|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 17– The legend of Lord Krishna -  17 – Introduction to Srimad Bhavath Mahapuran

Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is the superior cure for three types of afflictions/Thapathraya, whoever reads or listens to it with intense devotion and faith would realize the nature of the supreme soul who resides as a soul in living beings.  Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran is a juicy fruit fallen from the tree/ Nigamakalpatharu/it is wish-fulfilling Kalpatharu, it is the essence of Veda and Vedanta, this fruit is incredibly succulent tasted by a parrot, therefore whoever able to devour it, kindly take pleasure in it, which leads to the abode of Rasa/juice.

Shaunakadhis conducted a Yaga in the sacred land of Naimisharanya, to remove the evil effects of Kali era.  Sutha Pauranika, the son of Sage Romaharshana, arrived in the Yaga arena, was received with great honor and offered a sanctified seat. 

Shaunakadhis speaks “ Oh! Mahamune, you have learned various Shastras, and well capable to impart that knowledge, kindly removes our qualms 1) What’s the Shreyas of living beings on the Earth? 2) Kali Yuga has approached, people will have a short span of life, weak memory, and ill fortune, how could they elevate their souls from miseries of worldly existence? 3) There are various righteous deeds and methods to perform and elevate the soul to attain the serenity of the mind, which is considered as Parmodharma/superior among Dharma to elevate the soul?”

The King Shathanu of Kuru clan and Devi Ganga got married upon a promise, King Shanthanu will not interfere any of the decisions made by Devi Ganga.  This couple had seven children; all those children were discarded in the ocean immediately after the birth, when Devi Ganga prepared to discard the eighth child was questioned by King Shanthanu, thus he broke the promise of marriage, and eventually ends their marital relationship.   The eighth child Devavratha was learned Astha Shastra while living with Devi Ganga, and later he was brought to Palace by King Shantanu.

 Once King Shanthu went for hunting expedition met a beautiful woman, fisher man’s daughter Sathyavathi, fell in love with her instantly. The fisherman put forward a condition if the King wants to marry his daughter, the child born to them should be the heir to the throne of Kurus.  King Shanthanu was in dilemma; Devavratha understood the cause of the distress of his father, met the fisherman and promised that he will remain unmarried in his whole life, and protect the Kurus, and will not create any hindrance to the child born to the couple to rule the Kingdom.  Thus King Shanthanu and Sathyavathi got married, this couple had two children Chithrangadha and Vichithraveerya. Chithrangadha ruled the kingdom of Kurus and later got killed.  Bhishma Pitamaha brought the three daughters of King of Kashi, Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika to perform marriage to Vichithraveerya.  Amba refuses to marry Vichithraveerya, she was already proposed to King Salya, later she was discarded by him.  Vichithraveerya died shortly after marriage, thus the Kuru clan has come to a sudden break.     

Later, Maharishi Vedavyasa was invited to the palace to expand the Kuru’s clan and protect the Kingdom of Hastinapura.  Thus, Maharishi Veda Vyasa had four children, Dhrutharashta, Pandu, Vidura, and Shukha.    Shuka Bramham was born to Maharishi Veda Vyasa and his wife Vadhiki, the infant stayed twelve years in the mother’s womb, refuses to come on Earth, due to the fear of Maya of Lord Hari.

|| 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.