यस्यामलामृतयशःश्रवणावगाहः सद्यः पुनाति जगदा श्वपचाद्विकुंठः २.
He whose pure, immortal fame, when heard and entered into, at once purifies the world—even from an outcaste to the highest—
प्रियं च पार्थ ते ब्रूमो येषां कुशलकामुकः २.
And, O Pārtha, we tell you what is dear, for whom the wish for welfare arises.
अधुना भीमसेनेन कुरूणामुपतापकः २.
Now, by Bhīmasena, affliction has come upon the Kurus.
स हि राज्ञामजेयोऽभूद्यथापूर्वं बलिर्बली २.
For he became unconquerable among kings, just as Bali was of old, being strong.
इत्यादिनारदप्रोक्तां वाचमाकर्ण्य फाल्गुनः २.
Hearing these words spoken by Nārada, Phālguna—
ये ब्राह्मणमते नित्यं ये च ब्राह्मणपूजकाः २.
Those who always follow the brahmin's teaching, and those who honor the brahmins—
आगतस्तीर्थमेतद्धि प्रमोदोऽतीव मे हृदि २.
This sacred place has been reached; great joy indeed fills my heart.
माहात्म्यश्रवणं तस्मादौर्वोपि मुनिरब्रवीत् २.
Therefore, the sage Aurva spoke about the hearing of its greatness.
एतेनैव श्राव्यमेतद्यत्त्वयांगीकृतं मुने २.
This very thing should be heard, since you have accepted it, O sage.
तदेतत्सर्वतीर्थेभ्योऽधिकं मन्ये त्वदा हृतम्॥ २.
Therefore, I consider this to be superior to all other sacred places, as it has been received from you.
उचितं तव पार्थैतद्यत्पृच्छसि गुणिन्गुणान् साधूनां धर्मश्रवणैः कीर्तनैर्याति चान्वहम्॥ २.
It is fitting for you, O son of Pritha, to ask about the virtues of the virtuous; for by hearing and praising the righteous, virtue increases day by day.
पापानामसदालापैरायुर्याति यथान्वहम् २.
Just as, through false and evil conversations, the lifespan of sinners diminishes day by day.
यथा श्रुत्वा विजानासि युक्तमंगीकृतं मया २.
As you have heard and understood, it is proper and has been accepted by me.
गतवान्ब्रह्मणो लोकं तत्रापश्यं पितामहम् २.
I went to the world of Brahma and there I saw the Grandfather.
विभाति विमलो ब्रह्मा नक्षत्रैरुडुराडिव २.
Brahma shone, pure and spotless, like the moon among the stars.
उविष्टः प्रमुदितः कपिलेन सहैव च २.
He was seated, joyful, together with Kapila.
प्रहीयंते हि ते नित्यं जगद्द्रष्टुं हि ब्रह्मणा २.
Those who constantly desire to see the world approach Brahma.
चक्षुषामृतकल्पेन प्लावयन्निव चाब्रवीत् २.
Flooding with nectar-like vision, he spoke as if bathing all.
किंचिदेवाद्भुतं ब्रूत श्रवणाद्येन पुण्यता २.
Speak of something wondrous, by hearing which there is merit.
सुश्रवानाम ब्रह्माणं प्रणिपत्येदमूचिवान् २.
Having bowed to Brahma, the best of listeners spoke these words.
तथापि खलु वाच्यं मे परार्थं प्रेरितेन ते २.
Yet still, I must speak, prompted by you, for the sake of another.
सारजिज्ञासया तस्थावेकांगुष्ठः शतं समाः २.
Desiring the essence, he stood on one toe for a hundred years.
पुण्ये सरस्वतीतीरे पृच्छ सारस्वतं मुनिम् २.
On the holy bank of the Sarasvati, ask the sage Sarasvata.
इति श्रुत्वा मुनिवरो मुनिश्रेष्ठमुपेत्य तम् २.
Hearing thus, the best of sages approached that foremost sage.
सत्यं केचित्प्रशंसंतितपः शौचं तथा परे २.
Some praise truthfulness, others austerity and purity.
क्षमां केचित्प्रशंसंति तथैव भृशमार्ज्जवम् २.
Some praise forgiveness, and likewise, greatly praise honesty.
सम्यग्ज्ञानं प्रशंसंति केचिद्वैराग्यमुत्तमम् २.
Some praise true knowledge, others supreme detachment.
आत्मज्ञानं परं केचित्समलोष्टाश्मकांचनम् २.
Some praise the highest self-knowledge, seeing earth, stone, and gold as equal.
व्यामोहमेव गच्छंति किं श्रेय इति वादिनः २.
Those who argue about what is best only fall into confusion.
वक्तुमर्हसि धर्मज्ञ मम सर्वार्थसाधकम्॥ २.
O knower of dharma, you should tell me that which accomplishes all aims.