August 2017 archive

Nārasimhāya namah

Vidura continued, “O Mahatma, Srikrishna, the Lord who is invisible to the mind and senses incarnated as Prithu and milked the Earth. Please also narrate other noteworthy divine deeds of his which I have missed out. I have deep love towards the Lord and towards you, O Mahatma”.

In this way, Vidura who was yearning to hear divine stories pertaining to Lord Vāsudeva encouraged Maitreya Maharishi to continue his narration. Maitreya Maharishi was thrilled with Vidura’s inclination towards divine stories. Mentally appreciating him, he replied,

“O Vidura, Maharishis crowned Prithu as the emperor. At the time when Prithu began to rule, the kingdom was afflicted by severe famine. Due to absolute paucity of food grains, people were starving. They had become weak and emaciated. They approached the king and begged,

“O King, just as the tree burns due to fire in its trunk, we are burning as our stomachs are on fire. This is because of lack of food grains. You protect those who seek refuge. We seek refuge in you. O King, Maharishis churned the arms of Vena and have given you to us. They appointed you as our king. O supreme king, for the past many days we have had no food to eat. Before we lose our lives, please organize some food for us. As our king, please give us food and also please give us a livelihood”.

Hearing their pleas, Prithu pondered the reason for the famine. When he figured out the reason, he was deeply angered with Mother Earth. Just as the angry Rudra aimed the arrow upon the Tripurasura demons, Prithu took up his bow and aimed at Mother Earth.

Mother Earth trembled in fear when she saw that Prithu was about to hit her. She took on the form of a cow and just as deer hastily runs away trying to escape the hunter’s arrow, she ran speedily.

Emperor Prithu observed this and his eyes reddened with anger. Fixing the arrow to his bow he chased the cow and followed her wherever she went. The cow ran throughout earth, space and heavens. Wherever she went she could see Prithu chasing her.

There is none in this Earth who can save a person from death. Likewise, Mother Earth could not find anyone in the creation who could save her from Prithu. She was agitated. Helplessly she turned back and returned.

Uvāca ca mahā-bhāgaṁ dharma-jñāpanna-vatsala

Trāhi mām api bhūtānāṁ pālane ’vasthito bhavān

Addressing the pious Prithu, Mother Earth said, “O King Prithu, you are well-versed in the rules of righteousness. You show feelings of love and sympathy towards living beings who are in trouble. Hence kindly protect me. Why are you, the protector of living beings, trying to kill me who am totally helpless? I am sinless. You are renowned for your adherence to dharma. Isn’t it against the tenets of dharma to kill a woman?

O king, even foolish men do not use their weapon upon ladies who have sinned. Then isn’t it but natural that compassionate persons like you, who are filled with sympathy towards the downtrodden, never use their weapons against women?

I am like a powerful boat within which this entire world rests. If you break me, living beings that are resting using me as the support will drown. How can you do this?’ – asked the helpless Mother Earth who was in the form of a cow.

Prithu replied, “O bhudevi, if you disobey my commands I will break you. You are accepting the share of offerings given to you in the Yagna. Thereafter you are not increasing our wealth and prosperity. Is it wrong to punish the cow that eats plentiful grass but refuses to yield milk? Since this is your mistake, punishing you is not a sinful offence.

In the beginning of creation, Lord Brahma created food grains such as rice and wheat. Being dull-witted and foolish, you have hidden these grains within your body and are not letting them out. Through this mistake you have insulted me, your king.

People are suffering. Unable to bear the pangs of hunger they have become weak. Therefore, this very instant I will shred your body using my powerful arrows. Through your flesh I will reduce their hunger. I will help them.

Be it a man, woman or eunuch, whoever heartlessly seeks to fill only his/her stomach without having feelings of compassion for others, is a very lowly person. The king has the right to kill such a person and it is a righteous deed.

Due to pride, you are intoxicated. Pretentiously you have assumed the form of a cow. Using my arrows, I will now shred you into bits. Then with my supernatural powers I will protect my citizens and rule them”.

Seeing this king, who in fury could be compared to the lord of death, Mother Earth panicked. She folded her hands and worshipfully said to him,

Namaḥ parasmai puruṣāya māyayā vinyasta-nānā-tanave guṇātmane

Namaḥ svarūpānubhavena nirdhuta- dravya-kriyā-kāraka-vibhramormaye

Nārasimhaya namah

Puruśottamāya namah

The professional singers continued, “Through his deeds King Prithu will fill every person’s mind with happiness and joy. For this reason, the title rāja (king) which means ‘he who causes happiness to others’ is aptly suited to him.

He will eternally be bound to truth. He will possess firm determination. His devotion towards Vedic scholars will be noteworthy. He will serve his elders. Towards the helpless, he will be compassionate. All living beings will find him worthy of seeking refuge.

He will treat other women as his mother. He will love his wife considering her to be half of his body. He will love citizens like a dear father and will protect them always. Like an attendant he will serve Vedic scholars.

Dehinām ātmavat-preṣṭhaḥ suhṛdāṁ nandi-vardhanaḥ

Mukta-saṅga-prasaṅgo ’yaṁ daṇḍa-pāṇir asādhuṣu 

He will consider all living beings to be his own Self. To friends he will cause increased happiness. He will associate with the ascetics and will develop intense love towards Lord Srihari. In punishing the wicked he will be like Yama.

The Supreme Lord, who is changeless, who resides as the Self within all living beings and who is the Lord of the three worlds has incarnated as Prithu. His energy i.e. Mother Goddess Lakshmi, has incarnated as Arci.

All these visible differences seen in the world appear as if they exist in this Lord, who in reality is the Lord of Prakriti (Nature) and its three attributes, although in reality they do not. Mahatmas experientially realize that this world stems out of spiritual ignorance and has no valid existence.

This king of kings will be an unsurpassed warrior who will protect the entire Earth. Holding the bow in his hand, he will embark on a victory tour and will, like the Sun, circumambulate the earth. As he travels through Earth, the kings of that land as well as the Guardian-deities will worship him and offer tributes. Realizing that he is none other than Srihari, who holds the discus and conch in His hands, the wives of those kings will extol the glories of Prithu.

This king of kings will rule righteously and will give a new lease of life to all the citizens. He will provide them with newer livelihoods. He will milk the earth and extract from her all her treasures and nutrients. As easily as Indra broke the mountains, this king will break mountains and level the lands using the ends of his bow.

When the lion moves in the forests with his tail lifted up, animals run for their lives. Similarly, when this king wanders through Earth with the bow made of goat’s and cow’s horns, the wicked will run for their lives merely upon hearing the twang from his bow. Enemies will fear to even appear in his presence and look at him directly.

He will perform 100 Ashwamedha Yāgas on the banks of River Saraswati. The conqueror of enemies Lord Indra, who had in the past conducted 100 Ashwamedha Yāgas will be jealous noticing this. When Prithu is conducting the 100^th Yāga, out of jealousy Indra will steal the sacrificial horse.

In the garden that is adjacent to his palace, he will have a solitary meeting with Maharishi Sanat-kumara. He will reverentially worship the saint and learn from him the pure knowledge that is required to earn liberation.

The king will listen to the people who are praising him for his chivalry and renown. Nothing can hinder his rule, his might and the power of his chariot!

Without any obstacle he will destroy the impediments being faced by the citizens and give them relief. Not only Gods but also leaders of the demonic clans will sing his praises. He will conquer all directions and will become the King for the entire earth”. In this way, the singers extolled King Prithu.

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

Fourth Canto Chapter Seventeen

In this chapter, King Prithu unable to see the citizens suffer due to scarcity of food, tries to kill Vasudha (earth) who has retained all medicinal herbs in her womb. At this point Mother Earth worships King Prithu.

Maitreya Maharishi said to Vidura, “Emperor Prithu heard the professional singers who were thus extolling him. He appreciated them and rewarded them by fulfilling their desires. He honoured them and thus pleased them.

Prithu honoured all the ministers, priests, Brahmins, members of all other castes, citizens, soldiers, servants, office-bearers and satisfied them”.

Hearing this Vidura enquired, “O Maharishi, Prithu milked the Earth which was in the form of a cow. Mother Earth has the ability to take on any form it wishes. What is the reason for it to take on the form of a cow? Why is cow so sacred? When Earth took on the form of a cow, who was its calf? How did he milk the cow? Was there any pot into which he collected the ingredients?

Earth inherently is made up of many highs and lows. How did he level the Earth? Why did Indra steal the sacrificial horse from Prithu? O great saint, you have said that Prithu learnt the knowledge pertaining to liberation from Maharishi Sanatkumara, the greatest amongst saints. After receiving this knowledge, what level did he reach? Please explain.”

Puruśottamāya namah.

The professional singers began,

“Nālaṁ vayaṁ te mahimānuvarṇane yo deva-varyo ’vatatāra māyayā

Venāṅga-jātasya ca pauruṣāṇi te vācas-patīnām api babhramur dhiyaḥ

You are the most supreme among Devatas. You have incarnated together with Arci, who is none other than Your illusionary power. Even great Gods such as Brahma and others fall into delusion when they try to understand You. As such, we are incompetent to describe Your supreme glories, O Lord.

Nevertheless we greatly enjoy Your divine pastimes. Hence, without transgressing the limits laid down by the Maharishis and at the same time abiding by their orders we will attempt to narrate Your glories in detail.

Eṣa dharma-bhṛtāṁ śreṣṭho lokaṁ dharme ’nuvartayan

Goptā ca dharma-setūnāṁ śāstā tat-paripanthinām

Emperor Prithu is the best amongst those who diligently abide by dharma. He will ensure that the citizens walk on the dharmic path. He will protect the tenets of dharma. He will punish those who disregard dharma.

For completion of kingly duties, the king will, in his own body, manifest as the various Guardian-deities and execute their tasks in accordance to the time and situation. Through this he will cause the well-being of both this world and the next. Through ensuring timely rainfall he will cause the welfare of this world. Through the performance of Yagnas he will cause the well-being of the heavenly planets.

The Sun illumines every direction while distributing light and energy equally to all living beings. Through the process of evaporation, it absorbs water and thereafter it distributes the same in the form of rain. The ever-competent King Prithu, who illumines like the Sun, will at appropriate times collect taxes from the people.  Thereafter based on the needs of the countrymen, he will utilize the funds for the benefit of the citizens.

At all times, he will treat all living beings equally without any forms of differentiation. In patience, the King will be comparable to Earth. The Earth patiently bears the weight of those who arrogantly trample upon her. Likewise, King Prithu will show extreme patience towards the poor, who trample him with their troubles. He will always come to the aid of those who are suffering from dire poverty.

Like Lord Indra this king, who is none other than Srihari, will protect people who are afflicted by drought caused due to inadequate rainfall.

His beautiful face with its affectionate gaze and charming smile resembles the Moon, the lord of nectar. Seeing his face citizens will be filled with happiness.

It is impossible to know the depth of the ocean which stores many precious stones and has unending fame. Prithu will be deep and profound like the ocean. The citizens will be unaware of his welfare activities as he carries them out secretively. Unless and until his activities begin to yield fruit, people will be totally unaware of his involvement in it.

He will be zealous in protecting the treasury and will ensure that it grows. The power of Prithu, who is an incarnation of Ananta, will be limitless. He is the repository of every noble trait. It is impossible to know his thought process merely by reading his facial expressions. In other words, it is impossible to understand his inner feelings and thoughts based on his body language.

Like the fire which emerges from Araṇi wood, Prithu was born from the dead body of Vena. Enemies cannot approach him as he is invincible. His prowess is unmatched. Although he is in the vicinity, enemies will fear to attack him.

Antar bahiś ca bhūtānāṁ paśyan karmāṇi cāraṇaiḥ

Udāsīna ivādhyakṣo vāyur ātmeva dehinām

Although the all-pervading wind exists within the person in the form of life-force, it does not attach itself to any of his actions but remains neutral like a witness. Likewise, this king, who sits on this elevated throne, will obtain information of the external and internal (secretive) actions of the people through the spies. He will neither get carried away by the praises nor be dejected by the abuses. Remaining neutral he will continue his administrative duties.

Like Lord Yama, he will be diligent in adherence to dharma and will be absolutely impartial. He will never punish a non-offender even if the person happens to be his enemy’s son. At that same time, he will not hesitate to punish the offender even if it is his own son.

Through its rays, the Sun travels up to the Mountain Mānasa and illumines the entire world. Likewise King Prithu’s rule will be enforced in all places right up to the Manasa Mountain. His fame will spread in all directions”.

Vedic scholars extolled Prithu. Gandharvas such as Tumbura and others sang in his praise. Siddhas rained flowers. Apsarās danced. Celestial drums, trumpets and kettledrums were beaten. Conches were blown. Devatas, fore-fathers, and Maharishis thronged in large numbers to the city.

The creator Lord Brahma arrived there accompanied by Devatas and Guardian-deities of the worlds. On Prithus’s hand he saw the imprint of discus and on His feet, the imprint of the lotus. The person whose hand contains the symbol of the discus and other related symbols is a partial incarnation of the Supreme Lord.

Upon knowing that Srihari had incarnated together with Goddess Lakshmi, the Vedic scholars eagerly got ready to crown him as the king. From all direction citizens brought auspicious materials for the coronation ceremony. Rivers, oceans, mountains, snakes, wild animals, birds, inhabitants of heaven, earth and all other living beings arrived for this auspicious occasion with gifts.

Wearing clean, pure clothes and decked in beautiful ornaments, Prithu was glowing radiantly. He was crowned the king. His wife Arci also decked herself in beautiful ornaments and clothing. With her by His side, Prithu glowed like a huge fire.

Kubera gifted Emperor Prithu with a splendid golden throne. Varuna, the Lord of water, gifted a white umbrella that shone like the Full-moon which sprinkles water droplets. Vayu, the Lord of wind, gifted him the royal Vinjāmara fans, Dharma gave him a garland that would enhance his repute, Indra gave him an expensive crown and Yama gave him a stick which would keep his enemies under his sway.

Brahma gave him an armor (kavaca) which was an embodiment of Vedas. Goddess Saraswati gifted him with a precious pearl chain. Lord Srihari gave him a Sudarshana chakra (discus) and Goddess Lakshmi blessed him with unending wealth.

Rudra gave him a sword. Its sheath had markings that resembled ten moons. Chandra gifted him with deathless, strong horses which would never get tired. Tvastha gave him a marvelous chariot. Agni presented him with a bow made of goat’s and cow’s horns.

Sun gave him sharp powerful arrows that moved as rapidly as its rays. Mother earth gifted him with slippers which could transport him anywhere at lightening speeds. Other Devatas from heaven presented garlands having divine fragrance.

Celestials such as Gandharvas showered Emperor Prithu with proficiency in singing, dance and in playing musical instruments. They also blessed Prithu with the mystical ability of becoming invisible. Maharishis showered plentiful blessings upon him. The Lord of the ocean gifted him with a conch. The oceans, rivers, mountains said that Emperor Prithus’ chariot could move across them without any obstacle.

Thereafter Suta who was proficient in historical stories, Māgadha who was well-versed about the king’s lineage and Vandi who knew the art of speaking eloquently, began to sing the glories of King Prithu. Vena’s son Prithu noticed that they were about to begin their rendition. Immediately with a cheerful smile he addressed them and in a powerful voice that sounded like clouds, he said,

“O Suta, Māgadha and Vandi, my qualities have not yet been showcased to the world. Under such situation, what is it that you can glorify about me now? On what basis will you praise me? Hence please stop. By falsely praising me your words will become untruthful. Your words are sweet. In future, in my absence you can glorify my qualities.

Saty uttamaśloka-guṇānuvāde jugupsitaṁ na stavayanti sabhyāḥ

When it is possible to glorify Srihari, who has a pure reputation, noble persons will not glorify ordinary humans. Hence please stop glorifying me and instead please glorify Srihari.

It is possible that a person has in him the capability of imbibing noble, worthy qualities. Even then, how can he hear praises about those qualities of his, which he has not yet cultivated or exhibited? How can he ask others to praise him, when he does not have those qualities? The public, who listens to these praises, will condemn the person being praised falsely. ‘If only he had put in a little effort, he could have really acquired those qualities’ they would comment. They will ridicule him. The foolish man who loves to listen to false praises will never realize that the public actually ridicules him.

A person filled with humility, self-respect and generosity never likes to hear about any of his mistakes. Likewise famous persons never like to hear their praises, even though they are most deserving and competent.

O Suta! As of now I have not performed any action and established my name in this world. I have not yet earned reputation. Like an ignorant child, how then can I allow you to praise me?”- asked Prithu.

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

Fourth Canto Chapter Sixteen

In this chapter, professional singers known as Vandi-māgadha, praise emperor Prithu.

Maitraya Maharishi said to Vidura, “Hearing the melodious words of Emperor Prithu the professional singers were filled with joy. Then, upon being encouraged by Maharishis, these singers sang in praise of the king”.

Aniruddhaya namah

Vena continued, “O exponents of Veda, henceforth worship me as I am the Supreme Lord. Apart from me in this creation there is none who is entitled to accept Yagna offerings.”

Vena was a sinner whose mind was polluted. His intellect was completely clouded by illusion. Due to treading the wrong path the merit in him was totally eroded. For this reason, despite repeated requests from the Maharishis, he did not fulfill their desire. To be truthful he paid a deaf ear to their advice. Considering himself to be a learned scholar, he boasted and insulted them.

With this the Maharishis were exceedingly incensed. They thought- “He is the worst sinner. Inherently he is wicked. He deserves to be killed. If he is allowed to live he will shortly burn down the entire empire. This wicked man is not eligible to sit on the throne. Shamelessly he condemns the Supreme Lord Srihari, who is the lord for all beings and who is the embodiment of Yagna. This sinner condemns Srihari due to whose grace he is today seated upon this throne and enjoying this power. None apart from Vena can behave in this sinful manner.”

They collectively decided that he should die. For the sin of having condemned Srihari, Vena was as good as dead. Their anger, which until then was suppressed, now broke all barricades and rushed forth in full force. Hence merely hearing the ‘humkara’ sounds made by the Maharishis, Vena died.

Maharishis then returned to their respective hermitages. Mother Suneetha however was deeply saddened at the death of her son. Through the power of mantras and through other measures she safeguarded his body from decay.

Sometime passed. One day the Maharishis bathed in the waters of River Saraswati and completed their fire rituals. Sitting by the banks of the river they were narrating the glories of the Supreme Lord. All of a sudden, many evil omens that caused fear to the world were visible.

Noticing this, the sages were greatly alarmed. They pondered whether some inauspicious disturbances had erupted in the kingdom that was devoid of a king. While they were thus discussing they saw a huge dust storm. This was created by the hundreds of dacoits who were looting and plundering the houses in all directions. The dust storm was so powerful that it enveloped everything.

With Vena’s death, the dacoits, who until then were living in anonymity, began to thrive. Chaotic conditions prevailed throughout the empire. People began to despise and torture one another. Despondency was visible in everyone. Anarchy had spread throughout the kingdom. Citizens had become weak-willed. Afraid that someone could harm them or that some calamity would befall them, they were always apprehensive.

Maharishis observed this. Although they were capable of rectifying this situation they were reluctant as it would be sinful to do so. Hence they did not kill the dacoits who were plundering. They did not directly help the citizens.

Instead they resolved, “If a peace-loving saint, who sees the Lord as pervading everywhere, keeps quiet instead of alleviating the suffering of the helpless, his penance will drain away totally just like the milk kept in a pot that has a hole. Hence it is imperative for us to solve this problem.

The lineage of saintly King Anga should not come to an end. All the kings in this lineage were heroes who had totally surrendered to Lord Srihari. Their prowess was unsurpassed. Therefore, let us re-instate this lineage”.

Having decided this, the Maharishi came to the capital city and vigorously churned the thighs of the dead Vena. A short dwarf boy emerged from the thighs. In complexion he was like a dark crow. His limbs were very short. Jaws were very wide. His eyes were red and he had a flat nose. His hair was in copper colour.

This boy humbly bowed his head and enquired, “O Maharishis, what is my duty?” Maharishis replied, “Niṣīda”, which means ‘please sit down’. For this reason he was named Niṣāda. From him came the entire lineage of hunters known as Naiṣādās who wander in forests and hills. Soon upon birth Niṣāda took over all the sins of Vena.

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

Fourth Canto Chapter Fifteen

In this chapter, Prithu emerging from the arms of Vena as they are churned by the Maharishis and he being crowned the king are explained.

Maitreya Maharishi said to Vidura, “Due to absence of a king there was anarchy in the kingdom. In order to restore law and order, the Maharishis collectively churned the arms of the dead Vena. A couple emerged from these arms. Recognizing that this couple was the partial incarnation of Lord Srihari, the Maharishis were pleased.

Eṣa viṣṇor bhagavataḥ kalā bhuvana-pālinī

Iyaṁ ca lakṣmyāḥ sambhūtiḥ puruṣasyānapāyinī

This man has incarnated with the aspect of Srihari for the purpose of ruling this world. Goddess Lakshmi never leaves the side of Lord Srihari, the Supreme Lord. She had incarnated as this woman. This is undoubtedly true.

This man will be the foremost amongst kings. He will be famous throughout as Prithu. This lady, with her beautiful teeth and noble qualities, will actually add beauty to the ornaments she wears. She will be famous as Arci. She will marry Prithu.

Eṣa sākṣād dharer aṁśo jāto loka-rirakṣayā

Iyaṁ ca tat-parā hi śrīr anujajñe ’napāyinī

Aniruddhāya namah