7A - Bhagavatha - Chp 1 - (13)

 7A - Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 1 - (13) - Vidura's Final Visit to Hastinapura and Dritharashtra's End

Just before the Kurukshetra war, Vidura went on a pilgrimage and returned to Hastinapura after a long time.

Vidura returned with a purpose but did not reveal it to anyone. He spends some time with Pandavas and accepts their hospitality.

One night, Vidura meets Dhritrashtra secretly and tells him that 'Time' has arrived, and he has to quit every bondage and move to the forest immediately.

He questions Dhritrashtra as to why there is a need to satisfy bodily requirements. He makes him remember Bheema's act of killing all his sons and yet accepts their hospitality.

He said “Yudhistir respects you for your age. Enough wrong has been done to them in the past either directly or indirectly.”

So, let's leave immediately.  Surprisingly, Dhritrashtra agrees to this proposal.  Along with him, Gandhari and Kunti follow him.

Yudhistira makes a visit to his uncle every morning to get a blessing but is shocked to know he has gone. Vidura, Gandari, and Kunti were also missing. 

Sanjaya, trusted aid of Dritharashtra, too was unaware of the event. Yudhistir was sad and blamed himself for not taking due care of his elders.

Soon after Dhritrastra and others left, there was a commotion in the palace. Sage Narada tells Yudhistir not to worry about them. 

He says when Time arrives, everyone has to leave. Time is determined based on each one's karma, and karma is determined by each one's vasanas, i.e., rajas, tamas, and satvik. Hence, no one is responsible for anyone's actions.

We think we are independent, but in the real sense, we are under the play of Eshwara.

We pierce a hole in Buffalo's nose and tie a rope. To give direction to it, we pull the rope to our needs.  Similarly,  Eswara controls us.

Regarding who would take care of them in the forest, he says nobody is dependent on anyone. Four-legged animals depend on stationary things (trees, water bodies) for their survival, strong ones depend on weak ones (big fish eat small one), and that is nature's law.  So, there is nothing to worry about.

Sage Narada says Dritharashtra and others have gone deep into the forest of the Himalayas. Now, he has given up all bodily requirements. He is sustained on water and air. He is practicing Astanga yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama,  prathyahara, Dharana, dhyana, and Samadhi).

Five days from now, he is burning his body, and along with him, his hut will be burnt. Visiting him now and waking up will cause more harm than benefit. He is no more Dhritrashtra.

Vidura will move to a different place because of mixed feelings - happy that his brother has achieved higher status, while on the other hand, he is sad about not seeing him anymore in physical form. Giving this information, Sage Narada took leave of Yudishtir.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

115. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (36) Kamsa Summons Akrura

115. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (36) Kamsa Summons Akrura 

On Sage Narada informing the impending danger from Vasudeva's sons, Kamsa, on a cautious note, instructed Demon Kesi to visit Vraja and kill Srikrishna and Balarama. 

Kamsa immediately summoned his ministers, renowned wrestlers and mahouts, and said, ‘I am told by Sage Narada and earlier too that my end is in the hands of the eighth son of Anakadundubhi (Vasudeva). 

Krishna and Balarama are presently dwelling in Nanda's Vraja. We will invite them on the pretext of dhanur yagna and let those boys be killed by our expert wrestlers.  The game of wrestling will be held in an amphi-theatre witnessed by the people of Mathura.  In case they escape death,  the mighty Kuvalayapida elephant will stand outside to attack them.”  

Kamsa then summoned Akrura, who remained non-controversial to him. Kamsa said, “You are my friend, and I want you to do an important assignment for me.” Immediately go to Vraja and bring those two sons of Vasudeva in a chariot. As told by Sage Narada,  my death is ordained at the hands of Krishna. Fetch them along with Nanda and others in the pretext of inviting them for Dhanu yagna. Carry with you gifts for them. I will take care of the rest. 

Once they are killed, I shall do away with Vrusnis, the Bhojas, my father Ugrasena, and Uncle Devaka, and establish my sovereignty.

When these thorns are thrown away, I shall enter into alliance with Jarasanda, Samsara, Naraka, and Bana. Do not disclose my intention to them but fetch them to my place. 

Akrura said, “To get rid of enemies, your plans, as a king, are appropriate.  However, one should note that success or failure is in the hands of Providence.  I shall fetch them as per your wish. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

114. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (36) Srikrishna Slains Aristasura

 114. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (36) Srikrishna Slains Aristasura 

Aritasura, a demon disguised as bull with a huge body and a large hump, was sent to Vraja by Kamsa in order to kill Srikrishna.

As the demon bull entered Vraja, it began billowing harshly and shaking the earth with its hoofs. To express its anger, it was throwing mud with its horns and discharging dung and urinating in small quantities.  

It's thunder like roar feared the cows and pregnant women. Some cattle fled Vraja. The residents of Vraja sought refuge at Srikrishna,  their saviour. Srikrishna asked them not to be afraid.  

Srikrishna said to the demon,  ‘What will you gain by terrorizing the people of Vraja. I am here to crush you”. Slapping His arms, He provoked the demon. He stretched his arms and placed them on a cowherd's shoulder.

Bending down, the bull rushed towards Srikrishna and attacked Him using its horns. Srikrishna quickly seized its horn and pushed it back to a distance of 18 steps. 

The bull quickly rose again and rushed towards the Lord. Srikrishna tightly held the horns of the bull and threw it on the ground. He stepped hard on it and wrung it as a drenched cloth. He pulled the horn and used it as a weapon to strike it. 

The bull vomited blood, discharged urine, and dung profusely and met its end. Devatas, who witnessed this event, showered flowers on Srihari. The residents of Vraja were relieved of the danger and praised Him. Srikrishna spent around 10 years at Gokula and Brindavan. 

Sage Narada Informs Kamsa the Secret Birth of Srikrishna 

As Kamsa’s end was nearing, Sage Narada called on him. On giving due respect, Kamsa asked the Sage the purpose of his visit.

The Sage cautioned him and said, “the female child of Devaki and Vasudeva  that had escaped death at his hand was indeed the daughter of Yasoda. 

The Lord, appearing as Srikrishna, is the son of Devaki, and Balarama is the son of Rohini. All your agents were killed by these kids, and hence, they did not return to you. Vasudeva had placed Balarama and Srikrishna in Vraja under Nanda's care.”

On hearing it, Kamsa was agitated and intended to kill Vasudeva immediately.  The Sage stopped him and said the sons of Vasudeva have been ordained to be his death and not Vasudeva. 

Kamsa agreed but bound both Vasudeva and Devaki with iron chains.  Sage Narada returned to his abode.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

113. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (34) Srikrishna Ends Sudarshana's Curse

 113. Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (34) Srikrishna Ends Sudarshana's Curse 

The residents of Vraja undertook a scheduled pilgrimage to Ambika Vana (forest) on Masa Shivaratri day. Ambika Vana  is situated between Gokulam and Mathura. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ambika (Goddess Parvathi). A tributary of Saraswathi river flows adjacent to it. 

Nanda and his retinue performed the rituals as per the norms and donated cows, clothes, and sweet rice to Brahmanas.  They observed fasting and stayed that night in a nearby forest.

A few gopalas were guarding them with their firebands (oil torch), and a little later, they too fell asleep due to exhaustion.  

A hungry python (boa constrictor) crawled towards Nanda and started swallowing him. Nanda woke to realize that he was in danger and loudly called out “ Krishna, Krishna. Protect me. You are my saviour. “ 

Hearing the commotion, gopalas woke up and attacked the python with their oil torches, but the python did its job. 

Slowly, Srikrishna came near the serpent and touched it with His foot. The serpent vanished, and a demi-god appeared decked with heavy jewellery and folded hands. 

Srikrishna asked him who he was, from where he came, and the reason behind this serpent form.

The demi-god  said, “ I am Sudharshana, a Vidhyadhara. I was proud of my beauty and enormous wealth. Once, while  roaming around in my aerial car, I saw descendants of Sage Angirasa and mocked them for their external appearance - dirty attire, unkempt beard, and hairs.  I failed to recognize their internal strength.  

To teach a lesson, they cursed me to become an ugly serpent and crawl around.  Realizing my mistake, I sought pardon and asked when I would get released from the curse. They said Sriman Narayana would descend on earth in Dwaparyug and end my curse.

Having got rid of my curse with your sight and touch, I got rid of my sins, too. I do not seek anything from you. Please allow me to go back to my place.” Saying so he went around Srikrishna with folded hands and went away.

Everyone witnessing this event was astonished. Nanda was relieved of the danger. They returned back to Vraja, recalling the event again and again.

Source : Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

112. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (33) Why Rasaleela and Sri.Sukamuni's Reply

 112. Srimad Bhagavatha  -  Chp 10 - (33) Why Rasaleela and Sri.Sukamuni's Reply

King Parikshit questions Sri. Sukamuni as to why Srikrishna had to undertake Rasaleela transgressing all limits prescribed in the Vedas. Is it not adharma to have physical indulgence with other’s wives? He has descended on earth as Jagadeeshwara. Why did he act this way with Gopikas, and what was the message to the world?

Sri. Sukamuni said, “ He is an all- knowing God. We, as mere mortals, cannot question His acts.  Yes, sometimes Gods, Rishis, and Munis, as what we perceive, act beyond limits that are prohibited to humans. We shouldn't imitate their actions blindly. 

For example, Agni can consume filth and corpses, yet it remains pure. Rudra consumed Halahala poison. Can we consume it? 

Rishis are capable of nullifying it by undertaking rigorous penance. Sage Viswamitra knowingly consumed dog meat for his survival. Later, he did severe penance to get rid of the sin. 

Such things can happen due to Prarabda Karma or for the benefit of the world.

How did they get this status?

Rishis purely sought the feet of Srikrishna and attained Tattvagnana. This helped in destroying their past karma. Later, they moved freely with no Karma bandana.  

Srikrishna was not born as a human being. He had descended and taken a form to destroy adharma and protect Dharma.  He had no Karma bandana or rebirth associated with it like us. He is Achyuta, with no relationship with the body.

Why Rasaleela?

Rasaleela is just His divine play.  There is no difference between Paramatma, the God, and Paramatma, the gopikas.  He is antaryami and Sakshi swarupa. It's just a mirror image of one another. 

Did Gopika's husband know about it?

Gopikas never left their home physically and were beside their husband. Mentally, they were able to meet Srikrishna earned through pure devotion and surrender.

The End of Rasaleela - Brahmaratri

At dawn, Srikrishna asked Gopikas to go back to their homes, and they agreed unwillingly. With thoughts fixed solely on Srikrishna, they carried on with worldly activities.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

111. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (33) Srikrishna's Rasaleela with Gopikas

 111. Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (33) Srikrishna's Rasaleela with Gopikas 

Gopikas heard the soothing words of Srikrishna and got off their agony. They were left with no desires at all. 

Srikrishna began Rasaleela with them on the banks of Yamuna River.

Gopikas danced in a circle, clinging their arms on each other's shoulders with Srikrishna at the center. Later, Srikrishna stood between each of them (creating His own mirror image) and placed his arms on their shoulders. Each of them felt that Srikrishna was with her. 

Devathas came down in their aerial vehicles and witnessed this divine event (Rasaleela turned into Rasottsava). Gandarvas and their spouses began singing, and Devatas showered flowers. 

The sound of bangles,  the sound of bells attached to the foot and waist belt of Gopikas, and that of Srikrishna created a unique sound.

Srikrishna was shining like a vibrant green emerald (Maragada stone) among golden beads representing Gopikas. 

Gopikas were simultaneously dancing and singing in a loud pitch and were highly appreciated by Srikrishna.  Sweat poured from their faces due to exhaustion. Their upper clothes,  jewelry were misplaced, braid was loosened, and flowers had gone, yet they weren't concerned about it. Some gopikas held His shoulders for support to withstand the exhaustion. 

The Lord who transgressed all limits of vedic injunctions entered the waters of Yamuna with gopikas to get rid of fatigue. Srikrishna appeared like a leader of the elephant amidst herds of female elephants.  Thus, He fondly enjoyed the night with rays of the full moon.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

110. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (32) Srikrishna's Grace on Gopikas

 110. Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (32) Srikrishna's Grace on Gopikas

Considering Gopikas’ surrender and pure devotion, Srikrishna appeared before them. Seeing Him and His beauty, Gopikas were stunned.

One  gopika dared to go near Him and held His hand, another took His hand and placed it on her shoulder. Two of them held His feet - a sort of fixing Him physically,  lest He might disappear again.

One Gopika asks Srikrishna why some love in return to those who love them, while others love even those who do not love them. Still, others are indifferent to either.

Srikrishna said, “One should not make friendship with anyone for mutual benefit as it is not transactional. Give friendship only to those who deserve it.

Great souls never seek anything but get blessed.  Neither are they seekers. The relationship between parents and their children is not transactional. They have no expectations and remain pure.

The third category don't bother about others and care for themselves alone. On the other hand, they take help and ignore others. Some even harm those who helped them. 

You can put me in any of them. Gopikas were smiling with each other and remained silent.

Srikrishna continued, “the reason why I disappeared is because you need to strengthen your focus on me. Your mind should think in the same way as a penniless person lost his money and get engrossed in search of it. Sage Narada and Prahlada faced the same situation as you. 

I did not go anywhere but was invisible to you all. I could see your inner feelings also. Do not feel bad. Our relationship is that of Jeevatma and Paramatma. You have developed deep devotion to me. Do not allow it to let go.

You have ignored your family, home, and wealth  for me. You broke the strong cord (Kankana) of attachment. I cannot repay my obligation to you even if I give you the status of devatas. Let your greatness speak for itself. 

Gopikas were now free from the agony of separation from Srikrishna.  He took them to the banks of Yamuna for Rasa Leela (a dance  performance with many women and a single male (Gopikas and Srikrishna / Jeevatmas and Paramatma).

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana