06.063
Pancharatra: On further inquiry, Bhishma explains the Pancharatra philosophy to Duryodhana.
Duryodhana said:
Vasudeva is renowned as a great being across all worlds. I wish to understand his advent and establishment, O grandfather.
Bhishma spoke:
Vasudeva, a great being, appeared along with the gods. Nothing beyond the lotus-eyed Lord is visible, O best of the Bharatas. Markandeya narrates the wondrous and great deeds of Govinda.
The supreme being, known as the great soul and the soul of all beings, created the three elements: water, air, and fire.
After creating the earth, the supreme god and master of all worlds, took his rest in the waters. The great soul, consisting of all waters, slept there due to union.
Acyuta created fire from his mouth, air from his breath, and then also Sarasvati and the Vedas from his mind.
In the beginning, this imperishable source created the worlds, gods, and groups of sages, along with the concepts of destruction and death for all beings.
This is the embodiment of dharma, the knower of dharma, the bestower of boons, and fulfiller of all desires. He is the creator and the creation, the ancient god, self-luminous.
Janardana, the creator, established the past, present, and future, as well as both twilights, the directions, space, and order.
Govinda, the imperishable lord and great soul, indeed arranged austerity for the sages and also for the creator of the universe.
He created Saṅkarṣaṇa as the elder brother of all beings and also created Śeṣa, known as the god Ananta.
The sages, through meditation, refer to him as the mighty one who upholds all beings and the earth with its mountains.
The Supreme Person killed the great demon named Madhu, who was born from the ear, fierce in nature and deeds, and had assumed a fierce mind, while he was doing reverence to Brahma.
After the slaying of his father, he is known among gods, demons, and humans as Madhusudana and Janardana. He is also called Varaha, Simha, and Trivikrama, the path and the Lord.
Hari is the ultimate parent of all beings, surpassing all, and nothing has been or will be greater than the lotus-eyed one.
From his mouth, he created the Brahmins; from his arms, the Kshatriyas; from his thighs, the Vaishyas; and from his feet, the Shudras, O king. Through penance, the god is restrained, the refuge of all beings.
One who serves Keshava in the state of Brahman, whether on the new moon day or the full moon day, attains greatness through yoga.
Keshava, the supreme light and grandfather of all worlds, is referred to as Hrishikesha by the sages, indeed, O king.
Thus, recognize this person as your teacher, father, and guru. If Krishna is pleased with him, he will conquer the worlds imperishably.
Whoever seeks refuge in Keshava in times of fear and always recites this will become prosperous and happy.
Those who surrender to Krishna are never deluded. In times of great fear, Janardana always protects those who are immersed in it.
Understanding this truthfully, Yudhishthira, O Bharata, surrendered with all his soul to the great soul Keshava, the Lord of the universe, seeking refuge in the master of yogis, O King.
