Other Great Indians -5

Other Great Indians

Aachaarya Praphulla Chandra Rāy

Aayurvedam is the Bhaarata-desha Vaidya-vidhaanam. Before “Allopathy” came, in Bhaarata-desham, Aayurvedam was famous. The English occupied our land and they introduced their Vaidya-vidhaanam. With that, Aayurvedam got lesser and lesser importance.
However, some still used to do Prachaaram of Aayurvedam. Challenging the English medicines, Deshi medicines were manufactured. One of the persons who did this effort was a Prasiddha Vidyaa-vetta from Bengal. He established an industry for manufacturing Aayurveda medicines. Even then many used to say Deshi medicines are useless for Vaidyam. In such circumstances running the industry became very difficult for the Vidyaa-vetta.
Unfortunately, once, many medicines that this company produced got spoilt. The Vidyaa-vetta was very sad. In addition to the pressure from the people, now the medicines also got spoilt. Running the samstha bearing this loss will be extremely difficult. Then one udyogi said “Please dont worry. Medicines are not completely spoilt. Some might still work. That too none know that they are spoiling. For few more days we can easily sell them. If we dont do this we will be at a great loss”. Listening to these avineeti-vaakyas, the Vidyaa-vetta became very angry. He said
“will we sell spoilt medicines just because we will get loss? Let us get loss. We will never do this adharma-kaaryam. Aayurveda Shaastram says the more Dharmam is followed, the better the Aushadhams work. So never even think about doing such Shaastra-droham”. All the medicines were thrown out. Many later congratulated the Vidyaa-vetta for his nishkapata-buddhi (honesty). Later that Vyavasthaapaka became a big Shaastra-vetta, Vaignyaanika.
He is none other than “Aachaarya Praphulla Chandra Rāy“.



Jayaprakash Naaraayan

“I did a mistake. I thought Niraahaara-Deeksha is the best shiksha, praayashchittam” replied the adhyaksha (head) of Post and Telegraph workers when asked why he was fasting.
Once when the Post & Telegraph workers went on a strike in June 1952, this person talked with the Communications Minister and fixed a deal. The Minister also agreed to pay the workers for the time they did strike. Since Bhaarateeyas never leave Satyam, the adhyaksha believed the words of the Minister and left without taking any written agreement. However the Minister cheated them and didnt pay the workers. Since the adhyaksha was the representative of the workers, the adhyaksha felt he was responsible for the mistake. If he had been more careful, the Minister wouldnt have cheated them. Hence as Praayashchittam for his mistake he was doing Niraahaara-deeksha! He did this for 21 days!!
He is none other than “Jayaprakash Naaraayan“, well known as “Lokanaayak”.


Maadhava Rao Sadaashiva Rao Golvarkar

He was an MSc Vidyaarthi, Maadhava Rao. He looked very weak, but was doing Shaastra-adhyayanam with great Deeksha and Ekaagrata. Pariiksha is in 12 days and he is studying with Ekaagrata, without caring about his anaarogyam.
While he was studying he felt something bit his leg. It was a scorpion! Visham started to enter the body and the pain was unbearable. But he didnt want to stop studying. He got an idea. He made a wound with knife near the place the scorpion bit and put some aushadham (this stopped poison flow into the body). He put his leg in a water bucket and continued reading! He forgot the pain and concentrated on his study. Maadhava Rao came first in the Exams.
He is none other than “Maadhava Rao Sadaashiva Rao Golvarkar“, well known as “Guruji”.


Chittaranjan Daas - well known as “Desha-bandhu“.

It was Congress Mahaasabha in Belgam in 1924, December. Many important people came for the Sabha. A famous Nyaayavaadi also came. Just before the Sabha was about to start Indore Maharaja came there. Straight he went to the Nyaayavaadi.
“Aarya! I am in great difficulties. Please accept this 25 lakhs. After you win the case I will give 25 more” requested the Maharaja. In those days, 50 lakhs was really a very huge sum of money.
The Maharaja was alleged in a murder case. The Nyaayavaadi must be very good to speak before the Viceroy. Hence Indore Maharaja requested this Nyaayavaadi. If it were anybody else they would have accepted. However the Nyaayavaadi replied boldly
“Aarya! Kshama. I have a Pratignya that I wont step into English-Nyaayasthaanams (British courts). Until we get Swaraajyam I wont enter these Nyaayasthaanams. With Pralobham of Dhanam I cannot break my Pratignya“. Maharaja then searched for another Nyaayavaadi.
The Nyaayavaadi is none other than “Chittaranjan Daas“, well known as “Desha-bandhu“.



Dr. Bhogaraaju Pattaabhi Seetaaraamayya

Long time ago, Bandar, which is in Aandhra Pradesh, was a small town. One day a person was walking on a street of Bandar. The style of his walk itself showed his honesty. After all only an honest person never needs to lower his head.
This person saw something on the road and it stopped him. It was the cry of a young boy. The boy was sitting outside his house and crying. The person approched the boy asked him why he was crying. Seeing the Daya in his eyes, the boy told his story “Swaamy! My father died recently. We are three brothers and our Maata is there. I am the eldest brother. I searched a lot for a job, but I was not able to get one anywhere”.
The person thought for a while; he wanted to help the young boy somehow. He said “come with me”. They both went to a Bank. The person talked to the Manager and the person requested the Manager to train the boy on some Bank related work. The boy learnt the work with great shraddha. One month was over and the person gave money to the boy from his own pocket. Similarly, the next month, the person only gave money to the boy. From the third month onward, since the boy had enough experience, the Bank itself recruited him and thus the young boy was able to stand on his own legs.
The person was none other than “Dr. Bhogaraaju Pattaabhi Seetaaraamayya“. He was one of the freedom fighters and did great Desha-seva. He was born on 24th November 1880 in Gundugolanu village, West Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh.
Though Shri Seetaaraamayya could have just given the boy some money and consoled him, he didnt choose to do that. Instead he spent his valuable time, made the person learn to stand on his own legs and did true help to the poor family. May be this is why Panditas say “Samaya Daanam” is the greatest Daanam.

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...) 

 

<sub>(My humble greatfulness to Moral Stories dot com,  Hindu dot com and Devotees   for the   collection) 



( A tribute to the great Bharatiya Samskruti)</sub>

Other Great Indians -4

Other Great Indians

Dronaachaarya

Drona was the putra of the great Bharadvaaja maharshi. Bharadvaaja maharshi had a mitra by name Prushata, who was a King. Prushata’s putra was Drupada. Drupada and Drona used to study together in the aashramam of Bharadvaaja maharshi. They became good friends. After Vidyaabhyaasam, Drupada became the Raaja of Paanchaala-desham and thus they got separated.
Once Parashuraama, the avataar of Mahaavishnu, did Daanam of all His Sampada to others. He had this entire Bhuu-mandalam under His control, since He defeated all the Kings by going around the world 21 times. He gave away these Raajyams to able Kings, who will do Dharma-paalana and wanted to continue His Tapas. Knowing that Parashuraama is doing many great Daanams, Drona approached Him to ask for something. However by the time he reached, Parashuraama gave away everything.
Seeing the poor Drona, Parashuraama said “I have this shariiram (body) and Astra-Vidya only left with Me. Please ask Me what you want. I am ready to give”. With great aanandam, Drona asked to do Vidyaadaanam to him. Drona became an unparalleled Yoddha and learnt any Astras being shishya of Parashuraama. After Dharnurvidyaabhyaasam, Drona wanted to see his baalya-mitra, Drupada. However Drupada was not ready to accept that this poor Braahmana was his mitra. Having nothing to do, Drona left the place.
Bheeshmaachaarya, the Kuru-kula-pitaamaha, who was also a shishya of Parashuraama, appointed Drona as the aachaarya of the Paandavas and Kauravas. After Vidyaabhyaasam, Paandavas, with great Vinayam, asked Drona what Guru-dakshina they can give him? Drona asked them to defeat Drupada, who was then in Chhatrapati nagaram, and give his entire Raajyam to him.
What is impossible to the great Paandavas? They defeated Drupada in Dharma-yuddham and brought him to Dronaachaarya. Drona then said “O Drupada! I always wanted to remain as your mitra. But you said only a King can be your friend. Now I will rule the land to the North of Ganga and you rule that is South to it”. Lucky to atleast have got half-kingdom, Drupada left the place. However he developed permanent hatred on Drona. He wanted to somehow get a putra who can kill Drona!
One day he saw two great brothers, Yaajaka and Upayaajaka on Gangaa-tiiram. He approached Upayaajaka and asked “I will give you 10000 Go-daanams. Please tell me a way how I can get a putra who can kill Drona?”. However Upayaajaka replied that he doesnt have any dhana-kaanksha and remained quiet. But Drupada didnt leave his thought and for 1 year stayed with Upayaajaka and did great seva, help to Upayaajaka. Upayaajaka to show his Krutagnyata finally approached his elder brother to ask for a way to help Drupada.

Morals in the story:

1. Daana, Paropakaara-buddhi of Parashuraama is well shown in the story. He gave away everything he had and when Drona approached him he was even ready to give away his own shariiram as Daanam!
2. Though Drupada insulted Drona, Drona didnt develop Krodham on Drupada and just left him by teaching him a lesson. However Drupada developed Krodham, though the mistake was on his side. Krodham is the start for doing all paapa-kaaryams. It is one’s greatest shatru.
3. Mitra-droham is very bad. See these stories to know more. As said in this story, Sajjanas never dare to do it.
4. We must never come into the effect of Prolobham. Once a person comes into its grip, there will be end to the Paapa-kaaryas he does. Though Drupada wanted to create Prolobham in Upayaajaka by saying he will give away 10000 cows, Upayaajaka didnt accept.

Dronaacharya

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.   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).

Tulaadhaara


Vyaasa Bhagavaan told Yudhishthira “Long time back, Jaajali maharshi used to do Tapas with Nishtha. Once, when he was immersed in Tapas, some birds built a nest on his Jataa-juutam (hair). Since Jaajali maharshi was a Dayaardra-hrudaya, he left the nest as it is!
However, once he got Ahankaaram that no one can have more Dharma-nishtha than him. Aakaasha-vaani then said “There is a Vartaka by name Tulaadhaara. He has more Dharma-nishtha than you. However he never has Garvam”.
Jaajali maharshi got asuuya and wanted to see the greatness of Tulaadhaara. On seeing the great maharshi, Tulaadhaara welcomed and said “Maharshi! Please come. You are a Dayaa-saagara. You even let the birds build their nest on your Jataa. You are very great”. Jaajali maharshi was surprised and asked “how do you know about me?”.
Tulaadhaara replied “O Maharshi! I dont have moham on anything. I know only following my Sva-dharmam. Hence I came to know about your greatness.” With little Krodham, the Maharshi replied “So you mean I dont go on the path of Dharmam? What about my Tapas and Yagnyas”? Tulaadhaara replied
“Tapas done with Ahankaaram and Yagnyam done expecting something in return — both of these are not liked by Devatas. As you know, according to our Bhaarateeya-saampradaayam, Yagyam is for showing our Krutagnyata to Devatas, Maata-pita, fellow humans, other creatures living with us and Rushis. All Bhaarateeyas do these 5 Yagnyas according to their own Varna-aashrama-dharmams. Thus nishkaama karma is important.”
Jaajali maharshi relied “then why are you not leaving bussiness? Is this not Dhana-kaaksha?”
Tulaadhaara replied “Arya! Why will I leave my Sva-dharmam? Anyway let us ask these birds what is Dharmam”. Birds flew and said “We are the sevakas of Dharma-devata. On Yamadharmaraaja’s aagnya, we came to test you both. Ahankaaram and matsaram destroy everything. Hence one must not have them. Tapas and Yagnyas done without chitta-shuddhi and shraddha are not good. Through Shraddha all good things happen”. Saying this, the birds flew away.
Jaajali maharshi then said “Arya! Ahankaaram is very dangerous. Everyone must do their Kartavyam and Sva-dharmam. However they must do them without expecting anything in return. These things I learnt from you today.” Saying thus, the Maharshi went away.”
Vyaasa Bhagavaan continued “Yudhishthira! So Bhaarateeya-saampradaayam is great. Hence it suggested Yagnyas, which are the act of showing Krutagnyata. One must follow our aachaaram and through aachaaram only Dharmam is got. We must do Karma, but without expecting anything in return (Nishkaama-karma)”.
Morals in the story:

1. The Daya gunam of Jaajali maharshi is great. He left the birds, who built their nest in his head, as it is taking pity on them.
2. Ahankaaram is the first step for destruction. Hence one must never have Ahankaaram, Garvam, Darpam. As shown in the story, there will always be a person greater than us.
3. The importance of Sva-dharmam is well shown in the story. Though Tulaadhaara didnt have any Dhana-kaanksha, he didnt leave Vartakam (bussiness).
4. Bhaarateeyas believe in Nishkaama-karma. They do their Kartavyam, Sva-dharmam, without expecting anything in return. As told in the story, whatever Yagnyas etc., Bhaarateeyas do, are only to show Krutagnyata for the things they already got, than expecting things in return.

Bayanna

 Padmapaada was the priya-shishya of Shri Jagadguru Aadi Shankaraachaarya. His original name was Sananda. Once Shri Aadi Shankaraachaarya overheard His other shishyas discussing why their Guru likes Sananda the most? What is so great about him? In order to show the Guru-bhakti of Sananda to other shishyas Shri Aadi Shankaraachaarya called Sananda who was on the other side of the pavitra Gangaa-nadi. Shri Aadi Shankaraachaarya said “come fast”. Without any doubt, Sananda closed his eyes and with ananya-bhakti started to run across the Nadi (which will be the nearest route). Then Gangaa-maata made Padmas appear below Sananda feet, whereever he steps and made him cross the river, without drowning. From that day onwards Sananda was known as Padmapaada.
Padmapaada was born in Choladesham and right from childhood was a Shri Nrusimha-upaasaka. For Shri Nrusimha-saakshaatkaaram, he did Tapas for many years in Ahobilam, the pavitra Shri Nrusimha Kshetram in Aandhra Pradesh. But Svaami didnt show Karuna. Knowing this, once Shri Aadi Shankaraachaarya, who was then near the Pavitra Phaala-dhaara Teertham in the Divya Shrishaila Kshetram, said to Padmapaada “Putra! Padmapaada! You are very eager to have the Divya-darshanam of Shri Narasimha Svaamy. Time for it has come. Not far from here, there is Chenchuguudem. There is one Parvata-Bilam there. Parvata-Bilams are like Maatru-garbham. They keep Jeevas away from usual Worldly things and make him go in the path of Moksham. So you immediately go there and do Tapas. You will get Mantra-siddhi”.
Immediately Padmapaada reached the Parvata-Bilam in Chenchuguudem and started Ghora-Tapas. The King of the Aativikas, knowing this came running to Padmapaada and said, with great Vinayam, “Svaami! My name is Bayanna. I am the Chenchudora (King of Aativikas). This Bhuu-bhaagam is under my control, so just tell me what you are searching for in this place, I will get it to you”. Padmapaada replied “Dora! I am looking for a Nrusimham which has Simham as head and Maanusha-shariiram”. Bayanna replied “Svaami! I know the whole of this forest. I saw many tigers, lions and many wild animals. But I never saw what you described”.
Padmapaada replied “It is there here only. However you will not be able to see It”. Bayanna replied “Svaami! If really there is some Thing like what you described, I will bind It and bring It before you, else I will leave my life”. Saying this, he left for searching Nrusimham. Always thinking about the ruupam that Padmapaada had described, leaving Nidra-aahaaram, Bayanna searched all day. But his shrama didnt get any phalitam. So he decided to do Praana-tyaagam. Then seeing the Nishkalmasha-bhakti of Bayanna, Shri Nrusimham appeared before him! Immediately Bayanna tied Shri Narasimha Svaamy with some creepers and brought him before Padmapaada!!
“Svaami! See I got What you were searching for. I put lot of effort. Finally I got Him. I tied and brought Him, see” said Bayanna. However Padmapaada was not able to see Shri Narasimha. He cried “Svaami! In one day You gave Your saakshaatkaaram to Bayanna. Even though I did Tapas for so many years I am not able to see you?”. “Putra! Padmapaada! The Ekaagrata which even after 1crore years of Tapas is difficult to get, this Bayanna achieved it in one day. Because of you being in his saagatyam (company), you are able to hear Me. Your Tapas gave you phalitam now. You got Mantra-siddhi. When you are in need, I will Myself come to you” saying thus, Shri Narasimha Svaami dissappeared.
Morals in the story:

1. Guru-bhakti of Padmapaada is well shown in the story. Without any kind of doubt, Padmapaada started to walk cross the river as soon as he heard his Guru, Shri Aadi Shankaraachaarya call him. Without Guru-bhakti no Vidya can be learnt 
2. The Nishchala Bhakti, Ekaagrata of Bayanna are well shown in the story. As Shri Narasimha Svaami Himself said, the Bhakti, Ekaagrata which even after 1crore years of Tapas cannot be got, Bayanna got in 1 day

Sudhanva

Prahlaada, the greatest Vishnu Bhakta, had three putras by names Virochana, Kumbha and Nikumbha. The Jyeshtha, Virochana, also was a Bhakta. Virochana and Sudhanva, the Angiirasa Maharshi putra, were great friends. Both them loved a Sundari by name “Keshini”. Virochana said that he deserves Kesihni because an Asura has greater Shakti than a Bhuusura. Whereas Sudhanva said a Vipra is an Uttama and Gnyaani, hence he deserves Keshini. They started fighting amon themselves. Finally they thought they will go to Prahlaada, who is a Dharmaatma, to ask what is Nyaayam.
“Aarya! You know Dharma-adharmas well. Without putra-mamakaaram, tell who better deserves Keshini me or your putra? If you tell adharmam Devendra’s Vajraayudham will break your head into two pieces” said Sudhanva. Prahlaada then told Kashyapa maharshi about this Vivaadam. Kashyapa maharshi replied “Prahlaada! A person who gives saaksham and is a Dharma-darshi must never leave Dharma-maargam. If in a Dharma-sabha, wrong decision is made, the paapam is shared by the members in the sabha. A portion of the paapam, if wrong decision is given, goes to the members, a portion to the King and the remaining to the person who actually did the adharmam. If the members take the correct decision, then only the person who does the adharmam gets the whole of it. Hence while doing Dharma-nirnayam one must think a lot with suukshma-buddhi and given the right decision.”
Prahlaada then thought and said that Sudhanva is a greater Guna-vanta than Virochana. Sudhanva then did abhinandanam (congratulations) to Prahlaada for being impartial and telling the Dharmam and did Kalyaanam with Keshini.
Morals in the story:

1. The Samavartittvam (impartiality) of Prahlaada is shown in the story.   Though Virochana was his own putra, he said Sudhanva is more gunavanta and hence deserves Keshini.
2. The importance of doing Dharma Nirnayam correctly is well shown in the story. As Kashyapa maharshi said, the people who give the wrong decision, the King and the person who committed crime equally share the paapam of the adharma kaaryam. 

Kaashiinaatha Naageshvara Rao (Kāśīnātha Nāgeśvara Rāv

(Daatrutvam)

The major thing that the British achieved is to replace our Education system.   In our Bhaarateeya Samskruti, there was only Vidyaa-daanam,  never Vidyaa-vikrayam. This story happened when the British were ruling us and many of the schools were run by the English. However many of the Upaadhyaayakas were Bhaarateeyas only.
“Pay your fees, else you will be expelled from the school”, warned the authorities of the School. Many of the Vidyaarthis by that time paid the fees. However one very intelligent Vidyaarthi didnt because he came from a very poor family. Somebody gave advise to him, as he was sadly coming out of the school, “Baalaka! Dont be worried. If you go to ‘this’ person and tell your kashtam, he will help you”. The next day the baalaka went to ‘that’ person and told his deenaavastha to the person. The person first consoled the baalaka and gave him aasheervaadam. Then he gave him one note and sent him away.
In the aanandam, the baalaka didnt see what note it was. He saw after going for some distance. To his surprise he saw that it was a 100 Rupee note. In those days, 100 was a huge sum of money. Thinking that may be the person gave it by mistake, the baalaka went back to return the note to the person. The person, with chiru-mandahaasam, said “O Putra! This is for you only. Pay the fees. Buy the required books. Do Vidyaabhyaasam and become a true Bhaarateeya”. The baalaka was surprised seeing the Daatrutvam of the person. Though the person was an Upaadhyaayaka and himself earned very less, he helped him so much.
The person is none other than “Kaashiinaatha Naageshwara Rao“. Due to many many such Daanams, he became famous as “Vishvadaata”.
Morals in the story:

1. The daana-gunam of Kaashiinaatha Naageshwara Rao is well shown in the story. Daanam is one of the greatest Punya-kaaryams in our Bhaarateeya Saampradaayam.
2. The honesty of the Balaaka is also shown in the story. Thinking that the person may be in need of it, he went back to return the note once he saw 100 Rs. denomination on it.

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...) 

 
<sub>(My humble greatfulness to Moral Stories dot com,  Hindu dot com and Devotees   for the   collection)

( A tribute to the great Bharatiya Samskruti)</sub>

Other Great Indians -3

Other Great Indians

King Bhartruhari becomes a Viraagi

Perhaps there will be no Bhaarateeya who did not hear about “Bhartruhari Subhaashitaani”. He was the Bhraata of the great Vikramaaditya maharaja. He was a great Samskruta kavi. In addition to Subhaashita-Ratnaavali, he wrote divya granthas like: “Vaakyapradeepam” (a vyaakarana grantham), “Raahata kaavyam”, “Kaarika” (Pantanjala mahabhaashya vyaakarana ruupam).
Vararuchi, Vikramaaditya, Bhatti and Bhrartruhari were the priya-putras of Keshava Sharma. Bhrartruhari was made the King and he did Raajya-paalana around 135 years before Shaalivaahana Shakam. From childhood, Bhartruhari was always interested in Saadhu, Sajjana seva.
Once a poor Braahmana in Bhrartruhari’s Raajyam did upaasana of Bhuvaneshvarii Maata. He knew sakala mantra-shaastras. Bhuvaneshvarii devi appeared before him and gave him a divya-phalam and said that whoever eats this phalam will not have jaraa-maranam (will not become old and be immortal). The Braahmana thought like this “I am a poor Braahmana. What rakshana of others can I do even by living for long. Anyway since I am Braahmana, I must do Bhiksha-aatana and eat. If I give this to the Raaja, he can do great seva to the praja and do their Rakshana”. Thinking like this he went to Bhartruhari and gave his aashiirvaadam, the divya-phalam and told its Mahima.
However Bhartruhari gave it to his priyaa, Anangasena. She in turn gave it to her priya-sakha, an ashva-poshaka. The ashva-poshaka gave the divya-phalam to his daasi and she in turn gave to her priya, a Gopaalaka. The Gopaalaka gave the divya-phalam to his priyatama. She kept it in the basket in which she was carrying cattle-dung and was going through Raaja-viidhi to her house. To his surprise Bhrartruhari saw that the divya-phalam finally reached in such a place. He called her and got to know the entire story.
Knowing what had happened, he got Virakti on samsaaram. He realized that everything is mithya and Bhagavat-bhakti is only shaashvatam. He then left for the aranyas to do Tapas, giving the Divya-phalam to Vikramaaditya. Aaha! Vidhi is great. Finally the phalam reached the person who deserved it.
Bhartruhari then wrote Neetishatakam, Shrugaarashatakam and Vairaagyashatakam. He spent the rest of his life as a Viraagi doing Daiva-dhyaanam. Once, taking pity on an old Braahmana, Vikramaaditya gave away the divya-phalam to him!
रत्नैर्महार्हैस्तुतुषुर्न देवा न भेजिरे भीम-विषेण भीतिम्।
सुधां विना न परयुर्विरामं न निश्चितार्थाद्विरमन्ति धीराः॥
— भर्तृहरेः नीतिशतकम्
ratnairmahārhaistutuṣurna devā na bhejire bhīma-viṣeṇa bhītim |
sudhāṁ vinā na parayurvirāmaṁ na niścitārthādviramanti dhīrāḥ||
— bhartṛhareḥ nītiśatakam
Morals in the story:

1. Paropakaara buddhi of Bhaarateeyas is well shown in this story through the Braahmana who did upaasana of Bhuvaneshvarii devi and the great Vikramaaditya maharaja.
2. The Braahmana showed us what is Nishkaama Bhakti. Though Bhuvaneshvarii devi gave him the divya-phalam, he gave it to the King, who can protect many more.
3. Saadhu, Sajjana seva, respecting elders are great sadgunas. Bhartruhari was always interested in them.

Sukarma

(Maata-Pita seva is alone enough!)

This Dharma-rahasya katha, known as “Pitrutiirtha Katha”, was first told by Mahaavishnu to Vena-chakravarti, then to Shaunaka-aadi munis by Shri Suuta Muni.
In the pavitra-punya-kshetram, Kurukshetram, there used to be a Viprottama by name “Kundala”. His putra was a gunavanta by name “Sukarma”. Doing seva of his Maata-pita, who were very old, was his Vratam. He got sakala-samruddhi by doing Pitru-seva.
At that time, “Pippala” did ghora-Tapas for 3000 years, being a Jitaahaari, Jitamatsara and Jitendriya. Devatas did pushpa-varsham seeing his divya-tapas. Pippala asked the Devatas to make him a Vidyaadhara. He also asked to make the Vishvam his aadhiinam. Devatas granted him the Varam, he was made a Vidyaadhara and whatever he wanted used to be in his Vasham.
However Pippala thought there is no one to match him and got antar-Garvam. Once seeing the antar-Garvam of Pippala, a Saarasa-pakshi came near him and said “O Dvija! Why are you having so much Garvam? Garvam will lead to your downfall. You dont have the proper gnyaanam to make Vishvam into your Vasham. This is because you dont know ‘Arvaachiina-Paraachiina’ gnyaanam.
Sukarma, the putra of Kundala, knows about Arvaachiina-Paraachiina and hence this entire Vishvam is in his Vasham. Indeed there is no one to match Sukarma in the Bhuulokam. He is a Pitru-Maatru-sevaarata, Punyaatma, Vignyaani. What gnyaanam that the baalaka, Sukarma has, you also dont have. So leave this useless Garvam”.
Not liking these words Pippala replied “Who are you? Why are you doing my ninda. Are you Brahma, Vishnu or Maheshvara? Can you tell me what is Arvaachiinam-Paraachiinam?”. Saarasa-pakshi replied “I am not going to tell. Come with me to Sukarma, he will tell you”. Both of them reached Sukarma’s house:
Pippala saw the Punyaatma, Sukarma, who was doing Paada-seva of his Maata-Pita. Sukarma did Yathaavidhi Atithi satkaaram to Pippala and answered his question. (He told Pippala that the Saarasa-pakshi is Brahmadeva and explained what is Vishvaavasham and Arvaachiinam-Paraachiinam)
Pippala, surprised, asked Sukarma how he got so much gnyaanam. Sukarma replied “I did not do any Tapas nor Shariira-shoshanam. I didnt do any Vratas. I only know one thing — Maata-Pita seva and puuja:

1. I do snaanam with the water which my maata-pita use for snaanam. This gives me Bhaagiirathii-snaana phalam.
2. By doing Jananii-janaka puuja, one gets phalam of doing all Yaagams and doing Veda-pathanam.
3. The place where Maata-pita of a bhaktiyukta putra live, are equal to Ganga, Gaya-kshetram, Pushkara-tiirtham.
4. The putra who gives Mrushta-annam and satisfies his Maata-Pita, will get Ashvamedha Yaaga phalam.
5. There is no tiirtham in Iham or Param, which is greater than Maata-pita.
6. A place where Maata-pita are worshipped, there sarva-Devatas will be worshipped.
7. One can do poshana of Trijagas by doing Pitru-sushruusha.
8. A putra, whose character/nature/sadgunams gives happiness to parents, is one who follows all Dharmas.
9. A Putra who eats Mrushta-annam before (without giving) his Maata-pita is a paapi.
10. A putra who does ninda of Maata-pita will have to experience 1 crore janmams as a Grudhra (vulture)”.

We must always give santosham to our Maata, not make her angry. We know how the great Sarpa-kumaaras (one kind of snakes) had to die in the Sarpa-yaagam, due to Maatru-shaapam. We know how great is ‘Puuru’, who gave happiness to Yayaati and what difficulties other sons like Yadu had to face because of Yayaati-shaapam.
We also know how Upamanyu and Dhruva, in childhood only, got Iishvara darshanam and Vishnu darshanam respectively. This was because they listened to their Maata. Karna got ananta-kiirti due to his Maata, Raadha, seva. Arjuna too got Vijayam due to his Maatru-vaakya-paalanam.
Maata is tiirtham. Pita is Guru. After taking their permission only a putra must attend to other Dharmas. I got all this gnyaanam only through Maata-pita seva. You also do Pitru-sushruusha”. Feeling bad for his unnecessary Garvam, and Agnyaanam Pippala went away.
Morals in the story:

1. Importance of Maata-Pita seva is well shown by Sukarma. He achieved more gnyaanam than a Vidyaadhara (who is supposed to know all Vidyas), just by doing Maata-Pita seva.
2. Garvam, Dambham and Ahankaaram lead to one’s downfall. Hence we must always have Vinayam. We must remember that there will always be someone greater than us. Brahmadeva told Pippala, who had Garvam that he had Vishva-vashitvam, that Sukarma had greater gnyaanam.

Story of Sunandana

Once upon a time, there used to live a sadbraahmana by name Sunandana in Meghankaram. He was a Saaranga-paani Bhakta (Paramashiva bhakta). He used to do archana of Parama Shiva, who was in the form of Saaranga-paani in Meghankaram. Sunandana was a Pandita, Veda-vedaanga nipuna and a Shuddha Brahmachaari. Hence was doing Nitya paaraayana of the 11th Adhyaayam of Shri Bhagavat-gita.
Once he went on a Teertha-yaatra to Kaantaasthali. It is the pavitra-kshetram where there prasiddha-aalayam of Shri Mahaalakshmi. A guide showed Sunandana the pavitra-kshetram and many siddha-pradeshams in it. He also told that the Nadi-jalam is very sweet and the people are good. However he advised Sunandana not to stay for the night and he added that even if he wanted, the villagers will not allow him to stay in the graama-satram.
Sunandana didnt understand why and requested the graama-adhikaari to grant him permission to stay in the satram. Finally Sunandana managed to convince the adhikaari. The adhikaari said “may be you are the person” and unwillingly gave his permission. Sunandana slept in the satram for that night and as usual woke up the next day before Suuryodayam.
However the villagers were awe-struck to see Sunandana alive. They requested Sunandana to give vimukti to Bhimamukha and told his story:
Bhimamukha was an ordinary Karshaka. Once when he was involved in doing his work in the fields near the satram, a Vruddha came there. Unfortunately, a vulture sees the Vruddha, who was not even having enough strength to walk, and attacks him. However Bhimamukha, being capable of saving the Vruddha, doesnt help him, because of being involved in his farming. Seeing this, a Sanyaasi who was passing near-by wanted to teach Bhimamukha a lesson so that no one will repeat such mistakes. He gives Bhimamukha a shaapam that he will become a raakshasa and a Nara-bhakshaka!
The shaapam of Bhimamukha turned out to be a shaapam for the villagers instead, because Bhimamukha was eating away the villagers one-by-one. All the villagers then ask the Sanyaasi for Sharanam. Sanyaasi gives abhayam and says that Bhimamukha will not cross the satram’s boundary and will only eat people who stay there in the night. Also when a Gnyaani who really has knowledge about Bhagavat-vishvaruupam comes, Bhimamukha will get vimukti.
Listening to this, Sunandana gives Vimukti to Bhimamukha and when aksed by Bhimamukha how he got so much Gnyaanam about Bhagavat-vishvaruupam, tells like this: “I used to do paaraayana of 11th Adhyaayam of Bhagavat-gita. Because of that I have gained this Gnyaanam. However since a perfect Brahmachaari, a Veda-vedaanga-tattvagnya and a Shiva-bhakta can only read it, ordinary people can do the smarana of ‘Sthavishthah’ naamam in Vishnu-sahasra-naamam instead and get the same phalam”.
Thus knowing the greatness of Vishnu-sahasra-naamam and in particular, the naamam of ‘sthavishthah’, the villagers and Bhimamukha do Naama-paarayana and get ananta-phalam.
Morals in the story:

1. We must always do paropakaaram. Being capable of saving the Vruddha, Bhimamukha, being involved in his work, didnt save him. As told by this Sanyaasi, this is very bad.
2. The greatness of Vishnu Sahasra naamam is well shown in the story. It is our adrushtam, that Bheeshma-aachraya and Veda Vyaasa gave us this ananta-nidhi. Especially in Kaliyugam Naama-sankeertanam is the easiest way for Mukti.

Story of Dharmavyaadha

Its a beautiful forest near by a village. There is a prashaanta-pradesham in that forest, where a small river used to flow. On the banks of the river was a huge tree giving shade to many. Under the treeKaushika, a Vipra, was doing Tapas. At afternoons he used to go to village, do Bhikshaatanam and divide the aahaaram into four parts — 3/4 he used to use for Daanam and other Dharma-kaaryas. The remaining 1/4 he used to eat.
When he was living such a life, one day, a baka (crane) put its droppings on him. The baka got burnt just as he saw it with Krodham. That day as usual he went for bhikshaatana. He stood in front of one house and said “Bhavati! Bhikshaam Dehi”. On hearing this the Gruha-lakshmi went towards the kitchen to bring him some food. But at the same time, her Bharta came back after a long journey. On seeing him, she washed his feet with cool water, fanned air for him for sometime, gave him someaahaaram and made him sleep. After doing pati-seva like this, she came with some aahaaram for Kaushika. Again Kaushika saw with Krodham. Seeing this the Gruha-lakshmi said
“Svaami! I not not the baka to get burnt. After Pati-seva-dharmam only there are other Dharmas for me”. Surprised, the muni replied “Amma! How did you come to know about the story that happened far off in the forest? Please do Gnyaana-bodha to me”. She replied “Muniishvara! Little away from here is Mithilaanagaram. There lives a Vyaadha who makes his living by selling maamsam. Approach him, he will tell you everything”.
Immediately he left for Mithila. He enquired about Dharmavyaada and reached his shop. Seeing different jantu-maamsam, he stood away. Dharmavyaadha, seeing the Muni, went and did Yathaavidhi namaskaaram and said “Muniishvara! Namaskaaram. Is the Pativrata who sent you to me doing well?” Kaushika was awe-struck to listen to these words of Dharmavyaadha. He thought “there that woman and here this person. Even after doing so much Tapas, Idont have so much power. May be because that woman was a Pativrata, she was able to know what happened in the forest. But how come this kasai, who lives selling maamsam, have Divya-drushti?” Seeing Kaushika thinking, Dharmavyaadha continued “Svaami! You cant tolerate this smell. Please come I will take you to my house and show you how I got all these divya-shaktis”. With great Vinayam, Dharmavyaadha took Kaushika to his house.
Just on entering his house, Dharmavyaadha did pranaamam to his Pita who was taking rest. After asking him Kushala-prashnas, he went to his Maata and did Yathaavidhi namaskaaram to her. He then did her seva. After this he told Kaushika “Svaami! This is the only thing that I do. Many ever Vratas, Japams, Tapas we do, if we dont do the seva of Maata-Pita, there will be no prayojanam. A Maata carries her shishu in her Garbham for 9 months, experiences prasava-vedana and then protects the shishu like how an eye-lid protects the eye. A Pita gives us this shariiram to do paropakaaram and Daiva-praarthana. He experience many difficulties in doing our poshana. Our very existence is because of them. Howmuch ever seva we do to them, we will never to able to repay this runam.
I do seva of my Maata-Pita and so poshana of my Samsaaram. Thats all. Also I dont cheat people while selling maamsam. I dont expect adhika-laabham and be happy with what I get. I never leave my Sva-dharmam of being a Vyaadha, neither do I take up Para-dharmam. I try to do poshana of people who come under my aashrayam and enquire their Yoga-kshemam. More important than all of these, one must have Samyamam. We must never have Raaga-dvesham. WIth Nirmala-chittam, we must always do Parameshvara-aaraadhana”. Listening to these Amruta-vaakyas of Dharmavyaadha, Kaushika went away and continued his Tapas, this time with a nishchala-manas.
Morals in the story:

1. Importance of Maata-Pita seva is well shown in the story. Just by doing this, Dharmavyaadha got many great shaktis and was always involved in Parameshvara-dhyaanam.
2. Greatness of a Pativrata is also shown in the story. What, even with great Tapas, Kaushika could not achieve, the Gruha-lakshmi achieved with her Paativratyam.

The story of Kashyapa and Takshaka

In the Kalikaalam, Lord Shri Venkateshwara is the pratyaksha-daivam. In kali-kaalam only adharmam will be encouraged and people do not even know what is right and what is wrong. Rewards will be given to the bad people and people do not even get chance to realize their mistakes. In order to save the patitas Shri Venkateshwara came to Bhuloka and made the Saptagiris in Tirupati as His abode. May be the following story is the earliest of Shri Venkateshwara Maahaatmyams:
Takshaka in order to fulfill Shrugi's shaapam, starts for the place where Parikshit mahaaraaja was listening to Bhaagavatam from Shri Shuka maharshi (see this). On his way he meets a great scholar by name Kashyapa (not the Kashyapa Prajaapati). He is a very great mantra-vetta. On listening to the news that parikshit mahaaraaja will be bitten by Takshaka, Kashyapa immediately sets out to save Parikshit mahaaraaja's life. He was very confident that with his mantra-shakti he can counter any great vishaagnijwaalas. Takshaka and Kashyapa exchage their identities and Takshaka challenges Kashyapa saying that nothing can counter his teevra-visham. Takshaka to show the strength of his visham bits a huge vruksham and in a second it comes down to ashes. Kashyapa with his matra-shakti immediately restores the Vruksham to its original form.
Takshaka tells Kashyapa since Parikshit mahaaraaja has a shaapam given by Shrungi and it cannot be undone, while doing mantra japam for Parikshit mahaaraaja Kashyapa will have little doubt and mantras dont work unless 100% belief in them is there. Also, knowing that Kashyapa is in need for money, he offers him a lot of riches and wealth. Kashyapa with his divya-drushti sees that Parikshit's ayu is going to come to an end and returns back taking the gold and wealth from Takshaka.
After coming back Kashyapa repents a lot for his greed for money. He deeply feels that he should have done his duty of trying to save the king and instead he chose to listen to Takshaka, took money from him and neglected his kartavyam. Afraid of the narakas he has to experience because of his paapam, he decides none other than Shri Venkateshwara can save him. He immediately goes to Tirupati and at the Srivaari paadaas near the start of the mountain steps, he with his whole heart cries "Venkataachalapati" and falls. He smells something burning and realizes that the paapam inside him, in a purusha rupam, was getting burnt. He gets released from his paapams and becomes a great Bhakta.
Morals in the story:

1. Nothing can precede one's duty. One must never neglect his duty and always strive for helping others.
2. Total surrenderence to God is the only way for getting out of this paapa-punya cycle.

Message:
The story in no sense conveys the message — do whatever paapa kaaryas you want and then finally God will pardon. As all of the previous stories suggest God only likes people who never deviate from the path of Truth and Dharma. The message that is being conveyed through the story is the importance of Bhagavat-Naamasamkeertanam in Kaliyuga.

Vande Maataram

(Bankim Chandra Chatterji)

(We recommend people reading all previous morals before reading this story.)
It is our adrushtam that we belong to a place where janmabhuumi is called by the name “Maata”. It is our Kartavyam to understand the paramaartham behind the “Vandemaataram” geetam, which awoke the Bhaarateeyas, filled in Desha-bhakti in them and drove them to fight for Svaatantryam.
Vandemaatara geetam shows well the unnata aadarshas and aashayam of Bhaarateeyas. This mahaa-geetam shows the Vaibhavam of Bhaarata-maata, her Praakrutika-ramaniiyata, her strength. It was like an aushadham for people who were suffering from “aatma-vismruti”.
It was like taaraka-mantram for the mahaaveeras of Bhaarata-svaatantrya-udyamam. Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterji, a person equal to a rushi, gave us this maha-aushadham. This was what gave strength to bear the cruel laathi-charges, to experience execution, with a smiling face! In 1906, April 14th, absolutely without any reason the British police started laathi-charge. For every blow, Bhaarateeyas did “Vandemaatara” japam. Soon “Vandemaataram” became a nightmare for the British. On 17-8-1909, Madanlaal did Praana-tyaagam for Bharata-bhuumi, with a smile, singing this Vandemaataram only. When police were torturing people who sing Vandemaataram, Shri Chandrashekhar Azad, who was then only 13, did Vandemaatara japam only, without any fear.
During ~1875, Bankim Chandra Chatterji was travelling from Kolkata to his village, “Kaantaal paada” in a train. He looked out of the window and got great aanandam seeing the beauty of Bhaaratamaata. His antar-drushti made him see the Vaibhavam and alaukika-soundaryam of Bhaarata-desham. He stored this Varnana-ateeta-bhaavana as a Madhura geetam — Vandemaataram.
During the split of Bengal, Boom Field Fuller, then governer, imposed a strict prohibition against Vandemaataram geetam. The situation we are in now is not much different. Even after independence, we hear only the 1st stanza of this divya-geetam:
Mahaatmaa Gandhi many times praised this Vandemaatara-geetam; however the Mulsim league opposed it. In 1923, at Kaakinaada, during the Congress meet, when as usual Vandemaataram was being sung, Maulaana Mohammad Ali, who was the president of Congress, strongly opposed it. However, Shri Vishnu Digambar, who was the singer, sang it. May be it was the last time it was ever sung fully in a big meeting. Congress broke the song into pieces and divided it — similar to how Bhaarata-desham was divided! This was strongly opposed by many like Shri K.M.Munshi, Mahaatma Gandhi. But who will listen to them?
Let us show our Krutagnyata to Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterji and our Bhaaratamaata by learning, knowing the paramaartham in it and singing this Vandemaatara geetam.

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...) 

 

<sub>(My humble greatfulness to Moral Stories dot com,  Hindu dot com and Devotees   for the   collection)

( A tribute to the great Bharatiya Samskruti)</sub>