O great king! the demon having thus spoken, went thence; and having made an illusory Basoodeo, brought it bound into the presence of Shree Krishnù and said, “Behold! Krishnù, I have brought your father bound, and I will now cut off his head, and destroy all the descendants of Judoo, and fill the sea with them, afterwards I will kill you and hold universal dominion.”
O great king! when he had thus spoken, he abased the head of the imaginary Basoodeo and cut it off in sight of Shree Krishnù Jee, and having placed it upon the point of a spear, showed it publicly. On beholding this act of the delusive power, Krishnù at first became faint; but afterwards recovering, began to say to himself, “How has it happened that he has seized and brought Basoodeo Jee from Dwarka, whilst Bulram was there, what! is he more powerful than Bulram, that he should have carried off Basoodeo from before him and brought him here?”
O great king! many thoughts of this kind passed for a long time through the mind of Krishnù, whilst he was under the influence of the demon’s delusive power, and he was absorbed in reflection; at length whilst Huri was considering and looking at the demon’s illusory apparition, he found out the secret of the contrivance, and called out to Salub. On hearing Krishnù’s challenge, he mounted into the air, and began to discharge weapons thence upon Krishnù; in the mean while Shree Krishnù Chund Jee struck him with several arrows with such force, that the demon fell with his ruth into the sea; recovering from the fall, he rushed upon Huri with a club; upon which Krishnù was greatly enraged and killed and brought him to the ground with the quoit, Soodursun; just as the lord of the gods killed and brought down Britasoor.
O great king! on the fall of the demon, the jewel of his head fell out upon the ground, and the splendour of it was concentrated in the mouth of Shree Krishnù Chund.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—Raja! I will now narrate how Sissoopal’s brothers, Bukrudunt and Bidooruth, were slain; from the time Sissoopal was killed, the two brothers constantly thought, how they might revenge themselves on Shree Krishnù Chund for their brother’s death. At length, on the death of Salub and Doobid, they advanced against the city of Dwarka with all their army; and having encompassed it on all sides, began to discharge all kinds of engines and weapons of war against it. There was great commotion in the city; on hearing the clamour Moorari ascended his chariot. Shree Krishnù Chund Jee went, after this, outside the city, and stood where the two demons in great wrath, and with arms in their hands, were prepared for battle. On seeing Krishnù, Bukrudunt said, with great haughtiness, “Ho Krishnù! first bring into play all thy warlike weapons, and afterwards I will slay thee, my reason for telling thee this is, that at the time of death thou mayest not have to regret not having attacked Bukrudunt; thou hast destroyed very mighty men, but shall not now escape alive from me.”
O great king! having made many such wicked speeches, Bukrudunt threw a club at Krishnù, which Huri easily cut off and brought to the ground; then, taking another club, he engaged in a severe contest with Huri, when Bhugwan killed and brought him to the ground, and his life issuing forth went into the mouth of Krishnù. When Bidooruth beheld the death of Bukrudunt, he advanced to the attack, and Shree Krishnù Jee sent forth the quoit, Soodursun, who cut off his head, and brought it to the ground, with the crown and ear-rings; he afterwards slew and put to flight the whole army of the demons: at that time, the delighted gods rained down flowers; celestial choristers and bards celebrated with songs the renown of Huri; all the demi-gods, holy men and celestial dancers, ascending chariots, raised cries of exultation and victory. They then all said to Krishnù, “Your pastimes are infinite; no one can understand the secret of them. First, Hirunkusyp and Hirnakoos were born; afterwards Rawun and Koombhkurun, and now Duntbukrù and Sissoopal; you have killed them three times, and granted them the highest release, for this reason your state and nature are not understood by any one.”
O great king! having thus spoken, the gods made an obeisance to Krishnù, and departed; and Huri began to say to Bulram Jee, “Brother! the Kouruvùs and Panduvùs have fought; what shall we do?” Buldeo Jee replied, “O abode of kindness! please do me the favour to go to Hustinapoor, and I will come there by and bye, after having gone on pilgrimage to holy places.”
Having proceeded thus far in the narration, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! Shree Krishnù Chund Jee, having heard this suggestion, went to Koorchetrù, the country about Delhi, where the Kouruvùs and Panduvùs were carrying on a great war; and Bulram Jee went forth on pilgrimage; whilst engaged in visiting the places of pilgrimage Buldeo arrived at Neemkhar; he there beheld that on one side holy men and sages were engaged in sacrifices; and on another side in an assembly of sages and holy Soot Jee, seated on a throne, was reading histories. On beholding Bulram, Sounuk and all the sages, and saints rose up and made obeisance, and Soot Jee remained looking at him, seated on a cushion on the throne.
O great king! on Soot Jee’s not rising, Bulram Jee said to Sounuk and all the sages, and saints, “Who has made this fool a speaker, and given him the seat of Byas? A speaker should be religious, a man of discrimination and of wisdom; this man is without good qualities, avaricious and proud; again, it is necessary, that he should be free from covetousness, and be virtuous; this man is very greedy and selfish. The seat of Byas does not become one, who is devoid of intellect, and judgment. It would not much matter, if we were to kill him; but we must have him removed hence.” On hearing this Sounuk and all the great sages and saints, said most submissively, “O great king! you are brave, resolute, acquainted with all observances and usages; whilst this man is a coward, irresolute, without discretion, proud and without intelligence, be pleased to forgive his fault, that he is sitting upon the cushion of Byas, and because Bruhmù has placed him here for the business of the sacrifice; the fool was puffed up with pride, because he was seated, and did not rise to make a salutation to you. This, O lord! is his fault, he has committed an error, but is a good man; it would be a sin to kill Soot Jee, no one in the world would call it a good act; what you have said to him will not be without advantage. Think of this in your mind.”
O great king! when Bulram Jee heard these words, he took up a blade of grass, and struck Soot Jee lightly, who died from the touch of it. On beholding this act, Sounuk and all the sages, uttering expressions of grief, and being very sad, said, “O great king! what was to be, has come to pass, but be pleased now to favor us by removing our anxiety.” Bulram replied, “Tell me what your desire is, and I will satisfy it.” The sages said, “O great king! let there be no interruption in the performance of our sacrifice, this is our desire, be pleased to fulfil it, and gain celebrity in the world.” When the sages had thus spoken, Bulram Jee, acquainted with the secrets of the heart, caused Soot Jee’s son to be sent for; and having seated him on the cushion of Byas, said, “He will be more eloquent than his father, and I have conferred undying dignity upon him, and made him long lived, perform your sacrifice now, free from all anxiety.”
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! when Sounuk and all the saints and sages having received Bulram Jee’s order; and, being highly delighted, began to perform sacrifice, a demon, named Jalub, the son of Lub, came; and, having collected masses of clouds, thundering and sending forth a very terrible and black storm, began to rain down from the sky blood and excrement, and urine and commit many acts of violence.
O great king! when Buldeo Jee beheld this tyranny on the part of the demon, he summoned his plough and wooden pestle; they came, and were ready; then Buldeo in great wrath, having laid hold of Jalub with his plough, struck him a blow on the head with his wooden pestle with such force that his head was split, and his soul escaped; there was a stream of blood on the spot; his eyes came out of their sockets, and his hair was dyed with blood. The sages, being very much pleased at the death of Jalub, performed adoration to Buldeo Jee, and glorifying him greatly, offered presents. Bulram, the abode of happiness, after this departed thence, and proceeded on his pilgrimage.
O great king! having visited all holy places of pilgrimage, and made a circuit of the earth, he arrived at the country about Delhi, where Doorjodhun and Bheemsen were carrying on a great war; and Shree Krishnù Chund and great Rajas, together with the descendants of Pandoo, were standing looking on. On Bulram Jee’s arrival, the two heroes, Doorjodhun and Bheemsen, made him a salutation; the one regarding him as his spiritual preceptor, the other as his brother. When, O great king! Buldeo Jee saw them fighting, he said, “Both of you are powerful, brave warriors; O resolute heroes! refrain now from war, preserve the progeny of Kooroo and Pandoo; brothers, friends, have all been exterminated.” Both said, when they heard this, bowing their heads, “We cannot now give up fighting.” Then Doorjodhun said, “O divine preceptor! I will not speak falsely in your presence; be pleased to listen with careful attention to what I am about to say. This great war, which is now being carried on, in which people have been killed, and will be killed, is carried on by the advice of your brother, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee. These poor helpless creatures, who are now fighting, are as much under the power of Huri, as a wooden puppet is in the power of a juggler, who can make it move in any direction he pleases. It was not right in him to assist the Panduvùs, and act with such enmity towards us; he has caused the shoulder of Doosasun to be torn from its socket by Bheem, and has caused me to be wounded in the thigh by a club. What more need I now say to you? Whatever Huri may wish will now be done, this every one knows.” When Doorjodhun had thus spoken, Bulram Jee approached Shree Krishnù Chund, having first said to Doorjodhun, “You, of course, have not practised any stratagem or treachery to cause violence?” And he said to his brother, “What have you done in causing this war to be waged, and Doosasun’s shoulder to be torn from its socket, and Doorjodhun’s thigh to be wounded? This is not a custom of fair fighting, that a powerful man should pluck out another’s shoulder from the socket, or direct weapons, and aim below the loins. It is a fair fight when one challenges the other, and fights opposite him.” Shree Krishnù Chund replied, “O brother! you do not know the circumstances; these Kouruvùs are very unjust and tyrannical, their tyranny is beyond description, they first, at the suggestion of Doosasun, Shugoon and Bhugdunt, cheated at play, and won every thing belonging to Raja Joodisthur. Doosasun laid hold of Dropudee by the hand, and for that reason Bheemsen pulled his arm out of the socket. Dhoorjodhun, in the midst of the court, told Dropudee to sit upon his thigh; and for this reason his thigh was wounded.” Shree Krishnù Chund proceeded to say, “Brother! you do not know what injustice the Kouruvùs have shown towards the Panduvùs, and I cannot describe it; the fire of this war will not, therefore, be now extinguished, do not attempt any remedy.”
When Krishnù, O great king! had thus spoken, Bulram Jee came from the country in the neighbourhood of Delhi to the city of Dwarka; and, having an interview with Rajas Oogursen and Soorsen, began to say to them with joined hands, “O great kings! through your excellence and glory I have made a pilgrimage to all holy places; but I have been guilty of a fault.” Raja Oogursen said, “What fault?” Bulram Jee replied, “O great king! having gone to Neemkhar, I killed Soot Jee, the sin of whose murder attaches to me, with your permission I will now go again to Neemkhar; and, having seen the sacrifice, and bathed at the holy place, will obliterate the sin of the murder; after that I will give food to brahmins and give an entertainment to all persons of my own caste, in order that I may obtain renown in the world.” Raja Oogursen consented, and told him to proceed on his journey, and return to him.
O great king! having obtained the Raja’s leave, Bulram Jee, accompanied by several of the descendants of Judoo, went to Neemkhar; and having bathed and offered gifts, was purified, and returned. Afterwards, having sent for his family priest, and caused burnt offerings to be offered up to the gods, he fed and entertained brahmins, and his own caste; and, having observed all the customs usual in the world, was made clean.
Having recited thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said, O great king! whoever shall hear this history with attention; all his sins shall be annihilated.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! I will now relate the history of Soodama how he went to Krishnù, and his poverty was put an end to; do you listen with attention: in the direction of the southern quarter is the Dravis country, where brahmins and traders dwelt as kings, under whose government adoration and remembrance, and meditation upon Huri were practised in each house; and all men performed penance and sacrifice; and respected religion and offered gifts; and reverenced virtuous and holy men and cows, and brahmins, thus they all dwelt there, thinking of none but Huri. In that country was a brahmin, named Soodama, who had been instructed by the same spiritual preceptor as Shree Krishnù Chund, very humble, emaciated and poor, so that there was no thatch upon his hut, and he had nothing to eat. One day Soodama’s wife being greatly frightened and grieved at their poverty, went to her husband in a state of alarm, and said trembling, “O great king! we are greatly troubled by this state of poverty; if you wish to put an end to it, I will point out a plan of doing so.” The brahmin asked, “What plan?” She replied, “Shree Krishnù Chund, the root of joy, lord of the three worlds, and an inhabitant of Dwarka is your chief friend, if you go to him our poverty will depart, because he is the bestower of wealth, virtue, desires and final happiness.”
O great king! when the brahmin’s wife had thus explained to her husband, Soodama said, “O beloved! even Shree Krishnù Chund does not give any one any thing, without that person giving him something first, I know well, that during my whole life, I have not given any thing to any one and without having given, whence shall I receive? I will, however, go as you suggest and come back after seeing Shree Krishnù Jee.” On hearing these words the brahmin’s wife tied up a little rice in an old white cloth and brought it and gave it to her husband as a present for Krishnù and placed before him a string, a brass pot and a staff. Then Soodama having cast the string and the brass pot upon his shoulders and placed the bundle of rice under his arm, taking the staff in his hand, set out for the city of Dwarka, having propitiated Guneshù and meditating upon Shree Krishnù Chund Jee.
O great king! going along the road, Soodama began to say to himself, “I am certainly not destined to be rich; but, by going to Dwarka, I shall see Shree Krishnù Chund, the root of joy.” With these thoughts in his mind Soodama arrived at the city of Dwarka after a journey of less than nine hours, and there beheld a city, surrounded on all sides by the sea. All round the city were forests and groves, producing flowers and fruits. At the ponds, pools and large wells of masonry, wheels and leather buckets were in full play, herds of cows were grazing in different places, and the cowherds’ children, who accompanied them, were engaged apart in sports.
Having recited thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! Soodama, having beheld the beauty of the forests and groves, went into the city, and saw very elegant houses of gold, covered with jewels, shining in full splendour. At the different places of meeting, the descendants of Judoo were seated, forming courts like that of Indrù: in the markets, roads and cross-roads, things of different kinds were sold; in each house, and in various places, songs were sung, and gifts and adoration offered in honour of Huri, and Krishnù’s praises were celebrated; and the inhabitants of the whole city were highly delighted.
O great king! beholding all these sights, and making enquiries for the abode of Shree Krishnù Chund, Soodama went and stood at the great entrance gate of Krishnù’s house; and timidly enquired from some one where Shree Krishnù Chund lived. The man replied, “O divinity! go inside the house, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee is seated opposite on a jewelled throne.”
When, O great king! Soodama, having heard this went inside, Shree Krishnù Chund, on seeing him, descended from his throne; and, advancing to meet him, seized his hand with the greatest affection, and led him in; having then placed him upon his throne, he washed his feet, and took the water, with which his feet had been washed; after this, smearing his body with sandal, putting unbroken rice upon his forehead, and decorating him with flowers, placing perfumes and lamps before him, Krishnù performed adoration to Soodama; having done so the lord of the Judoos joined his hands, and made kind enquiries regarding his health, &c., &c.
Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja,—O great king! on beholding this behaviour on the part of Krishnù, Shree Rookmunee Jee and the seven queens, and the sixteen thousand eight hundred wives and all the descendants of Judoo, who were then present, began to say to themselves, “What virtuous act has this poor, weak, dirty, shabbily dressed brahmin done in a former birth, that the lord of the three worlds has treated him with such great respect?”
O great king! Shree Krishnù Chund, acquainted with the secrets of the heart, knowing the thoughts of them all at that time, began in order to remove the perplexities of their minds, to talk to Soodama upon subjects, connected with their spiritual preceptor’s house, “Brother! do you recollect one day, when the preceptor’s wife sent you and me to bring wood; and when we had brought the wood from the forest, and fastening the bundles on our heads went home, there was a storm and rain; and it rained very heavily, wet and dry places were inundated with water; I and you got wet, and suffered great annoyance, and remained in the cold all night under a tree; early in the morning, the divine preceptor came to search for us in the forest; and with the greatest kindness, and giving us his blessing took us both with him to his house.” Shree Krishnù Chund Jee after this again said “Brother! from the time you quitted our divine spiritual preceptor’s house, I have not received any tidings of you, where you were, and what you were doing; by coming now and showing yourself, you have made me very happy, and have purified my house.” Soodama replied, “O sea of compassion and brother of the poor! O master! acquainted with the secrets of the heart, you know every thing; there is nothing in the world, which is concealed from you.”
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! Shree Krishnù Jee, acquainted with the secrets of the heart; having heard Soodama’s speech, and understanding what his many wishes were, said laughingly, “Brother! what present has your wife sent for me; why do you not give it to me, but keep it pressed down under your arm?”
Having heard this, O great king! Soodama was abashed, and his spirits began to droop, when Krishnù hastily snatched the bundle of rice from under his arm; having then opened it, and eaten two handfuls of rice with the greatest avidity, when he had taken the third mouthful, Shree Rookmunee Jee laid hold of the hand of Huri and said, “O great king! you have given him two worlds, will you not keep some place for your own habitation; this seems to be a brahmin of excellent disposition and very good family, a great religious ascetic, and one who has abandoned all terrestrial objects, because he has not exulted on obtaining wealth, I know, therefore, that he looks upon gain and loss alike, rejoices not at obtaining nor sorrows at losing.” When Rookmunee Jee had thus spoken, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee said, “Beloved! this is my best friend, how can I enumerate his many excellent qualities? He remains constantly immersed in the love of me; and in comparison with that love looks upon the pleasures of the world as grass.”
Having narrated thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja Pureechit,—O great king! Krishnù, having addressed many speeches and explanations to Rookmunee Jee, brought Soodama into the house; having after this entertained him with delicacies of all kinds, and given him betel, Huri took Soodama and placed him upon a bed like foam; he was fatigued and knocked up by the journey, and enjoyed a pleasant sleep upon the bed; Krishnù having then sent for Bishokurma, said, “Go now and build a very beautiful house for Soodama of gold and jewels, and place in it the eight fruits of ascetic severities, and the treasure of Kouverù, consisting of nine gems, in order that no desire of his may be unsatisfied.”
When Krishnù had thus spoken Bishokurma went and built the house instantly, and returned; having mentioned to Krishnù that he had done so, he went home; early in the morning Soodama rose, and went to take leave of Krishnù, after having bathed, and finished his religious meditations, adoration and worship, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee was at that time quite unable to speak; but remained gazing immersed in affection, with downcast eyes, and stupified, Soodama, having taken leave and made a salutation, went homewards, and on the road began to reflect, “I did well in not asking Krishnù for any thing; had I asked him he would certainly have given it, but he would have thought me greedy and avaricious, no matter, I shall be able to explain all the circumstances to my wife. Shree Krishnù Chund Jee treated me with the greatest respect and honour, and considered me as free from avarice; this is for me equal to a lakh of rupees.”
With these thoughts in his mind Soodama, O great king! came near his village, and was surprised at not perceiving either his former residence, or broken hut, but a populous city like that of Indrù’s. On seeing this, Soodama was very much grieved, and began to say, “Lord! what hast thou done? I had one affliction, and thou has given me another: what has become of my cottage, and where has my wife gone? From whom shall I enquire, and where shall I search for them?” Having thus said Soodama went to the gate, and asked the door-keeper, “Whose is this very beautiful house?” The door-keeper replied, “It belongs to Soodama, the friend of Shree Krishnù Chund.” When upon hearing this Soodama was on the point of speaking, his wife, who had seen him from the inside, came up to her husband, dressed in fine clothes and jewels, adorned from head to foot, having eaten betel, and applied perfumes, and accompanied by her female companions; falling at his feet, she threw down silken cloths for him to walk upon; and, having joined her hands, thus spoke, “Why are you standing there, come into the house, and banish all anxiety from your mind; after you left, Bishokurma came, who built this house in a second.”
O great king! when Soodama had heard his wife speak thus, he went into the house; and on seeing the great profusion of wealth, was very much dejected. The brahminee said, “Husband! people are rejoiced at obtaining riches, but you are sad, what is the reason of this? Please kindly tell me, that the perplexities of my mind may be removed?” Soodama replied, “Beloved! this wealth is very deceptive, it has deceived, is still deceiving and will continue to deceive the whole world. Krishnù has bestowed it upon me, not having confidence in my affection; when have I asked it from him, that he has given it to me? This is why my mind is sad.” The brahminee said, “Husband! you did not ask any thing from Shree Krishnù Chund Jee; but, being acquainted with the secrets of the heart, he knows the thoughts of each individual; in my mind there was a desire for wealth, which Krishnù has satisfied; do not form any other opinion in your mind upon this subject.”
Having recited thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja Pureechit,—O great king! whoever shall hear and repeat this story, shall never, having come into the world, suffer any affliction; and in the end shall go to the celestial paradise.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—Raja! I will now relate the story of Krishnù’s journey to the country about Delhi; listen with attention, how Shree Krishnù Chund and Bulram went to Koorchetrù to bathe on the occasion of an eclipse of the sun, accompanied by all the descendants of Judoo. The Raja said, “O great king! be pleased to recite the story; I will listen with attention.” Then Shree Shookdeo Jee said, O great king! on one occasion, having obtained intelligence of an eclipse of the sun, Shree Krishnù Chund and Buldeo Jee having gone to Raja Oogursen said, “O great king! an eclipse of the sun has, after a long interval, occurred, it will be a very virtuous act, if you go to Koorchetrù, and hold this festival there; because it is written in the Shastrùs, ‘That whoever shall offer gifts or do acts of moral or religious merit at Koorchetrù, shall be deemed a thousand fold excellent.’ ” On hearing these words, the descendants of Judoo enquired from Shree Krishnù Chund Jee, “O great king! how did Koorchetrù become so eminent a place of pilgrimage, be pleased to do us the favour to explain?” Shree Krishnù Jee replied, “Listen, Jumdugun, the sage, was very wise, given to religious meditation, a strict performer of penance and of a glorious reputation. He had three sons, the eldest of whom was Purshooram, who having abandoned the pleasures of the world, went and dwelt in Chitrùkoot, and began to perform penance in honor of Sudashivù. On the birth of his children, Jumdugun, the sage, having given up house keeping and forsaken the world, went into the forest with his wife, and began to practise devout austerity; his wife’s name was Renooka, who went one day to invite her sister, who was the wife of the Raja Suhusrajoorun; when she had given the invitation, Raja Suhusrajoorun’s wife, the sister of Renooka, indulging in pride, said laughing, ‘If sister, you can feed me and my army, give the invitation, otherwise do not give it.’ O great king! having heard this, Renooka was annoyed and rising up thence without speaking a word came home. Perceiving that she was in low spirits, Jumdugun, the sage, enquired, ‘What has happened to-day, that you are out of humour.’ Upon his making the enquiry, Renooka shedding tears, mentioned all the circumstances, as they had occurred. On hearing them, Jumdugun, the sage, said to his wife, ‘Well! go now and invite your sister with her army.’ When Renooka received her husband’s order, she went to her sister’s house and invited her. The sister said to her husband, ‘You and I, together with our army, must go to-morrow to eat our food at the house of Jumdugun, the sage.’ Having heard and assented to what his wife said he laughed and was silent. Jumdugun rose very early next morning and went to Raja Indrù, and asked for the cow Kamdhenoo, and afterwards went and invited, and brought back with him the Raja Suhusrajoorun; he came with his army, and Jumdugun Jee entertained them all with every kind of food they desired. When he and his army had eaten their food, Raja Suhusrajoorun was very much ashamed and began to say to himself, ‘Whence has he obtained the means of feeding so many people during the night, and how he has prepared the food, I cannot understand the secret of all this.’ Having thus spoken, and taken leave he went home, and despatched a brahmin, saying to him, ‘O divinity! go to the house of Jumdugun, and bring me information, by whose power he has, in one day, invited and entertained me and my army.’ On hearing these words, the brahmin went off quickly, and having made his observations came back, and said to Suhusrajoorun, ‘O great king! the cow Kamdhenoo is in his house, through whose power he has been able to invite, and entertain you in the course of a day.’ Suhusrajoorun said to the brahmin, in reply to this intelligence, ‘O divinity! go from me, and say to Jumdugun the sage, that I beg the cow Kamdhenoo from him.’ The brahmin on hearing these words, went with the message to the sage, and mentioned what Suhusrajoorun had said. The sage replied, ‘The cow does not belong to me, that I can give it, it belongs to Raja Indrù, and I cannot give it; go and tell your Raja so.’ Upon his saying this, the brahmin came, and said to Raja Suhusrajoorun, ‘O great king! the sage says that the cow Kamdhenoo is not his, but belongs to Raja Indrù; and he cannot give it to you.’ When the brahmin had thus spoken, Suhusrajoorun sent for several of his warriors, and said to them, ‘Go now, and loosen and bring here from the house of Jumdugun the cow Kamdhenoo.’ The warriors, on receiving their master’s order, went to the sage’s house; and when, after having loosened the cow, they carried it off in presence of Jumdugun, the sage ran and stopped Kamdhenoo on the road. Having received intelligence of this, Suhusrajoorun was enraged, and came and cut off the sage’s head, Kamdhenoo ran off to Indrù, and Renooka came and stood near her husband’s body, she rolled upon the ground, tearing her hair, and sat down, laying hold of his feet; she struck her breast, shedding tears; and calling tenderly upon her husband, poured forth lamentations. At that time, the guardian deities of the ten quarters trembled, when they heard the cries and weeping of Renooka; and the seat of Purshooram, shook, as he was engaged in penance, and his meditations were interrupted. On his meditations being disturbed, Purshooram, having reflected, took his axe, and came to the spot, where his father’s corpse had fallen, and where his mother was standing, striking her breast. On seeing this, Purshooram Jee became very wroth; and at the same time, Renooka explained with tears to her son all the circumstances of her husband’s slaughter. When he had heard the account, Purshooram went to where Suhusrajoorun was seated in the midst of his court, having first said to his mother, ‘Mother! I will first slay my father’s enemy, and afterwards come and take up my father’s body.’ On seeing the Raja, Purshooram Jee said angrily, ‘O pitiless, cowardly, malicious enemy of your family! you have killed my father, and brought great grief upon me.’ When having thus spoken, Purshooram seized his axe, and advanced in great wrath, the Raja confronted him with a bow and arrows. The two strong men began a mighty contest. At length, after they had fought about four hours, Purshooram Jee killed and overthrew Suhusrajoorun, whose army then attacked him, and which he also destroyed near the Raja’s body; he afterwards came thence, and performed his father’s funeral obsequies; and having comforted his mother, Purshooram Jee then offered sacrifice to Roodrù at that place; and from that time, the place has been called, and become famous as a place of holy pilgrimage, whoever goes there during an eclipse of the sun, and offers gifts, or bathes or performs penance or sacrifice, will receive a reward of a thousand fold excellence.”
Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja Pureechit,—O great king! on hearing this story, all the descendants of Judoo were delighted, and said to Shree Krishnù Chund Jee, “O great king! be pleased to go quickly to Koorchetrù, and do not now delay, because it is necessary to arrive there in time for the festival.” On hearing this, Shree Krishnù Chund and Bulram Jee enquired from the Raja Oogursen, “Who, O great king! will remain here to guard the city if all go to Koorchetrù?” Raja Oogursen said, “Leave Unroodrù Jee and go.” Having received the Raja’s order, and having sent for and explained to Unroodrù, Krishnù said, “Son! remain here, defend the cow and the brahmin and protect the subject, I and the Raja Jee, and all the descendants of Judoo will return, after having bathed at Koorchetrù.” Unroodrù Jee replied, “I will act according to your order.”
Having, O great king! left Unroodrù Jee only to guard the city, Soorsen, Basoodeo, Oodho, Akroor, Kritbruma, and all the high and low descendants of Judoo with their wives prepared to set out for Koorchetrù. When the Raja Oogursen encamped outside the city with his army, the whole party assembled together; and afterwards Shree Krishnù Chund Jee joined them, accompanied by his brother’s wife, eight queens, sixteen thousand eight hundred wives, and their sons and grandsons, Raja Oogursen decamped thence on Krishnù’s arrival; and advanced with great pomp and bustle, like Raja Indrù.
Having narrated thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! after a pleasant and safe journey of some days, Shree Krishnù Chund and all the descendants of Judoo arrived at Koorchetrù; and having gone there, they all bathed during the festival; and, each, to the utmost of his means, offered elephants, horses, ruths, palkees, dresses, jewels, ornaments, grain or money, and afterwards they all encamped there.
O great king! having heard of the journey of Shree Krishnù Chund and Bulram Jee to Koorchetrù, Rajas from the four quarters came with their families and armies, and met them. Then all the Kouruvùs and Panduvùs came there with their relatives and their troops; at that time Koontee and Dropudee went into the female apartments of the descendants of Judoo, and had interviews with their wives; after this Koontee having gone into her brother’s presence, said, “Brother! I am very unfortunate, from the very day I was betrothed I have been suffering affliction, you have not thought of me from the time you gave me in marriage; and Ram Krishnù, who is the bestower of happiness upon all, has not shown any kindness towards me.”
On hearing these words, O great king! Basoodeo Jee taking compassion on her, said, his eyes being filled with tears, “Sister! what dost thou say to me? I have had no control in these matters, the condition or circumstances of fate are not known. The will of Huri is very powerful, behold! what griefs I endured at the hands of Kuns; the whole world has become subservient to Krishnù; behold! whatever griefs one may suffer, the universe is put into circular motion.”
O great king! having thus spoken, and having entered into explanations with his sister, Basoodeo Jee went to the place, where all the Rajas were seated in the court of Raja Oogursen and Raja Doorjodhun and other great Rajas, and the Panduvùs were doing honour to Oogursen: “Raja! you are very fortunate in constantly beholding Shree Krishnù Chund, and obliterating the sins of each birth; the lord, whom Shivù, Bruhmù and all the other gods wander about seeking, continually protects you; the Huri, whose mysteries jogees and sages, or whose passions are under complete subjection, and saints and wise men cannot discover, comes to receive your orders; and he, who is god of the whole world, bows his head to you.”
Having related thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! all the Rajas having come were thus applauding Raja Oogursen, and he, with great propriety, pleased and satisfied them all. In the mean while, having heard of the arrival of Shree Krishnù and Bulram Jee, Nund and Oopnund came, accompanied by their relations and all the cowherdesses and cowherds, and their children. When they were at leisure after bathing and offering gifts, Nund Jee went to the place, where Basoodeo and Dewukee were living with their son, in a state of ease and enjoyment. On seeing them, Basoodeo Jee rose and met them; and mutually expressing and feeling affection they were as happy as a man would be, who had found a lost thing. Basoodeo Jee then mentioned to Nund Rae all that had transpired at Bruj formerly, how Nund Rae Jee had brought up Shree Krishnù and Bulram.
On hearing this account, O great king! Nund Rae Jee’s eyes filled with tears, and he remained gazing on the face of Basoodeo. At that time, Shree Krishnù and Buldeo, having, with all becoming propriety, performed obeisance and salutation, first to Nund and Jusodha Jee, went afterwards and had a meeting with the cowherds’ children. The cowherdesses came there, and gazed upon the moon-like countenance of Huri, and delighted their partridge-like eyes (that is, their eyes, which gazed at Krishnù, in the same manner as the eyes of the Chukoor, or Greek partridge, gazes at the moon, of which the bird is said to be enamoured) and received the fruit, or the greatest enjoyment of their lives.
Having narrated thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! I cannot describe the love displayed by Nund, Oopnund, Jusodha, the cowherdesses, the cowherds and their children on meeting with Basoodeo, Dewukee, Rohnee, Shree Krishnù and Bulram; it must have been witnessed to be understood. At length, seeing that they were all greatly agitated by their affection, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee said, “Listen! whatever mortal shall have faith in me, shall be fearlessly carried across the sea of existence; you have made an offering of your bodies, minds and wealth, and have looked upon me with a never ending affection; no one is equal to you in good fortune; not Bruhmù, Roodrù, Indrù or any one else, whoever he be, I have not come into the meditations of Shivù, but have dwelt with you, and constantly increased my affection. I dwell in the body of each individual: what I now say is incomprehensible and unfathomable, as light, water, fire, earth and air abide in the body, so also my splendour dwells in the human form.”
Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! when Shree Krishnù Chund had mentioned all these mysteries, all the inhabitants of Bruj recovered their confidence.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! listen, whilst I give an account of the conversations which passed between Dropudee and the wives of Shree Krishnù Chund Jee. One day the wives of the Kouruvùs and Panduvùs were sitting with the wives of Shree Krishnù Chund Jee, and were celebrating the exploits and good qualities of Krishnù; upon something being said in conversation, Dropudee said to Shree Rookmunee Jee, “Say, O beautiful Rookmunee! how didst thou obtain Shree Krishnù Chund Jee?” Shree Rookmunee replied, “Listen attentively, O Dropudee! how Krishnù carried his scheme into execution: my father’s wish was to give his daughter to Shree Krishnù Chund, and my brother had set his mind upon giving me to Raja Sissoopal, who came with a marriage procession to celebrate the marriage; and I sent a brahmin and invited Shree Krishnù Chund Jee. On the marriage day, as I returned home after having offered adoration to Devee, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee having carried me off from the midst of the army of the demons, seated me on his chariot, and pursued his journey homewards. Having afterwards received intelligence of this event, the whole army of demons came and made a violent attack upon Huri, who easily slew and put them to flight, he then set out for Dwarka, taking me with him. On our arrival there, Rajas Oogursen, Soorsen and Basoodeo Jee married me to Shree Krishnù Chund, according to the prescribed injunctions of the Vedas; and, having heard the news of the marriage, my father gave me a most liberal dowry.”
Having recited thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja Pureechit,—O great king! Dropudee Jee made enquiries, similar to that she had made from Shree Rookmunee, from Sutbhama, Jamwutee, Kalindee, Bhudrù, Sutya, Mittrabinda, Luchmuna, and the sixteen thousand and eight hundred queens of Shree Krishnù Chund, and each explained all the circumstances and the history of her marriage.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! listen with attention, while I relate the story of the coming of all the sages, and of the performing of sacrifice by Basoodeo Jee: One day Rajas Oogursen and Soorsen, Basoodeo, Shree Krishnù and Bulram were seated in full assembly with all the descendants of Judoo, and the kings of other countries were also present; at this time Byas, Bushisht, Bishwamitrù Bamdeo, Purashur, Bhrigoo, Poolusk, Bhurdooaj, Markundeyù and eighty-eight thousand other sages, having a desire to see Shree Krishnù Chund, the root of joy, came there; and Narud Jee also came with them. On seeing them, the whole court rose up; and then, having performed obeisance, and thrown down silken cloths for them to walk upon, they conducted all the sages into the assembly, after this Shree Krishnù Chund having placed them all upon seats, and having washed their feet drank the water with which their feet had been washed, and sprinkled it upon the whole assembly; then having offered sandal, unbroken rice, flowers, perfumes, lamps and consecrated food, Bhugwan worshipped them all, and went round to the right by way of adoration; and, standing in their presence with joined hands, Huri said, “Great is our good fortune that you have come and visited us, and sat in our house; the sight of a good man is equal to bathing in the Ganges, he who has seen a holy man (or received a visit from a holy man) has had the crime of each birth effaced.”
Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! when Shree Bhugwan had thus spoken, then all the sages remained reflecting, “When the lord, who is in the form of light, and the creator of the universe, says this, what need we care what any one else may say, or has said?” Whilst the sages thought thus in their minds, Narud Jee said, “Listen to me all ye of the assembly with attention: the delusive power of Huri cannot be comprehended this power, in the form of Bruhmù, creates; as Vishnù, it preserves; as Shivù, it destroys: its nature is infinite, beyond the comprehension of man’s intellect; but by his favour we know so much, that Vishnù frequently descends upon the earth to confer happiness upon holy men, destroy the wicked and promote what is eternally right.”
When, O great king! having thus spoken, Narud Jee was on the point of rising up and leaving the assembly, Basoodeo came before him, and, with joined hands and with submissiveness, said, “O chief of the sages! be pleased to favour us by saying, how a man, having come into the world, can escape from fate.”
O great king! when Basoodeo Jee had thus spoken, all the holy men and sages remained looking at the countenance of Narud Jee; then Narud Jee, understanding the wishes of their minds, said to the sages, “O divinities! be not astonished at this speech; the delusive power of Shree Krishnù is mighty, it has overcome and conquered the whole world, and therefore Basoodeo Jee has thus spoken, and some one else has also thus said, ‘Near whom, whoever remains, he is under the influence of his good qualities, and subjected to the illusion of his glory, without being aware of it.’ As any one living on the banks of the Ganges, who goes elsewhere; and, having abandoned the Ganges, drinks well water, so have the Judoos become unintelligent; and do not comprehend at all the nature of Krishnù.” Narud Jee having by these words removed the perplexities of the sages, said to Basoodeo Jee, “O great king! it is written in the Shastrùs, that the man, who performs pilgrimage, makes offerings, or performs penance, or fasts or offers sacrifice, having escaped from the bonds of the world, will obtain supreme felicity.” On hearing these words, Basoodeo Jee was delighted, and immediately procured and made ready all things necessary for a sacrifice, and said to the saints and sages, “Please favour me by commencing the sacrifice.”
When, O great king! Basoodeo Jee had thus spoken, all the brahmins prepared and arranged a building for the sacrifice. Upon this Basoodeo Jee went and sat with his wives near the altar; and all the Rajas and the Judoos prepared to assist in the sacrifice.
Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja,—O great king! when Basoodeo went and sat at the altar, the sages began the sacrifice according to the injunctions of the Vedas; and, after reading incantations from the Vedas, they began to offer oblations with fire to the deities; and the gods in bodily shape came running to receive them.
When, O great king! the sacrifice was begun; above, the celestial choristers and musicians, playing upon pipes and drums, began to sing of the excellences of the gods; and bards and panegyrists to celebrate their praises. Oorbusee and the other celestial courtezans danced; and the gods, seated in their chariots, rained down flowers; and below, the singers and dancers sang and danced, and engaged in festivities; and beggars raised cries of exultation and rejoicing, in midst of which the sacrifice was completed. And Basoodeo Jee, having offered the final oblation and arrayed the brahmins in silken clothes, and adorned them with ornaments, presented them with many jewels, and much wealth: and they read incantations from the Vedas, and pronounced their blessing. After this, Basoodeo presented robes to, and entertained the kings of different countries, who then offered the sacrificial gifts; and taking leave, returned home. On the departure of the Rajas, all the sages and saints and Narud Jee also took leave.
It is not possible to describe the subsequent scene, when Nund Rae Jee and the cowherdesses, and the cowherds and their children were about to take leave of Basoodeo. The descendants of Judoo, on the one hand, made all kinds of affectionate speeches; and the inhabitants of Bruj, on the other hand, did so likewise; this happy scene must have been witnessed to be understood, I cannot attempt to describe it. At length, Basoodeo and Shree Krishnù, and Bulram, having entered into explanations with Nund Rae Jee and the rest of the party, and made them understand, and having arrayed them in honorary dresses, and bestowed great wealth upon them, allowed them to take leave.
Having recited thus much of the narrative, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! when Shree Krishnù Chund and Bulram Jee returned to the city of Dwarka with the rest of the party, after having bathed during the festival, and offered sacrifice, there were rejoicings and festivities in every house.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! one day in the city of Dwarka, when Shree Krishnù Chund and Bulram went to Basoodeo Jee, he, on seeing the two brothers, rose and stood up, reflecting in his mind, “That at Koorchetrù, Narud Jee had said, ‘That Shree Krishnù Chund is the creator of the world;’ ” and joining his hands Basoodeo said, “O lord! unseen, invisible and imperishable! Luchmee has become your handmaid, and constantly attends upon you; you are the god of all the gods; no one understands your nature; your splendour, is in the moon, the sun, the earth and the sky; you shine in every place; your delusive power is very mighty; it has led astray the whole world. In the three worlds, there is no god, man or sage, who can escape from its influence.”
Having thus spoken, Basoodeo Jee again said, “Lord! no one comprehends the mysteries of your state, in the Vedas they are described as unfathomable, you have neither enemies nor friends; nor are sons, father and brothers dear to you. You have descended upon the earth to remove its burthens; and, for the sake of men, have assumed many different semblances.”
O great king! having thus spoken, Basoodeo Jee said,—“O sea of compassion and brother of the poor! in the same manner as thou hast saved many sinners compassionately grant me salvation also, in order that having crossed the sea of existence, I may sing of thy excellent attributes.” Shree Krishnù Chund replied, “Father! you are wise, why do you exalt your sons? Think a little in your mind that the acts of Bhugwut are infinite; no one has to this day ascertained the limits of them. Behold! he shines in every mortal frame, and therefore the world calls him ‘The being without passions or human qualities.’ He creates, he destroys, he remains mixed with the world, but can never be bound by it. Earth, sky, air, water and fire, the five elements of the body, in them all the power of the lord abides. The sacred precepts of the Vedas have declared this.”
O great king! on hearing these words from the mouth of Shree Krishnù Chund Jee, Basoodeo, being under the influence of fascination, was silent and remained gazing on the countenance of Huri; then Krishnù went thence to his mother, and on seeing her son, Dewukee Jee said, “O! Shree Krishnù Chund, the root of joy! one grief at times pierces me.” Krishnù enquired, “What is that?” Dewukee Jee replied, “Son! grief for the loss of your six elder brothers, whom Kuns destroyed, never departs from my mind.”
Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! on his saying this, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee went to the regions below, having first said to his mother, “Mourn not now, I will bring my brothers here immediately.” When Raja Buli received intelligence of Krishnù’s arrival, he came out to meet him; and, having with great pomp and preparation, spread silken cloths for him to walk upon, escorted him to his own abode; having afterwards seated him on a throne, and put sandal, unbroken rice and flowers upon his forehead, and placed before him perfumes, lamps and consecrated food, Raja Buli worshipped Shree Krishnù Chund, then standing before him with joined hands, and glorifying him greatly, he said, “O great king! why have you come here?” Huri replied “Raja! in the age of truth (or in the good age) there was a sage named Mureech, a great, religious student, wise, a speaker of the truth and a devout worshipper of Huri; his wife’s name was Oorna, who had six sons. One day, the six brothers in their youthful state having gone before the Raja (the lord of subjects) laughed; observing that they laughed, the Raja was very angry, and pronounced this curse, ‘Go, and descend upon the earth as demons.’ O great king! on hearing this curse, the sage’s sons were greatly alarmed, and went and fell at the feet of the Raja; and having beseeched him greatly said, with the utmost humility, ‘O sea of compassion! you have pronounced a curse; but be pleased to favour us by saying, when we shall be liberated from it.’ Having heard their humble speech, the Raja taking compassion upon them, said, ‘When you see Shree Krishnù Chund, you will be released.’ O great king! on his saying this, they gave up the ghost, and became the sons of Hurinakoos; then they were born as the sons of Basoodeo, whom Kuns came and murdered, on their being slain, the delusive power brought them here, and, conferring happiness, placed them in this abode; their mother Dewukee mourns for them; for this reason, I am come here, that I may take away my brothers with me and present them to my mother, and remove the anxiety of her mind.”
Shree Shookdeo Jee said, Raja! when Huri had thus spoken, Raja Buli brought and gave him the six children, and placed before him many presents; then Krishnù came thence with his brothers to his mother; who, on seeing her sons, was highly delighted; when the inhabitants heard this, there was joy throughout the city, and the curse pronounced upon the sons terminated.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—Raja! I will now relate how Urjoon carried off Shree Krishnù Chund Jee’s sister, Soobhudra, from Dwarka; and how Shree Krishnù Chund went and abode in Mithila, listen with attention: when Dewukee’s daughter, whose name was Soobhudra, and who was younger than Shree Krishnù Jee, was marriageable; Basoodeo Jee having invited several of the descendants of Judoo, and Shree Krishnù and Bulram said, “The girl is now of a fit age to be married, to whom shall we give her?” Bulram Jee replied, “It is said, ‘That we ought to contract marriage, enmity and friendship with equals;’ one thing occurs to me, that we ought to marry this girl to Doorjodhun, and obtain renown and greatness in the world.” Shree Krishnù Chund said, “In my opinion, we shall obtain a high reputation in the world by giving her to Urjoon.”
Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! on Bulram’s speaking, no one uttered a word; but when Shree Krishnù Chund Jee had spoken, all exclaimed, “It is most advisable to marry the girl to Urjoon.” Bulram Jee was offended at hearing this, and rose up and went away; and the party present, observing that he was offended, remained silent; when Urjoon afterwards received information of these circumstances, he assumed the disguise of a religious mendicant; and, taking a staff and wooden pot went to Dwarka; and, having selected a convenient spot spread a deer’s skin, and sat upon it: he remained thus for four months during the whole rains, and no one discovered his secret purpose; looking upon him as a guest, they all paid him attention; and, for the sake of Vishnù, entertained affection for him; Krishnù knew all his secrets, but did not reveal them to any one.
O great king! one day Buldeo Jee also invited and brought with him Urjoon to an entertainment at his house, when Urjoon sat down to eat, he beheld Soobhudra, with a body like the moon, and eyes like the deer. On seeing her Urjoon was fascinated; and, avoiding the gaze of all, began to look upon her with averted glance; and thought to himself, “When will Bruhmù accomplish what is destined in my fate?” Whilst on the other hand Soobhudra Jee, pleased with the brilliancy of his countenance, was saying to herself, “He is some prince and not a religious mendicant, why is he sad?”
Having thus spoken, Soobhudra Jee went into the house and began to think of obtaining a husband; and on the other hand, Urjoon, after he had finished eating, came to his seat, and was occupied with all kinds of anxieties as to how he should gain possession of his beloved. Some days afterwards, on the occasion of the festival of Shivùrat, all the inhabitants of the city, male and female, went outside the city to worship Shivù. Soobhudra went there also with her female companions and attendants. Having heard of her going, Urjoon mounted his chariot, and taking his bow and arrows, went there and was ready.
Whilst, O great king! Soobhudra was returning with her female friends after having worshipped Shivù, Urjoon at sight of her abandoned all reserve and modesty; and seizing her by the hand, lifted her into his chariot, and went off. Bulram was greatly enraged, when he heard of it; he took his plough and wooden pestle on his shoulder; his eyes were bloodshot, he spoke in a voice of thunder; “I will now go and utterly destroy him, and will lift up the world and place it upon my forehead, how shall a beggar carry off my beloved sister, Soobhudra? Wheresoever I may catch this religious mendicant, I will destroy him, and search out and utterly destroy all his family.”
O great king! Bulram Jee continued to make many idle and very angry speeches, when, having heard what had occurred, Purdiyomun, Unroodrù, Sumboo and other noble descendants of Judoo came into the presence of Buldeo Jee, and said with joined hands, “O great king! if you give us the order, we will lay hold of, and bring your enemy here.”
Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! when Bulram taking all the descendants of Judoo with him, was ready to go in pursuit of Urjoon, Shree Krishnù Chund went and explained to Buldeo all the secrets connected with the carrying off Soobhudra; and said in a tone of the greatest submissiveness, “Brother! Urjoon, in the first place, is the son of our paternal aunt; and in the second, he is my greatest friend; he has committed this act heedlessly, and without due thought; but it is not at all right for us to fight with him; this would be contrary to religion, and contrary to the custom of the world; and whoever might hear of our fighting would say, ‘That the friendship of the descendants of Judoo is like a wall of sand.’ ” On hearing these words, Bulram Jee beating his head, and being greatly enraged said, “Brother! this is a common custom with you to raise a fire, and then run for water; otherwise, if you had not taken part in the business, what power had Urjoon to carry off my sister?” Having thus spoken, Bulram Jee suffered great regret, and was very angry, and looking at his brother dashed his plough and wooden pestle on the ground, and sat down; and all the descendants of Judoo sat down also with him.
Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—Raja! whilst Shree Krishnù Chund entered into explanations with them all, Urjoon went home and married Soobhudra, in the manner prescribed by the Vedas. On receiving intelligence of the marriage, Shree Krishnù and Bulram Jee sent off to Hustinapoor, in charge of a brahmin, clothes, jewels, male and female servants, elephants, horses, chariots and a large sum of money; afterwards Shree Moorari, the friend of his worshippers, mounted his chariot and went to Mithila, where there were two worshippers of his, named Sootdeo and Buhoolas, the one a Raja, and the other a brahmin.
O great king! on Krishnù’s departure, Narud, Bamdeo, Byas, Atri, Purshooram, and many other sages came and accompanied Shree Krishnù Chund Jee; whatever countries Krishnù passed through, the Rajas of them came out to meet him, and worshipped him, and gave him presents; at length, after a journey of some days, Krishnù arrived there; when they heard of Huri’s arrival, the two worshippers rose up, and came running hastily to him with presents. During their interview with Krishnù, they both placed their presents before him; and, making obeisance, and standing in his presence with joined hands, said, with the utmost submissiveness, “O sea of compassion and brother of the poor! you have shown great mercy, in having allowed sinners like us to see you, and thereby made us pure, and put an end to our being born and dying.”
Having recited thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! Shree Krishnù Chund, acquainted with the secrets of the heart, having beheld the sincere faith of those two worshippers, assumed two bodily forms, and went and dwelt in the houses of both; they entertained and amused him in an agreeable manner; and Huri made a stay of some days, and made them exceedingly happy; after this, when Krishnù having gratified all their wishes, and increased their knowledge, went to Dwarka; the sages and saints took leave of him on the road, and Huri went and abode happily at Dwarka.
Havingheard so much of the narrative, Raja Pureechit said to Shree Shookdeo Jee, “O great king! you said, on a former occasion, that the Vedas glorified the supreme deity; explain to me, in order that the doubts of my mind may be removed, how the Vedas offered praise to the Bruhm without passions or human qualities?” Shree Shookdeo Jee replied,—O great king! the lord, who is the author of the intellect, of the organs of action and perception, of the mind, soul, religious and moral merit, wealth, desire and salvation, constantly remains in a passionless form, without human qualities, but when he creates the world, he is possessed of all qualities, and assumes his own natural form; for this reason, that one deity is both without, and with passions and qualities.
Having thus said, Shookdeo, the sage, added, Raja! Narud Jee on one occasion asked Nurnarain the question you have now asked me. Raja Pureechit said, “O great king! please explain this subject to me, that the perplexities of my mind may be removed.”
Shookdeo Jee replied, Raja! once on a time during the age of truth, Narud Jee went into the world of truth (that is, the world of the virtuous age) to the place where Nurnarain was sitting engaged with many other sages in devout religious austerities, and enquired, “O great king? be pleased to do me the favour to say, how the Vedas glorify the incorporeal Bruhm.” Nurnarain said, “Hear me Narud! the perplexity, which you have asked me to explain, is the same as occurred in the world of mortals, at a place where Sunatun and other sages were seated, occupied with religious penance. Sunundun, a sage, then narrated a story, and entirely removed the doubts of all present.” Narud Jee said, “O great king! I also dwell there, and if this story had been told, I should have heard it.” Nurnarain said, “Narud Jee! this story was told, when you had gone to the white island to visit Bhugwut and, therefore, you did not hear it.” Having heard this, Narud Jee said, “O great king! kindly inform me what story was related there,” Nurnarain replied, “Listen! Narud, when the sages asked this question, Sunundun, the saint, began to say to them, ‘Listen to me! at the time of the general destruction, when fourteen worlds became the semblance of water, then the complete Bruhm remained alone asleep, when Bhugwan wished to create the world, the Vedas having come forth from his breath and joined their hands, sang praises to him, just as bards, by singing songs of eulogy of his renown very early in the morning, might awaken a Raja, who was asleep in his own house; in order, that being awake, he might quickly perform any business he had to do.’ ”
Having proceeded thus far in the story, Nurnarain added, “Listen to me, O Narud! the Vedas having come forth from the mouth of the lord were saying, ‘O lord! awake quickly and create the world, and remove your deceptive power far from the minds of animated beings; then they will recognize your appearance; your deceptive power is predominant, and deprives all beings of intelligence; the being who escapes from it, will have knowledge to understand you. O lord! no one except you can reduce this power to subjection; he, in whose breast you dwell in the form of knowledge, overcomes this deceptive power; otherwise, who has ability to escape from the influence of this power? You are the creator of all; all animated beings, having derived their origin from you, are contained in you; just as many things being produced from the earth, are again mixed up in the earth; whoever worships or glorifies any god whatsoever, worships and glorifies you, just as a man may make many ornaments of gold, and give them various names, but it is still gold; so you have many forms; and consider this point, that not one of those forms is any thing, and that on what side soever we look, there you are presented to our sight. O lord! your deceptive power is infinite; this power becoming the three qualities of truth, passion and darkness; having assumed three forms, and created the universe, preserves and destroys it; no one has discovered its mystery, and no one ever will discover it; wherefore, it is right for an animated being to abandon all desires and meditate upon you; his welfare depends upon his doing so.’ ”
O great king! having proceeded thus far in his story, Nurnarain said to Narud, “Narud! when Sunundun, the sage, having related this history of a former age, had removed the perplexities of all their minds, then Sunuk and the other sages offered worship to Sunundun according to the sacred precepts of the Vedas.”
Having related thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—Raja! whoever shall hear this conversation of Narain and Narud, shall without doubt obtain the fulfilment of all his desires, and be saved hereafter. The account of the complete Bruhm, which the Vedas sang of, Sunundun, the sage, recited to Sunuk and other saints, then Nurnarain related it before Narud; and Byas obtained it from Narud; and Byas explained it to me, and I have now mentioned it to you; whoever shall hear or relate this history, shall obtain whatever benefits he desires, whatever virtue there is in penance, sacrifice, gifts, fasting and pilgrimage, there is the same merit in reciting and hearing this history.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! the works of Bhugwut are wonderful; every one knows this, whoever worships Huri will be poor; and by serving other gods, a man will be rich. Compare the state and habits of Huri and Muhadeo; one is the husband of Luchmee, the other of Devee; the one wears a garland of flowers, the other, a necklace of skulls; the former has a quoit in his hand, the latter a trident; one supports the earth; the other, the Ganges; one plays upon a pipe, the other, upon a cow’s horn; one is lord of the celestial paradise, the other, an inhabitant of Keilas, the former besmears his body with sandal, the latter rubs ashes on it; one wears cloth, the other, a tiger’s skin; one reads the Vedas, the other, the science of Astrology; one rides upon the sovereign of the feathered race, the other, upon the bull Nundee; one dwells among cowherds’ children, the other, amongst ghosts and goblins. The habits and nature of each of the two lords are the reverse of those of the other. Fix your affections on either of the two according to the nature of your desires.
Having recited thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! Shree Krishnù said to the Raja Joodisthur,—“O Joodisthur! I destroy by degrees all the wealth of him, to whom I show favour: because brothers, wives, sons and relations abandon the poor, and then a spirit of devotion springs up in their minds; and, from being occupied in religious devotion, they, having abandoned the fascinations of riches and the world, become free from all attachments, and worship me with zealous attention, and through the glory of their adoration, obtain an everlasting emancipation from matter, and a reunion with the deity.” After having thus spoken, Shookdeo Jee added,—O great king! by worshipping other gods, the desires of the mind are fulfilled, but final salvation is not obtained.
After having related this story, the sage said to Raja Pureechit,—O great king! on one occasion as Bikasoor, the son of Kusyp, came out of his house, desiring to perform penance, he met Narud, the sage, on the road. On seeing Narud Jee he made a salutation; and, standing before him with joined hands, enquired, with the utmost humility, “O great king! which of the three deities Bruhmù, Vishnù or Muhadeo grants boons most quickly, do me the kindness to say, in order that I may practice devout austerities in his honour?” Narud Jee replied,—“Listen Bikasoor! amongst these three deities, Muhadeo is the greatest granter of boons, he neither loves delay, nor is he easily angry. Behold! Shivù Jee, being delighted at the performance on his part of a slight penance, gave a thousand arms to Suhusrajooraun, and destroyed him, being enraged at a slight fault he had committed.”
Narud, the sage, having thus spoken went away; and Bikasoor began, when he came home, to perform severe penance and offer up sacrifice in honour of Muhadeo. In the course of seven days, he cut off with a knife, and offered as a burnt offering all the flesh of his body; on the eighth day, when he resolved to cut off his head, Bholanath came, and having laid hold of his hand said,—“I have been highly pleased with thee, ask from me whatever boon thou desirest, and I will now grant it to thee.” When Shivù Jee had thus spoken, Bikasoor, with joined hands, replied,—“Be pleased, O lord! to take compassion upon me, and now grant me this boon, that on whose head soever I may place my hand, he may be reduced to ashes instantaneously.” On his uttering these words, Muhadeo Jee granted him the boon he had asked; which when he had obtained, he went to put his hand upon Shivù’s head; Muhadeo was alarmed, and quitted his seat and fled, and the demon also ran after him, and carried on a close pursuit of Sudashivù. At length Muhadeo went in a state of very great agitation to Vishnù’s heaven; seeing, that he was greatly afflicted, Shree Moorari, the friend of his worshippers, the lord of paradise, the abode of mercy, took compassion upon him, and assuming the appearance of a brahmin went before Bikasoor and said, “O prince of demons! explain to me why you toil in pursuit of Shivù?” On hearing this question, Bikasoor explained all that had occurred, then Bhugwan said, “O chief of demons! it is very strange that an intelligent person like you should commit error, who believes any thing to be true, which this naked, mad jogee says, who eats bhang and thornapple; he constantly dwells in cemeteries, rubbing his body with ashes, and having snakes twisted round him; assuming a terrifying appearance, and accompanied by ghosts and goblins, who will believe what he says?” Shree Narayun proceeded to say, “O chief of demons! if you think that what I have said is untrue, place your hand on your own head and see.”
O great king! on hearing the lord speak thus, when Bikasoor, who was deprived of sense through the influence of the delusive power, placed his hand upon his own head, he was burnt up, and became a heap of ashes; there were musical rejoicings in the capital of Indrù on the death of the demon; and the gods, raising shouts of victory and exultation, began to rain down flowers; the celestial dancers, musicians and choristers celebrated in songs the excellent attributes of Huri, who, having at that time, greatly glorified Muhadeo, allowed him to take leave, and granted Bikasoor salvation.
Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O great king! whosoever shall hear or recite this story, shall doubtlessly obtain beatitude by the favour of Huri and Muhadeo.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! on one occasion all the sages and saints were sitting on the banks of the Suruswutee engaged in devout austerities and religious sacrifice, when one of them asked the others to do him the favour to say, which was greatest of the three divinities, Bruhmù, Vishnù or Guneshù. Upon this one said Shivù; another, Vishnù; and a third, Bruhmù; but they did not all agree in pointing out one of the three as the greatest. Then several great saints and sages said, “We will not be satisfied with any opinions thus expressed; but if any one will go and make trial of these three deities, and pronounce one of them to be virtue, religion and justice personified, we will believe what he says to be true.” They all assented to this proposal, and directed Bhrigoo, the son of Bruhmù, to make trial of the three deities and return. When Bhrigoo, the sage, had obtained the order, he went first to the world of Bruhmù, and sat in silence in Bruhmù’s court; he did not make any salutation, nor did he offer praises, nor go round to the right hand by way of adoration. When Bruhmù, O Raja! saw the impropriety of his son’s conduct, he was very angry, and on the point of cursing him; but abstained through a feeling of natural affection for his son. Then Bhrigoo, having seen Bruhmù powerless through the property of passion, rose up thence, and went to Kuelas, and remained standing at the abode of Shivù and Parbutee. Shivù Jee rose on seeing him, and when he extended his arms to embrace him, Bhrigoo sat down; at which Shivù Jee was greatly enraged, and took up his trident to kill him. Shree Parbutee then interceded very earnestly for him; and having fallen at the feet of Muhadeo Jee explained to him, and said, “This is your younger brother, be pleased to forgive his fault. It is said, ‘If a child commits a fault, a holy man will not think any thing of it.’ ”
O great king! when Parbutee Jee had cooled the anger of Shivù by her explanations, Bhrigoo, having seen Muhadeo Jee, absorbed in the property of darkness, rose up and went away. He then went to Indrù’s heaven, where Bhugwan was sleeping with Luchmee on a bed of flowers, spread on a bedstead of gold, with curtains and covered with jewels. On going there Bhrigoo gave Bhugwan such a kick in the breast that he started up from sleep, when Huri saw the sage, he left Luchmee, and came down from his couch; and fixing his eyes upon the head and feet of Bhrigoo Jee began to rub them, and thus address him, “O chief of the sages! be pleased to forgive my fault, I have unintentionally hurt your soft lotus-like feet with my hard breast, be pleased not to think of this offence of mine.” When Vishnù (the lord) had thus spoken, Bhrigoo Jee was highly delighted, and having glorified Bhugwan took leave and came thence to the banks of the Suruswutee, where all the saints and sages were sitting. On his arrival Bhrigoo Jee related every circumstance exactly as it had occurred, in his visits to the three deities:—“Bruhmù clings to the property of passion; Muhadeo is impregnated with the property of darkness; Vishnù is chief amongst the virtuous; no other god is greater than he.” The doubts of the sages disappeared on hearing this; and joy was in the minds of all. All applauded Vishnù and established in their breasts a faith in him not to be shaken.
Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja Pureechit,—O great king! I will relate an intermediate story, listen with attention: Raja Oogursen ruled justly and virtuously in the city of Dwarka, and Shree Krishnù Chund and Bulram were obedient to his orders; under the government of the Raja all were attentive to their own duty, and carried on business with intelligence, and lived happily and agreeably; a brahmin dwelt there also, who was a very well disposed and virtuous man; it so happened that one of his sons died, and he took his dead son and went to the gate of Raja Oogursen, and began to say whatever came uppermost: “Your subjects are oppressed by the acts of your government, and my son has also died through your sin.”
Having, O great king! made many speeches of this kind, and left the corpse of his son at the Raja’s gate, the brahmin came home; he afterwards had eight sons, and in like manner left all the eight at the Raja’s gate; when the ninth was about to be born, the brahmin went again to the court of Raja Oogursen, and standing up in the presence of Shree Krishnù Chund Jee, calling to mind his grief for the death of his sons, and shedding tears began to say, “There is a curse on the Raja and on his government, and accursed are they who minister to this unjust tyrant; and there is a curse upon me for living in this city had I not dwelt in the country of these sinners my sons would have escaped, through their want of religion and virtue my sons have died, and no one has protected them.”
He, O great king! uttered many expressions of this kind, standing up in the court and weeping; but no one made any reply; at length Urjoon, sitting near Shree Krishnù Chund, and hearing what was said was perplexed in his mind, and said, “O deity! in whose presence have you thus spoken, and why are you thus afflicted? There is no archer in this court, who can drive away your grief; modern Rajas are selfish, and not men, who prevent the afflictions of others, and confer happiness on their subjects, and protect the cow and brahmin.” Urjoon proceeded to say to the brahmin, “O divinity! go now, and remain in your house, free from all care; when your child shall be about to be born come to me, and I will go with you, and will not allow the child to die.” On hearing these words, the brahmin was angry and said, “I do not see any powerful man in this court, with exception of Shree Krishnù, Bulram, Purdiyomun and Unroodrù, who could rescue my son from the hand of death.” Urjoon replied, “Brahmin! thou dost not know me, that my name is Dhununjye, I make a compact with thee, that if I do not rescue thy son from the hand of death, I will bring from whatever quarter I may find them thy deceased sons, and show them to thee; and if I do not obtain them, I will burn myself in fire together with the cow Gandeeb.”