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 

King Janamejaya Performs Sarpa Yaga (1)

 King Janamejaya Performs Sarpa Yaga -1

King Janamejaya is the son of King Parikshit, grandson of Abhimanyu and the great-grandson of Arjuna. King Parikshit was killed by Serpent King Takshaka in order to take revenge on Arjuna*, who was responsible for killing his tribe in Kandava Vana Firing. 

Uttanka Conducts the Yaga

King Janamejaya was not keen to avenge Takshaka, but Uttanka, the disciple of Sage Gouthama, instigated the King Janamejaya to punish Takshaka as both were victims. Since Uttanka couldn’t do it alone, he sought the help of the king. 

(Takshaka once tricked Uttanka when he was about to fulfill the wish of his Guru's wife). Uttanka agreed to perform Sarpa Yaga for the King, and in the process, serpents fell one after the other into the Homa kunda. Takshaka sought Indra's help, but Indra couldn't do much. 

Aruna Curses His Mother, Vinata

Kadru is the mother of 1000 powerful serpents. She had a sister, Vinata, and both were married to Sage Kashyapa. Vinata sought from her husband a boon that she be the mother of two eagles who must be more powerful than Kadru's sons.

Kadru’s 1000 eggs hatched, and serpents were born. Intolerant Vinata broke open one of her eggs, and to her dismay, a half born eagle, Aruna was born. 

Aruna curses his mother for his plight and said she would become a slave on whom she was jealous. He went to suryamandal and served as charioteer to Sun God. 

He also warned Vinata not to break open the second egg as the son born out of it would help her get rid of slavery. Garuda was born after 500 years and helped her get rid of slavery.  

Vinata is Tricked 

Once Kadru and Vinata went for a walk near the sea shore and saw Ucchishrava, a pure white divine horse. Both appreciated its beauty and colour. Kadru hatched a plan and wilfully declared the horse’s tail is black. Vinata disagreed with Sister and the casual talk between Sisters turned into a contest. 

Kadru Curses Her Sons

Kadru made a dishonest request to her sons to coil around the divine horse in order to win the contest. The snakes declined their mother's demand and in turn were cursed by Kadru - to become sacrificial victims during King Janamejaya’s Sarpa Yaga. To escape the consequences of the curse, one lone snake by name Karkotaka agreed to fulfill her wish. 

The next day, when Kadru and Vinata met at the prescribed time, the horse’s tail appeared black, and Vinata became slave to Kadru. Vinata faced lots of humiliation from her sister.

Sage Jagadkaru Meets His Ancestors

Sage Jagadkaru was a great tapasvi and remained brahmachari. He had no permanent place to live. His tapas were so powerful that he could see pitrudevatas in person. 

Once, to quench his thirst the Sage was in search of a well and on finding one looked deep within the well for water. Instead, he saw pitrudevas hanging upside down from tree roots. He questioned them about their identity. They said they were his ancestors and explained their predicament - owing to the want of progeny they were unable to move to heaven. 

Sage Jagadkaru Agrees to Marry

The Sage understood their plight and agreed to marry in order to beget a son. However, he put in some unique conditions for marrying. The sage sought for a bride who possessed good character, a matching name as his, said that he would take up tapas once a son is born, and also demanded that the bride should be given as part of Kanyadhan. Pitrudevatas agreed to his terms and agreed to facilitate the process.

Cont'd.,

Extracts From Mahabharatha - Adi Parva 

*Arjuna was protected by Srikrishna, and his son Abhimanyu was killed in the battlefield, and hence, Takshaka targeted Parikshit.

King Bali’s Sacrifice and Devotion

  Srimad Bhagavatam  - King Bali's Sacrifice and Devotion 

Lord Vamana received from King Bali 3 paces of land by stepping one foot on earth, the second foot on the sky, and the third on King Bali's head. 

He threw King Bali to Sutala loka tightly bound with the cords of Varuna (the gods of water). 

The demon King Bali, least affected, lives there even to this day. He was endowed with enormous wealth and supreme devotion.  Indra had the illusory pleasures of sense and affluence alone.   

Bali’s felt Indra is surely not clever in attaining the objective of his life, though he has celebrated  Brahaspati as his preceptor (guru).  He has asked me through Lord Vamana the sovereignty of three worlds and on no account the service to that Lord.  

 After all, this sovereignty will remain only until the end of a Manvantara (period of around 71 rounds of 4 yugas). This period moves out in a fraction of the second.

     

My grandfather, Prahlada, asked for His service alone and not the throne of his father, Hiranyakashipu. The Lord himself offered kingdom and protection, yet my grandfather declined it. Having followed his footsteps, how can I think of anything else other than service to Him.  

Lord Srihari knew Bali's devotion. He protects him in Sutala loka by staying at his doorstep holding a mace in His hand. Hence, Lord Srihar is known as Gadhadari.  

Once, ten headed Ravana desirous of conquering 3 worlds reached Sutala. The Lord, in invisible form, kicked Ravana using his toes a hundred million yojanas to safeguard King Bali.

Source:  Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Lord Vamana Sends King Bali To Sutaloka

 Srimad Bhagavatam  - King Bali's Wish  and Yoga Nidra Of Srihari

Chaturmasa of 4 months begins from Ashada Amavatsya.  Vishnu gets into yoga nidra. As agreed, he stays with Raja Bali in Patal lok.

Lord Srihari, as Vamana ( Brahmana boy) seeks Raja Bali land equivalent to 3 steps for which Bali accepts it.

Srihari keeps his first foot on earth, second on the sky, and asks Bali where to keep his 3rd foot. Bali recognizes him as Shrihari and offers his head. In reciprocation, Bali is made king of Pataloka, and the next yug, he will be made Indra, the king of Gods.

Srihari asks Bali  to seek a wish of his choice. Bali cleverly asks Srihari to stay with him forever in patal lok.

This wish of Bali was not agreeable to Lakshmi devi.  She proposes that Srihari will stay in Patal lok for 4 months in a year.  Bali accepts, and in reciprocation, Lakshmi accepts him as his brother.

Chaturmasa is associated with Srihari's stay in Patal Lok.

Srihari wakes up on Prabodini or Dev Udani Ekadashi (Nov  month). On the next day he weds tulasi (uthaana dwadashi).

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Lord Vamana’s Thread Ceremony

   Srimad Bhagavatam - Lord Vamana's Thread Ceremony Ritual

How was the thread ceremony of Lord Vamana performed? What did the Lord seek from King Bali?

On the arrival of Lord Vamana, Sage Kashyapa, along with eminent sages, performed the due ceremonies related to birth and Upanayana (thread ceremony). 

Savita, the Sun-god invoked taught Gayatri mantra,  Sage Brihaspati gifted Him sacred thread, Sage Kashyapa offered a sacred cord made of Munja grass expected to be worn around the waist, Goddess Earth offered deer skin, Moon God, the sacred staff, Aditi gave Him a strip of cloth to cover His private parts, 

Sky God gave Him an umbrella,  Brahma, a kamandalu (vessel of wood for carrying water), the Seven Seers, blades of kusa grass, Goddess Saraswathi,  a rosary of Aksa seed, kubera, a small vessel for receiving alms, Goddess Parvathi Herself gave Him alms as mother of the Universe.

Lord Vamana made  enquiries about yagnas being conducted and by whom.  He immediately proceeded to Yagna conducted by King Bali. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Aditi’s Vrath and Manifestation of Lord Vamana

  Srimad Bhagavatam  - Aditi Performs Payovrata and Lord Vamana's Manifestation 

What was Aditi's concern and her request to her husband Sage Kashyapa? What is Payovrata, and what was the outcome?

When King Bali invaded Amravathi, Indra's capital, devatas had to flee, and their whereabouts were not known to anyone. Aditi, mother of devatas, was highly distressed.

When Sage Kashyapa returned home after a long penance, he saw Aditi in sorrow. He questioned whether rituals were performed as per schedule, was there any deviation in dharma, and finally asked the well-being of the inmates, guests, and her sons.  

Aditi said all the activities are conducted as per his wish. However, Bali (Diti's son) has driven away their sons from Swarga loka, and their whereabouts aren't known. She requested Kashyapa to get rid of her sorrow.

Sage Kashyapa, though fully detached from worldly affairs, advised Aditi to observe Payovrata, a vow lasting 12 days to please Lord Srihari. He said it has to be done with utmost devotion, followed by rigid procedures.

 Lord Vasudeva must be meditated as:

• Supreme Person, the abode of all created beings, the witness;
• Lord as unmanifest, who is Pradhana (Primordial matter) and Purusha (Spirit);
• Lord as presiding deity over sacrifice (Yagna Purusha) with 2 heads (Prayaniya and Udayaniya) - rites performed in the beginning and end of sacrifice;
• Lord with 3 feets (Savana - extracting Soma juice thrice - morning, midday and evening);
• Lord with 4 horns (four Vedas);
• Lord with 7 arms (Vedic meters)- the bestower of rewards of the sacrifice; 
• Lord as Shiva and Rudra - the destroyer of the universe;
• Lord, as Hiranyagarba (Brahma);
• Lord, as Hrishikesha (inner soul);
• Lord, as Nara_Narayana;
• Lord, as Srihari (Mahalakshmi resides on your chest).

She should bathe thrice a day,  offer oblations into the sacred fire, worship the Lord, offer food to Brahmanas, and partake  milk alone. She should avoid vile talks, control her mind and sense, and focus her mind on Srihari alone.

When Aditi successfully completed the vrat, an immensely pleased Srihari appeared on the 12th day.  She was overjoyed and was filled with wonder. 

She hailed Him as Yagnesha (giver of boons), Yagna Purusha (worshipped in Yagna),  Achutha (has no change), Thirthapada (whose feet is pure), Aadhya (creator), Esha (capable) Bhagavan (holds all wealth and prosperity and Dheena Natha (protector).

She said “ I seek protection for my sons who were deprived of their place and status long ago by daitas”.

Lord Srihari said “ I am fully aware of your concern. Waging a war is not wise as they are strongly supported by Guru Shukracharya and other Brghu brahmanas. 

I shall manifest as your son and do the needful. Approach your husband Sage Kashyapa, who has earned huge spiritual merits as part of Me. The combined merits will fetch you rewards of Me being as your son. Do not reveal this secret to anyone.” He disappeared at that very moment. 

Having secured a rare boon from Lord Srihari, Aditi approached her husband with supreme devotion. Sage Kashyapa, through his yogic power, understood Aditi's desire and Srihari's intention.

Sage Kashyapa’s  predicament is that he had fathered both Daitas and Devatas. Yet, keeping his composure, he adhered to the needs of Aditi and Lord Srihari.

The Lord descended with four arms, carrying conch, Mace, Discus and lotus in each hand. He wore Pitambara (yellow) garment, had big eyes, bore the mark of Srivatsa (a white curl on his blossom), alligator shaped ear rings, and a Diadem, a pair of anklets along with armlets. He adored Sylvan flower with Kaustubha gem.  

Astonished to see the Lord in this form, Aditi and Sage Kashyapa experienced a great joy.

Immediately He assumed a form short- stature Brahmana boy (Vamana).  

Gandarvas, Manus, Apsaras, Sages, Kimpursas,  kinnaras, Caranas, Yaksha, Nagas arrived to see Him.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

King Bali Conquers Three Worlds

 Bhagavatham - King Bali Conquers Three Worlds 

What were the consequences of Samudra Mantana? Why did Daitya King Bali take revenge on Devatas? How could King Bali get the strength to conquer Indra loka?

After Samudra Mantana (ocean churning), 

Daithyas were very angry as they were deprived of amrutha (divine drink of immorality) and picked up a fight with Devathas. 

Having consumed amrutha, devathas had an upper hand, and Daithya’s chief Bali had to face defeat and was almost killed by Indra. With timely intervention of Lord Brahma through Sage Narada, Bali was saved and sent to Patala loka. 

Guru Shukracharya took pity on Bali and showered his grace. In response, Bali served his guru and brahmanas of Brghu lineage with reverence. 

These brahmanas who possessed extraordinary powers performed Vishwajit sacrifice as Bali was eager to conquer three worlds. They forewith consecrated Bali as the king of three worlds even before he engaged in the war. 

Fully satisfied with the sacrifice,  Lord Agni offered him a chariot covered with gold plates and horses similar to ones possessed by Indra, a pair of quivers that contained inexhaustible arrows. 

Prahlada, grandfather of Bali, gifted him a never fading flower garland, and Shukracharya gifted him a powerful conch.

Bali decorated himself with garland,  gold armlets, alligator shaped ear rings mounted on the golden chariot, and

marched towards Amravati, Indra’s capital city built by Viswakarma. He besieged the city on all sides by his army, infusing fear among the inmates.

Indra was utterly shocked and asked his guru Brihaspati how come Bali has become so strong and powerful to invade us.

Brihaspati said  “Bali has been infused with energy by none other than Shukracharya. Bali was serving his guru and other brahmanas with reverence.

Barring Srihari, none can oppose him now. Hence, you all should quit heaven and wait for the Time (denoting unfavorable to Bali)”.

When devatas disappeared at their will, Bali took over Amravati. Supported by Guru Shukracharya, King Bali performed 100 ashvameda yagnas to stabilize his dominance in three worlds.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana