Srimad Bhagavatam I. 19 - 12 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Monday, 12 September 2022 - Nineteenth chapter of the first Skandha- Parikshit undertakes his final penance in the presence of great sages including Sage Shuka.

***

अहो मया नीचमनार्यवत्कृतं निरागसि ब्रह्मणि गूढतेजसि

T:”Alas! What a sin I have committed by my despicable act of insulting that great, blemishless sage who was radiant, immersed deeply in Brahman!”

The contrition of King Parikshit was intense. He realized that he would have to reap a terrible harvest of his misdeed. Just then he also came to know that the sage’s son had cast a curse that he would die on the seventh day of the bite of the great serpent Takshaka. This message had been conveyed by Sage Shameeka himself through his own disciple.

This solidified the king’s resolve to hand over all responsibilities and dedicate the few remaining days to worship of the Lord.

कृष्णाङ्‌घ्रिसेवामधिमन्यमान उपाविशत् प्रायममर्त्यनद्याम् 

T: Seated on the bank of the Ganga, King Parikshit entered into intense meditation on Sri Krishna’s lotus feet, controlling all his bodily functions.

Sage Vyasa describes the Ganga in glowing terms, 

या वै लसच्छ्रीतुलसीविमिश्रकृष्णाङ्‌घ्रिरेण्वभ्यधिकाम्बुनेत्री ।

पुनाति लोकानुभयत्र सेशान् कस्तां न सेवेत मरिष्यमाण: ॥

T: The Ganga flows from Hari’s feet, is mixed with Tulasi leaves. Her waters purify the three worlds, including all gods starting with Lord Shiva! Thus she is the last resort of everyone about to die!

***

Just then all the greatest of sages, from Devarshi Narada to Brahmarshis, Agastya, Gautama, Parashurama, and so on descended to witness the great passing of a noble devotee, King Parikshit. The king felt greatly blessed and bowed down to all of them.

तं मोपयातं प्रतियन्तु विप्रा गङ्गा च देवी धृतचित्तमीशे ।

द्विजोपसृष्ट: कुहकस्तक्षको वा दशत्वलं गायत विष्णुगाथा: ॥

T: “Oh venerable sages! Kindly accept my complete surrender, and let Mother Ganga accept me too. I am now fully immersed in the worship of the Lord. Let Takshaka, or whatever being has been invoked by that Brahmana, come and bite me, but I beseech all of you to keep singing the stories of Sri Maha Vishnu and sanctify me!”

King Parikshit, thus seated on the Ganga’s southern bank, presented a most inspiring picture. He had handed over the kingdom to his son Janamejaya, and sat as an intense devotee, nothing more nor less. The gods came and showered heavenly flowers on such a rare soul.

King Parikshit kept asking only one question to the sages. “Please tell me what is the most auspicious thing for me to do in this moment!”

Just then Sage Shuka arrived. His arrival is described beautiully.

तत्राभवद्भगवान् व्यासपुत्रो यद‍ृच्छया गामटमानोऽनपेक्ष: ।

अलक्ष्यलिङ्गो निजलाभतुष्टो वृतश्च बालैरवधूतवेष: ॥

T: Just then arrived the glorious son of Sage Vyasa. He was completely immersed in his own Self, unmindful of all else. He roamed freely, and was surrounded by women and children. He was totally oblivious to how he looked and what he wore. He was a most beautiful man of sixteen years of age, of a dark radiance like Sri Krishna, completely naked. He had an irresistible attraction owing to his divine appearance that was not missed by anyone including women, chidren and sages present. 

Everyone assembled there rose in reverence.

अन्यथा तेऽव्यक्तगतेर्दर्शनं न: कथं नृणाम् । नितरां म्रियमाणानां संसिद्धस्य वनीयस: ॥

अत: पृच्छामि संसिद्धिं योगिनां परमं गुरुम् । पुरुषस्येह यत्कार्यं म्रियमाणस्य सर्वथा ॥

T: “Oh great sage Shuka! It is only Sri Krishna’s grace that you have deigned to come here and grant me your Darshan. I therefore ask you sir, as you are the supreme guru of yogis, this question. I am on the verge of passing from this body. Therefore, what is my foremost duty?”

Let us see next what Sage Shuka’s reply is. 

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.18 - 11 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Sunday, 11 September 2022 - The eighteenth chapter of the first Skandha- Parikshit is cursed to die by Takshaka’s bite in seven days.

***

The Suta makes it clear to the sages that Kali had absolutely no foothold when Sri Krishna trod on this earth. And later, King Parikshit ensured that Kali’s impact would not be rampant under his Dharmic rule, despite the fact that Parikshit had shown mercy on Kali and had given him dwelling places.

नानुद्वेष्टि कलिं साम्राट्सारङ्ग इव सारभुक्। कुशलान्यासु सिद्ध्यन्ति नेतराणि कृतानि यत् ॥

T: The king, Parikshit, did not detest or envy the might of Kali under his own rule because he considered that good thoughts and deeds take effect at once whereas evil takes time to fructify.

किं नु बालेषु शूरेण कलिना धीरभीरुणा। अप्रमत्तः प्रमत्तेषु यो वृको नृषु वर्तते॥

T: Kali was like a wolf, whose attack is warded off easily even by boys provided they are fearless and brave. Thus good people need not fear Kali’s affecting their own minds or life choices. But Kali surely preyed on the unwary, negligent and indisciplined people whom he could enter easily.

***

The sages under Shaunaka requested the Suta to continue his gripping narrative, as the story of Bhagavan gave them endless joy and purified them. The Suta expressed his own sense of feeling blessed to be in their exalted company despite his low birth (the suta caste is a mixed one). And he revelled in the story of King Parikshit, who had been saved in the womb by Bhagavan, who grew up to be a highly noble king, and who faced his own impending death with devotion rather than dismay and fear.

But the Suta confesses that even the most exalted sages, let alone a humble suta like himself, could never grasp the infinite and eternal glories of Bhagavan. The Suta says,

अथापि यत्पादनखावसृष्टं जगद्विरिञ्चोपहृतार्हणाम्भः।

सेशं पुनात्यन्यतमो मुकुन्दात् को नाम लोके भगवत्पदार्थः॥

T: The sacred Ganga was released to earth by Lord Brahma when he washed with her the feet of Lord Maha Vishnu. Thus came down the sacred Ganga to sanctify the whole earth including Lord Shiva himself! Therefore who else can be called Bhagavan except for Lord Mukunda Sri Krishna Maha Vishnu?

नभः पतन्त्यात्म  समं पतत्रिणस्तथा समं विष्णुगतिं विपश्चितः।

T: Indeed, all those revelling in the infinite glories of the Lord are like the great birds flying high, far and fast in the sky, but who can yet never fathom or span the whole sky. Like that infinite sky is Bhagavan, beyond everyone’s full grasp!

***

One day, King Parikshit went on a hunting expedition in the jungle. After many exhausting hours in the hot sun, he was parched and desperate for some water. As he looked around, he saw a sage’s hermitage. Feeling sure that he would get some water at least there, he entered the hermitage. There he saw a sage seated in deep meditation.

प्रतिरुद्धेन्द्रियप्राणमनोबुद्धिमुपारतम्। स्थानत्रयात्परं प्राप्तं ब्रह्मभूतमविक्रियम्॥

विप्रकीर्णजटाच्छन्नं रौरवेणाजिनेन च। विशुष्‌यत्तालुरुदकं तथाभूतमयाचत॥

T: There sat a sage in exalted Samadhi, beyond waking, dream and sleep states, immersed in Brahman, after withdrawing his life breath, mind and intellect. He was covered in his own extensive matted locks and sat on a seat of the skin of a rare deer. To this sage, who was at that moment in a disconnected super-state, the extremely thirsty and tired Parikshit managed to speak with his parched tongue and asked for a drink of water.

Unfortunately, the sage was not connected with the physical sensory world. So he did not respond at all. 

Then, perhaps as a result of the effect of Kali, or his own Karma, Parikshit did something very uncharacteristic of himself.

अभूतपूर्वः सहसाक्षुतृड्भ्यामर्दितात्मनः। भ्राह्मणं  प्रत्यबूद्ब्रह्मन्मत्सरो मन्युरेव च॥

स तु ब्रह्मऋषेरंसे गतासुमुरगं रुषा। विनर्गच्छंधनुष्कोट्या निधाय पुरमागमत्॥

T: King Parikshit, extremely thirsty and hungry, felt unprecedented rage at being ignored and insulted by the sage. Seeing a dead snake nearby, he lifted it with the tip of his bow, placed it as a garland around the sage’s neck (to taunt him in his meditation), and left for his own capital.

This rishi was named Shameeka. He had a young son, Shringi, himself a powerful sage. Shringi was playing with his friends some distance away. He became aware by virtue of his own spiritual power of what had transpired and what Parikshit had done to his father. He could not stomach the insult Parikshit had imposed on his revered father. He thought to himself, 

“What has become of this earth after the passing of Sri Krishna? After all, kings are like gatekeepers and watchdogs compared to sages like my father. How dare Parikshit insult my sagely father like this? What does he think!? Just this instant, using my spiritual power, I curse Parikshit that he shall be bitten on the seventh day from now by the powerful serpent lord Takshaka.”

When the son returned, both he and the sage who was now fully awake to this world became aware of Parikshit’s act and also Shringi’s curse. The sage Shameeka was extremely sad.

“Oh, son, what have you done!? King Parikshit is a noble ruler. Your rage drove you to utter this curse which will not go in vain. The earth will therefore lose a great ruler. Know that kings are but embodiments of divinity. They are the protectors and upholders of righteousness. When they are gone, the world will fall prey to thieves and marauders. Women, children and helpless animals will be their victims. There will be anarchy.”

“The Lord has established a perfect system of society based on the four divisions and four stages of life. Without such a system, people will behave like dogs and monkeys.”

पापं कृतं तद्भगवान्सर्वात्मा क्षन्तुमर्हति 

T: “May Bhagavan who dwells in all forgive my son’s act of cursing the good king.”

“Indeed, noble souls do not react to slights, insults, hurts, or even attempts to kill them, because they see the same Lord in all and have devotion to all existence.”

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.17 - 10 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Saturday, 10 September 2022 - Seventeenth chapter of the first Skandha- Kali finds a home by winning Parikshit’s mercy.

***

In this chapter, in a few lines, Sage Vyasa has summarized both factors - what causes man’s rise in his evolution and what leads him to destruction. It has great contemporary appeal!

***

Parikshit now witnessed an imposter dressed in royal clothes mercilessly beating both the one-footed bull and the weeping cow. From his chariot, the king shouted to the man to stop his brutality at once and be ready to receive due punishment.

यस्य राष्ट्रे प्रजाः सर्वास्त्रस्यन्ते साध्व्यसाधुभिः। तस्य मत्तस्य नश्यन्ति कीर्तिरायुर्भगो गतिः॥

एष राज्ञां परो धर्मो ह्यार्तानामार्तिनिग्रहः।अत एनं वधिष्यामि भूतद्रुहमसत्तमम् ॥

कोऽवृश्चत्तव पादांस्त्रीन्सौरभेय चतुष्पद। माभूवंस्त्वादृशा राष्ट्रे राज्ञां कृष्णानुवर्तिनाम् ॥

T: King Parikshit proclaimed, “Under any king, if good people are thus tormented by the evil ones, such a king will lose his fame, longevity, wealth and chances of spiritual advancement. Indeed a king’s foremost duty is to remove the suffering of the miserable. Therefore I shall surely put to death this miscreant who is most barbaric towards other creatures. Oh, bull, you are the descendant of the heavenly Kamadhenu, and we hold all cows and bulls as sacred. Who has destroyed three of your four legs? How can this happen in our kingdom when we are devoted to Bhagavan Sri Krishna!?”

The bull now speaks high philosophy!

“Oh, King, your kind and reassuring words of protection are worthy of your lineage devoted to Sri Krishna, and they explain the reason why even the Bhagavan took up menial roles like a charioteer for your family! Coming to your question, indeed, philosophers have long cogitated in vain about what causes misery in this world.”

केचिद्विकल्पवसना आहुरात्मानमात्मनः। दैवमन्ये परे कर्म स्वभावमपरे प्रभुम् ॥

अप्रतर्क्यादनिर्देश्यादिति केष्वपि निश्चयः। अत्रानुरूपं राजर्षे विमृश स्वमनीषया॥

T: “Oh, King! Some non-dualists (Advaitins) maintain that all suffering is self-created. Some others blame the stars and destiny for suffering. Atheists don’t look beyond the material and natural world for causes. Some others are certain that all creation runs according to the will of the Inexplicable, Unseen, Ishwara. Therefore you may apply your own judgement and decide, oh, King, what explains my present predicament!”

Hearing these philosophic words, King Parikshit understood at once that this was Dharma himself who had come in the guise of the bull. 

“You have spoken rightly, oh, Dharma! Now I see it clearly. Your four legs, on which all Dharma and righteousness stand for all time, are Austerity (self-abnegation), Purity (in thought, word, deed), Compassion (towards all) and Truth. Now only Truth is left, as the first three have been eroded by man’s misdeeds.”

तं जिघृक्षत्यधर्मोऽयमनृतेनैधितः कलिः

T: “And I can see that this is indeed Kali who is the embodiment of Adharma and thrives on Untruth and is now trying to break your only remaining leg i.e. Truth! Alas!”

इयं च भूर्भगवता न्यासितोरुभरा दुर्भगेवोज्झिताधुना ।

अब्रह्मण्या नृपव्याजाः शूद्राः भोक्ष्यन्ति मामिति॥

T: “And I also realize is that this cow is the blessed Mother Earth herself, sanctified by the feet of Bhagavan Sri Krishna till recently, and now cast into this desperate condition by Brahmins forsaking their holy ways, kings having become corrupt and unscrupulous,  and the lowliest of society (called here Sudras) wanting to slaughter her (cow-slaughter is a metaphor for ecological exploitation).”

The king despises Kali, representing the lowest of the low, masquerading in a king’s attire, and making this mischief. Parikshit draws his sword and says he will cut off Kali’s head and put an end to his evil.

Kali discards his disguise and now hastens to fall at King Parikshit’s feet. Looking most frightened for his life, he pleads for mercy! He knows that the goodness in King Parikshit is his leverage. The king at once relents, stating smilingly that he is wedded to the principle of mercy for anyone who surrenders, being the descendent of Arjuna himself. This holds true however evil and punishable the culprit may be.

But again, Parikshit says, very sternly, “Look, Kali, there is absolutely no place for you in this kingdom. Our kingdom has been blessed by Bhagavan Sri Krishna and we uphold the highest standards of Dharma and compassion through continual, dedicated, righteous practices and worship. Therefore I am banishing you at once. Go away!”

Kali pleads. “Oh, Lord, your fierce sight with the drawn sword about to kill me shall haunt me wherever I may be. I shall always live in terrible dread. I really do not know where to go. I, therefore, beg you, please command me and tell me where I can make my home. Please help me!”

Look at the irony of this. Indeed, it is easy for us to see that evil thrives and survives only by the kindness of the good. It is the very order of creation! This is pure Leela of Bhagavan!

***

अभ्यर्त्थितस्तदा तस्मै स्थानानि कलये ददौ। द्यूतं पानं स्त्रियः सूना यत्राधर्मश्चतुर्विधः॥

पुनश्च याचमानाय जातरूपमदात्प्रभुः। ततोऽनृतं मदं कामं रजो वैरं च पञ्चमम्॥

T: Thus as Kali begged for specific places where he would be spared by the king, Parikshit stated, “You shall inhabit places of gambling, drinking houses full of drunkenness, places pursuing sexual debauchery, and slaughterhouses.” When Kali asked for a bigger bandwidth for his play, the king added, “You shall exist in gold, because the love of gold is the root of all man’s evil! And further, you shall dwell where there is falsehood, arrogance, lust, violence, and hatred, as these degrade man.”

Kali was now very happy. He had now got enough sanction for all his intended exploits! Mankind was doomed. 

After Kali disappeared, Sage Vyasa narrates that King Parikshit by his power of goodness restored the lost three feet of Dharma the bull, and Mother Earth cheered up, saved from her pain and misery.

King Parikshit continued to rule his kingdom राजर्षिः कौरवेन्द्रः श्रियोल्लसन् T: Ruling his kingdom like a rishi/sage, the scion of the Kuru dynasty, Parikshit, ushered in great prosperity into his land.

The Suta now states something Puranic in import: The sages in Naimisharanya owed their welfare and opportunity for their great yajna without hindrance to the righteous rule installed by King Parikshit.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam - I.16-9 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Friday, 9 September 2022 - Parikshit rules well. He goes after Kali who is descending on his kingdom and witnesses a strange conversation between Dharma and Earth.

***

We should sensitise ourselves to some of the allegorical stories and strange conversations in the Puranas. These exemplify the poet-sages’ imagination at work. They also make us think about life deeply.

***

Suta narrates to Shaunaka and the other rishis how King Parikshit turned out to be as great a monarch as the astrogers had predicted at his birth. He married his uncle’s daughter Iravati and begot four sons, the first being Janamejaya.

Parikshit under the priesthood of Sage Kripa performed three glorious Ashwamedha yajnas. They were occasions when he gave away his wealth to all people most generously. The gods were pleased to come in person to accept his propitious offerings.

Having heard that Kali was descending on his kingdom, Parikshit went with his full army to go and drive out the evil. Kali is the deity of this Yuga and he manages to make people and life in general unworthy, mean and unhappy. As we read in the Mahatmyam, his effects are severe and only Bhakti can save one in Kali Yuga, a theme that resonates throughout Srimad Bhagavatam. This chapter lays the foundation for such a narrative.

Suta says that Kali was caught tormenting a bull and a cow, but he was given lenient punishment by Parikshit and let go. This surprises the sages.

***

Sage Shaunaka asked,

तत्कथ्यतां महाभाग यदि कृष्णकथाश्रयम्।

अथवास्य पदाम्भोजमकरन्दलिहां सताम्।

किमन्यैरसदालापैरायुषो यदसद्व्ययः॥

क्षुद्रायुषां नृणामङ्ग मृत्युः शामित्रकर्मणि।

अहो नृलोके पीयेत हरिलीलामृतं वचः॥

T:”Oh, Sir, please narrate how Kali got off lightly, provided this will shed light on the great pastimes of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Or at least if it turns out to be full of stories about his great devotees. Indeed, life is too short to be spent entertaining ourselves with worldly stories that do not concern the Eternal Truth. Even a man interested in holy pursuits for liberation is thwarted by the all-powerful God of Death.”

The Suta replied, 

“King Parikshit wanted to capture Kali eventually. So he went after him with all his forces. But on the way he witnessed a strange conversation taking place between a bull who stood on only one leg and a cow who was weeping.”

***

The bull was none other than Dharma (personification of righteousness). And the cow was Mother Earth.

Dharma enquired, 

“Oh, Lady Cow, why are you weeping and looking colourless? Are you ill? Do you weep for me, Dharma, for managing to stand on only one leg? Are you threatened by butchers? Do you bemoan the gods not being worshipped properly? Do you mourn the fate of people who have fallen on hard times? Are you crying for women and children abandoned? Do you suffer because the Goddess of Knowledge is mistreated by inept Brahmins, those deviant in life-style? Are you distressed that people are so materialistic as to be occupied only with enjoying, procreating and wasting their lives? Have you become like this after the passing of Sri Krishna, the supreme protector?”

The cow replied-

“Sir, as Dharma, you too were supported by Sri Krishna, the supreme lord. Your condition is now not too good.“

सत्यं शौचं दया क्षान्तिस्त्याग: सन्तोष आर्जवम्।

शमो दमस्तप: साम्यं तितिक्षोपरति: श्रुतम्॥

ज्ञानं विरक्तिरैश्वर्यं शौर्यं तेजो बलं स्मृति:।

स्वातन्त्र्यं कौशलं कान्तिर्धैर्यं मार्दवमेव च॥

प्रागल्भ्यं प्रश्रय: शीलं सह ओजो बलं भग:।

गाम्भीर्यं स्थैर्यमास्तिक्यं कीर्तिर्मानोऽनहङ्‍कृति:॥

एते चान्ये च भगवन्नित्या यत्र महागुणा:।

प्रार्थ्या महत्त्वमिच्छद्भ‍िर्न वियन्ति स्म कर्हिचित्॥

तेनाहं गुणपात्रेण श्रीनिवासेन साम्प्रतम्।

शोचामि रहितं लोकं पाप्मना कलिनेक्षितम्॥

T: “In our Lord, Sri Krishna reposed all great qualities-cleanliness,empathy for the suffering, temperance, contentment, simplicity, fortitude, austerity, dexterity, tolerance, fidelity, efficiency, beauty, kindness, creativity, culture, wisdom and learning, prosperity, fame, genuine worshipfulness. In His absence, these qualities have disappeared almost, and Kali’s influence is rampant everywhere.”

“स्वातन्त्र्यं कौशलं कान्तिर्धैर्यं मार्दवमेव च 

T: true economic and political freedom, proficiency in all walks of life, a radiance of prosperity, bravery and resourcefulness, and yet a cultural sensibility and a humane sensitivity to all life - these qualities shone during Sri Krishna’s incarnation!”

“I mourn that the world is now without that Lord of glory, enshrining the Goddess of Prosperity Sri, and instead has become the target of Kali.”

“You know, when I was trodded on and burdened by those huge armies during the war, it was He who relieved me of my suffering. He was there among the Yadus to take care of you too. But no more.”

“I remember with much thrill the amorous sports of Sri Krishna’s wives with him and his bewitching smiles, with Satyabhama in the lead. Their sport covered me with the dust of their feet, a blessing given their true devotion.”

“Listening to this conversation, King Parikshit discovered he had reached the eastern bank of the river Saraswati.”

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.15 - 8 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Thursday, 8 September 2022 - Chapter 15 of the first skandha - Arjuna narrates how Sri Krishna has departed from this physical world and all the Vrishnis have killed one another. Yudhishthira and others relinquish their bodies through yogic union with Bhagavan.

***

There is only one downside to being closely associated with a Living Master, a Mahatma or an Avatara. When the Avatara ends this incarnation, the devotees totally identified with him will find it impossible to live on. Maybe that is how it is meant to be.

***

Arjuna has been asked so many questions by Yudhishthira. But how does he compose himself and begin to narrate what has come to pass?

With heroic effort, he pulls himself together and begins. Yet his voice chokes, and tears stream down his face, as he speaks.

वञ्चितोऽहं महाराज हरिणा बन्धुरूपिणा। येन मेऽपहृतं तेजो देवविस्मापनं महत् ॥

यस्य क्षणवियोगेन लोको ह्यप्रियदर्शनः। उक्थेन रहितो ह्येष मृतकः प्रोच्यते यथा॥

T: “Oh King, Sri Krishna, Hari, has betrayed me! I have lost him and I am now without any powers that were once the wonder of even the gods. By whose disappearance even for an instant the world totters in grief, that Sri Krishna has left us forever and reduced me to a body that rots upon death.”

Arjuna recalls eloquently, in words dripping with love and devotion, how Sri Krishna guided him at every step. He says he owes everything to Sri Krishna - his winning Draupadi’s hand after winning the impossible challenge of the Matsya yantra, his defeating Indra, propitiating Agni and getting the heavenly Indraprastha constructed by Maya. Yudhishthira’s Rajasuya, Bhima’s victory over Jarasandha, Draupadi’s emancipation in that horrid episode of Kauravas’ demeaning her, the way Pandavas received the Akshayapatra (inexhaustible vessel of food) in the forest satisfying the sage Durvasa, then Arjuna’s propitiating Lord Shiva and getting the Pashupata, and Arjuna’s victory as Brihannala over the mighty Kauravas-each episode is succinctly cited as proof of the all-empowering grace of Sri Krishna in their most significant moments. Without Sri Krishna's grace could Arjuna have survived the deadly arrows of Bhishma, Drona, Karna and such warriors? 

And now?

नर्माण्युदाररुचिरस्मितशोभितानि हे पार्थ हेऽर्जुन सखे कुरुनन्दनेति।

सञ्जल्पितानि नरदेव हृदिस्पृशानि स्मर्तुर्लुठन्ति हृदयं मम माधवस्य॥

T: “Oh King, Sri Krishna used to speak so jovially and informally with me, with so much love, always smiling, calling me “Oh Partha, Arjuna, Kuru Hero” and so on. I am simply destroyed by grief and my heart is with Sri Krishna who is now gone!”

“You know, King, that one who spent so many hours days and nights together with me, treating me equal to a beloved, as his son, and even tolerated my slights, has now left me! Without him, I was powerless even to defend the helpless Dwaraka women against ordinary robbers.”

“Once Sri Krishna was gone, that famed chariot, that famed gandiva, those arrows and weapons, all burnt down to ashes. So you see, it was not about me ever, it was all Sri Krishna’s grace. And now, what!?”

“Oh king, all those dear Vrishnis you named and asked about- how to describe what happened? That terrible scene? By a sage’s curse, they all got so drunken and crazy that they all beat one another to death in the bloodiest way!”

“They say big fish eat small fish. That applies even to kings. The Vrishnis were so insolent by their power over all other kings that this was perhaps the only way to end their evil ways. It is like using a thorn to remove another and then throwing both away.”

प्रायेणैतद् भगवत ईश्वरस्य विचेष्टितम्।

मिथो निघ्नन्ति भूतानि भावयन्ति च यन्मिथः॥

T: “Surely this has to be Bhagavan’s will and his game plan. Otherwise how do you explain how the same Yadus who looked out and protected one another caused their own annihilation?”

***

एवं चिन्तयतो जिष्णोः कृष्णपादसरोरुहम्।

सौहार्देनातिगाढेन शान्ताऽसीद्बिमला मतिः॥

गीतं भगवता ज्ञानं यत्तत्सङ्ग्राममूर्धनि।

कालकर्मतमोरुद्धं पुनरध्यमगद्विभुः॥

T: Arjuna’s mind slowly found its peace by his total contemplation of Sri Krishna’s lotus feet, and his immersion in the Lord. His mind was no more agitated.

The profound upadesha of Srimad Bhagavagita at the crest of the Mahabharata battlefield by Sri Krishna to Arjuna had been by His will relegated in Arjuna’s memory. It now came back to fill him with wisdom and peace and took him to liberation.

***

निशम्य भगवन्मार्गं  संस्थां यदुकुलस्य च। सः पथाय मतिं चक्रे निभृतात्मा युधिष्ठिरः॥

पृथाप्यनिश्रुत्य एकान्तभक्त्या भगवत्यधोक्षजे निवेशिता ….

स्वराट् पौत्रं सुसमं गुणैः अभ्यषञ्चत्…

T: Hearing how the Lord had relinquished this earth physically, how the Yadus had destroyed themselves, Yudhishthira was clear about what he had to do. 

Kunti, hearing all that had happened, easily focussed her life-breath in the Lord and left this world.

Yudhishthira anointed the worthy grandson Parikshit as the king. He also made Vajra, Krishna’s grandson, the king of Mathura. He then took sannyasa formally, relinquishing all attachments and bonds. ब्रह्मण्यात्मानमव्यये  T: Thus did Yudhishthira merge into Brahman, to all outward purposes looking like someone crazed and deaf, but immersed in divine bliss as he walked away northward in Mahaprasthana.He then resolved his breath through Yoga and returned his body to the five elements.

Bhima and Arjuna followed him, realizing Kali Yuga had come. 

धारयामासुर्वैकुण्ठचरणाम्बुजम् T: Vyasa makes it a point to emphasize that how the Pandavas presented themselves to the physical world was totally irrelevant as they had fully realized in their hearts the lotus feet of Sri Hari, Sri Krishna.

Vidura also followed suit in Prabhasa, and was escorted by divine attendants to his heaven, i.e., Yama Loka. Draupadi also followed the Pandavas and dissolved herself in Bhagavan.

तद्ध्यानोद्रिक्तया भक्त्या विशुद्धधिषणा: परे ।

तस्मिन् नारायणपदे एकान्तमतयो गतिम् ॥

य: श्रद्धयैतद् भगवत्प्रियाणां पाण्डो: सुतानामिति सम्प्रयाणम् ।

श‍ृणोत्यलं स्वस्त्ययनं पवित्रं लब्ध्वा हरौ भक्तिमुपैति सिद्धिम् ॥

T; Thus did the Pandavas, by their intense meditation and devotion, purify their bodies and minds and make them fit for salvation. They dissolved into the lotus feet of Narayana as their ultimate and final abode.

Anyone who studies this episode of the salvation of the worthy Pandavas dear to Sri Krishna, following him after his departure, will reap all auspiciousness and make his own journey blessed and more than anything else, grow in his Bhakti.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I. 14 - 7 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Wednesday , 7 September 2022 - Chapter 14 of the first skandha - Yudhishthira’s unease after noticing unholy portents, which intensifies when a crestfallen Arjuna returns from Dwaraka.

***

This and the next chapter plunge us into anxiety and distress. Trust Yudhishthira to describe his foreboding eloquently.

***

The days at Hastinapura are losing their joie de vivre. There is a general degeneration of conduct in people and inhospitability in nature. King Yudhishthira is full of anxiety. He calls Bhima and says,

संप्रेषितो द्वारकायां जिष्णुर्बन्धुदिदृक्षया।ज्ञातुं च पुण्यश्लोकस्य कृष्णस्य च विचेष्टितम्॥

गताः सप्तधुना मासा भीमसेन तवानुजः। नायाति कस्य वा हेतोर्नाहं वेदेदमञ्जसा ॥

अपि देवर्षिणाऽदिष्टः स कालोऽयमुपस्थितः। यदात्मनोऽङ्गमाक्रीडं भगवानुत्सिसृक्षति॥

यस्मान्नः सम्पदो राज्यं दाराः प्राणाः कुलं प्रजाः।आसन् सपत्नविजयो लोकाश्च यदनुग्रहात्॥

पश्योत्पातन्नरव्याघ्र दिव्यान् भौमान् सदैहिकान्। दारुणान् शंसतोऽदूराद्भयं नो बुद्धिमोहनम्॥

T: “Dear Bhima, our younger brother, victorious Arjuna, went to Dwaraka to renew affectionate relations with people there and ascertain the well-being of dear Sri Krishna. But he has not returned even after seven months! I am apprehensive. Has the prophecy of Devarshi Narada come true that the time will soon come when Sri Krishna will wind up his incarnation? Oh, dear! To whom we owe everything - our wealth, our kingdom, our families, our lives, our happy citizens, our victories, Sri Krishna! I hope he is well!!! I see too many bad omens, in the skies, on earth, and in all sentient life. It is enough to drive me crazy.”

Yudhishthira goes on to describe a long list of ill-omens all around that make for frightful reading. He is really a worried man. Just then, Arjuna arrives. He is a mere shadow of his usual, ebullient, confident, happy, self.

Yudhishthira asks Arjuna, in a voice full of despondency, 

कच्चिदनर्तपुर्यां नः स्वजनाः सुखमासते।

भगवानपि गोविन्दो ब्रह्मण्यो भक्तवत्सलः।

कच्चित्पुरे सुधर्मायां सुखमास्ते सहृद्वृतः॥

T: “Oh Arjuna! Tell me, are the people of Dwaraka well?” He lists every important name in Dwaraka including all of Sri Krishna’s relatives. “And how is Lord Govinda Sri Krishna himself? He loves holy Brahmins, and is the epitome of compassion towards his devotees! Is he indeed well, in that city of good men, being surrounded by his dear ones?”

And then he asks, looking much concerned at Arjuna’s crestfallen appearance,

“Oh Arjuna, are you well? Any ill health? Any untoward events in your journey? Did you not discharge your usual Dharmic duties? Were you insulted? Did you ill-treat or molest any woman? Were you deficient in any manner? Oh, I am so worried, and my worry has intensified after seeing your condition!” And here Yudhishthira lists a number of possible reasons for Arjuna’s despondency, which make for interesting reading of what can go wrong in one’s life. 

Let us see what Arjuna replies, tomorrow.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I. 13 - 6 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Tuesday, 6 September 2022 - Chapter 13 of the first skandha - Dhritarashtra and Gandhari give up their bodies.

***

विदुरस्तीर्थयात्रायां मैत्रेयादात्मनो गतिम्।

ज्ञात्वागाद्धास्तिनपुरं तयावाप्तविवत्सितः॥

T: Vidura had travelled to several holy places and had received the divine knowledge of the Self from the sage Maitreya. He now returned to Hastinapura, having fulfilled his longing for spiritual knowledge and wishing to meet his kith and kin. 

He was received with great joy and a sense of exhilaration experienced when life returns to a dead city, by all, including his brother Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, Kunti, King Yudhishthira and everyone else.

King Yudhishthira worshipped holy Vidura and expressed the Pandavas’ love and reverence for one who had repeatedly ensured their welfare amidst many dangers and griefs.

भवद्विधा भागवतास्तीर्थभूता: स्वयं विभो।

तीर्थीकुर्वन्ति तीर्थानि स्वान्त:स्थेन गदाभृता॥

T: Yudhishthira said to Vidura: “Oh, Sir, people like you are yourselves places of worship, as you sanctify all the places that you visit, since you carry within the Self Lord Maha Vishnu by your devotion.”

***

The king enquired of Vidura after due hospitality and rest where he had been and what he had seen, particularly the well-being of the Yadus.

Vidura described all the holy places and his edifying experiences, and narrated everything except the horrific civil strife among Yadus that had exterminated them, यथानुभूतं

क्रमशो विना यदुकुलक्षयम्, a story he did not want to tell as it would plunge everyone into unrecoverable sorrow. 

Sage Vyasa now reveals that Vidura was himself an incarnation of Yama, the Lord of Time and Death. For some transgression,Yama had been given a curse by a rishi that he would have to spend a hundred years on earth as a human. He had taken birth as Vidura.

Vidura saw how Yudhishthira was ruling well and there was peace and prosperity all around. But he also knew that Time or Destiny had some plans to disrupt their sense of “all is well here.”

***

Vidura had indeed come to Hastinapura only to give timely counsel to his blind step-brother, the old King Dhritarashtra. Therefore, after a few days, he met him alone and counselled:

येन चैवाभिपन्नोऽयं प्राणै: प्रियतमैरपि।

जन: सद्यो वियुज्येत किमुतान्यैर्धनादिभि:॥

अग्निर्निसृष्टो दत्तश्च गरो दाराश्च दूषिता:।

हृतं क्षेत्रं धनं येषां तद्दत्तैरसुभि: कियत्॥

गतस्वार्थमिमं देहं विरक्तो मुक्तबन्धन: ।

अविज्ञातगतिर्जह्यात् स वै धीर उदाहृत: ॥

T: “Oh brother and king, Dhritarashtra, when one is forced to relinquish this body due to disease and old age inexorably, a body that is so dear to us, what is the difficulty in relinquishing those people we consider our dear ones or our possessions that we cling to?”

“You are now eating the morsels given by Pandavas, the same people your side tried to poison and burn down. Your sons dragged and molested the Pandava queen in your court. You stole their kingdom and possessions and banished them. Is it worth living on their charity now?”

“One indeed is liberated from these bonds when one becomes dispassionate and leaves the attachment to this perishable body. Such a one goes to a remote secluded place and voluntarily relinquishes the mortal coil.”

These words penetrated Dhritarashitra deeply. That very night, accompanied by his dear and dutiful queen Gandhari, and Vidura, the blind king Dhritarashtra left Hastinapura and went northward to the Himalayas.

***

Yudshishthira came to the palace the next morning after his usual prayers and wanted to take the blessings of Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Vidura as was his routine. Not finding them anywhere, he asked Sanjaya, the famous charioteer and companion of Dhritarashtra (remember the Bhagavadgita), where the three were. Sanjaya was in tears. After he managed to recover his composure sufficiently, he disclosed to the king that the three had gone away in the dead of the night without leaving any clue.

Yudhishthira was plunged into sorrow and was putting himself into his favourite mood of extreme guilt as the one responsible for all this. At that moment the divine sage Narada, accompanied by another celestial sage Tumburu, came there.

Yudhishthira after extending his reverential greetings burst into sorrow, asking where his uncles and aunt might have gone away. What would befall the old, infirm, blind Dhritarashtra? 

Sage Narada replied:

मा कञ्चन शुचो राजन् यदीश्वरवशं जगत् ।

लोका: सपाला यस्येमे वहन्ति बलिमीशितु: ।

स संयुनक्ति भूतानि स एव वियुनक्ति च ॥

T: “Oh, King, do not grieve for anyone. This whole world runs under the watch of Ishwara. The guardian deities, kings and commoners all walk the path chosen by Him. Indeed it is only He who brings people together, and separates them from one another at His will.”

“King, we are all like cattle with ropes passed through our noses and tied with ropes around our necks, being driven by Destiny, either knowingly following scriptural injunctions or not. It does not matter what you think! You may think this material world is the be-all and end-all, or think Brahman alone is, or consider that all life is an explicable phenomenon. Yet the result of how you live and experience life will be the same. This is only a passing drama enacted by the Lord and we are like His playthings that He puts together and separates (यथा क्रीडोपस्कराणां संयोगविगमाविह)!”

तदिदं भगवान् राजन्नेक आत्मात्मनां स्वद‍ृक् ।

अन्तरोऽनन्तरो भाति पश्य तं माययोरुधा ॥

निष्पादितं देवकृत्यमवशेषं प्रतीक्षते ।

तावद् यूयमवेक्षध्वं भवेद् यावदिहेश्वर: ॥

T: “Therefore, King Yudhishthira, meditate on the One Supersoul which is in your soul. He is both inside and outside. Get rid of your illusion and perceive Him. Know that Bhagavan Sri Krishna has completed his incarnation here and discharged all His plans. Await the moment as your own signal as and when He makes his own departure.”

धृतराष्ट्र: सह भ्रात्रा गान्धार्या च स्वभार्यया ।

दक्षिणेन हिमवत ऋषीणामाश्रमं गत: ॥

T: “As for your uncle, King Dhritarashtra has gone with Gandhari and Vidura to the southern part of Himalaya, to the ashramas of rishis.”

“The place is called Saptasrota [“divided by seven”] because there the waters of the sacred Ganges  have divided into seven branches for the seven great sages. Bathing three times daily, performing the Agni-hotra sacrifice with fire, subsisting only on water, Yudhishthira will master the control of his body, overcoming the three Gunas and focussing on Bhagavan.” 

“He will quit his body on the fifth day from now. And his body will burn up and will turn to ashes. His chaste wife will enter the same fire with rapt attention. After witnessing all this, Vidura, being affected with delight at their holy passage and grief due to his filial loss, will then leave that place of sacred pilgrimage.”

Having spoken thus, the great sage Narada and Tumburu ascended into the higher realm. Yudhishthira was able to pull himself together and overcome his distress.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.12 - 5 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Monday, 5 September 2022 - Chapter 12 of the first skandha - The story of King Parikshit. 

***

Sage Shaunaka now requests the Suta to narrate the story of Parikshit, गर्भ ईशेन जीवतः पुनः, the unborn child brought back to life by Lord Sri Krishna. How did he grow up, how did he conduct himself, and how did his end come about?

The Suta is glad to tell Parikshit’s wonderful story.

***

"First of all, we should know that King Yudhishthira ruled very well, and established great prosperity and happiness in all his land.”

संपदः क्रतवो लोका महिषी भ्रातरो मही।

जम्बूद्वीपाधिपत्यं च यशश्च त्रिदिवं गतम्॥

किं ते कामाः सरस्पार्हा मुकुन्दमनसो द्विजाः।

T: “King Yudhishthira established great economic prosperity, conducted various yajnas impeccably, and kept all his people, as well as his queen and his brothers, happy. Thus were all people happiest in his kingdom that covered the whole of Jambudweepa, and his fame spread in the tree worlds.”

“But, oh sages! Yudhishthira was himself totally not attracted to any of these pleasures and glories that would tempt even the gods because his mind was totally immersed in Lord Sri Krishna, Mukunda.”

“Now let me tell you about Parikshit.”

मातुर्गर्भगतो वीरः ददर्श पुरुषं 

अङ्गुष्टमात्रं अमलं स्फुरत्पुरटमालिनम् ।

अपीव्यदर्शनं श्यामं तडिद्वाससमच्युतम् ॥

श्रीमद्दीर्घचतुर्बाहुं तप्तकाञ्चनकुण्डलम्।

गदापाणिं परिभ्रमन्तमुल्काभां भ्रामयन्तं गदां मुहुः ॥

अस्त्रतेजः स्वगदया नीराहिमिव गोपतिः पर्यैक्षत क इत्यसौ।

T:”Oh sages, the hero of a child in his mother’s womb saw a great being, small like one’s thumb inside, pristine, radiant, wearing a gold crown, most beautiful but incomprehensible, of a dark complexion, wearing a golden garment that shone like lightning against a dark cloud. This was Lord Achyuta. The long-armed glorious Lord wearing sparkling gold ear-ornaments held a fiery mace in His hand twirling which He drove out that Brahmastra. It was Sri Krishna himself, but the baby inside thought hard and wondered who this one might be!”

पर्यैक्षत - T: examined and wondered.

मिषतो दशमासस्य तत्रैवान्तर्दधे हरिः।

ततः सर्वगुणोदर्के  जज्ञे वंशधरः पाण्डोर्भूयः पाण्डोरिवौजसा।

जातकं कारयामास वाचयित्वा च मङ्गलम्।

हिरण्यं गां महीं प्रादात् विप्रेभ्यः

तमूचुः ब्राह्मणाः तुष्टाः 

रातोऽवोऽनुग्रहार्थाय विष्णुना प्रभविष्णुना ॥

तस्मान्नाम्ना विष्णुरात इति लोके बृहच्छ्रवाः।

भविष्यति न सन्देहो महाभागवतो महान् ॥

T: “That child watching the Lord in the womb unblinkingly was thus protected for the full pregnancy of ten months by Hari. Then the boy was born in a most auspicious way, the future hope of Pandavas, glorious like Pandu had been himself. Yudhishthira called all sages and priests and requested them to bless the child, make his horoscope and foretell the child’s prospects. He gave gifts most generously to them, and the gratified sages foretold that this scion of the dynasty had been saved by Lord Maha Vishnu Himself and would become renowned worldwide as Vishnuraata (One saved by Maha Vishnu). He would be without doubt a magnificent king, and also a most advanced devotee of Bhagavan.”

King Yudhishthira asked pointedly, “Would this child uphold the tradition of our forefathers, known as great Rajarshis (sages who ruled well!)?”

The sages replied:

पार्थ प्रजाविता साक्षादिक्ष्वाकुरिव मानवः।

ब्रह्मण्यः सत्यसन्धश्च रामो दाशरथिर्यथा॥

दाता यशो वितनिता 

धन्विनामग्रणीरेष तुल्यश्चार्जुनयोर्द्वयोः।

पितामहः समः साम्ये प्रसादे गिरिशोपमः।

आश्रयः सर्वभूतानां यथा देवो रामाश्रयः॥

T: “Oh, King Yudhishthira, son of Kunti, know that this child will be a great ruler of his people like the Ikshwaku kings. He will revere Brahmanas, and will adhere to the path of Truth like Sri Rama himself! He will be generous, and scrupulous in discharging his duties, without conceit, like the best of such kings of the past. He will be a great archer comparable to his own grandfather Arjuna as well as the Arjuna of Ramayana fame who subdued Ravana once.”

“In short, he will be wise like Lord Brahma, magnanimous like Lord Shiva, and the infallible protector of those who come for protection like Lord Vishnu Himself.”

“The sages showered more comparisons with the great kings in every aspect that gladdened Yudhishthira no end". 

***

Suta also concludes that the great king ended his life on being bitten by the famed serpent Takshaka as a result of a curse placed on him by the son of a Rishi. Maintaining his equanimity, the king met his end while immersing himself in devotion to Lord Hari.

The King had seen with wonder (=Parikshit) Lord Vishnu Himself when the king had been still in the womb! Therefore he would be known in future as Raja Parikshit. 

The boy Parikshit was thus blessed by all and grew into an admirable prince.

***

The Suta also narrates that King Yudhishthira conducted three Ashwamedha Yajnas very well. But for that he needed a lot of wealth which he could not get from his own modest taxes. Therefore, on Sri Krishna’s advice, the Pandava brothers went to the northern region and gathered what they needed in a land where a lot of gold lay after it had been left behind by Brahmins long ago when another king Maruttaraja had performed a great sacrifice.

Sri Krishna attended the Aswamedha yajnas performed grandly and stayed in Hastinapura as desired by the Pandavas for a few months.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chrononogical Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.11 - 4 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Sunday, 4 September 2022 - Chapter 11 of the first skandha - Sri Krishna’s grand reception in Dwaraka.

***

Sri Krishna announced his arrival to all of Dwaraka by blowing his Panchajanya conch that resounded from heaven to earth unmistakably. The poet Vyasa says that the divine, shapely, milky white conch when pressed against his lovely lotus-like ruddy lips got a reddish tinge and it resembled a swan sporting amidst lotuses in the Manasa lake.

The citizens of Dwaraka, young and old, royals and commoners, thronged to receive their most beloved lord. Vasudeva and his queens headed by Devaki, Krishna’s children, and associates like Akrura, along with Krishna's mighty brother Balarama, all rushed to receive him, stopping whatever they might have been doing - eating, lying down for rest or sitting. The poet describes their welcome with royal elephants, musical instruments and the waving of lamps. It was as if a grand worship of the sun was underway. A grand royal white umbrella was held over Krishna's head, he was fanned with fancy camelhair fans, and flowers were showered on him from balconies. The sentiment of his beloved citizens and devotees is captured thus:

श्रियो निवासो यस्योर: पानपात्रं मुखं द‍ृशाम् ।

बाहवो लोकपालानां सारङ्गाणां पदाम्बुजम् ॥

T: Lord Sri Krishna’s chest is the abode of goddess Lakshmi, his moonlike face is like the large drinking cup of epicures.  His arms are the resting places of the guardian deities. His feet are the refuge of devotees singing his praises.

Sri Krishna met and paid his respects to his father and mothers, moving them to great emotion. He then entered his palaces, the happy home of his queens. The queens were delighted, and ceased their austerities customary when the husband is away (साकं व्रतैर्व्रीडितलोचनानना:) and approached him with great love and coyness. 

Now I quote three very contrasting shlokas.

एवं नृपाणां क्षितिभारजन्मना-

मक्षौहिणीभि: परिवृत्ततेजसाम् ।

विधाय वैरं श्वसनो यथानलं

मिथो वधेनोपरतो निरायुध: ॥

T: Sri Krishna was like the wind that triggers a forest fire by the rubbing together of dry tree branches, as he accomplished the eradication of evil kings who burdened rather than nurtured the earth by instigating the great war between rivals arrogant about their military strength of elephants, horses and chariots and soldiers. This was his statesmanship.

एतदीशनमीशस्य प्रकृतिस्थोऽपि तद्गुणै: ।

न युज्यते सदात्मस्थैर्यथा बुद्धिस्तदाश्रया ॥

T: This indeed is the wondrous lordship of Ishwara, who dwells in nature, but is not affected by its Gunas Rajas-Tamas-Sattva. He thus dwells as the Supreme Truth, the Supersoul, but unattached to worldly goings-on. That is the clue even for his devotees - to dwell within Him and stay detached to the outer world.

तं मेनिरेऽबला मूढा: स्त्रैणं चानुव्रतं रह: ।

अप्रमाणविदो भर्तुरीश्वरं मतयो यथा ॥

T: Sri Krishna’s queens were indeed fooled as they thought they had Sri Krishna under their thumb  ( स्त्रैणम्) as he was ever-ready to please them by fulfilling their demands. They were clueless about the truth that he is the Supreme Lord of all, much like egoists and atheists.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index 

Srimad Bhagavatam I.10 - 3 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Saturday, 3 September 2022 - Chapter 10 of the first skandha - All is well in Hastinapur. Sri Krishna proceeds to Dwaraka.

***

निशम्य भीष्मोक्तमथाच्युतोऽक्तं प्रवृत्तविज्ञानविधूतविभ्रमः।

शशास गामिन्द्र इवाजिताश्रयः परिध्युपान्तामनुजानुवर्तितः॥

T: On his heeding the advice of Bhishma and the counsel of Achyuta Krishna, wisdom dawned in Yudhishthira and his confusion was dispelled. He then took over the kingdom and ruled without hindrance like Indra ruled heaven, and his kingdom extended to the ocean shores. He was ably and obediently supported by his brothers.

Sage Vyasa describes how nature smiled on the kingdom and there was plenty and prosperity. People were at peace. The rains, crops, all were good. There was no disease or pestilence.

***

Sri Krishna spends a good amount of time in Hastinapur respecting everyone’s wishes. Now the time comes for him to leave. He is given a tearful, most loving farewell that unites everyone-Pandavas, elders, womenfolk, citizens and priests and sages. 

There are many verses beautifully crafted to take us into experiencing that farewell. I shall quote a few shlokas.

न्यरुन्धन्नुद्गलद्बाष्पमौत्कण्ठ्याद्देवकीसुते ।

निर्यात्यगारान्नोऽभद्रमिति स्याद्बान्धवस्त्रियः॥

T: Just as Bhagavan Sri Krishna moved out of the palace premises, his dear relatives and womenfolk had tears welling up and throats choked at the thought of farewell. But they held back their emotions not to invite anything inauspicious for his journey ahead.

There were musical instruments sounding, and a grand celebration of the Lord’s presence all this time. Imagine the Ganesh Visarjan mood.

सितातपत्रं जग्राह मुक्तादामविभूषितम् ।

रत्नदण्डं गुडाकेशः प्रियः प्रियतमस्य ह ॥

T: Arjuna, one who had conquered sloth, who was dear to Krishna, stood on the chariot, holding a white umbrella proudly over Sri Krishna, his dearest friend. It was decorated with ropes of pearls and jewels on its bejewelled staff too.

प्रासादशिखरारूढाः कुरुनार्यो दिदृक्षया ।

ववृषुः कुसुमैः कृष्णं प्रेमव्रीडास्मितेक्षणाः ॥

T: The Kuru women stood on the high palace balcony to catch a perfect view of Sri Krishna, and showered fragrant flowers on him, their eyes filled with their love and coyness too.

Priests and Brahmins sang hymns propitiating the Lord and conferring blessings. Sage Vyasa reminds us that the Lord is the Supreme Being beyond name and form and needs no such rituals, but yet where there is devotion, He reigns supreme!

स वा अयं सख्यनुगीतसत्कथो वेदेषु गुह्येषु च गुह्यवादिभिः।

य एक ईशो जगदात्मलीलया सृजत्यवत्यत्ति न तत्र सज्जते ॥

T:”This is our dear Sri Krishna, He alone who has been sung about so much and whose stories are legion, who has been worshipped in the Vedas and esoteric Tantras! He alone is the Supreme Lord who by his Yoga Maya Leela (divine sport) creates, protects and dissolves the Universe, being totally unaffected Himself!”

“Oh the good fortune of Vrishni people of Dwaraka who rise at dawn to catch a glimpse of Sri Krishna, and who move about with him constantly! He is the Lord who ensures justice and law in the world, and blesses all that he touches!”

“Oh, how blessed are the women of Dwaraka!”

एताः परं स्त्रीत्व मपास्तपेशलं निरस्तशौचं बत साधु कुर्वते।

यासां गृहात्पुष्करलोचनः पतिर्न जात्वपैत्याहृतिभिर्हृदि स्पृशन् ॥

T: “And all his wives, including princesses like Rukmini and Satyabhama, as well as the legions of women Sri Krishna rescued from Narakasura - how sanctified are they by their lotus-eyed husband and Lord who never leaves their company and is enshrined always in their hearts!”

As the royal women were saying these words and celebrating the Lord, Sri Krishna looked with a most loving glance at all, and smilingly made his way on the chariot, along with his people and accompanied by a well-equipped army sent as an escort by King Yudhishthira. The people of Hastinapur travelled quite some distance with the entourage.

***

Passing several regions, including Kurujangala, Panchala, Surasena, Yamuna, Brahmavarta, Kurukshetra, Matsya, Saraswata and the deserts of Marudhanva, Sauveera, Abheera and Anarta, Lord Sri Krishna reached Dwaraka. He halted en route for resting the horses. Many came and offered their tributes as he passed their lands. 

***

Sri Krishna got down from his chariot and went and completed his Sandyavandana for the evening.

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index

Srimad Bhagavatam I.09 - 2 September 2022

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Friday, 2 September 2022 - Chapter 9 of the first skandha - Bhishma's advice to Yudhishthira and Bhishma's prayer to Krishna before leaving his body.

***

A highly distressed Yudhishithira now proceeds to meet and get advice from the Kuru Pitamaha Bhishma. Bhishma is also called Devavrata, born as the son of Devi Ganga, and blessed with unconquerable prowess and the ability to choose when to leave his body. He has witnessed the rise and fall of the Kurus and this fratricidal war where he was helpless in taking the side of Duryodhana. Arjuna has managed to fell him down with so many arrows that he now lies on the battlefield, on a bed of arrows, awaiting an auspicious moment to leave his body.

Sri Krishna has decided to stay back and accompanies Yudhishthira. Yudhishthira now proceeds with a large following to Bhishma, looking resplendent like Kubera. The irony is all his kingdom and wealth does not cheer up Yudhishthira. 

Several great celestial sages arrive to witness this moment. They include Vyasa, Narada, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Parashurama and so on. Even the gods are eagerly attending on this momentous visit of the Pandavas to the venerable Bhishma.

The description shows what a tragic hero Bhishma is. He never repents his life nor complains about this fate of lying on a bed of arrows. He is stoic and wise. No wonder Yudhishthira goes to him to get clarity in this moment of confusion. 

Bhishma casts his eye and sees the Pandavas, rishis, and more than anyone else, Sri Krishna himself. He is delighted immeasurably. He greets reverentially all the sages. He shows extreme affection for the Pandavas, and his words are dipped in wisdom and devotion. This portion is also a very important part of Hindu scriptures.

***

यत्र धर्मसुतो राजा गदापाणिर्वृकोदरः।

कृष्णोऽस्त्री गाण्डीवं चापं सुहृत्कृषणस्ततो विपत् ॥

न ह्यस्य कर्हिचिद्राजन् पुमान् वेद विधित्सितम्।

यद्विजिज्ञासया युक्ता मुह्यन्ति कवयोऽपि हि॥

तस्मादिदं देवतन्त्रं व्यवस्य भरतर्षभ।

तस्यानुविहितोऽनाथा नाथ पाहि प्रजाः प्रभो ॥

T: “Oh son, Yudhishthira, one can only marvel how such difficulties came to you Pandavas wave after wave, especially poor Queen Kunti who had to take care of her young boys after King Pandu’s death. Where there is upright Yudhishthira, the mace-wielding mighty Bhima, the ace archer Arjuna, and more than anything else, their dear well-wisher Krishna himself, one marvels how you had to undergo so many tribulations!”

“Oh King Yudhishthira, there is no way of knowing or explaining the ways of Destiny, even for the most learned and insightful ones who contemplate deeply on this.“

“Therefore I can only advise you to let the past be buried. You have a major responsibility now towards all the people who have been rendered helpless and leaderless. Please rule them and take care of their welfare as it is your bounden duty.”

Bhishma now cannot contain himself. He speaks words of glowing reverence for Sri Krishna.

एष भगवान् नारायणः मोहयन्मायया गूढश्चरति अस्यानुभावं वेद शिवः नारदः कपिलः

T:”This is the Supreme Lord Narayana Himself, who moves about disguised as Krishna, deluding all by his Maya! Only Lord Shiva, Sage Narada and Kapila Muni know his reality!” 

यं मन्यसे मातुलेयं प्रियं मित्रं सुहृत्तमम्। अकरोः सचिवं दूतं सौहृदादथ सारथिम्॥

सर्वात्मनः समदृशो ह्यद्वयस्यानहङ्कृतेः। तत्कृतं मतिवैषम्यं निरवद्यस्य न क्वचित्॥

यन्मेऽसुंस्त्यजतः साक्षात्कृष्णो दर्शनमागतः। प्रसन्नहासारुणलोचनोल्लसन्मुखाम्बुजो ध्यानपथश्चतुर्भुजः॥

T:”Oh, Yudhishthira, whom you consider your cousin (Kunti was Vasudeva’s sister), a dear friend, the best among your well-wishers, whom you have used at times as your advisor, your messenger, your mediary with friends, and even as a charioteer; pause and think: He is the Supersoul of all, equal in vision to all, who has no ego at all, whose deeds are never tainted or ill-conceived ever! How great indeed is my wonderful fortune that at my moment of death, Sri Krishna verily has come to me, in his most delightful, smiling, way, his joyous eyes casting glances that remind me of the tender rising sun, with his lotus-like face, too! He is giving me that most supreme vision of the four-armed Bhagavan Maha Vishnu that is granted to anyone normally only in the deepest meditation!”

***

Yudhishthira has come to resolve his mental conflicts and seek clarity. Bhishma gladly discourses to him on the duties of the citizenry of different classes and competencies, what is the Dharma of the charity-giver, ruler, womenfolk, devotees pursuing Bhakti, those seeking liberation from this world, and so on. He comprehensively clarifies duties and responsibilities and puts at rest Yudhishthira’s doubts and questions.

***

The sacred moment has come. It is Uttarayana, the Sun is moving to the northern hemisphere, and this part of the year is deemed to be auspicious for leaving the body.

Bhishma now gushes in prayer to Sri Krishna, holding nothing back. Let us remember that he is the son of Ganga, called Devavrata (godly in conduct), who placed his own commitment to his father above all else, who never took the throne but served the throne conscientiously for three generations, who battled hard when needed, who was egoless, who found himself on the wrong side of Dharma and therefore had to face this situation of lying on a bed of arrows.

Bhishma now knows his time has come. He no longer feels any pain from the arrows. He sees Maha Vishnu as Sri Krishna. He prays to Sri Krishna in several verses. They are extremely beautiful in poetic and metrical sense. They are dipped in devotion. I shall quote only two verses and give their meanings.

इति मतिरुपकल्पिता वितृष्णा भगवति सात्वतपुङ्गवे विभूम्नि।

स्वसुखमुपगते क्वचिद्विहर्तुं प्रकृतिमुपेयुषि यद्भवप्रवाहः॥

त्रिभुवनकमनं तमालवर्णं रविकरगौराम्बरं दधाने।

वपुरलककुलावृताननाब्जं विजयसखे रतिरस्तु मेऽनवद्या॥

T: “May my mind remain without any desire, totally immersed in Bhagavan Sri Krishna, omnipotent, ever blissful in His Divinity, who creates this world out of His sweet will and even manifests as Avatara as He wishes. His form enchants the three worlds, He is of a dark charming complexion of the Tamala tree, wears a golden garment, has applied sandal paste, his curls surround his lotus face, he is the dear friend of Arjuna. May my loving devotion to Sri Krishna be without any lacunae.”

Bhishma recalls how, on the battlefield, it was impossible for Arjuna to get the better of himself. And Bhishma had also taken an oath that he would drive Pandavas to such a corner that Sri Krishna would be forced, out of his compassion for them, to take up arms and fight Bhishma, thereby breaking his own word before the battle that he would not take up arms. Bhishma had calculated that there was no better way to die than at Sri Krishna’s hands! 

This was averted when Sri Krishna had stopped midway while rushing at him, with his Sudarshana raised, when Bhishma had laughingly called out his breaking his promise not to take up arms.

That scene is described in some verses, before concluding with charming references to Sri Krishna’s pranks in Gokula and His statesmanship during Rajasuya.

I append below the scan from Swami Tapasyananda’s book, giving lucid English meanings of verses that capture Sri Krishna’s acts of grace that Bhishma recalls.

***

At the end of his prayer, Bhishma concentrated his entire being in the Lord, and merged in the Supersoul.

आत्म्यात्मानमावेश्य सोऽन्तःश्वासः उपारमत् 

T: Merging his own soul into the Supersoul, Bhishma dissolved his breath within at last.

***

There was a profound silence. Gods, rishis, Pandavas and their retinue, had all witnessed a never-before, never-after moment of a hero voluntarily leaving his body. 

Then the gods and men raised a huge celebration of the momentous passing of Bhishma with all kinds of musical and percussion instruments. There was a shower of flowers from heaven. 

The sages blessed all and bade goodbye. 

Yudhishthira pulled himself together with some effort and performed Bhishma’s last rites.

He then went on to take over the reins of rulership as he had been advised, after taking permission from Dhritarashtra and blessings from Sri Krishna.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Chronological Index