Kurmastakadvyam

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

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Kūrmaśatakadvayam
the animals (like the Tortoise (kurma), the Boar (varāha), etc.) and by human beings ? Tell us [me] how and by whom you felt really honoured. [Note : The first half of this gāthā shows loss of some letters. It is rather difficult to say what the poet wants to say. Tentatively, it may be translated as follows :-) The Earth (the principal mountains (kulagiris) and all other mountains were first lightened-(made light, reduced in weight) [by you) and then the heavy burden of the Earth was carried [by you), O King !
(Bhoja) ! you are truly a King ! 94. Taking away the greatness of others who were great (O King Bhoja),
you placed it in yourself. Please tell us (O King Bhoja) of what kind or
nature is the self made great by the greatness of others ? 95. [Note : quite a few letters in the latter part of the second half of this
gāthā are missing. The rest of the gāthā may tentatively be translated as follows :-) That man who carries a burden which is heavier than himself, the
burden of the earth , O King, what is he to you? 96. You have conquered all the animals (pašus) like the Tortoise (kūrma),
the Boar (kiri), the serpent Sesa (śesa), diggajas (the eight elephants said to guard and preside over the eight cardinal points), O King Bhoja. Please tell us (me) what heroism (paurusam, prowess, valour, manliness, courage) has been displayed in conquering the animals
(pašus)? 97. You have reduced the weight of the principal mountains (kulagiri), you
have made the oceans stationary, you have made the earth (prthvi) light and so on [ pramukha, lit. headed by having as chief, the kulagiri, sāgara, prthvi ]! Who could prevent or stop (ko nivārayati) you ? By making light-humbling-others, please tell me, what [new] excellence
you have acquired. 98. [Note : The first half of this gāthā shows loss of many letters. We
therefore leave it out and translate the second half:]
Having lightened the earth now (easily or beautifully] you carried it like a bracelet (valayam va) on your staff like arm !
99. Those whose weightiness was very much (sudūram) well known here
on earth up till now, look ! (O King Bhoja !) how their lightness