Destruction of Daksa's Sacrifice
The hermtis of Naimisaranya said, “O Suta, in the Vaivasvata Manvantara, you kindly speak out in detail about the creation of the gods, Gandharvas, serpents and the Raksasas. When so cursed by Shiva, what did Daksha, the son of Pracetas, do thereafter? О Immensely intelligent one, we intend to listen everything from your mouth presently.”
Suta said, in the earlier kalpa, the creation of the people related to the same period, had been spoken by Narayana himself which I am going to repeat out. It relieves of all the sins.
Daksa, the Royal son of Pracetas, having been cursed in the earlier birth, because of his earlier enmity denouncing Shiva, performed a yajna (sacrifice) at Gangadvara in which Vishnu was adored as chief God.
All the gods along with Visnu were invoked in the yajna, for receiving their respective shares of the sacrifice. All the best of the Rishis accompanied with other sages arrived there.
Finding the arrival of all the Gods except lord Shiva, the Brahmana sage Dadhlca spoke to Pracetas (Daksa).
Dadhlca said, “Right from Brahma to Pisaca, every one adores lord Shiva. Why is the same lord Shiva being neglected in this Daksa said, “His part has not been conceived in all the yajnas. Moreover, there are no mantras of Shiva with his spouse. Therefore Shiva cannot be adored here.” Then the sage Dadhlca, possessing all the knowledge, laughed and spoke in anger, to all the gods, who kept on listening to him.
Dadhlca said, “The one who pervades the entire world, the one who happens to be the soul of the universe, besides being Paramesvara, and is adored in all the yajnas, he is none else than lord Sankara. This fact is well known. But inspite of the same, why is he being neglected?”
Daksa said, “Rudra Shiva is not auspicious, he is a Tamasika god concerned with the destruction. He moves holding a human skull and is well known in this respect. Therefore it would be improper to call him the soul of the universe.
The all competent Narayana-Visnu happens to be Tsvara indeed, besides being the creator of the universe. The said lord possessing sattvagunas is adored in all the holy rites.”
Dadhlca said, “Are you unable to see lord Surya having a thousand rays. He is the only destroyer of all the lokas besides being Paramesvara in the form of Kala?
The people speaking on Brahman and the religious people of wisdom offer prayer to him.
He is the witness of all, he is the form of Kala, having enormous lustre, the sun infact is the body of lord Shiva. He also happens to be lord Rudra. He is kind-hearted and he is lord Aditya, the destroyer of all. The same lord is Nllakantha (blue-necked) and Vilohita (very ruddy).
|
|
|
The same sun with a thousand rays is offered prayer by Adhvaryus1 and singer of of the Samaveda. You conceive him as Rudramurti, who is the creator of the three worlds.”
Daksa said, “The twelve Adityas have arrived to participate in the yajna. All of them are known as Siirya. There is no other sun except them all.”
At these words of Daksa, all the sages, who had arrived to participate in the yajna, spoke supporting Daksha. “This is the fact.”
They were unable to visualise because of ignorance that lord Shiva is having the bull- banner. Because of this, they kept on denouncing hundreds and thousand times lord Shiva, or even more than that. They kept on denouncing Vedic Mantras and Shiva, the lord of all the bhiitas. They were influenced with the Maya of Visnu, they kept on supporting the words of Daksa.
At the same time, Indra and other gods also arrived to participate in the yajha. No one could find lord Shiva, except lord Hari.
At the same time, Brahma-the best among those who were well-aware of Brahman, being Hiranyagarbha, suddenly disappeared from the scene.
At the disappearing of Brahma, Daksa himself took refuge with Narayana, the preserver of the universe.
Daksa started the yajna fearlessly. Lord Visnu, who was the protector of those who took refuge with him, was his protector. Dadhlca, finding the gods and the sages antagonistic to lord Rudra, said to Daksa. A person earns enormous sin by neglecting adoration of the adorable person and adoring of the undesirable deities. There is no doubt about it.
Where the people with falsehood are respected and the noble people are humiliated, there the punishing rod of the destiny surely falls.”
Thus speaking, the said Rsi Dadhlca, pronounced a curse on the Brahmanas, who had arrived there and were envious of Shiva.
1. A priest of a particular class, who institutes an Adhvara (sacrifice). The adherent of the Yajur-veda.
“Because you have driven out Paramesvara from the prescribed Vedic practices and have particularly humiliated lord Shiva who is adored by the universe, therefore all of you shall fall from the Vedic path Trayi (three Vedas) prescribed by lord Shiva. Those of the people under the influence of the false scriptures, their studies as well as their conduct and human behaviour shall be falsified. Even otherwise those possessing the false knowledge, reaching the age of terrific Kaliyuga, shall have to suffer from all the sides.
|
|
|
All of you discarding your entire tapas, will fall again in hell. Lord Hrslkes'a, with whom you have taken refuge, shall also desert you.
Thus speaking, the great Rsi, the ocean of tapas, stopped, and he mentally took refuge with lord Shiva, the destroyer of all the sins.
In the mean time, learning all this, the omniscient goddess Satl went to lord Mahadeva and apprised him of the factual position.
She said, “Daksa, the father of my earlier birth is denouncing you, glorifying himself while performing a yajna.
Several of the great Rishis and the gods have assembled there for his help. Therefore, you atonce destroy that yajna. This is the boon I seek from you.”
When Sat! so spoke to Shiva, lord Mahadeva transformed himself as Rudra for the destruction of the yajna of Daksa.
The said Rudra had thousand heads, a thousand eyes, and great arms. He was enraged, terrific and looked like the fire at the time of dissolution. He had awful fangs. He was difficult to look at, holding conch, discus and club, holder of staff, creating deafening sound, and had smeared his body with ashes.
He possessed the lustre of Mahadeva and was known by the name of Vlrabhadra. Soon after his birth, he stood before Shiva with folded hands.
Shiva said, “Let you meet with welfare. Then he commanded Vlrabhadra for the destruction of Daksa's sacrifice, who is performing the sacrifice at Gangadvara, denouncing me, Thereafter, like a lion released from captivity, Vlrabhadra, destroyed the yajna of Daksa without much effort.
At that point of time, the goddess Mahesvari created Bhadrakall. The said Gana (the attendant Vlrabhadra), mounted over a bull, reached there.
|
|
|
The intelligent one then created thousands of Rudras, who subsequently came to be known as Romajas or those bom of the hairpits in order to assist him.
Each one of them held tridents, Shakti and iron clubs in their hands. Some of the Rudras had sticks, pebbles and stones in their hands. All of them resembled the fire at the time of dissolution and they created sound, which was spread in all the ten directions.
All the Rudras were accompanied with their spouses, were mounted over the bulls and had awful appearance. All those ganas marched forward towards the sacrifice of Daksa.
Reaching Gangadvara, they spotted the illustrious place of Daksa's sacrifice.
The place of sacrifice had thousands of damsels there, where the sound of the songs by the apsaras rented the sky. The sweat music of flutes and lutes was being heard there. The sound of the Vedic mantras echoed in the sky.
Finding Daksa there with the gods and the Rishis, Vlrabhadra spoke to the other Rudras. “All of us are the ganas of Shiva, possessing enormous strength, and have arrived here to receive our shares in the yajna. Therefore you grant desired shares to us.
О Best of the sages, at whose command this is being done? That the entire share of the sacrifice goes to you and not to us? You kindly tell us.”
You also tell us about the person who commands you, to enable us to take care of him. Thus the Ganesvara spoke to Prajapati and all others.
The gods said, “The mantras fall as your share of the yajna but we are unaware about the related evidence.” At these words of the gods, the Mantras retaliated, “All of you having been overpowered with darkness, are not adoring lord Mahesvara. He happens to be Tsvara of all the living beings. Lord Нага is the lord of all the gods, who is adored in all the yajfias and bestows all the prosperity and the siddhis.”
At these words of the Mantras gods, all of them were by the deluding potency of great god Shiva, and they did not agree to the words of the Mantras. The Mantras then discarded the gods and returned to their abodes.
Thereafter accompanied with the Ganes'varas and his spouse Bhadrakall, lord Vlrabhadra touching the sage Dadhlca with his hands, spoke to him, “being proud of your strength, you have not cared for the Vedic Mantras recited by the Rishis, therefore, I shall forcibly destroy all of you.” Thus speaking Vlrabhadra, the best of the Shivaganas, burnt out the place of yajna.
|
|
|
The other Ganes'varas, getting enraged, uprooted the pillars of yajnasala (sacrificial hall). All the terrific Ganesvaras, caught hold of Prastotr, Hotr (the priests) and the sacrificial horse and hurled them to the waters of the Ganga.
Then Vlrabhadra with an illustrious body, paralysed the hands of Indra as he raised it to strike and did the same with other gods. Sportively he plucked out the eyes of Bhaga by the tip of his finger nails.
He also broke the teeth of Pusan with the administering of a fist, which fell on the ground. Similarly the great warrior Vlrabhadra, smilingly, with the striking of the big toe, kicked the lord Moon without much efforts.
О Munlsvaras, cutting both the hands of Agni, his tongue too was removed without much efforts. The other sages were also kicked with the feet.
The great warrior made the Sudarsana Cakra of lord Visnu, who was arriving mounted on Garuda, inactive. Then he made him also inactive with the shooting of many arrows. Then Garuda having large arms, attacked Vlrabhadra with his wings and then started thundering like the ocean. Thereafter Rudra himself created thousands of Garudas who were more powerful than Garuda, the son of Vinata. They attacked Garuda. Finding this, the wise Garuda, leaving Visnu there, fled away from that place with great speed. This indeed was a surprise.
With the disappearing of Garuda, lord Brahma reached there. He stopped Vlrabhadra and Kes'ava from fighting. Thereafter, both of them honouring the presence of Brahma, started appeasing each other.
At the same time Lord Sambhu arrived there praising Vlrabhadra and Visnu both. At that point of time, the lord of gods, having a look at the all virtuous Uma, lord Brahma, Daksa and all the gods, offered prayers to them. All of them particularly eulogised the goddess who had been the better half of Shiva.
Daksa offered his salutation to them with folded hands reciting prayers at the same time. Then the goddess Bhagavatl spoke smilingly to lord Shiva, “O ocean of kindness, you happen to be the creator of the universe, you exercise your control over the same and also protect it.
You should shower your grace over Daksha as well as other gods.” At this, the lord with matted locks of hair and blue-red complexion, started smiling. Then lord Shiva, spoke to the bowing gods, and Pracetas, “O Gods, Now you can leave. I am pleased with you.
You should adore me in all the yajnas appropriately. More particularly, you should never denounce me. О Daksa, you also listen to my words, which provide protection to all.
Getting free from worldly illusion, you are devoted to me making all the efforts and by so doing at the end of the present kalpa, you shall become the lord of Ganas.
Till then at my command, getting free from your rights, you should continue in what you are authorised.” Thus speaking, accompanied with his wife as well as the Garias, lord Shiva disappeared from the sight of the illustrious Daksa. At the disappearing of lord Shiva, lord Brahma, bom of lotus, then spoke words which were beneficial for for the entire universe.
Brahma said, “When the bull-bannered Shiva has been pleased, then what is your delusion? The lord Shiva, getting delighted himself is protecting you, then why should you be agitated? The same Paramesvara dwells in the hearts of all the living beings.
The people who are well-versed in the Vedas and being orators, they always have an audience with him. He is the soul of all the living beings. He alone serves as the seed for all. He happens to be the final goal.
Lord Mahesvara, the lord of gods, is always eulogised with the reciting of the Vedic mantras. Such of the people who adore the eternal Rudra with utmost devotion, they surely achieve the supreme position.
Therefore, well-realising the lord Paramesvara who is beyond beginning, middle or end, should be adored by action, thought and behaviour making all the efforts. You should get rid of the denouncement of Shiva, making all the efforts, which could result into the self- destruction.
All the activities of a person who denounces Shiva, result in earning of blemishes. The eternal MahayogI Visnu, who provides protection to all, is nobody else than the glorious god Rudra himself. There is no doubt about it.
Such of the people who treat Visnu, the source of the origin of the universe, as separate from Lord Shiva, it is all due to delusion alone. Such of the people being ignorant to the Vedas, ultimately fall in. the hell. The people who follow the Vedas, they do not differentiate between Shiva and Visnu and achieve moksa. Lord Visnu is himself Rudra, while Rudra is Janardana himself.
Believing them both to be one, those who adore them they achieve the highest position. Lord Visnu creates the entire universe and Ishvara (Shiva) surveys and protects it.
Thus the entire universe emerges from Rudra and Narayana together. Therefore discarding the denouncing of Hari, adoring lord Shiva, one should take refuge with Shiva, in whom the Brahmavadins (the expounder os Brahman) take refuge.
Listening to the words of Brahma, Daksa- Prajapati, sought refuge in the lord of the earth, god Shiva, clad in elephant's hide. Great sages who were burnt down by the fire of Dadhlca’s curse became haters of god Shiva due to delusion. In due course, in the Kali age, they, being entirely bereft of the power of their penance, came to be bom again in Brahmana families because of the impressions in their previous life and the command of god Brahma.
Because of their having been cursed by the sage, they were thrown in Raurava and other hells till the end of the kalpa. In due course of time, they reaching Brahma, who had been illustrious like the sun, and at his command again adored lord Isana (Shiva), performing hard penances and by the grace of lord Shiva, the controller of the universe, they shall regain their lost position.
Thus I have narrated the complete story of the destruction of the sacrifice of Daksa. Now you listen about the daughters of Daksa and their progeny.
Chapter 16
Progeny of Daksha`s Daughters
Suta-the great sage said, “At the command of Svayambhuva lord, for the start of the creation, Daksa Prajapati initially created the gods, Gandharvas, Rishis, asuras, and the serpents.
But, in earlier times the creation of Daksa Prajapati, could not expand, then the living being were created with the sexual intercourse.
He produced from the immensely religious daughter of Vlrana, known as AsikinI, a thousand sons.
When those sons were destroyed with the illusion of Narada, then Daksa Prajapati again produced sixty daughters of Vlrini.
Out of those sixty daughters, Daksa gave ten to Dharma, thirteen to Kasyapa,1 twenty seven to the Soma and four to Aristhanemi.
Two of them were given to Bahuputra, and two to the intelligent Krsas'va. Two were given to the sage Angiras. Now I shall deal with the expansion of their progeny.
The names of the ten wives of Dharma were- Marutvati, Vasu, YamI, Lamba, Bhanu, Arundhatl, Sarhkalpa, Muhurta, Sadhya and Visva. Now you know about their sons. Visvedevas were bom to Visva, while Sadhya gave birth to the Sadhyas.
Mamtvatl produced Mamtvants and Vasu produced the eight Vasus. The Bhanus (Adityas) were bom of Bhanu and Muhurta gave birth to sons named Muhurtas.
Ghosa was bom of Lamba, while YamI gave birth to Nagavlthas. All the objects of Earth were produced by Arundhati.
1. He was the son of Marici, the son of Brahma and one of the progenitors of created beings. In Puranas he is described as the husband of Aditi and twelve other daughters of Daksa and father of gods, demons, men and of the entire animal creation. He is one of the seven sages and father of Vivasvat and Visnu and grand-father of Manu. Aditi had twelve sons of whom Shukra was the eldest and Visnu the youngest.
A son named Sarhkalpa was bom of Sarhkalpa. In this way, these ten sons are said to have been bom to Dharma. I shall recount to you the family extension of those well-known Vasu-gods whose very life is wealth and who are the foremnners of luminaries.
Vasus are said to be eight in number. Now I shall speak about them in detail. Their names are Apa, Dhruva, Soma, Dhara, Anala, Anila, Pratyiisa, and Prabhasa. They are believed to be the eight Vasus. The Vasu named Apa had the sons known as Vaitandya, Srama, Santa and Dhvani.
Dhmva’s son was lord Kala, the calculator of the worlds. Varcas was the son of Soma and Dravina was the son of the Vasu known as Dhara.
Anala was the fifth Vasu whose sons were Manojava and Avijnatagati. The son of Anila was known as Kumara-the chief of the army.
Devala, the great Yogi, was the son of Pratyusa. Prabhasa was the eighth Vasu, whose son was Visvakarman, a Prajapati and well- versed in architecture.
Their daughters were known as Aditi, Diti, Danu, Arista, Surasa, Surabhi, Vinata, Tamra, Krodhavasa, Ira, Kadru, Muni and Dharmajna. You also know about their sons. The sons of Aditi were Amsa, Dhatr, Bhaga, Tvastr, Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman, Vivasvan, Savitr, Pusan, Amsuman and Visnu. They were known by the names of Tusitas and lived in the Caksusha Manvantara. In the Vaivasvata Manvantara, Ййу are called Adityas (as they were sons of Aditi). Diti in union with Kasyapa produced two valorous sons. The elder of them was known as Hiranyakasipu and the younger one was known as Hiranyaksa. The Daitya known as Hiranyakasipu possessed enormous prowess and was immensely strong.
Hiranyakasipu performing hard tapas pleased lord Brahma. He eulogised him reciting several stotras and was bestowed with the divine boons.
In due course of time, all the ascetics started suffering from his prowess beyond measure. They then went to lord Brahma, who provides protection to all, besides being the protector god, creator of the lokas, the great being, the motionless unchangeable Supreme Soul and the sole Purusottama of the world.
When so prayed by the sages and the gods bowing in reverence, then lotus-seated Brahma for the welfare of all the gods, went to the northern shore of the ocean of milk, where lord
Hari had been sleeping over the serpent bed. At the sight oflord Visnu, who provides welfare to all, Brahma bowed in reverence at his lotus like feet with both the hands folded.
Brahma said, “O Lord you are the activity of all the living beings. You are endless, and are the form of the entire universe. You are omniscient, all the gods represent your body. You are a great yogi and eternal. You are the soul of all the bhutas. You are also the supreme Prakrti.
You are always engaged in detachment and prosperity. You are beyond speech. You are unblemished. You are the creator of the universe besides being its preserver. You are the destroyer of demons, the enemies of the gods.
О Endless one, О Isa, you can only protect at the moment. О Paramesvara, you are our protector.” In this way Brahma, prayed to Visnu appropriately.
О Brahmanas, then lord Visnu, waking up, possessing the eyes like the fully blossomed lotus flowers, yellow-clothed, spoke to the gods, “O Valorous gods, what for have you arrived here in this country with Brahma, the Prajapati? or otherwise what should I do for you?”
The gods said, “Because of the boon from Brahma, Hiranyakasipu has become arrogant. О Lord, the said Daitya is causing pains to ascetics and the gods. He is invincible except from you.
О Universal lord, you are the protector of all. Therefore he has to be killed.” Listening to the words of the gods, Visnu, the protector of the universe, himself created a being, like himself, for the killing of the Daitya. His body resembled the Sumeru mountain, had a terrific form, and held in his hands, the conch, discus and iron- club. Then Lord Visnu said to him. “With your prowess, you kill Hiranyakasipu, the lord of the Daityas and then return to this country.” Listening to the words of lord Visnu, he offered his salutation to lord Visnu. Thereafter, holding the Sankha, Cakra and Gada and creating thundering sound, he moved towards the place of the Daitya.
He mounted over Garuda, who appeared like another Sumeru mountain. Listening to thundering sound resembling the rumbling sound of a great cloud, even the great Daityas together with Hiranyakasipu, started creating their thundering sound simultaneously, feeling panicky.
The asuras said, “Some great person is arriving at the inspiration of the gods and is thundering aloud. Therefore he appears as Janardana to us.” Thereafter the best of the asura and Hiranyakasipu became alert. They carried all the weapons with them. Prahlada also was associated with them. At the same time, Hiranyakas'ipu also arrived there with his sons and he spotted the lord Visnu having the lustre of crores of suns, mounted over Garuda.
The said person was of a gigantic size of a mountain. Finding him there many of the Daityas took to their heels getting frightened. The others started talking with one another in confusion.
He is the same Narayanadeva, who is the protector of the gods and our enemy. Surely he happens to be his son who has arrived here.
Thus talking among themselves, they attacked that person with their arrows, but the imperishable God playfully destroyed those weapons.
At that point of time, the four illustrious sons of Hiranyakasipu, thundering like the clouds, started fighting.
All the four of them, Prahrada, Anuhrada, Sarhhrada and Hrada arrived there. Out of them Prahrada held Brahmastra, Anuhrada held Vaisnavastra, Sarhhrada hurled the Kaumarastra and Hrada discharged the Agneyastra, which were shot by them. But those weapons, reaching that Purusa, could not frighten him even in a slightest way.
Thereafter the immensely valorous Visnu- Purusa, caught hold of the legs of the four sons of Hiranyakasipu, threw them away and then thundered aloud. When the sons of the Daitya king were so thrown away, Hiranyakasipu himself arrived there and forcefully kicked the Visnu-Purusa over his chest. The said Purusa, together with Garuda and his other followers felt extremely painful and then disappeared to the place of Narayana. After going unto him, he narrated all the happenings to Narayana.
Lord Visnu possessing all the knowledge thought with a spotless mind and turned himself in the form of half human and half lion.
Then taking to the form of Narasiihha, the lord reached the place of Hiranyakasipu. Then confusing the Daityas and Danavas, he suddenly appeared there.
Не had awful fangs, but still his form Yogic. He looked at that time like the fire at time of dissolution. Invoking his fully destructible Shakti, Narayana, the form of Ananta (infinite), appeared like the sun of the noon time.
Finding Nrsimha Purusa there, Hiranyakasipu asked his elder son to face him. He said that Nrsimha is of less strength than the earlier one, therefore at my command all of you should face him and kill him at the same time.
Then at the command of his father, Prahrada started fighting with Visnu, but was conquered by him. Then the daitya fainted. He then dispatched his younger brother, Hiranyaksa. At the same time the younger brother Hiranyaksa meditated and discharged the miraculous weapon Pasupati and started roaring aloud.
But the weapon of Shiva, the carrier of the trident, shot by him could do no harm to Visnu. Thus finding the weapon becoming infractuous, because of the glory of the destiny Prahrada realized that he is the eternal lord Vasudeva, the soul of all.
Then, he with the mind crowned with Sattva- guna, dropped all the weapons, and offered his salutation to lord Visnu, who dwells in the hearts of the Yogins. He praised lord Narayana with hymns of Rk, Yaju, and Sama.
He prevented his father, brothers and Hiranyaksa, and said that He is Lord Narayana, the unborn and eternal one.
He is the Lord, the ancient Person, great Yogin, the soul of the universe. He is creator and dispencer of the destiny and he himself is self illumining besides being spotless.
He is Pradhana, as well as Purusa, the ultimate Reality, the form of unchanging Mula- Prakrti, the lord of all the living beings, he moves in the minds of all, and is beyond the reach of gunas. Therefore, all of you should take refuge in invisible and indestructible Visnu.
At these words of Prahlada, Hiranyakasipu- the evil minded one, having been influenced with the Maya of Visnu, said to his son- “This Nrsirhha, devoid of strength has to be killed on all accounts. He has arrived here at the instance of the god of death.”
The extremely wise son said to his father, smilingly. “Don't denounce him, He happens to be Is'vara of all the living beings, besides being indestructible. He is everlasting Mahadeva and is beyond time.
He is Visnu, the form of Kala. Therefore Kala can do no harm to him. Thereafter, the wicked Hiranyakasipu, much against the advice of Prahlada under the influence of Kala, started fighting with the everlasting lord Visnu. Then lord Ananta, with red eyes tore out the elder brother of Hiranyaksa (i.e. Hiranyakas'ipu) with his nails.
At the death of Hiranyakas'ipu the immensely valorous Hiranyaksa, getting frightened, deserting his son (i.e. nephew) Prahlada fled away from the place. Then Anuhrada and other sons of the Daitya king were dispatched to the abode of Yama,1 by the lions, which emerged out of the body of Narasimha. Thereafter lord Visnu withdrew his Narasimha form.
Then he himself took again to his own real majestic form of Narayana. After the departure of Narayana, Prahlada then crowned Hiranyaksa as the king of the Daityas. He also harassed the sages and the gods conquering them.
Не adored Shiva, performing severe tapas and got a great son named Andhaka, who conquering Indrajit and others, created agitation on the earth.
1. The god of death, identified with the name of Yama, said to be a son of Adharma by Nirrti or of Brahma or of Kali or of Maya.
Thereafter he carried the Vedas in the nether- worlds and made them infructuous. Consequently the faces of Brahma and all other gods faded out.
All the gods then went to the abode of Vishnu and informed him about the painful situation. Then Visnu, the soul of the universe and the everlasting lord, thought about the means for the destruction of the demon.
For that purpose, lord Purusottama (Visnu) took to the form of Sveta Varaha (white boar) embodying within it the power of all devas and killed Hiranyaksa.
Then at the beginning of the kalpa, he redeemed the earth, which had been submerged in water, carrying it over the tip of his tusk. Thereafter killing the enemies of the gods, he discarded his Varaha form.
Then depending on his own divine Prakrti, lord Visnu reached his Supreme eternal abode. At the killing of Hiranyaksa, the enemy of the gods, Prahlada- the devotee of lord Visnu, discarded the demonic temperament and started serving the people as their ruler. Getting devoted to Visnu, he duly performed the yajnas quite appropriately.
By the grace of lord Visnu, his kingdom was always without enemies. In due course of time, a Brahmana arrived in his abode.
But influenced with the illusion of the gods, the Brahmana was not welcomed by Prahlada appropriately. Thus because of the arrogance of his being a ruler, the Brahmana was humiliated.
Because of the insult, the Brahmana with his eyes red in anger pronounced a curse on the demon king. “You are disregarding and dishonouring the Brahmanas by resorting to your Vaisnav! Shakti. That power of yours will be destroyed.” Thus speaking, the Brahmana atonce left the place of Prahlada.
Because he was eagerly attached to the kingdom he was deluded due to the force of the curse. He began to harass the leading Brahmanas. He did not understand Visnu. Not only this, Prahlada getting reminded of the killing of his father, felt enraged. Because of this, a terrific war was fought between Narayana and Prahlada, the enemv of the gods. By waging such a great war he was defeated at the hands of Visnu.
At that point of time, because of the glory of his earlier samskaras, the divine knowledge about lord Hari dawned on him. Then he reached before Hari to take refuge with him. tRT: Tnjfft WFW WlriilUl 4?l4lJ(4cll4 ФБЧ>тТтП|<?-*11 Since that time, the king of the Daityas became immensely devoted to lord Hari, the most excellent of all Purusas and attained Yoga.
Thus when the mind of Prahlada, the son of Hiranyakas'ipu, was so devoted to Yoga, then Andhaka, the great demon, usurped his kingdom which was quite vast.
Because of his birth from the body of Shiva, the son of Hiranyaksa, became desirous of Uma, the daughter of the mountain stationed at Mandracala mountain.
In earlier times, thousands of house-holder sages were performing penance in order to propitiate Ishvara, in the auspicious Daruvana (pine forest).
Once a terrific draught which was destroyer of all the living beings occurred in that country. There were no rains at all for a long time.
Then the people of that place went to sage Gautama and demanded from him the food to maintain their lives.
The intelligent Gautama, served enough of food to all the people who had arrived there. All the Brahmanas took food with Gautama, without any doubt.
After the period of twelve years, which was like the time of dissolution, the rain of welfare was showered and the world was filled with grain as before.
All the sages then in consultations among themselves, said to the sage Gautama, “We intend to leave this place shortly.” Gautama then stopped the Brahmanas, saying, “You please continue to stay in my house comfortably for some time more, after which you can go.”
Then the Brahmanas created an illusory black cow and drove her near to the noble-souled sage Gautama.
Looking at the cow, Gautama was filled with compassion and keeping in view her protection he lodged her in the cowpen. But because of her being an illusory one, she died with the simple touch.
Finding her to be dead, the great sage was filled with grief and feeling non-plussed, he was unable to take a decision. Then suddenly the sages spoke to the Rsi Gautama. ттГсЙ4 fgiljtg ^ГёЩсГ yiflRIII гГга%5^ Ч мт^яч! c|qtl|c| fill V3II
“You have attracted the sin of killing of a cow, therefore till such time this great sin continues to engulf you body, we shall not be able to take food from you. Therefore we are leaving this place.
After getting permission from the sage Gautama, all the Brahmanas proceeded on to the auspicious Devadaru forest, in order to perform penance as before.
The sage Gautama some how came to know of the trick played by the Brahmanas with the creation of an illusory cow. He was filled with rage and pronounced a curse on them.
He declared, “You people shall be devoid of the three Vedas and shall become like the grave sinners.” Because of this curse, the Brahmanas, faced rebirth again and again.
Then they having been ucchista (unacceptable like leavings of food after meals), adored Shiva, the Lord of gods as well as Visnu, the immutable deity with many stotras. They said, “Both of you are omniscient, and are great Yogis by your own sweat will. You are competent enough to free us from the sin.”
Then the bull-bannered lord Shiva, looking at Visnu who was standing nearby said, “How could the task of these Brahmanas be established who are desirous of merits?”
Then lord Visnu, who is dear to the devotees, looking at the bowed down Brahmanas, spoke to lord Sankara-also known as Gopati.
“О Lord, the one who is ex-communicated by the Vedas, even the slightest part of the merit is not left with him, because, О Lord Mahadeva, Dharma emerges from the Vedas.
О Mahes'vara, still because of your being compassionate on the devotees, we should protect all of them who are bound to fall in the hell.
Therefore, О bull-bannered lord, in order to delude the sinners, who have been discarded by the Vedas, we shall compose Sdstras (Scriptures) which could save them.
Thus addressed by Visnu, the slayer of Mura, Rudradeva composed deluding Sdstras and Kes'ava too did the same, on being urged by Shiva. Those Scriptures were the treatises of the cults of Kdpala, Ndkula, Vdma, Bhairava, both of western and eastern variety, Pancaratra, Pasupata and thousands of other cults as well.
After creating such literatures, he said to the Brahmanas, “You having been out-caste from the Vedic religion, should, performing the deeds as prescribed in the Sdstras will keep on falling in the hell for many kalpas, again and again. You will then be bom as humans. Then after the decline of all your sins, you will achieve salvation by the adoration of the lord, Because of my grace, you will behave in this way, otherwise, there is no scope of your deliverance. Thus both Mahadeva and Visnu, inspired those sages accordingly. The sages who were inimical to the asuras, kept on following the command of Shiva and following the scriptures, they created other Sastras.
Displaying the results achieved by them, they started teaching their pupils. On the other hand, lord Shiva, incarnating on earth, kept on begging for alms along with the Brahmanas. Shiva wore the garland of skulls and had applied the ashes of the cremation ground over his body. He kept on deluding the entire world, wearing the matted locks of hair over the head.
He left Parvati with the illustrious Visnu and deputed Bhairava for the subjugation of the wicked people. He entrusted the care of Parvati to Narayana.
Establishing his ganas as well as Indra there, Mahadeva left the place. Thereafter Visnu, the embodiment of the universe assumed the form of a woman and served Mahesvari. Brahma, Agni, Indra, Yama, and other best of the gods, taking to the form of damsels, kept on serving Parvati, the great goddess.
Lord Nandlsvara, the dearest of the lord Shiva, stood guard at the entrance gate. At the same time, the evil-minded Andhakasura for kidnapping Parvati, arrived at Mandracala.
Finding the arrival of Andhaka, Kalabhairava, the terrific form of Shiva, stopped him. A terrific battle that caused hairs to stand on their ends, started between the two of them.
The bull-bannered Kalabhairava attacked over the chest of Andhaka with his trident. Thereafter, thousands of Daityas appeared there in the name of Sahasrandhakas.
Nandlsvara and others were defeated by those Andhakas. The extremely valorous eight ganas of Shiva known as Gantakarna, Meghanada, Candesa, Candatapana, Vinayaka, Meghavaha, Somanandi and Vaidyuta, started fighting with Andhakas with spears, saMis, double-edged swords, mountain peaks and battle-axes. Then the extremely valorous Daityaraja, Andhaka, caught hold of each one of them by the feet and threw them all at a distance of a hundred yojanas (1 Yojana = 12 Kms.). Then the horrible thousands of asuras, created by the demon attacked Bhairava simultaneously. There was commotion everywhere there and horrible sound was created.
Bhairava started fighting carrying a trident with him, but he, the form of Shiva, was defeated at the hands of the invincible army of Andhaka.
Thereafter, he went and took refuge with the unborn, all pervading Vasudeva. Lord yishnu on his part created hundreds of the best of the goddesses for the destruction of the demons. Lord Visnu them stood before the goddess Parvati. The goddesses so created by Visnu, on the other hand playfully killed thousands of Andhakas and sent them to the abode of Yama.
Finding his army having been shattered by the enemy, Andhaka fled awav from the battle ground, showing his back.
Then lord Mahadeva, completing his worldly sports of twelve years, for the benefit of devotees, reached back at the Mandaracala mountain. Learning about the arrival of the lord Shiva there, all the Shivaganas assembled there, as the Brahmanas assemble before the sun. Then Shiva entered his abode, which was beyond the reach of the people deprived of Yoga.
Shiva then spotted Nandi, Visnu and Bhairava. He graced Nandi, who was ready to offer his salutation to lord Shiva.
Then lord Shiva embraced Kesava (Visnu) quite lovingly. Then he spotted Parvati, whose eyes started blossoming on the arrival of lord 3iva.
Kalabhairava, bowing in reverence at the feet of Shiva and Parvati, informed Shiva about his victory. Then he reciting the glory of lord Visnu, stood before him.
Learning about the victory and the prowess of lord Visnu, lord Shiva, seated himself on an excellent seat along with the goddess Parvati. Then all the gods and the Brahmanas like Marici and others, arrived at Mandracala to have an audience with lord Shiva.
The hundred goddesses, who had earlier conquered the Daityas, also arrived there to have an audience with lord Shiva. Finding moon- bedecked Shiva seated over an excellent seat along with the goddess, all of them bowed down in reverence to him. Then they started singing with great eagerness and offered their salutation to Girija who was lodged to the left of Shiva. Then finding goddess identical with Narayana’s mind, occupying a throne of the lord and Narayana occupying a throne (like exalted seat), the goddesses bowed in reverence to him as well. Then the best of the damsels asked lord Shiva.
The damsels said, “Who are you illumining with your own lustre? Who is this damsel resembling the lustre of the sun? Who is this ри-son of eyes large like lotus, having a beautiful body?” Listening the words spoken by them, Shiva, the great yogi, lord of the BMtas and imperishable lord said, “He is Narayana, the eternal one and she is Gaurl, the mother of the universe.
This lord of the gods is established here dividing himself in many ways. The great sages as well as Devas are unaware of the Supreme Reality about me as well that of goddess Parvati.
Only Vishnu-the soul of the universe as well as the goddess BhavanI know about the same. In reality, I am unattached, peaceful, absolute and am devoid of attractions.
The people with wisdom call me Kesava and goddess Ambika as Lakshml. He is the creator and the dispenser of destiny. He is the cause as well as the effect.
Lord Vishnu is the performer and the one who makes others to perform. He also bestows the pleasure as well as the moksa. In the form of Purusha, he is the one who enjoys all the pleasures, and is limitless. In the form of Kala, he is the destroyer as well.
He is the creator, protector, one who makes others to perform, Vasudeva, the universal soul, having faces on all the sides, the immutable, imperishable, all pervading, a Yogi, Narayana and unblemished.
He is the Purusa enabling all to cross the ocean of worldly existence. He is the Soul, the highest Supreme region. This Gauri is my spotless Shakti.
She is calm, truthful, blissful and enjoys the supreme position. This is what has been ordained by the Srutis. In fact, the entire universe has emerged out of her and everything gets dissolved in her. I She alone is the best refuge of all living beings. In union with her, I, the absolute, Supreme, unsullied Lord, perceive everything including the imperishable Soul.
Therefore, all of you should conceive the eternal, devoid of duality, Ishvara and form of self, known as Visnu, in a single form. Only them you will be able to achieve bliss. The one who, with utmost devotion, treats Vishnu as invisible and the form of soul, he is dear to me. But those who consider me to be separate from Vishnu and worship accordingly, they cannot be dear to me. Such of the people, who out of confusion are envious of Visnu, the creator of the universe, they fall in the terrific hells and they cannot be freed for crores of births. Therefore, Vishnu is the protector of all the living beings. Realising this pretty well, he should be remembered at the time of all the misfortunes.”
Listening to the words of lord Shiva, all the gods and the Ganesvaras offered their salutation to Narayana and the goddess Parvati. They prayed for devotion towards Isana, the beloved of his devotees, and prayed at the lotus like feet of Narayana and Parvati.
Then suddenly all the Matrikas and Ganesvaras, could not see the Lord Narayana, the source of origin of the universe. This was an astonishing event.
In the mean time, Andhaka, having been overpowered by the passions arrived at Mandaracala for abducting Parvati, forcibly.
Thereafter Purusottama-Narayana, having the spotless body, being a great Yogi, appeared there for fighting with the Daityas.
At that point of time, lord Visnu by his side, accompanied with prominent Ganas, Silada's son Nandlsvara and the mothers, Lord Isa, Kala- Rudra marched on for the waging of the war.
Lord Mahadeva, holding a trident emitting fire flames, marched ahead. He was followed by the thousand-armed Visnu as well as his own Ganas.
At that point of time, lord Vishnu having the complexion of a lotus flower, mounted over Garuda, appeared. Then the incomprehensible lord Shiva having a thousand shapes like the sungod viewing the three worlds from the top of the Sumeru mountain, manifested himself.
The victorious, eternal and beyond measure, lord Shiva, then took to thousands of forms holding a trident in his hand. He created thundering sound in the sky. The rain of flowers started falling over the gods at that time.
The demon Andhaka finding Shiva having been surrounded by his Ganas, started fighting with Indra, Matrkas (the ‘mothers’), the whole of the army of Ganas and other prominent gods.
After defeating all by means of the prowess of his arms in the battle, Andhaka, riding his own aerial car, came to the place where Shiva of infinite splendour and Kalarudra who had lost his inherent strength was standing.
Finding Andhaka approaching him, the Garude-bannered lord Visnu, spoke to lord Shiva who had smeared ashes over his body.
“It is you alone who can destroy the Daitya king Andhaka, who is the thorn of the universe. Except you none else is strong enough to kill him.
Because, it is you alone, who in the the illustrious Kala form, destroy the lokas. The learned people eulogise you appropriately reciting the Vedic mantras.
Listening to the words of Vasudeva, lord Shiva looked meaningfully at Visnu and decided to kill the Daityas.
Then he marched towards the army of the gods in order to increase delight of them. The dwellers of the space then started eulogising lord Shiva.
They said, “О Limitless one, Victory to you, О Eternal form of Kala, you pervade everywhere and reside in the body of all in the foim of fire. You are the destroyer as well as the maker of all, you are the creator of the universe, besides being the sustainer. You are indestructible Hari. You are Brahma, Mahadeva, the illustrious Supreme place, and the final emancipation.
You are the form of Orhkara, Yogic soul, having three eyes representing the three Vedas, possessing enormous fortunes, besides being the lord of the universe. О Limitless one, victory to you.”
Thereafter, this controller of the world Kalagni-rudra, the goal of the good, caught hold of the Andhaka and pierced him with the tip of his trident and started dancing.
Thus finding that the trident has pierced the body of Andhaka, the gods along with Brahma, started offering their salutation to lord Bhairava, the releaser from worldy bondage.
The sages and the siddhas also started praying. The Gandharvas and Kinnaras sang. The charming groups of celestial damsels danced in the sky.
Therefore, Andhaka having been pierced at the tip of the trident, was freed of all the sins. All the type of perfect knowledge emerged in him and he started praying to Paramesvara (Shiva).
Andhaka said, “I with a concentrated mind, offer my salutation to Shiva, bowing my head in reverence, who is known by the people as Ishvara, the form of merits, the ancient holy one, Kala, poet and is well-versed in the Yoga (union) and Viyoga (separation).
You have the terrific fangs, the one who dance in the sky, having the face resembling the fire, resplendent, form of sun, having a thousand feet, eyes and heads, form of Rudra and the unique one, salutation to you.
You are the one whose feet are adored by the gods, the indivisible one, the spotless one, the eternal lord, salutation to you. You are the one (sacrificial) fire worshipped in various ways; you abide in all souls through external differences.
You are called the unique Puranapurusha. You have the complexion of the sun, you are beyond tamoguna and beyond darkness. You witness the world and protect it also. You happen to be its destroyer and are served by the Yogis.
You happen to be the unique inner soul of all and enter into different bodies. But still you are bodyless. You are the universal soul known as Paramatma. You are called shiva by some people.
You are imperishable and auspicious Brahman. You are blissful and are also known as orhkara. You are the well known self-bom Ishvara. You are the master of those who know Vedas, devoid of all special characteristics.
You are the form of Indra, Varuna, Agni, Hariisa, Prana (the vital breath), Mrtyu, the end and the yajna. You are Prajapati, Ekarnpa, lord Nllagriva (blue-necked) and have several other names, reciting which the people well-versed in the Vedas, adore you.
You are the form of Narayana, eternal, Brahma, the grandfather, and are the great grand sire of all. You have been eulogised in the unpanisads, which are the secretive form of Vedanta. You are Sadas'iva and Paramesvara.
You are beyond tamoguna (ignorance), the supreme soul pervading the fourteen bhuvanas, beyond the three s'aktis, spotless, stationed over a seat with a thousand s'aktis. Salutation to you.
You are the form of Trimurti, beyond measure, the form of the supreme soul, dweller of the universe, lodged in the hearts of the people and you use the garland of serpent as necklace. Salutation to you.
You are the one whose lotus-like feet are adored by the siddhas and the sages. О Lord having the thousand forms, you are lodged over the seat of dharma and the fortunes, you are beyond the supreme one, and the source of the creation of the universe. Salutation to you.
Salutation to one who is accompanied by Uma, of beautiful waist. О Lord! with gold like arms, obeisance to you. Salutation to one with the fire, the moon and the sun as eyes. Bow to the gracious consort of Ambika.
You are secretive and are lodged in the inmost cavity of the heart, who can be known by the means of knowledge of Vedanta, salutation to you. You are devoid of three talas (times), having the spotless abode, known as Mahesa, salutation to you.”
When so praised Andhaka, Paramesvara Shiva was pleased. Then he removed Andhaka from the tip of the trident and touching him with both the hands, Shiva said.
“O Daitya, I am extremely pleased with the stotra recited by you. Therefore becoming the chief of my ganas, you always reside with me.
With your body having been shattered with the tip of the trident, you will be without ailments. You will be well adored by the gods and shall serve as an attendant to Nandi, and you shall be relived of all your sufferings.”
At these words of lord Mahideva, the gods accepted Andhaka, the terrific Daitya, as Ganesvara of Shiva.
At that point of time he started, illumining with the lustre of a thousand suns, paving three eyes, with the moon digit over his head. He had blue throat, had the matted locks of hair over the head and holding a spear in his mighty arm. At the sight of the Daitya, the gods were surprised and started praising him. Then lord Visnu spoke to Shiva smilingly. “О Mahadeva! your influence is like a great personality, you are unconcerned with the blemishes relating to the castes, but you recognize the qualities alone.”
At these. words of Visnu, Bhairava, the leading Deva, Chief of the Ganas, Andhaka together with Visnu reached before Shiva. At the arrival of Narayana, with Matrkas and Andhaka, lord Shiva felt extremely pleased.
The Shiva holding Andhaka, the son of Hiranyaksa by the hand, went to the aerial chariot where Parvati, the daughter of mountain, had been seated. Finding her husband, the remover of all the obstructions of the world, accompanied with Andhaka, Parvati expressed happiness and pleasure on behalf of Andhaka. зтеггегай чфагЗг
Thereafter Andhaka, finding Parvati with Shiva, atonce prostrated on the ground. He said, “The one from whom Prakrti and Purusa are bom, the daughter of the mountain and the one who destroys the entire world, I offer my salutation to the same eternal beloved of Shiva with lotus-like feet.
The eternal one who is lodged over the beautiful golden throne with her lord Shiva, I bow in reverence to the same, the daughter of Himalaya. From whose body the entire universe emerges and is then absorbed in the same, I offer my salutation to the goddess Uma, devoid of all sins.
The one who is never bom, and also does not have to decline or expand, I offer my salutation to the daughter of Himalaya. О Daughter of the mountain, my past conduct had been due to some delusion, I beg forgiveness for the same. I bow at your lotus like feet which are worshipped by the gods as well as the demons.
Thus bowing in humility with devotion, Andhaka offered prayer to the Goddess Parvati. Then Parvati accepted Andhaka as her own son.
Then lord Bhairava having been bom out of Rudra, at the command of lord Shiva, proceeded on to the Patala with the Matrkas. It was here that the Tamasa form of Visnu, the cause of annihilation of the world existed. The unmanifest lord Hari remains there in the form ofNrsimha.
Then Sesanaga also adored Shiva having the endless form. Lord Kalagni-Rudra, absorbed his own form in himself, winding up the Bhairava form.
Even as the lord was in the Yogic' unison, the hungry Matrkas bowed down in reverence to the three-eyed Mahadeva, and said to him.
The mothers said, “O Mahadeva, we are hungry. At your command, we can consume the three worlds, otherwise our hunger cannot be subsided.”
Thus speaking all the Matrkas who had emerged out of Visnu, started consuming the three worlds.
Then Bhairava devoting his kind in Hari in the fonn of Narasirnha, offered his salutation to Narayana, with folded hands.
Knowing about the anxiety of Shiva, Hari atonce appeared on the scene, and said to Shiva, “The Matrkas, your own creations, are consuming the entire universe. You stop them atonce, О Lord.” Then at the instance of Hari in the form of Narasimha, the goddesses went to Mahadeva.
In the presence of Visnu, all the destroying goddesses transferred their prowess to Shiva, in the form of Bhairava.
At that point of time, all the three viz., Brahma, the creator of the universe, the terrific Narasimha and the serpent Sesa were absorbed into one single entity.
At that point of time lord Visnu had declared that, “those who are devoted to trident bearer Shiva, and those who are devoted to me, all of them are to be protected by us, making all the efforts.
This unequalled form that destroys everything is my own, and is bom of Mahesvara’s person. The said form provides devotion and salvation to the devotees.
Thus both Kalabhairva, the infinite and the four-faced Brahma, the god of gods are my own forms. The former is my tamasic form, while the later is my Rajasic form.
It is I that utterly unthwartable god Kala, the calculator of the universe, who, at the end of the kalpa, taking to the terrific form of Rudra shall consume the entire world.
My pleasant form as Narayana, has the excess of sattvaguna. Therefore this form of mine, stabilises and protects the universe for ever.
The same Visnu is the Supreme Brahman, the Supreme soul, the final goal, invisible Мй/а- prakrti (unmanifest primordial nature), and is known as all-blissful.
The goddesses, the Vaisnavite matriarchs who were thus enlightened by Visnu sought ultimate refuge in that great lord alone.
Thus I have narrated he complete story of the destruction of Andhaka and the glory of the Bhairava form of Shiva to you.
Chapter 17
Progeny of Daksa’s Daughters
(The story of the Daitya King Bali)
Suta said, “Having punished Andhakasura thus, and at his taking command as the chief of Shivaganas, Virocana, the valorous son of Prahlada became the king.
Virocana-the great asura, conquered all the gods including Indra and righteously ruled the three worlds for a long time. During his performing as the ruler, Sanatkumara, the holy sage, once reached the capital of the asura at the instance of lord Visnu.
The great asura who was seated over his throne, got up atonce and welcomed the great sage, getting down from the throne. With folded hands he spoke to the sage.
He said, “I am quite graceful, and indebted to you that a great learned Brahmana, Lord of Yogins, had reached my place, by himself.
О Brahmana, you yourself are Brahman; you kindly reveal to me the purpose of your arrival here? О Son of Brahma, you tell me, the particular task, which I can accomplish for you.”
Then lord Sanatkumara spoke the words which were quite religious, “O Mahasura, you are very fortunate and a lord in reality. I have arrived here, in order to have an audience with you,
О Best of the Daityas, such a type, of nice policy and temperament is difficult to be found among the asuras. Thefe is surely no more religious a person as comparable with you in the three worlds.”
At these words of the sage, the asura king again spoke, “O Best of those well-versed in Brahman, you kindly elucidate unto me the greatest of all virtues.”
Thereafter, the great yogi, spoke to the noble king of the Daityas, the most secret knowledge about the self-learning.
The Daitya king on the other hand, after receiving the best of knowledge, paid Gurudaksina (money by way of fees) unto the preceptor, and entrusting the care of his kingdom to his son, engaged himself in yogic practices.
His most intelligent son was known by the name of Bali. He was devoted to the Brahmanas, was extremely religious, and had conquered even Indra.
Indra with all the gods, fought a great battle with him. Indra on the other hand having been defeated at the hands of Bali, took refuge with lord Visnu.
In the meantime, due to the defeat of Indra, Aditi, ’the mother of gods feeling extremely painful, performed great penance with the desire of getting a son, who could defeat the lord of the Daityas. For this purpose, she took refuge with lord Visnu.
She witnessed in her lotus like heart, Visnu in his unchangeable form, who was beyond the beginning or end, blissful, resembling the sky and unparalleled one known as Vasudeva.
Hl Then lord Visnu, the holder of conch, discus and mace, the Yogic soul, appeared before her in a delightful form.
Finding the arrival of lord Visnu, with her mind filled with devotion, Aditi thought her to be successful. Then she offered prayer to lord Kesava.
Aditi said, “О Lord you are the cause of destruction of all miseries, hail to you. You are enormously glorious, lord of the yogic practices, victory to you. You are beyond beginning, middle and the end. О Form of Vijhana, victory to you. О Lord resembling the sky, О Blissful one, victory to you.
О Visnu, О Form of Kala, salutation to you. Salutations to you the Man-lion. Bow to you, to Sesa. Salutations to you being Kalarudra and the destroyer. Salutation to you, О Vasudeva.
О the producer of the Maya of the universe, salutation to you. Salutation to the one who could be achieved by means of Yoga and is the form of truth. Salutation to you having faith in dharma. Salutation to you in the form of Varaha, again and again.
О God, having resplendence comparable to thousands of suns and the moons, salutation to you again and again. You can be known by means of the Vedas, Vijndna and dharma, salutation to you. You are the upholder of the earth and beyond change, salutation to you. You are the source of the origin of the universe, salutation to you again and again.
Salutation to truthful Sambhu. You are the cause of the world as well as the form of the universe, salutation to you. You are lodged in the yogapltha (middle of Yogic seat), salutation to you. You have an unique and auspicious form, salutations to you again and again.”
When so eulogised by the mother of the gods, Lord Visnu, the form of the universe, smilingly said to her, You ask for a boon.
At this, the lord who is benevolent on those who take refuge in him, said, “Be it so.” Thus bestowing a boon on her, he disappeared from the scene.
After the lapse of a long time, the mother conceived lord Janardana, Lord Narayana himself, in her womb.
When lord Hrslkesa entered the womb of the mother of the goddess, great disturbances were created in the city of Bali, the son of Virocana.
Observing these evil portents, the panicky king of the Daityas spoke to his old grandfather Prahlada.
Bali said, “O Grand sire, why are these disturbances being created in our city? What should be done by us?”
Listening to the words of Bali, Prahlada-the great asura thought for a long time and bowing in reverence to lord Hrslkesa, spoke to Bali.
Prahlada said, “Lord Visnu, who is adored in the world by performing of the yajnas and who controls the entire universe, has entered the womb of the mother of the gods, for the destruction of the Daityas. The one who is separate from all, and from whom all are separated, the same Vasudeva has entered the womb of the mother of the gods.
The one about whose form even the gods are not aware, the same lord Visnu, of his own accord has entered the womb of the mother of the gods, Aditi.
The one from whom all the living beings emerge, and also get absorbed, the same MahayogI, Hari, the Parana Purusa has incarnated on earth.
The one whose name and caste can not be conceived, and who is of the mere form of existence, is being bom with a portion of himself.
The goddess Lakshmi happens to be his Мйуа or his Shakti, the same Janardana has incarnated into the womb of Aditi, the mother of the gods.
The one whose tamasic form is Shiva, and Rajasic form is Brahma, the same Visnu, having the form of Sattvaguna, incarnates in an ams'a.
Thus thinking, feeling humble with devotion, you go and take refuge with the same Govinda and by so doing you will achieve eternal bliss.
Then listening to the words of Prahlada, Bali, the son of Virocana, went and took refuge with Hari. Thereafter, he kept on ruling the country with a righteous mind.
In due course of time, Aditi the mother of the gods herself produced lord Visnu as son, in union with Kasyapa.
The lord was four armed, with vast eyes, and his chest was studded with Srivatsa mark. He was illumining like the blue clouds. He looked graceful with his own lustre.
He happened to be the younger brother of Visnu, thus realising, all the Gods, Siddhas,
Sadhyas and the Ca.ran.as, besides the Its is, started adoring him, with Brahma.
Lord Hari, whose investiture with the sacred thread was performed, studied the Vedas and the code of good conduct from sage Bharadvaja holding it as a model for the people in the three worlds.
Thus the lord displayed the human traditions. Because, whatever is done by an eminent person, his actions are followed by the people as an authority.
After sometime, Daitya king Bali,1 the son of Virocana, himself organized yajnas in favour of Visnu, the all-pervading Lord of Yajnas.
In these yajnas, he distributed enough of wealth to the Brahmanas, welcoming them. Several of the BrahmaRishis participated in the yajnas.
Learning about this and having been inspired by the sage Bharadvaja, lord Visnu taking to the form of a dwarf reached the place of yajna.
He had worn the skin of a black antelope and the sacred thread and hold a staff of the Palas'a wood. He was in the form of a Brahmana with matted locks of hair over the head. He was quite resplendent to look at and was reciting the Vedic hymns.
1. Bali was a powerful and pious king. Even now people point out his city near Madras. The king grew so very powerful by his virtues that even Indra the king of celestials had to give his sovereignty to him. Therefore to kill him Visnu incarnated himself as a dwarfish Brahmana.
Thus lord Hari, in the form of Bhiksu arrived at the place of Bali and begged for space traversed by three steps of his own feet.
The king Bali, getting emotional, carrying a golden vase filled with water, washed the feet of lord Visnu and sipped the water with which the feet of the lord were washed.
Then Bali said, “I shall give you three feet length of earth. Let lord Hari, the eternal one, be pleased with me.” Thus contemplating, Bali poured the cool water on the sprout-like hands of Lord Hari.
The Lord of Daityas had sought refuge in him. Thereafter desirous of making him free from covetousness and other passions, Vamana the eternal lord, expanded himself to the earth, the sky as well as the space.
The foot of the lord, covered all the three lokas and crossing through the loka of Prajapati, reached Brahmaloka and he was adored by Adityas, the Siddhas and other gods there.
The eternal lord, the beginningless grandsire of the world, offered worship to him and propitiated him. Then Visnu, clad in divine garments, breaking through the upper crest of the Cosmic egg, rose to further heights.
With the piercing through of the globe, a lot of water started falling, which was converted into the form of an excellent river which was tenned by god Brahma as Ganga stationed in the sky way.
After reaching the great Prakrti, Pradhana, the source of Brahman and then the sole Purusa, the origin of the universe, he stabilised his foot at the unchanging region of the Isa. The gods dwelling in these places started praising the imperishable foot of the lord.
Finding the lord with the gigantic body, the great king Bali, having been filled with devotion, bowed in reverence to everlasting Visnu, who is revered even by the Vedas.
Then the eternal lord Vasudeva, again took to the form of Vamana and said to Bali, “O Daitya king, you have presented all the three lokas to' me just now.”
Then the Daitya king, again bowed in reverence to lord Visnu, poured the water at the tip of the hand of Vamana and said, “O Trivikrama, О Valorous one, Immensely illustrious one, I shall offer myself unto you.
After accepting danci from the son of Prahlada, i.e., Bali, the lord who is the soul of the universe and is holder of the conch in his hand, again spoke to the Daitya, “Now you enter the nether world.”
You enjoying always the pleasures which are beyond the reach of even the gods, live there, devoting your mind to me. By so doing, you will get absorbed in me at the end of the kalpa.1 The truthful, victorious and immensely valorous Visnu, thus speaking to the lion-like Daitya king, gave the three worlds unto Indra.
At that point of time, lord Visnu was praised by Siddhas, divine Rishis, Kinnaras, Brahma, lord Indra, Rudra, Aditya and Maruts.
1. A day and night of BrahmS, a period of 4,320,000,000, solar-sydereal years or years of mortals measuring the duration, of the world and as many, the intervals of its annihilation.
After performing this unique and astonishing feat, Visnu in the form of Vamana, disappeared in full view of all. The fortunate Daitya also, at the instance of lord Hari and being urged by Prahlada and other Daityas, went to Patala with. Because of his being devoted to Visnu, he was obedient to him.
Thereafter, Bali, listened to the glory of lord Visnu from Prahlada, besides the excellent Bhaktiyoga and the method of worship. Then Bali did as per the advice of Prahlada.
Then the king Bali with great emotional attachment, practicing karmayoga through bhavayoga, took refuge in lord Visnu, the holder of conch, having lotus-like eyes and beyond measure.
О Brahmanas, I have narrated the entire story of Vamana to you. Lord Purusottama always performs the tasks of the gods.
Chapter 18
Дата добавления: 2019-03-09; просмотров: 247; Мы поможем в написании вашей работы! |
Мы поможем в написании ваших работ!