Srikrishna's Mahaprastana

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Srikrishna's Mahaprasthan and Arjuna's Grief

Yudhistir becomes restless when he observes bad omens and tells Bhima that he is predicting something disastrous. Arjuna is yet to return from Dwarka, though he left seven months back.

Arjuna comes back from Dwarka with a broken heart. Knowing Arjuna's mind, Yudhistir asks whether each of their relatives are safe, including Devaki, Nanda, Srikrishna, and Balrama. 

Arjuna said “ Krishna whom I considered as a friend, a guide, relative, a guru has left us. He has betrayed us by leaving us. He was the one who helped us at every stage of life, in every success that we enjoy today. 

Probably, I never understood Him in the way I ought to. During the Kurukshetra war, I was just a puppet. The astras that were directed towards me by great warriors never reached me, but my astras were fully effective.  

Srikrishna protected me from all sides even when I made a dangerous vow to kill Jayadratha by the next sunset. Krishna had to struggle to put him in front of me. Our horses were tired and had to rest and drink water. Nowhere to get water, and I had to get down from the chariot and release astra to dig the earth. All my enemies were watching me, but none could attack me because Krishna made them dumbfold. I quickly got back on my chariot and continued the war. 

Now I feel empty without Him. Arjuna narrated several such incidents and finally removed his emotional burden. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Jada Bharata's Teachings

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Jada Bharata’s Teachings 

How did Jada Bharata respond to King Rahuguna's abuse? Is the relationship between master and servant permanent?

Enraged Rahugana mocked Jada Bharata unsparingly. He said, "You are tired, worked for long hours, walked a long way. You are as good as dead, and that you ignored my commands. I shall punish you."

Jada Bharata said, "I am in no way fatigued and that I have not borne the palanquine. This burden was borne on by the body, not me (the soul). "

Jada Bharata explains the meaning of Self:

"Stoutness and leanness, bodily ailments and mental worries, hunger and thirst, fear and strife, desire and old age, sleep and attachment to the pleasures of sense, anger and vanity arise from egotism and grief.

They appear only in one who is born with a feeling of identification with the body and not in me (the pure self). "

Death synchronous with life is a rule perceived in everything that undergoes transformation; for whatever undergoes transformation has a beginning and an end.

Orders should be given by one and carried out by another without fail only where the relation of servant and master is fixed (unchangable).

In our case, it is not so because you can become a servant and I your master if there is a revolution. He reveals details of his past births. 

On hearing the reply of Brahmana, Rahugana realizes his mistake and asks for forgiveness.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Story of Jada Bharata

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of  Jada Bharata

What action did Bharata take to overcome his flaw? Why was he called Jada Bharata? What was the dialogue between Jada Bharata and King Rahugana?

Remembering deer during the time of death, Bharata had to be born as a deer. But due to his spiritual merits, he was able to recollect his past life. He realizes his mistake, and thereupon he never associated with fellow mates and was just waiting to get rid of deer body.

He was reborn in a brahmin's family as the 10th son (Bharata had 9 step-brothers).

 

Jada Bharata, in this birth, never spoke to anyone nor showed any interest in worldly activities. He was a cause of concern to his father. His step-brothers were well versed in vedas and were carrying on prescribed duties.

Jada bharata's father did his best to educate him till the end but not of much use. Jada bharata never bothered to maintain physical cleanliness, nor follow prescribed rituals. Indeed, his self-knowledge was ripe in him, but others were unaware of it.

Jada bharata cautiously avoided people as he was aware of the mistake of his previous birth.

After his father's demise, he was left aloft by his brothers as a last choice. Since he was hale and healthy, he was utilized by outsiders to do manual work for no compensation.

Jada bharata was least perturbed as he was waiting to complete his prarabda karma.  

Once Jada bharata was taken forcefully as offer to kali matha. When he was about to get killed, to the surprise of all, kali matha herself appeared and killed all those who were responsible for this act. Again, Jada bharata was unperturbed.

King Rahugana was traveling to Sage Kapila's ashram in palanquine. There was a shortage of one palanquine bearer, and Jada bharata was picked for the job.

Jada bharata couldn't synchronize with the other 3 bearers, and this caused turbulence. The king was annoyed and ridiculed Jada Bharata.

Jada bharata said i never carried your palanquine. My shoulders carried your palanquine, my legs carried my waist, and the waist carried my shoulders. All these body parts jointly carried your palanquine. I, the soul, is in no way connected to this act.

King Rahugana was shocked, and with little knowledge of self-realization, he could recognize that this person is no ordinary. He pleaded sorry for his act and requested Jada bharata to enlighten him.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Story of Bharata

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Bharata 

Who is Bharata? How deep was his devotion? How did destiny change his life?

Bharata is the eldest son of Lord Rsabhadeva. He possessed extensive knowledge and was extremely fond of his subjects. 

Bharata performed at the appointed hours yagnas and kratu (sacrifice with sacrificial post) big and small in every detail. Importantly, Bharata offered the entire merit of these deeds to Lord Vasudeva.  

He would contemplate (on deities enjoying a share in the sacrificial offering) as limbs of the Supreme Person (Viratswarup).

He proportionately divided among his sons the hereditary fortune and retired as a recluse and lived near the sacred Gandaki river. Bharata got rid of all cravings and developed tranquility of mind.

Once, Bharata stayed back for sometime at Gandaki river. Just then, a fully pregnant deer came to the river to satisfy its thirst and a lion came chasing the deer.  

When the deer noticed it, it leaped to the other side of the river. Unfortunately, the foetus dropped out and was left uncared for. The deer met its end in a ravine.

Bharata took the fawn to his ashram and took care of it. He felt it was the duty of a kshatriya and as a king to take care of the needy. 

Gradually, he developed infatuation towards it and neglected his daily routines and meditation. He was constantly worried about its protection and wellbeing until he left his body. 

Consequently, he had to take birth as a deer in his subsequent birth. Suka muni said to King Parikshit, "Fawn in the form of destiny destroyed Bharata’s journey of self-realization in this birth."

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Story of Ajamilana (2)

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Ajamilana (2)

Messengers of Yama answer queries on Dharma to Messengers of MahaVishnu.

1. What is Dharma?

Dharma (righteousness) is that which is enjoined by the Veda. That which is forbidden by the Veda is Adharma.

Veda is emanated from Bhagavan Narayana Himself (it flows from nostrils by the way of respiration).

2. What are means of ascertaining Dharma?

The sun, the fire, the sky, the air, Indriyas (sense of perception and sense of action), the moon, the morning and evening twilights, day and night, the four quarters, water, the earth, Time and Dharma are witnesses (evidences)of good and evil actions of a Jiva (embodied soul).

3. How is the punishment meted out? Is there any distinction while meting out the punishment?

Unrighteousness, ascertained by the above evidence, determines appropriate punishment. There is no distinction while considering punishment for sinful action.

4. How good and bad deeds are associated with action?

Good or evil deeds are associated with action either with one's mind, body, or speech. Action is associated with 3 gunas (modes of prakriti) - sattva, rajas, and tamas.

Virtuous or sinful action done in this world is rewarded or punished in the same manner and to the same extent in the other world.

5. Is there heterogeneity in one's life, and what is it?

Yes, there is heterogeneity in one's life. For example:

1. Those living a life of ease, those leading a miserable life and those who are partly happy and partly miserable.

2. Those who are tanquil by nature, those who are ferocious and those who are dull.

3. Those who are pious by temperament, those who are vicious by nature and those who are of mixed temperament.

These three types of people severally performed meritorious, sinful, or mixed deeds in the past. It is inferred that they will reap the three corresponding types of fruit in another life.

6. What is meant by subtle elements and how it is associated with Jiva, the soul?

When a soul leaves the body, it carries with 16 subtle elements viz., the 10 indriyas, the mind, and 5 objects of senses. These subtle elements are a product of 3 gunas. These are exceedingly attached. This leads Jiva again and again to transmigration (rebirth cycle).

Messengers of Yama question their Lord Yama on who is supreme, you or anyone else. Lord Yama explains the power of Lord Narayana 's name. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Story of Ajamilana (1)

 Srimad Bhagavatham - Ajamilana Upakanya ( 1)

In the city of Kanyakubja (kannauj) lived a brahmana by name Ajamilana. Though married, he associated with Sudra woman and had cast to the winds the pious conduct enjoined on a Brahmana householder.

He made his living on robbery, gambling, cheating, and theft. As years rolled out, he maintained his existence for almost 88 years. He had 10 children, and was fond of his youngest son, Narayana, an infant. 

When the end was nearing, Yama's three messengers came to take his life. Ajamilana was not prepared but understood that his end had come and was struggling with associated trouble. He couldn't bear the separation of his infant son and loudly called ‘Narayana ‘in full length. However he had no intention to remember Bhagavan Narayana but uttered his name only to call his son.

This loud call of Narayana alerted messengers of Maha Vishnu, and they immediately appeared before Ajamilana. Messengers of Yama were in the process of pulling the life (prana vayu) but were stopped by messengers of Maha vishnu. These messengers question Yama's messengers on various topics related to dharma.

The messengers of Mahavishnu say, 'Ajamilana uttered, though unintentionally, ‘Narayana’ when he was about to die. This single act has wiped out all his not only of this life but even sins committed by him through millions of lives.

When a person articulates the Lord's name when he is about to die, all his sins will be wiped, and the chances of doing evil deeds do not arise.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Gajendra Moksha (2)

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Gajendra Moksha (2)     

A thousand years passed, Gajendra, the elephant leader, caught by the alligator, struggled to free itself. Gajendra recollected his spiritual progress acquired in the previous birth as King Indradyumna. 

King Indradyumna of the Pandya dynasty was well versed in scriptures. He ruled the kingdom for a long time and later relinquished it to his sons. Once, Sage Agastya visited him to facilitate his spiritual enhancement. However, Indradyumna failed to recognise it and all the more ignored him. Sage Agastya cursed him to become an elephant.

The prayers offered by Indradyumna in Gajendra's body are as follows:

Since I cannot speak, I offer mental salutations to you, represented by the syllable ‘OM’. 

The entire creation that we see is created by You. You existed before the creation and will exist after it ceases (Chaitanya Swaroopa).

This creation is various forms of You. Yet, You are unattached to it. Your actions are hard to understand for ordinary mortals.

This world will last for a few more period and our time is very much less. Everything and everyone will perish, and what remains is mere darkness. You live alone away from darkness.

Even great Sages are unable to fully know about You. How will I, an elephant, be able to understand You? 

Though You see us, we are unable to recognise You. 

We do not know when You were born, Your characteristics or actions.

You take innumerable forms and have unlimited strength.

 We can attain You with our minds. However, the mind should not be involved in any action, be it mental or physical.

You are the source of everything and act as a shade. You are like a fire hidden in the wood.

I surrender to You, the Nithya Mukta. I do not know anything about devotion and its form. A single minded devotee enjoys the bliss and asks for no boons. I am not mature enough to attain that stage.

I do not seek freedom from this alligator. I have given up the desire to live. What will I achieve in this elephant life?

I seek freedom from ignorance and pray to know the ultimate truth of the unborn Supreme Spirit.

Hearing the heartfelt prayers of Gajendra, Lord Srihari instantly left Vaikunta on Garuda. Other Gods too accompanied Him. Seeing Srihari from a distance, Gajendra takes a lotus from the pond and offers it to Him. 

Seeing Gajendra afflicted with pain, Srihari gets down from Garuda swiftly and, out of compassion, pulls Gajendra from the pond. Srihari kills the alligator using His discus and releases Gajendra.   

 

This alligator was in its previous birth a gandharva by name, ‘Huhu’. The gandharva, along with many others, were sporting in a lake. Just then, Sage Devala entered the lake for a bath. The haughty gandharva pulled Sage’s leg under the water. The sage cursed him that he would be thrown into the womb of an alligator. This curse was released by Srihari.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Gajendra Moksha (1)

 Srimad Bhagavatham - Gajendra Moksha (1)  

Trikuta mountain (extinct) was high and wide to the extent of eight thousand miles, was rich in minerals and was surrounded by an ocean of milk. It had three peaks of silver, steel and gold and had a wealth of precious stones and minerals.

Siddhas, Charanas, Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, Kinnaras, Nagas and Apsaras frequently visited this picturesque mountain.

There was a garden belonging to Lord Varuna, and it was a sporting ground of celestial women. 

Once, Gajendra, the leader of elephants, was roaming around with several female elephants. While moving around with pride, it broke thorny trees and bamboo canes. The disturbance caused by the elephant and its herd cautioned lions, tigers, rhinoceros and serpents. However, smaller animals like wolves, bison, and monkeys moved freely. 

All along, these elephants were emitting temporal fluids fed by black bees. 

The cool breeze from the lake, which was full of lotuses, carried pollen to a far distance. Scenting the breeze, these elephants, which were thirsty, moved fast towards the lake.

Bathing in water, they relieved the fatigue and quenched their thirst. Elephants, for some time, indulged in water sports with their companions. The proud elephant did not foresee any threat.   

Destiny has a different play. A powerful alligator caught hold of the foot of the leader (male) elephant. The elephant fought with the predator with all its might. The female elephants were perplexed while others tried to give a helping hand to rescue their leader.  

A thousand years rolled by, and both Gajendra and the alligator fought with each other. However, Gajendra began losing strength and vitality, and the danger to life became more of a reality. At last, the fear of Death dawned on Gajendra to seek the Almighty’s asylum.

Source: Bhagavata Mahapurana 

Birth of Maruts (2)

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Birth of Maruts (2)  

How did Indra deceive his aunt Diti? What happened to the fetus inside Diti's womb?

Diti accepted to undertake the vow and conceived the seed of Kashyapa. On knowing the vow undertaken by her aunt Diti, Indra hatched a plan to get rid of the embryo growing in her womb.

Indra devotedly served his aunt by fetching her wood, flowers, fruits, material for sacrificial fire, water, etc. He was waiting for an opportunity on Diti's slip from the vow. One day, she fell asleep at dusk without rinsing her mouth. 

Taking this opportunity, Indra, using his yogic power, entered her womb and sliced the embryo into seven pieces. When they cried, he pacified them by saying, “Don't cry.” He went ahead and sliced each one of them into seven further pieces.

Surprisingly, together, these 49 pieces of embryo addressed Indra and said “Brother, why do you wish to kill us?”. They all submitted to him with joined palms “We are your half-brothers”. Indra said “ Do not be afraid, you are all my brothers”. 

Indra was surprised that these embryos weren't killed even by his powerful Vajrayudha. Diti had, in fact, worshipped Srihari with utter devotion for nearly a year. Lord Srihari is protecting them just like how he protected Parikshit in Uttara’s womb.

 

On waking up, Diti was free from remorse and saw babies brilliant as fire, not one but many, along with Indra. Highly gratified, she asked Indra how come these many babies are born to me. I had sought boon to beget only a single son. She asked Indra to tell the truth and not utter a lie.

Indra said “ Having come to know your vow, I came in pretext to serve you but was waiting for slippage in your vow. When it happened, I entered your womb using my yogic power and cut the embryo into seven pieces. The embryo pieces cried, and to get rid of them, I again cut each of them into seven pieces, yet they did not die.

I realized Lord Srihari is protecting them. It's the reward for your devotion towards Srihari. Thank God these babies are alive. Please forgive me for my wickedness”.

Diti was pleased with Indra’s sincerity and permitted Indra to take along with him 49 Wind-gods (collectively called Maruts) as his assistants.Together with Indra these Maruts are called fifty gods. 

The stigma of demonhood attaching them because they were born to Diti was wiped out.

Source: Bhagavata Mahapurana 

 “ Ma rodaya” means “ Don't cry.” Hence, they are called Maruts. Diti's sons are called daitas.

Birth of Maruts (1)

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Birth of Maruts (1) 

What was Diti's remorse? How did Sage Kashyapa respond to her wish?

Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha, sons of Diti and Sage Kashyapa, were neutralized by Srihari. 

Hiranyaksha, the younger son of Diti, took away the Vedas from Brahma and hid them in the ocean. Srihari, taking the form of Varaha (Boar/male pig), brought back the Vedas by killing Hiranyaksha, as Vedas are the basis of creation. Later, Srihari killed Hiranyakashipu, taking the form of Narasimha.

Diti had a perception that Srihari was unfair to her sons and was always helpful to Indra, her sister's (Adithi) son. This remorse developed into bitterness and enmity on Indra. She hatched a plan to get rid of him. Keeping this plan in mind, she pleased her husband, Sage Kashyapa, by serving him with humility and self-control.

Sage Kashyapa offered to grant her wish. Diti said “I have lost my sons. I seek an immortal son capable of slaying Indra, who was the cause of the death of my sons through Srihari.

Hearing her desire, the sage became sad and said to himself, “A very great sin has overtaken me today. I was infatuated by that clever lady. Who can understand their mind”?

Kasyapa said, “A son will be born to you who will slay Indra if only you observe the Pumsavana vow for a year but will prove to be a friend of God if it is not properly observed. Diti agreed and enquired about the vow in detail.

Sage Kashyapa gives details of the rigorous Pumsavana vow to Diti. A woman observing this vow 

Must not injure or curse anyone nor lie

Must not lose temper nor talk with wicked people 

Must not wear unwashed clothes 

Must not eat leftovers of others or food offered to Mahakali

Must not retire with feet unwashed or with wet feet

Must not go out without rinsing the mouth after eating. 

Must worship before breakfast the cow, the brahmanas, Goddess Lakshmi, and Maha Vishnu.

Kasyapa said “If you observe this vow for a year without violating it, a son will be born to you who will be able to kill Indra”.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Story of Sage Rcika, Parasurama and Sage Jamadagni

Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Sage Rcika, and Birth of Jamadagni and Parasurama 

Who is Sage Rcika, and how did he fulfill the unusual demand of the king? How were Jamadagni and Parasurama born?

Once Sage Rcika, a scion of Sage Bhrgu, said to the King Gadhi of Pururava lineage, “ I desire to marry your daughter Satyavati”.

Considering him an unworthy match, the king made an unusual demand to the Sage, “Let 1000 white horses with one black ear be given as the price of the girl. 

The Sage, having understood the intention of the King, sought the presence of Lord Varuna and got the horses delivered to the king. Having met the demand, King Gadhi had to give away his daughter in marriage to Sage Rcika.

Sage Rcika performed a sacrifice to fulfill the wishes of his wife and his mother-in-law, each of them desired to have a son. 

The Sage prepared an offering called Caru and uttered mantras differently to their requirements (a brahmana progeny for his wife and a kshatriya progeny for his mother-in-law). Caru is an oblation of rice, barley, and pulses boiled with milk and butter.

Meanwhile, King Gadi's wife thought his son-in-law, Sage Rcika, might have prepared a more effective ‘Caru’ for his wife, Satyavati. She requested Satyavati to give her share of ‘Caru’ in exchange. 

The Sage, having understood this act, politely told his wife “ You have made a grave mistake. Your son will be a cruel chastiser while your brother will be foremost among the brahmanas.  

Satyavati requested her husband to modify it, but the Sage said he cannot do so but can further it into the next generation. Accordingly, Jamadagni was born to Satyavati, and Viswamitra was born to King Gadi's wife.

Jamadagni married Renuka and had many children. The youngest among them was Parasurama, a manifestation of Lord Narayana. 

Lord Parasurama went around the earth 21 times and destroyed sinful kshatriya kings. Foremost among them was Karthaveerarjuna of the Haihaya race. 

Source,: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Dhritrashtra 's End

Srimad Bhagavatam - Vidura's Final Visit to Hastinapura and Dritharashtra's End

Why was Vidura's intention towards Dhritrashtra? Was he successful? How did Dhritrashtra's life end? 

Just before the Kurukshetra war, Vidura went on a pilgrimage and returned to Hastinapura after a long time.

Vidura returned with a purpose but did not reveal it to anyone. He spends some time with Pandavas and accepts their hospitality.

One night, he meets Dhritrashtra secretly and tells him that 'Time' has arrived, and he has quit every bondage and moved to the forest immediately.

He questions Dhritrashtra as to why there is a need to satisfy bodily requirements. He makes him remember Bheema's act of killing all his sons and yet accepts their hospitality.

He said Yudhistir respects you for your age. Enough wrong has been done to them in the past either directly or indirectly.

So, let's leave immediately. Surprisingly, Dhritrashtra agrees to this proposal. Along with him, Gandhari and Kunti follow him.

Yudhistira makes a visit to his uncle every morning to get a blessing but is shocked to know he has gone. Vidura, Gandari, and Kunti were also missing. 

Sanjaya, trusted aid of Dritharashtra, too was unaware of the event. Yudhistir was sad and blamed himself for not taking due care of his elders.

Soon after Dhritrastra and others left, there was a commotion in the palace. Sage Narada tells Yudhistir not to worry about them. 

He says when Time arrives, everyone has to leave. Time is determined based on each one's karma, and karma is determined by each one's vasanas, i.e., rajas, tamas, and satvik. Hence, no one is responsible for anyone's actions.

We think we are independent, but in the real sense, we are under the play of Eshwara.

We pierce a hole in Buffalo's nose and tie a rope. To give direction to it, we pull the rope to our needs. Similarly, Eswara controls us.

Regarding who would take care of them in the forest, he says nobody is dependent on anyone. Four-legged animals depend on stationary things (trees, water bodies) for their survival, strong ones depend on weak ones (big fish eat small one), and that is nature's law. So, there is nothing to worry about.

Sage Narada says Dritharashtra and others have gone deep into the forest of the Himalayas. Now, he has given up all bodily requirements. He is sustained on water and air. He is practicing Astanga yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, prathyahara, Dharana, dhyana, and Samadhi).

Five days from now, he is burning his body, and along with him, his hut will be burnt. Visiting him now and waking up will cause more harm than benefit. He is no more Dhritrashtra.

Vidura will move to a different place because of mixed feelings - happy that his brother has achieved higher status, while on the other hand, he is sad about not seeing him anymore in physical form. Giving this information, Sage Narada took leave of Yudishtir.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Story of Dhruva (3)

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Dhruva (3)

Why did Dhruva wage a war with Yakshas? What is Narayana Astra and on whose intervention it was stopped? What was the boon Dhruva sought from Kubera? How did Dhruva end his life?

After getting Srihari's blessings, Dhruva never sought revenge on those who insulted him. After his father's demise, he took over the kingdom. He gave due respect to his stepmother and took care of his stepbrother Uttama.

Uttama was fond of reckless hunting. Once, while hunting, he was killed by Yakhas (semi-gods). The news of the demise of Uttama reached Dhruva.

To take revenge on the Yakshas, Dhruva decided to wage war against them and wipe out the Yaksha race itself. Both sides fought ferociously. Dhruva decided to use ‘Narayana Astra' (a powerful weapon that would result in catastrophe).

Swayambhu Manu, Dhruva's grandfather, intervened and stopped Dhruva from using Narayana Astra. He said Yakshas did not kill his Uttama but the ‘Time’ factor that took away his life. None can escape this 'Time' component, while Yakshas was just a medium in the process. 

Manu also warned Dhruva that Kubera, the king of Yaksha, is a friend of Lord Shiva. Conquering Kubera is next to impossible. He asked Dhruva to seek an apology from Kubera. 

Dhruva respectfully accepted his grandfather's advice and thought for a while on how to approach Kubera. To his surprise, Kubera appeared before him as he knew Dhruva's achievements and had held him in high regard.  

When Kubera asked Dhruva for a boon, he sought to be blessed with constant devotion towards Srihari with the help of which one can cross the ocean of worldly existence. 

Dhruva returned to his kingdom (Barishmathi). He performed several sacrifices. After ruling the kingdom for 36000 years (lifespan of a God), he handed over the kingdom to his son, Utkala, and left for penance at Visala, Badarikashrama.

On undertaking severe penance, he attained a samadhi state. When death arrived, Sunanda and Nanda, the two attendants of Lord Vishnu, took him to Vishnuloka in the aerial car. Suniti, Dhruva's mother, was also taken in another aerial car.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Story of Dhruva (2)

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Dhruva (2)

As advised by Sage Narada, Dhruva reached Madhuvana to do penance. Holding the beautiful form of Srihari in his mind he began the penance. 

To sustain his body he ate kapitha ( Wood apple) and Jujube fruit at the end of every 3rd day for first month; blades of grass and leaves every 6th day during the 2nd month; water alone on the 9th day during the 3rd month; inhaling air during the 4th month and remained motionless during 5th month.

All three worlds began to shake. Earth pressed by his one foot leaned to one side. Dhruva has identified himself with Srihari and hence there was a sudden stoppage of breath in Gods.

Gods couldn't bear the heat of Dhruva's penance. They sought Srihari's help, and ultimately, Srihari gave darshan to Dhruva.

Dhruva was dumbstruck on seeing the Lord because the image he meditated upon was similar to the one standing. 

He confessed to Srihari that he didn't have sufficient knowledge to describe His supremacy. Srihari understood the situation and touched his cheek with his Conch. Conch is a representation of the Vedas. Dhruva praised the Lord in length. He didn't seek any offer. 

Srihari blessed Dhruva that he would be welcomed by his father and stepmother, and would rule the kingdom for 36000 years and finally attain a position in the universe that none could achieve. The position is known as Dhruva Nakshatra or the Pole Star. During the deluge, he would reach Srihari, the final destination.

Dhruva returned to his place with the remorse that he had failed to seek from Srihari the ultimate knowledge (Self-Realization).

Dhruva’s Previous Life

Dhruva, in his previous birth, was a great sage. During the final days, the sage sees a young prince and desires to be like him. This desire led him to take a rebirth.

With achievements in past life, it was not difficult for Dhruva to attain perfection in a few months. Sage Narada knew Dhruva's deeds of previous birth and hence facilitated the process.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Story of Dhruva (1)

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Dhruva (1)

Dhruva is the youngest son of King Uttanapada and the grandson of Swayambu Manu. Swayambu Manu is the mind-born son of Brahma, the creator.

Uttanapada had 2 wives, Suniti and Surichi. Uttama is born to Surichi, and Dhruva is born to Suniti. Suniti was, however, sidelined by the king.

Once Dhruva, aged 5, saw Uttama sitting on father’s lap. He, too, wished to sit on father’s lap. 

Surichi refused to treat Dhruva equal to his son. She asked Dhruva to do penance and earn sufficient merit to be born in her womb. King Uttanapada haplessly remained silent.

Deeply hurt, Dhruva went to his mother. Suniti was aware of the situation through her inmates. She advised Dhruva to seek Srihari's blessing through penance and attain a place where no one could achieve.

Dhruva, with a single-minded goal, went to the forest. On the way, he meets Sage Narada, and indeed, the Sage appeared before him to facilitate the process. 

To test his determination, the Sage advises him to desist the thought of humiliation and revenge from his mind and lead a normal life as a child. Dhruva respectfully rejects it and seeks advice on the future course of action to achieve his goal. 

Sage Narada advises him to meditate on Srihari at Madhuvana, near Mathura. He warns that this task is not easy, though many sages meditated for years, decades, and yugas.

Sage Narada teaches the Beej Mantra ' Om Namo Bhagavathe Vadudevaya’ and describes in detail Srihari's beautiful form - Garland of Sylvan flowers, 4 arms with Conch, Discus, Mace and Lotus, Diadem ear-rings, armless, Bracelets, Kaustubha gem on his chest, yellow silk cloth wrapped around his waist, and gold anklets. 

The Sage asks Dhruva to visualize this loving form of the Lord and meditate Beej Mantra.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Spiritual - Garuda Ends Slavery

 Garuda Gets Blessings of MahaVishnu and Ends Slavery of His Mother 

When Garuda went to heaven, there was uneasiness in the denizens of heaven. Devaguru Brihaspathi said “Garuda is heading towards heaven to take the nectar. None can oppose him, yet it is your duty to protect it. Be prepared for the event”.

Garuda carried heavy dust that blinded the whole area, and none were able to see. He defeated Gods and proceeded towards heavily guarded nectar. Its outer peripheral was protected by fire. Garuda took the form of 100 faces, collected water from holy rivers, and extinguished the fire. 

Going further, he saw lotus shaped iron rods with sharp spokes. Garuda reduced himself to a tiny size and passed through the blockage without getting himself hurt.

Further, two poisonous snakes with sharp eyes were protecting the nectar. Garuda threw dust on its eyes and killed them. He took the nectar and was flying when Maha Vishnu stopped him.

Maha Vishnu observed that Garuda had no intention to consume nectar, though he possessed it. He was carrying it solely to get rid of slavery of his mother. Hence, Maha Vishnu blessed him and asked to seek a boon.

Garuda desired to stay above Him (as a flagpost) on His chariot. He also sought to serve him forever. Mahavishnu was pleased and asked to serve as His vehicle. Garuda sought permission from MahaVishnu to feed on snakes and was agreed. 

Garuda was confronted by Indra with his Vajrayuda. Garuda said, “ I respect Vajrayuda, made using bones of the revered Sage Dadichi. I respect you as the lord of 3 worlds”. Garuda politely went away.

Seeing Garuda’s immense strength, Indra asked his guru Brihaspathi,” What made Garuda so powerful as he dared to take away nectar from heaven?

Brihaspathi said, “Garuda has no desire to consume nectar. He is doing it to get rid of his mother’s slavery which is justifiable. He has not committed any errors.”

Indra proposed to befriend Garuda. Indra said “Sharing nectar with snakes is not beneficial to the world. Their reproduction is high and is harmful to the people”. 

Garuda said, ‘I am aware of it, and I am doing it for a purpose. I will place the nectar before the snakes and you can find a suitable way to protect it. Indra agreed and followed Garuda incognito.

Nectar was placed on the divine Darba grass. Garuda said to snakes “ The Sun,The Moon, Varuna, Agni, and Prithvi are witnesses to the event”. The snakes were overwhelmed and agreed that slavery had ended for him and his mother, Vinata. 

Garuda said “Nectar is divine. Purify yourselves by taking a bath and performing Japa before consuming it”. Snakes readily agreed and did as was told. 

Meanwhile, Indra, who was witnessing the event, swiftly took nectar back to heaven. Snakes, on coming back, realized that they were tricked. They blamed themselves for their fate. The snakes licked on darba grass, and their tongue was split. 

Why was Indra defeated by Garuda?

Once, Sage Kashyapa desired to perform Yaga and requested Indra to procure required materials from the forest. He also made a similar request to Vaikali sages. Because of their tiny structure, the sages were struggling to lift one single darba grass. Indra mocked them and said such work shouldn't have been assigned to them. The Sages were angry and cursed Indra that he would be defeated by none other than Garuda. 

How could Maha Vishnu crush Garuda’s ego?

Garuda was egoistic as he was carrying Maha Vishnu. To crush his ego, Maha Vishnu asked him to lift His hand, but Garuda could not even move it.

Spiritual - Garuda's Slavery and Hunger

 Garuda's Slavery and Hunger

When Vinata's second egg hatched after 500 years, Garuda was born. He is also called Garudmantha, a man with wings.

Seeing him so powerful, Kadru and her snakes made him a slave too. Garuda was asked to carry snakes to far-off places. 

Once, snakes asked Garuda to carry them to Ramanaka, a picturesque island, deep inside the ocean. After a while, they asked him to carry them to a different place.

Garuda felt humiliated and felt he was wasting his time and energy on useless acts. He asked the snakes how he could get rid of this slavery. The snakes promptly asked him to procure nectar from heaven, a task too difficult to achieve.

Meanwhile, Garuda felt hungry and asked his mother how he could get food. Vinata told him to feed on Nishadas, forest dwellers residing on a far-off island. She cautioned him not to trouble Vedic Brahmanas. As directed, Garuda ate his food, but his hunger was not satisfied.

He approached his father, Sage Kashyapa, to help him get food. The Sage said to feed on an elephant and a tortoise residing in a nearby lake. These species constantly quarrel with each other and are of no use to anyone. They were born as siblings in their previous birth and cursed each other over property issues. 

As directed, Garuda caught hold of the elephant and tortoise by his claws and was trying to find a suitable place to rest and eat. He went to Mount Meru, and upon seeing a huge elephant, the divine trees begged to spare them. A Banyan tree agreed to let Garuda place the feeds on its branch.

When Garuda was about to place the feeds, he saw Vaikali Sages meditating upside down on the branches of the tree. Vaikali sages are too tiny, a size equivalent to the upper portion of the thumb, but are considered very powerful. 

Garuda took the branch but didn’t want to disturb the sages. Holding the branches delicately in his mouth, he came to his father. Seeing his son in a precarious situation, Sage Kashyapa politely requested Vaikali sages to move towards the Himalayas. The sages agreed and went away. 

Garuda took his feed to a deserted place and consumed them. He gained sufficient strength. Sage Kashyapa blessed his son in his mission of bringing nectar from heaven.

Spiritual - Story of Garuda

 Story of Vainatheya / Garuda (1)

The story of Garuda appears in Adiparva of Mahabharatha. 

Sage Kashyapa is the son of Marici and the grandson of Lord Brahma.  The Sage was married to 13 daughters of Prajapathi Daksha.  Kadru and Vinata were among them.

Both Kadru and Vinata were devoted to Sage Kashyapa. Pleased with their devotion, the husband Sage asked them to seek a boon. Kadru sought to bless her to be a mother of 1000 mighty serpent sons. Vinata  asked to bless her to be mother of 2 eagle sons, mightier than that of Kadru's, and the Sage agreed. 

At the designated time Kadru’s 1000 eggs hatched, and serpents were born. Vinata was anxious as her eggs were yet to hatch. Jealousy took over her senses, and in haste, Vinata broke open one egg.  

To her dismay, a half grown eagle, Aruna, was born. He blamed his mother for his plight. He cursed her that she would serve as a slave of Kadru owing to unbridled jealousy. 

Aruna went away to Suryamandala as charioteer to Sun God (son of Sage Kashyapa and his half-brother). Aruna was equally powerful as Sun God. 

Indeed, Aruna could control Sun God's anger as the latter was frequently facing the wrath of Rahu and Ketu.  Arunodaya is the time just before sunrise and immediately after sunset.

Aruna, before leaving, advised his mother, Vinata, to protect the other egg and wait till it hatches. He said the Son born out of it would be very powerful, equivalent to Lord Indra, and help get rid of her slavery. 

What was the contest between Kadru and Vinata?

Once, these two sisters, Kadru and Vinata, went for a walk alongside the seashore. They saw a beautiful divine white horse, Ucchishrava, and admired its beauty. 

Kadru had a grudge against Vinata and desired to take revenge on her. She said “though Ucchishrava appears white in colour, its tail is black”. Immediately, Vinata disagreed and argued against it.

The argument converted into a contest wherein the loser was required to become a slave to the winner. Both agreed to meet at the same place and same time the next day.

Kadru hatched a plan and narrated the issue to  her sons (snakes) and requested them to coil around Uchhistrava's tail and make it appear black. The snakes disagreed and said it was not dharmic. Kadru cursed them that they would perish in King Janemejaya's Sarpa Yaga. 

Adishesha,  the eldest son of Kadru, was disgusted with his mother's attitude. He severed ties with his Mother and siblings and went away to perform tapas. 

Few snakes agreed involuntarily and coiled around Uchhistrava's tail. When Kadru and Vinata met as scheduled, the tail of the horse appeared black, and Vinata had to accept defeat.

Vinata had to undergo humiliation in the hands of Kadru. Just then, the second egg hatched, and Garudamantha was born.