ராதே கிருஷ்ணா 04-04-2020
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 101 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -4
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a most attractive woman Mohini who was smeared in highly rich fragrances and adorned in various precious ornaments all over the body, attired in magnificent garments. The moment demons witnessed the supremely gorgeous woman Mohini, they forgot their arguments on the nectar of immortality. They immensely praised the beauty, lovely features and appearance of Mohini and enquired her whereabouts “Oh! Beautiful one, Oh! Kanchathalayadhakshi, you are churning our hearts, who are you, where did you come from and why did you come? kindly elaborate to us. We are extremely fortunate ones, you must be sent by the Supreme Lord to distribute the nectar and take pleasure in our association. Oh! Devi kindly chooses us as your companion. Kindly distribute the nectar equally among us. ” The demons walked around Mohini, surprisingly watching at her beauty, touched her garments in awe, took great pleasure in the smell of the rich aromatic perfumes she has applied on her body. Mohini who was covered in the exquisite garment expressed her shyness before them. Mohini replied “Oh! Demons, how could you trust on me I am the one wander all around, therefore you should not invest trust upon me.” After hearing this, the demons confirmed that she is open-minded and most eligible to distribute the nectar and requested her to distribute the nectar. Mohini instructed them to sit in a line keeping their mouth open and eyes closed, was sincerely followed like children. Mohini waved her hands to deities and instructed them to sit with them, she served the deities with the nectar and affectionately patted on the cheeks of demons who were seated their eyes closed. One of the demons Swarbhanu suspected that there is something wrong, he opened his eyes and found that the deities happily consuming the nectar. Swarbhanu loudly called for the demons and cautioned them that they have cheated by Lord Vishnu, who has assumed the form of a gorgeous woman Mohini, but demons were not willing to listen, therefore Swarbhanu disguised the form of deity and seated between Lord Chandra and Surya. Lord Vishnu did not take notice of Swarbhanu who was seated between the deities; the nectar was served to him as well. Lord Surya loudly called out for Lord Vishnu and informed the presence of Swarbhanu among the deities. Lord Vishnu sliced off the head of Swarbhanu who was already attained the nectar of immortality, his head portion remains unhurt and the body part became smoky. Swarbhanu kept his enmity on Lord Surya and Lord Chandra from that day onwards, thus the solar and lunar eclipse has come into existence. In this way, the supreme Lord Vishnu attained the nectar of immortality for the deities.”
There are numerous ways of Upasana/worship of the supreme Lord. The milky ocean represents the human mind and intellect, which is soaked in various impurities and abnormalities, it is bound by three Gunas/Rajasik, Tamasik and Swatik. The human intellect has no beginning or end; it is like an unfathomable milky ocean. The Mount Mandhara represents clarity of thoughts, it helps to realize/experience the presence of the supreme soul who resides as a soul in living beings. The serpent Vasuki represents the Kundalinishakthi that has the sign of serpent, can be elevated with the constant practice of devotion/Pranayama, Yoga, meditation, recitation of scriptures and sacred names, etc. The deities and demons represent the constructive as well as destructive thoughts in us. The constructive thoughts are confident and hard-working nature, without the anxiousness of criticism or expectation. The destructive thoughts are doubtful and lethargic; it lacks disciplines, seeks constant encouragement and support from others to boost its spirit. While churning the ocean, Mount Mandhara was tilting has to get support from the giant tortoise that represents the balanced state of mind, firm in any favorable and unfavorable situations. Any righteous deed performed without the knowledge the ultimate purpose/unfocused would be considered as unfruitful. Therefore devotion to supreme consciousness without the purpose of union of the supreme soul, who resides as a soul in us, would not provide the experience of eternal bliss. The supreme soul has the nature of Sacchidhanandha/eternal bliss, can be attained with the constant practice of meditation and contemplation, it would wash off all the toxic poison /Kalakooda/ impurities/selfishness, ego, pride, jealousy and remains Sarvabhootha Hithe Ratha who takes immense joy in the welfare of others, ultimately it leads to state of Nirvana/state of immortality is the state of union with the supreme Bhramam. Lord Mahadeva is supreme consciousness which has the nature of permanent bliss; therefore the Kalakooda poison could not influence him. This practice of staying close to the supreme Bhramam who resides as a soul in us is known as Upasana.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter - 102 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -5
The illustrious Rishis and sages taught us the highest knowledge of ‘Pavananam Cha Pavanam’ superior among the wealth; the knowledge of all-pervading nature of supreme Lord can be earned with the association of saintly men and learning scriptures. It inspires the individual to churn the mind and intellect which could bring the nectar of immortality/the knowledge of the eternal presence of the Supreme Lord as a soul in living beings that has neither birth nor death. Lord Mahadeva/Shiva remained unhurt even after consuming the toxic poison appeared while churning the ocean and it has become an ornament on his throat; it means the supreme soul/Shiva symbolizes auspiciousness, with the constant contemplation upon supreme Lord the toxic poison like impurities of the mind and intellect would get cleansed, and the virtuousness would become an ornament for the person who immerses in contemplation. Whoever soaked in material living, seeking pleasure in every material thing would remain unhappy and miserable, the people who live for the welfare of others, sharing and caring, in all possible means would remain in perpetual bliss, and eventually, they remain free from the impurities. During the awakened state, the mind and intellect take shelter on the eyes, during the state of half-awakened/not deep sleep, the mind, and intellect take rest on the throat, during the state of deep sleep/Sushupthi the mind and intellect take rest on the Prana, during the state of Thureeya/being in the 4th state of soul/ in the transcendental state it takes rest on the Moordha/uppermost part of the head.
The demons were infuriated to witness the deities who consumed the entire nectar of immortality. They battled against the deities who had attained immense strength with the consumption of the nectar. In the vicious battle between the deities and demons, numerous demons were killed; Lord Indra killed Mahabhali/Vairochana. The deities returned to their abodes with the great feeling of triumph. In the meantime, Shukracharya, the preceptor of the demons, used the ‘Mrithasanjeevani Vidhya’/lessons of restoring life on the corpse, on the demons who were brutally killed in the battle, thus all the demons regained their lives.
Lord Mahadeva/Vrishadhwaja came to know about the glorious form of Lord Mahavishnu as Mohini, desired to meet her. Lord Mahadeva discussed the incarnation of Lord Vishnu with Goddess Sati who was also yearning to witness the splendor of Mohini. Thus Lord Mahadeva and Goddess Sati mounted on the celestial vehicle was accompanied by the Bhoothaganas and arrived to meet the glorious incarnation of Lord Madhusoodhana was received with great reverence, worshiped him and offered a seat.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter - 103 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -6
Lord Mahadeva speaks “ Oh! Devadeva who carries out the functions of Indhriyas, mind, and intellect with your presence in the soul, Oh! Jagathvyapin/omnipresent, Oh! Jagadeesha/Jagath = Jayathe/creation + Thishtathi/preservation + Gacchathi/destruction, Oh! Jaganmaya who is all-pervading and changeless, Oh! Sarvabhoothathma, you are the cause and effects as well, you have neither beginning nor end, you are absolute truth known as Bhramam. The intellectuals contemplate upon your lotus feet and attain the state of bliss, the liberated souls abandon the sensual pleasure, desire, and material bondage, and elevate their souls. Oh! Lord you are absolute Bhramam, which is beyond TriGunas, sorrows, and impurities, you are flawless, you symbolize nectar and you are supreme bliss. You are void of duality, {human body, mind, and intellect are considered as ‘Dwayam’, it is subject to a different color, skin tone, shape, etc.. but the supreme soul remains ‘Adhwayam’ that is free from duality, any of the color or qualities.} like the ornaments of a various pattern made out of precious yellow metal, due to ignorance the people forget to notice the supreme soul in all living beings. Oh! Bhagavan, I have witnessed your numerous incarnations, I have not seen your incarnation as a beautiful woman while distributing the nectar of immortality, I would like to witness the same, hence kindly reveal that glorious form to me.”
Lord Vishnu speaks “ Oh! Lord Mahadeva, I have assumed that beautiful form of a woman to entertain the demons, so that the deities could get the share of nectar of immortality. Oh! Surasaththama, I shall reveal that form to you.” Lord Vishnu disappeared from sight
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter - 104 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -7
Lord Mahadeva witnessed a magnificent garden, in abundance of various flowers, creepers, trees, streams, and ponds. He saw a stunningly beautiful woman with most attractive physical features, smeared in rich fragrances, was playing with the flower ball. She has beautiful eyes, adorned in various magnificent ornaments all over the body, attired in marvelous garment, while watching, her upper garments were slipped down, she was taking immense pleasure in the pastime did not notice, it revealed her enticing body parts, her beautiful long and curly hair locks were spread all over the attractive body; it exposed the large and heavy bosom as well. Lord Mahadeva watched the mesmerizing beauty of the woman in awe; he forgot the presence of Goddess Uma and the Bhoothaganas. Mohini captured the entire attention of Lord Mahadeva, looking at him with an extreme desire; she continued to entertain Lord Mahadeva moving all over the garden. Lord Mahadeva completely forgot his identity and nature like an untamed male elephant craving for a female elephant to fulfill its physical requirements. He approached her in an intense desire, caught hold of her beautiful long hair locks, when Mahadeva moved further to embrace her was rejected by Mohini and she ran out of his reach. Mahadeva who was completely besieged by the beauty of Mohini followed her at great speed; her attires were lost due to the force of the wind, Mahadeva who was chasing Mohini could not control his desire, eventually, the beeja/rethas released were fallen on the Earth, and has become silver and gold. Immediately after releasing the Beeja, Mahadeva realized his real nature and regained his splendor, he did not spend even a second recollecting those mistakes, he instantly concentrated on his supreme consciousness.
Lord Mahadeva prostrated before Mohini, “ Oh! Devi, I shall prostrate before you.” Lord Vishnu said “ Oh! Vibhudhashreshta/eminent one, you have effortlessly regained your supreme consciousness in no time. The ordinary living beings keep feeding their sense in delusion; they do not make an effort to bring back the consciousness to merge with the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul in them. Oh! Bhagavan, it was your proficiency to regain the supreme consciousness, therefore, you have not stained by my incarnation as Mohini.”
Lord Mahadeva returned to the Mount Kailash and described all that happened to Goddess Sati, “ Oh! Devi, I was drenched in illusion after witnessing the marvelous form of supreme Lord Vishnu as Mohini, it was extremely difficult to withdraw my mind from the beautiful form of Mohini. I have lost the beeja/semen while I was running after that attractive form of Lord Vishnu, instantly I have regained the supreme consciousness and contemplated upon that Purusha, thus I have freed my mind from illusion. Oh! Devi, this glorious form of Mohini will teach a great philosophy to the living beings on the Earth. This splendid pastime of Lord Vishnu would be the greatest lesson to relieve the souls from the miseries of worldly existence.”
Whoever contemplates upon the most magnificent form of Lord Vishnu as Mohini would attain happiness in the material world as well as union with the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul.
The human mind and intellect are the sole contributors to happiness, pain, grief and sorrow, it needs diverse matters to contemplate, if it is not twisted in the right manner it wander in the material world and accumulates intense grief and sorrow, if it is turned in contemplating the supreme Lord who resides as soul in living beings and the all-pervading nature of him, it would provide the serenity of mind, clarity of thoughts, and ultimately supreme bliss. It has the ability to soak in the world of fantasy as well as mull over the past pleasant and unpleasant experiences. It has the capability to fasten the individual soul into worldly matters, bondage, and countless desires; it also has the power to unfasten the individual soul from the worldly matters to the supreme Lord as well. The serenity of mind can be achieved through constant practice of contemplation on the supreme Lord, meditation, Yoga, breathing techniques/Pranayama, recitation of sacred scriptures, etc
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudhevaya||
Chapter – 105 – The legend of Vamana - 1
Nature/Prakrithi has the tendency to give away all its resources, it teaches the greatest and the permanent truth of ‘sharing’, that whatever stored for long would definitely get of no use in the long run. Rishis and Sages found the definition of permanent bliss, and they began to share it copiously with the fellow beings, thus the ‘happiness’ has multiplied in abundance and they lived in eternal bliss. They taught the practice to share oneself to the supreme Lord who is the cause of origin; it is called ‘Athmanivedhanam’/complete surrender. In the same manner, the Prakrithi expect two kinds of sharing from living beings, sharing kind words with fellow beings and sharing wealth or richness for the welfare of human beings. The human tendency is to store everything for the future, which is unpredictable. The legend of Vamana is the greatest lesson to cement the truth that whoever enriched with the nature of kindness and sharing would never fall in their lives. The legend of Vairochana/Mahabali, who shared all his possession with the supreme Lord Vishnu, finally attained the elevation of soul.
Preekshith speaks “ Oh! Bhramin, I have heard the legend of Vairochana who offered the entire Kingdom to Lord Vishnu, who measured the Kingdom in three strides, was fastened and moved him to Suthalaloka, why did he do so? Kindly narrate it to me. It creates extreme curiosity in me.”
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Mahabali/Vairochana and demons had a fierce battle with the deities immediately after churning of the ocean for the nectar of immortality was brutally killed by Lord Indra and deities. Shukracharya restored the lives of the demons with the knowledge of Mrithasanjeevani Vidhya that was attained from Lord Shiva. Shukracharya advised the demons to serve the Bhramins selflessly, thus Vairochana earned an abundance of piousness by serving the twice-born, and obtained a magnificent chariot with their blessings. Thus, Vairochana conquered the three worlds with the piousness earned from serving the twice-born, and crowned as Emperor, and ruled his kingdom wisely. Once again, the deities lost their glories and fame. Mahabali who has earned an abundance of piousness with his righteousness was advised to perform the superior Yaga ‘Vishwajith’ under the guidance of Rishis and Sages, he constantly succeeded in all the Dharmic rites and earned immense righteousness.”
Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, the sons of Devi Adhithi miserably failed in their attempts to regain the lost glories and fame. Sage Kashyapa Prajapathi was approached by his wife Devi Adhithi who was completely distressed at the failure of her children Lord Indra and deities, she was deeply concerned about her children who lost their possessions and fame. Devi Adhithi speaks “ Oh! Mahamuni, I shall take refuge at your feet, kindly consider the miserable state of our children who lost their possessions. Oh! Prabho, Vairochana who is the son of Dhithi/Sapathni seized all the possessions our children and left them in a wretched state. Kindly protect our children, and guide me to regain their auspiciousness.” Oh! Rajan, in this way Devi Adhithi requested her husband Sage Kashyapa Prajapathi. Devi Adhithi due to her extreme attachment on her children became miserable; this is how the Maya of Lord Vishnu works. None of the processes in the human bodies has an attachment with the essential elements absorbed for its existence, vital air inhale and exhale, human bodies undergo constant changes, water, and food consumed will get rid of the body after a certain process, in this way none of the body parts are attached to any of the internal processes takes place in the body, therefore it teaches the truth of ‘relationship with relation less’. The sense of attachment with detachment will help to have a steadiness of mind. Sage Kashyapa said “ Oh! Devi, there is no realistic way to control your mind from extreme grief, therefore contemplate upon Lord Janardhana who resides as a soul in living beings, he is Jathaguru, who can elevate our soul which is soaked in illusion. Oh! Devi, I shall advise you about the austerities to follow in the month of Phalgun, you have to consume milk for the twelve days and undertake the vow of austerities after the worship Lord Aravindhaksha/whose eyes have the resemblance of the lotus flower petals. You have to remember that you are undertaking these austerities for the welfare of all and attain a virtuous son, and recite his endless sacred names in this way."
||‘Namasthubhyam Bhagavathe Purushaya Maheeyase| Sarvabhoothanivasaya Vasudevaya Sakshine||
Devi Adhithi sincerely followed the instructions of Sage Kashyapa Prajapathi, at the successful completion of the ‘Payovratha’, Lord Vishnu appeared before Devi Adhithi, in a marvelous form with the Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, and the Padma in four arms.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudhevaya||
Chapter – 106 – The legend of Vamana -2
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Devi Adhithi prostrated before the supreme Lord Vishnu who is adorned in various precious ornaments all over the body, decorated in the magnificent crown, ear ornaments, waist ornaments, armlets, and anklets, Srivathsa, Kausthubha, and Vanamala, attired in majestic yellow silk garment. Devi Adhithi eulogized Lord Vishnu with the various sacred names, “Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Pushkarekshana, Oh! Kshethrajja Sarvabhoothanam, I shall prostrate before you.” Lord Vishnu was pleased with the devotion Devi Adhithi, and said “Oh! Devi, I am pleased with your devotion, I have decided to take birth as your child, therefore keep it as highly confidential.” In due course of time, Devi Aditi gave birth to a child in the month of Bhadrapada with the birth star Shravana. The child born was revealed its magnificent form with four arms, holding Shankha, Chakra, Gadha and Padma. Devi Adhithi prayed to Lord with the folded hands, instantly supreme Lord adopted the form of a dwarf/Vatu. The whole Universe immersed in extreme happiness and joy, sounds of divine instruments echoed all over, all the deities appeared before the Vatu Vamana and eulogized the supreme Lord. Lord Surya whispered the sacred Gayathri Manthra in the ears of Vatu Vamana, Sage Bhrihaspathi adorned sacred thread across the chest of Vatu Vamana, Sage Kashyapa decorated the waist of Vatu with the sacred grass, Devi Adhithi decorated the child with a loincloth, Mother Earth offered him the skin of antelope, Soma offered Danda/stick, Dhikdevatha offered Chathram/umbrella, Goddess Saraswathi offered Japamala/prayer bead, Kamandalu and Kubera offered vessel for alms, and Goddess Uma offered the alms. Thus, Vatu Vamana graciously received all the offerings of the deities and proceeded to the banks of river Narmada where Vairochana/Mahabali was performing the grand Yaga ‘Vishwajith’.
Vatu Vamana moved towards the shores of the Narmada with an intention to take the three worlds with his three strides from Mahabali, eventually, his weight has increased with the mere thought of it and the Earth began to quiver. Vatu Vamana approached the Yaga arena of Mahabali was reverentially greeted by him “Oh! Bhramin, are you from the clan of Bhramarishi? I feel you are from the illustrious clan of Bhramarishis, I and my clan got sanctified with your arrival, kindly make the event of Yaga fruitful with your present.” Vairochana took the Vatu Vamana inside the Yaga arena and washed his feet with respect, sprinkled the water on his own head and said “ Aho Bhagyam! I am truly fortunate one, not even Bhrama attained the fortune to wash your feet.” Further, he offered a seat to Vatu Vamana and said “Oh! Vatu, kindly asks for a contribution from me, ask whatever you have desired in the form of cows, gold, land, possessions, virtuous bride, etc.” Vatu replied “Oh! Rajan, your generous words are most appropriate to your clan of greatest devotee Prahladha, and Virochana who sacrificed life for deities. There are people who are unhappy to share anything with others, and there are people like you willing to share everything with others. You have multiplied the piousness of your clan with your generous attitude. Oh! Vairochana, I am a child, I do not require immense wealth; give me three sides of land measured by my feet. Oh! Rajan, I have to ask for my requirements only, I need the three strides of land for me.” Vairochana laughed out loudly hearing the request of the Vatu Vamana, and said “ Oh! Bhramin, you are too childish, you are asking an Emperor who is the Lord of the three worlds, to offer three strides of land, you have put me in a great shame by asking three strides of land with your tiny feet, Oh! Vatu, you should not ask anyone once requested to me.” Vatu replied “Oh! Rajan, an ignorant cannot be happy even after attaining the three worlds, the material things cannot bring happiness, the sharing of them brings ultimate happiness. The real meaning of happiness is the unexpected arrival of wealth, not searching for satisfaction even after possessing the three worlds. Whoever finding happiness in their possessions and willing to share with others would prosper in their lives. Oh! Rajan, I am happy with the three strides of land, I am satisfied and happiest as always.” Mahabali was immensely pleased with the Vatu Vamana and looked at his wife Vindhyavali. She immediately, moved forward with a vessel of water to begin the proceedings of charity to a Bhramin.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudhevaya||
Chapter – 107 – The legend of Vamana -3
Shukha Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Pareekshith, The proceedings of the charity began, Shukracharya rushed to Mahabali and stopped him, he spoke to Mahabali “ Oh! Vairochana, This is not Vatu, he is supreme Lord Mahavishnu who is all-pervading was born to Devi Adhithi and Sage Kashyapa, he has arrived here to fulfill the desires of the deities. He is Lord Srihari who is going to take away all your fame, fortune, possessions, wealth, and splendor and he will give to Lord Indra. Oh! Fool, this tiny foot will occupy the entire Universe, and you will remain with nothing, Oh! Ignorant one, how did you live without anything in this world? I could envisage his tiny feet would perform a miracle, he will measure the world with one stride, and he will measure the Dhik/directions in the second stride, where did he keep the foot for the third stride? What would you offer for his third stride? Let me explain to you, how to perform charity with wealth. The wealth earned should be distributed equally for five deeds such as Dharma/righteousness/ building ponds, shrines, wells, shelter homes, etc., Yashas/for the elevation of soul such as conduct pilgrimage and learning scriptures, performance of Yaga, Yagna, etc, Arththa/investments for the future, Kama/fulfilling desires, and spend for the welfare of your own people, therefore you cannot offer all your wealth to him. Oh! Rajan, listen to me carefully, in some cases, you can withdraw from your promises, in some cases, lies are considered as forgiving, lies to the woman while performing a marriage, lies to accomplish certain tasks, lies to protect from life-threatening incidents, and lies to protect Bhramin and cows. Therefore, you can make an amendment to your promise to Vatu Vamana.” Vairochana replied “Oh! Preceptor, if I have agreed to someone to offer or share my wealth, I will not change my promise. I am not scared of hell, I am not scared of the curse of Vipra, but I will not withdraw from the promises to Vatu Vamana.” Shukracharya was in a rage, listening to the adamant nature of Mahabali after giving enough lecture about the charity, he cursed Mahabali “ Oh! Vairochana, you have disrespected my words, you will lose all your fame and wealth.” Vairochana was not alarmed about the curse of his preceptor Shukracharya. Vairochana called out for Vindhyavali to conduct the charity proceedings, the water was offered in the hands of Vairochana as an initiation of the proceedings. Soon, the Vatu Vamana assumed a colossal form, gradually he has increased the size even Mahabali could not witness the complete form of supreme Lord, before that he realized that the Vamana measured the entire directions and the Earth in one stride, and in second stride measured the heaven, with the two strides Vamana measured the entire wealth of Mahabali, there was no inch left for the third stride. Lord Vishnu looked at the face of Mahabali and asked “ Oh! Vairochana, where shall I keep my third stride?” the demons assembled were shrieked out, Vairochana stopped the demons that created chaos and said “Oh! Demons, stop your atrocity, the time is not in favor of us, therefore stop all your cries. All that I have gained with the grace of the Supreme Lord and he has taken back all that he has given, patiently wait for the favorable time, you need not cry on it.” Lord Vishnu brought the celestial vehicle Garuda, Vairochana was fastened with Varuna Pasha. Lord Vishnu asked " Oh! Vairochana where shall I keep my third stride?" Vairochana with folded palms said “ Oh! Bhagavan, you are the most respected one in the Universe, I shall offer my head to measure with your third stride, Oh! Bhagavan, I am not scared of your punishments, or Varuna Pasha, I am scared of not fulfilling my promises.” Even though Vairochana was fastened with the Varuna Pasha, he was neither disappointed nor grieved over the loss of wealth
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudhevaya||
Chapter – 108 – The legend of Vamana -4
Vindhyavali speaks “Oh! Bhagavan, you are the creator of the Universe and its living beings, and you are taking extreme pleasure in various amusements, you are the supreme soul who undertakes the functions of creation, preservation, and destruction as well. Oh! Bhagavan, you are all-pervading, you have already measured the Earth in two strides which includes my husband as well.” Lord Bhrama appeared before Lord Vamana who kept his feet on Mahabali, Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Bhoothabhavana, Oh! Bhoothesha, Oh! Devadeva, Oh! Jaganmaya, Vairochana has offered all those possession on this Earth to you, therefore kindly do not punish him anymore.” Lord Vishnu smiled and replied “Oh! Lord Bhrama, if I want to shower my grace upon individuals, I will take a test on their devotion, and put a test on all that belongs to them. If they cry over the lost possession and splendor I will leave my hold on them. Hence, if anyone wants to get my grace, I will definitely test their devotion, keep a hold on their belongings if they do not have faith in me, I will leave my hold too. Whoever surrendered to me, I will not leave them. I will not punish Vairochana, who is eminent and greatest devotee in the demons; he would be blessed with my eternal protection. Oh! Lord Bhrama, I shall describe the reason to you, after seizing all his possession and keeping my feet on his head, Vairochana was neither disappointed nor intimidated, and he has already won over my unconquerable Maya. Hence he is deserved to be in a world where there is no miseries, pain, agonies, and sorrows.”
Lord Vamana spoke to Vairochana. “Oh! Vairochana, I shall shower all the auspiciousness to you, and send to you the Suthalaloka, which is superior to the abode of Lord Indira, the place where the deities yearn to reside. I will protect you always in the Suthalaloka with my permanent presence. You will be freed from all the miseries and sorrows.” In this way, Lord Vishnu elevated the soul of Vairochana who has intense devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord.
The meaning of spirituality is the acceptances of all the happenings, whether it is pleasant or unpleasant as the grace of Lord, and makes an effort to elevate the soul from the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence and contemplate upon him. It is the practice of individual effort to elevate the soul to supreme Lord. Whoever makes an effort to elevate the soul would be protected and relieved from the worldly bondage and miseries of worldly existence with the grace of supreme Lord. The legend of Mahabali reveals the graciousness of him, even after losing entire wealth to Lord Vishnu. He did not get attached to his possessions or glories, he generously offered the entire wealth to the Vatu Vamana, he was neither alarmed or wretched after losing the entire wealth, he firmly hold on the faith to supreme Lord, even refused to pay attention to his preceptor Shukracharya, or his wealth, or his own body, and elevated his soul to supreme Lord. The legend of Vama teaches the sense of sharing one’s own possessions, glories and wealth for the welfare of others, with the sense of complete surrender to supreme Lord. The sense of attachment over people and possession would create intense grief and sorrow. The King Vairochana who was thoroughly aware of the essence of Bhagavatha, and his responsibilities to share his wealth and possession to living beings, he was neither attached to people or possession, and he was completely surrendered to supreme soul.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudhevaya||
Chapter – 109 – The legend of Matsya Avathar -1
The sacred scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran comprises various legends that are strictly related to the life of humans on the Earth. It is not a plain story; it is the lessons on human life. The story of Gajendra taught us about the misconception of humans that all those possession, wealth, family, children and relatives, are the only source for happiness in life. The elephant Gajendra took great pleasure in various amusements in the herd of elephants, was once trapped in the clutches of a crocodile and called out for help, none of the family members or his own physical strength could get him out the mouth of the crocodile. He was miserably failed to protect himself, so he called out supreme Lord Hari. In this way, most of the realities in life go against expectations. In the story of ‘ Samudra Manthan’ Sage Durvass offered the highly auspicious garland that was received from the abode of Lord Vishnu to Lord Indra who received it carelessly, later it was thrashed on the floor by Airavatha. Sage Durvassa expected congenial behavior from Lord Indra was disturbed by his arrogance and cursed the deities to lose their fame and glory. The legend of Mahabali who is well known for his great sacrifices, as an Emperor he had the self-assurance that he could offer anything to Vatu Vamana, but the turn of events made Mahabali sacrifice himself to Vatu Vamana. More often the expectation does not match with the realities of life. Whatever experienced in life has been taken as the greatest lesson learned, and shut down the doors to learn new things could destroy the growth of an individual. Therefore an inquisitive mind followed with humility is essential for the growth of spirituality as well as the material living. The greatest knowledge can be attained only with a sense of humility and curiosity.
Pareekshith spoke “Oh! Bhagavan, I would like to hear the glorious incarnation of Lord Hari as Maya Matsya/giant fish. Why did the all-pervading Lord who has immense prowess, manifested as giant fish and performed various amusements? Why did he assume lowly creature like a fish?”
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, supreme Lord Hari has taken various incarnations, surprisingly all his incarnations have the nature of ‘wind’ that does not attach to the matter; it has free-flowing nature and will not get polluted with the changes in the atmosphere. Hence, whatever forms assumed by the supreme Lord will not stain him due to his independent nature like ‘Air’. I shall narrate the story of Mathsyavathar to you. Once, the whole universe was immersed/Laya in water due to the influence of ‘Time’, at that moment, Lord Bhrama who had the possession of four Vedas on his face was seized away by a demon named Haygreevah, hence Lord Hari assumed the form of a giant fish and regained the Vedas from the demon and handed to Lord Bhrama. The King Sathyavratha who is an ardent devotee of Lord Hari attained the grace of the Supreme Lord.”
Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, King Sathyavratha was taking penance on the river banks of Krithamala, one day he entered to perform ablutions in the river, he took a handful of water and found a baby fish in it while dropping the fish, it requested the King ‘ Oh! Rajan, Oh! Deenavathsala, I am helpless, you have seen big water creatures in this river, and if you drop me in the water they would swallow me. So kindly protect me.” The King was not aware of the real nature of the fish, he decided to protect it. He put back the fish in his Kamandalu and took it to his hermitage. In a short, while the fish began to speak “ Oh! Rajan, I cannot fit my body in this vessel, therefore kindly transfer me from this vessel.” King Sathyavratha was curious, transferred the fish into a big vessel. In this way, he keeps transferring the fish according to its size of the growth, finally, it has grown up to the size of a gigantic aquatic animal, and it requested the king to deposit in the ocean.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudhevaya||
Chapter – 110 – The legend of Matsya Avathar -2
Shuka Bhramam speaks " Oh! Pareekshith, listen to me carefully, King Sathyavratha spoke “ Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Supreme Lord Hari, Oh! Narayana, Oh! Avyaya who is imperishable, I have understood that you are not an ordinary fish; you have assumed the form of a fish for the welfare of the living beings, therefore, kindly reveal your real form to me. Oh! Purushashreshta, I shall prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly narrate to me why did you assume the form of a fish?” Lord Hari replied “Oh! Rajan, on the seventh day from today, the three worlds would immerse in the water, at that point of time, I would send a ferry occupied by the Saptharishis, you have to collect the seeds of plant life, and accommodate yourself in the ferry. This ferry can be tied with the tusk/horn of mine while traveling on the ferry; I would explain the essence of ‘Bhramam’ to you, the all-pervading nature of mine.” The giant fish disappeared from the sight of King Sathyavratha."
Several years have passed, King Sathyavratha relentlessly thought of the marvelous incarnation of Lord Hari as giant fish. Suddenly, the heavy downpour began followed by thunderstorms, lightning, eventually, it caused intense deluge, and he remembered the instructions of supreme Lord Hari. King Sathyavratha could witness the ferry occupied by the Saptharishis, as instructed King Sathyavratha took a seat in the ferry with the seeds of plant life. The Saptharishis advised the King not to get intimidated by the flood and contemplate upon Lord Keshava, who will not leave his devotees in distress. The ferry was unsteady, moving with the strong currents of the water and wind, caused intense trepidation in Rishis, they have witnessed a giant fish with a long trunk appeared before them. The Saptharishis and King Sathyavratha reverentially greeted the Lord with folded palms, thus the ferry was safely fastened on the trunk of the giant fish.
The ‘Pralaya’ deluge/flood causes havoc in the life of living beings on the Earth, Pralaya is two kinds, one is Prakrithapralaya which causes the destruction of material things and living beings and the second one is Bhramapralaya which is the union of the soul with the supreme soul. The Rishis described the creation of the Universe and living beings out of Thriguna of the human mind and intellect, which functions under the influence of the supreme soul, therefore it should merge with the Supreme Lord. The mind and intellect which has the constant influence of Sathvik nature merge with Bhramapralaya with the continuous practice of meditation, contemplation, disciplines, and Pranayama, etc. In this way, the individual attains the serenity of mind, which has the ability to react to any situation with a balanced state of mind, be it happiness or sorrows, disgrace or admiration, honor or humiliation. The essential five elements such as Earth, Water, Agni, Vayu, and Ether, undergo Prakrithapralaya.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudhevaya||
Chapter – 111 – The legend of Matsya Avathar -3
King Sathyavratha eulogized Lord Hari who has assumed the form of a giant fish “Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Preceptor, I am drenched in ignorance of worldly existence, I am worn out of happiness and sorrow, I have lived all my life to please my senses, I was seeking happiness in the people and material things, and I have been in search of material welfare and people to make myself happy. Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Parmaguro, your nearness could break the worldly bondage that I have fastened myself with others, my body consciousness, and attachment to material possessions, like a blazing fire that removes dirt from the precious yellow metal. Oh! Bhagavan, the nearness of a preceptor could wash off the impurities like Avidhya/ignorance Kamam/lust and desires Karma/addiction to physical activities, excessive attachment to worldly matter, worldly affairs, and the increased expectations, ego, jealousy, pride, anger, etc. Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Paramaguro, I shall take refuge at your lotus feet, like blind seeking help from the intellectual who has eyesight, kindly elevate my soul to the highest state of serenity. Oh! Bhagavan, I am fortunate to have your presence, there are people who wandering without any ultimate objective, they copy each other’s way of living blindly, ultimately heave themselves into the darkness of ignorance due to lack of a preceptor, Oh! Lord, kindly bless me with the supreme knowledge that can elevate my soul to the supreme Lord. Oh! Bhagavan, you are the closest companion of all the living beings, you are beloved deity who resides as a soul in living beings, kindly liberate me from the worldly bondage and elevate my soul. Oh! Supreme Lord, kindly removes all my impurities and fills my intellect and mind with brightness, thereby eradicate all the worldly bondage and elevate my soul.”
Shuka Bhramam concludes “ Oh! King Pareekshit, the supreme Lord Hari who was surrounded by Rishis and King Sathyavratha, described the ultimate philosophy/Thathva/ultimate truth of Sanathana Bhramam. Later, Lord Narayana killed the demon Hayagreevah and restored the Veda. Thus the King Sathyavratha attained the supreme knowledge. Whoever reads or listen to the legend of King Sathyavratha and the glorious incarnation of supreme Lord Vishnu as giant fish would get liberated from all the apprehensions, eventually attain the highest of the state of spirituality known as supreme bliss. I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord Hari who has assumed the form of a giant fish to restore the Veda and elevated the soul of King Sathyavratha who was troubled by the deluge.”
The giant fish represents the Beeja/Shukla that is deposited in the womb of a female, it has the resemblance to baby fish, it is deposited with the water, and the growth of the baby fish in the Kamandalu has not stopped, it continued the growth, in this process it has adopted a river, pond, finally it has grown to a giant size was deposited in the ocean as its shelter place. The human life subject to constant transformation in every second, during this process it gets attached to various material welfare and bondage, it constantly undergoes happiness, grief, fear, anxieties, pain and sorrows, the intellectuals who are thoroughly aware of the impermanent nature of all the living beings, and material things, they are Jijyasu/curious who conducts the search for the ultimate truth, remain in the association of Sadhus/saintly people, and learning scriptures, eventually attain union with the flawless supreme Bramham, with the constant practice of meditation, contemplation, Pranayama etc. Thus the imperfect soul immerses in the contemplation of flawless Bhrama and remains in the supreme bliss, like the rivers merge with the ocean to attain perfection. The mind and intellect should merge with its origin, known as supreme soul and the physical body unites with the Prakrithi. The ignorant end up in extreme distress, guilt, and shame with their constant search for sensual pleasures and prepare them to take re-birth.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020
|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||
Chapter – 112 –The legend of Manu/Ila
The life events can be taken personally as well as fact, if it is taken personally it would hurt and it stirs up various emotions like fear, guilt, ego, pride, jealousy, etc… eventually it can put the individual in extreme distress. If it was taken as a fact, the intensity of grief or sorrow would be less. Therefore the broader perception would lessen the emotional burden; many of the life-threatening events become uncomplicated. The happiness and sorrows are inevitable if it was taken as the grace of the Supreme Lord, who is all-pervading, and then there will be no emotional break-down or wreck. An elevated soul remains unhurt in any adverse situation in life. The narrow-mindedness is fickle and rickety in nature; it gets disturbed easily, causes agitation even in case of trivial incidents. The Intellectuals/ broad minded people are firm with a balanced mind; they face the challenges in life with extreme courage, they are thoroughly aware of the fact that the body has to undergo a constant transformation, the supreme soul remains changeless.
King Pareekshith “ Oh! Bhraman, kindly describe the clan of Manu/Ila.”
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Manu had no offspring, once he approached his preceptor Sage Vashishta seeking advice for a virtuous offspring. Sage Vashishta advised the couple to follow strict austerities to perform the ‘Puthrakameshti Yaga’. The Queen visited the hermitage of Sage Vashishta to know more about the objective of the Yaga. Sage Vashishta informed the Queen about the desire of the King to obtain a boy child; an heir to his throne was refused by the Queen. She revealed her desire to have a daughter and expressed her desire to offer more contributions to Brahmins who performs the Puthrakameshti Yaga. Thus the Puthrakameshti Yaga was performed under the guidance of Sage Vashishta, the porridge that appeared from the fire sacrifice was offered to Queen. In due course of time, the Queen was pregnant with a child and gave birth to a girl child. The Queen took the child to reveal to the King was extremely disappointed. King called for Sage Vashishta and questioned ‘Why did it happen? How come my wish for a boy child went wrong?’ Sage Vashishta informed the King about his fellow-priests who were persuaded by the Queen. Sage Vashishta consoled the King not to be anxious about the turn of events, and the girl child was transformed into a boy with the divine power of Sage Vashishta. Years passed, the boy has grown to a handsome youth, once Sudhyumna went for hunting expedition with his men. Suddenly, Sudhimna and his men arrived in a place, instantly they have turned to females attired in attractive garments. Shortly, Budha, the son of Soma/Lord Chandra arrived in the wood and saw an attractive woman/Sudhyumna, immediately they have fallen in love with each other and married. In due course of time, Budha’s wife Ila gave birth to a child. In the meantime, the King’s men returned to the palace and informed the King about the incidents that took place in the woods, and the marriage of Sudhyumna with the son of Lord Chandra, eventually King Manu called out for Sage Vashishta and briefed the incident to him. Sage Vashishta with his divine powers understood the wood where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi spend the days after marriage and performed various passionate sports in this wood, during this period a few saintly people arrived in the wood and saw the mesmerizing beauty of Goddess Parvathi, but they moved out of the woods silently. Lord Shiva saw Goddess Parvathi in utter shyness, and he cursed the wood, later whoever enters in this wood has become female. Sage Vashishta contemplated upon Lord Shiva and appealed to him, in order to keep up the promise given to Goddess Parvati and Sage Vashishta’s promise to Manu, it was decided that Sudhyumna should live the life of a female for a month and male for another month. Thus, the son of Manu spends days of manhood in the administration of the Kingdom, during womanhood he took shelter inside the palace. Finally, the people of the Kingdom came to know about the curse on the son of Manu, started mocking at him. Sudhyumna was deeply hurt and returned to the wood, immersed in intense penance.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||
Chapter – 113 –The legend of Manu/King Sharyadhi
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, I shall narrate the story of Prishadhashva who was born in the clan of Manu/Ikshvaku went to learn under the guidance of Sage Vashishta. In the hermitage of Sage, he was assigned with the duty of safeguarding the Yagna arena and taking care of the cows. One night, a lion entered in the cowshed, it created huge chaos in the shed, cows and calves produced loud shriek, were started to flee in different directions in the darkness, Prishadhashva ran towards the cowshed after listening to the hue and cry. In the darkness he could not make out what’s happening, he took the sword and chopped the head of an animal thinking it is a lion and returned to hermitage. The next morning, he went inside the cowshed and shocked at the sight, he saw a headless body of the cow of the highest breed in the pool of blood. He could find the ear of the lion as well. He was deeply hurt by his action in the darkness, he cried out loudly in utter guilt. Even though Sage Vashishta understood the entire situation, he could not control his anger; he cursed Prishadhashva to become a Shudra. Prishadhashva left the hermitage of Sage Vashishta, spend his remaining life in solitude contemplating upon Lord Vasudeva resides as a soul in living beings, a compassionate Lord to the distressed people. He cut off himself from the worldly matters and lived in utmost serenity. He considered all those happened in his life as the grace of the supreme Lord. In this way, Prishadhashva elevated his soul from his own mistake as well as from the curse of his preceptor.”
Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, listen to the legend of King Sharyadhi who was highly intellectual, has profound knowledge of Veda, he taught the priests who have performed the grand fire sacrifice of Maharishi Angirass on the second day. He had a daughter named Sukanya, who is virtuous, intelligent and beautiful as well, she was well talented in archery used to accompany her father in hunting expedition. Once Sukanya and King Sharyadhi went to woods, while the King was searching for his prey, Sukanya went with the females' companions accompanied from the palace. While roaming in the woods, Sukanya could witness a big anthill and two blazing eyes inside the mound were spreading extreme radiance. Sukanya was curious took a sharp dried wood piece and punctured the blazing eyes, eventually, it started bleeding. Soon, the King’s men and the attendants assembled could not take breathe, their stomach crammed with air and they could experience severe uneasiness. King Sharyadhi could sense the situation, that something went wrong, and enquired his attendants “Oh! Attendants, an illustrious sage who is immersed in penance is in trouble, find out who hurt him.” Sukanya replied “ Oh! Father, I saw an anthill with two blazing like eyes, I have pierced it open, found it is bleeding.” Soon King Sharyadhi rushed to the anthill, removed the mud and safely took out Maharishi Chyavana from the anthill. King Sharyadhi fell at his feet and begged for forgiveness. He offered beautiful daughter Sukanya to Maharishi Chyavana, to take care of him in the woods and assist him in performing daily rites and penances. Sukanya relentlessly served her husband Maharishi Chyavana and pleased him.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||
Chapter – 114 –The legend of Manu/Rishi Chyavana
Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, in olden days the fire sacrifices were performed in abundance to please the deities, Somarasa was offered to Lord Indra and deities, but the Ashwini Kumaras who are Lord of Ayurveda were considered as not important deities to receive the Somarasa with Lord Indra. In every fire sacrifices, Lord Indra and other deities were served with the Somarasa in the first hand and after that, the Ashwini Kumaras receives their portion of it. The Ashwini Kumaras met the illustrious Rishi Chyavana and requested for his help, so that they could be seated with the Lord Indra and other deities to claim their portion of the Somarasa. In return, the Ashwini Kumaras promised the Rishi a handsome youthfulness and good physique. Thus the treatment was begun, a divine herbal medicine was given to Chyavana Rishi, he was instructed to take a dip in a pond, the Ashwini Kumaras also took a dip in the pond along with Chyavana Rishi, when the three of them got out of the pond has become indistinguishable. Sukanya was troubled at this sight, prayed to Ashwini Kumaras to help her to identify her husband, soon she recognized her husband whose feet were firm on the ground. Ashwini Kumaras blessed the couple and disappeared from their sight.”
As requested by Ashwini Kumaras the fire sacrifice has begun, Maharishi Chyavana recited the hymns to invoke the Ashwini Kumaras while serving the Somarasa to Lord Indra and deities. Lord Indra was fuming with anger, took his Vajrayudha to sieve off the head of Chyavana Rishi was got his hand immovable with the divine power of Rishi Chyavana. Lord Indra requested Maharishi Chyavana to release his hand from the frozen state and agreed to serve the Ashwini Kumaras with the Somarasa along with the deities.
Shuka Bhramam speaks “Once King Sharyadhi visited the hermitage of Maharishi Chyavana, he was desired to perform a fire sacrifice with the help of Maharishi. He saw his daughter Sukanya with a handsome youth; he was shaken to see her with a young man instead of Maharishi Chyavana. King Sharyadhi was too angry, Sukanya prostrated before the King, he said “You have disrespected an illustrious Sage who got married to you; it is really shameful to see that you have changed your mind after witnessing a youth, how could you forget all your culture and traditions? You have born in an illustrious clan; you have brought shame to your clan. You have become shameless, you should have added pride to your clan instead you have brought disgrace to us.” Sukanya spoke “Oh! Father, do not feel ashamed. This youth is your son-in-law.” Sukanya narrated the incident happened in his absence, King Sharyadhi was pleased. Later, King Sharyadhi performed Yaga with the guidance of Rishi Chyavana and obtained offspring. Oh! Rajan, in this way, all the members of this clan of Manu made their life fruitful contemplating upon supreme Lord Vishnu.”
|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||
Chapter – 115 –The legend of Manu/Emperor Ambareesha -1
In this chapter, Maharishi Vedavyasa describes the Pravriththi as well as Nivriththi Marga of the rulers of the Ikshvaku dynasty. The Pravriththi Marga is the duties and responsibilities of an individual, based on the Varnna Ashrama Dharma. The Nivriththi Marga is the duties and responsibilities of an individual to get freed from worldly matters, worldly bondage and ultimately attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Nivriththi Marga removes the increased dependency on people, possession, fame, and wealth, with the knowledge that it would shovel the individual in extreme fear, anxieties, sorrow, agony, grief, and loneliness; eventually, it would become a burden for others too. The practice of spirituality teaches withdrawal from worldly matters, bondage, possessions and wealth, eventually attain nearness to the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings. The human body undergoes a constant transformation; therefore the attachment to the body, material things, and people causes intense grief and hopelessness. Hence, Rishis taught us to get hold of the permanent and changeless ‘supreme soul’ through the sacred scriptures. The rulers of this well-known clan were righteous, and prominent in both Pravriththi Marga and Nivriththimarga of life. It has become a regular practice in their lives, to rule the Kingdom wisely for several years for the welfare of their subjects, finally assign the Kingdom to the heir of the throne, and move to woods to contemplate upon Supreme Lord Hari.
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, King Nabhaga had a righteous son Ambareesh who was ruling the Sapthadhvipa. He was the Emperor who had endless fame and splendor, even though he was not proud of his prowess, wealth, or splendor. He had the supreme knowledge that all these material well-being and bondage is transient in nature, the attachment to it would heave into darkness. He had a thorough knowledge of addiction to wealth, fame and bondage could lead a miserable life, he wisely ruled the Kingdom without getting attached to it. He turned all his attention to Lord Vasudeva, who is all-pervading and eternal; he relentlessly served the devotees of Lord. In this way, he raised his soul from the worldly attachments, thus he could give less importance to his wealth and prowess, and considered them as equal to sand. He believed the devotion to the supreme as the greatest wealth. Emperor Ambareesha utilized his senses wisely, he engaged mind and intellect on Lord, by fixing gaze at the feet of Supreme Lord Vasudeva, he employed tongue for singing in praise of the supreme abode of Sri Vaikundham, he engaged hands in the veneration of supreme Lord and cleaning his shrine without any hesitation, he employed ears listening to the glorious myths of supreme Lord Vasudeva. He engaged his feet for visiting the shrines of Lord Vasudeva, and he employed head for bowing down before supreme Lord. His prayers were not for fulfilling wishes or fulfillment of any personal motive or not for the happiness or material welfare. He spends hours in the association of devotees of Lord, and saintly people, contemplating the endless glories of Lord Vasudeva and, singing and praising his splendor. He ruled his Kingdom wisely, and the subjects were extremely happy. Emperor Ambareesha felt the eternal presence of Lord Mukunda in his heart while taking care of his kingly duties. In this way, he became a favorite of Lord Hari with the constant practice of Bhakti Yoga, and the performance of rites of Swadharma, eventually he could withdraw himself from the worldly matters and bondage. He has secluded himself from the possession of the Kingdom, precious gems and ornaments, family, wives, children, relatives, etc. which has impermanent nature."
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||
Chapter – 116 –The legend of Manu/Emperor Ambareesha -2
Once Emperor Ambareesha went to Madhuvanam near the river banks of Kalindhi, to perform austerities of Dwadashi, and the austerities continued for a year. The moment has arrived to complete the year-long austerities. Sage Durvassa arrived to meet the Emperor on a Dhwadhashi day. Emperor Ambareesha received the Sage with great reverence and invited to accept the meal so that the Emperor could finish the process ‘Parana’ to complete the year-long vow of Ekadashi. Sage Durvassa agreed, took a leave to take a dip in the river Kalindi, and immersed in meditation. Emperor Ambareesha waited for the Sage to return so that he can fruitfully complete the austerities, but there was no sign of Durvas’s return, the time for the completion of austerities were approaching, Ambareesha discussed the matter with the royal priests, they advised the Emperor to consume a drop of water with the sacred Tulsi, that would help him to successfully complete the Ekadashi Vratha. Emperor Ambareesha found it is ideal to complete the process of ‘Parana’ so that he can serve his guest Sage Durvass with due respect and protect himself from the sin of consuming meal without serving the guest. Ambareesha prepared to consume the Tulsi water to complete the ‘Parana’, all of a sudden there appeared Sage Durvass and found the Emperor consuming ‘Tulsi’ water. He could not control his anger, he felt humiliated, shrieked in anger and thrashed his matted hair locks on the floor. A dreadful female named ‘Krithya’ holding a fierce sword appeared from the matted hair locks; she rushed to kill Emperor Ambareesha who was unwavering, did not move an inch from the place. Suddenly the powerful disc of Lord Vishnu comes into sight from nowhere and sieved off the head of Krithya. Then, it moved towards Sage Durvassa, he was alarmed and he began speeding to Lord Bhrama. In this way, the disc of Lord Vishnu chased Sage Durvassa, he rushed to Sathyaloka was received with great honor. Sage Durvass appealed to Lord Bhrama to protect him from the fiery disc. Lord Bhrama advised Sage Durvassa to appeal to Lord Shiva. Sage Durvassa ran towards Mount Kailash and requested to Lord Shiva, but he revealed his inability to freeze the fiery disc and advised to appeal to Lord Vishnu. Sage Durvassa rushed to the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu was received with great reverence. Sage Durvassa requested Lord Vishnu to protect him from the fiery disc.
Lord Vishnu speaks “Oh! Mahamune, I am under the custodian of my ardent devotees/ Bhakthaparadheena, I am not independent or free from them, I have fastened myself in the hearts of saintly people, I am beloved of my passionate devotees/Bhakthajanapriya, whoever free from the attachments of material possessions, family, wealth, children, and relatives, etc. and surrendered to me, how can I leave them in distress? They have already surrendered their heart with constant contemplation, like a wife to her wedded husband; hence humiliate my devotees would hurt me as well. My devotees are entirely dependent on me like a child of a monkey attached to its mother, with the firm faith that its mother would protect him from all the troubles; therefore it wouldn’t leave its hold from its mother. They cannot perform anything in my absence, so I cannot leave them. Oh! Vipra, listen to me carefully, devotion and knowledge will multiplies with humility if there is no humility they cannot attain my nearness. Therefore, return to Emperor Ambareesha and request for forgiveness.”
Sage Durvassa rushed to Emperor Ambareesha who was waiting for the Sage to partake meal was surprised to see the fiery disc that was chasing Durvassa. Emperor Ambareesha eulogized the Sudharshana Chakra of Lord “ Oh! Sudharshana, Oh! Achyuthapriya, I shall prostrate before supreme Lord who holds the vicious weapon Sudharshana Chakra, kindly provide peace to Sage Durvassa. If I am a staunch devotee of Lord Vasudeva, If I have surrendered my intellect and mind to supreme Lord who resides as a soul in all living beings, If I am a beloved of supreme Lord Vasudeva, kindly provide peace to Sage Durvassa.” In this way, Emperor Ambareesha eulogized the fiery disc of Lord Vishnu. Instantly, the fiery disc disappeared from sight.
Sage Durvassa with folded hands speaks “Oh! Rajan, I have seen the splendor of Lord Vishnu from his greatest devotee, I am fortunate to meet you and understand the greatness of a devotee. I am highly pleased with your devotion, I have attained the auspiciousness to be in the association of a liberated soul, and it is my great fortune to remain your guest.” Sage Durvassa prepared to prostrate before Emperor Ambareesha was stopped “Oh! Mahatma, you are an ascetic, you should not bow down before a Grihastha.” Ambareesha received the Sage with great admiration and served the meal, later he consumed the leftover meal of the Sage and received blessings from Sage Durvassa.
Emperor Ambareesha ruled the Kingdom for several years later crowned his elder son who is heir to the throne, Ambareesha proceeded for Vanaprasthashrama and contemplated upon Supreme Lord Vasudeva.
Whoever reads or listens to the legend of Emperor Ambareesh would attain the firm devotion at the lotus feet of supreme Lord Vasudeva.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||
Chapter – 117- The legend of Surya dynasty -1
The human mind and intellect have the capabilities to adapt to spiritual life/Bhagavath Dharma as well as material life/Vyavahara Dharma in a well-balanced manner. The material well-being is wellness in day to day life, everything related to the material world that has impermanent nature. The spiritual life/Bhagavath Dharma provides the ability to react spontaneously in any adverse situation, respond to the situation in an appropriate manner, ultimately supreme bliss. It can be achieved only with constant meditation and contemplation upon the supreme Lord. The elevation of the soul is possible only through individual effort, following strict disciplines, meditation, the practice of Pranayama, recitation of scriptures and complete surrender to supreme Lord. The Kali era has the advantage of nearness to supreme Lord with the mere recitation of sacred chants and contemplation upon his lotus feet, unlike the other Yugas, such as Krita Yuga/ worship of Lord with extreme penance, Thretha Yuga/ worship of Lord with fire sacrifices, and Dwapara Yuga/worship of idols. In Kali era the human intellect has become weak, there is no perfection of Karma or the purity of ingredients used for the rituals, therefore Maharishi Vedavyasa instructed to recite the glories of supreme Lord with devotion and faith.
King Ikshvaku had a son Vikukshu. Once, he was assigned to bring meat to perform the rite for ancestors. Thus Vikukshu went to woods in search of prey, he conducted a rigorous search and found a rabbit, he was all tired of hunger, so he consumed a little bit of the meat of the rabbit and the remaining was delivered for the purpose of the ancestral rite. The ceremonial priest discarded the meat as it has lost its purity; it was the remaining of his meal, not eligible for the offering to ancestors. King Ikshvaku was in a rage, ordered his son to get out of his Kingdom. King Ikshvaku was deeply distressed at the turn of events, soon regained his composure and elevated his soul contemplating upon supreme Lord; ultimately attain the abode of Lord. Vikukshi returned to Kingdom, after the death of King Ikshvaku.
King Yuvanashva from the clan of Iskshvaku, had no offspring, even though he had several wives. He was unhappily returned to woods with his wives, led a strict life. The Rishis felt sympathy on King Yuvanashva, advised to perform ‘Puthakameshti Yaga’ to obtain offspring. The Yaga proceedings began, and that night the King felt extremely thirsty, all the priests were in a sound sleep, so he consumed water from the vessel kept safely in the Yagna arena. The next morning, there was a huge confusion among the priests about the missing water vessel that was kept for the Yaga proceedings was already all set with Vedic chants for obtaining children. The next morning King Yuvanshva woke up with uneasiness after consuming the water from the Yagashala, the royal physicians declared King Yuvanashva is pregnant with a child. They were extremely worried about the health of the King and the infant. The royal priests and physicians decided to take out the child with the help of the knife, thus one of the issues got resolved, and the next concern was the source of milk for the infant. The infant was brought out with the knife, started crying for milk ‘Man Dhatha’, Lord Indra kept his pointing finger in its mouth, eventually, the child was named Mandhatha.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||
Chapter – 118- The legend of Surya dynasty -2
Mandhatha ruled the Kingdom of the Ikshvaku dynasty for several years, he had fifty children. Maharishi Saubhari was born in the clan of King Shashabindhu, whose son was illustrious Emperor Muchukundha. Maharishi Saubhari underwent extreme penance in the underwaters of river Yamuna, intending to withdraw from all the worldly attractions. His body started deteriorating, the water animals started to consume the body parts; he was least bothered to notice them. Once, he witnessed the physical relationship between the male and female fish, it stirred emotions in him, he desired to have the pleasure of physical relationship. Further, he could not continue austerities after witnessing the pleasure of physical relationships. He got out of the water and decided to get married to put off the fire in him, thus he arrived in the Kingdom of Mandhatha who had fifty girl children.
Maharishi Saubhari met King Mandhatha and revealed his desire to marry his daughter. Mandhatha became anxious to see the physique of the Maharishi whose muscles were already lost in the water and had a murky appearance, he had nothing left in his body other than a few bones. Mandhatha does not want to put off the spirit of Maharishi, with the hope that none of the girls are going to fall for the Maharishi who is least impressive. King advised him to conduct a visit to his palace and meet the girls, if any of the girls interested in him, would marry off to him. Immediately, Maharishi Saubhari assumed a marvelous form that excels the beauty of Lord Kamadheva and entered the palace. He approached the daughters of King Mandhatha, the moment they witnessed the handsome Maharishi, revealed their willingness to marry him, seeing his exquisite physique and appearance they started to fight each other for winning him as their husband. Finally, Maharishi Shaubhari enquired the girls who are willing to marry him and proceed with him. Surprisingly all the daughters were prepared to marry him. Thus, Maharishi Shaubhari married all the daughters of Mandhatha and lived a joyous life.
Years have passed, Maharishi Shaubhari started feeling guilty of his act “ I am hopeless, I have changed my mind by witnessing the physical relationship between the fishes, I have fooled myself thinking that the physical relationship is inevitable in human life, I have completely drenched in worldly matters and bondage, even though I had the capabilities to elevate my soul to supreme Lord, I have heaved myself into worldly matters.” Maharishi Saubhari decided to leave the worldly matters and bondage, and remain in the association of saintly people. He narrated about the impermanent nature of worldly matters and bondage to his wives. The soul has to leave the body one day; therefore the excessive attachment to the body would cause a painful death. The soul has to separate itself from the body deliberately, which results in repeated births as well. The renounced souls will not give importance to the perishable body; instead, they constantly contemplate upon the imperishable supreme soul and leave the body effortlessly as attire. Thus, Maharishi Shaubhari and his fifty wives went to woods and underwent extreme penance, eventually attained the abode of Lord
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||
Chapter – 119- The legend of Surya dynasty -3
The Saubhari Maharishi and his fifty wives, contemplated upon supreme Lord with the constant remembrance of supreme Lord who is eternal, resides as soul in the living beings. They thoroughly understood the impermanent nature of material well-being, and the permanent nature of the supreme soul, in this way they got freed from the fear. Once, there was a huge wood fire occurred, Maharishi Saubhari and his fifty wives sacrificed their lives in the wood fire, eventually attained the abode of Lord.
King Mandhatha had a son named Thrishanku. He had a desire to go to heaven with the human body; he approached his preceptor Sage Vashishta who refused to yield his desires. Thrishanku approached the sons of Sage Vashishta, was rejected the plea of the King and cursed him for his ignorance. Thrishanku did not leave his plan to go to heaven with the mortal body; he met Sage Vishwamithra, who was not in good terms with Sage Vashishta, agreed to fulfill the desire of King Thrishanku. Thus, Sage Vishwamithra began the fire sacrifice and sends Thrishanku to the heaven, on his way to heaven, Lord Indra found Thrishanku ascending to heaven was given a spank with his Vajrayudha. Thrishanku descends to Earth, upside down was stopped with the divine powers of Sage Vishwamithra. Thus, new heaven was created named after ‘Thrishanku’.
King Thrishanku had a son Harishchandra. He had no offspring, so he conducted a Yaga praying to Lord Varuna with a promise that the infant born would be offered to Lord Varuna. Thus a child was born to King Harishchandra, was approached by Lord Varuna and reminded his promise. King Harishchandhra had to offer the infant to Lord Varuna was delayed several times; finally, his son got Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||
Chapter – 120- The legend of Surya dynasty -4
King Sagara who was born in the Surya dynasty had sixty thousand children. Once, he decided to perform a grand Yaga for the welfare of the Kingdom, a high breed cow was kept to offer for Yaga. Unfortunately, the cow was got lost; the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara has conducted a thorough search for the cow all over the Earth. They conducted an excavation in search of the cow were became the oceans. The sixty thousand sons continued their search; finally, they met Sage Kapila who was in a transcendental state. The Sage got disturbed by the chaos created by them, opened his eyes in a fury. Instantly, the sixty thousand sons were burned into ashes. King Amshuman in this dynasty and his sons have tried all their efforts to liberate the souls of sixty thousand sons of King Sagara were miserably failed. They decided to bring the sacred river Akasha Ganga on the Earth so that the ancestors could get attain liberation. King Dilip attempted to bring river Ganda on Earth was failed.
King Bhageeratha, the son of King Dilip conducted an extreme penance to bring sacred river Ganga on Earth. Goddess Ganga pleased with the devotion of King Bhageeratha, revealed her willingness to come down to Earth, but the Earth cannot bear the powerful water current, was advised to pray to Lord Mahadeva. King Bhageeratha conducted penance praying to Lord Rudra, thus Lord was pleased with Bhageeratha and agreed to hold river Ganga on his matted hair locks. The river Ganga descended to Earth was safely locked in the matted hair locks of Lord Rudra. Once again, Bhageeratha underwent severe penance praying to Lord Rudra and pleased him. Thus, Lord Rudra opened a tiny part of tangled hair locks, giving way out for Ganga. The powerful water currents of Ganga washed away the hermitage of Sage Jahnu, later she was released through his ears at the request of King Bhageeratha, thus the sacred river Ganga got the name ‘Jahnavi’. Her beautiful watercourse paved way to the hermitage of Saptharishis, finally arrived at the hermitage of Sage Kapila where the heap of ashes of the sons of Sagara was accumulated, thus she liberated the souls of sixty thousand sons of King Sagara.
Ganga asked “ Oh! Rajan, I have purified the souls all your ancestors on the Earth, and the people who people who took a dip in my waters, and received all their sins, how can I get purified myself?” King Bhageertha said “ Oh! Devi, all the sins deposited in your water will get purified by the dip of saintly people who elevated their souls with the constant contemplation upon supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings. You will get purified with their constant presence on your riverbank contemplating upon supreme Lord.” Thus the river Ganga has assumed her name ‘Bhageerathi’.
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