Shruti Says

Shrimad Bhagavata MahapuranaSynopsis of the Thirtieth Third SessionBhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Five)Chapter 1—————————————————At this point in time Pariksitji had a set of questions, know that the next discussion will be on Priyavrata. These questions are very essential;1. Priyavrata was a great devotee of the Lord and revelled in the self. How did he rejoice in family life, which obscures ones true nature and subjects one to the bondage of action?2. Certainly it is not desirable that people like him who are free from attachment should get identified with their homes in this way.3. Indeed, exalted souls whose mind has found peace in the cool shades of the feet of Shri Hari, can not conceive a found attachment to their family.4. I have a great doubt in my mind, as to how Priyavrata, who was attached to his wife, house, children and so on, attained perfection?and5. What is still more difficult is come to develop unswerving devotion to Lord Shri Hari?Now;It is difficult to believe that a wise man like Pariksit Maharaj, would ask such questions. He who could drop everything that he had, his kingdom wife and children, the minute he found out that he had only 7 days to live and in those 7 days attain liberation.But, again, even Parvatiji asks from Shivji questions for the benefit of the likes of us, who are deluded by Maya.Let’s try to question the questions one by one;1. Is it not possible for a great devotee to be a householder? Does family life lead to bondage and deters one from liberation?2. Is it true that a person who is free from attachment cannot lead a family life?3. True, if Shri Hari has taken place in your heart, you cannot be contaminated by attachment for the world. But, can’t you still be in the world and love it? Can Attachment and Love be used in the same breath? Do they mean the same thing?4. Just because a person is a house-holder, is it necessary that he is attached to the family? 5. Is it that only Sanyasis can attain the Lord and Grihastas (Householder) can not?Lets delve deeper ——————————————————Sub Story:There was ones a boy who was did feel that he found any interest in his house, school and all and decided to become a sanyasi with Buddha. Buddha agreed, but soon he lost interest and wanted to go back to Sansar. In fact, every time he had a problem in sansar, he would run to sanyas and vice versa. Soon sanyasis in the ashram did not believe that he would stay, as he had come and gone multiple time. The people in the family also tried something new every time he came to get him to stay, got him married and yet he went back.When he went back he started missing his wife and so he came again, and soon he was expecting a child. So the wife and husband were expected to sleep separately. One night he could not control his desire and sneaked into her room. To find her sleeping, he cloths and her hair were a mess, his breath smelled and saliva was coming out of her mouth.That moment the desire for her and the world was lost. He left for the ashram, and to the other sanyasis surprise never left again. When they all asked Buddha, he answered;‘All this while he was leaving thing, people, place and situations and running away, now he has totally given up the ‘Desire’ for them.’Years went by and the family also gave up the hope to ever seeing him again. The wife had to raise their child alone. One day their path crossed, he was a peaceful Sanyasi and she was a haggard woman because of all the hard work she had to do. She looked at her husband and asked;‘What you have achieved, could it not be achieved here?’——————————————————Priyavrat story,analyse and answers, along with the points to ponder will be sent shortly Jai Shri Krishna🙏Jai Hanuman 🙏Shrimad Bhagavata MahapuranaSynopsis of the Thirtieth Third Session (continued)Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Five)Chapter 1———————————Points to Ponder:Grihasta Ashram/ Sanyasa Ashram‘One does not have to run away from ones responsibility in the name of God, if you are determined you can be devoted to God anywhere.’There are four Ashrams in our Shastras;- Brahmachari Ashram- Grihasta Ashram- Vanaprast Ashram- Sanias AshramEach ashram is important and has a decorum. Each ashram prepares us for the next Ashram again if we live a controlled life which is not give to sensual enjoyment. Upyog is never condemned, but upbhog is definitely not encouraged. Most of our greatest Sages have been Grihastas. It was never felt that path of salvation was unattainable by a Grihasta. It is on the house-holder to raise their lives to the level of the divine and save all from the impending doom. ‘Householder’s life is also a life of Yoga. It is also a life of Brahmacharya. It is a life of Brahmacharya in the sense it is a life of self-restraint and indulgence in moderation. We have always thought that householder’s life is something against Sadhana. No.’ That is not true.‘The life of a Sanyasin can be compared to an ocean if the li

Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran Session 32

Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran Session 31

Shrimad Bhagavata MahapuranaSynopsis of the Thirtieth SessionBhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)Chapter 24 and 25———————————————————The objective of Shrimad Bhagavat MahapuranParsiksit to Sukhdevji King Pariksit asks here the following two questions;1. What should be done under all circumstances by a man who is under the verge of death? 2. What should be done by man in general - What should a mortal do at all times and under all circumstances?   - What should they hear?  - What should they repeat?  - What should they keep in their mind?  - What should they resort to?  - What should they avoid?It is these two questions that have been answered in length in the course of the eleven books of ‘Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapuran’.————————————————————Chaturshloki Bhagwatam (These 4 shlokas, for our understanding have been expanded into 18000) BrahmanI alone am, I alone was and I alone will be. Because, we insist that the creation is real, hence, we are using ’was and is will be’, in the actual sense the Lord is beyond the realm of time and devoid of attribute.In the beginning Lord alone was, and he is devoid of all difference. Then creation came into place and it seemed at that Lord became many, but in reality there is nothing but him even then. Then again after the dissolution only he the unchangeable will remain. He is beyond the manifest and the unmaifesjt, beyond sat and asat, beyond all tangibility and intangibility‘Ataman alone and nothing else.’MayaMaya is cause of which, what is real seems unreal, was unreal seems real. What is, is hidden and what is not is revealed. Just like the world is not real, but we see it and the Atman is the only reality, which is never seen.Eg: A mere rope can be seen as a snake, when there is not enough light. But, when the light is turned on, the truth of the rope comes forth and the fear is eliminated.Maya itself is not real, it is just a projection, yet it dominates. Does it not?WorldThe world is nothing but him, him alone and only him. we have just given him another name - The WorldCan we have- Clay pot without clay- Gold bangle with Gold- Waves without the OceanThe clay pot is nothing but clay, the bangle is nothing but gold and the wave is nothing but he ocean. The world is nothing but the Lord - Everything is in him, yet nothing is in him - It is all just an appearance.‘The world is just a dream, let the vision cease. But, if you can not, just give love to all and service free.’How to reach Brahman/SelfDelve deeper keeping the concept of ‘Presence and absence in mind’Can there be- The clay pot with out the clay- The Gold bangle without the gold- The waves without the oceanThere can be- Clay without the clay pot- Gold without the gold bangle - Ocean without the waves‘Analysing like this we finally reach the atman, or self. This is where analysing is not possible because it is infinite, one without a second.’——————————————————Shrimad Bhagavata Maha Puran, is not a ramdom compilation of stories. It has been thoughtful written keeping the flowing 10 points in mind. It is said that each book, hence forth will explain each topic and slowly bring us close to ‘Ashraye’. Book 1 - Adhikari SkandaBook 2 - Sadhana SkandaBook 3 - Sarga and so on;1. Sarga - How was this world created?2. Visarga -How were the different species made, when all the creatures are formed out of the same tattva and the same panchbhootas?3. Stithi - How is the world upheld and where?4. Poshana - Who provides the life sustaining water when the earth dries up?5. Utis - Which are the different desires that arise in peoples mind?6. Manvantars - How is time divided?7. Isanukatha - What is the nature of Bhaktas?8. Nirodha - How does one control the mind, to love the Lord?9. Mukti - What is mukti?10. Asraya - What is the nature of that, which upholds all else?——————————————————Book 4, The Fourth Skanda deals with;- Dharma- Artha- Kaam - MokshaCurrently, with the story of Prachinverhi, Pracetâs and Purañjana we are going to try and understand the concept of Moksha.———————————————————Story: (Family tree 4 enclosed)There was this King called Prachinverhi, who was a decedent of Prithu, he had 10 sons called the Pracetâs. In order to carry on the work of creation and procreations, he asked his sons to go and do Tapa. These sons who were pious and of good character, obeyed their father and went to the Narayan sarovar, a lake as deep and vast as the ocean. There they were blessed to have the darshan of Lord Shiva, who is reachable and more than willing to bless any devotee of Hari, just like Hari considers any devotee of Hara dearest of all. Lord Shiva told them a long and beautiful Stuti called the ‘Yogadesha’ and said that if they recited the same every day, not only the person who is chanting but also the one who is listening will get Liberations ‘Moksha’. The Pracetâs were blessed, and went on to do there Tapa.Narad Muni

Shrimad Bhagavata MahapuranaSynopsis of the Twenty-Ninth Session (Prthu Story completed)Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)Chapter 21 to 23—————————————————‘What other position (beyond the heavenly region, in Vaikuntha) could be beyond the reach of those mortals who, though their span of life on earth is so uncertain, attain spiritual wisdom, which indeed leads to God-Realisation.Alas! he has been badly deceived and is proving his own enemy, who having attained with great difficulty the human state, capable of yielding the fruit of liberation, becomes a slave to the pleasure of the senses.’—————————————————Story: After the Darshan of Shri Hari and befriending Indra, Prthu returned to the Kingdom and was welcomed in a grand manner by his citizens. Prthu was not only pious of heart but blissful to look at. His divine features were more prominently visible, as he had abstained from wearing ornaments. He recounted his own experience for the benefit of the people and while he was talking to the citizens, in his own kingdom descended the Sanaka brothers. Blessed by their sight, he requested them impart the divine knowledge and instruct him on how to get liberation in this very birth.The were delighted by the question. It is very rare that student worthy of the guru’s knowledge appears. After imparting the divine wisdom, they went away as subtly as they came. Prthu ruled and when his sons were ready to take care of mother earth. He and Archi Devi departed to the woods to practice asceticism and both departed to the Vaikunth Dham.—————————————————Pearls of Wisdom:Though poor that householder and house is blessed where the feet of Lords devotees are washed. Worthless like the tree harbouring venomous serpents are those houses though replete with all kinds of riches, are not hollowed by the holy water washing the feet of Lord’s devotees.King Prthu’s QuestionHow salvation can be attained in this very birth?What to ask when we meet a Sage?The questions can only be as intelligent as the questioner. To the knower of God, can we ask about the mundane material concerns. When he is capable of giving the treasures of the world, how naive can we be only seeking mere stones and pebbles.Sage Sanaka tell Prthu;‘A very good enquiry has been made by you, even though you know the answer, your heart being given to the the good of all living being for such is the bent of mind of the virtuous.The meeting of pious souls is thought highly of both by themselves and by those who meet them; for worthy questions put to and the answers given by them enhance the happiness of all.’Sage Sanaka and brothers impart wisdom to King Prthu1. Absence of attachment to things other than the self and intense love for one’s real self, the attribute-less Brahm, have been finally concluded to be the only way of salvation to man.2. The love for attribute-less Brahm as well as the absence of attachment to the world of matter, both as cause and effect, is easily ‘DEVELOPED’ through intense faith.  - Through the discharge of duties consecrated to the Lord.  - Through the desire to know the higher truth.  - By being firmly established in the yoga of knowledge.  - Through worship of Lord of Yoga  - By every listening to the stories of the Lord  - Through a distaste of the company of those delighting in money and sense-enjoyment  - By avoiding wealth and sense-gratification esteemed by such people.  - Thought love for seclusion when finding delight in the self.  - Through the enquiry into that which is conducive to one’s spiritual welfare  - By practicing the 12 forms of Self discipline*  - By observing the 12 religious vows*3. When the love for Brahm gets firmly rooted one restores to a worthy guru. (When the student is ready the teacher appears)4. Just like the fire consumes the very source from where it has originated, he dissolves the subtle body (Ego), which envelops his pure self. Just like;  - The dreaming man no longer sees the things of his dreams when he wakes up.  - When the mirror is present one perceives the difference between the self and the reflected image.5. Constant preoccupation with wealth and the object of senses means the Ruination of all the interest of men.6. There can be no greater loss in the world to a man than the Ruination, though one’s own self, of the soul, for whose sake everything else becomes dear.7. Know him to be your very self - The Lord who shines as the all pervading ruler of the Jiva.8. Surrender your soul one make Vasudeva your refuge. Make the feet of Lord Shri Hari your boat and cross the ocean of misery, which is infested with fierce crocodiles in the shape of the 5 senses and the mind.King Prthu’s GratitudeWhat shall I give you, when everything belonging to me, even myself, has been graciously allowed to me by you?My life, spouse, sons and house, kingdom, army, land and

Shrimad Bhagavata MahapuranaSynopsis of the Twenty-Eight Session (Prthu Story continued)Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)Chapter 20 and 21 —————————————————-In the 27 th session we heard the story of Prthu and Archi. We made an attempt to decode the underlying message. However, sometimes it is essential to read word by word what is being said in the ‘Granth - Scripture’, as the narration can not cover each and every pearl of wisdom. Pearls of WisdomHave been divided into four parts;- Lord talks when he Manifests himself in the sacrificial hall of King Prthu- Indra and Prthu bond- Prthu talks when the Lord offered him a boon- King Prthu teachings to his subject and the prerequisites to understand his teachingThe Lord Said;1. The pious souls in this world, who are possessed of good understanding and are the best among men bear no ill will agains there fellow being, as they know that the body is not theirs ‘Self’. 2. The people who render service to the elders (meaning by wisdom and not age) have a blessing and do not get bewildered by ‘Maya’.3. The awakened souls know that body to be a product of ignorance, desire and action and never get attached to it. 4. When there is non attachment to the body, the wise man does not have a feeling of ‘Mine-ness’ with regard to the house, 5. progeny or wealth, produced by that body.6. The mind of the man who daily worships Me with reverence (in all his duties) expecting nothing from me, is purified. 7. He whose mind is purified dissociates himself with the world of matter and attaining true wisdom, enjoys eternal peace which is the same as my equipoised state and is also knows as the Brahma (The Absolute) and attains blessedness.8. Ruler - Protection of the people is essential for the ruler, there by he gets one-sixth of the merit earned by the people and if he fails he incurs sins.9. Ruler - He has to follow the sacred duties approved by the Brahmanas and enjoined by traditions, be unattached to them and rule with righteousness. 10. I (Lord) am not easily accessible through sacrificial performance or austerities or even yoga (concentration of mind), dwelling as I do in the heart of the ‘Even-Minded’.Note:1. Horse Sacrifice - Animal sacrifices were prevalent. When an animal was brought for sacrifice, it was promised that he would get a higher birth, which will enable them to cross the ocean of mundane existence. If not, the person who was sacrificing it, would offer himself as a sacrifice. Such was the strength, that the ‘Demi Gods’ themselves came down to take the offering of the sacrifice. (When this connection and power was lost, sacrifices were stopped gradually)2. Brahmanas - Nobody is a Brahmin by birth, the one who knows ‘Brahman-That divine bliss’ is a Brahmin. (Gita pages sent)3. Self - Is the one without a change, pure, self-effulgent, beyond the three Gunas, the substratum of the divine attribute, all pervading, unveiled, the witness of all, having no other soul and distinct from the body4. Equipoised state, Even-Minded Stith Pragna - Enlighted souls who never give way to the morbid feelings of joy and grief, when the meet with affluent and adverse circumstances. They view the exalted, the middling and the vile alike and are balanced in joy and sorrow. Have conquered the world of dualities, the senses and he mind. King Prthu and IndraLord Vishnu himself brings Indra to Prthu and Indra is about to touch the feet of Prthu as an apology for his offence of disrupting the Yagna.Note:Prthu did not let Indra touch his feet instead embraced him. Indra (Indriyas) should never be suppressed. When one sublimates, there is no need to suppress. In other words, sublimate means reach for the higher, the lower tendencies will drop on its own. Reach for the Lord, the Mind (maan, budhi, chitha, ahenkar.. whatever we intent to call it) and the Indriyas will start to support us, and stop pulling us down or revolting.King Prthu talk to the LordHe asks for a boon of 10 000 Ears;1. To enable him to drink to his hearts content the nectar like praises of the Lord. How can one be satisfied by hearing these only ones, with only two ears. 2. He even refuses ‘Moksha’ where he would merge and says would rather sit with these in the company of the exalted souls, where Shri Hari’s glory are sung by them from the core of their hearts. 3. These wise souls even after realising the self and attaining wisdom worship you alone, who dispel the delusion caused in the mind of your devotees. They have no other purpose than the constant remembrance of your feet.4. A boon is a way to push one away from you and get trapped in maya. Hence, as a father does what is good for his child his own accord, without being asked by the child, you too should likewise strive for our good. (This right to tell God, comes only with total surrender)5. The Lord blesses him with ‘Devotion’. As the Lord said, he has developed a mental attitude towards Go

Shrimad Bhagavata MahapuranaSynopsis of the Twenty-Seventh Session Bhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)Chapter 13 to 20——————————————————Sub StoryPower of the SagesRamdasji was shivaji’s Guru and the story goes;- One version: He wanted to give up his kingdom and handed it over to his guru. Ramdasji accepted it and said now you have to manage all this for me. - Other version: Ramdasji came to him and asked him to give him alms, Shivaji took a piece of paper and wrote everything, the kingdom, and all that is mine and put it into his begging bowl.In both cases, the Kingdom now was Ramdasji’s and Shivaji was just working for his Guru, hence, with this in mind, never wanting to let his guru down, he never saw the face of defeat.Now, this also tells us why the color of Shivaji’s flag is the orche color of the sannyasis robe.——————————————————Story:Swambhu Manu’s son Uttanpad, and his child Dhruv, was followed by Vatsara who was given the thrown. When we trace down the family tree of Vatsara, there was a King called Anga. He was a very pious king and was married to Sunitha, the Daughter of Mrtyu. Ones when King Anga sat for a Yagna, it so happened that non of the deities came down to take the offering. The reason was that in one of his previous births he had sinned. Hence, on the suggestion of the sages, he decide to pray to Sri Hari for a Son.He was blessed with a son, they name him Vena. However, Vena was a brutal being from the very beginning and he would kill children and animals alike and as he grew up, the devil in him only grew. Anga tried his best to correct his son, but due to his close affiliation with his grandfather ‘Mrtyu’, it was not possible for them to change him.Anga first regretted, but later thanked God for giving him an evil son. He felt that this kept him away from getting attached to the material world and one night silently left the kingdom. No one was able to find him and the entire globe sank into darkness. Looking at the rampant increase in crime all around, the Sages saw of no other means to save this orphaned world, but to crown Vena the King. As soon as Vena was made the ruler, all dacoits and thieves when into hiding, as they feared his brutality. But, this did not solve the problem as Vena himself began to torture and torment the people.The sages again came to advice Vena, and requested him to correct his ways. But, he refused and declared him the only God that could be worshiped. The Sages destroy Vena. It took them only the sound of ‘Hum’ to put an end to this demon. However, plunders went rampant again.The sages knew that a righteous ruler was needed. Hence, they requested Sunitha for the body of Vena, which she had preserved and began churning the thighs. From the thigh came a dwarfish strange looking being. Who took onto himself all the evil which was there and asked for instruction. The sages first asked him to wait and later sent him to the woods.Then they took to churning the right arm of Vena, from which emerged a divine couple ‘Prthu and Archi’, they were the divine ray of Shri Hari and Lakshmi and were crowned the King and Queen. Their praises were sung, and when Prthu objected to the praises, as he was yet to act, they sang the glories of how divine his rule will be.In the initial days of his rule, the earth refused to provide to the people and there was agony and starvation. He summoned the earth and chased her. She later confessed that she refused to nurture sinners and now that the right ruler had come, who would lead people to divinity she was willing to give every pious soul what they needed. But, they had to request her like a calf does to the cow for milk. Prthu took earth as his daughter and hence, she was called Prithvi.His rule filled everyone with joy and prosperity. He also took to completing 100 yagna, but when he had completed 99 Yagna and was about to being the 100th Indra got scared, that prthu will take over his position and stole the sacrificial horse and disguised himself as a Sadhu.Instructed by Arti, Vijitaswa chased Indra to kill him. However, was unable to, and Prthu got enraged and was about to strike, when the sages, stopped him from doing so. He was willing and capable of destroying Indra and completing the 100th yagna, but when instructed not to he stopped. Just when he got up, giving up the desire to complete yagna, and embraced peace instead, Shri Hari himself appeared with Indra by his side. Indra apologied and Prthu embraced him. This marked the completion of the 100 th Yagna. When asked by Lord for a boon, Prthu asked for 10000 ears, to hear the glory of the Lord, and never ending devotion. Points to Ponder:1. Kaliyug mai ‘Hari Naam Aadhar’Over here when the when the Gods did not accept the oblations or descend to be a part of the Yagna, the Sages analysis the matter mentioned the following;- The material of your oblations is pure and has been purchased with reverence.- The vedic text recited in th cause of th

Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran Session 26

The synopsis has been divided into two parts because of the length.- Story- Points to Ponder Shrimad Bhagavata MahapuranaSynopsis of the Twenty-Fifth SessionBhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)Chapter 8 to 12 ——————————————————Sub Story:Once a man got lost in the desert and soon his water supply also got exhausted. He had no clue where he was and what direction to go to. At that time in a distance he saw a hut, he was worried, it could be just a mirage, but with faith in heart he walked towards the hut. To his delight the hut was there, no one was inside, but there was a water pump. He tried to work the water pump, but no water came out. He was about to give up and accept his faith, but at the time he saw a nicely sealed bottle of water. He rushed and was about to drink the water when he saw a note saying, put this water in the pump and later re-fill this bottle with the water from the pump and leave it here.This man was in a dilemma, what if, he thought, the pump did not work and this water also got wasted. He would die for sure. But, between these two difficult choices, he decided to work the pump. It did, so much water came out that he had more than he could consume. After drinking he safely filled the bottle and kept it secure for someone else to use.On the note, he added his own lines to the existing message;“Trust me, it works.”Ponder Now:When we are reading the scriptures, they are shouting out a message, only the person who has had the courage to delve deep would actually tell you;“Trust me, it works.”It is but, a choice we make, to trust or not to trust. You have to walk in faith, because the experience comes a lot later in the journey.—————————————————Family Tree:We have been reading about the the decedents of Manu and Shatrupa. We read about 3 of his daughters by the name of Prasuti, Akrtuti and Devhuti. He also had two sons;- Uttanpad - PriyavratNow,Uttanpad had two wives Suniti and Suruchi. Suniti had a son called Dhruv and Suruchi had a son called Uttam. (Uttam was killed by a Yaksha)Dhruv had two wives Bhrami (Daughter of Sisumara) and Ila (Daughter of Vayu). Bhrami had two children by the name of Kalpa and Vatsara and Ila had two children by the name of Utkala and a daughter. After Manu, Uttanpad ruled and after Uttanpad, Dhruv followed by Utkala were crowned the King. ———————————————————Story:Uttanpad had two wives Suruchi and Suniti. He was madly in love with Suruchi and totally ignored Suniti. Not only this, he made a separate palace for Suniti so that he would not have to see her much.He used to love Suruchi and cajole Uttama the son born from her. One day when he was playing with Uttam, Dhruv his other 5 year old son, born from Suniti happened to enter the palace and desperately wanted to play with Uttanpad his father. He tried to climb up to the lap of his father, but out of the fear of upsetting Suruchi, Uttanpad did not even look at this little boy. Not only this, Suruchi pulled him away and shouted at him saying, that if he ever wanted to sit on the throne Dhruv would have to do severe penance and be born from Suruchi’s womb. This not only hurt Dhruv, but angered him as well. Hurt broken and hurt by the behaviour of his father and step-mother he ran to his palace, straight to his mother.Nor, Suniti heard about what had happened. She was crying bitterly, but as soon as Dhruv entered she stood up and hugged him. She told him your step-mother has said nothing wrong, praying to God is the way forward. This little boy of 5, asked his mother, how do I pray, how does he look, what do call him. His mother said he has many names, you can call him Vasudev, Govinda, Hari, Gopal. He will come for sure, if you call him. Dhruv took leave of his mother, and went to the forest calling out the Lords name. At that time God asked Narad Muni to go and help him. Narad muni, first tried to deter Dhruv from going on and asked him to go back home. But, when he saw the this little boy was adamant and would not turn back until he met the Lord, he gave him guidance to accomplish his desire.Dhurv was interacted by Narad Muni to go to the backs of Yamuna and do his tapa in Madhuvan in Mathura. Everything from how many dips to be taken to what was to be eaten was explained. He also gave Dhruv the Mahamantra that was to be chanted;‘Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya’Dhruv went on and undertook major tapas. Narad Muni went to meet Uttanpad. Uttanpad had realised his mistake and was ashamed and sorry for his behaviour. He was worried about his son. Even Suruchi was feeling extremely horrible for her act. Narad muni assumed all of them that Dhruv was alright and will come back soon, after he meets God.Dhruv on the other hand, went on with his tapas. The devtas tried to deter him by scaring him with wild animals and ghosts. However he did not give up and went on with his tapas, till one day he stopped eating and was standing on one toe. This was causing the earth to tilt. H

Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran Session 24

Shrimad Bhagavata MahapuranaSynopsis of the Twenty-Third SessionBhagavata Chaturth Skanda (Book Four)Inputs for the session from:Chapter 1 to 7Forms of the DeviDurga Sapthshati——————————————————Ramayan and now Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapuran, both have placed a lot of emphasis on the Sati, Parvati and Shiv Story. The question arises as to what are they trying to convey. In order to understand our scriptures one has to delve deeper into the hidden gems in the stories. From the tales to the names, every detail is there for a reason. ———————————————————During the Nine days of Navratri, each day different forms of Devi are worshiped;Day 1 - ShelputriDay 2 - BhramachariniDay 3 - ChandraghantaDay 4 - KushmandaDay 5 - SkandamataDay 6 - KatyayiniDay 7 - KalratriDay 8 - Maha GauriDay 9 - SidhidatriThe nine days can also be divided into 3 parts as;Day 1-3 - DurgaDay 4-6 - LaxmiDay 7-9 - SaraswatiDay 1-3 - TamasDay 4-6 - RajasDay 7-9 - SatvaDay 1-3 - GrossDay 4-6 - CausalDay 7-9 - SubtleIt is also worth nothing that there are 4 Navratri in a year, of which 2 are the ‘Gupth’ hidden Navratris.Many gurus also go on to say that, every month, after the Amavasya - the following 3 days are Navratri. The energy and the Nakshatras at this time of Navratri is conducive for Sadhana, where the universe is reaching out to connect to the Sadhak.Lets try and understand why this particular sequence of worship is followed during the nine days of Navratri.- First the stories behind each form and the festival are mentioned- Second the interpretation has been mentioned.———————————————————Story 1Kushmanda There was nothing only dark space and there existed energy. This energy was known as Kushmanda - The cosmic egg or the cosmic seed of energy. Goddess kushmanda created the universe from the radiance of her smile. She is the mother of creation.Story 2Madhu KaitabThe universe has just been created, Brahmaji is trying to figure out the nature and purpose of his existence, when he is attacked by Madhu and Kaithab. He looks down and goes to Garbodak Shayi Vishnu, who is lying on sesha naag without Laxmi. He later learns that these two demons have come from the ears of Vishnu himself.Vishnuji summons Para Shakti and with her help destroys these two demons. Story 3 Sati DhanSati is the daughter of Prajapati Daksha and Prasuti. She goes against the wishes of her father and marries Shivji. Daksha demeans Shivji in one of the yagnas, where shivji did not stand to great Daksha. Later, he does not invite Sati and Shivji to another Yagna. Sati goes despite being deterred by Shivji. There she witness that there is not place kept for Shivji, this is a great insult. She gets furious and refuses to be associated with Daksha anymore and burns herself. What follows is destruction and mayhem. Later shivji and his ganas are pacified and everything restored. Story 4 Shelputri Sati is reborn to Himavan and is named Parvati (Shelputri). She grows up oblivious of her past and purpose, till reminded by Narad Muni. Bhramacharini and Maha GauriShe goes to do the greatest of tapasya to reach her Lord Shiva. When one aspires the universe conspires. All the devtas and Sidhas help her reach her goal. here she is known as Bhramacharini, who is successful in winning the blessings of shiva. Due to extensive tapas, her body is all bones. Ganga poured by Lord Shiv revives her, she becomes radiant again and is known as Maha Gauri.ChandraghantaThe wedding preparations happen and the wedding day arrives. The grooms procession petrifies the the girls side. On the request of Parvati, Shivji shuns his terrifying look and is adorned by Vishnuji. Parvati adorns the half moon on her forehead, to show her appreciation for Shivji, who always has a half moon on his Jata. Hence, she is named as ChandraGanta.SkandamataThey both have a son called Skanda or Kartikeya. Who is raised by the Kritikas and is the one who defeats the demon Tarakasur. Parvati the mother of Skanda is also known as Skandamata.Story 5 Katyayini - Mahishasur MardiniThere was this Demon called Mahishasur who was born to Ramba and Mahishi (an afsara who was cursed and became a water buffalo). He was ruthless and fearless, as he had a boon that no one could destroy him except a woman. Taking woman to be powerless, he considered himself immortal.All the Gods, summoned Para Shakti and she promised to come and help them. She was born to Sage Katyayan. She grew up to be a beautiful girl. One day Chand and Munda two demon saw her and felt that she would be a perfect fit for Mahishasur. Dundubi was sent to her to ask her to marry Mahishashur. She said that only the one who won against her in a battle could marry her. The preparations for the battle happened. The Gods descended and each granted her his power and weapons. They made her so powerful that all the Gods put together, was the power she possessed.The battle began Dhundubi and thousands of demo

Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran Session 22