||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 69 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Shyamavadhatham Virajam Prashantharuna Lochanam | Dhrobhir Chathurbhirvidhitham Peethakaushambarena Cha || Vama  Uravadhishrithya Dhakshinaghri Saroruham | Apashritharbakashvaththamakrisham Thyaktha Pippalam ||

Udhdhava speaks “Oh! Vidura, I could not forget those glorious moments the supreme Lord Krishna overthrown the wicked demon Kamsa from the throne and killed. Later, Krishna and Balaram went to learn Astra and Shastra under the guidance of Maharishi Sandheepani.  The supreme Lord married to Devi Rukmini and graciously accepted those sixteen thousand and eight women as wives.  The Supreme Lord Krishna has ten children from each wife, in this way he performed various amusements. The supreme Lord caused the greatest battle to reduce the burden of Earth, destroyed the wicked Kauravas, and reinstated Dharma. He returned to his own city Dwaraka, found his own children were unwilling to follow Dharma, humiliated the twice-born, and got cursed from the Vipra. Soon, the entire clan of Yadhava got destroyed at the curse of Vipra.  The Supreme Lord Krishna left the city of Dwaraka with a warning that the city would soon submerge in the water, all of them were followed and some of them have remained in the city of Dwaraka. The people who left the Dwaraka at the instruction of supreme Lord took great pleasure in the intoxicating Varuni, lost their senses, ultimately resulted in the harsh debate, fought each other, like the bamboo forest causes colossal wood fire with its constant friction.  Finally, the entire clan of Krishna was destroyed in that battle. The Supreme Lord Krishna entered in the woods of Prabhasa, took a seat under a peepal tree, Oh! Vidura, I could not bear that separation of Lord Krishna, I sat at his feet and wept bitterly, I begged him to take me to his abode, I expressed my pain of separation and helplessness to live in his absence, I have been with him while sleep, consuming the meal, and performing various amusements, I have devoted my entire life for him, walked with him like a shadow, I have cried out and fallen at his feet.  The Supreme Lord who is attired in majestic yellow silk garment adorned in various precious ornaments, Vanamala, Srivathsa, Kausthubham, Hara, Kireeta, Kankana, Keyoora, Noopura, Katisuthra, sat with a serene smile as always, at that moment there was an illustrious devotee of Lord, a close companion of Dhwaipayana arrived on the woods, it was Maharishi Maitreya who approached the supreme Lord.”

Bhagavan speaks “Oh! Udhdhava, I shall narrate the highest of the knowledge to you, that is extremely difficult to understand for the ordinary people. If you understand the all-pervasive nature of mine, resides as a soul in living beings, none of the incidents will make your distressed or wretched, I shall narrate that supreme knowledge/Chathusloki Bhagavatham to you, previously it was described to the lotus born Bhrama, Oh! Udhdhava, I have enlightened that supreme knowledge to Lord Bhrama who is seated on the lotus flower that was initiated from my navel.”

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 68 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Udhdhava speaks “Oh! Vidura, Yadhavas did not realize the divinity of the supreme Lord Krishna, while they were completely depending on material well-being.   Whoever understands the highest of the philosophy and the presence of the Supreme Lord as a soul will not get hallucinated.  The supreme Lord assumed the form of a human, with marvelous physique, attractive features adorned in various gem decorated ornaments, and performed various amusements.  He performed various pastimes for the welfare of the Universe and its people, and the purpose of his incarnation was to elevate the soul from the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence, and reduce the burden of the Earth and reinstate peace. Oh! Vidura, Lord Krishna who is the epitome of beauty, seated on the magnificent throne while the grand ceremonial rites of Rajasuya Yagna, after witnessing that brilliant form of Krishna, I feel that Lord Bhrama did not create a human excels the beauty of that supreme Lord. Oh! Vidura, Vrajeshwaris forgot to perform their household chores after witnessing that magnificent form of Krishna, the beauty of his lustrous eyes and the pleasing smile on lips, they forgot themselves and stood before him like a pillar.  Oh! Vidura, I cannot control my tears, the supreme Lord who has no birth or death, why did he take birth and undergo various hardships in his life? Why did he take birth in that dark prison in Vasudeva’s residence? Oh! Vidura, I still remember his life in Vrindavana, later came to Mathura and killed Kamsa opened that dark prison room where Devi Devaki and Vasudeva was imprisoned so long and called out affectionately for mother, it hurts my heart deeply.  Further, requesting his mother to forgive them in tears, all was a pastime of the Supreme Lord, remembering all those I am not able to understand why did Krishna born on Earth and undergone all those pain and grief? Oh! Vidura, mother Earth got purified herself with the dust from the  lotus feet of that supreme Lord, hasty movements of his eyeballs are enough to make the world gets terrified and kill those demons,  he could put an end to all those wicked demons with his fleeting look. Oh! Vidura, I feel the supreme Lord who is eulogized in the three worlds must have incarnated on the Earth, and performed various amusements to reveal his splendor to Jeeva.  Oh! Vidura, I have no words to describe his compassion, while living in the Gokulam, he liberated the female demon, who fed him with toxic poison on her bosom, he gave the fortune to that demon equivalent to his foster mother Devi Yasodha. I shall surrender to that supreme Lord who is the ocean of mercy, incarnated on the Earth and performed various pastimes for the welfare of its living beings. Oh! Vidura, the supreme Lord Krishna took great care of cows and cowherds of Vraja, he has performed various amorous sports with the young women of cowherds in the Vraja, and I cannot stop remembering all those.”

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 67 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Shuka Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, Udhdhava who sacrificed all his life to serve Krishna, did not marry or settled in his life, was the disciple of Sage Bhrihaspathi.  Vidura met Udhdhava, and they embraced each other, Vidura enquired the welfare of Krishna, Balarama, and their families, he enquired the welfare of Vasudeva and Devi Devaki, he enquired about Pradhyumna and Anirudhdha, Samba, etc. he enquired about the welfare of Emperor Ugrasena, and Akroora, thus Vidura enquired all about Krishna’s clan without giving time to utter a word for Udhdhava. Further, detailed his harsh experiences in the palace of Hastinapura, the conversation between Dhritarashtra ended up in arguments that forced him to abandon the palace forever, conducted spiritual tour to various sacred lands on the Earth, and revealed his yearning to meet Krishna.  Vidura concludes “Oh! Uddhava, kindly describe the welfare of the supreme Lord who is the ultimate asylum of the Jeeva removes all the fears and anxieties of the worldly existence, incarnated as the chief of Yadhava clan and performed various pastimes.”

Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, Udhdhava after listening to series of questions of Vidura enquiring about the welfare of the supreme Lord Krishna and his clan, kept silent, tears overflowing down the cheeks, find it difficult to utter a word.  Udhdhava could not control his grief due to those rushing memories of Lord Krishna.  He immersed in meditation upon supreme Lord Krishna for a few minutes, his eyes were overflowing with tears, and soon regained the original state, remembered the advice of Krishna, felt his eternal presence as a soul in him, immediately got rid of the grief, looked at Vidura and began to speak “Oh! Vidura, the sun like Krishna has already set, the ‘Time’ like serpent swallowed the beautiful city of Dwaraka. What shall I describe that supreme Lord Krishna? I would say the glory of the Earth has lost, Dwaraka submerged in the ocean, this world has become inauspicious, and the most unfortunate ones are Yadhava, even though they have attained the fortune to be with the Supreme Lord Hari, they could not understand him fully, like the fish misunderstand the mirror image of the moon on the water as one among them, a fish never understands the splendor of the moon.  The Yadhavas who were knowledgeable lived with the supreme Lord, did not understand the eternal truth of the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings.”

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 66 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Shuka Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, Suyodhana, Karna and Dusshasana who have heard the advice of Vidura to King Dhritarashtra was extremely raged, slammed the doors and entered the chamber of King Dhritarashtra, he approached Vidura in extreme fury, disgraced him calling his cause of birth as the son of Dasi, and dependent on them for the meal and shameless etc. Suyodhana mercilessly poured harsh words on Vidura who served them all his life.  Ultimately Vidura was thrown out of the palace; he was all humiliated and hurt.  Dhritarashtra who was listening to the shower of abuses on Vidura, remained silent, watching the boneless act of his own brother, Vidura who is an eminent archer, surprisingly remained unhurt by any of the above, silently retired from the chamber of Dhritarashtra.  Vidura instantly remembered the constructive side of the incident that caused him to stay away from the great battle of Kurukshetra, he felt it was the grace of supreme Lord Krishna upon him.  Oh! Rajan, Vidura who symbolizes the piousness and fortune of Kaurava left them forever. Thus, Vidura who is self-less, highly knowledgeable, amiable, a noble-soul left the Hastinapura. He conducted journeys to various sacred lands on the Earth, always remembering the sacred names of Lord, contemplating upon him, engaged in fruitful conversation with the ascetics who met on his way, walked all over the Earth like an Avadhootha. Vidura arrived on the shores of Prabhasa, met several saintly men and ascetics engaged in pious activities on the Syamanthapanchaka, he heard about the aftermath of the great battle of Kurukshetra and the destruction of entire Kauravas, as the tornado which causes the trees in the woods to ignite forest fire.  He also heard that only the Pandavas remains after the great battle, he left Prabhasa and proceeded journey to the riverbank of Saraswathi. Vidura decided to meet Krishna, walked through the banks of river Yamuna,  while moving along the banks suddenly his eyes fell on Udhdhava who was the closest companion of Lord Krishna.”

Shuka Bhramam continues "Oh! Rajan, Udhdhava is one of the dearest companions of Krishna, supremely intelligent, had a great knowledge in Shastra and Purana, and exceptionally good f0resight as Krishna.  He was completely devoted and sincerely follows Krishna like a shadow.  He used the clothes used by Lord Krishna, he consumed the leftover meal of Krishna, he used the bedspread used by Krishna, was a highly fortunate soul who spends most of his life with Krishna. Vidura witnessed Udhdhava on the shores of Yamuna, shocked to see him in unusual clothing; he was worn on saffron robes instead of yellow silk garments of Krishna. He was holding the sandalwood ‘Padhuka’ of Krishna above his head, Vidura understood Udhdhava must be conducting a spiritual journey."

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 66 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran speaks elaborately on the ten virtues that the illustrious Rishis and Sages experienced after conducting several kinds of research.   Initially, it speaks about the destructible nature of Prakrithi and indestructible nature of the supreme soul, and how to approach them so that it won’t cause grief or agony in the life of Jeeva, and the attitude towards people, wealth, possessions, richness and attitude towards past experiences help to avoid a mental breakdown in the absence of any of the above said things.  It teaches about the ‘supreme strength’, how to modify the thoughts according to the years of growth, how to utilize the life experiences of others for the betterment of life, what are the available sources to raise the mind and intellect from the unexpected crisis or tragedies, so that it does not cause mental and physical strain, how to face death without fear or trepidations.

Shukha Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, Vidura the closest companion of Bhagavan Krishna left to wood leaving all the comforts of the palace. He met Sage Maitreya and they both had an interesting conversion I shall describe them.”

King Pareekshith speaks “Oh! Bhramin, I am confident that the Kshatriya Vidura must have raised brilliant questions to Sage Maitreya that could provide commendable benefits to the Jeeva to elevate their souls from miseries of worldly existence, therefore kindly narrate that to me.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, you might have heard of the troubles of Pandavas who lost their father King Pandu, at a young age.  Dhritarashtra who is the father of Duryodhana, was blind by birth, encouraged Adharmi Duryodhana, who tried to kill your grandparents in the house made of wax. Later, they were saved by Vidura, but Dhritharashtra promoted all the atrocities of his sons. Once, Devi Dhraupadhi who is a fervent devotee of Lord Krishna was publicly humiliated in the assembly of Kaurava, they dragged her in hair and brought her in the assembly was unclothed, Dhritarashtra could not do anything to protect the daughter-in-law like Devi Draupadi.  The Kauravas cheated the Pandavas in the board game, and won over them, they have exiled from the Kingdom for twelve years, and one year living in disguise, after completing the verdict of Kauravas, they have returned to the Kingdom and begged for their share of the Kingdom was treated impolitely. At that moment, the Jagath Guru the supreme Lord Krishna appeared as an emissary of Pandavas before the Kauravas, was humiliated, but Lord Krishna remained serene as ever, Kauravas did not understand the splendor of that supreme Lord. Once, the Pandava and Kauravas decided to meet their destiny in the great battlefield of Kurukshetra, Dhritarashtra lost his sleep and peace, called for Vidura to help him to put an end to the epic battle. At that moment, Vidura advised Dhritharashtra in marvelous verses, which is one of the most significant verses that came to known as ‘Viduraneethi’. He advised Dhritharashtra “Oh! Bhratha, listen to me carefully, you are liable to offer the fair share of Kingdom to Pandava and they are deserved their portion of Kingdom if you do not listen to them and follow your unruly son Duryodhana, the supreme Lord Krishna with the Pandavas and Vrikodhara is enough to put a tragic end to your clan.  The supreme Lord Mukunda who is Devadeva and Yadhudeva as well is with the Pandavas, therefore no other force could harm them. Your sons may accumulate warriors and introduce numerous treacherous plans, could do nothing against Pandava. You have humiliated the supreme Lord Krishna, and got cursed, therefore Oh! Bhratha, kindly change your mind and protect your clan from the mass destruction.”  All that was advised to King Dhritarashtra was secretly heard by Duryodhana, Dusshshana, and Karna.”

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 65 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Adhi Dhaivamath Adhyathmam Adhibhoothamithi Prabhu:| Yadhaikam Paurusham Veeryam Thridhabidhyatha Thashchrunu||

Shukha Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, I have described the ten virtues compiled in the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, are Sargam, Visargam, Sthanam, Poshanam, Oothaya, Manvanthara, Eshanukatha, Nirodham, Mukthi, and  Ashrayam.   Oh! Rajan, the supreme Lord who resides as soul protects the three states of Adhidhaivikam/dream, Adhibhauthikam/the functioning of senses  in the state of awaken, and Adhyathmikam/state of deep sleep in which the mind and intellect attain Laya in the supreme soul.  Therefore, the human body, mind and intellect, and sense organs can’t perform tasks in the absence of the supreme soul, and hence the ultimate object of the mind and intellect that originated from the supreme soul has to merge in it with the practice of ‘Ananyabhakthi’.  The nine virtues mentioned in this Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran leads the Jeeva to its ultimate resting place/Ashrayam, which is the origin of it.”

The conversation between Sage Maitreya and Vidura describes the ten virtues of the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran in detail. It was before the greatest battle of Kurukshetra, Vidura describes the righteousness to Dhritarashtra/Viduraneethi, it resulted in Vidura leaving the Kingdom of Hastinapura before the battle.  Vidura conducts pilgrimage for several years and decided to meet Krishna in Dwaraka.  It took almost thirty-six years to complete his spiritual journeys to various places on the Earth, reached on the sacred land of Vrindavan, arrived on the riverbank of Yamuna; he met Udhdhava who is the closest companion of Krishna.  The Thritheeya Skandha of Srimad Bhagavatha Mapuran starts with the conversation between Udhdhava and Vidura.  Further, Udhdhava conveys the instruction of supreme Lord Krishna to Vidura to meet Sage Maitreya to receive the highest of the supreme knowledge.  The three and fourth chapters of the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran describes the conversation between Vidura and Maitreya.  In that, the three glorious incarnations of Lord Vishnu was described, in that the first incarnation of Lord Vishnu as ‘Varaha’/wild boar, Kapilavasudeva, and Rishis Nara and Narayana.  The Ekadasha Skanadha details the impediments caused to Rishi Nara and Narayana in detail.  In this way, three and fourth canto of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran describes the first two virtues 1) Sarga and 2)Visarga.

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 65 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Athra Sargo Visargashcha  Sthanam Poshanamoothaya: | Manvanthareshanukatha Nirodho Mukthirashraya: ||

Shukha Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, The supreme Lord Hari created the Universe and its living beings with his ‘Maya’. Maharishi Narada who is Mahabhagavatha described the Chathushloki Bhagavatha to elevate the souls soaked in Maya to my father who was seated on the riverbank of Saraswathi.  This Bhagavatha Purana has possessed ten significant virtues, those lessons passed on to me.  I shall describe those ten significant intrinsic values categorized as Sargam, Visargam, Sthanam, Poshanam, Oothaya, Manvanthara, Eshanukatha, Nirodha, Mukthi, and Ashraya.  The final lesson on Ashraya completely purifies the Jeeva from the darkness of ignorance; the nine lessons are the methods to reach that final destination.  It is the essence of Veda and Vedanta, mostly spoken about the legends of devotees of Lord and various amusements of supreme Lord Hari. ”

1)Sargam speaks about the creation of Universe and its living beings, Samashti/collective creation and Vishti/individual creation, 2) Visargam speaks about the techniques to live in the material world not getting attached to it thereby getting rid of mental and physical afflictions, and how to react to the situations to avoid mutual conflicts, misunderstandings and hurt, 3)Sthanam teaches how to bring serenity of mind and prepare oneself to face any adverse situation in the life with a firm mind, 4) Poshanam talks about the difference between  the material life/Prakrithi that has destructible nature and spiritual life/indestructible nature and how to nourish the mind with spiritual knowledge so that it does not get disturbed easily, keep away the individual free from miseries and sorrows of worldly existence 5) Oothaya talks about how to cultivate spiritual knowledge/related karma and the methods of it, thus keep the Jeeva engaged in righteous deeds to enhance kindness, selflessness, compassion etc. 6) Manvanthara talks about the ‘mind management,’ how to transform the impurity of the mind and intellect and reroute them into a state of serenity with devotion, meditation, wisdom, and sense of abandonment, etc. 7) Eshanukatha speaks about the various incarnations of the Supreme Lord and the life of devotees of Lord, it teaches how to tackle the problems in human life from their life lessons 8,) Nirodha teaches how to get rid of nervousness, fear, anxieties, weakness, etc. and  how to divert the mind and intellect from constant conflicts, remove ignorance and  raise to a state of calmness.9) Moksha teaches how to get rid of interest in worldly matters and bondages, and take pleasure in the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in us. 10) Ashrayam, teaches about complete surrender to the ultimate asylum, how to leave the mortal coil without ‘I’ consciousness, fear of death, fear of losing people, possessions, wealth, fame, etc. and attain union with the Bhramam/Paramathma/supreme soul.

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 64 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, I shall describe the creation of the supreme Lord in detail.   The lotus born Bhrama looked around the Universe found extreme darkness, curious to know about his origin, all he could hear was‘Ta Pa’, he immersed in penance, after that went through the lotus stalk and witnessed the glorious form of Lord Vishnu who is Shriyapathi, Yajjapathi, Saththvathampathi, reclines on the thousand hooded serpent Anantha.  Lord Bhrama prostrated before Lord Vishnu was taken in his hands and advised the Chatusholki Bhagavath, which is the essence of Veda and Vedantha, to begin creation, Lord Bhrama prays to Lord Vishnu that he should not take pride in his creation.”

Ahamevasamevagre  Nanyathsadhasathparam | Pashchath Aham Yadhethashcha Yoavashishyetha Soasamyaham || Ritheartham Yathpratheeyetha Na  Pratheeyetha Chathmani | Thadhvidhyadhathmano Mayam Yadhabhaso Yadha Thama: || Yadha Mahanthi Bhoothani Bhootheshucchavacheshvanu | Pravishtanya Pravishtyani Thadha Theshu Na Theshvaham || Yethava Deva Jijjasyam Thaththva Jijjyasuthathmana: | Anvayavyatherekabhyam Yathsya Sarvathra Sarvadha ||

Shukha Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Lord Vishnu advised Lord Bhrama, if he follows the advice of the Chatushloki Bhagavath, he will not face any distress in his life.  Lord Vishnu gives that marvelous knowledge of Chathusholki Bhagavath and speaks, “Oh! Bhrama, at the beginning of the creation, before the origin of indestructible supreme soul /Sath  and destructible Prakrithi/Asath, I was the only one existed, even after that I was the only once remained, once the both disappears I will be the only one remain.” Oh! Rajan, he is the protector of mind and intellect originated from the supreme soul, therefore it should return to that supreme soul at the end, hence he is the ultimate asylum for the Jeeva.  Oh! Rajan, the Jeeva realizes the presence of mind and intellect and the body/’I’ consciousness, forget to realizes the presence of the Supreme Lord as the soul which is the source of functioning of it, due to its Maya.  An ignorant never realizes the presence of the Supreme Lord as a soul in them, the intellectuals realize the eternal presence of the supreme soul with the knowledge of ‘Self’ and contemplates upon it and remain in a state of bliss, like the brilliance of sun rays removes the darkness.”

I shall narrate the story of two birds seated on the two different branches of a tree, one is Jeevathma seated on the lower branch/lower mind, that keeps making sounds of restless cries and another one on the top of the branch is Paramatha who resides as soul in living beings is serene always.  The supreme soul has possessed immense potential  than the body and mind, physical strength is lower than the strength of the mind, and the subtle soul resides as Prana has limitless potentials than the mind and intellect.  Therefore the lower mind keeps the Jeeva away from the knowledge of presence of supreme soul and engages in various worldly matters and bondages, get fasten to it without knowing the way to get freed from it.  The intellectuals who have the knowledge of the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings realizes his eternal presence in them with the constant meditation and contemplation, achieves a higher state of spirituality, complete serenity of mind to handle any adverse situations in life.  The Icchashakthi, Gnanashakthi, and Kriyashakthi of supreme Lord symbolize Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, further the trinities undertakes the functions of creation, preservation, and destruction respectively.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 63 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Dhadharsha  Thathra Akhila Saththvatham Pathim Shriya: Pathim Yajjapathim Jagathpathim | Sunandha Nanda Prabalarhanadhibhi:  Swaparshadhamukhyai: Parisevitham Vibhum || Bhrithya Prasadhiabimukham Dhrigasavam Prasannahasaruna Lochanananam | Kireetinam  Kundalinam Chathurbhujam Peethambaram Vakshashi  Lakshitham Shriya||

Shukha Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, thus the supreme Lord who is the Jagathguru/supreme preceptor, Adideva expanded the Universe and its living beings with his own Maya, he created the Prapancha/Prakrithi, he is supreme Purusha has all-pervasive nature, worshiped by Surasa and Asuras.  He has a dark cloud the complexion, eyes resemble a hundred petals of a lotus flower, attired in majestic yellow garment, adorned in various ornaments of precious gems, four arms holding Shankha Chakra Gadha Padma, he has lustrous and attractive physique, adorned in magnificent ear ornaments, Srivathsa and Kausthubha, he is Shriyapathi who holds Goddess Mahalakshmi on the chest, he is Akhilapathi who is the Lord of the Universe, he is Saththvathampathi who is the storehouse of virtues, he is Yajjapathi who is the Lord of fire sacrifices, he is Jagathpathi who is the Lord of Universe is always surrounded by  Sunandha Nanada Prabala, Arhana, like Parshadhas/sincere attendants, he has pleasing nature, his two eyes resemble Surya and Chandra, adorned in Kunala, Kireeta, Chathurbhujam Peethambaram and  Goddess Sri on his Vaskhas. Oh! Rajan, Bhagavan advised the lotus born Lord Bhrama to conduct Tapa, to carry out the function of creation.  Thus Lord Bhrama attained that highly confidential Veda to conduct the function of creation, further Bhagavan narrates the nature of Prakrithi/ human body is made of essential elements that are destructible nature and the content of space/sky, air, fire, water and earth varies on each individual, hence the attachment to material matters, people, wealth, richness, etc. that has the impermanent nature causes grief and sorrow.  Bhagavan affirms that all those Prakrithi originated from him is vested on him has short-living nature. He protects the Jeeva while in the three states of sleep, awake, and dream. Whoever understands his all-pervasive nature with the curiousness to know about the greatest philosophies, the Jijjyasu realizes his presence everywhere which is the highest state of spirituality with the knowledge of ‘Oneness-in-All”.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 62 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

King Pareekshith speaks “Oh! Bhramin, Lord Bhrama described those various incarnations of supreme Lord Vishnu to Maharishi Narada, are highly inspirational of Lord Hari’s various pastimes, that is capable to provide all the auspiciousness to the Universe. Oh! Mahabhaga, kindly describe all those legends of supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, and the incarnation of supreme Lord Krishna, listening and reciting to glories on a regular basis would enhance devotion, listening to that Krishnakatha would purify our souls.   He is the supreme Purusha who incarnated as Krishna; hence surrendering to his lotus feet would relieve the souls from all the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence.  The supreme Lord Bhrama who initiated from the navel of supreme Lord Adinarayana is no different from him.  The supreme Purusha who is the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the Universe and its living beings, he is Lord of Maya resides as a soul in living beings/Sarva Guhashaya and he is all-pervasive.  All that Bhramanda came into existence with the Athmamaya of supreme Lord.  The Time, Yuga, Kalpa, Kala, Guna, fourteen worlds, Graha, Nakshathra, rivers, oceans, islands, Varnnashrama, Yugadharma, Dharma of living beings, Veda, Ithihasa, Purana, etc. all that expanded from the Maya of supreme Purusha.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunakadhis, in this way, Vishnuratha/Pareekshith and Bhramaratha/Shukha engaged in a detailed conversation. Later, Shukha Bhramam described the glorious Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran which was narrated to Maharishi Narada by Lord Bhrama, later it was passed on to Maharishi Vedavaysa from Maharishi Narada, later it was retold to Shukha Bhramam.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 60 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Devadeva Namastheasthu Bhoothabhavana Poorvaja| Thadhvijaneehi Yajjanam Athma Thaththva Nidharshanam ||

Maharishi Narada enquired about the creation to Lord Bhrama whose four faces represents Antahkarana/Manas, mind/chiththam, intellect/Buddhi, and Ahamkara, “Oh! Poorvaja, you have a thorough knowledge of all the philosophies, what is the source of these Prapancham/five essential elements? Who is the creator of it? Where did it exist? Where did it go at the time of deluge/Laya? You are the knower of Prapancha/Prakrithi, therefore you have a thorough knowledge of its origin and Laya, kindly narrate all those to me. I think it is like a spider/Urnanabhi, the supreme Lord creates the Universe and its living beings, and absorbs it whenever he wants, like a spider that absorbs its web.”

Thasmai Namo Bhagavathe  Vasudhevaya Dheemahi | Yan Mayaya Dhurjayaya Mam Bruvanthi Jagathgurum ||Narayana Para Veda Narayanangaja: | Narayana Para Loka  Narayana Para Makha: ||Deva Narayanaparo Yogo Narayanaparam Thapa: |Narayana Param Gnanam Narayana Para Gathi: ||

Lord Bhrama speaks “ Oh! Vathsa, I shall describe all those queries you have raised, I shall narrate the creation which was taken place with the grace of the Supreme Lord, I am not the creator, and you have not understood the force behind my creation. I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord Vasudeva who resides as a soul in all the living beings, he is Jagathguru who creates the Universe and its living beings with his ‘Maya’.  Oh! Bhagavan, it is difficult to understand the function of your creation, especially for the ignorant swollen with self-importance.  The Iccha/Gnana/Kriyashakthi of supreme Lord, with the influence of Dhravyam, Kalam, Karma, Swabhava, Beeja and results in the creation of Jeeva, I have explained the process of creation in order,  happens in the presence of Lord Vasudeva who resides as soul, therefore all that originated from him, and this is how the process of creation takes place. I shall prostrate before the supreme Lord Narayana who is the essence of Veda, and all the deities, Lord Narayana represents the Universe and its living beings and fire sacrifices as well, Lord Narayana symbolizes Yoga, Thapa, Gnana, and Paramamgathi as well.  Therefore the supreme Lord Narayana/Nara+Ayanam/ who resides as a soul in us is the creator as well as the ultimate asylum of the Jeeva.   The Jeeva originated from those five essential elements such as Sky/space, Air/Vayu, Fire/Agni, water/Jalam, and Earth/Prithvi in order; therefore it has to return to the origin after leaving its mortal coil.  The two sets of sense organs, known as Gnanindhriyas and Karmendhriya.  The  Gnana Indhriyas are /Shabdha/sound, Sparsha/touch, Roopa/form, rasa/taste, Gandha/smell, Manas, buddhi, Chiththam, Ahamkara, Prana and Karma Indriyas/ear, skin, eyes, tongue, nose, and five Indriyas to react known as hands, legs, throat, productive organ and anus.  Therefore, the Upanishadhas addressed the supreme Purusha Narayana as the source of the functioning of all those Gnana and Karmendhriyas.  The Prakrithi promotes the lives on the Earth/ Jeeva providing various nutrients/Bhoga, to attain union with the supreme Bhramam with the practice of ‘Yoga’.”

The supreme Lord Adi Narayana depicts as reclines on the bed of thousand hooded serpent Anantha in the milky ocean, and Lord Bhrama born from the lotus of the Adinarayana.   The serpent Anantha symbolizes Fire, the milky ocean represents water, Narayana/Naram+ayanam symbolizes wisdom, lotus stalk represents ‘Prana’, the lotus flower represents Manas, lotus born Bhrama with four faces represents  Manas, Buddhi, Chiththam, and Ahamkara. This is the prime factor for the ‘creation’, the collective form of Agni, Water, wisdom, Prana, Manas, buddhi, intellect, Chiththam, and Ahamkara is ‘Jeeva’. The Agni, Vayu, and water are the most essential element required for the creation and existence of Jeeva.  The Agni is the source of forms/appearances and sounds. Prakrithi is the whole of positive and negative energy, good and bad, sorrow and happiness, joy and grief, day and night, good health and ailments, etc.  Space/Sky creates Air, the constant frictions in the air causes Agni, and the excess of heat produces Water and causes to settle on the Earth/Prithvi.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 59 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Nama: Parasmai Purushaya  Bhooyase  Sadhudh Bhava Sthana Nirodhaleelaya| Griheetha Shathi Thrithayaya Dhehinamanthar Bhavayanupalakshya Varthmane ||Yath Keerthanam Smaranam Yathveekshanam Yath Vandhanam Ya Shravanam Yadharhanam | Lokasya Sadhyo Vidhunothi Kalmasham Thasmai Subhadhra Shravase Namo Nama: ||

Shukha Bhramam appreciates the questions raised by King Pareekshith and engages in the contemplation upon supreme Lord “Oh! Supreme Purusha, who is the cause for creation, preservation, and destruction, performing all those functions as pastimes, resides as a soul in living beings, and invisible, I shall prostrate before you. Oh! Bhagavan, you are the cause for the elevation of virtuous soul, who has a thorough knowledge of the presence of the supreme soul and takes immense pleasure in contemplation upon the supreme Lord.  Oh! Bhagavan, you remain far from the ignorant, who are taking immense pleasure in worldly matters and bondage. I shall prostrate that supreme Lord whose glorious myths remove the grief and miseries of worldly existence, the practice of remembrance, meditation, and worship would remove the impurities of the mind, and provides all the auspiciousness. Oh! Bhagavan, the intellectuals envision and contemplates upon your lotus feet in their hearts, they take pleasure in the union with the supreme soul, keep themselves away from the material world, eventually attain the serenity of the mind, I shall prostrate before that supreme Lord.  Oh! Bhagavan, Thaspavi/ascetics who undertake supreme austerities, Dhanapara/who finds pleasure in giving away charities, practice the contemplation upon you. An ignorant do not realize the presence of supreme Lord and engages in chasing material and sensual pleasures, I shall prostrate before that supreme Lord who resides in the heart of intellectuals as well as in the ignorant. I shall prostrate before that supreme Lord who resides as the soul in living beings, meditated and worshiped by the tribal people/Kiratha and Yavana, and gets purified their souls. Oh! Bhagavan, Lord Bhrama and Lord Shankara contemplate upon the supreme Lord and engage in extreme austerities and penance, Oh! Bhagavan, kindly shower your compassionate grace on us.  Oh! Bhagavan, who is Shriyapathi/dearest consort of Goddess Sri, Yajjapathi who is the Lord of sacrifices, Prajapathi who is the Lord of Praja/Jeeva, Lokapathi who is the protector of Universe,  Dharapathi who is the Lord of Goddess Dhara/Earth, Ganadhipa and Vrishnipathi, symbolizes Sathvik nature, kindly shower your compassionate grace on us. Oh! Mukunda, the intellectuals and supreme ascetics takes pleasure envisioning the lotus feet of Supreme Lord in their hearts, realizes your all-pervasive nature and oneness-in-all, and describes your splendor. Oh! Mukunda kindly showers your compassionate grace on us.  Oh! Bhagavan who represents the five essential elements, creates Universe and its living beings and resides as soul in it, is the source of functioning of Karma and Gnana indriyas/Shabdha, Sparsha, Roop,Rasa and Gandh. Oh! Purusha, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you, kindly take your presence in my words. Oh! Rajan, I am able to answer all your queries with the presence of that supreme Lord in me, I shall elaborate the incidents took place long ago, that was narrated by Maharishi Narada.”

Namasthasmai Bhagavathe  Vasudevaya Vedhase | Papurgnanamayam Saumya  Yanmukhamburuhasavam ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 58 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Shaunakadhis speak “Oh! Sutha, King Pareekshith was extremely fortunate to hear Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran from Shukha Bhramam. The humans are not conscious of their life span which has no credibility, can leave any moment, Alas! An ignorant live like an animal on the Earth, take immense pleasure on the material welfare and bondage, never realizes the presence of soul in them, while leaving the mortal coil they give up life in extreme guilt and agony, realizes the ultimate truth that they have not brought anything while taking birth and can’t carry anything while leaving the Earth.  Whoever does not recite or listen to this glorious Bhagavatham would remain undomesticated animals/dogs, donkeys/ and continue living on the Earth without knowing the potentialities of the mind and intellect that has the capabilities not only wedge on the material well-being, has the abilities to spiritually elevate the souls.  It can adopt Pravriththi Marga/material desires, as well as Nivriththi Marga/spiritual achievement/sense of abandonment, like a tortoise.  Whoever does not aware of the knowledge of the immense potentials of the mind and intellect are like the donkey carrying saffron without knowing its sweet fragrances, whoever does not aware of the knowledge of the supreme soul is mere corpse walking on the Earth.  Oh! Sutha, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to listen to that glorious Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran from you. Oh! Sutha, kindly narrate those glorious legends that were narrated by Shukha Bhramam to King Pareekshith.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, I am equally fortunate as you, I am having the opportunity to narrate those glorious myths to noble souls like you. Oh! Shaunakadhis, I shall narrate the qualms raised by King Pareekshith and that were answered by Shukha Bhramam.  King Pareekshith got relieved from the material world and bondage, raised the question about the ‘Creation’.”

King Pareekshith speaks “Oh! Bhramin, kindly narrate how did the Supreme Lord create the Universe and its living beings? Everyone says the supreme Lord created all those with the ‘Athmamaya’ why did the creation take place? How did the creation take place? How did the Prakrithi come into existence? It is very challenging to understand, he is creating it and destroying the same, how did he do that? Therefore kindly describe the Adhbhutha Karma of Lord Hari, so that I can elevate my soul.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 57 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Thasmath  Sarvathmana Rajan Hari: Sarvathra Sarvadha | Shrothavya: Keerthithavyashcha  Smarthavyo Bhagavan Nrinam ||

Shukha Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, the supreme Lord Kootastha who resides as is eternal and changeless, therefore contemplate upon that supreme Lord with intense love and faith.  The supreme Lord Hari is omnipresent, resides as a soul in living beings, he is the source of the functioning of the Gnana and Karmaindhriyas.  Oh! Rajan, therefore always remember the presence of supreme Lord Hari as a soul in you, with the practice of Shravanam/listen, Keerthanam/sing in praise of him, and Smaranam/contemplation.  Oh! Rajan, take immense pleasure in the nectar-like Bhagavatham, drink this nectar with your ears, in this way,  you can elevate your soul and attain union with the Supreme Lord Hari.”

Akama: Sarvakamo Va Mokshakama  Udharadhi: | Theevrena Bhakthiyogena Yajetha  Purusham Param||

Shukha Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, there are various Upasanamoorthi available to enhance the devotion in Jeeva, Lord Bhrama is worshiped for wisdom and knowledge, worship of Lord Indra brings all the pleasures to senses, worship of Prajapathi provides offsprings, worship of Goddess Devi would provide wealth and opulence, worship of Vibhavasu/Surya for effulgence, worship of Rudra provides courage, worship of Ashwini Devatas provide long life, worship of Goddess Earth provides nourishment, worship of Gandharva provides an attractive appearance, worship of Urvashi would provide a beautiful woman as a wedded wife.  Oh! Rajan, whoever yearn for Moksha/liberation from the cycles of birth and death, get rid of miseries and sorrows of worldly existence, achieve serenity of mind and handle any adverse situations in life with a serene mind,  hence conduct the rigorous practice of Bhakti Yoga and attain the supreme Purusha who resides as a soul in living beings, eventually get liberated from the miseries of repeated births.  Oh! Rajan, keep yourself in the association of ascetics and saintly men, sing in praise of the supreme Lord, listen to his endless glorious myths and Bhagavath Katha, in this way, you can elevate your soul and attain Shreyas, you can keep yourself free from the sorrows, miseries, and grief of worldly existence.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 56 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Yavan Na Jayathe  Paravaresmin Vishweshware Dhrishtari Bhakthiyoga: | Thavath Sthaveeya: Purushasya Rooam Kriyavasane  Prayatha:  Smaretha||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, continue the practice of meditation and contemplation upon the Sthoolshareera of the supreme Lord who is Vishweshwara, all-pervasive, beyond body and soul, until you are not successful in it,  gradually, you will attain a balanced state of mind through the practice of Bhakti yoga, further perform all the tasks remembering the supreme Lord.  Oh! Rajan, the practice of Jithasana/comfortably seated in a place and Jithashwasa/controlled breathing, fix your mind and intellect upon the supreme Lord to achieve the serenity of the mind, it would remove the impurities of the mind, and attain union with the supreme soul which elevates in a state of bliss, ultimately it would remove the sorrows and miseries of worldly existence.  Oh! Rajan, an individual who achieved the supreme state of bliss would remain untouched by ‘Time’, or the evil effects caused by the planets, or deities, remain free/unhurt from the three virtues of Rajasik, Sathvik, and Thamasik nature.  Oh! Rajan, it is known as Param Padham/Vaishnava Padham/Vaikundham/free from afflictions, which is beyond description/Nethi Nethi = Na Ithi.  Oh! Rajan, this is the supreme state of spirituality, which removes the afflictions of worldly existence, in this way, Jeeva attains liberation while leaving the mortal coil.”

Shukha Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, whoever attains the serenity of mind would face challenges in their lives with a calm mind engage in the practice of meditation, recitation of sacred names of supreme Lord, while leaving the mortal coil, the mind and intellect originated from the supreme soul get infused to the air/Pranavayu with its unfulfilled desires and lust, it travels to any one of the abodes of fourteen worlds, thus the Jeeva keeps wanders in the fourteen worlds according to their accumulated desires.  Oh! Rajan, I shall describe the easiest way to attain union with the supreme soul Lord Vasudeva, with the practice of Bhakti yoga.  Lord Bhrama conducted search in three worlds and three Vedas found the easiest method of the practice of Bhakti yoga to achieve union with the supreme soul who is Kootastha/ resides as a soul in living beings.”

|| 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.”