Puttugam2

Pradyumnāya namah.

Maharishi Maitreya continued,

“Emperor Manu spent his entire time listening, talking or contemplating upon the stories pertaining to the Lord and serving Him. In this way he utilized the entire lifespan given to him productively and did not waste it. In all the three states of waking, dream and deep sleep, he was immersed in knowledge of Mahavishnu alone.

He conquered the three afflictions viz., adhyātmika, ādhibhoutika and ādhidaivika. He reached that state which is above the sattva, rajas and tamo gunas (the three attributes of Nature). He thus spent his time i.e. Manvantara which is 71 Maha-yugas exclusively dedicated in thinking of Sri Mahavishnu.

Śārīrā mānasā divyā vaiyāse ye ca mānuṣāḥ

Bhautikāś ca kathaṁ kleśā bādhante hari-saṁśrayam

O Vidura! Fever and other sicknesses are bodily ailments. Depression, grief etc. are ailments related to the mind. Both these afflictions pertain to the individual and are known as ādhyātimika kleśa. Troubles that arise due to God’s will are ādhidaivika afflictions. Those troubles that arise on account of other animals or other living entities for example snake bite are ādhi-bhoutika afflictions. None of these afflictions can bind a person who has totally surrendered to Lord Srihari!

Emperor Manu always sought the welfare of all forms of life. Saints approached him once and asked him to teach them the rules of righteousness (dharma). At that time, he taught the various rules of righteousness applicable to every human being and to every stage of life. Adherence to these rules brings auspiciousness to the person.

O Vidura! Manu was the first emperor of the creation. His story is wonderful and is worth glorifying. I have narrated to you his marvelous story. I shall now tell you the story of his supreme daughter Devahuti. Listen”.

With this the twenty second chapter of the third canto comes to an end.

Third Canto Chapter Twenty three

In this chapter, Devahuti serving her husband who was in deep absolute meditation (samādhi); Maharishi Kardama creating a divine aeroplane and the holy couple travelling joyfully in it are explained. The birth of their nine daughters is also explained.

Maitreya Maharishi continued, “After the departure of her parents Manu and Śataroopa, Devahuti began to adhere to the pativrata dharma and serve her husband dutifully. She was a pious chaste woman. With supreme dexterity she would understand the thought process of her husband and would accordingly serve him. Just as Mother Goddess Parvati served Lord Shiva, she lovingly offered services to her husband.

Viśrambheṇātma-śaucena gauraveṇa damena ca

Śuśrūṣayā sauhṛdena vācā madhurayā ca bhoḥ

Visṛjya kāmaṁ dambhaṁ ca dveṣaṁ lobham aghaṁ madam

Apramattodyatā nityaṁ tejīyāṁsam atoṣayat

Devahuti possessed excellent qualities such as great inner purity, friendliness, respect towards others, sense-control, melodious speech, feelings of devotional service and love. She had already eliminated defects such as lust, desires, deceit, pride, hatred, greed, sin, jealousy, and vanity.

Many many years passed in this fashion. Devahuti diligently continued to serve her husband, the ever-radiant Maharishi Kardama, considering him to be greater than God. Simultaneously, seeking fulfillment of her desires, she undertook many stringent rituals and disciplines as a result of which she became emaciated and pale.

After many years had thus passed, one day Kardama Maharishi noticed his wife who was looking emaciated. Filled with compassion, he lovingly addressed her and said,

“O daughter of Manu! I am deeply pleased with your supreme devotion, the respect that you show towards others, and more importantly, with the services that you have offered me.

In this creation every living being is exceptionally fond of its body. Yet, you have neglected your body in order to offer services to me. This is truly astonishing!

I have diligently abided by my dharma (swadharma). In these many years, with single focused concentration of mind I have undertaken penance, meditation and worship. As such I have obtained divine transcendental powers. Neither am I overjoyed nor do I fear the comforts that can be obtained through these supernatural powers. As you have served me diligently and devotedly these transcendental powers also belong to you. I now bless you with divine vision. Please see for yourself how beautiful they are!

Heavenly comforts such as swarga are many. Nevertheless, they too get destroyed by the mere playful movement of Lord Srihari’s eyebrows. What are they in front of the might of time?

Due to strict adherence to pativrata dharma (chastity) you have achieved accomplishment! This discipline of yours will fetch you all the desired comforts. Human beings who are swelled up with money and power can never get hold of these comforts. Now you enjoy these comforts” he said.

Maharishi Kardama had supreme mastery over every form of knowledge! He was an accomplished master, a great yogi!

Hearing these words, the anxiety in the mind of the innocent Devahuti was totally dissolved. She looked at him shyly. Her face illumined due to her charming smile. With great humility and love she addressed her husband and said,

“O supreme saint! You are a master in Yoga! I am aware that you are an accomplished being (siddha pusuśa). But yet you are my husband. At the time of our wedding you had promised that we would have children. Therefore I seek that we should spend time together. To a chaste woman, begetting good children through her illustrious husband is akin to enormous wealth.

Without transgressing the limits of the scriptures, please arrange the suitable required objects for our enjoyment. The more I see you, the more the lord of love torments me. I deeply desire to enjoy with you. However this body of mine has shrunk and is emaciated. Please bless this body such that it is nourished adequately for our enjoyment. Please also create a beautiful mansion for this purpose”.

Maharishi Kardama heard his wife’s pleas. He decided to fulfill all her wishes. Immediately, using his transcendental powers he created an amazing airplane that could travel freely in space per his will. It was a divine celestial plane which could fulfill every desire.

That airplane was stocked with every form of auspicious objects. Every form of comfort and wealth that surpassed each other in grandeur existed within it”.

This is the description of the plane. We should also seek to understand the inner significance contained in it.

Aniruddhāya namah.

Vāsudevāya namah

Swāyambhuva Manu continued,

“Ya udyatam anādṛtya kīnāśam abhiyācate

Kṣīyate tad-yaśaḥ sphītaṁ mānaś cāvajñayā hataḥ

If anyone rejects an offering that comes on its own and thereafter begs for it from another, his good fame will be diminished. Due to insults heaped by others his self-respect will be destroyed.

O great sage! I have heard that you are looking out for a suitable bride. You are about to leave the Brahmacharya stage of life and step into the householder’s stage. Therefore I offer my daughter’s hand to you marriage” said Emperor Manu.

To this, Kardama replied, “O Emperor! What you have said is undoubtedly true. I do plan to get married. Since your daughter has not yet been offered to another, it will be a suitable match. O King, amongst all marriages, those fixed by elders are the most supreme. Your daughter desires that the marriage should be exactly as specified by the Vedic texts. You too desire the same. May your wish be fulfilled!

In beauty your daughter surpasses Goddess Lakshmi. Who will then reject her hand when offered in marriage?

Once when she was playing with a ball on the terrace, she looked beautiful and charming with her delicate feet decked with exquisite anklets and with her lovely eyeballs that moved here and there following the movements of the ball. Exactly at that moment, a Gandharva who was traveling in an airplane saw her and, captivated by her beauty, he swooned and fell from his plane.

She is the decoration to the entire world of women. She makes herself visible only to those who have ardently worshipped the lotus feet of Goddess Lakshmi. She, the darling daughter of Manu and the sister of Uttānapada, has on her own accord come here. Which intelligent man will refrain from accepting her?

Therefore, I agree to marry this chaste woman. However I have a condition. I will live with her only until the birth of our children. Thereafter I will give up the householder’s life. Accepting Sanyasa ashrama I will abide by the rules laid therein. Those are the sama, dama and other dharmas which have been taught by the Supreme Lord directly.

This world composed of many diversities originated from the Supreme Lord. It is sustained by Him and it merges back into Him.  Srihari, who is the leader of all Prajāpatis, is my sole proof. I follow the directions issued by Him alone”. Saying this, Kardama became silent and mentally meditated upon Lord Srihari.

His lotus face which was glowing radiantly stole the heart of Devahuti, Emperor Manu’s daughter. Manu now discussed about this proposal with his wife and daughter. Having heard their opinions he was very pleased.

Maharishi Kardama was the storehouse of every noble quality. Devahuti matched him exactly in this. In great happiness, Emperor Manu conducted their marriage. Queen Shatarupa gifted the newly-wed couple with plenty of ornaments, clothing and the household items. Manu was peaceful and happy that his daughter had found a truly suitable match.

Nevertheless, he grieved that his dearest daughter was now leaving him and going away. He embraced Devahuti with both his arms and wept. Tears poured from his eyes drenched her head totally.

After some time, he took permission from his son-in-law and mounted his chariot together with his wife. Accompanied by his attendants he left the ashram. Admiring the beauty of the surroundings and of River Saraswati, he travelled back to his capital city.

River Saraswati is supremely sacred. Great sages worship this river. Its either banks abound in Nature. On its banks are the serene hermitages of great sages who traverse the path of liberation. Observing all this, Emperor Manu continued his journey.

The citizens were overjoyed when they learnt that that their king was returning. With songs, hymns and musical renditions, they left Brahmavarta to warmly welcome him back. His capital city Barhiśmati was a repository of all prosperity.

Previously when Lord Varāha had given up his body, the hair from it fell on this place and turned into blades of Kuśa (darbha) grass. Using this darbha grass Maharishis drove away demons who were obstacles for performance of Yagnas and worshipped Srihari with profound devotion. Emperor Manu had obtained from Lord Varāha, this earth for his residence.

He spread the seat made of darbha grass and sitting on it, he propitiated Srihari, the Lord of all Yagnas. That place itself became his capital Barhiśmati city. From then on Manu continued to live in this city. Now after duly completing the marriage of his daughter Devahuti with Maharishi Kardama, he returned to his city.

He entered into his palace which had the capacity to drive away all the three types of afflictions. There, together with his wife and daughters, he enjoyed all comforts without transgressing the limits of dharma, artha and moksha principles of life.

His limitless renown spread in all four directions. Apsarasas and Gandharvas (celestial beings) sang praising his noble qualities and glories. Unfailingly in the early hours of the day, Emperor Manu would, with a heart that overflowed with devotion, listen to the stories of Lord Srihari.

Although he had the capacity to create comforts per his will and desire, eternally his focus was fixed exclusively upon the Supreme Lord. These desires could not attract him, who was totally devoted to the Lord.

Ayāta-yāmās tasyāsan yāmāḥ svāntara-yāpanāḥ

Śṛṇvato dhyāyato viṣṇoḥ kurvato bruvataḥ kathāḥ 

He spent his time listening, talking or contemplating upon the stories pertaining to the Lord and serving Him. In this way he utilized the entire lifespan given to him productively and did not waste it. In all the three states of waking, dream and deep sleep, he was immersed in knowledge about Mahavishnu alone.

He conquered the three types of afflictions viz., adhyātmika, ādhibhoutika and ādhidaivika. He reached that state which is above the sattva, rajas and tamo gunas (the three attributes of Nature).

He thus spent his time i.e. Manvantara which is 71 Maha-yugas exclusively dedicated in thinking about Sri Mahavishnu.

Sankarśanāya namah.

Vāsudevāya namah

Swāyambhuva Manu continued,

“Ya udyatam anādṛtya kīnāśam abhiyācate

Kṣīyate tad-yaśaḥ sphītaṁ mānaś cāvajñayā hataḥ

If anyone rejects an offering that comes on its own and thereafter begs for it from another, his good fame will be diminished. Due to insults heaped by others his self-respect will be destroyed.

O great sage! I have heard that you are looking out for a suitable bride. You are about to leave the Brahmacharya stage of life and step into the householder’s stage. Therefore I offer my daughter’s hand to you marriage” said Emperor Manu.

To this, Kardama replied, “O Emperor! What you have said is undoubtedly true. I do plan to get married. Since your daughter has not yet been offered to another, it will be a suitable match. O King, amongst all marriages, those fixed by elders are the most supreme. Your daughter desires that the marriage should be exactly as specified by the Vedic texts. You too desire the same. May your wish be fulfilled!

In beauty your daughter surpasses Goddess Lakshmi. Who will then reject her hand when offered in marriage?

Once when she was playing with a ball on the terrace, she looked beautiful and charming with her delicate feet decked with exquisite anklets and with her lovely eyeballs that moved here and there following the movements of the ball. Exactly at that moment, a Gandharva who was traveling in an airplane saw her and, captivated by her beauty, he swooned and fell from his plane.

She is the decoration to the entire world of women. She makes herself visible only to those who have ardently worshipped the lotus feet of Goddess Lakshmi. She, the darling daughter of Manu and the sister of Uttānapada, has on her own accord come here. Which intelligent man will refrain from accepting her?

Therefore, I agree to marry this chaste woman. However I have a condition. I will live with her only until the birth of our children. Thereafter I will give up the householder’s life. Accepting Sanyasa ashrama I will abide by the rules laid therein. Those are the sama, dama and other dharmas which have been taught by the Supreme Lord directly.

This world composed of many diversities originated from the Supreme Lord. It is sustained by Him and it merges back into Him.  Srihari, who is the leader of all Prajāpatis, is my sole proof. I follow the directions issued by Him alone”. Saying this, Kardama became silent and mentally meditated upon Lord Srihari.

His lotus face which was glowing radiantly stole the heart of Devahuti, Emperor Manu’s daughter. Manu now discussed about this proposal with his wife and daughter. Having heard their opinions he was very pleased.

Maharishi Kardama was the storehouse of every noble quality. Devahuti matched him exactly in this. In great happiness, Emperor Manu conducted their marriage. Queen Shatarupa gifted the newly-wed couple with plenty of ornaments, clothing and the household items. Manu was peaceful and happy that his daughter had found a truly suitable match.

Nevertheless, he grieved that his dearest daughter was now leaving him and going away. He embraced Devahuti with both his arms and wept. Tears poured from his eyes drenched her head totally.

After some time, he took permission from his son-in-law and mounted his chariot together with his wife. Accompanied by his attendants he left the ashram. Admiring the beauty of the surroundings and of River Saraswati, he travelled back to his capital city.

River Saraswati is supremely sacred. Great sages worship this river. Its either banks abound in Nature. On its banks are the serene hermitages of great sages who traverse the path of liberation. Observing all this, Emperor Manu continued his journey.

The citizens were overjoyed when they learnt that that their king was returning. With songs, hymns and musical renditions, they left Brahmavarta to warmly welcome him back. His capital city Barhiśmati was a repository of all prosperity.

Previously when Lord Varāha had given up his body, the hair from it fell on this place and turned into blades of Kuśa (darbha) grass. Using this darbha grass Maharishis drove away demons who were obstacles for performance of Yagnas and worshipped Srihari with profound devotion. Emperor Manu had obtained from Lord Varāha, this earth for his residence.

He spread the seat made of darbha grass and sitting on it, he propitiated Srihari, the Lord of all Yagnas. That place itself became his capital Barhiśmati city. From then on Manu continued to live in this city. Now after duly completing the marriage of his daughter Devahuti with Maharishi Kardama, he returned to his city.

He entered into his palace which had the capacity to drive away all the three types of afflictions. There, together with his wife and daughters, he enjoyed all comforts without transgressing the limits of dharma, artha and moksha principles of life.

His limitless renown spread in all four directions. Apsarasas and Gandharvas (celestial beings) sang praising his noble qualities and glories. Unfailingly in the early hours of the day, Emperor Manu would, with a heart that overflowed with devotion, listen to the stories of Lord Srihari.

Although he had the capacity to create comforts per his will and desire, eternally his focus was fixed exclusively upon the Supreme Lord. These desires could not attract him, who was totally devoted to the Lord.

Ayāta-yāmās tasyāsan yāmāḥ svāntara-yāpanāḥ

Śṛṇvato dhyāyato viṣṇoḥ kurvato bruvataḥ kathāḥ

He spent his time listening, talking or contemplating upon the stories pertaining to the Lord and serving Him. In this way he utilized the entire lifespan given to him productively and did not waste it. In all the three states of waking, dream and deep sleep, he was immersed in knowledge about Mahavishnu alone.

He conquered the three types of afflictions viz., adhyātmika, ādhibhoutika and ādhidaivika. He reached that state which is above the sattva, rajas and tamo gunas (the three attributes of Nature).

He thus spent his time i.e. Manvantara which is 71 Maha-yugas exclusively dedicated in thinking about Sri Mahavishnu.

Sankarśanāya namah

Sankarshanāya namah

The water in this pure lake called Bindu-sarovara is nectarous. Great sages serve this holy lake with utmost devotion. The ashrama of Maharishi Kardama, which was situated on the banks of this lake, was exquisitely decorated with various creepers, flowering plants, and varied fruit and flower bearing trees.

The area reverberated with the sounds of animals and birds that are considered auspicious. Trees that had grown naturally had aligned themselves in beautiful designs. These trees were laden with the flowers and fruits belonging to all seasons. Intoxicated bees buzzed while flying freely amidst these trees. Flocks of intoxicated birds were chirping loudly in excitement. Peacocks were dancing merrily. The melodious calls of the Cuckoos appeared to be welcoming guests into the hermitage.

The hermitage was glowing resplendently with Kadamba, the fragrant jasmine and champaka flowers, pagoda, mango and other trees as well as with hibiscus and plentiful other shrubs.

Deer, ducks, water-hens, swans, cranes and many other birds belonging to different species chirped melodiously. Wild boars, pigs, elephants, mongoose, lions, monkeys, langurs, kasturi and other deer species were wandering leisurely in the precincts of the hermitage.

Manu, the first emperor, who was travelling around the world together with his daughter, arrived at this meritorious and sacred place. As he entered the ashrama of Maharishi Kardama, he saw the saint who was relaxing after having completed the obligatory fire ritual for that day.

Due to his intense austerities undertaken for a very long period of time, Kardama Maharishi’s body was glowing radiantly. With deep love, Srihari had cast His most affectionate glance upon him. Drenched in that loving glance the great sage was totally purified. More importantly, he had heard the nectarous words spoken by the Lord. For all these reasons, even after having performing intense austerities for many many years, he was not emaciated.

Kardama Maharishi was very tall. He had lotus like eyes and long curly braids. He was wearing clothing made of tree barks. Due to his intense austerities he was shining like a polished gem stone.

Emperor Manu entered the hermitage and offered reverential obeisance to the sage. Kardama Maharishi also welcomed the emperor with the customary honours. The King accepted the offerings made by the sage. He then sat on the seat offered to him and in great reverence waited eagerly to hear the saint speak.

Kardama recollected the command issued to him by the Lord. Then lovingly he addressed the emperor and spoke wonderful words, hearing which the emperor was extremely joyful. He said, “O Emperor! Srihari’s power of governance is now in your form. Due to this travel of yours, the tasks of punishing the wicked and protecting the righteous are getting properly executed. This is undoubtedly true.

Yo ’rkendv-agnīndra-vāyūnāṁ yama-dharma-pracetasām

Rūpāṇi sthāna ādhatse tasmai śuklāya te namaḥ

You have assumed the forms of Sun, Moon, Fire, Wind, Indra, Yama, Dharma and Varuna. You are none other than Vishnu. I offer obeisance to you!

O king! When you mount on your gem-studded chariot and travel holding the powerful bow in your hand, sinners shiver. Like the Sun, when you take your limitless army and travel, the earth trembles unable to bear the weight.

If the king abstains from such travel, the wicked begin to rule leading to growth of unrighteousness. The rules of righteousness laid by the Lord for the sustenance of the different castes and stages of life will then get destroyed. Intoxicated by power and royal comforts, if you disregard your kingly duties, then there will be none to control the citizens who, chasing comforts would behave as they please. Unrighteousness will rule under such circumstances. This will lead to destruction of the world.

O Valourous one! I now ask you to tell me the purpose for your visit. What brings you here? Whatever be the task given to me, I shall accept it with a pure heart”.

With this the twenty-first chapter of the third canto comes to an end.

Third Canto Chapter Twenty two

In this chapter, the conversation between Manu and Kardama, the marriage of Kardama and Devahuti and Manu returning back to his capital city are covered.

Maitreya Maharishi said to Vidura, “Kardama Prajāpati greatly extolled the good noble deeds and the qualities of the emperor who was his guest. The emperor who was deeply touched by all these praises, lowered his head and in all humility addressed the sage and said,

“O great sage! Lord Brahma, the embodiment of Vedas, wanted to ensure the protection of the Vedas in this universe. For this reason, from His face He created you, who are an exponent in penance, knowledge and yoga. You have absolute dispassion towards all forms of comforts. For the well-being and protection of saints like you, the Lord who possesses innumerable feet, has created from his innumerable hands, warriors (kshatriyas) like us.

It is said that Brahmins are the heart and Kshatriyas are the arms of the Universal Lord. Hence Brahmins and Kshatriyas while protecting each other, ensure the protection of the entire universe. The truth however is that the Supreme Lord, who is indestructible and who is both the cause and the effect, is the only one who protects.

O great sage! By merely seeing you, all my doubts have been dispelled. This is because you have directly preached the kingly duties, to me, who am responsible for the protection of the citizens.

Diṣṭyā me bhagavān dṛṣṭo durdarśo yo ’kṛtātmanām

Diṣṭyā pāda-rajaḥ spṛṣṭaṁ śīrṣṇā me bhavataḥ śivam

Those who have not conquered the mind cannot be blessed with your darshan. It is purely God’s grace that I have been able to meet you. It is purely God’s grace that I am able to put the dust of your holy feet upon my head. It is purely due to God’s grace that you have blessed me by imparting the knowledge of kingly duties to me. It is purely God’s grace that the ability to listen attentively to your words has accrued to my ears.

O great saint! Please listen to the prayer of this humble being. This is my daughter. She is the sister of Priyavrata and Uttānapāda. My mind is agitated due to my love for my daughter. She desires to marry a person who matches her in age, character and qualities.

O sage! My daughter heard about your age, qualities, character, youthfulness and handsomeness from Maharishi Nārada. From then on she is determined to marry only you. O supreme amongst Brahmins! She will support you in totality in all activities pertaining to the householder’s life. With great dedication I offer her to you. Please oblige”.

Sankarshanāya namah

Sankarshanāya namah.

Kardama Prajāpati continued, “O Lord, this human plane is filled with innumerable desires and is tied with the rope called actions. Accepting the procedure adopted in this world, I too worship You, the embodiment of time, through varied rituals.

O Lord! Even those devotees who are inclined towards material desires withdraw from them and instead choose to sing or listen to Your divine glories. Being totally immersed in Your glorious stories, they forget even the basic needs of hunger and thirst. Under the umbrella called Your lotus feet, they rest happily.

Your wheel of time constantly rotates. Including Adhika māsa (occasional extra month), this wheel has 13 leaves. The 6 seasons are its 6 spokes. On this wheel limitless minutes and seconds are carved. If we consider four months as one set, then a year consists of three divisions. For this reason on this wheel there are 3 primary navel spokes. This wheel moves at unimaginable speeds and takes this world along with it towards destruction. Even then this wheel fails in reducing the longevity of your true devotees.

O Lord! Prior to creation You alone existed. You are the sole refuge and support for māya (illusory power). This illusory power which consists of traits of goodness, action and inertia (sattva, rajas, tamo guna) is not separate from You.

Just as a spider spins its web, You create this world from Yourself through the help of this illusory power, sustain it and then at time of dissolution pull it back into Yourself.

O Sarveshwara! Through the help of Your illusory power, You have expanded this creation which consists of subtle sense perceptions of smell, taste, form, touch and sound and which can be experienced through the medium of the senses. You do not like to gift it to us because You desire to give us, Your devotees, the ultimate gift of Supreme Knowledge. I seek that this creation, which is full of sensory pleasures, should direct me solely towards liberation, which is Your blessing!

This is because I am seeing that divine auspicious form of Yours adorned with the garland of Tulasi leaves which, due to the power of illusion appears to have limitations. The truth is that You are Parabrahma. You are devoid of action. Neither in actions nor in their results You show any inclination. Even then through Your illusory power You manage all the activities in these worlds. Your lotus feet are worthy of being prayed to.

You fulfill the desires of even insignificant persons like me when we pray to You. Again and again I offer my obeisance to You, O Lord”.

In this way, without even a trait of deceit, Kardama Prajāpati, whose heart was overflowing with devotion, glorified Lord Srihari who was seated on His vehicle Garuda.

With His affectionate charming smile Srihari pleasantly looked at Kardama.  Moving His eyebrows gently and lifting His head up, He uttered these words that were extremely nectarous to the ears, “Kardama! I am aware of the desire in Your heart. That, for which you have undertaken this rigorous penance coupled with stringent disciplines, I have already readied for you.

Na vai jātu mṛṣaiva syāt prajādhyakṣa mad-arhaṇam

Bhavad-vidheṣv atitarāṁ mayi saṅgṛbhitātmanām

O Kardama Prajāpati! That worship done with the mind fixed exclusively upon Me will never go in vain. This is even more applicable for supreme beings like you.

Emperor Swayambhuva Manu is the son of Brahma. Seated in Brahmavarta he rules this entire earth consisting of seven continents. He is an exponent in righteousness and is a rāja-rishi (saintly emperor). The day after tomorrow this emperor together with his wife Shatarupa will visit you.

His daughter is of exemplary character and supreme noble qualities. She is of marriageable age. Manu will offer his daughter in marriage to you. O Maharishi! Your deep desire of many years to obtain a suitable wife will be quickly fulfilled. That princess will marry you and will serve you.

You will be blessed with nine daughters. They in turn will marry saints and will be blessed with progeny. You, who have an absolutely pure inner mind, will abide by my order diligently. Offering all actions as well as their fruits to Me, you will attain Me. You will conquer the senses. Being compassionate towards all forms of life you will take up sanyasa ashrama which gives protection to one and all. The knowledge that this entire universe, including you, rests in the Lord will be obtained by you. You will be able to see Me and this universe as the Self.

Sahāhaṁ svāṁśa-kalayā tvad-vīryeṇa mahā-mune

Tava kṣetre devahūtyāṁ praṇeṣye tattva-saṁhitām

O Maharishi! Along with your other children, I will also be born to your wife Devahuti, with my amsha (portion). I will preach the Sānkhya philosophy (Shastra) that explains the Supreme Essence.

Maitreya then said to Vidura, “Vidura! Only when one conquers the senses and they are turned completely inwards, vision of Srihari can be obtained! The Supreme Lord Srihari made Himself visible to Kardama and showered boons upon him. He then left for His abode from that lake called Bindu-sarovara which was surrounded completely by River Saraswati.

Srihari can be obtained purely through the path of knowledge. This is the Vaikunṭha Marga (path). Accomplished beings always follow and glorify this path. As Kardama was watching, Srihari departed on this path to Vaikunṭha. He travelled on this path listening to the Sāma veda recital that arose from the flapping of the Garuda’s wings and to the Rig Veda hymns being chanted by Garuda.

Thereafter Kardama Prajāpati seated in his ashrama located on the banks of lake Bindu sarovara, eagerly awaited the arrival of Emperor Manu.

Around that time, Emperor Manu mounted on his golden chariot, together with his wife and daughter, was travelling across the entire earth. Having completed his austerities Kardama Prajāpati was relaxing in his ashrama. Exactly as predicted by Srihari, on the appointed day, Emperor Manu approached the lake Bindu sarovara.

There is a reason for this lake to be addressed as Bindu sarovara. Srihari’s heart totally melted with compassion when He saw Kardama Prajāpati, who had totally surrendered to Him. His eyes were filled with tear of compassion. These drops fell near the Kardama’s ashrama and a lake was formed. As this lake was formed due to the tears that had dropped from the Lord’s eyes, it was called Bindu sarovara. That ever-pure lake is surrounded by River Saraswati on all sides.

Vasudevaya namah