Srimad Bhagavatam – day 215
All the Vedic scholars extolled Prithu. Gandharvas such as Tumbura and others sang in his praise. Siddhas rained flowers. Apsarās danced. Celestial drums, trumpets and kettledrums were beaten in heaven. Conches were blown. Devatas, fore-fathers, and Maharishis thronged in large numbers to the city.
The creator Lord Brahma arrived there followed by the Devatas and the guardian deities of the worlds. On Prithus’s hand he saw the imprint of discus and on His feet, the imprint of the lotus. The person whose hand contains the symbol of the discus and other related symbols is a partial incarnation of the Supreme Lord.
Upon knowing that Srihari had incarnated together with Goddess Lakshmi, the Vedic scholars eagerly got ready to crown him as the king. From all direction citizens brought auspicious materials for the coronation ceremony. Rivers, oceans, mountains, snakes, wild animals, birds, inhabitants of heaven, earth and all other living beings brought gifts and arrived for this auspicious occasion.
Wearing clean, pure clothes and decked in beautiful ornaments, Prithu was glowing radiantly. He was crowned the king. His wife Arci also decked herself in beautiful ornaments and clothing. With her by His side, Prithu glowed like a huge fire.
Kubera gifted Emperor Prithu with a splendid golden throne. Varuna, the Lord of water, gifted a white umbrella that shone like the full moon which sprinkles water droplets. Vayu, the Lord of wind, gifted him the royal Vinjāmara fans, Dharma gave him a garland that would enhance his repute, Indra gave him an expensive crown and Yama gave him a stick which would keep his enemies under his sway.
Brahma gave him an armor (kavaca) which was an embodiment of Vedas. Goddess Saraswati gifted him with a precious pearl chain. Lord Srihari gave him a Sudarshana chakra (discus) and Goddess Lakshmi blessed him with unending wealth.
Rudra gave him a sword. Its sheath had markings that resembled ten moons. Chandra gifted him with deathless, strong horses which would never get tired. Tvastha gave him a marvelous chariot. Agni presented him with a bow made of goat’s and cow’s horns.
Sun gave him sharp powerful arrows that moved as rapidly as its rays. Mother earth gifted him with slippers which could transport him anywhere at lightening speeds. Other Devatas from heaven presented garlands having divine fragrance.
Celestials such as Gandharvas showered Emperor Prithu with proficiency in singing, dance and in playing musical instruments. They also blessed Prithu with the mystical ability of becoming invisible. Maharishis showered plentiful blessings upon him. The Lord of the ocean gifted him with a conch. The oceans, rivers, mountains said that Emperor Prithus’ chariot could move across them without any obstacle.
Thereafter Suta who was proficient in historical stories, Māgadha who was well-versed about the king’s lineage and Vandi who knew the art of speaking eloquently, began to sing the glories of King Prithu. Vena’s son Prithu noticed that they were about to begin their rendition. Immediately with a cheerful smile he addressed them and in a powerful voice that sounded like clouds, he said,
“O Suta, Māgadha and Vandi, my qualities have not yet been showcased to the world. Under such situation, what is it that you can glorify about me now? On what basis will you praise me? Hence please stop. By falsely praising me your words will become untruthful. Your words are sweet. In future, in my absence you can glorify my qualities.
Saty uttamaśloka-guṇānuvāde jugupsitaṁ na stavayanti sabhyāḥ
When it is possible to glorify Srihari, who has a pure reputation, noble persons will not glorify ordinary humans. Hence please stop glorifying me and instead please glorify Srihari.
It is possible that a person has in him the capability of imbibing noble, worthy qualities. Even then, how can he hear praises about those qualities of his, which he has not yet cultivated or exhibited? How can he ask others to praise him, when he does not have those qualities? The public, who listens to these praises, will condemn the person being praised falsely. ‘If only he had put in a little effort, he could have really acquired those qualities’ they would comment. They will ridicule him. The foolish man who loves to listen to false praises will never realize that the public actually ridicules him.
A person filled with humility, self-respect and generosity never likes to hear about any of his mistakes. Likewise famous persons never like to hear their praises, even though they are most deserving and competent.
O Suta! As of now I have not performed any action and established my name in this world. I have not yet earned reputation. Like an ignorant child, how then can I allow you to praise me?”- asked Prithu.
With this the fifteenth chapter of the fourth canto comes to an end.
Fourth Canto Sixteenth Chapter
In this chapter, professional singers known as Vandi-māgadha, praise emperor Prithu.
Maitraya Maharishi said to Vidura, “Hearing the melodious words of Emperor Prithu the professional singers were filled with joy. Then, upon being encouraged by Maharishis, these singers sang in praise of the king.
Aniruddhaya namah