HRASVA BAGHAVATHAM: HRASVA BHAGAVATHAM - CANTO -5

SKANDHA - 5
स्कन्ध: -५
INTRODUCTION

The Skandha-5 of Srimad Bhaghavatha Puranam describes the third quality or lakshana (लक्षण). In the Second Skandha- chapter 10 verse 4, describes Sthithi ( स्थिति) asVaikunta Vijaya.

The Sthithi can be called as Sthanam( स्थानं) also.The Stithi means continuance in life and preservation (one of the three states in human beings-सर्गस्थित्तिव्यवाहार हेतु:.This also means that Sthithi is caused by Bhagavan and permanence and perpetuation in Bhagavan Himself.The jiva depends on Bhagavan for sustenance and Vaikunta Vijaya means that Bhagavan is the cause of this universe and His presence being everywhere,in everything and always.

Sridharacharya in his commentary describes that Sthanam means is the limits of the boundary of the earth and other regions and they are divided into three areas- earth, the region above ,and the region below. Vishvanatha Chakravarti in his commentary says that Sthanam is the presevation of this universe by the varios demi-gods. Giridhara Goswmi in his commentary Bala Prabodhini contends that Sthanam can be classified into two - Atma Sthanam and Desha Sthanam ( meaning that the sustenance in Jivatma and sustenance in the Universe as well ). The Svarupa Sthithi of the Jivatma is threefold-कृष्णेन स्वरूपस्थिति: ,य़ोगेन स्वरूपस्थिति: ,ज्ञानेन स्वरूपस्थिति: (sustenance or permanance by Krisha,Yoga, Jnana).The Desha Sthithi (sustenance of this Physical Universe) also is three fold- Earth,The regions above the Earth , and the regions below the Earth.

There are 26 chapters in this Skandha, They are classified into Six Prakaranas or Topics.

1) The Svarupa Sthithi in the first 6 chapters

2) The Yoga Sthithi in the next 8 chapters.

3) The Jnana Sthithi in the next 1 chapter

4) The Earth Sthithi in the next 5 chapters

5) The Sthithi of the region above the Earth in the next 3 chapters.

6) The Sthithi of the region below the Earth in final 3 chapters..

This classification is according to Bala Prabodhini. Bala Prabodhini also contends that there are 26 chapters in this Canto for -24 prakruthi tatvas, 1 for Jiva and 1 for Brahma (Total-26)

But Vopadeva in his work Harililamrutham (Bhagavatha Tatvam) contends that there are four (4) Prakaranas..

1) The first 15 chapters

2) The next 5 chapters

3) The next 3 chapters

4) The final 3 chapters

The Bala Prabodhini divides the first 15 chapters into 3 classes in lieu of one.

Shuka in this Skandha (Canto) narrates the Priyavratha' s life and others and for the description of the earth and the regions above and below in a predominantly prose (Gadya) form and with verse form in a limited manner. The reason for this is that for describing the details of the contents of this Canto in prose form there are no such limitations in using words ,whereas in verse (padya) form there are restrictions in using the words to suit to the rules of the prosody.
Havingexplained the opinions of various commentators regarding this Skandham ,we will study Hrasva Bhagavatham- Skandha -5

भूयः श्रीशुक आह - "पौरव! मनोराद्यः सुतः श्रीहरौ

भक्तः सत्पुरुषः प्रियव्रत इति ख्यातो विरिञ्चोक्तितः।

कन्ये द्वे उदुवाह; रात्रिमरोद् गच्छन् दिनं तेजसा

जाता अस्य सुतास्त्रयोदश; पुनः सोƒन्वाचरन्नारदम्'।

Meaning: In chapter 31 of Canto-4 at the end Suka informed Parikshit that Priyavratha got AtmaVidya from Narada intially and was a sanyasi thereby. Again he became a householder. Then he got total detachment from all the worldly affairs got mukthi.Parikshit on hearing this was a bit surprised to hear that as to how a person who got on to the superior position as an Atmarama could again become a householder and got attached to the samsara by Karmabandha..Further he felt that when a person gets himself closer to HARI could never allow himself to be attached to the family and children.This was a dichotomy to him . Hence he asked about this doubt and asked Suka to clear his doubt. Then Suka started narrating the details to him. This is the suject matter of the first chapter of Canto-5.
Again Suka told Parikshit that Priyavratha -Manu's e eldest son was a sadhu and devotee of Hari. As he was persuaded by Brahma to involve him in the further creation ,he married two wives.-one was the daughter of Vishwakarma by name Barhishmati. It was he who travelled across the globe in a chariot like a second sun and made the night as a day, by his own illumination of self. Ten sons by names- Agnindhra,Idmajihva.Yajnabahu,Mahavira,Hiranyaretha,Ghruthaprushta, Savana, Medhathithi,Vitihotra, Kavi and a daughter by name Urjasvati. Three more sons by names- Uttama, Tamasa, and Raivata ( who became later as Manvantaradhipathis after Swayambhuva Manu). Thus 13 sons were born to him. Finally he followed the advice of Narada and attained mukthi.
Commentary:Priyavratha embraced Sanyasa Dharma following the advice of Narada. As Brahma wanted to enlarge the creation he came to him along with Narada and other Rishis and persuaded him to become a householder and help the creation further. The logical arguments put forth by him are in verses 11 to 19 of this chapter. Priyavratha as a mark of respect to Brahma-his grandfather acceded to his request and became a householder.He ruled the earth for 110 crores of years.When he moved round this earth following the Sun God for 7 times his chariot's wheels caused ruts were seven oceans which gave rise to the seven Dvipas-Jambu.Plaksha,Shalmali, Kusha, Krauncha,Shaka and Pushkara.Of these Dvipas(islands) each one of these succeding is twice as large in area as the one preceding it. The seven oceans consist of- 1) Salt, 2) Sugarcane juice 3) Wine 4) Clarified Butter(Ghrutha-Ghee) 5)Milk 6) Curd 7) Pure Water. Also, each of them is twice as large as the preceding one-similar to Dvipas . Priyavratha divided the 7 islands or ares to his 7 sons. Three of them by names- Kavi, Mahavira, and Savana became ascetics from the childhood..The divisions of 7 Dvipas are as under:
TO Agnindhra - Jambu Dvipa
Idmajihva- Plaksha
Yajnabahu - Shalmali
Hiranyaretas - Kusha
Ghruthaprushta -Krauncha
Medhathithi - Shaka
Vitihotra - Pushkara
He gave his daughter Urjasvati in marriage to Shukra and the daughter born to them was Devayani.
When he did all as was required Brahma , he beame a sanyasi again with total detachment and attained mukthi.Suka concludes this chapter duly praising the efforts of Priyavratha by the famous verses on him sung by celestials and others.Priyavratha created these Dvipas etc only for the purpose of welfare of the people living in them- with separate hills,rivers and forests so that all of them could live in peace.

तस्य ज्येष्ठसुतस्तु मन्दरगिरिं प्राप्तस्तपश्चाƒचर-

न्नाग्नीध्रोऽप्सरसं विलोक्य जडवद् वक्ता तया संमिलन्।

भौमस्वर्गसुखं विचित्रमुपभुज्याब्दायुतान्युत्सुक-

स्तृप्तिम् नाƒप सुतान् नवाप्यजनयन्नाभ्यादिकान् भोगिराट्।।

Meaning: The eldest son of Priyavratha- Agnindhra went to the Mandara Giri to perform penance.When he was engaed so, he saw an Apsars by name Purvachitti and became infatuated on seeing her.. He became a jada- literally fixed, materialised and hence idiotic.He started enjoying all material comforts in her company.and was blabbering so much about her. He lived in this manner for a very long time (10 crore years). Even then he was never satisfied. He indulged himself in enjoyment. Nine sons- Nabhi,Kimpurusha Hrivarsha ,,Ilavvrutha, Ramyaka,Hiranmaya,Kuru, Bhadrashva. Ketumala- were born to them.

Commentary: Agnindhra did performance with the intention of going to Pitruloka and not with a motive to get mukthi.Hence when he met the apsara he became infatuated with her Nine sons of Agnindhra married- Meru Devi,Pratirupa,Ugradhamshtri,Lata,Ramya,Shyama,Nari, Bhadra,Devavithi respectively who were the daughters of Meru. Agnindhra divided the Jambu Dvipa into 9 parts and entrusted each of them presided the Varsha of his name. Finally Agnindra could not bear the separation of Purvachitti who left him and reached svarga. Agnindhra also reached Pitruloka.

Suka in narrating this story and life of Agnindhra was doing with more pity on him and was laughing at his helplessness in not exercising self-control. This indicates that his example is not to be followed by people who want to attain mukthi and this story is a lesson to them.

आग्नीध्रस्य सुतस्तु नाभिरनपत्योƒभूत् प्रजार्थेष्टिकृत्;

प्रत्यक्षं हरिमाहुरत्र मुनयो ""राज्ञोƒस्तु पुत्रः शुभः।

यस्तुल्यो भवता भवे''दिति वचः श्रुत्वा स्वतुल्यं परं

नो पश्यन् हरिरेव नाभितनयो जातः पितृप्रीतिकृत्।।

Meaning:Nabhi -the eldest son of Agnindhra wanted to have a son. Therefore he performed an Ishti( a sacrifice performed for getting a desired purpose) with the help of brahmins and according to the rules. When the yagna was in process, Hari out of affection towards His devotees appeared in the sacrifice area.The rishis prayed to Hari to grant the wish of the King Nabhi to have a son equal to Hari himself. Bhagavan , realising that there were none equal to Him, preferred to be born Himself as a Kalavatara to the couple -Nabhi and Meru Devi. Nabhi was more fond of his son and adorned him..

Commentary:When Hari appeared in the fire ,pleased by the sages ,the sages prayed to Him with all humility that under all circumstances Hari has to be remembered. They slso prayed to grant the wish of the King in having a son like Him. Hari informed them that He could not desire the words of the rishis to become untrue and at the same time He did not find any body equal to Him and so He promised them that He Himself will be born to Nabhi as a Kalavatara.He kept up His promise in being born as a son of Nabhi by name -RISHABHA.This incarnation is with SHUDHDHA TATVA.for the sole purpose of showing the path of Dharma to the Naishtikabrahmacharis and munis.

नाभेः पुत्रः प्रसिद्धोƒभवदृषभ इति स्वर्गराड्र रुद्धवर्षम्

चक्रे वर्षं सुवर्षं हृतमदसुरराजार्पितायां जयन्त्यां

उत्पाद्य श्रेष्ठपुत्रान् यतिवरनृपतिश्रोत्रियानेष नाना-

धर्मानुष्ठानधीरः सकलशुभकरः पुत्रकानादिदेश।।

Meaning: When Rishabha was born he had the signs of Shanka , Chakra as marks in his body. This indicated that He was the Bhagavan's incarnation. Nabhi named Him as Rishabha because He was the best among human beings in all- prowess, beauty, name,fame influence and enthusiasm..He became famous for his traits. Indra could not tolerate the fame of Rishabha Deva.So he saw to that that there were no rains for a long time. Rishabha smiled at the Indra's ignorance and by his yogic power ensured that there were copious rains in the kingdom of Ajanabha ( because the kingdom was ruled both by Aja (Rishabha) and Nabhi). Nabhi and Meru Devi left for the forest after entrusting the kingdom to Rishabha. Indra's pride thus took a beating. He gave his daughter Jayanthi in marriage to Rishabha. 100 sons were born to them. The eldest among them was Bharatha, by whose name this land is named, Nine - Kavi, Hari, Antariksha,Prabudhdha,Pippalayana,Avirhotra,Drumila,Chamasa, Karabhajana- are the yogishwaras. Nine-Kushavartha,Ilavartha,Brahmavartha, Malaya,Ketu,Bhadrasena,Indrasprug,Vidharbha, Kikata -are the younger brothers of Bharatha. The remaining 81 brothers of Bharatha follwed the Veda marga and engaged themselves in performing and conducting sacrifices and followed their father's commands to them.

Commentary: Rishabha although an incarnation of Ishvara advised those followed the Karma marga like other ignorant people only to show ,the Dharma in accordance with time.He strictly followed the principles of Varnashrama Dharma.As in his time the principles of Varnashrama Dharma were neglected. Therefore through his personal charecteristics and behaviour he taught the people to perform duties according to Varnashrama Dharma.He showed the people as to how people although being householders can become perfect by following the principles of Varnashrama Dharma..He was a Kshatriya and followed the instructions of brahmanas and performed 100 sacrifices as per procedures.He ruled his kingdom in a just manner .Once while touring this world he reached a place known as Brahmavarta. and in the assembly of Brahmarishis and when His sons also were present, He instructed his sons so that they could rule the earth in future in a perfect manner and also the mukthi marga for them

पुत्रा! मानुषजन्म दुर्लभ;मिदं मोक्षाय; बन्धाय नो;

मुक्तिः सज्जनसंगतो हरिकथालापादिना लभ्यते;।

मा मा मत्सरबुद्धिरस्तु व; इदं ब्रह्मैव सर्वं जगत्;

लोकान् ब्रूत विमुक्तिमार्गमिम''मित्युक्त्वा यतिः प्रस्थितः।।

Meaning: Rishabha addressed His sons as -" O My sons! The birth as a human being in this earth takes place as a very rare occurrence after many births as a being other than a human and also after a very long time.This birth as a human being is for attaining " mukthi" and not for getting attached to this material world which will result only in repeated births and deaths.Mukthi or Liberation of the soul can be got by associating with the sages and sadhus only who will influence the devotees by narrating the stories and singing the praises of Hari.You should not have jealousy or enmity among either yourselves or with others.Whatever you see in this Prakruthi or Jagat is "Brahman" . You please show this path of "mukthi" to others also. After advising His sons to follow their brother Bharatha in the path of righteousness and rule the earth, He left His kingdom and became a sanyasi or ascetic.

Commentary: Rishabha advised His sons to follow the path of Bhakthi with Jnana , and not to get entangled themselves in the path of Karma with desires. His advice is in verses 1 to 27 of chapter 5. The "Vairagya " has to be developed for " Nishkama KarmaYoga". After becoming a sanyasi He lived a life with total detachment and in the process was never mindful of having any food for survival. He followed the example of animals such as cows,deers and birds like crows for taking the food for survival. He lived like them.He exhibited yogic powers only to show their efficacy to others and for getting any benefits for Himself. He was the personification of Vasudeva and therfore never exercised these mystic or yogic powers of Animadi eight sidhdhis , for Himself. He was beyond all these and lived a life with vairagya.

मौनी योगिवरः सुखं जनपदग्रामाटवीतीर्थगो

निस्संगो विचरन् निजात्मनि परं वस्त्वेव पश्यन् क्रमात्।

संप्राप्तः कुटकाचलं निजतनुं वह्नौ जुहाव स्वयं;

निष्कामो यतिधर्मसद्गुरुरयम् ,देवाय तस्मै नम:॥

Meaning: He practised complete silence meaning that he becama "mauni" and thus became a great yogi. He wandered throughout the human habitations, villages, forests, places of pilgrimage and in all places with ease.Slowly He attained a state where He realised the Bliss of Brahman. He reached the place called Kutakachala and a forest fire consumed His mortal body.He set an example of perfoming the duties and leading a life with "Nishkama Dharma" and also how to lead a life of a saint and ascetic. To Him we bow ourselves and our prostrations to Him.

Commentary:As Rishabha set a perfect example for other saints and ascetics to follow the "Sanyasa Dharma " in the right spirit and substance, He became famous..Sage Suka after narrating Rishabha Charitham to Parikshit bows and prostrates with respect. Suka told specifically to Parikshit (verse 18 of chapter 5) that Mukunda or Vasudeva had looked after the welfare of all your ancestors and grand parents and parents and behaved like their servant as well. He is your spiritual master, Deity,friend and a director of your activities as well.For those desirous of getting liberation or mukthi and who worship Him with this objective, He grants them their wish very easily. But He never grants Bhakthi yoga with Prema or Sneha to the people who woship Him easily. In other terms it is said that although Mukthi can be attained it is very difficult to develop Bhakthi Yoga with total attachment to Mukunda alone is well neigh impossible..

The Priyavrata Charithram to Rishabha Charithram describes the Sthithi due to Krishna ( according to Bala Prabodhini)

तत्पुत्रो भरतोऽभवन्नरपतिस्तत् स्मारकम् वर्षना-

मैतद् भारतमित्यहो! शतसहस्राब्दान् महीं पालयन्।

पञ्चाजीजनदात्मजान् यजनकृत् ध्यायन् विराट्पूरुषं

सर्वं कर्मफलं समर्प्य हरये प्राप्तश्चतुर्थाश्रमम्।।

Meaning:Rishabha's son, Bharatha became the King and this land Is known by his name as Bharatha Varsha. He ruled the earth for thousands of years. He got five sons- Sumathi,Rashtrabhrutha,Sudarshana, Avarana,and Dhumraketu by his wife Panchajani,the daughter of Vishwarupa.He performed many sacrifices.Meditaing on Virat Purusha and dedicating all the fruits of his actions to Hari reached Pulahashrama.

Commentary When Rishabha was ruling the land, it was known as Ajanabha (named after Aja-Risshbha and after Nabhi his father as well). Later it came to be known as Bharatha Varsha named after Bharatha,He performed many Yagnas and made offerings to Devas. But he knew that Devas as manifestations of Vasudeva.His mind became pure and filled with Satva.He engaged himself with total devotion to Vasudeva. He entrusted his kingdom to his sons and went to Pulahasrama and propitated Sun God in the form of Narayana by a special Rik (verse no14 of chapter 7).

तस्मिन् ध्यायत्यनन्तं झटिति मृगवधूः सिंहभीतोत्पतन्ती

नद्यां विरुास्तगर्भाम्रियत; नव शिशुं मोचयन् मृत्युवक्त्रात्।

स्नेहात् तत्पालनप्रीणननिरतमतिस्तत्स्मृतेर्देहपाते

भूयो जातो मृगः सन् हरिभजनरतस्तं च देहं जहौ सः।।

Meaning While engaging himself so in meditation of Hari and devotional service to Him, on one occasion he saw a deer dying after delivering a new born fawn ,terrified by a lion's roar.He saved the new born fawn from the jaws of death and brought the young ones with him out of compassion.He reared the fawn with love and affection as his own child so much so that he neglected his mission to meditate and serve Hari. He was so much attached to the fawn that he constantly remembered it. As he died remembering the fawn he was born as a deer in his next birth.. Though born as a deer Bharatha did not lose memory of his Service to Hari in his prior birth. He on introspection about his neglect of duties as a sanyasi in his previous birth just for the sake of a deer child, controlled his mind and directed it on the worship of Vasudeva. He waited calmly for the exhaustion of his Karma that had made him astray and given this birth as a deer. He then gave up his body in the form of deer in the waters of Gandaki- a sacred river.

Commentary: This is to make the followers of sanyasa dharma understand that the compassion on jivas is a virtue in general. But when it becomes the cause for the attachment, it results in an obstruction to the spiritual path and consequently in a fall from the higher level of control of mind.. In these cases one has to undergo the fruits of his actions in the successive births till his "Prarabdha Karma " gets exhausted. But such a yogi who had been practising austerities earlier does not fall in full measure . See Bhavad Gita- chapter -6 verse 40. He does not meet with an evil destiny.

दैवाद् भूयः स जातः सततनुतहरिर्ब्राह्मणः पूर्वजन्म-

स्मृत्या मूकोƒवधूतः कुहचन सहजक्सेत्ररक्षानियुक्त:।

चण्डीगेहम् च नीतो,निशि पुरुषपशुर्दुर्जनै,स्तत्र देवी

हत्वा तान् पीतरक्ता भरतमुरुकृपम् भक्तवर्यम् ररक्ष॥

Meaning: By the Grace of God, he was reborn in a religious brahmana's family as the the son from his younger wife, who belonged to the dynasty of Angiras and had all the qualifications of a brahmana.The brahmana was engaged in devotional service to Hari. Bharatha in this rebirth also had the complete memory of his previous births. Therefore he behaved like a dumb ,dull and as a mad personand also as a blind person to the outside world.. He roamed as a naked person.This position of his was only to avoid the bad associations which will detract him from the spiritual path..His elder brothers conidering him as an incorrigible person completely neglected him.He was a watchman in a farm. He was caught during night by the followers of the leader of dacoits, who was in search of an animal to be used in the sacrifice for Bhadra Kali considered this dull person as an equivalent to an animal. They offered him in that sacrifice. But Devi did not approve their harming a sage like person. He as a punishment for their misdeed killed all of them. Devi thus protected a great devotee.

Commentary: To the outside world and his nine brothers by his first wife to his father, Bharatha behaved like a dull witted and a mad man. This was only to avoid attachment to any body as was the case in his previous birth. He engaged himself in meditation on Hari always. He did all the undesirable acts also as ordered by others without any rancour or ill-will ,Even when he was being sacrificed by the wicked persons he was calm. By his penance and total detachment, even the wicked persons who wanted to kill him got rid of their sins due to rajo and tamo gunas as they lost their lives in the devi;s presence. Bharatha always wished well for others. This is the trait of sadhus.

गच्छन् सौवीरराजः पथि निजशिबिकां वाहयंस्तेन वाचा

निन्दन् पूर्वं, तदीयं हितसरसवचः श्रद्धयाƒƒकर्ण्य पश्चात्

स्वस्थानात् सोƒवरूढः कृतनतिरभितः प्राह ''कस्त्वं''? ""कुतस्त्वम्?

योगी मे योगशास्त्रं जनिमृतितरणं ब्रूहि; नश्यत्वघं मे''।।

Meaning: Further on one occasion, the King of Sindhu and Sauvira-Rahugana when going to Kapilashrama reached the bank of the river Ikshumati on a palanquin. The bearers of the palanquin needed another carrier. They searched and found the young Bharatha to be having strong limbs. They made him carry the palanquin although Bharatha was not fit for such work. Bharatha carried the palanquin as ordered by them. When the palanquin was being carried,it erred in its path.When Rahugana asked the reason for that, the remaining bearers blamed Bharatha for that lapse. Rahugana then became angry and spoke ill of Bharatha,as he was overpowered by rajasic guna with the pride as a king. He told Bharatha that he would punish him for his disobedience. When Bharatha replied Rahugana that he was beyond the body,indriyas, limbs and life and a Brahman., and even if Rahugana killed him he would not experience death. Then Rahugana realised that Bharatha was a yogi. He immediately got down from the palanquin and sought pardon from Bharatha. Heasked Bharatha as to who he was and from where he came. He also requested Bharatha to teach him the Atmavidya which will lead him to attain mukthi..

Commentary: Bharatha's detailed reply to the threat by Rahugana to kill him is in verses 9 to13 of chapter 10.

स प्रत्याह रहूगणं - ""जगदिदं श्रव्यं च दृश्यं च नो

सत्यं; सर्वमिदं मनोमय,मतो दुःखं सुखं चागतं;।

दुःखं स्यात् सगुणं मनो यदि सुखं नैर्गुण्यभाक्, संसृति-

र्नश्येदात्मविचारतो; हरिगुरूपास्त्या मनः स्वं जयेत्''।।

Meaning: Bharatha told Rahugana as - " This world or Jagat what we see is not true. We believe it to be true- only because this is our imagination in our minds.In as much as we consider an untrue fact as true, we get involved in samsara and experience both pleasure and pain.If the mind gets attached to the three gunas it is pain or Dukkha and if totally unattached -Nirguna, it is pleasure- Sukha.. Only through the Atmavichara- by distingushing the real and unreal ( Atma and Anatma Vivekam), we can ensure the cessation of births and deaths- Samsara. This can be achieved only through the guidance of a Guru and worshipping Hari through devotion.Control of the mind is the prerequisite for this.

Commentary: Various commentators say that in this chapter Bharatha advises the king that it is the mind which is the cause of this samsara. And this samsara can be got rid of through Hari Bhakthi and the guidance of a Guru. See for detailed explanation the chapter 11 has to be studied.

भूयोƒप्याहैष राजा - ""भ्रमति मम मनः सज्जगद्भाति'' - विप्रे-

णोक्तम्- नो ब्रह्मणोƒन्यत् किमपि सदणवः स्थौल्यकाश्र्यादिकं च।

सर्वं संकल्पितं, सत्पदनतिभिरिदं ज्ञायते पूर्वजन्म

न्यासं कृष्णांघ्रिभक्तो भरतनरपतिर्मूढवत् सोƒद्य वर्ते।।

Meaning: The king on hearing Bharatha's advice expressed his doubt.He said in spite of convincing by Bharatha about the untrue nature of the world or Jagat he could not comprehend the advice and therefore his mind was confused. He requested Bharatha to explain to him in the manner which will be more easy for him to comprehend.So he said that he felt that the Jagat as true.

Bharatha explained to him the Vedanta that there is no second thing that exists other than Brahman. The feeling of atom,stout or big , lean or small , shortness,differences, result , cause , living symptoms etc -all these are the imaginations of the mind.We can understand this truth only when we surrender ourselves to the great people Bharatha told Rahugana that in his previous birth he was Bharatha , the king and a great devotee of Krishna .BUT now He was behaving like an ignorant person and a fool.

Commentary:Rahugana wanted to know the difference between the body and atma (jiva and paramatma) Hence he raised certain doubts He ,requested Bhatha to teach him Adhyathmika Vidya. See for details chapter 12

राजन्! पश्य भवाटवीं विचरति क्लिश्यन् जनो मोहितो

वर्तन्ते वृकदस्यवोƒत्र भयदा दंशाः सृगालादयः।

एतान् जेतुमहं ददामि विमलज्ञानासिमीशं भजे

त्युक्तः स्वं गुरुमानतः स सकलान् ज्ञानी विरक्तो गतः।।

Meaning: Bharatha continued his advice. He said- " King! In the forest called samsara , the ignorant people wander with great efforts and uhdergoing many hardships and sufferings. The tigers ,pythons,foxes, wolves,dacoits, - all these wild and cruel animals and beings are there in this forest.If one wants to conquer them one needs an Unblemished Knowledge ( Vimala Jnana) ,which I will impart to you.You devote yourself in the service and Upasana of Sarveshwara.". Rahugana after hearing the advice from Bharatha, with total detachment to the worldly affairs,got the Advaita Jnana.. He offered prayers not only to his Guru but also others as his Gurus.

Commentary:Although Rahugana had the knowledge of the scriptures, he was more attached to this material world.He did not develop the total detachment to them.In order to remove his doubts about "samsara " , Bharatha narrated this allegory describing the worldly trading in forest ( the world being the forest and the traders being people in search of wealth for material comforts). The illusion was explained in detail as how persons suffer instead of the pleasure they are looking for.. Bharatha explained the Advata Philosophy to the king from the standpoint of Puranas and denunciation of Vedic and Tantric rites without an intention to get mukthi.

Parikshit informed Suka that he was unable to understand the allegory , as explained byBharatha to Rahugana. Suka told that he would explain to him.

उक्तं व्याससुतेन पौरव! गृहाटव्यां कलत्रं वृको

दंशो दुर्जन इन्द्रियाणि च मनः षड् दस्यवो भीकराः।

पुत्रो जंबुक एवमादिभिरहो! शीर्णं भवत्यर्थदं

मार्त्यम् जन्म; हरिं भजन् भरतवद् धन्यो भवेत् मानवः।।

Meaning; Shuka told Pariksit - " Parikshit! In the forest of the household, wives are wolves.the wicked persons are the mosquitoes, the Karma and Jnana Indriyas (organs) and the mind are the dangerous and fearful dacoits, son- a fox, and so on and so forth all the people connected to the jiva cause the valuable human birth as useless and worthless. All jivas (people) should worship Hari with Bhakthi and become fortunate like Bharatha. "

Commentary:Bharatha made Rahugana understand the similarity between the household life and the life in the forest. Parikshit wanted to know as to how the similarity is real.Shuka explained to him that the jivas as merchants with valuables and wealth travel in the forest of samsara, The dacoits in the form of mind and Indriyas attack them. The " summum bonum " of this narration is that if the jiva devotes his time and efforts in worshipping Hari with Bhakthi can get over the fear of samsara forest. The men who are the descendents of Manu should not make their worthless. Like Bharatha they should worship Hari and get liberation or mukthi.

The Phala shruthi for Bharata' Chartiram is that the listeners and narrators will get Atma Vidya in addition to long life, fame etc. They will not be attracted towards material wealth and comforts.
The Bharatha Charitaram in 8 chapters above indicates Yoga Sthithi.

राजाभूद् भरतात्मजोƒथ सुमतिः कालेवधूतव; तद्-

वंशे ज्ञानिवरः प्रतीह, इतरो नाम्ना गयः कीर्तितः।

तृप्तो यस्य मखार्पितानि च हवींष्यादत्तवान् श्रीहरि-

र्मत्ते यत्र मघोनि, विद्धि विरजं चान्त्यं नृपं तत्कुले।।

Meaning : Sumathi the son of Bharatha became the king .In course of time he became an Avadhutha( digambara sanyasi).In that lineage ,Prathiha became a Jnani, and latr Gaya became the king. He became famous. In the sacrifice performed by him Indra was satisfied by Soma Rasa , Hari appeared Himself and accepted His portion in the sacrifice and was very much satisfied.Bharatha's lineage ends with Viraja.

Commentary:In the lineage of Bharatha Prthiha was the master of Atma Vidya. There is no king equal to Gaya . He ruled the kingdom in a most righteous manner. Right from Brahma down to the grass all were happy. Hari came down to accept His portion Himself ,as Gaya conducted the sacrifice with pure Bhakthi .

The charitram of Bharatha's lineage describes the Sthithi of all of them with Svarpa and practising the path of Jnana ( according to Bala Prabodhini)

भूयः श्रीशुक आह - पश्य जगदाकारेण दृश्यं हरेः

स्थूलं रूपमिदं सरोजवदियं भाति क्षितिः, सप्तधा।

भिन्ना द्वीपसमुद्रतो, गिरिवरो मेरुर्यथा कर्णिका,

जंबूर्नाम विभज्यते च नवधा द्वीपो ƒ ष्टभिः पर्वतैः।।

Meaning: Sri Shuka told Parikshit -" See, the entire universe which we are able to see is the creation and this is Hari's Gross Form (Sthula Rupa).The earth is like a lotus flower and is illuminated and visible.The Earth is full of islands and seas and is divided into seven( 7) parts .MahaMeru mountain is like a lotus bud.The Jambu Dvipa has eight mountains and divided into nine (9) parts.

Commentary:Let us imagine the Earth as a pericarp of a lotus and there are 7 sheaths immersed in it.- 7 sheaths as 7 Dvipas. The central sheath is Jambu Dvipa.. It is 8,00,000 miles in area(according to Sridhara). There are nine (9) Varshas in Jambu Dvipa. The central one is Ilavrutha. Others are- Ketumala,Bhadrashva,, Harivarsha, Kimpurusha, Bharatha,Ramyaka, Hiranmaya, Kuru.Shuka's description of how these are both in area and the qualites of all these 9 varshas are described in detail in chapter19.

मेरोर्मूर्ध्निपतद्धरेः पदजलस्रोतः पुनाति प्रभो-

र्भक्तान् स्वार्जितपुण्यशेषसुखभोगार्थं नराः स्वर्गिणः।

वर्षाण्यष्ट विशन्ति, भारतमिदं सत्कर्मदेशः; शिवः

पत्न्येलावृतमावसन् सह हरिं संकर्षणं स्तौति च।।

Meaning: The Ganges (Ganga) river with gushing waters , which had the source from the feet of Shri Maha Vishnu, flow right from the crest of Maha Meru. She purifies all devotees.Those who are fortunate and accumulated virtues by their righteous acts reach the paradise (svarga). After spending their period there and after enjoying their due share of the portions of the fruits of actions, they reach these eight Varshas to enjoy the balance portions of their accumulated virtues (punya).This Bharatha Varsha is called Karma Bhumi ,- the place to perform and do the righteous acts.Bhagavan Shiva lives in the Ilavrutha Varsha along with His wife and worships Sri Hari as Sankarshana Murthi (Form).

Commentary:Maha Meru is described as a bud in the lotus of the Earth. Brahma resides in the centre of Maha Meru.Around in all eight directions eight deities guard the eight directions From the undersides of the feet of Maha Vishnu Ganges emerged during His incarnation as TriVikrama (Vamana) and in the sky called as AkashaGanga.On reaching the Earth, it branches out into 4 - Sita, Alakananda,Chakshu, and Bhadra and finally reaches the ocean. The Ganges purifies all who bathe in it and who worship it also. AkashaGanga reaches Dhruva Mandala- where Dhruva worships on three sandha periods. Then it reahes Sapta Rishi Mandalam where the Rishies worship it with reverence.

It is in Bharatha Varsha the righteous acts of conducting sacrifices are performed which result in people accumulating virtues. This act of accumulation enable them to reach paradise and enjoy the friuts of such virtues.In the central Ilavruta Varsha Bhaghavan Shiva with Gauri worship Maha Vishnu in the form of Sankarshana.

SEE 21 DASHAKAM OF SREEMAN NARAYANEEYAM -VERSE 1 ALSO AND CHAPTER 17 OF THE PURANA FOR THE HYMNS AND MANTRA.

भद्राश्वे मुनयो हयास्यमसुरः श्रीमान् नृसिंहं कुतोƒ,

प्यार्या भूश्च वराहमादिकमठं क्वापि स्तुवन्त्यर्यमा,।

मत्स्यं सूर्यसुतो मनुः, कमलजा कन्दर्परूपं हरिं,

सर्वे लोकहितार्थमच्युतपदं भक्त्या भजन्ते नताः।।

Meaning:In this verse it is said that people who reside in the six (6) other Varshas worhip Sri Maha Vishnu in the forms described below:

VARSHA DEITY WORSHIPPING HARI FORM OF SRI HARI

1) Bhadrashva Bhadrashva Rishis Hayagriva

2) Harivarsha Prahlada NaraHari (Nrisimha)

3) Kuru (Uttara) Bhumi (Earth) Yagna Varaha

4) Hiranmaya Aryama Kurma Murthi

5) Ramyaka Vaisvatha Manu Matsya Murthi

6) Ketumala Laksmi Devi Kama Deva Murthi

The Deities and those in the Varshas worship Hari for the welfare of the universe.

Commentary: In the chapter 18 of the Purana the hymns and the mantra for worshipping each form of Hari as above are described in detail.In the above verse only the order of Ketumala and Kuru are reversed. For the details see verses 2 to 7 of Dashaka 21 of Narayaneeyam also.

वर्षे किंपुरुषे हरिर्हनुमता रामः सुखं स्तूयते

देवर्षिः स च भारते खलु नरं नारायणं सेवते।

गंगाद्याः सरितोƒत्र सन्ति हिमवन्मुख्या नगाः पुण्यदा,

जन्मात्र स्पृहयन्ति कृष्णचरितालापप्रिया निर्ज्जराः।।

Meaning:The details for the remaing two Varshas are given.

1) Kimpurusha Hanuman Shri Rama

2) Bharatha Narada MahaRishi NaraNarayana

In this Bharatha Varsha there are numerous sacred rivers -Ganga and others. There are sacred mountains. Even the celestials (devas) desire to be born here, so that they can worship Sri Krishna and narrate and hear His stories.and leelas.

Commentary:The hymns and mantra are given in chapter 19 of the Purana. Even the celestials (devas) desire their births here in the Bharatha Varsha so that they can perform sacrifices and engage themselves in worshipping SriKrishna by hearing and narrating His leelas and sing His praises. This is not so easily possible in paradise (svarga). See verses 8 and 9 of Dashaka 21 of Narayaneeyam also

प्लक्षे स्तौतीध्मजिह्वो रविमथ विमले शाल्मले यज्ञबाहुः

सोमं, वह्निम् हिरण्यः कुश इह, घृतपृष्ठस्तमापोमयं च।

क्रौञ्चे द्वीपे तु देवं, मरुतमुरुबलं चापि मेधातिथिर्वै

शाकेƒथो वीतिहोत्रोƒद्वयममृतमजं पुष्करे तर्पयन्ति।।

Meaning:IN the other Dvipas also Hari is worshipped by different deities in different forms. The original inheritors of the Dvipas are the sons of Priyavratha. The details are:

Son of Priyavratha who worships Hari Dvipa Form of Deity

1) Idmajihva Plaksha Surya

2) Yagnabahu Shalmali Soma

3) Hiranyaretha Kusha Agni

4) Gruthaprashta Krauncha Apa (Varuna)

5) Medhathithi Shaka Vayu

6) Vitihotra Pushkara Brahma ( as Aja,Advaya Brahma,

and Amrutha Svarupa)

These sons of Priyavratha are the names of Agni, in addition to Agnindhra..

Commentary : In the chapter the mantra in verse form are given for each form oof worship. See verse 10 of Dashaka 21 of Narayaneeyam also.Theregions beyond Brahma Loka are also described in chapter 20 of the Purana. Each Dvipa is twice as large in area as the preceding one.. Beyond Shaka Dvipa are Milk Ocean,Manasattora,Pure water Ocean, Land beyond Pure water Ocean,The Golden Land ,Darkness and Lokaloka Mountain. According to Sridhara there is a golden land beyond all these Dvipas .Beyond the Golden land is the Lokaloka Mountain

21.

माने द्यौः क्षमया समा भवति; तन्मध्येƒन्तरिक्ष;स्त्रिषु

प्रत्यक्षो रवि;रस्तमेति समुदेत्येष क्रमात्; सर्वदा।

मंत्रैर्यः किल वालखिल्यमुनिभिः संसेव्यते वैदिकै-

र्गच्छन् स्यन्दनतोƒप्सरःप्रभृतिभिर्नानाविधं स्तूयते।।

Meaning:The Earth and the Sky are equal in the areas they occupy. The intervening portion between the Earth and the Sky is called Antariksha. The Sun 's rays reach all the three ( 3) places. The course of the Sun is fixed-meaning that it rises at a fixed time and sets at a fixed time. the sages by name Valkhilyas worship Sun God by reciting Vedas.When the Sun God travels in a chariot ,Heis worshipped and prayers offered by Apsaras etc.
Commentary:In this chapter 21 of the Purana The course of the Sun God is described.Sun marches across the Equator..The Sun's chariot is drawn by seven ( 7) horses which are 7 Chandas ( Vedas). When Sun is traversing the Earth , 60000 RISHIS , known as Valakhilyas are only as high as a human thumb worship the Sun by reciting the Vedas. The chariot of the Sun is drawn by the other Rishis,Devas, Gandharvas, Apsaras,Nagas,Gramanis, Rakshasas,- by these seven (7) groups and they worship the Sun God in different manners according to their nature and capacity.The course of the Sun takes place in 12 months.

आदित्यः खलु विष्णुरेव भगवान् क्षेमाय जीवात्मनाम्

मासर्त्वादिकभेदमाकलयति; ग्लौः शोभते तर्पयन्।

सर्वान् सर्वमयः सुखं, तदुपरि प्रीतास्तु सप्तर्षयः

कुर्वन्त्येव परिक्रमं ध्रुवपदस्यै,ते जगत्क्षेमदाः।।

Meaning: The Sun God is Sri Maha Vishnu Himself. He has created for the welfare of the living beings ( jivathmas ) the various divisions of a year into. Ayana, Ritu, Masa ( month ) etc.The Moon also makes all happy and shines well.Above the Moon, there is Sapta Rishi Mandala and above is Dhruva Mandala. All are for the welfare of this universe.

Commentary:In this chapter of the Purana , the position of the other planets such as- Moon, Mars,Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn and their spread in areas and about their transits and their durations in each Rasi. The effects of their movements on the living beings is also explained.The Dhruva Mandala etc also wee explained in earlier chapters.

तद् विष्णोः परमं पदं यदखिलस्थानान्यतीत्य स्थितं

ज्योतिश्चक्रमिदं यदाश्रयि सदा कालेन च भ्राम्यते;।

एतद् भूमिप! शिंशुमारवपुराभाति; त्रिलोकात्मनो

विष्णो रूपमिदं स्मरन् प्रतिदिनं मर्त्यस्त्वघान्मुच्यते।।

Meaning: It is VISHNU'S PARAMAM PADAM is above all these planets ,Sun, Rishi Mandala etc. It is this Jyotis Chakra which induces the movements all these planets etc. in the Galaxy. O Parikshit Raja! The entire creation is illuminating this Universe by a SHIMSHUMARA CHAKRA. Those who meditate upon this Shimshumara Rupa in the form of Maha Vishnu will get rid of the sins easily and will become pure.

Commentary: In the Vishnu's Paramam Padam Dhruva is permanently stationed.The other illuminated bodies move round this. This position of Hari is also condidered as SHIMSHUMARA CHAKRA ( inverted Gangetic porpoise or Dolphin) . This Shimshumara is face downwards and its body coiled. Dhruva is at the end of its tail.Prajapathi,Agni, Indra and Dharma are at the lower end of its tail. Dhata and Vidhata are at the root ends of the tail.The seven Rishis are in the middle.On the right side are the stars from Abhijit to Punarvasu. On the left side are the stars from Pushya to Uttarashada.So on and so forth all the other stars and planets.

This Shimshumara is the Universal manifestation of Maha Purusha,and is to be meditated upon daily during sun rise and sun set . Those who do so with faith will be absolved from all the sins committed by them. Pleas see verse no. 11 of Dashaka 21 of Seiman Narayaneeyam.

सूर्यस्याधस्तु राहुश्चरति भव,दधः सिद्धविद्याधराद्या

विद्यन्ते सप्तलोका भृशमतलमुखा भूतिमन्तो भुवोधः।

आधिव्याघिक्लमाद्या इह न, मृतिभयं चक्रमात्राद्धरेरे-

वै;तत्तन्नो बलेर्यः सुतलमधिवसन् रक्षितो वामनेन।।

Meaning: Below the Sun God, Rahu or the Dragon's Head moves like a star or planet.Below him are the Sidhdhas, Vidhyadharas and others. Below the Earth there are seven ( 7) patalas ornethar regions or under world. They are rich with treasures and wealth.In these regions people who reside there do not experience any disease, or worries,or emaciation etc.Those residing in these nethar regions get their deaths or end only by the Vishnu Chakra-Sudarshana.Maha Bali who is in Sutala does not have any such fear, Heis well protected by the Vamana who is the gate keeper to his world.

Commentary:Svarbhanu, a demon in an improper manner consumed nectar . So Hari killed him by his Sudashana Chakra. As he had taken the nectar , he overcame death and remains as a planet. As Sun and Moon were the cause for his being killed by Hari during the Amrutha Mathana episode, both Rahu and Kethu follow them and this causes eclipses.Below him are the Sidhdhas, Rakshasas etc. live. There are seven nethar regions by name- Atala. Vitala, Sutala,Talatala,Mahatala,Rasatala and Patala.. There are rich treasures and luxaries in them. Those who live there do not experience any disease, worries, emaciation,sweating,etc. They meet their death only by the Sudarshana Chakra of Vshnu.But Maha Bali does not have such fear. He is well protected by Maha Vishnu, who guards the gates of Sutala, where Maha Bali is stationed.

There is a detailed description of all these seven nethar regions in the chapter 24 of Canto-5 of the Purana. As their description will be long, their description is not given.

शेषः पातालमूले वसति निजवधूमण्डितो, यस्तु मूर्ध्ना

भूमिं धत्ते च, यस्य भ्रुकुटिनिटिलतः शूलधारी त्रिनेत्रः।

काले संहाररुद्रो भवति; स च हरेर्जन्मकर्माणि गाय-

न्नुच्चै:सङ्कर्षणाख्यः कमलजभवने वर्ण्यते नारदेन।।

Meaning: Shesha along with Naga damsels resides at the root or end of Patala.The entire Earth is held by his head.When the annihilation of the entire creation takes place during the Pralaya ,Anantha assumes the form of Samhara Rudra with his his knitted eye brows. The Sankarshana Rudra has 11 heads and 3 eyes and bears the Trident. Sankarshana sings the leelas and hymns on Hari in a louder voice. Narada sings His praises in the assembly of Brahma Loka.

Commentary: At the root of Patala and 30000 yojanas (240000 miles) is the Tamas aspect of Hari is called Anantha.Those who worship the Chaturvyuha rupa of Hari call Him as Sankarshana.He has 1000 heads and the entire Earth is held by Him on one of his heads and the Earth then resembles a mustard in size.At the time of dissolution or annhilation of the Universe , Anantha assumes the form of Rudra otherwise called also Sankarshana. Rudra has a host of 11 heads,3 eyes and 3 tufts and also holds Tridents on their heads. At other times Sankarshana withdraws His Tamas form and remains for the welfare of the entire Universe and three worlds. His eyes roll all the times as if intoxicated. All the Naga damsels praise Him. He has one ear ring and a plough on His back. Narada sings His praises in the assembly of Brahma rishis in Brahma loka..Please see the verse no.12 of Dashaka 21 of Narayaneeyam and chapter 25 of the Purana

विद्यन्ते नरका अधो भुव उपर्युक्ता जलानां, जना

नीयन्तेƒघकरा इमान् यमभटैः; पापानुसारं च ते।

पीड्यन्ते विदंय यमेन च भटैर्यावत्कृतान्तं मयेत्

युक्तं ते जगदीदृशं च सकलं स्थूलं वपुः श्रीहरेः।।

Meaning:It is said that below the Earth and above the water ,there are Narakas or hells. People who commit sins are taken to these NARAKAS forcibly by the messengers of Yama . They are subjected to tortures in these Narakas proportionate and due tortures for their sins ,committed due to their Karma. All these are the STULA OR GROSS FORM OF SRI HARI. I ( Shuka) have (had) narrated to you ( parikshit) So was told by the Shuka Rishi.

Commentary: In this chapter 26 (verse above also ) the existencof the Hells are described, Accordind to some there are 21-Tamisra TamisraAndhaTamisra,Raurava,MahaRaurava,Kumbhipaka,Kalasutram,Asipatravanam,Sukaramukham,Andhakupam,Krumibhojanam,Samdamsha, Taptasurmi,VajraKantaka, Shalmali,Vaitarani, Puyodhaha,Pranarodhaha,Vishasanam, Lalabhakshaha,Sarameyadana, Vichi, Ayaphpanam. Some include-Ksharakardama,Rakshoganabhojana, Shulaprothaha,Dandashukaha,Avatanirodhana,Paryavarthana Suchimukha and count them as 28. In all these men and womwen who commit sins influenced by Tamasic traits undergo severe punishments fitting to the type of sins committed by them in their lives.There are hundreds of such hells may be in thousands also where people who do not follow the path of Dharma but resort to to the path of Adharma are subjected to punishments. But persons who resort to the path of Dharma and accumulates virtues but commit sins influenced by Rajo guna also undergo the punishment and also go to the paradise and return to the Earth to undergo the effects of their Karma.

THIS IS THE COMPLETE STHULA RUPA OR GROSS FORM OF SRI HARI. those who narrate this or listen to it will develop Bhakthi towards Hari. Shuka thus completed the narration of the quality or lakshana of STHANAM-THE 3RD IN ORDER.

HRASVA BAGHAVATHAM

Sunday, March 23, 2014

HRASVA BHAGAVATHAM - CANTO -5 - PART- A

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