Chapter – 70 – Chithrakethu
Upakhyanam - 2
Maharishi Angirass spoke “
Oh! Rajan, the mind is originated from the soul, it has two capabilities, either
to attach with worldly matters or elevate the soul by constant remembrance of
supreme Lord, like a tortoise pull out its head from the shell and return to
its shell during the hours of threat.
The life on the Earth is impermanent, all the living being has to return
to Earth, the soul has no death, it keeps take birth in different attire and
conducts its journey like the large number logs despatched through the water did not
accumulate on single shore, even though they have started traveling together from one
location, the destination will be
different. The body has to undergo
constant changes, but the soul remains unchangeable. If you do not contemplate upon supreme
Lord and keep attachments on worldly matters would be like ignoring the handful of
meal and licking on one’ own elbow, It would multiply your grief and sorrows.” Thus the two saints put great efforts to
elevate the soul of King Chithrakethu who was completely shattered at the death
of the child. Alas! King Chithrakethu
could not recognize them.
King Chithrakethu spoke “Oh!
Mahabhaga, you both are liberated souls, you both must have achieved great status in
spirituality, but I could not recognize both of you. Who are you? Kindly introduce to me.” King
wept bitterly.
Maharishi Angirass said “
Oh! Rajan, you know me well. I am
maharishi Angirass, I have performed fire sacrifice for obtaining the
child. This is Maharishi Narada who is
the son of Lord Bhrama. Oh! Rajan, I
have come here to elevate your soul which is grieving over the death of your
child. Previously I have visited to impart
the supreme knowledge, but you did not pay attention to any of my words, you
were already distressed in the absence of a child. Therefore I have decided even if I impart the supreme knowledge, it will not go into your mind. Now, your mind is full of pain and agony, you
are weeping at the separation of child and anxious of your life. Oh! Rajan,
You were under the misconception that all that wealth, glories, children,
wives, etc. are permanent; therefore you have vested all your interest and
attachment on them. Your mind was closely
attached to your body and worldly bondage caused extreme sorrow in you. Therefore, keep your mind calm and meticulously
ponder over it and come out of your grief. Oh! Rajan, think carefully how you should
react to this situation and elevate your soul.”
Maharishi Narada said “ Oh!
Rajan, I shall advise the supreme hymn, contemplate upon supreme Lord and
recite these hymns for seven nights, you
can attain Sankarshana as your preceptor.
He will guide you to achieve knowledge of the supreme soul.” Maharishi Narada looked at the face of King
Chithrakethu, who was not convinced thoroughly, he was still mourning at the death of his child.
Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh!
Raja Pareekshith, Maharishi Narada showed the soul of the deceased child with his divine
powers to King Chithrakethu. Then,
Maharishi Narada spoke “ Oh! Jeevathma did not see your parents and relatives
are grieving over your separation. They
are worn out of extreme grief and pain, therefore return to your body and enjoy the kingly pleasures with it.” The Jeevathma
replied “In which birth they have become my parents? the soul is taking several
births and performs its Karma.
Therefore, I have no parents; I have taken birth through them because of
the unfinished Karma. I have no
relationship with anyone other than supreme Lord who is my father, mother,
relative, companion, etc. hence all those relations made while talking shelter
in a body are not permanent, it keeps changing during different births. The soul cannot recognize its parents, it is
conscious about the supreme Lord only.
Oh! Prabho, tell them not to cry for this soul, it has taken shelter in
that body of the child due to ignorance. This mind has no capacity to think, or perform
its deeds without the grace of the Supreme Lord; therefore I have no relationship
with these people.” The Jeevathma left
the place.
King Chithrakethu got freed
himself from the grief and all the attachments to the child, like an elephant
drenched in mud raised out of the pothole of dirt, fallen at the feet of Maharishi Narada. King Chithrakethu got out of the darkness
of ignorance with the brilliant rays of Sun-like the advice of Maharishi Narada
and spoke “ Oh! Maharishi, kindly make my life fruitful, I have understood, I need not grieve over the separation of the child. I am
already worn out of worldly existence, Kindly elevate my soul.” King Chithrakethu took a dip in the sacred
river Kalindi and took shelter under the feet of Maharishi Narada who advised
the sacred syllables “ Om Namasthubhyam Bhagavathe Vasudevaya Dheemahi |
Pradhyumnayaruththaya Nama Sankarshanaya Cha ||” in this way, King Chithrakethu
sincerely followed the advice of Maharishi Narada and attained Sankarshana as
preceptor, eventually attained the supreme Bhramam. Later he had committed a mistake, therefore he had to take
birth as Vriththrasura.
