Shruti Says by Barkha Khandelwal

Sessions

Sessions

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Forty-Sixth and Seventh Session

Bhagavata Shastha Skanda (Book Six)

Chapter 14 to 17

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Sub Stories - Ram Navmi ki Ram Ram

Story 1: 

When the Param Atma asked all the Jiva Atmas to depart to earth. No one wanted to leave, they were all worried, they said your maya will engulf us and we will get lost forever in the web of your maya and will never be able to return to you. We will be lost forever, and will never remember you, leave alone come back to you.

The Lost smiled and answered, don’t worry, I will keep reminding you of me. The Jiva Atmas wondered how. The Lord said, that i will keep sending problems your way, and when you will be faced with a problem, you will turn to me and remember me. Every time your forget me, I will send a reminder in the forms of problems and hence, I will not let you forget me.

Ponder:

Every time we are faced with a problem, we turn to God, but the minute our sorrows are taken care of and joy sets in, we forget the Lord again. This cycle keeps repeating itself. We blame the Lord for sending problems our way, not realising it is just a message for us to realise the self and reach the divine.

Example:

When people die, especially close ones, we have a kind of Vairagya set in, Samshan Vairagya, at that time we question the very meaning of the material life. But, sooner than later, we let go of this awakening and get lost in Maya again.

The one who holds on it becomes one with the divine - The likes of Bhagwan Shri Ramana Maharishi, with this very Samshan Vairagya, break the clutches of Maya and merge the ‘Saad Chid Anand Swaroop forever’.

Story 2:

There was ones a sage, he knocked at the door and the voice from inside asked, who is it.

The sage said, ‘I am there, it is me.’

The door did not open. 

The sage went away and felt he must have said something wrong and so intensified his Tapa. After a long duration he went back and knocked, and the voice inside asked, who is it.

The sage replied, ‘It is me, I am here.’

The door did not open yet again.

The sage went back and delved deeper with in and after ages came back and knocked. A voice as always asked, who is it.

The sage this time said, ‘It is all you, there is nothing but you, there is no one but you, only you exist only one.’

The door opened.

Ponder:

Till there is Ego, there me and there is you. The day there is no Ego, there is no me and there is no you.

Mera mujhe mai kuch nahin jo kuch hai woh tera. 

Tera tujhe ko saup du to kya jata hai mera.

Story 3: 

Ramji shows his Virat Roop to Ma Kaushalya, and takes permission to be born as her son. Ma Kaushalya request that she forgets this vision. She just wants to know this Divine bliss to be her son a normal child and Ramji obliges. Only after this is Ramji born.

Story 4:

Ramji one day plays an innocent trick on Ma Kaushalya when he is just a small baby. She puts him to sleep, goes to do her prayers, but sees Ramji sitting in front of the mandir, and when she runs back, she sees him sleeping. This happens again and gain till she get tired and again he shows her his Virat Roop. He tell her my dear mother, it is not easy for anyone to see this form of mine, be blessed and see me. Again Ma Kaushalya refuses and request that she forgets this, till she is in this Human form and only remember Ram as her son. Again the Lord obliges.

Ponder: (Story 3 and Story 4)

Even Devki and Yashoda - Had the vision of the Virat Swaroop of Lord.

The power of a mother is beyond what words can assert. How is it possible that the divine is born and the mother does not know. But, with great power comes great responsibility.

Every mother knows, that a divine has taken birth. She sees the divine in her child. 

A Kaushalya made Ram, Ram

A Yashoda made Krishna, Krishna

What are we making our children?

Human birth is rare, are we directing our children towards self realisation or self destruction.

Story 5:

When Ramji is 5 years old, Shivji wanted to go and see him, so from his 11 Rudras he gave 1 Rudra the form of Hanumanji. Parvatiji was not willing to let Shivji leave her and go. He assure her to be back soon and gives Parvatiji the Divine vision to see all the Leela from Kailash. 

Shivji becomes a Madari and Hanumaji a monkey and they go to the palace and start doing the show. Ramji and his 3 brothers come to see the show. When Shivji is about to leave Hanumanji, conveys that he had come to stay, by his sad glance, and then follows a beautiful Bal Leela and by a little tear, a little smile and lots of drama, he convinces his mother to let Hanumanji stay. Shivji also does not give in easily and gets the queens to humbly beg for Hanumanji to Stay.

Hanumaji is finally left with Ramji and Shivji disappears and goes back to Kailash, leaving behind a part of himself to serve Ramji. Hanumanji stayed in Ayodhya till Rishi Visvamitra takes him to fight Tataka. At time that time Hanumanji goes to serve Sugriv and wait for Ram to come.

Ponder:

What does the story convey to you?

1. Ayodhya - A person who does not have the battle of duality happening. 

2. Dashratha - The 10 Indriya in complete control (5 Karma Indriyas and 5 Gyan Indriyas) 

3. 3 Queens - Satva, Rajas and Tamas

4. Ramji - Param Atma

5. Shivji - Jiva Atma

6. Hanumanji - Bhakti (Devotion)

7. Parvatiji - Sansar 

When someone is beyond duality and the senses (Indriyas) are in complete control. He has moved beyond the 3 Gunas and is Gunateet. The Jiva Atma merges into Paramatma and becomes one with him and experiences unwavering devotion. 

This kind of a devotees does not leave Sansar. He remains where he is, doing what he has to do. But, sees nothing but the Lord in everything and everyone and considers all situations as Gods will. 

Pure Bliss

Na jag Chodo na Hari bhulo, 

Karam kar jindagani mai.

Jiyo duniya mai yo jess

Kamal rehta hai pani mai.

Story 6: 

Whenever Ramji take birth, Kakbhusundi (The learned crow) stays with Ramji and enjoys his Bal Leela. On day he snatches a piece of bread from Ramji’s hand and when he does not return it Ramji starts crying like an ordinary child. This kind of a behaviour causes doubt in his mind.

What follows is again the Lords Leela, he chases Kakbhusundi across Universes and later he swallows him and to Kakbhusundi’s surprise, the same universes exist within this 5 year old Ram. For hundreds of years he lives inside.

Later the same Leela of the bread and the chase repeats and he finally totally surrenders and Ramji lets him out. Kakbhusundi does his Naman to Ramji and feels ashamed that he ever doubted his divinity and goes back to his Nilgiri mountain.

Ponder:

In this Leela there is only a distance of 2 fingers between the child Ram and Kakbhusundi.

This kind of a Krishna Leela is also there. In this Leela Ma Yashoda is trying to tie the Lord, however every time there is a gap of two fingers. She is unable to tie Krishna and finally she is about to give up

So what does this Gap of two fingers signify. 

To me this distance can be covered by two things -

Total surrender 

and 

A Shower of grace 

Story 7:

Ramji had come back to Ayodhya and he became the ruler, at that time Sage Durvasa came and demanded that Ramji present to him two things. 

- Food without being cooked by fire

- Flowers which are not found on earth

He said the he was going to take a deep in the holy river and do his prayer and by the time he came back these two things should be ready.

Now, Ramji smiled and he wrote three notes, 2 of these notes he shot with one arrow and the other note was shot with the 2 second arrow.

The arrow reached heaven and Indra was a bit agitated and said how could Ramji dare to do so. At that time Narad muni came and asked what had happened. Indra said that Ram was demanding the Parijat flower and the Kalpvraksha. Indra refused to send these things to earth they belonged to heaven. But, Narad muni suggested the Indra open the next note as well. 

Indra opened the note attached to the second arrow and read it aloud, he started perspiring. It read, 

I have one wife and I follow one Vachan, with one arrow I killed Ravan and that arrow I still have.

Narad Muni, in false panic, wittily suggest Indra to send the demanded thing, if wanted to survive and that is what Indra did. 

Durvasa Rishi came back and saw what he thought impossible was made possible by Shri Ram and Ramji gave him the dharshan of his Virat Swaroop.

Ponder:

Being one in thought, word and deed is a strong weapon to attack all the vices. When one is victories over the vices, all the Indriayas are in control.

Nothing is impossible for such an individual. 

When this kind of a person aspires the universe conspires. 

Discover the power within

Has Ram been born within you?

Jai Shri Ram 🙏

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Forty-Sixth and Seventh Session

Bhagavata Shastha Skanda (Book Six)

Chapter 14 to 17

———————————-

Sub Stories - Ram Navmi ki Ram Ram

Story 1: 

When the Param Atma asked all the Jiva Atmas to depart to earth. No one wanted to leave, they were all worried, they said your maya will engulf us and we will get lost forever in the web of your maya and will never be able to return to you. We will be lost forever, and will never remember you, leave alone come back to you.

The Lost smiled and answered, don’t worry, I will keep reminding you of me. The Jiva Atmas wondered how. The Lord said, that i will keep sending problems your way, and when you will be faced with a problem, you will turn to me and remember me. Every time your forget me, I will send a reminder in the forms of problems and hence, I will not let you forget me.

Ponder:

Every time we are faced with a problem, we turn to God, but the minute our sorrows are taken care of and joy sets in, we forget the Lord again. This cycle keeps repeating itself. We blame the Lord for sending problems our way, not realising it is just a message for us to realise the self and reach the divine.

Example:

When people die, especially close ones, we have a kind of Vairagya set in, Samshan Vairagya, at that time we question the very meaning of the material life. But, sooner than later, we let go of this awakening and get lost in Maya again.

The one who holds on it becomes one with the divine - The likes of Bhagwan Shri Ramana Maharishi, with this very Samshan Vairagya, break the clutches of Maya and merge the ‘Saad Chid Anand Swaroop forever’.

Story 2:

There was ones a sage, he knocked at the door and the voice from inside asked, who is it.

The sage said, ‘I am there, it is me.’

The door did not open. 

The sage went away and felt he must have said something wrong and so intensified his Tapa. After a long duration he went back and knocked, and the voice inside asked, who is it.

The sage replied, ‘It is me, I am here.’

The door did not open yet again.

The sage went back and delved deeper with in and after ages came back and knocked. A voice as always asked, who is it.

The sage this time said, ‘It is all you, there is nothing but you, there is no one but you, only you exist only one.’

The door opened.

Ponder:

Till there is Ego, there me and there is you. The day there is no Ego, there is no me and there is no you.

Mera mujhe mai kuch nahin jo kuch hai woh tera. 

Tera tujhe ko saup du to kya jata hai mera.

Story 3: 

Ramji shows his Virat Roop to Ma Kaushalya, and takes permission to be born as her son. Ma Kaushalya request that she forgets this vision. She just wants to know this Divine bliss to be her son a normal child and Ramji obliges. Only after this is Ramji born.

Story 4:

Ramji one day plays an innocent trick on Ma Kaushalya when he is just a small baby. She puts him to sleep, goes to do her prayers, but sees Ramji sitting in front of the mandir, and when she runs back, she sees him sleeping. This happens again and gain till she get tired and again he shows her his Virat Roop. He tell her my dear mother, it is not easy for anyone to see this form of mine, be blessed and see me. Again Ma Kaushalya refuses and request that she forgets this, till she is in this Human form and only remember Ram as her son. Again the Lord obliges.

Ponder: (Story 3 and Story 4)

Even Devki and Yashoda - Had the vision of the Virat Swaroop of Lord.

The power of a mother is beyond what words can assert. How is it possible that the divine is born and the mother does not know. But, with great power comes great responsibility.

Every mother knows, that a divine has taken birth. She sees the divine in her child. 

A Kaushalya made Ram, Ram

A Yashoda made Krishna, Krishna

What are we making our children?

Human birth is rare, are we directing our children towards self realisation or self destruction.

Story 5:

When Ramji is 5 years old, Shivji wanted to go and see him, so from his 11 Rudras he gave 1 Rudra the form of Hanumanji. Parvatiji was not willing to let Shivji leave her and go. He assure her to be back soon and gives Parvatiji the Divine vision to see all the Leela from Kailash. 

Shivji becomes a Madari and Hanumaji a monkey and they go to the palace and start doing the show. Ramji and his 3 brothers come to see the show. When Shivji is about to leave Hanumanji, conveys that he had come to stay, by his sad glance, and then follows a beautiful Bal Leela and by a little tear, a little smile and lots of drama, he convinces his mother to let Hanumanji stay. Shivji also does not give in easily and gets the queens to humbly beg for Hanumanji to Stay.

Hanumaji is finally left with Ramji and Shivji disappears and goes back to Kailash, leaving behind a part of himself to serve Ramji. Hanumanji stayed in Ayodhya till Rishi Visvamitra takes him to fight Tataka. At time that time Hanumanji goes to serve Sugriv and wait for Ram to come.

Ponder:

What does the story convey to you?

1. Ayodhya - A person who does not have the battle of duality happening. 

2. Dashratha - The 10 Indriya in complete control (5 Karma Indriyas and 5 Gyan Indriyas) 

3. 3 Queens - Satva, Rajas and Tamas

4. Ramji - Param Atma

5. Shivji - Jiva Atma

6. Hanumanji - Bhakti (Devotion)

7. Parvatiji - Sansar 

When someone is beyond duality and the senses (Indriyas) are in complete control. He has moved beyond the 3 Gunas and is Gunateet. The Jiva Atma merges into Paramatma and becomes one with him and experiences unwavering devotion. 

This kind of a devotees does not leave Sansar. He remains where he is, doing what he has to do. But, sees nothing but the Lord in everything and everyone and considers all situations as Gods will. 

Pure Bliss

Na jag Chodo na Hari bhulo, 

Karam kar jindagani mai.

Jiyo duniya mai yo jess

Kamal rehta hai pani mai.

Story 6: 

Whenever Ramji take birth, Kakbhusundi (The learned crow) stays with Ramji and enjoys his Bal Leela. On day he snatches a piece of bread from Ramji’s hand and when he does not return it Ramji starts crying like an ordinary child. This kind of a behaviour causes doubt in his mind.

What follows is again the Lords Leela, he chases Kakbhusundi across Universes and later he swallows him and to Kakbhusundi’s surprise, the same universes exist within this 5 year old Ram. For hundreds of years he lives inside.

Later the same Leela of the bread and the chase repeats and he finally totally surrenders and Ramji lets him out. Kakbhusundi does his Naman to Ramji and feels ashamed that he ever doubted his divinity and goes back to his Nilgiri mountain.

Ponder:

In this Leela there is only a distance of 2 fingers between the child Ram and Kakbhusundi.

This kind of a Krishna Leela is also there. In this Leela Ma Yashoda is trying to tie the Lord, however every time there is a gap of two fingers. She is unable to tie Krishna and finally she is about to give up

So what does this Gap of two fingers signify. 

To me this distance can be covered by two things -

Total surrender 

and 

A Shower of grace 

Story 7:

Ramji had come back to Ayodhya and he became the ruler, at that time Sage Durvasa came and demanded that Ramji present to him two things. 

- Food without being cooked by fire

- Flowers which are not found on earth

He said the he was going to take a deep in the holy river and do his prayer and by the time he came back these two things should be ready.

Now, Ramji smiled and he wrote three notes, 2 of these notes he shot with one arrow and the other note was shot with the 2 second arrow.

The arrow reached heaven and Indra was a bit agitated and said how could Ramji dare to do so. At that time Narad muni came and asked what had happened. Indra said that Ram was demanding the Parijat flower and the Kalpvraksha. Indra refused to send these things to earth they belonged to heaven. But, Narad muni suggested the Indra open the next note as well. 

Indra opened the note attached to the second arrow and read it aloud, he started perspiring. It read, 

I have one wife and I follow one Vachan, with one arrow I killed Ravan and that arrow I still have.

Narad Muni, in false panic, wittily suggest Indra to send the demanded thing, if wanted to survive and that is what Indra did. 

Durvasa Rishi came back and saw what he thought impossible was made possible by Shri Ram and Ramji gave him the dharshan of his Virat Swaroop.

Ponder:

Being one in thought, word and deed is a strong weapon to attack all the vices. When one is victories over the vices, all the Indriayas are in control.

Nothing is impossible for such an individual. 

When this kind of a person aspires the universe conspires. 

Discover the power within

Has Ram been born within you?

Jai Shri Ram 🙏

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Forty-Third, Fourth and Fifth Session

Bhagavata Shastha Skanda (Book Six)

Chapter 9 to 13

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Krishna 

‘Krs’ means absolute existence, and ‘na’ signifies bliss or moksha - Absolute existence and bliss is Krishan 

————————————-

Vrtasurs appeal to the Lord - May this plea also echo from our heart, with every beat and every breath.

O Hari, if re-born, may I be born as a servant of those devotees who have solely taken refuge in your feet. Let my mind ponder and tongue celebrate you excellence, and let my body do your service alone.

O God, I crave only for you. 

I crave for neither the abode of Dhruv, which is placed above the heavens nor even the realms of Brahma nor the rule of the entire globe nor the lordship of the subterranean regions nor the super natural powers attained though yoga nor Liberation.

Just like the unfledged birds are eager to see the mother bird, young calves tormented with hunger seek the milk, and a beloved wife, depressed in spirit longs to see her husband. My mind O God is keen to behold you.

——————————————

Story (Indra, Brihaspati and Vrtasur.. continued)

Vishvarupa was very clever he had 3 faces and three mouths. While doing the yagnas he would put oblations not only for the Devtas, but for the Daityas and himself also. Indra found out and without any delay he lopped off the heads of Vishvarupa. He had the sin of killing a Brahmin in his hand, but later the earth, water, trees and women offered to take his sin, in return of a boon. Twasta, the father of Vishvarupa did a yagna and came out a fierce demon, who was indestructible and was created for the end of the Indra and the Devas. 

The Devas had to go into battle again, however, ones again they were without a Guru, the Daityas again raged a war, and again the Devas had to go into hiding. This time they prayed to Shri Hari, and he guided them to go and ask Sage Dhadhichi for his bone. The Sage who was selfless, gave his bones and Indra made a Vajra out of it. The devas and the Daityas again met in battle the all the demons ran aways in fear and then followed a fierce battle between Vrtasura and Indra. Indra defeated Vrtasura and destroyed him, and his soul went and merged into Shri Hari.

Now, again all the Devas rejoiced but, Indra was agonised as yet again he was faced with the sin of killing a Brahmana, that also the one who was born from the holy fire of a Yagna. Indra was horrified and was being chased by this great sin in the form of a Chandal woman. He escaped and hid himself in Manasa Lake, in the fibre of a Lotus stem for a thousand years.

In his absence, a king from the Mortal world, known as Nahusa enthroned Amravati. He developed a liking of Saci and wanted her to befriend him, she went to Brihaspati, who had finally come back, to seek advice. He advised her to tell him, that she would meet him only if he came in a palanquin borne by Brahmanas to saci’s palace. Binded by love, he made thé sapta rishies were carrythé palki .Hé was in a hurry to meet sachi. So hé kicked aghastya as hé was short and not fast enough to walk with others saying ' Sarpa Sarpa which means fast in sanskrit. So Aghastya curses him to become Sarpa or a python. (He was eventually redeemed by Yudistra in Dwapara)

Indra performed the Ashwamedha Yagna as directed by the Rishis and the huge mass of sin in the form of slaying of Vrtasur disappeared. Indra regained his purity and went back to Amravati to rule and lead the Devas. 

—————————————

Points to Ponder

Message of the Story:

The stories in our shastras are not mere stories. The message of the Upanishads are simplified and presented so that we can understand the deeper meanings. 

Not only this, when we read the scriptures every dialogue is packed with immense knowledge. Just like the Date tree is packed in one tiny seed, every word, every line of the Puranas, has the entire Veda securely imbedded. 

Lets try to decode what the above story is trying to tell us;

- Indra = Deva of action 

- Brihaspati = Vedas, Shastras, wisdom and Prudence

- Sukracharya = Power and cunning

- Devatas = Govern various Karma Indriya and Gyan Indriya 

- Daityas = Enticing joys of the material world

- Vishvarupa = Fickle monkey mind

- Dhadichi = Selfless Action with no doership

- Vrtrasur = Our deep rooted Vritis, which are an outcome of our Vasnanas (These thought could be good or bad)

- 365 days battle - Total focus 

We always say that there are 4 pursuits of human existence;

- Dharma

- Artha

- Kaam

- Moksha

One has to be established in Dharma and then go on with the pursuit of wealth, desire and if the acquisition wealth and fulfilment of desire is governed by Dharma, one will certainly achieve Moksha.

Indra is action, if it has the guidance of Brihaspati, who stands for the Vedas, Shastras, wisdom and Prudence. The action will be dharmic and keep ego at bay and humility intact.

When this companionship is broken, the Daityas (our lower tendencies, pleasure of the material world) in guidance of Sukracharya - power and cunningness over take our action.

At that time the actions become dominated by the mind (Vishvarupa) who is fickle and oscillates from one one desire to another. This kind of the mind should be stopped.

But, there is something even more destructive than the desires, it is our Vriti which is governed by our Vasanas (Vrtrasura). Selfless action, with complete surrender to the Lord (Dhadichi) and complete vigilance(365 days, 7*24) is the only way one can conquer this.

Also Note here: When we seek the guidance of various deities whom we feel are easier to please, our purpose will not be full served(Brahma). However, when we seek that one who is even beyond creation (Shri Hari) 

Dialogues quoted and pondered on:

The Beautiful Art of Enmity: Be a Loveable and Loving Enemy

Our shastras ooze honey. The only language we talk is Universal Love and Vasudaiva Kutambakam. In any situation this foundation of everything is but the manifestation of the same divine does not change. 

Hence, even in a situation of being faced with the worst of enemies, a ’Sanatan Dharmi’ has no room for Hatred. 

Kis se bandhu bair jagat mai,

Koi nahin paraya.

Haar maanav mai pratimbh lekar,

Ushi Brahm ki chaya.

You are one without a second. Not only Gods, Rishis and other being, even the Daityas and Danavas are your own glorious manifestations. 

Everything that happens is your will, and nothing happens without your wish. 

Having our own point of view and standing for it is alright. But, having a heart filled with hatred is wrong. 

Even if you have to be someones enemy, aspire to be a loving enemy, whose heart is free from hatred. 

What should one appreciate and what should one dislike?

Whom should one love and whom should one hate?

To the one who is established in the ‘Sat Cit Anand Swaroop’ the entire world is his Kutumbh.

Somebody asked Ramana Maharishi; ‘How should I be with others?’

Ramana Maharishi answered, ’There are no others.’

Knowing this as the the deepest truth - move around in the world.

Gods requesting Dadhici for his bones

The gods went and asked Dadhici as advised by Shri Hari, and Dadhici replied by saying;

The body is dearest object in this life, sought after by living being that are eager to survive. Who would have the courage to part with it even for Shri Hari.

To which the Gods spoke full of wisdom: Nothing is difficult for magnanimous souls like you, who are compassionate to all living beings.

- Selfish people do not realise the difficulty of a donor, if they knew it they would not ask of him.

- Donor too would not say No, when capable of granting their request. 

In other words, Never ask for anything from others unless and until it is absolutely necessary. Never refuse to give to the person who has asked help if we have the capacity and the capability to help. This is Dharma said Dadhici, and agreed to give his bone. 

He went on to say that he body is meant to serve. The most everlasting virtue is that a man grieves and rejoices in sympathy with the grief and joy of his fellow being. It is a pity if a mortal (human) does not serve others with his wealth, sons and other kinsmen and body, which actually belong to others.

Paropakarya phalanti vrksah

Paropakarya vahanti nadyah

Paropakarya duhanti gavah

Paropakarya satam vibhutayah

Meaning:

Tree produce fruits for others;

Rivers carry water for others; 

Cows give milk for others; 

Doing good for others is the true wealth of good people.

Vrtasur’s Heroic speech to the Demon Army

This death is sure to befall everyone that is born, wherever one may be and no means of avoiding it in this world has been devised. 

If therefore, heaven and fame can be had by it (by dying), who as a matter of fact would not court such a desirable death.

These two modes of death are approved by the scriptures and do not easily fall to one’s lot;

  - That who is devoted to the practice of Yoga should after controlling his vital airs and senses should caste off his body through deep concentration of mind on the absolute.

  - That who is placed in the forefront of battle, a man should give up his body on the battle field, taking care not to turn his back on the enemy.

Vrtasur to Indra (At the beginning of the battle)

1. Vrtasur presents the two scenarios, the first one is of him defeating Indra. The second is if Indra slays him. In case of being killed by Indra. He says he will offer his body to the birds and beasts and get free from the debts of Karma. He again and again mentions that this body, this life is meant for the service of others.

2. He encourages Indra by telling him that, victory stand on that side where Shri Hari is, and to add to this ascetiscim of Sage Dadhici is also with him, in the form of the Vajra (Dadhici’s bones)

‘Jako rakhe saiya,

maar sake na koi.

Baal na baka kar sake,

Jo jag beri hoye.’

3. Tells Indra don’t gloat if you win, and don’t pity me if I lose. What does the Lord give his devotee: Bhakto ki tau haar mai bhi jeeth hai.

  - The Lord does not bestow on his people who are devoted to him riches which are available in heaven, earth etc. As from the pleasure and riches follows hatred, fear, mental anguish, arrogance, discord, suffering and toil. 

  - The Lord frustrates the effort of his devotee to achieve the three objects of human pursuit. He takes away every material thing from him, and from such frustration is to be inferred the grace of the Lord. 

  - Note: The Grace of the Lord comes to those who having nothing to call their own. 

‘Jis ka koi nahin,

uska to khuda hai yaaro.

Mai nahin kehta,

Kitabo mai likha hai jaar.’

4. When caught in the ocean of Transmigration(re-birth):

  - Let there be my friendship with the devotees of the Lord.

  - Let him whose mind is attached to his body, offspring, wife and home, have no friendship with me.

Vrtasur to Indra (Last council to Indra)

This council can be summed up in these two shlokas, Indra is embarrassed and not sure of his victory, Vrtasur tells him don’t give up fight. It is not the end till the end, the battle is not lost till it is lost.

सुनहु भरत भावी प्रबल बिलखि कहेउ मुनिनाथ।

हानि लाभु जीवनु मरनु जसु अपजसु बिधि हाथ

Sunahu bharat bhavi prabal bilakhi kaheu muninath,

hani labhu jivan maranu jasu apajasu bidhi hath.

‪तुलसी नर का क्या बड़ा, समय बड़ा बलवान| ‬

‪भीलां लूटी गोपियाँ, वही अर्जुन वही बाण||‬

Tulsi naar ka kya bada, samay bada balvan.

Bhila loote gopika, wahi Arjun wahi baan.

The Lord alone in the form of time is responsible for victory and defeat. It is subject to his control that these worlds carry out their activities. We are just the puppets, mechanical toy or a roll of dice in the Lords hands. What a mistake we make to think of our incapable dependent self as capable of doing everything independently.

As we say we are not the Doers at all - Mai Karta nahin hu.

Like Rahimji said;

Dainhaar koi aur hai, bhejat hai din raine.

Log braham hum par kare, taase neeche nain.

This very thought should fill us with immense power, so far we were limited to our minuscule strength, suddenly then we realise that the power is vested with the one all powerful. It is not the end till the end. 

It opens up a world of possibilities. It stops the dissipation of energy and breaks the shackles of karma. This kind of a person acts in the world with non-diminishing energy, cause he is connected to the source. Or shall I say, it is the source at work, not that individual anymore.

Indra to Vrtasur (The last tribute)

When one has realised the above truth, as mentioned by Vrtasur to Indra, what more is left. Indra knew that this was no ordinary demon, he was one of the very few - Virla, who have solved the mysteries of the mysterious. Indra addresses with great respect Vrtasur by saying,

You have achieved the objective, the end of Maya and attained to the level of exalted souls. You have unflinching devotion to the Lord.

What use can he have for the shallow ditch-water, in the shape of heavenly and other trivial enjoyments, who sports in an ocean of nectar, blessed as he is to the devotion to the all mighty Shri Hari.

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Forty-Third, Fourth and Fifth Session

Bhagavata Shastha Skanda (Book Six)

Chapter 9 to 13

————————————

Krishna 

‘Krs’ means absolute existence, and ‘na’ signifies bliss or moksha - Absolute existence and bliss is Krishan 

————————————-

Vrtasurs appeal to the Lord - May this plea also echo from our heart, with every beat and every breath.

O Hari, if re-born, may I be born as a servant of those devotees who have solely taken refuge in your feet. Let my mind ponder and tongue celebrate you excellence, and let my body do your service alone.

O God, I crave only for you. 

I crave for neither the abode of Dhruv, which is placed above the heavens nor even the realms of Brahma nor the rule of the entire globe nor the lordship of the subterranean regions nor the super natural powers attained though yoga nor Liberation.

Just like the unfledged birds are eager to see the mother bird, young calves tormented with hunger seek the milk, and a beloved wife, depressed in spirit longs to see her husband. My mind O God is keen to behold you.

——————————————

Story (Indra, Brihaspati and Vrtasur.. continued)

Vishvarupa was very clever he had 3 faces and three mouths. While doing the yagnas he would put oblations not only for the Devtas, but for the Daityas and himself also. Indra found out and without any delay he lopped off the heads of Vishvarupa. He had the sin of killing a Brahmin in his hand, but later the earth, water, trees and women offered to take his sin, in return of a boon. Twasta, the father of Vishvarupa did a yagna and came out a fierce demon, who was indestructible and was created for the end of the Indra and the Devas. 

The Devas had to go into battle again, however, ones again they were without a Guru, the Daityas again raged a war, and again the Devas had to go into hiding. This time they prayed to Shri Hari, and he guided them to go and ask Sage Dhadhichi for his bone. The Sage who was selfless, gave his bones and Indra made a Vajra out of it. The devas and the Daityas again met in battle the all the demons ran aways in fear and then followed a fierce battle between Vrtasura and Indra. Indra defeated Vrtasura and destroyed him, and his soul went and merged into Shri Hari.

Now, again all the Devas rejoiced but, Indra was agonised as yet again he was faced with the sin of killing a Brahmana, that also the one who was born from the holy fire of a Yagna. Indra was horrified and was being chased by this great sin in the form of a Chandal woman. He escaped and hid himself in Manasa Lake, in the fibre of a Lotus stem for a thousand years.

In his absence, a king from the Mortal world, known as Nahusa enthroned Amravati. He developed a liking of Saci and wanted her to befriend him, she went to Brihaspati, who had finally come back, to seek advice. He advised her to tell him, that she would meet him only if he came in a palanquin borne by Brahmanas to saci’s palace. Binded by love, he made thé sapta rishies were carrythé palki .Hé was in a hurry to meet sachi. So hé kicked aghastya as hé was short and not fast enough to walk with others saying ' Sarpa Sarpa which means fast in sanskrit. So Aghastya curses him to become Sarpa or a python. (He was eventually redeemed by Yudistra in Dwapara)

Indra performed the Ashwamedha Yagna as directed by the Rishis and the huge mass of sin in the form of slaying of Vrtasur disappeared. Indra regained his purity and went back to Amravati to rule and lead the Devas. 

—————————————

Points to Ponder

Message of the Story:

The stories in our shastras are not mere stories. The message of the Upanishads are simplified and presented so that we can understand the deeper meanings. 

Not only this, when we read the scriptures every dialogue is packed with immense knowledge. Just like the Date tree is packed in one tiny seed, every word, every line of the Puranas, has the entire Veda securely imbedded. 

Lets try to decode what the above story is trying to tell us;

- Indra = Deva of action 

- Brihaspati = Vedas, Shastras, wisdom and Prudence

- Sukracharya = Power and cunning

- Devatas = Govern various Karma Indriya and Gyan Indriya 

- Daityas = Enticing joys of the material world

- Vishvarupa = Fickle monkey mind

- Dhadichi = Selfless Action with no doership

- Vrtrasur = Our deep rooted Vritis, which are an outcome of our Vasnanas (These thought could be good or bad)

- 365 days battle - Total focus 

We always say that there are 4 pursuits of human existence;

- Dharma

- Artha

- Kaam

- Moksha

One has to be established in Dharma and then go on with the pursuit of wealth, desire and if the acquisition wealth and fulfilment of desire is governed by Dharma, one will certainly achieve Moksha.

Indra is action, if it has the guidance of Brihaspati, who stands for the Vedas, Shastras, wisdom and Prudence. The action will be dharmic and keep ego at bay and humility intact.

When this companionship is broken, the Daityas (our lower tendencies, pleasure of the material world) in guidance of Sukracharya - power and cunningness over take our action.

At that time the actions become dominated by the mind (Vishvarupa) who is fickle and oscillates from one one desire to another. This kind of the mind should be stopped.

But, there is something even more destructive than the desires, it is our Vriti which is governed by our Vasanas (Vrtrasura). Selfless action, with complete surrender to the Lord (Dhadichi) and complete vigilance(365 days, 7*24) is the only way one can conquer this.

Also Note here: When we seek the guidance of various deities whom we feel are easier to please, our purpose will not be full served(Brahma). However, when we seek that one who is even beyond creation (Shri Hari) 

Dialogues quoted and pondered on:

The Beautiful Art of Enmity: Be a Loveable and Loving Enemy

Our shastras ooze honey. The only language we talk is Universal Love and Vasudaiva Kutambakam. In any situation this foundation of everything is but the manifestation of the same divine does not change. 

Hence, even in a situation of being faced with the worst of enemies, a ’Sanatan Dharmi’ has no room for Hatred. 

Kis se bandhu bair jagat mai,

Koi nahin paraya.

Haar maanav mai pratimbh lekar,

Ushi Brahm ki chaya.

You are one without a second. Not only Gods, Rishis and other being, even the Daityas and Danavas are your own glorious manifestations. 

Everything that happens is your will, and nothing happens without your wish. 

Having our own point of view and standing for it is alright. But, having a heart filled with hatred is wrong. 

Even if you have to be someones enemy, aspire to be a loving enemy, whose heart is free from hatred. 

What should one appreciate and what should one dislike?

Whom should one love and whom should one hate?

To the one who is established in the ‘Sat Cit Anand Swaroop’ the entire world is his Kutumbh.

Somebody asked Ramana Maharishi; ‘How should I be with others?’

Ramana Maharishi answered, ’There are no others.’

Knowing this as the the deepest truth - move around in the world.

Gods requesting Dadhici for his bones

The gods went and asked Dadhici as advised by Shri Hari, and Dadhici replied by saying;

The body is dearest object in this life, sought after by living being that are eager to survive. Who would have the courage to part with it even for Shri Hari.

To which the Gods spoke full of wisdom: Nothing is difficult for magnanimous souls like you, who are compassionate to all living beings.

- Selfish people do not realise the difficulty of a donor, if they knew it they would not ask of him.

- Donor too would not say No, when capable of granting their request. 

In other words, Never ask for anything from others unless and until it is absolutely necessary. Never refuse to give to the person who has asked help if we have the capacity and the capability to help. This is Dharma said Dadhici, and agreed to give his bone. 

He went on to say that he body is meant to serve. The most everlasting virtue is that a man grieves and rejoices in sympathy with the grief and joy of his fellow being. It is a pity if a mortal (human) does not serve others with his wealth, sons and other kinsmen and body, which actually belong to others.

Paropakarya phalanti vrksah

Paropakarya vahanti nadyah

Paropakarya duhanti gavah

Paropakarya satam vibhutayah

Meaning:

Tree produce fruits for others;

Rivers carry water for others; 

Cows give milk for others; 

Doing good for others is the true wealth of good people.

Vrtasur’s Heroic speech to the Demon Army

This death is sure to befall everyone that is born, wherever one may be and no means of avoiding it in this world has been devised. 

If therefore, heaven and fame can be had by it (by dying), who as a matter of fact would not court such a desirable death.

These two modes of death are approved by the scriptures and do not easily fall to one’s lot;

  - That who is devoted to the practice of Yoga should after controlling his vital airs and senses should caste off his body through deep concentration of mind on the absolute.

  - That who is placed in the forefront of battle, a man should give up his body on the battle field, taking care not to turn his back on the enemy.

Vrtasur to Indra (At the beginning of the battle)

1. Vrtasur presents the two scenarios, the first one is of him defeating Indra. The second is if Indra slays him. In case of being killed by Indra. He says he will offer his body to the birds and beasts and get free from the debts of Karma. He again and again mentions that this body, this life is meant for the service of others.

2. He encourages Indra by telling him that, victory stand on that side where Shri Hari is, and to add to this ascetiscim of Sage Dadhici is also with him, in the form of the Vajra (Dadhici’s bones)

‘Jako rakhe saiya,

maar sake na koi.

Baal na baka kar sake,

Jo jag beri hoye.’

3. Tells Indra don’t gloat if you win, and don’t pity me if I lose. What does the Lord give his devotee: Bhakto ki tau haar mai bhi jeeth hai.

  - The Lord does not bestow on his people who are devoted to him riches which are available in heaven, earth etc. As from the pleasure and riches follows hatred, fear, mental anguish, arrogance, discord, suffering and toil. 

  - The Lord frustrates the effort of his devotee to achieve the three objects of human pursuit. He takes away every material thing from him, and from such frustration is to be inferred the grace of the Lord. 

  - Note: The Grace of the Lord comes to those who having nothing to call their own. 

‘Jis ka koi nahin,

uska to khuda hai yaaro.

Mai nahin kehta,

Kitabo mai likha hai jaar.’

4. When caught in the ocean of Transmigration(re-birth):

  - Let there be my friendship with the devotees of the Lord.

  - Let him whose mind is attached to his body, offspring, wife and home, have no friendship with me.

Vrtasur to Indra (Last council to Indra)

This council can be summed up in these two shlokas, Indra is embarrassed and not sure of his victory, Vrtasur tells him don’t give up fight. It is not the end till the end, the battle is not lost till it is lost.

सुनहु भरत भावी प्रबल बिलखि कहेउ मुनिनाथ।

हानि लाभु जीवनु मरनु जसु अपजसु बिधि हाथ

Sunahu bharat bhavi prabal bilakhi kaheu muninath,

hani labhu jivan maranu jasu apajasu bidhi hath.

‪तुलसी नर का क्या बड़ा, समय बड़ा बलवान| ‬

‪भीलां लूटी गोपियाँ, वही अर्जुन वही बाण||‬

Tulsi naar ka kya bada, samay bada balvan.

Bhila loote gopika, wahi Arjun wahi baan.

The Lord alone in the form of time is responsible for victory and defeat. It is subject to his control that these worlds carry out their activities. We are just the puppets, mechanical toy or a roll of dice in the Lords hands. What a mistake we make to think of our incapable dependent self as capable of doing everything independently.

As we say we are not the Doers at all - Mai Karta nahin hu.

Like Rahimji said;

Dainhaar koi aur hai, bhejat hai din raine.

Log braham hum par kare, taase neeche nain.

This very thought should fill us with immense power, so far we were limited to our minuscule strength, suddenly then we realise that the power is vested with the one all powerful. It is not the end till the end. 

It opens up a world of possibilities. It stops the dissipation of energy and breaks the shackles of karma. This kind of a person acts in the world with non-diminishing energy, cause he is connected to the source. Or shall I say, it is the source at work, not that individual anymore.

Indra to Vrtasur (The last tribute)

When one has realised the above truth, as mentioned by Vrtasur to Indra, what more is left. Indra knew that this was no ordinary demon, he was one of the very few - Virla, who have solved the mysteries of the mysterious. Indra addresses with great respect Vrtasur by saying,

You have achieved the objective, the end of Maya and attained to the level of exalted souls. You have unflinching devotion to the Lord.

What use can he have for the shallow ditch-water, in the shape of heavenly and other trivial enjoyments, who sports in an ocean of nectar, blessed as he is to the devotion to the all mighty Shri Hari.

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Forty-Third, Fourth and Fifth Session

Bhagavata Shastha Skanda (Book Six)

Chapter 9 to 13

————————————

Krishna 

‘Krs’ means absolute existence, and ‘na’ signifies bliss or moksha - Absolute existence and bliss is Krishan 

————————————-

Vrtasurs appeal to the Lord - May this plea also echo from our heart, with every beat and every breath.

O Hari, if re-born, may I be born as a servant of those devotees who have solely taken refuge in your feet. Let my mind ponder and tongue celebrate you excellence, and let my body do your service alone.

O God, I crave only for you. 

I crave for neither the abode of Dhruv, which is placed above the heavens nor even the realms of Brahma nor the rule of the entire globe nor the lordship of the subterranean regions nor the super natural powers attained though yoga nor Liberation.

Just like the unfledged birds are eager to see the mother bird, young calves tormented with hunger seek the milk, and a beloved wife, depressed in spirit longs to see her husband. My mind O God is keen to behold you.

——————————————

Story (Indra, Brihaspati and Vrtasur.. continued)

Vishvarupa was very clever he had 3 faces and three mouths. While doing the yagnas he would put oblations not only for the Devtas, but for the Daityas and himself also. Indra found out and without any delay he lopped off the heads of Vishvarupa. He had the sin of killing a Brahmin in his hand, but later the earth, water, trees and women offered to take his sin, in return of a boon. Twasta, the father of Vishvarupa did a yagna and came out a fierce demon, who was indestructible and was created for the end of the Indra and the Devas. 

The Devas had to go into battle again, however, ones again they were without a Guru, the Daityas again raged a war, and again the Devas had to go into hiding. This time they prayed to Shri Hari, and he guided them to go and ask Sage Dhadhichi for his bone. The Sage who was selfless, gave his bones and Indra made a Vajra out of it. The devas and the Daityas again met in battle the all the demons ran aways in fear and then followed a fierce battle between Vrtasura and Indra. Indra defeated Vrtasura and destroyed him, and his soul went and merged into Shri Hari.

Now, again all the Devas rejoiced but, Indra was agonised as yet again he was faced with the sin of killing a Brahmana, that also the one who was born from the holy fire of a Yagna. Indra was horrified and was being chased by this great sin in the form of a Chandal woman. He escaped and hid himself in Manasa Lake, in the fibre of a Lotus stem for a thousand years.

In his absence, a king from the Mortal world, known as Nahusa enthroned Amravati. He developed a liking of Saci and wanted her to befriend him, she went to Brihaspati, who had finally come back, to seek advice. He advised her to tell him, that she would meet him only if he came in a palanquin borne by Brahmanas to saci’s palace. Binded by love, he made thé sapta rishies were carrythé palki .Hé was in a hurry to meet sachi. So hé kicked aghastya as hé was short and not fast enough to walk with others saying ' Sarpa Sarpa which means fast in sanskrit. So Aghastya curses him to become Sarpa or a python. (He was eventually redeemed by Yudistra in Dwapara)

Indra performed the Ashwamedha Yagna as directed by the Rishis and the huge mass of sin in the form of slaying of Vrtasur disappeared. Indra regained his purity and went back to Amravati to rule and lead the Devas. 

—————————————

Points to Ponder

Message of the Story:

The stories in our shastras are not mere stories. The message of the Upanishads are simplified and presented so that we can understand the deeper meanings. 

Not only this, when we read the scriptures every dialogue is packed with immense knowledge. Just like the Date tree is packed in one tiny seed, every word, every line of the Puranas, has the entire Veda securely imbedded. 

Lets try to decode what the above story is trying to tell us;

- Indra = Deva of action 

- Brihaspati = Vedas, Shastras, wisdom and Prudence

- Sukracharya = Power and cunning

- Devatas = Govern various Karma Indriya and Gyan Indriya 

- Daityas = Enticing joys of the material world

- Vishvarupa = Fickle monkey mind

- Dhadichi = Selfless Action with no doership

- Vrtrasur = Our deep rooted Vritis, which are an outcome of our Vasnanas (These thought could be good or bad)

- 365 days battle - Total focus 

We always say that there are 4 pursuits of human existence;

- Dharma

- Artha

- Kaam

- Moksha

One has to be established in Dharma and then go on with the pursuit of wealth, desire and if the acquisition wealth and fulfilment of desire is governed by Dharma, one will certainly achieve Moksha.

Indra is action, if it has the guidance of Brihaspati, who stands for the Vedas, Shastras, wisdom and Prudence. The action will be dharmic and keep ego at bay and humility intact.

When this companionship is broken, the Daityas (our lower tendencies, pleasure of the material world) in guidance of Sukracharya - power and cunningness over take our action.

At that time the actions become dominated by the mind (Vishvarupa) who is fickle and oscillates from one one desire to another. This kind of the mind should be stopped.

But, there is something even more destructive than the desires, it is our Vriti which is governed by our Vasanas (Vrtrasura). Selfless action, with complete surrender to the Lord (Dhadichi) and complete vigilance(365 days, 7*24) is the only way one can conquer this.

Also Note here: When we seek the guidance of various deities whom we feel are easier to please, our purpose will not be full served(Brahma). However, when we seek that one who is even beyond creation (Shri Hari) 

Dialogues quoted and pondered on:

The Beautiful Art of Enmity: Be a Loveable and Loving Enemy

Our shastras ooze honey. The only language we talk is Universal Love and Vasudaiva Kutambakam. In any situation this foundation of everything is but the manifestation of the same divine does not change. 

Hence, even in a situation of being faced with the worst of enemies, a ’Sanatan Dharmi’ has no room for Hatred. 

Kis se bandhu bair jagat mai,

Koi nahin paraya.

Haar maanav mai pratimbh lekar,

Ushi Brahm ki chaya.

You are one without a second. Not only Gods, Rishis and other being, even the Daityas and Danavas are your own glorious manifestations. 

Everything that happens is your will, and nothing happens without your wish. 

Having our own point of view and standing for it is alright. But, having a heart filled with hatred is wrong. 

Even if you have to be someones enemy, aspire to be a loving enemy, whose heart is free from hatred. 

What should one appreciate and what should one dislike?

Whom should one love and whom should one hate?

To the one who is established in the ‘Sat Cit Anand Swaroop’ the entire world is his Kutumbh.

Somebody asked Ramana Maharishi; ‘How should I be with others?’

Ramana Maharishi answered, ’There are no others.’

Knowing this as the the deepest truth - move around in the world.

Gods requesting Dadhici for his bones

The gods went and asked Dadhici as advised by Shri Hari, and Dadhici replied by saying;

The body is dearest object in this life, sought after by living being that are eager to survive. Who would have the courage to part with it even for Shri Hari.

To which the Gods spoke full of wisdom: Nothing is difficult for magnanimous souls like you, who are compassionate to all living beings.

- Selfish people do not realise the difficulty of a donor, if they knew it they would not ask of him.

- Donor too would not say No, when capable of granting their request. 

In other words, Never ask for anything from others unless and until it is absolutely necessary. Never refuse to give to the person who has asked help if we have the capacity and the capability to help. This is Dharma said Dadhici, and agreed to give his bone. 

He went on to say that he body is meant to serve. The most everlasting virtue is that a man grieves and rejoices in sympathy with the grief and joy of his fellow being. It is a pity if a mortal (human) does not serve others with his wealth, sons and other kinsmen and body, which actually belong to others.

Paropakarya phalanti vrksah

Paropakarya vahanti nadyah

Paropakarya duhanti gavah

Paropakarya satam vibhutayah

Meaning:

Tree produce fruits for others;

Rivers carry water for others; 

Cows give milk for others; 

Doing good for others is the true wealth of good people.

Vrtasur’s Heroic speech to the Demon Army

This death is sure to befall everyone that is born, wherever one may be and no means of avoiding it in this world has been devised. 

If therefore, heaven and fame can be had by it (by dying), who as a matter of fact would not court such a desirable death.

These two modes of death are approved by the scriptures and do not easily fall to one’s lot;

  - That who is devoted to the practice of Yoga should after controlling his vital airs and senses should caste off his body through deep concentration of mind on the absolute.

  - That who is placed in the forefront of battle, a man should give up his body on the battle field, taking care not to turn his back on the enemy.

Vrtasur to Indra (At the beginning of the battle)

1. Vrtasur presents the two scenarios, the first one is of him defeating Indra. The second is if Indra slays him. In case of being killed by Indra. He says he will offer his body to the birds and beasts and get free from the debts of Karma. He again and again mentions that this body, this life is meant for the service of others.

2. He encourages Indra by telling him that, victory stand on that side where Shri Hari is, and to add to this ascetiscim of Sage Dadhici is also with him, in the form of the Vajra (Dadhici’s bones)

‘Jako rakhe saiya,

maar sake na koi.

Baal na baka kar sake,

Jo jag beri hoye.’

3. Tells Indra don’t gloat if you win, and don’t pity me if I lose. What does the Lord give his devotee: Bhakto ki tau haar mai bhi jeeth hai.

  - The Lord does not bestow on his people who are devoted to him riches which are available in heaven, earth etc. As from the pleasure and riches follows hatred, fear, mental anguish, arrogance, discord, suffering and toil. 

  - The Lord frustrates the effort of his devotee to achieve the three objects of human pursuit. He takes away every material thing from him, and from such frustration is to be inferred the grace of the Lord. 

  - Note: The Grace of the Lord comes to those who having nothing to call their own. 

‘Jis ka koi nahin,

uska to khuda hai yaaro.

Mai nahin kehta,

Kitabo mai likha hai jaar.’

4. When caught in the ocean of Transmigration(re-birth):

  - Let there be my friendship with the devotees of the Lord.

  - Let him whose mind is attached to his body, offspring, wife and home, have no friendship with me.

Vrtasur to Indra (Last council to Indra)

This council can be summed up in these two shlokas, Indra is embarrassed and not sure of his victory, Vrtasur tells him don’t give up fight. It is not the end till the end, the battle is not lost till it is lost.

सुनहु भरत भावी प्रबल बिलखि कहेउ मुनिनाथ।

हानि लाभु जीवनु मरनु जसु अपजसु बिधि हाथ

Sunahu bharat bhavi prabal bilakhi kaheu muninath,

hani labhu jivan maranu jasu apajasu bidhi hath.

‪तुलसी नर का क्या बड़ा, समय बड़ा बलवान| ‬

‪भीलां लूटी गोपियाँ, वही अर्जुन वही बाण||‬

Tulsi naar ka kya bada, samay bada balvan.

Bhila loote gopika, wahi Arjun wahi baan.

The Lord alone in the form of time is responsible for victory and defeat. It is subject to his control that these worlds carry out their activities. We are just the puppets, mechanical toy or a roll of dice in the Lords hands. What a mistake we make to think of our incapable dependent self as capable of doing everything independently.

As we say we are not the Doers at all - Mai Karta nahin hu.

Like Rahimji said;

Dainhaar koi aur hai, bhejat hai din raine.

Log braham hum par kare, taase neeche nain.

This very thought should fill us with immense power, so far we were limited to our minuscule strength, suddenly then we realise that the power is vested with the one all powerful. It is not the end till the end. 

It opens up a world of possibilities. It stops the dissipation of energy and breaks the shackles of karma. This kind of a person acts in the world with non-diminishing energy, cause he is connected to the source. Or shall I say, it is the source at work, not that individual anymore.

Indra to Vrtasur (The last tribute)

When one has realised the above truth, as mentioned by Vrtasur to Indra, what more is left. Indra knew that this was no ordinary demon, he was one of the very few - Virla, who have solved the mysteries of the mysterious. Indra addresses with great respect Vrtasur by saying,

You have achieved the objective, the end of Maya and attained to the level of exalted souls. You have unflinching devotion to the Lord.

What use can he have for the shallow ditch-water, in the shape of heavenly and other trivial enjoyments, who sports in an ocean of nectar, blessed as he is to the devotion to the all mighty Shri Hari.

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Forty-Second Session

Bhagavata Shastha Skanda (Book Six)

Chapter 7 and 8

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Story 

Sukhdevji was detailing the way creation took place, and he went on to mention the sons of Diti and Aditi. Diti’s sons were the devas and Aditi’s sons were the Daityas. The guru of the Devas was Brihaspati and the guru of Daityas was Sukracharya. However, Brihaspati left the devas and so they had to ask Visvarupa - the son of Racana to become their preceptor. 

Pariksitji, stopped sukhtdevji to explain why would the deva’s guru leave them and they would have to ask their nephew who was part human, part deva and part daitya to become their guru. What action or situation could have caused this kind of an extreme outcome.

Sukhdevji, went on to explain that Indra was ones seated in Amravati, surrounded by all the other devas in his court. He was lost in self glory and his ego had taken over. At that very moment, Brihaspati walked in, inspite of seeing him come, neither did he get up to greet him, nor did he even look at him. 

Brihaspati quitely walked away back to his ashram. He could have cursed or reprimanded Indra, but chose not to and let time teach him his lesson. No soon then his guru left, senses dawned and he repented for what he had done and rushed to apologise. However, sensing that Indra would come, Brihaspati with the power of his Yoga disappeared. Indra and the others Devas tried very hard to find him, but to no avail.

In the mean time, the Daityas heard that, the Deva’s were without any guidance and support, so under the command of Sukracharya they attacked the Devas who were defeated and had to go into hiding. They sought guidance from Brahma, and he directed them to make Vishvrupa their priest and perform the Narayan Kavacham yagna. 

Under the guidance of Vishvarupa, who was requested to accept being their guru inspite of being nephew, they with proper procedure purified the self and invoked god with the help of Narayan Kavacam mantra. All protected they defeated the Daityas and regained control of Amravati.

Points to Ponder

Indra - How it works

If we look at it from the superficial point of view, we all know that it is easy for success to make way to our head. To lose manners when one is showered with success and power is nothing but obvious. A person who is down to earth and humble inspite of achieving the pinnacles of glory is considered ‘God’ in flesh and blood. 

So what happened to Indra, was nothing unusual or extraordinary, worldly success is heady and intoxication results in a person overstepping the boundary of dharma, decorum and decency. 

Indra’s power went to his head and he strayed from the path of righteousness and decorum. When ego takes over there is nowhere but down to go. 

So, how can one be careful and what needs to be done to keep ego at bay and humility up close.

If we look at the deeper meaning of the above story, we will get our answer. 

- Indra = Indriyas and action (He resides in the hands - refer to the chart attached for more details)

- Brihaspati = Vedas, Shastras, wisdom and Prudence

- Sukracharya = Power and cunning

We always say that there are 4 pursuits of human existence;

- Dharma

- Artha

- Kaam

- Moksha

One has to be established in Dharma and then go on with the pursuit of wealth, desire and if the acquisition wealth and fulfilment of desire is governed by Dharma, one will certainly achieve Moksha.

Indra is action, if it has the guidance of Brihaspati, who stands for the Vedas, Shastras, wisdom and Prudence. The action will be dharmic and keep ego at bay and humility intact.

When this companionship is broken, the Daityas (our lower tendencies) in guidance of Sukracharya - power and cunningness over take our action.

Purity Enhancement

The human body is very tamasic, it is composed bones, flesh, and skin, it is totally impure. It can be given a degree of divinity by establishing devas in all limbs and organs. But, before that the body needs to be purified. The mantras which are able to do this are;

- 8 word mantras - Om Namo Narayanaya 

- 12 word mantras - Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaya

- 6 word mantras - Om Visnave Namah 

The chanting of these mantra purifies, and makes way for the divine to enter. 

The same name can be heard by many people, but only in some the divine transformation happen, the rest claim to no change as a result of chanting. Why does this happen?

If a vessel is full till the brim with water, no amount of rain water can make it way in it. In the same way if a vessel is upside down, the water will not be able to enter. Only if the vessel is put up right and is emptied will the rain water make way into it and fill it to the brim.

Hence, the amount we are able to fill ourselves is only to the extent we have emptied ourselves of our ego. In yoga the instruction are to empty you lungs, and the right amount of air will find its way in while we inhale.

We also say Krishna and Mira also says Krishna - When she says Krishna, he comes running and when we say, why does not anything happen?

Try and say Krishna like Mira.

Narayan Shield

When a pure heart chants the Narayan Kavacha, Narayan himself guards him against all vices. When the name of God is imprinted in every cell, it is impossible for the daityas in the form of lower tendencies and untamed desires to shake one from his sat chid anand swaroop.

Such is the power of purity and such is the power of the armour of the the Lords Name.

‘Jako rakhe saiya,

maar sake na koi.

Baal na baka kar sake,

Jo jag beri hoye.’

Jai Shri Krishna🙏

Jai Hanuman🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Forty-First Session

Bhagavata Shastha Skanda (Book Six)

Chapter 4 to 6 

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Pariksit Requested:

The genesis of Gods and demons, human being and Nagas, beast and birds in the very first manvantar, covering 71 revolutions of the 4 yugas, presiding over by Swambhu Manu was described by you. I desire to know the details of it and with what power the supreme Lord evolved the supreme creation. (Book 3 dealt with creation)

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Story

When the 10 Pracetas sons of Pracinabarhi emerged from the Lake, they saw that the entire earth had been invaded by trees and they got very agitated and started destroying them. At that time Soma consoled them saying you are the ruler of all created being and it is not becoming of you to cause harm. Instead they were requested to marry the foster daughter of the tree. To them was born Dakhsa (He is different from the one who was created by Brahma himself in the first Manvantar)

Now, Daksha tried to create the world, through his mind, however this world was not sustainable and he was unable to make any tangible creation. Finally, he turned towards the Lord for guidance - he called out and praised the Lord. ‘Hamsauhya’ is the name of the hymn sung by him. Due to intense prayer and total surrender to the Lord, the divine appeared and guided him to give up the effort of mental creation and begin physical procreation. He married Askini (Panchajani, the daughter of Panchajana) and procreated with the union.

Daksha and Askini had 10 000 son, and these son were directed towards Narayanasara to do Tapa, to unable them to become cleansed from all impurities. They practiced severe austerities and developed renunciation and self knowledge, however were intent on going back as their father had put the intent to populate the world on them. At that moment Narad Muni saw them and talked to them and told them they were yet not suitable for creation and influenced them to give up worldly desires. This made them drop the resolve of procreation and seek the deeper truth. 

Daksha got this new and was very disheartened and had 1000 more sons and again instructed them to go to Narayanasara to do Tapa and come back to populate the world. However, this time again Nara Muni, talked to them and told them that to follow the path chalked by their brothers and hence, they also denunciated the world and went to the quest of the self.

Daksha, reprimanded Narad muni telling him that he had misguided his sons, they were unable to fulfil their duties and were not ready for the march towards self realisation. Daksha this time cursed Narad Muni and told him that he will not be able to stay in one place for more than a few seconds. Infact he said he will have not Halt as he wonders through the universe. Narad muni could have uttered counter curse, however he accepted the curse saying, ‘Very Well’.

Daksha later after being Pacified by Brahamji, had 60 daughters. The Descendants of these daughters filled on all sides the 3 worlds - Heaven, earth and the intermediate regions.

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Points to Ponder:

This session sees the divine dialogue between Dakha and the Lord Narayan. It also has the riddle of truth thrown by Narad Muni to the 10000 sons of Daksha. Will try to capture the some important points from each. 

Hamsauhya - Daskha Prayed

1. The one who takes the object of senses to be real, is unable to see the truth and the Lord is beyond his cognition.

2. This divine Lord lives as a friend within us.

3. The one who sees the world as only the visible universe and nothing beyond. Is unable to perceive the divine within.

4. God is infinite and unknowable.

5. Only a pure mind is able to feel the divine - A pure mind is one where the world of name and form does not exist.

6. Pure intellect is one where the Divine self remains and the self which is nothing but he ego disappears.

7. The divine is found in the joy of liberations, w hen maya has been totally negated.

8. He is also all names and forms

9. Words, intellect, senses and mind, can not be his true form

10. All that happens is nothing but Brahman

11. He is the ultimate cause of all causes

12. He is one without a second

13. Yoga where they talk of union and Sankya were there is no name an form, are both talking about the same God

14. He manifests in the form of pure sattva

‘May the Lord grant my wish, who thought dwelling in the body of all men as their formless inner controller, appears diversified in the form of different deities to people, according to their individual tendencies formed in their previous and according to the system of worship followed by them.’

‘Just as the air emits the fragrance of various kind when it comes in contact with different odours or appears dusty when the dust is transferred to it.’

Lord Talks 

The Lord describes himself as follows;

- Asceticism (contemplation and practice of Yama and Niyama) is my Heart

- Worship (muttering of prayer, Nyasa etc)is my Body as it gives a concrete shape to meditation and serves as a protective covering to it.

- Mental activity (that of making a mental image of the object to be meditated upon) is my exterior

- Sacrifice well performed are the various Parts of my body

- The merits resulting from such sacrifice is my Mind

- The Gods enjoying the share int he scarifies are my Vital Air

‘Brahma the creator, Lord Shiva - The source of the universe, Daksha, Manu, Indra and others are my manifestation.’

Narad Muni’s Riddle

‘Without knowing the country inhibited by the single person, the hole with no invisible outlet, the woman assuming different forms at will and even so the man who is the husband of a harlot, the river running both ways (both forward and backward), the wonderful house build of 25 materials, the swan at one place, which has a strange story to tell, and something exceptionally sharp and strong, indecent and revolving, and without having understood the command of your omniscient father, suitable for you, how will you proceed with he work of creation?’ 

Answer Attached - read and solve the riddle 

We have to ask ourselves;

- Are we fit to procreate?

- What Tapa have we done to purify ourself before taking the divine task of populating the world forward?

- Are we pure enough to have divine off springs?

- As we sow so shall we reap

- Is not, the mayhem that we see all around us our own creation?

Daksha - The duties 

Renunciation is not right and one is not qualified for it until;

- Till the 3 debts have been fulfilled;

  - The obligation to the Rishis by studying the Veda has been done.

  - The obligation to the Gods by the means of performing sacrifices has been achieved.

  - The obligation to the manes by the means of procreating and furthering the creation.

- Pondered on the uselessness of the worldly activities 

- Knowing the bitterness(painful consequences) of the pleasure of senses after tasting them 

- Disgust to the world should come from their own accord and experience

In other words, we should see here that our shastras show us the importance of every ashram. If every stage of the life and every ashram (Bhramacharya, Grihasta, Vanaprasta, Sanyasa) is lived by the decorum and rules laid by the shastras, each ashram will lead us towards the Lord.

However, it is also worth nothing here, that some people might not need to go though every stage/Ashrama. It all depends on the journey of that individual.

This is the beauty of our scripture, there is no room for rigidity, there are always various ways to achieve the same Lord. There is no right or wrong. In Daksha’s prayers, he ones says the Lord is formless and nameless and later also says he is all the forms and all the names. Daksha also says, that although the lord is one, he is worshipped in various ways, in various forms based on the tendencies and birth environment. 

Daksha’s anger - Beyond the selfish 

Daksha’s anger is truly justified. We all know how dearly fathers love their children, if ones child is directed towards sanyasa hell breaks loose. 

However, there is one very big difference in Daksha as a father and us. He well accepted the futility of the world, knew the ultimate goal is self realisation and that one has greater responsibilities beyond the family that needs to be addressed before one takes to monk hood.

On the contrary, the angry father of today, revels in worldly pleasure and does not himself understand the futility of the material world, the ultimate goal of life is never understood and the reason to hold the child back is selfish attachments and expectation, there is no greater good involved in their agenda to deter the child from monk hood.

Many a times we end up comparing our situation and reaction to it, with the elevate souls in the scriptures. Beware not to fool one self. 

Kaha Raja Bhoj, aur kha Gangu teli

Narad Muni - Accepted the Curse with Joy

Narad Muni, thanked Daksha that he was liberated by this curse. It was in fact a boon. He said Dakhsa had made him a virakta. He was free from all attachments - Had he not ben blessed, he would have made a hut or an ashram, gathered disciples and amassed material possessions. 

After all, ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss’.

He also shows us, that the more powerful and elevated one is, the more restrained and forgiving one becomes. He could have nullified the curse and retaliated, however he chose to accept and forgive the misbehaviour and move on.

60 daughters (Family Tree enclosed)

When we look how Daksha chose time and again how many and what gender of children to have. It is evident that our ancestors had the knowledge to chose the gender of the child. 

The more we read the scripture the more we realise that, the things we consider beyond our control, be it death or birth, is very much in control. As we remove the layers and move closer towards the divine self, the impossible becomes possible and controlled becomes the controller.

The Descendants of these daughters filled on all sides the 3 worlds - Heaven, earth and the intermediate regions.

The entire population was called Dakshayinee. Daksha means a skilful person who knows the principles of Dharma and controls his own mind and the world. All the people in this world are his daughter’s descendant and his as well.

To the one who is established in the ‘Sat Cit Anand Swaroop’ the entire world is his Kutumbh.

Vasudaiva Kutumbakam

Somebody asked Ramana Maharishi; ‘How should I be with others?’

Ramana Maharishi answered, ’There are no others.’

Knowing this as the the deepest truth - move around in the world.

Jai Shri Krishna 🙏

Jai Hanuman 🙏

Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana

Synopsis of the Fortieth Session

Bhagavata Shastha Skanda (Book Six)

Chapter 1 to 3 

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A portion of Book 5 (that we skipped for now) sees King Parikshit questioning Shri Shukhdevji Maharaj about the geographical conditions. It is made absolutely clear that all the descriptions given of islands, countries and continents, are not for the purpose of geographical or historic research. They are given to facilitate the ability to see God everywhere, and in all forms. All these descriptions establish that everything - from the inanimate to the animate, from a wisp of grass right up to Prakriti, and from and earth worm to Hiranyagarbha - is nothing but the form of the Lord. Meditating upon the description for the Lord removes the last strand of attachment and aversions.

All the apparent difference around us - the difference between man and women, between religious sects, between Indian and Non-Indian, between the vedic and the other philosophies, between the Shaivas and the Shaktas etc. etc. are not real differences. They are hammers which shatter our heart. So, the geographical and astronomical descriptions have the specific pulse of mending our heart and making it whole again. 

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Book 6 talks about ‘Poshan - nurturing’. What are we nurturing here, we are nurturing the state of being established in the Self - Our Sat Chid Anand Swaroop. The entire journey is to know the true self 

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Story:

Ajamil promised that he will mend his ways and never do anything horrible and evil again. He got a second chance to atone for his sins and he was very grateful to God. He left everything and started wondering around and spent a lot of time in the company of pious holy sages. Soon he was also fully purified and did lot of prayer and Tapa and went to Vaikuth Dham.

Now, the Yama dooths, that is the messenger of Yama were very confused. They came back and told Yamraj everything that had happened. They requested Yama Raj to clear 2 major doubts. They asked;

- Who is the Lord of the universe, who decides who should be taken to hell and who should not be taken to hell?

- How do we decide who to take to hell and which hell should we take them to?

To which Yamaraj decide to shed some knowledge and help his dear messengers.

He answered that, I am not the Lord of the universe, Shri Hari is the only Lord of the universe and he is the one who has all the power. 

To the second question, he answered saying that the Vedas tell us what is Dharma and what is adharma. They also tell us what what is the atonement, based on what sin is committed. 

However, every sin becomes null and void if a person takes the name of the Lord. The person who has taken the name of the Lord even once (focused in thought, word and deed) should not be approached by the messengers of Yama. 

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Points to Ponder:

Power of Hari Naam - Naam Ki Mahima -Kaliyug Mai Hari naam Aadhar

‘Sat Chit Anand Swaroop ki Stithi mai Rehne ka Poshan hai Hari Naam’

We need to know the scriptures well to walk the path of Dharma described by them. We also need to know all our past life sins to atone for them completely. However, these two are very difficult methods.

So, an easy solution to this big problem - Take the Hari Naam, which is able to remove all the sins from the very root.

The manual

All machines come with manuals, we read the manuals before we operate them. However, this complex machine called ‘human’ is used without any guidance. The scriptures are the ‘Manuals for Humans’. The sooner we ‘Understand’ them, the better the type of life we will lead and better directed our pursuits will be.

Bhisma Story

Why Bhishma Pitamah was suffering this punishment even when he had not committed any sin during past 72 birth lives (Great Bhishma could peep into his past lives through Samadhi). Lord Krishna replied, that he committed a folly in past 73rd life birth when he inflicted injuries to insects by piercing thorns / needles into their bodies. Those thorns have now appeared as bed of arrows for you. Your sinful Karma remained dormant as you were a pious person throughout theses lives but since you have now become a party to Adharma of Duryodhana, the sanchit evil Karma’s of 73rd life has ripened now. 

So, if a person has done good Karmas in past lives, he/she gets a good life in future births & if he/she has done bad karmas in past lives then that person has to suffer bad fruit of those bad Karmas. So it is generally said that we should do good Karmas only. So Bhishma Pitamah had to suffer the pangs on the bed of arrows in battlefield before attaining final beatitude and redemption to Vaikuntha Loka.

Power of the Name

There was ones an atheist who was adamant about never taking the Lord’s Name. He had a friend who loved the name Ram. The friend pleaded with him just to take the name of the Lord once, but he man refused. One day the friend caught him and threatened him to take Ram’s Name. The man defiantly said, No, I will not take the name of Ram. The friend let him go and said, Thank you, you just did.

Now, this man lived a sinful life and when he died, Yamaraj’s dooths took his soul, and were trying to figure out if he had ever done anything good. They saw in their record that he had taken Lord Rams name once. What is the benefit of this they wondered. Yama raj also did not know what is the benefit of taking the Lord’s name ones. They decided to go and ask Lord Brahma. Bhramaji said he did not know either. He suggested going to Lord Shiva to ask. Lord Shiva said he too did not know. So they all started to proceed to Lord Hari’s abode.

The man who was frustrated and tired by then insisted, you people are making me run around, shuttling from here to there. Now I am too tired and will not move from here. They all said very well, you sit on a palanquin and we will carry you there.

They seated him in the palanquin and began their journey. Lord Hari saw from a distance that Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Yamaraja were bringing someone in a palanquin, and thought this must be some great person. Lord Hari himself rushed out and asked, who is in the Palanquin.

Bhramaji said, you tell us, this man took your name only once in his life what reward should he get for this.

Lord replied, is it not reward enough that he was carried in a palanquin by none other than Brahma, Shivji and Yamaraj and that I came running to meet him.

This is what happens when you chant the Lords name even once.

Ram se Bada Ram ka Naam

After Ramji came back from exile, he had invited the kings from various kingdoms to come Ayodhya and discuss the rule of Dharma. One of the Kings was Raja Rajkuvar. When he was entering the palace he met Narad Muni, who advised him not to do Prenam to Vishvamitra and this king followed. This enraged Vishvamitra and he ordered Ram to kill this king before the sun sets the next day.

This king ran to Narad muni and wept, Narad muni said don’t worry go seek refuge with Anjani Ma. He ran to Ma Anjani and she promised that her Son Hanuman would protect him. When Hanumanji came home he promised his mother to do so. But, the the king told him again whom he had to protect, Hanumanji started shivering. In his dreams also he could not fight his Lord Ram. However, as the promise was made, the word had to be kept. 

The next day, Hanumanji was ready, as Ramji apporached, he asked the king to start singing, and Hanumaji himself took a small form and hide behind the king’s ear.

- When Ramji came with Ram Baandh - The King started singing - Raghupati raghav Raja Ram. Ramji saw that he was his devotee so turned back.

Vishvamitra got upset and Ramji head back to kill the King

- This time Ramji came with Shakti Baandh - The King on being prompted by Hanumanji started - Sitaram Sitaram… Ramji turned back, how could he kill Ma Sita’s devotee.

Vishvamitra got upset and Ramji head back to kill the King

- This time Ramji came with Pralay Baandh - The King started singing Ram Laxman Janki Jai bolo HANUMAN ki. He started jumping and saying Jai Hanuman Jai Hanuman.

This time Ramji put down his bow and said no one can touch My Hanuman’s Devotee, I will protect him.

At that time the ministers, Ramji’s brothers, Vasishta and Vishvamitra all were present and Narad muni came and said Visvamitra, take back your words, forgive the King, as your Ram is going to Lose. 

Ram does not have the strength that his name has. The battle is between Ram and Ram Naam, and Ram will surely Lose. 

That ocean that Ramji could not cross without a bridge, was crossed in one jump by hanuman by taking Ramji’s name. 

Ram se Baada Ram ka naam.

Vishvamitra shouted out and said, stop Ram I forgive the King. Hanumanji jumped out from behind the ear and fell at Ramji’s feet.

There is nothing bigger than the name of Lord. 

“Bolo Ram Ram Ram tere banenge bigde kaam, aanth mai nikla, aaakhir nikla, aanth mai nikla yeh parinam, yeh parinam..

Ram se baada Ram ka Naam.

Lord’s Grace

The blessing are not handed out keeping with the receiver’s action, they are showered in keeping with the nature of the bestower. This is the Dharma of the Bhagwat, and the Lord himself takes this practice for the benefit of all creatures.

Hari Naam Aadhar

No external force can succeed in cleansing the heart. So, seek the means within yourself. The one who is seated with in the the purest of the pure. So bring him who is already there, into your conscious awareness, and start to serve all, with the feeling of serving him. This will defiantly purify your heart.

The Lord is the one who uplifts the fallen, purifies the impure and raises the lowly. He also liberates those who are headed fro hell. This is the Godliness fo God. The greatest purity is, therefore, that our lives be filled with Bhakti.

Jai Shri Krishna🙏

Jai Hanuman🙏