Kurmastakadvyam

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

Page 57

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Kūrmaśatakadvayam
in battle or defeated is weighed on the strength of one's arm. This you
(alone can]do, O King Bhoja ! 65. To carry a burden the creator has given us here, the back (patthi - Sk.
prstha Mar. pātha) and the head (sisa Sk. śīrṣa). The burden (of the earth) is carried [ with ease, effortlessly] like a jewelled bracelet [by
King Bhoja] ! This is (at once) a new way-pth (navā vattā (vartman)!] 66. By doing all that which is arduous (guru), all that which is difficult to
be borne (durvaha) and all that which is impossible to do (or impracticable) you have, O King Bhoja, outdone or (or surpassed)
Krsna (Vişnu). 67. By this heaviness (gurutva), O earth, you have acquired this dignity
(importance, greatness-gariumā). When compared to (King Bhojas)
sword you will see (realise your) lightness ! 68. Let it (the earth) not be drowned or submerged in waters. Let not the
oceans meet the mountains. With this thought, out of compassion, (dayā) for the people (on earth) you hold up (support - Sk. 'udvahasi')
the earth [O king Bhoja.] 69. (Note : The earlier part of the second half of this gāthă shows the loss
of letters.) When you carried or supported the burden of the earth, O King (Bhoja), the earth appeared like the yard in front of the house, similarly the principal mountains like stones [kakkara=karkara (Sk.)).
70. In this world the oceans, the earth, and the like, are commonly known,
or widely known (rūdha) as weighty (guru). In making the gurus
(weighty) light "laghu' what do you gain ? 71. People give respect even to the unimportant when greatness is foisted
on them. You tell us, (O King Bhoja], (Why) you act in a manner
opposite to theirs ? 72. [Note : The first half of this gathā shows loss of letters and therefore it
has become unintelligible. The second half may be translated as follows :] Even then (tathāpi-still, yet, never-the-less) she is enamoured of you — attached to you. Everything about you she considers as beautiful lovely (the word ladaha is deśya meaning ramya' lovely, beautiful).