128. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (45) Srikrishna and Balarama's Thread Ceremony

 

128. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (45) Srikrishna and Balarama's Sacred Thread Ceremony and Entry to Formal Education 

Vasudeva, the son of Sura, decided to perform purification rites (investiture of sacred thread) to both his sons, Srikrishna and Balarama.  It confers the rank of dwija (twice-born) to them.

Kulaguru Sage Garga performed the ritual as per the scriptures.  Vasudeva donated several cows decked with golden necklaces and silk wreaths accompanied with calves. Recollecting his vow to donate cows during Srikrishna and Balarama's birth, he fulfilled that part of the obligation also.

Formal Education at Ujjain

Srikrishna and Balarama sought  Sage Sandipini, son of Sandipana, as their preceptor residing at Ujjain. Approaching him, the two brothers reverently waited upon him with devotion and sought his guidance. 

Sandipini, the revered brahmana, taught them all the four Vedas alongwith six auxiliary branches (Siksha, Chanda, Vyakarana, Jyotisa, Kalpa and Nirukta), Upanishads, Dhanurvidya, systems of philosophy, science of logic and politics etc. Srikrishna and Balarama learnt all the 64 arts one each in 64 days.

On completion of the course, they persuaded their teacher to ask for a fee of his liking. Having known their super human qualities,  the preceptor in consultation with his wife sought to get back their son, who was lost at Prabhasa Ocean.

Both the brothers readily agreed and reached Prabhasa and waited for a while. The ocean God made his presence with humility. The Lord said, “Let My preceptor’s son be restored immediately.”

The ocean God said, “The child was indeed carried away by Demon Panchajanya who lives under the water in the form of a conch.

Srikrishna at once plunged into water and killed the demon but could not find the child. Taking the conch, he returned to the chariot. 

Both the brothers then went to Yama loka, and Srikrishna blew the conch. Hearing it, King Yama quickly approached Them and offered worship with devotion and asked the purpose of Their visit.

Srikrishna said, “ Get My preceptor son brought here as part of his karma”. Yama agreed and brought him to their presence.

The child was duly handed over to the Sage.

When asked to seek something else, the preceptor said, “You both have repaid my debt. To have such pupils is by itself the highest fulfillment. Go back home. Let the learnings remain fresh in your memory forever.

Both Srikrishna and Balarama reached Mathura, bringing joy to the people.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

To Introspect:  

Why did Srikrishna and Balarama take up formal education? Do they need thread ceremony as other mortals?

Why did Srikrishna choose Sandeepini Ashram instead of Sage Garga? 

Takeaway:  

Never forget what you had promised to do or act.

Sage Sandeepini just sought his son and nothing else.

127. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (45) Ugrasena is made the King of Mathura

 127. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (45) Ugrasena is made the King of Mathura

Soon after Kamsa was killed, Srikrishna sought release from bondage of His biological parents, Vasudeva and Devaki. For the first time, Balarama and Srikrishna met their parents at prison and bowed to them. 

However, Vasudeva and Devaki were hesitant to shower their love towards Them (knowing well that their children are divine). Srikrishna immediately spread His Maya and allowed them to enjoy their love, which was marred all these years. 

Srikrishna said, “ You both were longing for us all these years and were sadly denied from witnessing our infancy, childhood, and boyhood. We, too, had no privilege of living by your side and enjoying your love and care.

Serving one's parents for a full hundred years will not square the debt by whom one is brought into this world and nourished (to pursue four objects of a human - Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha).

The servants of Yama will make a son eat his own flesh, who, though able bodied and with resources, does not maintain his parents.

All these years slipped away, and we were helpless due to the fear of Kamsa. Please forgive us for this omission of not serving you.

Ugrasena was made the King of  Mathura 

Immediately, Ugrasena, Srikrishna's maternal grand-uncle and father of Kamsa, was made the head of Yadus and King of Mathura. 

Though Ugrasena declined, Srikrishna assured him that He and Balarama would provide protection for him and his kinsmen. He reminds him of Yayati's curse that Yadus is ineligible for kingship.

Srikrishna's Kinsmen and Relations are called back

Yadus, Vrinis, Andhakas, Madhus, Dasarhas, kukuras, and others who had fled their homes for the fear of Kamsa were contacted, consoled and asked to return to their places. They were duly honoured and gifted with riches.

Nanda and Cowherds were sent back to Vraja

Approaching His foster father Nanda, Srikrishna said, “O father, you and mother Yasoda with utmost care nourished and fondled us. You both are our real parents. A parent's affection towards progeny is more profound than to oneself.  Please return to Vraja along with cowherds now.

Srikrishna lovingly gifted them clothes, ornaments,  utensils, and others. Nanda hugged Srikrishna and Balarama, and eyes filled with tears returned to Vraja along with other cowherds. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

To Introspect:

What has to be done when and how can be learnt from Srikrishna’s acts - Releasing from bondage of His parents, giving Kingship to granduncle Ugrasena, calling Yadus and others and finally sending foster father Nanda back to Vraja.

Takeaway:

Prioritise 

 Nanda was humble enough to accept the situation and moved ahead. 

126. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (44) Srikrishna Slains Kamsa

 126. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (44) Srikrishna Slains Kamsa

When the wrestler Canura challenges for a combat, Srikrishna and Balarama immediately sprung into action. They tugged at one another vehemently with the aim to overthrow the opponent. They tried to frustrate each other in every possible way in the wrestling arena. 

Women at the Gallery Lament

The women audience felt deeply upset and felt that the contest was between unequals in the very instance and unrighteous.

In the presence of Kamsa, they said, “Canura and Mustika are adamantly framed resembling a mountain while the two young lads possess extremely delicate limbs and not even teenagers”. 

It is a sin 

Whatever religious merits earned in the past will be wiped for those assembled here and watching these wrongdoings.  Wise should never participate in such an assembly. Remaining silent is a sin.

Blessed are the women of Vraja 

Blessed is the soil of Vraja on which the most ancient Person, whose feet is adored by Lord Shiva and Goddess Rama - born as human, wearing sylvan (forest flower) garland, tending cows with Balarama and playing on flute.

The women of Vraja must have performed great austerities  by the virtue of which they were able to see His beautiful lotus eyes and his smile. They have heard His music and had a glance of Him every morning and evening.

Canura and Mustika meet their end

Thus, knowing people's minds, Srikrishna decided to get rid of Canura. Srikrishna hit Canura’s limbs hard as strokes of lightning.  

Canura fainted, and when he sprang up, the angered Srikrishna struck him on his chest with His fist. He caught hold of his arms, whirled several times, and dashed him on the ground. Thus ended the life of Canura.

Precisely in the same manner,  Mustika was killed by Balarama. Wrestlers Sala, Tosal,  and others met the same fate.

Srikrishna and Balarama called their cowherds, and surrounding them,  the two brothers sported in the arena. Trumpets

sounded on their victory. Except Kamsa, all the others present rejoiced. 

Kamsa stopped the Trumpets and said, “Let these sons of Vasudeva be driven out,  confiscate the wealth of Gopalas and bond the wicked Nanda. Let Vasudeva be made short work at once, so also Ugrasena,  my father who has sided with my enemy.”

Srikrishna, on hearing it, flew into rage and, with agility and speed, ascended the elevated dias where Kamsa was seated. 

Seeing Srikrishna approaching him, Kamsa rose up from his seat and pulled out his sword and shield. Srikrishna caught hold of Kamsa's hand firmly, grasped him tightly by the hair, and threw him with great force to the floor of the wrestling arena. Lord Srikrishna jumped down in person upon him and hit him. 

Kamsa met his end and merged with the Lord (Kamsa always saw before his mental eyes that very Lord, armed with a discus, while drinking, speaking, walking, or while lying  asleep).

The eight brothers of Kamsa rushed towards Srikrishna to avenge their brother's  killing. However, Balarama made short work of them effortlessly. 

Kettledrums were sounded in the heavens, Brahma, Lord Shiva extolled the Lord, and celestial women danced out of joy, 

Sri Sukamuni said, the Lord comforted the royal ladies and obsequious were duly performed to the dead. Vasudeva and Devaki were released from the prison, and Srikrishna and Balarama bowed to them fully touching their feet (duly as a son to their parents).

Perceiving their sons as divine incarnations,  Devaki and Vasudeva did not embrace Them (afraid of disrespecting Them).

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

To Introspect:

Why did Srikrishna choose not to act on Chanura immediately?

Takeaway:

Women of Mathura were bold enough to express their views publicly. They were wiser. They could differentiate between right and wrong. 

Kamsa’s fall from the cliff - though it looks sudden, the fall was built brick by brick.

125. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (43) Srikrishna and Balarama Enters Amphitheatre

 125. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (43) Srikrishna and Balarama Enters Amphitheatre

Soon after killing elephant Kuvalayapida and mahouts,  Srikrishna enters the amphitheatre with the tusks on His shoulders. His body wore the strains of blood and fluids of the dead elephants. Drops of sweat were still appearing on His beautiful and charming face.

Balarama and a few gopalas accompanied Him.

People's Perception on Srikrishna 

The Lord Srikrishna appeared as a thunderbolt to wrestlers, a crown jewel among men to male persons, manmatha, the God of Love to females, a mere child to foster father Nanda, immature (inappropriate dress and appearance) to ordinary mortals, death to Kamsa, Supreme Person to Yogis and Protector to Vrinis.

Though they looked weird, these two brothers captivated the minds of on-lookers.

Kamsa was terrified on seeing Srikrishna and Balarama 

When the news  of elephant Kuvalayapida's death reached Kamsa, he perceived that these brothers are indeed difficult to conquer, Kamsa was very much terrified. 

The people of Mathura city seated in the galleries had their eyes focused on these two brothers and admired their beauty.  They spoke to each other about what they knew and saw about Srikrishna and Balarama. 

The Gossips

Lord Srihari has descended as Srikrishna and Balarama as sons of Vasudeva,  the darker one is actually born to Devaki and was taken to Gokula (for the fear of Kamsa) and grew up at Nanda's residence.  

He slayed Demoness Putana, Demon Trinavarta (who appeared as whirlwind), Demi-god Shankacuda, Demon Kesi, Demon Dhenuka (disguised as donkey), and uprooted two big Arjuna trees.  

This young Boy rescued the cows and cowherds from forest fires, subdued Serpent Kaliya,  lifted Govardhan Hill for a week and thereby curbed the pride of Indra.

Gopikas  overcame their agonies effortlessly by their devotion to Srikrishna. Indeed, they were blessed to see Him with a charming face, unlike us.

Elders have predicted that this Young lad will protect the Yadu kingdom, and the race will attain prosperity and glory. 

His elder brother, Balarama, slayed Demon Pralamba and Baka (Indeed Baka was killed by Srikrishna and that the people of Mathura were misinformed about it.)

Wrestler Canura Denies Fair Play 

While people were conversing, trumpets were blown loudly, indicating the forthcoming wrestling event.  

Canura, the foremost wrestler, spoke to Srikrishna and Balarama,  “ O Nanda's son and Bala, people consider you both as heroes. On hearing about your skills in wrestling,  the King has invited you to see your skills in person. People should do what is agreeable to the King through their thoughts, word, and action, lest they may meet adverse effects.  

Cowherds like you tend calves, allow cows to pasture in woodlands, and meanwhile entertain themselves in  games. One such could be wrestling. So, let us play this wrestling game to entertain the King and others. 

Hearing the words of Canura, Srikrishna gave a befitting reply as, “We, who dwell in woodland,  like you are subjects of this King. Let us all do what would please him (meant to give Kamsa the final beatitude of Moksha).

However, let this sport be between equals in strength for a fair play. Let there be no sin in allowing unequals in a match.

Canura said, “ You and Bala are neither a  lad. We witnessed how  you slayed Kuvalayapida, the one that possessed the strength of a thousand elephants, with ease. Therefore, you both must contend with me and Mustika. Show your prowess against me.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

To Introspect:

Why did Srikrishna choose to appear in strained form? What was the message He wished to convey to the people of Mathura and particularly to Kamsa and his team? 

Takeaway:

Life situations are never fair even to Gods. Fair play isn’t possible when the motive is to kill Srikrishna by muscle strength.

Kamsa is a clever strategist. His every move was well planned and he never gave up his attempt till the end. Evil cannot succeed.

By constantly thinking of Srikrishna, his soul merged with Srikrishna. 

  

124. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (43) Srikrishna Slains Elephant Kuvalayapida

 124. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (43) Srikrishna Slains Elephant Kuvalayapida 

The two sons of Anakadundubhi (Vasudeva) heard the loud noise of kettledrums indicating the forthcoming wrestling event. Having completed their morning ablutions, they reached the amphitheater. 

On specific instructions by Kumsa, the mahout stationed elephant Kuvalayapida at the gate to obstruct the entry of Srikrishna and Balarama.

Srikrishna tightened the cloth around His waist, tied up His curly locks and with an angry voice said, “ Mahout, allow us the passage without any delay, lest you and your elephant will be dispatched to Yama's abode.”

The mahout,  in full rage, instigated his elephant (by hitting it hard) to attack Srikrishna. The mammoth elephant ran towards Srikrishna and seized Him with its trunk. Srikrishna slipped off and hid between its legs. 

The arrogant elephant sensing His presence by its scent tried to catch Him by its trunk, but Srikrishna escaped quickly moved to its back legs.

Srikrishna then held its tail tightly and violently pulled the mighty beast to a distance of 150 feet (100 cubits)  just as easily as Garuda would drag a serpent.

While being pulled, the elephant regained its strength and tried to attack  in the opposite direction, but Srikrishna would change His direction to tame it just like how  cowherds would tame or play with calves.

Tusks Get Struck on the Ground 

This play went on for a while, and Srikrishna came in front and hit its forehead and ran away. When the elephant chased Him and was about to hit, Srikrishna would escape. Losing its balance, the elephant hit the ground, and its tusks got struck.

Once, while running, Srikrishna fell on the ground, and taking this opportunity, the elephant raised its trunk to hit Him with its tusks, but Srikrishna escaped thereby tusk again got struck on the ground. 

Srikrishna Extract the tusks and Slains the Elephant

The elephant was very angry and so also mahouts. Instigated by them, the elephant came rushing towards Srikrishna, and this time, the Lord (Slayer of Demon Madhu) hit the beast with His hand hard enough that it fell on the ground. Climbing on it as a lion, Srikrishna extracted its tusks and, using it, killed the elephant and its mahouts.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

To Introspect:

No amount of physical strength, tactics, gameplan works in front of the Almighty. 

Takeaway:

You have to fight the battle alone. There could be many people watching the event.

123. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (42) Srikrishna Breaks the Divine Bow

 123. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (42) Srikrishna Breaks the Divine Bow

Srikrishna's Grace on Maid Trivakra

Trivakra is a maid,  hunch-backed, and her body twisted at three places. She prepares sandal paste specifically for Kamsa and is most likened by him. 

Seeing the charming Srikrishna and Balarama,  she offers sandal paste to them.  

Srikrishna, in return, decides to cure her bodily ailment.  He kept His feet on her feet (fore part) and pressed it. Supporting her chin by His fingers, He raised it upwards. By His grace, her disfigured body was cured, and she turned into the most beautiful woman.

Srikrishna Breaks the Divine Bow

Srikrishna enquires the residents of Mathura the whereabouts of the divine bow and enters the yagnashala. The bow was gorgeous, studded with various jewels  and guarded by Kamsa's men. 

Srikrishna went near the bow and seized it, though He was stopped by the guards. He effortlessly strung the bow, and by pulling the string to the full extent, He broke it in a fraction of a second. The guards were clueless and began to attack Him. 

The sound of the crash was heard everywhere - in heaven, intermediary regions, and the earth. Hearing the loud sound, Kamsa was terrified and, with great anger, ordered that the intruder (Srikrishna) be seized and bounded.

Balarama and Srikrishna were angry, and using the broken pieces of the bow made short work on those men of Kamsa. 

Later, they went around the amphitheater and at sunset returned to their place outside the city and spent the night peacefully.

Terrified Kamsa Did Not Have a Wink of Sleep

Kamsa felt dismayed to hear the divine bow was broken by Srikrishna and that too effortlessly. He couldn't sleep, and when he fell asleep,  bad dreams haunted and woke him up repeatedly. 

He saw near death situations,  could visualize his reflection with his head not visible, embraced by his deceased relations, rode a donkey, swallowed poison, and other weird dreams. 

Kamsa literally did not have a wink of sleep with fear of death haunting him throughout the night.

People Gather For Wrestling Event

The next day, preparation began to celebrate the wrestling event. The arena was swept, sprinkled it with water, decorated with flowers, and trumpets sounded.  The galleries, too, were decorated with garlands, flowers, and arches.

People of the city assembled to witness the event. Kamsa, too, took his seat along with his ministers. Finally, wrestling champions - Canura, Mustika,  Kuta, and others entered the arena with much fanfare. Nanda, the chief of gopalas, offered presents to Kamsa and sat in separate dias.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

To Introspect:

A maid earned Srikrishna’s grace but not Kamsa, the King of Mathura. 

Takeaway:

Fear is the biggest enemy. 

122. Bhagavatha - Entry to Mathura and Meeting of Washerman, Weaver and a Florist

 122. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Entry to Mathura and Meeting of Washerman, Weaver and a Florist

Srikrishna, along with Balarama and other cowherds, fearlessly  entered the streets of Mathura. They saw the city with high gateways decorated with crystals. Its golden doors had beautiful ornamental arches.

They saw copper and brass granaries fully protected by deep moats and had parks and gardens, too. 

The city had well laid cross-roads,  mansions, rest-houses, halls for the meeting, and other public buildings.  The front of the houses were decorated with diamonds, crystals, sapphires, pearls, and emeralds.  Small wooden sheds were erected for pigeons. Peacocks were moving around the pavements, making noises.

The city bore a festive look with roads sprinkled with water and decorated with garlands, sprouts of barley, parched paddy with a bunch of  mango leaves at different intervals. The entrance of the houses were decorated with rows of flowers and lights, areca-nut trees, and plantain bunches hanging on them.

When the news of Srikrishna and Balarama's arrival spread, the women of the city hurriedly came out of their house (leaving their job abruptly) or reached their terrace to have the glimpse of sons of Vasudeva. 

Srikrishna captivated their minds by His smiles and glances. The residents of Mathura had a feast for their eyes to see Him. The women showered flowers on them, and the Brahmanas offered them curds, garlands, perfumes, sweets, fruits, and water.

Srikrishna's Encounter With a Washerman

Srikrishna sought from a washerman the very best and well - washed clothes. He said, “We deserve to get this gift from you. You will certainly be blessed the highest in return.

The ignorant and arrogant washerman said, “Do you always wear such kingly clothes while roaming around mountains and forests? You should never make such requests lest you may be in danger. The soldiers will punish you severely. 

Hearing it, Srikrishna was angry at him and cut off his head with the tip of His fingers. 

Watching the event, others ran away, leaving a bundle of clothes to protect their lives. 

Srikrishna and Balarama picked the best of the clothes and distributed the rest to other cowherds.

Weaver Lovingly Offers Ornaments

A weaver with full of love offered befitting ornaments  to Srikrishna and Balarama.  Both were shining brightly. Pleased with the weaver, Srikrishna blessed him with great prosperity and strength.

Florist Sudama Offers Scented Flowers

Srikrishna and Balarama went to florist Sudama's house. Sudama respectfully worshiped them by washing their feet, offering garlands, betel- leaves, and sandal paste. 

He thanked them, stating that his birth was fruitful and  his ancestors would be pleased.

He presented garlands made of excellent flowers of high fragrance.  Wearing them, Srikrishna conferred boons on Sudama, who sought unflinching devotion towards the Lord. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana