71
""यष्टव्यो मख एष दिग्जयकृता भूपेन, तं मागधं
हन्ता वायुसुतो रणे करुणया ते रक्षितव्या नृपाः;।
गन्तव्यं तु गजाह्वयं पुर''मिदं श्रृण्वन् निजैः प्रस्थितः
प्राप्तो हस्तिपुरं, युधिष्ठिरमुखैः प्रत्युद्गतो माधवः।।
Meaning: On being asked to give his counsel , Udhdhava replied -" The King who has conquered all the directions, by defeating all the kings qualifies to perform Rajasuya Yagna ( SACRIFICE) and also the kings surrendered themselves to You for saving them from Jarasandha have to be protected.Therefore conquering Jarasandha will serve both the purposes ( as it will help Yudhishtira also to conquer all the kings before performing Rajasuya ). Jarasandha would have to be slain by Bhima- who alone can kill him in a duel and comat with mace.Because Jarasandha can not be won in a war even with a big army of 100 Akshauhinis. He has lot of respect for the brahmanas. Once you three-You, Arjuna and Bhima go there and ask for a fight with him. He would never refuse that request from the brahmanas and Bhima is sure to kill him in Your presence. By this decision the kings also would be saved and You would be glorified ( Your fame will spread further. ). Therefore You will better go to Hasthinapuram first " . Krishna, having heard this advice from Udhdhava decided to go to Hastinapuram. He went to Hastinapuram with a big retinue of His wives , bodygyards, army and other royal symbols . Before leaving He took permission from the elders and Balarama also, and he sent away the messenger with the message to the kings that the King of Magadha-Jarasandha would be killed. Narada also took leave of Him fully satisfied with Krishna's decision.
On reaching Hastinapuram, He was welcomed by Yudhishtira and others .
Commentary: Sri Vamshidhara in his commentary " Bhavarthadipika Prakasha" expresses his opinion that the verse 9 in this chapter is a Mantra which will ward off all troubles and will ensure the accrual of all the welfare to those who chant this verse daily for 108 times and has prescribed a procedure as well. Sri Anantharama Dikshithar also mentions this verse as a mantra to be chanted daily at least for 12 times in his "Jayamangala Sthothram (Tamil work )". Now some extracts from the commentaries for comparison with HB:
72
यज्ञोत्साहिनमच्युतोकृत नृपं कृष्णः सभीमार्जुनः
प्राप्तो विप्रमिषेण मागधनृपं युद्धं ययाचे च तं।
भीमो भीमरणाङ्कणे तु जरसः पुत्रं हरेः सूचनात्
शत्रुं पाटयति स्म वृक्षविटपं दन्तीव वीर्योद्धतः।।
Meaning:Krishna encouraged Yudhishtira to perform the Rajasuya Yagna.Krishna along with Arjuna and Bhima went in the disguise of the brahmanas to Jarasndha. They were received by Jarasandha and worshiped by him . Then Jarasandha asked them their mission of visiting him and asked them to express their desire and that he would gladly give his own head , if asked for by them. Krishna then revealed their identities and asked for a duel with any one of them. Jarasandha laughed and told that KRISHNA was a coward in that he had taken refuge in Dwaraka in the ocean and that Arjuna was very young and no equal to him. Jarasandha preferred to have a duel with mace with Bhima (whom he considered as his equal ). Jarasandha and Bhima went out of the city and fought with each other for 27 days continuously. On 28 th day when Bhima expressed his helplessness to fight further with Jarasandha, Krishna knew the secret of the death of Jarasandha and showed to Bhima - a sign by tearing the small branch of atree in two pieces and threw the torn parts opposite to each other Bhima understood this sign and grabbed Jarasandha and tore him to pieces like the elephant would break a tree and threw the two parts opposite to each other. Jarasandha was killed and every body praised Bhima and Krishna for the killing of Jarasandha.Krishna made Sahadeva- son of Jarasandha as the king of Maghadha. Then Krishna got all the kings imprisoned by Jarasandha released from the prisons.
Commentary: In this chapter it is also described that Krishna encouraged Yudhishtira to perform Rajasuya. As it required that he should conquer all the kings before he qualifies to perform Rajasuya, Krishna asked him to send all his brothers in the four directions with the army to conquer all the kings, All the remaining four brothers of pandavas went in all the four directions- Sahadeva towards South, Nakula towards West .Arjuna towards North,and Bhima towards East.All of them conquered all the kings and returned with all the wealth gathered by them in the wars. Jarasandha was the only the remaining King to be conquered. This also was achieved by Bhima with the help of Krishna.
Now the extracts from the commentaries:
Commentary: In this chapter it is also described that Krishna encouraged Yudhishtira to perform Rajasuya. As it required that he should conquer all the kings before he qualifies to perform Rajasuya, Krishna asked him to send all his brothers in the four directions with the army to conquer all the kings, All the remaining four brothers of pandavas went in all the four directions- Sahadeva towards South, Nakula towards West .Arjuna towards North,and Bhima towards East.All of them conquered all the kings and returned with all the wealth gathered by them in the wars. Jarasandha was the only the remaining King to be conquered. This also was achieved by Bhima with the help of Krishna.
Now the extracts from the commentaries:
73
81
The commentators say that Krishna blessed Sudama with the wealth to that extent that it was impossible for Ieven Indra to possess. Further even after granting such wealth to sudama. Krishna felt that He had become a debtor and was unable to repay to His Bhaktha. Such is the Bhkthavathsalyam of Krishna.
मुक्ता बन्धनतो नृपास्तु विवशा दृष्ट्वा हरिं तुष्टुवुः
""देहि'' त्वत्पदभक्तिमेव, न धने राज्येƒपि वा नः स्पृहा।
तुभ्यं देव! नमोƒस्तु पाहि सततं संसारघोरार्णवा-''
दित्थं संस्तुवतोƒनुगृह्य भगवान् प्राप्तो गजाख्यं पुरं।।
Meaning: The 20800 Kings who were released from their imprisonment were helpless- they were very lean because of hunger,they were dirty and shabbily dressed, they were crestfallen due to a long imprisonment.They saw before them SriKrishna with four hands in the form of Vishnu before them, They were so overwhelmed on seeing Him that they wanted to embrace Him. They offered their prostrations to Him and offered their prayer in a hymn - verses 8 to 16 of chapter 73. Their prayer in brief was -" O! Vishnu ! Kindly grant us the Bhakthi towards Your Lotus Feet. After seeing You, we have no desire towards the wealth or our kingdoms. We offer our prostrations to Your Feet again and again. Kindly inform us as to how we can remember Your Lotus Feet though we continue in this samsara, with series of cycles of births and deaths " Krishna-The Merciful told them- " From now all of you will develop Bhakthi towards Me, as desired by all of you. Now all of you have come to proper conclusions. Normally people are intoxicated with power and wealth become mad and results in their lack of self restraint. Many kings before you- Haihaya, Nahusha, Vena, Ravana and Naraka and many other kings fell from elevated positions only because of the fact that they were intoxicated with their opulence. Understand that the material body and every thing connected with it are perishable,worship Me with sacrifices and protect your subjects by following Dharma.With total detachment and with complete satisfaction and fixing your minds on Me, all of you will reach Me in the end " All of them went back to their kingdoms, after they were treated well.
Krishna, Arjuna and Bhima then went back to Indraprastha. Yudhishtira welcomed all of them and could not control his tears for the favour of Krishna towards them and could not utter a word , overcome with deep love and devotion to Krishna.
Commentary: Extracts :
74
देवास्तद्राजसूयेƒप्यजगिरिशमुखा भागभाजः प्रहृष्टा
आसन्, धर्मात्मजस्तु क्रतुसदसि हरिं पूजयामास भक्त्या;।
सञ्जाता पुष्पवृष्टिः हरिमहिमकथाकीर्तनैरिद्धकोपः
कृष्णद्वेषी तु चैद्यः सदसि हरिहतः प्राप्त सायुज्यमुक्तिम्।।
Meaning: Then Yudhishtira performed Rajasuya Yaga. In that sacrifice Brahma, Shiva and all the other devas participated and received their portions of oblations to them. They were extremely satisfied. Yudhishtira offered his worship to Krishna with total BHAKTHI in that sacrifice hall.There was showering of flowers from every where and also from the heaven.All the people assembled were praising Krishna , by narrating His exploits. But Shishupala who was present there was very angry hearing the praises to Krishna and ridiculed Krishna in the most improper lannuage and with very harsh words, as he was hating Krishna and was jealous of Him.Krishna killed him with His Sudarshana Chakra in the very sacrifice Hall.As a result of thinking about Krishna always, though with jealousy , Shishupala attained "Sayujya Mukthi".
Commentary; Yudhishtira performed the Rajasuya Yaga in a grand scale.He selected 30 priests to perform the sacrifice with Krishna's permission - 30 great Rishis. They are Veda Vyasa and other great Rishis, who officiated in the performance of that sacrifice.ALL the Gods participated in that Yaga.Then there was a discussion in that assembly and all of them were pondering over as to who should be worshipped First , as many were qualified and eligible. Sahadeva suggested that Krishna- who is Supreme Brahman - deserve this honour and therefore should be worshipped first. Every body seconded this proposal and Yudhishtira offered the Puja to the Lotus Feet of Krishna first.Then all those in that assembly prayed to HIM with their folded hands and praised Him. and there was a shower of flowers from every where.Seeing this honour to Krishna, Shishupala got up and with his hands raised condemned all of them for honouring Krishna and spoke ill of Krishna in the most insulting manner. Krishna kept quiet. But Panadavas and other wellwishers of Krishna got up with their weapons to fight with Shishupala. But Krishna silenced all of them and cut off his head with His Sudarshana Chakra. From the body of Shishupala, an effulgent light appeared and as everyone was watching, it entered Krishna. Shishupala attained Sayujya Mukthi.Then the sacrifice was completed in all respects.
Those who narrates KRISHNA'S killing Of SHISHUPALA will purge of their sins.
Commentary; Yudhishtira performed the Rajasuya Yaga in a grand scale.He selected 30 priests to perform the sacrifice with Krishna's permission - 30 great Rishis. They are Veda Vyasa and other great Rishis, who officiated in the performance of that sacrifice.ALL the Gods participated in that Yaga.Then there was a discussion in that assembly and all of them were pondering over as to who should be worshipped First , as many were qualified and eligible. Sahadeva suggested that Krishna- who is Supreme Brahman - deserve this honour and therefore should be worshipped first. Every body seconded this proposal and Yudhishtira offered the Puja to the Lotus Feet of Krishna first.Then all those in that assembly prayed to HIM with their folded hands and praised Him. and there was a shower of flowers from every where.Seeing this honour to Krishna, Shishupala got up and with his hands raised condemned all of them for honouring Krishna and spoke ill of Krishna in the most insulting manner. Krishna kept quiet. But Panadavas and other wellwishers of Krishna got up with their weapons to fight with Shishupala. But Krishna silenced all of them and cut off his head with His Sudarshana Chakra. From the body of Shishupala, an effulgent light appeared and as everyone was watching, it entered Krishna. Shishupala attained Sayujya Mukthi.Then the sacrifice was completed in all respects.
Those who narrates KRISHNA'S killing Of SHISHUPALA will purge of their sins.
75
भीमाद्यैरनुजैः सुहृद्भिरपि च प्रेम्णा नृपस्याध्वरे
कर्तव्यं कृतमन्ततस्त्ववभृथस्नानं द्युनद्यां कृतं,।
दृष्ट्वा धर्मजभूतिमत्र कुरुराट् सेर्ष्यश्च मानी गतः
शक्रप्रस्थसभां पतन् स्थलजलभ्रान्त्या गतो हास्यताम्।।
Meaning: In this Rajasuya sacrifice, Bhima and his all brothers and all the relatives, friends and well wishers participated in all the connected activities and works with zeal, devotion and love and above all of their own volition.After all the ceremonies connected with the Yaga were over, the Rishis performed "Avabhrutha Snanam " ( a ceremonial bath given to the performer of a sacrifice by the priests chanting Vedic Invocations) - in the river Ganga to Yudhishtira. There were celebrations all over the place.Duryodhana observed the magnificence of Rajasuya Yagna and its performer and noticing the riches in the palace of Yudhishtira was perturbed in his mind and became jealous also.With pride overtaking him , Duryodhana reached the assembly in Indraprastha and was confused with the places where there was water and where there was ground. In his confused state he slipped and fell down. Seeing his plight, Bhima laughed and also other women who were spectators there.
Commentary: The celebrations in that Rajasuya Yaga is described in that chapter. Every one participated and contributed both physically and mentally towards the performance of the sacrifice. The Rishis, who officiated as priests performed the ceremonial bath to all of them. There was celebrations every where. But Duryodhana seeing the popularity and greatness of Pandavas could not tolerate and was overcome with more jealousy. When with pride he was walking in the assembly , he was looking upwards and was in a confused state of mind . He mistook a place of ground as water and therefore slipped and fell down. Seeing his plight , Bhima and others laughed at him. This was the cause of all the later developments, leading to the Kurukshetra war .
76
इच्छन् कर्तुमयादवीं वसुमतीं साल्वो विमानं हराल्-
लब्ध्वा सौभमरिन्दमो यदुपुरं मायी बभञ्जोद्धतः।
कृष्णे हस्तिपुरे स्थिते रिपुगणं वीरो निरुन्धन् बलात्
प्रद्युम्नो द्युमता तु साल्वसचिवेनोग्रं चकाराƒƒहवम्।।
Meaning: Salva- who was an associate of Jarasandha and Shishupala- decided to get rid off all Yadavas from the Earth. He performed penance and as Shiva was satisfied with his penance , He granted him a boon. Salva opted to get a vehicle- which could not be destroyed by the devas, asuras, or humans , gandharvas and other celestials or any body, by which he could travel anywhere he wished to reach , which could cause terror among Vrishnis- and obtained it from Shiva , called as Saubham ( made of iron). When Krishna was at Hastinapuram and Indraprastha, he invaded Dwaraka and used all his skills in creating Maya ( Illusions of all kinds which could confuse and terrify all the subjects there ). He tried to destroy Dwaraka . Pradyumna- the eldest son of Krishna confronted Salva and fought with him valiantly. Salva travelled in Saubha and tormented Pradyumna. Salva's minister Dyman came and fought with Pradyumna with a powerful mace. When hit by that mace, Pradyumna swooned and the driver of the chariot took him to a safe place.When he regained the consciousness , Pradyumna was not happy with the driver for having removed him from the war area , as a coward unable to face his opponents. The driver convinced Pradyumna that he did his duty as the situation warranted then to save him.
Commentary: What Salva did was against the rules of warfare and Dharma . He wanted to wreak his vengeance.Salva and Dyuman - both of them fought with Pradyumna who fought a valiant battle with them.
Commentary: What Salva did was against the rules of warfare and Dharma . He wanted to wreak his vengeance.Salva and Dyuman - both of them fought with Pradyumna who fought a valiant battle with them.
77
प्रद्युम्नेन हतो द्युमान्; कुरुपुरात् प्रत्यागतः श्रीहरिः
मायाशौरिशिरः पुरोभुवि हरेः साल्वेन कृत्तं त्वभूत्;।
आक्रन्दत्सु जनेषु सर्वविदयं नैवाकुलो नाशयन्
सौभं साल्वशिरो जहार च, रुषा तं दन्तवक्त्रोƒभ्यगात्।।
Meaning;Then Pradyumna asked the driver of the chariot to take him to the battlefield again. He fought with Dyuman and killed him.He fought with Salva for 27 days continuously in absence of Krishna and Blarama. When this war was going on, Krishna came to know about Salva's invasion on Dwaraka and returned to Dwaraka immediately from Indraprastha. Krishna then fought with Salva. Salva tried to mislead Krishna by showing Him the head of Vasudeva. Krishna - a creation by illsion of Salva , following the nature of ordinary human beings , exhibited His sorrow for the loss of His father. Then He regained His composure and fought with Salva. Krishna -Brahman Himself is never affected by any gunas. Therefore His having any kind of sorrow or being influenced by Maya do not arise at all. Then He decided to kill Salva. He killed him with His Sudarshana Chakra and cut off his head. Krishna then destroyed his vehicle -Saubham.There were celebrations in the heaven after Salva was killed. Then Dantavaktra came to fight with Krishna.
Commentary: To say that Krishna was affected by Maya was or is a wrong statement. He being Omniscient can never be influenced by Maya of any kind or nature.
78
सोƒयं कृष्णगदाहतो निपतितः सायुज्यमुक्तिम् गत:
संरंभात् कुरुपाण्डवोत्कटरणोद्योगं समाकर्ण्य सः।
तीर्थं तीर्थमभिव्रजन् हलधरः स्नात्वा गतो नैमिषं
चाप्रत्युत्थितमात्तकोपमवधीत् सूतं सतां पश्यताम्।।
Meaning; In the battle , Dantavaktra - the king of Karusha and a friend of Shishupala- came to fight with Krishna. He prattled and said that he would wreak his vengeance for killing of his friend.He fought with Krishna with his mace and hit Krishna on His head. Krishna was not at all perturbed and killed Dantavaktra with His mace called- Kaumodaki . After he was dead an effulgent light entered the body of Krishna , as every one was watching. Shishupala and Dantavaktra were Jaya and Vijaya- the followers of Vishnu in the Vaikunta and they were cursed by Sanakadi rishis. That curse ended for these two with their third rebirths.Then Viduratha- the brother of Dantavaktra came to fight with Krishna and he was also killed.
Balarama came to know about the preparation of war between Kurus and Pandavas.He left for the pilgrimage and this was an excuse. When he went to Prabhasa and other places and reached Naimisha. There the rishis appointed Sutha Pauranika as Brahma in a sacrifice . Suta was silently sitting according to the rules. When every body got up and worshipped Balarama,He saw Sutha sitting. He became angry and killed him thinking that he was arrogant with just a blade of grass. Then all thr rishis informed Him that Balarama had committed the sin of Brhmahatya (Killing of a brahmana) and advised Balarama to undertake the pilgrimage throughout Bharatha Varsha for twelve months, after killing an asura called Balvala- son of Ilvala who was tormenting all of them .Balarama installed the son of Sutha Pauranika in his place as a new Sutha (Ugrashravas)
Commentary: Constant remembrance of Krishna (Vishnu) either out of love or with anger, or for any other reason other than Bhakthi is a path for any body to attain "mukthi" -the final liberation- the principal aim in this human birth. This is what Srimad Bhagavatham repeatedly proclaims. Shishupala and Dantavaktra are also the examples for getting the liberation through - anger and hate- but with constant remembrance of Hari.
79
तत्स्थाने कल्पयंस्तत्सुतमृषिवचसा बल्वलं तत्र हत्वा
रक्षन् सत्रं मुनीनां श्रुतनुतिवचनः पुण्यतीर्थाप्लुतश्च।
अन्ते तं भीमदुर्योधनरणमशमं वीक्ष्य खिन्नो निवृत्तः
संप्राप्तो नैमिषं तन्मुनिजनपरमज्ञानदोƒत्राƒƒस्त रामः।।
Meaning: Balarama installed the son of the Sutha Maharishi ( Romaharshana) whom He killed due to misunderstanding- Ugrashravas in his place as a new Sutha Rishi , in response to the suggestions of other Rishis . Then He killed Balvala-an asura as requested by the Rishis. The rishies praised Him and offered their prayers to Him. Then He undertook the pilgrimage visiting all the sacred places and rivers throughout the Bharatha Varsha for one year and returned to Naimisharanya.In the end He reached Kurukshetra and found that both Bhima and Duryodhana were fighting with their maces with each other continuously. He told them to stop the fight. They did not respond to His appeal. There was no end to their fight. Seeing this, He was not happy but was unhappy. Balarama reached Dwaraka. He saw that Krishna was not there. He was unhappy again. He reached Naimisharanya then and performed many sacrifices there.He taught all the Rishis there the Supreme Knowledge. He had a Avabhrutha Snanam after the sacrifices were over along with His wives there.
There are many such exploits of Balarama. Those who remember and contemplate them daily both in the morning and evening will be able to get the Grace of Vishnu.
Commentary : The various exploits of Balarama were described by Shuka as requested by Parikshit.
There are many such exploits of Balarama. Those who remember and contemplate them daily both in the morning and evening will be able to get the Grace of Vishnu.
Commentary : The various exploits of Balarama were described by Shuka as requested by Parikshit.
80
आसीत् कृष्णस्य विप्रः सुहृदधिकदरिद्रोƒपि वित्ताद्यसक्तः
पत्न्या संप्रेषितो यः करधृतपृथुको द्वारकामार भक्तः।
संपूज्यैनं सतीर्थ्य निजमणिभवने पूर्ववृत्तं समस्तं
वक्ता प्रेम्णा गृहीत्वा करमकृत हरिर् विस्मितं चातिहृष्टम्।।
In this chapter and the next chapter (80 &81) Sudama (Kuchla ) Charithram is described. This Charitram is a sacred one and shows the Bhaktha Vathsalyam of Krishna.
Meaning ; There was a brahmana by name Sudama- who was a friend of Krishna but a very poor brahmana .
He was not desirous of any wealth in spite of being very poor. He was induced by his wife to approach Krishna for some monetary help. He took some four handfuls of pound and flat rice tied in a torn cloth to Dwaraka. He was more concerned to visit Krishna rather than asking for any help from Him.He was a true Devotee of Krishna. When he entered one of the palaces where Krishna was available. It happened to be Rukmini's palace (though Sudama was unaware of this ).Krishna welcomed him and made him sit along with Him in a cot and inquired about his and his family's welfare.Then He recounted to Sudama about their life at the Gurukula of Sandipani .He told him as how both of them were stranded in the forest due to an untimely rain, when they went there to collect and fetch some firewood for the use in sacrifices.They were holding their hands together throughout the night , wandered aimlessly in the forest and they were in distress together. Next day morning Sandipani came in search of them , found them in distress and sympathized with them.He blessed both of them that the Veda Mantras will remain ever fresh in their minds. In this manner they were happy. Sudama replied that it was his great fortune to be with Krishna- the Supreme Lord and the repository of Vedas.
Commentary: Sudama was a great scholar but had completely controlled his sensory organs and was living with whatever he could get. He was a householder but living in extreme poverty. When his wife suggested to go to Krishna and ask for some financial help, he was reluctant to ask for any help from Krishna. But he was happy in his mind for the oppurtunity to see Him. He asked for some gift to be presented to Krishna. They were so poor. His wife begged her neighbours and collected four different handfuls of flat (puffed ) rice and tied in a torn cloth and gave it to him. When Sudama came to Dwaraka, he was directed to a palace and met Krishna. Krishna on seeing him welcomed him and treated him well. Krishna recounted their Guru kula life.
आदायादत्तमिष्टं पृथुकमुरुकृपो भक्षयन्नेकमुष्टिम्
कृष्णश्चाभूत् सुतृप्तः प्रियसुहृदपरेद्युश्च तुष्टो निवृत्तः।
प्राप्तः स्वं भूतिपूर्णं गृहमथ दयितां तोषितां भूषितांगीं
दृष्ट्वा "कृष्णस्य लीलाः सकल'मिति विदन्निद्धभक्तिर् बभूव।।
Meaning: Krishna-The Merciful- asked Sudama as to if he had brought any gift to Him. Sudama was ashamed to give him the flat rice , he had brought along with him as a gift to Krishna. Krishna knew this and the nature of Sudama in that he had no desire for material comforts and wealth.So he forcibly took the cloth piece wherein the the flat rice was there and took a handful of it and ate it with complete satisfaction. He told Sudama that he likes the flat rice brught to Him by His devotee with Bhakthi. When He was about to take the next handful of flat rice, Lakshmi (Rukmini) came near Him and stopped Him from eating by holding His hand. She told Him that with one handful of flat rice is enough for to bless this brahmana with all wealth for his prosperity both in this and in the other world (heaven )and therefore there is no necessity for the second handful"When You are satisfied the Entire Universe is satisfied" The brahmana spent the night with all comforts in the palace. Next day he took leave of Krishna. Sudama did not ask for any help nor Krishna gave him any when he left. When he reached his house, Sudama saw a big palace in the place where his cottage stood and his wife was decorated with costly jewels and good clothes. She came accompanied by many servant maids and took Sudama inside the palace. Sudama was overwhelmed with the Mercy and Greatness of Krishna in blessing him with such material wealth beyond his imagination.Although he had wealth, he was totally detached and with constantly meditating on Krishna attained liberation in the end.
Those who listen to this episode of Sudama will be liberated from the bondage of Karma.
Commentary: Sudama was the perfect example of a "Sthithaprajna ". He thought that blessing him with wealth also was His Leela. Sudama's devotion to Krishna increased and made him more detached to the material wealth.
82
सुस्नातास्तपनोपरागसमये भीष्मादयो वृष्णयो
नन्दाद्याश्च समन्तपञ्चकमहातीर्थेषु, ते संगताः,।
गोप्यः कृष्णमभिप्रणेमुरजितः सारुां समालिंगितो
नन्देनापि यशोदया; यदुजनस्त्रीभिश्च तौ नन्दितौ।।
Meaning : When Krishna and Balarama were living in Dwaraka, an eclipse of Sun occurred. All the Kauravas and Vrishnis had gathered at " SamanthaPanchaka"- a sacred place. Nanda , Yashoda and other cowherds and all the gopikas also came there.All of them bathed in the sacred waters there. Kunthi met her brother Vasudeva. They exchanged their welfare with each other. Vaudeva pacified Kunthi and expressed his happiness in meeting all his relatives. Bhishma,Drona, Dhritharashtra, Gandhari and all their relatives, Vasudeva
and all his sisters with their husbands and their progeny met each other. Nanda and Yashoda met Krishna and Balarama and embraced them and shed their tears. Krishna and Balarama also reciprocated their love and affection to them. Vasudeva and Devaki met Nanda and Yashoda and recounted their association with each other .Gopikas came and met Krishna - whom they wanted to meet and having a desire for a long time. Krishna pacified them and instructed them to develop total devotion towards Him.They were satisfied after Krishna met them and pacified them.
Commentary: All of them -Kurus and Vrishnis - met at one place.
83
पार्थास्तुष्टिमुपागता द्रुपदपुत्र्यैकत्र पृष्टा हरेः
पत्न्यः स्वस्वविवाहमंगलकथा लज्जां विहायोचिरे।
साम्राज्यादिषु नः स्पृहा न, भगवद्दास्यो वयं; कुर्महे
प्रेम्णा तद्गृहमार्जनादि सततं; तत् येव नो वाञ्च्छितम्।।
Meaning: Pandavas were extremely satisfied after meeting Krishna.They told Him that they were fortunate to be blessed by Him. The wives of Pandavas met all the wives of Krishna and were narrating the tales and stories about Krishna .Draupadi asked all the eight wives and the remaining 16000 wives also as to how Krishna came to marry them.Then each one of them narrated as to how SriKrishna married each one of them. They narrated their versions without being ashamed to narrate the incidents that led Krishna marrying them.. They told -" We do not desire any kingdom or the kingly pleasures.We are His servants. We even sweep the floors of His house with love and devotion and keep it clean.We desire to serve His Lotus Feet always"
Commentary: In this chapter 83, Rukmini, Satyabhama,Jambavathi,Kalindi,Mitravinda, Satya,and Bhadra -these seven wives narrated as to how they became the wives of Krishna and their only desire was to serve Him with devotion as His servants (Dasya Bhakthi). Lakshmana described the swayamvara wherein Krishna by hitting a fish rotating above looking its image in water below, when many other kings including Arjuna failed. (Draupadi's swayamvaram was similar and Arjuna could win her only through the help of Krishna).Lakshmana also told that Krishna was an Atmarama and all of them were His servants. The 16000 princesses also told that they do not desire any kingdom or any other pleasures in life , but would like to be bathed and blessed by the dust of His feet-which the gopikas, cows and cowherds desire to be blessed. (They wanted to be blessed by Him similarly).
Commentary: In this chapter 83, Rukmini, Satyabhama,Jambavathi,Kalindi,Mitravinda, Satya,and Bhadra -these seven wives narrated as to how they became the wives of Krishna and their only desire was to serve Him with devotion as His servants (Dasya Bhakthi). Lakshmana described the swayamvara wherein Krishna by hitting a fish rotating above looking its image in water below, when many other kings including Arjuna failed. (Draupadi's swayamvaram was similar and Arjuna could win her only through the help of Krishna).Lakshmana also told that Krishna was an Atmarama and all of them were His servants. The 16000 princesses also told that they do not desire any kingdom or any other pleasures in life , but would like to be bathed and blessed by the dust of His feet-which the gopikas, cows and cowherds desire to be blessed. (They wanted to be blessed by Him similarly).
84
संप्राप्ता मुनयः; सबन्धुसहजो नत्वा मुनीन् श्रीहरिः
सत्संगस्य महत्वमाकथितवान्; भक्तास्तु ते योगिनः।
लीलामानुषमच्युतं च नुनुवुः; श्रीनारदोक्त्या यजन्
शौरिः साश्रु समालिलिंग सुहृदं नन्दं च पत्न्या समम्।।
Meaning : The Great Maharishis - Narada,VedaVyasa, Chyavana,Devala, Asitha, Vishvamitra,Shatananda, Bharadvaja,Gauthama,Parashurama , Vashista with his disciples , Galava, Bhrigu,Pulastya, Kashyapa, Atri , Markandeya,Dvitha, Tritha,Ekatha and Sanakadi rishis (4). Angiras, Agastya, Yagnyavalkya, Vamadeva and others- came to meet Kishna and Balarama there. SriKrishna ,offered His prayers to them and offered His prostrations to them. He told all those assembled there about the Greatness and Mahima of the association with Sadhus (SAT SANGHA ). All those sages - who are great Bhakthas (Devotees ) of Krishna. offered their prayers to Krishna. When they were about to depart from there after taking leave from Krishna,Dhritharashtra, and Yudhishtira to their ashramas,Vasudeva approached them and asked them as to how the reactions of one's actions could be countered by undertaking further actions.Narada wondered as to why he was asking them when Krishna was by his side. Narada said the answer to his question was to perform the sacrifice to please Hari- as Vasudeva had cleared off the debts towards Rishis and Pitrus.Then Vasudeva requested them to officiate as priests for the sacrifice he was about to perform. The sages performed the sacrifices as per prescribed procedures and on the conclusion of the sacrifice - a ceremonial bath was given to Vasudeva by the sages.All those who attended the sacrifice were blessed. Vasudeva met Nanda and wept remembering their friendship.Similarly Devaki also reciprocated her love towards Yashoda.The sages and all of them departed to their places. All of them narrated this sacrifice and the festvities for a long time thereafter.
Commentary: This incident took place before Yudhishtira performed Rajasuya Yaga. Shuka narrated to Parikshit now after narrating Rajasuya Yaga.
85
पौत्राः कस्य विकोपतो दितिकुले जाताः ष,डेते पुनर्
जाताः शौरिसुता हताश्च, सुतले जाताः पुनस्ते बलेः,।
कृष्णस्तांस्तु सुतानदीदृशदहो! मात्रे, स्नुतं तत्स्तनं
पीत्वा ते हरिपीतशेषमखिलान् नत्वा प्रयाता दिवम्।।
Meaning : The six grandsons of Brahma ( sons of Marichi) were born as asuras , as they were cursed by Brahma, due to anger.They were born as the sons of Vasudeva and were slain by Kamsa. They reached Sutala as asuras again ,and were Bali's control.Sri Krishna went to Sutala and brought to Dwaraka and handed over to Devaki. Devaki breast fed them with breast milk that was left after what Krishna consumed.All of them offered their prostrations to Krishna and reached heaven.
Commentary: Vasudeva asked Krishna and Balarama to constantly think of Him with total detachment to the body and material world and therefore he had surrendered himself To Him. Krishna instructed him that Paramatma is one and only one-All are Brahman and there is no second thing other than this. Vasudeva got rid of his duality after hearing the advice of Krishna. Devaki requested Krishna to bring heasr six dead sons from the nethar region and show her, as He brought the dead son of Sandipani. Krishna then went to Sutala and Bali worshiped Him. Krishna brought the six dead sons of Devaki. They were fondled by Devaki and she breastfed them. They were born to Marichi and Urna earlier.They were cursed by Brahma to become asuras. They were again born to Hiranyakashipuaki and were killed by Kamsa. . They were cursed by Hiranyakashipu that they would be killed by Kalanemi. They were born as the six sons of Devaki and were killed by Kamsa. They were released from that curse and went back to the heaven.
86
पार्थो व्याजयतिः स्वसारमहरद् गूढं सुभद्रां हरेः
श्रीकृष्णो युगपद् द्विमूर्तिऋषिभिः साकं गृहं मैथिलं।
संप्राप्तः श्रुतदेवगेहमपि च स्वीकृत्य पूजां तयोः
सन्मार्गं प्रतिबोधयन् करुणया द्वाभ्यां च मुक्तिं ददौ।।
Meaning: Arjuna disguised himself as a sanyasi with triple staff and went to Dwaraka. He wanted to marry Subhadra -Krishna's sister. But Balarama had decided to give her in marriage to Duryodhana. Hence this disguise. He was once invited to be a guest by Balarama . He saw Subhadra and both of them liked each other. Arjuna then eloped with Subhadra (with Krishna's permission). When Balarama became angry on hearing this, Krishna pacified him. Then they sent dowry to the Hastinapuram.SriKrishna then assumed two forms at the same time and went to Mithila along with the sages. He went simultaneously to two places - one to the palace of Bahulasva, the king of Mithila and to the house of Shrutha deva- a brahmana who lived with total detachment but a great devotee of Krishna.Both of them perfofomed the puja to Him according to their capacity. Krishna, out of Mercy towards His devotees taught them the Vedic and Upanishadic path to both of them.He blessed both of them with liberation- " mukthi"
Commentary:In Subhadra's case, she wanted to marry Arjuna . Krishna helped her to marry Arjuna.
In case of Bahulasva-the king and Shruthadeva- the poor brahmana, Krishna treated them both equally and accepted their offerings to Him. Shrutadeva was so overwhelmed on seeing Krishna that he danced as if he was in a trance .Krishna advised Shruthadeva that the sages are the great. He told that He regards the brahmanas more superior to Himself .Brahmanas are the repository of Vedas and all the devas are in Him.
Krishna showed it to others that He is devoted to His devotees and also taught the behavior of true and perfect saints (sanmargam ). In other words He gave them Atma Vidya also.
87
पृष्टः श्रीशुक आह नारदमुनेर् नारायणोक्तं जगत्-
सृष्ट्यादौ, नृपतिस्तु वन्दिभिरिव प्रातर्, नुतः श्रीहरिः।
आद्याभिः श्रुतिभिस्तमेव सततं ध्यायेन्मुमुक्षुः, सृजन्
रक्षन्नेतदु संहरन् जगदहो! लीलायते यः प्रभुः।।
Meaning: Parikshit asked Shuka Rishi - " The Nirguna Brahman can not be described by words by Vedas. Then How Vedas- which can describe Saguna Brahman - can describe Nirguna Brahman?. Because NirgunaBrahman is beyond all the three gunas and is never affected by them." Then Shuka replied that on an earlier occasion Narada questioned Narayana about this. He said - that as the courtiers sing the praises of the King during early morning, in the same manner, Vedas worshiped Hari and offered their prayers to him, just before the entire creation was to commence. Those who desire "mukthi"- the liberation, should always meditate on Vishnu- who is the cause for the creation, sustenance and annihilation of this entire universe.
Commentary: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS "SHRUTHI GEETHA ". Vedas also are unable to describe NIRGUNA BRAHMAN in words. After rejecting all the things that can be known or understood through our sensory organs and mind and intelligence as " This not That-This is not That" by logical arguments, What remains as the one thing is NIRGUNA BRAHMAN.
Shuka clarified this to Parikshit through the "Shruthi Geetha"
This Shruthi Geetha is full of extracts and quotations from Vedas and Upanishads. The verses are in "NARDHDHATAKA METRE" (17 letters for a quarter verse). One has to study this chapter carefully to understand the concepts
88
सत्त्वं वा निर्गुणं वा भजति यदि पुमान् निर्गुणः स्यान्; मुरारिं
भक्त्या ध्यायन् विमुक्तो भवति; निजतपस्तोषितात् शूलपाणेः।
शीर्षस्पर्शेन मृत्युं वरमभिलषितं लब्धवान् शाकुनेय
विष्णोर्मायाविमुग्धो निजशिरसि करं साधु कृत्वा हतोƒभूत्।।
Meaning:Those who worship " Nirguna Brahman " become 'Nirguna ' themselves-meaning that they are never affected by the three gunas. They become Shudhdha Satva. Those who worship Vishnu with pure Bhakthi - who also is "Shudhdha Satva " are sure to attain the liberation from this samsara .Shiva and Brahma grant boons very easily but not Vishnu. There is an " Ithihasa " about this aspect. Once upon a time Vrukasura- son of Shakuni - a asura asked Narada as to who among all Gods is easily pleased. Narada asked him to worship Shiva .He performed a severe penance by offering the flesh from his body in the fire to Shiva at Kedaranatha. When Shiva did not appear before him on the seventh day, he cut his own head and offered as oblation in the fire. Shiva appeared before him and told him to ask for the boon. He asked Shiva that on whomsoever's head that he would lay his hand, that person should fall dead. Shiva granted him that boon.But Vrikasura wanted to lay his hand on Shiva's head . He wanted to possess Gauri. THis was the bad and evil intention of Vrikasura. Shiva ran for protecting His life and reached Vaikunta, Hari pacified Him. Vishnu then appeared before Vrikasura as a brahmachari and asked him as where and why was he hurrying to go. Vrikasura then narrated all to Him. Vishnu in the form of the brahmachari then told Vrikasura that he did not believe Shiva's boon will work Vishnu told Vrikasura to test by laying his hand on his own head. Vrikasura put his hand on his own head and then fell dead.Then the celestial sages, Pitrus, devas and Gandharvas showered flowers to celebrate the killing of sinful Vrikasura.Those who recite this episode of His saving Shiva will be freed from all enemies and alsofrom the repeated cycles of births and deaths.
In this chapter the central theme is that A VISHNU BHAKTHA(NIRGUNA SVRUPA BHAKTHA) WILL ATTAIN LIBERATION, WHEREAS BHAKTHAS OF BRAHMA AND SHIVA WILL GET MATERIAL WEALTH (PERISHABLE)
89
ब्रह्मा रुद्रो गुणाभ्यामपि परिकलितौ; शुद्धसत्त्वस्तु विष्णुः;
सत्यं त्वेतत् परीक्ष्य स्फुटमवददृषीन् पूज्यपादान् भृगुस्तत्;।
पार्थो वीर्याभिमानी द्विजशिशुपरिरक्षार्थमोघप्रयत्नः
कारुण्येनैव विष्णोर्धुतसकलमदः सत्यवाग् रक्षितोƒभूत्।।
Meaning : Brahma and Rudra are predominantly of Rajo and Tamo Gunas mixed with Satva Guna. Whereas Vishnu is Shudhdha Satva.(not having Rajo or Tamo Guna in Him ).Bhrigu Maharishi wanted to test as to among the Trinity is of Satva Guna.On the banks of Saraswathi River there was a Satra Yaga. Many Rishis participated in that sacrifice.There was an argument among them as to who among the Trinity is Great. They sent Bhrigu Maharishi to find out as to who was Great. Bhrigu went to Satyaloka and saw Brahma. He did not offer any prayer to Him. Brahma got angry but He controlled His anger. Then Bhrigu went to Kailasa.When Shiva got up and tried to embrace His brother. But Bhrigu refused to embrace Him.When Shiva got angry and lifted His Trident to kill Bhrigu, Gauri fell at His feet and tried to pacify Shiva. Bhrigu then went to Vaikunta. Vishnu was reclining on His bed with His head on the lap of Lakshmi. Bhrigu kicked Him on His chest. Immediately Vishnu got up and offered His prostrations to Bhrigu and asked for pardon on noticing his arrival there and requested Bhrigu to purify Him with the water that washed his feet. Then Bhrigu was satisfied that Vishnu had spoken the solemn words . Bhrigu then returned to the sacrificial area and narrated his experiences. Then all of them decided that Vishnu is the greatest among all of them.
Arjuna had visited Dwaraka once. In Dwaraka a brahmana's wife gave birth to a child But as soon as the child touched the ground ,it died. This happened repeatedly to the brahmana. When the ninth child died, Arjuna who was there assured to protect the child that would be born in future. But when the time of delivery approached, Arjuna covered the entire area with arrows. Even then the child died. He went to all the places -heaven and nethar regions but could not find the child. Earlier he had vowed to the brahmana that he would fall in fire if he failed to protect the child with his knowledge of Dhanur Vidya. When he was about to fall in the fire Krishna prevented him from killing himself. His ego was subdued by Vishnu. Krishna then took Arjuna to Vaikunta and both of them saw Narayana. Narayana told them that He wanted to see both of them and so the disappearance of the children of the brahmana. He returned all the children of the brahmana (according to their age ) . Arjuna and Krishna then returned to Dwaraka and handed over the children to the brahmana.
These are the Great acts of valour of Krishna.
Meaning : Brahma and Rudra are predominantly of Rajo and Tamo Gunas mixed with Satva Guna. Whereas Vishnu is Shudhdha Satva.(not having Rajo or Tamo Guna in Him ).Bhrigu Maharishi wanted to test as to among the Trinity is of Satva Guna.On the banks of Saraswathi River there was a Satra Yaga. Many Rishis participated in that sacrifice.There was an argument among them as to who among the Trinity is Great. They sent Bhrigu Maharishi to find out as to who was Great. Bhrigu went to Satyaloka and saw Brahma. He did not offer any prayer to Him. Brahma got angry but He controlled His anger. Then Bhrigu went to Kailasa.When Shiva got up and tried to embrace His brother. But Bhrigu refused to embrace Him.When Shiva got angry and lifted His Trident to kill Bhrigu, Gauri fell at His feet and tried to pacify Shiva. Bhrigu then went to Vaikunta. Vishnu was reclining on His bed with His head on the lap of Lakshmi. Bhrigu kicked Him on His chest. Immediately Vishnu got up and offered His prostrations to Bhrigu and asked for pardon on noticing his arrival there and requested Bhrigu to purify Him with the water that washed his feet. Then Bhrigu was satisfied that Vishnu had spoken the solemn words . Bhrigu then returned to the sacrificial area and narrated his experiences. Then all of them decided that Vishnu is the greatest among all of them.
Arjuna had visited Dwaraka once. In Dwaraka a brahmana's wife gave birth to a child But as soon as the child touched the ground ,it died. This happened repeatedly to the brahmana. When the ninth child died, Arjuna who was there assured to protect the child that would be born in future. But when the time of delivery approached, Arjuna covered the entire area with arrows. Even then the child died. He went to all the places -heaven and nethar regions but could not find the child. Earlier he had vowed to the brahmana that he would fall in fire if he failed to protect the child with his knowledge of Dhanur Vidya. When he was about to fall in the fire Krishna prevented him from killing himself. His ego was subdued by Vishnu. Krishna then took Arjuna to Vaikunta and both of them saw Narayana. Narayana told them that He wanted to see both of them and so the disappearance of the children of the brahmana. He returned all the children of the brahmana (according to their age ) . Arjuna and Krishna then returned to Dwaraka and handed over the children to the brahmana.
These are the Great acts of valour of Krishna.
90
पूर्णं ब्रह्मैव विष्णुः कमलभवमृडाद्यर्थितो वासुदेवः
संहर्ता भूमिभारं जगदभिरमयन् द्वारवत्यां विरेजे;।
गायन् यन्नाम, यत्पावनचरितमहातीर्थमग्नो,यदर्थं
सर्वं कर्मार्पयन् वा परमपदमवाप्नोति मर्त्योƒमृतत्वम्।
Meaning : In as much as Brahma and Shiva requested Vishnu-the Purna Brahman incarnated as the son of Vasudeva and He shone well at Dwaraka -by removing the Burden in the form othe wicked kings and asuras- by making the entire universe happy by restoring the joy. Those who are the true Bhakthas (Devotees ) - those who chant His names- those who narrate and listen to His stories with faith and devotion and immerse themselves in that Ocean of Bliss- those who dedicate all their actions without expecting any fruits or results from them (practising NISHKAMA KARMA) to His Lotus Feet-They are sure to go to Vaikunta and be there permanently.
Commentary: There were festivities always in Dwaraka Krishna's presence there ensured all prosperity. In this chapter,Krishna's sports with His wives is described bin brief. THE wives of Krishna could not bear the separation from Him. They felt that He was absent even when He was with them. Please read verses 15 to 24 of chapter 90. They were addressing through other mediums such as birds, air, clouds and others about their sorrow in His separation from them.The progeny of Krishna is described in detail . The Krishna Charitram is described briefly in this chapter.
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