परितः परिवेषाभं सूर्यस्योच्चैः स्फुरत्प्रभम्
Surrounded on all sides, shining with a brilliance like the sun at its zenith,
भूतावली तमालोक्य स्फुरच्चक्रसुदर्शनम्
That host of spirits, seeing him with the blazing Sudarshana discus,
अतीव निष्कंपहृदं गोविदार्पितचेतसम्
With a heart utterly unmoved, his mind fixed on Govinda,
सापि प्रत्युतभीतातं ध्रुवं ध्रुवविनिश्चयम् 4.1.20.
She too, seeing Dhruva's unwavering resolve, became even more afraid.
गर्जत्कादंबिनीजालं व्योम्नि वै व्याकुलं यथा
Like a tumultuous mass of thunderclouds roaring in the sky,
अथ जंभारिणा सार्धं भीताः सर्वे दिवौकसः
Then, together with Indra, all the gods became afraid.
नत्वा विज्ञापयामासुः परिष्टुत्या पितामहम्
Having bowed, they addressed and praised the Grandfather (Brahma).
तपता तापिताः सर्वे त्रिलोकी तलवासिनः
All the inhabitants of the three worlds were tormented by his austerity.
सम्यक्संविद्महे तात धुवस्य न मनीषितम्
We know well, dear one, that Dhruva's intention is not ours.
इति विज्ञापितो देवैर्विहस्य चतुराननः
Thus addressed by the gods, Four-faced Brahma laughed.
व्रजंतु विज्वराः सर्वे न स वः पदमिच्छति
Let all depart free from distress; he does not desire your position.
न तस्माद्भगवद्भक्ताद्भेतव्यं केनचित्क्वचित्
No one, anywhere, should fear a devotee of the Blessed Lord.
आराध्य विष्णुं देवेशं लब्ध्वा तस्मात्स्वकांक्षितम्
Having worshipped Vishnu, Lord of the gods, and obtained from him one's desired boon—
निशम्येति च गीर्वाणाः प्रणीतं ब्रह्मणो वचः 4.1.20.
Hearing thus the words spoken by Brahma, the celestials listened.
अथ नारायणो देवस्तं दृष्ट्वा दृढमानसम्
Then Narayana, seeing him steadfast in mind—
श्रीविष्णुरुवाच प्रसन्नोस्मि महाभाग वरं वरय सुव्रत
Sri Vishnu said: I am pleased, O highly fortunate one; choose your boon, O virtuous.
वचोऽमृतं समाकर्ण्य पर्युन्मील्य विलोचने
Hearing these nectar-like words, he opened his eyes wide.
प्रत्यग्रविकसन्नीलोत्पलानां निकुरंबकैः
With clusters of freshly blossomed blue lotuses—
लक्ष्मीदेवीकटाक्षोघैः कटाक्षितमिवाखिलम्
By the showers of glances from Lady Lakshmi, everything seemed glanced upon.
प्रोद्यत्कादंबिनीमध्य विद्युद्दामसमानरुक्
In the midst of a rising cloud, with brilliance like a streak of lightning.
नभो निकष पाषाणो मेरुकांचन रेखितः
The sky, like a touchstone, marked with lines of Meru's gold.
सुनीलगगनं यद्वद्भूषितं तु कलावता
Just as the beautiful blue sky is adorned by the moon.
दंडवत्प्रणिपत्याथ परितः परिलुठ्य च
Then, bowing down in reverence, he rolled about all around.
नारदेन सनंदेन सनकेन सुसंस्तुतः 4.1.20.
Praised greatly by Narada, Sananda, and Sanaka.
स्पर्शनाद्देवदेवस्य सुसंस्कृतमयी शुभा
By the touch of the God of gods, the auspicious, well-crafted form—
न तृप्तिमधिगच्छामि शृण्वन्वाराणसीकथाम्
I do not attain satisfaction, hearing the tales of Varanasi.
अनुग्रहो यदि मयि योग्योस्मि श्रवणे यदि
If your favor is upon me, and if I am worthy to listen,
कोसौ भैरवनामात्र काशिपुर्यां व्यवस्थितः
Who is this Bhairava by name, established in the city of Kashi?
कथमाराधितश्चैव सिद्धिदः साधकस्य वै
How is he worshipped, and how does he grant accomplishment to the practitioner?
तथा न कस्यचिन्मन्ये ततो वक्ष्याम्यशेषतः
I do not consider anyone else thus; therefore I shall speak in full.