King Janamejaya Performs Sarpa Yaga 2

 King Janamejaya Performs Sarpa Yaga (2)

Sage Jagadkaru Seeks Alms

The Sage Jagadkaru said,” Is there anyone who is willing to give me a bride in kanyadhan”. Shortly, Vasuki, the serpent head, met the Sage and agreed to offer his sister, Jagadkaru, in kanyadhan to him. As all his conditions were met, the Sage agreed to marry Jagadkaru, sister of Vasuki. A son, Aastika, was born to them out of wedlock. Aastika was well versed in Vedas and was revered. 

Aastika Maharishi Makes a Request

Aastika Maharishi went to King Janamejaya’s Sarpa Yaga and was welcomed by the King with honours. The King politely asked him the purpose of his visit. When Serpent King Takshaka was about to fall into the Homa kund, Aastika Maharishi stopped him from falling. 

Maharishi said to King Janamejaya, “I request you to stop this Yaga in order to protect the remaining snakes belonging to my mother’s relatives”. The king agreed, and thus, snake species were protected.

Serpent Adishesha’s Frustration

Adishesha was the first born serpent of Kadru. When Kadru made an unrighteous demand upon her progeny, Adishesha got frustrated and went away, severing ties with his mother and siblings. He undertook strenuous tapas. Brahma was pleased by the tapas of Adishesha and asked him to seek a boon. 

Lord Brahma Consoles Adishesha 

Adishesha says, "I am not interested in seeking boon, but I am concerned with the adharmic activity of my mother, Kadru, and infighting among his siblings”. 

Brahma consoles him and says King Janamejaya's Sarpa yaga is destined, and none can stop it. Further, Brahma said to Adishesha later Aastika Maharshi would help stop the sarpa yaga, and all dharmic serpents would be protected. 

Brahma assigned Adishesha the job of holding the earth stable on his head, a task that none other could do. 

Serpent Vasuki’s Concern

Vasuki, the second son of Kadru, was worried about King Janamejaya’s Yaga and was devising ways to protect snakes from extinction. Some snakes suggested killing King Janamejaya, but such a suggestion was not accepted. Thenceforth snakes decided to seek advice from Father Sage Kashyapa.

Serpent Ellapatru Narrates Secretive Dialogue Between Devatas and Brahma 

Just then one serpent by name Ellapatru said, “When this curse was pronounced, I was young and sleeping on Mother Kadru's lap. I heard a secretive dialogue between Devatas and Lord Brahma. Devatas asked Brahma how come a mother be so cruel towards her own sons. 

Brahma said, “The curse on serpents would in time prove good as their reproduction rate is very high. Snakes by their very nature are aggressive, and hence, their excessive population is not good for the welfare of humanity. When time comes Astika Maharishi would help stop the sarpa yaga, and enable survival of dharmic snakes.

Brahma said, “Aastika Maharishi would be born as the son of Sage Jagadkaru. Sage Jagadkaru would fulfill his ancestors' wish for progeny, he would marry a girl bearing the same name. Vasuki would give his sister Jagadkaru in marriage to Sage Jagadkaru”.

Vasuki Awaits Sage Jagadkaru's Call For Bride

Vasuki was relieved of his undue worries and thenceforth asked the serpents to ascertain the whereabouts of Sage Jagadkaru. He told the snakes to wait until the Sage sought help to find a bride and keep him informed about developments. In course of time the Sage Jagadkaru loudly called for a bride as a gift, and Vasuki was duly informed. Vasuki approached Sage Jagadkaru and agreed to give his sister in marriage to him.  

Snakes blessed Aastika Maharishi and said, “Those who read, hear or narrate your story would be protected from fear of snakes.

Extracts From Mahabharatha - Adi Parva 

Lord Narayana descend as Rishabha Deva

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Lord Narayana's descent as Rishabha Deva   

Rishabha Deva (one of the 21 avatars of Lord Narayana) was born to King Nabhi and Merudevi. King Nabhi is the son of Agnidhra, grandson of Priyavrata and great-grandson of Prajapati Swayambhu Manu.

Desirous of obtaining a son, King Nabhi performed a sacrifice with full devotion. Pleased with his devotion, Srihari appeared in His beautiful form with crown, ornaments, conch, lotus, lotus, and discus.  

The priests performing the Yagna offered prayers to the Lord and requested him to grant progeny to their king who would be equivalent to Him. The Lord said “Since none can be equivalent to Him, I shall descend and be born as his son.   

At the designated time, a baby boy was born to Merudevi with marks of divinity (figure of a thunderbolt, goad in the soles). Seeing His glory and strength, King Nabhi named him Rishabha, the foremost. He was also known as Aja.

The Brahmanas, Gods and people were eager to see Him rule over the world. King Nabhi, at the appropriate time, installed Rishabha Deva as the king and left for the woods. 

Once Indra envied Him and did not rain in his land. Rishabha deva, on knowing it, laughed heartily which led to downpour throughout his land. Hence this land was known as Ajanabha.  

Rishabha Deva married Jayanthi, the daughter of Indra, and had a hundred sons, the eldest being Bharata. 

Rishabha Deva was eternally free from all evils through performing actions like an ordinary mortal. He taught by His own example the duties that have been forgotten over time. For, as a rule, the world blindly follows whatever is done by the leader. 

When Rishabha deva ruled nobody ever sought for one’s own use on any account whatsoever from another. They had a profound love for their ruler. None envied another's property.

His sons were self-controlled, thoroughly disciplined by virtue and devoted to their divine father. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

How did Kucha attain self-realization?

 Srimad Bhagavatam --How did Kucha attain self-realization?

Kucha, unlike others, had 3 bodies in one life.

Kucha realises that he is not the body and asks his father, Brihaspati, "If I am not the body, who am I?

Brihaspati tells him to give up everything to know the truth. "Sarvam Tyejya."

Kucha went to the forest for penance and gave up everything (to his knowledge), and this went on for 3 years. He gave up his lone loincloth as well. Still, he wasn't satisfied with what he had achieved. 

Kucha comes back to Brihaspati and expresses his inability. Brihaspati was unmoved by his son's condition. He thought Kucha needed more guidance and asked him to work on "Sarvameva Tyejya."

Kucha went to the forest again and worked on it. This time, he sat down in one place, giving up even basic needs, and this went on for 5 years. Brihaspati was eager to see his son's progress. Kucha said there is not much progress in his endeavor. 

This time, Brihaspati said, "Give up dharma, adharma, truth and untruth and find out from where this 'giving up’ has begun. Give up that thing also. Kuch couldn't understand, and he needed more clarification.

Brihaspati said, "Find out what is the source of the feeling of life, family, joy, happiness, sorrow, etc. It's the mind. The mind carries our samskara. Give up the connection with the mind itself.

Kucha worked on it and atlast attained self-realization.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Story of Kucha, Brihaspati's Son

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Kucha

Who is Kucha? Why did Kucha learn Mrityu Sanjeevini Vidya from Shukracharya? How Kucha was brought back to life multiple times? Why did Devayani curse Kucha?

Kucha is the son of Devaguru Brahaspati During a war between Devas and Asuras, Devas were perishing, but Asuras' count remained the same. Upon reasoning, it was understood that Asura's guru, Shukracharya, was bringing back all dead asuras to life using Mrityu Sanjeevini Mantra.

Devas decided that someone amongst them must learn this mantra to counter their defeat. None dared to approach Shukracharya except Brahaspati's son Kucha.

Kucha requested Shukracharya to accept him as his student. Shukracharya knew the purpose of Kucha's visit, yet he obliged because he never denied knowledge to eligible students. Kucha was asked to serve him for 1000 years. 

Kucha agreed and was obedient to his guru. Devayani, Shukracharya's daughter, was impressed with Kucha and desired to marry him.

Asuras suspected Kucha, and when Shukracharya was away, they killed him. Devayani requested her father to bring back his life using the Mrythu Sanjeevini Mantra.

Shukracharya fulfilled his daughter's wish and brought back Kucha’s life.

Asuras again killed Kucha and burnt his body as well. Again, on Devani's request, Shukracharya brought back Kucha's life, not in his original body but similar to it.

The third time, Asuras killed Kucha, burnt his body, mixed the ashes in Sura (local alcohol), and made Shukracharya drink it. This time, Shukracharya expressed his inability to bring back Kucha's life as he was inside his body. To bring back Kucha's life, he would be killed.

Devayani asks her father to teach Mrythu Sanjeevini Mantra to Kucha. Once Kucha gets back his life, he will definitely bring back his guru's life using the same Vidya. As planned, things went on, and both got back their lives.

Kucha desired to return back to Devlok as his purpose was accomplished. Devayani wanted Kucha to marry her, but he politely refused.

Devayani cursed Kucha that this knowledge would be useless when needed. Kucha, too, cursed that no brahmana would marry her.

On returning back, Kucha taught this knowledge to others, and as such, his mission was completed.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Mother Earth Seeks Refuge

 64. Srimad Bhagavatam - Mother Earth Seeks Refuge and Vasudeva Weds Devaki

King Parikshit was eager to know more about Srikrishna, the one who saved his life when he was in his mother's womb, and who guided his grandfather and grand uncles.

He requested Suka Muni to detail Srikrishna’s life on why he was born in the Yadu dynasty, who is the mother of Balarama - Devaki or Rohini, and why he killed kamsa, his own maternal uncle?   

Suka Muni was pleased and said, “Oppressed with adharma, Mother Earth in cow form with wet tears sought Lord Brahma intervention. Daityas, disguised as humans, became rulers and nurtured adharma.

Brahma, along with Mother Earth, Lord Shiva, and devatas proceeded to Vaikunta, the adore of Lord Srihari to seek his intervention. Brahma recited his prayer (Purusha Sukta) and awaited the Lord's response.

A divine voice was heard to Brahma, giving directions for the future course of action. Thereafter, Brahma told devatas to immediately be born as Yadus or send their form to the earth and await Srihari's appearance. The Lord will walk on earth and will do the needful to reduce the burden of Mother Earth. 

Lord Adishesha, a part manifestation of Lord Srihari, will precede Him as His elder brother. The divine Maya (potency) of Lord Srihari will also be born to assist Him”. Having instructed, Brahma returned to His abode.

Vasudeva Weds Devaki 

Mathura is the capital city of the Yadava kings, and Surasena, chief of Yadavas, was residing in that city. Vasudeva, son of Surasena, married Devaki and was on the way home on a chariot.  

Prince Kamsa, son of King Ugrasena and cousin of Devaki, offered to become a charioteer. The procession started in a grand manner with conch, clay TomTom, and kettledrum sounds.

Just then, an ethereal voice from the sky was heard warning Kamsa that the eighth child of Devaki would slay him. Kamsa grew ferocious, seized his cousin Devaki by hair, and with sword in hand proceeded to kill her.

The highly blessed Vasudeva pleaded hard to convince kamsa to desist from such action.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Srikrishna as Govardhana Giridhari

Srimad Bhagavatam - Srikrishna as Govardhana Giridhari

Furious that the people of Vraja had stopped His worship, Indra decided to punish them. He ordered the fierce Samvartaka clouds, used during cosmic destruction, along with the powerful Maruts, to flood Vraja with torrential rains.

The frightened cowherds ran to Krishna and prayed, “We have no one other than You to protect us.” Even the cows silently sought His shelter.

To save everyone, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill effortlessly with one hand and held it like an umbrella. He asked the residents to bring their families, cattle, and carts beneath the hill. Protected under Govardhan, the people gazed constantly at Krishna. 

For seven days and nights, none felt hunger or thirst, and Krishna never changed hands.

Seeing this astonishing miracle, Indra realized Krishna’s divine power. Fear and humility arose within him, and he ordered the clouds and Maruts to stop the storm and return.

When the rains ended, Krishna gently placed Govardhan Hill back in its place. The people of Vraja were overwhelmed with joy and devotion toward their protector.

Later, the elders asked Nanda, “Who is this extraordinary child performing such miracles? Is He a devata?”

Nanda recalled the words of Garga Muni during the secret naming ceremony of Krishna and Balarama. The sage had said that the child had appeared in many ages with different names and was now called Krishna because of His dark complexion. He also foretold that Krishna would always protect the people of Vraja.

Nanda finally said, “I consider Him an incarnation of Sriman Narayana.” Hearing this, the elders joyfully praised Krishna and Nanda’s great fortune.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Srikrishna Blocks Indra's Yagna

 Srimad Bhagavatam – Srikrishna Blocks Indra’s Yagna

The people of Vraja were joyfully preparing for the traditional Indra Yagna, a ritual performed for generations to please Indra, the god of rain. Seeing this, Krishna politely asked His father Nanda and the elders why the ritual was being performed and requested that nothing be kept secret from Him.

Nanda explained that Indra, also called Parjanya, sends rain through the clouds. Rain sustains crops, animals, and human life, and protects people from famine. Therefore, they worshipped Indra with gratitude.

Srikrishna, however, wished to humble the pride of arrogant Indra and reveal a deeper truth. He explained the law of karma:

“By karma a being is born, by karma it dies, and by karma it experiences joy, sorrow, fear, and safety.”

He taught that every living being experiences the results of its own actions. Karma alone acts as friend, enemy, or teacher. The Supreme Lord merely awards the fruits of one’s actions.

Krishna further explained that the three gunas — sattva, rajas, and tamas — govern creation, maintenance, and destruction. Clouds shower rain due to the force of nature, not because of Indra’s independent power.

Therefore, He advised the villagers to faithfully perform their own duties according to varna and ashrama dharma and worship cows, brahmanas, and Govardhan Hill instead.

Accepting Krishna’s words, the people prepared delicious offerings for Govardhan Hill, worshipped cows and brahmanas, and joyfully circumambulated the sacred hill.

Source: Bhagavata Purana

karmana Jayate Janthu, 

Karmanaiva Veliyathe.

Sukham, Dukham, Bayam, kshemam

 karmanai abibadyathe