Chapter 50 - Settlement at the Fort of Dvārakā

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

[Note: Henceforth there is much divergence in the Texts of Bhāvāratha Dīpikā and Padaratnāvalī For the convenience of readers, additional verses in Padaratnāvalī are translated in the footnotes and the additional special chapters in Padaratnāvalī are given separately as an Appendix to the X Skandha.]

Śrī Śuka said:

1. Asti and Prāpti were the two queens of Kaṃsa Oh prominent Bhārata. When their husband was slain, they were afflicted with sorrow. They went to their father’s house.

2. Stricken with grief, they reported fully to their father Jarāsandha, king of Magadha, the cause of their widowhood.

3. Hearing that unpleasant account, he was filled with grief and indignation, Oh King Parīkṣit. He made a great endeavour to wipe out the Yādavas from the face of the earth.

4. Accompanied with an army of twenty-three akṣauhiṇīs Jarāsandha besieged Mathurā, the capital of Yadus, on all sides.

5-6. Observing the army of Jarāsandha was surging forth like a sea overflowing its coastal limits, and that His capital was besieged by it and His own people were struck with panic, the glorious Lord Hari who assumed a human form with a special mission (of removing the burden of the earth) considered the measures suitable for the exigencies of that time and place and also the purpose of His incarnation (on the earth).

7-8. “I shall now destroy this army amounting to many akṣauhiṇīs consisting of infantry, cavalry, chariot-corps and elephants, in the service of Jarāsandha’s tributary princes and brought together (and deployed) by Jarāsandha, King of Magadha, as this force is nothing but an accumulated burden to the earth. But Jarāsandha should not be killed, as he will again make efforts and mobilise more forces (and help disburdenment of the earth).

9. This incarnation of Mine is for this mission, viz. removal of the burden of the earth, protection of the righteous and the elimination of the wicked.

10. Another personality (e.g. the boor incarnation) has been assumed by me for the protection of the path of righteousness and termination of the unrighteousness when it becomes predominant, at times.

[(Here the Text of Padaratnāvalī gives the following additional verses).]

10.1. While Kṛṣṇa was pondering thus, the mighty king of Magadha with his big army, laid siege to Mathurā including its groves and parks.

10.2-4. According to the commands of Jarāsandha, the Magadhan king, Kaliṅga, Cekitāna, Dantavaktra, Vidūratha, Ulmuka, Veṇudāri, Śālva and the wicked-minded Śiśupāla, king of Caidyas, reached the, eastern gate (of Mathurā) and blocked it. Vinda, Anuvinda of Avanti, Virāṭa, Darada, Ekalavya, Bālhīka and the king of Panjab (land of five rivers) besieged the southern gate.

10.3-6. Directed by Jarāsandha, the powerful king Pauṇḍraka, Yudhāmanyu, Bṛhatkṣatra, Śālva, Bhūriśravas, Uttamaujas, Rukmi, Druma, Sudakṣiṇa assailed the western gate and beleaguered the city of Mathurā.

10.7-8. Drupada Śiśupāla, Trigarta, Jayadratha, Śakuni, Somadatta and the mighty Kuṇinda—all proud of their power—proceeded to the northern gate under the leadership of Jarāsandha and laid siege there, Oh prominent Bhārata.

10.9. Like a sea overflowing its coastal limits, they blockaded all the four gates. Uttering war-cries, blowing conches a number of times, they became ready for action and beat thousands of kettle-drums.

10.10. Hearing that tumultuous uproar of the combined forces of those kings at the gates, which resembled the roaring of the inundating oceans at the end of the universe, Kṛṣṇa was not at all disturbed in mind like a proud mighty lion on hearing the howling of a pack of jackals.

11. While Kṛṣṇa was thinking in this way, there descended near him, from the sky, two chariots refulgent like the sun, (each) equipped with military appurtenances (armour, banner etc.) and manned by charioteers.

[The Vrindavana edition quotes in Padaratnāvalī’s commentary the following verses as additions in Padaratnāvalī’s text:]

11.1. (There appeared) the terrific yet beautiful discus Sudarśana of thousand spokes, and the auspicious heavy mace named Kaumodakī as it belonged to Nārāyaṇa who imparts delight and happiness to the world.

11.2. (There appeared) the most formidable bow called Śārṅga, bent at three points and equipped with a string; sword called Nandaka of sharp edge and pointed at the end; two light and attractive quivers with inexhaustible store of arrows.

11.3 (The chariot was yoked with) horses called Saibya. Sugrīva, Meghapuṣpa and Balāhaka. And a heavy and sturdy plough and a club (pestle) for Balarāma.

11.4(A). These weapons alighted from the sky for using them in the battle.

12. Seeing their ancient celestial weapons appearing there of their own accord, Kṛṣṇa, the Supra-Sensuous Lord, spoke to Balarāma.

13. “Look, Oh respectable brother, the great peril that is threatening to befall Yadus, of whom you are the protector. Oh Powerful Lord. Behold, this chariot of yours has arrived along with your favourite weapons.

14. Getting into this vehicle, wipe out this (hostile) army and rescue your people from the impending disaster. Our incarnation is certainly for this purpose, Oh powerful Lord, that we should afford protection and felicity to the righteous.

15. Remove the burden of the earth now known as “the army of twenty-three akṣauhiṇīs” Having planned together thus, both the descendants of Daśārha (viz. Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma) put on their armours (armed with their respective weapons and accompanied with a small band of selected warriors mounted their chariots and sallied forth from the city of Mathurā.

[Additional verses:]

15.1. Oh King Parīkṣit! Accompanied with a small army consisting of many prominent Yadus well-armed and clad in coats of mail, both of them rushed out of the great city.

15.2. When Kṛṣṇa came out of his residence, he summoned all Vṛṣṇis and commanded them to defend forthwith the four gates of the city.

15.3. Kṛṣṇa deployed Vasudeva, Niśaṭha, Kṛtavarmā and Uddhava at the eastern gate, Oh descendant of Bharata!

15.4. Hari sent to defend the northern gate Ugrasena, Sudāman, Pṛthu and Vipṛthu.

15.5. Hari sent to the Western gate extremely powerful warriors Sātyaki, Gada, Prasena and Akrūra, the son of Gāndinī.

15.6-7. Kṛṣṇa of supremely heroic lustre, equipped with weapons of his choice, himself with Dāruka as his charioteer and with Balarāma to help him, sallied forth through the northern gate. The Lord of the universe blew out his conch of very loud sound, inspiring terror in Daityas and Dānavas.

15.8. Kṛṣṇa, the consort of goddess Lakṣmī, smilingly spoke to Dāruka who had occupied the front seat (of the chariot-driver), in the chariot.

The Glorious Lord directed:

Take the chariot to the place where Śiśupāla the king of Caidyas, and Jarāsandha, the king of Magaḍhas, have taken their positions, Oh knower of military duties (dharma). I shall thoroughly satisfy with my arrows, the (itch of fighting of all the) kings very proud of fighting.

Śrī Śuka continued:

15.9. Thus directed by the Lord, Dāruka quickly drove the horses to that spot and Govinda, the conqueror of inimical forces, roared like a lion.

15.10. Blaring out his conch, Balarāma also sent forth a roar like a lion that shuddered the hostile forces, causing nervous anxiety and fear in their hearts.

15.11. At the eastern gate there was a terrible fight between the Yadus and the (attacking) princes, eight princes (like Kaliṅga etc.) fighting with the four (such as Vasudeva and others). It was a miraculous sight indeed.

15.12. At the southern gate, there was tough fighting between Yadus who were inspired with confidence by Kṛṣṇa and the inimical princely forces.

15.13. At the western gate also the battle between formidable Yādava archers and the army of opposing princes was so thrilling that it made one’s hair stand on their ends.

15.14. Fired with the ambition of conquering both the worlds (here and hereafter). Yadus. though beaten by princes valorous as the king of gods, did not recede from the battlefield, Oh King.

15.15. In that battle, god Viṣṇu (i.e. Lord Kṛṣṇa) beloved of the three worlds, an eminently brave member of the Yādava clan, reached the spot where the most terrible kings of Caidya (Siśupāla) and of Magadha (viz. Jarāsandha) were positioned.

16. Surrounded by a small force, both of them kṛṣṇa and Balarāma equipped themselves with their beautiful weapons and went out of the city. Hari with Dāruka as his charioteer came out of the city and blew conch.

17. It (the challenging conch-blowing) sent a cold shivering of shudder in the hearts of the armies of the enemy. Seeing them both, Jarāsandha said: ‘Oh Kṛṣṇa! Meanest of all men’ (also ‘to whom other men are inferior’, ‘the best among men’).

18.^[1] I do not wish to fight with a young boy like you as you are alone. It is shameful (to fight with you). I won’t fight with you who lay concealed so long (out of Kaṃsa’s fear) you stupid fellow! The murderer of relatives! You go away (Fighting is not your profession) as you are a gupta (a man of Vaiś’ya community, as you are the son of the cowherd Nanda.

19. Oh Balarāma! If you have faith and confidence in you, muster some courage and fight with me. Go to heaven leaving your body shattered with my arrows or kill me (if you dare).

The glorious Lord replied:

20. “Those who are really brave do not boast but display their valour. We do not take seriously the words of those who are delirious (or of unbalanced mind through grief due to the death of your son-in-law) or who are on the point of death (as you are now).”

21. Jarāsandha, the foster-son of the demoness Jarā, assailed both Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa, the descendants of Madhu, and surrounded them both, their detachment of soldiers, vehicles (chariots), flags, horses, charioteers with a big formidable army, just as a tempestuous wind would cover the sun with clouds or the fire with particles of dust.

22. Finding that the chariots of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma which were distinguished by the ensigns with the figures of Garuḍa and Palmyra tree had become invisible in that battle, the women of Mathurā who occupied seats on the top of the ramparts, mansions and towers were struck with grief and fell in swoon.

23. Perceiving that his own army was sorely afflicted by incessant showers of extremely sharp arrows from the cloudlike inimical forces, Hari twanged His excellent bow called Śārṅga which was held in high esteem (lit. adored) by both gods and demons alike.

24. And taking out arrows from the quiver, and setting them on the bow, pulling the bow-string and discharging vollies of sharp arrows, he incessantly shattered down chariots, elephants, horses and infantry-men, whirling the bow like a fire-brand.

[Here Padaratnāvalī's Text adds the following verses:]

24.1. Then Kṛṣṇa applied to his mouth and loudly blew the conch Pāñcajanya. which, white like the moon in appearance, gave out a loud blast that spelt death to Daityas, and gave courage and comfort to Yāda- vas who were struck down with hosts of Kṣatriya forces.

24.2. Hearing the most ḍefeaning terrible blast of the conch, the kings, at every point, lost courage at the terrific sound. The warriors on the Yādava side assisted by their army, raised their weapons and put down the army of opposing kings.

24.3. The Yādava warriors felt encouraged by Hari’s twanging of the Śārṅga bow. They immediately rushed onwards against the enemies, discharged volleys of arrows and put to flight all the kings at the four gates.

24.4. Śiśupāla, the king of Caidya’s, who bent his bow almost in a circle, challenged and threatened Kṛṣṇa saying, “Oh Kṛṣṇa! Stop, halt, Oh Kṛṣṇa.”

24.5. Kṛṣṇa rushed at him showering on him innumerable sharp arrows washed with oil, from his bow which was bent practically into a circle.

24.6. Thereupon Śiśupāla, the son of Damaghoṣa, took out five terrible arrows. With four of them he hit the horses and with one the charioteer, quickly.

24.7. He quickly set ten arrows on the bow and discharged them at Kṛṣṇa, the slayer of the demon Madhu. He gave out a roar like a lion and all this happened as if like a miracle.

24.8. At that (Śiśupāla’s exploit) Kṛṣṇa applauded him, crying out, “Well ḍone! Bravo! Oh Śiśupāla, you are a great archer. You are a hero and a powerful one at that.

24.9-15. Now you wicked-minded fellow, see my expertness in archery by experiencing it personally.” While Kṛṣṇa was speaking thus, all the kings simultaneously discharged and hit Kṛṣṇa with sharp arrows. Kṛṣṇa hit each of them with five shafts, dispatching the charioteer and four horses of each chariot to the abode of the god of Death. Kṛṣṇa, the delighter of the Yadus, pierced each of the kings with three arrows, on the chest in the mouth and on the forehead, in the battle. The valiant leader of the Yadus quickly cut down the thirty bows of the thirty kings with thirty shafts in that battle. He laughingly cut off the bow even of Śiśupāla, the son of Damaghoṣa, and with three shafts cut ḍown the flag, his crown and the umbrella. Thereupon Kṛṣṇa, the descendant of Madhu, fitted ten Bhalla type of arrows on his Śārṅga bow. He drew the bowstrings up to the ear and hit Śiśupāla with them in the battle. The army of the kṣatriyas which was pierced with arrows became confounded.

15.16 The hostile army, the horses, charioteers and chariots of which were killed and destroyed, became helpless as there was nobody to save it, as if it was struck with tempestuous winds at the end of world which blows away hills, trees and creepers.

15.17 Keeping all the while the Magadhan army in view, Kṛṣṇa of ferocious valour, continued discharging arrows, blowing his conch and twanging his bow incessantly and moving it in a circle like a fire-brand, in the battle.

25. The elephants fell down with their temples split up; a number of horses with their necks cut off with arrows fell down. The chariots stood with the horses, charioteer and the warrior killed and flag staff broken. The foot-soldiers had their arms, thighs and necks cut down.

26. There flowed forth hundreds of streams of blood issued from the shattered bodies of soldiers, elephants and horses which were teeming with (floating acquatic) serpent-like (hacked down) arms, rolling tortoise-like human heads, they were studded with islets of elephant-bodies and were infested with crocodiles in the from of (dead) horses.

27. Therein were hands and thighs of men like fishes, the locks of human hair like moss, bows like ripbles and weapons like bushes. The shields (or wheels.) were like terrible whirl-pools and ornaments of big and costly precious stones formed the stones and sand in them.

28. By Balarāma of infinite prowess (who was) knocking down with his pestle the proud and powerful enemies in that battle, there started streams of blood which struck terror in the hearts of the cowards and inspired matrial delight and courage in the valiants.

29. Oh dear Parīkṣit? That army impassable and terrible like an ocean of vast limitless (unfordable) expanse and directed (lit. protected) by Jarāsandha was completely annihilated. This was a supreme sportive feat of the sons of Vasudeva who were the Lords of the world.

30. There is nothing surprising in the defeat of the hostile forces in the case of Kṛṣṇa of infinite excellence who, out of sportiveness, brings about by His will, the creation, protection and destruction of the three worlds. This is however an attempt to describe the story of the Lord who imitates the ways of the mortals.

[Here Padaratnāvalī’s text adds:]

30.1. When all his army was annihilated and the remaining soldiers fled away, the extremely mighty Jarāsandha, alone in his chariot confronted Balarāma, the wielder of the plough (as a weapon).

30.2. Both of them were enormously big like mountains, proud like intoxicated elephants, fired with indignation and possessed of great strength. They fought with each other.

30.3. Jarāsandha who was overwhelmed with wrath, took up his heavy mace (Gadā) and turning it round a hundred times, hurled it at the chest of Balarāma.

30.4. Dodging the onward dashing gadā, big and heavy like a mountain peak, Balarāma, the wielḍer of a plough (as his weapon) smilingly made his attempt fruitless.

30.5. Having rendered the mace ineffective by striking it with his pestle, the wrathful Balarāma struck it against the chariot and killed his charioteer.

31. Like a lion powerfully seizing another lion, Balarāma took Jarāsandha a captive who, though extremely powerful himself, had lost his chariot and the whole of the army and was left alone alive.

32. With a view to achieve His purpose of (destroying demonic forces which would be mobilised by Jarāsandha) he forbade Jarāsandha’s being bound with the nooses of Varuṇa and cords of human beings (by Balarāma) although Jarāsandha had put to death many enemies (in the past).

33-34. Released and allowed to go by Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma, the Protectors of the world, Jarāsandha who was highly respected by warriors, felt ashamed. He made up his mind (to retire from politics and) to perform penance. But on his way (to the forest) he was dissuaded by (his friendly) kings with expressions conveying the import of sacred texts (and quotations from Śāstras) as well as popular maxims and words of worldly wisdom. They convinced him by the argument:) “Your defeat by the Yadus is the consequence of the bondage of your karma (actions in past life)”.

35. With all his army annihilated and himself slighted by the Lord by showing indifference to him, king Jarāsandha, the son of Bṛhad-ratha returned to Magadha with his heart weighed with despair and melancholy.

36. Kṛṣṇa also whose army was unscathed (as the wounds of his soldiers immediately healed with his nectarine glance and who had crossed over the ocean of the inimical forces (by crushing them), was applauded (with words “Well done! Bravo”) and was showered over with flowers by gods.

37. He returned to his capital while his victory was being celebrated in songs by the congregations of the citizens of Mathurā and bards like Sūta, Māgadha and Bandins whose hearts were delighted with the total disappearance of the feverish panic (caused by the siege of Mathurā).

38. As the Lord entered the capital, conches, drums, kettledrums, trumpets were loudly and incessantly sounded and lutes, flutes and mṛdaṅgas were every now and then played upon.

39-40. The roads of the city were sprinkled with water. The population was jubilant. The city was decorated with flags and was resonant with the recitation of the Vedas. Ornamental arches with festoons suspended were erected all over the way. (By way of worship and reception) Kṛṣṇa was showered over with flowers and tender shoots by women; curds mixed with unbroken grains of rice were applied to his forehead and he was gazed with affection by the people with their loving eyes full of joy.

41. The Lord (Kṛṣṇa) presented to Ugrasena, the king of Yadus, all the spoils of the battle, the untold treasure (left behind by the flying army) and the ornaments and jewelry of the warriors (killed and hence) lying on the battle field.{GL_NOTE:191058:

42. In this manner Jarāsandha, king of Magaḍhas mobilised every time an army of the same (twenty-three) number of Akṣauhiṇīs and fought for seventeen times (in succession) with the Yadus who were protected by Lord Kṛṣṇa.

43. (In every expedition) the Vṛṣṇis completely destroyed the whole of his army through the dint of Kṛṣṇa’s spiritual power. With his forces completely slaughtered and himself allowed to escape by the enemies, king Jarāsandha returned to his capital.

44. While the eighteenth invasion was imminent, there appeared in the interval, a Yavana hero (Kālayavana) who was despatched by Nārada.^[3]

45. Kālayavana (who regarded himself as) the matchless hero in this world, heard (the report from Nārada) that Vṛṣṇis were his equals in war. He invaded and laid siege to Mathurā with three crores of Mlecchas(barbarians).

46-47. Seeing him (with that vast army), Kṛṣṇa who had Balarāma as His companion, conferred (with him), “Alas! A great calamity is befalling Yadus on both sides (from Kālayavana and Jarāsandha. Today this Yavana with his vast army has completely beleaguered us. Jarāsandha, the king of Magadha also will be coming today, tomorrow or day after tomorrow.

48. If Jarāsandha, the son of Jarā, comes while both of us are engaged in fighting with this (Kālayavana), the mighty Magadhan king will massacre our clansmen or take them captive to his capital.

49. Therefore, let us construct today a fortress inaccessible to human beings (lit. bipeds) and keeping our kinsmen safe in that fort, we shall arrange for the killing of this Kālayavana.”^[4]

50. Having thus consulted with Balarāma, the Lord caused a fortress constructed in the (western) sea. In the fortress, he got built a city twelve yojanas (96 miles) in area and wonderful in every respect.

51. The building of the city exhibited the expertise in architecture and the skill in masonry of Tvaṣṭṛ, the architect of gods. The roads, quadrangles, streets (and residential areas) were constructed strictly in conformity to the prescribed tenets of the science of architecture (pertaining to city building).

52. In that city, gardens planted with celestial trees and creepers and wonderful parks were laid out. It was built with sky-scraping, gold-towered buildings and balconies of crystals.

53. It had barns built of silver and brass which were adorned with gold pitchers. The houses therein were of gold with jewelled domes and floors paved with gold and big emeralds.

54. It was provided with shrines with upper storeys dedicated to gods. It was thickly populated with persons belonging to the four classes of the society. It appeared beautiful with the palaces of the rulers of the Yadu clan.

55. For the sake of Hari, the great Indra transported his own assembly-hall Sudharmā and the celestial tree Pārijāta^[5] resorting to which a human being is not subjected to the conditions (such as hunger, thirst, old age, death) affecting a mortal.

[Padaratnāvalī’s text adds:]

55(A). This city became a beloved resort of Lord Viṣṇu (Kṛṣṇa), the God of gods who resides on the milky ocean.

56. Varuṇa gifted (snow-) white horses with one black ear, swift like mind in speed.

[Padaratnāvalī’s Text]

56(A). The Lord of waters presented to the God of gods one thousand such horses. Kubera, the presiding deity over treasures gave him eight treasures^[6], while Guardian deities of the worlds submitted their special type of wealth to him.

56(B). Similarly, guardian deities of other spheres presented him the wealth special to them.

57. When Lord Hari incarnated on the earth, Siddhas to whom all powers were given for the execution of their duties by the Lord, resubmitted all the powers etc, to him.

58. Having transferred all the people (his clansmen) there (to Dvārakā) by using his supernatural yogic powers and in consultation with Balarāma, the protector of the remaining population (of Mathurā), Kṛṣṇa issued out of the gates of Mathurā, wearing garland of lotuses completely unarmed.^[7]

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Verse 18.1. Bhāvāratha Dīpikā gives a complimentary interpretation of the line:

gupteṇa hi tvayā'manda na yotsye yāhī bandhuhan /

With you who, being the Inner controller of all beings, are beyond the ken of sight. Oh highly intelligent person! You are the destroyer of Avidyā! Be pleased to come (let me attain to you).

[2]:

The Textus ornatior of Padaratnāvalī gives a number of additional verses and chapters. This additional material has made the Kṛṣṇa legend more comprehensive and attractive. Readers are recommended to read the additional verses in the footnotes and additional chapters which are given as Appendix to this Skandha.

From verse 41 here Padaratnāvalī adds three more interesting chapters describing the repeated attacks of Jarāsandha in Mathurā and the journey of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma to the South (probable to find a suitable place for the Yādavas at a safe distance from Magadha) and how Kṛṣṇa killed Śṛgāla Vāsudeva, an ally of Jarāsandha at Karavīra (Kolhapur?). Followers of Padaratnāvalī’s text are requested to read these chapters which are printed as an Appendix before reading the next (42nd) verse. That verse follows ch. 50. verse 24 in the Appendix.

[3]:

According to Viṣṇu Purāṇa 5.23.6 it was in reply to the query of Kālayavana as to who is a match to him that Nārada mentioned the name of Yādavas. Nārada did not instigate him against Kṛṣṇa.

[4]:

As per Viṣṇu Purāṇa 5.23.1-4 Gārgya who was insulted by Yadus got a boon from Lord Śiva that his son (Kālayavana) would terrorise Yadus and would be invincible. To respect Śiva’s boon, Kṛṣṇa did not kill him.

[5]:

Bhāvāratha Dīpikā explains this anachronism by stating that although Pārijāta was not brought at the time of building Dvārakā, the event that Kṛṣṇa brought it from Indra took place before this narration of the Bhāgavata by Śuka.

[6]:

S.R. quotes the following list of eight treasures:

padmas'caiva mahāpadmo matsya-kūrmau tathaudakaḥ /
nīlo mukundaḥ śaṅkhaś ca nidhayo'ṣṭau prakīrtitāḥ //

[7]:

Here ends chapter 53 in Padaratnāvalī’s text.