|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 290 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  141

Shruthi Geetha -1

Bhraman Bhramanya Nirdheshye Nirgune  Gunavrithhaya: | Katham Charanthi Shruthaya: Sakshath Sadhsatha Para: ||

King Pareekshith speaks “ Oh! Bhraman, the supreme Lord has no specific form, if there is no form how can we address it, I am surprised, how did the Upanishads describe the supreme Bhramam?”

Shuka Bhramam speaks “Oh! Rajan, the supreme Lord is beyond intellect, mind, Prana, and Indhriyas, he is performing various amusements residing as a soul in living beings.  Oh! Bhagavan, you are the source of the functioning of the living beings, to achieve material as well as spiritual well-being of the living beings, which is repeatedly affirmed by the Upanishads, therefore it should be followed sincerely for spiritual advancement.  Oh! Rajan, There was an interesting conversation took place between Maharishi Narada and Rishi Narayana in Badarikashrama, regarding the nature of Bhramam which has neither form nor names.  It was answered by Narayana Rishi that was previously described in Shwethadhvipa by Sanandhana to Sanathkumara, Sanaka, and Sanathana.”

Sanandhana speaks “ I shall describe how did the Upanishads describe the supreme Bhramam that has no form or names”

Shruthi speaks “ Victory to supreme Lord! Victory to supreme Lord! Who is unconquerable, Oh! Bhagavan, you are all-pervading, pure, and unblemished.  You are described in the Upanishad as the supreme Lord who elevates the souls from the illusion. You symbolize Truth, Wisdom, Eternal Bhramam, you are beyond form, description, and perception, and you have subtle nature.  Oh! Bhagavan, all the living and non-living things undergo ruin during the deluge, like the broken mud pot remains mud, like the Sthoola Shareera undergoes ruin but the Sookshma Shareera remains unharmed/ the matter destroys and the energy remains intact, therefore the supreme Lord is described as superior cause/Paramakarana who keeps the mind and intellect indestructible. Oh! Bhagavan, you are that superior cause creates the Universe and its living beings and absorbs them at the time of the deluge.  The thought process of the mind and intellect causes the Jeeva to assume various bodies, the supreme soul causes functioning of the same.  Oh! Bhagavan, your Maya works according to your will. The intellectuals attain your lotus feet with the constant contemplation and meditation upon your lotus feet, in this way they immerse in the supreme bliss.  Oh! Bhagavan, whoever worships you with the thorough knowledge of your all-pervading nature, ‘Oneness-in-All’ lives their life fruitfully and others are ruining their lives, like the skin of wood is enough to produce fire in the absence of wood, although it provides fire,  will not have the real effect.  Oh! Bhagavan, there are various methods to worship you, some people worship you as Sthoolaroopa/idols, and others worship your subtle form resides as a supreme soul in their bodies, if it was practiced with the thorough knowledge of the Supreme Lord, they won’t take birth again and again.  Oh! Bhagavan, the Universe and its living beings of manifold nature has begun from you, you are all-pervading in it, like fire in the wood, the nature of fire will not change, and its volume may change according to the quantity of wood added in the fire.  Oh! Purusha, you reside as a soul in living beings of multifaceted nature, intellectuals worshiped you as the supreme soul that has no changes, with the knowledge that body undergoes constant transformation and ruin, eventually attained union with that Bramham.  Oh! Bhagavan, you have incarnated on the Earth to reveal that absolute truth, and elevate the souls.  Vedas originated from the experienced bliss of illustrious Rishis who invented the existence of a supreme soul within the living beings and constantly contemplated upon it.  Oh! Bhagavan, you are absolute truth, resides as a supreme soul in living beings, you are the constant companion of the living beings, therefore whoever do not worship you  without the knowledge of your presence in them, forgets your eternal presence and immerses in the material well-being, possession, wealth, and people that have to undergo constant ruin, is bringing Athmahani to them/ruin of their own soul, eventually, take several births and undergoes constant miseries and sorrows, like the rivers, have to keep their flow until they merge with the ocean.”

|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 289 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  140

The twice-born, Shruthadeva lived in Dwaraka, and   King Bahulashwa of Mithila were ardent devotees of Krishna, they both had a desire to receive Lord Krishna in their places and serve him. Thus, LordKrishna along with illustrious Rishis, Maharishi Narada, Kanva, Vamadeva, Athri, Bhrihaspathi, and Maitreya visited the palace of King Bahulashwa in Mithila was received with great honor.  King Bahulashwa was extremely happy seeing Lord Krishna with illustrious Rishis and Sages, in his Kingdom of Mithila.  He felt the entire Kingdom got sanctified with the presence of ascetics and supreme Lord. Suddenly, Krishna remembered the promise to visit the twice-born Shruthadeva on the same day. He immediately assumed another form and received the hospitalities in the house of Shruthadeva.

Bhavan  Hi Sarvabhoothanam Athma Sakshi  Swadhrigvibho | Adha  Nasthvath Padhambhojam Smaratham Dharshanam Gatha: || Namasthubhyam  Bhagavathe  Krishnaya Kundamedhase|Narayana Rishaye  Sushantham Thapa Eyushe ||

King Bahulashwa eulogized the supreme Lord “ Oh! Bhagavan, who represents the soul in living beings, witnesses all the happenings, Oh! Vibhu, I am fortunate to have your presence in the Kingdom and immensely pleased to serve your lotus feet.  Oh! Bhagavan, you are the source of living beings, and you are the functioning mind, intellect, Gnana, and Karmendhriya, Prana and Panchaprana.  Therefore you are the greatest wealth of living beings. Oh! Bhagavan, you are incarnated in the clan of Yadhus, to elevate the souls of your ardent devotees and restore peace and serenity in them.  Oh! Narayana, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.  Oh! Bhagavan, my entire clan got sanctified with your visit, kindly stay with us and purify our souls.” Thus Lord Krishna resided in the palace of King Bahulashwa in Mithila.

Namosthuthe  Adhyathmavidham Paramathmane | Anathmane  Swathma Vibhaktha Mrithyave | Sakarana Karanalingameeyushe | Swamayaya Samvritharudhdha Dhrishtaye ||

Shruthadeva eulogizes the supreme Lord Krishna “Oh! Bhagavan, you are the creator of the Universe and its living beings, and you reside as a soul in the living beings, you are all-pervasive.  Oh! Bhagavan, you remain unattainable for people who are soaked in Karma, engaged in the performance of Karma for fruitful results and take pride in it.  Oh! Paramaguru who imparts the knowledge of the supreme Lord resides as soul, the intellectuals utilize the supreme knowledge to reconnect with the Lord who resides as soul, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.” Lord Krishna pleased with the devotion of Shruthadeva and stayed in his home as well.

Deva:  Kshethrani Theerthani Dharshana Sparshanarchanai: | Shanai: Punanthi Kalena Thadhapyarhaththamekshaya ||

Bhagavan speaks “Oh! Brahmin, the purpose of my visits to various lands, along with the illustrious Rishis and Sages are to purify the Earth.  The worship of deities, visiting Kshethra, Theertha, would bring the union of Bhramam with the gradual process.  The association with the ascetics and saintly men would elevate the soul instantly, with the close alliance of these intellectuals provides supreme wisdom, in this way souls can achieve purity immediately.”  The Supreme Lord Krishna pleased with the devotion of Bhramin Shruthadeva and returned to Dwaraka.

|| 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 ||