|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 15– The legend of Lord Krishna -  15 – Mahathmayi –

Dhanyoasmi Anugrahithoasmi Bhavadhbhi: Karunaparai: | Adhya Mey BhagavanLabdha: Sarvapapaharo Hari: || Shravanam Sarvadharmebhyo Varam Manye Thapodhana | Vaikundastho Yatha: Krishna: Shravanadhyasya Labyathe ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, the Sapthahashravana of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran would remove all the sins of the listener; it would provide Bhukthi as well as Mukthi. It will please Lord Purushoththama, it would enhance Bhakti, Gnana and Vairagya in the listener.”

Maharishi Narada prostrated before Sanathkumaras and spoke “ Oh! Mahthman, I am highly fortunate one, blessed one to listen to this glorious scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran which could remove all the sins, the supreme Lord Hari is capable to remove all the sins of the listeners,  Oh! Thapodhana, I have understood ‘Shravanm’ is highest of the meritorious deed, my intellect is completely drenched in a state of bliss and I have obtained the nearness of Supreme Lord Krishna who resides in Vaikunda.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Rishis, the Sapthahashravana organized by Maharishi Narada was attended by illustrious Sages, Rishis, Prahladha, Uddhava, Veenadhari Surarshi, Ragakartha Arjuna, Lord Indra played Mridanga, Keerthanam/sung in praise of Lord Hari by Sanathkumara and the Vaktha/speaker were Vyasaputhra/Shuka Bhramam.  Listening to this glorious scripture would remove the sufferings of poverty, illnesses related to aging, illusion, and troubles from evil spirits, and afflictions of worldly existence.  The intense devotion and faith upon supreme Lord Krishna would remove all the impurities of the Kali era, it is the supreme source for Mukthi, and it enhances the Bhakti in the worshiper.  Therefore it should be devoured with high reverence; it would bring welfare to the Universe and its living beings.  Human life on Earth is rare, precious and short as well; a good part of it has wasted getting attached to material welfare and people. The Jeeva should strive to elevate their soul from the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence, and unite with the supreme soul, otherwise, it would hurl into the cycles of repeated births. King Pareekshith elevated his soul form the fear of death after listening to this glorious scripture, therefore the Jeeva should strive to elevate their souls by listening to it.”

Krishnapriyam Sakala Kalmashanashanam cha Mukthyaikahethumiha Bhakthivilasakari | Santha: Kadhanakamidham Pibadhadharena Loke Hitharththa Parisheelanasevaya Kim ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 14– The legend of Lord Krishna -  14 – Mahathmayi –

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, whoever listens or recites to this glorious scripture following austerities for seven days would get liberated from worldly matters and bondage, ultimately attain Moksha.  At the end of the seventh day of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, Dhundhukari attained a divine form, soon, a celestial vehicle driven by Vishnuparshadhas appeared before Gokarna, they reverentially greeted Dhundhukari who was transformed into divine celestial, and respectfully received him to be seated in the celestial vehicle.  Gokarna approached the Vishnuparshadhas and enquired why the Vishnudasas not willing to take Gokarna and the people assembled to listen to the glorious Bhagavath Mahapuran recital. 

Haridasa spoke “Oh! Illustrious one, Dhundhukari listened to the recital and contemplated upon it.  He has thoroughly understood the concept of it, his mind was calm and serene while listening; he had intense devotion and faith while listening to it.  Whenever read, listen or chant, it should serve its purpose, it should be performed with intense devotion and faith. Oh! Gokarna, conduct the Sapthahashravana once again to attain Vishnuloka.” Gokarna conducted the Sapthahashravana once again and all those listened to it with intense devotion attained liberation.

Sanathkumara describes the austerities followed to conduct a  Sapthahashravana.  The preceptor/speaker, who is seated on the Vyasagadhdhi and listener, should eat a meal once in a day and fruits.  It should be organized in the propitious month of Marghasheersha, the speaker and the listener should observe celibacy, and have perfect control over senses.  The speaker should have a thorough knowledge of scriptures and Veda Shastras should be a Viraktha/renounced, Vaishnava/devotee of Lord Vishnu and Vipra/twice-born.  The listeners should follow austerities, seated comfortably and listen to it and the purpose should be listening and understanding the concept of it.  Before conducting the recital of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, the veneration of the deity should be performed followed with Vedic chants, and sincerely meditate upon supreme Lord Krishna and the supreme preceptor Shukha Bhramam.

Samsarasagare Magnam Dheenam Mam Karunanidhe | Karma Mohagraheethangam Mam Udhdhara Bhavarnnavath || Srimad Bhagavathakhyoayam Prathyaksha: Krishna Yeva Hi | Sveekrithoasi Maya Natha Mukthyarththam Bhavasagare || Manoratho Madheeyoayam Saphala: Sarvadha Thvaya| Nirvighnenaiva Karthavyo Dhasoaham Thava Keshava: || Shukaroopa Prabhodhajja Sarvashasthravisharadha | Yethath Katha Prakashena Madhagnanam Vinashaya||

Oh! Karunanidhe/compassionate one, I am completely worn out and helpless, drenched in the worldly matters and bondage of unfathomable ocean like worldly existence. I have been into various deeds with an extreme desire to fulfill my personal motive, hence kindly elevate my soul from the ocean of worldly existence.  Oh! Bhagavan, I shall reverentially prostrate before the glorious scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, kindly accept my humble salutation to you.  Oh! Natha, kindly elevate me from the ocean of worldly existence.  Oh! Keshava, kindly shower your grace upon us, to perform all the duties and responsibilities as a sincere servant of you.  I shall prostrate before the supreme preceptor Shukha who imparted the knowledge on glorious scripture which holds supremacy over all the scriptures, which could remove all the impurities of the mind/ignorance, ego and proud.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 9– The legend of Lord Krishna -  9 – Mahathmayi – Gnana Yagna

Kim Shruthair Bahubhi: Shasthrai: Puranaishcha Bhramavahai: | Yekam Bhagavatham Shasthram Mukthidhanena Garjjathi || Katha Bhagavathasyapi Nithyam  Bhavathi Yathgrihe | Thath Griham Theertharoopam Hi Vasatham Papanashanam ||

Sanathkumara continues “ Oh! Mahamune, Whoever recites this glorious scripture Bhagavatham in their homes would turn as a sacred place on Earth, it would remove all the sins of the worshiper, it would provide the piousness of performance of thousands of  Ashwamedha Yaga and hundreds of Vajapeya Yagna, even the sacred rivers Ganga, Prayagaraj, Kashi, or Pushkaram could not excel the piousness of it.  It would provide the merit of Tulsi Poshanam/nurturing Tulsi and service to cows/Gomatha, ultimately the worshiper would attain the nearness to Lord Govinda. Whoever reads or listens to the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran and understand its concept would get relieved from the sins of crores of births.  There is no Shastra equivalent to Shukashasthra.  Whoever does not willing to learn or recite this Mahapuran would remain Chandala/born in the lowest clan, will be considered as dead while alive, engaged in the Papakarma which is not letting them listen to it, even though they have attained the body of a human, they would be considered as an animal on the Earth, ultimately hurl themselves into the cycles of repeated births and undergoes hellish torture in the mother’s womb.  Oh! Mahamune, the soul has to attain union with the Paramathma within it, like the river has to continue its journey until it merges with the ocean. Therefore listen to this glorious scripture on a daily basis with intense devotion and dedication; this would elevate the soul with the merits of Tapasya, Yoga, and Samadhi. ”

Shaunaka speaks “ Oh! Mahamune, kindly narrate the supremacy of the Bhagavath Maha Puranam from other scriptures”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, I shall narrate an incident which took place while Krishna was preparing to leave his mortal coil at the age of hundred and twenty-five years old, on the shores of Prabhasa.   Udhdhava who was serving Krishna for a hundred and fifteen long years could not bear the separation of Krishna, received the most remarkable advice from him.  Thus Udhdhava elevated his soul and got rid of the grief of separation from Krishna and Yadhavas, with folded hands speaks to Krishna “Oh! Bhagavan, you are Avyaktha - invisible/Achinthya – beyond perception/Aroopa – formless one/ eternal and ultimate asylum for the souls, incarnated on the Earth to elevate the pious souls, even though you have no specific form, you have attained a marvelous form of Yadhava for your ardent devotees, once you leave the Earth, who will elevate the souls in the Kali era? Oh! Kamalalochana, the Kali era has already begun, the people will find it difficult to undertake Nirgunopasana.”  Oh! Shaunakadhis, The compassionate Lord thought of his devotees in the Kali era, for a moment engaged in meditation and spoke “ Oh! Udhdhava, do not get anxious, I have found a brilliant idea to elevate the souls of my devotees in the Kali era.” Thus, the supreme Lord Krishna infused all his brilliance in the ocean like sacred scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran.  Oh! Shaunakadhis, the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is ‘Vangmayimurthi’ of supreme Lord Krishna, therefore the worship and recitation of it would remove all the sins of the worshiper. It would remove the grief/Dhukha, Dharidhrya/sufferings of poverty,  Dhaurbhagya/ill-fortune, and Papa/sins of the worshiper, and it eradicate the  interest in worldly matters, lust, desires and anger as well.”

Swakeeyam Yadh Bhavethejasthashcha Bhagavatheadhadhath| Thirodhaya Pravishto Ayam Srimad Bhagavatharnnavam ||Theneyam Vagmayi Moorthi: Prathyaksha Varththathe Hare: | Sevana Shravanath Pada Dharshanath Papanashini ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 10– The legend of Lord Krishna -  10 – Mahathmayi – Gnana Yagna

Bhakthi: Suthau Thau Tharuni Griheethva Premaikaroopa  Shasa Aviraseeth | Sreekrishna Govinda Hare Murare Nathethi Namani Muhurvadhanthi ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunakadhis, while the Sanath Kumaras explaining the splendor of the recital of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran to Maharishi Narada, an extraordinary incident took place.  They have seen, the arrival of Devi Bhakti, a young beautiful woman dancing and singing in praise of Lord Govinda, with her youthful children Gnana and Vairagya. She and her children prostrated before Sanakadhis and Maharishi Narada and enquired where should be seated. Sanathkumaras replied “ Oh! Devi, who is inseparable from Govinda, symbolizes love and affectionate as a mother, removes the afflictions of worldly existence, kindly be seated in the hearts of devotees of supreme Lord Hari.”

Bhaktheshu Govindasaroopakarthri Premaikadhathri Bhavarogahanthri | Sa Thvam Cha Thishtasva Sudhairyasamshraya  Nirantharam Vaishnava Manasani || Sakala Bhuvanamadhye  Nirdhanasteapi Dhanya:  Nivasi Hridhi Yesham Sriharer Bhakthireka | Harirapi Nijalokam Sarvadhatho Vihaya Pravishathi Hridhi Thesham Bhakthisuthropanadha: ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, supreme Lord who is adorned in Vanamala, Srivathsa and Kausthubha has the complexion of dark clouds and most charming appearance, attired in magnificent yellow silk garment, adorned in various precious ornaments all over the body, marvelous earrings, armlets, and crown, he has beautiful three curves on the body that excel the beauty of crores of Manmatha, adorned in sandalwood paste on the forehead, that supreme Lord Muralidhara, who symbolizes supreme bliss, infused his brilliance in the glorious scripture Bhagavath Mahapuran, to remove the impurities of his devotees.  Further, Sanathkumaras replied to the qualms of Maharishi Narda, regarding the prerequisite listening to the glorious Bhagavath Mahapuran.  Sanathkumaras speaks “Oh! Maharishi, people who are committed various sins, immoral deeds, angry, jealous, selfish, and wicked get benefits out of the Sapthaha Yagna of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran.  People who do not follow righteousness, truth, troubled their parents all life and exploited them, immense lust and desire, no control over sense, people who do not follow Ashrama Dharma, dull, competitive nature, proud and arrogant.  People who committed five grave sins, consumption of intoxicating drink, illicit relationship, burglary, mistreat the wife of the preceptor, people who perform sins by words, mind, and action.  Oh! Maharishi, this sacred scripture is capable to remove all the sins and purifies the intellect of the listener.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 8 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  8 – Mahathmayi – Gnana Yagna

Aho Narada Dhanyoasi Virakthanam Shiromani: | Sadha Srikrishna Dasanam Agraniryoga Bhasakara: ||

Maharishi Narada met illustrious Rishis and Sages on his way and narrated the incidents, they expressed their qualm hearing the pathetic state of Gnana and Vairagya, even after reciting the Vedic hymns and superior chants, some of the Rishis did not listen to him, some of them ran off from his sight, everyone had the opinion that it is impossible to revive the children from latter years of age.  Maharishi Narada felt deeply disappointed, he walked through the woods of Badri and met Sanakadhis.  Maharishi Narada prostrated before them, was enquired “Oh! Maharishe, what happened to you? What did cause gloominess to you?” Maharishi Narada explained all that happened to Devi Bhakti, Gnana and Vairagya, and his efforts to revive her children were failed miserably. Sanakadhis speaks “Oh! Bhakthanam Agrani, you an ardent devotee of Lord, there is nothing unknown to you, even though there are numerous types of Yagna like Dravya Yagna, Thapo Yagna, Yoga Yagna, etc. the Gnana Yagna only could revive the children of Devi Bhakti into their youths.  Oh! illustrious one, conduct a Sapthaha Yagna of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran recital which was earlier recited by Shukha Bhramam to King Pareekshith.  Once again, you will see the Bhakti, Gnana, and Vairagyam  back on their feet enthusiastically.” 

Thus, a  grand  GnanaYgana was organized on the river banks of sacred Ganga in Haridwar, soon all those illustrious Rishis and Sages assembled on the sight, Sage Bhrigu, Chyavana, Vashishta, Gauthama, Parashurama, Devaratha, Mrikandu Puthra, Dhaththathreya, Pippaladha, Yogeshwara, Parashara, Vyasa, Shuka, several Sages and disciples, and women.

Yasya Shravanamathrena  Mukthi: Karathale Sthitha || Sadha Sevya Sadha Sevya Srimadh Bhagavathi Katha | Yasya:  Shravana Mathrena  Harishchiththam Samashrayeth ||

Sanathkumara speaks” Oh Mahamune, Srimad Bhagavath Katha is the essence of Veda and Upanishad, it has 18000 verses, and twelve cantos in it, is a conversation between King Pareekshith and Shukha Bhramam.    Therefore, it is not necessary to learn all the scriptures, always be enthusiastic to learn and understand the viewpoint of all the scriptures which serve the same purpose, to inspire the listener to contemplate upon the supreme soul who resides as the soul in living beings.   Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is an ocean of wisdom,  removes the Shoka/depression and Dhukha/grief of the worshiper, it should be recited always to attain firm devotion at the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Hari and Mukthi from repeated births. This glorious scripture was composed to reinstate the glories of Bhakthi, Gnana, and Vairagya,”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 7 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  7 – Mahathmayi

Aham Bhakthirithikhyatha Imau Mey Thanayau Mathau| Gnana Vairagya Namanau Kalayogena Jarjarau||

Maharishi Narada spoke “ Oh! Devi, who are you? Who are these two children? What is the cause of your grief?”

The young woman began to speak “ Oh! Mahamune, I am Bhakti, the fortunate one, my children Gnana and Vairagya are unconscious, and they have reached the latter years of life due to the influence of ‘Time’.  I am surrounded by the sacred Ganga, female deities and others.  Oh! Mune, I have born in Dhravidadhesham, I have prospered in Karnataka and Maharashtra, I have lost charm in Gujarath, I have moved with my children to Vrindavan, I have gained my youth immediately, but my children could not retain their youths. I can’t understand, how did it happen to me?  I am fortunate to meet you and thereby elevate the soul of mine and my children, kindly remove our grief.”

Maharishi Narada speaks “ Oh! Devi, the Kali era has arrived, there will be loss of righteousness all over the Earth, and the people will not learn the Shastras properly, blindly follow their customs without the knowledge of it. Oh! Devi, do not get anxious, we will collectively make every efforts to revive your children.”

Devi Bhakti repeatedly prostrated before Maharishi Narada and speaks “Oh! Mahamune who is the son of Lord Bhrama, I am fortunate to meet the illustrious Rishi who elevated the soul of the infant/Prahladha, while in mother’s womb, and raised the soul of five year-old Druva to attain the status of the pole star, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.”

Maharishi Narada meditated for a while to find a way to revive the children of Devi Bhakti. He recited Vedic chants, Vedantha on the ears of the children, Alas! it did not work. He recited Bhagavath Gita, the children were half opened their eyes, yawned and closed their eyes.  Maharishi Narada was disappointed, contemplated upon supreme Lord, he could hear a Vyomavani/divine voice instructing him not to get unhappy, and advised to perform a superior deed/Sathkarma.  Maharishi Narada pacified Devi Bhakti and went in search of saintly men to get further advice on the divine voice.

Jayathi Jayathi Mayam Kasya  Kayadhavasthe  Vachanarachanamekam Kevalam Chakalayya| Dhruvapadhamapi Yatho Yathkripatho Dhruvoyam Sakala Kushalapathram Bhramaputhram Nathasami||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 6 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  6 – Mahathmayi

Aham Thu Thu Prithvim Yatho Jyathva Sarvoththamam Ithi | Pushkaram Cha Prayagam Cha Kashim Godavarim Thadha || Harikshethram Kurukshethram Srirangam Sethubandhanam| Yevamadhishu Theertheshu Bhramamana Ithasthatha: ||

Shukha Bhramam prepared to impart the supreme knowledge of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran to King Pareekshith was approached by the deities with the pot of nectar of immortality.  Lord Indra prostrated before Shukha Bhramam and expressed his willingness to offer the nectar of immortality to King Pareekshith and save his life from the death of serpent bite, at one condition that Shukha Bhramam should impart the knowledge of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran to the deities.  Shukha Bhramam laughed at the foolishness of Lord Indra and asked him to return to his abode with the nectar of immortality.

King Pareekshith listened to the glorious Bhagavath Mahapuran for seven days and elevated his soul from the fear of death.  Lord Bhrama was surprised to know about it and decided to test  the effectiveness of the scripture has measured, kept the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran on the one side of the weighing scale with the other scriptures, eventually found that other scriptures could not equalize with the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran.

Sathyam Nasthi  Thapa: Shaucham Dhaya Dhanam Na Vidhyathe| Udharam Bharino Jeeva Varaka: Kootabhashina: ||Mandha: Sumandhamathayo Mandhabhagya Hyupadhrutha: | Pakhandaniratha: Santho  Viraktha: Sa Parigraha: ||

It was at the beginning of Kali era, Maharishi Narada undertook a visit to several glorious places on the Earth, he visited Pushkaram, Prayaga,  Kashi, Godavari, Harikshethram, Kurukshethram, Srirangam, and Sethubandhanam, even though he had been to all those places, did not feel mental peace.  He realized there was no truthfulness, the performance of austerities or vows, beliefs, cleanliness, kindness, performance of charities or knowledge, people were living a life of an animal, engaged in various atrocities to fill their stomachs.  People were misusing their intellects, unfortunate, Pakhanda, have no sense control, women were not performing the household duties or responsibilities, the hermitage of saints was lost its serenity, the sacred lands became a commercial place, and realized that there won’t be any saintly people or pious or righteous in the kali era.  Nature has lost her charm, richness, and beauty; the twice-born were engaged in tasks for earning money, Maharishi Narada was depressed watching the pathetic state of the people of the Kali era.  He arrived on the riverbank of the Yamuna where the supreme Lord Hari has performed various amusements.  There he witnessed a young and beautiful woman looks so dull seated on the river bank, he saw two old men lying unconscious on her both the sides, she was lamenting over the two elderly men and shedding tears of grief, was surrounded by a group of women fanning her.  Maharishi Narada was curious to know about the happening, went close to the women seated.  The woman who was shedding tears, stood and reverentially prostrated before Maharishi Narada and praised him.

Bho Bho: Sadho Kshanam Thishtamacchinthamapi Nashaya | Dharshanam Thavalokasya Sarvadhaghaharam Param ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 5 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  5 – Mahathmayi

Ajjyana Adhvantha Vidhwamsa Kotisurya Samaprabha | Soothakhyahi Kathasaram Mama Karnnarasayanam || Bhakti Gnana Viragaptho Viveko Vardhathe Mahan | Maya Moha Nirashashcha Vaishnavai: Kriyathe Katham || Iha Ghore Kalau Prayayau Jeevashchasuragatham Gatha: | Klesha Kranthasya Thasyaiva  Shodhane Kim Parayanam ||

It was the beginning of Kali era; the illustrious Rishi Shaunakadhis approached Lord Bhrama and expressed their desire to conduct a Yaga to remove the evil effects of the kali era.   They enquired for an appropriate place on Earth to conduct the Yaga.  Lord Bhrama hurled the divine chakra Nemi on the Earth in search for a sanctified place to conduct Yaga, and the tip of the divine chakra fallen on the Earth was named as Naimisharanya, thus Shaunakadhis began a Yaga in the sacred land of Naimisharanya.  Sutha Pauranika who is the disciple of Romaharshana, arrived in Naimisharanya while the Shaunakadhis were performing the Yaga, was reverentially greeted by Shaunakadhis and offered a sanctified seat.  Further, the Shaunakadhis expressed their qualms to Sutha Pauranika were answered. 

Shaunakadhis speaks “ Oh! Illustrious one, who has possessed the supreme brilliance of Surya, removes the darkness of ignorance with the supreme brilliance,  1) kindly narrate the glorious legend that remove the ignorance in us. Oh! Mahamune, 2) kindly elevate the Jeeva undergoes constant miseries and sorrows of the Kali era, kindly narrate the superior most Shreyas/fortune which could sanctify the souls,  3 ) kindly narrate how to attain the most superior state of the union with the supreme Bhramam. Oh! Mahamune, we have heard the precious Chinthamani would enhance the material well-being, and attain heavenly pleasures, but the blessings of the preceptor would provide the superior bliss is known as union with the Bhramam, therefore kindly narrate how to achieve the supreme state of bliss.”

Kala Vyala Mukha Grasathrasa Nirnnasha Hethave | Srimad Bhagavatham Shasthram Kalau Keerena Bhashitham ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunakadhis, listen to me carefully,  Jeeva’s are under the constant clutch of serpent-like ‘Time’, therefore the glorious Srimad Bhagavatham Shasthram/’Shasanal Thrayathe Ithi Shasthram’ which was narrated by Shuka Bhramam to King Pareekshith is the only cure to remove the afflictions of Jeeva in the Kali era. Oh! Shaunakadhis, the fortunate one would attain the knowledge of Bhagavath Mahapuran, King Pareekshith listened to the nectar-like the legends of various amusements of Supreme Lord Krishna from Maharishi Shuka Bharamam for seven days and elevated his soul.”

The law of Karma was defined as the results of deeds performed should put up with a person who performed the deeds and the results of Karma is unavoidable likewise the Karma, we have no control over the past deeds and the future is unpredictable, hence all that we can be cautious of the present deeds.  All the scriptures recommend the performance of righteous deeds to elevate the souls, thereby attain nearness to the supreme Lord, and achieve union with the supreme Bhramam, which was experienced by the illustrious Rishis and Sages.  The sacred shrines and holy Theerthas on the Earth are created to serve this purpose of the practice of meditation and attain the nearness to the supreme Lord.  The practice of spirituality is the eagerness to attain the supreme state of bliss that was experienced by the illustrious Rishis and Sages through the constant practice of meditation and contemplation upon the supreme Lord.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 4 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  4 - Mahathmayi

Sacchidhanandaroopaya Vishwothpathyaya Hethave | Thapathraya Vinashaya Sri Krishnaya VayamNama: ||

Maharishi Vedavyasa after composing Mahabharath, Ramayan, Bhramasuthra, seventeen Puranas and compilation of Veda into four categories, did not get satisfied with his work and came to the hermitage located on the sacred land Shamyaprasam close to the riverbank of Bhramamnadhi/ Saraswathi,  he sat in extreme gloominess, on the river banks which is famous for spiritual practices.  Maharishi Narada arrived on the river bank and saw Maharishi Vedavyasa and enquired the reason for his distress, Maharishi Narada spoke “ Oh! Maharishi, even though you have created incredible scriptures and epics like Mahabharath and Ramayan, you have not described the splendor of Lord Vasudeva who resides as a soul in living beings.  Oh! MahaRishi,  you have written all those sacred scriptures about the methods of worship of various deities and the Phalashruthi/fruitful results of it. Therefore compose a marvelous scripture praising the Bhakti/ devotion to supreme Lord Vasudeva.”  Maharishi Vedavyasa undertook deep meditation, contemplated upon the supreme Purusha who resides as a soul realized the Maya/illusion causes misapprehension, therefore, decided to replace those illusions with the practice of Bhakti yoga, contemplating upon Lord Adhokshaja/who is source of mind and intellect, protect it and preserve it in the three states of sleep, awaken and dream.  The Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is the essence of Veda teaches the knowledge of the supreme soul which is eternal, changeless, that has neither birth nor death.

Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran begins with eulogizing the supreme Lord Krishna who is Sath/eternal, Chith/intellect, Anandham/bliss, causes the creation of the Universe and its living beings; he is the destroyer of three grave sins of worldly existence.  The three afflictions are body consciousness/Adhyathmika Thapa, attachment to people/Adhidheivikam and wealth/Adhibhauthika.  The grief related to the body that constantly undergoes illnesses, aging, and death, afflictions caused due to the over-attachment to people, and the grief caused by the possession of wealth and material.  Hence I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Krishna who removes the three kinds of afflictions.

Yam Pravrajamananthamanapethamapetha Krithyam  Dhvaipayano Virahakathara Ajuhava | Puthrethi Thanmayathaya Tharavoabinedhustham  Sarvabhootha Hridhayam Munimanathoasmi ||

Shuka Bhramam, The son of Maharishi Vedavyasa/Dhwaipayana, resided twelve years in the womb of his mother and attained the supreme state of Bhramam, finally came out of the womb at the instruction of supreme Lord Narayana, and immediately abandoned the home and parents.  Maharishi Vedavyasa cried out and ran after Shuka calling for him went in vain, Maharishi Vedavyasa’s calls were reverberated all over the woods, and soon he realized that his son has attained the superior state of Bhramam that represents living and non-living things. Hence,  I shall prostrate before that supreme Bhramam.