ராதே கிருஷ்ணா 04-04-2020
Radhe Krishna 28-11-2019
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 43– The legend of Dasa Prachethas
The ten sons of King Prachin Barhis were famously known as Dasa Prachethas. Maharishi Narada advised the Prachethas to conduct Tapasya in the woods, Lord Parameshwara was highly pleased with the devotion of them and imparted the knowledge to attain the grace of Lord Sriman Narayana, and this teaching is called Rudra Gita. They continued Tapasya meditated upon Lord Narayana for several years. Lord Narayana was highly pleased and blessed them that they will have a virtuous son who was Dhaksha Prajapathi in his previous birth and this son will earn fame and glories in the world. The son born to Prachethas was crowned as the King and the Prachethas left to wood to conduct Tapasya. Once again, Maharishi Narada appeared before them and imparted the supreme knowledge which could relieve them from worldly existence.
Maharishi Narada advises Dasa Prachethas how to please Lord Janardhana, “Oh! Vathsa, Lord Narayana gets highly pleased with the qualities of kindness to All, control over senses, knowledge of Oneness in all, contentment, satisfaction, patience, etc… which could provide good health that can be employed for the selfless service to Lord and his devotees. All living beings should be treated with equality, kindness, and respect. The worshiper should have good control over senses, abstaining from sensual pleasures, accumulation of wealth, and interest in worldly matters. The worshiper should have contentment and peace, should not chase after desires which are countless in nature. The knowledge of self can be attained in eleven paths of devotion. The listening to the glories of supreme Lord with intense devotion and faith like King Pareekshith, remembrance of supreme Lord persistently like Prahladha who is the ardent devotee of Lord Narayana, relentless service to the lotus feet of Supreme Lord like Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi, and selfless service to devotees of Lord, worship of Lord with various fire sacrifices and religious services like King Prithu, singing and eulogizing the glories of Lord, cultivate the love of a companion to supreme Lord like Arjuna who considered Lord Krishna as his inseparable companion, surrendering at the lotus feet of Supreme Lord with the knowledge that he is the safest asylum and he can only liberate the souls from repeated births, the practice of intense Yogic practices and meditation like Lord Mahadeva, cultivate yearning and intense desire for the eternal presence of supreme Lord like Radharani.”
Dasa Prachethas attained the supreme knowledge from Maharishi Narada, eventually, they attained Moksha.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 44– The legend of Daksha Prajapathi – Devi Sati’s immolation -1
The Supreme Lord Shiva who is the knower of All understood the upcoming inauspiciousness to Devi Sati. He immersed in meditation, Devi Sati looked at Lord Shiva in a fury like Daksha Prajapathi and proceeded. Lord Shiva ordered Nadikeshwara and Ganas to accompany Devi Sati. Thus Devi Sati was accompanied by Lord Shiva’s Ganas with the sounds of various auspicious drums; she arrived in the Palace of Daksha Prajapathi. Her heart was full of puzzlement, hurt, and anger. Lord Bhrama and Lord Vishnu were not present for the Yagna. Soon, Daksha Prajapathi could hear the sounds of auspicious instruments; he watched it was Devi Sati with her Ganas. She was not received in honor, no one stood in respect or no one was willing to offer a seat for her. Daksha Prajapathi looked at her in disdain; she had to face sheer humiliation from his father. Her sisters and mother were kind to her; they rushed to her and received her with great love. No one in the audience was dared to receive her with respect due to the strict orders from Daksha Prajapathi. Devi Sati felt utter shame and regretted not following the advice of Lord Shiva. She did not take the seat offered by her sisters or mother, Devi Sati realized the extreme dislike of his father against Lord Shiva, she checked the Yagna arena there was no seat for Lord Shiva or oblations for him, it severely wounded her heart. She understood her father’s intention to humiliate her husband. All the deities were silent, and Daksha Prajapathi was in great fury. Devi Sati’s face has become reddened in a rage, her lips trembled, she shrieked out “ Oh! Prajapathi, how could you keep enmity towards the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in the living beings? How could you hurt my Lord Shiva who does not hurt anyone? How could you hurt him with your wrong intentions? He finds wellness in wrong-doers and wishes welfare for all; you have not seen the goodness in him. People who utter his glorious name ‘Shiva’ would get rid of all the sins instantly; you have not understood his splendor that is why you are disrespecting him. I will not stand with people who disrespect Lord Shiva. Whoever utters harsh words against Lord Shiva should not be heard, and they should be punished and get their tongue should be severed. Therefore, I am not willing to stand here anymore, I have born from your contaminated body, so I am going to abandon them as well. I am deeply hurt by your deeds, if I return to my Lord, I would not live in peace, he may address me ‘Dhakshayani’ which I can’t bear the guilt or shame, hence I am abandoning the body you have given me.”
Maitreya speaks “ Oh! Vidura, listen to me carefully, Devi Sati covered her body with the marvelous yellow silk garment, she sprinkled the water on the place and took a seat, she seated on the straight posture, took a deep breath and hold the air on the throat, and concentrated on the middle of the eyebrows, she completely rejected the conscious of the body enlarged the fire in the body, thus she embraced the fire. She contemplated upon the lotus feet of supreme Lord Shiva who is Jagathguru/Universal preceptor, and her dearest Lord who is all-pervading as soul; in this way she offered her body in the Agni.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 45– The legend of Daksha Prajapathi – Devi Sati’s immolation - 2
The deities, Rishis, Sages and people assembled were extremely distressed and expressed their grief “Oh! Devi Sati who is the consort of Lord Shiva had the ill fortune; she lost her body due to the ill manner of her father. It is really bad luck for Devi Sati, it’s the wickedness of Daksha Prajapathi who is responsible for all the humiliation of Devi Sati who was deeply hurt by the deeds of her father.” Seeing this, the Ganas of Lord Shiva became in a fury destroyed the entire Yagna arena. Sage Bhrigu who was the priest performing the fire sacrifice, invoked the deities and chased the furious Ganas of Lord Shiva, were returned in utter failure.
Lord Shiva who is the knower of All could witness all that happened in the Yagna of Daksha Prajapathi. Maharishi Narada arrived in Mount Kailash and prostrated before Lord Shiva was enquired for the welfare as usual. Maharishi Narada informed all that happened in the palace of Dhakshaprajapathi to Lord Shiva. He could not tolerate the separation from his dearest wife Devi Sati, and the troubles to his Ganas. Lord Shiva in a rage produced boisterous shriek of pain and agony, he opened the reddish-brown matted hair lock and forcefully thrashed it on the ground. A dreadful form Lord Veerabhadhra who has a massive appearance, black complexion, adorned in a garland of the skull, disheveled matted hair locks, sparkling eyes that releases the fire like Lord Surya, and holding trident, emerged out of one of the layers of the matted hair lock. Lord Veerabadhra with folded hands asked “Oh! Lord Bhoothanatha, kindly orders me! How could I serve you?” Lord Shiva commanded him “Kill Dhaksha Prajapathi and his people who caused the death of my dearest wife and humiliation of my Ganas.”
Lord Veerabhadhra accompanied by Ganas arrived in the Yagna arena like a whirlwind, producing boisterous shrieks and the sounds of the drum. The entire Palace wrecked with the sounds and created devastation by the Nandhi and Ganas. They ruined the entire Yagna arena, and caused impurities in the fire, all the deities, and Rishis and Sage was started running out of the palace in fear were got wounded. They fastened Sage Bhrigu, Daksha Prajapathi, and all his men, and punished them for disgracing Lord Shiva in the assembly of Prajapathis which was held some time ago. They plucked the beard of culprits and set into the fire, they plucked their eyes and broken their teeth, in this way they took revenge on people who disgraced Lord Shiva. They mercilessly severed the head of Daksha Prajapati, they twisted the head of him and removed.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 46– The legend of Daksha Prajapathi – Devi Sati’s immolation - 3
Veerabadhra approached Daksha Prajapathi and severed his head; it multiplied the fear of the deities assembled and they ran out of the sacrificial arena. All the deities appealed to Lord Bhrama who said “Oh! Deities, you all have committed a grave sin, shame on you. We trinities were not present in the Yagna, how could you attend such a Yagna which does not give any respect or offerings to Lord of Lords? Therefore, you all are responsible for this chaos, and you have no choice other than asking for forgiveness from the supreme Lord Shiva and please him.” Thus all the deities with Lord Bhrama approached Lord Shiva in Mount Kailash. The abode of Lord Shiva filled with lush green land of plants of banana, Palasha, Shalmali, Kadamba trees and creepers, filled with numerous birds and animals, streams and ponds, varieties of flowers of rich fragrances, rich herbs and trees of coconut and jackfruit, it is a place of recreation for peacocks and Chakora birds, a place of rich natural beauty. The deities were astounded to watch the supreme Lord Shiva in deep meditation; he was seated on the Kusha grass, imparting the supreme knowledge to Maharishi Narada.
All the deities prostrated before Lord Shiva and eulogized his glories. Lord Bhrama eulogizes “ Oh! Bhagavan, you are the creator of Universe and its living beings, we are a part of it, we did not realize your splendor, we have committed a grave sin, kindly forgive us. Kindly shower your mercy upon us. Your Ganas killed numerous deities and Rishis, kindly protect us and bless to complete the Yagna which should be guarded and completed in your presence. Therefore, kindly join us, in the future, there will not be any Yagna without giving oblations to Lord Rudra who symbolizes Yagna and proceedings of Yagna. ”
All the deities with Lord Shiva marched to Yagna Arena of Daksha Prajapathi. The Yagna began, the Rishis and deities were rewarded with the lost part of their bodies, Sage Bhrigu regained his beard from the goat, the person who lost the teeth was suggested to have appropriate soups as a meal, the people who lost their eyes have regained the sight. Finally, the head of the goat was restored to Daksha Prajapathi. All the deities and Sages eulogized the mercy of Supreme Lord Shiva.
Daksha Prajapathi eulogizes supreme Lord Shiva “ I shall reverentially prostrate before supreme Lord Shiva, Oh! Bhagavan I have committed the unforgivable sin, kindly forgive my sin and bless me.” Lord Shiva said “ Oh! Prajapathe, what you sow shall you reap. All that happened not because of you or me, it was pre-destined.” There appeared Lord Vishnu, all the deities assembled with Dhaksha Prajapathi eulogizes Lord Vishnu and Lord Vishnu gets highly pleased. The deities eulogized “ Oh! Srikantha, we shall reverentially prostrate before you.”
Lord Vishnu speaks “ we trinities are the cause of the creation of Universe and its living beings, we are beyond comparison, we reside as a soul in living beings, we have no definite forms or appearances, invisible as well. We are beyond time or description, therefore who finds differentiation in Bhrama, Vishnu and Rudra /trinities are irrational, like each part of the body parts have different appearances, it works under the sole command of Prana. Whoever worships Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva as the Jeevathma/soul and the Supreme Lord resides as a soul in all living beings, would attain serenity of mind.”
Whoever listens to the glorious myths of Daksha Prajapathi would get relieved from all the impurities of the mind and worshiper would get relieved from the sins and attains intense devotion.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 47– The legend of Dhaththathreya
Kardhama Prajapathi and Devahoothi had nine daughters married to Saptha Rishis, Sage Vashishta and Atharvana respectively. Sage Athri married to Anasooya, this couple had no offspring for quite some time. They undertook extreme penance, the trinities Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Maheshwara appeared before them. Sage Athri was contemplating upon Lord Vishnu, he was astounded to watch the mercy of Lord Bhrama and Lord Maheshwara and eulogized the trinities. Lord Vishnu replied “We are immensely pleased with the devotion of you; we are ‘one’, assumed three different forms. You have prayed for virtuous offspring, therefore we are offering you three virtuous sons who represent three of us.” Thus Devi Anasooya blessed with three children Soma who is the essence of Lord Bhrama, Dhaththathreya who is the essence of Lord Vishnu, and Durvassa who is the essence of Lord Shankara.
Dhakshaprajapthi and Prasoothi had sixteen daughters. The thirteen daughters were Sradda, Maithri, Dhaya, Shanthi, Thushti, Pushti, Kriya, Unnathi, Buddhi, Medha, Dhidhiksha, Hri, and Murthi and these thirteen daughters were married to Lord Dharma, and one of the wives of Lord Dharma, Murthi gave birth to Rishi Nara and Narayana. One daughter of Dhakshaprajapathi and Prasoothi was Swaha married to Lord Agni, one daughter Swadha was married to Pithrus, and Sathi was married to Lord Shiva. Devi Sathi and Lord Shiva had no offspring, Devi Sathi was deeply distressed, later she had to sacrifice her life in the fire because she was married to Lord Shiva who is a mendicant with no clothes on, roam around with spirits in the funeral grounds, a supreme Yogi who undergoes meditation for several years, smeared in ashes from funeral pyre, adorned in serpents and Rudraksha, disheveled matted hair locks of reddish-brown color. Dhakshaprajapathi was least pleased with the marriage of Devi Sati and Lord Shiva, so he sought after the advice of Lord Bhrama who suggested that they would make great pair. The marriage of this couple was taken place in a humble manner and the couple started living in the Mount Kailash.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 48– Sankhya Yogam
Kapila beautifully narrates the presence of supreme Lord as a soul in living beings to his mother Devahoothi. “ Oh! Mother, I shall narrate to you in detail about the greatest of the philosophies, if you understand the essence of it you could deviate your mind from the things you are witnessing are filled with delusion before you to the supreme Lord. It is the supreme knowledge that could elevate your soul with the knowledge of self. It would liberate the souls from repeated births and elevate the souls from worldly attachments, worldly bondage, miseries, sorrow, pain, and agony. The supreme Purusha has no beginning or changes, he is beyond virtues, he is beyond Prakrithi which is constantly bound by changes, he has supreme brilliance, he is all-pervading, he is flawless. The intellect which constantly memorizes the glories of supreme Lord attains Moksha, therefore it is the responsibility of the soul to practice intense devotion and faith upon him. The intellect which possesses the Swathik nature constantly remembers the supremacy of Lord in everything, the intellect which has no practice of devotion would wander around worldly matters. The intellect which is seeking sensual pleasures and worldly matters relentlessly undergoes pain and sorrow. The intellect which constantly contemplates upon the supreme Lord would attain the stability of mind and freedom from sorrow and happiness. The practice of listening or reciting to the glories of Lord, worship of the Lord would keep the steadiness of intellect which could help to face happiness and sorrow as two inevitable parts of life, eventually, it would take away the soul from worldly bondages. Oh! Mother, you have to bring back the intellect which is soaked in worldly matters, and concentrate on the supreme Purusha who resides as a soul in living beings. The five sense organs/Panchendhriyas which carries out the duty of seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting, and feeling touch, are connected with the Panchabhoothas known as essential elements that are Earth, Ether, Water, Fire, and Air. The sound related to Sky, the movements related to Air, the form related to Agni, the taste related to Water, and the smell related to Earth and the ten Karmendhriyas. Pancha Koshas are Prana/vital air, Apana/breathe in, Udhana/help for secretion, Samana/that helps for blood circulation and Vyana/air that digest the food consumed. The Gnanendhriyas mind and intellect, ego, all these factors are bound by ‘Time’. The supreme Lord/Purusha resides as a soul in the living beings it has no changes, and the rest of those factors are bound by ‘Time’. The Swathik mind is serene, pure and balanced is free from worldly bondage, sorrow, agony, pain, and happiness. Oh! Mother, the supreme soul resides as a soul in living beings, he is the doer/Kartha, and he is the cause/Karanam and effect/Karyam as well. Oh! Mother, therefore, the supreme soul resides as soul/Prana in the living beings causes the functions of Panchendhriya, Karmendhriya, and Gnanedhriya. Oh! Mother, contemplate upon the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, with intense devotion, faith, renunciation, and wisdom.”
The creation of living beings with the five essential elements known as Earth, Water, Ether, fire, and Air. The Panchendhriyas, Karmendhriyas, Gnanendhriyas and the Pancha Prana perform its tasks only when the soul is restored in the human body which has imperishable nature. All the living beings have to die and immerses in the Prakrithi which is constantly changing. The basic law is whatever contributes by the Prakrithi should go back to it. The Purusha/soul is eternal that has no changes at all, therefore the supreme Lord which resides as a soul in every living being should go back to Him, there is no other choice for it. Otherwise, it may keep taking several births and undergoes pain, agony, sorrow, miseries, etc... of the worldly existence. Hence, Kapila advice his Mother Devahoothi to utilize her intellect to contemplate upon the supreme Lord who resides as a soul to liberate from worldly existence. Moksha is the ultimate destination of every soul, to attain the same, the soul should put into practice the attachment with detachment, and persistently strive to unite the soul in the remembrance of the Supreme Lord.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 49– The significance of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
Maharishi Shuka narrates to Pareekshith “ Oh! Rajan, whoever listens to the glories of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, and understands its core spirit would be relieved from all the sins of several thousand of birth. It is difficult to attain the form of a human, and people who do not read or listens to the Shukashasthra/Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran would remain a Chandala/outcaste, and there is no Purana is splendorous than the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran. Who does not read or listen would take several births and undergoes the endless miseries and sorrows of the bottomless ocean of worldly existence. The soul is originated from the supreme Lord, it has to return to the supreme Lord with devotion and faith, and otherwise, otherwise it has to keep taking several births to attain the same like the streams and rivers merge with the ocean. There is no other way to stop the cycle of birth, other than intense devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord. The person who does not listen to the glories of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is equivalent to a corpse, he/she is sinful and a burden to the Mother Earth. The listening to this marvelous scripture of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is attainable for the souls who have performed an abundance of piousness in several thousands of births. The Sapthaha/seven days of listening to this sacred scriptures would provide highly meritorious rewards.”
The Sutha Pauranika describes the piousness of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran “ Oh! Rishis and Sages, Lord Krishna was lived on this Earth for hundred and twenty-five years and prepared to leave the Earth on the banks of Prabhasa, Uddhava could not bear the separation from the Lord, he stood before Lord Krishna with folded hands. He lived hundred and fifteen years with Lord Krishna, he was too devoted and a sincere attendant to him, he could not bear the pain of living alone without the presence of Krishna, his eyes were filled in tears, has fallen on the feet of Lord Krishna and requested to take him. The compassionate Lord advises Uddhava, was known as Uddhava Gita. Uddhava said “ Oh Govinda, the Kali era is approaching, the evilness of the Kali era had begun, I have the deepest concern about the souls on the Earth, Oh!supreme Lord if you leave the Earth, who would elevate the soul on the Earth? Oh! Lord, you have manifested on the Earth to elevate the pious souls, though you have no specific appearance, you had the mercy to reveal the marvelous form to us. In the Kali era, it will be difficult for the devotees for Nirgunopasana/formless Lord/Aroopa, Avyaktha and Achinthya form of Lord. The mind can absorb the sounds and forms easily, but beyond that, it will be almost impossible for the souls to concentrate on the formless. Therefore you have to show mercy on people who strive to meditate upon you.” The compassionate Lord Krishna immerses in the thought to remove the qualms of Uddhava and advises him about the worship of visible as well as Akshara, the sacred scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran as the representation of supreme Lord and which is the safest asylum of the souls, thus people who venerate Him as the supreme soul would not come back on Earth, will not take rebirth. Thus, Lord Krishna invested all his divinities in the sacred scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran. Therefore listening to the myths, reciting its glories or even witnessing this sacred scripture would free the souls from the sins.”
Maharishi Narada and Sanakadhis engaged in a discussion, there appeared Devi Bhakti with her two aged sons Gnana and Vairagya after listening to the significance of the glorious scripture; she was dancing to the tunes of chanting the sacred names of supreme Lord. Sanakadhis advises Devi Bhakti who is the remover of sorrows and grief, illnesses and distress to take a seat in heart of devotees of Vaishnavas, and devotees who listen and recites the glories of the supreme Lord. The Sanathkumaras describes the qualities of a listener of this sacred scripture, the people who are absorbed in material affairs, sinners, wicked, morally wrong and untruthful. The people who are polluted with the impurities of the mind, lust, and anger. The people who have committed Panchaugrapapa/ five severe sins, such as addicted to intoxicating drinks, illegal relationships, theft, disrespecting preceptor, and all those sins committed on a daily basis.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 50 – Jadabharatha Upakhyanam -1
Sutha Pauranika continues to describe the significance of reciting the sacred scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran to Shaunakadhis, which brings an abundance of meritorious rewards to worshiper, the home where the recitation of this sacred scripture held would be sanctified; it removes all the sins of the worshiper like the holy river Ganga and Gaya.
King Agnethra born in the clan of Priyavratha felt twelve hours of daylight is not enough to perform the tasks, he found the discipline that all the living beings on the Earth return to their nest and stayed away from the work during the night hours. He created a magnificent chariot made of precious yellow metal of gems decorated, took round and round of the Earth, which removed the darkness of the Earth with its brilliance. In this way he removed the darkness of night, it affected the lives of all the living beings on Earth, put their lives in chaos without sleep, thus it affected the creation of Lord Bhrama. Swayambhuva Manu intervened and advised King Agnethra about the chaos caused in the Earth and the necessities of day and night. King Agnethra established the Sapthadhvipa such as Jambu, Plaksha, Shalmali, Kasha, Krauncha, Shakha and Pushkara. This Sapthadhvipa was surrounded by seven ocean of Salt, Sugarcane juice, Intoxicating drink, Ghee, Milk, Curd, and water.
Sutha Pauranika describes the legend of Rishabhadeva who was born in the clan of Priyavratha to Shaunakadhis " Oh! Sages, Rishabhadeva ruled the Kingdom wisely for several years, later crowned his elder son Bharatha as the King, and returned to the woods of Bhramavarththa for Tapasya. He undertook the vow of silence and wandered in the woods like a mendicant with no clothes on the body and disheveled hair, he was least bothered about his surroundings or places. Thus he lived in the woods meditating upon the supreme Lord with intense devotion and faith, ultimately attained Mukthi at the lotus feet of Mukunda. I shall prostrate before supreme Rishabhadeva who had attained the highest of the piousness, performed his kingly duties and responsibilities, finally leaving all the material comforts, practiced intense devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord, eventually attained liberation from worldly existence."
The King Bharatha, elder son of Rishabhadeva wisely ruled the Kingdom/Ajanabham, later it came to known as ‘Bharath’./Bha – illuminating, radiating, Ra – living on it, Tha- crossing it /the country which beliefs in the highest of the supreme knowledge of Bhramam, the knowledge of the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings and believes ‘Oneness-in-All’ which helps to elevate the soul from miseries, sorrows, grief, and pain and attain liberation from the worldly existence. He ruled the Kingdom Bharath for several years, he considered subjects as his offspring, people were extremely happy. Bharatha married and had children, he crowned the elder son as the King of Bharath and returned to woods for Tapasya on the river banks of Chakra/Gandaki located near the Pulahashram. He contemplated upon the magnificent form of supreme Lord Narayana who holds conch, disc, mace and lotus flower, adorned in Srivatsa and Kausthubham. He performed all the duties as the command of the supreme Lord. He had accepted all the happenings in life as God’s willing. His mind was serene, immersed in the worship of the Supreme Lord with intense devotion and faith/Bhakti yoga.
One day it was the early hours of the morning, Rajarishi Bharatha went for a bath in the river chakra and engaged in the worship of the sun. He saw a fully pregnant deer on the river bank quenching its thirst. Suddenly heard the roar of Mrigapathi/lion close to the riverside, soon the deer got frightened and looked around in extreme panic, it took a high leap from the one side of the river to the other. Due to extreme fear and shock, the fetus fell on the water. Though the deer safely reached on the other side, shortly died of extreme grief of losing a child and pain. The Rajarishi Bharatha witnessed the whole scenario in intense sorrow, he saw the infant of deer on the water. He felt that it must be the command of God, to take care of the responsibility of the infant of the deer. Thus, Rajarishi affectionately took the infant of the deer and brought it to the hermitage.
[12/10, 16:10] +91 99941 94653: Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 51- Jadabharatha Upakhyanam -2
Sutha Pauranika describes “ Rajarishi Bharatha took great care of the infant of the deer, he was too devoted to the infant, eventually he forgot his daily religious rites, he fed the child, he cried with it and laughed with it, he performed all the duties of the deer, he was anxious of it future, showered all his fondness, he could not bear the separation from the deer, gradually his attachment to the infant of the deer grew deeper. He took great care of the infant like a father, mother, brother, and a friend, eventually, his heart was inseparable from the child of the deer, and his mind was too absorbed in the thought of it. He was relentlessly accompanied by the infant of the deer. Thus, Rajarishi Bharatha did not realize the passage of the time; he was too attached as well as anxious about its safety. The time has started to play its tricks on him and the deer, he completely forgot the purpose of his visit to woods and completely wrapped up in taking care of it, feeding and worrying about its safety. While leaving the mortal coil he cried out of self-pity “ Oh! Vasudeva, I have wandered all over the woods, I have undertaken the Tapasya to contemplate upon you, recite your glories, remembrances of your glorious myths and attain the association of pious people. I have sacrificed my Kingdom and my relatives and family for you. Unfortunately, I have fallen deep into worldly bondage with the infant of deer and lost the objective of life.” His mind was too absorbed in the thoughts of the infant of the deer while leaving the mortal coil, thus he has attained the body of the deer in his next birth. Rajarishi Bharatha after attaining the body of the infant deer spends the days on the surroundings of Pulahashrama, consumed dried grass, stayed away from its herd, and finally left its mortal coil.
[12/10, 16:11] +91 99941 94653: Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 51- Jadabharatha Upakhyanam -2
Sutha Pauranika describes “ Rajarishi Bharatha took great care of the infant of the deer, he was too devoted to the infant, eventually he forgot his daily religious rites, he fed the child, he cried with it and laughed with it, he performed all the duties of the deer, he was anxious of it future, showered all his fondness, he could not bear the separation from the deer, gradually his attachment to the infant of the deer grew deeper. He took great care of the infant like a father, mother, brother, and a friend, eventually, his heart was inseparable from the child of the deer, and his mind was too absorbed in the thought of it. He was relentlessly accompanied by the infant of the deer. Thus, Rajarishi Bharatha did not realize the passage of the time; he was too attached as well as anxious about its safety. The time has started to play its tricks on him and the deer, he completely forgot the purpose of his visit to woods and completely wrapped up in taking care of it, feeding and worrying about its safety. While leaving the mortal coil he cried out of self-pity “ Oh! Vasudeva, I have wandered all over the woods, I have undertaken the Tapasya to contemplate upon you, recite your glories, remembrances of your glorious myths and attain the association of pious people. I have sacrificed my Kingdom and my relatives and family for you. Unfortunately, I have fallen deep into worldly bondage with the infant of deer and lost the objective of life.” His mind was too absorbed in the thoughts of the infant of the deer while leaving the mortal coil, thus he has attained the body of the deer in his next birth. Rajarishi Bharatha after attaining the body of the infant deer spends the days on the surroundings of Pulahashrama, consumed dried grass, stayed away from its herd, and finally left its mortal coil.
[11/12, 7:52 PM] +91 99941 94653: Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 52 - Jadabharatha Upakhyanam -3
Rajarishi Bharatha took the body of the infant of deer on his next birth, during this period the deer was constantly engaged in the thought of his previous birth as Bharatha who constantly engages in the meditation upon the Supreme Lord. Therefore, the deer attained the form of human on next birth. Jada Bharatha took birth in a pious Brahmin family belongs to the Angirass Gothra, they were engaged in various pious activities like recitation of Veda, performances fire sacrifices, worship of Lord etc.. The moment the infant Bharatha pushed out of the womb of the mother, remembered his previous lives as Rajarishi Bharatha and the deer, therefore he took a vow not to get attached to any of the worldly matters. His father performed all the religious ceremonies to the child, but the child was pretended as he was lacking speaking or hearing ability. His father whispered the Vedic hymns of Gayathri to his ears were not heard or repeated. His father was extremely disappointed, he tried to change the habit of the child but nothing worked on Jadabharatha. His parents have died, his brothers were taken care of the responsibility of the remaining members of the family. They soon gave up on Bharatha who was neither good in studies or duties. They found Jada Bharatha has nothing to contribute to the welfare of the family so they refused to take care of him. Eventually, Jada Bharatha left home in bliss. He consumed meals if anyone offers him, or starves; he takes ablutions whenever he feels, he works for others, if they offer anything in return he will accept or disappear with no complaints. His mind was always happy and serene, soaked in the ultimate Bhramam. He was free from sorrows or happiness; he had no feeling of cold or heat, he had no body-conscious, he was in a state of contentment and supreme bliss. Jada Bharatha took up the work of guarding the agricultural land.
Once, the chief of the tribal clan visited the astrologer to find a solution for lack of progeny. The astrologer advised to please Goddess Chandika of the Village by offering human meat. Eventually, the chief of the tribal chief ordered his men to search for a human for the offering. They found Jada Bharatha who has an effulgent face; they fastened him with the rope and took him to the shrine of Goddess Bhadrakali. They gave bath to Jadabharatha, dressed him in new clothes and decorated with ornaments, smeared with rich fragrances and adorned in flower garlands; they fed him with a variety of meals. They took him near the huge rock before the idol of Goddess Bhadrakali and prepared to sieve off his head. Suddenly the idol of Goddess Bhradrakali quivered forcefully and broken into pieces with a loud noise, a huge dreadful form of Bhradrakali with black complexion, fierce teeth, long and disheveled curly hair, numerous hands with vicious weapons, large eyes, and lolling tongue appeared before them. She seized the sword from the person, who was preparing to severe the head of Jada Bharatha, she briskly chopped off the heads of the tribal people assembled, as if she was playing with the ball. Jada Bharatha had no fear or uneasiness when his head was about to cut off, he was calm and quiet as usual. He strongly imagined the supreme Lord as his inseparable companion, he had no body-conscious, and he had firm devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord. Jada Bharatha was not dull; he was a supreme intellectual who has the absolute knowledge of Bhramam.
[12/12, 7:47 AM] +91 99941 94653: Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 53 – Jada Bharatha’s conversation with the King Raghugana -1
The conversation between Jada Bharatha and the King Raghugana teach us the highest of the knowledge that the mind has immense power to get attached to the material world, therefore it is our duty to educate the mind not to get attached to any worldly matters, and divert its attention to the glorious myths of the Supreme Lord. King Raghugana was the ruler of the Kingdom Sindhu Sauveera, he did not find peace in the family, so he decided to visit Kapilashram, the hermitage of Sage Kapila. On their way, they felt the need for a person to carry the Palaquin of King Raghugana. They found Jada Bharatha who is youthful with a strong physique, King’s men instructed Jada Bharatha to carry the palanquin was sincerely followed. Jada Bharatha was keenly watching every step and moved forward, he took great care of his every single step without hurting any crawling creatures in the wood, his movements were neither matching nor balancing with other three people who were carrying the Palanquin. The King was annoyed by the movement of the Palanquin, he got angry and ordered to stop in the middle. The King’s men replied “ Oh! Rajan, we are not the one causing quake to the palanquin; we have hired a youth who is causing irregular haul to the Palanquin, he has no knowledge of the happenings, he is neither looking at us nor co-operating with us.” King Raghugana looked over the Palanquin and found it was Jada Bharatha with a well-built physique and mocked at him. Jada Bharatha did not pay any attention to the harsh comments of the King, he continued to walk. Suddenly the King’s men moved in a great speed, Jada Bharatha could not move further, the palanquin lost its balance. King Raghugana in a rage “Hey, Pramaththa/insane, are you dead or alive? You can’t understand anything? Do you know who am I? I am capable enough to punish you for your irresponsible deed.” Jada Bharatha thought that I have carried the King Raghugana on my shoulder, therefore it is my responsibility to impart him the supreme knowledge of Bhramam, he should get the grace of Lord. Jada Bharatha who has not uttered a word in all his life began to speak “Oh! Rajan, you are absolutely right, you have passed sarcastic comments on my body, you have enquired me alive or corpse, you have the misconception that you are bearing the subjects of the Kingdom on your shoulders. I am not carrying any weight, or am not capable of it, heaviness or thinness, illness, anxiety, grief, hunger, desire, yearning, aging, impurities of the mind, that are born with the body. I am not related to the body or impurities of mind; I have no body-conscious as well. Oh! Rajan, the body undergoes a continuous transformation, ultimately it has to face death, it engages in deeds as long as the imperishable soul/Bhramam resides in it.” King Raghugana looked at the eyes of Jadabaratha, and realized that he is not an ordinary soul, he is an intellectual. Jadabharatha continued “Oh! Rajan, you cannot punish me. You can get hands-on my body; you can pass sarcastic comments on me, which is not going to affect my soul.” King Raghugana understood the divinity of Jadabharatha, he jumped out of the palanquin and prostrated before him and begged for forgiveness.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 54 - Jada Bharatha’s conversation with the King Raghugana -2
King Raghugana with folded hands said “ Oh! Mahatma/liberated soul, kindly introduce you. You are not an ordinary soul, I have committed a grave sin, I have ordered to carry my palanquin on your shoulders. I am not scared of the Vajrayudha of Lord Indhra, I am not scared of the trident of Lord Shiva, I am not scared of the noose of Lord Yama, I am deeply concerned about my impolite comment on you. Therefore, kindly do not curse me. I am ignorant; I have spoken rudely about a renounced soul. I have understood your greatness, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you, kindly forgive me. Oh! Mahatma, I want to know about the eternal truth. I have worn out of miseries and sorrows, I have lost peace of mind and I was in search for Paramaguru Sage Kapila. Kindly help me to bring the serenity of mind. I am wholeheartedly willing to learn about the absolute truth/Paramarththa/highest of the philosophies. Oh! Mahatma, the vessel that holds water and rice get cooked in the fire if we assume body as a vessel, mind as water, and soul as rice, whatever going through the body and mind should affect the soul. How could you say that the soul remains untouched? Kindly narrate to me.”
Jadabharatha replied to King Raghugana “ Oh! Rajan, the mind has a great influence on our body, while I was carrying your palanquin I was not carrying you in my mind, or not disturbed by your rude comments. The intellectuals separate the action/Vyavahara and knowledge of supreme self, you need to understand how to separate them in your daily life. You have been in the Grihasthashrama for long and taking pleasure in it without the knowledge of self, therefore you are bound by the miseries and sorrows of the worldly matters. While in Grihasthashrama you should have taken an effort to understand your duties and responsibilities, and knowledge of self as well, as long as the mind immerses in worldly matters, it gets detached from the knowledge of self. The mind which is absorbed in worldly matters undergoes sixteen types of emotions such as ego, jealousy, pride, anxiety, sorrow, greed, lust, desire, humiliation, anger, depression etc…. it does not allow the mind to concentrate on the knowledge of self. Oh! Rajan, understands the truth that the life is full of extreme happiness and extreme sorrow, the intensity of the happiness and sorrows varies according to the circumstances, it is full of delusion, therefore do not let the happiness or sorrow embrace your mind that would create endless miseries and sorrows to you. As long as you are fastened with the worldly matters it will not let you experience the supreme bliss. Oh! Rajan, I shall narrate you in detail, our mind is like oil in the lamp, once the oil in the lamp emptied, the fire like tribulations goes off. The mind never keeps idle, it is constantly in search of matter, and therefore you have to educate your mind to focus in different matters which could bring peace and serenity. The Kshethrajja/the supreme Lord resides as a soul in living beings, he is supreme Purusha, who is eternal, he has neither beginning nor end, he symbolizes supreme brilliance which removes the darkness of ignorance. Oh! Rajan, he is supreme Lord Narayana who resides as a soul in living beings are engulfed in illusion; therefore we are incapable to realize his real nature. Therefore, focus your mind on Bhagavan Vasudeva who is Paresha to get relieved from all the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 55 - Jada Bharatha’s conversation with the King Raghugana -3
Jadabharatha continues “Oh! Rajan, a person who is soaked in the worldly matters, lacking control of mind, focusing on the sensual pleasures and miseries of life could not turn aside from it and concentrate on the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in the human body. The flexible mind turns away from the worldly matters at ease and concentrates on the Supreme Lord. Oh! Rajan, the air has all-pervading nature and vital for the existence of living beings on Earth, in the same manner, Bhagavan Vasudeva/Kshethrajja resides as soul the living beings. The person who has the knowledge of Athman, that body is perishable and the mind is the tool shaping an individual, it has the power to wander around worldly matters as well as to concentrate on the supreme Lord Bhagavan Vasudeva who is eternal. The mind has the power to focus on the supreme Lord at ease, but it cannot stand up with the thoughts of other individuals for a long time, thus the difference of opinion arises in all relationships. The mind that was originated from the soul has the ultimate destination, it has to return to the supreme Lord who resides as a soul like rivers and streams find its way to merge with the ocean. The individual who understands this ultimate truth would live as a renounced soul. As long as the mind wanders around seeking sensual pleasures, it will not realize the knowledge of self. Oh! Rajan, therefore focus your mind on the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in you, otherwise, you have to undergo the troubles of mental and physical ailments on your whole life, you will not get freed by miseries and sorrows of worldly existence. Therefore, you should turn your feeble mind that is wandering all over seeking sensual pleasures into the glorious myths of Lord who is the supreme Preceptor, capable to elevate the soul from miseries and sorrows of worldly existence. ”
King Raghugana replied “ Oh! Mahathma, Oh! Avadhootha, I shall reverentially prostrate before you, I could understand your teaching about the highest of the truth, even though I have the slightest doubt to clear with you. All your teachings are like medicines to a patient, it is comfortable for a person who is fighting in the icy cold. Oh! Mahatma, you have narrated the strange aptitude of the mind to wedge with the eternal truth of Paramathma, and the capacity to stay away from it. I could understand your teachings, but I am unable to visualize it.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 56 - Jada Bharatha’s conversation with the King Raghugana -4
Jadabharatha replied “ Oh! Rajan, listen to me carefully, the body is perishable, it is made of five essential elements, all your limbs and possessions and palanquin are created with these five elements, you are proud of yourself as King of Sindhu Sauveera. You have disillusioned, appointed all these men to carry your Palanquin, thereby you have put them in physical strain, and it won’t be considered as a wise deed. If your mind is attached to your body and status, then you are a dull person, you have not understood the Paramathma who resides as a soul in you. Your body and mind are inactive without the soul. Oh! Rajan, turn all your attention to know the ultimate truth, learn the supreme knowledge of self, realize the supreme Lord as wisdom and knowledge, its unblemished and pure, it is the ultimate truth which has no duality, it is all-pervading Bhramam, it is serene and has the nature of bliss, the intellectuals call it ‘Vasudeva’. Oh! King Raghugana, change your excessive pride from the body to the supreme soul resides in subtle form. The practice of realization of the supreme soul does not require extreme penances, or fire sacrifices, or Pithrupoojanam, or performing the tasks in the family, or recitation of Vedic hymns, or worship of idols or worship of Lord Surya. All that you need to understand the presence of the Supreme Lord as a soul in living beings, before performing all those above-said rituals which are part of the discipline, without this knowledge all those rituals performed will become unfruitful. The knowledge of self /supreme Lord can be attained by the selfless service to liberated souls, saintly people, and preceptor, listening to their teachings and sincerely follow them. Oh, Rajan, it is impossible to attain the supreme knowledge without their grace. Oh! Rajan, if you turn your concentration and devotion to supreme Lord, it will eradicate all your miseries and grief, practice your mind listening to the glorious myths of supreme Lord, it will get attached with the glories of supreme Lord Vasudeva. I am teaching you all that I have experienced in my previous births. I was Emperor Bharatha in one of my previous births, I have sacrificed the throne and family, practiced intense penance without the knowledge of supreme Lord, unfortunately, I have got attached to a deer in the wood, and therefore I have to born with the body of deer. Later, with the grace of the supreme Lord and piousness earned in my previous births, I have attained the body of a human and born in the family of a Brahmin, I have re-collected all about my previous births and understood my foolishness. Immediately after birth, I have taken a vow not to get attached to anything in the world, thus I have started traveling all alone. Oh! Rajans, free your mind from worldly matters, concentrate your mind in listening to the glories of Lord Hari, contemplate upon him, and elevate your soul. There is no other way to get relieved from miseries and sorrows of worldly existence.”
Jadabharatha narrates the legend of wood/Bhavadavi to Raghugana. Jadabaratha concluded “ Oh! Rajan, I have narrated the supreme knowledge of Bhramam to you, all you have to do is sieve off all those darkness of ignorance with the sharp sword of wisdom.”
King Raghugana prostrates before Jadabharatha and said “Oh! Mahatma, I am fortunate with your compassionate grace. I have thoroughly understood where I have made a mistake. I take this opportunity to serve your feet as the grace of the supreme Lord. I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Avadhootha, who is wandering like a child, youthful and intellectual, free from all the worldly matters, Oh! Brahmin, who has supreme knowledge and knowledge about highest philosophies, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 57 – Ajamila Upakhyanam -1
King Pareekshith “ Oh! Maharishi, you have taught me the Nivriththi Marg/method of renunciation, the practice of mind not to get attached with the material affairs. You have described the different types of hell/Narakavarnnana. Oh! Mahabhaga, How could I get relieved from the pain and miseries of hellish tortures?”
Shukha Bhramam replied “ Oh! Rajan, whoever commits sins by words, deeds, and mind, should undergo endless miseries and sorrows, who do not perform the atonement of the sins have to undergo constant sufferings and afflictions. Therefore, we have to take preventative measures for all those afflictions before it completely destroys the mental and physical well-being, like prevention is better than cure.” King Pareekshith disapproving the idea of atonement said “Oh! Mahabhaga, once the atonement were performed for the sins committed, and if the sins were repeated again and again like giving bath to an elephant, if so why would we have to perform the atonement for the sins in the first place?” Shuka Brahma replied “Oh! Rajan, The performance of atonement for the sins would provide some kind of relief for the people who have not attained the knowledge of Bhramam. People who believe in the performance of atonement for sins will gradually focus their attention towards the supreme Lord by meditation, practice of celibacy, disciplines, worship of Lord Vasudeva, recitation of sacred hymns, in this way you can burn your accumulated sins and ignorance, like the brilliance of Lord Surya removes the darkness, in other words, the bamboo trees crush each other and the fire originates from it, eventually it destroys the entire Bamboo wood. The impurities of mind can be cleansed with the intense devotion and meditation upon Lord Vasudeva. The body made up of five vital elements, the mind has originated from the supreme soul and it is preserved by the supreme soul, therefore it has to return to the supreme Lord. There are various methods to practice devotion to Lord, such as selfless service to Lord and his devotees, control of senses, recitation of sacred names of Lord, surrendering to supreme Lord, in this way the worshiper would get relieved from accumulated sins. The worshiper who contemplates upon supreme Lord Narayana would get relieved from extreme fears and anxieties of worldly existence. Oh! Rajendra, The person who performs the atonement for the sins without the knowledge of supreme Lord would not achieve any fruitful results, moreover, none of his/expiations would eradicate the sins, like the vessel contained the intoxicating drinks would bear the smell of the same even though it is cleansed with the waters of Ganga. The worshiper whose mind is full of firm devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Krishna and has thorough knowledge ‘self’ and glories of supreme Lord, will not face Lord Yama or emissaries of Lord Yama, not even in their dreams. Oh! Rajan, listen to me carefully I shall narrate the story of a Brahmin Ajamila.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
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||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 58 – Ajamila Upakhyanam -2
Shukha Brahamam continues “ Oh! Pareekshith, there was a Brahmin Ajamila in the city of Kanyakubja. He was born in an illustrious clan of Vedic Bhramin, he attained Vedic knowledge at a young age from his father. The years have passed Ajamila married and had children, he persistently engaged in spiritual and religious rites, fire sacrifices and Vedic chants. Once he has to go to wood to collect Samith/ dried thin wood. There he saw an enchanting woman; he had an intense desire to have a physical relationship with that beautiful young woman. Finally, he left his family and children for this woman in the forest and stayed with her, attending all her needs. He picked up new livelihood in the forest, he humiliated saintly men who pass through the woods and snatched whatever in their hands, he steals money and ornaments from the travelers, and hunt animals, in this way he earned money and looked after the woman and his ten children in the forest. Ajamila did not notice the time, has reached the age of eighty-eight; he was very fond of his tenth child who was named Narayana. He had a dream, in that three emissaries of Lord Yama who had a dreadful appearance, brutal face, blazing eyes, and spiky hairs, fastening him with the noose. He was alarmed and called out loudly for his tenth son Narayana. He was completely besieged by sorrow, fear, and attachment to his family. Soon he could visualize brilliant rays and four Vishnu Parshadha/ emissaries of Lord Narayana, they moved forward and stopped the emissaries of Lord Yama and asked “Who are you?”.
The emissaries of Lord Yama speaks “We are sincere attendants of Lord Yama, we have come to follow the command of our master. Who are you to create obstacles? Are you Devas/ deities or Upadeva or Siddhas ?” The Vishnu Parshadhas has the appearance of supreme Lord Narayana, who has beautiful eyes resembles lotus flower petals, four hands hold Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, Padma, bow, and arrow attired in magnificent yellow silk garment, adorned in various precious ornaments and marvelous crown, armlets, ear ornaments, etc. Vishnu Parshadhas said “Oh! Emissaries of Lord Yama, we have understood you have come to follow the command of your Master Dharmaraja, you are not aware of the principles of righteousness yet. Tell us who should be punished? Who should not be punished?”
The emissaries of Yama replied “The Veda is Lord Narayana, it is an authoritative scripture which describes the righteousness and immorality in detail. After the death of a person who led a righteous life would attain heaven, and the person who had undertaken immoral deeds would attain hell. The Brahmin Ajamila has chosen an immoral way of living, though he was born in an illustrious clan of Vedic scholars. He was leading a righteous life, performed all the religious and spiritual rites and fire sacrifices, virtuous, received guests with humility. Once he was instructed to bring ingredients for fire sacrifice, he came to the forest at the order of his father. In the forest, he found an indecent fellow, overindulged in intoxicating drink and physical pleasure with a prostitute. The couples were taking immense joy in their mutual association. In a sudden moment, Ajamila was overwhelmed with an intense desire to be with this beautiful woman. He was mentally prepared to leave his family, children, and old parents, religious and spiritual rites to unite with her. He started living with her, he committed various sins, did not perform any of his daily rites and lead a life of an insane; therefore he should be punished in hell. The scriptures say that Lord Surya, Agni, sky, Air, etc, witnesses all the deeds of living beings on Earth, the person who commits wickedness at the command of mind, will take several births and keep repeating the same without the knowledge of self and receive punishments in the form of sorrow and grief while living on the Earth. The mind is originated from the Athman/soul, which is closely attached to the activities of Panchendhriyas, Karmendhriyas, and Gnaendhriyas. Therefore it has the capacity to produce happiness, joy, grief, fear, anxiety, distress, etc…, it acts like the fragrance in the flower that remains in the flower for sometimes and vanishes. In this way, the mind has the capacity to hold on to the body and disappear as well. The mind will not allow remaining idle, it is the source of actions; hence the body has to keep engaged in something or the other at the command of the mind. In this way, the soul takes several births and the life cycle continues. The Brahmin Ajamila committed various sins and followed a morally wrong way of life; therefore he is liable to get punished.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 59 – Ajamila Upakhyanam – 3 - Yamapurusha Samvadham/conversation between Yama Purusha and Vishnu Parshadha
Vishnu Parshadha said “ Oh! The emissaries of Lord Yama, it is really sad that you have appeared before an individual who is not deserved to be punished. Ajamila called out for his Universal Father/Paramapitha at the time of leaving mortal coil, if you push him into hell, how people will not have faith on the supreme Lord who is the Universal father? and to whom they will surrender? If you have taken Ajamila to hell, all those verdicts of supreme Lord who is the protector of the people who practices Bakthi Yoga/ practice of sincere devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord would become fruitless. People who have surrendered to the supreme Lord, and devoted their mind for the elevation of the soul should not be punished; this is what we have understood. Although, Ajamila had committed various sins, in the end, he called out for supreme Lord Narayana, therefore he got relieved from all the sins. While leaving the mortal coil, he had gone through extreme sufferings and fear, and call out for Lord Narayana, so he is not deserved to heave to hell. Even though he is a burglar, addicted to intoxicating drink, cruel and selfish to his parents, wife, and children, rude to saintly men and humiliated his preceptor, had an illicit relationship, ultimately devoted his mind in Lord Hari. Therefore, his mind got purified which is not possible even with the fasting or austerities. The mind has the capacity to ascend or descend from the soul, the mind does not require any of the essential elements as the body absorbs for its survival on the Earth, therefore every human should attain the grace of preceptor and elevate their soul with the relentless recitation of sacred names of Lord, that works as the atonement for various sins. Ajamila called out for Lord Narayana while leaving the mortal coil. The sacred names of Lord uttered in any of the circumstances like mockery, humiliation, insult, aversion, frustration or irritation, or fall or raise, trouble or happiness, sorrow or pain, would definitely provide its fruit. Therefore, whoever utters the sacred name of Lord Hari would attain an abundance of piousness; illustrious Rishis affirmed that the recitation of sacred names of Lord would keep away the mind from extreme fears, anxieties, and grief. It purifies the body, intellect, and mind. The sins committed at the command of mind should be washed off with the mind by the relentless practice of utterance of sacred names even though it is recited without the knowledge of its meaning, it would burn all the impurities and sins, the fire burn the woods.” The emissaries of Lord Yama removed the noose from Ajamila after listening to the Vishnu Parshadha and left the place. Ajamila reverentially greeted the Vishnu Parshadha with folded hands, and they disappeared. Ajamila was fortunate to listen to the glories of reciting the sacred names of Lord, he deeply regretted about his foolishness, he wept bitterly about his selfishness and wickedness towards his family and old parents, and wandering lustfully after a prostitute, consuming meat and intoxicating drinks, keeping himself away from all religious and spiritual rites and discipline. Ajamila realized it was his dream, immediately he decided to leave the forest, thought “I have got a birth in illustrious clan of Vedic Bhramin, I did not use my life to elevate the soul, I have made a grave sin, anyway I have got an opportunity to change my last days of life and relieve from all worldly bondage.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 60 – Ajamila Upakhyanam – 4 – The conversation between emissaries of Lord Yama and Lord Yama
Shuka Bhramam continued “ Ajamila who was leading morally wrong life with the prostitute in the woods learned the significance of Namasmaran/recitation of sacred names of supreme Lord and finally sacrificed his body in the river Ganga, attained the abode of Lord. He got relieved from the sins after constant contemplation, remembrance of Lord and his sacred names; he raised the soul within a short period of time thus attained Mukthi. Whoever constantly remembers the presence of Supreme Lord as soul engages in selfless service to Lord and his devotees immerse in the contemplation of Lord, and recitation of his sacred names will not face Lord Yama or his emissaries while leaving the mortal coil finally reaches in the abode of Lord.”
Lord Yama watched his emissaries returning to his abode empty-handed, he enquired the reason for it. The emissaries explained the whole scenario to Lord Yama and asked “Oh! Rajan, we are not able to understand any of these happening, we are utterly confused. According to our knowledge, you are the controller of ‘Time’, the scriptures have given the mode of conduct that should be followed by each individuals, if anyone does not follow the scriptures would undergo punishment in the hell, therefore, you have the right the punish people for their sins performed by words, mind, and deed. It is new to our knowledge that there is another punisher too, therefore kindly elaborate to us. If all the sinners attain the supreme abode by reciting sacred names, what would happen to the hell? It will become empty very soon. Therefore two punishers for the sins will not work effectively; there must be one punisher for all the sins. We were fastening Ajamila to take him to your abode; immediately there appeared the Vishnu Parshadhas who has the appearance of Lord Vishnu and caused impediments, therefore we had to unfasten him. Oh! Rajan kindly narrates the reason behind this incident in detail.”
Lord Yama replied “ Oh! Emissaries, you have witnessed the attendants of the supreme Lord. The Supreme Lord Vishnu who is beyond description or perception, he is the controller of Universe and its living beings, he has no birth or death, he is beyond the perception of Bhrama, Rudra, Maruthganas, Agni, Vayu, Prachethas, etc. The mind has originated from him; it should take the refugee under him like the rivers merge with the ocean. Therefore the mind has to unite with the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul in all the living beings. He is supreme Lord who is free from illusion, he is Lord of Maya, he is worshiped by all the deities, he is not visible, and he is Mahathbhudha, therefore whoever taking refuge at his lotus feet are protected by him. Therefore the Vishnuparshadhas are right, Ajamila is not deserved to be in hell. Lord Vishnu symbolizes supreme knowledge, and absolute truth as well, it is known for only very few of illustrious Rishis, Sages, Siddhas, Swayambhu/Bhrama, Swayambhuva Manu, Narada, Shambhu, Kumaras, Kapila, Prahlada, Janaka, Bheeshma, Bali, Shuka Bhramam, and myself. It is very complex to understand, it purifies the soul and mind, it reveals the absolute truth if it is understood it could provide nectar-like eternal bliss. Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran teaches the supreme Dharma, it is recited or listened constantly by the intellectuals. Ajamila attained liberation with the constant recitation and remembrance of the Lord. Oh! Vathsa, recite the sacred names of Lord to get relieved from the noose of Lord Yama. In this way, Ajamila with his constant contemplation upon supreme Lord Narayana, washed off all the sins committed knowingly and unknowingly, finally attained liberation. It is unfortunate that humans do not know the value of their birth, after several births they have attained the body of a human; they are not prepared to contemplate upon the supreme Lord who is the creator and protector as well. Unfortunately, they indulge in sensual pleasures, remain under the clutches of Maya, constantly seeking sensual pleasures, with no ultimate purpose of life, not contemplating upon Lord or reciting Veda, and performing all Kamya Karma/performance of rituals for a specific purpose. There are two categories of people are not deserved to be punished 1) the intellectuals who are constantly reciting the sacred names of Lord unite their mind with the soul, such people are not deserved to be punished in hell. 2) The people who have committed any sin knowingly or unknowingly and regrets for their mistakes and contemplates upon the supreme Lord are not deserved to be punished.”
The emissaries asked “Oh! Prabho, who are deserved to be punished?”
Lord Yama replied “ People who are reluctant to take refuge at the lotus feet of Lord Mukunda, people who have no faith or devotion upon the supreme Lord, people who are constantly worried about the physical and mental afflictions without the knowledge of supreme soul, people who are completely immersed in worldly matters, people who are not willing to be in the association of saintly people, people who have not uttered the sacred names of Lord Krishna, even though capable to speak, but always engages in seeking pleasures with their tongue. The people who are not willing to remember the glories of supreme Lord Narayana with their intellect who is the source of our intellect, people who are not willing to prostrate before supreme Lord Narayana. Oh! Children/emissaries, you have committed a grave sin, do not indulge in those kinds of sins, people who contemplates upon supreme Lord Narayana should not be punished, therefore ask for forgiveness to Lord Narayana who is supreme Purusha is compassionate. Oh! Supreme Lord Narayana, Oh! Supreme Purusha, I shall prostrate before you, kindly forgive the mistake of my emissaries/children. Whoever recites or listens to the glories of the Supreme Lord Vishnu who symbolizes auspiciousness, with intense devotion and faith, would bring an abundance of piousness, it is considered as highest of the pious deed to the austerities and vow.”
The emissaries of Lord Yama after listening to the speeches of their Master promised that they will not hurt the devotees of Lord Achyutha. This legend was narrated by Sage Agasthya in the Mount Malaya.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 61 – The development of the human race - The curse on Maharishi Narada -1
Pareekshith asks “ Oh! Maharishi, you have described the creation of the Universe, Lord Bhrama and Deities, Swayambhuva Manu, Asura, Yaksha, Kinnara, humans, animals, birds, reptiles, etc.. kindly narrate to me how did the human race developed?”
Maharishi Shuka Bhramam replied “ Oh! Rajan, Prachethas/son of Prachinabarhis undertook extreme penance; Lord Vishnu appeared before them and advised to marry the daughter of Lord Chandra. When the Prachethas got out of penance, found the Earth was flourished with an abundance of trees and forests. The fire/Thapasagni emitted from their eyes destroyed the woods. Suddenly Lord Chandra appeared before them and said “ Oh! Mahabhaga, kindly do not destroy the faultless trees, you have to protect them, it is the duty of the King to protect its subjects. The Earth is the source of food grains, it’s the shelter place for all living and non-living things in the Universe. Oh! Mahabhaga, you have attained the grace of your father Prachinabarhis and Lord Narayana. Therefore, kindly control your anger, all those destroyed are gone, all those existing trees will bless you, and marry Mareesha, who is the daughter of mine.” The Prachethas and the daughter of Lord Chandra got married and had a son Daksha Prajapathi. The Prachethas moved to Mount Vindhya to enhance the creation, Dhakshaprajapathi eulogized Lord Hari with the marvelous verses of Hamsa Guhya Gita.
Dhaksha Prajapathi eulogizes supreme Lord Hari “I shall prostrate before supreme Lord who is beyond comparison or perception resides as a soul in living beings, he symbolizes the Trigunas/Swatik, Rajasik and Thamasik and he is beyond Trigunas, he is perceivable with supreme wisdom and knowledge/intellect, he remains invisible for naked eyes, attainable for the intellectuals who focus their intellect on the supreme soul, he is self-manifested. I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Mahesha whose presence is required for the mind to take pleasure in all the worldly matters, the supreme soul does not require any support system for its existence like the mud is essential for the creation of pot, but the mud does not require pot for its existence. In this manner, the mind and body require the presence of the soul for its existence, the supreme soul does not require a body or mind for its existence. I shall prostrate before supreme Lord who is residing as a soul in living beings, but none of the sense organs, body or intellect is aware of its real nature. He is the knower of all, but the mind remains ignorant of his presence. I shall prostrate before the supreme preceptor, who imparts the knowledge of the Supreme Lord, the mind has the ability to absorb Nama/names/chants/sounds and Roopa/appearance, he is attainable for the worshiper who is completely surrendered to Him. The Navadhvara’s/the nine gates in the body, Thrigunas/Swathik, Rajasik, and Thamasik are working in the presence of the supreme soul, like the fire generates by the crushing of woods, in this way, the constant practice of meditation upon the Supreme Lord would give the knowledge of self. The Supreme Lord is beyond description, intellect, or perception, he is eternal and flawless. He symbolizes the highest of the philosophies, he has no specific form; he is the cause and effect as well, he is absolute Bramham. If it has a form, all those forms have to undergo destruction, therefore the Bhramam is all-pervading it is the essence for creation, preservation, and destruction as well. He is supreme Lord who has no specific names or appearance, he is extremely compassionate to his devotees, therefore he assumes different forms and names to instruct the soul about the highest of the philosophies. He assumes different incarnations for elevating the soul wandering in the darkness of ignorance, oh! Lord, kindly shower your compassionate grace upon me.” Lord Narayana was highly pleased and appeared before Dhakshaprajapathi. The Supreme Lord Narayana who has the complexion of dark clouds, attired in majestic yellow silk garments, adorned in various marvelous ornaments all over the body, magnificent crown and earrings, he holds Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, and lotus flower, his chest is adorned in Srivatsa, Vanamala, and Kausthubham, was reverentially prostrated by Dhakshaprajapathi.
Lord Narayana speaks “ You have pleased me with the austerities and penances, you have performed various austerities for the welfare of the Universe, therefore you should understand the highest of the philosophy before entering into the function of creation, I was the one at the beginning of the Universe, I represent wisdom and knowledge, all that originated from me, I preserve the same and absorbs them. Therefore it is the duty of the living beings to remember constantly that the mind /intellect is originated from me, it should return to me. I undertake the function of creation as Bhrama, I preserve them as Narayana and absorbs them as Rudra at the end of Yuga. You can start the creation of the subjects, and marry Asagni.” Thus Lord Narayana disappeared from the sight of Dhaksha Prajapathi.
The children born to Asgni and Dhakshaprajapathi were known as Hariashwas. They proceeded to the Narayana Theertha and conducted Tapasya for several years. Maharishi Narada met the Hariashwas undertaking penance and had a conversation with them, Maharishi Narada asked “Oh! Children, have you seen the end of the Universe? Which is the kingdom ruled by one and only king? The Kingdom which is impossible to re-enter once left? Which is the river flow forefront and backward? Which is the fortress made up of 25 elements? Did you know about a Hamsa/Preceptor? Have you heard of a sharp and fierce wheel spinning all the time? Oh! Children, do you know any of these?”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 62 - The development of the Human race - The curse on Maharishi Narada 2
Maharishi Narada narrates to the sons of Daksha Prajapathi/Hariashwas “ Oh! Vathsa ! This mind has initiated from the supreme soul, therefore it has no beginning or end, it is vast like Universe, the supreme Lord Hari is the Purusha in the Universe, the body is Kingdom, and the supreme soul Hari is the Purusha who rules the Kingdom. Once the vital air/Prana leaves the body it has no return back, as once the mind is attained union with the Supreme Lord it will not return to worldly existence, they are addressed as renounced soul/liberated souls. The mind/ intellect is like a woman attired in various patterns of clothes, it has the specialty to dress up in any costume according to the situation, it is fastened with nine types of emotions. The soul is imprisoned by the mind/intellect is like a husband enslaved by wife, people who are enslaved by the mind heave to ignorance. The birth and death, happiness and sorrows are like the river which flows forefront and backward. All the living beings on Earth have to die. The body and mind have to undergo the constant pull of pair of opposites like sorrow and happiness, joy and grief, excitement and worries, good and bad, etc. The five vital elements, five Karmendhriyas, five Gnanendhriyas, and five Pranas, these twenty-five elements constitute the human body. The intellectuals/wise/Hamsa/preceptor, who teaches the worldly bondage and methods of liberation from worldly existence is like the swan which has the capacity to separate water from the milk, in this way preceptor gives the knowledge of permanent bliss. Therefore the mind has the capacity to get attached to the worldly matters, exactly like it has the ability to liberate from worldly existence to attain union with the Bhramam. The wheel of ‘Time’ keeps rotating with no pause, therefore it is called Kalachakra, all living beings are fastened under the clutches of ‘Time’, hence the body has to undergo constant transformation such as aging and illnesses and death.” The children of Dhakshaprajapathi after listening to the nectar-like speeches of Maharishi Narada decided to undertake Tapasya, contemplate upon supreme Lord Hari and attain the supreme Bhramam, actually, they were instructed by Dhakshaprajapathi to carry out the function of creation. In this way, Maharishi Narada inspired all the children of Dhakshaprajapathi to undertake Tapasya and attained union with the Supreme Lord.
Dhakshaprajapathi came to know about the children who left for woods to undertake extreme penance, hence he felt humiliated by Maharishi Narada. He was undertaking the creation of the Praja's/subjects at the order of his father Lord Bhrama, but Maharishi Narada was intervened in his creation, imparted the supreme knowledge to his children and led them for Tapasya. Dhakshaprajapathi got enraged at the Maharishi Narada and cursed “You will not stay permanently in a place; you will keep wandering in the whole Universe.” Maharishi Narada graciously accepted the curse of Dhakshaprajapathi and begins his journey through the fourteen worlds spreading Bhakti and supreme knowledge. Dhakshaprajapathi continued the Prajolpaththi/creation of Praja.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 63 – The introduction of Narayana Kavacham -1
King Thvashta who was belong to the clan of deities, married to Rachana from the clan of demons. Vishwaroopa was born to this couple became the preceptor of deities, when Lord Indra was humiliated Sage Bhrihaspathi.
King Pareekshith asked “ Oh! Bhraman, Why did Devaguru Bhrihaspathi was humiliated by Lord Indra?”
Shuka Bhramam replied “ Lord Indra was swollen with the pride of wealth and fame. He took immense pleasure in the association of celestial Gandharvas and Apsara, at that moment Devaguru Bhrihaspathi entered in the assembly of Lord Indra was not greeted or not received by him. Sage Bhrihaspathi felt humiliated; therefore he retired from the assembly immediately. Indra regretted the mistake not to receive his preceptor who is worshiped by deities and demons as well. Indra remembered all that wealth and glories he had earned with the grace of his preceptor, he felt deeply distressed for not receiving him with honor, for not following righteousness and behaved like a person who traveled in a ferry made of stone which could push him at the bottom of the river. In this way, he put himself and the deities into trouble with his arrogance. Therefore he decided to please his preceptor; he was ready to bow down his head before his preceptor. Lord Indra came back into sense and went after his preceptor, but he could not find him. The demons came to know that Indra is lacking the support of his preceptor. The demons took shelter from their preceptor Shukracharya, who advised the demons to battle against Indra who is all alone without their preceptor. The deities and Indra appealed to Lord Bhrama, was received in the assembly of Lord Bhrama and enquired the reason for their visit. Lord Bhrama said “ Oh! Indra, you have committed a grave sin, how could you disrespect a highly intellectual twice-born Mahathma? The demons have attained more power compared to you. I shall introduce a preceptor Vishwaroopa who is the son of Thvashta, a great ascetic an intellectual. He could help you in this matter.” Thus the deities attained a new preceptor Vishwaroopa in place of Sage Bhrihaspathi.
The deities approached Vishwaroopa and reverentially prostrated before him and prayed “ Oh! Mathman, kindly fulfill our desire, preceptor has the strength of his intellect, fathers are the strength of his children, the Earth that supports the whole living beings, etc. We are troubled by the enemies, we have no support; therefore kindly do not leave us. We honor you as our preceptor; kindly accept us as your disciples.”
Vishwaroopa said “Oh! Deities, The twice-born loses his divine energy/Bhrama Thejas when he performs veneration of Lord for others, a twice-born is a knower of Bhramam, attained knowledge in Veda and Vedantha, therefore it is his responsibility to impart the knowledge of Bhramam, veneration of Lord is considered as Kriya Yoga, a knower of Bhramam need not perform the Kriya Yoga, a twice-born has already rose to the highest level of Bhramam. It is an individual responsibility to elevate his/her soul. Oh! Deities, Even though you have come here for fulfilling your selfish motive, I am willing to help you.” Thus Vishwaroopa was announced as the preceptor of deities, with his divine powers the deities won over the demons in the battle. Vishwaroopa describes the glorious Narayanaka Kavacham to Lord Indra, which was retold by Shuka Bhramam to Pareekshith.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 64 – The Introduction of Narayana Kavacham -2
Shuka Bhramam continues “Oh!, Rajan, listen to me carefully, I shall narrate the sacred Narayana Kavacham which was narrated by Sage Vishwaroopa to Lord Indra. Sage Vishwaroopa after performing ablations, conducted the recitation of the hymns of Anganyas and Karanyasa/reciting the hymns with gestures and touching the body parts which could purify the limbs and bring positive energy into the body. He contemplated upon supreme Lord Vishnu, who is beyond perception and all-pervading, he has infinite forms and names, he recited the Beeja Manthra. Sage Vishwaroopa envisioned the glorious form of Lord Vishnu who is mounted on the celestial bird Garuda; he holds mace, sword, conch, disc, protective shield, in eight hands. Oh! Mathsyamoorthi/the first incarnation of Lord Vishnu, kindly protect us from the troubles of water, Oh! Vamanamoorthe/the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, kindly protect us from the troubles on the land, Oh! Narasimhamoorthe/the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, kindly protect us from the trouble from the woods and the troubles like dense forest, Oh! Yajjavarahamoorthe, /the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu, kindly protect us from the troubles whenever I conduct journeys on the sky, Oh! Parashurama,/the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, kindly protect us from the troubles in the hills and heights, Oh! Rama,/the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, kindly protect us from the troubles when we feel left alone. Oh! Bhagavan Nara Narayana kindly protects us whenever we commit immoral deeds due to swollen pride, Oh! Bhagavan Dhaththathreya kindly protects us whenever we commit mistakes while performing Yogic practices. Oh! Bhagavan Kapilavasudeva kindly protects us whenever we wrap up ourselves in the performances of duties without the knowledge of supreme Lord, Oh! Bhagavan Sanathkumara kindly protects us whenever our mind becomes uncontrollable with intense desire. Oh! Hayagreeva, kindly protect us whenever we commit grave mistakes on saintly and pious people or the preceptor. Oh! Maharishi Narada, kindly protect us whenever we disrespect the noble soul and move out of the righteous path. Oh! Koormamoorthe, kindly protect us from all the afflictions. Oh! Bhagavan Dhanvanthiri kindly protects us from all troubles caused by the consumption of meals or the poisons from the meal, Oh! Rishabha Deva kindly protects us whenever we get besieged with intense sorrow or happiness. Oh! Yajjamoorthe, kindly protect us from the rumors and ill fame. Oh! Sankarshanamoorthe, kindly protect us whenever we undergo intense rage. Oh! Maharishi Dhvaipayana, kindly protect us whenever we forget the supreme knowledge of self. Oh! Buddha kindly protects us whenever we get trapped among the disbelievers or dishonest, Oh! Bhagavan Kalki, kindly protect us not to waste the era and make me immerses in the veneration and listening to the glories of supreme Lord. Oh! Keshava, kindly bless us during the dawn, Oh! Govinda who holds the flute kindly bless us when we are in the association of other people. Oh! Narayana kindly bless us during the morning hours, Oh! Vishnu kindly blesses us during the afternoons. Oh! Madhusoodhana kindly protect us during the evenings, Oh! Madhava, kindly protect us during the dusk, Oh! Hrishikesh, kindly protect us in the nights, Oh! Padmanabha, kindly protect us during the darkest hours in the night. Oh! Srivathsamoorthe, kindly protect us during the night, Oh! Janardhana, kindly protect us during the dawn, Oh! Damodara kindly protect us during the morning, Oh! Kalamoorthe, kindly be with us always. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly protect us always from the trepidation with your fierce weapon disc which creates fear among the enemies, and it should tear off and burn down all the impurities and negative thoughts of our mind. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly breakdown break down all our weaknesses and hurdles with your vicious weapon mace and smash all those evil thoughts into dust. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly protect us with your powerful conch, protects us from the evil spirits, Oh! Bhagavan, kindly protect us with your powerful sword and kindly slice down all those weakness of our mind, Oh! Bhagavan kindly protects us with your shield and safeguard us from the evil spell of others. Whoever recites or listens to this glorious hymn would be protected from the evil effects caused by changes in planetary positions, the worshiper would attain an abundance of piousness, get rid of all the impediments and impurities. Whoever recites or listens to these glorious chants would be blessed with the eternal presence of Lord Vishnu mounted on celestial vehicle Garuda, and protects them always. It would protect the worshiper from all the dangers while conducting journeys, it gives immense courage to intellect and senses. Therefore contemplate upon the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, assumed various incarnations, he is supreme Lord Hari who is all-pervading, Whoever worship Lord Hari with this glorious hymn would be protected from all the troubles and weakness. The Mahathma Kaushika attained the abode of Lord by the constant recitation of this glorious hymn, while the celestial Gandharva Chithraratha was traveling through the sky, the divine energy from the Mahathma Kaushik pulled down the chariot of Chithraratha and the Gandharva performed the final rite of Mahathma Kaushika. Whoever recites this glorious hymn in the morning hours would remain admired by all, and the worshiper would be free from fears and anxieties. Lord Indra regained all the lost glories of the three worlds with this sacred hymn."
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran 65 - 78 Chapters
Radhe krishna 10-01-2020
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 65 –The legend of Vriththrasura -1
Vishwaroopa has great intellect, courage and might, he relentlessly engaged in the performance of fire sacrifices for the prosperity and the well-being of deities and Lord Indra. Once, Vishwaroopa performed the fire sacrifices offering ablations for the welfare of preceptor of demons, Lord Indra came to know about this; he was furious, chopped off the head of Vishwaroopa. Therefore Lord Indra was afflicted with the sin of Bhramahathya, and the sin was equally distributed among Earth, Trees, Water, and Women. Due to the sin of Bhramahathya ¼ of the Earth has turned into desert, Water which was afflicted with the Bhramahathya turned its color filled with foam and bubbles, the trees have become impure and harmful for the atmosphere, and the women got menstruation for reproduction. Thus Lord Indra got rid of the Bhramahathya sin.
Vishwaroopa’s father Thvashta came to know about the death of his son, decided to perform a fire sacrifice for obtaining a son to kill Lord Indra. A huge fire sacrifice was organized and abundance of the oblations was offered in the fire, unfortunately, while reciting the hymns due to the slip of the tongue recitation of the hymns went wrong. The result was a huge dreadful form with blazing eyes and disheveled hair appeared from the sacrificial fire. The child born from the fire was named as Vriththra, he was constantly trained and taught to fight against deities and kill Indra. Once, the dreadful Vriththra approached the deities at the command of Thvashta. The deities were alarmed and prayed to the supreme Lord and eulogize “ Oh! Bhagavan, we shall surrender at your lotus feet, you symbolize the five essential elements such as Vayu, Agni, Water, Earth and Ether, deities, Lord Bhrama, Lord Maheshwara, you are the creator and preserver of the Universe and its living beings, kindly protect us. Oh! Bhagavan, you are flawless, it is difficult to realize the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, you are all-pervading, an ignorant person never realizes your presence in him/her or will not surrender to you. The person who lives a life without surrendering to the supreme Lord is like crossing a river holding the tail of a dog. The individual who surrenders at your lotus feet would elevate his soul and attain supreme bliss. Oh! Bhagavan kindly protects us, like when the Universe was under inundation, Sathyavratha who was born in the clan of Manu was protected from the deluge. Oh! Bhagavan, you have no duality, you are the creator and preserver of the universe and its living beings, you are absolute truth reside as soul, we are not able to perceive your real form due to Maya/illusion, Oh! Bhagavan, you have taken numerous incarnations to grace the Earth and its living beings, we shall surrender at your lotus feet again and again. Whoever realizes the supreme knowledge of self, the presence of supreme Lord as the creator and preserver, he resides as soul in living beings, he is Purusha who is beyond Prakrithi which undergoes constant transformation, he is the essence of Universe and its living beings, hence there is no way to realize the absolute truth other than total surrender to the supreme Lord.” Lord Vishnu who holds Shakha, Chakra, Gadha and Padma appeared before the deities. All the deities prostrated before supreme Lord and praised “ Oh! Yajjaveera, Oh! Puruhuthe, Oh! Narayana, we shall reverentially prostrate before you. Oh! Mahapurusha, Oh! Mahanubhava, Oh! Paramakalyana, Oh! Paramakarunika, Oh! Parama Mangala, Oh! Lokaikanatha, Oh! Sarvadhara, Oh! Sarveshwara, Oh! Lakshminatha, you are not easily attainable, you are not easily obtainable, you are not easily realizable, Oh! compassionate Lord, though you have no specific form, you have taken numerous manifestations for performing various passionate sports. Oh! Paramaguru, We shall surrender at your lotus feet. We shall prostrate before the supreme Lord Krishna who symbolizes preceptor of the Universe, he resides as a soul in living beings, witnesses all the happenings, knower of all, beyond comparison, elevates the soul from the worldly existence, we shall surrender at your lotus feet. He is Lord Hari who takes away all the miseries and sorrows of the worshiper/taking away the concentration from the dark side of life while contemplating upon him.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran||
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 66 –The legend of Vriththasura -2
The supreme Lord spoke “ Oh! Deities, I am highly pleased with your devotion, If I get pleased what would be impossible for you? You have already surrendered your heart upon me, therefore there is nothing impossible for you. The intellectuals have a thorough knowledge of the origin of mind, they contemplate upon me, they have a thorough knowledge of the mind originated from me should return back to me. They also knew that I am the protector and preserver of their mind a soul; therefore they do not desire anything other than me. An ignorant who is not aware of ‘fortune/auspiciousness’/Shreyas, should not be heaved to further ignorance, it is the duty of an intellectual to elevate the soul with the knowledge of self from the darkness of ignorance. Vriththrasura cannot be killed that easily, he should be killed with a weapon made with the backbone of a supreme intellectual who have performed numerous austerities and penances, hence appeal to Maharishi Dhadhichi who is supreme ascetic taught the hymns of sacred armor of Lord Narayana/Narayana Kavacham to Vishwaroopa.” The deities reverentially prostrated before Lord Vishnu and disappeared.
The deities proceeded to the hermitage of Maharishi Dhadhichi and requested for his backbone. Maharishi Dhadhichi laughed out and spoke “ Oh! Indra, the body of human depends on the strength of the backbone, who will be willing to offer that?” Lord Indra spoke “ Oh! Mahatma, it is impossible to see a pious and ascetic like you, this world is full of selfish people, your backbone would save the life of deities, therefore kindly do not leave us.” Maharishi Dhadhichi said “ Oh! Lord Indra, you are speaking about the righteousness, I am sacrificing my body right now, kindly make use of my backbone. This body is bound to death; it is impermanent nature, if I am not using it for the welfare of others, what would be the use of it? The rivers flowing for making the land inhabitable, the trees bearing flowers and fruits for the consumption of all living beings, therefore it is fortunate to utilize my body for the welfare of the deities, otherwise, it would become useless.” Maharishi Dhadhichi contemplated upon supreme Lord and attained union with the Bhramam. Vishwakarma carved out a diamond-like beautiful and powerful weapon from the backbone of Maharishi Dhadhichi, this weapon of Vajrayudha was given to Lord Indra. A vicious battle held between Lord Indra who mounted on the Airavatha accompanied by the army of deities, against Vraththrasura. This brutal battle held in the Thretha Yuga between Lord Indra and Vriththrasura with numerous demons. The army of demons horrified at the sight of Vajrayudha of Lord Indra, but Vriththrasura was least worried about it, the demons were started to flee from the battlefield after witnessing the powerful Vajrayudha and the strength of the army of deities, was caught hold by Vriththrasura and inspired them to fight against the deities. In the fierce battle, the demons became weak before Lord Indra and his fierce weapon Vajrayudha.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 67 – The legend of Vriththrasura - 3
The demons started to flee from the battlefield were caught in hand by Vriththrasura were received the knowledge of spirituality. Vriththrasura said “ Oh! Men, listen to me carefully, it is a quite natural phenomenon that all the living being has to undergo death, thus the life cycle continues with the presence of Athman/soul, there is no permanent way out of it. The body deteriorates called Sthoola Shareera, but the soul/mind known as Sookshma Shareera that has no death, once the body leaves, the soul takes another birth. The pious, intellectuals and a renounced soul with a thorough knowledge of self attain union with the Bhramam. Oh! Children, learn to die as a brave man, not like a fearful one, be fearless and look forward to your life with courage and enthusiasm. Whatever going to happen should face fearlessly, therefore, face your death with courage. There are two ways you can welcome your death, one attains Bhrama Nirvana that is the union of mind with the soul/Athma, and another one is facing death with courage while performing one’s own duties and responsibilities.” Even after listening to the marvelous advice of Vriththrasura, the demons could not stop themselves on the battlefield. It enthused Lord Indra and deities to fight against the remaining army of demons.
Vriththrasura said “ Oh! Deities, you are fighting for a selfish cause of Lord Indra, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Lord Indra who disrespected his own preceptor Sage Bhrihaspathi, he accepted my brother Vishwaroopa as his preceptor was killed for his selfish reason. Now, he put the illustrious Maharishi Dhadhichi in death for killing me.” Lord Indra got infuriated; he aimed Vajrayudha against Vriththasura who spanked the forehead of the elephant Airavatha, with his sharp spear. In a moment the elephant Airavatha lost its balance, Indra fell down from the top of it. The deities were mystified to watch the power of Vriththrasura. Lord Indra felt weak for a moment, Vriththrasura began to speak “ Oh! Indra, I feel ashamed of myself to stand before you, because you have humiliated your preceptor, you have killed my brother, even though you are Lord Indra, you have no honesty or integrity, therefore I feel embarrassed to fight against you. You have committed a grave sin, by indulging in the luxuries of your supreme abode. Oh! Indra, while you were chasing wealth, luxuries, fame and glories and indulging in it, forgot that it will leave you one day, they are impermanent nature. You have chosen the impermanent one, leaving the permanent and supreme wisdom. Therefore, I have no desire to fight with you. I have gained a permanent wealth of supreme knowledge of self, therefore I have no interest to fight with you. Oh! Indra, I have already surrendered my intellect to the supreme Lord which is impossible to seize, hence you can take my body. Oh! Devesh, why you did not utilize the weapon Vajrayudha? Undoubtedly, You can take my body, I do not need this. This Vajrayudha will do its duty with the power and austerities of Maharishi Dhadhichi, not because of your skill. I am willing to offer my body like that magnanimous Rishi Dhadhichi who offered his backbone to you. I have attained a balanced mind from my preceptor Sankarshana. Whoever contemplates upon supreme Lord with firm devotion and faith, would attain Lord himself to his devotees. A renounced person handles every situation be it happiness or sorrow as the Prasada/gift of supreme Lord. Whoever constantly contemplates upon him with intense faith and devotion with the knowledge that Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha can be attained at ease, and shower all their compassion and faith upon supreme Lord, they would attain supreme Lord who provides the intense belief that HE is relentlessly following his worshiper to remove their extreme fears and anxieties. Oh! Indra, I am the servant of devotees of the devotees who are surrendered to the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord Hari. My heart is already surrendered to that supreme Lord Hari who resides as soul and protects my body, and it is performing all the duties with the thought that I am the servant of Lord Hari.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 68 – The legend of Vriththasura - 4
Vriththrasura continued “ Oh! Indra, my mind relentlessly eulogizes the glories and virtues of Lord Hari, I have surrendered to the supreme Lord who resides as soul and protects my body. I am performing all the tasks with the knowledge that I am the servant of supreme Lord. I have devoted my mind and intellect to the supreme Lord, and my body for the service of the Supreme Lord and his devotees. I do not want to be an emperor of Druvaloka, or Bhrama Loka or Rasathala or Prithviloka, or I do not want Yogasiddhis or Moksha, I am sincerely praying for not to forget the supreme Lord not even for a second, I cannot bear the separation from the supreme Lord. The intense devotion to the Supreme Lord must be like the birdies in their nests, impatiently waiting for the return of its parents who went in search for the prey, it must be like a hungry calf waiting for its mother and stay close to her bosom, and her return home after grazing in the forest, it must be like a young bride who impatiently waiting for the arrival of her husband, eagerly staring at the pathways in search for his return home and unite with him. I have always yearned for the association of saintly and pious people; we have taken several births to attain the life of a human, in this way we are rotating within the wheel of Samsara, therefore we should not keep association with the people who are soaked in the worldly matters.”
Lord Indra was in dilemma, after listening to nectar-like speeches of Vriththrasura. Indra left the hold of the weapon Vajrayudha was asked to fight by Vriththrasura who was holding a spear and ready to fight against him. Lord Indra stopped Vriththrasura and cut off his hand that was holding the spear. Vriththrasura gave a powerful smack on the Airavatha with his other hand, eventually, Indra lost hold of Vajrayudha. Indra felt ashamed to pick up the weapon Vajrayudha before Vriththrasura was asked to take back the weapon. Vriththrasura inspired Indra who was in utter shame, he took the Vajrayudha and cut Vriththrasura's other hand. Vriththrasura spoke “Oh! Indra, Do not think that you are killing me with your power, every action are pre-destined by the supreme Lord, it was destined that my body has to face its death in your hands. The ignorant people are besieged by illusion forced to think all that achieved by their individual efforts and skills, the human body is a corpse without the presence of soul/vital air and mind. The soul and the intellect can leave the body any moment through any one of the nine gates. As long as the presence of the soul exists, the intellect and body start its function. Oh! Indra, body, sense organs, and intellect are functioning with the grace of supreme Lord, this knowledge itself would create humility in individuals, if you do not understand the truth, you cannot perform any of the functions. Oh! Indra, if you learn to face the fame and ill fame, respect and disrespect, success and failure, happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, with a balanced state of mind, it would not do any harm. Oh! Indra, Therefore, do your duty.” Lord Indra regained his enthusiasm, came forward with folded hands and prayed before Vriththrasura “Oh! Vriththrasura, though you have born in the clan of demons, you have attained closeness to supreme Lord, you have attained union with the Supreme Lord. It is surprising to witness that your body has the appearance of demons, but your intellect is vested in the intense faith upon Lord Vasudeva who resides as a soul in living beings. Whoever contemplates upon the supreme Lord with intense faith and devotion would soak their mind in the ocean of nectar-like supreme bliss.” Indra killed Vriththrasura, thus he attained Bhramahathyasin, later he sought advice from illustrious Rishis and got rid of the same.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 69 – Chithrakethu Upakhyanam -1
Pareekshith spoke “ Oh! Bhraman, how did Vriththrasura who was born as a demon, possessed the qualities of Rajasik/Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moham, etc. and gain supreme knowledge of Bhramam? How did he achieve intense devotion and faith upon supreme Lord Narayana? It is difficult to achieve even for the deities and Rishis who perform numerous austerities and extreme penances to fix their intellect at the lotus feet of Lord Mukunda. Therefore, kindly narrate to me.”
Shuka Bhramam replied “ Oh! Rajan, listen to me carefully, Vriththrasura was an Emperor Chithrakethu of the Kingdom Shoorasena, in his previous birth. Even though he was married several times, unfortunately, he had no offspring. It created extreme distress in the life of the Emperor Chithrakethu, all his wives were rich from the illustrious clan and beautiful, but everyone was equally depressed for not having a child. One day, Maharishi Angirass visited the palace of Emperor Chithrakethu, was received with great respect. The Emperor washed his feet, offered Arghyam and a raised seat. Maharishi Angirass was highly pleased with the dedication and devotion of Emperor Chithrakethu, he asked the well-being of his Kingdom and his subjects. He asked “ Oh! Rajan, I could sense your distress; I can read your face is troubled with anxiousness. Something is bothering you. What is the reason for it?” Maharishi was well understood the reason for his distress of not having an offspring for performing rites for ancestors, not having an heir to rule the Kingdom, not having a child to shower his affection and love. Maharishi Angirass pacified Chithrakethu and advised that even if he attains a son, he would not add any fame to his clan, therefore accept all the happenings as the blessings of the supreme Lord. Chithrakethu begged before Maharishi “Oh! Maharishi, I am extremely worn out of the grief of the absence of an offspring, like an individual suffering from hunger and thirst. Oh! Mahabhaga, I shall surrender at your feet, you are a supreme ascetic, kindly bless us to obtain a virtuous offspring and kindly protect us from our sufferings.” Maharishi Angirass advised the Emperor to organize a fire sacrifice to obtain an offspring. Thus a huge fire sacrifice was held, at the successful completion of the fire sacrifice, the deity appeared with the vessel of kheer/Payasam, which was reverentially received by Chithrakethu. The Kheer was given to his Empress, in due course of time she was pregnant with a male child. Emperor Chithrakethu and his subjects were extremely happy at the arrival of the beautiful male child, he was named Shoorasena. On an auspicious day, the child was attired in majestic clothes, rites were performed and predictions were made about the future of the child.
As the day’s passes, Chithrakethu was getting too attached to his child, he could not separate himself from the newborn and the mother, and eventually, he lost interest in the kingly duties. It annoyed the other wives of the King; they felt ignored by him and treated as bad as servants of the palace, the King miserably failed in his duty as a husband and a ruler. They collectively have taken a decision to kill the new-born who has stolen all the attention of the King from them, further they poisoned the child and killed. The Empress looked at the cradle of the child who was already dead; she mistook the child in deep sleep. The hours passed, the attendant of the Empress checked on the child and found the child was already dead. The attendant handed the dead child to Empress, she could not bear the separation, she wept bitterly fallen on the ground. She vehemently beaten her chest and cried out loudly, her hairs were disheveled, clothes were misplaced, ornaments were shattered all over the ground. The Emperor who heard the tragic incident, rushed out of the assembly to the child and seated near the legs of the child, bashed his head on the ground, cried out bitterly. They both could not control their grief, Empress could not withstand the sorrow of her husband, and they were completely heartbroken. Her eyes were overflowing with tears wetted her bosom, she could not take her mind off from the image of the child, she cried loudly saying “ Oh! Vidhatha, do not be so cruel to us. How could you seize my child before I shower all my love to him? How could you be so unkind to us, I have heard that the aged would die, why did you take my new-born child? You could have taken me instead if you want. Oh! Bhagavan, you have thrown me into the bottomless ocean of worldly existence.” She kept whispering to her child and talking and crying to her dead child as if it is alive. The other wives of the Emperor were assembled and shed tears as if they are grief-stricken at the death of new-born. The husband and wife were shaking the child miserably and tried to wake him up; she cried to her child that her bosoms are full of milk waiting to feed him. Thus, the husband and wife were soaked in utter grief and pain of separation from the child.
Maharishi Narada and Sage Angirass arrived at the palace and witnessed the heart-wrenching sight; they have decided to raise the mind of Emperor and his wife from the grief of the loss of new-born. Maharishi asked “ Oh! Rajan, Who is this child? You are saying it is your child, for whom are you grieving for? Oh! Rajan, you did not bring the child into the womb of its mother, you did not protect it while it was in the mother’s womb, you did not bring the child out of its mother’s womb, and therefore you cannot claim that it is your child. The time plays an important role in everyone’s life like the river carries the sand and deposit the sands on the shore. The life cycle on the Earth continues like the seed produces grains and the process repeats with the strength of Prakrithi, Time, and the supreme Lord. The body/Dheha/creation originates from the mind/Dhehi, and process repeats, in this way human life cycle continues, in other words for every creation begins with the desire as its basis, later it produces with the help of reproductive organ. Therefore, every creation begins with the push of desire; the body takes the action to fulfill the desire, as a result, the birth takes place. The mind is initiated from the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, hence all those desires of the mind are contributed by the Supreme Lord, so the mind has the strength to go back to its origin/supreme Lord as well, with this knowledge you can get rid of sufferings of worldly existence and bondage.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 70 – Chithrakethu Upakhyanam - 2
Maharishi Angirass spoke “ Oh! Rajan, the mind is originated from the soul, it has two capabilities, either to attach with worldly matters or elevate the soul by constant remembrance of supreme Lord, like a tortoise pull out its head from the shell and return to its shell during the hours of threat. The life on the Earth is impermanent, all the living being has to return to Earth, the soul has no death, it keeps take birth in different attire and conducts its journey like the large number logs despatched through the water did not accumulate on single shore, even though they have started traveling together from one location, the destination will be different. The body has to undergo constant changes, but the soul remains unchangeable. If you do not contemplate upon supreme Lord and keep attachments on worldly matters would be like ignoring the handful of meal and licking on one’ own elbow, It would multiply your grief and sorrows.” Thus the two saints put great efforts to elevate the soul of King Chithrakethu who was completely shattered at the death of the child. Alas! King Chithrakethu could not recognize them.
King Chithrakethu spoke “Oh! Mahabhaga, you both are liberated souls, you both must have achieved great status in spirituality, but I could not recognize both of you. Who are you? Kindly introduce to me.” King wept bitterly.
Maharishi Angirass said “ Oh! Rajan, you know me well. I am maharishi Angirass, I have performed fire sacrifice for obtaining the child. This is Maharishi Narada who is the son of Lord Bhrama. Oh! Rajan, I have come here to elevate your soul which is grieving over the death of your child. Previously I have visited to impart the supreme knowledge, but you did not pay attention to any of my words, you were already distressed in the absence of a child. Therefore I have decided even if I impart the supreme knowledge, it will not go into your mind. Now, your mind is full of pain and agony, you are weeping at the separation of child and anxious of your life. Oh! Rajan, You were under the misconception that all that wealth, glories, children, wives, etc. are permanent; therefore you have vested all your interest and attachment on them. Your mind was closely attached to your body and worldly bondage caused extreme sorrow in you. Therefore, keep your mind calm and meticulously ponder over it and come out of your grief. Oh! Rajan, think carefully how you should react to this situation and elevate your soul.”
Maharishi Narada said “ Oh! Rajan, I shall advise the supreme hymn, contemplate upon supreme Lord and recite these hymns for seven nights, you can attain Sankarshana as your preceptor. He will guide you to achieve knowledge of the supreme soul.” Maharishi Narada looked at the face of King Chithrakethu, who was not convinced thoroughly, he was still mourning at the death of his child.
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Raja Pareekshith, Maharishi Narada showed the soul of the deceased child with his divine powers to King Chithrakethu. Then, Maharishi Narada spoke “ Oh! Jeevathma did not see your parents and relatives are grieving over your separation. They are worn out of extreme grief and pain, therefore return to your body and enjoy the kingly pleasures with it.” The Jeevathma replied “In which birth they have become my parents? the soul is taking several births and performs its Karma. Therefore, I have no parents; I have taken birth through them because of the unfinished Karma. I have no relationship with anyone other than supreme Lord who is my father, mother, relative, companion, etc. hence all those relations made while talking shelter in a body are not permanent, it keeps changing during different births. The soul cannot recognize its parents, it is conscious about the supreme Lord only. Oh! Prabho, tell them not to cry for this soul, it has taken shelter in that body of the child due to ignorance. This mind has no capacity to think, or perform its deeds without the grace of the Supreme Lord; therefore I have no relationship with these people.” The Jeevathma left the place.
King Chithrakethu got freed himself from the grief and all the attachments to the child, like an elephant drenched in mud raised out of the pothole of dirt, fallen at the feet of Maharishi Narada. King Chithrakethu got out of the darkness of ignorance with the brilliant rays of Sun-like the advice of Maharishi Narada and spoke “ Oh! Maharishi, kindly make my life fruitful, I have understood, I need not grieve over the separation of the child. I am already worn out of worldly existence, Kindly elevate my soul.” King Chithrakethu took a dip in the sacred river Kalindi and took shelter under the feet of Maharishi Narada who advised the sacred syllables “ Om Namasthubhyam Bhagavathe Vasudevaya Dheemahi | Pradhyumnayaruththaya Nama Sankarshanaya Cha ||” in this way, King Chithrakethu sincerely followed the advice of Maharishi Narada and attained Sankarshana as preceptor, eventually attained the supreme Bhramam. Later he had committed a mistake, therefore he had to take birth as Vriththrasura.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 71 – The legend of Prahladha -1
The human intellect has the capacity to sink down into the worldly matters as well as elevate the soul to the supreme soul. It has the ability to become selfish as well as altruistic as well. The noble soul realizes ‘Oneness in all’. King Pareekshith said “ Oh! Bhraman, I have heard that the supreme Lord is all-pervading, compassionate and impartial. Then why did the supreme Lord battled against demons for Lord Indra? I feel Lord Narayana immensely support deities and annihilate the demons. Oh! Maharishi, kindly clarify my doubts.”
Shuka Bhramam spoke “ Oh! Rajan, I am extremely pleased to shed light on your doubts, the sacred scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is capable to release you from all your doubts. Oh! Pareekshith, listen to me carefully, Bhagavan/the supreme Lord is not an individual to favor all that desired by the living beings, it is a supreme philosophy which cannot be seen, unchangeable, permanent, and it is omnipresent, it preserves the creation, protects it, sustain it and ultimately destroys it. It is an ultimate asylum of all the living beings on the Earth. The mind has originated from the soul; the worship of idol is a practice to teach the mind to return to the supreme soul, the constant practice of worship of idols reroute the mind from the worldly matters and concentrate on the supreme soul. The Supreme Lord is all – pervading, he resides as a soul in a living being, and intellect originates from it. The supreme Lord is Aja- he has no birth or death, he is beyond form, he is beyond Prakrithi which undergoes constant changes. The illusion causes us to think that the supreme Lord is favorable as well as non-favorable; he is neither favorable nor non-favorable. The intellect/mind is under the constant influence of the three qualities of Rajasik, Sathvik, and Tamasik, but the supreme soul who is Purusha is devoid of qualities or changes. The influence of these three qualities reflects in individual perception, the Sathvik nature increases the positive thinking, serenity of mind, generosity/Deivika Samskara. The supreme Lord is Sathvik nature, self- illuminating, therefore, the mind concentrated upon the radiant soul will remain pleasing, intelligent and peaceful. Rajasik nature increases the desires, dependency, sensual pleasures/Asura Samskara. The Thamasik nature increases grief, ignorance, laziness, lethargy/Rakshasa Samskara. The individuals with Rajasik and Thamasik nature will have less knowledge of self, but the individuals with Sathvik nature attains the knowledge of the supreme Athman/supreme Lord straight away. It is like all types of wooden pieces have the capacity to produce flames, but the dried wood catches fire at ease. Therefore the Sathvik nature increases unity, humility, and peace in the Kingdom. As long as the individual elevate their soul to the supreme Lord, the intellect inclined to keep wandering around the worldly matters seeking sensual pleasure. The knowledge of self can be achieved only through intense devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in us.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 72 – The legend of Prahladha – 2
Shuka Bhramam continued “ Oh! Rajan, living beings on Earth commits countless sins without the knowledge of self or without the knowledge of all the actions that should have a reaction. I shall describe a legend to simplify your doubts, it has happened during the Rajyasuya Yagna/Mahakrathu conducted by your grandfather, how the King of Chethi could attain union with Lord Vasudeva.” King Pareekshith was already aware of the story of the King Shishupala of Chethi attained Bhramam. Once the Rajasuya Yagna was performed by Yudhishtira in his Kingdom Indraprastha, Lord Krishna was honored in the assembly. Shishupala was present in the assembly insulted Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna patiently waited for Shishupala to finish his hundreds of mistakes, as it was promised to his mother, when Shishupala crossed one hundred mistakes, Lord Krishna sliced his head with Sudharshana Chakra, a brilliant ray raised from the body of Shishupala and attained union with Krishna. King Pareekshith asked “ Oh! Bhraman, how did King Shishupala attain union with Krishna, even though he publicly insulted Lord Krishna? Kindly narrate to me.”
Maharishi Narada to Dharmaputhra “ Oh! Rajan, respect and disrespect, praise and rumors, hurt by words or actions, grief, all these affect the ignorant people. They constantly undergo grief, pain, and sorrow by committing various mistakes by words and actions, on the other side, the intellectuals perform virtuous deeds and rites to elevate their soul. The mind is capable of the constant remembrance of the supreme Lord with any of the feelings, like enmity, affection, fear, devotion, desire, anger, dedication, love, etc. Oh! Rajan, King Shishupala attained union of the supreme Lord with his enmity towards Lord, this incident proved that an individual can attain union with the Lord easily with the feeling of enmity too. Kamsa attained union of the Lord with the fear of death, Chaithya/King of Chethi attained union of the Lord with his anger, Vrishni’s attained union of the Lord with their relationship, Pandavas with their extreme love and affection attained union of the Supreme Lord, Sadhus like us have attained union of the Supreme Lord with our intense devotion and faith. All the rivers merge with the ocean attains the same worth of it, likewise, all types of devotion to the supreme Lord would bring union with the Bhramam. I shall narrate a legend in an elaborate manner. Once Sanaka, Sanandhana, Sanathkumara and Sanathana visited the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu were mistreated by his doorkeepers. The Sanathkumaras are supreme ascetic attired in loin clothes had the appearance of small children aged five or six. The Sanakadhis was got angry and cursed the doorkeepers, that they have no right to be in the aboard of Lord Vishnu, therefore they had to be born in the Asurayoni/as demons with all those Rajasik nature. Thus, these two Vishnuparshadhas, born as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu as the children of Dhithi. Later, Hiranyakashipu was killed by Lord Vishnu who incarnated as half lion-half man/Narasimha and Hiranyaksha was killed by Lord Vishnu who manifested as wild boar. The death of Hiranyakashipu was occurred by the extreme devotion of his son Prahladha who had the knowledge of the supreme soul and he realized the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, attained the knowledge of oneness in all. He was serene and stable, handled all those terrible situations in life with a balanced mind. He had firm devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord, therefore he could face the worst scenario with courage and devotion, therefore he did not face brutal death, but his father who was an Emperor tried to kill his own son has to face merciless death in the hands of Lord Narasimha. Even though Hiranyakashipu had all those fierce weapons, the boon of Lord Bhrama and huge powers of the army, he had to face brutal death in the hands of the supreme Lord.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 73 – The legend of Prahladha – 3
Maharishi Narada continued “ Oh! Yudhishtir, listen to me, Hiranyakashipu was extremely raged when he heard the death of his brother Hiranyaksha by a wild boar, his eyes were reddened, crushed his teeth and looked at the sky and said “ Oh! Demons, I will not spare that Lord Vishnu who killed my brother Hiranyaksha, everyone thinks that he is impartial, but he was impartial to us always. He has refused to be in his selfless nature, he has shown favor to Indra, and hatred towards us. I will kill him with my spear and perform the rite with his blood. If the root of the tree is destroyed, the whole tree gets ruined, therefore, I am going to kill Lord Vishnu who is Kootastha/root to destroy the powers of the deities. It is my order to destroy the hermitages of saints and holy men, kill the twice-born, kill the people who follow Varnnashrama, recite Vedas, follow Vedic way of living. In this way, we can infuriate Lord Vishnu and bring him out of his abode, and then I can kill him at ease.”
The warriors of Hiranyakashipu harassed the righteous people on the Earth, they have put an end to all the religious and spiritual rites. Hiranyakashipu went back to the Palace and saw his mother, children, wife are mourning at the death of Hiranyaksha. He pacified them, placed his mother’s head on his lap and said “Oh! Mother, it is the braveness of a Kshatriya to attain death while battling with enemies. The death cannot be avoided, no one can rewrite it, and it happens at the right time. The time creates preserves, protects and destroys the soul. The soul/Athma/ is eternal, pure, free from changes, it assumes different bodies by taking various births. The soul is interconnected with Maya/illusion/mind and assumes different appearances in various births; the mind has the power of a magnet either to stay connected with the Paramathma or with the worldly matters. It is like the reflection of the trees positioned on the river banks gives out the constant movement of the tree in the water, even though the tree is firm. It is like when we keep rotating the head vigorously for a while, it gives the feeling that all the objects are moving around, even after we stand firm for a while. The soul is void of any of the transformation; therefore we should stay connected with our intellect to the supreme soul. Oh! Mother, the ignorant people keep attachment on material things and people, in this way we are restricting our mind and intellect which has the power to elevate us from worldly pleasures. The intellectuals consider oneness in all; it could provide humility, humbleness, and generosity. The ignorant people soak in utter grief of separation, pain, and agony. Oh! Mother, I shall narrate a legend of King Suyagna in the city of Ushi who was killed on the battlefield. He was brutally wounded, the corpse was brought to the palace; his wives were holding his legs and cried loudly. They hit on their chest vehemently and wept bitterly, saying “Oh! Rajan, we are hopeless. We have no one in the world to depend on, it is meaningless to live.” At that moment, a child entered the palace, that was Lord Yama disguised in the form of a child and advised them “ Oh! Women, you are several years elder to me, you have enough experience living on this Earth. Why are you behaving like an ignorant, all these are impermanent in this Universe. Why are you grieving over the soul which is not going to return? I am a fortunate one, I do not know about my parents, I am all alone in the woods, and I am fearless about the wild animals in the woods. I am confident that I am well protected by the Supreme Lord who protected me while I was in mother’s womb. This universe is created, protected, preserved, by the Supreme Lord; he has numerous manifestations and performs various passionate sports in this Universe. Oh! Women, why did we attain the human body which undergoes constant changes? Do you know how the food fire, bubbles in the water and sand dunes all that appears? You cannot see or touch the mind/intellect of Suyagna, it works with all those vital elements to speak with you, and you have seen his physical appearance only. Therefore contemplate upon the supreme Lord who resides as soul and elevates your soul from worldly bondage which causes grief and pain. Oh! Women, you have seen the physical appearance of Suyagna but not his mind or Athma which is eternal, do not waste your time mourning for him and concentrate on the Supreme Lord. I shall describe the story of Cuckoos nested in the woods. One day the female Cuckoo was shot by a hunter, was seen the male Cuckoo wept bitterly at the separation of her. The male Cuckoo was worried about its children who were well taken care of by its mother. At that moment, the hunter shot the male Cuckoo also. Oh! Women, therefore do not be a fool, you cannot bring back the life of Suyagna, hence stop crying for him.” In this way, Hiranyakashipu pacified his mother from extreme grief of the death of her son Hiranyaksha and elevated her from the extreme anguish.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 74 – The legend of Prahladha – 4
The legend of Prahladha shed light on the ignorance and death of Hiranyakashipu, the excellence of five-year-old Prahlada. The characteristics of Prahlada symbolizes intelligence, enthusiasm, courage, humility, happiness, brightness, devotion, and knowledge, clarity of mind, contentment, and faith. The human mind and intellect are mysterious, it is a marvelous instrument that can shrink due to jealousy, pride, ego, anger, selfishness, and wickedness. It can also expand with supreme knowledge and the knowledge of oneness in All. It can spread happiness, selfless love, care, humility, etc. The character of Hiranyakashipu represents utter ignorance which could provide only sorrow, grief, jealousy, pride, ego, anger, and pain. It could augment crimes, brutal murder, massacre, and burglary. The root cause of the entire problem is the restlessness of mind/ignorance due to insecurity, dependency, doubtfulness due to lack of knowledge, lack of potency, inabilities, fear of illnesses and aging. An agitated mind cannot bring peace or serenity of mind. The knowledge of self could remove ignorance, doubtfulness, restlessness, insecurities, fear, and anxieties. Hiranyakashipu ordered his men to create an obstacle for all the religious and spiritual rites in his Kingdom. He wanted to tear off the chest of Lord Hari who manifested as wild boar and killed his brother Hiranyaksha. He pacified his mother with supreme knowledge and elevated her soul from extreme grief of the loss of her son.
Hiranyakshipu decided to conduct an extreme penance in Mandharachala to become immortal and win over his enemies. He undertook severe penance standing on the fingertip of the leg, fixing the gaze on the sky, both the hands folded above the head. The deities experienced utter heat witnessing the penance of Hiranyakashipu with the destructive thought. The deities assembled in Sathyaloka and appealed to Lord Bhrama that they could not live peacefully with the extreme heat of the penance of Hiranyakashipu. Lord Bhrama mounted on his celestial vehicle was accompanied by Sapatharishis and arrived in Mandharachala. They could not witness Hiranyakashipu whose body was fully covered in the anthill, his body was deteriorated, his flesh was consumed by the ants inside the mud, Hiranyakashipu was not conscious of his body. The Rishis removed Hiranyakashipu's skeleton-like body out of the anthill. Lord Bhrama spoke “Oh! Wake up! Wake Up! Be all the auspiciousness with you, I am pleased with your devotion, ask for a boon.” Lord Bhrama sprinkled water on him from his Kamandalu/vessel, Hiranyakashipu instantly retrieved all those powers, health, enthusiasm and energy of him. He reverentially prostrated before Lord Bhrama and said “ Oh! Lord, you are the creator of Kalpa, and preserve it, ultimately destroy it. You are omnipresent, I shall prostrate on your lotus feet. You are Adibeeja/prime seed, you represent intellect and knowledge, you are witnessing the deeds of Prana, senses/Indriya, intellect, and mind. Oh! Anantha, I shall prostrate before all-pervading Bhagavan, Oh! Prabho, I shall prostrate before your compassion, Oh! Lord, you have instructed me to ask for a boon, kindly bless me not to have fear from any of your creation, I should not face death inside or outside, I should not face death with any of the weapons, I should not face death during day or night, I should not face death from Earth or Sky, I should not face death from humans, or animals or deities or demons, I should not face death from living or non-living things, I should not have enemies. I need not bow before any ascetics to get splendor, kindly bless me with the above boons.” Thus, Hiranyakashipu attained unique and numerous boons from Lord Bhrama. Later, with the boons he took control of the entire Earth and abode of deities, he created extreme trepidation among the living beings and deities as well. He cultivated immense enmity towards Lord Hari who killed his brother Hiranyaksha.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 75 – The legend of Prahladha – 5
Maharishi Narada speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Prahladha was born as the fourth child of Hiranyakshipu, the others were Hladha, Samhladha, and Anuhladha. Prahlada was innocent, honest, and virtuous; he had good control over senses and knowledge of self. He respected preceptor and saintly men; he had supreme knowledge of Bhramam which is eternal, pure, unchangeable and absolute truth, resides as a soul in living beings. He considered the supreme Lord as his constant companion. He was humble, kind, and caring to everyone like a father to his children. His mind was unwavering; he neither sticks to grief nor happiness. He had thorough knowledge that all that seeing and happening are fleeting and not permanent. He contemplated supreme knowledge of the Lord who resides as soul in deities and Asuras as well. He had immense love and faith upon the supreme Lord by birth, so that he could be able to live in supreme bliss always, with the constant remembrance of Lord; he had immense courage and felt protected by supreme Lord. He was constantly united in his mind with intense love and devotion to Lord Govinda who illuminates the senses. He continuously contemplated the supreme soul which has no birth or death; hence he was in a state of ecstasy. Hiranyakashipu was anxious about the little child Prahladha who was in a state of supreme bliss always, as if untouched by grief or sorrow, he engages meditation for hours and hours contemplating Supreme Lord Hari, he forgets the surroundings and sing and dance contemplating upon Lord Hari. The King sends for physicians of the palace to check on the health of Prahlada. They informed Hiryankashipu that his son is perfectly alright, he is constantly contemplating upon Lord Hari who is the enemy of him and keeping himself blissful always. This news multiplied the worries of Hiranyakshipu, he decided to send Prahaladha to learn under the guidance of a preceptor, an institution was built for the purpose and found preceptors for Prahlada. Chanda and Amarka two sons of Shukracharya were appointed as the preceptor of Prahladha and a large number of children of demons were admitted to the school. Prahlada was taught to worship Hiranyakashipu who is the Emperor of the Kingdom; his name should be recited in place of Lord Hari, he is the protector of the Kingdom and his subjects etc. The little Prahladha showed the least interest in all those teachings and nothing was kept in his mind, as if he was not heard anything other than the name of Lord Hari.
The years passed, once Prahaldha was brought to the assembly of Hiranyakashipu, his father affectionately carried the child on his lap, and enquired about his studies in the school and asked “Oh! Child, what did you learn in the school? Which one of the teaching did you like the most?” Prahaldha looked at father’s eyes, he closed his eyes and said “ Oh! Father, I have heard the most marvelous teachings about the splendor supreme Lord Hari resides who resides as a soul in living beings, therefore contemplate upon him and elevate your soul. The attachment to body which undergoes constant transformation and destruction could bring unhappiness, extreme pain, anxieties, sorrows, and grief. Oh! Father, therefore takes shelter at the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Hari, conducts your journey to woods and contemplates upon him in the serenity of woods. Oh! Father, Sravanam/listening to his glories, Keerthanam/praising his glories, Smaranam/remembrance of his glories, Mananam/contemplation, Padhasevanam/worship of Lord as Master, Archana/veneration of Lord, Dasyam/service to him and his devotees, Sankhyam/consider him as your companion, Athmanivedhanam/complete surrender, accept any of the methods of worship of Lord Hari, you will find supreme bliss. ” Hiranyakashipu abruptly rose from the throne in a wave of extreme anger and enquired the preceptor who taught him about the excellence of Lord Hari. He laughed sarcastically and said “ Oh! Fool, what you have learned from your teacher is utter foolishness.” He called for the preceptor and questioned the reason for Prahladha’s devotion to Lord Hari, they were troubled and fondly called Prahlada. “Oh! Vathsa, do not lie, tell us the truth who taught you about Lord Hari? We did not teach you anything about him.” Prahlada replied “ Oh! Preceptor, you are an ignorant one, you have no knowledge of all-pervading supreme soul, you have not understood the oneness-in – All, I shall prostrate before that supreme Lord who has minuscule form as well. You did not realize the supreme Lord, who resides as a soul in all the living beings.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 76 – The legend of Prahladha – 6
Prahlada spoke “ Oh! Preceptor, my mind and intellect is yearning to unite with the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul in all of us, like a magnet; therefore I could not see anything other than him.” The preceptors were really angry at the child Prahlada who was praising the splendor of Lord Hari. Hiranyakashipu was furious at the preceptors. King ordered the preceptors to take back Prahladha and teach to eulogize him. The preceptors took Prahladha to the school and they tried all means of physical abuse and taught him to praise his father. But Prahlada was unyielding for any of their threats or abuses. He was taught Thrivarga about the Purusharththa/lessons on Dharma, Artha, Kama which could elevate the soul to the final state of liberation from repeated births. He was less taught the practice of the final state of liberation from the worldly existence. But Prahlada was steadfast, he did not worried about it, because he has already attained the supreme knowledge of Bhramam while he was in mother’s womb.
The human body endures with the essential elements of Bauthika Loka/Prakrithi, the supreme soul could outlive only with the spiritual advancement, and therefore it is necessary to have worldly pleasures as well as spiritual knowledge to elevate the soul. The preceptors were quite satisfied with their way of teachings to Prahlada. Once again, he was brought to the assembly of the King, he was accompanied by his preceptors, and the questions were repeated. Prahlada looked at his father's eye and said “ Oh! Father, The most favorite lessons I have learned are Shravanam, Keerthanam, Smaranam, Padhasevanam, Archanam, Vandhanam, Dasyam, Sakhyam and Athmanivedhanam, are nine types of devotion to worship supreme Lord Hari.” Hiranyakashipu felt humiliated, showered all his anger upon the little child Prahladha calling him ‘enemy of his clan’ and threw him from the lap. Hiranyakashipu blamed the preceptors for all the troubles; they forced the child to tell the truth where he had learned praising Lord Hari. Prahlada said “ Oh! Ignorant one, you are not going to learn the absolute truth, you will remain the cows/ruminants that keep re- chewing the food consumed. If you want to bring something new in your life, approach saintly men and soak in the dust from their feet, be in the association with them. Otherwise, you cannot elevate your soul from the worldly matters.” Hiranyakashipu was in a rage, ordered the preceptor to leave the Palace, made up his mind to teach a harsh lesson to Prahlada. Hiranyakashipu thought if Prahladha stays alive, he will become a threat to him; he will destroy the entire clan. Hiranyakashipu decided to kill Prahladha, called for his men and fastened him with a rope; he compelled his wife to poison the child when Prahladha was asked his mother about the unique color of food, mother consoled him that it is the offerings made to Lord Hari, the poison did not hurt Prahlada. Hiranyakashipu was mystified, he ordered his men to take Prahladha high in the mountain and hurl down, Alas! he was miraculously escaped. Prahlada was thrown into the cluster of serpents, but he did not get hurt. He was tossed to the blazing fire, it did not hurt him. He was thrown to the ocean, but he did not get hurt and safely returned back on the shore. Hiranyakashipu understood after several attempts of punishment of death, Prahlada is safe, therefore someone is protecting him. Hiranyakashipu pulled his sword to cut Prahladha into pieces, was stopped by his preceptors who requested the King to give them a final chance to change the belief of Prahlada. Thus, Prahlada returned to the Gurukul for the third time.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 77 – The legend of Prahladha – 7
One day the preceptors were out for the work, Prahlada found it is a great opportunity to spread the knowledge of self to his friends. The knowledge for self-confidence and courage to face any adverse situation with intense faith and devotion. Prahlada speaks to the children of demons “ Oh! Children, It is difficult to attain the body of a human, a soul takes several births and with the piousness attained, it has achieved the body of a human. Therefore it is the prime duty of the individuals to follow the Bhagavatha Dharma/righteousness from the age of childhood. ‘Time’ plays important role in every human life, none of us can get hold of the intellect, beauty, skill, etc.. it has to perish with the time, hence it is important to practice righteousness from the early days of childhood and completely surrender at the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu who resides as soul in all the living beings. He is Ishwara who is Sarvabhoothanam Ishwara:, he is the closest companion of the individuals. Oh! Children, happiness is the state of mind that wedges with the pleasing experience of sense, but it is fleeting, the mind cannot stick on with the sense organs for a long time, therefore it releases its clutches from the sense organ after sometimes due to boredom. The human mind will not stick on to a particular object or people or viewpoints for a long time. The mind always searches for diverse matters to consume. The ignorant people keep waits for the happiness performing the usual tasks, in this way they spend whole life span or wait until the damage of senses with unfulfilling desires. Oh! Children, if you want to attain permanent bliss, contemplates upon the lotus feet of Lord Mukunda who symbolizes eternal bliss. The human body cannot protect you from fear or anxieties, it undergoes constant transformation and destruction. The body has to undergo aging, illnesses, and death if the mind clings on to the body, it would bring extreme fears and afflictions. The half of the life goes waste without any fruitful task during childhood and adulthood, spends many nights in sleep and days in material affairs, in this way we push our body and mind into darkness of ignorance, eventually death. The aging and illnesses attack the body, by the time half of the life must have spent with the worldly matters. Therefore the intellectuals isolate their mind from worldly affairs and bondage and contemplate upon the supreme Lord, eventually, the mind will get detached from worldly affairs. The people who have completely indulged in taking pleasure in worldly affairs would spend their life in the remembrances of home, father, mother, wife, children, friends, brother, sister, relatives, wealth, and money, ultimately they descend from the supreme bliss. The mind has the ability to descend to worldly matters and ascend to the supreme Lord as well. Oh! Children, if you feed your mind with pleasures and comfort, once the body undergoes aging and illnesses, at that moment the mind will get extremely disturbed. It becomes impossible for the mind to get unfasten from sensual pleasures. The human mind is like an animal that takes extreme pleasures in the senses instead of getting disconnected from sensual pleasures. Oh! Children, leave interest in all the worldly matters, and bondage and turn your mind to supreme Lord Narayana, eventually, the mind will be free from all those worldly matters. Oh! Children, it is not so difficult to please supreme Lord who is all-pervading, represents living and non-living things, and resides as a soul in living beings. Therefore surrender yourself to the lotus feet of Supreme Lord, show kindness to others to elevate their souls to the supreme Lord, if the supreme Lord gets pleased you will attain all those desired in abundance. The truth is the Dharma Arththa and the Kama alone will not elevate the soul to the supreme Lord, the scriptures confirm that elevation of the soul is possible only with the complete surrendering to the supreme Lord. Oh! children, I am fortunate one, have gained this supreme Knowledge from Maharishi Narada while I was in my mother’s womb. Listen to me, my preceptor Maharishi Narada taught me the Bhagavatha Dharma,/Vasudevasya Mahima/glories of supreme Lord Vasudeva, which is Gnana Vignana Samhitha/which describes the supreme knowledge and the ways to attain the supreme Lord. It helped to elevate my soul with the constant contemplation upon the supreme Lord.” The children of the Gurukula were astounded and requested Prahlada to describe when did he learn the supreme knowledge from Maharishi Narada.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 78 – The legend of Prahladha – 8
Prahlada spoke “ Oh! Children, My father went for an extreme penance in Mount Mandharachal, he undertook Tapasya for several months. Lord Indra was concerned about the Tapasya of my father Hiranyakashipu. During this period my mother Kayadhu was pregnant with a child. Lord Indra defeated the demons and abducted my mother to kill the child in her womb. Fortunately, Lord Indra was intervened by Maharishi Narada, he insisted Lord Indra to leave the idea of killing a child in mother’s womb. Maharishi Narada said “ Oh! Mahabhaga, the child in Kayadhu’s womb is not cruel or wicked like Hiranyakashipu, he is going to be one of the greatest devotees of supreme Lord; therefore it is impossible to kill him. He has attained supreme grace of Lord.” Lord Indra released the clutches on Kayadhu, he reverentially circumambulated her and left. Maharishi Narada took my mother in his hermitage and gave shelter until my father finishes his Tapasya. While my father was undertaking extreme penance, my mother served the ascetics living in the hermitage of Maharishi Narada who taught the highest of the knowledge of Paravidhya/knowledge of Bhramam and Aparavidhya/body which is perishable. My mother could not recollect any of these highest of knowledge, with the grace of Maharishi Narada I could remember all those teachings while I was in her womb and preserved in my mind with the constant practice. Oh! Children listen to me carefully, it will purify your intellect, and the body has to undergo six types of transformations but the soul remains untouched, it has no death. Therefore if you want to attain the permanent bliss you have to focus on the eternal soul not to the body which has perishable nature. The supreme knowledge is like the Goldmine where the experts separate the gold from other metals, you should learn to focus your mind in the soul resides in your body, that will lead to ultimate Bramham, Athmavith focuses the mind on the supreme soul. The body is made of five essential elements, mind, intellect, Ahamkara, sixteen senses/six from the body and six from the mind, Prana has two senses hunger and thirst, the intellect has to undergo doubt, forgetfulness, sorrow, happiness,/ the mind, body, intellect, and soul is interconnected by the supreme Lord in the form of Prana. As long as the Prana/soul resides in the body, rest of the sixteen senses will function, otherwise, it will be declared as a corpse, in this way, you can elevate your mind to the supreme Lord who resides as soul in living beings. There are thousands of methods to cultivate devotion and elevate your soul; in this Kali Yuga devotion is the easiest method to approach the Supreme Lord. Oh! Children, devotion can be achieved by self-less service to the preceptor, listening to their teachings and sincerely following them, listening to the glorious myths of Lord, Namasmaran/recitation of sacred names of Lord, contemplation upon the marvelous form of Lord Hari who resides as a soul in living beings, association with saintly people, and worship of supreme Lord, in this way, detach your mind from all the worldly matters and concentrate on supreme Lord Vasudeva, it will create firm devotion and immerses the mind in supreme bliss. If you start remembering Lord Narayana on every breath, you can unite with the supreme Lord and if you cultivate firm devotion and unite your mind with the supreme soul, with the firm devotion all those impurities in the mind will burn and this will bring the serenity of mind. Therefore, Deities, demons, Asura, Gandharva, Yaksha, Kinnara, and humans contemplate upon the lotus feet of supreme Lord Mukunda to attain the serenity of mind. Anyone can meditate upon supreme Lord, it is possible not only for Dhvija/Brahmin, deities, Rishis, there are no specific qualifications required or need not be a scholar, every ordinary human being can contemplate upon Supreme Lord. There is no need for charity, Tapasya, fasting, and disciplines, all that required is intense devotion and complete surrender upon the lotus feet of Supreme Lord, any charitable deed performed without the devotion is considered as ignorance. Oh! Children, cultivate intense devotion to the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in you. It will provide the sense of ‘Oneness in All’, there is no restriction or qualification required, even the Yaksha, and Rakshasa, or Shudras, Sthree, or people who have committed grave sins, can contemplate upon the supreme Lord Achyutha, devotion is considered as highest kind of piousness in everyone’s life. Oh! Children, therefore meditate upon the supreme Lord Govinda and make your life fruitful.”
