Kurmastakadvyam

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

Page 56

Translation of Text B
Bhoja, appears to be more than the weightiness!
[Note: The gāthā intends to convey to us, the readers, that the greatness given by the dull-witted is no greatness at all; on the other hand, if you are given a lower rank by the wise, intelligent men like King Bhoja, it is indeed honourable - even the low ranking is an honour!]
57. Of what kind (or sort) indeed is that Tortoise? Who even after death supports (or bears or carries) the earth! Why are you afraid of this earth whose weight is [now] terribly reduced [aipalahuãe- Sk. atipralaghukāyāḥ) [by King Bhoja] ?
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58. "The lightness or smallness (also insignificance, unimportance, absence of dignity) caused (or produced) by the great gives here (in this world) greatness." With this thought the oceans and others do not feel even slightly dejected in their hearts.
59. By once reducing the earth in weight you, O King Bhoja, indeed increased her greatness (garuima - Sk. gurutva) and thus (thereby) increased her joy.
60. To those who see the form (sarūam-Sk. svarūpam) of the earth the ocean (sarinaha- Sk. saritnatha- the lord of the rivers) the principal mountains (kulagiri) etc., their greatness (garuattaṁ- Sk. gurutvam) [at once] strikes them! When you hold (or possess) them how could they be called light (laghuattam -Sk. laghutva) small, (insignificant, contemptible)?
61. It is well known that greatness manifests itself even in lightness. As a burden (O earth) how otherwise (kaha- Sk. katham) can you display or manifest both heaviness and lightness?
62. You have manifested the weightiness (greatness-guruattam Sk. gurutvam) of this (earth) here. now see her weightiness (also greatness - goravam - Sk. gauravaṁ) When she is supported on the sharp end-tip of (King Bhoja's) sword!
63. For what extent of burden leaving (not exercising or employing) your own prowess, you assumed hundreds of forms (water as incarnations) O Kṛṣṇa Visnu-, and (thus) lowered your estimate-your image in the public eye.
64. The earth is like a celaka (garment); the kulagiris (principal mountains, etc. are) even so. The greatness of the fallen (paḍiāna Sk. Pālitānām)