1.1.1 Sending Udhav as Messenger
Savant Uddhav, the son of Yadava's minister Brihaspati was an
intimate friend of Lord Krishna. Only he had the permission to enter Lord's
sanctum. Seeing his friend Krishna in remorse,
Uddhav asked: "Mathuranath, you seem to be upset. What is troubling
you?" Lord Krishna replied: "Uddhava, I feel perplexed. I remember my
days in Vrindavana. Please go to Vrindavana and get the news regarding Gopis
there. Also give them my message." Thus Lord Krishna donned Uddhav in his
attire and sent him to Vraj in his chariot.
There he stayed at Nand's home. At night, Uddhav enquired about Nand and Yashoda's well being and about Vraj in general. That whole might passed in chatting.
There he stayed at Nand's home. At night, Uddhav enquired about Nand and Yashoda's well being and about Vraj in general. That whole might passed in chatting.
1.1.2 Bhramar Geet
Next day, when the Gopis got the news of Uddhav's arrival, they
thronged in and around Nand's residence. They recognized the chariot parked in
front of the gate. It was the same chariot on which Krishna and Balarama had
departed for Mathura.
First they thought that their beloved Krishna
had returned. But their belief did not last long. Some of them opined that
Akrur might have come again. But what for?
But then someone informed that it was Uddhav, Krishna's Savant friend, who had come to preach them about metaphysical knowledge. Soon afterwards, Uddhav came out and spoke out loud: "O Gopis, listen to the preaching of Uddhav." But instead of listening to him, Gopis covered their ears. Feeling insulted, Uddhav expressed his dissatisfaction over their behaviour. Gopis said to him: O gentleman, firstly we are not familiar with you, secondly we have no capacity to hear your preaching. Yes if you wish to give us a message of our most beloved; thousand of ears are eager to hear that." Uddhav then introduced himself as the intimate friend of Lord Krishna.
Knowing his identify Gopis welcome and treated Uddhav warmly. Uddhav then began to say again: "O Gopis, the person, whom you are declaring as your beloved friend, in fact has no mother, no father. He has no form, no colour and no body. He is above all, non-existing all pervasive and the giver of joy. He is never separate from his devotee and beloved ones. All of you, too, feel the presence of that Supreme Being and be happy forever." Gopis said: "Uddhav, as long as Ghanashyam stayed with us, we saw endless virtues in him. But only within six months of his stay in Mathura, you wiped out all of his virtues and turned him virtueless.
But then someone informed that it was Uddhav, Krishna's Savant friend, who had come to preach them about metaphysical knowledge. Soon afterwards, Uddhav came out and spoke out loud: "O Gopis, listen to the preaching of Uddhav." But instead of listening to him, Gopis covered their ears. Feeling insulted, Uddhav expressed his dissatisfaction over their behaviour. Gopis said to him: O gentleman, firstly we are not familiar with you, secondly we have no capacity to hear your preaching. Yes if you wish to give us a message of our most beloved; thousand of ears are eager to hear that." Uddhav then introduced himself as the intimate friend of Lord Krishna.
Knowing his identify Gopis welcome and treated Uddhav warmly. Uddhav then began to say again: "O Gopis, the person, whom you are declaring as your beloved friend, in fact has no mother, no father. He has no form, no colour and no body. He is above all, non-existing all pervasive and the giver of joy. He is never separate from his devotee and beloved ones. All of you, too, feel the presence of that Supreme Being and be happy forever." Gopis said: "Uddhav, as long as Ghanashyam stayed with us, we saw endless virtues in him. But only within six months of his stay in Mathura, you wiped out all of his virtues and turned him virtueless.
Tell us with which mouth did he eat butter, with which hand did he
break our pitchers, with which feet did he pasture cows in the forests and with
which feet did he dance on the hood of Kaliy. Was he another Krishna?"
Harsh reaction of the Gopis startled Uddhav. He began to think where he had been caught. His knowledge of Vedant was proving ineffective on the Gopis. Who are sunk in so much love. On the other hand, Gopis too were feeling embarassed for treating the guest bitterly. But they were also not prepared to listen to such preaching that condemned love. Moreover, they had let out their long accumulating feeling.
Meanwhile a bumblebee perched at Radha's feet mistaking them for lotus. Pointing to it, all the Gopis said: "Beware O bumblebee, beware if you dare to touch the feet of our Radha. It appears that you are a disciple of Krishna. There is now no secret regarding the virtues and actions of your friend. But it is good that he and you tied in friendship. You are black and your friend has a black heart. Virtues of both of you are same.
First He imbibed us in His love; then left us ruthlessly forever. He is not sorry for us. But why does Lakshmi serves in those feet? She must be careful, lest she should be deceived like us. O bumblebee you also appear to be a polymath who has come here to preach us. But you won't get an audience in Braj. You should better go to Mathura.
Harsh reaction of the Gopis startled Uddhav. He began to think where he had been caught. His knowledge of Vedant was proving ineffective on the Gopis. Who are sunk in so much love. On the other hand, Gopis too were feeling embarassed for treating the guest bitterly. But they were also not prepared to listen to such preaching that condemned love. Moreover, they had let out their long accumulating feeling.
Meanwhile a bumblebee perched at Radha's feet mistaking them for lotus. Pointing to it, all the Gopis said: "Beware O bumblebee, beware if you dare to touch the feet of our Radha. It appears that you are a disciple of Krishna. There is now no secret regarding the virtues and actions of your friend. But it is good that he and you tied in friendship. You are black and your friend has a black heart. Virtues of both of you are same.
First He imbibed us in His love; then left us ruthlessly forever. He is not sorry for us. But why does Lakshmi serves in those feet? She must be careful, lest she should be deceived like us. O bumblebee you also appear to be a polymath who has come here to preach us. But you won't get an audience in Braj. You should better go to Mathura.
There is one Kubja go and relate your tale to her. You will
receive ample donations from her. What will you get from the Gopis here? They
have already lost their mental balance, because of their separation from the
beloved Krishna. If you have come to ask, why
we loved Krishna. O bumblebee, we have no
knowledge. But we know that our love for Krishna
was not a mistake. Even the goddess Lakshmi does not leave His feet for a
moment. Why should we leave his feet then? But O bumblebee, have you really
come to convince us. When He could not come out of shame, He sent you to
console us - the deaf and dumb Gopis, But be careful if you put your head at
the feet of Radha.
Get away, we have already seen enough of flattery and flirtation of your friend. Deserting our affection for ephemeral things, we loved that eternal one. but He too abandoned us. Can you guess about our condition? Tell us, O Uddhav, shall we ever get the sight of Shri Krishna again?
Hearing the tragic tale of the Gopis, Uddhav too felt very sorry for them. He felt as if Mathuranath, lord Krishna was indeed neglecting those Gopis. Uddhav stayed in Vrindavana for six months. There he saw every place, every spot where lord Krishna had played once. When he was returning to Mathura, mother Yashoda presented him with butter, Radha gave him the flute. Thus immersed in the love and overwhelmed by its feelings, Uddhav reached Mathura. He said to Krishna: "Lord, the real appearance of love, that I saw in Vrindavana is the only truth." Shri Krishna said: "Uddhav, You are weeping. Just look at me." Uddhav looked at him with wide, opened eyes. In every single hair of Lord, there existed Gopis. Uddhav was indeed a Savant. But Lord had sent him to Braj only to be taught a lesson of love.
Get away, we have already seen enough of flattery and flirtation of your friend. Deserting our affection for ephemeral things, we loved that eternal one. but He too abandoned us. Can you guess about our condition? Tell us, O Uddhav, shall we ever get the sight of Shri Krishna again?
Hearing the tragic tale of the Gopis, Uddhav too felt very sorry for them. He felt as if Mathuranath, lord Krishna was indeed neglecting those Gopis. Uddhav stayed in Vrindavana for six months. There he saw every place, every spot where lord Krishna had played once. When he was returning to Mathura, mother Yashoda presented him with butter, Radha gave him the flute. Thus immersed in the love and overwhelmed by its feelings, Uddhav reached Mathura. He said to Krishna: "Lord, the real appearance of love, that I saw in Vrindavana is the only truth." Shri Krishna said: "Uddhav, You are weeping. Just look at me." Uddhav looked at him with wide, opened eyes. In every single hair of Lord, there existed Gopis. Uddhav was indeed a Savant. But Lord had sent him to Braj only to be taught a lesson of love.
1.1.3 Battles with Jarasandh: Construction of Dvarka-puri
After the death of Kansa his widowed queens Asti
and Prapti returned to their father Jarasandh's home and informed him that Krishna and Balarama had killed their husband Kansa.
Infuriated by the news, Jarasandh at once launched a massive attack on Mathura. The people of Mathura were frightened
by the strength of Jarasandh's army. Lord Krishna too fell in deep thought.
Just then, divine weapons and chariots appeared from the heaven. Both the
brothers took the weapons and boarded their chariots. Then they fought a fierce
battle and slayed all the army of Jarasandh.
Balarama furiously caught Jarasandh and was about to kill him. But Lord Krishna stopped him. They then released Jarasandh and let him go unhurt. Jarasandh felt ashamed that Krishna released him because of his helpless condition.
Shukdev says: O Parikshit, despite his shameful defeat, Jarasandh attacked Mathura seventeen times with huge armies. But every time, the Lord defeated him and released him in kindness. And every time Jarasandh felt more humiliated."
At last, instead of attacking Mathura himself, Jarasandh sent Kalyavan to defeat Shri Krishna. Kalyavan launched an attack on Mathura with one crore strong Malechchh army. This time Lord Krishna decided to vacate Mathura instead of countering the attack.
He got Dwarikapuri constructed by Vishvakarma and settled all the people of Mathura there. Then, unarmed, Lord Krishna walked past Kalyavan. Pointed by Narad, Kalyavan at once recognised Krishna and gave Him a chase. He also challenged Him, but the Lord did not listen to his challenges and kept moving with face turned away. Kalyavan chased Him for long, but could not catch up.
Balarama furiously caught Jarasandh and was about to kill him. But Lord Krishna stopped him. They then released Jarasandh and let him go unhurt. Jarasandh felt ashamed that Krishna released him because of his helpless condition.
Shukdev says: O Parikshit, despite his shameful defeat, Jarasandh attacked Mathura seventeen times with huge armies. But every time, the Lord defeated him and released him in kindness. And every time Jarasandh felt more humiliated."
At last, instead of attacking Mathura himself, Jarasandh sent Kalyavan to defeat Shri Krishna. Kalyavan launched an attack on Mathura with one crore strong Malechchh army. This time Lord Krishna decided to vacate Mathura instead of countering the attack.
He got Dwarikapuri constructed by Vishvakarma and settled all the people of Mathura there. Then, unarmed, Lord Krishna walked past Kalyavan. Pointed by Narad, Kalyavan at once recognised Krishna and gave Him a chase. He also challenged Him, but the Lord did not listen to his challenges and kept moving with face turned away. Kalyavan chased Him for long, but could not catch up.
Ultimately the Lord entered a cave. Kalyavan too followed Him into
the cave. In the cave the Lord saw that someone was sleeping there. So He
covered the man with his yellow length of cloth and himself hid inside the
cave. Kalyavan too arrived there and saw the sleeping man. He mistook him for
God and said: "Krishna, you might have
thought that braves do not attack on sleeping people. So I will first wake you
up and then kill you." Saying thus Kalyavan kicked the sleeping man hard.
However, as soon as the man awakened and glanced at Kalyavan, Kalyavan got
incinerated at once.
1.1.4 Tale of Muchkund
Parikshit asked: "Gurudev, who was that sleeping man?"
Shukdev says: "O king, that sleeping man was Muchkund, the
son of the king Mandhata. The gods had sought his assistance in their war
against the demon during the Satyayug. With Muchkund's help,the gods had
defeated the demons and thus pleased had asked him to seek a boon. Muchkund
then had sought a boon of seeing God in tangible form. The gods had assured him
that he would have a sight of God in Dwapar Yuga. Since Dwapar Yuga was still
far away, so Muchkund had asked: "What should I do till then?" The
gods asked him to sleep somewhere and blessed him with a boon that whoever
waked him up would be incinerated at once, by his glance. Thus, in order to get
Kalyavan incinerated and show Muchkund with his Divine form, Lord had gone to
that spot where Muchkund was sleeping.
Muchkund got the sight of God in Chaturbhuj form; and seeked a boon of continuous devotion for three births. Thus, Lord defeated Malechchh army and captured all their wealth. He also defeated Jarasandha and caused great joy for the people of Dwaraka.
Muchkund got the sight of God in Chaturbhuj form; and seeked a boon of continuous devotion for three births. Thus, Lord defeated Malechchh army and captured all their wealth. He also defeated Jarasandha and caused great joy for the people of Dwaraka.
1.1.5 Marriage of Balarama
The king of Anart, Raiwat got his daughter Rewati married to
Balarama with the blessing of Brahma.
1.1.6 Message of Rukmani for the Lord
Shukdev said: "O Parikshit, Bheeshmak was the king of Vidarbh.
He had five sons and a daughter Rukmani. Rukmi, the eldest son of Bheeshmak,
had fixed his sister's engagement with Shishupal, the prince of Chaidi. Narada
did not like this development. He went to Kundanpur, the capital of Vidarbh and
said in the court of Bheeshmak: O King, I am coming from Dwaraka."
Bheeshmak said! "O great Sage, I have never heard about any city named
Dwaraka". Thus, in the court of Bheeshmak, Narad narrated about the life
of Lord Krishna and the grandeur of Dwaraka. Bheeshmak heard the tale with full
attention. His daughter Rukmani too enjoyed the tale.
But Rukmi had a strong opposition against lord Krishna. Ignoring the wish of his father, he was not ready to get his sister married to Lord Krishna. On the appointed day, Shishupal appeared there, in a procession, to get married with Rukmani.
But Rukmani was determined to marry Lord Krishna. She sent a love letter to Krishna through a loyal Brahmin and declared a fast unto death. Lord Krishna read her letter, which said: "O Trilokkinath, since the moment, these ears have heard about your virtues, actions, character and plays, my soul experiences divine peace. O Achyut, my mind is dedicated in your feet. O great among the men, this Rukmani has dedicated herself in your feet. Now it is upto you to see that no jackal could take away the lion's share." The Brahmin, the carrier of the letter, returned to Kundanpur with an assurance from the Lord. Lord too called the charioteer and set out at once for Kundanpur. There in Kundanpur, Rukmani after getting the assurance from the Brahmin, was thus waiting for Lord's arrival.
But Rukmi had a strong opposition against lord Krishna. Ignoring the wish of his father, he was not ready to get his sister married to Lord Krishna. On the appointed day, Shishupal appeared there, in a procession, to get married with Rukmani.
But Rukmani was determined to marry Lord Krishna. She sent a love letter to Krishna through a loyal Brahmin and declared a fast unto death. Lord Krishna read her letter, which said: "O Trilokkinath, since the moment, these ears have heard about your virtues, actions, character and plays, my soul experiences divine peace. O Achyut, my mind is dedicated in your feet. O great among the men, this Rukmani has dedicated herself in your feet. Now it is upto you to see that no jackal could take away the lion's share." The Brahmin, the carrier of the letter, returned to Kundanpur with an assurance from the Lord. Lord too called the charioteer and set out at once for Kundanpur. There in Kundanpur, Rukmani after getting the assurance from the Brahmin, was thus waiting for Lord's arrival.
Preparations for Rukmani's marriage with Shisupal were on with
full swing in Kundanpur. All the houses, streets and lanes were cleaned and
sprinkled with scented water. All the men and women folk donned new clothes and
ornaments. King Bheeshmak worshipped his ancestors and gods and welcomed the
Brahmins liberally. Extremely beautiful princess Rukmani was given ceremonial
bath and donned with auspicious clothes and bracelets.
The king of Chedi, Damaghosh got the auspicious rites for the marriage of his son Shishupal, performed by Brahmins. All the Baratis (people in marriage procession) were given grand reception. Many great kings like Shalv, Jarasandh, Dantvaktra, Vidurath and Paundruk were present in the marriage procession. They had come with their armies with an intention of fighting Krishna and Balarama. After Krishna's departure, Balarama too set out for Kundanpur with chaturangini (with four wings) army, for he had known about their opponents' preparedness.
Rukmani was eagerly awaiting Lord's arrival. She had received the news that Dwarakanath (Krishna) had resolved to take her away. She was feeling overwhelmed in her heart.
The king of Chedi, Damaghosh got the auspicious rites for the marriage of his son Shishupal, performed by Brahmins. All the Baratis (people in marriage procession) were given grand reception. Many great kings like Shalv, Jarasandh, Dantvaktra, Vidurath and Paundruk were present in the marriage procession. They had come with their armies with an intention of fighting Krishna and Balarama. After Krishna's departure, Balarama too set out for Kundanpur with chaturangini (with four wings) army, for he had known about their opponents' preparedness.
Rukmani was eagerly awaiting Lord's arrival. She had received the news that Dwarakanath (Krishna) had resolved to take her away. She was feeling overwhelmed in her heart.
Seeing Lord Krishna arrived intently in the marriage ceremonies of
his daughter, king Bheeshmak welcomed him. Seeing him, even the common people
of Vidarbh prayed "May our princess Rukmani get Shri Krishna as her
husband. At the same time, Rukmani emerged from her palace to go to the temple of Ambikadevi, soldiers were guarding her.
In the temple, Rukmani prayed peacefully: "O Mother Ambika I greet you and
Ganapati, who is sitting in your lap. I seek your blessing that may my wish be
fulfilled and may I receive Shri Krishna as my husband."
On her way back, Rukmani was walking very slowly for she was awaiting Lord's arrival, which was due in any moment. Just then, Lord Krishna appeared before her. Before she could ride her chariot Lord lifted her from amidst the crowd. And in the presence of hundrerds of kings, Krishna and Balarama eloped away with Rukmani.
On her way back, Rukmani was walking very slowly for she was awaiting Lord's arrival, which was due in any moment. Just then, Lord Krishna appeared before her. Before she could ride her chariot Lord lifted her from amidst the crowd. And in the presence of hundrerds of kings, Krishna and Balarama eloped away with Rukmani.
1.1.7 Defeat of Rukmi & Shishupal
Hearing the news that Krishna has
eloped with Rukmani, Rukmi and all other kings present there boiled with anger.
Accompanied by their huge armies, they decided to give them a chase. Thus
chased my them, Yadnvanishis stopped and encountered the kings boldly. With a
true ambition to win, brave Yadav soldiers defeated the enemeies. All the kings
like Jarasandh fled for their lives. Rukmi had resolved that without getting Rukmani
released from Krishna's captivity, he would
not show his face in Kundanpur. He chased Lord Krishna for long. But
Dwarakanath defeated him and got his head shaved.
1.1.8 Marriage of Rukmini & Krshna
Thus defeating all the kings, Lord Krishna brought Rukmani to
Dwaraka. There they got married formally. All the people of Dwaraka celebrated
festivities for many days. People presented them with lot of precious gifts.
All the people were in great joy to see Lakshmi as Rukmani with her husband
Lord Krishna.
1.1.9 Birth of Pradyumna, Killing of Shambarasur
Shukdev says: O Parikshit, Kamadev was a part of lord himself.
After getting incinerated by Rudra, Kamadev took refuge in the supreme lord to
get an incarnation once more. Thus, Kamadev was born as Rukmani,s first son Pradyumn.
But just after his birth, Pradyumn was kidnapped by a demon Shambarasur. The demon dropped the baby into the sea, where a huge fish swallowed him in whole. Coincidently the fish was caught by the fishers and presented to the kitchen of Shambarasur. When the cooks cut the fish open, an extremely beautiful baby emerged. Mayawati, the governess of the kitchen, felt overjoyed to see the baby. She began to rear the baby with love and affection.
Once Narad arrived in the kitchen and said: "Mayawati, do you know who is in your lap? " "No, O Devarishi, I found him from the belly of a fish" said Mayawati. Devarishi Narad said: "He is your husband Kamadev and you are his wife Rati. In this birth, he has appeared as Pradyumn the son of Krishna. Hearing this, Mayawati saluted Narad with respect. Since then she regarded Pradyumn as her husband and served him accordingly. When Pradyumn matured. Mayawati reminded him about his real appearance. Pradyumn, thereafter, killed Shambarasur and got married with Mayawati. Then the couple arrived in Dwaraka.
But just after his birth, Pradyumn was kidnapped by a demon Shambarasur. The demon dropped the baby into the sea, where a huge fish swallowed him in whole. Coincidently the fish was caught by the fishers and presented to the kitchen of Shambarasur. When the cooks cut the fish open, an extremely beautiful baby emerged. Mayawati, the governess of the kitchen, felt overjoyed to see the baby. She began to rear the baby with love and affection.
Once Narad arrived in the kitchen and said: "Mayawati, do you know who is in your lap? " "No, O Devarishi, I found him from the belly of a fish" said Mayawati. Devarishi Narad said: "He is your husband Kamadev and you are his wife Rati. In this birth, he has appeared as Pradyumn the son of Krishna. Hearing this, Mayawati saluted Narad with respect. Since then she regarded Pradyumn as her husband and served him accordingly. When Pradyumn matured. Mayawati reminded him about his real appearance. Pradyumn, thereafter, killed Shambarasur and got married with Mayawati. Then the couple arrived in Dwaraka.
1.1.10 Tale of Syamantak, the Gem
A person named Satrajit was a great devotee of Lord Suryanarayana.
Pleased by his devotion, Suryadev presented him a gem called Syamantak. The gem
had a radiance equal to the sun. Bearing that gem, Satrajit arrived in Lord's
court. By the radiance of his gem, all the people and the courtiers mistook him
for Suryadeva and stood in his regard. But the Lord recognised him and asked
his coutiers to be calm. Then to Satrajit, Lord Said: "Satrajit, your gem
is really very beautiful. Nana (maternal grandfather) Ugrasen is the king of
this region. If you present this gem to him, it will be very good. But Satrajit
refused to present that gem.
One day, later on, Satrajit's brother Prasenjit went hunting, wearing the gem in his neck. In the forest a lion killed him and snatched the gem. The lion was in turn killed by the Ursine king Jambvan. Jambvan took the gem to his cave and gave it to his children to play with. When Prasenjit did not return from hunting, Satrajit felt sorry and accused Krishna that He had killed his brother for the gem.
When lord Krishna heard that he was being blamed for the mishap, He himself went to the forests. There he found the dead body of Prasenjit, but there was no sign of gem around the cadaver. He found only footprints of a lion leaving from there. Following the footprints, He discovered the dead lion and the foot prints of a great bear. Following the footprints, He reached in the cave where Jambvan's daughter Jambvati was playing with the gem.
One day, later on, Satrajit's brother Prasenjit went hunting, wearing the gem in his neck. In the forest a lion killed him and snatched the gem. The lion was in turn killed by the Ursine king Jambvan. Jambvan took the gem to his cave and gave it to his children to play with. When Prasenjit did not return from hunting, Satrajit felt sorry and accused Krishna that He had killed his brother for the gem.
When lord Krishna heard that he was being blamed for the mishap, He himself went to the forests. There he found the dead body of Prasenjit, but there was no sign of gem around the cadaver. He found only footprints of a lion leaving from there. Following the footprints, He discovered the dead lion and the foot prints of a great bear. Following the footprints, He reached in the cave where Jambvan's daughter Jambvati was playing with the gem.
As soon as lord Krishna proceeded
to take the gem, Jambvan arrived. A fierce duel resulted between them. They
continued to fight for twenty-six days without truce. On the twenty-seventh day
Jambvan requested Lord! "Please wait O Lord." Lord said: "Do you
want to take rest?" "No", said Jambvan, "I have recognised
you. You are non other than Lord Narayana Himself. Nobody else has the power to
defeat me." Lord appeared before Jambvan as Shri Rama. Jambvan prayed and
worshipped Him. He was feeling guilty that he dared to fight Lord. Lord said
that He had arrived there for the gem only. Jambvan gave him the gem and also
his daughter Jambvati. Lord returned the gem to Satrajit and married Jambvati
formally.
1.1.11 Marriage of Satyabhama & Krshna
Lord summoned Satrajit to his court and in the presence of the
king Ugrasen, related the sequence of incidents that took place in the jungle.
Satrajit felt ashamed. With a feeling of repentance he took the gem. He was
getting afraid also that he made enemity with lord Krishna
without reason. Hence to expiate his crime, Satrajit thought of presenting the
gem Syamantak and his daughter Satyabhama to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna
accepted Satybhama as his wife but returned the gem to Satrajit saying:
"It is a gift of lord Suryadev. Keep it with you. You are required to
deposit the gold that you get from it, in the royal treasure."
1.1.12 Theft of Syamantak
Akrur and Kritvarma were not pleased with the marriage of
Satyabhama. So they got Satrajit killed by Shatdanva. Shatdanva killed Satrajit
in his sleep and absconded with the gem. Lord Krishna was then away in
Hastinapur. Satyabhama too reached there and informed Krishna
about her father's assassination. With Balarama, Lord Krishna chased
Shatdhanva. But even after killing him, they could not trace the gem.
Shatdhanva had given the gem to Akrur to keep till his return. But after the
death of Shatdhanva, frightened Akrur came to stay in Kashi. From the effect of
the gem Akrur performed many grand Yagyas there. Lord summoned Akrur from
Kashi. After welcoming and treating him in the court, Lord asked him about the
gem. Akrur showed the gem in the court. But Lord returned the gem to Akrur.
Other marriages of Lord Krshna:
1.1.13 Lord’s Marriage with Kalindi
Once Lord Krishna visited Indraprasth to see Pandavas there. There
riding a chariot with Arjuna, He came to the forests. On the bank of river
Yamuna a pretty woman was observing penance. By the instinct of God, Arjun drew
near her and asked for her identity. She said: "I am Kalindi, the daughter
of Suryadev. I am penancing here in order to get married with Lord
Krishna." Lord got Kalindi boarded on the chariot and got married to her
formally.
1.1.14 Lord’s Marriage with Mitrvinda
Mitrvinda was the sister of Vind Anuvind the king of Ujjain. She had a desire
to get Lord as her husband. But her brother, Vind Anuvind was a follower of
Duryodhan. So he stopped his sister Mitrvinda from getting married to Krishna. But Krishna
eloped with Mitrvinda from the his court and got married to her formally later
on.
1.1.15 With Satya
Satya was the daughter of Nagnjit, the king of Kaushal. She was
extremely beautiful lady. The king had resolved that he would marry his
daughter only to him who would defeat his seven most formidable oxen. Many
princes has tried their luck since then but failed. When Lord Krishna heard
about that, He reached Kaushal with his army. The king of Kaushal welcomed and
treated him well, and told him about his resolution. Lord then took seven
guises and in no time defeated his seven formidable oxen. Gladly the king
married his daughter Satya to Lord Krishna.
1.1.16 With Bhadra
Shukdev said: "Parikshit, Lord's aunt (father's sister)
Shrutkirti was married in the kingdom
of Kaikauja. Bhadra was
the daughter of Shrutkirti. Bhadra's brothers like Santardan etc. themselves
had got their sister married to Lord Krishna.
1.1.17 With Lakshmana
Lakshmana was the daughter of the king of Madra. She was very
beautiful and meritorius. Lord abducted her all alone from the Swayamvar
organised for her marriage. Later, Lord married to her formally.
1.1.18 Salvation of Bhaumasur
Shukdev said: Parikshit, Prayjyotishpur was the capital of the
demon Bhaumasur. He was very strong and powerful. He had snatched the canopy of
Varuna, ear-rings of Aditi the mother of the gods, and Maniparvat of the gods
on Meru. Apart from these, he had also captured sixteen thousand and one
hundred princesses as well.
Devraj Indra himself visited Dwaraka and Prayed Lord to get them rid of Bhaumasur's atrocities. With the dear wife Satyabhama and riding his vehicle Garuda. Lord Krishna arrived in the capital of Bhaumasur. But to enter Pragjyotishpur was a impossible task. But with the blows of his mace and arrows, Lord easily broke the hills, destroyed strategic positions and cut the snares with sword. By his wheel he destroyed the walls of fire, water and air. With the loud sound of conch, lord renderered the machines, installed there, useless.
Ultimately, God destroyed the rampart of the citadel. Disturbed by the noise, the five-headed demon Mur ran with a trident to kill God. But with a single shot of his arrow, Lord broke his trident and cut his head with his wheel. Soldiers and commanders of Bhaumasur were also killed. Bhaumasur then came himself to fight. He had donned a shinning crown and was wearing big earrings. With his wheel, Lord cut the demon's head. As soon as He beheaded the demon, the gods showered flowers on the Lord and worshipped Him. Even the mother earth came and put a garland of five colours around lords neck. She also presented to him the earrings of Aditi, canopy of Varuna, and a great gem. At the request of earth, Lord assured Bhaumasur's son Bhagdatt freedom from his fears.
Devraj Indra himself visited Dwaraka and Prayed Lord to get them rid of Bhaumasur's atrocities. With the dear wife Satyabhama and riding his vehicle Garuda. Lord Krishna arrived in the capital of Bhaumasur. But to enter Pragjyotishpur was a impossible task. But with the blows of his mace and arrows, Lord easily broke the hills, destroyed strategic positions and cut the snares with sword. By his wheel he destroyed the walls of fire, water and air. With the loud sound of conch, lord renderered the machines, installed there, useless.
Ultimately, God destroyed the rampart of the citadel. Disturbed by the noise, the five-headed demon Mur ran with a trident to kill God. But with a single shot of his arrow, Lord broke his trident and cut his head with his wheel. Soldiers and commanders of Bhaumasur were also killed. Bhaumasur then came himself to fight. He had donned a shinning crown and was wearing big earrings. With his wheel, Lord cut the demon's head. As soon as He beheaded the demon, the gods showered flowers on the Lord and worshipped Him. Even the mother earth came and put a garland of five colours around lords neck. She also presented to him the earrings of Aditi, canopy of Varuna, and a great gem. At the request of earth, Lord assured Bhaumasur's son Bhagdatt freedom from his fears.
1.1.19 Lord’s Marriage with Captive Princesses
After slaying Bhaumasur, Lord entered his palace. There he
released the sixteen-thousand one-hundred captive princesses. The princesses
were very much impressed by the Lord. They had all accepted in their mind, Lord
Krishna as their husband. Lord too bowed before their love and accepted them as
his wives and arranged to send them to Dwaraka.
1.1.20 Pradyumna’s Marriage with Rukmvati
Shukdev says: Parikshit, Rukmvati was the daughter of Rukmi, the
brother of Rukmani. When a Swayamvar was organised for her, she saw Pradyumn.
She was so impressed by him that she chose him as her husband. But it was not
acceptable to other princes. They tried to stop their marriage. But defeating
them all, Pradyumn abducted Rukmvati and married her formally. Then to please
his sister Rukmani, Rukmi got his grand-daughter Rochana married to Rukmani's
grandsons Anirudh.
1.1.21 Marriage of Usha-Anirudha
The son of the demon king Bali,
Banasur was a great devotee of Lord Lord Shiva. Banasur ruled over the kingdom
Shonitpur. By the grace of Lord Lord Shiva, he had received thousand arms. Even
all the gods including Indra used to serve him. Thus blinded by his physical
strength, Banasur sought a boon from Lord to meet a match for his strength.
Lord Shiva said: "O fool, your thirst for war shall be quenched when your
flag is broken."
Banasur had a daughter named Usha. Once she had a dream in which
Anirudh was making love with her. She was very much perplexed by the dream.
After a few days with the help of her friend Chitralekha, Anirudh sneaked into
her palace. He stay there and enjoyed the company of Usha for long. But Anirudh's
clandestine stay could not remain hidden from the eyes of Banasura. So he put
Anirudh in prison. There in Dwaraka, everyone was worried by Anirudh's long
absence.
It was Narad, who ultimately revealed the fact that Anirudh was in the prison of Banasur. Hearing the news, Lord Krishna launched an attack on Banasur. His armies surrounded Shonitpur. During Ghurabandi the flag of Banasur's palace fell. Lord Shanker arrived to assist Banasur. Lord Krishna cut all the arms of Banasur. At the request of Lord Shiva, he left only four of his arms intact. Banasur bowed his head before Lord Krishna and brought Anirudh and Usha respectfully before Him. With them Lord Krishna returned to Dwaraka where formal marriage of Usha and Anirudh took place.
It was Narad, who ultimately revealed the fact that Anirudh was in the prison of Banasur. Hearing the news, Lord Krishna launched an attack on Banasur. His armies surrounded Shonitpur. During Ghurabandi the flag of Banasur's palace fell. Lord Shanker arrived to assist Banasur. Lord Krishna cut all the arms of Banasur. At the request of Lord Shiva, he left only four of his arms intact. Banasur bowed his head before Lord Krishna and brought Anirudh and Usha respectfully before Him. With them Lord Krishna returned to Dwaraka where formal marriage of Usha and Anirudh took place.
1.1.22 Tale of King Nrig
Once, Lord Krishna's sons visited the forests. There they saw a
huge Chameleon fallen in a large, deep well. They tried to pull it out but in
vain. The princes, therefore, returned to the palace and related this strange
episode to Lord Krishna. Lord too came to the well and with His left hand,
easily pulled the Chamelon out.
As soon as the chameleon came out, it turned into a divine god and began to worship God. He said: "O Lord, I am Nrig. The king Ikshvaku was my father. In my life, I had donated uncountable numbers of cows to the Brahmins. But once a cow, donated by me, returned to my cowshed. By mistake I made a resolution to donate it to another Brahmin. My action led to a dispute between the two Brahmins, and my wisdom failed to settle their dispute. Both the Brahmins went away unsatisfied, but I met this fate after death. Since then, I had been in this well in the form of a chameleon. Now, by the graceful touch of your hands, O Lord, I have received salvation." King Nrig then went around the Lord and returned to his heavenly abode.
As soon as the chameleon came out, it turned into a divine god and began to worship God. He said: "O Lord, I am Nrig. The king Ikshvaku was my father. In my life, I had donated uncountable numbers of cows to the Brahmins. But once a cow, donated by me, returned to my cowshed. By mistake I made a resolution to donate it to another Brahmin. My action led to a dispute between the two Brahmins, and my wisdom failed to settle their dispute. Both the Brahmins went away unsatisfied, but I met this fate after death. Since then, I had been in this well in the form of a chameleon. Now, by the graceful touch of your hands, O Lord, I have received salvation." King Nrig then went around the Lord and returned to his heavenly abode.
1.1.23 Salvation of Paundrak & Kashraj
Once Balarama and Krishna had
gone to Braj to see Nandbaba there. Meanwhile the king Paundrak of Karush sent
an envoy to lord Krishna with a message that
said: 'I am Lord Vasudev.' Pandrak's envoy arrived in the court and read out
the message: "To bestow my grace on the people, I have taken an
incarnation. You have falsely named yourself as Vasudev and bore my insignia.
Take my refuge or face the battle."
Shukdev said: Parikshit, hearing the message of Paundrak, Ugrasen and other courtiers began to laugh. Lord asked the envoy to inform Paundrak that He would launch His wheel on him and his army.
Receiving the message Paundrak launched an attack on Dwaraka with two Akshauhini army. The king of Kashi was a friend of Paundrak. He too came to his assistance with three Akshauhini armies. Paundrak had disguised as Vasudev and was bearing artifical conch, wheel, mace and lotus and. He had also adorned Swastik, Kaustubh etc. All the people began to laugh at Paundrak's clown like attire.
In no time, the Lord stripped him of all his adornments. His wheel cut his head. Then with an arrow the Lord cut the head of the king of Kashi. His head fell in front of his palace's gate. Sudakshin, the son of the Kashi king, organised a grand Yagya to avenge his father's killing. An ogress, Kritya emerged from the Yagya and began to burn Dwaraka. All the people prayed Krishna to protect them. Lord assured them to be fearless and ordered His wheel Sudarshan to kill Kritya. Sudarshan extinguished the fire, killed Kritya and destroyed Kashi. Then it returned to the Lord's finger.
Shukdev said: Parikshit, hearing the message of Paundrak, Ugrasen and other courtiers began to laugh. Lord asked the envoy to inform Paundrak that He would launch His wheel on him and his army.
Receiving the message Paundrak launched an attack on Dwaraka with two Akshauhini army. The king of Kashi was a friend of Paundrak. He too came to his assistance with three Akshauhini armies. Paundrak had disguised as Vasudev and was bearing artifical conch, wheel, mace and lotus and. He had also adorned Swastik, Kaustubh etc. All the people began to laugh at Paundrak's clown like attire.
In no time, the Lord stripped him of all his adornments. His wheel cut his head. Then with an arrow the Lord cut the head of the king of Kashi. His head fell in front of his palace's gate. Sudakshin, the son of the Kashi king, organised a grand Yagya to avenge his father's killing. An ogress, Kritya emerged from the Yagya and began to burn Dwaraka. All the people prayed Krishna to protect them. Lord assured them to be fearless and ordered His wheel Sudarshan to kill Kritya. Sudarshan extinguished the fire, killed Kritya and destroyed Kashi. Then it returned to the Lord's finger.
1.1.24 Salvation of Dvivid
The king Parikshit expressed his desire to hear about the life of
Balarama. Shukdev said:, "O king, there was once a monkey named Dwivid. He
was the friend of Bhaumasur. When Dwivid heard about Bhaumasur's killing by
Shri Krishna, he began to cause large scale destruction in the kingdom. His
disruptive activities in the country began to terrorize the subjects of Lord
Krishna. Once hearing sweet music, the monkey was drawn towards the Raivtak
mountain. There he saw Balarama amidst beautiful young women. The monkey began
to behave indecently. Angered by his indecency, Balarama hit him with his
pestel, named Sunand, and killed the monkey.
1.1.25 Marriage of Samb
Samb was the son of lord Krishna
and born to Jambvati. He had Kidnapped Lakshmana, the daughter of Duryodhana
from her Swayamvar. Infuriated Kauravas chased them and, with difficulty, they
caught Samb and tied him. When the Yaduvanshis got the news, they began
preparations to launch an attack on Kauravas. Balarama pacified them and
reached Hastinapur alone. There he received a warm welcome from the Kauravas.
Balarama said to them: "It is an order of the king Ugrasen that you should
see Samb off with his newly wedded wife." Hearing Balarama's words
Kauravas got angry and began to deride Yaduvanshis. Infuriated by Kauravas
derisions, Balarama trained his pestle and plough. He intended to turn over the
town of Hastinapur
into the river Yamuna. When the city began to shake, Kauravas felt perplexed
and begged Balarama for his pardon. Balarama assured them to be fearless and
returned to Dwaraka with Samb and his newly wedded wife Lakshmana.
1.1.26 Sending of Emissary (Kings in captivity seek the Lord’s help)
Shukdev says: "Parikshit, once Lord Krishna was holding His
court when an emissary arrived in the court. The kings who were held captive
forcibly by Jarasandh had sent him. The emissary related the miseries of those
kings to Lord Krishna. Through the emissary, the kings had requested: "O
Lord of the world, Kindly get us free from our miseries. We are in your refuge.
We desire your sight. Kindly bestow us with your grace." Lord Krishna sent
the emissary off with assurance of timely action.
Meanwhile, Devarishi Narad arrived in the court and informed the Lord of Yudhisthir's intention to organise a grand Rajsuy Yagya and his cordial invitation for the Lord to attend the ceremony. Lord asked his friend Uddhav for an advice as to where He ought to go first - to Indraprastha in Rajsuy Yagya or to liberate the king from the captivity of Jarasandh. Uddhav advised Lord to go to Indraprastha first. There He would be able to serve both the purposes.
Meanwhile, Devarishi Narad arrived in the court and informed the Lord of Yudhisthir's intention to organise a grand Rajsuy Yagya and his cordial invitation for the Lord to attend the ceremony. Lord asked his friend Uddhav for an advice as to where He ought to go first - to Indraprastha in Rajsuy Yagya or to liberate the king from the captivity of Jarasandh. Uddhav advised Lord to go to Indraprastha first. There He would be able to serve both the purposes.
1.1.27 Lord’s Departure for Indraprastha
Uddhav's advise was in the interest of all. Everyone supported it.
Taking permission from His priest and teachers, Lord set out on a chariot with
the whole family to reach Indraprastha. In Indraprastha, Pandavas accorded the
Lord with warm-hearted felicitations. By the dictate of Lord, Mayasur built a
divine looking court for Yudhishthir. The courtroom was a marvellous piece of
architecture. The shinning, smooth, floor of it appeared like water, while
water bodies presented a look like marble floors.
1.1.28 Killing of Jarasandh
During Yudhishthir's Rajsuy Yagya, all the Pandavas set out in all
the directions to conquer the kings and expand the boundaries of their kingdom.
Warriors like Bheem, Arjun defeated great kings all around and extended the
boundaries of Yudhisthir's empire. But to defeat Jarasandh, - Bheema, Arjuna
and Lord Krishna went in the guise Brahmins. They reached Jarasandh capital
Girivraj and prayed him for donations. Jarasandh promised to give them the
things of their desires. Lord Krishna then introduced themselves and begged
Jarasandh for a duel with any of them. Jarasandh accepted to fight a duel with
Bheema. He gave Bheema a mace and both of them came out to the outskirts of the
town, where they began their duel. Both of them were equally strong and equally
brave and well pitted.
Twenty-seven days passed, but their duel remained inconclusive. On
the twenty-eighth day, during the fight, Lord signaled Bheema a way to kill
Jarasandh. He took a small twig in his hands and tore it apart into two. Bheema
understood the signal and beating Jarasandh on ground, he tore him apart in two
pieces and threw them in opposite directions. Thus came the end of evil
Jarasandh. Lord Krishna and Arjuna heartily greeted Bheema for his success.
They then enthroned Jarasandh's son Sahdev and also got the captive kings
released.
1.1.29 Salvation of Shishupal
King Yudhishthir had invited great vedic Brahmins and Acharayas on
the occasion. Those great Sages included Ved Vyas, Bhardwaj, Sumantu, Gautam,
Asit, Vashishth, Chyvan, Kanv, Maitrey, Kavash, Chit, Vishvamitra, Vamdev,
Sumati, Jemini, Kratu, Pail, Parashurama, Shukracharya, Asuri, Vitihotra,
Madhuchchanda, Veersen and Akritvarn etc. Persons from Kauravas side like
Drona, Bheeshma, Kripacharya, Dhritrashtra, Vidhur and Duryodhan etc. were too
invited to witness the celebrations. Even Brahma, Shiv, Indra, Gandharvas,
Vidyadhars had too arrived. But before the Yagya could start a dispute cropped
up among the great sages as to who ought to be worshipped first in the Yagya.
In the opinion of Sahdeva (youngest of the Pandava brothers, not the son of Jarasandh), Lord Krishna deserved the first worship. Every one supported him. Only Shishupal could not tolerate the decision. He stood up and said: "In the presence of such great ascetics, savants, polymaths and sages, how can this cowherd deserve the first worship." Despite Shishupal bitter remarks Lord Krishna kept quiet. But Shishupal did not. Encouraged by Lord's silence he began to attack the kings, who stood by Lord's side, with sword. He was simultaneously abusing Lord Krishna also. Lord had assured Shishupal of this forgiveness for up to one hundred sins. But now Shishupal's sins have crossed that permitted number. So, quieting all, Lord cut his head with His wheel. As soon as the dead body of Shishupal fell on the ground, a flame emerged from it and merged with Lord Krishna. Shukdev says: "O Parikshit, feelings of hostility had been accumulating in the heart of Shishupal for his past three births against Lord Krishna. It was because of these intense hostile feelings that Shishupal met salvation eventually.
In the opinion of Sahdeva (youngest of the Pandava brothers, not the son of Jarasandh), Lord Krishna deserved the first worship. Every one supported him. Only Shishupal could not tolerate the decision. He stood up and said: "In the presence of such great ascetics, savants, polymaths and sages, how can this cowherd deserve the first worship." Despite Shishupal bitter remarks Lord Krishna kept quiet. But Shishupal did not. Encouraged by Lord's silence he began to attack the kings, who stood by Lord's side, with sword. He was simultaneously abusing Lord Krishna also. Lord had assured Shishupal of this forgiveness for up to one hundred sins. But now Shishupal's sins have crossed that permitted number. So, quieting all, Lord cut his head with His wheel. As soon as the dead body of Shishupal fell on the ground, a flame emerged from it and merged with Lord Krishna. Shukdev says: "O Parikshit, feelings of hostility had been accumulating in the heart of Shishupal for his past three births against Lord Krishna. It was because of these intense hostile feelings that Shishupal met salvation eventually.
After the salvation of Shishupal, ceremonies and rituals of Yagya
proceeded unabated. At the end king Yudhishthir presented all those present
there with fitting gifts and took ceremonial bath. At the request of Pandavas,
lord Krishna stayed in Indraprastha for many
months.
1.1.30 Salvation of Shalva
Shukdev says: "Parikshit, now listen to the tale of how Lord
caused salvation for Shalv. Shalv was the childhood friend of Shishupal and had
attended the marriage of Rukmani as a member of Shishupal's wedding party. At
that time, Yaduvanshis had defeated them all including Jarasandh and Shalv.
Right at that moment, Shalv had resolved to destroy Yaduvanshis and began
worshipping Gods of the gods Pashupati (Shiv). Lord Ashutosh Lord Shiva was
pleased with him. As a boon, Shalv had got an aeroplane that was invincible
even for the gods, demons, humans, nagas, etc and was particularly formidable
for Yaduvanshis. By the dictate of Lord Lord Shiva, the demon Maya constructed
such an aeroplane of iron. The aeroplane named Saubh was as big as a city and
was difficult to be spotted or caught. It could move as fast as one's wishes.
Soon after getting the aeroplane, Shalv launched an attack of Dwaraka.
Surrounding Dwaraka, Shalv began to destroy buildings and houses there. Seeing the people terrorized, Pradyumn consoled them to be fearless and himself set out on a chariot to counter Shalv. He pierced Shalv with arrows. But Shalv's minister Dyumana attacked Pradyumn with a mace. By the blow of the mace, Pradyumn lost his consciousness. But soon he came around and began to slay Shalv's forces. The fierce battle continued for twenty-seven days. Lord was away then in Indraprastha Yagya. But He was sure that in his absence Kshatriya kings of Shishupal side would be attacking on Dwaraka.
Surrounding Dwaraka, Shalv began to destroy buildings and houses there. Seeing the people terrorized, Pradyumn consoled them to be fearless and himself set out on a chariot to counter Shalv. He pierced Shalv with arrows. But Shalv's minister Dyumana attacked Pradyumn with a mace. By the blow of the mace, Pradyumn lost his consciousness. But soon he came around and began to slay Shalv's forces. The fierce battle continued for twenty-seven days. Lord was away then in Indraprastha Yagya. But He was sure that in his absence Kshatriya kings of Shishupal side would be attacking on Dwaraka.
Lord reached Dwaraka and saw a fierce battle between Pradyumn and
Shalv. Seeing Lord arrive, Shalv began to attack Him with sharp arrows. Lord
hit Shalv with a powerful blow of mace and he began to spit blood from his
mouth. He then tried to show many illusions and showered Lord with weapons. But
Lord wounded Shalv with his arrows, broke his aeroplane with his mace. Very
soon thereafter the aeroplane plunged in to the sea. Shalv then attacked Lord with
mace but Lord cut his head with Sudarshan wheel. Seeing his end, all the gods
showered flowers on Lord.
1.1.31 Salvation of Dantvaktra & Vidurath
After the killing of Shishupal, Shalv etc. Dantvaktra arrived in
the battlefield carrying a mace. When Lord saw him coming, He too jumped down
from the chariot and baulked his movement with a mace. Dantvaktra tried to
humiliate God with his abuses and hit him on head with his mace. Lord easily
bore the blow of mace and hit Dantvaktra's chest with his mace named Kaumodaki.
Dantvaktra's heart tore apart by the blow and he fell dead.
Vidurath was the brother of Dantvaktra. He came in the field with sword and shield to avenge his brother's death. Seeing him ready to launch an attack, Lord cut Vidurath's head with his wheel. Thus, Lord Krishna entered Dwaraka only after killing Shalv, Dantvaktra and Vidurath. All the gods and other inhabitants of heaven showered flowers on Him.
Vidurath was the brother of Dantvaktra. He came in the field with sword and shield to avenge his brother's death. Seeing him ready to launch an attack, Lord cut Vidurath's head with his wheel. Thus, Lord Krishna entered Dwaraka only after killing Shalv, Dantvaktra and Vidurath. All the gods and other inhabitants of heaven showered flowers on Him.
1.1.32 Sudama – The Lord’s Friend
During his stay as a disciple at the hermitage of sage Sandipani,
Lord Krishna had a Brahmin friend named Sudama. He was very indifferent in
nature with no desires for the material things. After their education, Lord
Krishna came to Dwaraka while Sudama, who had no any inclination for
accumulating material wealth, got married and began to pass his life with his
wife Susheela abject poverty.
One day his wife Susheela said: "O lord, your friend Krishna is the king of Dwaraka. He is very benevolent to Brahmins and his devotees. If you go to see him, he will understand your miseries and grant you a lot of wealth." But Sudama plainly refused saying: "Devi, I have chosen the path of devotion for self upliftment and not for the wealth." Susheela, however, kept of insisting: "All right, don't go for the wealth. But at least you can go to see your old friend. Sudama accepted this proposition, thinking that only the sight of Lord yields supreme benefit to the devotee. But he wanted something as a gift to present to his old friend. At this, his wife tied four handfuls of raw rice in a bundle.
With that humble gift, Sudama set out for Dwaraka. His poverty was at its helm. But he kept on reciting Lord's name all along the way. After walking for some distance, Sudama felt thirsty. He drank water, quenched his thirst and thanked God that He at least does give water to drink. Sudama kept on walking the whole day. In the evening, he kept the bundle of rice under his head as a pillow and slept.
One day his wife Susheela said: "O lord, your friend Krishna is the king of Dwaraka. He is very benevolent to Brahmins and his devotees. If you go to see him, he will understand your miseries and grant you a lot of wealth." But Sudama plainly refused saying: "Devi, I have chosen the path of devotion for self upliftment and not for the wealth." Susheela, however, kept of insisting: "All right, don't go for the wealth. But at least you can go to see your old friend. Sudama accepted this proposition, thinking that only the sight of Lord yields supreme benefit to the devotee. But he wanted something as a gift to present to his old friend. At this, his wife tied four handfuls of raw rice in a bundle.
With that humble gift, Sudama set out for Dwaraka. His poverty was at its helm. But he kept on reciting Lord's name all along the way. After walking for some distance, Sudama felt thirsty. He drank water, quenched his thirst and thanked God that He at least does give water to drink. Sudama kept on walking the whole day. In the evening, he kept the bundle of rice under his head as a pillow and slept.
Now it was God's turn to show His gratitude for the devotee. When
Sudama awoke in the morning, he found himself right in front of Lord Krishna's
palace. At first he could not believe his eyes; but the people told him that he
was in Dwaraka and standing right before the lord's palace. Sudama requested
the gatekeeper to inform Lord Krishna that his childhood friend Sudama had
come. Lord Krishna was sitting in the company of Rukmani when the gatekeeper
delivered the message. As soon as Lord Krishna learned about Sudama's arrival,
He stood up and ran helter-skelter to welcome his childhood friend. At the gate
He cordially embraced Sudama and escorted him into his private chamber and made
him sit on the throne.
Krishna and queen Rukmani
both washed Sudama's feet one by one. By the mere touch of his friend, Krishna was feeling overjoyed. His eyes filled with tears.
He and Sudama were holding each other's hands. Their hearts were beating with
the memories of their period as disciples at the hermitage of Sandipani. For
long, none of them could uttered a word. At last Sudama said: "O Jagadguru
Krishna, I have the fortune of being your friend. What remains for me to
do?"
Lord Krishna said: "Brother, have you brought for me something sent by my sister-in-law? I love to accept even the pettiest thing presented with affection."
Shukdev says: 'O Parikshit, at the Lord's words, Sudama felt ashamed and he did not reveal the four handfuls of raw rice that he had brought as gift. With shame, Sudama began to look at the ground. Lord knew everything that his dear friend Sudama had never remembered him with a desire for wealth. This time too he has come at the insistence of his wife.
Lord Krishna said: "Brother, have you brought for me something sent by my sister-in-law? I love to accept even the pettiest thing presented with affection."
Shukdev says: 'O Parikshit, at the Lord's words, Sudama felt ashamed and he did not reveal the four handfuls of raw rice that he had brought as gift. With shame, Sudama began to look at the ground. Lord knew everything that his dear friend Sudama had never remembered him with a desire for wealth. This time too he has come at the insistence of his wife.
'Hence, I will give him the wealth that is rare even for the
gods...' thought Lord Krishna and snatched the bundle of raw rice and opened it
with great respect. He put one handful of it in his mouth. When Lord proceeded
to take next handful, queen Rukmani held his hand and prayed: "O
Vishvambhar (fosterer of the world) for the prosperity of entire world this one
handful is sufficient."
Sudama stayed that night in the palace of Shri Krishna. There he experienced the comfort of Vaikunth (abode of God). Staying there for many days, Sudama at last, took leave of Shri Krishna and set out for his home. Lord did not give Sudama anything apparently nor did Sudama asked for His favour. He was travelling overwhelmed by a divine sense of devotion and felt that Krishna might have not given him wealth lest he should forget Him.
Thus, sunk in myriad kinds of thoughts, Sudama reached his home. But at the place, where his dilapidated hut stood once there was now a divine palace surrounded by verdant gardens. The floors of the palace were embedded with precious gems and stones. Standing at the gate, Sudama felt confused, when his wife Susheela came out with scented water to welcome him. Tears were rolling on her cheeks. With love she greeted Sudama and escorted him inside the palace. Sudama was still reflecting over the God's grace and praying: "May I have the friendship of lord in every birth, may my affection increase for Lord's feet. I don't want wealth.' Since then, Sudama enjoyed the comforts of the palace as the bounty of Lord bestowed upon him by non other than the Lord Krishna himself. His devotion increased day by day.
Sudama stayed that night in the palace of Shri Krishna. There he experienced the comfort of Vaikunth (abode of God). Staying there for many days, Sudama at last, took leave of Shri Krishna and set out for his home. Lord did not give Sudama anything apparently nor did Sudama asked for His favour. He was travelling overwhelmed by a divine sense of devotion and felt that Krishna might have not given him wealth lest he should forget Him.
Thus, sunk in myriad kinds of thoughts, Sudama reached his home. But at the place, where his dilapidated hut stood once there was now a divine palace surrounded by verdant gardens. The floors of the palace were embedded with precious gems and stones. Standing at the gate, Sudama felt confused, when his wife Susheela came out with scented water to welcome him. Tears were rolling on her cheeks. With love she greeted Sudama and escorted him inside the palace. Sudama was still reflecting over the God's grace and praying: "May I have the friendship of lord in every birth, may my affection increase for Lord's feet. I don't want wealth.' Since then, Sudama enjoyed the comforts of the palace as the bounty of Lord bestowed upon him by non other than the Lord Krishna himself. His devotion increased day by day.
1.1.33 Meeting of Lord with Gopas-Gopis
Shukdev says: "O Parikshit, Lord Krishna was passing his time
with pleasure in Dwaraka. A total solar eclipse happened to fall during that
period. People from all over India
thronged in Kurukshetra to take a dip in sacred Ganges
on that great occasion. All the Yaduvanshis too arrived there. When Vrajvasis
(Inhabitants of Vraj) learned about Krishna
and Balarama's arrival in Kurukshetra, they too assembled there.
During the festival, Lord Krishna met His foster-father Nand and other cowherds who were his childhood friends. Lord Krishna met the Gopis also who had been pining for his sight since long. They enjoyed the meeting and kept on chatting for long. Overwhelmed by love and joy, Vasudev embraced Nand. Lord Krishna and Balarama respectfully greeted mother Yashoda and father Nand. They too embraced Krishna-Balarama cordially.
Gopis were specially overwhelmed by Lord's sight. They had no other desire but to have a sight of Lord. That day their long cherished dream had come true. Gopis imbued the captivating appearance of Lord and experienced the joy of embracing Him. Lord met all the Gopis and embraced them. Inquired about their well being and preached them with spiritual knowledge. By the virtue of that knowledge, feeling of living disappeared among the Gopis and they merged with God forever.
During the festival, Lord Krishna met His foster-father Nand and other cowherds who were his childhood friends. Lord Krishna met the Gopis also who had been pining for his sight since long. They enjoyed the meeting and kept on chatting for long. Overwhelmed by love and joy, Vasudev embraced Nand. Lord Krishna and Balarama respectfully greeted mother Yashoda and father Nand. They too embraced Krishna-Balarama cordially.
Gopis were specially overwhelmed by Lord's sight. They had no other desire but to have a sight of Lord. That day their long cherished dream had come true. Gopis imbued the captivating appearance of Lord and experienced the joy of embracing Him. Lord met all the Gopis and embraced them. Inquired about their well being and preached them with spiritual knowledge. By the virtue of that knowledge, feeling of living disappeared among the Gopis and they merged with God forever.
1.1.34 Organization of Yagya by Vasudeva
Devarishi Narad, Vyasa and many other great sages arrived in
Kurukshetra to have a sight of Lord. Lord welcomed them all. Then Vasudev
greeted them and enquired about way for his self up liftment. Laughingly, Narad
said: "Vasudev, a person, already living at the bank of the Ganges, discards her holy water and goes to other places
of pilgrimage for his purification.
In the presence of Krishna-Balarama, the sages said: "You regard the indescrible, eternal, Sachchidanand Shri Krishna as your son, and seek the way of your self upliftment from us. O Vasudev, recognise Him. Take to His refuge, only He can salve you." Vasudev got the meaning of sage's words and began to develop feelings of devotion for his son. Every human being has obligation for the gods, sages and his ancestors. The sages got a Yagya performed in Kurukshetra by Vasudev to free him from the obligation for gods.
In the presence of Krishna-Balarama, the sages said: "You regard the indescrible, eternal, Sachchidanand Shri Krishna as your son, and seek the way of your self upliftment from us. O Vasudev, recognise Him. Take to His refuge, only He can salve you." Vasudev got the meaning of sage's words and began to develop feelings of devotion for his son. Every human being has obligation for the gods, sages and his ancestors. The sages got a Yagya performed in Kurukshetra by Vasudev to free him from the obligation for gods.
1.1.35 Revisiting of Devaki’s Six Sons
In Dwaraka, Krishna and Balarama
used to greet their parent's first daily in the morning. Now Vasudev had
recognised His identity. So after their return from Kurukshetra, when
Krishna-Balarama went as usual to greet their parents, Vasudev greeted them
first. Lord Krishna then preached his father about the metaphysical knowledge.
With that knowledge, Vasudev began to see Krishna
everywhere.
Mother Devaki was also present there. Memory of her six children, who were killed by Kansa, was still afresh in her mind. She had heard that Krishna had fetched the dead son of Sandipani from Yamloka. So she prayed to them " You both are venerable even to the gods. Kindly grant me my desire. Show me my six sons who were killed by Kansa. By their mother's dictate and helped by Yogmaya, both the brothers reached Sutal Loka.
The demon king Bali welcomed them there and offered them a seat, and washed their feet. King Bali then asked God what could he do for Him. Lord said: O demon king, in Swayambhuv Manvantara, six sons were born to Urna the wife of Prajapati Marichi. They were all gods. They had once seen Brahma trying to copulate with his own daughter and hence derided at him. Indignant Brahma had then curse them to take birth in demon incarnation. They therefore were born as the sons of Hiranykashipu.
Mother Devaki was also present there. Memory of her six children, who were killed by Kansa, was still afresh in her mind. She had heard that Krishna had fetched the dead son of Sandipani from Yamloka. So she prayed to them " You both are venerable even to the gods. Kindly grant me my desire. Show me my six sons who were killed by Kansa. By their mother's dictate and helped by Yogmaya, both the brothers reached Sutal Loka.
The demon king Bali welcomed them there and offered them a seat, and washed their feet. King Bali then asked God what could he do for Him. Lord said: O demon king, in Swayambhuv Manvantara, six sons were born to Urna the wife of Prajapati Marichi. They were all gods. They had once seen Brahma trying to copulate with his own daughter and hence derided at him. Indignant Brahma had then curse them to take birth in demon incarnation. They therefore were born as the sons of Hiranykashipu.
In the present era, Yogmaya had made them born as Devaki's sons
who were killed by Kansa. They are all now in your Loka. Mother Devaki is
mourning for them, so we shall take them with us. They will thus be freed from
the curse and go to their heavenly abode." Thus Lord Krishna and Balarama
brought those six babies to Dwaraka and handed them to mother Devaki. Seeing
her babies again, Devaki's heart filled with love for her sons. Milk began to
flood her breast. She breast-fed them. Drinking the milk, all the babies
received salvation. They then departed to their heavenly abode.
1.1.36 Love & Marriage of Subhadra-Arjun
King Parikshit asked: "Gurudev, how did my grandfather Arjun
and grandmother Subhadra got married? I want to hear this tale. Kindly narrate
it to me."
Shukdev said: Parikshit once travelling on a pilgrimage tour, Arjun reached in Prabhas region. There he learned that Balarama was desirous of marrying his sister Subhadra to Duryodhan. But Vasudev and Krishna were not in the favour of this marriage. So, a strong urge took hold in his mind to get Subhadra as his wife. Acting as per the urge, Arjun reached Dwaraka in the guise of Vaishnava sage. It was rainy season then, so with an excuse of Chaturmasya Vrat (four months long fast), Arjun stayed in Dwaraka. During his stay, Balarama served and looked after him very well. But neither Balarama nor any other inmates of the palace could recognise Arjun.
Once Balarama invited Arjun to his home. There he offered good, delicious food to Arjun. Subhadra too served him well. There, they fell in love with each other. Later on, boarding a chariot, Subhadra went out of the palace for a joy ride. At the outskirts of the town, Arjun was awaiting for her. He had already taken permission of Devaki-Vasudev and Krishna. Subhadra too had silently nodded her acceptance.
So that evening Arjun and Subhadra eloped from Dwaraka. The news of Subhadra eolping with Arjun first outraged Balarama. But Lord Krishna and other near and dear ones convinced and pacified him.
Shukdev said: Parikshit once travelling on a pilgrimage tour, Arjun reached in Prabhas region. There he learned that Balarama was desirous of marrying his sister Subhadra to Duryodhan. But Vasudev and Krishna were not in the favour of this marriage. So, a strong urge took hold in his mind to get Subhadra as his wife. Acting as per the urge, Arjun reached Dwaraka in the guise of Vaishnava sage. It was rainy season then, so with an excuse of Chaturmasya Vrat (four months long fast), Arjun stayed in Dwaraka. During his stay, Balarama served and looked after him very well. But neither Balarama nor any other inmates of the palace could recognise Arjun.
Once Balarama invited Arjun to his home. There he offered good, delicious food to Arjun. Subhadra too served him well. There, they fell in love with each other. Later on, boarding a chariot, Subhadra went out of the palace for a joy ride. At the outskirts of the town, Arjun was awaiting for her. He had already taken permission of Devaki-Vasudev and Krishna. Subhadra too had silently nodded her acceptance.
So that evening Arjun and Subhadra eloped from Dwaraka. The news of Subhadra eolping with Arjun first outraged Balarama. But Lord Krishna and other near and dear ones convinced and pacified him.
1.1.37 Prayers of Vedas
King Parikshit asked: "Brahmin, Brahma is beyond the limit of
do's and why's. He is free from the virtues like Sat, Raja and Tama. He cannot
be seen by mind. On the other hand Guna (Virtues) is the subject of all the
Shrutis (Vedas). How do Vedas then depict Brahma?"
Shukdev says: "Parikshit, Lord is omnipotent and a treasure of all the virtues. Shrutis (Vedas) do depict Saguna (with virtues) clearly. But reflect on them deeply and you get virtuesless meaning from them. Once, Lord Badrinarayana had arrived among the inhabitant sages of Kalaygram. Devarishi Narad had asked him the same question. In the assembly of the great sages, Lord then narrated the same tale, which the inhabitants of Janloka had asked.
The supreme sages like Sanakadi and his brothers were equal in knowledge, penance etc. Yet they chose Sanandan as the narrator, and rest three became the audience. Sanandan had said: "Such as the savants and balladiers sing in praise their king to wake him up in the morning, similarly annihilating the entire universe in Him, Paramatma (supreme soul) lies asleep with all His powers. At the end of Pralaya, Vedas (Shurtis) wake Him up through the words that demonstrate Him."
Shrutis (Vedas) says: "O Ajit (invincible one), you are supreme, no one can conquer you; may you win everywhere. O Lord, you are complete with all the luxuries, hence destroy the illusion that allures all the living beings. We are unable to describe your appearance. But when your powers manifest in creation. We get some ability to describe you.
Shukdev says: "Parikshit, Lord is omnipotent and a treasure of all the virtues. Shrutis (Vedas) do depict Saguna (with virtues) clearly. But reflect on them deeply and you get virtuesless meaning from them. Once, Lord Badrinarayana had arrived among the inhabitant sages of Kalaygram. Devarishi Narad had asked him the same question. In the assembly of the great sages, Lord then narrated the same tale, which the inhabitants of Janloka had asked.
The supreme sages like Sanakadi and his brothers were equal in knowledge, penance etc. Yet they chose Sanandan as the narrator, and rest three became the audience. Sanandan had said: "Such as the savants and balladiers sing in praise their king to wake him up in the morning, similarly annihilating the entire universe in Him, Paramatma (supreme soul) lies asleep with all His powers. At the end of Pralaya, Vedas (Shurtis) wake Him up through the words that demonstrate Him."
Shrutis (Vedas) says: "O Ajit (invincible one), you are supreme, no one can conquer you; may you win everywhere. O Lord, you are complete with all the luxuries, hence destroy the illusion that allures all the living beings. We are unable to describe your appearance. But when your powers manifest in creation. We get some ability to describe you.
Description of Brahma, Indra, Agni, Surya and other gods, by us
(Vedas) appears as separate, The complete universe is not different from you.
It is a description of your various forms. You are unborn, even in those idols.
You do not take birth.
All the Vedas describe your merits. All the savants love none but you through hearing and remembering of your auspicious, benevolent virtues.
O, endless, if anybody in human incarnations does not recite or remember your name he is breathing in vain.
Dharma(duty), Arth (Wealth), Kama (Sensual pleasure) and Moksha (Salvation) have no meaning for those who remember you with pure heart.
O endless, glorious Lord, common people are wandering in abject darkness of unnecessary disputes. Your realization is impossible. When will that moment arrive in my life. When I shall recite your names like Madhav, Vamana, Trilochan, Govind etc. with joy and get free from all the miseries.
O Lord, this entire universe is false. But still appears as real. We pray to that God who is present as an illuminating truth in this false creation.
O Lord of all, people can not sail across this ocean of death without you, no matter what they do to achieve salvation. Their all efforts are futile.
All the Vedas describe your merits. All the savants love none but you through hearing and remembering of your auspicious, benevolent virtues.
O, endless, if anybody in human incarnations does not recite or remember your name he is breathing in vain.
Dharma(duty), Arth (Wealth), Kama (Sensual pleasure) and Moksha (Salvation) have no meaning for those who remember you with pure heart.
O endless, glorious Lord, common people are wandering in abject darkness of unnecessary disputes. Your realization is impossible. When will that moment arrive in my life. When I shall recite your names like Madhav, Vamana, Trilochan, Govind etc. with joy and get free from all the miseries.
O Lord, this entire universe is false. But still appears as real. We pray to that God who is present as an illuminating truth in this false creation.
O Lord of all, people can not sail across this ocean of death without you, no matter what they do to achieve salvation. Their all efforts are futile.
O Lord, all the living beings are wandering in your illusion. But
the learned ones don't regard themselves separate from the cycle of life and
death. In your shelter, they have nothing to fear.
Shukdev says: "Parikshit as per your query, I told you how Vedas describe Parabrahma Paramatma who is free from natural virtues and invisible. O king, it is the lord who conceptualizes the universe and is present in the beginning, mid and the end of it. He is the Lord of nature and creatures. It is He who created the universe and entered it with the creatures. He created the bodies and controls them. Such as a human being, who is immersed in deep sleep, is not aware of his body. Similarly, on receiving God, the creature is freed from illusion. So one must continuously reflect on the virtues of Lord Shri Krishna."
Shukdev says: "Parikshit as per your query, I told you how Vedas describe Parabrahma Paramatma who is free from natural virtues and invisible. O king, it is the lord who conceptualizes the universe and is present in the beginning, mid and the end of it. He is the Lord of nature and creatures. It is He who created the universe and entered it with the creatures. He created the bodies and controls them. Such as a human being, who is immersed in deep sleep, is not aware of his body. Similarly, on receiving God, the creature is freed from illusion. So one must continuously reflect on the virtues of Lord Shri Krishna."
1.1.38 Release of Lord Shiva from Crisis
Parikshit asked: "Gurudev, those among the gods, human beings
and the demons, who worship Lord Lord Shiva, get wealth very soon. But those,
who worship Lord Narayana, remain afflicated with scarcity. What is the reason
for that?"
Shukdev said : "Parikshit, your grandfather Yudhishthir had put the same question before Lord Krishna."
In reply, Lord Krishna had said: "O Yudhishthir, I take away all the wealth from those whom I bestow my grace. When they are poor, their relatives desert them. I even render their efforts useless when they try to earn money. Thus being unsuccessful repeatedly, the people develop an attitude of indifference for wealth. Then they begin to take shelter as my devotee and mingle with me. Only then, I bestow my full grace on them and they receive me as Sachchidanand Parbrahma. Thus, pleasing me through my worship is extremely difficult. Hence, ordinary people give me up and worship other deities, which are in fact different forms of me.
Lord Shiva is Ashutosh and bestows his devotees quickly with grace. He gives wealth and other riches to his devotees. But once they get wealth, the devotees become despotic and even forget the God who had blessed them." In this context Shukdev narrated one ancient tale to Parikshit.
Shukdev said : "Parikshit, your grandfather Yudhishthir had put the same question before Lord Krishna."
In reply, Lord Krishna had said: "O Yudhishthir, I take away all the wealth from those whom I bestow my grace. When they are poor, their relatives desert them. I even render their efforts useless when they try to earn money. Thus being unsuccessful repeatedly, the people develop an attitude of indifference for wealth. Then they begin to take shelter as my devotee and mingle with me. Only then, I bestow my full grace on them and they receive me as Sachchidanand Parbrahma. Thus, pleasing me through my worship is extremely difficult. Hence, ordinary people give me up and worship other deities, which are in fact different forms of me.
Lord Shiva is Ashutosh and bestows his devotees quickly with grace. He gives wealth and other riches to his devotees. But once they get wealth, the devotees become despotic and even forget the God who had blessed them." In this context Shukdev narrated one ancient tale to Parikshit.
Once upon a time, there was a demon Vrikasur. He had pleased Lord
Shiva and sought a boon that the person, upon whose head the demon put his
hand, should be incinerated at once. Lord Shiva granted the boon without
considering the consequences. But as soon as the demon got this supernatural
power, he ran to incinerate Lord Shiva first. The demon was eyeing Gauri
Parvati, so he was determined to eliminate Lord Lord Shiva. Now afraid of his
own boon, Lord Shiva ran for his life, with the demon following him in hot
pursuit. At last Lord Shiva reached in Vaikunth and told Lord Vishnu about his
crisis. Lord at once illusioned the demon and made him put his hand, on his own
head. By the virtue of the boon, the demon was incinerated in no time and thus
Lord Shiva could be saved.
1.1.39 Testing of Trinity
Once upon a time, all the sages assembled on the bank of Saraswati
river. A dispute errupted among them as to who among the trinity was the
greatest. By consensus they appointed sage Bhrigu to test the trinity of
Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Bhrigu reached to Brahma, but did not greet him.
Brahma got infuriated but since the sage Bhrigu was his own son, He did not
curse him. Then Bhrigu visted Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva proceeded to embrace the
sage. But instead of accepting Lord Shiva's welcome, the sage began to abuse Him,
saying: "You violate the dignity of Vedas, so I will not meet with
you." Angry Lord Shiva raised his trident to kill him, but Bhagawati
stopped Him. At last Bhrigu reached Vaikunth to see Lord Vishnu.
Lord was lying with head in the lap of Lakshmi. Bhrigu kicked hard
at His chest. But instead of getting angry, Lord got up, bowed his head before
the sage and begged pardon: "O Sage, pardon me, I could not welcome you at
once, at your arrival. Your feet are soft, I hope they are not hurt. All my sins
have been washed by the touch of your feet." Bhrigu felt very pleased by
the serious talks of Lord. His heart felt overwhelmed with excess of devotion.
He returned to the assembly of the sages and narrated his experience. Since
then Lord Vishnu is regarded as the Supreme and giver of peace and
fearlessness.
1.1.40 Revival of Brahmin’s dead children
There in Dwaraka lived a Brahmin. When the first son was born to
his wife, it died immediately after birth. The Brahmin took his dead son to the
royal court and complained: "My Son has died because of anti-Brahmin and
licentious actions of the king." One by one, thus, eight sons were born to
the Brahmin couple; but they all died immediately after birth. And the Brahmin
kept on dumping his dead sons at the gate of the royal palace.
When his ninth son was born, and died, Arjun was also there in Dwaraka. He made a promise to the Brahmins: I shall guard your son or commit self immolation. At the time of next delivery, the agitated Brahmin came to Arjun. Training his bow and arrows, Arjun made all arrangements to protect Brahmin's tenth son. Sanctified by many mantras, Arjun's arrows constructed a fence around the labour room. A child took birth; but it too died after some time. Brahmin,then, cursed Arjuna. Arjun scouted through all the three worlds and even the netherworlds in search of the Brahmin's dead son, but he could not find him anywhere. Ultimately accepting his failure and as per his promise, Arjun proceeded to immolate himself.
Meanwhile, Lord Krishna too learned about Arjun's vow and stopped him from self-immolation. Thereafter, riding a divine chariot, Lord set out with Arjun, towards west. Beyond the limits of cosmos. They reached the abode of Lord Vasudev in Tripadvibhuti. There Arjun saw that Lord was present in Purushottams appearance. Shri Krishna and Arjun greeted Him.
Lord Purushottam said in a serious voice: "O Krishna and Arjuna, only to have a sight of both of you, I brought the Brahmin's sons to me. Both of you had taken incarnation on earth from my part to protect the religion. All the demons have been slain by now. Now you too return to me.
When his ninth son was born, and died, Arjun was also there in Dwaraka. He made a promise to the Brahmins: I shall guard your son or commit self immolation. At the time of next delivery, the agitated Brahmin came to Arjun. Training his bow and arrows, Arjun made all arrangements to protect Brahmin's tenth son. Sanctified by many mantras, Arjun's arrows constructed a fence around the labour room. A child took birth; but it too died after some time. Brahmin,then, cursed Arjuna. Arjun scouted through all the three worlds and even the netherworlds in search of the Brahmin's dead son, but he could not find him anywhere. Ultimately accepting his failure and as per his promise, Arjun proceeded to immolate himself.
Meanwhile, Lord Krishna too learned about Arjun's vow and stopped him from self-immolation. Thereafter, riding a divine chariot, Lord set out with Arjun, towards west. Beyond the limits of cosmos. They reached the abode of Lord Vasudev in Tripadvibhuti. There Arjun saw that Lord was present in Purushottams appearance. Shri Krishna and Arjun greeted Him.
Lord Purushottam said in a serious voice: "O Krishna and Arjuna, only to have a sight of both of you, I brought the Brahmin's sons to me. Both of you had taken incarnation on earth from my part to protect the religion. All the demons have been slain by now. Now you too return to me.
Shri Krishna and Arjun again greeted Lord and returned on earth
with all the sons of the Brahmin.
Arjun was greatly surprised to see the supreme abode of Lord. He felt that whatever strength a living being had, it was all by Shri Krishna's grace. Like common, ordinary people, the Lord stayed on earth enjoing mundane comforts, performed Yagyas like kings, behaved like idealistic people; deterred His subjects and slayed evil kings to re-establish religion on earth.
Arjun was greatly surprised to see the supreme abode of Lord. He felt that whatever strength a living being had, it was all by Shri Krishna's grace. Like common, ordinary people, the Lord stayed on earth enjoing mundane comforts, performed Yagyas like kings, behaved like idealistic people; deterred His subjects and slayed evil kings to re-establish religion on earth.
1.2 Chapter 11
This chapter contains 4 sub-sections.
1.2.1 Curse of Sages to Yaduvanshis
Shukdev said: "O Parikshit, as the time passed, Yaduvanshis
grew stronger and more influencial. Now no longer did they like the welcoming
and treating of the great sages like Kanu, Dhrvasa, Maitreya, Dhannmy etc. by
the Lord. Lord Krishna knew about their disliking, but secretly He was pleased
by this change in Yaduvanshi's behaviour, for He knew that by disregarding the
saints and the scriptures, they would meet their end sooner.
Once the Yaduvanshis clothed Jambvati's son Samb in a woman's attire and, showing him to the sages asked mockingly: "Maharaj, this is our sister-in-law. She is an expecting mother. She feels shy to ask but tell us what will be born to her?
Through their unfailing vision, the Sages knew the reality and said: "Fools, a pestle shall be born to her and that pestle shall exterminate the entire Yaduvansh. Now all the Yaduvanshis were perplexed by sages' prediction, and approached their king Ugrasen. But, even the king was helpless now because he could not change the words the pious sages.
In due course , a pestle was born to Samb. Frightened of an imminent fate, Yaduvanshis crushed the pestle into a fine powder and threw it into the sea. Only a nail remained, that also was thrown into the sea where a fish swallowed it. A fisher caught the fish and cut it open and found the nail. He gave it to a hunter. The hunter fixed the nail in the head of his arrow. On the other hand, the sea waves washed the powder of the pestle ashore where it germinated and grew as luxuriant grasses. Later on, once all the Yaduvanshis assembled at the sea-shore for a picnic where they drank wine and began to fight with one another under intoxication. Soon their quarrel grew so high that they pulled out the grasses, which were growing there, to use as the arms. With the grasses the Yaduvanshis beat one another to death.
Once the Yaduvanshis clothed Jambvati's son Samb in a woman's attire and, showing him to the sages asked mockingly: "Maharaj, this is our sister-in-law. She is an expecting mother. She feels shy to ask but tell us what will be born to her?
Through their unfailing vision, the Sages knew the reality and said: "Fools, a pestle shall be born to her and that pestle shall exterminate the entire Yaduvansh. Now all the Yaduvanshis were perplexed by sages' prediction, and approached their king Ugrasen. But, even the king was helpless now because he could not change the words the pious sages.
In due course , a pestle was born to Samb. Frightened of an imminent fate, Yaduvanshis crushed the pestle into a fine powder and threw it into the sea. Only a nail remained, that also was thrown into the sea where a fish swallowed it. A fisher caught the fish and cut it open and found the nail. He gave it to a hunter. The hunter fixed the nail in the head of his arrow. On the other hand, the sea waves washed the powder of the pestle ashore where it germinated and grew as luxuriant grasses. Later on, once all the Yaduvanshis assembled at the sea-shore for a picnic where they drank wine and began to fight with one another under intoxication. Soon their quarrel grew so high that they pulled out the grasses, which were growing there, to use as the arms. With the grasses the Yaduvanshis beat one another to death.
1.2.2 Preaching of Narad about Bhagvad
Once Narad arrived in Dwaraka. Vasudev prayed him and requested to
provide him with pious company of Bhagwad dharma. Narad said: "O king,
once upon a time, nine great sages arrived in the court of the king Janak. King
Janak had put the same curiosity before them also. I will narrate the conversation
that followed there between the sages and the king."
First of all, the first Yogishwar Kavi said: "O king Janak, dedication is the first duty (dharma) of a Vaishnav. He should devote everything - his actions, fruits of actions and even himself, at the feet of Lord. He ought to hear about Lord's virtues. Such a devotee shall be indifferent to the worldly affairs and shall laugh, dance or sing occasionally and sanctified all the three worlds."
The king then asked about the characteristics of the Lord's devotees. Another Yogeshwar Hari said: "A true devotee of the Lord remains unaffected by feelings like hunger, thirst, life, death, labour, pain, fear and desire. Such a devotee is the excellent kind of Bhagwad. Even the wealth of all the three worlds cannot shake the faith of such a devotee, because Lord Shri Hari himself stays in his heart."
"What is illusion?" A Yogeshwar Antariksh replied: "King, an illusion is also God's play. Having a possessive feeling about mundane is illusion. Thinking in terms of 'I', 'Me', 'Mine', 'My', 'You', 'Your' is also illusion. If one can have such an affection for God as he has for worldly things, one can easily surmount the illusion."
First of all, the first Yogishwar Kavi said: "O king Janak, dedication is the first duty (dharma) of a Vaishnav. He should devote everything - his actions, fruits of actions and even himself, at the feet of Lord. He ought to hear about Lord's virtues. Such a devotee shall be indifferent to the worldly affairs and shall laugh, dance or sing occasionally and sanctified all the three worlds."
The king then asked about the characteristics of the Lord's devotees. Another Yogeshwar Hari said: "A true devotee of the Lord remains unaffected by feelings like hunger, thirst, life, death, labour, pain, fear and desire. Such a devotee is the excellent kind of Bhagwad. Even the wealth of all the three worlds cannot shake the faith of such a devotee, because Lord Shri Hari himself stays in his heart."
"What is illusion?" A Yogeshwar Antariksh replied: "King, an illusion is also God's play. Having a possessive feeling about mundane is illusion. Thinking in terms of 'I', 'Me', 'Mine', 'My', 'You', 'Your' is also illusion. If one can have such an affection for God as he has for worldly things, one can easily surmount the illusion."
King Janak then asked about the method of worshipping Lord. A
yogeshwar, Karbhajan said: " O king, the Lord had a fair complexion in
Satyuga. People used to receive Him through methods like meditation,
reconciliation, etc. In Tretayuga, the Lord had reddish complexion and Yagyas
were the main means to achieve Him. In Dwaparyuga, the Lord had yellowish
complexion and He could be pleased through worships. In the present Kaliyuga,
Lord has dark complexion and one can receive Him through means like recitation,
narration and hearing of His name and plays.
Thus, narad preached Vasudev about Bhagwad dharma. Now the heart and mind of Vasudev were thoroughly clean and pure.
Thus, narad preached Vasudev about Bhagwad dharma. Now the heart and mind of Vasudev were thoroughly clean and pure.
1.2.3 Lord’s Departure to his Abode
To remind the Lord about the moment of His departure, Brahma
arrived in Dwaraka accompanied by all the gods. He prayed to Him: "O Lord,
you have completed your duty of what we had once requested you. Now, You please
return to your abode. Lord said: "On the seventh day from now, Dwaraka
shall submerge in the sea and Yadavas shall fight among themselves to death. I
too shall depart then. The arrow of a hunter shall be the cause of my
departure."
When Uddhav learned that Lord was about to wind up His plays, he approached Him and said: "I understand, O Lord, that this all is happening by your wish. But I cannot part for a moment from your feet. Hence, take me also with you to your abode." Lord said: "Uddhav, I will not go anywhere. My entire brilliance will be present in Shrimad Bhagwad. You stay here preaching Bhagwad dharma." Saying thus, lord preached Uddhav about the Geeta Gyana through the tale of Avadhoot.
When Uddhav learned that Lord was about to wind up His plays, he approached Him and said: "I understand, O Lord, that this all is happening by your wish. But I cannot part for a moment from your feet. Hence, take me also with you to your abode." Lord said: "Uddhav, I will not go anywhere. My entire brilliance will be present in Shrimad Bhagwad. You stay here preaching Bhagwad dharma." Saying thus, lord preached Uddhav about the Geeta Gyana through the tale of Avadhoot.
Lord narrated thus: "Uddhav, Once, our ancestor Yadu happened
to see Lord Dattatreya in a forest. Lord was indulged in the supreme joy in the
guise of Avadhoot. Yadu asked him about the reasons for his whimsical
state." Avadhoot had said: "O king, making the various animals,
birds, insects etc as my teacher, I have learned about spirituality from them.
That is why I am free from mourning and attachment. Earth, air, sky, water,
fire, the moon the sun, pigeon, python, sea, grasshopper, bumblebee, honey bee,
elephant, extractor of honey, deer, fish, prostitute, osprey, boy, girls,
arrow-maker, snake, spider and wasp are all my teachers. I took refuge at these
twenty-four teachers and learned from their behaviour.
I learned forgiveness from earth, purity from the sky, holiness and cleanliness from the water, innocence and renunciation from the fire; indifferentness from the air, to remain unaffected by circumstances from moon, abdication from the Sun, incoherence from the pigeon, dependence upon fate and remain effortless from the python, to remain always happy and serious from the sea, to be under the control of sense organs and hence meet total destruction from the grasshopper, acquiring of virtues from bumblebee, fault in cumulating from honey bee, to abstain sensuous talks from the Deer, to eliminate greed from the fish, sorrow in hope and happiness in desperation from the prostitute, to feel happy in uncertainty from osprey, dispute among many from the girls, concentration from the arrow-maker, to roam alone and detachment from a particular place from the snake, virtues of the creator Lord from the spider, and I learned similarity from the wasp."
In the guise of Avadhoot, Lord Dattatreya says: "O king, I learned wisdom and apathy from my body also, because life, death, life and death again are inseparably intertwined with it. Hence the net result of loving this body is nothing but sorrow. Thus our own body also helps us to learn about metaphysical knowledge.
I learned forgiveness from earth, purity from the sky, holiness and cleanliness from the water, innocence and renunciation from the fire; indifferentness from the air, to remain unaffected by circumstances from moon, abdication from the Sun, incoherence from the pigeon, dependence upon fate and remain effortless from the python, to remain always happy and serious from the sea, to be under the control of sense organs and hence meet total destruction from the grasshopper, acquiring of virtues from bumblebee, fault in cumulating from honey bee, to abstain sensuous talks from the Deer, to eliminate greed from the fish, sorrow in hope and happiness in desperation from the prostitute, to feel happy in uncertainty from osprey, dispute among many from the girls, concentration from the arrow-maker, to roam alone and detachment from a particular place from the snake, virtues of the creator Lord from the spider, and I learned similarity from the wasp."
In the guise of Avadhoot, Lord Dattatreya says: "O king, I learned wisdom and apathy from my body also, because life, death, life and death again are inseparably intertwined with it. Hence the net result of loving this body is nothing but sorrow. Thus our own body also helps us to learn about metaphysical knowledge.
Lord Krishna also explained Uddhav regarding futility of physical and heavenly luxuries. This human body is like a tree, on which two birds - Jeevatma and Paramatma (microcosm and supreme soul) - have taken shelter. Two fruits - happiness and sorrow - appear on it. These fruits are eaten by Jeevatma (micrososm) while Paramatma (supreme soul) stays as an indifferent onlooker. There are three kinds of Jeev - Baddh (Bound), Bhakt (devotee) and Mukt(liberated). Baddh Jeevas (bound souls) are those who indulge in sensual pleasures and those who dislike pious company. Mukt Jeev (liberated souls) are those who are free from attachment and bindings. Bhakt (devotees) are those who meditate on me and dedicate their everything in my feet and have love for my virtues. My devotee is kind, free from flaws, tolerant, has feeling of fraternity for all and controls his desires.
1.2.4 Bhikshu-Geet
Lord said: "Uddhav, in the world, there is indeed a dearth of such tolerant people who can tolerate bitter remarks of evil ones. In this context there is a tale of a greedy Brahmin who lived in Ujjain. That Brahmin had been badly tormented by the evil people after he had lost his wealth. But still the Brahmin did not lose his patience and regarding his present state as a result of his previous birth's deeds, he expressed his feelings thus:These people are not the cause of my miseries; neither the gods, nor body, not even planets and time, can be blamed for my miseries. Scriptures and learned ones held the mind itself guilty of one's miseries. It is the mind that runs the cycle of the world and makes every kind of efforts.
In the absence of mind, even the soul is rendered motionless. When one accepts the dictates of the mind and indulges in sensual pleasures, soul too comes to be bound with them. The ultimate outcome of all the spiritual efforts like celibacy, study of Vedas etc. and abidance to pious actions is the concentration of mind. Concentration of mind and is abstaintation from sensual pleasures are the primary conditions for attainment of Paramyoga (supreme meditation). Thus Lord preached Uddhav about Gyana Geeta. Uddhav too took Bhagwad (which is a form of the Lord) with honour and departed for Badrikashrama.
1.3 Chapter 12
This chapter contains 6 sub-sections.
1.3.1 Description of Dynasties in Kaliyuga
Shukdev describes about the dynasties that would occur in Kaliyug.
Ripunjay or Puranjay would be the last king of Brihdrath dynasty. This dynasty
would be succeeded by the kings of Nand dynasty. Then a diplomatic Brahmin,
named Chanakya, would exterminate this dynasty and enthrone Chandragupt Maurya.
In Maurya dynasty, a great king would occur by the name of Ashokvardhan. After
him, Yavans would rule then for six hundred and forty years. Their rule would
be succeeded by the governance of the fair-complexioned foreigners, who would
rule for one hundred and sixty years. Thereafter, there would be no king and no
subjects because people from all the classes would come forward to rule.
The ruler would be selected by the majority votes. There would be no any thing like holyness. Cows would grow thin like nannies. People would not marry, as per their castes. Greed, selfishness and sex would be the base of marriage life. In adverse conditions, spouses would desert each-other. There would be nothing like duty, responsibility and conduct. Hair would be the main item of adornment for the women.
People would not have the knowledge of religious scriptures in Kaliyug. Talkativeness would be identified with knowledge. Only those would be regarded as clever, who could pick others' pockets. Children would not regard or pay due respect to their parents. Children would maintain relations with parents till their marriage only, not after that. Boys would not touch the feet of their own parents, but would pay full respect to their father and mother-in-law, Brother-in-law would be dearer to them than their own brother.
Shukdev says: Parikshit, Kaliyug is the mine of faults, But it has only one great virtue - that the people will acquire divine position only by reciting Lord's name. Recitation of Lord's name, regardless of intention and motivation-- whether it is love, derision, laziness or maliceness- would destroy one's sins.
The ruler would be selected by the majority votes. There would be no any thing like holyness. Cows would grow thin like nannies. People would not marry, as per their castes. Greed, selfishness and sex would be the base of marriage life. In adverse conditions, spouses would desert each-other. There would be nothing like duty, responsibility and conduct. Hair would be the main item of adornment for the women.
People would not have the knowledge of religious scriptures in Kaliyug. Talkativeness would be identified with knowledge. Only those would be regarded as clever, who could pick others' pockets. Children would not regard or pay due respect to their parents. Children would maintain relations with parents till their marriage only, not after that. Boys would not touch the feet of their own parents, but would pay full respect to their father and mother-in-law, Brother-in-law would be dearer to them than their own brother.
Shukdev says: Parikshit, Kaliyug is the mine of faults, But it has only one great virtue - that the people will acquire divine position only by reciting Lord's name. Recitation of Lord's name, regardless of intention and motivation-- whether it is love, derision, laziness or maliceness- would destroy one's sins.
But O Parikshit, the sinister people would do even the most
difficult tasks in Kaliyug, but they would not recite Lord's name. They would
not have an interest in the Lord. Their interests would be more in sensuous
things like sound, touch, beauty, scent etc.
O Parikshit, the Paramgati (supreme salvation) that people could receive by ten thousand years of meditation in Satyuga; by performing Yagya for hundred years in Tretayuga and by worshiping Lord,s idol for ten years in Dwapar, that supreme salvation is easily available for people in Kaliyug simply by reciting Lord's name for one day and one night continuously. But still,in Kaliyug people would not have faith in Lord's name. It is their misfortune.
O Parikshit, the Paramgati (supreme salvation) that people could receive by ten thousand years of meditation in Satyuga; by performing Yagya for hundred years in Tretayuga and by worshiping Lord,s idol for ten years in Dwapar, that supreme salvation is easily available for people in Kaliyug simply by reciting Lord's name for one day and one night continuously. But still,in Kaliyug people would not have faith in Lord's name. It is their misfortune.
1.3.2 Last Preaching of Shukdevji
Shukdev says: O Parikshit, recitation of Shri Hari has occurred in
Shrimad Bhagwad Mahapuran. O King, this soul is eternal, so you abandon this
animal- like feeling that you would die. You are not the body. You are the
eternal form of joy. Imbibe your mind with the reflections of Paramatma
(supreme spirit) and have a sight of Him in the end. You are God yourself. Then
neither Takshak nor death would do any harm to you. Unify yourself in the
supreme being by thoughts like, 'I am Parabrahma.' Thus Shukdev assured
Parikshit to be fearless.
1.3.3 Final Beatitude of Parikshit
Thus graced by Shukdev, king Parikshit faithfully worshiped
Brahmrishi and prayed to him with folded hands: "Lord, you are an idol of
kindness. You have bestowed your graced on me narrating the plays of Lord Shri
Hari. Now I am salved and have achieved my natural state. You helped me receive
the supreme position in my life alone. Now I can experience the soul as
separate from my body." Accepting Parikshit's worships, Shukdev made his
departure. Parikshit himself achieved the status of the sage and concentrated
his soul in supreme spirit. Thus, before Takshak could bite him, he was merged
in Brahma. Takshak stung his physical body only, which was burnt by the effect
of the sting.
1.3.4 Nagayagya of Janameejaya
When Janmejay, the son of Parikshit, learned that a snake had
stung his father, he organised, Sarpsatra. During the Satra, and invoked by the
hymns of Brahmins, snakes drew from far and near and got burnt in the fire.
Frightened Takshak approached Indra for refuge. Indra promised to help him.
There, on earth, Janmejay asked the Brahmins: "Why has Takshak, the killer
of my father, not arrived yet?" Through reconciliation, Brahmins saw that
Takshak was clinging to Indra's throne. The Brahmin invoked Takshak along with
Indra. Indra's throne began to move earthward. But then Brahaspati, the teacher
of the gods, intervened and stopped the Yagya.
1.3.5 Branches of Vedas and Division
SUTJI described about the Samhitas and divisions of Vedas to the
sages like Shaunak etc. Ved Vyas divided Vedas into four parts and created four
Sanhitas viz, Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva and taught Rigsanhita to Pail, Nigad
sanhita to Vaishampayan, Chhandog Sanhita to Jemini and tought Atharvangiras
Sanhita to Sumantu. All these four sages are the disciples of Ved Vyas.
1.3.6 Penance of Markandey & Sighting of Maya
SUTJI narrated the tale of Mrikandu's son Markandey. Taking
shelter at Mahakaal (Lord Shiva), Markandey had turned away even Kaal (death).
And by penance had a sight of Lord Shri Narayana. He prayed God to show His
Maya (illusion). Thus Markandey saw the scene of Pralaya. All the creatures
were drowning in the deluge. On a leaf of Banyan, then he saw Bal Mukund.
Markandey entered Lord's heart and saw endless cosmos there. Then, by God's
instinct, Markandey returned to his hermitage. Thus Markandey had the knowledge
of Lord's metaphysical state.
In the last chapters, a brief content of Bhagwad and glory of Lord's devotion have been discussed. SUTJI says: O great sages, I have described what you have asked on the occasion of this pious assemblage. That voice is useless, which cannot recite Lord's name and can not praise His virtues. All the sins and omens are destroyed by constant recitation of Lord's name. One then receives devotion for Lord with pure heart and begins to experience and feel God's tangible form. Though all the other Purans contain description of Lord's appearance, but in Shrimad Bhagwad Mahapuran, there is profuse description of Shri Hari in every chapter. Shrimad Bhagwad has a confluence of knowledge, asceticism and devotion. One receives devotion for Lord and salvation eventually merely by reciting, listening and reflecting over it.
NAMA SANKIRTANAM YASYA SARVPAP PRANASHANAM |
PRANAMO DUKHSHAMANAM TAM NAMAMI HARI PARAM ||
In the last chapters, a brief content of Bhagwad and glory of Lord's devotion have been discussed. SUTJI says: O great sages, I have described what you have asked on the occasion of this pious assemblage. That voice is useless, which cannot recite Lord's name and can not praise His virtues. All the sins and omens are destroyed by constant recitation of Lord's name. One then receives devotion for Lord with pure heart and begins to experience and feel God's tangible form. Though all the other Purans contain description of Lord's appearance, but in Shrimad Bhagwad Mahapuran, there is profuse description of Shri Hari in every chapter. Shrimad Bhagwad has a confluence of knowledge, asceticism and devotion. One receives devotion for Lord and salvation eventually merely by reciting, listening and reflecting over it.
NAMA SANKIRTANAM YASYA SARVPAP PRANASHANAM |
PRANAMO DUKHSHAMANAM TAM NAMAMI HARI PARAM ||
Om Tat Sat
(Continued)
My humble salutations to
Swamyjis, Philosophic scholars , dharmicscriptures dot org
for the collection)
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