Sri Brhad Bhagatamrtam
by
Srila Sanatan Goswami
Part One,
Sri Bhagavata-kripa-nirdhara
(The Search For the Lord's Mercy)


Part Two,
Sri Goloka-mahatmya
(The Glory of Sri Goloka)





Part Two Chapter Four
Chapter Four Vaikuntha

1 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Wandering alone as I lived in the forest, when I saw the beauty of that land, a beauty never before seen, I forgot everything as if I were under a spell.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this statement shows that the land of Vraja is more glorious than any other place in the material or spiritual worlds. Its beauty is so great it made Gopa-kumara completely forget the realm of Vaikuntha.
2 Playfully wandering, I came to the beautiful city of Mathura. From the brahmanas there I heard Srimad-Bhagavatam and other scriptures.
3 After learning from them the nine-fold devotional service, I came to this forest and suddenly saw my exalted guru.
4 He was glorious as before. Seeing me bowing before him, he, who knew everything, happily blessed me, embraced me, and gave me his mercy.
5 I attained his mercy. He revealed great secrets. As he taught me, I practiced the yoga of devotional service.
6 Soon I was overcome with a flood of love. I could not do anything. I could only chant the holy names.
7 "O Sri Krsna! Gopala! Hari! Mukunda! Govinda! O son of Nanda! Krsna! O son of Yasoda! Life of the gopis! Lord of Radhika! Please be kind!"
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these ten names of the Lord are especially dear.
8 Singing these words, again and again I called out to the Lord. Sometimes dancing, and sometimes crying out as a madman, I wandered here and there, forgetting my own body and everything else.
9 Once I saw the Lord of my life before me. Running to grasp Him, I fainted and fell, overcome with love.
10 At that moment the Lord's associates came to bring me to Vaikuntha. I entered their airplane. Regaining consciousness, I restlessly moved my eyes to and fro.
11-12 Seeing everything changed, I was filled with wonder. I was comforted when I saw at my side the dear friends I had seen before. Eclipsing the splendour of the most splendid things, they were now riding on an incomparable, supremely splendid, indescribable beautiful airplane.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the dear friends here are the Lord's Vaikuntha associates he had met before.
13 I respectfully bowed before them. They embraced me and again and again reassured me. With a hundred reasons they wished to give me a form like theirs.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that they wished to give him a four-armed form. "A human form is not appropriate in Vaikuntha. In such a form you will not be happy there", is an example of one of the reasons they gave.
14 I did not accept. instead, my own form, which has been born on Govardhana Hill, attained spiritual qualities like theirs.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Gopa-kumara did not accept the sarupya-mukti they offered. Instead, his own form became eternal, splendid and filled with the same spiritual attributes as theirs.
15-18 Travelling with them to Vaikuntha on a blissful, inconceivable, supernatural path, I became embarrassed when I glanced at the different planets and the coverings of the universe. With folded hands and bent heads, the rulers of the planets eagerly worshipped me with showers of flowers. As they praised me with words of "Glory!" and as they bowed before me at every step, I saw insignificant impersonal liberation before me, and then, going above it, went to Shivaloka.
19 I happily bowed down before Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. With a network of affectionate, respectful, and kind words, he delighted me. Then I went to Vaikuntha, which is garlanded with glories beyond the reach of the mind and words.
20 Then the Lord's associates said to me: "Wait outside for a moment. We will inform the Lord, and then you may enter.
21 "Stay here and, with eyes alight with devotion for the Lord, see the waves in this ocean of wonders never seen or heard of before.
22 Sri Gopa-kumara said: As they went inside and I stayed outside the gate, I saw someone come and begin to enter that city.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the city here is Vaikuntha and the person entering is a resident of Vaikuntha.
23 He was on a transcendental airplane that was rich with the opulences of hundreds of universes. Singing wonderful songs and (glorifying the Lord in) many other ways, he was filled with happiness. His splendid handsomeness and other features were like the Lord's.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the word "adibhih" here means "chanting, acting in dramatic performances, and glorifying the Lord in other ways." The word "kanti" here means that His bodily complexion was dark and His features were like the Lord's. The word "adyaih" here means that his youthfulness ornaments, bracelets, handsomeness, and other features were like the Lord's.
24 Thinking he was Lord Hari, again and again I said to him: "O Lord, please save me! " He at once covered his ears, bowed down before me, and stopped me with these words:
25 He said: "I am a servant. I am a servant of the servants", and went inside. Then another person, who was more opulent and glorious, came.
26 Seeing him, I thought he must be the Lord of the universes, who in his pastimes had gone somewhere and was now entering his own city.
27 Seeing me respectfully bowing down and speaking prayers as I had before, he affectionately spoke to me as the other person had, and then he entered the city.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Gopa-kumara again said, "O Lord, please save me!" and the person addressed covered his ears and said, "I am a servant of the servants."
28-9 More persons, some alone, some in groups of two, and some in very large groups, came, each more glorious than those before, and entered the Lord's city. Seeing them, as before, I dived into the ocean of awe and reverence, bowed down before them, and offered prayers to them, but they stopped me and spoke to me with the nectar of affectionate words, as the others had before them.
30 Some were carrying things to offer the Lord and some, intoxicated by the nectar of loving devotion, ran ahead.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that they were carrying parasols, camara wisks, and other paraphernalia for worshipping the Lord.
31 Their minds and senses were intent on their own specific services. They were decorated with pastimes of the bliss of wonderful services.
32-3 All their limbs decorated the decorations they wore. They were as glorious as the Lord Himself. Bowing down and reciting prayers, they acted wonderfully. They enjoyed a wonder of great pastimes, as emperors do. They yearned to see the lotus feet of the Lord, the goddess of fortune's husband.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that their handsomeness and other virtues were like those of the Lord of Vaikuntha Himself. Their wonderful activities included chanting and dancing. As an emperor's doorkeepers and other servants eat, drink, and enjoy in royal style, so did they.
34 Some came with associates, some with paraphernalia, and some with both associates and paraphernalia.
35 Some merged their associates and paraphernalia in their own selves and became like penniless solitary sages plunged in the nectar of meditation.
36 Some moment by moment manifested different wonderful and charming forms, each opulent with different and wonderful ornaments, features and pastimes.
37 Some were humans, some monkeys, some demigods, some demons, and some sages. Others carried the marks of being initiated in the orders of varna and asrama.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the forms of the Vaikuntha residents are all eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. They were not actually humans, or any of these other forms.
38 Some were like Indra, Candra, or the other demigods. Some had three eyes, some four heads, and some four arms, some eight arms, and some a thousand faces.
39 I will tell you the reason for this great wonder: How can they who taste the nectar of devotion to Lord Krsna not be handsome?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Hanuman, Jambavan, and others were handsome because of their devotion to the Lord.
40-1 The glories of Vaikuntha's residents, who are all beyond the material world of five elements, of Vaikunthaloka, and of Vaikuntha's hero, cannot be described with the examples drawn from the world of five elements.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Vaikuntha's residents are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. They cannot be described with examples drawn from the world of matter. The hero of Vaikuntha here is the Lord.
42-3 O brahmana, because you are a resident of the material world, and because your thoughts and vision are placed within the material world, I have used material examples so certain things may be easily understood. I pray that Lord Hari will forgive any offenses I have committed because of this.
44 The residents of Vaikuntha are all equal. Then again, among them there are gradations of higher and lower. There is no contradiction in this.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that although the residents of Vaikuntha have different powers and opulences, each, according to his own desire, employs all his powers and opulences in serving the Lord.
45 For them there is no envy nor any other fault. They have thousands of natural, eternal, transcendental virtues.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described by Lord Brahma in Srimad Bhagavatam 3.15.18-19.
46 Although in external vision they may be seen as materialists eager for material pleasure, the liberated souls worship their feet.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.15.17 and 3.15.20.
47 Although they never accept material forms, they do playfully manifest many wonderful forms appropriate for the Lord's pastimes.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that they do this to please the Lord.
48 Although they are different, they all have the same nature. That place, its many airplanes, and everything there, are all like that.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that in Vaikuntha everything is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. Because everything there is spiritual, it is, in one sense, all one. Still, variety is manifested as a natural feature of the lord's pastimes. In this way everything there is simultaneously one and different.
49 Sometimes everything there seems made of gold and jewels, and sometimes they seem made of solidified moonlight.
50 With power given by the Lord, this place can be understood to a certain extent. It cannot be understood in any other way. The material mind has no power to grasp the truth of it.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that because it is spiritual, it cannot be understood by the material mind.
51 No one can understand it without having seen it. Only in this way can one properly describe it.
52 For they who see (Vaikuntha) the happiness of seeing the impersonal Brahman becomes very insignificant. It stops, as if it were embarrassed.
53-4 Self-satisfied impersonalists, whose desires are all fulfilled, and who have renounced everything, when they have the association of Vaishnavas give up everything they have learned and attained, and, understanding what is really valuable and what is worthless, enter the path of devotional service. I have personally seen this very clearly.
55 Seeing them coming and going, I thought: "If His servants are like this, what is the Lord like?"
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Gopa-kumara saw that the servants of the Lord of Vaikuntha were glorious with handsomeness, opulences, powers and many other things. He wondered: "How glorious must be the person they serve!"
56-7 Dragged by joy, I stood and then I sat down as I waited by the gate. Then by the Lord's associates I was quickly brought inside. Then I saw a wonder of wonders. Even Lord Ananta with His thousands of mouths could not describe it in the time of Brahma's life.
58 There were gate after gate, and at each gate there were gatekeepers as before. Each time the gatekeepers informed their master and then allowed me to enter.
59-60 As I went to each gate I saw there was one leader to whom the gatekeepers bowed down. I thought this must be the Lord of the universes and I also bowed down to him and glorified him again and again.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this leader was the supervisor of the gatekeepers.
61 Then the Lord's affectionate associates described to me the Lord's uncommon features and taught me how to glorify and worship Him.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the gatekeepers described the Lord's Srivatsa mark and other features.
62-3 Passing through many very wonderful and colourful gates, I came to a very glorious palace, its feet served by many other palaces. This one palace was most excellent. It was flooded with glory. It was more splendid than millions of suns and moons. It charmed the eyes and the heart.
64-5 Inside I saw, far away, on a regal golden throne glistening with many jewels, happily sitting on a splendid white swan-cushion, handsome as a splendid moon, and His left elbow resting on a soft cushion, the supremely opulent and eternally youthful Lord of Vaikuntha...
66 ...who with His sweetly handsome limbs' glory, which eclipsed the glory of new clouds, decorated His ornaments of jewels and gold, His garments and His scented ointments...
67 ...whose splendid and broad four arms were decorated with bracelets and armlets, who wore two yellow silk garments, the circle of whose cheeks had beautiful earrings...
68 ...whose broad chest was decorated with the Kaustubha jewel, whose conchshell neck held a strand of pearls, the moon of whose face held the nectar of a charming smile, the lotus of whose eyes glittered with wonderful glances...
69 ...whose eyebrows danced with great mercy, to whom the goddess of fortune, appropriately staying at His left side, respectfully offered prayers, who took and chewed sublime betelnuts...
70 ...whose glorious laughter was illumined by a row of white jasmine-flower teeth breaking through the glory of the red bimba fruits of His lips, the waves of whose joking words charmed His devotees' hearts...
71 ...whom Goddess Dharani, holding a leaf in her hand, and splashing Him with waves of sidelong glances, worshipped again and again, whom the Sudarsana-cakra and other handsome weapons, bearing auspicious markings on their heads, served...
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Goddess Dharani held a leaf to collect betelnuts after the Lord had chewed them. The Lord's club, conch, sword, and bow were among the weapons worshipping Him.
72 ...whom many servants glorious as the Lord and their hands splendid with camara wisks, fans, slippers and other beautiful paraphernalia, respectfully surrounded and served...
73 ...whom Sesa, Garuda, Visvaksena, and many other important associates, their folded palms placed on reverentially bowed heads, worshipped with wonderful words...
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.21.16-17.
74 ...whom Sri Narada worshipped with graceful artistry of wonderful singing, dancing, and vina music, who joked and laughed with His beloved Laksmi and Dharani...
75 ...and who, to fill with bliss the devotees whose hearts were fixed on Him alone, placed on them His splendid and wonderful lotus feet.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.8.26.
76 Filled with bliss by seeing Him and forgetting the instructions of the Lord's associates, I called out "O Gopala! O my life!" Shedding tears, I ran to embrace Him.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord's associates had instructed him to offer prayers.
77 Held by some wise associates and standing behind the Lord, I piteously begged with many plaintive words, and then, overcome with love, I fainted unconscious in the Lord's presence.
78 They quickly picked me up and I regained consciousness. Tears blocked my eyes. Carefully wiping the tears with my hands, I opened my eyes.
79 Then I heard the most merciful and affectionate Lord, in a deep soft voice, say some words beginning with: "Be calm. Come, child, at once."
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that some of the other words the Lord spoke were: "Give up this awe and reverence. Come and talk with Me."
80 Then I attained the ultimate happiness. Again and again I danced as a man possessed. the Lord's associates carefully made me calm down.
81 Then, the Lord said: Welcome! Welcome! Child, it is so fortunate, so fortunate, that you are here with Me. For so long I have longed to see you.
82 Dear friend, somehow you passed many births without coming to see Me.
83 Hoping that in this, in this, in this, in this birth you would turn to Me, I danced as a fool.
84 Brother, I could not find a pretext to bring you to My abode and still protect the ancient rules of religion.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that had Gopa-kumara chanted the holy name, even as Ajamila and others had done, the Lord could have brought him to His abode.
85-6 Seeing that you had not attained My mercy, I became overcome with mercy for you. Ignoring the rules of karma, I gave you a birth on Govardhana Hill, My favourite place, and then, O dear friend, I became your guru, who was named Jayanta.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.7.42.
87 Today you have suddenly fulfilled my long-cherished desire. Please stay here always and make Me happy.
88 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Intoxicated by drinking the sweet nectar of the Lord's words, I did not have the power to recite any prayers, to understand anything, or to do anything.
89 In the Lord's presence came some cowherd boys like myself, who were playing flutes. Very affectionate, they took me in their midst and encouraged me to play the flute.
90 In many ways playing on my favourite flute from Govardhana Hill, I pleased Lord Madhava, who is an ocean of artistic skill and a treasure-house of mercy, and who was surrounded by His associates.
91 At a certain time they all left. By the goddess of fortune's order they took me outside, although I was not willing to go.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this was the time for the Lord to take His meal.
92 Great opulences surrounded me, but I shunned them. I stayed as a cowherd boy, as I had been before.
93 The opulences there have forms of eternity, knowledge and bliss. They are independent and are manifest as they like.
94 Whether opulences are manifested or not, humbleness is present as a natural feature in Vaikuntha.
95 By the great strength of my previous activities, I considered humble worship of the Lord eternal happiness.
96 Then in my heart I decided that, by the Lord's mercy, I had attained the highest fruit of all I had done in all my births.
97 What rare happiness! What a glorious place! What a wonderful Lord! What wonderful mercy!
98 By the Lord's mercy I fanned Him with a camara wisk and performed other personal services. When I played the flute His glance brought me eternal bliss.
99 By the strength of my previous actions sometimes I would call out, "O Krsna! O Gopala!" again and again.
100 With many prayers I would always sing the great glories of the Lord's pastimes in Gokula.
101 Smiling and laughing, the residents of Vaikuntha took me outside and, their hearts melting with love, again and again spoke to me many words of instruction.
102 The residents of Vaikuntha said: Don't address the Lord of Lord's in that way. Don't praise Him in that way. With elegant verses you should praise His real, limitless greatness.
103 To kill the demons and protect the others, the Lord cheated Kamsa and disguised Himself as a cowherd boy.
104 The devotees do not take these disguises of the Lord very seriously. In the beginning of devotional service it may be right, but we do not glorify the Lord in that way.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.7.53.
105 Then some of them said: The Lord, whose pastimes are difficult to understand, has pastimes like that. There is no fault in glorifying Him in that way.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that pastimes discussed here are pastimes like the Lord's protecting the cows. These pastimes are not like His creation of the material universes. They have no contact with the illusory potency maya. Someone here may protest: "When the Lord protects the cows sometimes He is stung by brambles as He wanders in the forest. What kind of happy pastime is that?" This objection is answered here by the word "durbodha-caritasya". Because the Lord is the supreme controller, it is not possible to understand His activities perfectly.
106-7 Then some great souls,, rebuked them all and said: Ah! Why do you speak as fools? Out of love for His devotees, Lord Krsna will do anything. Glorifying His deeds is a great virtue. It pleases the Lord.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord Himself says:
"To enjoy pastimes with My devotees I act in many ways."
108 These words made me first embarrassed and then pleased. Still my heart was not perfectly satisfied.
109 Because I could not see my worshipable Lord Gopala's lotus feet, form, pastimes and everything else, I became like a poor wretch.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the "everything else" here refers to the Lord's associates, paraphernalia, mercy and other features.
110 Then I saw the Lord of Vaikuntha, who is the crest-jewel of the all-knowing, become Krsna, the joy of Nanda. I saw Laksmi and Dhara become Radhika and Candravali and the Lord's associates become the boys of Vraja.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this was not a vision in meditation. Gopa-kumara actually saw this.
111 When I could no longer see the Lord enjoying pastimes in the land of Vraja with His associates, my heart became unhappy.
112 Sometimes I would see Him enjoying pastimes with the cows in the gardens there. But then again I would see Him as before, as a master sitting on His throne.
113 Still, because I was aware that He is the Supreme Lord, because I could remember coming to Vaikuntha, and because of the presence of a great awe and reverence that killed spontaneous love, my heart was not satisfied.
114 In meditation, by Lord Gopaladeva's mercy, I would embrace Him, kiss Him, and enjoy pastimes with Him in many ways. Now that the Lord was present before my eyes, I was unhappy, for although I desired these things, I could not attain them.
115 Sometimes the Lord would go to a secluded place with His intimate associates. Then everyone else would lament for not seeing the Lord.
116 I asked what the Lord was doing. Concealing what they knew, as if it were a great secret, no one told me clearly.
117 At that moment the Lord of the universes appeared and was visible again. Then that lamentation died and an ocean of joy overflowed.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.11.37.
118 The glory of that place killed whatever suffering stayed in my heart as the sun kills the darkness.
119 Whenever my heart became unhappy, as it had been many times before when it could not attain its desire, I considered what was the cause of this malady, and the perfection of Vaikuntha cured it at once.
120 (I said to my mind:) Nothing is better than residence in Vaikuntha. Don't doubt. For what more could you ask?
121 O fickle mind, leave your restless nature far behind. No result is better than this. Think about the hundreds of reasons for this and become peaceful.
122 As I was explaining this (to my mind) I saw that I was made of eternity, knowledge and bliss and that I eternally experienced wonderful, intense, transcendental bliss by worshipping the Lord in Vaikunthaloka.
123 In this way sometimes happy and sometimes distressed, I lived in Vaikuntha. One day Narada saw me in a secluded place.
124 He, who is the crest-jewel of the merciful,, who is the friend of the vina, who is very dear to the Lord, and who is an ocean of the nectar of devotion to Him, touched my head with his hand and blessed me, saying:
125 Lord Narada said: O son of a gopa, O object of the Lord of Vaikuntha's mercy, I can see by the withering of your face and other symptoms that you are as unhappy as a very wretched person.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the other symptoms include a vacant expression in his eyes and sighing in his breath.
126 What is the reason for your unhappiness? Please tell. I am very eager to know it. I have not seen anyone like that here.
127 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Then to Narada, who was exalted, who was the best of friends, and who was like my own guru, I told all that was in my heart.
128 After hearing everything, he sighed, moved his eyes everywhere, pulled me to his side, and spoke very slowly and with great compassion.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Narada moved his eyes everywhere, that is to say He looked in every direction, because he was about to reveal a great secret.
129 Sri Narada said: That no place is better than Vaikuntha, the opinion you hold for many reasons is the truth. It is not otherwise.
130 You wish to see the pastimes of your worshipable Lord directly, pastimes you have seen only in meditation.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the worshipable Lord here is Lord Madana-Gopala.
131 His pastimes bring great bliss. They charm the heart and are filled with the greatest love. They are the greatest secret. They are attained only by the great love of Vraja's people. They are not easy for those like me to attain.
132 His pastimes are splendidly manifest in a certain realm that attracts its own devotees and is situated somewhere above everything. By devotedly worshipping the Lord of the universes you have come to Vaikuntha. How can you see these pastimes here?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the words "above everything" means "above all material and spiritual worlds."
133 How can these very confidential pastimes be manifest here in Vaikuntha, which manifests the Lord's supreme opulence?
134 Give up all lamentation and see that the Lord of Vaikuntha is the same as your worshipable Deity (Madana-Gopala). Don't think of Them as two different persons.
135 Then even here you will attain limitless, transcendental, eternally increasing bliss that fills your heart.
136 Sri Gopa-kumara said: With limitless yearning I wished to hear with my ears whatever of these truths could come in the range of my understanding.
137-8 Overcome with awe and shyness, I could not ask him about them. Then he, the best of the all-knowing and the best of the Lord's devotees, understanding all that was in my heart,, to please both my ears and his tongue, briefly revealed everything.
139 Sri Narada said: Don't think that the animals, birds, trees, vines, shrubs, grass and other things you have seen here are made of the darkness of matter.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the cows, horses, elephants, and other animals, and the paravatas, kokilas and other birds and the mandaras, kundas and other trees, vines, and other things in Vaikunthaloka are not material.
140 They are Lord Krsna's personal associates and their forms are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. To enjoy the bliss of serving the Lord in many wonderful ways, they assume these forms.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that in the Third Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Lord Brahma explains that the birds, bees, trees, vines and other beings in Vaikuntha are not material.
141-4 According to the specific form and nature of the Supreme Lord that they worship, meditate on as their beloved, the devotees attain a form like the Lord's. In this way they manifest many different forms and opulences. They have forms like the Lord's incarnations, as humans, sages, demigods, and philosophers, and as the Lord's incarnations as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Nrsimha, Vamana, Shiva, Brahma, Indra, Sesa, Surya, Vayu, Vahni, and many other forms. They also attain four-handed forms, and still other forms, with the specific garments and features of the Lord.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the devotees' attaining a form like the Lord's is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.9.11. The Lord's human forms include Lord Ramacandra, His sage forms include Lord Kapila, His demigod forms includes Lord Satyasena, and His philosopher forms include Lord Parasurama.
145-6 The form and features of the Lord one worshipped in worshipping Lord Krsna's lotus feet one attains when he enters Vaikuntha at the end. All those features of the Lord become dear to him. These nectar mellows of the Lord please him.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the forms and features of the Lord are the Lord's incarnations, such as Lord Ramacandra and Lord Kapila. By worshipping Them in the material world one is able to see Them in Vaikuntha. The words "at the end" here mean "at the end of one's stay in the cycle of repeated birth and death". The word "rasena" means "by engaging in the different kinds of devotional service, which begin with glorifying the Lord."
147 In Vaikuntha everyone sees the Supreme Lord, Narayana, who manifests various forms appropriate to each person.
148 Worshipping the Lord as they had before, the devotees always attain the newer and newer limitless bliss of devotional service here in Vaikuntha.
149-50 These supremely faithful great souls see, now surrounded by all extraordinary associates, whose handsomeness pleases the heart and mind, the same Lord they had worshipped before, and as before they desire to serve Him eternally.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that each form of the Lord is surrounded by His own specific associates. In this way, for example, Lord Ramacandra is surrounded by His own associates headed by Sita-devi and Laksmana.
151 Worshipping their own Lords in (Ayodhya) City and other places, the devotees become happy.
152 The devotees' faith and love is not placed in one form alone. The Lord has many forms and each form is served by certain devotees.
153 All who devotedly chant the eight-syllable mantra and other mantras glorifying the goddess of fortune's husband attain Vaikuntha at the body's end.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described by Parasara Muni in the Vishnu Purana:
They who attain the sun, the moon, and the other celestial planets again return to the lower worlds, but they who meditate on the twelve-syllable mantra never return.
154 They attain as much happiness as they could wish, a happiness greater than they had known before. Because they taste different kinds of the nectar of devotional service, they are different, being more or less advanced in devotional service.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the word "rasa" here means the different kinds of devotional service, which begin with hearing and chanting the glories of the Lord.
155-7 The Lord happily appears as Nara and Narayana Rsis, Dattatreya, Parasurama, Kapila, and other incarnations, all of them jewels decorating the earth. In Svargaloka and other celestial worlds He appears as Vishnu the Lord of sacrifices, and other incarnations you have personally seen. He also appears as Matsya, Kurma, Maha-Varaha, Sriman Nrsimha, Vamana and many other incarnations, all bearing different names, all with forms of eternity, knowledge and bliss, and all simultaneously different and eternally one.
158 That these incarnations of the Lord are different persons is an illusion. They are not different persons as the individual spirit souls are different persons. The Lord's potency shows His incarnations to be different persons so He can enjoy different transcendental pastimes. The devotees are different persons because that is their actual nature.
159 The variety of the Lord's forms is not like the sun's reflections on the water. The Lord's forms are like the sun shining as one in the sky but seen as many by people in different places
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that a person in one place sees the sun as shining near a certain tree and another person in a different place far away sees the same sun as shining near a different tree. In this way the two persons see the same to be present in two different places. They see two different suns although one sun shines in the sky. This example shows how the one Supreme Lord is seen as having different forms and characteristics.
160 As transcendental knowledge and the bliss it brings are simultaneously the same and different, so the Supreme Lord and His many incarnations are simultaneously the same and different. That is clearly so.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the spiritual nature of the Lord's incarnations is described in the Varaha Purana:
"The lord's form is not material. It is not made of flesh, fat and bones. Because He is neither a yogi nor a demigod, the infallible Supreme Lord has an eternal spiritual form."
The Maha-varaha Purana explains:
"The transcendental forms of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are eternal and imperishable. They were not created at a certain point, and they are never to be destroyed. They are not products of the material energy.
"All the forms of the Supreme Personality of Godhead are completely filled with transcendental bliss, knowledge and all auspicious qualities. These spiritual forms of the Lord are free from all material defects."
"They do not lack anything. Nothing is greater than they. They have all transcendental virtues. For the Supreme Personality of Godhead there is no difference between Himself and His form."
161-2 As in a dream one may go to different places, so Lord Krsna, His associates, and His abode are seen as many although they are also one. The variety and the oneness are both true. When one form of Lord Krsna is pleased, then all His forms become pleased.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that by worshipping one form of Lord Krsna all His forms are also worshipped.
163 Sri Krsna is the only Lord of Vaikuntha. To please His devotees He manifests different forms in different places.
164 Brahma saw this when he stole Lord Krsna's boys and calves in Vrndavana, and I myself saw it when I wandered through the palaces in Dvaraka.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these pastimes are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.13.54, 10.14.18, 10.69.2-3, and 10.69.41.
165 The Supreme Lord's potency is wonderful and inconceivable. Still, it is not a secret to His pure devotees.
166 The one Supreme Lord ate simultaneously the many meals His thousands of queens offered simultaneously. Each queen saw her husband and thought: "He has taken His meal from me first. Now He eats."
167 Sometimes, because of the entrance of the Lord's potencies in certain individual spirit souls, empowered incarnations appear. The wise think these incarnations to be like the Lord Himself.
168 As Lord Krsna (expands in many incarnations) so does Goddess Maha-Laksmi, His eternal beloved, whose form is filled with eternity, knowledge and bliss.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Vishnu Purana:
"O best of the brahmanas, Lord Vishnu's transcendental potency, Srimati Laksmi-devi, is His constant faithful companion. She is eternal and she is the mother of the entire material universe. She is all-pervading, just as Lord Vishnu is."
"Laksmi-devi appears in different forms corresponding to the forms of Lord Vishnu. When the Lord appears as a demigod, she assumes a demigod-like form, and when He appears in a human-like form, she assumes a human-like form."
169 Devoted to Him, she always stays on the Lord's chest. As Lord Krsna manifests His different incarnations, she manifests her incarnations as His devoted consorts.
170 She is like a great mystic perfection among the other goddesses of fortune. She is the queen of all opulences. As the giver of material opulences, she is neglected by the devotees, the liberated and they who aspire for liberation.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that because the sense pleasures that come from material opulences obstruct the path of liberation and spiritual advancement, the transcendentalists neglect this feature of the goddess of fortune.
171 Everywhere it is said that she, being very fickle, arranges that the newest devotees become most dear to the Lord.
172 Dharani-devi and others are also dear to the Lord. The Lord's potency is also dear to Him.
173 Sometimes she is called Maha-vibhuti, sometimes Yoga, and sometimes Yogamaya.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that some of the names of Goddess Yogamaya are given in the Maha-samhita:
"The goddess that fulfils the Lord's desires, is known as Sri, Bhu, Durga, Jivamaya, Atmamaya, Gunamaya, and Jadatmika."
The Skanda Purana explains:
"O limitless Lord, the potency that fulfils Your desire is called Mayamaya, Avidya, Niyati, Mohini, Prakrti, and Vasana."
174-5 She arranges for the Lord's pastimes, which are filled with eternity, knowledge and bliss. She is eternal, transcendental, beginningless, endless, and indescribable. She is the mother of the wonder that is the bliss of service to the Lord. By her the Lord is revealed in many ways.
176 By Goddess Laksmi the wonderful variety of the Lord's devotees, of the many kinds of devotional service, of the Lord's spiritual realms, and of the Lord's pastimes are eternally manifest.
177 She and her actions can be understood only by the pure devotees. She cannot be understood by they whose minds are filled with the mistakes of dry speculation.
178 The Lord's potencies are called superior and inferior. She is His superior potency. She is His internal potency. She is famous by the name Prakrti.
179 Her expansions are manifested in many ways according to their different duties. The illusory potency Maya, which consists of the modes of nature, is her shadow.
180 Maya is the mother of the illusory world of the five material elements. She is filled with the darkness of illusion. She is indescribable, temporary and transcendental. She is the cause of the individual souls' stay in the world of birth and death.
181 She is the controller of the eighth covering (of the universe). She has a form. Because she does not change form to do her duties, she is called Prakrti.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the words "vikrti" (transformation) and "prakrti" (nature, or the original state that is not transformed) are opposites. Because she does not change her form, Maya is called Prakrti.
182 By transcending her one attains liberation and devotional service. She has created this material universe, which is like a mirage.
183 By her potency are seen the long-lasting and real magical creations Kardama Muni and others showed by austerity, yoga, and other practices.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami gives Saubhari Muni as an example of another yogi that had these magical powers.
184 However, whatever is created by the potency of Lord Krsna, who gives the results of all pious deeds and whose lotus feet are worshipped by the greatest yogis, is both real and eternal.
185 In this way the incarnations are not different from Sri Krsna, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the origin of the incarnations. They are real and eternal as He.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.3.28 proves that Sri Krsna is the origin of all incarnations.
186 Krsna, whose form contains all incarnations, is glorious with many opulences, which are greater than all others and which described by the word "bhaga".
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Lord Krsna limitless and extraordinary opulences are described in this verse, which uses the word "bhaga".
The Supreme Personality of Godhead has six opulences: all wealth, strength, fame, beauty, knowledge and renunciation."
187 Even if He is considered an incarnation, His many sweet and charming glories, which can be understood only by they whose hearts melt with love and devotion for Him, make Lord Krsna better than Narayana.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that someone may protest: "Lord Narayana is the source of all incarnations. How can Krsna be more glorious than He?" This verse answers that protest.
188 The servants of His many incarnations attain great happiness by serving the Lords dear to their hearts.
189 The Lord gives them results according to their worship. They are never displeased with what they attain.
190 Who can understand the pastimes where the Lord, who enjoys many wonderful pastimes and whose thoughts are deeper than millions of oceans, enjoys (with His devotees) is a wonderful exchange of nectar of love?
191 Engaging in activities free from rivalry and other faults, and each according to his own nature, whether higher or lower, the devotees attain, as much as they desire, the highest happiness of devotional service. This proves the greatness of the Lord's mercy.
192 (The Lord's associates in Vaikuntha), whose forms are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss, do not think the slight happiness of they who live in the world of repeated birth and death, or the slight happiness of the (impersonalist) sannyasis to be great happiness.
193 As there are many gradations of service, so there is a wonderful variety of gradations of happiness according to the different mellows.
194 Some of the residents of Vaikuntha have been the Lord's associates eternally, and others have come to that position by the Lord's mercy.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Sesa and Garuda are examples of persons who have been the Lord's associates eternally, and Jaya, Vijaya, Bharata and Priyavrata are examples of persons who became the Lord's associates by His mercy.
195 Although the bliss of serving the Lord is the same in all circumstances, some think it different to perform open or confidential service, or to be far from the Lord or standing by His side, or in some other place.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the phrase "some other place" here means to join the Lord in His pastimes in the material world, and sometimes to have and sometimes not to have His association.
196 Although, because they are both eternal, they are like the Lord, their natural relationship with Him, where He is the served and they are His servants is both real and eternal.
197-8 Although, because they are eternal and full of knowledge and bliss, they are like the Lord, awareness of the sweetness of the bliss of serving Him impels them to become eternally servants of Sri Krsna' lotus feet, which are an ocean of many kinds of inconceivable sweetnesses.
199 Even if He were not the origin of all incarnations, and even if He were the same as all incarnations, who are eternal and full of bliss and knowledge, Sri Krsna would still be distinguished by His very sweet glories.
200 Some say that Sri Krsna, whose form is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss is the Supreme Brahman and all others are His spiritual, liberated associates.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the "all others" here are the devotees headed by Sesa and Garuda. The word "liberated' here means "they who have attained Vaikuntha."
201 To enjoy the bliss of devotional service, aided by the Lord's transcendental pastime potency they assume forms suitable for the Lord's pastimes.
202 Sri Gopa-kumara said: I asked him: O lord, are the Lord's Deity forms on the earth all eternal and full of knowledge and bliss as is the form of Lord Jagannatha, the master of Nilacala?
203 Although the Lord, whose form is filled with eternity, knowledge and bliss, is one, in His pastimes He appears in many places in many different forms.
204 By renouncing everything and worshipping the Deity what mistake is done? When the Deity is worshipped one becomes aware of a great gain.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the "everything" here is material piety, fruitive work, yoga, and other things like them.
205 Why, then, do we hear from the Puranas so many statements contradicting this? These statements cannot be rejected as evidence, for they have come from the mouths of great souls.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami gives Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.2.47, 3.29.22, and 3.29.24 as examples of scriptural statements that minimise the importance of Deity worship.
206 Hearing this, he who is the guru of the path of Deity worship stood up, embraced me with great bliss, and replied.
207-9 Sri Narada said: I have already explained that the Deity forms of the Lord are the same as the Lord Himself. Deity worship is very glorious. They who, aware that the Deity is the Lord Himself, worship the Deity, even though they neglect other duties, and even though their worship is not sincere, do not fall down. They have no faults. Their merits are very great, their devotional service is thought to be the greatest. They attain a very great result.
210 By seeing the Deity, by worshipping Tulasi, or by once chanting or hearing even the reflection of the holy name, one may attain perfection.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the worship of Tulasi begins with watering her and bowing down to offer respects to her.
211 How can there be any fault with worship of the Lord's Deity form, whose form reminds one of the Lord, who is properly installed with mantras, and who is the object of all activities of devotional service?
212 They who worship the Deity of Lord Krsna never offend the devotees of Lord Krsna. If somehow they do offend them, the devotees do not take offense, but rather praise their attachment to the Lord.
213-4 They who, seeing the Deity as different from the Lord Himself and thinking the Deity as made of stone or some other material, worship the Deity of Lord Hari, do not respect the Lord's devotees. Disrespectful to all, and proud of their worship, they rebel against the Lord's commandments in the Vedas.
215 They are the least of all the devotees. Their intelligence is slow. They do not find the fruits of their worship.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that they are described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.2.47 and 9.7.11.
216-7 Although the transcendental fruit of their Deity-worship is greater than the fruits of all ordinary pious deeds, they do not attain the real fruit that comes from service to the Lord. For this reason the saintly devotees criticise their method of worship in different ways and in different places.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the real fruits of devotional service are love for Lord Krsna's lotus feet, attainment of Lord Krsna's planet, seeing the Lord, and enjoying pastimes with Him.
218 Although all the statements of the Puranas and other scriptures (condemn them), don't think everyone who worships the Lord's Deity-form is like them.
219-20 If they do not abandon their worship, then by the mercy of the Lord's devotees, who see the good in others, all the faults in their hearts, now purified by their faith, are destroyed and in time they become the greatest devotees.
221 After enjoying what they desired, materialistic devotees, by the power of their devotional service, in time attain the real fruit of their service.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that material sense gratification is insignificant in comparison to the result obtained by devotional service.
222 Because in this way one does not immediately attain the fruit of devotional service, the pure devotees criticise the first result of the materialistic devotees' efforts.
223 They who are devoted to the Lord's lotus feet think the real fruit of devotional service is the bliss of always seeing, enjoying pastimes with, and serving in many ways the Supreme Lord.
224 They cannot bear even a moment's delay. The Lord also cannot bear to leave them for even a moment.
225 The fruits of all other desires are very insignificant in comparison. Liberation is easily attained, but devotional service is not.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that this is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.6.18.
226 By the mercy of devotional service the Lord is controlled by His devotees. Because it destroys His independence, the Lord does not bestow devotional service.
227 I think that being under the control of His dear devotees is not a fault for the Lord. Neither does it make Him unhappy. It brings Him happiness. It increases His glories, which begin with His love for His devotees.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that in the previous verses Narada Muni has been relating the opinions of others. In this verse he gives his own opinion.
228 Eclipsing His independent bliss and other glories, the supreme hero Lord Krsna's being under the control of His dear devotees is the greatest of His divine glories.
229 From the perfection of loving devotion comes great ecstatic love. Gazing at the truth, that love eternally dances in the kingdom of great bliss.
230 Although externally this ecstatic love may show signs of great suffering (this suffering is not real, for the Lord) would never allow His dearest devotees to suffer in that way.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these devotees experience great bliss, a bliss that eclipses the happiness of Brahman.
231 With external eyes seeing this bewildering condition of great love, the people in general have no desire to engage in devotional service. They laugh at the devotees. The Lord does not give loving devotion to them.
232 Loving devotion is very difficult to attain and the pleasures of Svargaloka and other celestial planets are very easy to attain. Common people cannot attain a cintamani jewel, although they may attain a glass, or sometimes a golden trinket.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that in this example the cintamani jewel is loving devotion, the glass trinket is the pleasures of Svargaloka and the golden trinket is impersonal liberation.
233 Sometimes, to a wise and extraordinary person who wishes it alone, the Lord gives devotional service.
234 We are not able, nor is it proper for us, to describe the nature of this ecstatic love, in the same as it is not proper for the scriptures that describe the activities of the Lord's service to describe it to fools.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the nature of ecstatic love is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.2.40.
235 They who serve the mellows of devotional service understand the sweetness and glory of that ecstatic love. By the Lord's mercy you, staying there, will also quickly understand it.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the phrase "staying there" means "staying in the land of Gokula."
236 Sri Gopa-kumara said: These words greatly increased my yearning to see the lotus feet of Sri Gopala, the Lord I worshipped.
237 Not noticing that at that moment I, filled with a desire to attain that love, was thrown into an ocean of lamentation, he, comforting me, said:
238 Sri Narada said: Although this great secret should not be told in this place, made talkative by your anxiety, I will speak.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that "in this place" means "here in Vaikunthaloka."
239 Not far from here, Lord Ramacandra's city of Ayodhya is splendidly manifest. Far from that, the city of Dvaraka, which is like the beautiful land and charming city of Mathura and is very dear to Lord Krsna, the Lord of the Yadus, is splendidly manifest. Go there, and with a glance worship your beloved Lord.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Hari-vamsa affirms that Dvaraka is like Mathura.
240 First hear the way to go to Ayodhya, a way approved by they who taste the nectar of service to Sri Ramacandra's lotus feet.
214-2 Although by directly worshipping Lord Krsna, the origin of the incarnations, everything is obtained, I will now describe how to attain the nectar of the lotus feet of Lord Rama, the hero of the Raghu dynasty.
243 As you meditate on His form, virtues and opulences, which are all described in the Vedas, glorify Him, beginning with the words: "O husband of Sita, O glorious Lord of the Raghus, O elder brother of Laksmana, O Lord, O dear master of Sri Hanuman!"
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that some other names used to glorify Lord Rama are: "O delight of Kausalya! O son of Dasaratha! O elder brother of Bharata! O friend of Sugriva!" Lord Rama's virtues begin with His shyness and humbleness, and His form, holding a bow in the hands of His strong arms, is very handsome.
244 In this way the great devotees attain their worshipable Lord. Even the slightest scent of the Lord brings great happiness to they who have placed their faith in Him alone.
245 If when you see Lord Rama's lotus feet your desire to see the Lord remains unsatisfied, Lord Rama Himself, His heart melting with compassion, will happily send you to Dvaraka.
246 Glorifying your Lord, as the scriptures prescribe, you will go there and see Your beloved Lord, handsome Sri Krsnacandra, whom you long desired to see, surrounded by the Yadus.
247 Kosala, Dvaraka and many other places are provinces of the kingdom of Vaikuntha. Go now, and do not wait for the Lord's order.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Kosala is another name of Ayodhya.
248 By the order of He who knows what happens in everyone's heart, I have come here. Know that His order has come through my mouth.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord told Narada: "O Narada, go to Gopa-kumara, and in a secluded place, fulfil his desire."
249 To show mercy to a great devotee, the Lord has gone somewhere. You will not be able to tolerate any delay. This is the right time for you to go.
250 Sri Gopa-kumara said: Hearing this, I became very happy. Again and Again I bowed down before Sri Narada. I took His blessing and meditated on his instructions.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that these are the instructions of .fn1 Text 243.
251 Then I left. From far away I saw many restless monkeys jumping here and there and calling out: "Rama! Rama!"
252 As they tugged at my flute, I went with them. Then I saw human beings more handsome than the Lord's associates in Vaikuntha.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the residents of Vaikuntha had four-armed forms like that of Lord Narayana. These humans had forms like that of Lord Rama.
253 Very saintly and well-behaved, they would not allow me to bow down and worship them. Led by them, I came to the city's outer courtyard.
254 Seeing glorious Bharata comfortably sitting with Satrughna, many charming human beings, and monkeys headed by Sugriva, Angada and Jambavan, and thinking Bharata was Lord Ramacandra Himself, I began to glorify Him with many prayers. He at once covered His ears, and saying again and again that he is only a servant, forbade me to continue.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that Gopa-kumara said: "O king of kings, O Lord of the Raghu dynasty, O beloved of Sita, glories to You!" That Gopa-kumara mistook Bharata for Lord Rama proves that Bharata is like Rama, Bharata's wife is like Sita-devi, and Satrughna is like Laksmana.
255 Frightened, I stood with folded hands. Hanuman then suddenly dragged me inside and there I saw the supremely wonderful, humanlike Lord Rama...
256 ...who comfortably sat on a royal throne in the charming palace, who was joyful, who had the features of an exalted personality, who was like Lord Narayana...
257 ...who was enchanting with many charming sweetnesses, whose hand was glorious with a bow, whose humble, shy glances were delightful, who enjoyed pastimes of being the king of kings, and who was explaining the principles of religion.
258 Overcome by the bliss of seeing Him, I fainted before Him as if I had bowed down as a stick to offer respects. Then He who is desired by the best of religious duties mercifully picked me up and I gazed on Him.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the Lord is attained by devotional service, the best of religious duties.
259 Pulled by his service, Hanuman left me and in one jump came before Lord Rama. Beautiful beloved Sita was glorious at the Lord's left and His younger brother Laksmana was glorious at His other side.
260 Sometimes Hanuman fanned the Lord with a splendid white camara, sometimes he sang of His virtues, and sometimes, standing before Him with folded hands, recited wonderful prayers in verses of his own composing.
261 One moment he holds a white parasol. Another moment he massages the Lord's lotus feet. Another moment he easily does many different services simultaneously.
262 Overcome with bliss, I called out: "Glory! Glory!" and bowed down again and again. His heart melting, the Lord pleased me with the very wonderful nectar of sweet words.
263 The Supreme Lord said: O gopa's son, O dear friend, well done! Well done! With your love you have conquered Me. Please stop. What is the need of all this trouble you take? What is the need? Don't make Me, your eternal friend, suffer like this.
264 Rise! Rise Auspiciousness to you! Give up this awe and veneration! Friend, eternally I am conquered by your love.
265 By the Lord's order, Hanuman picked me up and placed me at the Lord's lotus feet.
266 In my heart I thought: Now my long yearning has borne fruit. Now I have a result more than I can desire. How can I go to some other place now?
267 In the form and garments of a cowherd boy as before, for how long a time did I stay there, overcome with bliss?
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the meaning of this rhetorical question is that he stayed in Ayodhya only very briefly, although while he was there he was overcome with bliss by drinking the nectar of Lord Ramacandra's lotus feet.
268 There I saw Lord Rama's pastimes as a saintly king.
269 Still, I did not see anything like the playful sweetness of my worshipable Lord's pastimes and I did not attain mercy like His mercy.
Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains that the worshipable Lord here is Lord Madana-Gopala. Example of His pastimes are His playing the flute and charming the gopis.
270-1 I was unhappy there. By hearing from Sri Hanuman the glories of Lord Ramacandra's lotus feet and by directly gazing at the Lord, I tried to cast off the pain in my heart. I tried to see that all the features of my worshipable Lord were also present in Lord Rama.
272 By the power of my previous activities in Vrajabhumi, a yearning for my Lord's pastimes and mercy invaded my heart.
273 Then, seeing my condition, Sri Hanuman, the best of counsellors, tried to console me with many very wonderful arguments.
274 Then Lord Rama, who knows what is in the hearts of all the world, His own heart soft with great mercy, comforted me with sweet and affectionate words. He told me to go to Dvaraka and He at once sent me there with Jambavan, the king of the Ballukas.