A
The toddler who showed cosmos
Jewels, bathing them were his favourite act. If he disappointed
them, his cows would sulk so much that no one could dare milk them. Monkeys rushed to him for sharing butter and curd. Peacocks loved to dance around him and antelopes enjoyed herding around him when he played on his flute mellifluous melodies.
charmer who purifies the cursedones
As one begins to go deep in meditation, one comes to know that one has lived millions of lives in the past. An advance person comes to know about others' past lives as well. But one also sees that not all lives were good or as elevated as the present one becomes consequent upon meditation. Lord Srikrishn is an exception to it. He was a magnetic man in Golokand remained equally charming in all roles he performed on earth.
The toddler who showed cosmos
Once it so happened that Yashoda, the foster mother of tiny Kanha learnt from her maids that Kanha had got into the habit of licking earth. Anxious mother began to keep a strict eye on the prankster baby lest he should consume some toxin for she had been witnessing several attacks and conspiracies by demons to kill her little one, who had however, emerged unharmed out of all demonic calamities magically. One morning she found Kanha hiding earth between his little fingers with a mouth kept tight-lipped to hide from the mother. Suspicious mother ran after Kanha to take out earth from his mouth. But the boy ran too fast and rushed to the bank of river Yamuna. The poor mother trailed behind him madly. The duet went on and on for some time. Finally only on the bank of river Yamuna, Kanha stopped, allowing Yashoda to pounce upon him.
The annoyed and perplexed mother ripped his mouth ajar. As the baby opened his mouth, mother swooned. What she saw in his mouth left her totally flabbergasted. So much so that she lost her senses altogether. The entire cosmos with innumerable galaxies and heavenly bodies floated in the mouth of her little toddler.
When she regained her wits she found her chubby son smiling innocently in front of her. But the lustre in his twinkling eyes illumined her forever. The spot where Kanha showed his mother the entire creation is known as Brahmanda Ghat.
Charmer of Gopis
The palace of Nand in village Gokul of Mathura still sings the saga of lofty divine antecedents of Blue boy of Vrindavan. The soil where Lord Srikrishn toddled is still fragrant with the footprints of Lord of universe. Standing on the bank of river Yamuna, one feels the luscious tinkling of bangles and ankle bells of fortunate milkmaids who hovered in and around the palace of queen Yashoda just to catch the glimpse of her chubby toddler.
Kanha was the cynosure of everyone’s eye. All loved him dearly. All longed to be with him for he radiated such joy, such delight as no one could feel or find anywhere else. For elders he was a naughty boy; for milkmaids he was the darling who played pranks with them. With his band of boys and monkeys he would furtively enter their homes, eat butter and splatter buttermilk all around. All measures of security taken up meticulously by clever milkmaids failed in front of the expertise of gangster Kanha. He would leave no stone unturned to break the earthen containers filled with milk, butter and curd, for transporting to Mathura. His knack to steal butter and share his booty with his alleys that included calves, deer and apes alike, never faced fiasco. If he could not find butter to steal, he would just let loose the calves to allow them to suck their mothers. Or if irritated over not finding anything available to steal or break in the house, he would simply piss out in the courtyard and slip away.
His pretty pranks charmed the simple village folk so much so that even though facing frequent loss of labour, milkmaids yet used to look for pretext to visit Yashoda to catch a glimpse of her beguiling Kanha. Not only his enticing beauty and beguiling glances stole their heart but his mischievous gestures of stoning their earthen pots as they brought water from river Yamuna, drenching them with chilling showers of water, pouring down their head, also thrilled their heart. Milkmaids would often assemble in their way and gossip about the latest mischief of their fond boy. Inwardly each one of them wished for his frequent visit to rejoice in the delight of his angelic charm.
Milkmaids appreciating the tiny size of Kanha began to hang their pots high, depriving the little thief of his cache. But the ace thief outwitted them all.
Annoyed with his mischief yet in love with their teaser, milkmaids would often get together and reach Yashoda's palace to complain about Lord Srikrishn. "O, Yashoda! Your son has become too mischievous. He lets off our calves anytime. When we scold him, he brazenly laughs. He steals curd and butter from our homes. Not only does he eat it but also throws around for monkeys and even breaks down the pots. When he fails to get anything to eat, he teases our kids, makes them cry and runs away. If we hang curd and butter high beyond his reach he cleverly arranges pestles to stand upon or simply makes hole into the pot by pelting pebbles. He is so clever that pots kept even in the dark chambers catch his sight and he steals away butter even from there. He is so thick-skinned that he even pisses out in our neat and clean homes."
When the report would reach his mother he would hide behind the door and feign absolute ignorance. "See mother, my arms are so tiny. How could I reach the container hung so high? It is the elder boys who are after me. They do the stealing and paste butter over my mouth just to lynch me,…." used to be his prompt reply. Whenever the things got out of hand and mother would raise her eyebrows to him, he would simply wear an expression of turning pale with fear. As an angered mother would pick up stick to beat him down, his innocuous looks and terrified eyes beguiled the ladies and they would beg Yashoda to let him off, out of affection.
STEALER OF ROBES
The adolescence brings about major transformation not only in appearance but also in emotional and psychological world of a person. Strange emotions begin to seize young minds. Cupid begins to blossom. The adolescent milkmaids of Gokul were so much enticed to Kanha that they fasted and prayed to Goddess Parvati to have Kanha as their husband by chanting a stotra, practiced by Siddhasto please Goddess Parvati. Even Sita had practiced it to have Ram as her husband. The penance performed with sincerity never goes waste. Lord Srikrishn had to keep the honour of Goddess Parvati.
On the last day of their penance, the omniscient Lord Srikrishn reached at the riverbank and took away their robes and offerings for Goddess Parvati. Girls were busy frolicking in the river. Oblivious of the act of the stealer of their heart who was already there, they sported and splashed water on one another. The master charmer meanwhile showed his sleight of the hand.
Having satiated themselves to the fill of their heart, girls intended to come out of the water. They turned around to check their clothes and belongings. What they found was a clear glade with no sign of their articles. With mouth agape, they wondered how and where their clothes had vanished. Without an iota of sound, someone had taken away everything kept so safely, with calm impudence. Anxious and alarmed, their hovering eyes frantically searched for the strange stealer. The awestruck milkmaids could neither come out of the water being undressed nor could they scream for the fear of being seen in such a plight.
Such is the ploy played by invisible divine, which leaves one often in quandary. Helplessness shrouded the mind of perplexed girls. When mind fails, heart begins to whisper. Girls had no choice but to crave for the help of the divine. Little did they sense that their penance was about to bear fruit. The divine conscience turned their eyes to the gigantic tree, bearing the celestial fruit of their penance. A smiling Lord Srikrishn reclining on the branch of a Kadamb tree appeared behind the mesh of foliage.
Ashamed and nonplussed, the girls wished to sink deeper into the water. How could they however, avoid being seen by the one who sees everything without being seen himself? They just clasped hands and implored the stealer to return them their belongings.
Lord Srikrishn chuckled with mischief and purporting to be an ace pundit said, -" Gopis, you have failed in your penance. During the period that is for this auspicious fast, you are bathing naked in the river. The messengers of displeased God Varun have therefore, taken away your belongings."
Though he spoke the language of a scholar, the smile spread on his face spoke of his knack of rejoicing in teasing others. Gopis sensed his mood. This impudent lawyer had left them helpless. When he blatantly refused to return his booty, gopissupplicated with folded hands to return at least their dresses. A beatific smile adorned his countenance. Sridama, a pal of Lord Srikrishn appeared there with the bundle of their dresses and ran away with it.
Radha seeing the flagrant mischief asked gopis to follow him. Enraged gopisfollowed him hurriedly, unaware of their bodies. Sridama handed the bundle to Lord Srikrishn who put it upon the tree to work up gopis more. Aware of their intense love, he teased them. "Fold both of your hands and beg for your clothes. Go and tell your leader Radha also to come before me with folded hands. What harm can Goddess Parvati or even Radha do to me? I tell the truth. Do as I say. Otherwise I will not return any of your things."Hearing the veiled wish of Lord Srikrishn, Radha felt enthralled.
She dared not to go in front of him undressed. She therefore, closed her eyes and prayed inwardly. "O, the Lord of Golok! Lord of gopis and Lord of my life! Yashoda's beloved son! I salute you. Annihilator of pride of Indra, Lord Brahma and Kaaliya, I bow before you. Seed of creation! I bow before you. Lord of all powers and siddhis! I bow before you. Please be pleased." Her body stultified. She felt Lord Srikrishn's presence all around. When overwhelmed Radha opened her eyes she saw that everything was in its proper place. She could not decide whether what she experienced was a reality or a vision.
Goddess Parvati appeared before her and reminded Radha that she was no ordinary woman but Lord Srikrishn's eternal consort. She also convinced her that after three months Lord Srikrishn would join her in Maharaas. Lord Srikrishn also told all gopis that their vrat would not be wasted. He will accept all of them as his consort in his Raasmandala after three months. The chaste and austere girls felt blessed for having been rewarded beyond their imagination by the omniscient Kanha.
As promised he called upon them by playing his flute on full moon night on the bank of river Yamuna. Gopis lost their senses and rushed to him madly.
Lord Srikrishn's act of stealing clothes of gopis is often ill conceived by masses. The secret hidden behind this act is that the eight feelings create bondage for individual soul who is actually a mirror image of God. These feelings called paash in Sanskrit are hatred, shame, fear, grief, condemnation, race prejudice, pride of family and smugness. The gopisbeing devout worshipper of Lord Srikrishn had conquered six feelings. The only bondage binding their hearts to Jive bhava was feelings of shame and fear. Lord Srikrishn made them renounce these two feelings also, as they had to appear before him undressed, shedding body consciousness.
In the state of samadhi or intense love, body consciousness vanishes and feeling of being a mere wave of the ocean or a ray of divine light, alone remains. The body appears to be raiment of soul. Lord Srikrishn gave the similar experience to his beloved gopis this way.
Charmer of Lord Shiv
![]()
Lord Shiv who is the greatest of yogis could not resist the temptation of seeing baby Lord Srikrishn in cradle. Disguised as a mendicant, he appeared at Yashoda's door. Yashoda offered him food, ornaments and what not but he refused all, craving only for a glimpse of tiny Kanha. Yashoda would however never agree to it, seeing the scary appearance of the Baba who had an ash-smeared body wrapped in tiger skin, bejewelled with serpents. She did not yield and disappointed Lord Shiv walked away. The tiny boy raised such an alarm in the palace by wailing and throwing legs that Yashoda took it as a spell cast upon him by the Baba. She sent for him gopis to call him back and treat her son. Lord Shiv smiled in his heart and rushed to cling the infant to his bossom. As their eyes met Lord Srikrishn chirped with joy. Ecstatic Lord Shiv lapped him and the baby got glued to him. As two mighty waves merge into each other after touching the seashore the duo closed their eyes and felt one with each other in delight. The joy of playing with the sweet baby permeated the whole being of Lord Lord Shiv and he went berserk with jubilation.
Lord Shiv is so much in love with Lord Srikrishn that he protects and follows even the devotees of Lord Srikrishn without their call. The delight of lapping up Lord Srikrishn maddened Lord Shiv. He had experienced such maddening delight long back after eating up the leftover food of Lord Vishnu, brought by sage Sanatkumar. Sanatkumar the brainchild of Lord Brahma who is immortal along with his three brothers Sanak, Sanandan and Sanatana paid a visit to Lord Vishnu who was relishing his meal cooked by Goddess Lakshmi. Seeing Sanatkumar, Lord Vishnu got up and Goddess Lakshmi gave the leftover food to Sanatkumar. Sanatkumar, a siddha who retains his body of a five year old child to rejoice in celibacy and divine love, ate the food and brought a part of it for Lord Shiv. Lord Shiv felt so tempted that he swallowed the entire food without sharing with his consort. As he ate the food, surge of divine love over powered him and he began to dance. He got so immersed in delight that when his trident and tiger skin fell off, he remained unaware of it. Tears of bliss streamed from his bemused eyes. Parvati saw him dancing madly in joy, oblivious of his nakedness. Intrigued, she asked Sanatkumar what the matter was. After all what herb could throw the destroyer of universe into such delirium? As Sanatkumar narrated the cause, unhappy Parvati cursed Lord Shiv that thenceforth; in no temple he shall be offered any food as he had eaten Lord Vishnu's Prasad without sharing with her. The man who eats Prasadoffered to Lord Shiv gets one life as dog on the earth as cursed by Parvati. Such is Lord Shiv's love towards Lord Vishnu and Lord Srikrishn that made him forget even his beloved consort Parvati.
When Lord Srikrishn was sporting with gopis in Maharaas in Vrindavan, Lord Shiv felt so tempted that he took to the form of a milkmaid to rejoice in the embrace of Lord Srikrishn. He was however, spotted by the milkmaids and had to move away to a spot where he is still worshipped as Gopeshwar Mahadev in Vrindavan.
Charmer of Animals
The charm of Lord Srikrishn is unfailing. Many see him in visions and dreams. His forms are numerous and he is worshipped in many places in many forms yet one common element about him is his inescapable charm. Whoever tastes a little of his charm gets withdrawn from the maze of sense pleasures. The world fails to attract him. As after meeting a person, one need not touch the limitless images appearing in two mirrors placed facing each other, so after experiencing the divine charm of Lord Srikrishn, all mundane attractions appear as mere mirage.
Even peacocks, monkeys and crows loved to play with him. Being fond of his livestock he would rise up early in the morning, grazed them through the forest. Sporting with the calves, decorating them with golden
Jewels, bathing them were his favourite act. If he disappointedthem, his cows would sulk so much that no one could dare milk them. Monkeys rushed to him for sharing butter and curd. Peacocks loved to dance around him and antelopes enjoyed herding around him when he played on his flute mellifluous melodies.
His skill in rearing, massaging and treating horses was exemplary. During the battle of Mahabharat, as a charioteer of Arjun, Lord Srikrishn used to treat his wounded horses. Arjun had vowed to kill Jayadrath who had unfairly killed his son born of sister of Lord Srikrishn named Subhadra the sister of Lord Srikrishn, before sunset failing which he vowed to immolate him. Guru Dron protected Jayadrath by arranging the armies in the shape of a barrow and half lotus. Arjun had to fight Jayadrath after defeating Dron and other great warriors numbering in billions. Lord Srikrishn kept on guiding him and presented best skill in driving horses. The time was running out as Arjun was oath bound to immolate him had he failed to kill Jayadrath before sunset.
Lord Srikrishn, seeing the fatigued, injured horses told Arjun, -"Arjun! There is no pond or fresh water lake in this battlefield. Your horses don’t accept the water available here."Arjun applied an astra and created a fresh water pond for horses. Even sage Narad appeared to see the wonderful pond. Arjun also created a matchless hatchet for horses with his arrows.
"Wonderful. Well done!" Exclaimed Lord Srikrishn and leapt out of his chariot. He let loose the wounded horses and took the horses in the stable. Plucking out arrows stuck in their bodies, Lord Srikrishn treated and massaged them briskly. He bathed them, offered them food and water and thus having comforted, put them back in the chariot.
What person can take such matchless care of his pets in such an hour of turbulence?
.
A serpent Kaaliya, living in river Yamuna with his family made water so poisonous that if anyone drank from the river, he would instantly die. Rover Lord Srikrishn once played there with his friends. Their ball fell into the river. Lord Srikrishn jumped into the river and did not come out for a long time. All lost hope and believed that Kaaliya must have killed him. Lord Srikrishn reached the spot where Kaaliya lived and grappled with him. He punched him with boxes and kicks.
Who are you dear friend?
The cowherds of Vrindavan witnessed several celestial and superhumanly act of Lord Srikrishn. Even Indra had descended to worship Lord Srikrishn. They were appalled. The boy who roamed around barefooted in the forest, eating simple meals, playing all sorts of boyish pranks, used to turn suddenly, into a miraculous superman. This filled the fellow boys with awe and suspicion about him. They could not resist their curiosity and asked -“O God like Govind ! We feel blessed. Your conduct and actions are superb. Your grace has saved our cows and you redeemed us from the great fear. O, Lord of cows! We see your divine deeds. You lifted this gigantic Mount Govardhan with a single finger. We are sure you are no ordinary human. Your strength is extraordinary. Do tell us please; are you some god or one of the Rudras, Marudganas, or Vasus? How come Nand became your father? Since infancy you showed miraculous powers. All your actions seem divine. But you have taken birth amongst us mortals. This really amazes us. Why do you disguised as a cowherd live with us? This job seems too trivial for a super being like you. Whoever are you, we salute you! If you have chosen to live with us for some purpose then be it so. We all are however, your servants and take shelter unto you.”
Lord Srikrishn silently listened to the expressions of his fellows. He smiled within, as he knew that his entire flock had appeared in Vrindavan only as per his wish and command. However, such is the deluding power of earth that everyone gets lost in the labyrinth of sensory world, forgetting the divine nature of self.
He smiled and replied-“Please, do not hurt me by calling me a super being. I am as good as all of you are. If you are bent upon knowing me then you will have to wait until the time ripens. At the right time, you will be able to know and understand my role. If this boy who seems to you endowed with divine aura, is your brother and friend then what is the suspicion? It is better that you keep silence about me. That will be a favour for me.” Listening to his simple explanation, the cowherds became quiet. Knowing not what to ask more, they moved away.
Blessed Pishacha Ghantakarn
During the reign of king Ambarish of Ayodhya, one of the ancestors of King Ram, there lived a money monger named Ghantakarn. He was named so as he used to wear metal bells along his ears to prevent the name of Lord Vishnu falling into his ears. A staunch devotee of wealth, he kept a bag of clinking gold coins to purify his ears and often uttered-“bhaj kaldaram bhaj kaldaram;kaldaram se hi sansaram”which meant –‘worship gold coins all the time’ as they alone possess true value, nothing else. King Ambarish remained immersed in worshipping Lord Vishnu. He did not spare time even for his marriage. Padma was married to his sword and brought to him as his wife. Devotee Ambarish had no time or wish to lead the life of a householder. His heart found contentment only in remembering and serving God all the time.
Envious of him, his stepmother along with her son Manigreev conspired to dethrone Ambarish by creating famine in empire. Mercenary Ghantakarn joined hands with them and hoarded all food grain in his godowns to starve the masses to make out before the king Nabhag that Ambarish was a nincompoop and deserved to be dethroned. This was a ploy pave the way for Manigreev to be crowned as king of Ayodhya. This did so happen and Ambarish was charged with poor management and cruelty to his kingdom. But to surprise all, Lord Vishnu filled the empty Godowns of Ayodhya with food grains and saved his devotee Ambarish from all allegations and ignominy. This endeared Ambarish to all.
Ashamed Ghantakarn died a pitiable death and became a Pishacha after death that lived on human flesh and blood. As throughout his life, he exploited helpless people by lending them money and extorting interest, his vicious actions pushed him to lead such ignoble life. After millions of years when he got fed up with that life, he went to Mount Kailash and prayed to Lord Shiv to relieve him from that life. Lord Shiv asked him to chant the names of Lord Srikrishn. Guided by Lord Shiv, Ghantakarn took to chanting Lord Srikrishn’s holy names. This gave him peace and he began to search Lord Srikrishn to purify his heart and discard the body of Pishacha.
When Lord Srikrishn was in Dwarka his queen Rukmani asked him to bless her with a glorious son. Lord Srikrishn assured her and set out for Mount Kailash to please Lord Shiv and obtain a worthy son. While on his way to mount Kailash, Lord Srikrishn stopped at Badrinath to meet the sages. At night he sat in meditation at Tapovan and entered samadhi. The nature too followed him. His presence entranced the entire realm. Suddenly vociferous voices disrupted the melody of silence. Trees trembled and wind whirled as if possessed with lunatic spirits. Terrified stags ran for their life. “Eat them! Have Fun! Catch hold of them! Lord Srikrishn is around! Salutations to him!” such uttering, echoing loudly, filled the forest. The lions roared in jubilation to thank Lord for providing them feast of scared stags.
The noise ended Lord Srikrishn’s samadhi. He opened his eyes and looked around. ‘What could be the reason behind this uproar?’ He thought for a while. ‘Perhaps some hunters are delighted and praising me in their queer style!’ He intoned.
Several pale and trembling stags followed by hounds stood facing him. Huge torches spread lurid lights in the thick forest. A number of ghosts and spirits chewing human flesh, sipping human blood danced around. Witnessing the strange melodrama sat there Lord Srikrishn, like an idol of tranquillity. Two gigantic Pishachaappeared before him. Wearing necklace of human skulls and intestines wrapped around their skinny figures they munched human flesh with gusto. Freshly sucked human blood trickled down their mouth. In such ferocious attire, they looked jubilant and chanted, -“Lord Srikrishn! Madhav! Lord Srikrishn! Madhav!”
As if searching for someone keenly, they asked-“O, where is Lord Vishnu? Where shall we find Shri Hari in this forest?” Their hoarse voices echoed as they praised Lord Srikrishn in various ways with numerous similes. Burning torches in their hands lolled out huge flames. Unperturbed Lord Srikrishn cast a calm glance at them. The grotesque creature looked back at him in awe and asked-“Who are you gentle soul? You look as handsome as Lord Vishnu. Do tell us who you actually are?” “I am a Kshatriya born in the yadav family and rule over wicked in three spheres. I am at present on my way to Mount Kailash to please Lord Shiv. This is about me.’’ Communicating the purpose of his presence in the forest sanctified by the austere sages, Lord Srikrishn further said-“The place I am seated is a sacred one. Beasts have never been seen here in the past. Impure souls cannot even step in here.” He hinted to the unwarranted presence of ugly Pishacha in a holy place. “I protect this place. I shall punish anyone encroaching here. Stop this flock here right now or I shall stultify all of you merely by my speech. Now tell me who you are?” asked Lord Srikrishn sternly.
The Pishachasaid-“Fine Sir, listen. I bow to Lord Vishnu first and then tell my story. I am a Pishacha named Ghantakarn who is fond of human flesh and is as cruel as Yamaraj by nature. I am a disciple of Kuber. This is my younger brother. This sport of hunting has been organized by us to please Lord Vishnu. I am a sinner and have come from Mount Kailash. Long back I used to condemn Lord Vishnu and put bells over my ears to avoid his name falling into my ears. Long time back I pleased Lord Shiv and he wished to bless me. I prayed for liberation from this life and he advised me to stay at Badrinath and chant Lord Vishnu’s name to please Lord Vishnu. Following him, I have been chanting names of Hari since long. I am here to seek vision of Lord Vishnu only.” The scared creature finished his story of millions of years of suffering and resumed praising Lord Srikrishn, in many ways. Imbued with divine love he ate human flesh, drank human blood and sat for meditation right in front of Lord Srikrishn. Mentally he prayed to Lord Vishnu to show him his purifying vision. Lord Srikrishn began to ponder, -"Although devouring human flesh and blood, this Pishacha has been remembering me for long. I must give him suitable reward.” Deciding so, he soon appeared in the heart of Ghantakarn who was engrossed in meditation to have a glimpse of Lord Vishnu. Ghantakarn saw a matchlessly bright face of four-armed Lord Vishnu shining within. He entered a trance. Inspired by God, after a while, he opened his eyes and found the same figure seated in front of him. “O, this is my lord!” he excitedly rose from his seat and cried. Ravelling in bliss, he exclaimed-“This is Lord Vishnu! I saw him in trance”. The Pishacha rose to dance in jubilation. His rambunctious laughter echoed in all directions. In various ways eulogizing Lord Srikrishn, he kept on rocking and zooming vociferously.
Enthused devotee brought a corpse of freshly slain Brahman, cut it into neat pieces, washed it with sacred water of river Ganga and spread the offering before Lord Srikrishn with profound reverence. “Lord! This offering is worth you. You should accept it as we, your slaves, have offered it to you with heartfelt devotion. Scriptures prescribe human flesh as our food. If it is approved by scriptures, then please accept our offering,” he implored. Lord Srikrishn was pleased at the simple expression of his devotee. He said, -“O cannibal! Offering flesh is of no use. The flesh of a holy Brahman is not even worth touching for persons like me. Righteous persons honour Brahmans. One should never harm or hurt Brahman as this leads one to hell. However, I am pleased with your devotion to me.” Saying so, he touched Ghantakarn. The ugly creature turned into a scintillating divine being, matchless in three spheres. “So long as Indra rules in Swargalok, you too, will remain there. After his fall, you will reach my abode and live with me there. Feel blessed, seek a boon.” Lord Srikrishn said with a smile.
Filled with gratitude Ghantakarn spoke,-“Lord! May whoever reads about our this conversation be blessed with unflinching devotion in your lotus feet and attain you.” "Be it so! Indra is awaiting you. Go to Swargalok.” commanded Lord Srikrishn. The blessed Pishacha disappeared and Lord Srikrishn revived the slain Brahman, placed before him as an offering. The Brahman worshipped Lord Srikrishn and went home. Lord Srikrishn returned to the ashram where sages performed Agnihotra Yajna. Ghantakarn is worshipped by villagers as their deity, in village Mana near Badrinath.
Charmer of Yogis
Millions of yogis used to meditate in the forest of Dandak (In Orissa) for God realization. In Tretayug Lord Vishnu born as prince Ram of Ayodhya was exiled by his father Dashrath as his queen Kaikayee, instigated by her maid Manthara asked for two boons, promised by the king to her in the past. As first boon she got Ram exiled for fourteen years and as second sought crowning of her son Bharat on the throne. The oath bound Dashrath lost his life, but kept his words. Ram, his younger brother Lakshman and wife Sita happily accepted exile. The meditating yogis knew that Lord Vishnu had descended on earth to kill the demon king Ravan. The glimpse of mutually devoted couple Ram and Sita inspired them to feel conjugal love of God and they harboured the dream of becoming wives of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu knew it but was oath bound to remain married only to Sita in that incarnation. He decided to fulfil the wishes ofyogis by accepting them as gopis in Vrindavan when he descended as Lord Srikrishn.
These great yogis took birth in Vrindavan when Lord Srikrishn took birth. They, as a reward of tapasya done in the previous lives, enjoyed association of Lord Lord Srikrishn and received his divine love in Maharaas.
Markandeya in EKarnva
Pandavs, the cousins of Lord Srikrishn were in exile. As per the terms of the game of dice they had to wander in the forest for twelve years. Once, Lord Srikrishn came from Dwarka to meet them. Yuddhisthir, the eldest of five Pandav brothers reeled in deep sorrow for having lost his empire in the game of dice. He felt gu
ilty of having caused immeasurable suffering to his brothers and wife.
Sage Markandey was also there sharing woes of the Pandavs, consoling them, counselling and telling tales of other kings who suffered and lost their empire in the game of dice in the past. After pacifying him in various ways he told Yuddhisthir,-"Why do you worry, when Lord of Universe is with you? Lord Srikrishn who is before you as your cousin and well-wisher is the creator of this entire world. He will not let you down. To convince you I shall tell you an ancient incident. Once upon a time when the world had disappeared in pralaya, blessed by Lord Shiv, I swam across the unending waters, tired and fed up. As I prayed to God to provide me shelter, I saw a vatavriksha emerging out of water. “Son! Fear not! Come on! Being a child, you are feeling tired.” A voice echoed in the Ekarnava (earth completely immersed in flood). I felt hurt to hear someone daring to call an ageless person such as me, a child. I replied with vanity, - "Who is calling me a child belying my age and belittling my severe penance? Even Deities don’t dare do so and Lord Brahma respects me for my longevity. Who has invited death by calling me by name?”
I found a little infant peeping behind the foliage, addressing me-“Son! I am your creator and teacher. It is I who has bestowed upon you this life span. Why do you not come to me? Your father Angira got you as son only from me. At this pass when entire creation has submerged who else but those who have attained absolute oneness with me, can see me?”
I was amazed to see an exceptionally charming baby resting on the tree and felt drawn to him. A voice echoed in my ears that said, -"Markandey, I know that you are tired. Come and rest." I, driven by some unknown force entered the mouth of the baby and saw wonderful creation inside him. I remained there for a long time. When I came out of his mouth new creation had emerged. I was surprised. Now I know that that baby was no other then Lord Srikrishn himself who is the seed of this entire cosmos. You are fortunate to have enjoyed his company. I live across manvantars. and know that as a player plays a game so long as he wishes and winds it up when he gets bored, so is Lord Srikrishn who creates the world for his amusement and winds it up when he wishes. You should therefore, give up sorrow, believing that this entire world is the playground of Lord Srikrishn. Cheer up for he is by your side. Even Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiv get confused before his pranks. Not to talk of the ordinary men who often get baffled before the ticklish situation facing them".
What sage Markandey divulged before Yuddhisthir, stands testimony of time as narrated in various Puranas which are conversations between enlightened seers.
SHUKADEV ROSE from Samadhi
Sage Vyas had authored the famous epic Mahabharat, which was, rated superior to fourVedas in Lord Brahmalok for containing wisdom of Vedas. Yet he felt discontentment for some reason unknown to him. Narad met him and pondered over. Being a roaming appreciator of Lord Srikrishn he knew that without attaining love of Lord Srikrishn no being gets tranquillity. He therefore, asked him to spread glory of Lord Srikrishn. Ved Vyas then composed Bhagwat Puran which is considered an incarnation of Lord Srikrishn. The sage wished for a son to step into his shoes. He therefore, pleased Lord Shiv who agreed to be born as his son was yet fearful of intense mundane temptations which sway the mind of even the most disciplined ones. He therefore, sought refuge in Lord Srikrishn to protect his purity on earth. Lord Srikrishn assured him. Lord Shiv born as a son of sage Ved Vyas named Shukadev, proceeded to meditate in solitude. Ved Vyas felt hurt. He wanted his son to accompany him. Shukadev refused and rejected worldly life. Ved Vyas then meditated on how to end samadhi of Shukadev. He learnt that only through narrating the celestial beauty of Lord Srikrishn into the ears of Shukadev, could he be raised from his seat. Vyas then composed and whispered verses in praise of Lord Srikrishn into the ears of Shukadev.
Shukadev imbibed the Bhagwat Puran and narrated it to Parikshit when he was cursed to die of snakebite within a week. Parikshit listened to the Puran for seven days. On the seventh day serpent Takshak came and stung him. But Parikshit felt no fear or pain. He joyfully discarded his mortal coil and joined celestial beings.
RESURRECTING PARIKSHIT
King Parikshit was the son of Abhimanyu, the only son of Subhadra and Arjun who was killed in the battle of Mahabharat. Being the nephew of Lord Srikrishn he resembled him greatly. Lord Srikrishn performed all his sacred ceremonies himself. Abhimanyu learnt the art of penetrating a chakravyooh (an array of battalions in the shape of a spiral) while still in his mother's womb. Arjun narrated it to Subhadra at bedtime and Abhimanyu assimilated it. As Subhadra fell asleep while Arjun narrated the skill to come out of it Abhimanyu could not learn the art of exit from the chakravyooh.
When Lord Srikrishn and Arjun were away fighting other enemies, guru Dron deliberately created chakravyooh to defeat Pandav army, as he knew that none other than Arjun could penetrate it. Abhimanyu then rose to the occasion and entered it. He did not know how to come out of it. Great warriors of Kaurav army attacked and killed him cruelly.
Aswatthama, son of guru Dron aimed Lord Brahmastra to kill the unborn son of Abhimanyu who was also the sole scion of their family. Arjun also unleashed Lord Brahmastra to counter it. Sage Narad and Ved Vyas appeared and asked them to take back the astra as wherever these astra clashed, rain could not take place for twelve years. Arjun being an ascetic retrieved it but Aswatthama failed to do so. Ved Vyas advised him to direct it on the womb of Uttara and he did so. Lord Srikrishn was delighted to see it and remarked, -"Sometime back a Brahman had blessed Uttara that her son will carry on the lineage of Pandavs." Aswatthama got enraged to sense the acrimony sheathed in the simple remark and vehemently said, -"This astrawill surely kill the unborn son of Pandavs." Lord Srikrishn replied-"No doubt the astra will have an unfailing impact. But the boy even though born still, will attain a long life. This boy named Parikshit will adorn the throne of king of Kuru. Your astra may kill him but I will revive him. You will see the power of my truth then." He laid special emphasis on his speech to hurt the arrogant son of Guru Dron. To add insult to injury, sage Ved Vyas also praised and supported Lord Srikrishn.
The Lord Brahmastra worked. The son of Uttara was born still. When Lord Srikrishn learnt of it he reached there. His aunt Kunti, Draupadi and Uttara, the wife of Abhimanyu fell on his feet begging for the life of only descendent of Pandavs. The three women implored him to resurrect the stillborn baby. Lord Srikrishn consoled them and made them comfortably. Her sister Subhadra cried bitterly and said, -"Brother, I have heard that you had vowed before Aswatthama that you would resurrect the son of Uttara. You are capable of reviving even the three spheres facing annihilation. Reviving the son of your beloved nephew is no big thing for you. I know your power. Take pity on your sister and revive him. Have mercy, please."
Lord Srikrishn assured her and said-"Alright.... I will do so." Hearing him say so, sorrow of bereaved women vanished. As a person smelting in the scorching sun feels on receiving shower of clouds so did they all feel, relieved and pacified. Uttara turned to her dead son with hope and faith. She began to address him-"Son! You are the son of a pious father. Why do you not salute the great God and well-wisher Lord Srikrishn? Get up and adore the glorious Lord Srikrishn, as I used to adore your father." Lord Srikrishn took water and foiled Lord Brahmastra. He then addressed Uttara in a voice audible to all, -"Daughter! I do not speak lie. I will prove my words now. See this baby will be revived soon. I have never uttered a lie even for fun. I have never run away from the battlefield. May my truthfulness revive this son of Uttara. If dharma and Brahman are dear to me then may this son of Abhimanyu come back to life! If truth and dharmaabide in me then this baby may get up. If I have killed Kans and Keshi rightfully then may life shine in this baby!" As he uttered these words everyone saw that life breath appeared in the still baby. Soon he opened his eyes, spreading joy and faith in Lord Srikrishn the supreme.
The wilted faces of mothers glowed with delight. What is there that Lord Srikrishn cannot do to please his chaste devotees!
A voice echoed from the heaven-"Keshav! You are indeed great." Lord Srikrishn called Brahmans to perform auspicious chanting. Joyous mother Uttara brought her son before Lord Srikrishn and Lord Srikrishn gifted him precious gems. "This son of Abhimanyu has arrived after near annihilation of Kuru clan, he is therefore named Parikshit." Said, the gracious grand uncle, Lord Srikrishn.
The palace celebrated the birth of prince. Lord Srikrishn donated lavish alms to Brahmans and feasted them respectfully.
When Parikshit grew up a sage cursed him to die after seven days on being stung by serpent Takshak. Terrified Parikshit prayed to Lord Srikrishn to rescue him. He went on the bank of river Ganga and meditated on Lord Srikrishn, renouncing food and everything. All great sages such as Aurv, Atri, Agastya etc reached there. Parikshit bowed before them and sought their blessings. The sages advised him to listen to Lord Srikrishn's tales, to attain peace and fearlessness. Sage Shukadev also reached there and narrated the Bhagwata Puran. Listening to the Puran,relieved Parikshit and he happily longed to experience death. On the seventh day Takshak arrived. Parikshit, steeped in meditation on Lord Srikrishn did not feel any fear and left his body peacefully to join Lord Srikrishn inGolok.
A Bewildered Sage Narad
Lord Brahma created Narad and asked him to marry. Narad detested it. He requested Lord Brahma to let him remain a celibate and enjoy the life of a devotee of Lord Srikrishn. Lord Brahma did not like this. He resented this disobedience and cursed him to become the husband of fifty ever-youthful gandharvakanyas for three lakhs years. Narad retaliated by saying that father should make effort to liberate the son and not to push him into the mundane drudgery. In sheer dismay he also cursed back Lord Brahma that he would not be worshipped anywhere in Yajna.
The voice of pure heart is never belied. Narad faced the curse and became a gandharv (celestial musician) married to fifty ever-youthful wives. He spent three lakhs years singing and merry making with his flock of loving wives. Conditioning does transform a person. So did happen with poor Narad. He lost his divine wisdom and ravished in the life of a gandharv as destined. Once in a gathering of enlightened seers Narad expressed his erotic inclinations. For behaving in an indecent way sages cursed him to be born as a shudr.
He therefore, became the son of a maid in next life. Following his mother, Narad also served saints and developed love towards Lord Srikrishn by listening to his tales from them. His mother who used to serve the saints died when he was just five years old. After the death of his mother he began to roam around freely. Tired of meandering like a vagabond, one day he meditated under a tree in a forest. What he saw in deep trance was a glimpse of Lord Srikrishn. Enthralled, he cried bitterly to see it again. But he failed despite heartfelt prayers. He merely heard a voice that said, -"You cannot see me in this life. My vision is inaccessible to half-baked yogis. I have shown you this to rekindle a desire to see me. One who chooses me gives up all mundane desires gradually. After death you will be my paarshad. Even after pralaya you will not forget me." The celestial voice assured. Narad gave up confusion and took to singing in praise of Lord Srikrishn.
Later on he became a Lord Brahmarshi. Once it so happened that driven by the desire to attain highest spiritual status, he meditated at Himalayas. Kamdev, the God of conjugal love appeared before him to test his continence but Narad successfully averted him. This made him a bit arrogant. He went to Lord Brahma and broke the news of his victory over Kamdev. Lord Brahma greeted him. When elated Narad circulated the news to Lord Shiv he smiled and advised him not to tell this story before Lord Vishnu. Narad fell in sheer confusion. Why, after all should he not share his saga of victory over the toughest enemy of wise men with his beloved Lord Vishnu, he intoned? Unable to follow the advice of Lord Shiv, Narad reached Vaikunthalok and professed his victory. Lord Vishnu smiled in appreciation and eulogized the muni.
Narad returned to earth and took to roaming around, singing praise of Lord. What he noticed on his way at one place was a magnificent empire where some celebration was going on. Narad was ushered in to the royal palace to read the palm of princess, preparing for her swayamvar. Not only her celestial beauty stole the heart of muni but her palms professed that her husband would be the master of three spheres. This temptation of attaining a status equal to Lord Vishnu, arrested his heart. He soon completed the formalities in the palace and flew toVaikunthalok where a mysteriously smiling Lord Vishnu awaited him. Narad got great respect, being an enlightened yogi. Lord Vishnu asked the purpose of his visit. Narad did not hesitate in expressing the ambition breeding in his heart. "May I get your form, Hari" He put forward his wish. "Why not? You have attained oneness with me maharishi! Be it so!" promptly yielded Lord Vishnu.
Narad hurried to the palace where swayamvar was going on and took a seat confidently, dead sure that assurance of Lord Vishnu will bear desired fruit. The princess came to him and he craned his neck forward. But lo! She smiled sarcastically and turned away. Narad felt hurt. Infuriated, he walked out. Two servants of Lord Vishnu jeered at him. Narad failed to know the reason of his fiasco and the strange smile sporting on the lips of princess and others. He turned to see his reflection in the water. Hell broke loose as he saw himself with the face of a monkey. What could be more insulting then this! He reeled in fury. Tears of shame flowed from his repenting eyes. What he saw in a moment was Lord Vishnu coming to him with the princess as his wife.
Narad wished to burn Lord Vishnu alive in the fire of his wrath. "You! You are the lord of three spheres. This has gone into your head and you take an innocent sage like me for ride! You have tricked me. I asked you to give me the face of Hari and you gave me this face of a monkey!" He yelled."Maharishi! I gave you the face of Hari indeed,” reiterated Lord Vishnu hinting to another meaning of Hari in Sanskrit, which also means monkey. "Lord Vishnu! Now listen. I curse you. You too will suffer in separation from your wife as you have made me suffer. You too will roam around shedding tears for your wife, as I do now. And only monkeys will come to your rescue in search for your wife." Narad effused his heart out in a fit of rage.
Lord Vishnu kept cool."Maharishi you are always adorable for me. I accept your curse which is indeed a blessing for me. Only to be cursed by my dear Narad, did I create this all! But listen, I had also to take care that the hard earned victory over Kamdev is not soiled this way." Lord Vishnu hinted to the elation, Narad had short time back. Narad, then came back to his senses. His fury vanished and he hung his head in shame. "Lord!" he could hardly continue as tears of gratitude choked his voice.
Lord Vishnu embraced him as a mother embraces his erring and repenting son."Maharishi! I take care of my innocent devotees as a mother takes care of her little infants. Does she not stop them when they try to catch the fire attracted by its colours?" Lord Vishnu asked. Narad could not utter a single word. He knew that a man chasing mundane temptation is as good as a monkey. His lord wanted to remind him this truth in his own inimitable style. However, tears flowing from his eyes expressed his filial feelings to his loving but teasing and sporting Lord Vishnu.
Message hidden in the smile of Lord Shiv followed by his advice to not to tell Lord Vishnu about his victory over Kamdev became clear to him. But should he chide him or chant his name he could not decide.
The Master Charmer in fury
Bhishm, a great son of Goddess Ganga fought valiantly with warrior sage Parashuram for several days, without giving up when Parashuram called upon him to face him in battlefield or marry Amba.
Amba was a princess whom Bhishm kidnapped with her two sisters during their swayamvar. Bhishm was a celibate but brought the princesses to prove his might over other kings. He married off two sisters to his two younger brothers. Amba divulged to him that she had lost her heart to king Shalv. Bhishm sent Amba to Shalv who having lost her in swayamvar declined to accept her love. Hurt and humiliated Amba asked Bhishm to marry her and who, being oath bound to remain celibate, declined her. Frustrated Amba went to an ashram where sage Parashuram heard her and decided to teach Bhishm a lesson by fighting him in the fray.
Both warriors fought hard but none could ultimately win. Frustrated Amba performed tapasya. Her body turned into a river called Amba and she took birth as Shikhandi, brother of Draupadi to take Bhishm on in the battlefield.
Bhishm was originally one of the eight Vasus dwelling in Swargalok. While performing his official duties he remained immersed in worship of Lord Srikrishn but he valued his words and duty the most. Lord Srikrishn had vowed publicly that he would not lift any weapon during the battle of Mahabharat. Bhishm being a secret devotee of Lord Srikrishn had also vowed inwardly that he would make Lord Srikrishn break his oath.
Bhishm was a matchless commandant. He moved around so briskly in the battlefield that the Pandav army was left aghast. They found Bhishm as if, fighting from all directions simultaneously. Such was his charisma. Pandav army scattered, severely battered by Bhishm. Soldiers began to die in stampede. Lord Srikrishn was watching the catastrophe created by his mighty devotee. He knew that Arjun loved his grandfather dearly and hesitated in attacking him wholeheartedly.
Lord Srikrishn had to enter the fray. He stopped his chariot and addressed Arjun, -“Parth! Your long cherished moment has come. You had vowed before kings that you would slay all warriors be they Bhishm or Dron, whosoever, if they fought on behalf of Duryodhan. Kill him otherwise you will perish.” He wanted to dispel fear shrouding the mind of Arjun in fighting against his beloved and aged grandfather.
Lord Srikrishn found terrified kings fleeing away like petty creatures running for life before a roaring lion. Arjun asked Lord Srikrishn to take his chariot close to Bhishm. Bhishm roared and shrouded the chariot of Arjun with arrows. The charioteer Lord Srikrishn however, did not lose patience and still drove the chariot on. Arjun took up his divine bow and cut Bhishm’s bow into three pieces. Bhishm took another bow. Arjun cut that too with ease. Bhishm was overwhelmed to witness his Mattel in archery. Elated grandfather eulogized, Arjun, -"Wonderful Arjun! This behoves only you! Son! I am highly delighted. Fight with me.”Inspired by his accolades Lord Srikrishn also displayed his best skill in charioteering. He drove the chariot in circles and derailed Bhishm’s attacks. Bhishm thoroughly enjoyed fighting, rendering both wounded. Lord Srikrishn found that the kings in the Pandav army were running for their lives. Arjun was proving weaker and Bhishm was becoming unmanageable. He could not bear this. Lord Srikrishn, in a bid to inspire Arjun, addressed Satyaki who fought on behalf of the Pandavs in a roaring voice -"O, the great soldier! Let them who are running away flee. Those who are standing to just watch the show may also go. I do not bank upon them. Just see. I would right now kill and drag Dronacharya and Bhishm down their chariots. Not even a single charioteer of Kaurav army can survive in front of me. I would lift up my mighty discus and behead Dron and Bhishm and all the sons of Dhritarashtr to please the Pandav. I will make Yuddhisthir sit upon the throne today itself, after killing all the kings fighting for the Kaurav."Thundering so, he dropped the reins of horses and leapt from his chariot to chop them off.
The sharp edged discus Sudarshan, issuing light of millions of suns, appeared. Lord Srikrishn held Sudarshan and pounced towards Bhishm in rage. The earth trembled. His Pitamber wrapped around his dusky body glowed like lightning amidst thundering clouds. His furious roars resounded in all directions, proclaiming end of the enemy. They broke down in fright.
Bhishm however, looked yet fearless. He wanted to break Lord Srikrishn's vow and see his rage. He strummed his mighty bow and clasped hands to welcome Lord Srikrishn and said, -“Welcome Lord of deities! You are again and again welcome! I salute you. O Madhav, the bearer of Sudarshan chakra! Please slay me down this chariot with all your force. You are the Lord of Universe and patron of all. If I die in your hands I shall be blessed in both the worlds. God! You have added to my glory and thus honoured me... by coming to slay me.... yourself. ”
Arjun could not see Lord Srikrishn break his vow. He jumped down and ran after him. Nervous Arjun grabbed the mighty arms of Champion of Universe. Lord Srikrishn still did not stop and thumped ahead, dragging Arjun along. Furious Lord Srikrishn appeared as a mighty storm wrenching trees and rocks. Arjun left his arms and fell on his feet. He ultimately succeeded in curbing him on his tenth step and begged, -“Keshav! Calm down. You alone are Pandavas’ redeemer. I vow by my brothers and sons that I would not observe laxity any more. I would fight..with full force..” Lord Srikrishn curbed himself. Quietened and convinced by Arjun, he mounted back his chariot. Bhishm reeled in delight for having accomplished his target. How abounding is the love of his charmer Lord Srikrishn; he knew now fully. This happened on the third day of the war.
The war continued under the command of Bhishm for a week, without claiming victory.
Duryodhan felt that grandfather was biased and avoided slaying Pandav. Bhishm explained to him the power of Arjun in association with Lord Srikrishn. He however, convinced Duryodhan to try his level best to perish the enemy. Eight days elapsed but Bhishm failed to kill Pandav. On the ninth day Bhishm brought about massive destruction. He beleaguered Abhimanyu, along with other warriors. Arjun and Lord Srikrishn entered the fray to help and save Abhimanyu. Dron and Bhishm used divine astra to destroy the enemy. Shikhandi attacked Bhishm but Bhishm abstained from retaliating and spared him, passing him for Amba, a female. Pandav surrounded grandfather and attacked him from all angles. Sun was about to set and Bhishm looked undefeatable.
Lord Srikrishn could not bear his antics anymore. Enraged, he called upon Arjun, -"Son of Kunti! The moment you longed for, has arrived. If you are not enmeshed in attachment, then attack grandfather Bhishm. You had vowed in Viratanagar to kill him and others to defeat Kaurav. Prove that vow now. Follow the path of a Kshatriya fearlessly." Meek Arjun half-heartedly asked Lord Srikrishn to take the chariot near grandfather. Demonstration of warfare in the last eight days had left Arjun in a quandary. The grandfather belied his age in the fray, crushing Arjun's confidence, under his sway. On the ninth day also Bhishm showered arrows fiercely, rendering Lord Srikrishn and Arjun invisible behind arrows. When Arjun cut into pieces two bows of grandfather, he applauded him, exclaiming, -"Great! Large-armed Arjun, Great! Kudos to the valiant son of Kunti!" Lord Srikrishn drove his horses in circles to evade the attack of Bhishm. He saw Arjun treating Bhishm with leniency and could not digest it further. Throwing aside the reigns of horses he jumped from his chariot to lash at Bhishm. Infuriated Lord Srikrishn rushed to him barefooted with bulging read eyes targeting Bhishm. The awestruck armies shouted aloud, -'Grandfather Bhishm is gone.......' .
As a fierce lion pounces upon an elephant so did Lord Srikrishn appear in fury over Bhishm. The victim was yet, unmoved. "O Lotus eyed! Come. Lord! I salute you. O the best of Yaduclan! Kill me today. I shall be graced. Govind! By your descending from the chariot alone I have been honoured in three spheres. Please attack me. I am merely your slave." Bhishm wished to embrace death in the hands of his sole lover Lord Srikrishn. Arjun however, chased Lord Srikrishn again and withheld him with great difficulty on the tenth step. "O large armed! You had said that you would not participate in the war, Please do not belie your words. If you do so the world will call you a liar. Leave this task to me. I will kill grandfather. I say so by my all weapons, truth and auspicious deeds." Words of entreaty flowed from the lips of trembling Arjun. Lord Srikrishn, considering his plight, contained himself and mounted back his chariot, still seething in fury. His angry countenance inspired and amused his devotee Bhishm who resumed showering arrows on his dear grandson and Lord Lord Srikrishn nonchalantly, performing as an enemy in the arena of battlefield.
charmer who purifies the cursedones
Lord Srikrishn
was a perfectly carefree boy whose company cheered up his friends. Once during
their journey through the woods the boys felt hungry and told Lord Srikrishn
about it. Lord Srikrishn said, -"My dear friends! Not very far from this
place are some Brahmans performing a Yajna to attain Swargalok.
Go and tell them that Lord Srikrishn and Balaram had asked for something to
eat". The boys went there and prostrated before the Brahmans
and said -"O Incarnations of god! We have come to you as asked by Lord
Srikrishn and Balaram. Lord Srikrishn and Balaram have reached here while
grazing their cows. They are hungry and expect some food from you."
The Brahmans did not pay any heed, being busy in making efforts to attain Swargalok
without realizing that Lord Srikrishn is the superior most god of Universe.
They neither said yes nor ‘no’ to the boys, waiting for alms. The disappointed
boys returned to Lord Srikrishn and told him the happenings.
Lord Srikrishn,
laughed and inspired them, saying, -"In this world failure is a part of
the game. One should not give up hope. Keep trying and the success will be
yours." The boys had given up hope. Lord Srikrishn called
upon them, -"My dear friends! Go to their wives and tell them that Ram and
Shyam have come here. They will give you as much food as you need. They all
love me dearly and keep thinking of me." This time boys
approached the ladies to beg food.
Merely by
learning Lord Srikrishn's arrival the ladies cheered up and began to collect
all the tastiest food for him. Their relatives and husbands tried to stop them
but they rushed like swollen rivers to whet the appetite of their eyes to see
charming Lord Srikrishn. They had been listening to his tales and always longed
to see him.
Seeing their wish, being fulfilled, and their joy knew no bounds. The pious
ladies reached near river Yamuna and found Lord Srikrishn roaming around with
his brother Balaram, surrounded by friends. Shining like a full moon amidst
twinkling stars in his golden Pitamber wrapped around a dusky skin, a
garland of wild yellow flowers fragrant on his bossom, he held lotus flower in
one hand and leaned on the shoulder of his friend. His beautifully painted
cheeks, crown of peacock feathers, curly hair locks dangling about and face
gleaming with a beatific smile hypnotized the ladies. They kept on gloating
over him for long as if trying to enshrine his image in the sanctum sanctorum
of their love lorn hearts.
Aware of their
love and devotion, Lord Srikrishn cast an ensnaring glance at them, saying,
-"Fortunate ladies! You are welcome. Come and sit. Tell me what should I
do to please you? I know that you have come here to see me. This behoves only
the true devotees like you. There is no doubt that all wise men in this world
love only me, as a lover. They do not seek any worldly achievement. I welcome
your love and devotion. You have seen me. Now go back to your husbands. They
have to complete the Yajna with your help." The
ladies were idolized as if in a trance. They could hardly express their
feelings, -"O omniscient god Lord Srikrishn! Your words are full of
callousness. You should not say so. Shrutis say that one who attains God
need not go back to the world. Please prove your saying enshrined in Shrutis.
We have left behind all and everything to be yours; to place the Tulasi
leaves touched by your lotus feet in our hair. Lord now our families will not
accept us what to talk of others. O! The Bravest of all, we seek shelter in
your lotus feet. Please do something so that we need not go back to anybody
else." Lord Srikrishn said, -"Gracious ladies! Your relatives and
families will not discard you. Not only they but also the entire world will
honour you. There is a reason behind. You have become mine, mingled in to me.
Deities do endorse my words. My physical vicinity alone is not the cause of
love to me. Better go and mentally remain one with me. Very soon you will be
one with me." The austere ladies obeyed him. They went back to their
husbands pondering constantly over their meeting Lord Srikrishn and felt deeply
enthralled to have found his divine love. Greatly amused and delighted, they
completed the Yajna properly. Their husbands who later on realized their
error of not seeing Lord Srikrishn also honoured them.
Thus Lord
Srikrishn blessed the ladies who were born on earth because of a curse of Saptarishis
(seven celestial sages who are believed to rotate around pole star in sky). In
their previous lives they were the pious wives of Saptarishis. Once during
a Yajna God Agni got attracted to them and approached them with desire.
Their husbands who were the greatest of seers renounced them and left
them to be born on the earth for their purification.
Sporting with muni Uttank
After
the war of Mahabharat, Lord Srikrishn took leave of the Pandav and
started for Dwarka. He reached the desert of Marvar. Muni Uttank, who
used to live there, worshipped him. He knew the prowess of Lord Srikrishn and
felt convinced that his presence was enough to establish peace. He therefore,
eagerly asked-"Lord Srikrishn! Have you established peace between
Kaurav and Pandav? I always wished that they should join hands and add to each
other's glory and happiness. Are they at good terms now? Have you fulfilled my
hope?" Lord Srikrishn paused and indifferently said- "Great sage!
I tried my level best to establish rapport between them, but failed. They died
in the war. The Kaurav did not heed the advice of Grandfather Bhishm, Vidur and
mine. Only five of the Pandav are alive. Even their sons are no more. Amongst
the Kaurav only Yuyutsu is alive."
Uttanka
as if, fell from the heavens. His adoration for Lord Srikrishn vanished. He
enraged and said-"Madhusudan! Kaurav were your relatives. Even though
being capable, you did not save them. I cannot abstain myself from cursing you.
You neglected them despite your superhuman capability." Lord Srikrishn
gently interrupted-" Son of Bhrigu! Please listen to me, first. You are a tapaswi.
Please accept my one request. I will explain to you the spiritual wisdom. Even
after listening to that if you wish, you may curse me. Please remember no
person with a little tapasya can curse me. You have earned tapasya
with great effort and I do not want to destroy it.”, Uttanka who was steeped
with the pride of having garnered immense tapasya promptly said, -
"Keshav! Narrate this to me fast. I would either bless you or curse
you." Lord Srikrishn said, -" Sage! You know that it is me who
takes to the form of creation and sustain it. All attributes and wisdom issue
from me. Dharm issued from my mind. I adopt various forms to establish Dharm.
This time, being born as a human being I did not use my divine powers and
humbly requested the Kaurav to establish peace but they did not agree. I
angrily tried to scare them also but they did not budge. Now, after giving up
life they are in heaven. I have thus narrated to you the entire
happening."
Agitation
of Uttank vanished. He realized that no
one could harm or help anyone in this world. It is only the actions of
individual, which result in reaping of joy or sorrow; success or failure; birth
or death. Appeased by the wisdom, he implored Lord Srikrishn to show him
his divine form. Lord Srikrishn showed him his divine Vishwarupa as he
showed to Arjun and the sage praised him. A pleased Lord Srikrishn then asked
the sage to seek a boon. Sage did not ask any but Lord Srikrishn insisted
saying that his vision remains incomplete without giving a boon. The sage
said-"Lord! In this land water is scarce. If you wish to bless me, then
please make water available here." Lord Srikrishn smiled and said, -"Sure,
whenever you need water just think of me, sage" and left for Dwarka.
Uttanka attained peace and began to practice his routine of observing penance
as before.
One
day the sage felt afflicted with terrible thirst. As assured, he thought of Lord
Srikrishn to quench his thirst. Lord Srikrishn did not appear nor did any
source of water in the form of cloud or lake appear. What he saw was a naked
dark man surrounded by dogs, approaching him. His body was dirty and soiled.
Holding a sharp, naked sword around his waist and bow on his shoulder, the man
looked indescribably repulsive. There was no water pot in his hands and he came
to Uttanka streaming urine from his loins. He laughed and said to the
sage-" Uttank! Come and drink water. On seeing you suffering with
thirst, I feel great pity to you." The unsavoury offer to quench
thirst of a hermit who had talked to God, seen his unique divine form and had
been blessed by God, floored the pride of muni. How he wished to turn the
flagrant and impudent man into ashes instantly! He however, abstained himself
remembering the advice of Lord Srikrishn to not waste fruit of penance by
cursing anyone in wrath.
The
sage spurned him and inwardly abused Lord Srikrishn also who had apparently
taken him for a ride. As Uttank thought so, the man disappeared. Uttank was in
ineffable fury. Had Lord Srikrishn been in front of him he would have surely
cursed him this time. Not finding anyone or him around, the sage had no choice
but to wait for the denouement quietly.
Such
is the helplessness of all human beings before God. No matter what one may
attain in life, time invisibly makes everyone sear and suffer helplessly.
Meanwhile, Lord Srikrishn in his divine form appeared before Uttank, looking
perfectly innocent and gracious. Uttank felt all the more infuriated and said in
an authoritative voice, -"Lord! Offering urine of a chandaal to a Brahman
as water is not proper." In response, came the sweetest reply from
wistful Lord Srikrishn, - "Great Sage! Whatever form was appropriate for
giving water here was shown to you but you failed to understand. I had asked
Indra to give you ambrosia instead of water but he did not agree to immortalize
you by giving ambrosia, as you are a human being. When I insisted he said that
he would come to offer you ambrosia as a chandaal. Had you accepted it
you would have been immortalized, otherwise he did not agree to give you
ambrosia. You rebuked him and lost the chance”. Lord Srikrishn stopped for a
while. The glowing red countenance of muni turned pale as each single word of
Lord Srikrishn proved sheer incompetence and failure of muni to recognize the
king of deities, Indra. Lord Srikrishn further said,-“Anyhow it is over. I
bless you with another boon. Whenever you would feel thirsty clouds would
gather and rain in this desert. They would be named as Uttank clouds."
The
new boon brought back a glow on the face of muni. He could not help curb his
smile that radiated the delight and contentment of his heart. Thus Lord
Srikrishn sported with the sage and blessed him later on. Even now this nimbus
rains in the desert. Such is the approach of Lord Srikrishn who teases and
pleases alternately.
GOD MEDITATES on devotee
The battle of Mahabharat
was over. The Pandavs had finally won. They performed all rituals to
appease the souls of departed warriors. Yuddhisthir gratified all and honoured
his uncle and aunt well. He regularly gave away alms to Brahmans and poor. Once
he went to meet Lord Srikrishn in his palace. He found Lord Srikrishn seated on
a golden bed, wrapped in Pitamber, radiating a bright matchless aura.
Yuddhisthir saluted him with folded hands. No response came. Slightly amazed,
he went near the bed and said, -“Lord! Only because of your grace, have we won
the kingdom. Only because of your mercy, could we won the war and did not
swerve from the path of righteousness.” Yuddhisthir uttered many things in his
praise but Lord Srikrishn did not respond. He was in deep meditation.
Yuddhisthir was taken aback. He curiously asked, -“Lord! How’s this? On whom
are you meditating? This surprises me a great deal. Madhav, your body hair is
erect on its end. Body does not move even a little. Your mind and intelligence
are also still. Your body is inert like wood, wall or rock. You resemble a
statue. If I deserve and there is no secret in it then please let me know on
whom you meditate. For you are God yourself. You are the creator and
annihilator of this world. You are beginning and endless. You are the root
cause of all. I am your sincere devotee and offer my salutation in your feet.
Please tell me the secret of this meditation.”
Lord Srikrishn
came out of his meditation. He opened his serene lotus eyes. Such tranquillity,
such love issued from his eyes as Yuddhisthir had never seen in the past. As
face of Yuddhisthir strained sheer inquisitively, Lord Srikrishn joyfully
smiled and said, - "Brother! Grandfather Bhishm who is lying on the bed of
arrows is meditating upon me. He had withdrawn his senses, mind and
intelligence and taken shelter in me inwardly. I therefore, also got drawn to
him. He is the son of Goddess Ganga. Once he leaves this earth, the earth would
be deprived of wisdom and purity, just like a night... without moon. He is an
enlightened Man. With his departure the world would become devoid of light of
wisdom. I therefore, ask you to come with me. Let us go to him to rejoice in
the fountain of unique spiritual wisdom."
Lord Srikrishn
took the Pandavs to Kurukshetra where lay majestic and magnanimous
grandfather Bhishm, awaiting his great master Lord Srikrishn. Bed of arrows did
not irk him the least as his illumined countenance reflected perfect immersion
in peace and bliss. On seeing Lord Srikrishn in front of him, a beatific smile
adorned the lips of great enlightened soul. Lord Srikrishn blessed Bhishm
secretly and subtly allowing none to perceive the sharing of divine ecstasy
between him and his majestic devotee.
Banganga where
Bhishm breathed his last.
Greatest of
sages, present around him in their subtle bodies smiled to witness the scene
wherein Lord of Universe posing as a disciple bowed in the feet of great soul
encased in the mortal coil named Bhishm. Bhishm smiled and blissfully offered
his heartfelt prayer in praise of Lord Srikrishn. "Those who think of Lord
Srikrishn the entire time become one with him as butter oil melts into the
sacred fire of Yajna" concluded Bhishm in the end of a lengthy eulogy. Lord
Srikrishn also honoured him with great affection and respect. He requested him
to enlighten his grandsons before leaving the earth, pleading that the moment
he would discard his mortal coil, the earth would be left deprived of true
wisdom. Amused Bhishm answered all questions raised by Yuddhisthir about life,
ethics, politics, women and God. On being asked about the holiest of places and
most purifying water available on earth, Bhishm divulged that the holiest
abode is man's heart and the mot purifying water is knowledge of self and God.
One
who practices so, need not go to any pilgrimage.
No comments:
Post a Comment