02.040
Pancharatra: Bhishma narrates about the boon given by Krishna to Shishupala’s mother.
Bhīṣma said.
Born in the family of the Cedi king, this three-eyed, four-armed being roared and bellowed like a donkey. (2-40-1)
Therefore, his mother and father, along with their relatives, should be alarmed; seeing that misconduct, they both should decide to abandon him. (2-40-2)
Then, a bodiless voice spoke to the king, who was with his wife, ministers, and priest, and whose heart was bewildered by anxiety. (2-40-3)
O king, this is your son, prosperous and born with great strength. Therefore, do not fear us; remain unagitated and indeed protect the child. (2-40-4)
O king, neither are you the death of this one, nor has his destined time arrived. The killer is death itself, arisen by the weapon.
After hearing the spoken words about what had happened and was hidden, the mother, overwhelmed by affection for her son, spoke these words. (2-40-6)
I bow with folded hands to him who spoke this statement to my own son; may he speak those words again. (2-40-7)
I wish to know whose death among the sons will occur. Then the vanished being spoke these words again. (2-40-8)
By whom, on the lap of the one who is held, both arms, exceeding (in length), as he was falling to the ground, were like two serpents with five heads. (2-40-9)
This third eye of the boy, situated on his forehead, will sink; whoever sees it, that person will die. (2-40-10)
When they heard the description of the three-eyed, four-armed form, all the kings on earth came there, eager to behold it. (2-40-11)
After duly honoring those who had arrived, the king then placed the son on the lap of each king. (2-40-12)
In this way, among thousands of kings, even when considered separately and in due order, the child sitting on the lap did not reach that example. (2-40-13)
Then Saṅkarṣaṇa and Janārdana, the two Yādavas, came to the city of the Cedis to visit their sister Subhadrā at that time. (2-40-14)
After respectfully saluting the kings as per custom and seniority, and inquiring about their welfare, Rama and Keshava (Lakshmana) sat down. (2-40-15)
After the two heroes had been worshipped with great affection, the goddess herself placed her son Dāmodara on her lap. (2-40-16)
As the body was placed on his lap, both arms, exceeding in length, fell down; and his eye sank into the teardrop that sprang from his forehead. (2-40-17)
Seeing that, distressed and terrified, she sought a boon from Kṛṣṇa. "Grant me a boon, O Kṛṣṇa, to me who am afflicted by fear, O mighty-armed one." (2-40-18)
You are truly the comforter of the distressed and the one who gives fearlessness to the frightened. Janardana said to his cousin, "Do not be afraid." (2-40-19)
O father's sister, what boon shall I give, or what else shall I do? Whether it is possible or impossible, I will fulfill your word. (2-40-20)
After these words, she then said to Kṛṣṇa, the descendant of Yadu: "O mighty one, may you forgive the offenses of Śiśupāla." (2-40-21)
Kṛṣṇa said.
Even if he has committed a hundred offences, I must forgive your paternal aunt's son, even though he deserves death; do not let your mind be overcome with grief. (2-40-22)
Bhīṣma said.
Thus, this wicked king Śiśupāla, who is very dull-minded and proud because of the boon from Govinda, challenges you, O hero. (2-40-23)
