Bala Kanda · Sarga 29 of 77 · 32 verses
Siddhashrama, the Hermitage of Vamana
Vishvamitra explains: here Vishnu, honoured by the gods, practised austerity for ages; it is the old hermitage of Vamana, called Siddhashrama, “the hermitage of accomplishment”. When the asura king Bali, son of Virocana, had conquered the gods and was performing a great sacrifice, giving whatever anyone asked, the gods came here and begged Vishnu to take the form of a dwarf by his power of illusion and act for their good.
At that moment the sage Kashyapa, with his wife Aditi, completed a thousand-year vow and praised Vishnu: “I see the whole world in your body; you are without beginning; I take refuge in you.” Vishnu offered a boon, and Kashyapa asked that Vishnu be born as his and Aditi’s son, Indra’s younger brother. So Vishnu was born of Aditi, went as a dwarf to Bali, begged three steps of land, and with them covered the worlds, restored them to Indra and bound Bali. Vishvamitra now lives here as a devotee of that same Vamana. The sages welcome them; the princes ask Vishvamitra to begin his consecration that very day, and he does.
Press › to begin with verse 1.
अथ तस्याप्रमेयस्य वचनं परिपृच्छतः । विश्वामित्रो महातेजा व्याख्यातुमुपचक्रमे ॥ १ ॥
Then the radiant Vishvamitra began to explain to that one of immeasurable power, who was asking.
तब तेजस्वी विश्वामित्र उन अपार प्रभाव वाले पूछने वाले राम को समझाने लगे।
Commentary on the whole sarga
Siddhashrama, the Hermitage of Vamana 1 min read.
Read the commentary CommentaryNot scripture Vishvamitra begins to explain. Rama asked “whose hermitage is this?”, and the answer will be one of the most famous stories in Hindu tradition. Notice the irony: Vishvamitra is about to tell Rama the story of Vishnu’s earlier avatara, without saying that Rama himself is Vishnu.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
इह राम महाबाहो विष्णुर्देवनमस्कृतः । वर्षाणि सुबहूनीह तथा युगशतानि च ॥ २ ॥
तपश्चरणयोगार्थमुवास सुमहातपाः । एष पूर्वाश्रमो राम वामनस्य महात्मनः ॥ ३ ॥
“Here, Rama, mighty-armed one, Vishnu, whom the gods worship, lived for very many years and hundreds of ages, the great ascetic, for the practice of austerity and yoga. This, Rama, was formerly the hermitage of the great-souled Vamana.
“राम, महाबाहु, यहाँ देवताओं से पूजित विष्णु, महान तपस्वी, बहुत वर्षों और सैकड़ों युगों तक तप और योग के अभ्यास के लिए रहे। राम, यह पहले महात्मा वामन का आश्रम था।
CommentaryNot scripture Vishnu himself once lived here for ages, practising austerity and yoga. This was the hermitage of Vamana, the dwarf avatara. Rama is walking into a place where he, in a former form, once lived.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
सिद्धाश्रम इति ख्यातः सिद्धो ह्यत्र महातपाः । एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु राजा वैरोचनिर्बलिः ॥ ४ ॥
निर्जित्य दैवतगणान् सेन्द्रान् सहमरुद्गणान् । कारयामास तद्राज्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतः ॥ ५ ॥
“It is known as Siddhashrama, for here the great ascetic attained accomplishment (siddhi). At that very time King Bali, son of Virocana, having conquered the hosts of gods with Indra and the Maruts, ruled his kingdom, famed in the three worlds.
“यह सिद्धाश्रम कहलाता है, क्योंकि यहाँ महातपस्वी ने सिद्धि पाई। उसी समय विरोचन के पुत्र राजा बलि इंद्र और मरुतों सहित देवताओं के समूहों को जीतकर तीनों लोकों में प्रसिद्ध होकर राज्य करते थे।
CommentaryNot scripture Siddhashrama : “the hermitage of accomplishment”, because Vishnu attained siddhi here. Then the story: Bali, the righteous asura king, has conquered the gods and rules the three worlds.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
यज्ञं चकार सुमहानसुरेन्द्रो महाबलः । बलेस्तु यजमानस्य देवाः साग्निपुरोगमाः । समागम्य स्वयं चैव विष्णुमूचुरिहाश्रमे ॥ ६ ॥
“The mighty lord of the asuras performed a great sacrifice. While Bali was sacrificing, the gods, led by Agni, came together and themselves said to Vishnu here in this hermitage:
“असुरों के बलवान स्वामी ने एक महान यज्ञ किया। जब बलि यज्ञ कर रहे थे, तब अग्नि आदि देवता इकट्ठे होकर स्वयं यहीं इस आश्रम में विष्णु से बोले:
CommentaryNot scripture Bali performs a great sacrifice. The gods, desperate, come to Vishnu here. Bali is an unusual demon: generous and righteous. He is a problem not because he is cruel, but because the cosmic order has been upset.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
बलिर्वैरोचनिर्विष्णो यजते यज्ञमुत्तमम् । असमाप्तव्रते तस्मिन् स्वकार्यमभिपद्यताम् ॥ ७ ॥
“’Vishnu, Bali, son of Virocana, is performing a supreme sacrifice. While his vow is not yet complete, let our purpose be achieved.
“’विष्णु, विरोचन के पुत्र बलि एक परम यज्ञ कर रहे हैं। जब तक उनका व्रत पूरा नहीं होता, तब तक हमारा प्रयोजन सिद्ध हो जाए।
CommentaryNot scripture The gods ask Vishnu to act “while his vow is not yet complete”. During a sacrifice, the sacrificer must give whatever is asked. That is Bali’s weak point.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
ये चैनमभिवर्तन्ते याचितार इतस्ततः । यच्च यत्र यथावच्च सर्वं तेभ्यः प्रयच्छति ॥ ८ ॥
“’Whoever comes to him from anywhere asking, whatever they ask and wherever, he gives them all of it properly.
“’जो कोई कहीं से भी उनके पास माँगने आता है, जो कुछ भी, जहाँ भी माँगता है, वे उसे वह सब ठीक से देते हैं।
CommentaryNot scripture Bali gives anything to anyone who asks. His generosity is famous. It is both his greatest virtue and the door through which he will be defeated.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
स त्वं सुरहितार्थाय मायायोगमुपाश्रितः । वामनत्वं गतो विष्णो कुरु कल्याणमुत्तमम् ॥ ९ ॥
“’So, for the good of the gods, use your power of illusion, become a dwarf, Vishnu, and do the highest good.’
“’इसलिए, देवताओं के हित के लिए, अपनी माया का सहारा लेकर, वामन बनकर, विष्णु, परम कल्याण कीजिए।’
CommentaryNot scripture “Become a dwarf (vamana ) by your power of illusion.” The gods ask Vishnu to come small, as a beggar. Humility is the disguise that defeats pride.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
एतस्मिन्नन्तरे राम कश्यपोग्निसमप्रभः । अदित्या सहितो राम दीप्यमान इवौजसा ॥ १० ॥
देवीसहायो भगवान् दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रकम् । व्रतं समाप्य वरदं तुष्टाव मधुसूदनम् ॥ ११ ॥
“At that moment, Rama, Kashyapa, radiant as fire, blazing as if with energy, together with Aditi, the blessed one with his wife as companion, having completed a vow of a thousand divine years, praised the slayer of Madhu, the giver of boons:
“उसी समय, राम, अग्नि जैसे तेजस्वी, मानो तेज से दमकते कश्यप, अदिति के साथ, पत्नी को साथी बनाकर, हज़ार दिव्य वर्षों का व्रत पूरा करके, वर देने वाले मधुसूदन की स्तुति करने लगे:
CommentaryNot scripture Kashyapa, father of the gods, and his wife Aditi, after a thousand divine years of austerity, praise Vishnu. Note “with his wife as companion” (dharma-patni-sahaya ): they practise together. The divine birth will come through a devoted couple, like Dasharatha and his queens.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
तपोमयं तपोराशिं तपोमूर्तिं तपात्मकम् । तपसा त्वां सुतप्तेन पश्यामि पुरुषोत्तमम् ॥ १२ ॥
“’You are made of austerity, a mass of austerity, austerity embodied, whose very self is austerity. By well-practised austerity I see you, the supreme person.
“’आप तपोमय हैं, तप के पुंज हैं, तप के रूप हैं, तप ही आपकी आत्मा है। अच्छी तरह किए गए तप से मैं आपको, परम पुरुष को, देख रहा हूँ।
CommentaryNot scripture Kashyapa’s hymn: “You are made of austerity, a mass of austerity, austerity embodied.” He sees God as the essence of discipline itself. Only by austerity does one see the supreme person.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
शरीरे तव पश्यामि जगत् सर्वमिदं प्रभो । त्वमनादिरनिर्देश्यस्त्वामहं शरणं गतः ॥ १३ ॥
“’In your body, lord, I see this whole world. You are without beginning and beyond description. I have come to you for refuge.’
“’प्रभु, आपके शरीर में मैं यह सारा संसार देखता हूँ। आप अनादि और अनिर्वचनीय हैं। मैं आपकी शरण में आया हूँ।’
CommentaryNot scripture “In your body I see the whole world.” This is the vision of the cosmic form (vishva-rupa ), which Arjuna also sees in the Bhagavad Gita. Kashyapa takes refuge.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
तमुवाच हरिः प्रीतः कश्यपं गतकल्मषम् । वरं वरय भद्रं ते वरार्होऽसि मतो मम ॥ १४ ॥
“Hari, pleased, said to Kashyapa, whose sins were gone: ‘Choose a boon; blessings on you. I consider you worthy of a boon.’
“प्रसन्न होकर हरि ने पापरहित कश्यप से कहा: ‘वर माँगो; तुम्हारा कल्याण हो। मैं तुम्हें वर के योग्य मानता हूँ।’
CommentaryNot scripture Vishnu (Hari) is pleased and offers a boon. In these stories, deep devotion always draws a response from God.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य मारीचः कश्यपोऽब्रवीत् । अदित्या देवतानां च मम चैवानुयाचितम् ॥ १५ ॥
वरं वरद सुप्रीतो दातुमर्हसि सुव्रत । पुत्रत्वं गच्छ भगवन्नदित्या मम चानघ ॥ १६ ॥
“Hearing his words, Kashyapa, son of Marichi, said: ‘Giver of boons, of good vows, being well pleased, grant the boon begged by Aditi, by the gods and by me: become the son of Aditi and of me, lord, sinless one.
“उनके वचन सुनकर मरीचि के पुत्र कश्यप ने कहा: ‘वर देने वाले, उत्तम व्रत वाले, अत्यंत प्रसन्न होकर अदिति, देवताओं और मेरे द्वारा माँगा गया वर दीजिए: प्रभु, निष्पाप, अदिति और मेरे पुत्र बनिए।
CommentaryNot scripture The boon: “Become the son of Aditi and of me.” Kashyapa asks the same thing the gods asked of Vishnu in sarga 15: to be born. Twice in this kanda, Vishnu agrees to become a child.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
भ्राता भव यवीयांस्त्वं शक्रस्यासुरसूदन । शोकार्तानां तु देवानां साहाय्यं कर्तुमर्हसि ॥ १७ ॥
“’Become the younger brother of Shakra, slayer of asuras. You should give help to the gods who are stricken with grief.
“’असुरों का नाश करने वाले इंद्र के छोटे भाई बनिए। शोक से पीड़ित देवताओं की सहायता कीजिए।
CommentaryNot scripture “Become the younger brother of Indra.” Vamana is called Upendra, “Indra’s younger brother”. The supreme god chooses to be the junior. Humility again.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
अयं सिद्धाश्रमो नाम प्रसादात् ते भविष्यति । सिद्धे कर्मणि देवेश उत्तिष्ठ भगवन्नितः ॥ १८ ॥
“’By your grace this will be called Siddhashrama. When the work is accomplished, lord of the gods, rise and go from here.’
“’आपकी कृपा से यह सिद्धाश्रम कहलाएगा। देवेश्वर, कार्य सिद्ध होने पर यहाँ से उठकर जाइए।’
CommentaryNot scripture “When the work is done, rise and go from here.” This place will be called Siddhashrama because of what Vishnu accomplishes. Places hold the memory of what happened in them.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
अथ विष्णुर्महातेजा अदित्यां समजायत । वामनं रूपमास्थाय वैरोचनिमुपागमत् ॥ १९ ॥
“Then the radiant Vishnu was born of Aditi, and taking the form of a dwarf he went to the son of Virocana.
“तब तेजस्वी विष्णु अदिति से उत्पन्न हुए, और वामन का रूप धारण करके विरोचन के पुत्र के पास गए।
CommentaryNot scripture Vishnu is born of Aditi and goes to Bali as a dwarf. The story moves quickly now, as everyone listening already knows it.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
त्रीन् पदानथ भिक्षित्वा प्रतिगृह्य च मेदिनीम् । आक्रम्य लोकाँल्लोकार्थी सर्वलोकहिते रतः ॥ २० ॥
महेन्द्राय पुनः प्रादान्नियम्य बलिमोजसा । त्रैलोक्यं स महातेजाश्चक्रे शक्रवशं पुनः ॥ २१ ॥
“He begged three steps, received the earth, and, seeking the good of the worlds, devoted to the welfare of all worlds, strode over the worlds. Restraining Bali by his might, he gave the three worlds back to great Indra; the radiant one put the three worlds again under Shakra’s rule.
“उन्होंने तीन पग भूमि माँगी, पृथ्वी पाई, और लोकों का हित चाहते हुए, सब लोकों के कल्याण में लगे हुए, लोकों को नाप लिया। अपने बल से बलि को रोककर उन्होंने तीनों लोक महेंद्र को लौटा दिए; उन तेजस्वी ने तीनों लोकों को फिर से इंद्र के शासन में कर दिया।
CommentaryNot scripture He asks for three steps of land. Bali agrees. Then the dwarf grows, and in three strides covers the earth, the sky and the heavens. The worlds are returned to Indra. Vishnu’s three steps (trivikrama ) are among the oldest images in Indian religion, already praised in the Rig Veda.
Scene 1 of 2 · The story of this place: Vishnu as the dwarf Vamana grows vast and strides across the three worlds.
तेनैव पूर्वमाक्रान्त आश्रमः श्रमनाशनः । मयापि भक्त्या तस्यैव वामनस्योपभुज्यते ॥ २२ ॥
“This hermitage, which destroys weariness, was once trodden by him; and I too, out of devotion to that same Vamana, dwell in it.
“थकान को मिटाने वाला यह आश्रम कभी उनके चरणों से पवित्र हुआ था; और मैं भी उन्हीं वामन की भक्ति से इसमें रहता हूँ।
CommentaryNot scripture Vishvamitra lives here “out of devotion to Vamana”. The hermitage “destroys weariness” (shrama-nashana ). Holy places refresh both body and spirit.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vishvamitra leads the two princes by the hand into Siddhashrama, and the sages spring up to welcome them.
एनमाश्रममायान्ति राक्षसा विघ्नकारिणः । अत्र ते पुरुषव्याघ्र हन्तव्या दुष्टचारिणः ॥ २३ ॥
“To this hermitage come the rakshasas who cause obstruction. Here, tiger among men, those evil-doers are to be killed by you.
“बाधा डालने वाले राक्षस इसी आश्रम में आते हैं। नरसिंह, यहीं तुम्हें उन दुष्टों को मारना है।
CommentaryNot scripture And here the rakshasas come to ruin his rites. Into the sacred place of Vishnu’s victory, demons intrude. It is the right place for Rama to begin his work.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vishvamitra leads the two princes by the hand into Siddhashrama, and the sages spring up to welcome them.
अद्य गच्छामहे राम सिद्धाश्रममनुत्तमम् । तदाश्रमपदं तात तवाप्येतद् यथा मम ॥ २४ ॥
“Today, Rama, we go to the supreme Siddhashrama. That hermitage, child, is as much yours as mine.”
“राम, आज हम परम सिद्धाश्रम चलते हैं। वत्स, वह आश्रम जितना मेरा है, उतना ही तुम्हारा भी।”
CommentaryNot scripture “That hermitage is as much yours as mine.” A teacher’s generosity. And, hidden in it, a deeper truth: as Vishnu, the hermitage truly is Rama’s own.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vishvamitra leads the two princes by the hand into Siddhashrama, and the sages spring up to welcome them.
इत्युक्त्वा परमप्रीतो गृह्य रामं सलक्ष्मणम् । प्रविशन्नाश्रमपदं व्यरोचत महामुनिः । शशीव गतनीहारः पुनर्वसुसमन्वितः ॥ २५ ॥
Saying this, the great sage, greatly pleased, took Rama and Lakshmana by the hand and, entering the hermitage, shone like the moon freed from mist, joined with the stars of Punarvasu.
यह कहकर अत्यंत प्रसन्न महामुनि ने राम और लक्ष्मण का हाथ पकड़ा और आश्रम में प्रवेश करते हुए ऐसे शोभा पाई, जैसे कोहरे से मुक्त चंद्रमा पुनर्वसु के तारों के साथ।
CommentaryNot scripture Vishvamitra takes both princes by the hand and enters, shining “like the moon freed from mist, joined with the stars of Punarvasu”. Punarvasu was the star of Rama’s birth (sarga 18). The two princes are the twin stars beside the sage.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vishvamitra leads the two princes by the hand into Siddhashrama, and the sages spring up to welcome them.
तं दृष्ट्वा मुनयः सर्वे सिद्धाश्रमनिवासिनः । उत्पत्योत्पत्य सहसा विश्वामित्रमपूजयन् ॥ २६ ॥
Seeing him, all the sages who lived in Siddhashrama sprang up again and again and quickly honoured Vishvamitra.
उन्हें देखकर सिद्धाश्रम में रहने वाले सब मुनि बार-बार उछलकर उठे और जल्दी से विश्वामित्र का सम्मान किया।
CommentaryNot scripture The sages spring up “again and again” (utpatya utpatya ) to welcome him: an excited, joyful welcome. Vishvamitra is beloved here.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vishvamitra leads the two princes by the hand into Siddhashrama, and the sages spring up to welcome them.
यथार्हं चक्रिरे पूजां विश्वामित्राय धीमते । तथैव राजपुत्राभ्यामकुर्वन्नतिथिक्रियाम् ॥ २७ ॥
They paid fitting honour to wise Vishvamitra, and in the same way performed the rites of hospitality for the two princes.
उन्होंने बुद्धिमान विश्वामित्र का यथोचित सम्मान किया, और इसी तरह दोनों राजकुमारों का भी आतिथ्य-सत्कार किया।
CommentaryNot scripture The princes, too, receive hospitality. Everyone is welcomed. The hermitage is a home.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vishvamitra leads the two princes by the hand into Siddhashrama, and the sages spring up to welcome them.
मुहूर्तमथ विश्रान्तौ राजपुत्रावरिंदमौ । प्राञ्जली मुनिशार्दूलमूचतू रघुनन्दनौ ॥ २८ ॥
After resting a moment, the two princes, subduers of enemies, delight of the Raghus, joined their palms and said to the tiger among sages:
थोड़ी देर विश्राम करके शत्रुओं का दमन करने वाले, रघुकुल के आनंद दोनों राजकुमारों ने हाथ जोड़कर मुनिसिंह से कहा:
CommentaryNot scripture After resting only a moment, the princes speak with joined palms. They are eager to begin. No time wasted on comfort.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vishvamitra leads the two princes by the hand into Siddhashrama, and the sages spring up to welcome them.
अद्यैव दीक्षां प्रविश भद्रं ते मुनिपुङ्गव । सिद्धाश्रमोऽयं सिद्धः स्यात् सत्यमस्तु वचस्तव ॥ २९ ॥
“Enter your consecration today, blessings on you, best of sages. Let this Siddhashrama be accomplished, and let your word come true.”
“मुनिश्रेष्ठ, आज ही दीक्षा ग्रहण कीजिए, आपका कल्याण हो। यह सिद्धाश्रम सिद्ध हो, और आपका वचन सत्य हो।”
CommentaryNot scripture “Enter your consecration today.” The princes urge the sage to begin his rite. “Let your word come true”: they are ready to guard it.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vishvamitra leads the two princes by the hand into Siddhashrama, and the sages spring up to welcome them.
एवमुक्तो महातेजा विश्वामित्रो महानृषिः । प्रविवेश तदा दीक्षां नियतो नियतेन्द्रियः ॥ ३० ॥
So addressed, the radiant great sage Vishvamitra, disciplined and master of his senses, entered the consecration.
ऐसा कहे जाने पर तेजस्वी, संयमी और जितेंद्रिय महामुनि विश्वामित्र ने दीक्षा ग्रहण की।
CommentaryNot scripture Vishvamitra enters the diksha . From now he must keep silence and discipline; he can no longer protect himself with a curse. Everything depends on the boys.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vishvamitra leads the two princes by the hand into Siddhashrama, and the sages spring up to welcome them.
कुमारावपि तां रात्रिमुषित्वा सुसमाहितौ । प्रभातकाले चोत्थाय पूर्वां संध्यामुपास्य च ॥ ३१ ॥
प्रशुची परमं जाप्यं समाप्य नियमेन च । हुताग्निहोत्रमासीनं विश्वामित्रमवन्दताम् ॥ ३२ ॥
The two princes too, after spending that night with full attention, rose at dawn, performed the morning twilight rites, and, purified, having completed the supreme prayer according to rule, saluted Vishvamitra, who was seated having made the fire offering.
दोनों राजकुमार भी पूरी सावधानी से वह रात बिताकर सवेरे उठे, प्रातःकालीन संध्या की, और पवित्र होकर विधि से परम जप पूरा करके, अग्निहोत्र करके बैठे विश्वामित्र को प्रणाम किया।
CommentaryNot scripture The princes keep watch through the night, then perform their dawn rites and salute their teacher at his fire. Readiness, prayer, respect. The great test begins in the next sarga.
Scene 2 of 2 · Vishvamitra leads the two princes by the hand into Siddhashrama, and the sages spring up to welcome them.
