ब्राह्मणानां कुले जातो जातिमात्रो यदा भवेत् ५.
When one is born in a family of brāhmaṇas, he is only a brāhmaṇa by birth.
एकोद्देश्यमतिक्रम्य वेदस्याचारवानृजुः ५.
But surpassing mere recitation, one who follows the Veda in conduct and uprightness—
एकां शाखां सकल्पां च षड्भिरंगैरधीत्य च ५.
Having studied one branch, together with its auxiliary disciplines, and the six limbs,
वेदवेदांगतत्त्वज्ञः शुद्धात्मा पापवर्जितः ५.
One who knows the essence of the Veda and its branches, whose self is pure, free from sin,
अनूचानगुणोपेतो यज्ञस्वाध्याययंत्रितः ५.
Endowed with the virtues of a learned teacher, devoted to sacrifice and recitation,
वैदिकं लौकिकं चैव सर्वज्ञानमवाप्य यः ५.
Who has attained all knowledge, both Vedic and worldly,
ऊर्ध्वरेता भवत्यग्र्यो नियताशी नसंश यी ५.
Who is of upward-flowing energy, foremost, disciplined in food, without doubt,
निवृत्तः सर्वतत्त्वज्ञः कामक्रोधविवर्जितः ५.
Withdrawn, knower of all principles, free from desire and anger,
एवमन्वयविद्याभ्यां वृत्तेन च समुच्छ्रिताः ५.
Thus, those who are exalted by lineage, knowledge, and conduct,
इत्येवंविधविप्रत्वमुक्तं श्रृणु युगादयः ५.
Thus has the nature of such a Brāhmaṇa been described; now listen to the beginnings of the yugas.
वैशाखस्य तृतीया या शुक्ला त्रेतादिरुच्यते ५.
The third day of the bright fortnight of Vaiśākha is said to be the beginning of the Tretā Yuga.
त्रयोदशी नभस्ये च कृष्णा सा हि कलेः स्मृता ५.
The thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in Bhādrapada is remembered as the beginning of Kali.
एताश्चतस्रस्तिथयो युगाद्या दत्तं हुतं चाक्षयमाशु विद्यात् ५.
These four lunar days, which are the beginnings of the yugas, should be known as making gifts and offerings inexhaustible.
युगाद्याः कथिता ह्येता मन्वाद्याः श्रृणु सांप्रतम् ५.
The beginnings of the yugas have thus been told; now listen to the beginnings of the manvantaras.
तृतीया चैत्रमासस्य तथा भाद्रपदस्य च ५.
The third day of the month of Caitra, and likewise of Bhādrapada,
आषाढस्यापि दशमी माघमासस्य सप्तमी ५.
The tenth day of Āṣāḍha, and the seventh day of Māgha,
कार्तिकी फाल्गुनी चैत्री ज्येष्ठे पञ्चदशी सिता ५.
The Kārtikā, Phālguni, and Caitra full moons, and the fifteenth day of the bright fortnight in Jyeṣṭha,
यस्यां तिथौ रथं पूर्वं प्राप देवो दिवाकरः ५.
On whichever lunar day the god Sūrya first obtained his chariot,
तस्यां दत्तं हुतं चेष्टं सर्वमेवाक्षयं मतम् ५.
On that day, whatever is given, offered, or performed, all is considered inexhaustible.
नित्योद्वेजकमाहुर्यं बुधास्तं श्रृणु तत्त्वतः ५.
The wise call that day ever auspicious; listen to this truthfully.
उद्वेजयति भूतानि यथा चौरास्तथैव सः ५.
He disturbs living beings just as thieves do.
इहोपपत्तिर्मम केन कर्मणा क्व च प्रयातव्यमितो मयेति ५.
What action has brought me here, and where must I go from here?
मासैरष्टभिरह्ना च पूर्वेण वयसायुषा ५.
With eight months and a day, by former age and lifespan.
अर्चिर्धूमश्च मार्गौ द्वावाहुर्वेदांतवादिनः ५.
The path of light and the path of smoke—these two are spoken of by those versed in the Vedas.
यज्ञैरासाद्यते धूमो नैष्कर्म्येणार्चिराप्यते ५.
The path of smoke is attained through sacrifices; the path of light is reached through actionlessness.
यो देवान्मन्यते नैव धर्मांश्च मनुसूचितान् ५.
He who does not regard the gods nor the righteous duties taught by men—
इते ते कीर्तिताः प्रश्राः शक्त्या ब्राह्मणसत्तम ५.
These paths have thus been described to you, O best of Brahmins, according to their power.
इति श्रुत्वा फाल्गुनाहं रोमांचपुलकीकृतः ६.
Hearing this, Phalguna became thrilled, his hair standing on end.
अहो धन्यः पितास्माकं यस्य सृष्टस्य पालकाः ६.
Ah, blessed is our father, whose creation is protected.
मत्तोऽप्यनंतात्परतः परस्मात्समस्तभूताधिपतेर्न किंचित् ६.
Beyond me, beyond the infinite, beyond all, there is nothing apart from the Lord of all beings.