CHAPTER XXV
(VISHNU KILLS MADHU)
Vaishampāyana said:— Beholding Madhu's overthrow in Pushkara, all the creatures, filled with joy, sang and danced on all sides (1). As if riving the sky with its golden summits covered with various mineral substances the foremost of mountains Supārshwa shone there (2). The mountains covered all over with minerals shone there with elevated summits like unto clouds charged with lightning (3). On account of their summits being covered with sand and powdered coal raised by the wind they appeared like so many huge clouds. The mountains, whose summits were covered with clouds, whose trees were scattered with their wings, from which was produced profuse gold, were as if stationed in the sky. Raised by the wind the winged mountains, having their summits covered with golden minerals, struck terror unto all birds. The golden mountains were covered with crystal, emeralds and sapphires. The huge mountain Himalaya was covered with white minerals. And when his golden summits and wings are lighted up by the rays of the sun they display various sorts of jems. The huge mountain Mandara, filled with crystal and containing two gateways built of Vajra, shone like the celestial region. The mount Kailāsha, adorned with various minerals, its high summits like unto so many gate ways, and trees covered with Gandharvas playing on musical instruments, the Kinnarras singing and the celestial maidens, making various gestures, appeared like a sporting mountain (4-12).
With Madhu's singing, acting, dancing, playing the mount Kailāsa excited desire like unto Cupid (13). Vishnu, in the shape of the earth, blue mount Vindhya with summits like unto clouds stricken with the rays of the sun, stationed on the mount Meru, sent down showers on earth through clouds (14-15). With rising clouds the mountains discharge pure water, various rocks, mineral substances; and through springs they discharge water clear like crystal. After the end of the rainy season trees, like unto clouds charged with lightning, shine being adorned with flowers. The elephants have been adorned with various ornaments of gold. Hanging and blossoming creepers, supported by trees filled with birds, are as if dancing on being shaken by the wind. And during the spring the creepers, shaken by a gust of wind, like unto waves striking against the bank, are pouring blossoms like unto drops of water. The earth has been covered with various huge tres covered with fruits. As if singing songs the trees, fond of honey and birds, are announcing the approach of Cupid. The Divine Vishnu, the destroyer of Madhu, created a river of currents. That stream had many fountains, profuse water and beautiful landing places. The shrines, situate on its bank, were charming and beautiful. It was full of clear water and carried fragrance of flowers (16–23). Enlightened by the Vedic words "There is nothing else but thee" she enters into the Yogin's heart. Enlightened by the Vedic words, and assuming the form of Kapil (i.e. the balanced state of the three qualities) in yoga she yeilds milk (i.e. unfolds spiritual science) (24–25). When all the intellectual faculties are destroyed only Pure consciousness remains; the three universal tendencies (Gunas) resort to the material body only for knowing the subtle element. Thereupon the Yogin, with mental concentration, adores the highly wonderful, eternal and pure Atman. Brahman, in the shape of pure Jnāna, crossing over all objects of consciousness like water in a desert, pervades the entire creation. The beautiful, well-formed illusory Māyā covers the celestial Atman. When the cover of Avidyā is removed one can see Atman. The consciousness of ego is invincible like a mountain. It depends on the three universal tendencies or Gunas. It exists eternally and is served even by the Siddhas (26-29).
Source: https://archive.org/details/AProseEnglishTranslationOfHarivamsh
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