Story of Naabhaaga

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Naabhaaga 

Who is Naabhaaga? How could he win over all odds?

Naabhaaga is the youngest son of Nabhaga and the grandson of Vaisvaswatha Manu. Naabhaga was most learned and returned from gurukul after a very long period of time. 

Meanwhile, his three brothers divided their father's property among themselves, leaving nothing to Naabhaaga on the assumption that he would be lifelong celibate.

Naabhaaga returned back home only to realize that nothing was left to him and instead was asked to take care of their father. Nabhaga was disappointed with his son's behavior and consoled Naabhaaga. 

Nabhaga said, “Sage Angirasa and others are conducting Satra Yagna. They aren't sure of Vaisvadeva Sutra to be used on the 6th and 12th day of the yagna. I will teach you the Sutra to guide them. Don't have any fear. They shall accept your service”.

On the completion of the yagna, they would give away leftovers to you and proceed to heaven. Naabhaaga did as instructed by his father and received all the leftover materials.

Lord Rudra objected and said the leftover wealth of every yagna belongs to Him. He told Naabhaaga to consult his father on this issue. 

Naabhaaga diligently went to his father and enquired. Nabhaga confessed that Lord Rudra is entitled to it, and an error has occurred. 

Left with no choice, Naabhaaga sought pardon with Lord Rudra and asked Him to take away the wealth. Lord Rudra was pleased with the truthfulness of Naabhaaga and imparted the seer to Vedic Mantra knowledge (similar to Brahma gnana). Also, Lord Rudra offered leftover material wealth of yagna to Naabhaaga.

Ambarisha, a revered devotee of Srihari, is the son of Naabhaaga. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Story of Chavana Maharishi and Sukanya

 Srimad Bhagavatham - Story of Cyavana  Maharishi and Sukanya 

Who is Sage Cyavana? How could Ashwini kumaras get a share in Soma Juice though objected by Indra?

Sage Cyavana is the son of Sage Bhrgu. He was well versed in scriptures and was highly revered. 

King Saryati, son of Vaivaswatha Manu, was truthful and was authority in ritualistic sacrifices. Sukanya was his only daughter.

Once King Saryati happened to visit the hermitage of Sage Cyavana with his daughter. The King cautioned his subjects to be careful knowing well Sage Cyavana’s short-temperness and his yogic powers.

In the hermitage, Sukanya saw a pair of bright things like fire flies in an ant hill. Impelled by destiny, the girl in her childish innocence pricked the two bright things with a thorn. 

Immediately, a good deal of blood flowed out. That very moment, there was obstruction of stool and urine among the troops that had escorted the king. The King enquired whether any wrongdoing has happened to royal Sage Cyavana.

Sukanya narrated her act to the King. The terrified King gradually propitiated the sage buried underneath an anthill. In order to escape the wrath, he offered his daughter in marriage to the Sage and returned to his capital more cautious than before. Princess Sukanya diligently took care of her husband.

After some days, ashwini kumaras (celestial physicians) came to his hermitage. The Sage requested them to bestow youth on him, and in return, he would make them entitled to Soma Juice though Indra has denied it.

Ashwini Kumaras gladly accepted the proposal and asked Sage Cyavana to enter the pool created by the Siddhas. Astonishingly, three males appeared adorned with wreaths of lotuses and ear rings of gold and finely dressed. 

Sukanya could not recognize her husband and requested ashwini kumaras to help identify her husband. Pleased with her vow of fidelity, the two gods showed her husband and left for heaven in their aerial car.

King Saryati visited Sage Cyavana’s hermitage to seek his help to perform a Yagna. He saw beside her daughter a male glowing like a sun as against the previous form of Sage Cyavana. 

Sukanya bowed at her father's feet, but he was not pleased. He said “ You have betrayed your husband, the Sage adored by the whole world. You have deserted him because he was old and therefore he was not liked by you. It is indeed a strain on your family”.

When the father was about to curse, Sukanya said “He is none other than your son-in-law," and narrated the whole incident. King Saryati was very much pleased with her conduct. 

Sage Cyavana performed the yagna and, through his ascetic power, offered Soma juice to Ashwini Kumaras. Lord Indra objected to it and raised his thunderbolt to kill the Sage. Sage Cyavana paralyzed the arm of Indra. Left with no choice, Indra agreed to offer Soma juice to ashwini kumaras. 

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Prahlada's Previous Birth

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Story of Prahlad’s Previous Birth   

Prahlad, in his previous birth, was the youngest of four sons of a Yogi. His three elder brothers received sufficient spiritual lessons from his father. However, Prahlad, though well disciplined, somehow couldn't attain the highest level as his brothers.

Once his parents went on a pilgrimage and before leaving his father asked Prahlad to take care of the Amrut kalash (pot with divine drink) kept in one corner of the house. 

Prahlad dutifully took care of the kalash. He never opened it nor allowed anyone to do so.

After some days, his parents returned home fully exhausted. Father asked Prahlad to get him amrut kalash, stating that alone would satisfy his quench. 

Prahlad went to fetch the pot only to see the vessel was empty. He suspected that Lord Indra alone would have taken away the amrut as none dared to approach it.

Immediately through his yogic power, he went to Indraloka and took the amrut kalash. Indra did not object but questioned him. Prahlad accused Indra of snatching away kalash, though Indra denied any wrongdoing.

Prahlad offered amruth to his father. Father, instead of feeling happy, was annoyed and asked how he could get it. Prahlad narrated the whole event and his visit to Indraloka and said he brought amruth and Indra is fully aware of it. 

Father again questioned Prahlad on how he could make false accusations against Indra and said he doesn't deserve any higher learning in this birth. He asked him to repeat ‘Hari’ nama till the end of his life. 

A small mistake of false accusation on Indra led Prahlad to take rebirth. The merits he had gained in previous birth enabled him to get Sage Narada's protection and learnings.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Prahlada Seeks Boon of Eternal Devotion

  Prahlada Seeks Boon of Eternal Devotion 

After neutralising Hiranyakashipu, Lord Narasimha remained in the fearful form filled with anger. Lord Brahma, Shiva, Indra, and other gods requested Him to get back to his usual form. Mahalakshmi, too, was fearful and did not dare to go near Him. 

Later, Brahma asks Prahlada to offer prayers to Lord Narasimha. Prahlada goes near Lord Narasimha and says, "I am not afraid to see you in this fearful form, but I am afraid of the entanglement of Samsara.” He praised Narasimha in different ways.  

Pleased with Prahlada’s prayers, Lord Narasimha calms down and asks him to seek a boon. 

Prahlada says, “Lord, do not pressurise me to seek boons. I do not want to get attached to any material things. I am scared that I, too, would get enslaved like others. I have enjoyed all these for many births earlier. I seek to get rid of all attachments to birth.   

A Mumukshu (one who seeks Moksha) is afraid of rebirth.   

One who doesn't seek any boon in a pure devotee. One who seeks favour is a trader, and he is trading with God. This type of give-and-take relationship exists between a king and a servant, but not between you and me.   

You also do not seek any favours from me nor from anyone. You satisfy devotees’ desires without expecting anything from them. For that matter, you do not grant Moksha. You give rewards based on one’s karma (good/bad). 

Ignorance vanishes only by gaining self-knowledge. The individual soul/Jiva needs to get rid of ignorance.

Even if you still insist that I should seek a boon from you, Swamy, I wish desires should never ever crop up in me. You alone can give this boon.   

 I seek this boon because:

The mind gives strength to the sense organs, but desires kill the strength of the mind.

Prana gives strength to the mind, but desires kill the strength of prana.

Dharma gives strength to the inner mind. Dharma vanishes if desires are unchecked.

To follow Dharma, we need strength or Dhriti. If desires are left uncontrolled, dhriti loses its strength. To strengthen dhriti, we need self-knowledge.

Falling at His feet, Prahlada humbly requests Narasimha Swamy to treat him as His true devotee.  

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Demon Hiranyakashipu 's Strategies

 What were Hiranyakashipu's Strategies and Teachings?

Hiranyakashipu is the eldest son of Diti and Sage Kashyapa and the father of Prahlad. 

Hiranyaksha, the twin brother of Hiranyakashipu, was killed by Maha Vishnu at the request of Indra and other Gods. 

Strategies Adopted by Hiranyakashipu 

1. Hiranyakashipu was furious and intended to avenge Mahavishnu. Before he could take revenge on Mahavishnu, he summoned his ministers to stop all religious work undertaken by Sages at every nook and corner of the earth. He knew devatas will lose power if they don't get havis obtained through Yagnas. 

2.  He knew his inability to win Maha Vishnu in the present circumstances and decided to undertake rigorous penance to please Brahma to acquire powers. 

Hiranyakashipu Speaks on Philosophy 

Before leaving for penance, he meets his widow sister-in-law and consoles her. He says every relationship is temporary, be it husband and wife, with friends and relatives. He said relationships last till the obligation ends or with Time.

He also consoles his grieving mother, Diti. He tells her to see her dead son as a soul and not his perishable body. The soul doesn't have death or birth. He said Hiranyaksha died in battle and had reached his supreme abode.

Chitraketu is reborn as Vritrasur

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Birth of Demon Vritrasura

Why did Twasta, the father of Vishwarupa, perform a yagna and was the outcome? Who is Chitraketu?

Vritasur was born as the son of Twasta. Vritasur, in his previous birth as Chitraketu, a gandarva, was cursed by Goddess Parvathi to be born as a demon.

Vritrasura was born as a demon and grew up dangerous day by day. The whole world was shocked by his statute. Indra and other gods approached Mahavishnu for help.

Mahavishnu directed them to Sage Dadichi through him alone Vrithasur can be defeated. Sage Dadichi, through his austerity, had earned a boon that his bones would be as strong as vajra (diamond). 

Upon sacrificing his body, Vajrayuda (a divine weapon ) is made using his ashes. Viswakarma, architect of gods, facilitated in making this weapon to Indra.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Chitraketu as Vidyadhara is Cursed

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Chitraketu is Cursed

Why did Goddess Parvathi curse Chitraketu, who became a Vidyadhara?

Lord Vishnu blessed Chitraketu to be a Vidyadhara (demi-gods) chief and offered him a Vimana. Chitraketu, using it, went about flying in the air.

Once, while flying near Mount Kailash, he saw Goddess Parvathi sitting on Shiva's lap with Shiva's arm on Goddess Parvathi's shoulder. In that assembly, there were sages, Siddhas (a class of demigods blessed with mystical powers), and Caranas (celestial bards).

Going near them, Chitraketu laughed loudly and said, " Lord Shiva, who is engaged in expounding righteousness to all, yet actually embracing His consort in open assembly.

Lord Shiva, on hearing these remarks, heartily laughed and remained silent. Goddess Parvati spoke angrily, " Is this fellow the (only) lord now ruling over the world and wielding the rod of punishment and being competent?

Brahma, the sons of Brahma (Bhrgu, Narada, Angira, Sanakas), Lord Kapila, and Swayambu Manu were in the assembly. They knew Prakriti and Purusha could not be separated. She felt Chitraketu deserved to be punished and cursed him to be born as a demon.

Chitraketu, in his next birth, was born as Vritasur and was killed by Indra. The fault of humiliating Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi led him to be born as a demon.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Story of Chitraketu - The Soul Speaks

Srimad Bhagavatam - Transformation of Chitraketu 

What made Sage Narada recall Chitraketu's dead son's soul? Did the soul re-enter the body, and why did it reject it?

Sage Narada, through his merits, called the soul of the dead son and said “Your parents are burning in grief. Please return to your body. Your parents, relatives and friends would be happy.  

Enjoy the luxuries your father provides for the rest of your life and ascend the imperial throne when your father retires to the forest”.

The Soul replied:

In what particular birth were these people parents to me? By the force of destiny, I have taken several births as gods, lower animals, and human beings.

Indeed, by turns, all people actually come as relatives, friends, foes, and neutral. Just as commodities (gold, etc.) pass from one place to another and from one person to another, the soul too passes through different wombs and different procreants (reproduction).

The relationship between humans and animals is torn away by death. The feeling of mineness stays so long as there exists a relationship. The other soul (of parent/others) cannot claim once the relationship ceases.

The soul is everlasting, free from decay and unmanifest(free from birth). It manifests itself in the form of the universe through Sattiv, Rajasic, and tamasic gunas and through Maya (God's play).

Having spoken these words, the soul disappeared. Struck with wonder, those kinsmen gave up mourning. They set aside their affection and cremated the body of the dead child.

Sage Narada taught Chitraketu the prayer praising Lord Shankarshana and returned with Sage Angira.

On the 7th day, the king, meditating Srihari without a break, attained the permanent lordship of Vidyadharas.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Story of Chitraketu - Life Lessons

 Srimad Bhagavatham - Chitraketu's Joy and Sorrow 

Chitraketu was a king of Surasena country (a place near Mathura). He ruled the entire globe. The earth yielded everything he sought after. He had many wives but had no progeny. This was a major source of sorrow for him. 

Once Sage Angira visited Chitraketu to educate him on Self-knowledge Chitraketu offered due respect to the Sage. The Sage questions his well-being and that of his ministers, wives, and children. Chitraketu says everything is fine except for a strong desire to have a son.

Sage Angira understood that the time was not ripe for Chitraketu to take on self-knowledge. Under his guidance, a yagna was performed. Chitraketu's throne queen was offered a fruit. 

In due course, she conceived and at the designated time gave birth to a male child. Sage Angira subtly advises King Chitraketu to be cautious which the king ignores. 

Chitraketu and his throne queen were very fond of their child. In due course, the King neglected his other wives. 

Being neglected by the king, these wives were dejected and gradually developed a deep sense of sorrow, which later converted into jealousy.

Upon analysing the root cause of their sorrow, these barren wives poisoned the child. The child died, and when the news spread, there was commotion. The sorrow of the queen and the king was unbearable. The administration came to a standstill.

Sage Angira and Sage Narada visited them disguised as Brahmins. The ministers and the king welcomed them with due honours. Sage Angira asked the King the reason for the sorrow, though he was fully aware of the situation.

Sage Angira asked the king how the dead child was related to you. Though it looked awkward, no one could understand the real reason behind it. Promptly, the ministers answered that the child was the king's only son, his progeny.

Sage Angira spoke - In what relation did the boy whom you are lamenting stand in previous birth, at present birth or will be in future births?

Pebbles, along the riverside, get separated due to floods and again join together somewhere later by the spirit of time. Likewise, the embodied beings are brought together and parted by Time.

The body of one embodied being (son) evolved from another embodied being (mother), united with the body of a third embodied being (father) just as one seed sprang up from another seed. The soul inhabiting all these bodies is eternal.

The king, having heard those words rich in wisdom, asked them to reveal their identity.

Sage Angira and Sage Narada revealed their true form and the purpose of their visit.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Demon Vritasur and His Teachings

Vritasur was born as the son of Twasta. Vritasur, in his previous birth as Chitraketu, a gandarva, was cursed by Goddess Parvathi to be born as a demon.

Vritrasura was born as a demon and grew up dangerous day by day. The whole world was shocked by his statute. Indra and other gods approached Mahavishnu for help.

Mahavishnu directed them to Sage Dadichi through him alone Vrithasur can be defeated. Sage Dadichi, through his austerity, had earned a boon that his bones would be as strong as vajra (diamond). 

Upon sacrificing his body, Vajrayuda (a divine weapon ) is made using his ashes. Viswakarma, architect of gods, facilitated in making this weapon to Indra.

Dadichi was a highly respected sage and had command over Atarvaveda.

Devas, on recommendation of MahaVishnu, made a unique but pressing request to Sage Dadichi to sacrifice his life so that ashes of his body be made a weapon called Vajrayuda and that alone would kill Vritasur. 

Dadichi was neither surprised nor shocked but felt happy that his body was getting used for a greater purpose. However, he examines Devas and questions them:

1. Are you not aware of the bondness towards the body for human beings, animals, or any living thing?

2. Are you not aware of the fear, sorrow, and sufferings when the soul departs from the body?

Mind, sense organs will stop working, and all the attention will be on the soul leaving the body.

Sage Dadichi explains why this suffering happens to the body

The soul over a period of time develops immense love towards the body. For those who desire to live, this relationship is much deeper.

Every soul tries to protect its body in every possible way. Hence, how can you expect me to give up my body. Even if Mahavishnu asks, none will give up their body.

Devas say:

Yes, what you say is true. None wish to give up their body/life. We are asking you alone as you can give up everything. You are noble, have done good deeds, and have earned a good name.

World is selfish. People/living beings are not bothered about other's suffering. For example, Lion does not bother to kill its victim to satisfy its hunger. It doesn't bother the pain the victim undergoes.

Dharma says one who is capable will not deny to offer help. We are asking for help from you, not for us alone. It is for the good of all. Demon Vrithasur has swallowed all our weapons and caused threats and fear to the world.

Dadichi says:

I do not have any desire on my body. My desire is only on the soul. You can take away my body immediately and make use of it in the way you want.

One day, this body will have to leave me howsoever I protect it. We need it to use the body for Dharma, to earn a good name and for Bhoota daya.

Even non-fruit bearing trees in the forest is useful by providing shelter to those who lost their way.

Dharma can change during different stages of life. But there is one dharma which is permanent - if anyone is in sorrow, others should be considerate. Also, if one is happy, others too should feel happy and not be jealous.

On any day, this body has to fall. It is better to give it for a good cause than being fed to Wolf or Fox.

Saying so, he gave up the body using his yogic powers. All his sense organs were made to halt, his mind fixed on Almighty, and he dropped his body.

With no time wasted, Indra asked Vishwakarma (architect of gods) to make Vajrayuda out of the ashes of Dadichi's body. Equipped the divine weapon Indra waged war with Vrithasur and was able to kill him.

How did Dadichi get this divinity?

Dadichi had acquired immense power due to austerity. He had taught Viswarupa ‘Narayana Astra ‘ This knowledge was passed from Viswarupa to Lord Indra.

Source : Bhagavatha Mahapurana 

Lord Indra Shares Brahmahatya Sin

  Indra Shares Bramahatya Sin

Indra acquired Brahmahatya sin by killing Vishwarupa, son of Twasta. To get rid of this burden, it was suggested that the brahmahatya sin be divided into parts and assigned to the earth, water, trees, and women.

The earth accepted a quarter of the sin along with a boon that a hollow dug into it would be filled by itself in due course. The external sign of the sin accepted is seen on earth as desert (barren soil, which is prohibited for all sacred rites).

The trees accepted a quarter along with a boon that their chopped-off parts would grow again in due course. The accepted sin is seen in the form of non edible gum.

The women (early and middle-aged) took a quarter along with a boon that females alone beget children through sexual union. The period of menstruation is its fallout.

The water absorbed a quarter with a boon of absorption (increase in quantity). The fallout of the sin is seen in the form of impurity (foam/ filth) it carries during the rainy season.

Though Indra successfully got rid of Brahmahatya sin, he was again affected by it when he killed Vritasur, who was born solely to kill him. 

Indra took the fallout of this sin by himself. It was unbearable for him and had to hide in a lotus stalk in Manas Sarowar. He stayed there for one thousand years. Upon performing ashwamedha yagna, he was able to regain his past glory.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

Lord Indra's Brahmahatya Sin

Srimad Bhagavatam - Indra's Brahmahatya Sin 

Once in the Court of Indra, gods and semi-gods were entertaining Indra. For a moment, rajoguna (representing ego) overtook Indra's senses.

Just then revered Guru Brihaspati came to the Court, but Indra ignored him. Brihaspati felt humiliated and left the court silently.

Quickly realizing his mistake, Indra went in search of his preceptor to seek pardon. Bruhaspati, knowing Indra's mind, disappeared using his yogic power and could not be found anywhere.

With no preceptor, devas were in deep trouble and lost their strength. Seizing this opportunity, demons with the help of Shukracharya, attacked the devas and were successful in driving out devas from devaloka.

Devas sought Brahma's help to overcome the situation. Brahma expressed his disappointment over Devas’ behaviour towards their preceptor. He said disrespecting one's guru is disastrous. None can save from this sin.

Brahma asked Devas to approach highly revered Sage Vishwarupa, son of Twasta, to be their preceptor. Having no other option, the devas approached Viswarupa. Though younger in age, devas accepted him because he possessed superior knowledge. 

Viswarupa taught devas ‘Narayana astra’ (a protective divine mantra reciting it in a prescribed manner acts as an armour against enemies). Using it, Devas were able to win over the demons and regain the lordship of 3 worlds.

Viswarupa had 3 heads. He was partaking Soma (a juice obtained from yajna) using first mouth, Sura (local wine) with second, and regular food using the third mouth. Viswarupa's father belongs to Devas's lineage, while his mother is from demon lineage. Viswarupa, hence, was not indifferent to demons. 

Being an official priest of Devas, he duly offered a soma drink to Devas. Without anyone's knowledge, he offered the same to demons as well. Demons, thereby, were becoming stronger. This treacherous act of Viswarupa was made known to Indra.

Indra, for the good of all, immediately killed Vishwarupa. By killing his preceptor, Indra earned brahmahatya sin. 

The head by which Vishwarupa drank Soma became Kapinjala Bird (Barli Siplae hakki/ Francolin), that by which he drank wine became Kalvinka (sparrow) and that by which he ate food was converted into Patridge.

Indra accepted wholeheartedly the sin of killing a Brahmana. At the end of the year, he shared it with the earth, water, trees, and women.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana

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