चरणौ विचरेतांयौ विश्वभर्तृ पुरी भुवि
May the feet of the Lord of the universe wander in the city upon the earth.
इह श्रुतिमतां पुंसां याभ्यां काशी श्रुता सकृत्
Here, for those men endowed with learning, Kāśī is heard even once.
येनानुमन्यते चैषा काशी सर्वप्रमाणभूः ययैतद्धूर्जटेर्धाम धृतं स्व विषयीकृतम्
By whose consent this Kashi, the standard of all authority, and this abode of the matted-haired one, has been held and made one's own—
वरं तृणानि धान्यानि तानि वात्याहतान्यपि
Better are the grasses and grains, even those struck down by the wind—
अद्य मे सफलं चायुः परार्धद्वय संमितम्
Today my life, which equals two parardhas, has become fruitful—
अहो मे धर्मसंपत्तिरहोमे भाग्यगौरवम्
Ah, my wealth of righteousness! Ah, the greatness of my fortune!
अद्य मे स्वतपो वृक्षो मनोरथफलैरलम्
Today the tree of my own austerity is laden with the fruits of my desires—
मया व्यधायि बहुधा सृष्टिः सृष्टिं वितन्वता 4.2.52.
By me, who have extended creation in many ways, creation has been accomplished—
इति हृष्टमना वेधा दृष्ट्वा वाराणसीं पुरीम्
Thus, with mind rejoicing, the Creator, seeing the city of Varanasi—
जलार्द्राक्षतपाणिश्च स्वस्त्युक्त्वा पृथिवीभुजे
With hands wet from water and rice, having spoken words of blessing to the lord of the earth—
कृतमानो नृपतिना सोभ्युत्थानासनादिभिः
He was honored by the king with proper rising, seats, and the like—
त्वं तु मां नैव जानासि जाने त्वां हि रिपुंजयम्
But you do not know me; I, however, know you, O conqueror of foes—
परःशता मया दृष्टा राजानो भूरिदक्षिणाः
I have seen hundreds of other kings, generous with many gifts—
विनिष्कृतारिषड्वर्गाः सुशीलाः सत्त्वशालिनः
Who have cast off the six enemies, are of good conduct, and endowed with virtue—
दयादाक्षिण्यनिपुणाः सत्यव्रतपरायणाः
Skilled in compassion and generosity, devoted to the vow of truth—
जितरोषरयाः शूराः सौम्यसौंदर्यभूमयः
Who have conquered anger and passion, are valiant, and possess gentle beauty—
परं द्वित्राः पवित्रा ये राजर्षे तव सद्गुणाः
But among them, only two or three are truly pure, O royal sage, with your noble qualities—
प्रजानिजकुटुंबस्त्वं त्वं तु भूदेवदैवतः 4.2.52.
You are the protector of subjects and families; you are indeed the god among kings—
धन्यो मान्योसि च सतां पूजनीयोसि सद्गुणैः
You are blessed, honored, and worthy of worship by the virtuous for your noble qualities—
किं नः स्तुत्या तव नृप द्विजानामस्पृहावताम्
What need is there for us to praise you, O king, when the twice-born have no envy?
गोष्ठी तिष्ठत्वियं तावत्प्रस्तुतं स्तौमि सांप्रतम्
Let the assembly remain for now; I shall presently praise what has been proposed.
त्वया राजन्वती चैषाऽवनिः सर्वर्धिभाजनम्
By you, O King, this earth has become a vessel for all prosperity.
इयं च राजधानी ते कर्मभूमावनुत्तमा
And this royal city of yours is the most excellent field of action.
संचितं यद्धनं पुंभिर्नयसन्मार्गगामिभिः
The wealth that is accumulated by men who follow the path of righteousness—
महिमानं परं काश्याः कोपि वेद न भूपते
O King, who indeed knows the supreme greatness of Kāśī?
मन्ये धन्यतरोसि त्वं बहुजन्मशतार्जितैः
I think you are most fortunate, having gained it through hundreds of births.
विश्वेशानुग्रहेणैव त्वयैषा पाल्यते पुरी 4.2.52.
It is only by the favor of Viśveśa that you protect this city.
अन्यच्च ते हितं वच्मि यदि ते रोचतेऽनघ
Moreover, I shall tell you something beneficial, if it pleases you, O sinless one.
अन्यदेवधिया राजन्विश्वेशं पश्य मा क्वचित्
With no other thought, O King, behold Viśveśa at all times.
विप्रैरुदर्कमिच्छद्भिः शिक्षणीया यतो नृपाः
For kings who desire good results, instruction should be taken from the brāhmaṇas.