Return to: Vahini.org
See for the online version with illustrations
http://www.bagavatham.org/Tales from the Bhagavatham retold for Children
By P.S. Krishna Iyer
Price: Unpriced
For Private Circulation Only
BY THATHA
OM! NAMO BHAGAVATHE VASUDEVAYA
Chapter 1 Sk 3 . Ch 15 - Slokam 30
Coming of KapilaChapter 2 Sk 4 . Ch 6 - Slokam 32
The Great Daksha YagamChapter 3 Sk 4 . Ch 8 - Slokam 54
The Story of DhruvaChapter 4 Sk 4 . Ch 16 - Slokam 16
The Story of VenanChapter 5 Sk 4 . Ch 25 - Slokam 58
Prachinabarhis and His Sons the PrachetasesChapter 6 Sk 5 . Ch 5 - Slokam 1
PrachetasChapter 7 Sk 5 . Ch 8 - Slokam 1
The Story of BharataChapter 8 Sk 6 . Ch 2 - Slokam 15
AjamilaThe Strange Request of Devas to Dadichi
Chapter 9 Sk 7 . Ch 6 - Slokam 1
PrahladaChapter 10 Sk 8 . Ch 2 - Slokam 1
Gajendra MokshamChapter 11 Sk 8 . Ch 7 - Slokam 1
The Great ChurningChapter 12 Sk 9 . Ch 4 - Slokam 15
Matsyavataram The Lord's Avatar As FishChapter 13 Sk 9 . Ch 10 - Slokam 4
RamayanaChapter 14 Sk 9 . Ch 21 - Slokam 2
YayatiChapter 15 Sk 10 . Ch 3 - Slokam 9, 10
Sri Krishna AvatarKrishna Is Bound To A Wooden Mortar
Liberation of Nalakubera And Manigriva
Chapter 16 Sk 10 . Ch 15 - Slokam 1
The Death of DhenukaChapter 17 Sk 10 . Ch 21 - Slokam 1
Music of the FluteSalvation of the Brahmin Women
Preparation for the Indra Yagna
Krishna's Abishek Or Holy Bath
Chapter 18 Sk 10 . Ch 38 - Slokam 1
Akrura's VisionThe Episode Of The Crooked Sundari
Chapter 19 Sk 10 . Ch 50 - Slokam 1
Confrontation with JarasandhaChapter 20 Sk 10 . Ch 69 - Slokam 41
PradyumnaChapter 21 Sk 10 . Ch 80 - Slokam 6
The Story of Kuchela Or Grace SupremeChapter 22 Sk 10 . Ch 82 - Slokam 1
The Great ReunionDevaki Sees Her Dead Sons Again
Krishna's Visit To Srutadeva And Janaka
Chapter 23 Sk 10 . Ch 89 - Slokam 22
Recovery of the Brahmin's ChildrenChapter 24 Sk 11 . Ch 6 - Slokam 43
Avadhuta's Twenty-Four GurusThe Story Of Pingala The Courtesan
Chapter 25 Sk 12 . Ch 6 - Slokam 8
The End Of The YadavasChapter 26 Sk 12 . Ch 8 - Slokam 11
The Story Of MarkandeyaMaya Darsanam - Sutha Continued
==========================================
It will be generally agreed that some of the happiest moments of our life were those spent listening to bedtime stories told by our doting old grand parents. Very often they may be repeating the same old story; but that did not matter at all. "Hello Children, come here. Once upon a time there was a king" and the story would go on and children would be in fairyland. Now on reflection, we realize that these bed-time stories served a great purpose. Children were led to appreciate bravery, truthfulness, honesty, goodness etc. and detest sins. And all this was accomplished in the least expensive and psychologically most effective way. Unfortunately all these have changed.
Thousands of miles separate modern grand parents from their grand children to the detriment of both. This defect can be overcome to some extent through good storybooks and only through books. Advice from parents, however good, can be awfully boring; it may even have negative effects. Stories from Greek classics served a good purpose. Heroes by Kingsly and Tanglewood tales by Hawthorne are typical. They increased the child's vocabulary and language power in the most natural way, through context; not through dictionary.
A clear understanding of our own numerous deities is necessary. They are just concepts leading to the grand philosophy of the Gita.
Hoping that the book will find favour with children and the kind indulgence of the elders.
Your Servant
P.S. Krishna Iyer.
*****************
OM! NAMO BHAGAVATHE VASUDEVAYA
After the great holocaust of Mahabharata when most of the friends and all the enemies of Pandavas were slain, Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna was installed as the king at Hastinapura (Modern Delhi). He was as valorous as his father Abhimanyu and invincible like his grandfather Arjuna and it seemed that Krita Yuga had once again returned. But it was not to be. All things must change.
The king went out a hunting. It was essential to keep the wild animals at bay. After a daylong hunt, the king got separated from his attendants. He was very thirsty and looking about, saw an ashram (hermitage) at a distance. Taking off his shoes and with folded arms the king gently entered the ashram and there saw an old sage, Maharishi Angeras sunk in deep meditation. Parikshit tried to rouse him but the sage would not open his eyes. In a weak moment the king was overcome with anger. A serpent had cast off its coils near by. With the end of his bow the king took it up and placed it round the neck of the meditating saint and departed.
The bad news soon reached the ears of Sringi, the son of Angeras. At once, surrounded by his playmates he returned to the ashram and saw the dead snake round his father's neck. He burst into tears. Hearing that, it was done by the king himself, he flew into a rage and taking a handful of water in his palms pronounced a terrible curse. He said. "On the seventh day from now the king shall die of snake bite, bitten by Takshaka".
Angeras Maharishi hearing the hubbub woke from his samadhi. On hearing all that had happened, he was displeased with his son. He said, "What have you done my son! The king is a great ruler. Who will protect us, ensuring peace all around, enabling us to pursue tapas? You must go at once and beg for pardon." Sringi was abashed to hear this.
Meanwhile the king too had heard of the curse. Too late he repented for his conduct. A Brahmin's curse was irrevocable and death was certain. But he now wanted to know how to meet it remembering Hari always and of course at the last moment.
The ministers - most of them being sages and rishis - advised him to call on a great conference. News spread fast, couriers were sent to distant parts of the kingdom and even outside. A vast concourse assembled on the banks of the Ganges. Bhagavan Atri, and the great sages Vasishta, Chyavana, Bhrigu, Angeras, Bharadvaj, Gautama, Agastya, Dwaipayana, Viswamitra, Sri Narada himself and many others had assembled. When all were comfortably seated, the king asked them what a dying man should do to realize God. While they were debating, there came by accident as it were Vyasa Maharshi's son Sri Suka, the bachelor saint, always sixteen years old, glowing like the rising sun. The great assembly rose en-masse and conducted him to the acharya's seat.
Parikshit said, "It is certainly our great good fortune that Bhagavan has chosen to come amongst us. Kindly tell us what a mortal facing death should do to realize Hari".
Sri Suka replied "Oh! King! Your question is most opportune. We all face death any moment. At least you have the certainty of living for seven days. Consider this whole universe as the manifestation of Sri Hari. His feet are in the nether world; His waist and abdomen constitute the earth. His head is the heavenly region. His eyes are the sun and moon. His heart is Truth itself. Contemplate on this divine form and before long you will be merged in Him enjoying great peace and ecstasy."
Sri Suka continued. "Sri Hari takes various forms. The most pleasant is Adi Narayana with four arms carrying the conch, the disc, the mace and the lotus, lounging on the serpent body of Adisesha with the ever-constant Sri Devi attending with all the other Parshadas. It is Vaikunta, glistening with golden domes and marble palaces. All the blessed inhabitants look alike and are in the prime of youth. The women resemble their mistress Sri Devi. The fragrance of heavenly flowers exude from them, and they sing hymns praising the glory of the Lord. Even the parrots chant Vedas. It is all so pleasant. But, Sri Narayana wanted a change. It came about as follows."
Thus Bhagavan Sri Suka started to tell the sacred story of the lord The Bhagavatham.
Sk 3 . Ch 15 - Slokam 30
The Sanat Kumaras, the great Rishis were closest in attendance on the Lord. They were four in number and all looked like five-year-old children. They could travel anywhere in the universe with the speed of thought on missions of peace and goodwill. It happened that they were just on such a mission and the same thought occurred to all of them . They said to each other, "Brothers, we have been absent from our Lord too long; let us return."
The next moment they were at the gates of Vaikunta and holding each other by the hand they confidently entered the first of the seven golden gates, when they were brusquely stopped by two gigantic guards with crossed lances. The guards said. "Stop! Sri Narayana and Sri Devi have retired to rest. Wait till they wake up." The Kumaras were stunned. There was no time restriction for entry to heaven. But the guards were adamant. The Kumaras became angry, which was something quite unusual. They said, "You two do not deserve to be here! Go down to the lower regions and after expiating your sins you can come here again".
The Lord of course, knew that something was amiss and with Sri Devi came down to set things right. The Lord appeared before them along with Sree Devi. Everyone prostrated, feeling rather guilty. The Supreme Lord said, "You Kumaras and you Dwara palakas, do not feel guilty. It was all my wish. Now the curse pronounced by the Kumaras cannot be revoked. But I give you a choice. You can return to me after three birth - death cycles as my enemies or after seven birth - death cycles as my devotees".
The giant guards replied, "We cannot wait for seven births and deaths. We would rather choose the shorter course of three cycles". Their request was granted. Immediately the gigantic guards were thrown head downwards to earth.
We have now to revert to the events happening with Kasyapa Prajapati. It is needless to say that Brahma's son Kasyapa Prajapati was a very great Maharishi. He had two wives, Diti and Aditi. The devas (gods) were the sons of Aditi, Indra being the eldest and most powerful. Diti also underwent rigorous tapas for children. Kasyapa was pleased and resolved to bless her also with sons; but she would not wait for the right time. The sun was setting and it was time for prayer; but Diti did not mind all that. Overcome with sudden passion, she enticed the protesting Kashyapa. He said, "Oh! My dear, this is time for worship of my brother Sri Rudra who is presently going round the universe accompanied by his followers and his ire will be roused if people misbehave." But Diti would not hear. It was fate. Just then the two guards were hurtling towards the world and they entered her womb
Diti knew that they were asuric (demoniac) and suppressed them for a hundred years within her womb. There were ominous signs. The atmosphere became intolerably hot , jackals howled, owls hooted and showers of red-hot stones fell from the sky. The twins named Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaksha were born and they grew apace . Their golden crowns touched the clouds. As they walked around , the earth trembled. The seas swept over the land. As Hiranyaksha the younger brother stepped into the sea, it was only knee deep. It was water all around. The sages and gods, as usual appealed to Sri Hari who immediately took the form of a huge boar and plunged into the sea. And then ensued a fierce battle, which lasted many days with many ups and downs and many an anxious moment for the sages. At last Sri Hari gave a fierce blow and the demon fell dead .
Hiranyakasipu heard about the terrible death of his brother and resolved to avenge it. He thought, "I must be well prepared. By intense tapas I will acquire such boons as will make me invincible." With this unholy resolve he left his queen and kingdom and repaired to the forest and undertook unheard of austerities, - such as standing on one leg only and fasting all the time. Birds settled on his matted locks, wild bees stung his face and carnivorous ants slowly devoured his body. Fumes and tongues of flame began to shoot from his body because of the intensity of his tapas. Thus he continued his tapas for long long years.
Meanwhile important events were happening in the regions ruled by the Manus. Here the land was broad and the forests were green. The broad rivers and the numerous sparkling rivulets made the land almost like another heaven on earth. The workers toiled happily. There was peace and plenty everywhere and the elderly sages stayed in the forests engaged in tapas. Over this blessed land ruled, the king Swayambhuva Manu with queen Satarupa.
Kardama was a renowned sage, young and handsome. He wished there were more people. When a great rishi has a particular wish, God at once fulfills it. And so it happened. The next day, emperor Swayambhuva Manu came riding in a golden chariot accompanied by his queen Satarupa and their beautiful daughter Devahuti. They saluted the young sage and said "Sir, I have been told that you intend to marry and we humbly entreat you to accept our beautiful daughter as your partner. She is qualified in every respect, by her age, character and upbringing. We will be blessed if you accept her. O! Great Sage!" The sage was pleased for this was what he himself had desired and accepted the bride. Leaving their daughter in the ashram the king and the queen returned to their capital. They gave their daughter many costly and useful gifts and with a tearful farewell left her in the hermitage.
The princess was the ideal Hindu wife. She would sleep only after her husband had slept. She would get up early before him and sprinkle holy water in front of the ashram. She kept the ashram clean; gathered flowers for the pooja and attended on him like his shadow. Thus years rolled by and Devahuti became thinner. Her veins showed under the skin. The Maharishi noticed it and he was overcome with pity. He asked her what she wanted and she replied, "My lord! I want what every woman wants. Children from you my wedded husband." The sage relented and said, "My dear, You are emaciated and weak. Take a dip in that lake Bindusara near the river Saraswathy."
The princess obeyed and entered the lake. And then a wonderful thing happened. She was surrounded by hundreds of damsels who bathed her and dressed her with beautiful garments. They adorned her with divine ornaments and flowers . The princess became very beautiful and radiant . Such was the Rishi's tapas. He himself became gloriously handsome like a god. The hermitage too was changed into a marvellous mansion with hundreds of rooms and terrace above terrace. The golden domes on top gleamed in the morning sun. The servants were clad in golden dresses. They were eager and anxious to carry out any order. Devahuti knew that all this was due to the power of the Rishi's tapas .But the most wonderful thing about this palace was that it was a flying mansion. They had only to wish and it would fly swiftly over the clouds to wherever they wanted. In this way they spent a happy time in the gardens of the gandharvas , demi-gods , and in the gardens around mount Kailas itself. Sometimes they would be on mountain tops amid the rolling clouds or on mountain slopes amid the tall cedar trees., Birds of every hue flitted here and there. The sunshine reflected from their wings and their warbling sounds filled the air. Was there ever a honeymoon like this?
But alas! Everything must end. The Maharishi woke up as from a sleep and realized that he had strayed from the path of Brahman far too long. Meanwhile nine daughters were born all of the same age, as fair as the dawn.
Devahuti was sad. She could read his mind. Kardama sadly said "My dear wife, now I must go. I have given you most beautiful children as I had promised." With a wistful look, Devahuti sadly said, "My lord! I have been a foolish woman hankering after fleeting, foolish pleasures. With such a great husband as you, I should have earned the way to everlasting bliss. Besides, how can I - a lone woman - find suitable matches for these our beautiful daughters? And my lord, I would like to have a son who would be a support and guide me to salvation."
The great sage relented. He remembered that God had promised to be born as his son. He agreed to stay for some time more.
Coming Of Kapila.In due time Devahuti gave birth to a beautiful son. There were auspicious sounds all around . A gentle breeze wafted heavenly fragrance. Wild animals became tame and gentle. Devas and angels with Brahma at their head appeared overhead with garlands in token of worship. For, it was their own lord, - the lord of the universe - who had come down to this sphere, to dispel the doubts of rishis and establish Sankhya dharma for the salvation of mankind!
Kardama and Devahuti prostrated before their child who had assumed his true form with four hands bearing the conch, the disc, the mace and the lotus.
Now Kardama, his mission over, arranged the marriage of his daughters with nine renowned sages; Anasuya with Athri, Arundhathi with Vasishta and so on. Kardama took a last look at his divine son and bidding a tender farewell to the princess left for the Himalayas.
Mother and Son.Devahuti was now left alone with her son. She realized that her son was Vishnu (God) incarnate. With folded hands she said, "I am deeply distressed my Lord. Deceived by the senses, I have wasted my time in sensual enjoyments. Save me from these and teach me how to reach that eternal bliss from which there is no return."
And the son, remembering that his body was derived from her, addressed her with great tenderness, "O Mother! This mind is the seat of everything good or bad. In association with the evil, it takes on that color but the same mind in association with the good and the saintly, becomes like them. These saintly people will always do good actions or talk about godly things and enchanting stories about my actions and me. When people hear about my glory, I enter through their ears and their hearts melt and they see the whole world as their kin. They see myself present everywhere. Thus of all methods of reaching me, none is so pleasant or safe as the path of devotion. And therefore O Mother! You too leave off all thoughts of relatives or home and I assure you, you will come to me."
Kapila then set off to the Himalayas with the permission of his mother and at Badariyasram began to do tapas. Though he was God himself, he did tapas as an example to all yogis and taught Sankhya philosophy. It is said that he is still there, clearing the doubts of all earnest seekers as Sankhya Acharya.
Devahuti now lived in a cottage by the side of river Saraswathi. She forgot her physical existence. Her mind fixed on Vasudeva, she finally merged in Him . Her body became a sparkling river known as Sidhitha. You may see it even today rolling over saligrama murmuring "Sivoham! Sivoham! "
Sk 4 . Ch 6 - Slokam 32
The Great Daksha YagamDevahuti had a sister Prasuti by name and she was married to Daksha Prajapati, a son of Brahma himself. This Daksha was the doyen of all the priests, performing elaborate rituals and sacrifices. On one occasion all the priests and sages assembled together and performed a famous sacrifice. Daksha , shining like the sun , entered there. Every one stood up in respect and awe except Brahma and Rudra.
Daksha noticed it. He went up to Brahma (his father) and saluted him formally and took his seat, ignoring Sri Rudra who was one of the trinity. Daksha stood up and casting a baleful look at Sri Rudra declaimed, "Look at this presumptuous upstart. Obeying my father Brahma, I gave my doe eyed daughter to this monkey-eyed beggar whose abode is the burning ghat. He smears himself with ashes from the funeral pyre. The serpent is his necklace and ghosts and goblins are his attendants."
But Sri Rudra, the great God that he was, calmly stood up and departed with his attendants. However Nandiswara, foremost among Sri Rudra's followers could not contain himself and cursed Daksha and his progeny to be idolatrous, slaves of women, traders in mantras with no real Brahmin hood. Bhrigu of Daksha's camp flung curse for curse prophesying that saivites would follow unclean methods and unholy tantric practices. Thus heartily cursing each other they departed.
Years passed without any diminution in the enmity between father in law and son-in-law.
One day Dakshayani (Sati) observed the sky thick with bright chariots of the celestials drawn by snow-white swans. The gods and demi gods with their highly bedecked consorts were moving in the direction of her father's palace. From their talk Sati understood that they were going to attend a grand Yagna called Brihaspati Seva and it was to be conducted by her father. They talked of the grand festivities and the rich presents they would get.
Sati's heart yearned to go and to her lord she said, "My lord! Your father-in-law is conducting a great yagna. All the celestials with their brides are going. My dear sisters with their husbands will be there and I too long to be with them, along with you. You are generous. You have given to me half of your body even. We have not been invited, what then? One can go to a friend's house or to one's father's house or one's guru's ashram without invitation."
Sri Rudra replied, "Your observations are correct. We can go uninvited to the house of a good friend but not to that of one who is envious and looks with an evil eye. The evil words of a proud man rankle in the heart much more than the sharp arrow of an enemy. If you go, it will not be good for you and may even end in death".
With this the Jagat-Guru retired and remained silent. Sati was not convinced. She became restless looking up; she saw the sky, teeming with the celestials. She retired into the hermitage , and again came out into the open. She trembled with anger at her Lord and finally decided to go without his permission.. But Nandiswara and others would not let her go alone. Nandi the bull carried her on his back, Maniman sounded the conch, others sounded the cymbals and the godly procession soon reached the yagna sala. Her sisters and mother received her with great affection but Daksha frowned and even said, "Who asked you to come?" Sati ignored the taunt but noted that her Lord was ignored. No seat was set apart for the Lord of the Yagna. Her anger blazed.
"You hate the great Lord Siva by uttering whose name a dying man is absolved of all sins and is released from further birth and death. Such an all-merciful all forgiving God you hate. I am ashamed of this body, which is derived from you."
Then sitting in the lotus posture and concentrating on the feet of her Lord her body was consumed in a trice by holy fire. The ganas of Rudhra tried to avenge her death in vain. Bhrigu reciting a mantra poured an oblation in the holy fire and hordes of demi gods armed to the teeth arose from the fire and put to flight the followers of Sri Rudra.
Sri Narada Maharishi who could travel anywhere broke the sad news to Sri Rudra. But the great God being omnipresent had known everything. Sri Rudra became furious. He sprang up and from his matted locks, plucked a strand and hit the earth with it. A huge gigantic form, Veerabhadra with a golden crown and wielding a trident flashing flames danced round Siva. Prostrating before the great God he addressed him thus, "Your servant my lord, what shall I do?" The Lord said, "Go! And destroy Daksha and his yagna. You are the foremost of my commanders."
Veerabhadra roared with delight and accompanied by all the myrmidons of Siva, sped towards the yagna sala. The earth trembled under their feet, the sky darkened. A whirlwind destroyed everything before them heralding their coming. The sages conducting the yagna were frightened. Ladies of the royal household , Sati's mother and sisters , trembled with fear. And all at once the avengers were upon them. With flaming torches they set fire to the yagnasala. Nandiswara caught hold of Bhrigu and said, "You proudly stroked your beard when the great Lord Siva was insulted. ." Saying so he plucked off his beard. Pushana the sun god, - who had derisively laughed earlier - had his teeth knocked out. Daksha put up a brave fight but Veerabhadra caught hold of him, wrenched his head off and threw it into the sacrificial fire.
Thus ended the great Daksha yagna. The devas were not too pleased. Was not Daksha their great leader, master of Vedic hymns, who sustained them with frequent yagnas.? And now who will conduct great yagnas? How can they derive their strength from the yagnas now?
They approached Brahma and requested him to pacify Sri Rudra and revive Daksha. Brahma replied, "All of you and Daksha in particular have deeply offended Sri Rudra, the embodiment of calmness. Still I shall come with you and try to console Sri Rudra who is in deep grief over the demise of his dear wife". So they formed a great procession and with Brahma at their head, slowly wended their way to Sri Kailas, the abode of Sri Rudra. On the way they had to cross many valleys and rivers and wooded forests with magnificent trees like cedar, devadaru, and sandal wood. Their giant branches were raised to heaven as if in prayer, entwined with tendrils of jasmine and many sweet smelling flowers. They passed by many lakes of crystal clear water crowded with blue lotuses and the thousand petalled lotuses called souganthika. Heavenly damsels, the apsaras sported with their spouses in these lakes. On and on they passed. Parrots, cranes and peacocks were flying in swarms overhead all singing the praises of the Creator. Still they pushed on and passed by the hermitages of sages, who had reached various stages of realization. They passed through the land of the yakshas guarded by holy rivers, the Nanda and Alakananda. Finally, they approached Sri Kailas, the abode of Sri Rudra. There they saw a great banyan tree and under it's spreading branches was Sri Rudra himself. The crescent moon shone like a jewel in his matted locks. The embodiment of calmness, He was sitting cross-legged . His body so dear to the sages was smeared with ashes. Holding the japamala in one hand and indicating the chin mudra with the other, he was instructing the sages Sri Narada Sanaka Sananda and many others. The sages were sitting around in deep attention
On seeing Brahma Sri Rudra arose and prostrated before him as a son should and so did all the others. Then Brahma said, "O! Rudra! You are the all merciful, all-powerful, the all seeing one. It behoves you to forgive this Daksha and his followers for their ignorance. Be pleased to give Daksha his life, Brigu his beard, Pushana his teeth and wisdom to all."
Sri Rudra smilingly replied "Indeed! I do not want to punish these foolish people who are subject to Maya."
Daksha's followers repented for their mistakes and humbly requested Sri Rudra to accompany them and see that the yagna was completed. Sri Rudra graciously agreed and followed them to the yagna sala. Daksha's head had been burnt up. So they substituted it with the head of the sacrificial goat. Its beard was grafted on Brigu's chin. It was decreed that Pushana would get only puddings as sacrificial offerings, as he had no teeth. Now Vishnu (Hari) also appeared and in the presence of the Trinity the great yagna was concluded. All the gods and sages returned to their respective abodes chanting the Rudram and Chamakam, Daksha leading them all.
These verses are recited with great gusto even to day by learned pundits all over the land.
Sk 4 . Ch 8 - Slokam 54
The Story of Dhruva.Devahuti, daughter of Swayambhuva Manu and Satarupa had two brothers, Priyavrata and Uttanapada. The latter became king and he had two wives Suniti and Suruchi. Suniti's son was called Dhruva and Suruchi's son was Uthama.
Suruchi the younger was the favourite wife. One day, the king was sitting on his throne with the younger wife Suruchi. Her son Uthama was sitting on the lap of the king. The king fondled the younger prince Uthama. The elder prince Dhruva was playing nearby and he also wanted to be fondled by his father. Dhruva toddled up to the throne and climbed up the steps to sit on his father's lap. The haughty queen pushed him aside and said, " If you want to sit on your father's lap you should be born as my son. Go away to the forest and pray to Hari to be born as my son."
Dhruva began to cry when he heard her taunting words. But he was a king's son. He hissed like a serpent that was beaten by a rod and ran to his mother. The poor queen took him up in her arms and kissed him. From Dhruva's playmates the queen heard about it all and began to shed tears. In her distress, she called upon Lord Hari. She took the child in her lap and said tearfully," Beloved son, Lord Hari is your unfailing refuge. You were born to an unfortunate one. The king is ashamed even to look at me. You are suckled and brought up by me who am most unfortunate.. We are all suffering for our past mistakes. Worship the lotus feet of Sree Hari, your desire shall be fulfilled."
The poor queen wilted like a tendril in a forest fire. Dhruva was now resolved with unbelievable firmness. He resolved to follow his mother's advice and started for the forest.
Sri Narada hearing of this met Dhruva on the way and warned the child about the dangers ahead. But Dhruva was so firm that in the end the sage ended by helping him. Sri Narada pointed the way to Madhuvana on the bank of the Yamuna as a place dear to the Lord. Then he gave a glorious description of the Lord's form and imparted the holy mantra,
"Om Namo Bhagavathe Narayanaya""Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
These mantras consisted of twelve syllables.
Then the divine Sage said to Dhruva."Dhruva, You should bathe three times a day and perform puja with thulasi and other flowers. Constantly remember the fascinating stories of the Lord's Avatars and do your tapas."
Dhruva heard all this with rapt attention and prostrated before the sage and went towards Madhuvana. He began his great tapas, the like of which has never been heard of, either before or after.
Bathing in the river before dawn, he began meditating on Sri Hari as directed by Sri Narada. His food consisted of only a few fruits in the first month. In the second month, he ate only a little grass; in the third only a few fallen leaves. In the fourth month, he established control over the breath. In the fifth he would stand on only one leg and when he changed his stance to the other leg, the earth began to shake. In the sixth month restraining all outlets , he became one with the universe. Fumes and flames began to rise around him.. The devas in heaven became breathless and were toppled from their seats. Gasping and breathless and in great fear, they approached Sri Hari the ultimate refuge of all. Sri Hari consoled them.
"Have no fear you gods. The son of Uttanapada is doing intense tapas. I will go and pacify him."
Dhruva was absorbed in the form of Sri Hari and the whole universe in his heart. He suddenly missed the Lord in his heart. He opened his eyes and saw the same Hari standing before him.
He was dumb for a moment not knowing how to praise the Lord. The lord touched his forehead with his conch and then hymns of praise gushed forth from his lips.
"O! Lord! Having created this universe, you have entered the hearts of everything alive or inert. You make them act with your Maya, keeping them under the illusion that they are independent. Only by your grace can we come out of this illusion. May you be pleased to grant us this grace and the final resting place which is yourself." Sri Hari granted him sovereignty of the earth and advised him to go back to his father.
After leaving Dhruva in the forest Sri Narada straightaway met king Uttanapada who was by this time bitterly repenting his conduct. The Devarishi Narada assured him that Dhruva would return after the tapas and that he would bring great honour and fame to the royal line.
The months passed soon and messengers announced that Dhruva was returning. The king went in his royal palanquin with the queens to welcome Dhruva. The courtiers, priests and all the royal retinue went with the king to receive Dhruva . The king conducted him to his palace with great love. Dhruva prostrated before Suruchi first and then before his mother and father and they all embraced him with tearful eyes.
There was great rejoicing throughout the kingdom for many days. But a sad event befell before long. It was the practice for princes to go out hunting in those days. Prince Uttama had gone to the forest when as fate would have it a gandharva killed him. Dhruva was infuriated and he entered the forest with a vast army, determined to avenge the death of his brother. Dhruva had acquired divine weapons by his tapas. A fierce battle ensued and the gandharvas were almost exterminated. Kubera, the lord of wealth and one of the guardians of the world was in sore straits. Now Brahma appeared and appealed to Dhruva to show mercy to a beaten enemy. Dhruva obeyed and in return Brahma granted him numerous boons. Poor queen Suruchi in her grief entered the forest and a forest fire killed her.
King Uttanapada became very old. He had conducted many yagnas and had ruled long and well . And like his forefathers he decided to retire to the forest for tapas. So Dhruva was crowned as king. Long were the festivities and it is said that even the gods graced the occasion.
Dhruva was the ideal king; the darling of his subjects. He too conducted many yagnas. There was peace and plenty everywhere. But he too, was subject to time and handing over his kingdom to his son, entered the forest for tapas. In due time a divine chariot appeared. Sri Hari's parshadas gloriously attired and waving lotus flowers beckoned to him to enter the chariot. Dhruva raised one foot and then hesitated for, he remembered his poor mother. The divine messenger read his thoughts and pointed to another chariot that was already speeding toward heaven. Suniti was reclining there happily, surrounded and attended by heavenly damsels. Dhruva's attendant showed him his final abode. He became the pole star high above the world and remained there forever. All other stars and galaxies revolved below.
You may see the Dhruva Star even to day as the Pole Star looking down and blessing all mortals.
Sk 4. Ch 16 . Slokam 16
The Story of VenanSrimad Bhagavatham is a replica of the world's virtue and vice. It is like day and night, that appear and disappear. After the passing of such a heroic soul like Dhruva, there appeared on the scene, Venan the personification of senseless wickedness. Born in the same line of illustrious kings Venan was the son of king Anga and queen Sumitha. Even as a child, his evil nature showed up. Being quite strong, he would toss his playmates into the swollen river and watch the drowning children with great delight. As he grew up his wickedness also grew. The people became desperate and appealed to the king who in desperation banished him to the forest. King Anga was disconsolate. His heir and only son banished, he too retired to the forest. He did tapas like his forefathers and attained the feet of Lord Hari.
The land was without a ruler and soon the effects were seen. Robbers had a field day, roaming everywhere looting and killing. The rishis who were performing a holy sathra (yagna) on the banks of river Saraswathy were startled to see clouds of dust and smoke raised by the robbers. Now Venan, though he was a ruffian, was a strong ruler and the rishis requested him to resume his kingship. He put down the robbers with a strong hand and there was peace again. But now he was more arrogant. He proclaimed with placards and drum-beat that he alone was to be worshipped and yagnas should be conducted for him only. When the sages remonstrated he fretted and fumed. " I am protecting you, so you must worship me. Instead, like an unchaste wife who worships her paramour, you worship Hari. Out with you!" The Rishis were roused and chanted "Hum!" The Kundalini fire was roused. It rose up their spines and blazed through their eyes and Venan was burned up. The charred body remained. This did not solve their problem. The robbers were again on the rampage.
Venan's mother, queen Sumitha had somehow kept his body intact. The Rishis approached and took the dead body. Chanting powerful hymns they churned Venan's thigh. A black dwarf with low forehead, a flat nose and curly hair came out. "Give me a place to live," he cried and the rishis assigned him the forest. From that day onwards, the dark forests have been the dwelling place of his race. The right arm of the corpse was churned next and a divine form with all the marks of divinity emerged. The conch, the disc and lotus marks were all clear. With further churning a goddess of the same figure emerged. The celestials showered heavenly flowers and garlands and danced overhead to the music of flutes and cymbals. A cool breeze blew wafting divine scent and there was an unutterable peace everywhere. Evidently here was an avatar of Hari . The rishis named them as Prithu and Archis.
Prithu and ArchisThey grew up in a moment proving their divine origin and the Rishis crowned them as King and Queen. They were the greatest of all kings and queens. Peace was restored almost immediately, as punishment was quick and stern. The earth which was untilled and barren was tilled by the king himself setting an example. In his golden chariot he went round the earth seven times levelling down the hill tops, levelling up the valleys and throwing bridges across wide rivers. He constructed broad road ways throughout the land. There was prosperity and happiness everywhere. The great poet Sage Veda Vyasa compares the earth to a great cow and the king to a master milkman, who could milk out anything and every thing needed for man.
The cow, goddess earth, was very generous and various people milked whatever they wanted. The devas milked off nectar. The apsaras, heavenly damsels, got divine perfumes and flowers and gandharvas, got the art of music and dance . The rishis got kusa grass and materials for conducting yagnas The asuras milked off wine that inebriates. The earth was covered with green fields. There was plenty of rain in season and no deluge. And even the sun's heat did not scorch. Robbers did not dare show their faces. Justice was quick and stern and impartial. Heaven had almost come to earth. It was evident that an avatar of Sri Hari was the ruler.
The king, like his forefathers, decided to conduct a grand yagna. It was a grand offering to the gods for the benefits they showered on the people. The gods subsist on their yagna offerings . Grand arrangements were made on the banks of the river Saraswathy. Invitations were sent to all the kings, sages and people in all ranks of life. The priests seated around the holy fire recited Vedic hymns. They poured ghee and oblations in the holy fire and all the devas were personally present to receive the offerings. In this way King Prithu conducted ninety nine grand yagnas and the hundredth was in progress. Now, Indra, the king of gods became jealous, instead of receiving his share with gratitude. He was the only person who had completed hundred yagnas and received the title of Sata Kratu - performer of hundred yagnas - and now here was a rival. He could not brook this and so, disguised as a barbarian he stole the sacrificial horse. As he was speeding across the sky with the stolen horse, the leader of the priests, sage Athri, spotted him and ordered the king's son to pursue him and recover the horse. The prince went in hot pursuit and recovered the horse. This was repeated two or three times. Finally king Prithu himself took up the pursuit with his divine weapons He would have killed Indra when Brahma appeared and pleaded with king Prithu as Indra was one of the immortals and deserved to be spared. The magnanimous king obeyed out of respect and in return they showered many gifts on the king, though really he did not need any. Lord Brahma added that Prithu would get all the benefits and credit of completing hundred yagnas.
After a long and glorious reign king Prithu's time was running out . Before final retirement and exit he once more decided to give a final farewell address. He summoned them all in a vast assembly and addressed them thus." My dear people, Hear me! Providence has made me your king. After collecting taxes, if I do not protect you and punish the evil doers I will be sinning. I will have to suffer the consequences. On the other hand by protecting you and upholding Dharma I will get one sixth of the virtues earned by you. God has ordained thus. Have no doubt. God exists. Otherwise what is the reason for the differences we see? Good begets good and bad begets bad and only God can ordain like this and therefore God exists."
"So, take refuge at his merciful feet; surrender your burdens there and enjoy serene happiness So while on this earth, serve holy men. An offering made to a sage is an offering made direct to Him. He Himself derives His power by following these sages. Finally, he who has a virtuous character and he who is grateful and kind to old people, is sought after and blessed by prosperity. And may God bless us all " The vast concourse raised their voice in appreciation. " We are indeed blessed to have such a great king as our ruler. Not only our present position is blessed but our future is also assured. May you live long." Singing the glory of God they dispersed.
Then by chance there arrived the Kumaras. They are the first four ascetics who never grow old. They appeared as five year old children and attended on Lord Hari reciting holy Vedas. They could travel anywhere in all the worlds and wishing to convey their blessings, they appeared before the king. Bowing low the king said, "Great Maharishis, I should not ask if you are well because you are self realized souls always in the presence of Hari. And if you roam about the world, it is only to shower blessings. Still kindly advise how mortals should conduct themselves. " Kumaras replied " The easiest way to reach the Lord is through unstinted love and devotion. Recite his stories and love fellow creatures great and small. This removes from the mind even the last vestiges of passion and illusion. By constant association with the realized saints and carefully avoiding the company of the worldly, the mind is slowly brought under control and it almost vanishes. With the disappearance of this intervening reflecting medium - the mind - you are face to face with the Lord and there is nothing more to be gained." Their work done, the Kumaras vanished. The king continued to rule, his divine tendencies further strengthened by the Kumaras. Every action of the king, strengthened the hands of God. Handing over the kingdom to his son, the king retired to the forest for the final penance and exit. The queen Archis also followed him. Reducing his body by severe penance to a shadow of his former royal presence he roused up the Kundalini fire and the body vanished. The queen too entered that fire and as in life, so too in death they rose to the higher world.
Thus ends the immortal story of King Prithu and Queen Archis setting a glorious example to all succeeding kings and fellow mortals.
Sk 4 . Ch 25 . Slokam 58
Prachinabarhis and His Sons the PrachetasesProminent in the long line of descendants of Prithu was Prachinabarhis who was famous for performing yagnas. He performed them so continuously that if the kusa grass used for it was laid end to end, it would girdle the earth. He had twelve sons all alike and virtuous . The king asked them to travel and meditate until they found Hari. They travelled due west and reached a lake near the sea coast. They could hear a heavenly music. A gentle breeze wafted heavenly scents. And there emerged from the lake the glorious form of Lord Siva, like a burnished statue of gold with shining face, a bluish neck and a coiled serpent as necklace. With arms outstretched and one leg raised he was dancing the cosmic dance.
The princes overcome with awe and wonder prostrated before the Lord and prayed for guidance.
Lord Siva, addressed them thus, "You are blessed princes! The lovers of Sri Hari are dear to me. Brahma, Vishnu and myself are the same. We are only three aspects of the one, universal, Omnipotent power. As Brahma it creates, as Vishnu it sustains and as Siva it destroys and this cycle rotates .So worship without any difference and escape from this cycle of birth and death." Saying this Sri Siva vanished.
Sri Siva's address to the princes is known as the famous Rudra Geetham.The princes repeated this hymn and immersed in the lake. They did penance for many years until after a very long time Sri Hari himself appeared in a blaze of glory, mounted on Garuda and with goddess Lakshmy by his side. He was flanked by the heavenly retinue. Sri Hari said, "I am pleased with your tapas and your innate purity and devotion to Sri Rudra. Ask me any boon".
The princes, thrilled with the vision, with one voice requested, "Grant us O Lord! That wherever we may be , we will have the company of holy sages . Nothing is dearer to us than hearing your glory." The lord granted their request and added, "He who is kind to all creatures is always blessed. Now depart and do as your father desires."
Accordingly, they returned to their kingdom and ruled over their vast kingdom as advised by the sages. They married and after a glorious reign, crowned their eldest son Daksha ,who was a re-incarnation of the earlier Daksha, as king. They returned to the forest to do penance and attained freedom.
Meanwhile Sree Narada approached Prachinabarhis. who had become old. and was still performing yajnas. Sree Narada said, "O King! Enough of these desire motivated sacrifices. Just touch me and look there!" As the king looked he observed all the cattle he had slaughtered in the sacrifices. They were waiting to tear him to pieces when he too would go to the other world. The king was terrified and then Sree Narada told the following story.
The Allegory of King PuranjanaKing Puranjana accompanied by his close friend Avijnata wandered in search of an ideal place to build a city. At last he found an ideal place in the southern side of the Himalayas. Every where, there were verdant meadows and murmuring streams that joined the broad river that encircled the city. The city itself was divided into perfect squares with wide roads crossing each other at right angles. Tall avenue trees like poplars, cedars and deodar lined the streets and birds of brilliant plumage, parrots and peacocks darted about. A pleasant breeze wafted divine fragrance. It had nine gates for exit and entrance.
The king congratulated himself thinking that he had reached the end of his search. Meanwhile his companion had slipped away. Then the king heard a pleasant sound as of anklets near by. A beautiful damsel approached him. She was accompanied by soldiers and a serpent. The king was spell bound to see her beauty. He said." Are you the goddess Parvathy, Lakshmy or Saraswathy? Or an apsara? It cannot be, because your feet are touching the ground. These grim soldiers following you, are they your guardians? And this coiled serpent with five hoods, is he also your guardian?" The damsel replied, "I am the queen of this city. I am unmarried and I am looking for a protector and husband. Who would not be attracted by such a handsome, noble warrior like you? Let us together enjoy all these gifts of God".
Puranjana who had a natural liking for sensual pleasures, needed no further persuasion and embarked on a life of stark enjoyment. He was so engrossed in sensual pleasures that he forgot everything else. He would talk when she talked, he would sing when she sang and he would dance when she danced . He wept when she would weep, and laughed when she would laugh. He did not trouble himself with the affairs of government and left it entirely to his councillors. He would go out hunting all-day carousing and sleeping all night.
Thus passed months and months lengthened into years, many years. The king, like any one else, was getting old and time brought changes that were not too pleasant. The gandharvas three hundred and sixty in number accompanied by their ladies fair and dark, mounted an attack on Puranjana's city. They were assisted by the yavanas. A fearful lady called kala kanya(time) who could suck the strength out of one's limbs and Prajivara (disease), her ally, visited Puranjana. Weakened by a long life of reckless indulgence, deserted by sons and friends he put up a brave resistance. His guards were beaten back; even the guardian serpent could do nothing. The enemy swarmed in like a flood and the king sank back, still thinking of his wife. He could never think about god even in his last moments. As he could think only about his queen always after death he was born as a woman, the daughter of the king of Vidarbha. The child soon grew up as a beautiful princess and in due time was married to Malayadhwaja, the Pandyan king. The sacred river Tambraparni flows through his kingdom. They had five sons and a daughter. Being a saintly king, he entrusted the rule to his sons and retired to the forest accompanied by the queen. Very soon he attained Brahmam and the queen was now left with a corpse. She (king Puranjana) wailed her loss and gathered a funeral pyre. She took a dip in the river and was about to jump into the lighted pyre when a sage suddenly appeared and stopped her.
The sage was Avijnata (the unknown) his former boon companion. The two had together roamed over the world He said, "Dear friend, we are two birds . Together we were roaming over the world. We were sitting on a tree enjoying the calm. Then you the Jeeva wanted to taste the pleasures of the world. You plunged into it leaving me alone. Now you have tasted the pleasures. You are not this widowed queen; not even Puranjana. You are my image. Remove the reflecting medium ,mind, and we are one. Come! We shall fly over land and sea and over hill and dale; basking in God's sunshine; enjoying eternal bliss." And the two, now one, flew away.
As Narada concluded, king Prachina Barhis asked. "Great Sage! I have not fully understood the meaning of the allegory. Kindly explain more fully ." Then Sri Narada continued, "The city with the nine gates is your body with the nine holes, two eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth and so on. The queen is none other than "Budhi" i.e. intellect whom every one obeys. The serpent with five hoods is the prana (breath) with five aspects as prana, apana, vyana , udana, and samana. The attacking gandharvas are days and nights. Kala kanya is the terrible maid of time, and Prajivara is disease to which all must succumb and Avijnata is our immortal conscience which we must never neglect. And if you want to end this seemingly endless sequence of birth and death take refuge in Sri Hari. Resort to the company of the saints and enjoy everlasting peace and bliss."
The king listened to the advice. He gave up all sacrifices and retired to the forest. He went to Kapilasram and doing intense penance, attained Brahmam.
Sk 5 . Ch 5 . Slokam 1
PrachetasPrachetasa Daksha created devas, asuras, men and other creatures merely by his tapas. When this was found to be insufficient he began tapas by the side of lake Aghamarshana. The Lord said your method of peopling the earth is not rapid enough. You must marry the daughter of Prajapthy Panchajana. Her name is Asikni and by marrying her you can people the world. It is said that the institution of marriage began from that time.
Prachetasa Daksha had many sons. All of them were well versed in the sastras and before settling down, Daksha told them to travel towards the west, so that they could gather more experience and knowledge. They reached the estuary of the Indus with the ocean. Bathing in the Narayana lake they were completely purified and sunk in contemplation. Sri Narada Maharishi appeared before them. He raised a series of paradoxical questions the purport of which was that they were trying to get divine sanction for getting involved in worldly affairs. As a result, the princes renounced all worldly desires for ever and became immersed in contemplation of god and god alone. When their father heard of his sons' fate, he got annoyed and again begot one thousand sons known as Sabalaswars. Like their brothers these boys also travelled west, reached the same lake and met the same Sri Narada who repeated his former success.
Daksha became very angry and said, "You have misled my poor sons from doing their duty to their forefathers, the rishis and gods. So, I curse you to wander perpetually unable to reside in any place for more than a few hours".
Sri Narada had already known that the princes were all free souls. As for Daksha's curse, he accepted that too as a blessing!
Daksha's DaughtersTo avoid this apparent perversion by Sri Narada Daksha prayed for daughters and he was blessed with sixty daughters all fair and beautiful. He gave ten daughters to Dharma, thirteen to Kashyapa, twenty seven to Tharkshya . The progeny of these peopled the earth. Some were god like, others were demoniac some were vultures , some reptiles and the rest became the various forms of life
PriyavrataSwayambhuva Manu had two sons. Uttanapada was the elder, whose story has already been told and now we turn to the story of Priyavrata. He had no interest in state affairs and being of an ascetic turn of mind, he was interested in tapas for self realization. Now he was commanded by his father and Brahma (one of the Trinity) himself to return to the kingdom and assume the reins of kingship. Brahma had to plead rather sternly.
"Dear son, none of us is really free to do whatever we like. Neither myself nor Lord Siva nor your father nor any one else is really free. We are all led by the nose as it were by our own karma, directed by Sri Hari. Even a realized saint has to suffer the consequences of his past actions. But he knows that it is all transitory and therefore he is not much affected. A house holder is like a king in a fort. Temperate living helps him to overcome the senses gradually. As a fort helps the king to ward off the enemy, a family life helps the house holder to ward off the attacks of the senses. Therefore return to your kingdom and assume the reins of government and in the end you can resume the saintly life and come to me."
Priyavrata obeyed. He was an ideal ruler strong and just. The seven seas, the mountain ridges and the continents were evolved as the king drove around the world in his mighty chariot. People gladly obeyed the law as otherwise punishment would be quick and stern. At the end of his glorious reign, the king woke up as it were, from a dream and resuming his original natural bent of mind, entrusted the vast kingdom to his sons. He gave up everything and after intense penance, attained the feet of Hari.
Agnidhra and PurvajithiAgnidhra, Priyavrata's son was now ruler of the entire Jambudvipa. He was young, energetic and well skilled in the arts of war and peace. After some years, desiring an heir, he retired to the forest and prayed to Sri Hari.
The Lord grants whatever a devotee desires. Worldly desires are very readily granted. Soon there was a change in the atmosphere .. A pleasant wind wafted the scents from opening lotus flowers,champak and jasmine. Voluptuous music trilled from the anklets of a dancing apsara coming towards him. The prince was dumbfounded by her celestial beauty and began to talk incoherently."O beautiful lady! Are you a mortal or a goddess? I will be your slave, I cannot live without you." The damsel complied smilingly. She was an apsara named Purvajiti sent by Indra for this very purpose. They returned to the capital and to year long celebrations by the people. Aghnidhra had nine sons, Nabhi, Kimpurusha, Harivarsha, Ilavita, Ramyaka, Hiranmaya, Kuru, Bhadrasura, and Ketumala. They all had great beauty of form and divine qualities like their mother , Purvajithi. ; her mission done she decided to return to her apsara world. But the king was loath to leave her and so both went to the apsara world where they live to this day.
The Story of NabhiKing Nabhi and his queen Merudevi desirous of ensuring prosperity of his subjects and the glory of his line decided to perform a great yagna. Preparations were made on a very large scale. Only purest of ingredients were used and the priests were self realized sages. They poured offerings into the sacrificial fire reciting vedic mantras in praise of Vishnu (Hari). So great was their sincerity and purity that Sri Hari himself appeared and asked what they wanted. They said. "Great lord! This noble king wants an heir to the throne, who will be the equal of Lord Hari himself ."Sri Hari was amused. Still he said, "How is that possible? O Sages! There is none quite equal to me. Still because of your sincerity and the purity of this king and queen I shall be born as their son, a partial avatar." The king, queen and the assembled rishis were greatly delighted and all departed awaiting the happy event. In due time the queen gave birth to a beautiful son with all the divine marks of conch, the chakram and mace engraved in his palms and feet. The child Rishabha, grew up very rapidly into a tall, powerful and handsome person, the very picture of Sri Hari. The parents, knew that their time was over. They handed over the great kingdom to their divine son and retired to the forest for the final penance. Rishabha married Jayanthi, daughter of Indra and had a hundred sons. Bharata was the eldest who ruled this land , known thereafter as Bharat. Nine of his brothers were known as Navayogis whom we shall see later. The remaining sons had brahmanic qualities and became Brahmins.
King Rishabha, also known as Rishabha Deva, in the course of his travels came to Brahmavarta where the Brahma Rishis were holding a great conference. Finding such a fine responsive audience Rishabha Deva wanted to address them. His sons were also there among the audience.
Rishaba addressed the assembled sages.
"O Rishis and you my sons, hear me patiently,.
This human body is not for miserable pleasures,.
These pleasures are given even to filth eating worms,
The human body is for divine tapas by which you can be purified
And attain permanent happiness
Service of the great is the gate to freedom eternal,
Company of the lechers is the open door to darkness and hell!
They who love Me are only moderately attached to wife, family and relatives,
Not taking from them anything but the minimum. They come back to Me easily
But they who indulge in pleasures without restraint
And they who commit prohibited acts, I do not approve of them
As long as they do not want to know the reality
So long their ignorance will continue, and attachment will persist
And the mind carries it over to the next birth.
And even then, because of their forgetfulness they again indulge
In sex and sense pleasures, the home and possessions seem real
The bonds are further strengthened.
The sense of duality is the strongest bond that binds the heart.
When the mind forcibly breaks asunder this bond (the result of previous actions) then the soul now free from the bond of duality goes back to its source.
From where do we get this required force? From teachers who are realized saints by implicit obedience to them, rejecting duality with great fortitude, knowing the sorrow of all, by a great desire to know the cause of all these and by desireless action, devoting them to me, delighting in my stories and in the companionship of my devotees, with enmity towards none ,with equality to all, by engaging in spiritual studies, getting control over the mind through proper pranayama by good attention and practice of brahmacharya, (celibacy) by controlled speech without any exaggeration, and seeing my presence everywhere and by wisdom embellished with knowledge by practicing yoga with satvic determination. Give up once for all the idea of I and mine.
This idea is the seat and origin of all actions. It is due to ignorance
After reaching this stage there is nothing more to get, so retire from everything even yoga.
As there are no bonds any more, you have reached Brahmanandam.
Those who aspire to come to My world and receive My blessings, whether they are parents,
teachers or kings should without anger guide the aspirants to avoid the pitfalls.
Otherwise they fail in their allotted duty.
People blind to their real progress, intensely desirous of amassing riches earn only misery and with it intense enmity and the chimera of happiness.
Which wise man, full of kindness will fail to guide a fool wandering from one foolishness to another? Should not one, who is blessed by sight, guide a blind man who has lost his way?
He is not a teacher, he is not a relative,
He is not a father and she is not a mother,
And that god is no god nor that husband a true one,
Who does not release one from approaching death.
This body is difficult to understand
But my heart is full of sathvic virtues and dharma,
And I have put adharma far behind,
Hence the wise ones call me Rishabha.
You are all born, out of my heart
Therefore all of you deserve to follow,
And obey implicitly your eldest brother Bharata,
That way, you will be serving me and the people.
Among creation you have immovable things like stones,
Then come tanks and rivers, then trees and reptiles,
Then human beings, and then gandharvas,
And then yakshas and beyond them gods.
And there is Indra, chief of gods, above him Daksha, the sons of Brahma,
And Lord Siva, part of me, I follow the realized sages and Brahmins,
These Brahmins are above every one else and the offerings made to them,
Is superior even to offerings in the fire made to me.
The Vedas are my body, the Brahmins preserve it by study,
by restraint of mind and body, by following the truth, by penance and by fortitude
Even from me, the dispenser of all blessings and final salvation,
These wandering sages desire nothing but continuous devotion.
My sons! Worship not only Brahmins, worship all living creatures
And even inanimate nature, because I abide everywhere.
That is real worship, let all your actions, and words be dedicated to Me,
and only this dedication will help you to escape from the meshes of death.
Thus advising his sons , who were by nature already saintly, King Rishabha handed over the reins of government to Bharata and taking nothing with him, left for the forest, completely alone.
He travelled over hill and dale, not caring for the big mosquitoes or even wild animals. He subsisted on wild fruits and roots, making no attempt to get food, slaking his thirst from the mountain streams, sometimes lying down, and not even taking a bath. But, strange to say a sweet fragrance like that of musk spread all over the place. Various sidhis such as distant vision, entering another body, transporting oneself to any place, reading another's thoughts and the like now presented themselves before Rishabha willing to obey him but Rishabha declined. Instead he continued to wander in the southern regions of coorg.
Rishabha had already become free. The body alone was moving about and it was consumed in a moment by a forest fire. O King! This omnipresent Lord was the guide, friend, charioteer, and even the servant of your ancestors the Pandavas. A man can wish for nothing more.
Sk 5 . Ch 8 . Slokam 1
The Story of BharataKing Rishabha had made Bharata king of this land that was known as Ajanabha. Bharata married Panchajani and had five sons through her. He ruled over his subjects like a father. He performed numerous sacrifices - yagnas and kratus . During his rule all his subjects performed their duties as enjoined by their nature so that no one was dissatisfied. All were contented and happy. As a result of these yagnas and benign rule he became filled with boundless devotion towards Sree Hari. Dividing Bharata Varsha among his sons he repaired to the forest for doing tapas. He reached Pulahasrama by the side of which flows the river Gandaki also known as Chakranadi.
Bharata would wake up much before sunrise and have a dip in the river . With water dripping from his locks, dress, he would face the rising sun as the manifestation of God and offer prayers. His food consisted of ripe fruits lying on the ground and the tender leaves. The rest of the time was spent in contemplation so deep, that his eyes became wet with tears while an intense bliss filled his heart. One morning as usual, he had just finished his bath, when he saw a full grown female deer on the other shore. She was big with child. Suddenly there was the terrific roar of a lion. The deer made a tremendous leap to cross the river and as she was half way over the river the fawn dropped from her womb and the swift current was bearing it away. The deer itself reached the opposite bank but was so much exhausted that it fell down dead. The swift current carried the fawn to the very spot, where Bharata was standing. As he had a merciful heart , Bharata took it up as a gift of god, wrapped it up in his own cloak with great tenderness and took it to his ashram.
Bharata, who had given up even an empire, was now attracted by the fawn. He began to gather tender leaves and flowers for the little deer. He daily watched it growing up with growing affection within his heart. He took it out daily for a morning walk and never left it alone for fear of wolves and other wild animals. Whenever he had to leave it alone in the ashram for taking his bath and gathering fruits he would think, "O! What will happen to my darling! O Lord! Thou who seeth everything, everywhere, kindly protect my darling." When Bharatha returned, the fawn would jump about him gently rubbing its sprouting horns against Bharata's body. Thus Bharatha was engrossed night and day in looking after the fawn.. He even forgot the routine daily worship and contemplation. It was "The fawn O! my pretty fawn!", all the time.
Thus days passed in complete oblivion of all his duties, even his daily worship. But time and tide wait for no one and Bharata was facing death. Even in this extremity his thoughts were for the deer." What will happen to my darling deer?" Thinking thus he breathed his last.
Now whatever a man thinks of at the last moment, that, he becomes! And Bharata was born as a deer some distance away. Because of its meritorious actions in its previous life, the deer remembered his previous life and determined not to commit the same folly. So, the little deer repaired to Pulahasramam, heard the discourses of the rishis, and lived on tender leaves and the prasadams - food offered to gods - given by the rishis who treated it as an inmate. The deer grew old and when its time arrived thinking of God all the while expired, casting off its body in the river.
Bharata The BrahminThere was at that time a pious Brahmin of the Angiras gothra, known for his learning and austerity. He had a large family of sons and one daughter. Bharata the deer was born to the second wife of this Angiras Brahmin. Bharata knew all about his previous births because of the great tapas and austerities he had undergone and was now determined to avoid all contacts. To achieve this, he pretended to be a hopeless dunce. When addressed by others he would reply irrelevant answers, or pretended not to hear at all. In spite of this, his father invested him with the sacred thread and tried his best to teach him the holy manthra Gayathri without success. In due course the father expired and Bharata's mother accompanied him performing sathi.
To do them justice, the brothers tried to bring him up but without success. Bharata was left to look after the fields and work in them, as an ordinary labourer. Even this he would do indifferently. He would go on digging deeper and deeper or levelling up endlessly. As wages he would be given stale bread, which he ate with great glee. He would sleep in the open watching the corn and the wonder of it was that though he would not drive away the birds or rodents and other pests, there was always a bumper harvest.
Now, about this time, there was a fierce brigand, spreading terror and devastation. He had no children and to please the demons he determined to perform a human sacrifice. His followers captured some poor fellow for this purpose. This poor man had escaped from custody and the brigand's followers were now searching for a proxy. And as fate would have it they came upon poor Bharata in the fields. The ruffians pounced upon him, bound his hands and feet and led him to their chief. The chief and the sacrificing priest were more than pleased to see the young, robust victim. Surely Bhadrakali would be immensely pleased. The robbers and their chief gathered round the image of the goddess and began to recite the final verses.
All this time Bharata was quite indifferent completely absorbed in the infinite, enjoying infinite bliss. The priest took up the sword and danced around and was about to bring it down on Bharata's neck. With a great roar Badrakali sprang out of the image snatched the sword from the priest's hand and cut off his head. Not satisfied, the goddess with her minions cut off the heads of all the ruffians and began to play football with their heads. Bharata watched this gory game with the same serenity . When the game was over the goddess and her attendants vanished, thereby teaching the world that such would be the fate of those who would harm Lord's devotees.
Bharata and RahuganaRahugana was the king of the Soaviras (Sind). He was past middle age and thought that the time was ripe to know more about the mysteries of life. With this end he undertook a pilgrimage to the north where perchance he might meet some great yogi. He was travelling rather in pomp, in a palanquin accompanied by body guards. They were looking for a good palanquin bearer and as luck would have it, saw Bharata by the banks of the river Ikshumathy. Here was a young athletic figure and they made the unresisting brahmin a palanquin bearer. The fresh recruit had a peculiar habit. He was very careful to avoid treading on worms and ants and always looked yards ahead and would jump aside if there was any insect and the palanquin would also be jerked. Rahugana was jolted badly and he got annoyed. He shouted angrily."Ho! Ho! Bearers! Be careful." The bearers humbly replied, "Sire, it is the new recruit. He is often jumping about. It is very difficult to work with him.".
Rahugana looked at the new recruit; with some anger and sarcasm he observed "Ho! Ho! Bearer! You are old and weak! Or I could teach you a lesson".
The bearer replied, "Sir, who is master and who is servant? Both the terms are myths. If you refer to this body it is not true. It is perishable and will return to the elements from which it is made. If you refer to the soul, it is immortal, part of the universal soul."
Rahugana looked more carefully and observed the sacred thread clinging on the body of the bearer. He sprang down and bowing low said, "Pardon! Pardon! Holy Brahmin! You may be the sage I am searching for. Tell me further."
Bharata continued. "In between the body and the soul there is the powerful mind, - a combination of the three gunas - a product of Maya. The mind works through the senses and it is at the root of all the differences that you see. No amount of learning or austerity will help. Get hold of the feet of a great guru and he will show the way. By the lord's maya the jiva is thrown into a forest where six dacoits live - desire, anger, greed, delusion, pride and jealousy are their names. They devour the soul as wolves tear down a sheep. Tormented with thirst the tired traveller approaches grass covered wells without water. In life don't we approach pitiless people for help? The hungry traveller gets only poisonous fruits. At last the traveller thinks he has reached shelter but that proves to be a dream city. The traveller and his partner sit like two monkeys on the branch of a tree grinning at each other and think that this is felicity. Panting for water, he sees it at a distance. But when he goes near it vanishes. It was a mirage. Sometimes for the sake of little money he quarrels bitterly with fellow travellers and they become mortal enemies. When in need of a little help he gets contempt and disgrace. His friends prove to be jackals and vultures. This is the Bhava adavi or the worldly forest. Only His grace can help you to cross this."
"O! Master! How kind you are! You are like all followers of Hari. They save not only themselves but also others. I bow to you, I bow to every one!" Thus worshipped by Rahugana, the great sage Bharata calm and full like the great ocean, went on his way.
Sk 6. Ch 2 . Slokam 15
AjamilaThe successors of Bharata were all worthy of their forefather. Sri Suka now digresses for some time to give a detailed description of this earth and the universe. Bharatavarsha is ringed by mountain ranges in concentric rings and in between there are oceans of lime, milk and nectar. The rings of mountains rise higher and higher and from there originate great rivers. Different people of various hues and stature, gods and demigods; some golden and others dark or fair came to exist there . They enjoyed heavenly pleasures without disease or old age and yet longed to be born in Bharatavarsha (our country), because this is the karma bhumi where you can earn merit through actions and attain the region from which you need not return. Then Suka Brahmam gives fascinating description of the abode of Ananta, the serpent, of Indra, lord of the gods. Finally he gives a gruesome picture of hell where sinners are sent to be punished for their sins. Now there are as many types of hells as there are sins. Burning coals are forced down the throats of those who habitually lie. Those who have evicted their poor relatives through false documents are made to run through sharp blades of leaves - that look like pointed lances - that cut their skin. A little further off, there is a cauldron of boiling oil and some screaming wretches are thrown into it. They had done the same thing while alive - frying live things like chicken. Tortured sinners' groans came from some other quarters.
Parikshit was a bold man; still he was thoroughly frightened. However Sri Suka comforted him "O King! The punishments you have seen are terrible but they can be averted. If a sinner is really repentant and cries 'Om Namo Narayanaya', gods and angels will appear, and putting to flight the devils, will escort the repentant man to Gods' presence. So take heart, and listen to the famous story of Ajamila".
The Story of AjamilaIn the city of Kanyakubj there was an old sinner named Ajamila. A hunter and robber by turns he was eighty-eight years old and was now on his deathbed. The messengers of Yama, , the god of death ,appeared with fearful countenances with ropes in hand . They were wresting the soul from his heart when Ajamila in a quavering voice called for his youngest son who was named Narayana. "O! Narayana! Narayana!" Then a miracle happened! A group of Vishnu Parshadas, attendants of Sri Vishnu, immediately appeared from no where. They were all brilliantly clad. All were youthful and four armed like Sri Hari himself. They had lotus like eyes exuding energy. They scattered the messengers of Yama. Yama's messengers enquired in great fear. "Who are you that prevent us from our duty. Are you gods? We have been ordered by our master Lord Yama to bring this old sinner to Samyamani where he will be punished in the purgatories and purified".
The angels, were curious and asked what he had done. Yama's minions replied."Ajamila has grievously strayed from Dharma. He was born to a pious father, well versed in all the shastras and married to a virtuous wife. He lead an ideal life. One day he went to the forest as usual and saw a hunter and his mistress singing lewd songs and engaged in shameless amorous play. Their different postures entwined together affected his mind badly. All the training and asceticism of the young rasad were vain, his heart was shaken by cupid. He left his aged parents and virtuous wife, squandered all his wealth for a shameless woman and took to brigandage and hunting for a livelihood. We are taking him to hell by our master's orders."
The angels replied." You say, you are the guardia