॥ षष्ठ: स्कन्ध:॥
INTRODUCTION
Canto -6 ( षष्ठ: स्कन्ध:) of Shrimad Bhagavatam describes the fourth quality or लक्षण -पोषणं (Poshanam).-which means that Bhagavan protects His devotees भक्ता: always , even when they go astray and do acts contrary to Dharma ,and in the process commit sins.
This is similar to a mother observing her child who after a bath goes out and plays in the mud and thus becoming dirty- brings her home and gives a purificactory bath again and thus clean again.
The verses in the beginning of Bhavatha Dipika- commentary of Sridharacharya are reproduced to have a better clarity regarding this quality of Poshanam
श्रीधराचार्य भावार्थदीपिका
श्रीगणेशाय नम: । पुण्यारण्यॆ नृसिंहैकनामसिंहो विराजते ॥ यन्नादत: पलायन्ते महाकल्मष कुञ्जरा:॥१॥
विसर्गसंभवान् जीवान्स्वमर्यादासु संस्थितान् ॥ विष्णु: पात्यखिलै रूपैरित्येवं पञ्चमे स्थितम्॥ २॥
अध्यायैकोनविंशत्या षष्ठे पोषणमुच्यते ॥ अतिलङ्घितमर्यादभक्तरक्षणलक्षणम्॥ ३ ॥
अजामिलो मनुष्येषु महापापो यथाऽवित:॥ विश्वरूपादिघाती च यथा देवेषु वासव:॥ ४॥
अजामिलस्य भक्तत्वं विष्णुदूतैर्निरूपितम्॥ संकेतभगवन्नामपुत्रस्नेहानुषङ्गजम्॥ ५ ॥
इन्द्रोऽपि भगवत्भक्त: सख्येनोपेन्द्रसेवक: ॥ तदीनसुरैश्वर्यशत्रुनिर्जयजीवित:॥ ६॥
तत्रादौ त्रिभिरध्यायैरजामिलकथोच्यते ॥ विश्वरूपकथा षडिरिन्द्रदोषोक्तये तत:॥ ७॥
इन्द्र्स्यैव तु दोषोक्तये वृत्राख्यानं ततोऽष्टभि:॥ द्वाभ्यां च मरुदाख्यानमेवं प्रकरणक्रम: ॥ ८॥
तत्रादौ प्रथमे विष्णोर्दूतै: पातकिमोचने ॥ तत्पापख्यापनायोक्तं याम्यैर्धर्मादिलक्षणं ॥ ९॥
Meaning : In the forest of virtues (punya) - having trees such as undertaking pilgrimages,donations(dana) and japa there is one lion called Nrisimha (Bhagavan). On seeing Him or mere utterence of His name ,all the elephants known as sins run away. In the subsequent creation (visarga) all jivas who were created and Vishnu looks after them in all forms-this aspect was explained in Canto-5. In Canto-6, there are 19 chapters and the quality called Poshanam is the subject matter.Even when His devotees cross the limits of Dharma and commit sins Hari protects them- this is what is meant by Poshanam.
!) Ajamila who was a great sinner among men 2) Indra who killed Vishvarupa and others among Devas - these devotees were protected by Him.
1) The devotion of Ajamila is proven by the messengers of Vishnu- as uttering Hari's name accidentally out of his love towards his son ( not with an intention of uttering the name with any iota of devotion ). In the first three( 3) chapters the story of Ajamila is described.
2) Indra although a devotee of Hari ,who was looked after by Him with all the wealth in the paradise (svarga) and also victory over his enemies . As Indra killed Vishvarupa and thus committed a sin, this story is described in the next six ( 6 ) chapters.. Again to illustrate the Indra's sin the story of VRITRASURA is described in the next eight ( 8 ) chapters.
3) In the last two (2) chapters the story of Maruths is described.
Sri Vishvantha Chakravarthi in his commentary Sarartha Darshini confirms that Hari's Grace and His protection to His devotees when they cross the limits laid down in Dharma Shastras and even when they commit sins- is called Poshanam (His Grace). The Bhakta Vatsalyam is described in the Canto-6
Sri Giridhara Goswami in his commentary Bala Prabodhini mentions that पोषणं तदनुग्रह:..
According to him the reasons for 19 chapters in this Canto are;
1) Pushti is affected by Time (Kala) and Karma (actions ). Kala is divided into 12 parts. Karma is divided into 5 parts and the nature (svabhava) into 2- daivi and asuri - divine and demonic (12+5+2=19)
2) There are three ( 3 ) Prakaranas ( Topics ) as Uttering Hari's name, Dhyana and Archana (puja) are the three acts of worshipping Hari there are three (3) Prakaranas.
For want of space the verses in their commentaries expressing their views as above are not reproduced.
Thus there are 3 prakaranas in this Canto-6
1
विष्णोर्नाम समुच्चरन् न नरकम् यात्यस्तपापो यथा
विप्रोƒजामिलनामकः कृतमहापापः स दासीपतिः।
कृष्टः कालभटैर्भयान्निजशिशुं नारायणेत्याह्वयत्
तत्राƒƒप्तैश्च चतुर्भुजैर्यमभटा रुद्धा भटैः श्रीहरेः।।
Meaning: The very uttering of the name Vishnu by any human being will ensure the complete annhiliation of sins committed by him and there will be no need for him to go to Hell to undergo sufferings there to purge his sins and becomes purified. The example for this is Ajamila- a brahmin, who got associated with a prostitute maidservant and committed great sins losing all his qualities as a brahmin.. At the time of death he called out the name of his youngest son as Narayana out of fear,as he was forcibly taken by the messengers of Yama ( God of Death ). Immediately the messengers of Sri Hari (Vishnu) who had four hands came there and prevented the messengers of Yama .
Commentary: Parikshit after hearing Shuka describing about the various kinds of hells (narakas) and the various punishments to which all sinners are subjected to , became curious and asked the sage to explain to him as to how the human beings would not go to the hells at all. In other terms as to how they can avoid the undergoing of the sufferings in the hells.To this question Shuka replied that unless one undertakes acts or actions prescribed in the Shastras to get rid of his/hers sins -Prayaaschitta (प्रायश्च्चित्तं ) no one can avoid going to these hells. Shuka informed Parikshit that the best way to avoid reaching these hells is Not to Commit Any Sin either by body, mentally or by words (:मन उक्ति पाणिभि:), Granting that a person commits sins either knowingly or unknowingly , he should undertake the propitiatory rites as prescribed in the Shastras - appropriate rite or rites befitting the type of sins committed by him well before his death and purge his sins.
To this explanation Parikshit raised a doubt thai if Prayashchitta can be done for purging sins then people will commit sins, undertake the propitiatory acts and then will go on committing sins- similar to an elephant after a purifiactory bath in a pond comes out and then throws the mud and dust all overthe head and the body again. Is not this dichotomous?- This was the question posed by Parikshit.
Suka then in reply clarified to him that Prayashchitta is a solution to the devotees who follow the Dharma and commit sins through oversight. The people who are devotees of Vasudeva get rid of their sins only through their devotion ( भक्ति and भक्त्या).The sinners get purified only by associating with His devotees and by dedicating their lives to Krishna with their services, rather than undertaking penance etc.If a person devotes his mind even only once on the lotus feet of Krishna , then he need not go to the hell. Suka then narrated the story of Ajamila as an example to make Parikshit understand the great effect of uttering Krishna's name only once.. The efficacy of नाम संकीर्तनं- singing of Hari's names is described in the 3 chapters.
Suka continued the narration- There was a brahmin by name AJAMILA अजामिल: in the place called Kanyakubja..The commentators interpret his name as:
Suka continued the narration- There was a brahmin by name AJAMILA अजामिल: in the place called Kanyakubja..The commentators interpret his name as:
Meaning: A person who is covered by Maya. अजया मायया ज्ञानस्य मीलो मीलनं त्तिरोभावं यस्य स:; तथा
The various interpretations will be explained subsequently.
Ajamila once went to the forest to collect wood pieces . flowers etc as ordered by his father for religious purposes. There he saw a prostitute intoxicated with liquor and partially naked. .As she embraced him on seeing he lost his self control and got attracted to her. He neglected his old parents and also deserted a wedded wife and spent all his ancestral property and money on the prostitute. When he ran short of funds he indulged in all unrighteous acts such as -extortion of money from wealthy people, murders stealing, telling lies etc in order to satisfy her to say it in short all the Pancha Maha papa - 5 great sins. Many sons were born to him He became old reached an age of 88. He had an youngest son by name NARAYANA. He was so much attached to him that he was calling him by his name Narayana always. Thus he had been unconsciously repeating the name of Hari always in the past.
Some how when he reached 88 years of age he met with his time of death. At the time of death he saw three ( 3 ) messengers of Yama-the God of Death who had come to take his life and carry his astral body to the hell. On seeing them he was afraid and called his son as Narayana who was playing at some distance. As soon as he uttered the word NARAYANA the messengers of Vishnu appeared instantly - who also had four hands and appearances like Vishnu. They prevented the messengers of Yama from taking him to the Hell as per the orders of Yama
2
उक्तं श्रीवैष्णवै - ""रप्यघकृदयमनेनोदितं नाम विष्णो-;
स्तेनायं ध्वस्तपापो; विदितमविदितं कृष्णनामोच्चरन् यः।
तस्याघं मार्जितं स्यान्नरकगतिरमुष्यास्ति नो, गच्छतेति
श्रुत्वेदं प्राप्तगंगः स्मृतहरिरगमद् विष्णुलोकं द्विजः सः।।
Meaning: The Vaishnavas-meaning the messengers of Vishnu told the messengers of Yama thus- " Although he might have committed great sins , he has uttered the name of Vishnu at the time of death.It is for this reason that all his sins have been purged. Any one who utters Vishnu's name either knowingly or unknowingly all his sins get purged at that very moment.As Ajamila's sins have been completely purged, he does not become eligible to be taken to the hell.So he will not go to hell."
The messengers of Vishnu after releasing Ajamila from the clutches of the messengers of Yama disappeared. Ajamila heard the complete conversation between the messengers of Vishnu and Yama. He realised as to how he was saved from going to hell in spite of having committed great sins. He repented for his acts which led him to a very sinful life and not follwing the Dharma befitting his birth and upbringing as a Brahmana and also for having neglected his parents and deserting his wife.
Then he decided to devote his remaining life in the service of Hari. So he went to the banks of Ganges (Ganga) river. He meditated on Hari with Bhakthi and reached Vaikunta at last after his death.
Commentary: When the messengers of Yama questioned the messengers of Vishnu as to why they were preventing them from taking Ajamila to hell as per the orders of Yama-their master(See last verse and chapter) Vishnu's messengers asked them to describe the principles and nature of Dharma to them. Yama's messengers described in detail that what is prescribed in Vedas is Dharma and any act not confoming to the code of Vedas is Adharma. As Ajamila had committed sins of serious nature he should be taken to hell for getting punishments due for those sins,In chapter two (2) Vishnu's messengers clarified that even when he committed sins of serious nature Ajamila had uttered the four (4) lettered word NARAYANA as an atonement to all of his sins at the time of his death.Any sinner does not get purified from his sins by doing Prayashchitta by undertaking penance or by following vows and Vedic ritualastic ceremonies for atonement. But the moment one utters the name of Hari thus extolling His qualities and Greatness. Further they clarified that the utterance of the name of Hari even indirectly,jokingly,for some musical entertainment or even in a negligent manner ( MEANING THAT THE UTTERANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OTHER THAN AS AN ATONEMENT TO SINS) purges any body from all sins.Further if one chants Hari's name and then dies of some accident,by slipping, or breaking his bones,bitten by a serpent or from painful fevers etc or injured by a weapon, he or she is immediately purged of all sins and should not suffer by going to hell. As a heap of wood is burnt by a small fire or a medicine unknowingly taken ( but which will cure a particular disease ) cures a disease, the utterance of Hari's name even unknowingly purges the heap or volume of one's sins.. Even great sages proclaim that the utterance of the name of Hari is the best form of atonement to one's sins in preference to any other mode of atonement.
When convinced by the messengers of Vishnu with reasoning and arguments , the messengers of yama released Ajamila from imminenent death.Ajamila prostrated Vishnu's messengers. After repenting for his sins he decided to devote his remaining life to the service of Hari with devotion. Accordingly he went to the banks of the Ganges river and with total detachment and devotion he meditated Hari and ultimately reached Vaikunta on death.
Thus this chapter emphasises the Greatness and Efficacy of Nama Sankirthanam of Krishna.
3
संवृत्तं कथितं यमस्य सदने दूतैर्यमः प्राह - ""नः
सर्वान् पाति हरिः; स एव जगतः स्वामी; कथास्तस्य यः।
वक्ता नाम श्रृणोति वा स्मरति वा यत् किञ्चिदस्य प्रसा-
दार्थम् कर्म करोति तस्य नरकप्राप्तिर्न च स्यादि''ति।।
Meaning: The Yama's messengers went and told Yama all what happened between them and the messengers of Vishnu. Then Yama instructed his messengers as- " It is Hari who protects all of us.He is the master and controller of this Universe.Those who narrate or hear His leelas or stories extolling His Virtues, or who sing His names or hear them or remember His names- those doing all these acts to get His Grace will not reach Hell or they will be eligible for undergoing any punishment in hell "
Commentary : When the messengers of Yama asked if there are any body else other than YAMA who are the rulers or controllers or justices who decide the punishments or rewards with contradicting views , then every body will have to be punished or rewarded or nobody need be punished or rewarded or nobody will die or get moksham. Yama replied that" all the lokapalas and others are under the control of Hari. Only 12 of us - Brahma, Narada, Shiva, Santh kumara, Kapila,Manu, Prahlada,Janaka,Bhishma,MahaBali, Sage Suka, and Yama himself- know about the Bhagavatha Dharma. Bhakthi towards Hari , beginning with the chanting of His name is the highest Dharma for any living being in this world. It is because of this chanting of Hari's name , Ajamila did not meet death and purged of his sins in entirety and avoided going to hell. You will bring to hell , only those who have NO BHAKTHI towards Hari and who do not even chant his names ,or mentally meditate upon Him or Who do not prostrate or worship Him and not others who are otherwise devoted to Him."
This story of Ajamila was narrated by Agastya on Malaya mountain duly worshipping Hari. Havind said thus Shuka maharishi concluded the story of Ajamila.
This story of Ajamila was narrated by Agastya on Malaya mountain duly worshipping Hari. Havind said thus Shuka maharishi concluded the story of Ajamila.
4
प्राचेतसस्तदघमर्षणतीर्थगामी
दक्षस्तपोकृत सुदीर्घमपत्यकाम:।
यद् हम्सगुह्यमनुना भगवान् प्रसन्न-
स्तस्मै वधूम् वरमभीष्टमदादसिक्नीम्॥
Meaning: Daksha was born again as the son of Prachetas and became a Prajapathi- who was asked to increase the creation further. In order to carry out this, Daksha went to the sacred river or pilgrimage called Aghamarshana and did penance duly meditaing on Vishnu. (The hymn sung by him on this occasion is in verses 23 to 34 of chapter 4 of Canto-6 ). This hymn contains the secret Hamsa Mantra. Pleased with his devotion Hari appeared before him and knowing his intention to engage himself in creation asked him to marry the daughter of Panchajana Prajapathi by name Asikni. and Daksha will be able to multiply the creation by way of union between the man and woman ( by the way human procreation takes place ).Many children will be born to them.
Commentary: This chapter describes the way human procreation takes place from this time onwards.Sridhara in his commentary says:
हंसानां परमहंसानां गुह्यं रहस्यं तेन हंसगुह्येन तत् नाम्ना स्तोत्रेण - The Hamsaguhya stotra is the hymn for the ascetics to practise with utmost secrecyThis hymn is Vedic and not originated from Daksha.
As all the commentaries say that this hymn is the central theme of this chapter Hrasva Bhagavatham also confirms this aspect.
5
पुत्रा दक्षस्य नारायणसरसि निमग्नाश्च मंत्रं जपन्तो
हर्यश्वा नारदाप्तेश्वरभजनरसास्त्यक्तकामा विचेरुः;।
भूयः सृष्टांश्च पुत्रान् मुनिरकृत तथैवात्र दक्षेण शप्तो
"मा विश्रान्तिस्थलं तेƒस्त्विति हरिकरुणामेव मेने स शापम्।।
Meaning: The 10000 sons of Daksha known as Haryashvas went to a place called Narayana Saras and did penance for increasing the creation , as ordered by their father -Daksha.Knowing this Narada went and saw them. He informed them the purpose of human birth is to aim for cessation of births and deaths and not to get involved in it.This advice was given by Narada Rishi to them in an indirect way. Harashvas understood the advice and with complete detachment worshipped Hari and went to Vaikunta. When Daksha heard this he became angry butwas pacified by Brahma Then again when 1000 sons known as Shabalashvas were born and when they were engaged in the act of penance Narada once again went and directed them to the way their elder brothers followed. Accordingly they also followed the foot steps of their brothers and reached Vaikunta.
Then on hearing this Daksha became angry and after summoning Narada to him cursed Narada that he would never be stationary at one place . On the contrary he will have to roam from place to place. Narada accepted this curse as a Grace of Krishna on him . This is the special characteristic of Great Mahatmas -Great Souls- They never get perturbed under any circumstances either favourable or unfavourable .
Commentary : Narada advised the sons of Daksha about the purpose of human birth is to aim for its cessation and not for continuance. They understood by the introspection of the truth and followed the way Narada shown to them. Daksha , on the contrary felt that Narada misdirected them to follow the path of ascetics and not that of house holders. Daksha felt that the path of ascetics should be followed after experiencing the lives as house holders. Hence Daksha cursed Narada.
6
दक्षः षष्टि सुताः ससर्ज च; कृशाश्वायेन्दवे कश्यपा-
यैता अंगिरसे ददौ निजसुता धर्माय भूताय च।
तासां पुत्रपरम्पराश्च पुपुषुः सर्वत्र दैत्याः क्रमे-
णादित्या अपि कश्यपस्य तनया आसन् मिथो वैरिणः।।
Meaning: Afterwards sixty (60) daughters were born to Daksha. They helped him to increase the creation.Daksha gave them in marriage to - Krushshva, Chandra, Kashyapa, Angira, Dharma and Bhuthas. Their generations in the form of sons,daughters , grandsons and granddaughters increased the creation well. Kashyapa married both Adithi and Dithi. Devas were born to Adithi and Daityas were born to Dithi. There was enmity among them always.
Commentary: Krushashva married 2 daughters-Archis and Dhishana. Chandra married 27 daughters who were the 27 stars(nakshatras). Angira married Svadha and Sati. Bhutas married Sarupa. Dharma married 10 daughters- Bhanu, Lamba,Kakub, Jami,Vishva, Sadhya, Marutvathi,Vasu Muhurtha, Sankalpa. Kashyapa married 13 dauhters- Adithi, Dithi, Danu,Kashta,Arishta, Surasa, Ila,Muni, Krodhavasha, Tamra, Surabhi,Sarama, Timi and also Vinata. Kadru,Patangi and Yamini.
All these daughters of Daksha created various species of lives.From Adithi , devas were born whereas from Dithi and Danu- the demons known as Daityas and Danavas were born. Both the Devas and Datiyas and Danavas were enemies
7
इन्द्रः श्रीमदबाधितो निजगुरुं दृष्ट्वाƒप्यनादृत्य तं
दैत्यैरुन्मथितो विरिञ्चवचनात् तं विश्वरूपं गतः।
""रक्षास्मान् भव नो गुरुस्त्व''मिति चाप्यभ्यर्थयामास; स
स्वीकृत्यैतदयं गुरुर्दिविषदां मन्त्रं ददौ वैष्णवम्।।Meaning: INDRA who was the son of Aditi was the lord of Svarga (paradise). He became proud of his wealth. When Brihaspathi- Deva Guru came to his assembly (Sabha) Indra did not offer his respects and insulted his Guru. In view of this insult Brihaspathi left the paradise , although Indra felt sorry for his act in insulting his Guru.. Taking advantage of Brihaspathi's absence the Daityas and Danavas (Demons ) waged a war and Indra was defeated and fled from the paradise. Later Indra and the other devas went to Brahma for counselling. Brahma advised them of their folly in ignoring their Guru and directed them to adopt Vishvarupa ( Son of Twashta(Deva) and Rachana -the daughter and sister of a Daitya) , as their Guru.
Accordingly all the Devas went to Vishvarupa and requested him to be their Guru. They appealed to him to protect them and advise them to get back their paradise from their enemies.Vishvarupa agreed to be their Guru and gave them an armour (Kavacha or Varma) known as Naryana Varma ( A Hymn on Vishnu).
Commentary: NARAYANA VARMA hymn was given to Vishvarupa by his father Twashta. It is called Vaishnava Vidya also. Vishvarupa gave this valuable mantra to Indra to enable him to win over back his kingdom of the paradise.
8
एतेनोक्तं - ""विशुद्धा जपत सुरगणा मंत्रमेतं प्रभाते
मध्याह्ने च प्रदोषे निशि भुवि दिवि चाप्यन्तरिक्षेƒतलादौ।
जाग्रत्स्वप्नाद्यवस्थासु च भवतु सदा सर्वतो रक्षिता में
विष्णुर्लोकैकनाथः परमुरुकरुणश्र्चक्रपाणे! प्रसीद''।।
Meaning: Vishvarupa taught the hymn called NARAYANA KAVACHAM OR NARAYANA VARMA. Vishvarupa told the devas - " Devas! Recite this hymn with purity in both body and mind on all the times- in mornings, afternoons, sunsset, and conjunction of two sandhyas (pradosha), in nights, in earth, in svarga, in the antariksha (intervening space between the earth and worlds above) and in the nethar regions and also in 3 states of waking, dreaming and in deep sleep , praying Hari who is Mercy Personified to protect them always, and grant their wishes.
Commentary:The entire chapter 8 of Canto-6 describes this hymn in very much detail.By regularly reciting this hymn we can ensure our well being in this world and will lead us to a higher spiritual path. Please refer to the Purana. Indra and the other devas after reciting this Mantra with faith could defeat their enemies of Daitya and Danavas and could regain their kingdom -svarga.
9
एवं मंत्रमुपास्य वर्धितबलः शक्रो जितारिर्गुरुं
त्वाष्ट्रं यज्ञहविर्ददानमसुरेभ्योƒहन्; जिघांसुर्हरिं।
त्वष्टा चाप्यकृताभिचारहवनं; जातस्ततो भीकरो
वृत्रस्तः तद्भयतः सुराश्च शरणं प्राप्ताः स्तुवन्तो हरिम्।।
Meaning: Indra after worshipping Hari with this Mantra obtained both physical and mental strengths and defeated his enemies and regained the paradise.As Indra saw Vishvarupa offering oblations to Asuras in a sacrifice could not tolerate this act of Adharma and therefore cut off his 3 heads- known as Somapeetham,Surapeetham, Annadam and killed him. Twashta could not bear the loss of his son and Indra's act of killing Vishvarupa. He performed a sacrifice ( An Abhicharika Yagna- meaning not for the welfare of somebody but with an intent to kill someone or harm him) with an intention to produce an enemy to Indra who will kill him. Out of the sacrifice area VRITRASURA- A DEMON came out and he created an havoc among the devas.Indra and others could not face him in the war and therefore surrendreed themselves to Hari.
Commentary: As Vishvarupa was the son of Twashta (a deva ) and his mother was Rachana (a daitya) , he had affection to both the groups. It is because of this affection that he gave a portion in a sacrifice to the Asuras. This is certainly against the act of Dharma by him. Indra could nottolerate this and out of fear he killed Vishvarupa by cutting his 3 heads, As Vishvarupa was a brahmana sage this was tantamount to a brahmahatya.The 3 heads transformed into 3 forms of impurities. Indra accepted this sin of brahmahatya with folded hands and suffered for one year to purify himself and distributed the reactions arising out of brahmahatya to the earth, water, trees and women.
Twashta on coming to know about the death of his son Vishvarupa at the hands of Indra could not tolerate the loss of his son and performed a sacrifice to prodce an enemy to Indra who would be able to kill him Due to the fault in uttering the Mantra with proper intonation, VRITRASURA came out from the sacrifice fire. He became an enemy to be killed by Indra instead of killing Indra. The reasons are explained in the commentary. They are reproduced in original to appreciate the reason for this lapse in uttering the VEDA MANTRAS with proper intonation
When Vritrasura came out he created terror among devas who could not stand before him in the war that ensued. Therefore they had surrendered themselves to MAHA VISHNU with an appeal to protect them
. 10
उक्तः श्रीहरिणा बृषा सह सुरैर्लब्ध्वाƒस्थि दध्यङ् मुने-
र्विप्राद् योगिवरादतः खलु कृतं वज्रं वहन्नायुधं।
प्राप्तो युद्धभुवं; पलायनपरान् दैत्यांस्तु वृत्रोƒवदद्
"युद्धे शत्रुहतस्य चाच्युतपदं स्मर्तुश्च मृत्युर्वरम्।।'
Meaning: Shri Hari told them to approach Dadhithi Maharishi- an yogishvara and a jnani and request him to donate his marrow bone for making a weapon called Vajrayudha.Indra did precisely as he was told and Dadhichi Rishi donated his marrow bone to Indra who made a weapon out of it.He reached the war field with that Vajrayudha and a war ensued. Many demons ran away from the war field. On seeing this Vritrasura told them - " those who die in the course of the war and those who worship and remember the lotus feet of Shri Hari - both the types of deaths are great and equal in merits."
Commentary: In the last chapter Vishnu made Indra and others understand that it was Dadhichi Maharishi who taught NARAYANA VARMAM to the Ashvini Kumaras in the form with a horse head. Dadhichi Rishi taught Narayana Kavacham to Twashta who in turn taught to Vishvarupa. Therefore all of them should go to the sage and ask his marrow bone to make a Vajrayudha. After Dadhchi left his mortal body by yogagni ( fire induced by practising yoga) Vishvakarma made the Vajrayudha out of the rishi's marrow bone. When Indra went to the war the demons could not stand before his prowess and fled from the war field. Seeing the demons running away for their lives Vritrasura addressed them that as death is certain and it is better to die in a war field.
11
वृत्रः शूलधरश्च देवभयदः शक्रप्रयुक्तां गदां
गृह्णन् दन्तिवरं प्रताड्य¬ च ततः प्रोचे हसन् वासवं।
"पापस्त्वं निजकर्मभिः; प्रहर मां वज्रेण; देहेन मे
कुर्यां भूतबलिं महेन्द्र! सदयं गृह्णातु मां श्रीहरिः।।'
Meaning: Vritrasura had a Trident with which he was fighting the devas and the devas overcame with fear on seeing him fighting in a fierce manner. He could easily snatch the mace from Indra and hit his Iravata on the head with such force that it had to retreat. Then he told Indra -" You are a sinner by your act in killing my brother Vishvarupa- Your Guru and also committed Brahmahatya by killing a brahmin.You release your Vajrayudha on me. I will sacrifice my body in this war field -by Bhuta bali. I always pray to Sri Hari to accept me as his servant.
Commentary : As Vritrasura was telling Indra of his misdeeds and becoming a sinner he remembered Hari and prayed to get His Grace. His statements are the examples which will illuminate any devotee.His appeal to Hari in verses 21 to 27 in chapter 11 are full of Bhakthi and Jnana.Vritrasura's prayer was that in conformity to the advice of Sankarshana he wanted to totally detach himself from the worldly material affairs and leaving his body in the battlefield to get a place similar to the great sages. He did not want mukthi but whatever be the form of his future births he wanted to engage himself in the services of His devotees and his prayer would always be not get involved in samsara. but to engage himself in the deotional service to Hari.
12
एवं देहं जिहासुर्निजमसुरवरो वज्रिणा कृत्तहस्तः
शक्रं प्रोचे - ""न कुर्मः किमपि वयमिदं चेशतंत्रं समस्तं।
युद्धे मृत्युर्जयो वा भवतु, न च ततो दुःखतोषौ ममै''वं
धीरो वज्रेण कृत्तो न्यपतदधिरणं प्राप सायुज्यमुक्तिम्।।
Meaning: Vritrasura was prepared to die on the battlefield ,and wasthe great among asuras .Indra cut of both his hands with his Vajrayudha.Vritrasura told Indra- " All of us are under the control of Vishnu. WE do not do any thing by ourselves. Let there be victory or defeat in a war. I am least bothered about both. Both are equal to me and neither I will be happy or regret for the result" In this manner Vritrasura faced Indra with courage and equanamity. Indra killed him with his Vajrayudha. On death Vritrasura attained Sayujya ( ONENESS WITH HARI )- A RARE OCCURANCE
Commentary : In the drama called -Samsara men are not independent . The time , The acts of all of us depend upon Vishnu. We are the instruments like a doll in a show. IN spirit and substance there is no defeat or victory-pleasure or pain . This means there is no second thing other than Paramatma. Vritrasura understood this great vedantic truth and instructed to Indra also. On death he attained the Vaikunta Loka and became one with Hari
13
हते वृत्रे देवास्तुतुषुरघबाधाकुलमना-
श्चिरम् हित्वाƒƒहारं सरसिरुहनालीमधिवसन्।
हरिं स्मृत्वा चेष्ट्वा धुतसकलपापः कुलिशभृद्-
बभूवे,न्द्रस्त्वन्यो नहुष इति पापाच्छयुरभूत्।।
Meaning : When Vritrasura was killed all the devas were happy. Indra was affected by his sin in Brahmahatya. He undertook fasting as a penance to purge his sin was worshipping Hari with Bhakthi, by hiding in a lotus stem for 1000 years. With such penance he could wipe out the ill-effects of his sin.Rishis purified him with an Ashwamedha ( horse sacrifice). When Indra was doing penance Nahusha became Indra. As he was infatuated with the wife of Indra and committed an unrighteous act of carrying him on a palanquin by the Rishis. As Agastya became angry with him AFTER THE MISBEHAVIOUR BY NAHUSHA HE CURSED NAHUSHA TO BECOME A SERPANT. Thus Nahusha became a serpant and Indra became Mahendra.
Here the Prakarana of Vishvarupa and Vritrasura ends.
Here the Prakarana of Vishvarupa and Vritrasura ends.
14
वृत्रोƒयं श्रृणु शूरसेनविषये प्राक् चित्रकेतुर्नृप-
स्तस्यैकाजनयत् प्रिया सुतमतो हृष्टाƒभवद् भूमिपः।
ईर्ष्याकोपबलादमारयदमुं बालं सपत्नीजनः
सर्वे दुःखहतास्तदाभिƒययतुः श्रीनारदश्चांगिराः।।
Meaning:After hearing Vritrasura's story Parikshit was surprised to know that a asura or a demon had developed great Bhakthi towards Hari .This is was very uncommon and he wanted to know as to how a person born as a rakshasa or a demon having predominantly rajo and tamo gunas could develop devotion which was unparallel and could be achieved only by great sages who have only satva guna in them.So he questioned Suka raising a doubt. Suka replied - " Hear ! This Vrtira was in previous birth a king in the Shurasena kingdom by name Chitrakethu.Kradyuthi was the name of the queen. In addition to her he had 10000 wives. But he had no issues. So when Angira Rishi visited him. When the king expressed his wish to have a son , angira gave the queen charu taking which she would conceive and deliver a son. Later a son was born to them. The king and queen were overjoyed and looked after their son well. But Chitrakethu neglected other wives. So they were jealous and killed the king's son by giving poison to him. When the king and queen saw that their son dead.their sorrow knew no bounds. Learning about this situation Angira accompanied by Narada Rishi came to the palace of Chitrakethu
Commentary: To the question raised by Parikshit as to Vritra was, Suka narrated his previous birth.
15
उक्तं चांगिरसा "भवान् खलु हरेर्भक्तः कलत्रे धने
पुत्रे वा ममतां जहातु; सकलं मायामयं नश्वरं;।
देहो दुःखकरः शरीरिण; इमं देहाभिमानं त्यजे-'
त्येनं नारद आह - "भूप न चिराद् द्रष्टासि सङ्कर्षणम्।।'
Meaning: Both Narada and Angira addressed Chitakethu as- " You are a Bhaktha or devotee of Hari.So please abandon the thought of wife, children wealth kingdom which are the source of pushing one into samsara. So leave the feeling that they are Mine and I. All what you experience is due to Maya or illusion All these are perishable.When you have a body you get attached to it. So do not have the attachment to your body." After advising the king Angira stopped for a while. Narada told the king that he would teach him a mantra and by constantly recitind for seven days he would be able have the darshan or vision of SANKARSHANA-ANOTHER FORM OF HARI.
Commentary: It was Angira by whose Grace Chitrakethu got a son. On his death it was the same Angira who came and taught him the Atmavidya- Knowledge of Self. He advised the king that if one gets attached to the matrial world and things that are perishable that will be the source of sorrow. So he advised him to develop Varagya.
16
राजाƒथो नारदप्रेरितमृततनयप्रोक्तमाकर्ण्य पुत्रे
निर्विण्णो राज्यपत्न्यादिषु च मुनिवरादाप्तमन्त्रोपदेशः।
दध्यौ देशे विविक्ते हरिमचलमनाः क्वापि, सङ्कर्षणाख्यं
दृष्ट्वा ज्ञानं स लेभे परममधिपतित्वं च विद्याधराणाम्।।
Meaning: To make him understand the futility of having sorrow for his dead son Narada by his yogic powers called the jiva of the dead child ( as asked for by the other relatives). The Jiva informed them that there were numerous parents for the jiva in his previous births. To which parents will he be able to pacify?. Hearing this the kings wives and others also developed Vairagya.Chitrakethu was taught by Narada the Mantra to propitate Sankarshana. So he went to a solitary place and meditated on Him reciting the Mantra constantly for 7 days and nights. At the end of that period Sankarshana appeared before Chitrakethu and gave him the Highest Knowledge-to realise the self and also Bhakthi with Jnana.By the Grace of Sankarshana he got the superior position as the king and head of Vidhyadharas ( a class of devas ).
Commentary ; Narada taught Chitrakethu the Mantra only after he developed Vairagya. For this purpose he summoned the dead child's jiva who made them understand that their attachment was not real but the all the relationships had no permanent existence.The jivas take birth in accordance with their Karma in the present and previous births. When their Karma is exhausted,they die and take new births. So the sorrow is of no use.
17
श्रृण्वन् विद्याधरीणां हरिनुतिममलो वर्षलक्षाणि नीत्वा
गच्छन् वैमानिकः खे स च कथमपि तं शंकरं चाद्रिमूर्ध्नि।
अङ्के कृत्वा प्रियां स्वां मुनिसदसि परज्ञानदं हा! विनिन्दन्
रुद्राण्या दत्तशापो व्यजनि हुतभुजो दैत्यवर्यः स वृत्रः।।
Meaning: Chitrakethu after meeting Sankarshana and getting Atmavidya from Him became very pure in his mind. He spent many lakhs or millions of years as a head of vidhyadharas duly hearing theprayers and hymns sung by the Vidyadhara women. He was also praised by the sages ,sidhdhas and charanas. While he was endowed with such a fame and also all wealth due to the Grace of Hari,on one occasion he travelled in the plane given by the Bhagavan Himself to him and went round this universe. He happened to go to Kailasa mountain where Shankara was seated Parvathi by His side and they were in a position embracing each other. Shiva was teaching the sages there and also encircled by sidhdhas and charanas.Chitrakethu on seeing this laughed at Shankara and ridiculed HIM for being in an embracing position with Uma, in the presence of everybody-with no sense of shame for doing this. Shankara hearing this smiled and kept quiet. But Uma could not bear the insult heaped on Shankara by Chitrakethu.Uma condemned him for his ignorance about Shiva, who is held in high esteem by Brahma and other sages.She cursed Chitrakethu for his fault of criticizing Shiva to become a demon or Asura , as he is unfit to be in Vaikunta or getting Hari's Grace.
Chitrakethu with reverence to Shiva and Uma realised his mistake and accepted the curse as a favour to him and not as a punishment. He was capable of cursing Uma back . But he did not do so as he regained his composure and regretted his action in criticizing them.On account of this curse Chitrakethu became VRITRASURA in his next birth. The memory and the Bhakthi towards Hari did not desert him in that birth as asura. With such a superior devotion to Hari he got Sayujya in that birth.
Shiva also praised Chitrakethu's equanimity in adverse situations and his traits as Hari Bhaktha to the assembly of sages and Uma.After narrating the reason for Chitrakethu becoming Vritrasura in his next birth Shuka Maharishi told Parikshit that who hears or narrates this episode with devotion to Hari every morning is sure to reach Him at the end of his life.
Giridhara Goswami in his commentary Bala Prabodhini expresses his opinion that in chapters 1 to 3 the greatness of Nama (Nama Tatvam ) is extolled and from chapters 4 to 17, the greatness of Hari's form (Rupa Tatva) is extolled. Thus the Prakarana of Chitrakethu eposode was described from chapters 14 to17.
18
"दैत्यान् हन्ति वृषे'ति रुष्टहृदया खिन्ना दितिर्मानिनी
पुत्रं शक्रहणं चिकीर्षुरभजद् विष्णुं व्रताचारिणी।
मायी गर्भगमर्भकं कुलिशभृद् भग्नव्रताया दिते
श्च्छित्वा चाकृत सप्त सप्ततनयान्; रोषं जहौ सा सती।।
Meaning: Diti , the wife of Kashyapa Prajapathi felt that Indra was killing the Daityas ( her sons ) always with help of Vishnu. She was angry so much that she wanted to get a son who will kill Indra. With this objective in her mind she , on the advice of her husband kept a vow for one year - known as Pumsavana Vratham in order to get an immortal son who would be capable of killing Indra. Indra on his part came to know her intention in worshipping Hari. Indra went to her and served her with an objective of killing the embryo before being born. He concealed his intention and was looking for an opportunity to execute his intention so that she should commit a serious fault. When she slept on one evening without washing her feet-which is prohibited while observing the ritual, Indra entered Diti's womb by his yogic powers and cut the embryo into 7 pieces. When they cried for his help he cut them each into 7 pieces again . Thus the 49 sons of Diti became accomplices and friends to Indra and he accepted them as such. On coming to know about Indra's act and became calm abandoning her anger towards him. Indra apologised to Diti for his act of destroying the embryo.
Commentary; Kashyapa Prajapathi had 12 sons by Aditi- Vivasvaan, Aryama, Pusha,Twashta, Savitha, Bhaga, Dhatha, Vidhatha, Varuna, Mitra, Shakra (Indra ), Urukrama (Upendra ). The lineage and descendants of Twashta was decribed earlier with Vishvarupa and now the descendants of Savitha is described in chapter 18 and also others- Bhaga, Dhatha, Vidhatha,Varuna,Mitra, Indra etc. Then the descendants from Dithi are explained in this chapter. Suka explained to Parikshit that 49 Maruths were born to Dithi and they were childless and became one with Indra.Parikshit asked him to explin as how this happened. So Suka described the birth Of Maruths to Parikshit-this is explained in the above verse also.Suka concludes the narration of this chapter by saying that hearing of ths birth of Maruths will bestow all welfare .
19
राजन्, पुंसवनं ततं श्रृणु दितेः पत्योक्तमादौ सती
शुद्धे मार्गशिरे च पक्ष उदितं विप्रैर्मरुत्संभवं।
श्रुत्वा भर्तुरनुज्ञया हरिमथो लक्ष्मीं च संपूजयेत्
कुर्याद् दण्डनमस्कृतिं च जुहुयादग्नौ हविश्च क्रमात्।।
Meaning:Suka told Parikshit - " O King ! Now I will narrate the Pumsavana Vratham to you (as you have asked me to describe in detail ). The procedure and the restrictions in following this vow were explained by Kashyapa to Dithi earlier. The woman who is very much devoted to her husband should with her husband's permission should observe this vow. She should start observing fast and follow the rules rigidly right from the 1st Thithi (day) in Shukla Paksha (waxing moon ) in the month of Margashirsha. She should hear the story of the birth of Maruths from the priests appointed for this purpose.She should worship both MAHA VISHNU AND MAHA LAKSHMI with appropriate mantras and prostrate before them with prayers. Then she should perform homam (havan ) iby invoking them in fire with the help of the priests.She should observe this Vratham with faith.
Commentary :Rules and the procedure for observing this Vratham ( vow ) is described in detail in the 19 th chapter of Canto-6 of the Purana. The Phala Shruthi for this vow is described therein.
According to Bala Probodhini the Kriya Yoga for worshipping Hari is described in the last two chapters.
Suka Maharishi the Pumsavana Vratham in detail for the welfare of this universe.
No comments:
Post a Comment