128. Srimad Bhagavatha - Chp 10 - (45) Srikrishna and Balarama's Sacred Thread Ceremony and Entry to Formal Education
Vasudeva, the son of Sura, decided to perform purification rites (investiture of sacred thread) to both his sons, Srikrishna and Balarama. It confers the rank of dwija (twice-born) to them.
Kulaguru Sage Garga performed the ritual as per the scriptures. Vasudeva donated several cows decked with golden necklaces and silk wreaths accompanied with calves. Recollecting his vow to donate cows during Srikrishna and Balarama's birth, he fulfilled that part of the obligation also.
Formal Education at Ujjain
Srikrishna and Balarama sought Sage Sandipini, son of Sandipana, as their preceptor residing at Ujjain. Approaching him, the two brothers reverently waited upon him with devotion and sought his guidance.
Sandipini, the revered brahmana, taught them all the four Vedas alongwith six auxiliary branches (Siksha, Chanda, Vyakarana, Jyotisa, Kalpa and Nirukta), Upanishads, Dhanurvidya, systems of philosophy, science of logic and politics etc. Srikrishna and Balarama learnt all the 64 arts one each in 64 days.
On completion of the course, they persuaded their teacher to ask for a fee of his liking. Having known their super human qualities, the preceptor in consultation with his wife sought to get back their son, who was lost at Prabhasa Ocean.
Both the brothers readily agreed and reached Prabhasa and waited for a while. The ocean God made his presence with humility. The Lord said, “Let My preceptor’s son be restored immediately.”
The ocean God said, “The child was indeed carried away by Demon Panchajanya who lives under the water in the form of a conch.
Srikrishna at once plunged into water and killed the demon but could not find the child. Taking the conch, he returned to the chariot.
Both the brothers then went to Yama loka, and Srikrishna blew the conch. Hearing it, King Yama quickly approached Them and offered worship with devotion and asked the purpose of Their visit.
Srikrishna said, “ Get My preceptor son brought here as part of his karma”. Yama agreed and brought him to their presence.
The child was duly handed over to the Sage.
When asked to seek something else, the preceptor said, “You both have repaid my debt. To have such pupils is by itself the highest fulfillment. Go back home. Let the learnings remain fresh in your memory forever.
Both Srikrishna and Balarama reached Mathura, bringing joy to the people.
Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana
To Introspect:
Why did Srikrishna and Balarama take up formal education? Do they need thread ceremony as other mortals?
Why did Srikrishna choose Sandeepini Ashram instead of Sage Garga?
Takeaway:
Never forget what you had promised to do or act.
Sage Sandeepini just sought his son and nothing else.
No comments:
Post a Comment