (SB 10.33.20)

vibhratna-para-valgu-nakhara-cihnita-nava-vdma sausthava-yuta-kantibhir uta kama-manasi-kdma sita-salila-keli-kalila-citta-yuvati-sikta divyad-acira-jata-rucira-diptibhir atirikta

O Krsna, who marked the young gopis with your charming nails inclined to amorous actions! O Krsna, who was praised by the excellent beautiful women! O Krsna, who was Cupid in Cupid’s mind! O Krsna, splashed by the gopis whose hearts were absorbed in playing in the cool water! O Krsna, becoming more beautiful by shining splendor of long-lasting charm! You

marked the breasts of the young gopis with your charming nails attached to amorous acts. Bahu-prasara-parirambha: Krsna threw his arms around the gopis and embraced them. (SB 10.29.46) You are known (uta) by your excellent beloveds. The root is uh. You are the Cupid in Cupid’s mind (kama- manasi-kama). This means that you are more beautiful than Cupid.

saksan manmatha-manmathah

He directly appeared as one who can bewilder the mind of Cupid. (SB 10.32.2)

The water pastimes are described. You were splashed by the gopis whose hearts were absorbed in playing in the cool water. You became even more beautiful by the shining splendor with long-lasting charm.

deva-vicita-puspa-racita-vrstibhir abhivrsta prema-sarala-keli-tarala-gostha-sutanu-drsta visphurad-ibha-nayaka-nibha manjula-jala-khela cancala-kara-puskara-vara-krsta-yuvati-cela

O Krsna, showered with flowers by the devatas! O Krsna, gazed upon by the gopis fickle in pastimes and sincere in love! O Krsna, shining like the king of the elephants! O Krsna, charming at playing in the water! O Krsna, who pulled the gopis’ clothing with your excellent, fickle lotus hand!

You were showered with a rain of flowers from the devatas. You were gazed upon by the gopis fickle in the pastimes and sincere in their prema. Yow were like a brilliant king of elephants. You performed charming pastimes in the water. You pulled the clothing of the gopis by your excellent fickle lotus hand. It was like an elephant trunk (puskara). Puskara means a lotus and the tip of the trunk of an elephant according to Halayudha.

Chando’stadasakam 509

ratna-bhavana-sannibha-vana-kufija-vihita-ranga raga-nirata-yauvata-rati-cihna-vilasad-anga sandhrta-naya nanda-tanaya sundara jaya vira yamuna-tata-mandala-nata rasa-racana-dhira papini mayi durgati-jayi-pada-bhajana-leSa dhehi karuna drstim aruna-locana nikhile&a ||

O Krsna, performing pastimes in forest bowers resembling jeweled palaces! O Krsna, radiant with marks made by gopis absorbed in love! O Krsna, whose conduct is governed by prema! O son of Nanda! O beautiful Krsna! O valiant Krsna! May you manifest all excellence! O Krsna, dancing in a circle on the bank of the Yamuna! O Krsna, skillful at making the rasa dance! O Krsna, a particle of whose worship destroys ignorance! Glance upon this sinful person! Ocean of mercy! O red-eyed Krsna! O lord of all beings!

You have pastimes in the forest bowers similar to jeweled palaces. Your limbs shine with the marks made by the gopis absorbed in love. Sukadeva says:

so ’mbhasy alam yuvalibhih parisicyamanah premneksitah prahasatibhir itas tato ’tiga vaimanikaih kusuma-varsibhir idyamano reme svayam sva-ratir atra gajendra-lilah

My dear King, in the water Krsna found himself being splashed on all sides by the laughing gopis, who looked at him with love. As the demigods worshiped him by showering flowers from their airplanes, the self-satisfied Lord took pleasure in playing like the king of the elephants. (SB 10.33.23)

tatas ca krsnopavane jala-sthala prasuna-gandhanila-justa-dik-tate cacara bhrnga-pramada-ganavrto yatha mada-cyud dviradah karenubhih

Then the Lord strolled through a small forest on the bank of the Yamuna. This forest was filled to its limits with breezes carrying the fragrances of all the flowers growing on the land and in the water. Followed by his entourage of bees and beautiful women, Lord Krsna appeared like an intoxicated elephant with his she-elephants. (SB 10.33.24)

Your conduct is governed by the principle of complete love as exemplified in na pdraye’ham niravadya samyujam: I can never repay my debt to you. (SB 10.32.22) May you manifest your excellence (jaya). O Krsna dancing in the circle on the bank of the Yamuna. O Krsna, intelligent at making the rasa dance. A fragment of worship of your feet, following madhurya-rasa, destroys ignorance (durgati). Sukadeva says:

viknditam vraja-vadhubhir idam ca visnoh sraddhanvito ’nusrnuyad atha varnayed yah bhaktim param bhagavati pratilabhya kHmam hrd-rogam dsv apahinoty acirena dhirah

Anyone who faithfully hears or describes the Lord’s playful affairs with the young gopis of Vrndavana will attain the Lord’s pure devotional service. Thus he will quickly become sober and conquer lust, the disease of the heart. (SB 10.33.39)

0 ocean of mercy! Give a glance of mercy to me, most sinful. O Krsna with red eyes! O Lord of all!

rambhoru-nikuramba-nirbhara-parirambhena labdha-dyuter bibhranasya tadit-kadamba-vilasat-kadambini-vibhramam I kridadambara-dhuta-jambha-mathana-stamberamoru-sriyo rasarambha-rasarthinas tava vibho vande padambhoruham 1131II

O Lord! I offer respects to the lotus feet of you who desire bliss

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through the performance of the rasa dance, who attain beauty by embracing tightly all the gopis, who is mistaken for a mass of clouds playing with flashes of lightning, who derides the great beauty of Indra’s elephant by your many pastimes.

The author remembers what was stated.

O Lord! I offer respects to your lotus feet. The Lord is described. He desires always the greatest bliss caused by the rasa dance (rasarambha). How is that?

He attains beauty by strongly embracing all the gopis (rambhoru). Metaphor is given. One could mistake you for a mass of clouds playing with many lightning flashes.

gdyantyas tam tadita iva ta megha-cakre virejuh

Lord Krsna’s young consorts shone like streaks of lightning in a mass of clouds. (SB 10.33.7)

You deride the great beauty of Indra’s elephant Airavata by your great pastimes.

lalita-bhrriga-cchandah |

The meter is lalita-bhrnga. It is described as follows.

viddhi lalita-bhrngam akhila-vandi-hrdaya-lobhi | pancaka-yati dhari bhasanajena na-gala-sobhi

Know that lalita-bhrnga, attractive to the hearts of all poets, has the following pattern: Iss ssl sss sis sss Is (bha, sa, na,ja, na, ga, la)

According to this the poem has been written.

ullala-ballava-lalanadhara-pallava-cumbanollasitam | naumi samalli-mdlyam harim iha hallisakotphullam ||32||

I praise Krsna overjoyed to kiss the petal-like lips of the gopis who desire him, who is decorated with jasmine garlands and whose hairs stand on end during the rasa dance.

The author again praises Krsna, enjoyer of the rasa dance.

I praise Krsna. He is described. He is overjoyed to kiss the petal like lips of the gopis who desire him. His hairs stand on end (utphullam) in the rasa dance (hallisake) where he is decorated with jasmine garlands.

atha sudarsanadi-mocanam sankhacuda-nidhanam ca Liberation of Sudarsana and killing of Sarikhacuda etc.

bibhratam sravana-slmni saradam padmam ujjvala-kala-visaradam I ballavi-hrdaya-hara-nayakam hanta citta bhaja gostha-nayakam ||33II

O mind! Worship Krsna, the prince of Vraja, wearing a lotus in his ear, skillful in the arts of madhurya-rasa, the center jewel on the hearts of the gopis!

The author describes freeing Sudarsana, which will then be described in more detail. Hanta indicates joy! O mind! Worship Krsna, the prince of Vraja (gostha-nayakam)! He wears a lotus on his ear. He is skillful in arts of madhurya-rasa (ujjvala-kala). The rest is clear.

bhuruhollasad-ambika-vana-mandalantara-bhumi-pavanam abja-sambhava-kanyakodaka-nirmitaplavam aksi-modaka- varidojjvala-kanti-dambaram apta-kancana-bhasva-dambaram atta-ballava-rad-bhujahgama-murti-kalpita-pada-sahgamam

I take shelter of you, who purified the land of Ambika forest

Chando’stadasakam 513

beautiful with trees, who bathed in the water of the Sarasvati River, whose beauty gave more pleasure to the eye than a cloud, who wore cloth shining like gold, who touched the snake that was swallowing Nanda’s foot.

I take shelter of you, O Syamasundara, conquering collyrium by your shining beauty! The phrases are related to this sentence in the seventh line. You purify the land in the forest of Ambika at the edge of Mathura, beautiful with trees, by your feet when you walk there. You bathed (plavam) in the water of the Sarasvati which flowed there. You talked to the gopis who also bathed there. You spread dazzling beauty which gave more bliss to the eyes than a cloud (yarida). When all people gazed at your beauty like a mass of clouds, you touched the gopis. The cloth you wore shone like gold. Your foot touched the body of the snake which had swallowed (atta) Nanda’s (ballava-rad) foot. You touched the snake with your foot.

ugra-sankata-bhak-sudarsana-sapa-mocanam ista-darsanam atma-vallabha-nanda-mocanam uddhrtakhila-bandhu-socanam asrayami bhavantam ujjvala-kanti-kandala-dhuta-kajjalam

I take shelter of you, who freed Sudarsana from Ahgira’s curse of being a snake, who showed your pleasing form to him, who freed Nanda from the snake, who delivered your relatives from lamentation, whose shining beauty defeats collyrium.

Then what happened? You freed Sudarsana from the curse which caused great problems for him. He had obtained birth as a snake because of the curse of ferocious Angira (ugra). He was relieved of his snake body given by Angira and became the Vidyadhara named Sudarsana. He was able to see your pleasing form (ista- dasanam). You freed Nanda (atma-vallabha) from the snake. You delivered all the relatives from lamenting for Nanda’s suffering. Thus, freeing Sudarsana has been described. Sukadeva says:

ekada deva-yatrayam gopalajata-kautukah anobhir anadud-yuktaih prayayus te ’mbika-vanam

One day the cowherd men, eager to take a trip to worship Lord Siva, traveled by bullock carts to the Ambika forest. (SB 10.34.1)

tatra snatva sarasvatyam devath pasu-patim vibhum anarcur arhanair bhaktya devim ca nrpate ’mbikam

O King, after arriving there, they bathed in the Sarasvati and then devotedly worshiped with various paraphernalia the powerful Lord Pasupati and his consort, goddess Ambika. (SB 10.34.2)

gavo hiranyam vasamsi madhu madhv-annam adrtah brahmanebhyo daduh sarve devo nah pnyatam iti

The cowherd men gave the brahmanas gifts of cows, gold, clothing and cooked grains mixed with honey. Then the cowherds prayed, “May the lord be pleased with us.” (SB 10.34.3)

usuh sarasvati-tirejalam prasya yata-vratah rajanlm tarn maha-bhagd nanda-sunanddkadayah

Nanda, Sunanda and the other greatly fortunate cowherds spent that night on the bank of the Sarasvati, strictly observing their vows. They fasted, taking only water. (SB 10.34.4)

kascin mahan ahis tasmin vipine ’ti-bubhuksitah yadrcchayagato nandam iayanam ura-go ’grasit

During the night a huge and extremely hungry snake appeared in that thicket. Slithering on his belly up to the

Chando’stadasakam 515

sleeping Nanda Maharaja, the snake began swallowing him. (SB 10.34.5)

sa cukrosahina grastah krsna krsna mahan ayam sarpo mam grasate tata prapannam parimocaya

In the clutches of the snake, Nanda Maharaja cried out, “Krsna, Krsna, my dear boy! This huge serpent is swallowing me! Please save me, who am surrendered to you!” (SB 10.34.6)

tasya cakranditam srutva gopalah sahasotthitah grastam ca drstva vibhrantah sarpam vivyadhur ulmukaih

When the cowherd men heard the cries of Nanda, they immediately rose up and saw that he was being swallowed. Distraught, they beat the serpent with blazing torches. (SB 10.34.7)

alatair dahyamano ’pi namuncat tam urangamah tam asprsat padabhyetya bhagavan satvatam patih

But even though the firebrands were burning him, the serpent would not release Nanda Maharaja. Then the Supreme Lord Krsna, master of his devotees, came to the spot and touched the snake with his foot. (SB 10.34.8)

sa vai bhagavatah srimat pada-sparsa-hatasubhah bheje sarpa-vapur hitva rupam vidyadhararcitam

The snake had all his sinful reactions destroyed by the touch of the Supreme Lord’s divine foot, and thus he gave up his serpent body and appeared in the form of a worshipable Vidyadhara. (SB 10.34.9)

tam aprcchad dhrsikesah pranatam samavasthitam dipyamanena vapusa purusam hema-malinam

The Supreme Lord Hrsikesa then questioned this personality, who was standing before him with his head bowed, his brilliantly effulgent body bedecked with golden necklaces. (SB 10.34.10)

ko bhavan paraya laksmya rocate ’dbhuta-darsanah katham jugupsitam etam gatim va prapito ’vasah

[Lord Krsna said:] My dear sir, you appear so wonderful, glowing with such great beauty. Who are you? And who forced you to assume this terrible body of a snake? (SB 10.34.11)

sapo me ’nugrahayaiva krtas taih karunatmabhih yad aham loka-guruna pada sprsto hatasubhah

It was actually for my benefit that those merciful sages cursed me, since now I have been touched by the foot of the supreme spiritual master of all the worlds and have thus been relieved of all inauspiciousness. (SB 10.34.14)

ity anujnapya dasarham parikramyabhivandya ca sudarsano divam yatah krcchran nandas ca mocitah

Thus receiving the permission of Lord Krsna, the demigod Sudarsana circumambulated him, bowed down to offer him homage and then returned to his heavenly planet. Nanda Maharaja was thus delivered from peril. (SB 10.34.18)

mamtojjvala-sarvan-mukham apta-purvaja-sangam unmukha- ballavakhila-vallabhatula-netra-khanjana-vibhramakulam adbhutdmala-gita-mohita-ballavi-kulam atta-lohita- candanam khala-yaksa-nayaka-bhiti-yauvata-santi-dayakam

I praise you, whose face was worshipped by the night, who

Chando’stadasakam 517

was accompanied by Balarama, who became agitated by the khanjana bird eyes of all the gopis facing you, who enchanted the gopis with an astonishing pure song, who wore kunkuma and who pacified the gopis fearful of the wicked leader of the Yaksas.

The author describes the killing of Saiikhacuda. The words are all connected to the sentence in the last line of the poem. O Krsna whose lotus feet are worshipped kings of the universe! O Krsna, giving benefit to the gopis! O Madhava! O lord of the universe! 1 praise you. Protect me, most miserable (durgatam).

Krsna is described. Your face is worshipped by the splendorous night. You had gone with the gopis for Horika festival pastimes at the edge of Govardhana in the evening of spring full moon. You were accompanied by Balarama as well as the gopis. You became bewildered by the playing of the khanjana bird eyes of the gopis facing you. Your heart was pierced by their glances. You bewildered the gopis by an astonishing pure song. You sung a song suitable for Horika. You wore kunkuma. Saying “Do not fear,” you pacified the gopis who were fearful of the wicked Yaksa Saiikhacuda who came among them.

ugra-vigraha-yaksa-mardanam angana-gana-ranga-vardhanam apta-guhyaka-ratna-nandita-purvajam bhuvanendra-vandita- pada-padma bhavantam ahita-gokulotsavam anganahita naumi madhava mam krpalaya durgatam jagadlsa palaya ||

I praise you, who killed the huge Yaksa, who increased the joy of the gopis, who gave joy to Balarama by giving him the Yaksa’s gem, who gave joy to Gokula. O Krsna whose lotus feet are worshipped by kings of the universe! O Krsna, giving benefit to the gopis! O Madhava! O lord of the universe! O abode of mercy! I praise you. Protect me, most miserable!

How did you pacify them? You killed the huge Yaksa (ugra- vigraha). You increased the joy of the gopis. You gave joy to Balarama by offering him Sahkhacuda’s jewel. You gave Balarama the Syamantaka jewel. Sukadeva says:

kadacid atha govindo ramas cadbhuta-vikramah vijahratur vane ratryam madhya-gau vraja-yositam

Once Lord Govinda and Lord Rama, the performers of wonderful feats, were playing in the forest at night with the young girls of Vraja. (SB 10.34.20)

niSd-mukham manayantav uditodupa-tarakam mallika-gandha-mattali-justatn kumuda-vayuna

The two Lords praised the nightfall, signaled by the rising of the moon and the appearance of stars, a lotus- scented breeze and bees intoxicated by the fragrance of jasmine flowers. (SB 10.34.22)

evam vikridatoh svairam gayatoh sampramatta-vat sahkhacuda iti khyato dhanadanucaro ’bhyagat

While Lord Krsna and Lord Balarama thus played according to their own sweet will and sang to the point of apparent intoxication, a servant of Kuvera named Sahkhacuda came upon the scene. (SB 10.34.25)

tayor niriksato rajams tan-natham pramadd-janam krosantam kalayam dsa disy udicyam asahkitah

O King, even as the two Lords looked on, Sahkhacuda brazenly began driving the women off toward the north. The women, who had accepted Krsna and Balarama as their Lords, began to cry out to them. (SB 10.34.26)

Chando’stadasakam 519

tam anvadhavad govindo yatra yatra sa dhavati jihirsus tac-chiro-ratnam tasthau raksan striyo balah

Lord Govinda chased the demon wherever he ran, eager to take his crest jewel. Meanwhile Lord Balarama stayed with the women to protect them. (SB 10.34.30)

avidura ivabhyetya siras tasya duratmanah jahara mustinaivanga saha-cuda-manim vibhuh

The mighty Lord overtook Sahkhacuda from a great distance as if from nearby, my dear King, and then with his fist the Lord removed the wicked demon’s head, together with his crest jewel. (SB 10.34.31)

sankhacudam nihatyaivam manim adaya bhasvaram agrajayadadat prltya pasyantlnam cayositam

Having thus killed the demon Sahkhacuda and taken away his shining jewel, Lord Krsna gave it to his elder brother with great satisfaction as the gopis watched. (SB 10.34.32)

You create auspiciousness for the gopis (anganahita). This suggests that the jewel should be given to the most excellent person as a prize. It should be given to Radha.

jayati mahotsava-vidya vidyadhara-Sapa-mardini murtih | paribhuta-sankhacuda cudamanir akhila-lokasya ||34||

The form of samvit possessing eternal bliss, the form who destroyed the snake form of the Vidyadhara, who killed Sahkhacuda, who is the crest jewel of the whole world, manifests his excellence.

The author remembers both pastimes. The meaning is clear.