CANTO -12
द्वादश: स्कन्ध:
The quality ( or subject or topic ) of this Canto is - आश्रय:. This is as according to the classification of the लक्षणम् ( quality or topic) of the Puranam. In CANTO-2 , in the chapter 10-verse 2, it is said that-दशमस्य विशुद्ध्यर्थं नवानामिह लक्षणम् । वर्णयन्ति महात्मान: श्रुतेनार्थेन चाञ्जसा॥ All the 9 topics which were explained in detail from CANTO 3 to 11 are to distinguish or isolate the final लक्षणम्
Other commentators have expressed their opinion from Vishishtadvaita, Dvaitha, point of view.Shudhdha Krishnadvaitha, Nimbarka matha etc for this verse But Sridharacharya has commented from Kevaladvaitha (Achaya Shankara)
Sutha concluded this chapter by saying that he had narrated fully aboue the Vedas and Puranas
Sutha told-As Markandeya was performing the penance(details see above), Indra could not tolerate that. He sent the celestial damsels -Apsaras for dancing and Gandharvas for singing and also Manmatha with his friend Vasantha with his bow with arrows made of flowers. Indra desired that the penance of Markandeya to be disturbed.This was done by him in the 7 th Manvanthara. But Markandeya continued with his penance unaffected by these external disturbances.Tormented by the fire emanating from the yogagni of Markandeya, all of them left the place. Markandeya was thus a great Rishi who had overcome the " I-ness " in him and the Maya. Narayana Rishi along with his counterpart Nara Rishi appeared before him. On seeing them Markandeya was overwhelmed and with a choked voice offered his prayers. His prayer is described in verses 40 to 49 of the chapter .Markandeya in his prayers say that they are the forms of Vishnu and therefore he surrenders to them totally. This the essence of his prayer.
10
12
The quality ( or subject or topic ) of this Canto is - आश्रय:. This is as according to the classification of the लक्षणम् ( quality or topic) of the Puranam. In CANTO-2 , in the chapter 10-verse 2, it is said that-दशमस्य विशुद्ध्यर्थं नवानामिह लक्षणम् । वर्णयन्ति महात्मान: श्रुतेनार्थेन चाञ्जसा॥ All the 9 topics which were explained in detail from CANTO 3 to 11 are to distinguish or isolate the final लक्षणम्
as - आश्रय: ( highest good or the ultimate goal or "summum bonum" or the refuge,or shelter, or final resort asylum). Sri Vallabhacharya in his commentary " Subodhini" expresses his opinion of this Canto as आश्रय: - in conformity with what is said in Canto-2.
But SRIDHARACHARYA in his commentary for CANTO-10 (दशम स्कन्ध: ) EXPRESSES THE OPINION THAT THE लक्षणम् -for this Canto as आश्रय:. According to him the लक्षणम् for Canto-12 is निरोध:. But Sri Vallabhacharya does not agree with this opinion. According to him the meaning of the word is :नितरां रोध: इति निरोध: । प्रपञ्चविस्मृति पूर्विका भगवतासक्ति: निरोध: Meaning: For the devotees the attachment to Krishna and the total forgetfulness or unattachment to this universe is निरोध:.See the explanations in some commentaries below:
Please see Sridharacharya's explanation in the verses for Dashama Skandha Purvardha -Part-1
for conidering the लक्षणम् as आश्रय: for Canto -10
Since Krishna or Paramathma is the final refuge or resort, as stressed in the earlier Cantos,
we can also consider the लक्षणम् as either आश्रय: orनिरोध:.
Now the extracts from commentaries for CANTO-12- for a clear understanding of this Canto:
The Classification of the Prakaranas or Topics are:
1) Chapters 1 to 6 -
2) Chapters 7 to 9
3) Chapters 10 to13
According to Sri Vishvanatha Chakravarthi - the classifications are -1) chapters 1 to 3 2)ch. 4 3) ch.5 and 6 4) ch.7 5)ch. 7 to 9 6) ch. 10 to13.
But according to SriVallabhacharya's disciples the classification is different and they are 5 Prakaranas.. Extracts:
.1) ch 1 to 3 2) ch. 4 & part of 5 3) remaining part of 5 &6 4) ch. 7 to 9 5) ch. 10 to 13
The classification according to Vopadeva is different.
1) chapter. 1 to 4 2) chapter 5 & 6 3) chapter 7 4) chapter 8 to 10 5) chapter 11 6) chapter 12 7) chapter 13 .
The various classifications are all acceptable, because all of them are logical.
Now to HRASVA BHAGHAVATHAM
1
श्रीकृष्णे तु गते भवेत् कलियुगारंभः; कलौ दुर्बला
राजानो बहुवंशजाः स्युरवनौ; नन्दस्तु शूद्रीसुतः।
सर्वक्षत्रविनाशकृत्-स च भवेत्; शूद्रादयो भूभृतो
हतरीश्र्च परस्त्रियः परधनं, हन्युः स्त्रियश्चार्भकान्।।
Meaning: After Krishna disappeared from the Earth and went to Vaikunta, the Kali Yuga commenced from the very same day.In this Kali Yuga,, many kings would be born in many and different races and lineages and they will be weak kings.Nanda, who was from a lowly birth had destroyed all the Kshatriya kings. Only people born of low births would rule the Earth by being kings.They would take away forcibly from others their women and wealth.Not only that, they would kill the women and children , who are weak.
Commentary: In this chapter 1 of the Purana, the races and the lineages of many kings are described.ALL of them would not rule in a righteous manner. They would be cruel,mean minded, will perform unrighteous acts and would be influenced by Rajo and Tamo gunas. They would not have Satva guna. Most of the populations would suffer and would see destructions. In this chapter the effects of Kali Yuga are described in brief. In the next chapter the effect of Kali Yuga are described in a more detailed manner. Parikshit asked Shuka about the state of the Earth after Krishna dis appeared fro the Earth. Shuka continued his reply.
Commentary: In this chapter 1 of the Purana, the races and the lineages of many kings are described.ALL of them would not rule in a righteous manner. They would be cruel,mean minded, will perform unrighteous acts and would be influenced by Rajo and Tamo gunas. They would not have Satva guna. Most of the populations would suffer and would see destructions. In this chapter the effects of Kali Yuga are described in brief. In the next chapter the effect of Kali Yuga are described in a more detailed manner. Parikshit asked Shuka about the state of the Earth after Krishna dis appeared fro the Earth. Shuka continued his reply.
2
जन्माचारगुणोदयः कलियुगे वित्ताश्रयो; भूमिपा
धर्मन्यायदयाक्षमादिरहितास्चौर्यादिकं सर्वतः
एवं क्लिश्यति सर्वजीवनिवहे कल्किव् भवन् श्रीहरिर्
हन्ता दोषकरांस्ततः कृतयुगे धर्मं पुनः स्थापयेत्।
Meaning: The qualities of the birth and the ethics will be guided or influenced by the possession of wealth. (meaning the people who have wealth will determine the ethics in life and not the Moral Code or Dharma).
The rulers themselves will not be guided by Dharma , Justice,Mercy, Forbearance,and good qualities( they will not rule the subjects in a just manner).There will be thefts . and dacoity,-these will be more prevalent.All the population will be subjected to sufferings. Then Bhagavan Hari will appear in the Incarnation of Kalki, and He will destroy all these wicked persons. Then Kruyha (Satya) Yuga will commence and the Dharma will be established again .
Commentary: The wealthy persons alone will dictate what is righteousness and what is not.The births of people in a clan or the ethics - for these, there will be no regard at all in Kali Yuga.The rulers will themselves will not be righteous, and will resort to unrighteous conduct. then the subjects also will follow them and there will be more and more thefts and dacoities . There will be no performance of religious rites in a proper manner , famines will set in and the population will suffer from hunger , thirst.When such a situation would arise that the Earth would bear no more hardships, Bhagavan Hari would incarnate Himself , as Kalki. this would happen at the end of Kali Yuga. He would be born as a son to the couple-Pramani and Vishnuyashas in the village by name Shambalam.He would destroy all the wicked persons. Then Krutha Yuga would begin and Dharma would be re-established. Then the population would be guided by- Satya, Dharma .
The rulers themselves will not be guided by Dharma , Justice,Mercy, Forbearance,and good qualities( they will not rule the subjects in a just manner).There will be thefts . and dacoity,-these will be more prevalent.All the population will be subjected to sufferings. Then Bhagavan Hari will appear in the Incarnation of Kalki, and He will destroy all these wicked persons. Then Kruyha (Satya) Yuga will commence and the Dharma will be established again .
Commentary: The wealthy persons alone will dictate what is righteousness and what is not.The births of people in a clan or the ethics - for these, there will be no regard at all in Kali Yuga.The rulers will themselves will not be righteous, and will resort to unrighteous conduct. then the subjects also will follow them and there will be more and more thefts and dacoities . There will be no performance of religious rites in a proper manner , famines will set in and the population will suffer from hunger , thirst.When such a situation would arise that the Earth would bear no more hardships, Bhagavan Hari would incarnate Himself , as Kalki. this would happen at the end of Kali Yuga. He would be born as a son to the couple-Pramani and Vishnuyashas in the village by name Shambalam.He would destroy all the wicked persons. Then Krutha Yuga would begin and Dharma would be re-established. Then the population would be guided by- Satya, Dharma .
3
पृथ्वीं जेतुमिमे नृपाः पितृसुहृद्भ्रातृन् वृथा ध्नन्ति; ते
सर्वे यान्ति च पञ्चतां; परपदं प्राप्स्यन् नरो बुद्धिमान्।
विष्णुम् ध्यायति तं कृते च, यजते त्रेतायुगे द्वापरे
भक्त्या पूजयते, कलौ च भजते नामादि संकीर्तनै:।।
Meaning: These rulers or kings would kill their own fathers, brothers and friends in order to capture the kingship or rulership .Their only motto would be serve their own selfish interests.In course of time all these people will disappear from the earth- death will overtake all of them. Men who are wise and self-illuminated with Knowledge would propitiate Bhagavan MahaVishnu in order to attain Him thus- meditate on Him in Krutha Yuga- would perform sacrifice or Yagna in Treta Yuga- worship or do Puja in Dvapara Yuga- and by chanting His Holy Names constantly in Kali YUGA.
Commentary: Shuka narrated as to how in each Yuga, the persond led their lives and how Dharma was slowly extinguishing successively in each Yuga.
In Kali Yuga, the moral degradation would reach to an abysmally low level. People would go to the extent of killing their own kith and kin to meet their selfish ends.The man is mortal. In Kali Yuga- although there are many bad qualities-there is one good quality - in that simply by chanting the Holy Names of Krishna , any person with total detachment can attain Him. Shuka advised Parikshit that he should constantly remember and meditate on Keshava and the person dying thus remembering Him would attain Him and so Shuka advised Parikshit to do the same.While in other Yugas, Hari could be pleased in varios other methods, He can be attained easily by chanting His Holy Names constantly with Bhakthi.
4
चत्वार्येव युगानि विद्धि सुमते! तेषां सहस्रम् विदुः
कल्पं; तद्दिनमेकमंबुजभवस्यैतस्य चान्ते लयः;।
नित्यादिः स चतुर्विधो; भगवतो लीला हि सृष्ट्यादिकं;
तल्लीलारसमज्जनेन मनुजः संसारमुक्तो भवेत्।।
Meaning:O! Good Hearted Parikshit! Understand that there are four Yugas. After one cycle of 1000 Chaturyuaga is over,the Kalpa (a measure of Time) will be completed and there will be change or transformation of this universe. This is considered as one day of Brahma-The Creator.At the end of a Kalpa there will be a Pralaya or Dissolution of the universe.This pralaya are of four kinds-1)Naimittika (Occasional),2)Prakruthika Pralaya or Maha Pralaya (occasional but for Final Dissolution , 3)Athyanthika Pralaya (Everlasting) and 4)Nithya (Every Moment).This creation ,preservation and the dissolution of this universe is like a sport to Bhagavan Vishnu.Those who drown themselves in that sports and deeds of His and enjoy the bliss will be liberated from this "samsara"
Commentary: As Shuka mentioned about the four Yugas in the last chapter,he continued to narrate them in brief but the final dissolution that takes place at the end of a day of Brahma, at the end of the life of Brahma,the final liberation of the jivas at the end of Krama Mukthi, and the dissolution of the Time with every moment.They are explained in brief here;
1) NAIMITTIKA PRALAYA- AT THE END OF A DAY OF BRAHMA-All the three worlds get merged in Paramatma.
2) PRAKRUTHA PRALAYA-AT THE END OF THE LIFE OF BRAHMA-ALL the 5 basic elements -sky,air, fire,water, and the earth and every thing in this created universe are merged in Paramatma.
3) ATHYANTHIKA PRALAYA- WHEN THE JIVA GETS LIBERATED FINALLY AND MERGED IN PARAMATHMA.THIS IS AFTER THE JIVA GETS -"JNANA" AND WHEN HE ATTAINS "MOKSHA"
4) NITHYA PRALAYA- WHICH IS HAPPENING EVERY MOMENT FOR EVERY ONE OF US WITH THE PASSAGE OF TIME. WE EXPERIENCE- THE CHILDHOOD, YOUTH, MIDDLE AGE, OLD AGE AND DEATH. WE ALSO OBSERVE THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS TAKING PLACE AT EVERY MOMENT
IN OTHER WORDS , THE CREATION AND DISSOLUTION IS ALWAYS TAKING PLACE .
For us the only way to get the liberation from the recurrence of births and deaths is do immerse ourselves in hearing and narrating of the Incarnations and Deeds in them of MahaVishnu and enjoy the bliss of His presence with Bhakthi. For this Vairagya and Tyaga are necessary. To inculcate in ourselves the knowledge of the dissolutin is necessary That is the reason Shuka narrated to Parikshit to get Vairagya. SHUKA had almost completed the narration of all and cleared the doubts from the mind of Parikshit.
5
भीतः किं तक्षकात् त्वं? जहि मरणभयं; त्वं न जातःकथंते
मृत्युर्जातस्तु देहः परिणमति विनश्येच्च; न त्वं स देह:;।
आत्मा नित्योƒव्ययः सन् भवति सकलगश्चेतनो वासुदेवः;
स त्वं; ब्रह्मैव स त्वं जनिमृतिरहितं; सर्वथाते ƒस्तु भद्रम्।।
नित्योƒव्ययः सन् भवति सकलगश्चेतनो वासुदेवः;
स त्वं; ब्रह्मैव स त्वं जनिमृतिरहितं; सर्वथाते ƒस्तु भद्रम्।।
Meaning: Shuka Brahmam narrated and taught him the final advice- " O! Parikshit! are you really afraid of Takshaka? Erase it from your mind about the fear of Death.When you (Atma) were not born ,then how will you die? When the body is born ,there are changes in that body and the body will certainly perish one day.But the Atma is- Nithya (Everlasting), Avyaya (Un Perishable) , Sarva Vyapi , being present in all beings (Omnipresent) -Atma is called as Vasudeva. So YOU ARE BRAHMAN AND NOT ANY OTHER THING (ब्रह्मैव सत्यं जगन्मिथ्या जीवो ब्रह्मैव नापर: -अद्वैत सिद्धान्त:-शङ्कर भगवत्पाद:) .So you are Brahman - that has no birth and death.Let there be All-round prosperity and welfare for You "
Commentary: This is the final advice of Shuka Maharishi to PARIKSHIT. In this chapter 5 of the Purana Shuka sums up his advice in 13 verses. Shuka's final advice is summed up as below:
1) In this SsrimadBaghavatha Purana, the various Incarnations and the deeds in those incarnations alone are described and not of Shankara or Brahma.
2) As a primary requisite ,Be fearless of Death.
3) This body was neither there before and when born , it is bound to die.So there is no truth in the experience that your birth neither took place nor you will die.Like a tree grows from a seed and many other trees are grown from this one tree,the body of a jiva takes many births.It may so happen that if you are re-born again, you are likely to be reborn as your own son or grand son.See the quotation in the Veda, reproduce below:
This is like -the fire is separate from the firewood. The firewood may become ashes, but the principle of fire is permanent.Similarly Atma is permanent.The body only have the experiences-like in a dream there are experiences to the mind and not to the Atma. Atma is neither reborn nor will die
4) The sky or Akasha is endless. The Akasha in a pot - the position being normal or reversed- is the same of the Akasha,Suppose the pot is broken into pieces, the Akasha is the same and merged in the Akasha.Similarly the statement that on death the jiva becomes " Brahman". The jiva was already a "Brahman ".So the opinion that he was not a Brahman was a temporary experience.
5) This opinion of the jiva was the creation of his mind.This was due to Maya (Avidya). The mind only imagines and not the Atma.
6) You call a burning lamp as a lamp- because of the connection of its constituents such as, oil, the receptacle to hold the oil, wick and fire. When the fire is extinguished the fire principle is always there.
Similarly even when the 'SAMSARA' is destroyed,the Atma -स्वयंप्रकाश आत्मा ( the Ever EFFULGENT ATMA) is not destroyed and Atma is ' Omnipresent'.
7) Similarly Atma is स्वयंज्योति: (Self Illuminating) and also is beyond the gross and subtle bodies ( व्यक्त अव्यक्तयो: पर:- स्थूल सूक्ष्म देहयो: ). We can compare the sky with the sky alone Because we can not find a suitable simile. Similarly Atma can be compared to Atma only,
8) Therefore discriminate yourself and meditate on the Paramatma and find out the Paramatma in You , yourself.For this use your intellect and introspection of the truth that every thing is pervaded by "Vasudeva".
9) You are the death of all deaths.You are 'ISHVARA" . All the deaths put together can not come near you . So the Takshaka snake can not cause your death by his bite.
10) Meditate "I AM BRAHMA ALL PERVADING. ALL PERVAING BRAHMA IS ' I ' "YOU WILL FIND THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE IN YOU AND ALSO THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE IN
(This statement is of 'Advaita' of AdiShankaracharya.ब्रह्मैव सत्यं जगन्मिथ्या जीवो ब्रह्मैव नापर: -अद्वैत सिद्धान्त:-शङ्कर भगवत्पाद:)
Other commentators have expressed their opinion from Vishishtadvaita, Dvaitha, point of view.Shudhdha Krishnadvaitha, Nimbarka matha etc for this verse But Sridharacharya has commented from Kevaladvaitha (Achaya Shankara)
11) You will not experience any pain from the bite of Takshaka and when you meditate you will find
the entire universe as one and not as different from you .
This is Shuka;s Brahmopadesha to Parikshit
6
इत्युक्त्वा भूपतिं तं शुकमुनिरनुगृह्यागमद् योगिवृन्दैर्
ब्रह्म ध्यायन् नृपोƒगात् परपदमहिना तक्षकेणास्य देह:।
दृष्टो भस्मीकृतोƒभूत्, कुपितसुतकृते सर्पसत्रे त्वनन्ताः
सर्पा दग्धा, विवेकी सुरगुरुवचनेनैष सत्राद्व्यरंसीत्।।
Meaning: Advising Parikshit in this way as to how he could be liberated from the recrrence of the births and deaths and after blessing him and he left from that place along with the other yogis and rishis.Parikshit meditated on the 'Brahman' and attained Krishna and merged with " Paramathma"The body of Parikshit when Takshaka bit him was reduced to the ashes. Janamejaya-the son of Parikshit when he came to know of his father's death became angry and performed a sacrifice wherein all serpents were called for by invoking the suitable mantra and were consumed in the sacrificial fire. When Takshaka did not appear ,as he had taken the shelter of Indra, Janamejaya requested the officiating priests to make the Takshaka along with Indra to fall in the sacrificial fire. Accordingly the priests invoked the mantra . When Indra also was falling with Takshaka , Brihaspathi - the Deva Guru came and pacified Janamejaya with the logical reasoning for his father's death and requested the king to stop the sacrifice itself. Convinced by Brihaspathi, Janamejaya stopped the sacrifice9सर्प याग:).. Sutha Maharishi then concluded the "Parikshit 's Brahma Nirvanam"
Commentary: After Shuka tendered his advice, Parikshit, offered his respects to him by offering his prostrations and told Shuka that all his doubts had been cleared and his Ignorance and Illusion had been completely removed. Then Shuka left the place with the other yogis.
After Parikshit merged in Paramatma , there were celebrations of all celestials -devas, gandharvas and apsaras- there were sounding of musical instruments, showering of flowers. singing of Gandharvas.
In this chapter the above are described in verses from 1 to 35. From verse 36 to 80 ,Sutha gave the replies to the questions raised by Shaunaka Rishi about the details of the origin of the Vedas and Sutha Rishi described about the origin and how they were spread later and also about Rik and Yajur and Sama Vedas, He also explained as to how Yajur Veda was later classified as SHUKLA YAJUR VEDA AND KRISHNA YAJUR VEDA.Shukla Yajur Veda was obtained by the YAGNYAVLKYA RISHI (याज्ञवल्क्य ) - who was the son of Devaratha. He worshipped Surya and obtained from Him the Shukla Yajur Veda. His Prayer to Surya is in verse 67 to 72.
For details please read the chapter 6 of the Purana.
7
वेदो धातृमुखादभूदिममृषिर् व्यासो विभज्य स्वयं
शिष्येभ्य: प्रददौ, पुराणनिवहान् वेदार्थसारानथ।
चक्रे, तान् लभते स्म में गुरु, रिमे ज्ञाता मयैषां द्विजाः!
सर्गादीनि च लक्षणानि; सकलं ब्रह्माश्रयं वर्तते।।
Meaning:Sutha Rishi continued-" The Four Vedas came out of the four faces of BRAHMA. Veda Vyasa MahaRishi divided them the Rik,Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas - and taught to His four disciples- Rik Veda to Paila Rishi-Yajur Veda to Vaishampayana Rishi - Sama Vedato Jaimini Rishi - Atharva Veda to Sumanthu Rishi. Then VedaVyasa gave the Puranas - which are the essence of Vedas and these Puranas contain and convey the meaning of Vedas.My father Romaharshana was taught of all these Puranas by Veda Vyasa. From my father I learnt all the Puranas. O! Brahmanas! The qualities or topics in these Puranas are- Sarga, Visarga, Vrutti, Raksha ( Poshanam),Manvanthara, Vamsha, Vamshanucharitha,Samstha (Pralaya ) , Hetu (Uthi), Apashraya.They are ten in number. But some consider only five of them as लक्षणम् (quality).All of them teach that Brahman (ब्रह्मन् ) is the Ashraya (आश्रय: ) - the ultimate goal or refuge or shelter"
Commentary; In this chapter 7, the details as to how the Atharva Veda was spread by the disciples of Sumanthu is explained. Then it is said that VEDA VYASA gave the Puranas and taught them to Romaharshana,who in turn taught them to Sutha (Ugrashravas) Rishi.The teachers of Puranas are- Trayyaruni, Kashyapa, Savarni, Akruthavrana,Vaishampayana and Haritha.They taught the Puranas to Sutha Rishi.Vyasa gave Upapuranas also .The Puranas are eighteen in number and their details will be explained in the commentary to verse or chapter 13.The topics of them are: either 10 in number or 5 in number.
Sutha concluded this chapter by saying that he had narrated fully aboue the Vedas and Puranas
8
मार्कण्डेयो मुनीन्द्रो हरिभजनरतः पुष्पभद्रातटे षण्-
निन्ये मन्वन्तराणि त्रिदशयुवतिभिर् मोहिनीभिः स्मरास्त्रैः।
नैव व्यामोहितोƒभू,दथ नरसहितं तत्र नारायणं तं
दृष्ट्वा स्तुत्वा च मायामनुभवितुमनाः प्राप योगी वरं सः।।
Meaning: Shaunaka asked Sutha Rishi to narrate the story of Markandeya Maharishi as both Markandeya and Shaunaka were the descendants from Bhrighu MahaRishi. Sutha narrated -" The greatest among sages and ascetics is Markandeya.He was performing penance on the banks of the Pushpabhadra river for a period of six Manvantaras and he was worshipping Hari with Bhakthi. He was not at all influenced or affected by the dancing of the celestial damsels nor by the Manmatha with his arrows of flowers and bow, He was not attracted or these external disturbances created by Indra to distract him from performing the penance.He continued his penance with a concentration.Then Narayana appeared along with Nara before him. Markandeya offered his prayers to them. What is Maya? . Markandeya wanted to experience it. When Narayana asked Marakandeya to ask for a boon, he chose to have a on hand and practical experience of Maya"
Commentary:In the earlier chapter Sutha told Shaunaka about the number of the puranas as 18 and their names. One of the Purana is Markandeya Purana. Markandeya was the author of this. Shaunaka and Markandeya are the descendants of Bhrigu Maharishi. Having the same lineage and as Markandeya is a 'Chiranjeevi'- meaning that he lives for ever. He is known to have survived the delusion at the end of the Kalpa.
He is known to have been moving around and around in the waters during the delusion and to have seen Vishnu in the form of a small child on the leaf of a Peepul tree in that water. Shaunaka wanted to know the entire details as to how this took place. Sutha then narrated the entire episode. This narration is the suject matter of the chapters 8, 9 & 10.Sutha told-As Markandeya was performing the penance(details see above), Indra could not tolerate that. He sent the celestial damsels -Apsaras for dancing and Gandharvas for singing and also Manmatha with his friend Vasantha with his bow with arrows made of flowers. Indra desired that the penance of Markandeya to be disturbed.This was done by him in the 7 th Manvanthara. But Markandeya continued with his penance unaffected by these external disturbances.Tormented by the fire emanating from the yogagni of Markandeya, all of them left the place. Markandeya was thus a great Rishi who had overcome the " I-ness " in him and the Maya. Narayana Rishi along with his counterpart Nara Rishi appeared before him. On seeing them Markandeya was overwhelmed and with a choked voice offered his prayers. His prayer is described in verses 40 to 49 of the chapter .Markandeya in his prayers say that they are the forms of Vishnu and therefore he surrenders to them totally. This the essence of his prayer.
9
ध्यायन् ब्रह्माƒƒश्रमस्थः प्रलयजलनिधौ संभ्रमन् वर्षकोटीः
पादांगुष्ठं धयन्तं वटदलशयनं बालमेकं तु दृष्ट्वा।
प्राप्तोƒन्तः श्वासवातैस्त्रिभुनमाखिलं वीक्ष्य मुह्यन्लयाब्धौ
क्षिप्तो भूयोƒपि पश्यन् किमपि न स मुनिः स्वाश्रमे विस्मितोƒभूत्।।
Meaning; " When Markandeya was meditating on the form of 'Nirguna Brahman' with total devotion and concentration ,he had an experience that he was moving in the swirl of the waters of the dissolution for billions and billions of years. When he was moving round and round in this manner he saw a small child reclining on the leaf of a peepul tree and sucking his the big toe of his foot in his mouth. When he reached near that child , he was attracted by the form of the child and desired to embrace the child out of love and affection, he was drawn into the child's nostrils by the breathing air and he saw the three worlds inside that child and he was stunned by the scenes he witnessed. Again from the same nostrils he was drawn out and thrown in the waters of the delusion.Then he was unconscious of what happened afterwards and found himself back in the hermitage.He was wonder stuck after witnessing all these experiences"
Commentary: When Narayana told him to ask for a boon as He was pleased with his penance, Markandeya chose to witness and have a personal experience as to how the Maya operates Narayana granted the boon to him.When he was meditating during a Sandya, there was an unscheduled delusion and Markandeya was drowned in the waters of the delusion. How he witnessed the operation of Maya- this has been explained above.
ज्ञात्वा 'दृष्टं तु माया भगवत' इति स श्रीपतिं सेवमानो
दृष्ट्वा शंभुं च गौरीं निकटभुवि नमन् प्राह - ""विष्णोः पदाब्जे।
त्वत्पादे भक्तवर्येष्वपि मम रतिरस्त्वे'वमाकर्ण्यपृष्टं
ज्ञानाद्यं चाप्यपृष्टं बहु सदयमदाद् योगिने ज्ञानमूर्तिः।।
Meaning: " Markandeya realised that " Whatever I witnessed and saw was the Maya of Bhagavan" and after that realisation he continued his worship and meditation of Maha Vishnu- Shripathi . Knowing this, Shiva along with His consort Uma came to see Markandeya Rishi in his hermitage. Markandrya was in deep meditation He saw in his meditation the Form of Shiva. When he opened his eyes , Markandeya saw Shiva and Parvathi standing before him.He offered his prostrations to them.Then Shiva told him to choose any boon, as Markandeya was the foremost among the brahmanas and the brahmanas are Shivas Forms as well. Markandeya chose the boon as ' to have Bhakthi towards Achyutha, His Bhakthas and Devotees and also towards Shiva'. Shiva granted him this boon to have Jnana , Devotion and Vairagya to him. He also blessed that he would be the author of a Purana also.He granted these boons as Shiva was pleased with Markandeya and moved by his devotion and determination.".
Commentary: After having witnessed the Maya ,surrendered himself to the Lotus Feet of Narayana. Shiva along with Parvathi desired to meet Markandeya as He considered that meeting a sadhu as the greatest advantage. On seeing Shiva, Markandeya with total determination and detachment chose the Bhakthi towards Maha Vishnu ans Shiva and their Bhakthas. Markandeya had realised the 'Samadarshana'. So he saw Vishnu and Shiva as the forms of'' Brahman'.Shiva informed Parvathi about the greatness of Markandeya.MARKANDEYA is still living and constantly meditating on Bhagavan Vishnu.
Sutha concluded the narration of this episode of 'Markandeya Charithram'. Those who hears and narrates this episode of Markandeya will not be subjected to rebirths as the result of his actions in the current and previous births.
11
विष्णुर् विप्र! चतुर्दशात्मकजगद्रूपः समाराध्यतां
मार्गैर् वैदिकतांत्रिकैः; स हि जगत् सृष्ट्यादिलीलाकरः।
सूर्यात्मा सगणो बिभर्ति विधिवद् धात्रादि नामानि यः
कुर्वन् कालविभागमेष मुनिभिः संस्तूयते सर्वदा।।
Meaning: "O! Brahmana! Maha Vishnu 's Form is the Fourteen Worlds(Jagat).Worship Him in accordance with Vedic and Tantrie rites or methods.He is only the cause and reason for the creation, preservation and dissolution of this visible universe.The Sun God-is Vishnu Himself- is accompanied by His Group of the followers -Apsaras-Rakshasa-Naga-Yaksha-Rishi -Gandharva-moves around this universe in the twelve months( Each month different Apsara,Rakshasa,Naga,Yaksha, Rishi, Gandharva accompany Him during His sojourn of the universe in twelve months). Sun God is worshipped by the 60000 Valakilya Rishis- whose height is of the length of a thumb(say 2 inches or 5 cms.) during His sojourn of the universe in the twelve months "
Commentary: Shaunaja asked Sutha to narrate the Kriya Yoga so that the mortals can worshi Maha Vishnu and attain liberation from the 'samsara' and attain Him.
Sutha narrated all the principles of Maha Vishnu as- Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Anirudhdha ana His weapons. He also described the Virat Purusha in detail in the beginning before taking up the principles.He also described about Anantha. Then Shaunaka asked about Sun( which was described in Canto-5 chapter 21).Sutha described in detail. The details are given in the Table below:
Meaning: "O! Brahmana! Maha Vishnu 's Form is the Fourteen Worlds(Jagat).Worship Him in accordance with Vedic and Tantrie rites or methods.He is only the cause and reason for the creation, preservation and dissolution of this visible universe.The Sun God-is Vishnu Himself- is accompanied by His Group of the followers -Apsaras-Rakshasa-Naga-Yaksha-Rishi -Gandharva-moves around this universe in the twelve months( Each month different Apsara,Rakshasa,Naga,Yaksha, Rishi, Gandharva accompany Him during His sojourn of the universe in twelve months). Sun God is worshipped by the 60000 Valakilya Rishis- whose height is of the length of a thumb(say 2 inches or 5 cms.) during His sojourn of the universe in the twelve months "
Commentary: Shaunaja asked Sutha to narrate the Kriya Yoga so that the mortals can worshi Maha Vishnu and attain liberation from the 'samsara' and attain Him.
Sutha narrated all the principles of Maha Vishnu as- Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Anirudhdha ana His weapons. He also described the Virat Purusha in detail in the beginning before taking up the principles.He also described about Anantha. Then Shaunaka asked about Sun( which was described in Canto-5 chapter 21).Sutha described in detail. The details are given in the Table below:
NAMES OF THE SUN AND WHO ACCOMPANIES HIM EVERY MONTH
Month
|
Name of Sun
|
Apsars
|
Rakshasa
|
Naga
|
Yaksha
|
Rishi
|
Gandharva
|
Chaitra
|
Dhata
|
Kruthasthali
|
Heti
|
Vasuki
|
Rathkruth
|
Pulastya
|
Tumburu
|
Vaishakha
|
Aryama
|
Punchikasthali
|
Praheti
|
Kachchaneera
|
Athauja
|
Pulaha
|
Narada
|
Jyeshta
|
Mitra
|
Menaka
|
Paurusheya
|
Takshaka
|
Rathasvana
|
Atri
|
Haha
|
Ashada
|
Varuna
|
Rambha
|
Chitrasena
|
Shukra
|
Sahajanya
|
Vashishta
|
Huhu
|
Shravana
|
Indra
|
Pramlocha
|
Varya
|
Elapatra
|
Shrota
|
Angira
|
Vishvavasu
|
Bhadrapada
|
Vivasvan
|
Anumlocha
|
Vyaghra
|
Shankhapala
|
Asarana
|
Bhrighu
|
Ugrasena
|
Ashvina
|
Tvashta
|
Tilottama
|
Brahmapeta
|
Kambala
|
Shatajit
|
Jamadagni
|
Dhritharashtra
|
Kartika
|
Vishnu
|
Rambha
|
Makhapeta
|
Ashvattara
|
Satyajit
|
Vishvamitra
|
Suryavarchaa
|
Margashirsha
|
Amshu
|
Urvashi
|
Vidyutchatru
|
Mahashankha
|
Tarkshya
|
Kashyapa
|
Ritasena
|
Pausha or Pushya
|
Bhaga
|
Purvachitti
|
Sphurja
|
Karkotaka
|
Urna
|
Ayuur
|
Arishtanemi
|
Magha
|
Pusha
|
Ghrutachi
|
Vata
|
Dhananjaya
|
Suruchi
|
Gauthama
|
Sushena
|
Phalguna
|
Parjanya
|
Senajit
|
Varcha
|
Eiravatha
|
Krathu
|
Bharadvaja
|
Vishva
|
वर्ण्यन्ते जन्म कर्माण्यपि श्रृणुत हरेर् यत्र, यन्मोक्षशास्त्रम्
श्रृण्वन् गायन् पुमान् यद् भगवति रतिमाप्नोति निर्धूतपापः,।
यत् स्वादु स्वादु नूनं प्रतिपदमखिलैः सर्वतो यच्च गेयम्
तस्याचार्यं पुराणस्य तु मुनितिलकं व्याससूनुं नतोस्मि।।
Meaning: Sutha continued -" Listen attentively what I am going to narrate. I will narrate the Eternal DHARMA to you. MY Obeusances to Krishna, Dharma and Brahmanas. My Obeisances to the Purana- wherein the Incarnations and Deeds of HARI in them is described in detail- which is the guide and which instructs the Knowledge leading to 'Moksha'(liberation) - Listening and chanting that Purana, the mortals purge all sins and become ardent and true devotees of Vishnu-the Purana in which each word and syllable gets sweeter and sweeter to the ears by hearing repeatedly-Purana which should be sung, chanted and listened to at all times - To that SrimadBhagavatha Purana and also to that Teacher of that Purana and the Greatest among Munis and who is like a jewel among them - To SHUKA BRAHMAM, the son of Veda Vyasa. I offer my prostrations again and again"
Commentary: This chapter describes the contents in the previous Cantos from 1 to 11 in a brief form. Canto 1 to 9 are described in verses from 4 to 26. Krishnavathara - Canto 10- is described in verses 27 to 40. Canto 11 and Canto 12 up to chapter 11,in verses 41 to 44. In verse 46, Sutha says that if any body under any circumstances - whether holy or unholy- cries in a louder voice as "हरये नम: - HARAYE NAMAHA ",he will be purged of all sins. From the verse 47 to 56, Sutha describes the greatness and the beauty of the verses - their sweetness in hearing- their capacity and tendency to captivate any body'mind in listening and chanting of the great PURANA- SRIMAD BHAGAVATHAM . From the verse 57 to 64 , the benefits that would accrue in listening and reciting of this Puranam and the methods to do so are described. Again in verse 65 to 67, Sutha Pauranika offers his prostrations to Hari- Maha Vishnu, and extolling His qualities. In the final verse 68 , Sutha offers his prostrations and respects to His Guru- SHUKA BRAHMAM-SON OF VEDA VYASA- WHO IS THE AUTHOR AND WHO HAD MADE THIS PURANA TO THE ACCESS OF EVERY ONE TO CROSS THE 'SAMSARA'.Sutha concludes the narration.
In verse 46, the word ( शब्द) - हरये नम has three meanings. First let us take the word नम: . this can be split as न and म: - meaning of न is No and Not. meaning of म: is mine or to me( मह्यं मम).
That means the person says at first that " IT IS NOT MINE " . Every thing is of Hari or to HARI (हरये )..THAT means that the person dedicates every thing to Hari. . The word नम indicates total surrender to Hari. This is called Atma Nivedanam ( आत्म निवेदनं).
13
ज्ञानं योƒदाद् विधात्रे परममृषिगणः स्तौति यं वेदमन्त्रैर्,
द्रष्टारो योगिनो यं हृदि, विविधपुराणेषु यस्य प्रभावः।
व्यासेनोच्चैश्च गीतः; परममरगणैः; स्तूयते यः सदुक्तैः;
सर्वेशोƒस्मान् स पातु स्वयमुरुकरुणः; श्रीहरिं तं नमामः।।
Meaning: Sutha Maharishi concludes the narration of Srimad Bhagavatha Purana in this chapter 13. Before concluding the narration he prays to Maha Vishnu in the first two verses.
" Sri Maha Vishnu- who had taught the Highest Knowledge to Brahma before the commencement of the creation- whom the Greatest Sages offer worship by invoking Vedas and offer prayers with Veda Mantras- whom the greatest Yogis meditate with a fixed purpose of viewing His Form in their hearts- whose greatest qualities have been extolled and greatness have been described extensively in all the Puranas , authored by Veda Vyasa Maha Rishi - who is worshipped and offered prayers in the various hymns by the devas (celestials)- who is All Merciful , may protect all of us. We offer our respectful prostrations again and again to Shri Hari "
Commentary: The first two verses are reproduced with their meanings in Sanskrit
(Meaning: 1) I offer my prostrations to Him - who is extolled by praises and prayers by,Brahma,Varuna, Indra and Maruths- whom the Vedas and the Upanishads sing His glories -whom only the great yogis have a darshan in their hearts by meditation by fixing their minds on Him alone- whose beginning and the ends are unknown to the devas and asuras.
Meaning: Sutha Maharishi concludes the narration of Srimad Bhagavatha Purana in this chapter 13. Before concluding the narration he prays to Maha Vishnu in the first two verses.
" Sri Maha Vishnu- who had taught the Highest Knowledge to Brahma before the commencement of the creation- whom the Greatest Sages offer worship by invoking Vedas and offer prayers with Veda Mantras- whom the greatest Yogis meditate with a fixed purpose of viewing His Form in their hearts- whose greatest qualities have been extolled and greatness have been described extensively in all the Puranas , authored by Veda Vyasa Maha Rishi - who is worshipped and offered prayers in the various hymns by the devas (celestials)- who is All Merciful , may protect all of us. We offer our respectful prostrations again and again to Shri Hari "
Commentary: The first two verses are reproduced with their meanings in Sanskrit
(Meaning: 1) I offer my prostrations to Him - who is extolled by praises and prayers by,Brahma,Varuna, Indra and Maruths- whom the Vedas and the Upanishads sing His glories -whom only the great yogis have a darshan in their hearts by meditation by fixing their minds on Him alone- whose beginning and the ends are unknown to the devas and asuras.
2) Let the air and the winds coming out of the breathing of Hari may protect all o of you- who assumed the Form of A Tortoise (Kurma Avathara) - on whose back the Meru Mountain was rotating during the Churning of the Milk Ocean- and who was enjoying it as scratching to the itchy sensations to His back by the stones whirling during the churning and this caused His sleep . Ever since that time , even up to present times , the tides of the ocean have imitated the inhalation and exhalation by the ceaseless coming in and going out permanently. (there is no respite for them till now). As the nectar came out of the churning of the Milk Ocean, - Srimad Bhagavatha Puranam came out of the churning and deep study of the Epics , Vedas and the Shastras.
Then the total verses in all the Puranas are taken to be 4,00,000. The total verses in Srimad Bhagavatha Purana are 18000. This Purana is the essence of all Vedas and Vedantas.The benefit that will accrue by hearing this Purana is 'Moksham'.It has no parallel .He who donates this Purana on a Full Moon Day in the month of Bhadrapada will attain Hari. Before concluding this commentary, the final verses 18 to 23 are reproduced here. The Purana commenced with the Gayatri सत्यं परं धीमहि and ends with alsoसत्यं परं धीमहि ( see verse 19).
It is advised that this Purana has to be heard, again read and re read and should introspect the TRUTH CONTAINED IN IT. Then he would attain Him.
Sutha offers his prostrations to Vasudeva and Shuka Brahmam- His Guru.
He prays that whatever birth results to him in future, he should have pure Bhakthi to the Lotus Feet of Hari. and the chanting of His Holy Names would purge one of his entire sins and the prostrations to the Lotus Feet OF KRISHNA would remove all miseries and calamities .
शुभमस्तु
