Category: SrimadBhagavatam

Devahuti bent her head, gazing at the floor and wiping the floor with her feet, she gently addressed her husband and hesitantly said, “O Venerable one! You have dutifully abided by the promises made at the time of our marriage. I now surrender to you. Please protect me. Please search for suitable grooms for these daughters of yours. Please get them married. Thereafter you take up sanyāsa. In order to console me after you leave home, please bless me with a son.

O Lord! As my senses were totally focused upon sound, form and other sensory perceptions, I could not adequately worship the Almighty Lord. I have wasted my time uselessly. Due to my inclination towards material comforts and luxuries, I could not understand the Supreme Essence. I have developed deep attachment and friendship towards you in this process. Nevertheless O Lord, I pray that I get rid of these worldly bondages”.

Saṅgo yaḥ saṁsṛter hetur asatsu vihito ’dhiyā

Sa eva sādhuṣu kṛto niḥsaṅgatvāya kalpate

Lacking right discrimination, the ignorant person develops friendship with the wicked and thereby falls into the trap of re-births (samsāra or worldly bondages). Instead, if he develops friendship with noble saints, he would attain freedom from these worldly bondages.

Neha yat karma dharmāya na virāgāya kalpate

Na tīrtha-pada-sevāyai jīvann api mṛto hi saḥ

In this world, if the actions of the person do not further his adherence to righteousness (dharma), if they are not useful to the Lord (seva) and if they do not help him develop dispassion (vairgarya), then it can be said that his deeds are absolutely worthless. Such a person is akin to the dead, even if he is alive.

My lord, the Supreme Lord’s illusory power has cheated me. This is undoubtedly true. This is because I had an opportunity to obtain Supreme Knowledge and thereby get liberated due to my association with you. Even then, I could not free myself from these bondages and seek liberation,” Devahuti lamented.

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

Third Canto Chapter Twenty four

In this chapter, the birth of Maharishi Kapila, the marriage of the Kardama’s nine daughters, the conversation between Kardama and Kapila and Kardama Maharishi attaining ultimate liberation are covered.

Maitreya Maharishi said to Vidura, “Manu’s daughter Devahuti was of an exemplary character. Hearing these words of Devahuti, which were full of dispassion, Kardama Maharishi’s heart melted completely. He recollected the prophecy of Lord Srihari and said, “O sinless princess! Do not grieve. Srihari, the imperishable Supreme Lord will shortly enter your womb.

Dhṛta-vratāsi bhadraṁ te damena niyamena ca

Tapo-draviṇa-dānaiś ca śraddhayā ceśvaraṁ bhaja 

You have undertaken plentiful disciplines and rituals with utmost dedication. May you be blessed with auspiciousness! From now on practice sense-control. Diligently abide by the disciplines. Give away your wealth in charity. With dedication meditate upon the Supreme Lord. Pleased with your penance Srihari will incarnate as your son. He will enhance my fame. He will impart to you the Supreme Knowledge and will shred these veils of ignorance in you”.

Upon hearing this, Devahuti with firm dedication worshipped the Supreme Lord Srihari, who is the Lord of the universe, who is formless, and who wanted to incarnate as a Guru to everyone in the creation”.

She had begged for a son, who could help her obtain liberation through Self-realization. Kardama Maharishi, through his divine Yogic vision told her that the Supreme Lord would incarnate as her son to teach her the Supreme Knowledge.

“A long time passed. After many years, through the medium of Kardama Maharishi’s radiance, the Supreme Lord entered her womb. Just as fire emerges in sacrificial wood, he emerged from Devahuti.

At the time of His birth, clouds made divine auspicious sounds and showered rains. Gandharvas sang in ecstasy praising Lord Srihari. Divine damsels (apsaras) danced joyously. From heaven, Devatas showered flowers.  All directions were peaceful. The heart of every living being was calm and tranquil.

Brahma together with Marichi and other saints arrived at the hermitage of Kardama Prajapati. Lord Brahma was aware that Lord Srihari, with the aspect of goodness (sattva guna) had arrived on earth in order to teach the principle of Nature and Self, or the knowledge known as Sānkhya philosophy to mankind. With absolutely pure heart, Lord Brahma, praised the Lord’s decision. He addressed Kardama Prajāpati and said,

“O great saint! You are always respectful to elders. Without any deceit you have worshipped me. In addition, you have dutifully abided by my orders.

Etāvaty eva śuśrūṣā kāryā pitari putrakaiḥ

Bāḍham ity anumanyeta gauraveṇa guror vacaḥ

Sons have to abide by their father’s order at least to this extent. They should reverentially abide by the father’s orders. All your daughters are exceedingly beautiful. They will, through their respective lineages, increase the population of the world significantly in varied ways. Hence in accordance to their desires and natures, give them in marriage to great saints. Expand your glory throughout earth.

Vedāham ādyaṁ puruṣam avatīrṇaṁ sva-māyayā

Bhūtānāṁ śevadhiṁ dehaṁ bibhrāṇaṁ kapilaṁ mune

O Maharishi! I know that Srihari, the primordial being and the Lord who fulfills all desires of every living being, has using His own illusory powers, taken on a body and has incarnated as your son Kapila.

O daughter of Manu! This Lord who possesses golden hair, lotus eyes, lotus feet, who has the imprints of lotus on his feet and who is the destroyer of demon Kaitabhasura, has entered your womb and incarnated as Kapila.

He will shred the knots of ignorance in those living beings who are desirous of understanding Srihari through Self-knowledge and through dedication towards the Self. Shredding ignorance and knot of doubts i.e. the hridaya granthi in those who are desirous of Self-realization, he will travel across the globe.

Aniruddhāya namah

The thousand attendants created by him were serving them both while they were seated in the aerial mansion. Seated in this mansion, Kardama Maharishi shone like the Full Moon, that is located amidst the shining stars at night and which causes the night lilies to bloom. He was looking handsome.

Seated in this celestial airplane, Kardama Maharishi, who is worshipped by supreme ascetics, together with wife Devahuti travelled amidst the deep caves of the wondrous Mountain Meru for a long period of time.  Like Kubera, the god of riches, he enjoyed himself.

In that place, River Ganga, making various auspicious sounds, falls from heaven. Wind, who is the friend of Manmatha, the God of desire, gently blows cool fragrant breeze. For this reason, the lords of the eight directions pleasurably roam about in these places.

Accompanied by his wife, Kardama Prajāpati enjoyed in the various celestial gardens known as Vaiśrambhaka, Surasana, Nandana, Pushpabhadraka and Caitrarathya. He also pleasurably visited and enjoyed himself in Manasa sarovara lake.

That celestial airplane, which dazzled radiantly, would travel anywhere per his will. He travelled even through the sphere of air. In general people are controlled by the wind. Heavy gale winds push us and throw us away. Contrary to this, the supreme saint was directing the wind and traversing as he pleases cutting through gale winds. He overtook many Devatas who were also travelling in airplanes and he surged ahead.

Kiṁ durāpādanaṁ teṣāṁ puṁsām uddāma-cetasām

Yair āśritas tīrtha-padaś caraṇo vyasanātyayaḥ

What is it that cannot be achieved by the person who has surrendered completely to the lotus feet of the Lord and is living courageously? He can achieve everything.

Kardama Maharishi was a supreme accomplished being. He travelled to various planes and showed to his wife the beauty of the universe. He then returned to his hermitage. This was an airplane that travelled faster than the speed of mind. In a fraction of a second he was back although it felt that they had travelled for many many years.

Like as Lord Narayana divided himself into 16000 forms for the sake of the 16000 Gopikas, the great saint Kardama Prajāpati now divided himself into 9 forms. In these forms he sported with his wife Devahuti, all the while being unattached and desireless. He pleased her thoroughly. While they were thus enjoying themselves, the time period of many, many years passed quickly like a second. He ensured that his wife also took on many forms to suit his forms.

When the handsome Kardama Maharishi, was seated elegantly on the bed, Devahuti lost in her pleasures could not realize time passing by. Time calculations are different in that plane. He spent a period of hundred years with her.

Kardama Maharishi was an accomplished being. He was Self-realized. He knew what Devahuti desired. He considered her to be half his body. Through her he begot 9 daughters who were charming and beautiful. They were fragrant with the aroma of red lotuses.

Kardama Maharishi instantaneously recollected his earlier vow. He had vowed that immediately after the birth of progeny, he would leave the house and go away. That’s all! He was ready to take up the life of renunciation (sanyāsi)!

Noticing that her husband was ready to leave home, Devahuti was anxious and agitated. She was filled with limitless sorrow and her eyes were brimming with tears. Even then, the pious chaste woman did not allow the charming smile on her face to get wiped away. She suppressed her grief and controlling her tears continued to smile.

She bent her head, gazing at the floor and wiping the floor with her feet, she gently addressed her husband and hesitantly said, “O Venerable one! You have dutifully abided by the promises made at the time of our marriage. I now surrender to you. Please protect me. Please search for suitable grooms for these daughters of yours. Please get them married”.

Pradyumnāya namah

Pradyumnāya namah

Exquisite carvings of different varieties of birds adorned the entire aerial mansion. The time period we are speaking about is the earliest period of creation. At that time the hordes of living beings were yet to be created. Even at that time birds were given supreme significance.

References to birds are found everywhere. This is because they are Gandharvas, Kimpurushas, Yakshas. They are Devatas. Some of them are Gandharvas having been cursed as born as birds.

The carved birds looked so delightful and life-like that the swans and pigeons, that flew about in the mansion, mistakenly believing them to be real flocked around them and greeted them with welcoming chirps!

This mansion was surrounded by vast landscaped gardens, walking tracks and resting places. Within the mansion were innumerable bedrooms, vast courtyards, windows and lovely doorways.

The aerial mansion was magnificent and impressive. It appeared as if Maharishi Kardama would perhaps be surprised at his own creation!

Maharishi Kardama noticed that his wife Devahuti however was not pleased to see this exquisite mansion. He was a supreme yogi and could understand the feelings hidden deeply within the hearts of every living being in the universe. Therefore understanding her feelings, he gently addressed her and said,

“O Devahuti, please dip into this pond before entering into the mansion. This pond has been created by the joyful tears that poured from Lord Srihari’s eyes. The desires of the person who dips into this pond will be fulfilled in entirety”.

Devahuti was wearing an old faded garment. Due to the intensity of austerities her hair was knotty, sticky and matted. Her emaciated body was ashen. She had performed intense austerities for begetting children. She was looking lusterless.

Devahuti now entered into the waters of the lake, which contained the waters of River Saraswati. Within the pond she saw a huge mansion. Within that mansion were thousand maidens, who were as fragrant as fresh lotuses. All of them stood up immediately upon seeing her. Folding their hands they said, “O Mother, we are your servants. Please let us know how we can serve you.”

These maidens were courteous in their speech. They realized that Devahuti was a self-respecting woman. Taking initiative they bathed Devahuti with many aromatic waters. They draped her in new soft silken clothes. They decorated her with many costly, elegant and exquisite ornaments. They fed her with wide varieties of dishes so that she would be nourished well and also gave her an intoxicating drink.

Devahuti now looked at herself in the mirror. She observed Her spotlessly clean clothes and her well nourished body. Her attendants applied varied ointments to her body. They offered their best services to her. With washed hair, beautiful ornaments, new silken clothes she looked very attractive. The bangles on her hands and the coral chain around her neck added to her beauty.

Golden anklets dazzled on her feet. A golden waistband filled with many gems glittered on her waist. She anointed herself with kumkum and other auspicious ingredients.  With beautiful teeth, lovely eyebrows, a gaze that was filled with tender love, eyes that outshone lotuses in beauty and dark curly hair she glowed radiantly”.

She is the mother of the world. To us all, she is a Mother Goddess. Without her this creation would not have progressed. After all, we are all her descendants. She is our first mother. Here our mother’s beauty and her happiness are being explained. We are truly fortunate to be listening about our mother’s beauty. Talking about Divine Mother’s beauty is a divine experience. She is the mother of all mothers.

“Devahuti now remembered her husband, the supreme saint Kardama Prajapati. Together with her attendants she approached and stood bashfully before him. She observed the thousand attendants who were serving her and was astonished at the transcendental yogic powers her husband possessed.

Kardama Maharishi observed his wife. She was shining in her natural beauty. But yet, with her shining new clothes she appeared to be glowing as never before. She was no longer emaciated and pale. Instead she was in the pink of health. She was wearing a new saree and had elegantly draped it around her shoulders.

Seeing his beautiful wife accompanied by thousand attendants, Kardama Maharishi’s heart was filled with love. This great saint had married only because Lord Brahma had commanded him to have children. Even then the saint had in all these years never even looked once at his wife. For the first time he observed her now.

He then gently held her hand and helped her board the airplane. This was the first time he had even touched her!

Pradyumnāya namah

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.