Kurmastakadvyam

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

Page 54

Translation of Text B
33
40. Where greatness of men is weakened then what can we say of the
greatness of women ? The earth (who is reduced in weight - 'is made
light'), too incessantly-continually-weeps under the guise of rivers. 41. The Tortoise, the Boar, and the like, too, who felt ashamed (lajjitā)
remain hidden in - hide themselves under the surface of the earth as
King Bhoja reduced her weight-made her light. 42. The earth which was some how (kaha vi, Sk. katham api) supported by
the Tortoise etc., even after death - that very earth when supported by you, O King Bhoja, was made into a plaything - you treated her just as
a plaything - a toy. 43. Along with the earth you carry the principal mountains (kulagiri) etc.
and simultaneously the ocean too, O King Bhoja !; the ocean, being
pleased has accepted today the limit - boundary (velā) set by you. 44. Until now nobody had challenged (lit. curbed) the weightiness
greatness-(gurutva) of the earth ! Seizing her (the prthvi=the earth) you, O King Bhoja, have made her extremely light you have greatly
reduced her weightiness! 45. With the skull (shell) bent in that manner. The earth was carried -
supported with great difficulty (kaham kaha va). Today she, without any fear whatsoever, laughs under the guise of mountain - torrents (as
she is protected by you, O King Bhoja !] 46. The weight of the earth was reduced; the principal mountains were
dwarfed [khavvia-kharvita, kharva (adjective) dwarfish, short in stature]. The ocean was made shallow (anagahira - Sk. a-gabhīra). Please tell me what was the cause, motive behind doing (all) this [O
King Bhoja !) 47. The earth is today (now) pleased, O King Bhoja, with this thought : The
lightness-smallness-unimportance caused by the King (Purusottama is the name of Visnu, he is described as favo: ceritafa:' - The King is Visnu in human form) [purusottama lit. means, 'the best among men', 'an excellent man'.] excels indeed greatness (garuima bhahiam Sk.
garima-abhyadhika). 48. The Tortoise supports the earth. By this even the greatness conferred
on the Tortoise becomes - is - greatly or exceedingly reduced ! But (punah) [O King Bhoja,] when supported by you, look !, to what greatness she has attained ?