INTRODUCTION
CANTO -7
स्कन्ध: - ७
Canto -7 (स्कन्ध: - ७ ) desribes the fourth quality or lakshana (लक्षण )
of this puranam - which is ऊतय: - कर्म वासना:
The description and commentary of Sridharacharya is reproduced below:
CANTO -7
स्कन्ध: - ७
Canto -7 (स्कन्ध: - ७ ) desribes the fourth quality or lakshana (लक्षण )
of this puranam - which is ऊतय: - कर्म वासना:
The description and commentary of Sridharacharya is reproduced below:
The ऊतय: are said to be कर्म वासना: meaning that the effects of the actions determine the effects of his quality in a person's life. They may be classified as auspicious or inauspicious. The auspicious are those conferred on an individual by the Grace of Hari. The inauspicious effects are those arising out of the actions by an individual driven by his uncontrollable anger.
How Jaya and Vijaya - the gate keepers in Vaikunta and the residents there entangled themselves into inauspicious effects by their actions and incurring the anger of 4 SanthKumara Rishis.But on the contrary Prahlada although born in a demonic race was conferred with the auspicious effects of his karma through the teachings of Narada Maharishi.
The central theme of this Canto is that Hari protects always His devotees even when they hate Him due to some fallacy but they remember Him always. The jiva should always make efforts to get the Grace of Hari. This is the teaching and message to every body.
Sri Giridhara Goswami in his commentary says that there are 3 prakaranas in this Canto-6.
1) First 5 chapters for inauspicious - असद्वासना meaning that Jaya and Vijaya incurred the wrath of Sanakadi Rishis and were cursed by them
2) NEXT 5 chapters for the auspicious- सद्वासना - meaning that Prahlada had the benefit of initiation of Bhakthi by Narada and became the foremost among Hari Bhakthas (devotees)
3) LAST 5 chapters are the mixed effects of both auspicious and inauspicious- असद्वासना & सद्वासना
Sri Giridhara Goswami in his commentary says that there are 3 prakaranas in this Canto-6.
1) First 5 chapters for inauspicious - असद्वासना meaning that Jaya and Vijaya incurred the wrath of Sanakadi Rishis and were cursed by them
2) NEXT 5 chapters for the auspicious- सद्वासना - meaning that Prahlada had the benefit of initiation of Bhakthi by Narada and became the foremost among Hari Bhakthas (devotees)
3) LAST 5 chapters are the mixed effects of both auspicious and inauspicious- असद्वासना & सद्वासना
1
पृष्टः कार्ष्णिरुवाच - "नो विषमता विष्णोर्न यो निर्घृणो;
देवर्ष्यादिजयाजयौ च भवतः सत्वादिवृद्धेः क्रमात्,।
एतत् पाण्डुसुतस्य यज्ञसदसि श्रीनारदोक्तं श्रृणु
श्रीकृष्णस्य निरन्तरस्मरणतो सर्वस्य मुक्तिर्भवेत्।।
Meaning: Suka Maharishi in reply to the questios asked by Parikshit replied -" Sri Maha Vishnu is never partial to any body. He does not act with mercy on some and with enmity with some.It is only because of the satva, rajo and tama gunas , the jivas are being guided by their intellect and the devas, rishis,and men experience either victory or defeat"Yudhishtira when he was performing the Rajasuya sacrifice ,Narada told that by constantly remembering Hari (Krishna ) anyone can get mukthi or liberation.
Commentary: After hearing that Indra killed Vishvarupa and Vritrasura and other demons with the help of Vishnu,and Dithi became angry thereby, Parikshit asked Shuka Rishi as to how Hari to whom everybody is equal and who has no friend or foe could act in a partial manner to Indra by helping him and what benefits were derived by Him. Shuka replied that for Hari everybody is equal in His eyes. He never acts partial to some and inimical to some.It is because of the three material qualities-satva,rajo and tamo gunas , jivas only get influenced by them and not Hari who is Nirguna.When satva guna is predominant Rishis flourish, by rajo guna-the demons and by tamaguna yakshas and rakshasas.While Hari is everybody's heart he is never partial. Due to the predomonance of the three gunas , all jivas do acts -karma and get influenced by them.
During the performance of Rajasuya sacrifice by Yudhishtira , Shishupala , in spite of his enmity towards Krishna and scolding Hari with harsh language attained Sayujya with Hari. Seeing this Yudhishtira asked Narada who was presnt there as to how a person devoid of Bhakthi in the form of love towards Vishnu could get liberation.Narada replied"that praise or blasphemy,honour or dishonour are experienced by the body due to ignorance. Therefore if one fixes his mind on Hari either by enmity or by bhakthi ,by fear or with affection, or by lusty desire , the result is the same. Hari who dwells in all jivas is never affected by enmity or friendship.Even through Bhakthi one can not achieve such an intense concentration or absorption in thoughts as one who has enmity will be able to do. Many, many people have attained liberation simply by thinking of Krishna always and giving up their sinful activities.This type of intense devotion may be due to fear,enmity, or lusty desires, affection bhakthi or friendship either due to one of them or all of them. " Then Narada proceeded to narrate the episode wherein Jaya and Vijaya who were the followers of Vishnu and the gatekeepers in Vaikunta happened to be cursed by Sanakadi (4) Rishies as they misbehaved with the deotees in the form of Rishis.As they were cursed by the Rishis to be born as demons they took births as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu in their first birth as demons.Hiranyakshs was killed by Hari in the incarnation as YagnaVaraha. Hiranyakashipu was killed by the incarnation as Narasimha. In their second cycle of birtha as demons Ravana and Kumbhakarna, they were killed in the incarnation of Hari as Rama (son of Dasharatha). In the third cycle of births they were born as Shishupala and Dantavakra and they were killed by Krishna. As their fixed cycles of three births as demons were over they got liberated.. While explaining about Hiranyakashipu Narada told that Hiranyakashipu tortured his son Prahlada, who was the most devoted to Vishnu and tried to kill his own son in the process. Yudhishtira raised a doubt as to how a father could have enmity towards his own son in stead of being affectionate towards him,And also requested Narada as to how Prahlada could develop intense devotion to Vishnu.
Then Narada proceeded to narrate the Prahlada Charitram which is the central theme of this Canto.
2
श्रुत्वा भ्रातृवधं हिरण्यकशिपुः क्रुद्धः प्रतिज्ञां सद-
स्यातेने "हरिरक्ततश्च सहजं सन्तर्पयिष्ये भृशं'।
अंबां प्राह सहस्नुषां च तनयान्' मोघेन दुःखेन किं?
वीरस्वर्गमियाय मे च सहजो; जातो मृतः स्या'दिति।।
Meaning: Hiranyakashipu after hearing about the death of his brother Hiranyaksha by Hari incrnating as Varaha became extremely angry . He undertook a vow in the presence of all demons - I will satisfy my dead brother with the blood of Hari. In other terms he wanted to avenge the death of his brother in retaliation by killing Hari.He told his mother Dithi and the wife of his brother Rushabhanu and her sons that there was no useful purpose of grieving over Hiranyaksha's death . Hiranyaksha had attained the position of veera svarga- where people go after death in a battle with valour.And another reason for not grieving over anybody's death is that death is certain for the jivas who are born and after death rebirth also is certain.
Commentary : In order to convice others about the futility of grieving over Hiranyaksha's death, Hiranyakashipu narrated an incident which took place earlier. In a country called Ushinara there was a king by name Suyagna. When he was killed in a battle all his wives and other relatives assembled at the place where his dead body lay and were grieving his death and very much overtaken by sorrow.Then Yama-the God of Death appeared in the form of an young boy and taught all of them about how those born on the earth are bound to die and nobody can alter this truth. Realising that all beings are transient or impermanent in this world all the wives and relatives of the dead king left the act of grieving over his death. After advising all of them Yama disappeared. After hearing this story Dithi and others also stopped grieving over Hiranyaksha's death and directed thei minds to the eternal truth- called Tatva.
As he was angry with Hari, Hiranyakashipu asked all the demons to destroy Dharma- as it was Hari's strength. So he directed them to destroy where rishis were doing penance ana all the sacrifices,places where Vedas were being studied, where vrathas and danas (donations ) were taking place . So he tortured all brahmins, cows
and all rishis etc.
As he was angry with Hari, Hiranyakashipu asked all the demons to destroy Dharma- as it was Hari's strength. So he directed them to destroy where rishis were doing penance ana all the sacrifices,places where Vedas were being studied, where vrathas and danas (donations ) were taking place . So he tortured all brahmins, cows
and all rishis etc.
3
गत्वा मन्दरपर्वतं स दितिजो घोरं तपस्तप्तवान्;
लोकास्तेन चकम्पिरे; कमलजं दृष्ट्वा पुरः सोƒब्रावीत्-।
मृत्युर्माƒस्तु ममासुरैः सुरनरैस्तिर्यग्भिरन्तर्बहि-
र्भूमौ वा दिवि चायुधैरथ भवेत् सर्वाधिपत्यं प्रभो!।।
Meaning: Hiranyakashipu desired that he should become unconquerable by any body, immortal from old age and dwindling of the body,himself to be without any opponent or rival , to be the one and only king of the entire universe up to Brahmaloka. With this objective he went to the Mandara mountain and did penance by standing on one leg and with his toes only resting on ground - a very difficult position. But he was determined to do penance in that position to attain perfection. The severity of his penance was so much that all the worlds trembled and the entire universe could not bear the severity of his penance. Scorched and tormented thereby, all devas went to Brahma and appealed to him to take remedial measures to make Hiranyakashipu to stop his penance.
So Brahma appeared before him and was surprised to see his emaciated body due to severe penance undertaken by the demon. Hiranyakashipu offered his respects and prayed to Brahma. Brahma on his part praised him for the severity of his penance and made him young and strong by sprinkling holy water from his Kamandalam.When Brahma asked him to ask for a boon , HIranyakashipu asked for a boon that -Hiranyakashipu should not meet his death from any living beings created by Brahma,nor die inside his residence or outside of it, either during day time or at the night , neither in the ground or in the sky,nor by any weapon , by any human being or animal nor by the devas or asuras, and that he should not meet his death by any being other than created by you , nor by any snake , nor by any being that has no life or having life and that he should have no rival and should have lordship or control over the entire universe. This means that virtually he thought that he would be immortal. Brahma felt that such a boon is very rarely obtained..
Meaning: Hiranyakashipu desired that he should become unconquerable by any body, immortal from old age and dwindling of the body,himself to be without any opponent or rival , to be the one and only king of the entire universe up to Brahmaloka. With this objective he went to the Mandara mountain and did penance by standing on one leg and with his toes only resting on ground - a very difficult position. But he was determined to do penance in that position to attain perfection. The severity of his penance was so much that all the worlds trembled and the entire universe could not bear the severity of his penance. Scorched and tormented thereby, all devas went to Brahma and appealed to him to take remedial measures to make Hiranyakashipu to stop his penance.
So Brahma appeared before him and was surprised to see his emaciated body due to severe penance undertaken by the demon. Hiranyakashipu offered his respects and prayed to Brahma. Brahma on his part praised him for the severity of his penance and made him young and strong by sprinkling holy water from his Kamandalam.When Brahma asked him to ask for a boon , HIranyakashipu asked for a boon that -Hiranyakashipu should not meet his death from any living beings created by Brahma,nor die inside his residence or outside of it, either during day time or at the night , neither in the ground or in the sky,nor by any weapon , by any human being or animal nor by the devas or asuras, and that he should not meet his death by any being other than created by you , nor by any snake , nor by any being that has no life or having life and that he should have no rival and should have lordship or control over the entire universe. This means that virtually he thought that he would be immortal. Brahma felt that such a boon is very rarely obtained..
4
एवं लब्धवरो दिशश्च विदिशो जित्वा त्रिलोकाधिपो
माहेन्द्रं पदमध्युवास मुनिभिः सिद्धादिभिश्च स्तुतः।
विष्णुं हन्तुमियेष चास्य तनयः प्रह्लाद उच्चैर्गृणन्
ध्यायन् श्रीहरिमिद्धभक्तिरसिकः सच्चित्तमानन्दयत्।।
Meaning:Brahma on hearing of the requirements of his boon told him that although such a boon were difficult for men to get yet He would grant them . Hiranyakashipu after getting such a type of boon conquered all the directions and the three worlds and brought everybody under his control. He became a mahendra. and all the sages and sidhdhas started praising him. He wanted to kill Vishnu. But his son Prahlada developed such an intense devotion to Vishnu that he was immersed in singing in a loud voice the glory of Vishnu, meditating on Him. With such a superior devotion growing and increasing day by day all the sages and pious and virtuous people were elated by seeing Prahlada.
Commentary:Narada told Yudhishtira that Hiranyakashipu after getting the boon from Brahma conquered all the three worlds and brought everybody under his control. He went to the paradise and occupied it and enjoyed all the luxury there.. However he was dissatisfied as he could not control his senses.. He became so proud and transgressed all the Dharma Shastras ( moral laws and codes). Thus a long time passed after the curse of Sanakadi Rishies. As all the rulers of the directions (lokapalas ) could bear no more his torture and harassments they surrendered themselves to Hari. Hari through a voice without form that He was aware of the atrocities of Hiranyakashipu and at an appropriate time He would kill him when Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill Prahlada-his son who was His devotee and a mahatma.
Prahlada , on the other hand,developed such a intense devotion to Hari in that he immersed himself in singing His glory meditating His form and associating himself with sages and devotees of Vishnu. He forgot any other thing than this. To such a pure devotee like Prahlada Hiranyakashipu tormented him although he was his son.
5
ज्ञातज्ञेयः स बालो हरिविमुखगुरुप्रोक्तविद्याश्च श्रृण्वन्
पृष्टः पित्राƒƒह - "लब्धा जनक! नवविधा विष्णुभक्तिर्गुरोर्मे'।
इत्युक्तः पुत्रहत्योद्यमविफलतया चेद्धकोपान्धचित्तो
दैत्येन्द्रः पाशिपाशैः सुतमरुण;दयं चाह बालान् सतीर्थ्यान्।।
Meaning: Prahlada learnt every thing whatever had to be learnt and also listened to what his teachers taught him-which was against Hari.When once, Hiranyakashipu asked Prahlada as to what was the best lesson that he had studied under the advice of his teachers, replied that the nine ( 9 ) modes of devotion ( Bhakthi ) towards Vishnu is the best lesson that he had learnt among all the lessons he had learnt so far. On hearing this, the anger of Hiranyakashipu knew no bounds and he tried his best to kill his own son by adopting various methods to kill him. But all his efforts went in vain. On the advise of his Guru's sons Hiranyakashipu bond Prahlada by the ropes called Varunapasha. Then Prahlada taught his classmates and the children of demons thus.
Commentary: Prior to sending his son Prahlada to the school (Gurukula) Hiranyakashipu asked his son the lesson he had learnt from his teacher. Prahlada replied that any person who had accepted a temporary body and household life was always tormented by anxiety ,which was similar to one who had fallen in a dark well without water but only sufferings , should go to the forest and take refuge in Hari. On hearing this he became angry and questioned the teachers by names Chanda and Arka-the sons of Shukracharya (who was away then ) as to why they had not taught proper lessons to his son. They replied that it was by nature Prahlada had learnt what he said and that they did not teach him such lessons. He entrusted his son Prahlada once again to them and asked them to teach what was necessary for house holders. When the teachers tried hard to teach Prahlada the lessons other than Hari Bhakthi both by calm methods and by punishing him also, Prahlada learnt all what was taught to him. When the teachers presented Prahlada once again before Hiranyakashipu, the demon asked him the same question as to the best lesson he had learnt from his teachers so far. But Prahlada replied that the best lesson he had learnt so far is to practise the NINE MODES OR FORMS OF BHAKTHI TOWARDS HARI. Prahlada's description of the nine modes of Bhakthi as in verses 23 and 24 of chapter 5 is reproduced.
Meaning: Hearing and chanting the names of Vishnu, meditating on His form, serving His lotus feet , offering flowers at his feet with 16 forms of puja or worship,becoming His servant, Considering Him as the best friend,and surrendering to Him totally (offering or serving Him with, body, mind and by words) - are the 9 modes of Bhakthi is the best lesson I had learnt so far.And the one who has dedicated his life with these nine forms of devotion to Him is considered to be the most learned person for the reason that he has acquired the complete knowledge.
On hearing this , Hiranyakashipu became blind with uncontrollable anger and chided the teachers. When the teachers replied that they never taught such lessons and Prahlada had learnt these by himself, Hiranyakashipu, unable to tolerate Prahlada further attempted to kill him by employing various methods-piercing his body with tridents,trampling him under the feet of big elephants, rolling him down from the top of high mountains, by administering poison drowning him in water, by burning him etc. As Prahlada was in deep meditation on the form of Hari when he was subjected to all these cruel methods, he did not experience any suffering nor his body suffered any damage. As all his efforts went in vain in attempting to kill his son , the demon under the advice of the teachers tied Prahlada with ropes known as- Varuna Pasha and sent him to the teachers back with instructions to teach him the science fit for leading the worldly life till such time his preceptor or guru Shukracharya returned. When the teachers were away on some work. Prahlada advised his colleague students (sons of other demons ) out of mercy and compassion towards them.
The perfect examples or role models for these nine forms of devotion is given in Prabodhachandra Tika and is reproduced below:
Meaning: Prahlada learnt every thing whatever had to be learnt and also listened to what his teachers taught him-which was against Hari.When once, Hiranyakashipu asked Prahlada as to what was the best lesson that he had studied under the advice of his teachers, replied that the nine ( 9 ) modes of devotion ( Bhakthi ) towards Vishnu is the best lesson that he had learnt among all the lessons he had learnt so far. On hearing this, the anger of Hiranyakashipu knew no bounds and he tried his best to kill his own son by adopting various methods to kill him. But all his efforts went in vain. On the advise of his Guru's sons Hiranyakashipu bond Prahlada by the ropes called Varunapasha. Then Prahlada taught his classmates and the children of demons thus.
Commentary: Prior to sending his son Prahlada to the school (Gurukula) Hiranyakashipu asked his son the lesson he had learnt from his teacher. Prahlada replied that any person who had accepted a temporary body and household life was always tormented by anxiety ,which was similar to one who had fallen in a dark well without water but only sufferings , should go to the forest and take refuge in Hari. On hearing this he became angry and questioned the teachers by names Chanda and Arka-the sons of Shukracharya (who was away then ) as to why they had not taught proper lessons to his son. They replied that it was by nature Prahlada had learnt what he said and that they did not teach him such lessons. He entrusted his son Prahlada once again to them and asked them to teach what was necessary for house holders. When the teachers tried hard to teach Prahlada the lessons other than Hari Bhakthi both by calm methods and by punishing him also, Prahlada learnt all what was taught to him. When the teachers presented Prahlada once again before Hiranyakashipu, the demon asked him the same question as to the best lesson he had learnt from his teachers so far. But Prahlada replied that the best lesson he had learnt so far is to practise the NINE MODES OR FORMS OF BHAKTHI TOWARDS HARI. Prahlada's description of the nine modes of Bhakthi as in verses 23 and 24 of chapter 5 is reproduced.
Meaning: Hearing and chanting the names of Vishnu, meditating on His form, serving His lotus feet , offering flowers at his feet with 16 forms of puja or worship,becoming His servant, Considering Him as the best friend,and surrendering to Him totally (offering or serving Him with, body, mind and by words) - are the 9 modes of Bhakthi is the best lesson I had learnt so far.And the one who has dedicated his life with these nine forms of devotion to Him is considered to be the most learned person for the reason that he has acquired the complete knowledge.
On hearing this , Hiranyakashipu became blind with uncontrollable anger and chided the teachers. When the teachers replied that they never taught such lessons and Prahlada had learnt these by himself, Hiranyakashipu, unable to tolerate Prahlada further attempted to kill him by employing various methods-piercing his body with tridents,trampling him under the feet of big elephants, rolling him down from the top of high mountains, by administering poison drowning him in water, by burning him etc. As Prahlada was in deep meditation on the form of Hari when he was subjected to all these cruel methods, he did not experience any suffering nor his body suffered any damage. As all his efforts went in vain in attempting to kill his son , the demon under the advice of the teachers tied Prahlada with ropes known as- Varuna Pasha and sent him to the teachers back with instructions to teach him the science fit for leading the worldly life till such time his preceptor or guru Shukracharya returned. When the teachers were away on some work. Prahlada advised his colleague students (sons of other demons ) out of mercy and compassion towards them.
The perfect examples or role models for these nine forms of devotion is given in Prabodhachandra Tika and is reproduced below:
श्रीविष्णो: श्रवणॆ परीक्षिदभवत् ,वैयासकि: कीर्तने
प्रह्लाद: स्मरणे तदन्ङ्घ्रिभजने,लक्ष्मी: पृथु पूजनॆ ।
अक्रूरस्तु अभिवन्दने हनूमान् ,दास्येन सख्येऽर्जुन:
सर्वस्तात्मनिवेदने बलिरभूत् ,कैवल्यमेषां परम् ॥
( तस्मान्नात्मनिवेदने च सत्ततं ,राज्यम्बरीषो महान् ॥ )
( प्रबोधचन्द्र टीका )
The examples for each form is- Parikshit for Shravana, Shuka for Kirtana, Prahlada for Smarana, Lakshmi for Padasevanam, Prithu for offering puja, for prostrating Akrura. for service to His feet-Hanuman, Arjuna for friendship, for Atmanivedana (total surrender or sharanagathi ) either Bali or Ambarisha
6
""जन्मैतन्मानुषं नो सुलभमिह सुखं लभ्यते कर्मतो वा
दुःखं; कौमारकाले चरत शुभधियो वैष्णवानेव धर्मान्,।
जित्वा चित्तेन्द्रियाणि स्मरत हरिपदं सौहृदं भूतजाले
कुर्वन्तस्तत्प्रसादात् करगतमखिलं स्यादिदं नारदोक्तम्।।
Meaning: Prahlada advised his co-students or vidhyarthis as - " Human birth is very rare and an opportunity got thus should not be lost. It is according to the actions done by the jivas they get happiness or sorrow in their present births. All of you with a pure mind practise the Vaishnava Dharma (the service to Vishnu as in above verse 5 ). Please develop compassion towards all beings in this world. By controlling all your senses and devoting yourselves to Hari in all forms -by body ,mind and words ) and medtate His feet.In case all of you are able to get His Grace ( Anugraha ) , you would have got every thing ,( meaning that you could get liberation ).
This is what Narada Maharishi taught me"
Commentary: Devoloping Bhakthi and contolling of senses from the early childhood is comparatively easy. So Prahlada asked all the children to devlop this from the childhood itself.He also instructed hem to abandon the tamasic traits of demons and develop satvika qualities in them.This could be possible only by practising Vaishnava or Bhagavatha Dharma ( Science for developing devotion). And such practice is very easy. Compassion to fellow beings is a requirement for Bhakthi . This is against the nature of demons. Prahlada taught them the traits quite opposite to that of asuric nature.
7
रायः पुत्राः कलत्रं च न ददति सुखं; नश्वरं सर्वमेत-
न्नित्यः क्षेत्रज्ञ आत्मा हरिरुरुकरुणः सर्वभूताधिवासः;।
नूनं स्त्रीयक्षरक्षःखगमृगदितिजा मुक्तिमापुर्; मुकुन्दः
प्रीयेताव्याजभक्त्या, हरिभजनरतः स्वस्तिमान् स्याद् यथाहम्।।
Meaning: Wealth,sons, wife - all these do not give happiness to any body.These being impermanent ,they do not keep anybody in a happy state permanently. Khshetrangya, Paramatma. and Hari who dwells in all beings and a compassioate to all- He is only a permanent entity. Women, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Birds, Animals and Demons - all these living beings had attained liberation- mukthi with pure and total devotion to Hari, who is pleased with such pure devotion. With such total devotion- Bhakthi only and by constantly worshipping Hari , I have got all the welfare and blessings and well off "- so, said Prahlada to all the children who had assembled to hear him.
Commentary: In the end of last chapter 6 of the Purana,the children of the demons asked Prahlada as to how he could associate with Narada being a demon and confined to the interior of the palace. Prahlada explained to them that when Hiranyakashipu went for the penance, Indra and other devas taking advantage of his absence waged a war on demons and defeated them As the demons were fleeing , Indra caught hold of Kayadhu -Prahlada's mother who was pregnant and taking her forcibly to kill her Narada met Indra on the way and asked Indra to leave her. Indra released her on being convinced by Narada. Narada took Kayadhu to his hermitage and looked after her till Hiranyakashipu's return.Narada was aware that Prahlada would be a great Hari Bhaktha (devotee ). Keeping this in mind he taught Bhagavatha Dharma and ultimate knowledge (Jnana) to both the child in her womb and also to her. As a long interval had elapsed , Prahlada's mother forgot all what was taught to her. But Prahlada remembered all what was taught to him by Narada.
Prahlada told the children further that the easy way to obtain the Grace of Hari is to engage themselves in pure and total devotion to Him.By doing so all living beings irrespective of their birts as birds, animals,women yakshas, rakshasas, demons and even sinners had attained liberation only due to such devotion to Him. Convinced by the teachings of Prahlada, all the children or other students followed his advice and teachings and NOT those taught by their teachers.Prahlada told all this history in order to convince them as how he developed total devotion to Hari.
8
प्रह्लादस्य गिरं हिरण्यकशिपुः श्रुत्वा क्रुधाƒताडयत्
स्तंभं; गर्जनकम्पितत्रिभुवनस्तस्मान्नृसिंहो हरिः।
तीक्ष्णाक्षो भ्रुकुटीमुखोल्बणवपुर्न्निर्गत्य दैत्यं नखैः
क्रूरैस्तं तु विदार्य रक्तलहरीसिक्तः स्तुतोƒभूत् सुरैः।।
Meaning:Hearing what Prahlada replied to him, Hiranyakashipu was very much blind with anger and attacked the pillar in his palace with a sword. The pillar was burst open with a very loud sound and NARASIMHA appeared with eyes sharp and full of anger and twisted eye brows and with a fierce appearance. Hari appeared in this form and all the three worlds were shaken to the core. With His sharp nails as a weapon, Narasimha tore the chest of Hiranyakashipu and drank the blood that oozed out and His entire body was covered with blood.Then Narasimha killed not only Hiranyakashipu but also all the demons who were there with His hands alone. Brahma and other devas assembled there and hailed Hari for having killed Hiranyakashipu and also praised Him with hymns separately by each of them with offering their prayers as well.
Commentary :When the teachers of Prahlada saw that their teachings were not accepted by the other students , but followed Prahlada's teachings faithfully they became more afraid of their lives and reported the matter to Hiranyakashipu. He immediately summoned Prahlada to his presence. He was extremely angry and his body trembled with anger.and finally decided to kill his son. Hiranyakashipu rebuked Prahlada with harsh words.Yet Prahlada was calm. Hiranyakashipu asked his son as to oppose his father so much against his wishes as to the source of his strength. Prahlada replied that Hari was not only his strength but also of every body including Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu then scolded his son and asked him to show Hari in the pillar in his palace. Prahlada replied that Hari is present in the pillar. Hiranyakashipu in harsh language told him that if he could not see Hari in the pillar he would kill him instantly. When Hiranyakashipu shook the pillar in a most violent manner by striking it with a brute force, the pillar was burst open with a very loud sound , shaking the entire surroundings and a form neither a lion nor a man- a form mixed in both the head as a lion and the trunk as a man-HARI APPEARED AS NARASIMHA. W hen Hiranyakashipu realising that it was Hari , he wanted to kill him. But NARASIMHA caught hold of him and placing Hiranyakashipu on his lap at the threshold in sandhya ( neither a day nor a night ) and tore his chest open and killed him by drinking his blood. Thus Hari protected Prahlada -His devotee and also the entire universe. The verses in the chapter 8 of the Purana are reproduced here. The verses are more self explanatory than translating in English.
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Meaning: Verse 13- O Unfortunate Prahlada! You have said that a supreme being other than me , a supreme being above every body and this universe and who ia all pervading where is He? If He is every where why He is not present before me in this pillar?
Prahalada replied that " For us He is seen and present in the pillar"
Verse -18-Sridharacharya in his commentary observes that Bhagavan appeared after the pillar was split into two. To keep up the word of His own servant- ( 1 ) Prahlada that He is present every where (2 ) Sanakadi Rishis ' curse and their statement after repentance that in 3 births they would be liberated ( 3 ) To keep up Brahma's boon that Hiranyakashipu asked for regarding the mode of death (4) To keep up the word of Narada to Indra that Prahlada would be Hari Bhaktha and would not harm Indra. (5) To keep up the word of Hiranyakashipu in asking the boon from Brahma regarding the mode of his death (The demon was His servant in previous birth )
After Hiranyakashipu was killed there was joy every where and flowers were showered on Hari. Narasimha killed other demons also. Brahma, Shiva, Indra and all other Gods assembled there and offered their prayers to Narasimha.Their prayers are in verses 40 to 56 of the chapter 8.
All of them offered their prayers being at some distance as they could not approach Him.
Prahalada replied that " For us He is seen and present in the pillar"
Verse -18-Sridharacharya in his commentary observes that Bhagavan appeared after the pillar was split into two. To keep up the word of His own servant- ( 1 ) Prahlada that He is present every where (2 ) Sanakadi Rishis ' curse and their statement after repentance that in 3 births they would be liberated ( 3 ) To keep up Brahma's boon that Hiranyakashipu asked for regarding the mode of death (4) To keep up the word of Narada to Indra that Prahlada would be Hari Bhaktha and would not harm Indra. (5) To keep up the word of Hiranyakashipu in asking the boon from Brahma regarding the mode of his death (The demon was His servant in previous birth )
After Hiranyakashipu was killed there was joy every where and flowers were showered on Hari. Narasimha killed other demons also. Brahma, Shiva, Indra and all other Gods assembled there and offered their prayers to Narasimha.Their prayers are in verses 40 to 56 of the chapter 8.
All of them offered their prayers being at some distance as they could not approach Him.
9
आन्त्रस्रग्धरकन्धरं नरहरिं नाƒƒपुः सुरा, नो रमा
प्रह्लादस्त्वनमत् पुरो विगतभीश्चास्तौत् प्रशान्तं हरिं।
"संसारार्णवतः समुद्धर जनांस्तेƒनुग्रहार्हाः सदा
मूढ़ास्त्वद्विमुखाः प्रभो! कुरु च मां भक्तं; हरे! ते नमः'।।
Meaning : Narasimha's appearance after He killed Hiranyakashipu and wearing his intestines as a garland was so fierce that nobody , neither Lakshmi nor any deva was able to go near Him. Brahma asked Prahlada to go to Narasimha and pacify Him. When Prahlada approached Him, and prostrated before Him without any fear. , Narasimha then became calm. Prahlada offered his prayers to Narasimha. His main prayer was that - " please deliver all the jivas from this ocean of samsara. All of them deserve to have Your Grace and Anugraha. Those who do not have Bhakthi towards You are ignorant people. O , Lord,! Please make me Your Bhaktha (devotee) O, Hari ! My prostrations to You "
Commentary : The fierce nature of Narasimha did not undergo any change even after Brahma and others offered their prayers. So Brahma sent Prahlada to the proximity of Narasimha to pacify Him. Prahlada did as he was asked to do. He offered his prayers to Narasimha. Prahlada Stuthi is in verses from 8 to 50 of chapter 9.The summary and essence of that prayer is given in the above verse of HB. After hearing the prayer Narasimha (Hari ) told him that he was very much pleased with his devotion and that He will grant any boonhe asked for. But Prahlada did not prefer to ask for any boon as he had surrendered to Him ( in spite of Hari inducing him to ask for the boon ). The prayer is a long one For details one has to read the Puranam
10
तुष्टः श्रीहरिराह - ""तेस्तु सततं भद्रं; त्रिभिः सप्तभिः
पूतस्ते जनको; नृपोचितसुखं भोग्यं त्वया बालक!।
पुण्यं नश्यति भोगतः कृतमघं सत्कर्मभिश्च स्वकै-
रन्ते माँ त्वमवाप्स्यसीति भगवानन्तर्हितोभूत् ततः।।
Meaning: Although illured by Hari to ask for boon Prahlada with humility replied to Him that he would ask for a boon that he should have no desires at all and even they arise in his mind they should be nipped in the bud ( destroyed ). ( SEE Verse 7 to 9 of chapter 10 ) With no desires only one can realise " Brahma " in himself.
Hari was so much pleased with Prahlada, that He granted him the boon that he would be the king of Daityas in that Manvanthara and after conducting sacrifices he would attain liberation at the end and get Sayujya. (oneness with Him ) He told him - " Let there be welfare always to you . Your father has purified the 21 generations of your forefathers.O Child! You enjoy all the luxary of a king .BY enjoying the pleasures, the virtues will be exhausted and by doing righteous acts all the sins will be purged.IN the end you will reach me " After informing thus Hari disappeared.
Commentary ; Prahlada's only prayer was that he should have total devotion towards Hari and therefore he never demanded other than this. But Hari voluntarily gave him the kingship of demons and mukthi at the end of his life.He also assured him that Hiranyakashipu had not only purified himself but also the forefathers for 21 generations, in response to his request to pardon his father for his atrocities and make him pure. Narada wraps up the narration of Prahlada Charithram by informing Yudhishtira and others that how Jaya and Vijaya were cursed and got the liberation with enmity towards Hari in all their three births as demons.He also narrated the TRIPURA DAHANAM EPISODE - where Siva with the help of Vishnu could burn the Tripura created by Maya- another demon. The fruits of hearing or narrating the NRUSIMHA INCARNATION OF HARI are elaborated. One will be able to get rid of the bonds due to the actions in previous and present births (Karma bandha )
11
पृष्टः पाण्डुसुतेन नारदमुनिः प्रोचे - जना धर्मत
स्तिष्ठन्तीश्वरचिन्तया, शमदमाहिंसातितिक्षादिकः।
सामान्यः खलु धर्म एव हि नृणां; वर्णादिभेदेन तद्-
धर्मस्यास्ति च भेद एव; विदिता वर्णाश्च विप्रादयः।।
Meaning: In respose to the request of Yudhishtira to explain the Sanatana (Eternal ) Dharma in detail, Narada told him - " All thepersons ( jivas ) should follow the prescribed duties for them with total devotion to Hari.Then only there will be welfare in this universe.. There are ordinary dharma for all.- control of mind etc (shama ,dama non -violence, forbearance etc ). But according to the four classes they are different . As brahmanas etc. there are prescribed duties for each class "
Commentary : Control of mind (Shama ) , Control of the senses and organs (Dama ) , Not harming any body (Ahimsa ) , Forbearance ( Tolerance of pleasure and pain etc. ) - these are common codes for all. But for the four classes of people such as Brahmins, Kshatriyas etc. there are separate codes of conduct. These are explained in this chapter 11. And the codes for the women in general are described in this chapter
12
भेदाश्चाश्रमभेदतोƒपि कथिता धर्मस्य; वर्णी गुरो-
र्दास: प्रोक्तमथाƒचरन् गुरुकुले छन्दांस्यधीयीत च।
संध्योपासनमाचरेच्च मितभुक्, स्त्रीचिन्तनं वर्जयेद्;
वानप्रस्थ इहाƒƒचरन् स्वनियमानार्षं पदं प्राप्स्यति।
Meaning: According to the different stages ( Ashramas ), in life of each class - Brahmachari, (student ) Gruhastha ( house holder ) Vanaprastha ( Retirement from material world by going to forest or living in isolation ) are explained in this verse and chapter. Brahmachari ( Student ) should follow the advice, remain like a servant with humility should study Vedas. He should observe Sandhyopasana (worship in 3 times a day ). He should take food in moderation.He should avoid the company of women. When a person observes Vanaprastha Ashrama, he should follow the code laid down for that stage faithfully. In such case, he will get liberation at the end.
Commentary : How a student should conduct himself in Gurukula is described in this chapter. After completion of the study of Vedas, he has an option to enter the next stage of a householder (Gruhastha) or the stage of Vanaprastha. Should he choose Vanaprastha stage, the code of conduct in that stage of life is described in detail in this chapter. Proper adherence to the code will lead to the liberation-mukthi.
13
सन्यासी सकलेषु पश्यति परं ब्राहृ प्रशान्तो मुनि-
र्नारंभान् यतिरारभेत; गदितं विज्ञानिना भिक्षुणा।
प्रह्लादाय "मधुव्रतादिह गुरोरेषा विरक्तिः, शयोर्
लब्धान्नेन च तुष्टिरेवमुभयं लब्धं गुरुभ्या'मिति।।
Meaning : The ascetic (Sanyasi ) should have controlled his senses and have a composure should see Paramatma in every being in this universe (Sama Darshanam ). He should not practise any new procedures or associate himself with any thing which will detract his mind. Once an Avadhutha (Dattatreya ) told Prahlada- "From the bee I learnt that i should have total detachment to this samsara. The bee is a Guru or teacher. From python I learnt that I should be satisfied with whatever food I happen to get. So python also is another Guru. From these two Gurus (teachers ) I learnt these two important things for a sanyasi to follow. "
Commentary : How a sanyasi (ascetic ) - the last and final stage of life- should observe the code of conduct prescribed for that stage is the subject matter of this chapter 13. This is better explained by the conversation between Prahlada and an Avadhuta. To the question by Prahlada as to how he is always happy and satisfied leading the life of a sanyasi, the Avadhutha replied that after finding out that the house holder's life is full of miseries , he left for the forest to be an ascetic. In ascetic's life he learnt from two great teachers as to how one should live in that stage. One is bee and the other is python- a bee is totally unattached and lives, a python does not go in search of food and is satisfied with whatever food he gets being in one place. These two lessons have given him the strength to follow the life of an ascetic.
The PARAMAHAMSYA DHARMA (code of conduct as an ascetic ) is the subject matter of this
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कुर्वन् गार्हिककर्म सज्जनमुखात् श्रृण्वन् हरेः सत्कथा
गायन् श्रीहरिनाम बन्धुसुतदारादौ च रक्तो बहिः।
अन्तस्तत्र विरक्त एव विभजन् सर्वेषु वित्तं समं
तीर्थस्नानकृदाश्रमादि सततं गच्छेद् गृहस्थो जनः।।
Meaning : Yudhishtira asked Narada to describe the code of conduct ( Dharma ) for a householder Narada.narrated the duties and code of conduct of a householder. Narada told - " The householder should observe the duties prescribed for this stage.He should listen to the stories and leelas of Hari . He should sing the glories of Hari and chant His names regularly.He should behave in such a manner that although showing his attachment to his wife, sons , daughters and other relations outwardly but should develop total detachment to the worldly affairs, inwards.He should divide his earnings and wealth equally to all purposes.He should undertake pilgrimages. He should visit the ashrams of the sages and the great. "
Commentary : In this chapter the subject matter is- GRUHASTHASHRAMA - (Life as a Householder). He should worship Hari and develop vairagya in slow degrees. He should look after all those depending upon him. How he should worship the Gods, Manes etc at different periods is explained in this chapter. Also as how he should visit different pilgrimage places and he should observe dana (donations ) are also detailed.
15
श्राद्धं कर्म समाचरन् यजनतः सन्तर्पयन् निर्जरान्
भूतादीन् निजधर्ममेव विदधत् तुष्टो गृहस्थो भवेत्।
मोक्षार्थी तु गुरुं समेत्य विधिवत् प्राणान् नियच्छन् जये-
च्चितम् चेन्द्रियवर्गमेतदखिलं ब्रह्मेति सञ्चिन्तयेत्।।
Meaning : The householder should observe the Shradhdha ceremony ( A CEREMONY OBSERVED FOR THE SATISFACTION OF MANES ) with happiness and complete satisfaction and faith.With the food he should satisfy the Gods (devas )and Bhuthas also. He should observe his svadharma in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures.People who are desirous of getting liberation should approach a Guru and control all his senses and organs as directed by him and should have a complete control over his mind.Further he should introspect and by deep thinking and analysis of Vedanta principles and see the entire universe and all beings as the form of Paramatma (AS BRAHMA SVARUPAM ).
Commentary : For the persons in all the four stages of life- Brahmacharya, Gruhastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa, in this chapter the code of conduct for those who wish to get mukthi or moksham is described. In Gruhastha stage there are people who are not inclined to get mukthi - such people should think of helping others.But the ultimate goal for every one is to get mukthi. Those who are keen to get mukthi should follow the advice of his /their guru.. They should slowly practise to see every thing in this universe as "BRAHMA SVARUPAM " and consider that this universe as a creation of Maya. The only permanent thing in this universe is BRAHMAM. When they try to develop the SAMA DARSHANAM in all things they will experience the Brahmanubhavam.
Narada narrated the PRAHLADA CHARITHRAM to make Yudhishtira and others know that for Hari every one is equal- Both Hiranyakashipu and Prahlada were demons. Hiranyakashipu was punished because of his atrocities arising out of tamasic quality. Whereas Prahlada was protected due to his intense devotion to Hari which was due to satvik quality.Hari had no enmity with demons.
Narada narrated the PRAHLADA CHARITHRAM to make Yudhishtira and others know that for Hari every one is equal- Both Hiranyakashipu and Prahlada were demons. Hiranyakashipu was punished because of his atrocities arising out of tamasic quality. Whereas Prahlada was protected due to his intense devotion to Hari which was due to satvik quality.Hari had no enmity with demons.
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