Kurmastakadvyam

Author(s): Bhojdev Maharaj
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 48

Two Prakrit Poems At Dhar Translation....
92. Others too carried the heavy burden of the earth but unitedly. [Note :
the meaning of the second half is not clear-is obscure.] It possibly wants to say : Although the Tortoise was 'one-yoked (is quite alone)
it carried the earth on its back. 93. Look at the performance (vyavasita-determination, performance), O men, of the Serp
(who supports the earth on his hoods), the Boar, kiri (in the third incarnation of Visnu who raised up the earth which was dragged to the bottom of the sea by the demon Hiranyāksa), the diggaja one of the eight elephants said to guard and preside over the eight cardinal points. [diggaja, quarter elephant) etc. who exerted
themselves for the sake of others right from their birth. 94. Look, O men, at the performance of the Boar (Kiri), the Serpent Sesa,
the Tortoise the Diggaja [the quarter elephant-one of the eight elephants, said to guard and preside over the eight cardinal points, etc.) (lit. headed by, having as chief or at the head-pramukha.) who, sacrificing their own happiness spend (tathā) their own life in that
manner. 95. What has the Tortoise done here, on account of which the people at
large praise him in the popular maxim 'who supported the whole earth (niḥśesa) with the Serpent Seșa (saseșa)'-in ‘sasesa' the Serpent Sesa is meant and nīsesā (Sk. niśesā qualifying the earth- nissesa meaning
complete, without any remainder (sesa) and (ii) without Sesa.) 96. The birth of the Tortoise attaining its 'fruit' appears to the people a
great event (maha ?) As regards their success, however, there is great difference between the two (the Tortoise and Dhruva) (The meaning
of this verse is uncertain doubtful !! 97. Let Fate place Dhruva (Pole Star) at the top of he world ! However, it
was Kūrma)(Tortoise) only look, by his actions or deeds secured a stll higher, position at the top. [Note : The word 'balā’-Sk. balāt'-means 'perforce', 'forcibly' 'violently'] against his will ? [Here 'forcibly does
not suit the context.] 98. If a birth be inevitable, let it be like that of the Tortoise. If another birth
is to be 'fruitless' (unsuccessful), of what use is it? (What is the use of
it ?) . 99. In your family, O Tortoise, who were not born ? (Many were born.)
who are not born ? (many are born) and who will not be born ? (Many will be born). To tell the truth, you alone are like your ownself ! (you