|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 55 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Kechith Swadhehanthar Hridhayavakashe  Pradheshamathram Purusham Vasantham | Chathurbhujam Kanjja Radhangashankhagadhadharam  Dharanaya Smaranthi || Prasannavakthram Nalinayathekshanam Kadamba Kinchilka Pishangavasasam | Lasan Maharathna Hiranmayangadham Spuran Maharathna Kireeta Kundalam ||

Shuka Bharamam speaks “Oh! Rajan, I have described the Sthoolaroopa/Virat Roopa of the supreme Lord to contemplate, which could bring union of mind and intellect to the supreme soul is considered as its origin.  Hence, the union of the soul to the supreme soul with the constant practice of meditation brings the state of Jeevamuktha/where there are no grief or pain, happiness or sorrow, eventually the soul will attain Bhramanirvana/union with the supreme Bhramam, which removes the Jeeva from the cycles of birth and death, like the river flows until and unless it merges with the ocean.  Oh! Rajan, I have described the ultimate object of meditation to you.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks, “ Oh! Rajan, Lord Bhrama attained the knowledge of creation and immersed in the creation of living beings.  Thus the Jeevas came into existence and engaged in various Karmas/deeds, they have started performing deeds to fulfill one’s own desires to make their lives promising and comfortable, ultimately the Jeevas got fastened with the various material desires and bondage find it difficult to attain serenity of mind.  An intellectual will not give importance to material matter or affairs or bondage, with the constant meditation and contemplation attains the serenity of the mind and approaches all the life events with a serene mind, eventually elevate their souls, they consider  a simple bed as super most comfort in the presence of a plain floor, the pillow is not a requirement at all, when they are capable to freely move their hands under the head.  In this way, an intellectual accommodate themselves into any odd situations in their lives with a serene mind.  Oh! Rajan, we have leaves and bark of wood to wear, we have pathways to walk, nature is the rich source of food and fiber roots, there are caves to take rest, and therefore whoever finds immense pleasure in meager comforts would achieve the union with the Lord effortlessly.  Oh! Rajan, keep your intellect and mind in the thoughts of supreme Lord Anantha who has neither beginning nor end resides as a soul in you and experiences his eternal presence in you and contemplate upon that marvelous form of supreme Lord, whenever your mind and intellect gets disturbed of worldly matters and bondage.  Oh! Rajan, if you find it difficult to concentrate on the subtle form of the supreme soul, you can envision the supreme Purusha who resides as a soul in all the living beings, and his marvelous appearance with four arms holding Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, and Padma, has a pleasing smile, eyes resemble lotus flower petals, attired in magnificent yellow silk garment, adorned in exquisite ornaments all over the body, gem decorated Kireeta, Kangana, Kundala, Angadha that spreads intense luster, adorned in Vanamala, Kausthubham, Srivathsam and Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi on his chest, decorated with marvelous anklets, waist ornaments, dark and beautiful curly hair locks adorned in the magnificent crown, beautiful eyebrows, forehead adorned in sandalwood paste and vermilion. In this way, you can practice meditation, fixing your glance from the feet to that magnificent crown of the supreme Lord Hari.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 54 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith – Mahapurusha Varnnana

Shukha Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, King Khatvanga elevated his soul in a few seconds, you have seven days left, therefore undoubtedly you will get relieved from all your qualms,  rise your soul from the fear of death.  I have a firm belief that you can understand the supreme knowledge of ‘self’ from this glorious scripture and elevate your soul. You have already abandoned your family and Kingship, and you are willing to hear the glories of the supreme Lord. Oh! Rajan, visualize the magnificent form of supreme Lord with a regulated breath, contemplate upon his glorious names so that you will get rid of the fleeting thoughts from your mind, in this way you can achieve calmness of the mind.  This is the initial stage to please the Supreme Lord; it would remove all those thoughts of material matters and bring utmost serenity.”

King Pareekshith speaks “Oh! Bhraman, how did I visualize the form of supreme Lord? How should I practice meditation?”

Shukha Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, the mind and intellect should be well prepared to understand this sacred scripture, for that practice you requires to be Jithasana/comfortably seated and with a curiosity to listen to it, should have devotion and faith to listen, Jithashwasa/understand the concept with a calm mind, Jithasangha/follow that sincerely without any doubt being in the association of holy men and practice it, Jithendhriya/practice control over senses, envision the magnificent form of supreme Lord who is all-pervasive Virat Purusha, whose feet represent Patal Loka, back of feet represent Rasathala, Gulpha represent Mahathalam, Jangha represent Thalathala, knees represent Suthalaloka, two thighs represent Athala  and Vithala respectively, waist represent Maheethala, navel represents the sky, chest represent Swargaloka, Greevah/neck represent Maharloka, face represent Janarloka/Agni, top of the head represent Sathyaloka, hands represent Indra, ears represent directions, nose represent Ashwinidevathas, eyes represent Surya, Vedas are Bhramarandhra, teeth represent Yama, smile represents Maya, upper lip represents Lajja, bosom represent Dharma, the stomach represents the ocean, and bones represent the mountain. Oh! Rajan, I have described elaborately about the all-pervasive nature of the Supreme Lord, contemplate upon that glorious form.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 53 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Jithasano Jithashvaso Jithasangho Jithendhriya: | Sthoole Bhagavatho Roope Mana: Sandharayedhdhiya||

Shukha Bhramam speaks “Oh! Nripa, you have raised a brilliant question which is highly promising  for ‘ Jeeva’ and welfare of the Universe, it would help the soul to elevate from the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence forever.  Oh! Rajendra, you have raised marvelous questions that will wake up the Jeeva that never spared time to realize the presence of the supreme soul in it, and completely engages in the worldly matters and bondage, spend solid time in sleeping in the night, and a good time with the children and wife, Alas! spends a little time performing daily rites that too for fulfilling one's own desires.  It causes the Jeevas to undergo constant miseries and sorrows of worldly existence, eventually dies without the knowledge of Athma Thaththva/knowledge of ‘self'.  Oh! Rajan, reading and reciting the glorious scriptures praising the splendor of Lord Hari, contemplating upon the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, is the ultimate shelter for Jeeva, hence elevates your soul to that supreme Lord and get rid of your fear and anxieties.”

Shukha Bhramam continues “Oh! Rajan, I shall describe the Sankhya Yoga which describes the knowledge of ‘self’ along with the practice of Swadharma, you will get rid of all the fears; finally, you will attain that constant remembrance of supreme Lord Narayana/supreme soul. I have taught the glorious Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran which is the essence of Veda and Vedanta, from my father Maharishi Dhwaipayana.   It is one of the glorious scripture that was learned by Lord Bhrama, holds supremacy among all the scriptures. It was the illustrious Rishis and Sages found after a thorough search with the practice meditation and recitation of the glories of supreme Lord Hari, Jeeva could get rid of extreme fear and anxieties of worldly existence.  Oh! Rajan, do not be anxious, you will attain serenity of the mind in seven days, you might have heard of the legend of King Khatvanga who elevated his soul in a few seconds.”

Once, there was a King Khatvanga from the clan of Raghu, highly skilled in war fields, Lord Indra was highly pleased with the skills of King Khatvanga instructed him to participate in the war between deities and demons.  He sleeplessly fought against the demons and conquered them.  Lord Indra advised King Khatvanga to live in his abode and get rid of physical and mental exhaustion caused by the war, was refused by the latter, and in return enquired Lord Indra to predict his life span on the Earth.  Lord Indra hesitated to reveal, but King Khatvanga was firm in his decision to know his lifetime, Lord Indra revealed he has two Muhurtha/ to live on Earth.  King Khatvanga immediately left the abode Indra, returned to his Kingdom, all the wealth, richness and Kingdom was equally distributed to his sons, went to the sacred river bank Ganga and undertook intense meditation, ultimately attained union with the supreme Bramham.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 52 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

King Pareekshith speaks “Oh! Mahatma, I am fortunate one, I have obtained the grace of Lord while in mother’s womb, and I had the grace of Lord Vishnu to take birth in an illustrious clan, as the grandson of the great archer Arjuna who is dearest companion of supreme Lord Krishna. Today my entire clan got sanctified with the association of Mahayogis.  Oh! Paramaguro, Oh! Mahayogi, kindly remove my qualms, and kindly describe which is the superior responsibility of a Jeeva, who is constantly moving towards death? How did I get relieved from the fear of death? How did I confront my death without any trepidation? What should I recite, or what are the austerities that should be followed, or what are the duties to be performed? Or contemplate upon or meditate?”

The great emperor Pareekshith did not approach the palace physicians to get  on advise to get cured of serpent bite, was aware that the body has to undergo constant transformation and ruin, he was not anxious about the death, all the  Jeevas are bound by ruin and death, he was curious to know how to face death without fear.  Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is the Scripture speaks about the management of thoughts and the ways to get rid of redundant thoughts that cause mental and physical exhaustion. The sense of fear and anxieties have become inseparable from mind and intellect causes various ailments, hence the Rishis and Sages conducted a rigorous search of the origin of mind and intellect and the related fleeting thoughts and introduced various methods of meditation to get rid of redundant thoughts which cause extreme anxieties.  The constant meditation and contemplation upon supreme Lord, who is beyond ‘Maya’, would help to attain serenity and a well-balanced state of the mind to handle any adverse situations in life, with the remembrance of the law of Karma that follows the Jeeva continuously.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 51 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

King Pareekshith speaks “Oh! Mahatma, I am a fortunate one, I am extremely delighted to be in the association of you all. I have seven days to meet my death by serpent bite Thakshaka.  I have to contemplate upon the supreme Lord, live in his constant remembrance; I have to be able to face my death without any trepidations.  Oh! Noble souls, if I am failed to elevate my soul with the constant contemplation, I have only one desire, if I was born again I should live in the constant remembrance of Lord, and the association of saintly people like you.  I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.”  Thus, all the Rishis and Sages assembled were recited glorious names of Lord, the entire atmosphere of the sacred river Ganga echoed in the recitation of Vedic chants.

King Pareekshith enquired the sages assembled “Oh! Mahatma, I am waiting for my death as predicted by the Vipra, I am not able to concentrate my mind and intellect on the recitation, and it is already crammed with the thoughts and fear of death on the seventh day.  Therefore, how did I get rid of the thoughts about the fear of death and contemplate the supreme Lord? How did I face death with no fear? How did I continue meditation without any disturbances?”

Soon, there arrived Maharishi Shukha Bhramam who is the son of Maharishi Vedavyasa. An Avadhootha, who is an absolute Bhramam, not conscious about the Prakrithi or body, always in a state of supreme bliss, the union of the soul with the Supreme Lord attired in lion clothe was followed by several thousands of women and children singing in praise of the Supreme Lord.  Shukha Bramham has thin and long stature, hairs falling down the shoulder, a handsome youth in his teens, attractive long arms and legs, lustrous cheeks and face, he has conch shaped neck and a pleasing smile on his face.  All the sages and Rishis assembled were raised from their seats and greeted him with great reverence.  Vishnuratha/King Pareekshith approached Shukha Bhramam with folded hands and received him with great honor, offered a raised seat to him, and seated at his feet like a disciple.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 50 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Rishi Shameeka advised his son to meet King Pareekshith in his palace and inform about the curse. While returning to the palace King Pareekshith realized that he had committed a grave sin, disrespecting a saint while he was in deep meditation, he felt unworthy of his act.

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunakadhis, previously King Pareekshith had a conversation with the Kali, requested the King to allow four places for his stay in this Kali era, was allowed to stay the place where the gambling takes place, where the people consume intoxicating drinks, women sell their flesh for money, animal slaughter homes, further he requested for a decent place to reside, was allowed to stay in the wealth and gold earned in illegitimate ways.  While returning to the palace King Pareekshith realized he had performed an arrogant deed which is not at all suitable for a king, he felt terribly ill of his act, understood that very soon he will receive the punishment for his sin.  He sincerely prayed to the supreme Lord to give him severe punishment for his sin, so that he won’t repeat it again in life.  Thus, King Pareekshith was all prepared to receive punishment for his sin. Shortly, the son of Rishi Shameeka arrived in the palace and informed the King about the curse and his death in seven days by the serpent bite Thakshaka.  Instantly, King Pareekshith got relieved from the extreme guilt of his arrogant deed to Rishi, received the punishment ordained in seven days with a serene mind, further decided to leave the kingly status and comforts, immediately called for an assembly of members, ascetics, and Sages, and detailed all that happened during the hunting expedition and the curse of Vipra. He sought their opinions, revealed his intention to spend the seven days in deep contemplation upon the supreme Lord, and no interest in carrying out the duties of the King. The saintly men and ascetics advised King Pareekshith to prepare for Prayopavesha/it is one of the ancient practices to leave home and families, conduct pilgrimage in the later years of age, and spend the remaining life in contemplation of supreme Lord. Thus King Pareekshith crowned his son Janamejaya as the Emperor of Hastinapura and left the Kingdom. ”

Sutha Pauranika continues “Oh! Shaunakadhi, King Pareekshith arrived on the riverbank of Ganga,/Haridwar to contemplate upon the lotus feet of Lord Mukund.  Soon all the Sages, Rishis, Saintly men assembled on the river bank with their disciple.  Sage Athri, Vashishta, Chyavana, Sharadhva, Arishtanemi, Bhrigu, Angira, Parashara, Gathiputhra Rama, Devala, Arshtishena, Bharadhvaja, Gauthama, Indhra, Pramadhema, Pippaladha, Maitreya, Urva, Kavasha, Kumbayoni Agasthya, Dhvaipayana, Narada, Devarishi, Bhramarishi, and Rajarshi were received reverentially by King Pareekshith.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 49 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith - Viprashapopalambanam

Once King Pareekshith went for a hunting expedition, he entered in a dense wood while chasing a deer, he felt extremely thirsty, searched for stream or pond all around, did not find any.  Far away, he could see a beautiful hermitage, and a saint was sitting in front of the hermitage, he was under deep meditation. King Pareekshith felt peace and approached the saint with a request for water, and introduced himself as the son of Abhimanyu.  Alas! The saint did not hear any of the requests of the King, did even look at him, or uttered a single word in answer.  King Pareekshith felt humiliated, thought the Saint and Sages are freely engaging in meditation and other spiritual rites under the protection of a King, he should have the curtsey to receive the King and serve him, did not even show minimal respect, therefore he must be rude. In a moment, King Pareekshith lost his patience, looked around, and saw a corpse of a serpent emitting foul smell; he carried the corpse with the arrow and put it around the neck of the saint.  The act on sudden impulse and self-importance caused intense grief and agony in the later life of King Pareekshith.

King Pareekshith prepared to leave the hermitage, mounted on the top of the horse, saw a brilliant child of Rishi playing with his companions, was noticing the King.  He was extremely disappointed to watch The king who is believed to rule the Kingdom and take great care of his subject, and respect the twice-born, saints and ascetics acted like a dog that attacked its Master.  He decided not to forgive the King for his grave sin; he went to the pond nearby, took a handful of water, invoked deity in it, and cursed the King who humiliated the Rishi  Shameeka who was under deep meditation, to die of serpent bite of Thakshaka in seven days.  Thus King Pareekshith left the hermitage, son of Rishi rushed to his father and wept bitterly.  Rishi Shameeka who was in deep meditation got out and saw his son with tears overflowing, and the corpse of the snake next to him.  Rishi Shameeka enquired the reason for his grief, was answered all that happened.  Rishi felt extremely disappointed with his child’s response, spoke “Oh! Child, you have cursed a King who witnessed the supreme Lord Hari from the mother’s womb, a righteous ruler cannot be seen in the Kali era. You have given him a huge punishment for a silly mistake. He is a wise ruler, people are happy in his custodian and remain protected and satisfied, and you have committed a grave sin.  Soon, this Kingdom will lose a great King and will undergo a huge threat in his absence. You have punished an ardent devotee of Lord, and a great ruler, he approached me with intense thirst should have served with humility.  Oh! Child, I am praying to the supreme Lord to forgive you, I shall pray to Lord to forgive you for the mistake you have done to a righteous King. Oh! Child,  a true devotee should not react to any of the unpleasant situations in life, a true devotee never acts on a sudden impulse, should have patience, and react to the situation to avoid self-destruction. Oh! Child, a spiritual seeker never react to situations abruptly, you have wasted your austerities.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 48 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

The Rishis and Sages did not give importance to ‘I’ consciousness/body that undergoes constant transformation and ruin; they have undertaken several studies and found that the human mind and intellect is the prime factor for the well-being of an individual.  All those scriptures recommend the elevation of the soul from destructible Prakrithi to the indestructible Purusha with the various methods of meditation, recitation of scriptures and glorious legends in it.  The mother Earth is often compared to Go/cows, they both contribute abundance to its living beings, they receive minimal care in return offers superior products.  King Pareekshith who got cursed by Vipra arrived on the shores of Ganga, soon all the Sages and Rishis were assembled, Shukha Bhramam taught the highest of the knowledge of the supreme soul and elevated his soul from the fear of death in seven days.  During these seven days, King Pareekshith was not consumed even a single grain, he was not anxious about the state of his body.  Therefore, Srimad Bhagavath is the study of mind and intellect/thoughts, it has proved that the human body meets its ruin at any moment, but the mind and intellect has immense potential to bear up any of the adverse situations in life.

King Pareekshith took his sword and chased after the black complexioned man who was continuously beating the bull, soon he was fallen at the feet of the King and introduced himself as ‘Kali’, entered on the Earth the moment Lord Krishna journeyed back to his supreme abode.  Therefore he is destroying the three legs of the bull that represents Tapas, Shaucham, and Dhaya.  Sutha Pauranika described all those conversations that took place between King Pareekshith and Kali to Shaunakadhis.

Shaunakadhis speaks “ Oh! Mahabhaga, we are fortunate ones, it was the beginning of the Kali era we were searching for a preceptor like you, and we found you, hence we can elevate our soul from the pious and learned people like you.  Oh! Sutha, that day King Pareekshith left Kali without killing him, later he was caught in the hands of evil effects of Kali was elevated by the marvelous teachings of Shukha Bhramam.  We are fortunate to listen to that glorious legend of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran from you. Oh! Sutha, kindly narrate that marvelous legend of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran described by Shukha Bhramam to King Pareekshith.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunakadhis, I shall consider it is my fortune to describe those glorious legends of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran to the illustrious Rishis and sages like you, it is the grace of supreme Lord that I have got the association of saintly people like you.  This glorious legend of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran provides the piousness that excels the dip on the sacred river Ganga.  This glorious scripture is ‘Swayam Hi Krishna’, holds the brilliance of supreme Lord Krishna, superior to the sacred river Ganga that descends from the Kamandalu of Lord Bhrama washing the feet of Lord Vishnu as Thrivikrama, further, it was kept locked in the matted hair locks of Lord Mahadeva.  I am highly fortunate to impart that knowledge of ‘Gnana Ganga’ to you. It is the absolute grace of  Lord that made me share the knowledge of the supreme soul resides as a soul in us, with this knowledge we can get rid of attachment to worldly matters and bondage, and raise our soul to the supreme state that was experienced by the supreme ascetics/Paramahamsa and King Pareekshith. I shall narrate that glorious legend that elevated the souls of Paramahamsa and King Pareekshith.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 47 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Devi Dharani speaks “Oh! Dharmarajan, whenever the virtues in people disappear, I feel extremely painful and unbearable as well.” King Pareekshith understood they are not mere bull and cow, they are deities assumed the form of cow and bull.  King Pareekshith earnestly requested the bull and cow who is responsible for their pathetic state, he introduced to them as the Emperor of Hastinapura.

Dharma speaks “Oh! Rajan, my three legs are brutally damaged, even I am not aware of who did this to me, some says it’s the evil effects of the movement of planets, some says it’s the results of my Karma, some says it’s the nature of Prakrithi, some says it's pre-destined.  Oh! Rajarshi, you are an eminent one, therefore make out who is responsible for my miserable state and the leg incompletely destroyed.”

Dharmam Bhraveeshi Dharmajja Dharmoasi Vrisharoopadhrik| Yadharmakritha: Sthanam Suchakasyapi Thadhbhaveth ||

King Pareekshith speaks “Oh! Dharmajja, you are speaking righteousness, you are not blaming anyone for the damages caused to you, and therefore I shall assume you symbolize Dharma. If anyone blames others for their own difficulties he is considered as the morally wrong person.  I have understood these four legs represent Thapa/austerities, Shaucham/cleanliness, Dhaya/kindness and Sathyam/truthfulness.”

Dharma represents Thapa/austerities, Shaucham/cleanliness, Dhaya/Kindness, and Sathyam/truthfulness.  ‘Sath’/Bhrama Sathya Jagath Mithya/ represents the supreme soul which is eternal, resides as soul in living beings is the sources functioning of the mind, intellect, Gnana and Karmaindiryas, therefore the realization of ‘self’ enhance the sense of oneness-in-all.  Shaucham/cleanliness or keeping away from impulsive reactions is one of the states of mind which has the capacity to wedge with material living and easily abandon them, like the dirt in the clothes removed with a wash and living a life of a tortoise. Dhaya/kindness is one of the virtues to help others in trouble and perform self-less service to others in need includes material and spiritual living.  Thapa is the art of achieving the serenity of the mind with constant practice of meditation, understanding happiness and sorrows are an inevitable part of life and approach the two states with a well-balanced mind.  Therefore, the illustrious Rishis and Sages recommended Gnana and Nama Ygana, as the easiest method to elevate the soul from the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence in this Kali era.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 46 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

King Pareekshith who has the grace of supreme Lord Krishna while he was in mother’s womb, born in the righteous clan of Pandavas had a constant association with the saintly men and ascetics ruled the Kingdom wisely. He was married to Devi Iravathi, performed several Ashwamedha Yaga and sacrificial rites.  Once he undertook a journey through the Kingdom and happened to witness a unique incident.  He saw a bull and cow, and the bull had severely damaged three legs, standing on its one leg, also saw a dark-complexioned man adorned in crown beating the bull roughly. King Pareekshith could not withstand the merciless sight, who is that deceitful person in his Kingdom famous for righteousness, and how brave enough to commit a grave sin in his Kingdom.  King Pareekshith was extremely raged, rushed towards the bull and cow; they were talking to each other, and shedding tears of extreme pain. 

Dhrama/bull speaks to the cow “Oh! Bhadhre, why are you shedding tears? Are you crying after watching my pathetic state? Oh! Devi, are you shedding tears thinking of your relative or family? Or crying watching the miserable state of my leg? Or seeing inabilities of the Kings ruling the Kingdom to protect the animals? Or thinking about the women who are constantly mistreated and abused by their selfish husbands? Or are you crying thinking about the children who are not taken care of by their parents or abandoning their children immediately after birth? Are you crying over thinking about the future of twice-born who sells the knowledge for money? Oh! Mother, why are you crying? Are you feeling overburdened? Oh! Mother, you are emaciated, you are starving too long, you look so dull and unfortunate, what’s the cause for your misery?”

Sathyam  Shaucham  Dhaya Kshanthi Thyaga  Santhosha Arjavam| Shamo Dhama Sthapa: Samyam Thithkshoparathi: Shrutham || Gnanam Virakthi Aishwaryam Shauryam Thejo Balam Smrithi: | Swathanthryam Kaushalam Kanthir Dhairyam Mardhavamevacha || Pragalbhyam Prashraya: Sheelam Saha Ojo Balam Bhaga: | Gambheeryam Sthairamasthikam Keerthirmanoanahankrithi: ||

Devi Dharani speaks “ Oh! Dharmarajan, the Earth is facing the evil effects of Kali era, the people of Kali era lacking truthfulness/Sathyam, Shaucham/ cleanliness, Dhaya/kindness, Kshanthi/ endurance, Thyagam/self-sacrificing nature, Santhosham/happiness, Arjavam/sincerity and straightforwardness, Shama/appeasement, Dhama/control over senses, Thapa/austerities, Samyam/equality, sense of oneness-in all, Thithiksha/forbearance, Gnanam/wisdom, Virakthi/sense of abandonment, Aishwaryam/auspiciousness, Shauryam/might, Thejas/brilliance, Balam/physical strength, Smrithi/memory, Swathanthryam/freedom, Kaushalam/skill, Kanthi/attractiveness, Dhairyam/courage, Mardhav/compassion, Pragalbhya/self-confidence, Prashraya/courtesy, discipline/Sheelam, Saha/sense of togetherness, Ojas/vigor, Bhaga/dignity, Gambeeryam/profoundness, Sthairyam/stability, Asthikya/faith in the supreme Lord, Keerthi/fame,  and Ahamkara/delight.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 45 – The legend of Lord Krishna – Pandava Swargarohanam

Yudhishtira decided to leave for  Mahaprasthanam/ leaving the Kingdom and its people forever, practice meditation upon the Supreme Lord.  He crowned Pareekshith, son of Uththara as the Emperor of the Kingdom, Vajranabha, the son of Aniruddha has undertaken the ruling of the city of Mathura. Thus, Yudhishtira, Beema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva attired in a saffron robe, left the Kingdom of Hastinapura followed by Devi Draupadi.  They walked several miles in utter silence did not consume a meal or take shelter in any homes, meanwhile, they took shelter in the hermitages of Rishis and Sages, the pathways they have crossed on Earth were famously known as Chathurdham/Chardham.  They have conducted journey through Haridwar, Rishikesh, Yamunotri,  Uttara Kashi, Gangotri, and visited the hermitages of illustrious Rishis and Sages, like Parashara, visited Kedar, Badrinath, visited Maharishi Vedavyasa, further crossed the river Saraswathi, constantly contemplating upon the supreme Lord Narayana, they have crossed several miles.   Devi Dharaupadhi realized the body is not co-operating with her for the further journey, she did not expect or ask for the assistance of her five husbands, she took immense pleasure in the Supreme Lord Vasudeva who resides as a soul in her, and left her mortal coil.

Whoever reads or listens to the Pandava Mahaprasthanam and Swargarohanam, with intense devotion and faith, would attain firm devotion at the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Hari.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 44 – The legend of Lord Krishna - The preparation for Mahaprasthana of Pandavas

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunakadhis, in this way Arjuna got relieved from extreme grief, he remembered that glorious Gita that was revealed by the Supreme Lord Krishna in the middle of the battlefield, once again he recollected all those nectar-like speeches of Krishna, the body has to undergo constant transformations and ruin, and the supreme soul resides as a soul has no birth or death.  He remembered the advice of Krishna about the practice of Bhakti Yoga/Anananya Bhakti, to realize the presence of the supreme soul as a soul to attain union with the Supreme Lord.  Immediately, Arjuna got relieved from the grief of separation from Krishna, there was no misapprehension left, elevated himself from the ‘I’ consciousness to supreme consciousness.”

Further, Arjuna revealed his intention to leave the palace of Hastinapura, and contemplate upon supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings; he was already sacrificed material comforts.  Yudhishtira supported  the idea of Arjuna and all of them decided to leave the Kingdom of Hastinapura.  Devi Kunthi heard all the conversation took place between Arjuna and others, came to know the departure of Lord Krishna and the destruction of Yadhu clan, decided she has no more responsibility or duties left to perform, she contemplated upon Lord Adhokshaja who resides as a soul in her and attained union with the supreme Bhramam, left her mortal coil.

The Supreme Lord Krishna, who has assumed the chief of Yadhu, destroyed the wicked rulers and reduced the burden of the Earth, finally left to his supreme abode, like the thorn removed with the thorn and finally, discard them both.  He has assumed several forms like giant fish, tortoise, wild boar, etc. performed his duties and responsibilities like an eminent actor, performed various amusements and freed the Mother Earth from the burden, ultimately abandoned the form he has assumed and proved that the body undergoes transformation and ruin and the supreme soul have neither birth nor death.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 43 – The legend of Lord Krishna

Bhagavanapi Govindo Bhramanyo Bhakthavathsala: | Kacchith Pure Sudharmayam Sukhamasthe Suhrithdhritha: || Mangalayam Cha Lokanam Kshemaya Cha Bhavaya Cha| As the  Yadhukulambhodhavadhyo Anantha Sakha: Puman ||

Yudhishtira lifted Arjuna from the ground, patted on his head affectionately, and enquired about the welfare of Vasudeva, Devi Devaki, Ugrasena, Balarama, Pradhyumna and Samba.  Thus, Yudhistira enquired about all those beloved members of the family Krishna, but Arjuna remains unanswered. Finally, Yudhishtira enquired “Oh! Arjuna, how is our dearest companion, Bhagavan Govinda who is prominent among Yadhu, supreme Bhramam, beloved of devotees, provider of auspiciousness, and source of the welfare of the Universe and its living beings. Oh! Arjuna, why are you quiet? Did you commit any sin? Did you refuse to protect anyone? Did you refuse to protect Bhramin, children, Go, elderly people, women, or patients who took shelter in you? ” Yudhishtira looked at Arjuna whose eyes were overflown with tears running down through the cheeks, could not speak a word.

Vanchithoaham Maharaja Harina  Bandhuroopina | Yena Meyapahritham Thejo Devavismapanam Mahath ||

Arjuna wept bitterly and spoke “ Oh! Maharaja, we have lost that supreme Lord Hari who was our relative and constant companion, I have lost my brilliance; I have lost Lord Hari who was my constant companion and all my brilliance.”

Arjuna recollects all those crucial incidents in their lives and the compassion of Lord Krishna, “Oh! Brother, do you remember that moment we were heaved to death in the wax house by Duryodhana, was protected by uncle Vidura, we have assumed the form of twice-born and visited the Kingdom of Panchala, participated in the challenge and won Devi Draupadi in marriage, the entire Kshatriyas were raised voice against us, it was Krishna who supported us, it was the compassion of the Supreme Lord Krishna I got Devi Draupadi as a wedded wife.  Oh! Brother, do you remember another incident, Krishna crushed the pride of Lord Indra and pleased Lord Agni setting fire in the forest of Gandeeva, later a magnificent palace was constructed in Indraprastha at the order of Krishna by the celestial architect Mayan. He was all through the establishment of the Kingdom of Indraprastha and Rajasuya Yagna and crowned you as the King of the glorious Indraprastha.  It was the extreme compassion of Lord Krishna we have achieved all the glories in our lives.  Oh! Brother, King Jarasandha who imprisoned thousands of kings and prepared to kill them, me and Bheema disguised as twice-born and went with Krishna to fight against him. It was the mercy of Krishna, Jarasandha got killed in the hands of Bheema, released all those kings.   Later, we have invited all those Kings for Rajasuya, and it was the kindness of that Supreme Lord Krishna. Oh! Brother, Devi Draupadi was pledged in the board game, consequently, the wicked Kauravas humiliated her in the crowded assembly, it was the kindness of Krishna Devi Draupadi saved from further humiliation. Oh! Brother, it was during the exile form Hasthinapura, while living in the woods, wicked Duryodhana sends Maharishi Durvassa and his thousands of his disciples to visit us and get cursed. We were helpless without a grain in the hermitage, Devi Draupadi called out for Krishna was appeared before us and took grain from the Akshayapathra that was received as the blessing of Lord Surya.  Krishna swallowed that leftover grain and eventually Maharishi Durvassa and his disciple felt relieved from hunger, while taking bath in the river, and returned to their hermitage.  Oh! Bhagavan, intellectuals worship you as a preceptor and elevate their soul to the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in them, I am ignorant, I have assumed the supreme Lord Krishna as my charioteer, and you have sincerely performed all the duties with extreme compassion, inspired me while I was grief-struck in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, encouraged me to battle against preceptors, and great warriors like Bheeshma Pithamaha and Karna. Oh! Bhagavan, you have performed various amusements and cheered us, I can’t forget that boundless love towards me, I cannot forget your various pastimes and addressing me in various names.  Oh! Bhagavan, we have been inseparable while sleeping, consuming the meal, walking, and performing various tasks, whenever I make the dull remark, you inspire me and encourage me. You have forgiven all those mistakes of mine and accepted me as your dearest companion.  I cannot control the grief of separation from you.  Oh! Bhagavan, you have killed all those enemies in the battlefield of Kurukshetra with a single glance of yours, and kept me an instrument to fight against them, and offered all those honors of victory to us.  We cannot forget that compassion of you.” In this way, Arjuna repeatedly remembering the compassion of the Supreme Lord Krishna, all his impurities were washed off and finally attained the serenity of the mind.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 42 – The legend of Lord Krishna - The grief of Arjuna

Devi Uththara who is the wife of Abhimanyu was conceived with the child, prominent astrologers were received to the palace to predict the future of the infant.  The predictions were made to Yudhishtira that the child born would be highly intellectual, possessed with immense might, virtuous will have the sense of charity like King Ranthideva, and righteous like King Yayathi, but he will have death by serpent bite Thakshaka due to the curse of a Vipra, he will attain the supreme knowledge of ‘Athma’/soul from Shukha Bhramam, son of Maharishi Vedavyasa, ultimately he will attain the supreme abode of Lord.

Several years have passed Pareekshith got married to Devi Iravathi, and this couple had a son Janamejaya.  It was almost thirty-six years after the great battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna decided to go to Dwaraka to meet his soul mate Krishna, thus he bade-farewell to Yudhishtira, Bheema, Nakula and Sahadeva and left Hastinapura.

Arjuna visited Dwaraka and got the news of Krishna’s departure from Daruka who was the charioteer of Krishna, he conveyed the final message of Krishna to take the elderly people, children, and Krishna’s parents from Dwaraka to Hastinapura, before the ocean swallows the entire Dwaraka.  Arjuna could not withstand the grief of departure of Krishna and the upcoming troubles of Dwaraka that submerges in water, he was already shattered and the responsibility to protect the people of Dwaraka seemed impossible for him, cannot ignore the command of his dearest companion and his last wish, so he gathered the remaining people in the Dwaraka and proceeded to Hastinapura. On the way, he was attacked by a few Mlecchas/Yavanas and harassed the young women.  Arjuna had faith in Gandiva that would protect the people from the attackers, Alas! He could not remember any of the usages of weapons, in a moment he realized that all his knowledge has lost, became helpless; eventually, he couldn’t help a single person from the clutches of Mlecchas. Finally, he had to run for his life, was chased by Yavanas and physically wounded.  Arjuna had to flee from the sight of Mlechasa, was stopped by Lord Varuna, and instructed him to give back the Gandiva that has lost all its divinity and prowess. Arjuna returned his powerful Gandiva, which raised his glory as an eminent archer, was always favorable with him had to return to Lord Varuna.  Arjuna was completely devastated at the grief of separation from his dearest companion Krishna, and the loss of his promising weapon Gandiva.

 It was almost six months,  Arjuna did not return to Hastinapura. Once Yudhishtira revealed his anxiousness about the safety of Arjuna, he explained his concerns to Bheema. Yudhishtira was witnessing too many bad omens, owl producing hoot and screeches, crows have no sleep in the night hours, repeated earthquake and tornado, the ocean water level is increasing causing the flash flood, all these were increased the restlessness in Yudhishtira.  He remembered the warning of Maharishi Narada about Krishna’s departure to his abode was nearing, the thought itself made his extremely unease, he instructed Bheema to go to Dwarak and check on Arjuna.  Suddenly there appeared Arjuna in ragged clothes, disheveled hairs, unshaven face, had lost all the brilliance on his face, Gandeeva was missing, and not adorned a crown.  Arjuna approached Yudhishtira with face hung down and tears overflowing, prostrated before him.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 41 – The legend of Lord Krishna - The grief of Yudhishtira

Maharishi Narada arrived in the palace of Hastinapura and found Yudhishtira in utter grief of separation form elderly parents like Dhritarashtra and Devi Gandhari.  Maharishi Narada advises Yudhishtira about the destructible nature of Sthoolashareera/body and the eternal Sookshmashareera/Purusha/soul, “Oh! Rajan,  Prakrithi is under constant clutches of ‘Time’, it is fastened with the rope of ‘Time’, all that under the influence of ‘Time’ has to undergo destruction, it is the law of Prakrithi no one has control over it, all that taken birth has to face death.  Oh! Rajan, you need not get anxious about King Dhritarashtra and Devi Gandhari, he is equivalent to your father, let him elevate his soul to supreme Purusha who symbolizes ‘Time’ and the provider of fruits of Karma. Oh! Rajan, they have gone with Vidura to Haridwar, they will reside there for some time, Dhritarashtra will learn the highest of knowledge of supreme Purusha who resides as a soul in living beings/Kshethrajja, contemplate upon the supreme Lord and attain union with him, like the air inside the mud pot diffuse with the air in the atmosphere, likewise when the body like mud pot undergo destruction, the Jeeva will take refuge in the supreme soul. Oh! Rajan, you should be happy for them, do not grieve for them and get relieved from distress.”  Thus, Yudhishtira regained his mental peace after listening to Maharishi Narada. Yudhishtira mentally offered salutations to Vidura, King Dhritarashtra, and Devi Gandhari, and once again, enthusiastically returned to the ruling of the country.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 40 – The legend of Lord Krishna - Dhritharashtra and Devi Gandhari leaving the mortal coil

Vidura speaks to Dhritarashtra “Oh! Rajan, the body has to undergo ruin and death, the supreme soul resides as a soul in us has no birth and death. Your body will face ruin at any moment; therefore the time has arrived to leave this palace. Oh! Rajan, you have to get rid of worldly bondage and attachments and practice the mind and intellect to attain union with the Supreme Lord.” Dhritarashtra was immensely pleased with Vidura, thus they have decided to leave the palace of Hastinapura on the very next day before Pandava visit his chamber in the early hours of dawn, to prostrate before him.  Devi Gandhari followed Dhritharashtra, led by Vidura moved out the palace was witnessed by Sanjaya.  Dhritarashtra strictly ordered Sanyaja do not let Pandavas to know that he and Devi Gandhari left the palace forever. Sanjaya could not bear the grief, shed tears of utter distress.  Thus, Dhritarashtra hold the hand of Vidura and followed by Devi Gandhari left the palace of Hastinapura.

Vidura brought Dhritarashtra and Devi Gandhari on the riverbank of Ganga in Haridwar. Vidura taught him the highest of the spiritual knowledge, with the constant practice of meditation and contemplation upon supreme Lord, recitation of glorious myths and listening to his various pastimes, Dhritharshtra and Devi Gandhari got rid of all the impurities and sins.  Thus, Dhritharashthra got his sight of wisdom and supreme knowledge; he realized the presence of the supreme Lord in him, left his mortal coil.  Vidura performed the last rite of his elder brother; Devi Gandhari who has already attained the highest state of spirituality sacrificed her life in the funeral pyre of her husband. Vidura felt highly pleased for them and conducted his spiritual journey.

In the palace of Hastinapura, it was the daily practice of Pandavas to perform religious rites in the early hours and prostrate before Dhritharashtra and Devi Gandhari.  As usual, on that day Pandavas entered the chamber of Dhritarashtra and found it was empty. They conducted rigorous search all over the palace, but did not find them, they enquired Sanjaya who was in extreme grief, and shedding tears could not utter a word.  Dharmaputhra became grief-stricken, wept bitterly “Oh! Bhagavan, I have committed a grave sin towards my elderly parents-like King Dhritarashtra and Devi Gandhari, they have lost all their children in the war field, no one to look after them, they might have felt shame to live with us and consume the meal.  I have lost them due to my inefficiency; I have not taken care of them appropriately.”