Two Prakrit poems in praise of Kūrma from Dhār

First poem:

Oṃ namaḥ Śivāya

1. May Śiva, the Lord of Pārvati confer on you happiness (welfare, prosperity) — that Śiva by whose will and supreme unequalled power the world (the earth) is supported.
2. May that Tortoise, the vast expanse of whose body is tawny like the golden mountain (Meru) and who resembles the bulbous root of the Creeper of the old (ancient) world, potect you!
3. May that Śiva (śaśicūda, who wears the moon as crest-jewel) whose nature. is incomprehensible, and at whose word the Chief Tortoise and others support this world (earth) confer happiness (bliss) on you !
4. Although the family of Tortoises was so very large, look ! that one (and only one) was born here on earth who bore (lit. carried) the burden (or weight) of the earth on its back !
5. Who indeed can match that Tortoise, who by himself without any motive whatever turned his back on his own happiness (simply ignored his personal well-being) and in that manner (tatha) bore the burden of the (whole) world (earth) on is back ?
6. That female Tortoise alone among females is indeed blessed, who gave birth to a male offspring that bore the (whole) burden of the earth, although extremely difficult to bear.
7. In the family of Tortoises who were not born? But for them even their own self was hard to bear ! That Tortoise, however, alone bore the burden of the earth quietly (without agrumble or murmur) (avirolam).
8. Who knows the number of Tortoises born in he family of Tortoises ? (Innumerable Tortoises indeed were born!) Among them he alone was indeed born who alone since (or from) birth bore the burden of the earth!
9. Look, how indeed the Tortoise bore the (unbearable) burden (of the earth) ! Look at his [extremely slow] gait ! That burden he laid down along with his life at the time of universal destruction (pralaya-the final end of the Universe).
10. The Tortoise supported and lifted up the earth which was sinking into the la (nethermost region under the earth). None else like that Tortoise was ever born, nor willbe born hereafter (in future).
11. Does anyone know- the number of persons (-their number is infinite) who are born only to seek their own happiness ? Have you seen any other Tortoise born in the family of Tortoises, solely devoted to doing good to others ?
12. Blessed are you, 0 female Tortoise, among females on this earth who gave birth to the offspring who does no find rest (even for a second since its birth).
13. Those who support the earth, along with them she (earth) too is supported. With such a determination the Tortoise alone is born here on the earth.
14. If one has to take birth let that birth be, 0 Tortoise, like yours-the birth which to the last breath is exclusively devoted to doing good to others.
15. The behaviour of people here is just similar to their class-species. The behaviour of the Tortoise alone is dissimilar to that of its own or other species !
16. Let the female Tortoise alone be proud of her/its offspring-child since no other child similar to her child has been born nor will be born in future too !
17. We searched to this day [but alas !] we did not find anyone equal to him in the whole world. The ‘one-yoked’ Tortoise quite alone carries the burden of the earth (the world). [Note : ‘one-yoked’ (ekkalajua=ekayuga), i.e., quite alone].
18. He alone (really speaking) carries the burden which another’s shoulder (skandha) does not carry. You see whether the Tortoise carries the burden like any others person (-that is, the Tortoise is simply incomparable in carrying the huge burden of the earth).
19. He alone, in fact, carries the burden which is not understood as such by others. If theburden is carried out like an ordinary person even if it is completely carried out, it is asgood as not carried.
20. Birth is dependent on fate bu good ideas depend on man. As regards determination or preseverence (adhyavasaya) see ! how commendable is the determination of the Tortoise!
21. 0 Fate, you ridicule-mock at-human effort — puruṣa (here must be understood as puruṣakāra =human effort) — What do you lose in ridiculing (human effort)? See, how you have fashioned the Tortoise and how are his deeds!
22. The Tortoise supported the ‘sinking’ earth. [With reference to this peat] people say : It (theTortoise) is, as it were, ashamed ! [For] it conceals its limbs within its shell ! [Note : nāi (Apabhraṃśa) is used to convey the sense of iva (utprekṣārthe)].
23. It is not possible to know the determination of people here on In the case of the Tortoise, however, its form is the same as well as its determination remains the same forever!
24. The Tortoise serves as a standard of comparison – as an instance of comparing for personswho are extremely slow in walking or moving about and for a firm determination. In the Tortoise, look ! we find that both these qualities are ever present. (lit. till the Universal destruction).
25. Look ! How can one find a comparison for the Tortoise of unequalled (matchless, unsurpassed) behaviour ? For none like him was born (before in the past), is seen (today)nor will be born (in future).
26. With a different intention, 0 luckless Fate, you created that Tortoise ! But contrary to it its behaviour turned to be altogether different !
27. The form (āyāra, Skt. ākāra) or way of living (āyāra: ācāra) was fixed and O Fate, you assigned to it very slow gait ! But by the sheer determination of the Tortoise ‘eveything fell on your head’! i.e. you got all the blame !
28. It is not possible for any one to divine-to discover by guessing-the determination(adhyavasaya) of other people. This Tortoise, however, knew [even] the determination which was not contained even in the minds of others.
29. The Tortoise bears the earth (on its back). But O accursed (or wretched) Fate, you put the Pole Star (Dhruva) above the earth ! You should have honoured proper (or right-sadhu) behaviour or conduct (carita) ! What else can we say ? (=What else can be said ?).
30. We do not see that good behaviour (or right conduct) or birth is the cause (deciding factor)of one’s determination (or resolution). Look at a muni (sage, holy man) and the Tortoise (kacchapa) and see their determination.
31. Sacrificing one’s own happiness you are bearing in that indescribable manner the burdenof the world (the earth), 0 Tortoise, well done, well done (very nice bravo) ! You have achieved unique greatness [anyad mahattvam (Skt.)] !
32. A wicked person says [derisively] :the Tortoise has carried the burden (of the earth) on itsback! Even this is done by the Tell us, tell us if any one else has done it. [Of course none else has done this feat.]
33. A wicked person says [scornfully] that the Tortoise is carrying the burden [of the earth] on its back! This (statement) makes it clear that even the back of the Tortoise carries the burden (of the ) earth.
34. Here (in this world) everyone strives to secure one’s own happiness. You alone, 0 Tortoise, strive without any such motive (or purpose). Even after thinking (for a long time), 0Tortoise we do not know (we cannot fathom) what your motive could
35. The surface (kacjittax) of the earth is blank devoid of lines (rekhcis) drawn to indicategreatness (of eminent personages). But look! there is only one single line indicating the greatness of the Tortoise.
36. The creator created the weighty earth, lo behold ! without any support whatsoever ! Who also would support it ? None else can possibly support it-with this thought the Tortoise supported it on its back.
37. When limbs (avayavas) are there, it would have been very nice if tpe back were not to carry the burden ! The Tortoise even without them carries (the burden of) the earth.
38. A truly new path of doing good to others, which was not seen by anybody (before) and which was never before cut (? khunna) here on earth, was for the first time made by the Tortoise.
39. That you, 0 Tortoise, were born, was What is the use of others who are born in vain? By entrusting the burden of the earth to you the people live happily.
40. That indeed is a real resolveor determination (adhyavasaya) which nobody else would ever follow or pursue. It stops:..stands still-(thakka sthita) with the Tortoise itself. Others remain others only, poor creatures !
41. Who would know the correct number of beings here on earth whose bodies (tanu), areintent on accomplishing their It is the leader of the Tortoises only, whose not only body but soul also is intent on doing good to others.
42. Others too, whose number is countless, are born in this You too, Tortoise, are bornlike them. But the way you act-behave – distinguishes you from all others.
43. Set the supporting (or carrying) of the earth aside; it is not possible even to think of it in one’s mind. Even that inconceivable thing-the Tortoise has The course (of conductor behaviour) of the great is extraordinary !
44. The people applaud the carrying or supporting the earth (on its back) by the Chief of Tortoises. Of what sort is the difficultness or heaviness of the burden? The Tortoise is never known to have his back fractured or broken !
45. Were not many (great) people born here (on the earth) ? Are not many born at the same time (with the Tortoise Chief) ? Excepting the Chief of Tortoises, tell me, who else hascarried the burden of the earth (or supported the earth) (on its back) ?
46. The whole world breathes with the breathing of the chief of the Tortoises. Who can equal him ? He alone (the chief of the Tortoises alone) was (really speaking) born of his mother!
47. Many were born here (on this earth) They too, each one according to his might, did a little (kimap[, a little, somewhat) here (in this world). There was (however) born one and only one Tortoise who was able to support the earth !
48. Many, many illustrious men have been born here. Today we have their equals in respect of their life histories (carita) and (good) conduct. But none is born today who can equal the Tortoise, nor will be born in future.
49. You made, 0 Tortoise, the world firm (steady) so also (tatho.), you removed the fear (misgivings, saizkii) of the What, what is all that you did not do ? (That is you did everything) [for the good of the world-the people) !
50. In carrying the burden of the earth the Tortoise experiences more fatigue than happiness, it seems ! Who is able (‘tarai’ = saknoti in Sanskrit) to know  the  (mysterious)  inward  reason  or  motive (majjha=madhya [Skt.]) of the undertakings (vyavasita) of the great?
51. The Tortoise finds an altogether different pleasure (satisfaction) even in carrying the burden of the earth (on its back). What is liked by one (as in the present case, bhuvanabharodvahana) gives him pleasure (when being done.) There is no other meaning (gati, means course) of the term saukhya (pleasure) !
52. Have not countless auspicious moments arisen with the continuing movement of Time? ? That one moment alone,_was, however, really auspicious when the Tortoise was born.
53. You are indeed fortunate, 0 female Tortoise, and blessed indeed is that one Tortoise alone that was born of you ! When the world (or earth) was in distress in that manner (tathii)who (that incomparable Tortoise) has wiped off, i.e. has removed in that (indescribable) way the distress (by supporting it on its back). [Note : The reading gaṇiyāna presents an insurmountable difficulty].
54. ‘Whatever is to be done to the meritorious in this world he indeed does it. But it is theTortoise alone who has done good to the whole world !
55. He alone is said to be really born and only his life (janma) is said to be successful, the like of whom was not born (earlier) nor will be born in future!
56. That life (lit. birth) (of a person) is said to be successful or fruitful; let it be so; but what is its use (to others) ? When one is born for doing good to others, his life is indeed successful.
57. Those who are born only to feed their own belly, are, in fact, dead at that moment itself. Blessed indeed are they who devote their life to doing good to others.
58. O chief of Tortoises, you [alone] are really born. What is the use of others (simply) being born here on earth ? That is something that you do-you show by example the true path whereby others are not born again here in this world.
59. What can be said, 0 Chief of Tortoises, the birth (life) of you alone is blessed ! (or) Yourbirth alone is fruitful (successful) ! You who, in that indescribable manner, spent yourwhole life given as it is – devoted as it is to doing good to others !
60. One and all (eveyone) care (cares) for (worldly) things with a view to serving their own interests. You alone O Tortoise, gave your self (devoted entirely your own self to do good to others).
61. That path, which was never seen before, was never heard of before, nor was ever directly perceived-experienced-was for the first time, found (discovered or shown) by you alone.
62. You alone, 0 Tortoise, are really born ! What is the use of others who are (merely) bornhere on earth to no purpose, in vain (mudha). For it was you who saved the earth-the world-that was sinking down in the nether world (piitcila) by supporting it on your back!
63. How many great (eminent) men were not born here on earth ! This path, however, did not strike to any one of It is the Tortoise alone who indeed was born giving instructionfor doing good to others.
64. It was the Tortoise who, for the first time, discovered here the path of doing good to others. The paths are first shown-discovered by the great. Later other people follow them happily,jofully (sukhena, at ease, comfortably).
65. The elephant (dig-gaja or dantin-one of the eight elephants said to guard and preside over the eight cardinal points). kiri (=Varaha, a roar, name of Viṣṇu in the third or Boar incarnation) and the serpent (pannaga, Śeṣa, a celebrated serpent, said to have one thousand hoods and represented as forming the couch of Viṣṇu or supporting the entire world on his head), in order that it may be seen (dekkhavekkhie = Skt. darśanāpekṣaya) supported the earth (or world). Moving about where there was no path, fell to the lot of the Tortoise.
66. Here (on this earth) it was the Tortoise who was the first among those who made any move (who moved about) (Vyavasayins). Others then did not move (at all) as there was no path (canksamar:,.am amarge ?) . He first made the path which provided a path (vartman) for others to follow !
67. The Creator created here (on this earth) the Tortoise among those who did not move (at all). See ! how he became the first among those who moved about (ryavasayins-vyavasayikas)here (on earth) !
68. Blessed are you, 0 female Tortoise (kacchapi) ! Indeed blessed became your offspring who immediately after birth did something which is indescribable — beyond description (his unique feat of bearing the burden of the earth.)
69. You support, 0 Tortoise, the earth. You save the three worlds and manifest your (divine)power in that manner ! Who does not ridicule the Boar (Kiri) and others who support the earth in order that their deeds may be noticed (dekkhāvekkṃe=darśanāpekṣayā Pischel) ?
70. The Tortoise along with you O Dhruva! supports the Why are you alone called Dhruva (0 Pole Star! ) tell us. You do not feel ashamed shinning brightly in the sky! Or rather, how can the stark naked feel ashamed?
71. Some fortunate ones, moving about where there was no path, attain greatness. See ! how the Tortoise who moved about where there was no path attained fame !
72. On account of favourable fate, 0 Dhruva, you of all the beings attained a position at the top of the world ! But the Tortoise floored you all by its determination (vyavasita).
73. 0 female Tortoise (kacchapi) you alone really speaking gave birth to an offspring ! Other females although they delivered offspring are really speaking barren ! For your offspring alone without any support from others has been carrying-bearing-the (heavy burden of) the three worlds !
74. If a burden is really to be carried, then let it be of the size of the burden that the Tortoise carries ! Since he (the Tortoise) all alone, without expecting help from others has been for ever carrying the (exceptionally heavy) burden of the (entire) earth/the
75. By achieving the task (assigned) one who reaches the top, really attains a permanent/stableposition/place, 0 Dhruva ! One although is elevated to the top without any achievementto his credit is regarded as fallen down below (ahdastat) from that elevated
76. You are, 0 Tortoise, born here (on earth), you are victorious, you are blessed/fortunate here(on earth) (you) “Whose shoulder has not been freed from the burden by a second one able to bear a burden.”
77. All other females (women), although they have delivered offsprings, are rendered barren by the Tortoise. It is not possible to describe the situation otherwise !
78. Others carry a burden, but never do they carry it without the help of another dhwya (a beast of burden like a bullock or a horse). Only the Tortoise, carries the burden (of the earth) on his shoulder all alone.
79. Seeing the form or figure, of the Tortoise we (lit. our own life here) feel Seeing his unique feat of carrying the heavy burden of the earth (dṛṣtvā vyavasitīni) we feel all the more dejected ! (We are not certain about the meaning of the word uvvisai)
80. Who does not take birth here-birth which ends in death? Only in the case of the unique Tortoise, however, the birth has been really fruitful (lit. birth which yields its fruit)!
81. What is carried without the help of another quite all alone is true-real-here (satyamaya). Whatever is carried with another’s help (lit. looking at another’s face [for help]), let it go to hell (lit. hrda a deep hole or cavity) !
82. That is called caṃkramita ( =camkramaṇa) moving about or going about [where there was no path] if the rest of the people others — (itarāḥ) — are not able to set their foot on the path shown, for instance, by the Tortoise.
83. They all simultaneously thought of supporting the earth/world. But see ! only the Tortoise all alone supported the (heavy) burden of the earth/the world !
84. You alone, 0 female Tortoise, really delivered, offspring for by your offspring all other females (lit. women) though they had offsprings were forcibly (haṭhāt=forcibly or suddenly) rendered barren women (vandhyāḥ) !
85. Were not countless born here (on this earth) in the past? Are not many born in the present ? Will not many be born in the future too ? Never-the-less (tathapi=even then, still, yet),none equal to you has been born nor will be born !
86. What is the use of doing hundreds of works ? What is the use of doing those worthless (siira-rahita) works ? Let them do at least one single work as the Tortoise did here !
87. [This verse shows (gaps/missing portion or) lacunae in the second half of this verse. The poet perhapswants to convey the idea that when a path is laid down by a path finder, anybody can easily undertake his ]
88. Birth in a very low caste ! As regards his form-figure — (rūpa), again (puenaḥ), [it is so unpleasing, repulsive that] it defies description — it is not possible to speak about it. Even then [one will have to admit that] the Tortoise by his unique feat has rendered the earth diminutive (has surpassed all the people on the earth)! by his unique heroic feat [of supporting the earth.]
89. This is the nature (gati) of the excellent ones (lit. of the excellent bulls). Look! even in (or after) death they do not give up their nature (with excellent men), do not give up theirwhiteness (dhavalatva) [with referece to bulls]. The Tortoise, even when dead, its shell supports or carries the earth !
90. This is the nature (gati) of the great (the good). Even at the time of death they do not abandon their own nature (lit. self). The Tortoise although dead, on no account withdraws its shell (pṛṣṭha) from below the bottom of the earth !
91. The burden of the earth was carried; the earth along with the people was made happy. Now along with them (the people) whatever you like may it happen, in the case of the Tortoise along with them !
92. Others too carried the heavy burden of the earth but unitedly. [Note : the meaning of the second half is not clear and is obscure.] It possibly wants to say : Although the Tortoise was ‘one-yoked’ (is quite alone) it carried the earth on its back.
93. Look at the performance (vyavasita — determination, performance), 0 men, of the Serpent Śeṣa (who supports the earth on his hoods), the Boar, kiri (in the third incarnation of Viṣṇu who raised up the earth which was dragged to the bottom of the sea by the demon Hiraṇiyākṣa), the diggaja one of the eight elephants said to guard and preside over the eight cardinal points. [diggaja, quarter elephant] etc. who exerted themselves for the sake of others right from their
94. Look,0 men, at the performance of the Boar (kiri), the Serpent Śeṣa, the Tortoise the Diggaja [the quarter elephant-one of the eight elephants, said to guard and preside over the eight cardinal points, etc.] (lit. headed by, having as chief or at the head — pramukha–) who, sacrificing their own happiness spend (tathā) their own life in that
95. What has the Tortoise done here, on account of which the people at large praise him in the popular maxim ‘who supported the whole earth (niḥśeṣa) with the Serpent Śeṣa (saseśa)’ — in ‘sasesa’ the Serpent Śeṣa is meant and nīsesa (Skt. niśeṣā qualifying the earth — nisśesa meaning complete, without any remainder (śeṣa) and (ii) without Śeṣa.)
96. The birth of the Tortoise attaining its ‘fruit’ appears to the people a great event (maharit ?) As regards their success, however, there is great difference between the two (the Tortoise and Dhruva) [The meaning of this verse is uncertain doubtful]
97. Let Fate place Dhruva (Pole Star) at the top of he world ! However, it was Kurma) (Tortoise) only look, by his actions or deeds secured a stll higher, position at the top. [Note : The word ‘bala’ — Skt. ‘balat’ — means ‘perforce’, ‘forcibly’ ‘violently’] against his will? [Here ‘forcibly’ does not suit the context.]
98. If a birth be inevitable, let it be like that of the If another birth is to be ‘fruitless'(unsuccessful), of what use is it? (What is the use of it?)
99. In your family, 0 Tortoise, who were not born ? (Many were born.) who are not born ? (many are born) and who will not be born ? (Many will be born). To tell the truth, you alone are like your ownself ! (you are like yourself ! In other words you are incomparable
100. Oh!  the Tortoise alone is truly born ! What is the use of other people who are born ? – Who in their whole life did nothing befitting their birth ?
101. If a birth be inevitable, let it be like that of the Tortoise. It is no use getting another Itis indeed no use with such a birth !
102. What all other women here have had, under the guise of delivery, are really miscarriages ! To tell the truth (satyena), the mother of the Tortoise, however, had a real normal delivery!
103. All other women who delivered had (in fact) miscarriages ! Your mother alone, 0Tortoise, had a real-natural-delivery !
104. Other women, although they delivered had no ‘real’ delivery ! They had miscarriages ! In the whole world only one female Tortoise had a true/real delivery ! ‘
105. So long as his (this Tortoise’s) equal is not born in the whole world, what can this poor Tortoise do ? Not finding his equal he, all alone, carries the heavy burden (of the earth).
106. Here he (this Tortoise) alone is the one and only one who bears the burden (of the earth). The other one who bears the burden, look ! bears it only by his speech-words.
107. “Even to the Tortoise rest has ben granted by king Bhoja alone. By him this Kūrmaśataka has been composed after he had taken away all hope to [? from] the enemies.”
108. This poem is not a century of verses. It is composed of only centuries of gāthās (verses). Men recite a hundred times these gāthās (verses) one by one. That is why it is called a ‘Century.’
109. There hundreds of gāthās have not been composed by your own self-since each of these gāthās is repeated a hundred times it is called gāthāśata (gāthāśataka).

Here ends Avaṇikūrmasatam composed by Mahārājādhirāja Parameśvara Śrī Bhojadeva.

Second poem (awaiting copyedit) 

I  Orn namal) Sivaya

1. May god Siva confer on you – extend to you here all happiness (Sivam)

– that god Siva who easily (helayci) carries the skeleton (kafzkcila) of that very Kr�i:ia(Kal)-ho) who carries the worlds (within him).

2. By your exploits-deeds (sva-karya) you [first] lightened-mde light the principal mountains (kula-gfri) turned the oceans into small puddles (thii.hiii.) whereby the earth became easy to be borne (suvahii), you, 0 King, then carried – supported – it (the earth).
3. Having first made light the principal mountains, the earth, the oceans, the (mountain) Meru,, 0 King (Bhoja !) you then carried the world easily.
4. The earth is indeed (1. great, 2. heavy, weighty). Those who carry it are also great (heavy, weighty). Having first made all these light (insignificant) the world is then carried [by you].
5. He alone is called dhavala (1. an excellent bull a pre-eminent person) who along with those who are engaged in supporting the burden of the world, 0 King Bhoja, it is you alone are that pre-eminent personage!
6. Having made the whole world along with others1[like the Tortoise, the

�oar, the serpent Se�a] who support the earth-bear the burden of the earth-light (laghu, also insignificant) you support the earth. By doing this what greatness do you acbieve, 0King (Bhoja) ?

7. Here this way something lighter than one’s self/oneself is carried by you O King ! Tell mewhat greatness is there in bearing,(supportin� the earth?
8. 0 Earth, the greatness, heaviness that was given you here by the Tortoise and the like is easily carried away by King Bhoja, who now supports you !

3 O                                                                                                      Kiirmasatakadvayam

9. The weightiness or heaviness of the burden [of the earth] appears/ increased when carried by the so-called strong. The burden carried by the really strong (like King Bhoja) becomes
10. It is the Tortoise, who is deficient in hands and feet, that has increased your heaviness, or weightiness and later the (thousand) heads of the Serpent Se�a. This fact is revealed (to us) by King Bhoja (who easily carries-supports-you).
11. To those people who think (about the nature of the earth) the earth appears to be very heavy/weighty (guru). Here, however, when considered. how is it that it appears to be light O King Bhoja !
12. You, 0 King Bhoja, snatch away (uddalasu) the earth from those with whom she has beenfamiliar for long and make her Even then she is (deeply) attached to you and only to you ! She does not even look at another’s face (pulaei – pralokate).
13. This earth appears to you, 0 Tortoise, 0 Boar, 0 Se�a, and the like, to be a great burden.

[Note :The second half verse is obscure].

14. 0 Tortoise, Se�a, Boar and the like, the Earth appears to be a great, (heavy) burden ! The King Bhoja smilingly says : “Look at the burden of the earth” (-it is so light, and notheavy as you feel-think).
15. All those, who are well-known in this world up till now, as capable of carrying the burden, those, Tortoise and others, look !. are made a laughing stock by you.
16. You and you alone, are (strong, powerful enough) capable of carrying the burden (of the earth) ! Please tell us (me) how you reduce the (heavy) burden (of the earth), very difficult to carry, and which had fallen to the lot of the animals (like the Tortoise, the Boar, the serpent Se�a etc.)
17. By your personal greatness you first made the earth (the world) light (laghu) and thereafter (pascat) you carry it (0 King Bhoja !) How is this skill – tact not mastered by others ?
18. You are, 0 earth, very heavy – weighty-, and heavier than you is the Tortoise. He too (although so heavy) was overcome by King Bhoja ! In this world there are (persons)greater than the great one’s -we know!
19. You support – carry – the unique burden of the earth along with the animals that support it;and thereby you call to our mind the popular

Translation of Text B                                                                                                     31

maxim-traditional knowledge that in this world there are men who are greater than the(well-known) great.

20. “The earth is a very heavy burden to be borne”-thus the people think,

0 King Bhoja. Holding (bearing) that burden how is it that invading it (the earth) youconquered it ?

21. Bearing the heavy burden of the earth how did you crush the pride-arrogance-of the Tortoise and the exalted position of the serpent Sesa and the like ?
22. You supported the earth and robbed the Tortoise of its greatness. Without doing any harmto (the Tortoise) you showed a (new)
23. I realised that the Tortoise, the Boar, the serpent Se�a and the like are, in fact, animals ! Otherwise would not their hearts have broken into a hundred pieces ?
24. When you supported – bore- the earth that gigantic – big-bodied-Tortoise appeared remarkably diminutive (pra-laghuka remarkably small-tiny).

[Note : the second half of this verse is obscure.]

25. Making the (burden of the) earth light and then carrying it solely-singly-what greatness did you add to your own greatness and what to that of the Tortoise ?
26. Making the (burden of the) earth light and carrying it with the Tortoise what greatness did you add to your own and to that of two (viz. the Tortoise and the earth) ?
27. The Tortoise took birth here on earth for adding greatness to that of the earth. You are,0 King Bhoja born here for rendering it (the earth) insignificant (light)!
28. Whatever greatness the animals like the Tortoise; the Boar, the serpent Se�a brought you, its completion (nirviiha ?), 0 earth, is now manifested by King Bhoja.
29. Making light (the burden of) the earth if it is then carried what merit is there ?

[The second half of this verse is rather obscure !]

30. The principal mountains (kulagiri) were made light; the oceans were made light and so toothe earth ! Then the burden of the earth was

32                                                                                                       Kurmasatakadvayam

borne [kalita-held, seized, taken, borne]! By carrying the burden-made light what do you gain ?

31. Your weightiness-(greatness), 0 earth ! was increased (enhanced) by some timid ones (the animals (pasus) carrying you now,. look-the Tortoise, the Boar, the Serpent Se�a whocarried your burden ! When King Bhoja is carrying you now, look at yourself with curiosity and wonder (‘koq..q..a’ means ‘kautuka’ Mar. koq.a-kautuka.)
32. The weightiness or heaviness (gurutva) of the earth which was (magnified or) increased by the animals was today lightened by King Bhoja displaying his prowess-valour.
33. The Creator has created here someone for making the earth guru (gurutva (i) weightiness,heaviness (ii) greatness) and some other one for making her light (lahuima-laghutii or laghutva means; lightness (ii) insignificance or contempt).
34. This only is your work : Those who are great, you make them insignificant (contemptible).By doing this, what do you gain ?
35. You make all those including the earth (dhara,:,.i-muhe soyale vi) who are great contemptible-insignificant ! What shall we say against this complaint (kaggali – this word isnot recorded in the Prakrit Dictionary. In Marathi we have a word Kiigajf, which is rendered here in English as complaint ? “You too do this.” “what will then the slanderers back-biters(pisuna) do ?
36. Until now the attribute guru (great, weighty) was applied to the earth, the ocean and the mountain. Now [after the rise of King Bhoja] the very name ‘guru’ – the very attribute ‘guru’ in their case ceased-vanished-disappeared (astamita).
37. So long as one individual was not able to bear the attribute ‘guru’ (great, weighty), the ‘greatness’, ‘weightiness’ (gurutva) was distributed among the aforesaid ones. How is it that even that which was distributed gurutva you lightened (lahuiam =laghukrtam) ?
38. “My weightiness as well as my greatness, both these are taken away from me” (“I amrobbed of both these precious attributes”). With this thought the ocean, look, weeps under the guise of the roaring [airacj.ira=atiratanasila, laharid=laharikii (Zahar[)] waves !
39. With your rise, 0 King Bhoja, the principal mountains (kulagiri), with the thought that their weightiness and greatness are both false, weep under the guise of flowing springs.

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
41. The Tortoise, the Boar, and the like, too, who felt ashamed (lajjitii) 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, katham api) supported by the Tortoise etc., even after death – that very earth when supported by you,0 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) and simultaneously the ocean too, 0 King Bhoja !; the ocean, being pleased has accepted today the limit -boundary (vela) 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, 0 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, 0 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 (a1J.agahira – a-gabhzra). Please tell me what was the cause, motive behind doing (all) this [0 King Bhoja !]
47. The earth is today (now) pleased, 0 King Bhoja, with this thought: The lightness-smallness-unimportance caused by the King (Puru�ottama is the name of Vi�I).U, he is described as ’11fc1�: -ir?.cft9fu:’ – The King is Vi�ry.u in human form)[puru�ottama lit. means, ‘the best among men’, ‘an excellent man’.] excels indeed greatness (garuima bhahiam garima-abhyadhika).
48. The Tortoise supports the earth. By this even the greatness con_ferred on the Tortoise becomes – is – greatly or exceedingly reduced ! But (punal:z) [0 King Bhoja,] when supported by you, look !, to what greatness she has attained ?

34                                                                                                       Kurmasatakadvayam

Note : The form �  belongs to Apabhramsa dialect – Instrumental sing. of the pronoun’3Wl’ (= �  Sk.), and means by this.

49. Don’t think, 0 earth, that King Bhoja has caused your smallness (lahuattam laghutva 1.lightness, 2. smallness). (The very fact that) he supports you itself brings you the highest greatness (lit. greatness of even the great).
50. With the death of the Tortoise the earth was agitated and until now was apprehensive (safzkita). That you are now supporting, she, with torrents spreads uninterruptedly [This writer is not sure about this meaning of ‘sappasara pw:za va sappasara’ ]
51. The earth, although her weightiness (greatness) is reduced, does not consider herself’lightened’ (humiliated). Women, who are madly in love with their lovers-who aredeeply devoted to their husbands – do not at all care for the offence given (by them).
52. [Note : ‘hui’ in the earlier part of the first half is clearly (obviously) a misprint for punaf (prthvf). With this correction the gdtha turns metrically all right.]

Although the earth is reduced in weight-made light by you, she regards herself as weighty-guru (great). 0 King Bhoja. To women whatever is done by their lovers (husbands) appears charming – beautiful (lag.aha Sk. ramya).

53. The earth supported (or carried) by the Tortoise always considered herself as light or small (lahua-laghuka (Sk.)). On the other hand (pw:za, puna}:z – but, however, nevertheless, on the contrary) supported by you [O King Bhoja] this [very] earth regards herself as doubled[doubly increased, dw:za (Ap.), dw:iam (Pk.) dvigui:iam (Sk.)]
54. Of what kind or nature becomes here (now) the weightiness (or greatness) given by the animals (to the Tortoise)? The lightness given (or the weight reduced) by you, 0 King Bhoja, appears to the earth now as highly weighty or great !
55. The lightness (lahuattam- laghutva, laghuta) or the weightiness of a burden becomes decreased or increased depending on who carries it. The Tortoise made it weighty whereas you made it light – reduced its weight, 0 King Bhoja.
56. The weightiness given by the animals (to the earth) appears to be more than the lightness. But the lightness given by you (to the earth), 0 King

Translation of Text B                                                                                                     35

Bhoja, appears to be more than the weightiness !

[Note : The gathii 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 [aipalahuae- atipralaghukiiyii�) [by King Bhoja] ?
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, 0 King Bhoja, indeed increased her greatness(garuima – gurutva) and thus (thereby) increased her joy.
60. To those who see the form (sariiam-Sk. svariipam) of the earth the ocean (sariniiha- saritniitha- the lord of the rivers)the principal mountains (kulagiri) etc., their greatness(garuattam- Sk. gurutvam) [at once] strikes them! When you hold (or possess) them howcould 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) howotherwise (kaha- katham) can you display or manifest both heaviness and lightness ?
62. You have manifested  the weightiness  (greatness-guruattaril

gurutvam) of this (earth) here. now see her weightiness (also greatness

– goravam – Sk. gauravam) 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)

0 Kf�l)a –   Vi�i:iu-, 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 The greatness of the fallen (pacj.iiina Sk. Piilituniim)

36                                                                                                       Kiirmasatakadvayam

in battle or defeated is weighed on the strength of one’s arm. This you [alone can]do, 0King Bhoja !

65. To carry a burden the creator has given us here, the back (patthi – Sk. Pf$tha patha)and the head (s�a Sk. sfr$a). 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[nava vattii (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, 0 KingBhoja, outdone or (or surpassed) Kr�i:ia (Vi�i:iu).
67. By this heaviness (gurutva), 0 earth, you have acquired this dignity (importance, greatness-gariuma). When compared to (King Bhoja’s) 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, (dayii) for the people (on earth) you hold up (support – Sk. ‘udvahasi’) the earth [0 king Bhoja.]
69. (Note : The earlier part of the second half of this gatha shows the loss of letters.)

When you carried or supported the burden of the earth, 0 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 (ril<j.ha) 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, [0 King Bhoja], (Why) you act in a manner opposite to theirs ?
72. [Note : The first half of this shows loss of letters and therefore it has becomeunintelligible. The second half may be translated as follows :]

Even then (tathdpi-still, yet, never-the-less) she is enamoured of you – attached to you. Everything about you she considers as beautiful lovely (the word la<j.aha is desya meaning ‘ramya’ lovely, beautiful).

Translation of Text B                                                                                                    37

73. Making herself light (krtva laghutvariz) the earth discloses-displays-herself, as beingenjoyable (bhogyaril), before you and offers herself to you for marriage (karagrahar:za has double-meaning : (i) taking the hand in marriage, and (ii) levying a tax).

74 You lighten the earth, you do whatever you desire-long for. By this your supernaturalpower you add to the excellences of the earth quite an extraordinary excellence(gurutvam)- greatness.

75. [Note : The earlier part of the first half of this gatha shows loss of some letters. It may be reconstructed as � 3i$1TI-lfctd and the whole gcithci may be translated as follows :]

As you support the wide earth, which was highly honoured by the animals (like theTortoise, the Boar etc.) and whose weight was [first] reduced by you and [then] extended[by your supernatural powers] – how is it that you have conferred on the earth, it is amatter of great surprise and wonder, quite an extraordinary excellence-greatness !

76. Do not think, 0 earth, that your weight of ra) i.e. your own weight is great. King Bhoja has supported you (dhrtii asi) That is why this your weight (bhiira) is great (guruka)!
77. [Note : The second half of this gatha shows loss of many letters. Keeping in view the context and the gutha metre in which it is composed we may reconstruct it as follows :

�  Tf [�3TTf �  �   ��]   �  l:Tft3ll II \9\9 II

Now we may translate the whole gatha as follows :]

You consider O earth, what the animals [like the Tortoise, the Boar, and the like] have given you here is your gurutva-greatness or dignity. Your greatness-dignity-lies, to be sure, in the fact that King Bhoja himself has supported you !

78. You have made the oceans stationary (thii.haviii : sthirfkrto.-Sk.) the principal mountains (kulagiri) light (lahuviii. : laghf:tlqta), so too the earth. We do not know even now (ajja vi : adyii.pi (Sk.) meaning ‘still’, yet, even now what you’ll do, please, 0 King Bhoja, tell us(lit. me).
79. The Tortoise carries the earth on its back (pattf : prgha ), the serpent Se�a on its (one thousand) heads, so too the Boar on its tusk. Since King Bhoja carries you on hand consider – think highly of this position.

38                                                                                                       Kiirmasatakadvayam

80. Note 1 : The first half of this gatha shows loss of a number of letters. The general sense ofthe gdtha appears to be :

Note 2 : The text of this gatha as presented here creates difficulties. The first half reads at its end ‘ma gajja’ and the second half reads at the beginning:

‘uvvahasu peccha dharid’. I venture to guess that the original reading must have been[en] � lTT Tfoci �   I The beginning of the next gatha has almost an identifiedreading ‘lTT �  �  Tf”ci:t’

The general sense of the giithii appears to be :

“Do not be puffed up (with pride), 0 Tortoise, that you have carried the heavy burden of the earth. Look, how it has been carried (ruled over) today by King Bhoja !

81. Don’t be puffed up with pride, 0 Don’t you be, 0 Se�a elated ! Of what extent is the burden of the earth ? There are men who are greater than the great !
82. [Note : The latter half of the second half of this giithii shows loss of some letters.]

Seeing that King Bhoja has held the earth on hand do not think that its burden is light. The Tortoise and others (the Boar, the serpent Se�a) know very well how heavy is theburden of the earth.

83. How to lighten (lahuvaviuriI – laghilkartum) and how to increase (weight) (gauravium-gurii.kartum (Sk) you alone, 0 King Bhoja, here know. That same earth [once] you lightened and [at another time] you increased it due to [her] devotion- loyalty !
84. how did the greatness, 0 earth, given to you by the animals [1. Kiirma-Tortoise 2. Varaha-the Boar, 3. Se§a – the serpent and 4. Dig-gajas-eight elephants guarding the eight quarters] appear to you ? and how did the greatness given you by King Bhoja appear when helightened you ?
85. [The second half of this giitha shows loss of many letters in its earlier part. Naturally it is not possible to say what the poet wanted to convey through this The rest of thegdthii may be translated as follows :]

King Bhoja’s [purpose] in snatching you away from the animals (like the Tortoise, theBoar, etc.) was to give you real (peace and happiness).

Translation of Text B                                                                                                    39

86. “You do not resort to visciousness. You do not say anything. You do not do what iswrong or Even by keeping silence how is it that
    • you take away the greatness of the great ?”
87. You lightened (lahuviiviii. – laghiikrtii) the earth and the principal mountains(kulagiris); you have made stationary even the oceans. By doing all this what have youaccomplished really (kim vihiam hoi ?-kim vihitam bhavati ?), please tell me.
88. [Many letters of the first half of this thii are missing. The latter part of the secondhalf is metrically defective : � � �  d(;Qfu6 I The form ‘rucca’ is obviously incorrect. If we read ‘ruccaC in place of ‘rucca’ the metrical defect ceases to exist. Theline would then read :

• �����I’

(?:Im �       �     om  �           1 ) �      �=         11

That the restoration of ‘rucca’ to ‘ruccai’ is perfectly all right is attested by the author ofthis Kii.rmasataka’ when later on he says � �   (f

�   (� ir-<=.@ � �          I �fa’trjilfl )  – giithii No. 100. Now, the second

half may be translated as :[First you have already made light the earth, etc.], 0 King Bhoja,now you do as it pleases you.’

89. Of what sort was your greatness (gurutva), 0 earth, when you were seated on the back [the hard shell] of the Tortoise? And of what kind (nature) is your greatness now when you are adorning the arm of King Bhoja ? -that too please tell
90. [Note :The earlier part of the second half of this gatha is The rest of thegii.thii. may be translated as follows :]

First the earth was made light (cl§/3!fc:HTf-clY,cfidi, (1�          – the weight of the earth was reduced); the principal mountains (kulagiris) [were lightened], the oceans [were made stationary?], this sky [too] How is it, [O King Bhoja], you (lit. your heart) do not thinkor ponder over it ? kulagiris [were lightened-made stationary].

91. Taking away the greatness (heaviness) given by the animals (the Torto�se, the Boar, theserpent Se�a, ) King Bhoja gave the earth (really) extraordinary(annam-anyat (Sk) strange, unusual, extraordinary) greatness which is not contained in [their] heart (i.e., which overflows their heart.)
92. Of what kind or nature was the greatness conferred on you, 0 earth, by

40                                                                                                       Kiirmasatakadvayam

the animals [like the Tortoise (kurma), the Boar (vara.ha), etc.] and by human beings ? Tell us [me] how and by whom you felt really honoured.

93. [Note : The first half of this thii. 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], 0 King ! (Bhoja) ! you are truly a King !

94. Taking away the greatness of others who were great (0 King Bhoja), you placed it in Please tell us (0 King Bhoja) of what kind or nature is the self made great bythe greatness of others ?
95. [Note : quite a few letters in the latter part of the second half of this tha are missing. The rest of the ga.tha may tentatively be translated as follows :-]

That man who carries a burden which is heavier than himself, the ‘burden of the earth , 0King, what is he to you ?’

96. You have conquered all the animals (pasus) like the Tortoise (kii.rma), the Boar (kiri), the serpent Se�a (s’e$a), diggajas (the eight elephants said to guard and preside over the eight cardinal points), 0 King Please tell  us (me)  what  heroism  (pauru$am,  prowess,  valour,

. manliness, courage)  has been displayed  in conquering  the animals

(pasus) ?

97. You have reduced the weight of the principal mountains (kulagiri), you have made theoceans stationary, you have made the earth (prthvf) light and so on [ pramukha, headed by having as chief, the kulagiri, siigara, prthvi ] ! Who could prevent or stop (ko niviirayati) you ? By making light-humbling-others, please tell me, what [new] excellence you have acquired.
98. [Note : The first half of this thii shows loss of many letters. We therefore leave it outand 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 (sudilram) well known here on earth up tillnow, look ! [0 King Bhoja !] how their lightness

Translation of Text B                                                                                                    41

(laghutva) is well known to what a great distance (or to what a high degree !)

100. [Note : The latter half of the second half of this thii. shows loss of many letters].The restof the gcithii may be translated as follows :]

You reduce the weight of the earth, you inflict punishment (one of the four means of success against enemy (-scima, dii.na, bheda and dm:zcf.a). You use or employ othermeans too. Whatever you like you do it…..

101. [Under the weight of the earth] the Tortoise’s shell has burst. [The Prakrit word phattacorresponds with Marathi phcitm:zel The tusk of the Boar has been broken into a hundred pieces. How do you support the earth, [0 King Bhoja !] on the sharp tip (or end) ofyour sword ?
102. [Note : The printed reading� is highly misleading. As pointed out by Pischel we must readet� We may now translate the giithii as follows :-]

The greatness taken away by the great never departs -vanishes. It is [in fact] his own (one who takes away the greatness)smallness-meanness; in the case of others, again, it is even so.

103. The burden or load of the earth, made light by you and held by you in your hand looks beautiful like a bracelet on your hand. When, however, the same was carried by the Tortoise and the like(kilrma-pramukha), it indeed appears like a load or burden (bhiira).
104. The earth which is naturally weighty-heavy-became all the more ‘heavy’ (guru means weighty or heavy and also great, respectable) i.e. respectable or great as it was held by the great King Bhoja ! Now, see who dares look at her (the earth) !
105. I know that the supernatural powers called ar:iimii (becoming as small as an atom), laghimii (assuming excessive lightness at will) and similar powers (siddhis) -are acquired by you. The earth which you had (first) lightened (lahuiiviii laghukrta) that earth you again made weighty-heavy (guru (i) weighty, (ii) great, respectable)
106. The earth, although lightened by you, does not consider herself lightened. That you, [O King Bhoja] lightened her – that itself she (the earth) considers as a matter of honour – ofpride [the two words (laghu light ii contemptible) and guru (i weighty and ii great, respectable) are obviously double meaning.)

42                                                                                                       Kftrmasatakadvayam

107. The gaurava (i weightiness ii greatness) which Kr�:i:ia ( =Vi�:i:iu) gave-conferred on theearth-here does not appear It was you, 0 King Bhoja, who transformed by yoursupernatural power the lightness of the earth into heaviness-weightiness (greatness, dignity).
108. The earth which was supported unitedly by the animals (the Tortoise, the Boar and the /serpent Se�a) yet was apprehensive, was extremely frightened and which was trembling became steady (thakkci sthitci). The earth which has become free from trembling, has become, 0 King Bhoja, now prosperous.
109. This century of gcithas (in praise of Kurma-Tortoise) has been composed by that King Bhoja himself who lightened the principal mountains (kulagiris) and all other mountains(bhiimidharas) here (on earth).