|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 16– The legend of Lord Krishna -  16 – The Introduction to Srimad Bhavath Mahapuran 

Janmadhyasya Yathoanvayadhitharathash Charththdheshvabhijjaswarad | Thene  Bhramahridhaya Adhikavaye Muhyanthi Yath Suraya: | Thejovarimridham Yadha Vinimayo Yathra Thrisargoamrisha | Dhamna Svena Sadha Nirastha Kuhakam Sathyam Param Dheemahi ||

The Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran describes the destructible nature of Prakrithi/Earth, Ether, Air, Water and fire, and the indestructible nature of Purusha/supreme soul.  The human body is made up of five essential elements and undergoes constant transformation and ruin. The supreme soul/Swarad, whose nature is independent, is the source of mind and intellect, protection and preservation of the same during the three states of sleep, awaken and dream.  The supreme knowledge of Prakrithi and Purusha were revealed to Lord Bhrama, which was yearned to attain by several intellectuals Rishis and Sages.  Surprisingly, the nature of Prakrithi and Purusha is impossible to understand unless and until there is no curiosity/Jjijyasa to learn or willingness to look into one’s own inner self.  The reflection of brilliant sun rays causes the false impression of water on the sand, like the supreme soul that has immense potentials, is the eternal truth/Sathyam Param Dheemahi, resides as the soul in living beings remains unnoticed by the souls.  The contemplation upon the supreme soul/Paramathma, brings the serenity of mind and prepares the individual to face any adverse situation with a balanced state of mind.  The practice of spirituality is the act of surrendering the mind and intellect to supreme soul/Sanathana, Acchyutha, Bhramam, in this way gets rid of redundant thoughts that cause extreme fear and anxieties.

The Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran predominantly speaks about the Dharma, which is impossible to define, because it differs according to Time and zone, therefore the scriptures recommend following the path of Paramadharma/Bhagavatha Dharma, which is superior Dharma known as surrender to the supreme soul.  There are superior Dharma known as Pancha Yagna, the worship of five essential elements, nurturing the Prakrithi and its creatures, Deva Yagna, Pithru Yagna, Manushya Yagna, and Rishi Yagna, etc.  Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran speaks about the superior among all the Dharma is the elevation of the soul with the knowledge of the supreme soul who resides as a soul in living beings with the constant practice of meditation.  Hence, while living in the material world, perform all the duties and responsibilities with the body, surrendering mind and intellect that has originated from the supreme soul, with the constant practice of meditation to supreme Lord.  The realization of ‘self’ is possible only for the souls which are free from impurities and darkness of ignorance.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 16– The legend of Lord Krishna -  16 – The introduction to Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran

Nigamakalpatharor Galitham Phalam Shuka Mukhath Amrithadhrava Samyutham | Pibatha Bhagavatham Rasamalayam Muharaho Rasika Bhuvi Bhavuka ||Dharma Projjitha Kaithavoathra Paramo Nirmathsaranam Satham  Vedhyam Vasthavamathra Vasthu Shivadham Thapathrayonmoolanam |Srimad Bhagavathe  Mahamunikrithe  Kim Va  Paraireeshvara:  Sadhyo Hridhyavarudhyatheathra Krithibhi: Shushrushubhi: Thath Kshanath || Srimad Bhagavatham Purana Thilakam Yadhvaishnavanam Dhanam  Yasmin Paramahamsyamevam Amalam Gnanam Paramgeeyathe| Yathra  Gnana Viraga Bhakthi Sahitham Naishkarmyamavishkritham Thacchrunvan Prapadan Vicharanaparo Bhakthya Vimuchyennara: || Swarge Sathye Cha Kailase  Vaikunde  Nasthyayam Rasa: | Atha: Pibanthu Sadhbhakthya Mama Munjjatha Karhichith ||

ShukaBhramam speaks “ Oh! Bhavuk who is full of feelings and passion drink this auspicious Bhagavatham which is the essence of nectar-like Nigamashasthra, take pleasure in the fully ripened juicy fruit that was tasted by the parrot.  It highly recommends the Dharma/path of righteousness to remain mutually respectful, and auspicious, it removes three kinds of grave sins, and afflictions.  This Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran composed by Maharishi Vedavyasa is none other than the supreme Lord.  Whoever takes extreme pleasure in it would get relieved from all kinds of miseries and sorrows of worldly existence.  Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is the jewel among the scriptures/Puranathilakam, it is the greatest wealth of the devotees of Lord Vishnu. It imparts the supreme knowledge of wisdom, along with Bhakti Gnana and Vairagya, whoever reads or listens to it would get liberated from the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence. It is available to none of the celestials; therefore it should be heard and recite it with intense devotion and faith.”

Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran has twelve cantos, three hundred and thirty-five chapters, and it has eighteen thousands of verses begin as follows:

Samsarasagare Magnam Dheenam Mam Karunanidhe | Karma Graha Grihithangam Mam Udhdhara Bhavarnnavath ||Srimad Bhagavathakhyoayam Prathyaksha:  Krishna Yeva HI | Sweekrithoasi Maya Natha  Mukthyarththam Bhavasagare || Manorathamadheeyoayam Sapahala: Sarvadha Thvaya| Nirvighnenaiva Karthavya : Dhasoaham Thava Keshava || Shukaroopa Prabhodhajja Sarvashasthravisharadha | Yethath Katha  Prakashena Madhajjanam Vinashaya || Bhave Bhave Yadha Bhakthi: Padhayosthava Jayathe | Thadha Kurushva Devesha  Nathasthvam No Yatha: Prabho || Namasankeerthanam Yasya  Sarvapapa Pranashanam | Pranamo Dhukhashamana: Tham Namami Harim Param || Krishnaya Vasudevaya  Haraye Paramathmane  Pranathakleshaanashaya Govindaya Namo Nama: || Sarvathra Govindanama Sankeerthanam Govinda Govinda ||

Gum Gurubhyo Nama: | Gam Ganapathaye Nama: | Sam Saraswathyai Nama: | Dham Dhakshinamoorthyai Nama: | Vam Vedavyasaya Nama: | Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya | Harishri Ganapathaye Avignamasthu||

Oh! Karunanidhe/compassionate one, I am completely worn out and helpless, drenched in the worldly matters and bondage of unfathomable ocean of worldly existence. I have been into various deeds with an extreme desire to fulfill my personal objectives, hence kindly elevate my soul from the ocean of worldly existence. Oh! Bhagavan, I shall reverentially prostrate before the glorious scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, kindly accept my humble salutations to you. Oh! Natha, kindly elevate me from the ocean of worldly existence.  Oh! Keshava, kindly shower your grace upon us, to perform all the duties and responsibilities as a servant of you. I shall prostrate before the supreme preceptor Shukha who imparted the knowledge on the glorious scripture which holds supremacy over all the scriptures that could remove all the impurities of the mind/ignorance, jealousy, ego, and pride.  Oh! Prabho, Oh! Devesha, the enhancement of devotion upon your lotus feet would keep us protected always. Oh! Prabho, singing in praise of your glories would remove all the sins of the worshiper, Oh! Hari, you are the destroyer of all the sorrows and miseries. Oh! Krishna, Oh! Vasudeva, Oh! Hari, Oh! Paramathma, I shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme Lord Govinda who removes all the afflictions of the devotees who are surrendered to him.

I shall pronounce the sacred syllable ‘Gu’ and prostrate before the supreme Preceptor who removes the darkness of ignorance, I shall pronounce the sacred syllable “Ga’ and prostrate before the supreme Lord Ganesha who is the remover of obstacles, I shall pronounce the sacred syllable ‘Sa’ and prostrate before the supreme Goddess Saraswathi who symbolizes wisdom and knowledge, I shall pronounce the sacred syllable “Dha’ and prostrate before the supreme Lord Dhakshinamurthi who symbolizes supreme wisdom, I shall pronounce the sacred syllable ‘Va’ and prostrate before Maharishi Vedavyasa who is none other than Lord Vishnu. I shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme Lord Vasudeva and Lord Ganesha as well.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 15– The legend of Lord Krishna -  15 – Mahathmayi –

Dhanyoasmi Anugrahithoasmi Bhavadhbhi: Karunaparai: | Adhya Mey BhagavanLabdha: Sarvapapaharo Hari: || Shravanam Sarvadharmebhyo Varam Manye Thapodhana | Vaikundastho Yatha: Krishna: Shravanadhyasya Labyathe ||

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, the Sapthahashravana of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran would remove all the sins of the listener; it would provide Bhukthi as well as Mukthi. It will please Lord Purushoththama, it would enhance Bhakti, Gnana and Vairagya in the listener.”

Maharishi Narada prostrated before Sanathkumaras and spoke “ Oh! Mahthman, I am highly fortunate one, blessed one to listen to this glorious scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran which could remove all the sins, the supreme Lord Hari is capable to remove all the sins of the listeners,  Oh! Thapodhana, I have understood ‘Shravanm’ is highest of the meritorious deed, my intellect is completely drenched in a state of bliss and I have obtained the nearness of Supreme Lord Krishna who resides in Vaikunda.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Rishis, the Sapthahashravana organized by Maharishi Narada was attended by illustrious Sages, Rishis, Prahladha, Uddhava, Veenadhari Surarshi, Ragakartha Arjuna, Lord Indra played Mridanga, Keerthanam/sung in praise of Lord Hari by Sanathkumara and the Vaktha/speaker were Vyasaputhra/Shuka Bhramam.  Listening to this glorious scripture would remove the sufferings of poverty, illnesses related to aging, illusion, and troubles from evil spirits, and afflictions of worldly existence.  The intense devotion and faith upon supreme Lord Krishna would remove all the impurities of the Kali era, it is the supreme source for Mukthi, and it enhances the Bhakti in the worshiper.  Therefore it should be devoured with high reverence; it would bring welfare to the Universe and its living beings.  Human life on Earth is rare, precious and short as well; a good part of it has wasted getting attached to material welfare and people. The Jeeva should strive to elevate their soul from the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence, and unite with the supreme soul, otherwise, it would hurl into the cycles of repeated births. King Pareekshith elevated his soul form the fear of death after listening to this glorious scripture, therefore the Jeeva should strive to elevate their souls by listening to it.”

Krishnapriyam Sakala Kalmashanashanam cha Mukthyaikahethumiha Bhakthivilasakari | Santha: Kadhanakamidham Pibadhadharena Loke Hitharththa Parisheelanasevaya Kim ||

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 14– The legend of Lord Krishna -  14 – Mahathmayi –

Sutha Pauranika speaks “ Oh! Shaunakadhis, whoever listens or recites to this glorious scripture following austerities for seven days would get liberated from worldly matters and bondage, ultimately attain Moksha.  At the end of the seventh day of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, Dhundhukari attained a divine form, soon, a celestial vehicle driven by Vishnuparshadhas appeared before Gokarna, they reverentially greeted Dhundhukari who was transformed into divine celestial, and respectfully received him to be seated in the celestial vehicle.  Gokarna approached the Vishnuparshadhas and enquired why the Vishnudasas not willing to take Gokarna and the people assembled to listen to the glorious Bhagavath Mahapuran recital. 

Haridasa spoke “Oh! Illustrious one, Dhundhukari listened to the recital and contemplated upon it.  He has thoroughly understood the concept of it, his mind was calm and serene while listening; he had intense devotion and faith while listening to it.  Whenever read, listen or chant, it should serve its purpose, it should be performed with intense devotion and faith. Oh! Gokarna, conduct the Sapthahashravana once again to attain Vishnuloka.” Gokarna conducted the Sapthahashravana once again and all those listened to it with intense devotion attained liberation.

Sanathkumara describes the austerities followed to conduct a  Sapthahashravana.  The preceptor/speaker, who is seated on the Vyasagadhdhi and listener, should eat a meal once in a day and fruits.  It should be organized in the propitious month of Marghasheersha, the speaker and the listener should observe celibacy, and have perfect control over senses.  The speaker should have a thorough knowledge of scriptures and Veda Shastras should be a Viraktha/renounced, Vaishnava/devotee of Lord Vishnu and Vipra/twice-born.  The listeners should follow austerities, seated comfortably and listen to it and the purpose should be listening and understanding the concept of it.  Before conducting the recital of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, the veneration of the deity should be performed followed with Vedic chants, and sincerely meditate upon supreme Lord Krishna and the supreme preceptor Shukha Bhramam.

Samsarasagare Magnam Dheenam Mam Karunanidhe | Karma Mohagraheethangam Mam Udhdhara Bhavarnnavath || Srimad Bhagavathakhyoayam Prathyaksha: Krishna Yeva Hi | Sveekrithoasi Maya Natha Mukthyarththam Bhavasagare || Manoratho Madheeyoayam Saphala: Sarvadha Thvaya| Nirvighnenaiva Karthavyo Dhasoaham Thava Keshava: || Shukaroopa Prabhodhajja Sarvashasthravisharadha | Yethath Katha Prakashena Madhagnanam Vinashaya||

Oh! Karunanidhe/compassionate one, I am completely worn out and helpless, drenched in the worldly matters and bondage of unfathomable ocean like worldly existence. I have been into various deeds with an extreme desire to fulfill my personal motive, hence kindly elevate my soul from the ocean of worldly existence.  Oh! Bhagavan, I shall reverentially prostrate before the glorious scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, kindly accept my humble salutation to you.  Oh! Natha, kindly elevate me from the ocean of worldly existence.  Oh! Keshava, kindly shower your grace upon us, to perform all the duties and responsibilities as a sincere servant of you.  I shall prostrate before the supreme preceptor Shukha who imparted the knowledge on glorious scripture which holds supremacy over all the scriptures, which could remove all the impurities of the mind/ignorance, ego and proud.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 13– The legend of Lord Krishna -  13 – Mahathmayi – The legend of Athmadeva

Yevam  Sapthadhinashchaiva  Sapthagrandhivibhedhanam | Krithva Sa  Dhvadhasha Skandha Shravanath Prethatham Jahau || Dhivyaroopadharo Jathath Thulasidhama Manditha: | Peethavasa Ghanashayamo Mukuti Kundalanvitha: ||

The body undergoes transformation and ruin, the soul have neither birth nor death.  The mind and intellect originated from the soul get attached to the worldly matters and persons, while leaving the mortal coil, the unfinished desires and lust causes rebirth, though Dhundhukari left his body after the sequence of physical pain, his soul attained the form of a spirit. Gokarna who was on a spiritual tour came to know about the death of his brother Dhundhukari, he went to Gaya and performed the final rite for his brother and returned home.  One day, it was the hours of dusk; Gokarna could hear frightening loud cries, a shadow moving around him, assuming various forms like elephant, goat, bull, fire, etc. He sprinkled water from the Kamandalu on the shadow. The spirit spoke “Oh! Bhratha, I am Dhundhukari even though I have achieved a birth in the highest clan of twice-born, I have met a horrible death due to my immoral deeds. Oh! Brother, I have no one other than you; kindly relieve me from the body of spirit.” Gokarna replied “Oh! Brother, I have already performed Gaya Shradham for you, did not that bring liberation to your soul? What should I do to relieve your soul?” The spirit replied “Oh! Brother, if you perform hundreds of Gaya Shraddha I would not get relief from the body of spirit, I have no one to help me out, you are the only one could help me.” Gokarna was an ardent devotee of Lord Surya, underwent meditation, on the next day early hours of dawn, he stopped Lord Surya’s movement and requested “Oh! Lord, kindly advise me how I could liberate the soul of my brother who has attained the body of spirit.” Lord Surya advised Gokarna to recite the glorious Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran for seven days to liberate the soul from the body of spirit.

Gokarna made arranged for the Sapthahapadanam/recital of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapura for seven consecutive days. Dhundhukari’s soul was invoked inside the bamboo shoot that has seven holes in it, as soon as the spirit entered the shoot the seven holes were closed, at the end of the recital on the first day, one of the holes rips opened, and it repeated the second day as well, thus at the end of the seventh day, all those seven holes on the bamboo shoot were open. A divine form appeared out of the bamboo shoot, adorned in yellow silk garment, dark-complexioned, adorned in Vanamala, Kausthubham, and Srivathsam, magnificent ear ornaments, crown, ornaments on the chest, waist, and feet.  It was Dhundhukari with folded hands revealed his gratitude to Gokarna.  Thus, Dhundhukari attained freedom from the dreadful form of spirit that was roaming consuming heat and air, ultimately attained the divine form of Lord Vishnu at the end of the seventh day of the recital of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran.

Whoever recites or listens to the recital of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, would get destroy all their sins instantly.  The human body is impermanent, fastened with several thousand veins, bones, flesh, blood, secretes of waste, undergoes aging, illnesses, depression, body emit a foul smell if it is not washed for a few days, undergoes constant foray of worms inside, and it continues after death as well. The human life is like a water bubble, it is like a fragile creature, therefore while residing in the temporary nature of body, the soul that has immense potential should strive to attain the eternal Bramham.  Whoever listens or recites the glorious scripture for seven days would get liberated from the cycles of repeated births.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 12– The legend of Lord Krishna -  12 – Mahathmayi – The legend of Athmadeva

Athmadeva brought up the children Dhundhukari and Gokarna affectionately.  Dhundhukari did not show any interest in the spiritual or religious rites, even the basic hygiene he did not follow, he was swollen with pride and anger, he eats meat, steals things from home and others, he harasses the children in the village and throws them in the well, had a demonic nature, associated with the prostitutes.  Once, he looked around for money did not get, once he physically abused his father for money.  Athmadeva was deeply hurt, never expected such an atrocity from his own son, and could not bear the humiliation, he ran out of the house.  On his way, Athmadeva met Gokarna who was pious, highly intellectual, performs all the Dharmic deeds, and has great respect for parents. Gokarna advised his father “ Oh! Father, this body is made of flesh, bones and blood have to ruin one day, do not get anxious about it, kindly leave your body-conscious and attachment to your wife and son, and contemplate upon supreme Lord Hari, read the sacred scripture Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran and elevate your soul. Therefore, kindly proceed to woods, and conduct austerities and penances contemplating upon supreme Lord.”

Once, Athmadeva left home forever, Dhundhukari brought five prostitutes to his home and started living with them. Dhundhuli opposed the deed of Dhundhukari has to face utter humiliation.  Gokarna decided to leave home, Dhundhuli had to go through rough times, once she had an argument with her son, Dhundhukari abused her physically and forced her to kill herself. Thus, Dhundhuli left her mortal coil jumping into a deep well. Dhundhukari lived a pleasurable life with the prostitutes at home.  One day, the prostitute requested Dhundhukari to bring some ornaments and clothes; he pilfered exquisite ornaments and magnificent clothes from the palace of the King and handed it to the prostitutes.  On that night, the women were gathered in private and expressed their qualms that the Kingsmen would come in search of wealth stolen and it may lead them to get caught unnecessarily.   Finally, they have arrived in the conclusion that if they kill Dhundhukari, the wealth will not get lost, safe in their hands and they can escape from the verdict of imprisonment.  The prostitutes fastened the neck of Dhundhukari with a rope while he was asleep, further they took the burning charcoal and deposited in his mouth and body parts.  Thus, Dhundhukari had an extremely painful death; they buried the corpse in a well and left home. Dhundhukari attained the form of a spirit after death.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 11– The legend of Lord Krishna -  11 – Mahathmayi – The legend of Athmadeva

Sanathkumara describes the legend of Athmadeva to Rishis and assembled along with Devi Bhakti, Gnana and Vairagya.  There was a twice-born Athmadeva lived on the riverbank of Tungabhadra.   He was pious, honest and performs various Dharmic rites, his wife Dhundhuli was a beautiful woman but wicked natured, this couple had no offspring for a long time.  Thus, several years have passed Athmadeva besieged with extreme distress due to a lack of offspring to perform ancestral rites. He left home and arrived in the woods, decided to commit suicide.  He saw a pond, got on his knees and quenches his thirst. Soon, there arrived a saintly man, Athmadeva rushed to him and prostrated before him; the saintly person enquired the reason for his grief.  Athmadeva replied “ Oh! Sage, my life is futile without an offspring; a house lacks children cannot be addressed as home, what’s the meaning of wealth without a child? What’s the existence of the clan? I have nurtured a cow, that also not giving birth to a calf if I nurture plantain, that will not yield flowers or fruits if I nurture rooted vegetables, that will not bear flowers or vegetables.  Oh! Mahatma, my life has become monotonous without a child; therefore kindly bless me to have a child.”

Yathi spoke “Oh! Vipra, listen to me carefully, I could read your destiny and predict that for another seven births you will not have a child.” Athmadeva became inconsolable, Yathi advised him “Oh! Vipra, haven’t heard the legend of King Chithrakethu who grieved over a child? Therefore, contemplate upon the supreme Lord and elevate your soul, eventually, you will get rid of sorrows.” Athmadeva was adamant, not willing to leave the Yathi, announced his death before him, which would bring Bhramahathya sin to Yathi.  Yathi intervened and put a halt to his deed, decided to fulfill the desire of Athmadeva, underwent meditation and handed a fruit to him and instructed to give it to his wife.  Athmadeva was extremely happy, Yathi advised him to instruct his wife to follow extreme austerities during the period of pregnancy, take limited meals, not engage in unwanted talks, meditate upon supreme Lord, and  follow Sathyam/truth, Shaucham/austerities, Dhaya/kindness, Dhanam/charities, Bhakti/devotion, and serve meals to the devotee of Lord and perform all those righteous deeds to have a virtuous son.

Athmadeva returned home happily and handed the fruit to his wife Dhundhuli, and advised her to follow strict austerities to attain a virtuous son.  Dhundhuli who is extremely wicked and deceitful, mentally prepared to discard the fruit at once, she had a talk with her attendant about it, the fruit would bring the child in her womb, she could not eat meals comfortably as she wants, the limited meals and austerities would cause extreme tiredness and spoil her attractiveness.  She expressed her fear of not able to move around with the big stomach, she remembered the story of Shukha who lived twelve years in mothers’ womb that created intense trepidation. Dhundhuli had no faith in the Yathi, do not want to risk her image and appearance.  She expressed her impious opinion to her companion that the most fortunate ones in the world are the widow and childless women.  Finally, she decided to discard the fruit; luckily she had her sister who was pregnant with a child for the sixth time appeared before her.  Dhundhuli discussed her problem with her sister who was already having the trouble of five children at home and they mutually agreed to shift the child born to her to Dhundhuli.  Thus, Dhundhuli agreed to adopt her sister’s child without the knowledge of her husband Athmadeva, in return Dhundhuli would offer some money for the child to her sister.  The sisters decided to feed the fruit to the cow, thus Dhundhuli put the finest drama before her husband and fooled him.  In due course of time, the child born to her sister was transferred to Dhundhuli, thus she announced the birth of the child, Athmadeva was extremely happy.  He invited several twice-born in the village and fed them with a sumptuous meal and offered an abundance of contributions.  The child was named Dhundhukari, in the meantime, the cow that ate the fruit became pregnant and gave birth to a male child with the ear of the cow named ‘Gokarna’.