|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 288 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  139

Arjuna arrived in Dwaraka, settled under a tree and conducted meditation, the villagers informed Balarama about the arrival of a divine ascetic in the village.  Soon, Balarama informed Krishna, both of them arrived to meet the ascetic.  They prostrated before the saintly man, Krishna immediately understood it was none other than Arjuna disguised in the form an ascetic, they communicated in gestures. Balarama decided to take the saintly person to the palace and offer accommodation to conduct his austerities, followed by the condition that during this period of time Devi Subhadhra would take care of all his needs and serve the ascetic.  Thus Subadhra started her service to the saintly person.  Once, Subhadhra enquired the saintly man about Devi Kunthi and her sons, she further expressed her concern about Arjuna who undertook Tapasya.  The saintly man seized the hand of Subhadhra and revealed his identity to her.  Devi Rukmini noticed the visible changes in Subhadhra towards the ascetic, she asked Lord Krishna about it.  Thus, Krishna informed all about Arjuna to Devi Rukmini.  He arranged a chariot for Arjuna and Devi Subhadra to elope from the palace of Dwaraka.  Krishna along with Balarama and parents left for a pilgrimage, Arjuna took this opportunity to abduct Devi Subadhra in his chariot and left Dwaraka was chased by Yadhavas, but they could not get hold of them.

Arjuna and Subhadra returned to their place of stay, Subhadhra touched the feet of Devi Draupadi and introduced herself as the sister of Lord Krishna.  Devi Draupadi blessed her and embraced her in extreme happiness.  Thus Arjuna and Subhadra started living with the family of Devi Kunthi. In the meantime, the Yadhavas rushed to inform Balarama and Krishna who were undertaken pilgrimage.  Balarama could not control his anger, decided to punish Arjuna for his demeanor.  Eventually, Balarama understood it was a well-planned drama by Krishna; he blamed Krishna for cheating his own elder brother.  Krishna pleaded Balarama who was in a fury to kill Arjuna if he kills Arjuna and brings back Subadhra, will Duryodhana accept her? He narrated the story of Bhishma Pithamaha who brought the three princes in the Palace of Kuru, later Amba was rejected by her lover Salya, because of the touch of Bhishma Pithamaha, if that was repeated to Subhadra what would they do with her? If Duryodhana rejected Subadhra for running away with Arjuna, what would she do?  Further, the guards of the Palace explained to them that the chariot drove away by Devi Subhadra. Thus they have decided to perform an elaborate wedding ceremony of Arjuna and Subhadra.

In this legend of ‘Subhadhra Haranam’ Subadhra represents mind and intellect which is free from trepidation and anxieties have immense capabilities to perform the deeds with great enthusiasm and firm devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 287 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  138

Devi Draupadhi Vivaham – Subhadra Haranam

So apashyathaththra Mahathim Kanyam Veeramanoharam | Preethyuth Phullekshanasthasyam Bhavakshubdham Mano Dhadhe ||

Pandavas arrived in the palace of King Drupadha, there was a large number of Kings and rulers of various Kingdoms were assembled, Krishna, Kauravas were seated in the assembly.  There was an interesting challenge organized to find a suitable groom for Devi Draupadi.  The challenge was shoot arrow on the eye of the fish hanging down on the hook, looking down its mirror image on the water.  Arjun shot the arrow and won the challenge, thus he was married to Devi Draupadi.  They returned to meet Devi Kunthi, it was dark in the evening.  Arjuna called out for his mother and informed her about a wonderful thing he has brought from Panchala, Devi Kunthi answered his call instructing them to share equally with five brothers.  Thus, Draupadi has become wives for the five sons of Devi Kunthi.   She sincerely followed wifely duties to them.  They have decided Draupadi should serve one of them as her husband for a year if anyone breaks the rule should undergo punishments, would take up the pilgrimage for a year.   It was Arjuna who breaks the rule more often and undertakes a pilgrimage to various places. 

Once Arjuna was on pilgrimage, came to know about the marriage of Devi Subadhra, sister of Balarama and Krishna.  Duryodhana was the disciple of Balarama while leaving the Gurukula, Balarama was pleased on his skill in the usage of mace, promised Duryodhana that he would offer his sister Subhadra as his wedded wife.  Duryodhana approached Balarama and decided to get married to Subhadra.  Arjuna had a yearning for Subadhra from his childhood days, he decided to meet her immediately.  He disguised in the form of an ascetic, attired in a saffron robe, adorned in Rudraksha, smeared in sacred ashes, and went to Dwaraka. 

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 286 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  137

Namo Ananthaya Bhrihathe  Nama: Krishnaya Vedhase | Sankhya yoga Vithanaya  Bhramane Paramathmane ||  Rama  Rama Aprameyathan Krishna Yogeshwareshwara | Vedaham Vam Vishwa Srijam Eshwara Adhipurushau||

DeviDevaki approached Krishna and requested him to bring back her six children died in the hands of Kamsa. “ Oh! Krishna,  Oh! Rama,  Oh! Yogeshwareshwara,  Oh! Aprameyathma, you symbolize Veda, you are the creator of Universe and its living beings, I have understood you have incarnated on the Earth to reduce her burden.  You have to get back our children lost in the hands of Kamsa, I would love to hold them once again. Kindly, bring them back as a Dhakshina to your parents.”  Thus, Rama and Krishna conducted a thorough search for the children, finally arrived in the Suthalaloka of Mahabali.  He eulogized Krishna “ Oh!, Anantha, Oh! Krishna who is eulogized by Vedas, Oh! Paramathma who symbolizes Sankhya philosophies, Oh! Supreme Bhramam, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.”  Mahabali gave back those six children of Devi Devaki, eventually, Krishna and Rama returned to Dwaraka.  The children who died in the hands of Kamsa were the children of Hiranyakashipu in their previous birth.  Prahlada was the only ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, the rest of his brothers was not willing to worship Lord Hari.  Later, they had to take birth as children of Devi Devaki and Vasudeva and faced brutal death in the hands of Kamsa.  The moment Devi Devaki saw her children, she forgot all her sorrows, instantly fell in love with them.  Thus, those six children born in the womb of Devi Devaki who carried the supreme Lord in her womb as well got relieved from their sins instantly.

King Pareekshith speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, kindly narrate the legend of Rama and Krishna, and my Pithamaha as well.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Pandavas miraculously escaped from the wax house set to fire by the emissary of Duryodhana, they have crossed several miles and arrived in The Kingdom of Panchala.  They saw there were several Bhramins moving towards the Palace of King of Panchala, Pandavas enquired the reason for their visit.  They informed that it was the grand wedding celebration of Devi Drupadhi who is the daughter of King Drupadha.  Pandavas were already exhausted, tired of wandering all over in the woods and caves without any food, Bheema expressed his need to have meals urgently.  Thus, they have decided to attend the wedding, they were disguised in the form of twice-born.  Devi Kunthi revealed her inability to walk around, so she has stayed back in the hut of a potter.” 

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 285 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  136

Yadhricchayam  Nritham Prapya Sukalpamiha Durllabham | Swarththe Pramaththasya  Vayo Gatham Thvan Mayayeshwara || Asavahamamaivaithe Dhehe Chasyanyayadhishu | Snehapashair Nibadhnathi Bhavan Sarvamidham Jagath || Yuvam Na Na: Suthau Sakshath Pradhana Purusheshwarau| Bhoo Bharakshathrapana Avatheernnau Thadhaththaha ||

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, it was daily practice of Krishna wake up during the Bhrama Muhurtha, prostrate before his parents.   That day,  Vasudeva decided to prostrate Krishna when he approaches them to offer obeisance.  As usual, Rama and Krishna approached parents; Krishna looked at his father and smiled mischievously, instantly Vasudeva forgot all those feelings to prostrate his son. Thus Lord Krishna did not let his father prostrate before him. When Rama and Krishna was leaving after offering obeisance, Vasudeva seized the hands of Krishana, and spoke “Oh! Child, do not fool me with your Maya, I am already soaked in your Maya.  The living beings in the Universe are soaked in the worldly matters and bondage with the influence of your Maya. Oh! Krishna, I am thoroughly aware of the fact that you both are not my children. You both are Pradhana Purusheshwara, you both are divine personified to remove the burden of the Earth.  I forgot to take shelter at your lotus feet, which could remove all the bondages and interest in worldly matters, I was immersed in pleasing my senses.  I have lost the sense of your divinity and the purpose of your incarnation on the Earth to elevate the souls.  I have forgotten that instruction of the supreme Lord Vishnu to worship you as supreme Bhramam, I was drenched in love and affection and forgot that advice to follow. Oh! Krishna, kindly bless me.”

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Father, you are perfectly right, you were considered me as your son, but not like the supreme Bhramam, Oh! Yadhushreshta, kindly understand that all that you are witnessing, the people of Dwaraka and all those living and non-living things are functioning with the presence of self-illuminating nature of Athman which has neither birth nor death, it is eternal and void of changes.  The presence of Earth, Air, Ether, Water and Fire varies in the living beings, but nature does not change, it is the perception of the individual that forms his/her character.” Vasudeva bowed before his son, Krishna smiled mischievously at his father.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 284 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  135

Yan Mayaya Thaththva Vidhuththama  Vayam Vimohitha  Vishwasrijam Adheesha | Yadheeshithavyayathi Gooda  Ehaya  Aho Vichithram Bhagavath Vicheshtitham ||

Rishis looked at the face of Krishna and began to speak “ Oh, Jagathguru, it is your Maya that made the souls soaked in worldly matters and bondages, you are creating all those living and non-living things assuming various form and names from your Maya, finally it merges in you while living on the Earth they believe all those imaginary relationships with people, wealth, material comforts of destructible matters as real, without the knowledge of the supreme soul who resides as a soul in living beings.  The constant association with the intellectuals, who have profound knowledge in scriptures, would elevate the soul from worldly matters.  It is our Janmasaphalyam we had the opportunity to attain your nearness. Oh! Bhagavan, you are beyond ‘Time’,  you are Purusha,  you reside as a soul in living beings, you are the highest philosophy, you are witnessing all that happening, you are the essence of Veda, we shall prostrate before you.” They prostrate before Krishna and Krishna bade farewell to them. 

Namo Va: Sarvadhevebhya Rishaya:Shrothumarhadha | Karmana  Karma Nirharo Yadhasyan Nasthadhuchyatham ||

Vasudeva was listening to the conversation of Krishna between the illustrious Rishis and Sages, eventually, he felt unworthy of himself watching the illustrious Rishis prostrating before his son Krishna.  He felt guilty for considering Krishna as his son; he never had a thought to prostrate before him.  Vasudeva rushed after the Rishis, and stopped Maharshi Narada and enquired “ Oh! Maharishi,  I shall prostrate before you.  I want to hear from you, is it possible to remove the sin, with the performance of Karma/veneration of idols, fire sacrifices that could bring temporary satisfaction? Is it possible to get rid of the troubles with the performance of Karma?”  Maharishi Narada replied “ Oh! Vasudeva, I am surprised to hear from the father of Krishna, even attaining the supreme Lord as your child, like a person living close to the sacred river Ganga, searching for a sacred river to purify his sins.  I shall advise you to get rid of your sorrows; people who are soaked in Karma could elevate their souls with intense devotion, dedication, and faith upon Jishnu and please him, and accept all that incidents happen in life as the grace of Lord.  In this way, people who are living in Grihasthashrma Dharma could bring the serenity of mind and elevate their minds and intellect to the supreme Lord at ease.  Oh! Vasudeva, your son who is divine personified on Earth, instructed us to follow the same. I have nothing new to advise you, all that we have learnt from him.  Therefore learn to abandon Viththaishana/attachment to wealth, Yajja, Dhana Griha Dhara Suthaishana/ attachment to fire sacrifices, possessions, houses, wife and children, and conduct practice for achieving the elevation of soul/Athmaishana.”  Vasudeva became happy, he thought if he did not prostrate before the supreme Lord Krishna, it would be a great loss for him.

Viththaishanam Yajja Dhanair Grihair Dhara  Suthaishanam | Athmalokaishanam Deva Kalena Visrijedh Budha: | Grame Thyakthaishana: Sarve  Yayurdheerasthapovanam ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 283 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  134

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Thus Lord Krishna imparted the highest of knowledge of spirituality to the women of cowherds who speaks “ Oh! Bhagavan, The illustrious Yogis discards the worldly matters, live in seclusion of caves, and elevates their soul to supreme Bhramam, they engage in constant contemplation upon the supreme Lord.  Oh! Bhagavan, we want to attain that bliss, constantly contemplating your lotus feet.  We cannot discard our family or society like the Yogis, we are ordinary souls drenched in the well of worldly existence.  Oh! Bhagavan, we have thoroughly understood we have no refuge other than you.  Therefore, whenever we forget your presence in our hearts, kindly reminds us of your eternal presence in us.”

Hey  Vaidharbhyacchyutho Bhadhre  Hey Jambavathi Kausale | Hey Sathyabhame Kalindi Shaibhye  Rohini Lakshmane || Hey Krishnapathnya Yethanno Bhrootha Vo Bhagavan Swayam| Upayeme Yadha Lokamanukurvan  Swamayaya ||

Devi Rukmini and all the family members and Vrishni clan were immersed in various conversations.  Devi Draupadhi arrived there and got introduced to everyone in the Vrishni clan.  Devi Draupadi was curious to know how they got married to Krishna.  Draupadi speaks “ Hey Vaidharbhi, Bhadhre, Jambhavathi, Sathyabhame, Kalindhi, Shaibhye, Rohini, Lakshmana, and sixteen thousands of women, kindly narrate to me how did you get married to that supreme Lord Krishna who creates the whole Universe with his Maya.”  Devi Rukmini described all those incidents and introduced Draupadhi to all the wives of Krishna. Devi Rukmini said, “ I have offered myself at the lotus feet of Srinikethana, once the supreme Lord won over the King of Chedi.”  Sathyabhama said, “ Prabhu,  Krishna attained me as his wife after winning the precious gem Syamanthaka.”   Jambavathi said “ Nijanatha Dhaivam, Seethapathi, after the vicious fight with my father for several days, I had the opportunity to serve his lotus feet, as a wedded wife and servant.”  Kalindi said, “ I have conducted penance for several years, thus I got the opportunity to get the hands of the Supreme Lord as my wedded husband.”   Mithravindha said, “My wedding was arranged with the King of Vijitha against my will, the supreme Lord arrived in a horse and caught hold of me, and accepted me as his wedded wife.” Sathya speaks “ My father conducted an amusing sport to find a suitable groom for me, Krishna won over the sport, expressing extreme valor he married to me.”   Bhadra speaks “I am an extremely fortunate one to attain his association from childhood; he is the son of my maternal uncle, later I got the fortune to serve him as a wedded husband.”  Lakshmana speaks “I had the fortune to receive advice from Maharishi Narada, I heard all those glorious myths of Krishna and contemplated upon him, I vested my intellect and mind upon him, finally attained him as my wedded husband.”   All those wives have to say it was their extreme fortune they have attained supreme Lord Krishna as their husband. 

There were several illustrious Rishis and Sages have arrived in Syamanthaka Theertham,  Maharishi Dhvaipayana, Narada, Chyavana, Devala, Asitha, Vishwamithra, Shathanandha, Bharadhwaja, Gauthama, Rama, Vashishta, Galava, Bhrigu, Pulasthya, Kashyapa, Athri, Markandeya, Bhrihaspathi, Angiras, Agasthya, Yajjvalkya, Vamadeva and all of them received with great honor by Pandavas and Krishna and Rama.

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! illustrious Yogis and Yogeshwara, It is my great fortune to meet you all.  The meeting of saintly men and association would purify the souls instantly, unlike the visits to various sacred Theerthas and shrines, the performance of numerous fire sacrifices, even though it may purify the souls in the long process.  The worship of Agni, Surya, Chandra, Stars and planets, Earth, Water, as a different entity from you, cannot remove the impurities in the souls.  Therefore, the association of saintly men and illustrious Rishis would remove the impurities of the souls instantly.  Whoever constantly anxious about their bodily illnesses, the welfare of their family, children, possession of wealth, fame, immerses in the performance of spiritual and religious rites, visiting shrines and holy ponds, etc. but refused to visit saintly men and reside in their association, are animals.”

Yasyathmabuddhi: Kunape Thridhathuke  Swadhi: Kalathradhishu Bhauma Ijyadhi: | Ya Theerththabuddhi: Salile Na  Karhichith Janeshshvabijjeshu Sa Yeva  Gokhara: ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 282 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  133

Vrishni Gopasangam

Adhikatha  Dwaravathyam Vasatho Ramakrishnayo: | Suryoparaga: Sumahanaseeth Kalpakshaye  Yadha || Tham Jyathva Manuja Rajan Purasthadeva Sarvatha: | Samanthapanchakam Kshethram Yayu: Shreyovidhithsaya||

The practice of meditation and devotion is the process of fixing the mind and intellect on the indestructible supreme soul which is beyond time and region, devotion is not the worship of idols or following rites without the knowledge of it.  The worship of idols and following spiritual and religious rites is the practice to achieve the ‘Formless One’/realization of supreme consciousness/ realization of supreme Bhramam.  The Sthoolashareera and Prakrithi have to undergo constant transformation and ruin, the Sookshmashareera is beyond changes and eternal.

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, it was during the period of Rama and Krishna living in the city of Dwaraka, there was a complete solar eclipse took place, so the people of Dwaraka decided to follow strict austerities during the time eclipse, and they all moved to Samantha Panchaka Theertham close to Prabhasa Theertham at the instruction of Krishna.  The sixteen thousand wives and children attired in magnificent clothes, Bhramins, and Vrishnis took bath and arrived in Samantha Panchaka Theertham.  The people of Dwaraka, rulers of various Kingdoms were assembled on the banks of sacred river Symantha Panchaka Theertham which was established by Bhargava Rama, killing the wicked Kshatriyas for twenty-one times. A few of the people of Yadhus with Aniruddha remained in Dwaraka to protect the city from the threat.  Akroora, Vasudeva, Nandababa Devi Yasodha, all people of Vraja were assembled on the riverbank, they were embracing each other, once again Krishna met the people of Vraja and his foster parents after several years, they had a lot to converse each other, and they were shedding tears of joy of meeting.  There were Bhishma Pithamaha, Drona, Devi  Gandhari with her sons, and daughter,  Sanjaya, Vidura,  Kripa, King of Kunthibhoja,  Virata,  Bheeshmaka, Nagnajith Maharaja, Drupadha, Shalya, Dhrishtakethu, Kashiraja, King of  Dhama, Vishala, Mithila, and Madhri, Yudhamanyu, Susharma, Yudhishtira, followed by brothers and Devi Draupadi.  Devi Kunthi and Vasudeva expressed their love for each other.  Balarama and Krishna arrived before Devi Yasodha and Nandababa and offered their obeisance, they could not control the tears of joy embraced each other, Krishna introduced his wives to Devi Yasodha and Nandababa, Devi Rohini, and Vrajeshwaris, they were talking about the splendor and various amusements of Krishna.  Suddenly, Krishna noticed the female of cowherds, who were staring at him without blinking their eyes, whenever they blink eyes they were cursing Lord Bhrama.  They were drinking beauty Krishna through their eyes; they have forgotten all their worries and taking pleasure in his presence.  Krishna rushed to them, affectionately smiled and embraced them.  He took all those cowherds in an isolated place and enquired “Oh! Ladies, do you remember me? I have made a mistake; I did not make a visit to Vraja, although I have promised you all.  Kindly do not keep any ill-feelings towards me.  There were so many disasters and war happened during these periods of time, although we plan many things, the ‘Time’ has the power to break it.  Therefore it is advisable to accept the happenings and move forward, like the wind assembles the clouds and disperse them on the different parts of the sky.  Oh! Ladies, devotion is the only tool that can elevate your soul from the destructible nature of Prakrithi to the supreme soul which is eternal bliss.  Your brimming love and dedication upon me would give a nectar-like state of bliss to you, understand my all-pervasive nature, resides as a soul in living beings and contemplate upon me.”  Thus, Krishna blessed those Vrajeshwaris.”