Emperor Bharata's Achievements

Srimad Bhagavatam - Emperor Bharata's Achievements

Bharata, son of King Dushyanta, and Shakuntala became a universal monarch after his father's demise. He performed 55 Ashwamedha yagnas (horse sacrifices) on the banks of Ganga and another 78 along the banks of river Yamuna under the guidance of Sage Deerghatama. 

He gifted 13084 cows to each of 1000 Brahmanas. Having performed 133 horse sacrifices, Bharata was able to subdue Lord's Maya and attain Lord Srihari. 

Bharata gave away to Brahmanas 14,00,000 dark elephants of excellent breed with white tusks adorned with gold. None of the kings in the past and none in the future would emulate the example of Bharata.   

He conquered all the kiratas, Yuvanas, Andras, and Mlecchas. He never killed them as advised by his guru Sage Deerghatama. He recovered the spouses of devatas who were carried away to Rasatala by the demons. During his regime, heaven, as well as the earth, yielded desired objects.

Bharata had three wives, and all of them were daughters of King Vidarbha, and each bore a son. The King casually remarked that they did not resemble him. Sensing the danger of being forsaken by their husband, the queens discarded their sons. Neither they conceived later.

Left with no progeny, the king performed yagna, invoking Maruts. The Maruts (wind gods) handed over a boy, Bharadwaja, to the King. 

Bharadwaja was born to Guru Brihaspati and Mamata (sister-in-law of Brihaspati). Both declined to take care of the child. Maruts took pity and brought up the child, and handed it over to Bharata. King Rantideva is descendent of Bharadwaja.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Story of Dushyanta and Shakuntala

Srimad Bhagavatham - Story of Dushyanta and Shakuntala

Dushyanta, son of Raibhya, is of Puru descent. Puru is the youngest son of Emperor Yayathi and Sarmistha (daughter of Demon Chief Vrsaparva).   

Once, King Dushyanta, accompanied by a few bodyguards, had gone on hunting and reached Sage Kanva's ashram. He saw a beautiful lady, as beautiful as Mahalakshmi. 

King Dushyanta instantly fell in love with her. He enquired who she was and her lineage and asked the purpose of her stay in the forest. He said “You must be a kshatriya as I, the scion of Puru, will never lean towards unrighteousness”.

Shakuntala said “ I am the daughter of Viswamitra and Menaka, an apsara. Being a resident of heaven, my mother left me in the forest. Sage Kanva took care of me, and since then, I am here under his guidance.  

You are our guest. What can we do for you? Please accept our hospitality. You can have wild rice and stay here.” Saying so she tactically expressed her desire to marry him. However, she wanted Sage Kanva's acceptance.

King Dushyanta said, “ You are born in the line of Vishwamitra and have the privilege to choose a suitable partner of your choice. The King chose ‘gandarva vivah’ , a marriage based on mutual consent.

He married Shakunthala with ethical codes. The same night, the king deposited his seed in the womb of his wedded wife, Shakuntala. The next morning, he went back to his capital to fulfill his commitments.

In the course of time, Shakuntaka gave birth to a male child. In the absence of father and other family members, Sage Kanva had to perform purification ceremonies and took care of Shakuntala and the babe. The infant had extraordinary strength and was bold enough to play with lions. The boy carried divine marks of the future Emperor.

Years later, Shakuntala sought the presence of her royal husband along with her son. Unfortunately, the king failed to remember her and accept the boy as his son. 

An ethereal (divine) voice, which was heard by everyone, said ”Shakuntala is your wedded wife, and this boy is your son. A mother carefully carries the seed in her womb and protects it. The son belongs to the father alone. He is the extension of the father. 

O Dushyanta, accept her and your son. A son leads the father out of the abode of Yama. Hearing the divine message, Dushyanta readily accepted Shakuntala and his son. He named his son ‘Bharata’.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

King Yayati's Untimely Old Age Curse

Srimad Bhagavatam - King Yayati's Untimely Old Age Curse   

Why did King Yayati earn an untimely curse of old age? Who cursed him and under what circumstances? What was the remedy?

After being rescued by King Yayati, Devayani returned to her father and narrated how Sarmistha accused her and finally pushed her into the well.

Shukracharya was ashamed of his profession as priest (guru) and decided to move out of the city with her daughter, Devayani. 

Vrsaparva, the Demon Chief, immediately called upon his guru Shukracharya and requested him to remain with him. 

Shukracharya politely told Vrsaparva to accept Devayani’s demands. Devayani said, “Sarmistha and her companions must serve me in my husband's house”.

King Yayati was warned by Shukracharya that he should never share his bed with Sarmistha. 

In due course, Devayani had two sons, Yadu and Turvasu. However, the deprived Sarmistha approached King Yayati secretly and expressed her desire to have progeny through him. The King felt the request was genuine, though he was fully aware of the warning given by Shukracharya.  

Sarmistha had three sons Druhyu, Anu, and Puru. When Devayani became aware of this relationship, she promptly informed her father. Shukracharya was angry and cursed his son-in-law King Yayati of old age. 

King Yayati requested Shukracharya to take back the curse as he desires to spend youthful days with his daughter. Shukracharya said that though the curse cannot be taken back, it can be exchanged with someone who is willing to accept it.

Yadu, the eldest son of King Yayati, declined to accept the proposal made by his father. The other three sons of the King, Turvasy, Druhyu, and Anu too declined to accept old age. 

Puru, though the youngest, willingly accepted his father’s request. After many years, King Yayati realized that desires of sense organs are insatiable. 

Finally, he gave back youth to his son, Puru, and as a gratitude appointed him as the Emperor while his other sons were made rulers of different quarters. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Story of King Yayati

 Srimad Bhagavatam - The Story of  King Yayati

Who is Yayati? Why did King Yayati, a kshatriya, marry Devayani, a brahmin?

Yayati is the son of Nahusha and the great-grandson of Pururava. Yati, Yayati, Samyati, Ayati, Viyati, and krti were the sons of Nahusha. 

Nahusha was asked to take over the lordship of heaven left void by Indra. Due to the improper behavior with Sachi, wife of Indra, and for disrespecting Sage Agastya, Nahusa was cursed to become a python and had to fall on earth.

Yati, the eldest son of Nahusa, declined kingship as he opted for penance. Yayati, the second son, was made the king. Yayati appointed his four younger brothers as governors in four quarters and ruled the globe.

Devayani (daughter of Asura guru Shukracharya), Sarmistha (daughter of Vraparva, the Danava Chief), along with other girl companions were strolling in the city garden. They entered a pond, leaving behind their clothes and engaged in water sports. 

Mounted on a bull, Lord Shakara and Goddess Parvati were passing through the way. Devayani and others felt embarrassed and rushed to put on their clothes. Sarmistha unknowingly wore Devayani’s clothes. 

Devayani, being a brahmin and daughter of Guru Shukracharya, was furious and spoke harsh words on Sarmistha and her lineage. 

Sarmistha, too, spoke low of the priest profession and their dependence. She finally dragged Devayani and pushed her into a well after snatching her clothes.

King Yayati, who was wandering in search of the game, arrived there by chance. Feeling thirsty, he looked into the well. When he saw Devayani naked and helpless, he shared his clothes and rescued her.

Devayani felt grateful and requested Yayati to marry her. Yayati was not against it, but being a kshatriya, he felt it was improper to marry a brahmin girl. Devayani told him that she was barred from marrying a brahmin on account of kucha’s curse.  

Yayati thought this was preordained by fate and accepted the proposal. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Garuda's Enmity with Kaliya

 95. Srimad Bhagavatam - Garuda's Enmity with Kaliya

King Parikshit asks Sri Sukamuni as to what particular fault Serpent Kaliya did to hide himself in Kalindi Lake?

Sri Sukamuni said, “Nagas and Garuda are enemies because of cruelty perpetuated on Vinata (Garuda’s mother) by Kadru, the serpent’s mother. Garuda carried hatredness and desired to vanquish the serpent race. 

Envisaging danger the nagas went into an agreement with Garuda (with the intervention of Lord Brahma) wherein nagas were required to offer Bali (offerings) holding it on their head (as a mark of respect) and place it under a particular tree every Amavatsya (new moon day).

The nagas knew Garuda was very powerful. When Indra hit Garuda using his Vajrayudha, just a single feather fell from its body. 

As agreed, Nagas took turns to offer Bali, and Garuda was satisfied. However, Kaliya, possessed with powerful poison, could not digest this humiliation. It deliberately ate away food that was supposed to be given to Garuda. Kaliya thought Garuda had just carried nectar from heaven but did not drink it, and hence, there is no fear of immorality.  

Garuda, full of anger, swooped on Kaliya with tremendous speed to make short of it. Kaliya raised its hoods and bit Garuda hard. However, the most powerful Garuda, who serves as a vehicle to Mahavishnu, struck Kaliya hard with its left wing. 

Defeated by Garuda, kaliya escaped and took shelter in Kalindi Lake, forbidden for Garuda by a curse.

 

Sage Saubhari‘s Curse

Long ago, the hungry Garuda forcibly snatched and ate a large fish (supposed to be the leader of fish) from the Kalindi lake. 

Sage Saubhari, who was meditating in that vicinity, was disturbed with the commotion and politely told Garuda to move out. The sage took pity on fishes that were mourning for their leader. 

Garuda, however, ignored his advice, and that led the Sage to curse Garuda that on entering this lake, he would be killed instantly. 

This curse was known only to Kaliya. To protect itself, Kaliya never allowed anyone nor made the lake fit for vegetation. 

Srikrishna Comes Out of the Lake

Srikrishna was welcomed back with great love and reverence. He was sparkling with divine jewels and garland offered by Kaliya. 

Gopalas, Yasoda, Rohini, and Nanda gathered around Him and were joyous to get back their darling. Balarama hugged Srikrishna and gave a smile. Surrounding trees, cows, and calves expressed their joy in their own way. 

Nanda, on the advice of Brahmanas, donated cows during this joyous moment.

Since it was dark, the elders of Vraja decided to stay back and return to Vrindavan the next morning. 

Unfortunately, they were surrounded by a forest fire at midnight. With no way to escape, they sought protection from Srikrishna. By now, they were convinced that Srikrishna is their protector but not to the extent that He is Sriman Narayana descended as Srikrishna. 

Srikrishna swallowed the forest fire in Him, and normalcy was restored. They all returned back to Vrindavan the next day.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Kaliya’s Wives Seek Pardon

 Srimad Bhagavatham - Kaliya’s Wives Seek Pardon

Kaliya’s wives and children saw blood oozing out from Kaliya’s 101 mouths and eyes. To protect him, they said, “ Lord, You have descended on this earth to punish the offenders, and our husband is a sinner. 

He has killed many beyond his requirements as a serpent.

We do not accuse you as you carry no enmity or show favourism. You punish the sinner and protect the good. While punishing Kaliya, you have wiped out all his sins and have given an opportunity to reform. You have also uplifted us by giving your grace.

Probably, Kaliya must have performed meritorious acts in his previous births to get your presence. By placing your divine feet on his heads, you have truly graced him. 

Our salutations to you. You are absolute, a storehouse of knowledge, time spirit, and the creator of the universe. 

You manifest in the form of gross and subtle elements, indriyas, the vital airs, mind, the intellect, and the ego. You represent both the worldly activity and withdrawal from it. 

You represent three gunas (modes of Prakriti), and through these, you create, preserve, and dissolve this universe.

The Tamoguna that is predominant in our species is also your creation, and hence, the fault committed by Kaliya deserves to be forgiven by You.  

The serpent is about to give up to the ghost. Please forgive him and help us lead a normal life. Hearing the plea of Kaliya’s wives, the Lord spared the serpent. 

Gradually recovering its senses, the wretched Kaliya with joined palms prayed to Srikrishna, “We possess tamoguna and lasting anger. The natural disposition of identifying with the body cannot be given up easily. We serpents are ferocious by birth. How can we get rid of your Maya by our own efforts? Hence, punish or protect us as you deem fit.”  

Srikrishna said, “ You all should leave this place and move to the ocean without delay. Let the river be used for bovine races and humans. You shall have no fear of Garuda as you are now marked with My footprints.

Commanded by the Lord, the serpents worshipped Him with garlands, gems, heavenly perfumes, sandal paste, and a wreath of lotuses. As a mark of respect, Kaliya went around Him and accompanied with his wives and children left for the island of Ramanaka in the ocean. By the grace of the Lord, Kalindi Lake got rid of poison. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Srikrishna Punishes Serpent Kaliya

 Srimad Bhagavatham - Srikrishna Punishes Serpent Kaliya

A notorious Serpent Kaliya was living on the bed of the Kalindi lake (backwaters of Yamuna river) for many years. Its poison was so strong that it caused lake water to boil, and the contaminated air killed the birds that flew over the lake. The surrounding areas, too, were not fit for vegetation.  

A lone Kadamba tree survived, probably due to divine intervention, says Sage Sukamuni.

 

Srikrishna decided to teach Kaliya a lesson. He went to Kalindi Lake with his cows and cowherds. Surprisingly, Balarama did not accompany Him. 

Tormented by thirst and fatigue, the cows and cowherds drank the contaminated poisoned water and fell dead instantly. The gracious look of Srikrishna brought back life to them, and they rose up shocked and perplexed. 

Srikrishna decided to act fast and tightened his waist cloth. He kept his flute and stick aside, climbed the Kadamba tree, and reached a vantage point. Slapping his arms, he increased his weight and jumped into the pool, causing a huge splash in the pool. 

The serpent felt a violation of the set rules in his abode. Unable to accept, it grew angry and agitated. Approaching SriKrishna, it bit him in his vital parts.

Yasodha, Rohini, and others observed bad omens and feared Srikrishna's safety. Hearing it, Balarama laughed to himself but remained silent, knowing well Srikrishna’s game plan. 

They left in search of Srikrishna on their own without much thought or discussion. They identified the (divine) footprints of Srikrishna, which had unique marks (lotus, seed, flag), and followed it diligently. They quickly reached Kalindi Lake. 

By then, kaliya had tightly coiled Srikrishna with his long tail, and they saw no movements in Him. Cowherds, who were witnessing the event, were speechless and mentally blind. Cows were showing their sorrow by their shouts.

Gopikas, who had developed a bondage of divinity with Him, saw Srikrishna neither smiling nor conversing with them. This situation created great anxiety in them. They felt their life is void without Him.

The uncontrollable Yasodha ran towards the lake to protect her child, but other gopikas prevented her. Nanda and others were discussing how to kill Kaliya. Balarama prevented them and said Srikrishna had faced several such difficult situations earlier and had come out harmless and hence not to worry. 

Srikrishna observed the pure love in all of them and then decided to teach Kaliya a lesson. He expanded his body and freed him from the coils of the serpent. 

The serpent became angry at such an act of a lad. It moved backward and shook its head violently in order to create fear in Him. However, Srikrishna was least affected. 

Srikrishna was moving around its 101 heads, and that made Kaliya go around Him. Kaliya was waiting for an opportune movement to swallow Him. 

For a while, this game continued, and the serpent developed fatigue. Srikrishna quickly jumped on one of its heads and pressed it hard, causing immense pain to the serpent. 

Whenever the serpent raised its head, Srikrishna would press it hard with His foot

and that continued on all the 101 heads. Blood oozed out from its mouths and eyes.

Gandarvas, Kinaras, and kimpurushas were overjoyed. They sang songs, played their instruments, and showered flowers on Srikrishna.  

Finally, the exhausted serpent felt its end was nearing as it couldn’t protect itself. It then realized that this kid is none other than Sriman Narayana, who has descended to teach him a lesson. 

   

The serpent thought surrendering to Him was the only option left to save its life. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana