ராதே கிருஷ்ணா 04-04-2020
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran 79 - 100 Chapters
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran 79 - 100 Chapters
Radhe Krishna 16-02-2020
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 79 – The legend of Prahladha – 9
The legend of Prahladha teaches that every human has the potential to create happiness within themselves, and share it with others too. The state of bliss can be achieved with the constant practice of meditation. The mind becomes free from selfishness, ego, pride, expectations, sorrow, grief, pain, jealousy, etc. The practice of meditation purifies the human mind and intellect. Prahlada taught the children of the demons about the supreme knowledge of self, which could boost their confidence and courage. The two preceptors Chanda and Amarka returned to the school, saw all the children reciting and sung in praise of Lord Hari. The preceptors angrily seized Prahladha and said: “You do not deserve to stay alive, you are a huge threat not only to the clan of demons but also to the children of demons and your father Hiranyakashipu.”
The preceptors produced Prahladha before the assembly of the King. Hiranyakashipu’s eyes were reddened with anger, he seized Prahladha from the preceptors and said “ Oh! Fool, you are an unfortunate one, you will destroy our clan, and how did you get this much courage to oppose your father? Who is protecting you? Who is influencing you to turn against me? I will cut you into pieces.” Hiranyaksha took the sword to chop the head of Prahlada who was serene, with folded hands began to speak “ Oh! Rajan, the supreme soul in the minuscule form resides in us and deities as well, Oh! Father, that gives you the strength to speak loudly, it is neither your skill nor the power of the muscle. He is Ishwara who is behind all the functioning of the body and intellect. He protects the mind and intellect while the state of sleep and it brings back while the awakened state, all those functions of the body takes place with his presence. Oh! Father, you should not mistreat the all-pervading supreme soul, kindly leave your adamant and demonic nature, and surrender yourself to that supreme Lord who is extremely compassionate, he is capable to forgive all the sins of the worshiper. Oh! Father, the Supreme Lord resides as a soul in all the living beings, it is impossible to attain Him without surrendering to him, otherwise, you cannot achieve serenity or peace of mind, or cannot understand the Oneness of the soul. Kindly contemplate upon the supreme Lord Hari, he will not discard anyone.” Hiranyakashipu could not tolerate any of the advice of Prahladha, he was in extreme rage, could not control his mind listening in praise of Lord Hari. He shrieked in extreme anger “ Oh! Fool, how dare you praise Lord Hari, who gave you the strength to praise him? How did you find this much courage to praise him? Who’s that Bhagavan protecting you always? I will see who is going to protect you while I slice your head. Let me see that supreme Lord who resides as soul and omnipresent.” Hiranyakashipu moved forward to slice down Prahlada, put a pause to his action and thought "Prahlada should understand that there is no Lord exists, other than me in this world. I have to prove to him that I am the only Lord who is protecting and ruling the entire world. Let me prove him first and kill.” Hiranyakashipu changed the sword from left hand to right, he forcefully banged the pillar with his fist, and roared “ Oh! Fool, prove as you are preaching, if your Lord is all-pervading, he must be in living and non-living things too, therefore show me the presence of your Lord in this pillar.” when Hiranyakashipu forcefully banged the pillar with his fist, a deafening voice rose from the eight directions as if the Earth was quivering. Hiranyakashipu was taken aback; he could not realize what’s happening before him. He was alarmed to see a dreadful form of half lion – half man rose from the pillar; it was to prove the perception of Hiranyakashipu is wrong, it was to protect Lord Bhrama’s boons and protect his ardent devotee Prahladha from the danger and ultimately to prove the all-pervading nature of the supreme Lord.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 80 – The legend of Prahladha – 10
The dreadful half-lion – half-man emerged out of the pillar with blazing fireballs like eyes’ was staring at Hiranyakashipu. It has white mane all over the face gives the dreadful appearance, two sharp protruding teeth, and sword-like lolling tongue as if ready to swallow him, sharp fingernails were moving towards him. Lord Narasimha was violently shaking his head and producing ear-splitting noise. That appalling form of Lord Narasimha jumped out of the pillar that created intense trepidation in Hiranyakashipu. All the people assembled were started to flee out of the palace. Hiranyakashipu remembered the boon of Lord Brahma and re-gained confidence. He picked up mace to fight against the dreadful form of Lord Hari that was utterly failed, he picked up the sword but that too failed miserably. Finally, the time has arrived, Hiranyakashipu was brutally knocked down on the floor by Lord Hari and sat on top of him, like the eagle perforates the venomous serpent with its sharp nails, one elbow on the thigh and another on the chest pressed heavily, thus he put a complete pause for the movement of Hiranyakashipu. Lord Hari took him on his lap and moved slowly to the wooden entrance, with the sharp nails tore off chest and stomach, it created a pool of blood, Lord Hari gobbled down the blood with both the hands, his internal organs were adorned as garland. Lord Hari immersed in extreme bliss, produced deafening voices and took great taste in the flesh and blood of Hiranyakashipu. Thus, Emperor Hiranyakashipu who confiscated the three worlds with his power, ruled the entire Kingdom with immense haughtiness became lifeless on the lap of Lord Hari, none of the boons from Lord Bhrama could help him.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 81 – The legend of Prahladha – 11
All the deities assembled to witness the dreadful form of Lord Hari as half lion-half man, who is covered in a pool of blood, his sharp nails and fierce teeth were soaked in blood and meat, he is adorned in a garland of the intestine, the deities eulogized Lord Hari “Oh! Bhagavan, who is the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the Universe and its living beings, Oh! Nanda who is the source of happiness, Oh! Vichithrakarmane, who performs unique tasks to elevate the souls, Oh! Ananthashakthaye, who has endless prowess, you have killed the haughty demon, kindly be calm and accept our prayers. Lord Narasimha, kindly leave your brutal appearance and blesses us. We shall repeatedly prostrate before you.” In this way, Lord Indra, Lord Rudra, and deities were trying to pacify Lord Hari were terrified and moved backward. None of the deities could bring back Lord Hari in his pleasing form. Lord Bhrama approached Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi and asked her to calm down Lord Hari, but she was extremely frightened to appear before him.
The five-year-old Prahladha who was utterly serene even after witnessing the entire dreadful scene, he was neither scared of Lord Narasimha nor grieved for his father, he had intense faith that his beloved Lord Hari appeared to protect him. Lord Bhrama approached Prahladha and appealed “Oh! Child, you can only pacify Lord Hari.” Prahlada with folded hands, with tears overflowing after witnessing the compassion of Lord, fallen at the feet of Lord Narasimha, his tears washed the feet of Lord, gradually Lord Hari’s fierce form began to disappear. Lord Hari blessed the child Prahlada, he embraced and took him on his lap. Prahladha’s eyes were soaked in tears and eulogized with extreme devotion and faith to the Lord “ Oh! Lord Narasimha/Hari Ugrajathi, Lord Bhrama and deities, and Rishis eulogized your splendor to pacify you, but they could not calm down your rage, Oh Lord, I belong to the demon clan and a child, how did possible for me to calm you? It was all your mercy. The number of penances, austerities, vows, richness, fame, prowess, would not help to elevate the soul or attain union with the Lord If the mind and the heart are not surrendered to the supreme Lord with intense devotion and faith. If there are two kinds of people, Vipra who do not have the knowledge of self or serenity of mind or not surrendered to the supreme Lord, and a Chandala who is completely surrendered his mind and heart to supreme Lord would consider as intellectual. I would prostrate at the feet of Chandala. An individual who does not have the knowledge of the supreme self would not get purified himself or his clan. The knowledge of self provides supreme bliss. Oh! Bhagavan, who symbolizes all the auspiciousness, will not accept any of the offerings given with pride. Whoever offers anything with humility, without pride or ego, or expectation or desires and whoever surrenders to supreme Lord and prepare themselves to receive grief or happiness with the serenity of mind would be considered as a true devotee. Oh! Bhagavan, I have understood the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in the living beings, represent all the non-living things too, Oh! Bhagavan, you are omnipresent and capable to purify the intellect of the souls, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you, kindly bless me to remain your sincere servant. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly bless me to cultivate intense devotion and faith on you, for that I should listen to your endless glories of you sung by the illustrious Rishis, Virinchi and deities, hence I should be in the constant association of ardent devotees who are completely surrendered at your lotus feet, so that I could elevate my soul and surrender at your lotus feet.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 82 – The legend of Prahladha – 12
Prahlada continued “ Oh! Bhagavan, the mind and intellect illuminate with your presence in our bodies, the mind creates the body consciousness during the awakened state, the mind and intellect return to that soul while the state of sleep, therefore the mind and intellect are protected and preserved by the supreme soul. Oh! Bhagavan, your presence in the soul makes the sense organs to function, you are the absolute truth, it is not easily understandable for the intellect or mind due to the constant influence of Maya/illusion, even though the mind and intellect cannot witness that supreme soul, it can experience the presence of it and unite with it with the constant practice of meditation. Oh! Bhagavan, You represent the highest philosophy, it is not easily understandable or experience because of its minuscule form. It can be understood with the guidance of preceptor, saintly people, and in the constant association of intellectuals. The realization of self can be achieved through the guidance of the preceptor, and sincerely following their teachings, which could bring stability of mind, it could achieve union with the Supreme Lord who resides as soul. The knowledge of self would help the individual to consider the sorrow and happiness with the balanced state of mind and accept them as the Bhagavath Prasadha/offerings made to the supreme Lord. Oh! Bhagavan, our mind, and intellect are completely soaked in Maya/illusion, therefore it keeps the mind drift away from the supreme Lord who resides as soul, the mind has immensely drawn towards physical and mental pleasures, worldly matters, and attachments to people with the hope that it could give eternal happiness, unfortunately, none of the above could provide eternal bliss. Oh! Bhagavan, I shall take shelter on your lotus feet, kindly do not leave me to live like a frog in the well, without the knowledge of Oneness in all, which is simpler as the cluster of the garland of flowers constructed with the thread. The individual who does not understand the absolute truth would keep taking several births, go through the endless miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence. Oh! Bhagavan, You have endless manifestations and perform various pastimes for the welfare of the Universe and its living beings, I shall prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, you reside as a soul in living beings, like the smell of the scents cannot be seen, it can experience, same as the state of sleep, pain, love, sorrow, grief, happiness and all kinds of emotions. The presence of the Supreme Lord as the soul can be understood with extreme penance and perfect control over senses. A renounced soul who is united his/her mind and intellect with the supreme soul experiences your permanent presence in everything and remains in extreme bliss. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly bless me to realize the supreme Lord who resides soul in me. Oh! Akhilaguru/Universal preceptor, whenever I forget your presence kindly remind me and elevates my soul from grief, sorrow, pain, and agonies. The individual who does not unite his intellect and mind to the supreme soul remains a fool, carrying the burden of suffering, agonies, pain, and sorrows of life. Oh! Bhagavan, let your glorious manifestation as Lord Narasimha remove the extreme fears and anxieties in us. Oh! Bhagavan! I have no fear to witness your dreadful form with blazing fireballs like eyes, white manes all over the face, sharp protruding teeth and nails, and lolling tongue. I am scared of the wickedness, weakness, and ignorance of the mind which could heave the soul into the worldly existence. The weakness of the mind causes attachment to worldly affairs, therefore I am scared of that mind which turns against you. Oh! Bhagavan, therefore I shall surrender to your lotus feet, kindly remove my worldly bondage and bless my mind always contemplate upon you thereby unite with you. Oh! Bhagavan, an ignorant mind keeps attachment which could give nothing but the grief of separation and hatred. The separation of beloved cause intense grief and heaves the soul to the fire of sorrow, and thereby the cycle of birth and death continues in our lives, therefore kindly elevate our souls. "
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 83 – The legend of Prahladha – 13
Prahlada concludes “Oh! Bhagavan, you are the superior cure for getting rid of the sorrows and grief of worldly existence, hence bless me to put into practice my mind at your sincere service. Oh! Bhagavan, you are the supreme bliss that can be understood by listening to your glorious myths sung by deities and Rishis, therefore kindly bless me to remain in the constant association of the intellectuals and Rishis who are surrendered at your lotus feet, thereby I could elevate my soul. Oh! Bhagavan, you are supreme soul resides as the soul in living beings and illuminates the intellect and mind and preserves it while asleep, even the intellect and mind could not witness that supreme brilliance resides as soul but it can unite with it. Oh! Bhagavan, you symbolize the highest philosophy which cannot be understood effortlessly, it can be understood with the association of intellectuals and Rishis, and with the constant practice of meditation, it could provide stability of mind and would help to unite the soul with the supreme Bramham. Oh! Bhagavan, my mind and intellect is under the constant influence of Maya/illusion, which makes me flee from you, even though, you all-pervading like the cluster of garland of numerous flowers, but the garland is made out of the same thread, an ignorant will not understand your all-pervading nature and keep taking several births, like a frog in the well. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly bless me and do not keep me away from your lotus feet where I have taken shelter. Oh! Bhagavan, I have not fallen in the deep well, I have fallen at your lotus feet and your supreme philosophies, kindly do not discard me. Oh! Bhagavan, you are the creator, preserver, and destroyer as well, kindly elevate my soul from the sensual pleasures which has fleeting nature. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly bless me to keep the vow of silence, recite your glories and endless myths, follow strict disciplines and meditation, thereby elevate my soul to realize the eternal presence of supreme Lord who resides as a soul, an ignorant cannot elevate his soul. Oh! Bhagavan, you represent Vayu/vital air, Agni/Jaragni, Sky, ether/space, water, Prana, Indriyas/sense organs, mind, and intellect. Oh! Bhagavan, you are all-pervading, kindly bless me to realize your presence in everything. Oh! Bhagavan, kindly bless me to listen to your endless glories and myths, and surrender at your lotus feet, kindly bless me to worship you with various rites, in this way I can elevate my soul, and kindly bless me to attain intense devotion and faith achieved by the Paramahamasa/renounced souls."
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 84 – The legend of Prahladha - 14
Lord Narasimha was highly pleased at the devotion of Prahlada, and announced his willingness to offer boons, “ Oh! Child, ask for any boon, I am extremely pleased, whoever witnesses my form will not have any grief in their lives,” Prahladha speaks “ Oh! Lord, do not heave me to the material world by giving boons, I have worshiped you and practiced my mind to unite with you, not for any boons. Hence I expect Mumukshvuthva who earns for liberation from worldly existence. The characteristics of a true devotee of Lord is he must be Jijjyasu who is completely surrendered to supreme Lord, will not ask for the fulfillment of any worldly matters, he does not have any desire to fulfill other than union with the Supreme Lord. Oh! Bhagavan, you are the Universal preceptor, kindly guide us to attain liberation from worldly existence and enlighten us with the knowledge to attain Bhramam. Oh! Akhila Guro, kindly elevate our soul to attain liberation from repeated births, If anyone asks for fulfillment of their desires won’t be a true devotee, he would be addressed as ‘Vanik’/merchant. Oh! Lord who is fulfilling the material matters of the worshiper instead of elevating his soul won’t be considered as supreme Lord. Oh! Lord, you do not require anything other than sincere devotion from us, you do not require any support system, hence I do not desire anything from you; I am wholeheartedly surrendering myself to your lotus feet. Oh! Lord, my affection and devotion to you is not like the servant and King, you are my preceptor and I am your disciple. Oh! Lord, you have shown your willingness to offer boon, kindly offer the boon to discourage me from if I have desired anything in my heart, Oh! Pundareekaksha, whoever worships you with no desire other than surrendering at your lotus feet, would succeed in their attempt to unite their soul with you. Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Purusha who resides as a soul in living beings, Oh! Hari, Oh! Adbhuthasimha, Oh! Bhramane, Oh! Paramathmane, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.” Lord Narasimha was extremely delighted to witness staunch devotion of Prahladha and said “ Oh! child, you are the fortunate one, your mind and intellect are completely surrendered to me, therefore you will have all those happiness available on this Earth. You can take pleasure in them as the fruit of your righteous deeds, and face the grief and sorrows in life with a balanced mind; with the constant practice, gradually you will succeed in that. Ultimately you will be relieved from all the worldly bondage and attain me.” Prahlada fell at the feet of Lord Narasimha and said “ Oh! Lord, my father had the fortune to feel the touch of you, therefore kindly elevate his soul from repeated births.” Lord Narasimha replied with great admiration “ Oh! Child, you are a blessed one, the child born like you would elevate the souls of 21/Thrisapthabhi ancestors of the clan. My sincere devotees would purify even the impure ones.” Lord Narasimha instructed Lord Bhrama not to offer unique boons like this to any of the worshipers in the future and disappeared.
Whoever listens or recites the legend of Prahladha who is the greatest devotee of Lord would attain Bhakti/devotion, Gnana/wisdom, and Vairagya/renunciation. The worshiper would be guided through the path of Bhagavatha Dharma and ultimately attain the abode of Lord.
Maharishi Narada spoke to Dharmaputhra “ Oh! Rajan, you are fortunate ones, and equally ignorant too. You have not thoroughly understood Lord Krishna who has been assisting you as the son of your uncle Vasudeva, emissary, charioteer, and closest companion. Oh! Rajan, you are unfortunate as well, you have not considered Lord Krishna as your preceptor. Hence, consider Lord Krishna as your preceptor, he is supreme Lord who resides as the soul in living beings, he is sought after by the illustrious Rishis and Sages, it is the ultimate asylum which could provide Kaivalya, Nirvana and Sukhaanubhoothi/supreme bliss."
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 85 – Varnnashrama Dharma - 1
Maharishi Narada continued “ Oh! Rajan, the supreme Lord is beyond forms or the description can be realized with a calm and serene mind, meditation, worship with intense devotion and faith. In this way, you can please the Supreme Lord who resides as ‘Antharathma’/soul, can be considered as your preceptor and contemplates upon him with intense faith and devotion.”
Dharmaputhra speaks to Maharishi Narada “ Oh! Maharishi, kindly describe the Varnnashrama Dharma?”
Maharishi Narada speaks “ Oh! Rajan, listen to me carefully, once I went to meet Lord Narayana in Badarikashram, he narrated the marvelous Varnnashrama Dharma, the righteous path to approach the eternal Bhramam was divided into four known as Varnnashrama Dharma. The significant virtues required in an individual is Sathyam/truth, Dhaya/kindness, austerities/Thapas and Shuchi, Thithiksha, Shamam, Dhamam, principles of non-violence, self-sacrifice, celibacy, Swadhyaya, Marjjavam, happiness, Samyadhrik/oneness in all, service to humanity, belief in non-duality, Athmavichar/contemplation upon self, Maunam/vow of silence, Shravanam, Keerthanam, association with the saintly men, performance of fire sacrifices and various rites, worship of Lord, good companion, and humility, is the greatest virtues required for the grace of supreme Lord. The twice-born/Brahmin who was born from the face of supreme Lord required following strict austerities, the performance of Yagna and Yaga, learning scriptures Upanishads, and Veda, and spreading knowledge of Veda. A Vipra should have the knowledge of Modham, Shamam, Dhamam, Shaucham, Kshamam, Gnanam, austerities, Dhaya, good control over senses, worship of Lord, and truthfulness. He should take up studies under preceptor; he should be devoted to the preceptor, honest, humble, and sincere and should have great respect towards the preceptor. He should perform rites to honor preceptor, worship Lord Surya during the hours of Sandhya, perform rites to please Earth and deities, he should practices lessons in Veda, he should obtain alms to serve his preceptor, he should consume the meal in lesser quantity, he should strictly follow celibacy, he should not live in the house of women, he should not clean shave or cut nails, he should avoid fragrant scents, and intoxicating drinks, he should have thorough knowledge of the all-pervading nature of the supreme Lord. He should serve his preceptor like a servant, he should not be proud. The Kshatriya who was born from the arms of Supreme Lord, required following service to the Kingdom, he is the protector of the borders of the Kingdom, he should have qualities like Shaurayam, Veeryam, Dhrithi, Thejas, Thyagam, good control over sense, patience, and he should ensure the protection of twice-born. The Vaishya who was born from the thighs of the supreme Lord required qualities like devotion, commerce, and ensuring the happiness of the three Varnas/Bhramin, Kshatriya and Shudra. The Shudra has the responsibility to worship Lord without any Vedic chants, he should be truthful, they should undertake the protection of cow, agriculture, and all the labor tasks. The women should undertake strict austerities, righteousness, and vow, she should have the qualities like humility, truthfulness, devoted service to her husband, love, and affection, happiness, intelligence, untiring, cleanliness, steadfast, good health, free from anxieties and depression, she should consider her husband as Lord Narayana, ultimately she will attain the abode of Lord. The people of four Varnna should strive for obtaining knowledge of all-pervading nature supreme Lord and ultimately attains the abode of Lord. The Vanaprastha attain the abode of Rishis, he should eat the fruit ripened from the trees, fiber roots are grown on its own, he should not consume any of the vegetables produced in the farm or field, he should not consume cooked meals, they should stay in hermitage or cave and perform the fire rituals, he should be capable of withstand any of the extreme climatic conditions. He should have perfect control over senses; he should have knotted hair locks, hairs and nails should not be removed, he should have Dhanda and Kamadalu, gradually he will burn/immerses himself in the Gnana and Yogagni, eventually he will sacrifice all those loin clothes, Danda and Kamandalu and walk on the Earth without fear, body consciousness, I consciousness, and meals. He will be in the association of ascetics; completely staying away from practice or learning scriptures, he will be serene, live alike of deaf, dumb and blind.”
Maharishi Narada speaks “ Oh! Rajan, The Purusharththa is the ultimate object and Varnnashrama Dharma is the way to attain the ultimate object. Dharma is the path to get attached to the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in us and gets disconnected from all that is perishable nature. The attachment to the Supreme Lord can be attained with the guidance of a preceptor. Our mind has the potential to desire for the material things as well as eternal, the desire for eternal truth is the final object/Moksha. It is the union of the soul with the supreme soul/supreme Bhramam. The elevation of the soul is possible through Varnnashrama Dharma which was established by supreme Lord.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 86 – Varnnashrama Dharma – 2
Once Prahladha with his men arrived in the Mount Sahyadhri, while walking on river banks of Cauvery, met Lord Shiva and reverentially greeted him and enquired “ Oh! Supreme Lord, you are the cause for creation, preservation, and destruction. You do not require any support system for your existence and you do not require any wealth or grains for your existence. I am fortunate to meet you. The humans take immense pleasure themselves in wealth, richness, and grains, and the material world. Oh! Mahamathe, you are highly delightful without any of the material things. How is it possible for you?.”
Lord Shiva replied “ Oh! Vishnupriya, listen to me carefully. Humans can attain liberation from the worldly existence with wisdom and pure devotion. The Supreme Lord who has the brilliance of thousands of Aditya removes the darkness of ignorance in the heart of worshipers. Oh! Dhaithyadhipa, the living beings on Earth attains birth due to their interest in sensual pleasures/Bhoga, and desire/ Iccha, they take several births on the Earth without getting satisfied with their interest in sensual pleasures. Finally, they have attained the birth of a human which is for taking pleasure in life on Earth as well as life after death with the grace of Lord Mahavishnu who is wielded in illusion. Some people perform various deeds for the sensual pleasure and their welfare on the Earth, and virtuous people perform deeds for the welfare of the Universe. Therefore, any task performed for the welfare of the senses is momentary, all the material happiness is not long-lasting, without discarding the interest in material happiness or material affairs it is impossible to attain supreme bliss. The human body attained with the grace of the Supreme Lord is not for taking limitless sensual pleasures, and live like an animal, thereby constantly troubled Bhauthika/ worldly matters. These kinds of people are constantly anxious about children, wealth, possession, and family, lead an utterly confused life with no faith in scriptures, undergo depression and unhappiness. The Kings are anxious about losing wealth and glories, and the wealthiest people undergo threat from King, thief, and fire, fear of loss of beloved ones, etc. These people are like honey bees, that keeps collecting nectar from numerous flowers and deposit in its hive, Alas! finally, someone will take away the honey hive. In this way, one day the hard-earned wealth will take away by somebody and it causes extreme distress. Some people are like giant serpents, take immense pleasure in meals. The intellectuals, scholars and renounced soul lives without any trepidation, they gain supreme wisdom from the preceptor and abandon interest in the worldly matters. They are contented with the bed of Kusha, and sacred ashes, they are grown beyond respect and disrespect, praise or insult constantly engages in the practice of union with the supreme Bhramam, finally remains in a transcendental state. Oh! Vishnupriya, you are greatest among the devotees of Lord, I shall strongly recommend the path of righteousness as the ultimate Mukthi.” Prahlada reverentially prostrated before Lord and returned to his palace.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 87 – Varnnashrama Dharma – 3
Dharmaputhra asked, "Oh! Maharishi, kindly narrates the duties and responsibilities of the Grihastha to attain pure devotion and faith?”
Maharishi Narada replied “ Oh, Dharmaja, Grihastha should perform all the righteous tasks and completely surrender to the supreme Lord, it would elevate their soul. They should cultivate intense devotion and faith with the association of saintly men, listening and reciting the glories and myths of the supreme Lord. Listening to the glories and myth of the supreme Lord provides the knowledge that the possession the material things, wealth, child, family, relatives, and friends are impermanent. It would provide the knowledge of the Supreme Lord who is all-pervading, he is creating all the things in this Universe with illusion, and he is the creator, preserver, and destroyer. This supreme knowledge would give serenity of mind; it removes the impurities of the mind, sense of oneness in all, service to humanity, humility, simplicity, kindness, devotion, faith, etc. Eventually, they will surrender all the deeds upon the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord. A Grihastha should perform Yajja/fire sacrifices, and charities according to his capacity, he should follow austerities and vows on the auspicious days, he should spend solid hours in the service of Supreme Lord, he should perform austerities/Nishkamyakarma during auspicious hours in the temples, mountain, river, holy pond, and family temple. A Grihastha should perform five types of Yajja such as Manshya Yajja, Pithruyajja, Bhoothayajja, Dhaivayajja, and Rishiyajja/Bhramayajja. The GnanaYajja is considered a supreme path to attain Mukthi, he should visit holy places, shrines, holy ponds are the dwelling place of trinities and illustrious Rishis, prostrate before the saintly people and their preceptor and all the performed righteous deeds should be surrendered to supreme Lord, it would give the piousness of watering a tree on its roots. In the four Yugas the supreme Lord is worshiped in four different ways, Dhyanam Krithayuge/penance in Krita Yuga, Yajjam Threthayuge/performance of fire sacrifice in Thretha, Arcchanam Dwapare/worship of Lord in Dwapara Yuga and Keerthanam Kaliyuge/chanting sacred names in Kaliyuga.”
Maharishi Narada continued “ Oh! Rajan, A sannyasin should be a reservoir of knowledge, he should have a thorough knowledge of all the Dharma. He should be profound in Dharma Vidharma/immorality and Paradharma/learning the righteousness of the other people, Upadharma/learning the Shasthrarththa, Shabdha/Shruthi and Vidharma/deeds that’s against righteousness. He should have deep knowledge of Jeevathma and Parmathma, and he should engage in the contemplation of the supreme Lord and unite the mind with the Nirguna Bhramam. Oh! Rajan, any righteous deed performed without the devotion to supreme Lord Narayana is considered as unrewarding, it is like bathing of an elephant. The intellectuals with the intense devotion to the supreme Lord would remove Thrishna, Eshana, etc.. The fools consider the supreme Lord Narayana as an ordinary human being without the knowledge of his supremacy. The wise people learn to wash off impurities/Shadvarga/Kama-Krodha-Lobha – Madha – Mathsarya/ with strict regular practices, they will have the knowledge of illusion causes worldly existence, and they contemplate the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings. The wise resides in auspicious places and remain Bikshu who lives on alms, they constantly engage in righteous deeds, they take a seat on the clean place and practice Pranayama and practice the union of mind with the supreme Bhramam, thus they become Yogi and eventually attain Moksha from repeated births. Oh! Rajan, a renounced/intellectual realizes that the supreme Lord who’s presence causes the functioning of intellect, mind, various emotions, Gnana and Karmendhriyas, and Panchathanmathra/essential elements. The body is a vehicle, the senses are the path of the chariot, and the stable mind and intellect is the charioteer, and the supreme soul is a bow, and the vital air is an arrow. The union of Bhramam provides Mukthi and the greatest enemy of the liberation of the soul are Ragadhvesha/impurities of the mind. The Swatik people win over enemies with their bodies and virtues as a chariot, devotion like prowess, and wisdom like a sword; they take shelter in the supreme soul and enjoy the bliss. The people who take immense pleasure in the worldly matters would heave themselves in the darkness of the bottomless well of worldly existence, therefore Ragadhvesha/Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Madha, Ashcharya are the thieves. Oh! King, The influence of Maya can be understood from the rays of Lord Surya even though they are not two, and the nature of heat from Lord Agni. The knowledge of Bhramam which is beyond Gunas or Nirgunas, supreme Lord is pure and bliss as well, with this knowledge everyone could attain Moksha. I was celestial Gandharva Barhana in my previous birth, took immense pleasure in the association of celestial Apsaras, unexpectedly I have obtained birth as Shudra due to the Karmadhosha. During those days I have engaged in the worship of saintly men, and listened to their teachings and served them sincerely. Later, I have obtained the status of the son of Lord Bhrama/ Narada. Therefore, the intense devotion and faith upon the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord is the greatest way to attain Mukthi and make life fruitful. Oh! Rajan, you have supreme Lord Krishna who is supreme Lord resides as a soul in living beings, with you. He is absolute Bhramam, a renounced soul and firm. He is supreme Lord Vishnu incarnated on the Earth, you are sincere devotees of him, hence surrender all your deeds at the lotus feet of Lord Krishna, in this way you will attain all the Shreyas in your life.” Dharmaraja Yudhishtira reverentially prostrated before Maharishi Narada. Later, Shuka Bhramam narrated the Varnnashrama Dharma to King Pareekshith, afterward, it was retold to Shaunakadhis by Sutha Pauranika
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 88 – The practice of meditation/Bhakti Yoga - 1
The human intellect is inquisitive about material as well as spiritual matters. It constantly undergoes conflict on various matters such as the feeling of emptiness and regret that could take away entire happiness and causes exhaustion, which can be get rid of pushing them back and moving forward with acceptance and courage. The feeling of drawn towards excessive material comforts and luxuries often creates distress and grief can get rid only with the practice of control over sense. All the religion speaks about the ultimate destination/object and path to approach it. Most often we do not have a clear purpose in life or how to lead it. The scriptures talk about the various methods of worship, Shravanm, Keerthanam, Smaranam, etc.. The body is perishable, it undergoes constant transformation and dies, mind and intellect are derived from the soul are eternal. The aimless Athman/soul takes several births; therefore, the mind and intellect should unite with the supreme soul to get rid of the cycles of birth and death. The practice of the union of intellect with the supreme soul is Moksha. In order to achieve a state of liberation, it is essential to have perfect control over senses and association with the virtuous people. Moksha is the thorough knowledge of the source of birth that obtained with the grace of the Supreme Lord, and the ultimate purpose of the soul to unite with the Supreme Lord. Moksha is not something gained after death, it is the knowledge of the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings and unites with it with the various methods of devotion. Moksha is not achieved from the supreme Lord; it should be earned with the constant individual effort, with the continuous practice and the grace Lord one could achieve elevation of the soul and the knowledge of ‘Oneness in all’. The Moksha is described as ‘ Moha Kshaya Ithi Moksha’/ it is the destruction of wrong perceptions and desires. The wrong perceptions are the willingness of mind in seeking sensual pleasures, comforts in the material world and bondage. The Srimad Bhagavath teaches us the supreme knowledge to face any adverse situations with the serenity of mind, it brings the knowledge to keep calm in extreme sorrow and happiness as well. The serenity of mind can be achieved with the regular practices of meditation, Yoga, Pranayama/breathing techniques, recitation of scriptures, contemplating upon supreme Lord with the various methods of worship etc.. It teaches us to have control over expectations and increases the capabilities to face any challenging situation with steadfastness. The Moksha is an individual effort to achieve the state of the serenity of mind, it is the union of the soul to the supreme soul /Jeevanmukthi( acceptance of sorrow and happiness with the same state of mind), gradually the Jeevan Muktha attains Bhrama Nirvana. Any righteous deeds such as austerities, penance, charities, fire sacrifices, vows, recitation and worship of idols, etc. performed without the knowledge of the Supreme Lord who resides as soul, will not provide Mukthi/Sadhyo Mukthi and Krama Mukthi.
Maharishi Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan/Bhoopathe, Lord Bhrama regained the knowledge of creation and began the function of creation. We have taken birth on the Earth, performed various tasks and due to ignorance shackled with the Karma and its fruits, we are completely soaked in illusion and fastened by the worldly bondage, hence the mind and intellect are not free from trepidations, therefore it has become difficult to achieve serenity of mind. The intellectuals even though they live in the material world, give importance to the ultimate object, not that happening in their surroundings. The wise consider mattress as the least important thing in the presence of ground, they consider arms are enough to keep under the head instead of a pillow, they effortlessly accommodate themselves in any situation eventually attain serenity of mind. They look upon the paths to walk on, leaf to wear, fiber roots and fruits for consumption and caves to take shelter, therefore an intellect finds opportunities in any adverse situation, an ignorant one miserably fail in any challenging situation. The ignorant one, take shelter in material affairs, comforts, and bondage. Oh! Rajan, in order to achieve serenity of mind, you have to contemplate upon the marvelous form of supreme Lord who resides as a soul in you, he is eternal, he illuminates the living beings with his radiance. Oh! Rajan, practice withdrawing your mind from anything disrupting your peace, and invest your intellect and mind on that supreme Lord who is Purusha, he has a pleasing face, beautiful long eyes resemble the lotus flower petals, he has four arms holding Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, Padma, attired in majestic yellow silk garment and armlets, adorned in magnificent crown and ear ornaments, he is decorated in various precious ornaments, Vanamala, Kausthubham, Srivathsam, waist ornaments, and anklets. In this way you could calm yourself and bring the serenity of mind. Oh! Rajan, contemplate upon the magnificent for of Lord from toe to head and repeat the same.”
Hi
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 89 – The practice of meditation/Bhakti Yoga – 2
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, we are shackled with the Karma due to our ignorance and we perform various Karma yearning for its fruitful results, chasing after the material comforts, adopting various disciplines which are neither appropriate for Varna nor Ashrama Dharma, we are completely soaked in illusion and the material world. Our mind is not serene, we undergo constant fear and trepidation even for trivial matters. Oh! Rajan, it is not easy to contemplate upon the Sookshma/subtle nature of the Supreme Lord, therefore meditate upon the Sthoola form/ appearance of supreme Lord, do not let your mind wander on the outer world, take a seat and make yourself comfortable, and envision the marvelous form of Lord, in this way you can elevate your soul with Pranayama and recitation of sacred names. Gradually, the impurities of the mind will get washed away, it would bring the serenity of mind, you can attain the supreme state of bliss, acceptance of sorrows and happiness with a firm mind like this you can unite your intellect to the supreme Lord. Thus you can get freed from anxieties, fear, and grief. Oh! Rajan, with the constant practice of contemplation upon supreme Lord, will keep you remain untouched by sorrows and miseries, your mind and intellect will be serene which cannot be hurt by time, or planets, or deities, or people and none of the impurities would be able to harm you. The liberated souls/Jeevanmuktha with the constant practice of meditation, contemplating upon the supreme Lord, attains the highest state of spirituality, they will remain untouched by any of the happenings in the material world, or time, or deities or planets or emotions. This highest state of spirituality is known as Vaishnavapadham/Vaikundham/Vigatha: Kunditham Ithi Vaikundam,/ a mind free from trepidations and fears/ which is beyond description, or comparison or perception. The liberated souls who have achieved the state of supreme bliss/transcendental state that is untouched by grief or happiness would attain the supreme abode while leaving their mortal coil.”
The death is a process to the body, not for the soul. The body is constantly undergoing transformation, in other words preparing it for the death from the day of birth, it is under the influence of ‘Time’, it has to depart the world at a certain point in time. The greater attachment to the body would cause painful death which is indescribable, and the soul remains attached to the body even after death, it causes the soul to accept the body of spirit. A liberated soul who has attained the sense of complete detachment to the body and the material world would raise the state of supreme bliss, with the constant practice of Bhakthiyoga/meditation/Yoga/contemplation/recitation/Pranayama etc. and finally leave the Prana/vital air through the Bhramarandhra, it is called Bhramanirvana. The liberated souls, who have completely risen from the trepidations, anxieties, caused by time, place and people, have attained union with the absolute truth will not have rebirth. An individual, who has attained the greatest knowledge of spirituality would leave Prana either through eyes, nose, or ears, will attain Krama Mukthi. An individual who is not satisfied with the sensual pleasures and endless desires would leave Prana through the mouth. An individual who lived all his life in guilt, troubles, grief, and hurt, would leave Prana in extreme difficulty due to the troubles of Vatha, Kapha and Piththa, and finally, leave the vital air through the anus.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 90 – The practice of meditation/Bhakti Yoga – 3
Kapila Vasudeva describes the glorious Bakthi Yoga to his Mother Devahoothi, the knowledge of Prakrithi and Purusha, which is the essence of Veda. The Prakrithi is perishable, therefore it is mentioned as Thamas, Asath, and Mrithyu, the Purusha is eternal, therefore it is stated as Jyothi/radiance, Sath, and Amrith. Devahoothi asked “Oh! Son, how can I contemplate upon the supreme Lord who is Purusha?”
Kapila Vasudeva replies “ Oh! Mother, I shall teach you how to reroute your mind to the pleasant things with the practice of Swadharmacharana/Parodharma/Paramadharma, following one’s own duties and responsibilities to attain union with the supreme Lord who resides soul in us. Oh! Mother, withdraw your mind from Vidharma/unwanted deeds, practice control over senses and withdrawal from worldly bondage, and remove the thoughts anything that causes an obstacle to attaining the supreme bliss. Oh! Mother, consider all that happening in your life as the grace of supreme Lord and keep your mind calm and serene in any adverse situation, and keep yourself in the association of saintly people and serve them that could lead to curtailing your desires and worldly bondage, and keep yourself away from the worldly matters. Oh! Mother, follow the strict disciplines like vow of silence, take a seat in an upright position, take your seat in a place where you feel comfortable and quiet, practice Pranayama/breathing techniques that could help your mind withdraw from worldly matters, contemplate upon supreme Lord who has the complexion of dark clouds, whose face has intense luster of pollen of lotus flower and holds Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, and Padmam in four arms, his face has extreme radiance, he has pleasing personality, he is compassionate, he is adorned in magnificent ear ornaments and crown, he is decorated with precious gem Kausthubha, Srivastha and Vanamala on the chest, he is decorated in Keyoora, Kankana, and various gem-studded finger ring, attractive waist ornament and anklets, and attired in marvelous yellow silk garment. Oh! Mother, meditate upon the lotus feet of supreme Lord which caused to descend the holy river Ganga on the Earth, that was carried on the matted hair locks of Lord Shiva. Oh! Mother, envision the knees, thighs, navel, chest, neck, shoulder, face, eyes, crown, and four arms. Oh! Mother, meditate upon the smiling face and compassionate eyes of supreme Lord who is the destroyer of three types of miseries/Thapathraya, Oh! Mother, contemplate upon the beautiful red lips resemble Bimba fruits and sparkling line of teeth of the Supreme Lord, feel his presence in your heart, surrender your mind and heart with intense devotion, in this way keep away yourself from all the external thoughts. Whoever contemplates upon the supreme Lord Vishnu in his most pleasing form with intense devotion, feeling the union with him and shed tears, gradually leave that form and attain the state where there is no object, like the wood fire that produces flames for some time, ultimately stops producing flames and remains blazing charcoal, will attain the state of Nirvana/free from thoughts, eventually with the constant practice of meditation they will leave the body consciousness, they would realize the eternal presence of supreme Lord in their soul, like a drunkard who does not have the conscious of clothes. Therefore whoever attained the eternal presence of supreme Lord in their soul with the constant practice of meditation and Pranayama would leave body consciousness as well. Oh! Mother, our body is fastened by the ‘Time’, it is perishable, it is utilized for the performance of Karma, it undergoes constant transformation, and eventually it would merge in the Prakrithi. Oh! Mother, the elevation of the soul from the worldly matters to the supreme Lord is possible only with the constant meditation gradually it provides the sense of detachment to the worldly matters, relatives, family, children, and wealth, same as the Purusha who resides as the soul has no attachment to the body.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 91 – The practice of meditation/Bakthi Yoga – 4
Kapila Vasudeva continued “ Oh! Mother, the intense practice of meditation and contemplation upon supreme Lord will give you supreme bliss, which could lead to the state of lack of body consciousness. The soul has attained numerous births due to endless desires, and it has been clothed in several forms, but the soul remains untouched, and the body undergoes the aging process from the early stage of life, therefore it is unworthy to think about the body that is subject to undergo a constant transformation or the people or fulfillment of the desire of the body. Oh! Mother, you can attain the knowledge, that body is different from soul/ Bhramam/Bhagavan who is all-pervading, with the constant meditation upon the Supreme Lord, gradually you will achieve the knowledge of Oneness-in-all. Oh! Mother, the practice of meditation upon the Supreme Lord with intense devotion and faith, with the knowledge that the body is perishable and the soul which is eternal and it is derived from the supreme Lord, hence it has to merge in Him, even though it is highly complex, with the constant practice of contemplation upon Supreme Lord, you could achieve it.”
Devahoothi asked “ Oh! Child, kindly narrate me the different methods of Bhakti Yoga”
Kapila Vasudeva replied “Oh! Mother, there are different ways to practice meditation, according to the nature of individuals. The individuals with the three natures such as Thamasik, Rajasik and Swathik, practices meditation in different ways. The people with Thamasik nature practices meditation to fulfill their individual desires and win over their enemies, they undertake worship with the sense of Himsa, Dhambam, and Mathsaryam. The people with Rajasik nature practice meditation to fulfill their selfish motive to attain immense wealth and material well-being. The people with Swathik nature practice to attain serenity of mind by the process of complete surrender to supreme Lord and accept all that happening in their lives be it sorrow or happiness as the ‘Prasadha’/grace of supreme Lord. A true devotee of Lord will not suspect the capabilities of supreme Lord who is the father of the Universe is well competent to take care of the Universe and its living beings. Oh! Mother, life on the Earth is based on the previous Karma of the individual/Law of Karma, therefore all the living beings on the Earth are bound by their Karma. The practice of meditation is the elevation of the soul from the material world to supreme Lord, which is possible only through Upasana/ intense faith and devotion, complete surrender with the recitation of sacred names and contemplating upon supreme Lord who is father, mother, companion, relative, wisdom, richness, etc.. Oh! Mother, I shall narrate the essence of Bhakti Yoga, and how to elevate your soul. The significant methods of worship are Salokya/contemplating upon supreme Lord who resides as a soul in you, Sameepyam/nearness with him, Saroopyam/likeness to him, and Sayujya/intimate union with him, without any individual motives. Oh! Mother, you have to practice yourself to elevate your soul, no one can assist you in this practice. Oh! Mother, whoever venerates the idol without the knowledge of the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, is an ignorant pouring the ghee on the ashes of the fire sacrifice. Oh! Mother, whoever hurt, or humiliates others without the knowledge of Lord who resides as a soul in all the living beings, would not attain the serenity of mind. Oh! Mother, idol worship can be continued until you could not attain the knowledge of the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, without the knowledge of all-pervading nature of Lord you cannot save yourself from the fear of death. Oh! Mother, I shall narrate the easiest way to contemplate upon supreme Lord, who resides as a soul in living beings, with the practice of simplicity, humbleness, and kindness. Oh! Mother, the practice of humility in action, words, and thoughts, with the constant remembrance of every action has an opposite reaction, with a knowledge of all that you do will multiply your Karma, and no one can escape from their past deeds. In this way, you can elevate your soul.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 92 – The practice of meditation/Bhakti Yoga – 5
Devahoothi speaks “Oh! child, If we could not elevate our soul in an above-said manner, what would be our afterlife?”
Kapila Vasudeva continues “ Oh! Mother, we are all fastened by our Karma and Time. Therefore, do not humiliate anyone; treat everyone with kindness and humility. Oh! Mother, living beings are superior to non-living things, and humans are the fortunate ones. There are four Varnas such as Bhramin who are born from the face of supreme Lord, Kshatriya who are born from the arms of supreme Lord, and Vaishya and Shudra are born from the thighs and legs respectively. Oh! Mother, I shall narrate the supremacy of the twice-born in a prescribed order, the Bhramin/twice-born who has profound knowledge of Veda and Vedanta, a twice – born who has a thorough knowledge of Veda and its meaning, a twice-born who has the capabilities to remove the misconception of others, and finally twice-born who performs his own duties and responsibilities to elevate his soul and achieve serenity of mind, is considered as the supreme. Oh! Mother, practice your day with prayers to supreme Lord for good intellect to interact with the people in a pleasing manner, do not hurt anyone with words, action or mind, and pray for the ability to accept all those happenings in your life as the grace of Lord. Oh! Mother, we are bound by the powerful shackle of Time, like the wind which has the power to overturn the cluster of clouds. Oh! Mother, an ignorant chase after accumulating wealth with the hope that it would provide them bliss, without the knowledge that ‘Time’ has the skill to overturn their hopes and heave them to extreme distress. Oh! Mother, an ignorant would consider the body as the instrument to seek pleasure in the possession and finds happiness in people who are surrounded by them, they keep greater attachment on their beloved ones, possessions and wealth, and arrives in a wrong perception that there is nothing in the world could provide happiness other than the material well-being, like a dog seeking pleasure in biting bones that causes bleeding its teeth, and swallowing its own blood with a wrong notion that it has derived from the bone and takes great taste in it. An ignorant one is completely besieged by the illusion/Maya of supreme Lord; thus grown completely attached to the material world and remains distressed, spends life seeking short-term pleasures without the knowledge that all the living and non-living things are bound by the ‘Time’, it has to expire at a certain point of time, like the wind takes away the fragrance of the flower. Therefore, we should strive to elevate our soul to the supreme Lord who is beyond ‘Time’. An ignorant one would keep regretting and mourning over bad fortune, keeping all the attention in the material world, gradually the windpipe would get filled with mucus, that causes blockage in the air passage creates extreme difficulty to inhale and exhale, and ultimately leave the mortal coil. The ignorant people make their life hell on the Earth would attain the same after death too. The intellectuals make their life heaven on the Earth would attain the same afterlife too
Devahoothi spoke “Oh! Child kindly explains the life after death.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 93 – The practice of meditation/Bhakti Yoga – 6
Kapila Vasudeva speaks “ Oh! Mother, a soul attains body due to its previous Karma and the influence of ‘Time’; interestingly, the soul chooses its destination and begins its journey from the male productive organ, eventually, it is deposited in the womb of a female. The Shukla/egg deposited in white color remains in the womb for a night, within the five nights it transforms into water bubble, after ten days it turns the size of a pear and turns to the shape of an egg. In the first month, the egg develops its head so that the supreme soul enters through the Bhramarandhra/tender upper part of the head, to decide what kind of body parts should be given to the soul, surprisingly the egg assumes the body parts bound by its previous Karma. In the second month, the fetus develops hands and legs, later nails, hair, bone, and skin. In the third month, the fetus develops a productive organ. In the fourth month the skin, muscles, blood, and bones develop. In the fifth month, the fetus connects its life with the umbilical cord to its mother. In the sixth month the fetus turns its position left or right and gradually turns upside down where it has deposited the excreta from the third month and develop consciousness, while living in this position the bacteria starts to grow in the excreta, it keeps attacking the head of the fetus, but the fetus remains helpless, it moves violently and loses its consciousness, sometimes it weeps in extreme pain. Moreover, the fetus suffers from the extreme heat/spicy, acidity causing meals or cold of the meal consumed by its mother, all of these contribute intense pain all over the body. Thus the fetus starts its struggle for its existence, it absorbs liquid form of the meal through the umbilical cord which was consumed by its mother. The fetus prepares to come out of the womb-like a birdie pops its head out of the nest. At this point of time, the infant gets a clear picture of its previous birth, it eulogizes the supreme Lord “ Oh! Bhagavan, I have attained the form of a human with your grace, kindly relieve me from all the fears and anxieties in this birth, I shall surrender at your lotus feet. I have obtained this human form by my previous Karma, and the purpose of the birth is to complete the unfinished Karma, if I have to perform the tasks with this body and intellect, I need your eternal presence. Hence, I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in me. Oh! Purusha who is beyond Prakrithi, this body is made of five essential elements, and the sense organs functions with your presence, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Lord who is all-pervading, you have given me the consciousness, wisdom, and knowledge, you are well capable to relieve all kinds of miseries and sorrows, I shall prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, I do not want to leave this womb, even though it is full of grimy, because the outer world is unfamiliar and full of the darkness of ignorance, so I would prefer to remain here. Oh! Bhagavan, I shall promise, I shall strive hard to elevate my soul to the supreme Lord who is dearest companion to the soul, and I do not want to commit any sin again and again, and go through endless miseries and sorrows. Oh! Lord Vishnu, I shall take refuge at your lotus feet and shall engage in the worship of you.”
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 94 – The practice of meditation/Bhakti Yoga – 7
Kapila Vasudeva speaks “ Oh! Mother, there are three predominant qualities known as Sathvik, Rajasik, and Thamasik in humans. The people of Sathvik qualities engage in the constant practice of contemplation upon supreme Lord and attains the serenity of mind, the people of Rajasik nature chases after the sensual pleasures and people of Thamasik nature is saturated in illusion. At the time of death, the person who has attained serenity of mind leaves the vital air through eyes or nose, the person with endless desires leave the vital air through the mouth and the people with Thamasik qualities lead a miserable life on Earth, with the feeling of guilt and distress, the air passage will get blocked with mucus of intense grief that makes the air circulation almost impossible, finally leave the vital air through the anus.”
Kapila Vasudeva continues “Oh! Mother, the fetus comes out of the womb along with excreta and cries out loudly, eventually forgets all that promised to supreme Lord in the womb. While living on Earth, the child gets introduced to various ways of living and undergoes great difficulties by chasing sensual pleasures which multiplies anger, pride, ego, jealousy, etc. Thus the child grows with the wrong perception that the body is the prime instrument for sensual pleasure thereby engages in the consumption of meals and physical relationship, ultimately once again it heaves into the darkness of ignorance which causes cycles of birth. Oh! Mother, listen to me carefully, you need not get perplexed after listening to the cycles of human birth on Earth, understand the process of cycles of birth and keep yourself brave, the mind and intellect have originated from the supreme Lord and it has to unite with him, it can be achieved with the association of saintly people, Yoga, meditation, Pranayama, etc.. in this way you can raise your soul from the Maya, leave your body consciousness and unite your soul to the supreme Lord with the constant practice of meditation. The liberated souls attain liberation from repeated cycles of birth, it finally leaves vital air through the Oordhabhaga/upper part. If the soul does not practice any of the methods to unite with the supreme Lord keeps taking several births on Earth and undergoes sufferings of worldly existence. Oh! Mother, therefore take shelter in the lotus feet of Supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, Oh! Mother, listen to me carefully, practice worship of supreme Lord Vasudeva with intense devotion and faith, gradually you will attain the sense of renunciation and supreme wisdom. The Supreme Lord who is the cause for the functioning of the human body and the organs remains the same in all; therefore contemplate upon him with extreme faith and devotion. Oh! Mother, you can share this supreme knowledge with the people who are devoted to the supreme Lord.” Kapila Vasudeva prepared to leave his mother. Devi Devahoothi reverentially prostrated before the lotus feet of Supreme Lord who was born as Kapila Vasudeva and said “Oh! Paramaguro, I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord who was assumed the form of Kapila, Oh! Lord, you have elevated my soul to the absolute truth and made my life fruitful.” Kapila Vasudeva left the place and conducted a journey for the welfare of human beings.
The virtuous Devi Devahoothi watched her son leaving forever, even though she felt uneasy like the mother of the calf grieve over the separation of its calf, instantly she regained her confidence and engaged in the practice of devotion with pleasing nature. She lived all alone in a hermitage in the woods, constantly engaged in the contemplation of supreme Lord; gradually she has attained supreme knowledge and the sense of renunciation and united with the supreme Bhramam, who is the state of bliss. Devahoothi sincerely followed the teachings of her son and attained a transcendental state, she has abandoned all those memories of life with her husband and son, like she has freshly got out of the nightmare, and eventually, attained Bhrama Nirvana. Later, the place where Devi Devahoothi attained Bhrama Nirvana has become the sacred place Kapilashrama to undertake extreme penances. Whoever listens or read the legend of Kapila Vasudeva and follow his teachings sincerely would attain intense devotion and pleasing nature, finally attain the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 95 – The legend of Gajendra Moksham -1
The human intellect has the inexplicable skill to search happiness and comfort in the outer world as well as within oneself, the Srimad Bhagavatham teaches about the search of happiness within oneself and achieves a balanced state of mind that could handle any challenging situation and remain untouched by happiness or sorrow. The human intellect can effortlessly switch over from happiness to sorrow, positive thoughts to negative thoughts and weakness to courage, etc. it can confront the situation with extreme fear and courage as well.
The legend of Manvanthara talks about “who’s the eminent one?” A person who is sacrificed all the material comforts and undergoes penance in the woods, or person living in all the material comforts without giving importance to it, performing his duties and responsibilities and contemplating upon supreme Lord.
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Swayambhuva Manu after ruling the Kingdom wisely for several years, withdrawn to woods with Devi Shatharoopa, in order to contemplate upon supreme Lord. Swayambhuva Manu speaks “ Oh! Devi, The supreme Lord who illuminates the whole Universe, but the Universe cannot shed light on him, he is all-pervading, witnessing all that happening in the Universe, and even the Vedas are incapable to describe the ultimate truth, Drik and Dhrishya are two different things, He is Drik/who makes us understand what’s seen/it is neither eyes, nor the intellect, but the existence of supreme soul causes to understand what has been seen, Dhrishya is the scene. The intellect can absorb sounds and visions, the supreme soul is beyond sounds or vision, it can be experienced, not seen or heard. Oh! Devi, the presence of supreme Lord as a soul in us causes to experience all that happening in and around us. The Supreme Lord who resides as a soul has no beginning or end, everything in the universe undergoes constant transformations, he is eternal, he is not bound by the changes, he is permanent truth.”
Shuka Bhrama continues “ Oh! Rajan, listen to me carefully, there was Mount Thrikoota which was flourished land with rich natural resources, inhabited by the wild animals. The mountain was surrounded by beautiful landscapes, lush green land, rivers, ponds and streams, trees and plants in abundance. It was the shelter place of all the wild animals, birds and reptiles; they took great pleasure in that attractive wood of Mount Thrikoota. There was a large number of elephants led by a strong and powerful elephant Gajendra, he was Indra of Gajas indeed. The elephants took great pleasure in the company of Gajendra and enthusiastically moved all over the woods. The years passed, the forest started to face calamities and destruction of natural resources. They had to face extreme famine and drought, so the elephants decided to leave the place under the guidance of Gajendra who led them to a lush green land. As soon as they entered in the new forest, they could sense the fragrance of lotus flowers, chirping of birds, etc.., they saw a beautiful pond crammed with fully bloomed lotus flowers. All the elephants were overjoyed and took great pleasure in the beautiful pond. Gajendra took a trunk full of water and sprayed over the elephants accompanied and they have passed hours and hours taking great enthusiasm in the water sport while spraying water upon his children and wives, Gajendra forgot to notice sometimes wedged on his leg. Soon he realized that it was a crocodile, he withered in pain, moved the leg here and there. In the meantime his children and wives finished their water sport, quenched their first and got on the land, they did not notice Gajendra who was withering in pain, the water has changed its color, gave out the appearance of a pool of blood. Gajendra understood, even though he is a powerful animal on the land, the crocodile is small in size has great strength in the water. Gajendra put all efforts to pull out the leg from the mouth of the crocodile were ended in failure, he looked upon the large number 0f elephants on the land started to move on their way. Suddenly, the elephants turned back and saw Gajendra in the pond filled in the blood; he has no more strength to get out of the pond. The family of Gajendra, a group of elephants put an effort to pull him with their trunk, but nothing could get him out of the water, instead, he was drowning to water with great speed. Ultimately elephants left their hold, finding their efforts are unsuccessful, and they pitifully looked at Gajendra and left the place. Gajendra realized that no one could help him other than the supreme Lord; the piousness earned in the previous births reminded him to call out supreme Lord for help. His intellect encouraged him to fight against the trap of crocodile, he understood none could help him other the supreme Lord. Gajendra contemplated upon supreme Lord and eulogized."
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 96 – The legend of Gajendra Moksham -2
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Gajendra, the leader of the elephant herd who was rejected by his own family, was caught hold by the crocodile, was began to eulogize supreme Lord “ Oh! Bhagavan, I shall surrender to the supreme Lord who is absolute bliss, Oh! Purusha who resides as a soul in living beings, Oh! Adhibeeja, Oh! Paresha who is beyond description or comparison, Oh! Chithathmaka who is supreme bliss and intellect, I shall meditate upon the Supreme Lord who symbolizes mind and intellect which causes to experience happiness as well as sorrows, he is the protector of the mind and intellect in the three states of awakening, dreaming and sleeping, he is the ‘Drik’ who causes to recognize the visuals, therefore the mind and intellect is an instrument that works at the instruction of the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul in us, Oh! Bhagavan, kindly protect me. Oh! Boothathmabhootha, who is compassionate, not visible even for the deities or Rishis, then how shall it possible for me to visualize you? All that we are witnessing around is your pastimes; I shall take refuge at your lotus feet. The Supreme Lord has no birth or death; he is not bound by the Karma, or names or forms or qualities or impurities. He incarnates on the Earth for the welfare of the Universe and its people, I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord who is absolute Bhramam and Ananthashakthi as well, He assumes marvelous forms even though he has no form, he is omnipresent, and performs various amusements. I shall prostrate before the Athmapradheepa/who illuminates the soul of the living beings, Oh! Sakshine, who witnesses all that happenings in this Universe, Oh! Paramathma who is beyond words and intellect, therefore we could not witness your presence in us but experience the same, Oh! Kaivalyanatha, Oh! Nirvanasukhasamvithe, Oh! Kshethrajja who resides as a soul in living beings, I shall prostrate before you. Oh! Sarvadhyaksha who is present in living as well as non-living things, I shall prostrate before Akhilakarana who is the cause of Universe and its living beings, he is Nishkarana and Adhbhuthakarana who symbolizes supernatural activities as well. He is Maharnnava who symbolizes ocean and Apavargakarana/ who is the path of liberation, I shall prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, I was soaked in illusion, I was taking extreme pleasure in the association of my family, relatives and the material world, I was under the false impression that my attractive and powerful physique would protect me from the troubles, I was under the wrong impression that my family and relatives would protect me from the troubles, therefore I did not make an effort to realize the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in me. Oh! Bhagavan, I have learned from this harsh experience that nothing could protect me, neither my powerful physique nor my family or possessions, I have thoroughly understood that no one to protect me other the supreme Lord who resides as soul in me. Oh! Lord, I have seen many saintly men who are immersed in the contemplation of supreme and drenched in the ocean like supreme bliss, therefore I shall contemplate upon the supreme Lord who is absolute Bhramam, he is eternal, he is Paresha who is invisible, you are beyond the Indriyas, You are flawless. The presence of the Supreme Lord can be experienced with meditation, I have been ignorant, and I did not learn the supremacy of the Lord who resides as soul in me, due to my ignorance, ego, swollen pride and selfishness. Oh! Bhagavan, who is the protector of the distressed soul, not attainable for the ignorant ones, I shall take refugee under your lotus feet
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 97 – The legend of Gajendra Moksham -3
Gajendra who was completely exhausted with pain could see the deafening strike of lightning in the sky; he could witness the supreme Lord Vishnu mounted on the celestial vehicle, holding disc, conch, mace, and lotus on four arms. Gajendra gravely looked at the compassionate eyes and radiant face of Lord Vishnu; he agonizingly stretched his trunk and plucked a lotus flower from the pond and cried out “Oh! Narayana Oh! Akhilaguro Oh! Bhagavan, I shall prostrate before you” he raised the trunk towards the supreme Lord Narayana. Instantly, the head of the crocodile was sliced down with the powerful disc of the Lord Narayana, and Gajendra was pulled out from the pond. The crocodile liberated from the curse was attained the radiant form of an attractive celestial Gandharva and eulogized Lord Narayana with folded hands “ Oh! Natha, Oh! Govinda, Oh! Jagathkarana, Oh! Anandathmaka, Oh! Pankajavilochana, I shall take surrender at your lotus feet. You are the creator of the Universe and its living beings with your Maya and you are performing various pastimes in it. Oh! Jagathprabho kindly blesses me with intense devotion and faith to worship at your lotus feet. Oh! Bhakthavathsala, I should not be in the association of evil-minded, I should be able to recite your endless myths and glories at all times.”
Maharishi Shuka Bhramam continued “Oh! Rajan, Gajendra/soul got liberated from the clutches of ignorance/crocodile, with the touch of supreme Lord Narayana. It is not the legend of Gajendra an elephant; it is the story of all the living beings on the Earth. In the previous birth, Gajendra was the King Indradhyumna in the clan of Pandya. King Indradhyumna was a righteous ruler, was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. He went to Mount Malaya and conducted penance. Once, Sage Agastya arrived at Malayadhri and saw the King Indhradhyuma immersed in the meditation upon the Supreme Lord, eventually entered into a transcendental state, so he could not realize the presence of Agasthya mistook the King who did not show the minimum gestures of respect and cursed him to become an elephant. The King opened his eyes and saw the Sage leaving the hermitage; he followed him and begged for forgiveness, and sincerely explained the situation and begged to pardon him. Sage Agastya controlled his anger and advised the King that the curse cannot be taken back, but whatever happens that would elevate his soul and blessed him that he would attain liberation at the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu. Thus the King Indhradhyumna became King of the elephant in his next birth. The crocodile was a celestial Gandharva Huhu in his previous birth. The immature souls like Gajendra soak in material affairs and bondage and get stranded, finally locked themselves in extreme sorrows and agony like the crocodile in the worldly existence. The elevation of the soul is possible only with the constant contemplation upon the supreme Lord, eventually, the soul would be liberated from ignorance of worldly bondage, like a lotus flower even though it has grown in the muddy pond, it remains pure and unblemished, not even the touch of water.”
Whoever recites or listen to the legend of Gajendra would attain the abode of Lord Vishnu and whoever remembers the oceans, hills, woods, mountains, and mother Earth, on a daily basis, immediately after waking up in the morning, would definitely attain the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 98 – The legend of Churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality - 1
The death is defined in scriptures as ‘Athyantha Vismrithi’, the lack of knowledge of the all-pervading nature of the supreme Lord who is eternal, the individuals who forget the nature of supreme Lord who dwells as a soul in all the living beings is considered as the corpse, even though they are alive. The practice of Yoga, meditation, contemplation, Pranayama, worship, etc… are the easiest techniques to strengthen the knowledge of the presence of the Supreme Lord as a soul in us, in this way we can elevate our soul to the transcendental state or state of bliss or immerse in the state of absolute Bhramam/Bhramakaravriththi is the practice of remembrance of supreme Lord like the nature of water that flows incessantly.
Pareekshith speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, you have described the legend of Gajendra Moksham, kindly narrate ‘the legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality’ happened in the Rairava Manvanthara.”
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, I shall elaborately describe the legend of Lord Vishnu who has incarnated as a giant tortoise to protect Mount Mandara from tilting, while churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality. Maharishi Durvassa presented a highly auspicious garland of Parijatha to Lord Indra who was riding on his celestial vehicle Airavatha, the garland that was received from the abode of Lord Vishnu, a highly fragrant garland crammed with the honey bees. Lord Indra hastily kept on the forehead of Airavatha was pulled down and thrashed on the floor. Maharishi Durvassa who was about to leave the place noticed the arrogant gesture of Lord Indra and cursed him and the deities. Soon, the deities were begun to show the sign of aging, weakness, illnesses, and their entire splendor has vanished. The deities assembled before Durvassa and begged for forgiveness, Maharishi advised them to churn the milky ocean with the Mount Mandara and left the scene. The deities approached Lord Bhrama who was surprised to witness all the deities assembled in Bhramasabha were too weak and had lost their charm, they have narrated the grave incident that happened before Maharishi Durvassa and the curse. Lord Bhrama pacified them and took them to Lord Vishnu who is Paramaguru and beloved Lord of the Universe/Jagathpriya. Thus Lord Bhrama who was accompanied by the deities arrived in the abode of Lord Vishnu and eulogized the supreme Lord.”
Lord Bhrama eulogized “ Oh! Lord, you are absolute truth, you are eternal, you are beyond description, you are not bound by Karma, you are flawless, you are Guhashaya who resides as a soul in living beings, you are unblemished, untouched by the impurities, you are Aprakritha/extraordinary, you are attainable for the virtuous through constant meditation, you are Niruktha who is beyond words, we shall prostrate before you. Oh! Lord, you stir up Prana, mind, and intellect during the awakened state, like the mind that has the wings of a bird represents ignorance and intelligence, you are the controller of the function of that wing, hence we shall prostrate before the supreme Lord who preserves the mind and intellect in the state of sleep, awakened as well as in the state of dreaming. Oh! Lord who is Aja, who is beyond death or birth, you are the rotator of the wheel of five Prana, five Indhriyas and five Karmendhriyas, in the human body. We shall take refuge under the lotus feet of supreme Lord who is the controller of the three Gunas known as Sathvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik nature, Ashtanemi/Boomi, Anala, Vayu, water, sky, intellect, Ahankara, etc. Oh! Supreme Lord who is beyond intellect, you are invisible, and eternal resides as a soul in living beings, undertakes the functions of the mind and intellect, sensory organs, etc. Oh! Lord, who illuminates the functions of the body with his radiance in the form of Prana, is worshiped and contemplates by the fearless soul with the constant Upasana/Yogic practices; eventually take union with the Supreme Lord who is supreme bliss. Oh! Supreme Lord who has created the whole Universe and Chathurvidha, creatures born out of egg/creatures born out of the womb/ plants that are grown out of seeds/ micro-organisms, fungus / from the minuscule part of Your lotus feet, we shall prostrate before you. Oh! Lord, Oh! Mahavibhoothi, who is undertaking the function of living as well as non-living things, and resides as Prana in living things; you are the source of Ojas, Thejas and vigor, therefore kindly bless us. We shall repeatedly prostrate before supreme Lord who has endless prowess, unblemished, and untouched by Maya, resides as a soul in living beings, with this supreme knowledge we could elevate our souls into supreme bliss, which leads to the state of no birth and death. Oh! Lord, this supreme knowledge could elevate our soul from extreme fear, anxieties, sorrows, agonies, and pain. Oh! Bhagavan, the deities are besieged with sorrow and grief, kindly shower your compassionate grace to elevate their soul. We shall surrender at your lotus feet kindly guide us. Oh! Anantha, who is eternal, we need not debate on your existence and presence and waste our time, Oh! Athmakarmane, Oh! Nirgunayaguneshaya who is Lord of Gunas and Nirgunas, and beyond Gunas and Nirgunas as well, Oh! Saththvastha, kindly shower your auspicious grace on us. I have understood the worship of the Supreme Lord who is omnipresent, resides as a soul in living beings, like pouring water on the root of the tree which could prosper the whole of it.” Thus Lord Bhrama praised the supreme Lord. Instantly Lord Vishnu appeared before the deities.
ஸ்ரீமத் பாகவதம் சப்தாஹம் ( Srimadh Bhagavatha Sapthaham ) அதாவது ஏழுநாட்களில் ஸ்ரீமத் பாகவதம் முழுமையும் கேட்பதோ உரைப்பதோ ஆகும்.
எவன் ஒருவன் ஸ்ரீமத் பாகவதத்தை கேட்க விழைகிறானோ அபாபோதே இறைவன் அவனுடைய உள்ளத்தைத் தூய்மையாக்குகிறான் என்பதே ஸ்ரீமத் பாகவதத்தின் ஒப்பற்ற தனிப்பெருமை.
இதனை கேட்க முயற்சிக்கும் மனிதர் தெரிந்தோ தெரியாமலோ இழைத்த பாவங்கள் மறைய தொடங்குகிறது. பாவங்கள் குறையக் குறைய ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ண பக்தி பெருகும்.
ஸ்ரீமத் பாகவதம் வியாசர் வடமொழியில் இயற்றிய பதினெட்டு புராணங்களில் மிகச் சிறப்பானது. பதினெட்டாயிரம் சுலோகங்களைக் கொண்டது என்று மரபு வழக்காகச் சொல்லப்படுகிறது. புராணக் கதைகளுடன் ஆன்மிகத் தத்துவங்கள் வெகு நேர்த்தியாகவும் ஆழமாகவும் பின்னப்பட்டிருக்கும் அருள்நிறை நூல் இது. இதிலுள்ள வேதாந்தக் கருத்துக்கள் உபநிடதக் கருத்துக்களின் அகலத்தையும் ஆழத்தையும் மிஞ்சும் அளவிற்கு முக்கியமானவை.
இந்து சமயத்தினரின் அனைத்து பிரிவுகளினாலும் மிக உயர்வாகப் போற்றப்படும் நூல் பாகவதம். இப்புராணத்தின் வெறும் பாராயணமே சிறந்த ஆன்மிகப் பயனையும், உலகவாழ்க்கையில் நன்மைகளையும் கொடுக்கவல்லது என்ற நம்பிக்கையில் இந்து ஆலயங்களிலும் இல்லங்களிலும் உற்சவங்களிலும் பாரத நாடு முழுவதும் பூசிக்கப்பட்டு வாசிக்கப்படும் நூல். பதினேழு புராணங்களையும் மகாபாரதத்தையும் இயற்றிய வியாசர், பதினெட்டாவது புராணமாக பாகவதத்தை இயற்றியதே நாரதரின் உந்துதலினால்தான்.
மேற்படி பதினேழு புராணங்களையும் மகாபாரதத்தையும் இயற்றியும் வியாசருக்கு மன நிறைவு ஏற்படவில்லை. அதற்குக் காரணம் அவையெல்லாவற்றிலும் கதைப் போக்கை மையமாய் வைத்துக்கொண்டு இயற்றியதுதான் என்கிறார் நாரதர். இறைவனுடைய பெருமைகளையும் தத்துவங்களையும் மையமாக வைத்து ஒரு பாகவதபுராணம் எழுதினால்தான் மன அமைதி கிடைக்கும் என்ற நாரதரின் கருத்தை ஏற்கிறார் வியாச ரிஷி. அதனைத் தொடர்ந்து, பகவானுடைய மஹிமையை தொடர்ந்து வர்ணித்து பாகவதத்தை இயற்றி தன் புத்திரன் சுகருக்கு உபதேசம் செய்கிறார்.
"சுகபிரம்மம்" ( சுகர்), பாண்டவர்களுக்குப் பின் முடி சூடிய பேரரசன் பரீக்ஷித் மஹா ராஜா அவர்களுக்கு எல்லா மகரிஷிகளின் முன்னிலையில் கங்கைக் கரையில் ஏழு நாட்களில் ஸ்ரீமத் பாகவதத்தை எடுத்துச் சொன்னார். அவ்வாறு உபதேசிக்கையில் சூதர் என்பவர் எல்லா மகரிஷிகளுடன் பாகவதத்தை கேட்கும் புண்ணியத்தை பெற்றார். பின்பு கலியுகம் தொடங்கிய பின் நைமிசாரண்யத்தில் சௌனகர் முதலிய மகரிஷிகளுடைய வேண்டுகோளுக் கிணங்கி சூதர் பாகவதத்தைத் தாம் சுகரிடம் கேட்டதை எடுத்துரைத்தார்.
சரி. சப்தாஹம் என்றால் என்ன ? What is Sapthaham?
ஸப்தாஹம் என்றால் 'ஏழு நாட்கள் கொண்ட காலவரை'. இக்காலவரையில் ஸ்ரீமத்பாகவதத்தைப் படிப்பதும் கேட்பதும் ஒரு உயரிய திட்டமுறையாகக் கருதப்படுகிறது. சுகர் ஏழுநாட்களில் பரீக்ஷித்துக்கு இந்த ஸ்ரீமத் பாகவதத்தை எடுத்துரைத்தார். அதுவே முதல் ஸப்தாஹம் எனப்பட்டது.
பின் கோகர்ணர் என்பவரால் அடுத்த ஸப்தாஹம் நடந்தது. இதற்குப் பின்னர்தான் சூதர் நைமிசாரண்யத்தில் மற்ற ரிஷிகளுக்கெல்லாம் பாகவதத்தை எடுத்துரைத்தார்.
ஸ்ரீமத் பாகவதத்தில் பன்னிரண்டு ஸ்கந்தங்கள் உள்ளன. முதலிரண்டு ஸ்கந்தங்கள் முகவுரையாக அமைகின்றன. பாரதப்போர் முடிவிலிருந்து கதை தொடங்குகிறது. பரீக்ஷித்தின் பிறப்பு, அவர் அரசனானது, ஒரு ரிஷிபுத்திரனின் சாபத்தை சம்பாதித்துக்கொண்டது, அதன் காரணமாக கங்கைக் கரையில் விரதமிருந்து சுகரிடம் பாகவதம் கேட்கத் தொடங்கியது,
பிரம்மன் பரம்பொருளிடமிருந்து நான்கே சுலோகத்தில் பாகவதத்தை உபதேசம் பெற்றது, முதலிய விபரங்கள் இம்முதலிரண்டு ஸ்கந்தங்களில் அடங்கும்.
கங்கை, காசி, கயா, புஷ்காரம், பிரயாகை போன்ற யாத்திரைகளை விட ஸ்ரீ சுக பாகவதம் மேலான புண்ய பலனை அளிக்கும் என்பது சான்றோர்களின் தீர்ப்பு. அஸ்வமேத யாகம் போன்ற மிக பெரிய யாகங்களின் பலனையும் மிஞ்சும் புண்ய பலன் எளிய பாராயணம் மற்றும் ஸ்ரவணத்தின் மூலம் கிடைக்கும்.
இதனை புஷ்கரம் , வடமதுரை, துவாரகை(Pushkar, Northern Madurai, Dwaraka) முதலிய புண்யஸ்தலங்களில் சிரவணம் செய்வ்தால் ஒருவன் சம்சார பயத்திலிருந்து விடுபடுகிறான் என ஸ்ரீமத் பாகவத புராணம் உபதேசிக்கிறது.
மற்ற சில மாநிலங்களை போல, கார்த்திகை, மார்கழி போன்ற மாதங்களில் பாலக்காடு, குருவாயூர் மற்றும் அதனை சுற்றி உள்ள பல கோயில்களிலும் மண்டபங்களிலும் பாகவத சப்தாஹம் வருட வருடம் சிறப்பாக அங்குள்ள மக்கள் நடத்தி, இறை அருளை அனைவரும் தொடர்ந்து பெரும் வண்ணம் நடத்தி கடவுளின் தேசம் என்ற அடையாள மொழிக்கு இலக்கணமாக விளங்கி வருகிறார்கள்.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 99 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -2
The deities assembled under the leadership of Lord Bhrama reverentially prostrated before supreme Lord Vishnu. Lord Bhrama praised “Oh! Supreme Lord, who has no birth, you are the source of Nirvanasukha which is the union of the soul with the supreme soul and the state of supreme bliss, you are the source of the liberation of the soul from fear, anxieties, sorrows, pain, and agony. Oh! Lord, who symbolizes minuscule form which is impossible to perceive/Akilathamanam Anthara Dhrik, we shall prostrate before you. Oh! Lord, the intellectuals constantly contemplate upon the splendor of the supreme Lord with the practice of strict discipline, meditation, the performance of rites, recitation of sacred chants and scriptures, Pranayama, etc. and attains the union with the supreme Lord who is eternal bliss. Oh! Bhagavan, whoever surrendered at your lotus feet would experience your presence in them and in the outer world as well, you are the knower of all, you are well aware of our grief.”
Lord Vishnu speaks “Oh! Deities, listen to me carefully, if you want to regain your glories, you have to make a peace agreement with the demons and churn the milky ocean. With the collective efforts of you and the demons follow the instructions, deposit the Mount Mandhara in the milky ocean to utilize the Mountain as the churning rod, and the serpent Vasuki as its rope. I shall caution you, there will be extremely toxic poison Kalakooda originates as a result of churning, but you need not be worried about it, that will be taken care of appropriately, further, there will be various precious things that will originate with your collective efforts, but do not let these things deviate your attention from the ultimate object, that is obtaining the nectar of immortality.” Thus, Lord Vishnu disappeared from their sight.
The deities approached Vairochana/ Mahabali who was ruling the three worlds with his extraordinary might, and they were reverentially greeted. Lord Indra spoke, “Oh! Vairochana, we are children of one father, we are brothers, and we should not fight like enemies. We are besieged with the curse of Maharishi Durvassa thereby lost our splendor, wealth and fame. Lord Narayana advised us to churn the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality with our joined efforts, hence I have come to make a peace agreement with you and get liberated ourselves from the curse. Oh! Vairochana, we can gain the nectar of immortality with our collective efforts and you may kindly take advantage of it.” Vairochana was surprised to watch the extremely generous nature of Lord Indra who was always been haughty and ruthless. Vairochana made a fair agreement between the deities and demons. As an initial exercise, the deities and demons have to elevate Mount Mandhara was failed miserably and few of the demons died, they could not lift an inch from its place. Lord Vishnu mounted on celestial vehicle Garuda and the Mount Mandhara have perfectly placed on the milky ocean. The demons and deities found repositioning the huge serpent Vasuki was deposited in the milky ocean and tied the rope around the Mount Mandhara by Lord Vishnu. Thus, the churning of the milky ocean began, the deities who were near the mouth of the serpent started to suffocate from the heat waves produced from the mouth of Vasuki due to friction. Once again deities, appealed to Lord Vishnu who advised them to wait patiently, suddenly the demons refused to hold on the tail of Vasuki, eventually demons switched over to the place of the head of the serpent and tail was caught hold by the deities, thus the deities relieved from the heat waves of Vasuki. The churning has continued, but they did not notice the Mount Mandhara started to tilt vigorously due to the extreme pressure on it. Suddenly Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a giant tortoise and leaped into the water, and lifted Mount Mandhara on its solid upper back. The deities and demons continued the process of churning, the tortoise felt as simple as tickling on its upper back. Thus, the supreme Lord Vishnu who has assumed the form of a giant tortoise, with its one hand supporting the deities and the other hand to the demons, continued churning the ocean. As the churning has progressed, it caused turmoil in the aquatic animals; suddenly Vasuki emitted toxic poison all over the ocean, which is capable to destroy the entire Universe and its people. The deities and demons were alarmed refused to withstand the poison, Lord Mahadeva who was in deep contemplation witnessed the pathetic situation of the deities and demons. Soon, the deities appealed to Lord Mahadeva, “ Oh! Deva, Oh! Mahadeva who is Lord of Lords, Oh! Bhoothathma who resides as a soul in living beings, Oh! Bhoothabhavana kindly protects us from the threat of toxic poison which is capable to destroy the three worlds. Oh! Jagadheeshwara who is the Lord of the universe, you are the source of liberation from worldly bondage, Oh! Guru/preceptor, you are the protector of the distressed people; hence we shall take shelter on your lotus feet. Oh! Vibhu, you represent trinities, you are absolute Bhramam, Oh! Jagadeeshwara who resides as supreme soul, we shall prostrate before you, kindly protect us.” Lord Mahadeva spoke to Devi Sati “Oh! Devi, the deities are deeply troubled by the toxic poison raised while churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality, I have decided to protect them from this trouble, and it is my responsibility. I have decided to swallow that toxic poison for the welfare of living beings.” Thus, Lord Mahadeva graciously received that toxic poison in his two palms, and poured over in his mouth, with the divine powers he put a sudden halt to the poison on the throat from moving further to the stomach. The poison swallowed by the compassionate Lord Mahadeva became an ornament on his throat, thus Lord Mahadeva was honored with the sacred name ‘Neelkand Mahadev’.
Srimad Bhagavath Mahapura
||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||
Chapter – 100 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -3
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, The Kalakooda/toxic poison was graciously accepted by Lord Mahadeva, a few drops of it fell on the Earth was consumed by serpents, crawling creatures, and reptiles. The churning process was continued, the divine cow Kamadhenu come into sight from the ocean was offered to Rishis/ Agnihothris and Bhramavadhis who performs various fire sacrifices and remains in the contemplation of supreme Bhramam. In this way, various precious things were appeared from the ocean were distributed among deities and demons, the white horse with a black tail Ucchaisravas was offered to Vairochana/Mahabali, the powerful elephant Airavatha was offered to Lord Indra, the precious jewel Kausthubha was accepted by Lord Vishnu, the divine tree Parijatha was given to the abode of Lord Indra/ Indraloka. Suddenly, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi/Rama who is chaste and virtuous, stunningly gorgeous, youthful, appeared from the ocean, she has the resemblance of the strike of lightning captured the attention of demons and deities as well. All the deities received Goddess Rama with great reverence, she was offered a seat and washed her feet by the deities, and heartily wished her to marry. The Sages, Rishis, and Lord Maheshwara was prepared to receive her with great admiration. She looked upon the supreme Lord Vishnu who symbolizes Dharma/righteousness, prowess, kindness, and compassion. Goddess Rama has the nature of being in the association of people of self-sacrificing, virtuous and willing to elevate their soul, presented herself to supreme Lord who remains unhurt by Gunasangha. Her eyes were yearning for Lord Mukunda who is contemplating the supreme soul and remains in bliss.”
Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, In this way, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi proved her presence with the liberated soul, who remains untouched by the impurities in the presence of her, people who are self-sacrificing and willing to contribute for the greatest causes and welfare of others. Therefore, whoever contemplates upon the supreme Lord who resides as soul, has the nature of supreme bliss would be blessed with the eternal presence of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi. Thus, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi offered herself to Lord Vishnu. The churning process has continued, there appeared Varuni/intoxicating drink that was offered to demons. Suddenly there appeared Dhanvanthari Bhagavan who symbolizes the cure for all the illnesses/medicine of herbs/ science of Ayurveda /with a pot of nectar of immortality, before the deities could get hands-on it was seized by the demons. The demons engaged in a series of arguments and discussions about who will share the nectar of immortality were failed, everyone started fighting to get their own portion beforehand, thus it resulted in complete chaos. The deities lost their hopes and deeply disappointed, they looked at the face of supreme Lord Vishnu.”
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