कार्तिकस्य चतुर्दश्यां विश्वेशं यो विलोकयेत् 4.1.21.
Whoever beholds the Lord of the Universe on the fourteenth day of Kartika—
अत्र ब्रह्मपुरीं कृत्वा यो विप्रेभ्यः प्रयच्छति 4.1.21.
Whoever establishes a city of Brahma here and gives it to the Brahmins—
नरो ध्रुवस्य चरितं प्रसंगेन स्मरन्नपि 4.1.21.
Even by recalling, in passing, the story of Dhruva—
ध्रुवाख्यानमिदं रम्यं महापातकनाशनम्
This delightful account of Dhruva destroys even great sins.
तावत्प्राप महर्लोकं स्वर्लोकात्परमाद्भुतम्
He reached the Maharloka, which is more wondrous than the realm of heaven.
द्विजोऽथ लोकं संवीक्ष्य सर्वतो महसा वृतम्
Then the twice-born, observing that world, saw it enveloped everywhere with brilliance.
तावूचतुस्ततो विप्रं निशामय महामते
At that moment, those two addressed the sage, saying, 'Listen, O wise one.'
कल्पायुषो वसंत्यत्र तपसा धूतकल्मषाः
Here dwell those whose lifespan equals a kalpa, their impurities cleansed by austerity.
निर्व्याजप्रणिधानेन दृष्ट्वा तेजोमयं जगत्
Through sincere contemplation, they perceive the world as composed of pure radiance.
इत्थं कथां कथयतोर्भगवद्गणयोः प्रिये
Thus, as the divine hosts narrated this tale, O beloved, ...
निवसंत्यमला यत्र मानसा बह्मणः सुताः
Here reside the pure-minded sons of Brahma, untouched by stain.
अन्ये तु योगिनो ये वै ह्यस्खलद्ब्रह्मचारिणः
Others are yogis, steadfast in their celibacy, never faltering.
जनलोकात्तपोलोकस्तेषां लोचनगोचरः 4.1.22.
From Janaloka, Tapoloka becomes visible to their eyes.
वैराजा यत्र ते देवा वसेयुर्दाहवर्जिताः
There, the Viraja gods dwell, free from the touch of fire.
तपसा तोष्य गोविंदमभिलाषविवर्जिताः
By austerity, they please Govinda, desiring nothing.
शिलोंछ वृत्तया ये वै दंतोलूखलिकाश्च ये
Those who live by gleaning, and those who are restrained, pounding with mortars.
ग्रीष्मे पंचाग्नितपसो वर्षासु स्थंडिलेशयाः
In summer, they practice the five-fire austerity; in the rains, they sleep upon the ground.
कुशाग्रनीरविप्रूषस्तृषिता यतयोऽपिबन्
Thirsty ascetics drank water from the tips of blades of grass.
ऊर्ध्वदोषो रविदृशस्त्वेकांघ्रि स्थाणु निश्चलाः
With arms raised, gazing at the sun, standing on one foot, motionless like a pillar.
मासोपवासव्रतिनश्चातुर्मास्य व्रताश्च ये
Those who observe monthly fasts, and those who undertake the four-month vow.
ये च वर्षनिमेषा वै वर्षधारांबु तर्षकाः
And those who, for a year, blink only once, enduring thirst from rainwater drops.
जटाटवी कोटरांतः कृतनीडांडजाश्च ये
Those who, within the hollows of tangled hair, have made nests like birds.
लताप्रतानैः परितो वेष्टितावयवाश्च ये 4.1.22.
And those whose limbs are entwined all around by the tendrils of creepers—
इत्यादि सुतपः क्लिष्टवर्ष्माणो ये तपोधनाः
Thus, those ascetics, their bodies afflicted by austerity, are rich in penance.
यावदित्थं स पुण्यात्मा शृणोति गणयोर्मुखात्
As long as that virtuous soul listens in this way to the words of the attendants,
त्वरावंतौ गणौ तत्र विमानादवरुह्य तौ
Then, those two attendants, eager and swift, descended there from the celestial chariot.
ब्रह्मोवाच स्मृत्युक्ताचारचंचुश्च प्रतीपः पापकर्मसु
Brahmā said: One whose conduct and speech are contrary, as described in the scriptures, is adverse in sinful deeds.
अयि द्विज महाप्राज्ञ जाने त्वां शिवशर्मक
O twice-born, greatly wise one, I know you, O Śivaśarmaka.
सत्वरं गत्वरं सर्वं यच्चैतद्भवतेक्षितम्
Quickly, promptly, everything that has been seen by you—
आ वैराजं प्रतिपदमुपसंहरते हरः
Up to the realm of Virāja, Śiva withdraws everything, step by step.