SELECT STORIES FROM PURANAS -5

SELECT STORIES FROM PURANAS

(Compiled  by  Brahmasree V.D.N.Rao)

 

Maha Bharata in brief

Origin of Veda Vyasa: In the times of yore, there was a pious King Uparichara Vasu of Chedi

Kingdom whose wife Girik was of compelling charm. The King secured from Indra an air-borne

Vimana and in the contemporary world gained fame and respect. Once on the day of Shraddha to his

father and forefathers, his wife desired union with him but the King declined due to the Ceremony and

left for the forest nearby to bring an animal for sacrifice and other material required for the Shraddha.

On return he was overcome by his wife’s desire and spilt out his virility on banana leaf and

commanded a trained falcon to carry the leaf as a packet to his wife since he did not wish to waste it.

He falcon encounterd another falcon and forcibly took the packet away but the packet fell in the flow

of water. In the meantime an Apsara found the dangling feet of a Muni who was in meditation on the

banks of the water body and for fun dragged the feet into water. The Muni cursed the Apsara to turn

into a fish and the fish swallowed the packet that fell in the flow and got pregnant. A fisherman who

netted the fish took it home and there were two babies in its stomach and the King realised by his

mystic powers that the babies were his own. Of the two babies, one was a male child and another a

girl. The King returned the girl child to the fisherman with plenty of money and gifts and retained the

boy whom he made as the next King. The female child eventually grew as Satyavati.

Parashara Muni, the grandson of Maharshi Vasishtha the mind-born son of Brahma, during his

various travels spent a night in a hamlet on the banks of Ganga in the house of the Village chief and

asked his daughter Satyavati to ferrry the Muni to the other side of the river. In the boat, he was sick

of the strong smell of fish and teased her as Matsyagandhi. But noticing her body beauty desired to

have a union with her then and there; he created by his mantra siddhi a misty cover in an island

nearby and enjoyed her. He gave her the boon of conceiving an extraordinary son with universal

reputation and called her as Yojanagandhi or a female who spread fragrance for a Yojana’s width and

breadth; the boon also assured her that her chasity would be intact and that shewould be a queen. Devi

Satyavati gave birth to the illustrious Veda Vyasa who was also famed as Krishna Dwipayana or who

was bornin a Dwipa or an Island. Vyasa had the unique distinction of dividing the originally Single

Veda into four parts as also six Vedangas and scripted Maha Puranas and also Maha Bharata. In an

extremely rigourous penance that he performed,Vyasa attained the vision of Maha Deva and the latter

blessed Vyasa to secure an eminent son. Excited about his vision of Shankara, Vyasa performed an

Agni Homa by creating Agni by the process of ‘Arani ’ or rubbing wooden piecesto light up. Just then

an Apsara or a Celestial Nymph took the the form of an attractive parrot crossed the Agni Kunda and

as his concentration got disturbed she made a flashy appearance of her rare beauty and charm with her

amorous looks The Muni could not control his pttion and dischrged his virility on the wooden sticks

meant for Arani and then emerged from the Arani fire a boy of extraordinary radiance with the

features of his father but with a nose resembling that of a parrot. The boy grew up with unique

faculties of Spitituality as an Expert in Veda Vedangas and understandably Vyasa desired Shuka

Muni to become a Grihasthi but the latter disagreed vehemently. Vyasa used all his means of

persuasion and finally asked him to visit Janaka who through persuasion and arguments succeeded in

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persuasion and finally asked him to visit Janaka who through persuasion and arguments succeeded in

convincing to become a Grihasta (House holder). But after a few years of house holding, Shuka Muni

left for Mount Kailash to realise Paramatma and attained Salvation.

After the departure of his son, Veda Vyasa was a frustrated person and carried on with his disciples

Asita, Devala, Vaisampayana, Jaimini, Sumanta and others and after their studies were over, he

despatched them with the tasks of propagating Dharma all over. He left Meru Mountain to meet his

mother Satyavati whom he left long ago on the banks of Ganges. He realised that his mother was

married to the King of Hastinapur, Shantanu on the condition that another son of his, Bhishma born

from his first wife Ganga, would neither marry nor beget a child since there shold not be any progeny

to claim the throne. Shantanu and Satyavati gave birth to Chitrangada and Vichitra-Virya. After

Shantanu died, Chitrangada became the King but in a war with Gandharvas, Chitrangada died and

Vichitravirya was made the King. Bhishma desired that Vichitravirya be married as he was eligible

and when the King of Kasi announced a ‘Swayamvara’ ( bride’s choice among the Invited Kings),

Bhishma forcibly took away three brides- Amba, Ambika and Ambalika to Hastinapura. On arrival,

Amba requested that since she already selected the King of Salva at the Svayamvara, she might be

please allowed to do so and Bhishma agreed. But the King of Salva did not agree and as she returned

back insisting that as per Dharma Bhishma must marry her. Since Bhishma did not agree that even

earlier, Amba left for the forest and became an ascetic. King Vichitravirya married Ambika and

Ambalika but was not able to extend the progeny and died of premature death. Then came up a crisis

of Kingship falling vacant without a heir. Satyavati called for Vedavyasa who was settled on the

banks of River Sarasvati to help continue the lineage through Ambika and Ambalika. Ambika closed

her eyes in bed with Veda Vyasa as she was not happy with the union and thus a blind boy, Dhritarashtra

was delivered. Ambalika sent a Servant woman into the bed and a wise boy, Vidura was born.

But when the mistake was realised and Ambalika had to go into the bed, she was too frightened into

paleness afraid of the Maha Muni and thus was born Pandu. No doubt Pandu became the King before

his elder brother who was born blind but since he died of early death due to illness, Dhritarashtra the

blind had to be the King.

Chain reaction of Ganga-King Mahabhisha- Ashta Vasus- King Shantanu: There was a virtuous King

Mahabhisha of Ikshvaku Dynasty who pleased Indra with a series of ‘Asvametha’ and ‘Vajapeya’

Sacrifices and attained Indra Loka after his death. Once he had attended the Court of Lord Brahma

and along with him was seated Devi Ganga. He was immensely attracted to her and she too

reciprocated with her amorous glances. Brahma got disturbed and cursed both of them to take to

human lives as husband and wife. Mahabhisha opted to be the son of King Pratipa of Puru Dynasty.

At the same time Ashta-Vasus ( Eight Vasus) of the Celestial Region headed by Vasu Prithi and their

families visited Sage Vasishtha’s ‘Ashram’ and admired ‘Kama Dhenu’ the Sacred Cow whose milk

bestowed disease-less longevity and sublime happiness. The wife of one of the Vasus, Dyau was

impressed with the Cow and quietly stole it and its calf. Sage Vasishtha found in his ‘Diya Drishti’

( Celestial Vision) that Nandini the Sacred Cow was in the custody of Vasu Dyau and cursed all the

Vasus to be turned as human beings. Being highly repentant, the Vasus beseeched Vasishtha to dilute

the effect of the curse and out of compassion the Sage agreed to one year’s human life to seven Vasus

as their involvement was indirect but Vasu Dyau should have a full life time. The Vasus, who knew

about Brahma’s curse to Ganga Devi, approached her to give birth to Seven Vasus of one year’s

human life each and one life time’s existence to the last born Vasu. But this was agreed to subject to

the condition that her prospective husband should agree to freedom of her action without any

reservation and if he did not, she would quit as the husband. Eventually, Ganga waited on the banks

of River Ganges and awaited the arrival of King Pradipa of Kuru Dynasty for meditation. The King

arrived to perform ‘Surya Namaskaras’ on the river bed and Ganga appeared as a charming woman

and sat straightaway on his right lap indicating thereby that the place was to seat a son / daughter

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and sat straightaway on his right lap, indicating thereby that the place was to seat a son / daughter.

The damsel identified herself as Ganga Devi and replied that she would await his son’s arrival who

was yet to be born. In course of time, King Pradipa got his son, Shantanu, and as he grew as a

handsome youth advised him to meet Ganga Devi who would propose but cautioned that he should

not ask her questions and agree to whatever she asked. Accordingly, Ganga Devi, the eternal beauty,

agreed to wed Shantanu and agreed to her conditions unilaterally. She gave immense happiness to

Shantanu, who became the King after his father’s abdication of the throne. After a year, they were

blessed with a boy, but she took the baby and submerged him in the flow of Ganga! To his great

surprise, Shantanu witnessed the horror of the child’s cruel drowning in the flow but dared not say

one word to his wife. This happening was repeated again and again for seven times and as the eight

child was born, Shantanu protested and Ganga as per their contract left, but requested that the boy be

named as Gangeya.

Gangeya, the exemplary Bhishma of Maha Bharata: For a long time since Ganga Devi left Shantanu,

the latter had no interest in life and Gangeya, who was increasingly aware of his father’s

disenchantment in the duties of Kingship, virtually carried on the burden lightly. As a dutiful son, he

did whatever was possible or even impossible, but for the replacement of the position of a mother.

Once when he accompanied his father on a royal hunt on the banks of River Yamuna and found an

extraordinarily stunning woman whose body flavour was heavenly and intoxicating. Her captivating

physical features sent tremors in Shantanu’s mind and asked his son Gangeya to enquire about her.

The lady replied that she was a fisherwoman and any enquiry about herself be ascertained by her

father only at their abode. The fisherman was not sure whether her daughter’s future would be assured

since a grown up King-in-Waiting was already in place. Gangeya gave an assurance that he would not

put in a claim for Kingship. But this did not satisfy the fisherman as Gangeya’s next kin would

definitely make the claim to the throne. Then Gangeya declared that in view of the apprehensions

expressed by the fisherman and subtly endorsed by his daughter, he would take a Sacred Vow before

all witnesses concerned that he would never ever marry! Shantanu as well as the entire Kingdom were

taken aback by the decision of Gangeya. Shantanu tried to wriggle out of the deal, but Gangeya did

not allow any departure from his vow; he said that the sacrifice being performed was not comparable

to that of Parasurama, who for the asking by his father Jamadagni, had cut his own mother’s head on

the flimsy reasoning of her imagined flicker of mind when she saw a Gandharva bathing; or to

Lohitasya who allowed himself to be sold to a Brahmin as a servant boy, for working heinous

household duties leading to death, to repay his father Harischandra’s debt to Sage Visvamitra; or

obeying the implicit instruction of his father Dasaratha conveyed by Queen Kaikayi to abandon the

self and wife Sita to fourteen years of forest life as an ascetic couple ending by the kidnapping of his

wife and undergoing untold misery and torture! Thus quoting such examples, Gangeya announced to

the whole World that not only he would not marry but protect the entire progeny of the ‘Vamsa’ as

long as he lived! Thus was given Gangeya the indelible name of Bhishma in the generations to

follow!

Pandavas and Kuaravas- Quick proceedings of Maha Bharata: Since the elder issue of Veda Vyasa

from Ambika, Dhritharashtra was born blind, Ambalika’s son Pandu was made the King with the

approval of Bhishma, the driving force of the Kingdom, with Hastinapura as the Capital. The elder

brother had two wives Gandhari and Sauvali, the former being the Prime Wife and the latter was a

keep in the household. Gandhari, the daughter of Gandhara Desa and brother of Sakuni, gave birth to

one hundred sons, the elder two being the notorious Duryodhana and Dussasana (actual names were

Suyodhana and Susasana, standing for Good Warrior and Good Administrator). Gandhari preferred to

close her eyes always, out of sentiment as her husband was blind. Sauvali’s son was Yuyutsu. Pandu

Raja , the earlier King, was married to Kunti, the daughter of King Surasena and the paternal aunt of

Lord Krishna. The Raja also married Madri, the daughter of King Madra. When Kunti was a very

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young girl, her father asked her to assist Sage Durvasa in a four month long Sacrifice / Yagna

performed by him and after the end of the Function, he was pleased to teach a Mantra to her which

could invoke any of the Demi Gods and Allied Devatas including Indra, Surya, Yamadharma Raja

and Vayu, as well as allied Demi-Gods like Aswini Kumars. Out of curiosity, Kunti experimented by

invoking Sun God in her private chamber and to her great surprise and dismay she found Surya

Himself standing before her and asked her as to whether she desired a son or a daughter. Being of a

tender age of preteens, she was flabbergasted at the odd statement of Surya’s but since the latter

understood the predicament of the girl, Surya gave her the boon that her virginity would not be

disturbed, but she should however be conceived. Kunti took her personal maid into confidence and

even informing her mother of the incident, she did not step out of her chamber. After nine months, she

delivered a boy of exceeding radiance and attraction with inborn armoury and ear-rings. With the help

of the maid, she arranged the child in a floating box and placed it on a nearby waterbody. A charioteer

of the Court of the King, Atiradha and his wife found the floating casket and as they did not have an

issue, considered the child as a great blessing and brought him up as ‘Karna’ since he had ear-rings inborn

and as Radheya after the name of the step mother. Therafter Kunti considered the incident as

forgotten of her innocent childhood. Subsequently Kunti married King Pandu in a ‘Swayamvara’( as

per the bride’s own choice), but soon thereafter, King Pandu received a curse from a Brahmana who

was targetted by the King’s arrow mistaken for a deer in copulation and the curse was that if he slept

with a woman, he would fall dead at once. The King knew that without begetting a son he would not

be able to cross the River Vaitarani at the entry point of hell itself and the soul would get stuck there

itself! Pandu suggested that Scriptures would allow a virtuous Brahmana to sleep with her and Kunti

informed that she knew a Mantra as gifted by Durvasa Muni and by reciting that she could be

blessed.Thus, Kunti invoked Yama Dharma Raja, Vayu, and Indra from time to time and was blessed

with three sons,viz. Dharmaraja, Bhima and Arjuna respectively. She also passed on the Mantra to

Madri who begot Nakula and Sahadeva as twin brothers. Once when Pandu ventured a wrong move to

invite Madri in bed, Pandu died because of the Brahmana’s curse as expected, and Madri too died in

self-immolation, leaving the two sons to Kunti’s care. Hence they came to be popular as Pancha-

Pandavas.As Pandu died, Dhritarashtra was sworn in as the King and there were quick changes in

Hastinapura, because of a blind King doting on his children especially Duryodhana who was in evil

league as ‘Dushta Chatushtaya’ or the Four Wicked Men along with his younger brother Dussasana,

his maternal uncle Sakuni and Karna (who was declared as the Ruler of a Subsidiary Anga Desa, as he

was barred otherwise from Royal responsibilities and rights since he did not have Kshatria origin as

the son of a charioteer). The Evil Four had constant quarrels with their Pandava cousins, due to

jealousy, as the cousins were far more disciplined and stronger as also since Kuru Vamsa elders and

others liked them more. The Evil Four pretended sympathy for Pandavas and wanted them to move

into a new Palace but their intention was to kill them while sleeping as the Palace was made of lac

and susceptible to quick fire. Thanks to Krishna’s foresight and precautionary measures, Pandavas

exited safe from the burning Palace through a secret passage, as the Evil Four misled the Public that

Pandavas and Kunti were burnt. Meanwhile Pandavas masqueraded as Brahmanas and stayed in a

poor family house on rent. When the turn of sparing a person from the landlord’s house came up for

Sacrifice to a Demon, named Bakasura, (as per a contract with the village heads and the Demon that

instead of his killing the Villagers indiscriminately), Bhima the strong man opted to reach the

Demon’s abode away from the Village and brought relief to the Villagers by killing him in a severe

duel. From thereon, Pandavas still appearing as Brahmanas, moved on to King Drupada’s Court for

Druapadi’s Swayamvara and succeded in the test of destroying a fish on a quickly moving wheel kept

above one’s head by an arrow while viewing its reflection down in a water pool underneath. This feat

was possible only to an ace archer. Karna and Kauvaras attended the Swayam Vara too. Only Arjuna

could perform the feat as Karna who too was a great archer had failed, again causing jealousy on

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learning that the Brahmanas were fake and actually they were Pandavas. On hearing the good news

that after all Pandavas were not dead, the Elders of Kuru Vamsa including Bhishna, Dronacharya, and

Kripacharya were overjoyed but the Evil Four were shaken. They agreed that a portion of the

Kigdom be given away to Pandavas as a peace making measure and the Elders like Bhishna

appreciated the gesture. Pandavas thus moved to a new Capital at Indrprastha where a fantastic ‘Maya

Sabha’ or a Palace of Illusions built by the Divine Architect-Designer by the name Maya. Recovering

from their days of misfortune, Pandavas recouped and performed ‘Rajasuya Yagna’and invited

Kauravas including the Elders like Bhishma, Drona, Vidura and Kripacharya as well as the Evil Four.

Lord Krishna who had always been a staunch supporter of Pandavas was honoured as the Chief Guest

and when King Sisupala the evil opponent of Krishna objected and insulted the latter, his Sudarsana

Chakra (Wheel) snipped his head. The Evil Four, especially Duryodhana felt highly envious of

Pandavas, invited them to Hastinapura only to trap Dharmaraja into an unjust chess game with Sakuni

who was an expert in it and defeated Pandavas against stiff conditions of losing their Kingdom and

even themselves including Draupadi, with whom an attempt was made for disrobing. The conditions

were twelve years of forest life and one year of unidentifiable destination where they should not be

recognised failing which, the terms could be doubled! During the forest life of twelve years, Kauravas

tormented Pandavas and during the year long ‘Ajnanavas’ or unreconizable place, took refuge in

changed status with Dharmaraja as Kanku Bhat or Brahmana Adviser to King Virat in his latter’s

court, Draupadi as ‘Sairandhri’ as the Maid in the Queen’s Chamber, Bhima as the cook in the Royal

kitchen, Arjuna as ‘Brihannala’-the transgender dance teacher of the Princess Uttara; Nakula and

Sahadeva as the keepers of horses and cows. During the course of their stay in the Virat kingdom,

Pandavas underwent unknown torture and humiliation including the attempted molestation of

Sairandhri by the King’s powerful brother-in-law, named Keechaka who was quietly eliminated by

Bhima in a night duel. At the end of their stay in cognito, Kauravas tried to capture the cows of King

Virat but by that time Brihannala came into the form of Arjuna as the ‘Agyata vasa’ year was over

and destroyed the Kaurava Army single handedly and having utilised the ‘Sammohana Astra’ or the

‘Mantra’ which lulled the War Stalvarts like Bhishma, Drona, Asvatthama and of course the Evil Four

into long slumber and released the cows of King Virat back home. There were talks of ‘Sandhi’ or

Reconcilliation held by Krishna on behalf of Pandavas but the puffed up Evil Four refused even to a

pin-some space to Pandavas, let alone five villages to the five some and the Great War of

Mahabharata was fought for eighteen days dragging even the Elders of Kuru Vamsa like Bhishma,

Drona and quite a few pious persons by the Evil Four on one side and Pandavas on the other with

Krishna as Charioteer cum unarmed Adviser of Pandavas. A major casuality from the Pandavas side

was that of brave and young Abhimanyu, the son of Arjun and Subhadra, in a ‘Chakra Vyuha’(a

circular closed fight) among many- to-one unjust encounter. There was mass destruction on both sides

and the tragedies of stalwarts including the entire generation of Illustrious Elders who took part in the

Battle as also the Evil Four, with Duryodhana as the last to fall to Bhima, who killed Dussasana

earlier.

Maha Bhagavati allows vision of the dead at Kurukshetra Battle: Pursuant to the Great Battle, the

respected ladies of both Kauravas and Pandavas who lost their husbands, sons, grand sons, grand

fathers, fathers, in-laws and nephews collected on the banks of Ganges and prayed toVeda Vyasa to

secure a glimpse of the departed, since the ladies could not go to the battle field. Among the ladies

were Kunti, Gandhari, Draupadi, Subhadra and Uttara. Dhritarashtra and Pandava Heros were also

invited to the expected miracle-spectacle. The Maharshi performed Pranayama and deep yogaoriented

meditation to the Unknown and Omniscient Devi Bhagavati. His intense and continued

worship for quite sometime and as an indication of the positive response received from Maha Devi,

there were indications on a huge sky-long celestial screen and there were quick glimpses of the oneto-

one fights and the resultant deaths and reactive celebrations; the screen views of the Linga and

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to one fights and the resultant deaths and reactive celebrations; the screen views of the Linga and

Limbless Bodies of the departed souls which were recognised at once by the concerned eyes, but not

the converse.

Ashvattama punished and Parikshit born: Ashvathama could not reconcile to the death of his father

Drona Acharya who was otherwise invincible but as per Krishna’s advice, Bhima killed an elephant

named Ashvathama and made Bhima shout that Ashvathama was killed and conveyed the news to

Drona Acharya. Drona was horrified at the news, asked Dharmaraja for confirmation and the latter

confirmed: ‘Ashvathama died-the elephant ! But he said further in a very low tone saying ‘

Ashvthama hata: Kunjarah’. Thus Drona was cheated, hung his bow and arrows and sat still in

meditation, when Arjuna showered arrows and killed Drona.

Desirous of killing Arjuna in sleep, Ashvathama did not find him, but thus killed the full party of

Arjuna’s sons in sleep. In turn, Arjuna located Ashvathama and fought a fierce battle. Drona’s son

finally used to ‘Brahmastra’, the most potent Mantric arrow. Arjuna too retaliated by the use of the

same Astra and controlled Ashvathama. Yudhistara and Krishna advised not to kill Ashvathama but

cut the naturally born ‘Shringa’ Jewel ( diamond horn), which itself was an ugly insult to him. The

impact of Ashvathama’s Brahamastra would have normally torn off Arjuna’s pregnant daughter-inlaw

Uttara, bur for Lord Krishna’s mystic intervention. The child thus born to Uttara was Parikshith

who was then the last remnant of Pandavas.

As a King, Parikshith was highly spiritual and benevolent. Once when he concluded a Royal hunt and

got thirsty, he visited the Ashram ( Hermitage) of Sage Samaika who was in deep meditation and thus

did not respond to the King’s visit. He was annoyed and picking up a dead snake fallen on the ground

nearby picked it up and placed it around the Muni’s head as a garland. On return to the hermitage, the

Sage’s son Sringi saw the ugly sight and gave a curse that whoever did this insult to my father would

be killed within a week’s time. The King having known of the curse readied himself on the banks of

River Ganges and requested Maha Muni Suka to enlighten him the Great Purana of Maha Bhagavata.

On the seventh day, with all the security in a seven storeyed building on the river banks, Taksha made

efforts to sneak in the building somehow and intercepted a Brahmana by name Kasyapa desirous of

making wealth from relieving the King’s problem as he knew the Mantra of anti snake bite; Daksha

gave away plenty of money to the Brahmana and got rid of him; in fact he tested the Brahmana

whether he could really administer the Mantra and revive an entire tree burnt by poisonous flames of

serpent’s bite; the Brahmana did convert the tree’s ashes to its original position. Later in the evening

Taksha asked disciples to disguise as Brahmanas to carry fruits to the King on the pretext of reciting

Atharvana Veda and the fruit which the King ate contained a small insect which was Taksha himself

assuming an enormous body and killed the King.

Janamejaya’s ‘Sarpa Yagna’ stopped by Sage Asita and Veda Vyasa:: When King Parikshith met his

end, his son Janamejaya was hardly a lad of eleven years and was declared as the next King. Guru

Kripacharya trained him in the Science of Archery, Administration and Dharmasastra. He was

married to Vapustama the daughter of King of Kasi and carried on with pious activities. Meanwhile a

Sage Uttanka approached Janamejaya and provoked him to take revenge on his father’s killer Taksha

and perform Sarpa Yagna (Sacrifice of Serpents) and command Taksha into the Fire Pit ( Homa

Kunda) and Sacrifice all the Serpents in the process. Sage Uttanka told the King that his father could

not go to heaven because of snake bite. Convinced thus, the King ordered that theYagna be arranged.

Thousands of snakes were burnt off and Taksha was so afraid of his life that he sought refuge from

Indra. But, so revengeful were Janamejaya and Sage Uttanka that they were prepared to command not

only Taksha but even Indra to Sarpa Yajna and haul them into the Fire Pit! Taksha thus approached

Sage Asita to call on the King and to refrain from proceeding further in the Sacrifice as thousands of

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Sage Asita to call on the King and to refrain from proceeding further in the Sacrifice as thousands of

innocent Snakes were burnt off, for the sake of Taksha. Veda Vyasa explained the Episode of Sage

Asita and King Ruru to the King. In the olden days, there was a Sage Jaratkratu who was practising

high devotion to Devi Bhagavati in a forest. He had a vision of his dead father and forefathers in a

cave who asked him to marry and suggested an eligible woman named Jarat Karu, who was the sister

of Vasuki. Meanwhile the co-wives of Sage Kasyapa, viz. Kadru and Vinita had an argument as to

what was the colour of the horses of the Sun God’s chariot. Vinita guessed the color as white but

Kadru had a bet that the colour was black. It was agreed that whoever lost the bet would have to carry

the other on her back always while going to places. Kadru asked her sons to colour the horses black to

win the bet. While some of her sons obeyed her but others did not. Kadru cursed those who did not

comply be burnt off in a Fire pit and Vinita virtually became Kadru’s slave. Vinita’s son ‘Garuda’ the

Carrier of Maha Vishnu, asked for the cause of her sorrow and she narrated as to what happened.

Out of his affection for his mother, Garuda approached Kadru to pardon his mother and Kadru agreed

provided that Garuda could bring Amrit ( nectar) from the custody of Vaikuntha. Garuda was bent on

relieving his mother’s curse and fetched a jug of Nector from Vaikuntha. Kadru was delighted and

released Vinita. All the family members and friends of Kadru were invited and asked to clean up

themselves before taking spoonfuls of Amrit. But Indra quietly stole away the jug of Amrit. The

invitees of Kadru returned from their baths and found that the jug was missing. They were

disappointed but tried their best to lick any drops from out of the jar that might have spilt on the grass

( Kusa) and as they licked their tongues were cut and hence were known as ‘dvi-jihvas’ or two

tongued ever since. Vasuki and others who were troubled by Kadru approached Lord Brahma and

complained against Kadru, the mother of snakes. He blessed them and said that the younger sister of

Vasuki, Jarat Karu, should be proposed to wed Sage Jaratkaru. But the Sage was highly short

tempered and the bride should be very obedient and trustworthy and the couple would beget a child

who would enlighten, control and discipline the whole community of snakes and lighten the burden of

their over-haughtiness to the world. That was why, Sage Asita prevailed upon King Janamejaya to

stop the unique Sarpa Yagna and Veda Vyasa too approved of Sage Asita’s request. Maharshi Vyasa

had suggested that instead of the revenge-oriented Sarpa Yagna, he should rarher build a spacious

Temple dedicated to Devi Bhagavati and also perform Devi Maha Yagna and such other Spiritual

activities to release the soul of late King Parikshith and relieve the curse of the Brahmana boy.

Some doubts in connection with Maha Bharata

Sage Jaimini requested Markandeya Maharshi for clarifications on a few doubts on the proceedings

of Maha Bharata and the Maharshi suggested that the Sage might approach Holy Birds in

Vindhyachala. Understandably, Jaimini asked Markandeya as to who the Holy Birds were and the

latter related a Story that involved Indra, Narada and Apsaras or the Celestial Damsels. Narada visited

the Court of Indra once and the latter requested as to how the Brahmarshi could be entertained: either

by Songs of Gandharvas or by the dances of Apsaras. Narada preferred the dance of Apsaras and

named a specific Apsara called Vapu as she was preferred by Narada. The co-Apsaras challenged

Narada’s preference and a dance competition followed; Narada said that whosoever could attract the

attention of Durvasa Muni would be declared the best. The dance extravaganza disturbed Durvasa

Muni and cursed Apsara Vapu who resorted to loud singing to become a bird for sixteen years in a

series of births and deaths, that she should not give birth to a baby-bird and that she should die by a

sharp weapon before securing her original form.The related story was that there were two brothers in

the lineage of Garuda the Avian King and the Carrier of Vishnu. The brothers were named Kank and

Kandahar; Kank flew freely once and witnessed the scene of a Demon Vidyudrup and his union with

his wife Madanika, an Apsara. The demon objected and killed Kank. The infuriated Kandahar killed

the demon and Madanika desired to become the wife of Kandahar and changed her form as a bird.

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Madanika was Vapu in her previous birth and the former and Kandahar gave birth to Taarkshi who

married a Brahmana boy. The bird became pregnant at the time of the Great of Maha Bharata and

while flying, Arjuna’s arrow hurt her and two eggs fell out of her abdomen and the elephant on whose

back Arjuna’s opponent was riding saved the eggs under a big bell. At the end of the battle, a Sage

named Shami found a big bell and underneath the bell were four chicks. The Sage took the chicks to

his Ashram and brought them up and as they grew, they learnt Vedas from the recitals taught to the

Sage’s students. One day the grown up birds spoke in human voice and sought the permission of the

Sage before flying away since their studentship was over! The wonder-struck Sage asked how the

birds possessed such amazing powers and the latter replied that they were actually the sons of a Muni

named Vipulaswan and their names were Sukrish and Tambaru, that his father was engaged in a

Yagna when Indra appeared as an old bird and asked for human flesh, that the sons refused to

sacrifice themselves while the father did the Sacrifice, that Indra said he was testing them of their

devotion and while dying the father blessed the sons to keep their knowledge of the Scriptures in tact

as ‘Jatismaras’ or those born would retain the memory of their previous birth! Guru Shami was

pleased at the happening and blessed the Holy Birds to migrate to Vindhyas for propagating Dharma!

Having learnt about the competence of the Holy Birds, Sage Jaimini who visited the Vindhyas and

posed four relevant questions in connection with Maha Bharata:

Why did Paramatma the Primeaval Force take to various Temporary Forms of existence!

The reply was simple: The Avyaktam Shasvatam Vishnum Anantam Ajamavyayam or the

Imperciavable, Everlasting, All-Pervading, Endless, Unborn and Indestructible Supreme takes to

different Forms as an ordinary Being as a Fish, Tortoise, Boar, Man-Lion, Midget, or a Full Human

Being, depending on exigencies only to ensure Universal Equilibrium so that minimal Virtue was

mainained and the permissible level of Evil was not crossed. The Holi Birds asserted: Yadaa yadaahi

Dharmasya Glanirbhavati Jaiminey! Abhyudhaanamadharmasya tadaatmaanam srujatasyasou/ (As

and when Dharma is distressed and Adharma is encouraged, Paramatma assumes an appropriate Form

and corrects the imbalances in the Universe; some times as human being or other times as in any

Form of Creation!)

Why did Draupadi consent tomarry all the Pandava Brothers together! Indra suspected danger to

his position and killed Trishira the son of Sage Twashta. The Sage went into a rage and plucked a

strand of hair from his head and offered it homa kunda and by his mantrik power created the mighty

Vritrasura with the specific mission to kill Indra. Indra already lost his sheen since he killed Trishira

and requested Sapta Rishis to mediate for extending his life. But Indra killed Vritra too disregarding

the pact between the Sapta Rishis and Twashta. These actions angered the Rakshasa community and

Indra backed by Devas. Continuous warfare resulted in choas and harassment of Devas, Maharshis,

Brahmanas, men, women and children. Bhu Devi experienced enormous weight of sin and made an

appeal to Indra and Devas. As a result, Yuhishtara the eldest of Pandavas came to be born by Indra’s

virility to Devi Kunti, Bheema was born to Kunti as the radiance of Indra was passed through Vayu

Deva; Indra gave away a part of his own Shakti to Kunti by means of which Arjuna was born; Indra’s

virility was transferred through the two Ashwini Kumars to Devi Maadri to result in the birth of

Nakula and Sahadeva. Thus Indra’s manliness was responsible to create the Pancha Pandavas by the

‘Amsha’of Indra either directly or through his Alternate Forms! Moreover, Indra’s wife Shachi Devi

as the ‘Yagneshani’ was created from Agni and hence Draupadi was Indra’s better half. Yogeshwara

Purusha Indra could divide his own radiance into as many parts as he wished. Thus, it was amply

justified that Draupadi was the common wife of all the Five Pandavas as asserted by the Holy Birds.

Why did Balarama atone for the sin of Brahma Hatya during his pilgrimage! Balarama the elder

brother of Shri Krishna remained neutral during the Great Battle of Maha Bharata between Pandavas

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and Kauravas, mainly since Duryodhana of Kauravas, the arch enemy of Pandavas, was his disciple in

Gada-Yuddha or the battle of Maces in which Bheema of Pandavas was an expert too. Along with his

wife Devi Revati Balarama proceeded on pilgrimage for twelve years. In course of his travels, he

consumed ‘toddy’ an intoxicant drink and entered a garden of flowers and fruits and enjoyed the

atmosphere along with his wife. He entered a hermitage in the forest where there was a congregation

of Brahmanas being addressed by Suta Muni. The entire congregation stood up in reverence of

Balarama excepting a Brahmana as the latter realised that Balarama was intoxicated. Balarama

became furious and killed the Brahmana as the congregation left in disgust at the tragedy. On

recovering his senses Balarama realised his great folly and decided to atone for his Brahma hatya Sin

as also observed fast during his further pilgrimage and later on worshpped Puloma Saraswati to pay

for further penance.

Why were the defenceless sons of Draupadi killed in sleep! Once Sage Vishwamitra decided to

harass King Harischandra, partly due to the long standing hatred of the King’s Raja Guru Sage

Vasishtha but mainly to test the King for his virtue and truthfulness. Vishwamitra approached the

King once and requested him to perform one yagna and the latter readily agreed. The Sage said: ‘ Let

us presume that the Yagna was already performed and the Dakshina was already due to the Sage’.

The King smiled and said that he was ready to give away the expenses for the Yagna and also his

Dakshina. The Sage said that the expenses would be on his terms viz. the entire kingdom excepting

the Queen Shaibya and Prince Rohitasya. That would be in addition to the dakshina! As the King had

suddenly become a pauper and was further indebted towards the payment of Dakshina, Viswamitra

harassed Harischandra as he was asked to leave his Kingdom which was all over excepting Varanasi

the Place of Shiva. The Muni appeared again and again asking for the dues and the Five Lokapalakas

sought to intervene as the persecution to Harischandra became uncontrolled. Vishwamitra cursed the

Lokapalakas to be born as human beings. The Lokapalakas were frightened and begged for clemency

from the Muni. The Sage softened the curse thay they would not get entangled with the worldly

affairs after their births and would be killed in sleep without much prolongation of life. It was due the

curse of Vishwamitra to the Lokapalakas that Draupadi gave birth to the sons who were killed in sleep

by Aswatthama, the son of Dronacharya. Ashswatthama wanted to avenge the killing of the Acharya

by Arjuna as Yudhishtara shouted a blatant lie to the Acharya about Ashwathaama being killed but

whispered that an elephant called Ashwatthama was killed; following this Drona stopped the fight

and let Arjuna kill the unarmed Drona too.

Episodes related to Shiva and Parvati

Links of Sandhya Devi-Arundhati-Sati-Parvati:

Shiva Purana narrated an intersting link of the most revered Devis: Lord Brahma created Sandhya

and Manmatha as his ‘Manasika’ or mind born children. He got infatuated with Sandhya and Lord

Rudra chastised Brahma and the latter looked for an opportunity when Rudra might also be a victim

of passion and Vishnu said that Maha Deva was above such temptations. Meanwhile Sandhya Devi

who was ashamed of Brahma’s passion resorted to fierce Tapasya to Maha Deva for thousand years

under the tutelage of Maharshi Vasishtha in disguise as Sage Medatithi as per Brahma’s instruction.

Since there was no response from Shiva she got desperate and tried to jump into the Homa Kunda

(The Sacred Fire-Pit) in the Yagna being performed by Medatithi. Shiva made his appearance as she

desired that none on her clan should ever be a victim like Brahma, that she should be an example of

chastity and her husband should never cast a lustful eye on another woman. Shiva granted her wishes

and advised that she might now fall into the fire-pit thinking of a person whom she desired to be her

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husband in her next birth. Shiva further gave her the boon that she would be the daughter of Daksha

Prajapati as Sati Devi and as the daughter of Himavan as Parvati Devi in her subsequent two births.

Sandhya then leapt into the fire-pit thinking of Medatithi (Vasishtha) as the husband in the immediate

next birth. The Prana Vayu or the Vital Air of Sandhya’s burnt body was carried to the Solar System

and Surya Deva converted it into three parts as Pratah Sandhya-Madhyahnika Sandhya and Sayah

Sandhya or of the morning-noon-evening timings of a day. The Sages at the Yagna were wonder

struck that Sandhya was re-born as a girl-child as named Arundhati and was married to Vasishta

when she came of age and earned the examplary fame of chastity; the practice of Vedic weddings is

followed by the visioning of the Arundhati Star on the Sky by the new-weds as a part of the wedding

procedure till date.

Daksha Yagna, Sati’s sacrifice, Shiva-Parvati’s wedding, Kumara’s birth and Tarakasura Vadha

Brahma blessed Daksha Prajapati to beget a daughter with the ‘Amsha’ or part-manifestation of Devi

Bhagavati as Devi Sati. Already Daksha got sixty daughters, ten married to Dharma, thirteen to

Kashyapa Muni, twenty seven to Chandra, two to Bhuta Ganas, two to Kushashwa, six to Garuda and

so on. As Sati Devi came of age, she fixed her mind on Rudra Deva and resorted to severe Tapasya.

Rudra agreed to marry her, Brahma proposed formally and the marriage took place with pomp and

show. Sati and Rudra shifted from Kailasa to Himalayas where Bhagavan enlightened Sati Devi on

many matters of Spiritual Significance including the nuances of Mantra-Tantra-Yantra and Yoga. But

meanwhile, Daksha Prajapati got increasingly jealous of Rudra Deva. At the ill-famed Daksha

Yagna, Daksha denied ‘Pradhana Havis’or the prime part of the Yagna to Rudra as per the usual

practice and even as Sage Dadhichi pointed out the lacuna, the caution was ignored. Sati Devi felt that

there was a mistake made by her father and insisted on attending the yagna despite Shiva’s warning

and his subsequent approval with great reluctance asNandi and Rudra Ganas accompanied her.

Daksha ignored her entry at the Yagna and in fact talked disparagingly against Rudra Deva. She could

not contain Daksha’s criticism of Maha Deva and having produced Yogic Fire ended herself to unite

with Bhagavan. As Nandi informed Shiva of the tragedy, the latter pulled out a few hairs from his

Jatajuta or the coarse knotted head- hair against a mountain and the energy so created broke the

mountain into two parts, one of which having materialised Veerabhadra and another Devi Bhadra

Kaali. The enraged Rudra asked them to destroy Daksha Yagna. Veerabhadra beheaded Daksha and

together with Bhadra Kaali turned the Yagna into smithereens. Devi Bhagavata Purana stated that

Shiva picked up the body remains of Sati Devi and performed furious Shiva Tandava to release his

pent up emotions of intense love of Sati and hightened anger for Daksha; Vishnu apprehended Pralaya

and used his Sudarshana Chakra to spread out the body remains of Sati and hundred and eight

Shakti Peethas came into being. Veda Vyasa affirmed that worship at these Siddha Peethas or even

hearing about these would destroy sins and bestow powers to the devotees concerned. Eventually, the

instant fury of Shiva was cooled down by the prayers of Brahma and Devas and the ever merciful

Shiva agreed to the resuscitation of Daksha by fixing the Goat-head of the Sacrificial animal. The

ever grateful Daksha begged of Shiva’s clemency and re-organised Daksha Yagna once again with

Maha Deva occupying the High-Seat at any Yagna eversince.

Devi Parvati’s wedding with Maha Deva:

Of the sixty daughters of Daksha Prajapati, Swadha Devi was married to Pitru Devas and gave birth to

Maina, Dhanya and Kalavati. The three of them once desired to have a ‘darshan’ of Vishnu and while

waiting their turn did not recognise the illustrious Sanaka-Sanandana- Sanat Kumara and Sanatana

Brothers. The brothers took offence that the girls did not recognise them and cursed the girls to be

born in Bhu Loka. The girls begged of forgiveness and the kind Rishis provided dispensations to the

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curse that Maina would be the wife of Himavanta; Dhanya would be the wife of King Janaka and

secure a daughter called Devi Sita who would marry Shri Rama after breaking the Shiva Dhanush or

Maha Deva’s own Bow; and Kalavati wed marry Gopa Vrisabhan and give birth to Devi Radha the

Spiritual Beloved of Shri Krishna. Thus Maina Devi became the wife of Himavanta and gave birth to

Jagadamba herself, besides hundred sons born with wings; Indra was jealous of the sons and clipped

their wings excepting of Mainaka who hid himself in Dakshina Samudra as a mountain and years

later helped Hanuman during his reconnaaissance trip to Lanka to search Devi Sita. Devi Parvati from

her childhood was intensely devoted to Maha Deva and dreamt of marrying him. Her parents too

were cherishing the wish to have Shiva as their son-in-law. But, after Sati Devi’s yogic end, Shiva

was roaming around restlessly as a grobe trotter; his memories of Sati made him perspire once and out

of his sweat were born Bhauma whom Bhu Devi nurtured and the former eventually attained a

position in the Solar System as Mangala Deva or Mars.

At the instance of Devi Parvati, Himavan requested Maha Deva to assist him in his Tapasya but

Shiva refused. She encountered Shiva and argued that she was Prakriti or Nature and Shiva was Maha

Purusha and that his meditation would yield speedy results of his Tapasya! Shiva was impressed of

her Spiritual Knowledge and finally agreed that she could assist him in his Tapasya. It was at this

juncture the all- powerful Tarakasura , the son of Vajrang and the grandson of Diti, who did

unprecedented Tapasya, secured Brahma’s boon of invincibility excepting by a son of Shiva,

presuming that Shiva was highly disillusioned after the death of Sati and it was highly unlikely that

there could be even a remote possibility of Shiva’s wedding and of the birth of a son to him. But

being aware of Parvati being engaged in personal devotion to Shiva, Brahma advised Indra and Devas

to pursue the prospect of Shiva’s physical nearness to Parvati and seek the help of Kama Deva

Manmatha’s help to provoke Shiva’s passion. But the plan misfired as the Nirvikara Shiva was

annoyed and burnt off Madana into ash by the severity of his third eye, leaving Rati Devi into lurch

as she was widowed in the bargain. Her earnest prayers to Shiva that her husband was victimised for a

Deva Karya or a Task to Benefit Devas, the merciful Maha Deva gave the dispensation that

Manmatha would join Shiva Ganas then and could be visible to Rati Devi only and gave the further

boon that eventually Manmatha would be born to Shri Krishna and Devi Rukmini as Pradyumna and

Rati Devi would be his wife as Mayavati again. The highly disappointed Parvati intensified her

Tapasya and Bhagavan too melted gradually and consented to marry Parvati, as convinced by Vishnu,

Brahma and Indra. Shiva deputed Sapta Rishis to test Parvati’s seriousness to marry him. The Rishis

returned fully convinced but Shiva himself desired to test and in the disguise of a Brahmana to

dissuade her to marrya her stating that he was a Bhutanatha, a near Digambara and an uncouth and

frightening entity with matted hair and serpents and ash all over his body. Parvati vehemently reacted

and showed him the door. But she felt that the Tapasya apparently did not satisfy him and out of

desperation tried to jump into a fire pit, when Maha Deva gave darshan to her and said: Why did you

not realise that we are the Etranal Prakriti and Maha Purusha ourselves!

When the wedding announcement was made by Vishnu and Lakshmi, the entire Universe got

transformed with ecstasy. Indra and Devas as also Sivaganas, especially Nandi, Bhairava; Maina and

Himavanta; Sapta Matas viz.Brahmi, Mahendri, Maheswari,Kaum,ari,Vaishnavi, Vaarahi, Indri and

Chamunda were overjoyed; Gandharva-Yaksha-Kinnara- Apsaras went into frenzy. The wedding was

celebrated as the most memorable event of the Yugas and Kalpas.

The birth of Skanda: After the Wedding, Shiva and Parvati moved to Kailasa to spend their conjugal

happiness, Tarakasura’s evil activities reached a peak and a delegation of Devas headed by Brahma

approached Vishnu who in turn prayed to Shiva about the grim situation. In a great hurry to meet

Vishnu, Brahma and the Delegation of Devas, Shiva spilt his semen off ground and Agni Deva

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transformed into a pigeon pecked up the drops but could not contain the drops. Maha Deva himself

suggested to Agni that the drops be better injected into a woman of immense virtue. Agni identified

six women of extraordinary virtue and injected the drops into their skin pores . They too could not

contain the heaviness and of extreme effervescence and as advised by Himalaya left the drops in the

flow of Ganges which carried to the bushes of reed (Sarkanda) and there appeared a boy of

mysterious radiance. Even while this sequence of events were taking place, Parvati Devi was

extremely furious and cursed the Deva Ganas who were all responsible for the huge wastage of Maha

Deva’s virility and cursed them all to become barren!

Om Tat Sat

(Continued)

My humble salutations to the lotus feet of  H H Chandrasekharendra  Saraswathi Mahaswamy ji  and

 compiled , composed  and interpreted  by Brahmasri Sreeman  V D N Rao ji for the collection)