03.186
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said.
ततः स पुनरेवाथ मार्कण्डेयं यशस्विनम्। पप्रच्छ विनयोपेतो धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः ॥०३-१८६-१॥
Then, once again, Yudhishthira, the King of Dharma, endowed with humility, asked the illustrious Markandeya. (03-186-1)
नैके युगसहस्रान्तास्त्वया दृष्टा महामुने। न चापीह समः कश्चिदायुषा तव विद्यते ॥ वर्जयित्वा महात्मानं ब्राह्मणं परमेष्ठिनम् ॥०३-१८६-२॥
O great sage, countless thousands of yuga cycles have passed before your eyes. And there is no one here whose lifespan equals yours, except for the great-souled Brāhmaṇa, Parameṣṭhin (Brahmā). (03-186-2)
अनन्तरिक्षे लोकेऽस्मिन्देवदानववर्जिते। त्वमेव प्रलये विप्र ब्रह्माणमुपतिष्ठसि ॥०३-१८६-३॥
O brāhmaṇa, at the dissolution, in this world free from gods and demons, in the endless space, you alone attend upon Brahmā. (03-186-3)
प्रलये चापि निर्वृत्ते प्रबुद्धे च पितामहे। त्वमेव सृज्यमानानि भूतानीह प्रपश्यसि ॥०३-१८६-४॥
When the dissolution is complete and the Grandfather (Brahmā) awakens, you alone see here all the beings coming into existence. (03-186-4)
चतुर्विधानि विप्रर्षे यथावत्परमेष्ठिना। वायुभूता दिशः कृत्वा विक्षिप्यापस्ततस्ततः ॥०३-१८६-५॥
O sage among the twice-born, Parameṣṭhin (Brahmā) properly made the four kinds by transforming the quarters into wind and scattering the waters here and there. (03-186-5)
त्वया लोकगुरुः साक्षात्सर्वलोकपितामहः। आराधितो द्विजश्रेष्ठ तत्परेण समाधिना ॥०३-१८६-६॥
O best of twice-born, by you, the teacher of the worlds, the very grandsire of all worlds, has been directly worshipped with supreme concentration through meditation. (03-186-6)
तस्मात्सर्वान्तको मृत्युर्जरा वा देहनाशिनी। न त्वा विशति विप्रर्षे प्रसादात्परमेष्ठिनः ॥०३-१८६-७॥
Therefore, O sage among Brāhmaṇas, death, which ends all, or old age that destroys the body, does not affect you by the favor of the Supreme Lord. (03-186-7)
यदा नैव रविर्नाग्निर्न वायुर्न च चन्द्रमाः। नैवान्तरिक्षं नैवोर्वी शेषं भवति किञ्चन ॥०३-१८६-८॥
When there is neither sun, nor fire, nor wind, nor the moon, nor even ether or earth, nothing at all remains. (03-186-8)
तस्मिन्नेकार्णवे लोके नष्टे स्थावरजङ्गमे। नष्टे देवासुरगणे समुत्सन्नमहोरगे ॥०३-१८६-९॥
When, in that world of the single ocean, all immobile and mobile beings had perished, and the hosts of gods, demons, and great serpents were completely gone. (03-186-9)
शयानममितात्मानं पद्मे पद्मनिकेतनम्। त्वमेकः सर्वभूतेशं ब्रह्माणमुपतिष्ठसि ॥०३-१८६-१०॥
You alone attend to Brahmā, the lord of all beings, who is lying, of infinite self, on a lotus, whose abode is the lotus. (03-186-10)
एतत्प्रत्यक्षतः सर्वं पूर्ववृत्तं द्विजोत्तम। तस्मादिच्छामहे श्रोतुं सर्वहेत्वात्मिकां कथाम् ॥०३-१८६-११॥
O best of the twice-born, having directly perceived all these former events, therefore we wish to hear the story which encompasses all causes. (03-186-11)
अनुभूतं हि बहुशस्त्वयैकेन द्विजोत्तम। न तेऽस्त्यविदितं किञ्चित्सर्वलोकेषु नित्यदा ॥०३-१८६-१२॥
O best of twice-born, you alone have experienced this many times indeed; there is nothing unknown to you at any time in all the worlds. (03-186-12)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Markandeya said.
हन्त ते कथयिष्यामि नमस्कृत्वा स्वयम्भुवे। पुरुषाय पुराणाय शाश्वतायाव्ययाय च ॥०३-१८६-१३॥
Indeed, I will tell you, having bowed to the self-born, the Purusha, the ancient, the eternal, and the imperishable. (03-186-13)
य एष पृथुदीर्घाक्षः पीतवासा जनार्दनः। एष कर्ता विकर्ता च सर्वभावनभूतकृत् ॥०३-१८६-१४॥
He who is this one—Janārdana, having broad and long eyes, wearing yellow robes—he is the creator, the transformer, and the maker of all beings and existences. (03-186-14)
अचिन्त्यं महदाश्चर्यं पवित्रमपि चोत्तमम्। अनादिनिधनं भूतं विश्वमक्षयमव्ययम् ॥०३-१८६-१५॥
It is unthinkable, a great wonder, pure, also the highest; beginningless and endless, existent, the universe, imperishable, and unchanging. (03-186-15)
एष कर्ता न क्रियते कारणं चापि पौरुषे। यो ह्येनं पुरुषं वेत्ति देवा अपि न तं विदुः ॥०३-१८६-१६॥
This doer is not made the cause even in the person; whoever indeed knows this person—him even the gods do not know. (03-186-16)
सर्वमाश्चर्यमेवैतन्निर्वृत्तं राजसत्तम। आदितो मनुजव्याघ्र कृत्स्नस्य जगतः क्षये ॥०३-१८६-१७॥
O best of kings, all this is truly a wonder; O tiger among men, it has already occurred from the beginning, at the destruction of the entire world. (03-186-17)
चत्वार्याहुः सहस्राणि वर्षाणां तत्कृतं युगम्। तस्य तावच्छती सन्ध्या सन्ध्यांशश्च ततः परम् ॥०३-१८६-१८॥
They say that the Kṛta Yuga consists of four thousand years. Its twilight period is of the same amount, and after that, there is the portion of twilight. (03-186-18)
त्रीणि वर्षसहस्राणि त्रेतायुगमिहोच्यते। तस्य तावच्छती सन्ध्या सन्ध्यांशश्च ततः परम् ॥०३-१८६-१९॥
The Tretā Yuga is said here to be three thousand years. Of this, a hundred years constitute the twilight period, and a part of the twilight follows beyond that. (03-186-19)
तथा वर्षसहस्रे द्वे द्वापरं परिमाणतः। तस्यापि द्विशती सन्ध्या सन्ध्यांशश्च ततः परम् ॥०३-१८६-२०॥
Thus, the Dvāpara Yuga is measured as two thousand years. Of that, two hundred years are the twilight period and part of the twilight after that. (03-186-20)
सहस्रमेकं वर्षाणां ततः कलियुगं स्मृतम्। तस्य वर्षशतं सन्ध्या सन्ध्यांशश्च ततः परम् ॥ सन्ध्यासन्ध्यांशयोस्तुल्यं प्रमाणमुपधारय ॥०३-१८६-२१॥
The Kali age is said to be of one thousand years; its twilight lasts for one hundred years, and after that, a portion of the twilight. Consider the measurements of both the twilight and its portion as being equal. (3-186-21)
क्षीणे कलियुगे चैव प्रवर्तति कृतं युगम्। एषा द्वादशसाहस्री युगाख्या परिकीर्तिता ॥०३-१८६-२२॥
When the Kali Yuga comes to an end and the Kṛta Yuga begins, this cycle of twelve thousand, known as a yuga, is declared. (03-186-22)
एतत्सहस्रपर्यन्तमहो ब्राह्ममुदाहृतम्। विश्वं हि ब्रह्मभवने सर्वशः परिवर्तते ॥ लोकानां मनुजव्याघ्र प्रलयं तं विदुर्बुधाः ॥०३-१८६-२३॥
This great period of a thousand (years) is known as the day of Brahma. For the entire universe, indeed, in Brahma's abode, completely undergoes transformation. The wise, O tiger among men, know this as the dissolution of the worlds. (03-186-23)
अल्पावशिष्टे तु तदा युगान्ते भरतर्षभ। सहस्रान्ते नराः सर्वे प्रायशोऽनृतवादिनः ॥०३-१८६-२४॥
O best of the Bharatas, when only a few remain at the end of the age, at the end of a thousand years, all men will mostly become speakers of falsehood. (03-186-24)
यज्ञप्रतिनिधिः पार्थ दानप्रतिनिधिस्तथा। व्रतप्रतिनिधिश्चैव तस्मिन्काले प्रवर्तते ॥०३-१८६-२५॥
O Pārtha, the substitute for sacrifice, the substitute for gift, and likewise the substitute for vow are in effect at that time. (03-186-25)
ब्राह्मणाः शूद्रकर्माणस्तथा शूद्रा धनार्जकाः। क्षत्रधर्मेण वाप्यत्र वर्तयन्ति गते युगे ॥०३-१८६-२६॥
Brāhmaṇas perform the duties of śūdras, and similarly, śūdras become money earners; here, they may also live by kṣatriya duties, when the age has passed. (03-186-26)
निवृत्तयज्ञस्वाध्यायाः पिण्डोदकविवर्जिताः। ब्राह्मणाः सर्वभक्षाश्च भविष्यन्ति कलौ युगे ॥०३-१८६-२७॥
In the Kali age, Brāhmaṇas will abandon sacrifice and self-study, be deprived of offerings of rice-balls and water, and become eaters of everything. (03-186-27)
अजपा ब्राह्मणास्तात शूद्रा जपपरायणाः। विपरीते तदा लोके पूर्वरूपं क्षयस्य तत् ॥०३-१८६-२८॥
O dear one, when Brāhmaṇas do not chant and Śūdras are devoted to recitation, then, in the world, that is a sign of coming decline. (03-186-28)
बहवो म्लेच्छराजानः पृथिव्यां मनुजाधिप। मिथ्यानुशासिनः पापा मृषावादपरायणाः ॥०३-१८६-२९॥
O lord of men, there are many barbarian kings on earth—false rulers, wicked, and dedicated to speaking lies. (03-186-29)
आन्ध्राः शकाः पुलिन्दाश्च यवनाश्च नराधिपाः। काम्बोजा और्णिकाः शूद्रास्तथाभीरा नरोत्तम ॥०३-१८६-३०॥
O best of men, the Andhras, Shakas, Pulindas, Yavanas, kings, Kambojas, Aurnikas, Śudras, and Abhiras (are mentioned here). (03-186-30)
न तदा ब्राह्मणः कश्चित्स्वधर्ममुपजीवति। क्षत्रिया अपि वैश्याश्च विकर्मस्था नराधिप ॥०३-१८६-३१॥
At that time, no brāhmaṇa lives according to his proper dharma. Even kṣatriyas and vaiśyas, O king, engage in improper actions. (03-186-31)
अल्पायुषः स्वल्पबला अल्पतेजःपराक्रमाः। अल्पदेहाल्पसाराश्च तथा सत्याल्पभाषिणः ॥०३-१८६-३२॥
They are short-lived, weak, lacking in energy and valor, of small stature and little substance, and also speak little truth. (03-186-32)
बहुशून्या जनपदा मृगव्यालावृता दिशः। युगान्ते समनुप्राप्ते वृथा च ब्रह्मचारिणः ॥ भोवादिनस्तथा शूद्रा ब्राह्मणाश्चार्यवादिनः ॥०३-१८६-३३॥
The settlements become largely deserted, with regions overrun by wild animals in all directions; when the end of the age arrives, brahmacārins exist in vain. Those who use 'bho' as a form of address are śūdras, and even the brāhmaṇas speak improper doctrines. (03-186-33)
युगान्ते मनुजव्याघ्र भवन्ति बहुजन्तवः। न तथा घ्राणयुक्ताश्च सर्वगन्धा विशां पते ॥ रसाश्च मनुजव्याघ्र न तथा स्वादुयोगिनः ॥०३-१८६-३४॥
At the end of the age, O tiger among men, numerous beings are born; but, O lord of men, all scents are not possessed of fragrance, nor are the tastes, O tiger among men, as endowed with sweetness. (03-186-34)
बहुप्रजा ह्रस्वदेहाः शीलाचारविवर्जिताः। मुखेभगाः स्त्रियो राजन्भविष्यन्ति युगक्षये ॥०३-१८६-३५॥
At the end of the age, O king, women will become short-bodied, prolific, devoid of good character and conduct, and have their sexual organ on their face. (03-186-35)
अट्टशूला जनपदाः शिवशूलाश्चतुष्पथाः। केशशूलाः स्त्रियो राजन्भविष्यन्ति युगक्षये ॥०३-१८६-३६॥
"Regions will have large spikes, crossroads will have auspicious spikes, women will have spiky hair, O king, all these will prevail at the end of the age." (03-186-36)
अल्पक्षीरास्तथा गावो भविष्यन्ति जनाधिप। अल्पपुष्पफलाश्चापि पादपा बहुवायसाः ॥०३-१८६-३७॥
O lord of people, likewise cows will yield little milk. Also, trees will bear few flowers and fruits, and will be infested with many crows. (03-186-37)
ब्रह्मवध्यावलिप्तानां तथा मिथ्याभिशंसिनाम्। नृपाणां पृथिवीपाल प्रतिगृह्णन्ति वै द्विजाः ॥०३-१८६-३८॥
O protector of the earth, the twice-born indeed accept gifts from kings who are proud killers of Brāhmaṇas and those who bear false witness. (03-186-38)
लोभमोहपरीताश्च मिथ्याधर्मध्वजावृताः। भिक्षार्थं पृथिवीपाल चञ्चूर्यन्ते द्विजैर्दिशः ॥०३-१८६-३९॥
Overcome by greed and delusion, and cloaked in false righteousness, the Brahmins, seeking alms, roam the lands of kings in all directions. (03-186-39)
करभारभयात्पुंसो गृहस्थाः परिमोषकाः। मुनिच्छद्माकृतिच्छन्ना वाणिज्यमुपजीवते ॥०३-१८६-४०॥
Out of fear of the burden of taxes, householders and thieves, concealing themselves in the guise of ascetics, make their living by engaging in trade. (03-186-40)
मिथ्या च नखरोमाणि धारयन्ति नरास्तदा। अर्थलोभान्नरव्याघ्र वृथा च ब्रह्मचारिणः ॥०३-१८६-४१॥
At that time, men falsely grow their nails and hair, O tiger among men, and celibate students do so in vain due to greed for wealth. (03-186-41)
आश्रमेषु वृथाचाराः पानपा गुरुतल्पगाः। ऐहलौकिकमीहन्ते मांसशोणितवर्धनम् ॥०३-१८६-४२॥
Those of vain conduct, drinkers of liquor, those who approach the teacher's wife, in the āśramas pursue only worldly matters, fostering the increase of flesh and blood. (03-186-42)
बहुपाषण्डसङ्कीर्णाः परान्नगुणवादिनः। आश्रमा मनुजव्याघ्र न भवन्ति युगक्षये ॥०३-१८६-४३॥
O tiger among men, at the end of the age, āśramas, having become mixed with many heretics and praisers of the merit of another's food, no longer exist. (03-186-43)
यथर्तुवर्षी भगवान्न तथा पाकशासनः। न तदा सर्वबीजानि सम्यग्रोहन्ति भारत ॥ अधर्मफलमत्यर्थं तदा भवति चानघ ॥०३-१८६-४४॥
Just as a Lord provides rain in proper season, but Indra does not do so; at that time, O Bhārata, all seeds do not sprout properly. Then, O sinless one, the fruit of unrighteousness arises in excess. (03-186-44)
तथा च पृथिवीपाल यो भवेद्धर्मसंयुतः। अल्पायुः स हि मन्तव्यो न हि धर्मोऽस्ति कश्चन ॥०३-१८६-४५॥
Similarly, a king who may be endowed with dharma and has a short life is to be considered so, for in one who lacks dharma, there is truly no value. (03-186-45)
भूयिष्ठं कूटमानैश्च पण्यं विक्रीणते जनाः। वणिजश्च नरव्याघ्र बहुमाया भवन्त्युत ॥०३-१८६-४६॥
People mostly sell goods with false measures; and merchants, O tiger among men, are very deceitful indeed. (3-186-46)
धर्मिष्ठाः परिहीयन्ते पापीयान्वर्धते जनः। धर्मस्य बलहानिः स्यादधर्मश्च बली तथा ॥०३-१८६-४७॥
The most righteous decline while wicked people increase. The strength of dharma is lost, and adharma likewise becomes powerful. (03-186-47)
अल्पायुषो दरिद्राश्च धर्मिष्ठा मानवास्तदा। दीर्घायुषः समृद्धाश्च विधर्माणो युगक्षये ॥०३-१८६-४८॥
At the end of the age, humans who are righteous become short-lived and poor, while those who are unrighteous become long-lived and prosperous. (03-186-48)
अधर्मिष्ठैरुपायैश्च प्रजा व्यवहरन्त्युत। सञ्चयेनापि चाल्पेन भवन्त्याढ्या मदान्विताः ॥०३-१८६-४९॥
People act by most unrighteous means; and even with a small accumulation, they become wealthy and proud. (3-186-49)
धनं विश्वासतो न्यस्तं मिथो भूयिष्ठशो नराः। हर्तुं व्यवसिता राजन्मायाचारसमन्विताः ॥०३-१८६-५०॥
O king, men, mostly, who have deposited wealth with each other in trust, are resolved to take it away, being endowed with deceitful conduct. (03-186-50)
पुरुषादानि सत्त्वानि पक्षिणोऽथ मृगास्तथा। नगराणां विहारेषु चैत्येष्वपि च शेरते ॥०३-१८६-५१॥
Man-eating beings, birds, and likewise animals rest or take shelter in the pleasure-grounds and shrines of cities. (03-186-51)
सप्तवर्षाष्टवर्षाश्च स्त्रियो गर्भधरा नृप। दशद्वादशवर्षाणां पुंसां पुत्रः प्रजायते ॥०३-१८६-५२॥
O king, girls of seven or eight years become capable of conceiving; for boys of ten or twelve years, a son is born. (03-186-52)
भवन्ति षोडशे वर्षे नराः पलितिनस्तथा। आयुःक्षयो मनुष्याणां क्षिप्रमेव प्रपद्यते ॥०३-१८६-५३॥
Thus, men become gray-haired in their sixteenth year; the decline of the lifespan of men quickly indeed befalls. (03-186-53)
क्षीणे युगे महाराज तरुणा वृद्धशीलिनः। तरुणानां च यच्छीलं तद्वृद्धेषु प्रजायते ॥०३-१८६-५४॥
O great king, when the age declines, the young adopt the ways of the old, and the conduct of the young appears among the old. (3-186-54)
विपरीतास्तदा नार्यो वञ्चयित्वा रहः पतीन्। व्युच्चरन्त्यपि दुःशीला दासैः पशुभिरेव च ॥०३-१८६-५५॥
At that time, perverse women of bad conduct, having deceived their husbands in secret, go astray even with servants and indeed with beasts. (03-186-55)
तस्मिन्युगसहस्रान्ते सम्प्राप्ते चायुषः क्षये। अनावृष्टिर्महाराज जायते बहुवार्षिकी ॥०३-१८६-५६॥
O great king, when at the end of a thousand yugas, as lifespans decline, a drought lasting for many years arises. (03-186-56)
ततस्तान्यल्पसाराणि सत्त्वानि क्षुधितानि च। प्रलयं यान्ति भूयिष्ठं पृथिव्यां पृथिवीपते ॥०३-१८६-५७॥
Then, O lord of the earth, those beings of little essence and hungry mostly perish on the earth. (03-186-57)
ततो दिनकरैर्दीप्तैः सप्तभिर्मनुजाधिप। पीयते सलिलं सर्वं समुद्रेषु सरित्सु च ॥०३-१८६-५८॥
Then, O lord of men, by the seven shining suns, all the water of the oceans and rivers is consumed. (03-186-58)
यच्च काष्ठं तृणं चापि शुष्कं चार्द्रं च भारत। सर्वं तद्भस्मसाद्भूतं दृश्यते भरतर्षभ ॥०३-१८६-५९॥
O Bhārata, all the wood and grass, both dry and wet, you see, O foremost of the Bhāratas—all of it has become mere ashes. (03-186-59)
ततः संवर्तको वह्निर्वायुना सह भारत। लोकमाविशते पूर्वमादित्यैरुपशोषितम् ॥०३-१८६-६०॥
Then, O Bhārata, the world-destroying fire together with the wind enters the world, which has previously been dried up by the suns. (03-186-60)
ततः स पृथिवीं भित्त्वा समाविश्य रसातलम्। देवदानवयक्षाणां भयं जनयते महत् ॥०३-१८६-६१॥
Then he, having pierced the earth and gone into the netherworld, caused great fear among the gods, demons, and yakshas. (03-186-61)
निर्दहन्नागलोकं च यच्च किञ्चित्क्षिताविह। अधस्तात्पृथिवीपाल सर्वं नाशयते क्षणात् ॥०३-१८६-६२॥
O King, burning up the realm of the nāgas and whatever small thing is here on earth below, it destroys everything in an instant. (03-186-62)
ततो योजनविंशानां सहस्राणि शतानि च। निर्दहत्यशिवो वायुः स च संवर्तकोऽनलः ॥०३-१८६-६३॥
Thereafter, for hundreds and thousands of units of twenty yojanas, the inauspicious wind burns everything, and that is the world-destroying fire. (03-186-63)
सदेवासुरगन्धर्वं सयक्षोरगराक्षसम्। ततो दहति दीप्तः स सर्वमेव जगद्विभुः ॥०३-१८६-६४॥
He, the blazing omnipresent one, then burns the entire world, along with the gods, demons, gandharvas, yakṣas, serpents, and rākṣasas. (03-186-64)
ततो गजकुलप्रख्यास्तडिन्मालाविभूषिताः। उत्तिष्ठन्ति महामेघा नभस्यद्भुतदर्शनाः ॥०३-१८६-६५॥
Then, great clouds with a wonderful appearance, adorned with garlands of lightning and resembling a herd of elephants, rise up in the sky. (03-186-65)
केचिन्नीलोत्पलश्यामाः केचित्कुमुदसंनिभाः। केचित्किञ्जल्कसङ्काशाः केचित्पीताः पयोधराः ॥०३-१८६-६६॥
Some breasts are dark like blue lotuses, some resemble white lotuses, some are shining like flower filaments, and some are yellow. (03-186-66)
केचिद्धारिद्रसङ्काशाः काकाण्डकनिभास्तथा। केचित्कमलपत्राभाः केचिद्धिङ्गुलकप्रभाः ॥०३-१८६-६७॥
Some looked like copper, some resembled the color of crow's eggs; similarly, some had the brilliance of lotus leaves, and some had the radiance of orpiment (yellow mineral). (03-186-67)
केचित्पुरवराकाराः केचिद्गजकुलोपमाः। केचिदञ्जनसङ्काशाः केचिन्मकरसंस्थिताः ॥ विद्युन्मालापिनद्धाङ्गाः समुत्तिष्ठन्ति वै घनाः ॥०३-१८६-६८॥
Some clouds look like magnificent cities, some resemble herds of elephants, some appear as dark as collyrium, and some take the shape of makaras; the clouds, their bodies wreathed with garlands of lightning, rise up. (3-186-68)
घोररूपा महाराज घोरस्वननिनादिताः। ततो जलधराः सर्वे व्याप्नुवन्ति नभस्तलम् ॥०३-१८६-६९॥
O great king, those clouds, terrible in appearance and resounding with dreadful sounds, then all cover the sky. (03-186-69)
तैरियं पृथिवी सर्वा सपर्वतवनाकरा। आपूर्यते महाराज सलिलौघपरिप्लुता ॥०३-१८६-७०॥
O great king, the entire earth, with its mountains, forests, and mines, is filled and submerged by the rising floodwaters. (03-186-70)
ततस्ते जलदा घोरा राविणः पुरुषर्षभ। सर्वतः प्लावयन्त्याशु चोदिताः परमेष्ठिना ॥०३-१८६-७१॥
Then, O bull among men, those terrible, resounding clouds, impelled by the supreme lord, quickly flood everywhere. (03-186-71)
वर्षमाणा महत्तोयं पूरयन्तो वसुन्धराम्। सुघोरमशिवं रौद्रं नाशयन्ति च पावकम् ॥०३-१८६-७२॥
Showering great quantities of water and filling the earth, they also destroy the very terrible, inauspicious, and fierce fire. (03-186-72)
ततो द्वादश वर्षाणि पयोदास्त उपप्लवे। धाराभिः पूरयन्तो वै चोद्यमाना महात्मना ॥०३-१८६-७३॥
Then, for twelve years, the clouds at the time of the flood, impelled by the great-souled one, kept filling (the world) with streams indeed. (03-186-73)
ततः समुद्रः स्वां वेलामतिक्रामति भारत। पर्वताश्च विशीर्यन्ते मही चापि विशीर्यते ॥०३-१८६-७४॥
Then, O Bhārata, the ocean oversteps its own boundary; the mountains are broken, and the earth itself is shattered. (03-186-74)
सर्वतः सहसा भ्रान्तास्ते पयोदा नभस्तलम्। संवेष्टयित्वा नश्यन्ति वायुवेगपराहताः ॥०३-१८६-७५॥
From all sides, the clouds suddenly wander, having enveloped the sky, and perish, struck by the force of the wind. (03-186-75)
ततस्तं मारुतं घोरं स्वयम्भूर्मनुजाधिप। आदिपद्मालयो देवः पीत्वा स्वपिति भारत ॥०३-१८६-७६॥
Then the Self-born god, whose abode is the primeval lotus, having absorbed that terrible wind, sleeps, O Bhārata, O king of men. (03-186-76)
तस्मिन्नेकार्णवे घोरे नष्टे स्थावरजङ्गमे। नष्टे देवासुरगणे यक्षराक्षसवर्जिते ॥०३-१८६-७७॥
In that one terrible ocean, when all immobile and mobile beings were destroyed, and the hosts of devas and asuras were lost, except for the yakṣas and rākṣasas. (03-186-77)
निर्मनुष्ये महीपाल निःश्वापदमहीरुहे। अनन्तरिक्षे लोकेऽस्मिन्भ्रमाम्येकोऽहमादृतः ॥०३-१८६-७८॥
O protector of the earth, in this world devoid of humans, beasts, and trees, with no sky, I wander alone, honored. (03-186-78)
एकार्णवे जले घोरे विचरन्पार्थिवोत्तम। अपश्यन्सर्वभूतानि वैक्लव्यमगमं परम् ॥०३-१८६-७९॥
O best of kings, as I wandered in the dreadful, solitary ocean of water and did not see any beings, I fell into profound despair. (03-186-79)
ततः सुदीर्घं गत्वा तु प्लवमानो नराधिप। श्रान्तः क्वचिन्न शरणं लभाम्यहमतन्द्रितः ॥०३-१८६-८०॥
Then, O king, having leapt for a very long distance, though untiring, I am tired and do not find refuge anywhere. (03-186-80)
ततः कदाचित्पश्यामि तस्मिन्सलिलसम्प्लवे। न्यग्रोधं सुमहान्तं वै विशालं पृथिवीपते ॥०३-१८६-८१॥
Then, O lord of the earth, once I saw in that flood of water a very great, wide banyan tree. (03-186-81)
शाखायां तस्य वृक्षस्य विस्तीर्णायां नराधिप। पर्यङ्के पृथिवीपाल दिव्यास्तरणसंस्तृते ॥०३-१८६-८२॥
O king, on the wide-spreading branch of that tree, O protector of the earth, there was a couch made up with divine bedding. (03-186-82)
उपविष्टं महाराज पूर्णेन्दुसदृशाननम्। फुल्लपद्मविशालाक्षं बालं पश्यामि भारत ॥०३-१८६-८३॥
O great king, O Bhārata, I see a boy seated, whose face is like the full moon and whose eyes are large like blossomed lotuses. (03-186-83)
ततो मे पृथिवीपाल विस्मयः सुमहानभूत्। कथं त्वयं शिशुः शेते लोके नाशमुपागते ॥०३-१८६-८४॥
Then, O king, I was greatly astonished. How is it that you, this child, are lying in the world when destruction has come? (03-186-84)
तपसा चिन्तयंश्चापि तं शिशुं नोपलक्षये। भूतं भव्यं भविष्यच्च जानन्नपि नराधिप ॥०३-१८६-८५॥
O best of men, though I know the past, future, and the time to come, and though I reflect with austerity, I do not perceive that child. (03-186-85)
अतसीपुष्पवर्णाभः श्रीवत्सकृतलक्षणः। साक्षाल्लक्ष्म्या इवावासः स तदा प्रतिभाति मे ॥०३-१८६-८६॥
He appears to me then, possessing the color of the flax flower and marked with the Śrīvatsa sign, as if he were directly the abode of Lakṣmī. (03-186-86)
ततो मामब्रवीद्बालः स पद्मनिभलोचनः। श्रीवत्सधारी द्युतिमान्वाक्यं श्रुतिसुखावहम् ॥०३-१८६-८७॥
Then that radiant boy with lotus-like eyes, who bore the Śrīvatsa mark, said to me words that were pleasant to hear. (03-186-87)
जानामि त्वा परिश्रान्तं तात विश्रामकाङ्क्षिणम्। मार्कण्डेय इहास्स्व त्वं यावदिच्छसि भार्गव ॥०३-१८६-८८॥
I know you are exhausted and longing for rest, dear one. O Markandeya, stay here as long as you wish, O descendant of Bhrigu. (03-186-88)
अभ्यन्तरं शरीरं मे प्रविश्य मुनिसत्तम। आस्स्व भो विहितो वासः प्रसादस्ते कृतो मया ॥०३-१८६-८९॥
O best of sages, having entered my body, please reside here, O revered one. I have arranged an abode for you; I have done what is needed for your favor. (03-186-89)
ततो बालेन तेनैवमुक्तस्यासीत्तदा मम। निर्वेदो जीविते दीर्घे मनुष्यत्वे च भारत ॥०३-१८६-९०॥
Then, after being thus addressed by that boy, O Bhārata, I felt disillusionment with long life and even with being human. (03-186-90)
ततो बालेन तेनास्यं सहसा विवृतं कृतम्। तस्याहमवशो वक्त्रं दैवयोगात्प्रवेशितः ॥०३-१८६-९१॥
Then, by that boy, his mouth was suddenly opened, and by the force of fate, I was helplessly made to enter his mouth. (03-186-91)
ततः प्रविष्टस्तत्कुक्षिं सहसा मनुजाधिप। सराष्ट्रनगराकीर्णां कृत्स्नां पश्यामि मेदिनीम् ॥०३-१८६-९२॥
Then, O king of men, I suddenly entered that interior and saw the whole earth filled with countries and cities. (03-186-92)
गङ्गां शतद्रुं सीतां च यमुनामथ कौशिकीम्। चर्मण्वतीं वेत्रवतीं चन्द्रभागां सरस्वतीम् ॥०३-१८६-९३॥
The Gaṅgā, Śatadru, Sītā, and Yamunā; then Kauśikī, Carmaṇvatī, Vetravatī, Candrabhāgā, and Sarasvatī. (03-186-93)
सिन्धुं चैव विपाशां च नदीं गोदावरीमपि। वस्वोकसारां नलिनीं नर्मदां चैव भारत ॥०३-१८६-९४॥
O Bhārata, (there are) the Sindhu, the Vipāśā, the river Godāvarī, also Vasvokasārā, Nalinī, and the Narmadā. (3-186-94)
नदीं ताम्रां च वेण्णां च पुण्यतोयां शुभावहाम्। सुवेणां कृष्णवेणां च इरामां च महानदीम् ॥ शोणं च पुरुषव्याघ्र विशल्यां कम्पुनामपि ॥०३-१८६-९५॥
River Tāmra, Veṇṇā, the sacred-watered and auspicious Suveṇā, Kṛṣṇaveṇā, Irāmā, Mahānadi; Śoṇa too, O tiger among men, as well as Viśalyā and the river called Kampu. (3-186-95)
एताश्चान्याश्च नद्योऽहं पृथिव्यां या नरोत्तम। परिक्रामन्प्रपश्यामि तस्य कुक्षौ महात्मनः ॥०३-१८६-९६॥
O best of men, as I move about on earth, I see these and other rivers in the belly of that great-souled One. (03-186-96)
ततः समुद्रं पश्यामि यादोगणनिषेवितम्। रत्नाकरममित्रघ्न निधानं पयसो महत् ॥०३-१८६-९७॥
Then I see the ocean, inhabited by groups of aquatic beings, a great repository of water and gems, a destroyer of foes. (03-186-97)
ततः पश्यामि गगनं चन्द्रसूर्यविराजितम्। जाज्वल्यमानं तेजोभिः पावकार्कसमप्रभैः ॥ पश्यामि च महीं राजन्काननैरुपशोभिताम् ॥०३-१८६-९८॥
Then I see the sky resplendent with the moon and sun, shining with radiance like that of fire and the sun. I also see the earth, O king, decorated with forests. (03-186-98)
यजन्ते हि तदा राजन्ब्राह्मणा बहुभिः सवैः। क्षत्रियाश्च प्रवर्तन्ते सर्ववर्णानुरञ्जने ॥०३-१८६-९९॥
At that time, O king, Brāhmaṇas indeed performed sacrifices with many offerings, and Kṣatriyas engaged in actions that pleased all classes. (03-186-99)
वैश्याः कृषिं यथान्यायं कारयन्ति नराधिप। शुश्रूषायां च निरता द्विजानां वृषलास्तथा ॥०३-१८६-१००॥
O king, the Vaiśyas cause agriculture to be done according to proper law, and the śūdras likewise are engaged in service of the Brāhmaṇas. (03-186-100)
ततः परिपतन्राजंस्तस्य कुक्षौ महात्मनः। हिमवन्तं च पश्यामि हेमकूटं च पर्वतम् ॥०३-१८६-१०१॥
Then, O king, as I was falling into the belly of the great-souled one, I saw the Himavat and the Hemakūṭa mountains. (03-186-101)
निषधं चापि पश्यामि श्वेतं च रजताचितम्। पश्यामि च महीपाल पर्वतं गन्धमादनम् ॥०३-१८६-१०२॥
I see the Niṣadha mountain, and also the Śveta mountain, which is silver-adorned; I see as well, O king, the Gandhamādana mountain. (03-186-102)
मन्दरं मनुजव्याघ्र नीलं चापि महागिरिम्। पश्यामि च महाराज मेरुं कनकपर्वतम् ॥०३-१८६-१०३॥
O great king, I see Mandara, O tiger among men, Nīla, as well as the great mountain Meru, the golden mountain. (03-186-103)
महेन्द्रं चैव पश्यामि विन्ध्यं च गिरिमुत्तमम्। मलयं चापि पश्यामि पारियात्रं च पर्वतम् ॥०३-१८६-१०४॥
I see Mahendra, and indeed I see the Vindhya, the best of mountains; I see also Malaya, and the Pāriyātra mountain. (03-186-104)
एते चान्ये च बहवो यावन्तः पृथिवीधराः। तस्योदरे मया दृष्टाः सर्वरत्नविभूषिताः ॥०३-१८६-१०५॥
These and the other many earth-holders, as many as there are, I saw in his belly, all adorned with jewels. (03-186-105)
सिंहान्व्याघ्रान्वराहांश्च नागांश्च मनुजाधिप। पृथिव्यां यानि चान्यानि सत्त्वानि जगतीपते ॥ तानि सर्वाण्यहं तत्र पश्यन्पर्यचरं तदा ॥०३-१८६-१०६॥
O lord of men, I wandered there seeing lions, tigers, boars, serpents, and all other creatures that are on earth, O ruler of the world. (03-186-106)
कुक्षौ तस्य नरव्याघ्र प्रविष्टः सञ्चरन्दिशः। शक्रादींश्चापि पश्यामि कृत्स्नान्देवगणांस्तथा ॥०३-१८६-१०७॥
O tiger among men, having entered his belly and roaming about the directions, I also see Indra and the other gods, all the hosts of deities likewise. (3-186-107)
गन्धर्वाप्सरसो यक्षानृषींश्चैव महीपते। दैत्यदानवसङ्घांश्च कालेयांश्च नराधिप ॥ सिंहिकातनयांश्चापि ये चान्ये सुरशत्रवः ॥०३-१८६-१०८॥
O king, (all) Gandharvas, apsarases, yakṣas, ṛṣis, daityas, dānavas, hosts of kāleyas, sons of Siṃhikā, and all other enemies of the gods (were there). (03-186-108)
यच्च किञ्चिन्मया लोके दृष्टं स्थावरजङ्गमम्। तदपश्यमहं सर्वं तस्य कुक्षौ महात्मनः ॥ फलाहारः प्रविचरन्कृत्स्नं जगदिदं तदा ॥०३-१८६-१०९॥
Whatever I saw in the world, whether immovable or movable, I saw all of that within the belly of that great soul, while wandering as a fruit-eater throughout this entire world at that time. (3-186-109)
अन्तः शरीरे तस्याहं वर्षाणामधिकं शतम्। न च पश्यामि तस्याहमन्तं देहस्य कुत्रचित् ॥०३-१८६-११०॥
I have been inside his body for more than a hundred years, yet I do not see any end to his body anywhere. (03-186-110)
सततं धावमानश्च चिन्तयानो विशां पते। आसादयामि नैवान्तं तस्य राजन्महात्मनः ॥०३-१८६-१११॥
O king, even as I constantly run and ponder, O lord of the people, I cannot reach the limit of that great-souled one. (03-186-111)
ततस्तमेव शरणं गतोऽस्मि विधिवत्तदा। वरेण्यं वरदं देवं मनसा कर्मणैव च ॥०३-१८६-११२॥
Then I duly sought refuge only in him at that time — the adorable, boon-bestowing god — by mind and indeed by action as well. (03-186-112)
ततोऽहं सहसा राजन्वायुवेगेन निःसृतः। महात्मनो मुखात्तस्य विवृतात्पुरुषोत्तम ॥०३-१८६-११३॥
Then, O king, I suddenly emerged by the force of the wind from the opened mouth of that great-souled being, O best of men. (03-186-113)
ततस्तस्यैव शाखायां न्यग्रोधस्य विशां पते। आस्ते मनुजशार्दूल कृत्स्नमादाय वै जगत् ॥०३-१८६-११४॥
Then, on that very branch of the banyan tree, O lord of men, he sits, O best of men, having indeed gathered up the whole world. (03-186-114)
तेनैव बालवेषेण श्रीवत्सकृतलक्षणम्। आसीनं तं नरव्याघ्र पश्याम्यमिततेजसम् ॥०३-१८६-११५॥
O tiger among men, I see him sitting there, in the same boyish appearance, marked by the Śrīvatsa, possessing immeasurable brilliance. (03-186-115)
ततो मामब्रवीद्वीर स बालः प्रहसन्निव। श्रीवत्सधारी द्युतिमान्पीतवासा महाद्युतिः ॥०३-१८६-११६॥
Then that boy, bearing the mark of Śrīvatsa, radiant, clad in yellow garments, of great brilliance, smiling as if in sport, said to me, O hero. (03-186-116)
अपीदानीं शरीरेऽस्मिन्मामके मुनिसत्तम। उषितस्त्वं सुविश्रान्तो मार्कण्डेय ब्रवीहि मे ॥०३-१८६-११७॥
O Mārkaṇḍeya, now that you have dwelt in my body and are well-rested, O best of sages, please tell me.
मुहूर्तादथ मे दृष्टिः प्रादुर्भूता पुनर्नवा। यया निर्मुक्तमात्मानमपश्यं लब्धचेतसम् ॥०३-१८६-११८॥
Then, after a moment, my vision became new again; with that vision, I saw myself freed, my awareness restored. (03-186-118)
तस्य ताम्रतलौ तात चरणौ सुप्रतिष्ठितौ। सुजातौ मृदुरक्ताभिरङ्गुलीभिरलङ्कृतौ ॥०३-१८६-११९॥
His feet, dear one, are well-set with coppery soles, well-formed and adorned by soft, reddish toes. (03-186-119)
प्रयतेन मया मूर्ध्ना गृहीत्वा ह्यभिवन्दितौ। दृष्ट्वापरिमितं तस्य प्रभावममितौजसः ॥०३-१८६-१२०॥
With effort, I bowed with my head to both of them after taking hold, indeed, having seen the limitless glory of him of immeasurable energy. (03-186-120)
विनयेनाञ्जलिं कृत्वा प्रयत्नेनोपगम्य च। दृष्टो मया स भूतात्मा देवः कमललोचनः ॥०३-१८६-१२१॥
With humility and folded hands, after approaching with effort, I saw him, the lotus-eyed god, the soul of all beings. (03-186-121)
तमहं प्राञ्जलिर्भूत्वा नमस्कृत्येदमब्रुवम्। ज्ञातुमिच्छामि देव त्वां मायां चेमां तवोत्तमाम् ॥०३-१८६-१२२॥
Having approached him with joined palms and bowed, I spoke these words: O god, I wish to know you and this supreme illusion of yours. (03-186-122)
आस्येनानुप्रविष्टोऽहं शरीरं भगवंस्तव। दृष्टवानखिलाँल्लोकान्समस्ताञ्जठरे तव ॥०३-१८६-१२३॥
O Lord, having entered your body by the mouth, I have seen all the worlds, entirely, in your belly. (03-186-123)
तव देव शरीरस्था देवदानवराक्षसाः। यक्षगन्धर्वनागाश्च जगत्स्थावरजङ्गमम् ॥०३-१८६-१२४॥
O god, within your body reside the gods, demons, rākṣasas, yakṣas, gandharvas, nāgas, and all beings of the universe, both immobile and mobile. (03-186-124)
त्वत्प्रसादाच्च मे देव स्मृतिर्न परिहीयते। द्रुतमन्तः शरीरे ते सततं परिधावतः ॥०३-१८६-१२५॥
O god, by your favor my memory is never lost, for within your body it is always swiftly moving everywhere. (03-186-125)
इच्छामि पुण्डरीकाक्ष ज्ञातुं त्वाहमनिन्दित। इह भूत्वा शिशुः साक्षात्किं भवानवतिष्ठते ॥ पीत्वा जगदिदं विश्वमेतदाख्यातुमर्हसि ॥०३-१८६-१२६॥
O lotus-eyed, I wish to know you, O sinless one. Why do you, having truly become a child here, remain thus? Having absorbed this entire universe, you ought to reveal this. (03-186-126)
किमर्थं च जगत्सर्वं शरीरस्थं तवानघ। कियन्तं च त्वया कालमिह स्थेयमरिंदम ॥०३-१८६-१२७॥
O sinless one, for what reason is the entire world abiding in your body? And, O conqueror of enemies, for how long should you remain here? (03-186-127)
एतदिच्छामि देवेश श्रोतुं ब्राह्मणकाम्यया। त्वत्तः कमलपत्राक्ष विस्तरेण यथातथम् ॥ महद्ध्येतदचिन्त्यं च यदहं दृष्टवान्प्रभो ॥०३-१८६-१२८॥
O Lord of the gods! I wish to hear about this from you, O lotus-eyed one, in detail and as it truly is, out of a desire for knowledge of Brahman. For truly, what I have seen is great and beyond conception, O Lord. (03-186-128)
इत्युक्तः स मया श्रीमान्देवदेवो महाद्युतिः। सान्त्वयन्मामिदं वाक्यमुवाच वदतां वरः ॥०३-१८६-१२९॥
Thus addressed by me, the auspicious and splendid lord of the gods, consoling me, spoke these words—the best among speakers. (03-186-129)
