13.032
Description of the venerable man.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O bull among the Bharatas, who among humans are worthy of worship and who are worthy of salutation? Please tell that in detail, for I am not yet satisfied; let it be told. (13-32-1)
Bhishma said.
Here too, they recount this ancient story: the conversation between Nārada and Vāsudeva, involving both. (13-32-2)
Seeing Nārada with joined palms, worshipping the foremost of the twice-born, Keśava asked, "O revered one, whom are you bowing to?" (13-32-3)
In whom do you have the greatest respect, to whom do you bow? If it is possible to hear, I wish to know this; please tell me, O best knower of dharma. (13-32-4)
Nārada said.
Hear, Govinda, these which I worship, O destroyer of enemies. Who else in this world besides you is worthy to hear this here? (13-32-5)
Varuṇa, Vāyu, Āditya, Parjanya, Jātavedas, Sthāṇu, Skanda, as well as Lakṣmī, Viṣṇu, and Brahmā indeed. (13-32-6)
O Lord, I bow to those who always bow to the lord of speech, the moon, the waters, the earth, and Sarasvatī. (13-32-7)
O tiger among the Vrishni, I always worship those most worthy ones whose wealth is austerity, who are knowers of the Veda, and who are always devoted to the Veda. (13-32-8)
O Lord, I bow to those who, without seeking enjoyment, perform divine duties without boasting, who are content and endowed with forgiveness. (13-32-9)
O Yadava, I bow to those who properly give their efforts, are forbearing, self-restrained, have conquered their senses, and who give grain, wealth, land, and cows. (13-32-10)
O Yadava, I bow to those who dwell in austerity in the forest, eating roots and fruits, without accumulation, and engaged in actions. (13-32-11)
O Yādava, I bow to those who are always engaged in maintaining their servants, fond of guests, and who partake of the remnants of offerings to the gods. (13-32-12)
I always worship those who, having attained the Veda, are unassailable, eloquent, speakers of Brahman, and are engaged in sacrifice and teaching. (13-32-13)
I honor all those whose hearts are clear, who are always among all beings, even those engaged in self-study despite the burning of the back. (13-32-14)
O Yadava, I bow to those who, by the grace of the teacher, strive in self-study, are firm in their vows, eager to serve, and free from fault-finding. (13-32-15)
O Yadava, I bow to those sages of good vows, who are devoted to Brahman, steadfast in truth, and bearers of oblations and ancestral offerings. (13-32-16)
O Yadava, I bow to those who are engaged in mendicant practices, emaciated, residing in the teacher's household, without happiness and without wealth. (13-32-17)
O Keśava, I bow to those men who are without sense of ownership, without opposition, without shame, without motive, devoted to non-violence, truthful in vow, self-restrained, and intent on tranquility. (13-32-18)
O Yadava, I always bow to those householders who are devoted to the worship of divinities and guests, and who conduct themselves like doves. (13-32-19)
I always bow to those in whom the three aims of life (dharma, artha, kāma) are present in their actions and are never diminished, and who are engaged in the conduct of the virtuous. (13-32-20)
O Keśava, I bow to those Brāhmaṇas in the three worlds who have practiced the three aims of life, are not greedy, and possess virtuous character. (13-32-21)
O Mādhava, I bow to those who subsist on water, air, or nectar, and who are always engaged in various vows. (13-32-22)
I bow to those twice-borns who are not born from a womb, who are born from fire, who are born from Brahman, and who are born from the soul of all beings. (13-32-23)
O Kṛṣṇa, I always bow to these sages who are the creators of worlds, the elders of the world, established in knowledge, destroyers of darkness, and the suns of the world. (13-32-24)
Therefore, O descendant of Vṛṣṇi, you too should always honor the twice-born. When honored, those worthy of honor will surely grant you happiness, O sinless one. (13-32-25)
These, when honored, always grant happiness in this world and in the next; they will indeed bestow happiness upon you. (13-32-26)
Those who always honor all guests, are devoted to cows and Brāhmaṇas, and are always engaged in truth, they cross over difficulties. (13-32-27)
Those who are always intent on tranquility, who are likewise free from envy, who are always engaged in self-study—such people cross over all difficulties. (13-32-28)
All the gods bow to those who have taken refuge in the one God; those who are faithful and self-controlled cross over all difficulties. (13-32-29)
Likewise, by bowing to the foremost Brāhmaṇas who are steadfast in their vows, those who delight in giving overcome all difficulties. (13-32-30)
Those who, having properly established the sacrificial fires and being purified, maintain them, and who have obtained the Soma offering, they indeed cross over all difficulties. (13-32-31)
Those who always behave properly towards their mother, father, and teachers, just as you do, O tiger among the Vṛṣṇis—having said this, he became silent. (13-32-32)
Therefore, O son of Kunti, you too should properly honor fathers, deities, Brahmins, and guests; by doing so, you will attain your desired goal. (13-32-33)
