|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 118- The legend of Surya dynasty -2

Mandhatha ruled the Kingdom of the Ikshvaku dynasty for several years, he had fifty children.  Maharishi Saubhari was born in the clan of King Shashabindhu, whose son was illustrious Emperor Muchukundha.  Maharishi Saubhari underwent extreme penance in the underwaters of river Yamuna, intending to withdraw from all the worldly attractions.  His body started deteriorating, the water animals started to consume the body parts; he was least bothered to notice them.  Once, he witnessed the physical relationship between the male and female fish, it stirred emotions in him, he desired to have the pleasure of physical relationship.  Further, he could not continue austerities after witnessing the pleasure of physical relationships.  He got out of the water and decided to get married to put off the fire in him, thus he arrived in the Kingdom of Mandhatha who had fifty girl children. 

Maharishi Saubhari met King Mandhatha and revealed his desire to marry his daughter.  Mandhatha became anxious to see the physique of the Maharishi whose muscles were already lost in the water and had a murky appearance, he had nothing left in his body other than a few bones.  Mandhatha does not want to put off the spirit of Maharishi, with the hope that none of the girls are going to fall for the Maharishi who is least impressive.   King advised him to conduct a visit to his palace and meet the girls, if any of the girls interested in him, would marry off to him.  Immediately, Maharishi Saubhari assumed a marvelous form that excels the beauty of Lord Kamadheva and entered the palace.  He approached the daughters of King Mandhatha, the moment they witnessed the handsome Maharishi, revealed their willingness to marry him, seeing his exquisite physique and appearance they started to fight each other for winning him as their husband.  Finally, Maharishi Shaubhari enquired the girls who are willing to marry him and proceed with him.  Surprisingly all the daughters were prepared to marry him. Thus, Maharishi Shaubhari married all the daughters of Mandhatha and lived a joyous life. 

Years have passed, Maharishi Shaubhari started feeling guilty of his act “ I am hopeless, I have changed my mind by witnessing the physical relationship between the fishes, I have fooled myself thinking that the physical relationship is inevitable in human life, I have completely drenched in worldly matters and bondage, even though I had the capabilities to elevate my soul to supreme Lord, I have heaved myself into worldly matters.” Maharishi Saubhari decided to leave the worldly matters and bondage, and remain in the association of saintly people.  He narrated about the impermanent nature of worldly matters and bondage to his wives.  The soul has to leave the body one day; therefore the excessive attachment to the body would cause a painful death.  The soul has to separate itself from the body deliberately, which results in repeated births as well. The renounced souls will not give importance to the perishable body; instead, they constantly contemplate upon the imperishable supreme soul and leave the body effortlessly as attire.  Thus, Maharishi Shaubhari and his fifty wives went to woods and underwent extreme penance, eventually attained the abode of Lord.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 117- The legend of Surya dynasty -1

The human mind and intellect have the capabilities to adapt to spiritual life/Bhagavath Dharma as well as material life/Vyavahara Dharma in a well-balanced manner.  The material well-being is wellness in day to day life, everything related to the material world that has impermanent nature.  The spiritual life/Bhagavath Dharma provides the ability to react spontaneously in any adverse situation, respond to the situation in an appropriate manner, ultimately supreme bliss.  It can be achieved only with constant meditation and contemplation upon the supreme Lord.  The elevation of the soul is possible only through individual effort, following strict disciplines, meditation, the practice of Pranayama, recitation of scriptures and complete surrender to supreme Lord.  The Kali era has the advantage of nearness to supreme Lord with the mere recitation of sacred chants and contemplation upon his lotus feet, unlike the other Yugas, such as Krita Yuga/ worship of Lord with extreme penance, Thretha Yuga/ worship of Lord with fire sacrifices, and Dwapara Yuga/worship of idols.  In Kali era the human intellect has become weak, there is no perfection of Karma or the purity of ingredients used for the rituals, therefore Maharishi Vedavyasa instructed to recite the glories of supreme Lord with devotion and faith.

King Ikshvaku had a son Vikukshu.  Once, he was assigned to bring meat to perform the rite for ancestors.  Thus Vikukshu went to woods in search of prey, he conducted a rigorous search and found a rabbit, he was all tired of hunger, so he consumed a little bit of the meat of the rabbit and the remaining was delivered for the purpose of the ancestral rite.  The ceremonial priest discarded the meat as it has lost its purity; it was the remaining of his meal, not eligible for the offering to ancestors.  King Ikshvaku was in a rage, ordered his son to get out of his Kingdom. King Ikshvaku was deeply distressed at the turn of events, soon regained his composure and elevated his soul contemplating upon supreme Lord; ultimately attain the abode of Lord.  Vikukshi returned to Kingdom, after the death of King Ikshvaku. 

King Yuvanashva from the clan of Iskshvaku, had no offspring, even though he had several wives.  He was unhappily returned to woods with his wives, led a strict life.  The Rishis felt sympathy on King Yuvanashva, advised to perform ‘Puthakameshti Yaga’ to obtain offspring.  The Yaga proceedings began, and that night the King felt extremely thirsty, all the priests were in a sound sleep, so he consumed water from the vessel kept safely in the Yagna arena.  The next morning, there was a huge confusion among the priests about the missing water vessel that was kept for the Yaga proceedings was already all set with Vedic chants for obtaining children.  The next morning King Yuvanshva woke up with uneasiness after consuming the water from the Yagashala, the royal physicians declared King Yuvanashva is pregnant with a child.  They were extremely worried about the health of the King and the infant.  The royal priests and physicians decided to take out the child with the help of the knife, thus one of the issues got resolved, and the next concern was the source of milk for the infant.  The infant was brought out with the knife, started crying for milk ‘Man Dhatha’, Lord Indra kept his pointing finger in its mouth, eventually, the child was named Mandhatha.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 116 –The legend of Manu/Emperor Ambareesha -2

Once Emperor Ambareesha went to Madhuvanam near the river banks of Kalindhi, to perform austerities of Dwadashi, and the austerities continued for a year.  The moment has arrived to complete the year-long austerities.   Sage Durvassa arrived to meet the Emperor on a Dhwadhashi day.   Emperor Ambareesha received the Sage with great reverence and invited to accept the meal so that the Emperor could finish the process ‘Parana’ to complete the year-long vow of Ekadashi.  Sage Durvassa agreed, took a leave to take a dip in the river Kalindi, and immersed in meditation.  Emperor Ambareesha waited for the Sage to return so that he can fruitfully complete the austerities, but there was no sign of Durvas’s return, the time for the completion of austerities were approaching, Ambareesha discussed the matter with the royal priests, they advised the Emperor to consume a drop of water with the sacred Tulsi, that would help him to successfully complete the Ekadashi Vratha.  Emperor Ambareesha found it is ideal to complete the process of ‘Parana’ so that he can serve his guest Sage Durvass with due respect and protect himself from the sin of consuming meal without serving the guest. Ambareesha prepared to consume the Tulsi water to complete the ‘Parana’, all of a sudden there appeared Sage Durvass and found the Emperor consuming ‘Tulsi’ water. He could not control his anger, he felt humiliated, shrieked in anger and thrashed his matted hair locks on the floor.  A dreadful female named ‘Krithya’ holding a fierce sword appeared from the matted hair locks; she rushed to kill Emperor Ambareesha who was unwavering, did not move an inch from the place.  Suddenly the powerful disc of Lord Vishnu comes into sight from nowhere and sieved off the head of Krithya. Then, it moved towards Sage Durvassa, he was alarmed and he began speeding to Lord Bhrama.  In this way, the disc of Lord Vishnu chased Sage Durvassa, he rushed to Sathyaloka was received with great honor.  Sage Durvass appealed to Lord Bhrama to protect him from the fiery disc.  Lord Bhrama advised Sage Durvassa to appeal to Lord Shiva.  Sage Durvassa ran towards Mount Kailash and requested to Lord Shiva, but he revealed his inability to freeze the fiery disc and advised to appeal to Lord Vishnu.  Sage Durvassa rushed to the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu was received with great reverence. Sage Durvassa requested Lord Vishnu to protect him from the fiery disc.

Lord Vishnu speaks “Oh! Mahamune, I am under the custodian of my ardent devotees/ Bhakthaparadheena, I am not independent or free from them, I have fastened myself in the hearts of saintly people, I am beloved of my passionate devotees/Bhakthajanapriya, whoever free from the attachments of material possessions, family, wealth, children, and relatives, etc. and surrendered to me, how can I leave them in distress? They have already surrendered their heart with constant contemplation, like a wife to her wedded husband; hence humiliate my devotees would hurt me as well.  My devotees are entirely dependent on me like a child of a monkey attached to its mother, with the firm faith that its mother would protect him from all the troubles; therefore it wouldn’t leave its hold from its mother.  They cannot perform anything in my absence, so I cannot leave them. Oh! Vipra, listen to me carefully, devotion and knowledge will multiplies with humility if there is no humility they cannot attain my nearness.  Therefore, return to Emperor Ambareesha and request for forgiveness.”

Sage Durvassa rushed to Emperor Ambareesha who was waiting for the Sage to partake meal was surprised to see the fiery disc that was chasing Durvassa.  Emperor Ambareesha eulogized the Sudharshana Chakra of Lord “  Oh! Sudharshana,  Oh! Achyuthapriya, I shall prostrate before supreme Lord who holds the vicious weapon Sudharshana Chakra, kindly provide peace to Sage Durvassa.  If I am a staunch devotee of Lord Vasudeva, If I have surrendered my intellect and mind to supreme Lord who resides as a soul in all living beings, If I am a beloved of supreme Lord Vasudeva, kindly provide peace to Sage Durvassa.”  In this way, Emperor Ambareesha eulogized the fiery disc of Lord Vishnu.  Instantly, the fiery disc disappeared from sight.    

Sage Durvassa with folded hands speaks “Oh! Rajan, I have seen the splendor of Lord Vishnu from his greatest devotee, I am fortunate to meet you and understand the greatness of a devotee.  I am highly pleased with your devotion, I have attained the auspiciousness to be in the association of a liberated soul, and it is my great fortune to remain your guest.” Sage Durvassa prepared to prostrate before Emperor Ambareesha was stopped “Oh! Mahatma, you are an ascetic, you should not bow down before a Grihastha.” Ambareesha received the Sage with great admiration and served the meal, later he consumed the leftover meal of the Sage and received blessings from Sage Durvassa.

Emperor Ambareesha ruled the Kingdom for several years later crowned his elder son who is heir to the throne,  Ambareesha proceeded for Vanaprasthashrama and contemplated upon Supreme Lord Vasudeva.

Whoever reads or listens to the legend of Emperor Ambareesh would attain the firm devotion at the lotus feet of supreme Lord Vasudeva.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 115 –The legend of Manu/Emperor Ambareesha -1

In this chapter, Maharishi Vedavyasa describes the Pravriththi as well as Nivriththi Marga of the rulers of the Ikshvaku dynasty.  The Pravriththi Marga is the duties and responsibilities of an individual, based on the Varnna Ashrama Dharma.  The Nivriththi Marga is the duties and responsibilities of an individual to get freed from worldly matters, worldly bondage and ultimately attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.   The Nivriththi Marga removes the increased dependency on people, possession, fame, and wealth, with the knowledge that it would shovel the individual in extreme fear, anxieties, sorrow, agony, grief, and loneliness; eventually, it would become a burden for others too.  The practice of spirituality teaches withdrawal from worldly matters, bondage, possessions and wealth, eventually attain nearness to the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings.  The human body undergoes a constant transformation; therefore the attachment to the body, material things, and people causes intense grief and hopelessness.  Hence,  Rishis taught us to get hold of the permanent and changeless ‘supreme soul’ through the sacred scriptures.   The rulers of this well-known clan were righteous, and prominent in both Pravriththi Marga and Nivriththimarga of life.  It has become a regular practice in their lives, to rule the Kingdom wisely for several years for the welfare of their subjects, finally assign the Kingdom to the heir of the throne, and move to woods to contemplate upon Supreme Lord Hari.

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, King Nabhaga had a righteous son Ambareesh who was ruling the Sapthadhvipa.  He was the Emperor who had endless fame and splendor, even though he was not proud of his prowess, wealth, or splendor.   He had the supreme knowledge that all these material well-being and bondage is transient in nature, the attachment to it would heave into darkness.   He had a thorough knowledge of addiction to wealth, fame and bondage could lead a miserable life, he wisely ruled the Kingdom without getting attached to it.  He turned all his attention to Lord Vasudeva, who is all-pervading and eternal; he relentlessly served the devotees of Lord.  In this way, he raised his soul from the worldly attachments, thus he could give less importance to his wealth and prowess, and considered them as equal to sand.  He believed the devotion to the supreme as the greatest wealth.  Emperor Ambareesha utilized his senses wisely, he engaged mind and intellect on Lord, by fixing gaze at the feet of Supreme Lord Vasudeva, he employed tongue for singing in praise of the supreme abode of Sri Vaikundham,  he engaged hands in the veneration of supreme Lord and cleaning his shrine without any hesitation, he employed ears listening to the glorious myths of supreme Lord Vasudeva.  He engaged his feet for visiting the shrines of Lord Vasudeva, and he employed head for bowing down before supreme Lord.   His prayers were not for fulfilling wishes or fulfillment of any personal motive or not for the happiness or material welfare.   He spends hours in the association of devotees of Lord, and saintly people, contemplating the endless glories of Lord Vasudeva and, singing and praising his splendor.  He ruled his Kingdom wisely, and the subjects were extremely happy.  Emperor Ambareesha felt the eternal presence of Lord Mukunda in his heart while taking care of his kingly duties.  In this way, he became a favorite of Lord Hari with the constant practice of Bhakti Yoga, and the performance of rites of Swadharma, eventually he could withdraw himself from the worldly matters and bondage.   He has secluded himself from the possession of the Kingdom, precious gems and ornaments, family, wives, children, relatives, etc. which has impermanent nature."

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 114 –The legend of Manu/Rishi Chyavana

Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, in olden days the fire sacrifices were performed in abundance to please the deities, Somarasa was offered to Lord Indra and deities, but the Ashwini Kumaras who are Lord of Ayurveda were considered as not important deities to receive the Somarasa with Lord Indra.  In every fire sacrifices, Lord Indra and other deities were served with the Somarasa in the first hand and after that, the Ashwini Kumaras receives their portion of it.  The Ashwini Kumaras met the illustrious Rishi Chyavana and requested for his help, so that they could be seated with the Lord Indra and other deities to claim their portion of the Somarasa.  In return, the Ashwini Kumaras promised the Rishi a handsome youthfulness and good physique.  Thus the treatment was begun, a divine herbal medicine was given to  Chyavana Rishi, he was instructed to take a dip in a pond, the Ashwini Kumaras  also took  a dip in the pond along with Chyavana Rishi, when the three of them got out of the pond has become indistinguishable.  Sukanya was troubled at this sight, prayed to Ashwini Kumaras to help her to identify her husband, soon she  recognized her husband whose feet were firm on the ground.  Ashwini Kumaras blessed the couple and disappeared from their sight.”

As requested by Ashwini Kumaras the fire sacrifice has begun, Maharishi Chyavana recited the hymns to invoke the Ashwini Kumaras while serving the Somarasa to Lord Indra and deities.  Lord Indra was fuming with anger, took his Vajrayudha to sieve off the head of Chyavana Rishi was got his hand immovable with the divine power of Rishi Chyavana.  Lord Indra requested Maharishi Chyavana to release his hand from the frozen state and agreed to serve the Ashwini Kumaras with the Somarasa along with the deities. 

Shuka Bhramam speaks “Once King Sharyadhi visited the hermitage of Maharishi Chyavana, he was desired to perform a fire sacrifice with the help of Maharishi.  He saw his daughter Sukanya with a handsome youth; he was shaken to see her with a young man instead of Maharishi Chyavana. King Sharyadhi was too angry, Sukanya prostrated before the King, he said “You have disrespected an illustrious Sage who got married to you; it is really shameful to see that you have changed your mind after witnessing a youth, how could you forget all your culture and traditions?  You have born in an illustrious clan; you have brought shame to your clan.  You have become shameless, you should have added pride to your clan instead you have brought disgrace to us.”  Sukanya spoke “Oh! Father, do not feel ashamed.  This youth is your son-in-law.” Sukanya narrated the incident happened in his absence, King Sharyadhi was pleased. Later, King Sharyadhi performed Yaga with the guidance of Rishi Chyavana and obtained offspring.  Oh! Rajan, in this way, all the members of this clan of Manu made their life fruitful contemplating upon supreme Lord Vishnu.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 113 –The legend of Manu/King Sharyadhi

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, I shall narrate the story of Prishadhashva who was born in the clan of Manu/Ikshvaku went to learn under the guidance of Sage Vashishta.  In the hermitage of Sage, he was assigned with the duty of safeguarding the Yagna arena and taking care of the cows. One night, a lion entered in the cowshed, it created huge chaos in the shed, cows and calves produced loud shriek, were started to flee in different directions in the darkness,  Prishadhashva ran towards the cowshed after listening to the hue and cry.   In the darkness he could not make out what’s happening, he took the sword and chopped the head of an animal thinking it is a lion and returned to hermitage.  The next morning, he went inside the cowshed and shocked at the sight, he saw a headless body of the cow of the highest breed in the pool of blood.  He could find the ear of the lion as well.  He was deeply hurt by his action in the darkness, he cried out loudly in utter guilt.  Even though Sage Vashishta understood the entire situation, he could not control his anger; he cursed Prishadhashva to become a Shudra.  Prishadhashva left the hermitage of Sage Vashishta, spend his remaining life in solitude contemplating upon Lord Vasudeva resides as a soul in living beings, a compassionate Lord to the distressed people.  He cut off himself from the worldly matters and lived in utmost serenity.  He considered all those happened in his life as the grace of the supreme Lord.  In this way, Prishadhashva elevated his soul from his own mistake as well as from the curse of his preceptor.”

Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, listen to the legend of King Sharyadhi who was highly intellectual, has profound knowledge of Veda, he taught the priests who have performed the grand fire sacrifice of Maharishi Angirass on the second day.   He had a daughter named Sukanya, who is virtuous, intelligent and beautiful as well, she was well talented in archery used to accompany her father in hunting expedition.  Once Sukanya and King Sharyadhi went to woods, while the King was searching for his prey, Sukanya went with the females'  companions accompanied from the palace.  While roaming in the woods, Sukanya could witness a big anthill and two blazing eyes inside the mound were spreading extreme radiance.  Sukanya was curious took a sharp dried wood piece and punctured the blazing eyes, eventually, it started bleeding.  Soon, the King’s men and the attendants assembled could not take breathe, their stomach crammed with air and they could experience severe uneasiness.  King Sharyadhi could sense the situation, that something went wrong, and enquired his attendants “Oh! Attendants, an illustrious sage who is immersed in penance is in trouble, find out who hurt him.”   Sukanya replied “ Oh! Father, I saw an anthill with two blazing like eyes, I have pierced it open, found it is bleeding.”  Soon King Sharyadhi rushed to the anthill, removed the mud and safely took out Maharishi Chyavana from the anthill. King Sharyadhi fell at his feet and begged for forgiveness.  He offered beautiful daughter Sukanya to Maharishi Chyavana, to take care of him in the woods and assist him in performing daily rites and penances.  Sukanya relentlessly served her husband Maharishi Chyavana and pleased him.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 112 –The legend of Manu/Ila

The life events can be taken personally as well as fact, if it is taken personally it would hurt and it stirs up various emotions like fear, guilt, ego, pride, jealousy, etc… eventually it can put the individual in extreme distress.   If it was taken as a fact, the intensity of grief or sorrow would be less.  Therefore the broader perception would lessen the emotional burden; many of the life-threatening events become uncomplicated.  The happiness and sorrows are inevitable if it was taken as the grace of the Supreme Lord, who is all-pervading, and then there will be no emotional break-down or wreck.  An elevated soul remains unhurt in any adverse situation in life.  The narrow-mindedness is fickle and rickety in nature; it gets disturbed easily, causes agitation even in case of trivial incidents.  The Intellectuals/ broad minded people are firm with a balanced mind; they face the challenges in life with extreme courage, they are thoroughly aware of the fact that the body has to undergo a constant transformation, the supreme soul remains changeless.

King Pareekshith “ Oh! Bhraman, kindly describe the clan of Manu/Ila.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Manu had no offspring, once he approached his preceptor Sage Vashishta seeking advice for a virtuous offspring.   Sage Vashishta advised the couple to follow strict austerities to perform the ‘Puthrakameshti Yaga’.  The Queen visited the hermitage of Sage Vashishta to know more about the objective of the Yaga.  Sage Vashishta informed the Queen about the desire of the King to obtain a boy child; an heir to his throne was refused by the Queen.   She revealed her desire to have a daughter and expressed her desire to offer more contributions to Brahmins who performs the Puthrakameshti Yaga.  Thus the Puthrakameshti Yaga was performed under the guidance of Sage Vashishta, the porridge that appeared from the fire sacrifice was offered to Queen.  In due course of time, the Queen was pregnant with a child and gave birth to a girl child.  The Queen took the child to reveal to the King was extremely disappointed.  King called for Sage Vashishta and questioned ‘Why did it happen? How come my wish for a boy child went wrong?’  Sage Vashishta informed the King about his fellow-priests who were persuaded by the Queen.  Sage Vashishta consoled the King not to be anxious about the turn of events, and the girl child was transformed into a boy with the divine power of Sage Vashishta.  Years passed, the boy has grown to a handsome youth, once Sudhyumna went for hunting expedition with his men.  Suddenly, Sudhimna and his men arrived in a place, instantly they have turned to females attired in attractive garments.  Shortly,   Budha, the son of Soma/Lord Chandra arrived in the wood and saw an attractive woman/Sudhyumna, immediately they have fallen in love with each other and married.  In due course of time, Budha’s wife Ila gave birth to a child.  In the meantime, the King’s men returned to the palace and informed the King about the incidents that took place in the woods, and the marriage of Sudhyumna with the son of Lord Chandra, eventually King Manu called out for Sage Vashishta and briefed the incident to him.  Sage Vashishta with his divine powers understood the wood where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi spend the days after marriage and performed various passionate sports in this wood, during this period a few saintly people arrived in the wood and saw the mesmerizing beauty of Goddess Parvathi, but they moved out of the woods silently.  Lord Shiva saw Goddess Parvathi in utter shyness, and he cursed the wood, later whoever enters in this wood has become female.  Sage Vashishta contemplated upon Lord Shiva and appealed to him, in order to keep up the promise given to Goddess Parvati and Sage Vashishta’s promise to Manu, it was decided that Sudhyumna should live the life of a female for a month and male for another month.  Thus, the son of Manu spends days of manhood in the administration of the Kingdom, during womanhood he took shelter inside the palace.  Finally, the people of the Kingdom came to know about the curse on the son of Manu, started mocking at him.  Sudhyumna was deeply hurt and returned to the wood, immersed in intense penance.”