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suitable personalities. Kunti did not accept this proposal at first but when marriage elsewhere and as He did not dare to go against the arrangement of
vivid examples were set by Pandu she agreed. Thus by dint of the hymn Valadeva He advised Arjuna to kidnap Subhadra. So when all of them were
awarded by Durbasa Muni she called for Dharmaraj and thus Yudhisthir was on a pleasure trip on the Raivata hill, Arjuna managed to kidnap Subhadra
born. She called for demigod Vayu (air) and thus Bhima was born. She called according to the plan of Sri Krishna. Sri Valadeva was very angry upon
for Indra the King of heaven and thus Arjuna was born. The other two sons Arjuna and He wanted to kill Arjuna but Lord Krishna implored His brother
namely Nakula and Sahadeva was begotten by Pandu himself in the womb of to excuse Arjuna. Then Subhadra was duly married with Arjuna and
Madri. Later on Maharaj Pandu died at an early age for which Kunti was too Abhimunya was born of Subhadra. At the premature death of Abhimunya
much agrieved and she fainted. Two co wives namely Kunti and Madri Subhadra was too much mortified but on the birth of Parikshit she was happy
decided that Kunti should live for the maitenance of the five minor children and solaced.
the Pandavas and Madri should accept the Sati rituals by meeting voluntary Prati ujjagmu praharsena pranam tanwa iva agatam
death along with her husband Pandu. This agreement was endorsed by great Abhisamgamya bidhibat pariswanga abhivadanaih
sages like Satasringa and others present on the occasion.
Later on when the Pandavas were banished from the kingdom by the Prai—towards, Ujjagmu—went, Praharsena—with great delight, Pranam—
intrigues of Duryadhona, Kunti followed her sons and she equally faced all kufe, Tanwa—of the body, Iva—like, Agatam—returned back,
sorts of difficulties during those days. During the forest life one demon girl Abhisamgamya—approaching, Bibhibat—in due manner, Pariswamga—
Hidimbi wanted Bhima as her husband which was refused by Bhima but when embracing, Abhivadanaih—by obeisances.
the girl approached Kunti and Yudhisthir they ordered Bhima to accept her In great delight all of them went towards him as if life has returned back
proposal and give her a son. As a result of this combination Ghatotkach was in the body and they exchanged obeisances and embracing in due manner
born and he fought very valiently on the side of his father with the Kauravas. just to welcome and receive each other.
In their forest life they lived with a Brahmin family who were in trouble on In the absence of consciousness the limbs of the body remain inactive. But
account of one Bakasusa demon and Kunti ordered Bhima to kill the Bakasura when consciousness returns back the limbs and senses become active and the
to protect the Brahmin famili in troubles created by the demon. She advised very existence becomes delightful. Vidura was so dear to the family members
Yudhisther to start for the Panchal Desha. Droupadi was gained in this of the Kaurava family that his absence for a long time from the palace was
Panchala Desha by Arjuna but by order of Kunti all the five brothers of something synonymous with inactivity. All of them were feeling acute
Pandavas became equally the husband of Panchali or Droupadi. She was separation from Vidura and therefore his return back in the palace became a
married with five Pandavas in the presence Vyasadeva. Kuntidevi never joyful atmosphere for one and all.
forgot her first child Karna and after Karna's death in the battle of
Kurukshetra she lamented and admitted before her others sons that Karna was Mumuchuh prema vaspougham viraha outkanthya katarah
her eldest son prior to her marriage with Maharaj Pandu. After the battle of Raja tam arhayan chakre, krita asana parigraham.
Kurukshera when Lord Krishna was going back home her prayers for the Lord On account of anxieties and long separation all of them emanated
is excellently explained and later on she went to the forest along with emotional tears out of affection. The King (YUDHISTHIRA) then
Gandhari for severe penance. She used to take meals after each thrirty days. arranged for offering sitting accommodation and performances of
The last stage of her life is that she sat down tightly in profound meditation reception.
and later on burnt down in the forest fire to ashes. Tam bhuktavantam vishrantam asinam sukhamasane.
Droupadi: The most chastened daughter of Maharaj Drupad and partly Prasrayavanata raja praha tesham cha srinwtam.
incarnation of goddess Sachi the wife of Indra. Maharaj Drupad performed a
great sacrifice under the superintendency of the sage Yaja. By his first After feeding Vidura sumptuously and his taking sufficient rest, he was
offering Dhristadumna was born and by the second offering Droupadi was seated on a comfortable accomodation and thus the king began to speak
born. She is therefore sister of Dhristadumna and her another name is being heard by them all present there.
Panchali. The five Pandavas married her as the common wife and each of King Yudhisthira was expert in reception also even in the case of his family
them begot a son in her. Maharaj Yudhisthir begot a son of the name member. Vidura was well received by all the family members by exchange of
Pratibindh, Bhimsena begot a son of the name Sutasome, Arjuna begot embracing and obeisances. After that bathing and arrangements for sumptuous
Srutakirti, Nakula begot Satanika and Sahadeva begot Srutakama. She is dinner was made and then he was given sufficient rest. After finishing his rest
described to be the most beautiful lady equal to her mother-in-law Kunti. he was offered a comfortable place to sit on and then the King began to talk
During her birth there was a areo message that she should be called as about on all happenings of both family and otherwise. That is the proper way
Krishna. The same message also declared that she is born to kill many a of receiving a beloved friend or even an enemy. According to Indian moral
Kshatriyas. On account of her blessings from Shankara she was awarded with codes even an enemy received at home should be so well received as he may
five husbands equally qualified. When she preferred to select her own not feel any fearful situation. An enemy is always afraid of his enemy but he
husband, princes and kings were invited from all countries of the world. She should be stopped feeling like that when received at home by his enemy. This
was married with the Pandavas during their exile in the forest but when they means that a person when received at home may be treated as good as a
went back home Maharaj Drupad gave them immense wealth as dowry. She relative and what to speak of a family member like Vidura who was well
was well received by all the daughter-in-laws of Dhritarastra. When she was wisher for all the members of the family. Thus Yudhisthira Maharaj began to
lost in the game, she was forcibly dragged into the assembly hall and attempt speak in the presence of all other members.
was made to see her naked beauty by Duhsasan even there were all elderly Yudhisthira uvacha
persons like Bhisma and Drona present. She was a great devotee of Lord Api smaratha no yusmat pakshach chhaya samedhitan
Krishna and by her praying, the Lord Himself became unlimited garment of Vipad ganad visadagnader mochita yat sa matrikah.
divotee to save her from the insult. A demon of the name Jatasura kidnapped
her but her second husband Bhimsena killed the demon and saved her from Maharaj Yudhisthir said, "my uncle do you remember us who were
the clutches. She saved the Pandavas from the curse of Maharshi Durbasa by always protected by you along with our mother from all sorts of
the grace of Lord Krishna. When the Pandavas lived incognito in the palace of calamities by your partiality wings of a bird even in the matter of
Virata, Kichak was attracted by her exquisite beauty and by arrangement with administration of poison to us or setting on fire to our home?"
Bhima the devil was killed and she was saved. She was too much agrieved Due to Pandu's death at an early age his minor children and widow were the
when her all the five sons were killed by Aswatthama. At the last stage she object of special care for all the elderly members of the family specially by
accompanied her husband Yudhisthir and others and she fell on the way. The Bhismadeva and Mahatma Vidura. Vidura was more or less partial for the
cause of her falling was explained by Yudhisthir but when Yudhisthir entered Pandavas on account of their political position. Although Dhritarastra was
the heavenly planet like the glowing sun he saw Droupadi present there as the equally careful for the minor children of Maharaj Pandu yet he was one of the
goddess of fortune in the havenly kingdom. intriguing party who wanted to wash off the descendants of Pandu and replace
Subhadra: Daughter of Vasudeva and own sister of Lord Sri Krishna. She them by ascending the sons of Dhritarastra to become the rulers of the
was not only verydear daughter of Vasudava but also she was very a dear kingdom. Mahatma Vidura could follow this intrigue of Dhritarastra and
sister for both Krishna and Valadeve. The three brothers and sisters are company and therefore even though he was a faithful servitor of his eldest
represented in the famous Jagannath Temple of Puri and the Temple is still brother Dhritarastra, he did not like his political ambition for the sake of his
visised by thousands of pilgrims daily uptill now. This temple is in own sons. He was therefore overcareful for protection of the Pandavas and
remembrance of the Lord's visit at Kurukshetra during an occasion of solar their widow mother and as such he was so to say partial to the Pandavas than
eclipse and then meeting with the residents of Vrindaban. The meeting of to the sons of Dhritarastra although both of them were equally affectionate in
Radha and Krishna during this occasion is very much pathetic story and Lord his ordinary eyes. He was equally affectionate to both the camps of nephews
Sri Chaitanya in the ecstasy of Radharani always berieved for Lord Sri in the sense that he always chastised Duryodhone for his intriguing policy
Krishna at Jagganath Puri. While Arjuna was at Dwarka he liked to have against his cousins. He always criticised his elder brother for his policy of
Subhadra as her queen and he expressed his desire to Lord Krishna. Sri encouragement to his sons and at the same time he was always alert in the
Krishna knew it that His elder brother Lord Valadeva was arranging her matter of giving special protection to the Pandavas. All these different
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Thirteenth Chapter - Dhritarastra Quits Home
activities of Vidura within the palace politics, made him wellknown as partial in everything. The holy places all over the earth are meant for purifying the
to the Pandavs and Maharaja Yudhistira has relerred to the past history of poluted consciousness Of the human being by an atmosphere surcharged with
Vidura before his going away from home for prolonged pilgim's journey. the presence of the Lord's unalloyed devotees. If any one visits a holy place he
Maharaj Yudhisthira reminded him whether he was equally kind and partial to must search out for the pure devotees residing in such holy places, take
his grown up nephews even after the battle of Kurukshetra a great disaster of lessons form them try to aply such instructions in practical life and thus
family quarrel. gradually prepare oneself for the ultimate salvation of going back to Godhead.
Before the battle of Kurukshetra Dhritarastra's policy was peaceful To go to some holy place of pilgrimage does not mean only to take bath in the
annihilation of his nephews and therefore he ordered Purochana to build up a Ganges or Jamuna or to visit the temples situated in those places. One should
house of lac at Varanabat and when the building was finished Dhritarastra find out also representatives of Vidura who have no other desire in life save
desired that his brother's family may live there for some time. When the and except to serve the Personality of Godhead. The Personality of Godhead
Pandavas were going there in the presence of all the members of the royal is always with such pure devotees on account of such pure devotee's
family, Vidura tactfully gave instructions to the Pandavas about the future unalloyed service without any tinge of fruitive action or utopians peculation.
plan of Dhritarastra. This is specifically described in the Mahabharata (Ch. They are in the actual service of the Lord specifically by the process of
144 Adiparva.) He gave hint indirectly "that even an weapon not made of hearing and chanting. The pure devotees hear from the authorities and chant
steel or any other material element can be more sharpen to kill the enemy and them by singing and writing the glories of the Lord. Mahamuni Vyasdeva
who knows this is never killed". That is to say he gave hint that the party of heard it from Narada and then he chanted in writing: Sukhdev Goswami
the Pandavas was being sent to Varanabat for the sake of being killed and thus studied it from his father and he described it to Parikshit: that is the way of
he gave hint to Yudhisthira to become very careful in their new residential Srimad Bhagwatam. So by their actions only the pure devotees of the Lord
palace. He also gave indication of fire and said that fire cannot extingush the can render any place turned into a pilgrimage and the holy places become
soul but it can do so for the material body but one who peotects the soul can worth the name only on their account. Such pure devotees are able to rectify
live on!y. Kunti could not follow such indirect conversations between the poluted atmosphere of any place and what to speak of a holy place
Maharaj Yudhisthira and Vidura and thus when she enquired from her son rendered unholy by the questionable actions of interested persons who try to
about the purport of the conversation, Yudhisthira replied that from the talks adopt a professional life at the cost of the reputation of a holy place.
of Vidura it is understood that there is hint of fire in the house where they Api nah suhridas tata bandhavah krishnadevatah
were proceeding. Later on Vidura came in disguise to the Pandavas and Dristah sruta va yadavah swapuryam sukhamasate.
informed them that the house keeper was going to set fire in the house on the
fourteenth night of waning moon. It was an intrigue of Dhritarastra that the Api--whether, Nah--our, Suhridas--well wishers, Krishnadevatah--those who
Pandavas might die all together with their mother. And by his warning the are always wrapt in the service of the Lord Sri Krishna, Dristah--by seeing
Pandavas escaped through a tunnel underneath the earth so that their escape them, Sruta--or by hearing about them, Va--either, Yadavah--the descendants
was also unknown to Dhritarastra so much so that after setting in the fire the of Yadu, Swapuryam--along with their residential place, Sukhamasate--if they
Kouravas became as sure as anything about the death of the Pandavas and are all happy.
Dhritarastra performed the last rites of death with great cheerfulness. And My uncle! you must have visited the holy pilgrimage Dwarka and in that
during the mourning period all the members of the palace became holy place there are our friends and well wishers the descendant of Yadu
overwhelmed with lamentation but Vidura did not become so on account of who are always wrapt in the service of the Lord Shri Krishna. You might
his knowledge that the Pandavas were alive somewhere underneath the sky. have either seen them or heard about them. Are they all living happily in
There are many such incidences of calamities and in each of them Vidura their abode ?
gave protection to the Pandavas on one hand and on the other he tried to The particular word 'Krishnadevata' i.e. those who are always wrapt in the
restrain his brother Dhritarastra from such intriguing policy. Therefore, he service of Lord Krishna is significant. The Yadavas, the Pandavas who were
was always partial to the Pandavas as much as the bird protects its eggs by the always wrapt in the thought of Lord Krishna by His different transcendental
wing. activities were all pure devotees of the Lord like Vidura. Vidura left home
Kaya vrittya vartitam vas charadbhi kshitimandalam inorder to devote himself completely in the service of the Lord but the
Teerthani kshetramukhyani sevitani iha bhutale. Pandavas and the Yadavas were always wrapt in thought of Lord Krishna. As
While travelling on the surface ofthe earth how did you maintain your such there is no difference in their pure devotional qualities. Do remain at
livelihood and while doing so which of the principal holy places and home or go out of home the real qualification of a pure devotee is to become
pilgrimages on the earth you have served. wrapt in thought of Krishna favourably i.e. knowing well that Lord Krishna is
the absolute Personality of Godhed. Kanasa, Jarasandha, Sisupala and other
Vidura went out from the palace for detaching himself from the household demons like them were also always wrapt in thought of Lord Krishna but they
affairs especially in the matter of political intrigues. As referred to did it in a different way namely unfavourably or thinking Him to be a
hereinbefore, he was practically insulted by Duryodhone by calling him the powerful man only (?) Therefore, Kansas and Sisupalas are not on the same
son of a Sudrani although it was not out of place to talk loosely in the case of level of pure devotees like Vidura, the Pandavas or the Yadavas.
one's grandmother. Vidura's mother although a Sudrani she was grand-mother Maharaj Yudhisthira was also always wrapt in thought of Lord Krishna and
of Duryodhone and funny talks are sometimes allowed in the matter of grand- his associates at Dwarka. Otherwise he would not have asked first of all about
mother and grandchildren. But because the remark was actual fact and figure them from Vidura. Maharaj Yudhisthira is, therefore, on the same level of
it was unpalatable talk for Vidura and it was accepted as direct insult for him. devotion like Vidura although he was engaged in the state affairs of the
He therefore decided to quit his paternal house and prepare himself for the kingdom of world.
renounced order of life. This preparatory stage is called Vanaprastha Ashram
or retired life for travelling and visiting the holy places on the surface of the Iti ukto dharmarajena sarvam tat samavarnayat
earth. In the holy places of India like Vrindaban, Haridwar, Jagannath Puri, Yathanubhutam kramaso vina yadukulakshayam.
Prayag etc, there are many great devotees and still there are free kitchen Iti--thus, Ukto--being asked, Dharmarajena--by king Yudhisthira, Sarvam--all,
houses for persons who desire to advance spiritually. Maharaj Yudhisthira Tat--that, Samavarnayat--properly described, Yathanubhutam--as he
was inquisitive to learn whether Vidura maintained himself by the mercy of experienced, Kramaso--one after another, Vina--without, Yadukulashayam--
the free kitchen houses (chhatras). annihilation of the Yadu-dynasty.
Bhavat vida bhagwatas teertha bhutah swayam bibho Thus being asked by Maharaj Yudhisthir, Mahatma Vidura gradually
Teerthi kurvanti teerthani swantasthena gadabhrita. one after another described everything what he personally experienced
Bhavat—your goodself, Vida—like, Bhagwatas—devotees, Teertha—the except the news of annihilation of the Yadu dynasty.
holy places of pilgrimage, Bhuta—converted into, Swayam—personally, Nanwapriyam durvisaham nrinam swayam upastitham
Bibho—oh the powerful, Teertha—made into holy place, Kurvanti—do Na avedayat sakaruno dukhitam drastum akshamah.
render, Teerthani—the holy places, Swantasthena—having been situated in Nanu--as a matter of fact, Apriyam--unpalatable, Durvisaham--unbearable,
the heart, Gadabhrita—the personality of Godhead. Nrinam--of the human kind, Swayam--in its own way, Upasthitam--
My Lord! devotees like your goodself are themselves holy places in appearance, Na--did not, Avedayat--expressed, Sakaruno--compassionate,
person. Because you carry with you, within your heart, the Personality of Duhkhitan-distressed, Akshamam--unable.
Godhead and as such you render all places into a pilgrimage. Compassionate Mahatma Vidura was unable to see the Pandavas
The Personality of Godhead is omnipresent by His diverse potencies distressed at any time. As such he did not disclose this unpalatable and
everywhere just like the electricity power is distributed everywhere within the unbearble incidence to the Pandavas because such calamities were to
space. Similarly the Lord's omnipresence is perceived and manifested by His come in their own way.
unalloyed devotees like Vidura as much as the electricity power is manifested According to Nitisastra (civic laws) one may not speak unpallatable truth to
in the electric bulb. A pure devotee like Vidura always feel the presence of the cause distress for others. Distress come upon us in its own way by the laws of
Lord everywhere. He sees everything in the potency of the Lord and the Lord nature and one may not aggravate it by propaganda. For compassionate soul
3
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
like Yidura specially in his dealing with the beloved Pandavas it was almost Yamaraja is deputed by the Lord in a particular planet some lacs of miles
impossible to disclose unpalatable piece of news like the annihilation of the away from the planet of earth to take away the corrupted souls after death and
Yadu dynasty. Therefore purposely he refrained from it. convict them in accordance with their respective sinful activities. As such
Kanchit kalam atha abatsit satkrito devabat sukham Yamaraja has very little time to take leave from his respomsible office of
Bhratur jyesthasya sreyaskrit sarvesam sukham abahan. punishing the wrongdoers. The number of wrongdoers is more than that of
righteous men. Therefore, Yamaraja has to do more work than other demigods
Kanchit--for a few days, Kalam--time, Atha--thus, Abatsit--resided, Satkrito-- authorised agents of the Supreme Lord. But he wanted to preach the glories of
being well treated, Devavat--just like a godly personality, Sukham--amenities, the Lord and therefore by the will of the Lord he got cursed by Manduk Muni
Bhratur--of the brother, Jyesthasya--of the elder brother, Sreyaskrit--for doing to take a chance of coming over the world in the incarnation of Vidura and
good to him, Sarvesam--all others, Sukham--happiness, Abahan--made it worked very hard as a great devotee. Such devotee is neither a Sudra nor a
possible. Brahmin. They are transcendental to such divisions of the mundane society as
Thus Mahatma Vidura being well treated by his kinsmen just like a godly much as the Personality of Godhead assumes His incarnation like a hog but he
person, he remained there for a certain period just for the sake of is neither a hog nor a Brahma. He is above all mundane creatures. The Lord
rectifying the mentality of his eldest brother and by the way happiness and His different authorised devotees sometimes have to play the role of many
was invited for all others. lower creatures for claiming the conditioned souls but both the Lord and His
Saintly person like Vidura must be treated well as much as a denizen from the pure devotees are always in the transcendental position. When Yamaraj thus
heaven is received. In those days denizens of heavenly planets used to visit incarnated himelf as Vidura his post was officiated by acting Aryama one of
the home like that of Maharaj Yudhisthira and sometimes persons like Arjuna the many sons of Kasyapa and Aditi. The Adityas are sons of Aditi and there
and others also used to visit higher planets. Narada is a spaceman who can are twelve Adityas. Aryama is one of the twelve Adityas and therefore it was
travel unrestrictedly not only within the material universes but also he can quite possible for him to take charge of the office of Yamaraj during his one
travel in the spiritual universes. Even Narada also used to visit the palace of hundred years of absence in the form of Vidura. The conclusion is that Vidura
Maharaj Yudhisthira and what to speak of other celestial demigods. It depends was never a Sudra but he was more than the most purest type of a Brahmin.
only on spiritual culture of the people concerned that makes it possible Yudhisthira labdharajyo dristwa poutram kulandharam
interplanetary travel even by presont body. Maharaj Yudhisthira therefore Bhratrivir lokapalabhair mumude paraya shriya.
recived Vidura in the manner of reception offered to the demigods. Yudhisthira--the king of the Name, Labdharajyo--being possessed of his
Mahatma Vidura had already adopted the renounced order of life and paternal kingdom, Dristwa--by seeing, Poutram--the grandson, Kulandharam-
therefore he did not return to his paternal palace for enjoying some material -just apt to the dynasty, Bhratrivir--by the brothers, Lokapalabhair--who were
comforts. He accepted out of his own mercy what was offered to him by all expert administrators, Mumude--enjoyed life, Paraya--uncommon, Shriya--
Maharaj Yudhisthira but purpose of living in the palace was to deliver his too opulence.
much materially attached elder brother Dhritarastra. Dhritarastra lost all his
state and descendants in the fight with Maharaj Yudhisthira and still due to his Maharaj Yudhisthir after achieving his kingdom and having observed
sense of helplessness he did not feel ashamed to accept charity and hospitality the existence of one grandsom just competent to continue the noble
of Maharaj Yudhisthira. From the part of Maharaj Yudhisthir it was quite in tradition of his family, reigned peacefully to enjoy uncommon opulence in
order to maintain his uncle in a befitting manner, but acceptance of such co-operation with his younger brothers each of whom was all perfect
magnanimons hospitality by Dhritarastra was not at all desirable. He accepted administrators for the mass of population.
it because he thought it there was no other alternative. Vidura particularly Both Maharaj Yudhisthira and Arjuna were unhappy from the beginning of
came to enlighten Dhritarastra from his inferior complex and to give him a lift the battle of Kurukshetra but even they were unwilling to kill their own men
to the higher status of spiritual cognition. It is the duty of enlightened souls to in the fight, the thing had to be done as a matter of duty and as it was planned
deliver the fallen ones and Vidura came there from that point of view. But by the Supreme Will of Lord Sri Krishna. After the battle also specially
talks of spiritual enlightenment is so much refreshing that while instructing Maharaj Yudhisthir was unhappy for such mass-killing of human being and
Dhritarastra Vidura attracted the attention of all the members of the family animals and practically there were none to continue the Kuru dynasty after
and all of them took pleasure to hear him patiently. This is the way of spiritual them, the Pandavas The only remaining hope about the child in the womb of
realisation. The message shall be given an attentive aural reception and being his daughter-in-law, Uttara was also attacked by Aswtthama but by the Grace
spoken by a realised soul it will act on the dormant heart of the conditioned of the Lord the child was saved. So after settlement of all disturbing
soul. And a continuous practice of such bonafide aural reception will raise the conditions and re-establishment of peaceful order of the state and seeing the
hearer to the perfect stage of self-realisation. surviving child Parikshit well satisfied Maharaj felt some relief as human
Avibhrad aryama dandam yathabat agharkishu being although he had very little attraction for material happiness which is
Yavat dadhana sudratwam sapadvarsa satam yamah. always illusory and temporary.
Avibhrad--administered, Aryama--of the name, Dandam--punishment, Ebam grihesu saktanam pramattanam tadihaya
Yathabat--as it was suitable, Agharkishu--unto the persons who committed Atyakramad avijnatah kalah parama dustarah.
sins, Yava--as long as, Dadhana--accepted, Sudratwam--the tabernacle of a Ebam--thus, Grihesu--in the matter of family affairs, Saktanam--of person too
Sudra, Sapad--as the result of curse, Varsasatam--for one hundred years, much attached, Pramattanam--insanely attached, Tadihaya--engrossed by such
Yamah--of the name. thoughts, Atyakramad--surpassed, Avijnatah--eternal time, Kalah--eternal
As long as Vidura played the part of so called Sudra being cursed by time, Parama--supremely, Dustarah--insurmountable.
Manduk Muni (see page 750) Aryama officiated the post of Yamaraj to Thus the insurmountable eternal time imperceptibly surpasses persons
punish those who committed sinful acts. who are insanely too much attached in the matter of family affairs, for
Vidura born in the womb of a Sudra woman was forbidden even to be a party their being so engrossed in the thought.
of royal heritage along with his brothers Dhritarastra and Pandu and then how Family satisfaction that, I am now happy, I have got everything in order, my
could he occupy the post of a preacher to instruct such learned kings and bank balance is quite enough, I can give my children now enough estate I am
Kshatriyas like Dhritarastra and Maharaj Yudhisthira. There may be a now successful, the poor beggar Sannyasins depend on God but come to beg
question like this. The first answer is that even though it is accepted that he from me; therefore, I am more than the Supreme God (?) etc are some of the
was Sudra by birth but because he renounced the world for being spiritually thoughts which engross the insanely attached householder who is blind to see
enlightened by such authority like Rishi Moitreya and he was thoroughly the passing away of eternal time imperceptibly. Our duration of life is
educated by him in the transcedental knowledge, he was quite competent to measured and no body is able to enhance it even by a second against the
occupy the post of an Acharya or spiritual preceptor. According to Sri scheduled time ordained by the Supreme Will. Such valuable time specially
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu any one who is conversant in the transcendental for the human being should be cautiously spent because even a second passed
knowledge or the science of Godhead may he be a Brahmin, or a Sudra, a away imperceptibly cannot be replaced even in exchange of crores of golden
householder or a Sanyasi, is elligible to become a spiritual master. Even in the coins amassed by hard labour of life. Every second of human life is meant for
ordinary moral codes (as it is said by Canakya Pandit the great politician and a making an ultimate solution of the problems of life i.e. repetition of birth
moralist) there in no harm to take lessons from a person who may be by birth and death and revolving in the cycle of 84 lacs of different species of life. The
less than a Sudra. This is one part of the answer. The other answer is Vidura material body which is subject to birth and death, diseases and old age, is the
was not actually Sudra. He was to play the part of a so called Sudra for one cause of all sufferings of the living being; otherwise the living being is
hundred years being cursed by Manduk Muni. He was the incarnation of eternal: he is never born nor dies ever. Foolish person forgets this problem of
Yamaraj one of the twelve Mahajans on the level of such exhalted life or does not know at all how to solve the problems of life but becomes
personalities as Brahma, Narada, Shiva, Kapila, Bhisma, Prahlada etc. Being a engrossed in the temporary family affairs without knowing it that the eternal
Mahajan it is the duty of Yamaraj to preach the cult of devotion to the people time is passing away imperceptibly and his measured duration of life is
of the world as Narada, Brahma and other Mahajans do it. But Yamaraja is diminishing every second without any solution of the big problem namely
always busy in his plutonic kingdom for punishing the doers of sinful acts. repetition of birth and death, diseases and oldage. This is called illusion.
4
Thirteenth Chapter - Dhritarastra Quits Home
But such illusion cannot work on one who is awake in devotional service of (The fearful situation) has no remedial measure from any source or by
the Lord. Yudhisthir Maharaj or his brothers the Pandavas were all engaged in any person in this material world. Oh my lord it is, therefor, the Supreme
the service of the Lord Sri Krishna and they had very little attraction for the Personality of Godhead and it has approached for all of us.
illusory happiness of this material world. As we have discussed previously, There is no superior power which can check the cruel hands of death. No
Maharaj Yudhisthir was fixed up in the service of the Lord Mukunda (Lord body wants to die however acutely may the source of sufferings one's body
who can award salvation) and therefore he had no attraction even for such may be; but up till now even in the days of so called scientific advancement of
comforts of life as are available in the kingdom of heaven; because even the knowledge, there is no remedial measure either for oldage or for death.
happiness obtained in the planet of Brahmaloka, is also temporary and Oldage is the previous notice of the arrival of death served by the cruel time
illusory. Because the living being is eternal he can be happy only in the and no body can refuse to accept the either summon call or the supreme
eternal abode of the Kingdom of God (Parabyoma) where going no body judgement of the eternal time. This is explained before Dhritarastra because
comes back to this region of repetition of birth and death, diseases and oldage. he might ask Vidura to find out some remedial measure for the imminent
Therefore, any comforts of life or any material happiness, which does not fearful situation informed by him (Vidura) as he has had ordered many times
warrant an eternal life is but illusion is for the eternal livng being. One, who before, contradicting the advice of his youngest brother Vidura. Before
understands this factually, is learned and such learned person can sacrifice any ordering like that Vidura informed Dhritarastra that there was no remedial
ammount of material happiness for achieving the desired goal known as measure by any body or from any source in this material world. And because
Brahmasukham or Absolute Happiness. Real transcendentalists are hungry there was no such thing in the material world therefore, death is identical with
about this happiness and as a hungry man cannot be made happy by all the Supreme Personality of Godhead as it is said by the Lord Himself in the
comforts of life minus foodstuff, so the hungry man for eternal Absolute Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 9.19)
Happiness cannot be detracted by any ammount of material happiness. Death cannot be checked by any body or from any source within this
Therefore, the instruction described in this verse cannot be applied to Maharaj material world is very significant. Hiranyakaspu wanted to be immortal by
Yudhisthira or his brothers and mother but it was meant for persons like undergoing a severe type of penance by which the whole universe was
Dhritarastra for whom Vidura came specially for imparting lessons. trembled and Brahma Himself approached him to desuade Hiranyakasipu
Viduras tad abhipretya dhritarastram abhisata from such severe type of penance. Hiranykasipu asked Brahma to award him
Rajan nirgamatam shighram pasya edam bhayam agatam. the blessings of immortality but Brahma said that He Himself was subject to
Vidura—Mahatma Vidura, Tad—that, abhipretya—Knowing.it well, death even in the topmost planet and how could he award him the benediction
Dhritarastram—unto Dhritarastra, Abhasata—said, Rajan—oh King, of immortality. So there is death even in the topmost planet of this universe
Nirgamatam—please get out immediately, Shighram—without the least delay, and what to speak of other planets which are far far inferior in quality than
Pasya—just see, Edam—this, Bhayam—fearfulness, Agatam—already Brahmaloka the residing planet of Brahma. Wherever there is influence of
arrived. eternal time there is the set of tribulations namely birth, diseases and old age
and all of them are invincible.
Mahatma Vidura knew all these and therefore he addressed Dhritarastra
and said 'my dear King, please get out immediatdy without the least Yena cha eva abhipanna ayam pranaih priyatamair api
delay and just see how fearfulness has overtaken you.' Janah sadya viyujyeta kimuta anyair dhanadibhih.
Cruel death cares for none may he be Dhritarastra or even Maharaj Yena--pulled by such time, Cha--and, Eva--certainly, Abhipanna--this, Ayam-
Yudhisthira; therefore spiritual instructions as was given to old Dhritarastra, -overtaken, Pranaih--with life, Priyatamair--which is most dear to every one,
was eqally applicable also to younger Maharaj Yudhisthira. As a matter of Api--even though, Janah--person, Sadya--forthwith, Viyujyeta--do give up,
fact every one in the royal palace including the King and his brothers and Kimuta--and what to speak of any other thing, Dhanadibhih--wuch as wealth,
mother were raptly attending the lectures. But it was known to Vidura that his honour, children, land, house etc.
instructions were specially meant for Dhritarastra, who was too much Any one who may be under the influence of Supreme Kala (eternal time)
materialistic. The word 'Rajan' is specially addressed to Dhritarastra must have to surrender one's most dear life and what to speak of other,
signfiicantly. Dhritarastra was the eldest son of his father and therefore non-important things such as wealth etc.
according to law he was to be enshrined on the throne of Hastinapur. But A great Indian scientist busy in the plan-making business was suddenly called
because he was blind from birth he became disqualified from his rightful by the invincible eternal time while the scientist was going to attend a very
claim. But he could not forget the bereavement and his disappointment was important meeting of the planning commission and he had to surrender his life
tried to be compensated after the death of Pandu his younger brother. His even on the car and what to speak of his wife children house land wealth etc
younger brother left behind him some minor children and Dhritarastra became left behind him. During political upsurge in India and its division into
the natural guardian of them but at heart he wanted to became the factual King Pakistan and Hindusthan so many rich and influential persons of India had to
and wanted to hand over the kingdom to his own sons headed by Duryodhone. surrender life, property and honour by the influence of time and there are
With all these imperial ambition, Dhritarastra wanted to become a King and hundreds and thausands of examples like that all over the world, all over the
contrived all sorts of intrigues in consultation with his brother-in-law Sakuni. nniverse which are all effects of the influence of time. Therefore, the
But every thing failed by the will of the Lord and at the last stage even by conclusion is that there is no powerful living being within the universe who
losing everything men and money he wanted to remain as the King being the can over come the influence of time. Many poets have written lamentable
eldest uncle of Maharaj Yudhisthir. Maharaj Ydhisthir as a matter of duty verses on the influence of time, many devastations have taken over the
maintained Dhritarastra exactly in royal honour and Dhritarastra was happily universes by the influence of time and no body could check them up by any
passing away his numbered days in the illusion of becoming a King or the means. Even in our daily life so many things come and go on which we have
royal uncle of king Yudhisthira. Vidura as a saint and as duty bound no hand but we have to suffer or tolerate them without any remedial measure.
affectionate youngest brother of Dhritarastra, wanted to awake Dhritarastra That is the form of time.
from his slumber of becoming a false king driven to disease and oldage by the
fricks of powerful time. Vidura therefore, sarcastically addressed Dhritarastra Pitri bhratri suhrit putra hataste vigatam vayah
as the 'king' which he was actually not. Every body is the servant of eternal Atma cha jadaya grastah parageham upasase.
time and therefore no body can be king in this material order. King means the Pitri—father, Bhratri—brother, Suhrit—well wisher, Putra—sons, Hatas—all
person who can order. The celebrated English King wanted to order over the dead and passed away, Te—yours, Vigatam—expended, Vayah—age,
time and tide but the time and tide refused to obey his order. Therefore one is Atama—the body, Cha—also, Jadaya—by invalidity, Grastah—overcome,
a false king in the material world and Dhritarastra was particularly reminded Parageha—other's home, Upasase—you do live.
in his false position and was reminded also about the factual fearful Your father, brother, well wishers and sons all are dead and passed away.
happenings which had already approached him at that time. Vidura asked him You have expended the major portion of your age, your body is now over
to get out immediately if he wanted at all to be saved from the fearful taken by invalidity and at last you are living in the home of other.
situation which was approaching him fast. He did not ask Maharaj
Yudhisthira in that way because he knew it well that a king like Maharaj The King is reminded about his precarious conditions influenced by the cruel
Yudhisthira is aware of all the fearful situation of this flimsy world and he time and by his past experience he should have been more intelligent to see
would take care of himself in due course even though Vidura may not be what was going to happen to his own life. His fatherVichitravirya died long
present at that time. ago when he and his younger brothers were all little minor children and it was
due to the care and kindness of Bhismadeva that they were properly brought
Pratikriya na yasya iha kutaschit karhichit prabho up. Then again his brother Pandu also died. Then in the battlefield of
Sa eva bhagavan kalah sarvesam nah samagatah. Kurukshetra his one hundred sons and grand sons at least of the same number
Pratikriya--remedial measute, Na--there is none, Yasya--of which, Iha--in this all died along with all other well wishers like Bhismadeva, Dronacharya,
material world, Kutaschit--by any means, Karhichit--pr by any one, Prabho-- Karna and many other kings and friends. So he had lost all men and money
oh my lord, Sa--that, Eva--positively, Bhagawan--the Personality of Godhead, and now he was living at the mercy of his nephew whom he had put into
Kalah--eternal time, Sarvesam--of all, Nah--of us, Samagatah--arrived. troubles of various types. And inspite of all these reverses he thought that he
would prolong his chequered life more and more. Vidura wanted to point out
5
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
to Dhritarastra that every one has to protect himself by his action and the Agnir nisristo dattas cha garo daras cha dushitah
Grace of the Lord. One has to execute his duty faithfully depending for the Hritam kshetram dhanam yesam tad dattair asubhih kiyat.
result on the Supreme Authority. No friend, no children, no father, no brother, Agnir—fire, Nisristo—set in, Dattas—given, Cha—and, Garo—poison,
no state and no body else can protect a person who is not protected by the Daras—married wife, Dushitah—insulted, Hritam—usurped, Kshetram—
Supreme Lord. One should, therefore, seek the protection of the Supreme kingdom, Dhanam—wealth, Yesam—of those, Tad—their, Dattam—given
Lord and the human form of life is meant for seeking that protection. He was by, Asubhih—subsisting, Kiyat—is unnecessary.
pointed out about his precarious conditions more and more by the following
words. There is no necessity of living a degraded life subsisted by the charity of
those whom you tried to kill by setting on fire in their house by
Andhah pura eva badhiro mandaprajnas cha sampratam administering poison, by insulting their married wife, by usurping their
Vishirna danto mandagnih saragah kapham udbahan. kingdom and wealth.
Andha—blind, Pura—From the beginning, Eva—certainly, Badhiro—hard of The system of Varnashram religion sets aside a part of one's life completely
hearing, Mandaprajnas—memory shortened, Cha—and, Sampratam— for the purpose of self-realisation and attainment of salvation in the human
recently, Vishirna—loosened, Danto—teeth, Manda gnih—Liver action form of life. That is a routine division of life but persons like Dhritarastra
decreased, Saragah—with sound, Kapham—coughing mucus, Udbahan— even at their weary ripen age want to keep up at home even in a degraded
coming out. condition as to accept charity from enemies. Vidura wanted to point out this
(Personally) you are blind from the very beginning of your birth and anomaly in his brother's life and impressed upon him that it was better for him
there is no doubt about it and recently you have become hard of hearing, to die like his sons than accepting such humiliating charity. Five thousands of
your memory shortened and intelligence disturbed your teeth loosened years before there was one Dhritarastra but at the present moment there are
and the liveraction being decreased, you are coughing with sound and full of Dhritarastras in every home. Specially the politicians do not wish to
mucus coming out. retire from political activities unless they are dragged by the cruel hand of
The symptoms of oldage which had already developed in the person of death or killed by some opposing element. To stick to family life up to the end
Dhritarastra were all one after another pointed out to Dhritarastra to give him of one's human life is the grossest type of degradation and there is absolute
warning that death was nearing very quickly and still he was foolishly need of educating such Dhritarastras by the Viduras even at the present
carefree about his futnre. The signs pointed by Vidura in the body of moment.
Dhritarastra were signs of Apakshaya or dwindling of the material body Tasya api taba deha ayam kripanasya jijivishoh
before the last stroke of death. The body is born, it develops, stays, creates Paraiti anichhato jeerno jaraya vasasi iva.
other bodies, dwindles and then vanishes. But foolish man wants to make a Tasya--of this, Api--inspite of, Taba--your, Deha--body, Ayam--this,
permanent settlement of the perishable body and thinks that his estate, Kripanasya--of one who is miserly, Jijivishoh--of you who desire life, Paraiti-
children, society, country etc will give him protection. With such foolish ideas -will dwindle, Anichhato--even unwilling, Jeerno--deteriorated, Vasasi--
he becomes overtaken by such temporary engage ments and forgets altogether garments, Iva--like.
that he has to give up this temporary body and take a new one again to arrange
for another term of soceity, friendship and love again to be perished Inspite of your such wishful desire for living even at the cost of honour
ultimately. He. forgets his permanent identity and becomes foolishly active and prestige your miserly body will certainly dwindle like the
for the non-permanent occupations forgetting altogether his prime duty. Saints deteriorated old garment although you are unwilling to die.
and sages like Vidura approach such foolish utopians to awake them to the The words Kripanasya jijivisho, are significant. There are two classes of men.
real situation but the foolish utopians take such Sadhus and saints as parasites One is called the 'Kripana' and the other is called the 'Brahamana' The
of the society and almost all of them refuse to give aural reception to the 'Kripana' or the miserly man has no estimation of his material body but the
words of such Sadhus and saints although they welcome such show bottle 'Brahmana' has a true estimation of of himself and the material body. The
Sadhus (? ) and so-called saints who can satisfy the foolishman's sense kripana having wrong estimation of his material body, wants to make sense-
gratification. Vidura is not a Sadhu to satisfy the lll-gotten sentiments of gratification to the utmost strength and even in old age also he wants to
Dhritarastra and he was correctly pointing out the real situation of life and become a youngman by medical treatment or otherwise. Dhritarastra is
how to save oneself from such catastrophies. addressed herein as the Kripana because without any estimation of his
Aho mahiayashi jantor jivitasha yatha bhavan material body he wants to live at any cost and Vidura is trying to open his
Bhima apavarjitam pindam adatte grihapalavat. eyes that he cannot live more than his term of living and he must be prepared
for death. Death being inevitable why shonld he accept such humiliating
Alas ! how much powerful is the hope of a living being to continue a life positon for living better take the right path even at the risk of death. Human
as much as you are living just like a household dog eating the remnant life is meant for finishing all kinds of miseries of material existence and life
bits of foodstuff given by Bheema ! should be so trained up as one can achieve the desired goal. Dhritarastra due
A sadhu is never meant for flattering a king or a reach man for living to his wrong conception of life, had already spoiled 80% of his achived
comfortably at their cost. A sadhu is to speak the bare truth to the compact energy and it was good for him to utilise the remaining days of his miserly
householders about the naked truth of life so that one may come to his senses life; it might be utilised for the ultimate good. Such life like that of
about the precarious life in material existence. Dhritarastra is a typical Dhritarastra is called miserly because they cannot properly utilise the assets of
example of attached old man in husehold-life. He had become a popper in the the human form of life. Such miserly man by good luck only meets self-
true sense and still he wanted to live comfortably in the house of the Pandavas realised soul like Vidura and by his instruction get rid of the nescience of
of whom Bheema specially is mentioned because personally he killed two material existence.
prominent sons of Dhritarastra nameley Duryodhone and Duhsasan. These Gataswartham imam deham virakto mukta bandhanah
two sons of Dhritarastra were very much dear to him for their being notorious Avijnatargatir jahyat sa vai dheera udahrita.
in nefarious activities and Bheem is particularly pointed out because it is he
who killed these pet sons of Dhritarastra. And why he was living there at the Gataswartham--without being properly utilised, Imam--this, Deham--material
house of the Pandavas ? Because Dhritarastra wanted to continue his life body, Virakto--indifferently, Mukta--being freed, Bandhanah--from all kinds
comfortably even at the risk of all humiliation from the point of his own of obligations, Avijnatargatir--unknown, Jahyat--one should give this body,
poistion. Vidura therefore, became astonished how much powerful is the Sa--such person, Bai--certainly, Dheera--undisturbed, Udahrita--is said to be
sense of continuing life of the living being. This sense of continuing one's life so.
indicates that a living being is eternally living entity and he does not want to The person who quits his material body which is not properly utilised, in
change his habitation of the body. The foolishman does not know that a an unknown destination indifferently and freed from all obligations, is
particular term of bodily existence is awarded to him to undergo a term of called undisturbed.
imprisonment and the human body is awarded, after many many births and Narottamdas Thakura great devotee and Acharya of the Goudiya Vaisnava
deaths, as a chance for self-realisation and thus go back to home go back to sect has sung like this. "My Lord I have simply wasted my life. Having
Godhead. But persons like Dhritarastra try to make plans to live here in a obtained the humanly body I have neglected to worship your Lordship and
comfortable position with profit and interest and he does not see things as therefore willngly I accepted poison". In other words the humanly body is
they are. The things are different from his utopian conception of life but he is specially meant for cultivating knowledge of devotional service of the Lord
blind like Dhritarastra and continue to hope for living comfortably in the without which the life becomes full of anxieties and miserable conditions
midst of all kinds of reverses of life. A Sadhu like Vidura is meant for Therefore, those who have spoiled their life without such cultural activities,
awakening such blind persons like Dhritarastra and thus help him going back such persons are advised to leave home without any knowledge of friends and
to Godhead where life is eternal once going there no body wants to come back relatives and being freed from all obligations of family, society, country etc
to this material world of miseries. We can just imagine how much important and thus give the body up at some unknown destination so that others may not
and responsible task is entrusted to a Sadhu like Mahatma Vidura. konw where and how such person has had met his death. "Dheera" means one
who is not disturbed even there is sufficient provocation or causes of
6
Thirteenth Chapter - Dhritarastra Quits Home
disturbance in life. One cannot give up the way of comfortable family life due Dheera stage which is the preparatory stage for Sannyas and Sannyas stage is
to affectionate relation with wife and children. Self-realisation is obstructed the preparatory stage of Paramhansa or the first grade devotee of the Lord.
by such undue affection of family life and if any one is at all able to forget Evam raja Vidurenanujena
such relation some how or other, he is called the undisturbed or Dheera. This Prajna chakshur bodhita ajamidhah
is however a path of renounced order of life based on the sentiment of Chhitwa swesu snehapasan dadhimna
frustrated life but stabilisation of such renouncement is possible only by Nischakrama bhatri samdarshita adhwa.
association of bonafide saint and self-realised souls and thus be engaged in the
loving devotional service of the Lord. Sincere surrender unto the lotus feet Evam—thus, Raja—the king Dhritarastra, Vidurenujena—by his Young
ofthe Lord is possible by awakening of transcendental sense of service made brother Vidura, Prajna—introspective knowledge, Chakshur—eyes,
possible by association of pure devotees of the Lord. Dhritarastra was lucky Bodhita—being understood, Ajamidha—Dhritarastra scion of the family of
enough to have a brother whose very association was a source of liberation for Ajmidha, Chhitwah—by breaking, Swesv—in the matter of kinsmen,
his frustrated life. Snehapasan—strong network of affection, Dradhimna—on account of
steadfastness, Nischakrama—got out, Bhratri—brother, Samdarshita—
Yah swakat parato ba iha jata nirveda atmavan direction to, Adhva—the path of liberation.
Hridi kritwaharim gehat prabrajet sa narotamah.
Thus Maharaj Dhritarastra, the scion of the family of Ajmidha, being
Yah--any one who, Swakat--by his own awakening, Parato--or by hearing firmly convinced by introspective knowledge, broke up at once the strong
from other, Jata--becomes, Nirveda--indifferent to material attachment, network of family affection on account of resolute determination and
Atmavan--consciencious, Hridi--within the heart, Kritwa--having taken by, therefore at once he got out of home for going over the path of liberation
Harim--the Personality of Godhead, Gehat--from home, Prabrajet--do go as directed by his younger brother Vidura.
away, Sa--he is, Narotamah--the first class human being.
Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu the great preacher of the principles of Srimad
A person who understands by awakening of conscience in the matter of Bhagwatam has stressed on the association of Sadhus or pure devotee of the
falsity and miserableness of this material world, either by awakening of Lord. He said' even by a moment's association of a pure devote one can
his ownself or by hearing from other and thus goes away from home achieve all perfection'. We are not ashamed to admit this fact as experienced
depending fully on the Personality of Godhead residing within one's in our practical life. Were we not favoured by His Divine Grace Srimad
heart,—is certainly the first class human being. Bhakti Sidhanta Saraswati Goswawni Maharaj, by our first meeting for a few
So there are three classes of transcendentalists namely. 1. The Dheera or the minutes only, it would have been impossible for us to accept this mighty task
one who is not disturbed being away from the family association, 2. The of describing, Srimad Bhagwatam' in English. Without seeing Him in that
renounced order of life orSannyasi by frustrational sentiment and 3. A sincere opportune moment, we could have become very great business magnet but
devotee of the Lord who awakens God-consciousness by hearing and chanting never would have been able to walk over the path of liberation and be
and thus leaves home depending completely on the Personality of Godhead engaged in the factual service of the Lord under instruction of His Divine
who resides in his heart. The idea is that renouncend order of life after a Grace. And here is another practical example by the action of Vidura's
frustrational life of sentiment of the material world may be the stepping stone association with Dhritarastra. Maharaj Dhritarastra was tightly packed up in a
on the path of self-realistion; but real perfection of such path of liberation is network of material affinities in the matter of politics. economy and family
attained when one is practised to depend fully on the Supreme Personality of attachment and he did everything in his power to achieve so called success in
Godhead, Who lives in every one's heart as Paramatama. One may live in the his planned project but he was frustrated from the beginning to the end, so far
darkest jungle alone out of home but a steadfast devotee knows very well that his material activities are concerned. And yet inspite of his chequered life of
he is not alone. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is with him and He can failure he achieved the greatest of all success in the mater of self-realisation
protect His sincere devotee from any awkward circumstances out of home. by the forceful instruction of a pure devotee of the Lord who is the typical
One should therefore practise the devotional service at home hearing and emblem of Sadhu. The scriptures enjoin, therefore, that one should associate
chanting of the holy Name, Quality, Form, Pastimes, Entourage etc by with Sadhus only rejecting all kinds of other associations and by doing so one
association of pure devotees and this practice will help him awakening of will have ample opportunity to hear the Sadhus who can cut into pieces the
God-consciousness porportionately of one's sincerity of purpose. One who network of illusory affection in the material world. It is a fact that the material
desires material benefit by such devotional activities can never depend on the world is a great illusion because everything appears to be a tangible reality but
Supreme Personality of Godhead although He sits in every one's heart. the next moment everything becomes evaported like the dashing foam of the
Neither the Lord gives any direction to such persons who worship Him for sea or the cloud in the sky. The cloud in the sky undoutedly appears to be
material gain. Such materialistic devotee may be blessed by the Lord with reality because it rains and due to rains so many temporary green things
material benefits but such devotee cannot reach to the stage of the first class appear but at the ultimate issue every thing disappears namely the cloud, rain
human-being as above mentioned. There are many examples of such sincere and green vegetation all in due course. But the sky remains and the varieties
devotees in the history of the world, especially in India, and they are our of sky or luminaries also remain for ever: Simialry the Absolute Truth which
guides on the path of self-realisation. Mahatama Vidura is one of such great is compared with the sky remains eternally and the temporary cloud like
devotees of the Lord and we may all try to follow his lotus foot-prints in the illusion comes and goes away. Foolish livings being are more attracted by the
matter of selfrealisation. temporary cloud but the intelligent class of men are more concerned with the
Atha udichin disham yatu swair ahnata gatir bhavan eternal sky with all its variegatedness.
Ito' arbak prayasah kalah pumsam gunavikarsanah. Patim prayantam subalasya putri
Please therefore, go away immediately towards the northern side without Pativrata cha anujagama sadhvi
any knowledge of your relatives because just in the near future after this Himalayam nastyadanda praharsam
the time is approaching which will diminish man's good qualities. Manaswinam iva satsampraharah.
A life of frustraion can be compensated by becoming a Dheera or leaving Patim--her husband, Prayantam--while leaving home, Subalasya--of king
home for good without any knowledge of the relatives and Vidura advised his Suvala, Putri--worthy daughter, Pativrata--devoted to her husband, Cha--also,
eldest brother to adopt the way without delay. Because very quickly the age of Anujagama--followed, Sadhvi--the chaste, Himalayam--towards the
Kali was approaching was also indicated by him. A conditioned soul is Himalayan mountain, Nastyadanda--one who has accepted the rod of
already embarassed by the material association and still in the Kali Yuga good renounced order, Praharsam--object of delight, Manaswinam--of the great
qualities of a man will deteriorate to the lowest standard. He was advised to fighters, Iva--legitimate, Satsampraharah--good lashing.
leave home before the time of Kali Yuga approaches, because the atmosphere Gandhari who was the daughter King Subala of Kandahar (or Gandhar)
which was created by Vidura in response to his valuable instructions on the seeing that her husband was going to Himalayan mountains the delight of
fact of life, may fade away due to the influence of the particular age fast those who have accepted the rod of renounced order like a great fighter
approaching. To become Narottam or the first class human being depending who accepts legitimate good lashing from the enemy, the gentle chaste
completely on the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is not possible for any lady followed him.
ordinary man as it is stated in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 7.28) that a person who Soubaline or Gandhari daughter of King Subala and wife of King Dhritarastra
is completely relieved of all tints of sinful acts, can alone depend on the was an ideal lady as a devoted wife to her husband. The Vedic civilization
Supreme Lord Sri Krishna the Personality of Godhead. Dhritarastra was specially prepares chaste and devoted wives of whom Gandhari is one
advised by Vidura at least to become a Dheera in the beginning if it was amongst many such ladies mentioned in the history. Laxmiji Sitadevi was also
impossible for him to become a Sannyasi or a Narottam. Persistently a daughter of great King but she followed her husband Lord Ramachandra in
endeavouring on the line of self realisation helps a person to rise up to the the forest. Similarly as a woman she could remain at home or at her father's
conditions of a Narottam from the stage of Dheera. Dheera stage is attained house but as a chaste and gentle lady she followed her husband without ony
after prolonged practice of the Yoga system but by the Grace of Vidura one consideration. Instruction of renounced order of life was imparted to
can attain the stage immediately simply by willing to adopt the means of Dhritarastra by Vidura and Gandhari was by the side of her husband. But she
did not make any decision herself but followed the decison of her husband.
7
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Her husband also did not ask her to follow him because King Dhritarastra was wife, Asamsamanah--in doubtful mind, Shamalam--offences, Gangayam--in
at that time fully determined like a great warrior who faces all kinds of the Ganges water, Dukshito--in distressed mind, apatat--fell down.
dangers in the battlefield. He had no more any attraction for so called wife or Where is my well wisher uncle Vidura and mother Gandhari who is too
relatives and he decided to start alone but as a chaste lady Gandhari decided to much afflicted on account of her all sons' demise? My uncle Dhritarastra
follow her husband till the last moment. Maharaj Dhritarastra accepted the was also too much mortified on account of death of all his sons and grand
order of vanaprastha life and at this stage the wife is allowed to remain as sons. Undoubtedly I am very much ungrateful: did he therefore, took my
Voluntary servitor: but in the Sanyas stage no wife can stay with her former offences very seriously and thus along with his wife has drowned
husband. A Sannyasi is considered to be civil-dead man and therefore the wife themselves in the water of the Ganges?
becomes a civil-widow without any connection with her former husband.
Maharaj Dhritarastra did not deny his faithful wife and she followed her The Pnadavas specially Maharaj Yudhisthira and Arjuna presupposed the
husband at her own risk. after effects of the battle of Kurukshetra and therefore Arjuna declined to
The Sannyasins accept a rod as the sign of renounced order of life. There execute the fighting. The fight was executed by the will of the Lord but the
are two types of Sannysins. Those who follow the Mayavad Philosophy effects of a family berievement as they thought of it before had come to be
headed by Sripad Shankaracharya accept only one rod (Ekadanda) but those true. Maharaj Yudhisthir was always conscious of the great plight of his uncle
who follow the Vaishnavite Phillosophy accept three combined rods Dhritarastra and aunt Gandhari and therefore he took all possible care of them
(Tridanda). The Mayavadi Sanyasins are known as Ekadandi Swami whereas in their oldage and berieved condition. When therefore he could not find out
the Vaishanava Sannyasins are known as Triandi Swami or more distinctly his uncie and aunt in the palace naturally his doubts became more prominent
Tridandi Goswamins in order to keep distinction from the Malavad and conjectured if theyhad not gone down the water of the Ganges. He
philosoply. The Ekadandi Swamis are mostly fond of Himalayas but the thought himself ungrateful because when the Pandavas were fatherless,
Vaisnava Sainyasins are fond of Vrindaban and Puri. The Vaishnava Maharaj Dhritarastra gave them all royal facilities to live and in return he had
Sannyasins are Narottamas whereas the Mayavadi Snanysins are Dheeras. killed all his sons in the battle of Kurukshetra. As a pious man Maharaj
Maharaj Dhritarastra was advised to follow the Dheeras because at that stage Yudhisthir took into account all his unavoidable misdeeds and he never
it was difficult for him to become a Narottama. thought of the misdeeds of his uncle and company. Dhritarastra had suffered
the effects of his own misdeeds by the will of the Lord but Maharaj
Ajata satru krita maitra hutagni Yudhisthir was only thinking of his own unavoidable misdeeds. That is the
Vipran natwa tilagobhumirukmaih. nature of a good man and devotee of the Lord. A devotee never finds fault
Griham pravisto guruvandanaya with others but tries to find out his own and thus rectify them as far as
Na cha apasyat pitarou soubalin cha. possible.
Ajata--never born, Satru--enemy, Krita--having performed, Maitra-- Pitari uparate pandou sarvan nah suhridah sisun
worshipping the demigods, Hutagni--and offering fuel in the fire, Vipran--the Arakshatam byasanatah pitribyou kva gatou itah.
brahmins, Natwa--offering obeisances, Tilagobhumirukmaih--along with
grains, cows, land and gold, Griham--with in the palace, Pravisto--having Pitari--upon my father, Uparate--falling down, Pandou--Maharaj Pandu,
entered into, Guruvandanaya--for offering respect to the elderly member, Na-- Sarvan--all, Nah--us, Suhridah--wll wisher, Sisun--small children,
did not, Cha--also, Apasyat--, Pitarou--his uncle, Soubalin--Gandhari, Cha-- Arakshatam--protected, Byasanatah--from all kinds of dangers, Pitribyou--
also. uncles, Kva--where, Gatou--have, Itah--from this place.
Maharaj Yudhtshira whose enemy was neverborn, performed his daily When my father Pandu fell down and we were all small children only at
morning duties by prayers, offering sarificice in tho fire and the Sungod that time our these two uncles gavs us protection from all kinds of
and offered obeisances to the Brahmins along with grains, cows, land, calamities. They were always our good well wishers, alas where they have
gold and then enetered the palace to pay respects to the elderly members gone out from this place?
in the palace. He however could not find out his unele and aunt the Suta uvacha:
daughter of King Subala. Kripaya snehabaiklabyat suto virahakarshitah
Maharaj Ydhisthir was the most pious king because he practised personally Atmeswaram achakshano na pratyahat atipidiah.
daily the pious duty for the householders. The householders are required to Suta uvacha--Suta Goswami said, Kripaya--our of full compassion,
rise early in the morning and after cleanliness, should offer respects to the Snehabaiklabyat--Derangement of the mental situation on account of
deities at home by prayers, by offering fuel in the sacred fire, by giving in profound affection, Suto--Sanjaya, Virahakarshitah--distressed of separation,
charity the Brahmins land, cow, grains and gold etc and at last offering to the Atmeswaram--his master, Achakshano--having not seen, Na--did not,
elderly members due respects and obeisances. Unless one is prepared to Pratyahat--replied, Atipidiah--being too much aggrieved.
practise things which are prescribed in the Shastras no body can be goodman Suta Goswami said. 'Sanjaya having not seen his own Master
simply by book knowledge. Modern householders are practised to different Dhritarastra out of full compassion for and derangment of his mental
modes of life namely to rise late and then take bed-tea without any sort of situation and being too much aggrieved, could not properly reply
cleanliness and without any purificatory practices as mentioned above. The Maharaj Yudhisthira.'
householdchldren are taken to practice the samething in which the parents are
already practised and therefore the whole generation is gliding towards hell Sanjaya was Personal assistant of Maharaj Yudisthira since a very long time
and no good things can be expected from them unless they associate with and as such he had the opportunity to study the chequered history of life of
Sadhus. Like Dhritarastra the materialistic person, one may take lessons from Dhritarastra. And when he saw at last that Dhritarastra had left home without
a Sadhu like Vidura and thus be cleansed of the effects of modern life. his knowledge even his sorrows had no bound. He was fully compassionate
Maharaj Yudhisthir, however, could not find in the palace the two uncles with Dhritarastra because in the game of the battle of Kuruksetra King
namely Dhritarastra and Vidura along with Gandhari the daughter of king Dhritarastra had lost everything men and money and at last the King and the
Subala. He was anxious to see them and, therefore, asked Sanjaya the private queen had to go away from home in utter frustration. He studied the situation
secretary of Dhritarastra as follows:— in his own way because he did not know that inner vision of Dhritarastra was
awakened by Vidura and, therefore, he had left home in enthusiatic
Tatra sanjayam asinam paprachhat udvignamanasah cheerfulness for a better life after departure from the dark well of home.
Gabalgane kva nas tato briddho hinascha netrayoh. Unless one is convinced of a better life after renuciation of the present life no
Tatra--there, Sanjayam--unto Sanjaya, Asinam--seated, Paprachhat--enquired body can stick to the renounced order of life simply by artificial dress or
from, Udvignamanasah--full with anxious mind, Gabalgane--the son of staying out of home.
Gabalgan Sanjaya, Kva--where is, Nas--our, Tata--uncle, Briddho--old in age, Vimrijya ashrvni panibhyam vistabhya atmanam atmana
Hinascha--as also bereft of, Netrayoh--by the eyes. Ajatsatrum pratyuche prabhoh padou anusmaran.
Maharaj Yudhisthira full with anxious mind asked Sanjaya who was Vimrijya--smearing on, Ashrvni--tears of the eyes, Panibhyam--by his hands,
sitting on the spot and said "Oh Sanjaya where is our uncle who is Vistabhya--situated, Atmana--by intelligence, Atmanam--the mind,
advanced in age and blind by the eyes?" Ajatsatrum--unto Maharaj Yudhisthir, Ppratyuche--began to reply, Prabho--of
Amba cha hataputra arta pitribyah kva gatah suhrit his master, Padou--feet, Anusmaran--thinking after.
Api mayi akritajne hatabandhuh sa bharyaya Then he slowly pacified his mind by intelligence, smeared over tears of
Asamsamanah shamalam gangayam dukshito' apatat the eyes by his hands and after thinking of the feet of his Master
Amba--mother aunt, Cha--and, Hataputra--who had lost all her sons, Arta-- Dhritarastra began to reply to Maharaj Yudhisthira.
sorry in plight, Pitribyah--uncle Vidura, Kva--where, Gatah--gone, Suhrit-- Sanjaya uvacha:
well wisher, Api--whether, Mayi--unto me, Akritajne--ungrateful, Na aham veda byavasitam pitror bah kulanandana
Hatabandhuh--one who has lost all his sons, Sa--along with , Bharyaya--his Gandharya va mahabaho mushito asmi mahatmabhih.
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Thirteenth Chapter - Dhritarastra Quits Home
Na--not, Aham--myself, Veda--in knowledge, Byavasitam--determination, who has lost all her sons and therefore much aggrieved, is also not
Pitror--of your uneles, Bah--your, Kulanandana--oh the descendant of the traceable'
Kuru dynasty, Gandharya--by Gandhari, Va--or, Mahabaho--Oh the great Maharaj Yudhisthir as a good soul and devotee of the Lord was always
king, Mushito--cheated, Asmi--I have been, Mahatmabhih--great souls. conscious of the great loss of her aunt and her sufferings like an asectic. An
Sanjaya said, 'My dear descendant of the Kuru dynasty, I have no ascetic is never disturbed by all kinds of sufferings and that makes him strong
information about the determination of your two uncles as well as of and determined on the path of spiritual progress. Queen Gandhari is a typical
Gandhari. Oh the great King, I have been cheated by those great souls' example of an ascetic by her marvelous character in many trying situations of
Great souls cheat others may be astonishing to know but it is a fact that great her life. She was ideal woman as mother, wife and ascetic and in the history
souls cheat others for a great cause. It is said Lord Krishna also advised of the world such typical character of woman is rarely found.
Yudhisthira to tell lie before Dronacharya and it was also for a great cause. Karnadhara ibapare bhagawan paradarsakah
The Lord wantad it, therefore it was a great cause. Satisfaction of the Lord is Atha avabhasav bhagawan narada munisattamah.
the criterion of the bonafides and the highest perfection of life is to satisfy the Karnadhata—captain of the ship, Iba—like, Apare—in the extensive ocean,
Lord by one's occupational duty. That is the verdict of Geeta and Bhagawan—representative of the Lord, Paradarsaka—one who can give
Bhagwatam.* Dhritarastra and Vidtura followed by Gandhari did not disclose direction to the other end, Atha—thus, Avabhase—began to say, Bhagwan—
their determination to Sanjaya although he was constantly with Dhritarasta as the godly personality, Narada—the great sage of the Name, Munisattama—
his personal assistant. Sanjaya never thought of it that Dhritarastra could the greatest amongst the devotee philosophers.
perform any act without consulting him. But the subject matter of
Dhritarastra's going away from home was so confidential that it could not You are like the captain of the ship in the great ocean and you can give us
even be disclosed to Sanjaya. Sanatan Goswami also cheated the keeper of the the direction of the other end. On this the Godly personality Devarshi
prison-house while going away for seeing Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Narada the greatest amongst the philosopher devotees, began to say.
similarly Raghuuath Das Goswami also cheated his priest and went away There are different types of philosophers and the greatest of all of them are
from home for good for the cause of satisfying the Lord. For satisfying the those who have seen the Personality of Godhead and have surrendered
Lord anything is good in relation with Absolute Truth. We also had the same themselves in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. Among all such
opportunity for cheating the the family members and come out of home for pure devotees of the Lord Devarshi Narada is the chief and therefore He has
being engaged in the service of Srimad Bhagwatam. Such cheating to the been described herein as the greatest of all philosopher devotees. Unless one
family members was necessary for a great cause and there is no loss for any is sufficiently learned philosopher by hearing the Vedanta Philosophy from a
party implicated in such transandental fraud. bonafide spiritual master, one cannot be a learned philosopher devotee. One
Atha ajagama bhagawan narada sahatumburuh must be very much faithful, learned and possessing a calebre of renunciation
Pratyvtthaya abhivadya aha sanujo' abhyarchayan iba otherwise one cannot be a pure devotee. Such pure devotee of the Lord can
only give us direction towards the other end of nescience. Devarshi Narada
Atha—thereafter, Ajagama—arrived, Bhagawan—the Godly Personality, used to visit the palace of Maharaj Yudhisthira because the Pandavas were all
Narada—of the name, Sahatumburu—along with His Tumburu (musical pure devotees of the Lord and the Devarshi was always ready to give them
instrument), Pratyutthaya—having got from their seats, Abhivabya—offering good counsel whenever needed.
their due obeisances, Sanujo—along with younger brothers, Abhyarchayan
iba—thus while receiving in proper mood. Ma kanchana sucho rajan yad iswarabasham jagat
Lokah sapala yasya ime bahanti balim isituh.
Thereafter, while Sanjay was speaking like that Sri Narada the powerful Sa samyunakti bhutani sa eva viyunakti cha.
devotee of the Lord appeared on the scene and Maharaj Yudhisthir and
brothers while receiving Him properly by getting up from their seats and Ma—never, Kanchana—by all means, Sucho—do you lament, Rajan—oh
offering obeisances along with his younger brothers, said as follows. King, Yad—because, Iswarabasham—under the control of the Supreme Lord,
Jagat—world, Lokah—all living beings, Sapala— including their leaders,
Devarshi Narada is described herein as the Bhagawan on account of His Yasya—whose, Ime—all these, Bahanti—do bear, Balim—means of worship,
becoming the most confidential devotee of the Lord. The Lord and His very Isituh—for being protected, Sa—he, Samyunakti—gets together, Bhutani—all
confidential devotees are treated on the same level by those who are actually living being, Sa—he, Eva—also,Viyunaikti— disperses, Cha—and.
engaged in the loving service of the Lord. Such confidential devotees of the
Lord are very much dear to the Lord because such devotees travel everywhere Oh the pious king do not lament for anyone because every one is under
to preach the glories of the Lord in different capacities and try utmost to the control of the Supreme Lord. As such all living beings including their
convert the non-devotees of the Lord into devotee inorder to bring them on respective leaders do carry on the means of worship for being-protected.
the platform of sanity. Actually no living being can be a nondevotee of the It is He only who gets them together and He disperses them also.
Lord on account of his constitutional position but when one becomes a non- Every living being either in this material world or in the spiritual world all are
devotee or non believer it is to be understood that the person concerned is not under the control of the Supreme Lord the Personality of Godhead. Beginning
in the sound condition of life. The confidential devotees of the Lord treat such from Brahmaji the leader of this universe down to the insignificant ant all are
illusioned living beings and therefore they are most pleasing in the eyes of the abiding by the order of the Supreme Lord. As such the constitutional position
Lord. The Lord says in the Bhagwat Geeta that no body is dearer to Him of the living being is subordination under the control of the Lord. The foolish
except one who actually preachess the glories of the Lord to convert the non- living being specially the man artificially rebels against the law of the
believer and non-devotees. Such personalities like Narada must be offered all supreme and thus becomes chastised as an Asura or the law breaker. A living
due respects like that of the personlity of Godhead Himself and Maharaj being is placed in a particular position by the order of the Supreme Lord and
Yudhisthir along with his noble brothers were competent examples for others he is again shifted from that place by the order of the Supreme Lord. No body
in the matter of receiving a pure devotee of the Lord like Narada who had no can violate the order of the Supreme Lord or His authorised agents. Brahma,
other business save and except singing the glories of the Lord along with Shiva, Indra, Chandra, Maharaj Yudhisthir or in the modern history the
Tumburu a musical instrument of string, Napolean, the Akbar, the Alexander, Gandhi, Subhas or Nehru all are servants
Yudhisthira uvacha: of the Lord and they are placed and removed from their respective position by
Na aham veda gatim pitrorbhagavan kva gatah itah the Supreme will of the Lord. None of them is independant. Even though such
Amba ba hataputra arta kva gata cha tapaswini men or leaders rebel so as not to recognise the Supremacy of the Lord, they
are put under still more rigorous laws of the material world by different
Yudhisthira uvacha--Maharaj Yudhisthira said, Na--do no, Aham--myself, miseries and only the foolish man, therefore, says that there is no God.
Veda--know it, Gatim--departure, Pitror--of the uncles, Bhagawan--Oh godly Maharaj Yudhisthir was tried to be convinced about this naked truth because
personality, Kva--where, Gatah--gone, Itah--from this place, Amba--mother he was too much over-whelmed by the sudden departure of his old uncles and
aunt, Ba--either, Hataputra--lost of her sons, Arta--aggrieved, Kva--where, aunt. Maharaj Dhritarastra was placed in that position according to his past
Gata--gone, Cha--also, Tapaswini--ascetic. deeds, he had already suffered or enjoyed the benefits accrued by him in the
Maharaj Yudhisthir said, 'Oh godly personality, I donot know where past but due to his good luck some how or other he got a good younger
have my two uncles gone away; not only they but also my ascetic aunt brother in the person of Vidura and by his instruction he had left for achieving
salvation by closing all accounts of the materal world.
Ordinarily no body can change the course of one's due happiness and
distresses by plan. Every one has to accept them as they come before us under
*
Yatah pravirtti bhutanam yena servam idam tatam subtle arrangement of Kala or invincible time. There is no use for trying to
Swakarmana tamabhyarchya siddhim vindati manavah. (Bg. 18.45) counter act them. The best thing is, therefore, that one should endeavour for
achieving salvation and this prerogative is given to man only on account of
Atah pumbhi dwijasrestha varnasram bibhagashah his developed condition of the mental activities and intelligence also. Only for
Swanusthitasya dharmasya samsiddhi haritoshanam (SB 1.2.13) the man only different Vedic instructions are there for attainment of
'Salvation' during the human form of existence. One who misuses this
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
opportunity of advanced intelligence is verily condemned and put into Geeta (Bg. 9.30–31) that the Lord saves a pure devotee who has surrendered
different types of miseries either in this present life or in the future. That is the unto Him without any reservation, from all sorts of reactions of sins and there
way of Supreme control over everyone. is no doubt about this. There are hundreds of examples of this changed
Yatha gava nasi protas tantyam baddhas cha damabhih resultant actions by the Lord in the history of the world. When the Lord is
Vaktantayam namabhir baddha bahanti balim isutuh. able to change the resultant reaction of one's past deeds then certainly He is
not Himself also bound up by any action or reaction of His own deeds. He is
Yatha—as and as, Gava—cow, Nasi—by the nose, Protas—woven, perfect and transcendental to all laws.
Tantyam—by thread, Baddhas—bound up by, Cha—also, Damabhih—by
ropes, Vaktantyam—in the net work of vedic hymns, Namabhir—by Yat mannase dhruvam lokam adhruvam va na cha ubhayam
nomenclatures, Baddha—conditioned, Bahanti— carry on, Balim—orders, Sarvatha na hi sochyaste snehat anyatra mohajat.
Isituh—for being controlled by the Supreme Lord. Yat--eventhough, Mannase--you think, Dhruvam--absolute truth, Adhruvam--
As the cow being woven by threads in the nose and bound up by long nonreality, Va--either, Na--or not, Cha--also, Ubhayam--pr bothwise,
rope is conditioned, so also human being is tied up by different Sarvatha--in all circumstances, Na--never, Hi--certainly, Sochyaste--subject
nomenclatures of Vedic injunctions and conditioned to obey the orders of for lamentation, Snehat--due to affection, Anyatra--or otherwise, Mohajat--
the Supreme. due to bewilderment.
Every living being either a man or an animal or a bird etc every one thinks Oh the King ! in all circumstances either you consider the soul as eternal
that he is free by himself but actually no body is free from the severe laws of principle or the material body as perishable or everything in the
the Lord.* That is the condition of material existence. All living beings in the impersonal Absolute Truth or the whole thing as inexplicable
maerial world have taken up the risk of conditioned life by their own selection combination of matter and spirit, feelings of separation is due only to an
and have thus been entrapped by the laws of material nature. The human form illusory affection and nothing more.
of life is meant for understanding this conditioned life and thus become free The actual fact is that every living being is an individual part and parcel of the
from the clutches of material existence and the only means for getting out of supreme Being and his constitutional position is subordinate co-operative
the entanglement is to agree to obey the Supreme. But instead of becoming service. Either in his conditional material existence or in his liberated position
free from the clutches of Maya or illusion, the foolish human being becomes of full knowledge and eternity, the living entity is eternally under the control
bound up by different nomenclatures of being designated as Brahmins, of the Supreme Lord. But those who are not conversant with the factual know
Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Sudras, Hindus, Mussalmans, Indians, Europeans, ledge, they put forward many speculative propositions about the real position
Americans, Chinese, and many others and thus carry on the orders of the of the living entity. It is admitted, however, by all schools of philosophy that
Supreme Lord under the influence respective scriptural or legislative the living being is eternal and the covering body of five material elements is
injunctions.* Such scriptural injunctions are made by liberated representative perishable and temporary. The eternal living entity trnsmigrates from one
of God in consideration of different conditions of living and by carrying on matreial body to another by the law of Karma and material body is perishable
such orders of the Lord gradually the conditioned living beings become free by its fundamental structure. Therefore there is nothing to be lamented in the
from the clutches of material existence. The factual position of the living case of the soul's being trnasferred into another body or the material body
being is, however, that he is eternally servitor of the Supreme Lord. In his being perished at a certain stage. There are others also who believe in the
liberated state he renders service to the Lord in trascendental love and thus merging the spirit soul in the Supreme spirit being uncovered by the material
enjoys a life of full freedom even sometimes on the equal level with the Lord encagement, and there are others also who do not believe in the existence of
or sometimes more than the Lord. But in the conditioned state of material spirit or soul but believe in tangible matter. In our daily experience we find so
world every living being wants to be the Lord of other living beings and thus many transformations of matter from one form to another but we do not
by the illusion of Maya such mentality of lording it over, becomes a cause of lament for such changing features. In either of the above cases, the force of
further extention of conditional life. So in the material world the living being Divine Energy is uncheckable; no body has any hand upon it and as such there
is still more conditioned till he surrenders unto the Lord by reviving his is no cause of grief.
original state of eternal servitorship. That is the last instruction of the Tasmat jahi anga klaivyam ajnana kritam atmanah
Bhagwat Geeta and all other recognised scriprures of the world. Katham anatha kripanah varterans te cha mam vina.
Yatha kridopaskaranam samyoga vigamabiha Tasmat—therefore, Jahi—give up, Anga—oh the King, Klaivyam—disparity
Ichhaya kriditum syatam tatha eva isha ichhaya nrinam of the mind, Ajnana—ingnorance, Kritam—due to, Atmanah—of youself,
Yatha—as much as, Kridopaskaranam—playthings, Samyoga—union, Katham—how, Varterans—be able to survive, Cha—also, Mam—me, Vina—
Vigamou—disunion, Iha—as much as, Ichhaya—by the will of, Kriditum— without.
just for playing part only, Syatam—takes place, Tatha—so also, Eva— Therefore give up your disparity of mind on account of ignorance of
certainly, Isha—the Supreme Lord, Icchaya—by the will of, Nrinam—of the yourself as you are thinking of how they, who are helpless poor creatures,
human being. shall exist certainly without you.
As by the sweet will of the player the playthings are set up and again When we think of our kith and kin who are out of sight as helpless and
dispersed, so also by the Supreme will of the Lord men are associated dependant on us, it is all due to ignorance only. Every living creature is
with other particular men and again they are separated. allowed all protection of living conditions by the order of the Supreme Lord
We must know it for certain that the particular position in which we are now in terms of every one's acquired position in the world. The Lord is known as
set up is an arrangement of the Supreme will in terms of our own act in the Bhutabhrit one who gives protection to all living beings. One should
past. The Supreme Lord is present as the localised Paramatma in the heart of discharge his duties only otherwise except the Supreme Lord nobody can give
every living being as it is said in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 13.22) and therefore any protection to any body else. This is explained more clearly in the
He knows everything of our activities in any stage of our life. The reactions of following verse.
our actions are rewarded by Him by placing us in some particular place. A Kala karma guna adhino deha ayam pancha bhoutikah
rich man gets his son born with silver spoon in the mouth of the rich man but Katham anyans tu gopayet sarpagrasto yatha aparam.
the child who comes as the rich man's son is a particular living being who
deserved such place and therefore he is placed there by the will of the Lord. Kala—eternal time, Karma—action, Guna—modes of nature, Deha,—
And at a particular moment when the child has to be removed from that place, material body and mind, Ayam—this, Pancha—five, Bhoutikam—made of
is also carried by the will of the Supreme even the child or the father does not the five elements, Katham—how, Anyans—others, Tu—but, Gopayet—give
wish to be separated from the happy relation. The same thing happens in the protection, Sarpagrasto—one who is bitten by the snake, Yatha—as such as,
case of a poor man also and either the rich man or the poorman no body has Aparam—others.
any control over such amalgamation or separation of living beings. The This gross material body made of five elements is already under the
example of player and the playthings may not be misunderstood. One may control of eternal time, actions and the modes of material nature. How
argue that the Lord is bound to award the reactionary result of our own action then it can protect others already being under the jaws of the serpent.
and as such the example of a player cannot be applied. But it is not so. We Freedom movement of the world by political, economical, social, cultural
must always remember that the Lord is the Supreme will and He is not bound propaganda can do no benefit to the beneficiary on account of being
up any law. Generallythe law of Karma is that one is awarded the result of controlled by superior power. A conditioned living being is under the full
one's own actions but in special cases by the will of the Lord such resultant control of material nature represented by eternal time and activities under the
actions are changed also. But this change can be effected by the will of the dictation of different modes of nature. There are three material modes of
Lord only and no other else. Therefore, the example of the player cited in this nature namely goodness, passion and ignorance. Unless one is not situated in
verse in quite appropriate and the Supreme will is absolutely free to do the modes of goodness one can not see things as they are. The passionate and
whatever He likes; and because He is all perfect there is no mistake in any of the ignorant cannot even see things as they are. Therefore a person who is
His action or reaction. This change of resultant actions are specially done by passionate and ignorant can not direct his activities on the right path. Only the
the Lord when a pure devotee is concerned. This is assured in the Bhagwat
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Thirteenth Chapter - Dhritarastra Quits Home
man in the quality of goodness can help to a certain extent. Most persons are Tad—therefore, Idam—this manifestations, Bhagawan—the Personalty of
passionate and ignorant and therefore plans and projects can hardly do any Godhead, Rajan—oh the King, Eka—one without a second, Atma—the
good to others. Above the modes of nature there is the eternal time which is Supersoul, Atmanam—by his energies, Swadrik—qualitatively like Him,
called Kala because time changes the shape of every thing in the material Antaro—without, Anantaro—within and by Himself, Bhati—so manifests,
world. Even if we are able to do something temporarily beneficial still time Pasya— look, Tam—unto Him only, Mayaya—by manifestations of different
will see that the good project is frustrated in course of time. The only thing energies, Urudha—appear to be many.
which is possible to be done is to get rid of the eternal time Kala which is Therefore oh the king you should look unto the Supreme Lord only who
compared with Kala Sarpa or the cobra snake whose biting is always is one only without a second and manifests Himself by different energies
insuperaple. No body can be saved from the biting effect of a cobra. The best as differently situated within and without.
remedy for getting out of the clutches of the cobralike Kala or its integrity the
modes of nature, is Bhaktiyoga as it is recommemded in the Bhagwat Geeta The Supreme Lord Pesonality of Godhead is one without a second but He
(Bg. 14.26) The highest perfectional project of philanthropic activities is to manifests Himself by different energies because He is by nature blissful. The
engage every one in the act of preaching Bhaktiyoga all over the world living beings are also manifestations of His marginal energy qualitatively one
because that alone can save the people from the control of Maya or the with the Lord and there are innumerable living beings both within and without
material nature represented by Kala, Karma and Guna as described above. the external and internal energies of the Lord. The spiritual world being the
The Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 14.26) confirms this definitely. manifestation of the Lord's internal energy the living beings, within that
internal potency, are qualitatvely one with the Lord without any
Ahastani sahastanam apadani chatuspadam contamination of the external potency. But the living being in the external
Phalguni tatra mahatam jivo jivasya jivanam. potency of the Lord, although qualitatively one with the Lord, due to
Ahastani—those who are devoid of hands, Sahastanam—of those who are contamination of the material world such qualities are pervertedly manifested
endowed with hands, Apadani—those who are devoid of legs, and therefore they are the cause of so called happiness and distress of the
Chatuspadanam—of those who have four legs, Phalguni—those who are material world. Such experience of the material happiness and distress of the
weak, Tatra—there, Mahatam—of the poweful, Jivo— the living being, living being or being devoured by the strong in the weak form of life are
Jivanam—subsistance. different stages of material pangs and they are all ephemeral without any
Those who are devoid of hands are subsistance for those who are actual happening on the spirit soul. The perception of such ephemeral
endowed with hands, those who are devoid of legs are of the four legged. happiness and distress is due only to the forgetfulness of his qualities equal
As such the weak is the subsistance of the strong and the general rule is with the Lord. There is however a regular current for rectifying the fallen
that one living being is the food for another living being. condition of the living being by the Lord Himself from within and without.
From within He corrects the desiring living being as localised Paramatma and
A systematic law of subsistance in the field of struggle for existence is there from without He corrects by His manifestations of Spiritual master and the
by the Supreme will and there is no escape by any one by any ammount of revealed scriptures. One should look unto the Lord means that one should not
planning commission. The living being who have come to the material world be disturbed by the so called manifesta tions of happiness or distress of the
against the will of the Supreme Being are under the control of a Supreme living being but he should try to co-operate with the Lord in His outward
Power called the Maya Shakti deputed agent of the Lord and this Daivi Maya activities for correcting the fallen souls. By His order only one should become
is meant for pinching the conditioned souls by three fold miseries one of the Spiritual master and co-operate with the Lord. One should not become a
which is explained here in this verse that the weak is thc subsistance of the spiritual master for one's personal benefit or for some material gain as a venue
strong. But no body is strong enough to protect himself from the onslought of of business or occupation for earning live lihood. Such bonafide spiritual
the stronger one and by the will of the Lord there are systematic categories of masters who look unto the Supreme Lord for co-operating with Him are
the weak and the strongest than the stronger. There is nothing to be lamented actually qualitatively one with the Lord and the forgetful ones are perverted
if a tiger eats another weaker animal including the man because that is the law reflections only. Yudhisthir Maharaj is advised therefore by Narada not to be
of the Snpreme Lord. But for the human being, although the law is there that disturbed with the affairs of so called happiness and distress but he should
the human being must subsist on another living being, there is the law of good only look unto the Lord to execute mission for which the Lord had descended.
sense also for the human being which is meant to obey the law of the That was his prime duty.
scriptures also which is impossible for other animals. The human being is
meant for self realisation and for that purpose he is not to eat anything which So 'ayam adya maharaja bhagawan bhutabhavanah
is not first offered to the Lord. The Lord accepts from his devotee all kinds of Kalarupa avateerna' asyam abhavaya suradvisam.
food preparations made of vegetables namely fruits and leaves and as such Sa—that Supreme Lord, Ayam—the Lord Sri Krishna, Maharaja—oh the
grains fruits leaves and milk in different varieties of foodstuff can be offered King, Adya—at present, Bhagawan—the Personallty of Godhead,
to the Lord and after acceptance of the food stuff by the Lord a human being Bhutabhavanah—the creator or the Father of everything created, Kalarupa—
devotee of the Lord can partake of the Prasadam by which his all sufferings of in the disguise of devouring time, Avateerna—descended, Asyam—of the
struggle for existence will be gradually mitigated. This is confirmed in the world, Abhavaya—for eleminating, Suradvisam—of those who are against the
Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 9.22). Even those who are accustomed to eat animals will of the Lord.
they can offer the foodstuff not to the Lord directly but to the agent particular That Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna Kalarupa-in the
of the Lord under certain conditions of religious rites. And injunctions of the disguise of Kala has now at the present moment descended on the earth
scriptures are not meant for encouraging the eaters in animal foodstuff but to for eleminating the compas of the envious from this world.
restrict them by regulated principles.
The living being is the source of subsistance for other sronger living There are two classes of human beings namly the envious and the obedient.
beings. No body should be very anxious for his subsistance at any The Supreme Lord being one and the Father of all living beings the envious
circumstances because there are living beings every where and no living being living beings are also His sons but they are known as the Ashuras. But the
starves for want of food at any place. Maharaj Yudhithir is advised by Narada living beings who are obedient to the Supreme Father are called Devatas or
not to worry for his uncles that they would suffer for want of food but on the the demigods because such living beings are not contaminated by the material
contrary they could live on vegetables available there also in the jungle as conception of life. The Ashuras are not only envious of the Lord in the matter
Prasadam of the Supreme Lord and thus realise the path of salvation. of even denying the existence of thc Lord, but also be come envious of all
Exploitation of the weaker living being by the strong is the nat ural law for other living beings. Such predominance of the Ashuras in the world is
existence; there is always an attempt to devour the weak by the stronger occasionally rectified by the Lord by eliminating them fromthe world and by
neighbour in different kingdoms of the living being. There is no possiblity of establishing the rule of Devatas like the Pandavas. His designation as the Kala
checking this tendency by any artificial means under material condition but it in disguise is significant. He is not at all dangerous but He is transcendental
can only be checked by awakening the spiritual sense of the human kind by Form of eternity, knowledge and bliss. For the devotees His factual Form is
practice of the spiritual regulations. The spiritual regulative principles disclosed and for the non devotees He appears like the talarupa which is
however does not allow a man to slaughter the weaker animals on one side causal Form. This causal Form ofthe Lord is not at all pleasing to tlte Ashuras
and teach others for peaceful co-existence. If you do not allow the animals for and therefore they think of the Lord as formless in order to feel a self
peaceful co-existence under good sense of humanity how you can expect complacence in the matter of not being vanquished by the Lord.
peaceful co-existence in the human society. The blind leaders of human being Nispcditam devakrityam avasesam pratikshate
must therefore understand the Supreme Being and then try to implement the Tavat yuyam avekashadhwa bhavet yavat iha iswarah.
Kingdom of God. Kingdom of God or Ramrajya is impossible without the Nispaditam--performed, Devakrityam--what was to be done on behalf of the
awakening of God consciousness in the mass mind of the people of the world. demigods, Avasesam--the rest, Pratikshate--being awaited, Tavat--up to that
Tad idam bhaghwan rajan eka atma atmanam swadrik time, Yuyam--you all the Pandavas, Avekashadhwa--observe and wait, Yavat-
Antaro anantaro bhati pasya tam mayaya urudha. -as long as, Iha--in this world, Iswarah--the Supreme Lord.
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
The Lord has already performed His duties to help the demigods and the gradually becoming free from Vishaya or material objectives. Material
rest is being awaited by Him. You Pandavas may wait so long as the Lord existence means to be absorbed in the material objective which is simply
is here on this earth. illusory. The house, country. family, society, children, property, business,
The Lord descends from His abode (Krishnaloka) the topmest planet in the these are some of the material coverings of the spirit Atma and the Yoga
spiritual sky inorder to help the demigods administrators of this materialworld system helps one to be free from all these illusory thoughts of the mind and
when they are too much vexed by the Ashuras who are not only envious of the gradually turn it towards the Absolute Person Param-Atma. By material
Lord but also of His devotees. As referred to above the conditioned living association and education we learn simply to concentrate on such flimsy
beings contact material association by their own choice dictated by a strong things as above mentioned and Yoga means the process of forgetting them
desire to Lord it over the resources of the material world and desire to become altogether. Modern socalled Yogis and Yoga system manifests some magical
imitation Lord of all they survey; and every one is trying to become an feats and ignorant persons are attracted by such false things or accept the
imitation God, there is keen competition amongst such imitation gods and Yoga system as an art of cheap healing process for diseases of the gross body
such competitors are generally known as Ashuras. When there are too many But factually the Yoga system is the process of learning to forget what we
Ashurs in the world then it becomes a hell for those who are devotees of the have acquired throughout the struggle for existence. Dhritarastra was all along
Lord. Due to the growth of the Ashuras the mass of people who are generally engaged in the matter of improving the family affairs by raising the standard
devoted to the Lord by nature and the pure devotees of the Lord including the of living of his sons or by usurping the property of the Pandavas for the sake
demigods in higher planets pray to the Lord for relief and the Lord either of his own sons. These things are common affairs for a man grossly
descends personally from His abode or deputes some of his devotees to materialistic without knowledge of the spiritual force how it can drag one
remodel the fallen condition of the human society or even the animal society. from heaven to the hell. By the grace of his younger brother Vidura,
Such disruptions take place not only in the human society but also in the Dhritarastra was enlightened in the matter of his grossly illusory engagements
animal, birds or other living beings including the demigods in the higher and by such enlightenment only such grossly materially engaged man was
planets. Lord Sri Krishna descended personally on account of vanquishing the able to leave home for good for spiritual realisation and Sri Naradadeva was
then Ashuras like Kansa, Jarasandha, Sisupala etc., and during the reign of just foretelling the way of his spiritual progress in a place which was
Maharaja Yudhisthir almost all the above mentioned Ashuras were killed by sanctified by the flow of celestial Ganges. Drinking water only without any
the Lord and now he was awaiting the annihilation of His own dynasty called solid food is also accounted for as fasting which is very much nece ssary for
the Yadubansas who appeared by His will in this world and He wanted to take advancement of spiritual knowledge. A foolish man want to be cheap Yogi
them away also before His own departure to His eternal abode. Narada like without observing the regulative principles. A man who has no control over
Vidura did not disclose the imminent annihilaition of the Yadudynasty but the tongue at first can hardly become a Yogi. Yogi and Bhogi are two
indirectly gave hint to the King and his brothers to to wait till the incident opposite terms. The Bhogi or the merryman for eating and drinking cannot be
happens and the Lord departs. Yogi and Yogi is never allowed to eat and drink unrestrictedly. We may note
with profit how Dhritarastra had began his Yoga system by drinking water
Dhri;arastra saha bhratra gandharya cha swabharyaya only and sitting calmly in a place of spiritual atmosphere deeply absorbed in
Dakshinena himabatarishinam ashramam gatah. the thoughts of the Lord Hari the Personality of Godhead.
Dhritrastra—uncle of Maharaj yudhisthir, Saha—along with, Bhratra—his Jeetasana jeetaswasah pratyahrita sada indriyah
brother Vidura, Gandharya—Gandhari also, Cha—and, Swabharyaya—his Hari bhavanaya dhwasta rajah satwa tamo malah.
own wife, Dakshinena—by the southern side, Himabata—of the Himalyan
mountain. Rishinam—of the Rshis, Ashramam—in shelter, Gatah—he has Jeetasana—one who has controlled over the sitting posture, Jeetaswasa—one
gone. who has controlled over the breathing process, Pratyahrita—turning back,
Sada—six, Indriyas—senses, Hari—the Absolute Personality of Godhead,
"Oh the King your uncle Dhritarastra along with his brother Vidura and Bhavanaya—absorbed in, Dhwasta—conquered over, Rajah—passion,
his own wife Gandhri, has gone to the southern side of the Himalayan Satwa—goodness, Tamo—ignorance, Malah—contaminations.
mountains where there are shelters of the great sages"
One who has conquered over the sitting postures (the Yogic Asana) and
To pacify the mourning Maharaj Yudhsthira, Narada first of all spoke from thus controlled over the breathing process can turn back the senses
philosophical point of view and then he began to describe the future towards the Absolute Perfonality of Godhead and thus become immune
movements of his uncle which he could see by his foreseeing power and thus from the contaminations of the modes of material nature namely worldly
began to describe as follows. goodness, passion and ignorance.
Srotobhih saptabhir ya bai swardhuni saptadha byadhat The preliminary activities of the way of yoga is Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahar,
Saptanam pritaye nana saptasrotah prachakshate. Dhyan, Dharana, etc. So far Maharaj Dhritarastra was concerned he was just
Srotobhih—by currents, Saptabhir—by seven (divisions), Ya—the river, to attain success in those preliminary actions because he was seated tight in a
Bai—certainly, Swardhuni—the sacred Gnages, Saptadha—seven branches fixed up sanctified place and was concentrating upon one objective namely
Byadhat—created, Saptanam—of the seven, Pritaye—for satisfaction of, the Supreme personality of Godhead (Hari). As such all his senses were being
Nana—various, Saptasrotah—seven sources, Prachakshate—known by the engaged in the service of the Lord which process directly helps the devotee to
name. to get freedom from the contaminations of the three material modes of nature.
The place is called as 'Saptasrota' on account of the water of the sacred Even the highest quality of material mode of goodness is also the cause of
Ganges river being furcated in the seven divisions of currents which was material bondage and what to speak of the other qualities namely passion and
done for the satisfaction of the seven great Rishis. ignorance. Passion and ignorance increase the material propensities of
hankering for material enjoyment and a strong sense of lust for acumulating
Snatwa anusavanam tasmin hutwa cha agnin yathavidhi wealth and power. One who has conqured over these two base mentalities and
Abbhakasha upasanta atma saaste vigata esanah. has raised himself on the platform of goodness which is full of knowledge and
Snatwa--by taking bath, anusavanam--regularly three times morning noon and morality cannot also control over these senses namely the eyes, the tongue,
evening, Yasmin--in that sevenly divided Ganges, Hutwa--by performing the nose, the ear and the touch. But one who has surrendered himself unto the
sacrifice of the name Agnihotra, Cha--also, Agnin--in the fire, Yathabidhi-- lotus feet of the Lord Hari, as above mentioned can transcend all influences of
just according to the tenets of the scripture, Abbhakasha--allmost fasting by the modes of material nature and be fixed up in the service of the Lord. The
drinking water, Upasanta--completely controlled, Atma--the gross senses and Bhaktiyoga processs therefore directly apply the senses in the loving service
the subtle mind, Sa--Dhritarastra, Aste--would be situated, Vigata--devoid of, of the Lord which prohibits the performer being engaged in any material
Esanah--thoughts in relation with family welfare. activities. This process of turning back the face of the senses from material
In that 'Saptasrota' bank of the sevenly divided Ganges, Dhritarastra attachment to the loving transcendental service of the Lord is called Pratyahar
would now be engaged in the beginning of Astanga Yoga practice by and the very process is called Pranayam ultimately ending in the matter of
taking bath three time in the morning, noon and evening and performing Samadhi or being absorbed in the objective of pleasing the Supreme Lord
Agnihotra sacrifice in the fire and fasting by drinking water only. This Hari by all means.
would help in controlling the mind and the senses being completely freed Vijnana atmani somyojya kshetrajne pravilapya tam
from thoughts of family affection. Brahmani atmanam adhare ghatambararm iva ambare.
The Yoga system is a mechanical way of controlling the senses and the mind Vijnana—purified identity, Atmani—of intelligence, Samyojya—perfectly
for diverting them from matter to spirit. The preliminary processes are the fixing up, Kshetrajne—in the matter of the living being, Pravilapya—merging
sitting posture, meditation, spiritual thoughts, utilising the air passing within in, Tam—him, Bramani—in the Supreme, Atmanam—pure living being,
the body gradually be situated in trance by facing the Absolute Person Adhare—in the reservoir, Ghatambaram—sky within the block, Iva—like,
Paramatma. Such mechanical ways of rising up to the spiriturl platform Ambare—in the Supreme sky.
prescribe some regulative principles of taking bath three times, fasting as far Dhritarastra had to amalgamate his pure identity with intellegence then
as possible, sitting with concentration of the mind on spiritual matter and thus merge into the Supreme Being with knowledge of qualitatively one with
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Thirteenth Chapter - Dhritarastra Quits Home
the Supreme Brahman as living entity. And do ing this he had to Dahyamane agnibhir dehe patyuh patni sahotaje
transcend in the spiritual sky being freed from the blocked sky. Bahi sthita patim saddhi tam agnim anubekshati.
The living being by his material desire to lord it over the maeterial world and Dahyamane—while it is burning, Agnibhir—by the fire. Dehe—the body,
declining to co-operate with the Supreme Lord contact the sum-total of patyuh—of the husband, patni—the wife, Sahotaje—along with the thatched
material world namely Mahat Tatwa and from Mahat Tatwa his false identity cottage, Bahi—outside, Sthita—situated, Patim—unto the husband, Saddhi—
with the material world, intelligence, mind, and the senses are developed all the chaste lady, Tam—that, Agnim—fire, Anubekshati—look in with great
covering his pure spiritual identity. By the Yogic process as abovementioned attention shall enter into the fire.
when his pure identity is realised which is known as self realisation then one While observing her husband, from outside, burning in the fire of mystic
has to revert to the original position first by amalgamating the five gross power along with the thatched cottage, the chaste lady would enter in to
elements and the subtle elements mind, intellilegence into the Mahat Tatwa the fire while looking very attentively.
again. Thus eleminating the pure soul from the combined clutches of the
Mahat Tatwa he has to merge in the existence of the Super soul. In other Gandhari was the ideal chaste lady a life companion of her husband and
words he has to realise it that qualitatively he is non-different from the Super therefore while she saw her husband burning in thc fire of mystic Yoga along
soul and as such he transcends the material sky by his pure identitical with the cottage of leaves, certainly her despair of life could not be described.
intelligence and thus becomes engaged in the transcendental loving service of She came out of home after losing all her one hundred sons and in the forest
the Lord. This is highest perfectional development of spiritual identity which she saw her most beloved husband was also burning. Now she actually felt
was attained by Dhritarastra by the grace of Vidura and the Lord. The Lord's alone and therefore entered the fire of her husband and followed her husband
mercy was bestowed upon him in the matter of his personal contact with till death. This entering of a chaste lady in the fire of her dead husband is
Vidura and when he was actually in practice in the matter of the instructions called Sati rite and the action is cosidered as the most perfect stage for an
of Vidura, the Lord helped him in attaining the highest perfectional stage. woman. In the later age this Sati rite became an obnoxious criminal affair
A pure devotee of the Lord does not live in any planet of the material sky because the ceremony was forced upon an woman unwilling to become Sati.
nor does he feel any contact with material elements. His socalled material In this fallen age it is not possible for any lady to follow the Sati rite as
body does not exist being surcharged with spiritual current of the Lord's chastely as it was done by Gandhari and others of by-gone age. A chaste wife
identical interest and thus he is permanently freed from all contaminations of like by Gandhari would feel the separation of her husband more burning than
the sum-total Mahat Tatwa. He is always in the spiritual sky which he attains actual burning in fire. Such lady could observe the Sati rite voluntarily and
by intercepting the seven-fold material coverings by the effect of his devo there was no criminal force by any one. When the rite became a formality
tional service. The conditioned souls are within the coverings whereas the only and force was applied upon a lady to follow the principle actually it
liberated soul are far beyond the cover. became criminal and therefore the ceremony was to bc stopped by state law.
This foretelling of Narada Muni to Maharaj Yudrhisthir forbade him to go to
Dhawasta mayaguna udarko niruddha karanasayah his wtdow aunt even.
Nibartita akhila ahara aste sthanur iva achalah
Tasya antaraya maibabhuh samnasta akhila karmanah. Viduras tu tad ascharyam nishamya kurunaudana
Harsa soka yutas tasmat ganta tirtha nishevakah.
Dhawasta—being destroyed, mayaguna—the modes of material nature,
Udarka—after effects, Niruddha—being suspended, Karanashayah—the Viduras--Vidura also, Tu--but, Tad--that incidence, Ascharyam--wonderful,
senses and the mind, Nivartita—stopped, Akhila—all, Ahara—food for the Nishamya--seeing, Kurunaudana--oh the son of kuru dynasty, Harsa--delight,
senses, Sthanur—immovable, Iva—like, Ashalah—fixed up, Tasya—his, Soka--grief, Yutas--affected by, Tasmat--from that place, Ganta--wend away,
Antaraya—hindrances, Maib—neverlike that, Abhu—be, Samnasta— Tirtha--pilgrimage, Nishevakah--for being enlivened.
renounced, Akhila—all sorts, Karmanah—material duties. Vidura also shall go away from that place for being enlivened in sacred
He had now suspended all sense action even from the outside and was pilgrimages being affected with delight and grief.
completely able of not being distributed by the interaction of the senses Vidura was astonished to see about the marvelous departure of his brother
influenced by the modes of material nature. After renouncement of all Dhritastra as a liberated Yogi even though in his past life he was too much
sorts of material duties he is now fixed up as immovable and do not attached to materialism. Off course it was only due to Vidura that his brother
become the source of hindrances on the path. attained such desirable goal of life. He was therefore glad to learn about it.
Dhritarastra had attained by sueh Yogic process the stage of negation from all But he was sorry also that he could not make his brother turn into a pure
sorts of material reaction. The effects of material modes of nature drag the devotee. Either this was not done by Vidura on account of Dhrltarastra
victim to indefatigable desires of enjoying the matter but they can be stopped becoming too much enemical to the Pandavas who were all devotees of the
from such false enjoyment by the Yogic process. Every sense is always busy Lord. Offence at the feet of a Vaishnava is more dangerous than an offence at
in searching its food and thus the conditioned soul is embarassed from all the lotus feet of the Lord. Offence at the feet of the Lord is easily excused by
sides without any chance of becoming steady in any pursuit. Maharaj the Lord Himself but offence at the feet of a devotee is never excused by the
Yudhisthira was advised by Narada not to distrub his uncle by attempting to Lord. Vidura was certainly very liberal to bestow mercy upon his brother
bring him back at home. He was now beyond the attraction of anything Dhritarastra whose past life was too much materialistic. But ultimately the
material. The material modes of nature (the Gunas) have their different modes result of such mercy certainly depended on the will of the Supreme Lord in
of activities but above the material modes of nature there is spiritual mode the present life therefore Dhritarastra attained liberation only and after, many
also which is Absolute. Nriguna means without any reaction. The spiritual such liberated state of life one can attain to the stage of devotional service.
mode and its effect are identical therefore spiritual quality is distinguished Vidura was certainly very mortified for the death of his brother and sister in
from the material counterpart by the nomenelature 'Nirguna'. After complete law and the only remedy for mitigating such lamentation was to go out to
suspension of the material modes of nature one is admitted in the spiritual pilgrimage and thus Maharaj Yudhisthira had no chance to call back Vidura
sphere and action dictated by such spiritual mode is called devotional service his surviving uncle.
or 'Bhakti! 'Bhakti' is therefore Nirguna attained by direct contact with the Iti uktma atha aruhat swargam naradah saha tumburuh
Absolute. Yudhisthira vachas tasya hridikritwa jahat suchah.
Sa ba adya tanad rajan paratah panchame ahani Iti--thus, Uktwa--having addressed, Atha--thereafter, Aruhat--ascended,
Kalevaram hasyati swam tat cha bhasmi bhavishyati. Swargam--outer space, Naradha--The great sage Narada, Saha--along with,
Sa—he, Ba—in all probablity, Adya—today, Tanad—From Rajan—oh the Tumburuh--his string instrument, Yudhisthira--Maharaj Yudhisthira, Vachas--
king, Paratah—ahead, Panchame—on the fifth, Ahani—day, Kalevaram— insiructions, Tasya--of his, Hridi--keeping in the heart, Jahat--gave up,
body, Hasyati—Shall quit, Swam—his own Tat—that, Cha—also, Bhasmi— Suchah--all lamentations.
ashes, Bhavishyati—will turn into. After trying all these the great sage Nsrada along with His string
Oh the king he shall quit his body most probably on the fifth day from instrument Tumburu got up in the outer space and Yudhi sthira keeping
to—day and that also will turn into ashes. his instrucrions at heart was able to get rid of all lamntations.
Narda Muni's foretelling prohibited Yudhisthir Maharaj to go there at the Sri Naradaji is an eternal spaceman having been endowed wlth spiritual body
place where his uncle was staying because even after quiting the body by his by the Grace of the Lord. He can travel in the outer space of both the material
own mystic power Dhritarastra wont be in need of any funeral ceremony and spiritual worlds wlthout any restriction and can approach any planet
because the indicaton told by Narada Muni was that his body by itself would within the unlimited space and that also within no time. We have already
burn into ashes without any extraneous effort by any one of his relative. discussed about his previous life of being the son of a maid servant but on
Perfection of Yoga system is attained by such mystic power: the yogi is able account of his association with pure devotees he was elevated to the position
to quit his body by his own choice of time and can attain any planet he desires of becoming eternal spaceman and has freedom of movement. One may
by turning the present body into ashes by self made fire. therefore try to follow the foot prints of Narada Muni instead of making futile
effort for reaching other planets by mechanical means. It is not possidle to
reach even the nearest planet Moon by such mechanical means. Maharaj
13
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Yudhisthir was the pious king and therefore he could see Narada Muni
occasionally: any one who may desire to see Narada Muni may firstly be a
pious man by following the foot prints of Narada Muni.
Thus end the Bhaktivedanta Purports of the First Canto Thirteenth Chapter in
the matter of Dhritarastra Quits Home.
14
FOURTEENTH CHAPTER Jimbhaprayam—almost cheating, Byadahritam—in all ordmary transactions,
Shathya—duplicity, Mishrancha— adulterated in, Souhridam—in the matter
Disappearance of Lord Krishna: friendly well wishes, Pitri—father, Matri—in the matter of the mother,
Sri Sura Uvacha: Bhratri—one's own brother, Dampatinam—in the matter of husband and wife,
Samprasthite dwarakayam jisnou bandhu dtdriksaya Cha—also, Kalkanam—mutual quarrel.
Jnatum cha punya slokasya krishnasya cha vichestitam.
All ordinary transactions and dealings become poluted with cheating;
Sri Suta uvacha—Sri Sutagoswami said: Samprasthite—having gone out, even they are mixed up with cheatings between a friend and friend. And
Dwarakayam—in the city of Dwarka, Jisnou—Arjuna, Bandhu—friends and over all in the family affairs there is always misunderstanding between
reltives, Didrkshaya—for meeting them, Jnatum—to know, cha—also, father mother and sons, between wellwishers, between brothers and even
Punyaslokasya—of One whose glortes are sung by Vedic hymns, with husband and wife there is always a strain of mind and quarrel.
Krihnasya—of Lord Krishna, Vichestitam—further programme of work.
A conditioned living being in endowed with four principle of malpractices
Arjuna went to Dwarka to see Lord Sri Krishna and other friends here namely errors, insanity, inability and cheating. These are signs of
and also for knowing from The Lord about His next activities. imperfectness and out of the four one malpractice namely the propensity for
As stated in the Bhagwat Geet The Lord descended on the earth for protection cheating others is most prominent. And why this cheating practice is there in
of the faithful and anninihilation of the impious men and after the battle of the conditoned soul because the conditioned souls are primarily in the
Kuruklhetra and establishment of Maharaj Yudhtsthir the mission of the Lord material world imbued with an unnatural desire for lording it over the material
was complete. The Pandavas specially Sri Arjuna was eternal companion of world. A living being in his pure state is not conditioned by the laws because
the Lord and therefore he went to Dwarka to know from the Lord about His in his pure state he is conscious that a living being is eternally subservient to
next programme of work. the Supreme Being and as such it is always good for him to remain as
subservient, instead of falsely trying to lord it over the property of the
Byatitah katichit masas ada nayat tato arjuna
Supreme Lord. In the conditioned state such living being is not satisfted even
Dadarsa ghora rupani nimittani kurudbahah.
if he becomes actually the Lord of all that he surveys which he never becomes
Byatitah—after passing away, Katichit—some, Masah—months, Tada—at and there fore he becomes the victim of all kinds of cheating even with his
that time, Nayat—did not return, Tato— from there, Dadarsa—observed, most nearest and intimate relations. In such unsatistactory state of affairs there
Ghora—fearful, Rupani—appearances, Nimittani—various causes, is no harmony even between the father and the sons or between the husnand
Kurudbahah—Maharaj Yudhisthir. and the wife. But all these contending difficultes can be mitigated by one
A few months had passed away and still Arjuna did not come back from sanguine process and that is devotional service of the Lord. The world of
there and Maharaj Yudhisthira also began to observe some inauspicious hypocrisy can be checked only by counteraction of devotional service of the
causes of appearances which were themselves fearful. Lord. and nothing else. Maharaj Yudhisthir having observed the disparities,
conjectued dislocation of the Lord's presence on the earth.
Lord Srikrishna the Supreme Personality Godhead is ad infinitum more
powerful than the most powerful Sun of our experience. Millions and billions Nimityani ati aristani kale tu anugate nrinam
of suns are created by Him and annihilated by Him within His one breathing Lobhadi adharma prakritim dristwa uvacha anuajm nripah.
period. In the material world the sun is considered to be the source of all Nimityani—causes, Ati—very serious, Aristani—inauspicities, Kale—in
productivity and material energy and due to the Sun only we can have course of time, Tu—but, Anugate—passing away, nrinam—of the humanity
necessities of life. Therefore, during the personal presence of the Lord on the at large, Lobhadi—greed etc, Adharma—irreligious Prakritim—habits,
earth all paraphernalia of our peace and prosperity specially religion and Dristwa—having observed, Uvacha—said, Anujam—younger brother, Nripah
knowledge were in full display on account of the Lord's presence as much as the king.
there is full flood of light in the presence of the glowing sun. Maharaj
In course of time it has come to happen that people in general have
Yudhisthir observed some discrepancies in his kingdom and therefore, he
become accustomed to greed, anger, pride etc and Maharaj Yudhisthir
became too much anxious about Arjuna who was long absent and there were
having observed all these serious inauspicities addressed his younger
no news about Dwarka's well being. He suspected disappearance of Lord
brothers and said.
Krishna otherwise there was no possibilityof fearful causes of inauspicity.
A pious king like Maharaj Yudhisthir at once became perturbed in mind when
Kalasya cha gatim roudram viparyastar tu dharmanah
there was such inhumanly symptoms as greed, anger, irreligiosities hypocrisy
Papiyasim nrinam vartam krodha lobha anritatmanam.
rampant in the society. And it appears from this statemant that all the
Kalasya—of the eternal time, Cha—also, Gatim—direction, Roudram— abovementioned symptoms of degraded society were unknown to the people
fearful, Viparyastar—discrepancies, Tu—but, Dharmanah—specific function, of the time and it became astonishing for them to have experienced them with
Papiyasim—sinful, Nrinam—of the human being, Vartam—means of the advent of the Kali Yuga or the age of quarrel.
livelihood, Krodha—anger, Lobha—greed, Anritam—falsehood, Atmanam—
Yudhisthira Uvacha
of the people.
Sampresito dwarakayam jisnur bandhar didrikshaya
He saw that direction of the eternal time had changed and it was very Jnatum cha punyaslokasya krishnasya cha vichestitam.
fearful. There was discrepancies in the seasonal regulations. The people
Yudhisthira Uvacha—Maharaja said: Sampresito—has gone to,
in general had become too much greedy, angry and accustomed to
Dwarakayam—at Dwarka, Jisnur— Arjuna, Bandhur—friends,
falsehood. And he saw also that the people in general had adopted foul
Didrikshaya—for sake of meeting, Jantum—to know, Cha—also,
means of livelihood.
Punyaslokasya—of the Personality of Godhead, Krishnasya—of Lord Sri
When civilization is disconnected with the loving relation of the Supreme Krishna, Cha—and, Vichestitam—programme of work.
Personality of Godhead the symptoms like change of seasonal regulations,
Maharaja Yudhistir said to his younger brother Bhimasena as follows:
man's foul means of livelihood, all becoming too much greedy angry,
"Bhimsena ! I sent Arjuna to Dwarka for meeting the friends as well as to
affinitive for falsehood, all become too much rampant. Change of seasonal
know from the Personality of Godhead Krishna what about His
regulation means atmosphere of one season being manifested in another
programme of work."
season for example the rainy season transferred to autumn or the fruits and
flowers of one season becoming fructified in another season. A godless man is Gatah sapta adhuna masa bhimasena taba anuiah
invariably a greedy, angry and accustomed to falsehood man. Such man can Na ayati kasya va hetor na aham veda idam anjasa.
earn his livelihood by any means never mind black and white. During the Gatah—has gone, Sapta—seven, Adhuna—upto date, Masa—months,
reign of Maharaj Yudhisthir all the above symtoms were conspicuous by their Bhimasena—Oh Bhimasena, Taba—Your, Anuja— younger brother, Na—
absence. But Maharaj Yudhisthir was astonished to experience even a slight does not, Ayati—come back, Kasya—for what, Va—Or, Hetor—reason,
change in the godly atmosphere of his kingdom and at once he suspected Na—not, Aham—I, Veda—know, Idam—this, Anjasa—factually.
disappearance of the Lord. Foul means of livelihood means deviation from
"Since he has departed from this place it is now seven months past up to
one's occupational duty. There are prescribed duties for every one such as the
date but he has not as yet returned back from there and I do not know
Brahmin, Kahatriyas, Vaishyas and Sudras but any one of them who deviates
factually how things are going there."
from the prescribed duty and declares at the same to belong to the particular
section it is called foul means of occupational duty. A man becomes too much Api devarshina adistah sa kalo ayam upastithah
greedy for wealth and power when he has no higher objective of life and when Yada atmano angam akridam bhagawan utsisrikshati.
he knows only this earthly life for a few years is all in all. Ignorance is the Api—whether, Devarshina—by the demigod saint (Narada) Adistah—
cause for all these anomalies of the human society and to remove this instructed, Sa—that, Kalo—eternal time, Ayam—this, Upasthitam—arrived,
ignorance of life specially in this age of degradation the powerful sun is there Yada—when, Atmano—of His ownself, Angam—plenary portion,
in the shape of Srimad Bhagwatam to distribute light. Akridam—manifestation, Bhagawan—the personatity of Godhiad,
Jimbhaprayam byadahritam shathya misrancha souhridam Utsisrikshati—is going to quit it off.
Pitri matri suhrid bhratri dampatinam cha kalkanam
15
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Is He going to quit off His earthly pastimes as it was indicated by we find herein the pages of Srimad Bhagwatam the ultimate sanction for all
Devarshi Narada? Is that time already arrived? success rests in the hand of the Supreme Lord. Maharaj Yudhisthir admits this
As we have discussed many times the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord truth in his personal success and it behoves that one should follow the foot
Sri Krishna has many plenary expansions and each and every one of them prints of a great king and devotee of the Lord in the matter of making life full
although equally powerful each one of them executes different function in the success. If one could achieve success without the sanction of the Lord then no
category of the Supreme Lord. In the Bhagwat Geeta we have different medical Practitoner would fail to cure a patient. Inspite of most advanced
statements by the Lord and each of such statements are meant for different treatment of a suffering patient by the most up to date medical practitioner
plenary portions or portion of the plenary portions. For example Sri Krishna there is occurance of death and even in the most hopeless case without any
the Lord says in the Bhagwat Geeta as follows: medical treatment patient gets cured astonishingly. Therefore the conclusion
"Oh Arjuna, whenever there is indecipline in the matter of occupational is that God's sanction is the immediate cause for all happenings good or bad.
duties of the mankind and corruption rampant all over the world, I do Any successful man should feel grateful to the Lord for all that he has
incarnate My self at that time" (Bg. 4.7) achieved.
"For deliverance of the faithful and for annihilation of the miscreants as Patya utpatan narabyaghra dibyan bhouman sadaihikan
also for re-establishing the fundamental principles of occupational dutues I do Darunan samsate adurat bhayam no buddhi mohanam.
appear in every age" (Bg. 7.8) Pasya—just see, Utpatatan—disturbances, Narabyaghra—oh the strongman
"If I do not examplify the modes of normal activities of the mankind by my like a tiger, Dibyan—happenings in the sky or by Planetary influence,
own activites then all the human kind will be misdirected and by doing so Bhouman—happenings on the earth, Sadaihikan—happenings of the body and
certainly I shall be the cause of unwanted rise of population." (Bg. 3.24). the mind, Duruhan—awfully dangerous, Samsate—indicaing, Adurat—in the
"Acts which are executed by the leaders of society are imitated by ordinary near future Bhayam—danger, No—our, Buddhi—intelligence, Mohanam—
members. Whatever is accepted as the standard of action by the leaders deluding.
naturally the followers adopt them." (Bg. 3.21)
All the above statements of the Lord are meant for different plenary Just see oh the strongest man like a tiger, how much miseries of life due
portions of the Lord namely His expansions like Samkarsana, Vasudeva, to celestial influence, earthly reaction and bodily pains all awaflully
Pradyumna, Aniruddhya, Narayana, etc. All these expansions are He Himself dangerous are indicating dangers in the near future by deluding our
by different transcendental expansions and still the Lord as Shri Krishna intelligence.
functions in a different sphere of transcendental mellows by exchange of Material advancement of civilization means advancement of the reactions of
different grades of devotees. And yet Lord Krishna as He is appears once in the threefold miseries due to celestial influence, earthly reactions and bodily
the day of Brahma ( or after a lapse of 8640000000 crores of solar years) in or mental pains. By celestial inffuence of the stars there are many calamities
each and every universe and all His transcendental pastimes are displayed in like excessive heat, cold, rains or no rains, and the after effects are famine
each and every universe in a routine spool. But in that routine spool the scarcity of foodstuff diseases epidemic and the aggregate result is agony of
functions of Lord Krishna, Lord Vasudeva etc all are complex problems of the body and the mind. Man made material science cannot do anything in the
understanding for layman. There is no difference between the Lord's self and matter of counteracting all these threefold miseries. They are all punishments
the Lord's transcendental body and the expansions execute differential from the superior energy of Maya under the direction of the Supreme Lord.
activities. When the Lord however appears in His Person as Lord Sri Krishna, Therefore our constant touch with the Lord by devotional service can give us
His other plenary portions also join in Him by His inconceivable potency relief without being disturbed in the matter of discharging our humanly duties.
called Yogamaya and as such Lord Krishna of Vrindaban is different from the The Ashuras however do not believe in the existence of God and they make
Lord Krishna of Mathura or that of Lord Krishna of Dwarka. The Virata Rupa their own plans to counteract all these threefold miseries meeting with failures
of Lord Krishna is also different from Him by His inconceivable potency. The in every time. The Bhagwat Geeta clearly directs that the reaction of material
Virata Rupa exhibited in the battlefield of Kurukshetra is the material energy is never to be conquered because of the binding of the three modes.
conception of His Form. Therefore when Lord Krishna was apparently killed They can simply be overcome by one who surrenders fully in devotion under
by the bow and arrow of the hunter it should be understood that the Lord left the lotus feet of the Lord. (Bg. 7.14)
His so called Material body in the material world. The Lord is Kaivalaya and Uru akshi bahavo mahyam sphuranti angam punah punah
for Him there is no difference of matter and spirit because everything is Bepathus cha api hridayae arad dasyanti vipriyam.
created from Him. Therefore His quiting one sort of body or acceptance of
another body does not mean it is like the ordinary living being. All such Uru—thighs, Akshi—eyes, Bhavo—the arms, Mahyam—in me, Sphuanti—
differential activities are simultaneously one and different by His quivering, Angam—leftside of the body, Punah punah—again and again,
inconceivable potency. When Maharaj Yudhisthira was lamenting by Bepathus—palpitations, Cha—also, Hridaye—in the heart, Arad—due to
apprehension of His disappearance it was just in pursuance of a custom fearfulness, Dasysanti—indicating, Vipriyas—undesirables.
lamenting the disappearance of a great friend but factually the Lord never My left part of the body namely the thighs, eyes and the arms all are
quits His transcendental Body as it is misconceived by less intelligent persons. quivering again and again: there is palpitation of the heart also due to
Such less intelligent persons have been condemned by the Lord Himself in the fearfulness and as such they indicate undesirable happenings.
Bhagwat Geeta and they are known as the Mudhas. The commitment of this The material existence of life is full of undesirables. Things we do not want
particular verse that the Lord left His body means that He left again His are forced upon us by some superior energy and one does not see to these
plenary portions in the respective Dhamas (transcendental abodes) as He left undesirables are under the grip of the three modes of material nature. When a
His Virata Rupa in the material world. man's left side body namely the eyes (by the upper lids) the arms and the
yasmat nah sampado rajyam darah pranah kulam prajah thighs all quiver constantly, one must know that something is going to happen
Asan sapatno vijayo lokas cha yad anugrahat. which is undesirable. These undesirables are compared with fire in the forest.
yasmat—from whom, Nah—our, Sampado—opulence, Rajyam—kingdom, No body goes in the forest for setting fire in it but by its own interaction of the
Darah—good wives, Pranah—existence of life, Kulam—dynasty, Prajah— bamboos fire automatically takes place in the forest creating inconceivable
subjects, Asan—have become possible, Saptno—competitors, Vijayo— calamities for the liviag being in the forest. Such fire in the forest cannot be
conquering over, Lokas—future accomodation in higher planets, Cha—and, extinguished by any humanly efforts by sending fire brigade or similar help
Yad—by whose, Anugrahat—by the mercy of. for the living beings there. The only means of extinguishing such fire is the
mercy of the Lord by sending cloud on the head and pouring water on the
From Him only all our opulence in the matter of our kingdom, good forest. Similarly undesirable happenings in the life of the human beings
wives, existence of life, continuation of progeny, control over the subjects, cannot be checked by any number of plans of the human being. Such miseries
victory over the competitors and accomodation in higher planets have can be removed only by the mercy of the Lord who sends His bonafide
become possible and they are all due to His causeless mercy upon us. representatives to enlighten the human beings and thus save them from the
Material prosperity consists of good wife, good home, sufficient land, good calamities of undesirable happenings.
children, aristocratic family relations, victory over competitors and by pious Siva esa udyantam adityam abhi routi anala anana
work attainment of accomodation in the higher celestial planets for better Mam anga sarameya ayam abhirebhati abhiruvat
facilities of material amenities. These facilities are earned not only by one's
hard manual labour or by unfair means but by the mercy dispensation of the Siva—jackel, Esa—this, Udyantam—rising, Adityam—unto the sun, Abhi—
Supreme Lord. Prosperity earned by one's personal endeavour also depends towards, Routi—crying, Anala—fire, Anana—face, Mam—unto me, Anga—
on the mercy of the Lord. Personal labour must be there besides the Lord's oh Bhima, Sarameya—dog, Ayam—this, Abhirevati—barking, Abhiravat—
benediction but without Lord's benediction no body is successful simply by without any fear.
personal labour. The modernised man of the Kaliyuga does believe more on Just see Oh Bhima how the she-jackel crying towards the rising sun
personal endeavour and deny the benediction of the Supreme Lord. Even a vomiting fire in the mouth and how the dog barking towards me
great Sanyasi of India delivered speeches in Chicago protesting against fearlessly.
benediction of the Supreme Lord. But so far Vedic shastras are concerned as
16
Fourteenth Chapter - Disappearance of Lord Krishna
These are some of the earthly bad omen for happening something Cha—also, Ime—this, Janapada—city, Gramah—villages, Pura—towns,
undesirables in the near future. Udyana—gardens, Akara—mines, Ashrama—hermitages etc. Bhrasta—
Sastah kurvanti mam sabyam dakshinam pasavopare devoid of, Sriyah—beauties, Niranandah—bereft of all happiness, Kim—what
Bahans cha purusha byaghra lakshaye rudato mama. sort of, Agham—calamities, Darsayanti—shall manifest, Nah—to us.
Sastah—useful animals like the cow, Kurvanti—is keeping, Mam—me, The deities in the temple are like crying in the temple, lamenting with
Sabyam—on the left, Dakshinam—circumbulating, Pasvopare—other lower perspiration, and seemingly moving from the place. All the cities, villages,
animals like asses, Bahans—the horses (carrier) Cha—also, towns, gardens, mines and hermitages are now devoid of all beauty and
Purushabyaghra—oh the tiger amongst the man, Lakshaye—are seen, bereft of all happiness. Do not know what sort of calamities are awaiting
Rudanta—weeping, Mama—of mine. us in these manifestations.
Oh Bhimsena the tiger among the man now the useful animals are Manya etair maha utpatair nunam bhagabatah padaih
passing me keeping left while the lower animals are circumbulating me. Ananya purusha sribhir hina bhu hatasoubaga.
And my horses appear to be weeping by seeing me. Manya—you may take it for granted, Etair—by all these, Maha—great,
Mrityu duta kapota ayam ulukah kampayan manah Utpatair—upsurges. Nunam—for want of, Bhagabatah—of the Personality of
Pratyulukas cha kuhvanair viswam va sunyamichhyatah. Godhead, Padaih—the marks on the footpalm, Ananya—extraordinary,
Purusha—of the Supreme Personality, Sribhir—by the auspicious signs,
Mrityu—death, Dutah—messenger of, Kapota—pegeon, Ayam—this, Hina—unpossesssed, Bhu—the earth, Hatasoubhaga—without any fortune.
Ulukah—owl, Kampayan—trembling, Manah—mind, Pratyalukas—the rivals
of owls (crows), Cha—and, Kuhvanair— shrieking scream, Viswam—the I think that all these earthly disturbances preclude some greater loss in
cosmos, Va—either, Sunyam—void Ichhatah—wishing. the matter of the good fortune of the world. The world was fortunate to
have been imprinted with the auspicious marks of the Lotus Feet of the
Just see this pegion is like the messenger of Death and the owls and the Lord and it indicates that there is no more such opportunities.
rival crows by their shrieking screams trembling my heart and it appears
that they want to make a void in the whole universe. Iti chintayatas tasya dristwa aristena chetasa
Rajnah prati agamat brahman yadupuryah kapidhwjah.
Dhumra dishah paridhayah kampate bhuh sahadribhih
Nirghatscha mahans tat sakam cha stanyitnubhih. Oh the Brahmin Sounaka while Maharaj Yudhisthir was thinking within
himself thus by observing the inauspicious signs on the earth at that time,
Dhumra—smoky, Dishah—all directions, Paridhayah—encirclement, Arjuna came back from the city of the Yadus (Dwarka).
Kampati—throbbing, Bhuh—the earth, Sahadribhih—along with the hills and
mountains, Nirghat—bolt from the blue, Cha—also, Mohans—very great, Tam padayo nipatitam ayathapurbam aturam
tat—that, Sakam—lightening, Cha—also, Stanyitnubhih—thunderingsound Adhovadanam abbindun srijantam nayanabjayah.
without any cloud. Tam—him (Arjuna), Padayo—under the feet, Nipatitam—bowing down,
Just see how there are smoky encirclement over the sky and it appears as Ayathapurbam—unprecedently, Aturam—dejected, Adhovadanam—
if the earth is throbbing along with the mountains. Just hear how there is downward face, Abbindun—drops of water, Srijanatam—creating,
thundering sound without any cloud and bolt from the blue. Nayanbjayah—from the lotus like eyes.
Vayur bati kharasparsao rajasa visrijans tamah The king saw him unprecedently dejected while bowing down his feet. His
Asrig varsanti jalada bibhatsam iva sarbatah. face downwards and from lotus like eyes drops of water gliding down.
Vayur—wind, Bati—blowing, Kharasparsa—sharply, Rajasa—by the dust, Vilokya udvigna hridayo vichhayam anujam nripah
Misrijans—creating, Tamah—darkness, Asrig—blood, Varsanti—is raining, Prichhati sma suhrit madhye samsmaran narada iritam.
Jalada—the cloud, Rajasa—by dust Bibhatsam—disastrous, Iva—like, Vilokya—by seeing, Udvigna—anxious, Hridayo—heart Vichhayam—pale
Sarbatah—everywhere. appearance, Arjunam—of the name, Nripah—the king, Prichhati—asked,
The wind is blowing sharply blasting the dust all over in darkness and the Sma—in the past, Suhrit—friends, Madhye—amongst, Samsaran—
cloud is raining blood like disasters everywhere. remembering, Narada—Sage Narada, Iritam—indicated by.
Suryam hataprabham pasya grahamardam mitho dibi And by seeing him pale in appearance on account of too much anxieties
Sasamkulair bhutagnair jwalite rodasi iba. within the heart, the king asked Arjuna even in the midst of friends
remembering the indications of Sage Narada.
Suryam—the sun, Hataprabham—declining by the rays, Pasya—just see,
Grahamardan—clashes of the stars, Mitho—between one another, Dibi—in Yudhisthir Uvacha:
the sky, Sasamkulair—being mixed up with, Bhutaganair—by the living Kachit anartapurya nah swajanah sukham asate
entities, Jwalite—being ignified, Rodasi— crying, Iba—as if. Madhu bhoja dasarha arha satwata andhaka vrishnayo.
Just see how the Sun is declining by the rays and the stars in the sky seem Yudhisthira Uvacha—Yudhisthira said, Kachit—whether, Anartapurya—of
to be engaged in fighting between themselves mixed up with living entities Dwarka, Nah—our, Swajanah—relatives, Sukham—happily, Asate—are
appears to be ignified and crying. passing days, Madhu—of the name, Bhoja—of the name, Dasarha—of the
name, Arha—of the name, Satwata—of the name, Andhaka—of the name,
Nadyo nadascha kshubhitah saransi cha manansi cha Vrishnaya—of the family of Vrishni.
Najwalati agni rajyena kala ayam kim vidhasyati.
My dear brother, please tel1 me whether our friends and relatives such as
Nadyo—rivers, Nadascha—and the tributaries, Kshubhitah—all perturbed, Madhu, Bhoja, Dasharha, Arha, Sattata, Andhaka and the members of
Saransi—reservoirs of water, Cha—and, Manansi—the mind, Cha—also, the Yadu family all passing days well in happiness.
Na—does not, Jwalati—ignites, Agni—fire, Rajyena—by the help of butter,
Kala—the time, Ayam—extraordinary it is, Kim—what, Vidhasyati—going Suro matamahah kachchit swastaste batha marisah
to happen. Matulah sanujah kacchit kusalya anakadundubhih.
Rivers, tributaries, ponds, reservoirs of water and the mind as well all are Suro—the name Surasena, Matamohoh—maternal grandfather, Swati—all
perturbed. Butter does not any more ignite fire. What is this good, Aste—passing days, Va—or, Atha—therefore, Marishah—respectful,
extraordinary time and what it is going to happen. Matulah—maternal uncles, Sanujah—along with younger brothers, Kacchit—
whether, Kusalya—all well, Anakadundubhih—Vasudeva.
Na pivanti stanam vatsa na duhyanti cha matarah
Rudanti asrumukha gavo na hrisyanti brisabha braje. Is my respectful grand-father Surasena in happy mood ? And my
maternal uncle Vasudeva along with his younger brothers all doing well?
Na—does not Pivanti—suck, Stanam—breast, Vatsa—the calf, Na—does not,
Duhyanti—allow milking, Cha—also, Matarah— the cow, Rudanti—crying, Sapta swasarastatpatnyo matulanyah sahatmajah
Asrumukha—with tearing face, Gavo—the cow, Na—does not, Hrisyanti— Asate sasnusah kshemam devaki pramukhah swayam.
take pleasure, Brisabha—the bulls, Braje—in the Pasturing ground. Sapta—seven, Swasaras—own sisters, Tatpatnyo—his wives, Matulanyo—
The calves do not suck the milk bag of the cow nor the cow does allow maternal aunts, Saha—along with, Atmajah—sons and grandsons, Asate—are
milking. They are standing crying with tears on the face and the bulls do all, Sasnusa—along with daughter-in-laws, Kshemam—happiness, Devaki—
not take pleasure in the pasturing ground. of the name, Pramukha—headed by, Swayam—personally.
Devatani rudanti iva khidyanti hi utchalanti cha His seven wives headed by Devaki personally all are sisters themsevles.
Ime janapada gramah pura udyana akara ashramah. Are they all in happiness along with their sons and daughter-in-laws?
Bhrasta sriyah niranandah kim agham darsayanti nah Kachchit raja ahuka jivati asat putro asya cha anujah
Devatani—the deities in the temples, Rudanti—Seeming to be crying, iva— Hridikah sasuta akrura jayanta gada saranah.
like that, Khidanti—lamenting, Hi—certainly, Utchalanti—as if going out,
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Asate kusalam kachchit ye cha satrujid adayah impossible for him also to remember all the names of the Lord's family
Kacchit aste sukham ramah bhagawan satwatam prabhuh. members.
Kacchit—whether, Raja—the king, Ahuka—Another name of Ugrasena, Tatha eva anucharah soureh srutadeva uddhavadayah
Jivati—still living, Asat—mischievous, Putra—son, Asya—his, Cha—also, Sunanda nanda sirsanya ye cha anye satwata rishavah
Anujah—younger brother, Hridikah—of the name, Sasuta—along with sons Api swasti asate sarve rama krishna bhujashryah
such as, Akrura—of the name, Jayanta—of the name, Gada—of the name, Api smaranti asmakam kushalam baddhasouhridah.
Saranah—of the name, Asate—are they all, Kusalam—in happiness,
Kacchit—whether, Ye—they, Cha—also, Satrajid—of the name, Adayah— Tatha--similarly, Anucharah--constant companions, Soureh--of Lord Sri
headed by, Kacchit—whether, Aste—are they, Sukham—alright, Ramah— Krishna such as, Srutadeva--of the name, Uddhavadayah--Uddhava and
Valarama, Bhagwan—the Personality of Godhead, Satwatam—of the others, Sunanda--of the name, Nanda--of the name, Sirsanya--other headmen,
devotees, Prabhu—Protector. Ye--all of them, Anye--others, Satwata--liberated souls, Rishavah--the best
men, Api--if, Swasti--well doing, Asate--are, Sarve--all of them, Rama--
Whether Ugrasena whose mischievous son was Kansa is still living along Valarama, Krishna--Lord Krishna, Bhujashryah--under the protection of, Api-
with his younger brother Devak. Whether Hridik along with sons -also if, Smaranti--do remember, Kushalam--welfare, Asmakam--about
Kritavarma, Akrur, Jayanta, Gada, Saran and Satrajit all happy? How is ourselves, Baddhasouhridah--bound up by eternal friendship.
Valarama the Personality of Godhead and the Protector of the devotees.
Similarly are they all such as Uddhava and others, Nanda, Sunanda and
Hastinapur the capital of the Pandavas was situated somwhere near present other head men leaders of the liberated souls who are constant
New Delhi and the kingdom of Ugrasena was situated in Mathura. While companions of the Lord as also protected by Lord Valaram and Krishna
returning back from Dwarka, Arjuna must have had visited the city of doing well in their respective functions? Do they all who are all eternally
Mathura on his way back to Delhi and therefore the enquiry about the king bound up in friendship with us, do remember about our welfare?
Mathura is valid. Amongst various names of the relatives the name of Rama
or Valarama eldest brother of Lord Krishna, is added with the word The constant companions of Lord Krishna such as Uddhava etc all are
Personality of Godhead because Lord Valarama is the immediate expansion of liberated souls and they had descended along with Lord Krishna on this
Vishnutatwa as Prakash Vigraha of Lord Krishna. The Supreme Lord material world to fulfill the mission of the Lord. The Pandavas are also
although one without a second He expands Himself in many other living similarly liberated souls who descended along with Lord Krishna to serve
beings. The Vishnutatwa Living Beings are expansion of the Supreme Lord Him in His transcendental pastimes on this earth. As stated in the Bhagwat
and all of them are qualitatively and quantitatively equal with the Lord. But Geeta (Bg. 4.5) the Lord and His eternal associates who are also liberated
expansion of the Javashakti the category of the ordinary living beings are not souls like the Lord come down on this earth at certain intervals. The Lord
at all equal quantitatively save and except that the same living beings are only remembers them all but His associates although liberated souls do forget
qualitatively equal with the Supreme Lord. One who considers Jivashakti and about them on account of their being Tatastha Sakti or marginal potency of
the Vishnutatta on the equal level are considered as the condemned soul of the the Lord. That is the difference between the Vishnutatwa and Jivatatwas. The
world. Sri Rama or Valarama is the Protector of the devotees of the Lord. Jivatatwas are infinitesemal potential particles of the Lord and therefore they
Valadeva acts as the Spiritual Master of all devotees and by His causeless require the protection of the Lord at all times. And to the eternal servitors of
mercy only the fallen souls are delivered. Sri Valadeva appeared as Sri the Lord the Lord is pleased to give all protection at all tlmes. The liberated
Nityananda Prabhu during the advent of Lord Chaitanya and the Great Lord souls never therefore think of themselves as free as the Lord or as powerful as
Nityananda Prabhu exhibited His causeless mercy by delivering a pair of the Lord but they always seek the protection of the Lord at all circumstances
extremely fallen souls namely the Jagai and Madhai. Therefore it is never mind either in the material world or in the spiritual world. This
particularly mentioned herein that Valarama is the Protector of the devotees of dependence of the liberted soul is constitutional as much as the sparks of the
the Lord. By His Divine Grace only one can approach the Supreme Lord Sri fire can exhibit the glow of fire along with the fire and not independantly.
Krishna and as such Sri Valarama is the Mercy Incarnation of the Lord Independantly the glow of the sparks become extinguished although the
manifested as the Spiritual Master the savior of the pure devotees. quality of fire or glowing is there. As such those who give up the protection of
the Lord and become so called lord themselves out of spiritual igonrance do
Pradyumna sarva vrishninam sukham aste maharathah come back again in this material world even after prolonged Tapasya of the
Gambhira raya aniruddha vardhate bhagavan uta. severest type. That is the verdict of all vedic literature.
Pradyumna—son of Lord Krishna, Sarva—all, Vrishninam—of the members Bhagwan api govinda brahmanya bhaktavatsalah
of Vrishni family, Sukham—happiness, Aste—are in, Maharathah—the great Kachchit pure sudharmayam sukham aste suhridbritah.
general, Gambhira—deeply, Raya—dexterity, Aniruddha—the name of
another grand-son of Lord Krishna, Vardhate—flourishing, Bhagavan—the Bhagwan—the Personality of Godhead Krishna, Api—also, Govinda—One
Personality of Godhead, Uta—must. who enlivens the cows and the senses, Brahmanya—devoted to the devotees
or the Brahmins, Bhaktavatsalah—affectionate for the devotees, Kachchit—
How Pradyumna the great general of all the family members of Vrishni whether, Pure—in the Dwarkapuri, Sudharmayam—pious assembly,
family is in happiness and how He Aniruddha the plenary expansion of Sukham—happiness, Aste—does enjoy, Suhridbritah—surrounded by friends.
the Personality of Godhead is faring well?
Whether Lord Krishna the Supreme Personality of Godhead Who is
Pradyumna and Aniruddha are also expansion of the Personality of Godhead pleasure to the cows, senses and the Brahmins, Who is very much
and as such they are also Vishnutattwa. At Dwarka Lord Vasudeva is engaged affectionate for the devotees, does enjoy in the pious assembly at
in His transcendental pastimes along with His plenary expansions namely Dwarkapuri surrounded by friends?
Sankarsan, Pradyumna and Aniruddha and as such each and every one of
them can be addressed as the Personality of Godhead as it is mentioned in Here in this particular verse the Lord is described as Bhagawan, Govinda,
connection with the name of Aniruddha. Brahmanya and Bhaktavatsal. He is Bhagwan Swayam or the original
Supreme Personality of Godhead full with all opulences, all power, all
Susena Charudeshnas cha sambo jambovatisutah knowledge, all beauty, all fame and all renunciatiens. No body is equal or
Anye cha karshni pravarah saputra rishabhadayah. greater than Him. He is Govinda because he is the pleasure of the cows and
All chieftain-like sons of Lord Krishna such as Susena ,Charudhesna, the senses. Those who have purified their senses in relation with devotional
Sambo the sons of Jambobati, Rishava and all others along with their service of the Lord, can render unto Him real service and thereby derive
sons etc. are they all dolng well? transcendental pleasure out of such purified senses. On the impure codition
As already referred to herein before that Lord Krishna had married sixteen the living being cannot derive any pleasure from the senses but being
thousands one hundred and eight wives so each of them had ten sons. illusioned by false pleasure of the senses, becomes servant of the senses.
Therefore 16108X10=161080 sons. They were all grown up and therefore Therefore we need His protection for our own interest. The Lord is the
each of them had as many sons as their father and the whole aggregate was protector of the cow and the Brahminical culture. In a society which is devoid
some thing near about one crores of family members of the Lord. It is just like of cow protection and Brahminical culture, is not under the direct protection
the Lord. The Lord is the Father of all living beings who are countless by of the Lord as much as the prisoners in the jails are not under the protection of
number and therefore if only a few of them is called for associating the Lord the king but under the protection of the severe agent of the king.
in his transcendental pastime as the Lord of Dwarka on this earth there is Without cow protection and cultivation of the Brahminical qualities in the
nothing to be astonished if the Lord maintained a visible family consisting of human society, at least for a section of members of the society, no human
one crore of members. It is better to refrain ourselves from calculating the civilisation can prosper at any length. By Brahminical culture or developing
Lord's position as that of ours and it becomes a simple truth as soon as we the dormant quality of goodness namely truthfulness, equanimity, sense-
understand at least a partial calculation of the Lord's transcendental position. control, forbearance, simplicity, knowledge general, knowledge
King Yudhisthira while enquiring about the Lord's sons and grand sons at transcendental and firm faith in the vedic wisdom, one can become Brahmin
Dwarka, he mentioned only the chieftains amongst them otherwise it was and thus one can see the Lord as He is. And after surpassing the Brahminical
perfection one has to become a devotee of the Lord so that His living affection
18
Fourteenth Chapter - Disappearance of Lord Krishna
in the form of the Proprietor, Master, Friend, Son and Lover can be She was received by Sachidevi who introduced her with the mother of the
transcendentally achieved. The stage of a devotee, which attracts the demigods, Aditi. Aditi was very much pleased with Satyabhama and she
transcendental affection of the Lord, does not develop unless one has not benedicted her with the blessings of permanent youth as long as Lord Krishna
developed the qualities of a Brahmin as above mentioned. The Lord is remains on the earth. Aditi also took her with her to show the special
inclined to a Brahmin of quality and not of false prestige. Those, who are less prerogatives of the demigods in the heavenly planets when she saw the parijat
than a Brahmin by qualification cannot establish any relation with the Lord as flower and desired to have it in her palace at Dwarka. After that she came
much as fire cannot be kindled in the raw earth except the wood although back to Dwarka along with her husband and expressed her willingness to have
there is link of relation with wood and the earth. The Lord being thus all the parijat flower at her palace. Satyabhama's palace was specially bedecked
perfect in Himself there could not be any question of His welfare and Maharaj with valuable jewels and even in the hottest season of summer inside of the
Yudhisthir refrained from asking this question. He simply enquired about His palace remained cooled as air-conditioned. She decorated her palace with
residential place Dwaraka puri where pious men assemble. The Lord stays various flags heralding the news of her great husbands presence there. Some
there only where pious men assemble and take pleasure in the matter of times she met Droupadi along with her husband and she was anxious to be
glorifying the Supreme Truth. Maharaj Yudhisthir was anxious to know about instructed by Droupadi the ways and means of pleasing the husband.
the pious men and their pious acts in the city of Dwarka. Droupadi was expert in this affair because she kept five husbands the
Mangalaya cha lokanam kshemaya cha bhavaya cha Pandavas all very much pleased with her. On receipt of Droupadi's
Aste yadukulambhodhou adi anantasakhah puman. instructions on husband pleasing affairs she was very much pleased with her
and offered her good wishes and returned back to Dwarka. She was the
Yad bahu dandaguptayam yadavah uchitah daughter of Satrajit. After departure of Lord Krishna when Arjuna visited
kridanti paramanandam mahapourisika iva. Dwarka all the queens including Satyabhama and Rukmini lamented for the
Mangalaya—for the matter of all good, cha—also, Lokanam—of all the Lord with great feelings. At the last stage of her life she left for the forest to
planets, Kshemaya—for protection, cha—and, Bhavaya—for elevation, cha— undergo severe penances.
also, Aste—is there, Yadukulambodhou—in the ocean of the Yadu dynasty, Satyabhama instigated her husband to get the parijat flower from the
Adi—the original, Anantasakhah—in the company of Ananta (Valarama) heavenly planets and the Lord had it even by force from the demigods as
Puman—The Supreme enjoyer, Yad—whose, Bahudandaguptayam—being much as a common husband secures things for pleasing his better half. As
protected by His arms, Yadavah—the members of the Yadu family, Uchita— already explained the Lord had very little to do with so many wives and carry
deservingly, Kridanti—are relishing, Paramanandam—transcendental out their orders like ordinary man. But because the queens accepted the high
pleasure, Mahapourisika—the residents of the spiritual sky, Iva—like. quality of devotional service namely administering the Lord all comforts the
The Original Porsonality of Godhead and Enjoyer is staying along with Lord played the part of a faithful complete husband. No earthly creature can
Valaram who is Primeval Lord Ananta in the ocean of Yadu dynasty for expect to have things from the heavenly kingdom and specially the Parijat
the walfare, protection and all round progress of all the universe. And the flowers which are simply to be used by the demigods. But due to their
members of the Yadu dynasty are enjoying life like the residents of the becoming the Lord's faithful wives all of them enjoyed the special
spiritual sky being protected by the arms of the Lord. prerogatives of the great wives of the denizens of heaven. In other words the
Lord being the proprietor of everything within His creation it is not very
As we have discussed many times, the personality of Godhead Vishnu resides astonishing for the queens of Dwarka to have any rare thing from any part of
within each and every universe in two capacities namely as the the universes at any length.
Garbhodaksayee Vishnu and as the Khirodaksayee Vishnu. The
Khirodaksayee Vishnu has His own planet on the northern top of the universe Yad bahudanda abhyudaya anujivino
and there is a great ocean of milk where the Lord resides on the bed of Yadu Pravira akutobhaya muhuh.
Anananta incarnation of Valadeva. As such Maharaj Yudhisthira has Adhikramantyam anghribhir ahritam valat
compared the Yadu dynasty as the ocean of milk and Sri Valaram as the Sabham sundharmam surasattam uchitam.
Ananta where the Lord Krishna was residing. He has compared the citizens of Yad—whose, Bahudanda—arms streature, Abhyudaya—influenced by,
Dwarka with the liberated inhabitants of vaikunthalokas. Beyond the material Anujivino—always living, Yadu—the members of the Yadu dynasty,
sky as far as we can see with our eyes and beyond the sevenfold coverings of Pravira—great heroes, Akutobhayam—fearless in every respect, Muhuh—
the universe there is causal ocean in which all the universes are floating like constantly, Adhikrantam—trampling over, Anghribhir—by foot, Ahrita—
foot balls and beyond causal ocean there is unlimited span of spiritual sky brought about, Valat—by force, Sabham—assembly house Sudharmam—of
generally known as the effulgence of Brahman. Within this effulgence the name, Surasattama—the best amongst the demigods, Uchitam—deserving.
Brahman there are innumerable spiritual planets and they are known as the The great heroes of the Yadu dynasty being protected by the arms
Vaikuntha planets. Each and every Vaikuntha planet is many many times streature of Lord Sri Krishan always remain fearless in every respect.
bigger than the biggest universe within the material world and in each of them And as such they are traverssing with their feet on the assembly house of
there are innumerable prototype of Vishnu inhabitants exactly looking like the name Sudharma which is just deserving for the best demigods and
Lord Vishnu. These inhabitants of Vaikuntha planets are known as the was forcibly taken away from them. (demigods),
Mahapourisikas or persons directly engaged in the service of the Lord. These
Mahapourisikas are happy in those planets without any kind of misery and Those who are directly servitors of the Lord are not only protected by the
they live perpetually in full youthfulness enjoying life in full bliss and Lord from all respects of fearfulness but also can enjoy the best of the things
knowledge without any fear of birth death oldage or diseases or without any even they are forcibly accumulated. The Lord is equal in behaviour with all
influence of the Kala eternal time. Maharaj Yudhisthra has compared the living beings but He is partial with His pure devotees being too much
inhabitants of Dwarka with the Mahapourisikas of Vaikunthaloka because affectionate upon them. The city of Dwarka was flourishing being enriched
they are so happy along with the Lord. In the Bhagwat Geeta there are many with the best of things in the material world. The state assembly house of
references of the Vaikuntha lokas and they are mentioned there as Maddhama parliament is constructed according to the dignity of the particular state. In the
or the kingdom of the Lord. heavenly planet the state assembly house called by the Sudharma was just
deserving the dignity of the best of the demigods. Such assembly house of
Yad pada susrusana mukhya karmana parliament is never meant for any state on the globe because the human being
Satyadayo dwyasta sahasra yositah on the earth is unable to construct such parliament house however a particular
Nirjitya samkhye tridasam stadasiso state may be materially advanced. But during the time of Lord Krishna's
Haranti vajrayudha vallavauchita. presence on the earth the members of the Yadu family forcibly brought down
Yad—whose, Pada—feet, Susrusana—administration of comforts Mukhya— the celestial assembly house on earth and fixed it up at Dwarka. They were
the most important, Karmana—by the acts of, Satyadaya—queens headed by able to use such force because they were certain of the indulgence and
Satyabhama, Dwayasta—twice eight, Sahasra—thousand, Yositah—the fair protection of the Supreme Lord Krishna. In other words the Lord is provided
sex, Nirjitya—by subduing, Samkhye—in the battle, Tridasam—of the with the best thing in the universe by His pure devotees. Lord Krishna was
denizens of heaven, Tadashiso—what are enjoyed by the demigods, Haranti— provided with all kinds of comforts and facilities available within the universe
do take away, Vajrayudhavallabh—The better halves of the Personality who by the members of the Yadu dynasty and in return such servitors of the Lord
controls over the thunderbolt, Uchita—deserving, were protected and fearless.
Queens headed by Satyabhama at Dwarka, simply by administering A forgetful conditioned soul is fearful. But a liberated soul is never fearful
comforts at the Lotus feet of the Lord which is the most important of all as much as a small child completely dependant on the mercy of his father is
services, induced the Lord to conquer over the demigods and thus the never fearful of any one. Fearfulness is a sort of illusion for the living being
queens enjoyed things which are only deserving prerogatives of the better when he is in slumber by forgetting his eternal relation with the Lord. As the
halves of the controller of thunderbolt. living being is never to die by his constitution as stated in the Bhagwat Geeta
(Bg. 2.20) then what is there as the cause of fearfulness. A person in
Satyabhama: One of the principal queens of Lord Sri Krishna at Dwarka. hallucination is fearful of a tiger in dream but another man who is awake by
After killing the Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited the place of Narakasura his side sees no tiger there. The tiger is a myth for both of them namely the
accompanied by Satyabhama. He went to Indraloka also with Satyabhama and
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
person dreaming and the person awake because actually there is no tiger: but a woman of the higher caste. Even a Kshatriya could not contact a woman of
the man forgetful of his awaken life is fearful where as the man who has not the Brahmin caste. The wife of a Brahmin is considered one of the seven
forgotten his position is not at all fearful of the socalled tiger. As such the mothers namely own mother, wife of the spiritual master or teacher, the wife a
members of Yadudynasty were fully awake in their service plan of the Lord Brahmin, the wife of the king, the cow, the nurse and earth. Such contact of
and therefore they were awaken living beings and there was no tiger for them man and woman was known Uttam and Adhama. Contact of the Brahmin with
to be afraid of at any time. Even there was a real tiger the Lord was there to a Kshatriya woman is Uttama but the contact of a Kshatriya with the woman
protect them by dint of His arms stretcher. of a Brahmin is Adhama and therefore condemned. A woman approaching a
Kacchit te anamayam tata bhrasta teja vibhasi me man for contact should never be refused but at the same time the discretion as
Alabdhamano avajnatah kim va tata chirositah. above mentioned may also be considered. Bhima was approached by one
woman Hirimbi from the community of lower than the Sudras and Yayati
Kacchit—whether, Te—your, Anamayam—health is alright, Tata—my dear refused to marry the Daughter of Sukracharya because of his becoming a
brother, Bhrasta—bereft of, Teja—lusture, Vihbasi—appear, Me—to me, Brahmin. Vyasdeva a Brahmin was called to beget Pandu and Dhritaastra.
Alabdhamano—without any respect, Avajnatah—neglected, Kim—whether, Sayavati belonged to the family of fisherman but Parasara a great Brahmin
Va—or, Tata—my dear brother, Chirosito—on account long residence. begot in her Vyasadeva. So there are so many examples of such contacts of
My brother Arjuna please tell me if you are alright by your health? You woman but in all cases the contacts were not abominable neither the result of
appear to me lost of bodily lusture. Whether it is due to your disrespect such contacts were bad. Free love or contact of man and woman is natural but
or negligence by others due to your long stay at Dwarka? that also must be carried out under regulated principles so that social
From all angles of vision Maharaj enquired from Arjuna about the welfare of consecration may not be disturbed neither unwanted worthlese population
Dwarka but he concluded at last that so long the Lord Sri Krishna Himself is may be increased for unrest of the world.
there, nothing inauspicious could happen there. But at the same time Arjuna It is abominable for a Kshatriya to be defeated by one who is inferior in
appeared to be bereft of his bodily lusture and thus he enquired about his strength or equal in strength. If one is defeated at all he may be defeated by
personal welfare and asked so many vital questions. some superior power. Arjuna was defeated by Bhismadeva and Lord Krishna
saved him from the danger. This was not insult for Arjuna because
Kacchit abhihito abhavaih sabdadibhir amangatih Bhismadeva was far superior than Arjuna in all respects namely age, respect
Na dattam uktam arthibhya asaya yat pratisrutam and strength. But Karna was equal with Arjuna and therefore Arjuna was in
Kacchit—whether, Abhihito—addresses by, Abhavaih—unfriendly, crisis in fighting with Karnna. It was felt by Arjuna and therefore Karna was
Sabdadibhir—by sounds, Amangalaih—inauspiciousness, Na—did not, killed even by crooked means. Such are the engagements of the Kshatriyas
Dattam—given in charity, Arthibhya—unto one who asked for, Asaya—with and Maharaj Yudhisthir enquired from his brother if anything undesirable
hope, Yat—what, Pratisrutam—promised to be paid. have had happened on the way back to home from Dwarka.
Whether somebody has addressed you with unfriendly sounds of Api swit parya bhunkthas twam
inauspiciousness or you could not give in charity to one who asked for it Sambhojyan briddha valakan.
or could not keep up your promise to an expectant receiver? Jugupsitam karma kimchit
A kshatriya royal order or a rich man is sometimes visited by persons who are Kritavan na yad akshamam.
in need of money. When they come for asking such donation it is the duty of Apiswit—if it were so that, Parya—by leaving aside, Bhunkthas—have dined,
the possessor of wealth to give in charity in consideration of the person place Twam—yourself, Sambhojyan—deserving to dine together, Briddha—the
and time. If a Kshatriya or richman fails to comply with such obligation he oldmen, Valakan—boys, Jugupsitam—abominable, Karma—action,
must be very sorry for this discrepancy. Similarly one should not fail to keep Kimchit—Something, Kritavan—you must have had done, Na—not, Yad—
up his promise of giving in charity. These discrepancies are sometimes causes that which, Akshyamam—unpardonable.
of despondecy and thus failing person becomes subjected to criticism with Is it not so that you had had not taken care of old men and boys who
unfriendly and inauspicious words which might be also the cause of Arjuna's deserve to dine with you together but you had left them and taken your
plight. meals alone ? If you had had not committed such unpardonable mistakes
Kacchit twam brahmanam valam gam roginam striyam which are considered to be abominable actions.
Saranopasitam sattwam na atyakshih saranapradah. It is the duty of householder to feed first of all the children and old members
Kacchit—whether, Twam—yourself, Brahmanam—the brahmins, Valam— of the family, the Brahmins and the invalids. Besides that an ideal
the Child, Gam—the cow, Roginam—the deseased, Striyam—the woman, householder is required to call for any unknown hungry man to come and dine
Saranopstitam—having approached for protection, Sattwam—any living before he himself goes to take his meals. He is required to call for such
being, Na—whether, Atyakshi—not given shelter, Saranapradah—deserving hungry man thrice on the road. Any mistake in such prescribed duty of
protection. householder specially in the matter of the oldmen and children is unpardonble.
You are always the protector of deserving living beings such as the Kacchit presthatame natha hridayena atmabandhuna
brahmin, the child, the cow, the woman, the deseased or any other living Sunya asmi rahito nityam manyase te anyatha na ruk.
being deserving to be protected. Could you not give such living beings Kacchit—whether, Presthatame—unto the most dear one, Natha—my brother
protection even though approached for shelter? Arjuna, Hridayena—most intimate, Atmabandhuna—own friend Lord
The Brahmin who are always engaged in researching knowledge for the Krishna, Sunya—void, Asmi—I am, Rahito—having lost, Nityam—for all the
society's welfare work both materially and spiritually deserve the protection of time, Manyase—you think, Te—your, Anyatha—otherwise, Na—never,
the king in all respects. Similarlly the children of the state, the cow, the Ruk—distress of the mind.
deseased person, the woman and the old man specifically require the Is it not so that you are feeling yourself void for all the time being devoid
protection of the state or Kshatriya King. If such deserving living beings do of your most intimate freind Lord Krishna whom you might have lost oh
not get protection by the Kshatriya or the royal order or by the state it is my brother Arjuna? I do not find any other reason for your becoming so
certainly shameful for such degraded Kshartya or the state. Maharaj much dejected.
Yudhisther was anxious to know about this discrepancy on the part of Arjuna
if such things had actually happened. All the inquisitiveness of Maharaj Yudhisthira about the world situattion were
already conjectured by Maharaj Yudhisthira on the basis of Lord Krishna's
Kacchit twam na agamah agamyam gamyam va asatkritam striyam disapearance from the vision of the world and this was now disclosed by him
Parajito va atha bhavan na uttamai na samayih pathi on account of acute dejection of Arjuna which could not have been possible
Kacchit—whether, Twam—yourself, na—not agamah—did contact, without such untoward situation. So even though he was doubtful about it, he
Agayam—impeachable, Gamyam—acceptable, Va—either, Asatkritam— was obliged to enquire frankly about it form Arjuna on the basis of Sri
improperly treated, Striyam—a woman, Parajito—defeated by, Va—either, Narada's indication.
Atha—after all, Bhavan—your goodself na—not, Uttamai—by superior Thus end the Bhaktivedanta Purports of the First Canto Fourteenth Chapter in
power, Na—neither, Samayi—by equals, Pathi—on the road. the matter of Disappearance of Lord Krishna.
"lf you have had contacted any woman of impeachable character or have
you not properly have treated a woman deserving contact? Or have you
not had been defeated on the way by some one who is either inferior than
you or equal with you?"
It appears from this verse that during the time of the Pandavas free contact of
man and woman was allowed on certain conditions only. The higher castes
men namely the Brahmins, Kshatriyas could accept a woman of the Vaishyas
and the Sudras community but a man from the lower castes could not contact
20
FIFTEENTH CHAPTER portion of the complete whole (Lord Sri Krishna) of My Energy" No body
therefore can be independantly powerful of any measure without being
The Pandavas Retire Timely endowed by the Lord. When the Lord descends on the earth along with His
Suta uvacha: eternal ever liberated associates, He does not only display the Divine energy
Evam krishnasakhah krishna bhratra rajna avikalpitah possessed by Himself but also He empowers His associate devotees with the
Nana sankaspadam rupam Krishna vislesha karshitah. required energy for executing His mission of incarnation. This fact is also
Evam—thus, Krishnasakhah—the celebrated friend of Krishna, Krishna— stated in the Bhagwat Geeta fourth chapter [Bg. 4] that the Lord and His
Arjuna, Bhratra—by his elder brother, Rajna—the King Yudhisthir, eternal associates descend on the earth more than many times but the Lord
Ankalpitah—speculated, Nana—various, Sankaspadam—based on many remembers all such different role of incarnations while the associates by His
doubts, Rupam—forms, Krishna—lord Sri Krishna, Vishlesa—feelings of Supreme will do forget them. Simiarly the Lord takes away with Him all His
separation, Karshitah—became too much berieved. associates when He disappears from the earth. The power and energy which
was bestowed upon Arjuna were required for fulfilment of the mission of the
Arjuna the celebrated friend of Lord Krishna became too much agrieved
Lord but when His misssion was fulfilled the emergency powers were
on account of a strong feeling of separation from Krishna over and above
withdrawn from Arjuna because such astounding powers of Arjuna which
his elderbrother's various doubtful speculations
were astonishing even to the denizens of the heaven, were no longer required
Being too much agrieved both wise Arjuna practically became choked up and and they were now meant for going back to home back to Godhead. If
therefore it was not possible for him to reply properly to the various forms of endowment of powers and withdrawal of powers by the Lord are possible
speculative enquries of Maharaj Yudhisthira. even for a great devotee like Arjuna or even the demigods in heaven then
Sokena Susyadvadana hritsaroja hata prabhah what to speak of the ordinary living beings who are compared like the fig with
Vibhum tameva anusmaran na asknot pratibhasitum such great souls. The lesson is therefore that no body should be puffed up for
his borrowed powers from the Lord and the sane man should rather feel
Sokena—on account of berievement, Susyadvadana—drying up the mouth,
obliged to the Lord for such benefaction and must utilise such power for the
Hritsaroja—lotus like heart, Hata—lost, Prabhah—lusture of the body,
service of the Lord. Such power can be withdrawn at any time by the Lord
Vibhum—the Supreme, Tam—unto Lord Krishna, Eva—certainly,
and the best use of such power and opulence is to engage them in the service
Anusmaran—thinking within, Na—could not, Asaknot—be able,
of the Lord.
Pratibhasitum—properly replying.
Yasya kshana viyogena loko hi apriyadarshanah
Due to berievement Arjun's mouth and the lotuslike heart had already
Ukthena rahita hi esha mritakah prochyate yatha.
become dried up and therefore he had lost all lusture of his body. Now
remembering the Supreme Lord within himself, he could hardly utter Yasya—whose, kshana—a moment, Viyogena—by separation, Loko—all the
any word for replying. universe, Hi—certainly, Apriyadarshanah—everything appears unfavourable,
Ukthena—by life, Rahita—being devoid of. Hi—certainly, Esha—all these
Krichhena samstabhya suchah panina amrijya netrayoh
bodies, Mritakah—dead bodies, Prochyate—are designated, Yatha—as it
Parokshena samunnaddha pranayotkanthya katarah.
were.
Krichhena—with great difficulty, Samstabhya—by checking the force,
(I am just left away by Him) Whose separation by a moment would
Suchah—of berievement, Panina—by hands, Amrijya—smearing,
render all the universes certainly as unfavourable void as it were these
Netrayoh—the eyes, Parokshena—due to out of sight, Samunnaddha—
bodies would be called corpses only when the living force is away from
increasingly, Pranayotkanthya—eagerly thinking of the affection, Katarah—
them.
distressed.
Factually for a living being there is no one dearer than the Lord. The Lord
With great difficulty he checked up his berievement smeared over the
expands Himself by innumerable parts and parcels as Samsa and Bibhinansa.
eyes full with tears and became too much distessed on account of Lord
Paramatma is the Samsa Part of the Lord whereas the Bibhinansa parts are the
Krishna's being out of sight and increasingly feeling the affection for
living beings. As the living being is the important factor in the material body
Him.
or without the living being material body has no value similarly without
Sakhyam maitrim souhridam cha sarthyadisu samsmaran Paramatma the living being has no statusqua. Similarly—Brahman or
Nripam agrjam iti aha baspa gadgadaya gira. Paramatman has no locus standi without the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. These
Sakhyam—wellwishing, Maitrim—benefaction, Souhridam—intimately things are thoroughly explained in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 15.18) They are all
related, Cha—also, Sarathyadisu—in the matter of becoming the Chariot- interlinked with one another or interdependant factors, as such at the ultimate
driver, Samsmaran—remembering all these, Nripam—unto the King, issue the Lord is the Summum Bonum and therefore the vital principle of
Agrajam—the eldest brother, Iti—thus, Aha—said, Baspa—heavily breathing, everything.
Gagadaya—overwhelmingly, Gira—by speeches. Yat samsrayad drupadageham upagatanam
Remembering about Lord Krishna about His well wishes, benefaction Rajnam swayamvaramukhe smaradurmadenam.
intimate family relations as also about His chariot driving etc he was Tejo hritam khalu mayabhihatascha matsyah
breathing very heavily and overwhelmingly began to speak. Sajjikritena dhanusadhigatacha Krishna
The Supreme Living Being is perfect in all relation with His pure devotee. Sri Yat—by whose merciful, Samsrayd—by strength, Drupadageham—in the
Arjuna is one of the typical pure devotees of the Lord reciprocating in the palace of King Drupada, Upagatanam—all those assembled, Rajnam—the
fraternal mellow and the Lord's dealings with Arjuna was the display of king, Savambaramukhe—on the occasion of selection of bridegroom,
friendship of the highest perfect order. He was not only a well wisher of Smaradurmadhanam—all compact in lusty thought, Tejo—power, Hritam—
Arjuna but also He was actually benefactor and to make it still more perfect vanquished, Khalu—as it were, Maya—by me, Abhihastas—pierced, Cha—
the Lord tied him in more family relation by arrangement of Subhadra's also, Matsya—the fish target, Sajjikritena—by equipping the bow, Danusha—
marriage with him. And above all the Lord agreed to become a chariot Driver by that bow also, Adhigata—gained, Cha—also, Krishna—Droupadi.
of Arjuna in order to protect His friend from warfare risks and the Lord By his merciful strenth only I was able to vanquish the power of all the
became actually happy when He established the Pandavas to rule over the compact in lusty thought princes assembled at the palace of King
world. Arjuna remembered all these one after another and thus he became Drupada on the occasion of selecting bridegroom and by equipping my
overwhelmed with all such thoughts. bow and arrow I could pierce the fish target and thereby gained the hand
Arjuna Uvacha: of Droupadi.
Vanchito' ham maharaja harina bandhurupina Droupadi was the most beautiful daughter of King Drupad and when she was
Yena me' pahritam tejo deva vismapanam mahat. young girl almost all the princely order desired to achieve her hand. But
Arjuna uvacha—Arjuna said, Vanchita—left by Him, Aham—myself, Drupad Maharaj decided to hand over his daughter to Arjuna only and
Maharaja—Oh the king, Harina—by the Personality of Godhead, therefore contrived a peculiar way of target of fish which was hanging on the
Bandhurupina—as if an intimate friend, Yena—by whom Apahritam—I have inner roof of the house under the protection of a wheel. The condition was
been taken off, Tejo—power, Deva—the demigods, Vismapanam— that out of the princely order one must be able to pierce the target of fish eyes
astonishing, Mahat—astounding. through the wheel of protection and no body would be allowed to look into
the target by head upward. On the ground there was a water pot in which the
Oh the King ! The Supreme Personality of Godhead Hari Who treated
target and wheel reflected and one had to fix up his aim towards the target by
with me exactly like an intimate friend has left me alone and thus my
looking over the trembling water in the pot. Maharaj Drupad knew it well that
astounding power, which were astonishing to the demigods also, is no
only Arjuna or alternately Karna could successfully carry out the plan. But
more with me.
still he wanted to hand over his daughter to Arjuna. And in the assembly of
In the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 10.41) the Lord says, "Any one specifically the princely order when Dhristadumnya the brother of Droupadi introduced all
powerful and opulent by wealth, strength, beauty, knowledge and all that is the princes to his grown up sister there was Karna also present in the game.
materially desirable,—is to be considered as a product of an insignificant But Droupadi tactfully avoided Karna as the rival of Arjuna and she expressed
21
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
her desire through her brother Dhristadumna that she was unable to accept Jarasandha was a very powerful king of Magadha and the history of his birth
anyone who was less than Kshatriya. The Vaishyas and the Sudras are less and activities are also very interesting. His father king Vrihadratha was also
important than the Kshatriya. Karna was known as the son of a carpenter who very prosperous and powerful king of Magadh but he had no son although the
is a Sudra. So Droupadi avoided Karna by this plea just intelligently of king married two daughters of the king of Kashi. Being disappointed in
Kshatriya politician's daughter. When Arjuna in the dress of a poor Brahmin getting a son from either of the two queens the king along with his wives left
pierced the difficult target every one was astonished and all of them specially home for living in the forest for austerities but in the forest he was benedicted
Karna offered a stiff fight to Arjuna but as usual by the Grace of Lord Krishna by one great Rishi to have a son and he gave him one mango to be eaten by
he was able to come out very successful in the princely fight and thus gained the queens. The queens did so and were very soon pregnant. The king was
the valuable hand of Krishna or Droupadi. Arjuna was lamentingly very happy to see the queens bearing child within the womb but when the ripe
remembering the incidence in the absence of Lord by Whose strength only he time approached the two queens delivered one child in two one parts from
was so powerful. each of the queen's womb. The child in two parts were thrown in the forest
Yat samnidhou aham u khandavam agnaye adam where a great shedemon used to live and she was glad to have some delicate
Indram cha sa amaraganam tarasa vijitya. flesh and blood from the bifurcated newly born child. Out of curiosity she
Labdha sabha mayakrita adbhuta silpa maya joined the two parts and the child became complete and regained life. The
Digbho aharan nripatayo valim adhware te. she-demon was known as Jara and she being compassionate with the childless
king went to the king and presented him the nice child. The King was very
Yat—whose, Samnidhou—being nearby, Aham—myself, U—note of much pleased with the she demon and wanted to reward her according to her
astonishment, Khandavam—the protected forest of Indra king of heaven, desire. The she-demon expressed her desire that the child be named after her
Agnaye—unto the fire god, Adam—delivered, Indram—Indra the king of name and thus the child was surnamed as Jarasandha or one who was joined
Heaven, Cha—also, sa—along with, Amaraganam—the demigods, Tarasa— by Jara the she-demon. In fact this Jarasandha was born as one of the part and
with all dexterity, Vijitya—having conquered. Labdha—having obtained, parcel of demon Viprachitti. The saint by whose benediction the queens bore
Sabha—assembly pandel, Mayakritam—built by Maya, Adbhuta—very the child was called Chanda Kousik who foretold about the child before his
wonderful, Silpa—art and workmanship, Maya—potency, Digbhyo—from all father Vrihadratha.
directions, Aharan—collecting, Nripatayo—all prince, Valim—presentations As he possessed demonical qualities from birth naturally he became a great
Adhware—brought about, te—unto you. devotee of Lord Shiva Who is the Lord of all ghostly and demoniac men.
On account of His being near by me, it was possible for me to conquer Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and so also King Jarasandha. He
over the powerful King of heaven Indradeva along with his demigod used to sacrifice all arrested kings before the Lord Mahabhairva and by his
associates with great dexterity and thus to give facility to the Fire God in military power he defeated many small kings and arrested them for butchering
the matter of devastating the Khandava forest. And by whose Grace only before the Mahabhairava. There are many devotees of the Mhabhairava or
the demon of the name Maya was saved from the blazing Khandava and Kalabhairava in the province of Bihar formerly called Magadha. He was
thus we could build up the wonderful architectural workmanship of our relative of Kansa the maternal uncle of Krishna and therefore after Kansa's
assembly house where all the princes who assembled during the death King Jarasandha became a great enemy of Krishna and there were many
performance of Rajsuya Yajna and all of them paid you tributes. fightings between Jarasandha and Krishna. Lord Krishna wanted to kill him
Demon Mayadanava was an inhabitant of the forest Khnadava and when the but He also wanted that others who served as militarymen for Jarasandha
Kandava forest was set in fire the said demon asked protection from Arjuna. might not be killed. Therefore a plan was adopted to kill him. Krishna, Bhima
Arjuna saved his life and as a result of this the demon felt obliged. He Arjuna three together went to Jarasandha in the dress of poor Brahmins and
responded the obligation by building an wonderful assembly house for the begged chartiy from king Jarasandha. Jarasandha never refused charity to any
Pandavas which attracted the extraordinary attention of all state princes and Brahmin and he performed many sacrifices also and still he was not in par
they felt the supernatural power of the Pandavas and thus without any grudge with devotional service. Lord Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna asked Jarasaandha
all of them submitted and paid tributes to the Emperor. The demons possess the facility of combating with him and it was settled that Jarasandha would
wonderful and supernatural powers than man to create material wonders. But fight with Bhima only. So all of them were both guests and combatants of
they are always disturbing elements of the society. The modern demons are Jarasandha and Bhima and Jarasandha fought every day for several days.
the harmful material scientist who create some material wonders for creating Bhima became disappointed in killing Jarasahdha but Krishna gave him hints
disturbances in the society. For example the creation of the nuclear weapons about Jarasandha's beginning of life being joined together and thus Bhima
by the material scientists. It has created some panic in the human society. disected him again in two parts and he was killed by Bhima. All the kings
Maya was also a materialist like that and he know the art of creating who were detained in the concentration camp for being killed before the
wonderful things. And yet Lord Krishna wanted to kill him. When he was Mahabhairava, were thus released by Bhima and kings thus feeling obliged to
chased both by the fire and the wheel of Lord Krishna intelligently he took the Pandavas paid tribute to King Yudhisihira.
shelter of a devotee like Arjuna and he saved him from the wrath of the fire of Patnyas taba adhimakha klipta mahabhiseka
Lord Sri Krishna. Devotees are therefore more merciful than the Lord and in Slaghista charu kavaram kitabaih sabhayam.
the devotional service the mercy of a devotee is more valuable than the mercy Spristam vikirya padayoh patitasrumukhya
of the Lord. Both the fire and the Lord ceased from chasing the domon as Yas tat striyo krita hatesha vimuktakasha.
soon as both of them saw that the demon was given shelter by a devotee like Patnyas—of the wife, Taba—your, Adhimakha—during the great sacrificial
Arjuna. The Demon feeling obliged himself to Arjuna wanted to do him some ceremony, Klpta—dressed, Mahabhiseka—greatly sanctified, Slaghista—thus
service to show his gratefulness but Arjuna denied to accept anything from glorified, Charu—beautiful, Kavaram—clustered hair, Kitabaih—by the
him in exchange of saving him from the wrath of fire and the Lord. Lord Sri miscreants, Sabhayam—in the great assembly, Spristam—being caught,
Krishna however being pleased with Maya for his taking shelter of a devotee Vikirya—being loosened, Padayo—on the feet, Patitasrumukhya—of the one
asked to render service unto King Yudhisthira by building an wonderful who fell down with tears in the eyes, Yas—He, Tat—their, Striyo—wives,
assembly house. The process is that by the Grace of devotee the mercy of the Krita—became, Hatesa—bereft of husband, Vimuktakesha—loosened hair.
Lord is obtained while by the mercy of the Lord chance for serving the Lord's
devotee is obtained. The club of Bhimasena was also a gift of Mayadanava. It is only He who rendered loosened hair of all the wives of the miscreants
who dared to open the cluster of hair of your queen which was dressed
Yat tejasa nripasironghrimahat makhartham nicely being sanctificd in the great ceremony of Rajasuya sacrifice when
Arya anujas tava gajayuta satwaviryah. she fell down at the feet of Lord Krishna with tears in her eyes,
Tena ahritah pramathanatha makhaya bhupa
Yanmochitas tadanayan valim adhware te. Queen Droupadi had a beautiful bunch of hair which was sanctified in the
ceremonial function of Rajsuya Yajna. But when she was lost in the bet
Yat—whose, Tejasa—by influence, Nripasironghri—one whose feet is adored Duhsasan touched such glorified hair of Droupadi to insult her. Droupadi then
by the heads of kings, Mahat—the great, Makharthe—for the matter of fell down on the lotus feet of Lord Krishna by loosened hair and Lord Krishna
sacrifice, Arya—respectable, Anuja—younger brother, Tava—your, decided it that all the wives of Duhsasan and company should be rendered
Gajayuta—ten thousands of elephants, Satwavirya—powerful existence, into loosened hair being forced by circumstances as the result of the battle of
Tena—by him, Ahrita—collected Pramathanatha—the Lord of the ghosts Kurukshetra. And after the battle of Kurukshetra when all the sons and
(Mahabhairava), Makhaya—for sacrifice, Bhupa—Kings, Yanmochitas—by grandsons of Dhritarastra died in the battle then all the wives of the family
whom they were released, Tadanyan—all of them brought about, Valim— were obliged to loosen their hairs as widows. In other words all the wives of
taxes, Adhware—presented. the Kuru famsly became widows on account of this gross misdeed of
Your respectable younger brother who possesses the strength of ten Duhsasan by insulting a great devotee of the Lord. The Lord can tolerate
thousands of elephants killed, by His Grace only, Jarasandha whose feet insult upon Him by any miscreant because the father tolerates even insults
was worshipped by many kings, These Kings were brought by him for from the son. But He never tolerates insult upon His devotees. By insulting a
being sacrificed in the Mahabhairava Yajna performed by Jarasandha great soul one has to forego all the results of pious acts and benediction also.
but they were thus released and later on paid tributes to your majesty.
22
Fifteenth Chapter - The Pandavas Retire Timely
Yo no jugopa vana etya duranta krichhat doing so the Lord asked Droupadi to call for her guests the company of
Durvasaso ari rachitat ayuta agrabhug yah. Durvasa.
Shakannasistam upayujya yatas trilokim Bhima was sent to call them from the river. Bhima said, "why you are
Tripta mamnsta salile vinimagnasamga. delaying sirs, come on the sfoodstuffs are ready for you." But the Brahmins
Yo—one who, No—us, Jhugopa—gave protection, Vano—forest, Etya— on account of Lord Krishna's accepting a little paticle of food stuff, felt
getting in, Duranta—dangerously, Krichhat—trouble, Durvasaso—of the sumptuosly fed even whilet they were merged within the water. They thought
Durvasa Muni, Ari—enemy, Rachitat—fabricated by, Ayuta—ten thousands, it that had no hunger and Maharaj Yudhisthir must have had prepared many
Agrabhug—One who eats before Yah—that person, Shakannasistam— valuable dishes for them so if they could not take any part of the foodstuff the
remnanrs of foodstuff, Upayupa—having accepted, Yatas—because, king would be feeling sorry so it was better not togo there but they decided to
Trilokim—all the three worlds, Tripta—satisfied, Mamansta—thought within go away from that place.
the mind, Salile—while in the water, Vinimagnaramga—merged into water This incidence proves that the Lord is the greatest mystic than any other
all of them, mystic of the world and therefore He is known as the Yogeswara. Another
instruction is that every householder must offer the foodstuff to the Lord and
During our exile Durvasa Muni, who eats along with ten thousands of his the result will be that every body even a company of guests numbering ten
disciples, put us into dangerously trouble under intrigue by our enemies. thousands would be satisfied on account of the Lord's being satisfied. That is
At that time He (Lord Krishna) simply by accepting the remnant of the the way of devotional service.
particle of foodstuff, saved us. By His dolng so the assembly of Munis
while taking bath in the river water felt sumptuously fed besides all Yat tejasa atha bhagavan yudhi Sulapanir
others in the three worlds. Bismapitah sagirijo astram adat nijam me,
Anyepi cha aham amunaiva kalevarena
Durvasa Muni: A powerful mystic Brahmin determined to observe the Prapto mahendrabhavane mahad asanardham.
principles of religiosity with great vow and under strict austerities. His name
is associated with many historical events and it appears that the great mystic Yat—by whose, Tejasa—by influence, atha—at a time, Bhagavan—the
could both easily be satisfied and annoyed like Lord Shiva. When He was personality of God (Lord Shiva), Yudhi—in the battle, Sulapani—one who
satisfied he could do tremendous good to the servitor but if he was dissatisfied has the trident in hand, Bismapitah—astonished, Sagirija—along with the
he could bring about the greatest calamity. Kumari Kunti at her father's house daughter of Mount Himalaya, Astram—weapon, Adat—awarded, Nijam—of
used to minister all kinds of services to all such great Brahmins and being His own, Me—unto me, Anyepi—so also others, Cha—and, Aham—Myself,
satisfied with her good reception Durvasa Muni benedicted her with a power Amuna—by this, Eva—definitely, Kalevarena—by the body, Prapto—
to call for any demigod as she desired. It is understood that he was a plenary obtained, Mahendrabhavane—in the house of Indradeva, Mahad—great,
incarnation of Lord Shiva and as such he could both easily be satisfied or Asanardham—seat half elevated.
annoyed. He was a great devotee of Lord shiva and by his order he accepted It is by His influence only that I was able to astonish the Personality of
the priesthood of king Swetaketu in the matter of the King's performance of God Lord Shiva along with His wife the daughter of Mount Himalaya in
sacrifices for one hundred years. Sometimes he used to visit the parliamentary fight and thus He became pleased with me and awarded His own weapon.
assembly of the heavenly kingdom of Indradeva. He could travel in the space Thus other demigods also delivered their respective weapons to me and
by his great mystic powers and it is understand that he travelled a great what to speak more I was able to reach the heavely planet definitely by
distance of space even up to the Vaikuntha planet beyond the material space this present body and was allowed to the half elevated seat.
and he travelled all these long distances within one year during his quarrel By the Grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna, all other
with King Amburisha the great devotee Emperor of the world. demigods including Lord Shiva also was pleased with him (Arjuna). The idea
He had about ten thousands of disciples and wherever he visited and is that one who is favoured by Lord Shiva or any other demigods may not
became guest of the great Kshatirya Kings he used to do so accompanied by necesarily be favoured by the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna (Godhead). Ravana
such hoaray number of followers. Once he visited the house of Duryodhone was certainly a great devotee of tlle Lord Shiva but he could not be saved
the enemy cousin brother of Maharaj Yudhisthir. Duryodhone was intelligent faom the wrath of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Ramachndra.
enough to satisfy the Brahmin by all means and the great Rishi wanted to give And there are many instances like that in the histories of the Puranas. But here
some benediction to Duryodhone. Duryoodhone knew his mystic powers and is an instance where we can see that Lord Shiva became pleased even in the
he knew it also that the mystic Brahmin, if dissatisfied could do some havoc fight with Arjuna. The devotees of the Supreme Lord know how to respect the
also and as such he designed to engage the Brahmin to show his wrath upon demigods but the devotees of other demigods sometimes foolishly think that
his enemy brothers the Pandavas. When the Rishi wanted to award some the Supreme Personality of Godhead is as good as other demigods (?) By such
benediction to Dupyodhone, the latter wished that he should visit the house of conception of the Supreme God and the demigods one becomes an offender
Maharaj Yudhisthir who was the eldest and the chief among all his brothers. and ultimately meets with the same result as Ravana and others had to meet.
But by his request he would go to him after he had finished his meals along The instances described by Arjuna during his friendly dealings with Lord Sri
with his queen Droupadi. Duryodhone knew it that after Droupadi's dinner it Krishna are instructive for all who may be convinced by the lessons that one
would be impossible for Maharaj Yudhithir to receive such large number of can achieve all favoures simply by pleasing the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna
Brahmin guests and thus the Rishi would be annoyed and he would create while the devotees or the worshippers of other demigods may achieve only
some trouble for his brother Maharaj Yudhsthir. That was the plan of partial benefits of life which are also perishable as much as the demigods
Duryodhone. Durvasa Muni agreed to this proposal of Duryodhone and once themselves are.
he approached the King in exile according to the plan of Duryodhone after Another significance of the present verse is that Arjuna, by the Grace of
they had finished their meals and Droupadi also had taken her meals. Lord Sri Krishna, was able to reach the heavenly planet even with the self
On his arrival at the door of Maharaj Yudhisthir, he was at once well same body and was honoured by the heavenly demigod Indradeva being
received and he King requested him to finish his noon time ablutions religious seated with him half eleveted. One can reach the heavenly plantets by pious
rites in the river and by the time the food stuff may be prepared. Durvasha acts as they are recommended in the Shastras in the category of fruitive
Muni along with his large number of disciples went to take bath in the river activities. And as stated, in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 9.21) the reactions. of
and Maharaj Yudhisthir was in great anxiety for the guests. So long Droupadi such pious acts being spent up the enjoyer is again degraded to come down to
would not take her meals the whole foodstuff could be served to any number this earehly planets. The Moon planet is also on the level of heavenly planet
of guests but the Rishi by the plan of Duryodhone reached there after and only persons who have had performed virtue only namely performing
Droupadi had finished her meals. sacrifices, giving in charties and undergon severe austerities etc can be
When the devotees are put into difficulty it becomes an opportunity for allowed to enter into the heavenly planets after expiry of the duration of life of
them to recollect the Lord with rapt attention. So Droupadi was thinking of the body. Arjuna was allowed to enter into the heavenly planets in the self
Lord krishna in that dangerous position and the all pervading Lord could at same body simply by the Grace of the Lord otherwise it was not passible to do
once know the dangerous position of His Devotees. He therefore came there so. The present attempts to enter into the heavenly planet by the modern
on the scene and asked Droupadi to give some food stuff whatever she might scientists will certainly prove futile because such scientists are not on the level
have in her stock. On her being so requested by the Lord Droupadi felt too of Arjuna. They are ordinary human beings without any assets of sacrifice,
much because the Supreme Lord asked her for some food and she was unable charity or austerities. The material body is influenced by the three modes of
to supply it at that time. She said to the Lord that the mysterious dish which material nature namely goodness, passion and ignorance. The present mass of
she had received from the Sun-god could supply any ammount foodstuff if she population is more or less influenced by the modes of passion and ignorance
herself had not taken up the meals. But on that day she had already taken her and the symptoms for such influence is exhibited in becoming too much lusty
meals and as such they are in danger. By expresing her difficulties she began and greedy. Such degraded lusty and greedy fellows can hardly approach the
to cry before the Lord as an woman would do in such position. The Lord higher planetary system namely the heavenly planets or above them. Above
however asked Droupadi to bring up the cooking pots if there was any particle the heavenly planets there are many other planets also where only those who
of foodstuff and on Droupadi's doing so the Lord found out som-particle of are influenced by goodness can reach. In the heavenly and other higher
vegitable sticking with the pot. The Lord at once picked it up and ate it. After planets within an universe, the inhabitants are all highly intelligent many more
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
times than the human beings and they are all pious in the higher and the etc. Their arrangement was nice and more than enough but He (Lord Sri
highest mode of goodness. They are all devotees of the Lord and although Krishna) while going forward, did all these.
their goodness is not unadulterated still they are known as demigods The Absolute Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna by His plenary
possessing maximum amount of good qualities possible within the material Paramatma portion expands Himself in every one's heart and as such He
world. directs every one in the matter of recollection, forgetfulness, knowledge and
Tatra eva me viharato bhujadandayugmam absence of intelligence and all psychological activities (Bg. 5.15) As the
Gandiba lakshanam arati badhaya devah. Supreme Lord He can increase or decrease the duration of life of a living
Sa indrah shrita yadnubhavitam ajamidha being. As such the Lord conducted the battlefield of Kurukshetra according to
Tena aham adya mushitah purusena bhumna. His own plan. He wanted that battlefield of Kurukshetra must be owned for
Tatra—in that heavenly planet, Eva—certainly, Me—myself, Viharato— the sake of establishing Yudhisthir as the Emperor of this planet and to
while staying as guest, Bhujadandayugmam—the pair of my arms, Gandiba— facilitate this transcendental business He withdrew the duration of life of all
the bow of the name, Laksnnam—mark, Arati—a demon of the name who were on the opposite party by His omnipotent will. The other party was
Nivatakavach, Badhaya—for the matter of killing, Devah—all the demigods, equipped with all military strength supported by big generals like Bhisma,
Sa—along with, Indrah—the heavenly king of the name, Shrita—taken shelter Drona, Salya etc and it would have been physically impossible for Arjuna to
of, Yad—by whose, Anubhavitam—made it possible to be powerful, win over the battle had the Lord not have helped him by every kind of tactics
Ajamidha—oh the descendant of king Ajamidha, Tena—by Him, Aham— required to win over a great battle. Such tactics are generally followed by
myself, Adya—at the present moment, Mushito—bereft of, Purushena—by every statesman even in the modern warfares but they are all done materially
the personality, Bhumua—the Supreme. by powerful espionages, military tactics and diplomatic manoeuvres of
modern politicians and because Arjuna was the Lord's devotee of great
When I stayed for some days as guest in the heavenly planet, at that time affection, the Lord did them all Himself without personal anxiety by Arjuna.
all the heavenly demigods along with the King Indradeva took shelter of That is the way of devotional service of the Lord.
my arms marked with the Gandiba bow for the matter of killing the
demon of the name Nivatakavach. Oh the king the descendant of Yad dohsu ma pranihitam guru bhisma karna
Ajamidha, at the present moment I am bereft ofthe Supreme Personality Naptri trigartar sal saindhava balhika adayih.
of Godhead by whose infulence I was so much powerful. Astrani amogha mahimani nirupitani
Na upaspisur nriharidasam iva asurani.
The heavenly demigods are certainly more intelligent powerful beautiful and
yet they had to take help from Arjuna on account of his Gandiva bow which Yad—under whose, Dohsu—protectlon of arms, Ma Pranihitam—myself
was empowered by the Grace of Lord Sri Krishna.The Lord is all powerful being situated, Guru—Dronacharya, Bhisma—of the name, Karna—of the
and by His Grace His pure devotee also can be as much powerful as He may name, Naptri—Bhurisrava, Trigartar—king Susarma, Sal—Salya,
desire and there is no limit about it. And when the Lord withdraws His power Saindhava—king Jaidrath, Bahlika—brother of Maharaj Santanu (Bhisma's
from any one, one is power less by the will of the Lord. father) Adaih—Etcetra, Astrani—weapons, Amogha—invincible,
Mahimani—very powerful, Nirupitani—applied, Upaprisu—touch,
yadbandhavah kuruvalabdhim anantaparam Nriharidasam—Servitor of Nrisinghadeva (Prahlada) Iva—like, Asurani—
Eko rathena tatare' aham atarya sattwam. weapons applied by the demons.
Pratyahritam vahu dhanam chamaya paresham
Tejaspadam manimayam cha hritam sirobhyah. Great generals like Bhisma, Drona, Karna, Bhurisrava, Susarma, Salya,
Jaidratha, Bahlika, etc all applied their invincible weapons upon me. But
Yadhandhavah—By those friendship only, Kuruvalbdhim—ocean of the by His (Lord Krishna's) grace they could not even touch my hair just as
military strength of the Kurus, Anantaparam—which was insurmountable, Prahlad Maharaj the supreme devotee of Lord Nrisinghadeva was the
Eko—alone, Rathena—being seated on the chariot, Tatare—was able to cross least affected by the weapons used by the demons upon him.
over, Aham—myself, Atarya—invincible, Sattwam—existence,
Pratyahritam—drew back, Vahu—very large quantity, Dhanam—Wealth, The history of Prahlad Maharaj the great devotee of Nrisingha deva is
Cha—Also, Maya—by me, Paresham—of the enemy, Tejaspadam—source of narrated in the seventh canto of Srimad Bhagwatam. Prahlad Maharaj a small
brilliance, Manimayam—bedecked with jewels, Cha—also, Hritam—taken by child of five years only became the object of enviousness of his great father
force. Hiranya Kashipu for his only fault of becoming a pure devotee of the Lord.
The demon father applied all his weapons for killing the devotee son Prahalad
The military strength of the Kouravas was like a ocean in which there but by the Grace of the Lord he was saved from all sorts of dangerous actions
were many invincible existence and thus it was insurmountable. But still by his father. He was thrown in the fire, in boiling oil, from top of the hill
on account of His friendship I could cross over the same alone being underneath the legs of an elephant. administered poison and at last the father
seated on the chariot. And by His Grace only I was able to draw back (the himself took up a chopper to kill his son and thus Nrisinghadeva appeared and
cows) over and above this I collected by force many helmets of the kings killed the heinous father before the son. Thus no body can kill the devotee of
that were bedecked with jewels all sources of brilliance. Lord and similarly Arjuna was also saved by the Lord although all dangerous
On the Kourava side there were many stalwart commanders like Bhisma, weapons were applied on him by his great opponents like Bhisma etc.
Drona, Kripa, Karna, and the military strength was insurmountable like the Karna:—Born of Kunti by Sun-god prior to her marriage with Maharaj
great ocean. And yet it was due to Lord Krishna's Grace that Arjuna alone and Pandu. Karna took his birth with bangles and ear rings extraordinary signs for
that also sitting on the chariot could manage to vanquish them one after undaunted hero. In the beginning his name was Vasusena but when he grew
another without any difficulty. There were many changes of commanders on up he presented his natural bangles and earrings to Indradeva and thence
the other side but on the Pandava's side Arjuna alone on the chariot driven by forward his name became famous as Vaikartan. After his birth from maiden
Lord Krishna, could manage the whole responsibility of the great war. Kunti, he was thrown in the Ganges water and later he was picked up by
Similarly when the Pandavas were living at the Palace of Virata incognito, the Adhirat and he and his wife Radha brought up him as their own offspring.
Kouravas picked up quarrel with the King Virata and decided to take away his Karna was very much munificent in charity and specially for the Brahmins
large number of cows. Thus while taking away the cows Arjuna fought with there was nothing which he could not spare for a Brahmin. In the same spirit
them incognito and was able to draw back the cows along with some booty of charitable disposition he gave in charity his natural bangles and earrings to
taken by force the jewel set on the turbans of the royal order. Arjuna Indradeva who being very much satisfied with him gave him in return a great
remembered all these were possible by the Grace of the Lord, weapon of the name Shakti. He was admitted as one of the students of
Yo bhisma karna guru salwya chamusu adabhra Dronacharya and from the very beginning there was some rivalry between
Rajanyavarya rathamandala manditasu. him and Arjuna. Seeing his constant rivalry with Arjuna, Duryodhone picked
Agrecharo mama vibho rathayuthapanam him up as his companion which gradually grew into greater intimacy. He was
Ayur manamsi cha drisha saha ojah archhat. also present in the great assembly of Droupadi's Saymvara function and when
he attempted to exhibit his talent in that meeting, Droupadi's brother declared
Yo—It is He only, Bhisma—of the name, Karna—of the name, Guru— in the meeting that Karna could not take part in the competition on account of
Dronacharya Salya—of the name, Chamusu—in the midst of military his becoming the son of Sudra carpenter. Although he was refused in the
phalanx, Adabhra—immense Rajanyavarya—great royal orders, competition still when Arjuna was successful in pierching the target of fish
Rathamandala—chain of chariots, Manditasu—being decorated with, and wheel on the ceiling and Droupadi bestowed her garland to Arjuna, Karna
Agrecharo—going forward, Mama—of mine, Vibho—Oh the great king, and others disappointed princes offered an unusual stumbling block to Arjuna
Rathayuthapanam—all the charioteers, Ayur—duration of life or fruitive while he was taking with him Droupadi. Specifically Karna fought with him
activities, Manamsi—mental upsurges, Cha—also, Drisha—by glance, very valiantly but all of them were defeated by him. Duryodhone was very
Saha—along with, Ojah—strength, Archhat—withdrew. much pleased with Karna on account of his constant rivalry with Arjuna and
It is He only Who withdrew every one's duration of life, speculative when he was in power of the earthly kingdom, he enthroned Karna in the state
power and strength of enthusiasm in the battlefield of the great military of Anga. Being baffled in his attempt to win over Droupadi, he advised
phalanx made by the Kouravas headed by Bhisma, Karana, Drona, Salya Duryodhone to attack King Drupad and after defeating him both Arjuna and
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Fifteenth Chapter - The Pandavas Retire Timely
Droupadi could be arrested. But Dronacharya rebuked them for such Duryodhona and in the first day's fight he was engaged with Maharaj Drupad
conspiracy and they refrained from the action. Karna was defeated many then with Virata and then with Abhimanyu. While Abhimanyu was being
times not only by Arjuna but also by Bhimsena. He was the king of the then killed mercilessly surrounded by seven great generals and the boy was
kingdom of Bengal Orissa and Madras combined together. Later on he took fighting alone the Pandavas came to his help but Jaidratha by the mercy of
active part in the Rajsuya sacrifice of Maharaj Yudhisthira and when there Lord Shiva repulsed them with great ability. On this Arjuna took a vow to kill
was gambling chess between the rival brothers designed by Sakuni, Karna him and on hearing this he wanted to go away from the warfield and asked
took part in the game and he was very pleased when Droupadi was offered as permission from the Kouravas for this cowardly action. But he was not
bet in the gambling to feed his old grudge. When Droupadi was in the game allowed to do this act of cowardice but on the contrary he was obliged to fight
he was very enthusiastic in declaring the news and it is he who ordered with Arjuna by all sides and while the fight was going Lord Krishna reminded
Duhsasan to take away the garments of both Pandavas and Droupadi. She Arjuna that causing the fall down of the head of Jaidratha means death of the
asked Droupadi to select another husband because being lost by the Pandavas killer. That was the benediction of Shivji upon him that whoever would cut
she was rendered a slave of the Kurus. He was always a dead enemy of the his head would die at once with the falling of Jaidrath's head on the ground.
Pandavas and whenever there was opportunity he wanted to curb down them He therefore advised Arjuna to throw the head of Jaidrath directly on the lap
by all means. During the battle of Kurukshetra he fore-saw the conclusive of his father who was engaged in penances at Samanta Panchak pilgrimage.
result of the battle and he expressed his opinion that due to Lord Krishna This was actually done by Arjuna. Jaidrath's father was at once surprised to
being the chariot driver of Arjuna, the battle should be woned by him. He was see a cut head on his lap and as soon as he threw it on the ground, the father
always in difference of opinion with Bhisma and sometimes he said that he also died at once on account of his forehead being cracked in seven pieces.
would not fight till Bhisma was living. And he was proud enough to say that Soutyeh vritah kumatina atmada Iswaro me
within five days only he could finish up the Pandavas and fight if Bhisma Yad padapadmam abhavaya bhajanti bhbyah.
would not interfere with his plan of action. But he was too much mortified Mam sranta vaham arayo rathinam bhubistam
when Bhisma died. He killed Ghatotkach by his Sakti weapon obtained from Na praharan yadanubhava nirasta chittah.
Indra-deva His son Brisasena was killed by Arjuna. He killed the largest
number of soldiers of the Pandavas. At last there was severe fight with Arjuna Soutyeh—in the matter of a chariot driver, Vritah—engaged, Kumatina—by
and it is he only who was able to drop the hemelt of Arjuna. But it so bad consciousness, Atmada—one who delivers, Iswara—the Supreme Lord,
happened that the wheel of his chariot became stuck in the battlefield mud and Me—mine, Yad—whose, Padapdmam—lotus feet, Abhavaya—in the matter
when he got down to set the wheel right Arjuna took the opportunity and of salvation, Bhajanti—do render service, Bhavyah—the intelligent class of
killed him although he requested Arjuna not to do. men, Mam—unto me, Sranta—thirsty, Vaham—my horses, Arayo—the
Naptri or Bhurisrava:—Bhurisrava was the son of Somadutt a member of enemies, Rathinam—a great general, Bhubistam—while standing on the
the Kuru family. His other brother was Salya. Both the brothers and the father ground, Na—did not, Praharan—attack, Yad—whose, Anubhava—mercy,
also attained the Sayambara ceremony of Droupadi. All of them appreciated Nirasta—being absent, Chitta—mind.
the wonderful strength of Arjuna due to his becoming the devotee friend of It is by His mercy only that my enemies were unmindful to kill me at a
the Lord and thus Bhurisrava advised the sons of Dhritarastra not to pick up time when I got down from my chariot to bore water for my thirsty
any quarrel with nor to fight with them. All of them also attended the Rajsuya horses and it was due to my illestimation of my Supreme Lord that I
Yajna of Maharaj Yudhisthira. He possessed full one Akshanini regiment of dared to engage Him as my chariot driver although He is worshipped and
army. cavalry, elephants, chariots and all these were employed in the battle of offered services by the best men for attaining salvation.
Kurukshetra on behalf of the Duryodhon's party. He was counted by Bhima as The Supreme Lord Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna is the object of
one of the Yuthapatis. In the battle of Kurukshetra he was specially engaged worship both by impersonalists as well as the Devotees of the Lord. The
in fight with Satyaki and he killed ten sons of Satyaki. Later on Arjuna cut off impersonalists worship His glowing effulgence emanating from His
his hands and he was ultimately killed by Satyaki. After his death he merged transcendental body of eternal form, bliss and knowledge and the Devotees
into the existence of Viswadeva. worship Him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Those who are below
Trigarta or Susarma:—Son of Maharaj Briddhakshetra and the King of even than the im personalists consider Him as one of the great historical
Trigarta Desha and he was also present in the Sayambara ceremony of personalities. The Lord however descends to attract all by his specific
Drouprdi. One of the allies of Duryodhone and he advised Duryodhone to transcendental pastimes and as such He plays the part of the most perfect
attack the Matsadesha (Darbhanga). during the time of cow-stealing in Master, Friend, Son and Lover. His trascendental relation with Arjuna was in
Viratnagar he was able to arrest Maharaj Virat but later on Maharaj Virata the humour of friendship and the Lord therefore played the part of a perfect
was released by Bhima and in the battle of Kurukshetra he also fought very friend as He did it with His parents lovers and wives. While playing such
valiantly but at the end he was killed by Arjuna. perfect way of transcendental relation, the devotee forgets, by the internal
Jaidrath:—Another son of Maharaj Briddhakshetra and was the King of potency of the Lord, that his friend or son is the Supreme Personality of
Sindhu (modern Sind Pakistan) Desha and his wife's name was Duhsala. He Godhead although sometimes such devotee is bewildered by the acts of the
was also presenet in the Sayamvara ceremony of Droupadi desired very Lord. After departure of the Lord, Arjuna is conscious about his great friend
strongly to have the hand of beautiful Droupadi but he failed in the but there was no mistake on the part of Arjuna or any ill-estimation of the
competition game thus failed to have the celebrated princess as his wife. But Lord by Arjuna. Such atmosphere was needed by the superior will of the Lord
since then he sought always the opportunity of getting in touch with and the best intelligent man may be attracted by such transcendental acting of
Droupadi. When he was going to marry in the Salya Desha on the way at the Lord with His pure unalloyed devotee like Arjuna.
Kamyavan he happened to see Droupadi again and was too much attracted by In the war field scarcity of water is an well known fact. Water is very rare
her. The Pandavas and Droupadi were then in exile after losing empire in there although both the animal and man working strenuously in the war-field
gambling and Jaidrath thought it wise to send news to Droupadi in an illicit require constantly water for quenching thirst. Especially wounded soldiers and
manner through Kotisashya an associate of Jaidrath. Droupadi at once refuted generals feel too much thirsty at the time of death and it sometimes so
vehemently the proposal of Jaidrath but being too much attracted by the happens that simply for want of water one has to die unavoidably. But such
beauty of Droupadi he tried for again and again. Every time being refused by scarcity of water was solved in the battle of Kurukhetra by means of boring
Droupadi he tried to take her away forcibly on his chariot and at first the ground at once. By God's grace water can be easily obtained from any
Droupadi gave him a good dashing and he fell like a cut-root tree. But he did place if there is facility for boring the ground. Modern tubewell system is the
not get it disappointed and was able to force Droupadi sit on the Chariot. This same principle of boring the ground but modern engineers are still unable to
incidence was seen by Dhoumya Muni and he strongly protested against the dig up immediately a tubewell wherever necessary. It appears however from
action of Jaidrath. He also followed the chariot and through Dhatreyak the the history of olden days as far back as the days of the Pandavas, big generals
matter was brought to the notice of Maharaj Yudhisthira. The Pandavas then like Arjuna could at once supply water even to the horses and what to speak
attacked the soldiers of Jaidrath and killed them all and at last Bhima caught of human being by drawing water from underneath the hard ground simply by
hold of Jaidrath and had beaten him very severely as almost dead. Then he penetrating the stratum with sharp arrow enforced by a method still unknown
was made bare headed with five hair spot on the skull and was taken to all the to the modern scientists.
kings to introduce him as the slave of Maharaj Yudhisthir He was forced to
admit himself as the slave of Maharj Yudhisthir before all the princely order Narmani udarani ruchira smitasobhitani
and in the same condition he was brought before Maharaj Yudhisthir, Maharaj Hay patrha hay' arjuna sakhe kurunandana iti.
Yudhisthar was kind enough to order him get released and when he admitted Samjalpitani naradeva hridi sprisani
to become a tributory prince only under Maharaj Yudhisthir, Queen Droupadi Smartur luthanti hridayam mama madhavasya.
also desired that he should be released. After this incidence he was allowed to Narmani—conversation in jokes, Udarani—talked very frankly, Ruchira—
return back to his country. Being too much insulted like this he went to pleasing, Smitasobhitani—decorated with smiling face, Hay—note of address,
Gongotri in the Himalaya and undertook a severe type of penance to please Partha—the son of Pritha, Hay—note of address, Arjuna—of the name,
Lord Shiva and asked His benediction for defeating all the Pandavas at least Sakhe—friend, Kurunandana—son of the Kuru dynasty, Iti—and so on,
once a time. Then the battle of Kurukshetra began and he took side with Samjadpitani—such conversations, Naradeva—Oh the king, Hridi—heart,
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Sprisani—touching, Smartur—by remembering them, Luthanti— Tad—the same, Vai—certainly, Dhanusta—the same bow, Ishavah—arrows,
overwhelmes, Hridayani—heart and soul, Mama—mine, Madhavasya—of Sa—the very same, Ratho—the chariot, Hayaste—the very same horses,
Madhava (Krishna) So'aham—I am the same Arjuna, Nripataya—all the kings, Anamanti—
Oh the King ! His conversation in jokes which he talked very frankly and offered their respects, Sarvam—all, Kshanena—by a moment's notice, Tad—
was so pleasing and beautiful decorated with smiles and His note of all those, Abhut—became, Asad—useless, Ishena—on account of the Lord,
addresses unto me as "oh the son of Pritha, oh friend, oh the son of Kuru Riktam—being void, Bhasmam—ashes, Hutam—offering butter,
dynasty" and all such hearty dealings are now being remembered by me Kuhakarabdham—money created by magical feats, Iva—like that, Uptam—
and thus I am overwhelmed. seed, Ushyam—in the barren land.
Sayya asana atana vikathyana bhojana adishu I have got the very same Gandiba bow, the same arrows the same chariot
Aikyad vayasya ritayan iti vipralabdhah. drawn by the same horses and I use them as the same Arjuna whom all
Sakhyuh sakheva pitriyat tanayasya sarvam the kings offered their due respects. And in the absence of Lord Krishna
Sehe mahan mahitaya kumater agham me. all of them have become null and void in a moment's notice. It is exactly
like offering clarified butter on the ashes, accumulating money by magic
Sayya—sleeping in one bed, Asana—sitting on one seat, Atana—walking wand and sowing seeds in the barren land.
together, Vikatthyanam—self-adoration, Bhojana—dinning together,
Adishu—and in all such dealings, Aikyad—on account of oneness, As we have discussed more than once one should not be puffed up by
Vayasya—oh my friend, Ritavan—truthful, Vipralabdha—misbehaved, borrowed plumes. All energies and powers are derived from theSupreme
Sakhyu—unto a friend, Sakheva—just like a friend, Pitrivat—just like the source Lord Krishna and they act as long as He desires and stop to function as
father, Tanayasya—of the child, Sarvam—all, Sehe—tolerated, Mahan— soon as He withdraws. As much as all electrical energies are received from
great, Mahitaya—by glories, Kumater—of one who is of low mentality, Me— the power house and as soon as power house stops supplying energy there is
mine. no more use of the bulbs and machine. In a moment's time such energies can
be generated or withdrawn by the Supereme Will of the Lord. Material
Generally both of us used to live together in the matter of sleeping, civilization without any connection with the blessing of the Lord is a childs
sitting, loitering and at the time of advertising oneself for acts of chivalry. play only. So long the parents allow the child to play it is alright. As soon as
Sometimes if there was any irregularity I used to reproach Him by saying the parents withdraw the child has to stop it. Human civilization and all
"my friend you are very truthful." Even in those hours of minimising His activities thereof must be dovetailed with the supereme blessings of the Lord
value, the Supreme Soul as He is, He used to tolerate all those utterings of and without this blessings all advancement of human civilization is like
mine excusing me exactly like a true friend does to a true friend or the decoration of the dead body. It is said here that dead civilization and its
father does to his son. activities are something like pouring clarified butter on the ashes,
The Supreme Lord Shri Krishna being all perfect His transcendental pastimes accumulating money by the magic wand and sowing seed in sarren land.
with His pure devotees never lack in any respect either as a friend, son or Rajans taya anupristanam suhridam nah suhritpure
lover. The Lord relishes reproaches of friends, parents or fiancees more Vipra sapat vimudhanam nighnatam mustibhir mithah.
palatably than the Vedic hymns which are offered to Him by great learned
scholar and religionists in an offficial fashion. Varuni madiram pitwa madonmathita chetasam
Ajanatam iva anyonam chatuh panchavaseshitah.
Sa aham nripendra rahitah purushottamena
Sakhya priyena suhrida hridayena sunyah. Rajans—oh the king, Taya—by you. Anupristanam—as you enquired of,
Adhyanyurukrama parigraham anga rakshan Suhridam—of friends and relatives, Nah—our, Suhritpure—in the city of
Gopair asdbhiravaleva vinirjitoshmi. Dwarka, Vipra—the Brahmins, Sapat—by the curse of, Vimudhanam—of the
befooled, Nighnatam—of the killed, Mustibhir—by bunch of sticks, Mitha—
Sa—that, Aham—Myself, Nripendra—oh the emperor, Rahitam—bereft of, between themselves, Varuni—purificd rice, Madira—wine, Pitwa—having
Purushottamena—by the Supreme Lord, Sakhya—by my friend, Priyena—by drunk up, Madonmathita—being intoxicated, Chetasam—of that mental
my dearmost, Suhrida—by the wellwisher, Hridayena—by the heart and soul, situation, Ajanantam—of the unrecognised, Iva—like, Anyonyam—one
Sunyah—vaccant, Adhuna—recently, Urukramaparigraham—the wives of the another, Chatuh—four, Pancha—five, Avaseshitah—now remaining.
All-powerful, Anga—body, Rakshan—while protecting, Gopair—by the
cowherds, Asdbhir—by the infidels, Avaleva—like the weak woman, Oh the king! as you have enquired from me about our friends and
Vinirjitoshmi—I have been defeated. relatives in the city of Dwarka, I may inform you that all of them were
cursed by the Brahmins and as a result of that all of them became
Oh the emperor! thus I have been separated by my such friend, intoxicated by drinking wine made of purified rice and fought between
wellwisher, the dearmost Supreme Personality of Godhead and therefore one another with sticks and blows unrecognised by themselves. Except
my heart appears to be void of everything. In His absence I have been four or five all of them are now dead and gone.
defeated by a number of infidel cowherdsmen while I was guarding the
bodies of all the wives of Krishna. Prayenaitad bhagawata iswarasya vichestitam
Mitho nighnanti bhutani bhavayanti cha yam mithah.
The important point in this verse is how it was possible that Arjuna could be
defeated by a gang of ignoble cowherdsmen and how such mundane Prayanaitad—it is almost by, Bhagawata—of the Personality of Godhead,
cowherdsmen could touch the body of the wives of Lord Krishna who were Iswarasya—of the Lord, Vichestitam—by the will of, Mitho—between one
under the protection of Arjuna. Srila Viswanath Chakravarby Thakur has another, Nighanti—do kill, Bhutani—the living beings, Bhavayanti—as also
justified the contradiction by research endeavour in the Vishnu Puranam and protects, Cha—also, Yam—of whom, Mithah—one another.
Brahma Puranam. In these Puranas it is said that sometimes the fair denizens In fact these are all under the supreme will of the Lord Personality of
of heaven pleased by their service to Astavakra Muni and the latter in return Godhead that sometimes people kill one another as also protect one
blessed them that they would have the Supreme Lord as their husband. another at another time.
Astavakra Muni was curved in eight joints of his bodily structure and thus he According to the anthropologist there is the nature's law of struggle for
used to move on in a peculiar curved manner. The daughters of the demigods existence and survival of the fittest. But they do not know that behind the law
could not check their laughing by seeing the movements of the Muni and thus of nature there is the supreme direction of the Supreme Lord Personality of
the Muni being angry upon them cursed them also that they would be Godhead. In the Bhagwat Geeta it is confirmed that the law of nature is
kidnapped by rogues even they would get the Lord as their husband. Later on executed under the direction of the Lord. Whenever therefore there is peace in
the girls again satisfied the Muni by their prayers and the Muni blessed them the world it must be known that it is due to the good will of the Lord. And
that they would regain their husband even after being robbed by the rogues. whenever there is upheaval in the world it is also due to the Supreme will of
So in order to keep the words of the great Muni, the Lord Himself kidnapped the Lord. Not a blade of glass moves without the will of the Lord. Whenever
His wives from the protection of Arjuna otherwise they would have at once therefore there is disobedience to the established rules enacted by the Lord
vanished from the scene in the very beginning of their being touched by the there is war between man to man nation to nation. The surest way to the path
rogues. Besides that some of the Gopis who prayed for becoming the better of peace is therefore dovetailing everything with the established rule of the
halves of the Lord and after their desire being fulfilled they returned back to Lord.
their respective position. After departure of Lord Krishna He wanted all His The established rule is that whatever we do, whatever we eat, whatever we
entourage back to Godhead and they were so called back under different sacrifice or whatever we give in charity must be done to the full satisfaction of
conditions only. the Lord. No body should do anything, eat anything, sacrifice anything or give
Tad vai dhanusta ishavah sa ratho hayaste in charity anything against the will of the Lord. Discretion is the best part of
So'aham rathi nripatayo yata anamanti valour and one must learn how to discreminate between actions which may be
sarvam kshanena tad abhut asad ishena riktam pleasing to the Lord or which may not be pleasing to the Lord. An action is
Bhasmam hutam kuhakarabdham iva uptam ushyam. thus judged by the end in the matter of the Lord's pleasure or displeasure.
There is no room for personal whims we must always be guided by the
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Fifteenth Chapter - The Pandavas Retire Timely
pleasure of the Lord and this action is called Yoga karmasya kousalam or of the conditioned souls in a suitable manner through the agency of matter
actions may be performed keeping link with the Supreme Lord. That is the art which is also another form of Lord's energy of manifestation. As such the
of doing a thing perfectly. Bhagwat Geeta or any such authentic scriptural sound representation of the
Jaloukasam jale yadbat mahanto'danti aniyasah Lord is also incarnation of the Lord. There is no difference between such
Druvalan Valino rajan mahanto valino mitho sound representation of the Lord and Himself and one can derive the same
benefit from the Bhagwat Geeta as Arjuna had it done in the personal
Evam valisthair yadubhi mahadbhir itaram bibhuh presence of the Lord.
Yadun yadubhir anyonyam bhubharam samjahara Faithful human being who is desirous of being liberated from the clutches
Jaloukasam—of the acquatics, Jale—in the water, Yadbat—as it is, of the illusory energy of material existance, can take very easily the
Mahanto—the larger one, Odanti—swallows, Aniyasah—smallers ones, transendental advantage of the Bhagwat Geeta and with this mission in view
Durvalan—the weak, Valino—the stronger, Rajan—oh the king, Mahanto— the Lord instructed Arjuna as if Arjuna was in need of it. In the Bhagwat
the strongest, Valino—lesser strong, Mitho—in duel, Evam—thus, Geeta five important factors of knowledge have been delineated pertaining to
Valisthair—by the strongest, Yadubhir—by the descendants of Yadu, the (l) Supreme Lord, (2) the living being, (3) the Nature, (4) the time and
Mahadbhir—one who has greater strength, Itaran—the common ones, space and (5) the process of activity. Out of these, the Supreme Lord and the
Bibhuh—the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Yadun—all the Yadus, living being, being qualitatively one, the difference between the two have
Yadubhir—by the Yadus, Anyonyam—between one another, Bhubharan—the been analysed as the whole and the part and parcel. The nature is inert matter
burden of the world, Samjahara—has unloaded, Ha—in the past. displaying the interaction of three different modes and the eternal time and
Oh the King! as it is in the ocean the stronger acquatic swallows up the unlimited space are considered to be beyond the existence of the material
weaker ones, the bigger one swallows up the smaller ones so also the nature. Activities of the living being are different varieties of aptitudes which
Supreme Personality of Godhead has unloaded the burden on the earth can entrap or liberate the living being within or without the material nature.
by engaging the stronger Yadu for killing weaker and bigger Yadu in All these subject matters are concisely disscussed in the Bhagwat Geeta and
killing the smaller. later the subject matters are elaborated in the Srimad Bhagwatam for further
enlightenment. Out of the five subjects, the Supreme Lord, the living entity,
In the material world the law of struggle for existence and survival of the the Nature and time and space all are enternal but the living entity, nature and
fittest work for the reason that in the material world there is disparity between time all of them are under the direction of the Supreme Lord who is Absolute
the conditioned souls on account of every one's desire to lord it over the and completely independant of any other control. The Supreme Lord is the
material resources. This very mentality of lording it over the material nature is supreme controller. Activity of the living being is beginningless but it can be
the root cause of conditioned life. And to give facility to such imitation sense rectified by transferred epithet into spiritual quality and thus cease its material
of lordship the illusary energy of the Lord has created a disparity between qualitative reactions. Both the Lord and the living entity are cognisant and
conditioned living beings by creating the stronger and the weaker in every both have the sense of identification of being conscious as living force. But
species of life. The mentality of lording it over the the material nature and the the living being under the condition of the material nature called the Mahat
creation of the strong and the weak has naturally created a disparity and Tattwa misidentifies himself as different from the Lord and the whole scheme
therefore the law of struggle for existence. In the spiritual world there is no of vedic wisdom is targetted to this aim of eradicating such misconception of
such disparity neither there is such struggle for existence because every one the living being and thus to liberate him from the illusion of material
there exists eternally. There is no disparity because overy one wants to render identification. When such illusion is eradicated by knowledge and
service to the Supreme Lcrd and bo body wants to imitate the Lord in the renunciation the living being revives his real identification as interested
matter of becoming the beneficiary. The Lord being creater of everything individual being in the transcendental position of the Lord. As conscious
including the living beings, factually He is the proprietor and enjoyer of beings both the Lord and the living being are responsible actors and enjoyer
everything that be but in the material world by the spell of Maya or illusion also. The sense of enjoyment in the Lord is real but such sense in the living
this sense of eternal relation with the Supreme Personality of Godhead being being is a sort of wishful desire only. This difference in consciousness is the
forgotten the living being is conditioned under the law of struggle for criterian of two identities namely the Lord and the living being. Otherwise
existence and survival of the fittest. there is no difference between the Lord and the living being. The living being
Desha kala artha yuktani hrit tapo upasamani cha is therefore, eternally one and diffierent simultaneously. The whole
Haranti smaratas chittam govinda abhihitani me. instructions of the Bhagwat Geeta stand on the basis of this principle.
Desha—space, Kala—time, Artha—importance, Yuktani—impregnated with, In the Bhagwat Geeta the Lord and the living being both have been
Hrit—the heart, Tapa—burning, Upasamani—extinguishing, Cha—and, described as Sanatan or eternal and the Lord's abode far beyond the range of
Haranti—are attracting, Smaratas—by remembering, Chittam—mind, material sky is also described as Sanatan. The living being is invited to live in
Govinda—the Supreme Lord of pleasure, Abhihitani—narrated by, Me—unto the Sanatan existence of the Lord and the process which can help a living
me. being to approach the Lord's abode as abovementioned, is called the Sanatan
Dharma or the place where the liberated activity of the soul is exhibited. One
Now I am being attracted by the instructions which were imparted to me cannot, however, reach the eternal abode of the lord without being free from
by the Personality of Godhead because they are always impregnated with the misconception of material identification and the Bhagwat Geeta gives us
instruction for relief to the burning heart of all in all circumstances of the clue how to achieve this stage of perfection. The process of being liberated
space and time. from the misconception of material identification is called, in different stages,
Herein Arjuna refers to the instruction of the Bhagwat Geeta which was as fruitive activity, emperic philosophy and devotional services up in the
imparted to him by the Lord in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The Lord left matter of transcendental realisation. Such transcendental realisation is made
behind Him the instructions of the Bhagwat Geeta not only for the benefit of possible by dovetailing all the above items in relation with the Lord.
Arjuna alone, but also it is useful for all at all time and in all climate or space. Prescribed duties of the human being as they are directed in the Vedas, can
The Bhagwat Geeta being spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, it gradually purify the sinful mind of the conditioned soul and raise him to the
is the essence of all vedicwisdom. It is nicely presented by the Lord Himself stage of knowledge. Such purified stage of acquiring knowledge becomes the
for all who have very little time for going through the vast vedic-literatures basis of devotional service of the Lord. So long one is engaged in the matter
like the Upanishads, Puranas and Vedanta Sutras. It is put within the study of of researching the solution of the problems life, it is called Jnana or purified
the great historical epic Mahabharata which was specially prepared for the knowledge but on the stage of realising the actual solution of life, one is
less intelligent class of men namely the women, the labourer class of men and called as situated in the dovotional service of the Lord. The Bhagwat Geeta
those who are worthless descendants of the higher class men of the society begins with the problems of life by discreminating the soul from the elements
namely the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and higher section of the Vaishyas. The of matter and proves it by all reasons and arguments that the soul is
problem, which arose some times in the heart of Arjuna in the battle field of indestructible at all circumstances and the outer cover of matter the body and
Kurukshetra, was solved by the teachings of the Bhagwat Geeta and again the mind change covering for another term of material existence which is full
after the departure of the Lord from the vision of the earthly people, when of miseries. The Bhagwat Geeta is therefore meant for terminating all
Arjuna was face to face with another problem of being vanquished in his different types of miseries and Arjuna took shelter of the great knowledge
acquired power and prominence, he wanted again to remember the great which was imparted to him before, during the time of Kurukshetra battle.
teachings of the Bhagwat Geeta just to teach all concerned that the Bhagwat Suta uvacha:
Geeta could be consulted in all critical time not only to be solaced from all Evam chintayato jishnoh krishnapada saroruham
kinds of mental agonies but also to find out the way out of the great Souhardena atigadhena santay asit vimala matih.
entanglement which might have embarassed one in some critical hour.
The merciful Lord left behind Him the great teachings of the Bhagwat Suta uvacha—Suta Goswami said, Evam—thus, Chintayato—while thinking
Geeta for the only reason that one could take the instructions of the Lord even of the instructions, Jishnoh—of the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
during the time of His not being visible to the material eyesight. Material Krishnapada—feet of Krishna, Saroruham—resembling tbe lotus,
senses cannot have any estimation of the Supreme Lord but by his Souhardena—by deep friendship, Atigadhena—in great intimacy, Santa—
inconceivable power, the Lord can incarnate Himself to the sense-perception
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
pacified, Asit—it so became, Vimala—without any tinge of material truth and because Arjuna was His confidential friend the secret was disclosed
contamination, Matih—mind. to him.
Suta Goswami said, "Thus being deeply absorbed in thinking of the Arjuna had no desire to fight with his relatives but he fought on the mission
instructions of theLord in great intimacy of friendship and of His Lotus of the Lord. He was always engaged in the execution of His mission only and
feet Arjuna's mind became pacified and free from all contamination of therefore after His departure he remained in the same transcendental position
material tinges." even though it appeared that he forgot all the instructions of the Bhagwat
Geeta. One should, therefore, adjust the activities of life in pace with the
The Lord being Absolute, thinking about Him in deep meditation is as good as mission of the Lord and by doing this one is sure to return back to home
trance of the Yogins. The Lord is non-different from His Name, Form, return back to Godhead the highest perfection of life.
Quality, Pastimes, Entourage, and specific actions. Arjuna began to think of
the Lord's instructions to Him in the battlefield of Kurukshetra and those Visoka brahmasampatya samchhinna dwitasamsayah
instructions only began to eliminate the tinges of material contaminations in Leena prakriti nairgunyat alingatwat asambhavah.
the mind of Arjuna. The Lord is like the sun and the sun's appearance means Visoka—free from berievement, Brahmasampatya—by possession of spiritual
dissipation of darkness at once. Material contamination is like darkness or assets, Samchhinna—being completely cut off, Dwitasamsayah—from the
ignorance and the Lord's appearance within the mind of the devotee in any doubts of relativity, Leena—merged in, Prakriti—material nature,
category as above mentioned can at once drive away the miserable material Nairgunyat—due to being in transcendence, Alingatwat—on account of being
effects. Lord Chaitanya has, therefore, recommended constant chanting of the void of material body, Asambhavah—free from birth and death.
Name of the Lord and thus be protected from all contamination of the material On account of possessing spiritual assets the doubts of duality was
world. The feelings of separation from the Lord is undoubtedly a sorry plight completely cut off. Thus being freed from the three modes of material
of the devotee but because it is in connection with the Lord it has got a nature and placed in transcendence there was no more any chance of
specific transcendental effect which pacifies the heart. Such feelings of birth and death being freed from material form.
separation is also a source of trancendental bliss and it is never equal to
contaminated material feelings of separation. Doubts of duality begins from the misconception of the material body which
is accepted as self by less intelligent persons. The most foolish part of our
Vasudevanghra anudhyana paribringhita ranghasa ignorance is when we identify this material body as self and every thing in
Bhaktya nirmathita asesha kashaya dhisana Arjuna. relation with the body is ignorantly accepted as our own. This doubts of
Vasudevanghra—the lotus feet of the Lord, Anudhyana—by constant misconception as myself and mine, in other words my body, my relatives, my
remembrance, Paribringhrita—expanded, Ranghasa—with great velocity, properity, my wife, my children, my wealth, my country, my community, and
Bhaktya—in devotion, Nirmathita—subsided, Asesha—unlimited, Kashaya— hundreds and thousands of such illusory contemplations, are different
trashes, Dhisana—conception, Arjuna—of the name. bewilderment for the conditioned soul. By assimilating the instructions of the
Arjuna's constant remembrances of the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna Bhagwat Geeta one is sure to become released from such bewilderment
expanded his devotion with great velocity and as a result of this all because real knowledge is to know that the Supreme Personality of Godhead
trashes of his conception became subsided. Vasudeva Lord Krishna is everything including myself. Everything is a
manifestation of His potency as part and parcel and the potency and the potent
Material desires of the mind are trashes of material contamination. By such being nondifferent the conception of duality is at once mitigated by attainment
contaminations the living being is faced with so many compatible and of perfect knowledge. As soon as Arjuna took himself to the instructions of
incompatible things that upsuge the very existence of spiritual identity. Birth the Bhagwat Geeta, expert as he was, he could at once eradicate the material
after birth the conditioned soul is entrapped with so many pleasing and non- conception of Lord Krishna his eternal friend. He could realise that the Lord
pleasing elements which are all false and temporary. They accumulate on was still present before him by His instruction, by His Form, by Pastimes, by
account of our reaction of material desires but when we get into touch with His Qualities and everything in relation with Him. He could realise that Lord
the transcendental Lord in His variegated energies by devotional service the Krishna his friend was still present before him by His transcendental presence
naked forms of all material desires become manifest and the intelligence of in different non-dual energies and there was no question of attainment of the
the living being is pacified in its true colour. As soon as Arjuna turned his association of the Lord by another change of body under the influence of time
attention towards the instructions of the Lord as they are inculcated in the and space. By attainment of Absolute knowledge one can be in association of
Bhagwat Geeta, his true colour of eternal association of the Lord became the Lord constantly even in the very present life simply by hearing, chanting,
manifest and thus felt freed from all material contaminations. thinking and worshipping the Supreme Lord. One can see Him, one can feel
Geetam bhagawata jnanam yat tat samgramamurdhani His presence even in the present life simply by understanding "the adwaya
Kalakarma tomaruddham punaradhyagamat prabhuh. jnan" Lord or the Absolute Lord through the processes of devotinal service
Geetam—instructed, Bhagawata—by the Personality of Godhead, Jnanam— which begins with hearing about him. Lord Chaitanya says that simply by
knowledge, transcendental, Yat—which, Tat—that, Samgramamurdhani—in chanting the holy Name of the Lord one can at once wash off the dust on the
the midst of battle, Kalakarma—time and actions, Tomaruddham— mirror of pure consciousness and as soon as the dust is removed one is at once
enwrapped by such darkness, Punaradhyagamat—revived them again, freed from all material conditions. To become free from material conditions
Prabhuh—the Lord of his senses. means liberation of the soul. As soon as one is, therefore, situated in the
Absolute knowledge his material conception of life becomes removed or
On account of the Lord's pastime and activities thereof and the sense of becomes emerged out from such false conception of life and the function of
separation from the Lord it so appeared that Arjuna forgot the the pure soul is revived in spiritual realisaion. This practical realisation of the
instructions left by the Personality of Godhead: but factually it did not so living being is made possible on account of his becoming free from the
happen and again he became the Lord of the senses. reaction of the three modes of material qualities namely goodness, passion
A conditioned soul is enwrapped in his fruitive activities by the force of and ignorance. By the Grace of the Lord a pure devotee is at once raised to the
eternal time. But the Supreme Lord when He incarnates on the earth, His plane of the Absolute and there is no more chance of the devotee to become
activities are not enforced by Kala or the material conception of past present materially entangled called by the name conditioned life. No body is able to
and future significances. Such activities of the Lord are eternal and they are feel the presence of the Lord at all circumstances untill one is not endowed
manifestation of His Atmamaya or internal potency. All such pastimes or with the required transcendental vision made possible by devotional service
activities of the Lord are spiritual in nature but to the laymen they appear to prescribed in the revealed scriptures. Arjuna attained this stage long before in
be on the same level of material activities. It so appeared that the Arjuna and the battlefield of Kurukshetra and as he apparently felt the absence of the
the Lord were engaged in the battle-field of Kurukshetra as the other party Lord he at once took shelter of the instructions of the Bhagwat Geeta and thus
was also engaged: but factually the Lord was executing His mission of again he was placed in his original position. This is the position of Visoka or
incarnation in association with His eternal friend Arjuna. Therefore such the stage of being freed from all berievement and anxieties.
apparent material activities of Arjuna did not drive him away from his Nisamya bhagawat margam samstham yadukulasya cha
transcendental position but on the contrary revived his consciousness about Swah pathaya matim chakre nibhritatma yudhisthirah.
the songs of the Lord as He sung it personally. This revival of consciousness
is assured by the Lord in the Bhagwat Geeta as follows: [Bg. 18.65] Nisamya—deliberating, Bhagawat—in the matter of the Lord, Margam—the
ways of his appearance and disappearance, Samstham—end, Yadukulasya—
Manmana bhava madbhakto madyaji mam namaskuru of the dynasty of King Yadu, Cha—also, Swah—the abode of the Lord,
Mameva aisyasi satyam te pratijane priosi me. Pathaya—on the way of, Chakre—gave attention, Nibhritatma—lonely and
One should become in the mood of thinking the Lord always and the mind alone, Yudhisthirah—the king of the name.
may not be void of His thinking. One should, therefore, become a devotee of Just hearing about Lord Krishna' s returuing back to His abode and on
the Lord and offer obeisances unto Him. One, who lives in that fashion, understanding of the end of Yadu dynasty's earthly manifestation,
becomes undoubtedly endowed with the blessing of the Lord by achieving the Maharaj Yudhisthir decided alone for going back to Home back to
shelter of His lotus feet. There is nothing to be doubtful about this eternal Godhead.
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Fifteenth Chapter - The Pandavas Retire Timely
Maharaj Yudhisthir also turned His attention on the instructions of the The Supreme unborn Lord Sri Krishna caused the members of the Yadu
Bhagwat Geeta after hearing about Lord's departure from the vision of the dynasty relinquishing the body by which He took away the burden of the
earthly people. He began to deliberate on the matter of the Lord's way of world. The action was like picking out the thorn by a thorn although both
appearance and departure. The mission of the Lord's appearance and of them are equal to the controller.
disappearance in the mortal universe is completely dependant on His Supreme Srila Viswanath Chakrabarty Thakur suggests that the Rishis like Sounaka
will. He does not appear or disappear forced by any other superior energy as and others who were hearing Srimad Bhagwatam from Suta Goswami at
the living beings do appear and disappear being forced by the laws of nature. Naimisaranya, were not happy to hear about the Yadus dying in madness of
Whenever the Lord likes, He can appear Himself from anywhere and intoxication. To give them relief from this mental agony, Suta Goswami
everywhere with-out disturbing His appearance and disappearance is any assured them that the Lord caused the members of the Yadu dynasty to
other place. He is like the sun. The sun appears and disappears by its own relinquish the body by which they had to take away the burden of the world.
accord at any place without disturbing its presence in other place. The sun The Lord and His eternal associates appeared on earth to help the
appears in the morning of India without disappearing itself in the western administrative demigods in eradicating the burden of the world all disturbing
hemisphere. The sun is present everywhere and anywhere all over the elements. He, therefore, called for some of the confidential demigods to
universe but it so appears in a particular place that the sun appeared in the appear in the Yadu family and serve Him in His great mission. After the
morning at some fixed time and also disappeared at some fixed time. The time mission was fulfilled such demigods by the will of the Lord relinquished their
limitation even of the sun has no concern with it and then what so speak about corporal body by a show of fighting amongst themselves in madness of
the Supreme Lord Who is the creator ane controller of the sun. Therefore, in intoxication. The demigods are accustomed to drink Somerasa beverage and
the Bhagwat Geeta it is stated as follows about the appearance and therefore drinking of wine and intoxication thereof, are not unknown to such
disappearance of the Lord by the Lord Himself. He says there that any one demigods. Sometimes theywere put into trouble for indulging in such
who understands factually about the transcendental appearance and intoxicating habit. Sometimes the sons of Kuvera fell in the wrath of Narada
disappearance of the Lord by His inconcievable energy, becomes liberated for being intoxicated; but afterwards they regained their original forms by the
from the laws of birth and death and is placed in the eternal spiritual sky Grace of the Lord Sri Krishna. We shall find this story in the 10th canto. For
wherein the Vaikuntha planets are there and such liberaed persons can the Supreme Lord both the Ashuras and the demigods are equal but yet the
eternally live there without the pangs of birth, death, old age and diseases. In demigods are obedient to the Lord whereas the Ashuras are not so. Therefore,
the spiritual sky the Lord and those who are eternally engaged in the the example of picking out a thorn by another thorn is quite befitting. One
transcendental loving service of the Lord, all are eternally young because thorn which causes pinpricks on the leg of the Lord is certainly disturbing to
there is no old age and diseases and therefore there is no death also. Because the Lord and the other thorn which takes out the disturbing elements certainly
there is no death there is no birth also. It is concluded there-fore that simply gives service to the Lord. So although every living being is a part and parcel
by understanding about the Lord's appearance and disappearance in truth one of the Lord still one, who is a pinprick of the Lord, is called the Ashura and
can attain such perfectional stage of eternal life and therefore, Maharaj one who is voluntary servitor of the Lord is called the Devata or the demigod.
Yudhisthir also began to consider about his going back to Godhead. The Lord In the material World the Devatas and Ashuras are always at loggerhead and
appears on the earth or any other mortal planet along with His associates who the Devatas are saved from the hands of the Ashuras always by the Lord. Both
live with Him eternally and the members of the Yadu family who were of them are under the control of the Lord. The world is full with such two
engaged in supplimenting the pastimes of the Lord are no other than His kinds of living beings and the Lord's mission is always to protect the Devatas
eternal associates and so also Maharaj Yudhisthir and his brothers and mother and destroy the Ashuras, whenever there is such need in the world, to do good
etc. As appearance and disappearance of the Lord and His eternal associates to both of them.
are all transcendental, so one may not be bewildered by the external features
of such appearance and disappearance. Yatha matsyadi rupani dhatte jahyat yatha natah
Bhubhara kshayito yena jahou tatcha kalevaram.
Pritha api anusrutya dhanahjaya uditam
Nasham yadunam bhagabat gatim chatam. Yatha—as much as, Matsyadi—incarnation of Fish ete, Rupani—forms,
Ekanta bhaktya bhagavati abhoksoje Dhatte—eternally accepts, Jahyat—apparently relequishes, Yatha—exactly
Niveshitatma upararame samsriteh. like, Nata—magician, Bhubharo—burden of the world, Kshayito—relieved,
Yena-by which, Jahou—let go, tat—that, cha—also, Kalevaram—body.
Pritha—Kunti, Api—also, Anusrutya—overhearing, Dhananjaya—Arjuna,
Uditah—uttered by, Nasham—end, Yadunam—of the Yadudynasty, The Supreme Lord let go that body which was manifested by Him in the
Bhagwat—of the personality of Godhead, Gatim—disappearance, Cha—also, matter of diminishing the burden of the earth as much as He relinquishes
Tam—all those, Ekanta—unalloyed, Bhaktya—devotion, Bhagwati—unto the His body like the magician in the matter of accepting different bodies like
Supreme, Lord Sri Krishna Adhokshaje—transcendence, Niveshitatma—with incarnation of Fish etc.
full attention, Upararama—became released from, Samsriteh—material The Supreme Lord Personality of Godhead in neither impersonal nor
existence. Formless but His body is non different from Him and therefore He is known
Kunti also after overhearing from Arjuna all about the end of the Yadu as the embodiment of eternity, knowledge and bliss. In the
dynasty and disappearance of Lord Krishna, engaged herself with full BrihadvaishnavaTantra it is clearly mentioned that any one who considers the
attention in the devotional service of the transcendence Personality of Form of Lord Krishna as made of material energy must be ostracised by all
Godhead and thus became released from the course of material existence. means of Vedas and the Puranas and if by chance the face of such infidel is
seen one must clean himself deeping in the river with clothings. The Lord is
Setting of the Sun does not mean end of the sun. It means that the sun is out of described as Amrita or the deathless because He has no material body. Under
our sight. Similarly the end of the mission of the Lord in a particular planet or the circurnstances the so called manifestation of the Lord as dying or quiting
universe does not mean the end of it but it is out of our sight. The end of the the body is nothing but jugglery of the magician. The magician shows by his
Yadu dynasty also does not mean its annihilation but its disappearace along tricks that he is cut into pieces, he is burnt into ashes or he becomes
with the Lord's being away from our sight. As Maharaj Yudhisthir decided to unconscious by hypnotic influence etc are all false shows only but factually
prepare for going back to Godhead so also Kunti decided and thus she fully the magician himself is neither burnt into ashes nor he is cut into pieces nor he
engaged herself in the transcendental devotional service of the Lord which becomes dead unconscious at any stage of his magical demonstration.
guarantees passport for going back to Godhead after quitting this present Simlarly the Lord has His eternal forms of unlimited varieties of which the
material body. The beginning of devotional service of the Lord is the incarnation Fish as was exhibited within this universe is also one. Because
beginning of spiritualising the present body and thus an unalloyed devotee of there are innumerable universes, somewhere or other such incarnation of Fish
the Lord loses all material significance of the present body. The abode of the must be manifesting His pastimes without any cessation of the Form. In this
Lord is not a myth as it is said by the unbelievers or ignorant people but one verse the particular word Dhatte (eternally accepted and not the word Dhatwa
cannot reach there by any material means like sputnik or others. But one can accepted for the occasion) is used. The idea is that the Lord does not create
certainly reach there after leaving this present body and one must prepare such incarnation of Fish but He has eternally such form and the appearance
himself for going back to Godhead by practising the devotional service. That and disappearance of such causal Forms or incarnation, is to serve particular
guarantees a passport of going back to Godhead and Kunti adopted it. purpose of the Lord, as the magician displays varieties of such conditions to
Yaya harad bhuvo bharam tam tanum vijahavajah serve some purpose. In the Bhagwat Geeta the Lord says (Bg. 7.24-35), "The
Kantakam kantakena eva dwayam cha api isituh samam. impersonalists think that I have no form and that I was formless but at present
Yaya—that by which, Harad—took away, Bhuvo—of the world, Bharam— I have accepted one form to serve some purpose and now I am manifested.
burden, Tam—that, Tanum—body, Vijahou—relinquished, Ajah—the But such speculators are factually without any sharp intelligence. However
unborn, Kantakam—thorn, Kantakena—by the thorn, Eva—like that, they may be good scholars in the vedic literatures, they are practically
Dwayam—both, Cha—also, Api—although, Isituh—controling, Samam— ignorant about My inconcievble energies and about my eternal Forms of
equal. Personality. The reason is that I reserve the power of not being exposed to the
nondevotees on account of My mystic curtain. The less intelligent fools are
therefore unware of My eternal Form never to be vanquished and I am
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
unborn." In the Padmapurana it is said that those who are envious and always room for the younger generation. So also retired old gentlemen also may take
angry upon the Lord are unfit to know the actual and eternal form of the Lord. lesson from him and leave home for spiritual realisation before one is
In the Bhagwatam also it is said that Lord appeared like the thunder bolt to forcefully dragged away to meet death.
those who were wrestlers. Sisupala also at the time of being killed by the Lord Samrat poutram viniyatam atmanah susammam gunaih
could not see Him as Krishna, being dazzled by the glare of the Brahmajyoti. Toyanibyah patim bhumer abhyasinchad gajahvaye.
Therefore, the temporary manifestation of the Lord as thunderbolt to the
wrestlers appointed by Kansa or the glaring appearance of the Lord before Samrat—the emperor, Poutram—into the grandson, Viniyatam—properly
Sisupala etc were relinqished by the Lord but the Lord as magican is eternally trained up, Atmanah—his ownself, Susamam—equal in all respects,
existent and is never vanquished at any circumstances. Such casual forms are Gunaih—by the qualities, Toyanibyah—outskirted by the seas, Patim—
temporarily shown to the Ashuras only and when such exhibitions are master, Bhumer—of the land. Abhyasinchad—enthroned, Gajahvaye—in the
withbrawn the Ashuras only think that the Lord is no more existent as much capital of Hastinapur.
as the foolish audience think of the magician as burnt into ashes or cut into Thereafter he enthroned his grandson who was equally qualified and
pieces. The conclusion is that the Lord has no material body and therefore He trained up, in the capital of Hastinapur as the emperor and master of all
is never to be killed or changed by His transcendental body. the land outskirted by the seas.
Yada mukundo bhagawan iman mahim The land outskirted by the seas means the total land on the earth bordered by
Jahou satanwa sravaniasatkathah the seas was under the subjugation of the King of Hastinapur. Maharaj
Tadahareva apratibuddhachetasam Yudhisthir trained up his grandson Maharaj Parikshit equally qualified like
Abhadrahetuh kaliranwavartatah. him in the matter of state administration in terms of the king's obligation upon
Yada—when, Mukunda—Lord Krishna, Bhagawan—the Personality of the citizens and thus Parikshit was enthroned on the seat of Maharaj
Godhead, Imam—this, Mahim—earth, Jahou—left, Satanwa—with His self- Yudhisthir prior to his departure for Supreme place back to Godhead. About
same body, Sravaniasatkahah—Hearing about Him is worthwhile, Tada—at Maharaj Parikshit the specific word used is Viniyatam is significant. Why the
that time, Ahareva—from the very day, Apratibuddhachetasam—of those king of Hastinapur at least till the time of Maharaj Parikshit was accepted as
whose mind is not sufficiently developed, Abhadrahetuh—cause of all the emperor of the world? The only reason is that the people of the world
inauspiciousness, Kaliranwavartatah—The Kali fully manifested. were happy on account of good administration of the emperor. The happiness
of the citizens was due to ample production of natural produce such as grains,
When the Personality of Godhead Lord Krishna left this earthly planet in fruits, milk, herbs, valuable stones, minerals and everything that the people
His self-same form, from that date verily Kali who appeared slightly needed and this was the cause of peoples satisfaction. Even they were free
before, became fully manifested for creating inauspiousness for those who from all miseries due to the body, anxieties of mind, distrubances by natural
are endowed with poor fund of knowledge. phenomenon and other living beings and because every one was happy in all
The influence of Kali could be enforced only upon those who are not fully respects there was no resentment by the citizens although there was
developed with Godconsciousness. One can neutralise the effects of Kali by sometimes patched battles between the state-kings on political reasons for
keeping oneself fully under the Supreme Pare of the cersonality of Godhead. supremacy. Every one was trained up for attainment of the highest goal of life
The age of Kali ensued just after the battle of Kurukshetra but it could not and therefore the people were also enlightened enough not to mind any trifle
exert its influence on account of the presence of the Lord. The Lord however matter and quarrel for that. The influence of the age of Kali gradually
left this earthly planet in His own transcendental body and as soon as He left, infiltered the good qualities of both the kings and the citizens and therefore
the symptoms of the Kali Yuga as was visioned by Maharaj Yudhisthir prior tense situation developed between the ruler and the ruled but still, even in this
to Arjun's arrival from Dwarka, began to manifest and Maharaj Yudhisthir age of disparity between the ruler and the ruled, it can be cemented by
rightly conjectured on departure of the Lord from earth. As we have already spiritual emolument of God consciousness. That is a special prerogative.
explained the Lord left, means He became out of our sight as much as sun sets Mathurayam tatha vajram surasenapatim tatah
means the sun is out of our sight. Prajapatyam nirupya istam agnim apivat iswarah.
Yudhisthiras tat parisarpanam budhah Mathurayam—at Mathura. Tatha—also, Vajram—of the name,
Pure cha rastre cha grihe tatha atmani. Surasenapatim—King of the Surasenas, Tatah—thereafter, Prajapatyam—
Vibhavya lobha anrita jimbhra himsanadi Sacrifice of the names Nirupya—having performed, Istam—goal, Agnim—
Adharma chakram gamanaya paryadhat fire, Apivat—placed in himself, Iwsarah—capable.
Yudhisthiras—Maharaj Yudhisthir, Tat—that, Pansarpanam—expansion, Then he posted Vajra the son of Aniruddha (grandson of Lord Krishna)
Budhah—thoroughly experienced, Pure—in the capital, Cha—as also, at Mathura as the King of Surasena and afterwards capable Maharaj
Rastre—in the State, Cha—and, Grihe—at home, Tatha—as also, Atmani—in Yudhisthir performed sacrifice of the name Prajapati and placed in
person, Vibhavya—in creating, Lobha—avarice, Anrita—untruth, Jimbha— himself the fire for quitting household life.
diplomacy, Hinsanadi—violence enviousness, Adharmam—irreligiosity,
Chakram—a vicious circle, Gamanaya—for departure, Payadhat—dressed Maharaj Yudhirthir after placing Maharaj Parikshit on the imperial throne of
himself accordingly. Hastinapur and after posting Vajra the great grandson of Lord Krishna as the
King of Mathura accepted the reno unced order of life. The system of four
Maharaj Yudhisthir was intelligent enough to understand about the orders of life and four castes in terms of quality and work known as
influence of the age of Kali gradually expanding avarice, falsehood, Varnashram Dharma, is the beginning of real human life and Maharaj
cheating and violence all over the capital, state, home and individual Yudhisthira as the protector of this system of human activities, timely retired
person and wisely he prepared himself for starting from home and he from active life as a Sannyasi handing over the charge of the administration to
dressed himself likewise. a trained up younger prince like Maharaj Parikshit. The scientific system of
The present age is influenced by the specific qualities of the Kali and since the Varnashram Dharma divides the human life in four divisions of occupation
days of the battle of Kurkshetra about five thousands of years past the and four orders of the duration of life. The four orders of the duration of life
influence of the age of Kali began manifesting and from authentic scriptures it as Brahmachari, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyas are to be followed by all
is learnt that the age of Kali is still to run on for 427000 four lacs and twenty irrespective of the occupational divi sion. Modern politicains do not wish to
seven thousands of years. The symptoms of the Kaliyuga as mentioned above retire from active life even they are old euough but Maharaj as an ideal king
namely avarice, falsehood, diplomacy, cheating, nepotism, violence and all voluntarly retired from active administrative life, for preparing himself for the
such things ,are already in vogue and no body can think of what is going to next life. Every one's life must be so arranged that at the last stage of life say
happen gradually with further increase of the influence of Kali till the day of at least 15 to 20 years of the last stage of life prior to death, may be absolutely
annihilation. We have already come to know that the influence of the age of devoted in the matter of devotional service of the Lord to attain the highest
Kali is meant for godless so called civilised man, otherwise those who are prefection of life. It is really foolishness to engage oneself all the days of life
under the protection of the Lord has nothing to fear of the horrible age. in the matter of material enjoyment and fruitive activities; because as long as
Maharaj Yudhisthir was a great devotee of the Lord and there was no the mind shall remain absorbed in the matter of fruitive work for material
necessity of his being afraid of the age of Kali but he preferred to retire from enjoyment there is no chance of getting out from conditioned life material
active household life and prepare himself to go back to home back to bondage. No body may follow a suicidal policy of neglecting the supreme
Godhead. The Pandavas are eternal companion of the Lord and therefore they task of attaining the highest perfection of life namely back to home, back-to-
are more interested in the company of the Lord than anything else. Besides Godhead.
that, being an ideal king he wanted to retire just to set exanples for others that Visrijya tatra tat sarvam dukula valayadikam
as soon as there is some young chap to look after the household affairs, one Nirmamo nirahamkarah samchhinna asesavandhanah.
should at once retire from family life for uplifting oneself to spiritual
realisation and no body should rot in the dark well of household life till one is Visrijya—relenquishing, Tatra—all those, Tat—that, Sarvam—everything,
dragged by the will of the Yamaraj. Modern politicians should take lessons Dukula—belt, Valayadikam—and bangles, Nirmamo—uninterested,
from Maharaj Yudhisthir about voluntary retirement from active life making
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Fifteenth Chapter - The Pandavas Retire Timely
Nirahamkarah—unattached, Samcchinna—perfectly cut off, products. But the living entity is different from such material products. It is
Asesavandhanah—unlimited attachment. due to the forgetfulness of the living entity of his eternal nature as eternal
Maharaj at once relinquished all his garment belt and ornaments of a servitor of the Lord and on account of his false conception of becoming a so
royal order and became completely uninterested unattached to all sorts of called Lord of the material nature, that he is obliged to enter into existence of
attachment. false sense enjoyment and a concommitant generation of material energy are
two principal causes of the mind being materially affected and thus the gross
To become purified of material contamination is the necessary qualification body of five elements produced. Maharaj Yudhisthir thus reverted the action
for becoming one of the associates of the Lord. No body can become an that he merged the five elements of the body in the three modes of material
associate of the Load or can go back to home back to Godhead without such nature. The qualitative distinction of the body as being good, bad or via media
purification. Maharaj Yudhisthir, therefore, to become spiritually pure at once thus extinguished and again such qualitative manifestations also became
gave up his royal opulence by dress and garments. The kashaya or saffron merged in material energy which was produced from a false sense of the pure
loins of a Sanyasi means free from all attractive material garments and thus he living being. When one is thus inclined to become an associate of the
changed his dress accordingly. He became uninterested to his kingdom and Supreme Lord the Personality of Godhead in one of the innumerable planets
family attachment and thus became free from all material contamination or of the spiritual sky specially in Goloka Vrindaban, one has to think always
material designation. People are generally attached to various kinds of that he is different from the material energy, he has nothing to do with them
designations namely the designation of family, society, country, occupation, and he has to pose himself as pure spirit or Brahman qualitatively equal with
wealth, position and so many others. So long one is attached to such the Supreme Brahman (Parameswara). Maharaj Yudhisthir after distributiug
designations he is considered materially impure. The so called leaders of men his kingdom to Parikhit and Vajra thought himself not the emperor of the
of the modern age are attached by natinal consciousness but they do not know world or the head of the Kurudynasty. This sense of freedom from material
that such false consciousness is also another designation of the materially relations as well as getting free from material encagement of the gross and
conditioned soul; and one has to relinquish such designations before one can subtle encirclement makes one free to act as the servitor of the Lord even
become elligible for going back to home back to Godhead. Foolish people, though one is in the material world and this stage is called Jivanmukta stage
howover adore such men who die in national consciousness but here is an or the liberated stage while remaining even in the material world. That is the
example by a royal order like Maharaj Yudhisthir who prepared himself for process of ending material existence not only by thinking that he is Brahman,
leaving this world with out such national consciousness. And yet he is but also by acting like Brahman. One who thinks only as Brahman is the
remembered by all men even up to date because he was a great pious king impersonalist. And one who acts like a Brahman is the pure devotee.
almost on the same level of the Personality of Godhead Sri Rama. And
because people of the world were dominated by such pious kings, they were Cheeravasa niraharo baddhabang muktamurdhajah
happy in all respects and it was quite possible for such great emperors to rule Darshayan atmano rupam jada unmatta pisachavat
over the world. Anapekshamano niragad asrinwan badhirayatha.
Vacham juhava manasi tatprana itarecha tam Cheeravasa—accepted torn clothings, Niraharo—gave up all solid foodstuff,
Mrityavapanam sotsargam tam panchatwe hi ajohobit. Baddhavang—stopped talking, Muktamurdhajah—unlocked the bunch of
hairs, Darshayan—began to show, Atmano—of himself, Rupam—feature of
Vacham—speeches, Juhava—relinquished, Manasi—unto the mind, the body, Jada—inert, Unmatta—mad, Pisachaavat—just like an urchin,
Tatprana—mind into breathing, Itarecha—other senses also, Tam—unto that, Anabekshamana—without waiting for, Asrinwan—without hearing,
Mrityau—unto death, Apanam—breathing, Sotsargam—with all dedication, Badhira—just like a deaf, yatha—as if.
Tam—that, Panchatwa—unto the body made of five elements, Hi—certainly,
Ajohabit—made it amalgamated. After that Maharaj Yudhisthir dressed himself by torn clothings gave up
eating of all solid foodstuff, voluntarily became dumb and unlocked his
Thus he amalgamated all the organs of senses in to the mind, then mind bunch of hairs. All these combined he was seen just like an urchin mad
into life, life into breathing, the total existence into the embodiment of man without any activity. He did not any more depend for anything upon
five elements and body unto the death and as pure self, he was free from his brothers neither did he hear anything just like a deafman.
material conception of life.
Thus being freed from all external affairs he had nothing to do with imperial
Maharaj Yudhisthira also exactly like his brother Arjuna began to concentrate or family prestige and for all practical purposes he posed himself exactly like
in himself gradually being freed from all matarial bondage as they are an inert mad urchin without any talkativeness in terms of material affairs.
performed by mystic performances. First of all he concentrated all actions of Neither he had any kind of dependence upon his brothers who had all along
the senses amalgamated in the mind or in other words he turned his mind been helping hand to him. This stage of complete independence of everything
towards transcenden tal service of the Lord. He prayed to mind that all is also called the purified stage of fearlessness.
material activities were performed by the mind the action and reactions of the
material senses and since he was going back to home and back to Godhead the Udichim pravibesasam gatapurvam mahatamabhih
mind may wind up its material activities and be turned towards the Hridi Brahman param dhyanna avarteta yato gatah.
transcendental service of the Lord. There was no more necessity of material Udichim—the northern side, Pravibesasam—those wh o wanted to enter
activities. Actually the activities of the mind cannot be stopped because it is there, Gatapurvam—the path accepted by his forefathers, Mahatmabhi—by
the reflection of the eternal soul but the quality of the activities can be the broad minded, Hridi—within the heart, Brahman—the Supreme, Param—
changed from matter to transcendental service of the Lord. The material Godhead, Dhyayan—constantly thinking of, Barteta—passed days, Yato—
colour of the mind is changed by washing it off from the contamination of wherever, Gatah—went.
life-breathing and thereby getting it freed from the cantamination of repetition He then started towards the northern side the path which was accepted
of birth and death being situated in pure spiritual life. The whole thing is by his forefathers and great man just to devote himself completely in the
manifested by the temporary embodiment of material body which is a thought of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And he lived in that way
production of mind at the time of death and if the mind is purified by pracice wherever he went.
of transcendental loving service of the Lord, and the same is constantly
engaged in the service of the Lotus Feet of the Lord. there is no more any It is understood from this verse that Maharaj Yudhisthir followed the foot
chance of the mind's producing another material body after death, but being prints of his forefathers and the great devotees of the Lord. We have discussed
freed from the absorption of material contamination the pure soul is able to many times before, the system of Varnashram Dharma, as it was strictly
retun back to home back to Godhead. followed by the inhabitants of the world, specifically by those who inhabited
the Aryavarta province of the world, emphasises on the very important point
Tritwe hutwa cha panchatwam tat cha ekatwe juhot munih of leaving all household connection at a certain stage of life. The training and
Sarvam atmani ajuhobit brahmani atmanam avyaye. education was so imparted and as such a respectable person like Maharaj
Tritwe—unto the trio qualities, hutwa—having offered, Cha—also, Yudhisthir must would have left all family connection for self realisation and
Panchtwam—five elements, Tat—that, Cha—also, Ekatwe—in one nescience, going back to home going back to Godhead. No king or respactable
Juhot—amalgamated, Munih—the thoughtful, Sarvam—the Sumtotal, gentleman would continue family affected life till the end because that was
Atmani—in the Soul, Ajuhobit—fixed up, Brahmani—unto the spirit, considered suicidal and against the interest of perfection of human life. In
Avyaye—unto the inexhaustible. order to be free from all family encumbrances and devote oneself cent per
Thus conceiving annihlation of the gross body of five elements in the cent in the devot ional service of the Lord Krishna this system is ever
three qualitative modes of material nature merged them in one nescience recommended for every one because that is the path of authority. The Lord
and then again he absorbed nescience in self Brahman which is instructs in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 18.62) that one must become a devotee of
inexhaustible at all circumstances. the Lord at least at the last stage of one's life and one sincere soul like that of
Maharaj Yudhisthir must abide this instruction of the Lord for his own
All that we have manifested in the material world are different production of interest.
the Mahat Tattwa Avydkta and things that are visible in our material vision The specific words Brahman Param means Lord Sri Krishna. This is
are nothing but combination and permutation of such variegated material corroborated in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 10.12) by Arjuna with reference to
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
the context of other great authorities like Asita, Devala, Narada, Vyasa etc. As They attained the spiritual sky which is dominated by the Supreme
such Maharaj Yudhisthir while leaving home for the northern side, he Narayana Lord Krishna by pure consciousness due to constant
constantly remembered Lord Sri Krishna within himself following the foot remembrance in devotion. This is attained by them only who are fixed up
prints of his forefather as well as great devotees of all times. in one supreme Lord without deviation. Such abode of the Lord Sri
Sarvetam anunirjamur bhratarah kritanischayah Krishna, known as Goloka Vrindaban, is not attainable by persons who
Kalina adharam mitrena dristwa pristwah praja bhuvi are absorbed in material conception of life but the Pandavas being
completely washed off from all material contamination attained the place
Sarve—all his younger brothers, Tam—him, Anunirjamur—get out from in the very self-same body.
home by following the elder, Bhratarah—brothers, Kritanischavah—
decidedly, Kalina—by the age of Kali, Adharma—principle of irreligiosity, According to Srila Jiva Goswami a person freed from the three modes of
Mitrena—by the friend, Dristwa—observing, Spristua—having overtaken, material qualities namely goodness, passion and ignorance and situated in
Praja—all citizens, Bhuvi—on the earth. transcendence can reach the highest perfection of life without any change of
the body. Srila Sanatan Coswami also in his Hari-bhakti-vilas says that person
The younger brothers of Maharaj Yudhisthir observed it also that the whatever he may be, can attain the perfection of a twice-born Brahmin by
age of Kali had already ushered in all the world over and the citizens of undergoing the spiritual desciplinary actions under the guidance of a bonafide
the kingdom were already affected by the influence of irreligiosity. They, spiritual master exactly like a chemist who can turn gunmetal into gold by
therefore, decidedly followed the foot prints of their elder brother. chemical manupulation. It is therefore, the actual guidance that matters in the
The younger brothers of Maharaj Yudhisthir were already most obedient proceass of becoming a Brahmin even without any change of body or to go
followers of the great emperor and they had sufficiently training about the back to home Godnead without any change of body. Srila Jiva Goswami
ultimate goal of life. They therefore decidedly followed their eldest brother in remarks that the word 'His' used in this connection positively affirms this truth
the matter of rendering devotional service to Lord Sri Krisnna more than and there is no doubt about this factual position. The Bhagwat GeetEssaysa
fruitive activities, philosophical speculations or mystic powers. According to also affirms this statement of SrilaJiva Goswami when the Lord says (Bg.
the principles of Sanatan Dharma one must retire from family life after half 14.26) that any one, who executes the devotional service systematically
the duration of life is finished and must engage himself in the matter of self without any deviation can attain the perfection of Brahman by surpassing the
realisation. But the question of engaging oneself is not always decided. Some contamination of the three modes of meterial nature and when the Brahman-
times such retired men are bewildered how to engage oneself for the last days perfection is still more advanced by the self-same execution of dovotional
of life. Here is a decision by the authorities like the Pandavas that all of them service, there is no doubt at all that one can attain the Supreme spiritual planet
engaged themselves in the matter of culturing favourably the devotional Goloka Vrindaban without any change of body as we have already discussed
service of the Lord Sri Krishna the Supreme Personality of Godhead. in the matter of the Lord, returning in His abode without any change of body
According to Swami Sridhar, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha or fruitive (page 931)
activities, philosephical speculations or salvation as they are conceived by Vidura api paritajya prabhase dehamatmanah
several persons, are not the ultimate goal of life. They are more or less Krishna avesena tat chittah pitribhih sakshayam yayou.
practised by persons who have no decision for the ultimate goal of life. The
ultimate goal of life is already indicated by the Lord Himself in the Bhagwat Vidura—uncle of Maharaj Yudhisthira, Api—also, Paritajya—after quitting
Geeta (Bg. 18.64) and the Pandavas were intelligent although to follow it the body, Prabhase—in the pilgrimage of Prabhasa, Dehamatmanah—his
without any hesitation. body, Krishna—the Personality of Godhead, Avesena—being absorbed in that
thought, Tat—his, Chittah—thoughts and actions. Pitribhih—alongwith the
Te sadhukrita sarbartha jnatwa atyantika atmanah residents of Pitriloka, Sakshayan—his own abode, Yayou—departed.
Manasa dharayamasur vaikuntha charanambujam.
Vidura, also while he was on pilgrimage, left his body at Pravash; and
Te—all of them, Sadhukrita—having performed everything worth for a saint, because he was full in thought of Lord Krishna he was received by the
Sarbartha—that which includes everything worthy, Jnatwa—knowing it well, denizens of Pitriloka planet where he returned back in his original post.
Atyantika—the ultimate, Atmanah—of the living being, Manasa—within the
mind, Dharayamasur—sustained, Vaikuntha—the Lord of the spiritual sky, The difference between the Pandavas and Vidura is that the formers are
Charanambujam—Lotus feet. eternal associates of the Lord Personality of Godhead, whereas Vidura is one
of the administrative demigods in charge of the Pitriloka planet as Yamaraja.
They had all performed all the priciples of religiosities and as a result of Every one is afraid of Yamaraja because it is he only who awards
this, rightly they decided that the lotus feeet of Lord Sri Krishna is the punishments to the miscreants of the material world but those who are
Supreme goal of everytime and therefore they sustained within their devotees of the Lord have nothing to fear from him. To the devotees he is a
mind uniteruptedly. cordial friend but to the non-devotees he is the fear personified. As we have
In the Bhagwat Geeta the Lord says (Bg. 7.28) that only those who have had already discussed about Vidura, it is understood that Yam Raja was cursed by
done pious deeds in previous life and thus have become freed from the results Manduk Muni to be degraded as Sudra and therefore Vidura was incarnation
of all impious acts can only concentrate upon the Lotus feet of the Supreme of Yamaraj. As eternal servitor of the Lord he displayed his devotinal
Lord Sri Krishna. The Pandavas not only in this life but also in their previous activities very ardently and lived a life of a high class pious man so much so
life, they had always performed the supreme pious work and as such they are that a materialistic man like Dhritarastra also got salvation by his instruction.
ever-free from all the reactions of impious work. It is quite reasonable, So by his pious activities in devotional service of the Lord he was able to
therefore, that they concentrated their mind unto the lotus feet of the Supreme remember always about the lotus feet of the Lord by which he became washed
Lord Sri Krishna According to Sri Viswanath Chaktavarty Dharma, Artha, off from all contamination of a Sudra born-life and at the end he was again
Kama and Moksha principles are accepted by persons who are not free from received by the denizens of pitriloka and posted on his original place. The
the results of impious action. Such persons affected with the contaminations demigods are also associates of the Lord withouut any personal touch while
of the above four principles cannot at once accept the lotus feet of the Lord of the direct associates of the Lord are in constant personal touch with Him. The
the spiritual sky. Vaikuntha world is situated far beyond the material sky. The Lord and the personal associates do incarnate in many universes without any
material sky is under the management of Durga Devo or material energy of stoppage. The Lord remembers them all while the associates forget due to
the Lord but the Vaikuntha world is managed by the Personal energy of the their being very minute parts and parcel of the Lord; they are apt to forget
Lord. The cover-jacket of this book is an explanation of the Vaikuntha world such incidences on account of being infinitesimal. This is corroborated in the
and the material world. Bhagwat Geeta ( Bg. 4.5 )
Tad dhyanot riktaya bhaktya visuddha dhisana pare Droupadi tada ajnaya patinam anapekshatam
Tasmin narayana pade ekanta mataye gatim. Vasudeve bhagawati hi ekanta matir apa tam.
Avapur durvapam te asadbhir visayatmabhih Droupadi—the wife of the Pandavas, Tada—at that time, Ajnaya—knowing
Vidhuta kalmasa sthanamvirajena atmanaiva hi. Lord Krishna fully well, Patinam—of the husbands, Anapekshatam—who did
Ted—That, Dhyanot—posidve meditation, Riktaya—being freed from, not care for her, Vasudeva—unto Lord Vasudeva Krishna, Bhagawati—the
Bhaktya—by devotional attitude, Visuddha—purified, Dhisaana—by Personality of Godhead, Hi—exactly, Ekanta—absolutely, Moti—
intelligence, Pare—unto the transcendence, Tasmin—in that, Narayana—the concentration, Apa—got, Tam—Him the Lord.
Perscnality of Godead Sri Krishna, Pade—unto the lotus feet, Droupadi also saw it that her husbands without caring for her were
Ekantamataye—of those who are fixeed up in the Supreme Who is one, leaving home and she knew well about Lord Vasudeva Krishna the
Gatim—destination, Avapur—attained, Durvaam—very diffiult to obtain, Personality of Godhead; she and Subhadra also became absorbed in
Te—by them, Asadbbir—by the materialists, Visayatmabhir—absorbed in the thoughts of Krishna and got the same result like their husbands.
matter of material needs, Vidhuta—washed off, Kalmasa—material One has to fly areoplane in the outer space and no body can take care of other
contaminations, Sthanam—abode, Virajena—withcut any material passion, planes. Every one has to take care of his own plane and if there is any danger
Atmanaiva—by the self same body, Hi—certainly. no other plane can help in that condition. Similarly at the end of life when one
32
Fifteenth Chapter - The Pandavas Retire Timely
has to go back to home, go back to Godhead every one has to take care of
himself without any help rendered to other. The help, is however, offered on
the ground before flying in the space. Similarly the spiritual master, the father,
the mother, the relatives, the husband etc all can render help during the life
time how one can cross over the ocean of birth and death, but while crossing
the sea one has to take care of himself and utilise the instructions formerly
received. Droupadi had five husbands and no body asked Droupadi to come
with him or them but Droupadi had to take care of herself without waiting for
the great husbands Pandavas. And because she was already trained up she, at
once took up to the concentration of the Lotus feet of Lord Vasudeva Krishna
the Personality of Goedhead, and the wives also got the same result as their
husbands in the same manner that is to say without any change of the body
they reached the destination of back to home back to Godhead. Srila Viswnath
Chakravarty Thakur suggests that both Droupadi and Subhadra, although her
name is not mentioned herein, got the same result. None of them had the
neceessity of quitting the body.
Yah sraddhaya etad bhagwatprianam
Pandoh sutanam iti sampra yanam.
Srinoti alam swastayanam pavitram
Labdha harou bhaktim upaiti siddhim
Yah—anyone, Sraddhaya—with devotion, Etad—this, Bhagwatprianam—of
those who are very dear to the Personality of Godhead, Pandoh—of the
Pandu, Sutanam—of the sons, Iti—thus, Samprayanam—departure for the
ultimate goal, Srinoti—hears, Alam—only, Swastayanam—auspiciousness,
Pavitram—perfectly pure, Labdha—by obtaining, Harou—unto the Supreme
Lord, Bhaktim—devotional service, Upaiti—gains over, Siddhim—
perfection.
The statement of the departure of the sons of Pandu for the ultimate goal
of life back to home back to Godhead is full of auspiciousness and
perfectly pure. Any one who therefore, hears this narration with
devotional faith do certainly over gains devotional service of the Lord, the
highest perfection of life.
Srimad Bhagwatam means narration about the Personality of Godhead and
that of the devotees of the Lord like the Pandavas and others. Such narration
of the Personality of Gohead and devotees are Absolute in themselves and as
such to hear about them with devotional attitude means to associate with the
Lord and constant companionship of the Lord by the hearing process of
Srimad Bhagwatam helps one to attain the highest perfection of life namely to
go back to home back to Godhead without failure.
Thus end the Bhaktivedanta Purports of the Fifteenth Chapter First Canto in
the matter of The Pandavas Retire Timely.
33
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
34
SIXTEENTH CHAPTER unlawful curse upon his great father Maharaj Parikshit and performed a great
sacrifice of the name Sarpa Yajna to kill the race of serpents including the
How Parikshit Received the Age of Kali Takshak who had bitten his father to death. On request from many influential
Suta Uvacha: demigods and sages he had to change his decision for finishing the race of
Tatah parikshit dwijavarya siksaya snakes but inspite of stopping the sacrifice he satisfied every one concerned in
Mahim mahabhagwatah sasahsha ha. the sacrifice by rewarding them properly and stopped further procedure of the
Yatha hi sutyam abhijat akovidah sacrifices. In the ceremony Mahamuni Vyasdeva also was present and he
Samadishan vipra mahadgun as tatha. personally narrated the history of battle of Kurukshetra before the king. Later
Suta Uvcha: Suata Goswami Said, Tatah—thereafter, Parikshit—Maharaj on by the order of Vyasdeva his disciple Vaisampayana narrated before the
Parikshit, Dwijavarya—the great twice born Brahmins, Sikshaya—by their king about the subject matter of Mahabharata. He was much afflicted by his
instructions, Mahim—the earth, Mahabhagawatah—the great devotee, great father's untimely death and was too much anxious to see him again and
Sasasha—ruled, Ha—in the past, Yatha—as they told it, Hi—Certainly, he expressed his desire before the great sage Vyasdeva. Vyasdeva also
Sutyam—at the tirne of his birth, Abhijatakavidah—Expert astrologers at the fullfilled his desire. His father being present before him he worshipped both
time of birth, Samadi shan—gave their opinions, Vipra—oh the Brahmins, his father and Vyasdeva with great respect and pomp. Being fully satisfied
Mahadgunas—great qualities, Tatha—true to that. about his great father he made charities most munificently to the Brahmins
present in the sacrifice.
Suta Goswami said, oh the learned Brahmins, Maharaj Parikshit then
began to rule over the world just as a great devotee of the Lord, under Ajahara aswamedhan strin gangayam bhun dakshinan
the instructions of the best of the twice born Brahmins and exactly by Savdbatam gurum kritwa devayatra akshigocharah.
those great qualities as was foretold by the expert astrologers at the time Ajahara—performed, Aswamedhan—horse-sacrifices, Strin—three
of his birth. Gangayam—the bank of the Ganges, Bhuri—sufficiciently, Dakshinam—
At the time of Maharaj Parikshit's birth the expert astrologer Brahmins rewards, Sardbatam—unto Kripacharya, Gurnm—Spiritual master, Kritwa—
foretold some of his great Pualities and Maharaj Parikshit developed all those having selected, Deva—the demigods, Yatra—wherein, Akshi—eyes,
qualities as great devotee of the Lord he was. The real qualification is to Gocharah—within the purview.
become a devotee of the Lord and gradually all the good qualities, worth to Maharaj Parikshit after having selected Kripacharya as his spiritual
possess develop in the person of the devotee. Maharaj Parikshit was a master, for guidance, performed three horse-sacrifices on the bank of the
Mahabhagwat or the first class devotee who is not only well versed in the Ganges executed with sufficient rewards for the attendants. And in these
science of devotion but also able to convet others to become a devotee by sacrifices even the common man could see demigods within the purview
transcendental instructions. Maharaj parikshit was, therefore, a devotee of the of their vision.
first order and as such he used to consult great sages and learned Brahmins
It appears from this verse that interplanetary travel by the denizens of higher
who could advice him in terms of the Shastras in the matter of executing the
planets is easier than that of the inhabitants of this earth. In many places in the
State administration. Such great Kings were more responsible than the
statements of Bhagwatam, we have observed that the demigods from heaven
modern eleced executive head because they obligad the great authorities by
used to visit this earth to attend sacrifices performed by influential kings and
following their instructons standard in terms of the instructions left in Vedic
emperors. Herein also we find that during the time of horsesacrifice ceremony
literatures. There was no need of enacting daily a new legislature bill by
of Maharaj Parikshit the demigods from other planets were visible even for
impractical fools and alter it again and again conveniently to serve some
the common man on account of the sacrificial ceremony. The demigods are
purpose. The rules and regulations were already done by great sages like
net generally visible to common as much as the Lord is not visible But as the
Manu, Yajnvalka, Parasar and other liberated great sages and the enactments
Lord also, by His causeless mercy, descends to be visible by the common
were all suitable for all the ages in all the places. Therefore the rules and
man, similarly the demigods also become visible to the common man by their
regulations were standard to the point without any flaw defect or mistake.
own grace. Although Celestial beings are not visible to the naked eyes of the
Kings like Maharaja Parikshit had their council of advisers and all the
inhabitants of this earth, it was due to the influence of Maharaj Parikshit that
members of those council were either great sages or Brahmins of the first
the demigods also agreed to be visible. The Kings used to spend very lavishly
order. They did not accept any salary nor they had any necessity for such
during such sacrifices as much as the cloud distribute rains. The cloud is
salaries. The state would get the best advice without any expenditure of
nothing but another state of the reservoires of waters or in other words the sea
exchequer. They were themselves Samadarsi equal to every one both man and
waters of the earth transform into cloud, similarly the charity made by the
animal. They would not advise the king to give protection to man member of
kings in such sacrifices is but another form of the taxes collected from the
the state and instruct him to kill the poor animals. Such council members were
citizens. But as the rains fall down very lavishly and it appears to be more
not fools or representatives to compose a fool's paradise; but, they were all
than the necessity, similarly the charity made by such kings, do also seem to
self-realised souls and they knew perfectly well how all living beings in the
be more than what the citizen needs. Such satisfied citizens of the state can
state would be happy both in this life as well as in the next. They were not
never organize any sort of agitation against the king and thus there was no
concerned with the hedonic philosophy of pleasure hunters to eat drink be
need of changing the monarchical state in to oligarchical state of a few
merry and enjoy. They were philosophers in the real sense and they knew it
diplomats.
well what is the mission of human life. Under all these obligations the
Even for a king like Maharaj Yudhisthir there was need of the spiritual
advisory council of the King would give correct direction and the King or
master for guidance. Without such guidance no body can make any progress
executive head being himself a qualified devotee of the Lord would
in spiritual values The spiritual master must be bonafide and one who wants
scrutinizingly follow them for the welfare of the state. The state in the days of
to have self-realisation must approach and take shelter of such bonafide
Maharaj Yudhisthir or that of Maharaj Parikshit were welfare state in the real
spiritual master for achieving real success.
sense of the term because no body was unhappy in that state may he be a man
or animal. Maharaj Parikshit was an ideal king of an welfare state of the Nijagraha ojasa virah kalim digvi jeye kwacnit
world. Nripalingadharam sudram ghnantam gomithunam pada.
Sa uttarasya tanayam upayeme irabatim Nijagraha—sufficiently punished, Ojasa—by prowess, Virah—valient hero,
Janmejandins chaturas tasyam upapadayat sutan. Kalim—unto kali the master of the age, Digvijaye—on his way for
conquering the world, Kwachit—once upon a time, Nripalingadharam—one
Sa—he, Uttarasya—of king Uttar, Tanayam—daughter, Upayeme—married,
who passes on in the dress of a king, Sudram—the lower class, Ghnantam—
Iravatim—of the name, Janmejaydins,—headed by, Maharaj Janmejaya,
hurting, Gomithunam—a pair of cow and bull, Pada—by the leg.
Chaturas—four in number, Sutam—sons.
Once upon a time when Maharaj Parikshit was on his way to conquering
King Parikshit married the daughter of King Uttara and begot four sons
the world he saw the master of Kali Age as lower as a Sudra but in the
headed by Maharaj Janmejaya by his wife.
dress of a king hunting a pair of cow and bull by the leg. The king at once
Maharaj Uttar was the son of Virata and maternal uncle of Maharaj Parikshit. caught hold of him and sufiiciently punished.
Iravati being the daughter of Maharaj Uttar, she was the cousin sister of
The purpose of a king's going out for conquering the world is not for self-
Maharaj Parikshit but such cousin brothers and sisters are allowed to get
aggrandisement. Maharaj Parikshit went out for conquering the world after his
married because they do not belong to the same Gotra or family. In the Vedic
ascendance on the throne, was not for the purpose of aggression on other
system of marriage importance on different Gotra or family is stressed. Arjuna
states. He was the emperor of the world and all small states were already
also married Subhadra although she was his maternal cousin sister.
under his regime. His purpose of going out for conquering the world was to
Janmejay.—One of the Rajarshi kings and the famous-son of Maharaj
see how things were going on in terms of Godly-state. The king being the
Parikshit. His mother's name is Iravati or according to some Madravati.
representative of the Lord, he has to execute the will of the Lord duly and
Maharaj Janmejay begot two sons only of the names Jnatanika and
there was no question of self-aggrandisement. As such Maharaj Parikshit as
Sankukarna. He celebrated several sacrifices in the Kurukshetra pilgrimage
soon as, saw it thata lower class man in the dress of a king was hurting by leg
and he had three younger brothers of the names Srutasena, Ugrasena and
to the pair of cow and bull at once he arrested him and punished. The king
Bhimsena II. He invaded Taxshila (Ajanta) and he decided to retaliate the
cannot tolerate insult to the most important animal the cow as much as he
35
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
cannot tolerate disrespect for the most important man the Brahmin. Human have every interest in hearing them. We have already discussed this matter in
civilization means to advance the cause of Brahminical culture and to connection with the prayers of Bhismadeva.
maintain it, protection of cow is essential. There is a miracle in the milk as it Our duration of life is not very long and there is no certainty when we shall
contains all the necessary vitamines for sustaining the human physiological be ordered to leave everything for the next stage. As such it is our duty to see
conditions for higher achievements. Brahminical culture can only be advanced that not a moment even of our life is wasted in topic which are not related
when man is educated to develop the quality of goodness and for this there is with Lord Krishna. Any topics however pleasant is not worth hearing if such
prime necessity of foodstuff prepared with milk, fruits and grains. Maharaj topic is devoid of the relation of Krishna.
Parikshit was astonished to see that a black Sudra dressed himself like a ruler Explanation of the lotus feet of Lord Krishna is that the spiritual planet
but was attempting to insult the cow the most important animal in the human Goloka Vrindaban, eternal abode of Lord Krishna, is shaped like a the whorl
society. of a lotus flower, Even when the Lord descends on any one of the mundane
The age of Kali means mismanagement and quarrel. And the root cause of planes, He does so by manifesting His own abode as it is. As such His feet
all mismanagement and quarrel is that worthless men qualified with the remain always on the same big whorl of lotus flower and His feet are also as
modes of lower class of men, without any higher ambition of life becomes on beautiful as the lotus flower.
the helm of the state management to represent falsely the ruler. Such lower A living being is eternal by constitution. He is so to say in the whirlpool of
class of man on the post of a king is sure to hurt first the cow and the birth and death on account of his contact with material energy. Freed from
Brahminical culture and thereby to push the whole society towards hell. such material energy a living entity is liberated and is eligible for returning
Maharaj Parikshit, trained up as he was, got scent of this root cause of all back to home back to Godhead. Those who want to live for ever without any
quarrel in the world and thus he wanted to stop it in the very beginning of the change of material body, may not waste valuable time of life in any other
affairs. topices except in those relating to Lord Krishna and His devotees.
Sounaka uvacha:— Kshudra ayusam nrinam anga martanam amritam ichhatam
Kasya hetor nijagraha kalim digvijaye nripah Iha upahrito bhagwan mrityu samitra karmani.
Nrideha chinhadhrik sudraka asou gam yah padahanat Kshudra—Very small, Ayusaam—of the duration of life, Nrinam—of the
Tat katthatam mahabhaga yadi krishna kathasrayam. human being, Anga—Oh suta Goswami Martanam—of those who are sure to
Sounakauvacha—Sounka Rishi said, Kasya—for what, Hetor—reason, meet death, Amritam—eternal life, Ichhatam—of those who desire for it,
Nijagraha—sufficiently punished, Kalim—the master of the age of Kali, Iha—Hereein, Upahrito—called for being present, Bhagawan—representing
Digvijaye—during the time of his world tour, Nripah— the king, Nrideha— the Lord, Mrityu—Controller of death Yamraj, Samitra—Supressing,
royal person, Chinhadhrik—decorated like, Sudraka—lowest of the Sudra, Karma—performances.
Asou—he, Gam—cow, Yah—one who, Padahanta—struck by the leg, Tat— Oh Suta Goswami, there are persons amongst the human being who
all that, Katthatam—please describe, Mahabhaga—Oh the great fortunate, desire freedom from death and get eternal life instead of short duration
Yadi—if however, Krishna—about Krishna, Kathasrayam—related with his of life and to save them from such slaughtering process the controller of
topics. death Yama Raja is also called herein.
Sounaka Rishi enquired, "Why did Maharaj Parikshit simply punished The living entity as it develops from lower animal life to higher human beings
him although he was the lowest of the Sudra because he dressed himself and gradually to higher intelligence, becomes anxious to get rid from the
like a king and at the same time struck a cow by the leg ?" and said " clutches of death. Modern scientists try to avoid death by physio-chemical
please describe all those incidences if they are related with the topics of advancement of knowledge but alas the controller of death Yamaraj is so cruel
Lord Krishna. that he does not spare even the very life of the scientist himself. The scientist
Sounakadi rishis were astonished to hear that the pious king Maharaj Parikshit who puts forward the theory of stopping death by advancement of scientific
simply punished the culprit suffciently and not killed him. This suggests that a knowledge, becomes himself a victim of death when he is called by the
pious king like Maharaj Parikshit should have at once killed an offender who Yamaraja. What to speak of stopping death no body can even enhance the
wanted to cheat the public being dressed like a king and at the same time dare short period of life even by a fraction of moment. The only hope of
to insult the purest of the animal like a cow ! The Rishis of those days, suspending the cruel slaughtering process of Yamaraj is to call him for being
however could not even imagine that in the advanced days of the age of Kali in the matter of hearing and chanting the holy Name of the Lord. Yamaraj is a
lowest of the Sudras shall be elected as admistrators and open organised great devotee of the Lord and he likes to be invited by the pure devotees who
slaughter houses for killing the cow (?) Any way although such topics, as to are constantly engaged in devotional service of the Lord. Thus the great sages
hear about a Sudraka who was cheat and insulter of a cow, were not very headed by Sounaka and others invited Yamaraja to attend the sacrifice
much nteresting for the great rishis still they wanted to hear about it if the performed at Naimisaranya and it was good for those who did not want to die.
event had any connection with the topics of Lord Krishna. They were simply Na kaschit mriyate tavat yavat asta iha antakah
interested in the topics of Lord Krishna and any thing that is dovetailed with Etad artham hi bhagwan ahutam paramarsibhih
the narration of Krishna was worth hearing for them. There are many topics in Aho nriloke piyeta harilila amritam vachah.
the Bhagwatam about sociology, politics, economy, cultural affairs etc but all
of them are in relation with Krishna and there fore all of them are worth Na—no, Kaschit—any body, Mriyate—will die, Tavat—so. long, Yavat—as
hearing. Krishna is the purifying in gredient in all matters never mind what it long as, Asta—is present, Iha—herein, Antakah—one who causes end of life,
is. In the mundane world everything is impure on account of its being product Etad—this, Artham—reason, Hi—certainly, Bhagawan—the representative of
of three mundane qualities. The purifyfng process is, however Krishna. the Lord, Ahutam—invited Paramarsibhih—by the great sages, Aho—alas,
Nriloke—in the human society, Piyeta—let them drink, Harilila—
Athaba asya padambhoja makarandaliham satam transcendental pastimes of the Lord, Amritam—nectarine for eternal life,
Kimanyaih asada alapair ayuso yad asadbyam. Vachah—narrations.
Athaba—otherwise, Asya—of Him (Lord Krishna's) Padambhoja—lotus feet, So long the Yamaraj who causes the end of every one's life, is present
Makaaradaliham—of the those who lick up the honey out of such lotus here no body shall meet with his death. The great sages had invited the
flower, Satam—of those who are to exist eternally. Kimanyair—what is the controller of death Yamaraj, who is representative of the Lord, and living
use of anything else, Asad—illusory, Alapair—topics, Ayuso—of the beings who are under the grip of him, may take advantage of hearing the
duration of life, Yad—that which is, Asadbyam—unnecessary waste of life. deathless nectarine in the form of narration of the transcendental
Alternatively if they are related with the devotess of the Lord who are pastimes of the Lord.
accustomed to lick up the honey available from the lotus feet of the Lord; Every human being, unless he is not on par with the animal or even the animal
otherwise what is the use of such topics which are simply meant for waste also does not like to meet death but he does not know how to get rid of the
of the duration of valuable life. surest possible death. The surest remedy for avoiding death is to get oneself
Lord Krishna and His devotees both are on the trancendental plane therefore, accustomed to hearing the nectarine of the pastimes of the Lord as they are
the quality of the topics of Lord Krishna or that of his pure devotess are systematically narrated in the text of Srimad Bhagwatam. It is advised herein,
equally good. The battle of Kuruksnetra is full of politics and diplomacy but therefore, that any human being who desires freedom from death may take to
because the topics are related with Lord Krishna therefore the Bhagwat Geeta this course of life as practically recommended by the rishis headed by
is adored all over the world. There is no need of eradicating politics Sounaka etc.
economics sociology etc which are mundane to the mundaners but to a pure Mandasya manda prajnasya vaya manda ayuscha vai
devotee who is actually related with the Lord, such mundane things are Nidraya hrigate naktam diva cha byartha karmabhih.
transcendental if dovetailed with the Lord or with his pure devotee. We have
so far heard and talked about the activities of the Pandavas and we are dealing Mandasya—of the lazy, Manda—paltry, Pradnaty—of intelligence, Vayo—
with the topics of Maharaj Parikshit but because all such topics are related age, hfanda—short, Aywhah—of duration of life, Vai—exactly, Nitlrva—by
with the Lord Sri Krishna they are all transcendental talks and pure devotees sleeping, Hriyate passes away, SAfaktam—night, dwa—day time, Cha—also,
Byartha—for nothing, tannabhih—by activities.
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Sixteenth Chapter - How Parikshit Received the Age of Kali
Lazy human being with paltry intelligence and short duration of life Swalamkritam shyama turanga yojitam
passes away the night exactly by sleeping and day time by activities Ratham mrigendra dhwajam asritah purat.
meant for nothing. Vrito ratha aswa dwipapatti yuktaya
Less intelligent person does not know the real value of human form of life. Swasenaya digvijayaya nirgatah.
The human form of life is a special gift of the mterial nature in course of her Salamkritam—very well decorated, Shyama—black, Turanga—horses,
enforcing stringent laws of miseries upon the living being. It is a chance for Yojitam—tackled, Ratha—Chariot, Mrigendra—lion, Dhwajam—flag-
achieving the highest boon of life namely to get out of the entanglement of staffed, Asritah—under the protection, Purat—from the capital, Vrito—
repeated birth and death and intelligrnt persons only take care of this surrounded by, Ratha—charioteers, Aswa—cavalry, Dwipapatti—elephants,
important gift of life by strenuously endeavouring for getting out of the Yuktaya—thus being equipped, Swasenaya—along with infantry,
entanglement. But less intelligent person is lazy enough and is unable to Digvijayaya—for the purpose of conquering, Nirgatah—went out.
evaluate the prima facie value of the human body. Instead of employing the Maharaj Parikshit was seated on chariot which was tackled with black
reserved energy of the human body in the matter of achieving liberation from horses, flag staffed with the sign of a lion and thus being well decorated
the material bondage the less intelligent person becomes more interested in he was surrounded by charioteers, cavalry, elephants and infantry
the matter of so called economic development and works very hard soldiers he went out of the capital for conquering all directions.
throughout the life simply for sense enjoyment of this temporary body. Sense
enjoyment is also allowed to the lower animals by the law of nature and as Maharaj Parikshit is distinguished from his grand father Arjuna as he tackled
such a human being is also destined to a certain standard of sense of black horses in his chariot instead of white horses of his grand father. He
enjoyment according to his past or pesent assessment of life. But one should ensigned his flag staff with the mark of a lion than his grand father who
definitely try to understand it that sense enjoyment is not the ultimate goal of ensigned the flag with mark of Hanumanji. A royal procession like that of
human life. Here in it is said that during day time one works 'for nothing' Maharaj Parikshit surrounded by well decorated chariots, cavalry, elephants,
because the aim is nothing but sense enjoyment. We can particularly observe infantry and band is not only pleasing to the eyes but also they were signs of
it how the humen being is engaged 'for nothing' in great cities and iudustrial aesthetic sense of a civilization used to be manifested even in the fighting
towns. There are so many things manufactured by the human energy but they front.
are all meant for sense enjoyment and nothing for getting out of the material Bhadraswam ketumalam cha bharatam chottaran kurun
bondage. And after working hard during day time the tired man either sleeps Kimpurusndini varsani vijitya jagrihe valim.
or engages in sex habits at night. That is the programme of matesialistic Bhadraswam—country of the name, Ketumalam—country of the name,
civilized life for the less intelligent class of person and as such he is Cha—also, Bharatam—country of the name, Chottaran—northern countries,
designated herein as the lazy, unfortunate with short duration of life. Kurun—king-dom of the kuru dynasty, Kimpurushadini—country beyond the
Suta uvacha: northern side of Himalaya, Varsani—parts of the earthly planet, Vijitya—
Yada parikshit kurujangale vasan conquering, Jagrihe—exacted.
Kalim prabistam nijachakravartite. Maharaj Parikshit then conquered all parts of the earthly planet of the
Nisamya vartam anatipriam tatah names Bhadraswa, Ketumala, Bharat, Northern portion of Kurujangal,
Sarasanam samyuga soundiradade. Kimpurusha etc. and thus exacted tributes from the respective rulers
Suta uvacha—Suta Goswani said, Yada—When, Parikshit—Maharaj Bhadraswa: It is an island near about the Meru Parvat. And about this island
Parikshit, Kurujangale—in the capital of Kuru's empire, Vasan—was residing, there is a description in the Mahabharatam (Bhisma Parva7.16–18). The
Kalim—the symptoms of the age of Kali, Prabstam—entered into, description was narrated by Samjaya to Dhritarastra.
Nijachakravarite—within his jurisdiction, Nisamya—thus hearing, Vartam— Maharaj Yudhisthir also conquered this island and thus the province was
news, Anatipriam—not very palatable, Tatah—thereafter, Sarasanam—arrows included within the jurisdiction of his empire. Maharaj Parikshit was formerly
and bow, Samyuge—having got a chance for, Soundir—marshal activities, declared to be the emperor of all lands ruled by his grand father but still he
Adade—took up. had to establish his supermacy while he was out of his capital for exacting
Sri Suta Goswami continued that while Maharaj Parikshit was residing tributes from such states.
in the capital of the Kuru empire the symptoms of the age of Kali began Ketumala: This earth planet is divided into seven parts and according to
to infiltrate within the jurisdiction of his state and when he learnt about it others it is divided into nine parts. This earth is called Jambudwipa and is
he did not take the matter as very much palatable. He, however, having divided into nine Varsas. Bharat Varsa is one of the abovementioned nine
got a chance for fighting prepared himself for military activities and took varsas. Such Varsas are known as continents in the modern geographical
up his arrows and bow. context. Ketumala is described to be one of the above Varsas. It is said that in
The state administration of Maharaj Parikshit was so perfect that he was this varsa the women as a class are the most beautiful species of fair sex and it
sitting in his capital peacefully. But he got news that the symptoms of the age was conquered by Arjuna also. Description of this part of the world is
of Kali has had already infiltrated into the jurisdiction of his state and he did available in the Mahabharata (Sabha 28.6)
not like the news as palatable. What are the symptoms of the age of Kali ? It is said that this part of world is situated on the western side of the Meru
They are 1. illicit connection with woman, 2. indulgence in meat-eating, 3. Parvat and inhabitants of this province used to live up to ten thousands of year
encouraging intoxicating habit and 4. taking pleasure in sporting and (Bhisma Parva 6.16.31–32) Human being living in this part of the globe are of
gambling excursions. The age of Kali literally means the age of quarrel and golden colour and the women resemble the angels of heaven. The inhabitants
the above mentioned four symptoms in the human society are the root causes are free from all kinds of diseases and berievements.
for all kinds of quarrel. Parikshit Maharaj heard it that some of the people of Bharatavarsa : This part of the world is also one of the nine Varsas of the
the state have already had taken to those symptoms and he wanted to take Jambudwipa earthly planet. Each planet is also some times called as Dwipa on
immediate steps against such causes of unrest. It means at least up to the account of its being an island in the fathomless outer space. Each planet is
regime of Maharaj Parikshit such symptoms of public life was practically factually an island in the airy ocean of outer space. Jambudwipa is one of such
unknown and as soon as they were slightly in vogue he wanted to fight out the countless islands in the airy ocean of the outer space. Description of
symptoms forthwith. The news was not palatable for him but it was palatable Bharatvarsa is given in the Mahabharata (Bhisma Parva chapters 9 to 10)
also because Maharaj Parikshit got a chance for fighting on such occasion. Uttaran—According to Sridharswami these parts of the world is called
There was no need for fighting with the small states because every one was Ilavrita Varsa or the Meditarian countries of Europe. The description of the
peacefully under his subordination but the miscreants of the above symptoms Ilavritavarsa is given in the Mahabarata (Sabha 28.6–7) as follows;—
gave his fighting spirit a chance for exhibition. A perfect Kshatriya king is Nagarascha vanamcha va nadischa vimalodakah
always jubilant as soon as he gets chance for fighting as much as a sportsman Purushan deva kalpanscha Narishca priyadarshanah
is encouraged when there is a chance for sporting match. It is no argument Adristapurvan subhagan sa dadarsa dhananjayah
that in the age of Kali such symptoms of the social animals were predestined Sadanamcha subhrani Narischa apsasasamnibha
and then why there was preparation for fighting out such symptoms? Such
argument is offered by the lazy and unfortunate man. In the rainy season rain Ir is twice mentoned here about the women as all beautiful and some of them
is predestined and yet people take precautions to protect themselves from not equal to the Apsaras as the heavenly women. Therefore the countries
being moistened by such rain. Similarly in the age of Kali the symptoms as mentioned are round about the Me itarian coasts.
above mentioned are sure to infiltrate in the social life but it is the duty of the Kimpurisavarsa. Is stated to be situated beyond the northern side of
state to save the citizens from the association of the agents of the age of Kali. Darjeeling Dhavala Giri and probably may bethe countries like Nepal Bhutan
Parikshit Maharaj wanted to punish the miscreants indulging in the above Tibet and China. These parts of the world was also conquered by Arjuna
symptoms of Kali and thus save the innocent citizens who were pure in habit (Sabha 28.1–2) The Kimpurusas are descendants of the daughter of Daksha
by culture of religion and social usages. It is the duty of the king to give such When Maharaj Yudhisthir performed horse sacrifice Yajna the inhabitants of
protection and Maharaj Parikshit was perfectly right when he prepared these countries were also present to take part in the festival and they paid
himself to give a fight. tributes to the emperor. This part of the world is called Kimpurusavarsa or
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
sometims the Himaalayan provinces (Haimavat) It is said Sukdeva Goswami Doutya-acceptance of the post of a messenger, Veerasana—acceptance of the
was born in these Himalayan provinces and he came to Bharatvarsa after post of an watchman with open sword at night, Anugamanam—following the
crossing the Himalayan countries. foot prints, Stavanam—offering of prayers, Pranaman—offering obeisances,
In other words Maharaj Parikshit conquered all over the world namely all the Snigdhesu—unto them who are malleable to the will of the Lord Pandusu—
continents adjoining all the seas and oceans in all direction namely the east, unto the sons of Pandu, Jagat—the universal, Pranatim—one who is obeyed,
west, north and southern parts of the world. Vishno—of Vishnu, Bhaktim—devotion, Nripatis—the king Charanarvinde—
unto his lotus feet.
Tatratatra upasrinwanah swapurvesam mahatmanam
Parigiamanam cha yasah krishna mahatma suchakam. When Maharaj Parikshit heard it that Lord Krishna (Vishnu), who is
universally obeyed, out of His causeless mercy upon the malleable sons of
Atmanam cha paritratam aswatthamno astra tejasah Pandu, rendered all kinds of service in the matter of acceptance of the
Sneham cha Vrishniparthanam tesam bhaktim cha kesav.e post of a chariot driver, to that of the presidentship according to the will
Tebhyah parama samtustah priti ujjrimbhita lochanah of the Pandavas including the messengership, friendship, watchmanship
Mahadhanani vasansi dadou haran mahamanah. at night, obeying like a servant and offering obeisances like one younger
Tatra tatra—everywhere the King visited, Upasrinwanah—continuously he in age etc; at that time the king Maharaj Parikshit became overwhelmed
heard, Swapurvesam—about his own forefathers, Mahatmanam—who were with devotion unto the lotus feet of the Lord.
all great devotees of the Lord, Parigiamanam—unto those who were thus Lord Krishna is everything to the unalloyed devotees like the Pandavas. The
addressing, Cha—also, Yasah—glories, Krishna—lord Krishna, Mahatma— Lord was for them the Supreme Lord, the spiritual master, the worshipable
glorious acts Suchakam—indicating, Atmanam—his parsonal self, Cha—also, deity, the guide, the chariot driver, the friend, the servant, the messenger and
Paritratam—delivered, Aswatthamno—of Aswatthama, Astra—weapon, everything as they could conceive of Him; and thus the Lord also reciprocated
Tejasah—powerful rays, Sneham—affection, Cha—also, Vrishniparthanam— the feeling of the Pandavas. Maharaj Parikshit as a pure devotee of the Lord
between the descendants of Vrishni and that of Pritha, Tesam—of all of them, could only appreciate Lord's transcendental reciprocation of the feeling of His
Bhaktim—devotion, Cha—Also, Kesave—Unto lord Krishna, Tebhyah—unto devotees and thus he himself also became overwhelmed with the dealings of
them, Parama—extremely, Santustah—pleased, Priti—attraction, the Lord. Simply by appreciating the dealings of the Lord with His pure
Ujjrimbhito—pleasingly open, Iochanah—one who has such eyes, devotees one can attain to salvation. The Lord's dealings with His devotees
Mahadhanai—valuable riches, Vasanani—clothings, Dadou—gave in charity, appear to be ordinary human-dealings but one who knows it in truth becomes
Haran—necklace, Mahamanah—one who has broader outlook. at once elligible for going back to home back to Godhead. The Pandavas were
Wherevever the king visited, continuously he heard about the glories of so much malleable to the will of the Lord that they could sacrifice any amount
his great forefathers who were all devotees of the Lord indicating herein of their energy for the service of the Lord and by such unalloyed
about the glorious acts of Lord Krishna also. He also heard about his determination only they could secure the Lord's mercy in any shape they
personal self as to how he was protected by the Lord from the powerful desired.
heat of the weapon of Aswatthama. The addressers also mentioned about Tasya evam vartaman asya purvesam vrittim anwaham
the great affection between the descendants of Vrishni and that of Pritha Na atidure kila ascharyam yad asit tat nibodhame.
on account of the latter's great devotion for the Lord Keshava. The king Tasya—of Maharaja Parikshit, Evam—thus, Vartamanasya—remaining in
thus being very much pleased upon the singers of such glories had his absorption of such thought, purvesam—of his forefathers, Vrittim—good
eyes open in great satisfaction and he was pleased to award upon the engagement, Anwaham—day after day, Na—not, Atidure—far off, Kila—
singers very valuable necklaces and clothings by his magnanimous mind. verily, Ascharyam—astonishing, Yad—that Tat—which, Nibodha—know it,
Kings and the like great personalities of the state are presented with welcome Me—from me.
addresses, is a system from time immemorial and Maharaj Parikshit, as he While Maharaj Parikshit was passing his days hearing about the good
was one of the well known emperors of the world, was also presented with occupations of his forefathers and he was absorbed in that thought veriy
addresses of welcome every where in all parts of the world as he visited those what happened not far away from him you may know it from me.
places. The subject matter of those welcome addresses was Krishna. Krishana
means Krishna and His eternal devotees as much the king means the king and Not far away from his camp what happend is now stated by Suta Goswami.
his confidential associates. Dharmah pada ekena charan vichhayam up alabhya gam
Krishna and His unalloyed devotees cannot be separated and therefore Prichhati sa ashruvadanam vivatsam iva mataram.
glorifying the devotee means glorifying the Lord and vice versa. Maharaj Dharma—The Personality of religious principle, Pada—leg, Ekena—by one
Parikshit would not have been too glad to hear about the glories of his only, Charan—wandering, Vichhaynm—overtaken by the shadow of grief,
forefathers like Maharaj Yudhisthir and Arjuna etc had it not been so done in Upalabhya—having met, Gam—the cow, Prichhati—asking, Sa—with,
connection with the acts of Lord Krishna. The Lord descends specifically for Ashruvadanam—with tears on face, Vivatsam—one who has lost her
deliverance of His devotees ( paritranaya sadhunam ) and the devotees are offspring, Isa—like, Mataram—the mother.
glorified by the presence of the Lord because such devotees cannot live for a
moment without the presence of the Lord by His different energies. The Lord The Personality of religious principle Dharma in the form of a bull was
is present fore the devotee by His acts and glories and therefore Maharaj wandering. And he met the Personality of earth in the form of a cow who
Parikshit felt the presence of the Lord when He was glorified by His acts appeared to be aggrieved like a mother who had lost her child and thus
specially in the matter of his personal self as he was saved by the Lord in the she looked with tears on her face. She lost the beauty of her bodily
womb of his mother. The devotees of the Lord are never in danger; but in the feature and thus Dharma asked the earth as follows.
material world which is full of dangers in every step, the devotees are Bull is the emblem of moral principle and the cow is the representative of the
apparently placed into dangerous position and thus being saved by the Lord earth. When the bull and the cow are happy in joyful mood it is to be
the Lord is glorified. Lord Krishna would not have been glorified as the understood that the people of the world are also happy and are in joyful mood.
speaker of the Bhagwat Geeta had his devotees like the Pandavas were not The reason is that the bull helps production of grains in the agricultural field
entangled in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. All such acts of the Lord were and the cow delivers milk the miracle of aggregate food values. Thehuman
mentioned in the addresses of welcome and Maharaj Parikshit, in full society therefore maintains, these two important animals very carefully so that
satisfaction, rewarded those who presented such addresses. The difference they can wander every where in cheerfulness. But at the present moment in
between the presentation of welcome addresses in the modern days and that in this age of Kali both the bull and the cow are now meant for being slaughtered
the days gone by is that formerly the welcome add resses were presented to a and eaten up as foodstuff by a class of men who do not know what is the
penson like Maharaj Pearikshit; the welcome addresses were full of facts and Brahminical culture. The bull and the cow can be protected for the good of all
figures and those who presented such addresses were sufficiently rewarded; human society simply by spreading the Brahminical culture is the topmost
whereas in the present days the welcome address is presented not always with perfeetion of all cultural affairs because by advancement of such culture only
factual statements but to please the postholder and sometimes they are full morale of the society is properly maintained where by peace and prosperity of
with untruth for flattering the object but alas rarely such presentations of the society attained without any extraneous effort for them. When
welcome addresses are rewarded by the poor receiver. Brahminical culture deteriorates the picture is televisioned by the above
Sarathya parsada sevana sakhya doutya description of the cow and bull and the resultant action is prominent by the
Veerasanugamanam stavanam pranaman following symptoms.
Snigdhesu pandusu jagat pranatim cha vishno Dharma uvacha:
Bhaktim karoti nripatis charanarvinde. Kachchit bhadre anamayam atmanaste
Sarathya—acceptance of the post of a chariot driver, Parsada—acceptance of Vichhayasi mlayate isat mukhena
presidentship in the assembly of Rajsuya sacrifice, Sevana—engaging the Alaksaye bhavatim antaradhim
mind constantly in the service of the Lord, Sakhya-think of the Lord as friend, Dure bandhun sochasi kamchit amba.
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Sixteenth Chapter - How Parikshit Received the Age of Kali
Dharma uvacha—Dharma enquired, Kachchit—whether, Bhadre—madam, and by eating such foodstuff they get vital powers of the body in the shape of
Anamayam—quite hail and hearty, Te—unto you, Vichhayasi—appear to be blood and semina and from the blood and semina one living being is able to
covered with shadow of grief, Mlayate—which darkens, Isat—slightly, create other living being. But the production of food grains grass etc become
Mukhena—by the face, Alakshaye—you look, Bhavatim—unto yourself, possible by rains and this rain is made possible to shower properly by
Antaradhim—some disease within, Dure—long distant, Bandhum—friend, performances of the recommended sacrifice. Such sacrifices are directed by
Sochasi—thinking of, Amba—Oh mother. the rites of the Vedas namely Sama Yaju Rik and Atharva. In the Manusmiriti
Dharma or the bull representing the Personality of religious principles it is recommended that by offering sacrifice on the alter of the Fire the sun-
enquired, "Madam are you quite hail and hearty ? Why are you looking god is pleased. When the Sun-god is pleased he properly collects water from
to be covered with shadow of grief? It appears that you have become the sea and thus sufficient cloud collected on the horizon and rains fall down.
black by your face. Are you suffering from some internal disease or are After sufficient rain falls there is sufficient production of food grains for men
you thinking of some relative who is away to distant place ?" and all animals and thus there is energy in the living being for progressive
activity. The Mlechhas however make plans for instaling slaughthr houses for
The symptoms of the people of the world in this age of Kali are that they are killing the bulls and the cow along with other animals thinking that they
always full of anxieties and everyone is diseased by some kind of ailment. would prosper by increasing the number of factories and live on animal food
From the very face of the people of this age one can find out the index of the without caring for performance of sacrifices and production of food grains.
mind and every one feels the absence of his relative who is away from home. But theymust know that even for the animals they must produce grass and
The particular symptom of the age of Kali is that no family is now blessed to vegetables otherwise hardly they can live on animal food only. And even for
live together. To earn livelihood the father lives at a place far away from the producing grass for the animals they must require sufficient rains from the
son or the wife lives far away from husband and so on. There are sufferings horizon and therefore they have to depend ultimately on the mercy of the
from some internal disease, separatoion from the near and dear and anxieties demigods like the Sun, Indra, Chandra etc. and such demigods must be
for maintaining the status quo are some of the important factors which make satisfied by performances of sacrifice.
the people of this age always unhappy. This Material world is a sort of prison house and we have several times
Padaiar nyunam sochasi ekapodam mentioned this fact. The demigods are servants of the Lord to see to the
Atmanam va vrisalair bhakshamanam proper upkeep of the prison house. Such demigods want to see that the rebel
Aho suradin hritayajna bhagan living beings, who want to survive faithlessly, may gradually be turned
Praja uta swit maghavati avarsai. towards the Supreme power of the Lord. Therefore, the system of offering
Padair—by three legs, Nyunam—diminished, Sochasi—if you are lamenting sacrifice is there recommended in the scriptures.
for that, Ekapadam—only one leg, Atmanam—own body, Vrisalair—by the The materialistic men want to work hard and enjoy the fruitive result in the
unlawful meat eaters, Bhakshamanam—to be exploited, Aho—in the matter of sense enjoyment. As such they are committing many types of sins at
sacrifice, Suradin—the authorised demigods, Hritayajna—devoid of every step of life. Those who are however consciously engaged in the
sacrificial, Bhagan—share, Praja—the living beings, Uta—increasing Swit— devotional service of the Lord are transcendental to all varieties of sins and
wheter, Maghavati—in famineh and scarcity, Avarsati—on account of virtues. Such activities are free from the contamination of the three modes
rainlessness. material qualities. For the devotees there is no need of performances of
prescribed sacrifices because the very life of the devotee is a symbol of
I have lost my three legs and am standing on one leg only. Are you sacrifice. But persons who are engaged in fruitive activities for sense
lamenting for my this state of existence ? Or you are in great anxiety enjoyment must perform the prescribed sacrifices because that is the only
because henceforward the unlawful meat eaters will exlpoit you ? Or you means for getting free from the reactions of all sins committed by the fruitive
are in sorry plight because the demi gods are now bereft of the share of workers. Sacrifice is the means for counter acting such accumulated sins. The
sacrifical offerings on account of no sacrifice being performed at present demigods are pleased when such sacrifices are performed as much as prison-
? Or you are aggrieved for the living being on account of their suffering officers are satisfied when the prisoners are turned into obedient subjects to
due to famine and rainlessness. the state laws. Lord Chaitanya however has recommended only one Yajna or
With the progress of the age of Kali four things particularly namely duration sacrifice called the Samkirtan Yajna in which every one can take part and thus
of life, mercy, power of recollction, and moral or religious principles will both devotees and the fruitive workers can derive equal benefit from such
gradually diminish. Dharma or the principles of religion being lost in the performances of Samkirtan Yajna.
proportion of three out of four the symbolical representation bull was standing Arakshamanah striya urvi valan
on one leg only. When three fourth of the population of the whole world Sochasi atho purusadair iva artan.
become irreligious the situation is practically converted into the haunting Vacham devim brahmakule kukarmani
place for the animls. In the age of Kali godless civilization will create so Abrahmanye rajkule kulagryan.
many so called religious societies in which the perso nality of Godhead will
be directly or idirectly defied. And thus faithless societies of man will turn the Arakshamanah—unportected, Striya—women, Urvi—on the earth, Valan—
world inhabitable for the saner section of people. There is gradation of human childern, Sochasi—you are feeling compunction, Atho—as such,
being in terms of proportionate faith in the supreme Personality of Godhead. Purusadair—by men, Iva—like that, Artan—those who are unhappy,
The first class faithful men are the Vaishnavas and the Brahmins, then the Vacham—vocabulary, Devim—the Goddess, Brahmakul—in the family of
Ksatriyrs, then the Vaisyas, then the Sudras, then Mlechhas, then the Yavanas the Brahmin, Kukarmani—acts against the principles of religion,
and at alst the Ghandalas. Degradation of the human instinct begins from the Abrahmanye—persons against the Brahminical culture, Rajkule—in the
stage of the Mlechhas and the Chandala state of life is the last word in the administrative family, Kulagryan—most of all the families (the Brahmins)
matter of human degradation. All the above terms of nomenclature mentioned If you are feeling compunction in the matter of the unhappy women and
in the Vedic literatures are never meant for any particular community by birth. children who are left forlorn by unscrupulous persons? Or you are
They are different qualifications of the human being in general. There is on unhappy for the matter of the goddess of learning being handled by
question of birth right commuity but one can acquire the respectlve Brahmins adicted to acts against the principles of religiosity? Or you may
qualificstions by a one's own effort and as such the son of a Vaishnava can be sorry to see that the Brahmins have taken shelter of the administrative
become a Mlechha or the son of Cnadala can become morethan a Brahmin in family where Brahminical culture is not respected.
terms of his association and intimate relation with the supreme Lord. It is a plight for the people of the earth that in the age of Kali the women and
The meat eaters are generally called the Mlechhas. But all meat eaters are the childern along with Brahmins and cow will be neglected grossly in the
not Mlechhas. Those who accept meat in terms of scriptural injunctions are matter of their protection In this age illicit connection with women will render
not Mlechhas but those who accept meat without restriction are called many women and childern uncared for. Circumstancially the women will try
Mlechhas. Beef is forbidden in the scriptures and the bulls and cows are to become independant of the protection of man and marriage will be
offered special protection by followers of the Vedas. But in this age of Kali performed as a matter of formal agreement between man and woman resulting
people will exploit the body of the bull and the cow as they like and thus they in most cases the childern will be not taken care of properly. The Brahmins
will invite sufferings of various types. are traditionally intelligent class of men in the society and as such they will be
The people of this age will not perform any sacrifice. The Mlechha type of able to pick up modern education to the topmost rank but so far moral and
population will care very little for performances of Sacrifices although religious principles are concerned they shall be the fallen number one.
performance of Sacrifice is essential for persons who are materially engaged Education and fallen in character go ill together but such things will go on as
in the matter of sense enjoyment. In the Bhagwat Geeta such performance of parallel to one another. The administrative heads as a class will condemn the
sacrifices are strongly recommended (Bg. 3.14-16) tenets of vedic wisdom and will prefer to conduct a so called secular state and
The living beings are created by the creator Brahma and just to maintain yet the so called educated Brahmins will be purchased by such unscupulous
the created living being progressively towards the path of back to home back administrators. Even a philosopher and writer of many books on religious
to Gdhead the system of performing sacrifice is also created by him. The principles may also accept an exhalted post in a government which denies all
system is that the living being lives on the produce of grains and vegetables moral codes in the shastras the Brahmins are specifically restricted in
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
acceptance of service. But in this age they will not only accept service but derived from Nirvana and reaches the transcendental abode of the Lord to
they will do so even it is of the meanest quality. These are some of the associate with Him eternally engaged in His blissful loving service.
symptoms of the Kali age. And they are harmful to the general welfare of the Idan mama achaksba tava adhimulam
human society. Vasundhare yena vikarsitasi.
Kim kashatra bandhun kalina upasristah Kalena vate valina valiyasa
Rastrani va tair avaropitani Surarchtiam king hritam amba sonbhagam.
Itas tato vasanapana vasah Idam—this, Mama—unto me, Achaksha—Kindly inform, Taba—your,
Snana vyavaonnmukha jivaolkan. Adhimulam—the root cause of your tribulations, Vasundhare—the reservoir
Kim—whether, Kshatarabandhun—the unworthy administrators,Kalina—by of all riches, Yena—dy which, Vikarsitasi— reduced to much weakness,
the influence of the age of Kali, Upasristah—bewildered Rastrani—state Kalena— by the influence of time, Va—or, Te—your, Valina—very
affairs, Va—or, Tair—by them, Avarapitani—put into disorder, Itas—here, powerful, Valiyasa—more powerful, Surarchitam—adored by the demigods,
Tatas—there, Va—or, Asana—accepting foodstuff, Pana—drink, Vasa— Kim—whether, Hritam—taken away, Amba—mother, Soubhagam—fortune.
residence, Snana—bath, Vyavayo—sexual intercourse, Unnvmukha— Mother, you are the reservoir of all riches, you may inform me about the
lnclined, Jivalokam—human society. root cause of your tribulations by which you have been reduced to so
The so called administrators are now bewildered by the influence of this much weakness. I think that the powerful influence of time, which
age of Kali and thus they have put into disorders all state affairs. conquer over the most powerful, might have forci bly taken away all your
Whether you are lamenting such disorderly things ? The people in fortune which was adored even by the demigods.
general now do not follow the rules and regulations for eating, sleeping, By the Grace of the Lord each and every planet is created fully equipped. So
drinking, mating etc and now they are inclined to do such things any this earth is not only fully equipped with all the riches for the maintenance of
where and every where. If you are unhapay for this ? the inhabitants but also when the Lord descndes by His incarnation on the
There are, some necessities of life on par with the lower animals and they are earth the whole atmosphere becomes so much enriched with all kinds of
eating sleeping fearing and mating. These bodily demands are equally good opulences that even the denizens of heaven worship it with all attention. But
both for the human being and the animals. But the human being has to fulfil by the will of the Lord the whole thing can at once be changed into a different
such desires not like animals but like a human being. A dog can mate with a condition. He can do and undo a thing at His sweet will and as such no body
bitch before the public eyes without hesitation but if a human being does so should consider himself as self-sufflcient or independant of the Lord.
the act will be considered as public nuisance and the person doing so will be Sri Dharani uvacha :
criminally prosecuted. Therefore for the human being there are some rules and Bhavan hi veda tatsarvamyet mam dharma anuprichhasi
regulations even for fulfilling common demands. When the human society Chaturbhir vartase yena padair loka sukhabahai.
will avoid such rules and regulations it will be so done bewildered by the
influence of the age of Kali. In this age the people are indulging in such Sri Dharaniuvacha—Mother earth replied, Bhavan—your goodself, Hi—
neccessities of life without following the rules and regulations and this certainly, Veda—know, Tatsarva—all that you have enquired from me, Yat—
deterioration of social aud moral rules is certainly lamentable on account of that Mam—from me, Dharma—Oh the Personality of religious principle,
the harm ful effects of such beastly behaviour. In this age the fathers and the Anuprichhasi—You have enquired one after another, Chaturbhir—by four,
guardians are not happy with the behaviour of their wards but they must know Vartase—do you exist, Yena—by which, Padair—by the legs, Loka—in each
that so many innocent children are victims of bad association awarded by the and every planet, Sukhabahai—increasing the happiness.
influence of this age of Kali. We know it from Srimad Bhagwatam that The earthly deity in the form of a cow thus replied to the Personality of
Ajamil an innocent son of a Brahmin was passing the road and he saw a Sudra religious principles in the from of a bull, "Oh Dharma whatever you have
pair sexually embraced. This attracted the boy, and later on the boy became a enquired from me they are all known to you and yet I shall try to reply all
victim of all debaucheries in the later days of his life. From a pure Brahmin he those. You too also maintaned your four legs and increased the happiness
fell down to the position of a wretched urchin and it was all due to the bad of all over the universe by the mercy of the Lord"
association. There was one victim like Ajamil in those days gone by but in The principles of religions are laid down by the Lord Himself, and the
this age of Kali the poor innocent body and students are daily victims of the executor of such laws is the Dharamraj or Yamraj. Such principles do work on
cinema shows which attract men only for the matter of sex induldence. The so fully in the age of Satya Yuga, in the Treta Yuga and they are reduced by a
called administrators are all untrained in the affairs of a Kashatriya. The fraction of one-fourth, in the Dwapara they are reduced to one half and in the
Kastriyas are meant for administration as the Brahmins are meant for Kali Yuga they are reduced to one fourth gradually dininishing to the zero
knowledge and guidance. The word kshatriyabandhu means the so called point; and then devastation takes place. Happiness of the world depends
administrators or persons promoted to the post of the administrator without proportionately on the maintenance of the religious principles individually or
prpper training by culture and tradition Now a days they are promoted to such collectively. The best part of valour is to maintain the principles inspite of all
exhalted posts by the votes of people who are themselves fallen in the rules kinds of odds and thus be happy during the span of life ultimately returning
and regulations of life. How they can select a proper man who are themselves back to home back to Godhead.
fallen in the standard of life. Therefore, by the influence of the age of Kali
everywhere politically, socially or religiously everything is topsyturvied and Satyam spucham daya kshantis tyagah santosha arjavam
therefore for the sane man they are all regretable factors looking forward to Samo damas tapah samyam titiksha uparatim srutam
the general welfare of the human society. Jnanam virakti aischaryam souryam tejo valams smritih
Yad va amba te bhuri bharavatara Swatantram kousalam kantir dhairyam ardavam eva cha.
Krita avatarasya harer dharitri Pragalbhyam prasrayah seelam saha ejah valam dhagah
Antahritasya smarati visrista Gambhiryam sthairyam astikyam kirtimano anahamkritih.
Karmani nirvan vilambitani. Yete cha anye cha bhagawan nitya yatra mahagunah
Yad—that, Va—may be, Amba—oh mother, Te—your, Bhuri—heavy, Prathya mahatwam ichhatbhir na viyanti sma karhichit.
Bhara—Load, Vatara—decreasing the load, Krita—done, Avatarasya—one Tena ham gunapatrena sri nivasena sampratam
who incarnated, Harer—of Lord Sri K rishna Dharitri—oh the earth, Sochami rahitam lokam papmana kalina ikshitam.
Antarhritasya—of him who is now out of sight, Smarati—while thinking of,
Visrista—all that were performed, Karmani—activities, Nirvan—salvation, Satyam—truthfulness, Soucham—cleanliness, Daya—not to tolerate other's
Vilambitani—that which entails. unhappiness. Kshanti—To control oneself even there is cause of anger,
Tyagah—Magnanimity, Santosha—self-satisfaction, Arjavam—straight
Oh mother earth, the Supreme Personailty of Godhead Hari incarnated forwardness, Samo-fixed up by the mind, Damas—firmness of the sense
Himself as Lord Sri Krishna just to unload your heavy burden whatever organs, Tapah—true to one's responsibility, Samyam—indiscrimination of
He has had done here they are all transcendental activities cementing the friend and foe, Titiksha—tolerate offence by others, Uparatim—indifferent to
path of liberation. You are now bereft ofd His presence and probably you loss and gain, Srutam—following scriptural injunctions, Jnanam—knowledge
are thinking of those activites and feeling sorry in their absence. (self realisation), Virakti—unattached to sense enjoyment, Aischaryam—
The activities of the Lord includes liberation but they are more relishable than leadership, Souryam—chivalry, Tejo—influence, Valam—to render possible
the pleasure derived from Nirvana or liberation. According to Srila Jiva what is impossible, Smritih—to find out proper duty, Swatantram— not to
Goswami and Viswnath Chakravarty Thakur the world used here is depend on other, Kousalam—dexterity in all activities. Kantir—beauty,
Nirvanabidambitani that which minimses the value of liberation. To attain Dhairyam—undisturbed, Ardavam—soft or kindhearted, Eva—thus, Cha—
nivana or liberation one has to undergo severe type of Tapasya austerities but also, Pragalbhyam—ingenuity, Prasrayah—gentility, Seelam—mannerly,
the Lord is so merciful that He incarnates to diminish the overburden of the Saha—determination, Ojah—perfect krowledge, Valam—proper execution,
earth and simply by remembering such activities one can defy the pleasure Bhagah—object of enjoyment, Gambhiryam—ever joyful, Sthairyam—
immovable, Astikyam—faithfulness, Kritir—fame, Manah—worshipable,
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Sixteenth Chapter - How Parikshit Received the Age of Kali
Anahamkritih—pridelessness, Yete—all these, Anye cha—also others many, festival and there was nothing wrong in such fighting. Lord Sri Krishna
Bhagawan—the Personality of Godhead, Nitya-everlastingly, Yatra—where, discharged such responsibility fully because although He had more than
Mahagunah—great qualities, Prarthya—worth to possess, Mahatwam— 16000 sixteen thousands of wives in each every case He fought like a
greatness, Ichhatam—those who desire so, Na—never, Viyanti—deteriorates, chivalrous Kshatriya and thus secured a wife. To fight sixteen thousands of
Sma—ever, Karhichit—at any time, Tena—by Him, Aham—myself, times for securing sixteen thousands of wives is certainly possible by the
Gunapatrena—the reservoir of all qualities, Sri—goddess of fortune, Supreme Personality of Godhead and not by any one else. Similarly he
Nivasena—by the resting place, Sampratam—very recently, Sochami—I am displayed full responsibility in the matter of every actions in His different
thinking of, Rahitam—bereft of, Lokam—planets, Papmana—by the store of transcendental pastimes.
all sins, Kalina—by the Kali, Ikshitam—purviewed by. Item No. 14 Knowledge can be further extended into five subheadings
"And in whom, 1. truthfulnees, 2. cleanliness, 3. intolerance of other's namely l. intelligence, 2. greatfulness, 3 power of understanding the
unhappiness, 4. the power of controlling anger, 5. self-satisfaction. 6. circumstantial environments of place, object and time. 4. Perfect knowledge
straightforwardness, 7. Fixity of mind, 8. controlling the sense organs, 9. of every thing and 5 Knowledge of the self. Only the fools are ungrateful to
Responsibility, 10. equality, 11. tolerance, 12. equanimiiy, 13. faithfulness, their benefactors. The Lord however does not require to be benefitted by any
14. knowle ge, 15. absenced of sense enj- oyment, 16. leadership, 17. one else besides Himself because He is full in Himself and still He feels
chivalry, 18. influence, 19. power of making everthing possible, 20. benefitted by unalloyed services of His devotees. The Lord feels grateful to
discharging proper duty, 21. complete independence, 22. dexterity, 23. His devotees for such unsophisticated, unconditional service of a devotee and
fullness of all beauty 24. of equipostion, 25. kind heartedness. 26. tries to reciprocate it by rendering service to such devotees although the latter
ingenuity. 27. gentility, 28. Magnanimity, 29. determination, 30. also have no such desire from the heart. Transcendental service of the Lord is
perfection of all knowledge, 31. proper execution, 32. possession of all itself a transcendental benefit for the devotee and therefore the devotee has
object of enjoyment, 33. joyfulness, 34. immovablity, 35, fidelity, 36. nothing to expect from the Lord. On the assertion of Vedic aphorism Sarvam
fame, 37. being worshipable, 38. pridelessness, 39. being the Personality Khalu Brahman we can understand that the Lord, by His omnipresent rays of
of Godhead, 40. eternity-and many other transcendenal qualities are Personal effulgence called by the name Brahma jyoti,—is all pervading inside
eternally present never to be separated from Him, that Personality of or outside of everything like the omnipresent material sky and as such He is
Godhead the reservoir of all gcodness and beauty, Lord Sri Krishna has also Omniscient of everything.
now closed his transcendenral pastimes from the face of the earth and in So far as the beauty of the Lord is concerned He has some special features
his absence the age of Kali has spread its influence everywhere and I am of His personal body distinguished from all other living beings and over and
actually sorry to see this condition of existence. above that He has some special attractive beautiful features by which He
attracts the mind of even Radharani the supermost beautiful creation of the
Even it is possible to count the a toms after smashing the earth into powder, Lord. He is known, therefore, as Madan Mohan or One who attracts the mind
still it is not possible to estimate unfathomed transc endental qualities of the of the Cupid even. Srila Jiva Gosami Prabhu has scrutinisingly annalysed
Lord. It it said that Lord Anantadeva has tried to expostulate the other transcendental qualities of the Lord and affirms that Lord Sri Krishna is
taanscendental qualities of the Supreme Lord by his numberless tongues and the Absolute Supreme Personality of Godhead (Param Brahman). He is
that for numberless years together still it has been impossible to estimate tne omnipotent by His inconcievable energies and therefore He is the Yogeswara
factual qualities of the Lord. The above statemcnt of the qualities of the Lord or the Supreme Master of all mystic powers. Being the Yogeswara His eternal
is just to estimate his qualities as far as a human being is able to see in Him. Form is spiritual or combination of eternity bliss and knowledge. The non-
But even it is so the above qualtites can also be divided into many devotee class can not understand the dynamic nature of His knowledge
subheading. According to Srila Jiva Goswmi item No. 3. can be subdi vided because they are satisfied reaching up to His eternity form of knowledge. All
into 1. protection of the surrendered souls and 2. well wishes for the devotees great souls aspire after being equal in knowledge with Him means greatness
particularly. In the Bhagwat Geeta we have it from the statement of the Lord of His eternal knowledge or in other words it means that all other's knowlodge
that he wants every soul to sur render unto Him only and by doing so he is ever insufficient flexible and measurable whereas the knowledge of the
assures every one to give protection from the reactious of all sins. Therefore Lord is everfixed and unfathomable. Srila Suta Go swami affirms in the
unsurrendered souls are not devotee of the Lord ard as such there is no Bhagwatam that although He was observed by the citizens of Dwarka every
particular protection for every one in general. For the devotees He has day, they were everincreasingly anxious to see Him again and again. The
particularly all good wishes and those who are actually engaged in loving living being can appreciate the qualities of the Lord as the ultimate goal but
transceendental shrvice of the Lord, He has particular attention for such they cannot attain the status quo of such equality. This material world is a
devotee and always He gives direction to such pure devotees as it may help product of the Mahat Tattwa which is a state of the Lord's dreaming condition
the devotee in the matter of discharging his respnosibility on the path of back in His Yoganidra mystic slumber in the causal ocean and yet the whole thing
to home, back to Godhead. By his quality (10) the Lord is equally kind to appears to be as factual presentation of His creation. This means that the
every one as much as the sun is equal in distributing its rays over every one Lord's dreaming conditions are also factual manifestations. He can therefore,
equally but still there are many who are unable to take advantage of the equal bring about everything at His transcendertal control and as such whenever and
sun rays. Similarly the Lord syas that surrendering unto Him is the guarantee wherever does He appears Hedoes so in His fullness without deviation of any
for all protection from Him but unfortunate persons are unable to accept this fractional percentage of His full potency.
proposition and therefore they suffer from all material miseries. So even The Lord being all that is described above, it is He only who can maintain
though the Lord is equally well wishing to every one the unfortnnate living the affairs of the creation and by His so doing He gives salvation even to His
being due to bad association only is unbale to accept His instructions in toto enemies who are killed by Him. He is attractive even to the topmost liberated
and for this the Lord is never to be blamed for. He is called welwisher soul and as such He is worshipable even byBrahma and Shiva the greatest of
partiality for the devotees only. It appears to be the quality of partiality by the all demigods. Even by His incarantion of Purushavatara He is the Lord of the
Lord for His devotees but factually the onus rests on the living being to accept creative energy. The creative material energy is working nnder His directions
or reject the equal treatment by the Lord. as it is confirmed in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 9.10) He is the control switch of
Item No. 7 fixity of mind can be expnaded so that the Lord never deviates the material energy and to control the material energy in the innumerable
from His word of honour. Whomever does He give assurance for protection, universes He is the root cause of innumerble incarnations in all the universes.
the promise is executed at all circumstances. It is the duty of the pure devotee There are more than five lacs of incaranations of Manu only in one universe
to be fixed up in the discharge of duty entrusted to him by the Lord or the besides other incaranations and thus we can simpiy imagine the number of His
Lord's bonafide representative the spirstual master and the rest is carried on by different incarnations in different universes. In the spiritual world however
the Lord without any break. beyond the Mahat Tattwas there is no question of incanations but there are
Responsibility of the Lord is also unique. The Lord has no responsibility plenary expansions of the Lord in the different Vaikunthas. The planets in the
practically because all His work is done by His different appointed energies. spiritual sky are at least three times more than they are within the innumerable
But still He accepts voluntary responsibilities in the matter of displaying universes in the Mahattatwa. And all these Narayana forms of the Lord are but
different roles in His trascendental. pastimes. When as a boy He was playing expansions of His Vasudeva feature and as such He is both Vasudeva and
the part of a cowboy as son of Nanda Maharaj he discharged the responsibility Narayana and Krishna simultaneously. He Is "Sri Krishna govinda hare
perfectly. Similarly when He was playing the part of a Kshatriya youngman as murare, He natha narayuna Vasudeva" all in one. His qualities therefore
the son of Maharaj Vasudeva He displayed all the skill of a marshal spirited cannot be counted by any one however great may one be.
Kshatriya. In almost all cases the Kshatriya king has to secure a wife by
fighting or kidnapping the girl. This sort of behaviour for Kshatriya is Atmanam cha anousochami bhavantam cha amrottamam
eulogistic in the sense that a Kshitriya rnust show his power of chivalry before Devan pitrin rishin sadhun sarvan varnas tatha ashraman.
his would be wife so that the daughter of a Kshatriya is pleased to see the Atmanam—my self, Cha—also, Anusochami—lamenting on, Bhavantam—
valour of her would be husband. Even Personality of Godhead Sri Rama also your self, Cha—as well as, Amarattaman—the best amongst the demigods,
displayed such spirit of chivalry during his marriage. He broke the strongest Devan—about the demigods, Rishin—about the sages, Pitrin—about the
bow called Haradhanu and achieved the hand of Sita Devi the mother of all denizens of Pitriloka planet, Sadhun—about the devotees, Sarvan—all of
opulence. It is practically the display of Kshatriya spirit during marriage them, Varnan—sections, Tatha—as also, Ashraman—orders of human beings.
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
I am thinkig about my self and oh the best amongst the demigods for there is no need of detaining the Lord but the Lord being omnipresent He can
yourself also as well as for all the demigods, sages denizens of the be present with us if we want Him at all. By His omnipresence potency He
Pitriloka, about the devotees of the Lord and all men obdient to the can always be with us if we are attached with His devotional service in the
system of Varna and Ashrama in the buman society manner prescribed in nine transcendental service of hearing, chanting,
To effect perfection of human life there is series of co-operative link between remembering etc,
man to demigods, sages, denizens of the Pitriloka, devotees of the Lord and There is nothing in the world with which the Lord is disconnected. The
the scientific system of Varna and Ashrama orders of Life. Distinction of only thing we must learn is to excavate the source of connection and be thus
human life and animal life therefore begins on the background of the scientific linked up with Him by offenceless service. We can do so being connected
system of Varna and Ashrama guided by the experience of the sages and in with Him by transcendental sound representation of the Lord The holy name
relation with the demigods gradually rising to the summit of re-establihment of the Lord and the Lord Himself are two identical things and one who chants
of our eternal relation with the Supreme Absolute Truth Personality of the holy name of the Lord in offenceless manner can at once realise that the
Godhead Lord Sri Krishna. When the God-made Varnashram Dharma, which Lord is present before him. Even by vibration of radio sound we can partially
is strictly meant for cooperation with the machinary of developing animal realise the presence of the sound relativity and by resounding the sound of
consciousness to human consciousness and from human consciousness to transcendence we can verily feel the presence of the Lord. In this age when
Godly consciousness of perfect living condition, is broken by advancement of everything is poluted by the contamination of Kali it is instructed in the
foolishness of the human being, at that time the wbole system of peaceful Scriptures and preached by Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu that by chanting
progressive life is at once disturbed. In the age of Kali the first attack of the the holy Name of the Lord, we can at once be free from the contamination
venomeous snake is struck on the God-made Varna Ashrama Dharma and gradually rising to the status of transcendence for going back to Home back to
thus a person properly qualified as a Brahmin is called a Sudra and Sudra by Godhead. The offenceless chanter of the Holy Name of the Lord is as good an
qualification is passing on as the Brahmin all on the false sense of birth right auspiciousness as the Lord Himself and arrangement for movement of such
claim. To become Brahmin by the birthright claim is not at all bonafide pure devotees of the Lord all over the world can at once change the
although it may be fnlfilment of one of the conditions but the real troublesome face of the world. By propagation of the chanting of the Holy
qualification of a Brahmin is to be situated on the strength of controlling the Name of the Lord only we can be immune from all effects cf the age of Kali.
mind, the senses, stamina of tolerance, simplicity, cleanliness, knowledge, Yo vai mama atibharam asurabansa rajnam
devotion and faith in the Vedic wisdom and truthfulness. In the present age Akshuhoini satam apanudadat atmatantrah.
consideration of the necessary qualification is being neglected and the false Tam dustham anupadam atmani pourasena
birthright claim is being supported even by a much popular sophisticated poet Sampadayan yadusu ramyam abibhrat angam
and author of 'Ramcharit Manas'. Yo—He who, Vai—certainly, Mama—mine, Atibharam—too much
This is all due to the influence of the age of Kali and Mother earth burdensome, Asurabansa—belonging to the unbeliever class, Rajna—of the
represented as the Cow was lamenting the regretable condition. kings, Akshouhine—One division of military phalanx consisting of *,
Brahmdayo vahutitham yad apanga-moksha Satam—such hundreds of divisions, Apanudadat—extirpated Atamatantrah—
Kamas tapah samacharan bhagwat prapannah. self sufficient, Tam—unto you, Dustham—put into difficulty, Anupadam—
Sa sreeh swavasa aravindavanam vihaya devoid of standing stength, Atmani—internal, Pourusena—by dint of energy,
Yad pada soubhagam alam bhajate anurkta. Sampadayan—for executing, Yadusu—in the Yadu dynasty, Ramyam—
Tasya aham abja kulisha ankusa ketu ketaih transcendentally beautiful, Abibhrat—accepted Angam—body.
Srimat padair bhagavatah samalamkritangi Oh the personality of religiousity, I was too much overburdened by the
Trin ati arocha upalabhya tatoh vibhutim undue military phalanx of Akshouhini divisions by the kings of
Lokan sa mam vyasrijat utsmayatim tadante. unbeliever. class and I was relieved by the Grace of the Personality of
Brahmadayo—demigods like Brahma and others, Vahutitham—for many Godhead. Similarly you were in distressed condition lessened by your
days, Yad—of Lakshmi the goddess of fortune, Apangamoksham—glance of standing strength and as such he also incarnated to get you relieved from
grace, Kamas—being desirous of, Tapah—penances, Samacharan— such condition by His internal energy appearing in the family of the
executing, Bhagwat—unto the Personality of Godhead, Prapannah— Yadus.
surrendered, Sa—She the Goddess of Fortune, Sreeh—Lakshmiji, Swavasa— The Asura—class of men on the surface of the world want to enjoy life of
Her own habitation, Aravindavanam—the forest of lotus flower, Vihaya— sense gratifcation even at the cost of other's happiness. Inorder to fulfil this
leaving aside, Yad—whose, Pada—feet, Soubhagam—all billsful, Alam— ambition of life the Asuras, specially the kings or the state executive heads,
without hesitation, Bhajate—worshsps, Anurakta—being attached, Tasya— belonging to the unbeliever class of men try to equip themselves with all
His, Aham—Myself, Abja—Lotus flower, Kulisha—thunderbolt, Ankusha— kinds of deadly weapons preparing to bring about a war in the peaceful
the rod for driving elephant, Ketu—flag, Ketaih—impressions, Srimat—the society. They have no other ambition than personal aggrandisement and as
owner of all opulence, Padair—by the palm of the feet, Bhagvatah—of the such the mother earth feels overburdened by such undue increase of military
Personality of Godhead, Samalamkritangi—one whose body is so decorated, strength. By increase of such Asurik population the principles of religiosity
Trin—three, Ati—superseding, Arocha—beautifully decorated, Upalabhya— becomes hamperred and the total result is that all the people of the world
having obtained, Tatoh—thereafter, Vibhutim—specific, Lokan—the planet, become unhappy, specially the devotee or Deva class of men feel too much
Sa—he, Mam—me, Vyasrijat—gave up, Utsamuyatim—while feeling proud, for this anomalies of the Asurik civilization of self aggrandisement,
Tadante—at the end. In such situation only the Personality of Godhead incarnates just to vanquish
Lakshmiji the Goddess of Fortune, whose glance of Grace was sought the unwanted Asuras and to re-establish the ture principles of religiosities.
after by demigods like Brahma and others and thus for many a days they The misssion of the Lord Sri Krishna was this and He fulfilled it.
surrendered unto the Personality of Godhead,—did give up her own Ka va saheta viraham purushottamasya
place of habitation the forest of lotus flower and engaged Herself in the Prema avaloka ruchirasmita valgujalpai.
service of the Lotus Feet of the Lord. I was endowed with specific power Sthatryamsamanam aharat madhu manininam
of superseding the fortune of all the three planetary system for being Romotsavo mama yad anghri vitankitayah.
decorated with the impression of the flag, thunderbolt, rod for driving Ka—who, Va—either, Saheta—can tolerate, Viraham—separation,
the elephant and lotus flower which are signs of the lotus feet of the Lord, Purushottamasya—of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Prema—loving,
but at the end when I felt of being so fortunate, the Lord left me. Avaloka—glancing, Ruchirasmita—pleasing smile, Vaglujalapi—hearty
The beauty and opulence of the world can be enhanced by the Grace of the appeals, Sthairyam—gravity, Samanam—along with passionate wrath,
Lord and not by any manmade palanning. When the Lord Sri krishna was Aharat—conquered, Madhu—sweetheart Manininam—women like
present on the earth the impressions of the special signs of His palm of the Satyabhama and others, Ramotsovo—enjoying with women, Mama—mine,
lotus feet were being stamped on the dust and as a result of this specific grace Yat—whose, Anghri—feet, Vitankitayah—imprinted with.
on the earth the whole atmosphere was as perfect as it ought to have been. In Who can therefore tolerate the pangs of separation from that Supreme
other words the rivers, the seas, the forests, the hills and the mines which are Personality of Godhead ? He could conquer the gravity and passionate
the supplying agents for the necessaries of the man and the animals, were wrath of His sweetheart women like Satyabhama and others by His sweet
fully discharging their respective duties and therfore the riches of the world smile of love, pleasing glancc and hearty appeals. When He traversed
surpassed all the riches of all other planets or the three planetary systems of over my surface (earth) I would be immersed with the dust of His lotus
the universe. One should therefore ask the Grace of the Lord for being present feet and thus being sumptuously covered by grasses it would appear like
always on the surface of the earth so that we may be favoured with His hairs standing on me in pleasure.
causeless mercy and be happy having all necessaries of life exuberantly. One
may ask how we can detain the Supreme Lord on this earth after His mission There were chances of separation between the Lord and His thousands of
is fulfilled and His leaving this earth for His own abode? The answer is that queens on account of the Lord's being absent from home but so far His
connection with earth was concerned the Lord would traverse by His lotus
42
Sixteenth Chapter - How Parikshit Received the Age of Kali
feet some where or other and therefore there was no chance of separation
from His Lordship and the surface of the earth. Since the Lord had left he
surface of the earth on account of His return to His spiritual abode, the
feelings of separation of earth was more acut ethan any ono else.
Tayor evam kathayato prithivi dharmayos tada.
Parikshit nama rajarshi praptah prachim saraswatim
Tayor—between them, Evam—thus, Kathayato—engaged in coversation,
Prithivi—earth, Dharamyos—and the Personality of Dharma, Tada—at that
time, Parikshit—King Parkshit Nama—of the name, Rajarshi—at saint
amongst the kings, Parptah—became present, Prachim—flowing towards the
east, Sarsawtim—River Saraswati.
The earth and Personality of regiosity were thus enaged in conversation
and at that time the saintly King Maharaj Parikshit reached on the shore
of Saraswati river flowing twards the east.
Thus end the Bhakativedanta Purports of the First Canto Sixteenth Chapter of
Srimad Bhagwatam in the matter of 'How Parikshit Received The Age of
Kali,'
43
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
44
SEVENTEENTH CHAPTER would simply take a little quantity of it for subsistence. Even fifty years
before no body would deprive a Sadhu for a pound or two of milk and every
Punishment And Reward of Kali householder would spare milk like water. For a Sanatanist (the follower of
Sri Suta Uvaaha: Vedic principles) it is duty of every householder to have cows and bulls as
Tatra Gomithunam raja hanyamana anathabat household paraphernalia not only for drinking milk but also for deriving
Dandahastam cha vrisalla dadrishe mripa lanchhanam. religious principles from her. The Sanatanist worships cow on religious
Sri Suta uvacha—Sri Suta Goswami said, Tatra—thereupon, Gomithunam— principles as much as a Brahmin is so respected. The cows milk is required
the pair of cow and bull, Rajo—the king, Hanyamanam—being beaten by, for the purpose of sacrificial fire and by performing sacrifices the householder
Anathabat—appearing to be bereft of owner, Dandahastam—with logger in can only be happy. The cow with her calf is not only beautiful to look at but
the hand, Cha—also, Vrisalam—lower caste Sudra, Dadrishe—observed, also it gives satisfactlon to the cow and happily she delivers milk as much as
Nripa—king, Lahchhanam—dressed like. possible. But in the Kali Yuga the calves are separated from the cow as early
as possible for purposes which may not be mentioned in these pages of
Suta Goswami addressed the Rishis headed by Sounaka and said, 'After
Srimad Bhagwatam. The cow stands with tears in the eyes and the Sudra
reaching the place Maharaj Parikshit observed it that a lower caste
milkman draws artificially milk from the cow and when there is no milk the
Sudra dressed like a king with loggger in the hand was just beating a pair
cow is sent for being slaughtered. These great sinful acts, of the human being,
of cow and bull, as if they were bereft of the owner.'
are responsible for all the troubles in the present society. They do not know
Principal signs of the age Kali is that lower caste Sudras i,e.men, without any what they are doing in the name of advancement of economic development.
brahminical culture and spiritual initiation, would be dressed like the The influence of Kali will keep them in darkness of ignorance and inspite of
administrators or kings and the principal business of such non—Kshatriya all endeavours for peace and prosperity of the human society at large, they
rulers will be to kill the innocent animals specially the cows and the bull who must try to see the cows and the bulls happy in all respects. Foolish people do
shall be unprotected by their masters namely the bonafide Vaishyas or the not know how happiness is earned by making the cows and bulls happy but it
merchantile community. In the Bhagawat Geeta (Bg. 18.44) it is said that the is a fact by the law of nature. Let us take it from the authority of 'Srimad
Vaishyas are meant for dealing in agriculture, cow protection and trade. In the Bhagwatam' and adopt the principles for all round happiness of the human-
age of Kali the degraded Vaishyas or the so called merchantile men are more kind.
engaged as supplying agent to the slaughter-houses than protecting the cow
Prapachha ratham adhudhah kartaswara parichhadam
and the bull. The Kshatriyas are meant for protecting the human being citizens
Megha gambhiraya vacha samaropita karmukah.
of the state while the Vaishyas are meant for protcting the cows and the bulls
and utilise them in the matter of producing grains and milk. The cow is meant Prapachha—enquired, Ratham—chariot, Adhudha—seated on, Kartaswara—
for delivering milk and the bull is meant for producing grains.* But in the age gold, Parichhadam—embossed with, Megha—cloud, Gambhiraya—
of Kali the Sudra-class men will be on the post of administrators and the cows exonerating, Vacha—sound, Samaropita—well equipped, Karmukah—arrows
and the bulls or the mother and the father without being protected by the and bow.
Vaishyas will be subjected to be beaten in the slaughter-housc organised by Maharaj Parikshit seated on the gold embossed chariot and well
the lower caste administrators. equipped with arrows and bow asked him in an exonerating sound of
Vrisam mrinalbhaval am mehantam iva vibhyatam cloud.
Vepamanam padaikena seedantam sudrataditam. An administrative head or king like Maharaj Parikshit with full gravity of
Vrisam—the bull, Mrinaladhavalam—as white as the white lotus, majestic authority and well equipped with weapons to chastise the miscreant,
Mehantam—urinning, Iva—as if, Vibhytam—being too much afraid of, can challenge the agents of the age of Kali and then only it will be possible to
Vepamanam—trembling, Padaikena—standing on one leg only, Seedantam— counteract the reaction of the degraded age. And in the absence of such strong
terrified by, Sudrataditam—being beaten by a Sudra. executive head there is always disruption of transquility in the general status
of the human society. The elected show-bottle executive head, as
The bull was as white as the white Lotus flower and was terrified of being
representative of degraded public, can not be equal with a strong king like
beaten by the Sudra; it was too much afraid of him and thus trembling
Maharaja Parikshit. The dress or style of royal order does not count but it is
and standing on one leg was urining.
the action which is counted.
The next symptom of the age of Kali is that principles of religions which are
Kas tam mat sharane loke valat hansi avalan vali
all spotless white like the white lotus flower, will be attacked by the
Naradeva asi vesena natavat karmana adwijah.
uncultured Sudra population of the age. Such attacking people may be
descendants of Brahmin or Kshatriya forefathers but in the age of Kali for Kas—who are, Tam—you, Mat—my, Sharane—under protection, Loke—in
want of sufficient education and culture of Vedic wisdom, such Sudra like this world, Valat—by force, Hansi—killing, Avalan—those who are helpless,
population will defy the principles of religion and persons who are religiously Vali—although full of strength, Naradeva—Manly god, Asi-appear to be,
endowed will be terrified by such Sudra class of men. They will declare Vesena—by the dress, Natavat—like a theatrical player, Karmana—by deeds,
themselves belonging to no religious principles and many 'isms' and 'cult' will Adwijah—a man not born twice by culture.
spring up in the Kali Yuga only for killing the spotless bull of religiosity. The Oh who are you ? You appear to be strong enough and still you dare to
state will be declared as secular or without any particular principle of religion kill, within my protection, those who are helpless ? By dress you pose to
and as a result of this there will be total indifference to the principles of be a manly god (King) but by your deeds you are against the principles of
religion, the citizens will be free to act as they like without any respect for the twice born Kshatriya.
Sadhu, Sastra and Guru. The bull was standing on one leg means that the
The Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas are called twice-born because for
principles of religiousity are gradually being diminished or practically without
these higher class of men there is one birth by parental conjugation and there
any standing and even that fragmental existence of religious principles would
is another birth of cultural rejuvination by spiritual initiation from the
be embarrased by so many obstacles as if in the trembling condition of falling
bonafide Acharya or spiritual master. So Kshatirya is also a twice-born like
down at any time.
the Brahmin and his duty is to give protection to the helpless. The Kahatrya
Gam cha dharmadugham deenam bhrisam sudra padahatam king is considered to be the manly-God or representative of God for giving
Vivatsam asruvadaham kshamam yava samichhatim protection to the helpless and chastising the miscreants. When ever there is
Gam—the cow, Cha—also, Dharmadugham—as beneficial as one can draw anomalies in this routine work by the administrators there is incarnation of the
religiosity from her, Deenam—now rendered poor, Bhrisam—distressed, Lord for re-establishing the principles of Godly kingdom. In the age of Kali
Sudra—the lower caste, Padahatam—beaten by the leg of, Vivatsam— the poor helpless animals specially the cow which is meant for receiving all
without any calf, Asruvadanam—with tears in the eyes, Kshamam—very sorts of protection by the administrative heads, are killed without any
weak, Yava—grass, Samichatim—as if desiring to have same grasses to eat. restriction. As such the administrative heads under whose nose such things
happen, are so called representatives of God. Such powerful administrators
The cow is also as beneficial as one could draw out religious principles
are rulers of the poor citizens by dress or office only, but factually they are
from her, but she is now rendered poor, without any calf and being
worthless lower class of men without any cultural assets of the twice-born. No
beaten by the leg of a Sudra, she is too much distressed with tears in her
body can expect any justice or equality of treatment from such once-born
eyes and being too weak she is hankering after some grass on the field.
(without any spiritual culture) lower class of men and therefore in the age of
The next symptom of the age of Kali is the distressed condition of the cow. Kali every one is unhappy on account maladministration of the state. The
Milking the cow means drawing the principles of religiosity in liquid form. modern human society are not twice-born by spiritual culture. Therefore the
The milk means cow's milk because it is liquid form of religious principles. people's Government, by the people who are not twice-born,—must be
The great Rishis and Munis would live only on the subsistence of milk. Srila government of Kali in which everyone is unhappy.
Sukadeva Goswami would go to a householder while milking the cow and he
Yas tam krishne gate duram saha gandiva dhanwana
Sochya asi asochyan rahasi praharan badham arhasi.
*
So the cow is the mother and the bull is the father of human being. The
father and mother must be given all protection and not to be killed.
45
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Yas—on account of, Tam—you the rogue, Krishne—Lord Krishna, Gate— they were prepared to punish the cow-killer with all chastisement including
having gone away, Duh—out of sight, Sarama—along with, Gandiva—the death. There had been sometimes agitation for protection of the cow but for
bow of the name, Dhanwana—the carrier, Sochya—culprit, Asi—you stand to want of pious executive heads and suitable law in the state, the cow and the
be, Asochyan—innocent, Rahasi—in a secluded place, Praharan—beating, bull could not be given protection by the agitators. The human society may,
Badham—being killed, Arhasi—deserve. therefore, recognise the importance of cow and the bull and thus may give all
You rogue do you dare to beat innocent cow on account of Lord protections to these important animals in the human society following the foot
Krishna's and Arjuna's, the carrier of Gandibha bow, being out of sight ? prints of Maharaj Parikshit. By such protection to the cow and the
As you are beating the innocent in a secluded place, you stand to be a Bhrahminical culture, the Lord who is very kind to the cow and the Brahmins
culprit and therefore deserve to be killed. (go Brahmana hitaya), will be pleased upon us and will bestow upon us real
peace.
In a civilization where God is conspicuously banished and there is no devotee
warrior like Arjuna, the associates of the age of Kali take advantage of this Yasya rastre prajah sarvas trasyante saddhi asadhubhih
lawless kingdom and arrange for killing innocent animals like the cow in Tasya mattasya nasyanti kirtir ayur bhago gatih.
secluded slaughter houses. Such murderers of animals in secluded slaughter Esha ranjno paro dharmo hi artanamarti nigrahah
houses, stand to be condemned to death by the order of a pious king like Ata enam badhisyami bhutadruha asattamam.
Maharaj Parikshit. For a pious king like Maharaj Parikshit the culprit, who Yasya—one whose, Rastre—in the state, Prajah—born living beings,
kills an animal in secluded place, is equally punishable by death-penalty Sarvas—one and all, Trasyanti—are terrified, Saddhi—oh the chaste,
exactly like a murderer who kills an innocent child in a secluded place. Asadhubhih—by the miscreants, Tasya—his, Mattasya—of the illusioned,
Twam va mrinalad havalah padair nyunah pada charan Nasyanti—vanishes, Kirtir—fame, Ayur—duration of life, Gatih—next good
Vrisa rupena kim kaschid devo nah parikhedayan. life, Esha—these are, Rajno—of the kings; Paro—superior, Dharmo—
Twam—yourself, Va—either, Mrinaldhavalah—as white as the lotus, occupation, Hi—certainly, Artanam—of the sufferers, Arti—sufferings,
Padair—by three legs, Nyunam—being devoid of, Pada—by one leg, Nigraha—subduement, Atah—therefore, Enam—this man, Badhisyami—I
Charan—moving, Vrisal—bull, Rupena—in the form of, Kim—whether, shall kill, Bhutadruha—revolter against other living beings, Asattamah—the
Kaschid—somebody, Devo—demigod, Nah—our, Parikhedayan—berieving. most wrctehed.
Thereafter he asked the bull, 'Oh ! who are you either the bull as white as Oh the chaste, the king, in whose state all kinds of born living beings are
the white lotus or a demigod ? You have lost your three legs and are made to be terrified by the miscreants, such illusioned king's good name,
moving on one only. If you are some demigod and causing us berievement duration of life, next good life all do vanish away. It is the prime duty of
in such form of a bull ?' the king certainly to subdue first the sufferings of the sufferers and as
such I must kill this man who is the most wretched because he is revolter
At least up to the time of Maharaj Parikshit no body could imagine such against other living beings.
wretched conditions of the cow and the bull. Maharaj Parikshit was, therefore,
astonished to visualise such awkward scene. He enquired therefore, whether When there is some disturbance by the wild animals in a village or town the
the bull was not some demigod assumed such wretched condition indicating Government policeforce or others do take action to kill such wild animals.
the future of the cow and the bull. Similary it is the duty of the Government to kill at once bad social elements
such as the thieves, dacoits, murderers ete. The same punishment is also due
Na jatu kourevendram dordanda parirambhite to the animal killers because the animals of the state are also the Praja. Praja
Bhutale anutapanti asmin vina te praninam suchah. means one who has taken birth in that state and they are both the men and the
Na—not, Jatu—at any time, Kourevendranam—of the kings in the Kuru animals. Any born living being who does take birth in some particular state,
dynasty, Dordanda—strength of arms, Parirambhit—protected by, Bhutale— has the primary right to live under the protection of the king. The jungle
on the surface of the earth, Anutapanti—berieve, Asmin—up till now, Vina— animals also are subject of the king and they have right to live also and what
save and except, Te—thou, Praninam—Of the living being, Suchah—tears in to speak of the domestic animals like the cow and the bulls.
the eyes. Any living being, if he terrifies other living being, is the most wretched
For the first time I have seen you only berieving with tears in the eyes in subject of the king and it requires that the king shall at once kill such
the kingdom well protected by the arms of the kings of Kuru dynasty; disturbing element. As the wild animal is killed when it creates disturbances
otherwise on the surface of the earth no body has ever shed tears on and terrifies the village and towns people, similarly any man who
account of royal negligence. unnecessarily kills or terrifies the jungle animals or other animals must be
punished at once. By the law of the Supreme Lord all living beings in
Protection of life, by the state administration for both the human being and the whatsoever shape it may be, are the sons of the Lord and no one has any right
animals, is the first and foremost duty of the Government. The Government to kill another animal unless it is so ordered by the codes of natural law. The
must not make any discrimination in such principles of state duty and it is tiger can kill a lower animal for his subsistence but a man cannot kill an
simply horrible for a pure hearted man that he has to see organised way of animal for his subsistence. That is the law of God Who has created the law
animal killing by the state in this age of Kali! Maharaj Parikshit was that a living being subsists by eating another living being. As such the
lamenting the tears in the eyes of the bull and he was astonished to see the vegetarians are also living by eating other living being. Therefore, the law is
unprecedented thing in his good kingdom. Both man and animals were that one should live only by eating specific living beings as they are ordained
equally protected so far life was concerned. That is the way of God's by the law of God. The 'Ishopanishad' directs that one can live on the direction
Kingdom. of the Lord and not at one's sweet will independantly. A man can subsist on
Ma sourebheyatra sucho byetu te vrisalad bhayam varieties of grains, fruits and milk ordained by God and there is no need of
Ma rodir amba bhadram te khalanam maye sastavi. animal food save and except in particular cases.
Ma—Do not, Sourebheya—oh the son of Surabhi, Atra—in my kingdom, The illusioned king or the executive head, even sometimes advertised as
Sucho—lament, Byetu—Let there be no, Te—your, Vrisalad—by the Sudra, great philosopher and learned scholar, allow to run on slaughter houses in the
Bhayam—causes of fear, Ma—do not, Rodir—cry, Amba—mother cow, state without any information that torturing the poor animals under the nose of
Bhadram—all good, Te—unto you, Khalanam—of the envious, Maye—while a state executive head means clearing the way to hell for such foolish king or
I am living, Sastari—the ruler or subduer. executive head The executive head always must be alert in the matter of
safety of the Prajas both man and animal and enquire whether a particular
Oh the son of Surabhi, you need not lament any more now; there is no living being is not harassed at any place by another living being. The
cause of your being afraid of from this lower class Sudra. And oh mother harassing living being must at once be caught hold of and punished to death as
cow so long I am living as the ruler and subduer of all envious, there is no examplified by Maharaj Parikshit.
cause for your crying; there is everything good for you. The people's Government or Government by the people does not mean
Protection of the bulls and the cow or for the matter of that all other animals harassing the innocent animals by the sweet will of such foolish men of the
can only be possible when there is a state ruled over by an executive head like Government. They must know the codes of God as they are mentioned in the
Maharaj Parikshit. Maharaj Parikshit addresses the cow as mother just as a revealed scriptures. Maharaj Parikshit quotes here in the codes of God that
cultured twice-born Kshatriya King. Surabhi is the name of the cow which such irresponsible king or heads of the state executive must risk his good
exists in the spiritual planets and specially reared by Lord Sri Krishna name, duration of life, power and strength and ultimately his progressive
Himself. As men are made after the form and feature of the Supreme Lord, so march towards a better life or salvation after death. Such foolish men even do
also the cows are made after the form and feature of the Surabhi cow in the not believe in the existence of next life.
spiritual kingdom. In the material world the human society gives all protection While commenting on this particular verse we have in our presence the
to the life of the human being but there is no law for protecting the life of the statement of a great modern politician who has recently died and left his will
descendants of Surabhi which can give all protection to the heman being by which discloses about his poor fund of knowledge in the matter of the codes
supplying the miracle food Milk. But a pious king like Maharaj Parikshit or of God as mentioned by Maharaj Parikshit. The politician was so ignorant
the Pandavas were fully conscious of the importance of the cow and bull and about the codes of God that he writes in his will as follows:—
46
Seventeenth Chapter - Punishment And Reward of Kali
"I do not believe in any such ceremonies and to submit to them, even as a curbing down the dishonest miscreants automatically auspisiousness is
matter of form would be hypocrisy and an attempt to delude ourselves and bestowed upon the offenceless.
others" .... " I have no religious sentiment in the matter" Dishonest miscreants flourish on account of coward impotent executive head
Contrasting these statements of a great politician in the modern age with of the state. But when such executive head is strong enough to curb down all
that of Maharaj Parikhit we find a vast difference of the general situation. sorts of dishnonst miscreants, in any part of his state, certainly they cannot
Maharaj Pariskhit was pious to the point with reference to the context of flourish at any length. When the miscreants are punished in an examplary
scriptural codes while the modern politician goes by his personal belief and manner automatically all auspiciousness follow upon the innocent and
sentiments. Any great man of the material world is after all a conditioned offence-less living beings. As said before, it is the prime duty of the king or
soul. He is bound up by his hand and feet by the ropes of material nature and the executive head to give protection in all respects to the peaceful offenceless
still the foolish conditioned soul thinks of himself as free to act by his citizens of the state. The devotees of the Lord are by nature peaceful and
whimsical sentiments. The conclusion is that the people in the time of offenceless and as such it is the duty of the state to arrange for converting
Maharaj Parikshit were happy and the animals were given proper protection, everyone to become a devotee of the Lord and thus automatically there will be
because the executive head was not whimsical with poor fund of knowledge all peaceful offenceless citizens of the state and the only duty of the king will
in the matter God's law. The foolish faithless creatures try to avoid the be to curb down the dishonest miscreants. That will bring about peace and
existence of the Lord for profaning themselves as secular more freely at the harmony all over the human society.
cost of valuable human life. The human life is specially meant for knowing
the Science of God but the foolish creatures specially in this age of Kali Anagaswiha bhutesu yah agaskrit nirankusah
instead of knowing God scientifically they make propaganda against religious Ahartasmi bhujam sakshat amartyasyapi samgadam.
belief as well as the existence of God even though they are always bound by Anagaswiha—unto the offenceless, bhutesu—living beings, Yah—the person,
the laws of God by the symptoms of birth, death, oldage and diseases. Agaskrtt—commits offence, Nirankushah—upstart, Ahartasmi—I shall bring
Ko avrischat tava padans trin sourebheya chatuspada forth, Bhujam—arms, Sakshat—dircetly Amartyasyapi—even of one who
Ma bhubans tadrisa rastre rajnam krishnanuvartinam. may be a demigod, Samgadam—with his decoration of dress and ornaments.
Ko—who is he, Avrischat—cut off, Tava—your, Padans—legs, Trin—three, Any upstart living being who commits offence by torturing offenceless
Sourebheya—son of Surabhi, Chatuspada—you are quadruped, Ma—never to living being, eventhough he may be a denizen of heavenly planet, shall be
be, Bhubans—it so happened, Tadrisa—like that of your, Rastre—in the state, uprooted by me dircectly by his arms with decorations of dress and
Rajnam—of the kings, Krishnanuvartinam—those who follow the codes of ornaments.
Krishna the Supreme Personality ofGodhead. The denizens of heavenly kingdom are called Amaras or deathless on account
He repeatedly addressed and enquired from the bull, "Oh the son of of possessing long span of life far greater than that of the human beings. For
Surabhi, who has cut off your three legs ? In the state of the kings who human being who has got only maximum 100 one hundred years of age as
are obedient to the laws of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna duration of life, a span of life spreading over hundreds of crores of years, is
there is no body who may be unhappy like you." certainly considered to be deathless. For example from the Bhagwat Geeta we
learn that in the 'Brahmaloka' planet the duration of life is calculated as
The kings or the executive heads of all states must know the codes of Lord 4300000 x 1000 of solar years as one day only. Similarly in other heavenly
Krishna (generally The Bhagwat Geeta and the Srimad Bhagwatam) and must planets the duration of life is calculated as six months of this planet is equal to
act accondingly inorder to fulfill the mission of human life. The mission of one day of that planet. And they get a life of 10000 ten thoussands of their
human life is to make an end of all miseries of material conditions and one years span of life. Therefore, in all higher planets the span of life being far
who knows the codes of Lord Krishna can achieve this end without any greater than that of the human being, the denizens are called deathless by
difficulty. In the Bhagwat Geeta in a synopsis we can understand the codes of imagination although actually no body within the material universes is
Godhead and in the Srimad Bhagwatam the same codes are explained further deathless.
more. Maharaj Parikshit challenges even such denizens of heaven if any one of
In a state where the Codes of Krishna are followed, there is no body them commits such unlawful act as to torture the offenceless. This means that
unhappy in that state. Where such codes are not followed the first sign is that the state executive head must be as strong as Maharaj Parikshut so that he
three legs of the representative of religiosity are cut of and thereby all may be determined to punish the strongest offenders. That should be the
miseries follow. When Krishna was personally present the codes of Krishna principles of a state executive head that the offender in the codes God must
were being followed without any question but in His absence such codes are alwaya be punished.
presented in the pages of Srimad Bhagwatam for guidance of the blind
persons who happen to be on the helm of all affairs. Rajno hi paramo dharmah swadharmastha anupalanam
Sasato anyan yatha sastram anapat utpathani ha.
Akshyahi vrisa bhadram vah sadhunam akritagasam
Atmavairupya kartaram parthanam kirtidusanam. Rajno—of the king or the executive head, Hi—certainly, Dharmah—
occupational duty, Paramo—supreme, Swadharmastha—one who is faithful
Akshyahi—just let me know, Vrisa—Oh the bull, Bhadram—good, Vah—for to his prescribed duty, Anupalanam—giving protection always, Sasato—
you, Sadhunam—of the honest, Akritagasam—of those who are offenceless, while ruling over, Anyan—others, Yatha—accordingly, Sastram—rulings of
Atmavairupya—deformation of the self, Kartaram—the doer, Parthanam—of Scriptures—Anapat—without danger, Utpathani—persons going astray, Ha—
the sons of Pritha, Kirtidusanam—blackmailing the reputation. as a matter of fact.
Oh the bull you are all offenceless and honest all round and therefore I It is the supreme duty of the ruling king to give all protection to the law
wish all good unto you. Please let me know who is the doer of your abiding persons while chastising others as they are ordained in the
deformation which is blackmailing the reputation ef the sons of Pritha. scriptures, who go astray even in ordinary times when there is nothing
The reputation of the reign of Maharaj Ramchandra and that of the kings who untoward happening.
followed the footprints of Maharaj Ramchandra like the Pandavas and their In the scriptures there is a term called Apatdharama or occupational duty at
descendants, are never to be forgotten because in their kingdom offenceless times of extrodinary happenings. It is said some times the great sage
and honest living beings were never in trouble. The bull and the cow are the Viswamitra had to live on the flesh of dogs in some extrodinary dangerous
symbols of the most offenceless living beings because even the stool and position. In cases of emergency they may be allowed to live on the flesh
urine of these animals are utilised for benefit of the human society. The animals of all description but that does not mean that there shall be regular
descendants of the sons of Pritha like Maharaj Parikshit and others were afraid slaughter houses to feed the animal eaters and the system be encouraged by
of losing their repuation only but in the modern days they are not even afraid the state. No body should try to live on flesh in ordinary times simply for the
of sinful acts by killing such offenceless animals. Herein lies the difference sake of palate. If any body does so the king or the executive head must punish
between the reign of those pious kings and the modern states ruled by such animal eaters for gross enjoy ment.
irresponsible executive heads without any knowledge in the codes of God. There are regular scriptural injunctions for different person engaged in
Jane anagasi agham yunjan sarvaton asya madbhayam different occupational duties and one's who follows them is called
Sadhunam bhadram eva syad asadhu damane krite. Swadharmanistha or faithful in one's prescribed duties. In the Bhagwat Geeta
Jane—unto the living beings, Anagasi—those who are offenceless, Agham— also (Bg. 18.48) it is advised that one may not give up his occupational
sufferings, Yunjan—by applying, Sarvato—any where and everywhere, prescribed duties even they are not always flawless. Such Swadharama might
Asya—of such offender, Madbhayam—fears from me, Sadhunam—of the be violated in cases of emergency being forced by circumstances but they
honest prsons, Bhadram—auspiciousness, Eva—certainly, Syad—will take cannot be violated in ordinary course of time. The state executive head is to
place, Asadhu—dishonest miscreants, Damane—curbed down, Krite—being see that such Swadharma is not changed by the follower whatevor he may be
so done. and give all protection to such follower of Swadharma. The violater is subject
to punishment in terms of Shastra and it is the duty of the King to keen
Any one who is accustomed to cause suffering on offenceless living beings vigilance in this mater of strictly following one's occupational duty as
must be afraid of me anywhere and everywhere in the world. And by preseribed in the Scripture.
47
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Dharma Uvacha: Some of the philosophers who decline all sorts of duality, declare that one
Etad vah pandayewanam yuktam arta abhayam vachah is ownself responsible for one's personal happiness and distress. Others
Yesam gunaganaih krishna doutyadou bhagwan kritah say superhuman power is responsible while somebody else say activity is
Dharma Uvacha—the personality of religiosity said, Etad—all these, Vah— responsible and the gross materialist says nature is the cause ultimately.
for you, Pandaveyanam—of those who are in the Pandava dynasty, As referred to above philosophers like Jaimini and his followers establish that
Yutktam—just befitting, Arta—the sufferer, Abhayam—freedom from all fruitive activity is the root cause of all distress and happiness and even there is
fears, Vachah—speeches, Yesam—those, Gunaganaih—by the qualfication, any superior authority as some superhurnan powerful God or gods, He or they
Krishna—even Lord Krishna, Doutyadou—the duty of messengers etc. are also under the influence of fruitive activity because they reward result
Bhagwam—the Personality of Godhead, Kritah—performed. according to one's action: and action is not independant because action is
The personality of religiosity said, all "these words as spoken by you are performed by some performer: therefore the performer himself is the cause of
just befitting a person in the Pandava dynasty because captivated by the his own happiness or distress. In the Bhagwat Geeta also this is confirmed
devotional qualities of them, even Lord Krishna the Personality of (Bg. 6.5) that by one's mind freed from material affection one can deliver
Godhead performed the duty of their messengers." himself from the sufferings of material pangs and one may not entangle
oneself in the matter by material affection of the mind. As such one's own
The assurances and challenges made by Maharaj Parikshit are never mind is the friend or enemy in the matter of one's material happiness and
exaggeration of his real power. The Maharaj said that even the denizens of distress.
heaven could not escape his stringent government if they were breaker of Atheist like materialist-Samkhya concludes material nature as the cause of
religious principles. He was not proud falsely because a devotee of the Lord is all causes. According to them combination of material elements is the cause
equally or sometimes more powerful than the Lord by His Grace and any of material happiness and distress and disintegration of matter is the cause of
promise made by a devotee, may be ordinarily very difficult to be fulfilled, is freedom from all material pangs. Goutam and Kanad find out the atomic
properly executed by the Grace of the Lord. The Pandavas by their unalloyed combination as the cause of everything and impersonalist like Astavarkra
devotional service and full surrender unto the Lord made it possible that the finds out the spiritual effulgence of Brahman is the cause of all causes. But in
Lord sometime became the chariot driver or sometimes their messenger their the Bhagwat Geeta the Lord Himself declares that He is the back ground
carrying their letters Such duties by the Lord for His devotee are always very source of impersonal Brahman also, and therefore He, the Personality of
much pleasing to the Lord because the Lord wants to render service to His Godhead, is the ultimate cause of all causes. This is confirmed in the Brahma
unalloyed devotee whose life has no other engagement than to serve the Lord Samhita also that Lord Krishna is the ultimate cause of all causes.
with full love and devotion. Maharaj Parikshit grandson of Arjuna the
celebrated friendly servitor of the Lord, was exactly a pure devotee of the Apratarkat anirdesyat iti kesu api nischayah
Lord like his grandfathers and therefore the Lord was always with him even Atra anurupam rajarse vimrisa swa manisaya
from the time when he was helplessly lying in the womb of his mother and Apratarkat—beyond the power of reasoning, Anirdesyat—beyond the power
was attacked by the blazing Brahmastra weapon of Aswatthama. A devotee is of thinking, Iti—thus, Kesu—in somebody, Api—also, Nischayam—
always under the protection of the Lord and therefore, assurance of protection definitely concluded, Atra—herein, Anurupam—which of them is right,
by Maharaj Parikshit could never be without meaning. The Personality of Rajarse—Oh the sage amongst the kings, Vimrisa—judge yourself, Swa—by
religiosity accepted this fact and thus thanked the King for his becoming true your own, Manisaya—power of intelligence.
to his exhalted position. There are some thinkers also according to whom no body can ascertain
Na vayam kleshavijani yatah syu purusarsabha the cause of distress by arguments neither one can know it by
Purusham tam vijanimo vakyabheda vimohitah. imagination nor any one can express it by words. Oh the sage among the
Na—not, Vayam—we, Kleshavijani—the root cause of sufferings, Yatah— kings just make your own judgement by thinking over them by your won
wherefrom, Syu—it so happens, Purusarsabha—oh the greatest of all human intelligence.
being, Purusham—the person, Tam—that, Vijanimo—know, Vakyabheda— The Vaisnavites or the devotees of the Lord do believe it, as above explained,
difference of opinion, Vimohitah—bewildered by. that nothing can take place without the sanction of the Supreme Lord, He is
Oh the greatest among the human being, it is very difficult to ascertain the supreme director as He confirms it in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 15.15) that
the exact wrong doer who has caused our sufferings because we are He as all pervading Paramatma stays in each and every one's heart and keeps
bewildered by different opinions of theoritical philosophers. vigilance of all actions ofthe living being as witness of all activities by the
same living being. The argument of the atheist that one cannot be punished for
There are many theoritical philosophers in the world who put forward their one's misdeeds unless it is proved before a qualified justice is refuted herewith
own theory of cause and effect specially in the matter of the cause of as we accept the perpetual witness constant companion of the living being. A
sufferings and the effect of it on different living beings. Generally there are living being may forget all that he might have done in his past or present life
six great philosophers like Kanada the author of Vaisesik Philosophy, Goutam but one must know that in the same tree as the material body the individual
the author of logic, Patanjali the author of mystic yoga, Kapila the author of soul and the Supreme Soul as Paramatma are sitting like two birds. One of
Samkhya Philosophy, Jaimini the author Karma Mimana and Vyasadeva the them or the living being is enjoying the fruits of the tree while the Supreme
author of Vedanta Darshan. Being is there to witness the activities. Therefore the Paramatma feature or the
Although the bull or the Personality of religiosity and the cow the Supreme Soul is actually the witness of all activities of the living being and by
personality of earth knew it perfectly well that the Personality of Kali was the His direction only the living being can remember or forget what he might
direct cause of their sufferings still as devotees of the Lord they knew it well have done in the past. He is, therefore, both the all pervading impersonal
also that without the sanction of the Lord no body could inflict any trouble Brahman as well as the localised Paramatma in every one's heart. He is
upon them. According to Padmapurana our present trouble is due to knower of all past present and future and nothing can be concealed from Him
fructifying process of seedling sins but even that seedling sins also gradually in respect of all activities of the living being. The devotees know this truth
do fade away by execution of pure devotional service. As such the devotees and therefore they discharge their duty sincerely without being too much
even they see the direct mischiefmonger still they do not accuse him for the anxious for being rewarded or so. Besides that no body can estimate the
sufferings inflicted by the miscreant. They take it for granted that the Lord's reactions either by speculation or by scholarship why does He put one
immediate mischiefmonger is made to do so by some indirect cause and into difficulty and why He does not do it for others. He is the Supreme
therefore they tolerate the sufferings thinking it to be godgifted in small dose Knower of the Vedic Knowledge and as such He is factual Vedantist and at
only otherwise the sufferings would have been greater by measure than the same time He is the compiler of the Vedanta. No body is independant of
actually felt. Him and every one is engaged in His service in different manner. In the
Maharaj Parikshit wanted to get their statement of accusation on the direct conditioned state such services are rendered by the living being under force by
mischiefmonger but they denied to do it on the above ground. Speculative the material nature while in the liberated state the living being is helped by the
philosophers however do not recognise the sanction of the Lord but they try to spiritual nature in the matter of voluntary loving service of the Lord. There is
find out in their own way as will be described in the following verses, the nothing incongruity or inebriety in His actions all on the path of Absolute
cause of sufferings. According to Srila Jiva Goswami such speculators are Truth. Bhismadeva correctly estimated the inconceivable actions of the Lord
themselves bewildered and thus they cannot know that the ultimate cause of (see Page 509 Vol. II). The conclusion is therefore that the sufferings of the
all causes is the Supreme Lord The Personality of Godhead. representative of religiosity and that of the representative of the earth, as were
Kechid vikalpavasana ahuratmanam atmanah present before the King Maharaj Parikshit, is a planned one inorder to prove it
Daivam anye pare karma swabham apare prabhum. that Maharaj Parikshit was the ideal of executive heads as he knew it well
Kechid—some of them, Vikalpavasana—those who cover all kinds of duality, how to give protection to the cows the (earth) and the Brahmins (religious
Ahur—declare, Atmanam—ownself, Atmanah—of the self, Daivam— principles) the two pillars of spiritual advancement of the human society.
superhuman, Anye—others, Apare—somebody else, Karma—activity, Every one being under the full control of the Lord, He is quite correct in His
Swabhavam—material nature, Apare—many other, Prabhum—authority. action when He desires something to be done by some one irrespective of
48
Seventeenth Chapter - Punishment And Reward of Kali
consideration of the particular case. Maharaj Parikshit was thus put into a test Tapah soucham daya satyam iti padah krite kritah
for his greatness and let us see how does he solves it by his sagacious mind. Adharma amsais trayo bhagnah maya samgam madais taba.
Suta uavach Tapah—austerity, Soucham—cleanliness, Daya—mercy, Satyam-
Evam dharme pravadati sa samrat dwijasattamah truthfulness, Iti—thus, Padah—legs, Krite—in the age of Satya, Kritah—
Samahitena manasa vikhedah paryachasta tam. established, Adharma—irreligiosity, Amsai—by the parts, Trayo—three
Suta uvacha—Suta Goswami said, Dharme—the Personality of religiosity, combined, Bhagnah—broken, Smaya—pride, Samgam—too much
Pravadati—thus spoken, Sa—he, Samrat—the emperor, Dwijasattamah—oh association with woman, Madais—intoxicating habit, Tava—your.
the best among the Brahmins, Samahitena—in proper attention, Manasa—by "In the age of Satya (truthfulness) your four legs were established by the
the mind, Vikheda—without any mistake, Paryachasta—counter replied, four principles of Austerity, Cleanliness, Mercy, and Truthfulness. But it
Tam—unto him. appears that your three legs are broken on account of partially rampant
Suta Goswami said, oh the best among the Brahmins, the emperor irreligiosities in the matter of pride, too much affection for woman and
Parikshit thus hearing on the Personality of religiosity so speaking, He intoxicating habit."
was full satisfied in his mind and without mistake or regret he counter The deluding energy or the material nature can act upon the living beings
replied to him. proportionately in terms of the living being's falling a prey to the deluding
The statement of the bull personality of religiosity being full of philosophy attraction of Maya. The deluding attraction of Maya is displayed more
and knowledge, the king was satisfied in his mind as he could understand that appropirately in terms of brightness of light and the falling of the ants. The
the suffering bull was not an ordinary one. Unless one is not perfectly ants are captivated by the glaring brightness of light and thus become a prey
conversant with the law of the Supreme Lord, no body could speak such thing to the fire. Similarly the deluding energy is always captivating the conditioned
touching philosophical truths. The emperor also being on equal level of souls to become a prey to the fire of delusion and the vedic scriptures warn
sagacity, replied just to the point without any doubts or mistake. the conditioned souls not to become a prey to the delusion but to get rid out of
it. The Vedas warn us not to go to the darkness of ignorance but go ahead on
Rajovacha the progressive path of light. The Lord Himself also warns that the deluding
Dharmam vravrishi dharmajna dharma asi vrisarupadhrik power of material energy is too powerful to be overcome but one who
Yad adharmakritah sthanam suchakasya api tad bhavet. completely surrenders unto the Lord can easily do so. But to surrender unto
Rajovacha—the king said, Vravishi—as you speak, Dharmajna—like one the lotus feet of the Lord is also not very easy. Such surrender is possible by
who knows the codes of religiosity, Dharma—the personality of relgiosity, persons who have had cultured transcendental knowledge on the principles of
Asi—you are, Vrisarupadhrik—in the disguise of a bull, Yad—whatever, austerity cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness. These four priciples of advanced
Adharmakritah—one who acts irreligiously, Sthanam—place, Suchakasya— civilization were remarkable features in the age of Satya. In that age every
of the identifier, Api—also, Tad—that, Bhavet—becomes. human being was practically qualified Brahmin of the highest order and from
The king said, oh you are one who knows the truth of religiosity in the the angle of social orders of life they were all Paramhnsas or the topmen of
form of a bull, you are speaking just on the principle that the place which the renounced order of life. By cultural standing, the human beings were not
is fixed up for the person engaged in acts of irreligiosity, is also the place at all subjected to become prey to deluding enesrgy. Such strong men of
for the identifier. You are no other than the personality of religiosity. character were competent enough to get away from the clutches of Maya. But
gradually as and as the basic principles of Brahminical culture nam ely
A devotee's conclusion is that no body is directly responsible for becoming austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness became curtailed by
benefactor or mischiefmonger without the sanction of the Lord, therefor he proportionate development of pride, too much attachment for women and
does not identify any one directly resposible for such action. But in both the intoxicating habit, of the people in general it became prominent that the path
cases he takes it for granted that either benefit or loss it is God sent and as of salvation or the path of transcendental bliss became far and far away from
such it is his Grace. In case of benefit, no body will deny it being god-sent but the human society. With the increase of the age of Kali people are becoming
in case of loss or reverses it becomes doubful how the Lord could be unkind too much proud, too much attached to woman and too much victims of
to his devotee as to put him in great difficulty. Jesus Christ was seemigly put intoxiting habit. By the influence of the age of Kali even a pauper is proud of
into such great difficulty being crucified by the ignorant but he was never his penny, the woman as a class is always dressed in an over attractive fashion
angry upon the mischief mongers. That is the way of accepting a thing, either for victimising the mind of man and the man is too much adicted to
favourable or unfavourable, by the devotee and as such for a devotee the intoxicating habit in the matter of drinking wine, smoking, drinking tea and
identifier is equally a sinner like the directly mischiefmonger. As God's Grace chewing pan etc. All these habit or so called advancement of civilization is the
the devotee tolerates all reverses upon him and Maharaj Parikshit observed root cause of all irreligiosities and, therefore, it is not possible to check
this particular symptom of a devotee in the form a bull and therefore he could corruption, bribery and nepotism as are desired by the leaders to be rooted
understand that the bull was no other than the personality of religiosity out. You cannot check all these evils of society simply by statutory acts of
himself. In other words a devotee has no snffering at all; because the so called police vigilance but you have to cure the disease of mind by the proper
suffering is also God's Grace for a devotee who sees God in everything. They medicine namely advocating the principles of Brahminical culture or the
never placed any complaint before the king for being tortured by the principles of austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness. Modern
personality of Kali although every one lodges such kind of complaints before civilization of economic development, is creatlng a new situation of poverty
the state authorities. The extraordinary behaviour of the bull made the king to and scarcity with the result of blackmailing the consumers commodities and if
conclude that the bull was certainly Personality of religiosity otherwise no the leadres and the rich men of the society spend fifty percent of their
body could understand the finer intricacies of the codes of religion. accumulated wealth mercifully for the misled mass of people and educate
Athava deva mayaya nunam gatir agochara them in the matter of God-consciousness or in the knowledge of Bhagwatam
Chetaso vachasas cha api bhutanam iti nischayah certainly the age will be defeated in its attempt to entrap the conditioned soul
Athava—alternatively, Deva—the Lord, Mayaya—by the energy, Nunam— to become the victim of the age of Kali. We must always remember that false
very little, Gatir—movement, Agochara—inconceivable, Chetaso—either by pride or too much estimation of one's own values of life, undue attachment for
the mind, Vachasas—by words, Cha—or, Api—also, Bhutanam—of all living woman or association with them and intoxicating habit of all major or
beings, Iti—thus, Nischayah—concluded. description, will criple the human civilization from the path of factual peace
however the people may go on clamouring for such peace of the world. The
Alernatively—it is thus concluded that the Lord's energies are preaching of Bhagwatam principles will automatically render all men
inconcievable and no body is able to make an estimate of them either by practised to austerity, become clean both inside and out side, merciful to the
mental speculaion or by jugglery of words. suffering men and truthful in daily behaviour. That is the way of correcting
A question may be raised as to why a devotee should refrain from identifying the flaws of human society very prominently exhibited at the present moment.
the actor although he knows it definitely that the Lord is the ultimate doer of Idanim dharma padas te satyam nirvartayet yatah
everything. Knowing the ultimate doer, one should not pose himself as Tam jighrikshati adharma ayam anritena edhitah kalih.
ignorant of actual performer. To answer this doubts the reply is that the Lord
is also not directly responsible because everything is done by His deputed Idanim—at the present moment, Dharma—oh the personality of religiosity,
Mayasakti or the Material energy. The material energy is always deluding Padas—legs, Te—of you, Satyam—truthfelness Nirvartayet—may pull on
doubts about the supreme authority of the Lord. The personality of religiosity some how or other, Yatah-whereby, Tam—that, Jigrikshati—trying to
did it know perfectly well that nothing can take place without the sanction of withdraw, Adharma—the personality of irreligiosity, Ayam—this, Anritena—
the Supreme Lord and still he was put into doubts by the deluding energy and by false representation, Edhitah—flourishing, Kalih—the quarrel personfied.
thus he refrained from mentioning the supreme cause. This doubtfulness was You are just standing on one leg or by one part of your existing
due to the contamination of both Kali and the material energy. The whole truthfulness and you are some how or other pulling on with this but this
atmosphere of the age of Kali is magnified by the deluding energy, and the quarrel-personified, being flourished by false representations, is trying to
proportion of measurement is inexplicable by any one. with draw that also.
49
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
The principles of religiosity do not stand on some dogmas or man-made took up his sharpen sword for killing the personlity of Kali who is the
fomulas but they stand on four primary regulative observances namely cause of all irreligiosities.
austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness. The mass of people must be As described above the personality of Kali is he who deliberately commits all
educated for practising these principles from very childhood. Asterity means kinds of sinful acts which are forbidden in the revealed scriptures. This age of
to accept voluntarily things which may not be very comfortable for the body Kali will certainly be full of all activities ofKali but it does not mean that the
but they are conducive for spiritual realisation. For example fasting. Fastng leadres of the society, the executive heads, the learned and intelligent class of
twice or fourtimes in a month is a sort of austerity which may be voluntarily men or above all the devotees of the Lord shall sit down tight and become
accepted for spiritual realisation only and not for any other pruposes political callous to the reaction of the age of Kali. In the rainy season certainly there
or otherwise. Fastings, which are not meant for self-realisation, but for some will be profuse rainfalls, as a matter of fact, but that does not mean that men
other ultra-purposes are condemned in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 17.56) should not take means of protection from the rains. It is the duty of the
Similarly cleanliness is necessary both for the mind and the body. Simple executive head of the state and others as abovementioned to take all necessary
bodily cleanliness may help to some extent but cleanliness of the mind is actions against the activities of Kali or the persons influenced by the age of
necessary and it is effected by glorifying the supreme Lord- No body can Kali; and Maharaj Parikshit is the ideal executive head of the state that he
cleanse the accumulated mental dust without glorifying the Supreme Lord. became at once ready to kill the personality of Kali with his sharpen sword.
Godless civilization cannot cleanse the mind because such civilization has no The administrators should not simply pass resolutions for anticorruptional
idea of God and for this simple reason people under such godless civilization steps but they must be ready with sharpen sword to kill the persons creating
cannot have definitely good qualification however materially one may be well corruptions from the angle of vision of recognised shastras. The
equipped. We have to see things by their resultant action. The resultant action administrators cannot do well in the matter of anticorruptional activities by
of human civilization in the age of of Kali is dissatisfaction of the mind and allowing licence for wine shops and at the same time make propaganda for
every one is anxious to get peace of the mind. This peace of mind was stopping the habit of drinking. They must at once close all shops of
complete in the age of Satya on account of the existence of the intoxicating drugs and wine and force punishment even by death for them
abovementioned attributes of human being. Gradually they have diminished in who will indulge in the habit of intoxication of all description. That is the way
the Treta Yugan to threefourth, in the Dwapara to half and in this age of Kali of stopping the activities of Kali as exhibited herein by Maharaj Parikshit the
it is diminished to one fourth which is also gradually dimnishing on account Maharatha.
of prevailing untruthfulness. By pride either artificial or real the resultant
action of austerity is spoiled; by too much affection for womanly association, Tam jighamsum abhipretya vihaya nripalanchham
cleanliness is spoiled; by too much addiction to intoxicating habit Tatpadamulam sirasa samagad bhayabihvalah.
mercfiulness is spoiled and by too much lying propaganda truthfulness is Tam—him, Jighamsum—willing to kill, Abhipretya—knowing it well,
spoiled. Revival of Bhagwatam Dharma all round one can save the human Vihaya—leaving aside, Nripalanchhanam—the dress of a king,
civilization from falling a prey to the evils of society of all description. Tatpadamulam—underneath his feet, Sirasa—by the head, Samagad—fully
Idam bhumir bhagawata nyasito uru bhara rati surrendered, Bhayavihvalah—under pressure of fearfulness.
Srimadhis tat padanybsaih sarvatah krita koutuka. When the personality of Kali understood it that the king was willing to
Idam—this, Bhumir—surface of the earth, Bhagawata—by the Personality of kill him, he at once gave up the dress of a king and under pressure of
Godhead, Nyasito—being performed personally as well as by others, Uuru— fearfulness completely surrendered unto him by his head.
great, Bhara—burden, Sati—being so done, Srimadbhis—by the all a The royal dress of the personality of Kali is artificial. The royal dress is
auspicious, Tat—that, Padanyasaih—by foot prints, Sarvatah—all round, suitable for king or Kshatriya but when a lower class man artificially dresses
Krita—done, Koutuka—auspiciousness. himself as a king his real identity is disclosed by the challenge of a bonafide
By the Personality of Godhead the burden on the face of the globe was Kshatriya like Maharaj Parikshit. A real Kshatriya never surrenders. He
certainly diminished by Himself and by others induced by Him and when accepts the challenge of his rival Kshatriya and he fights either to die or to
He was present as incarnatian by the movements of His auspicious foot win. Surrender is unknown to a real Kshatriya. In the age of kali there are so
prints all round auspiciousness was duly performed. many pretenders dressed and posed like administrator or executive head but
their real identity is disclosed when they are challenged by a real Kshatriya.
Sochati asrukala sadpwi durbhage iva ujjhitasati Therefore when the artificially dressed personality of Kali saw it that to fight
Abranhanyanripabyajah sudra bhokshyanti mam iti. with Maharaj Parikshit was beyond his capacity he bowed down his head like
Sochati—lamenting, Asrukala—with tears in the eyes, Saddhwi—the chaste, a subordinate and gave up his royal dress.
Durbhaga—as if the most unfortunate, Iva—like, Ujjhita—forlorn, Sati— Patitam padayor virah kripaya deenavatsalah
being so done, Abrahmanya—devoid of brahminical culture, Nripabyajah— Saranyo na abodhit slokyah aha cha idam hasan iva.
posed as the ruler, Sudra—lower class, Bhokshyanti—would enjoy. Mam—
me, Iti—thus. Patitam—fallen down, Padayor—on the feet, Virah—the hero, Kripaya—out
of compassion, Deenavatsalah—kind to the poor, Saranyo—one who is
Now she the chaste being forsaken as the most unfortunate by the qualified for accepting surrender, Na—not, Avadhit—did kill, Slokya—one
Personality of Godhead as it were, she is with tears in the eyes lamenting who is worthy of being sung, Aha—said, Cha—also, Idam—this, Hasan—
her future for being ruled over and enjoyed by the lower class men smiling, Iva—like.
posing as ruler.
Maharaj Parikshit who was qualified for accepting surrender and worthy
The Kshatriya or the man who is qualified to protect the sufferers is meant for of being sung in the history, did not kill the poor surrendered and fallen
ruling over the state. Untrained lower class of men or men without any higher down Kali but said it smiling, being compassionate as he was kind to the
ambition for protecting the sufferers cannot be placed on the seat of an poor.
administrator. Unfortunately in the age of Kali the lower class of men without
any training how to protect the sufferer, would occupy the post of a ruler by Even an ordinary Kshatriya does not kill a surrendered person and what to
strength of popular votes and instead of protecting the sufferers, such lower speak of Maharaj Parikshit who was by nature compassionate and kind to the
class of men would create a situation quite intolerable by every one. Such poor. He was smiling because the artificially dressed Kali disclosed his
rulers would illegally gratify themselves at the cost of all comforts of the identity as lower class man and he was thinking within himself because no
citizen and thus the chaste mother earth would cry to see the pitiable condition body was saved from his sharpen sword when he desired to kill but the poor
of her sons both men and animals. That is the future of the world in the age of lower class Kali was not killed by his timely surrender. Maharaj Parikshit's
Kali when irreligiosity will prevail most prominently. And in the absence of a glory and kindness would be sung in the history as a kind and compassionate
suitable king to curbdown irreligious tendency of the people in general, a emperor and fully qualified as worthy of accepting surrender even from his
systematic propaganda for educating the people in general in the teachings of enemy. Thus the personality of Kali was saved by the will of the Providence.
Srimad Bhagwatam will clear up the hazy atmosphere of corruption, bribery, Shri Raja uvacha;
blackmailing and so many other things. Na te gudakesha yasodharanam
Iti dharmam mahim cha eva santaitwa maharathah Baddhanjler vai bhayam asti kimchit
Nisatam adade khargam kalaye adharma hetave. Na vartitavyam bhavata kathanchana
Kshetre madiye twam adharma bandhu.
Iti—thus, Dharmam—unto the personality of religiosity, Mahim—unto the
earth, cha—also, eva—as, Santaitwa—after pacifying Maharatha—the Sri Raja uvacha—the king thus said, Na—not, Te—your, Gudakesha—
general who can alone fight with thousands of enemies, Nisatam—sharpen, Arjuna, Yasodharanam—of them who inherited the fame, Baddhanjaler—of
Adade—took up, Khargam—sword, Kalaye-for killing the personified Kali, one who is folded hands, Vai—certainly, Bhayam—fear, Asti—there is,
Adharma—irreligiosity, Hetave—the root cause. Kimchit—even a slight, Na—neither, Vartitavyam—can be allowed to live,
Bhavata—by you. Kathanchana—by all means, Kshetre—in the land,
Maharaj Parikshit who could alone fight with one thousands of enemies, Madiye—in my kingdom, Twam—you, Adharmabandhu—the friend of
thus after pacifying the personality of religiousity as well as the earth irreligiosity.
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Seventeenth Chapter - Punishment And Reward of Kali
We have inherited the fame of Arjuna and therefore as you have Chaitanya preached this method of Yajna and it is understood from this verse
surrendered yourself with folded hands, you have by all means no fear of of Srimad Bhagwatam that any where and every where the sacrifiicial method
life neither you can remain in any land of my kingdom as you are the of Sankirtan Yajna may be performed inorder to drive away the personality of
friend of irreligiosity. Kali and save the human society from falling a prey to the influence of the
The personality of Kali who is the friend of all kinds of irreligiosities may be age.
excused if he surrenders but in all circumstances he can not be allowed to Yasmin harir bhagawam ijyamana
domicile as citizen in any part of an welfare state. The Pandavas were Ijyatma murtir yajatam sam tanoti
entrusted representatives of the Personality of Godhead Lord Krishna who Kaman amoghan sthirajamgamanam
practically brought into being the battle of Kurukshetra but not for any Antarvahir vayuriva esha atma.
personal interest. He wanted that ideal king like Maharaj Yudhisthir and his Yasmin—in such sacrificial ceremonies, Harir—the Supreme Lord,
descendants like Maharaj Parikshit should rule over the world and therefore Bhagwan—the Personality of Godhead, Ijyamana—being worshipped,
responsible king like Maharaj Parikshit cannot allowed the friend of Ijyatma—the soul of all worshipable deities, Murtir—of the forms, Yajatam—
irreligiosity to flourish in the kingdom at the cost of good fame of the those who worship, Sam—welfare, Tanoti—spreads, Kaman—desires,
Pandavas. That is the way of wiping out corruption in the state and not Amoghan—inviolable, Sthirajamgamanam—of all the moving and the
otherwise. The friends of irreligiosity should be banished away from the state unmoving, Antar—within, Vahir—outside, Vayur—air, Iva—like, Esha—of
and that will save the state from corruption. all of them,—Atma—spirit soul.
Twam vartamanam naradeva dehesu In all sacrificial ceremonies although sometimes some demigod is
Anupravitto ayam adharma pugah worshipped still by such sacrifice the Supreme Lord Personality of
Lobho anritam chouryam anaryam Godhead is worshipped; because He is the Supersoul of every one and
Amho jyestha cha maya kalahas cha dambhah exists both inside and outside like the air and thus it is He only Who
Twam—you, Vartamanam—while present, Naradeva—Mangod or the King, awards all welfare for the worshipper.
Dehesu—in the body, Anupravitto—all round beginning, Ayam—all these, Even it is sometimes seen that demigods like Indra, Chandra etc are
Adharma—principles of irreligiosites, Pugah—in rank and file, Lobho— worshipped and offered sacrificial awards, still the rewards of all such
greed, Anritam—falsty, Chouryam—pilfery, Anaryam—incivility, Amha— sacrifices are awarded to the worshipper by the Supreme Lord and it is the
renegation, Jyestha—misfortune, Maya—cheating, Kalahas—quarrel, Lord only who can offer all welfare for the worshipper. The demigods
Dambha—vanity. although worshipped cannot do anything without the sanction of the Lord
If the personality of Kali or irreligiosity is allowed to act as the mangod because the Lord is the Supersoul of every one both moving and non-moving.
or executive head certainly the rank and file of irreligiosities like greed, In the Bhagwat Geeta it is confirmed in the following sloka:-
falsehood, pilfery, incivility, renegation, misfortune, cheating, quarrel Yepi anya devatabhakta yajante sraddhyanwita
and vanity will follow all round. Te api mam eva kounteya yajanti abidhipurvakam (Bg. 9.23)
The principles of religion namely austerity, cleanliness, mercy and The fact is that the Supreme Lord is one without a second. There is no other
truthfalness as we have already discussed, may be followed by the follower of separate God except the Lord Himself. As such the Supreme Lord is eternally
any faith. There is no need of turning the coat of a Hindu to Mahamedan or transcendental to the material creation. But there are many who worship the
that of Mahamedan to Christian or some other faith and thus become a demigods like the Sun, Moon, Indra etc who are only material representatives
renegade without following the principles of religion. The Bhagwatam of the Supreme Lord. They are in one sense or indirectly qualitative
religion means to follow the principles of religion. The principles of religion representation of the Supreme Lord. A learned scholar or a learned devotee
are not dogmas or regulative principles of a certain faith. Such regulative knows who is who and therefore directly they worship the Supreme Lord
principles may be different in terms of the time place concerned. But one has without any diversion for the material qualitative representations. But those
to see whether the aims of religion have been achieved. Sticking to the who are not so learned they worship such qualitative material representations
dogmas and formulas without attainment of the real principles, is no good. A and their worship is uncermonious on account of irregular worship.
secular state may be inpartial to any particular type of faith but the state
cannot be indifferen to the the principles of religion as abovementioned. But Sri Suta uvacha:
in the age of Kali the executive heads of state will be indifferent to such Parikshitai evam adistah sa kalir jata vepathuh
religions principles and therefore under their patronage the opposite numbers Tam udyatam asim adehh dandapanim iva udyatam
of religious principles namely greed. falsehood, cheating, renegation, pilfery Sri Sua uvacha—Sri Suta Goswami said, Parikshitair—by Maharaj Parikshit,
etc. will naturally follow and there is no meaning for a propaganda crying to Evam—thus, Adistah—being ordered, Sa—he, Kalir—of the personality of
stop corruption in the state. Kali, Jata—there was, Vepathu—trembling, Tam—him, Udyatam—raised up,
Na vartitabyam tat adharma bandho Asim—Sword, Aha—said, Idam—thus, Dandapanim—Yamaraj the
Dharmena satyena cha vartitabye. personality of death, Iva—like, Uddatam—almost ready.
Brahmavarte yatra yajanti yajnair Sri Suta Goswami then explained before the Rishis like Sounaka and
Yajeswaram yajnavitana vijnah. others. He said that the personality of Kali thus being ordered by
Na—Not, Vartitavyam—deserve to remain, Tat—therefore, Adharma— Maharaj Parikshit began to tremble in fear and seeing him like the
irreligiosity, Bandho—friend, Dharmena—with religion Satyena—with truth, personality of death Yamaraj ready to kill him, Kali said unto the king as
Cha—also, Vartitavye—being situated in, Brahmavarte—place where follows:
sacrifice is performed, Yatra—where, Yajanti—duly perform, Yajnair—by The king was ready to kill him at once as soon as the personality of Kali
sacrifices or devotional services, Yajneswaram—unto the Supreme Lord the would disobey his order. Otherwise the king had no objection to allow him
Personality of Godhead, Yajna—sacrifice, Vitana—spreading, Vijnah— prolonging his life. The personality of Kali also, after attempting to get rid of
experts. the punishment in varions ways, decided it that he must surrender unto him
Oh the friend of irreligiosity you do not therefore deserve to remain in and thus he began to tremble in fear of his life. The king or the executive head
the place where in terms of religious principle and truthfulness sacrifices must be so strong as to stand before the personality of Kali as if the
are performed by experts who know how to propagate the sacrifiicial personality of death Yamaraj. The kings order must be obeyed otherwise the
activities for satisfaction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. culprits life is in risk. That is the way of ruling over the personalities of Kali
who would create distrurbance in the normal life of the state citizens.
Yajneswara or the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the beneficiary of all
kinds of sacrificial ceremonies. Such sacrificial ceremonies are prescribed in Yatra kwa va atha vatsyami sarvabhouma taba ajnaya
the scriptures differently for different ages. In other words sacrifice means to Lakshaye tatra tatra api twam atta isu sarasanam.
accept the supremacy of the Lord and thereby perform acts by which the Lord Yatra—anywhere, Kwa—and every where, Va—either, Atha—thereof,
may be satisfied in all respects. The atheist does not believe in the existence Vatsami— I shall reside, Sarvabhouma—oh the Lord or emperor of the earth,
of God and they do not perform any sacrifice for the satisfaction of the Lord. Tavo—your, Ajnaya—by the order, Lakshaye—I see, tatra—there and there,
Any place or country where the supremacy of the Lord is accepted and thus Api—also, Twam—your majesty, Atta—taken over, Isu—arrow,
sacrifice is performed is called Brahmavarta. There are different countries in Sarasanam—place on the bow.
different parts of the world and each and every of country may have different Oh your majesty, I may live anywhere and everywhere under your order
types of accepting process or sacrificial method for pleasing the Supreme but there and there I shall have to see you with bow and arrows as I can
Lord but the central point of such pleasing method is ascertained in the Bhag see.
watam and it is truthfulness. Basic principle of religion is truthfulness and the
ultimate goal of all religious is to satisfy the Lord. In this age of Kali the The personality of Kali could see it that Maharaj Parikshit was the emperor of
greatest common formula of sacrificial method is Samkirtan Yajna. That is the all lands all over the world and as such anywhere he might live he would have
opinion of the experts who know how to propagate the process of Yajna. Lord to meet with the same mood of the king. The personality of Kali was meant
51
Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
for mischief and Maharaj Parikshit was meant for subduing all kinds of 1. Two compulsory fasting days in a month if not more (austerity). Even
mischief mongers specially the personality of Kali. It was better therefore, for from economic point of view such two fasting days in a month in the state
the personality of Kali to have become killed by the king then and there will save tons of food grains and the system will act very favourably on the
instead of being killed anywhere else. He was after all a surrendered soul general health of the citizens also.
before the king and it was with the king to do the needful. 2. There must be compulsory marriage of young boys and girls attaining 24
Tat me dharmabhritam srestha sthanam nirdestum arhasi years of age and 16 years of age respectively. There is no harm of co-
Yatra eva niyato vatsye atisthams te anusasanam education in the schools and colleges provided the boys and the girls are duly
married and in case there is any intimate connection between a male and
Tat—therefore, Me—unto me, Dharmabhritam—of all the protectors of female student they may be married properly without allowing them for any
religiosity, Srestha—the chief, Sthanam—place, Nirdestum-to ascertain, illicit relation. The divorce act is encouraging prostitution and this should be
Arhasi—may you do so, Yatra—where, Eva—certainly. Niyato—always, abolished.
Vatsye—can reside, Atisthams—permanently situated, Te—your, 3. The citizens of the state must give in charity up to 50% of their income
Anusasanam—under your rule. for the purpose of creating spiritual atmosphere in the state or in the human
Therefore oh the chief amongst the protector of religiosities, your majesty society both individually and collectively. Preaching of the principles of
may fix up some places for me where I can live permanently situated Bhagwatam by (a) Karmayoga or doing everything for the satisfaction of the
under the protection of your government. Lord (b) regular hearing of the Srimad Bhagwatam from authorised persons or
The personality of Kali addressed Maharaj Parikshit as the chief amongst the realised souls (c) Chanting of the glories of the Lord congregationally at home
protectors of religiosity because the king refrained from killing a person who or at places of worship (d) rendering of all kinds of service to person
surrendered unto him. A surrendered soul should be given all protection even Bhagwatas engaged in the matter of preaching Srimad Bhagwatam (e) and
though he may be an enemy. That is the principle of religion And we can just residing in a place where the atmosphere is saturated with god-consciousness.
imagine what sort of protection is given by the Personality of Godhead to the If the state is regularised by the above process, naturally there will be god-
person who surrenders unto Him not as an enemy but as a devoted servitors. Consciousness everywhere.
The Lord protects the surrendered soul from all sins or all resultant reactions Gambling of all description even specalative business enterprises are
of sinful acts. (Bg. 18.64) considered to be gambling and by encouraging this gambling in the state there
is complete disappearance of truthfullness. Allowing young boys and girls to
Abhyarthitas tada tasmai sthananik alaye dadou remainr unmarried more than the abovementioned ages and licence for animal
Dyutam panam striyah suna yatra adhamass chaturbidhah. slaughter houses of all description shall be at once closed. The flesh-eaters
Abhyarthitas—thus being prayed for, Tada—at that time, Tasmai—unto him, may be allowed to take flesh as they are mentioned in the scriptures and not
Sthanani—places, Kalaye—unto the personality of Kali, Dadou—gave him otherwise; as by purchasing from the market and thus encourage unrestricted
permission, Dyutam—gambling, Panam—drinking, Striyah—illicit flesh-eating strictly be stopped. Intoxication habit of all description even
association of woman, Suna—killing of living beings, Yatra—wherever, smoking of Bidis and cigarettes chewing of pan or drinking tea, must be
Adharma—irreligiosities, Chaturbidhah—four kinds of. prohibited.
Suta Goswami said, "Maharaj Parikshit, thus being prayed for by the Punas cha yachamanaya jatarupam adat prabhu
personality of Kali, gave him permission to reside in four different places Tato anritam madam kamam rajo vairam cha panchamam.
where gambling, drinking, prostitution and slaughtering of animals Panas—again, Cha—also, Yachamanaya—unto the beggar, Jatarupam—
performed respectively." Gold, Adat—gave away, Prabhu—the king, Tato—where by, Anritam—
The basic principles of irreligiosities such as pride, prositution, intoxication falsehood, Madam—intoxication, Kamam—lust, Rajo—on account of
and falsehood respectively counteracts the four principles of religiosities passionate mood, Vairam—enmity, Cha—also, Panchamam—the fifth one.
namely austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness, the Personality of Kali The personality of Kali asked for something more and on his begging so
was given permissson to live in four places particularly mentioned by the king the King gave him permission to live where there is gold. Because
namely the place of gambling, the place of prostitution, the place of drinking wherever there is gold there are falsity, intoxication, lust, enviousness and
and the place of slaughtering the animals. at last all enmity.
Srila Jiba Goswami directs that drinking against the principles of scriptures
such as Soutramani yajna etc, association with woman except the married one, Although Maharaj Parikshit gave Kali permission to live in four places, it was
killing of animals against injunction of scripture, are irreligious. In the Vedas very difficult for the personality of Kali to find out the places. Because during
two different types of injunctions are there for the Pravittas or those who are the reign of Maharaj Parikshit there was no such place at all. Therefore Kali
engaged in the matter of material enjoyment and for the Nrivittas or those asked the king to give him something practical which may be utilised for his
who are engaged in the matter of liberation from material bondage. The Vedic nefarious purposes. Maharaj Parikshit thus being requested by him gave
injuction for the Pravittas are to regularise their activities towards the path of permission to live in a place where there is gold because wherever there is
liberation by gradual process. Therefore, for the persons who are in the lowest gold there are all the abovementioned four things and over and above them
stage of ignorance and indulge in the matter of wine, woman and flesh, for there is enmity also. So the personality of Kali became gold standardised.
them drinking by performing Sroutamani yajna, association of woman by According to Srimad Bhagwatam stocking of gold any where means
marriage and flesh eating by sacrifices are sometimes recommended. But such encouraging falsity, intoxication, prostitution enviousness, and enmity. Even
recommendations in the Vedic literature are meant for a particular class of gold-standard exchange and currency is bad. Gold standard currency is based
men and not for all. But because they are injuctions of the Vedas for such on falsehood because currency is not on the par of the reserved gold. The
particular type of persons such activities by the Pravittas are not considered basic principle is falsity because currency notes are issued more in value than
Adharma. One man's food may be poison for other; similarly what is the actual reserved gold. This artificial inflation of currency by the authorities
recommended for the persons in the modes of ignorance may be poison for encourages prostitution of state economy. Price of consumers Commodity
the persons in the modes of goodness. Srila Jiva Goswami Prabhu, therefore, becomes artificially inflated on account of bad money or artificial currency
affirms that recommendations of the scriptures, for a certain class of men, are notes. Bad money drives away good money is an economical law. Instead of
never to be considered as Adharma or irriligion. But such activities are paper currency actual gold coins should be used for exchange and this will
factually Adharma and they are never meant for being encouraged. The stop prostitution of gold. Gold ornaments for women may be allowed by
recommendation in the Scriptures are not meant for encouragement of such control not by quality but by quantity. This will discourage lust, enviousness
Adharmas but they are meant for regularising the necessary Adharmas and enmity. When there is actual gold currency in the form of coins, the
gradually towards the path of Dharma. influence of gold for producing falsity, prostitution etc. will automatically
Following the foot prints of Maharaj Parikshit, it is the duty of all executive cease and there will be no need of anticorrup tion ministry for another term of
heads of states to see that the principles of religiosities namely austerity, prostitution and falsity of purpose.
cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness be established in the state and the Amuni pancha sthanani hi adharmai prabhavah kalih
principles of irreligiosities namely pride, illicit womanly association or Outtareyena dattani nyavasat tat nidesakrit.
prostitution, intoxication and falsity be checked by all means. And to make Amuni—all those, Pancha—five, Sthanani—places, Hi—certainly,
the best use of a bad bargain the personality of Kali may be transferred to Adharma—irreligious principles, Prabhavah—encouraging, Kali—the age of
places of gambling, drinking, prostitution and slaughter houses if there is any Kali, Outtareyena—by the son of Uttara, Dattani—delivered by, Nyavasat—
place like that. Those who are addicted to these irreligioos habit may be dwelt, Tat—by him, Nidesakrit—direeted by.
regularised by the injunctions of the Scripture for restraining them and in all
circumstances they may not be encouraged by any state. In other words the As such the personality of Kali was allowed by the direction of King
state should categorically stop all sorts of gambling, drinking, prostitution and Maharaj Parikshit the son of Uttara, to live in those five plaees as
falsity as a matter of fact. On the contrary the state which wants to eradicate described above.
corruption by majority may introduce the principles of religiosity in the Thus the age of Kali began with gold standardisation and therefore falsity,
following manner: intoxication, animal slaughter and prostitution are rampant all over the world
52
Seventeenth Chapter - Punishment And Reward of Kali
and the saner section is eager to drive out corruption from all over the wored. Sa esa etarhi adhyasta asanam parthivochitam
The counter acting process is suggested above and everyone can take Pitamohena upanyastam rajna aranyam vivikshata.
advantage of the suggestion. Aste adhuna sa rajarshih kourevendra sriot lasan,
Atha etani na seveta vubhusuh purusah kwachit Gjahvaye mahabhagas chakra varti vrihachhavah.
Visesato dharmaseelo raja lokapatir guruh. Sa—he, Esa—this, Etarhi—at the present, Adhyasta—is ruling over,
Atha—therefore, Etani—all these, Na—never, Seveta—come in contact, Asanam—the throne, Parthivochitam—just befitting a king, Pita mohena—by
Vubhuush—those who desire well being, Purushah—person, Kwachit—in the granfathaer, Upanyasta—being handed over, Rajna—by the king,
any circumstances, Visesato—specifically, Dharmaseelo—those who are on Aranyam—forest, Vivikshatam—desiring for, Aste—is there, Adhuna—at
the progressive path of liberation, Raja—the king, Lokapatir—public leader, present, Sa—that, Rajarshih—the sage amongst the kings, Kouravendra—the
Guruh—the Brahmins and the Sanyasins. chief amongst the Kuru-kings, Sriot—glories, Lasan—spreading over,
Therefore any one who desires progressively well being of oneself, must Gajvhaye—in the Hastinapur, Mahabhagas—the most fortunate,
not be in contact with the abovementioned four irreligiosities and Chakravarty—the emperor, Vrichhava—highly famous.
specially the king, the religionists, the public leaders and the Brahmins The most fortunate emperor Maharaj Parikshit who was entrusted with
and Sanyasins are forbidden to do this. the Kingdom of Hastinapur by Maharaj Yudhisthir while he desired to
The Brahmin is the religious preceeptor for all other castes and the Sanysins retire for going in the forest, is now ruling over the world with great
are the spiritual masters for all the castes and orders of society. As such they success on account of being glorified by the deeds of the kings of Kuru
are very responsible personages in the society. So also is the king and the dynasty.
public leader who are responsible for the material welfare of all people. The The prolonged sacrificial ceremonies undertaken by the sages of
progressive religionists and the one who is a responsible human being or one Naimisaranya was begun a very little after the demise of Maharaj Parikshit.
who does not want to spoil his valuable human life, all should refrain from all The sacrifice was to continue for one thousand of years and it is understood
the above mentioned principles of irreligiosities and specially from the illicit that in the beginning some of the contemporaries of Valadeva elder brother of
connection of woman. If a Brahmin is not truthful all his claim for the Lord Krishna also visited the sacrificial place. According to some authorities
position of Brahmin at once become null and void. If a Sanyasi is illicitly present tense is also used in terms of nearest margin of time from the past. In
connected with women all his claim for the honour of a sannyasi at once that sense present tense in the matter of reign of Maharaj Parikshit is
become a perjury. Similarly if the king and the public leader are unnecessarily mentioned here. For a continuous fact also present tense can be used. The
proud or habituated to drinking and smoking certainly they become principle of Maharaj Parikshit can be still continued and improvement of the
disqualified in the matter of discharging public welfare activities. Truthfulness human society can still be done if there is factual determination of the
being the basic princihle for all reeigiosities the four leaders of the human authorities concerned. We can still purge out, from the state, all the activities
society namely the Sannyasi, the Brahmin, the king and the public leader must of immorality introduced by the personality of Kali, if we are determined to
be tested crucially by their character and qualification. Before accepting one take action like Maharaj Parikshit. He alloted some places for Kali but infact
as the spiritual or material masters of the society, he must be tested by the Kali could not find out such places in the world at all because Maharaj
above mentioned criterions of factual character. Such public leaders may be Parikshit was strictly vigilant to see that there were no places for gambling,
less qualified in academic educational qualifications but it is necessary drinking, prostitution and slaughtering of animals. Modern administators want
primarily that they should be free from the contamination of the above to banish corruption from the state but fools as they are, they do not know
mentioned four kinds of disqualifications namely gambling, drinking, how to do it. They want to issue licence for gambling houses, wine and other
prostitution and animal slaughtering. intoxicating drugs houses, brothels and prostitution in the hotels and cinema
Vrisasya nastans trin padan tapah soucham dayam iti houses and falsity in every dealings even in their own and they want at the
Pratisandadha aswasya mahim cha samavardhyat. same time to drive out corruption from the state. They want kingdom of God
without Godconsciousness. How it could be possible to adjust two
Vrisasya—of the bull (the personality of religiosity) Nastans—lost, Trin— contradictory matters? If we want to drive out corruption from the state we
three, Padan—legs, Tapah—austerity, Soucham—Cleanliness, Dayam— must first of all organise society for accepting the principles of religiosities
mercy, Iti—etc, Pratisandadha—re-established, Aswasya—by encouraging namely austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness and to make the
acts, Mahim—the earth, Samavardhyat—perfectly improved, condition favourable we must close all places for gambling, drinking,
Thereafter the King re-established the lost legs of the personality of prostitution and falsism. These are some of the practical lessons. from the
religiosity (the bull) and by encouraging activities, he sufficiently pages of Srimad Bhagwatam.
improved the condition of the earth. Itthambhuta anubhavo ayam abhimcyusuta nripah
By designating particulas places for the personality of Kali, Maharaj Parikshit Yasya palayatah sounim yuyam satraya dikshitah.
practically cheated the Kali. By the presence of Kali, Dharma (in the shape of Itthambhuta—it was so and so, Anubhavo—experience, Ayam—of this,
a bull) and the Earth (in the shape of a cow), he could actually estimate the Abhimayusuta—Son of Abhimannyu, Nripah—the king, Yasya-whose,
general condition of his kingdom and therefore he at once took proper steps Palayatah—on account of his ruling, Kshounim—on the earth, Yuyam—you
for restablishing the legs of the bull namely austerity, cleanliness and mercy. all, Satraya—in the matter of performing sacrifices, Dikshita—initiated.
And for the general benefit of the condition of the people of the world he saw
it that the gold stock may be employed in the service of the stabilisation Maharaj Parikshit the son of Abhimanyu is so experienced that by his
propaganda. Gold is certainly generating power-house for falsity, intoxication, expert administration and patronage only it has been possible for you to
prostitution, enmity and voilence; but under the guidance of a proper king or perform such sacrifice.
public leader or the Brahmin or a Sannyasi, the same gold could be properly The Brahmins and the Sanyasins are expert in the matter of spiritual
utilised in the matter of re-establishing the lost legs of the personality of advancement of the society, whereas the Kshatriyas or the administrators are
religion the bull. expert in the matter of material peace and prosperity of the human society.
Maharaj Parikshit therefore like his grand father Arjuna collected all illicit Both of them are the pillars of all happiness and therefore they are meant for
gold kept for the propensities of Kali and employed them in the Samkirtan full co-operation for common welfare. Maharaj Parikshit was experienced
Yajna as per instruction of the Srimad Bhagwatam. As we have suggested enough to drive away Kali from his field of activities and thereby made the
before that one's accumulated wealth may be dlvided in three parts for situation of the state favourable for reception of spiritual enlightenment. If the
distribution namely 50% for the service of the Lord, 25% for the family common people are not reciepient it is very difficult to impress upon them the
members and 25% for personal necessities. Spending 50% for the service of necessity of spiritual enlightenment, Austerity, cleanliness. mercy and
the Lord or for propagation of spiritual knowldge in the society in the matter truthfulness the basic principle of religiosity prepares the ground for reception
of Samkirtan Yajna is the the maximum proportion of displaying human of spiritual advancement of knowledge and Maharaj Parikshit made this
mercy. People of the world are generally in the darkness of spiritual favourable condition possible and thus the Rishis of Naimisaranya were able
knowledge, specially in the matter of devotional service of the Lord, and to perform the sacrifices prolonging to thousands of years. In other words
therefore to propagate a systematic knowledge transcendental of devotional without state-support no doctrine of philosophy or religious principles can
service, is the greatest amount of mercy that one can show in this world. progressively advance and there was complete cooperation between the
When every one is tought to sacrifice 50% of his accumulated gold in the Brahmins and the Kshatiryas for this common good. Even up to Maharaj
matter of the Lord's service, certainly austerity, cleanliness and mercy Asoka the same spirit was prevailing. Lord Buddha was sufficiently supported
automatically ensue and thus the lost three legs of the personality of by King Asoka and thus the particular cult of knowledge was spread all over
religiosity the bull are automatically established. When there is sufficient the world.
propaganda of religiosities namely austerity, cleanliness, mercy and Thus end the Bhaktivedanta Purports of the First Canto Seventeenth Chapter
truthfulness naturally mother earth is completely satisfied and there is very of Srimad Bhagwatam in the matter of Punishment and Reward of Kali.
little chance left for the Kali to infiltrate within the sound structure of human
society.
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
54
EIGHTEENTH CHAPTER by the grace of a bonafipe spiritual master like Sukadeva Goswami it is quite
possible to know every thing of the superior energy of the Lord by which the
Maharaj Parikshit Cursed By A Brahmin Boy Lord manifests His eternal Name, Quality, Pastimes, Paraphernalia and
Sri Suta uvacha variegatedness. Unless one thoroughly understands this superior or eternal
Yo vai drounyastra viplus to na matur udare mritah enregy of the Lord it is not pssible to leave aside the material energy however
Anugrahat bhagawatah krishnasya adbhutakarmanah. theoritically one may speculate on the true nature of the Absolute Truth. By
Sri Suta uvacha—Sri Suta Goswami said, Yo—one who, Vai—certainly, the Grace of Lord Krishna, Maharaj Parikshit was able to receive mercy of a
Drounyastra—by the weapon of the son of Drona, Viplusto—burnt by, Na— Personality like Sukadeva Goswami and thus he was able to know the actual
never, Matur—of the mother, Udare—in the womb of, Mritah—met his death, positiou of the unconquerable Lord. It is very difficult to find out the Lord
Anugrahat—by the mercy of, Bhagwatah—of the Personality of Godhead, from the Vedic literatures but it is very easy to know Him by the mercy of a
Krishnasya—of Krishna, Adbhutakarmanah—of one who acts wonderfully. liberated devotee like Sukadeva Goswami.
Suta Goswami said, "Maharaj Parikshit, although he was struck by the Na uttamasloka vartanam jusatam tat kathamritam
weapon of the son of Drona in the womb of his mother, he could not be Syat sambhramo auto kale api smarartam tat padambujam.
burnt by the mercy of the Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna who acts Na-never, Uttamasloka—the Personlaity of Godhead who is sung by the
wonderfully." Vedic hymns. Vartaanam—of those who live on them, Jusatam—of them who
The sages in the Naimisharanya became struck with wonder after hearing are engaged in, Tat-His, Kathamritam—transcendental topics about Him,
about the wonderful administration of Maharaj Parikshit specially with Syat-it so happens, Sambhramo—misconception, Unto-at the end, Kale-in
reference to the context of his punishing the pesronality of Kali, making him time, Api-Also, Smaranam—reme bering, Tat-His, Padambujam—lotus feet.
completely unable to do any harm within the kingdom of Maharaj Parikshit. It is so because those who have made their life's business to liue on the
Suta Goswami was equally anxious to describe about Maharaj Parikshit in the transcendental topics of the Personality of Godhead sung by the Vedic
matter of his wonderful birth and death also and this verse is stated by Suta hymns and thus be constantly engaged in thhm by rerembering the lotus
Goswami in a way of increasing the interest of the sages of Naimisharanya. feet of the Lord, do not have any chance of misconceptiou even at the last
Brahmakopa utthitat yas tu takshakat pranaviplavat moment of the end of life.
Na sammumoha urubhayat bhagwati arpita ashayah. The highest perfection of life is attained by remembering the transcendental
Brahmakopa—Fury of aBrahmin, Utthitat—caused by, Yas—what was, Tu— nature of the Lord at the last moment of one's llfe. This perfection of life is
but Takshakat—by the snake-bird, Pranaviplavat—from disolution of life, made possible by one who has learnt about the actual transcendental nature of
Na—never, Sammumuha—became overwhelmed, Urubhayat—great the Lord from the Vedic hymns sung by a liberated soul like Sukadeva
fearfulness, Bhagwati—unto the Personality of Godhead, Arpita— Goswami or some body in that line of disciplic succession. There is no gain
surrendered, Ashayah—consciousness. by hearing the Vedic hymns from some mental speculator. When the same is
heard from an actual self realised soul and is properly under stood by service
Further more Maharaj Parikshit was always conscenciously surrendered
and submission the whole thing becomes transparently clear before a
in the Personality of Godhead and therefore he was neither afraid of nor
submissive disciple and thus he is able to live on it transcendentally and
overwhelmed from the fear of snake bird which was to bite him due to
continue the same to the last point of the end of life. By scientific adoptation
the violent passion of Brahmin boy.
one is able to remember the Lord even at the end of life when the power of
A self surrendered devotee of the Lord is called Narayanapara. Such remembrance is slackned due to derangement of bodily membrane. For a
Narayanapara person is never afraid of any place or person even of death. For common man it is very difficult to remember things as they are at the time of
them nothing is important than the Supreme Lord and as such they allow death, but by the Grace of the Lord and His bonafide devotees the spiritual
equal importance both for the heaven and the hell. They know it well that both masters one can get this opportunity of life without any difficulty. And it is
heaven and hell are creations of the Lord and similarly life and death are was done in the case of Maharaj Parikshit.
different conditions of existence created by the Lord. What they want is that
Tavat kalir na prabhavet pravisto api iha sarvatah
in all conditions and in all circumstances remembrances of Narayana is
Yavat isha mahan urvyam abhimanyava ekarat.
essential. They practice it constantly and Maharaj Parikshit was one of such
pure devotees. He was wrongfully cursed by an inexperienced son of a Tavat—so long, Kalir—the personality of Kali, No—cannot, Prabhavet—
Brahmin by the influence of Kali, and Maharaj Parikshit took it as sent by flourish, Pravisto—entered in, Api—even though, Sarvatah—everywhere,
Narayana. He knew it well that Narayana (Lord Krishna) saved him when he Tavat—as long as, Isha—the lord, Mahan—great, Urvyam—powerful,
was burnt in the womb of his mother and if he was to be killed by snake-bite Abhimanyava—the son of Abhimanyu Ekarat—the one emperor.
it would also take place by the will of the LORD. The devotee never goes So long as the most powerful great son of Abhimanyu remains the one
against the will of the Lord and anything sent by God is a blessing for the emperor of the world there is no chance of flourishing by the personality
devotee. Therefore Maharaj Parikshit was neither afraid of nor bewildered in of Kali.
such things. That is the sign of a pure devotee of the Lord.
As we have already explained that the personality of Kali had entered the
Utsrijya sarvatah samgam vijnata ajita samsthitih jurisdiction of this earth long ago and he was looking for opportunity to
Vaisaker jahou sishyo gamgayam swam kale varam spread his influence all over the world. But he could not do so satisfactorily
Utsrijya—after leaving aside, Sarvatah—all rouud, Samgam—association, dut to the presence of Maharaj Parikshit. That is the way of good government.
Ajita—one who is never conquered (the Personality, of Godhead), The disturbing elements like the personality of Kali will always try to extend
Samsthitih—actual position, Vaisaker—unto the son of Vyasa,Jahou—gave his nefarious activities but it is the duty of tne able state to check them up by
up, Sishyo—as desciple, Gamgayam—on the bank of the Ganges, Swam—his all means. Parikshit Maharaj although alloted places for the personality of
own, Kalevaram—Material body. Kali, he at the same time gave no chance to the citizens to be in favour of the
personality of Kali.
Further more after leaving aside all round association, the King gave
himself up as a disciple of the son of Vyasa and thus he was able to Yasmin ahani yarhi eva bhagawan utsasarja gam
understand the actual position of the Personality of Godhead and at least Tada evaiha anubritto asou adharma prabhavah kalih.
gave up his material body on the bank of the Ganges. Yasmin—on that, Ahani—very day, Yarhi—in the very moment, Bhagwan—
The word Ajita is significant here. The Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna is the Personality of Godhead, Utsasarja—left aside, Gam—the earth, Tada—at
known as Ajita or unconquerable, as He is so in every respect. Even no body that time, Eva—certainly, Iha—in this world, Anuvritto—followed, Asou—
can know His actual postion. He is unconquerable by knowledge also. We he, Adharma—irreligious, Prabhavah—accelerating, Kalih—the personality
have heard about His Dhama or place, eternal about Golaka Vrindaban, but of quarrel.
there are many scholars who interpret this abode in different ways. But by the The very day and the very moment when the Personalty of Godhead
grace of a spiritual master like Sukadeva Goswami, unto whom the king gave Lord Sri Krishna left aside this earth, on that verymoment also the
himself up as the most humbale disciple, he was able to understand thr actual personality of Kali who is accelerating agent for all irreigious activities,
position of the Lord, about His eternal abode, and His transcendental became entered within the earth
paraphernalia in that Dhama or abode. Knowiug this transcendntal position of
The personality of Godhead and His holy Name, Qualities etc all are identical.
the Lord and the transcendental method by which one can approach that
The personality of Kali was not able to enter in the jurisdiction of the earth on
transcendental Dhama, the king was confident about his ultimate goal of
account of presence of the Personality of Godhead. And similarly if there is
destination and knowing this only he could leave aside everthing material
arrangement for constant chanting of the holy Name and quality etc of the
even his own body without any difficulty of attachment. In the Bhagwat
Supreme Personality of Godhead there is no chance at all for entrance of the
Geeta, this is stated as Param Dristwa Nevertate or one can give up all
personality of Kali within the jurisdietion where such chanting of the holy
connection of the material attachment when one is able to see the Param or the
Name of the Lord is performed. Tha is the technique of driving away the
superior quality of thing. We understand the superior quality of energy of the
personality of Kali from the world. In the modernised human society there is
Lord than the material quality material energy, from the Bhagwat Geeta and
far advance ment of material science and they have invented the radio set for
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
dsstributing sound in the air. So instead of vibrating some nuisance sound of Oh the sages, now I have almost described everything in the matter of
sense enjoyment, if the state arranges to distribute sound transcendental in the narrations about Lord Krishna in connection with the history of the
shape of resounding the holy name, fame, activities of the Lord as they are pious king Maharaj Parikshit, as you did ask from me.
authorisedly stated in the Bhagwat Geeta or Shrimad Bhagwatam then, Srimad Bhagwatam means the history of the activities of the Lord. And the
certainly a favourable condition will be created and re-establishing the activities of the Lord are performed in relation with the devotees of the Lord.
principles of religiosities in the world and thus the executive heads who are so Therefore, the history of the devotees is not different from the history of Lord
much anxious to drive away corruption from the world, will be successful by Krishna's activities. A devotee of the Lord accepts both the activities namely
this good attempt. Nothing is bad if they are properly used for the service of the activities of the Lord as well as that of His pure devotees, on the equal
lord. level as they are all transcendental.
Na anudwesti kalim samrat saramga iva sarabhuk Ya yah katha bhagawatah kathaniyo urukarmanah
Kusalani asu sidhanti netarani kritani yat. Guna karma ashrayah pumbhih samsevyas ta vubhusubhih.
Na—never, Anudwesti—necessarily grudges, Kalim—un to the personality of Ya—whatever, Yah—and whatsoever, Kathah—topics, Bhagwatah—about
Kali, Samarat—the emepror, Saramgo—realist like the bees, Iva—like, the Personality of Godhead, Kathaniyo—were to be spoken by me,
Sarabhuk—one who accepts the substance, Kusalani—auspicious objects, Urukarmanah—of Him who acts wonderfully, Guna-transcendental qualities,
Asu—immediately, Sidhyanti—become successful, Na—never, Itarani— Karma—uncommon deeds, Ashrayah—involving, Pumbhih—by persons,
which are inauspieious, Kritani—being performed, Yat—as and as. Samasevyas—ought to be heard by, Sa—all of them, Vubhusubhih—by those
Maharaj Parikshit was realist as the bees who are apt to accept the who want their own welfare.
essence only. He knew it perfectly well that in this age of kali auspicious Those who are desirous of achieving complete perfection of life must
things produce good effects immediately while the opposite number acts submissively hear all topics in connection with the transcendental
when actually performed. So he was never envious unto the personality of activities and qualities of the Personality of Godhead who acts
Kali. wonderfully.
The age of Kali is called in other words the fallan age. In this fallan age on Systematic hearing of the transcendental activities, qualities and name of Lord
account of the living being's having been fallan in an awkward position the Sri Krishna pushes one towards eternal life. Systematic hearing means to
Supreme Lord has given some spectal facilities to them in this age. So by the know Him gradually in truth and fact, and this knowing Him in truth and fact
will of the Lord a living being does not become a victim of sinful act untill means to attain eternal life as it stated in the Bhagwat Geeta. Such
one actually performs the same. In other ages simply by thinking of doing a transcendental glorified activities of Lord Sri Krishna is the prescribed
sinful act one used to become a victim of the act. On the contrary a living remedy for counteracting the process of birth, death, oldage and diseases
being, in this age it is awarded with the result of pious acts simply by thinking considered to be material awards for the conditioned living being.
of it Maharaj Parikshit being the most learned and experienced king by the Culmination to such perfectional stage of life is the goal of human life by
Grace of the Lord, he was not unnecessarily envious of the personality of attainment of transcendental bliss.
Kali, because he had in his mind not to give any chance to him for performing
any sinful act. He protected his subjects from falling a prey to the sinful acts When we hear about the transcendental qualities and activities of the
of the age of Kali and at the same time he gave full facility to the age of Kali Personality of Godhead, we may always remember what has been spoken by
by alloting him some particnlar places. As we will have it at the end of the the Lord Himself in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 4.9) His acts, even when He acts
Srimad Bhagwatam it is said there that inspite of all nefarious activities of the in the human society, are all transcendental as they are all accentuated by the
personaiity of Kali, there is a great advantage of the age of Kali that one can spiritual energy of the Lord distinguished from His material energy. As stated
attain salvation simply by chanting the holy name of the Lord. As such the in the Bhagwat Geeta such acts are called "Divyam" means He does not act or
King Parikshit Maharaj made organised effort to propagate chanting of the take His birth like an ordinary living being under the custody of material
holy name of the Lord and thus he saved the citizens from the clutches of the energy. Neither His body is material nor changeable like that of ordinary
Kali. It is for this advantage only sometimes great sages wish all good for the living beings. And one who understands this fact either on the version of the
age of Kali. In the vedas also it is said that by discourse of Lord Krishna's Lord or through authorised sources does not also take his birth again after
activities one can get rid of all disadvantages of the age of Kali. In the leaving the present material body. Such enlightened soul is admitted in the
beginning of the Srimad Bhagwatam it is also said that recitation of Srimad spiritual realm of the Lord and be engaged in transcendental loving service of
Bhagwatam the Supreme Lord becomes at once arrested within one's heart. the Lord. Therefore, the more we hear about the transcendental activities of
These are some of the great advantages of the age of Kali and Maharaj the Lord as they are stated in the Bhagwat Geeta and Shrimad Bhagwatm, the
Parikshit took all the advantages and did not think any ill of the age of the more we can know about His transcendental nature and thus make definite
Kali, true to his Vaishnaivte cult. progress on the path of Back-to-Godhead.
Kim nu valesu surena kalina dhira bhiruna Sri Risayah uchuh:
Apramattah pramattesu yo vriko nrisu vartate Suta jiba samah soumya saswatim visadam yasah
Yastam samsasi krishnasya martyanam amritam hi nah.
Kim—what, Nu—may be, Valesu—among the less intelligent persons,
Surena—by the powerful, Kalina—by the personality of Kali Dhira—self Sri Risayah uchuh-The good sages said, Suta-oh suta Goswami, Jiba—we
controlled, Bhiruna—by one who is afraid of, Apramattah—one who is wish you live for, Samah—many years, Saumya—grave Saswatim—eternal,
careful, Pramattesu—among the uncareful, Yo—one who, Vriko—tiger, Visadam—particularly, Yasah—in fame, Yastam—because you, Samsasi—
Narisu—among the men, Vartate—exists. speaking nicely, Krishnasya—of Lord Sri Krishna, Martanam—of those who
die, Amritam—eternaty of life, Hi—certainly, Nah—our.
Maharaj Parikshit thought within himself that the personality of Kali
might be very powerful for the less intelligent class of men but those who The good sages said, oh you grave Suta Goswami! may you live for many
are self controlled have nothing to be afraid of him He is tiger-like years with eternal famc particularly because you are very nicely speaking
powerful and careful for the uncareful foolish persons. about the activities of Lord Krishna the Personality of Godhead and they
are just like nectarine for mortal being like us.
Those who are not devotees of the Lord are so to say uncareful less intelligent
person. Unless one is not throughly intelligent, one cannot be a devotee of the Systematic hearing of the transcendental activities, qualities and name of Lord
Lord. Those who are not devotees of the Lord fall prey to the actions of Kali. Sri Krishna pushes one towards eternal life. Systmatic hearing means to know
Therefore, the only antidote for the actions of the personality of Kali namely Him gradually in truth and fact; and this knowing Him in truth and fact means
gambling intoxication, prostitution and slaughrteting of animals the four to attain eternal life as it stated in the Bhagwat Geeta. Such transeendental
primary basic heads of all corruptions in the human society. By glorified activities of Lord Krishna is the prescribed remedy for counteracting
promulgamation of statutory acts against corruption or by setting up enquiry the process of birth, death, oldage and diseases considered to be material
commissions against such corruptions, committed even by the heads of awards of the conditioned living being. Culmination to such perfectional stage
administration and merchants it will not be possible to bring about a saner of life is the goal of human life by attainment of transcendental bliss.
condition in the society unless we are prepared to accept the modes of action Karmani asmin anaswase dhuma dhumratmanam bhavan
adopted by Maharaj Parikshit i. e. to say by propagation of devotional service Apayayati govinda pada padma asavam madhu.
of the Lord among the common man. Karmani—performance of, Asmin—in this, Anaswase—without any
Upavarnitam etad vah punyam parikshitam maya certainty, Dhuma—smoke, Dhumratmanam—tinged body and mind,
Vasudeva katha upetam akshyanam yad aprichhata. Bhavan—your goodself, Apayayati—very much pleasing, Govinda—the
Upavarnitam—almost everything described, Etad—all these, Vah—unto you, Personality of Godhead, Pada—feet, Padmasava—nectarine of lotus flower,
Punyam—pious, Parikshitam—about Maharaj Parikshit, Maya—by me, Madhu—honey.
Vasudeva—Lord Krishna, Katha—narrations, Upetam—in connection with, The sages said, "we have just begun performance of this fruitive activity
Akhyanam—statements, Yad—what, Aprichhaia—you asked from me. namely sacrificial fire without any certainty of its result on account of
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Eighteenth Chapter - Maharaj Parikshit Cursed By A Brahmin Boy
many frailties in the action. Our body has blackened by the smoke but we disirable, it is worshipable, it is praiseworthy and one may accept as the
are factually pleased by the nectarine, of the lotus feet of the Personality highest goal of life.
of Godhead Govind, administered by you." Ko nama tripyed rasauit kathayam
The sacrificial fire kindled by the sages of Naimisaranya was certainly full of Mahattamaikanta parayanasya
smoke and doubts on account of so many flaws in such activity. The first flaw Na antam gunanam agunasya jagmur
is that there is acute scarcity of expert Brahmins able to carry out such Yogeswara ye bhava padma mukhya.
performances successfully in this age of Kali. Any discrepancy in such Ka—who is he, Nama—specifically, Tripyed—get full satisfaction, Rasavit—
sacrifices spoils the whole show and the result is uncertain like that in the expert in relishing mellow, Kathayam—in the topics of, Mahattama—the
matter of agricultural enterprises. Good result of tilling the paddy field greatest amongst the living being, Ekanta—exclusively, Parayanasya—of one
depends on providential rain and therefore the result is uncertain. Similarly who is the shelter of, Na—never, antam—end, Gunanam—of attributes,
performances of any kind of sacrifice in this age of Kali is also uncertain. Agunasya—of the trascendence, Jagmur—could ascertain, Yogeswara—the
Unscrupulous greedy Brahmins of the age of Kali induce innocent public for lords of mystic power, Ye—all they, Bhava—Lord Shiva, Padma—Lord
such uncertain sacrificial show without disclosing the scriptural injunction Brahma, Mukhyah—heads.
that in the age of Kali there is no other fruitful sacrifial performance, except
the sacrifice of congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord. Suta The personality of Godhead Lord Krishna (Govinda) is the exclusive
Goswami was narrating such transcendental name and glories of the Lord shelter for all the greatest of the living being and His transcendental
before the congregation of sages and they were factually perceiving result of attributes could not be measured even by the heads of mystic powers like
hearing of the transcendental activities of the Lord. One can feel like that Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. Can any one, who is expert in relishing
practically as much as one can feel the result of eating foodstuff within mellow, be fully satisfied by hearing the topics of Him ?
oneself. spiritual realisation acts in that way. Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are two heads of the demi-gods. They are full of
The sages of Naimisaranya were practically sufferers from the smoke of a mystic powers. For example Lord Shiva drunk an ocean of poison of which
sacrificial fire and were doubtful about the result; but by hearing from a one drop is sufficient to kill an ordinary living being. Similarly Brahama
realised person like Suta Goswami they were fully satisfied. In the could create many such powerful demigods including Lord Shiva. So they are
Brahmavaivarta Puranam it is said by Vishnu to Shiva that in the age of Kali Iswaras or the lords of the universe. But they are not the Supreme powerful.
men full with anxieties of various kinds, can vainly labour in the matter of The Supreme powerful is Govinda Lord Krishna. He is trancendence and His
fruitive activity and philosophical speculations but when they are engaged in trancedental attributes could not be measured even by such powerful Iswaras
the matter of devotional service, the result is sure and certain without any loss like Shiva and Brahma. Therefore. Lord Krishna is the exclusive shelter of the
of energy. In other words anything performed either for spiritual realisaiion or greatest of all living beings. Brahma is counted amongst the living beings but
for material benefit, can not be successful without being accompanied by he is the greatest of all us. And why such greatest of all the living being is so
devotional service of the Lord. much attached to the transcendental topic of Lord Krishna ? Because He is the
Tulayama lavena api na swargam na apunarbhavam reservoir of all mellows. Every one wants to relish some kind of mellow from
Bhagwatsamgi sangasya martanam kim uia ashisah. everything in use but one one who is engaged in tne transcendental loving
service of the Lord can derive unlimited mellow from such engagement. The
Tulayama—to be balanced with, Lavena—by a moment, Api—even, Na— Lord is unlimited and His Name, Attributes, Pastimes, Entourage
never, Swargam—heavenly planets, Na—neither, Apunarbhavam—liberation variegatedness everything are unlimited and those who relish in them can do
from matter, Bhagwatsamgi—Devotee of the Lord, Samgasya—of the so unlimitedly and still no body feels satiated in such transcendental
association, Martanam—those who are meant for death, Kim—what is there, engagements. This fact in confirmed in the Padam Puranam and it is said thus.
Uta—to speak of, Ashisah—worldly benediction. (In Devanagari:)
The value of a moment's association with the devotee of the Lord cannot "ramante yogino ’nante satyanande cid-atmani
be compared even with the value of attainment of heavenly planets or iti rama-padenasau param brahmabhidhiyate"
becoming birthless (liberation from matter) and what to speak about
wordly benediction in the shape of material prosperity of persons who There is no end of such transcendental discourses. In mundane affairs there is
are meant for death. law of satiation but in the transcendence there is no such satiation. Suta
Goswami desired to continue the topics of Lord Krishna before the sages of
When there are some points of similarities it is possible then to compare one Naimisaranya and sages also expressed their readiness to hear from him
thing with similar another. As such one cannot compare association of a pure continually; because the Lord being transcendence and this attributes being
devotee, with anything materially valuable. Men who are too much addicted transcendental, such discourses increase receptive mood of the purified
with material happiness, aspire after reaching the heavenly planets like the audience.
planet of Moon, Venus Indraloka etc and those who are advanced in matesial
philosophical speculations do aspire after liberation from all material Tat no bhavan vai bhagawat pradhano
bondage. When one becomes frustrated in all kinds of material advancement Mahattamo ekanta parayanasya
of prosperity, one desires after the opposite number of liberation which is Harer udaram charitam visuddham
called Apunarbhava or not to take birth again. But the pure devotees of the Sushrusatam no vitanotu vidwan.
Lord do not aspire after the happiness obtained in the heavenly kingdom Tat—therefore, No—of us, Bhavan—your goodself, Vai—certainly,
neither do they aspire after liberation from the material bondage. In other Bhagawat—in relation with the qersonality of Godhead, Pradhano—chiefly,
words for the pure devotees of the Lord the material pleasures obtainable in Mahattamo—the greatest of all great, Ekanta—exclusively, Parayanasya—of
the heavenly planets are something like phantasmagoria and because they are the shelter, Harer—of the Lord, Udaram—impartial, Charitam—activities,
already liberated from all material conception of pleasure and distresses, they Vishudham—transcendental, Sushrvsatam—those who are receptive, No—
are factually liberated even in the material world. This means the pure ourselves, Vitanotu—kindly describe, Vidwna—oh the learned.
devotees of the Lord are engaged in a different transcendental objective of Oo Suta Goswami you are learned and a pure devotee of the Lord
existence namely in the loving service of the Lord in this material world or in because the Personaiity of Godhead is chiefly your object of service.
the spiritual world. As government servant is always the same, either in the Therefore the pastimes of the Lord which is above all material
office or at home or at any place, so a devotee has nothing to do with anything conception, may kindly be described by you to us who are anxious to
material and they are exclusively engaged in the matter of transcendental receive such messages.
service of the Lord. As they have nothing to do with anything material what
pleasuse they can derive in the matter of material benedictions like kingship The qualification of the speaker of the transcendental activities of the Lord, is
or similal other overlordship which are finished quickly along with the end of that one should have only one object of worship and service of Lord Krishna
the body. Devotional service is eternal and it has no finishing because it is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And the audience for such topic are
spiritual. Such transcendental engagement is eternal and is never to be those who are anxious to hear about Him. When such combination is made
finished. Therefore, the assets, of a pure devotee being completely different possible namely the qualified speaker and the qualified audience it is then and
from material assets, there is no question of comparision between the two, there it becomes very much congenial to continue the discourses of the
Suta Goswami was a pure devotee of the Lord and therefore his association transcendence. Professional speaker and materially absorbed audience cannot
for the Rishis in the Naimisaranya engaged in fruitive sacrificial activities, is derive the real benefit from such discourses. Professional speakers make a
not comparable. Association of Suta Goswami for the sage is unique. In the show of Bhagwat Saptaha for the sake of family maintenance and the
material world, association of the gross materialists is veritably condemned. materially disposed audience hear such discourses of Bhagwat Saptaha for
The materialiset is called, yoshitsamgi or one who is much attached with some material benefit namely religiosity, wealth, gratification of the senses or
material engagement of women and paraphernalia. Such attachment is liberation. Such exchange business of Bhagwatam discourses, is not purified
conditioned because it drives away benedictions of life and prosparity. And from the contamination of material qualities. But the discourses between the
just the opposite number is "Bhagwatsamgi' or one who is always in the saints of Naimisranya and Sri Suta Goswami are on the transcendental level
association of the Lord's Name Form Qualities etc. Such association is always for the sake of hearing the Lord's activities without any motive for material
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gain. In such discourses only the unlimited transcendental mellow is relished knowledge and religiosity specifically it is enriched with devotional service of
both by the audience and speaker and therefore they can continue the topics the Lord.
for many thousands of Bhagwat Saptahas held for seven days only and after Suta Uvacha
finishing the show, both the audience and the speaker become engaged in Aho vayam janmabhrito adya haasma
material activities as usual. They can do so because neither the speaker is Briddhanuvrittyapi vilomajatah.
Bhagwat Pradhana nor the audience is Sushrusu as explained above. Douskulyam adhim vidunoti sighram
Sa vai mahabhagawatah parikshit Mahattamanam abhidhana yogah.
Yena apvargakhyam adabhra buddhih Aho—how, Vayam—we, Janmabhrito—promoted in birth, Adya—today,
Jnanena vaisaki sabditena Ha—clearly, Asma—have become, Briddhanuvrittya—by serving those who
Bheje khagendra dhwaja padamulam. are advanced in knowledge, Api—although, Vilomajatah—born in mixed
Sa—he, Vai—certainly, Mahabhagawatah—first class devotee, Parikshit—the caste, Douskulyam—disqualification of birth, Adhim—sufferings,
king, Yena—by which, Apavargakhyam—by the name of liberation, Vidhunoti—purifies, Sighram—very soon, Mahattamanam—of those who are
Adabhra—fixed up, Buddhi—intelligence, Jnanena—by knowledge, great, Abhidhana—conversation, Yogah—connection.
Vaiasaki—the son of Vyasa, Sabditena—vibrated by, Bheje—taken to, Oh, God, although we are born in the mixed caste still we are distinctly
Khagendra—Gaduda the king of the birds, Dhwaja—flag, Padamulam—palm promoted in our birthright simply by serving and following the great who
of the feet. are advanced in knowledge. Even by connection with great souls in the
Oh Suta Goswami you please do describe that topics of the Lord by matter of conversation, one can cleanse up disqualification of lower birth
which Maharaj Parikshit fixed up in intelligence of liberation attained without any delay.
the lotus feet of the Lord shelter of Goduda the king of the bird by Suta Goswami did not take his birth in the family of Brahmin. He was born in
hearing instruction vibrated by the son of Vyasa the family of mixed caste or uncultured low family. But still on account of
There is some controversy amongst the students on the path of liberation. good and higher association like learning from Sri Sukadeva Goswami and
Such transcendental students are known as the impersonalist and the devotee again explaining them before the great Rishis of Naimsaranya, certainly the
of the Lord. The devotee of the Lord worships the transcendental Form of the disqualification of his inferior birth was washed off. Lord Sri Chaitanya
Lord, whereas the impersonalist meditates upon the glaring effulgence of the Mahaprabhu followed this principles in pursuance of the Vedic usages and by
bodily ray of the Lord known as the Brhmajyoti. Here in this verse it is said His transcendental association He elevated many low born or disqualified by
that Maharaj Parikshit attained the lotus feet of the Lord by instructions of birth or action to the status of devotional service and established them in the
knowledge delivered by the son of Vyasadeva Srila Sukadeva Goswami. position of Acharyas or the authorities. He clearly defined that any man
Sukadeva Goswami was also an impersonalist in the beginning as he has whatever he may be either a Brahmin or Sudra by birth, or a house-holder or
admitted himself in the Bhagwatam (SB 2.l.9); but later on he was attracted mendicant by the order of society, if one is conversant with the science of
by the transcendental pastimes of the Lord and thus became a devotee. Such Krashna, one can be accepted as the Acharya or Guru the spirtual master.
devotees with perfect knowledgc is called Mahabhagawata or the first elass Suta Goswami learnt the science of Krishna from great Rishis and
devotee. There are three classes of devotee namely the Prakrito, Madhyam authorities like Sukdeva, Vyasdeva etc and he was so much qualified that
and Mahabhagawata or the 3rd, 2nd, 1st class class devotees respectively, The even the sages of Naimisaranya eagerly wanted to hear from him the science
Prakiita or 3rd class devotees are temple worshippers without any specific of Krishna in the form of Srimad Bhagwatam. So he had double association of
knowledge of the Lord and the Lord's devotees, The Madhyam or the 2nd great souls in the matter of hearning and preaching also. Transcendental
class devotee knows well the Lord, the Lord's devotee, the neophytes and the science or the science of Krishna has to be learnt from the authorities and
nondevotees also. But the Mahabhagawata or the first class devotee sees every being conversant in the science when one preaches the science, he becomes
thing in relation with the Lord and the Lord present in every one's relation. still more qualified. So Suta Goswami had both the advahtages and as such
The Mahabhagwata therefore does not make any distinction particularly undoubtedly he was completely freed from all disqualification of low birth
between a devotee and non devotee. Maharaj Pasikshit was such disadvantages of mental agonies. This verse definitely proves it, that neither
Mahabhagwata devotee because he was initiated by the Mahabhagawata Srila Sukadeva Goswami denied to teach Suta Goswami about the
devotee like Sukadeva Goswami. He was equally kind even to the personality transcendental science nor the sages of the Naimisaranya denied to have
of Kali and what to speak of others. lessons from him on account of his inferior birth-right. This means that
So there are many instances in the transcendental histories of the world that thousands of years before also there was not bar in the matter of learning or
an impersonalist has later on become a devotee; but never a devotee has preaching the transcendental science on account of inferior birth. The rigidity
become an impersonlist. This very fact proves that on the transcendental of so called caste-system in Hindu society became prominent within one
steps, the step occupied by a devotee is higher than the step occupied by the hundred years or so only when the number of Dwijabandhus or disqualified
impersonlist. It is also stated in the Bhagwat Geeta (Bg. 12.5) that persons men in the the family of higher castes, increased. Lord Sri Chaitanya revived
stuck up by the impersonal step undergoes more sufferings than achievement original vedic system and He elevated Thakur Haridas to the position of
of reality. Therefore knowledge imparted by Sukadeva Goswami unto the Namacharya or the authority in the matter of preaching the glories of the holy
king Maharaj Parikshit, helped him to attain the service of the Lord. And to Name of the Lord, although His Holiness Srila Haridas Thakur was pleased to
attain to this stage of perfection is called Apavarga or the perfect stage of appear himself in the family of a Mahamedan.
liberation. Simple knowledge of liberation, is material knowledge. Actually Such is the power of pure devotees of the Lord. The Ganges water is
freedom from material bondage is called liberation; but to attain the accepted to be pure and one can become purified after taking bath in the water
transcendental service of the Lord is called the perfect stage of liberation. of the Ganges; but so far the great devotees of the Lord are concerned they
Such stage is attained by knowledge and renunciation as we have already can purify a degraded soul even by being seen by the low born and what to
explained (Bhag. l.2.12) and perfect knowledge as was delivered by Srila speak of associating with them? Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprbhu wanted to
Sukdeva Goswami, results in the attainment of transcendental service of the purify the whole atmosphere of the poluted world by sending qualified
Lord. preachers all over the world and it remains with the Indians only to take up
Tat nah param punyam asambritartham the task scientifically and thus to do the best kind of humanitarian work of
Akhyanam ati adbhuta yoganistham preaehing the holy Name of the Lord by qualified men than to immitate some
Akhyahi ananta acharitam upapannam sterio-typed immitation philonthrophic work like opening of hospitals etc. The
Parikhitam bhagawata abhramam. mental disease of the present generation is more acute than bodily diseases; it
is quite fitness of things and proper to take up the work of preaching Srimad
Tat—therefore, Nah—unto us, Param—Supreme, Punyam—purifying, Bhagwatam all oven the world by proper personalities and without any delay.
Asambhritartham—as it is, Akhyanam—narration, Ati—very, Adbhutam— Mahattamanam Abhidhana means also dictionary of great devotees or a book
wonderful, Yoganistha—compact in Bhaktiyoga, Akhyahi—describe, full of the words of great devotees. Such dictionary of the words of great
Ananta—the unlimited, Acharitam—activities, Upapannam—full of, devotees and that of the Lord in the Veda and allied literatures specifically the
Parikshitam—spoken to Maharaj Parikshit, Bhagawata—of the pure devotees, Srimad Bhagwatam."
Abhirama—particularly very dear.
Kutah punar grinatah nama tasya
Therefore you may narrate before us the narrations of the unlimited as Mahattama ekanta parayansya.
they are purifying and supreme as they were spoken to Maharaj Yo ananta shaktirbhagwan ananto
Parikshit full of Bhaktiyoga and very dear to the pure devotees. Mahad gunatwat yam anantam ahu.
By mentioning what was spoken to Maharaj Parikshit and which is very dear Kutah—what to say, Punar—again, Grinatah—one who chants, Nama—holy
to the pure devotees means Srimad Bhagwatam. Srimad Bhagwatam is mainly Name, Tasya—his, Mahattama—great devotees, Ekanta—exclusive,
full of the narrations in respect of the activities of the Supreme unlimited and Parayanasya—of one who is shelter of, Yo—He who, Ananta—is the
therefore it is the science of Bhaktiyoga or devotional service of the Lord. As unlimited, Shakti—potency, Bhagawan—the Personality of Godhead,
such it is para or the supreme because although it is enriched with all
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Eighteenth Chapter - Maharaj Parikshit Cursed By A Brahmin Boy
Ananto—immeasurable, Mahad—great, Gunatwat—on account of such Atha—therefore, Api—certainly, Yat—whose, Padanakha—nails of the feet,
attributes, Yam—whom, Ananta—by the name, Ahu—is called. Avasristam—emanating, Jagat—the whole universe, Virincha—Brahmaji,
What to say about those who under the direction of great devotees chant Upahrita—collected. Arhanam—worship, Ambha—water, Sa—along with,
the holy name of the unlimited Who has unlimited potency. The Isham—Lord Shiva, Punati—purifies, Anyatamo—who else, Mukundat—
Personality of Godhead being unlimited in potency and trascendental by besides the Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna, Ko—who, Nama—name,
attributes, is called the Ananta (unlimited). Loke—within the world, Bhagwat-Supreme Lord, Pada—position, Artha—
worth.
The Dwijabandhu class of men or the less intelligent uncultured members
born of higher castes, do put forward many arguments against the principle of Who can else be worth the name of the Supreme Lord except the
lower caste man's becoming a Brahmin even in this life. They argue that birth Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna because Brahmaji collected the
in the family of Sudras or less than the Sudras, is made possible by one's water emanating from the nails of his feet to award to Lord Shiva as
previous sinful acts and therefore one has to complete the terms of worshipful welcome. The same water (the Ganges) is purifying the whole
disadvantages due to lower birth. And to answer these false logicians, Srimad untverse including the Lord Shiva.
Bhagwatam asserts that one who chants the holy name of the Lord under the Conception of many gods in the Vedic literatures by ignorant mass is
direction of pure devotees can at once get free from the disadvantages due to completely wrong. The Lord is one without a second but He expands Himself
lower caste birth. A pure devotee of the Lord does not commit any offence in many and this is confirmed in the Vedas. Such expansions of the Lord is
while chanting the holy name of the Lord. There are ten different kinds of limitless but some of them are the Supreme Lord Himself in full and some of
offences in the matter of chanting the holy name of the Lord and to chant the them are the living entities. The living entities are not as powerful as the
holy name of the Lord under the direction of a pure devotee means Lord's plenary expansions and therefore there are two different types of
offenceless chanting. Offenceless chanting of the holy name of the Lord is expansions. Lord Brahma is generally one of the living entities and Lord
transcendental and, therefore, such chanting of the holy name can at once Shiva is via media between the Lord and thei living entities. In other words
purify one from the effects of all kinds of previous sins. This offenceless even demigods like Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva who are the chief amongst
chanting means that one has fully understood the transcendental nature of the all other demigods, are never equal or greater than Lord Vishnu the Supreme
holy name and thus surrendered unto the Lord. Transcendentally the holy Personality of Godhead. The Godess of Eortune Lakshmi, the all powerful
name of the Lord and the Lord Himself is identical as Absolute. Such demigods like Brahma and Shiva all are engaged in the worship of Vishnu or
offenceless holy Name of the Lord is as powerful as the Lord. The Lord is all Lord Krishna and as such who else can be more powerful than Mukunda
powerful Personality of Godhead and He has innumerable Names which are (Lord Krishna) to be factually called as the Supreme Personallity of Godhead
all non-different from Him and are equally powerful also. In the last word of ? The Goddess of fortune Lakshmiji, Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva all of them
the Bhagwat Geeta the Lord asserts that any one who surrenders fully unto are not independantly powerful but they are powerful as expantions of the
Him, is protected from all sins by the Grace of the Lord. And His Name, and Supreme Lord and all of them are engaged in the transcendental loving
He Himself being identical the holy Name of the Lord can similarly protect service of the Lord and so also the living entities are. There are four sects of
the devotee from all effects of sins. The chanting of the holy name of the Lord worshipful devotees of the Lord and the chief amongst them are the Brahma
on acconnt of His becoming equally powerful like the Lord, can undoubtedly Sampradaya, Rudra Sampradaya and Shri Sampradaya descending directly
deliver one from the disadvantages of lower caste birth. The Lord's unlimited from Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and the Goddess of fortune Lakshmi
power is extended on and on by unlimited expansion of devotee and respectively. Besides the above mentioned three Sampradayas there is the
incarnations and as such every devotee of the Lord and incarnation also can Kumar Sampradaya descending from Sanat Kumars and all the four original
equally be surcharged with the unlimited potency of the Lord. The devotees Sampradayas are still scrupulously engaged in the transcendental service of
thus being surcharged with the poteney of the Lord even by fractional parts, the Lord up to date declaring thereof that Lord Krishna Mukunda is the
the disqualification due to lower birth for previous reaction of sinful acts, Supreme Personality of Godhead and no other personality is either equal with
cannot stand in the way. Him or greater than Him.
Etavata alam nanu suchitena Yatra anuraktah sahasa eva dheerah
Gunair asamya anatisayanasya. Vyapohya deha adisu samgam udham
Hitwa itaran prarthayatoa bibhutir Baajanti tat paramhansam antam
Yasyamghri renum jushate anabhilsoh. Yasmin ahimsa upasamam swadharmah.
Etavata—so far so, Alam—unnecessary, Nanu—if at all, Suchitena—by Yatra—unto whom Anuraktah —firmly attached, Sahasa—all of a sudden,
description, Gunair—by attributes, Asamya—immeasurable, Eva—certainly, Dheerah—Self controlled, Vyapohya—leaving aside, Deho—
Anatisayanasya—of one who is unexcelled, Hitwa—leaving aside, Itaran— the gross and subtle mind, Adisu—relating to, Samgam—attachment,
others, Prathyator—of those who ask for. Bibhutir—fovour of fortune Udham—taken to, Braja ti—go away, Tat-that, Paramahansam—the highest
goddess, Yasya—one whose, Amghri—feet, Jushate—serves, Anabhipsoh— stage of perfection, Antyam—and beyond that, Yasmin—in which, Ahimsa—
of one who is unwilling. non-violence, Upasamam—and renuncia tion, Swadharmah—sequential
So far it is now ascertained that He (the Personality of Godhead) is occupation.
unlimited and there is non equal with Him. As such no body can Self controlled persons who are attached to the Supreme Lord Sri
completely say anything about Him. The reason is that great demigods Krishna all of a sudden give up the world of material attachment in
even by prayers cannot attain the favour of goddess of fortune but the relation with the gross body and subtle mind and go away to attain ihe
same goddess of fortune renders service unto the Lord although He is highest perfection of renounced order of life in which non-violence and
unwilling to have such service. renunciation are sequential occupations.
The Personality of Godhcad or the Paramaeswara Param Brahma is described Only the self-controlled persons can gradually be attached with the Supreme
in the Srutis that He has nothing to do, He has no equal neither he has any one Personality of Godhead. Self controlled means those who do not indulge in
excelling Him. He has unlimited potencies and every action of Him is carried the matter af sense enjoyment more then what is necessary. And those who
systematically in His natural and perfect ways. As such the Supreme are not self controlled they are given to the matter of sense enjoyment. Dry
Personality of Godhead is full in Hinself and he has nothing to accept from philosophical speculation is also subtle sense enjoyment of the mind. Sense
any one else including the great demigods like Brahma and others do ask for enjoyment leads one to the path of darkness and those who are self controlled
the favour of the Goddess of fortune and inspite of such prayers the goddess can make progress on the path of liberation form the conditional life of
of fortune declines to award such favours. But still she renders service unto material exisence. The Vedas, tnerefore, enjoins that one may not go on the
the Supreme Peronality of Godhead although He has nothing to accept from path of darkness but one may make progressive march towards the path of
Her. The Personality of Godhead is his Mahavishna feature begets the first light or liberation form material conditions. Self control is actually achieved
created person, in the material world, Brahma from His naval stem of lotus not by any artificial means of stopping the senses from material enjoyment but
and not in the womb of the Goddess of fortunes who is eternally engaged in it can be so obtained when one is factually attached with the Supreme Lord by
His service. These are some of the instances about His complete independence engaging one's unalloyed senses in the trascendental service of the Lord. The
and perfection in Himself 'He has nothing to do' does not mean that He is senses cannot be forcibly curbed down but they must be given proper
impersonal He is transcendentally so full of inconceivable potencies that engagement. Purified senses are, therefore, always engaged in the
simply by His willing, everything is done without any physical or personal trascendental service of the Lord and as such perfectional stage of sense
endeavour. He is called therefore as yogeswara or the Lord of all mystic engagement is called the Bhaktiyoga. So those who are attached to the means
powers. of Bhaktiyoga are factually self controlled and do all of a sudden give up their
Atha api yat pada nakha avamstam homely or bodily attachment and give them up completely in the service of
Jagat virincha uphritarhanam bhah the Lord which is called Param hansya stage. Hansas or the swans do accept
Sa isham puaati anyatamo mukundat the milk only out of a mixture of milk and water. Similarly those, who accept
Ko nama loke bhagwat pado arthah. the service of the Lord instead of the matter are also called the Paramhasas.
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Such paramhansas are naturally qualified with all the good attributes such as socalled worldly affairs and as such sometimes He creates an awkward
pridelessness, non vanity, nonviolence, tolerance, simplicity, respectability, sitation when the devotee becomes obliged to renounce all worldly affairs.
worship devotion, sincerity and all those godly qualities exist in the devotee The devotee can understand it by the signal of the Lord but others take it as a
of the Lord spontaneously. Such Paramhansas who are completely given up to matter of unfavourable frustration. Maharaj Parikshit was meant for becoming
the service of the Lord are very rare. They are very rare even amongst the medium of revelation of Srimad Bhagwatam by Lord Sri Krishna as much
liberated souls. Real nonviolence means not to be envious. In this world every as his grand father Arjuna was meant for revelation of the Bhagwat Geeta in
one is envious of his fellow being. But a perfect Paramhansa being completely the world. Had not had Arjuna taken up with an illusion of family affection by
given up to service of the Lord is perfectly non-envious. He loves every living the will af the Lord, there was no chance of the Bhagwat Geeta being spoken
being in relation with the Supreme Lord and real renunciation means to have by the Lord Himself for the good of all concerned. Similarty had not had
perfeet dependence in God. Every living being is dependant on somebody Maharaj Parikshit been fatigued, hungry and thtrsty at this time, there was no
else, because, he is so made. Actually one is dependant on the mercy of the chance of Srimad Bhagwatam being spoken by Srila Sukdehva Goswami the
Supreme Lord but when one forgets his relation with the Lord he becomes prime authority of Srimad Bhagwatam. So this is a prelude to the
dependant on the conditions of material nature. Renunciation means to circumstances under which Srimad Bhagwatam was spoken for the benefit of
renounce one's dependence on the conditions of material nature and thus be all concerned. The prelude, therefore, begins with the word that once upon a
completely dependant on the mercy of the Lord. Real independence means to time etc.
have complete faith in the mercy of the Lord without being dependant on the Pratiruddha indriya prana mana buddhim uparatam
conditions of matter. This Paramhansa stage is the highest perfectional stage Sthana trayat param praptam brahmabhutam avikriam.
in the matter of Bhaktiyoga or the process of devotional service of the
Suprcme Lord. Pratiruddha—restrained, Indriya—the sense organs, Prana—air of respiration,
Mana—the mind, Buddhim—inteligence, Uparatam—inactive, Sthana—
Aham hi pristo aryamanah bhavadbhir places, Trayat—from the three, Param—transcendental, Praptam—achieved,
Achaksha atma abagama atra yavan Brahmabhutam—qualitatively equal with the Supreme Absolute, Avikriam—
Nabhah utpatanti atmasamam patatrin unaffected.
Samam vishnugatim bipaschitah.
The Muni's sense organs, air of breathing, mind and intelligence all were
Aham—my humbleself, Hi—certainly, Pristah—asked by you, Aryamanah— restrained from material activities and he got himself situated in the
as powerful as the sun, Bhavadbhir—by you, Achakska—may describe, trance apart from the three (awakeness. dream and unconsciousness)
Atmabagama—as far as my knowledge is concerned Atra—herein, Yavan— having achieved transcendental position qualitatively equal with the
so far, Nabhah—sky, Utpatanti—fly on, Atmasamam—as far as it can, Supreme Absolute.
Patatrin—the birds, Samam—simillarly, Vishnugatim—knowledge of Vishnu,
Vipaschitah—even though learned. It appears that the Muni in whose hermitage the King entered was in trance
Yogic process. Transcendental position is attained by three processes namely
Oh the rishis who are as powerful of purity as the Sun, I shall try to the process of Jnana or theoritical knowledge of transcendence, the process of
describe before you all about the transcendental pastimes of Vishnu as Yoga or factual realisation of trance by manipulation of the physiological and
far as my knowedge is concerned. As the birds do fly over the sky as far psychological functions of the body, and the most approved process of
its capacity so also learned devotees also do describe about the Lord as Bhakti-Yoga or the senses engaged in devotional service of the Lord. In the
far as their realisation. Bhagwat Geeta also we have the information of gradual development of
The supreme absolute truth is unlimited. No living being can know about the perception, from matter to living entity. Our material mind and body develop
Unlimited by one's limited capacity. The Lord is both impersonal and from the living entity the soul and being influenced by the three qualities of
personal also as well as localised. By His impersonal feature He is all matter we forget our real identity. The Jnana process theoritically speculates
pervading Brahman, by His localised feature He is present in every one's heart ascendingly about the reality of the soul. But Bhaktiyoga factually engages
as the Supreme Soul and by His ultimate Personal feature He is the object of the spirit soul in factual activities. Perception of matter is to transcended still
transcendental loving service by His fortunate associates the pure devotees. more subtler state of the senses. The senses are transcended to the subtler
As the birds can fly in the sky in part only similarly the pastimes of the Lord mind, and then to breathing activities gradually to intellignence and beyond
in different features can only be estimated partly by the great learned the intelligence the living soul is realised by the mechanical activities of the
devotees. So Srila Suta Goswatni has rightly taken his position in the matter Yoga system or practice of meditation restraining the seenses, regulating the
of describing the pastimes of the Lord as far as he had had realised. Factually breathing system and application of intelligence to rise up to the
the Lord only Himself can descri be about Himself and His learned devotee transcendental position of living condition. This living condition of trance
also can describe about Him as far as the Lord gives him the power of stops all material activities of the body and the King saw the Muni in that
description. position. He also saw the Muni as follows.
Ekada dhanur udyamya vicharan mrigayam vane Viprakirna jatachhannam rourevena ajinena cha
Mrigan anugatah shrantah kshudhito taisito bhrisam Visusyat talur udakam tathabhutam ayachata.
Jalasayam achakshanah pravivesha tam ashramam Viprakirna—all scattered, Jatacnhahnam—covered with compressed
Dadarsha munim asinam santam milita lochanam. elongated hair, Rourevena—by the skin of a stag, Ajinena—by ihe skin,
Ekada—once upon a time, Dhanur—arrows and bow, Udyamya—taking it Cha—also, Visusyat—dried up, Talur—palate, Udakam—water,
firmly, Vicharan—following, Mrigayam—hunting excursion, Vane—in the Tathabhutam—in that state, Ayachata—asked for.
forest, Jalasayam—reservoir of water, Achakshanah—while finding out, The sage in meditation was also seen covered by the skin of stag and
Mrigan—stags, Anugatah—while following, Shrantah—fatigued, elongated compressed hair. The King, however, being dried up by his
Kshuditah—hungry, Trisito—being thirsty, Bhrisham—exteremely, palate asked him for water.
Pravivesha—entered into, Tam—that famous, Ashramam—hermitage of The King being too much affected by the dried up palate asked the sage-in-
Samika Rishi, Dadarsha—Saw, Munim—the sage, Asinam—seated, trance for water. For such a great and devotee king asking for water from sage
Santam—all silent, Milita—closed, Locnanam—eyes. absorbed in trance, was eertainly providencial: otherwise there was no chance
Once upon a time Maharaj Parikshit while engaged in hunting in the of such unprecedental happening. Maharaj Parikshit was thus placed in an
forest with arrows and bow firmly taken up became extemely fatigued, awkward position so that gradually the whole thing developed in to the
hungry and thirsty while following the stags. And in search after the revelation of Srimad Bhagwatam.
reservoir of water he entered the hermitage of the well-known Samika Alabdha trina bhumyadir asamprapta argha sunritah
Rishi and saw the sage was sitting all silent with closed eyes. Avajnatam iva atmanam manyamanas chukopa ha.
The Srpreme Lord is so kind upon His pure devotees that in proper time he Alabdha—having not received, Trina—seat of straw, Bhumi—place,
calls for such devotees up to Him and thus creates a circumstance favourably Asamprapta—not properly received, Argha—receptional water, Sunritam—
auspicious for the devotee. Maharaj Parikshit was pure devotee of the Lord sweet words, Avajnatam—thus being neglected, Atmanam—personally,
and there was no reason for him to become extemely fatigued hungry and Iva—like that, Manyamanas—thinking like that, Chukopa—became angry,
thirsty because a devotee of the Lord never becomes perturbed by such bodily Ha—in that way.
demands. But by the desire of the Lord even such a devotee also became
apparently fatigued ane thirsty just to create the situation favourable for his The King having not received any formal welcome in the shape of seat,
renunciation of worldly activities. One has to give up all attachment for place, water, and sweet addresses, thought himself of being neglected and
worldly relation before one is able to go back to home back to Godhead and thus thinking in the mind he became angry in that way.
as such even a devotee when he is too much absorbed in worldly affairs, the The law of reception in the codes of the Vedic principles is that even if any
Lord creates a situation for the devotee's cause of indifference. The Supreme enemy is received at home, he must be received with all respects without
Lord never forgets His pure devotee even the latter may be engaged in giving him chance to understand that he has come to the house of an enemy.
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Eighteenth Chapter - Maharaj Parikshit Cursed By A Brahmin Boy
When Lord Krishna accompanied by Arjuna and Bhima approached their Esa—this, Kim—whether, Nibhritasesha—meditative mood Karano—senses,
enemy Jarasandha in Magadh, the respectable enemies were given royal Milita—closed, Ikshanah—eyes, Mrisa—false, Samadhir—trance, Aho—
reception by king Jarasandha. The guest enemy namely Bhima was to fight remains, Swit—if it is so, Kim—either, Nu—but, Syat—may be,
with Jarasandha and yet they were given all reception. At night they used to Kshatrabandhubhih—by the lower Kshatriga.
sit down together as friends as guests would do and in the day time they used While going cut he began to contemplate and argue within himself
flght risking life and death. That was the law of reception. The reception law whether the sage was actually in meditation by concentration of the
enjoins that a poor man who has nothing to offer his guest may be good senses and closed eyes or it was a false show of trance just to avoid
enough to offer a straw for sitting, a glass of water for drinking and some reception of a lower Kshatriya.
sweet words of reception as a matter of obligation. Therefore, to receive a
guest either friend or foe, there is no expenses but it is only the question of The king however being devotee of the Lord did not approve of his own
good manner. action towards the sage and thus he began to contemplate both ways whether
When Maharaj Parikshit entered the door of Samik Rishi, although he did the pasition of the sage was a reality of trance by meditation or it was a false
not expect any royal reception by the Rishi, because the king knew it well that show to avoid reception of the king who was Kshatriya and therefore lower in
saints and Rishis are not materially richman. But he never expected that even rank than the sage. Repentance like that comes in the mind of goodsoul as
a seat of straw, a glass of water and some sweet words also would be denied soon as he commits something wrong. As such the king thinking like that may
to him. He was not an ordinary guest neither he was an enemy of the Rishi not be taken as occurance of past misdeeds. Srila Viswanath Chakravarty
and as such the coldness of reception by the Rishi astonished the king very Thakur as well as Srila Jiva Goswami both of them do not agree that the
greatly and as a matter of course the king was right to get angry upon the king's action like that was due to his past misdeeds. But the arrangement was
Rishi in such awkward position when he needed a glass of water very badly. so made by the Lord to make show of frustration of the king just to call him
To become angry in such grave situation was not unnatural for the king but back to home back to Godhead.
because the king himself was not less than a great saint his becoming angry According to Srila Viswanath Chakravarty the plan was made by the Lord
and taking action for that, were also astonishing and it must be taken for and by the will of the Lord the situation of frustration was created by Him.
acceptance that it was so ordained by the supreme will of the Lord. The king The plan was that by the so called misdeed of the king he would be cursed by
was a great devotee of the Lord and the saint was was also as good as the inexperienced Brahmin boy infected by the influence of Kali and thus the king
king. But by the will of the Lord the circumstances were so created that it would leave his hearth and home for good and his connection with Srila
became a clue to the king's becoming unattached to family connection and Sukdeva Goswami would be possible for presenting the great literature of
governmental activities and thus becoming completely a surrendered soul Srimad Bhagwatam which is considered to be the book incarnation of the
unto the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. The merciful Lord sometimes creates such Lord. This book incarnation ofthe Lord gives many fascinating informations
awkward position for his pure devotee inorder to drag him towards Himself of the transcendental pastimes of the Lord like his Rasaleela by the Lord with
from the mire of material existence but outwardly they appear to bo the spiritual cowherd damsels of Brajabhumi. This specifie pastimes of the
something like frustration of the devotee. The devotee of the Lord is always Lord bas a special significane because any one who will properly learn about
under the protection of the Lord and in any condition, frustration or success this particular pastime of the Lord would certainly be dissuaded from the
the Lord is the supreme guide for the devotee. The pure devotee therefore, mundane sex desire and be placed on the path of sublime devotional loving
accepts all conditions of frustration even as blessing from the Lord. service of the Lord. Therefore placing the pure devotee in a position of
mundane frustration is meant for elevating the devotee to a higher
Abhutapurbah sahsa kshut tridbhyam ardita atmanah transcendental position for the benefit of the devotee. By placing Arjuna or
Brahmanam prati abhut brahman matsaro manyur eva cha. the Pandavas in a position of frustration by the intrigue of their cousin
Abhutapurva—unprecedental, Sahasa—circumstantially, Kshut-hunger, brothers the prelude of the battle of Kurukshetra was created by the Lord just
Tridbhyam—as well as by thirst, Ardita—being distressed, Atmanah—of his to incarnate the sound representative of the Lord Bhagwat Geeta so also by
self, Brahmanam—unto a Brahmin, Prati—counter, Abhut—became, placing the king Parikshit another devotee of the Lord in an awkward position
Brahman—oh the Brahmins Matsaro—envious, Manyur-angry, Eva—thus, the prelude of incarnation of Srimad Bhagwatam was crearted by the will of
Cha—and. the Lord. To be very much distressed by the so called hunger and thirst of the
Oh the Brahmins, thus unprecedently the King became counter angry king were also show only because the king was painstaking even from the
and envious upon a Brahmin (the sage) circumstantially being pressed by womb of his mother and he was never disturbed by the glaring heat of the
too much hunger and thirst. Brahmastra struck upon him by Aswatthama. The king's show of distressed
condition was certainly unprecedential as mentioned above. The devotees like
To become angry and envious by king like Maharaj Parikshit especially upon Maharaj Parikshit are powerful enough to forbear such distresses occasionaly
a sage and Brahmin was undoubtedly unprecedential. The king knew it well by the will of the Lord and they are never disturbed. The situation of this case
that the Brahmins and the sages like children, women and old men are always is therefore all planed by thc Lord.
beyond the jurisdiction of punishment of the king. Similarly the king even
though he may commit a great mistake he is never to be considered as wrong Tasya putra ati tejaswai viharan valkair arbhakaih
doer. But in this case Maharaj Parikshit became unprecedently as angry and Rajna agham prapitam tatam srutwa tatra idam avrabit.
envious upon the sage due to his socalled thirst and hunger by the will of the Tasya—His (the sage's) Putra—son. Ati—awfully, Tejaswi—powerfull,
Lord. The king was right to punish his subject for coldly receiving him or Viharan—whille playing, Valakair—with boys, Arbhakaih—who were all
neglecting him but because the culprit was a Sage and Brahmin it was childish, Rajna—by the king, Agham—distress, Prapitam—made to have,
unprecedential for him. As the Lord is never envious to any one so also the Srutwa—by hearing, Tatra—then and there, Idam—all these, Avrabit—spoke.
Lord's devotee is never envious upon anyone. The only justification for The sage had a son who was very much powerful as a Brahmin's son and
Maharaj Parikshit's becoming angry and envious upon the sage is therefore was playingwith boys who were all inexperienced. The sage's son heard
explained as ordained by the Lord. about the distress of thefather made by the king and thus he began to say
Sa tu brahmaresher amse gatasum uragam rusa then and there like this.
Vinirgachhan dhanuskotya nidhaya puram agatah. By the preventive method of Maharaj Parikshit's good government even boy
Sa—the king, Tu—however, Brahmaresher—of the Brahmin sage, Amse—on of tender age who was playing with inexperienced other boys, could become
shoulder, Gatasum—lifeless, Uragam—snake, Rusa—in anger, as powerful as a qualified Brahmin. This boy was known as Shringi and
Vinirgachhan—while going exit, Dhanuskotya—by the front part of the bow, achieved good training of Brahmacharya by his father so that he could be as
Nidhaya—by placing it. Puram—palace, Agatah—returned back. powerful as a Brahmin could be even in that age. But because the age of Kali
The king thus being insulted while going out took up a lifeless snake by was seeking opportunity to spoil all cultural heritage of the four orders of life
the front part of his bow and placed it on the shoulder of the sage in great namly the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas, etc the inexperienced boy of a Brahmin
anger and thus returned back to his palace. gave chance to the age of Kali to enter into the field of Vedic culture. Hating
the lower orders of life began from this Brahmin boy under the influence of
The king thus treated with the sage in a manner of tit for tat although he was Kali and thus deterioration of cultural life began to dwindle day after day, The
never accustomed to such sily action. By the will of the Lord the king while first victim of Brahminical injustice was Maharaj Parikshit and thus the
going away found a dead snake in front of him and he thought that the sage protection given by the king against the onslaught of the Kali became
had coldly received him and thus he might be rewarded also coldly by slackened. And the boy began to vituperate like this.
offering him a garland of dead snake. In the ordinary course of dealing like
that it was not very unnatural but in case of Maharaj Parikshit and also his Aho adhannah palanam pleebam balibhujam iba
dealing with a Brahmin sage like this was certainly unprecedential and it so Swamini agham yad dasanam dwarpanam sunamiva.
happened by the will of the Lord. Aho—just look at, Adharmah—irreligiosity, Palanam—of the rulers,
Esa kim nibhritasesha karano milita ikshanah Pleebam—of one who is brought up, Balibnujam—like the crows, Swamini—
Mrisa samadhir aho swit kim nusyat ksaatrabandhubhih. unto the master, Sunam—of the dogs, Iba—like, Agham—sin, Yad—what is,
Dasanam—of the servants, Dwarpanam—keeping watch at the door.
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Oh just look at the sins of the rullers who are verily brought up like the to him. The personaity of Kaliyuga was therefore seeking out the opportunity
crows and watch dogs at the door, on the masters against the principle of to establish authority and by the Grace of the Lord the personality of Kali
servants. found out a hole in the puffed up little inexperienced son of a Brahmin. The
The Brahmins are considered to be the head and brain of the social body and little Brahmin wanted to show his prowess in the matter of destruction and
the Kshatriyas are considered to be the arms of the socsal body. The arms are had the audacity to punish a great king like Maharaj Parikshit. He wanted to
required to pretect the body from all harms but the arms must act according to take up the place of Lord Krishna after his departure? These are the principal
the direction of the head and brain. That is a natural arrangement made by the signs of upstarts who went to take the place of Sri Krishna under the influence
Supreme order and it is confirmed in the Bhagwat Geeta that four orders or of the age of Kali. An upstart with little power wants to become an
castes of the society namely the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas the Vaishyas and incarnation of the Lord. There are many such false incarnations after the
the Sudras according to quality and work done by them. Naturally the son of departure of Lord Krishna on the face of the globe and they are misleading the
Brahmin has a good chance of becoming a Brahmin by the direc tion of the innocent public by accepting the spiritual obedience of general mass of people
qualified father as much as the son of a medial practitioner has very good for maintaining a false prestige of his own. In other words the personality of
chance for becoming a qualified medical practitioner. So the caste system is Kali got the opportunity of his reign through this son of a Brahmin Sringhee
quite scientific but it has special connection with the quality of the father. The Iti uktwa rosatamraksho vayasyan rishivalakah
son must take advantage of the father's qualification and thus become a Koushiki apa upasprisya bag bajram visasarja ha.
Brahmin or medical practitioner and not otherwise. Without being qualified Iti—thus, Uktwa—saying, Rosatamraksha—with redhot eyes on account of
like the father no body can become a Brahmin or medical practitiouer and that being angry, Vayasyan-un to the playmates, Rishivalakah—the son of a Rishi,
is the verdict of all scriptures and social orders. Herein Sringee the qualified Koushiki—the river of the name, Apa—water, Upasprisya—by touching,
son of a great Brahmin attained tne required Brahminical power both by birth Bag—words, Vajram—thunderbolt, Sasarja—threw, Ha—in the past.
and training but he was lacking in culture because he was boy and
inexperienced. By the influence of the Kali the son of a Brahmin became The son of Rishi thus being overtaken by anger had his eyes redhot and
puffed up with the Brahminical power and thus wrongly considered Mharaj while speaking to his playmates as abovementioned he touched the water
Parikshit compared with crows and the watchdogs. The Kings are certainly of the river Koushik and discharged the thunderbolt of words as follows.
watch dogs of the state in a sense that they keep vigilant eyes over border of The circumstances undert which Maharaj Parikshit was cursed were simply
the state for its protection and defence but to address him as watchdog is the childish as it will appear from the statement of the verse under review. The
sign of a less cultured boy. Thus the fall down of the Brahminical powers son of a Rishi namely Sringhee was showing his impudency amongst his
began and they gave importance on the birth right without any culture. The playmates who were as much innocent otherwise any sane man would have
fall down of the Brahmin caste began in the age of Kali. And as the Brahmins prevented him in doing such great harm at the cost of sufferings of all human
are the head of the social order, all other of the society also began to society. By killing a king like Maharaj Parikshit just to make fun of the
deteriorate in qualities and they remained so called Brahmins and Kshatriyas acquired Brahminical prowess, the inexperienced son of a Brahmin committed
without any qualitative efficiency. This beginning of deterioration of the a great mistake.
Brahmins was highly deplored by the father of Sringhee as we will find it Iti lamghita maryadam takshakah saptame ahani
hereinafter. Dakshyati sma kulangaram chodite me tatadruham.
Brahmanaih Kshatrabandhur hi grihapalo nirupitah Iti—thus, Lamghita—surpassing, Maryadam—etiquette, Takshakah—snake
Sakatham tadgrihe dwasthah sabhandam bhoktum arhati. bird, Saptame—on the seventh, Ahani—day, Dakshyanti—will bite, Sma—
Brahmanaih—by the Branminical order, Kshatrabandhur—the sons of the certainly, Kulangaram—the wretched of the dynosty, Chodito—having done,
Kshatriyas, Hi—certainly, Grihapalo—the watch dog, Nirupitah—designated, Me—mine, Tatadruham—enmity with father.
Sa—he, Katham—on what ground, Tadgrihe—in the home of him (the The son of a Brahmin cursed the king like this " On the seventh day from
master) Dwasthah—keeping at the door, Sabhandam—in the same pot, to-day a snake bird will bite the wretched of the dynasty on account of his
Bhoktum—to eat, Arhati—deserves. breaking the law of etiquette by doing enmity with my father.
The descendants of the Kingly orders are definitly fixed up as the watch Thus the beggining of the misuse of Brahminical power began and gradually,
dogs and they must keep themselves at the door. On what grouud such the Brahmins in the age of Kali became devoid of both Brahminical prowess
dogs can enter within the house and claim to dine with the master on the and culture mostly. The Brahamin boy considered Maharaj Parikshit as
same plate ? 'Kulamgara' or the cinder of the dynasty but factually the Brahmin boy
The inexperienced Brahmin boy certainly was informed of the fact that the himself was so because from him only the Brahmin caste became powerless
King asked for water from his father and the father did not respond to such like the snake broken by its poisen teeth. The snake is fearful so long the
request. He tried to explain away the incidence of non—reception of the king poisen teeth is there otherwise the snake is fearful only for the children and
by his father, in the impertinent manner just fitting an uncultured boy. He was not for the elderly men who knows the secret. The personality of Kali thus
not at all sorry for the king being not received well but on the contrary he conquered over the Brahmin boy first and gradually over the other caste and
justified the wrong act in a way as the Brahmins of the Kaliyuga would do it. the whole scientific system of the orders of society in this age has assumed a
He compared the king with the watch dog and as such it was wrong for the form vitiated caste system now attempted to be uprooted by another class of
king to enter within the home boundary of Brahmin and ask for water in the men simiiarly influenced by the age of Kali. One should see to the root cause
same pot ? The dog is certainly reared by its master but that does not mean of vitiation and may not try to condemn the system as it is without any
that the dog shall claim to dine and drink in the same pot of the master ? This knowledge of its scienttific value.
mentality of false prestige of the higher caste upon the lower is the cause of Tato abhyetya ashramam valo galesarpa kalevaram.
fall down of the perfect social order and we can see that the beginning was Pitaram beekshya duhkharto muktakantho ruroda ha.
started by the inexperienced son of a Brahmin. As the dog is never allowed to
enter within the room and hearth, although it is reared by the master, similarly Tato—thereafter, Abhyetya—after entering into, Ashramam—the hermitage,
according to Sringi, the king had no right to enter the house of the Kousika Valot—he boy, Galesarpa—the snake on the shoulder, Kalevaram—body,
Rishi. According to the boy's opinion the king was on the wrong side and not Pitram—unto the father, Beekshya—having seen, Duhkharto—in sorry plight,
his father and thus he justified his silent father. Muktakantho—loudly, Ruroda—cried, Ha—in the past.
Krishne gate bhagawati sastari utpathagaminam Thereafter when the boy returned in the hermitage, he saw his father
Tadbhinna setum aham adya sasmi pasya mevalam. wrapped by his body with a snake on shoulder and thus being too much
aggrieved began to cry very loudly.
Krishne—Lord Krishna, Gate—heving departed from this world,
Bhagawati—the Personality of Godhead, Sastair—the Supreme Ruler, The boy was not happy within his mind on account of committing a great
Utpathagaminam—of those who are upstarts, Tadbhinna—being separated, mistake and he wanted to be relieved of the burden on the heart by crying. So
Setum—the protecter, Aham—my self, Adya—to day Sasmi—shall punish, after entering the hermitage and seeing his father in that condition he cried
Pasya—just see, Me—mine, Valam—prowess. loudly so that he may be relieved but it was too late and the father regretted
the whole incidence as it will appear in the following verses.
On the departure of Lord Sri Krishna the Personality of Godhead and
the Supreme Ruler of every one, the upstarts have flourished separated Sa va angiraso brahman srutwa suta vilapanam
from the protector and therefore I shall take up the matter to punish Unmilya sanakair netre drstwa cha amse mrita uragam.
them just see my power. Sa—he, Va—also, Angirasa—the Rishi born in the family of Angira,
The little inexperienced Brahmin puffed up by little Brahma-teja became Srutwa—on hearing, Suta—his son, Vilapanam—crying in distress,
influenced by the spell of Kali yuga. Maharaj Parikshit gave license to Kali Unmilya—opening, Sanakair—gradually, Netre—by the eyes Dristwa—by
yuga for living in four places as mentioned hereinbefore but by his very seeing, Cha—also, Amse—on the shoulder, Mrita—dead Uragam—snake.
expert Government the personality of Kali hardly found out the places alloted
62
Eighteenth Chapter - Maharaj Parikshit Cursed By A Brahmin Boy
Oh the brahmins, the Rishi who was born in the family of Angira Muni Tadahi choura prachuro vinamkshati
thus hearing his son crying gradually opened his eyes and saw a dead Arakshamano aviruthavat kshanat.
snake on his neck. Alakshamane—being abolished, Naradeva—monarchical, Namni—of the
Visrijya tam cha paprachha vatsa kasmat hi rodisi name, Rathangapanou—the representative of the Lord, Ayam—this, Amga—
Kena vate apakritam hiti uktah sa nyavedayat. oh my boy, Lokah—this world, Tadahi—at once, Choura—thieves,
Visrijya—throwing aside, Tam—that, Cha—also, Paprachha—asked, Vatsa— Prachuro—too much, Vinamkshati—vanquishes, Arakshamano—being not
my dear son, Kasmst—what for, Hi—certainly, Rodisi-crying, Kena—by protected, Aviruthavat—like the lambs, Kshanat—at once.
whom, Va—otherwise, Apakritam—misbehaved, Api—either, Iti—Thus, My dear boy the Lord Who carries the wheel of a chariot is represented
Uktah—being asked, Sa—the boy, Nyavadavat—informed everything. by monarchical regime and this being abolished the whole world becomes
He threw away the dead snake from his neck and asked his son why he full of thieves who then and there vanquish the unprotected subjects like
was crying who might have done him any harm either and on hearing the scattered lambs at once.
this the son explained to him that happened. According to Sreemad Bhagwatam the monarchical regime is the
The father did not however took the matter of dead snake on his neck very representative of the Supreme Lord the Personality of Godhead. Actual
seriously and he simply threw it away from the place. Actually there was responsible government can be established by monarchical regime because
nothing wrong seriously on the part of Maharaj Parikshit but the foolish son the king is trained up individually about the real political cult in relation with
took it very seriously and being influenced by the Kali he cursed the king to the qualities of the Lord. The king is said to be the representative of the
end a chapter of happy history of the human kind. Absolute Personality of Godhead because he is trained up to acquire the
qualities of God for protecting the livings beings. The battle of Kurukshetra
Nisamya saptam atadarham narendram was planned by the Lord for establishing the real representative of the Lord as
Sa brahmane na atmajam abhyanandat Maharaj Yudhisthir. An ideal king thoroughly trained up by culture and
Aho bata amha mahat adya te Kritam devotional service with the martial spirit makes a perfect king and such
Alpiyasi droha urur dama dhritah. personal Monarchy is far better than the so called democracy without any
Nismaya—after hearing, Saptam—cursed, Atadharham—never to be training and responsibility. The thieves and rogues like many notorious
condemned, Narendram—unto the King thebest of the human kind, Sa—that, ministers of the state of modern democracy seek election by malrepresentation
Brahmanah—Brahmin Rishi, No—not Atamjam—his own son, of votes and the successful rogues and thieves like the wolf devoure the
Abhyanandat—congratulated, Aho—Alas, Bata—distressing, Amha—sins, existence of the mass of population like the scattered lambs. One trained up
Mahat—great, Adya—to-day, Te—yourself, Kritam—performed, Alpiyasi— monarch is far better than hundreds of useless ministrial rogues and it is
insignificant Drohe—offence, Urur—very great, Dama—punishment, hinted herein that by abolision of monarchical regime like that of Maharaj
Dhritah—awarded. Parikshit the mass of people becomes open to so many attacks of the age of
The father Rishi after hearing from the son that the king was cursed Kali and they are never happy in such much advertised form of democracy.
although he is never to be condemned because he is the best of all human The result of such good kingless administration is described in the following
being, did not congratulate his own son but on the contrary began to verses.
repent by saying alas what great sinful act was performed by him (his Tad adya nah papam upaite anwayam
son) as he has had awarded heavy punish ment for insignificant offence. Yat nasta nathasya basor vilumpakat
The king is the best of all human being, he is the representative of God and he Parasparam ghnanti sapanti vrinjate
is never to be condemned for any of his action. In other words the king can do Pasun striyo arthan puru dasybo janah
no wrong. The king orders for hanging of a culprit son of a Brahmin but for Tad—for this reason, Adya—from this day, Nah—upon us, Papam—reaction
that reason he does not become liable to be sinful on account of killing a of sin, Upaiti—will overtake, Yat—because, Nasta—abolished, Nathasya—of
Brahmin. Even there is something wrong on the part of a king, the king is the monarchy, Vasor—of wealth, Vilumpakat—being plundered,
never to be condemned as much as a medical practitioner may kill a patient by Parasparam—between one another, Ghnanti—will kill, Sapanti—will do
mistaken treatment but such killer is never condemned to death. And what to harm, Vrinjate—will steal, Pasun—animals, Strio—women, Artham—riches,
speak of a good and pious king like Maharaj Parikshit. In the Vedic way of Puru—greatly, Dasyavo—theives, Janah—the mass of people.
life the king is trained up to become a Rajarshi or a great saint although a Thus on account of ending monarchical regime and thus people's wealth
ruling king. Because it is the king only by whose good government the being plundered by the rogues and thieves, there will be now great
citizens can live peacefully and without any fear. The Rajarshis would disruption of social anomalies between one another in the matter of
manage their kingdom so nicely and piously that the subjects of the king killing, doing harm, stealing of animals and women and for all these we
would respect him as if the Lord Himself. That is the instruction of the Vedas. shall be responsible for the reaction of sins.
The king is called Narendra or the best amongst the human being. How then
the king like Maharaj Parikshit could be condemned by an inexperienced The word Nah ( we) is very much significant in this verse, The sage rightly
puffed up son of a Brahmin even though he attained the porwess of a qualified takes responsibility of the Brahmin as a community for killing the
Brahmin. monarchical government and thus giving opportunity to the so called
The Samik Rishi as he was an experienced good Brahmin did not approve democrats who are generally plunderers of the wealth of the state subjects.
of the action of his condemned son. He began to lament therefore for all that The so called democrats capture the administrative machine without any
his son had done. The king was beyond the jurisdiction of being cursed as a responsibilty for the prosperous condition of the citizens. Every one captures
general rule and what to speak of a good king like Maharaj Parikshit. The the post for personal gratification and thus instead of one king a number of
offence of the king was most insignificant and he was condemned to death irresponsible kings grow up for taxing the citizens. It is foretold herein that in
was certainly a very great sin on the part of the son of a Brahmin and the absense of good monarchical government every one will be the cause of
therefore the Rishi Samik regretted the whole incidence as follows;— disturbance for others in the matter of plundering riches, animals, women and
doing harm to one and another.
Na vai nribhir naradevam parakhyam
Sammatum arhasi abipakka buddhe Tada arya dharma praviliyate nrinam
Yat tejasa durvisahena gupta Varna ashrama acharayuta strayeemayah
Vindanti bhadrani akutobhayah parajash. Tato artha kamabhinibesita atmanam
Sunam kapinam iva varnasamkarah
Na—never, Vai—as a matter of fact, Nribhir—by any man, Naradevam—un
to humanly God, Parakhyam—who is transcendental, Sammatum—place on Tada—at that time, Arya—progressive civilization, Dharma—engagement,
equal footing, Arhasi—deserve, Abipakka—unripe or immature, Buddhe— praviliyate—becomes systematically vanquished, Nrinam—of the humankind,
intelligence, Sat—by whose, Tejasa—by the prowess, Durvisahena— Varna—caste, Ashrama—orders of society, Acharayuta—composed with
unsurpassable, Gupta—protected, Vindanti—enjoys, Bhadrani—all good manner, Straeemayah—in terms of the vedic injunction, Tato—
prosperities, Akutobhayo—completely defended, Prajah—the subjects. thereafter, Artha—economic development, Kamabhinibesita—fully absorbed
in the matter of sense gratification, Atmanam—of men, Sunam—like the
Oh my boy, you are completely immature intelligently and therefore you dogs, Kapinam—like the monkeys, Varnasamkarah—unwanted population.
have no knowledge that the king who, is the best amongst the human
beings, is as good as the Personality of Godhead and therefore he is never At that time the people in general will be systematically vanquished from
to be placed on equal footing with other common man. The citizens of the the progressive way of civilization in the matter of qualitative
state do live in all prosperity being protected by him by his unsurpassable engagements of castes and the orders of society for good manners in
prowess. terms of the Vedic injunctions of the human kind and thus they will be
more attracted by economic development for sense gratification and
Alakshamane naradeva namni unwanted population of the type of dogs and monkeys.
Rathamgapanou ayam amga lokah
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
It is foretold herein that in the absence of monarchical regime the general to curse them. Although there are occasions when a Brahmin furiously may
mass of people will be unwanted population of the type of dogs and monkeys. curse the subordinate Kshatriya or the Vaishya etc but in the case of Maharaj
As the monkeys are too much sexually inclined and the dogs are shameless in Parikshit there was no ground for being cursed as it is already explained. But
the matter of sexual intercourse, similarly the general mass of population born the foolish boy had done it out of sheer vanity of being a Brahmin's son and
of illegitimate connection like the dogs and monkeys will systematically go thus he became liable to be punished by the law of God. The Lord never
astray from the Vedic way of good manners in the matter of qualitative forgives a person who condemns His pure devotee. Therfore the foolish boy
engagements of the castes and orders of life of a Brahmin had not only committed sin by cursing a King but also he had
The Vedic way of life is called progressive march of civilization of the commited the greatest offence by condemning a great devotee of the Lord.
Aryans. The Aryans means who are progressive in terms of Vedic civilization. Therefore the Rishi could foresee that except the Supreme Personality of
The Vedic civilization aims at the destination of back to Godhead back to Godhead no other purificatory method could save his boy from great blunder
Home where there is no birth, no death, no oldage and no diseases. The Vedas of sinful act. He therefore directly prayed for being pardoned by the Supreme
direct every one not to remain in darkness of the material world but directs Lord who can only undo a thing which is impossible to be changed. The
progressive march towards the light of spiritual kingdom far beyond the appeal was made in the name of a foolish boy who had developed no
material sky within our vision. The qualitative caste system and the orders of intelligence at all.
life are scientifically planned by the Lord and His representatives the great A question may be raised herein that it was the desire of the Lord that
Rishis; and the perfect way of mannerly life gives all sorts of instruction in the Parikshit Maharaj might be put into that awkward position so that he might be
matter of both material and spiritual way of life. The Vedic way of life does delivered from material existence then why a Brahmins son was made
not allow any man to be like monkeys and dogs for sense gratification and to responsible for this offensive act. The answer is that the offensive act was
fulfil the desire of mammon's philosophy one should simply devote himself in made to be performed by a child only so that he could be excused very easily
the matter of economic development. Such degarded civilization of sense and thus the prayer of the father was accepted. But if the question is raised
gratification and economic developement is the byproducts of Godless or why the Brahmin community as a whole should be made responsible for
kingless government of the people by the people and for the people. The allowing the Kali into the world affairs, the answer is given in the Varaha
people in general should not therefore grudge the reaction of such Puranam. It is said there that the demons who acted enimically with the
maladministration by their own action. Personality of Godhead but were not killed by the Lord were allowed to take
Dharmapalo narapatih satu samrat vrihat shravah birth in the families of the Brahmins taking advantage of the age of Kali. The
Sakashat mahabhagavato rajarshir hayamedhayat all merciful Lord gave them chance to have their births in the families of the
Kshut trit shramayuto deeno na eva asmat sapam arhati pious Brahmins so that they could further improve to get salvation but the
demons instead of utilising the good opportunity misused the Brahminical
Dharmapalo—the protecter of religiosity, Narapatih—the king, Sa—he, Tu— culture on account of being puffed by vanity of becoming a Brahmin's son.
but, Samrat—Emperor, Vrihat—highly, Shravah—celebrated, Sakshat— The typical example is the son of Samik Rishi and all the foolish sons of
directly, Mahabhagawata—the first grade devotee of the Lord, Rajarshir— Brahmin family are warned hereby not to become as foolish as Shringhee and
saint amongst the royal orders, Hayamedhayat—great performer of Horse be always on graud against the demoniac qualities which they had in their
sacrifiices, Kshut—hunger, Trit—thirst, Shramayuta—tired and fatigued, previous births. The foolish boy was off course excused by the Lord but for
Deeno—stricken, Na—never, Eva—thus, Asmat—by us, Sapam—curse, others who may not have a father like Samik Rishi will be put into great
Arhati—deserves. difficulty if they misuse the advantages obtained by the birth in a Brahmin
The Emperor Parikshit is a pious king,he is highly celebrated, and family.
directly the first grade devotee of the Personality of Godhead. He is a Tiraskritah vipralabdhah saptah kshipta hata api
saint amongst the royal order and has performed many horse sacrifices. Na asya tat pratikurvanti tad bhakta prabhavo apihi
Such a king when he was tired and fatigued being stricken with hunger
and thirst, did not at all deserved to be cursed. Tiraskritah—being defamed, Vipralabdhah—being cheated, Saptah—being
cursed, Kshiptah—disturbed by negligence, Hata—or even being killed,
After explaining the general codes of royal position and asserting that the king Api—also, Na—never, Asya—for all these acts, Tat—them, Pratikurvanti—
can do no wrong and therefore he is never to be condemned, the sage Samik counter act, Tad—the Lord's, Bhakta—devotees, Prabhavo—powerful, Api—
wanted to speak something about the Emperor Parikshit specifically. The although, Hi—certainly
specific qualification of Maha raj Parikshit is summarised herein that the king
even calculated as a king only he was most celebrated as a ruler who The devotees of the Lord are so much forbearing that even they are
administers just on the religious principles of the royal order. In the Shastras defamed, cheated, cursed, distrubed by negligence or even they are killed
the duties of all castes and orders of the society are prescribed. All the they are never inclined to counter act such reverses.
qualities of a Kshatriya as mentioned in the Bhagwat Geeta (18.43) were The Rishi Samik also knew it that the Lord does not even forgive a person
present in the person of the Emperor. And besides the royal attributes he was who has had commited offence at the feet of a devotee. The Lord can only
directly a great devotee of the Lord as self realised soul. Such a king when he give direction to take shelter of the devotee only. He thought within himself
was tired and fatigued with hunger and thirst and personally asked for water, that if Maharaj Parikshit would counter curse the boy he might besaved. But
cursing upon him was not at all proper. The Samik Rishi thus admitted from he knew it also that a pure devotee is callous about worldly advantages or
all sides that Maharaj Parikshit was cursed by the Brahmin's son most unjustly reverses. As such the devotees are never inclined to counter act any action on
and thus allowed the personality of Kali to enter into the established orders of them by personal defamation, curse negligence etc. So far such things are
the world position. Although all the Brahmins were aloof from the incidence concerned in personal affairs the devotees do not care for them. But in case of
still for the childish action of a Brahmin boy the whole atmosphere of world their being performed on the Lord and his devotees then the devotee takes
situation was changed and thus the Rishi Samik a Brahmin took responsibility very strong action. It was a case of personal affair and therefore Samik Rishi
for all deterioration of worldly good orders. knew it that the king would not take any counter action. Thus there was no
Apapesu swabhrityesu valena apakka buddhina alternative than to place appeal to the Lord for consideration of the immature
Papam kritam tadbhagawan sarvatma kshantum arhati childish boy.
It is not that only the Brahmins are powerful to award curse or blessings
Apapesu—unto one who is completely free from all sins, Swabhrityesu—unto upon the subordinates but the devotee of the Lord even though he may not be
one who is subordinate and deserves to be protected, Valena—by a child, a Brahmin is more powerful than a Brahmin. But such powerful devotee never
Apakka—who is immature, Buddhina—by intelligence, Papam—sinful act, misuses the power for personal benefit. Whatever power the devotee may
Kritam—has been done, Tadbhagwan—therefore the Personality of Godhead, have it is always utilised in the matter of service towards the Lord and His
Sarvatama—Who is all pervading, Kshantum—just to parden, Arhasi— devotees only.
deserve.
Iti Putra krita aghena sa anutapta munih
The Rishi prayed for his son to the all pervading Personality of Godhead Swayau viprakrto rajna na eva agham tad achintayat.
for pardoning his immature boy with no intelligence who commited the
great sin of cursing a person who was completely free from all sins and Iti—thus, Putra—son, Krita—done by, Aghena—by the sin, Sa—he the Muni,
being subordinate deserved to be protected. Anatapta—regretting, Munih—the sage, Swayam—personally, Viprakrita—
being so insulted, Na—not, Eva—certainly, Tad—that, Achintayat—thought
Every one is responsible for his own action either pious or sinful. The Rishi of it.
Samik could foresee it that his son had commited a great culpable act of sin
by cursing Maharaj Parikshit who deserved to be protected by the Brahmins The sage thus regretted the sin commited by his own son and the insult
as he was a pious ruler as well as personally completely free from all sins on which was done to him by the king was not very seriously taken by him.
account of his becoming the first order devotee of the Lord. When offence is The actual position of the whole incidence is now cleared up. Maharaj
done unto the devotee of the Lord it is very difficult to ovcrcome from the Parikshit's garlanding ths sage with a dead snake was not at all very serious
reaction of such offensive action The Brahmins being on the head of the offence but Sringhee's cursing upon the king was a serious offence. The
social orders they are meant for giving protection to the subordinates and not serious offence was done by a foolish child only therefore he deserved to be
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Eighteenth Chapter - Maharaj Parikshit Cursed By A Brahmin Boy
pardoned by the Supreme Lord although it was not possible to get free from
the sinful reaction. Maharaj Parikshit also did not mind the curse offered to
him by a foolish Brahmin on the contrary, he took the full advantage of such
awkward situation and by the great will of the Lord Maharaj Parikshit
achieved the highest perfection of life through the grace of Srila Sukhdeva
Goswami. Actually it was the desire of the the Lord and the party of three
namely Maharaj Parikshit, Rishi Samik and his son Shringhee all were
instrumental to the fulfilment of the desire of the Lord. So none of them were
put into difficulty in the shape of reaction of work because everything was
done in relation with Supreme Person Yajna.
Prayasah sadhavo loke parair dwandvesu yojitah
Na bythanti na hrishyanti yata atma agunashrayah.
Praysah—generally, Sadhavo—saints, Ioke—in this world, Parair—by others,
Dwandwesu—in the matter of duality, Yojitah—being engaged, Na—never,
Bythauti—distressed, Na—neither, Hrish yanti—takes pleasure, Yata—
because, Atma—self, Agunashrayah—transcendental.
Generally the transcendentalists even though they are engaged by others
in the duality of material world, neither they are distressed nor they take
pleasures in them on account of transcendentally engaged.
The transcendentalists are the emperic philosophers, mystics and the devotees
of the Lord. Emperic philosophers aims at the perfection of merging into the
being of Absolute, the mystics aims at perceiving the all pervading Super Soul
and the devotees of the Lord are engaged in the transcendental loving service
of the Personality of Godhead. As Brahman, Paramatam or Bhagawan are
different phases of the same transcendence all the above mentioned
transcendentalist are beyond the three modes of material nature. Material
distresses and happinesses are products of the three modes and therefore the
causes of such material distress and happiness have nothing to do with the
transcendentalists. Both the sage and the king were transcendentalists. The
king was a devotee and the Risi was a mystic. Therefore both of them were
unattached to the accidental incidence created by the Supreme will. The
playful child was an instrument in fulfilling the Lords will.
Thus end the Bhaktivedanta Purports of the first Canto Eighteenth Chapter in
the matter of Maharaj Parikshit Cursed By A Brahmin By.
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
66
NlNETEENTH CHAPTER and industries, must be fully utilised in the matter of above principles
otherwise all the so called economic development, becomes the source of
Appearance of Sukadeva Goswami degraded civilization. Cow protection means feeding the Brahminical culture
Suta Uvacha : which leads towards God-consciousness and thus perfection of human
Mahipatis tu atha tat karma garhyam civilization achieved. The age of Kali aims at killing the above higher
Vichintayan atmakritam sudurmanah. principles of life and although Maharaj Parikshit strongly resisted the
Aho maya neecha anarya vat kritam domination of the personality of Kali within the world, the influence of the
Niragasi brahmani gudha tejasi. age of Kali infiltered in an opportune moment and even a strong king like
Mahipati—the king, Tu—but, Atha—thus ( while coming back home ) Tat— Maharaj Parikshit was induced to disregard the Brahminical culture by slight
that, Karma—act, Garhyam—abominable, Vichintayan—thus thinking, provocation of hunger and thirst. Maharaj Parikshit lamented the accidental
Atmakritam—done by himself, Sudurmanah—very much depressed, Aho— incidence and he desired that all his kingdom strength and accumulation of
alas, Maya—by me, Neecha—heinous, Anarya—uncivilised, Vat—like, wealth may be bunrt up for not being engaged in the above mentioned three
Kritam—done, Niragasi—unto one who is faultless, Brahmani—unto a cultural affairs.
Brahmin, Gudha—grave, Tejasi—unto the powerful. Providentially also where wealth and strength are not engaged in the
advancement of Brahminical culture, God consciousness and cow protection,
Thus while coming back to his home the king felt within him self that the
such state or home is surely doomed. If we want at all peace and prosperity in
act, done by him on the faultless Brahmin who was gravely powerful, was
the world, we may take lessons from this verse; every state and every home
heinous and uncivilized and thus he was distressed within himeelf.
must endeavour to advance the cause of brahminical culture for self
The pious king regretted the accidental improper action done by him on the purifiaction, God-consciousness for self-realisation and cow-protection for the
gravely powerful Brahmin who was faultless. Such repentance is natural for a matter of getting sufficient rnilk and derive the best food value thereof, and to
good man like the king and such repentance only delivers a devotee from all continue a perfect civilization.
kinds of sins accidentally committed by the devotee. The devotees are
Sa chintayan ittham atha asrinod yatha
naturally faultless. Accidental fault committed by a devotee is sincerely
Muneh sutokto nirritis takshak akhyah
regretted and by the Grace of the Lord, all sins unwillingly committed by a
Sa sadhu mene na chirena takshaka
devotee, are burnt into ashes in the fire of repentance.
Analam prasaktasya virakti karanam
Dhruvam tato me kritadeva helanat
Sa—he the king, Chintayan—thinking, Ittham—like this, Atha—now,
Duratyam vyasanam na ati deerghat
Asrinod—heard, Yatha—as as, Muneh—of the sage, Sutokto—uttered by the
Tad astu kamam hi agha niskrifaya me
son, Nirritis—death, Takshkakhya—in relation with the snake bird, Sa—he
Yatha na kuryam punar evam addha.
the king, Sadhu—well and good, Mene—accepted, Na—not, Chirena—very
Dhruvam—sure and certain, Tato—therefore, Me—mine, Kritadevahelanat— long time, Takshaka—snake-bird, Analam—fire, Prasaktasya—for one who is
on account of disobeying the orders of the Lord, Duratyayam—very difficult, too much attached, Virakti—indifference, Karanam—cause.
Vyasanam—calamity, Na—not, Ati—greatly, Deerghat—far off, Tad—that,
While the king was repenting like this at that time he received the news
Astu—let it be, Kamam—desire without any hitch, Hi—certainly, Agha—
about his imminent death from the bitting of a snake bird, as it was
sins, Niskritaya—for getting free, Me—mine, Yatha—so that, Na—never,
spoken by the son of the sage. He however, accepted the news as well and
Kuryam—shall I do it, Punar—again, Evam—as I have done, Addha—
good for its being the cause of his indifference towards worldly
directly.
attachments.
On account of my neglecting the injunctions of the Supreme Lord
Real happiness is achieved by spiritual existence or by cessation of the
certainly I must expect something very difficult to over come in the near
repetitions of birth and death. Such repetitions of birth and death can be
future. So I desire to have it directly without any hitch for getting myself
stopped only by going back to home back to Godhead. In the material world
freed from the sinful action so that I may not do so again.
even by attaining the living conditions in the tomost planet (Brahmaloka)
The injunction of the Supreme Lord is that the Brahmins and the cow must be planet, no body can get rid of the conditions of repetitions of birth and death.
given all protection. The Lord is Himself very much inclined to do good to the We want to stop the repetitions of birth and death but we do not accept the
Brahmins and the cows at the first instance (Go brahmana hitaya cha.) path of attaining the perfection. The path of perfection is that one must be
Maharaj Parkahit knew all these very wisely and thus he concluded that his freed from all material attachments and thus be fit for entering into the
insulting a powerful Brahmin was certainly to be reacted by the Laws of the spiritual kingdom. Therefore, those who are materially poverty-stricken,—are
Lord and as such he was expecting, something very difficult to overcome was better candidates than those who are materially prosperous. Maharaj Parikshit
awaiting him, within very near future. He therefore desired the imminent was a great devotee of the Lord and bonafide candidate for entering into the
calamity directly on him and not on the persons of his family members. For a kingdom of God but even though he was so, his material environments as the
man's personal misconduct affects the whole faimly members and therefore great emperor of the world, was a setback in the perfect attainment of his
Mahraj Parikshit desired it directly upon him. He was certain that some rightful status as one of the associates of the Lord in the spiritual sky. As
calamity was pending upon them and thus desired without any hitch to get it devotee of the Lord he could understand that the cursing of the Brahmin boy,
himself. And by such sufferings personally be would be restrained from doing although unwisely, was a blessing upon him being the cause of detachment
such nonsense in future and at the same time the sin which he had committed from worldy affairs both political and social. Samik Muni also after regretting
would be counteracted so that his descendants may not be suffering. That is the incidence of his son's cursing upon the king, conveyed the news to the
the way of thinking for a responsible devotee. The family members a of king as a matter of duty so that the king would be able to prepsre himself for
devotee also share the effects of a devotee's service unto the Lord. The going back to Godhead. The Samik Muni sent news to the king that the
evidence is Maharaj Prahlad who saved his demon father by his personal foolish Srighee his son, although a powerful Brahmin boy, unfortunately had
devotional service. A devotee son in the family is the greatest boon or misused his spiritual power by cursing the king unwarrantedly. The incidence
blessing of the Lord. of the King's garlanding the Muni was not sufficient case for being cursed to
Adya eva rajyam valamriddha kosham death by the foolish boy but as there was no remedy to retract the curse, the
Prakopita brahmakula anale me king was informed for preparation of death within a week. Both Samik Muni
Dahatu abhadrasya punar na me abhut and the king were self realised souls. Samik Muni was a mystic and Maharaj
Papiyasi dheer dwija deva gobhyah Parikshit was a devotee. Therefore there was no difference between them in
the matter of self realisation and none of them were afraid of meeting death.
Adya—this day, eva—on the very, Rajyam—kingdom, Valam-riddha—
Maharai Parikshit could have gone to the Muni for begging his pardon but the
strength and the riches, Kosham—treasury, Prakopita—ignited by,
news of his death was conveyed to the king with so much regret by the Muni
Brahmakula—by the Brahmin-community, Anala—fire, Me Dahatu—let it
that the king did not like to put the Muni into further ashamed position by his
burn, Abhadrasya—inauspiciousness, Punar—again, Na—not, Me—unto me,
presence there. He decided to prepare himself for the imminent death and find
Abhut—may occur, Papiyasi—sinful, Dheer—intelligence, Dwija—
out the way of going back to Godhead.
Brahmins, Deva—the Supreme Lord, Gobhyah—and the cows.
The complete span of life of a human being is meant for preparing himself
Because I am uncivilized and sinful on account of my obstructive for going back to Godhead or to get rid of the material existence made of the
intelligence towards brahminical culture, God-consciousness and repetition of birth and death. As such in the system of Varnashram Dharma
protection of cows, therefore I wish that my kingdom full with strength every man and woman is trained up for this purpose of eternal life and in
and opulence may immediately be burnt up by the fire of wrath of the other words the system of Varnasharm Dharma is known also as Sanatan
Brahmin that in futnre, I may not be conducted in such inauspicious Dharma or eternal occupation. The system of Varnasharam Dharma prepares
intelligence. a man for going back to Godhead and thus a householder is ordered to go to
Progressive human civilization is based on three principal advancement of the forest as Vanaprastha to acquire complete knowledge and then to take
knowledge namely brahminical culture, God consciousness and protection of Sanyas prior to the inevitable death. Parikshit Maharaj was fortunate to get the
cows. All economic development of the state by trade, commerce, agriculture notice of seven days for meeting the inevitable death, but for the common
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
man there is no such definite notice although death is inevitable for all. Maharaj Parikshit just after receiving the news of his death within seven days,
Foolishman forgets this sure fact of death and neglects the duty of preparing he at once retired from family life and shifted himself on the sacred bank of
himself for going back to Godhead and spoils the life in animal propensities to Yamuna river. Generally it is said that the king took shelter on the bank of the
eat, drink, be merry and enjoy. Such irresponsible life is adopted by the Ganges but according to Srila Jiva Goswami the king took shelter on the bank
people in the age of Kali on account of sinful desires to condemn the of the Yamuna. Srila Jiva Goswami's statement appears to be more accurate
Brahminical culture, Godconsciousness and cow protection for which the state on account of geographical situation. Maharaj Praikshit resided in his captial
is responsible. The state must employ the revenue in the matter of advancing Hastinapur situated near present Delhi and the river Yamuna flows down the
the above mentioned three item and thus educate the populace to prepare for city is geographical truth. Naturally the king was to take shelter of the river
the death and going back to Godhead. The state which does so is the real Yamuna because she was flowing just near his palace door and so far santcity
welfare state. The state of India may better follow the examples of Maharaj is concerned, the river Yamuna is directly connected with Lord Krishna than
Parikshit the ideal executive head than to imitate other materialistic states who the Ganges. The Lord sanctified river Yamuna from the beginning of His
have no idea of the kingdom of Godhead, the ultimate goal of human life. transcendental pastimes in the world. While his father Vasudeva was crossing
Deterioration of the ideals of Indian civilization has brought about the the Yamuna with the baby Lord Krishna for safety place at Gokula on the
deterioration of civic life not only in India but also abroad. other bank of the river from Mathura, the Lord fell down on the river and by
Atho vihaya imam amum cha lokam the dust of His Lotus Feet the river at once became sanctified. It is specially
Vimarsitou heyataya purastat mentioned herein that Maharaj Parikshit took shelter of that particular river
Krishanghri sevam adhimanyamana which is beautifully flowing carrying the dust of the Lotus feet of Lord
Upavishat prayam amartanadyam. Krishna mixed up with tulsi leaves. Lord Krishna's Lotus feet is always
besmeared with the Tulasi leaves and thus as soon as His Lotus Feet is
Atho—thus, Vihaya—giving up, Iman—this, Amum—and the next, Cha— contacted with the water of the Ganges and the Yamuna they become at once
also, Lokam—planets, Vimarsitou—all of them being judged, Heyataya—on sanctified. The Lord, however, contacted more with the river Yamuna than the
account of inferiority, Purastat—herein before, Krishanghri—Lotus feet of the Ganges. According to Varaha Puranam as quoted by Srila Jiva Goswami,
Lord Sri Krishna, Sevam—transcendental loving service, Adhimanyamana— there is no differnce between the water of the Ganges and the Yamuna; but
one who thinks as the greatest of all achievements, Upavishat—sat down when the water of the Ganges is sanctified one hundred times it is called
tightly, Prayam—for fasting, Amartanadyam—on the bank of the Yamuna as much as it is said in the scriptures that one thousand names of
transcendantal river (The Ganges or The Jam una ) Lord Vishnu is equal to one name of Rama and three Names of Lord Rama
*
are equal to one Name of Krishna. Therefore, there is no factual difference if
For a devotee like Maharaj Parikshit none of the material planets even the Maharaj Parikshit set down on the bank of the river Yamuna as supported by
topmost one the Brahmaloka is as desirable as Goloka Vrindaban the abode of Srila Jiva Goswami on the strength of Varaha Puranam.
Lord Sri Krishna the primeval Lord and Original Personality of Godhead. Iti vyavachhidya sa pandaveyeh
This earth is one of the innumerable material planets within the universe and Prayopavesam prativishnu padyam
there are innumerable universes also within the compass of Mahat Tattawa. It Dadhou mutundamghrim ananya bhavo
is explained on the first flap of the cover picture. The devotees are educated Muni vrato mukta samsta samgah.
by the Lord and His representatives the spiritual masters or Acharyas that Iti—thus, Vyavachhidya—having made it decided, Sa—the king,
none of the planets, within all the innumerable universes is suitable for Pandaveyah—worthy descedant of the Pandavas, Prayopavesam—for the
residential purposes of a devotee. The devotee always desires to go back to matter of fasting till death, Prati—towards, Vishnupadyam—on the bank of
home back to Godhed just to become one of the associates of the Lord in the the Ganges (emanated from the Lotus feet of Lord Vishnu), Dadhou—gave up
capacity of servitors, friends, parents or conjugal lovers of the Lord either in himself, Mukundamghrim—unto the Lotus feet of Lord Krishna, Ananya—
one of the innumerable Vaikuntha planets or in the Goloka Vrindaban the without any deviation, Bhavo—spirit, Munivrato—with vow of a sage,
planet of Lord Sri Krishna. All these planets are eternally situated in the Mukta—liberated from, Samasta—all kinds of, Samga—association.
spiritual sky called the Parambyoma which is on the other side of the causal
ocean within the Mahat Tatwas. Maharaj Parikshit was already aware of all Thus the king having made it decided once for all, the descendant of the
these informations due to his accumulated piety and birth in the high family of Pandavas, went, towards the bank of the Ganges to observe fasting untill
devotees the Vaishnavas and thus he was not at all interested in the material death and gave up himself unto the Lotus feet of Lord Krishna who is
planets. Modern scientist are very much eager to reach the Moon planet by only able to award liberation; thus being freed from all kinds of
material arrangements and hardly they can contemplate about the highest association and attachment accepting the vow of a sage.
planet of this universe; but a devotee like Maharaj Parikshit does not care a fig The water of the Ganges sanctifies all the three worlds including the gods and
even for the Moon planent or for the matter of that any one of the material the demigods on account of her emanating from the lotus feet of the
planets. So when he was assured of his death on the fixed up date he became Personality of Godhead Vishnu. Lord Krishna is the fountainhead of the
more determined to the transcendental loving service of the Lord Krishna, in principle of Vishnu Tattwa and therefore shelter of His Lotus feet can deliver
complete fasting on the bank of the transcendental river Yamuna flowing one from all sins including an offence which was commited by the king unto a
down the capital of Hastinapur (in the Delhi state). Both the Ganges and the Brahmin. Maharaj Parikshit, therefore, decided to meditate upon the lotus feet
Yamuna are Amartya (transcendental) rivers and Yamuna is still more of Lord Sri Krishna Who is Mukunda or the giver of liberations of all
sanctified on account of the following reasons. description. The bank of the Ganges or the Yamuna gives one chance of
Ya vai lasat sri tulasi vimishra remembering the Lord in a continued mood. Maharaj Parikshit freed himself
Krihnamghri renu abhyadhika ambu netri from all sorts of material association and meditated upon the Lotus feet of
Punati sesan ubhayatra lokan Lord Krishna and that is the way of liberation. To be free from all material
Kas tam na seveta marisyamanah. association means to cease completely in the act of committing any further
sins and to meditate upon the lotus feet of the Lord means to become free
Ya—the river which, Vai—always, Lasat—floating with, Tulasi—Tulasi from the effects of all previous sins which might have been committed by any
leaves, Vimishra—mixd up, Krishnamghri—lotus feet of the Lord Shri one. The conditions of the material world are so made that one has to commit
Krishna, Renu—dusts, Abhyadhika—auspicious, Ambu—water, Netri—that sins willingly or unwillingly and the best example is Maharaj Parikshit
which is carrying, Punati—sanctifies, Sesan—along with Lord Shiva, himself who was a recognised sinless pious king. But he also became a victim
Ubhayatra—both the upper and lower or inside or outside, Lokam—planets, of the offence upon a Brahmin even though he was ever unwilling to commit
Kas—who else, Tam—that river, Na—does not, Seveta—worship, such mistake. And he was cursed also but because he was a great devotee of
Marisyamanah—one who is to die at any moment. the Lord, therefore, even such reverses of life became favourable
The river (on which the king sat up for fasting) is carrying the most circumstances for the devotee of the Lord. The principle is that one should not
auspicious water mixed up with dust of the Lotus Feet of the Lord and willingly commit any sin in his life and should constantly remember the Lotus
Tulasi leaves and therefore it sanctifies the three worlds inside and feet of the Lord without any deviation. In such a mood only the Lord will help
outside along with Lord Shiva and other demigods. As such every one the devotee for making regular progress towards the path of liberation and
who is destined to die must take shelter of this river. thus attaining the lotus feet of the Lord. Even there is accidental sins
committed by the devotee the Lord saves the surrendered soul from all sins as
it is confirmed in all scriptures. Swapadamulam bhaijatah priyasya
tyaktanyabhavasya hari pareshah, Vikarma yatcha utpatitam kathanchit
*
BBT ed.: Mahäräja Parékñit sat down firmly on the banks of the Ganges dhunoti sarvam hridi sannivistah (Bhag: 11.5.38). The devotee of the Lord
to concentrate his mind in Kåñëa consciousness, rejecting all other never commits sins willingly but the material world is such a place that one
practices of self-realization, because transcendental loving service to Kåñëa has to commit sins even unwillingly. The finest way to save one from such
is the greatest achievement, superseding all other methods. accidental sins of life is to remember constantly the Lotus feet of the Lord.
But one who commits sins deliberate willingly on the strength of the Lord's
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Nineteenth Chapter - Appearance of Sukadeva Goswami
assurances for saving, do commit the maximum amount of sins and there is no devotee of Lord Shiva. He is the author of many vedic scriptures and
deliverance even by constantly remembering the Lotus feet of the Lord. Such sociological directions.
willful offender has no chance of being freed from the clutches of fruitive Gadhi Putra or Viswamitra:—A great sage of austerity and mystic power He
action. is famous as Gadhiputra because His father's name was Gadhi a powerful king
Tatra upajagmu bhuvanam punana of the province of Kanyakubja (part of Uttar Pradesh). Although he was
Mahanubhava munayah sasisyah Kshatriya by birth still he became a Brahmin in the very same body by the
Prayena teertha abhigama apadeshaih power of his spiritual achievements. He picked up a quarrel with Vasista
Swayam hi teerthani punanti santah. Muni when he was a Kshatirya king and performed a great sacrifice in co-
Tatra—there, Upajagmu—arrived, Bhuvanam—the universe, Punana—those operation with Matanga Muni and thus was able to vanish the sons of Vasista.
who can sanctify, Mahanubhava—great minds, Munayah—thinkers, He became a great Yogi and yet he failed to check up his senses and thus was
Sasisyah—along with their disciples, Prayena—almost, Teertha—pilgrimage, obliged to become the father of Sakuntala the beauty queen of the world
Abhigama journey, Apadeshaih—on the plea of, Swayam—personally, Hi— history. Once upon a time while he was Kshatriya king, he visited the
certainly, Teerthani—all the pilgrimages, Punati—sanctify, Santah—sages. hermitage of Vasista Muni and he was given royal reception. Viswamitra
wanted from Vasista a cow of the name Nandini, and the Muni refused to
At that time all the great minded thinkers accompanied by their disciples deliver it. He stole away the cow and thus there was a quarrel between the
and sages who could sanctify the pilgrimages even by their presence, sage and the king. After all Viswamitra was defeated by the spiritual strength
arrived there on the plea of pilgrim's journey. of Vasista and thus the King decided to become a Brahmin and before
When Maharaj Parikshlt fixed up himself on the bank of the Ganges the news becoming a Brahmin he underwent a severe type of austerity on the bank of
spread all directions of the universe and the great minded sages, who could Koushika. He was also one of them who tried to stop the Kurukshetra war.
follow the importance of the occasion, all arrived there on the plea of Angira:—He is one of the six mental sons of Brahma and the father of
pilgrimage. Actually they came to meet Maharaj Parikshit and not for taking Vrihaspati the great learned priest of the demigods in the heaventy planet. He
bath in pilgrimage because all of them were competent enough to sanctify the is born of the semen of Brahmaji given to the cinder of fire. Utthato and
pilgrimages even. Common men go to pilgrimages for getting themselves Samvarta are his sons and it is said that he is still performing austerity and
purified of all sins. Thus the place of pilgrimage becomes overburdened with chanting the holy name of the Lord at a place known as Alokananda on the
the sins of others. But when such sages visit such overburdened pilgrimages, bank of the Ganges.
they sanctify the places by their presence. Therefore the sages who came to
meet Maharaj Parikshit were not very much interested to get themielves Parsurama:—See page 496 VoII.
purified like other common men but on the plea of taking bath in that place Utattha:—One of the three sons of Maharshi Angira. He was the spiritual
they came to meet Maharaj Parikshit because they could foresee that taking master of Maharaj Mandhata. He married Bhadra the daughter of Soma
the advantage of Maharaj Parikshit's fasting for seven days, Sreemad (Moon). Sometimes Varuna Kidnapped his wife Bhadra and to retaliate the
Bhagwatam would be spoken by Sukdeva Goswami and all of them wanted to offence of the god of water, he drunk off all water of the world.
take advantage of the great occasion. Indrapramad:—See page 497 Vol. II.
Atri vasistas chyavanah saradban Medhatithi:—An old Sage of yore. An assembly member of the heavely King
Aristanemir chrigur angirascha Indradeva. His son was Kannwa Muni who brought up Sakuntala in the
Parasaro gadhisuto atho rama foreest. He was promoted to the heavenly planet by strictly following the
Utatthya indrapramad Iddhmabahau. principles of retired life (Vanaprastha).
Medhatithir devala astiseno Devala:—A great authority like Narada Muni and Vyasdeva. His good name
Bharadwaja goutamah pippalada. in the list of authorities is mentioned in the Bhagwat Geeta while Arjuna
Maitreya ourbah kavashah kumbhayoni acknowledged Lord Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He met
Dwaipayana bhagawan naradas cha. Maharaj Yudhisthira after the battle of Kurukshetra and he is the elder brother
Atri...to Narada—all names of the different saintly personalities arrived there of Dhoumya the priest of the Pandava family. Like the Kshatriyas he also
from different parts of the universe. allowed his daughter to select her own husband in Sayambara meeting and in
On that occasion there arrived great sages like Atri, Chyavan, that ceremony all the bachelor sons of the Rishis were invited to attend.
Saraadban, Aristanemi, Bhrigu, Vasista, Parasar, Viswamitra, Angira, According to some he is a different personality from Asita Devala.
Parsurama, Utatthya, Indrapramad, Iddhmavahu, Medhatithi, Devala, Bharadwaja:—See page 496 Vol. II.
Astisena, Bharadwaj, Goutama. Pippalaha Maitreya,Ourbah, Kavash, Goutama:—One of the seven great sages of the universe. Saradban Goutama
Kumbhayoni, Dwaipayana, and the great Personality Narada. is one of his sons. Persons in Goutama Gotra (dynasty) uptodate are either his
Chyavan:—A great sage and one of the sons of Bhrigu Muni. He was born family descendants or his disciplic sscession. The Brahmins who profess
premature when his pregnant mother was kidnapped. Chyavan is one of the Goutama Gotra are generally family descendants and the Kshatriyas and
six sons of his father. Vaishyas who profess Goutama Gotra are all in the line of his disciplic
Bhrigu:—When Brahmaji was performing a great sacrifice on behalf of succession. He is the husband of the famous Ahalya who turned into stone and
Varuna, Maharshi Bhrigu was born from the sacrificial fire. He was a great Indradeva the king of the heaven molested her. Ahalya was delivered by Lord
sage and his very dear wife was Puloma. He could travel in the space like Ramachandra. He is the grand father of Kripacharya one of the heroes of the
Durvasa, Narada and others and used to visit all planets of the universe. battle of Kurukshetra.
Before the battle of Kurukshetra, he was one of them who tried to stop the Maitreya:—A great Rishi of yore. He was spiritual master of Vidura and a
battle. Sometimes he instructed Bharadwaja Muni about the astronomical great authority in the matter of religiosity. He advised Dhritarstra to keep
evolution and he is the author of the great Bhrigusamhita the astrological good relation with the Pandavas. Duryadhone disagreed and thus he was
calculation. He explained how air fire water and earth generated from ether. cursed by him. He met Vyasdeva and had religious discourses with him.
He explained how the air in the stomach works and regulates the intestines.
As a great philosopher he established with logical conclusion about the Dwaipayana:—See page 495 Vol. II.
eternity of the living entity. (Mahabharat Shanti Ch. 87) He was also a great Narada Muni:—See page 494 Vol. II.
anthropologist and the theory of evolution was long ago explained by him. He Anye cha devarshi brahmarshi varya
was a scientific propounder of the four divisions and orders of the human Rajarshivarya arunadayas cha
society known as the Varnashram institution. He converted Kshatriya king Nana arseyapravaran sametan
Bitahavyak to become a Brahmin. Abhyarcha raja sirasa vavande.
Vasista:—See page 497 Vol. II. Anye—many others, Cha—also, Devarshi—saintly demigods, Brahmarshi—
Parasara:—Is the grandson of Vasista Muni and father of Vyasadeva. He is saintly brahmins, Varya—topmost, Rajarshivaryas—topmost saintly kings,
the son of Maharshi Shakti and his mother's name was Adrisyanti. He was in Arunadayas—a special rank of Rajarshis, Cha—and, Nana—many other,
the womb of his mother when she was only twelve years old. And from within Arsheyapravaran chief amongst the dynasties of the sages, Sametan—
the womb of his mother he learnt the Vedas. His father was killed by a demon assembled together, Abhyarcha—by worshipping, Sirasa—by the head down
Kalmaspada and to revenge this he wanted to annihilate the whole world on the ground, Vavande—welcomed.
when he heard the death news of his father by his mother. He was however There were many other saintly demigods, royal orders and special royal
restrained by his grand father Vasista. He then performed a Rkshas killing order of the name Arunadaya of different dynasties of sages and when all
yajna but Maharshi Pulasta restrained him. He begot Vyasdeva being attracted of them assembled together to meet the emperor, he received them
by Satyavati later on wife of Maharaj Santanu. By the blessings of Parasara, properly and bowed down his head on the ground.
Satyavati became fragrant for miles together. He was present also during the
time of Bhisma's death. He was spiritual master of Maharaj Janaka and a great
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
The system of bowing down the head on the ground to show respects to Tasya evame aghasya paraavara isho
superior is an excellent etiquette which obliges the honoured guest deep into Vyasakta chittasya grihesu abhikshanam
the heart. Even the first grade offender is excused by the offended simply by Nirvedamulam dwijasapa rupo
this process and Maharaj Parikshit, although he was honoured by all rank and Yatra prasakto bhayam asu dhatte.
file of the order of Rishis and kings, the emperor welcomed all the big men in Tasyo—his, Eva—certainly, Me—mine, Aghasya—of the sinful, Para—
that humble etiquette in order to be excused by them if he had offended them transcendental, Abara—mundane, Isha—controller the Supreme Lord,
at all at any time. Generally at the last stage of one's life this humble method Vyasakta—specifically attached,, Chittasya—of the mind, Grihesu—in the
is adopted by every sensible man inorder to be excused before departure for matter of family affairs, Abhikshnam—always, Nirvedamulam—the source of
the next life and in this way Maharaj Parikshit implored every one's good will detachment, Dwijasapa—cursing by the brahmin, Rupa—in the form of,
for going back to home back to Godhead. Yatra—whereupon Prasakto—one who is affected, Bhayam—fearfulness,
Sukha upavistesu atha tesu bhuyah Asu—very soon, Dhatte—take place.
Kritapranamah swa chikirsitam yat. As such the Supreme Personality of Godhead controller of the
Vijnapayamasa viviktacheta transcendental and mundane worlds has kindly overtaken me in the form
Upasthito agre abhigrihita panih. of cursing of the Brahmin. On account of my being too much attached to
Sukha—happily, Upavistesu—all sitting down, Atha—thereupon, Tesu—unto family life and inorder to save me the Lord has so appeared before me so
them (the visitors) Bhuyah—again, Kritapranamah—having offered that out of fear only I may be detached from the world.
obeisances, Swa—his won, Chikirsitam—decision of fasting, Maharaj Parikshit although born inthe family ofthe great devotees the
Vijnapayamasa—submitted, Viviktacheta—one whose mind is detached from Pandavas and although he was securely trained up in the matter of
worldly affairs, Upasthito—being present, Agre—in front of them, transcendental attachment for the association of the Lord, still the allurement
Abhigrihita panih—humbly with folded hands. of mundane family life is so strong that even he was to be detached from such
Thereafter all the Rishis and others having taken their seats comfortably mundane life by a plan of the Lord in the form of cursing by the brahmin boy.
the king expressed himself about his decision to fast until death standing Such direct action is taken up by the Lord in the case of a special devotee by
before them humbly with folded hands. whom a particular mission of the Lord has have to be done. Maharaj Parikshit
Although the king had already decided to fast until death on the bank of the could understand it by the indication of presence of the topmost
Ganges still he humbly expressed his decision to elicit opinions of the great transcendentalist of the universe present before him. The Lord resides with
authorities present there. Any decision however important and fixed up may His devotees and therefore the presence of the great saints indicated the
be confirmed by some authority and that makes the thing very perfect. This presence of the Lord on the spot. A condemned person is never visited by the
means the monarchs who ruled over the earth in those days were not Lord and as such Maharaj Parikshits could follow it that in the form of cursing
irresponsible dictators but they scrupulously followed the authoritative by the Brahmin boy the Lord has had appeared before him. The reverse
decisions of the saints and sages in terms of Vedic injunction. Maharaj position was favourable condition for the king for his becoming unattached to
Parikshitw as a perfect king and he followed the principles of consulting the the alluring family life out of a fear of the cruel death. He therefore welcomed
authority even up to the last days of his life. the presence of the great Rishis as a mark of favour of the Supreme Lord.
Sri Raja uvacha Tam ma upayatam pratiy antu vipra
Aho vayam dhanyatama nripanam Ganga Cha devi dhrita chittam ishe
Mahattamanam anugrahaniyasheelah. Dwijopasristah kuhakas takshako va
Rajnam kulam brahmanapada souchad Dasatu alam gayata vishnugathah.
Durad visristam bata garhyam karma. Tam—for that reason, Ma—me, Upayatam—taken shelter of, Pratiyantu—
Sri Raja uvacha—the fortunate king thus said, Aho—hallo, Vayam—we, just take it from me, Vipra—oh the brahmins, Ganga—mother Ganges, Cha—
Dhanyatama—mostly thankful, Nripanam—of all the kings, also, Devi—direct representative of the Lord, Dhrita—taken up, Chittam—
Mahattamanam—of the great souls, Anugrahaniyasheelah—so trained up as heart, Ishe-unto the Lord, Dwijopasristah—created by the brahmin, Kuhaka—
to get favours, Rajnam—of the royal, Kulam—orders, Brahmanapada—feet something magical, Takshaka—the snake-bird, Va—either, Dasatu—let it
of the brahmins, Sauchad—refuses after clean sing, Durat—from distance, bite, Alam—without further delay, Gayata—please go on singing,
Visristam—always left out, Bata—on account of, Garhyam—condemnable, Vishnugathah—narration of the deeds of Vishnu.
Karma—activities, Oh the brahmins just accept me as the completely surrendered soul and
The fortunate king said, "Hallo how we are mostly thankful from other let mother Ganges the representative of the Lord also accept me like that
rulers, being trained up as to get favours of the great souls otherwise as I have already taken up in my heart the lotus feet of the Lord. Let the
generally the royal orders are rejected( by you ) from a distant place like snake bird or something magical created by the brahmin, bite me at once
the refuses after cleansing. " but what I want that you all may go on singing the deeds of Lord Vishnu.
According to religious principle, the stool, urine, washed water etc must be As soon as one is given up completely unto the Lotus feet of the Supreme
left out from a long distance. Attached bath rooms, urinals, privy etc may be Lord one is not at all afraid of death. The atmosphere created by the persence
very convenient amenities of modern civilization but they are ordered to be of great devotees of the Lord on the bank of the Ganges and Maharaj
situated at a disiance away from residontial quarters. That very examhle is Parikshit's completely acceptance of the Lord's Lotus feet all were sufficient
cited herein in relation with the kingly order for those who are progressively guarantee for the King for going back to home back to Godhead. He became
marching towards back to home back to godhead. Lord Sri Chaitanya thus absolutely free from all fear of death.
Mahaprabhu said, that to be in intimate touch with Ł. sh. men or the kingly Punas cha bhuyad bhagwati anante
order by one who desires to go back to home back to Godhead,—is more than Ratih prasamgas cha tad asrayaesu.
committing suicide by drinking hemlock. In other words the transcendentalist Mahatsu yam yam upayami sristim
do not generally associate with men who are too much enamoured by the Maitras tu sarvatra namo dwijebhyah.
external beauty of God's creation. By advanced knowledge in the matter of Punas—again, Cha—and, Bhuyad—let it be, Bhagwati—unto Lord Sri
spiritual realisation, the transcendentalist knows it well, that this beautiful Krishna, Anante—who has unlimited potency, Ratim—attraction,
material world is nothing but a shadow reflection of the Reality the kingdom Prasamgas—association, Cha—also, Tad—His, Asrayaesu—unto those who
of God. They are not, therefore, very much captivated by the royal opulence are His devotees, Mahatsu—within the compass of material creation, Yam
or any thing like that. But in the case of Maharaj Parikshit the situation was yam—whichever, Upayami—I may take, Sristim—my birth, Maitras—
different. Apparently the king was condernmed to death by an inexperienced friendly relation, Tu—let it be, Sarvatra—everywhere, Namo—my
brahmin boy, but factually the king was called by the Lord to go back to Him. obeisances, Dwijebhyah—unto the Brahmins.
Other transcendentalists,the great sages and mystics who assembled together
on account of Maharaj Parikshit's fasting unto death, were quite anxious to see Again after offering my obeisances unto you all the Brahmins, I beg to
him who was going back to Godhead. Maharaj Parikshit also could pray that should I again take my birth in the material world let it be that
understand that the great sages who assembled there were all kind to his I may have my full attachment unto Lord Sri Krishna who has unlimited
forefathers the Pandavas on account of their devotional service of the Lord. potency, my association with His devotees and my friendly relation with
He felt, therefore, grateful to the sages for being present there at the last stage all living beings.
of his life and he felt that it was all due to the greatness of his late forefathers A devotee of the Lord is the only perfect living being is explained herein by
or grandfathers at. He felt proud therefore that he happened to be the Maharaja Parikshit. A devotee of the Lord is no body's enemy although there
descendant of such great devotees. Feeling of such prideness in relation with may be many enemies of a devotee. A devotee of the Lord does not like to
the devotee and the Lord is certainly not equal to the puffed up sense of vanity associate with non-devotees although he has no enmity with them. He desires
in relation with material prosperity. The first is reality whereas the last one is association with the devotees of the Lord. This is perfectly natural because the
false and vanity only. birds of the same feather mix up together. The ducks and the crows are
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Nineteenth Chapter - Appearance of Sukadeva Goswami
different types of birds. The ducks associate with the ducks and the crows All the great sages assembled there, praised the decision of Maharaj
associate with the crows. And the most important function of a devotee is to Parikshit and they expressed their approval by saying 'very good'.
have complete attachment for Lord Sri Krishna the father of all other living Naturally the sages are inclined to do good to the common man as they
beings. As a good son of the father behave friendly with all his other brothers, are qualitatively powerful like the supreme Lord. As such they were very
so also the devotee of the Lord being good son of the Supreme Father Lord much pleased to see Maharaj Parikshit a devotee of the Lord and said
Krishna, sees all other living beings in relation with the Supreme Father. He like this.
tries to bring back the upstart sons of the father to a saner stage and thus Natural beauty of a living being is enhanced by rising upto the platform of
gradually accepts the Supreme fatherhood of God. Maharaj Parikshit was devotional service. Maharaj Parikshit was so much absorbed in the matter of
certainly going back to home back to Godhead but even if he was not to go attachment for Lord Krishna and seeing this the great sages assembled there
back like that he prayed for a pattern of life which is the most perfect way of were too much pleased and they expressed their approval by saying 'very
life in the material world. A pure devotee does not desire the company of a good'. Such sages are naturally inclined to do good to the common man and
personality as great as Brahma, but he prefers the association of a petty living when they see a personality like Maharaj Parikshit advanced in devotional
being provided such living being is a devotee of the Lord. service, their pleasure knows no bound and they offer all blessings in their
Iti sma raja adhyavasaya yuktah power. Devotional service of the Lord is so auspicious that all demigods,
Prachina mulesu kusesu dheerah sages upto the Lord Himself all become pleased with the devotee and
Udanmukham dakshina kuta aste therefore devotee finds everything auspicious for him and all inauspicious
Samudra patnya swa suta nasta bharah. matter becomes extinct from the path of a progressive devotee. Meeting all
Iti—thus, Sma—as in the past, Raja—the king, Adhyavasaya—perseverance, the great sages at the time of death, was certainly all auspicious for Maharaj
Yuktah—being engaged, Prachina—eastern, Mulesu—on the root, Kusesu— Parikshit, and as such a devotee like Maharaj Parikshit is blessed even by the
on seat made of kusa straw, Dheerah—selfcontrolled, Udammukham—facing so-called cursing of a Brahmin's boy.
the northern side, Dakshina—on the southern, Kula—bank, Aste—situated, Na va idam rajarshi varya chitram
Samudra—the sea, Patnya—wife of (the Ganges) Swa—own, Suta—son, Bhavatsu krishnam samanuvratesu
Nasta—given over, Bharah—the charges of administration. Ye adhyasanam rajakirita justam
Maharaj Parikshit was perfectly self controlled and as such thus he Sadya juhur bhagawat parswakamah.
situated himself. He sat down on the seat of straw with roots towards the Na—neither, Va—like this, Idam—this, Rajarsi—saintly king, Varya—the
east placed on the southern bank of the Ganges, facing himself on the chief, Chitram—astonishing, Bhavatsu—unto you all, Krishnam—Lord
northern side and previously having given the charge of administration Krishna, Samanuvartesu—unto those who are strictly in the line of, Ye—who,
on his son. Adhyasanam—seated on the throne, Rajakirita—helmets of kings, Justam—
The river Ganges is celebrated to be known as the wife of the sea. The seat of decorated, Sadya—immediately, Juhur—gave up, Bhagawat—the Personality
Kusa straw is considered to be sanctified if the straw is taken out of the earth of Godhead, Parswakama—desiring to achieve association.
complete with root and the root side kept towards eastern direction is Oh the chief of the saintly kings, for you all the Kings of the Pandu
considered to be auspicious. Facing the northern side is still more favourable dynasty, who are all strictly in the line of Lord Sri Krishna, it is not at all
for attaining sipritual success. Maharaj Parikshit handed over the charge of astonishing to give up your throne which is decorated with the helmets of
administration to his son before his leaving the home. He was thus fully many kings for the sake of achieving the eternal association of the
equipped for all favourable conditions. Personality of Godhead.
Evam cha tasmin naradevadeve Foolish politicians who hold political administrative posts for sometime, do
Prayopaviste divi deva samghah think that the temporary post occupied by him is the highest material gain of
Prasasya bhumou vyakiran prasunair his life and therefore they stick up to that post upto the last moment of his life
Muda muhur dundubhayas cha neduh. without knowing it that achievement of liberation as one of the associates of
Evam—thus, Cha—and, Tasmin—in that, Naradevadeve—upon the king's, the Lord in His eternal abode is the highest gain of life. The human life is
Prayopaviste—being engaged in fasting to death, Divi—in the sky, Deva— meant for achieving this end of life going back to home back to Godhead. The
demigods, Samghah—all of them, Prasasya—having praised the action, Lord has assured us in the Bhagwat Geeta more than many times that by
Bhumou—on the earth, Vyakiran—scattered, Prasunair—with flowers, achieving the success of going back to Godhead, in His eternal abode is the
Muda—in-pleasure, Muhur—continually, Dundubhayas—celestial drums, highest achievement of success. Prahlad Maharaj while praying to the Lord
Cha—also, Neduh—beaten. Nrisingah said it as follow. "Oh my Lord I am very much afraid of the
materialistic way of life and I am not the least afraid of your present ghastly
The king Maharaj Parikshit thus being situated on fasting unto death all ferocious feature as Nrisinghadeva. This materialistic way of life is something
the demigods living in the higher planets of the sky praised the action of like grinding stone and thus we are being crushed by the great machine. We
the king and in pleasure continually they scattered flowers over the earth are fallen in this horrible whirlpool of the waves of ups and downs of life and
and beaten over the celestial drums. thus my Lord I pray at your lotus feet to call me back to your eternal abode as
Even up to the time of Maharaj Parikshit there were interplanetary one of your servitors which is the summit liberation of this materialistic way
communications and the news of Maharaj Parikshit's fasting unto death for of life. I have a very bitter experience of materialistic way of life. In
attaining salvation reached the higher planets in the sky where the intelligent whichever species of life I have taken my birth compelled by the force of
demigods live. The demigods are more luxurious than the human being on the reaction of my own activities, I have very bitterly experienced two things
earth but all of them are obedient to the orders of the Supreme Lord. There is specially namely separation from my beloved and meeting with what is not
none in the heavenly planet who is an atheist non-believer. As such any wanted by me. And to counter act them, the remedies which I undertook were
devotee of the Lord on the surface of the earth is always praised by them and more dangerous than the mischieves themselves. So I am drifted from one
in the case of Maharaj Parikshit they were greatly delighted and thus point to the other birth after birth and I pray therefore for giving me a shelter
manifested the token of honour by scattering flowers over the earth as well as at your lotus feet."
by beating the celestial drums. The nature of a pure devotee is that he takes The Pandava kings who are more than many saints of the world know the
pleasure in seeing somebody going back to Godhead and they are always bitter results of materialistic way of life. They are never captivated by the
pleased upon a devotee of the Lord so much so that by their Adhidaivic glare of the imperial throne occupied by them and they seek always the
powers they help the devotees in all respects and by their action like this, the opportunity of being called by the Lord to associate with Him eternally.
Lord is pleased upon them. There is an invisible chain of complete co- Maharaj Prikshit was worthy grand-son of Maharaj Yudhisthir. Maharaj
operation, between the Lord, the demigods and the devotee of the Lord on the Yudhisthir timely gave up the attraction of the imperial throne giving over the
earth. charge of administration to his grand-son and similarly Maharaj Parikshit the
Maharsaya vai samapugata yeh grandson of Maharaj Yudhisthir, gave up the attraction of the imperial throne
Prasasya sadhu iti anumodamanah timely, giving over the charge of adminstration to his son Janmenjaya. That is
Uchuh prajanugraha seelasara the way of all the kings in the dynasty because they are all strictly in the line
Yad uttamasloka gunabhirupam. of Lord Krishna. As such the devotees of the Lord are never enchanted by the
glare of materialistic way of life and they live impartially unattached to the
Maharsaya—the great sages, Vai—as a matter of course, Samupagata— objects of attraction of the false illusory materialistic way of life.
assembled there, Yeh—those who, Pasasya—by praising Sadhu—quite all
right, Iti—thus, Anumodamanah—all approving; Uchuh—said, Sarve vayam tavat iha asmeh atha
Prajanugraha—doing good to the living being, Seelasara—qualitatively Kalevaram yavat asou vihaya
powerful, Yad—because, Uttamasloka—One who is praised by selected Lokam param virajaskam visokam
poems, Gunabhirupam-as beautiful as Godly qualities. Yasyati ayam bhagwata pradhanah.
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Sarve—all, Vayam—of us, Tavat—as long as, Iha—at this place Asme—shall covered by the cloud. The covered strength of the sun rays is very dim than
stay, Atha—hereafter, Kalevaram—the body, Yavat—so long, Asou—the the original glare and similarly living beings with such attributes become
King, Vihaya—giving up, Iokam—the planet, Param—the Supreme, almost extinct from the original colour. There are three status of the planetary
Virajaskam—completely free from mundane contamination, Visokam— system namely the lower worlds, the intermediate worlds and the upper
completely freed from all objects of lamentation, Yasyati—goes back, worlds. The human beings on the earth are situated in the beginning of the
Ayam—this, Bhagawata—devotee, Pradhana—the foremost. intermediate worlds but living beings like the Brahma and his contemporaries
"We shall all wait and stay here as long as the foremost devotee of the do live in the upper world and the topmost of them is the Satyaloka. In the
Lord Maharaj Paraikshit does not go back to the Suqreme planet which Satyaloka the inhabitants are fully cognisant of the Vedic wisdom and thus the
is completely free from all mundane contamination and also free from all mystic cloud of material energy is cleared off and therefore they are known as
kinds of lamentable objectives. the Vedas personified. Such persons being fully aware of the knowledge
mundane and transcendental they have no interest of gain in either of the
Beyond the limitation of the material creation which is compared with the mundane or transcendental worlds. They are practically desireless devotees.
cloud in the sky, there is the Paravyoma or the spiritual sky full of planets In the mundane world they have nothing to achieve and in the transcendental
called by the name Vaikunthas. Such Vaikuntha planets are also differently world they are full in themselves. Then why do they come over the mundane
known as the Purushottamloka. Achyutaloka, Trivikrama Loka, Hrishikesha world ? They descend on different planets as messiahs by the order of the
Loka, Keshava Loka, Aniruddha Loka, Madhava Loka, Praddumna Loka, Lord to deliver the fallen souls of different planets. On the earth they come
Samkarsan Loka, Sridhar Loka, Vasudeva Loka, Ayodhya Loka, Dwarka down on different parts and they do good to the people of the world in
Loka, and many other crores and crores of spiritual lokas wherein the different circumstances under different climatic influence but they have
Personality of Godhead predominates; and all the living entities there are nothing to do in this world save and except reclaiming the fallen souls rotting
liberated souls with spiritual bodies as good as that of the Lord. There is no in the material existence, deluded by material energy.
material contamination; everything there is spiritual and therefore there is
nothing objective as lamentable. They are full of transcendental bliss without Tatas cha vah prichhyam imam viprichhe
any birth, death, old age or diseases. And amongst all the abovementioned Visravya vipra iti krityatayam.
Vaikuntha Lokas there is one Supreme Loka called by the name Goloka Sarvatmana mriyamanais cha krityam
Vrindaban which is the abode of the Lord Sri Krishna and His specific Suddham cha tatra amrisatabhi yuktah.
associates. Maharaj Parikshit was meant for achieving this particular Loka Tatas—as such, Cha—and, Vah—unto you, Prichhyam—that which is to be
and the great Rishis assembled there could foresee the destination of Maharaj asked, Imam—this, Viprichhe—beg to ask you, Visravya—trustworthy,
Parikshit. All of them consulted amongst themselves about the great departure Viprah—brahmins, Iti—thus, Krityatayam—out of all different duties,
of the great king and they wanted see up to the last moment, because they Sarvatmana—by every one. Mriyamanais—especially those who are just to
would no more be able to see such great devotee of the Lord. When a great die, Cha—and, Krityam—dutiful, Suddham—perfectly correct, Cha—as well,
devotee of the Lord passes away there is nothing to be lamented because such Cha—and, Tatra—therein, Amrisatabhi—by complete deliberation,
devotee was destined to enter into the kingdom of God; but the sorry plight is Yuktam—just be fitting.
that such great devotees become out of our sight and therefore there is every Oh the trustworthy brahmins, I am just putting the question before you
reason to be sorry for such disappearance of a devotee. As the Lord is rarely all as to my immediate duty. You can, after proper deliberation, let me
to be seen by our present eyes, so also the great devotees are. The great know as to what may be the unalloyed duty of every one in all
Rishis, therefore, correctly decided to remain on the spot till the last moment circumstances and specifically of them who are to die immediately.
of the King.
In this verse the king has placed two questions before the learned sages. The
Ashrutya tad rishigana vachah parikshit first question is what is the duty of every one t all circumstances and the
Samam madhuchyud guruchaavyalikam. second question is what is the specific duty of one who is to die very shortly.
Abhasato enan abhinandya yuktan Out of the two the question in realation of the dying man is most important
Susrusomanas charitani vishnoh. because every one is a dying man either very shortly or after one hundred
Ashrutya—just after hearing, Tad-that, Rishiganah—the sages assembled years. The duration of life is immaterial but the duty of a dying man is more
Vachas—speaking, Parikshit—Maharaj Parikshit, Samam—impartial, important. Maharaj Prikshit placed these two questions before Sukhdeva
Madhuchyud—sweet to hear, Guru—grave, Cha—also, Avyalikam— Goswami also on his arrival on the spot and practically the whole of the
perfectly true, Abhasato-said, Enan—all of them, Yuktam—correctly Srimad Bhagwatam beginning from the second canto upto the last twelefth
represented, Susrusamanas—being desireous, Charitani—activities of, canto only these two questions have been dealt with by the great Goswami
Vishnoh—the personality of Godhead. Sukdevaji. And conclusion arrived thereof is that devotional service of the
All that was spoken by the great sages were very sweet to hear, full of Lord Sri Krishna as it is confirmed by the Lord Himself in the last phases of
meaning and appropriately represented as perfectly true. So atfter the Bhagwat Geeta, is the last word in the matter of every one's permanent
hearing them Maharaj Parikshit congratulated the great sages being duty of life. Maharaj Parikshit was already aware of this fact but he wanted
desireous of hearing the activities of Lord Sri Krishna the Personality of that the great sages assembled there may unanimously give verdict upon his
Godhead. conviction so that he might be able to go on with his confirmed duty without
any controversy between the sages present there. He has specially mentioned
Samagatah sarvata eva sarve the word 'Suddha' or perfectly correct. For transcendental realisation or self-
Veda yatha murtidharos tripristhe realisation many other processes are also recommended by various classes of
Na iha na amutra kaschana artha philosophers. Some of them are first class method and some of them are
Rite para anugraham atmaseelam. second class or third class methods. The first class method is that one may
Samagatah—assembled, Sarvata—from all directions, Eva—certainly, give up all other second and third class methods and accept the first class one
Sarve—you all, Veda—knowledge supreme, Yatha—as as, Murtidharas— which is to surrender unto the lotus feet of the Lord and thus be saved from all
personified, Tripristhe—in the planet of Brahma (which is situated above the sins and their reaction.
three planetary system namely the upper, intermediate and the lower worlds) Tatra abhavat bhagawan vyasaputra
Na—not, Iha—in this world, Atha—thereafter, Na—neither, Amutra—in the Yadr ichhaya gam atamano anapeksha
other world, Cha—also, Kaschana—anything whatsoever, Artha—interest, Alakshya lingo nijalava tusto
Rite—save and except, Para—others, Anugraham—doing good to, vritas cha valai ravadhutavesha.
Atmaseelam—own nature.
Tatra—there, Abhavat—appeared, Bhagawan—powerful, Vyasaputra—son
Oh the great sages you have all assembled here very kindly from all of Vyasdeva, Yadr—as as, Ichhaya—one desires, Gam—the earth,
directions of the universe. You are all as good as the personified Atomana—while travelling, Anapekshah—disinterested, Alakshaya—non-
knowledge supreme who resides in the planet situated above the three manifested, Lingam—symptoms, Nijalava—self achieved, Tusto—satisfied,
worlds (satyaloka). As such you are naturally inclined to do good to Vritas—surrounded by, Cha—and, Valai—by children, Abhaduta—neglected
others and save and except this you have no other interest either in this or by others, Vesha—dressed.
in the next life.
At that time there appeared the most powerful son of Vyasadeva who
Six kinds of opulences namely wealth, strength, fame, beauty knowledge and used to travel on the earth disinterested and satisfied by his own
renunciation are all originally the different attributes pertaining to the achievement. He was non-manifested by any symptoms of social order
Absolute Personality of Godhead. The living beings who are parts and parcel and status of life surrounded by children, women and dressed as if
entities of the Supreme Being, have all the above attributes partially up to the neglected by others.
full strength of seventy eight percent. In the material world these attributes of
the living entities (up to the full strength of seventy eight percent of the Lord's The word 'Bhagwan' is sometimes used in relation with some of the great
attributes) become covered by the material energy as much the sun becomes devotees of the Lord and as Sukdeva Goswami was so he has been also so
attributed. Such liberated souls are disinterested in the affairs of this material
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Nineteenth Chapter - Appearance of Sukadeva Goswami
world because they are self satisfied by the great achievements of devotional Sa vishnurato atithaya agataya
service. As explained before, Sukhdeva Goswami never accepted any formal Tasmai saparyam sirasa jahara.
spiritual master neither did he underwent any formal reformatory Tato nivritta hi abudhah striyo arbhaka
performances. His father was his natural spiritual master because he heard Mahasane sa upavivesha pujitah.
"Srimad Bhagwatam" from his great father Vyasdeva and after this he became Sa—he, Vishnurata—Maharaj Praikshit (who is always protected by the Lord
completely self satisfied and as such he was not dependant on any formal Vishnu), Atithaya—to become a guest, Agataya—one who arrived there,
process. The formal processes are necessary for those who are expected to Tasmai—un to him, Saparyam—with all body, Sirasa—with his head down,
reach to the stage of complete liberation but Sri Sukhdeva Goswami was Jahara—offered obeisances, Tato—there after, Nivritta—ceased, Hi—
already in that status by the grace of his father. As a young boy he was certainly, Abudha—less intelligent, Striya—women, Arbhaka—boys,
expected to be properly dressed but naked as he was disinterested to social Mahasane—exhalted seat, Sa—he, Upavisvesha—sat down, Pujitah—being
customs, he was neglected by the general populace and inquistive boys and respected.
women surrounded him as if a rejected madman is so surrounded. He thus
appears on the scene while travelling on the earth by his own accord. It Maharaj Prikshit who is also khown as the Vishnurata, then bowed down
appears that on the enquiry of Maharaj Parikshit from the great sages, they with his head to receive the chief guest Sukdeva Goswami. At that time
were not unauimous in their decision as to what and what was to be done. For all less intellgent women and boys ceased to follow him and thus being
spiritual salvation there were many prescriptions according to the differeut respected by all, Sukdeva Goswami took his exhalted seat.
modes of different persons. But the ultimate aim of life is to attain the highest On arrival of Sukdeva Goswami in the meeting every one of them except Srila
perfectional stage of devotional service of the Lord. As the doctors differ so Vyasadeva, Narada and few others, stood up from their seats and Maharaj
also the sages differed by their different prescriptions and while such things Parikshit was too glad to receive a great devotee of the Lord and thus he
were going on, the great powerful son of Vyasadeva appeared on the scene. bowed down before him with all the limbs of his body. Sukadeva Goswami
Tam dwasta varaam sukumara pada also exchanged the greetings and reception by embrace, shaking of hand,
Kara uru bahbam sakapola gatram nodding and bowing down specially before his father and Narada Muni and
Charu ayata akaha utnasa tulya karna thus he was offered the presidential seat in the meeting. When he was so
Subhru ananam kambu sujata kantha. being received by the king and the sages the street boys and the less intelligent
women who followed him, were struck with wonder and were affraid of them.
Tam—him, Dwastya—sixteen, Varsa—years, Sukumara-delicate, Pada— So they retired from their frivolous activities and everything was full of
legs, Kara—hands, Uru—thighs, Bahbam—arms, Ansa—shoulder, Kapola— gravity clam quiteness.
forehead, Gatram—body, Charu—beautiful, Ayata—broad, Aksha—eyes,
Utnasa—hingh nose, Tulya—similir, Karna—ears, Svbhru—nice brows, Sa samvritas tatra mahan mahiyasam
Ananam—face, Kambu—conchshell, Sujata—nicely built, Kantha—neck. Brahmarsi rajarsi devarsi samghaih.
Vyarochata alam bhagawan yatha indur
The son of Vyasdeva was only sixteen years old. His legs. hands, thighs, Graharkha tara nikaraih paritah.
arms, shoulder, forehead, and other parts of the body were all delicate.
His eyes were broad and beautiful, nose raised highly, the ears were Sa—Sri Sukdeva Goswemi, Samvritas—surrounded by, Tatra—there,
similar, attractvive face, ond the neck beautifully lined up like that of a Mahan—great, Mahiyasam—of the greatest, Brahmarsi—saint among the
conchshell. brahmins, Rajarsi—saint among the kings, Devarsi—saint among the
demigods, Samghaih—by the assembly of, Vyarochata—well deserved,
Respectable personality is described beginning from the legs and the Alam—oh what to speak, Bhagwan—the powerful, Yatha—as, Indur—the
honoured system is observed here in the case of Sukdeva Goswami although moon, Graha—planets, Rikha—heavenly bodies, Tara—stars, Nikaraih—by
he was only sixteen years of age. A person is honoured by his achievements the assembly of, Paritah—surrounded by.
and not necessarily by advanced ages. A person can be older by experience
and not by ages. Sri Sukadeva Goswami who is described herein as the son of Sukdeva Goswami was thus surrounded by saintly sages demigods and
Vyasadeva was more experienced than all the sages persent there by his kings just like the moon is surrounded by stars heavenly bodies and
knowledge although he was only sixteen years old. planets in the sky. He was gorgeously represented in that manner and
factually he was also respected by all of them.
Nigudha jakram prithu tunga bakaham
Avarta nabhim valibalgu udaram cha In the great assembly of saintly personalities, there was Vyasadeva the
Digambaram vaktra vikirnakesham Brahmarsi, Narada the Devarsi, Parsurama the great ruler of the Kshatriya
Pralamba bahum swamarottama abham. kings etc. Some of them were powerful incarnations of the Lord. Sukdeva
Goswami was not known as Brahmarshi, Rajarsi or Devarsi neither he was an
Nigudha—covered, Jakram—color bone, Prithu—broad, Tumga—swollen, incarnation like Narada, Vyasa or Parsurama etc. And yet he excelled in
Baksham—Chest, Avarta—whirled, Nabhim—Naval, Valibalgu—striped, respects than all of them. This means the devotee of the Lord is more
Udaram—abdomen, Cha—also, Digambarm—dressed by all honoured in the world than the Lord Himself. One should therefore never
directions(naked) Vakram—curled, Vikirna—scattered, Kesham—hair, minimise the importance of a devotee like Sukedeva Goswami.
Pralamba—elongated, Bahum—hands Swamarottama—the best amongst the
gods(Krishna) Abham—hue. Presantam asinamakuntha medhasam
Munim nripo bhagawatah abhyupetya.
His color bone was covered with skin, chest broader and swollen, naval Pranamya murdhna avahita kritanjalir
screw like deep and abdomen was beautifully striped. His arms were Natwa gira sunritaya anwaprichhat.
elongated and curled hair was strewn over his beautiful face. And naked
although he was his hue of the body reflected that of Lord Krishna. Prasantam—perfectly pacified, Asinam—sitting, Akuntha—without any
hesitation, Medhasam—one who has got the required brain, Munim—unto the
The specific signs of his bodily featunes indicated his distinction from the great sage, Nripa—the king (Maharaj Parikshit) Bhagwatah—the great
common men. All the signs described in connection with the bodily features devotee, Abhyupetya—going nearer to him,Prananya—bowing down,
of Sukdeva Goswami are uncommon symptyoms of great personality Murdhna—by his head Avahita—properly,—Kritanjali—with folded hands,
according to physiognomical calculation. His bodily hue represented that of Natwa—politely, by words, Sunritaya—in sweet voices, Anwaprichhat—
Lord Krishna who is the Supreme amongst the gods, demigods, human beings enquired.
and all living beings.
The great devotee Maharaj Parikshit, then going nearer to the sage Sri
Shyamam sada apivyvavaya amga lakshmya Sukdeva Goswami who was sitting perfectly pacified and had the
Strinam manojnam ruchira smitena. necessary brain to answer everything unhesitatingly, offered again his
Pratyutthitaste munayoh swa asan ebhyo respects by bowing down before him and very politely enquired from him
Tat lnkasanaja api gudhavarchasam in sweet words with folded hands.
Shayamam—blackish, Sada—always, Apivya—excessively, Vaya—age, The gesture, now adopted by Maharaj Parikshit in the matter of questioning a
Anga—symptoms, Lakshya—by the opulence of, Strinam—of the fair sex, master is quite befitting in terms of scri ptural injunction. The scriptural
Manojnam—attractive, Ruchira—beautiful, Smitena—smiling, injunction is that one should humbly approach a spiritual master for
Pratyutthitas—stood up, Te—all of them, Munayah—the great sages, Swa— understanding the transcendental science. Maharaj Parikshit was now
own, Asanebhya—from the seats, Tat—those, Laksanajna—expert in the prepared for meeting his beath and within a very short time of seven days he
knowledge, Gudhavarchasam—covered glories. was to know the process of entering the kingdom of God. In such important
He was blackish and very beautiful on account of his young age. By the cases only one is required to approach a spiritual master. There is no necessity
glamour of his body and attractive smiling he was pleasing to the fair sex. of approaching a spiritual master unless one is not in need of solving the
Although he covered his natural glories, the great sages present were all problems of life. One who does not know how to put questions before the
expert in the art of phyiognomy and thus they honoured him by standing spiritual master has no business to go there. And the qualification of the
up from their own seats. spiritual master is perfectly manifested in the person of Sukdeva Goswami.
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Srimad Bhagawatam, First Canto, Volume Three
Both the spiritual master and the desciple namely Sri Sukdeva Goswami and Godhead but factually as soon as the Personality of Godhead appears either by
Maharaj Parikshit attained perfection through the medium of Srimad his transcendental Name, Form, Attributes, Pastimes, Paraphernalia and
Bhagwatam. Sukdeva Goswami learnt Srimad Bhagwatam from his father variegatedness, the unbeliever demon is at once vanquished. It is said by the
Vyasdeva but he had no chance to recite it. Before Maharaj Parikshit he common man that a ghost cannot remain as soon as the holy name of the lord
recited Srimad Bhagwatam and answered the questions of Maharaj Pasikshit is chanted. The great saints and devotees of the Lord are in the list of his
unhesitatingly from Srimad Bhagwatam and thus both the master and the paraphernalia; and as such, as soon as such saintly devotee is present, the
disciple got salvation. ghost like sins at once become vanquished. That is the verdict of all vedic
Sri Parikshit uvacha literatures. One is recommended, therefore, to associate with such saintly
Aho adya vayam brahman satsevya khatra bandhavah devotee only so that the worldly demons and ghosts cannot exert their sinister
Kripaya atithirupena bhavadbhis tirthakah kritah. influence upon such associates.
Sri Parikshit Uvacha—fortunate Maharaj Parikshit said, Aho—Oh God, Api me bhagawan pritah krishnah pandusuta priyah
Adya—to day, Vayam—we, Brahman—oh the brahmins, Satsevya—eligible Paitri swaseya priti arthantad gotrasya atta bandhavah.
to serve the devotee, Kshatra—the ruler class, Bandhavah—friends, Api—definitely, Me—untome, Bhagawan—the Personality of Godhead,
Kripaya—by your mercy, Atithirupena—in the manner of a great, Pritah—pleased, Krishnah—the Lord, Pandusuta—the sons of king Pandu,
Bhavadbhih—by your goodself, tirthakah—qualified for being pilgrimage, Priyah—dear, Paitri—in relation with farher, Swaseya—the sons of sister,
Kritah—done by you. Priti—satisfaction, Artham—for the matter of, Tat—their, Gotrasya—of the
The fortunate king Parikshit said "Oh the Brahmin, by your mercy only descendant, Atta—accepted, Bandhavah—as friend.
you have sanctified us as pure as the place of pilgrimage by your presence Lord Krishna the Personality of Godhead who is very dear to sons of
here as my guest and thereby we the unworthy royal orders become king Pandu; therefore, the Lord just to please his great cousin brothers
eligible for serving the devotee. has accepted me also as one of those relatives.
Saintly devotee like Sukdeva Goswami generally do not approach the worldly A pure and exclusive devotee of the Lord serves his family inserest more
enjoyers and specially the royal orders. Maharaj Prataprudra was followcr of dexterously than others who are too much attached to the illusory family
Lord Chaitanya but when the king wanted to see the Lord, the Lord refused to affairs. Generally people are attached to family matters and the whole
see him because he was a king. For devotee who desires to go back to home economic empetus of the human society is moving under the influence of
back to Godhead two things are strictly probhibited. They are the worldly family affection. Such deluded persons have no information that one can
enjoyer and the woman. Therefore, devotees of the standard of Sukdeva render better service for the family by becoming the devotee of the Lord. The
Goswami, is never interested in seeing the king. Maharaj Parikshit was of Lord gives special protection to the members and descendants of a devotee,
course a different case. He was a great devotee although a king and therefore even such members of the devotee's family are themselves non-devotees !
Sukdeva Goswami, came to see him at his last stage of life. Maharaj Parikshit Maharaj Prahlad was a great devotee of the Lord but his father Hiranya
out of his devotional humbleness felt himself as unworthy descendant of his Kashipu was a great atheist and declared encmy of the Lord. But inspite of all
great Kshatriya forefathers although he was as great as his predecessors. The these Hiranya Kashipu was awarded salvation on account of his becoming the
unworthy sons of the royal orders are called the Khatra bandhavas as much as father of Maharaj Prahlad. The Lord is so kind that he gives all protection to
the unworthy sons of the Brahmins are called the dwijabandhus or the family members of his devotee and as such the devotee has nothing to
brahmabandhus. Maharaj Parikshit was very much encouraged by the bother about his family members even if such family menbers are left aside
presence of Sukdeva Goswami as the king felt himself sanctified by the for discharging devotional service by the devotee of the Lord. Maharaj
presence of the great saint whose presence at any place turns it into a place of Yudhisthir and brothers were the sons of Kunti the paternal aunt of Lord
pilgrimage. Krishna and Maharaj Parikshit admits the patronage of Lord Krishna upon
Yesam smaranat pumsam sadyah suddhanti vai grihah. him on account of his becoming the only grandson of the great Pandavas.
Kim punar darsana sparsa pada soucha asanadibhih. Anyatha te avyaktagater darsanam nah katham nrinam
Yesam—of whom, Smaranat—by remembrance, Pumsam—of a preson, Nitaram mriyamananam samsiddhasya vaniyasah.
Sadyah—instantly, Suddhanti—cleanses up, Vai—certainly Grihah—all Anyatha—otherwise, Te—your, Avyaktagater—of one whose movements are
houses, Kim—what, Punar—then, Darsana—meeting, Spaitra—touching, not visible, Darsanam—meeting, Nah—for us, Katham—how, Nrinam—of
Pada—the feet, Soucha—washing, Asannadibhih—by offering seats etc. the people, Nitaram—specifically, Mriyamanan—of those who are about to
"Simply by remembering you the houses of us instantly become die, Samsiddhasya—of one who is all perfect, Vaniyasah—voluntary
sanctified. Then what to speak about seeing you, touching you, washing appearance.
your holy feet and by offering you seat at one's, home?" Otherwise (without being inspired by Lord Krishna) how could you
Importance of holy places of pilgrimage is due to the presence of great sages voluntarily appear here, although you are moving incognito for the
and saints there. It is said that sinful presons go to the holy places and they common man and what to speak of us who are on the verge of death.
leave out their sins there to accumulate. But the presence of the great saints The great sage Sukdeva Goswami was certainly inspired by Lord Krishna to
disinfect the accumulated sins and thus the holy places continue to remain appear voluntarily before Maharaj Parikshit the great devotee of the Lord just
sanctified by the grace of the devotees and saints present there. If such saints to instruct him the teachings of Srimad Bhagwatam. One can achieve the
appear in the house of worldly people, certainly the accumulated sins of such nucleus of devotional service of the Lord by the mercy of spiritual master and
worldly enjoyers, become neturalised by such holy presene of great saints. the Personality of Godhead. The spiritual Master is the manifested
Therefore, the holy saints actually have no self-interested business with the representative of the Lord to achieve the ultimate success. One who is not
householders but the only aim of such saints is to sanctify the houses of the authorised by the Lord cannot become the spiritual master. Srila Sukdeva
householders and the house-holders therefore deserve to feel grateful when Goswami is the authorised spiritual master and as such he was inspired dy the
such saints and sages appear at their doors. A householder who dishonours Lord to appear before Maharaj Parikshit just to instruct him the teachings of
such holy orders of the society is a great offender. It is enjoined therefore, that Srimad Bhagwatam. One can achieve the ultimate success of going back to
a house holder, who does not bow down before a saint at once, must undergo home back to Godhead if he is favoured by the Lord by sending His true
fasting for the day inorder to neutralise the great offence. representative. As soon as a true representative of the Lord is met with by a
Sannidhyat te mahayogin patakani mahanti api devotee of the Lord, he is assured a guarantee for going back to Godhead just
Sadyo nasyanti Vai punsam Vishnor ivc suretarah. after leaving the present body. This, however, depends on the sincerity of the
devotee himself. The Lord is seated at the heart of all living beings; and as
Sannidhyat—on account of proximity, Te—your, Mahayogin—oh the great such he knows very well the movements of all individual persons. As soon as
mystic, Patakani—sins, Mahanti—invulnerable, Api—inspite of, Sadyo— the Lord finds it that a particular soul is very eager to go back to home back
forthwith, Nasyanti—vanquished, Vai—certainly, Punsam—of a person, Godhead, the Lord at once sends his bonafide representative to such sincere
Visnor—like the proximity of the Personality of Godhead, Iva—like, devotee. The sincere devotee is thus assured by the Lord for going back to
Suretaran—other than the demi-gods. Godheed. The conclusion is that to get the assistance and help of the bonafide
"As the atheist cannot stay in the presenmce of the Personality of spiritual master, means to receive the direct help of the Lord Himself.
Godhead so also invulnerable sfns of a person are forthwith vanquished Atah prichhami sansiddhim yoginam paramam gurum
in the presence of you saints, oh the great mystic." Purusasya iha yat karyam mriyamnasya sarvatha.
There are two classes of human beings namely the atheist and the devotee of Atah—therefore, Prichhami—beg to enquire, Samsiddhim—the way of
the Lord. The devotee of the Lord on account of manifesting godly qualilies, perfection, Yoginam—of the saints, Paramam—the Suprrme, Gurum—the
is called the demigod whereas the atheist is called the demon. The demon spiritual master, Purusasya—of a person, Iha—in this life, Yat—what ever,
cannot stand in the presence of Vishnu the Personality of Godhead. The Karyam—duty, Mriyananasya—of one who is going to die.
demons are always busy in the matter of vanquishing the Personality of
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Nineteenth Chapter - Appearance of Sukadeva Goswami
"You are the spiritual master of great saints and devotees. I am therefore the poorest of the householders would keep at least ten cows, each delivering
begging to enquire from you thc way of perfection for all persons and five to ten killo meters of milk and therefore no body would hesitate to spare a
specially for one who is just going to die. few pounds of milk for the mendicants. It is duty of the householders to
Unless one is not perfectly anxious to enquire about the way of perfection, mintain the saints and sages like the childern at home. So a saint like Sukdeva
there is no necessity of approaching a spiritual master. A spiritual master is Goswami would hardly stay at the house of the householders for more than
not a kind of decoration for the householders. Generally the fashionable five minutes in the morning. In other words such saints are very rarely seen in
materialist engages a so-called spiritual master without any profit. The the house of householders and Maharaj Parikshi therefore prayed for
psuedo-spiritual master flatters the so-called disciple and thereby both the instructing him about his questions as soon as possible. The house holders
master and ward go to hell without any doubt. Maharaj Parikshit is the right also should be intilligent enough to get some informations from the visiting
type of disciple because he puts forward questions vital to the interest of all sages in the matter of transcendental subject. The householder may not
men generally and particularly for the dying men. The question put forward foolishly ask a saint to deliver which is available in the market. That is the
by Maharaj Parikshit is the basic principle of the complete thesis of 'Srimad reciprocal relation between the saints and the householders.
Bhagwatam' and let us see how inteolligently the great master replies them Sri Suta Uvacha:
one after another. Ebam abhasitah pristah sa rajna slakshnaya gira
Yat srotavyam atho japyan yat kartavyam nribhih prabho Pratyabhasata dharmajna bhagawan vadarayanih.
Smartavyam bhajaniyam va bruhi yadva viparyayam. Sri Sura Uvacha—Sri Suta Goswami said, Ebam—thus, Abhasitah—being
Yat—whatever, Srotavyam—worth hearing, Atho—there of, Japyam— spoken, Pristah—and asked for, Sa—he, Rajna—by the king, Slakshnaya—by
chanted, Yat—what also, Kartavyam—executed, Nribhih—by the people in sweet, Gira—language, Pratyabhasata—began to reply, Dharmajna—one who
general, Prabho—oh the master, Smartavyam—that which is remembered, knows the principles of religiosity, Bhagwan—the powerful Personality,
Bhajaniyam—worshipable Va—either, Bruhi—please explain, Yadva—what Vadarayani—son of Vyasdeva.
it may be, Viparyayam—against the principle. Sri Suta Goswami said, When the king thus spoke and enquired from the
"Please also let me know what the human being should hear, should sage in very pleasing language, then the great powerful Personality son of
chant should remember, and should worship as also what they should not Vyasdeva, who knew the Principles of religiosity, began to reply as
do, all these may be explained to me." follows.
Nunam bhagawato brahman grihesu grihamedhinam Thus end the Bhaktivedanta Purports of the First Canto Nineteenth Chapter of
Na lakshyate hi avasthanam api godahanam kachit. 'Srimad Bhagwatam' in the matter of Appearance of Sri Sukdeva Goswami.
Nunan—because, Bhagawato—of you the powerful, Brahman—oh the
brahmin, Grihesu—in the houses, Grihamedhinam—of the householders,
Na—not, Laksate—is seen, Hi—exactly, Asasthanan—staying in, Api—even,
Godahanam—milking the cow, Kachit—rarely.
"Oh the powerful Brahmin, because you hardly stay up to the time of
milking the cow in the houses of the householders."
Saints and sages in the renounced order of life, do go to the houses of the
householders at the time of milking the cow early in the morning expecting
some quantity of milk for subsistence. A pound of milk fresh from the milk
bag of a cow is sufficient to feed an adult with all vitamin values derived from
food and therefore saints and sages would live only on drinking milk. Even
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