August 18, 2017 archive

Achutāya namah

Vidura enquired, “Shiva is the father for all animate and inanimate objects in this creation. There is none whom he dislikes. He is of a peaceful nature and is totally established in his own Self. He is the Lord of the universe. How could it be possible for anyone to dislike Him? What could be the reason for this enmity between Daksha and his son-in-law Shiva? Due to this enmity, Satidevi gave up her body, which should not been done. Please explain to me these details.”

Maitreya Maharishi replied, “Once upon a time Marichi and other Prajāpatis began a ritual known as Satra Yāga. To witness this Yāga, Gods, the different types of Fires (Agni) and all supreme saints together with their disciples assembled in the sacrificial hall.

Thereafter Daksha, who shone radiantly like the Sun which dispels darkness in entirety, entered into the grand assembly wherein everyone was seated. Due to the effect of his radiance, everyone assembled there, including Devatas, the Fires and the Maharishis were stunned and they stood up reverentially to welcome him.

Lords Brahma and Shiva were the only members who remained seated within that assembly. Barring Shiva and Brahma, all others profusely praised and honored Daksha Prajāpati.

Thereafter Daksha Prajāpati offered obeisance to the creator, the Self-born Lord Brahma, and with his permission took his seat. He now looked at Shiva, who had occupied a seat prior to his arrival and who did not even get up in reverence upon his arrival. He concluded that Shiva had done this deliberately to insult him.

With this he was deeply angered. He looked contemptuously at Shiva. With eyes that were spitting fire he said,

“Brahma-rishis, Devatas, the different Fires and other assembled guests in this assembly, please listen. I am going to explain the behavior of noble beings. Neither am I speaking out of ignorance nor out of jealousy. Therefore please listen attentively.

This Shiva is shameless. He is spoiling the good reputation of guardian-deities (loka pālaka). Due to arrogance he is disrupting the path treaded by noble persons. He is destroying good traditions.

Eṣa me śiṣyatāṁ prāpto yan me duhitur agrahīt

Pāṇiṁ viprāgni-mukhataḥ sāvitryā iva sādhuvat 

Like a virtuous person he has, with fire as a witness and in the presence of great Brahmins, accepted my daughter’s hand in marriage. He has married my chaste daughter who is equal to Savitri. As my son-in-law he is also my disciple.

He who is monkey-eyed has married my daughter Sati, who has gentle deer like eyes. As I am his father-in-law, it is customary that he comes forward and welcomes me with full honour when I arrive. He did not follow the custom. Moreover he did not even have the courtesy to greet and welcome me through his speech. He did not honour me in any way.

This Shiva has totally discarded all Vedic rituals. He is impure. He is arrogant. He is ignorant of the customs and traditions. Giving my daughter to him in marriage is akin to preaching auspicious Vedic mantras to the undeserving. Much against my desire I have given my daughter Satidevi to him in marriage.

Letting his hair loose such that it flies in all directions, he roams in crematoriums. Evil spirits such as bhootas and pretas serve him at all times. It is not limited to this. Laughing and crying without apparent reason, he wanders everywhere like a mad man. He picks ash from the crematorium and applies it all over his body. The skulls of the dead form the chain that adorns his neck. Their bones are his ornaments.

The name Shiva actually symbolizes auspiciousness. But it is only for namesake that he has such a name. The truth is that he is inauspicious and impure. Like him, his friends too are conceited and haughty.

He is the leader of troops known as Pramatha gaṇās and Bhoota gaṇās who are predominantly filled with ignorance and inertia (tamo guṇa).

Oho! What a blunder I have committed by heeding Brahma’s advice. To this Shiva who is inauspicious, who is the leader of these ignorant bhoota gaṇās, who is of wicked mind and who is impure, I have given my chaste daughter in marriage”. In this and in many other ways, Daksha insulted Shiva, the resident of Kailasa.

Even after all this, Shiva was unperturbed. He did not develop any anger or aversion towards Daksha. Shiva, the supreme Yogi, considered these insults as worshipful prayers being offered to him by Daksha.

When the deeper meanings within Daksha’s insults are clearly understood, it will be clear that they truly are reverential worshipful prayers.

Seeing Shiva sitting pleasantly and calmly without any reaction, Daksha was even more infuriated. He now cursed Shiva. Holding water in his hand he said,

“This Shiva is the worst amongst the Devatas. In this Yagna ritual where Devatas such as Indra, Vishnu and others get their share of offerings, may he not receive any share of offerings!”

Many of those present in the assembly tried their best to prevent Daksha from cursing Shiva but it was of no avail. Daksha, who had succumbed to anger, did not heed their advice. Having cursed Shiva, he got up from his seat and left for his home.

Even then Shiva continued to sit calmly. He was unperturbed. However Shiva’s attendant Nandi, who was the leader of all Shiva’s troops, was extremely infuriated. Nandi’s mind now was trapped in the vice known as anger.

He retaliated by pronouncing a counter curse upon those amongst the audience who were in agreement with Daksha’s behaviour. He cursed, “This Daksha has feelings of duality in him. He is an ignorant fool. He considers this body, which is subject to destruction, as supreme. He insulted Shiva, the Lord who has never harmed anyone. Therefore may the Supreme Knowledge that exists within him, be lost totally.

Daksha considered his household to be everything. He is a fraudster who is inclined towards false dharmas. Influenced by the Vedic hymns that extol performance of Yagnas and other rituals with expectation of results, this Daksha has stepped on the wrong path. He is now focused upon performing those actions which will resultantly bless him with trivial material comforts. He is now driven by desire”.

Achyutāya Namah

Nārasimhaya namah

Brahma and other Devatas extolled Nara and Nārayana,

“Yo māyayā viracitaṁ nijayātmanīdaṁ khe rūpa-bhedam iva tat-praticakṣaṇāya

Etena dharma-sadane ṛṣi-mūrtinādya prāduścakāra puruṣāya namaḥ parasmai

Although there is only one space, it appears as if different spaces exist in different units eg., space in different pot appears to be different. Likewise in the non-dual Parabrahma, there are no differences. Even then, through the medium of His illusory energy, He creates this vast universe within Himself that consists of name and form.

In order to make known His true form to his devotees, such Supreme Lord has now descended in the form of the Maharishis Nara and Narayana. He has incarnated in the house of Dharma. To that Supreme Lord, who is beyond illusion and who is a form of completeness, we offer our obeisance.

The human being understands the true form of the Lord exactly as stipulated in the scriptures. The Lord is the protector of the universe. He has created the Devatas solely to drive away the evil forces that cause obstacles to people. We are the Devatas who predominantly possess traits of goodness (sattva guna).

The Lord’s beautiful gaze puts to shame even the lotus which is considered to be an epitome of beauty. Such gaze overflows with compassion. May He look at us with such compassionate eyes!”

In this way, Devatas worshipped and praised the Maharishis Nara and Narayana. The Lord with His compassionate eyes blessed them with His darshan.

Nara and Narayana, who were the partial incarnations of the Supreme Lord Srihari, then left for the Gandhamādhana Mountain to continue their penance. In a later period of time they incarnated as Arjuna and Srikrishna and uplifted the Kuru and Yadu lineages. In order to protect this earth i.e. in order to drive away unrighteousness that had enveloped earth, they incarnated here.

We discussed that Daksha Prajāpati gave 13 out of his 16 daughters in marriage to Dharma and we have also understood their lineage.

Thereafter Daksha Prajāpati gave his daughter Swāha in marriage to Agni, the presiding deity for Fire. This couple had three sons viz., Pāvaka, Pavamāna and Suci. These three also are the presiding deities of Fire and they consume the homa offerings.

These three sons of Agni begot 45 types of Fire as children. Agni, his 3 sons and his 45 grandsons total 49 types of fire. In accordance to the dictates of the Vedas, Vedic scholars remember all these types of fire during the Yagna and conduct the Iśṭi rituals.

Thereafter Daksha gave his daughter Swadha to the forefathers (pitr-devatas) in marriage. Forefathers are Agniśvāttas, Bariśādas, Soumyas and Ajyapās”.

There is a deep hidden inner significance within these names.  Only when we delve into the inner meaning contained in the name, the entire significance contained in the story will be understood.

“Those who relish food items cooked in fire are Agniśvāttas. Those who sit on seats made of Kuśa grass as Bariśādas. Those who drink soma rasa are Soumyās. Those who drink ājya are Ajyapās. Amongst them only some have the eligibility to make fire offerings. To all these forefathers Swādha is the wife.

She had two daughters Dhāriṇi and Vayunā, both of whom were Self-realized. In addition, having actually experienced the real knowledge, they imparted it to those who were desirous of learning.

Bhavasya patnī tu satī bhavaṁ devam anuvratā

Ātmanaḥ sadṛśaṁ putraṁ na lebhe guṇa-śīlataḥ

Satidevi, the daughter of Daksha Prajāpati, became the wife of Lord Shiva. With utmost love and dedication she served Shiva. Even then Sati could not beget a son, who could match her beauty and character.

Although Shiva was faultless, Daksha Prajāpati developed aversion towards him. Due to this anger he behaved contemptuously towards Shiva. At that time Sati was still a young girl and had not matured into an adult. Angered by her father’s actions, she, out of her own will, gave up her body by creating a Yogic fire”.

With this the first chapter of the fourth canto comes to an end.

Fourth Canto Chapter Two

In this chapter, Daksha aversion towards Shiva and his curse are elaborated.

Vidura asked, “O Maitreya Maharishi, Shiva is the ultimate amongst those who bestow auspiciousness. Daksha also had great affection for his daughters. Why then did Daksha insult Satidevi? What was the reason for his hatred towards Shiva?

Kas taṁ carācara-guruṁ nirvairaṁ śānta-vigraham

Ātmārāmaṁ kathaṁ dveṣṭi jagato daivataṁ mahat”

Adokshajāya namah.

Uthatya and Brihaspati were the sons of Shraddha and Maharishi Angirasa. Uthathya, an incarnation of the Supreme Lord, was a great Brahma-jnāni. These two brothers attained great fame in Swārocisa Manvantara.

Now let us discuss about the progeny of Havirbhuva and Pulastya Maharishi. This holy couple had two sons. The first amongst them was Agastya who in his next birth became the digestive fire (jatarāgni). The second son Viśravasa was a supreme ascetic.

Viśravasa, through wife Iḍaviḍa, begot a son named Kubera, who was of saintly nature. Kubera became the Lord of the Yakshas. Viśravasa had another wife Kaikasi. From her were born Rāvaṇa, Kumbhakarṇa and Vibheeshaṇa.

Maharishi Pulaha’s wife was Gati, who was a very chaste woman. This holy couple had three sons. The first was Karmaśreṣṭa, who was an expert in Vaidika karma (actions prescribed by Vedas). Variyāmśa, a great upāsaka and Sahiṣṇu, who was well-known for his patience, were their other two sons.

Through wife Kriya, Maharishi Kratu begot 60,000 sons, all of whom were supreme sages. They are the Vālakhilyas. They possessed great radiance.

Arundhati was the wife of Maharishi Vashishta. She is also known as Urja. This holy couple had 7 sons named Chitraketu, Soroci, Viraja, Mitra, Ulbana, Vasubhrdyāna and Dyumān, who became great saints. Maharishi Vashishta had another wife. From her Shakti and other sons were born.

Maharishi Atharva’s wife was Chitti. This holy couple had a son by name Dadhici. Dadhici was known for his resolute dedication towards rituals. As his head resembled a horse, he was also known as Aśvashira.

Maharishi Bhrigu’s wife was Khyāti. This couple had two sons Dhāta and Vidhāta. Their daughter was Sri. She was a partial incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. She dedicated her life to the Supreme Lord.

Meru gave his daughters Āyati and Niyati in marriage to Bhrigu’s sons Dhāta and Vidhāta. Dhāta was blessed with a son named Mṛkanḍa. Mṛkanḍa’s son was sage Markanḍeya.

Vidhāta’s son was Prāṇa. Prāna had a son by name Vedaśira. Bhrigu Maharishi had another son by name Kavi. Kavi’s son was Śukrāchārya. He became very famous and was highly revered.

In this way, all these great saints, through their progeny increased the population within this creation. Vidura, I have now explained to you about the progeny of the 9 daughters of Kardama Prajāpati.

Śṛṇvataḥ śraddadhānasya sadyaḥ pāpa-haraḥ paraḥ

Prasūtiṁ mānavīṁ dakṣa upayeme hy ajātmajaḥ 

Sins will instantaneously be destroyed in those persons who listen to this description with dedication.

Let us now understand about the descendants of Daksha Prajāpati.

Daksha was the mind born son of Brahma. He married Prasūti, one of the daughters of Swayambhuva Manu and Śataroopa. Daksha and Prasuti had sixteen daughters.

Thirteen of these daughters were given in marriage of Dharma (Lord of righteousness). One daughter was given in marriage to Fire God Agni. One daughter was given to all the forefathers (pitr-devatas). Yet another daughter was given in marriage to Shiva, the Lord who uplifts persons stuck in this repeated cycle of re-births.

Śraddha, Maitri, Daya, Śānti, Tuśṭi, Puśṭi, Kriya, Unnati, Buddhi, Medha, Titeeksha, Hṛi and Murti were the thirteen daughters who were given in marriage to Dharma.

Dharma’s wife Śraddha begot a son Śubha; Maitri’s son was Prasāda, Daya gave birth to Abhaya, Śānti to Sukha, Tuśṭi to Muda, Puśṭi to Smaya, Kriya to Yoga, Unnati to Darpa, Buddhi to Artha, Medha to Smriti, Titeeksha to Kshema and Hṛī gave birth to Praśraya.

Dharma’s wife Murti gave birth to Maharishis Nara and Nārāyaṇa, who were a storehouse of auspiciousness in entirety.

At the time of birth of these eminent sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa, the entire creation was filled with auspicious omens. The creation was brimming with happiness. Anger and other defects were washed away from people’s mind and they experienced great peace. All the directions turned peaceful and pure. Cool breeze began to blow bringing happiness and calmness to every being. Rivers were filled with water and they flowed gently. The trees in the forests were filled with flowers and fruits.

Mountains were peaceful. The sounds of celestial drums could be heard. It rained flowers. In immense happiness, eminent saints chanted auspicious hymns. Gandharvas and Kinnaras sang melodiously. Apsaras danced. It was an auspicious time for the entire creation.

Lord Brahma and other Devatas extolled Nara and Narayana as follows,

Yo māyayā viracitaṁ nijayātmanīdaṁ

Khe rūpa-bhedam iva tat-praticakṣaṇāya

Etena dharma-sadane ṛṣi-mūrtinādya

Prāduścakāra puruṣāya namaḥ parasmai”

Pranāyāma fuelled the flames. The three worlds trembled due to the intensity of these flames. The Trinity observed the situation and deciding to bless the Maharishi Atri, they simultaneously appeared before him.

Due to the presence of the Trinity, the sage’s mind illumined brightly and became blissful. It was overflowing with knowledge. He came out of his meditative state. He, who was standing on one leg, now opened his eyes and saw the Trinity who were in front of him.

He saw Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara seated on the Swan, Garuda (eagle) and Vṛśabha (bull) respectively. They were shining resplendently with the kamandalu (water pot), discus and trident in their respective hands. They gaze was filled with compassion. Their faces were glowing with charming smiles.

Realizing that they were pleased with him, Maharishi Atri’s joy knew no bounds. Instantly, he fell to the ground and prostrated before them. With plentiful flowers he worshipped them. Unable to withstand their powerful luster, he closed his eyes. He folded his palms and fixed his mind exclusively upon them. He praised them through Vedic chants. He prayed,

“Viśvodbhava-sthiti-layeṣu vibhajyamānair māyā-guṇair anuyugaṁ vigṛhīta-dehāḥ

Te brahma-viṣṇu-giriśāḥ praṇato ’smy ahaṁ vas tebhyaḥ ka eva bhavatāṁ ma ihopahūtaḥ

In every time period (kalpa), the Supreme Lord with the help of his illusory power, runs this entire creation. Accepting traits of action (rajas), He manifests as Brahma and creates this universe. Accepting traits of goodness (sattva) He manifests as Vishnu and protects this universe. Accepting traits of ignorance (tamas) He manifests as Rudra so as to absorb the universe back into Himself. I offer my obeisance to you three, who are manifestations of that Supreme Lord. I have meditated only upon one form. You however appear before me in three forms. Hence please tell me, upon whom did I meditate?

Seeking virtuous progeny, I fixed my heart solely upon the single Supreme Lord and meditated upon Him. I worshipped Him with varied rituals. O Lords, You are the Supreme Devatas who are beyond the reach of human minds. What is the reason for You to appear in three forms, when I have meditated upon a single form? I am deeply astonished at this. Please be kind enough to explain this to me”.

The Trinity laughed pleasantly and in their melodious voices said, “

Yathā kṛtas te saṅkalpo bhāvyaṁ tenaiva nānyathā

Sat-saṅkalpasya te Brahman yad vai dhyāyati te vayam

O great saint! You have the yogic perfection in your intention. What you seek will surely be fulfilled. We are the Supreme Lord upon whom you have meditated with firm intent. Although we appear in three forms, in reality we are only one. This is the decisive truth. We do not have differences amongst us. For this reason, although you worshipped only one God, we are appearing before you in three forms.

O Maharishi! You will be blessed with three sons, who will be born with our aspects. They will achieve great fame and will enhance your glory. May you be blessed with auspiciousness!”

In this way the Trinity bestowed boons upon Maharishi Atri and blessed him. The great sage worshipped them with supreme devotion. As the saintly couple was admiring them, the three Lords vanished.

Somo ’bhūd brahmaṇo ’ṁśena datto viṣṇos tu yogavit

Durvāsāḥ śaṅkarasyāṁśo nibodhāṅgirasaḥ prajāḥ

The Moon (Chandra) with Brahma’s aspect, Dattatreya with Vishnu’s aspect and Durvāsa with Rudra’s aspect were subsequently born to this holy couple.

Let us now discuss about the progeny of Maharishi Angirasa, the third amongst the mind born sons of Lord Brahma.

Shraddha, the daughter of Kardama Prajāpati and Devahuti, was the wife of Maharishi Angirasa. This couple had four daughters viz., Sinīvālī, Kuhu, Rāka and Anumati.

Sinīvālī means the fourteenth day of the waning fortnight (Krishna chaturdaśi). Kuhu refers to the newmoon (Amavasya). Rāka means fullmoon (Purnima). Anumati means the fourteenth day of the waxing fortnight (Shukla chaturdaśi). These four daughters symbolize the time periods pertaining to important Vedic rituals.

In addition, this couple had two sons Uthatya and Brihaspati.

Adokshajāya namah.

Srihari, the embodiment of Yagna and who is the Lord of Yagna and its mantras, was interested in marrying Dakshina who was born solely for him. This marriage was for the welfare of the universe.

This couple, Yagna and Dakshina, was blessed with 12 sons. They were Tośa, Pratośa, Santośa, Bhadra, Śānti, Idaspati, Idhma, Kavi, Vibhu, Svāhna, Sudeva and Rocana.

The offspring of Yagna and Dakshina are connected with the Yagna rituals. The hidden significance within their names is as under:

Tośa: This is the happiness that emerges in the patron (yajamāni) when he decides to conduct a Yagna.

Pratośa: This is the happiness enjoyed by the patron conducting the Yagna (Yajamāni) when it proceeds without any obstacles.

Santośa: This is the complete happiness that emerges upon the successful completion of the Yagna and upon offering Dakshina.

Bhadra: This is the special happiness that emerges when Vedic rituals are diligently abided by. This happiness is very auspicious.

Shanta: This is the total mental satisfaction obtained when the Yagna has been diligently completed.

Idaspati: He is the king who rules earth. Without a King, it is impossible to conduct Yagna rituals.

Idhma: This is the bundle of homa sticks used during the Yagna.

Kavi: This means complete knowledge pertaining to the Yagna and its procedures.

Vibhu: He is the person who possesses the expertise in conducting Yagnas.

Svāhna: These are the auspicious days when Yagna can be conducted.

Sudeva: He is the patron who conducts the Yagna. He is the form of the Lord.

Rocana: This is the illumination that arises in the patron (yajamani) upon completion of the Yagna.

During this rule of Swāyambhuva Manu, these 12 sons of Yagna were collectively known as Tushitas. They are the Devatas. There were 7 rishis headed by Marichi. Yagna became Indra i.e. the leader of the Devatas.

Priyavrata and Uttānapāda, the sons of Swāyambhuva Manu, were supremely valorous and powerful kings. Due to them their lineage prospered and expanded. They were the rulers of that Manvantara period.

Previously Swāyambhuva Manu had given his daughter Devahuti in marriage to Kardama Prajāpati. I have already explained her story. Thereafter he gave his third daughter Prasuti in marriage to Daksha Prajāpati. Their lineage expanded greatly and spread to all the three worlds.

We have discussed earlier that Kardama Prajāpati gave his 9 daughters in marriage to supreme saints (Brahma-rishis). I will now explain the lineage of these 9 daughters. Listen.

Kala was the first daughter of Kardama Prajāpati and Devahuti. She married Marichi Maharishi. They were blessed with two sons, Kaśyapa and Pūrnimā. The entire earth was filled with the descendants of these two sons.

Pūrnimā had two sons Viraja and Viśvaga and a daughter by name Devakulya. Devakulya undertook severe austerities and eventually washed the feet of Lord Srihari.  Due to this merit she was subsequently reborn as River Mandākini in heaven.

Atreḥ patny anasūyā trīñ jajñe suyaśasaḥ sutān

Dattaṁ durvāsasaṁ somam ātmeśa-brahma-sambhavān 

Anasuya, the second daughter of Kardama Prajāpati and Devahuti, married Maharishi Atri. This couple was blessed with three sons viz., Dattātreya, Durvāsa and Chandra (Moon). These three, who were aspects of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma, obtained limitless fame” said Maharishi Maitreya.

At this juncture, a beautiful question arose in the heart of Vidura. He asked, “O Gurudeva, the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra, the most supreme amongst the Devatas, are responsible for the creation, sustenance and dissolution of this universe, isn’t it? What was the supreme mission, for which these three incarnated in the house of Maharishi Atri? Please explain this to me.”

Maharishi Maitreya replied, “Previously Lord Brahma ordered his son Maharishi Atri, the supreme amongst the knowers of Brahman (brahma vetta), to continue creation. Hearing this, Atri Maharishi together with wife Anasuya went to Mountain Rkṣa for performing austerities.

This mountain was filled with forests that were replete with sweet smelling and flowering trees. Ashoka trees were found in plenty. River Nirvindhya flowed here. The mountain reverberated with the sound of these flowing waters.

On this mountain, Maharishi Atri, undertook intense austerities standing on one leg. He overcame dualities such as heat-cold, joys-sorrows. Taking in only air for his food, through Pranayama, he brought his mind under total control. He continued such severe austerities for a period of hundred years.

During that period, Atri Maharishi line of thinking was as follows:

Śaraṇaṁ taṁ prapadye ’haṁ ya eva jagad-īśvaraḥ

Prajām ātma-samāṁ mahyaṁ prayacchatv iti cintayan

I seek refuge under the Supreme Lord Jagannatha. May He bless me with a son who is equal to Him in every aspect.

Due to the intensity of the penance, from his head huge flames of fire emerged. Pranayama became the fuel that intensified this fire. All the three worlds trembled under the blazing fire.

The Trinity observed the intensity of the situation and decided to bless Maharishi Atri. Even as Maharishis, Apsaras, Gandharvas, Siddhas, Nāgās, Vidyadharas were praying to them, the Trinity simultaneously appeared before Maharishi Atri.

Adhokshajāya namah.