97. Bhagavatha - Srikrishna Rescues Gopalas From Forest Fire

 97. Srimad Bhagavatam - Srikrishna Rescues Gopalas From Forest Fire

When Balarama slayed Demon Pralamba, gopalas were joyous and showered praise on him. 

Meanwhile, cows that were grazing nearby went a little farther into the forest attracted by green pastures. As none could be seen, gopalas panicked. 

They were afraid to go back home without their cattle wealth. They began tracking footprints of the cows and also half eaten grasses to find their movements. 

Deep inside the forest, cows were frightened due to heat generated by forest fire and were calling for help from gopalas. They were thirsty, too. 

On finding their cows, gopalas called out their cows by name. By then, forest fire engulfed them on all sides. 

With no way to escape and none to rescue, they sought Srikrishna's grace, knowing well that He is their savior. Their prayers were pure, and their surrender was total.

Srikrishna asked them to remain calm and close their eyes for a while. He swallowed up the terrible fire. Gopalas, on opening their eyes, were amazed to find themselves transported to the Banyan tree, their sport ground, 10 miles away.

The gopalas deeply felt that Srikrishna is none other than the Supreme Person appearing in human form. They offered their prayers to Him and went back to Gokulam. 

The gopalas narrated the whole incident of slaying of Pralamba by Balarama, about forest fire, and how Srikrishna transported them to a safer place to their family. 

The residents of Vraja, too, felt that these two brothers were none other than Almighty descended to protect the people of Vraja.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

96. Bhagavatha - Balarama Slains Demon Pralamba

 96. Srimad Bhagavatam - Balarama Slains Demon Pralamba

In the divine presence of Srikrishna and Balarama, Vrindavan experienced a unique spring-like atmosphere though summer had set in.

The trees were wet with a breeze constantly blowing from the snow-led waterfalls. The ponds, lakes were full of lotuses and water-lilies. Peacocks, cuckoos, and humming bees were giving out soothing cries. 

Srikrishna, Balarama, and gopalas were allowed to graze cattle in the Vrindavan forest. The gopalas adored tender leaves, flowers, and features of peacock.

The delighted Srikrishna chose to dance while some sang, some made sounds with their flutes, horns, and palms, and the rest watched and applauded. Their duty of taking care of cattle was not ignored. 

Games the Lord Played

The two brothers with their hands clapped together revolved around themselves. Along with cowherds, they played long jumps, tug of war, and wrestling. 

They would use bilva fruit as a ball and throw at each other, play hide and seek, shut another's eyes and allow him to touch another person.They would mimic beasts and birds, leap like frogs, swing using boughs of trees. 

They would also engage in acting with Srikrishna as King and a few others as ministers. Demon Pralamba could not tolerate the happy moments of Srikrishna and His team.

Presence of Demon Pralamba as Cowherd

When Srikrishna and Balarama were grazing the cattle, demon Pralamba appeared disguised as a cowherd in order to make shots of these two brothers. 

Srikrishna, the knower of all, allowed the demon to associate with other cowherds and contemplated the means to kill him. Srikrishna said to cowherds, “Let's play dividing ourselves into two camps”.  

The cowherds made Balarama and Srikrishna as their leaders. Some joined Srikrishna‘s camp while others went to Balaramas’. Pralamba deliberately chose Balarama's camp as he was aware of the danger from Srikrishna.

They played various games between each other's teams. It was agreed that the loser of a team is required to carry the winner for a distance, say up to a nearby Banyan tree.

Once, the defeated Srikrishna carried Sridama while Pralamba carried Balarama. Taking this opportunity, Pralamba carried Balarama beyond the prescribed distance with great speed. Suddenly, Pralamba could not keep up the speed as Balarama grew in weight as heavy as Mount Meru. 

Pralamba was perplexed and resumed his original demonic form with a huge body, burning eyes, and hair glowing as flames. 

Balarama, for a moment, was afraid, but having realized his true form, he took no time to hit Pralamba’ head with his strong fists. 

Pralamba's head was smashed instantly. Vomiting blood, the demon fell dead with a loud cry.

The cowherds witnessing the event were amazed and joyful. Slaying Pralamba, the Gods showered flowers on Balarama and applauded him.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

 

 

92. Bhagavatha - Balarama Slains Demon Dhenuka

 92. Bhagavatam - Balarama Slains Demon Dhenuka 

Once, Sridama, a cowherd boy, made a request to Srikrishna and Balarama and said, “ Not far off from here lies an extensive forest with a row of Palmyra trees fully ladened with fruits. 

A demon, Dhenuka, disguised as a donkey, is guarding them along with other donkeys. 

We, cowherds, are eager to taste those fruits. Kindly make us available if you feel it is fit for us”.

The two brothers had a hearty laugh to hear the request and agreed to proceed to the forest along with other cowherds.

Entering the forest, Balarama thoroughly shook the palm trees with both His arms, and as a result, all the palm fruits fell down. Hearing this sound, the angered demon Dhenuka donkey rushed towards Balarama. 

The donkey, using its hind legs, struck Balarama on His chest. It went a little far to strike again, but Balarama seized its feet with one hand, whirled and threw it against a palm tree. The donkey fell down lifeless.

The huge palm tree shaken by this event crashed on an adjacent tree, the latter hitting its neighbor in sequence. Demon Dhenuka’s family, too, met the same fate. The entire area was filled with heaps of palm fruits and carcasses of the demon donkeys. 

Thereafter, there was no fear of accessing palm fruits and cattle grazing. Observing this feat, Vidyadharas, Gandarvas, and others poured down showers of flowers. 

The cowherds were extremely happy and glorified Balarama and SriKrishna. They returned to Vraja and narrated the whole event to the residents.

Yasoda and Rohini, who were fond of their Sons, provided them with excellent food, relieved their fatigue by bath, and massage. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

91. Bhagavatha - Srikrishna and Balarama as Gopalas

 91. Srimad Bhagavata - Srikrishna and Balarama as Gopalas 

When Balarama and SriKrishna reached the age of 8 years, the elders of Vraja felt that these boys could now take care of cows. 

Being Gopalas (cowherds), they had the liberty to go beyond Vraja. Roaming around everywhere, they left their divine footprints in Brindavan. Commemorating this day, Kartika Shuda Ashtami, people celebrate it as Gopala Ashtami.

Srikrishna was never alone as other gopalas were with Him at all times. They were either narrating or remembering His deeds. They treated Him as their guru (preceptor).

At Brindavan, grasses had grown tall, and trees were heavy with flowers. Bees were humming, and animals were roaming around freely. Lotuses were emitting pleasant smells. SriKrishna was delighted and enjoyed the beauty of nature. 

Srikrishna was always with His brother, Balarama. He held high regards towards His brother and said, “These trees, burdened with flowers and fruits, seem like they are bowing to you, and bees are singing your glory. In all probability, these bees are none other than hermits concealed in this forest.

 

When Balarama felt tired after a long sport, Srikrishna would comfort him by massaging his legs. When Srikrishna needed rest, the cowherds would, in turn, take turns to serve Him. They would collect tender leaves, make a spread, and allow Him to sleep.  

Sri.Sukamuni said, “These cowherds must have earned great merits to serve Srikrishna directly, which would otherwise take yugas to get such opportunity”. 

In this way, Srikrishna and Balarama spent their childhood happily and also diligently did their duties.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

M16 - Mahabharata - Vishesha Dharma - An Accepted Norm in that Era

 M16 - Mahabharata - Vishesha Dharma - An Accepted Norm in that Era

Hastinapura faced a cliff moment when Vichitraveerya, the second son of Satyavathi and Shantanu, met an untimely death, leaving no progeny. 

Satyavathi was very much troubled and made a request to Bheeshma to beget progeny for Ambalika and Ambika. She said “Apad dharma is suitable for Kshtriyas. You can consider and make a decision that will bring happiness to pitrus (dead souls)”.

Bheeshma said, “ I do not wish to take kingship or beget children. I am firm in my resolution of remaining a bachelor throughout my life. I had taken a promise in front of your father, as Kanya Shulka (price for getting a bride for my father).

He said the Sun, the Moon, the Sky, the earth can forego their nature traits, but my vow will never fail. I will not break my promise.

Satyavathi says,” I am aware of the firmness with which you follow dharma. You always speak the truth and will not go against your words. Who will take care of the Kingdom after your demise? Is there a way out so that the lineage thread of the Kuru dynasty is not broken? 

Bheeshma said that in the ancient past, there was a custom accepted for Kshtriyas to take the help of Vedic Scholars or revered Sages to beget children. This is no sin attached to it. 

When Sage Jamadagni was killed, Lord Parasurama was angry with Kshatriyas. He decided to wipe out the Kshatriya race by going around the world 21 times. Those who survived his onslaught went into hiding. The spouses of those kings who were yet to beget progeny were in a dilemma. 

According to yuga and apad dharma, and with no other intention of any sort, these women sought the help of tapasvi brahmanas for progeny. It was an accepted norm during that period.

Satyavathi liked this suggestion and felt it was time to reveal the secret birth of her divine son, Sage Vyasa, through Sage Parasara. She told Bheeshma how she met Sage Parasara at Yamuna River and other related events.

With the permission of Bheeshma and other elders, she invited her son, Sage Vyasa. 

As promised, Sage Vyasa, the knower of all, presented himself and asked the purpose of being invited. 

Satyavathi informed him of the death of her sons, Chitrangada and Vichitraveerya, and requested him to bless her daughters-in- law with progeny.

The Sage agreed and put forth his condition that her daughters-in-law should observe penance for a year in order to cleanse their mind or bear with my external appearance and be blessed to get worthy progeny. 

However, Satyavathi declined as the Kingdom needed an heir apparent soon. She requested her daughters-in-law to cooperate for the sake of progeny.

Ambika couldn't bear the outer appearance of the Sage as he was dark in complexion, with long beard and bodily unclean. She closed her eyes and consequently was blessed with a strong but blind son. Satyavathi wasn't happy as a blind person is incapable of ruling the Kingdom. 

When Ambalika met Sage Vyasa, she turned pale on approaching him. Consequently, she was blessed with a male child with skin disorder.  

Again, Satyavathi requested Sage Vyasa to give one more chance, and the Sage reluctantly agreed. This time, Ambika was again asked to meet the Sage. Ambika did not resist but instead sent her maid. The maid gave due respect to the Sage and was blessed with a son with an intellectual bent of mind. 

Sage Vyasa informed his mother about Ambika's act and declined to offer any further help. Thereafter, he disappeared. 

Source: Mahabharatha - Sabha Parva 

M15. Mahabharata - Short Life of Chitrangada and Vichitraveerya

 M15. Mahabharata - Short Life of Chitrangada and Vichitraveerya 

Chitrangada and Vichitraveerya were born to King Shantanu and Satyavathi. Not long enough, King Shantanu passes away, and the responsibility of taking care of young lads falls on Bheeshma. 

Chitrangada grew up to become a great warrior. Gradually, pride took over him to the extent he believed that none can defeat him, be it humans or gods. 

Gandarva Chief, who also possessed the same name as Chitrangada, heard it and challenged him. A war broke out between them near Kuruskhetra, which continued for 3 full years. Both were fierceful, but ultimately, Gandarva killed the prince using foul means of invisible warfare. Bheeshma performed the last rites of his half-brother, Chitrangada. 

Vichitraveerya, the second scion of Kuru Dynasty, was nurtured to become the future king. He was very obedient and an able ruler. People equated him to King Shantanu.

When Vichitraveerya entered adolescence, Bheeshma and Satyavathi decided to get him married to a suitable bride. 

Secretively, Bheeshma was informed that Kashi Raja intends to perform Swayamvara for his 3 daughters, Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika. Bheeshma, though uninvited, decided to attend the event for the sake of Vichitraveerya. 

The kings who were present at Swayamvara were rather surprised and even mocked at Bheeshma as he had taken a vow of celibacy and had crossed marriageable age. 

Hearing it, Bheeshma said he intended to take the brides for Vichitraveerya, using Rakshasa Vivah (one of the practices adopted for marriage and acceptable for kshatriyas) and challenged the kings who stood against it. 

He sought the permission of Kashi Raja and immediately took the brides in his chariot and moved towards Hastinapura.  

Meanwhile, the kings who participated in that event were angry and chased Bheeshma. Bheeshma gave them a fitting reply through his prowess. King Salva, who desired to marry Amba, also had to face a humiliating defeat.

Upon reaching Hastinapura, Amba makes a request to send her to King Salva as she desires to marry him. Bheeshma honoured her request and sent her back, but King Salva refused to accept her on moral grounds.

Amba returns to Hastinapura and makes a request to Bheeshma to marry her, which the latter flatly refuses.

Meanwhile, Ambika and Ambalika were married to Vichitraveerya. Drowned in sensuous pleasure for a very long period, Vichitraveerya failed to perform his prescribed duties as a king. 

Eventually, he fell prey to tuberculosis disease and met his end, leaving no progeny. 

Source: Mahabharatha - Sabha Parva

Technically, the Kuru dynasty ended with the death of Vichitraveerya. Extreme self-esteem led to the fall of Chitrangada, and insatiable desires led to the fall of Vichitraveerya. No matter what, destiny has a role to play in each one’s life.

M14 - Mahabharata - Devavrata Makes a Terrific Vow

 M14 - Mahabharata - Devavrata Makes a Terrific Vow

 

Devavrata, the crown prince of the Kuru Dynasty, took care of the administration efficiently. Once King Shantanu went hunting near Yamuna River and was pleasantly surprised by the fragrance emitted there. He sees a beautiful lady near the river bank and makes inquiries about her whereabouts.  

The lady introduced herself as Satyavathi, daughter of Dasaraja. As per her father’s wish, she was assigned to row the boat across the river for travellers. 

[Vasu Maharaj is the biological father of Satyavathi. Dasaraja was given the girl child and was named Matsya Gandi. Due to the grace of Sage Parasara, she got rid of the fish smell and instead fragrance emitted from her body.]

Charmed by her beauty, the king wished to meet her father and place a proposal to marry her. 

Dasaraja welcomed the king with honours and was overwhelmed by the proposal but put forth his condition. The king agreed, provided it was feasible. 

Dasaraja knew the king had a worthy son and was the crown prince and yet said the male child born out of their wedlock should be heir apparent. The king did not want to do injustice to Devavrata and hence returned back to his kingdom silently. 

The thought of Satyavathi was constantly disturbing him. Devavrata noticed it and questioned him. The king subtly said he is worried about the legacy of the kuru kingdom. His conviction was that if some untoward event occurred, the kingdom would be left with no legacy.

Devavrata could intelligently grasp the hidden issue of his father. He contacted trusted ministers and reached out to Dasaraja. He made a rare request to Dasaraja to facilitate the marriage of his daughter with his father, King Shantanu. 

Dasaraja was very much pleased with Devavrata, and since he couldn't oppose him directly, he politely said “I have no objection but foresee danger to my daughter's children from you”. 

Devavrata's sole intention was to make his father happy and hence took a vow not to claim rulership. However, Dasaraja was still not satisfied. Dasaraja said, “what if your children claim their due rights over the Kingdom?”

Devavrata again made a terrific vow to remain celibate throughout his life. By making such a vow, Devavrata became Bheeshma, one who made a terrible promise.

[Devavrata, in his previous birth, was a Vasu (Demigod), carrying a curse of Sage Vasishta to be born as human. The Sage had said that he would live long, be powerful, but remain bachelor. The curse had its effect now.]

Dasaraja was happy and sent his daughter, Satyavathi, along with Bheeshma. When the news reached King Shantanu, he was overwhelmed with joy and blessed his son, Devavrata, that he could choose the exact time of his death. Death will not approach Beeshma until he so wishes.

Shantanu married Satyavathi, and in the course of time, they had 2 sons, Chitrangada and Vichitraveerya. 

Source: Mahabharatha - Sambava Parva