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 

121. Bhagavatha - Akrura's Prayers, Srikrishna and Balarama Reaches Mathura

 121. Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (40 & 41) Akrura's Prayers, Srikrishna and Balarama Reaches Mathura 

Akrura's  Prayers

Narayana,  I bow to you, who is the cause of all causes. From you sprang Lord Brahma and through his creation Prakriti, Indriyas, the mind, five senses, and its deities emerged. Even Brahma is unable to know you fully.  

All Paths Ultimately Lead to You Alone

Yogis worship you directly, Brahmanas prefer yagnas and yagas  as prescribed in Vedas. 

Some who have developed dispassionate worship you as pure consciousness, while others worship you in plurality (Vasudeva, Sankarshana,  Pradyumna, and Aniruddha) or in one form as Narayana.  

Even those who worship other deities all worship You alone. It is just like rivers that have their origin in mountains, ultimately finding their way into the ocean. 

Avidya's Effect

Avidya, an energy of Yours that veils one's essential character, operates only on those who identify themselves with the body.

I am enveloped in the darkness of Ignorance. Infatuated by Your Maya, I too revolve around this body, offspring, family,  wealth, position, and so on, thinking them to be real.

I am unable to restrain my mind as I am constantly pressured by cravings and actions, and my senses are pulling me in all directions. I desperately seek refuge in You. 

The Journey Begins

Srikrishna, having shown his Narayana form under the water, withdrew from it. Akrura hurriedly completed his routines and reached the chariot. 

Srikrishna wittingly asked him, “What wonder did you see just now? Seeing you wonder-struck and eyes blooming, we presume that you would have witnessed something unusual.” 

Akrura replied,” Whatever wonders that are there on earth, water, or in heaven exist in You. Therefore, nothing remains unseen by me. Akrura then drove the chariot and reached Mathura at the dawn of the day. 

Nanda and other cowherds were waiting at the outskirts for Akrura,  Srikrishna, and Balarama.  

Srikrishna and Balarama Reaches Mathura 

Srikrishna asked Akrura to return home and that they wished to take rest and see the city. 

Akrura said that he didn't wish to enter Mathura alone and invited Him to his house and grace him. 

Akrura said, “Please sanctify our house with the dust of Your feet.” By washing Your feet, King Bali attained great merits. The waters that wash Your feet are equivalent to holy Ganga. 

Srikrishna agreed to visit Akrura's house only after slaying Kamsa and bringing joy to his parents and relatives.  

Akrura sadly went into the city and reported to Kamsa of Srikrishna and Balarama's arrival to Mathura and that they are staying on the outskirts of the city. Kamsa was happy and sent Akrura home.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

The presiding deity of Lord Vasudeva is intellect, that of Lord Sankarshana -  the ego- sense, Lord Pradyumna - the reasoning, and Lord Aniruddha - of the mind.

120. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (39) Akrura Gets Vision of Lord MahaVishnu

 120. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (39) Akrura Gets Vision of Lord MahaVishnu

Srikrishna and Balarama's journey to Mathura began with Akrura, Nanda, and other gopalas the next morning.  

Women of Vraja were saddened, and their agony had no bounds. They knew they could not stop Him, and they just followed the chariot for some distance. Understanding their plight, Srikrishna sent words with a gopala that He would return to Vraja. Gopikas stood like a rock till the chariot and the dust raised by it disappeared.

When the chariot reached Kalindi river Balarama and Srikrishna refreshed themselves by washing their hands and feet and drinking its sweet water. Akrura helped them to get back into the chariot. 

Akrura returned to the pool and plunged into the water, reciting Gayatri mantra and, to his surprise, saw the image of Balarama and Srikrishna seated together. He wondered how come these two sons of Anakadundubhi (Vasudeva) are here when I just saw them in the chariot. Why am I seeing them here? He emerged from the water and saw them seated in the chariot. 

He took a plunge again, and now he saw a wonderful image of a thousand headed Sesha (the lord of serpent) white in colour, clad in blue silk. On the coils of the serpent, he saw dark brown Maha Vishnu clad in pitambara (yellow) silk, with long four arms, eyes like lotus petals, and looking serene. 

He had a conch, a discus, a lotus, and a mace. He wore a diadem,  bracelets, and armlets set with valuable gems, a sacred thread, necklaces, pairs of anklets, and ear rings. His breast had a white curl of hair, the Kaustubha gem, and was adorned with Vaijayanthi garland. 

Siddhas, Charanas, and Gandarvas were glorifying Him along with Sunanda and Nanda, the two main attendants.  Akrura also saw Sanakas, Brahma, Lord Shiva, Nine Prajapathis, Prahlada,  Narada, and Vasu (Uparichita). 

He also saw Mahalakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), Saraswathi (Goddess of Speech and Knowledge),  Pusti (Goddess  of Strength) Kirti (Goddess of glory), Tusti ( Goddess of contentment), Ila (Goddess Earth), Goddess  Vidya (Goddess of spiritual enlightenment), Avidya (Goddess of nescience that binds the Jiva to mundane existence), Sakti (Goddess of divine energies) and Maya  (the cause of both Vidya and Avidya).

Akrura was excited and with deep devotion greeted the Lord with joined palms and head bent low began to extol the Lord in a choked voice as his emotions were running high and eyes moistened with gratitude.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

119. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (38&39) Akrura Receives Warm Welcome at Vraja

 119. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (38&39) Akrura Receives Warm Welcome at Vraja

Akrura, with the thoughts fixed firmly on Srikrishna, failed to realize that the journey to Vraja was not expedited and reached Vraja in the evening. His thoughts were fully on what should be his action when he meets Srikrishna and Balarama. 

Entering Gokula, he saw the footprints of Srikrishna that had clear marks of a lotus, a grain of barley, a goad, conch, and chakra. Knowing well that this footprint is a sacred dust, his joy had no bounds. He jumped from his chariot and rolled on it with no second thought. He felt that he had attained everything for his life.

He saw Srikrishna and Balarama near the cowshed as it was the time to milk the cows. Srikrishna had a dark complexion and was wearing a peetambari (yellowish orange)  garment, while Balarama, with a fair complexion, was wearing a blue garment. 

Both were well decorated with jewellery and garlands. Seeing them in person, Akrura fell prostrate at their feet. His eyes were blinded with tears of joy and was unable to introduce himself as his throat was choked.  The Lord understood his situation, drew near Him, and hugged. Balarama, too, hugged Akrura and clasped his joined palms and took him to his house. 

Akrura was given an excellent seat, and Balarama washed his feet and fetched him sweet (madhuparka) consisting of honey, clarified butter, and curds.  Srikrishna brought him dinner required for the day. Later, Balarama offered him betel leaves and cardamom, garlands, and perfumes. 

After the customary ritual, Nanda enquired Akrura,  “ How are you managing your life with ruthless Kamsa as a ruler? It's like a butcher taking care of the sheep - the one who has killed babies of his cousin for his selfish needs. Hearing the polite words, Akrura was comfortable with the situation and by then got rid of the fatigue of the long journey.

Srikrishna said to Akrura, “ I hope you came safely. We cannot ask about the welfare of you, relatives and the people of Matura as long as Kamsa is alive. Our noble parents are suffering for our sake. Now, tell us the purpose of your visit to us.

On hearing the words of Srikrishna, Akrura detailed to them -  Kamsa's enmity with Yadus and his attempt to kill Vasudeva, why he was sent by Kamsa and what was communicated by Devarishi Narada  (Srikrishna was born to Anakadundubhi-Vasudeva) to Kamsa and his anger.

Srikrishna and Balarama heartily laughed to hear the message of Akrura and informed their father Nanda about Kamsa’s invitation and command. 

Nanda duly instructed gopalas to collect milk, curds, and clarified butter to be given to the king. They decided to proceed to Mathura the next day.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

117. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (37) Devarishi Narada Secretly Meets Srikrishna

 117. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (37)

Devarishi Narada Secretly Meets Srikrishna 

To expedite the process of destruction of evil forces and to protect dharma, Devarishi Narada meets King Kamsa at Mathura and explicitly informs him of the descent of Sriman Narayana as Srikrishna,  presently residing at Vraja under the care of Nanda, Vasudeva's relative and friend. 

Devarishi Narada also visited Srikrishna secretly at Vraja and makes a mild case that His Time to leave Vraja has arrived. Srikrishna, the knower of all, was pleased to meet his great devotee, Devarishi Narada. 

Devarishi Narada offers prayers to the Lord ” You are fearless. You have descended to wipe out the sorrows of your devotees and that of Bhoodevi (Mother Earth). Staying at Vraja constrains your work. 

Why Fear?

All living beings fear for another to protect their lives, and this concept doesn't pertain to You. You are fearless (and  Kamsa is nothing for You). You are Aprameya - limitless (and also defend himself for his action)

Devarishi Speaks on Atma Tattva

You are seen as a human but were not born as human in the usual way. You made yourself visible through a yogic form. Hence, you are called Yogeshwara. 

You are using this human form for a purpose. You are Jagadeeshwara (one who gives benefits to others). You are Vasudeva (protector). 

You are there in everything ( Akilavasa). 

You are invisible - secretly residing in the heart somewhere and being witness to all our actions. You are Antaryami.

You are atma - not restricted to one body. You live in all beings, yet you are one. Only by rubbing the logs of wood, fire is produced. Fire resides in logs of wood but is invisible. Logs are many, but fire is one. 

Buddhi (brain) is one part of the body and is controlled by Trigunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas) and is fed constantly by information.  Mind must be supported by Chaitanya Shakti and Gnana Shakti. You are the Chaitanya Shakt and witness to it (Sakshiswaroopa).

The mind does not  have the capacity to grasp vast knowledge just as eyes cannot see far - off objects (galaxy). Mind has to be tuned to  grasp your tattva. 

Everything evolves around you. You are the karta (doer), and creation is your action (Karma). You use your Maya Shakti and its gunas to create.  Yet, You and Maya are inseparable. Maya is your strength. 

You descended in this world to destroy evil forces and protect the virtuous. You just effortlessly killed Demon Kesi, who was so frightful even to Gods (they left heaven and hid themselves for the fear of Kesi). 

Devarishi Visualizes the Future Events

In days to come, I shall witness the end of Canura, Mustika, and other wrestlers, the elephant Kuvalayapida and King Kamsa, too through You.  

Later, I shall witness the end of Demon Panchajana living in conch form, the notorious Kalayavana, Narayanan, and others. 

You will bring the celestial Parimala tree from heaven, though Indra may oppose it. I shall also see in future Your acceptance of Syamantaka gem and Jambavanti (daughter of bear chief Jambava).

You shall bring back the dead son of a brahmana, kill King Paundraka, Dantavakra, and Sisupala (at Emperor Yudhisthira’s Rajasuya Yagna). 

You shall Yourself be a charioteer to Arjuna and engage in eliminating evil forces in the Mahabharata war.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Nara denotes knowledge

Narada denotes giver of knowledge or wisdom

118. Bhagavatha -Chp 10 -(38) Akrura's Anxiety and Profound Devotion Towards Srikrishna

 118 - Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (38) Akrura's Anxiety and Profound Devotion Towards Srikrishna 

Akrura, as per the instructions of King Kamsa,   began his journey to Vraja to bring Srikrishna and Balarama to Mathura. He completed his morning ablutions and left in the chariot. 

Akrura was excited for the only reason that he would be seeing Srikrishna,  the Lord who descended to destroy evil forces and thereby remove the burden of Mother Earth.

Akrura is duty bound. Though he had heard a lot about Srikrishna and his leela, he did not yearn to see Him, probably due to the fear of Kamsa and his associates.  Now that Kamsa himself had assigned him to bring them to Mathura, Akrura had no boundaries to reveal his inner feelings and devotion towards the Lord.

During the journey Akrura thought how gifted he was, what good deeds he had done in the past lives to get such an opportunity to meet the Lord face to face and offer himself at the feet of Srikrishna.

 

I will reach Gokula by evening and will certainly see Keshava. I am unable to understand how people like me got this opportunity so easily. It's the foremost blessing in my life. Indeed, why is He giving me an opportunity? For one who is attracted towards information, getting darshan of the Lord is prohibited as per the scriptures.

Probably, my darshan of Achutha is like a stick in the river, which at some point in time reaches a river bank.  Time is like a flowing river, and sticks are in comparison to jeevatma. At some point in time, the jeevatma reaches the Lord either in this birth or later.

Today, all my bad deeds have vanished, and I have achieved the purpose of my life. I am seeing the Lord and offering my pranams to Him. 

Everyone says Kamsa is cruel, but to me, he has done a great favor. One can cross the darkness of ignorance by falling on God's feet. I am seeing His feet today. 

Earlier too King Ambarisha, Brahma,  Maheshwara, and SriLakshmi Devi  sought His feet. Such is the greatness of His feet.

I will see Mukunda's reddish  lotus-like eyes, His smile,  face, and curly hair. I see good omens of specific birds and animals moving around me in a clockwise direction. I will certainly see Mahavishnu avatar of Srikrishna, who has descended as a human to destroying adharma.

Why was He born as human?

He is Sarvagna. He sees both Karya (action) and Karana (reason behind it), but we only see Karya.  People like me are born to get rid of past karma, but God has no such need. He is independent and seeks no fruit for action. He is beyond ignorance.

Why did God take up this human form? What was the need for such a small work?

God has descended to grace us. By hearing about Him, by speaking about Him, all our sins get destroyed.  It purifies the soul. Any other talk other than praying Srihari is useless.

The journey to Vraja was full of these thoughts. Akrura reached Vraja by the evening of the day.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Akrura, in his previous birth as Sumantra, was King Dasaratha's aide and charioteer and had arranged the coronation of SriRama. While he took Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita devi to the forest,  he was blessed that in his next birth, he would bring the Lord from Vraja to Mathura..

116. Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (37) Srikrishna Slains Demon Kesi and Demon Vyoma

 116. Srimad Bhagavatha  - Chp 10 - (37) Srikrishna Slains Demon Kesi and Demon Vyoma

Soon after Kamsa was informed by Sage Narada about impending danger from Vasudeva's sons, Krishna and Balarama, he sent Demon Kesi to Vraja to make short work of them. 

Disguised as a horse, Demon Kesi, anxious to fulfill Kamsa's assignment, reached Vraja in no time. The horse had a dark complexion, big eyes, a mouth as big as a cave entrance, and a huge neck. 

To create fear, it was pounding and shaking the earth with its hoofs, swinging its thick manes and creating a huge dust, and its neigh was terrific.

The demon horse roared like a lion and was seeking  a duel. Seeing Srikrishna, it turned around and ran towards Him at full speed and struck Him with its hind legs. Srikrishna quickly held its legs, whirled it, and threw it far away. 

The angry demon horse rose again and rushed towards Srikrishna  with its mouth wide open. Srikrishna put his left arm into its mouth. By the touch of the Lord's arm, the horse’s teeth dropped down.

Srikrishna extended His arm deep inside the throat of the horse and grew in size. By choking the throat of the horse, it became  restless and started sweating profusely. It dropped dead. 

Srikrishna killed Demon Kesi effortlessly and remained calm. The denizens of heaven watching the event showered flowers on Him.

Sage Narada also met Srikrishna secretly, offered his prayers, and gently reminded that time had arrived for Him to leave Vraja for a bigger task ahead and the purpose of His descent.

Srikrishna, the knower of all, spent remaining time taking care of the cows and cowherds who were close to Him. 

When the cows were left for pasturing, they played various games, and one among them was thieves and guards. One group of cowherds took the role of thieves,  a few of them played the role of guards, and the rest of them rams. The sport went on smoothly and fearlessly for a while.

Taking this opportunity, Demon Vyoma converted himself into a cowherd using his conjuring tricks and joined the group of cowherd thieves.  He secretly carried them away and put them in a mountain cave and closed the entrance of it with a huge stone slab. 

Only a few of the cowherds remained to be captured by the demon. Srikrishna,  the knower of all, seized the demon just as a lion would seize a wolf. 

The demon assumed its original form resembling a huge mountain and tried to free himself but couldn't. Srikrishna held the Demon with His arms and dashed him to the ground. He made short work by choking and squeezing his throat. 

Srikrishna broke the stone slab that blocked the mountain cave and rescued the cowherds, and they returned to Vraja safely.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana