Shri Harivansh-chandra shubh naam, sab sukh sindhu prem ras dhaam
Jaam-ghati bisare nahin.
Yah ju payo mohi sahaj subhaav, Shri Harivansh naam ras chaav
Naav suhudh bhav taran kaun.
Naam ratat aai sab sohi, dehu subuddhi krupa kari mohi,
Pohi sugun mala rachau.
Nitya sukantu ju pahirai taasa, jas barnau Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.( 1)
“The auspicious name of Shri Harivansh Chandra, is the ocean of all joys and the abode of love’s nectar.
It is never forgotten even for a moment.
This innate nature and inclination towards the sweet taste of Shri Harivansh’s name,
Serves as the sacred boat that helps cross the ocean of worldly existence.
By constantly reciting this name, all become glorious; O Lord, grant me wisdom and bestow your grace upon me,
So that I may weave a garland of virtues.
With devotion, one should wear the ornament (of praise) and describe the divine pastimes and splendor of Harivansh.
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Shri Vrindavan vaibhav jiti, varnat buddhi pramaanau kiti
Titi sabai Harivansh ki.
Sakhi-sakha kyon kahau niwer, tau mere man ki avaser
Teri sakal prabhuta kahaan.
Hari-Harivansh bhed nahi hoy, prabhu Ishwar jaanen sab koi
Doikh kahain na anyata.
Vishvambhar sab jag aabhas, jas barnau Shri Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun. (2)
“The splendor of Shri Vrindavan surpasses all, how can the intellect ever fully measure it?
All of this belongs to Harivansh.
How can I, your humble servant, express the grace that dwells in my heart?
Where is the limit to your greatness?
There is no difference between Hari and Harivansh, as all know the Lord to be supreme.
No duality remains in such realization.
The entire universe is merely a reflection; thus, I describe the divine pastimes and splendor of Harivansh.
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Janma-karma gun roop apaar, baadhe katha kahat vistaar
Baar-baar sumiran karau.
Haan laghu mati ju ant nahi lahai, buddhi pramaan kachu kathi kahai
Rahaun sharan Harivansh ki.
Sodhau kahi mohi ketik mati, jas varnat hare Saraswati
Titi sabai Harivansh ki.
Dehu krupa kari buddhi prakaash, jas barnau Shri Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(3)
“The birth, deeds, qualities, and infinite form are described in expansive stories,
Yet again and again, I meditate upon them.
My limited mind cannot fathom the end, nor can my intellect truly grasp it all,
Thus, I remain under the refuge of Harivansh.
Even if my understanding is meager, I will try, for even Saraswati herself struggles to describe it,
Yet all of this belongs to Harivansh.
Grant me grace and illuminate my mind, so that I may speak of the divine play and splendor of Shri Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Kaliyug katin ved vidhi rahi, dharma kahun nahi deekhat sahi
Kahi bhali kou na kare.
Uddavas vishva bhayo sab desh, dharma-rahit medini-naresh
Mlechha sakal padhumi badhe.
Sab jan karahi aadhunik dharm, ved vihit jaanen nahi karm
Marm bhakti ko kyon lahen.
Boodat bhav aave na usaas, jas varnan Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(4)
“The age of Kaliyug makes Vedic rituals difficult, and true dharma no longer appears evident,
Few perform righteous acts as they should.
The entire world has become disoriented, with nations led by rulers devoid of righteousness,
Unrighteous conduct (Mlechha) spreads everywhere.
All people engage in modern, distorted forms of dharma, unaware of the actions prescribed by the Vedas,
How can they grasp the essence of true devotion?
The ocean of existence threatens to drown all, with no breath to spare,
Thus, I describe the splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Dharma-rahit jaani sab duni, mlechhan bhaar dukhit medini
Dhani aur doojau nahin.
Kari krupa man kiyo vichaar, shrutipath vimukh dukhit sansaar
Saar ved-vidhi udari.
Sab avataar bhakti vistari, puni ras reet jagat udari
Kyon dharm apanau pragat.
Pragate jaani dharm ko naas, jas varnan Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(5)
“The entire world appears devoid of dharma, with the weight of unrighteousness burdening the earth,
Wealth and justice have both vanished.
Granting grace, one contemplates deeply, for the world has turned away from Vedic paths,
Yet the essence of Vedic laws endures.
All incarnations expanded devotion and spread its nectar throughout the world,
Yet why has true dharma not been embraced openly?
Realizing that dharma is being destroyed,
I describe the divine pastimes and splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Mathura mandal bhoomi aapuni, jahan ‘baad’ pragate jag dhani
Bhani avani var aap mukh.
Shubh vaasar shubh rakhsha vichari, Maadhav maas gayaas ujiyaari
Naarin mangal gaaiyo.
Takshan dev-dundubhi baajiye, jai-jai shabd suran mili kiye
Hiyaain sirane sabni ke.
Taara janani janak rishi vyaasa, jas varnan Harivansh vilaasa
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun. (6)
“In the sacred land of Mathura, where prosperity and great leaders emerged,
The Earth herself proclaimed its special worth.
Auspicious day and good omens considered, during the bright month of Madhava,
Women sang songs of joy and celebration.
The celestial drums of the gods resounded, and cries of victory (‘Jai Jai’) echoed,
Reaching the hearts and minds of all present.
Mother star (symbolizing lineage), father sage Vyasa,
Thus, I describe the divine play and splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Shri Bhagavat ju Shuk uchari, taisi vidhi ju Vyas vistar
Kari Nand jaisi huti.
Ghar-ghar toran bandanvaar, ghar-ghar prati chitrahi darbaar
Ghar-ghar panch shabd baajiye.
Ghar-ghar daan pratigrah hoi, ghar-ghar prati nritat sab koi
Ghar-ghar mangal gaavahin.
Ghar-ghar prati ati hot hulaas, jas varnan Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(7)
“The sacred Srimad Bhagavatam, recited by Shukadeva,
Was expanded upon similarly by Sage Vyasa,
In the manner of Nanda’s joy and celebration.
Each house adorned with festoons and garlands, every home depicted as a grand court,
The sounds of five instruments resonated through every abode.
Charitable gifts were exchanged, and everyone danced and rejoiced in every house,
Every home echoed with songs of auspiciousness.
Great enthusiasm filled every dwelling,
Thus, I describe the divine splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Nirjal sajal sarovar bhaye, ukhade vrikshani pallav naye
Diye sakal sukh sabni kaun.
Asan shayan sukh nit-nit naye, ant sukal chahu dishi bhaye
Gaye ashubh sab vishv ke.
Mlechha sakal hari jas vistari, param lalit baani uchari
Karahin praja paalan sabai.
Apani-apani ruchi bas vaasa, jas varnan Harivansh vilaasa
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(8)
“The dried-up ponds became full and fresh, and uprooted trees sprouted new leaves,
All kinds of happiness were bestowed upon all.
Daily comfort in seats and beds increased, and auspiciousness spread across all four directions,
All inauspiciousness was driven out of the world.
The glory of Hari expanded among all, and eloquent words were spoken,
The people governed and protected themselves.
Each lived according to their own inclinations and preferences,
Thus, I describe the divine splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Chalahi sakal jan apne dharm, brahman sakal karahi patu karm
Bharam sabani ko bhaajiye.
Chhooti gayi Kaliyug ki reet, nit-nit nav-nav hot samiti
Preeti paraspar ati badhi.
Pragat hot aisi vidhi bhayi, sab bhavajanit aapda gayi
Nai-nai ruchi ati badhi.
Sab jan karahi dharm abhyas, jas varnan Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(9)
“All people followed their respective dharma, and the Brahmins performed their rituals with expertise,
Illusion and confusion were cast aside.
The customs of Kaliyuga were left behind, and new assemblies were held daily,
Mutual love and respect greatly increased.
A new system emerged, and all worldly afflictions vanished,
New and diverse tastes flourished.
Everyone practiced their dharma,
Thus, I describe the splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Baal vinod na varnat banahi, apno sau updeshat manahi
Ganahi kavan leela jiti.
Sab Hari-sam gun-roop apaar, mahaapurush pragate sansaar
Maar vimohan tan dhariyo.
Chhin na trupt shubh darshan aas, dularavat bolat mudu haas
Vyas Mishra kai laadilo.
Mudit sakal nahi chhodat paas, jas varnan Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(10)
“Child-like playfulness cannot be adequately described, even with one’s own teachings,
How can one fully comprehend such pastimes?
With infinite virtues and forms akin to Hari, great souls appeared in the world,
Taking on captivating forms that enchanted and bewitched.
One moment of their auspicious sight could not satisfy, as they spoke sweetly and laughed gently,
Beloved like Vyas Mishra’s child.
All were joyous and never left their side,
Thus, I describe the divine splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Ab updesh bhakti kau kahau, jaisi vidhi jaake chit rahau
Lahyo ju man vaanchhit safal.
Sab Haribhakti kahi samujhai, jaisi-jaisi jahi suhaai
Aai sakal charanan bhaje.
Saadhan sakal kahe avirudh, ved-puraan su aagam shudh
Budhi vivek je jaanahin.
Samujhyau sabani su bhakti ujaar, jas varnan Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(11)
“Now I shall speak of devotion and its guidance, as it resides in the heart of each,
So that the mind may achieve its desired goals.
All forms of devotion to Hari are explained, each according to what suits them,
All have come together to worship at the feet.
All methods of spiritual practice are described without contradiction, as per the pure scriptures of the Vedas and Puranas,
Those with wisdom and discernment understand.
Thus, devotion is illuminated for all,
I describe the divine splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Ab avataar bhed tin kahe, sakal upaasak tin man rahe
Kahe bhakti saadhan sabai.
Mathura nitya Krishna kau vaas, nishi-din Shyaam na chhodat paas
Taasu sakal leela kahi.
Kahi sabani ki ekai reet, shravan-kathan sumiran parteet
Beeti kaal sab jaaiyo.
Upajyo sabani suhudh vishwas, jas varnan Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(12)
“Now, three types of incarnations are described, and all devotees remain mindful of these,
All forms of devotion and spiritual practices are spoken of.
Mathura is eternally the abode of Krishna, and day and night, Shyam (Krishna) never leaves,
All his pastimes are narrated there.
The common method for all is to listen, speak, and remember with faith,
Time passes in this way for all.
True faith arises in everyone,
Thus, I describe the divine splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Ab ju kahi sab Braj ki reeti, jaisi saban Nand-sut preeti
Keerti sakal jag vistari.
Baal charit prem ki neev, kahat-sunat sab sukh ki seev
Jeevan Braj-vaasin safal.
Braj ki reeti su agam apaar, vistari kahi sakal sansaar
Kaaraj sabahin ke bhaye.
Braj ki preeti-reeti aniyaas, jas varnan Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(13)
“Now, let us speak of all the customs of Braj, and the immense love everyone bore for the son of Nanda,
Whose glory spread throughout the world.
The foundation of love in childhood pastimes, speaking and hearing of it fills everyone with bliss,
The lives of Braj dwellers were fulfilled.
The customs of Braj are profound and vast, expanding through the entire world,
All affairs are guided by this way of life.
The ways of love and affection in Braj are unmatched,
Thus, I describe the divine splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”
Jihi vidhi sakal bhakti anusaar, taisi vidhi sab kiyo vichaar
Saarasaar vivek hai.
Ab niju dharm apunau kahat, tahan nitya Vrindavan rahat
Bahut prem-sagar jahan.
Saadhan sakal bhakti ja tano, niju vaibhav pragat aapunau
Bhanau ek rasnaa kaha.
Shri Radha yug charan nivaas, jas varnan Harivansh vilaas
Shri Harivanshahi gaau haun.(14)
“According to the method of all forms of devotion, so too is every thought considered,
The essence of wisdom and discernment lies here.
Now, one speaks of their own dharma, as eternally present in Vrindavan,
Where the vast ocean of love resides.
All practices of devotion are for that, revealing their own glory,
I speak this truth with a single tongue.
At the feet of Shri Radha is the place of refuge,
Thus, I describe the divine splendor of Harivansh,
I shall sing of the glory of Shri Harivansh.”