August 2017 archive

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.

Puruśottamāya namah

Then, with absolutely pure inner mind, Devahuti meditated upon the all-pervading essence of the Self. When the Self illumines in its original form, the bondage called body, which is the creation of the three attributes of the illusory power, is destroyed.

Devahuti firmly placed her intellect (buddhi) upon Parabrahma, the presiding deity for all living beings. As feelings of individual existence had completely dissolved in her, sorrows were washed away in totality and she was immersed in bliss. She was absorbed in absolute endless meditation. She was freed from the body-illusion.

As she was freed from anxiety, her body was no longer emaciated. Her body covered with dirt shone like the fire enveloped by smoke.

As her mind was exclusively fixed upon Lord Vāsudeva, she was oblivious of the existence of her body. Her body, which was totally absorbed in penance and yogic austerities and which was decorated by her scattered hair and untidy clothes, survived purely upon her prārabdha karma.

Evaṁ sā kapiloktena mārgeṇācirataḥ param

Ātmānaṁ brahma-nirvāṇaṁ bhagavantam avāpa ha

Devahuti walked on the path as directed by Maharishi Kapila and quickly attained the supreme bliss which was untainted by sorrows. She merged into the Supreme Lord Srihari!

The pure place where she attained liberation is known as Siddhapada and is famous in all the three worlds. It is considered to be a very sacred place.

Due to the power of her yogic austerities her body was devoid of all impurities. It now flowed like a river. With utmost devotion great sages offer their services to that river, which is the most supreme among all rivers and which bestows accomplishment.

After seeking permission from his mother, Mahāyogi Maharishi Kapila left his father’s ashram and travelled towards the northeast. There supremely accomplished beings such as Siddhas, Cāraṇas, Gandharvas, Apsarasās, Munis profusely extolled Maharishi Kapila. As they were thus praising Him, the Lord of the ocean came forward, offered him water ablutions and a place for Him to reside.

For the welfare of the three worlds, Kapila Maharishi, who is greatly praised by exponents in Sānkhya philosophy, adhered to the path of Yoga and remained in the state of Samadhi.

Vidura, you are a meritorious being. I have explained to you in detail about the time periods known as Manvantara. I have also narrated to you the sacred conversation between Devahuti and Kapila.

Ya idam anuśṛṇoti yo ’bhidhatte Kapila-muner matam ātma-yoga-guhyam

Bhagavati kṛta-dhīḥ suparṇa-ketāv Upalabhate bhagavat-padāravindam

This spiritual Yogic teaching of Maharishi Kapila is very secretive. When this is being narrated, the person who listens attentively, with his mind fixed exclusively on Lord Vishnu seated on his vehicle Garuda, will attain the lotus feet of the Lord.

With this the third canto comes to an end.

Fourth Canto Chapter One

In this Canto, which consists of 31 chapters, the Visarga creation done through the medium of Brahma, Manu and others, under the directions of the Supreme Lord, is covered.

In the first chapter, the lineage of the Manu’s other children, the incarnation of Dattatreya and the incarnations of Nara-Narayana are explained.

Srikrishna Parabrahmane namah

Maitreya Maharishi continued, “O Vidura, the holy couple Swāyambhuva Manu and Shataroopa had three daughters. They were famous in this world as Ākuti, Devahuti and Prasuti.

Swāyambhuva Manu decided to offer his daughter Ākuti to Ruci Prajāpati in marriage. With the permission of his wife Shataroopa, he got them married.

While giving his daughter in marriage, Manu put forth a condition that Ākuti should return her first born son to her father. This is known as putrika dharma. Although Swāyambhuva Manu had two sons Priyavrata and Uttānapada, he incorporated this condition for his daughter’s marriage to Ruci Prajāpati.

Ruci Prajapati was an accomplished ascetic who had attained enlightenment due to the grace of the Lord. This holy couple was blessed with a son and a daughter.

The son born to them was none other than Lord Srihari! Representing the Yagna rituals explained in the Vedas, He took on the name ‘Yagna’. Goddess Lakshmi never leaves the hand of the Lord and is His eternal consort. When He decides to incarnate, she too incarnates.

With her partial incarnation (amsha) she was born as the daughter of Ruci Prajāpati and Ākuti. She was named Dakshina. In a Yagna the money that is offered to the priests who conduct the Yagna is known as Dakshina.

Srihari is the embodiment of Yagna. Lakshmi is the Dakshina (money) offered to the priests in the homa. Through the actions of undertaking Yagna as per the procedure prescribed by the Vedas and offering money as dakshina to the priests who conducted the Yagna ritual, the person undertaking the Yagna obtains the Lord’s blessings. Due to these blessings, his wealth continues to remain stably with him without getting eroded.

Swāyambhuva Manu was very pleased when he heard that Ākuti and Ruci Prajāpati had been blessed with children. As per his earlier condition he brought home this boy Yagna and raised him while Ruci Prajāpati affectionately raised his daughter Dakshina.

Purushottamāya namah.

Devahuti continued,

“O Lord! Even if a tribal hunter thinks of You once or chants Your divine name or offers obeisance to You just once, he becomes as respectful as a person who has performed plentiful Vedic rituals. What wonder! He is equal to the person who has performed limitless austerities, limitless Vedic rituals or has bathed in many sacred rivers. He becomes as venerable as a Somayāji. Such is the greatness of Your name! This being the case, is there any specific need to declare that the person who has been fortunate to have Your darshan will accomplish the purpose of human birth?

Taṁ tvām ahaṁ brahma paraṁ pumāṁsaṁ pratyak-srotasy ātmani saṁvibhāvyam

Sva-tejasā dhvasta-guṇa-pravāhaṁ vande viṣṇuṁ kapilaṁ veda-garbham

I offer obeisance to Kapila Bhagawān, who is an incarnation of Parabrahma or Puruśottama Lord Sri Mahavishnu. He makes himself visible to those who turn their intellect away from the objects of desire and instead meditate upon Him. He destroys these worldly bondages (samsāra) which exist in the form of never ending flow of the trigunas. He is the Lord of all Vedas!” She prayed.

This is a very important hymn of Lord Kapila. It is beneficial to chant it daily. It is a sacred mantra.

Kapila affectionately heard the prayer offered by his mother. With eyes filled with compassion and a grave voice he said, “O Mother! This path which I have preached is very easy to follow. Abiding by this, very shortly you will reach the ultimate fruit known as liberation.

Those who are desirous of liberation love this preaching of Mine. It destroys this cycle of births and deaths in totality. Please always be devoted and dedicated towards the preaching I have imparted to you. You will attain Me. Those who are devoid of this knowledge will get trapped in these worldly bondages and will fear death”.

In this way Maharishi Kapila taught his mother the Self-knowledge. Listening to this, his mother obtained the knowledge of Brahma.

Seeking her permission and having completed His task, Kapila Bhagawān went away. Abiding by the yogic disciplines taught by her son, Devahuti remained in deep meditation (samādhi) in her beautifully decorated ashram located on the banks of River Saraswati.

She began to wear clothing made of tree barks. Gradually, due to the intense discipline of bathing thrice a day, her beautiful long curly braids turned ashen. Due to her dedicated austerities she began to look emaciated.

Kardama Prajāpati’s penance and transcendental powers had established her household in very exalted position. This couple was matchless. Even Celestials and Devatas desire such holy wedded life.

In her house, the beds and bedspreads were white like milk foam. Entire furniture like chairs and tables were made of ivory and gold and were spotlessly clean. The chairs were covered with delicate soft blankets. Soft pillows were placed within these chairs. Walls of the house were made of exquisite marble and were decorated with jewels.

Seasonal blooming flowers decorated the vast landscaped gardens that were adjacent to her house. Laden with many auspicious plants that belong to heaven, chirping bird-couples and humming bees, this garden sparkled brightly. The lake within this garden was filled with the fragrance of lovely lotuses.

When Kardama Prajapati would cajole her lovingly in these waters, the Gandharvas would sing the glories of this holy couple. Even Indra’s wife would desire to obtain such fortune.

Now, Devahuti was freed from the attachment towards this mansion and the objects therein. However her heart grieved due to separation from her son. Her husband Maharishi Kardama had already taken up sanyasa (renunciation) and had left the household. Now her son left the house.

Although being Self-realized, she grieved for her son. Like the mother cow that grieves upon separation from her calf, she became restless grieving for her son. Her face wore a dejected look.

Vidura, Devahuti meditated exclusively upon her son Kapila, who was an incarnation of the Supreme. As her mind was focused upon Him, her attachment towards her household totally disappeared. She fixed her mind upon the pleasant charming face of the Lord, as described by her son. She focused upon every limb of the Lord as specified by her son and meditated upon them.

With firm detachment she practiced bhakti yoga. She engaged herself in varied pujas and other auspicious deeds. Gradually, due to this, the complete knowledge that would enable her to attain Self-realization dawned in her. Then, with an absolutely pure inner mind, she meditated upon the all-pervading essence of the Self”.

Aniruddhāya namah