Sachi R

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2022/08/aug-26.html

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam XII. snippet 11 - 5 September 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Srimad Bhagavatam - snippet 11- Tuesday, 5 September 2023 - my own thoughts.
***

Tomorrow is Sri Krishna Janmashtami, occurring on Ashtami Rohini as per my calendar. I shall be reading the final chapter of the final Skandha and completing my study of Srimad Bhagavatam.

I must confess that I have not done such a great job in this study. I was prompted by Dr. Venkat Subrahmanyan, Director of Vyoma, last year to study Bhagavatam. I had already read the English version of Swami Tejomayananda's book which captured a series of his lectures on Srimad Bhagavatam. I had also attended his Bhagavata Stuti Mala camp in Adi Shankara Nilayam. So my enthusiasm to follow up on Sri. Venkat's suggestion was great. All it needed was a final push which came from Guruji Smt. Ananthalakshmi Mami when I attended her Narayana Tirtha Day. Last year, I began this study on Janmashtami. This has gone on on a daily basis without letup. That is indeed Sri Krishna's immense grace. I have also received many many encouraging signals from reader well-wishers.

I have failed to live Srimad Bhagavatam 24x7. I am still not so focussed as I would like to be. The only saving grace in my effort is the immense, yes, immense, joy I have experienced every day. That should keep me motivated.

Today I wanted to ruminate on what are my takeaways. Luckily, I found a chapter capturing precisely my thoughts!

स वै पुंसां परो धर्मो यतो भक्तिरधोक्षजे ।

अहैतुक्यप्रतिहता ययाऽऽत्मा सम्प्रसीदति ॥

That is the supreme Dharma for man which evokes unstinted, desireless love for Sri Krishna as this is the sole means to experience the delight of the Atma.

Vairagya and Jnana naturally follow from Bhakti. Bhakti replaces worldly desires (=Vairagya) and makes one see life differently, without attachment (Jnana).

धर्मः स्वनुष्ठितः पुंसां विष्वक्सेनकथासु यः ।

नोत्पादयेद्यदि रतिं श्रम एव हि केवलम् ॥

Men engage in several activities and religious rituals, all with the desire for worldly benefits.

All such religious efforts that do not develop unstinting devotion are a mere waste of effort and sweat with no benefit at all.

Many maintain that Dharma - righteous living and ritual, is after all for securing worldly good and a better life in heaven thereafter. But the desire for pleasures and wealth cannot ever be true Dharma, as it does not evoke a search for ultimate liberation, the summum bonum, which can be obtained only by the search for Brahman (formless Godhood), Paramatman (the Supreme Being), Bhagavan (the lovable and worshippable God with form), these three ideas all leading to the same state of liberation.

तच्छ्रद्दधाना मुनयो ज्ञानवैराग्ययुक्तया ।

पश्यन्त्यात्मनि चात्मानं भक्त्या श्रुतगृहीतया ॥

The sages with Jnana and Vairagya and true dedication who listen to Srimad Bhagavatam develop unstinting devotion and are bound to find the Supreme Being in their own hearts.

In a wonderful way, the Supreme Being, through the Yogamaya Shakti (creative power) under His control, combines in infinite ways the three Gunas and manifests in all creation. He is yet untainted therefrom while infusing all existence with consciousness emanating from His pure Supreme Being.

The Lord alone manifests through His Leela (sport) as gods, humans, animals, and everything else. He protects and nourishes all creation. Therefore it is easy for a simple and honest person to discover the wonder of creation and the true joy of loving Bhagavan present in everything and everyone. All it needs is honest seeking.

Finally, living in the presence of Bhagavan always means we experience the ultimate Bliss, Love, Beauty and Intuition which is the core of true existence, as these four are beyond Maya. This is also the message of my Guru Shri Ishwar Puri.

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Monday, September 4, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam XII. snippet 10 - 4 September 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Srimad Bhagavatam - snippet 10- Monday, 4 September 2023 - The Gopis and their songs.
***

Bhakti is the way. Speaking to Bhagavan is prayer. Longing for his union is seeking.
The Gopis of Vraja are the ideal for us to follow. Here is a paraphrasing of their song!

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/05/srimad-bhagavatam-x-a31-gopi-geeta-1.html

The Gopis search for Sri Krishna who has disappeared from their midst. They are crazily forlorn and burst into song. I am writing in English but the original shlokas and their translation are given in the blogpost linked above.

Dear Krishna? Where are you? Please don’t hide!

Your birth has made Vraja better than heaven,

As proof, the goddess of fortune has descended here!

You have enslaved us with your deadly glances

More ravishing than all the autumnal lotus blooms!

Our hero! You’ve saved us from Kaliya, Agha, Arishta, wind, fire and rain,

Only to hide now and throw us into despondency?

You’re our indweller Lord, but yet, we do crave to see you too!

Your touch is a blessing, your smile is a cleansing, but you’re now missing, Krishna!

Your feet bless this Vraja’s soil, are worshipped by Lakshmi, and

Coveted for shelter by saints. Please place them on our burning bosoms now!

Oh, for your sweet words! Oh, for your sweet lips! We are thirsty, oh, Krishna!

Your stories are nectarine, sung by the best of poets,

They absolve us of the anguish of worldly life, sanctifying on merely entering our ears.

No wonder only the worthy souls hear them!

This is indeed insane. You brought us the greatest joy by your smile, your glance and touch.

Now, bereft of these, we are all most wretched!

Oh, we are worried, Krishna! We don’t want your tender lotus feet

To hurt on Vraja’s pebbles and thorns! Come, let’s take care of them, please!

The best moment of the day is when you return fetching the cattle after grazing!

Your dark tresses are then covered with dust and look so beautiful!

Now listen, Krishna. You dare not cheat us and go away like this,

When we left our homes, husbands, all, to be with you!

We were drawn away beyond our control by the sweet strains of your flute.

Don’t you see our misery, our suffering? The only antidote is your company, dearest!

You are our world. You are our life. You are our lone joy. Please come back!

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam XII. snippet 9 - 3 September 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Srimad Bhagavatam - snippet 9- Sunday, 3 September 2023 - Uddhava Geeta.
***

The portion of Srimad Bhagavatam wherein Bhagavan Sri Krishna gives his detailed spiritual instruction to his beloved devotee Uddhava is treated as a separate book of great importance. It is called Uddhava Gita. This is at the end of Sri Krishna Avatara. There is a great deal of poignancy in Uddhava. But he rises mentally to seek the insights and grace from Bhagavan.

Uddhava asks searching questions of Bhagavan. His replies are pure gems, straight from the mouth of Bhagavan himself, as sacred as the Srimad Bhagavadgita. So today I make some snippets from those posts.
https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/07/srimad-bhagavatam-xi07-part-10-july-2023.html

Uddhava asked:
सत्यस्य ते स्वदृश आत्मन आत्मनोऽन्यं वक्तारमीश विबुधेष्वपि नानुचक्षे ।
सर्वे विमोहितधियस्तव माययेमे ब्रह्मादयस्तनुभृतो बहिरर्थभावाः ॥
तस्माद्भवन्तमनवद्यमनन्तपारं सर्वज्ञमीश्वरमकुण्ठविकुण्ठधिष्ण्यम् ।
निर्विण्णधीरहमु ह वृजिनाभितप्तो नारायणं नरसखं शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥
Dear Bhagavan, you are the Absolute Truth, the Ishwara and you alone can reveal yourself to your devotees. Apart from you. I can't think of any teacher to explain this path to me. You are the incomparable teacher, and also, even Brahma and the gods are deluded by your Maya. There is thus no surprise that we embodied beings think of this body and its world to be everything!
Bhagavan, feeling weary of material life and tormented by its distresses, I now surrender to you as the perfect master. You are the unlimited, all-knowing Paramatma Ishwara, whose spiritual abode in Vaikuntha is free from all disturbances. In fact, you are known as Narayana, which means the true friend of all living beings!

श्रीभगवानुवाच
प्रायेण मनुजा लोके लोकतत्त्वविचक्षणाः । समुद्धरन्ति ह्यात्मानमात्मनैवाशुभाशयात् ॥
आत्मनो गुरुरात्मैव पुरुषस्य विशेषतः । यत्प्रत्यक्षानुमानाभ्यां श्रेयोऽसावनुविन्दते ॥
पुरुषत्वे च मां धीराः साङ्ख्ययोगविशारदाः । आविस्तरां प्रपश्यन्ति सर्वशक्त्युपबृंहितम् ॥
एकद्वित्रिचतुष्पादो बहुपादस्तथापदः । बह्व्यः सन्ति पुरः सृष्टास्तासां मे पौरुषी प्रिया ॥
अत्र मां मार्गयन्त्यद्धा युक्ता हेतुभिरीश्वरम् । गृह्यमाणैर्गुणैर्लिङ्गैरग्राह्यमनुमानतः ॥
Bhagavan replied: Dear Uddhava, those who can expertly analyse the human condition and its misery generally manage to rise above the life of physical gratifications. In fact, such a person with intelligence becomes his own spiritual master. Those advanced in this path of Sankhya (discrimination) can see me and my Maya clearly. This world has many types of living entities, those with one, two, three, four, many feet, some slithering without feet and so on. Of all these forms, the human form is dearest to me. Because I am beyond mental constructs derived from sense experiences, the human being with intelligence goes beyond physical perceptions to directly search for me beyond the mind. This can be realised directly or by inference.
https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/07/srimad-bhagavatam-xi10-14-july-2023.html
यमानभीक्ष्णं सेवेत नियमान् मत्पर: क्व‍‍चित् । मदभिज्ञं गुरुं शान्तमुपासीत मदात्मकम् ॥
The one devoted to me should practise self-restraint always. He should seek the true Guru who knows me and who is peaceful (having subdued all his senses) and worship that Guru as identical to me.
अमान्यमत्सरो दक्षो निर्ममोद‍ृढसौहृद: । असत्वरोऽर्थजिज्ञासुरनसूयुरमोघवाक् ॥
जायापत्यगृहक्षेत्रस्वजनद्रविणादिषु । उदासीन: समं पश्यन् सर्वेष्वर्थमिवात्मन: ॥
The characteristics of a true seeker are: he is egoless, he is non-jealous, he is adept in his work, he has no attachment to people or things and is a trustworthy friend to all. He is not easily tempted or excited. He considers the inner truth in everything. He does not envy anyone and never speaks ill of anyone. He is within indifferent to his wife, children, home and land as well as relatives and wealth which matter a great deal to most people. He thus sees everything holistically and equanimously as one's own Self. "No I and Mine".
विलक्षण: स्थूलसूक्ष्माद् देहादात्मेक्षिता स्वद‍ृक् । यथाग्निर्दारुणो दाह्याद् दाहकोऽन्य: प्रकाशक: ॥
निरोधोत्पत्त्यणुबृहन्नानात्वं तत्कृतान् गुणान् । अन्त:प्रविष्ट आधत्त एवं देहगुणान् पर: ॥
The Atma and the body are like fire and firewood. The firewood cannot burn without fire, and indeed is not fire. The Atma and the material body possess different characteristics and are separate entities. Just as fire may appear differently as dormant, manifest, weak, brilliant and so on, according to the condition of the fuel, similarly, the Atma enters a material body and accepts that particular body's characteristics.
योऽसौ गुणैर्विरचितो देहोऽयं पुरुषस्य हि । संसारस्तन्निबन्धोऽयं पुंसो विद्याच्छिदात्मन: ॥
तस्माज्जिज्ञासयात्मानमात्मस्थं केवलं परम् । सङ्गम्य निरसेदेतद्वस्तुबुद्धिं यथाक्रमम् ॥
All subtle and gross matter and bodies are created through Prakriti and are a part of Bhagavan. The Maya casts the veil of ignorance that creates a sense of separateness while there is no real separation.
Therefore, by the cultivation of true knowledge, one should approach Bhagavan situated within oneself. By understanding the Lord’s pure, transcendental existence, one should gradually give up the false vision of the material world as an independent reality.

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/07/srimad-bhagavatam-xi10-14-july-2023.html
कोऽन्वर्थ: सुखयत्येनं कामो वा मृत्युरन्तिके । आघातं नीयमानस्य वध्यस्येव न तुष्टिद: ॥
When death hangs overhead constantly, how can one truly enjoy material pleasures? Isn't one like a man on the gallows, being led steadily toward one's execution?
श्रुतं च द‍ृष्टवद् दुष्टं स्पर्धासूयात्ययव्ययै: । बह्वन्तरायकामत्वात् कृषिवच्चापि निष्फलम् ॥
Cultivating hopes of pleasures here or in heaven is fraught with the pain of competition, jealousy, and the perishable nature of these experiences. It is as difficult as agriculture in which pests, weeds, diseases and drought beset every crop.

Uddhava asked:
कथं वर्तेत विहरेत् कैर्वा ज्ञायेत लक्षणै: । किं भुञ्जीतोत विसृजेच्छयीतासीत याति वा ॥
एतदच्युत मे ब्रूहि प्रश्न‍ं प्रश्न‍‌विदां वर । नित्यबद्धो नित्यमुक्त एक एवेति मे भ्रम: ॥
Dear Lord Achyuta, how does one identify a liberated man? How does he behave, what does he accept, what does he reject, how does he sleep, and function? Indeed, you are the best among those who can answer me, Lord! My confusion is how a constantly bound Jiva can ever become a permanently liberated Atma!?

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/07/srimad-bhagavatam-xi11-15-july-2023.html
Bhagavan replied:
First of all. the Jiva and Ishwara are co-residents in the body, eternal friends, like two birds on a tree. The Jiva eats the fruits good and bad, but Ishwara is blissful, never eating the fruits. Ishwara is of the nature of Sat-Chit-Ananda = Perfect knowledge and bliss established in truth. The Jiva on the other hand is ignorant, intent on eating the fruits in the hope of some fulfilment. This is ignorance or Avidya, eternal, whereas Ishwara is in Vidya, also eternal. These two paradigms are thus eternal and distinguish the two. When a dreamer wakes up, he is no longer thinking of his condition as a dreamer. The liberated one is permanently woken up from his association with his body, and this earthly persona.
The illumined man can see his bodily senses interacting with sense-objects maintaining a true sense of detachment and non-identification with these factors of Maya/Prakriti. On the other hand, by the force of his past Karmas, the bound man considers himself as the body or the experiencer of the sense inputs like pleasure and pain.
Thus, answering your question, dear Uddhava, the liberated man walks, sleeps, sits, bathes, sees, touches, smells, eats and hears as a mere witness of his senses and his body! He is in the body but unaffected, just as the sky, wind and sun are unaffected by the bodies. The sun is reflected in the water but remains unaffected. This witnessing is a powerful sword to cut down ignorance and doubt, creating the same effect like the act of waking up does for a dreamer.

So, dear Uddhava, if you cannot withdraw yourself from the world and be immersed in me as Brahman, you have the equally effective alternative of worshipping me through all actions as a detached doer expecting no personal gains. Listen to stories of my glories and Leelas that sanctify the world. Sing, chant, meditate on me with love, spending your days in work as worship. You will develop eternal and blissful Bhakti thus in me! Such Bhakti quickly brings you to me and liberates you.

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/07/srimad-bhagavatam-xi-12-16-july-2023.html
ता नाविदन् मय्यनुषङ्गबद्धधिय: स्वमात्मानमदस्तथेदम् ।

यथा समाधौ मुनयोऽब्धितोये नद्य: प्रविष्टा इव नामरूपे ॥

मत्कामा रमणं जारमस्वरूपविदोऽबला: । ब्रह्म मां परमं प्रापु: सङ्गाच्छतसहस्रश: ॥
My dear Uddhava, just as great sages in Samadhi merge into me like rivers merging into the ocean, and thus lose awareness of material names and forms, similarly, the Gopis of Vrindavan were so completely immersed in me within their minds that they could not think of their own bodies, or of this world, or of their future. Their entire consciousness was simply bound up in me.
Those Gopis loved me with their entire being as Sri Krishna, hardly knowing me to be Parabrahman, and yet they attained me in that supreme state alone, with a thousandfold intensity! This means knowledge is much less important than Bhakti.

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/07/srimad-bhagavatam-xi14-18-july-2023.html
न तथा मे प्रियतम आत्मयोनिर्न शङ्करः । न च सङ्कर्षणो न श्रीर्नैवात्मा च यथा भवान् ॥
For me, nobody is dearer than this devotee, not Brahma, not Shiva, not Adishesha, not even Sri Lakshmi. You, Uddhava, are such a devotee!
I am subservient to the sage who is desireless, tranquil and equipoised, and I want the worlds under me to be sanctified by the dust of his feet. Even those who covet Moksha are denied this supreme bliss that is the privilege of the devotee who wants nothing but me. These devotees have universal love for all beings. They have no stain of lust/desire.
***
A question arises. What if the devotee is truly in love with Bhagavan, but still has some worldly desires and attractions? See Bhagavan’s answer!
***
बाध्यमानोऽपि मद्भक्तो विषयैरजितेन्द्रियः । प्रायः प्रगल्भया भक्त्या विषयैर्नाभिभूयते ॥
यथाग्निः सुसमृद्धार्चिः करोत्येधांसि भस्मसात् । तथा मद्विषया भक्तिरुद्धवैनांसि कृत्स्नशः ॥
Even if my devotee has not conquered his senses and has some bonds, indeed, by the increase in his Bhakti, he will escape the suffering from these desires. Just as the fire burns down all fuel to ashes, the strength of his Bhakti in me burns down his worldly desires.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/05/srimad-bhagavatam-x-b60-31-may-2023.html

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam XII. snippet 8 - 2 September 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Srimad Bhagavatam - snippet 8- Saturday, 2 September 2023 - Rukmini, Sri Krishna's remarkable queen.
***

Sri Krishna is stated to have had 16108 queens. When he saved Parikshit in the womb of Uttaraa attacked by Brahmanstra launched by the evil Ashwatthama to eradicate the Pandava line, Sri Krishna swore on his Brahmacharya to save the baby and also gave him Darshan as the Supreme Bhagavan in the womb itself. That pretty much clears Bhagavan Sri Krishna as the Leela Avatara play-acting the role of the dutiful husband to no less than 16108 queens!

What about the queens themselves? Srimad Bhagavatam says that they were completely besotted with their divine husband, who fulfilled every desire of theirs and played the best husband ever. He was equally loving to all. He was always with each of them in his Leela Avatara.

Devi Rukmini
The superstar among Sri Krishna’s queens is Rukmini. She is a princess who dares to defy her powerful and evil brother Rukmi with his powerful supporters like Jarasandha, the nearly unconquerable Asuric king and father-in-law of Kamsa himself. She defies the diktat that for political convenience she should wed, Shishupala who was the sworn enemy of Sri Krishna. Rulmini defied her powerful brother and sought the love of Sri Krishna who responded magnificently.

सोपश्रुत्य मुकुन्दस्य रूपवीर्यगुणश्रियः । गृहागतैर्गीयमानास्तं मेने सदृशं पतिम् ॥

तां बुद्धिलक्षणौदार्यरूपशीलगुणाश्रयाम् । कृष्णश्च सदृशीं भार्यां समुद्वोढुं मनो दधे ॥

"Hearing of the beauty, prowess, transcendental character and opulence of Mukunda Sri Krishna from visitors to the palace who sang his praises, Rukmini decided in her mind that he would make the perfect husband for her. At the same time, Sri Krishna knew that Rukmini possessed intelligence, auspicious bodily markings, magnanimity, beauty, perfect demeanour and all other good qualities. Concluding that she would be an ideal wife for him, Sri Krishna made up his mind to marry her."

Rukmini now sent her famous secret letter to Sri Krishna through a trusted Brahmin to Dwaraka urging Sri Krishna to come and rescue her and marry her. This is her letter:

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/05/srimad-bhagavatam-x-b52-23-may-2023.html
रुक्मिण्युवाच ( It could be either a written letter to avoid ambiguity or a verbal message that the Brahmin was gifted in being able to repeat verbatim!)
श्रुत्वा गुणान् भुवनसुन्दर श‍ृण्वतां ते निर्विश्य कर्णविवरैर्हरतोऽङ्गतापम् ।
रूपं दृशां दृशिमतामखिलार्थलाभं त्वय्यच्युताविशति चित्तमपत्रपं मे ॥
का त्वा मुकुन्द महती कुलशीलरूपविद्यावयोद्रविणधामभिरात्मतुल्यम् ।
धीरा पतिं कुलवती न वृणीत कन्या काले नृसिंह नरलोकमनोऽभिरामम् ॥
तन्मे भवान् खलु वृतः पतिरङ्गजायामात्मार्पितश्च भवतोऽत्र विभो विधेहि ।
मा वीरभागमभिमर्शतु चैद्य आराद्गोमायुवन्मृगपतेर्बलिमम्बुजाक्ष ॥
पूर्तेष्टदत्तनियमव्रतदेवविप्रगुर्वर्चनादिभिरलं भगवान् परेशः ।
आराधितो यदि गदाग्रज एत्य पाणिं गृह्णातु मे न दमघोषसुतादयोऽन्ये ॥
श्वोभाविनि त्वमजितोद्वहने विदर्भान्गुप्तः समेत्य पृतनापतिभिः परीतः ।
निर्मथ्य चैद्यमगधेन्द्रबलं प्रसह्यमां राक्षसेनविधिनोद्वह वीर्यशुल्काम् ॥
अन्तःपुरान्तरचरीमनिहत्य बन्धून्त्वामुद्वहे कथमिति प्रवदाम्युपायम् ।
पूर्वेद्युरस्ति महती कुलदेवियात्रा यस्यां बहिर्नववधूर्गिरिजामुपेयात् ॥
Rukmini said: "Oh the embodiment of the beauty of the worlds, the descriptions of your divine qualities remove my bodily distress the moment I hear them. Sri Krishna, I have heard how just one look at your astounding beauty forever satisfies the desires of anyone in respect of seeking to see beauty. Therefore, Sri Krishna, I now confess my unabashed love for you. Oh, Mukunda, you are equal only to yourself (i.e. you are non-pareil) in lineage, character, beauty, knowledge, youthfulness, wealth and influence."
" Oh, lion among men, You delight the minds of all mankind. What aristocratic, sober-minded and marriageable girl of a good family would not choose you for a husband when the proper time comes? Therefore, my dear lord, I have chosen you as my husband, and I surrender myself to you. Please come swiftly, oh almighty one, and make me your wife. My dear lotus-eyed lord, make sure that Shishupala never touches the hero’s portion like a jackal stealing the property of a lion."
(Note: This simile reveals the Kshatriya blood in the girl, drawing a simile from the lord of the forest and his prey.)
"If my worship of the Supreme Being till now through performing Dharmic deeds, Yajnas, charity, rituals and vows of austerity, and also worshipping the gods, Brahmins and gurus, has been true and efficacious, then may Gadagraja (name of Sri Krishna whose younger brother Gada was born to Vasudeva through another queen) come and take my hand, and not Damaghosha’s son (Shishupala) or anyone else!"
"Oh unconquerable Sri Krishna, tomorrow when my marriage ceremony arranged with Shishupala is about to begin, You should arrive unseen in Vidarbha along with your army. Then please crush the forces of Shishupala and Jarasandha and marry me in the Rakshasa way (i.e. abduction by force), winning me with your valour!"
"Please note this carefully. Since I am confined within the inner, ladies' quarter of the palace, you may wonder how to take me away without killing the women guarding me. But there is a way! Just the day before the wedding, we will go on a procession to worship our family deity Ma Durga in the Girija Temple. I will therefore be in that group in open spaces and accessible. "
See the wonderful spirit of Devi Rukmini and her choice of words! Indeed the ideal queen for Sri Krishna!
यस्याङ्घ्रिपङ्कजरजःस्नपनं महान्तो वाञ्छन्त्युमापतिरिवात्मतमोऽपहत्यै ।
यर्ह्यम्बुजाक्ष न लभेय भवत्प्रसादं जह्यामसून् व्रतकृशान् शतजन्मभिः स्यात् ॥
T: "Oh, lotus-eyed Lord! I know that even great souls like Lord Shiva hanker to bathe in the dust of your lotus feet in order to overcome the delusory effect of Maya that hides Paramatma. If I cannot obtain your mercy, I shall simply give up my life breath, as I am weakened already from my severe penances. Then, I will have to wait for many lifetimes to secure your compassion!"

The Brahmin concluded gravely, "My Lord! This is the message I have brought from Princess Rukmini. Kindly consider her plea and do what you deem best. “

Subsequently, we have read how Sri Krishna went and heroically saved and married Rukmini.

***Intermission***

Now, fast forward to their domestic blissful life. There is a wonderful dialogue of Sri Krishna and Rukmini covering a gamut of lessons for us!See the spirit in which Rukmini replies!

श्रीशुक उवाच
कर्हिचित्सुखमासीनं स्वतल्पस्थं जगद्गुरुम् । पतिं पर्यचरद्भैष्मी व्यजनेन सखीजनैः ॥
यस्त्वेतल्लीलया विश्वं सृजत्यत्त्यवतीश्वरः । स हि जातः स्वसेतूनां गोपीथाय यदुष्वजः ॥
Sage Shuka narrated: On one occasion, Queen Rukmini was seated on her couch in the inner chamber with Bhagavan Sri Krishna, surrounded by servants. Rukmini was lovingly fanning her beloved husband, who is indeed by His Leela the creator, devourer and protector at the same time of this universe!

Sage Shuka describes the most evocative scene of connubial bliss enjoyed by Rukmini and Sri Krishna.
Rukmini's palace was magnificent, boasting a canopy hung with brilliant strings of pearls, as well as effulgent jewels shining like lamps. Garlands of jasmine and other flowers hung here and there, attracting swarms of humming bees, and the spotless rays of the moon shone through the holes, and the cool breeze carried the mood of a Parijata garden into the room. There the Queen served her husband, the Supreme Lord of all the worlds, as He reclined upon an opulent pillow on her bed, which was as soft and white as the foam of milk. Rukmini took the Yak-hair fan from her maid's hand and fanned her beloved Sri Krishna holding its bejewelled handle. Her bracelets tinkled from her effort, and she looked resplendent as she stood fanning her lord. Her jewelled ankle-bells tinkled occasionally, and her necklace glittered, reddened by the vermilion smeared on her breasts, which were covered by the end of her sari. On her waist, she wore a priceless belt.
Sri Krishna was delighted that Devi Lakshmi had taken the form of Rukmini and was with him. Her charming face was adorned with curling hair, earrings, and a locket on her neck, and out poured the nectar of her bright, happy smile.

The Lord then spoke to her as follows. Indeed, his words changed the mood completely!

"My dear princess, you were sought after by many kings powerful like the guardians of the quarters. They had abundant political influence, wealth, beauty, generosity and physical strength. Your brother and father wanted you to choose from them. Why did you reject the King of Cedi (Shishupala) and all those other suitors, who stood before you, hopelessly in love with you? Why, instead, did you choose me, who am not at all your equal?"
"My dear Rukmini, you know how we built our safe haven in the sea as we were afraid of their attacks. We even gave up Mathura's royal throne. "
"You well know how it is. Women who choose men of unpredictable nature by defying society's norms are known to suffer much. We have no material possessions, and we are dear to only those similarly impoverished. Indeed, Oh slender one, the wealthy hardly ever worship me.”
ययोरात्मसमं वित्तं जन्मैश्वर्याकृतिर्भवः । तयोर्विवाहो मैत्री च नोत्तमाधमयोः क्वचित् ॥
"Marriage and friendship are proper between two people who are equal in terms of their wealth, birth, influence, physical appearance and capacity for good progeny, but never between a superior and an inferior. Oh, Princess of Vidarbha, I am afraid that not being farsighted, you didn’t realise this, and therefore you chose me as your husband, even though we have no good qualities, simply by listening to glowing stories about us narrated by deluded beggars!"
“The prudent thing for you, therefore, is to take a more suitable husband, a first-class man of the royal order who can help you achieve everything you want, both in this life and the next. Shishupala, Dantavaktra, Jarasandha, Rukmi, all hate me.”
तेषां वीर्यमदान्धानां दृप्तानां स्मयनुत्तये ।आनीतासि मया भद्रे तेजोऽपहरतासताम् ॥
T: "I must tell you that I came and carried you away only to dispel the arrogance of those kings. My good woman, they were blinded by the intoxication of power. My purpose was to curb the strength of the wicked."
उदासीना वयं नूनं न स्त्र्यपत्यार्थकामुकाः । आत्मलब्ध्याऽऽस्महे पूर्णा गेहयोर्ज्योतिरक्रियाः ॥  

The important thing to know is that our nature (he means my nature) is such that we care nothing for wives, children, wealth, and the pleasures of a comfortable life with family and fortune. On the other hand, we are always content within ourselves and do not work to enrich the physical body and material home. We are akin to light, that gets attached to nothing, and stays a witness always!"

Why these pungent words and unhappy suggestions to Rukmini in a moment of connubial bliss?
Rukmini's apple cart seemed to topple instantly. her sangfroid was shattered by the Lord's uncaring words and advice that she go and take a new and better husband! Her fan slipped down, she also fainted and collapsed in utter dismay.

Sri Krishna knew she had not understood his humour. He knew how much she loved him. He lifted her and embraced her most lovingly now. "My dearest, Rukmini, don't take my words seriously! I only joked!" Wiping her tears, caressing her lovely face, Sri Krishna continued, 'My dearest, I only wanted to push you to respond to these words, and looked forward to what you would say!" " Please, please, don't be cross, Rukmini! You know we householders like to joke like this at home with our near and dear ones!"
Rukmini quickly composed herself, and smiling, she responded. Her words made me choose this topic for today's snippet!

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/06/srimad-bhagavatam-x-b60-1-june-2023.html

श्रीशुक उवाच
सैवं भगवता राजन् वैदर्भी परिसान्‍त्‍विता । ज्ञात्वा तत्परिहासोक्तिं प्रियत्यागभयं जहौ ॥
बभाष ऋषभं पुंसां वीक्षन्ती भगवन्मुखम् । सव्रीडहासरुचिरस्‍निग्धापाङ्गेन भारत ॥
Sage Shuka continued: Consoled by Sri Krishna's disarming confession that he had only spoken in jest and feeling his effusive and sincere affection showered on her, Rukmini recovered her composure and smiled, looking bashfully sidelong at Sri Krishna and then spoke.

श्रीरुक्‍मिण्युवाच
नन्वेवमेतदरविन्दविलोचनाह यद्वै भवान् भगवतोऽसद‍ृशी विभूम्न: ।
क्व‍ स्वे महिम्न्यभिरतो भगवांस्‍त्र्यधीश: क्व‍ाहं गुणप्रकृतिरज्ञगृहीतपादा ॥
सत्यं भयादिव गुणेभ्य उरुक्रमान्त: शेते समुद्र उपलम्भनमात्र आत्मा ।
नित्यं कदिन्द्रियगणै: कृतविग्रहस्त्वं त्वत्सेवकैर्नृपपदं विधुतं तमोऽन्धम् ॥
त्वत्पादपद्ममकरन्दजुषां मुनीनां वर्त्मास्फुटं नृपशुभिर्ननु दुर्विभाव्यम् ।
यस्मादलौकिकमिवेहितमीश्वरस्य भूमंस्तवेहितमथो अनु ये भवन्तम् ॥
Sri Rukmini spoke: "Oh, Lord with lotus-eyes, indeed what you have said is true. I am unsuitable and not your equal in any way! You are the supreme Bhagavan, master of the three worlds, delighting in Paramatma always, and I a mere mortal pursued by trivial men! You are Trivikrama, residing in the ocean (a pun on Dwaraka and the Milky Ocean), hiding as it were from the Maya of three Gunas, rejecting royal living to stay away from the sense enemies, something that even your servants are wise to follow! Coming to your inscrutability, yes, I agree. When sages who dwell as honey-bees in your lotus feet are themselves unable to understand you, what about men who live like animals giving in to sense pleasures? Not only you, oh, Lord, but even your followers are also hard to understand!"
In this vein, Rukmini answered each of the points raised by Sri Krishna, demonstrating the intellect and wisdom of the best of devotees.
निष्किञ्चनो ननु भवान् न यतोऽस्ति किञ्चिद्यस्मै बलिं बलिभुजोऽपि हरन्त्यजाद्या: ।
न त्वा विदन्त्यसुतृपोऽन्तकमाढ्यतान्धा: प्रेष्ठो भवान् बलिभुजामपि तेऽपि तुभ्यम् ॥
त्वं वै समस्तपुरुषार्थमय: फलात्मा यद्वाञ्छया सुमतयो विसृजन्ति कृत्‍स्‍नम् ।
तेषां विभो समुचितो भवत: समाज: पुंस: स्‍त्रियाश्च रतयो: सुखदु:खिनोर्न ॥
त्वं न्यस्तदण्डमुनिभिर्गदितानुभाव आत्मात्मदश्च जगतामिति मे वृतोऽसि ।
हित्वा भवद्भ्रुव उदीरितकालवेग ध्वस्ताशिषोऽब्जभवनाकपतीन् कुतोऽन्ये ॥
जाड्यं वचस्तव गदाग्रज यस्तु भूपान् विद्राव्य शार्ङ्गनिनदेन जहर्थ मां त्वम् ।
सिंहो यथा स्वबलिमीश पशून् स्वभागं तेभ्यो भयाद् यदुदधिं शरणं प्रपन्न: ॥
यद्वाञ्छया नृपशिखामणयोऽङ्गवैन्यजायन्तनाहुषगयादय ऐक्यपत्यम् ।
राज्यं विसृज्य विविशुर्वनमम्बुजाक्ष सीदन्ति तेऽनुपदवीं त इहास्थिता: किम् ॥
"That you possess nothing materially is because nothing is outside of you, oh, Lord, the very reason even Brahma (who receives Yajna offerings) worships you! Those engrossed in their own wealth fail to see you as Kaala (Death!) that ends all possessions. Coming to courting your company instead of harbouring animosity, only the wise give up all else and surrender to you, not those stuck in pleasure and pain of lusty desires."
" You are the embodiment of all human goals and are yourself the final aim of life. Desiring to attain you, oh, all-powerful Lord, intelligent persons abandon everything else. It is they who are worthy of your association, not men and women absorbed in the pleasures and griefs resulting from their lives of lust."
"Consider this. Even those on the path of Sannyasa (ascetic renunciation) give up their staff and surrender to you finally! Is there any surprise then that I rejected Brahma, Shiva and other gods and came to you (harks to Sri Lakshmi's wedding Maha Vishnu when she rose from the Milky Ocean). Your mere twitching of eyebrows is enough to annihilate creation. So those proud of their possessions are foolish. What question then remains about why I rejected other mortal kings?"
"My Lord, like a lion drives away lesser animals to claim his proper tribute, you dispersed rival kings with your Sharnga bow when they came and attacked you. How can you say a foolish thing now that you ran away and hid in the middle of the ocean?"
Rukmini lists the names of many kings over the ages who abandoned their throne and went seeking the Lord to an ascetic life in the forest - Nahusha, Anga, Jayanta, Gaya... Bhagavan Sri Krishna's lotus feet are the shelter of even Sri Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity; these are what Rukmini has sought. How could she have sought anyone else?
"May your feet, which give freedom from illusion to the one approaching them for worship, give shelter to me, I who have been wandering from one material situation to another. Never for me the life of other women who have sought other men - all of them nothing but a living corpse covered with skin, whiskers, nails, head-hair and body-hair and filled with flesh, bones, blood, parasites, faeces, mucus, bile and air. Oh, lotus-eyed one, though you are satisfied within yourself- Paramatma- and thus rarely turn your attention toward me, please bless me with steady love for your feet. It is when you assume a predominance of passion in order to manifest the universe that you glance upon me, showing me what is indeed your greatest mercy."

Rukmini concludes by saying that Bhagavan was right to test her as often an unchaste woman covets other men. But Rukmini has demonstrated comprehensively how she is the fitting divine spouse for Bhagavan.

श्रीभगवानुवाच
साध्व्येतच्छ्रोतुकामैस्त्वं राजपुत्री प्रलम्भिता । मयोदितं यदन्वात्थ सर्वं तत् सत्यमेव हि ॥
यान् यान् कामयसे कामान् मय्यकामाय भामिनि । सन्ति ह्येकान्तभक्तायास्तव कल्याणि नित्यदा ॥
उपलब्धं पतिप्रेमपातिव्रत्यं च तेऽनघे । यद्वाक्यैश्चाल्यमानाया न धीर्मय्यपकर्षिता ॥
Bhagavan spoke: "My dearest Rukmini, whatever benedictions you hope for in order to become free of material desires are ever yours, for you have shown that you are an unalloyed devotee. Oh, saintly lady, oh, princess, I jested and confused you only to hear you speak like this. Indeed, everything you said in reply to my words is most certainly true. Oh, sinless one, I have now seen firsthand the pure love and chaste attachment you have for your husband. Even though shaken by my words, your mind could not be pulled away from me!"
Bhagavan adds two very important points. He is always ready to grant liberation. But even those who behave like pious people are quite satisfied with material gains and a worldly life of "domestic happiness." Thus, they miss the summum bonum of devotion. Then there are those who, during Bhagavan's incarnation, secure the rarest gift of being near his human form, and even developing a bond. But they are not, still, beyond the temptation of the world of senses and the deathly grip of Gunas. Hence they fail to take advantage of their most cherishable proximity to Bhagavan!
Sri Krishna declares that Devi Rukmini is the greatest of his devotees and the foremost among his spouses. He mentions with sincere appreciation how Rukmini withstood the ignominy of her brother Rukmi being shamed on the battle-field. Sri Krishna mentions how Rukmi got involved in a gambling match and was killed during the violence that followed, coinciding with the wedding of Aniruddha. Rukmini maintained a most stoic demeanour even after coming to know of Rukmi's death, respecting the occasion and out of respect for Sri Krishna.
मत्वा जिहास इदमङ्गमनन्ययोग्यं तिष्ठेत तत्त्वयि वयं प्रतिनन्दयाम: ॥
T: "Beloved Rukmini, May this greatness of yours remain with you always; I can do nothing to reciprocate except joyfully thanking you for your devotion."
Sage Shuka concludes this report of a most interesting dialogue between Sri Krishna and Rukmini by saying that this was also one of Bhagavan's Leelas and the Lord was play-acting the role of a typical worldly husband! He adds that such sports occurred even between Bhagavan and his other spouses.

***
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2022/11/srimad-bhagavatam-iv07-1-november-2022.html

Friday, September 1, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam XII. snippet 7 - 1 September 2023

Shiva Shakti - ISRO Vikram touch down point on the moon has been named Shiva Shakti!

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Srimad Bhagavatam - snippet 7- Friday, 1 September 2023 - Shiva - Shakti in Srimad Bhagavatam.
***

Shiva-Shakti
Our Sanatana Dharma upholds the opportunity for prayer as the supreme gift given to living beings by Bhagavan. The seekers among living beings pray to Bhagavan in his various forms. After all, it is he who has created the universe with his own energy and infused it with his own consciousness. Therefore, the two-fold principle of divinity is worshipped as Shiva-Shakti. It is also called Yin and Yang, Male-Female etc. Shiva and Shakti also are the divine couple, and called the parents of the world!

Now, there are many confused Hindus who think that if they worship Vishnu or Narayana, they should not pray to Shiva or Shakti. This is sheer nonsense. The best place to clarify this is the Srimad Bhagavatam, purportedly the greatest scripture for those who worship Vishnu.

There are two extraordinary occasions when Bhagavan Shiva’s identity with Ishwara, i.e. Maha Vishnu, is revealed by Bhagavan Vishnu himself. This Leela unfolds in Daksha Yajna and later when the Kalakuta poison appears during the churning of the ocean.

Daksha Yajna
A highly frustrated and confused Daksha insults his son-in-law Lord Shiva which act forces Daksha's daughter Sati to give up her body in utter unhappiness. Shiva unleashes Veera Bhadra who destroys Daksha’s Yajna and all the people including gods who showed disrespect. Finally, Daksha is killed.

Bhagavan Shiva now appears to restore order. Lord Brahma appeases Shiva.

***

Lord Shiva smiled and answered Brahma: "My dear Brahma, I take no offence at all at these gods who are childish and less intelligent, I punished them only to teach them a lesson.”
Saying this, Lord Shiva restored everyone appropriately and brought Daksha back to life. A sacrificial goat’s head was fixed on him and he was fully functional.
This filled all the gods and Brahmins with extreme gratitude and relief.
Daksha, thus restored, was at once purged of his ignorance and ego. He was still extremely sad that his dear daughter had given up her life at his offence. He found it difficult to speak. At last, he prayed to Lord Shiva:
दक्ष उवाच
भूयाननुग्रह अहो भवता कृतो मे दण्डस्त्वया मयि भृतो यदपि प्रलब्ध: ।
न ब्रह्मबन्धुषु च वां भगवन्नवज्ञा तुभ्यं हरेश्च कुत एव धृतव्रतेषु ॥
Daksha said, “ Oh, Lord, your punishing my unpardonable insult and behaviour has been your grace! Indeed, you and Lord Vishnu are kind even to mediocre namesake Brahmins. I thus know your grace to me has been extended because I have been performing these Yajnas!”
“Oh Lord, you first manifested from your face the Brahmins to uphold learning, austerity and self-restraint. You protect us like a cowherd takes care of cattle with a stick in his hand. Why, then, should you neglect me, who am engaged in performing sacrifices?"
"It was out of my ignorance that I spoke so insultingly to you. I am unable to express my gratitude sufficiently for your kindness, so please take my obeisance instead.”
---
After Lord Shiva’s permission, the Yajna was resumed after purifying the premises. They offered an appropriate oblation to Shiva which he graciously received.
As soon as Daksha offered the clarified butter into the sacred fire with Yajur Veda mantras in sanctified meditation, Lord Vishnu appeared there in his original form as Narayana arriving on Garuda with his huge wings that were like Samaveda hymns. The Lord’s effulgence overpowered everyone.
There is a wonderful description of Bhagavan Maha Vishnu’s exquisite beauty and divine presence that causes everyone to offer their prayers.
रुद्र उवाच
तव वरद वराङ्‌घ्रावाशिषेहाखिलार्थे ह्यपि मुनिभिरसक्तैरादरेणार्हणीये ।
यदि रचितधियं माविद्यलोकोऽपविद्धं जपति न गणये तत्त्वत्परानुग्रहेण ॥
T: Lord Shiva said: "My dear Lord, my mind and consciousness are always fixed on your lotus feet, the source of all benediction and the fulfilment, worshipped by all the liberated, great sages. With my mind fixed on your lotus feet, I am no longer disturbed by persons who blaspheme me, faulting me for defects in ritual performances per established customs. I simply forgive them, just as you shower compassion on all.”
Others said: “Oh, Lord, no one understands that you are far beyond the grasp of the intellect or empirical deduction! Your eight hands protect the entire universe against miscreants! Oh, Lord, the Yajna venue was devastated by the anger of Lord Shiva, but now, by your grace, all is restored.”
Accepting their prayers and Yajna offerings, Lord Vishnu now addressed Daksha.
श्रीभगवानुवाच
अहं ब्रह्मा च शर्वश्च जगत: कारणं परम् । आत्मेश्वर उपद्रष्टा स्वयंद‍ृगविशेषण: ॥
आत्ममायां समाविश्य सोऽहं गुणमयीं द्विज । सृजन् रक्षन् हरन् विश्वं दध्रे संज्ञां क्रियोचिताम् ॥
त्रयाणामेकभावानां यो न पश्यति वै भिदाम् । सर्वभूतात्मनां ब्रह्मन् स शान्तिमधिगच्छति ॥
“ Daksha, I, Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva are together the supreme cause of creation, the Paramatma, self-sufficient witness of all. Thus there is no difference between Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and me. I am the original Supreme Being who, in order to create, sustain and dissolve this universe, took these separate forms. One who differentiates between us or thinks living entities are all different from me knows not.”
“One who does not consider Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva or the living entities in general to be separate from the Supreme Being, and who knows Brahman, actually realises beatitude. Not others.”
The time had come for Daksha to realise the Truth. He completed the Yajna well, offering oblations duly to all. Lord Vishnu, and all other gods, blessed him to develop true Bhakti, and left.
---
Maitreya narrates how Dakshayani Sati was again incarnated as Uma, the daughter of Mena Devi and Himavan, and was singularly devoted to attaining Lord Shiva. Ambika after many austerities was finally reunited with her Lord, Bhagavan Shiva.

***

Kalakuta Poison and Nilakantha Shiva

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/02/srimad-bhagavatam-viii07-contd-6.html
Suddenly, Vasuki, that giant, terrifying serpent, with his thousand hoods and two thousand red eyes, started spewing fire, smoke and a poisonous swirl of gas that enervated Bali and other Asuras as well as all the Devas. Bhagavan coolly caused a cool breeze to blow and a refreshing shower of rain to cleanse them and cool them. Thus the churning renewed.
Now Vyasa turns really poetic.
मेघश्याम: कनकपरिधि: कर्णविद्योतविद्युन्मूर्ध्नि भ्राजद्विलुलितकच: स्रग्धरो रक्तनेत्र: ।
जैत्रैर्दोर्भिर्जगदभयदैर्दन्दशूकं गृहीत्वा मथ्नन् मथ्ना प्रतिगिरिरिवाशोभताथो धृताद्रि: ॥
The Lord appeared like a blackish cloud. He was dressed in golden yellow garments, His earrings shone on his ears like lightning, and his hair spread over his shoulders. He wore a garland of flowers, and his eyes were pinkish. With his strong, glorious arms that confer fearlessness throughout the universe, he took hold of Vasuki and began churning the ocean, using Mandara Mountain as a churning rod. When engaged in this way, the Lord appeared like a beautifully situated mountain named Indranila.

This heavy churning produced an adverse reaction from the creatures in the ocean. There suddenly appeared the dreaded Kalakuta poison that would destroy all creatures!
तदुग्रवेगं दिशि दिश्युपर्यधो विसर्पदुत्सर्पदसह्यमप्रति ।
भीता: प्रजा दुद्रुवुरङ्ग सेश्वरा अरक्ष्यमाणा: शरणं सदाशिवम् ॥
विलोक्य तं देववरं त्रिलोक्या भवाय देव्याभिमतं मुनीनाम् ।
आसीनमद्रावपवर्गहेतोस्तपो जुषाणं स्तुतिभि: प्रणेमु: ॥
T: When that uncontrollable poison was forcefully spreading up and down in all directions, all the gods, along with the Lord Maha Vishnu himself, approached Bhagavan Shiva. Feeling utterly vulnerable and very much afraid, they sought his protection. The gods observed Lord Shiva sitting on the summit of Kailasa with his wife, Bhavani, for the auspicious development of the three worlds. He was being worshipped by great saints praying for liberation. The gods offered him their obeisances and prayers with great respect.
प्रजापतय ऊचु:
देवदेव महादेव भूतात्मन् भूतभावन । त्राहि न: शरणापन्नांस्त्रैलोक्यदहनाद् विषात् ॥
त्वमेक: सर्वजगत ईश्वरो बन्धमोक्षयो: । तं त्वामर्चन्ति कुशला: प्रपन्नार्तिहरं गुरुम् ॥
गुणमय्या स्वशक्त्यास्य सर्गस्थित्यप्ययान्विभो । धत्से यदा स्वद‍ृग् भूमन्ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवाभिधाम् ॥
एतत् परं प्रपश्यामो न परं ते महेश्वर । मृडनाय हि लोकस्य व्यक्तिस्तेऽव्यक्तकर्मण: ॥
The Prajapatis, chiefs of the gods, said:

Oh greatest of all gods, Mahadeva, Paramatma of all living entities and cause of their happiness and prosperity, we have come to the shelter of your lotus feet. Now please save us from this fiery poison, which is spreading all over the three worlds.
Oh lord, you are the cause of bondage and liberation of the entire universe because you are its ruler. Those who are advanced in spiritual consciousness surrender unto you, and therefore you are the cause of mitigating their distresses, and you are also the cause of their liberation. We therefore worship your Lordship.
Oh lord, you are self-effulgent and supreme. You create this material world by your personal energy, and you assume the names Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara when you act in creation, maintenance and annihilation. You are the cause of all causes, the self-effulgent, inconceivable, impersonal Brahman, which is originally Parabrahman. You manifest various potencies in this cosmic manifestation.

Then Bhagavan Shiva, ever merciful and commiserating with the suffering of all, who is the dear friend of all beings, spoke to his consort, Sati, as follows.
श्रीशिव उवाच
अहो बत भवान्येतत् प्रजानां पश्य वैशसम् । क्षीरोदमथनोद्भ‍ूतात् कालकूटादुपस्थितम् ॥
आसां प्राणपरीप्सूनां विधेयमभयं हि मे । एतावान्हि प्रभोरर्थो यद् दीनपरिपालनम् ॥
प्राणै: स्वै: प्राणिन: पान्ति साधव: क्षणभङ्गुरै: । बद्धवैरेषु भूतेषु मोहितेष्वात्ममायया ॥
पुंस: कृपयतो भद्रे सर्वात्मा प्रीयते हरि: । प्रीते हरौ भगवति प्रीयेऽहं सचराचर: ।
तस्मादिदं गरं भुञ्जे प्रजानां स्वस्तिरस्तु मे ॥
"My dear Bhavani, just see how all these living entities have been placed in danger because of the poison produced from the churning of the Ocean of Milk. It is my duty to give protection and safety to all living entities struggling for existence. Certainly, it is the duty of the master to protect his suffering dependents. People in general, being bewildered by the illusory energy of Bhagavan, are always engaged in animosity toward one another. But devotees, even at the risk of their own temporary lives, try to save them. My dear, when one performs benevolent activities for others, Bhagavan Sri Hari is very pleased! And when the Lord is pleased, I am also pleased, along with all other living creatures. Therefore, let me drink this poison, for all the living entities may thus be relieved of their woe and be happy because of my deed."
After informing His consort Devi in this way, Lord Shiva began to drink the poison, and Devi, who knew perfectly well the capabilities of Lord Shiva, gave him her permission to do so. Thereafter, Lord Shiva, who is dedicated to auspicious, benevolent work for humanity, compassionately took the whole quantity of poison in his palm and drank it.
As if in a virulent counter, resisting efforts to tame it, the poison born from the Ocean of Milk manifested its potency by marking Lord Shiva’s neck with a bluish line. That line, however, is now accepted as an ornament of the Lord! That is why He is called Nilakantha!
It is said that great personalities almost always readily accept suffering to ameliorate the suffering of people in general. This is considered the highest method of worshipping Bhagavan who is present in everyone’s heart.
Upon hearing of this act, everyone, including Devi Dakshayani, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and the people in general, praised most effusively this deed performed by Lord Shiva, who is worshipped by the gods and who bestows benedictions upon tall.

***

Shakti or Devi

Devi is the term applied to Shiva’s consort. She is considered the sister of Maha Vishnu. Do you know why? When the eighth child is born to Devaki in the prison it is none other than Maha Vishnu incarnated as Sri Krishna. As a part of his Leela, Bhagavan arranges for Devi to be born to Yashoda simultaneously. The two babies are interchanged by Vasudeva.
The portion of Devi receiving instruction from Bhagavan to unfold this Leela is very beautiful.

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/03/srimad-bhagavatam-x-a02-29-march-2023.html

भगवानपि विश्वात्मा विदित्वा कंसजं भयम् । यदूनां निजनाथानां योगमायां समादिशत् ॥
गच्छ देवि व्रजं भद्रे गोपगोभिरलङ्कृतम् । रोहिणी वसुदेवस्य भार्याऽऽस्ते नन्दगोकुले ।
अन्याश्च कंससंविग्ना विवरेषु वसन्ति हि ॥
देवक्या जठरे गर्भं शेषाख्यं धाम मामकम् । तत्सन्निकृष्य रोहिण्या उदरे सन्निवेशय ॥
अथाहमंशभागेन देवक्याः पुत्रतां शुभे । प्राप्स्यामि त्वं यशोदायां नन्दपत्न्यां भविष्यसि ॥
अर्चिष्यन्ति मनुष्यास्त्वां सर्वकामवरेश्वरीम् । धूपोपहारबलिभिः सर्वकामवरप्रदाम् ॥
नामधेयानि कुर्वन्ति स्थानानि च नरा भुवि । दुर्गेति भद्रकालीति विजया वैष्णवीति॥
कुमुदा चण्डिका कृष्णा माधवी कन्यकेति च । माया नारायणीशानी शारदेत्यम्बिकेति॥
गर्भसङ्कर्षणात्तं वै प्राहुः सङ्कर्षणं भुवि । रामेति लोकरमणाद्बलं बलवदुच्छ्रयात् ॥
सन्दिष्टैवं भगवता तथेत्योमिति तद्वचः । प्रतिगृह्य परिक्रम्य गां गता तत्तथाकरोत्॥
गर्भे प्रणीते देवक्या रोहिणीं योगनिद्रया । अहो विस्रंसितो गर्भ इति पौरा विचुक्रुशुः ॥
भगवानपि विश्वात्मा भक्तानामभयङ्करः । आविवेशांशभागेन मन आनकदुन्दुभेः ॥
स बिभ्रत्पौरुषं धाम भ्राजमानो यथा रविः । दुरासदोऽतिदुर्धर्षो भूतानां सम्बभूव ॥
To protect the Yadus, his personal devotees, from Kamsa’s attack, Bhagavan, Paramatma, the Supreme Soul of everyone, ordered Yoga Maya as follows.
The Lord ordered Yoga Maya:
"Oh my Shakti, who are worshippable for the entire world and whose nature is to bestow good fortune upon all living entities, go to Vraja, where there live many cowherd men and their wives. In that very beautiful land, where many cows reside, Rohini, the wife of Vasudeva, is living at the home of King Nanda. Other wives of Vasudeva are also living there incognito because of fear of Kamsa. Please go there.

Within the womb of Devaki is my partial plenary expansion known as Sankarshana or Adishesha. Without difficulty, transfer him into the womb of Rohini.
O all-auspicious Yoga Maya, I shall then appear with My full six opulences as the son of Devaki, and you will appear simultaneously as the daughter of mother Yashoda, the queen of King Nanda.
By sacrifices of animals, ordinary human beings will worship you gorgeously, with various paraphernalia, because you are supreme in fulfilling the material desires of everyone."

Bhagavan blessed Yoga Maya by saying:
"In different places on the surface of the earth, people will give you different names, such as Durga, Bhadrakali, Vijaya, Vaishnavi, Kumuda, Chandika, Krishna, Madhavi, Kanyaka, Maya, Narayani, Ishani, Sharada and Ambika.
(We see clearly that all the forms of Devi we worship as Lakshmi, Parvati and Saraswati are included in this list. All of them are manifestations of Yoga Maya of Bhagavan Maha Vishnu.)
The son of Rohini will also be celebrated as Sankarshana because of being sent from the womb of Devaki to the womb of Rohini. He will be called Rama because of his ability to please all the inhabitants of Gokula, and he will be known as Balabhadra because of his extensive physical strength."

So we see that Devi is none other than Bhagavan Maha Vishnu's Maya Shakti.

---

What happens next is interesting. That is the time of both Devaki and Yashoda delivering their babies. Vasudeva goes and interchanges Sri Krishna and Devi.

Kamsa comes to destroy the eighth-born child of Devaki in the prison and is perplexed to find a female child in the cradle.

***

https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/03/srimad-bhagavatam-x-a04-31-march-2023.html
स तल्पात्तूर्णमुत्थाय कालोऽयमिति विह्वलः । सूतीगृहमगात्तूर्णं प्रस्खलन् मुक्तमूर्धजः ॥
तमाह भ्रातरं देवी कृपणा करुणं सती । स्नुषेयं तव कल्याण स्त्रियं मा हन्तुमर्हसि ॥
बहवो हिंसिता भ्रातः शिशवः पावकोपमाः । त्वया दैवनिसृष्टेन पुत्रिकैका प्रदीयताम् ॥
Kamsa rushed out of his bed in the dark, not wanting to lose a moment. This was Devaki's eighth born! He ran ill-clad and crownless to the prison, sword raised in hand. A weeping Devaki fell at his feet, begging for mercy. "Oh, brother, this girl is after all your niece. No danger can come from her! Please don't kill her! Driven by Destiny, you have already slaughtered my sons, glowing like fire at birth. Please spare this girl's life!"
Kamsa laughed cruelly, pushed his sister, and grabbed the baby lying in her lap. Lifting the child by her legs, he swung to dash her against a big stone. Even before that impact, the child miraculously slipped from his grasp and flew into the sky!
सा तद्धस्तात्समुत्पत्य सद्यो देव्यम्बरं गता । अदृश्यतानुजा विष्णोः सायुधाष्टमहाभुजा ॥
दिव्यस्रगम्बरालेपरत्नाभरणभूषिता । धनुःशूलेषुचर्मासिशङ्खचक्रगदाधरा ॥
सिद्धचारणगन्धर्वैरप्सरःकिन्नरोरगैः । उपाहृतोरुबलिभिः स्तूयमानेदमब्रवीत् ॥
किं मया हतया मन्द जातः खलु तवान्तकृत् । यत्र क्व वा पूर्वशत्रुर्मा हिंसीः कृपणान् वृथा ॥
इति प्रभाष्य तं देवी माया भगवती भुवि । बहुनामनिकेतेषु बहुनामा बभूव ह ॥
Flying out of his grasp into the sky, that girl child revealed herself as the sister of Bhagavan Maha Vishnu, endowed with eight arms, all holding divine weapons- bow, spear, arrow, shield, sword, chakra, shankha, and gada. She wore divine ornaments and garlands. She was surrounded by eulogising celestials. Her laugh rang aloud in the skies as she said, "Oh, You fool, Kamsa, to what avail is your attempt to kill me!? Your nemesis, the divine Lord, as foreordained, has already been born and is being raised as I speak! Do not slaughter other children without reason!" Speaking thus, the Devi flew into the heavens, later to be worshipped around the world in her many forms as mentioned already.
***

There is another mention of Devi during the episode of Syamantaka Mani. Bhagavan goes to retrieve it from Jambavan. This does not happen until they have a terrific fight that exhausts Jambavan and he realises who Sri Krishna indeed is. During that period, there is great anxiety in Dwaraka as nobody knows what has happened to Sri Krishna!

Read this:
https://rsachi.blogspot.com/2023/05/srimad-bhagavatam-x-b56-27-may-2023.html
The citizens waiting outside the cave left after twelve days giving up Sri Krishna for dead. There was much mourning in the city and even Vasudeva and Devaki grieved the fate of Sri Krishna.
सत्राजितं शपन्तस्ते दु:खिता द्वारकौकस: ।
उपतस्थुश्चन्द्रभागां दुर्गां कृष्णोपलब्धये ॥
The whole town spoke disparagingly of the arrogant, greedy, and unjust Satrajit for having falsely accused Sri Krishna and now having caused his disappearance. They were plunged in distress and prayed ardently to Devi Chandrabhaga Durga to bring back Sri Krishna to them.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥