Chapter 2 - Parīkṣit and Others Meet Uddhava

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

The glorious sages asked:

1. When Śāṇḍilya returned to his hermitage after instructing them thus, O Sūta, how and what did those two kings do? Narrate it.

Śrī Sūta said:

2. Thereafter thousands of Śreṇimukhyas (leaders of the guilds of traders, artisans etc.) were brought to Mathurā from Indraprastha by Viṣṇurāta.

3. After knowing (from scriptural texts) that the Mathurā Brāhmaṇas were monkeys (? of Rāma) formerly, the Emperor conferred on them special honour and respectability.

4-6. With his help and the blessings of Śāṇḍilya, Vajra came to know the various spots of the sports of Govinda, the cowherdesses and cowherds. He named them duly and established them. He made many village settlements and colonies. Ponds, wells, lakes and other amenities for the public were constructed. Idols (and Liṅgas) of Śiva and other deities were installed. The images of Govinda, Hari (? Indra) and other Devas were installed. He propagated exclusive devotion to Kṛṣṇa in his realm and rejoiced.

7. The subjects were joyous. His subjects were eagerly engrossed in glorifying Kṛṣṇa. They were endued richly with the greatest bliss. They eulogized his kingdom.

8. Once the wives of Kṛṣṇa who were distressed due to separation from him, saw Kālindī rejoicing. Without any jealousy or malice they asked her:

Śrīkṛṣṇa’s wives asked:

9. Just as we were the wives of Kṛṣṇa, so you too were, O splendid lady. We are agitated and distressed due to the separation from him, while you are not. Tell (us the reason thereof).

10. On hearing those words and noticing their jealousy, Kālindī mentally pitied them. She smilingly spoke these words:

Śrī Kālindī said:

11. Kṛṣṇa is Ātmārāma (i.e. one who rejoices in the Ātman). Certainly Rādhikā is his Ātman. As a result of being her servant, the pangs of separation will not afflict us.

12. All the heroines (beloved ones) of Śrīkṛṣṇa are the extensions of her own parts. There is perpetual union (with Kṛṣṇa) due to our perpetual presence (attendance) near her.

13. She is he (Kṛṣṇa) himself. He is she (Rādhā) herself. The Vaṃśī (flute) is the form of their love. It is known as Candrāvalī, because it has contact with the moon-like nails of Śrīkṛṣṇa.

14. Being ardently desirous of serving them (Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa) both, Rukmiṇī (and other chief queens) assumed another form and entered and got identified with it (the flute, the symbol of the love of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa). I have been witness to it.

[Or]:—

(Rukmiṇī and other chief queens were the parts of Rādhā. Where have they gone?) The queens being extremely desirous of serving them (Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa) assumed another form and merged themselves in Rādhā. I have witnessed their merger.

15. In your case too there is absolutely no separation from Kṛṣṇa at all. But you do not realize it. Hence, you have become agitated and distressed.

16. Formerly, at the time of the arrival of Akrūra the cowherdesses too experienced an apparent separation. But it was dispelled (and the Gopīs) were pacified by Uddhava.

17. If you come into contact with him alone here, you can have perpetual sport with your lover.

Śrī Sūta said:

18. On being told thus, those wives (of Śrīkṛṣṇa) became eager to come into contact with their lover after seeing Uddhava. They spoke again (to Kālindī) who was delighted.

Śrīkṛṣṇa’s wives said:

19. Blessed are you, O friend, since you have no separation from your lover. We would have become the servants of (that lady) through whom you have achieved your purpose.

Śrī Sūta said:

20. But, should we meet Uddhava, all our objects will be realized. Hence, O Kālindī, tell that means whereby we can meet him (Uddhava).

Śrī Sūta said:

21. On being told thus, Kālindī remembered the sixteen Kalās of Kṛṣṇa resembling the Moon and then replied to them:

22. “While going (to Vaikuṇṭha) Kṛṣṇa said to his minister (Uddhava) that Badarī (Badarikāśrama) was the land of preparation (penance) for obtaining an object. He stays there in the visible form imparting knowledge (about Kṛṣṇa).

23. The land of Vraja is the land of fruition (enjoying fruits) of the penance. It has been formerly given to him along with its secrets. The fruit (i.e. Kṛṣṇa) is invisible (regarding place of Rāsa etc.). So Uddhava stays here invisible now.

24. Near the Govardhana mountain, in the Sakhīsthala (? in the spot of Kṛṣṇa’s friends—Gopīs) Uddhava is indeed present in the form of sprouts and creepers, because he is desirous of their dust particles.

25-27. The form of his own festival has been definitely transferred to him by Hari. Hence all of you, along with Vajra should stay in the neighbourhood of Kusumasaras (Flower-Lake). You must bring together all the persons ardently attached to Hari and the festival should be begun (celebrated), with recitation (of Hari’s glory), sweet songs and musical instruments like lute, flute and Mṛdaṅga drums.

When the great festival is being elaborately celebrated, you will definitely meet Uddhava. That meeting will surely result in the complete attainment of your desired objects.”

Śrī Sūta said:

28. On hearing this they became delighted. They saluted Kālindī and returned. They reported everything to Vajra and Parīkṣit.

29. On hearing it, Viṣṇurāta (i.e. Parīkṣit) became pleased. Accompanied by them he went to that place and got everything performed immediately.

30. The festival of the glorification of Kṛṣṇa began at the Flower-Lake in the spot Sakhīsthala in the Vṛndāvana forest not far from Govardhana.

31. When the actual dance (and other sports) of the lover of the daughter of Vṛṣabhānu revived once again on account of the power of Kṛṣṇa (glorification of Kṛṣṇa), all had their eyes (fixed on him only) turned to nothing else.

32. Then, even as all of them were watching, Uddhava emerged from the cluster of grasses, creepers and hedges. He was dark in complexion with garlands (round his neck) and was clad in yellow robes.

33-34. He had garlands of Guñjā (a red and black berry). He was repeatedly singing the glory of the lover of the cowherd lasses. When he came, the festival of glorification became very much graceful like the crystals on the attics and terraces when the moon rises. AH of them were immersed in the ocean of bliss. All of them forgot (everything else).

35. On seeing Uddhava in the form of Śrīkṛṣṇa, they gained perfect knowledge instantaneously. Having realized their desires they worshipped Uddhava.