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Chapters 1,2,3,4
Chapter 1
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
Sk 3. Ch 15 - Slokam 30
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! “
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
Sk 3. Ch 15 - Slokam 30
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! “
CHAPTER 2
The Great Daksha Yagam
Devahuti 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.
Sk 4. Ch 6 - Slokam 32
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.
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.
CHAPTER 3
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.”
Sk 4. Ch 8 - Slokam 54
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.
CHAPTER 4
The Story of Venan
Srimad 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
Sk 4. Ch 16 - Slokam 16
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 Archis
They 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.
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.
CHAPTER 3
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.”
Sk 4. Ch 8 - Slokam 54
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.
CHAPTER 4
The Story of Venan
Srimad 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
Sk 4. Ch 16 - Slokam 16
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 Archis
They 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.
| Tales from Bhagavatham(Contents) |  |
| Preface | |
| Prologue | |
| Chapters 1,2,3,4 | |
| Chapters 5,6,7,8 | |
| Chapters 9,10,11,12 | |
| Chapters 13,14,14,16 | |
| Chapters 17,18,19,20 | |
| Chapters 21,22,23 | |
| Chapters 24,25,26 | |
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| Om! namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya |