71 - The Vrushni Dynasty

Suta said: 

1-2. Sons of great strength were burn to Satvata and Kaushalya. They were Bhajamana, Bhaji, Divya, Vrushni, Devavrudha, Andhaka and Mahabhoja who was well-known, truthful of speech and a patron of Brahmanas. Their creations (descendants) are fourfold. Listen to them in detail. 

3-6. (Defective text) Srunjaya was the son of Bhajamana* (?) Srunjaya had two daughters. He gave them in marriage to Bahyaka. Those two sisters his wives, gave birth to many sons namely Nimlochi, Kimkana, Dhrushti and Parapuranjaya** They were born (as the great grandsons) of Bhajamana and the sons of the daughter of Srunjaya. The sister of Bahyaka's first wife gave birth to Ayutajit, Sahasrajit and Shatajit. Among the sons of Satvata, Devavrudha performed a severe penance with the intention "A son endowed with all good qualities should be born to me".

*Acc. to Va. P. 71.3 King Bhajamana had from Srunjaya two sons Bahya and Bahyaka.

**The list in VS. P. is Nimi, Panava, Vrushni, Para-Puranjaya.

7-8. After engaging himself thus in the Yogic practice, he touched the waters of the river Parnasha.¹ Since the king was endowed with auspicious qualities, the excellent river became delighted at his touch when the king ceremoniously sipped the waters.

1. The river Banas in Rajasthan, is tributary to the Chambal-De 146. 

9-10. She (the river) became engrossed in thought and finally resolved thus 

"I shall not come in the way of that lady of whom a son endowed with all good qualities can be born to king Devavrudha. Hence, I shall myself become his wife”. 

11-12. As her emotional attachment to him, as mentioned before welled up in her heart, she (assumed the form of) a girl and wooed the king who was in a thoughtful mood. The king too liked her. The liberal-minded king begot a brilliant child of her. 

13. In the ninth month, the most excellent river gave birth to Babhru, the son of Devavrudha. That son was endowed with all good qualities. 

14. In regard to that race of kings, Brahmanas conversant with the Puranas sing the following verses. They glorify the good qualities of the noble-souled Devavrudha. 

15-16. "Inasmuch as we hear from a distance and see at close quarters, Babhru is the most excellent one among human beings and Devavrudha is on a par with the Devas. 

The number of men who gained immortality (? absolution) from Babhru and also from Devavrudha is seventy thousand and sixty-five. 

17-18. Mahabhoja, a scion of the family of Satvatas, was a great warrior. He was a performer of sacrifices, the chief of the most prominent ones among the donors of liberal gifts, firm of resolve, truthful in speech, a patron of Brahmanas and the most famous among kings. 

His line is very great. The kings of his line are well renowned on the Earth as “Bhojas”. 

Dhrushti (Prob. Vrushni*) had two wives viz. Gandhari and Madri.

*AIHT P. 107–The genealogy.

19-21. Gandhari give birth to Sumitra who delighted his friends. Madri gave birth to Yudhajit, Midhvan, and Anamitra and Shina—both excellent among men. 

Nighna was the son of Anamitra. Nighna had two sons viz. Prasena and Satrajit of great fortune. The Sun-god was a friend of Satrajit as dear to him as his own life. 

22. Once, at the close of night, that excellent person among riders in the chariot (a great warrior) viz. Satrajit went in his chariot to the banks (of the river) in order to take water for offering libations to the sun. 

23. Even as he was going on with his worship of the sun, Vivasvan (The Sun god) stood in front of him. The form of the lord was very vivid and clear. The disc of the Sun-god with a circular effulgence was very brilliant. 

24-25. Then the king addressed to Vivasvan (the Sun god) who stood in front of him. “O lord of luminaries, I see you alike both in the sky as well as in front of me. You have the same circular effulgence. O Vivasvan, what is the difference in you when you have approached me as a friend?" 

26. On hearing this, the Sun-god removed the excellent jewel Syamantaka¹ from his own neck and tied it round the neck of the king.

1. Compare the story of Syamantaka in Bh.P.X.Chs 56 and 57.

27. Thereupon, the king saw him in his physical form. On seeing him, he was delighted and he carried on a pleasant talk with him for a short while. 

28-29. When Vivasvan started once again, Satrajit said to him- “It behoves you, o lord, to give me this excellent jewel whereby the people may see you in it having the splendour of fire. 

The Sun-god gave him the jewel named Syamantaka. 

30. The king wore that jewel when he entered the city. He made the entire city wonder-struck and entered his harem. 

31. With great love, that king Satrajit gave that divine excellent jewel Syamantaka to his brother Prasena. 

32. Parjanya (god of clouds and rain) would shower plenty of rain in that country where this jewel named Syamantaka happened to exist. There would be no danger from ailments or epidemics in that country. 

33. Govinda (Krishna) expressed his desire to have that excellent jewel Syamantaka from Prasena, but did not get it. Although he was powerful enough, he did not take it by force. 

34. Once Prasena bedecked himself with that jewel and went for hunting. For the sake of Syamantaka (i.e., on account of it) he met with a terrible death from a lion. 

35. Jambavan, the king of bears, killed that lion. He took the divine jewel and entered his cave. 

36. Elderly persons among the Vrushnis and Andhakas considered that murder of Prasena an act of Krishna who was covetous of the jewel. They suspected him alone. 

37. The lord, the destroyer of enemies, who was more powerful than they did not brook that false accusation. So, he roamed about in the forest to trace Prasena. 

38-41. Accompanied by a few citizens who were trust-worthy and obedient to him, the lord roamed about in the forest where Prasena had been hunting and where Prasena's footprints could be traced. He searched the excellent mountains Rukshavan and Vindhya and became tired. In the end the noble-minded lord saw Prasena who had been killed along with his horse. But he did not get the jewel there (on his person). Thereafter, the lion was seen killed by a bear not far from the body of Prasena. This had been indicated by the footprints of the bear. The Scion of the family of Yadu (i.e., lord Krishna) traced the foot-prints to the cave of a bear. 

42-44. In that large cave, he heard the words uttered by a young woman. The nurse had been playing with the infant son of Jambavan, O Brahmanas, along with the jewel. The words Ma rodih (Do not cry) were uttered by her. 

The nurse said: 

"The lion killed Prasena. It was killed by Jambavan. O my excellent child, do not cry. This jewel is for you". 

The words were very clear. He went into the cave immediately. 

45-47. Near the cave (also) he saw (a few) torn (pieces of) Prasena. 

Entering the cave of the bear suddenly, the liberal-minded lord saw Jambavan, the king of bears. For twenty-one days, Govinda, the son of Vasudeva, had a hand-to-hand fight with Jambavan inside that cave. After Krishna had entered the cave (those who had followed Krishna) with Vasudeva at their head, returned to Dvaravati and announced that Krishna had been killed. 

48-50. After defeating Jambavan of great strength, Vasudeva won Jambavati, the honoured daughter of the king of bears. 

Overwhelmed by the splendour of the lord, Jambavan gave the jewel and Jambavati immediately to Vishvaksena (i.e., Krishna). He accepted the jewel Syamantaka in order to clear himself of scandalous accusation. 

51-54a. After pacifying the king of bears, the lord came out of the cave. After redeeming the jewel thus and clearing himself of all scandals by his own efforts, the lord gave the jewel to Satrajit in the presence of Satvatas. The slayer of Madhu married Jambavati. 

Thus, Madhusudana cleared himself of false accusation. If anyone understands this false accusation and its removal by Krishna, he will never be a victim of false accusation and slanderous gossip. 

54b-56. Satrajit had ten wives and ten thousand sons. Among them three were very famous. Bhangakara was the eldest. Vatapati was a great warrior and Tapasvi was a favourite of many people. Bhangakara's mother was Viramati by name. She gave birth to three daughters endowed with beauty and good qualities. 

57. Satyabhama was the most excellent among women. She used to be steadfast in her holy rites and observances. She was a saintly woman. Her father gave her in marriage to Krishna. 

58-60. (Defective Text). On hearing that Krishna did not take away the jewel from Satrajit, Akrura, desirous of wealth coveted the jewel Syamantaka. Through Shatadhanvan of the Bhoja family, he requested for Satyabhama of unblamed beauty. Shatadhanvan of great strength then killed Satrajit at night, took away the jewel and gave it to Akrura. 

61-62. Akrura, the most excellent among men, took the jewel and entered into an agreement (with Shatadhanvan). “This should not be known to anyone else. We shall make use of the wealth received from it. In case you are assailed by Krishna, the entire city of Dvaraka will undoubtedly remain under my control. 

63. When her father was killed, Satyabhama of great reputation became distressed with grief. She got into a chariot and went to the city of Varanavata. 

64. After reporting to her husband (i.e., Krishna) the activities of Shatadhanvan of the Bhoja family, the excessively distressed Satyabhama stood at the side of her husband and shed tears. 

65. Hari (Krishna) performed the obsequies of Pandavas who were supposed to have been burnt in the lac palace at: Varanavata. He engaged Satyaki in activities of welfare* (?). for the brothers.

*Kalyartha is obscure. Va. P. 96.63 reads tulyartha 'for equivalence' in performance of rites.

66a. Madhusudana (Krsna) came to Dvaraka in a hurry, The glorious lord then spoke these words to his elder brother Hali (Balarama). 

66b-68. “Prasena was killed by a lion. Satrajit was killed by Shatadhanvan. Syamantaka should be searched for. O lord, I am the legal master of that gem. So, get into your chariot quickly. After killing the very powerful scion of the family of Bhoja, O mighty one, bring the Syamantaka jewel. It should be common to you all. **

** ‘us all’ as per Va. P. 96.66:

69. Then a fierce battle ensued between Bhoja and Krishna. Shatadhanva looked for Akrura in every direction. 

70. Akrura left Bhoja and Srikrishna without bringing about any truce between them. Though he was able to fight, he did not own loyalty, due to perfidy. 

71. Then Shatadhanvan became frightened. He decided to go away from that place. Hrudaya (the mare of Shatadhanvan) ran more than a hundred Yojanas. 

72. The mare named Hrudaya belonged to Bhoja. It was reputed as one capable of going a hundred Yojanas. It was a divine mare with which he fought with Krishna. 

73. On seeing Hrudaya exhausted due to the fast running at the close of the hundredth Yojana of the journey and on observing the misfortune (?) of the chariot, Shatadhanvan began to run on foot. 

74. Then, due to fatigue and affliction, O Brahmanas, that vital breath of that mare went up in the sky. Then Krishna said to Rama. 

75. “O mighty one, wait here. I have found out that there is a defect in the mare. I shall go on foot and take away the excellent jewel Syamantaka”. 

76. Then Achyuta who was conversant with the use of the greatest missile went on foot and killed Shatadhanvan in a park in the city of Mithila. 

77. He did not see Syamantaka (with him). When Krishna returned after killing Bhoja of great strength, the wielder of plough (i.e., Bala-Rama) said to him "Give me the jewel”. 

78. Krishna said ---"It is not with me”. Then Rama became angry and replied to Krishna using the word “Fie on you” many times. 

79. “I tolerate this since you are my brother. Welfare unto you. I am going away. I have nothing to do with Dvaraka, you and the Vrushnis." 

80. Thereafter, Rama, the suppressor of foes entered Mithila. With the offering of all desirable objects, he was honoured by the king of Mithila himself. 

81. It was at this time itself that Babhru (= Akrura) the most excellent one among the intellectuals performed without any obstacle different kinds of Yajnas. 

82. This intelligent noble-minded son of Gandini (Akrura) adopted initiation along with Kavacha (coat of mail) as protection, for keeping Syamantaka. 

83. Those sacrifices of that noble-souled one are famous as Akrurayajnas. In all of them, food and monetary gifts were in plenty. All of them yielded everything one desired. 

84. Then king Duryodhana went to Mithila. The lord had a training in mace-fighting under Balabhadra. The training was usually of a divine nature. 

85. Thereafter, Rama was pacified and brought to Dvaraka by the noble-souled Krishna and the leading warriors belonging to the families of Vrushnis and Andhakas. 

86. Akrura, a powerful leader of men, came back along with the Andhakas after killing Shatrughna along with Bandhuman. 

87-88. Two well-renowned and very mighty sons named Shatrughna and Bandhuman were born to Bhangakara and Nara, the daughter of Suyajna. They were the most excellent among men. Krishna was not happy over this murder, because Bhangakara was a prominent member of Andhaka family. 

89. Since he was afraid of a split amongst his kinsmen, he (Krishna) ignored him (Akrura). When Akrura went away, Indra did not shower rain (as Akrura took with him the Syamantaka gem). 

90. Since the whole realm was ruined by the draught in various ways, the Kukuras and Andhakas pacified and consoled Akrura. 

91. When Danapati (i.e., Akrura) returned to Dvaraka once again, the thousand-eyed lord (Indra) rained everywhere (even) within the ocean. 

92. In order to gain the love (of Krishna), O leading sages, Akrura, the glorious one gave his sister (in marriage) to Vasudeva, a girl honoured by everyone for her good conduct. 

93. By means of his Yogic power, Krishna understood that the jewel Syamantaka was with Babhru (i.e., Akrura). Hence, he spoke thus to Akrura in the open Assembly hall. 

94-95. "O lord, you are worthy of honour. Do not do anything mean or ignoble towards me. Hand over to me that jewel which is in your possession. Sixty years have passed. The anger that I had at that time has become firmly rooted (on account of) repeated (offences). A long time has elapsed now". 

96. Then, at the instance of Krishna, the highly intelligent Babhru handed over, without hesitation and mental strain, the jewel (to Krishna) in the Assembly of all Satvatas. 

97. Then Krishna, the suppressor of enemies, became delighted in his mind. He returned to Babhru the jewel he had obtained from Babhru, by a straightforward deal. 

98. After obtaining from Krishna the excellent jewel Syamantaka, the son of Gandini wore it and shone like the Sun. 

99. He who understands this false accusation of the lord and the excellent way in which the lord cleared himself, will not at all be a victim of false accusation.

100. Shini was born of Anamitra who was the youngest son of Vrushni. His son was Satyaka who was truthful in speech and richly endowed with truthful habits. 

101. Yuyudhana was the son of Satyaka and Bhuti* was his son. Yugandhara was the son of Bhuti. Hence, he was famous as Bhautya.

*Asanga according to AIHT, p. 107.

102. Vrushni was born as the son of Yudhajit who was the son of Madri. Shvaphalka and Chitraka were the two sons of Prushni. 

103. There was no fear from ailments or drought in the place where the noble-souled great king Shvaphalka was present. 

104. Once upon a time, O excellent Brahmanas, Indra did not shower rain for three years in the realm of the king of Kashi a powerful lord. 

105. That king of Kasi greatly honoured Shvaphalka and made him stay there. The chastiser of Paka (i.e., Indra) showered rain on account of the stay of Shvaphalka. 

106. Shvaphalka obtained as his wife the daughter of the king of Kashi, named Gandini. Every day she gave a cow as a gift to a Brahmana.¹

1. A popular etymology of Gamdini.

107. It is said that she was in the womb of her mother for many hundreds of years. She did not come out. The father then spoke to her even as she was in the womb. 

108-109. "Welfare unto you. Be born quickly. Why do you stay behind?". The girl in the womb said to him—"If you give as a religious gift a cow every day, I shall come out of the womb in three years". The father said "So be it” and fulfilled her desire. 

110. Akrura her son from Shvaphalka, was remembered as a liberal donor, a performer of sacrifices, heroic, learned, fond of guests and a person who distributed much wealth as monetary gifts. 

111-112. (She had other children also viz.) Upamangu, Mangu, Mruduras, Arimejaya, Giriraksha, Yaksha, Shatrughna, Arimardana, Dharmavruddha, Sukarman, Gandhamada, Avaha and Prativaha were the sons. The excellent lady Vasudeva was her daughter. 

113. Two sons who were the delighters of the family and who resembled Devas were born to the daughter of Ugrasena and Akrura. They were Devavan and Upadeva. 

114-115. Chitraka begot three sons. Pruthu, Vipruthu, Ashvagriva, Ashvavaha, Suparshvaka, Gaveshana, Arishtanemi, Ashvasya, Suvarma, Varmabhrut, Abhumi and Bahubhumi. Shravishtha and Shravana were his daughters.

116. The daughter of the king of Kashi bore four sons to Satyaka viz.--Kukura, Bhajamana, Shuchi and Kambalabarhish. 

117. Vrushni was the son of Kukura; Kapotaroman was the son of Vrushni and Viloman was his son.

118. Andhaka was his son. It is well-known that he was a scholar and friend of Tumburu. Another name of his viz. Chandanodakadundubhi* is also famous.

*AIHT, p. 150 records Nandanodakadundubhi as the name. Another name Andhaka given in our text is not given by Pargiter.

119-120. Abhijit was his son and from him was born Punarvasu. The excellent king performed a horse-sacrifice for obtaining a son. In the course of the holy rite of Atiratra, Punarvasu was born from the midst of assembly, Therefore, he became later on a great scholar, a liberal donor, a performer of sacrifices and one, conversant with piety and virtue. 

121. Thereafter, it is said, two more children were born to Abhijit viz. Ahuka and Ahuki. ** They were the most excellent ones among intelligent persons and they were well renowned.

**According to the genealogy on p. 105 of AIHT Ahuka was the son of Punarvasu.

122-124. They cite these verses in regard to Ahuka: "He had ten thousand chariots having the rumbling sound of the cloud. They were fully equipped with Upasangas (quivers) Anukarshas (axle-trees), banners and Varuthas (protecting ledges).

(In his land) there was no one uttering a lie, refraining from the performance of sacrifices or not giving thousands of coins. No one was unclean. No one was unrighteous, lean or devoid of scholarship." 

We have heard that Dhruti was the son of Ardraka (?) (rather Ahuka–Va. P. 96. 123). 

125-128. (Defective partially). With this retinue Ahuka, the unrivalled, marched towards the eastern quarter displaying eighty lakhs of horses very young in age. Thereby he surpassed king Bhoja (although he had as many) elephants. (In this compaign he gained) twenty-one thousand ropes made of silver and gold for binding elephants. 

An equal number of thousand (of bells of elephants) of king Bhoja in the northern quarter made tinkling sound on his conquest. 

Ahuka gave his sister Ahuki in marriage in the land of Avanti (i.e., to a Prince of Avanti). 

Two sons were born to the daughter of the king of Kashi and Ahuka. 

129. They were Devaka and Ugrasena. Both of them were on a par with those born of divine womb. Heroic sons comparable to the Devas were born to Devaka. 

130. They were Devavan, Upadeva, Sudeva, and Deva-rakshita. They had seven sisters. He gave them to Vasudeva in marriage. 

131-132. They were Dhrutadeva, Upadeva, Devarakshita, Shrideva, Shantideva, Sahadeva and the youngest of all of them viz. Devaki. She had a charming appearance. 

Ugrasena had nine sons. Kamsa was the eldest among them. 

133-136. They were Nyagrodha, Sunaman, Kanka, Shanku, Subhumi, Sutanu, Rashtrapala, Yuddhatushta and Tushtiman. 

They had five sisters viz. Kamsa, Kamsavati, Sutanu, Rashtrapali and Kanka. 

Ugrasena had a large number of children. Thus, the scions of the race of Kukura have been recounted. 

A man who remembers this race of Kukura having many members of unlimited strength and prowess, makes his own family extensive with many children. 

Viduratha was the son of Bhajamana. He was the most important among chariot-warriors. 

137-138. Shura was the son of Viduratha. He became the king of kings. Very powerful sons were born to Shura viz. Vata Nivata, Shonita, Shvetavahana, Shami, Gadavarman and Nidanta. Indeed, he was a conqueror of his foes. 

139. Pratikshatra was the son of Shami. Svayambhoja was the son of Pratikshatra. Hrudika was the son of Svayambhoja. 

140-141. Hrudika had ten sons of terrible exploits, Krutavarman was the eldest among thein. Shatadhanvan was a son in the middle. (The others were) Devabahu, Subahu, Bhisak, Shvetaratha, Sudanta, Adhidanta, Kanaka and Kanakodbhava. 

142. A scholarly son named Kambalabarhis was born to Devabahu. Asamaujas was his son. (Another son) Susamaujas was very famous. 

143. Krishna gave Suchandra and Vasurupa (as sons in adoption) to Asamaujas of whom no son was born. 

Thus, the Andhakas are remembered (have been recounted). 

144. He who repeats the names of and glorifies this race of Andhakas every day, attains an extensive family of himself. There is no doubt in this matter. 

145. Shura begot Devamidhvan (Devamidhusha) of Ashmaki. Ten persons were born of Marishi from Shura. Marishi belonged to the Bhoja family. 

146-148. Vasudeva of mighty arms was born at the outset. He is known as Anakadundubhi because when he was born a loud report of Dundubhi (War drum) was heard in the sky. 

There was the loud sound of Anakas (a type of war-drum) too in the sky. There was no one on a par with Vasudeva in the entire world of men in regard to the handsomeness of features.¹ He was the foremost among all men of the Earth. His splendour was like that of the Moon.

1. Vasudeva's unparalleled handsomeness is recorded not only in Brahmanical Puranas but in Jaina works also. According to Jaina records, Vasudeva was banished by his father, as complaints were lodged by the citizens about the seductive effect of his beauty on their women. A work called Vasudeva Hindi (600 A.D) an authentic version of the (Paishachi) Brubatkatha of Gunadhya-makes Vasudeva (instead of Naravahanadatta) a hero whose wonderings were a marriage-campaign. 

149-152. The following were born after him viz. Devabhaga, Devashravas, Anadhrushti, Vruka, Nandana, Srunjaya, Shyama, Shamika and Gandusha. They had five excellent ladies as their sisters. They were Prutha, Shrutadeva, Shrutakirti, Shruta-shravas and Rajadhidevi. These five were mothers of heroic sons. Shura gave his daughter Prutha to Kuntibhoja by 'way of adoption. Hence, Prutha became the daughter of Kuntibhoja. She is remembered by the name Kunti. Pandu, an important heroic scion of the family of Kurus, took her as his wife from him. 

153-154. Thereafter, Prutha gave birth to three sons whose splendour was on a par with that of the three fires. They were heroes without compeers in the world. They had the prowess and exploit comparable to that of Indra. 

Prutha gave birth to the son Yudhishthira from Dharma, Vrukodara (i.e., Bhima) from the wind god Maruta and Dhananjaya from Indra. 

155. This is well known that the Ashvins were born of Madravati. Nakula and Sahadeva were endowed with beauty of form, inherent strength and other good qualities. 

156. The heroic son Dantavakra of great strength was born to Shrutadeva from Vruddhasharman the king of Karusha. 

157. Santardana, the powerful one, was born to Shruta-kirti from the prince of Kekaya. Similarly, another pair of very powerful princes named Chekitana and Bruhatkshatra were also born. 

158-160. The brothers Vinda and Anuvinda who were very powerful were born of the prince of Avanti (? as sons of Rajadhidevi). Shishupala, the prince of Chedi, was born of Shrutashrava as the son of saintly king Damaghosha. His manliness is well-known. Formerly, he had been the ten headed 

(Ravana), the suppressor of foes. He was the younger brother of Vaishravana and Kumbhakarna had been his younger brother. 

Thirteen excellent ladies were the wives of Vasudeva. 

161-163. They were Pauravi, Rohini, Madira, Bhadra-vaishakhi and the fifth one Sunamni. (These were perhaps the earlier wives). Then Sahadeva, Shantideva Shrideva, Devarakshita, Dhrutadeva, Upadeva and Devaki the seventh one-these too were his wives. The thirteenth one was Sugandha. (BC sides these) Vanaraji and two other attandant ladies became his wives. 

Rohini and Pauravi were the younger sisters of Bahlika. 

164-165. Rohini of excessive magnificence and fortune was the eldest and the most beloved wife of Anakadundubhi. She gave birth to eight sons out of whom Rama (Balarama) was the eldest. (The other sons were) Sarana, Shatha, Durdama, Damana, Shubhra, Pindaraka, Kushitaka. A daughter called Chitra was also born to her. 

166-168. Nishatha and Ulmuka were very famous. They were born as the sons * of Rama. Similarly, Parshvi, Parshvamardi, Shishu, Satyadhruti and Mandabahya were also the sons of Rama.

*grandsons according to Va. P. 96. 164.

There appears to be some confusion in the text.

Girika, Giri, Shulkagulma, Atigulma and Daridrantaka were the sons of Sarana. He had five daughters too. Understand them by their names. They were Archishmati, Sunanda Surasa, Suvacha and Shatabala. These were the daughters of Sarana. 

169-170. Bhadrashva, Bhadragupti, Bhadravishta Bhadrabahu, Bhadraratha, Bhadrakalpa, Suparshvaka, Kirtiman and Rohitashva were the sons of Shatha. 

171-172. Abhibhuta was the son of Durmada (? Durdama). The above are remembered as the persons born of the family of Rohini. 

Nanda, Upananda, Mitra, Kukshimitra, Bala, Chitra, Upachitra, Krutaka, Tushti and Pushti—these were the sons of Madira. They were born to Vasudeva of Madira.

173. Bimba, Upabimba, Sattvadanta and Mahaujas these four persons of great strength are well known as the sons of Bhadra (?) 

174-175. Shauri (i.e., Vasudeva) begot of Vaishali (?) (Vaisakhi) the excellent son Kaushika. The following six sons were born of Devaki to Shauri viz. Sushena, Kirtiman, Udarshi, Bhadrasena, the fifth one Rujudaya or Bhadradeva, the sixth one Kamsa. 

176. In these circumstances, Vishnu, the lord of worlds, became Prajapati once again (being born) as the long-lived Krishna. 

177. Subhadra, who used to speak pleasantly well (Bhadrabhashini) was born subsequent to Krishna. This lady who delighted the family of Vrushni became well renowned later as Krishna and Subhadra. 

178-179. The great warrior Abhimanyu was born of Subhadra to Partha (i.e., Arjuna). Understand by their (individual names, those sons of great heroism, who were born of those seven highly fortunate wives of Vasudeva. 

Purva and others were born of Vasudeva as the sons of Sahadeva. 

180. Shantideva gave birth to Janastambha the illustrious scion of the family of Shauri. 

Agavaha the noble-souled one was born of Vrukadevi (?) 181-182a. A son named Mandaka was born to Shrideva. 

Devarakshita gave birth to two sons viz. Upasanga and Vasu. 

Thus, there were ten sons of his. Kamsa got them also killed. 

1826-183. Shishiravati (?) gave birth to these noble souled sons viz.–Vijaya, Rochana, Vardhamana and Devala. 

The seventh wife, the daughter of Devaka gave birth to the highly prosperous son Gaveshana of good name, who fought in a wonderful manner during the battle. 

184-186. O Brahmana, formerly while moving about in the urban parks and forests, Vasudeva begot of the Vaishya lady Shraddhadevi the son Kaushika who was economical. 

Sugandhi and Vanaraji were (see V. 163) also the wives of Shauri. 

Pundra and Kapila were the sons of Sugandhi. Of these two Pundra became a king and Kapila went to the forest. 

187. To the other lady, a powerful heroic son of Vasudeva was born. He was the Nishada (forester) named Jara (?). He was the foremost archer. 

188. Mahabhaga was the famous son of Devabhagya (in V. 149 Devabhaga). 

They call the son born of Devashravas as one honoured by scholars.

189. Anadhrushti begot of Ashmaki, a powerful son Shraddhadeva. He was a destroyer of enemies. All his enemies had receded from him. 

190. Ekalavya, the highly lucky son, was born to Shraddhadeva. He was brought up by Nishadas (foresters) and so he was well-known as Naishadi. 

191. With pleasure Krishna gave his sons Charudeshna and Samba for adoption to Gandusha who had no children. These two sons were well up in the use of arms. They were endowed with highly laudable characteristics. 

192-194. Ranti and Rantipala were the two sons of Nandana. 

Vasudeva, the son of Shura, who was valorous gave his heroic sons Saumi and Kaushika to Vruka who had no sons. 

Dhanus and Virajas were the two sons of Srunjaya. 

Shyama had no children. Shamika went to the forest treating his status of being born of the family of Bhoja with contempt. He secured the status of a Rajarshi (a royal sage). 

195. He who duly observes holy rites and reads this story of the birth of Krishna or narrates it to a Brahmana, shall obtain great happiness. 

106. Krishna, the lord of the Devas, the Prajapati (lord or procreator of subjects) who was originally Lord Narayana, was born among human beings for the sake of sport. 

197. The lotus-eyed lord was born to Devaki and Vasudeva on account of their previous austerities. The lord had four arms and was endowed with divine beauty, charm and splendour. 

198. The lord who was originally Avyakta (Unmanifest) exhibited his characteristics clearly. The holy lord of Yogic powers came to light as Krishna in a human form. 

199. It was Narayana who turned what is Avyaya (the imperishable) into Vyaya (the perishable one i.e., the body of Krishna). After becoming Hari (i.e., Krishna), Narayana resumed his original Sanatana (eternal) status. 

200-203a. (Partially defective text). The lord had created Prajapati (god Brahma) the primordial Being from a lotus. The lord well-known as Vishnu became the younger brother of Indra after being born as the son of Aditi. Devas propitiated the omnipresent Lord for being born as the son of Aditi. 

The family of intelligent Vasudeva born in the race of Yayati became sacred and holy, because lord Narayana took his birth therein for the sake of killing Daityas, Danavas and Rakshasas. 

203b-206. While Janardana incarnated, the oceans trembled and agitated, the mountains shook, and the sacrificial fires of Agnihotra blazed. Auspicious and lucky winds blow. Dust particles became settled down. The luminaries shone all the more brightly. 

The asterism on the day when Janardana was born was Abhijit by name. The night is called Jayanti (the 8th of the dark half of Shravana, the asterism Rohini rising at mid-night). The Muhurta (auspicious period of 48 minutes) was Vijaya by name. 

Hari the eternal, unmanifest lord Narayana became Krishna. 

207. Causing delusion to the subjects through his Maya (illusive Power), the lord incarnated and the lord of the Devas (i.e., Indra) caused shower of flowers from the sky. 

208. With words full of auspicious purport and significance, thousands of great sages, along with the Gandharvas eulogised and prayed to Madhusudana. 

209-211. On seeing his son born at the night and on observing the characterisic curl of hair on the chest called. Shrivatsa, Vasudeva thought in his mind that it was Adhokshaja (Vishnu) himself on account of the divine characteristic marks. 

Vasudeva said to him—"O lord withdraw this divine form. O beloved one, I am afraid of Kamsa. Hence, I say like this. 

My sons of wonderful appearance, your elder brothers have been killed by him". 

On hearing the words of Vasudeva, the lord withdrew his divine form. 

212. Being permitted by the lord, the father took him to the abode of Nanda the cowherd (who was staying) in the house of Ugrasena and handed him to Yashoda. 

213. Yashoda and Devaki had become pregnant at the same time. Yashoda was the wife of Nandagopa, the head of cowherds. *

*Syntactically sa Nandagopateh is tautologous, Sa should stand for Devaki but then Nandagopateh needs emendation like Anakadundubheh. The emended text will be sa'nakadundubheh. 'she (Devaki) was the wife of Vasudeva.'

214. A girl was born to Yashoda in the very night when the lord was born as Krishna in the family of Vrushnis. 

215. Guarding the son born to him, Vasudeva of great fame, handed over his son to Yashoda and took the girl with him. 

216-218. After giving the child to Nandagopa, he requested “Protect this (child). This is your son. Everything will be auspicious unto the Yadavas. This is the child of Devaki. He will remove all my distresses." 

Anakadundubhi (Vasudeva) then intimated to the son of Ugrasena (i.e., Kamsa)— “This is a daughter of very auspicious and splendid characteristics." 

1. Contrast Bh.P.X.5.5-8 where Kamsa is said to have anatached away the girl from Devaki and tried to dash her on a slab of stone.

Kamsa was not at all aware, that a son had been born to his sister. 

219. The evil-minded (Kamsa) handed the girl back (to Vasudeva) and said with pleasure— “She is my daughter in the same way as yours. There is no doubt in this. O heroic one, I will not kill her. Let her go wherever she pleases”. 

220-222. Honoured in the ancestral abode of the Vrushnis that girl grew up very well. The gentle lady (Devaki) joyously brought up the goddess like her own son. Thus, the people say that Prajapati himself was born as Krishna in this manner. It is for the protection of Keshava that she was born. 

The Yadavas will respect and honour her with concentration of mind. The lord of the Devas with divine body, Krishna himself had been protected by her.

The sages enquired: —

223. Wherefor did the Bhoja king Kamsa kill the infant sons of Vasudeva? It behoves you to clarify this. 

Suta said: 

224-225. Listen why the foolish-minded Kamsa killed the sons of Vasudeva when they were born due to fear of the powerful Lord—why Krishna was taken away elsewhere as soon as he was born and how Govinda, the supreme person, was brought up along with the cows. 

226. At the marriage of Devaki and Vasudeva the intelligent Kamsa acted as the charioteer. At that time, he was the crown-Prince. 

227. Then in the sky rose the speech of some incomprehensible person. It was a divine speech. It was very loud and witnessed by the people of the world merely because the name of Kamsa was uttered by it. 

228. “O Kamsa, out of affection, you are taking your sister by means of a chariot. The eighth child of that lady shall be your killer". 

229. On hearing that aerial voice, Kamsa, the foolish one, became distressed. He drew his sword and became intent on killing her. 

230. The Valorous Vasudeva of great power said to Kamsa the son of Ugrasena, out of friendship or love. 

231. -"O scion of the family of Yadavas, you are a Kshatriya and it does not behove you to kill a woman. In this matter (under reference) a certain remedy has been found out by me. 

232. O lord of the Earth, I shall hand over to you the eighth son that will be born of her. With him, you can do what you deem proper. 

233. O munificent one, do not behave now in the way you wish. 

Or, as another alternative, I shall bring unto you all the children (born of her) severally (i.e., as and when they are born). 

234. In this manner, O excellent one among men, this aerial voice too will not be erroneous”. 

On being told thus and consoled, he accepted the suggestion then. 

235. On regaining his wife, Vasudeva became delighted. The foolish-minded Kamsa of evil deeds killed his sons.

The sages enquired: —

236-337. Who is this Vasudeva who begot Vishnu whom he addressed as “O dear one"? Who is this renowned Devaki who bore Vishnu in her womb? Who is Yashoda of great reputation who brought him up? Who is this Nandagopa? 

Suta said: —

238. Purusha became Kashyapa and Aditi was his beloved Prakruti. Kashyapa was a part of Brahma and Aditi that of Pruthivi (the Earth).

239-240. Nanda is reputed as Drona and Yashoda was Dhara*.

* According to Bh.p.X.8.48-51 Nanda was a Senior Vasu called Drona in his previous birth and Dhara was his wife. God Brahma gave them a boon whereby they became the foster-parents of Lord Krishna and were devoted to him.

The mighty lord made the desires of Devaki flourish and entered a human body. The lord thus walked over the earth. The lord of Yogic soul caused delusion unto all living beings by means of his Yogic Maya. 

241. When Dharma (Virtue) became lost, Vishnu himself was born in the family of Vrushni in order to re-establish Dharma and annihilate Asuras.

242-244. (Defective text) Rukmini was the daughter of the king of Vidarbhas. Satya was the daughter of Nagnajit. Satyabhama was the daughter of Satrajit. (These were the wives of Krishna). Jambavati, Rohini (? prob. Lakshmana) Shaibya, and sixteen thousand other gentle ladies were also the blessed wives of Krishna. 

Fourteen groups of Apsaras (celestial women) have already been mentioned before. Indra held council with the Devas and the important ones were sent here for the sake of becoming the wives of Vasudeva. They were born in palaces (rich families). 

245-246. These prosperous and lucky ones are well known as the wives of Vishvaksena. 

The sons of Rukmini were: 

Pradyumna, Charudeshna, Sudeva. Sharabha, Charu, Charubhadra, Bhadracharu and Charuvidya. There was a daughter named Charumati. 

247-248. The sons of Satyabhama were Sanu, Bhanu, Aksa, Rohita, Mantravid, Jara, Andhaka, Tamrachakra, Saubhari and Jarandhara. Four sisters were born of the Garuda-emblem ed lord (i.e., Krishna) viz. Bhanu, Saubharika, Tamraparni and Jarandhara. Listen to the childern of Jambavati. 

249-250. Bhadra, Bhadragupta, Bhadrachitra and Bhadrabahu were the sons of Jambavati*. The daughters were famous by the names of Bhadravati and Sambodhani. These should be known as the children of Jambavati. 

251. Sangramajit, Shatajit and Sahasrajit--these were glorified as the sons of Vishvaksena born of Sudevi. 

252. The children of the daughter of Nagnajit were these-viz. Vruka, Vrukashva, Vrukajit, Mitrabahu and Sunitha were sons. Vrujini, the excellent lady, was her daughter. 

253. These and others constitute thousands of sons. Understand that it is mentioned that Vasudeva's sons were about a million. 

254. Eighty thousand among them were great heroes and experts in war. 

Thus, the race of Janardana has been duly recounted to you all. 

255. Bruhati was the wife of Puru. So also, Sumadhya and Sugati. She (? Bruhati) was the daughter of the noble-souled Bruhaduktha, son of Sini. 

256. Thereof her sons viz. Ananda, Kanaka and Shveta were well-known. They shone splendidly in battles. She had a daughter also named Shveta. 

257. Chitra, Shura and Chitraratha were the sons of Agavaha. Chitrasena was his son. He had a daughter Chitravati 

258. Tumba had two sons viz. Tumba (?) and Tumbavarchas. 

Vajrara and Kshipra were the sons of Upasanga. 

259. Bhurindrasena and Bhuri were the sons of Gaveshana. 

Sudhanus was his (?) son born of the daughter of Yudhishthira. 

260. Kashya (Princess of Kashi) bore five courageous and strong sons to Samba. They are glorified as five shining heroes beginning with Satya. 

261-262. The grandsons of the noble-souled Yadavas were three crores in number. The entire family and those who stay in the family are under the protection and the lordly authority of Vishnu. Suras and human beings are bound by those who abide by his behests. 

263. Those powerful Asuras who were killed in the battles between the Devas and Asuras are born here among human beings. They harass human beings. 

264. It is for annihilating them that they are born in the family of Yadavas. A hundred branches of the family of the noble-souled Yadavas were born. 

265. Thus the progeny of Vrushnis has been glorified succinctly and in detail. That must be glorified by one who is. desirous of achievement of fame.