॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
Friday, 16 December 2022 V.19 Part 2- Physical Features catalogued by Sage Shuka of Bharata Varsha and Jambu Dweepa. He then explains why birth in Bharata Varsha is an enviable opportunity for emancipation.
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Physical Features of Bhärata described by Sage Shuka (OCR from Swami Tapasyanandaji)
16. In Bhäratavarsha there are numerous mountains and rivers. A list of the mountains is as follows:
Malaya, Mangalaprastha, Maināka, Triküta, Rishabha, Kutaka, Kollaka, Sahya, Devagiri, Rishyamūka. Srisaila, Venkata, Mahendra, Vāridhära, Vindhya, Suktimān, Rikshagiri, Pāriyātra, Drona, Chitrakūta, Govardhana, Raivataka, Kukubha, Nila, Gokāmukha, Indrakila, Kāmagiri etc. Besides these, there are numerous other mountains, and there are several rivers too, having their source in these mountains.
17. The people of Bharata take their bath in these rivers which are so holy that even their names are capable of purifying a person.
18. The names of the great rivers of Bharata are as follows: Chandravasā, Tämraparni, Avatoda, Kritamāla, Vaihãyasi, Kaveri, Veni, Payasvini, Sarkarāvar- ta, Tungabhadra, Krishna, Venyā, Bhimarathi, Godāvari, Nirvindhya, Payoshni, Tapi, Reva, Surasa, Narmada, Charmanvati, Sindhu, Andham, Sonam, Mahānadi, Vedasmriti, Rishikulya, Trisāma, Kausiki, Mandakini, Yamuna, Saraswati, Drishadvati, Gomati, Sarayu, Rodhaswati, Saptavati, Sushoma, Satadru, Chandrabhäga Marudvridha, Vitasta, Asikni and Visva.
More Regions
30. These are Svarnaprastha, Chandrasukla, Avartana, Ramanaka, Mandara-harina, Pānchajanya, Simhala and Lanka.
The Path of Bhakti and the Good Fortune of birth in Bharata Varsha
अस्मिन्नेव वर्षे पुरुषैर्लब्धजन्मभि: शुक्ललोहितकृष्णवर्णेन स्वारब्धेन कर्मणा दिव्यमानुषनारकगतयो बह्व्य: आत्मन आनुपूर्व्येण सर्वा ह्येव सर्वेषां विधीयन्ते यथावर्णविधानमपवर्गश्चापि भवति ॥
T: Those born in Bharata Varsha have opportunities through the pursuit of their activities according to the three Gunas and Karmas to attain any kind of birth in any region - heaven, earth or lower regions, and as gods, humans or animals. By seeking the guidance of a Guru and developing Bhakti to Bhagavan, one’s life becomes perfect. Only after several births, when the results of one’s pious activities mature, one gets an opportunity to associate with pure devotees. Then one is able to cut the knot of bondage to ignorance, which have bound one because of varied desire-driven activities. As a result of associating with devotees, one gradually renders service to Lord Vasudeva, who is transcendental, free from attachment to the material world, beyond the mind and words, and independent of everything else. That Bhakti Uoga, devotional service to Lord Vasudeva, is the real path of liberation.
Even the gods are envious of those born in Bharata Varsha! They say, "How wonderful it is for these human beings to have been born in the land of Bharata Varsha! They must have executed pious acts of austerity in the past, or Bhagavan Himself must have been pleased with them. Otherwise, how could they engage in devotional service in so many ways? We gods can only aspire to achieve it, but men in Bharata Varsha are already engaged in this way!"
"A short life in the land of Bharata Varsha is preferable to a life achieved in Brahmaloka for millions and billions of years because even if one is elevated to Brahmaloka, one must return to repeated birth and death. Even in this short life, by fully surrendering unto the lotus feet of the Lord, one attains Vaikunhha Loka, where there is neither anxiety nor repeated birth in a material body."
"Praying to Bhagavan for material gains and worldly joys will surely bring the desired fruits, but that is an endless cycle of want and desire and never gives ultimate fulfilment. Hence Bhagavan expects us to learn from this and pray for liberation, not a better worldly life."
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