INTRODUCTION
CANTO 4 - PART -A
स्कन्ध: -४ (१)
SKANDHA-4 OF Srimad Bhaghavatha Puranam deals with the विसर्ग लक्षण .
The visrga lakshana is so called as it deals with subsequent creation ordered by Hari.
There are 31 chapters in this Canto.They are classified into 4 groups.
1) The first 7 chapters deal with Daksha Yagna and its destruction.
2) Next 5 chapters describe Dhruva Charitha.
3) Prithu Charitham is dealt with in the next 11 chapters.
4) Last 8 chapters describe Prachetas Charithram.
Sri Giridhara lala 's commentary Bala Prabodhini classifies these 31 chapters into 4 heads - Dharma,Artha, Kama, and Moksha -the 4 Purusharthas of the groups mentioned above.
Thus there are 4 prakaranas or topics in this Canto.
2) When he was 5 years old, he was aggrieved at the harsh words of his step-mother went to the forest. Under Narada's directions did penance and undertook austerities. Hari who is not conquerable was conquered by Dhruva with the specific qualifications of His devotees or Bhakthas. This is to say that Hari is only Bhaktha vashya.
3) Dhruva attained this exalted position when he was 5 or 6 years old. He did severe penance for a period of 5 months only. This is not possible for anybody else or for any other kshatriya even after undergoing austerities for many,many years. Through devotion and determination Dhruva as a child of 5 to 6 years could please Hari in 5 months-meaning within a short period.
The "summum bonum" of Narada's admiration is - true Bhakti is the superior path.
There is a long statement of Phala Shruthi for hearing and narrating DHRUVA CHARITHAM.The regular reading or narration of this prakaranam will bestow all prosperity and a development towards True Bhakthi.
The prakaranam of " artha- purushartha" ends here.
CANTO 4 - PART -A
स्कन्ध: -४ (१)
SKANDHA-4 OF Srimad Bhaghavatha Puranam deals with the विसर्ग लक्षण .
The visrga lakshana is so called as it deals with subsequent creation ordered by Hari.
There are 31 chapters in this Canto.They are classified into 4 groups.
1) The first 7 chapters deal with Daksha Yagna and its destruction.
2) Next 5 chapters describe Dhruva Charitha.
3) Prithu Charitham is dealt with in the next 11 chapters.
4) Last 8 chapters describe Prachetas Charithram.
Sri Giridhara lala 's commentary Bala Prabodhini classifies these 31 chapters into 4 heads - Dharma,Artha, Kama, and Moksha -the 4 Purusharthas of the groups mentioned above.
Thus there are 4 prakaranas or topics in this Canto.
1
धातुः सर्गा व्यवर्धन्त; स हरिरजनि क्षत्तराकूतिपुत्रो
यज्ञाक्य:; सानसूया विधिहरिपशुपत्यंशपुत्रानसूत;।
मूर्तिर्नारायणं तं नरमपि सुषुवे वैष्णवांशौ प्रसूतेः
पुत्र्येकाƒन्या सती तु त्रिनयनमुदुवाहाƒनपत्याƒभवच्च।।
Meaning:The first chapter describes the progeny of the other 2 daughters of Swayambhuva Manu - Akuthi and Prasuthi.
As the creation advanced as ordereed by Brahma ,Akuthi-Manu's daughter who married Ruchi Prajapathi. To them Hari himself was born as Yagna ,also a daughter by name Dakshina. Manu brought Yagna with him and Yagna married Dakshina and 12 children were born to them. Manu gave his 3rd daughter Prasuthi to Daksha Prajapathi. Out of the 9 daughters of Devahuthi and Kardama Prajapathi, to Anasuya wife of Atri Maharishi - Soma, Durvasa, and Dattatreya were born as the part or partial expansion of Brahma,Shankara and Vishnu -the Trinity.In this chapter the progeny and their generations of the other 8 daughters of Devahuthi is described in detail. Out of 16 daughters born to Daksha and Prasuthi , to Murthi who was one of the 13 wives of Dharma , Nara and Narayana (incarnations of Hari) were born.One daughter of Daksha Svaha married Agni, one Svadha -
pItrus and one daughter by name Sati married Bhava (Shiva) but she had no progeny.
Commentary: The progeny of 8 daughters of Devahuthi and 14 other daughters of Prasuthi are described in detail in this chapter.
The creation of movable and immovable in this universe is the subject matter of this Canto and is called visarga.
2
सत्रे विश्वसृजां शुभे विधिसुतो दक्षोƒखिलैर्मानितो
दृप्तो, नैव शिवेन; तत्र कुपितः शंभुं शपन्नाह सः।
""यज्ञे, भागमयं भवो न लभतां देवैः सहै''वं रुषा
प्रत्युक्तं बत नन्दिना - ""पशुरयं बस्ताननः स्या''दिति।।
Meaning; In the end of last chapter Maitreya informed Vidura that Sati burnt herself by Yogagni as Bhava was insulted by Daksha Prajapathi.As Vidura asked the reasons and as to how this happened Maitreya in the next 6 chapters described in detail.
Once there was Vishvajit -a satra yagna. All the celestials assembled there.Shiva was seated with Brahma and others. As Daksha arrived there all stood as a mark of respect to him except Brahma-his father and Shiva- his son-in law. Daksha got angry as Shiva -his son-in -law did not get up and showed respect to him. In presence of everybody Daksha used harsh words about Shiva and cursed him that he will not get his portion in yagnas in future. Nandi the princpal associate and follower of Shiva also cursed Daksha and the other brahmins and sages as a retaliatory measure.Then Brighu cursed the followers of Shiva. Nandishwara cursed Daksha that he would lose his face and be replaced with the head of a goat.
Commentary:Daksha was very proud and did not realise the greatness of Shiva.
3
दक्षोƒथाƒƒरभताध्वरं; स्मितमुखी ज्ञात्वा सतीदं शिवं
प्रोचे - ""ते श्वशुरः करोति यजनं; यावः; प्रतिष्ठस्व तत्''।
तेनोक्तं ""न निमंत्रिता वय;मिदं मन्निन्दनार्थं कृतं;
गच्छेस्त्वं यदि निन्दनं तव भवेद्, द्रष्टास्यनिष्टानि च
Meaning; After a considerably long interval of time Daksha started making arrangements for conducting Bruhaspathi Sava ( a kind of sacrifice). Knowing this Sati apprached her husband Shiva and told him that as his father -in law was conducting a sacrifice and it was proper that they visit and participate in the sacrifice and she would have an oppurtunity of seeing her sisters ,mother and other relatives. Shiva remembering the enmity of Daksha towards Him told her as they were not invited and keeping in mind the enmity of Daksha towards him it was not correct and proper for them to go there. and they would be insulted. Such an insult is equal to death.If she went there ignoring the advice she was bound to be insulted and there will be calamity thereafter.
Commentary: Shiva tried to make Sati understand by telling her the truth by reasoning.
4
मातृज्ञातिदिदृक्षया शिववचो अनादृत्य सा प्रस्त्त्थिता
स्प्राप्ता यज्ञभुवं विनिन्दितहरं यज्ञं निरीक्ष्याƒƒह सा।
""मा मा निन्दत शंकरं त्वघहरः सर्वैश्च वन्द्योƒयमि-
त्युक्त्वा दक्षजमात्मदेहमदहद् योगाग्निना च स्वयम्।
Meaning: As Sati was desirous of seeing her mother ,sisters and other relatives she disregarded the advice of her husband Shiva and went to attend the sacrifice at her father's place. All the attendants of Shiva accompanied her. On seeing her, SS Daksha was not happy and so others except her mother and sisters. She saw that Shiva was not offered his portion in the yagna-sacrifice. As Shiva was insulted by Daksha she gave advice to her father Daksha not to hate and insult Shiva as He is capable of removing the effects all sins and is to be respected by any body . She could not bear the insult to Shiva and burnt herself by yogagni in presence of every body as she did not want to be called as Daksha's daughter.
Meaning: As Sati was desirous of seeing her mother ,sisters and other relatives she disregarded the advice of her husband Shiva and went to attend the sacrifice at her father's place. All the attendants of Shiva accompanied her. On seeing her, SS Daksha was not happy and so others except her mother and sisters. She saw that Shiva was not offered his portion in the yagna-sacrifice. As Shiva was insulted by Daksha she gave advice to her father Daksha not to hate and insult Shiva as He is capable of removing the effects all sins and is to be respected by any body . She could not bear the insult to Shiva and burnt herself by yogagni in presence of every body as she did not want to be called as Daksha's daughter.
5
रुद्रक्रोधोत्थधीरप्रमथपरिवृढो वीरभद्रः शिवाज्ञां
लब्ध्वा यज्ञं सदक्षं प्रमथितमितरैर्भूतसंघैः समेतः।
प्राप्तस्तां यज्ञशालां शिवविमुखमुनीन्द्रामरान् भग्नगात्रान्
कृत्वाƒथो दक्षशीर्षं हृतममरमुखे दक्षिणाग्नौ जुहाव।।
Meaning: Shiva heard of Sati's act of burning herslf by yogagni through Narada and became angry.Out of His lock of hairs he removed one piece and created VEERABHADRA from it. He instructed him to destroy the sacrifice completely and also exterminate Daksha and his followers.Veerabhadra went to Daksha's place and destroyed the place completely and killed Daksha along with the other followers of Shiva. He also punished other sages, Bhrigu , Bagha, Pusha and other Rishis who were also culpable of having insulted Shiva.He cut Daksha's head and offered to the Dakshinagni fire .
6
देवांस्तानपराधिनोपि गिरिशे निर्भिन्नगात्रानजः
कैलासं नयति स्म नेमुरमराः श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये;।
"दक्षो जीवतु, रुद्रभागसहितो यज्ञः समारभ्यतां
देवाः पूर्ववदेव सन्त्वि'ति शिवं ब्रह्मा स्तुवन्नब्रावीत्।।
Meaning: Although the devas or celestials were guilty of ignoring and insulting Shiva which ultimately resulted in Sati's burning herself in yogagni and loss of His wife, Brahma saw that all devas have lost one limb or other by them.He made them realise their mistakes and offences and accompanied by all of them went to Kailasa, the abode of Shiva.All of them prostrated before Shiva- in Dakshinamurthi form. Brahma appealed to Shiva to forgive the devas and offered prayers and requested Shiva to resurrect Daksha and restore the lost limbs to others. He stipulated that Rudra be given a portion in the sacrifice , whatever will be left over in the end. Brahma requested that the sacrifice be started again and completed.
7
दक्षो रुद्रकटाक्षतस्त्वजमुखोƒप्युत्थाय नत्वा शिवम
दध्यौ विष्णु;मथो व्यलोकि सकलैः प्रीतः स्तुतः श्रीहरिः।
यज्ञस्त्वेष समाप्तिमाप; विकलांगत्वं सुराणां हृतम्
प्रायः; सा च हिमाद्रिजा गिरिशमेवाƒप्ता पतिं पूर्ववत् ।।
Meaning: Shiva on hearing Brahma's prayer acceded to his requests. Daksha with a goat's head, came to life through Rudra's Grace and look. He got up and prostrated before Shiva and offered his prayers to Him. As guided by Brahma the rituals of the sacrifice were completed. Daksha also meditated on Hari. Maha Vishnu appeared before them and all of them offered their prayers individually and in groups. The sacrifice was completed as per Shastras and all the devas who lost their limbs got their lost limbs restored. Sati was reborn as Himavan's daughter -Parvathi and got Shiva as her husband again.
Commentary : Vishnu advised all the celestials that the Trinity - Brahma,,Rudra and Vishnu are ONE and all the three are the jivas. Those who do see all the three as ONE gets the peace of mind.
Shiva told Brahma that he never cares about people like Daksha who through ignorance and influence of Maya commit offences. He punished them only to alert them.
Thus Daksha could fulfil Dharma completely only by the Anugraha and prasada of Maha Vishnu. The prakarana or topic- Dharma ends here.
8
पुत्रो बालः सुनीतेः सदसि कटुवचोविद्धचेता विमातु-
"र्विष्णुर्दुखार्तिहारी भज त'मिति जनन्युक्तितः प्रस्थितोƒतः।
मार्गे श्रीनारदात् तद्भजनविधिमहामन्त्रयोगान् ध्रुवाख्यो
लब्ध्वा चाब्दार्धमृच्छन् मधुवनमकरोद् भक्तवर्यस्तपांसि।।
Meaning:Svayambhuva Manu had 2 sons by name -Priyavratha and Uttanapada. In the next 5 chapters of the Puranam the story of his son Dhruva is described.Uttanapada -the younger son of Manu had two wives by name- Sunithi and Suruchi and had two sons by name- Dhruva and Uttama respectively through them. The king Uttanapada was attached to his younger wife Suruchi but neglected his first wife Sunithi.Because of this Suruchi was more proud.
On one occasion Uttanapada was seated in his throne. Uttama was sitting on his lap. Dhruva who was also a child came there and wanted to sit on the lap of his father.So when he sat on the other lap , Suruchi who was the step mother of Dhruva could not tolerate Dhruva sitting on the king's lap She,out of jealousy and also with pride, told Dhruva,a child, in severe and harsh words- that and Dhruva could not dare sit on the lap of his father and if he wished so, he should worship Hari and on obtaining His Grace be born to her again. Dhruva ,as a child, could not bear this insult . He went crying to his mother Sunithi. Sunithi who could not see her son's plight, told him that Suruchi was right and to take her advice in the right spirit and worship Hari and get the highest position if he desired so.
Dhruva with a determination in his mind to do so set out to the forest. Narada seeing Dhruva going to the forest met him on the way and tested his determination. On seeing him that he was so determined, Narada initiated him with the Dwadashakshari Mantra and gave him advice to worship Hari. Dhruva went to the Madhuvana and worshipped Hari for 5 months with such determination and severe penance- in each month he subjected himself to more severity in observance-he abstained himself in taking any food but subsisted in only breathing.During the 5th month he stopped breathing also and stood on one leg and meditated on Hari. All the celestials could not bear the heat generated by the severe penance of Dhruva. They approached Hari who pacified them and informed them of Dhruva's tapas and his intention and not to be perturbed . Hari promised them that He would do what was appropriate.
Dhruva with a determination in his mind to do so set out to the forest. Narada seeing Dhruva going to the forest met him on the way and tested his determination. On seeing him that he was so determined, Narada initiated him with the Dwadashakshari Mantra and gave him advice to worship Hari. Dhruva went to the Madhuvana and worshipped Hari for 5 months with such determination and severe penance- in each month he subjected himself to more severity in observance-he abstained himself in taking any food but subsisted in only breathing.During the 5th month he stopped breathing also and stood on one leg and meditated on Hari. All the celestials could not bear the heat generated by the severe penance of Dhruva. They approached Hari who pacified them and informed them of Dhruva's tapas and his intention and not to be perturbed . Hari promised them that He would do what was appropriate.
9
देवर्ष्यादिष्टमार्गः कृतकठिनतपा लोकनाथं समीक्ष्य
स्तुत्वा भक्त्या स लब्ध्वा वरमभिलषितं राजभोगं सुदीर्घं।
अन्यैर्नाधिष्ठितं च ध्रुवपदममलं बन्धुभिर्मानितः स्वैः
प्राप्तो गेहं जनन्यौ पितरमपि ननामाथ राज्येभिषिक्तः।।
Meaning: As instructed by Narada Maharishi Dhruva did severe penance (details explained in the previous verse) . Bhaghavan Hari appeared before him and Dhruva saw Him standing before him as was meditated by him.With full of Bhakthi , Dhruva prostrated before Him and offered his prayer. Satisfied with his devotion Hari granted his boons and informed him that he will rule the kingdom,after his father went to the forest and being anointed by him ,for 36000 years and then he will go to Dhruva Mandalam (above rishi mandalam) afterwards permanently. This position had never been got by any of his forefathers. and any body else also. He would be respected by all of his relatives.Hari then disappeared.
Afterwards Dhruva felt sorry that he did not ask for mukthi as a boon. When he went back from the forest he was welcomed by his father , mother ,step mother and his step brother and all subjects of the kingdom. Dhruva paid respects to his parents and step mother. He enjoyed all the comforts as a king after he was installed in the throne. Uttanapada left for the forest and with vairagya worshipped Paramatma and got mukthi in due course.
Commentary: One striking thing to be noted here: Dhruva was 5 years old when he went to the forest. He was not knowledgeable much. But when Hari appeared before him ,HE touched his cheeks with the Conch (Shankha). This very touch made Dhruva comprehend higher learning of vedanta. His prayer called- Dhruva stuthi -is in chapter 9 of Canto 4 of the Purana in verses from 6 to 17 and full of philosophical import.
Suruchi was arrogant in her suggestion in the first instanc. But after Dhruva obtained the vision of Hari and returned, she had no rancour but blessed him. The penance and Hari's vision made him a person with saintly disposition.
Meaning: As instructed by Narada Maharishi Dhruva did severe penance (details explained in the previous verse) . Bhaghavan Hari appeared before him and Dhruva saw Him standing before him as was meditated by him.With full of Bhakthi , Dhruva prostrated before Him and offered his prayer. Satisfied with his devotion Hari granted his boons and informed him that he will rule the kingdom,after his father went to the forest and being anointed by him ,for 36000 years and then he will go to Dhruva Mandalam (above rishi mandalam) afterwards permanently. This position had never been got by any of his forefathers. and any body else also. He would be respected by all of his relatives.Hari then disappeared.
Afterwards Dhruva felt sorry that he did not ask for mukthi as a boon. When he went back from the forest he was welcomed by his father , mother ,step mother and his step brother and all subjects of the kingdom. Dhruva paid respects to his parents and step mother. He enjoyed all the comforts as a king after he was installed in the throne. Uttanapada left for the forest and with vairagya worshipped Paramatma and got mukthi in due course.
Commentary: One striking thing to be noted here: Dhruva was 5 years old when he went to the forest. He was not knowledgeable much. But when Hari appeared before him ,HE touched his cheeks with the Conch (Shankha). This very touch made Dhruva comprehend higher learning of vedanta. His prayer called- Dhruva stuthi -is in chapter 9 of Canto 4 of the Purana in verses from 6 to 17 and full of philosophical import.
Suruchi was arrogant in her suggestion in the first instanc. But after Dhruva obtained the vision of Hari and returned, she had no rancour but blessed him. The penance and Hari's vision made him a person with saintly disposition.
10
भ्राता यक्षहतोƒभवत् स सुरुचिर्दग्धा च दावाग्निना;
ज्ञात्वेदं ध्रुव आजुहाव विमना युद्धाय यक्षान्; भृशं।
मायायुद्धमकारि तै,र्बहुविधैः शस्त्रैः स विद्धस्तदा
""रक्षेत् त्वां खलु शार्ङगपाणि''रिति तं प्रोचुर्मुनीनां गणाः।।
Meaning: When his brother who was a bachelor went to the forest for hunting, he was killed by Yakshas. His mother Suruchi was burnt by a forest fire. On knowing about the death of his brother Uttama declared a war with the Yakshas. The war was fierce in which many Yakshas were killed. Then the Yakshas resorted to unfair means in the war - by creating illusions with their magic power encouraged- asuri maya. Then seeing this all the sages assembled there and encouraged Dhruva to chant the name of Sharngadhanva- Hari who protects and saves the devotees in their distresses. Thus they asked Dhruva to surrender himself to Hari who could save the world from the distress created by the Yakshas.
11
पौत्रं क्रुद्धं स दृष्ट्वा मनुरवद''दलं वत्स! रोषेण, यक्षा
दह्यन्तेस्त्रैर्स्तवै, कः सहजहतिकरः, पीडितोनेकसंघः।
राज्ञो भक्तस्य नेदं समुचित,मखिलं सर्वशक्तस्य लीला-
स्तत्रैते स्मो निमित्तानि च विरम रणादेवमुक्त्वा जगाम।।
Meaning: Dhruva then meditated on Hari and introduced Narayanastra. The illusions disappeared. Dhruva killed many Yakshas in the war that followed.Many of them lost their limbs. Seeing the Yakshas being killed, Swayambhuva Manu came there and took pity on the state of Yakshas. He then told his grand son Dhruva to stop the war. He reasoned with Dhruva that it was not fair to kill many just because some of them killed his brother. As Dhruva had a vision of Vishnu and got the highest position -as in Dhruva Mandala,he should have mercy on others and act in a saintly manner. Dhruva responded to the wishes of his grand father and stopped the war. After Manu explained to his grand son that all these are Hari's leelas and pacified him , Manu went back to his place along with the sages..
Commentary: Manu's advice and appeal are full of vedantic thoughts. They are in verses 7 to 35 of chapter 11 of the Purana. A reading of them will impel a person to think in a higher plane.
12
सद्वाक्यादरतः क्षणात्स विरतो युद्धात् कृतानुग्रहो
यक्षेन्द्रेण चिराय साधु धरणीं रक्षन् भजन् श्रीहरिं।
मृत्योर्मूर्ध्नि पदं निधाय वरमारूढ़ो विमानं ध्रुवः
पश्चान्मातुरगात् परं ध्रुवपदं; श्रीनारदस्तज्जगौ।।
Meaning : When the advice was so well intentioned and also in a very pleasing manner, Dhruva respected the advice and his grand father. On stopping the war , the king of Yakshas - Kubera appeared before him and was blessed by him. Dhruva sought a boon from Kubera that he should remember always Hari -as such constant remembrence will dispel ignorance. Kubera granted this boon. He then ruled the earth in a righteous manner. He conducted many sacrifices according to the proceedure. He worshipped Hari with total devotion. When the final moment came for him to leave this earth after ruling it for 36000 years, he practised the yoga ,as prescribed and cast his body off. He saw 2 Vishnu followers from Vaikunta- Sunanda and Nanda who had come to take him to Dhruva Mandala. On seeing them Dhruva bowed to them. He then remembered his mother Sunithi and wanted her mother to go to svarga. The two followers of Vishnu showed him that his mother was already going to svarga. Dhruva with paying his respects to the sages and others and then with Sunanda and Nanda to his permanent abode -the DHRUVA MANDALA. Narada maharishi praised this rare act by Dhruva and narrated this story to the Prachetas in an assembly .Commentary: Narada Maharishi's admiration of Dhruva is narrated in verses 41 to 43 ( 3 verses) of chapter 12.
1) Dhruva the son of Suniti who was devoted to her husband acquired such an exalted position simply by observing penance and austerity and thereby such a spiritual advancement. This is not possible to attain even for the vedantists or who follow vedic principles strictly, not to speak of ordinary kings or persons. Narada admires Dhruva's determination and Bhakthi.2) When he was 5 years old, he was aggrieved at the harsh words of his step-mother went to the forest. Under Narada's directions did penance and undertook austerities. Hari who is not conquerable was conquered by Dhruva with the specific qualifications of His devotees or Bhakthas. This is to say that Hari is only Bhaktha vashya.
3) Dhruva attained this exalted position when he was 5 or 6 years old. He did severe penance for a period of 5 months only. This is not possible for anybody else or for any other kshatriya even after undergoing austerities for many,many years. Through devotion and determination Dhruva as a child of 5 to 6 years could please Hari in 5 months-meaning within a short period.
The "summum bonum" of Narada's admiration is - true Bhakti is the superior path.
There is a long statement of Phala Shruthi for hearing and narrating DHRUVA CHARITHAM.The regular reading or narration of this prakaranam will bestow all prosperity and a development towards True Bhakthi.
The prakaranam of " artha- purushartha" ends here.
13
अंगस्तत्कुलजः प्रजार्थमयजद् यज्ञं, सुतं लब्धवान्,
नाम्ना वेनममुं चकार, तनयं क्रूरं च दुष्टाशयं।
दृष्ट्वा राज्यविरक्तधीः सुतनयो बन्धाय, दुष्टात्मजो
निर्वेदाय भवेदिति स्वगृहतस्तुष्टो ययौ काननम्।।
Meaning: In chapter 10 of the Purana (verse of HB) it was stated that Dhruva married Bhrami (the daughter of Shishumara Prajapathi) and 2 sons -Kalpa and Vatsara were born to them. To his second wife Ila (the daughter of Vayu) , a son by name Utkala and a daughter were born. In this chapter the subsequent lineage , descendants or vamsha of Dhruva is narrated. As Utkala became an ascetic, Vatsara became the king. In the lineage of Vatsara , the king Anga was born. As the couple Anga and Sunitha were childless, they performed a sacrifice to beget children. To them Vena was born. Vena by nature was a very cruel person and very crooked also. Anga tried to correct his son Vena even by punishing him. As he was not able to change his son's nature, Anga got dejected and realising ,as a good son also an attachment and a bad son -as a cause of sorrow , left his house and kingdom and went to the forest.
Commentary: If one gets a good son also he will get attached to him. Consequently he will not devote his time in worshipping Hari. On the contrary if a bad son is born he will become a permanent source of sorrow. In this case also one will not be able to undertake spiritual activities. In both the cases one is helpless. Realising this Anga left the house and kingdom and went to the forest,so that he could devote himself to undertake austerities.
14
वेनो राज्येƒभिषिक्तो मुनिभि;रति जवाद् यज्ञदानादिकर्म-
ण्याज्ञाशक्त्या निरुन्धन्नहह! परिहसन् निर्जरान् श्रीहरिं च।
धर्मं वक्तृन् मुनीन्द्रान् सकलहितकरान् धर्मशास्त्रं च निन्द-
न्नेषां हुङ्कारमात्राद् गलदसुरपतद्; वेनवत् स्यान्न कोƒपि।
Meaning: After Anga left the kingdom Rishis consulted Sunitha and made Vena a king. As Vena was a wicked person he encouraged wickedness to be spread throughout his kingdom.. There was complete anarchy He also stopped all religious activities such as sacrifices and danas throughout his kingdom..Sages went and advised him in a pleasing manner to undertake sacrifices ,donations (dana) etc to please Hari. Vena laughed at them and told that a king only is superior to Hari. As Vena became uncontrollable and not amenable to reason, the sages and rishis made him lifeless by their spiritual powers.Vena was lifeless because Vena had insulted Hari already by his wicked acts
The poet says that nobody should follow the example of Vena.
Commentary: Vena declared himself as Ishwara. He did not realise his mistakes and vices even after the sages advised him not to ignore Hari -the super Power.Hence they had to eliminate him in the interest and welfare of mankind. Sages were selfless.
15
तद्बाहू मथितौ ततोƒजनि हरिर्नाम्मा पृथुः श्रीसखः
स्वीकृत्यार्पितवस्तुजालमखिलैः स्तोतृन् हसन्नूचिवान्।
किञ्चिद् वो न कृतं मया; न विदिता वो मे गुणा; नैव में
स्तोत्रप्रेम, जनाः! सदा सकलदो देवो हरिः स्तूयताम्।।
Meaning: After the death of Vena, his mother protected his dead body by her yogic powers.
Later when the sages assembled on the banks of Saraswathi river saw the anarchy prevailing then. They decided to install some other as a king, as a descendant to Anga. They churned the dead body of King Vena with a great force. Initially from that act a black and dwa rf person emerged. He was known as Nishada born out of sinful activities of Vena. They became the habitants of hills and forests.
On churning further Hari appeared as a kalavathara ( a part incarnation of Hari) by name PRITHU and also a female by name ARCHI -( a part incarnation of Lakshmi-Vishnu's consort) as twins.All the celestials or devas showered flowers and all deities assembled there and each one of them made an offering to them. all of them started to praise Him by offering prayers. Prithu on his part smiled and told them - As He had not done any thing so far after His apperance. This being so they are completely unaware of His traits. He was not inclined to hear praises , It is Hari who bestows all and everything to His devotees Therefore all of them should praise Hari and offer prayers
Commentary: In the chapter 15 of the Purana the anointing of Prithu as a king is described. The rishis ,brahmanas and others appoint Prithu as a king - duly giving him a purificatory bath as per shastra. Kubera gave him a golden throne,Varuna an umbrella as white and shining as a moon,Vayu -two chamarams (fans), Dharma - a flower garland, Indra - a valuable crown, Yama- a danda to enable him to rule the world,Brahma- a protective garment with vedic knowledge, Sarasvathi - a transcendental necklace, Hari- the Sudarshana Chakra, Lakshmi- imperishable beauty and wealth, Rudra- a sword decorated with 10 moons, Durga devi- a shield decorated with 100 moons,Soma- horses made of nectar, Twashta ( Vishwakarma) - the most beautiful chariot, Agni- a bow made of the horns of goats and cows, Surya- with shining arrows, Earth (the deity of Bhur loka)- padukas (footwear) made of yogic powers, Svarga (the presiding deity of Svargaloka) - presentations with flowers daily.All the celestials sang songs, danced . Rishis offered him blessings. Ocean gave Him a conch from the ocean itself.
When the sutas ( professional praisers of a king) ,maghadhas (bards ) , vandins (professional s who offer prayers to a king) were assembled there to do their duties befitting the occasion, Prithu in a pleasing manner did not accept these praises and said that it is Hari who should be praised and not ordinary human beings. Giridhara in his commentary Bala Prabodhini says that Prithu did not accept praises because Prithu was an Amshavatara ( a partial incarnation of Hari) and therefore did not possess Complete Knowledge ( Purna Jnana) of the Brahman.
Commentary: In the chapter 15 of the Purana the anointing of Prithu as a king is described. The rishis ,brahmanas and others appoint Prithu as a king - duly giving him a purificatory bath as per shastra. Kubera gave him a golden throne,Varuna an umbrella as white and shining as a moon,Vayu -two chamarams (fans), Dharma - a flower garland, Indra - a valuable crown, Yama- a danda to enable him to rule the world,Brahma- a protective garment with vedic knowledge, Sarasvathi - a transcendental necklace, Hari- the Sudarshana Chakra, Lakshmi- imperishable beauty and wealth, Rudra- a sword decorated with 10 moons, Durga devi- a shield decorated with 100 moons,Soma- horses made of nectar, Twashta ( Vishwakarma) - the most beautiful chariot, Agni- a bow made of the horns of goats and cows, Surya- with shining arrows, Earth (the deity of Bhur loka)- padukas (footwear) made of yogic powers, Svarga (the presiding deity of Svargaloka) - presentations with flowers daily.All the celestials sang songs, danced . Rishis offered him blessings. Ocean gave Him a conch from the ocean itself.
When the sutas ( professional praisers of a king) ,maghadhas (bards ) , vandins (professional s who offer prayers to a king) were assembled there to do their duties befitting the occasion, Prithu in a pleasing manner did not accept these praises and said that it is Hari who should be praised and not ordinary human beings. Giridhara in his commentary Bala Prabodhini says that Prithu did not accept praises because Prithu was an Amshavatara ( a partial incarnation of Hari) and therefore did not possess Complete Knowledge ( Purna Jnana) of the Brahman.
16
इत्थं राजवचो निशम्य मुनिभि:प्रोत्साहितास्ते तदा
सूताद्या जगदुर् - ""दृढं हरिकला राजैष संमार्जयन्।
दोषान् वेनकृतान्, समो मघवता, दो ग्धा धरित्रीं
कुर्वन्, दण्डितदुर्जनो यतिवरान् संपूजयेत् कीर्तिमान्॥
Meaning; When they heard the king Prithu speaking in a pleasing manner the sages and the sutas, maghadas, vandins etc were more encouraged and praised Prithu as an amshavatara of Bhagavan Hari and that He would remove the impurities caused to the earth by Vena ,would become like an Indra, would level up the earth, milch the earth would conduct sacrifices, would punish the wicked, would become famous and also will worship and respect the sages and rishis.
Commentary; The commentators say that in this chapter, Prithu along with his wife Archis are respected by all presiding deities of all worlds. The sutas and others praise them because in this incarnation as Prithu , He has all the qualities of Hari. His future action in milking the earth in the form of a cow is mentioned . The stuthi of all of them proclaim that as to how Prithu would be in future or how a king should be ruling over his subjects,
17
सूतादीन् समपूजयन् नरवरः कामैः; प्रजाभिः पृथु-
"र्दग्धा जाठरवह्निना वयमतो देह्रन्न'मित्यर्थितः।
""अन्नं देहि जनेभ्य आशु वसुधे! नोचेद् हता स्या मये-''
त्युक्त्वा स्वं धनुराददे; परवशा स्तौति स्म तं गौर्भिया।।
Meaning: Prithu satisfied all the desires of all of them who praised Him. When his subjects requested Him that they were extremely hungry and therefore were severely tormented by it and hence to give them food so that they might be saved from death. King Prithu saw that the Earth was not giving food to the subjects. So he set out to kill it with a bow and arrow in hand. The Earth in the form of cow ran to save herself . As Prithu was following her wherever she went, the Earth finally surrendered herself. Prithu told her that if she did not respond and satisfy the needs of his subjects by giving food to the hungry he had no option except to kill her. On hearing the king speaking in that manner, Earth praised Him ,offered her prayers and requested Him not to kill her , as He was her saviour by lifting from the ocean in the Varaha avatara ( Varaha incarnation).
Commentary; The stuthi of the Earth (Dhara) is in verses 29 to 36 of chapter 17 of Canto-4.
The Earth, while describing the qualities of Hari, appeals to Him that on previous occasions He was her saviour and protector and for the sake of his subjects preferred to kill her now. She also appeals to Him that she is ignorant and bewidered by His actions as she is not in a position to understand the activities of His devotees and much less of His.She requested Him to show mercy on her.
18
""कामान् क्षीरमयान् ददामि सकलान् वत्सं तथा दोहनं
दोग्धारं नृप! कल्पये''ति कथितः कृत्वा मनुं वत्सकं।
राजाधुक्षत गां स ओषधिगणं हस्ते निजैर्वत्सकै-
स्तत्तद्वस्तु यथोचितं च दुदुहुर्देवासुरर्ष्यादय:।।
Meaning: The Earth told Him as the people were misusing the assets of nature she was forced to save them for the future for conducting sacrifices etc. and preserve.Hence the shortage now. As Prithu want them from her she would gladly release them. She requested Prithu to determine as to who would be the calf and who would be milking her (as she was in a cow form). Swayambhuva Manu became a calf and milked the Earth in the form of plants (oshadhi ) . Devas, Rishis, Asuras , Men and Gandharvas etc milked the EARTH with an appropriate entity as a calf milked whatever they required.
Commentary: The details as to who in keeping what as a calf milked what was needed by them are described in detail in the chapter 18 of Canto-4.The Earth is recognised as a Kamadhenu and therefore it is appropriate to milk it in different forms.
19
चक्रे राजाश्वमेधान्; शततममखमेध्याश्वहर्तारमिन्द्रं
जित्वाश्वं राजपुत्रः पुनरलभत; तं मायिनं देवराजं।
राजा कोपाज्जिघांसुर् मुनिभिरतिबलो वारितो धातृवाक्यं
श्रुत्वा तस्मान्निवृत्तो मुदितवृषसखः कीर्तितः पौरमुख्यैः।
Meaning ; In this chapter 19 of the Purana,Prithu's performance of 100 Ashvamedha Yagnas is described. Indra 's attempt to steal the horse used in the sacrifice and Prithu'son attempt to recover it and the repeated attempts by Indra to steal it and the Prithu's attempt to kill him and Brahma;s coming and preventing Prithu from killing Indra is described in detail.
The king perfomed many Ashwamedha sacrifices. When he was performing the 100th one Indra stole the horse used in the sacrifice. His eldest son chased Indra and brought back the horse. As indra stole it again by unfair means by inducing darkness in the sacrifice area,Prithu foiled his attempt to steal the horse.As Indra adopted various forms of sanyasins to steal the horse Prithu became angry and took a bow and arrow to kill Indra andwas prevented from killing of Indra by the sages.. Brahma came there and pacified Prithu and saved Indra from being killed.On hearing Brahma Prithu abandoned the idea of killing Indra.
Prithu considered Indra as his friend and showed his affection to him.All the subjects praised Prithu and the sages showered their blessings on Him.
Commentary: Indra could not tolerate the completion of 100th Ashwamedha Yagna by Prithu. So he tried to steal the horse by transforming himself as a sanyasi When he failed He transformed himself into different types of sanyasis and also by creating an artificial darkness. All these were unfair means. Hence Prithu's anger and an attempt to kill him.
Giridhara in his commentary BalaPrabodhini says that in the previous 6 chapters ( from 13 to 18 ) the desires of the subjects were described (Praja Kama) . From chapter 19 to 23 in 5 chapters , the desires of Prithu ,the king are described.Theses 5 chapters detail - Shudhdhi (purity),Krishna Prasada, Svadharma, Jnanam (Highest Knowledge), and MOKSHA are Prithu's kamas (desires)
20
प्रत्यक्षो हरिराह - ""योगसुदृढं चित्तं हि नो चञ्चलं;
भक्तस्त्वं, वृणु मे वरं; सकलदोƒस्म्येष प्रसन्नो नृप!''।
प्रत्यूचे नृपतिर्महत्तममुखात् त्वत्कीर्तनं, त्वत्कथा-
स्त्वन्नामानि पिबानि भोस्तदुचितं कर्णायुतम् देहि में''।।
Meaning:In the 20 th chapter Vishnu was satisfied with the sacrifice of Prithu and came to the place of sacrifice and granted him boons .Prithu also prayed to Him.
Vishnu Bhagavan came there and told Prithu that his mind should be controlled by yoga and made firm. He was His Bhaktha ( devotee) and told him to ask for boons as He was pleased with the king.Prithu replied Him that his desire was only to hear and sing His Greatness from the association of Sadhus and through them only. He required that fortune of hearing from Sadhus His leelas and sing His names and nothing else. For this purpose to give him 10000 ears.
Commentary: Bhagavan Hari was pleased with Prithu's righteous activities and also for having a pure heart and mind. So He arrived in person to grant him boons.Prithu was so overwhelmed on seeing Him . He did not seek anything else put pure Bhakthi which can be developed only by association with Mahathmas and learning to hear the avatara leelas, sing His names and for this purpose 10000years were sought for by him.Hari granted his wish to have the unblemished and pure Bhakthi. Hari's anugraha on Prithu is the suject matter of this chapter.
21
राजैकोनशतक्रतुः पृथुरथ प्राभाषतोच्चैः प्रजा
""भद्रं वो भवतु; स्वधर्मनिरता भूत्वा भवन्तः सदा।
सर्वं कर्म समर्पयन्तु हरये निस्संगतापाविता:;
क्षेमं दास्यति वः स'' इत्यभिवदन् सर्वैश्च पूज्योƒभवत्।।
Meaning: The king Prithu could thus complete 99 Ashwamedha yagnas sucessfully and became a " UNA SHATAKRATHU". He addressed his subjects ,once in the assembly of Brahmarishis and Rajarishis at the time of satradeeksha by the celestials,as: My subjects! Let welfare dawn on you.Let all of you perform the karmanushtana in the proper way always.and follow the path of Dharma.Let all of you become pure by disassociating and developing total detachment. Let all of you dedicate the fruits of your actions and actions themselves also to Hari. Then Hari will bestow the welfare on all of you. As he was saying this sort of advice to his subjects all of them praised him and Prithu was respected.
Commentary: Prithu made his subjects also aware of pure devotion to Hari.As it was His SvaDharma he desired that his subjects also should follow his example. The advice was given for this purpose .
22
राज्ञा संपूज्य पृष्टः सहसहजमुनिर्योगिवर्यः कुमारः
प्रोचे - सद्धर्मकारी हरिपदकमलध्यानतो योगनिष्ठः।
कामार्थाबाधितः सन् यमनियमतितिक्षादिभिभिद्र्वन्द्वभावान्
जित्वा "ब्रह्माहमस्मी'त्यनुभवति नरः क्षेममार्गो नृणाम् सः।।
Meaning: When the sages and sadhus were admiring Prithu for His guidance to others for developing Hari Bhakthi, the Sanakadi -4 rishis arrived there who are as illuminous as the son. The four Sanakadi rishis were received by Prithu and worshipped by Him.The foremost yogi among them- Sanatkumara replied in response to the questions raised by Prithu as to what was the easier way to get the highest good and welfare for mankind. In other terms Prithu sought the advice from Sanathkumara as to how tapasvis and mumukshus (those desiring moksha) can get moksha and also others who are affected by the tapatrayas (3 fold miseries ). Sanathkumara replied that-those who do righteous acts regularly (saddharma anushtana),those who worship the lotus like feet of Hari with duly meditating on Him,those who are not influenced have no desires at all, by doing karma (duty ) with the objective of getting material comforts (meaning not inclined towards artha and kama), those who are observing yama, niyama etc. (meaninig the eight fold path of Ashtanga yoga) , those who by conquering the duality of this prapancha ( meaninig that jiva -brahma oneness-advaita) realise that " I am Brahman"- all those who have the above traits and qualifications in them are sure to get moksha. This alone is the Kshema Marga (path to mukthi or moksha).
Commentary: According to various commentators Sanathkumara advised - Bhakthi Jnana with vairagya, as the path to get moksha. Refer to the commentary to verse 19 above. Sanathkumara's advice is detailed in verses 18 to 40 of chapter no.22 of Canto-4
Meaning: When the sages and sadhus were admiring Prithu for His guidance to others for developing Hari Bhakthi, the Sanakadi -4 rishis arrived there who are as illuminous as the son. The four Sanakadi rishis were received by Prithu and worshipped by Him.The foremost yogi among them- Sanatkumara replied in response to the questions raised by Prithu as to what was the easier way to get the highest good and welfare for mankind. In other terms Prithu sought the advice from Sanathkumara as to how tapasvis and mumukshus (those desiring moksha) can get moksha and also others who are affected by the tapatrayas (3 fold miseries ). Sanathkumara replied that-those who do righteous acts regularly (saddharma anushtana),those who worship the lotus like feet of Hari with duly meditating on Him,those who are not influenced have no desires at all, by doing karma (duty ) with the objective of getting material comforts (meaning not inclined towards artha and kama), those who are observing yama, niyama etc. (meaninig the eight fold path of Ashtanga yoga) , those who by conquering the duality of this prapancha ( meaninig that jiva -brahma oneness-advaita) realise that " I am Brahman"- all those who have the above traits and qualifications in them are sure to get moksha. This alone is the Kshema Marga (path to mukthi or moksha).
Commentary: According to various commentators Sanathkumara advised - Bhakthi Jnana with vairagya, as the path to get moksha. Refer to the commentary to verse 19 above. Sanathkumara's advice is detailed in verses 18 to 40 of chapter no.22 of Canto-4
23
दृष्ट्वाƒत्मानं प्रवयसमथ स्वेषु पुत्रेषु राजा
संन्यस्योर्वींवनमुपगतश्चार्चिषा सेव्यमानः।
योगी कृष्णे निहितसकलो द्वन्द्वजेता तपस्वी
सद्योमुÏक्त परपदमवापान्वगात् तं प्रिया च।।
Meaning: Prithu, after he became old enough,entrusted the kingdom to his 5 sons by names- Vithijashwa,Dhumrakesha,Haryashva,Dravina and Vruka. Then he along with his wife Archis set out for the forest and after observing the sanyasa dharma strictly deicated all his actions to Krishna and thus became a yogi.He also conquered the Duality ( that jiva is different from Brahman)- meaning that He realised the advaita and became an ardent tapasvi and attained Sadyo Mukthi (immediate moksham). His wife Archis also on his leaving the body followed Him to the Vaikunta ( as she also practised austerities along with her husband earlier).
Commentary: Those who are following Nishkama Dharma will get Sadyo Mukthi. For those who are follwing Sakama Dharma will get Krama Mukthi.The women of paradise (deva stris) extol the virtues of Archis for her rare and steadfast adhering to Dharma as was done by her husband. The Phalashruthi for the narration and hearing of this Prithu Charitham are - the devotee will get all the four Purusharthas ( Dharma, Artha. Kama and Moksha) and also pure deotion to Hari (Bhakthi). For details see verses 29 to 39 of chapter 23 of Canto-4 of Purana.
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