त्राहि मां करुणासिन्धो मनोतीति नमो ऽस्तुते
Save me, ocean of compassion; my mind calls to you—salutations to you.
उवाच परया प्रीत्या शङ्खचक्रगदाधरः
The bearer of conch, discus, and mace spoke with supreme affection.
तेषां तुष्टो न सन्देहो रक्षाम्येतांश्च सर्वदा
There is no doubt—I am pleased with them and always protect them.
भगवद्भक्तरुपेण लोकाक्रक्षामि सर्वदा
I always protect the worlds in the form of devotion to the Lord.
एतदिच्छाम्यदं श्रोतुं कौतुहलपरो यतः
I wish to hear this, for I am filled with curiosity.
वक्तुं तेषां प्रभावं हि शक्यते नाब्दकोटिभिः
Even in billions of ages, their greatness cannot be fully described.
विशिनो निस्पृहाः शान्तास्ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
They are free from desire, peaceful—these are truly the best of devotees.
अपरिग्रहशीलाश्च ते वै भागवताः स्मृताः
Those who are inclined to non-possession are indeed known as devotees.
तद्भक्तविष्णुभक्ताश्च ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are devoted to the devotees of Vishnu—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
गङ्गाविश्वेश्वरधिया ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those whose minds are fixed on Gaṅgā and Viśveśvara—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
पूजां दृष्ट्वानुमोदन्ते ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who, upon seeing worship, rejoice in it—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
वियुक्तपरनिन्दाश्च ते व भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are free from slandering others—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
ये गुणग्राहिणो लोके ते वै भागवताः स्मृताः
Those who, in this world, are receptive to virtues—they are regarded as Bhāgavatas.
तुल्याः शत्रुषु मित्रेषु ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are impartial toward both enemies and friends—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
सतां शुश्रूषवो ये च ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are eager to serve the virtuous—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
तद्वक्तरि च भक्ता ये ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are devoted to the speaker of His words—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
तीर्थयात्रापरा ये च ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are devoted to pilgrimage—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
हरिनामपरा ये च ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are devoted to the names of Hari—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
कासारकूपकर्त्तारस्ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who dig ponds and wells—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
गोयत्रीनिरता ये च ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are devoted to the cow and the Gāyatrī—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
रोमाञ्चितशरीराश्च ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those whose bodies are thrilled with goosebumps—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
तत्काष्टाङ्कितकर्णा ये ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those whose ears are marked with His wood—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
तन्मूलमृत्तिकां ये च ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who possess the earth from His root—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
ये च वेदार्थवक्तारस्ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are speakers of the meaning of the Vedas—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
त्रिपुण्ड्रधारिणो ये च ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who bear the three lines—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
रुद्राक्षालङ्कृता ये च ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are adorned with rudrākṣa beads—indeed, they are the foremost among the Bhāgavatas.
हरिं वा परया भक्त्या ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who possess supreme devotion to Hari are indeed the highest among devotees.
सर्वत्र गुणभाजो ये ते वै भागवताः स्मृताः
Those who delight in virtue everywhere are truly known as devotees.
समबुद्ध्या प्रवर्त्तन्ते ते वै भागवताः स्मृताः
Those who act with equal-mindedness are indeed recognized as devotees.
शिवध्यानरता ये च ते वै भागवतोत्तमाः
Those who are devoted to meditation on Shiva are the highest among devotees.