|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 266 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  117

Paundraka Vadham

Shankharyasi Gadha Sharnga Srivathsadhyupalakshitham | Bibranam Kausthubhamanim Vanamala Vibhooshitham || Kausheyavasasi Peethe Vasanam Garudadhvajam | Amoolya MaulyaAbaranam Spuran Makarakundalam|| Dhrishtva Thamathmanasthulavesham Krithrimamasthitham | Yadha  Natam  Rangagatham Vijahasa  Dhrisham Hari: ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, there was a King Paundraka who was ruling the city Karusha, he was a close associate of the King of Kashi.  King Paundraka was black-complexioned, loved to wear a yellow silk garment, and has some similarities to Krishna.  King of Kashi convinced him and praised him as Vaikundha Vasudeva, and inspired him to dress up like supreme Lord Krishna.  Thus, King Paundraka transformed himself as Paundraka Vasudeva, adorned in yellow silk garment, four arms holding Shankha, chakra, Gadha, and the Padma, adorned in Srivathsa, Kausthubham and Vanamala, magnificent ear ornaments, and a majestic crown.  King of Kashi prompted Paundraka Vasudeva to send a message to Lord Krishna, introducing himself as real Vaikundapathi, the message was duly sent through a messenger.  Krishna, the Vaikundapathi whose eyes have the appearance of lotus flower petals was seated in the assembly received the message of Paundraka, in that he was introduced himself as Vasudeva and threatened to give away all those marvelous things owned and surrender to him.  The Supreme Lord Krishna laughed out loud reading the message of Paundraka, eventually decided to meet him in person.  Thus, Lord Krishna arrived in the city of Karusha, he blew the conch as a sign of his arrival.  Soon Paundraka appeared before Lord, Krishna was amazed to watch the similarities and could not control his laugh.  Krishna teased Paundraka openly and hurled his disc that sieved the head off Paundraka and it chased the King of Kashi and tossed his head in his assembly.  The elder son of King of Kashi decided to take revenge on Krishna; he took shelter at the feet of Lord Vishwanatha of Kashi.  He sincerely worshiped Lord Vishwanatha following strict austerities and pleased him. Thus, the son of King of Kashi brought a powerful spirit Krithya with a dreadful appearance, it quivered the entire Earth.  That vicious spirit entered in the city of Dwaraka  to fight against Krishna.” 

Thus, Lord Krishna was returned from the Kingdom of Kurusha after the battle with the King of Kashi and Paundraka.   Once, he was playing a board game with the members of the family.  Suddenly, he heard the shriek of the children rose from the seat, hurled his Sudharshana Chakram against the Krithya who could not withstand the blazing fire from the disc.  She ran out of the city and took shelter in Kashi, eventually the powerful disc of Krishna took round and round in the entire city and burned into ashes.  Whoever listens or recite the legend of Paundraka Vadham would get relieved from all the sins.

In this legend Paundraka Vasudeva imitated all those outward appearances of the Supreme Lord without understanding his values got killed in the hands of the Lord.  The devotion is not something to imitate from others; devotion should be followed with the knowledge of self along with constant contemplation upon supreme Lord who is beyond description or perception.  True devotion is the complete surrender to the supreme Lord, and prepares oneself to face any adverse situations in life with a balanced state of mind.  The constant remembrance of the Supreme Lord, who is the source of the functioning of the Panchaprana, Karmendhriya, Gnanedhriyas, Prana, mind, intellect, Ahamkara in living beings, and persistently engages in the union of mind and intellect in the contemplation of supreme Lord is described as ‘Ananya Bhakti’.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 265 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  116

Yamunakarshanam

Yevam Nirbathsitham Bheetha Yamuna Yadhunandhanam | Uvacha  Chakitha Vacham Pathitha Padhayornripa || Rama Rama Mahabhaho Na Jane  Thava Vikramam | Yasyaikamshena  Vidhritha Jagathi Jagatha: Pathe || Param Bhavam Bhagavatho Bhagavan Mamajanathim | Mokthumarhasi Vishwathman Prapannam Bhakthavathsala ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, once Balarama who is the preceptor of Kurus, conducted a visit to Vraja, the people of Vrindavan received him with great enthusiasm, and they happily surrounded Balarama and enquired about Krishna.   The cowherds were extremely happy to see Jagadheeshwara, they embraced him and shed tears of joy.   The elderly people enquired about the welfare of the families, greeted him with happiness, his childhood friends accompanied him with good-humored talks.   Thus, Balarama spend pleasing days with the people and cowherds of Vraja, he and the women of cowherds went to the riverbank of Yamuna, they had a lot to share with Sankarshana, they shed tears thinking of Krishna and those beautiful days of passionate sports with him.  Thus   Balarama spends two months in the Vraja and took great pleasure in the various sports with the women of the cowherd.  It was one full moon night, cool braze was carrying the rich fragrance of Kumudha,  Balarama with the women of cowherds assembled on the river banks of Yamuna, he was taking immense pleasure in the various sports with the women of cowherds, instructed river Yamuna come closer to him so that he can take pleasure in water sports, but she did not listen to him.  Balarama got annoyed at her behavior; he dragged her watercourse with his plow.  The Yamuna got terrified, she surrendered at his feet and eulogized him.” Thus Balarama with the women of cowherds performed various passionate sports and once again made them happy.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 264 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  115

Nrigopakhyanam

Deva Deva Jagannatha  Govindha Purushoththama | Narayana Hrishikesha  Punyashloka Acchyutha Avyaya || Namasthe  Sarvabhavaya  Bhramane Ananthashakthaye | Krishnaya Vasudevaya  Yoganam Pathaye Nama: ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, It was the time when children of  Krishna was too young, Samba and a few of them were engaged in various sport in the greens, felt hungry so they went to check in the nearest well, it was completely dried out and there was a big lizard underneath it.  The children made an effort to get the lizard out of the well and found it difficult; they approached Lord Krishna and requested for help.  Krishna took the big lizard out of the well with his left hand, immediately it has assumed an attractive human and introduced himself as King Nriga of the Ikshvaku dynasty. “ Oh! Prabho,  Oh! Sarvabhoothathma,  I have performed an abundance of charities to illustrious Bhramanas who undertake austerities and vows, have a thorough knowledge of Bhramam.   I have performed charities equivalent to the sands on the Earth. I have performed charity of virtuous and good quality cows that provide an abundance of milk.  Once, I had performed charity of an abundance of cows and calves decorated in silver and gold to a Bhramin, soon another Bhramin appeared before me, I have performed the same number cows as the charity to that Bhramin too.  Unfortunately, the second Bhramin received a cow that was offered as a charity to the first Bhramin, as it was returned to the cowshed and took its place, I was not aware of that I have offered that cow as the charity to the second Brahmin.  The first Bhramin found one of his cows was missing from the herd, he turned to the second Bhramin and found his cow, they began to argue each other about the possession of it, and finally, they approached me to settle the argument.  I have pacified them and revealed my willingness to offer some more cows.  The first Brahmin cursed me to become a lizard for not performing charity with dedication.”  King Nriga left his mortal coil and reached the abode of Lord Yama was received with great respect as he was performed an abundance of charities on the Earth and enquired King Nriga whether he would like to enjoy the results of piousness or undergo punishments of the sins.  King Nriga gracefully revealed his willingness to undergo punishments for the sins, thus he had attained the form of a giant lizard and lived in the dark dried well, and eventually, he attained his real form with the touch of Lord Krishna.  King Nriga prostrated before Krishna and eulogized “Oh! Lord of Lords, Oh!  Jagannatha, Oh! Govinda Oh! Purushoththama, Oh! Narayana, Oh! Hrishikesh, Oh! Acchyutha eulogized by Veda and Vedantha.  I shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme Lord who is all-pervasive, he is absolute Bhramam, he has endless prowess, Oh! Krishna Oh! Vasudeva, Oh! Yoginampathi  I shall prostrate before you.”  Thus, King Nriga left the place.” 

Krishna called for his children and gave excellent advice “ Oh! Children, listen to me carefully, you should understand the concept of ‘curse’. I do not consider the Halahala as the deadliest one, I want to make clear about the curse that could destroy the three generations of the performer, it is the curse of a Bhramin which could bring disaster to the three generations and even the entire clan.  It is the duty of the Kshatriya to protect the Vipra and illustrious twice-born, and learn from the saintly people and ascetic, treat them with utmost reverence and humility, and contribute whatever possible means without pride.  Whoever steals the possession of a Bhramin would live as worm for six thousand years.  We should not give an opportunity to get cursed from the twice-born and righteous people, which could heave the soul into the cycles of repeated births.” Thus Lord Krishna advised his children and returned to the palace.

In this legend, Lord Krishna reveals the evil effects of the curse of a twice-born.  It is rare to obtain the life of a human; none of the creatures on the Earth other than human can elevate their souls to Supreme Lord.  The mind and intellect originated from the supreme soul is not utilized properly to attain that Bramham, it causes the soul to hurl into the cycles of repeated births, and moreover, it will lead several generations into the darkness of ignorance of worldly matters and bondage.  Every deed would follow with Punya and Papa simultaneously, we are born to contribute to each other, without the sense of pride, all kinds of charity should be followed with humility like the rain contributes greens and plants on the Earth.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 263 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  114

Namami Thvam Ananthashakthim Paresham Sarvathmanam Kevalam Japthimathram | Vishwotpaththi Sthana Samrodhahethum  Yaththath Bhrama Bhramalingam Prashantham ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, once Maharishi Narada visited Dwaraka and enquired about Aniruddha.  The Supreme Lord Krishna who is aware of all kept quiet.  Balarama realized that Anirudhdha was imprisoned by Banasura from Maharishi Narada, he could not control his rage.  Thus, Lord Krishna and Balarama accompanied by a huge army of warriors led by Pradhyumna rushed to Shonithapuram. Pradhyumna shot an arrow on the flag post of Shonithapuram and broken into pieces, Banasura rose from his seat with great enthusiasm and approached Lord Mahadeva with a request to help in the battle.  Thus, one side of the army led by Pradhyumna, Krishna and Balarama, and the opposite side of the army led by Lord Karthikeya, Lord Mahadeva mounted on a celestial bull, Pramathaganas, and Banasura entered in a fierce battle. All the deities, Lord Bhrama, Siddhas, Charana, Gandharva, Apsaras, Yaksha, and illustrious Rishis assembled to witness the battle.  In that vicious battle, Pradhyumna defeated Karthikeya.  Lord Mahadeva had a fierce battle against Lord Krishna, the two equivalent forces fought each other using various Astra and Shastras, finally, they both have created Jwara/who has the same appearance of Mahadeva and Krishna respectively.  The Jwaras fought against each other and found it difficult to withstand. Jwara eulogized supreme Lord Mahadeva “ Oh! Lord I shall prostrate before supreme Lord Paresha, who resides as a soul in living beings, can be experienced with intense devotion and faith, you are the source of creation of the Universe and its living beings, you are supreme Bhramam, you have endless prowess symbolizes serenity.” Whoever recites or listens to the Jwarasthuthi would get rid of the troubles and fears of Jwara.  Rudra eulogizes supreme Lord “ Oh! Bhagavan, Parambhrama, you are not easily attainable, you are eulogized by Veda, you are serene, and unblemished Oh! Bhagavan, your limbs represents Agni, Vayu, Ocean, and your eyes represent Surya and Chandra.  You are supreme Purusha, you are primordial and flawless.  Oh! Bhagavan, an ignorant get attached to the wife and children, wealth, and material world due to the influence of your Maya, eventually they get sunk deep down in the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence.  Therefore, whoever forgets to surrender at the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord, even after obtaining superior birth as a human, would heave themselves to constant miseries and sorrows, remains Athmavanchaka.  Whoever forgets the presence of supreme Lord as a soul in them, and greedily chases sensual pleasures thereby consume toxic poison of worldly matters and attachments, and eventually they refuse the nectar of immortality.   I, Lord Bhrama, deities, illustrious Rishis and Sages have already surrendered our hearts, mind, and intellect to the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in us.  We have understood that you are the greatest wealth, hence we are sung in praise of you.” In this way, Lord Rudra praised the Vishwaroopam of supreme Lord who has all-pervading nature."

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 262 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  113

 Shonithakhye Pure Ramye Sa Rajyamakarothpura | Thasya  Shambho: Prasadhena Kinkara  Iva They Amara: | Sahasrabahur  Vadhyena Thandaveathoshayan Mridam || Bhagavan Sarvabhoothesha: Sharanyo Bhakthavathsala: | Varena Cchandhayamasa Sa The Vavre Puradhipam||

King Pareekshith speaks “ Oh! Mahayogi kindly narrates the legend of marriage of Usha who is the daughter of Banasura to Aniruddha, and the battle between Hari and Hara.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Banasura the son of Emperor Mahabali, was the ruler of the city Shonithapuram. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Mahadeva, undertakes several  austerities and vows to please supreme Lord Mahadeva, he has thousands of hands/great prowess, he pleased Lord Shiva sung in praise of him, playing kettle drum and various divine musical instruments with intense devotion, it would prompt Lord Shiva to perform a cosmic dance before him.  Once, Lord Shiva was highly pleased with Banasura and offered boons, thus he brought the compassionate Lord Mahadeva who is Bhagavan resides as a soul in living beings,  as protector to his city Shonithapuram.  Once, Banasura invited supreme Lord Shiva for wrestling, Lord Mahadeva got angry and cursed that soon he will have to face an eminent wrestler, as soon as he enters the Kingdom, his country’s flag post will get break into pieces.  Banasura returned to his palace and impatiently waited for that eminent wrestler.” 

Kamathmajam Tham Bhuvanaikasundharam  Shyamam Pishangambaram Ambujekshanam | Bhrihathbhujam Kundala Kunthalathvisha  Smithavalokena Cha Mandithananam ||

Banasura had a beautiful daughter Usha.  Once, She had a dream of a handsome youth as her husband and both are engaged in various passionate sports.   Usha approached Chithralekha, one of her female attendants who is the daughter of Kumbanda and said “ Oh! dear companion, I had a dream last night,  in that I have met a dark-complexioned, handsome youth, he has beautiful eyes resembles lotus flower petals, he was attired in majestic yellow silk garments, he has a wide chest, powerful arms and shoulders, he was adorned in magnificent ear ornaments, I cannot live without him I want him as my husband”.  Chithralekha had exceptional skill in drawing portraits, Usha explained every detail of the charming youth that appeared in her dream, thus Chithralekha drew a stunningly beautiful youth Anirudhdha who has the appearance of Lord Krishna.  Usha was highly pleased with Chithralekha who has some supernatural powers.  Chithralekha performed magical powers and abducted Aniruddha who asleep in his chamber, and dropped him in the chamber of Usha.  Thus, years have passed Aniruddha and Usha had pleasing time together, eventually, Usha got pregnant with the child of Aniruddha.  Finally, Banasura came to know about the youth in the chamber of his daughter, rushed to meet him, saw Aniruddha and Usha were immersed in the board game.  Banasura was surprised to witness the most charming youth with lovely physical features, he could not take his eyes off from him. Banasura could not control his anger towards Anirudhdha who entered his daughter’s chamber without his knowledge, soon a fierce fight took place between them, and finally, he fastened Anirudhdha with Nagapasha.  Usha became inconsolable begged her father to release Anirudhdha who was imprisoned by him.  In Dwaraka, no one was aware of the absence of Anirudhdha for quite some time.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 261 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  112

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan,  Lord Krishna had ten children in sixteen thousand and eight wives, many of the wives could not realize the divinity in him and elevate their souls, they have accepted him as an ideal husband who kindles intense passion with his attractive features, appearance, and smile.  They could not persuade the supreme Lord with their lust or desires, he performed all the duties and responsibilities of a householder, but he was not attached to any of them.  Krishna and Devi Rukmini had ten children named Pradhyumna,  Charudheshna, Sudheshna, Charudheha, Sucharu, Charuguptha, Bhadhracharu, Charuchandra, Vicharu, and Charu .  Krishna and Devi Sathyabhama had ten children named Bhanu, Subhanu, Swarbhanu, Prabhanu, Bhanuman, Chandhrabhanu, Bhrihathbhanu, Rathibhanu, Sribhanu,  and Prathibhanu.  Krishna and Jambhavathi had ten children named Sambha, Sumithra, Purujith, Thajith, Sahasrajith, Vijayachithra, Kethu, Vasuman, Dhravida, and Krathu.    Thus, years have passed, Pradhyumnas’ son Aniruddha got married to the granddaughter of Rukmi.   The grand wedding ceremony got over, and the guests began to play board games under the leadership of Rukmi with Balarama.  Every now and then, Rukmi passed sarcastic comment on Lord Balarama who is inexperienced in the board game; finally, Balaram won the board game, Rukmi was not willing to accept it, he did not stop provoking Krishna. In a sudden rage Balaram took his plow and gave a hard whip on the head of Rukmi and killed him instantly, Lord Krishna looked at Devi Rukmini, but she did not utter a word, even Lord Krishna did not take the side of his brother or his wife.”

In this legend, Rukmi did not pay attention to the divinity of Lord Krishna, even though he had a close association with the Supreme Lord.  He took extreme pleasure in the material world and comforts; he could not utilize his mind to elevate his soul.  He kept insulting Balarama which brought miserable death to him.  All the scriptures speak about the way to attain Mukthi, Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran speaks about Ananyabhakthi/intense devotion/ realization of ‘God’, and performance of righteous deeds without the expectation of its fruitful results, constant contemplation, and meditation upon supreme Lord who resides as soul in living beings.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 260 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  111

Yan Yan Kamayase Kaman Mayyakamaya Bhamini | Santhi Hyekantha Bhakthayasthava Kalyani Nithyadha | Ye Mam Bhajanthi Dhampathye Thapasa Vrathacharyaya | Kamathmano Apavargesham Mohitha Mama Mayaya || Mam Prapya Maninya Apavargasampadham Vanchanthi Ye Sampadha Yeva Thathpathim | They Mandhabhagya Nirayeapi Ye Nrinam Mathrathmakathva Niraya: Su Sangama: ||

Lord Krishna was highly pleased with the devotion of Vaidharbhi, said “ Oh! Rajaputhri, I was kindling emotions in you, all that you have mentioned are the absolute truth. I am extremely pleased to hear what I have expected from you.  Whoever worships me undertaking austerities and vows to attain blissful life and all the material welfare are not my true devotees, they are soaked in immense bodily pleasures and desires, they are completely under the influence of my Maya, it is not they should desire to achieve from me/the preceptor/Lokaguru.  An ignorant, ill fortunate one, worships me for wealth, happiness and material comforts which have impermanent nature, without knowing that I am capable to provide the highest of piousness/Apavargapradha, relieve them from sinful deeds/Papa Karma, results of the Karma/Happiness, and Sorrows/Phalam, attachments to worldly matters, body-consciousness, and attachment to people, wealth, possessions etc./Bandhanam,  fear of anxieties/Bhayam, and fear of death/Mrithyu.  Oh! Vaidharbhi, I could see all those supreme signs of devotion in you.  I have disfigured your brother and killed him; you have not uttered a single word, you were aware of the fact that If you have responded to the situation would cause distance from me, you did not leave devotion upon me, you have taken all that happened to your brother as a grace of supreme Lord, you have won over me with your sincere devotion and purity of your heart.  Oh! Devi, you have proved your intense devotion upon me, how did I abandon you?”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, in this way supreme Lord Hari who is Jagadheeshwara, Lokaguru/Universal preceptor symbolizes Dharma/righteousness, had a rewarding conversation with Goddess Rama.”