|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 12– The legend of Lord Krishna -  12 – Mahathmayi – The legend of Athmadeva

Athmadeva brought up the children Dhundhukari and Gokarna affectionately.  Dhundhukari did not show any interest in the spiritual or religious rites, even the basic hygiene he did not follow, he was swollen with pride and anger, he eats meat, steals things from home and others, he harasses the children in the village and throws them in the well, had a demonic nature, associated with the prostitutes.  Once, he looked around for money did not get, once he physically abused his father for money.  Athmadeva was deeply hurt, never expected such an atrocity from his own son, and could not bear the humiliation, he ran out of the house.  On his way, Athmadeva met Gokarna who was pious, highly intellectual, performs all the Dharmic deeds, and has great respect for parents. Gokarna advised his father “ Oh! Father, this body is made of flesh, bones and blood have to ruin one day, do not get anxious about it, kindly leave your body-conscious and attachment to your wife and son, and contemplate upon supreme Lord Hari, read the sacred scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran and elevate your soul. Therefore, kindly proceed to woods, and conduct austerities and penances contemplating upon supreme Lord.”

Once, Athmadeva left home forever, Dhundhukari brought five prostitutes to his home and started living with them. Dhundhuli opposed the deed of Dhundhukari has to face utter humiliation.  Gokarna decided to leave home, Dhundhuli had to go through rough times, once she had an argument with her son, Dhundhukari abused her physically and forced her to kill herself. Thus, Dhundhuli left her mortal coil jumping into a deep well. Dhundhukari lived a pleasurable life with the prostitutes at home.  One day, the prostitute requested Dhundhukari to bring some ornaments and clothes; he pilfered exquisite ornaments and magnificent clothes from the palace of the King and handed it to the prostitutes.  On that night, the women were gathered in private and expressed their qualms that the Kingsmen would come in search of wealth stolen and it may lead them to get caught unnecessarily.   Finally, they have arrived in the conclusion that if they kill Dhundhukari, the wealth will not get lost, safe in their hands and they can escape from the verdict of imprisonment.  The prostitutes fastened the neck of Dhundhukari with a rope while he was asleep, further they took the burning charcoal and deposited in his mouth and body parts.  Thus, Dhundhukari had an extremely painful death; they buried the corpse in a well and left home. Dhundhukari attained the form of a spirit after death.