Kalki’s birth and the renewal of the world

1.30 प्रतिग्रहरताः शूद्राः परस्वहरणादराः द्वयोः स्वीकारम्-उद्वाहः शठे मैत्री वदान्यता New English translation Shūdras will delight in receiving gifts and eagerly take the property of others. The agreement of two people will constitute marriage; friendship will be with the deceitful, and generosity 1.31 प्रतिदाने क्षमाशच्तौ विरक्तिकरणाक्षमे वाचालत्वञ् च पाण्दित्ये यशो’र्थे धर्म-सेवनम् New English translation will consist in giving something in return. Inability will pass for forbearance, incapacity of the senses for detachment, and talkativeness for learning. Religion will be practised for reputation. 1.32 धनाढ्यत्वञ् च साधुत्वे दूरे नीरे च तीर्थता सूत्रमात्रेण विप्रत्वं दण्डमात्रेण मस्करी New English translation Wealth will pass for goodness; water far away will be a holy place. A thread alone will make a Brahmin, and a staff alone an ascetic. 1.33 अल्पशस्या वसुमती नदीतीरे’वरोपिता स्त्रियो वेश्यालापसुखाः स्वपुंसा त्यक्त मानसाः New English translation The earth will yield little grain and will be cultivated beside rivers. Women will enjoy the talk of courtesans and turn their minds away from their own husbands. 1.34 परान्नलोलुपा विप्राश् चण्दाल-गृहयाजकाः स्त्रियो वैधव्यहीनाश् च स्वच्छन्दाचरणप्रियाः New English translation Brahmins will crave the food of others and perform sacrifices in the houses of Chāṇḍālas. Women will disregard widowhood and delight in conduct of their own choosing. 1.35 चित्र-वृष्टिकरा मेघा मन्दशस्या च मेदिनी प्रजाभक्षा नृपा लोकाः करपीडाप्रपीडिताः New English translation Clouds will bring irregular rain and the earth will yield little grain. Kings will devour their subjects, and people will be oppressed by the burden of taxes. 1.36 स्कन्धे भारं करे पुत्रं कृत्वा क्षुब्धाः प्रजाजनाः गिरिदुर्गं वनं घोरम् आश्रयिष्यन्ति दुर्भगाः New English translation With a load on the shoulder and a child in the hand, the distressed and unfortunate people will seek refuge in mountain strongholds and terrible forests. 1.37 मधु-मांसैर्-मूल-फलैर्-आहारैः प्राणधारिणः एवं तु प्रथमे पादे कलेः कृष्णविनिन्दकाः New English translation They will sustain their lives with honey, meat, roots and fruits. Thus, in the first quarter of Kali, people will speak against Krishna. 1.38 द्वितीये तन्-नाम-हीनास् तृतीये वर्ण-सङ्कराः एक-वर्णाश् च तुर्थे च विस्मृत अच्युत-सत्च्रियाः New English translation In the second they will abandon his name; in the third the social classes will become mixed. In the fourth there will be a single class, and the good observances of Achyuta will be forgotten. 1.39 निःस्वाध्याय-स्वधा-स्वाहा-वौषड्-ओं-कार-वर्जिताः देवाः सर्वे निराहाराः ब्रह्माणं शरणं ययुः New English translation Without Vedic recitation, the offerings marked by svadhā, svāhā and vauṣaṭ, or the syllable oṃ, all the gods will lack nourishment. They will go to Brahmā for refuge. 1.40 धरित्रीमग्रतः कृत्वा क्षीणां दीनां मनस्विनीम् ददृशुर् ब्रह्मणो लोकं वेदध्वनिनिनादितम् New English translation Placing Earth before them, exhausted and distressed yet resolute, they saw the world of Brahmā resounding with the sound of the Vedas. 1.41 यज्ञ-धूमैः समाकीर्णं मुनि-वर्य-निषेवितम् सुवर्ण-वेदिकामध्ये दक्षिणावर्तम्-उज्ज्वलम् New English translation It was filled with sacrificial smoke and attended by excellent sages. In the midst of a golden altar a bright fire turned to the right. 1.42 वह्नि यूपाङ्क्वितोद्यान-वन-पुष्प-फल अन्वितम् सरोभिः सारसैर् हंसैर् आह्वयन्तम् इवातिथिम् New English translation There were sacrificial posts, gardens and woods with flowers and fruit; pools with cranes and swans seemed to invite a guest. 1.43 वायुलोललताजाल कुसुमालिकुलाकुलैः प्रणाम् आह्वान-सत्कार-मधुरालापवीक्षणैः New English translation With its spreading creepers stirred by the wind and its flowers crowded with bees, it offered bows, invitations, welcome, gentle conversation and attentive looks. 1.44 तद् ब्रह्म-सदनं देवाः सेश्वराः क्लिन्न-मानसाः विविशुस् तद् अनुज्ञाता निजकार्यं निवेदितुम् New English translation Having received permission, the gods together with their lord, their hearts troubled, entered that dwelling of Brahmā to make their business known. 1.45 त्रिभुवन-जकं सदासनस्थं सनक-सनन्दन-सनातनैश् च सिद्धैः) परिसेवितपादकमलं ब्रह्माण देवता नेमुः New English translation The gods bowed to Brahmā, the progenitor of the three worlds, seated on his excellent seat, whose lotus feet were served by Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanātana and the perfected beings. Chapter 2: Sūta continues 2.1 सूत उवाच) उपविष्टास् ततो देवा ब्रह्मणो वचनात् पुरः कलेर् दोषाद् धर्म-हानिं कथयाम् आसुर् आदरात् New English translation Sūta said: Then, at Brahmā’s word, the gods sat before him and respectfully described the loss of dharma through the faults of Kali. 2.2 देवानां तद् वचः श्रुत्वा ब्रह्मा तान् आह दुःखितान् प्रसादयित्वा तं विष्णुं साधयिष्याम्य् अभीप्सितम् New English translation Hearing the words of the grieving gods, Brahmā told them: “I shall satisfy Vishnu and accomplish what is desired.” 2.3 इति देवैः परिवृतो गत्वा गोलोक-वासिनम् स्तुत्वा प्राह पुरो ब्रह्मा देवानां हृदये’प्सितम् New English translation Surrounded by the gods, Brahmā went to the one dwelling in Goloka. After praising him, he declared before him the wish in the gods’ hearts. 2.4 तच् छ्रुत्वा पुण्डरीकाक्षो ब्रह्माणम् इदम् अब्रवीत्)) शम्भले विष्णुयशसो गृहे प्रादुर्भवाम्य् अहम् सुमत्यां मातरि विभो! कन्यायां त्वन्निदेशतः New English translation Hearing this, the lotus-eyed one said to Brahmā: “I shall appear in Shambhala, in the house of Vishnuyashas, with the young woman Sumati as my mother, O lord, in accordance with your request. 2.5 चतुर्भिर् भ्रातृभिर् देव! करिष्यामि कलिक्षयम् भवन्तो बान्धवा देवाः स्व अंशेन अवतरिष्यथ New English translation “With four brothers, O god, I shall bring about the destruction of Kali. You gods shall descend through portions of yourselves as my companions. 2.6 इयं मम प्रिया लक्ष्मीः सिंहले संभविष्यति बृहद्रथस्य भूपस्य कौमुद्यां कमलेक्षणा भार्यायां मम भार्यैषा पद्मानाम्नी जनिष्यति New English translation “This dear Lakshmi of mine, the lotus-eyed one, will be born in Simhala. She will be born with the name Padmā to Kaumudī, the wife of King Brihadratha, and she will be my wife. 2.7 यात यूयं भुवं देवाः स्वांशावतरणे रताः राजानौ मरु-देवापी स्थापयिष्याम्य् अहं भुवि New English translation “Go to the earth, you gods, intent on descending through portions of yourselves. I shall establish the kings Maru and Devāpi upon the earth. 2.8 पुनः कृतयुगं कृत्वा धर्मान् संस्थाप्य पूर्ववत् कलिव्यालं संनिरस्य प्रयास्ये स्वालयं विभो New English translation “Having brought back the Krita age, established the dharmas as before, and driven out the serpent Kali, I shall go to my own dwelling, O lord.” 2.9 इत्य् उदीरितमाकर्ण्य ब्रह्मा देवगणैर् वृतः जगाम ब्रह्मसदनं देवाश् च त्रिदिवं ययुः New English translation Hearing these words, Brahmā, surrounded by the company of gods, went to his own abode, and the gods went to heaven. 2.10 महिमां स्वस्य भगवान् निज-जन्म-कृतोद्यमः विप्रर्ष! शम्भल-ग्रामम् आविवेश परात्मकः New English translation O Brahmin sage, the supreme Lord, preparing for his own birth, entered the village of Shambhala in his own greatness. 2.11 सुमत्यां विष्णुयशसा गर्भम् आधत्त वैष्णवम् ग्रह-नक्षत्र-राश्य्-आदि-सेवित-श्रीपदाम्बुजम् New English translation Through Vishnuyashas, he placed in Sumati the embryo of Vishnu, whose glorious lotus feet were attended by the planets, lunar mansions and signs of the zodiac. 2.12 सरित् समुद्रा गिरये लोकाः सस्थाणु जङ्गमाः सहर्षा ऋषयो देवा जाते विष्णौ जगत्पतौ New English translation When Vishnu, lord of the world, was born, rivers, oceans, mountains, the worlds and their moving and unmoving inhabitants, sages and gods rejoiced. 2.13 बभूवुः सर्व-सत्त्वानाम् आनन्दा विविधाश्रयाः नृत्यन्ति पितरो हृष्टास् तुष्टा देवा जगुर् यशः New English translation Joy took many forms among all beings. The delighted ancestors danced, and the satisfied gods sang his praise. 2.14 चक्रुर्वाद्यानि गन्धर्वा ननृतुश् च अप्सरो-गणाः New English translation The Gandharvas played their instruments and the companies of Apsarases danced. 2.15 द्वादश्यां शुक्ल-पक्षस्य माधवे मासि माधवम् जातं ददृशतुः पुत्रं पितरौ हृष्ट-मानसौ New English translation On the twelfth day of the bright fortnight in the month Mādhava, his parents, their hearts delighted, saw Mādhava born as their son. 2.16 धातृ-माता महाषष्ठी नाभिच्छेत्री तद् अम्बिका गङ्गोदक-क्लेदमोक्षा सावित्री मार्जनोद्यता New English translation Mahāshashthī acted as the nurse; Ambikā cut the umbilical cord. Sāvitrī, intent on cleansing, washed away the birth fluids with Ganges water. 2.17 तस्य विष्णोर् अनन्तस्य वसुधा’धात्पयख् सुधाम् मातृका माङ्गल्यवचः कृष्ण-जन्म-दिने तथा New English translation Earth supplied nectar as milk for that infinite Vishnu. The mothers pronounced auspicious words, as on the day of Krishna’s birth. 2.18 ब्रह्मा तद् उपधार्याशु स्वाशुगं प्राह सेवकम् याहीति सूतिकागारम् गत्वा विष्णुं प्रबोधय New English translation Brahmā, learning of this, quickly said to his swift servant: “Go to the lying-in room and inform Vishnu: 2.19 चतुर्-भुजम् इदं रूपं देवानाम् अपि दुर्-लभम् त्यक्त्वा मानुषवद् रूपं कुरु नाथ! विचारितम् New English translation “‘O lord, give up this four-armed form, difficult even for gods to behold, and take the humanlike form that was intended.’” 2.20 इति ब्रह्म-वचः श्रुता पवनः सुरभिः सुखम् सशीतः प्राह नरसा ब्रह्मणो वचनादृतः New English translation Hearing Brahmā’s words, the fragrant, pleasant and cool wind reverently delivered Brahmā’s message. 2.21 तच् छ्रुत्वा पुण्डरीकाक्षस् तत् क्षणाद् द्विभुजो’भवत् तदा तत् पितरौ दृष्ट्वा विस्मयापन्न-मानसौ New English translation On hearing it, the lotus-eyed one immediately became two-armed. Seeing this, his parents were filled with wonder. 2.22 भ्रम-संस्कारवत् तत्र मेनाते तस्य मायया ततस् तु शम्भल-ग्रामे सो’त्सवा जीव-जातयः मङ्गलाचार-बहुलाः पाप-ताप-विवर्जिताः New English translation Through his māyā they regarded it as a lingering impression of an illusion. Then the living beings in Shambhala celebrated, abounding in auspicious observances and free from the torment of sin. 2.23 सुमतिस् तं सुतं लब्ध्वा विष्णुं जिष्णुं जगत्-पतिम् पूर्णकामा विप्रमुख्यान् आहूयादाद् गवां शतम् New English translation Having obtained as her son Vishnu, the victorious lord of the world, Sumati’s wish was fulfilled. She summoned leading Brahmins and gave a hundred cows. 2.24 हरेः कल्याणकृद् विष्णुयशाः शुद्धेन चेतसा साम र्ग्-यजुर्-विद्भिर् अगृयैस् तन् नामकरणे रतः New English translation With a pure heart Vishnuyashas, seeking Hari’s welfare, attended to his naming ceremony together with foremost scholars of the Sāma, Rig and Yajur Vedas. 2.25 तदा रामः कृपो व्यासो द्रौणिर् भिक्षु-शरीरिणः समायाता हरिं द्रष्तुं बालकत्वम् उपागतम् New English translation Then Rāma, Kripa, Vyāsa and the son of Drona came in the guise of mendicants to see Hari, who had become a child. 2.26 तान् आगतान् समालोक्य चतुरः सूर्य-सन्निभान् हृष्ट-रोमा द्विज-वरः पूजयाञ् चक्र ईश्वरान् New English translation Seeing the four arrive, resembling suns, that excellent Brahmin, his hair bristling with joy, worshipped those lords. 2.27 पूजितास् ते स्वासनेषु संविष्ताः स्वसुखाश्रयाः हरिं क्रोडगतं तस्य ददृशुः सर्व-मूर्तयः New English translation Honoured and seated in their places, resting in their own bliss, those embodiments of all forms saw Hari in his lap. 2.28 तं बालकं नराकारं विष्णुं नत्वा मुनीश्वराः कल्किं कल्क-विनाशार्थम् आविर्भूतं विदुर्बुधाः New English translation The great sages bowed to that child, Vishnu in human form. Those wise ones knew him as Kalki, manifested to destroy impurity. 2.29 नामाकुर्वंस् ततस् तस्य कल्किर् इत्य् अभिविश्रुतम् कृत्वा संस्कार-कर्माणि ययुस् ते हृष्ट-मानसाः New English translation They gave him the celebrated name Kalki. Having performed the rites, they departed with joyful hearts. 2.30 ततः स ववृधे तत्र सुमत्या परि-पालितः कालेनाल्पेन कंसारिः शुक्ल-पक्षे यथा शशी New English translation Then he grew there, cared for by Sumati. In a short time the enemy of Kamsa grew like the moon in its bright fortnight. 2.31 कल्केर् ज्येष्थास्त्रयः शूराः कवि-प्राज्ञ-सुमन्त्रकाः पितृ-मातृ-प्रियकरा गुरु-विप्र-प्रतिष्ठिताः New English translation Kalki’s three elder brothers were the heroic Kavi, Prājna and Sumantra. They pleased their father and mother and were esteemed by teachers and Brahmins. 2.32 कल्केर् अंशाः पुरो जाताः साधवो धर्म-तत्-पराः गार्ग्य-भर्ग्य-विशालाद्या ज्ञातयस् तद् अनुब्रताः New English translation Born before him as portions of Kalki, the good and devoted to dharma, his kinsmen Gārgya, Bhārgya, Vishāla and others followed him. 2.33 विशाखयूप-भूपाल-पालितास् ताप-वर्जिताः ब्राह्मणाः कल्किम् आलोक्य परां प्रीतिम् उपागताः New English translation Protected by King Vishākhayūpa and free from distress, the Brahmins felt great affection on seeing Kalki. 2.34 ततो विष्णुयशाः पुत्रं धीरं सर्व-गुणाकरम् कल्किं कमल-पत्राक्षं प्रोवाच पठनादृतम् New English translation Then Vishnuyashas spoke to his steadfast son Kalki, the lotus-petal-eyed store of all virtues, who was eager to study: 2.35 तात! ते ब्रह्म-संस्कारम् यज्ञ-सूत्र-मनूत्तमम् सावित्रीं वाचयिष्यामि ततो वेदान् पठिष्यसि New English translation “My child, I shall perform your Brahmanical initiation with the excellent sacrificial thread and have you recite the Sāvitrī. Then you will study the Vedas.” 2.36 कल्किर् उवाच को वेदः का च सावित्री केन सूत्रेण संस्कृताः ब्रह्मणा विदिता लोके तत् तत्त्वं वद तात माम् New English translation Kalki said: “What is the Veda, and what is the Sāvitrī? Through initiation with what thread are Brahmins known in the world? Tell me the truth of this, father.” 2.37 पितो’ वाच वेदो हरेर् वाक् सावित्री वेद-माता प्रतिष्ठिता त्रि-गुणञ् च त्रि-वृत्-सूत्रं तेन विप्राः प्रतिष्ठिताः New English translation His father said: “The Veda is Hari’s speech; Sāvitrī is established as the mother of the Veda. The thread is threefold, of three strands; through it Brahmins are established. 2.38 दश-यज्ञैः संस्कृता ये ब्राह्मणा ब्रह्म-वादिनः तत्र वेदाश् च लोकानां त्रयाणाम् इह पोषकाः New English translation “Those purified by the ten rites are Brahmins who speak of Brahman. In them are the Vedas, which nourish the three worlds here.”