|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 296 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  147

Jayathi  Jananivaso Devaki Janmavadho | Yadhuvara Parishathaisvardhorbirasyana Dharmam | Sthira Chara Vrajinaghan: Susmitha Srimukhena| Vrajapuravanithanam Vardhayan Kamadevam ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, Thus, Lord Krishna and sixteen thousand and one hundred wives lived a blissful married life, in the richness of the Dwaraka, they have performed various amusements, water sports with the most charming Krishna who assumed sixteen thousand and one hundred forms and lived happily with his wives. 

The wives of Krishna were so attached to him, so they often experienced the pain of separation from him while he falls asleep after the performance of amorous sport with them, and they converse with the Cuckoo “ Oh! Cuckoo, why did you make chirping noise in the early hours of dawn, how did Krishna get to sleep? He would be taking pleasure in the company of us in the late night, so do not wake him up in the early morning with your chirping sound.  Are you feeling the same pain of separation as us while he falls asleep? Oh! Chakravaki, why are you shedding tears? What happened to you? Are you Dasi of Krishna? I could trace out tears from the corner of your eyes. Are you shedding tears of pain from the separation of him? Oh! Ocean, why are you keeping awake with the pack of restless tides? Are you feeling the pain of separation from Mukunda? Oh! Lord Chandra, are you sick? What happened to you is that because of the pain of separation from Krishna? Oh! Lord Vayu, you are bringing rich fragrant breeze, and enhancing the pain of cupid of arrows in us, we are already soaked in the thought of the pleasure of amorous sport with him.  Oh! Clouds, you are a close companion of Krishna, are you contemplating the Srivathsa on the chest of Lord Krishna? Are you showering rains like tears due to the pain of separation from Yadhavendhra? Oh! Kokila, are you trying to pacify us with your sweet melodious songs?  Your marvelous music relieves us from the pain of separation from him.  Oh! Mountain, you are firm in a place, are you waiting for the footsteps of Krishna on your bosom like peaks? Oh! King of oceans, all the rivers merge in you and you are anxiously waiting for their arrival, same as we are waiting for the union with the Supreme Lord Krishna who is fast asleep.  Oh! Swan, you are unblemished and serene, you are favorite of Krishna, therefore kindly tell us more about Krishna and make us happier.”  In this way, the wives of Krishna were relentlessly thought of their husband.  Lord Krishna provided Dharma, Artha, and the Kama to all his wives, and took great pleasure in their company and made them happy.  These couple had several children, while the destruction of the entire clan of Yadhavas with the iron rod, the Dwakara submerged in water.   Vajranabha who was born to Anirudhdha and granddaughter of Rukmi has remained on the Earth. 

The Supreme Lord Krishna was incarnated on the Earth to remove the wickedness of the souls and elevate them to the supreme Lord.  He elevated the virtuous and pious souls and the wicked souls fought each other and brought their own destruction.  The Supreme Lord incarnated as the son of Devi Devaki and Vasudeva in the Yadhu clan had the splendor that excelled sacred river Ganga, along with Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi elevated the liberated souls.  Victory to that supreme Lord who resides as a soul in the living beings! Victory to that supreme Lord who was incarnated as the son of Devi Devaki! Victory to the supreme Lord who showered compassionate grace on Vrajeshwaris!  Whoever takes shelter at the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord will not have birth again, whoever listening or reciting the glorious myths of supreme Lord and contemplate upon it would get relieved from miseries and sorrows, eventually, attains the supreme abode.

In this legend, the sixteen thousands of wives of Krishna represent the various thoughts that come across the mind, it constantly remembers his eternal presence as soul, he is the source of all those thought processes, the flock of fruitful and  unwanted thought as well.  The ultimate object of the soul is the constant remembrance of the Supreme Lord who resides as soul, which is the source of all those thought processes.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 295 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  146

Santhana Gopalam

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, The wife of Bhramin got pregnant with the tenth child; he remembered the promise of Arjuna and took shelter in him.  Arjuna arrived in Dwarakara with his divine weapons and Gandeeva to protect the child.  A divine chamber was arranged with the power of Astra, for the delivery of the child.  Thus a Soothigriham/delivery room was constructed with the bed of arrows/Sharapanjjaram.  The Brahmin was extremely happy to see the whole new arrangements, and his wife was thrilled to give birth to the child.   Arjuna was excited and prepared to perform the task which was not performed by Krishna or Balaram.  Thus the time has arrived for the delivery of the child; they could hear a loud shriek of the wife of Bhramin. The husband went to check on his wife, she cried out loudly saying that, even though she has given birth to the child but there was no trace of the child in the chamber.  Bhramin could not control his anger, he cursed Phalguna for his false promise, and he showered abuses on Arjuna ‘Oh! Arjuna, you have promised to protect our child, you have self-praised your valor as a Kshatriya, comparing to Krishna, Balarama, Pradhyumna, and Aniruddha, see what happened now.” Arjuna felt ashamed of himself, disappeared from the sight of Bhramin and conducted rigorous searches in the abode of Yama, Indra, Agni, Nairuthi, Saumya, Vayavya, Varuni, Rasathalam, and Nakaprishtam.”  Arjuna had to return empty-handed before the Bhramin who was already in a rage, arranged a heap of woods and asked to perform the atonement for his false promise. Arjuna prepared to sacrifice his body in the fire, someone sized his hand forcefully, and it was Krishna with a mischievous smile. 

Krishna invoked a celestial chariot, and both of them were seated on the chariot, it has crossed  Sapthadhveepa, Sapthasindhu, Sapthagiri, and Sapthaloka,  and it has arrived in a place of extreme darkness, Arjuna was horrified watching the unique sight.   Soon Krishna hurled his divine Chakra; it moved ahead releasing supreme brilliance.  Suddenly Arjuna witnessed an intense radiance of thousands of Adithyas, Lord Narayana seated on the thousand hooded serpent Anantha, was surrounded by Rishis and Sages eulogizing him.  The supreme Lord adorned in magnificent ear ornaments and crown, various precious ornaments, Kausthubham, Srivathsam, and Vanamala. He was surrounded by Sunandha, Nandha and Parshwadhas, he was holding divine weapons in eight arms, Shankha, Chakra, Kaumodhaka, Padma, bow, protective shield, sword,  and arrow.  Krishna and Arjuna got down from the chariot and prostrated before the supreme Lord Adi Narayana. 

Lord Vishnu speaks “ Oh! Krishna and Arjuna, I have brought the sons of Dhvija in my custodian, to produce both of you in my abode. You both have incarnated on the Earth at my command and you both are my inseparable part, after performing the amusements you can return to me.” Krishna and Arjuna prostrated before supreme Lord Narayana and returned with the children of Dhvija. Thus, Arjuna’s pride was shattered, understood all that valorousness and fame was achieved with the grace of Krishna, he realized that it was the boundless mercy of Krishna protected him all through his life.

In this legend Maharishi Vedavyasa talks about the Pravriththi Marga and Nivriththi Marga.  The living beings are bound by Karma, the Pravriththi Marga describes the performance of the Karma with great enthusiasm but without expecting its fruitful results, and the Nivriththi Marga is the attainment of renunciation/sense of abandonment. Even though the Dhvija has lost all his children were safely under the custodian of Adi Narayana, Arjuna who was swollen with the pride of a Kshatriya elevated his soul with a promise to the Brahmin and the consequent incidents.  Therefore, it is vivid that all those material losses are happening with an ultimate object to elevate the soul to supreme Lord.  In short, all the material matters, people, wealth, fame, richness, possession, etc… have to face constant transformation and ruin, the supreme Lord resides as a soul in living beings has no death or birth.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 294 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  145

Santhana Gopalam

Ekadha Dwaravathyam Thu Viprapathnya: Kumaraka: | Jathamathro Bhuvam Sprushtva Mamara Kila  Bharatha|| Vipro Griheethva Mrithakam Rajadhvaryupadhaya Sa: | Idham Provacha Vilapannathuro Dheenamanasa: ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks” Oh! Rajan, It was happened during Krishna was living in the city of Dwaraka, there was a Bhramin’s wife who lost all the children born to her, every time that Bhramin would bring the corpse of the infant and keep it before the  Palace gate and weep bitterly praying to supreme Lord Krishna “Oh! Bhagavan, you have brought back the son of the Maharishi Sandheepani, you have brought back the lives of the lost children of Devi Devaki, you are most promising to Vipra, why did you keep quiet and test my devotion? Oh! Bhagavan I have lost five children, kindly give them back.”  Every time, Krishna would pacify him saying that everyone has to undergo the fruits of their past Karma, and everything will be alright soon, this was repeated a quite few times.   Finally, the Bhramin was completely drained out of patience, at the loss of the ninth child.  As usual, he brought the corpse before the gate of the palace of Dwaraka and spoke in extreme resentment “Oh! Bhagavan I have heard from scriptures that if the city was ruled by a wise and virtuous Kshatriya, it won’t cause any ill-fortune to Vipras. Your immoral deeds brought inauspiciousness to Bhramins.” Unfortunately, Arjuna was present in the assembly of Dwaraka, Krishna did not react to the cries of Bhramin, but Arjuna could not tolerate the harsh words of the Bhramin. He rushed to Bhramin with extreme anger, in the meantime, Krishna left the assembly.”  

Arjuna spoke “ Oh! Bhramin, you need not worry, I shall promise you, and I will save your tenth child.” Bhramin looked at Arjuna with a dislike; thought that even the deities, Krishna or Balaram and Pradhyumna or Anirudhdha could not do anything in this matter, therefore it is definite that this Kshatriya could not perform any miracle.  At that moment, Arjuna took his Gandeeva and promised to the Bhramin, if he did not protect his tenth child, he would sacrifice life in the fire.  Bhramin spoke “Oh! Arjuna, even Krishna, Sankarshana, Pradhyumna and Anirudhdha, was not able to do anything in this matter, how could you promise this to me?”

Na Aham  Sankarshano Bhraman Na Krishna: Karshnireva Cha | Aham Va Arjuno Nama Gandeevam Yasya Vai  Dhanu: ||

Arjuna haughtily replied to him “Oh! Bhramin, I am not Sankarshana, or Krishna, or Pradhyumna, I am Arjuna and I have a powerful bow Gandeevam, I have won over Lord Maheshwara, do you think it is difficult for me to conquer Lord Yama?” Thus, Bhramin left the palace of Dwaraka and reached home, informed his wife about the news of their tenth child yet to be born.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 293 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  144

In this legend of ‘Rudramokshanam’, the demon Vrikasura represents ignorant who is soaked in the worldly matter, possession, richness, and material comforts.  He conducted penance for material welfare, received a boon from Lord Shiva who is inseparable from Shakthi, without the knowledge that all the material matters have to undergo ruin.  The body is derived from the Prakrithi that undergoes constant transformation and ruin, therefore anything attained from the Prakrithi also has the same nature.  The spiritual advancement is a technique of balancing act, the practice of remaining unattached while living in the material world with the knowledge of impermanent nature of Prakrithi, and practice of constant meditation and contemplation upon Supreme Lord who resides as a soul which is eternal, so that it will lead the individual to remain undisturbed in the presence and the absence of the wealth, people and possessions, eventually the Jeeva would attain the state of perpetual bliss.

Saraswathya Thate Rajan Rishaya: Sathramasatha | Vitharka: Samabhooththesham Thrishvadheesheshu Ko Mahan|| Thasya Jijjasaya They Vai Bhrigum Bhramasutham Nripa| Thajjapthyai Preshayamasu: Soabhygadh Bhramana: Sabam ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, once there was a grand fire sacrifice held on the riverbank of Saraswathi located on the Badrikashrama.   It was the regular practice among the illustrious Rishis and Sages assembled to discuss on various philosophies after the Yagna proceedings.  They were all assembled in the arena and discussed the topic that who is highly tolerant in the trinities.  Thus, they have decided to test on Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara, who have the highest of the endurance level.   Eventually, Sage Bhrigu who is the son of Lord Bhrama was assigned to test the patience in trinities.  Sage Bhrigu went to Bhrama Loka, he did not offer initial obeisance to his father, Lord Bhrama infuriated at the misdemeanor of his son, and Sage Bhrigu left the Bhrama Loka.    Soon Lord Bhrama realized that his son has arrived to test his patience.   As the part of the mission, Sage Bhrigu visited Mount Kailash was received by Lord Maheshwara with great enthusiasm, he rushed to embrace was disapproved by Sage Bhrigu, watching the venomous serpents and scorpions all over his body.  Lord Maheshwara in a fury took his trident pointed against Sage Bhrigu was intervened by Devi Parvathi and pacified Lord Maheshwara.  Sage Bhrigu visited Sri Vaikundham, and saw Janardhana was reclining on the serpent Anantha, he kicked hard on the chest of Lord Vishnu.  Soon, Lord Vishnu rose from the bed of serpent and reverentially prostrated before Sage Bhrigu and anxiously inquired whether he got hurt from the harshness of his chest.  Lord Vishnu repeatedly begged for forgiveness for not offering obeisance at his arrival.  Further, Lord Vishnu massaged the feet of Maharishi.  Maharishi Bhrigu was highly pleased with the compassion of supreme Lord Vishnu and returned to the place of Yagna, he described all that happened in the abode of trinities.  Soon, all the Rishis assembled were declared Lord Vishnu as most serene, he did not express rage on the misconduct of Sage Bhrigu, and in its place, he received the Sage with great honor and expressed extreme compassion upon him.”

In this legend, Lord Bhrama who is the creator of all the living and non-living things that have impermanent nature, Lord Maheshwara is the destroyer of those living and non-living things, and LordVishnu who is the protector resides as a soul in living beings; it has neither death nor birth.  Therefore whoever strikes balance between the material life while living in the material world, with the knowledge of its impermanent nature and contemplate upon the supreme Lord who resides as the soul which is perpetual is the only way to achieve the serenity of mind.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 292 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  143

Rudramokshanam

King Pareekshith speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, which is the most auspicious deity Lord Shiva or Lord Hari? Heard that the worship of the supreme Lord Shiva makes wealthiest than the worship of Lord Hari who is adorned Goddess Mahalakshmi on his chest.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, the human mind and intellect consist of Thriguna, in the same manner, Shiva and Shakthi are inseparable entities, Shakthi has Shodashavikara/sixteen types of emotions.  Hari is Purusha, he is beyond Prakrithi, he is Nirguna who is void of Gunas, resides as Sarvadhrik/witnessing everything, and therefore the worship of Lord Hari makes the worshiper beyond virtues and Prakrithi.  Oh! Rajan, it was the same question raised by your grandfather Dharmaputhra to Lord Krishna, during the time of Rajasuya Yagna in Indraprastha.”

Yasyaham Anugrihnami Harishye  Thadh Dhanam Shanai: | Thathoadhanam Thyajanthyasya  Swajana Dhukhadhukhitham || Sa  Yadha  Vithadhodhyogo Nirvinna: syath Snehaya | Mathparai: Kritha Maithrasya Karishye  Math Anugraham || That Bhramam Paramam Sookshmam Chinmathram Sa Ananthakam | Atho Mam Sudhuraradhyam Hithvanyan Bhajathe Jana: ||

Bhagavan speaks “Oh! Dharmaputhra, If I want to bless my devotees, slowly but surely I would take him away from all his richness, wealth, possessions, and fame, eventually he will be discarded by his own people, then he/she would be drench in extreme distress, ultimately all his relation with the material world and bondage would leave him/her, take shelter in me.  In this way, I would elevate him and unite with me, with the knowledge of my all-pervasive nature/Bhramam, Paramam which is beyond perception and description, Sookshmam/subtle nature, Sath/indestructible nature and  Anantham/eternal, an ignorant without understanding my nature keep himself away from me.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, I shall narrate an interesting legend, there was a demon named Vrikasura, he met Maharishi Narada, and asked which deity can be pleased easily. Maharishi Narada mentioned the glories of deity Ashthoshi who gets pleased easily and gets angry in no time.  Thus, Vrikasura undertook extreme penance to please Lord Shiva, as per the advice of Maharishi Narada.  Vrikasura arrived in Kedhara and began severe penance; he conducted fire sacrifice offering his body parts in it, in this way he continued austerities and fire sacrifice, offering each and everybody parts for seven days.  Finally, he lost patience, prepared to cut off his head and offer in the sacrificial fire.  Suddenly Lord Shiva appeared before him and patted him affectionately, immediately he regained all those lost body parts in the fire, he stared at the supreme Lord who informed his willingness to offer any boon.  Vrikasura asked for a unique boon, whoever receives the touch of his finger on their heads would turn into ashes.  Thus, Lord Shiva offered the boon to Vrikasura, soon he had a wicked idea to possess Devi Gauri, decided to experiment the boon on the head of Shambhu, and eventually Vrikasura chased Lord Shiva for long hours.  Finally, Lord Shiva rushed to the abode of Sri Vaikundham and eulogized supreme Lord Vishnu.  Soon Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a Vatu, and called out for Vrikasura, understood the reason for chasing Lord Shiva.  Vatu distracted the attention of Vrikasura and his very idea to test the boon on Lord Shiva.   Further Lord Vishnu passed a derisive comment on Lord Shiva that none of his boons will work due to the curse of Dhakshaprajapathi oh him.  In this way, he prompted Vrikasura to test the boon on himself.  Vrikasura believed the words of Vatu, immediately put his hands on the top of the head, alas! Vrikasura burnt into ashes.  All the deities assembled in the sky and showered flowers upon Lord Vishnu who appealed to Mahadeva not to give boons like this to anyone.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 291 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  142

Shruthi Geetha -2

 Swajana Suthathma Dhara Dhana Dhamadhara Suradhai: Thvayi Sathi Kim Nrinam Shrayatha Athmani Sarvarase | Ithi Sadha Janatham Midhunatho Rathaye Charatham Sukhayathi Ko Nviha Swavihathe Swanirasthabhage ||

Shruthi speaks “Oh! Bhagavan, the deities and Lord Mahadeva with their constant practice of contemplation and meditation understood your eternal presence in them.  The illustrious Rishis and Sages contemplated upon your glorious form and achieved a higher state of spirituality by understanding the greatest philosophy, they have thoroughly realized that the worship of various forms is destructible and the philosophies are indestructible.  Oh! Bhagavan, there was nothing other than you before the creation of Universe and its living beings, once the Universe and its living beings came into existence,  the understanding about the Sookshmashareera has lessened, and the knowledge of Sthoolashareera has widened.  Oh! Bhagavan, you represent Sath/ indestructible supreme soul, and the Asath/Bhauthikashareera that undergoes constant transformation and ruin, the intellectual understands this supreme knowledge from reading the scriptures.  Oh! Bhagavan, the Universe, and its living beings have originated from you was defined in various sentences, the mind, and intellect that has the nature of Thriguna/Sathvik, Rajasik and Thamasik expanded from the presence of the supreme soul, the mind and intellect do not function without the presence of the supreme soul, therefore once, the supreme soul/Prana leaves the body, it is declared as a corpse.  Hence the mind and intellect originated from the supreme soul should merge in the supreme Lord with the constant practice of contemplation and meditation.  Oh! Bhagavan, your all-pervasive nature is defined as the presence of yellow metal in the precious ornaments, whoever understands the all-pervasive nature of you in living and non-living things, and practice constant contemplation and meditation, unite their soul with the supreme Bhramam, will not hurl themselves into the cycles of repeated births.  The ignorant turns away from you and keep taking several births.  Oh! Bhagavan, the entire functions of the Universe is taking place at your command, Sun, Moon, planets, stars, Earth, Air, Water, Fire, human intellect and mind, organs, etc.. are functioning at your command.  Intellectuals perform all their deeds enthusiastically, leaving the fruitful results to the supreme Lord, receives all the happenings in their lives as a grace of the supreme Lord.  In this way, they remain untouched by the happiness and sorrows.  Oh! Bhagavan, you are the source of the Universe and its living beings, it is the ultimate object of the Jeeva to elevate their souls to the supreme Lord, leaving all the wrong perceptions.  The Prakrithi is like a water bubble which has impermanent nature, rose from the water and merges in the water; you represent water, mind, and intellect originated from the supreme soul, it should unite with the Supreme Lord, the body originated from the essential five elements, therefore, it has to merge with nature.  Oh! Bhagavan, you have created Universe and its living beings with your Maya, intellectuals are least worried about your Maya because their mind and intellect are already wedged at your lotus feet.  Oh! Bhagavan, whoever surrenders their mind and intellect and ears to the preceptor, gets relieved from the worldly matters and people and elevates their souls with the complete surrender to the lotus feet of a preceptor.  Oh! Bhagavan, people who have vested their interests in wife, family, children, wealth, possession, fame, richness, etc. How could they attain the elevation of the soul to the supreme Lord?  People, who constantly think about the wellness of their people and the matters, how did they attain bliss? The sacred places and shrines are to keep them away from material matters and people and undertake meditation contemplating upon the supreme Lord, which would relieve them from repeated births and worldly bondage.  In this way, we can elevate our souls from trepidations, interest in worldly matters and attachments, that keeps the Jeeva stuck in the darkness of ignorance.  The Abudha/ignorant takes pleasure in the Prakrithi/impermanent nature without the knowledge of the creator of the Universe and its living beings, finally ends up taking several births.  Oh! Bhagavan, you free from attachments, the mind and intellect has the same nature too, due to the influence of Maya, we create attachments and bondage, like the eyes and sight are two different entities, like the air that we breathe does not attached to the body, hence once the Prana leaves the body, the eyes lose its sight and the body stops to breathe.  Oh! Bhagavan, whoever practices Ananya Bhakti/intense love and devotion upon your lotus feet, would uproot their interest in worldly matters and bondages. Oh! Bhagavan, you symbolize auspiciousness, whoever does not elevate their soul to the supreme Lord would be stuck with the inauspiciousness, whoever  elevates their soul with the process of Shravanam, Keerthanam, and Mananam understands the nature of happiness and sorrows are not two different entities.  Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Sacchindhanandhaswaroopa,/Sath is indestructible/Chith is the realization of the supreme soul/Anandam is the supreme bliss, whoever contemplates upon the supreme Lord who resides as soul in living beings, leaving all their anxieties and trepidations, you will be providing them supreme bliss, removing their miseries and sorrows.”

Sacchidhananda Roopaya Vishwothpathyaya Hethave | Thapa Thraya Vinashaya Sri Krishnaya Vayam Nama: ||

Bhagavan speaks “ Thus, Rishi Narayana describes the nature of Bhramam to Maharishi Narada, later it was retold by Sanandhan to Sanaka, Sanathkumara, and Sanathana.”

Namasthasmai Bhagavathe Krishnayamala Keerthaye | Yo Dhaththe Sarvabhoothanamabhavayoshathi: Kala: ||

Maharishi Narada speaks “The supreme Rishi Narayana who is Akhilaguru/Universal preceptor, described the ways to contemplate upon the Nirguna Bhramam, I shall repeatedly prostrate before that supreme Lord.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 290 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  141

Shruthi Geetha -1

Bhraman Bhramanya Nirdheshye Nirgune  Gunavrithhaya: | Katham Charanthi Shruthaya: Sakshath Sadhsatha Para: ||

King Pareekshith speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, the supreme Lord has no specific form, if there is no form how can we address it, I am surprised, how did the Upanishads describe the supreme Bhramam?”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, the supreme Lord is beyond intellect, mind, Prana, and Indhriyas, he is performing various amusements residing as a soul in living beings.  Oh! Bhagavan, you are the source of the functioning of the living beings, to achieve material as well as spiritual well-being of the living beings, which is repeatedly affirmed by the Upanishads, therefore it should be followed sincerely for spiritual advancement.  Oh! Rajan, There was an interesting conversation took place between Maharishi Narada and Rishi Narayana in Badarikashrama, regarding the nature of Bhramam which has neither form nor names.  It was answered by Narayana Rishi that was previously described in Shwethadhvipa by Sanandhana to Sanathkumara, Sanaka, and Sanathana.”

Sanandhana speaks “ I shall describe how did the Upanishads describe the supreme Bhramam that has no form or names”

Shruthi speaks “ Victory to supreme Lord! Victory to supreme Lord! Who is unconquerable, Oh! Bhagavan, you are all-pervading, pure, and unblemished.  You are described in the Upanishad as the supreme Lord who elevates the souls from the illusion. You symbolize Truth, Wisdom, Eternal Bhramam, you are beyond form, description, and perception, and you have subtle nature.  Oh! Bhagavan, all the living and non-living things undergo ruin during the deluge, like the broken mud pot remains mud, like the Sthoola Shareera undergoes ruin but the Sookshma Shareera remains unharmed/ the matter destroys and the energy remains intact, therefore the supreme Lord is described as superior cause/Paramakarana who keeps the mind and intellect indestructible. Oh! Bhagavan, you are that superior cause creates the Universe and its living beings and absorbs them at the time of the deluge.  The thought process of the mind and intellect causes the Jeeva to assume various bodies, the supreme soul causes functioning of the same.  Oh! Bhagavan, your Maya works according to your will. The intellectuals attain your lotus feet with the constant contemplation and meditation upon your lotus feet, in this way they immerse in the supreme bliss.  Oh! Bhagavan, whoever worships you with the thorough knowledge of your all-pervading nature, ‘Oneness-in-All’ lives their life fruitfully and others are ruining their lives, like the skin of wood is enough to produce fire in the absence of wood, although it provides fire,  will not have the real effect.  Oh! Bhagavan, there are various methods to worship you, some people worship you as Sthoolaroopa/idols, and others worship your subtle form resides as a supreme soul in their bodies, if it was practiced with the thorough knowledge of the Supreme Lord, they won’t take birth again and again.  Oh! Bhagavan, the Universe and its living beings of manifold nature has begun from you, you are all-pervading in it, like fire in the wood, the nature of fire will not change, and its volume may change according to the quantity of wood added in the fire.  Oh! Purusha, you reside as a soul in living beings of multifaceted nature, intellectuals worshiped you as the supreme soul that has no changes, with the knowledge that body undergoes constant transformation and ruin, eventually attained union with that Bramham.  Oh! Bhagavan, you have incarnated on the Earth to reveal that absolute truth, and elevate the souls.  Vedas originated from the experienced bliss of illustrious Rishis who invented the existence of a supreme soul within the living beings and constantly contemplated upon it.  Oh! Bhagavan, you are absolute truth, resides as a supreme soul in living beings, you are the constant companion of the living beings, therefore whoever do not worship you  without the knowledge of your presence in them, forgets your eternal presence and immerses in the material well-being, possession, wealth, and people that have to undergo constant ruin, is bringing Athmahani to them/ruin of their own soul, eventually, take several births and undergoes constant miseries and sorrows, like the rivers, have to keep their flow until they merge with the ocean.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 289 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  140

The twice-born, Shruthadeva lived in Dwaraka, and   King Bahulashwa of Mithila were ardent devotees of Krishna, they both had a desire to receive Lord Krishna in their places and serve him. Thus, LordKrishna along with illustrious Rishis, Maharishi Narada, Kanva, Vamadeva, Athri, Bhrihaspathi, and Maitreya visited the palace of King Bahulashwa in Mithila was received with great honor.  King Bahulashwa was extremely happy seeing Lord Krishna with illustrious Rishis and Sages, in his Kingdom of Mithila.  He felt the entire Kingdom got sanctified with the presence of ascetics and supreme Lord. Suddenly, Krishna remembered the promise to visit the twice-born Shruthadeva on the same day. He immediately assumed another form and received the hospitalities in the house of Shruthadeva.

Bhavan  Hi Sarvabhoothanam Athma Sakshi  Swadhrigvibho | Adha  Nasthvath Padhambhojam Smaratham Dharshanam Gatha: || Namasthubhyam  Bhagavathe  Krishnaya Kundamedhase|Narayana Rishaye  Sushantham Thapa Eyushe ||

King Bahulashwa eulogized the supreme Lord “ Oh! Bhagavan, who represents the soul in living beings, witnesses all the happenings, Oh! Vibhu, I am fortunate to have your presence in the Kingdom and immensely pleased to serve your lotus feet.  Oh! Bhagavan, you are the source of living beings, and you are the functioning mind, intellect, Gnana, and Karmendhriya, Prana and Panchaprana.  Therefore you are the greatest wealth of living beings. Oh! Bhagavan, you are incarnated in the clan of Yadhus, to elevate the souls of your ardent devotees and restore peace and serenity in them.  Oh! Narayana, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.  Oh! Bhagavan, my entire clan got sanctified with your visit, kindly stay with us and purify our souls.” Thus Lord Krishna resided in the palace of King Bahulashwa in Mithila.

Namosthuthe  Adhyathmavidham Paramathmane | Anathmane  Swathma Vibhaktha Mrithyave | Sakarana Karanalingameeyushe | Swamayaya Samvritharudhdha Dhrishtaye ||

Shruthadeva eulogizes the supreme Lord Krishna “Oh! Bhagavan, you are the creator of the Universe and its living beings, and you reside as a soul in the living beings, you are all-pervasive.  Oh! Bhagavan, you remain unattainable for people who are soaked in Karma, engaged in the performance of Karma for fruitful results and take pride in it.  Oh! Paramaguru who imparts the knowledge of the supreme Lord resides as soul, the intellectuals utilize the supreme knowledge to reconnect with the Lord who resides as soul, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.” Lord Krishna pleased with the devotion of Shruthadeva and stayed in his home as well.

Deva:  Kshethrani Theerthani Dharshana Sparshanarchanai: | Shanai: Punanthi Kalena Thadhapyarhaththamekshaya ||

Bhagavan speaks “Oh! Brahmin, the purpose of my visits to various lands, along with the illustrious Rishis and Sages are to purify the Earth.  The worship of deities, visiting Kshethra, Theertha, would bring the union of Bhramam with the gradual process.  The association with the ascetics and saintly men would elevate the soul instantly, with the close alliance of these intellectuals provides supreme wisdom, in this way souls can achieve purity immediately.”  The Supreme Lord Krishna pleased with the devotion of Bhramin Shruthadeva and returned to Dwaraka.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 288 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  139

Arjuna arrived in Dwaraka, settled under a tree and conducted meditation, the villagers informed Balarama about the arrival of a divine ascetic in the village.  Soon, Balarama informed Krishna, both of them arrived to meet the ascetic.  They prostrated before the saintly man, Krishna immediately understood it was none other than Arjuna disguised in the form an ascetic, they communicated in gestures. Balarama decided to take the saintly person to the palace and offer accommodation to conduct his austerities, followed by the condition that during this period of time Devi Subhadhra would take care of all his needs and serve the ascetic.  Thus Subadhra started her service to the saintly person.  Once, Subhadhra enquired the saintly man about Devi Kunthi and her sons, she further expressed her concern about Arjuna who undertook Tapasya.  The saintly man seized the hand of Subhadhra and revealed his identity to her.  Devi Rukmini noticed the visible changes in Subhadhra towards the ascetic, she asked Lord Krishna about it.  Thus, Krishna informed all about Arjuna to Devi Rukmini.  He arranged a chariot for Arjuna and Devi Subhadra to elope from the palace of Dwaraka.  Krishna along with Balarama and parents left for a pilgrimage, Arjuna took this opportunity to abduct Devi Subadhra in his chariot and left Dwaraka was chased by Yadhavas, but they could not get hold of them.

Arjuna and Subhadra returned to their place of stay, Subhadhra touched the feet of Devi Draupadi and introduced herself as the sister of Lord Krishna.  Devi Draupadi blessed her and embraced her in extreme happiness.  Thus Arjuna and Subhadra started living with the family of Devi Kunthi. In the meantime, the Yadhavas rushed to inform Balarama and Krishna who were undertaken pilgrimage.  Balarama could not control his anger, decided to punish Arjuna for his demeanor.  Eventually, Balarama understood it was a well-planned drama by Krishna; he blamed Krishna for cheating his own elder brother.  Krishna pleaded Balarama who was in a fury to kill Arjuna if he kills Arjuna and brings back Subadhra, will Duryodhana accept her? He narrated the story of Bhishma Pithamaha who brought the three princes in the Palace of Kuru, later Amba was rejected by her lover Salya, because of the touch of Bhishma Pithamaha, if that was repeated to Subhadra what would they do with her? If Duryodhana rejected Subadhra for running away with Arjuna, what would she do?  Further, the guards of the Palace explained to them that the chariot drove away by Devi Subhadra. Thus they have decided to perform an elaborate wedding ceremony of Arjuna and Subhadra.

In this legend of ‘Subhadhra Haranam’ Subadhra represents mind and intellect which is free from trepidation and anxieties have immense capabilities to perform the deeds with great enthusiasm and firm devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 287 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  138

Devi Draupadhi Vivaham – Subhadra Haranam

So apashyathaththra Mahathim Kanyam Veeramanoharam | Preethyuth Phullekshanasthasyam Bhavakshubdham Mano Dhadhe ||

Pandavas arrived in the palace of King Drupadha, there was a large number of Kings and rulers of various Kingdoms were assembled, Krishna, Kauravas were seated in the assembly.  There was an interesting challenge organized to find a suitable groom for Devi Draupadi.  The challenge was shoot arrow on the eye of the fish hanging down on the hook, looking down its mirror image on the water.  Arjun shot the arrow and won the challenge, thus he was married to Devi Draupadi.  They returned to meet Devi Kunthi, it was dark in the evening.  Arjuna called out for his mother and informed her about a wonderful thing he has brought from Panchala, Devi Kunthi answered his call instructing them to share equally with five brothers.  Thus, Draupadi has become wives for the five sons of Devi Kunthi.   She sincerely followed wifely duties to them.  They have decided Draupadi should serve one of them as her husband for a year if anyone breaks the rule should undergo punishments, would take up the pilgrimage for a year.   It was Arjuna who breaks the rule more often and undertakes a pilgrimage to various places. 

Once Arjuna was on pilgrimage, came to know about the marriage of Devi Subadhra, sister of Balarama and Krishna.  Duryodhana was the disciple of Balarama while leaving the Gurukula, Balarama was pleased on his skill in the usage of mace, promised Duryodhana that he would offer his sister Subhadra as his wedded wife.  Duryodhana approached Balarama and decided to get married to Subhadra.  Arjuna had a yearning for Subadhra from his childhood days, he decided to meet her immediately.  He disguised in the form of an ascetic, attired in a saffron robe, adorned in Rudraksha, smeared in sacred ashes, and went to Dwaraka. 

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 286 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  137

Namo Ananthaya Bhrihathe  Nama: Krishnaya Vedhase | Sankhya yoga Vithanaya  Bhramane Paramathmane ||  Rama  Rama Aprameyathan Krishna Yogeshwareshwara | Vedaham Vam Vishwa Srijam Eshwara Adhipurushau||

DeviDevaki approached Krishna and requested him to bring back her six children died in the hands of Kamsa. “ Oh! Krishna,  Oh! Rama,  Oh! Yogeshwareshwara,  Oh! Aprameyathma, you symbolize Veda, you are the creator of Universe and its living beings, I have understood you have incarnated on the Earth to reduce her burden.  You have to get back our children lost in the hands of Kamsa, I would love to hold them once again. Kindly, bring them back as a Dhakshina to your parents.”  Thus, Rama and Krishna conducted a thorough search for the children, finally arrived in the Suthalaloka of Mahabali.  He eulogized Krishna “ Oh!, Anantha, Oh! Krishna who is eulogized by Vedas, Oh! Paramathma who symbolizes Sankhya philosophies, Oh! Supreme Bhramam, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.”  Mahabali gave back those six children of Devi Devaki, eventually, Krishna and Rama returned to Dwaraka.  The children who died in the hands of Kamsa were the children of Hiranyakashipu in their previous birth.  Prahlada was the only ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, the rest of his brothers was not willing to worship Lord Hari.  Later, they had to take birth as children of Devi Devaki and Vasudeva and faced brutal death in the hands of Kamsa.  The moment Devi Devaki saw her children, she forgot all her sorrows, instantly fell in love with them.  Thus, those six children born in the womb of Devi Devaki who carried the supreme Lord in her womb as well got relieved from their sins instantly.

King Pareekshith speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, kindly narrate the legend of Rama and Krishna, and my Pithamaha as well.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Pandavas miraculously escaped from the wax house set to fire by the emissary of Duryodhana, they have crossed several miles and arrived in The Kingdom of Panchala.  They saw there were several Bhramins moving towards the Palace of King of Panchala, Pandavas enquired the reason for their visit.  They informed that it was the grand wedding celebration of Devi Drupadhi who is the daughter of King Drupadha.  Pandavas were already exhausted, tired of wandering all over in the woods and caves without any food, Bheema expressed his need to have meals urgently.  Thus, they have decided to attend the wedding, they were disguised in the form of twice-born.  Devi Kunthi revealed her inability to walk around, so she has stayed back in the hut of a potter.” 

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 285 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  136

Yadhricchayam  Nritham Prapya Sukalpamiha Durllabham | Swarththe Pramaththasya  Vayo Gatham Thvan Mayayeshwara || Asavahamamaivaithe Dhehe Chasyanyayadhishu | Snehapashair Nibadhnathi Bhavan Sarvamidham Jagath || Yuvam Na Na: Suthau Sakshath Pradhana Purusheshwarau| Bhoo Bharakshathrapana Avatheernnau Thadhaththaha ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, it was daily practice of Krishna wake up during the Bhrama Muhurtha, prostrate before his parents.   That day,  Vasudeva decided to prostrate Krishna when he approaches them to offer obeisance.  As usual, Rama and Krishna approached parents; Krishna looked at his father and smiled mischievously, instantly Vasudeva forgot all those feelings to prostrate his son. Thus Lord Krishna did not let his father prostrate before him. When Rama and Krishna was leaving after offering obeisance, Vasudeva seized the hands of Krishana, and spoke “Oh! Child, do not fool me with your Maya, I am already soaked in your Maya.  The living beings in the Universe are soaked in the worldly matters and bondage with the influence of your Maya. Oh! Krishna, I am thoroughly aware of the fact that you both are not my children. You both are Pradhana Purusheshwara, you both are divine personified to remove the burden of the Earth.  I forgot to take shelter at your lotus feet, which could remove all the bondages and interest in worldly matters, I was immersed in pleasing my senses.  I have lost the sense of your divinity and the purpose of your incarnation on the Earth to elevate the souls.  I have forgotten that instruction of the supreme Lord Vishnu to worship you as supreme Bhramam, I was drenched in love and affection and forgot that advice to follow. Oh! Krishna, kindly bless me.”

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Father, you are perfectly right, you were considered me as your son, but not like the supreme Bhramam, Oh! Yadhushreshta, kindly understand that all that you are witnessing, the people of Dwaraka and all those living and non-living things are functioning with the presence of self-illuminating nature of Athman which has neither birth nor death, it is eternal and void of changes.  The presence of Earth, Air, Ether, Water and Fire varies in the living beings, but nature does not change, it is the perception of the individual that forms his/her character.” Vasudeva bowed before his son, Krishna smiled mischievously at his father.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 284 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  135

Yan Mayaya Thaththva Vidhuththama  Vayam Vimohitha  Vishwasrijam Adheesha | Yadheeshithavyayathi Gooda  Ehaya  Aho Vichithram Bhagavath Vicheshtitham ||

Rishis looked at the face of Krishna and began to speak “ Oh, Jagathguru, it is your Maya that made the souls soaked in worldly matters and bondages, you are creating all those living and non-living things assuming various form and names from your Maya, finally it merges in you while living on the Earth they believe all those imaginary relationships with people, wealth, material comforts of destructible matters as real, without the knowledge of the supreme soul who resides as a soul in living beings.  The constant association with the intellectuals, who have profound knowledge in scriptures, would elevate the soul from worldly matters.  It is our Janmasaphalyam we had the opportunity to attain your nearness. Oh! Bhagavan, you are beyond ‘Time’,  you are Purusha,  you reside as a soul in living beings, you are the highest philosophy, you are witnessing all that happening, you are the essence of Veda, we shall prostrate before you.” They prostrate before Krishna and Krishna bade farewell to them. 

Namo Va: Sarvadhevebhya Rishaya:Shrothumarhadha | Karmana  Karma Nirharo Yadhasyan Nasthadhuchyatham ||

Vasudeva was listening to the conversation of Krishna between the illustrious Rishis and Sages, eventually, he felt unworthy of himself watching the illustrious Rishis prostrating before his son Krishna.  He felt guilty for considering Krishna as his son; he never had a thought to prostrate before him.  Vasudeva rushed after the Rishis, and stopped Maharshi Narada and enquired “ Oh! Maharishi,  I shall prostrate before you.  I want to hear from you, is it possible to remove the sin, with the performance of Karma/veneration of idols, fire sacrifices that could bring temporary satisfaction? Is it possible to get rid of the troubles with the performance of Karma?”  Maharishi Narada replied “ Oh! Vasudeva, I am surprised to hear from the father of Krishna, even attaining the supreme Lord as your child, like a person living close to the sacred river Ganga, searching for a sacred river to purify his sins.  I shall advise you to get rid of your sorrows; people who are soaked in Karma could elevate their souls with intense devotion, dedication, and faith upon Jishnu and please him, and accept all that incidents happen in life as the grace of Lord.  In this way, people who are living in Grihasthashrma Dharma could bring the serenity of mind and elevate their minds and intellect to the supreme Lord at ease.  Oh! Vasudeva, your son who is divine personified on Earth, instructed us to follow the same. I have nothing new to advise you, all that we have learnt from him.  Therefore learn to abandon Viththaishana/attachment to wealth, Yajja, Dhana Griha Dhara Suthaishana/ attachment to fire sacrifices, possessions, houses, wife and children, and conduct practice for achieving the elevation of soul/Athmaishana.”  Vasudeva became happy, he thought if he did not prostrate before the supreme Lord Krishna, it would be a great loss for him.

Viththaishanam Yajja Dhanair Grihair Dhara  Suthaishanam | Athmalokaishanam Deva Kalena Visrijedh Budha: | Grame Thyakthaishana: Sarve  Yayurdheerasthapovanam ||