All the cowherds after seeing and after witnessing, Thy superhuman deeds suchGreat acts of yours like the lifting of Govardhana,Started thinking that thy indeed were Lord of all,And they again asked Nandagopa ,about Thy horoscope.
Thy father told his clansmen of what sage Garg had prophesied about Thy greatness. Thence forward their love and also great respect for Thee increased much more than before.
Dasakam: 064 -- Slokam: 03
ततोऽवमानोदिततत्त्वबोध: सुराधिराज: सह दिव्यगव्या।
उपेत्य तुष्टाव स नष्टगर्व: स्पृष्ट्वा पदाब्जं मणिमौलिना ते ॥३॥
tatO(a)vamaanOdita tattvabOdhaH suraadhiraajaH saha divyagavyaa |
upetya tuShTaava sa naShTagarvaH spR^iShTvaa padaabjaM maNi maulinaa te || 3
Indra realized the truth about Thee. He came to Thee with the divine cow Kaamadhenu, and sang Thy praises. He touched Thy lotus feet with his bejewelled crowned head.
Dasakam: 064 -- Slokam: 04
स्नेहस्नुतैस्त्वां सुरभि: पयोभिर्गोविन्दनामाङ्कितमभ्यषिञ्चत् ।
ऐरावतोपाहृतदिव्यगङ्गापाथोभिरिन्द्रोऽपि च जातहर्ष: ॥४॥
airaavatOpaahR^ita divya gangaa paathObhirindrO(a)pi cha jaataharShaH || 4
The divine cow Kaamadhenu annointed Thee with her milk overflowing with love for Thee and so Thou were named 'Govinda', the Lord of cows. Indra too, with great enthusiasm, bathed Thee in the waters of the celestial Ganga, brought by his elephant, Airavata.
On Thee, the Lord of the Three Worlds, being crowned as Lord of Gokula, that land of Gokula did, on account of Thy glory, attain prosperity and status,unattainable even in heaven or Vaikunttha itself.
Once very early in the morning, Thy father was bathing in the river Yamunaa. He was taken away by the emissary of Varuna. To bring him back and also to fulfill the purpose of Thy taking human form, Thou went to the city of Varuna .
The Lord of the waters, Varuna, was taken by surprise at Thy unexpected appearance. Being welcomed with great respect by Varuna and duly honored by him, Thou were well worshipped by him. Thou immediately returned home with Thy father. Thy father, Nanda, later narrated this incident to his clansmen.
niriikshya viShNO paramaM padaM tad duraapamanyaistvamadiidR^ishastaan || 8
The Gopas, being firmly assured in their heart of hearts that Thou wert Hari Himself,thirsted for experiencing Thy state of Supreme Bliss. There upon. Thou showed them that state which is not attainable to men without devotion
That family of Gopas did, indeed, remain submerged for a long time in the ocean of divine joy of salvation for a very long time, and By Thee alone they were drawn back to their worldly state of consciousness.
Dasakam: 064 -- Slokam: 10
करबदरवदेवं देव कुत्रावतारे
निजपदमनवाप्यं दर्शितं भक्तिभाजाम् ।
तदिह पशुपरूपी त्वं हि साक्षात् परात्मा
पवनपुरनिवासिन् पाहि मामामयेभ्य: ॥१०॥
karabadaravadevaM deva kutraavataare
nijapadamanavaapyaM darshitaM bhaktibhaajaam |
tadiha pashuparuupii tvaM hi saakshaat paraatmaa
pavana puranivaasin paahi maamaamayebhyaH ||10
O Lord! Thy unattainable abode was revealed to the devotees with such ease and clearly as a berry in one's palm. In which other incarnation of Thee has such a thing happened? So, it is certain that here in the form of a cowherd, Thou are the Supreme Self. O Guruvaayurappa! save me from ailments.
"Father, we have no towns, countries, territories, villages or houses to call our homes. We are forest-dwellers, living in jungles or on mountains. It is the mountain Govardhana that gives us fruits and food. It’s on its slopes that our cattle graze; therefore, why don’t you worship Govardhana instead? Let us now initiate a ritual sacrifice for the propitiation of cows, Brahmins and Mount Govardhana. It can be accomplished with the very materials for Indra’s sacrifice. all seniors of Vrindavana happily accepted them and set out to worship the supremely auspicious mountain Govardhana. Nanda and other Gopas approved what Krishna said. They did everything in accordance with Sri Krishna's instructions. They made offerings to the cows, to the Brahmins and to the hill Govardhana .Brahmins started chanting sacred mantras and the young cowherds, friends of Krishna started to carry water from the river Yamuna to bathe Govardhana.
They went round the hill. Krishna said, "I am the Hill." Sri Krishna assumed another gigantic form and manifested Himself on the top of the hill in order to confirm the faith of the Gopas. He told the people that He was the deity presiding over the mountain. He then began to consume the offerings that were made to the Hill.Indra became extremely angry with Nanda and the other Gopas. He sent forth his clouds and winds and there were rains, thunder and hail-storms in Brindavan. Krishna lifted up the Govardhana hill with one hand and the people of Brindavan with their cows took shelter beneath the mountain. There was continuous rain for seven days. Sri Krishna held up the hill for seven days continuously without moving an inch.
Indra was quite amazed. His pride was destroyed. He withdrew the clouds and winds. The Gopas went to their own places with their cows and property. Sri Krishna set down the mountain in its original place. The Gopas were struck with wonder. They came to Nanda and said, "This boy of seven years uprooted the Govardhana hill from the earth and held it up with one hand continuously for seven days. This marvellous feat cannot be done by an ordinary man. Your son is certainly the Lord of all Lords. He is the Atman of all beings." Indra and Surabhi came down from Heaven. Indra fell at the feet of Sri Krishna and glorified Him. Indra said, "Thou art the father, the preceptor and the supreme Lord of all the worlds. In order to fulfil the desires of your devotees, you assume a personal form at your own will.
Those who like myself are ignorant and are conceited as rulers of the world, get cured of their pride and touch of haughtiness by Thy grace and Darshan. They then take to the path of devotion. O Lord, each of your acts is intended for the punishment and correction of the wicked. I disregarded you as I was intoxicated with the pride of wealth and power. I was devoid of pure understanding, discretion, and discrimination, and so I was ignorant of your greatness. O Lord, forgive me! Grant me pure intellect. Free me from my pride. Salutations unto Thee again and again."
Krishna said to him, "O Indra! I did you a great favour by causing a break in your Yajna. You were extremely proud of your position and power and so you forgot Me. I did this in order to make you remember Me. Power and position produce intoxication in men and Devas. They become haughty. They are rendered blind by power and position. If I wish to do favour to any one, I take away his powers and wealth. O Indra! Go to your celestial abode and do your duties in a satisfactory manner. Abandon pride completely. Follow my commandments. Try to realise constantly My presence. May you be happy!"said Krishna.
Even at that time, over the sky above Gokula, were seen by Thee massive rain clouds continuously roaring and spreading all the eight directions. , shaking all the quarters with loud and unceasing thunder-claps, and rivaling Thy splendorous, dark-blue complexion.
vachanamajita shR^iNvan maa bibhiitetyabhaaNiiH || 2
There was torrential rain in all directions accompanied by huge enormous hail stones. The groups of cowherds were tormented by the wrathful action of Indra. They all cried and prayed to be protected. O Invincible One! Hearing there that Thou told them not to fear.
Dasakam: 063 -- Slokam: 03
कुल इह खलु गोत्रो दैवतं गोत्रशत्रो-
र्विहतिमिह स रुन्ध्यात् को नु व: संशयोऽस्मिन् ।
इति सहसितवादी देव गोवर्द्धनाद्रिं
त्वरितमुदमुमूलो मूलतो बालदोर्भ्याम् ॥३॥
kula iha khalu gOtrO daivataM gOtrashatrOH
vihatimiha sa rundhyaat kO nu vaH samshayO(a)smin |
iti sahasita vaadii deva gOvardhanaadriM
tvaritamudamumuulO muulatO baaladOrbhyaam || 3
You told them with a smile “Is not the mountain, the mountain is the deity. Indra is the enemy of mountains. This mountain, Govardhan, will resist Indra's attack. O Lord! Assuring them, Thou quickly uprooted the Govardhana Mountain with Thy two tender arms.
Then Thou held aloft the lifted up mountain with Thy lotus like arm. The soft sand bed of the mountain was well protected from the rain water. The cows and cowherds all gathered under the uplifted mountain along with their belongings and were also well protected.
As Thou were holding the mountain, Thou enthusiastically engaged the girls and boys of Thy age group in playful conversation. The cows gathered around Thee and Thou caressed them with one hand. The cowherds were all very satisfied and delighted.
The Gopas who were standing looking at you, told among themselves” "How wonderful that this big mountain is being held aloft by Krishna for such a longtime with his tender, lotus-like left hand alone; Could it be due to the power of the mountain ? " So said the Gopas with their gaze steadily on Thee all the while.
Indra caused the heavy rains to continue pouring for seven consecutive days, telling himself that, Oh! The arrogance of this small boy! When his hands pain by the weight of the mountain, When he will put it back in place.' .
Dasakam: 063 -- Slokam: 08
अचलति त्वयि देव पदात् पदं
गलितसर्वजले च घनोत्करे ।
अपहृते मरुता मरुतां पति-
स्त्वदभिशङ्कितधी: समुपाद्रवत् ॥८॥
achalati tvayi deva padaatpadaM
galita sarvajale cha ghanOtkare |
apahR^ite marutaa marutaaM pati
stvadabhishankitadhiiH samupaadravat || 8
Oh God you stood very firmly in the place you stood, All the clouds were drained and exhausted of their waters. They were drifted away and scattered by the winds. Noticing all this, the head of the gods, Indra was scared of Thy might and fled.
The heavy rain had then subsided and the cows and cowherds had come out from under the mountain. O Lord! Thou then replaced the mountain on the earth and were embraced by the overjoyed cowherds.
The gods praised Thee saying that long ago incarnation as a great boar,You had lifted the entire earth by your tusk, And so it was not difficult to raise a very small mountain,”Oh Lord of Guruvayurappa , please protect me from my afflictions.
Traditionally, the residents of Vrindavan including Nanda Maharaj and all the cowherd men would annually worshipped Indra, the King of Heaven, who is responsible for supplying water. One day, Krishna observed that the people were preparing for the worship of Indra. He asked His father Nanda "Tell me, O father! What is this occasion for your great festivity? What is the object? To whom is it intended? By whom and how is the sacrifice to be performed?"
Nanda replied, "My beloved child! Indra is the Lord of the clouds. He will give us rain by worshiping him. The rains give life to all beings. Therefore, people worship Indra by these sacrificial offerings. Whatever is left after offering him in sacrifice, we use for our subsistence in order to attain the three objects of life, viz., Dharma (righteousness), Artha (earthly possessions) and Kama (worldly enjoyments). Indra is the dispenser of the fruit of our exertions."
However, Krishna convinced his father to forgo the sacrifice to Indra and instead worship Govardhan Hill. He explained to his father Nanda Maharaj “This cosmic manifestation is going on under the influence of three modes of material nature—goodness, passion and ignorance. These three modes are the causes of creation, maintenance and destruction. The cloud is caused by the action of the mode of passion; therefore it is the mode of passion which causes the rainfall. And after the rainfall, the living entities derive the result—success in agricultural work. What, then, has Indra to do in this affair? Even if you do not please Indra, what can he do? We do not derive any special benefit from Indra. Even if he is there, he pours water on the ocean also, where there is no need of water. So he is pouring water on the ocean or on the land; it does not depend on our worshiping him. As far as we are concerned, we do not need to go to another city or village. There are palatial buildings in the cities, but we are satisfied living in this forest of Vrindavan.
Our specific relationship is with Govardhana Hill and Vrindavan forest and nothing more"O revered father! By the force of Karma a creature is born, and by the force of Karma it passes away. The birth and death of men are shaped by their own Karma. Happiness and misery, fear, safety, these are all the effects of Karma. If there be any God who dispenses the fruits of Karma, he must also follow that Karma. He cannot act independently. When people are governed by their own Karma, where does Indra come in? What has Indra to do with creatures here who simply follow the course of their Karmas. Karmic tendency is decreed by fate. Man is subject to his nature formed by the latent Samskaras of his past deeds. He follows his own nature.
The whole universe consisting of Devas, Asuras, men, etc., lives, moves and has its being in Nature. By the force of his Karma a creature attains to several corporeal existences high or low, and also loses them. Karma is one's guide. Karma is the supreme ruler. "What can Indra do?. I therefore request you, My dear father, to begin a sacrifice which will satisfy the local brahmanas and Govardhana Hill, and let us have nothing to do with Indra.” Therefore, let us make offerings to our cows, our Brahmins, our hills, and fallen people. Let dogs be properly fed. Let the cows be supplied with fodder."
Krishna thereafter instructed Nanda Maharaj to proceed with the Govardhan puja by preparing various foodstuffs to offer to Govardhan, give charity to brahmanas and decorate the cows and feed them. The ceremony of offering various foodstuffs to the Govardhan is also called Annakuta festival.
Dasakam: 062 -- Slokam: 01
कदाचिद्गोपालान् विहितमखसम्भारविभवान्
निरीक्ष्य त्वं शौरे मघवमदमुद्ध्वंसितुमना: ।
विजानन्नप्येतान् विनयमृदु नन्दादिपशुपा-
नपृच्छ: को वाऽयं जनक भवतामुद्यम इति ॥१॥
apR^ichChaH kO vaa(a)yaM janaka bhavataamudyama iti || 1
Oh God who was born in the clan of Surasena,Once you saw the Gopas collecting things to perform a Yaga,And deciding to put an end to the pride of Indra,In spite of knowing all about it asked Nanda and others, cowherds,“Oh father , What, about the purpose of these preparations.?
Dasakam: 062 -- Slokam: 02
बभाषे नन्दस्त्वां सुत ननु विधेयो मघवतो
मखो वर्षे वर्षे सुखयति स वर्षेण पृथिवीम् ।
नृणां वर्षायत्तं निखिलमुपजीव्यं महितले
विशेषादस्माकं तृणसलिलजीवा हि पशव: ॥२॥
babhaaShe nandastvaaM suta nanu vidheyO maghavatO
makhO varShe varShe sukhayati sa varSheNa pR^ithiviim |
visheShaadasmaakaM tR^iNasalilajiivaa hi pashavaH || 2
Nanda replied that every year a sacrifice needed to be performed to propitiate Indra, He gives happiness to the earth by rain. The livelyhood of all human beings on earth depends on rain. Especially so for us, because our cattle live on grass and water alone.'
O Lord! Hearing this, Thou said with sweet reasoning, 'Oh no, this is not true, to say that the rain is generated by Indra. Rain is generated by the unseen past actions of the living beings, as required. In this big forest, . Indeed, what do large trees in the forest offer to Indra? Thou asked.
Thou said to Thy people,'this is true that the cows are the wealth of our tribe. This mountain (Govardhana) provides them with their requisite grass and water. So the offerings should be made to the mountain. The holy men on the earth are indeed greater than the gods, so they also deserve to be worshipped.'
Hearing Thy words the cowherds also worshipped the holy men with high regards offered worship,To the Brahmins with more care and devotion,And performed a very great sacrifice to please the mountain,And also went round the mountain and offered salutations to it. Thou becoming the soul of the mountain ate all the entire offerings in front of the cowherds.
You also told them, "Do you now believe my words ?Did you not see the Mountain personally receiving the sacrifice,And I am sure that even if Indra becomes angry with us, this mountain is capable of protecting everyoneand hearing your words,All the people of the entire Gokula became happy.
As the Gopas, along with Thee, returned home,Indra knowing that the sacrifice addressed to him has been stopped, he did not tolerate it because his mind was overcome by Rajo Guna. Indra knew Thee well and was also aware that his own high position was given by you, yet he was enraged.
pravR^ittastvaaM jetuM sa kila maghavaa durmadanidhiH || 8
Indra was full of false pride and set out to win Thee. He reasoned that even if it was Vishnu himself, the slayer of Madhu, in human form, if he shows disrespect to the gods, whatever their prestige, would be lost. So he made up his mind to destroy the lowly cowherd (Krishna) and all his prosperity, and to win Thee.
To destroy Thy residence Vraja, Indra released deluge causing clouds in the skies. He took along thunderbolt and set out riding on his white elephant Airaavata. He was accompanied by other gods, fire(Agni), wind(Vaayu),etc., who cautiously contempted him. And Oh Guruvayurappa , whom does not Thy Maya afflict? By your illusion , for all the world obeys your word.
marudgehaadhiisha praNuda muravairin mama gadaan ||10
You consoled the cowherds by the words,“ we need not be upset by the rage of Devendra,Because we have the blessings of Brahmins,And the mercy shown by Govardhana towards us,” saying so Thou certainly convinced the cowherds. Then Thou stood waiting and wondering why Indra had not yet come. O Lord of Guruvaayurappa! O Slayer of Mura! Do eradicate my ailments.
Sri Krishna accompanied by Balarama and the cowherd boys went far away from Brindavan. Some of the boys became hungry and approached Sri Krishna and said, "Hunger is oppressing us. Kindly find out some means to appease it." Sri Krishna said, "O friends! The Brahmins, versed in the Vedas, are performing a great sacrifice called Angirasa for the purpose of attaining Heaven in a place which is at a short distance from here. Go to their sacrificial hall. Take our names and ask them for food."
The boys went to the sacrificial hall and asked for food from the Brahmins. The Brahmins turned a deaf ear to them. They looked upon Sri Krishna as an ordinary mortal and ignored His request. Yajna was all in all for them, but they disregarded the Lord of the Yajnas.When the Brahmins said neither 'yes' nor 'no', the cowherd boys lost hope, returned disappointed, and reported the facts to Sri Krishna.
Krishna laughed and said, "Friends! Go to the wives of the Brahmins this time." They did. The ladies hastened to Krishna with dishes full of eatables of all sorts despite the protests of their husbands, brothers and sons. Sri Krishna said, "O blessed ladies! Welcome to you all. Please take your seats. Tell me what I should do for you. You have come only to see Me. I am Atman and therefore the most beloved. Those who care for Atman have unconditional and unswerving devotion towards Me.
What can there be more dear than Atman? Now you have seen Me. They havetoperform the sacrifices withyourhelp."Gobacktoyourhusbands. The wives of the Brahmins said, "O Lord! We have sought your feet only. We have abandoned our relatives. Our husbands, parents, sons, brothers and relations will not accept us. We will be discarded by everyone else in the world. We have no other support. We have laid ourselves at your feet. Be gracious to extend your protection to us. Let us be Thy servants."
Sri Krishna said, "O blessed ladies! Go back to your homes. Your husbands, sons, parents, etc., will not be displeased with you. By my command, all people, even the Devas, will approve of your conduct. You have been accepted by Me. Therefore the whole world will honour you. Mere physical nearness to Me or direct contact with Me is not necessary for love or devotion. Think of Me with all your heart. You will soonattainMe."
The wives of those Brahmins returned to the sacrificial hall. The Brahmins did not find fault with their behaviour. When the Brahmins came to know that Sri Krishna was God Himself, they repented very much for their conduct. The Brahmins realize the superiority of devotion over rituals.
Once Thou went into the forest far away from Vrindaavana, with the cows and the cowherds. In Thy heart Thou carried the desire of blessing the large group of the Braahmin women who were greatly devoted to Thee.
Then Thou saw that the boys were exhausted by hunger and thirst in the forest was without any dwellings where some food could be got. Not very far away some Braahmins were performing Yagya. Thou sent the boys to them to beg for some food.
O Lord! The boys then went to the Braahmins and they mentioned Thy name and asked for food. But the great Braahmins who were known to be well versed in Vedas (Shrutis) acted as if they had not heard anything and did not respond in any manner.
Dasakam: 061 -- Slokam: 04 अनादरात् खिन्नधियो हि बालका: ।
समाययुर्युक्तमिदं हि यज्वसु ।
चिरादभक्ता: खलु ते महीसुरा:
कथं हि भक्तं त्वयि तै: समर्प्यते ॥४॥
anaadaraat khinnadhiyO hi baalakaaH
samaayayu-ryuktamidaM hi yajvasu |
chiraadabhaktaaH khalu te mahiisuraaH
kathaM hi bhaktaM tvayi taiH samarpyate ||4
Those gopa boys returned back sad due to the neglect of Brahmins,And this seemed to be very apt in case of them who were wedded to rituals,And were completely devoid of any devotion. Indeed for long they were not devoted to Thee so how was it possible that they would offer food to Thee?
Thou told the boys with a tender smile to go and announce Thy arrival to the housewives. Thou smilingly told them that those women were full of compassion and that they would give food. Thus being told the boys went to the housewives and requested them
As Thy name was mentioned by the boys, the women who were eager to see Thee were very excited. They quickly came to Thee carrying with them four types food .in spite of the prevention of their husbands
The peacock feather was quivering in the locks of Thy hair. Thy two cheeks were glowing with the reflection of the earings. Thy hand was placed on the shoulder of Thy friend. The women joyfully saw Thee standing in this manner in front of them. They saw you with infinite joy.
One of the women, who was physically prevented by her husband from coming nearThee, meditated on Thee with intense devotion and, in an instant, attained salvation(union with Thee). How fortunate, indeed, she was!
Accepting their offerings for food, Thou blessed them. They were always desirous of having physical contact with Thee and so abondoned their houses. Seeing this, Thou sent them back to conduct the Yagya rituals properly. Thou also rendered their husbands free from any ill feelings towards them.
Dasakam: 061 -- Slokam: 10
निरूप्य दोषं निजमङ्गनाजने
विलोक्य भक्तिं च पुनर्विचारिभि:
प्रबुद्धतत्त्वैस्त्वमभिष्टुतो द्विजै-
र्मरुत्पुराधीश निरुन्धि मे गदान् ॥१०॥
niruupya dOShaM nijamanganaa jane
vilOkya bhaktiM cha punarvichaaribhiH |
prabuddhatattvaistvamabhiShTutO dvijaiH
marutpuraadhiisha nirundhi me gadaan ||10
The Braahmins realized their own mistake. They also recognized the great devotion of their wives. Those of them who reflected thus and then understood the Reality sang Thy praises. O Guruvaayurappa! Eradicate my sufferings.