Canto 2 - Conversation Between Shri Krishna And Narada

1. Jagadeesha, the Lord of the entire Universe, told the sage after fulfilling the duties of a host and making him seated on an equal throne. He respected the public word which held him high as a good ruler. As such, his duty was to treat the guests like himself without showing any kind of difference.

2. “Despite your being the son of 'Swayambhuh', (born of oneself) due to which you became a great sage (maha-muni) which itself is creditable. You have become a constant world trotter for the sake of the welfare of the world, because of which it goes on well!

3. “The world goes on well in its regularity without giving cause to worry about it. Hope that the father of the world and your own father, who is ever busy in regulating the world on its usual routine, does great since he is the creator of the Universe, though Himself is self created (Swayambhuh).

4. “Highly lucky am I in having you here. It is certainly a boon granted to me. It is so natural to be unsteady, say the seekers, and you have controlled your mind and seasoned it to be in service of the Universe itself which is no ordinary a matter!

5. “Your visit must have a great purpose, and it bestows a great fortune on me. Whatever is the purpose of your visit, we have been honoured by it. As the visit is great, the purpose of that visit, too must be great since you are not a person to do for your self, so it is not for self but for all that you are here today, for sure!

6. "Oh! What a great brainy person you are! With the very fall of your feet here, the heat is reduced and innumerable people must have noticed this phenomenon in this world. Oh, what a difference between being born and not being born, existent and non-existent which had been viewed in your arrival here! There must be a great importance of your arrival, indeed!

7. " The day becomes bright because of the presence of the sun. The birds fall in the chasm created by the river, similarly your purging arrival here has brought about a lot of change and sunk all the differences. What a great change it had brought about! It created an all round awakening, indeed!

8. "The people who know the world, the scholars who know the Vedas interpret that the movement of this Universe occurs for the sake of the happiness of all. It is, for certain, blessed in making all the three worlds fortunate to have you here which bestowed on them a boon, indeed!

9. "Whoever is very particular about fulfilling his duty, whoever is not lazy, and whoever is not hasty in his decisions, whoever is not continuous without being short lived, has to be adorned and honoured for taking the trouble of travelling for the sake of others.^[1]

10. "Man goes to perform his duty in a mad rush which is indicative of elephant’s hallucination which makes him rush hither thither aimlessly.^[2]

11. "The sage, who always trots the Universe for the sake of others, is prone to face adverse criticism from ordinary people. There is no doubt that entire universe is like the man who suffers from the disease called paleness which makes him feel that every other man he meets, is suffering from the same ‘paleness’, too.

12. "That is why, it is said that abundance is only to be enjoyed. My words are favourable to your city since the doors are curtained and their waving by the breeze which are of very special import to your particular place, they look like the tawny curtains on your doors fluttering and attractive, but have special purpose to serve, too!

13. “Being inclined by nature to help others, you (Narad) always roam the universe to the end of the directions and has amassed fame and name. The best do say that things do happen according to what they are meant for! Where is the need for industry? So to say that things do not happen just for saying, they do happen just because they are bound to happen. Nothing will happen without effort which is to be put in with hard work!"

14. Having uttered thus Madhav glided into rest for some time. The sage smiled on, while listening to the words of Sri Krishna. He replied suitably in assurance to the words replete with humility, thus:

15. “I salute you my Lord and I put my head at your lotus feet. In fact, innumerable good deeds have bestowed this fortune on me and even the wealth of the three worlds would not have given me this pleasure, for sure!

16. “You are the Lord of the Universe consisting of the three worlds, no doubt about it. It explains why I enjoy my favour the most. It is true that the greatness of this is of no less import and it would bestow not only benefit on us but also bring about supreme fame for us!

17. "The peace of the Universe lies in the Lord Himself who is the Best of men-(purushottaman) for, the wise are of the same opinion since you know the Truth. Oh God! I salute you and affirm that this is not my single opinion! It is the opinion of all the three worlds of the Universe!

18. “The one, who is the very embodiment of Truth (sat) and Mind (chit) and knowledge (sarasvat) does, by nature, deserve what all is divine in the entire Universe. He, in His own abode and also of here, is the root of all happiness. The greatness of the Universe is His-He is the source of all greatness!

19. “What should I say in your praise! Your actions are highly inscrutable and strange, indeed! Impossible becomes possible only by your Grace! What all would not happen in this world if only your grace is there? Whatever happens without your grace will stand nullified. If your grace is there anything can occur!

20. “You have borne the censure of the world for the sake of world’s (general) good/excellence. What a pity that you have taken up even the form of the hog just as once the doe eyed one has taken up to protect from the demon Hiranyakashyap!^[3]

21. “You had once sanctified the new forest and had taken up the form of the shining fish in order to save Satyavrat, the son of Manu from the demon, in the guise of the single horned animal! At the end of the millennium you had shown your magnanimity in saving the best one who earned the title of being the best of the Yadu dynasty.

22. “The struggle between gods and demons in extracting ambrosia by churning the ocean was foiled by you with your miracle in making tortoise showing off its innate quality of being hard skinned.^[4]

23. “That is why, ambrosia, though sprang from the ocean, they, who were involved in it, were far away from each other in accepting it! It should be remembered by both, angels and demons equally well if only they were the children of very same memory that it is you who is responsible for the amicable settlement!

24. “The struggle between angels and demons was thus settled amicably by you. All the three worlds together witnessed how you have taken up the fascinating guise of Jaganmohini- (who fascinated the universe) distributed ambrosia (Amritam) only to 'Devas' while tantalizing the demons with her attractive figure without giving even a drop of ambrosia to them since it has the efficacy of making one deathless!

25. “Despite your being the controller of senses you are anxious to be engaged in worship. Despite your being Brahma Himself you are always anxious in keeping yourself in the form of Mohini! Despite your ideal being in trance, the role you have taken up as Mohini violates that ideal.^[5]

26. “The seasoned sages like me, too do control the senses with strenuous efforts. It is with your innumerable strange and attractive deeds and actions that you mesmerize us all. Moreover, your face is adorned with a bewitchingly mischievous smile.

27. “It is for the welfare of all the three worlds that you have ignored a lie uttered by your relative despite your own standing on the Truth! When you tried to save somebody else you have purchased your own destruction. You have undertaken the role of Hari to make something else green!^[6]

28. " Despite Your being the Lord of the Universe, you have begged from the emperor Bali. Even then you are selfless to the extent of doing for the good of others. You are beyond cheating, yet you are cheated.

29. " You are the ocean of Mercy, you have shattered the uncontrolled pride by becoming the short shouldered person (vaaman) and crushing the pride of emperor Bali for his pride of worldly wealth! Oh, what a harsh cruelty that gives a hard blow with a hammer and shows the reality!

30. "Oh, Lord! You are the scion of the Ikshwaku clan! You could break the unbreakable bow and aim your arrow, too! The sage Jamadagni's son Parshuram went into rage on a trite as a reflection of his own ego and image!

31. " My Lord! You have sacrificed your kingdom which was prosperous and everlasting, just to obey your father’s order, you have gone to the forest. The ten headed Universal enemy has cheated on you and is reduced to pitiable condition as a punishment.

32. "Sita, despite her being pious, has been discarded by you, knowing full well that there was mutual love between you. She has borne all the difficulties with utmost patience since she is of perfect character! You made her undergo the test of fire which she has passed out with flying colours! Very few know that you have made her undergo just to purge her off the blame in the public view!^[7]

33. " Hara, (Shiv) as the destroyer and Hari (Vishnu) as the protector have been doing well, but you are the one who has balanced entire universe on the nail of your single index finger! You have playfully held the mountain on your single finger just to save people from being destroyed by water! Whatever is impossible for others you have done easily, which only proves that you are great!^[8]

34. " That is why, the group of rays of the moon of the winter season, which rain ambrosia and make gardens beautiful, watching which in Braj even you, despite your being Yogeshwar-the controller of senses, succumbed to that panoramic beauty and enjoyed life there!

35. "Some elite of gods including Indra, Sachi’s husband, wanted to enjoy watching the dance of Gopikas, and so they came to Braj on an aircraft and watched from there without disturbing the Rasleela-the procedure of dance of Gopikas with you!^[9]

36. "Humans, oh Lord, imagined just by using their intellect that you had been gallivanting with the ladies of Braj without understanding the importance of the relationship between Gopikas and You. They are exceedingly carried away, despite their being renowned scholars. Even the scholars mistake you to be lascivious!

37. "The salt water of the ocean is made impossible to drink but it is the abode of all sea creatures! The dichotomy is that it is the abode of precious gems which are unavailable elsewhere, except in the ocean.

38. "It only shows how one has to study deep into the matter and reach the kernel of all that is to be learnt by all religions! One has to learn to reach the essence by discarding the unnecessary, just as we don’t take the serpents from the ocean, we take only gems!

39. " This is the way we have to take the very essence of Brahma who is the protector from the opposite religions and their duties. He is the protector of Nanda and others. He, who has his heart and mind bound by the rope called Love of the ladies of Braj who are able to realize the Lord with their single minded devotion.

40. "You, yourself are the Best of men (purushottaman) to whom entire Universe submits itself! You are born of yourself and hence the Almighty God, indeed! Oh, how few humans know that it is because of your Mercy that they survive and prosper."

41. Naradji tells Shri Krishna,”Those, who are well known as scholars and knowledgeable, and those who have the disposition of showering the springs of pure unsullied love know the Truth! How can those understand you, when they are haughty headed, and swayed by delusion (maya)?^[10]

42. “How some because of ignorance, some, even women, due to their pride and disappointment that their wishes are not fulfilled, complain against you and hate you? It is due to innumerable mistakes that they behave as they do but realization would dawn on them only when they put in some effort!

43. “Despite variegated opinion about you, you do take up variegated incarnations just for the good of your creation. This entire universe is made like a soup highly delicious and nutritious which none would like to take happily, none has the capacity to say contrarily, though!^[11]

44. “This Universe has been protected and put in order by you. The bad in this world are admonished for being different from others in their behavior by those, who are perfect in their approach to you. So they convince the bad by showing good examples, but the latter do turn their face against them, oh Lord!

45. “One becomes a slave to circumstances, the kings are no exception, they have to succumb to their circumstances. That is why they become war loving despite their being lovers of peace. It is true that Fate makes them dance to her tune!

46. “Many of your enemies, my Lord, despite trying incessantly and taking hundreds of different kinds of measures, do fail. They have millions of soldiers in their army with excellent armory and have unforeseen field experience but fail to win the field due to their failure to take your blessings (lack of faith in god).

47. “Despite your being endowed with endless capacity you do follow the path of morality and you exhibit endless actions and miracles which show that you are too great to be comprehended by the ordinary, strange to the demons, but fascinating to the intellectuals of the earth, though.

48. “This is why your greatness is taken as awe inspiring on the earth, especially at the time of present crisis on the earth. The valorous do scare the ordinary men, whereas the kings are scared of you!

49. “Kunti’s son is your friend since he is influenced by the Brahmin, but your only enemy lives on earth in Magadha–he is king Jarasandha who is fearless and independent.^[12]

50. “He, (Jarasandha) has conquered countries by winning the battles independently without seeking your help since you have neglected him (Jarasandha) and underestimated his capacity! As such, he is very proud of his own prowess and prosperity. What a fool he is to be proud of his own power and pelf without recognizing the all powerful quality of yours as the Almighty!

51. “For, in a strange war waged as per your own wish you have allowed your role as the ruler and controller of the Universe to quit which has resulted in that wicked king’s victory, which is certainly a proof of human ingenuity and your own utter negligence!

52. Naradji continues,”What a great fool is he! His victory is not real if he thinks he is victorious he is an utter fool, himself. It is to please Lord Shiv, who is the Lord of all servants that the king suddenly controls himself as destiny would have it.

53. “Oh, my Lord! You are the Lord of all penance and sacrifice, yourself. So you must be in the know how thousands of lives are taken in the sacrifice in the name of God, that is, in your name itself, don’t you know? Do you

like it? Otherwise, how can all, despite their being famous in the entire universe, living and non-living beings together, be mad after you, or are captured by you, the Lord of the Universe!

54. “The bad always do delay in action. But Fate does do its duty without waiting for man’s action. Man’s ingenuity makes him seek one or the other trick to show off his displeasure. The bad do not have any future without any belief in you which is essential for real living!^[13]

55. "The king takes his victory very much to the head and leads the weak and takes people in chains to sacrificial fire and makes his subjects drink to mark his victory. He would not hesitate to sacrifice even humans at the sacrifice and thus hurts the feelings of Brahmins.

56. "There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who hear about your victories burn of jealousy in the heart of their hearts, and grind their teeth in useless ire. There is yet another kind; they even shed tears and run away from the place if there is discussion against you! There is an existence in the world of both good and bad.^[14]

57. “That is the reason why, your resolution should be put into practice. Being the bearer of the burden of the universe, you have to bear the adverse criticism, too."

58. Thus the sage Narad, as a mediator, puts forth pros and cons of the situation to convince Krishna to wage war against Jarasandha, the king of Magadha who stands now as a king with bad intentions and a disobedient and haughty headed ruler. He considers himself the supreme ruler which should be put an end, Naradji argues.

59. Thus Narad, who was considered the greatest among the great sages, told whatever he considered fit to be told, with respect and concern to Shri Krishna in highly powerful and persuasive words replete with love for the Lord!

60. Having noticed that the sage has said everything in anticipation of enemies and with the possibility of their harming Him due to their evil intentions. He seems to have been thinking over what Naradji has said just for a second and smiled a little to Himself, and has addressed him:

61. “It is true that the evil intentioned one, no doubt, was born of the blessings of a Rishi and it is also true that he is endowed with the blessings of the great sages who have granted him a boon to be victorious in the war as the prince of the kingdom of Magadha.

62. “He has the desire of winning all directions to his side. Nothing is going to happen with your single wish when he is blessed with the wealth of the entire Brahmin support and he is worshipped by all of them. His capital city is full of his worshippers who consider him their beloved, indeed!

63. “He, supported by the kings of Dantakas, Shishupalakas, and of Kashi and their vassals, is endowed with hundreds of eyes of the subordinates which could distinguish minutely and so never boast but do what they want to do.

64. “This is a poisonous tree which I watered and supplied with fertilizers, and I am responsible for its coming up, my dear sage, for the time being. That is why, let someone else defeat him in the battlefield to uproot him in the way of punishing him.

65. “So he, for certain, would try to fulfill his heart’s desire, oh Lord of the Universe! Moreover, you are there to blow the conch in the battle field. It is well said that deceit destroys good governance. The all knowing people, that is, knowledgeable persons will have to do as per the dictations of their heart and mind."

66. Later on hearing this, oh Lord of the Universe! It is crystal clear to him that the Lord is right, so the sage has understood the implications and complications of the issue and replied to Hari with a smile:

67. “It is there in the heart of your hearts you know that the inner soul of the universe as thorough and clear as pounded flour. It is not unknown that you are behind everything in the Universe. Everyone knows about this but ignores as though on purpose!

68. “It is true that everything has been endowed with entity only by you, in spite of it your words are very skilful and powerful, you are certain to be elevated in the eyes of the people like the Chedi king, which I could clearly see as certainty in future and so I tell you.

69. “Naradji reasons out, “Why should Dantavaka, Jagadvada, Kaumoda not be replied with the club? Shalva and Chaidya have their influence within their city limits only, they shine only there and their shining is sure to fade beyond that limit!^[15]

70. “The opponents behave in a strange manner in the battle field. The progress of their bravado could be seen only in their company of Jara. Despite his being incited by drinks the head of the Chedi clan does not brawl but is endowed with the skill of talking excellently well. It is clear that he talks sense even when he is drunk!

71. “Even though entire earth’s progress and prosperity lie in the in born quality of being romantic, the son of Jara has the capacity of separating them. He progresses on to the land of the 'Satyas' tirelessly, for he does not like to rest at all till he subordinates the neighboring kings!

72. “Despite their being in groups, the king of Chedi and others are surprised at the progress and success of the Magadha! If the gout is neglected, it is sure to end up in paralytic stroke and so Magadha is suffering from the gout at present, which should be arrested in order to avoid paralytic stroke in future, Naradji argues.

73. “It is true that to think of killing of somebody by you is not possible and proper since the creator can never be a destroyer! Whether it is true or false, an idea should be accepted and supported when it is supported by our own people!^[16]

74. “But if this son of Jara is defeated in the war how would he be relieved? Imagining this possibility, those stupid fellows do look forward to their victory since they are the humans and the capacity of their brains is limited and as such they think of worldly success only.^[17]

75. “So killing of thousands of kings, is the only possibility expected there, your presence there will be exhilarating, no doubt at all! This situation, no doubt, is created only by you. Then how can you deny it yourself? It appears that the peace of the world lies only in this."

76. Naradji continues to argue further, “That is why he is fit to be killed in the battle field. So Bhima being a man of stupendous strength (Mahabali) can take up the task of killing Jarasandha since nobody else is capable of taking up the task.

77. “I am certain that the middle one of the pandavas, i.e Arjun has the privilege of having your influence and as such he can kill Jarasandha in a second, with the greatest help from you-what not is achieved with your help and blessings?^[18]

78.”It appears as if it is today that there is some curse acting on Bhimasen! In olden days Yadus had ruled just by taking your name and ruled only name sake, you had been there behind their rule, though not in reality! In the same way, you will have to award Bhima with valour for killing the enemy and he will do the task!

79. “In fact there is no doubt that you are responsible for the existence of all the three worlds since you are their creator. In spite of that the living beings are made just ineffective in their actions by you just by creating illusion! (Maya)^[19]

80. “My Lord! You are the bearer of this entire Universe! You are capable of making what is done as undone and the things like that! You do not think of doing any harm to anybody or killing anybody without reason. This is perhaps the best example of doing one’s own duty, indeed!

81. “Even with the reason and purpose when he stayed there for the good of others, and prayed God. Bhima’s (vrakodara’s) elder brother Yudhishthira has the desire of performing Rajasuya sacrifice just to please you and get your blessings!

82. “He wishes to be victorious in the forthcoming war for which purpose he sought the blessings of Brahmins and also to ward off his sins, if at all there are any. Bhima is anxious and particular that no delay be made in entering the kingdom of Magadha.

83. “That Jarasuta is a strange enemy, indeed! When his body was split into two pieces they were put together (sandhau) by Jara. Jara corrected the blunder by putting them together. That is the story behind his name 'Jarasandha'."

84. “Uddhavji too has discussed this with the son of 'Tapa' Yuddhishthira and advised him at length. Therefore you go to the Panduputra and help him in completing the Rajsuya Yajna and kill Jarasandha at the same time.

85. “He wishes for success in the Rajsuya yajna and Jarasandha wants success by the Narmedha Yajna, through this creation of human ingenuity, he wants to get name and fame. How strange is this relationship, my Lord, on this entire earth, like the conflict between good and bad!

86. “May the son of Pandu, kill him with his strength and be praised especially by you, and then by all others, too! I have submitted my stand and requested you whatever I can as your near and dear one and also as the well wisher of the king and his subjects and of this Universe at the same time!"

87. After submitting the blameless best report in view of the welfare of the three worlds to the Lord, Naradji concludes and expresses his wish to take rest. The Lord of the three worlds smiling in a suppressed and understanding manner He gave His own answer.

88. “That’s the best, Oh sage of Gods! Whatever you have said, you have said in the best manner! Those are the words uttered from the very depth of your heart, I know. My mind dictates to me that I should do whatever you say! Oh! The very embodiment of knowledge! Your words are much sweeter than honey itself!

89. On hearing Hari’s words, the Rishi expressed his respect to the Lord by saluting Him with bowed head. Every moment is precious to the globe trotter for the sake of doing good things to others (world)!

90. Previously the ladies of Dvarika have seen their Lover Hari off at the door. Now they have the music of the war played which is combined with their best wishes, limited though, they are in efficacy, since they are, after all, humans!

91. Despite their being harsh and ugly outwardly, the words of Brahma’s son (Naradji’s) proved to be true and sure. The words proved so decisive and sure as the steps of the herd of elephants are, in their movement in reaching their destination.^[20]

92. Then, the one, born of himself (Atmabhu) left and Shri Krishnaji, the ocean of kindness, and the one who is expert in the enjoyment of the sweetness of the lips of the limitless beauty, and the one whose face has become very bright due to the precious jewels in the crown which have the luster like the blue lotus studded with the blue precious stones is engaged in giving pleasure to the people of Dvarika.

93. As Shri Krishna rests on Shri Lakshmi’s chest with a radiant smile exuding affection and assurance. As the pollen falls from the garland that is taken off the neck of the Lord, and the perfume from the flowers flows in

the breeze, so the brightness of the orange coloured 'kausthubha' jewel spreads all over.

94. Hari, who is the foremost in using his bow and arrow as expertly as playing on the lute, wears silk dress with pictures as border, which are kissed by the ladies whom He loves and who have heavy buttocks and whose hearts He has stolen.

95. This is how Hari wished to go to Yudhishthira, surrounded by servants, embraced Nandji, the father with utmost love and friendship who blesses them to win the forthcoming battle and has got the drums of victory beaten.

96. Shri Krishna quenched his thirst by drinking the intoxicant drink from the dual cup of the eyes of the ladies of the city, and then he started on His journey of victory by riding on His golden chariot, accompanied by unassuming Uddhav.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Naradji is eulogized here for taking the trouble of helping others and doing good to others without caring for his personal trouble or inconvenience.

[2]:

The simile is appropriate since man is in the delusion of the world that it is real but does not realize that it is transient. The picture that he takes of the world sullies his mind to that extent.

[3]:

The poet uses allusions from Dasavatar, the present one from varahavatar, not only to enrich his poetic output but also to show that the Lord has no discrimination between Big and Small, all are alike to Him.

[4]:

When Mandara mountain and Vasuki serpent were used to churn the ocean for ambrosia, it was Sri Krishna in the guise of the hard skinned turtle that saved the mountain from melting away in the ocean.

[5]:

Mohini being the very embodiment of tantalizing beauty, the concentration required for getting into trance is shattered in her presence. The sage Narada alludes to this dichotomy.

[6]:

Narada alludes to Sri Krishna’s assuming different roles whenever the 'Good' is hurt / violated! (yadaa yadaahi Dharmasya….) from the Gita.

[7]:

This is Ramavatar of Dasavatars!

[8]:

The poet now switches over to the Shri Krishna after all the other incarnations (avatars) of the Lord taken up whenever there was chaos in the world and establishes order!

[9]:

This Raslila shows Gopikas in their ecstasy when the Lord dances with them when they reach the pinnacle of joy which is considered the zenith of Yog.

[10]:

Naradji alludes to Jarasandha who is proud and arrogant.

[11]:

It is usual that whatever is given for good is rarely taken willingly.

[12]:

The fact that some on earth do not believe in god’s supremacy and inscrutability which is highlighted here!

[13]:

Jarasandh’s arrogance and lack of faith in the Almighty is alluded here.

[14]:

It is natural that the existence of bad does enhance the goodness of the good. The blackness of the blackboard is enhanced when there is writing with a white chalk piece. This illustrates the coexistence of good and bad in the world which is unavoidable and inescapable!

[15]:

The support that the Magadha king seems to have is outward and insincere since he disbelieves in god.

[16]:

Naradji argues that Krishnaji should accept to go to the war against Jarasandha.

[17]:

It is indicated here that the unruly governance should be put to an end.

[18]:

Naradji argues that Bhimasen is a stronger and more capable person to kill Jarasandha than Arjun, though he is renowned both as a great friend of Krishnaji and as a warrior, too.

[19]:

Here Narad reminds Lord Krishna of his prowess so that he may think how to vanquish Jarasandha. You are the creator and controller of these three worlds and it is with the illusion created by you that the creation thinks that it (creation) is responsible for the action in this world, but You are actually wielding the power and holding the control

[20]:

It is like taking the medication in a capsule which may be difficult to swallow but sure to cure the malady.