Tales From The Bhagavatham
Retold For Children
By P . S . Krishna Iyer
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TALES FROM THE BHAGAVATHAM
RETOLD FOR CHILDREN
BY THATHA
PREFACE
It will be generally agreed that some of the happiest moments of our life were
those spent listening to bedtime stories told by our doting old grand parents. Very
often they may be repeating the same old story; but that did not matter at all.
“Hullo Children, come here. Once upon a time there was a king” and the story
would go on and children would be in fairyland. Now on reflection, we realize
that these bed time stories served a great purpose. Children were led to
appreciate bravery, truthfulness, honesty, goodness etc and detest sins. And
all this was accomplished in the least expensive and psychologically most
effective way. Unfortunately all these have changed.
Thousands of miles separate modern grand parents from their grand children to
the detriment of both. This defect can be overcome to some extent through good
storybooks and only through books. Advice from parents, however good, can be
awfully boring; it may even have negative effects. Stories from Greek classics
served a good purpose. Heroes by Kingsly and Tanglewood tales by
A clear understanding of our own numerous deities is necessary. They are just
concepts leading to the grand philosophy of the Gita.
Hoping that the book will find favour with children and the
kind indulgence of the elders.
Your Servant
P.S.Krishna Iyer.
After the great holocaust of Mahabharata when most of the friends and all the
enemies of Pandavas were slain, Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna was installed
as the king at Hastinapura (Modern Delhi). He was as valorous as his father
Abhimanyu and invincible like his grandfather Arjuna and it seemed that Krita
Yuga had once again returned. But it was not to be. All things must change.
The king went out a hunting .. It was essential to keep
the wild animals at bay. After a daylong hunt, the king got separated from his
attendants. He was very thirsty and looking about, saw an ashram (hermitage) at
a distance. Taking off his shoes and with folded arms the king gently entered
the ashram and there saw
an old sage, Maharishi Angeras sunk in deep meditation. Parikshit
tried to rouse him but the sage would
not open his eyes. In a weak moment the
king was overcome with anger. A serpent had cast off its coils near by. With
the end of his bow the king took it up and placed it round the neck of the
meditating saint and departed.
The bad news soon reached the ears of Sringi, the son of Angeras. At once,
surrounded by his playmates
he returned to the ashram and saw the dead snake round his
father’s neck. He burst into tears. Hearing that, it was done by the king
himself, he flew into a rage and taking a handful of water in his palms
pronounced a terrible curse. He said.” On the seventh day from now the king
shall die of snake bite, bitten by Takshaka”
Angeras Maharishi hearing the hubbub woke from his samadhi. On hearing all that
had happened, he was displeased with his son. He said, “What have you done my
son! The king is a great ruler. Who will protect us, ensuring peace all around,
enabling us to pursue tapas? You must go at once and beg for pardon.” Sringi
was abashed to hear this.
Meanwhile the king too
had heard of the curse. Too late he repented
for his conduct. A Brahmin’s curse was irrevocable and death was certain. But
he now wanted to know how to meet it remembering Hari always and of course at
the last moment. .
The ministers - most of them being sages and rishis - advised him to call on a
great conference. News spread fast, couriers were sent to distant parts of the
kingdom and even outside. A vast concourse assembled on the banks of the
Parikshit said, “It is certainly our great good fortune that Bhagavan has
chosen to come amongst us. Kindly tell us what a mortal facing death should do to realize Hari”
Sri Suka replied “Oh! King! Your
question is most opportune. We all face death any moment. At least you have the
certainty of living for seven days. Consider this whole universe as the
manifestation of Sri Hari. His feet are in the nether world; His waist and
abdomen constitute the earth. His head is the heavenly region. His eyes are the
sun and moon. His heart is Truth itself. Contemplate on this divine form and
before long you will be merged in Him enjoying great peace and ecstasy.”
Sri Suka continued. “Sri Hari takes various forms. The most pleasant is Adi
Narayana with four arms carrying the conch, the disc, the mace and the lotus,
lounging on the serpent body of Adisesha with the ever-constant Sri Devi
attending with all the other Parshadas. It is Vaikunta, glistening with golden
domes and marble palaces. All the blessed inhabitants look alike and are in the prime of youth. The
women resemble their mistress Sri Devi. The fragrance of heavenly flowers exude from
them, and they sing hymns praising the
glory of the Lord. Even the parrots chant Vedas. It is all so pleasant. But,
Sri Narayana wanted a change. It came about as follows.”
Thus Bhagavan Sri Suka started to tell the sacred story of the lord The Bhagavatham.
CHAPTER 1
Sk 3 . Ch 15 .Slokam 30
The
Sanat Kumaras, the great Rishis were closest in attendance on the Lord. They
were four in
number and all looked like five-year-old children. They could travel anywhere
in the universe with the speed of thought on missions of peace and goodwill. It
happened that they were just on such a mission and the same thought occurred to
all of them . They said to each other, “Brothers, we
have been absent from our Lord too long; let us return.”
The next moment they were at the gates of Vaikunta and holding each
other by the hand they confidently
entered the first of the seven golden gates, when they were brusquely stopped
by two gigantic guards with crossed lances. The guards said. “Stop!
Sri Narayana and Sri Devi have retired to rest. Wait till they wake up.” The
Kumaras were stunned. There was no time restriction for entry to heaven. But
the guards were adamant. The Kumaras became angry, which was something quite
unusual. They said, “You two do not deserve to be here! Go down to the lower
regions and after expiating your sins you can come here again”.
The Lord of course, knew that something was amiss
and with Sri Devi came down to set things right. The Lord appeared before them
along with Sree Devi. Everyone prostrated, feeling rather guilty. The Supreme
Lord said, “You Kumaras and you Dwara palakas, do not
feel guilty. It was all my wish. Now the curse
pronounced by the Kumaras cannot be revoked. But I give you a choice. You can
return to me after three birth - death cycles as my enemies or after seven
birth - death cycles as my devotees”.
The giant guards replied, “We cannot wait for seven
births and deaths. We would rather choose the shorter course of three cycles”.
Their request was granted. Immediately the gigantic guards were thrown head
downwards to earth.
We have now to revert to the events happening with
Kasyapa Prajapati. It is needless to say that Brahma’s son Kasyapa Prajapati
was a very great Maharishi. He had two wives, Diti and Aditi. The devas (gods) were the sons of Aditi, Indra being the
eldest and most powerful. Diti also underwent rigorous tapas for children.
Kasyapa was pleased and resolved to bless her also with sons; but she would not
wait for the right time. The sun was setting and it was time for prayer; but Diti did not
mind all that. Overcome with sudden passion, she enticed the protesting Kashyapa.
He said, “Oh! My dear, this is time for worship of my brother Sri Rudra who is
presently going round the universe accompanied by his followers and his ire will be roused if people
misbehave.” But Diti would not hear. It was fate. Just then the two guards were
hurtling towards the world and they entered her womb
Diti knew that they were asuric (demoniac) and
suppressed them for a hundred years within her womb. There were ominous signs.
The atmosphere became intolerably hot , jackals
howled, owls hooted and showers of red-hot stones fell from the sky. The twins
named Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaksha were born and they grew apace
. Their golden crowns touched the clouds. As they walked around , the earth trembled. The seas swept over the land.
As Hiranyaksha the younger brother stepped into the sea, it was only knee deep.
It was water all around. The sages and gods, as usual appealed to Sri Hari who
immediately took the form of a huge boar and plunged into the sea. And then ensued a fierce battle, which lasted many days with many ups
and downs and many an anxious moment for the sages. At last Sri Hari gave a fierce blow
and the demon fell dead .
Hiranyakasipu heard about the terrible death of his
brother and resolved to avenge it. He thought, “I must be well prepared. By
intense tapas I will acquire such boons as will make me invincible.” With this
unholy resolve he left his queen and kingdom and repaired to the forest and
undertook unheard of austerities, - such as standing on one leg only and
fasting all the time. Birds settled on his matted locks, wild bees stung his
face and carnivorous ants slowly devoured his body. Fumes and tongues of flame began
to shoot from his body because of the intensity of his tapas. Thus he continued
his tapas for long
long years.
Meanwhile important events were happening in the
regions ruled by the Manus. Here the land was broad and the forests were green.
The broad rivers and the numerous sparkling rivulets made the land almost like
another heaven on earth. The workers toiled happily. There was peace and plenty
everywhere and the elderly sages stayed in the forests engaged in tapas. Over
this blessed land ruled, the king Swayambhuva Manu with queen Satarupa.
Kardama was a renowned sage, young and handsome. He
wished there were more people. When a great rishi has a particular wish, God at
once fulfills
it. And so it happened. The next day, emperor
Swayambhuva Manu came riding in a golden chariot accompanied by his queen
Satarupa and their beautiful daughter Devahuti. They saluted the young sage and said “Sir, I have
been told that you intend to marry and we humbly entreat you to accept our
beautiful daughter as your partner. She is qualified in every respect, by her
age, character and upbringing. We will be blessed if you accept her. O! Great Sage!” The sage was pleased for this was what he
himself had desired and accepted the bride. Leaving their daughter in the
ashram the king and the queen returned to their capital. They gave their
daughter many costly and useful gifts and with a tearful farewell left her in
the hermitage.
The princess was the ideal Hindu wife. She would
sleep only after her husband had slept. She would get up early before him and
sprinkle holy water in front of the ashram. She kept the ashram clean; gathered
flowers for the pooja and attended on him like his shadow. Thus years rolled by
and Devahuti became thinner. Her veins showed under the skin. The Maharishi noticed
it and he was overcome with pity. He asked her what she wanted and she replied,
“My lord! I want what every woman wants. Children from you my
wedded husband.” The sage relented and said, “My dear, You are emaciated and weak. Take a dip in that
The princess obeyed and entered the lake. And then a
wonderful thing happened. She was
surrounded by hundreds of damsels who bathed her and dressed her with beautiful
garments. They adorned her with divine ornaments and flowers
. The princess became very beautiful and radiant . Such was the Rishi’s tapas. He
himself became gloriously handsome like a god. The hermitage too was changed
into a marvellous mansion with hundreds of rooms and terrace above terrace. The
golden domes on top gleamed in the morning sun.
The servants were clad in golden dresses. They were eager and anxious to
carry out any order. Devahuti knew that all this was due to the power of the
Rishi’s tapas .But the most wonderful thing about this palace was that it was a
flying mansion. They had only to wish and it would fly swiftly over the clouds
to wherever they wanted. In this way they spent a happy time in the gardens of
the gandharvas ,
demi-gods , and in the gardens
around
But alas! Everything must end. The Maharishi woke up
as from a sleep and realized that he had strayed from the path of Brahman far
too long. Meanwhile nine daughters were born all of the same age, as fair as
the dawn.
Devahuti was sad.
She could read his mind. Kardama sadly said “My dear wife, now I must
go. I have given you most beautiful children as I had promised.” With a wistful
look, Devahuti sadly said, “My lord! I have been a foolish woman hankering
after fleeting, foolish pleasures. With such a great husband as you, I should
have earned the way to everlasting bliss. Besides, how can I - a lone woman -
find suitable matches for these our beautiful daughters? And my lord, I would
like to have a son who would be a support and
guide me to salvation.”
The great sage relented. He remembered that God had
promised to be born as his son. He agreed to stay for some time more.
Coming Of Kapila.
In due time Devahuti gave birth to a beautiful son. There
were auspicious sounds all around . A gentle breeze wafted heavenly fragrance.
Wild animals became tame and gentle. Devas and angels with Brahma at their head
appeared overhead with garlands in token of worship. For, it was their own
lord, - the lord of the universe - who had come down to this sphere, to dispel
the doubts of rishis and establish Sankhya dharma for the salvation of mankind!
Kardama and Devahuti prostrated before their child
who had assumed his true form with four hands bearing the conch, the disc, the
mace and the lotus.
Now Kardama, his mission over, arranged the marriage
of his daughters with nine renowned sages; Anasuya with Athri, Arundhathi with
Vasishta and so on. Kardama took a last look at his divine son and bidding a
tender farewell to the princess left for the
Mother
and Son
Devahuti
was now left alone with her son. She realized that her son was Vishnu (God)
incarnate. With folded hands she said, “I am deeply distressed my Lord.
Deceived by the senses, I have wasted my time in sensual enjoyments. Save me
from these and teach me how to reach that eternal bliss from which there is no
return.”
And the son, remembering that his body was derived
from her, addressed her with great tenderness, “O Mother! This mind is the seat
of everything good or bad. In association with the evil, it takes on that color
but the same mind in association with the good and the saintly, becomes like
them. These saintly people will always do good actions or talk about godly
things and enchanting stories about my actions and me. When people hear about
my glory, I enter through their ears and their hearts melt and they see the
whole world as their kin. They see myself present
everywhere. Thus of all methods of reaching me, none is so
pleasant or safe as the path of devotion. And therefore O Mother! You too leave
off all thoughts of relatives or home and I assure you, you will come to me.”
Kapila then set off to the
Devahuti now lived in a cottage by the side of river
Saraswathi. She forgot her physical existence. Her mind fixed on Vasudeva , she
finally merged in Him . Her body became a sparkling river known as Sidhitha . You may see it even today rolling over saligrama murmuring “Sivoham! Sivoham! “
CHAPTER 2
Sk 4. Ch 6 .Slokam 32
The
Great Daksha Yagam
Devahuti
had a sister Prasuti by name and she was married to Daksha Prajapati, a son of
Brahma himself. This Daksha was the doyen of all the priests, performing
elaborate rituals and sacrifices. On one occasion all the priests and sages
assembled together and performed a famous sacrifice. Daksha ,
shining like the sun , entered there. Every one stood up in respect and awe
except Brahma and Rudra.
Daksha noticed it. He went up to Brahma (his father)
and saluted him formally and took his seat, ignoring Sri Rudra – who was one of
the trinity. Daksha stood up and casting a baleful look at Sri Rudra declaimed,
“Look at this presumptuous upstart. Obeying my father Brahma, I gave my doe
eyed daughter to this monkey-eyed beggar whose abode is the burning ghat. He
smears himself with ashes from the funeral pyre. The serpent is his necklace
and ghosts and goblins are his attendants.”
But Sri Rudra, the great God that he was, calmly
stood up and departed with his attendants. However Nandiswara, foremost among
Sri Rudra’s followers could not contain himself and cursed Daksha and his
progeny to be idolatrous, slaves of women, traders in mantras with no real
Brahmin hood. Bhrigu of Daksha’s camp flung curse for curse prophesying that
saivites would follow unclean methods and unholy tantric practices. Thus
heartily cursing each other they departed.
Years passed without any diminution in the enmity
between father in law and son-in-law.
One day Dakshayani (Sati) observed the sky thick
with bright chariots of the celestials drawn by snow-white swans. The gods and
demi gods with their highly bedecked consorts were moving in the direction of
her father’s palace. From their talk Sati understood that they were going to
attend a grand Yagna called Brihaspati Seva and it was to be conducted by her
father. They talked of the grand festivities and the rich presents they would
get.
Sati’s heart yearned to go and to her lord she said, “My lord!
Your father-in-law is conducting a great yagna. All the celestials with their
brides are going. My dear sisters with their husbands will be there and I too
long to be with them, along with you. You are generous. You have given to me
half of your body even. We have not been invited, what then? One can go to a
friend’s house or to one’s father’s house or one’s guru’s ashram without
invitation.”
Sri Rudra replied, “Your observations are correct.
We can go uninvited to the house of a good friend but not to that of one who is
envious and looks with an evil eye. The evil words of a proud man rankle in the
heart much more than the sharp arrow of an enemy. If you go, it will not be
good for you and may
even end in death”.
With this the Jagat-Guru retired and remained
silent. Sati was not convinced. She became restless looking up; she saw the
sky, teeming with the celestials. She retired into the hermitage , and again
came out into the open. She trembled with anger at her Lord and finally decided
to go without his permission.. But Nandiswara and others would not let her go
alone. Nandi the bull carried her on his back, Maniman sounded the conch,
others sounded the cymbals and the godly procession soon reached the yagna
sala. Her sisters and mother received her with great affection but Daksha
frowned and even said, “Who asked you to come?” Sati ignored the taunt but
noted that her Lord was ignored. No seat was set apart for the Lord of the
Yagna. Her anger blazed.
“You hate the great Lord Siva by uttering whose name
a dying man is absolved of all sins and is released from further birth and
death. Such an all-merciful all
forgiving God you hate. I am ashamed of this body, which is derived from you.”
Then sitting in the lotus posture and concentrating
on the feet of her Lord her body was
consumed in a trice by holy fire.. The ganas of Rudhra tried to avenge her
death in vain. Bhrigu reciting a mantra poured an oblation in the holy fire and
hordes of demi gods armed to the teeth arose from the fire and put to flight
the followers of Sri Rudra.
Sri Narada Maharishi who could travel anywhere broke
the sad news to Sri Rudra. But the great God being omnipresent had known
everything. Sri Rudra became furious. He sprang up and from his matted locks,
plucked a strand and hit the earth with it. A huge gigantic form, Veerabhadra
with a golden crown and wielding a trident flashing flames danced round
Siva. Prostrating before the great God he
addressed him thus, “Your servant my lord, what shall I do?” The Lord said,
“Go! And destroy Daksha and his yagna. You are the foremost of my commanders.”
Veerabhadra roared with delight and accompanied by
all the myrmidons of Siva, sped towards the yagna sala. The earth trembled
under their feet, the sky darkened. A whirlwind destroyed everything before
them heralding their coming. The sages conducting the yagna were frightened.
Ladies of the royal household , Sati’s mother and sisters , trembled with fear.
And all at once the avengers were upon them. With flaming torches they set fire
to the yagnasala. Nandiswara caught hold of Bhrigu and said, “You proudly
stroked your beard when the great Lord Siva was insulted. .” Saying so he
plucked off his beard. Pushana the sun god, - who had derisively laughed earlier – had his teeth knocked out. Daksha
put up a brave fight but Veerabhadra caught hold of him, wrenched his head off
and threw it into the sacrificial fire.
Thus ended the great Daksha yagna. The devas were
not too pleased. Was not Daksha their great leader, master of Vedic hymns, who
sustained them with frequent yagnas.? And now who will conduct great yagnas?
How can they derive their strength from the yagnas now?
They approached Brahma and requested him to pacify
Sri Rudra and revive Daksha. Brahma replied, “All of you and Daksha in
particular have deeply offended Sri Rudra, the embodiment of calmness. Still I
shall come with you and try to console Sri Rudra who is in deep grief over the
demise of his dear wife”. So they formed a great procession and with Brahma at
their head, slowly wended their way to Sri Kailas, the abode of Sri Rudra. On
the way they had to cross many valleys and rivers and wooded forests with
magnificent trees like cedar, devadaru, and sandal wood. Their giant branches
were raised to heaven as if in prayer, entwined with tendrils of jasmine and
many sweet smelling flowers. They passed by many lakes of crystal clear water
crowded with blue lotuses and the thousand petalled lotuses called souganthika.
Heavenly damsels, the apsaras sported with their spouses in these lakes. On and
on they passed. Parrots, cranes and peacocks were flying in swarms overhead all
singing the praises of the Creator .Still
they pushed on and passed by the hermitages of sages, who had reached various
stages of realization. They passed through the land of the yakshas guarded by
holy rivers, the Nanda and Alakananda. Finally, they approached Sri Kailas, the
abode of Sri Rudra. There they saw a great banyan tree and under it’s spreading
branches was Sri Rudra himself. The
crescent moon shone like a jewel in his matted locks. The embodiment of
calmness, He was sitting cross-legged . His body so dear to the sages was
smeared with ashes. Holding the japamala in one hand and indicating the chin mudra with the other, he was instructing
the sages Sri Narada Sanaka
Sananda and many others. The
sages were sitting around in deep attention
On seeing Brahma Sri Rudra arose and prostrated
before him as a son should and so did all the others. Then Brahma said, “O!
Rudra! You are the all merciful, all-powerful, the all seeing one. It behoves
you to forgive this Daksha and his followers for their ignorance. Be pleased to
give Daksha his life, Brigu his beard, Pushana his teeth and wisdom to all.”
Sri Rudra smilingly replied “Indeed! I do not want
to punish these foolish people who are subject to Maya.”
Daksha’s followers repented for their mistakes and
humbly requested Sri Rudra to accompany them and see that the yagna was
completed. Sri Rudra graciously agreed and followed them to the yagna sala.
Daksha’s head had been burnt up. So they substituted it with the head of the
sacrificial goat. Its beard was grafted on Brigu’s chin. It was decreed that
Pushana would get only puddings as sacrificial offerings, as he had no teeth.
Now Vishnu (Hari) also appeared and in the presence of the Trinity the great
yagna was concluded. All the gods and sages returned to their respective abodes chanting the Rudram and Chamakam,
Daksha leading them all.
These verses are recited with great gusto even to
day by learned pundits all over the land.
CHAPTER 3
Sk 4
.Ch 8 . Slokam 54
The Story
of Dhruva
Devahuti,
daughter of Swayambhuva Manu and Satarupa had two brothers, Priyavrata and
Uttanapada. The latter became king and he had two wives Suniti and Suruchi.
Suniti’s son was called Dhruva and Suruchi’s son was Uthama.
Suruchi the younger was the favourite wife. One day,
the king was sitting on his throne with the younger wife Suruchi. Her son
Uthama was sitting on the lap of the king. The king fondled the younger prince
Uthama. The elder prince Dhruva was playing nearby and he also wanted to be
fondled by his father. Dhruva toddled up to the throne and climbed up the steps
to sit on his father’s lap. The haughty queen pushed him aside and said, “ If
you want to sit on your father’s lap you should be born as my son. Go away to
the forest and pray to Hari to be born as my son.”
Dhruva began to cry when he heard her taunting
words. But he was a king’s son. He hissed like a serpent that was beaten by a
rod and ran to his mother. The poor queen took him up in her arms and kissed
him. From Dhruva’s playmates the queen heard about it all and began to shed
tears. In her distress, she called upon Lord Hari. She took the child in her
lap and said tearfully,” Beloved son, Lord Hari is your unfailing refuge. You
were born to an unfortunate one. The king is ashamed even to look at me. You
are suckled and brought up by me who am most unfortunate.. We are all suffering
for our past mistakes. Worship the lotus feet of Sree Hari, your desire shall
be fulfilled.”
The poor queen wilted like a tendril in a forest fire. Dhruva was now resolved
with unbelievable firmness. He resolved to follow his mother’s advice and
started for the forest.
Sri Narada hearing of this met Dhruva on the way and warned the child
about the dangers ahead. But Dhruva was so firm that in the end the sage ended by helping him. Sri Narada
pointed the way to Madhuvana on the bank of the Yamuna as a place dear to the Lord. Then he gave a
glorious description of the Lord’s form and imparted the holy mantra,
“
“
These mantras consisted of twelve
syllables.
Then the divine Sage said to Dhruva.“Dhruva, You
should bathe three times a day and perform puja with thulasi and other flowers.
Constantly remember the fascinating stories of the Lord’s Avatars and do your
tapas.”
Dhruva heard all this with rapt attention and
prostrated before the sage and went
towards Madhuvana. He began his great tapas, the like of which has never been
heard of, either before or after.
Bathing in the river before dawn, he began meditating
on Sri Hari as directed by Sri Narada. His food consisted of only a few fruits
in the first month. In the second month, he ate only a little grass; in the
third only a few fallen leaves. In the fourth month, he established control
over the breath. In the fifth he would stand on only one leg and when he
changed his stance to the other leg, the earth began to shake. In the sixth
month restraining all outlets , he became one with the universe. Fumes and
flames began to rise around him.. The devas in heaven became breathless and
were toppled from their seats. Gasping and breathless and in great fear, they
approached Sri Hari the ultimate refuge of all. Sri Hari consoled them.
“Have no fear you gods. The son of Uttanapada is
doing intense tapas. I will go and pacify him.”
Dhruva was absorbed in the form of Sri Hari and the
whole universe in his heart. He suddenly missed the Lord in his heart. He
opened his eyes and saw the same Hari standing before him.
He was dumb for a moment not knowing how to praise the
Lord. The lord touched his forehead
with his conch and then hymns of praise gushed forth from his lips.
“O! Lord! Having created this universe, you have
entered the hearts of everything alive or inert. You make them act with your
Maya , keeping them under the illusion
that they are independent. Only by your grace can we come out of this illusion.
May you be pleased to grant us this grace and the final resting place which is
yourself.” Sri Hari granted him sovereignty
of the earth and advised him to go back to his father.
After leaving Dhruva in the forest Sri Narada
straightaway met king Uttanapada who was by this time bitterly repenting his
conduct. The Devarishi Narada assured him that Dhruva would return after the
tapas and that he would bring great honour and fame to the royal line.
The months passed soon and messengers announced that
Dhruva was returning. The king went in his royal palanquin with the queens to
welcome Dhruva. The courtiers, priests and all the royal retinue went with the
king to receive Dhruva . The king
conducted him to his palace with great love. Dhruva prostrated before Suruchi
first and then before his mother and father and they all embraced him with
tearful eyes.
There was great rejoicing throughout the kingdom for
many days. But a sad event befell before long. It was the practice for princes
to go out hunting in those days. Prince Uttama
had gone to the forest when as fate would have it a gandharva
killed him. Dhruva was infuriated and he entered the forest with a vast army,
determined to avenge the death of his brother. Dhruva had acquired divine
weapons by his tapas. A fierce battle ensued and the gandharvas were almost
exterminated. Kubera, the lord of wealth and one of the guardians of the world
was in sore straits. Now Brahma appeared and appealed to Dhruva to show mercy
to a beaten enemy. Dhruva obeyed and in return Brahma granted him numerous
boons. Poor queen Suruchi in her grief entered the forest and a forest fire
killed her.
King Uttanapada became very old. He had conducted
many yagnas and had ruled long and well .
And like his forefathers he
decided to retire to the forest for tapas. So Dhruva was crowned as king. Long
were the festivities and it is said that even the gods graced the occasion.
Dhruva was the ideal king; the darling of his
subjects. He too conducted many yagnas. There was peace and plenty everywhere.
But he too, was subject to time and handing over his kingdom to his son,
entered the forest for tapas. In due time a divine chariot appeared. Sri Hari’s
parshadas gloriously attired and waving lotus flowers beckoned to him to enter
the chariot.. Dhruva raised one foot and then hesitated for, he remembered his
poor mother. The divine messenger read his thoughts and pointed to another
chariot that was already speeding toward heaven.. Suniti was reclining there
happily, surrounded and attended by heavenly damsels. Dhruva’s attendant showed him his final
abode. He became the pole star high above the world and remained there forever.
All other stars and galaxies revolved below.
You may see the Dhruva Star even to day as the Pole
Star looking down and blessing all mortals.
CHAPTER 4
Sk 4.
Ch 16 . Slokam 16
The Story
of Venan
Srimad
Bhagavatham is a replica of the world’s virtue and vice. It is like day and
night, that appear and disappear. After the passing of such a heroic soul like
Dhruva, there appeared on the scene, Venan the personification of
senseless wickedness. Born in the same line of illustrious kings Venan
was the son of king Anga and queen Sumitha. Even as a child, his evil nature
showed up. Being quite strong, he would toss his playmates into the swollen
river and watch the drowning children with great delight. As he grew up his
wickedness also grew. The people became desperate and appealed to the king who
in desperation banished him to the forest. King Anga was disconsolate. His heir
and only son banished, he too retired to the forest. He did tapas like his
forefathers and attained the feet of Lord Hari.
The land was without a ruler and soon the effects
were seen. Robbers had a field day, roaming everywhere looting and killing. The
rishis who were performing a holy sathra (yagna) on the banks of river
Saraswathy were startled to see clouds of dust and smoke raised by the robbers.
Now Venan, though he was a ruffian, was a strong ruler and the rishis requested
him to resume his kingship. He put down the robbers with a strong hand and
there was peace again. But now he was more arrogant. He proclaimed with
placards and drum-beat that he alone was to be worshipped and yagnas should be
conducted for him only. When the sages remonstrated he fretted and fumed.” I am
protecting you, so you must worship me. Instead , like an unchaste wife
who worships her paramour, you worship Hari. Out with you!” The Rishis were
roused and chanted “Hum!” The Kundalini fire was roused. It rose up their
spines and blazed through their eyes and Venan was burned up. The charred body
remained. This did not solve their problem. The robbers were again on the
rampage.
Venan’s mother, queen Sumitha had somehow kept his
body intact. The Rishis approached and
took the dead body. Chanting
powerful hymns they churned Venan’s thigh. A black dwarf with low forehead, a
flat nose and curly hair came out. “Give me a place to live,” he cried and the
rishis assigned him the forest. From that day onwards, the dark forests have
been the dwelling place of his race. The right arm of the corpse was churned
next and a divine form with all the marks of divinity emerged. The conch, the
disc and lotus marks were all clear. With further churning a goddess of the
same figure emerged. The celestials showered heavenly flowers and garlands and
danced overhead to the music of flutes and cymbals. A cool breeze blew wafting
divine scent and there was an unutterable peace everywhere. Evidently here was
an avatar of Hari . The rishis named them as Prithu and Archis.
Prithu and Archis
They
grew up in a moment proving their divine origin and the Rishis crowned them as
King and Queen. They were the greatest of all kings and queens. Peace was
restored almost immediately, as punishment was quick and stern. The earth which
was untilled and barren was tilled by the king himself setting an example. In
his golden chariot he went round the earth seven times leveling down the hill
tops, leveling up the valleys and throwing bridges across wide rivers. He
constructed broad road ways throughout the land. There was prosperity and
happiness everywhere .The great poet Sage Veda Vyasa compares the earth to a
great cow and the king to a master milkman, who could milk out anything and
every thing needed for man.
The cow, goddess earth, was very generous and
various people milked whatever they wanted. The devas milked off nectar. The
apsaras, heavenly damsels, got divine perfumes and flowers and gandharvas,
got the art of music and dance . The rishis got kusa grass and materials for
conducting yagnas The asuras milked off wine that inebriates. The earth was
covered with green fields. There was plenty of rain in season and no deluge.
And even the sun’s heat did not scorch. Robbers did not dare show their faces.
Justice was quick and stern and impartial. Heaven had almost come to earth. It
was evident that an avatar of Sri Hari was the ruler.
The king, like his forefathers, decided to conduct a grand yagna. It
was a grand offering to the gods for the benefits they showered on the people.
The gods subsist on their yagna offerings . Grand arrangements were made on the
banks of the river Saraswathy.
Invitations were sent to all the kings, sages and people in all ranks of life.
The priests seated around the holy fire recited Vedic hymns. They poured ghee
and oblations in the holy fire and all the devas were personally present to
receive the offerings. In this way King Prithu conducted ninety nine grand
yagnas and the hundredth was in progress. Now, Indra, the king of gods became
jealous, instead of receiving his share with gratitude. He was the only person who had completed
hundred yagnas and received the title of Sata Kratu - performer of hundred
yagnas - and now here was a rival. He could not brook this and so ,
disguised as a barbarian he stole the sacrificial horse. As he was speeding
across the sky with the stolen horse, the leader of the priests ,
sage Athri, spotted him and ordered the king’s son to pursue him and recover
the horse. The prince went in hot pursuit and recovered the horse. This was
repeated two or three times. Finally king Prithu himself took up the pursuit
with his divine weapons He would have killed Indra when
Brahma appeared and pleaded with king Prithu as Indra was one of the immortals and deserved
to be spared. The magnanimous king obeyed out of respect and in return they
showered many gifts on the king, though really he did not need any. Lord Brahma
added that Prithu would get all the benefits and credit of completing hundred
yagnas.
After a long and glorious reign king Prithu’s time was
running out . Before final retirement and exit he once more decided
to give a final farewell address . He summoned them all in a
vast assembly and addressed them thus.” My dear people, Hear me!
“So, take refuge at his merciful feet; surrender your burdens there and
enjoy serene happiness So while on this earth, serve holy men. An offering made
to a sage is an offering made direct to Him. He Himself derives His power by
following these sages. Finally, he who has a virtuous character and he who is
grateful and kind to old people, is sought after and blessed by prosperity. And
may God bless us all “ The vast concourse raised their voice in appreciation. “
We are indeed blessed to have such a great king as our ruler. Not only our
present position is blessed but our future is also assured. May you live long.”
Singing the glory of God they dispersed.
Then by chance there arrived the Kumaras. They are the first four ascetics who never grow old. They appeared as
five year old children and attended on Lord Hari reciting holy Vedas.
They could travel anywhere in all the worlds and wishing to convey their
blessings, they appeared before the king. Bowing low the king said, “Great
Maharishis, I should not ask if you are well because you are self realized
souls always in the presence of Hari. And if you roam about the world, it is
only to shower blessings. Still kindly advise how mortals should conduct
themselves. ” Kumaras replied “ The easiest way to reach the Lord is
through unstinted love and devotion. Recite his stories and love fellow
creatures great and small. This removes from the mind even the last vestiges of
passion and illusion. By constant association with the realized saints and
carefully avoiding the company of the worldly, the mind is slowly brought under
control and it almost vanishes. With the disappearance of this intervening
reflecting medium – the mind - you are face to face with the Lord and there is
nothing more to be gained.” Their work done, the Kumaras vanished. The king
continued to rule, his divine tendencies further strengthened by the Kumaras,.
Every action of the king, strengthened the hands of God. Handing over the
kingdom to his son, the king retired to the forest for the final penance and
exit. The queen Archis also followed him. Reducing his body by severe penance
to a shadow of his former royal presence he roused up the Kundalini fire and
the body vanished. The queen too entered that fire and as in life, so too in
death they rose to the higher world.
Thus ends the immortal story of King Prithu and Queen Archis setting a
glorious example to all succeeding kings and fellow mortals.
CHAPTER 5
Sk
4 . Ch 25 . Slokam 58
Prachinabarhis
and His Sons the Prachetases
Prominent in the long line of descendants of Prithu was Prachinabarhis
who was famous for performing yagnas. He performed them so continuously that if
the kusa grass used for it was laid end to end, it would girdle the earth. He
had twelve sons all alike and virtuous . The king asked them to travel and
meditate until they found Hari. They travelled due west and reached a lake near
the sea coast. They could hear a heavenly music. A gentle breeze wafted
heavenly scents. And there emerged from the lake the glorious form of
Lord Siva , like a burnished statue of gold with
shining face, a bluish neck and a coiled serpent as necklace. With arms
outstretched and one leg raised he was dancing the cosmic dance.
The princes overcome with awe and wonder prostrated before the Lord and
prayed for guidance.
Lord Siva, addressed them thus, “You are blessed princes! The lovers of
Sri Hari are dear to me. Brahma, Vishnu and myself are the same. We are only
three aspects of the one, universal, Omnipotent power. As Brahma it creates, as
Vishnu it sustains and as Siva it destroys and this cycle rotates .So
worship without any difference and escape from this cycle of birth and
death.” Saying this Sri Siva vanished.
Sri Siva’s address to the princes is known as the famous Rudra
Geetham.The princes repeated this hymn and immersed in the lake. They did
penance for many years until after a very long time Sri Hari
himself appeared in a blaze of glory, mounted on Garuda and with goddess
Lakshmy by his side. He was flanked by the heavenly retinue. Sri Hari said, “I
am pleased with your tapas and your innate purity and devotion to Sri Rudra.
Ask me any boon”.
The princes, thrilled with the vision, with one voice requested, “Grant
us O Lord! That wherever we may be , we will have the company of holy
sages . Nothing is dearer to us than hearing your glory.” The lord
granted their request and added, “He who is kind to all creatures is always
blessed. Now depart and do as your father desires.”
Accordingly, they returned to their kingdom and ruled over their vast
kingdom as advised by the sages. They married and after a glorious reign,
crowned their eldest son Daksha ,who was a re-incarnation of the earlier
Daksha, as king. They returned to the forest to do penance and attained
freedom.
Meanwhile Sree Narada approached Prachinabarhis. who had become old. and
was still performing yajnas.. Sree Narada said, “O King! Enough of these
desire motivated sacrifices. Just touch me and look there!” As the king
looked he observed all the cattle he had slaughtered in the sacrifices.
They were waiting to tear him to pieces when he too would go to the other world.
The king was terrified and then Sree
Narada told the following story.
The Allegory
of King Puranjana
King Puranjana accompanied by his close friend Avijnata wandered in
search of an ideal place to build a city. At last he found an ideal place in the
southern side of the
The king congratulated himself thinking that he had reached the end of
his search. Meanwhile his companion had slipped away. Then the king heard
a pleasant sound as of
anklets near by. A beautiful damsel approached him. She was accompanied
by soldiers and a serpent. The king was spell bound to see her beauty. He
said.” Are you the goddess Parvathy, Lakshmy or Saraswathy? Or an apsara? It
cannot be, because your feet are touching the ground. These grim soldiers
following you, are they your guardians? And this coiled serpent with five
hoods, is he also your guardian?” The
damsel replied, “I am the queen of this city. I am unmarried and I am looking
for a protector and husband. Who would not be attracted by such a handsome,
noble warrior like you? Let us together enjoy all these gifts of God”.
Puranjana who had a natural liking for sensual pleasures, needed no
further persuasion and embarked on a life of stark enjoyment. He was so
engrossed in sensual pleasures that he forgot everything else. He would talk
when she talked, he would sing when she sang and he would dance when she danced
. He wept when she would weep, and laughed when she would laugh. He did not
trouble himself with the affairs of government and left it entirely to his
councillors. He would go out hunting all-day
carousing and sleeping all night.
Thus passed months and months lengthened into years, many years. The
king, like any one else, was getting old and time brought changes that were not
too pleasant. The gandharvas three hundred and sixty in number accompanied by
their ladies fair and dark, mounted an attack on Puranjana’s city. They were
assisted by the yavanas. A fearful lady called kala kanya(time) who could suck
the strength out of one’s limbs and Prajivara (disease), her ally , visited Puranjana.. Weakened by a long
life of reckless indulgence, deserted by sons and friends he put up a brave
resistance. His guards were beaten back; even the guardian serpent could do
nothing. The enemy swarmed in like a flood and the king sank back, still
thinking of his wife. He could never think about god even in his last moments.
As he could think only about his queen always after death he was born as
a woman, the daughter of the king of Vidarbha. The child soon grew up as a
beautiful princess and in due time was married to Malayadhwaja, the Pandyan
king. The sacred river Tambraparni flows through his kingdom. They had five
sons and a daughter. Being a saintly king, he entrusted the rule to his sons
and retired to the forest accompanied by the queen. Very soon he attained
Brahmam and the queen was now left with a corpse. She (king Puranjana)
wailed her loss and gathered a funeral pyre. She took a dip in the river
and was about to jump into the lighted pyre when a sage suddenly appeared
and stopped her.
The sage was Avijnata (the unknown) his former boon companion .The two
had together roamed over the world He said,“Dear friend, we are two
birds . Together we were roaming over
the world .. We were sitting on a tree enjoying the calm. Then you the ‘Jeeva’
wanted to taste the pleasures of the world. You plunged into it leaving me
alone. Now you have tasted the pleasures. You are not this widowed queen; not
even Puranjana. You are my image. Remove
the reflecting medium ,mind, and we are
one. Come! We shall fly over land and sea and over hill and dale; basking in
God’s sunshine; enjoyng eternal bliss.” And the two, now one, flew away.
As Narada concluded, king Prachina Barhis asked. “Great Sage! I have not
fully understood the meaning of the allegory. Kindly explain more fully .” Then
Sri Narada continued, “The city with the nine gates is your body with the nine
holes,. two eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth and so on. The queen is none other than
“Budhi” i.e. intellect whom every one obeys. The serpent with five hoods is the
prana (breath) with five aspects as prana, apana, vyana , udana,
and samana. The attacking gandharvas are days and nights. Kala kanya is the
terrible maid of time, and Prajivara is disease to which all must succumb and
Avijnata is our immortal conscience which we must never neglect. And if you
want to end this seemingly endless sequence of birth and death take refuge in
Sri Hari. Resort to the company of the saints and enjoy everlasting peace and
bliss.”
The king listened to the advice. He gave up all sacrifices and retired
to the forest. He went to Kapilasram and doing intense penance, attained
Brahmam.