||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 66 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran speaks elaborately on the ten virtues that the illustrious Rishis and Sages experienced after conducting several kinds of research.   Initially, it speaks about the destructible nature of Prakrithi and indestructible nature of the supreme soul, and how to approach them so that it won’t cause grief or agony in the life of Jeeva, and the attitude towards people, wealth, possessions, richness and attitude towards past experiences help to avoid a mental breakdown in the absence of any of the above said things.  It teaches about the ‘supreme strength’, how to modify the thoughts according to the years of growth, how to utilize the life experiences of others for the betterment of life, what are the available sources to raise the mind and intellect from the unexpected crisis or tragedies, so that it does not cause mental and physical strain, how to face death without fear or trepidations.

Shukha Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, Vidura the closest companion of Bhagavan Krishna left to wood leaving all the comforts of the palace. He met Sage Maitreya and they both had an interesting conversion I shall describe them.”

King Pareekshith speaks “Oh! Bhramin, I am confident that the Kshatriya Vidura must have raised brilliant questions to Sage Maitreya that could provide commendable benefits to the Jeeva to elevate their souls from miseries of worldly existence, therefore kindly narrate that to me.”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, you might have heard of the troubles of Pandavas who lost their father King Pandu, at a young age.  Dhritarashtra who is the father of Duryodhana, was blind by birth, encouraged Adharmi Duryodhana, who tried to kill your grandparents in the house made of wax. Later, they were saved by Vidura, but Dhritharashtra promoted all the atrocities of his sons. Once, Devi Dhraupadhi who is a fervent devotee of Lord Krishna was publicly humiliated in the assembly of Kaurava, they dragged her in hair and brought her in the assembly was unclothed, Dhritarashtra could not do anything to protect the daughter-in-law like Devi Draupadi.  The Kauravas cheated the Pandavas in the board game, and won over them, they have exiled from the Kingdom for twelve years, and one year living in disguise, after completing the verdict of Kauravas, they have returned to the Kingdom and begged for their share of the Kingdom was treated impolitely. At that moment, the Jagath Guru the supreme Lord Krishna appeared as an emissary of Pandavas before the Kauravas, was humiliated, but Lord Krishna remained serene as ever, Kauravas did not understand the splendor of that supreme Lord. Once, the Pandava and Kauravas decided to meet their destiny in the great battlefield of Kurukshetra, Dhritarashtra lost his sleep and peace, called for Vidura to help him to put an end to the epic battle. At that moment, Vidura advised Dhritharashtra in marvelous verses, which is one of the most significant verses that came to known as ‘Viduraneethi’. He advised Dhritharashtra “Oh! Bhratha, listen to me carefully, you are liable to offer the fair share of Kingdom to Pandava and they are deserved their portion of Kingdom if you do not listen to them and follow your unruly son Duryodhana, the supreme Lord Krishna with the Pandavas and Vrikodhara is enough to put a tragic end to your clan.  The supreme Lord Mukunda who is Devadeva and Yadhudeva as well is with the Pandavas, therefore no other force could harm them. Your sons may accumulate warriors and introduce numerous treacherous plans, could do nothing against Pandava. You have humiliated the supreme Lord Krishna, and got cursed, therefore Oh! Bhratha, kindly change your mind and protect your clan from the mass destruction.”  All that was advised to King Dhritarashtra was secretly heard by Duryodhana, Dusshshana, and Karna.”

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 65 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Adhi Dhaivamath Adhyathmam Adhibhoothamithi Prabhu:| Yadhaikam Paurusham Veeryam Thridhabidhyatha Thashchrunu||

Shukha Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, I have described the ten virtues compiled in the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran, are Sargam, Visargam, Sthanam, Poshanam, Oothaya, Manvanthara, Eshanukatha, Nirodham, Mukthi, and  Ashrayam.   Oh! Rajan, the supreme Lord who resides as soul protects the three states of Adhidhaivikam/dream, Adhibhauthikam/the functioning of senses  in the state of awaken, and Adhyathmikam/state of deep sleep in which the mind and intellect attain Laya in the supreme soul.  Therefore, the human body, mind and intellect, and sense organs can’t perform tasks in the absence of the supreme soul, and hence the ultimate object of the mind and intellect that originated from the supreme soul has to merge in it with the practice of ‘Ananyabhakthi’.  The nine virtues mentioned in this Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran leads the Jeeva to its ultimate resting place/Ashrayam, which is the origin of it.”

The conversation between Sage Maitreya and Vidura describes the ten virtues of the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran in detail. It was before the greatest battle of Kurukshetra, Vidura describes the righteousness to Dhritarashtra/Viduraneethi, it resulted in Vidura leaving the Kingdom of Hastinapura before the battle.  Vidura conducts pilgrimage for several years and decided to meet Krishna in Dwaraka.  It took almost thirty-six years to complete his spiritual journeys to various places on the Earth, reached on the sacred land of Vrindavan, arrived on the riverbank of Yamuna; he met Udhdhava who is the closest companion of Krishna.  The Thritheeya Skandha of Srimad Bhagavatha Mapuran starts with the conversation between Udhdhava and Vidura.  Further, Udhdhava conveys the instruction of supreme Lord Krishna to Vidura to meet Sage Maitreya to receive the highest of the supreme knowledge.  The three and fourth chapters of the Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran describes the conversation between Vidura and Maitreya.  In that, the three glorious incarnations of Lord Vishnu was described, in that the first incarnation of Lord Vishnu as ‘Varaha’/wild boar, Kapilavasudeva, and Rishis Nara and Narayana.  The Ekadasha Skanadha details the impediments caused to Rishi Nara and Narayana in detail.  In this way, three and fourth canto of Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran describes the first two virtues 1) Sarga and 2)Visarga.

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 65 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Athra Sargo Visargashcha  Sthanam Poshanamoothaya: | Manvanthareshanukatha Nirodho Mukthirashraya: ||

Shukha Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, The supreme Lord Hari created the Universe and its living beings with his ‘Maya’. Maharishi Narada who is Mahabhagavatha described the Chathushloki Bhagavatha to elevate the souls soaked in Maya to my father who was seated on the riverbank of Saraswathi.  This Bhagavatha Purana has possessed ten significant virtues, those lessons passed on to me.  I shall describe those ten significant intrinsic values categorized as Sargam, Visargam, Sthanam, Poshanam, Oothaya, Manvanthara, Eshanukatha, Nirodha, Mukthi, and Ashraya.  The final lesson on Ashraya completely purifies the Jeeva from the darkness of ignorance; the nine lessons are the methods to reach that final destination.  It is the essence of Veda and Vedanta, mostly spoken about the legends of devotees of Lord and various amusements of supreme Lord Hari. ”

1)Sargam speaks about the creation of Universe and its living beings, Samashti/collective creation and Vishti/individual creation, 2) Visargam speaks about the techniques to live in the material world not getting attached to it thereby getting rid of mental and physical afflictions, and how to react to the situations to avoid mutual conflicts, misunderstandings and hurt, 3)Sthanam teaches how to bring serenity of mind and prepare oneself to face any adverse situation in the life with a firm mind, 4) Poshanam talks about the difference between  the material life/Prakrithi that has destructible nature and spiritual life/indestructible nature and how to nourish the mind with spiritual knowledge so that it does not get disturbed easily, keep away the individual free from miseries and sorrows of worldly existence 5) Oothaya talks about how to cultivate spiritual knowledge/related karma and the methods of it, thus keep the Jeeva engaged in righteous deeds to enhance kindness, selflessness, compassion etc. 6) Manvanthara talks about the ‘mind management,’ how to transform the impurity of the mind and intellect and reroute them into a state of serenity with devotion, meditation, wisdom, and sense of abandonment, etc. 7) Eshanukatha speaks about the various incarnations of the Supreme Lord and the life of devotees of Lord, it teaches how to tackle the problems in human life from their life lessons 8,) Nirodha teaches how to get rid of nervousness, fear, anxieties, weakness, etc. and  how to divert the mind and intellect from constant conflicts, remove ignorance and  raise to a state of calmness.9) Moksha teaches how to get rid of interest in worldly matters and bondages, and take pleasure in the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in us. 10) Ashrayam, teaches about complete surrender to the ultimate asylum, how to leave the mortal coil without ‘I’ consciousness, fear of death, fear of losing people, possessions, wealth, fame, etc. and attain union with the Bhramam/Paramathma/supreme soul.

||Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 64 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Shuka Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, I shall describe the creation of the supreme Lord in detail.   The lotus born Bhrama looked around the Universe found extreme darkness, curious to know about his origin, all he could hear was‘Ta Pa’, he immersed in penance, after that went through the lotus stalk and witnessed the glorious form of Lord Vishnu who is Shriyapathi, Yajjapathi, Saththvathampathi, reclines on the thousand hooded serpent Anantha.  Lord Bhrama prostrated before Lord Vishnu was taken in his hands and advised the Chatusholki Bhagavath, which is the essence of Veda and Vedantha, to begin creation, Lord Bhrama prays to Lord Vishnu that he should not take pride in his creation.”

Ahamevasamevagre  Nanyathsadhasathparam | Pashchath Aham Yadhethashcha Yoavashishyetha Soasamyaham || Ritheartham Yathpratheeyetha Na  Pratheeyetha Chathmani | Thadhvidhyadhathmano Mayam Yadhabhaso Yadha Thama: || Yadha Mahanthi Bhoothani Bhootheshucchavacheshvanu | Pravishtanya Pravishtyani Thadha Theshu Na Theshvaham || Yethava Deva Jijjasyam Thaththva Jijjyasuthathmana: | Anvayavyatherekabhyam Yathsya Sarvathra Sarvadha ||

Shukha Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, Lord Vishnu advised Lord Bhrama, if he follows the advice of the Chatushloki Bhagavath, he will not face any distress in his life.  Lord Vishnu gives that marvelous knowledge of Chathusholki Bhagavath and speaks, “Oh! Bhrama, at the beginning of the creation, before the origin of indestructible supreme soul /Sath  and destructible Prakrithi/Asath, I was the only one existed, even after that I was the only once remained, once the both disappears I will be the only one remain.” Oh! Rajan, he is the protector of mind and intellect originated from the supreme soul, therefore it should return to that supreme soul at the end, hence he is the ultimate asylum for the Jeeva.  Oh! Rajan, the Jeeva realizes the presence of mind and intellect and the body/’I’ consciousness, forget to realizes the presence of the Supreme Lord as the soul which is the source of functioning of it, due to its Maya.  An ignorant never realizes the presence of the Supreme Lord as a soul in them, the intellectuals realize the eternal presence of the supreme soul with the knowledge of ‘Self’ and contemplates upon it and remain in a state of bliss, like the brilliance of sun rays removes the darkness.”

I shall narrate the story of two birds seated on the two different branches of a tree, one is Jeevathma seated on the lower branch/lower mind, that keeps making sounds of restless cries and another one on the top of the branch is Paramatha who resides as soul in living beings is serene always.  The supreme soul has possessed immense potential  than the body and mind, physical strength is lower than the strength of the mind, and the subtle soul resides as Prana has limitless potentials than the mind and intellect.  Therefore the lower mind keeps the Jeeva away from the knowledge of presence of supreme soul and engages in various worldly matters and bondages, get fasten to it without knowing the way to get freed from it.  The intellectuals who have the knowledge of the supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings realizes his eternal presence in them with the constant meditation and contemplation, achieves a higher state of spirituality, complete serenity of mind to handle any adverse situations in life.  The Icchashakthi, Gnanashakthi, and Kriyashakthi of supreme Lord symbolize Lord Bhrama, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, further the trinities undertakes the functions of creation, preservation, and destruction respectively.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 63 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Dhadharsha  Thathra Akhila Saththvatham Pathim Shriya: Pathim Yajjapathim Jagathpathim | Sunandha Nanda Prabalarhanadhibhi:  Swaparshadhamukhyai: Parisevitham Vibhum || Bhrithya Prasadhiabimukham Dhrigasavam Prasannahasaruna Lochanananam | Kireetinam  Kundalinam Chathurbhujam Peethambaram Vakshashi  Lakshitham Shriya||

Shukha Bhramam speaks “ Oh! Rajan, thus the supreme Lord who is the Jagathguru/supreme preceptor, Adideva expanded the Universe and its living beings with his own Maya, he created the Prapancha/Prakrithi, he is supreme Purusha has all-pervasive nature, worshiped by Surasa and Asuras.  He has a dark cloud the complexion, eyes resemble a hundred petals of a lotus flower, attired in majestic yellow garment, adorned in various ornaments of precious gems, four arms holding Shankha Chakra Gadha Padma, he has lustrous and attractive physique, adorned in magnificent ear ornaments, Srivathsa and Kausthubha, he is Shriyapathi who holds Goddess Mahalakshmi on the chest, he is Akhilapathi who is the Lord of the Universe, he is Saththvathampathi who is the storehouse of virtues, he is Yajjapathi who is the Lord of fire sacrifices, he is Jagathpathi who is the Lord of Universe is always surrounded by  Sunandha Nanada Prabala, Arhana, like Parshadhas/sincere attendants, he has pleasing nature, his two eyes resemble Surya and Chandra, adorned in Kunala, Kireeta, Chathurbhujam Peethambaram and  Goddess Sri on his Vaskhas. Oh! Rajan, Bhagavan advised the lotus born Lord Bhrama to conduct Tapa, to carry out the function of creation.  Thus Lord Bhrama attained that highly confidential Veda to conduct the function of creation, further Bhagavan narrates the nature of Prakrithi/ human body is made of essential elements that are destructible nature and the content of space/sky, air, fire, water and earth varies on each individual, hence the attachment to material matters, people, wealth, richness, etc. that has the impermanent nature causes grief and sorrow.  Bhagavan affirms that all those Prakrithi originated from him is vested on him has short-living nature. He protects the Jeeva while in the three states of sleep, awake, and dream. Whoever understands his all-pervasive nature with the curiousness to know about the greatest philosophies, the Jijjyasu realizes his presence everywhere which is the highest state of spirituality with the knowledge of ‘Oneness-in-All”.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 62 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

King Pareekshith speaks “Oh! Bhramin, Lord Bhrama described those various incarnations of supreme Lord Vishnu to Maharishi Narada, are highly inspirational of Lord Hari’s various pastimes, that is capable to provide all the auspiciousness to the Universe. Oh! Mahabhaga, kindly describe all those legends of supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, and the incarnation of supreme Lord Krishna, listening and reciting to glories on a regular basis would enhance devotion, listening to that Krishnakatha would purify our souls.   He is the supreme Purusha who incarnated as Krishna; hence surrendering to his lotus feet would relieve the souls from all the miseries and sorrows of worldly existence.  The supreme Lord Bhrama who initiated from the navel of supreme Lord Adinarayana is no different from him.  The supreme Purusha who is the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the Universe and its living beings, he is Lord of Maya resides as a soul in living beings/Sarva Guhashaya and he is all-pervasive.  All that Bhramanda came into existence with the Athmamaya of supreme Lord.  The Time, Yuga, Kalpa, Kala, Guna, fourteen worlds, Graha, Nakshathra, rivers, oceans, islands, Varnnashrama, Yugadharma, Dharma of living beings, Veda, Ithihasa, Purana, etc. all that expanded from the Maya of supreme Purusha.”

Sutha Pauranika speaks “Oh! Shaunakadhis, in this way, Vishnuratha/Pareekshith and Bhramaratha/Shukha engaged in a detailed conversation. Later, Shukha Bhramam described the glorious Srimad Bhagavath Mahapuran which was narrated to Maharishi Narada by Lord Bhrama, later it was passed on to Maharishi Vedavaysa from Maharishi Narada, later it was retold to Shukha Bhramam.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 61 – The legend of Lord Krishna – The legend of King Pareekshith

Lord Bhrama speaks “Oh! Vathsa, the Universe and its living beings are expanded from the supreme Purusha, who is eternal and changeless.  The Supreme Lord resides as a soul in living beings, and he is the source of Gnana and Karma Indhriyas, mind, intellect, and Ahamkara.  He is an all-pervasive and eternal truth.”

Lord Bhrama continues “ I shall narrate various glorious legends of the supreme Lord Vishnu who has assumed the form of wild boar/Varaha, who elevated the Mother earth from the bottom of the ocean. Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Yajjapurusha who was born to Akoothi and Rishi Ruchi. Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Kapila Vasudeva, son of Sage Kardhama Prajapathi and Devi  Devahoothi. Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Dhaththathreya who was born to Sage Atri and Devi Anasooya. Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as the illustrious Sanaka, Sananthan, Sanathkumara, and Sanathana.  Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Nara and Narayana who are supreme ascetics were put into test by the celestial Apsaras and Gandharva.  Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Dhruva who is the son of Uththanapadha and Devi Sunithi, undertook penance at the age of five and attained the blessings of supreme Lord.  Lord Vishnu’s incarnation of Rishabha Deva, Lord Vishnu’s manifestation as Hayasheersha and Mathsya to protect the Veda, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Kacchapa/Kurma/giant tortoise to hold the Mount Mandhara on its upper back, in this way the churning of the ocean for the nectar of immortality made possible.  I shall describe Lord Vishnu’s glorious incarnation as half lion and half man/Nrisimha, dreadful appearance as a lion that has a huge mustache, mane, curved eyebrows, and protruding sharp teeth and nails protected his ardent devotee Prahlada.  He is Adipurusha, he is Lokanatha, and listening to his glorious myths would bring all the auspiciousness.  Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Dwarf/Vamana son of Sage Kardhama Prajapathi and Adhithi who crushed the pride of Emperor Bali and measured the whole Universe in three strides, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Narada to spread Bhakti in the three worlds, Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Buddha to spread compassion and oneness in all, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Dhanvathari who is the Lord of Ayurveda who appeared with the vessel of the nectar of immortality while churning the milky ocean.  Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Maharishi Vedavyasa who is the son of Devi Sathyavathi and Maharishi Parashara.   The upcoming incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Kalki to remove the evil effects of the Kali era, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Bhargava Rama who destroyed wicked Kshatriyas on the Earth, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Raghuram in the illustrious clan of Ikshvaku, lived in the woods with his wife and brother, killed numerous dreadful demons and Dhashakandhara.  The Supreme Lord Vishnu who liberated the alligator and the elephant that cried for help. The Supreme Lord Vishnu incarnated as Krishna in the Yadhu clan and performed various pastimes in the Vraja.”