Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! listen attentively, and I will narrate how Shree Krishnù Chund killed Kesee, and Narud came and eulogized the act; and afterwards how Huri destroyed Byomasoor. At dawn of day, Kesee came to Brindabun in the form of an immense horse of terrifying aspect; and began to paw the ground, and dig up the earth; having blood-shot eyes, and uplifted nostrils, and ears and tail erect; and continued neighing and writhing its shoulders and kicking.
On seeing the animal, the cowherds’ children were frightened, and ran off and told Krishnù, who came to the spot: and on beholding it, made preparations for an encounter, and striking the upper parts of his arms, roared like a lion, exclaiming, “If you are a great friend of Kuns, and have come here in the form of a horse, why do you run after others? Come and fight with me, that I may see your strength? How long will you wander about, like a moth circling round a lamp? Your death is at hand.” On hearing these words Kesee was enraged, and began to say to himself, “To-day I will make trial of his power, and laying hold of him and chewing him like sugar-cane, will do what Kuns wishes.” He then rushed forward with his mouth open, as though he would devour the whole world. On his first approach he attacked Krishnù with his mouth, who drove him back; when he rushed forward the second time with his mouth open, after having recovered from the first shock, Shree Krishnù thrust his hand into his mouth, and so enlarged his hand, which was like an iron club, that it blocked up the ten passages of the horse’s body. Kesee was alarmed, and began to say to himself, “My body is now bursting, how has this happened? I have admitted my own death into my mouth, and have lost my life, as a fish loses its life by swallowing a hook.”
He then attempted many plans of extricating the hand, not one of which succeeded. At length, he ceased to breathe, and his belly burst, so that he fell backwards. The blood streamed from his body like a river. At this time the cowherds’ children came to see what had happened; and Shree Krishnù Chund advanced into the jungle, and stood under the shade of a kudum tree. In the mean while Narud, the sage, arrived with a lute in his hand. Having made an obeisance, he stood up, and playing on the lute, and singing of the past and future sports and exploits of Shree Krishnù Chund, he said, “O lord of compassion! your sports are unlimited. Who has power to describe your actions? But through your favour I know so much, that you frequently descend and are manifest upon the earth to confer happiness on your worshippers, protect virtuous men, destroy demons and evil spirits and remove the burthens of the world.”
On hearing these words Krishnù permitted Narud, the sage, to depart; and he bowed his head and went away. Krishnù took all the cowherds’ children and his companions with him; and sitting under a fig tree, he made one a minister, another a counsellor of state, a third the chief of an army, and being himself a Raja, they all began to play a game in imitation of royalty, and afterwards at blind man’s buff.
Having recited so much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,—O lord of the earth! Kuns having heard that Kesee had been killed, early in the morning, raving and trembling, said to Byomasoor, “O powerful Byomasoor! the extirpator of enemies, great is your fame in the world! As the son of Poonuvú (the ape Hunooman) is Ram’s messenger of death, so are you mine. Destroy the sons of Basoodeo, effect this object for me to-day.”
Byomasoor with joined hands said in reply, “O great king! to-day I will do all in my power. My body is yours. They, who are fond of life, shrink from sacrificing it for their masters. The good name and virtue of servants and wives consist in giving up their lives for their lords.”
Having thus spoken, and taken up the beera of betel in token of undertaking the project, proposed by Kuns, against Krishnù and Buldeo, Byomasoor made an obeisance to Kuns, and set out for Brindabun. On the road he assumed the appearance of a cowherd, and arrived in that disguise at the place where Huri was playing at blind man’s buff with the cowherds’ children and their companions. When, as he was going along, he said to Krishnù from a distance with his hands joined, “O great king! allow me also to play with you,” Huri invited him to come near, and said, “Do not conceal any wish you may have formed, but play with us at any game you prefer?” He was delighted, and replied, “The wolf and rams is a good game.” Shree Krishnù Chund smiled and said, “Very good, you be the wolf, and the cowherds’ children shall be the rams.”
Byomasoor was rejoiced at these words, and became a wolf, and the cowherds’ children were rams, and they began to play the game together. The demon took them off one by one, and placed them in the cave of a hill, and shut them up there, by placing a stone across the entrance. When he had thus placed them all there, and Shree Krishnù alone remained, he called out, “I will to-day accomplish Kuns’ business for him, and destroy all the family of Judoo.”
Having thus spoken, and abandoned the appearance of a cowherd, and having been transformed into a real wolf, he rushed upon Krishnù, who seizing him despatched him by means of suffocation and blows, in the way the sacrificial goat is killed.
Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said,—O great king! Kesee and Byomasoor were killed on the eleventh of the dark part of the month of Kartik; and early in the morning of the thirteenth, Akroor obtained permission from Kuns to set out, and when he had ascended his chariot, these thoughts passed in his mind on his road to Brindabun: “What prayers, devotion, sacrifice, offering, pilgrimage or fast have I performed, by virtue of which I have obtained this great benefit? To my knowledge I have not once during my present birth mentioned the name of Huri, but have constantly remained in the retinue of Kuns; how shall I obtain a knowledge of the mysteries of his adoration? (of the manner in which I am to offer adoration to him) I must certainly have performed some very virtuous act in a former birth, the excellence and glory of which have procured me this very great advantage, that Kuns has sent me to bring Shree Krishnù Chund, the root of joy. By going and obtaining a sight of him, I shall obtain the greatest happiness my present birth can afford; (literally, I shall make my birth fruitful.) I will fall at his feet with joined hands; and afterwards put the dust of his feet on my head. The feet, which have come to destroy crime! and which Shree Bruhmù and the other gods worship. The feet, which fell on Kalee’s head; and which are filled with the milk of the breast, and the perfume of sandal, which danced beautifully amidst the festivities, and the assemblage of the cowherdesses; and after which the cows roamed. The feet, by the dust of which the wife of Guotumù was saved, from which the Ganges issued forth, having deceived the Raja Buli, they performed an important act for Indrù. Those feet I shall see to-day: the omens are propitious to me, herds of deer are running on the right.” O great king! with these thoughts in his mind, Akroor said again to himself, “I hope they will not any of them look upon me as the ambassador of Kuns.” Again it occurred to him, “That he, whose name is acquainted with the secrets of the heart, requires the true affection of the mind, and can recognize friends and enemies—he will never look upon me as Kuns’ ambassador; moreover on seeing me, he will embrace me with kindness, and place his soft, lotus-like hand on my head, then by gazing fixedly on his moon-like body, on which body Bruhmù, Roodrù, Indrù and all the gods constantly meditate, I will feast my eyes, in the way the red partridge is delighted by gazing at the moon.”
Having recited so much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja Pureechit,—O great king! occupied with these thoughts, and driving his chariot along, Akroor Jee proceeded on his journey, and Krishnù and Buldeo were coming in an opposite direction, after having taken the cows to pasture; and the two parties met outside Brindabun. On beholding the brilliance of Huri, from a distance, Akroor dismounted from his ruth, and running fell at his feet in great agitation of mind, and was so overjoyed, that he could not speak, and through excess of joy began to shed tears.
Shree Krishnù lifted him up, and embracing him with the greatest affection, laid hold of his hand, and brought him to his house. Nund Rae, on seeing Akroor there, was delighted, and rose up to meet him; and having treated him with very great respect, and washed his feet, placed him upon a seat.
The attendants brought oil, and bathed him, after having rubbed his body with perfumed paste, and anointed it with sweet scents. Jusodha gave him a square place to cook upon, and a board to sit upon, and prepared all sorts of delicacies for him to eat. When he had rinsed his mouth after eating, and sat down to eat pawn, Nund Jee made enquiries regarding his health and welfare, and said, “Amongst the members of Judoo’s family, you are esteemed very virtuous, and always maintain the dignity of your character. Explain to us, how you fare with the demon Kuns, and what is the condition of people in that quarter, speak without any reserve?”
Akroor Jee said, “From the time Kuns has come to the city of Muthoora, he has caused affliction to all. You ask after the welfare of the city: the inhabitants suffer great distress. How can any of the family of Judoo escape, so long as Kuns remains at Muttra? As the hunter is an enemy to beasts, rams and goats, Kuns is an enemy to his subjects; every one suffers.” Akroor added, “You are well aware of Kuns’ proceedings; what more need I say about them?”
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O lord of the earth! When Nund Jee had finished conversing, Krishnù and Bulram, having made a sign to Akroor took him aside. Treating him with respect and dignity they enquired about the welfare and affairs of Muttra. “Are Basoodeo and Dewukee well? Has the enmity of the Raja fallen upon them? Our maternal uncle, Kuns, is a great sinner, who has destroyed all the family of Judoo.
“Some great disease of the family of Judoo must have been born upon the earth in bodily shape, which has distressed them severely. In truth, Basoodeo and Dewukee suffer all their present affliction on our account; if they had not concealed us, they would not have been subjected to so much misery.” Again Krishnù said, “What did they say to you as you were starting? We shall remain indebted to them for ever. They will keep us in remembrance; and must be very wretched in their present misfortunes.”
At these words Akroor Jee said, “O lord of beneficence! you know all things; why need I speak of the tyranny of Kuns, who has not friendship or affection for any one? He is constantly thinking of putting Basoodeo and Dewukee to death: but they have hitherto escaped through their good fortune. And since Narud Jee, the sage, came and explained to him all the circumstances of your birth, he has subjected Basoodeo and Dewukee to very painful imprisonment with fetters and handcuffs. To-morrow, he will offer sacrifice to Muhadeo, and the bow has been placed upon the sacrifice. All people will come as spectators; and he has sent me to invite you, saying, go and bring Bulram, Krishnù and Nund Rae, together with their presents, for the sacrifice. I have, therefore, come to bring you.”
When Akroor had thus spoken, Bulram and Krishnù went to Nund Rae and said, “Our uncle, Akroor, says, that Kuns has invited us, father. It is the sacrifice, in which the bow is introduced; let us take butter-milk, rams and goats, as offerings. Come, accompanied by us all: the Raja Kuns says he will not admit any excuse.”
When Shree Krishnù Chund had explained this matter to Nund Jee, Nund Rae sent for a public crier, and had proclamation made throughout the whole city, that all should go with him together to Muthoora; as the Raja had invited them. On hearing the proclamation, all the inhabitants of Bruj came early in the morning with presents; and Nund Jee having taken milk, curd, butter, rams, goats and buffaloes, and having yoked oxen in carts, went in company with them. And Krishnù and Buldeo were conveyed on a ruth, accompanied by their companions, the cowherds’ children.
Nund and Oopnund went in advance, Huldhur and Gobind behind all the rest.
Shree Shookdeo Jee said, O lord of the earth! having heard of Shree Krishnù’s sudden departure, all the women of Bruj were in a state of great alarm and agitation, and came rushing forth from their houses in a state of confusion. They came to Krishnù’s ruth, with lamentations and trembling—and surrounding the ruth on all sides, said, with joined hands, and in a supplicating manner, “Why are you leaving us, O lord of Bruj! We have sacrificed every thing for you. The friendship of a virtuous man never diminishes, but always endures, like the lines of the hand, and the friendship of a fool is unstable, like a wall of sand. What fault towards you have we committed, that you are leaving us?”
Having thus addressed Shree Krishnù Chund, the cowherdesses, looking at Akroor, said, “This Akroor is very cruel; he does not sympathize with our pain. He is taking away him, by being separated from whom, for a second, we are widowed. Kroor is deceitful, and hard-hearted: who has wrongly given him the name of Akroor, that is, not cruel? O perverse Akroor! void of all understanding, why do you destroy, with fire, us poor, weak creatures?”
Having uttered these harsh words, and laying aside all modesty and reflection, they laid hold of Huri’s ruth, and began to say, to each other, “The women of Muthoora are very playful, lively and possessed of beauty and many good qualities. Beharee will fall in love with them, and being under the influence of their agreeable and pleasing dispositions, will remain with them. Why should he then think of us? The women of Muthoora are very fortunate, in having one so much loved to stay with them. What error has there been in our prayers and penance, that Shree Krishnù Chund is separated from us?” After thus conversing amongst themselves, they began to address Huri again, “Your name is lord of the cowherds, why do you not take us with you? How will the moments pass away without you? You have become the shade of our eye-lids, our bosoms will burst; after having felt love for us, why do you absent yourself? You are relentless and unkind, and have no affection.” The women thus offered their supplications, and were filled with anxious thoughts, having fallen into a sea of affliction, they remained gazing at Huri with unmoved gaze, like a doe that has been charmed, or a red partridge fascinated by the moon. Tears gushed from their eyes, and their tresses were spread in disorder over their faces.
Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said, the state of the cowherdesses was such as I have described; and the Ranee Jusodha, having embraced her son with affection, said to him in a very endearing manner, “Son! take provisions with you for as many days as you will be absent; do not form an affection for any one there, and come back quickly to your own.” On hearing these words, Krishnù descended from his ruth, and having entered into an explanation with them all, took leave; making a salutation, and receiving his mother’s blessing, he ascended the ruth again, and started on his journey. The cowherdesses and Jusodha were deeply grieved, and shedding tears, continued to call out the name of Krishnù; whilst Krishnù stood up in his ruth, and said to them, as he went along, “Go to your homes and be not at all anxious, I will return hither in four or five days.”
Whilst he was thus speaking, and looking at them, when the ruth had gone some distance, and there was so much dust, (literally, the dust was spread to the sky,) that the flag of the ruth could not be seen; being in despair, they fluttered like fish deprived of water, and fell fainting to the ground. After some delay they recovered, and rose up and consoled themselves with the confident hope of his return. Jusodha took all the cowherdesses back with her to Brindabun; and Shree Krishnù arrived with his companions at the banks of the Jumna. The cowherds’ children drank water there; and Huri placed his ruth under the shade of a fig tree. When Akroor Jee descended from the ruth with the intention of bathing, Shree Krishnù Chund said to Nund Rae, “Be pleased to take all the cowherds’ children on with you, my uncle Akroor will bathe, and we will join you by and bye.”
Nund Jee, on hearing these words, went forward. And Akroor Jee undressed; and having washed his hands and feet, sipping a little water from the palm of his hand, he went upon the bank and into the water. After this, he dipped his head under water, performed pooja, poured out a libation of water to the manes of deceased ancestors, engaged in prayers and meditations; and after having dived his head under the water, opened his eyes, and beheld Shree Krishnù and his ruth in the water.
He then raised his head, and saw the lord of the Judoos in the same place, as he first occupied. He was astonished on reflecting upon this strange appearance, when he saw Krishnù far off on the ruth. They were both under the shade of a fig tree: and he saw them both in the water. He said to himself, “I cannot understand the mystery of their being both out of the water, and in it. Which shall I call the real figures?”
O great king! Akroor Jee, on seeing the same forms in and out of the water, was thinking of the phœnomenon; when in the mean while, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee appeared first of all in a form with four arms; and bearing a shell, quoit, club and lotus; and the gods, sages, celestial musicians and dancers together with all the worshippers of Huri, appeared in the water: and afterwards, Krishnù appeared as the sleeper on the serpent Sheshù. On beholding this Akroor Jee was still more perplexed.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! whilst Akroor was standing in the water, and meditating for some time on Krishnù, he obtained knowledge; and joining his hands, and making obeisance, began to say to Krishnù, “You are the divinity, both creator and destroyer; and having come into the world for the sake of your worshippers, you assume endless forms and shapes; and gods, men and sages are particles of you. Being manifested from you, they are contained in you, as water is contained in the sea, having issued from the sea! Your greatness is incomparable! Who can describe it? You remain constantly in the form of the embodied spirit? The heaven is your head, the earth your feet, the sea your belly, the atmosphere, your navel, clouds your hair, trees the hair of your body, fire your mouth, the ten quarters of the world your ears, the sun and moon your eyes; Indrù your arm, Bruhmù your intellect, Roodrù your pride, thunder your speech, air your life, water your seed; day and night depend on the opening and shutting of your eye-lids. This is the form, in which you constantly dwell? Who can recognize you?” Akroor, having thus offered up praises to Krishnú, and meditated upon his feet said, “O lord of compassion! take me under your protection.”
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! when Shree Krishnù, with a delusive power, like that of jugglers, had shown himself in many shapes to Akroor, and had stolen away his senses, Akroor came out of the water, and standing on the bank, made an obeisance to Huri. Nund Lal then enquired from Akroor, “Uncle! why do you stay so long in the water, when it is so cold? I was very anxious about you, supposing that you had forgotten to proceed on your journey! Have you seen any thing strange? Explain to me, that the doubts of my mind may be removed?”
On hearing these words, Akroor said, joining his hands, “Lord of Bruj! you know every thing? You have shewn yourself admirably to me in the water. Nothing is too wonderful for Krishnù to perform. I have confidence in thee, let us proceed, lord! on the road to Muthoora? Let us not delay here, but go on quickly, and perform what we have to do.” At these words Huri went into the ruth, accompanied by Akroor, and stood up. Nund and all the cowherds had proceeded on their journey, and on arrival had pitched their tents outside the city of Muttra; and in anxious expectation of the arrival of Bulram and Krishnù, said to one another, “What has been the reason of the delay they have made in bathing, and why has Huri not yet arrived?” when Shree Krishnù Chund, the root of joy, arrived and met them.
Then Akroor Jee, with joined hands, and bowing his head, said in a supplicating manner, “O lord of Bruj! come and make my house pure, and gratify your worshippers with a sight of you?” Huri said in reply to Akroor, “First acquit yourself of your debt to Kuns, then show me your house. Present our humble compliments.” Akroor bowed his head at these words, and departed.
Having descended from his ruth, he arrived after some time at the place where Kuns was holding a court. On seeing him, Kuns descended from his throne, and gave him a most friendly reception; and taking hold of his hand with great respect, seated him on a throne near himself, and asked him to communicate all the news, and the occurrences of his late visit.
Akroor replied, “The greatness of Bruj cannot be explained. How shall I speak in fitting terms of the greatness of Nund. I have accomplished what you instructed me to do. Bulram and Krishnù have both come here; and all the inhabitants of Bruj have brought presents. They are encamped on the banks of the river; great numbers of them have come with numerous carts.”
Kuns was delighted at these words, and said, “Akroor Jee! you have executed a most important business for me to-day, in having brought Bulram and Krishnù; go now to your home, and repose.”
Having narrated thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja Pureechit,—O great king! on receiving permission from Kuns, Akroor Jee went home; and was occupied with many thoughts and reflections. And Huldhur and Gobind, having gone to where Nund and Oopnund were sitting, and asked their permission to look at the city, Nund Rae Jee produced some sweetmeats, which the two brothers ate; and afterwards he gave them permission to go, and not to delay long.
When Nund, the chief, had thus spoken, the two brothers being greatly rejoiced, took their companions, the cowherds’ children, with them, and went forth to see the city. As they proceeded, they saw woods and orchards on all sides of the city, in full blossom and fruit: and birds were pouring forth in them all kinds of agreeable melodies. There were large tanks, filled with pure water. In them, lotuses were in full flower, on which swarms of bees were humming. And on the bank, geese and herons, and other birds were sporting. A cool, fragrant breeze was blowing. And on the margins of the enclosed grounds, gardens of betel were planted. In the midst, for many koss, beds of flowers were blooming. At different places, wheels and leather buckets were in full play at the wells; and the gardeners, singing sweet songs, were sprinkling water.
Being pleased at beholding this beautiful appearance of the woods and groves, Krishnù entered the city of Muthoora with his companions. There were castles of copper on all sides of the city, and there was a deep, broad ditch, with water springing at the bottom. There were four crystal gates, whose doors were composed of eight metals, and inlaid with gold. And in the city, there were five-storied and seven-storied houses of all colours, red, yellow, green and white, which vied with the clouds in height. The brilliancy of the ornaments on their domes shone like lightning: flags and banners were waving: the sweet scent of the perfume, burnt at the time of worshipping, came forth from the trellis-work, lattices and air-holes. At the doors there were pillars formed of plantain trees; and golden waterpots filled with sprouts. There were garlands and nosegays, and strings of flowers suspended in every direction. There was music in every house. And on one side, the jewelled and golden palace of the Raja stood apart in its splendour, of which the beauty admits not of description. Such was the beautiful and elegant city of Muthoora, which Shree Krishnù and Buldeo, accompanied by the cowherds’ children, went to see.
There was great bustle in Muthoora on the arrival of Nund’s son; all the people, on hearing it, rushed forth from their houses, leaving their domestic business. And the women of Muthoora, on hearing the news, were very much agitated. They exclaimed to each other, “Bulbhudrù and Moorari are come, let us go friend! and see those whom Akroor went to bring.” Some ran off in the middle of their dinner: others, while bathing; and others, while engaged in plaiting their hair. They forgot all amorous sport and dalliance with their husbands; and put on their dresses and ornaments in a most confused, irregular manner. They got up, and went off in the state they were then in, and came to look upon Krishnù. Laying aside shame, modesty and fear, some stood at the windows, some in the balconies, some at the doors, and some wandered about the lanes. Wherever the women stood, they pointed to Krishnù, stretching out their hands. The fair Bulram was dressed in blue, and Krishnù in a yellow silk vest. “These are the two nephews of Kuns, from whom no evil spirit escapes. Let us behold with our own eyes the forms of those, of whom our ancestors have only heard. One of us in a former birth must have performed a most meritorious act, as a reward for which Bruhmù has granted us an opportunity of seeing them.”
Shree Shookdeo, the sage, continued,—O great king! in this manner, the inhabitants of the city, both men and women, conversed with each other, making all kinds of remarks, and were rejoiced at beholding Krishnù and Bulram. In whatever market, road or cross-road, they and their companions made their appearance, the inhabitants stood upon their houses, and through joy sprinkled them with, and poured down upon them, perfumes and sandal, and flowers. And whilst admiring the beauty of the city, they said to the cowherds’ children, “Brothers! do not any of you mistake the road; and if any should mistake it, let him go to our last encampment.” When they had gone some distance, they saw the dhobees of Kuns with loads of washed clothes and bundles. They were drunk and besmeared with coloured earths, and singing the praises of Kuns, as they were coming out of the city. On seeing them, Shree Krishnù Chund said to Buldeo Jee, “Take away all their clothes, and wear some yourself, and give some to the cowherds’ children to wear, and allow them to steal whatever is surplus.” When he had spoken thus to his brother, they all went up in a body to the dhobees, and Huri said to them, “Give us the fine white clothes, and receive them back again, when we have paid our visit to the Raja. We will give you some dresses from amongst those, which the Raja presents us with.”
At these words, the head dhobee amongst them, laughed, and said, “We will arrange and place the clothes at the Raja’s gate; come there, and take them, and give us what you please. You wander about the jungle, tending cows; you are of the cowherd caste, and wear blankets. You have come here disguised as jugglers: do you flatter yourselves, that you are to wear the Raja’s garments? By going all together to the Raja, with the hope of obtaining his dresses, you run an almost sure risk of losing your lives.”
At this speech of the dhobee’s, Huri smiled, and again said, “We ask you for the clothes in a proper manner; why do you misunderstand us? It will be no loss to you, giving us the clothes: but you will gain a good name by doing so.”
The dhobee was enraged at these words, and said, “Just look at the fellow, who wants to wear the Raja’s clothes: be off with you, or I will put you to death instantly.” Krishnù was angry at these words, and gave him a blow with the side of his hand, so that his head flew off like a stalk of Indian corn. Then all his companions and assistants, fearing to meet the same fate, left their bundles and loads behind them, and ran off to Kuns, and bawled out, “Shree Krishnù Jee has taken all our clothes: some he wears himself, and has given some to his brother to wear, and distributed some to the cowherds’ children, and allowed them to steal the remainder.” In the meantime, the cowherds’ children were much pleased, and began to put the clothes on wrong. Having tightened their waists, they put the upper garments on their feet, and their arms in drawers. They did not understand the proper way of putting on the different articles. Krishnù laughed on seeing what took place.
When they proceeded thence, a tailor came, and making a salutation said, standing before them with joined hands, addressing Krishnù, “O great king! I am called the servant of Kuns, but in my mind I am constantly celebrating your many virtues; if you will be so kind as to give me the order, I will put on the clothes for them, and from doing so, shall be called your servant.”
When he had thus spoken, Shree Krishnù Chund, acquainted with the secrets of the heart, knowing him to be one of his worshippers, called him near, and said, “You have come at a lucky moment; (or it is lucky you have come,) fit the clothes well on them.”
Upon this he began at once to unseam and unravel, and cut and patch; and sewed the clothes up again so as to fit exactly; then having selected dresses for Krishnù and Bulram and all the rest, he assisted in dressing them. After this, Nund Lal, having granted him absolution from sin, took him with him and went on.
Soodama, gardener, came there and brought them to his house. He placed garlands upon all of them; there were songs of congratulation and rejoicing in the gardener’s house.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O lord of the earth! having seen the gardener’s great attachment, Shree Krishnù Chund was rejoiced, and granted him a blessing for his faith; and as he proceeded onwards, he saw standing before him in a lane a hump-backed woman, who had cups and broad plates, filled with saffron and sandal in her hand. Huri enquired, “Who art thou, and where art thou taking these things?” She replied, “O kind to the poor! I am the servant of Kuns; my name is ‘Hump-back,’ and I constantly rub and anoint Kuns’ body with sandal; and in my own mind, sing of your many excellent qualities. Through the glorious favour of which I have obtained a sight of you to-day; and gained the greatest happiness in my present birth, and have seen the object my eyes most wished to see. The wish of this slave now is, with your permission, to rub you with sandal.”
Seeing her great faith, Huri said, “Rub me with it, if it will give you any pleasure.” On hearing these words the hump-backed woman, with very great affection and endearment, anointed Krishnù; who, perceiving her sincere attachment, took compassion on her, and placing his foot on hers, and putting his two fingers under her chin, caused her to jump up, and made her straight. On being touched by Huri’s hand, she became very beautiful, and said in a most supplicating manner to Krishnù, “O lord of favour! as through your beneficence you have made this slave’s body straight, be pleased to extend your compassion by coming to my house, and purifying it; and having taken repose confer happiness on your servant.” Huri taking hold of her hand, and smiling, replied, “Thou hast removed all my fatigue by rubbing me with cool sandal: thy beauty is great; and the good qualities of thy mind, and thy virtues are excellent. My friendship for thee shall be without end. After having destroyed Kuns, I will come to see thee.” Saying these words, Krishnù went on; and the hump-backed woman, who had been made straight, went home; and having filled a square place with coloured meal, perfumes and sweetmeats, and entertaining a firm hope of again meeting Krishnù, began to indulge in rejoicings.
The women of Muthoora came there, and on seeing her, were astonished, and said—“Great, very great is your good fortune, O hump-back! to whom Bruhmù has shown affection! What difficult act of penance have you performed, that the lord of cowherdesses has visited you and taken you in his arms? We, who are without bodily defects, have not seen Huri, he has had an interview with you, and shown you the greatest affection.” The women continued talking thus, whilst Krishnù went about, looking at Muthoora.
Whilst they were engaged in seeing the city, Krishnù arrived with his companions at the gate, where the bow was. On seeing them approach, besmeared with colours of different kinds, and in a state of intoxication, the sentinels called out angrily, “Where are you coming, you stupid villagers? go away some distance off, this is the royal gate.” Huri, pretending not to hear what the sentinels said, went straight to the spot where the bow of Muhadeo, which was very large and weighty, and as long as three palm trees, was placed. On arrival there, he immediately took it up, and, bending it with ease to its full extent, broke it in pieces, in the same way that an elephant breaks sugar-cane in pieces.
All the sentinels of Kuns, who were guarding the bow, rushed forward and attacked him, but Krishnù overthrew and killed them also. On beholding these exploits, the inhabitants of the city began to reflect, and say fearlessly to each other, “Behold! the Raja, sitting in his own house, has himself invited his own death; he will not escape alive from the hands of these two brothers.” And having heard the crash, caused by the breaking of the bow, Kuns enquired, with great terror from his people, “What had occasioned so great a noise?” In the mean while, many of his attendants, who were looking on at a distance, came with their heads uncovered, and called out, “By the oath of the great Raja! Bulram and Krishnù, by coming into the city, have caused great disturbance: they have broken in pieces the bow of Shivù, and killed all the guards.”
On hearing these words, Kuns assembled a great many powerful men, and said to them, “Accompany these men, and having by artifice or force, destroyed Krishnù and Buldeo, bring their bodies here immediately.” When Kuns had thus spoken, they took their arms and weapons, and went forth to meet the two brothers. They had no sooner called out to them, than the brothers killed them all. When Huri saw, that not a single attendant of Kuns was left, he said to Bulram Jee, “Brother! it is some time since we came here; we ought to return to our encampment, because our father Nund will be expecting us, and will be anxious on our account.”
Having thus said, Krishnù returned with Bulram and the cowherds to the encampment. On arriving, he said to the chief Nund, “Father! we have been to the city, and seen fine games, and have shown our honorary dresses to the cowherds.”
Then Nund, looking at him, said, “Your old practices will not leave you. This is the habitation of the Raja Kuns, and not our own village in the forest of Bruj. Keep my instructions, son, in mind, and do not commit any violence here.”
When Nund Rae had thus instructed him, Nund Lal replied, with great coaxing and endearment of manner, “Father! we are hungry; please give us whatever our mother may have sent for us to eat.” Nund, at these words, produced the different articles of food they had brought with them; and Krishnù and Buldeo, and the cowherds partook of them.
Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said,—O great king! Krishnú and all his party on their return ate their supper in the highest glee, and went to sleep; whilst Kuns, having heard what Krishnù had done, suffered the greatest anxiety of mind; and could not obtain any ease or relaxation of his griefs, whether reclining or standing erect. His mind mourned, and did not communicate its griefs to any one. It is said, as the weevil eats into wood, and no one knows the pain the wood suffers: thus, when there is anxiety in the mind, the understanding, strength and body are diminished. At length, being in a state of great fear, he went into his house, and reclined upon a bed; but he was so alarmed, that he could not sleep.
He remained awake during three watches of the night, when he shut his eye-lids, and had a moment’s sleep. Then in a dream he saw, in imagination, the shadow of a body, wandering about without a head. He sometimes bathed naked upon the sand; and then, having eaten poison, rushed about, mounted on an ass. He took up his abode in a burial ground with ghosts, wearing garlands of blood-red flowers. Then he saw trees all round him, on which young children were sitting.
O great king! when Kuns had this dream, he was in a state of such excessive agitation, that he awoke; and being occupied with anxious thoughts, rose up, and came forth; and having summoned all his ministers, said, “Go immediately, and have the place of amusement sprinkled over with water, and thoroughly arranged and prepared, and invite Nund and Oopnund, and all the inhabitants of Bruj, and Basoodeo and all the members of the family of Judoo; and invite also all the Rajas, who may have come here. Whilst this is being done, I will come also.”
Having received Kuns’ orders, the counsellors came to the place of amusement, and having had it thoroughly swept, and sprinkled with water, they spread silken cloths; and having suspended garlands, and strings of flowers, and flags, and banners, and having caused musical instruments of all kinds to be played, they issued invitations to all.
They, who were invited, came and took their seats on their chairs of state. In the meantime, the Raja Kuns came, filled with very great pride, and took his seat on a platform erected for him. The gods, at that time, seated in their chariots, began to look down from the sky.
Shree Shookdeo Jeesaid,—O great king! when Nund, Oopnund and all the older cowherds had joined the assembly at the place of amusement, Shree Krishnù Chund said to Buldeo, “Brother! all the cowherds have already gone, do not delay now, but let us take our companions, the cowherds’ children, with us, and go quickly to visit the place of amusement.” On hearing these words, Bulram Jee arose, and said to the cowherds’ children, his friends, “Brothers! let us go and see the preparations at the place of amusement.” At these words they all accompanied him. Shree Krishnù and Bulram afterwards assumed the appearance of jugglers, and proceeding with their companions, the cowherds’ children, came to the gate of the place of amusement, and stood near where the “must” elephant Koobliya, possessing the strength of ten thousand elephants, was moving to and fro. Beholding the elephant in a state of the greatest excitement at the gate, Bulram called out to the keeper, “Mahout! listen to what I say, and drive away the elephant from the gate. Let us have access to the Raja; lest the elephant should be destroyed. I tell you beforehand it will not be our fault, do not consider Huri a child. He is lord of the three worlds, and has descended upon the earth to destroy the wicked and remove the burdens of the world.” To this speech, the driver replied angrily, “I am aware that while tending herds, he has become lord of the three worlds, and for this reason has made his appearance here as a very great hero. Do not look upon his breaking the bow as any thing: my elephant possesses the strength of ten thousand. You shall not obtain entrance, until you fight with it. You have destroyed many powerful creatures; but if you escape to-day from this elephant, I will acknowledge that you are very strong.” Huldhur was enraged, and said, “Hear me! you foolish, low creature, be cautious what you say, or I will presently dash you in pieces, and the elephant also; to hesitate is not advisable, as the elephant will be put to death immediately. Believe what I am saying, and calling out to you.” At these words the driver was in a great passion, and drove the elephant towards them. As the elephant charged Buldeo Jee, he struck it such a blow with his hand, that it folded up its trunk, and reeled back, screaming. When the strong men of Kuns, who were standing near, beheld this wonderful act, they began to despair, and say to themselves, “Who can possibly win against two such powerful antagonists?” And the elephant driver, perceiving that the elephant had been forced back, was very much alarmed, and began to reflect, “That unless these two children were killed, Kuns would not allow him to escape with life.” With these thoughts in his mind, he goaded on the elephant again, with his iron goad, and made it enraged, and impelled it against the two brothers. When he laid hold of Huri with his trunk, and, in his rage, endeavoured to crush him between his teeth, Krishnù assumed a very subtile body, and escaped between his teeth.
At this time all rose up through fear, gods, sages, men and women. Krishnù escaped between the elephant’s two tusks, and the treasury of strength clapped his hands. He rose up with the elephant, and then in sport drove him forward. All became conscious of being restored to their lord, on beholding the exploits of Krishnù. On hearing the sound of Krishnù impelling Koobliya, many more elephants rushed to the spot, enraged, and with trunks uplifted. Moorari remained crouched under Koobliya’s belly, who thinking he had gone, continued looking after him. Huri then appearing behind the animal called out, and Buldeo circumvented it in front. They both began to make the elephant sport and gambol; and all were frightened at seeing this. O great king! sometimes Bulram laid hold of its trunk, and Krishnù of its tail; and when the elephant ran to lay hold of them, they slipped away.
They remained sporting with it for some time in the same way that they used to play with calves in their infancy. At length Huri seizing it by the tail, and whirling it round, dashed it on the ground, and killed it with blows. He pulled out the elephant’s tusks, and blood streamed like a river from its mouth.
On the death of the elephant, the driver came bawling out to Krishnù, who instantly destroyed him, and threw him under the feet of the elephant. And the two brothers laughing and disguised as jugglers, each with an elephant’s tusk in his hand, went and stood in the centre of the place, which had been prepared for amusement (the theatre.) Whoever beheld Nund Lal at this time, he appeared to him in the same form as the beholder; wrestlers thought him a wrestler; Rajas a Raja; the gods as their lord; the cowherds’ children, as a companion; Nund and Oopnund as their child; the women of the city regarded him as the abode of beauty; Kuns and all evil spirits looked upon him in the light of death.
O great king! whilst looking at Krishnù and Buldeo, Kuns being very much afraid called out to the wrestlers, “To knock them down and destroy them; or drive them away from his presence.” When Kuns had thus spoken, the wrestlers, accompanied by their instructors, their sons and pupils, and adopting various different appearances, striking their arms in preparation for battle, collected together on all sides to attack Krishnù and Bulram, who remained firm, as they advanced. Chanoor, one of the wrestlers, looking towards them, said with sly impertinence of manner, “Our Raja is a little out of spirits to-day, and wishes to see you fight by way of amusing his mind; because during your abode in the jungle, you have learnt all the science of fighting. Be not at all anxious in your minds, but come and wrestle with us, and give pleasure to our Raja.”
Shree Krishnù replied, “The Raja Jee has acted with great kindness in having invited us to-day; what shall we be able to do for him? You are very powerful, and possessed of skill; and we are ignorant children; how shall we be able to encounter you? It is said, that we ought to marry, and have friendship and enmity with equals; but we have no power over the Raja Jee; and therefore consent to what you propose; save us and do not exert your strength to dash us to pieces. It is proper that both parties should act with due regard to justice, and unite in endeavouring to please the Raja.”
On hearing these words, Chanoor was alarmed and said, “It is impossible to understand your nature and condition. You are not two children, but powerful men in disguise. Whilst playing with the bow you broke it into two pieces; the elephant Koobliya was immediately killed and obtained deliverance. You never sustain defeat in fighting, every one knows these circumstances.”
Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said,—O lord of the earth! having made various speeches of this kind, and striking his arms in preparation for the contest, Chanoor opposed himself to Krishnù, and Moostuk encountered Bulram Jee, and both parties began to wrestle. They joined head to head, arm to arm, eye to eye, and leapt about laying hold of each other’s feet, and entwining themselves round each other’s bodies, hugged and shook each other.
The spectators said to each other, “Brothers! great cruelty is being perpetrated at this meeting; what comparison is there between these beautiful children, and those strong wrestlers, (or what chance have these beautiful children with those strong wrestlers?) If we prohibit the wrestling, Kuns will be angry; and if we do not, our character for justice will be forfeited. It is not proper for us to stay here as spectators, since we have no power to act.”
O great king! whilst the spectators were carrying on this conversation, Krishnù and Bulram were contending with the wrestlers. At length the two brothers threw their adversaries and killed them. On their death all the other wrestlers rushed upon them; but Krishnù destroyed them also in a second. At this time the worshippers of Huri were rejoiced, and playing upon musical instruments, raised shouts of victory; and the gods, seated in their chariots in the firmament, celebrated the praises of Krishnù, and rained flowers. Kuns being greatly afflicted, restless and enraged, said to his attendants, “Why are you playing on musical instruments? What! is the victory of Krishnù agreeable to you?”
He afterwards added “These two children are very wanton, seize and remove them from this assembly, and also lay hold of Dewukee and Oogursen, and the treacherous Basoodeo, and bring them here. I will first destroy them, and afterwards these two children?” When Kuns had thus spoken, Krishnù, the friend of his worshippers, in an instant put all the evil spirits to death, and leapt upon a lofty platform, on which Kuns was sitting in great pride and pomp, wearing a coat of mail, and with a helmet, shield and sword. On seeing Krishnù approach, Kuns regarding him as death, stood erect, and was greatly terrified, and began to tremble violently.
His secret wish was to fly, but through shame he could not; seizing his sword and shield, he commenced an attack upon Krishnù, who contrived to escape from all his attempts to wound him. And the gods, men, sages and celestial musicians, who beheld this great encounter, were alarmed, and exclaimed, “O lord! O lord! destroy this wicked sinner quickly.” The fighting continued for some time on the platform. At length, Krishnù, perceiving that all the spectators were afflicted, seized Kuns by the hair, and dashed him down from the platform, and leapt down himself.
Life departed from the body of Kuns, when all the assembled people exclaimed, “Shree Krishnù Chund has destroyed Kuns.” All the gods, men and sages were delighted at hearing this exclamation.
The gods being overjoyed then began to glorify Krishnù, and to shower upon the earth heaps of flowers. In their delight they played upon the large kettle-drum, raising shouts of victory, and eulogizing Nund. The men and women of the city of Muttra were in the highest degree pleased. And as the beautiful lotus of the forest expands into full bloom on beholding the light of the moon, in like manner the inhabitants of Muttra experienced the greatest joy on again beholding Huri.
Having narrated thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to the Raja Pureechit,—O incarnation of justice! on the death of Kuns, his eight brothers, who were possessed of great strength, came to fight with Krishnù, who destroyed them all. When Huri saw that not a single evil spirit was left, he dragged away the body of Kuns, and brought it to the banks of the Jumna, where the two brothers sat down and rested; and from that day, the name of that place was “The ghaut of rest.”
On hearing of Kuns’ death, his wives and brothers’ wives came in a state of great agitation, and with lamentation and tears, to the banks of the Jumna, where the brothers were sitting and had brought the corpse. They began to look upon the face of their lord, and to call to mind the happiness he had conferred upon them, and to celebrate his many good qualities; and through excessive grief and affliction they reeled about, and suffered all the agonies of death. In the mean while Krishnù, the receptacle of compassion, taking pity on them, approached and said, “Be not grieved, mothers! but perform the last funeral offices of my uncle, Kuns. No one lives for ever; he speaks falsely, who calls any relation his own. Mothers, fathers, sons, brothers and other relations belong exclusively to none: the revolutions of birth and death constantly succeed each other. So long as a relation remains with us, we should derive pleasure from associating with him.”
O great king! when Shree Krishnù Chund had given this explanation to the wives of Kuns, they rose up; and being restored to tranquillity of mind, came to the banks of the Jumna, and performed the last obsequies to the corpse of their husband, and Krishnù himself assisted in the funeral rites by lighting the pile.
Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said,—Raja! the wives of Kuns and his brothers’ wives, having completed the necessary ablutions, returned in tears to the royal palace: and Shree Krishnù and Bulram, having come to Basoodeo and Dewukee, and knocked off their handcuffs and fetters, making obeisance, stood before them with joined hands. Whilst beholding the countenance of Krishnù, Basoodeo and Dewukee became possessed of knowledge, and had a firm belief in their minds, “That both brothers were deities; and that they had descended upon the earth to destroy evil spirits, and remove the burthens of the world.” Whilst these thoughts were passing in the minds of Basoodeo and Dewukee, Huri, acquainted with the secrets of the heart, sent forth his delusive power, which deprived them both of understanding; and they looked upon them both again as their children. In the mean while, Shree Krishnù Chund said, with very great humility, “You have for a long time past suffered great afflictions, and have retained a constant recollection of us both. It has not been any fault of ours, because since you placed us under charge of Nund, at Gokool, we have been under the authority of others, and have had no power of our own. But this thought was constantly in our minds, that we had not contributed in any way to the happiness of her, who had borne us in her womb; and had not enjoyed the delightful society of our parents, and had wasted our lives to no purpose in the house of strangers. They have suffered great misfortunes on our account, and we have not done them any service. In the world they are possessed of power, who serve their fathers and mothers. We have remained indebted to them, and have not been able to do any kind offices for them.”
O lord of the earth! when Shree Krishnù Jee had thus given expression to his mental grief, Basoodeo and Dewukee embraced the two brothers with the greatest affection, and forgot all their former affliction in their present joy. Having thus made their parents happy, the two brothers went thence to Oogursen, and joining their hands said, “Grandfather! be pleased to assume the regal power: this is a favourable constellation and a propitious day for doing so.”
When the Raja Oogursen had heard these words of Huri, he rose up, and having come and thrown himself at the feet of Shree Krishnù Chund, began to say, “O lord of compassion! be pleased to listen to my humble petition; that, as you have destroyed the great sinner, Kuns, and all evil spirits, and thereby conferred happiness on your worshippers, you should yourself ascend the throne and rule over Muttra, and grant protection to your subjects.”
Krishnù replied,—“O great king! the members of the family of Judoo have not any right of inheritance to the kingly power, a circumstance which is universally known. When the Raja Jujat was in his old age, he called his son Judoo, and said to him, ‘Give me your youth, and take my old age.’ On hearing this, Judoo thought to himself, ‘If I give my father my present youth, he, being young again, will have sexual connexion, the sin of which will fall on me: wherefore, it is better I should not do so.’ Having thus reflected and considered, he said to his father, ‘I cannot comply with your request.’ On hearing these words, the Raja Jujat was angry and pronounced a curse upon Judoo, saying, ‘Begone! none of your descendants shall ever have regal power.’ In the mean while, his younger son, named Poor, presented himself, and joining his hands said, ‘Father! give me your old age, and accept my youth; this body is useless to me: if any advantage can accrue to you from it, what can be better?’ When Poor had thus spoken, the Raja Jujat was highly pleased, and exchanged with him his old age for Poor’s youth, and said, ‘The succession to the throne shall continue in your family.’ For this reason, grandfather! as I am a descendant of Judoo, it is not right for me to exercise sovereign power. Do you ascend the throne, and assume royal authority and banish all solicitude. We will accomplish whatever you may order us to perform. We will inflict severe punishment on all, who do not obey your commands. And be not troubled with care and anxiety, but carry on a just and equitable government, and promote the welfare of your subjects. Cause search to be made for all members of the family of Judoo, who, from dread of Kuns, have abandoned their own cities to dwell under the authority of strangers, and grant them a happy settlement in Muttra. Worship brahmins, cows and the gods, and constantly give your attention to their protection and support.”
Having narrated thus much, Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said, O incarnation of justice! Shree Krishnù Chund, the king of kings and the benefactor of his worshippers, knowing Oogursen to be one who offered devotion to him, having thus advised and seated him on the throne, made the marks of sovereignty on his forehead; and having raised the royal canopy over his head, both the brothers began to fan him.
All the inhabitants of the city were highly delighted, and began to shout forth exclamations of joyful praise, and the gods to rain flowers. O great king! having thus seated Oogursen upon the throne, the brothers brought away with them many rich dresses and jewels, and went thence to Nund Rae Jee, in whose presence they stood with joined hands, and said with the greatest humility, “How shall we speak in fitting terms of your greatness? If we had a thousand tongues, we could not explain your many excellent qualities. You have brought us up with the greatest affection as your own sons, and shown us the most tender kindness; and our mother, Jusodha, loves us greatly, fixes her kindest regards upon us, and always treats us as her own children; she never allows her mind to be estranged from us.” Shree Krishnù added, “Father! you must not be offended at my words, I will speak to you with sincerity, and will call you both my parents; but shall now remain for some days at Muttra, and having visited my brethren of the same caste, hear the history of the family of Judoo, and will gladden my mother and father with a meeting, for they have suffered great griefs on our account, if they had not had us conveyed to your house, they would not have endured any troubles.” With these words Krishnù placed the dresses and jewels before Nund, and, abandoning all affection, said, “Offer my respects to my mother by kissing her feet, and continue to love me with affection.”
On these words coming from Shree Krishnù’s mouth, Nund Rae was very sad, and began to heave deep sighs; and the cowherds’ children said to themselves, reflecting on what Krishnù had said, “This is a very strange speech he has made, we are inclined to infer from it, that he is about to deceive us, and go away, otherwise he would not have spoken so unkindly.”
O great king! after a short time, one of their companions, named Soodamù, said, “Brother Krishnù! what business have you now at Muttra, that you thus unfeelingly abandon your father? You have done well in destroying Kuns, and completing the work you came to accomplish. Unite now with Nund, and come and rule over Brindabun; be not eagerly desirous to reign here, you will not be so happy as at Brindabun. Fools, on obtaining sovereign power, forget themselves, and are delighted at beholding elephants and horses. Do not quit Brindabun to dwell elsewhere. Spring is perpetual there; the beauty of the thick woods and of the Jumna is never effaced from the mind. Brother! if you are determined on taking up your abode at Muttra, resigning the pleasures of Brindabun, not attending to my suggestion, and abandoning all affection for your parents, what accession to your greatness will you acquire by doing so. You will attend upon Oogursen, and suffer anxiety night and day. You must be subservient to him, on whom you have conferred the government. How will you submit to this disgrace? It is, therefore, most advisable that you should not cause grief to Nund Rae, but continue to remain with him. Think of the forests, the rivers and sports of Bruj. Forget not the herds! We will not let you go alone, O lord of Bruj! but will all accompany you.”
Having proceeded thus far in his recitation, Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said to the Raja Pureechit,—O great king! when they had made many speeches to the above effect, ten or twenty of their companions remained with Shree Krishnù and Bulram; and they suggested to Nund Rae to go on, without any anxiety, with all others, and that they would come afterwards with Krishnù and Bulram. On hearing these words, the cowherds were in great agitation, as though they had been bitten by snakes; gazing on the face of Krishnù, and losing all resolution, they stood like pictures.
Buldeo Jee, perceiving that Nund Rae was deeply grieved, said to him, “Father! why are you so sad? We will return in a few days, after having accomplished what we have to do here. We send you on in advance of us, because our mother must be much disquieted by being left alone; she will, in a measure, be restored to confidence by your going.” Nund Jee replied, “Son! come once with us, and return after the interview.”
Having thus spoken, Nund was greatly disquieted and continued embracing his feet. The splendour of his understanding abated and became dull; he could not shed tears. O great king! when Shree Krishnù Chund Jee saw, that Nund and the cowherds’ children were greatly troubled in mind, without being under the power of delusion, he thought to himself, that they would not live, if separated from him. He then sent forth that particular delusive power belonging to him, which has deluded the whole world. This power deprived Nund and the cowherds of all understanding. Krishnù then said, “Father! why do you indulge in such regrets? Consider what a short distance there is between Muttra and Brindabun. We are not going far from you, that you should be so sad. The people of Brindabun must be in grief, and, therefore, we send you before us.”
When Krishnù had thus explained to Nund, his confidence was restored, and joining his hands, he said, “Krishnù! if these are your sentiments, I have no power to gainsay them. I will depart, as I cannot refuse compliance with your expressed wishes.” When Nund Jee had thus spoken, Huri permitted him and the cowherds and their children to depart to Brindabun; and the two brothers remained at Muttra with some of their companions. The cowherds, who accompanied Nund were all during the whole journey, perplexed with heavy thoughts, like gamblers, who have lost every thing. Some retained their senses, but others had lost them entirely; they fell down on the road, tripping over each other. Although going to Brindabun they continued looking towards Muttra; and were greatly distressed by the pain of separation. In this state, they managed, by some means or other, to arrive at Brindabun. Hearing of their arrival, the Ranee Jusodha came running forth in a state of great perturbation; and being greatly disquieted in mind, at not seeing Bulram and Krishnù, she said to Nund Jee, “Husband! where have you lost our sons, that you have only brought back dresses and jewels? You have thrown away the gold, and kept the glass. You have foolishly rejected nectar, and taken poison. Like a blind man, obtaining possession of the philosopher’s stone, who throws it away, and afterwards strikes his forehead on hearing of its valuable qualities. You have thrown away gems of high value, (meaning Krishnù and Bulram.) You have thus lost our sons, and brought dresses and jewels instead of them. What will you do with wealth without them? O foolish husband! how can we pass life without them, whose separation from us even for a moment caused us the deepest grief? What was the state of your feelings, when they suggested separation?”
Nund Jee was much grieved at these words, and replied, with downcast looks, “It is true Krishnù gave me these dresses and jewels; but I know not who brought them here. How shall I mention what Krishnù said to me? You will also be grieved, when you hear his words. He returned to me after having killed Kuns, and made use of most unkind expressions. They have become the sons of Basoodeo; and have gone away from us, after having completely gained our affections. When I was astonished at what they said, they talked of remuneration to us for bringing them up. Do not call Huri, Nund’s son; look upon and worship him as a deity. I thought, that he was Narayun from the very first; but being under the power of delusion, regarded him as a son.”
O great king! when Nund Rae Jee had repeated truly all Shree Krishnù had said to him, Jusodha, being under the influence of delusion, at one time looked upon Krishnù as her son, and was sorrowful and disturbed in mind, and shed tears. At another time, recovering her reason, she regarded him as a deity; and meditating upon him, and celebrating with songs his excellent attributes, she dissipated the grief of her mind. And in this manner all the inhabitants of Bruj, both men and women, being deeply imbued with love for Huri, held various discourses regarding him, which I have not power to describe.
For which reason, I will mention the sports of Muttra; listen attentively. When Huldhur and Gobind came to Basoodeo and Dewukee, after having permitted Nund Rae to depart, they were delighted at seeing them, and forgot all their former griefs, as a devotee is delighted on obtaining the fruit of the penance which he has performed. Basoodeo Jee first addressed Dewukee, saying, “Krishnù and Buldeo have dwelt amongst strangers, and have ate and drank with them; and are not acquainted with the customs of their own caste. It is right, therefore, that we should send for, and consult the family priest, and act by his advice.” Dewukee assented. Basoodeo Jee then sent for Gurg, the sage, who was the family priest; and on his arrival, after having explained all the perplexities of his mind, enquired, “O great king! kindly inform us, what we ought to do.” Gurg, the sage, replied, “First of all send an invitation to all their brethren of the same caste; and afterwards admit Bulram and Krishnù to the caste, and present them with Brahminical threads.”
When the family priest had thus spoken, Basoodeo sent an invitation into the city, and invited all Brahmins, and all descendants of Judoo. They came, and were received with the greatest respect, and offered seats. Basoodeo, first of all, having gone through all the ceremonies of initiation into caste, and caused their nativities to be written, presented to the Brahmins ten thousand cows with horns of gold, backs of copper, and feet of silver, dressed out in silken cloths, which cows he had made a vow to give at the birth of Krishnù. He afterwards caused festive rejoicings to be made, and having observed all the customs and ordinances of the Vedas, bestowed Brahminical threads on Bulram and Krishnù; and, having made presents to the two brothers, sent them forth to acquire knowledge. They departed and came to the house of a learned sage and great pundit, named Sandeepun, of the city of Awuntika, who was then residing at Benares, and possessed of great knowledge; and approaching him with an obeisance, and joined hands, they said to him with great humility of manner, “O king of sages! take compassion on us, and with sincerity of mind bestow upon us the gift of knowledge.” O great king! when Shree Krishnù and Bulram Jee had made this humble address to Sandeepun, the sage, he brought them to his house in the most affectionate manner, and began to instruct them with great kindness. In a short time, having read the four Vedas, and Oopvedas, six Shastrùs, nine treatises upon Grammar, eighteen Pooranùs, and discourses upon charms, amulets, enchantments, futurity, astrology, physic, copulation, music and prosody, they became the receptacles of the fourteen sciences. After this, the two brothers said one day to their spiritual preceptor, with joined hands and great humility, “O great king! it is said, that however much a man may give in different births, and various descents upon the earth, he cannot give a sufficient recompense to those who have imparted knowledge to him: but please to direct that we should make you a present according to our power; and we will bestow it to the utmost limit of our means; and receiving your blessing return home.”
When Shree Krishnù and Bulram had thus spoken, Sandeepun, the sage, rose up, and engaged in thought and reflection returned home. He explained to his wife, “That the two children, Bulram and Krishnù, are immortal deities, and have descended upon the earth for the sake of their worshippers, and to remove the burthens of the world. I have discovered this secret by witnessing their sports; because they, who read continually in several successive births, cannot fathom the depths of sea-like knowledge, and behold they have, in this state of infancy, passed over this limitless and unfordable sea in a few days: they can accomplish whatever they wish in a single second.” The sage added, “What boon shall we ask of them, wife?”
On hearing these words, she thought for a short time and said “Go and ask them for our deceased son’s corpse; they will bring it to us, if they possess the powers of Huri.”
Having thus reflected, Sandeepun, the sage, came out of his house with his wife, into the presence of Shree Krishnù and Buldeo, and joining his hands said, in a supplicating manner, “O great king! I had a son, with whom, on a certain festival, I went, accompanied by my relations, to bathe in the sea, when we arrived there, and all having undressed began to bathe, a great wave of the sea came, in which my son was drowned, and did not come forth again. Some shark must have swallowed him, I am greatly grieved for his loss, if you desire to make me a present, as your spiritual preceptor, restore that son, and remove the affliction of my mind.”
On hearing these words, Shree Krishnù and Bulram, having made obeisance to their spiritual preceptor and his wife, and having ascended their ruth, went towards the sea for the purpose of bringing their son; and, having proceeded on their journey for some time, arrived on the shore. Seeing them approach in angry mood, the sea was alarmed, and assuming mortal shape came forth with many presents from her own element, and stood on the shore before them trembling, and greatly agitated with fear; placing her presents before them, and bowing her head, and making submissive salutations, she said with joined hands, and in a tone of supplication, “Great is my good fortune, that Krishnù has appeared to me, for what purpose have you come here?” Shree Krishnù Chund said, “My spiritual preceptor came here with his relatives to bathe, whose son you swept away with a wave; bring him here, and give him up to us. This is the purpose for which we have come.”
The sea replied, bowing her head, “I have not overwhelmed him with a wave. You are the spiritual guide of all, and lord of the universe, and are the deity under the form of Ramù. I have been very much afraid since this circumstance occurred, and have continued to live with a regard to the dignity of my character and my limits.” Huri replied, “If you did not take him off, who else did so?” The sea said, “O lord of compassion! I will explain the mystery: there is a demon, named Sunkhasoor, in the form of a shell, who dwells in me, and who exercises tyranny over all animals, moving in the water, and carries off all who come to the shore to bathe; perhaps he may have taken away your preceptor’s son. I do not know certainly that he has done so; but be pleased to come into the sea yourself and ascertain.”
On hearing these words Krishnù went eagerly into the sea; on beholding Sunkhasoor, he killed him, and splitting his belly, cast out his entrails. He did not find his spiritual preceptor’s son; and in consequence thereof, expressed regret to Bulbhudrù, saying, “Brother! I have destroyed Sunkhasoor to no purpose.” Bulram Jee replied, “It does not matter, carry him now about with you.” On hearing this Huri made that shell his weapon. The two brothers proceeding thence reached the city of Jum, the region of the dead, the name of which is Sunjumnee, and Dhurm Raj, the Raja thereof. On beholding them, Dhurm Raj descended from his throne, and advancing to meet them, gave them a most welcome reception. Having seated them on a throne, washed their feet, and taken the water with which their feet had been washed, he said, “Happy is this place! fortunate this city! which Krishnù has visited, and fulfilled the supplications of his worshippers. Give me some business to perform for you, that your servant may execute it.” Krishnù replied, “Bring the son of my spiritual preceptor.”
When Huri had thus spoken, Dhurm Raj went off immediately and brought the child, and joining his hands said in a tone of submission, “O lord of compassion! through your favour I knew, beforehand, that you would come to fetch the child, and have therefore taken the greatest care of him; and have not yet restored him to life.” O great king! with these words Dhurm Raj, presented the child to Huri, who immediately placed him upon his ruth, and proceeding thence conveyed him in a short time to the presence of his spiritual preceptor. The two brothers, joining their hands said, “O divine preceptor! what further orders have you for us?”
On hearing these words, and seeing his son, Sandeepun, the sage, was highly delighted, and bestowing many benedictions on Shree Krishnù and Bulram Jee said, “What more shall I ask, O Krishnù! you have conferred the greatest happiness on me by restoring my son. Great will be my renown from having had such pupils as you. Return home now; and may you have a safe and pleasant journey.”
When the spiritual preceptor had given them this injunction, the two brothers departed, after the usual ceremonies of obtaining permission to go, and salutation; and ascending their ruth proceeded on their journey, and arrived at Muttra. On hearing of their arrival, the Raja Oogursen, together with Basoodeo and the inhabitants of the city, both male and female, came forth to meet them. They met them outside the city, and being greatly pleased brought Krishnù into the city in musical procession, spreading silken cloths on the road for him to walk upon. There were rejoicings and festivities in every house.