S'rî
S'uka said: 'Asti
and Prâpti, the two queens of Kamsa, o hero of the
Bhâratas, unhappy that their husband had been killed,
went distressed to their father's house.
S'rî
S'uka said: 'Asti and Prâpti, the two queens of Kamsa,
o hero of the Bhâratas, unhappy that their husband had
been killed, went distressed to their fathers house.
(Vedabase)
Text
2
Their
father, the king of Magadha named Jarâsandha, they told
all about the cause of their widowhood.
Their
father, the king of Magadha named Jarâsandha [see
also 1.15: 9, 9.22:8, 10.2: 1-2, 10.36: 36], they told
all about the cause of their
widowhood.
(Vedabase)
Text
3
He hearing
those bad tidings, full of sorrow and indignation o King,
embarked upon the extreme endeavor of ridding the earth of the
Yâdavas.
He
hearing those bad tidings, full of sorrow and indignation, o
King, embarked upon the extreme endeavor of ridding the
earth of the Yâdava's.
(Vedabase)
Text
4
With
twenty-three akshauhinîs
amassed he around Mathurâ to besiege the royal capital of
the Yadus on all sides.
With
twenty-three akshauhinîs amassed he around
Mathurâ to besiege the royal capital of the Yadus on
all sides. (Vedabase)
Text5-6
When
Krishna, the Supreme Lord Hari, saw how by his force, like an
ocean having overflowed its boundaries, His city lay under
siege and His subjects were confounded of fear, considered He
as the Ultimate Cause in a Human Form what to the purpose of
His descend into this world would be right to the time and
place:
Krishna,
the Supreme Lord Hari, who saw how by his force, like an
ocean having overflowed its boundaries, His city lay under
siege and His subjects were confounded of fear, considered
as the Ultimate Cause in a Human Form what to the purpose of
His decent into this world would be right to the time and
place:
(Vedabase)
Text
7-8
'For
sure I will annihilate his army, this burden on earth gathered
by the king of Magadha in which he brought together all who
subservient assumed leadership and now can be counted in
akshauhinîs of infantry, cavalry, chariotry and
elephantry; Jarâsandha however, I should spare so that he
again will try to assemble an army.
'For
sure I will annihilate his army, this burden upon the earth,
gathered by the King of Magadha in which he brought together
all who subservient assumed leadership and now can be
counted in akshauhinîs of infantry, cavalry, chariotry
and elephantry; Jarâsandha however, I should spare so
that he again will try to assemble an
army.
(Vedabase)
Text
9
This
is the purpose of My descend: that from this earth the burden
is removed, that the saintly are fully protected and that those
who wage in opposition are killed.
This
is the purpose of My descent: that from this earth the
burden is removed, the saintly are fully protected and those
waging in opposition are
killed.
(Vedabase)
Text
10
Also other
bodies are by Me assumed for the protection of the dharma as
soon as after a certain period of time injustice predominates
[see also 2.7
and B.G. 4:
7].'
Other
bodies as well are by Me as well assumed for the protection
of the dharma whenever in the course of time injustice
predominates [see also 2.7 and B.G. 4: 7
].'
(Vedabase)
Text
11
While
meditating in this manner appeared the very instant from the
sky [from Vaikunthha] two chariots with an effulgence
like the sun complete with drivers and
equipment.
While
meditating in this manner appeared the very instant from the
sky [from Vaikuntha] two chariots with an effulgence
like the sun complete with drivers and equipment.
(Vedabase)
Text
12
So did also on
their own accord the Lord His weapons ancient and divine, and
seeing them said the Lord of the Senses to
Sankarshana:
So
did also on their own accord the Lord His weapons ancient
and divine, and seeing them said the Lord of the Senses to
Sankarshana: (Vedabase)
Text
13-14
'Please take
notice, o Respected One, of this imminent danger for the Yadus
who are protected by You Prabhu, and of this chariot that has
arrived with Your favorite weapons. For this purpose indeed
have We been born: to act o Lord, to the benefit of the
saintly; so please remove now the burden of these twenty-three
armies from this earth.'
'Please
take notice, o Respected One, of this immediate danger for
the Yadus who are protected by You, Prabhu, and of this
chariot that has arrived with Your favorite weapons. For
this purpose indeed have We been born: to act, o Lord, to
the benefit of the saintly; so please remove now the burden
of these twenty-three armies from this the
earth.'
(Vedabase)
Text
15
Thus inviting
Him did the two descendants of Das'ârha, in armor
resplendent with their weapons, depart from the city in their
chariots accompanied by a very small contingent.
Thus
inviting Him did the two descendants of Das'ârha, in
armor resplendent with their weapons, ride out from the city
in their chariots accompanied by a very small contingent.
(Vedabase)
Text
16
As
the Supreme Personality with Dâruka at the reins
appeared, blew He His conchshell which caused the hearts of the
enemy soldiers to tremble in terror.
The
Supreme Personality with Dâruka at the reins riding
out, blew His conchshell which caused the hearts of the
enemy soldiers to tremble in
terror.
(Vedabase)
Text
17
Jarâsandha
looked at the two of Them and said: 'Krishna You worst of
persons, I do not desire to contest with You, a boy only,
hiding in shame! With a fool like You I won't fight, get lost
You murderer of relatives!
Jarâsandha
looked at the two of Them and said: 'Krishna you worst of
persons, I do not desire to contest with You, a boy only,
hiding in shame! With a fool like you I won't fight, get
lost You murderer of relatives!
(Vedabase)
.
Text
18
And if You,
Râma, have the guts to fight, then muster the courage;
either You drop Your body cut by my arrows and go to heaven or
You kill me!'
And
if You, Râma, have the guts to fight: then muster the
courage; either you drop your body cut by my arrows and go
to heaven or You kill me!'
(Vedabase)
Text
19
The Supreme
Lord said: 'Truly, heroes don't have to vaunt, they simply show
their prowess; how can We take the words serious, o King, of a
man who with his death impending is delirious?'
The
Supreme Lord said: 'Truly, heroes don't have to vaunt, they
simply show their prowess; how can we take the words
serious, o King, of a man delirious of his impending death?'
(Vedabase)
Text
20
S'rî
S'uka said: 'The son of Jarâ, with his gigantic number of
mighty forces then marched forward to the two descendants of
Madhu, who were then surrounded by the soldiers, chariots,
flags, horses and charioteers like the wind covers the sun with
clouds or a fire with dust.
S'rî
S'uka said: 'The son of Jarâ, with his gigantic flood
of mighty forces then marched forward to the two descendants
of Madhu, who were then surrounded by the soldiers,
chariots, flags, horses and charioteers like the wind covers
the sun with clouds or a fire with
dust.
(Vedabase)
Text
21
When Hari's and
Râma's two chariot banners marked by the palm tree and
Garuda could not be seen anymore in the battle, did the women
of the city positioned in the watchtowers, palaces and
gateways, swoon stricken by grief.
When
Hari's and Râma's two chariot banners marked by the
palm tree and Garuda could not be seen anymore in the
battle, did the women of the city positioned in the
watchtowers, palaces and gateways, swoon stricken by grief.
(Vedabase)
Text
22
When
the Lord saw how His army was harassed by the savage clouds of
arrows the enemy forces repeatedly rained upon Them, twanged He
who is worshiped by Sura and Asura, S'ârnga, His most
excellent bow.
When
the Lord saw how His army was harassed by the savage clouds
of arrows the enemy forces repeatedly rained upon them,
twanged He who is worshiped by sura and asura,
S'ârnga, His most excellent bow.
(Vedabase)
Text
23
From His quiver
then fixing, pulling back and releasing floods of sharp arrows,
stroke He, like a burning torch whirled around, the chariots,
elephants, horses and foot soldiers
relentlessly.
From
His quiver then fixing, pulling back and releasing floods of
sharp arrows, stroke He, like a burning torch whirled
around, the chariots, elephants, horses and footsoldiers
relentlessly. (Vedabase)
Text
24
Elephants fell
with their foreheads split open, many a horse of the cavalry
and the chariots simultaneously had their necks and flags
severed by the arrows and the charioteers, their masters and
the foot soldiers had their arms, legs and shoulders
cut.
Elephants
fell with their foreheads split open, many a horse of the
cavalry and the chariots at a time had their necks and flags
severed by the arrows and the charioteers, their masters and
the foot-soldiers had their arms, legs and shoulders cut.
(Vedabase)
Text
25-28
Of the limbs of
the two-legged ones, the elephants and the horses being cut,
flowed the blood in hundreds of streams that were filled with
arms looking like snakes, people's heads that were like
turtles, dead elephants like islands and dead horses like
crocodiles. Replete with hands and thighs as fish, human hair
like waterweeds, bows like waves and weapons as separate bushes
were the chariot wheels like frightening whirlpools and the
precious gems and fine jewelry as the stones and gravel.
Terrifying to the timid and inspiring the intelligent with joy,
stroke Sankarshana, with His unbounded potency, one after the
other His furious enemies down with His plow. Those troops
supervised by the king of Magadha for destruction, my dear,
that were unfathomable, frightening and insurmountably
limitless like the ocean, were for the Lords of the Universe,
the two sons of Vasudeva, not more than a
plaything.
Of
the limbs of the two-legged ones, the elephants and the
horses being cut, flowed the blood in hundreds of streams
that were filled with arms looking like snakes, people's
heads that were like turtles, dead elephants like islands
and dead horses like crocodiles. Replete with hands and
thighs as fish, human hair like waterweeds, bows like waves
and weapons as separate bushes were the chariot wheels like
frightening whirlpools and the precious gems and fine
jewelry as the stones and gravel. Terrifying to the timid
and inspiring the intelligent with joy, stroke Sankarshana,
with His unbounded potency, one after the other His furious
enemies down with His plow. Those troops supervised by the
king of Magadha for destruction, my dear, that were
unfathomable, frightening and insurmountably limitless like
the ocean, were to the Lords of the Universe, the two sons
of Vasudeva, not more than a plaything.
(Vedabase)
Text
29
It
is not at all surprising when He, of Unlimited Qualities, who
effects the maintenance, creation and annihilation of the three
worlds, subdues an opposing party, but nevertheless is it
[in response to philosophers who proclaim His being
unconcerned] described as a game of His in imitation of the
human ways.
It
raises no wonder when He, of Unlimited Qualities, Who
effects the maintenance, creation and annihilation of the
three worlds, subdues a party in opposition, but still
[in response to philosophers who proclaim His being
unconcerned] is it described as a game of His in
imitation of the human ways. (Vedabase)
Text
30
The so very
strong Jarâsandha, whose army had been destroyed and who,
deprived of his chariot, was left with his breath only, was
seized by Râma as forcibly as one lion would seize
another lion.
The
so very strong Jarâsandha, whose army had been
destroyed and who deprived of his chariot was left with his
breath only, was seized by Râma as forcibly as one
lion would seize another lion. (Vedabase)
Text
31
But, in the
process of tying up, with the ropes of Varuna [compare
5.24:
23] and of
normal man, him who had killed so many adversaries, was He
checked by Govinda for He needed him to serve another
purpose.
But,
in the process of tying up, with the ropes of Varuna
[compare 5.24: 23] and of normal man, him who had
killed so many adversaries, was He checked by Govinda as He
needed him to fulfill another
purpose.
(Vedabase)
Text
32-33
He, honored by
heroes, was ashamed to be released by the two Lords of the
Universe and thought of performing austerities, but was in his
resolve half way home stopped by the rest of the royalty who
explained to him in clear terms, in meaningful words as also
with practical arguments: 'This being defeated by the Yadus has
accrued because of your own karmic bondage'.
He,
honored by heroes, was ashamed to be released by the two
Lords of the Universe and thought of performing austerities,
but was in his resolve half way home stopped by the rest of
the royalty who explained him in clear terms, meaningful
words as also with practical arguments: 'This being defeated
by the Yadu's has accrued of your own karmic bondage'.
(Vedabase)
Text
34
The son of
Brihadratha
with all his soldiers killed and left alone by the Supreme
Lord, then arrived depressed back in Magadha.
The
son of Brihadratha with all his soldiers killed and left
alone by the Supreme Lord, then arrived depressed back in
Magadha.
(Vedabase)
Text
35-36
Mukunda
with His forces unbroken having crossed the ocean of the armies
of His enemy, was showered with flowers by the servants of the
three worlds in praise. Being met by the people of
Mathurâ, who with their fever allayed felt great joy, was
His glory sung by bards, heralds and
panegyrists.
Mukunda
with His forces unbroken having crossed the ocean of the
armies of His enemy, was showered with flowers by the
servants of the three worlds in praise. Being met by the
people of Mathurâ, who with their fever allayed felt
great joy, was His glory sung by bards, heralds and
panegyrists. (Vedabase)
Text
37-38
As
He entered the city with its sprinkled roads and many a banner,
resounded conchshells, kettledrums, drums and horns all
together with vinâs, flutes and mridangas [two-sided
devotional drums] and chanted the elated citizens loudly
vedic verses at the festively decorated
gateways.
As
He entered the city with its sprinkled roads and many a
banner, resounded conchshells, kettledrums, drums and horns
all together with vinâs, flutes, and mridangas
[two-sided devotional drums] and chanted the elated
citizens loudly vedic verses at the festively decorated
gateways. (Vedabase)
Text
39
With
eyes wide open full of love gazing affectionately covered the
women Him with flowergarlands, yogurt, parched rice and
sprouts.
With
eyes wide open full of love gazing affectionately covered
the woman Him with flowergarlands, yogurt, parched rice and
sprouts.
(Vedabase)
Text
40
The
countless valuables of the heroes fallen on the battlefield
were by the Lord all together presented to the king of the
Yadus [Ugrasena].
The
countless valuables of the heroes fallen on the battlefield
were by the Lord all together presented to the king of the
Yadus [Ugrasena].
(Vedabase)
Text
41
And
so it happened this way seventeen times that the king of
Magadha with his akshauhinîs fought the Yadus who
were protected by Krishna's military strength.
And
so it happened this way seventeen times that the king of
Magadha with his akshauhinîs fought the Yadus who were
protected by Krishna's military strength.
(Vedabase)
Text
42
The Vrishnis by
the power of Krishna entirely destroyed the king his force:
every time his soldiers were dead, was he deserted and went he
away again.
The
Vrishnis by the power of Krishna entirely destroyed the king
his force: every time his soldiers were dead was he deserted
and went he away again. (Vedabase)
Text
43
Just
as the eighteenth battle was about to take place appeared a
foreign fighter [Kâlayavana] sent by
Nârada.
Just
as the eighteenth battle was about to take place appeared a
foreign fighter [Kâlayavana] sent by
Nârada. (Vedabase)
Text
44
Having
heard about the Vrishnis arrived he there with three crores of
barbarians [mlecchas]
and besieged he Mathurâ, as he among the human beings had
found no one to match him.
Having
heard about the Vrishnis arrived he there with three crores
of barbarians [mlecchas] and besieged he
Mathurâ, as he among man had found no one to match
him. (Vedabase)
Text
45
Seeing
him thought Krishna with Sankarshana His helper: 'Ah, from two
sides; a great problem indeed has risen for the
Yadus!
Seeing
him thought Krishna with Sankarshana His helper: 'Ah, from
two sides; a great problem indeed has risen for the
Yadus!
(Vedabase)
Text
46
This
Yavana opposing us today is of the same great strength as
Jarâsandha, who will also get here either today, tomorrow
or the day after tomorrow.
This
yavana in opposition with us today is of the same great
strength as Jarâsandha, who will also get here either
today, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.
(Vedabase)
Text
47
While
the two of Us are fighting with him will the son of Jarâ,
when he comes, kill our relatives or else move them to his own
stronghold.
While
the two of Us are fighting with him will the son of
Jarâ, when he comes, kill our relatives or else move
them to his own stronghold. (Vedabase)
Text
48
Let's
therefore today kill the barbarians and build us, for our
intimates to settle there, a fortress impenetrable to the
two-legged.'
Let's
therefore today kill the barbarians and build us, for our
intimates to settle there, a fortress impenetrable to the
two-legged.' (Vedabase)
Text
49
The
Supreme Lord thus deliberating arranged for a fortress twelve
yojanas [around] within the sea where He had a
city [called Dvârakâ or 'many-gated', see also
1:
11]
containing all kinds of wonders.
The
Supreme Lord thus deliberating arranged for a fortress
twelve yoyanas [around] within the sea where he had
a city [called Dvârakâ or 'many-gated', see
also 1: 11] with everything wonderful.
(Vedabase)
Text
50-53
Within
it could the science of the architecture of Tvashthâ
[Vis'vakarmâ] be admired who with his expertise
constructed the main avenues, courtyards and service roads to
the ample plots of land. It contained splendid gardens and
parks with the trees and creepers of the godly and gateways
made of quartz with upper levels that with turrets of gold
touched the sky. The service buildings with silver and brass
were decorated with pots of gold, had jeweled rooftops and the
houses had floors with precious emeralds. The households
occupied by the four varnas
of people had temples housing their presiding deities and were
constructed with watchtowers; and most beautiful with it were
the residences of the Yadu godhead.
Within
it could the science of the architecture of Tvashthâ
[Vis'vakarma] be admired who with his expertise
constructed the main avenues, courtyards and service-roads
to the ample plots of land. It contained splendid gardens
and parks with the trees and creepers of the godly and
gateways of quartz with upper levels that with turrets of
gold touched the sky. The service buildings with silver and
brass were decorated with pots of gold, had jeweled rooftops
and the houses had floors with precious emeralds. The
households occupied by the four varnas of people had temples
for their presiding deities and were constructed with
watchtowers; and most beautiful to it were the residences of
the Yadu godhead.
(Vedabase)
Text
54
Lord
Indra delivered to the Lord the pârijâta
[coral-]tree as also the Sudharmâ-hall ['good
law'] situated in which a mortal is not affected by the
laws of mortality.
Lord
Indra delivered to the Lord the pârijâta
[coral-]tree and the Sudharmâ-hall ['good
law'] situated in which a mortal is not affected by the
laws of mortality. (Vedabase)
Text
55
Varuna
delivered horses swift as the wind that were colored white and
exclusively dark-grey; the treasurer of the godly delivered the
eight mystic treasures [see nidhi]
and each of the local rulers brought in their own
opulences.
Varuna
delivered horses swift as the wind colored white and
exclusively dark-grey; the treasurer of the godly delivered
the eight mystic treasures [see nidhi] and each of
the local rulers brought in their own opulences.
(Vedabase)
Text
56
Whatever
powers of control the Supreme Lord had given as their own
perfections were all offered back to Krishna, now He had come
to earth.
Whatever
powers of control the Supreme Lord had given as their own
perfections were all offered back to Krishna, now He had
come to earth.
(Vedabase)
Text
57
Krishna
after bringing over there by the power of His yoga all His
subjects [*],
then on the advise of Balarâma, the protector of the
citizens, unarmed went out of the city gate, wearing a garland
of lotus flowers.'
Krishna
after bringing over there by the power of His yoga all His
subjects [*], then on the advise of Balarâma,
the protector of the citizens, unarmed went out of the city
gate, wearing a garland of lotus flowers.
(Vedabase)
*
S'rîla Vis'vanâtha Cakravartî to this quotes
the following verses from S'rî Padma Purâna,
Uttara-khanda: "In the middle of the night, as the citizens
of Mathurâ slept, Lord Janârdana suddenly removed
them from that city and placed them in Dvârakâ.
When the men awoke, they were all amazed to find themselves,
their children and their wives sitting inside palaces made of
gold."