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Chapters 21,22,23
CHAPTER 21
The Story Of Kuchela Or Grace Supreme
Krishna had a fellow student, now a realized Brahmin though
a householder, maintaining his family with great difficulty by
begging for alms. He would not strain too much and was content
with what he got and that was sometimes precious little. His wife
was also of similar disposition. Sudama was his real name and
Kuchela( poorly dressed )was only an appellation and the wife
was called Kshudkshama because of her emaciated appearance.
She had heard her husband mention about his great friend of student
days, Lord Krishna of Dwaraka. Unable to bear the pangs of
hunger and the sufferings of her half starved children one day,
she gently reminded her husband “Dear Lord, you have told me
sometimes about your friend Lord Krishna who is presently at
Dwaraka. He is known to be a great giver of gifts. If you go and
meet him, he will surely help us , Our children starve for want of
food”. The Brahmin relented and agreed to go “But my dear”, he
said, “I must not go empty handed when I go to see a great person”
Whereupon the poor woman went out and got some paddy She
fried and pounded them into flattened rice and packed it neatly in
a piece of cloth and gave it to her husband.
He took it with great respect . With a walking stick and a
pair of worn out chappals started on his arduous journey. On the
way, he had only one thought “At last, I can see your beloved
face again! O! Krishna! Krishna!” The poor Brahmin trudged
along buoyed up with this one thought. He did not feel the heat or
cold or even any weariness. It was a long, long way . “O! Krishna,
Sk10. Ch80 - Slokam 6
Krishna how blessed I will be” At last the distant spires of
Dwaraka came into view. and he was at the golden gates. An
unerring instinct led him on and he found himself entering the gates
of one of the great mansions. Lord Krishna was resting there
while Rukminidevi was gently fanning him. Krishna’s glance fell
on the poor Brahmin wearing soiled clothes entering the gates .
He immediately recognized his old friend and wiping a tear from
his eyes Krishna ran down, the steps crying “O! Sudama! My
friend, why did you take so long a time to come?” and clasped
him to his bosom and slowly led him in. All this time Rukminidevi
was closely following in stunned surprise. Krishna seated his friend
on the couch on which he was resting . Rukmini was now fanning
Kuchela and washed his feet with cold ganges water. She
sprinkled herself and Krishna and all the attendants with it.
Krishna gently said “Sudama, I am a big family man now. This is
my queen, Rukmini. Kindly bless her and me”. And with that
they both knelt before him. Krishna continued “ And of course
you too have entered the grihastashram! And how is my sister
and the children! Are all well?” Sudama could scarcely speak
with emotion. “They are all well lord! By your grace” and with
that, they began to talk of olden days.
”O! Sudama, do you remember, how, one day, the three of
us (we two and brother Balrama) went to the forest to fetch
firewood as required by our gurupathny and were overtaken by a
great storm preventing return and how we spent the night on tree
tops, shivering with cold. Before day break our guru came with
burning torches and, loudly calling our names and took us back to
the ashram. He was so touched that he blessed us saying “Dear
pupils I am immensely pleased with your self less service! May
you never forget the lessons I have taught. May you be able to
recall them when required. Only by a teacher’s blessings, a pupil
becomes perfect”
Like this they talked on far into the night, holding each
other by the arm, when Krishna suddenly asked “Sudama, have
you not brought anything for me?.” Sudama looked abashed.
Noticing this Krishna suddenly snatched the packet from under
his arm and opening it exclaimed “Excellent! I like nothing better!”
and grabbing a little put it into his mouth and ate it with relish! “Ha
how sweet it is!” and he ate another handful. When he took another
handful for a third time, Sri Rukmini devi who was Sri Lakshmi
herself caught hold of his hand whispering “Enough! Enough! With
two handfuls I have already made him rich beyond dreams!”
Krishna stopped and Sudama did not understand what all this
whispering was about. Leaving him comfortably in a velvet bed,
Krishna retired. Sudama could not sleep for a long time thinking
over the events of the day “A poor Brahmin like me ! An ill clad
beggar ! I have been embraced by the lord of all wealth as if I
was his own brother. Ha The magnanimity of the great!” Full of
thankfulness Sudama felt that he was in heaven and slowly fell
asleep. Early morning he woke up with the birds. Krishna was
ready in attendance. Sudama again became Kuchela .He put on
his old clothes , old chappals and took up his sturdy staff and
stepped out. Krishna escorted him and affectionately said
“Sudama! Do not forget me! Come again! Kindly commend me to
my sister your wife, May God be with you ! ” . He did not give
any gift and neither did Kuchela ask for any.
“Alas!” He thought” I did not ask for anything. I know
why he did not give me any gift. Wealth would spoil my tapas
(penance). How kind is the lord!” Thinking like this, a little sad
nevertheless, he slowly wended his way back , homeward.. The
familiar old land marks were missing. “Have I missed my way?”
wondered Kuchela “But no, it cannot be!” In the place of his old
house, there stood a great mansion with avenue of trees , parks
and fountains. Well dressed servants were passing in and out.
Even the neighbouring houses from which his wife had begged
alms were changed. From the many pillared halls came sounds
of music. As the poor man stood utterly bewildered the great
door opened and a beautiful lady came towards him. It was his
wife. The famished Kshutshama was now glowing like a goddess,.
With tears of joy in her eyes she knelt before him and explained
the mystery. The night before, some angels had knocked at the
door with very precious gifts and had requested her and the children
to come out. They were Viswakarma the engineer architect of
Indra, lord of heaven, and his men . In a few minutes they built
this wonderful mansion with outhouses and orchards and lawns.,
rivaling those of Lord Indra in heaven. Kubera, god of wealth
was also there with his vast treasures. The servants, ornaments,
provisions had all materialized from the air in a trice. As she was
describing all this wonder the children came trooping in dressed
like princes and bright like flowers in the garden. Kuchela too
changed into golden attire, though he felt a little uncomfortable.
Not only Kuchela, but also his neighbours had become rich beyond
their dreams.
Thus Sudama the Brahmin though surrounded by luxury lived
like a recluse with great restraint, remembering that all this
prosperity was due to Krishna’s kindness his grace and attained
the supreme grace from which there is no return.
CHAPTER 22
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The Great Reunion
There was a great solar eclipse and a great conclave of
people from distant parts of Bharata converging for a holy dip at
Syamanta Panchakam a lake near Kurukshetra. There were the
vrishnies from Dwaraka led by Lord Krishna and Balrama and
the yadavas from Mathura and Brindavan with Nanda, Yasoda
and Rohini and gopas and gopis. All the kauravas and their
acharyas also arrived. Kuntidevi was complaining to her cousin
Vasudeva “Alas! Brother, even close relatives like you forsake
unlucky people like me!.” “Oh! not so, my sister! We too were
oppressed by Kamsa,. Now, we are free and have come, you
see!” Devaki with tears thanked Yasoda “How can we ever repay
our debt to you sister! You were taking care of our children in
those early difficult years. It can never be repaid ” And the two
ladies clasped each other. The Yadavas and like minded chiefs
congratulated the vrishnies “How lucky you are to have the lord
of the universe as your friend and guide. Every day you play with
him, dine with him and are not apart even when sleeping. What
great good fortune is yours! Surely you are the most blessed of all
beings!” The women had congregated apart. The gopis were
curious to know how Krishna wooed and married the queens .
Krishna approached the gopis “You still remember me, my
dear gopis? Affairs of state compelled me to stay here. Kindly,
don’t be cross with me. Destiny unites people and separates them
even as the wind unites the clouds and again separates them.
Devotion to me alone makes beings immortal and by great good
chance you have got the devotion good ladies. I am the beginning
Sk 10. Ch 82 - Slokam 1
and end of all beings!” The gopis now fully understood and replied
“Grant us lord that we who are tied by affection to husband, son
and others may never forget you and your words. May we be
always devoted to your lotus feet!”.
Krishna granted their request and then turned to Yudhistira
and enquired about their welfare. Yudhistira replied “We are all
well Lord, by your grace”. All the great sages too had come for
the holy dip. Vyasa , Sri Narada, Vasishta, Viswamitra,
Bharadwaja and others. In that great assembly Lord Krishna
proclaimed
By our great good luck we have got
What all good people strain to attain
The blessed sight of all these sages great
A sight not attainable even to gods
Holy rivers, gods and idols
Grant salvation in course of time
to pilgrims; But saints like you
grant immediate release by your very sight.
Neither fire nor the sun and moon
Nor the galaxies nor the mantras nor mind
Remove one’s sin as sages do
If you do even a little service to them .
He who mistakes this body as the soul
And thinks his wife and intellect as his own
And sees not the divinity enshrined in temple
Or learned men is only a donkey or a bull.
Hearing these words of the world teacher the assembled
sages said “Even we, who have been the preceptors of kings,
have been fooled by your maya (illusion) Who knows why you
have assumed this form? Still we have an inkling You have
assumed this form for the establishment of good and removal of
evil. You are Time. These assembled kings and even your own
clan do not know that you have come for the establishment of
Dharma and removal of evil. Our salutations again and again.”
Vasudeva knew that the best way to repay one’s debt to
ancestors, rishis and gods is through the performance of yagnas
and so he desired to perform a great yagna. There was no better
place or time as Krishna the Lord of yagna’s was himself present
The mantras were recited by the sages, seers of the mantras,
themselves. At the conclusion after the final bath Vasudeva shone
with splendour and the sages too left for their respective places.
Nandagopa and Yasoda too were preparing to leave. Vasudeva
said “O! Brother! This bond of affection created by the great
Lord himself cannot be easily broken even by saints.” The gopis
too left but it was only, their bodies that left; their hearts were at
Krishna’s feet as always. At last Krishna and Balrama too left
for Dwaraka. The rainy season was approaching and they had to
be back at home in time.
Devaki Sees Her Dead Sons Again
By now Vasudeva and Devaki realized that their two sons
were not just supermen; they were Maha Vishnu and his coiled
power Adi Sesha. Thus emboldened, Devaki tearfully said “O!
Krishna! Now we know you are the all pervading, all powerful
supreme Lord. I have heard that you have brought your guru’s
dead son back from the land of the dead! How I wish to see my
poor dead sons once more!”. The Lord answered “Those boys
dear mother are now with Mahabali, in the nether world They
were the sons of Marichi and Urna in Krita Yuga. Once, they had
the temerity to mock lord Brahma for some silly action and he
cursed them to be born as asuras. They were born to Hiranyakasipu
but immediately transferred as your children. They were destined
to have a short life only. Kamsa was only an agent. Look at them
again now”. Devaki embraced the children and was content. In
turn they prostrated before Devaki and Vasudeva and vanished in
a blaze of light.
Krishna’s Visit To Srutadeva And Janaka
At Mithila there lived a great brahmin devotee of Krishna
named Srutadeva. Though a family man he lived on alms taking
only the minimum without much effort and with this he
entertained guests also. The king of Mithila the Janaka of that
time was also an equally illustrious devotee and to please both of
them at the same time Krishna started in his chariot driven by
Daruka A great retinue of sages and sanyasins accompanied him.
Sri Narada, Vamadeva, Atri, Krishnadwaipayana and many others
too were there. All along the people stood in groups with garlands
and scented water and perfumes as offerings. Passing through
Anarta, Matsya, Panchala Kekaya and Kosala the procession
at last reached the outskirts of Mithila. Both Srutadeva and Raja
Janaka were waiting to receive Krishna. He assumed two identical
forms and followed both without either knowing the trick. Srutadeva
and his wife received Krishna and the sanyasins with kusa grass,
holy water and flowers and fruits, seated them on mats made of
grass and entertained them with every thing they had which was
not much. But the guests were quite satisfied and blessed them
with all their heart. The party that followed the king had a royal
reception with elaborate rituals, feasts and dances. They too
blessed the king and his household. At the end of a month both
parties, highly pleased and showering blessings all-round returned.
And as they returned they coalesced and profoundly impressed
reached Dwaraka.
The Hymn Of The Vedas
The deities of the Vedas now desired to praise the lord who
had deigned to assume human form. They came hovering and
with folded hands began to sing the hymn of the Vedas.
Thy Maya with her threefold gunas Veils, their master from
these mortals
As clay changes it’s shape when moulded
This universe too takes different shapes
You have created them and indwell
Them with your own spirit
Of all methods of reaching you
Bhakti remains supreme
It is the flower that blooms
In the tree of knowledge
It can bloom by itself too
If the devotee has but thy grace.
Bahkti is the fifth and final goal
Transcending even moksha .
This body is given for this alone
So develop Bhakthi step by step
This all important Bhakti is got by grace alone
Therefore we surrender to You without reserve
And may You help us in this quest.
Sanandana and the other sages heard this and departed to
Their ashrams.
The Story Of Vrikasura , Sri Siva , And Sri Hari
Raja Parikshit raised a doubt “O! Maharishi! Usually we
find devotees of Lord Siva getting rich and powerful very soon
but not so, the devotees of Sri Hari. Why is it so?” Sri Suka replied
“O! Rajan! What you say is correct. Siva is associated with the
three gunas and so his worshippers get the benefit of these
adjuncts. But Sri Hari is beyond, untouched by them. Your grand
father Yudhistira asked Lord Krishna the same question. Hear his
reply “Those I wish to bless, I take away their wealth steadily.
Friends desert them and in despair they stick to me more closely
and I give them the bliss of detachment and then there is no going
back” As if to illustrate this Sri Suka tells the story of Vrikasura
Vrikasura
The wicked asura Vrika, once happened to meet Sri Narada
Maharishi on the way and enquired “O! Maharishi! Which of the
trinity is most easily pleased? Knowing his motive the Maharishi
replied “Of the three Sri Rudhra is easy to please and he grants
any boon”. Highly pleased the Asura immediately rushed off to
distant Kedara, lit a holy fire and cutting off a little flesh from his
body offered it as sacrifice to Siva. He went on repeating this
until on the seventh day, when no more flesh was left he was
about to cut off his head to be thrown in the fire . Lord Siva
himself appeared and held his hand “Why all this gruesome
sacrifice my friend? I would have been pleased even by a handful
of water offered with devotion. Ask what you want”. With folded
hands and apparent modesty the asura said “Great Lord! Let any
one whom I touch on the head, fall down dead.” Lord Siva was
aghast at this terrible request but a word once given must be
honoured; so rather unwillingly Lord Siva said “Be it so!” At the
touch of Siva the asura had become whole again with redoubled
strength. His eyes falling on Sri Parvathy Devi the villain desired
her and raised his hand to touch Lord Siva himself. The Lord
turned and fled, over the continents and oceans, over the three
worlds and at last reached Vaikuntam itself where Sri Hari was
taking rest and fell down exhausted. The story was soon told. The
asura coming in hot pursuit was also panting Sri Hari at once
changed himself into a young brahmacharin holding kusa grass
and kamandalu (vessel) filled with water and asked with feigned
surprise “Ho! ! Vrikasura What is the matter?” The asura gave a
hasty account and his desire to destroy Sri Rudra. The brahmachari
was incredulous “Haven’t you heard that Sri Rudra as a result of
Daksha’s curse, has lost his powers. Why not test it by trying it –
say on yourself” This was said in such a plausible disarming manner
that the foolish asura immediately put his hand on his own head
which split in two . And he fell down dead split in two halves.
The devas with Brahma at their head now broke out in hymns
and the gandharvas showered flowers.
He who hears this account of the rescue of Sri Rudra, will
himself be freed from the cycle of birth and death.
CHAPTER 23
Recovery Of The Brahmin’s Children
A Brahmin citizen once came to the court with a complaint
“My son died as soon as he was born because of the worthlessness
of the ruling kings. When a king just collects taxes and wastes it
in luxury, evil raises its head” Krishna and Balarama just ignored
it. This complaint went on year after year and when it was repeated
for the ninth time Arjuna happened to be at Dwaraka and intervened
“How is it, O! Brahmin! Is there no kshatriya here eager to help
you? Never mind, I will help you next time” The Brahmin was
not convinced and replied “When even gods like Krishna and
Balarama or warriors like Pradyumna and Anirudha are unable,
how can you help?” Arjuna’s pride was hurt and he said “I am not
Krishna or Balarama. I am Arjuna and this is my bow Gandiva. If
I fail to protect your son I will enter fire”. The brahmin was content
and left. Before the year was out, the brahmin came again and
announced his wife was about to deliver for the tenth time. Arjuna
gathered his bow and arrows prayed to Sri Rudhra and followed
the brahmin. Arjuna the master of archery, victor of many battles
wove an impenetrable net work of arrows about the house and
grimly waited outside awaiting the result. Soon sounds of
lamentation arose. The child was born but before it could touch
the floor it was whisked away. The nurses and the brahmin loudly
lamented beating their breasts “Earlier we could at least see the
body. Now even the body has vanished.” The brahmin was angry
and even insulting “Alas! What a fool I have been to believe that
this eunuch could do what even the great gods could not. Now go
and jump into the fire. But no! you need not die; go and live
Sk 10. Ch 89 - Slokam 22
somewhere!” But Arjuna was a hero. He went to the nether world
Samyamani where yama ruled. The child was not there. In turn
he went to Indraloka, Chandraloka, Varunaloka. The child was no
where. He returned dispirited, desperate and prepared to immolate
himself.
Touching him gently on the shoulder Krishna said “Why this
haste Arjuna? I will show you the children. They are in Vaikunta.
Come, get into this chariot” Together they drove in the westerly
direction over seas and continents. Soon the earth was left behind
and they were travelling in space. Past planets, past stars the
divine chariot and horses sped. They were now beyond light. It
was fearful darkness. The horses slowed down and Krishna took
out the sudarsan discus and it was again bright as if a thousand
suns had risen. Now they reached the milky ocean buffeted by
waves as high as hills and beyond was Sri Vaikuntam itself a vast
city of golden palaces and Sri Hari himself resting on the thousand
hooded Adisesha. Sri Hari was graciously smiling and adorned by
garlands and kaustubham and srivatsam and the divine weapons
now taking forms were in attendance along with the parshada
Sunanda, Nanda and Sri Lakshmi was stroking his feet. Sri Devi
was attended by modesty, fame, and victory, who had taken forms.
Seeing Krishna and Arjuna Sri Hari said smiling “I have brought
the brahmin’s sons here. I was desirous of seeing both of you
together .You can return with them and restore them to the brahmin.
“ Sri Maya now produced them and Sridevi herself presented them
to Arjuna. They bowed low and returned with the children.
On seeing their children the brahmin couple were
overwhelmed with joy . The brahmin now blessed Arjuna “O!
Arjuna, Hero, Pardon me for blaming you unknowingly. May
victory always attend your arms!”.
Krishna The Infinite
Maharishi Vyasa tries to give us a panoramic view of the
infinite facets of life that Lord Krishna adorned, statesman, soldier,
savior, a house holder; and an ideal husband to everyone of the
sixteen thousand and eight wives. Each thought that he was with
her only all the time; sometime sporting in crystal clear lakes;
splashing perfumed water at each other and indulging in
meaningless prattle
“O! Nightingale! You were singing all the night
Are you also sleepless like us for love of Krishna!
Great ocean! Are you moaning day and night
Unable like us to bear our Lord’s absence?
O! Moon! You seem weak and wasting.
Like us you too are famished for want of love!”
With thoughts like these and extravagant fancies the ladies
of Krishna’s household attained with ease what sages and saints
attain by penance and worship and various ways. And it is no
wonder; they were incarnations of devis, sent in advance to aid
Krishna in his fight against evil.
How they and their children helped Krishna and how in his
infinite mercy, they too had to be removed will be the subject of
the remaining part of Sreemad Bhagavatham.
The Curse Of The Brahmins
Krishna and Balrama had by now destroyed most of the
asura kings , were now planning to destroy their own yadava army
lest they should become a burden to mother earth.
Once Krishna invited the sages Viswamitra, Asita, Kasyapa, Atri,
Vasista, Vamadeva and many others for the performance of a
yagna and at its conclusion sent them on a pilgrimage to Pindaraka
a holy place. Some playful youths bent on playful mischief had
also followed them. They dressed Samba (Krishna’s son) as a
pregnant woman . Leading her to the sages the impertinent
youngsters humbly asked the sages “Holy sirs, this bashful young
lady wants to know, the sex of the baby in her womb” The Rishis
looked and understood “You rascals! She will give birth to an iron
pestle that will destroy all your tribe”. The sages then departed.
The youths were startled and leading Samba aside took off
his disguise and were frightened to find an iron rod inside. They
now informed their elders who blamed them for their impudence.
Hastily they powdered the rod .A small piece was left out . They
threw it all into the sea. The waves swept the powder ashore
where they all became a kind of grass (araka) and the piece of
iron was swallowed by a fish. The fish was caught by a fisherman
who sold it to a hunter. The hunter in turn fashioned an arrow
head out of that iron piece. Krishna was aware of everything but
did not interfere. The wheel of time was grinding slow but sure.
Sermon Of The Navayogis
Sri Narada Maharishi in the course of his travels came to
Dwaraka flourishing under Krishna’s protection. One day he came
to Vasudeva’s mansion. “O! Great Maharshe! The visit of holy
saints like you can be only for our benefits. Be kind to tell us the
essentials of Bhagavata Dharma” Thus implored, the sage began
“I had told you that nine of the sons of Rishabhadeva had become
sanyasins. These sanyasins known as the Navayogis, once went
to king Janaka’s court and he put them the same question. Kavi,
the eldest replied “The root of all sorrow is the identification of
body with the soul. He who attains the feet of God is freed from
this error and so is freed from all fear. The Lord himself has
indicated the means- Dedicate every action done by mind, word
and deed to Him. Thus come to him and be free from fear” .
Kavi continued“ Hearing the elevating stories of the Lord Singing
them aloud, boldly, unashamed
Your love for God waxes and melts the mind
You laugh aloud, sometimes you cry
Some times you dance, as if possessed
You see the wind, the sky, the seas and stars
And the creatures all as the lord’s own body
And prostrate before them all
Then you get devotion, oneness and dispassion
Even as food gives fullness, growth and strength
O! Rajan! The devotee gets all these at once.”
The next sanyasin Hari said “He who sees the Lord in all
creatures irrespective of who they are, he is indeed the greatest
among devotees; who is just friendly only is a devotee of the
second order; who sees the Lord only in idols but not in worshippers
is a devotee of the third order only. A true devotee has no desires
for sensuous things, he is not caste conscious. He never says
“This is mine or that is his”. He is serene peaceful, and considers
all as equals.
Even the wealth of the three worlds
Cannot make him stray an inch
The passions cannot hot him up
Whose heart is kept cool by the Lord’s grace
Even past sins vanish like the dew
When the sun of devotion rises in the heart.
The king (Janaka) now desired to know about the origin of
maya and Antariksha (one of the Navayogis) answered “Maya is
the Lord’s power using which in various degrees He created
different creatures and these by virtue of their actions rose up in
the scale or went down. The soul itself is not affected though it
imagines it is by its association with the gunas (qualities satwa,
rajas and tamas) Some attain illumination by their own effort and
rejoin the Lord. The rest are thrown into the melting pot called
Maha Pralaya and the whole process goes on repeating.
The remaining nava yogis cleared all the doubts of the king.
Sri Narada finally observed “O! Vasudeva! Do not think
that Krishna is your son only. He is the darling of all dwelling in
every heart. But you are doubly blessed because you had the
privilege of bringing him up as your own son. Sisupala, Salva and
others were also thinking of him constantly though unpleasantly.
Nevertheless they too did attain salvation”. Hearing this, Vasudeva
and Devaki were greatly surprised and overcame their illusion.
Devas Request For The Lord’s Return
Brahma, accompanied by Indra and all the devas now came
to Dwaraka to see the Lord in his present surroundings and to
remind him that the purpose of his sojourn was over and that he
should return to Vaikunta. “By reciting your exploits and stories
with devotion you have provided an easy method for realization.
Yoga, yagna, penance (tapas) are comparatively more difficult.
You have achieved your purpose. So pray return” Thus prayed
the celestials. Krishna replied, “I am aware of all that you say;
but a little more remains. My yadavas too have to be removed”.
The devas were content and returned. But all this was only a
make believe; another drama of the Lord. Actually there could be
no coming or going for the supreme. He is present everywhere,
every instant.
Now portents of evil began to appear in Dwaraka. The
frightened elders went to Krishna for advice. The Lord said, “You
have incurred the sage’s curse . To atone for that sin, go to holy
Prabasa seashore ,bathe there and offer oblations to the ancestors
and sumptuous feasts to the brahmins”. The yadavas at once got
ready their chariots and started for Prabhasa.
The Story Of Kuchela Or Grace Supreme
Krishna had a fellow student, now a realized Brahmin though
a householder, maintaining his family with great difficulty by
begging for alms. He would not strain too much and was content
with what he got and that was sometimes precious little. His wife
was also of similar disposition. Sudama was his real name and
Kuchela( poorly dressed )was only an appellation and the wife
was called Kshudkshama because of her emaciated appearance.
She had heard her husband mention about his great friend of student
days, Lord Krishna of Dwaraka. Unable to bear the pangs of
hunger and the sufferings of her half starved children one day,
she gently reminded her husband “Dear Lord, you have told me
sometimes about your friend Lord Krishna who is presently at
Dwaraka. He is known to be a great giver of gifts. If you go and
meet him, he will surely help us , Our children starve for want of
food”. The Brahmin relented and agreed to go “But my dear”, he
said, “I must not go empty handed when I go to see a great person”
Whereupon the poor woman went out and got some paddy She
fried and pounded them into flattened rice and packed it neatly in
a piece of cloth and gave it to her husband.
He took it with great respect . With a walking stick and a
pair of worn out chappals started on his arduous journey. On the
way, he had only one thought “At last, I can see your beloved
face again! O! Krishna! Krishna!” The poor Brahmin trudged
along buoyed up with this one thought. He did not feel the heat or
cold or even any weariness. It was a long, long way . “O! Krishna,
Sk10. Ch80 - Slokam 6
Krishna how blessed I will be” At last the distant spires of
Dwaraka came into view. and he was at the golden gates. An
unerring instinct led him on and he found himself entering the gates
of one of the great mansions. Lord Krishna was resting there
while Rukminidevi was gently fanning him. Krishna’s glance fell
on the poor Brahmin wearing soiled clothes entering the gates .
He immediately recognized his old friend and wiping a tear from
his eyes Krishna ran down, the steps crying “O! Sudama! My
friend, why did you take so long a time to come?” and clasped
him to his bosom and slowly led him in. All this time Rukminidevi
was closely following in stunned surprise. Krishna seated his friend
on the couch on which he was resting . Rukmini was now fanning
Kuchela and washed his feet with cold ganges water. She
sprinkled herself and Krishna and all the attendants with it.
Krishna gently said “Sudama, I am a big family man now. This is
my queen, Rukmini. Kindly bless her and me”. And with that
they both knelt before him. Krishna continued “ And of course
you too have entered the grihastashram! And how is my sister
and the children! Are all well?” Sudama could scarcely speak
with emotion. “They are all well lord! By your grace” and with
that, they began to talk of olden days.
”O! Sudama, do you remember, how, one day, the three of
us (we two and brother Balrama) went to the forest to fetch
firewood as required by our gurupathny and were overtaken by a
great storm preventing return and how we spent the night on tree
tops, shivering with cold. Before day break our guru came with
burning torches and, loudly calling our names and took us back to
the ashram. He was so touched that he blessed us saying “Dear
pupils I am immensely pleased with your self less service! May
you never forget the lessons I have taught. May you be able to
recall them when required. Only by a teacher’s blessings, a pupil
becomes perfect”
Like this they talked on far into the night, holding each
other by the arm, when Krishna suddenly asked “Sudama, have
you not brought anything for me?.” Sudama looked abashed.
Noticing this Krishna suddenly snatched the packet from under
his arm and opening it exclaimed “Excellent! I like nothing better!”
and grabbing a little put it into his mouth and ate it with relish! “Ha
how sweet it is!” and he ate another handful. When he took another
handful for a third time, Sri Rukmini devi who was Sri Lakshmi
herself caught hold of his hand whispering “Enough! Enough! With
two handfuls I have already made him rich beyond dreams!”
Krishna stopped and Sudama did not understand what all this
whispering was about. Leaving him comfortably in a velvet bed,
Krishna retired. Sudama could not sleep for a long time thinking
over the events of the day “A poor Brahmin like me ! An ill clad
beggar ! I have been embraced by the lord of all wealth as if I
was his own brother. Ha The magnanimity of the great!” Full of
thankfulness Sudama felt that he was in heaven and slowly fell
asleep. Early morning he woke up with the birds. Krishna was
ready in attendance. Sudama again became Kuchela .He put on
his old clothes , old chappals and took up his sturdy staff and
stepped out. Krishna escorted him and affectionately said
“Sudama! Do not forget me! Come again! Kindly commend me to
my sister your wife, May God be with you ! ” . He did not give
any gift and neither did Kuchela ask for any.
“Alas!” He thought” I did not ask for anything. I know
why he did not give me any gift. Wealth would spoil my tapas
(penance). How kind is the lord!” Thinking like this, a little sad
nevertheless, he slowly wended his way back , homeward.. The
familiar old land marks were missing. “Have I missed my way?”
wondered Kuchela “But no, it cannot be!” In the place of his old
house, there stood a great mansion with avenue of trees , parks
and fountains. Well dressed servants were passing in and out.
Even the neighbouring houses from which his wife had begged
alms were changed. From the many pillared halls came sounds
of music. As the poor man stood utterly bewildered the great
door opened and a beautiful lady came towards him. It was his
wife. The famished Kshutshama was now glowing like a goddess,.
With tears of joy in her eyes she knelt before him and explained
the mystery. The night before, some angels had knocked at the
door with very precious gifts and had requested her and the children
to come out. They were Viswakarma the engineer architect of
Indra, lord of heaven, and his men . In a few minutes they built
this wonderful mansion with outhouses and orchards and lawns.,
rivaling those of Lord Indra in heaven. Kubera, god of wealth
was also there with his vast treasures. The servants, ornaments,
provisions had all materialized from the air in a trice. As she was
describing all this wonder the children came trooping in dressed
like princes and bright like flowers in the garden. Kuchela too
changed into golden attire, though he felt a little uncomfortable.
Not only Kuchela, but also his neighbours had become rich beyond
their dreams.
Thus Sudama the Brahmin though surrounded by luxury lived
like a recluse with great restraint, remembering that all this
prosperity was due to Krishna’s kindness his grace and attained
the supreme grace from which there is no return.
CHAPTER 22
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The Great Reunion
There was a great solar eclipse and a great conclave of
people from distant parts of Bharata converging for a holy dip at
Syamanta Panchakam a lake near Kurukshetra. There were the
vrishnies from Dwaraka led by Lord Krishna and Balrama and
the yadavas from Mathura and Brindavan with Nanda, Yasoda
and Rohini and gopas and gopis. All the kauravas and their
acharyas also arrived. Kuntidevi was complaining to her cousin
Vasudeva “Alas! Brother, even close relatives like you forsake
unlucky people like me!.” “Oh! not so, my sister! We too were
oppressed by Kamsa,. Now, we are free and have come, you
see!” Devaki with tears thanked Yasoda “How can we ever repay
our debt to you sister! You were taking care of our children in
those early difficult years. It can never be repaid ” And the two
ladies clasped each other. The Yadavas and like minded chiefs
congratulated the vrishnies “How lucky you are to have the lord
of the universe as your friend and guide. Every day you play with
him, dine with him and are not apart even when sleeping. What
great good fortune is yours! Surely you are the most blessed of all
beings!” The women had congregated apart. The gopis were
curious to know how Krishna wooed and married the queens .
Krishna approached the gopis “You still remember me, my
dear gopis? Affairs of state compelled me to stay here. Kindly,
don’t be cross with me. Destiny unites people and separates them
even as the wind unites the clouds and again separates them.
Devotion to me alone makes beings immortal and by great good
chance you have got the devotion good ladies. I am the beginning
Sk 10. Ch 82 - Slokam 1
and end of all beings!” The gopis now fully understood and replied
“Grant us lord that we who are tied by affection to husband, son
and others may never forget you and your words. May we be
always devoted to your lotus feet!”.
Krishna granted their request and then turned to Yudhistira
and enquired about their welfare. Yudhistira replied “We are all
well Lord, by your grace”. All the great sages too had come for
the holy dip. Vyasa , Sri Narada, Vasishta, Viswamitra,
Bharadwaja and others. In that great assembly Lord Krishna
proclaimed
By our great good luck we have got
What all good people strain to attain
The blessed sight of all these sages great
A sight not attainable even to gods
Holy rivers, gods and idols
Grant salvation in course of time
to pilgrims; But saints like you
grant immediate release by your very sight.
Neither fire nor the sun and moon
Nor the galaxies nor the mantras nor mind
Remove one’s sin as sages do
If you do even a little service to them .
He who mistakes this body as the soul
And thinks his wife and intellect as his own
And sees not the divinity enshrined in temple
Or learned men is only a donkey or a bull.
Hearing these words of the world teacher the assembled
sages said “Even we, who have been the preceptors of kings,
have been fooled by your maya (illusion) Who knows why you
have assumed this form? Still we have an inkling You have
assumed this form for the establishment of good and removal of
evil. You are Time. These assembled kings and even your own
clan do not know that you have come for the establishment of
Dharma and removal of evil. Our salutations again and again.”
Vasudeva knew that the best way to repay one’s debt to
ancestors, rishis and gods is through the performance of yagnas
and so he desired to perform a great yagna. There was no better
place or time as Krishna the Lord of yagna’s was himself present
The mantras were recited by the sages, seers of the mantras,
themselves. At the conclusion after the final bath Vasudeva shone
with splendour and the sages too left for their respective places.
Nandagopa and Yasoda too were preparing to leave. Vasudeva
said “O! Brother! This bond of affection created by the great
Lord himself cannot be easily broken even by saints.” The gopis
too left but it was only, their bodies that left; their hearts were at
Krishna’s feet as always. At last Krishna and Balrama too left
for Dwaraka. The rainy season was approaching and they had to
be back at home in time.
Devaki Sees Her Dead Sons Again
By now Vasudeva and Devaki realized that their two sons
were not just supermen; they were Maha Vishnu and his coiled
power Adi Sesha. Thus emboldened, Devaki tearfully said “O!
Krishna! Now we know you are the all pervading, all powerful
supreme Lord. I have heard that you have brought your guru’s
dead son back from the land of the dead! How I wish to see my
poor dead sons once more!”. The Lord answered “Those boys
dear mother are now with Mahabali, in the nether world They
were the sons of Marichi and Urna in Krita Yuga. Once, they had
the temerity to mock lord Brahma for some silly action and he
cursed them to be born as asuras. They were born to Hiranyakasipu
but immediately transferred as your children. They were destined
to have a short life only. Kamsa was only an agent. Look at them
again now”. Devaki embraced the children and was content. In
turn they prostrated before Devaki and Vasudeva and vanished in
a blaze of light.
Krishna’s Visit To Srutadeva And Janaka
At Mithila there lived a great brahmin devotee of Krishna
named Srutadeva. Though a family man he lived on alms taking
only the minimum without much effort and with this he
entertained guests also. The king of Mithila the Janaka of that
time was also an equally illustrious devotee and to please both of
them at the same time Krishna started in his chariot driven by
Daruka A great retinue of sages and sanyasins accompanied him.
Sri Narada, Vamadeva, Atri, Krishnadwaipayana and many others
too were there. All along the people stood in groups with garlands
and scented water and perfumes as offerings. Passing through
Anarta, Matsya, Panchala Kekaya and Kosala the procession
at last reached the outskirts of Mithila. Both Srutadeva and Raja
Janaka were waiting to receive Krishna. He assumed two identical
forms and followed both without either knowing the trick. Srutadeva
and his wife received Krishna and the sanyasins with kusa grass,
holy water and flowers and fruits, seated them on mats made of
grass and entertained them with every thing they had which was
not much. But the guests were quite satisfied and blessed them
with all their heart. The party that followed the king had a royal
reception with elaborate rituals, feasts and dances. They too
blessed the king and his household. At the end of a month both
parties, highly pleased and showering blessings all-round returned.
And as they returned they coalesced and profoundly impressed
reached Dwaraka.
The Hymn Of The Vedas
The deities of the Vedas now desired to praise the lord who
had deigned to assume human form. They came hovering and
with folded hands began to sing the hymn of the Vedas.
Thy Maya with her threefold gunas Veils, their master from
these mortals
As clay changes it’s shape when moulded
This universe too takes different shapes
You have created them and indwell
Them with your own spirit
Of all methods of reaching you
Bhakti remains supreme
It is the flower that blooms
In the tree of knowledge
It can bloom by itself too
If the devotee has but thy grace.
Bahkti is the fifth and final goal
Transcending even moksha .
This body is given for this alone
So develop Bhakthi step by step
This all important Bhakti is got by grace alone
Therefore we surrender to You without reserve
And may You help us in this quest.
Sanandana and the other sages heard this and departed to
Their ashrams.
The Story Of Vrikasura , Sri Siva , And Sri Hari
Raja Parikshit raised a doubt “O! Maharishi! Usually we
find devotees of Lord Siva getting rich and powerful very soon
but not so, the devotees of Sri Hari. Why is it so?” Sri Suka replied
“O! Rajan! What you say is correct. Siva is associated with the
three gunas and so his worshippers get the benefit of these
adjuncts. But Sri Hari is beyond, untouched by them. Your grand
father Yudhistira asked Lord Krishna the same question. Hear his
reply “Those I wish to bless, I take away their wealth steadily.
Friends desert them and in despair they stick to me more closely
and I give them the bliss of detachment and then there is no going
back” As if to illustrate this Sri Suka tells the story of Vrikasura
Vrikasura
The wicked asura Vrika, once happened to meet Sri Narada
Maharishi on the way and enquired “O! Maharishi! Which of the
trinity is most easily pleased? Knowing his motive the Maharishi
replied “Of the three Sri Rudhra is easy to please and he grants
any boon”. Highly pleased the Asura immediately rushed off to
distant Kedara, lit a holy fire and cutting off a little flesh from his
body offered it as sacrifice to Siva. He went on repeating this
until on the seventh day, when no more flesh was left he was
about to cut off his head to be thrown in the fire . Lord Siva
himself appeared and held his hand “Why all this gruesome
sacrifice my friend? I would have been pleased even by a handful
of water offered with devotion. Ask what you want”. With folded
hands and apparent modesty the asura said “Great Lord! Let any
one whom I touch on the head, fall down dead.” Lord Siva was
aghast at this terrible request but a word once given must be
honoured; so rather unwillingly Lord Siva said “Be it so!” At the
touch of Siva the asura had become whole again with redoubled
strength. His eyes falling on Sri Parvathy Devi the villain desired
her and raised his hand to touch Lord Siva himself. The Lord
turned and fled, over the continents and oceans, over the three
worlds and at last reached Vaikuntam itself where Sri Hari was
taking rest and fell down exhausted. The story was soon told. The
asura coming in hot pursuit was also panting Sri Hari at once
changed himself into a young brahmacharin holding kusa grass
and kamandalu (vessel) filled with water and asked with feigned
surprise “Ho! ! Vrikasura What is the matter?” The asura gave a
hasty account and his desire to destroy Sri Rudra. The brahmachari
was incredulous “Haven’t you heard that Sri Rudra as a result of
Daksha’s curse, has lost his powers. Why not test it by trying it –
say on yourself” This was said in such a plausible disarming manner
that the foolish asura immediately put his hand on his own head
which split in two . And he fell down dead split in two halves.
The devas with Brahma at their head now broke out in hymns
and the gandharvas showered flowers.
He who hears this account of the rescue of Sri Rudra, will
himself be freed from the cycle of birth and death.
CHAPTER 23
Recovery Of The Brahmin’s Children
A Brahmin citizen once came to the court with a complaint
“My son died as soon as he was born because of the worthlessness
of the ruling kings. When a king just collects taxes and wastes it
in luxury, evil raises its head” Krishna and Balarama just ignored
it. This complaint went on year after year and when it was repeated
for the ninth time Arjuna happened to be at Dwaraka and intervened
“How is it, O! Brahmin! Is there no kshatriya here eager to help
you? Never mind, I will help you next time” The Brahmin was
not convinced and replied “When even gods like Krishna and
Balarama or warriors like Pradyumna and Anirudha are unable,
how can you help?” Arjuna’s pride was hurt and he said “I am not
Krishna or Balarama. I am Arjuna and this is my bow Gandiva. If
I fail to protect your son I will enter fire”. The brahmin was content
and left. Before the year was out, the brahmin came again and
announced his wife was about to deliver for the tenth time. Arjuna
gathered his bow and arrows prayed to Sri Rudhra and followed
the brahmin. Arjuna the master of archery, victor of many battles
wove an impenetrable net work of arrows about the house and
grimly waited outside awaiting the result. Soon sounds of
lamentation arose. The child was born but before it could touch
the floor it was whisked away. The nurses and the brahmin loudly
lamented beating their breasts “Earlier we could at least see the
body. Now even the body has vanished.” The brahmin was angry
and even insulting “Alas! What a fool I have been to believe that
this eunuch could do what even the great gods could not. Now go
and jump into the fire. But no! you need not die; go and live
Sk 10. Ch 89 - Slokam 22
somewhere!” But Arjuna was a hero. He went to the nether world
Samyamani where yama ruled. The child was not there. In turn
he went to Indraloka, Chandraloka, Varunaloka. The child was no
where. He returned dispirited, desperate and prepared to immolate
himself.
Touching him gently on the shoulder Krishna said “Why this
haste Arjuna? I will show you the children. They are in Vaikunta.
Come, get into this chariot” Together they drove in the westerly
direction over seas and continents. Soon the earth was left behind
and they were travelling in space. Past planets, past stars the
divine chariot and horses sped. They were now beyond light. It
was fearful darkness. The horses slowed down and Krishna took
out the sudarsan discus and it was again bright as if a thousand
suns had risen. Now they reached the milky ocean buffeted by
waves as high as hills and beyond was Sri Vaikuntam itself a vast
city of golden palaces and Sri Hari himself resting on the thousand
hooded Adisesha. Sri Hari was graciously smiling and adorned by
garlands and kaustubham and srivatsam and the divine weapons
now taking forms were in attendance along with the parshada
Sunanda, Nanda and Sri Lakshmi was stroking his feet. Sri Devi
was attended by modesty, fame, and victory, who had taken forms.
Seeing Krishna and Arjuna Sri Hari said smiling “I have brought
the brahmin’s sons here. I was desirous of seeing both of you
together .You can return with them and restore them to the brahmin.
“ Sri Maya now produced them and Sridevi herself presented them
to Arjuna. They bowed low and returned with the children.
On seeing their children the brahmin couple were
overwhelmed with joy . The brahmin now blessed Arjuna “O!
Arjuna, Hero, Pardon me for blaming you unknowingly. May
victory always attend your arms!”.
Krishna The Infinite
Maharishi Vyasa tries to give us a panoramic view of the
infinite facets of life that Lord Krishna adorned, statesman, soldier,
savior, a house holder; and an ideal husband to everyone of the
sixteen thousand and eight wives. Each thought that he was with
her only all the time; sometime sporting in crystal clear lakes;
splashing perfumed water at each other and indulging in
meaningless prattle
“O! Nightingale! You were singing all the night
Are you also sleepless like us for love of Krishna!
Great ocean! Are you moaning day and night
Unable like us to bear our Lord’s absence?
O! Moon! You seem weak and wasting.
Like us you too are famished for want of love!”
With thoughts like these and extravagant fancies the ladies
of Krishna’s household attained with ease what sages and saints
attain by penance and worship and various ways. And it is no
wonder; they were incarnations of devis, sent in advance to aid
Krishna in his fight against evil.
How they and their children helped Krishna and how in his
infinite mercy, they too had to be removed will be the subject of
the remaining part of Sreemad Bhagavatham.
The Curse Of The Brahmins
Krishna and Balrama had by now destroyed most of the
asura kings , were now planning to destroy their own yadava army
lest they should become a burden to mother earth.
Once Krishna invited the sages Viswamitra, Asita, Kasyapa, Atri,
Vasista, Vamadeva and many others for the performance of a
yagna and at its conclusion sent them on a pilgrimage to Pindaraka
a holy place. Some playful youths bent on playful mischief had
also followed them. They dressed Samba (Krishna’s son) as a
pregnant woman . Leading her to the sages the impertinent
youngsters humbly asked the sages “Holy sirs, this bashful young
lady wants to know, the sex of the baby in her womb” The Rishis
looked and understood “You rascals! She will give birth to an iron
pestle that will destroy all your tribe”. The sages then departed.
The youths were startled and leading Samba aside took off
his disguise and were frightened to find an iron rod inside. They
now informed their elders who blamed them for their impudence.
Hastily they powdered the rod .A small piece was left out . They
threw it all into the sea. The waves swept the powder ashore
where they all became a kind of grass (araka) and the piece of
iron was swallowed by a fish. The fish was caught by a fisherman
who sold it to a hunter. The hunter in turn fashioned an arrow
head out of that iron piece. Krishna was aware of everything but
did not interfere. The wheel of time was grinding slow but sure.
Sermon Of The Navayogis
Sri Narada Maharishi in the course of his travels came to
Dwaraka flourishing under Krishna’s protection. One day he came
to Vasudeva’s mansion. “O! Great Maharshe! The visit of holy
saints like you can be only for our benefits. Be kind to tell us the
essentials of Bhagavata Dharma” Thus implored, the sage began
“I had told you that nine of the sons of Rishabhadeva had become
sanyasins. These sanyasins known as the Navayogis, once went
to king Janaka’s court and he put them the same question. Kavi,
the eldest replied “The root of all sorrow is the identification of
body with the soul. He who attains the feet of God is freed from
this error and so is freed from all fear. The Lord himself has
indicated the means- Dedicate every action done by mind, word
and deed to Him. Thus come to him and be free from fear” .
Kavi continued“ Hearing the elevating stories of the Lord Singing
them aloud, boldly, unashamed
Your love for God waxes and melts the mind
You laugh aloud, sometimes you cry
Some times you dance, as if possessed
You see the wind, the sky, the seas and stars
And the creatures all as the lord’s own body
And prostrate before them all
Then you get devotion, oneness and dispassion
Even as food gives fullness, growth and strength
O! Rajan! The devotee gets all these at once.”
The next sanyasin Hari said “He who sees the Lord in all
creatures irrespective of who they are, he is indeed the greatest
among devotees; who is just friendly only is a devotee of the
second order; who sees the Lord only in idols but not in worshippers
is a devotee of the third order only. A true devotee has no desires
for sensuous things, he is not caste conscious. He never says
“This is mine or that is his”. He is serene peaceful, and considers
all as equals.
Even the wealth of the three worlds
Cannot make him stray an inch
The passions cannot hot him up
Whose heart is kept cool by the Lord’s grace
Even past sins vanish like the dew
When the sun of devotion rises in the heart.
The king (Janaka) now desired to know about the origin of
maya and Antariksha (one of the Navayogis) answered “Maya is
the Lord’s power using which in various degrees He created
different creatures and these by virtue of their actions rose up in
the scale or went down. The soul itself is not affected though it
imagines it is by its association with the gunas (qualities satwa,
rajas and tamas) Some attain illumination by their own effort and
rejoin the Lord. The rest are thrown into the melting pot called
Maha Pralaya and the whole process goes on repeating.
The remaining nava yogis cleared all the doubts of the king.
Sri Narada finally observed “O! Vasudeva! Do not think
that Krishna is your son only. He is the darling of all dwelling in
every heart. But you are doubly blessed because you had the
privilege of bringing him up as your own son. Sisupala, Salva and
others were also thinking of him constantly though unpleasantly.
Nevertheless they too did attain salvation”. Hearing this, Vasudeva
and Devaki were greatly surprised and overcame their illusion.
Devas Request For The Lord’s Return
Brahma, accompanied by Indra and all the devas now came
to Dwaraka to see the Lord in his present surroundings and to
remind him that the purpose of his sojourn was over and that he
should return to Vaikunta. “By reciting your exploits and stories
with devotion you have provided an easy method for realization.
Yoga, yagna, penance (tapas) are comparatively more difficult.
You have achieved your purpose. So pray return” Thus prayed
the celestials. Krishna replied, “I am aware of all that you say;
but a little more remains. My yadavas too have to be removed”.
The devas were content and returned. But all this was only a
make believe; another drama of the Lord. Actually there could be
no coming or going for the supreme. He is present everywhere,
every instant.
Now portents of evil began to appear in Dwaraka. The
frightened elders went to Krishna for advice. The Lord said, “You
have incurred the sage’s curse . To atone for that sin, go to holy
Prabasa seashore ,bathe there and offer oblations to the ancestors
and sumptuous feasts to the brahmins”. The yadavas at once got
ready their chariots and started for Prabhasa.
| 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 |