The Story of King Pratapbhanu
King Pratapbhanu is led astray through deceit, and a brahmin's curse changes the course of his destiny. This episode forms the background to the later birth of Ravana and his lineage.
Bal Kand · Episode 33 / 59
Episode Text
सुनु मुनि कथा पुनीत पुरानी। जो गिरिजा प्रति संभु बखानी॥ बिस्व बिदित एक कैकय देसू। सत्यकेतु तहँ बसइ नरेसू॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sunu muni kathā punīta purānī। jo girijā prati sambhu bakhānī॥ bisva bidita eka kaikaya desū। satyaketu tahã basai naresū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Listen, O sage, to the ancient and holy कथा, which Shiva told to Parvati. There is a kingdom called Kaikaya, famous throughout the world, and there King Satyaketu lived.
धरम धुरंधर नीति निधाना। तेज प्रताप सील बलवाना॥ तेहि कें भए जुगल सुत बीरा। सब गुन धाम महा रनधीरा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dharama dhuraṃdhara nīti nidhānā। teja pratāpa sīla balavānā॥ tehi keṃ bhae jugala suta bīrā। saba guna dhāma mahā raṇadhīrā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
He upheld धर्म, was a treasury of नीति, radiant in splendor and valor, virtuous and mighty. To him were born twin heroic sons, both abodes of all good qualities and great warriors.
राज धनी जो जेठ सुत आही। नाम प्रतापभानु अस ताही॥ अपर सुतहि अरिमर्दन नामा। भुजबल अतुल अचल संग्रामा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāja dhanī jo jeṭha suta āhī। nāma pratāpabhānu asa tāhī॥ apara sutahi arimardana nāmā। bhujabala atula acala saṅgrāmā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The elder son, who was heir to the kingdom, was named Pratapabhanu. The younger son was named Arimardana, whose arms had boundless strength and who was unshakable in battle.
भाइहि भाइहि परम समीती। सकल दोष छल बरजित प्रीती॥ जेठे सुतहि राज नृप दीन्हा। हरि हित आपु गवन बन कीन्हा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhāihi bhāihi parama samītī। sakala doṣa chhala barjita prītī॥ jeṭhe suta hi rāja nṛpa dīnhā। hari hita āpu gavana bana kīnha॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The brothers were perfectly harmonious with one another; their love was free from all faults and deceit. The king gave the kingdom to his elder son and himself went off to the forest for the sake of Hari.
जब प्रतापरबि भयउ नृप फिरी दोहाई देस। प्रजा पाल अति बेदबिधि कतहुँ नहीं अघ लेस॥ १५३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jaba pratāparabi bhaya u nṛpa phirī dohāī desa। prajā pāla ati bedabidhi katahũ nahīṃ agha lesa॥ 153 ॥
Meaning:
When Pratapabhanu became king, his fame spread throughout the land. He ruled the people according to the Veda, with excellence, and there was not even a trace of sin anywhere.
नृप हितकारक सचिव सयाना। नाम धरमरुचि सुक्र समाना॥ सचिव सयान बंधु बलबीरा। आपु प्रतापपुंज रनधीरा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nṛpa hitakāraka saciva sayānā। nāma dharmaruci sukra samānā॥ saciva sayāna bandhu balabīrā। āpu pratāpapuṃja raṇadhīrā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
His wise minister, named Dharmaruchi, was devoted to the king's welfare, like Shukracharya. With a wise minister, a strong and brave brother, and himself a great mass of splendor and valor, the king was...
सेन संग चतुरंग अपारा। अमित सुभट सब समर जुझारा॥ सेन बिलोकि राउ हरषाना। अरु बाजे गहगहे निसाना॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sena saṃga caturaṃga apārā। amita subhaṭa saba samara jujhārā॥ sena biloki rāu haraṣānā। aru bāje gahagahe nisānā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
He had an immense fourfold army, with countless warriors all eager to fight and die in battle. Seeing the army, the king was delighted, and the war drums thundered.
बिजय हेतु कटकई बनाई। सुदिन साधि नृप चलेउ बजाई॥ जहँ तहँ परीं अनेक लराईं। जीते सकल भूप बरिआईं॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bijaya hetu kaṭakī banāī। sudina sādhi nṛpa caleu bajāī॥ jahaṃ tahaṃ parīṃ aneka larāīṃ। jīte sakala bhūpa bariāīṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
He assembled his army for conquest. Having chosen an auspicious day, the king set out with trumpets sounding. Everywhere there were many battles, and he conquered all the kings by force.
सप्त दीप भुजबल बस कीन्हे। लै लै दंड छाड़ि नृप दीन्हे॥ सकल अवनि मंडल तेहि काला। एक प्रतापभानु महिपाला॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sapta dīpa bhujabala basa kīnhe। lai lai daṃḍa chāṛi nṛpa dīhne॥ sakala avani maṃḍala tehi kālā। eka pratāpabhānu mahipālā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
By the strength of his arms he brought the seven continents under his control, taking tribute from the kings and then releasing them. At that time Pratapabhanu alone was the sovereign of the whole earth.
स्वबस बिस्व करि बाहुबल निज पुर कीन्ह प्रबेसु। अरथ धरम कामादि सुख सेवइ समयँ नरेसु॥ १५४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
swabasa bisva kari bāhuvala nija pura kīnha prabesu। aratha dharama kāmādi sukha sevai samayaṃ naresu॥ 154 ॥
Meaning:
By the strength of his arms he brought the world under his control and entered his own city. The king enjoyed in due season the pleasures of wealth, righteousness, and desire, and the like.
भूप प्रतापभानु बल पाई। कामधेनु भै भूमि सुहाई॥ सब दुख बरजित प्रजा सुखारी। धरमसील सुंदर नर नारी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhūpa pratāpabhānu bala pāī। kāmadheṇu bhai bhūmi suhāī॥ saba dukha barajita prajā sukhārī। dharamasīla sundara nara nārī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
By the power of King Pratapbhanu, the earth became like the beautiful Kamadhenu, the cow that grants all wishes. In his kingdom, the people were free from all kinds of sorrow and were happy, and all the men and women were handsome and righteous.
सचिव धरमरुचि हरि पद प्रीती। नृप हित हेतु सिखव नित नीती॥ गुर सुर संत पितर महिदेवा। करइ सदा नृप सब कै सेवा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saciva dharamaruci hari pada prītī। nṛpa hita hetu sikhava nita nītī॥ gura sura santa pitara mahidevā। karai sadā nṛpa saba kai sevā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The minister Dharmaruchi had love for the feet of Hari. For the king's welfare, he continually taught him policy and right conduct. The king always served the guru, the gods, saints, ancestors, and all others worthy of reverence.
भूप धरम जे बेद बखाने। सकल करइ सादर सुख माने॥ दिन प्रति देइ बिबिध बिधि दाना। सुनइ सास्त्र बर बेद पुराना॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhūpa dharama je beda bakhāne। sakala karai sādara sukha māne॥ dina prati dei bibidha bidhi dānā। sunai śāstra bara beda purānā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
He faithfully observed all the duties of kings described in the Vedas, with reverence and joy. Every day he gave many kinds of gifts and listened to the scriptures, the excellent Vedas, and the Puranas.
नाना बापीं कूप तड़ागा। सुमन बाटिका सुंदर बागा॥ बिप्रभवन सुरभवन सुहाए। सब तीरथन्ह बिचित्र बनाए॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nānā bāpīṃ kūpa taḍāgā। sumana bāṭikā sundara bāgā॥ bipra bhavana sura bhavana suhāe। saba tīrathanha bicitra banāe॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
He had many stepwells, wells, ponds, flower-gardens, beautiful orchards, houses for Brahmins, and lovely, wondrous temples of the gods built at all the pilgrimage places.
जहँ लगि कहे पुरान श्रुति एक एक सब जाग। बार सहस्र सहस्र नृप किए सहित अनुराग॥ १५५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jahaṃ lagi kahe purāna śruti eka eka saba jāga। bāra sahasra sahasra nṛpa kie sahita anurāga॥ 155 ॥
Meaning:
Whatever sacrificial rites are described, one by one, in the Vedas and Puranas, the king performed them all with devotion thousands and thousands of times.
हृदयँ न कछु फल अनुसंधाना। भूप बिबेकी परम सुजाना॥ करइ जे धरम करम मन बानी। बासुदेव अर्पित नृप ग्यानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
hṛdayaṃ na kachu phala anusandhānā। bhūpa bibekī parama sujānā॥ karai je dharama karama mana bānī। bāsudeva arpita nṛpa gyānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
There was no desire for any reward in his heart. The king was highly wise and learned. Whatever righteous deeds that wise king performed in action, mind, and speech, he offered all to Lord Vasudeva.
चढ़ि बर बाजि बार एक राजा। मृगया कर सब साजि समाजा॥ बिंध्याचल गभीर बन गयऊ। मृग पुनीत बहु मारत भयऊ॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
chaṛhi bara bāji bāra eka rājā। mṛgayā kara saba sāji samājā॥ biṃdhyācala gabhīra bana gayau। mṛga punīta bahu mārata bhayau॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Once the king mounted a fine horse, equipped himself for the hunt, and went into the deep forests of Vindhyachal, where he killed many deer.
फिरत बिपिन नृप दीख बराहू। जनु बन दुरेउ ससिहि ग्रसि राहू॥ बड़ बिधु नहिं समात मुख माहीं। मनहुँ क्रोध बस उगिलत नाहीं॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
phirata bipina nṛpa dīkha barāhū। janu bana dureu sasihi grasi rāhū॥ baṛa bidhu nahin samāta mukha māhīṃ। manahuṃ krodha basa ugilata nāhīṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
As the king wandered through the forest, he saw a boar. Its tusks made it seem as though Rahu had swallowed the moon and was hiding in the woods. The moon is too large to fit in its mouth, and it seems not to spit it out even in anger.
कोल कराल दसन छबि गाई। तनु बिसाल पीवर अधिकाई॥ घुरुघुरात हय आरौ पाएँ। चकित बिलोकत कान उठाएँ॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kola karāla dasana chabi gāī। tanu bisāla pīvara adhikāī॥ ghurughurāta haya ārau pāeṃ। cakita bilokata kāna uṭhāeṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Its dreadful tusks were a wonder to behold. Its body, too, was huge and very fat. Hearing the horse's approach, it grunted and, ears raised, looked on alert.
नील महीधर सिखर सम देखि बिसाल बराहु। चपरि चलेउ हय सुटुकि नृप हाँकि न होइ निबाहु॥ १५६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nīla mahīdhara sikhara sama dekhi bisāla barāhu। capari chaleu haya suṭuki nṛpa hāṃki na hoi nibāhu॥ 156 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing that boar, विशाल as the peak of the blue mountain, the king spurred his horse on and urged the boar, saying that now there could be no escape.
आवत देखि अधिक रव बाजी। चलेउ बराह मरुत गति भाजी॥ तुरत कीन्ह नृप सर संधाना। महि मिलि गयउ बिलोकत बाना॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
āvata dekhi adhika rava bājī। caleu barāha maruta gati bhājī॥ turata kīnha nṛpa sara sandhānā। mahi mili gayau bilokata bānā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing the horse coming toward him with loud noise, the boar fled at the speed of the wind. The king quickly fitted an arrow to his bow. As soon as the boar saw the arrow, it hid itself in the ground.
तकि तकि तीर महीस चलावा। करि छल सुअर सरीर बचावा॥ प्रगटत दुरत जाइ मृग भागा। रिस बस भूप चलेउ सँग लागा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
taki taki tīra mahīsa calāvā। kari chala suara sarīra bacāvā॥ pragaṭata durata jāi mṛga bhāgā। risa basa bhūpa caleu saṅga lāgā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The king kept shooting arrows one after another, but the boar evaded them by trickery and saved its body. The animal would appear and disappear as it fled, and the king, driven by anger, kept following close behind it.
गयउ दूरि घन गहन बराहू। जहँ नाहिन गज बाजि निबाहू॥ अति अकेल बन बिपुल कलेसू। तदपि न मृग मग तजइ नरेसू॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gayau dūri ghana gahana barāhū। jahaṃ nāhina gaja bāji nibāhū॥ ati akela bana bipula kalesū। tadapi na mṛga maga tajai naresū॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The boar went far into such a dense forest that even elephants and horses could not go there. The king was completely alone, and the forest was full of hardship, yet he did not abandon the chase.
कोल बिलोकि भूप बड़ धीरा। भागि पैठ गिरिगुहाँ गभीरा॥ अगम देखि नृप अति पछिताई। फिरेउ महाबन परेउ भुलाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kola biloki bhūpa baṛa dhīrā। bhāji paiṭha giriguhāṃ gabhīrā॥ agama dekhi nṛpa ati pachitāī। phireu mahābana pareu bhulāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing how resolute the king was, the boar fled and entered a deep mountain cave. Finding it impossible to enter, the king had to turn back in great regret; but in that vast forest he lost his way.
खेद खिन्न छुद्धित तृषित राजा बाजि समेत। खोजत ब्याकुल सरित सर जल बिनु भयउ अचेत॥ १५७ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kheda khinna chuddhita tṛṣita rājā bāji sameta। khojata byākula sarita sara jala binu bhayau aceta॥ 157 ॥
Meaning:
Worn out by great exertion, and distressed with hunger and thirst along with his horse, the king searched for rivers and ponds and became helpless without water.
फिरत बिपिन आश्रम एक देखा। तहँ बस नृपति कपट मुनिबेषा॥ जासु देस नृप लीन्ह छड़ाई। समर सेन तजि गयउ पराई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
phirata bipina āśrama eka dekhā। tahaṃ basa nṛpati kapaṭa munibeṣā॥ jāsu desa nṛpa līnha chaṛāī। samara sena taji gayau parāī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Wandering through the forest, he saw an ashram. There lived a king there, disguised deceitfully as a sage, whose kingdom had been taken away by King Pratapbhanu, and who had abandoned his army and fled from battle.
समय प्रतापभानु कर जानी। आपन अति असमय अनुमानी॥ गयउ न गृह मन बहुत गलानी। मिला न राजहि नृप अभिमानी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
samaya pratāpabhānu kara jānī। āpana ati asamaya anumānī॥ gayau na gṛha mana bahuta galānī। milā na rājahi nṛpa abhimānī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing that Pratapbhanu was in his good time and judging his own time to be unfavorable, he felt great remorse in his heart. So he neither went home nor, out of pride, met King Pratapbhanu.
रिस उर मारि रंक जिमि राजा। बिपिन बसइ तापस कें साजा॥ तासु समीप गवन नृप कीन्हा। यह प्रतापरबि तेहिं तब चीन्हा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
risa ura māri raṃka jimi rājā। bipina basai tāpasa keṃ sājā॥ tāsu samīpa gavana nṛpa kīnhā। yaha pratāparabi tehiṃ taba cīnhā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Like a poor man, he had suppressed his anger within himself and lived in the forest in the guise of an ascetic. The king, Pratapbhanu, went near him. Then he immediately recognized him as Pratapbhanu.
राउ तृषित नहिं सो पहिचाना। देखि सुबेष महामुनि जाना॥ उतरि तुरग तें कीन्ह प्रनामा। परम चतुर न कहेउ निज नामा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāu tṛṣita nahin so pahicānā। dekhi subeṣa mahāmuni jānā॥ utari turaga teṃ kīnha pranāmā। parama catura na kaheu nija nāmā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Because the king was thirsty, he could not recognize him. Seeing his fine attire, the king took him to be a great sage and, alighting from his horse, bowed to him. But being very shrewd, the king did not reveal his own name.
भूपति तृषित बिलोकि तेहिं सरबरु दीन्ह देखाइ। मज्जन पान समेत हय कीन्ह नृपति हरषाइ॥ १५८ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhūpati tṛṣita biloki tehiṃ sarabaru dīnha dekhāi। majjana pāna sameta haya kīnha nṛpati harṣāi॥ 158 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing that the king was thirsty, he showed him a lake. Delighted, the king bathed there with his horse and drank water.
गै श्रम सकल सुखी नृप भयऊ। निज आश्रम तापस लै गयऊ॥ आसन दीन्ह अस्त रबि जानी। पुनि तापस बोलेउ मृदु बानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gai śrama sakala sukhī nṛpa bhayau। nija āśrama tāpasa lai gayau॥ āsana dīnha asta rabi jānī। puni tāpasa boleu mṛdu bānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
All weariness was gone, and the king became happy. Then the ascetic took him to his hermitage, and, knowing that it was sunset, offered him a seat. Then the ascetic spoke gently.
को तुम्ह कस बन फिरहु अकेलें। सुंदर जुबा जीव परहेलें॥ चक्रबर्ति के लच्छन तोरें। देखत दया लागि अति मोरें॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ko tumha kasa bana phirahu akeleṁ। sundara jubā jīva parheleṁ॥ cakrabarti ke lacchana toreṁ। dekhata dayā lāgi ati moreṁ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Who are you? Handsome and young, why do you wander alone in the forest, without caring for your life? Seeing the marks of a universal emperor upon you, I feel great compassion for you.
नाम प्रतापभानु अवनीसा। तासु सचिव मैं सुनहु मुनीसा॥ फिरत अहेरें परेउँ भुलाई। बड़ें भाग देखेउँ पद आई॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nāma pratābhānu avanīsā। tāsu saciva maiṁ sunahu munīsā॥ phirata ahereṁ pareuṁ bhulāī। baṛeṁ bhāga dekheuṁ pada āī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
[The king said:] O sage, listen: there is a king named Pratapbhanu, and I am his minister. While roaming about for a hunt, I lost my way. By great good fortune I have come here and found the sight of your feet.
हम कहँ दुर्लभ दरस तुम्हारा। जानत हौं कछु भल होनिहारा॥ कह मुनि तात भयउ अँधिआरा। जोजन सत्तरि नगरु तुम्हारा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
hama kahaṁ durlabha darasa tumhārā। jānata hauṁ kachu bhala honihārā॥ kaha muni tāta bhayau aṁdhiārā। jojana sattari nagaru tumhārā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Your sight was hard for us to obtain, so I feel that something auspicious is about to happen. The sage said: O dear one, darkness has fallen. Your city is seventy yojanas from here.
निसा घोर गंभीर बन पंथ न सुनहु सुजान। बसहु आजु अस जानि तुम्ह जाएहु होत बिहान॥ १५९ (क) ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nisā ghora gaṁbhīra bana pantha na sunahu sujāna। basahu āju asa jāni tumha jāehu hota bihāna॥ 159 (a) ॥
Meaning:
O wise one, listen: the night is deep and terrible, and the forest path is not safe. So stay here today, and depart when morning comes.
तुलसी जसि भवतब्यता तैसी मिलइ सहाइ। आपुनु आवइ ताहि पहिं ताहि तहाँ लै जाइ॥ १५९ (ख) ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tulasī jasi bhavatavyatā taisī milai sahāi। āpunu āvai tāhi pahiṁ tāhi tahāṁ lai jāi॥ 159 (b) ॥
Meaning:
Tulsidas says: whatever fate is destined, that same help is found. Either it comes of itself to one, or it takes one there.
भलेहिं नाथ आयसु धरि सीसा। बाँधि तुरग तरु बैठ महीसा॥ नृप बहु भाँति प्रसंसेउ ताही। चरन बंदि निज भाग्य सराही॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhalehiṁ nātha āyasu dhari sīsā। bāṁdhi turaga taru baiṭha mahīsā॥ nṛpa bahu bhāṁti prasaṁseu tāhī। carana bandi nija bhāgya sarāhī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Saying, 'Very well, my lord,' and placing his command upon his head, the king tied the horse to a tree and sat down. He praised him in many ways, bowed at his feet, and praised his own good fortune.
पुनि बोलेउ मृदु गिरा सुहाई। जानि पिता प्रभु करउँ ढिठाई॥ मोहि मुनीस सुत सेवक जानी। नाथ नाम निज कहहु बखानी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
puni boleu mṛdu girā suhāī। jāni pitā prabhu karauṁ ḍhiṭhāī॥ mohi munīs suta sevaka jānī। ātha nāma nija kahahu bakhānī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Then he spoke in a sweet, gentle voice: O lord, I am being bold, regarding you as my father. O sage, knowing me as your son and servant, please tell me your name in full.
तेहि न जान नृप नृपहि सो जाना। भूप सुहृद सो कपट सयाना॥ बैरी पुनि छत्री पुनि राजा। छल बल कीन्ह चहइ निज काजा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tehi na jāna nṛpa nṛpahi so jānā। bhūpa suhṛda so kapaṭa sayānā॥ bairī puni chatrī puni rājā। chala bala kīnha cahai nija kājā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The king did not recognize him, but he had recognized the king. The king was pure-hearted, whereas he was skilled in deceit. An enemy, and also a Kshatriya by caste, and a king—he wanted to accomplish his purpose by deceit and force.
समुझि राजसुख दुखित अराती। अवाँ अनल इव सुलगइ छाती॥ सरल बचन नृप के सुनि काना। बयर सँभारि हृदयँ हरषाना॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
samujhi rājasukha dukhita arātī। avāṁ anala iva sulagai chātī॥ sarala bacana nṛpa ke suni kānā। bayara saṁbhāri hṛdayaṁ haraṣānā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
That enemy, remembering the joy of his kingdom, was pained. His chest was smoldering inwardly like the fire of a potter’s kiln. Hearing the king’s simple words with his ears, he remembered his enmity and felt glad at heart.
कपट बोरि बानी मृदुल बोलेउ जुगुति समेत। नाम हमार भिखारि अब निर्धन रहित निकेत॥ १६० ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kapaṭa bori bānī mṛdula boleu juguti sameta। nāma hamāra bhikhāri aba nirdhana rahita niketa॥ 160 ॥
Meaning:
Soaked in deceit, he spoke in a soft voice with great cunning: 'Now my name is Bhikhari, for I am poor and without a home.'
कह नृप जे बिग्यान निधाना। तुम्ह सारिखे गलित अभिमाना॥ सदा रहहिं अपनपौ दुराएँ। सब बिधि कुसल कुबेष बनाएँ॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaha nṛpa je bigyāna nidhānā। tumha sārikhe galita abhimānā॥ sadā rahahiṁ apanapau durāeṁ। saba bidhi kusala kubeṣa banāeṁ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The king said: Those who are like you, stores of wisdom and utterly free of pride, always keep their true nature concealed. For it is best to live in a disguise; in an open saintly appearance there is the chance of pride, and with pride comes downfall.
तेहि तें कहहिं संत श्रुति टेरें। परम अकिंचन प्रिय हरि केरें॥ तुम्ह सम अधन भिखारि अगेहा। होत बिरंचि सिवहि संदेहा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tehi teṁ kahahiṁ santa śruti ṭereṁ। parama akiṁcana priya hari kereṁ॥ tumha sama adhana bhikhāri agehā। hota biraṁci sivahi saṁdehā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Therefore saints and the scriptures proclaim that the utterly possessless—those free of ego, attachment, and pride—are dear to the Lord. Seeing poor, beggar-like, homeless people such as you, even Brahma and Shiva would be put in doubt [whether they are true saints or beggars].
जोसि सोसि तव चरन नमामी। मो पर कृपा करिअ अब स्वामी॥ सहज प्रीति भूपति कै देखी। आपु बिषय बिस्वास बिसेषी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
josi soci tava carana namāmī। mo para kṛpā kariā aba svāmī॥ sahaja prīti bhūpati kai dekhī। āpu biṣaya bisvāsa biseṣī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Be you whoever you are, I bow at your feet. O lord, now show me your grace. Seeing the king’s natural affection and his special trust in him—
सब प्रकार राजहि अपनाई। बोलेउ अधिक सनेह जनाई॥ सुनु सतिभाउ कहउँ महिपाला। इहाँ बसत बीते बहु काला॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saba prakāra rājahi apanāī। boleu adhika saneha janāī॥ sunu satibhāu kahauṁ mahipālā। ihāṁ basata bīte bahu kālā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Having won the king over in every way, and showing great affection, he said: Listen, O king, I speak truthfully to you—I have lived here for a very long time.
अब लगि मोहि न मिलेउ कोउ मैं न जनावउँ काहु। लोकमान्यता अनल सम कर तप कानन दाहु॥ १६१ (क) ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aba lagi mohi na mileu kou maiṁ na janāvauṁ kāhu। lokamānyatā anala sama kara tapa kānana dāhu॥ 161 (a) ॥
Meaning:
Till now no one has met me, and I do not reveal myself to anyone, for public acclaim is like fire; it burns up the forest of penance.
तुलसी देखि सुबेषु भूलहिं मूढ़ न चतुर नर। सुंदर केकिहि पेखु बचन सुधा सम असन अहि॥ १६१ (ख) ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tulasī dekhi subeṣu bhūlahīṁ mūḍha na catura nara। sundara kekihi pekhu bacana sudhā sama asana ahi॥ 161 (b) ॥
Meaning:
Tulsidas says: Seeing a beautiful disguise, not only fools, but even clever people are deceived. Look at the beautiful peacock: its voice is like nectar, but its food is like that of a snake.
तातें गुपुत रहउँ जग माहीं। हरि तजि किमपि प्रयोजन नाहीं॥ प्रभु जानत सब बिनहिं जनाएँ। कहहु कवनि सिधि लोक रिझाएँ॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tāteṁ guputa rahauṁ jaga māhīṁ। hari taji kimapi prayojana nāhīṁ॥ prabhu jānata saba binahiṁ janāeṁ। kahahu kavani sidhi loka rijhāeṁ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
For this reason I remain hidden in the world. Leaving Hari aside, I have no purpose with anyone. The Lord knows everything even without being told. So tell me, what gain is there in pleasing the world?
तुम्ह सुचि सुमति परम प्रिय मोरें। प्रीति प्रतीति मोहि पर तोरें॥ अब जौं तात दुरावउँ तोही। दारुन दोष घटइ अति मोही॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tumha suci sumati parama priya moreṁ। prīti pratīti mohi para toreṁ॥ aba jauṁ tāta durāvauṁ tohī। dāruṇa doṣa ghaṭai ati mohī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
You are pure and well-intentioned, and therefore you are very dear to me; and you also have affection and trust in me. O dear one, if I hide anything from you now, a terrible fault will attach to me.
जिमि जिमि तापसु कथइ उदासा। तिमि तिमि नृपहि उपज बिस्वासा॥ देखा स्वबस कर्म मन बानी। तब बोला तापस बगध्यानी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jimi jimi tāpasu kathai udāsā। timi timi nṛpahi upaja bisvāsa॥ dekhā svabasa karma mana bānī। taba bolā tāpasa bagadhyānī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
As the ascetic spoke again and again of detachment, the king’s trust kept increasing. When the deceitful sage, meditating like a crane, saw that the king was under his control in deed, mind, and speech, he spoke.
नाम हमार एकतनु भाई। सुनि नृप बोलेउ पुनि सिरु नाई॥ कहहु नाम कर अरथ बखानी। मोहि सेवक अति आपन जानी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nāma hamāra ekatanu bhāī। suni nṛpa boleu puni siru nāī॥ kahahu nāma kara aratha bakhānī। mohi sevaka ati āpana jānī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
O brother, my name is Ekatanu. Hearing this, the king bowed again and said: Knowing me to be your devoted servant, please explain the meaning of your name.
आदिसृष्टि उपजी जबहिं तब उतपति भै मोरि। नाम एकतनु हेतु तेहि देह न धरी बहोरि॥ १६२ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ādisṛṣṭi upajī jabahiṁ taba utapati bhai mori। nāma ekatanu hetu tehi deha na dharī bahori॥ 162 ॥
Meaning:
When the primordial creation arose, I too came into being then. Since that time I have not taken another body; therefore my name is Ekatanu.
जनि आचरजु करहु मन माहीं। सुत तप तें दुर्लभ कछु नाहीं॥ तपबल तें जग सृजइ बिधाता। तपबल बिष्नु भए परित्राता॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jani ācaraju karahu mana māhīṃ। suta tapa teṃ durlabha kachu nāhīṃ॥ tapabala teṃ jaga sṛjai bidhātā। tapabala biṣnu bhae paritrātā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Son, do not wonder in your mind. Nothing is too hard to attain through austerity. By the power of austerity, Brahma creates the world. By the power of austerity, Vishnu becomes the Protector.
तपबल संभु करहिं संघारा। तप तें अगम न कछु संसारा॥ भयउ नृपहि सुनि अति अनुरागा। कथा पुरातन कहै सो लागा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tapabala saṃbhu karahiṃ saṃghārā। tapa teṃ agama na kachu saṃsārā॥ bhayau nṛpahi suni ati anurāgā। kathā purātana kahai so lāgā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
By the power of austerity, Shiva brings destruction. In this world, there is nothing unattainable through austerity. Hearing this, the king became greatly drawn to it. Then the ascetic began to tell ancient stories.
करम धरम इतिहास अनेका। करइ निरूपन बिरति बिबेका॥ उदभव पालन प्रलय कहानी। कहेसि अमित आचरज बखानी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
karama dharama itihāsa anekā। karai nirūpana birati bibekā॥ udabhava pālana pralaya kahānī। kahesi amita ācaraja bakhānī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
He described many histories of action and duty and began to expound renunciation and discernment. He told the wondrous story of creation, preservation, and dissolution in abundant detail.
सुनि महीप तापस बस भयऊ। आपन नाम कहन तब लयऊ॥ कह तापस नृप जानउँ तोही। कीन्हेहु कपट लाग भल मोही॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
suni mahīpa tāpasa basa bhayū। āpana nāma kahana taba layū॥ kaha tāpasa nṛpa jānaum tohī। kīnhehu kapaṭa lāga bhala mohī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing this, the king came under the ascetic's influence, and then he began to tell his own name. The ascetic said, “King, I know you. Your deceit pleased me well.”
सुनु महीस असि नीति जहँ तहँ नाम न कहहिं नृप। मोहि तोहि पर अति प्रीति सोइ चतुरता बिचारि तव॥ १६३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sunu mahīsa asi nīti jahaṃ tahaṃ nāma na kahahiṃ nṛpa। mohi tohi para ati prīti soi caturatā bichāri tava॥ 163 ॥
Meaning:
Listen, O king: such is the rule that kings do not speak their names here and there. Seeing that shrewdness of yours, I have come to love you greatly.
नाम तुम्हार प्रताप दिनेसा। सत्यकेतु तव पिता नरेसा॥ गुर प्रसाद सब जानिअ राजा। कहिअ न आपन जानि अकाजा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nāma tumhāra pratāpa dinesā। satyaketu tava pitā naresā॥ gura prasāda saba jānia rājā। kahia na āpana jāni akājā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Your name is Pratap Dinesa; Maharaj Satyaketu was your father. O king, by the grace of the Guru I know everything, but I do not speak of it, knowing it would be to my disadvantage.
देखि तात तव सहज सुधाई। प्रीति प्रतीति नीति निपुनाई॥ उपजि परी ममता मन मोरें। कहउँ कथा निज पूछे तोरें॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dekhi tāta tava sahaja sudhāī। prīti pratīti nīti nipunāī॥ upaji parī mamatā mana moreṃ। kahauṃ kathā nija pūche toreṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing your natural straightforwardness, affection, trust, and skill in policy, great tenderness has arisen in my heart for you; therefore I tell my own story when you ask me.
अब प्रसन्न मैं संसय नाहीं। मागु जो भूप भाव मन माहीं॥ सुनि सुबचन भूपति हरषाना। गहि पद बिनय कीन्हि बिधि नाना॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aba prasanna maiṃ saṃsaya nāhīṃ। māgu jo bhūpa bhāva mana māhīṃ॥ suni subacana bhūpati haraṣānā। gahi pada binaya kīnhi bidhi nānā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
I am now pleased; have no doubt about it. O king, ask for whatever your heart desires. Hearing these sweet words, the king was delighted and, clasping his feet, made many kinds of entreaties.
कृपासिंधु मुनि दरसन तोरें। चारि पदारथ करतल मोरें॥ प्रभुहि तथापि प्रसन्न बिलोकी। मागि अगम बर होउँ असोकी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kṛpāsiṃdhu muni darasana toreṃ। cāri padāratha karatala moreṃ॥ prabhuhi tathāpi prasanna bilokī। māgi agama bara houṃ asokī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
O ocean of mercy, saint! By your very sight, the four goals of life—wealth, duty, desire, and liberation—have come into my hands. Yet seeing the Lord pleased, I would ask for this rare boon and become free from sorrow.
जरा मरन दुख रहित तनु समर जितै जनि कोउ। एकछत्र रिपुहीन महि राज कलप सत होउ॥ १६४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jarā marana dukha rahita tanu samara jitai jani kou। ekachatra ripuhīna mahi rāja kalapa sata hou॥ 164 ॥
Meaning:
May my body be free from old age, death, and suffering; may no one defeat me in battle; and may I rule the earth alone and without enemies for a hundred kalpas.
कह तापस नृप ऐसेइ होऊ। कारन एक कठिन सुनु सोऊ॥ कालउ तुअ पद नाइहि सीसा। एक बिप्रकुल छाड़ि महीसा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaha tāpasa nṛpa aisei hū। kārana eka kaṭhina sūnu soū॥ kālau tua pada nāihi sīsā। eka biprakula chāṛi mahīsā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The ascetic said, “So be it, O king. Yet there is one difficult condition; listen to it too. O lord of the earth, even Time will bow his head at your feet, except for one brahmin family.”
तपबल बिप्र सदा बरिआरा। तिन्ह के कोप न कोउ रखवारा॥ जौं बिप्रन्ह बस करहु नरेसा। तौ तुअ बस बिधि बिष्नु महेसा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tapabala bipra sadā bariārā। tinha ke kopa na kou rakhavārā॥ jaum bipranha basa karahu naresā। tau tua basa bidhi biṣnu mahesā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
By the power of austerity, Brahmins are ever strong. No one protects against their anger. O king, if you bring Brahmins under your control, then even Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh will come under your rule.
चल न ब्रह्मकुल सन बरिआई। सत्य कहउँ दोउ भुजा उठाई॥ बिप्र श्राप बिनु सुनु महिपाला। तोर नास नहिं कवनेहुँ काला॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
cala na brahmakula sana bariāī। satya kahauṃ dou bhujā uṭhāī॥ bipra śrāpa binu sūnu mahipālā। tora nāsa nahiṃ kavanehuṃ kālā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Force will not work against the brahmin line. I speak the truth with both arms raised: hear, O lord, without a Brahmin's curse, your destruction will not come at any time.
हरषेउ राउ बचन सुनि तासू। नाथ न होइ मोर अब नासू॥ तव प्रसाद प्रभु कृपानिधाना। मो कहुँ सर्ब काल कल्याना॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
haraṣeu rāu bacana suni tāsū। nātha na hoi mora aba nāsū॥ tava prasāda prabhu kṛpānidhānā। mo kahuṃ sarba kāla kalyānā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing his words, the king was greatly pleased and said, “O Lord, my ruin will not come now. O treasure of mercy, by your grace I shall have well-being at all times.”
एवमस्तु कहि कपटमुनि बोला कुटिल बहोरि। मिलब हमार भुलाब निज कहहु त हमहि न खोरि॥ १६५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
evamastu kahi kapaṭamuni bolā kuṭila bahori। milaba hamāra bhulāba nija kahahu ta hamahi na khori॥ 165 ॥
Meaning:
Saying “Evamastu” (“So be it”), that crooked, deceitful sage spoke again: “But do not tell anyone about meeting me or about losing your way; if you do, then it will not be our fault.”
तातें मैं तोहि बरजउँ राजा। कहें कथा तव परम अकाजा॥ छठें श्रवन यह परत कहानी। नास तुम्हार सत्य मम बानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tāteṃ maiṃ tohi barajauṃ rājā। kaheṃ kathā tava parama akājā॥ chaṭheṃ śravana yaha parata kahānī। āsa tumhāra satya mama bānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Therefore I forbid you, O king. Telling this story would bring you great harm. If this tale reaches the sixth ear, your ruin will come—know my words to be true.
यह प्रगटें अथवा द्विजश्रापा। नास तोर सुनु भानुप्रतापा॥ आन उपायँ निधन तव नाहीं। जौं हरि हर कोपहिं मन माहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
yaha pragaṭeṃ athavā dvijaśrāpā। nāsa tora sūnu bhānupratāpā॥ āna upāyaṃ nidhana tava nāhīṃ। jaum hari hara kopahiṃ mana māhīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
O Bhanupratap, hear this: if this becomes known, or if a Brahmin curses you, then your ruin will come. By no other means will your death come, even if Hari and Hara become angry in their hearts.
सत्य नाथ पद गहि नृप भाषा। द्विज गुर कोप कहहु को राखा॥ राखइ गुर जौं कोप बिधाता। गुर बिरोध नहिं कोउ जग त्राता॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
satya nātha pada gahi nṛpa bhāṣā। dvija gura kopa kahahu ko rākhā॥ rākhai gura jaum kopa bidhātā। gura birodha nahiṃ kou jaga trātā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The king grasped the saint's feet and said, “It is true, O Lord. Who can protect one from the anger of Brahmins and the Guru? Even if Brahma becomes angry, the Guru protects; but if one opposes the Guru, there is no savior in the world.”
जौं न चलब हम कहे तुम्हारें। होउ नास नहिं सोच हमारें॥ एकहिं डर डरपत मन मोरा। प्रभु महिदेव श्राप अति घोरा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jaum na calaba hama kahe tumhāreṃ। hou nāsa nahiṃ soca hamāreṃ॥ ekahiṃ ḍara ḍarapata mana morā। prabhu mahideva śrāpa ati ghorā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
If I do not act according to your words, let my ruin come—I do not care. My heart, O Lord, trembles only with one fear: the curse of Mahadeva is terribly severe.
होहिं बिप्र बस कवन बिधि कहहु कृपा करि सोउ। तुम्ह तजि दीनदयाल निज हितू न देखउँ कोउ॥ १६६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
hohiṃ bipra basa kavana bidhi kahahu kṛpā kari sou। tumha taji dīnadayāla nija hitū na dekhauṃ kou॥ 166 ॥
Meaning:
Please also tell me how those Brahmins may be brought under control. O merciful one, I see no one else as my well-wisher except you.
सुनु नृप बिबिध जतन जग माहीं। कष्टसाध्य पुनि होहिं कि नाहीं॥ अहइ एक अति सुगम उपाई। तहाँ परंतु एक कठिनाई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sunu nṛpa bibidha jatana jaga māhīṃ। kaṣṭasādhya puni hohiṃ ki nāhīṃ॥ ahai eka ati sugama upāī। tahāṃ parantu eka kaṭhināī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
O king, listen: there are many means in the world, but they are difficult to accomplish, and even then their success is uncertain. There is one method that is very easy; yet even there lies one difficulty.
मम आधीन जुगुति नृप सोई। मोर जाब तव नगर न होई॥ आजु लगें अरु जब तें भयऊँ। काहू के गृह ग्राम न गयऊँ॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mama ādhīna juguti nṛpa soī। mora jāba tava nagara na hoī॥ āju lageṃ aru jaba teṃ bhayūṃ। kāhū ke gṛha grāma na gayūṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
O king, that device is in my hands, but I cannot go to your city. From the time I was born until today, I have never gone to anyone's house or village.
जौं न जाउँ तव होइ अकाजू। बना आइ असमंजस आजू॥ सुनि महीस बोलेउ मृदु बानी। नाथ निगम असि नीति बखानी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jaum na jāuṃ tava hoi akājū। banā āi asamaṃjasa ājū॥ suni mahīsa boleu mṛdu bānī। nātha nigama asi nīti bakhānī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
But if I do not go, your work will be spoiled. Today a great dilemma has arisen. Hearing this, the king spoke gently: “O Lord, the Vedas declare this rule that—”
बड़े सनेह लघुन्ह पर करहीं। गिरि निज सिरनि सदा तृन धरहीं॥ जलधि अगाध मौलि बह फेनू। संतत धरनि धरत सिर रेनू॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
baḍe saneha laghunha para karahīṃ। giri nija sirani sadā tṛna dharahīṃ॥ jaladhi agādha mauli baha phenū। santata dharani dharata sira renū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Great people always show affection to those beneath them. Mountains constantly bear grass upon their peaks. The fathomless ocean bears foam upon its head, and the earth ever bears dust upon its head.
अस कहि गहे नरेस पद स्वामी होहु कृपाल। मोहि लागि दुख सहिअ प्रभु सज्जन दीनदयाल॥ १६७ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
asa kahi gahe naresa pada svāmī hohu kṛpāla। mohi lāgi dukha sahia prabhu sajjana dīnadayāla॥ 167 ॥
Meaning:
Saying this, the king grasped the saint's feet and said, “O Lord, be gracious. You are noble and merciful. Therefore, O Lord, bear this hardship for my sake.”
जानि नृपहि आपन आधीना। बोला तापस कपट प्रबीना॥ सत्य कहउँ भूपति सुनु तोही। जग नाहिन दुर्लभ कछु मोही॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jāni nṛpahi āpana ādhīnā। bolā tāpasa kapaṭa prabīnā॥ satya kahauṃ bhūpati sunu tohī। jaga nāhina durlabha kacha mohī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing the king as under his control, the clever ascetic said, “Listen, O king, I speak the truth to you: in this world, nothing is difficult to obtain for me.”
अवसि काज मैं करिहउँ तोरा। मन तन बचन भगत तैं मोरा॥ जोग जुगुति तप मंत्र प्रभाऊ। फलइ तबहिं जब करिअ दुराऊ॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
avasi kāja maiṃ karihauṃ torā। mana tana bacana bhagata taiṃ morā॥ joga juguti tapa mantra prabhāū। phalai tabahiṃ jaba kari'a durāū॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
I will surely do your work, for you are my devotee in mind, body, and speech. But the power of yoga, skill, austerity, and mantra bears fruit only when it is kept hidden.
जौं नरेस मैं करौं रसोई। तुम्ह परुसहु मोहि जान न कोई॥ अन्न सो जोइ जोइ भोजन करई। सोइ सोइ तव आयसु अनुसरई॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jauṃ naresa maiṃ karauṃ rasoī। tumha parusahu mohi jāna na koī॥ anna so joi joi bhojana karai। soi soi tava āyasu anusarai॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
O lord of men, if I cook the meal and you serve it out so that no one knows me, then whoever eats that food will become obedient to you.
पुनि तिन्ह के गृह जेवँइ जोऊ। तव बस होइ भूप सुनु सोऊ॥ जाइ उपाय रचहु नृप एहू। संबत भरि संकलप करेहू॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
puni tinh ke ghṛha jevaṃ'i joū। tava basa hoi bhūpa sunu sou॥ jāi upāya racahu nṛpa ehū। saṃbata bhari saṃkalapa karehū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Not only that; whoever eats in those households too, O king, listen, he too will come under your control. Go and devise this plan, and make a vow to feed people for a whole year.
नित नूतन द्विज सहस सत बरेहु सहित परिवार। मैं तुम्हरे संकलप लगि दिनहिं करबि जेवनार॥ १६८ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nita nūtana dvija sahasa sata barehu sahita parivāra। maiṃ tumhare saṃkalapa lagi dinahiṃ karabi jevanāra॥ 168 ॥
Meaning:
Keep inviting, every day, a hundred thousand new brahmins together with their families. For your resolve I shall prepare the meal each day throughout that year.
एहि बिधि भूप कष्ट अति थोरें। होइहहिं सकल बिप्र बस तोरें॥ करिहहिं बिप्र होम मख सेवा। तेहिं प्रसंग सहजेहिं बस देवा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ehi bidhi bhūpa kaṣṭa ati thoreṃ। hoihahiṃ sakala bipra basa toreṃ॥ karihahiṃ bipra homa makha sevā। tehiṃ prasaṃga sahajaehiṃ basa devā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
O king, in this way, with very little effort, all the brahmins will come under your control. The brahmins will perform fire-offerings, sacrifices, and worship; through that connection, the gods too will easily come under your control.
और एक तोहि कहउँ लखाऊ। मैं एहि बेष न आउब काऊ॥ तुम्हरे उपरोहित कहुँ राया। हरि आनब मैं करि निज माया॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aura eka tohi kahauṃ lakhāū। maiṃ ehi beṣa na āuba kāū॥ tumhare uparohita kahuṃ rāyā। hari ānaba maiṃ kari nija māyā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
And let me tell you one more thing: I shall never come in this form. O king, by my own illusion I will carry away your priest.
तपबल तेहि करि आपु समाना। रखिहउँ इहाँ बरष परवाना॥ मैं धरि तासु बेषु सुनु राजा। सब बिधि तोर सँवारब काजा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tapabala tehi kari āpu samānā। rakhihauṃ ihāṃ baraṣa paravānā॥ maiṃ dhari tāsu beṣu sunu rājā। saba bidhi tora saṃvāraba kājā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
By the power of austerity I shall make him like myself and keep him here for a year. Listen, O king: I shall assume his form and accomplish your work in every way.
गै निसि बहुत सयन अब कीजे। मोहि तोहि भूप भेंट दिन तीजे॥ मैं तपबल तोहि तुरग समेता। पहुँचैहउँ सोवतहि निकेता॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gai nisi bahuta sayana aba kīje। mohi tohi bhūpa bheṃṭa dina tīje॥ maiṃ tapabala tohi turaga sametā। pahuṃcaihauṃ sovatahi niketā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
O king, the night is far spent; now sleep. On the third day from today I shall meet you. By the power of austerity I shall bring you home together with your horse even while you are asleep.
मैं आउब सोइ बेषु धरि पहिचानेहु तब मोहि। जब एकांत बोलाइ सब कथा सुनावौं तोहि॥ १६९ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
maiṃ āuba soi beṣu dhari pahicānehu taba mohi। jaba ekaṃta bolāi saba kathā sunāvauṃ tohi॥ 169 ॥
Meaning:
I shall come in that same form; recognize me then. When I call you aside in private, I shall tell you everything.
सयन कीन्ह नृप आयसु मानी। आसन जाइ बैठ छलग्यानी॥ श्रमित भूप निद्रा अति आई। सो किमि सोव सोच अधिकाई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sayana kīnha nṛpa āyasu mānī। āsana jāi baiṭha chalagyānī॥ śramita bhūpa nidrā ati āī। so kimi sova soca adhikāī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The king obeyed the command and lay down to sleep, while the crafty one sat down on a seat. The king was tired and fell into a deep sleep. But how could that deceiver sleep? He was filled with great anxiety.
कालकेतु निसिचर तहँ आवा। जेहिं सूकर होइ नृपहि भुलावा॥ परम मित्र तापस नृप केरा। जानइ सो अति कपट घनेरा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kālaketu nisicara tahaṃ āvā। jehiṃ sūkara hoi nṛpahi bhulāvā॥ parama mitra tāpasa nṛpa kerā। jāna'i so ati kapaṭa ghanerā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
At that time the demon Kalaketu arrived; he was the one who had deluded the king by appearing as a boar. He was the great friend of that ascetic king and was deeply skilled in deceit.
तेहि के सत सुत अरु दस भाई। खल अति अजय देव दुखदाई॥ प्रथमहिं भूप समर सब मारे। बिप्र संत सुर देखि दुखारे॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tehi ke sata suta aru dasa bhāī। khala ati ajaya deva dukhadāī॥ prathamahīṃ bhūpa samara saba māre। bipra saṃta sura dekhi dukhāre॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
He had a hundred sons and ten brothers, all wicked, invincible, and tormentors of the gods. Seeing the brahmins, saints, and gods distressed, the king had killed them all in battle earlier.
तेहिं खल पाछिल बयरु सँभारा। तापस नृप मिलि मंत्र बिचारा॥ जेहिं रिपु छय सोइ रचेन्हि उपाऊ। भावी बस न जान कछु राऊ॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tehiṃ khala pāchila bayarū saṃbhārā। tāpasa nṛpa mili mantra bichārā॥ jehiṃ ripu chaya soi rachenhi upāū। bhāvī basa na jāna kacha rāū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
That villain then remembered his old enmity and plotted with the ascetic king. He devised the means by which the enemy could be destroyed. Under the force of fate, the king could understand nothing.
रिपु तेजसी अकेल अपि लघु करि गनिअ न ताहु। अजहुँ देत दुख रबि ससिहि सिर अवसेषित राहु॥ १७० ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ripu tejasī akela api laghu kari gani'a na tāhu। ajahuṃ deta dukha rabi sasihi sira avaseṣita rāhu॥ 170 ॥
Meaning:
An enemy full of might should not be dismissed as insignificant, even if he is alone. Even now Rahu, though only his head remained, causes suffering to the sun and the moon.
तापस नृप निज सखहि निहारी। हरषि मिलेउ उठि भयउ सुखारी॥ मित्रहि कहि सब कथा सुनाई। जातुधान बोला सुख पाई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tāpasa nṛpa nija sakhahi nihārī। haraṣi mileu uṭhi bhayau sukhārī॥ mitrahi kahi saba kathā sunāī। jātudhāna bolā sukha pāī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The ascetic king saw his friend and, rejoicing, got up and embraced him. After telling his friend everything, the demon spoke with delight.
अब साधेउँ रिपु सुनहु नरेसा। जौं तुम्ह कीन्ह मोर उपदेसा॥ परिहरि सोच रहहु तुम्ह सोई। बिनु औषध बिआधि बिधि खोई॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aba sādheuṃ ripu sunahu naresā। jauṃ tumha kīnha mora upadesā॥ parihari soca rahahu tumha soī। binu auṣadha biādhi bidhi khoī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Now I have secured the enemy, O king—understand it so, since you have done as I instructed. Put away your worry and rest easy. Fate has removed the disease without medicine.
कुल समेत रिपु मूल बहाई। चौथें दिवस मिलब मैं आई॥ तापस नृपहि बहुत परितोषी। चला महाकपटी अतिरोषी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kula sameta ripu mūla bahāī। chautheṃ divasa milaba maiṃ āī॥ tāpasa nṛpahi bahuta paritoṣī। calā mahākapaṭī atiroṣī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Having uprooted the enemy completely, with his whole line, I shall meet you again on the fourth day from today. After greatly reassuring the ascetic king, that great trickster and fiercely angry demon departed.
भानुप्रतापहि बाजि समेता। पहुँचाएसि छन माझ निकेता॥ नृपहि नारि पहिं सयन कराई। हयगृहँ बाँधेसि बाजि बनाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhānupratāpahi bāji sametā। pahuṃcāesi chana mājha niketā॥ nṛpahi nāri pahiṃ sayana karāī। hayagṛhaṃ bāṃdhesi bāji banāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
He brought King Bhanupratap home together with his horse in an instant. He had the king sleep beside the queen and then properly tied the horse in the stable.
राजा के उपरोहितहि हरि लै गयउ बहोरि। लै राखेसि गिरि खोह महुँ मायाँ करि मति भोरि॥ १७१ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rājā ke uparohitahi hari lai gayau bahori। lai rākhesi giri khoha mahuṃ māyāṃ kari mati bhori॥ 171 ॥
Meaning:
Then he carried off the king's priest once more and, by illusion, confused his mind and placed him in a mountain cave.
आपु बिरचि उपरोहित रूपा। परेउ जाइ तेहि सेज अनूपा॥ जागेउ नृप अनभएँ बिहाना। देखि भवन अति अचरजु माना॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
āpu biraci uprohita rūpā। pareu jāi tehi seja anūpā॥ jāgeu nṛpa anabhaiṃ bihānā। dekhi bhavana ati acharaju mānā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
He himself assumed the priest's form and lay down on that splendid bed. Before dawn the king awoke and, seeing his house, was greatly amazed.
मुनि महिमा मन महुँ अनुमानी। उठेउ गवँहिं जेहिं जान न रानी॥ कानन गयउ बाजि चढ़ि तेहीं। पुर नर नारि न जानेउ केहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
muni mahimā mana mahuṃ anumānī। uṭheu gavaṃhi jehiṃ jāna na rānī॥ kānana gayau bāji caṛhi tehīṃ। pura nara nāri na jāneu kehīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Reflecting on the sage's greatness in his mind, he rose quietly so that the queen would not know. Then he mounted that very horse and went to the forest. No man or woman in the city knew.
गएँ जाम जुग भूपति आवा। घर घर उत्सव बाज बधावा॥ उपरोहितहि देख जब राजा। चकित बिलोक सुमिरि सोइ काजा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gaeṃ jāma juga bhūpati āvā। ghara ghara utsava bāja badhāvā॥ uparohitahi dekha jaba rājā। cakita biloka sumiri soi kājā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
After two watches had passed, the king arrived. Celebrations broke out in every house, and drums of welcome sounded. When the king saw the priest, he stared in astonishment, remembering that same deed.
जुग सम नृपहि गए दिन तीनी। कपटी मुनि पद रह मति लीनी॥ समय जानि उपरोहित आवा। नृपहि मते सब कहि समुझावा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
juga sama nṛpahi gae dina tīnī। kapaṭī muni pada raha mati līnī॥ samaya jāni uparohita āvā। nṛpahi mate saba kahi samujhāvā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The king spent three days as though they were ages. His mind remained fixed at the feet of the cunning sage. Knowing the appointed time, the priest in disguise came and, according to the secret plan made with the king, explained all his thoughts to him.
नृप हरषेउ पहिचानि गुरु भ्रम बस रहा न चेत। बरे तुरत सत सहस बर बिप्र कुटुंब समेत॥ १७२ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nṛpa haraṣeu pahicāni guru bhrama basa rahā na ceta। bare turata sata sahasa bara bipra kuṭuṃba sameta॥ 172 ॥
Meaning:
The king rejoiced on recognizing the guru in that form. In his confusion he did not realize what was happening. At once he invited one hundred thousand excellent brahmins, together with their families.
उपरोहित जेवनार बनाई। छरस चारि बिधि जसि श्रुति गाई॥ मायामय तेहिं कीन्हि रसोई। बिंजन बहु गनि सकइ न कोई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
uparohita jevanāra banāī। chharasa cāri bidhi jasi śruti gāī॥ māyāmaya tehiṃ kīnhi rasoī। biṃjana bahu gani sakaī na koī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The priest arranged the feast. Six flavors and four kinds of dishes, as the Vedas describe, were prepared. An illusory kitchen was made there, and so many dishes were set out that no one could count them.
बिबिध मृगन्ह कर आमिष राँधा। तेहि महुँ बिप्र माँसु खल साँधा॥ भोजन कहुँ सब बिप्र बोलाए। पद पखारि सादर बैठाए॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bibidha mṛganha kara āmiṣa rāṃdhā। tehi mahuṃ bipra māṃsu khala sāṃdhā॥ bhojana kahuṃ saba bipra bolāe। pada pakhāri sādara baiṭhāe॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
He cooked the meat of many kinds of animals, and that villain mixed Brahmin flesh into it. He invited all the Brahmins for the meal and, after washing their feet, seated them with respect.
परुसन जबहिं लाग महिपाला। भै अकासबानी तेहि काला॥ बिप्रबृंद उठि उठि गृह जाहू। है बड़ि हानि अन्न जनि खाहू॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
parusana jabahiṃ lāga mahipālā। bhaī akāsabānī tehi kālā॥ biprabṛnda uṭhi uṭhi gṛha jāhū। hai baḍi hāni anna jani khāhū॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
As soon as the king began serving the food, a voice from the sky arose at that moment: 'O Brahmins, rise up and go back to your homes. Do not eat this food; there is great harm in it.'
भयउ रसोईं भूसुर माँसू। सब द्विज उठे मानि बिस्वासू॥ भूप बिकल मति मोहँ भुलानी। भावी बस आव मुख बानी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhayau rasoīṃ bhūsura māṃsū। saba dvija uṭhe māni bisvāsū॥ bhūpa bikala mati mohaṃ bhulānī। bhāvī basa āva mukha bānī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The kitchen had become a place where Brahmins’ flesh was being prepared. Trusting the heavenly voice, all the Brahmins rose up. The king became distraught; his mind was lost in delusion, and by fate no words came from his lips.
बोले बिप्र सकोप तब नहिं कछु कीन्ह बिचार। जाइ निसाचर होहु नृप मूढ़ सहित परिवार॥ १७३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bole bipra sakopa taba nahiṃ kachu kīna bichār। jāi nisācara hohu nṛpa maooḍha sahita parivāra॥ 173 ॥
Meaning:
Then the Brahmins, in anger, spoke: 'You did not think at all—O foolish king! Go and become a demon along with your family.'
छत्रबंधु तैं बिप्र बोलाई। घालै लिए सहित समुदाई॥ ईस्वर राखा धरम हमारा। जैहसि तैं समेत परिवारा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
chatrabandhu taiṃ bipra bolāī। ghālai lie sahita samudāī॥ īśvara rākhā dharama hamārā। jaihasi taiṃ sameta parivārā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
O low-born Kshatriya! You called the Brahmins together with your family only to destroy them, but God protected our dharma. Now you will perish along with your family.
संबत मध्य नास तव होऊ। जलदाता न रहिहि कुल कोऊ॥ नृप सुनि श्राप बिकल अति त्रासा। भै बहोरि बर गिरा अकासा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sambata madhya nāsa tava hou। jaladātā na rahihi kula kou॥ nṛpa suni śrāpa bikala ati trāsā। bhaī bahori bara girā akāsā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Within a year your destruction shall come; no one in your lineage will remain to offer water. Hearing the curse, the king was overcome with fear and distress. Then another beautiful voice came from the sky—
बिप्रहु श्राप बिचारि न दीन्हा। नहिं अपराध भूप कछु कीन्हा॥ चकित बिप्र सब सुनि नभबानी। भूप गयउ जहँ भोजन खानी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
biprahu śrāpa bicāri na dīnhā। nahiṃ aparādha bhūpa kachu kīnhā॥ chakita bipra saba suni nabhbānī। bhūpa gayau jahaṃ bhojana khānī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
O Brahmins, you did not give the curse after reflection. The king had done no wrong. Hearing the voice from the sky, all the Brahmins were astonished. Then the king went to the place where the food had been prepared.
तहँ न असन नहिं बिप्र सुआरा। फिरेउ राउ मन सोच अपारा॥ सब प्रसंग महिसुरन्ह सुनाई। त्रसित परेउ अवनीं अकुलाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tahaṃ na asana nahiṃ bipra suārā। fireu rāu mana soca apārā॥ saba prasanga mahisuranhaṃ sunāī। trisata pareu avanīṃ akākulī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
There was neither food there nor even a Brahmin cook. The king returned with immense sorrow in his mind. He told the Brahmins the whole account, and, utterly frightened and agitated, he fell to the ground.
भूपति भावी मिटइ नहिं जदपि न दूषन तोर। किएँ अन्यथा होइ नहिं बिप्रश्राप अति घोर॥ १७४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhūpati bhāvī miṭai nahiṃ jadapi na dūṣana tora। kīeṃ anyathā hoi nahiṃ bipraśrāpa ati ghora॥ 174 ॥
Meaning:
O king, although you are not at fault, destiny cannot be erased. A Brahmin’s curse is exceedingly terrible and cannot be averted in any way.
अस कहि सब महिदेव सिधाए। समाचार पुरलोगन्ह पाए॥ सोचहिं दूषन दैवहि देहीं। बिरचत हंस काग किय जेहीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
asa kahi saba mahideva sidhāe। samācāra puraloganha pāe॥ sochahiṃ dūṣana daivahi dehīṃ। biracata haṃsa kāga kīya jehīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Having said this, all the Brahmins departed. When the people of the city heard the news, they began to lament and blame Fate: 'Why did it turn a swan into a crow while creating it?'
उपरोहितहि भवन पहुँचाई। असुर तापसहि खबरि जनाई॥ तेहिं खल जहँ तहँ पत्र पठाए। सजि सजि सेन भूप सब धाए॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
uparohitahi bhavana pahuṃcāī। asura tāpasahi khabari janāī॥ tehiṃ khala jahaṃ tahaṃ patra paṭhāe। saji saji senā bhūpa saba dhāe॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
After escorting the priest to his house, the demon informed the ascetic. That villain sent letters everywhere, and all the hostile kings marched out with their armies prepared.
घेरेन्हि नगर निसान बजाई। बिबिध भाँति नित होइ लराई॥ जूझे सकल सुभट करि करनी। बंधु समेत परेउ नृप धरनी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gherenhi nagara nisāna bajāī। bibidha bhāṃti nita hoi larāī॥ jūjhe sakala subhaṭa kari karanī। bandhu sameta pareu nṛpa dharanī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
They surrounded the city, beating the drums. Fighting went on every day in many ways. All the warriors fought and fell in battle; the king too fell to the ground along with his brothers.
सत्यकेतु कुल कोउ नहिं बाँचा। बिप्रश्राप किमि होइ असाँचा॥ रिपु जिति सब नृप नगर बसाई। निज पुर गवने जय जसु पाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
satyaketu kula kou nahiṃ bāṃcā। bipraśrāpa kimi hoi asāṃcā॥ ripu jiti saba nṛpa nagara basāī। nija pura gavane jaya jasa pāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
No one was left in Satyaketu's line. How could the Brahmins' curse be false? After conquering the enemy and reestablishing the city, all the kings, gaining victory and fame, returned to their own cities.
भरद्वाज सुनु जाहि जब होइ बिधाता बाम। धूरि मेरुसम जनक जम ताहि ब्यालसम दाम॥ १७५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bharadvāja sunu jāhi jaba hoi bidhātā bāma। dhūri merusama janaka jama tāhi byālasama dāma॥ 175 ॥
Meaning:
O Bharadwaj, listen: when destiny turns against someone, then dust becomes like Mount Meru to him (heavy and crushing), his father becomes like Yama (the god of death), and a rope becomes like a snake (biting and dangerous).