Sachi R

Friday, April 14, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam X a.18 - 14 April 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Friday, 14 April 2023 - X a.18 - Sri Krishna and Balarama have a great time in the salubrious Vrindavan with Gopas when Pralambasura comes to abduct them. Balarama finishes him off.

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The childhood pastimes of Sri Krishna and Balarama in Vrindavan are described enchantingly by Vyasa in several verses.

व्रजे विक्रीडतोरेवं गोपालच्छद्ममायया । ग्रीष्मो नामर्तुरभवन्नातिप्रेयाञ्छरीरिणाम् ॥

स च वृन्दावनगुणैर्वसन्त इव लक्षितः । यत्रास्ते भगवान् साक्षाद्रामेण सह केशवः ॥

वनं कुसुमितं श्रीमन्नदच्चित्रमृगद्विजम् । गायन्मयूरभ्रमरं कूजत्कोकिलसारसम् ॥

क्रीडिष्यमाणस्तत्कृष्णो भगवान् बलसंयुतः ।वेणुं विरणयन् गोपैर्गोधनैःसंवृतोऽविशत् ॥

T: While Sri Krishna and Balarama continued to have a splendid time in their incarnations as cowherds in the company of their friends, Vraja experienced the burning heat of summer, unwelcome by anyone. Sri Krishna knew that Vrindavan was blessed by tall trees of shade and plenty of water bodies and the Yamuna river nearby, so it was an oasis of shade and coolness. So all the boys took their cattle and went away to Vrindavan for a great time.

It was perennial spring season there, as it were. The water cascades and dashing river waves used to splash everyone with cool drops. The birds and insects were in constant song, drowned by the sound of flowing waters. Vrindavan was a continual celebration of Nature. The grass was luscious green. The flowers spread much fragrance. The flowering garden attracted spotted deer and birds of coloured feathers. Peacocks danced, cuckoos, cranes and bees were busy with their music. As the Gopas played endlessly, Sri Krishna and Balarama joined in all the fun. Krishna was playing his flute, watching the Gopas tending their cattle with much joy.

Sage Vyasa mentions how all the boys had a great aesthetic sense and decorated themselves with lovely flowers, leaves and creepers and danced merrily. Some were fighting mock wrestling matches, and some were singing their favourite songs. Sri Krishna was a great dancer and when he danced, all the Gopas accompanied him on various instruments. There were constant shouts of Bravo! Well done, Krishna! and so on. Vyasa reminds us that all the Gopas were themselves gods incarnated to be with Bhagavan.

The games they played were many- Rama and Krishna holding hands and rotating in circles, leaping, running, chasing, hopping, plucking fruits, getting them by catapults when beyond their reach, and so on. The Gopas made ropes and played tug of war. They used unripe fruits like Bel and Gooseberry as balls to play the original version of cricket. Hide and seek was a favourite too. Making faces, mimicry, hanging from trees like langurs and so on were frequent games. Some would start carrying others on their backs and run. Sometimes they would play-act as King and his court and so on.

Imagine the verdant forest, the cool breeze, the lovely shade, the flowers, birds, animals, and all the Gopas having such fabulous fun. You get the picture.

पशूंश्चारयतोर्गोपैस्तद्वने रामकृष्णयोः । गोपरूपी प्रलम्बोऽगादसुरस्तज्जिहीर्षया ॥

तं विद्वानपि दाशार्हो भगवान् सर्वदर्शनः ।अन्वमोदत तत्सख्यं वधं तस्य विचिन्तयन् ॥

तत्रोपाहूय गोपालान् कृष्णः प्राह विहारवित् । हे गोपा विहरिष्यामो द्वन्द्वीभूय यथायथम् ॥

T: Pralamba, an Asura, wanted to abduct Sri Krishna and Balarama, presumably for a big reward from Kamsa. He, therefore, assumed the form of a Gopa, came to Vrindavan, and blended in with the large contingent of Gopas easily. Sri Krishna who missed no trick in the universe saw him and thought about how to deal with him. He announced that there would be a new set of games between two teams. Balarama headed one team and Sri Krishna the other. The games were many. The winning team of boys would be carried on their shoulders by the defeated side to a designated spot. This game started and simultaneously, the boys were also grazing the cattle. Thus, the entire group slowly moved to a spot called Bhandiravana.

Pralamba was greatly afraid of Krishna, having heard of his exploits. So he played safe by being in Krishna's team. When Krishna's team was defeated, Krishna carried Sri Dama on his shoulder, and Bhadrasena carried Vrishabha, and so on. Thus, a chance came for Pralamba to carry Balarama on his shoulders. What a golden chance! Pralamba put Balarama on his shoulders, and started running. He ran quite far, and Balarama was wondering what was happening when the Asura cast aside his Gopa form and revealed himself to be a terrific monster! Balarama decided to increase his own weight and he became unbearable. The dark demon was wearing shining ornaments and displaying bushy brows and sharp teeth and rough red hair. In fact, Balarama was somewhat scared!

अथागतस्मृतिरभयो रिपुं बलो विहायसार्थमिव हरन्तमात्मनः ।

रुषाहनच्छिरसि दृढेन मुष्टिना सुराधिपो गिरिमिव वज्ररंहसा ॥

दृष्ट्वा प्रलम्बं निहतं बलेन बलशालिना ।

गोपाः सुविस्मिता आसन् साधु साध्विति वादिनः ॥

पापे प्रलम्बे निहते देवाः परमनिर्वृताः ।अभ्यवर्षन् बलं माल्यैः शशंसुः साधु साध्विति ॥

T: Then Balarama remembered his own true nature. He was Adi Shesha who bore the world on his hood! He realised that the game was up. He began to rain blows on Pralamba's head with his fists like Indra struck mountains with the Vajra. Just as the mountains were shattered by Indra's blows, Pralamba's head was shattered by Balarama and he fell down vomiting blood and died. All this was being seen by the terrified Gopas, who were at last mightily relieved and shouted cries of victory. Again, they had been saved from a monster! Balarama was safe!

The gods who were watching this from the heavens celebrated the death of evil Pralamba who had a rowdy sheet very long. They rained garlands of celestial flowers on Lord Balarama. There were proclamations of "Sadhu! Sadhu!- Well Done! Well done!"

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

In Raja Ram's Darbar

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam X a.17- 13 April 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Thursday, 13 April 2023 - X a.17 - Why Kaliya was camping near Yamuna. After Kaliya's departure, a forest fire engulfs all and Sri Krishna drinks up the infernal fire!

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Indeed, Ramanaka Dweepa was the island where all the serpents had been living. They shared an inborn hostility to Garuda, their step-brother, whose food was snakes! They came to an arrangement that once a month, Garuda would come for his meal and a serpent would be offered as his food under a tree. That would make Garuda stay away for the rest of the month.

This arrangement worked until Kaliya, a powerful King Cobra, decided he was powerful enough to defy Garuda. He began to go and eat up Garuda's offering! This was not countenanced by Garuda. When Garuda came and knew what had happened, he attacked Kaliya. Kaliya bit him on his chest and tried to kill him. But Garuda was a divine being, a vehicle of Maha Vishnu, and survived.

तं तार्क्ष्यपुत्रः स निरस्य मन्युमान्प्र चण्डवेगो मधुसूदनासनः ।

पक्षेण सव्येन हिरण्यरोचिषा जघान कद्रूसुतमुग्रविक्रमः ॥

T: Garuda then swooped on Kaliya in utter rage. His force was unbearable as he smashed Kaliya with his left wing, golden and radiant. That blow nearly killed Kaliya but he surrvived.

Kaliya, now fearing for his life, found a safe haven near Yamuna. The story which was known only to him among the serpents was that Garuda had once offended Sage Saubhari who had prohibited him from fishing in the Yamuna. That was where the sage was staying and had given protection to all the fish. Once, Garuda was very hungry and looking for fish. He laughed at the sage's instruction when he was warned and ate up the king of that school of fish. The fish were most distraught to lose their leader. Sage Saubhari cursed Garuda that he shall never again attack fish in the Yamuna. Garuda, apologetic, stayed away from the Yamuna henceforth. Kaliya, therefore, made his safe haven there and created his celebrated snake pit.

Now when Sri Krishna told Kaliya that Garuda would henceforth spare him and he shall return to Ramanaka, Kaliya was greatly relieved. His queens showered precious gifts in gratitude on Sri Krishna.

The Gopas and their cattle had found a new life, thanks to Sri Krishna. Nanda, Yashoda and Rohini hugged Krishna and showered kisses. So did Balarama, seating him on his lap.

Holy Brahmins came to felicitate Nanda on the fortunate way Sri Krishna had triumphed against Kaliya and also the liberation of the Gokula people and their cattle from the torment of Kaliya. They requested generous gifts in celebration, which Nanda was most happy to give.

Everyone was most tired. They had no energy left to return to Gokula. They camped for the night in the same spot. Vyasa says that the mountains, trees, animals and birds all seemed in a joyous mood.

That night, while all the Vraja citizens and their animals were resting in the forest, a strange thing occurred. The forest was quite dry since it was the hot season before rain. The dry branches rubbed against one another in the night wind and this started a huge forest fire. The fierce fire woke up everyone. They all rushed to Krishna.

तत उत्थाय सम्भ्रान्ता दह्यमाना व्रजौकसः । कृष्णं ययुस्ते शरणं मायामनुजमीश्वरम् ॥

कृष्ण कृष्ण महाभाग हे रामामितविक्रम । एष घोरतमो वह्निस्तावकान् ग्रसते हि नः ॥

सुदुस्तरान्नः स्वान् पाहि कालाग्नेः सुहृदः प्रभो । न शक्नुमस्त्वच्चरणं सन्त्यक्तुमकुतोभयम् ॥

इत्थं स्वजनवैक्लव्यं निरीक्ष्य जगदीश्वरः । तमग्निमपिबत्तीव्रमनन्तोऽनन्तशक्तिधृक् ॥

T: The rudely awakened Gopas rushed to Krishna, in surrender, knowing well that he was divinity alone in the garb of a human. "Oh, Krishna, Krishna! Lord, and Balarama too, see this deadly fire! It is going to consume all that are dear to you both! Lord Krishna, save us from this Kalagni (Inferno). We are surrendered totally to you and have nowhere to go."

Jagadishwara, Lord of the Universe, Sri Krishna, felt immense compassion for them all. He simply opened his mouth and swallowed up the forest fire.

After all, Vyasa says, he was अनन्तशक्तिधृक् the master of limitless powers.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam X a.16 - 12 April 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Wednesday, 12 April 2023 - X a.16 - Sri Krishna tames the terrible thousand-hooded Kaliya serpent and frees Yamuna of poison.

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This episode of the very young Sri Krishna taming the deadly Kaliya is the stuff of legend that Indians cherish. "Natwar Nagar" "Kalinga Nartan" "Kaliya Mardan" and such terms will give you in Google search uploads and episodes which have garnered millions of views. The episode is full of drama, dance, music and prayer. It is the epitome of the divine triumvirate of Beauty+Goodness+Truth, extolled around the world in all cultures.

Here is a picture of the unique worship idol of Chinmaya Deenabandhu Sri Krishna.

When Sri Shuka mentions how Sri Krishna vanquished the deadly king cobra Kaliya dwelling in the Yamuna and poisoning its waters, King Parikshit has a relevant question. These serpents do not live in rivers. How could Krishna also fight the serpent under water? Shuka explains that Kaliya, the deadly thousand-hooded cobra, with his family, lived in a large poison pit on the bank of the Yamuna. He tormented all and made a meal of everything that came within his territory. His pit emitted deadly poison vapours and he had comprehensively poisoned that bend of the Yamuna river.

Sri Krishna ran to the Yamuna bank, saw Kaliya sporting in the river.

तं चण्डवेगविषवीर्यमवेक्ष्य तेन दुष्टां नदीं च खलसंयमनावतारः ।

कृष्णः कदम्बमधिरुह्य ततोऽतितुङ्गमास्फोट्य गाढरशनो न्यपतद्विषोदे ॥

T: Seeing that the lightningly agile, poisonous Kaliya had poisoned the river, Sri Krishna, born only to school the evil, climbed a tall Kadamba tree, and leaped straight into the river to attack Kailya.

Kaliya heard this tumultous plunge in what he considered his kingdom. Shuka clarifies he heard the splash with his eyes (चक्षुश्रवाः), since serpents don't possess ears like humans! Kaliya rushed to attack Krishna. Kaliya saw the most enchanting blue god with the golden Sri Vatsa mark on his chest vigorously splashing about in the dark and fuming Yamuna in an eerie sight. Kaliya attacked Sri Krishna. He bit Krishna hard on his chest and encircled him in a choking bind. Soon Krishna appeared unconscious in the grip of this demoniac snake. The Gopas, Gopis, cows and calves all started weeping that their beloved was dead. They all swooned in sorrow.

Nanda and the elders heard how Krishna had gone alone to Yamuna, without Balarama. They saw many evil portents, indicating someone might die. They all thought Sri Krishna was in mortal danger!

प्रहस्य किञ्चन्नोवाच प्रभावज्ञोऽनुजस्य सः

Balarama alone, being an Amsha of the Lord himself, smiled, knowing who Sri Krishna was and what he would do.

Everyone rushed to the Yamuna bank. What they saw stupefied their minds -a limp and lifeless-looking Krishna in the grip of Kaliya! They all wanted to leap into the water at once to save Krishna. Balarama held them back with difficulty.

Krishna had great compassion. He did not want his beloved men, animals, or birds to be any more distressed.

इत्थं स्वगोकुलमनन्यगतिं निरीक्ष्य सस्त्रीकुमारमतिदुःखितमात्महेतोः ।

आज्ञाय मर्त्यपदवीमनुवर्तमानः स्थित्वा मुहूर्तमुदतिष्ठदुरङ्गबन्धात् ॥

तत्प्रथ्यमानवपुषा व्यथितात्मभोगस्त्यक्त्वोन्नमय्य कुपितः स्वफणान् भुजङ्गः ।

तस्थौ श्वसञ्छ्वसनरन्ध्रविषाम्बरीषस्तब्धेक्षणोल्मुकमुखो हरिमीक्षमाणः ॥

तं जिह्वया द्विशिखया परिलेलिहानं द्वे सृक्किणी ह्यतिकरालविषाग्निदृष्टिम् ।

क्रीडन्नमुं परिससार यथा खगेन्द्रोबभ्राम सोऽप्यवसरं प्रसमीक्षमाणः ॥

एवं परिभ्रमहतौजसमुन्नतांसमानम्य तत्पृथुशिरःस्वधिरूढ आद्यः ।

तन्मूर्धरत्ननिकरस्पर्शातिताम्रपादाम्बुजोऽखिलकलादिगुरुर्ननर्त ॥

तं नर्तुमुद्यतमवेक्ष्य तदा तदीयगन्धर्वसिद्धसुरचारणदेववध्वः ।

प्रीत्या मृदङ्गपणवानकवाद्यगीतपुष्पोपहारनुतिभिः सहसोपसेदुः ॥

यद्यच्छिरो न नमतेऽङ्ग शतैकशीर्ष्णस्तत्तन्ममर्द खरदण्डधरोऽङ्घ्रिपातैः ।

क्षीणायुषो भ्रमत उल्बणमास्यतोऽसृङ्नस्तो वमन् परमकश्मलमाप नागः ॥

तस्याक्षिभिर्गरलमुद्वमतः शिरस्सु यद्यत्समुन्नमति निःश्वसतो रुषोच्चैः ।

नृत्यन् पदानुनमयन् दमयाम्बभूव पुष्पैः प्रपूजित इवेह पुमान् पुराणः ॥

तच्चित्रताण्डवविरुग्णफणातपत्रो रक्तं मुखैरुरु वमन् नृप भग्नगात्रः ।

स्मृत्वा चराचरगुरुं पुरुषं पुराणं नारायणं तमरणं मनसा जगाम ॥

कृष्णस्य गर्भजगतोऽतिभरावसन्नं पार्ष्णिप्रहारपरिरुग्णफणातपत्रम् ।

दृष्ट्वाहिमाद्यमुपसेदुरमुष्य पत्न्य आर्ताः श्लथद्वसनभूषणकेशबन्धाः ॥

तास्तं सुविग्नमनसोऽथ पुरस्कृतार्भाः कायं निधाय भुवि भूतपतिं प्रणेमुः ।

साध्व्यः कृताञ्जलिपुटाः शमलस्य भर्तुर्मोक्षेप्सवः शरणदं शरणं प्रपन्नाः ॥

T: Sri Krishna was play-acting his human role, bitten and bound by Kaliya, when he saw the utter distress of the Gopas and Gopis and cattle of Nanda Gokula, all entirely surrendered to him. He decided to end the stalemate. He began to swell in size to the point Kaliya thought his body would be torn into pieces. He let go. Then there was a fierce face-off, with the hoods of Kaliya menacingly staring at Krishna with fiery eyes, spewing poisonous vapours, and Krishna scarifyingly staring back at Kaliya. Kaliya's breath was poisonous, fuming from his several nostrils. His tongues darted like deadly fire and his fangs were on full display. Krishna looked like Garuda, hovering overhead waiting to pounce and catch the serpent. Kaliya was trying to strike Krishna. Krishna suddenly bent a few hoods of Kaliya by hand and leaped over him. Krishna started stomping on Kaliya, with Kaliya's bejewelled hoods looking eerie in beauty with Krishna's lotus feet wreaking havoc.

Vyasa describes Krishna's dance. What can I say? Imagine the sight! Natwar Nagar!

As Krishna danced, the celestials came with a full ensemble of instruments - Taala, Mridanga, kettle drum, cymbals, and so on. They played divine music to which Krishna danced nonchalantly, leaping from hood to hood and all the time giving death-like blows to Kaliya's hoods. Kaliya bled, the drops of blood decorating Krishna's blue, menacing feet that were at the same time so lovely! Every one of Kaliya's thousand hoods rose and tried to attack and bite Krishna, and every one of them was trampled upon instantly. Soon Kaliya was in utter defeat, suffering greatly in every one of his hoods. He collapsed, about to give up his life breath. At that instant, he realised that Sri Krishna was none other than Paramatma Narayana Himself, come down to tame him. He at once surrendered to Sri Krishna. Thinking about how Bhagavan contained within Himself the entire cosmos, Kaliya felt no wonder that the weight of the world seemed to rest on his hoods.

Kaliya's queens were celestials. They came to Sri Krishna in tears, asking him to spare Kaliya. They spoke:

"Dear Lord, no wonder our husband King Kaliya has become too venomous, swollen with haughtiness and has thus tormented all. He deserves your punishment. But Lord, we know you are Bhagavan, Paramatma. All that happens in creation is but by Your will alone. In fact, we feel Kaliya here is most blessed. He must have done some great good deed (Dharma) and charity to merit your direct punishment which is nothing but a cleansing. Don't we know that even Devi Lakshmi hankers for the touch of Your feet? That is why every true seeker wants the refuge of Your feet in preference to all heavens and glories."

Vyasa makes these queens of Kaliya speak the highest spiritual truths now, including facts like the immanence of Bhagavan, how He is the Creator, Protector and Destroyer, Kaala or Time Himself, and how all the creation runs under His watch. They even joke about empty philosophical debates about whether Bhagavan is without form, with form and so on. The Lord prescribes goal-oriented action as well as abnegation, to keep the universe going. They also say how He alone has become Sankarshana Balarama, Sri Krishna and so on.

तस्यैव तेऽमूस्तनवस्त्रिलोक्यां शान्ता अशान्ता उत मूढयोनयः ।

शान्ताः प्रियास्ते ह्यधुनावितुं सतां स्थातुश्च ते धर्मपरीप्सयेहतः ॥

अपराधः सकृद्भर्त्रा सोढव्यः स्वप्रजाकृतः । क्षन्तुमर्हसि शान्तात्मन् मूढस्य त्वामजानतः ॥

T: "Bhagavan, the creation of different beings in different wombs, displaying Sattva/Shanta, Rajas/Ashanta, and Tamas/Moodha tendencies, are all Your doing alone. Of course, those in Sattva are dear to You. But is it also not true that the King has to condone the occasional wrongdoing of his citizens, especially those in darkness and ignorance, out of compassion and school them? That is our appeal for Your mercy for Kaliya. Do not make us widows. Kaliya will lead a reformed life, we assure you."

Kaliya also spoke in utter surrender.

वयं खलाः सहोत्पत्त्या तामसा दीर्घमन्यवः । स्वभावो दुस्त्यजो नाथ लोकानां यदसद्ग्रहः ॥

भवान् हि कारणं तत्र सर्वज्ञो जगदीश्वरः । अनुग्रहं निग्रहं वा मन्यसे तद्विधेहि नः ॥

T: "Bhagavan, we serpents are as a species deadly, and extremely quick in rage. We are ignorant of goodness and wisdom. Our nature is hard to give up! That is why we also suffer constantly. I would daresay that Bhagavan alone, as our Creator, is the Cause of our Nature! Therefore now it is up to you - punish us or redeem us, Oh Lord, as is Your sweet pleasure!"

Bhagavan Sri Krishna was full of compassion for all. We have already seen how he gave salvation to his deadliest foes.

He spoke to Kaliya. "I know you had come to Yamuna as you had been driven away by Garuda from your habitat. Fear not. You are henceforth free from Garuda's rage as you carry my footprints as a blessing on your hood. Be no more violent. Do not terrorise people. Go away to the beautiful island called Ramanika Dweepa and dwell there in peace with your people. You have my blessing. Let Yamuna be freed of your poison and become again safe and sweet for all the people of Gokula."

Sri Krishna also proclaimed that anyone who bathed in the holy Yamuna made sacred by his sport over Kaliya, and anyone who hears this account of Kaliya Mardana, will be blessed and become free from the fear of snakes.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam X a.15 - 11 April 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Tuesday, 11 April 2023 - X a.15 - Balarama kills Dhenukasura. Sri Krishna rescues those fatally poisoned by Kaliya inhabiting the Yamuna waters.

***

Sage Shuka describes in delectable detail the fun and frolic that all the Gopa boys have with Sri Krishna and Balarama. These two boys are now around seven years of age and considered grown up enough to lead the cattle to grazing grounds on their own. The technical term in Sanskrit for this age for boys is पौगण्डवयः.

Bhagavan reveals the poet in himself when he sings the praises of the handsome, heroic, charming, Balarama in many verses. I quote a sample:

एतेऽलिनस्तव यशोऽखिललोकतीर्थं गायन्त आदिपुरुषानुपदं भजन्ते ।

प्रायो अमी मुनिगणा भवदीयमुख्या गूढं वनेऽपि न जहत्यनघात्मदैवम् ॥

नृत्यन्त्यमी शिखिन ईड्य मुदा हरिण्यः कुर्वन्ति गोप्य इव ते प्रियमीक्षणेन ।

सूक्तैश्च कोकिलगणा गृहमागताय धन्या वनौकस इयान् हि सतां निसर्गः ॥

T: "Oh, Lord, the Primeaval Man, hiding your divinity, you roam and sport here in Vrindavana. But the sages have come to offer their prayers to you in the form of buzzing honeybees! They don't wish to leave their chants even for a moment!"

"Dear elder brother Balarama! Indeed see how the peacocks are celebrating your arrival! The deer are darting their glances like beautiful Gopis at you. The cuckoos are singing enchanting melodies. All the denizens of the forest are exhibiting the best courtesies to us, as Dharmic hosts!"

And so on.

Just then, the Gopas inform Sri Krishna and Balarama that nearby there is a wonderful fruit orchard full of ripe dates so delicious that one would go at once to eat them. But unfortunately, an Asura of name Dhenuka has established himself there with his demoniac associates and eats up anyone who goes there.

Naturally, our heroes Balarama and Sri Krishna go at once to address the matter. Balarama goes to a tall palm tree laden with juicy dates and shakes it real hard so all the fruits fall down and all the Gopas begin eating them. Dhenuka comes braying for Balarama's blood in the form of a fierce wild-ass. The ass kicks Balarama really hard with his hind legs. Balarama coolly picks him up by holding his deadly hind legs in just one hand, twirls him and hurls high and violently throws him high into the air. Dhenuka comes crashing down dead, dashing against the top of the very same tree!

तांस्तानापतत: कृष्णो रामश्च नृप लीलया ।
गृहीतपश्चाच्चरणान् प्राहिणोत्तृणराजसु ॥

T: Dhenuka's associate demons now rushed and attacked Balarama and Sri Krishna. The two hurled them one by one into the air and all the Asuras crashed to their death.

Greatly relieved, enjoying themselves feasting on the fruits in the orchard, the Gopas led by Sri Krishna and Balarama returned to Vraja.

The boys went to the back of the Yamuna with their cattle while Sri Krishna and Balarama went home. Just then news came of extreme danger. It appeared that the Yamuna waters had become poisonous and all the Gopas and their cattle lay dead!

वीक्ष्य तान् वै तथाभूतान् कृष्णो योगेश्वरेश्वरः । ईक्षयामृतवर्षिण्या स्वनाथान् समजीवयत् ॥

ते सम्प्रतीतस्मृतयः समुत्थाय जलान्तिकात् । आसन् सुविस्मिताः सर्वे वीक्षमाणाः परस्परम् ॥

T: Seeing his dear ones all lying dead from poisoning, Yogeshwara Bhagavan Sri Krishna at once used His mere glance filled with Amrutha to bring them back all to life. All the Gopas and their cattle became conscious, blinking in wonderment about how they had died and since been relivened by Sri Krishna.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Monday, April 10, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam X a.14 - 10 April 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Monday, 10 April 2023 - X a.14 - Brahma's sincere prayer to Bhagavan as the Paramatma and Ishwara who plays out His Leela through Maya here.

***

ब्रह्मोवाच

नौमीड्य तेऽभ्रवपुषे तडिदम्बराय गुञ्जावतंसपरिपिच्छलसन्मुखाय ।

वन्यस्रजे कवलवेत्रविषाणवेणुलक्ष्मश्रिये मृदुपदे पशुपाङ्गजाय ॥

ज्ञाने प्रयासमुदपास्य नमन्त एव जीवन्ति सन्मुखरितां भवदीयवार्ताम् ।

स्थाने स्थिताः श्रुतिगतां तनुवाङ्मनोभिः ये प्रायशोऽजित जितोऽप्यसि तैस्त्रिलोक्याम् ॥

अहोभाग्यमहोभाग्यं नन्दगोपव्रजौकसाम् । यन्मित्रं परमानन्दं पूर्णं ब्रह्म सनातनम् ॥

T: Brahma prayed: "Oh, most worshippable Lord, in Your form like the dark blue cloud with your golden garment like a streak of lightning across, You wear a garland of rosary peas, peacock feather in your hair, a garland of wildflowers, with your cow stick and cow horn tucked in the waist, holding a ball of curd rice in your hand, oh You lovable son of Nanda, my prayers to Your tender feet! I know this divine form is shown by You only by Your grace. You are indeed beyond the five elements. None can discern your essential nature as Sat-Chit-Ananda. How much more blessed are those not pursuing esoteric meditations, but simply being in Your company! Listening to Your pastimes! They are to be envied in the three worlds for they surely get Your grace, and possess You through their love!"

Brahma goes on to describe how he had to meditate for a very long time before realising the Lord's transcendence. How Bhagavan is Parabrahman, Ishwara, also incarnate here. How His Maha Maya deludes all. How no one recognises the Paramatma within his or her own heart! Only the devout can get rid of the bondage of this existence by detachment and meditation to win the grace of Bhagavan.

"Oh, glory to the good fortune of Nanda Gopa's Vraja! For indeed it is here that they enjoy the company as their beloved of the Lord, Purna (Totality of Consciousness), Brahman (The Ultimate Reality) and Sanatana (Beyond beginning and end)!"

Brahma now extends this sentiment by saying that even Brahma, Shiva, and other deities come and dwell in the senses and faculties of the Vraja cowherds and get to enjoy Bhagavan's proximity! To be born in Gokula is the greatest blessing, for willy nilly the dust of Bhagavan's devotees will then fall on one! And what do the Vraja Gopas get as a reward!? Everything ever desirable - the Lord's own infinite love and grace!

Brahma takes the discussion a notch higher. Bhagavan Sri Krishna gave liberation to Putana, Baka and Agha, who came as His foes and had to be killed. If He gave the highest reward, i.e. salvation to them, how would He ever adequately reward those who love Him unstintingly? For it has to be something better, right!!!?

अनुजानीहि मां कृष्ण सर्वं त्वं वेत्सि सर्वदृक् । त्वमेव जगतां नाथो जगदेतत्तवार्पितम् ॥

T: "Oh, Bhagavan Sri Krishna! Kindly accept me as Your devotee! You know everything, You are everything, and You are supporting all creation. This creation is offered by me, an intermediary in its creation, as my offering to you!"

Brahma stated how this Sri Krishna incarnation was to end the tyranny of evil Kamsa and others. Concluding his prayer again with total surrender, circumambulating Bhagavan Sri Krishna, Brahma took His leave and went away to his abode.

When Sri Krishna came back to the original set of cowherds and cows who had been reinstated by Brahma, they were all totally unaware that a whole year had passed. They did not know what Sri Krishna had done to manage the situation. They said, most innocently, that they were yet to eat their lunches, as they were waiting for his return!

***

Everyone returned now to Vraja. The cowherds told the astonishing story of how Sri Krishna had destroyed the demoniac python Aghasura that day!

***

Sage Shuka clarifies to Parikshit that all the love one feels for things in this world are indeed the effect of Bhagavan's Yoga Maya. The same Yoga Maya was operating in favour of the cowherds so that they developed the greatest attachment and devotion to Bhagavan in their midst as Sri Krishna.

This saga as narrated and heard would emancipate everyone by their simply listening to these stories!

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam X a. 13 - 9 April 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Sunday, 9 April 2023 - X a.13 - When Brahma in a prank makes the cowherds and their cattle disappear for a whole year from Gokula, Sri Krishna shows Lord Brahma who's really in charge.

***

When Sage Shuka sees Parikshit so engrossed and asking questions, he is immensely pleased with having the right audience.

सतामयं सारभृतां निसर्गो यदर्थवाणीश्रुतिचेतसामपि ।

प्रतिक्षणं नव्यवदच्युतस्य स्त्रिया विटानामिव साधुवार्ता ॥

T: "Indeed, King, you're blessed to have this nature of the devout, who are always eager to listen to newer and newer stories of the Lord! We see such a fatal attraction only in womanisers in this world towards women."

Sage Shuka now narrates:

Bhagavan Sri Krishna now led all the cowherds with their cattle to a pristine bank of the Yamuna, with soft sand, and a cool breeze. Nature was smiling in all the fauna and flora. He said, "Dear Gopas, this seems like a great spot for us to enjoy our meal, with whatever lunches our mothers have packed for us! Go and graze the cattle after quenching their thirst with Yamuna's water. Then let's have our lunch!" The cowherds gleefully went and let the cattle free to graze soft tender new shoots of grass after drinking Yamuna water. They now came, sat around Sri Krishna like the lovely petals of a lotus surrounding an open flower with its seed cluster in the centre! (यथाम्भोरुहकर्णिकायाः) There was much laughter and fun as everyone opened his lunch, used a flower leaf or a large plant leaf or bark as a plate, and some even spread their food over large clean stones!

Here is a lovely shloka!

बिभ्रद्वेणुं जठरपटयोः श‍ृङ्गवेत्रे च कक्षे वामे पाणौ मसृणकवलं तत्फलान्यङ्गुलीषु । तिष्ठन्मध्ये स्वपरिसुहृदो हासयन् नर्मभिः स्वैःस्वर्गे लोके मिषति बुभुजे यज्ञभुग्बालकेलिः ॥

T: "Sri Krishna sat with his flute tucked in his waistbelt on one side, on the other side were his cow horn and the cow stick. He had his morsel of fine food (the translator says it was wonderful curd rice!) in his left hand, and a bit of pickle stuck to his right-hand fingers, as he ate in much glee, laughing, smiling, making others laugh with fine, delicate humour. The gods in heaven watched in utter envy at this delectable picnic!"

Sri Krishna noticed that the cowherds' glances were darting here and there watching over their cows and calves that we're grazing nonchalantly over the wooded area. The coweherds seems frightened by the thought, "what if someone, especially an Asura, were to do away with the cattle?"

Sri Krishna smiled, and he said, "Friends, worry not! I am almost done with my lunch. You eat in peace. I shall go and take care of the cattle." Sri Krishna walked away, holding his lump of curd rice in his hand (सपाणिकवलः) towards the area where the cattle roamed.

Just then, Lord Brahma saw from above this lovely play of life. Suddenly, an egoistic thought came into his head. He saw the designation plate on his desk, perhaps. "The Supreme Creator Lord Brahma".

अम्भोजन्मजनिस्तदन्तरगतो मायार्भकस्येशितुः द्रष्टुं मञ्जु महित्वमन्यदपि तद्वत्सानितो वत्सपान् । नीत्वान्यत्र कुरूद्वहान्तरदधात्खेऽवस्थितो यः पुरा दृष्ट्वाघासुरमोक्षणं प्रभवतः प्राप्तः परं विस्मयम् ॥

T: "Lord Brahma, born in the cosmic lotus, was still recovering from the surprise he got when Sri Krishna had given Moksha to Aghasura. Why not Brahma play his own little game now? This may also reveal something more about Sri Krishna! So Brahma made all the cowherds and cattle vanish instantly from material sight, hiding them with his cosmic power in a state of invisible hibernation. This was an astonishing moment. Lord Brahma too vanished, not planning to revert the status quo in a hurry."

Sri Krishna saw that everyone had suddenly disappeared! He knew this was the work of Brahma. What to do? No confrontation was necessary. What he did was:

ततः कृष्णो मुदं कर्तुं तन्मातॄणां च कस्य च । उभयायितमात्मानं चक्रे विश्वकृदीश्वरः ॥ यावद्वत्सपवत्सकाल्पकवपुर्यावत्कराङ्घ्र्यादिकं यावद्यष्टिविषाणवेणुदलशिग्यावद्विभूषाम्बरम् । यावच्छीलगुणाभिधाकृतिवयो यावद्विहारादिकं सर्वं विष्णुमयं गिरोऽङ्गवदजः सर्वस्वरूपो बभौ ॥

T: "Sri Krishna did not want the mothers to get into any panic mode about this. Indeed, he wanted to keep them all happy. So what he did was he replicated himself into every cowherd, every cow and every calf in a process of divine cloning so that everyone was there, as before! Every little detail was preserved. The gestures, appearances, dresses, mannerisms, sounds, swishes, habits, movements, affinities, moods, expressions, enjoyments... everything was just like there never had been any mischief. Indeed the cowherd mothers clasped their little ones, fed them as applicable, dressed them, let them roam about and go do their work in the fields, day after day without the least idea of the substitution."

ततो नृपोन्मर्दनमज्जलेपनालङ्काररक्षातिलकाशनादिभिः ।

संलालितः स्वाचरितैः प्रहर्षयन्सायं गतो यामयमेन माधवः ॥ गावस्ततो गोष्ठमुपेत्य सत्वरं हुङ्कारघोषैः परिहूतसङ्गतान् । स्वकान्स्वकान्वत्सतरानपाययन्मुहुर्लिहन्त्यः स्रवदौधसं पयः ॥

T: "This miracle continued every evening. The cowherds would return with the cattle. The mothers would massage them, bathe them, decorate them, feed them (some were still breastfed) and so on. The cattle returned to their sheds, mooing and acting all natural. They fed their calves, had their own meal, and rested for the night. Imagine all this was Sri Krishna himself in so many forms and bodies. Nobody realised what had happened, and even breastfeeding mothers did not discern any difference in their young ones."

We should pause and understand this. We have read that Brahma is the creator of all the material universe and beings, using the Prakriti ingredients and the power he is endowed with by Bhagavan's grace. Brahma thinks he is the doer of it all. At our level, we know intellectually that everything is created the same way, and the essence of all creation is Paramatma or Bhagavan. Yet, in our material world, we see no unity. We see only differences.

How would this creation behave if everyone were completely conscious of his own and everyone's divinity, the manyness in the oneness of the supreme? What would then be the expression of life? It would be one of bliss and love, nothing else. All would then know themselves to be mere costumed actors in Bhagavan's Leela, knowing well that within they were all one! This is what was played out, as indeed Sri Krishna was himself every cowherd and calf and cow, and there was this universal expression of bliss and love among all during this time as all of them had full Krishna consciousness.

A year passed thus. When only e few days were left, The first one to notice the extraordinary bliss and love shown uniformly by all the cowherds and their cattle towards one another was Balarama.

केयं वा कुत आयाता दैवी वा नार्युतासुरी । प्रायो मायास्तु मे भर्तुर्नान्या मेऽपि विमोहिनी ॥

T: "What is this magic? Whose work is this? Some Asura's or some divine creature's? How come everyone is divine in their behaviour!? Ha! Eureka! Now I know. This is the divine Maya Leela of my blessed brother Sri Krishna alone! He has deluded us all for nearly a year! Wow!"

Brahma also came to check. By the way, Vyasa reminds us that a second of Brahma's time is one whole earthly year. What did Brahma see!?

मायाशये शयाना मे नाद्यापि पुनरुत्थिताः ॥ इत एतेऽत्र कुत्रत्या मन्मायामोहितेतरे ।

T: "What is this I see!? I have made all the cowherds and cattle lie in my bed of illusion during this whole time, and they are still in hibernation. Then how come I see everyone active here, as nothing is amiss!!!????"

Just then, Sri Krishna decided to show Brahma what indeed was happening. Nothing was missing, no anxiety or panic, no effect at all of Brahma's hiding all the cowherds and cattle in suspended animation for all this While, and then, SUDDENLY:

तावत्सर्वे वत्सपालाः पश्यतोऽजस्य तत्क्षणात् । व्यदृश्यन्त घनश्यामाः पीतकौशेयवाससः ॥

T: "Brahma then beheld an amazing scene. Every one of the cowherds and cows was Sri Krishna himself. All the cowherds, all the cows and calves. Everyone manifested the glorious form of Bhagavan Maha Vishnu, of the colour of the dark rain-bearing cloud, wearing the golden cloth, with four arms, wearing all the divine ornaments, holding the divine weapons, lotus in hand, and so on." Vyasa describes this in some detail!

Brahma hurriedly brought back everyone into this material world, in which very instant Bhagavan withdrew all the beings He had manifested in His multiplicity.

Brahma rushed to Sri Krishna and fell flat at his feet. He rested his four heads with their crowns at Sri Krishna's feet. His tears of joy flowed. He was totally rid of any illusions of his own separate power.

He began to pray!

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam X a.12 - 8 April 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Saturday, 8 April 2023 - X a.12 - Sri Krishna liberates Aghasura, who comes as a gigantic python and swallows all the Gopa boys. Sage Shuka is simply lost in the beauty of Bhagavan's pastimes.

***

We remember how Sage Narada motivated Sage Vyasa to compose Srimad Bhagavatam. The stories of the Lord's pastimes and how His devotees are emancipated are so gripping that one is simply lost in the bliss of it all.

***

Sage Shuka narrates the life and times of the cowherds. Gokula had thousands of cattle and the cowherds had incredible fun taking the cattle to graze in the woods of Vrindavan. He describes in beautiful verses their pastimes. Just a sampler here:

कृष्णवत्सैरसङ्ख्यातैर्यूथीकृत्य स्ववत्सकान् ।

चारयन्तोऽर्भलीलाभिर्विजह्रुस्तत्र तत्र ह ॥

यदि दूरं गतः कृष्णो वनशोभेक्षणाय तम् ।अहं पूर्वमहं पूर्वमिति संस्पृश्य रेमिरे ॥

केचिद्वेणून् वादयन्तो ध्मान्तः श‍ृङ्गाणि केचन ।

केचिद्भृङ्गैः प्रगायन्तः कूजन्तः कोकिलैः परे ॥

इत्थं सतां ब्रह्मसुखानुभूत्या दास्यं गतानां परदैवतेन ।

मायाश्रितानां नरदारकेण साकं विजह्रुः कृतपुण्यपुञ्जाः ॥

यत्पादपांसुर्बहुजन्मकृच्छ्रतो धृतात्मभिर्योगिभिरप्यलभ्यः ।

स एव यद्दृग्विषयः स्वयं स्थितः किं वर्ण्यते दिष्टमतो व्रजौकसाम् ॥

T: The cowherds went in countless numbers in utter joy, accompanying Sri Krishna to graze the cattle in Vrindavan, setting out with their musical pipes, flutes, trumpets and so on early every morning. Some Gopas sang like bees, others imitated the melodious cuckoos, and competed in keeping pace with their leader Sri Krishna, boasting whenever they walked alongside or touched him! Imagine their idyllic village life in the lap of nature, under the loving watch of Bhagavan Himself! What good fortune! This must have been earned by great Punya to enjoy Sri Krishna's loving company and easy access.

The Lord plays out His Leela in Vishnu Maya. The very dust of His feet is cherished as extremely rare and attainable only by great Tapas. And here were these cowherds in His closest proximity! How to describe this phenomenon in Vraja?

अथाघनामाभ्यपतन्महासुरस्तेषां सुखक्रीडनवीक्षणाक्षमः ।

नित्यं यदन्तर्निजजीवितेप्सुभिः पीतामृतैरप्यमरैः प्रतीक्ष्यते ॥

दृष्ट्वार्भकान् कृष्णमुखानघासुरः कंसानुशिष्टः स बकीबकानुजः ।

अयं तु मे सोदरनाशकृत्तयोर्द्वयोर्ममैनं सबलं हनिष्ये ॥

एते यदा मत्सुहृदोस्तिलापाः कृतास्तदा नष्टसमा व्रजौकसः ।

प्राणे गते वर्ष्मसु का नु चिन्ता प्रजासवः प्राणभृतो हि ये ते ॥

दृष्ट्वा तं तादृशं सर्वे मत्वा वृन्दावनश्रियम् । व्यात्ताजगरतुण्डेन ह्युत्प्रेक्षन्ते स्म लीलया ॥

T: Just then, one day, a gigantic demon called Aghasura came there. He wanted to avenge the death of his sister Putana and brother Bakasura. What better chance than this, to swallow up all the Gopa children? Once Aghasura would destroy all the Gopas including Sri Krishna, Nanda's Gokula would simply die in grief and bereavement. What a great plan!

Agha assumed the form of a gigantic python whose bulk rose up into the skies, his mouth agape like a huge cave, with deadly fangs inside that looked like sharp mountain peaks. His tongue lay like a slithery red carpet inside. The boys saw this deadly-looking sight and even guessed that it must be a demon in the form of a deadly python. But they began to joke about the various features of this creature. They were full of bravado, knowing how Sri Krishna would always come to their rescue as he did with Bakasura. They therefore simply walked into Agha's mouth, in a foolhardy spirit of discovery! The gods in the heavens were most agitated to see this, whereas all the Asuras celebrated in glee, including Kamsa himself who seemed to have telepathy better than any 6G network.

तान् वीक्ष्य कृष्णः सकलाभयप्रदो ह्यनन्यनाथान् स्वकरादवच्युतान् ।

दीनांश्च मृत्योर्जठराग्निघासान्घृणार्दितो दिष्टकृतेन विस्मितः ॥

कृत्यं किमत्रास्य खलस्य जीवनं न वा अमीषां च सतां विहिंसनम् ।

द्वयं कथं स्यादिति संविचिन्त्य तत्ज्ञा त्वाविशत्तुण्डमशेषदृग्घरिः ॥

T: Sri Krishna was watching the boys' animated discussion about what this sight or creature might be, when suddenly they all went right inside Aghasura. They had gone in with all their cattle too, to be consumed in Agha's belly fire instantly. Sri Krishna was overflowing with compassion and grace and could not allow this to go on. After thinking through what he could do, he also went right in. Sri Hari was in action mode again!

ततोऽतिकायस्य निरुद्धमार्गिणो ह्युद्गीर्णदृष्टेर्भ्रमतस्त्वितस्ततः ।
पूर्णोऽन्तरङ्गे पवनो निरुद्धो मूर्धन् विनिष्पाट्य विनिर्गतो बहिः ॥
तेनैव सर्वेषु बहिर्गतेषुप्राणेषु वत्सान् सुहृदः परेतान् ।
दृष्ट्या स्वयोत्थाप्य तदन्वितः पुनर्वक्त्रान्मुकुन्दो भगवान् विनिर्ययौ ॥

T: Sri Hari entered Agha's cavernous mouth and started swelling in size. Agha had already swallowed and digested all the boys and animals, and there was a venomous stench inside. But he could not do anything as he tried his best to swallow up Sri Krishna too. Soon, Sri Krishna had grown into a very huge block in his throat and Agha writhed in anguish as he felt life ebb away from himself.

Sri Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, now turned to his mates lying in the belly fire of Agha all lifeless. He used his divine will to bring them all back to life. Soon, everyone came out of Agha marching out as if from a cinema theatre after witnessing an infernal action movie.

Just then a huge body of light emerged from Agha's corpse. It hung in the air for Sri Krishna to walk out with his mates nonchalantly. This light ebbed and moved slowly to go and merge into Sri Krishna's being! This was salvation for Agha indeed!

Sage Shuka explains how any contact with Bhagavan is sure to have this effect. Those immersed in thinking of Him with love, or hate too, lose their link with their past and this world of duality. Soon they are going to be emancipated by the Lord in His own unique ways! That is Leela. Nothing else.

एतत्कौमारजं कर्म हरेरात्माहिमोक्षणम् ।मृत्योः पौगण्डके बाला दृष्ट्वोचुर्विस्मिता व्रजे ॥
नैतद्विचित्रं मनुजार्भमायिनःपरावराणां परमस्य वेधसः ।
अघोऽपि यत्स्पर्शनधौतपातकः प्रापात्मसाम्यं त्वसतां सुदुर्लभम् ॥

T: Sri Hari, i.e Sri Krishna's act of bringing his mates and the cows and calves back from the dead inside Agha to life was his miraculous act done when he was only five years old. This was another astonishing act that filled the entire Vraja with wonder when this story was shared by the cowherds in Gokula when Sri Krishna turned six. Everyone discussed how Sri Krishna had saved all from Agha, the personification of evil (अघ = evil). Also, imagine Bhagavan's grace in giving Agha salvation by His very touch!!!

When Parikshit hears of Sri Krishna's exploits when he was just five, he remembers how he was saved by the Lord from death when still in his mother's womb. He however has a doubt. Why did this news reach Vraja a whole year later when Sri Krishna had turned six? What was the delay?

Sage Shuka is himself completely lost in thoughts of Bhagavan Sri Krishna and those marvellous moments. He has to shake himself into this world's reality in order to answer Parikshit. He does so with great difficulty.

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॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥