||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudhevaya||

Chapter – 106 – The legend of Vamana -2

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Devi Adhithi prostrated before the supreme Lord Vishnu who is adorned in various precious ornaments all over the body, decorated in the magnificent crown, ear ornaments, waist ornaments, armlets, and anklets, Srivathsa, Kausthubha, and Vanamala, attired in majestic yellow silk garment.  Devi Adhithi eulogized Lord Vishnu with the various sacred names, “Oh! Bhagavan, Oh! Pushkarekshana, Oh! Kshethrajja Sarvabhoothanam, I shall prostrate before you.”  Lord Vishnu was pleased with the devotion Devi Adhithi, and said “Oh! Devi, I am pleased with your devotion, I have decided to take birth as your child, therefore keep it as highly confidential.” In due course of time, Devi Aditi gave birth to a child in the month of Bhadrapada with the birth star Shravana.   The child born was revealed its magnificent form with four arms, holding Shankha, Chakra, Gadha and Padma.  Devi Adhithi prayed to Lord with the folded hands, instantly supreme Lord adopted the form of a dwarf/Vatu.  The whole Universe immersed in extreme happiness and joy, sounds of divine instruments echoed all over, all the deities appeared before the Vatu Vamana and eulogized the supreme Lord.  Lord Surya whispered the sacred Gayathri Manthra in the ears of Vatu Vamana, Sage Bhrihaspathi adorned sacred thread across the chest of Vatu Vamana, Sage Kashyapa decorated the waist of Vatu with the sacred grass, Devi Adhithi decorated the child with a loincloth, Mother Earth offered him the skin of antelope, Soma offered Danda/stick, Dhikdevatha offered Chathram/umbrella, Goddess Saraswathi offered Japamala/prayer bead, Kamandalu and Kubera offered vessel for alms, and Goddess Uma offered the alms.   Thus, Vatu Vamana graciously received all the offerings of the deities and proceeded to the banks of river Narmada where Vairochana/Mahabali was performing the grand Yaga ‘Vishwajith’.

Vatu Vamana moved towards the shores of the Narmada with an intention to take the three worlds with his three strides from Mahabali, eventually, his weight has increased with the mere thought of it and the Earth began to quiver.  Vatu Vamana approached the Yaga arena of Mahabali was reverentially greeted by him “Oh! Bhramin, are you from the clan of Bhramarishi? I feel you are from the illustrious clan of Bhramarishis, I and my clan got sanctified with your arrival, kindly make the event of Yaga fruitful with your present.” Vairochana took the Vatu Vamana inside the Yaga arena and washed his feet with respect, sprinkled the water on his own head and said “ Aho Bhagyam! I am truly fortunate one, not even Bhrama attained the fortune to wash your feet.”  Further, he offered a seat to Vatu Vamana and said “Oh! Vatu, kindly asks for a contribution from me, ask whatever you have desired in the form of cows, gold, land, possessions, virtuous bride, etc.”  Vatu replied “Oh! Rajan, your generous words are most appropriate to your clan of greatest devotee Prahladha, and Virochana who sacrificed life for deities.  There are people who are unhappy to share anything with others, and there are people like you willing to share everything with others.  You have multiplied the piousness of your clan with your generous attitude.  Oh! Vairochana, I am a child, I do not require immense wealth; give me three sides of land measured by my feet.  Oh! Rajan, I have to ask for my requirements only, I need the three strides of land for me.” Vairochana laughed out loudly hearing the request of the Vatu Vamana, and said “ Oh! Bhramin, you are too childish, you are asking an Emperor who is the Lord of the three worlds, to offer three strides of land, you have put me in a great shame by asking three strides of land with your tiny feet, Oh! Vatu, you should not ask anyone once requested to me.” Vatu replied “Oh! Rajan, an ignorant cannot be happy even after attaining the three worlds, the material things cannot bring happiness, the sharing of them brings ultimate happiness.  The real meaning of happiness is the unexpected arrival of wealth, not searching for satisfaction even after possessing the three worlds.  Whoever finding happiness in their possessions and willing to share with others would prosper in their lives.  Oh! Rajan, I am happy with the three strides of land, I am satisfied and happiest as always.”  Mahabali was immensely pleased with the Vatu Vamana and looked at his wife Vindhyavali.  She immediately, moved forward with a vessel of water to begin the proceedings of charity to a Bhramin.

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudhevaya||

Chapter – 105 – The legend of Vamana - 1

Nature/Prakrithi has the tendency to give away all its resources, it teaches the greatest and the permanent truth of ‘sharing’, that whatever stored for long would definitely get of no use in the long run.   Rishis and Sages found the definition of permanent bliss, and they began to share it copiously with the fellow beings, thus the ‘happiness’ has multiplied in abundance and they lived in eternal bliss.   They taught the practice to share oneself to the supreme Lord who is the cause of origin; it is called ‘Athmanivedhanam’/complete surrender.  In the same manner, the Prakrithi expect two kinds of sharing from living beings, sharing kind words with fellow beings and sharing wealth or richness for the welfare of human beings.   The human tendency is to store everything for the future, which is unpredictable.  The legend of Vamana is the greatest lesson to cement the truth that whoever enriched with the nature of kindness and sharing would never fall in their lives.  The legend of Vairochana/Mahabali, who shared all his possession with the supreme Lord Vishnu, finally attained the elevation of soul.

Preekshith speaks “ Oh! Bhramin, I have heard the legend of Vairochana who offered the entire Kingdom to Lord Vishnu, who measured the Kingdom in three strides, was fastened and moved him to Suthalaloka, why did he do so? Kindly narrate it to me.  It creates extreme curiosity in me.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Mahabali/Vairochana and demons had a fierce battle with the deities immediately after churning of the ocean for the nectar of immortality was brutally killed by Lord Indra and deities.  Shukracharya restored the lives of the demons with the knowledge of Mrithasanjeevani Vidhya that was attained from Lord Shiva.  Shukracharya advised the demons to serve the Bhramins selflessly, thus Vairochana earned an abundance of piousness by serving the twice-born, and obtained a magnificent chariot with their blessings.  Thus, Vairochana conquered the three worlds with the piousness earned from serving the twice-born, and crowned as Emperor, and ruled his kingdom wisely.  Once again, the deities lost their glories and fame.  Mahabali who has earned an abundance of piousness with his righteousness was advised to perform the superior Yaga ‘Vishwajith’ under the guidance of Rishis and Sages, he constantly succeeded in all the Dharmic rites and earned immense righteousness.”

Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, the sons of Devi Adhithi miserably failed in their attempts to regain the lost glories and fame.  Sage Kashyapa Prajapathi was approached by his wife Devi Adhithi who was completely distressed at the failure of her children Lord Indra and deities, she was deeply concerned about her children who lost their possessions and fame.  Devi Adhithi speaks “ Oh! Mahamuni, I shall take refuge at your feet, kindly consider the miserable state of our children who lost their possessions.  Oh! Prabho, Vairochana who is the son of Dhithi/Sapathni seized all the possessions our children and left them in a wretched state.  Kindly protect our children, and guide me to regain their auspiciousness.”  Oh! Rajan, in this way Devi Adhithi requested her husband Sage Kashyapa Prajapathi.  Devi Adhithi due to her extreme attachment on her children became miserable; this is how the Maya of Lord Vishnu works.  None of the processes in the human bodies has an attachment with the essential elements absorbed for its existence, vital air inhale and exhale, human bodies undergo constant changes, water, and food consumed will get rid of the body after a certain process, in this way none of the body parts are attached to any of the internal processes takes place in the body, therefore it teaches the truth of ‘relationship with relation less’.  The sense of attachment with detachment will help to have a steadiness of mind.  Sage Kashyapa said “ Oh! Devi, there is no realistic way to control your mind from extreme grief, therefore contemplate upon Lord Janardhana who resides as a soul in living beings, he is Jathaguru, who can elevate our soul which is soaked in illusion. Oh! Devi,  I shall advise you about the austerities to follow in the month of Phalgun,  you have to consume milk for the twelve days and undertake the vow of austerities after the worship Lord Aravindhaksha/whose eyes have the resemblance of the lotus flower petals.  You have to remember that you are undertaking these austerities for the welfare of all and attain a virtuous son, and recite his endless sacred names in this way."  

||‘Namasthubhyam  Bhagavathe Purushaya Maheeyase| Sarvabhoothanivasaya Vasudevaya Sakshine|| 

Devi Adhithi sincerely followed the instructions of Sage Kashyapa Prajapathi, at the successful completion of the ‘Payovratha’, Lord Vishnu appeared before Devi Adhithi, in a marvelous form with the Shankha, Chakra, Gadha, and the Padma in four arms.”

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter - 104 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -7

Lord Mahadeva witnessed a magnificent garden, in abundance of various flowers, creepers, trees, streams, and ponds.  He saw a stunningly beautiful woman with most attractive physical features, smeared in rich fragrances, was playing with the flower ball.   She has beautiful eyes, adorned in various magnificent ornaments all over the body, attired in marvelous garment, while watching, her upper garments were slipped down, she was taking immense pleasure in the pastime did not notice, it revealed her enticing body parts, her beautiful long and curly hair locks were spread all over the attractive body; it exposed the large and heavy bosom as well.  Lord Mahadeva watched the mesmerizing beauty of the woman in awe; he forgot the presence of Goddess Uma and the Bhoothaganas.   Mohini captured the entire attention of Lord Mahadeva, looking at him with an extreme desire; she continued to entertain Lord Mahadeva moving all over the garden.  Lord Mahadeva completely forgot his identity and nature like an untamed male elephant craving for a female elephant to fulfill its physical requirements.  He approached her in an intense desire, caught hold of her beautiful long hair locks, when Mahadeva moved further to embrace her was rejected by Mohini and she ran out of his reach.  Mahadeva who was completely besieged by the beauty of Mohini followed her at great speed; her attires were lost due to the force of the wind, Mahadeva who was chasing Mohini could not control his desire, eventually, the beeja/rethas released were fallen on the Earth, and has become silver and gold.  Immediately after releasing the Beeja, Mahadeva realized his real nature and regained his splendor, he did not spend even a second recollecting those mistakes, he instantly concentrated on his supreme consciousness. 

Lord Mahadeva prostrated before Mohini, “ Oh! Devi, I shall prostrate before you.” Lord Vishnu said “ Oh! Vibhudhashreshta/eminent one, you have effortlessly regained your supreme consciousness in no time.   The ordinary living beings keep feeding their sense in delusion; they do not make an effort to bring back the consciousness to merge with the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul in them.  Oh! Bhagavan, it was your proficiency to regain the supreme consciousness, therefore, you have not stained by my incarnation as Mohini.” 

Lord Mahadeva returned to the Mount Kailash and described all that happened to Goddess Sati, “ Oh! Devi, I was drenched in illusion after witnessing the marvelous form of supreme Lord Vishnu as Mohini, it was extremely difficult to withdraw my mind from the beautiful form of Mohini.  I have lost the beeja/semen while I was running after that attractive form of Lord Vishnu, instantly I have regained the supreme consciousness and contemplated upon that Purusha, thus I have freed my mind from illusion.   Oh! Devi, this glorious form of Mohini will teach a great philosophy to the living beings on the Earth.  This splendid pastime of Lord Vishnu would be the greatest lesson to relieve the souls from the miseries of worldly existence.” 

Whoever contemplates upon the most magnificent form of Lord Vishnu as Mohini would attain happiness in the material world as well as union with the Supreme Lord who resides as a soul.

The human mind and intellect are the sole contributors to happiness, pain, grief and sorrow, it needs diverse matters to contemplate, if it is not twisted in the right manner it wander in the material world and accumulates intense grief and sorrow, if it is turned in contemplating the supreme Lord who resides as soul in living beings and the all-pervading nature of him, it would provide the serenity of mind, clarity of thoughts, and ultimately supreme bliss.  It has the ability to soak in the world of fantasy as well as mull over the past pleasant and unpleasant experiences.  It has the capability to fasten the individual soul into worldly matters, bondage, and countless desires; it also has the power to unfasten the individual soul from the worldly matters to the supreme Lord as well.  The serenity of mind can be achieved through constant practice of contemplation on the supreme Lord, meditation, Yoga, breathing techniques/Pranayama, recitation of sacred scriptures, etc.

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter - 103 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -6

Lord Mahadeva speaks “ Oh! Devadeva who carries out the functions of Indhriyas, mind, and intellect with your presence in the soul, Oh! Jagathvyapin/omnipresent, Oh! Jagadeesha/Jagath = Jayathe/creation + Thishtathi/preservation + Gacchathi/destruction, Oh! Jaganmaya who is all-pervading and changeless, Oh! Sarvabhoothathma,  you are the cause and effects as well, you have neither beginning nor end, you are absolute truth known as Bhramam.  The intellectuals contemplate upon your lotus feet and attain the state of bliss, the liberated souls abandon the sensual pleasure, desire, and material bondage, and elevate their souls.  Oh! Lord you are absolute Bhramam, which is beyond TriGunas, sorrows, and impurities, you are flawless, you symbolize nectar and you are supreme bliss.  You are void of duality, {human body, mind, and intellect are considered as ‘Dwayam’, it is subject to a different color, skin tone, shape, etc.. but the supreme soul remains ‘Adhwayam’ that is free from duality, any of the color or qualities.} like the ornaments of a various pattern made out of precious yellow metal, due to ignorance the people forget to notice the supreme soul in all living beings.  Oh! Bhagavan, I have witnessed your numerous incarnations, I have not seen your incarnation as a beautiful woman while distributing the nectar of immortality, I would like to witness the same, hence kindly reveal that glorious form to me.”

Lord Vishnu speaks “ Oh! Lord Mahadeva, I have assumed that beautiful form of a woman to entertain the demons, so that the deities could get the share of nectar of immortality. Oh! Surasaththama, I shall reveal that form to you.”  Lord Vishnu disappeared from sight.

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter - 102 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -5

The illustrious Rishis and sages taught us the highest knowledge of   ‘Pavananam Cha Pavanam’ superior among the wealth; the knowledge of all-pervading nature of supreme Lord can be earned with the association of saintly men and learning scriptures.  It inspires the individual to churn the mind and intellect which could bring the nectar of immortality/the knowledge of the eternal presence of the Supreme Lord as a soul in living beings that has neither birth nor death.   Lord Mahadeva/Shiva remained unhurt even after consuming the toxic poison appeared while churning the ocean and it has become an ornament on his throat; it means the supreme soul/Shiva symbolizes auspiciousness, with the constant contemplation upon supreme Lord the toxic poison like impurities of the mind and intellect would get cleansed, and the virtuousness would become an ornament for the person who immerses in contemplation.  Whoever soaked in material living, seeking pleasure in every material thing would remain unhappy and miserable, the people who live for the welfare of others, sharing and caring, in all possible means would remain in perpetual bliss, and eventually, they remain free from the impurities.  During the awakened state, the mind and intellect take shelter on the eyes, during the state of half-awakened/not deep sleep, the mind, and intellect take rest on the throat, during the state of deep sleep/Sushupthi the mind and intellect take rest on the Prana, during the state of Thureeya/being in the 4^th state of soul/ in the transcendental state it takes rest on the Moordha/uppermost part of the head.

The demons were infuriated to witness the deities who consumed the entire nectar of immortality.  They battled against the deities who had attained immense strength with the consumption of the nectar.  In the vicious battle between the deities and demons, numerous demons were killed; Lord Indra killed Mahabhali/Vairochana.  The deities returned to their abodes with the great feeling of triumph.  In the meantime, Shukracharya, the preceptor of the demons, used the ‘Mrithasanjeevani Vidhya’/lessons of restoring life on the corpse, on the demons who were brutally killed in the battle, thus all the demons regained their lives.

Lord Mahadeva/Vrishadhwaja came to know about the glorious form of Lord Mahavishnu as Mohini, desired to meet her.   Lord Mahadeva discussed the incarnation of Lord Vishnu with Goddess Sati who was also yearning to witness the splendor of Mohini.  Thus Lord Mahadeva and Goddess Sati mounted on the celestial vehicle was accompanied by the Bhoothaganas and arrived to meet the glorious incarnation of Lord Madhusoodhana was received with great reverence, worshiped him and offered a seat. 

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 101 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -4

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a most attractive woman Mohini who was smeared in highly rich fragrances and adorned in various precious ornaments all over the body, attired in magnificent garments.  The moment demons witnessed the supremely gorgeous woman Mohini, they forgot their arguments on the nectar of immortality.  They immensely praised the beauty, lovely features and appearance of Mohini and enquired her whereabouts “Oh! Beautiful one, Oh! Kanchathalayadhakshi, you are churning our hearts, who are you, where did you come from and why did you come? kindly elaborate to us.  We are extremely fortunate ones, you must be sent by the Supreme Lord to distribute the nectar and take pleasure in our association.  Oh! Devi kindly chooses us as your companion.  Kindly distribute the nectar equally among us. ” The demons walked around Mohini, surprisingly watching at her beauty, touched her garments in awe, took great pleasure in the smell of the rich aromatic perfumes she has applied on her body.  Mohini who was covered in the exquisite garment expressed her shyness before them.  Mohini replied “Oh! Demons, how could you trust on me I am the one wander all around, therefore you should not invest trust upon me.”  After hearing this, the demons confirmed that she is open-minded and most eligible to distribute the nectar and requested her to distribute the nectar.  Mohini instructed them to sit in a line keeping their mouth open and eyes closed, was sincerely followed like children.  Mohini waved her hands to deities and instructed them to sit with them, she served the deities with the nectar and affectionately patted on the cheeks of demons who were seated their eyes closed. One of the demons Swarbhanu suspected that there is something wrong, he opened his eyes and found that the deities happily consuming the nectar.  Swarbhanu loudly called for the demons and cautioned them that they have cheated by Lord Vishnu, who has assumed the form of a gorgeous woman Mohini, but demons were not willing to listen, therefore Swarbhanu disguised the form of deity and seated between Lord Chandra and Surya.  Lord Vishnu did not take notice of Swarbhanu who was seated between the deities; the nectar was served to him as well.  Lord Surya loudly called out for Lord Vishnu and informed the presence of Swarbhanu among the deities.  Lord Vishnu sliced off the head of Swarbhanu who was already attained the nectar of immortality, his head portion remains unhurt and the body part became smoky.   Swarbhanu kept his enmity on Lord Surya and Lord Chandra from that day onwards, thus the solar and lunar eclipse has come into existence.  In this way, the supreme Lord Vishnu attained the nectar of immortality for the deities.”

There are numerous ways of Upasana/worship of the supreme Lord.  The milky ocean represents the human mind and intellect, which is soaked in various impurities and abnormalities, it is bound by three Gunas/Rajasik, Tamasik and Swatik.  The human intellect has no beginning or end; it is like an unfathomable milky ocean.  The Mount Mandhara represents clarity of thoughts, it helps to realize/experience the presence of the supreme soul who resides as a soul in living beings.  The serpent Vasuki represents the Kundalinishakthi that has the sign of serpent, can be elevated with the constant practice of devotion/Pranayama, Yoga, meditation, recitation of scriptures and sacred names, etc.  The deities and demons represent the constructive as well as destructive thoughts in us.  The constructive thoughts are confident and hard-working nature, without the anxiousness of criticism or expectation.  The destructive thoughts are doubtful and lethargic; it lacks disciplines, seeks constant encouragement and support from others to boost its spirit.  While churning the ocean, Mount Mandhara was tilting has to get support from the giant tortoise that represents the balanced state of mind, firm in any favorable and unfavorable situations.  Any righteous deed performed without the knowledge the ultimate purpose/unfocused would be considered as unfruitful.  Therefore devotion to supreme consciousness without the purpose of union of the supreme soul, who resides as a soul in us, would not provide the experience of eternal bliss.  The supreme soul has the nature of Sacchidhanandha/eternal bliss, can be attained with the constant practice of meditation and contemplation, it would wash off all the toxic poison /Kalakooda/ impurities/selfishness, ego, pride, jealousy and remains Sarvabhootha Hithe Ratha who takes immense joy in the welfare of others, ultimately it leads to state of Nirvana/state of immortality is the state of union with the supreme Bhramam.  Lord Mahadeva is supreme consciousness which has the nature of permanent bliss; therefore the Kalakooda poison could not influence him.  This practice of staying close to the supreme Bhramam who resides as a soul in us is known as Upasana.

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 100 – The legend of churning the milky ocean for the nectar of immortality -3

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, The Kalakooda/toxic poison was graciously accepted by Lord Mahadeva, a few drops of it fell on the Earth was consumed by serpents, crawling creatures, and reptiles.  The churning process was continued, the divine cow Kamadhenu come into sight from the ocean was offered to Rishis/ Agnihothris and Bhramavadhis who performs various fire sacrifices and remains in the contemplation of supreme Bhramam.  In this way, various precious things were appeared from the ocean were distributed among deities and demons, the white horse with a black tail Ucchaisravas was offered to  Vairochana/Mahabali, the powerful elephant Airavatha was offered to Lord Indra, the precious jewel Kausthubha was accepted by Lord Vishnu, the divine tree Parijatha was given to the abode of Lord Indra/ Indraloka.  Suddenly, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi/Rama who is chaste and virtuous, stunningly gorgeous, youthful, appeared from the ocean, she has the resemblance of the strike of lightning captured the attention of demons and deities as well.  All the deities received Goddess Rama with great reverence, she was offered a seat and washed her feet by the deities, and heartily wished her to marry.   The Sages, Rishis, and Lord Maheshwara was prepared to receive her with great admiration.  She looked upon the supreme Lord Vishnu who symbolizes Dharma/righteousness, prowess, kindness, and compassion. Goddess Rama has the nature of being in the association of people of self-sacrificing, virtuous and willing to elevate their soul, presented herself to supreme Lord who remains unhurt by Gunasangha.  Her eyes were yearning for Lord Mukunda who is contemplating the supreme soul and remains in bliss.”

Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan,  In this way, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi proved her presence with the liberated soul, who remains untouched by the impurities in the presence of her, people who are self-sacrificing and willing to contribute for the greatest causes and welfare of others.  Therefore, whoever contemplates upon the supreme Lord who resides as soul, has the nature of supreme bliss would be blessed with the eternal presence of Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi.  Thus, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi offered herself to Lord Vishnu.  The churning process has continued, there appeared Varuni/intoxicating drink that was offered to demons.  Suddenly there appeared Dhanvanthari  Bhagavan who symbolizes the cure for all the illnesses/medicine of herbs/ science of Ayurveda /with a pot of nectar of immortality,  before the deities could get hands-on it was seized by the demons.  The demons engaged in a series of arguments and discussions about who will share the nectar of immortality were failed, everyone started fighting to get their own portion beforehand, thus it resulted in complete chaos.  The deities lost their hopes and deeply disappointed, they looked at the face of supreme Lord Vishnu.”