Stories of Mahapurasha - Sri Bhagavata
Avataras
Great people are always humble
Lord Raama, the paramaathma, was ofcourse the greatest warrior ever. Lord Krishna in Bhagavadgita remarks “I am Raama among warriors”. He learnt all the Shastras and unparalled Dhanurvidya under the guidance of the great Vasishtha. He was also given super-human powers like bala, ati bala by the great Vishwamithra, the Rishi of Gayathri manthra. Vishwamithra maharshi also taught him all the secret astras that ever existed, which only he in this whole universe knew (he originally learnt it from Lord Shiva). In addition to these, Agasthya mahamuni gave him many additional powers.A few glimpses of Lord Raama’s valour:
1. With one arrow Raama kills taataki, the
mighty raakshasi.
2. With two simultaneous arrows he kills
subaahu and throws Maaricha seven seas away.
3. Effortlessly lifts the Shiva dhanush,
which was pulled to the court by around 50000 well built people.
4. Raama kills Khara, Dhushana, their 1000
brothers and their army in 14 minutes single handed.
Despite being such a great
warrior, he never displayed in strength on his own to show others. The anger on
the samudra stands as a good example for this quality of Raama:Raavana gives 30 days time to sita maata to decide if she will marry him, else will kill her. Bharata took word from Raama saying that if he does’nt return on the next moment of 14 yrs of aranyavaas, then he will sacrifice himself. Raama and his army reaches the shores of ocean with barely 30 days in hand. They have to cross the ocean, defeat Ravana & his army, take sita back to ayodhya in around 30 days time. With such a press for time and given the strength of Raama, Lakshmana suggests Raama not to spend time asking ocean God for way, but to order him.
What Raama does is unbelievable. Though he had the strength and power to control the ocean God, he did not do it. He did penance on the shores of the ocean for 3 long days to give them a way. Finally after 3 days Raama gets angry on the ocean and to make remember his duty, aims an astra at him and immediately ocean God appears and suggests a way of crossing him…
Morals in the Story:
1. We, for our small petty achievements in
life, are very proud (ahankaar) and given a chance, display our strengths. The
way of great people is quite different as shown by Lord Raama.
2. One must never use the strength or powers
just because they exist with him, but judiciously use them for the benefit of
everyone, upliftment of Dharma.
Message:
1. Controlling one’s ahankaar is one the most
difficult things. If it is controlled we will see a more peaceful world.
2. Always people who are humble and obedient
are only respected by others. If Lord Raama Himself is so humble, as mere
normal human beings imagine how much obedient we must be to our elders and
parents.
Story of Shiva and Vishnu
“There are two mahaa-phala daayaka Vrukshas. One by the name Vaasudeva and the other by the name Vaamadeva. They differ only in their sumas (flowers) (‘su’ is replaced by ‘ma’ in their names), but both give the same phalas (fruits, which is moksham)”. It is also often said, “How much one does not see the difference between Shiva and Vishnu, that much his aayu will increase”.One day, when Lakshmi and Vishnu were together in vihaaram, Lakshmi sees Ucchaishravam, her brother, the horse of Revanta who is the son of Surya. Engrossed in seeing her brother, she does not reply to the repeated calls of Vishnu. Seeing her attraction, Vishnu gives her shaapam to go to Bhulokam in the form of a horse and come back to Vaikuntam only after getting a son equal to Himself! She comes to Bhuloka to experience the shaapam and realizing that none other than her brother, Shiva can help her calm Vishnu, she immediately does a tapas for Him and Shiva appears to save her soodari. Lakshmi says “You and Vishnu are both same, the Paramaatma. Please help me!”. Shiva says “Soodari! How do you know that we both are same? All learned people know that. Who told you?”. Lakshmi says, “Once Mahavishnu Himself told me this. Seeing Him in deep Daiva-dhyaanam, I asked Him “During Samudramanthanam, I thought you were the greatest of all and hence chose you. Devaadideva! Who is better than you that you are in dhyaanam of Him?”. Mahavishnu replied “I am doing Shankara-dhyaanam. He is Eshwara. He is the same as Me. All learned people know that. If someone is my devotee but still hates Shiva, he will fall into naraka”.
Saying this, She asks Shiva to pursuade Vishnu to bless Her with a child. Shiva sends Chitrarupa as a duta to convince Vishnu. Vishnu immediately accepts and comes to Bhuloka and blesses Lakshmi with Ekaveera, who is equal to Vishnu Himself. From Ekaveera came forth the Haihaya dynasty, of which the most noted king is Kartavirya Arjuna (Ekaveera’s grandson).
Once when Naarada, the avatar of Vishnu, recited prayers glorifying Lord Shiva as the supreme controller of the universe, Lord Shiva, the best of Vaishnavas, at once covered his ears and angrily replied, “I am not the Lord of the universe, nor an object of Krishna’s mercy! I am just a poor aatma always hankering for the favor of the servants of His servants.” (Thus in this small story, Naarada, avataar of Vishnu, glorifies Shiva as the Paramaatma and Shiva glorifies Vishnu as the Paramaatma!)
The story of Hanuman, who is the 11th avataar of Shiva and Raama, the purna avataar of Vishnu also reveals the same. Both of them acheived great tasks:
1. Restricting the great samudram, Raama
along with His entire army crossed the satpa-samudras! Hanuman, in one small
jump, crossed it!
2. In the greatest, unparalleled
ghora-yuddham, which was never seen before or will ever be seen, Raama killed
Raavana! Hanuman killed Mairaavana, who was many times stronger than Raavana,
with great ease!
3. Krishna lifted Govardhana giri, balanced on his
little finger and saved the lives of Gopaalas! Hanuman brought the Sanjeevani
Parvatam from Himaalayas to Lanka and saved Lakshmana!
4. Raama melted a stone, with the touch of
His lotus feet, for Ahalya! Hanuman melted a stone with His sweet Gandharva
gaanam!
Though they did great tasks like
this, always Hanuman worshipped Raama, with great Vinayam. And Raama worshipped
Shiva with unparalleled devotion. (If one closely observes, for Paramaatma
these tasks are not at all difficult/big. For He does everything right from
Shrushti to Layam. And He only resides in everyone and gives life. However,
since we cannot even imagine His power, we praise Him for these “small” tasks
only 
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Impressed by the great tapas of Viṣhṇu for Paramaśiva, Śiva gave Viṣhṇu the Sudarshana Cakram.
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Annamaacharya, the great Vaak-geya-kaaraka of Aandhra Pradesh, in one of his divya sankeertana “Enta maatramuna evvaru talichina ….” says:
How much ever one imagines that much only are You:
- For Vaishnavas You are Vishnu
- For Vedaantas You are Parabrahma
- For Shaivas and other bhaktas You are Shiva
- For Kaapaalikas You are Kaala-Bhairava
- For Shaakteyaas You are Shakti
- For people with alpa-buddhi You appear as alpam
- For people who know Your Garima and have Ghana-buddhi You are a Ghana
- For people who are Sharanaagati You are Venkateshvara
Once Shri Krishna, the avataar of Mahaavishnu, came to Upamanyu maharshi, when he was at Himaalayas. Shri Krishna said “Upamanyu muniindra! You are the greatest in the Shiva Bhaktas. I came here to do Tapas of Paramashiva to get santaanam. Please teach Me Shaiva-vidhi and vidhaanam”.
Upamanyu replied “O Shri Krishna! I know who You are. Shiva puuja is not new to You. Though You know it, to make everybody know, I will tell You …” Saying thus, Upamanyu told Shri Krishna how to do Shiva-aaraadhana.
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This happened after the episode of Naarada, coming under Vishnu maaya, gives shaapam to Vishnu: (This is one of the reasons of Shri Raama avatar)
Naarada says “Svaami! Please forgive Me. I, coming under influence of Your maaya, got ahankaar and did Your ninda. Please tell Me what can save Me from this ghora-paapam”. Vishnu says:
“O Priya Naarada! You go and do paaraayana of Shankara Shatanaamams. Then You will get Shaanti. Shiva is whom I respect the most. Even by mistake dont forget this. One who doesnt have Shiva-anugraham cannot be My Bhakta. Believe this … Then My maaya wont affect you.”
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Once Vyaasa Bhagavaan came under the influence of Shiva-maaya and started telling in his Pravachanams that Vishnu is greater than Shiva. Once Nandeeshvara also heard Vyaasa Bhagavaan saying this. Vishnu Murty then appeared before Veda Vyaasa and told Him “O Maharshi! Dont you know that I and Shiva are the same? Knowing this why are you telling like this in your pravachanams?” Veda Vyaasa then had great pashchaattaapam and asked Kshama from Nandeeshvara.
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The phalam of Vishnu Pooja is Shiva Bhakti — the example is that of Arjuna. Arjuna ofcourse was the greatest Shri Krishna Bhakta. But it was Shiva who gave Arjuna moksham, when Arjuna was born as Bhakta Kannappa, in the great Kaalahastsi Kshetram.
Similarly the phalam of Shiva Pooja is Shri Raama Bhakti — the examples are stories of Kaaka Bhushundi and Valmiki Maharshi. Kaaka Bhushundi was a great Shiva Bhakta and hence Shiva grants him Raama Bhakti Saamraajyam. Valmiki did tapas for Shiva using the Panchaakshari mantram given to him by the great Saptarshis and as a result became the Aadi Kavi and wrote the great Raamaayanam.
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Raasaleela. It was the day when the “punya-vruksham” of Gopikas delivered its ripe fruits, called Moksham. It was the day when the Aaraadhana of Gopikas was blessed by Lord Krishna. Gopikas realized Shri Krishna, the Sarvaantaryaami, everywhere. As a result of their Aaraadhana-bhakti they realized the paramaatma’s poorna-svaroopam with each one of them. Who could miss watching the Raasaleela, where the Lord showered His Karuna-jyotsna ? All the Brahma-aadi devatas were present.
Parama Shiva, the greatest bhakta of Shri Krishna, was also present in the form of a Gopika. Shri Krishna, who is always in nirantara-shiva-dhyaanam, searched for Parameshvara. Finally He realized that Shiva is none other than one of the Gopikas having sampoorna aanandam of dancing with Him. Shri Krishna paramaatma then does stuti of Eshvara and asks to bless them by staying there at Vrundaavanam by the name of Gopeeshvara.
Even today we can visit Lord Shiva, in the form of Gopeeshvara, at Vrundaavanam.
THIRUTHANGAL
“Thiruthangal Uuranai”- Thirumangai aazhwar mangalasanam.
Banasuran was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He once prayed to Shiva to bestow him with thousand arms so that he can play the mrudangam during his rudrathandavam. Shiva too did so. But instead of playing the instrument with his thousand arms he started fighting battles against one and all. Instigated by this malicious act Shiva said “ A person equal to me shall severe your thousand hands.” Usha was the daughter of Banasura. She once saw in a dream that a young prince played with her. She immediately wanted to know who he was. Chitralekha started drawing hundreds of pictures which did not yield the expected result. She then drew the pictures of Yadava rulers like Balarama, Krishna, Pradyumna and Anrudha. As soon as she sketched the picture of Anirudha Usha was only too excited. “It is he, It is he”- she exclaimed. Chitralekha being a yogini atonce brought Anirudha to her chamber even as he was sleeping atop his house. They then played there for a long time. Some spy who oversaw all this complained to Banasura who arrested Anirudha for no fault of his. Lord Krishna fought a tough battle. Banasura sought the refuge of Shiva who faught on his side. Lord Krishna severed all of Banasura’s hands except four. Krishna then told Shiva “ Iam you and you are me. Those who show hatred against me or you though a devotee of either shall attain hell. I as Brahma create, as Rudra destroy and as Vishnu protect. Your devotee is mine and my devotee is yours.I shall not kill Banasura, he being a descendent of Prahlada.” Thus Banasura was consoled and Anirudha was married to Usha. Rudra showed false anger at Banasura and asked him never to join his bhutaganas. A repenting Banasura asked for parihara when he said that a dip in the holy waters of Papavinashini teertha at Thiruthangal will cleanse him of his sin. Banasura did so and rejoined Rudragana. Thus those who visit this kshetra will beget their lost status and also beget a good groom. Victory be to him who visits this kshetra.
Morals in the Story:
1. Shiva and Vishnu are the same.
2. Both Raama and Hanuman did such
super-human tasks, but they were never having even a bit of Ahankaar. They
always were humble
Shri Raama — Dharmagnyah
(Please read Valmiki’s story before reading this series of stories)This series of stories on Shri Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama. Each story represents an instance (out of many) where the particular sadgunam in discussion is well shown by Shri Raama. We strongly recommend the readers to refer to the original Valmiki Raamayana (or Tulasidas, Aadhyaatma, other such well-known Raamayanas) to know the complete story (we briefly outline the story here giving more importance from point of view of Morals).
See this table to know more about Shodasha Kalas.
Dharmagnyah — Vibheeshana Sharanaagati Katha
“Raamo Vigrahavaan Dharmah” (Raama is Dharma devata in human form). The Vibheeshana Shranaagati Katha is the best udaaharanam for the paraakaashtha of Shri Raama’s Dharmagnyata.
Vibheeshana, the Bhaagyashaali, along with his four mantris came near Shri Raama’s Vaanara Sena to ask the Parandhaama for sharanam. From Aakaasham itself he spoke like this “O Svaami! Shri Raama! Raajeeva-lochana! I am the younger brother of Sitaataapahaari, Raavana. They call me Vibheeshana. I have been driven away from my Lanka-desham (panditas say present Australia) by my elder brother. I came to ask you sharanam. Deva! I spoke hita-vaakyas to that Agnyaani. I warned him many times to return Vaidehi to Shri Raama. He, binded by Kaala-paasham, did not listen to me. He raised his Kara-vaalam (sword) to kill me, and drove me away. I am a Mokshaarthi, needing vimukti from Samsaaram and hence came to your sharanam”.
Listening to the words of Vibheeshana, Sugreeva, the parama-sakha for Shri Raama, replied “Raama! He is a maayaavi. Raakshasaadhama. He doesnt deserve your Vishvaasam. In addition, he is the brother of Raavana who is the Sitaapahaari. He is a balashaali. He came with his 4 mantris who are well armed. He can look for a oppurtunity and kill us. Deva! Please give me anugnya. I and other Vaanaras will kill these people. Raama! This is what I think. You tell me what you have decided”.
With a chiru-mandahaasam Shri Raama Chandra replied “Kapishreshtha! I think here there is a suukshma vishayam. This is well known to all Kings, it is lokaprasiddham. (He goes on to tell the reasons for giving Sharanaagati to Vibheeshana).
Sugreeva! The Kopotam did atithi satkaaram to the Vyaadha (who killed his own wife!) when he came to him. When this Kapotam itself did like that, then why to ask about me? (I too will do the same).
Kanduva maharshi is a Satyavaadi. He once sang some Dharmasammata Divya gaadhas. Please listen to them:
O Shatrusamhaaraka Raaja! A person who doesnt want to be a Kruura must not harm a person who came for sharanam, even if he is the greatest enemy. An uttama must save the person who came as a sharanaagati, whether he is an aarta or a garvita, if required by giving his own life.
If a person who gives sharanam doesnt protect the person who came for sharanam, either due to Bhayam, or Agnyaanam, or some Vaancha, or by not using his entire sva-shakti, will earn both apakiirti and Paapam and additionally gives away all his punyam to the person who is under sharanam. Also this will lead to the destruction of Balam and Viryam of the person who gave the false sharanam.
Doing as suggested by Kanduva maharshi is Dharmasammatam and it also increases Keerti and Punyam.
(Till now Shri Raama explained why giving sharanam is Dharmasammatam. Now Shri Raama explains why He must give sharanam to Vibheeshana.)”.
If anyone comes to My sharanam and says “I am yours”; I will protect him from everything. This is my Vratam (Recollect from this story — this is one of the Mahaagunam of Paramaatma, Sharanyata). Even if the person who came is Raavana in disguise, bring him. I will give him sharanam and protect him.”
(This is a long story beautifully explained in Mahabhaaratam; we only mention it briefly here)
Once upon a time there used to live a Kapota and a Kapoti on the branches of a Mahaavruksham. One day the Kapoti was killed by a Vyaadha. The Kapota was worried why Kapoti was late to return home and was waiting eagerly near the Vruksham. After a long time the Vyaadha (who killed the Kapoti) came under the shade of the Vruksham, since there was heavy rain. The Kapoti, who was struggling for her own life and was in the basket of the Vyaadha, saw that the Vyaadha was shivering because of cold. She then signals her husband the Kapota to try and remove the difficulty of the Vyaadha. Kapota then brought many dry leaves, created a small fire and tried to give some warmth to the Vyaadha. It then jumped into the fire and offered itself as aahaaram to the Vyaadha.
This story was told by Kanduva maharshi while explaining the Dharmas of Gruhasthaashramam. This very example was given by Shri Raama to Sugreeva.
Discussion on the story:
A person will fear that he will get Loka-ninda if he doesnt follow Raaja-Dharmam. He will fear Kula-ninda if he doesnt follow Kula-Dharmam. Similarly there may be a motive for following Samaajika-Dharmam, Gruha-Dharmam etc.
But Vrata-Dharmam (Niyamam) is something which a person imposses on himself (ofcourse he must impose something which is Dharmasammatam, like Shri Raama). Nobody will ask him if he doesnt follow it. Hence it is Paramotkrushtam. Shri Raama Chandra Murty’s Dharmagnyata is hence best showed through this example of He giving sharanam to Vibheeshana, just to follow His Vrata-Dharmam.
Aaha! This Dharmagnyata of Shri Raama chandra is difficult to even imagine/dream. Jayaho Shri Raama Chandra Murty. Jayaho Shri Raama Chandra Murty.
Sadgunam to be learnt: Dharmagnyata
Shri Raama – Satyasandhah
This series of stories on Shri Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama.
Satyasandhah – Pratignya to the Rushis
After taking leave from the great Sutiikshna maharshi, Shri Raama, Sitadevi, Lakshmana will be walking through the forest. Sita, the Janakanandini, the Yogamaaya, then did this manohara bhaashanam with Shri Raama Chandra:
“A person who is away from vyasanas can only follow Dharmam. Mithyaavaakyam and paradaaraabhigamanam are against Raama shabdam itself.
However, though we do not have vairam (enemity) with Raakshasas, with the vyasanam of protecting the Rushis, why are we developing vairam with them?” (though we are now in Muni-vesham why are we still carrying Dhanurbaanas?)
Sitadevi tells the following katha as an udaaharanam:
“How wood acts as fuel to increase the fire, Dhanurbaanas (aayudhas) similarly increase the tejobalam of Kshatriyas.
Once upon a time there used to live a great Muni in a prashaanta aashramam. Devendra once wanted to test the Muni and came in the form of a rakshaka-bhata. He said “Svaami! Please keep this sword of mine safely with you. I will come back after sometime and collect it”. Because an aayudham was near him, in due course of time, some kruura lakshanas started in him. Slowly he started to do Himsa. Finally he reached Narakam.
Where are aayudhas? Where are we in Muni-vesham? Kshetriya Dharmam and Tapas are very contradicting.
O Raama! With chapala-buddhi I told what I know. You are a Satyasandha. You decide and do what are Yukta-ayuktas”.
Shri Raama Chandra explains His Pratignya-svaruupam (explaining what is Satyam):
“In this Dandakaaranyam many great Mahaamunis, Maharshis do Tapas, leading a nir-aadambara jiivanam. Raakshas, who are maamsa bhakshakas, are eating them away. They are many huge heaps of skeletons of Rushis who were eaten away by the Raakshasas. These Rushis though they can give shaapam to the Raakshasas, knowing that Krodham eats away Tapobalam, they are not giving shaapam to them. As you know, they came and asked Me to help them. Then I did a Pratignya to do dushta-samhaaram, shishta-rakshana and protect the Maharshis.
Infact, I need not have even waited for them to ask Me help.
(Shri Raama, at many instances in Raamaayana tells that “My father gave Raajyam to Bharata and Vana-raajyam to Me”. So though they are in Muni-vesham, He must follow Raaja-dharmam and do shishta-rakshana, dushta-sikshana. This is what He does and tells to Vaali too.)
O Sita! I will leave My life, Lakshmana, You, but not Satyam (My word, Pratignya). That too a word given to these Sadbraahmanas I can never leave.
However what Dharmam you told Me is good for a Sahadharmachaarani…” saying this, They continued to walk in the Tapobhuumis.
Discussion of story:
Knowing what is himsa, what is Ahimsa; what is Satyam, what is asatyam; even though one knows Satyam, doing anusandhaanam of it as Shri Raama did in this beautiful story, are all difficult and intricate things to understand.
As Sita said “in the company of aayudhas, a person may some or the other time for atleast a very small time get Kruura svabhaavam. This may result in himsa”. However since Shri Raama is a Satyasandha, He would exactly use His aayudhas only to the extent of keeping up His pratignya. This way he could do be in a Muni-vesham, do Tapas and also satisfy His Raaja-dharmam and Pratignya. Also the Pratignya which Shri Raama made is Dharmasammatam. He was given “vana-rajyam” by Dasharatha.
One might have many sadbhaavas, but a Satyasandha is a person who can do anusandhaanam of all the Dharmasuukshmas and apply then in nitya-jiivitam. If anusandhaanam of the sadgunas is not done, then they dissapear after sometime. So even though They were in Muni-vesham doing Tapas, Shri Raama didnt leave His Raaja-Dharmam and gave Pratignya to the Rushis and proved His Satyasandhatvam.
Jayam to the great Bhaarata bhuumi on which such great people once walked……
Sadgunam to be learnt: Satyasandhatvam.
Shri Raama — Prajaanaancha-hiteratah
This series of stories on Shri Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama.
Prajaanaancha-hiteratah — Shri Raama Yuvaraajyaabhishekam
“My sankalpam is to make Shri Raama as the Yuvaraja. Please tell me your opinion” asked Dasharatha maharaaja to all the members in his Sabha. The Sabha was echoing with people saying “uttamam bahu uttamam”. They said “We are all eager to see the divya Pattaabhishekam of Shri Raama, who is Ajaanubaahu, Mahaveera, Mahaabalashaali”.
Dasharatha then says “are you all praising my Son to impress me or are you telling Satyam?”. The praja replied “Shri Raama is the greatest of all Ikshvaakuvamsha raajas. He always:
- is a Satpurusha, follows Satya-Dharmas.
- is Chandra in making the praja have Aanandam.
- is Bhudevi in Kshamaadi gunas.
- is Bruhaspati in Buddhi.
- is Devendra in Paraakramam.
- is a Dharmagnya, Satyasandha, ….. Has Uttamashiilam, anasuuya, Satyavaadi”.
- has Indriya-nigraham.
- does upaasana of Panditas, Vruddha Brahmanas. Because of this only He increased His Kiirti, Ashas, Tejas.
- knows all shastra-astras (see this story).
- knows all shaastras. He is a Vidyaavan.
- there is no one who can surpass Him in Sangeetha Shastram. He knows the 64 Kalaas in Bharata Saampradaayam.
- gives respect to elders.
- is Mahaavishnu in Veerya, Shouryaadi Paraakramas.
- is a sthira-chitta, has sthira-alochanas.
- can make Dharmam, Lakshmi never leave his praja.
- does duhkha-nivaaranam of duhkhitas.
- has Mrudusvabhaavam.
- has Krutagnyata.
- is a sarvamangala-pradaata
- speaks praanahita vaakyas to everyone.
- takes Lakshmana and returns only after saving the country from enemies, by doing dharma-yuddhas.
- after Yuddham, comes to each person and asks his yoga-kshemas; asks them kushala-prashnas.
- enquires if all the bhrutyas are doing the seva only by their own will and doing it whole-heartedly.
- experiences duhkham if sajjanas get difficulties.
- If somebody achieves something, he gets aanandam similar to how a father feels happy seeing the growth of his child.
- is a Dharma-parirakshaka and hence does hitam to all His praja.
- does hitam to all aashritas (see this for knowing His sharanagati Dharmam).
- never speaks parusha-vakyas.
- knows everything about how to do Raajya-paalana.
- is the only person who can rule the Tribhuvanas.
- will definitely punish people who deserve punishment according Danda-neeti shastram.
- never punishes avadhyas.
- The person with whom Shri Raama is impressed, will get sakalaishvaryas including Moksha-Lakshmi.
In this story the praja themselves tell how much praja-hitam Shri Raama always does. This was the opinion of all the praja in the Raashtram, Raajadhaani, people far off, near by, everyone.
Hitam is like an Aushadham. An Aushadham, though it tastes bitter, does the chikitsa of the rogi. Similarly, Shri Raama used to be like a father to the Sajjanas, Shikshaka to the Durjanas. However usually Durjanas who get punished will do duushanam, even though the King did hitam. But in case of Shri Raama, even the durjanas change and sing songs of His greatness. The example is of Maariicha.
Jayam for Shri Raama Raajyam.
Sadgunam to be learnt: doing Prajaahitam always.
Shri Raama — Yashasvi
This series of stories on Shri Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama.
A person becomes a Yashasvi by doing two things:
- Doing Muni, Rushi, Saadhu, Satpurusha seva
- Doing Pritrukaaryas
Shri Raama Chandra goes to Mandaakinii Nadii, does snaanam, Jala-tarpanam and comes back. Then together with His sodaras, He does Pinda-pradaanam for His Pitrudevatas. He says: (addresing His Pita, Dasharatha)
“O Maharaja! We are giving you the same things as We are eating (in this Munivesham)”. Saying this They do Yathaavidhi Kaaryam according to Dharma-shaastras. All these Pitruseva Kaaryams gave Shri Raama ananta Kiirti and Yashas.
Also, in the name of Aranyavaasam, Shri Raama got the opportunity of having Darshanam and doing seva of many many Rushis like: Bharadvaaja, Valmiki, Sharabhanga, Sutiikshna and Agastya. He also comes to know about the greatness of Agastyamuni, through Agastyamuni’s brother. Agastyamini’s brother also tells Shri Raama how Agastyamuni did dushta-samhaaram of Vaataapi and Ilvala:
(the following story is very very deep and must be carefully understood by reading the original with the help of elders. It is presented here in short for the sake of completness)
Once upon a time, two very strong Raaksha brothers by names Vaataapi and Ilvala were there. Ilvala used to take the form of a Braahmana, speak nirdushta bhaasha (pure Samskrutam) and invite Braahmanas as bhoktas for Shraaddham. Vaataapi used to take the form of a sheep and Ilvala used to kill him, cook and serve to the Bhokta. After the Bhokta ate the Prasaadam, Ilvala used to call “Vaataapi come out” — and Vaataapi used to come out tearing the Bhokta’s stomach. Then both of them used to eat the Bhokta. This kruura krutyam was their everyday habit.
Like this thousands and thousands of Braahmanas were killed by the Vaataapi brothers. Seeing this Devatas approached the great Agastya maharshi and asked for sharanam. Agastya maharshi went as a Bhokta when invited by Ilvala and after eating the Prasaadam said “Jeernam Jeernam Vaataapi Jeernam”. When Ilvala called Vaataapi to come out, with chiru-mandahaasam, Agastyamuni replied “You brother Vaataapi who was in mesha-rupam became Jeernam in my stomach and reached Narakam. Now he wont come out”. On knowing that his brother was killed, Ilvala attakced Agastyamuni, but became ashes through the Agastyamuni’s Netra-agni.
Doing which Dharma-aacharana Shri Raama got Ananta-Yashas, the same was made fun of by Vaataapi and Ilvala, by doing many bad things while doing it.
Jayam to Agastya-aadi munis, rushis of this Bhaaratadesham.
Sadgunas to be learnt: Maata-pita seva and Saadhu-Sajjana seva. Doing them leads to Ananta Yashas.
Shri Raama — Rakshitaa-svasyadharmasya
This series of stories on Shri Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama.
(This story has great Aadhyaatma-tattvam. Here we present a short version in morals perspective)
On Chitrakuuta-parvatam, Shri Raama, Seeta Devi and Lakshmana used to stay in Siddha-aashramas of maharshis. One day Shri Raama ans Seeta Devi did Vana-vihaaram and Jala-kreeda. Shri Raama, who was tired, slept in the lap of Jaganmaata, Jaanaki. Then a Vaayasam (crow), by name Kaakaasura, came there and started hurting Janaka-nandini with its beak and nails. Kshmaa-suta, with great sahanam, took the pain and didnt disturb the sleep of Shri Raama and showed Her paati-vratyam. The blood of Seeta devi then fell on Shri Raama. Shri Raama got great Krodham on the one who hurted His Arthaangi and since he didnt have any shastra-astras, took a grass-shoot and used it as Brahma-astram with His Mantra-shakti.
The Vaayasam ran for there for its life. It was not an ordinary Vaayasam, it was the putra of Devendra and had Divya-shakti. But who can save anyone for Shri Raama baanam? It ran to all Tri-jagas. It pleaded the Devatas to protect, it asked Devendra. But everone said there are helpless. After it searched a lot for someone to protect it, it realized than none other than Purushottama, Shri Raama Chandra Himself can protect it and approached Him and asked for Sharanaagati.
Shri Raama Chandra has a vratam that even if a Shatru, apakaari comes and asks for Sharanam, then He will protect him from everything (See this too). Shri Raama, the Sharanaagata-vatsala then gave Abhayam to Kaakaasura. However since Shri Raama baanam is amogham, Shri Raama asked Kaakasura to show Him something on which the Brahmaastram must act. Then Kaakaasura asked the Brahmaastram to take its right-eye.
Discussion of the story:
The prathama-kartavyam of a Bharta, is to protect his Bhaarya. Though Shri Raama didnt have any weapons, as soon as He knew that His Bhaarya was pained by Kaakaasura, He used a grass-shoot as an astram and taught the Kaakaasura a lesson. This shows that in any circumstances Shri Raama was able to do Rakshana of His Dharma-patni. The same mistake of causing grief to Seeta Devi was also done by Raavana; but Shri Raama following His Sharanaagati-dharmam protected Kaakaasura when he came to Shri Raama’s aashrayam. However Raavana never realized his mistake and hence was destroyed (with the same Brahmaastram!).
Hence the episodes of Kaakaasura and Raavana-vadha clearly show that Shri Raama had enough Shakti, Yukti for doing Rakshana of His Svadharmam in any circumstances.
Other Divya-gunas of Shri Raama to be learnt from the story:
1. Shri Raama’s Veeratvam, Shakti and
Astra-vidya are well shown in the story. Even though He was sleeping, didnt
have any shastras near Him, with His Mantra-shakti, He could do dushta-shikshana.
2. “Kaalaagni sadrusha Krodhe Kshamayaa
Pruthivii samah”. He is like Kaalaagni when He does dushta-sikshana and is like
Bhuu-devi when it comes to Kshama. Kaakaasura, though he did a mistake,
realized and asked Shri Raama for sharanam and saved Himself.
Shri Raama — Dhanurvedecha-nishchayah
This series of stories on Shri Raama Chandra Murty try to showcase the 16 important sadgunas or the Shodasha-kalas in Shri Raama.
Kaartaveeryaajuna was the Raaja of Mahishmatii-nagaram. With Tapobalam, he got 1000 Baahu (hands) and was doing Raajya-paalana with Bala-darpam.
Once Raavana, on the way of returning from a Vijaya-yaatra, came to Narmadaa-nadii-teeram. It was time for Madhyaahnika-Sandhyaavandanam. After taking snaanam in the nadi and doing Sandhyaavandanam, since he always did shat-kaala-Shiva-pooja (6 times Shiva pooja per day), he started doing abhishekam to the Svarna-lingam, which he always carried with him. With his 20 baahu (hands) he did Shiva-pooja, doing Veda-paaraayana with his 10 mouths. With great Bhakti he did Shiva-pooja, in accordance with Shaastras.
Suddenly Narmadaa, reversed its direction of flow and washed his pooja materials away! He came to know that 0.5 Yojanam away, Sahasra-baahu (Kaartaveeryaajuna), was doing Jala-kreeda with thousands of women, stopping the flow of Narmadaa with his hands!
Then Raavana with anger went to fight with Kaartaveeryaajuna. There was a fierce Yuddham between the two. Like two Suuryas, two Mada-gajas, they fought each other. Finally Kaartaveeryaajuna won over Raavana and put him in prison. Seeing this all the Devatas, maharshis were happy. Everybody was taking about this episode only. They were surprised to see the mahaa-balavanta Raavana being defeated. The whole of Svarga-lokam was echoing with the story of the Shakti and Veeratvam of Kaartaveeryaajuna. Pulastya Brahma, the grand father (pitaa-maha) of Raavana, also heard this. He immediately went to Kaartaveeryaajuna.
Later, only because of his bala-garvam, Kaartaveeryaajuna fought with Parashuraama, the avataar of Mahaavishnu. Kaartaveeryaajuna was killed in the Yuddham!! Aha! There is always someone who is greater than oneself. Hence we must never have garvam, darpam.
After Shri Raama’s Divya-leela of Shiva-dhanurbhanjanam and Sitaa-Kalyaanam, Parashuraama comes and asks Shri Raama to take the Vishnu-dhanuh, if He really has shakti and knows Dhanurvidya. Just on the very touch of Shri Raama of the Vishnu-dhanuh, all the Bhagavat-shakti of Parashuraama enters Shri Raama. Parashuraama realizes that Shri Raama is Paramaatma Himself, does stotram of Shri Raama and leaves the place.
Discussion of the story:
One nice example of showing knowledge of Shri Raama on Dharnurveda is this story. Raavana who defeated all Devatas, Dik-paalakas, his brother Kubera and the Yakshas, was easily defeated by Kaartaveeryaajuna. The bala-garvam of Kaartaveeryaajuna was removed by Parashuraama. Then a baalaka, of just 16 years, Shri Raama, not even by using the Vishnu-dhanuh, just by touching it, did Garva-bhangam of Parashuraama! Thus Shri Raama did avataara-anusandhaanam and Yuga-anusandhaanam with this Leela.
Using the dhanuh and winning a Yuddham is the act of ordinary Veeras and Shuuras. Just by doing anusandhaanam of Shiva-dhanuh, Shri Raama broke the Shiva-dhanuh! And just while taking the Vishnu-dhanuh from Parashuraama, He won over Parashuraama. Thus Shri Raama is known as “Dhanurvedecha Nishchitah”.
Even though Shri Raama had so much Shakti, Balam and knew all Shastra-astras, He always had Vinayam and never left Dharma-maargam. Whereas Raavana even though had such alpa-shakti (when compared to Shri Raama), had a lot of Ahankaaram.
Puraana Katha Shravanam
Puraanam itself means “even though old it is new”. The more one reads them, the more his Gnyaanam will increase. Even though everyone knows the story of Raamaayanam, every time they read, new things are understood.After having the Darshanam of Agastya Maharshi, on the way to Panchavati, Seetaa Devi feels very tired. She sits under the shade of two huge Vrukshams for rest. As soon as She thinks that it will be good if They get some aahaaram, two Phalas from the Vrukshas fall down. Shri Raama Chandra and Seetaa Mahaalakshmi then eat the two Phalams. Immediately, the Vrukshas become two Divya Gandharva pati-patni and do stotram of the Paramaatma. They say that because they did Paropakaaram, by giving their phalams to people who are hungry, they washed their Paapam, which turned them from Gandharvas to Vrukshas. They then tell what mahaa-paapam they did:
“Shri Raama! We were Gandharva pati-patni. Though we were one of the Devatas, did lot of Punyam to get Gandharva ruupam, we never did any Puraana-shravanam. There was a Seetaa Raamaalayam in our Gandharva Nagaram, in which everyday Divya Puraana-pravachanam used to happen. We never used to listen to the pravachanam and hence never knew what is Dharmam, aachaaram, Saampradaayam. We never used to go to the Devaalayam and even if by chance we go, we used to go empty handed. If we had listened to Puraanams we would have known that we can please the Lord with just Namaskaarams. Infact we used to make fun of others offering Naivedyam, Dhuupam and Deepam to the Lord. Because of this we had to be born as Vrukshams in this Aranyam, and loose Daivatvam. Now because of our Puurva-janam Punyam, we got Your Divya Darshanam and got Vimukti.”
Morals in the Story:
1. The importance of Puraana-shravanam is
well shown in the story. Even though the couple in the story did great Punyam
and got Daivatvam, just because they never did Puraana Shravanam, with
Ahankaaram they used to make fun of others. If Puraanams are so valuable for
Devatas themselves, then imagine how great they are for us, that too in this
Kaliyugam!
2. The greatness of Paropakaaram in shown in
the story. Just because the two Vrukshas gave Phalams to people who are in need
of them, they got Vimukti. There is no greater Sadgunam than Paropakaaram.
Bhakta Chikroḍa and Govardhana
Pryaagam Paataliiputram Vijayanagaram Puriim |Indraprastham Gayaam chaiva pratyushe pratyaham smaret ||
Such is the greatness of Indraprastham. What more needs to be said about a Nagaram which was once ruled by the great Yudhishthira? This story happened in Tretaa-yugam (see Kaala-maanam) during Setu-bandhanam:
Every one was enthusiastic. Setu-bandhanam was going in full swing. Vaanaras were bringing huge paashaanams (boulders), writing Divya Shri Raama Naamam on them. Nala-Neela were throwing them into the ocean. Due to Shri Raama Naama mahima, the stones floated.
Everyone showed their Bhakti towards Shri Raama, the purushottama. Even though they knew that their small effort doesnt matter for accomplishing the impossible task of Setu-bandhanam, and that it is the power of Shri Raama only helping them, they put in effort and were doing whatever they could. Everyone was doing Parishrama according to their capability. Parama Bhakta Hanumaan was bringing huge Parvatams and throwing into the ocean. The tiny Chikroḍa (squirrel) was rolling in water, then rolling on the sands and then rolling in water so that the sands stuck to its body go into the water. Seeing the Parishrama and Bhakti of the Chikroḍa, Paramaatma took it in His hands, carresed the squirrel’s back and blessed it. (Only Indian squirrels have three lines on their back)
But some duutas (messengers) from Shri Raama came and informed Hanumaan that Setu-bandhanam is over and He can return to the Saagaram. Listening to this news there was no end to the duhkham of Govardhana. He thought due to some paapa-kaaryam he did in his previous janma, he now is not able to serve Parandhaama, Shri Raama. Seeing the duhkham of Govardhana, Hanumaan went to Shri Raama and told about Govardhana.
Shri Raama had great aanandam seeing the Bhakti of Govardhana. He gave a varam to Govardhana that he will do Uddharana of Govardhana in Dvaapara-yugam when He is Shri Krishna.
For 7 days, Shri Krishna lifts Govardhana Parvatam and saves lifes of the Gopaalas. Govardhana then has great aanandam for being of some use to the Paramaatma Shri Krishna.
Morals in the Story:
1. We must always put in efforts, hard-work
for doing a good deed, whether or not it is possible or impossible for us. God
will be happy with the Parishrama (hard-work) we put in and bless us immaterial
of the result. Though it was not capable of doing much, the squirrel did
whatever it could and impressed the Lord.
The nishkaama
Bhakti of the squirrel and Govardhana must be inculcated. God always protects
His Bhaktas, like He did to Govardhana.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
( A tribute to the great Bharatiya Samskruti)
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