Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Kaushika

Sarga 5: The Sage Kaushika became famous for his devotional songs, glorifying the greatness of Lord Vishnu. His reputation spread far and wide, and many devotees from every caste became his disciple. His fame spread to the king of Kalinga, who demanded that Kaushika sing devotional songs to him rather than to Vishnu. Kaushika insisted that he could only praise Vishnu, and his disciples held that they could only listen to praises of Vishnu. The king became angry, took away their property, and banished them from the kingdom. When the end of their lives finally arrived, they departed to the world of Brahma, the creator, who took them to Vishnu-loka, the abode of Vishnu, where they lived eternally.

Sarga 6: Vishnu once organized a great festival in honour of Kaushika, featuring many beautiful songs. Millions of celestial maidens attended, as well as Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, with her retinue of maid servants. When the featured singer Tumburu was accorded great honour and praise, Narada was offended; and when one of Lakshmi’s maids slighted Narada, he cursed Lakshmi to be born on earth from a rakshasi (demoness). When Narada’s anger subsided he became remorseful, and soon thereafter Vishnu and Lakshmi came to assuage his sorrow. Vishnu recommended to Narada that if he wanted to be accorded the same respect as Tumburu, he should study singing with the great Uluka (a being with the form of an Owl) known as Ganabandhu, a master of devotional singing.

Sarga 7: This sarga outlines the basic rules of expert singing. Narada had learned the skill of singing, and imagining himself an expert he proceeded to the abode of Tumburu to better him. At Tumburu’s home he was confronted by a collection of beings with mutilated bodies, who explained that they were the embodiments of the musical notes that had been mutilated by Narada’s inept singing. Narada realized that he was the victim of his own inflated pride, and sought Vishnu's advice.

Vishnu suggested that he wander as a gandharva celestial musician singing the praises of the Lord until the time of Vishnu’s incarnation as Krishna. At that time he should remind Vishnu (as Krishna) of the incident. When Vishnu came to earth as Krishna and was reminded, he sent Narada to various experts until his command of music was almost perfected. Then Krishna himself taught him the best forms of devotional music and song.

http://firstcomposer.blogspot.com/search/label/AdbhutaRamayana

sixteen

Even the sixteen great kings and emperors viz.,

  1. King Maruttu, 
  2. King Suhora, 
  3. King Anga, 
  4. Emperor Sibi, 
  5. Emperor Sri rama, 
  6. King Bhagiradha, 
  7. Emperor Dilip, 
  8. King Maandhaatha, 
  9. King Yayati, 
  10. Emperor Ambareesha, 
  11. King Sasibindu, 
  12. King Gaya, 
  13. King Ranti Deva, 
  14. King Bharatha, 
  15. King Prudhu, and 
  16. Parasuraama. 
All these six teen Kings and Emperors have ruled this earth. They have performed great penances. They have given many charities to Brahmins. They fed the poor.They all ruled their people with utmost kindness. But, Where are they? Are they alive now.? Have they be permited to live on this earth eternally? No. In passing of time, all of them have died. So none can avoid death.

http://www.telugubhakti.com/telugupages/monthly/mahabharat/content702.htm

Death

At the inception, Prajapati Brahma created this universe and living and non living things, human beings etc. But he did not create death. As there was no decay and death for the human beings and living things, the earth became heavy and unbearable. Brahma could not find any reason for their death. He was thinking about it. Due to heat generated from his thoughts, flames came out of his body and began to destroy the entire universe.

As the entire creation is being destroyed, Lord Siva could not tolerate it .Lord Siva immediately proceeded to Bhrama Loka and prayed Brahma to stop destruction of the Universe.

“O Lord Siva! what is the reason for your arrival. I will accomplish your desire” said Brahma. “O Brahma Deva! You have created this Universe, living and non living being and human beings etc. Why you are again destroying them with your own hands? What is the reaon? Kindly stop this destruction and save the universe” requested Siva.

“O Lord Siva! I am neither angry nor desirious of anything. I created this universe and mankind. I have not created death. The burden of earth became heavy. Mother earth prayed for decreasing its burden. To decrease the same, I have resorted to this destructive act. I could not find anyother way except this. In view of this, my mind is filled with great wrath. In that wrathful fire, the entire creation is being reduced to ashes.” said Brahma.

“O Lord Brahma! You have created this universe and ordered me to protect it. As per your direction, I am protecting this universe. Now you are resorting to its destruction. Is it virtuous? Is such kind of anger desirous for you? Even so, in order to decrease the burden of earth, is it desirable to destroy the entire creation at a time? Why cannot you find some other solution, so that the act of destruction may be done in one order? O Brahma! control your wrath and protect this unviverse. Let not the creatures be exterminated like this.” prayed Lord Siva.

Hearing the above words of Mahadeva, Brahma extinguished his fire of wrath. While that wrathful fire being extinguished, one lady who was dark and red, whose eyes were red and with red saree, was born out of his limbs. She smilingly looked at those two Lords of the universe and proceeded towards south. Brahma called her, by the name of Death.

“O Goddess of Mruthyu, where are you going? Come here.” ordered Brahma.

Goddess of Mruthyu returned back and stood before Brahma.

“O Goddess of Mruthyu! While I was desirous of destroying this universe, you were born. Kill all the creatures, good and bad, wicked and virtuous, without any discrimination, but in an order. As you are discharing your duty at my command, no sin will be attached to you.” said Lord Brahma.

Lord Siva consented for it. Goddess Mruthyu began to weep. Tears from her eyes were falling. Immediately, Lord Brahma caught them with his two hands. Lord Brahma tried to convince her. But she refused to do that job.

“O Lord Brahma! You have created me. But why you are commanding me to do this sinful act of destruction? How can I discharge this cruel evil and sinful act? I cannot hear the weeping and cries of the friends and relaltives in view of the death of their kith and kin. I cannot do this cruel, wicked act. Be kind towards me and permit me to do penance in Dhenukaashram.” prayed Goddess Mrutyu.

“O Goddess Mrutyu! I created you only for destruction of this mankind . You have to do this act. Dont feel unhappy in your mind. As per my command, commence destruction of mankind.” ordered Lord Brahma.

For the present, she agreed for the words of Brahma. Lord Brahma was very happy. The entire world also was very happy with this arrangement. As his desire has been accomplished, Lord Sive returned back to Kailas. Goddess Mrutyu bowed before Lord Brahma and proceeded to Dhenukashram.

On the banks of Nanda and Kousiki rivers, she performed many Vratas (rituals). She proceeded to Himalaya mountains and did great penance, about Lord Brahma. Having pleased with her penance, Lord Brahma appeared before her.

“O Goddess Mrutyu! Instead of obeying my command, why are you doing this penance? For what purpose?” asked Lord Brahma.

“O Lord Brahma! I cannot kill persons by strangling their necks. Kindly dont depute me for this act. Hence I did this penance. I am earnestly praying you.” prayed Goddess Mruthyu.

“O Goddess Mruthyu! Why doyou feel that this is a non-virtuous act. You are following my command. You are doing it under my control. It is a most virtuous act. Myself and Lord Siva will bless you that you are freed from sin, perfectly clensed and you may even acquire glory, by following my command.” said Lord Brahma.

“O Lord Brahma! I will accept your command. I will do as you like. But kindly do one thing. Let covetousness, wrath, malice, jealousy, quarrel, folly and other stern passions tear all the creatures.Then only I can discharge my duties effectively.” said Goddess Mruthyu.

“It will be done. Not only that. When you wept, I collected all the drops of your tears with my hands. Each and every drop of your tears will create one kind of disease to the creatures. They will suffer and die with those diseases. You duty will be just taking away their livesfrom their bodies. Therefore, no sin will afflict you. As you will simply take away their lives, it will be a virtuous act. I am your well wisher. All the lives of the creatures will be under your control. You have to take away their lives impartially and without any fear or favour. In this manner, you have to discharge your duties effectively. Wicked people will die with their own wicked acts. You need not worry about it.” said Lord Brahma.

With the fear of curse, Goddess Mrutyu accepted the command of Lord Brahma and started killing the creatures. As per the command of Lord Brahma, several passions, different kinds of diseases were inflicting the mankind and destroying them. At the end, Goddess Mrutyu was taking away their lives. The lives of the creatures were shifting from one body to another. In this manner, the burden of Mother earth was controlled.

http://www.telugubhakti.com/telugupages/monthly/mahabharat/content702.htm

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Bhishma

Bhishma to  All this, O Bharata(Yudhistira)
, was recited to me formerly by Narada. Recollecting the incidents of this grave story, O bull of Bharata's race, I have recited to thee all its details duly.

http://bachelorpledge.blogspot.com

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Sannyasa

According to Narada Purana, there are six stages of Sannyas.

  1. Kutirchak – Who dwells in a hut, practically one who practices his or her own sadhana and studies according to his or her own rhythm.
  2. Bahudak – Who visits many teachers, learns their ways, employs their knowledge, and explores how to integrate various teachings into his or her own discipline.
  3. Hamsa – Who employs discrimination in discerning what practices fit into his or her own life style. 
  4. Paramahamsa – Who has supreme discrimination, and whose life style is always an inspiration to others.
  5. Turyatita – Who has moved beyond the bonds of karma and is fixed in stillness.
  6. Avadhuta – Who is centered in Oneness, whether sitting in samadhi or acting in the world, his or her own center is never compromised.
Source

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Maya



One day Narada comes to Dwaraka and asks Krishna to explain to him what Maya is. So Krishna takes Narada on a trip in the desert. In the middle of the desert, Krishna asks Narada for water, as he (claims to be) feeling thirsty. Narada goes a short distance and finds a nearby village, where he falls in love with a local village girl and forgets all about Krishna. He marries her, has children, and lives wit them 12 years. Then one a massive flood comes and his family is washed away, when suddenly he hears a voice saying "Narada, what about my water." He sees Krishna, and asks him what has happened to his wife and children. Krishna says that none of it was real, that Narada never had a wife or children and that the village didn't even exist. That is what Maya is.

Source
Matsya Puranas

In this account Narada asks Vishnu, not Krishna, what Maya is, and then Vishnu tells Narada to take a bath in a pond, after which Vishnu will take a bath. Then Vishnu turns Narada into a woman and makes him forget who he is, so the woman falls in love with a king, has children, and then her children die in a war. Finally Narada goes back to the pond, where he regains his male form, whereupon he hears Vishnu say "Narada, why are you still standing in the pond?" So then Vishnu explains that his experiences weren't real and that that is what Maya is. But the Devi Bhagavatam is considered by many to not be an authentic scripture, because it's not listed in the traditional lists of Upapuranas. So does anyone know if other Puranas mention this story of Vishnu and Narada?

Source
Devi Bhagavatam.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Krishna_Maya
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=narada+maya
https://www.slideshare.net/search/slideshow?searchfrom=header&q=narada+maya
http://daily.bhaskar.com/news/JM-MYTH-narad-muni-woman-story-5502965-PHO.html

Monday, August 14, 2017

Pundalik

The sage Narada, in his wanderings in the holy Mandesh country, came to the dense forest of Dandakaranya on the bank of the Chandrabhaga (Bhima) river and there he observed the unswerving devotion of Pundalik to his parents. He reported about this filial commitment to Lord Krishna who came down from Vaikunth (heaven) to greet Pundalik; but even God’s arrival did not distract the latter from his duty. He did not even turn his head to look at Him, but tossed a brick (vit in Marathi) towards Him and asked Him to stand on it and wait for him till he finished his service to his parents. Lord Krishna placed His hands on His sides and stood motionless on the brick. He was soon joined by Rukmini, Lord’s Consort and all the host of sages. Seeing Pundalik’s spirit of Bhakti, the Lord of Heaven was pleased to remain at Pandharpur, making the town a second heaven.

http://brickinformation.blogspot.com/search/label/Pundalik

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Narada Inspiring Jagannath Rath Yatra


Purushottama (Jagannatha) Kshetra: Sage Jaimini narrated the Story of King Indradyumna,an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu who was keen on having a darshan of the Idol of Neela Madhava at a Temple situated in the Nilachala Mountain on the East Coastal side of Bharata Varsha in the Utkala Region and asked his Priest to ascertain the route and arrange for the trip. One of the Pilgrims (Bhagavan Himself) who said that he just returned from there and described the details of the route. The King and his large entourage undertook an arduous journey and having crossed Mahanadi camped overnight and the Local Chief of Utkal Region gave the disheartening news that there was a huge sand storm and the Idol of Neela Madhava was underneath a heap of debris. Brahmashi Narada appeared and consoled the King and asked him perform hundred Yagnas and then NeelaMadhava would manifest from under the debris. Narada further said that a ‘Vata Vriksha’ (Banyan Tree) with four branches would appear near the debris; that Vishvakarma the Celestial Artist would carve out four Idols of Jagannatha, Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra the sister of the brothers and a Sudarshana Chakra; that a conch-shaped Purushottama Kshetra would get materialised and that Lord Brahma himself would consecrate the Wooden Idols but the instructions of Neela Madhava must be followed by the King in spirit and deed. Sughat the son of Vishwakarma completed the construction of the Temple within five days while made the Idol of Nrisimha Deva which was installed by Narada. The task of carving wood from for the four major Idols was taken up and a celestial voice was heard saying that the Idols would emerge on their own, that the oldest worker be sent inside the the Main Gate which should be closed till the job was over, that the sound of drums be kept on till the task was going on inside to cover the sounds from there, that if somebody heard the sounds from inside then he or she would be stone-deaf forever and if somebody saw any activity from inside that person would lose vision forever! On the fifteenth day a celestial announcement was heard that the Idols were almost ready; instructions were given about the colour schemes of the Idols viz. deep blue cloud for Janannatha, white for Balabhadra, Crimson red like rising Sun for Subhadra and deep red to the Sudarshana Chakra. As the finishing touches were being provided, Indradyumna was in trance and at the time of consecration, Narada, the King and the entire entourage entered the Sanctum Sanctorium chanting Dwadasha Mantra viz.Namo Vaasudevaya in praise of the Lord, Purusha Suktum addressed Balabhadra, Sri Suktam for Subdhadra Devi and appropriate Mantras to invoke Sudarshana Chakra. Finally at the Muhurat Time , Lord Brahma initiated the most hallowed function of ‘Kumbhabhisheka’ on Shuddha Vishakha Ashtami on Thursday with Pushyami as the Nakshatra as witnessed by Deva-Yaksha-Kinnaras and Maharshis. The famous nine day Ratha Yatra commenced on Shuddha Ashadha Vidiya and returned from the banks of Bindu Tirtha on the eighth following day.The Annual Ratha Yatra continues till date.

https://freeglobaluniversity.blogspot.com/search/label/Sub

Friday, July 21, 2017

Veeramani

The Yagnashva reached the beautiful and properous Devapura at Vindhyas where even building walls were made of precious stones and the King Veeramani was an extraordinary devotee of Bhagavan Shiva. The elder Prince Rukmanga arrested the Yagnashwa and brought it to the Capital but since he came to know that the horse belonged to Shri Rama in connection with a Yagna, the King was hesitant to approve the action. Nor Shiva, who was prayed to by the King; the latter said that since the the action was already taken, it would not be in tune with Kshatriya Dharma to take a retreat step. By way of assurance, Shiva too resolved to fight with Lord Rama, since Shiva as a devotee of Sri Rama had as much responsibility to the King who also was a great devotee of Shiva. Thus a vicious circle got into motion. Meanwhile, Brahmarshi Narada alerted all concerned ie. Shatrughan, Shri Rama, the King Veeramani and the typical ‘Kalaha Priya’ readied the armies of both Sharughna and the King.

http://completepersonality.blogspot.com/search/label/FightWithShiva


Thursday, May 18, 2017

Gaja Gauri Vratha


Gaja Gauri Vratha is observed on Bhadrapada Krishna Chaturthi

The importance of Gaja Gowri Vrata is mentioned in the Mahabharata and it is said that Gandhari, the mother of Kauravas, and Kunti, the mother of Pandavas, had performed it for the welfare of their children.

Narada Maharshi had advised Gandhari to perform Gaja Gowri Vrata for the welfare of her children.   She is believed to have made an elephant from mud and performed the Vrata.
Gandhari  invited all for the Gaja Gauri Vratha except Kunti and her children.

Kunti came to know about this and she was eager to attend the Vratha, but her children stopped her from going there as they were not invited.So, they planned to conduct the Gaja Gauri Vratha by Kunti itself.

Gandhari had done it with Mud Elephant, but Pandavaas wanted to bring real airavatha from Devaloka for the Gaja Gauri Vratha.   Bheemasena told Indra to send Airavatha for the Gaja Gauri Vratha to bhooloka.  Arjuna made steps from Devaloka to Bhooloka throws his arrows for the airavatha to come down.   Krishna ensured that the steps made of arrow must not fall when the Airavatha steps down. So,  Pandavaas did the Gaja Gauri Vratha with the airavatha.

Apart from the rituals and offerings, Gaja Gowri Vrat Katha is listened on the day by those performing the Vrata.

https://www.youtube.com/results?q=Gaja+Gowri+Vratha

Two Yogis - Animation,

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Laxmi and Shani

Story 1

Once travelling in the galaxial path, mother Laxmi happened to meet Shani deva. Both being very top authorities of the universe, entered to into an argument as to who must leave the way for the another.Ending into a no-acceptable solution, they reached out to Indra, Brihaspati & then to the most respected trinities. But, the confused trinities were too not able to converge to a good decision.Finally, Lord Vishnu suggested to reach none other than devarshi Narada, who alone could pacify the candidates.Narada appeared there & then. Hearing to both sides, he requested Laxmi devi & Shani deva to walk together to & fro as many times as they could !.

In the course of their walk, Narada use to appreciate in a loud voice - "Very nice ! Very nice ! ....."To this, the trinities with others run to Narada & ask who is supreme.Narada smiled & then replied - "I have observed Laxmi devi & Shani deva very minutely. Their walk styles are highly attractive. It gives me equal comfort when I witness them here or anywhere. I rate them equal hence."But this was certainly not an expected outcome for anybody round there. The annoyed devas asked Narada to pacify them with a more intellectual reply.

Narada disclosed - "Though the walk styles are equally attractive, still, there is a difference !! "And, what is that difference ?"It is nice to see Laxmi walking towards me & Shani walking away from me.""Therefore, the enjoyment is entirely time/requirement dependent ....""Time & time alone distinguishes the importance of Laxmi & Shani. They are equally respectful otherwise & else."Pacified devas & trinities supported Naradas's brilliant view of tackling the problem in one voice.On the other hand, Laxmi & Shani also blessed Narada & saluted each other also.

Story 2

Once a King organized a big craft fair so he invited many craftsmen from all over the country. He assured that whatever they would not be able to sell, he would buy them at an appropriate price. Many craftsmen came with their various kinds of crafts, but one foolish craftsman brought an iron statue of Shani Dev. Naturally nobody purchased it, so the King had to buy it. That night the King saw a Devee in his dream, she was Lakshmee - Devee of wealth, leaving his body. The King asked her  "Who are you?" She replied - "I am Lakshmee, Devee of wealth and prosperity. I cannot remain in the same house where Shani lives." The King saluted her respectfully and she went away.

Next came a Devtaa of Vaibhav (glory) who also left him as he also could not stay there where there was no Lakshmee. The King saluted him also and he also went away. In the same way others : Dharm (righteousness), Dayaa (compassion), Kshamaa (forbearance) also left him, but when Satya (truthfulness) started leaving, the King held his feet and said - "I never left you all these days so you cannot leave me now."

All other qualities were waiting out side for Satya to join them, so that they could go somewhere else. When Satya did not come out for quite some time, Dharm said - "I have to go back, I can't exist without him." and he returned to the king's palace. Then others also followed him, one by one, in reverse order. At last Lakshmee also had to return, because she also could not exist without them. She said to the King - "Thanks to your love for Satya which brought all of us back to you. Who holds the Satya so firmly has never have to suffer with any misery."

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