Stories of Mahapurasha - Sri Bhagavata
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Shri Krishna leelas -10
(continuation of this story)This series of stories on Shri Krishna leelas try to bring out some durgunas, commonly found in people, and thus warn us to be away from the same.
Arishtaasura Bhanjanam:
Once Arishtaasura, in a vrushabha-rupam, entered the Nandavrajam. He tried to poke the Vraja-vaasis with his horns. Everyone was running from the asura and calling Shri Krishna for help
Baala Krishna, came in front of the asura. The asura tried to poke the Paramatma. Shri Krishna pushed him back. The asura threw the Rohita parvatam on Krishna paramata, which the Yadukulabhushana threw back. Shri Krishna pierced his horns into the ground releasing a jaladhara. The both then had a fierce fight. Arishtaasura finally left the form of asura, took a vipra-rupam and told “O Krishna! I am the shishya of Bruhaspati, the Devaguru. My name was Naratantu and I was a Brahmachari. Not knowing how to respect a Guru, I sat before him with my legs stretched. For this my Gurudeva said that I will take the form of a vrushabha with asura-lakshanas. He gave abhayam to me after I had pashchattapam for my mistake”.
Durgunam to be unlearnt: Not respecting the Gurudeva.
Meera Bai
The story of Meera Bai, the great Bhakta of Giridhara Gopala is well known. Right from childhood she used to always do Krishnaaraadhana. Every jeevi is influenced greatly by his previous janma’s karma. Same is the case with the great Meera Bai:Meera Bai, in her previous janma, was born in Mathura. She was married at an young age to a boy from Nandavrajam. “In the Nandavrajam there is Baala Krishna. It seems none can escape His maaya. All the vanitas forget everything and completely come under His control it seems. They leave their families too. Please be careful my dear” — this is what everybody kept on warning Meera Bai before she left for Nandavrajam .
Finally the moment when she had to leave for Nandavrajam came. She was taken to Nandavrajam in a beautiful pallaqi. On the way to Vrajam there was severe very heavy rain with thunders. The severity increased and there were huge boulders falling. The people carrying the pallaqi left it and ran for their lifes. Not knowing what happened Meera Bai opened the pallaqi window and saw this paramaadbhuta drushyam:
It was the day when Indra showed His anger on the Vraja-vaasis. She saw a small Baalaka balancing the Govardhana giri on His little finger (left hand) and saving the lifes of Gopalas. Meera was awe-struck. The image of Govardhana Giridhaari just got fixed in her mind. In no time a boulder fell on her too and she lost her life. The bhaavam which Meera experienced when she saw Shri Krishna is avyakta-madhuram (If explanied bhaavam will reduce).
All the Meera Bhajans end with Giridhara Gopala (Makutam).
Morals in the story:
1.
Our elders and
shastras always ask us to be only in the company of good; see, talk and listen
to only good things. Meera Bai’s story clearly shows us why.
2.
“Buddhi
Karmaanusaarini”. Only sat-karmas lead to sat-buddhi.
Importance of Vastram
Kubera, the parama-mitra of Shankara Bhagvaan, has two putras by names Nalakuubara and Manigreeva. However once Nalakuubara and Manigreeva got ahankaar and garvam because of their ananta-aishvaryam. Because of this, though they had the adrushtam of being Rudra-anucharas (sevakas of Paramashiva), once they did vihaaram with divya-striis in the beautiful pushpavanam on Pavitra Kailaasa parvatam. They drank a madira by name Vaaruni (see this to know 1 reason why this is wrong). They were singing together with the striis and were doing vihaaram.At that time Naarada, the Brahmarshi, Parama-puujya, came near the place where Nalakuubara-Manigreeva were doing Vihaaram. Due to their janma-janmaantara Punyam, they got the mahat-bhaagyam of having the Divya-darshanam of Shri Naarada maharshi. However even seeing the Brahmarshi, due to effect of having madira and aishvarya-ahankaaram, they didnt bother. With lajja and shaapa-bhayam, the striis, who were vivastras, immediately did vastra-dhaarana and left. However Nalakuubara-Manigreeva, who were Vastra-hiina, did not do Vastra-dhaarana even noticing that Naarada maharshi came there.
In our Bhaarateeya Saampradaayam, being without proper Vastra-dhaaram is very wrong. Knowing that and in addition knowing that Naarada maharshi was passing by, Nalakuubara-Manigreeva did a mistake in the effect of Aishvarya garvam and madira paanam. Aaha! ahankaaram even makes Devatas, great people do very bad things!
Naarada maharshi in order to give His anugraham to the Kubera-putras, said the following and gave a shaapam: (shaapam given by Divya-purushas must be considered as an anugraham only, since it will make a person realize his mistake and correct it.)
“Dhana-garvam is worse than the garvam one gets due to any other possession. People who have Dhana-garvam, though they know and see in everyday life that this physical body is easily destroyed and is nothing before Nature’s power, believe that satisfying the physical senses (Indriyas) is very important and do jeeva-himsa in doing so.
Even though you got the adrushtam of being Rudra-anucharas, and are the putras of the great Kubera, you did Madiraa-paanam, had adhika-garvam and even committed the mistake of remaining as Vastra-vihiina. You did not even realize that you were a Vastra-vihiina and stood like immobile trees. You dont deserve being Devatas. You will take the form of (immobile) Yamala, Arjuna Vrukshas for 100 Divya-varshas! You will have puurva-janma smruti and hence will have great pashchaattaapam for your mistake during that period. However since you did many many Punya kaaryas and otherwise are great people and due to My anugraham, you will have the durlabha-divya-darshanam of Shri Krishna Paramaatma and never repeat such mistakes. From then onwards you will become Shri Krishna Bhaktas and get Daivatvam again”.
After the Divya-baalya-leela of Shri Krishna of Dadhi-kumbha-bhanjanam and eating butter,
Yashodaa devi tried to punish the Baalakrishna by trying to bind him with a rope to a Iluukhalam
How much ever rope she added, to her surprise, the rope was always less to tie him. After a lot of effort, the Bhakta-vatsala, Shri Krishna Himself allowed her to tie Him.
Then Shri Krishna, in order to make the words of Naarada maharshi true, started to move towards the Yamala-arjuna Vrukshas (who were Nalakuubara-Manigreeva), pulling the Iluukhalam (grinding stone, device) along. As soon as Shri Krishna passed between them, and uprooted the Vrukshas, two Divya purushas came out and did stotram of Shri Krishna. Later They left to Their lokam and became Shri Krishna Bhaktas.
Morals in the story:
1.
Ahankaaram is
the main cause for all paapa-kaaryas. Due to Dhana-garvam even great people
like Nalakuubara and Manigreeva had madiraa-paanam, did vilaasa-vihaaram on
Pavitra Kailaasa Parvatam and became Vastra-vihiina.
2.
Importance of
Vastra-dhaarana in our Bhaarateeya Saampradaayam is well shown in this story.
This story again shows how madiraa-paanam leads to may other paapa-kaaryas.
Hence our Bhaarateeya Saampradaayam always warns us to be away from it.
Message to the present society:In our “open-minded” modern society today we are seeing increasing number of examples where women, who were supposed to be treated with great respect in our Indian culture, are being used in films, fashion shows as an object of pleasure. Even films which reach the notice of many, portray nudity and drinking alcohol as a very common thing. In such a situation where access to such things is easy, we must be still more careful to be away from them.
Also the present story and this story, show that Punya-kshetras are not meant for vihaaram. Hence going to Divya-kshetras like Tirupati, Shri Shailam, Shrungeri or other such kshetras (which are also very rich in Natural beauty) in view of Vihaaram or “pleasure-trip” must be avoided.
Dharmasūkṣhmam
“Yuddham anivāryam”. Thinking thus, everyone was preparing for the bhīṣhaṇa Mahābhārata Yuddham. To ask for help, both Arjuna, the Daśanāmadheya, and Duryodhana came to Śrī Kṛṣhṇa. Śrī Kṛṣhṇa was sleeping on his śayya and Duryodhana entered His mandiram and waited for the Parandhāma to wake up. Duryodhana sat near Śrī Kṛṣhṇa’s head. Arjuna then came into the śayana mandiram of Śrī Kṛṣhṇa and sat near His feet, with great vinayam. (Sajjana’s never display their strength and greatness.)Kṛṣhṇa Bhagavān opened His eyes and first saw Arjuna, who was sitting near His feet. He greeted him with great anurāgam and asked him kuśala-praśnas. He then saw Duryodhana, and wished him with the same anurāgam, since both were equally close relatives for Him. Both of them told the reason for their arrival and Śrī Kṛṣhṇa does His sainya vibhajana like this, saying I will offer equal help to both of you:
“There are 10000 Yaduvīras, who are all equal to Me in Vīratvam. They never go against My word and help you in the Yuddham without śakti-vañcana. They all will be on one side and I alone will be on the other. I will never use any Āyudham. I will help as a Rathasārathi”. Śrī Kṛṣhṇa then asks Arjuna to choose which half he wants; then he asks Duryodhana. Ofcourse both of them get exactly what they want. Arjuna chooses Śrī Kṛṣhṇa and Duryodhana was more than happy to take the remaning 10000 Yaduvīras.
If one just plainly reads this story, one may feel since Śrī Kṛṣhna Bhagavān is a Bhakta vatsala, he asked Arjuna to choose first. If one reads the jagat-prasiddha Nīlakaṇṭhī vyākhyānam of this episode, one will come to know about how intricate Dharma sūkṣhmas are and with what firmness great people like Śrī Kṛṣhṇa, Pāṇḍavas, Draupadi, Bhīṣhma and many other such great characters in Mahābhāratam followed the path of Dharma:
Śrī Kṛṣhṇa knows that first He has seen Arjuna and it was Duryodhana who came first. So both must be given equal chance and hence divides his sainyam into two. Now Śrī Kṛṣhṇa addresses Arjuna as Bālaka while asking him to choose first. There is a Śṛti vākyam that says “Pravāraṇam tu bālyānām pūrvam” “Kāryamiti ŚrutiH Tasmātpravāraṇam pūrvam Arjuna Pārtho DhananjayaH”. According to this Śṛti vākyam, a bālaka must be given preference. Since Arjuna was younger than Duryodhana, Arjuna must be given preference according to Dharma. Kṛṣhṇa paramātma, who is Dharma in human form, obviously followed this Dharmasūkṣham and helped both his relatives impartially (samavarti).
Morals in the story:
1.
Even though
Arjuna is His priya Bhakta and Duryodhana did not follow Dharma, Śrī Kṛṣhṇa
greeted both of them equally as they were equally close relatives. He divided
his sainyan into two to help Arjuna, whom he saw first, and help Duryodhana who
came first. This shows us the great satguṇam of Samavartitvam (impartiality).
2.
The importance
that one must give to learn, know and always follow the Dharmam is well shown by
Śrī Kṛṣhṇa. He gave Arjuna a chance to choose first according to the
above said Śruti vākyam.
3.
Vinayam brings a
Vīra, his śobha. Arjuna by sitting at Śrī Kṛṣhṇa’s
feet showed his satguṇam
of Vinayam. Duryodhana, even though he went to Śrī Kṛṣhṇa
to ask for help, did not show any Vinayam.
4.
The dṛḍha viśvāsam of Arjuna in Śrī Kṛṣhṇa
is shown well: even though he had the chance to choose 10000 Yaduvīras (who
were each equal to Śrī Kṛṣhṇa in Vīratvam), he chose Śrī Kṛṣhṇa
(who will not use any āyudham).
Message to the present society:It is always recommended to read our Purāṇas and Itihāsas, in Samskṛtam or Bhāratīya bhāṣhas, with the help of elders, Paṇḍitas and prasiddha (well accepted) Vyākhyānas to know and learn all the Dharmasūkṣhmas well.
God always protects sajjanas
Bhagadatta is the son of Narakaasura and is a great yoddha. He knows many astras including Vaishnava and Shakti astras. However he joined the Kauravas side in the great Mahaabhaarata yuddham. It is natural in this world that people with similar gunas become friends, whether good or bad.After Bhishma pitaamaha, Dronaacharya was made the sarva-sainyaadhipati of Kauravas by Duryodhana. Dronaacharya tells Duryodhana “O Raja! I feel very happy that you gave me this oppurtunity. You did not forget me though I am old and though Karna, your priya-mitra is there. I will try my best to fight well and bring you victory”. He tells all the strengths/weakness of Kaurava and Paandava senas. He also tells his own strengths and weaknesses. He clearly mentions that he has only one weakness: “if I hear any apriya vaakyam, then I will do astra-sanyaasam. So please make sure I dont hear any”. Upon being asked by Duryodhana, Dronaacharya says “I can defeat Dharmaraaja, but only if Arjuna is not there near him”. So they wanted to plan out how to make Arjuna go away from Dharmaraaja.
The person who fights Arjuna must keep him busy for a long time (till Dronaachaarya defeats Dharmaraaja). Hence the yoddha must be very good and must know many many astras to even stand before Arjuna for sometime. They decide that the 5 Kings of Samsaptaka kingdoms will challenge Arjuna and slowly take him away from Dharmaraaja. Bhagadatta, the King of Mahishpati/Pragjyotishapuram, was one of them.
Similar to how Shri Raama was taken away from Sita by Maareecha, the Kings of Samsaptakas slowly tried to take Arjuna away from Dharmaraaja. In no time Bhagadatta was only left and he started using his divya-astras.
Arjuna is the greatest Bhakta, Sakha of Shri Krishna, the Parandhaama. He never deviated form the path of Dharmam and Satyam (see these 1 2). Hence Shri Krishna always protected him similar to how eyelids protect the eyes.
Bhagadatta used Vaishnavaastram. Shri Krishna just stood up a little bit and took it. It became a Vyjayantimaala for the Paramaatma. Similarly Shri Krishna protects Arjuna form Shakti astram. Then Bhagadatta tried to attack silently from the back. Shri Krishna, the greatest Ratha-saarathi, in an unbelievable way turns the ratham and helps Arjuna. Though Bhagadatta was not able to harm Arjuna, since he had an abhedya divya invisible kavacham, right form head to toes, Arjuna’s shastra-astras were not able to harm him. However as time proceeds the danger for Dharmaraaja increases. Shri Krishna tells Arjuna to shoot right at the place of joining of the eye brows, which will remove the kavacham.
Like this at each and every point in the life of Paandavas, Shri Krishna protected them.
Morals in the story:
1.
God always
protects the people who never deviate from the path of Dharma. May be the story
of Paandavas is the best example to show this.
2.
Like Paandavas,
we must always remember that whatever victories we get, or whatever good we do
etc. is because of God only. He is the person who is always behind us. He is
the greatest mitra who saves us at times of difficulty. Remembering that,
always we are able to achieve things because of God, helps us reduce our
Ahankaar too. Else even a slight victory will make us feel proud.
3.
Some of the
sadgunas of Dronaacharya are nicely reflected in his conversation. He clearly
mentioned his strengths and weakness. Similarly Bheeshmaacharya also mentions
his strengths and weaknesses. He also tells openely that he will do
astra-sanyaasam if a stri or a shikhandi comes before him (This niyamam was
because, he was a perfect Brahmachaari. He will not even look at a para-stri).
Destruction of Dwaaraka
Paramaatma does shrushti, sthiti, layam of this Brahmaandam. An example of this, Shri Krishna Paramaatma Himself showed us — He only created Dwaaraka, protected it and finally destroyed it.Dwaavarka-vaasi praja, Yaadavas saw very closely Shri Krishna protecting them everytime they were in trouble (see Krishna leela stories). God protects somebody expecting that in turn he will protect somebody else and do paropakaaram (see this too). But Yaadavas got Garvam that always Shri Krishna will protect them! Aaha! even great people who had the adrushtam of being in the company of Shri Krishna had to finally succumb to Ahankaaram. So we being normal people must be more careful and always have Vinayam.
Once, Shri Vishvaamitra maharshi, Shri Vasishtha maharshi, Shri Kanva maharshi, Shri Bhrugu maharshi, Shri Duurvaasa maharshi, Shri Angiirasa maharshi, Shri Kashyapa maharshi, Shri Vaamadeva maharshi, Shri Atri maharshi and Shri Naarada maharshi came to Pindaaraka-kshetram. Instead of respecting,doing seva of these maharshis, Yaadavas make Saamba, the Jaambavati-putra, dress like a pregnant woman. They take Saamba near the maharshis and ask Them to bless the woman with a good child. Seeing that the Yaadavas were making fun of Sajjanas, who need to be respected, to teach them a lesson, They give a shaapam that Saamba will give birth to a ‘musalam’. And because of it only the Yaadava vasham entirely will perish.
Exactly as the maharshis said, Samba gave birth to a ‘musalam’. Seeing the anarthas that may come, Yaadavas try to melt the ‘musalam’ — however they leave one piece which Jaara, an aatavika, picks and uses as the sharp edge of his arrow. From the other remains of the ‘musalam’ sharp grass plants grow.
Once Yaadavas take a Maadaka-dravyam by name “Maireyakam”. Driven by it, they start fighting amongst each other. Finally they pick up the sharp grass, grown by the remains of the ‘musalam’, and kill each other! Like this everyone dies in the petty fight. Though they were Vivekas, had many Sadgunams, and were close relatives to Shri Krishna, in the effect of the Maadaka-dravyam, they kill each other in the petty quarrel. Seeing this, with Vairaagyam, Balaraamadeva, the avataar of Mahaavishnu, leaves His shariiram and goes to Vaikuntham. Jaara, thinking that a deer is hiding behind the bushes, shoots Shri Krishna’s leg, with the arrow whose end was made with the ‘musalam’. Shri Krishna also then leaves to Vaikuntham. Finally, the apuurva Dwaaraka Nagaram always gets submerged in water.
Morals in the story:
1.
Ahankaaram
is very dangerous. We must be very very careful to be away from it. As we saw
in the story, it doesnt even spare great people like the Yaadavas.
2.
Respecting elders
and the Sajjanas is very important. Yaadavas, instead of doing seva
of the great Maharshis, made fun of them. This only lead to their destruction.
3.
Taking drugs
(Maadaka-dravyam), or Suraapaanam,
make a person loose his thinking capability. People in their effect can do any
paapa-kaaryam. Due to the effect of Maireyakam, the Yaadavas, who are otherwise
Vivekas and Veeras, fought against each other and killed themselves.
Mayuura Dhvaja
Knowing that Mayuura Dhvaja caught the divya-ashvam of Yudhishthira who was doing Ashwamedha-yaagam, Krishna-Arjuna reached his Kingdom. Shri Krishna told Arjuna that Mayuura Dhvaja is a Dharmaatma and one of His greatest Bhaktas. So They must be careful while fighting Mayuura Dhvaja. Even Arjuna was not able to handle Mayuura Dhvaja in the Yuddham!! Shri Krishna then Himself came for help.Mayuura Dhvaja didnt want to fight the Paramaatma, Shri Krishna, but didnt step back from the Yuddham, following Kshatriya-dharmam. So for every arrow he put, he did Shri Krishna naama smarana. Since Bhagavaan always likes getting defeated in the hands of His Bhaktas, Shri Krishna Himself could not stand the arrows of Mayuura Dhvaja!!! When Arjuna asked Shri Krishna said “neither your Gaandeevam nor My sudarshana-chakram can harm this Mahaa-bhakta”. Shri Krishna wanted to show everyone the greatness of Mayuura Dhvaja. The next day Shri Krishna and Arjuna went to Mayuura Dhvaja in disguise of Vipras.
Seeing the Vipras, Mayuura Dhvaja said “O Svaami! Please accept my aatithyam and bless me”. Shri Krishna replied “Raaja! We dont have time for that. There is a big problem. After solving that only We can think about other things”. Mayuura Dhvaja replied “Svaami! Please tell me what is Your difficulty. I will try my best to solve it. If required I am ready to give away my life”. Shri Krishna, who was in Vipra-vesham, replied “Raaja! When We were coming through a forest, a tiger caught My son and ate him. After it ate half, aakaasha-vaani said that if I get half shariiram of Mayuura Dhvaja and give it to the tiger, then I will get back My child. So I came here to ask you to give Me putra-bhiksha”.
“Aaha! I became a dhanya. My body is being used to save the life of a small baby. What more do I want? Aarya! please dont think. Cut me into two and give half of my body to the tiger”, pleaded Mayuura Dhvaja! He at once called his Bhaarya and putra and asked them to cut him into two and give hald body to the Vipras. Though they didnt want to, but knowing that the King ordered in order to do a Divya-kaaryam, they started to cut his body.
Krishna-Arjuna became animishas (without flapping eyes) and saw. They saw water-drops falling from the left eye of Mayuura Dhvaja. Just to show the greatness of Mayuura Dhvaja to others, the Sarvagnya, Shri Krishna said “Raaja! One who gives with 100% manastrupti and santosham then only it is called Tyaagam. If you are sad then you need not give. If you shed tears by seeing the pain of others it is Divyatvam; whereas if you shed tears seeing yourself it is Naichyam. Moham is the reason for this. So dont do if you dont like”.
Mayuura Dhvaja, the maha-bhakta of Shri Krishna, replied “Arya! I am not feeling sad to give my body. If really I was feeling sad for that both my eyes will shed tears. My right half of body is only being used for aarta-rakshana; and the left is not. This part is going waste not being of any use to others. Hence the left-eye is shedding tears“.
Shri Krishna then showed His nija-ruupam, gave aashiirvaadam to Mayuura Dhvaja and returned his previous form. Mayuura Dhvaja did saashtaanga-pranaamam aand returned the Yagnya-ashvam.
Mayuura Dhvaja showed us the perfect nirvachanam for the suukti “Paropakaaraartham idam shariiram”.
Sahanam
We all know how difficult it was to kill the Tripuraasuras and save the worlds. Mahaavishnu had to take avataar of Buddha (ofcourse not Gautama Buddha) and decrease the power of Tripuraasuras. Then Parameshvara with his Divya-sharam (arrow) killed the Tripuraasuras. This Divya-sharam became Duurvaasa Maharshi, the rushi-shreshtha.Once he came to Paandava-madiram and smiled. Suddenly he became angry. He asked for aahaaram. Then he said no. Then he ate away all the items made for many, alone. For a while he slept on floor and sometime on hamsa-tuulikaa-talpam (bed). He used to go whenever he wants and come whenever he wants.
One day he asked Shri Krishna “Krishna! I want to eat Paramaannam. Will you give?” Shri Krishna immediately got it prepared and served him. He ate little and asked Shri Krishna to paste the remaining on his body! Mukunda, the Muni-jana-maanasa-vihaara, did as said by the Maharshi. Then he took some Paramaannam and put it on Shri Rukminii Devi! He then tied Her to a Ratham and took Her away. He then started hitting her with a rope. Shri Krishna was running behind the Ratham, but didnt get any Krodham. After sometime, Rukminii Devi fell unconscious. Not taking pity on Her, instead Duurvaasa Maharshi put some sand on Her and ran southwards! Shri Krishna also ran behind him. After going for a long distance, the Maharshi smiled and said
“Krishna! You have won Krodham. Even when I pained Rukminii, who is more priyam to You than Yourself, You didnt get angry. I caused a lot of pain to You all. I also pained Jaganmaata Shri Rukminii Devi. Both of You passed my test. I will give You a Varam — people will love You more than themselves! You will become the Jagat-guru (Shri Krishna gave us Bhagavadgeeta) and Your keerti will remain forever”. Later he went to Shri Rukminii Devi and said
“Amma! You will get asamaana-soundaryam and become a great Pativrata”. Saying this he left the place.
This story was told to Dharmaraaja by Shri Bheeshmaachaarya. Bheeshmaachaarya continued “Ahimsa, Daanam, Satyam and Sahanam are Paramadharmas. Vijayalakshmi will bless a person who has Sahanam. Shri Krishna is the Paramaatma. Everything is Him. He is the Sarva-gnya. Listen to Him and always go on the path of Dharmam”.
Morals in the Story:
1.
Krodham is one’s
greatest enemy. Like Shri Krishna showed us, we must never get Krodham and
follow path of Dharma.
2.
Sahanam is a
great sad-gunam. A person who has sahanam is respected everywhere. Gandhiji
followed this path of Sahanam only and showed us how we can oppose bad just by
following Sahanam and Ahimsa.
Shri Krishna Leelas -11
(continuation of this story)This series of stories on Shri Krishna leelas try to bring out some durgunas, commonly found in people, and thus warn us to be away from the same.
Keshi Vadha
Sent by Kamsa, Keshi, came to Brundaavanam in the form of an Ashvam and did Megha-garjanam. Nanda-vrajam shook with Bhayam. Everyone then asked Shri Krishna, the Parandhaama, for Sharanam. Shri Krishna then gave abhayam to them.
Nanda Kishora stood before Keshi. Keshi hit the Paramaatma with his legs. Nothing happened to Shri Krishna; he took Keshi by his legs, swirled and threw him away. Keshi then tried to catch the Yadukula-bhuushana with his tail. Yadusimha instead caught Keshi with his tail, swirled and threw high into the air. Shri Krishna gave mushti-ghaatam when the asura tried to attack Him. For sometime they then did Yuddham on Aakaasham and finally Madhusuudana threw Keshi down. Keshi opened his mouth to swallow Shri Krishna. Yadukula-tilaka then put his hand inside and closed the Navarandhrams of Keshi and Keshi’s Udaram (stomach) bursted. A divya-purusha then came from Keshi’s shariiram and did stotram of the Paramaatma.
Keshi Charitra
Because Devendra did samhaaram of the Vrutraasura , He got Brahma-hatyaa-paatakam. He then did Ashvamedha Yaagam in order to save Himself from the Paapam. However a sevaka of Devendra did Chauryam of the Yagnyaashvam. Knowing this, Devendra gave that sevaka a shaapam to become an asura with Ashva-ruupam. When the sevaka did Pashchaattaapam for his mistake, Devendra said he will get Vimukti after Paramaatma’s Paada-sparsha.
Durgunam to be unlearnt: Chauryam.
Shri Krishna Leelas -12
(continuation of this story)This series of stories on Shri Krishna leelas try to bring out some durgunas, commonly found in people, and thus warn us to be away from the same.
Kuvalayapeeda Bhanjanam
Along with Gopaalakas, Shri Krishna and Balaraamadeva approached the Rangasthalam arranged by Kamsa. Kuvalayapeeda (a Mada-Gajam, elephant) and its Gajaachaarya were ready to attack Shri Krishna-Balaraama near the Simhadvaaram.
Seeing Balaraama-Krishna, the Hasti-paalaka directed Kuvalayapeeda to attack Them. Shri Krishna asked the Hasti-paalaka to give Them way to go in. However the Gajaachaarya didnt listen. Shri Krishna then warned them that if they dont give way, they will go to Yamapuri. Still Gajaachaarya didnt stop Kuvalayapeeda.
With its trunk, Kuvalayapeeda lifted Paramaatma into the air. Not able to bear His weight, it threw Him down. Shri Krishna then crawled under it and started playing Chatuh-stambha-Kriida (a famous game with 4 pillars). Because a Hasti has good Ghraana-shakti (sense of smell), it turned the way Paramaatma went during His Kriida (play). However it was not able to catch Him. Nanda-kishora then started to hang from its tail and swing. Kuvalayapeeda got tired. Paramaatma used to hit it once and run away then repeat and play like this. After playing for sometime like this, Parandhaama stood before it. It tried to stamp Him with its feet. When it tried to poke Him with its Dantam (tusks), Shri Krishna disappeared and hence Kuvalayapeeda’s Dantam got stuck in the ground. Paramaatma caught the Trunk of Kuvalayapeeda, who was rushing towards Him in anger, swirled and hit it against the ground! With aarta-naadam, Kuvalayapeeda died. Paramaatma then pulled out one of its tusks and killed the dushta Gajaachaarya. Balaraama pulled out the other and a Divya-purusha came out from Kuvalayapeeda and became aikyam in Paramaatma.
Kuvalayapeeda Charitra
Mandagati was the putra of the great Vishnu-bhakta Bali Chakravarti. He learnt sakala-shaastras. He has great Balam; however had great Bala-garvam, Ahankaaram. Once he went to Shri Ranga Yaatra. He was like a huge Mada-gajam and started to walk without noticing the other Yaatrikas. Some Yaatrikas fell under his legs and lost their lives. Still, with Bala-garvam and Mada-unmattam, Mandagati continued his Yaatra. Tritunda, a Vruddha Maharshi, also fell under the feet of Mandagati. “During Shri Ranganaatha Utsavam you pushed me down. Become an asura with Gaja-ruupam” said Tritunda Maharshi. When Mandagati had pashchaattapam, Maharshi said “because of fighting with Paramaatma in Dvaapara-yugam, you will get Vimukti”. That Mandagati became Kuvalayapeeda, given by Devendra to Kamsa.
Durgunam to be unlearnt: Bala-garvam, Ahankaaram.
Search Terms: Kuvalayapida, Kuvalaya piida, Indra,
Shri Krishna Leelas -13
(continuation of this story)This series of stories on Shri Krishna leelas try to bring out some durgunas, commonly found in people, and thus warn us to be away from the same.
Chaanuura-Mushtika Vadha
After Kuvalayapeeda vadha, Balaraama-Krishna came near Chaanuura-Mushtika. Different people saw different Rasas (Navarasas+Bhakti rasam) in Paramaatma, Shri Krishna:
- Yoddhas saw Raudra-rasam
- Madhuraa-nagara Vanitas saw Shrungaara-rasam
- Shriidaama and other Gopaalaka-mitras of Shri Krishna saw Haasya-rasam
- Nanda-aadi saw Dayaa-rasam
- Shatru-raajas saw Veera-rasam seeing Shri Krishna who looked like Yama
- Kamsa experienced Bhaya-rasam seeing Shri Krishna who looked like Mrutyudevata
- Normal people felt aashcharya-rasam
- Praakrutas saw Bheebhatsa-rasam
- Gnyaanis saw Shaanta-rasam
- Gopikas and Yaadavas saw Prema, Bhakti rasam
With Chiru-mandahaasam, Balaraama-Krishna accepted for Yuddham. Nagara-vanitas thought “This is not Dharma-yuddham. Kamsa cannot escape punishment for doing such an akrutyam. If we have any adrushtam, may Balaraama-Krishna win the Yuddham”. Everyone wanted Balaraama-Krishna to win.
Ghora-yuddham started. They were hitting, fighting, jumping, throwing each other. However Balaraama-Krishna always had chiru-mandahaasam on their face. Paramaatma hit Chaanuura hard. Chaanuura then hit hard on the pavitra Vaksha-sthalam of Shri Krishna. Nothing happened to Paramaatma. He took Chaanuura by his shoulders, swirled and smashed hum onto the ground. Chaanuura lost his life. Balaraama svaamy gave a hard mushti-ghaatam on the back of Mushtika. Bleeding, Mushtika died. Brothers of Chaanuura-Mushtika then attacked Balaraama-Krishna and got killed. The Tejas of them entered Paramaatma. The claps (Kara-taala-dhvani) of the praja reached the skies.
Chaanuura-Mushtika Charitra
In Amaraavati nagaram, there lived a Bhuusurottama by name Udandha. He had 5 putras. They didnt listen to the hita-vaakyas of their Maata, Pita, didnt follow aachaaram and started to learn how to use aayudhams, do Yuddham. Udandha said “O dushtas! We are Vipras and hence must always have Shaantam, Daya and do Tapas. In addition to leaving these, you took to Para-dharmam. All 5 of you be born as asuras and become Yoddhas”. After they had pashchaataapam, Udandha said that they will get Vimukti after fighting with Shri Krishna in Dvaapara-yugam.
Durgunam to be unlearnt: Not respecting Maata, Pita and not following Svadharmam and Sadaachaaram.
Govardhana Giri Puuja
(see this story too)Bhaarateeyas always respected Nature and their fellow living creatures. Bhuuta-daya was the foremost in our Saampradaayam. Infact they do puuja of Prakruti assuming its Parameshvarii’s ruupam.
Gopaalakas used to every year do Indra-yaagam. Seeing this Paramaatma, Shri Krishna, who then was 7 years old, said “O Nandaraaja! What is the reason behind doing Indra-yaagam”?
Nandaraaja replied “Krishna! Yagnya-yaagams are a way of showing Krutagnyata. We show our Krutagnyata to Devatas, Devendra. A Krutagnya only deserves help and not a Krutaghna. Hence if we do Indra-Yaagam, Devatas will help us, leading to Loka-hitam”.
Nandakishora replied “Devatas alone do not give Phala-siddhi. One’s Karma (what good and what bad he did) is the main reason for Phala-siddhi. Hence one must always follow his Sva-dharmam. With Bhagavat-bhakti, Dharma-kaaryams must be done.
This Prakruti is what we see directly, and Paramaatma, Devendra, Devatas are who we cannot see. Hence leaving this Pratyaksha-daivam, Prakruti, is not correct. We all live under this Govardhana-giri. For us this Govardhana and Gomaatas are Pratyaksha-daivams. Gomaatas, Viprottamas, Saadhus, Vedams are all Puujaniiyam. This Pavitra Govardhana Giri came from Mahaavishnu’s Vakshasthalam and brought here by Pulastya muni. Hence let us do pooja of this Govardhana giri and Gomaatas. This is My abhimatam (wish)”.
Sannanda, one of the greatest Vruddhas replied “Nandanandana! What You spoke are Amruta vaakyams. You are Gnyaana-svaruupa, Paramaatma. Your words are Shirodhaaryam for us (must be followed by us). Please tell us how to do Govardhana-giri puuja”?
Paramaatma replied “Taata! We must clean the bhuu-bhaagam near the Giri-paadam, purify with Gomayam. Then must put beautiful Rangoli on it. With all puujaa-dravyams, we must do Shodashopachaara pooja as told in Shaastrams. Abhishekams must be done with Triveni-sangama-jalam, Go-ksheeram. After Deepaaraadhana, we must do Giri-pradakshinams and Namaskaarams. We must then do Naivedyam. After Neeraajanam, we must do Go-puuja and then do many Daanams”. Every one became enthusiastic. They were longing to start the Giri-puuja.
Shri Krishna then continued “before coming for puuja, do all your Kartavyams (duties) and then only come. Do not leave Vruddhas hungry in the house and come. Feed the Vruddhas, baalakas first. Feed the Gomaatas, pashu-pakshis (cattle, brids), Shunakams (dogs), other domestic animals and then come”.
On a Shubha-vaasaram, all Gopaalakas did as told by Shri Krishna, decorated themselves, Gomaatas and came in huge numbers to do Govardhana-giri puuja. Nandaraaja, Yashodaa Devi, Rohinii Devi, Balaraama-Krishna, Garga Maharshi came. Navanandas and Vrushabhaanu brought Raadhaa Devi in a Suvarna-aandolika (golden palaquin).
Devatas, Apsaras, Raajarshis, Maharshis many came. Paarvatii-Parameshvara also came to see the Divya-puuja. After puuja, Govardhana Giriraaja appeared with Chaturbhujas and gave His anugraham to the Vraja-vaasis. Everywhere people were shouting “Jayaho Shri Krishna Paramaatma, Jayaho Govardhana Giriraaja”.
Morals in the Story:
1.
Destroying
Natural resources, Nature was never Bhaarateeyata. They infact used to do puuja
of Prakruti assuming it as Aadi-shakti. This was well shown in the story
through the words of Shri Krishna.
2.
Bhaarateeyas
also believed in Bhuuta-daya. As Shri Krishna said, Bhuuta-daya is one of their
Kartavyams. Shri Krishna asks Gopaalas to feed
Vruddhas, Baalakas, other domestic animals and then only come for pooja.
3.
The
Amruta-vaakyams of Shri Krishna must never be forgotten. One must never leave
his Sva-dharmam.
Poundareeka Vaasudeva
Poundareeka was the Raaja of Karuusha desham. He always used to try to imitate Shri Krishna. He used to dress like Shri Krishna, wearing Piitaambaram, carrying Venu and Shikhi Pichchham (peacock’s feather) on the kiriitam (crown). He also got imitations of Sudarshana Chakram, Paanchajanya Shankam, Koumodaki Gada, Padmam, Shaarnga Dhanuh (bow). He also put a mark on his Vakshasthalam and said it is Kaustubham.Though he was doing all this, Shri Krishna, the Purushottama, never got Krodham. He thought may be atleast by imitating My outward appearance, his internal behaviour will change.
But no. Poundareeka was no Bhakta to imitate outward appearance of Shri Krishna and change his buddhi. Infact, he started saying he is the “true Vaasudeva”, not Shri Krishna. He used to tell everybody, with Ahankaaram, that He is Paramaatma not Shri Krishna.
Sarvagnya, Shri Krishna, even then didnt get any Krodham. He tolerated the duushanams of Poundareeka. However once with Garvam, Poundareeka went to the extent of imprisoning Parama Bhakta and sakha of Shri Krishna, Sudaama.
Bhagavaan can tolerate anything but not His Bhaktas being tortured. He immediately reached Poundareeka, did his samhaaram and saved Sudaama, His priya-mitra. Once again God proved that He is a Bhakta-sulabha.
Morals in the Story:
1.
Imitating,
following Mahaapurushas is good, but following Them fully is very very
difficult. Poundareeka could only imitate outward appearance but not the
Dharma-buddhi of Shri Krishna.
2.
Ahankaaram is
the root cause for one’s destruction. With Ahankaaram, Poundareeka thought he
was only God, behaved like a Kruura and imprisoned Bhakta Sudaama.
3.
The greatness of
a Bhakta is well shown in the story. Shri Krishna didnt get angry with
Poundareeka until he tortured His bhakta, Sudaama.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
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