|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 19– The legend of Lord Krishna -  19 – Introduction to Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran

Vasudeva Para  Veda Vasudeva Para  Makha: | Vasudevapara Yoga Vasudevapara: Kriya: || Vasudevaparam Gnanam Vasudevaparam Thapa: | Vasudevaparo Dharmo Vasudevapara Gathi: ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, it is impossible to please the senses, the intellectuals who learned the highest of the philosophy, the origin and mind and intellect and its nature, the supreme soul resides as a soul in living beings impart the sense of ‘Oneness-in-All’.  Oh! Vipra, the supreme the soul is addressed Bhramam/Paramathma/Vasudeva who resides as soul and the mind and intellect originated from it has to return to its original source with the constant contemplation and meditation, like the body, undergo a transformation, ruin and merges with the Prakrithi.  The mind and intellect are under the constant influence of the three virtues known as Rajasik, Swathik, and Thamasik, hence the thoughts have these natures.  The supreme soul who resides as the soul in all the living beings preserve and protect the soul while the three state of sleep, awaken and dream.  It has no dual forms, can be understood with a disciplined way of living, worship, and recitation of his glorious myths etc.  Oh! Vipra, with the practice of meditation on a regular basis, the mind and intellect will be freed from redundant thoughts, brings the serenity of mind so that it would reflects pleasantness in all walks of life of the individual, it would help to resolve even in the complex situations at ease.  The regular practice of Bhakti yoga helps to elevate the soul, with the knowledge of the indestructible supreme Purusha and the destructible nature of Prakrithi, it enhances the devotion and intense faith upon the supreme Lord, and ultimately it would release the Jeeva from worldly matters and bondage.  It would remove all the misapprehensions/Hridhayagrandhi/’I’ consciousness, attachment to people, and wealth, it will be freed the Jeeva from all the ‘Karma’.  The supreme soul/Vasudeva symbolizes Veda, fire sacrifices, wisdom, Tapas, Dharma, and he is the ultimate asylum.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 18– The legend of Lord Krishna -  18 – Introduction to Srimad Bhavath Mahapuran

Yam Pravrajanthamanupethamapetha Krithyam Dhvaipayano Virahakathara Ajuhava | Puthrethi Thanmayathaya Tharavoabinedhustham Sarvabhoothahridhayam Munimanasthoasmi||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunakadhis, I shall contemplate upon the supreme ascetic who got relieved from the performance all the duties and responsibilities immediately after birth, set out to woods, had no attachments to his parents, was followed by Maharishi Vedavyasa in extreme grief of separation from his child, and shrieked out for his son was echoed in the woods, understood that his son has raised to the state of supreme Bhramam who resides as a soul in all the living beings.  Maharishi Vedavyasa got out of the grief with his divine knowledge relieved from the darkness of sorrows, and composed this glorious scripture, later it was introduced to Shukha,  was narrated to King Pareekshith who was got cursed from the son of Rishi Shameeka, and elevated his soul, I shall prostate before Vyasasunu/Shukha Bhramam.  I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Narayana, Rishi Nara, and Narayana, Goddess Saraswathi, and Maharishi Vedavyasa as well.”

Vasudeve Bhagavathi  Bhakthiyoga: Prayojitha: | Janayathyashu Vairagyam Gnanam Cha Yadhahaithukam ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, I shall describe the way to achieve serenity of the mind, by practicing the Paramodharma/ devotion and intense faith in Lord Adhokshaja who resides as a soul in living beings, with the practice of Ahaithukabhakthi/surrendering to supreme Lord without any expectation, without any break/firm and constant meditation.  The supreme soul Purusha who resides as the soul is the origin of mind and intellect, the body performs the deeds and accumulates sins and piousness, the supreme Lord who represents ‘Time’ provides the results of pious and sinful deeds.  Whoever contemplates upon supreme Lord Vasudeva would attain intense devotion, wisdom, and a sense of abandonment. Oh! Vipra, any righteous deed performed with an intention to fulfill one’s own desire would bring grief or disappointments.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 17– The legend of Lord Krishna -  17 – Introduction to Srimad Bhavath Mahapuran

Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is the superior cure for three types of afflictions/Thapathraya, whoever reads or listens to it with intense devotion and faith would realize the nature of the supreme soul who resides as a soul in living beings.  Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is a juicy fruit fallen from the tree/ Nigamakalpatharu/it is wish-fulfilling Kalpatharu, it is the essence of Veda and Vedanta, this fruit is incredibly succulent tasted by a parrot, therefore whoever able to devour it, kindly take pleasure in it, which leads to the abode of Rasa/juice.

Shaunakadhis conducted a Yaga in the sacred land of Naimisharanya, to remove the evil effects of Kali era.  Sutha Pauranika, the son of Sage Romaharshana, arrived in the Yaga arena, was received with great honor and offered a sanctified seat. 

Shaunakadhis speaks “ Oh! Mahamune, you have learned various Shastras, and well capable to impart that knowledge, kindly removes our qualms 1) What’s the Shreyas of living beings on the Earth? 2) Kali Yuga has approached, people will have a short span of life, weak memory, and ill fortune, how could they elevate their souls from miseries of worldly existence? 3) There are various righteous deeds and methods to perform and elevate the soul to attain the serenity of the mind, which is considered as Parmodharma/superior among Dharma to elevate the soul?”

The King Shathanu of Kuru clan and Devi Ganga got married upon a promise, King Shanthanu will not interfere any of the decisions made by Devi Ganga.  This couple had seven children; all those children were discarded in the ocean immediately after the birth, when Devi Ganga prepared to discard the eighth child was questioned by King Shanthanu, thus he broke the promise of marriage, and eventually ends their marital relationship.   The eighth child Devavratha was learned Astha Shastra while living with Devi Ganga, and later he was brought to Palace by King Shantanu.

 Once King Shanthu went for hunting expedition met a beautiful woman, fisher man’s daughter Sathyavathi, fell in love with her instantly. The fisherman put forward a condition if the King wants to marry his daughter, the child born to them should be the heir to the throne of Kurus.  King Shanthanu was in dilemma; Devavratha understood the cause of the distress of his father, met the fisherman and promised that he will remain unmarried in his whole life, and protect the Kurus, and will not create any hindrance to the child born to the couple to rule the Kingdom.  Thus King Shanthanu and Sathyavathi got married, this couple had two children Chithrangadha and Vichithraveerya. Chithrangadha ruled the kingdom of Kurus and later got killed.  Bhishma Pitamaha brought the three daughters of King of Kashi, Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika to perform marriage to Vichithraveerya.  Amba refuses to marry Vichithraveerya, she was already proposed to King Salya, later she was discarded by him.  Vichithraveerya died shortly after marriage, thus the Kuru clan has come to a sudden break.     

Later, Maharishi Vedavyasa was invited to the palace to expand the Kuru’s clan and protect the Kingdom of Hastinapura.  Thus, Maharishi Veda Vyasa had four children, Dhrutharashta, Pandu, Vidura, and Shukha.    Shuka Bramham was born to Maharishi Veda Vyasa and his wife Vadhiki, the infant stayed twelve years in the mother’s womb, refuses to come on Earth, due to the fear of Maya of Lord Hari.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 16– The legend of Lord Krishna -  16 – The Introduction to Srimad Bhavath Mahapuran 

Janmadhyasya Yathoanvayadhitharathash Charththdheshvabhijjaswarad | Thene  Bhramahridhaya Adhikavaye Muhyanthi Yath Suraya: | Thejovarimridham Yadha Vinimayo Yathra Thrisargoamrisha | Dhamna Svena Sadha Nirastha Kuhakam Sathyam Param Dheemahi ||

The Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran describes the destructible nature of Prakrithi/Earth, Ether, Air, Water and fire, and the indestructible nature of Purusha/supreme soul.  The human body is made up of five essential elements and undergoes constant transformation and ruin. The supreme soul/Swarad, whose nature is independent, is the source of mind and intellect, protection and preservation of the same during the three states of sleep, awaken and dream.  The supreme knowledge of Prakrithi and Purusha were revealed to Lord Bhrama, which was yearned to attain by several intellectuals Rishis and Sages.  Surprisingly, the nature of Prakrithi and Purusha is impossible to understand unless and until there is no curiosity/Jjijyasa to learn or willingness to look into one’s own inner self.  The reflection of brilliant sun rays causes the false impression of water on the sand, like the supreme soul that has immense potentials, is the eternal truth/Sathyam Param Dheemahi, resides as the soul in living beings remains unnoticed by the souls.  The contemplation upon the supreme soul/Paramathma, brings the serenity of mind and prepares the individual to face any adverse situation with a balanced state of mind.  The practice of spirituality is the act of surrendering the mind and intellect to supreme soul/Sanathana, Acchyutha, Bhramam, in this way gets rid of redundant thoughts that cause extreme fear and anxieties.

The Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran predominantly speaks about the Dharma, which is impossible to define, because it differs according to Time and zone, therefore the scriptures recommend following the path of Paramadharma/Bhagavatha Dharma, which is superior Dharma known as surrender to the supreme soul.  There are superior Dharma known as Pancha Yagna, the worship of five essential elements, nurturing the Prakrithi and its creatures, Deva Yagna, Pithru Yagna, Manushya Yagna, and Rishi Yagna, etc.  Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran speaks about the superior among all the Dharma is the elevation of the soul with the knowledge of the supreme soul who resides as a soul in living beings with the constant practice of meditation.  Hence, while living in the material world, perform all the duties and responsibilities with the body, surrendering mind and intellect that has originated from the supreme soul, with the constant practice of meditation to supreme Lord.  The realization of ‘self’ is possible only for the souls which are free from impurities and darkness of ignorance.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 16– The legend of Lord Krishna -  16 – The introduction to Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran

Nigamakalpatharor Galitham Phalam Shuka Mukhath Amrithadhrava Samyutham | Pibatha Bhagavatham Rasamalayam Muharaho Rasika Bhuvi Bhavuka ||Dharma Projjitha Kaithavoathra Paramo Nirmathsaranam Satham  Vedhyam Vasthavamathra Vasthu Shivadham Thapathrayonmoolanam |Srimad Bhagavathe  Mahamunikrithe  Kim Va  Paraireeshvara:  Sadhyo Hridhyavarudhyatheathra Krithibhi: Shushrushubhi: Thath Kshanath || Srimad Bhagavatham Purana Thilakam Yadhvaishnavanam Dhanam  Yasmin Paramahamsyamevam Amalam Gnanam Paramgeeyathe| Yathra  Gnana Viraga Bhakthi Sahitham Naishkarmyamavishkritham Thacchrunvan Prapadan Vicharanaparo Bhakthya Vimuchyennara: || Swarge Sathye Cha Kailase  Vaikunde  Nasthyayam Rasa: | Atha: Pibanthu Sadhbhakthya Mama Munjjatha Karhichith ||

ShukaBhramam speaks “ Oh! Bhavuk who is full of feelings and passion drink this auspicious Bhagavatham which is the essence of nectar-like Nigamashasthra, take pleasure in the fully ripened juicy fruit that was tasted by the parrot.  It highly recommends the Dharma/path of righteousness to remain mutually respectful, and auspicious, it removes three kinds of grave sins, and afflictions.  This Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran composed by Maharishi Vedavyasa is none other than the supreme Lord.  Whoever takes extreme pleasure in it would get relieved from all kinds of miseries and sorrows of worldly existence.  Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is the jewel among the scriptures/Puranathilakam, it is the greatest wealth of the devotees of Lord Vishnu. It imparts the supreme knowledge of wisdom, along with Bhakti Gnana and Vairagya, whoever reads or listens to it would get liberated from the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence. It is available to none of the celestials; therefore it should be heard and recite it with intense devotion and faith.”

Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran has twelve cantos, three hundred and thirty-five chapters, and it has eighteen thousands of verses begin as follows:

Samsarasagare Magnam Dheenam Mam Karunanidhe | Karma Graha Grihithangam Mam Udhdhara Bhavarnnavath ||Srimad Bhagavathakhyoayam Prathyaksha:  Krishna Yeva HI | Sweekrithoasi Maya Natha  Mukthyarththam Bhavasagare || Manorathamadheeyoayam Sapahala: Sarvadha Thvaya| Nirvighnenaiva Karthavya : Dhasoaham Thava Keshava || Shukaroopa Prabhodhajja Sarvashasthravisharadha | Yethath Katha  Prakashena Madhajjanam Vinashaya || Bhave Bhave Yadha Bhakthi: Padhayosthava Jayathe | Thadha Kurushva Devesha  Nathasthvam No Yatha: Prabho || Namasankeerthanam Yasya  Sarvapapa Pranashanam | Pranamo Dhukhashamana: Tham Namami Harim Param || Krishnaya Vasudevaya  Haraye Paramathmane  Pranathakleshaanashaya Govindaya Namo Nama: || Sarvathra Govindanama Sankeerthanam Govinda Govinda ||

Gum Gurubhyo Nama: | Gam Ganapathaye Nama: | Sam Saraswathyai Nama: | Dham Dhakshinamoorthyai Nama: | Vam Vedavyasaya Nama: | Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya | Harishri Ganapathaye Avignamasthu||

Oh! Karunanidhe/compassionate one, I am completely worn out and helpless, drenched in the worldly matters and bondage of unfathomable ocean of worldly existence. I have been into various deeds with an extreme desire to fulfill my personal objectives, 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 salutations 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 servant of you. I shall prostrate before the supreme preceptor Shukha who imparted the knowledge on the glorious scripture which holds supremacy over all the scriptures that could remove all the impurities of the mind/ignorance, jealousy, ego, and pride.  Oh! Prabho, Oh! Devesha, the enhancement of devotion upon your lotus feet would keep us protected always. Oh! Prabho, singing in praise of your glories would remove all the sins of the worshiper, Oh! Hari, you are the destroyer of all the sorrows and miseries. Oh! Krishna, Oh! Vasudeva, Oh! Hari, Oh! Paramathma, I shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme Lord Govinda who removes all the afflictions of the devotees who are surrendered to him.

I shall pronounce the sacred syllable ‘Gu’ and prostrate before the supreme Preceptor who removes the darkness of ignorance, I shall pronounce the sacred syllable “Ga’ and prostrate before the supreme Lord Ganesha who is the remover of obstacles, I shall pronounce the sacred syllable ‘Sa’ and prostrate before the supreme Goddess Saraswathi who symbolizes wisdom and knowledge, I shall pronounce the sacred syllable “Dha’ and prostrate before the supreme Lord Dhakshinamurthi who symbolizes supreme wisdom, I shall pronounce the sacred syllable ‘Va’ and prostrate before Maharishi Vedavyasa who is none other than Lord Vishnu. I shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme Lord Vasudeva and Lord Ganesha as well.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 3 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  3 - The introduction to Srimad BhagavathMahapuran

The practice of Bhakti – Gnana  - Vairagya

Bhagavath Mahapuran describes the glorious legends of Devi Kunthi whose elder son Karna was killed in the battlefield by her third son Arjun, Devi Kunthi has remained unaffected by the sorrow with her intense devotion and faith upon supreme Lord Krishna.   Bhishma Pithamaha who imparted the splendor of Supreme Lord Krishna to Yudhishtira while lying in the bed of arrows, even though he was physically exhausted, he did not find any mental exhaustion, finally surrendered himself to supreme Lord Krishna.   Prahlada, who conquered all the hurdles in life with the constant meditation and devotion upon supreme Lord Hari, and rose as one of the ardent devotees of Lord Hari.  The five-year-old Druva who was humiliated by stepmother Suruchi underwent Tapasya at the instruction of mother Sunithi, attained Manthropadhesha from Maharishi Narada eventually achieved the status of ever glowing Pole star Druva with his intense devotion to supreme Lord Hari.  Therefore it is not the people or matter or the situation causes grief or agony, it is the ‘thought’ causes distress, over-attachment to worldly matters and bondages causes’ extreme agony.   The spiritual advancement is possible with the thorough insight of Prakrithi/ attachment to people, money, material things, and possession of wealth, fame, etc. that has impermanent nature and the knowledge of the indestructible supreme soul.  Bhagavath Mahapuran describes the nature of a prospective spiritual seeker should have the acceptance of his/her weaknesses and willingness/curiosity/Jijyasu to learn things which could elevate the soul to the eternal truth and thereby attain serenity of mind.

The Rishis found that the mind and intellect, Gnana & Karma Indhriyas, cannot perform a task in the absence of the supreme soul, the body that created from the Prakrithi has to undergo constant transformation and ruin, the mind and intellect initiated form the supreme soul has the to attain union with the supreme soul/Bhramam which is eternal and changeless, to avoid repeated births.  The mind and intellect initiated from the supreme soul/Bhramam attains Laya“Jeevo Bhramaiva Na Apara’, the supreme soul is none other than Jeeva, hence it should practice the union in the supreme Lord who is Kshethrajja resides as a soul in living beings, with the constant practice of meditation. The mind and intellect is under the influence of Thrigunas and Maya/illusion, get attached to worldly matters and people effortlessly, that creates an obstacle for the spiritual advancement of the individual.  The practice of spirituality is the practice of nearness to the supreme soul who resides as a soul, with the Bhakti/devotion, Gnana/wisdom and Vairagya/sense of abandonment.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 2 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  2 - The introduction to Srimad BhagavathMahapuran

Sanathana Dharma – Mind & Intellect – The state of Jeevanmuktha & Bhrama Nirvanam – The origin of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran

Once, the illustrious Rishis studied the nature of Prakrithi and Purusha, the next thought came into mind was how did we unite the soul to the supreme soul to avoid rebirth? They found the path of Dharma/righteousness is the path to attain Moksha/liberation from repeated births and deaths.  The Rishis and sages experienced the supreme state of bliss with the constant practice of meditation; attained union of the soul with the Paramathma/supreme soul is addressed as ‘Sanathana Dharma’, further it was expressed as the Paramadharma in words came to know as Veda. They also found there are various methods available that can be put into practice the mind and intellect to achieve union with the supreme soul. Those are Karma/performance of righteous deeds, Bhakti/intense devotion and faith, Gnana/wisdom, Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama/breathe control techniques, to attain the ultimate object.  The four branches of Veda, known as Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharvaveda depicted the nature of supreme Bhramam, thus began the practice of travel of knowledge from preceptor to disciple and the sequence of it continues to date.

The origin of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran was from Lord Narayana, which was narrated to Lord Bhrama, that was retold to Maharishi Narada, later it was narrated as Chathushloki Bhagavath to Maharishi Vedavyasa who composed the essence of Bhakti, Gnana and Vairagya in an elaborate manner and described to Shuka Bhramam, further it was retold to King Pareekshith, later it was narrated by Sutha Pauranika to Shaunakadhis in Naimisharanya.

The knowledge of all-pervasive nature of the supreme soul, who resides as a soul in living beings, and the practice of contemplating upon the supreme Lord, with good control over senses provide the serenity of mind to face any adverse situation in the life.  Jeevamuktha’s/liberated souls attains the union of the supreme soul with the constant practice meditation, and Pranayama, they do not overreact or get overexcited to the situations of sorrows and happiness as the ordinary soul.  There are two types of liberation from miseries and sorrows of worldly existence,  Jeevanmuktha and Bhramanirvana.  A liberated soul with the constant practice of meditation attains the supreme state of Bhramanirvana/immortal state.  An intellectual mind realizes the destructible nature of Prakrithi and contemplates upon the indestructible supreme soul; an emotional mind is soaked in the illusion of worldly matters and bondages, constantly seeks for sensual pleasure and undergoes endless miseries and sorrows of worldly existence.  Therefore it is not the people or material things or a matter causes miseries or sorrows, it is the ignorance/emotional ‘thoughts’ of the individual cause’s grief and agony.  Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran describes the legend of King Pareekshith who was cursed to die in seven days by the son of Rishi Shameeka elevated his soul with constant meditation and contemplation upon the various legends of supreme Lord that was narrated by Shukha Bhramam, and got relieved from the fear of death and attained union with the supreme Bhramam.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 1 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  1 – The introduction to Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran

Sanantana Dharma – Mind & Intellect – The nature of Prakrithi and Purusha – Punarjama/rebirth

Krishnam Narayanam Vandhe Krishnam Vandhe Vrajapriyam | Krishnam Dhwaipayanam Vandhe Krishnam Vandhe Prithasutham || Sacchidhanandha Roopaya Vishwothpaththi Hethave | Thapathraya Vinashaya Srikrishnaya Vayam Nama: ||

The ancient Rishis and Sages conducted thorough research about the mind and intellect and its immense potential through rigorous spiritual practices and disciplines, Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is a highly inspirational scripture, predominantly speaks about the mind and intellect, and fleeting thoughts, which cause the endless miseries and sufferings of worldly existence.   The end result was the composition of highly rewarding scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, which could remove the endless mental and physical afflictions of Jeeva, helps to build a better society of creative and productive minds.  The Rishis and Sages found that the human body undergoes constant transformation, aging, illness, and death, and it has made up of five essential elements, further the mind and intellect /thoughts have diverse nature, it roused them to think about the origin of the mind and intellect, after thorough exploration, they have exposed a few mystifying facts into light that the human body/Prakrithi is destructible nature and the mind and intellect is originated from the supreme soul resides as a soul in living beings, therefore the soul/Prana/Paramathma/Athma is indestructible. 

The human body is made up of five essential elements known as Earth, Air, Ether, Water, and Fire, it is protected and preserved by the Panchabhoothas, with the constant influence of ‘Time’ it has to return to the Prakrithi/nature.  The mind and intellect remain the same even after the Prana leaves the body, therefore it was evident that the Panchabhoothas of Time cannot influence the mind and intellect.  Therefore, Rishis and Sages arrived in the conclusion that the supreme soul/Paramathma is the origin of the mind and intellect, and it remains protected and preserved in the three states of sleep, awaken and dream.  The body cannot function in the absence of soul in it, the supreme soul is widely known as Athma/Paramathma/Bhramam, Veda addressed it as ‘Purusha’.  The Rishis and Sages affirmed that the body made up of essential elements merges with the Prakrithi after the death and put an end to its journey, therefore the mind and intellect that has been originated from the supreme soul should unite with the Paramathma.  The union of the soul with the supreme soul is the process called ‘Moksham’/absence of grief or sorrow.  They also found that the supreme soul is eternal/Sanatana’, it has neither birth nor death, flawless, and it has supreme brilliance. They have experienced the supreme state of bliss, with the constant practice of meditation and attained the union of the soul with the supreme soul, eventually, they have expressed the bliss in words came to know as Veda.  The Rishis and Sages asserted that the body has to undergo a constant transformation and ruin with the influence of time, but the soul has no death unless and until it attains union with the supreme soul, otherwise, it keeps taking several births/Punarjanma.