Harivamsha

by Bibek Debroy

  ‘To destroy the ones who hated the gods, Brahma urged the gods—the ancient rishi Nara, the serpent Shesha who holds up the earth, Sanatkumara, the Sadhyas, Agni, foremost among the gods, Varuna, Yama, the sun god, the moon god, the gandharvas, the apsaras, the Rudras, the Adityas and the Ashvins. The portions of all these gods should be incarnated on earth. This is what I have spoken to you earlier about,609 the incarnations of these portions. On earth, some gods were born through wombs, others without wombs. To slay daityas and danavas, these lords among men were born. Some were as dense as kshirika trees.610 Some could withstand vajras. Some possessed the strength of ten thousand elephants. Some were inferior in strength. They wielded clubs, maces and spears. Their arms were like bludgeons. Some struck with summits of mountains, others fought with clubs. There were hundreds and thousands who were born in the Vrishni lineage. Gods were born as kings in the Kuru and Panchala lineages. Some were prosperous officiating priests, born in the families of brahmanas. There were great archers who were skilled in the use of all weapons. There were those who were devoted to the vows of the Vedas. When angry, they were capable of shattering the earth, making mountains move, rising up into the sky and agitating the great ocean. Brahma, the lord of the past, the present and the future, instructed them in this way, when they assembled before Narayana to ensure peace in the world. Listen again to the account of Vishnu’s descent on earth. The lord, the lord of the richness of life, did this for the welfare of the subjects. The intelligent Vasudeva was born in Yayati’s lineage. Born in that lineage, the lord Narayana performed deeds that were revered and brought fame.’

  Chapter 44

  Vaishampayana said, ‘Having been reassured about her well-being, the earth left. In the Bharata lineage, the gods then started to be incarnated in different portions. They were born in the portions of Dharma, Shakra, Pavana, the Ashvins, the physicians of the gods, and in Surya’s portion.611 The eighth of the Vasus, foremost among the gods, had already been born in his portion and had descended on earth. Death’s portion descended on earth and so did Kali’s portion. Soma’s portion, Agni’s portion and Varuna’s portion descended on earth. Shankara’s portion was incarnated and so were the portions of the Vishvadevas, residents of heaven. The portions of the gandharvas, serpents and yakshas also descended there. Narada was stationed in the sky and was coming down, towards the earth. Stationed there, he saw them descend and also saw that Narayana’s portion was missing. He612 was like a blazing fire, with eyes that were like the rising sun. A very large spread of matted hair hung down his left side. He was attired in garments that were as white as the moon. His ornaments were made out of gold. He held a giant veena, which clung to him like a beloved friend. His upper garment was made out of black antelope skin. His sacred thread was golden. He held a staff and a water pot and looked like Shakra himself. He secretly causes dissension in the world and is like a planet that engenders conflict. The maharshi is learned and knows about the knowledge of the gandharvas.613 However, he is also attached to causing dissension. The brahmana finds pleasure in causing enmity. Indeed, he is like Kali in this. He is the one who chants the four Vedas. He is the foremost udgatri and officiating priest. Narada, the undecaying maharshi, roams around in Brahma’s world.

  ‘He stood in the assembly of the gods and angrily addressed Vishnu. “O Vishnu! The residents of heaven have incarnated themselves in their own portions. All of them have done this for the sake of the destruction of the kings. However, the destiny of the kshatriya kings is vested in you. It seems to me that, to accomplish this task, Nara and Narayana should also be engaged. O god! The sight of the truth is determined by you and you know that they have not been engaged. O god of the gods! For the sake of the gods, they should also be employed in such a task. You are sight for the ones who possess sight. O lord! It is your power that is praised. You are foremost among the yogis who are engaged in yoga. You are the supreme objective among all kinds of objectives. O lord! You are supreme among all. You have seen that the portions of the gods have left. To aid the earth, why has your own portion not been engaged? With you, those divine portions will have a protector. That is the reason I am urging you. To rescue the earth, they have left on different kinds of tasks. O Vishnu! I have swiftly come here, to this assembly of the gods. I desired to urge you. Listen to the reason why I wished to do this. There are daityas who were killed by you in the tarakamaya battle. O Vishnu! Hear about the ones who have left for earth because of that. There is a city named Mathura on earth. It is on the banks of the Yamuna. It is prosperous, with many habitations. There was a great danava named Madhu and he was indomitable in battle.614 He had a terrible forest named Madhuvana and he used to reside there. That extremely large spot is covered by gigantic trees. He had a great son and that danava’s name was Lavana. He resided there and terrified everyone because of his strength. That danava sported there for many years. He was insolent and dislodged large numbers of gods from the worlds. Rama, Dasharatha’s son, resided in Ayodhya, a place that was impossible to assail.615 The one who knew about dharma ruled his kingdom and caused fright to the rakshasas. The terrible danava was proud of his strength and dwelt in the forest. He despatched a messenger who spoke harsh words to Rama. ‘O Rama! I dwell inside your kingdom and I am your enemy. No king who is proud of his strength ever wishes to be a vassal. A king who desires the welfare of his subjects should devote himself to the vows of kings. He should desire to vanquish all his enemies and make the kingdom prosper. A king who desires to cause delight should not be content with wetting his hair at a consecration.616 When one conquers the various senses, this is when one obtains a firm victory. In particular, a king must always desire that everything is proceeding properly. To convey instructions, in this world, there is no one who is equal to a preceptor. If an intelligent person is immersed in unwarranted pleasures, he cannot be said to be in the midst of dharma. A king who is superior in strength does not entertain fear of a king who is near his frontiers. All the senses are naturally prone to flourish. If a king acts agreeably towards his enemies, he robs himself of his prosperity. Confused because of a woman, you killed Ravana and his soldiers. I do not think this was desirable. This wasn’t a great deed. It was a wicked one. Because of your vow, you resorted to residing in the forest. You killed inferior rakshasas there. This is not seen to be something recommended for the virtuous.617 Dharma results from lack of rage. This auspicious trait conveys one to a virtuous end. Because of your confusion, you tainted the forest and killed many of its residents. Though you seemingly followed vows, that Ravana is blessed. He was slain in a battle over a woman, like one who follows the dharma of carnal pleasures. That evil-minded one could not control his senses and was slain in a battle. However, if you are truly valorous in battle, fight with me now.’ Hearing the messenger’s words, the one who spoke the truth said the following. Raghava did not lose his patience. Nor was he frightened. He smiled and said, ‘O messenger! What you have said about a praiseworthy act is false. You have flung abuse at him. But I know the truth and am not disturbed. O stupid one! As long as I am established on the virtuous path, why should I now lament over Ravana being slain or about my wife being abducted? Righteous ones, based on the path of virtue, do not abuse through words. Destiny is always awake and distinguishes between the virtuous and the wicked. O messenger! You have accomplished your task of being an emissary. Now leave quickly. A person like me does not strike at inferior ones who indulge in self-praise. This is my younger brother, Shatrughna, the scorcher of enemies. He will counter the evil-minded daitya in a battle.’ Thus addressed, the messenger left with Sumitra’s son,618 after taking the permission of the great-souled Raghava, Indra among men. On a swift chariot, Sumitra’s son reached the great Madhuvana. Desiring to fight, he set up his camp on the outskirts of the forest. Hearing the messenger’s words, the daitya became senseless with rage. He entered the forest and stationed himself, ready to fight. A terrible encounter ensued between Sumitra’s son and the danava. Both of them were br
ave and persevering in the field of battle. They struck each other with sharp and excellent arrows. Neither of them was exhausted from the battle. Nor did they retreat. Eventually, in the encounter, the danava was afflicted by the arrows of Sumitra’s son. The danava did not possess his trident and suffered on that account. Shatrughna, the scorcher of enemies, picked up a sword that had a golden handle and used that to sever Lavana’s head in the great battle. In the encounter, the danava was thus killed by Sumitra’s son, the one who delighted his friends. Using his weapon, the intelligent one also cut down the daitya’s forest. Having cut down the forest, Sumitra’s son created a habitation there. The one who knew about supreme dharma constructed a city at that spot. That city of Mathura is in the region that was known as Madhuvana. In earlier times, after having killed the danava in the battle, Shatrughna constructed it. The city is extremely large and has mansions, walls and gates. It is full of rich houses and is surrounded by prosperous kingdoms. Boundaries have been laid down for well-planned gardens and groves. There are high walls and moats encircle it. The tall mansions are like headdresses, the palaces are like armlets. There are excellent gates on all sides and the crossroads seem to be smiling. There are healthy and brave men and it is populated by elephants, horses and chariots. The city adorns the banks of the Yamuna and is like a crescent in shape. It is sacred and protected. There are shops and the city is proud because of its store of jewels. Since the god619 showers down at the right time, the fields yield succulent produce. In that city, the men and women are seen to be cheerful. This city is nested in the dominion of the immensely valiant king, Shurasena, the extender of the Bhoja lineage. He was brave, with a large army, and is famous by the name of Ugrasena.620 O Vishnu! In the tarakamaya battle, you killed the great daitya Kalanemi. He has been born as Ugrasena’s son. His name is Kamsa and the large-eyed one is the extender of the Bhoja lineage. This king is brave and famous on earth. His tread is like that of a lion. He is terrible and causes fear to kings. So all the kings are scared of him. Since he has veered off the virtuous path, all creatures are frightened of him. Since his inner soul is terrible, he has immersed himself in terror. That has got united with insolence and the body hairs of the subjects stand up. He does not follow the dharma of kings, nor does he cause delight to his own side. He does not do what is agreeable for himself or his kingdom. He is fierce and always prone to excessive taxation. Having been defeated by you in the battle, he has been reborn there as Kamsa. With an asura in his inner soul, he behaves like a predatory beast and constrains people. In the water, there resided the brave Haya, famous by the name of Hayagriva.621 That wicked Haya has been reborn as Keshi. That wicked one is skilled in neighing, but also sports a mane. He resides in Vrindavana, devouring the flesh of men. Bali’s son was Arishta. That great asura can assume any form at will. He sports a hump and has assumed the form of a bull, bearing enmity towards cows. Diti’s son, Rishta, was a superior danava. That daitya has assumed the form of an elephant and has become Kamsa’s mount. There was an insolent daitya, famous by the name of Lamba. He has been reborn as Pralamba and dwells in a banyan tree in the Bhandira forest. The daitya known as Khara, supreme among asuras, has been reborn as Dhenuka. That terrible one dwells in a forest of palm trees and exterminates all the people who come there. There were two supreme danavas known as Varaha and Kishora. They have been reborn as the wrestlers Chanura and Mushtika and they are found in the arena. There were the danavas Maya and Tara, who were like Death among danavas. They are in the city of Pragyotisha, with Bhoumya Naraka.622 O Vishnu! These are daityas you killed and destroyed. However, on earth, they have assumed the form of humans and are constricting men. It is through your favours that the destruction of these danavas took place. They are frightened of you in heaven. They are frightened of you in the ocean. They are frightened of you on earth. However, there is no one else they are scared of. O Shridhara!623 There is no one other than you who can slay these wicked ones. Having been dislodged from heaven, these daityas have left for the earth. O Keshava! As long as you are awake, even if they are slain and uprooted on earth in their human bodies, it will be extremely difficult for them to reach heaven. O Vishnu! Therefore, you should yourself go to earth. For the sake of the destruction of the danavas, you should create yourself from your own self. When your unmanifest form becomes manifest, it is sometimes seen and can sometimes not be seen, by the best of the gods. You created the gods and they are being reborn on earth. O Vishnu! Kamsa will be destroyed through your incarnation. It is only then that the task the earth arrived for will be accomplished. Your eyes are devoted to the land of Bharata and you undertake important tasks there. O Hrishikesha! Therefore, go to earth and slay the danavas.”’

  Chapter 45

  Vaishampayana said, ‘On hearing Narada’s words, Madhusudana smiled. The lord and the god, the one who is worshipped, replied in these auspicious words. “O Narada! You have said this for the welfare of the worlds. They are for well-being. Hear my words of reply. It is known to me that the danavas have assumed bodies and have been born on earth. I know which daitya has assumed which body and I know about their forms. I know that Kamsa has been born as Ugrasena’s son on earth. I know about the daitya Keshi having adopted the form of a horse. I know about the elephant Utapalapida624 and I know about the wrestlers Chanura and Mushtika. I know about the daitya Arishta, who has adopted the form of a bull. I know about the great asuras, Khara and Pralamba. O brahmana! I know about Bali’s daughter, Putana. I know about Kaliya, who can be seen inside a pool in Yamuna. O brahmana! Frightened of Vinata’s son,625 he resides there in the form of a serpent. I know that Jarasandha is stationed at the head of all the kings. I know about Naraka oppressing the virtuous in Pragjyotishapura. I know that the earth, who loves me, is afflicted by a great burden. I know everything about where these kings are. I can see that when they are destroyed on earth in their human bodies, they will not be able to enter Shakra’s world and prevent virtuous conduct there. I will now enter and immerse my atman in supreme yoga. I will then be born on earth in a mortal and human form. I will slay Kamsa and all the other great asuras. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure peace. To proceed to that destination, I will now enter yoga. I will slay the enemy, those who hate the excellent immortals, in battle. It is for the sake of the world that the great-souled ones have been born in their own portions. The gods, the divine rishis, the gandharvas and the others have done this with my consent. All this has been determined by me earlier.” Having spoken to Narada, he turned to Brahma, the grandfather, and said, “O Brahma! Remain with me. O grandfather! Tell me whom I have to slay in battle. Where will I be born? Where will I reside and what will I wear?” Brahma replied, “O Narayana! O lord! Listen to me about the means and about how you will obtain success. Hear about the mother who will give birth to you on earth. O mighty-armed one! You will be born in an excellent lineage on earth. The great lineage of the Yadavas will sustain you. You will create yourself in that great lineage and uproot the asuras. You will then establish wholesome agreements among men. O Vishnu! In earlier times, the great-souled Varuna performed a sacrifice. However, Kashyapa seized the cows that were to yield milk for that great sacrifice. Aditi and Surabhi were two of Kashyapa’s wives. Despite Varuna entreating them, they did not return the cows. At this, Varuna approached me and bowed his head down before me. He said, ‘O illustrious one! My senior626 has appropriated my cows. Though my senior has accomplished the objective of seizing the cows, he doesn’t listen to my entreaties of returning them, having been influenced by his wives, Aditi and Surabhi. O lord! Those cows are divine and yield an eternal supply of milk, as desired. Protected by their own energy, they graze right up to the frontiers of the ocean. With the exception of Kashyapa, who is capable of oppressing my cows? Their milk is like divine amrita and there is an unlimited supply of this. You are the supreme refuge and you must control anyone who had deviated, whether it is a lord, a brahmana, a preceptor, or someone else who is superior. If the powerful are not chastise
d, whether they perform an act knowingly or unknowingly, there will be no preceptors in this world. Nor will there be agreements among men. O illustrious one! You are capable of taking action, as the case warrants. Return my cows to me and I will return to the ocean. These cows are undecaying and they are like goddesses to me. It is said that there is one conduct that must be followed by the worlds, that of protecting cows and brahmanas. Cows are the ones who must be protected first, because they are the ones who save brahmanas.627 If cows and brahmanas are saved, the entire universe is saved.’ O Achyuta! This is what Varuna, the lord of the waters, told me. O one who knows about the truth! For the sake of the cows, I cursed Kashyapa. ‘The great-souled Kashyapa has seized cattle. Therefore, following that trend, he will be born as a cowherd on earth. His wives are the ones named Surabhi and Aditi, who like an arani, gave birth to the gods. They will follow him and become his wives there.’ The one known as Vasudeva has been born from Kashyapa’s portion. He is like Kashyapa in his energy and he dwells amidst cattle on earth. There is a mountain known as Govardhana, not far from Mathura. He dwells amidst cattle there and pays taxes to Kamsa. The intelligent Vasudeva has two wives—Devaki and Rohini, who are actually Aditi and Surabhi. O Madhusudana! For the sake of the worlds, you will incarnate yourself there. While you grow up, the residents of heaven will pronounce benedictions of victory over you. Creating yourself from your own self, descend there. Satisfy the wombs of Devaki and Rohini.628 O mighty-armed one! With all the characteristics of a cowherd, you will be reared as a child there and become as strong as you once were, with your three strides. There are thousands of gopa daughters on earth.629 You will overwhelm them and delight them with your own maya and forms of yoga. O Vishnu! Roam around in the woods and protect the cows, who will be blessed on seeing your form, adorned with garlands of wild flowers. O Vishnu! O lotus-eyed one! While you dwell as a child amidst those cowherds, everyone else will also behave like children. O Pundarikaksha! They will be devoted to you. Their minds will follow you. Whether you roam around in the woods, grazing cattle, and tend to them in their pens, or immerse yourself in the Yamuna, they will love you. Vasudeva will also dwell happily there, delighted that he can address you as ‘son’. Who else but Kashyapa can address you as a son and is there anyone else whose son you can be? O Vishnu! With the exception of Aditi, who else is capable of delivering you? You will then use yoga to arise and advance towards victory. O Madhusudana! Let all of us now return to your respective abodes.” Vishnu gave the gods permission to return to heaven. He went to his own region, the one to the north of the Kshiroda ocean.630 There, on Mount Meru, there is a cave named Parvati that is extremely difficult to penetrate. The footprints of the one with three strides are there and are always worshipped on auspicious occasions. In that ancient place, Hari laid his body to rest. The lord harnessed his atman in yoga, so that he might be born in Vasudeva’s house.’