|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 252 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  103

Symanthakopakhyanam

Sathrajitha: Swathanayam Krishnaya Kritha Kilbisha: | Syamanthakena Manina Swayammudhyamya Dhaththavan ||

King Pareekshith speaks “ Oh! Brahmana kindly narrates the legend of the precious gem Symanthaka, and the reason for Krishna was accused by the King Sathrajith.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, King Sathrajith was an ardent worshiper of Lord Surya.  He pleased Lord Surya with his sincere devotion and attained a precious gem Syamanthaka.   It has unique capabilities to produce an abundance of gold and gems on a daily basis, there will not be any poverty or darkness in the place where Syamanthaka exists.  Thus, King Sathrajith attained an abundance of wealth offered by this precious gem, the entire palace was filled in richness, he assumed himself equivalent to Lord Surya.  Sathrajith was swollen with pride decided to reveal his splendor to Krishna, he adorned that precious Symantha around the neck and took a visit to the palace of Dwaraka.  The people of Dwaraka assumed it was Lord Surya paying a visit to the city of Dwarka was duly informed Krishna “Oh! Narayana, Oh! Shankhachakradhara, Oh! Dhamodhara, Oh! Aravindhaksha, Oh! Govinda, Oh! Yadhunandhana, Oh! Jagathpathe, Lord Surya paying a visit to you, don’t we have to make preparations to receive him?”

Narayana Namastheasthu Shankha Chakra Gadhadhara | Dhamodhara Aravindhaksha Govindha Yadhunandhana || Yesha Ayathi Savitha Thvam Dhidhrukshur Jagathpathe | Mushnan Gabasthi Chakrena Nrinam Chakshoomshi Thigmagu: ||

Shuka Bhramam continues “ Oh! Rajan, the supreme Lord whose eyes have the resemblance of lotus flower petals, laughed at the people of Dwaraka, he declared that it was not Lord Surya, it is Sathrajith whose precious gem-adorned on the neck revealing the brilliance of Lord Surya.  As usual Krishna received him like any other dignitaries in the palace.  Sathrajith did not like the attitude of Krishna, he took a seat in the assembly of Yadhava, praised the miracles performed by the precious gem Syamanthaka.  Krishna after listening to his long conversation praising the gem, said “Oh! Sathrajith, you should not keep that jewel in your custody, you should have made use of this precious gem for the welfare of all the Yadhavas, in this way you can remove sufferings of poverty in the country.  You should handover that jewel to King so that it will be useful for the entire subjects, it will remove the sufferings of the people of the entire Kingdom. Otherwise, it may cause trouble for you.” Sathrajith got annoyed by Krishna’s opinion, flatly refused his opinion.  Sathrajith self praised the austerities and penance to please Surya and thereby attained the precious jewel, Krishna expressed his desire to take a closer look to the precious gem was refused. Krishna warned Sathrajith “ Oh! Yadhava, it would cause endless troubles in your life, therefore hand over the jewel to the Emperor of the Kingdom and can be utilized wisely.” Sathrajith unhappily returned from the palace of Dwaraka.  On that night, his brother Prasena requested his brother Sathrajith for the precious gem, was readily offered. Prasena adorned that jewel around the neck and went for a hunting expedition. Unfortunately, he was killed by a lion and dragged his body into woods, along with the precious gem.  The monkeys in the wood noticed the body of Prasena and informed their leader elderly Jambavan who was taken a seat on the huge tree, leaped on the lion and killed it instantly, took the precious jewel and left the scene.  Jambavan had a foster daughter Jambavathi, he handed that jewel to please her."

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 251 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  102

Tham Shambara: Kamaroopi Hrithva  Thokamanidharsham | Sa Vidhithvathmana: Shathrum Prasyodhanvathyagadh Griham || Bhagavan  Narayana Sutha: Shambarena  Hritho Grihath | Aham Theadhikritha Pathni Rathi: Kamo Bhavan Prabho ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Shambara arrived in the palace of Krishna and saw a beautiful infant Pradhyumna who has the lovely appearance of Krishna and Kamadeva, though he approached the infant to kill, he could not kill the child watching its divinity.  He shoved the child in the ocean was swallowed by a giant fish, later it was caught by a fisherman and without knowledge delivered to the palace of Shambarasura.  Mayawati who was in charge of the kitchen cut opened the fish and saw the child inside, and the child was taken care of by Mayavathi.  Maharishi Narada happened to visit the palace and informed Mayavathi about the child who was Kamadeva in his previous birth.  Suddenly Mayavathi’s approach to the child has changed, her motherly affection transformed into the desire for a lover,  Pradhyumna asked “ Oh! Mother, you have completely changed your way of approach to me, previously you were addressing me as your child, now you are approaching me as your lover.”  Mayawati speaks “Oh! Narayana Sutha, you have brought to the palace by Shambara, you were my husband Kamadeva in the previous birth, Oh! Prabho, I was  your wife Devi Rathi in my previous birth.” In a moment, Pradhyumna remembered the influence of Maya and praised Mayavathi, Mahamaya who is the destroyer of Sarvamaya.  Thus, Mayavathi informed Pradhyumna about Shambarasura who is enemy deities, should be killed at the earliest, she taught the supreme knowledge of ‘Mahamaya’ to Pradhyumna, a fierce battle was held between Shambarasura and Pradhyuma, and the latter was killed in the battle.  Pradhyumna and Mayavathi returned to Dwaraka.

In the Palace of Dwaraka, Krishna was preparing to leave to his chamber, Devi Rukmini returned to the chamber and found the infant Pradhyumna is missing.  Devi Rukmini conducted a thorough inquiry about the child in the entire palace and female attendants and Devi Devaki, Vasudeva and Lord Krishna.  Devi Rukmini found the child has lost forever, was besieged with extreme agony, pacified by Krishna.  Thus, sixteen years have passed, one day Devi Rukmini felt her left eye trembling as a sign of good omen.  Soon, Devi Rukmini saw a handsome youth who has the attractive appearance of Lord Krishna, his eyes, nose, mouth, ears, forehead, lips, and well-built physique has a close resemblance to Krishna, he along with a beautiful woman entering inside the grand pathways of the palace.  Suddenly, she remembered the lost child Pradhyumna, rushed to Krishna who comforted Devi Rukmini saying that it is her lost son Pradhyumna returning home.  Soon, Maharishi Narada arrived and narrated all that happened with Pradhyumna to Devi Rukmini.  Everyone received the couple with great enthusiasm, once again happiness restored in the palace of Dwaraka.

The legend of ‘Pradhyumnothpathi’ is the journey of mind, Manas, Buddhi, Chiththam, Ahamkara is named as Vasudeva, Pradhyumna/lust, Aniruddha, and Sankarshana.  Shambarasura represents senses that take pleasure in worldly matters/Indhriyasukham,  Mayavathi represent ‘Vidyamaya’/ that elevates the soul from worldly bondage and guide the soul to the path of Moksha reunites Pradhyumna/the mind soaked in lust and desires to Krishna and Devi Rukmini.  In short, the mind and intellect which was soaked in worldly matters and sensual pleasures, with the help of supreme knowledge reunites with the Paramathma, therefore it is called ‘The journey of the mind’.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 250 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  101

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Thus the wedding of Lord Krishna and Devi Rukmini took place in a grand manner.  One day, Devi Rukmini appeared before Krishna and shyly revealed her desire to have a child.  Krishna advised Devi Rukmini to pray to Lord Mahadeva, she sincerely conducted the worship of Lord Mahadeva.” 

Lord Parameshwara underwent extreme Tapasya after the demise of Devi Sati in the Yogagni, in the meantime, the entire world had to undergo the atrocities of demons, and the deities lost their power fighting against the demons without a great leader to lead the army of deities.  They all desired to have a powerful leader of deities from the Beeja of the supreme ascetic who is Lord Shiva.  The deities were in a dilemma on how to approach Lord Mahadeva who was undertaking extreme penance after the separation from Devi Sati, no one dared to go near Lord Mahadeva and none has the courage to wake up Shiva from the extreme penance. Thus, Lord Indra advised Lord Kamadeva to rouse emotions in Lord Shiva.   Lord Kamadeva shot the cupid flower arrows against Lord Shiva who was undertaking extreme Tapasya and was serving by Goddess Parvati.  Lord Mahadeva was annoyed and opened his third eye and looked at Kamadeva.  The extreme brilliance of Thapasagni from the third eye of Mahadeva burned Kamadeva into ashes.  Devi Rathi who is the wife of Kamadeva fallen at the feet of Mahadeva and requested to reinstate life in Kamadeva was advised to take birth as Mayavathi in the palace of Shambarasura so that she can unite with her husband once again. 

Shambarasura undertook extreme Tapasya and attained an abundance of boons from Lord Bhrama, asked for a boon that no one can kill him other than Kamadeva who was already lost life in the hands of Mahadeva. Shambarasura became haughty after receiving a boon from Lord Bhrama.  In the meantime, Kamadeva appeared as Beeja in Krishna and it was carried in the womb of Devi Rukmini.  Maharishi Narada came to know about it, visited Shambarasura in his palace, and informed the birth of Kamadeva as Pradhyumna to Krishna and Devi Rukmini.  Shambarasura lost his peace, decided to kill Pradhyumna, and arrived in the palace of Krishna.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 249 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  100

The legend of the Rukmini Vivah represents the union of Jeeva with the Paramathma, the union of the soul with the Supreme Lord, the five brothers of Rukmini represents the sense organs which always wedge on the material well-being.  The mind and intellect only has the ability to elevate the soul with the constant practice of recitation and remembrance of glorious myths of supreme Lord.  The association with the saintly men and ascetics, constant contemplation and listening to the various myths from scriptures would elevate the soul to the state of supreme bliss, it enhances the devotion, eventually attains the union with the Paramathma, it is the promise of supreme Lord to Jeeva, whoever contemplates upon the supreme Lord with constant recitation and meditation would remain pure and get rid of all the sins finally attain union with the Supreme Lord.

There is an interesting legend of a lion cub that was lost from its herd and reached in the hands of a cowherd who took great care of it and kept it with the herds of goat, eventually, the lion cub adopted all the habits the baby goat, consumed grass, remained nervous to walk alone.  The lion cub was too attached to the herd of goat, produced bleat like the baby goats.  The cowherd took all the goats and the lion cub for grazing in the woods, he was not aware that he has been under constant observation of a lion.  The lion was surprised to notice the lion cub producing bleat and walking close to the herds of the goat; it rushed to the herd of goats and caught hold of the lion cub, alas! It ran towards the cowherd was safely taken home.  The same incident happened once again, this lime lion did not leave the lion cub; it took the cub on the river bank.  The lion cub was all horrified, but the lion did not leave it to hold, produced an earsplitting roar, the cub was terrified.  The lion instructed the cub to watch his face and his own image in the water.  The lion cub looked at the water and found his own image and the image of the lion are the same. Thus, slowly the lion cub regained its confidence, it forced the cub to produce roar like him, fed it with the meat of deer, it was all new experience for the cub, surprisingly it got adapted to the new style of living like a lion.  The constant remembrance of the Supreme Lord who has endless prowess, learning the scriptures which describe the greatest potentials of the human mind and intellect is called the practice of spirituality.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 248 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  99

Jarasandha with his huge army men followed Krishna’s chariot.  Balarama with his huge army of men chased Jarasandha.  The elder brother of Rukmi was embarrassed watching Rukmini leaving with Krishna.  He promised that if he could not retrieve his sister from the custodian of Krishna, he will not enter the city.  Thus the entire city gave out an appearance of the battlefield, Jarasandha battled against Balarama, and Krishna fought against men of Rukmi.  A vicious battle took place in the Kudinapuram, in that fierce battle Balarama defeated Jarasandha.  He returned to Shishupala and comforted him forget about Rukmini, he continued explaining his series of failures, he pacified Shishupala that he will definitely get a perfect match, they both eloped from the crowd of Kundinapuram.  Lord Krishna and Rukmi had a fierce battle; Krishna fastened him in a tree and prepared to sieve his head.   Suddenly Krishna felt the touch of cold and supple hands on his feet. It was Devi Rukmini with a prayer “ Oh! Yogeshwara, Oh! Aprameyathma, Oh! Jagathpathi, he is my brother, kindly leave him.”  Immediately Krishna looked at her and announced his decision not to kill him,  Rukmi was disfigured by taking off the hairs from the head and face.

Yogeshwara  Apremeyathman Deva Deva Jagathpathe | Hanthum Narhasi Kalyana Bhratharam Mey Mahabhuja ||

Balaram arrived on the spot and called for Krishna, and Balarama sharply criticized Krishna for his act against Rukmi who is going to be the closest relative. Balarama comforted Devi Rukmini saying that it is all part of the deeds of Kshatriyas advised her to elevate her soul, it was her attachment to her brother that made her unhappy.  The Supreme Lord resides as a soul in all the living beings, intellectuals understand the truth and raise to the knowledge of ‘Oneness-in-All’, an ignorant one never understands the ultimate truth, like the brilliant rays of the sun covered in the dark clouds, they keep fastening themselves into constant worries and grief of worldly attachments and bondage.  The body has to undergo changes and ruin, the soul remains unhurt, it has no attachment or bondage, therefore it remains free from grief and sorrows. Balarama said “ Oh! Devi, elevate your soul from sorrows and miseries with the knowledge of the supreme soul and keep yourself serene.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Thus, Krishna and Rukmini arrived in the city of Dwaraka.  An elaborate arrangement was made for the wedding of Krishna and Rukmini, the city of Dwara got festive mood, the entire city was decorated with various precious gems, flowers, Poornakumbha, Agaru, Dhoop and various fragrances etc.  The houses in the city of Dwaraka were decorated for a Mahothsava. Thus, a grand wedding of Krishna and Devi Rukmini took place before the illustrious members of Vrishni, family, and people of Dwaraka.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 247 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  98

Rukmini Haranam

Thadhahamapi Thacchiththo Nidhram Cha Na  Labhe Nishi | Vedham Rukmina Dhveshan Mamodhvaho Nivaritha: ||

Krishna speaks “Oh! Bhraman, I was not getting sleep in the night hours, my mind was completely in the thoughts of Rukmini, I was finding it difficult to express my love for her, it is sad that Rukmi decided to perform her marriage with Shishupala.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Krishna ordered his charioteer Dharuka to keep ready the chariot, and hurried to the chariot and took a seat in it and invited Bhramana to be seated next to him.  He was neither informed to Balarama nor Udhdhava, the chariot moved at the speed of the wind.  In the Kingdom of Vidharbha, the fortress was decorated with magnificent gems, flags, flowers, pathways, and courtyard were well decorated, the whole city was ready for the grand celebration, Brahmanas were performing fire sacrifices, recitation of Vedic-chants were reverberating in the sky.  The Kingdom of Chedi has the same festive mood, decorated for the grand wedding, performance of various religious rites was taking place.  Shishupala arrived with his associates Shalya, Jarasandha, Dhanthavakthra, and  Paundraka, were received with great respect and offered fortresses for their stay.  Devi Rukmini was getting ready to leave to the shrine of Goddess Girija, ladies assembled around Devi Rukmini and adorned her with various ornaments, fragrances, flowers, and exquisite garments.  She was immersed at the thoughts of Krishna, she became anxious whether Krishna makes it or not, her eyes were brimming with tears, ladies surrounded her pacified; suddenly her left eye trembled as a good omen, she understood that everything going to be auspicious.  Suddenly, Rukmini saw the pleasing face of Brahmana who was sent as a messenger to Krishna removed all her worries.   She rushed to Bhramana and heard that Krishna has already promised to take away Rukmini, she prostrated before the Brahmana.  Once again, Rukmini enthusiastically got ready herself for Krishna.

Balarama enquired the guards of the Palace the reason for Krishna’s sudden journey, even they had no clear information about it, somehow managed to convey the message of Krishna’s journey to Kundinapuram/Vidharbha.  Balarama with huge men of the army left Dwaraka, he was following Krishna to Vidharbha.  Krishna looked back and saw Balarama, they looked at each other’s eyes, Balaram who instructed Krishna to perform the task without much chaos in Vidharbha.  The people of Vibharbha came to know about the visit of Krishna, they crowded to see him and cheered, they openly wished Krishna should marry Rukmini, they would make a great pair.

Namasye Thvam Ambike  Abheekshnam Swasanthanayutham Shivam | Bhooyath Pathirmey Bhagavan Krishna Thadhanumodhatham ||

Devi Rukmini happily followed her female attendants and warriors, accompanied by a group of performers of divine musical instruments, thus they moved out of the palace of Vidharbha and proceeded to the shrine of Goddess Girija.  Before entering the shrine, she washed her feet and stood before the deity and prayed “ Oh! Ambike along with Lord Parameshwara and children, I shall prostrate before you, kindly bless me to attain Bhagavan Krishna as my husband.” She worshiped Goddess Girija with various ingredients, flowers, scents, and fruits; she worshiped Vipasthri/wives of Bhramanas, offered betel leaves, turmeric, and fruits.  Devi Rukmini got out of the shrine and walked on the grand path ways where the Kings and saintly men stood on the both the sides of the path ways were fallen unconscious watching her mesmerizing beauty.   Devi Rukmini has a lovely appearance, she has beautiful physical features, beautiful lips resemble Bimba fruits, attractive smile,  large and raised bosom, her beautiful long attractive hair locks decorated with various flowers or rich fragrances, she was walking like a swan, she has adorned in various ornaments all over the body, her anklets were made attractive jingling noises.  Devi Rukmini realized that Lord Krishna must be somewhere in the crowd, her eyes looked around searching for him.  Devi Rukmini handed the try containing the vermilion, flowers and other ingredients to her female attendant, she cleared the curly hairs locks fallen on her face, causing hindrance to getting a clear view of the audience, suddenly her eyes caught hold of Acchyutha who was standing among the Kings with an attractive smile.  Madhava rushed to Devi Rukmini and seized her hand, carried her in his hands and deposited in his chariot.  The Kings assembled were screamed in panic, Shishupala felt ashamed to watch his pry snatched by a lion.  Shishupala was completely dejected; Jarasandha pacified him mentioning his series of failures in the battle with Krishna.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 246 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  97

Rukmini Sandhesham

Dhrishtva Bhramanadevasya  Thavamaruhya Nijasanath | Upaveshyarhayam Chakre Yadhathmanam Dhivaukasa: ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, The twice-born arrived in the palace of Dwaraka, saw the most charming Purusha seated on the magnificent throne, he has a lovely appearance, attired in marvelous yellow silk garments, adorned in various precious ornaments all over the body, Srivathsam, Kausthubham, and Vanamala.  The Brahmana approached Krishna with folded hands; Krishna rose from the seat immediately and received him with great honor.  Krishna massaged the feet of the elderly Bhramin who has a pleasing smile and enquired the reason for his visit to the palace. Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Vipra, a twice-born should have pleasing nature and contentment.  Whoever remains unhappy and haughty even if he is a Sureshwara, could not attain supreme abode.   An ignorant swollen with pride and unhappiness undergoes the cycles of birth and death.  An intelligent even though he/she, has meager wealth but pleasing nature and amiable would get relieved from the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence.  Oh! Vipra who has pleasing, serene, sharing, and caring nature, free from ego, pride, jealousy, and desires, I shall always prostrate before those virtuous Vipra.  Oh! Bhraman, I could sense something bothering you, why did you come so far? What’s that bothering you?”  The twice-born handed the message of Devi Rukmini to Krishna was refused, asked the Bhramin to read it aloud.”

Devi Rukmini speaks “Oh! Bhuvanasundara, Oh! Achyutha, I have heard your glorious myths, and your lovely appearance, that helped me to get rid of my sorrows and miseries, it has removed all the impurities in my mind and intellect as well.  After listening to your splendor, my mind and intellect is completely wedged on you, therefore I have no shame to pronounce that I have fallen in love with you.  Oh! Mukunda, you are valorous like a lion, you are most appropriate to elevate my soul.  Oh! Ambujaksha, I have already surrendered to you, I am having troubling times, my elder brother fixed my marriage with the King of Chedi, I am helpless, therefore you have to appear before them as a lion and take away your prey that was proposed to offer to King of Chedi.  Oh! Paresha, I have observed various austerities and vows, I have performed various charities, and if I am blessed let my hands unite with yours.  It should not unite with the hands of Shishupala.  Oh! Bhagavan, there is not much time left for you, I shall suggest the easiest method to approach Vidharbha, and take me away from the powerful army men of King of Chedi.   You can take me away from Vidharbha exhibiting your endless prowess following the demonic rite.  Oh! Bhagavan, you need not create chaos in the assembly of King or in the palace, we have the custom to visit the deity of our family clan on the previous day of marriage, therefore you can take me away while I go to visit the shrine of Goddess Girija.  Oh! Bhagavan, I have already surrendered my mind and intellect upon you, if you have not turned to take me away, Oh! Ambujaksha, I shall promise you, I will sacrifice my life by undertaking extreme penances without consuming meals, and if I had to take hundreds of birth I will not back off my mind and intellect from you to achieve as my husband.”