Duryodhan had always been ready for war with Paandav, but since his Maamaa Shakuni was with him, he always suggested some kind of cheating. First he planned for Bheem's killing by feeding him Kheer; second time he planned to kill all Paandav along with their mother Kuntee by burning them in Laakshaa Grih fire and third time he planned the cheating by making them lose in dice game. He did not succeed in the first two but he succeeded in defeating them in dice game.
So why Duryodhan was ready to fight? Because he was sure that he would win the war. Why? Because he had such warriors in his army that Paandav could have never defeated his army. Here I would like to count the warriors of his army on which he was counting, and you will find that he was counting right.
Bheeshm
Bheeshm Pitaamaha was great warrior. He was educated by Prashuraam Jee himself and had defeated him once. Besides he had the boon of Ichchhaa Mrityu (he could die only whenever he wanted) from his father Shaantanu. He had already taken vow to kill only 10,000 soldiers daily, not the Paandav.
Dronaachaarya
Dronaachaarya was another great warrior. Apart from the warfare training from his father Bharadwaaj, he had obtained many weapons and warfare tricks from Parashuraam Jee too. Besides he himself was the Guru of Kaurav and Paandav.
Ashwatthaamaa
Ashwatthaamaa was the son of Dronaachaarya. He was also a great warrior and was immortal.
Kripaachaarya
Kripaachaarya was the disciple of his father Sharadwaan and was immortal too. before meeting Dronaachaarya, only Kripaachaarya was training Kaurav and Paandav in warfare education.
Karn
Karn was another great warrior. As he was a Kshatriya, he never liked Duryodhan's Maamaa Shakuni's cheap tactics. He was always in favor of war. He was born with Soorya Dev's natural Kavach (armor) and Kundal (earrings) as his lifesavers and good luck. To save his son Arjun, Indra had to take those Kavach and Kundal in alms from him appearing in disguise of a Braahman. Indra was not satisfied with this only, Krishn wasted Indra's Shakti (Power), given by him in exchange of the Kavach and Kundal, on killing Ghatotkach, Bheem's son. Karn was made powerless by his Guru Parashuraam Jee by cursing him that whatever he had learnt from him he would forget when he would need that education very badly; and was cursed by a Braahman that he would be killed when his chariot would stick in the earth and he would not be able to take it out. Poor Karn.
Dushaasan
Dushaasan was also very mighty. He had 10,000 elephants power in his body, like Bheem. Duryodhan had a lots of trust and faith in him and he was his right hand. Dushaasan also loved him very much and he was always ready to obey him whether he ordered him for a justified or unjustified work, that is why he misbehaved with his elder sister-in-law Draupadee.
Shalya
Shalya was another great warrior, that is why Duryodhan cheated him and made him join his side. Besides being a great warrior, Karn himself has told about Shalya, that there was no other Saarathee (charioteer) equaled to Shalya who could stand against Krishn. That is why Karn requested him to be his Saarathee and he served that position for two full days. After that he was appointed the Chief Commander of Kaurav Army , on the last day of the war - the 18th day, and he held the front for half a day.
Duryodhan Himself
Duryodhan himself was also a great warrior. He was a Gadaa fighter and he had learnt Gadaa from Balaraam Jee. Although Bheem also learnt Gadaa from Balaraam Jee but he was more skilled than Bheem because then he practiced it for all the 13 years with an iron statue. Krishn Himself has accepted his skills in Gadaa when in the last, on the 18th day, Bheem and Duryodhan were ready to fight. He said to Paandav - "You all five with your combined efforts also cannot defeat Duryodhan." That is why He had to point Bheem to kill him by cheating - by breaking his thigh according to his vow taken at the time of the dice game.
Eklavya, Jaraasandh and Shishupaal
Unfortunately these three were killed before MBH war, but if they had been alive at that time they would surely be fighting from Duryodhan's side and he had some more feathers to his army. Krishn himself has said to Arjun about these three in Drone Parv - "If Jaraasandh and Eklavya had been alive, they would have been terrible..... They jointly could have won the whole world.... They could not have been killed even by Indra himself. Once Jaraasandh hurled his Gadaa at us. Balaraam Jee stopped by his weapon, so it fell on the earth and split it. After losing his Gadaa he was killed by me.... Even Bheem was unable to kill him. He got tired after fighting with for 29 days, then Krishn made a sign at him and that is how he killed him.
Eklavya was weakened by Drone by asking his thumb. Otherwise he was like second Parashuraam. he was capable of shooting day and night and was unable to be won even by Devtaa,
Shishupaal was another mighty king, that is why Jaraasandh wanted Bheeshmak's daughter Rukminee to marry Shishupaal. He was invincible even by Devtaa and Raakshas together."
He had several other major warriors also, including Raakshas, Naag etc who were trying to seek revenge from Bheem and Arjun, that is why they were bent upon to kill Paandav and that is what Duryodhan wanted. Thus there is no doubt that Duryodhan would have surely won the war if Krishn had not killed his major warriors by cheating..... (see Vishnu Cheats)
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Friday, June 28, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Glory of Number 7
Number 7 is a very important spiritual number in Hinduism and Hindu scriptures. We can find number 7 at many places.
General
(1) There are 7 days in a week - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, thursday, Friday and Saturday.
(2) There are 7 worlds below the Earth - Atal Lok, Vital Lok, Sutal Lok, Talaatal Lok, Mahaatal Lok, Rasaatal Lok, Paataal Lok
(3) There are 7 visible planets - Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn
(4) There are 7 organs of cognition of 5 senses in a human body - 2 nostrils, 2 eyes, 2 ears and 1 mouth
(5) There are 7 Rishi in the sky - Kashyap, Atri, Vashishth, Vishwaamitra, Gautam, Bharadwaaj, Jamadagni
No 7 for Soorya
(1) There are 7 horses in Soorya Dev's chariot - Jaya, Ajaya, Vijaya, Jeetpraan, Jeetkram, Manojap and Jeetkrodh
(2) There are 7 rays of Soorya - Sushumnaa, Surandan, Udannvasu, Vishwakarmaa, Udaavasu, Vishwa Vyaas, Harikesh
(3) There are 7 colors of Soorya's rays
(4) There are 7 colors in a rainbow - violet, indigo, sky blue, green, yellow, orange and red (VIBGYOR)
No 7 in Dharm
(1) There are 7 tongues of Fire - Kaalee, Karaalee, manojavaa, Sulohitaa, Sudhoomra-Varnaa, Sphulinginee, and Vishwa-ruchi
(2) There are 7 holy cities - Ayodhyaa, mathuraa, Haridwaar, Kaashee, kaaachee, Avantee (Ujjain) and Dwaarakaa
(3) There are 7 holy rivers - Gangaa, Yamunaa, Saraswatee, Kaaveree, Sindhu, Godaavaree and Narmadaa.
(4) There are 7 holy mountains - Mahendra, Malaya, Raivatak, Vindhyaachal
(5) There are 7 sacred shells - Vallampuree, Idampuree, Gomatee Chakra, Ganesh, Gaumukhee, Gauree and Pahadee
(6) There are 7 Chiranjeevee - Ashwatthaamaa, Daitya Bali, Ved Vyaas, Hanumaan, Vibheeshan, Kripaachaarya and Parashuraam
(7) There are 7 mothers - Brahmaanee, Maaheshwaree, Kaumaaree, Vaishnavee, Varaahee, Indraanee and Chaamundaa
(8) There are 7 types of mothers - Mother who gives birth, Mother who brings up, Wife of Guru, Wife of King, Wife of any Braahman, Bhoo Maataa and the woman who breastfeeds the child.
)9) When Devee Chaamundaa had killed Chand and Mund Daitya, the Daitya King sent an army with 7 Generals.
(10) To match those 7 Generals, Devtaa also sent 7 Devtaa to fight with them - Brahmaa, Vishnu, Shiv, Indra, Varaah, Narasinh, and Kaarttikeya.
(11) There are 7 steps a bride and bridegroom walk together to marry each other, it is called Sapt Padee
(12) They become husband and wife for 7 lives, it is believed.
NO 7 in Literature and Music
(1) There are 7 chapters in Tulasee's Maanas and Vaalmeeki's Raamaayan each - Baal Kaand, Ayodhyaa Kaand, Aranya Kaand, Kishkindhaa Kaand, Sundar Kaand, Lankaa Kaand / Yuddh Kaand and Uttar Kaand
(2) There are 7 main Chhand (meters) - Gayatri, Jagatee, Ushnik, Trishtup, Anushtup, Pankti and Brihatee
(3) There are 700 Shlok in Bhagvad Geetaa
(4) There are 700 Shlok in Durgaa Sapt Shatee
(5) There are 700 verses (Dohaa) in Bihaaree Satasaee, written by Bihaaree Jee.
(6) There are 7 Swar in Indian musical notes - Shadaj, Rishabh, Gandhaar, Madhyam, Pancham, Dhaivat, Nishaad
Could you remember all these things related to No 7?
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
General
(1) There are 7 days in a week - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, thursday, Friday and Saturday.
(2) There are 7 worlds below the Earth - Atal Lok, Vital Lok, Sutal Lok, Talaatal Lok, Mahaatal Lok, Rasaatal Lok, Paataal Lok
(3) There are 7 visible planets - Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn
(4) There are 7 organs of cognition of 5 senses in a human body - 2 nostrils, 2 eyes, 2 ears and 1 mouth
(5) There are 7 Rishi in the sky - Kashyap, Atri, Vashishth, Vishwaamitra, Gautam, Bharadwaaj, Jamadagni
No 7 for Soorya
(1) There are 7 horses in Soorya Dev's chariot - Jaya, Ajaya, Vijaya, Jeetpraan, Jeetkram, Manojap and Jeetkrodh
(2) There are 7 rays of Soorya - Sushumnaa, Surandan, Udannvasu, Vishwakarmaa, Udaavasu, Vishwa Vyaas, Harikesh
(3) There are 7 colors of Soorya's rays
(4) There are 7 colors in a rainbow - violet, indigo, sky blue, green, yellow, orange and red (VIBGYOR)
No 7 in Dharm
(1) There are 7 tongues of Fire - Kaalee, Karaalee, manojavaa, Sulohitaa, Sudhoomra-Varnaa, Sphulinginee, and Vishwa-ruchi
(2) There are 7 holy cities - Ayodhyaa, mathuraa, Haridwaar, Kaashee, kaaachee, Avantee (Ujjain) and Dwaarakaa
(3) There are 7 holy rivers - Gangaa, Yamunaa, Saraswatee, Kaaveree, Sindhu, Godaavaree and Narmadaa.
(4) There are 7 holy mountains - Mahendra, Malaya, Raivatak, Vindhyaachal
(5) There are 7 sacred shells - Vallampuree, Idampuree, Gomatee Chakra, Ganesh, Gaumukhee, Gauree and Pahadee
(6) There are 7 Chiranjeevee - Ashwatthaamaa, Daitya Bali, Ved Vyaas, Hanumaan, Vibheeshan, Kripaachaarya and Parashuraam
(7) There are 7 mothers - Brahmaanee, Maaheshwaree, Kaumaaree, Vaishnavee, Varaahee, Indraanee and Chaamundaa
(8) There are 7 types of mothers - Mother who gives birth, Mother who brings up, Wife of Guru, Wife of King, Wife of any Braahman, Bhoo Maataa and the woman who breastfeeds the child.
)9) When Devee Chaamundaa had killed Chand and Mund Daitya, the Daitya King sent an army with 7 Generals.
(10) To match those 7 Generals, Devtaa also sent 7 Devtaa to fight with them - Brahmaa, Vishnu, Shiv, Indra, Varaah, Narasinh, and Kaarttikeya.
(11) There are 7 steps a bride and bridegroom walk together to marry each other, it is called Sapt Padee
(12) They become husband and wife for 7 lives, it is believed.
NO 7 in Literature and Music
(1) There are 7 chapters in Tulasee's Maanas and Vaalmeeki's Raamaayan each - Baal Kaand, Ayodhyaa Kaand, Aranya Kaand, Kishkindhaa Kaand, Sundar Kaand, Lankaa Kaand / Yuddh Kaand and Uttar Kaand
(2) There are 7 main Chhand (meters) - Gayatri, Jagatee, Ushnik, Trishtup, Anushtup, Pankti and Brihatee
(3) There are 700 Shlok in Bhagvad Geetaa
(4) There are 700 Shlok in Durgaa Sapt Shatee
(5) There are 700 verses (Dohaa) in Bihaaree Satasaee, written by Bihaaree Jee.
(6) There are 7 Swar in Indian musical notes - Shadaj, Rishabh, Gandhaar, Madhyam, Pancham, Dhaivat, Nishaad
Could you remember all these things related to No 7?
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Women and Dharm
At one time I discussed Dharm according to Varn and Aashram. Varn means Braahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shoodra; and Aashram means Brahmcharya, Grihasth, Vaanprasth and Sanyaas. Today I am going to express my views about Dharm according to the gender, with specific reference to feminine gender. A woman, or a female also has several role in the society as a man. And in every role, she has to do different duties - this is called multiple Dharm.
(1) Daughter
When a girl is born, she is only a daughter. She has to do her duties towards her parents and a few elders in the family, if there are any. She obeys them, she learns whatever she is taught by them. As she grows, along with being daughter, she enters in Brahmcharya Aasharm. In today's world, she has equal opportunities with boys. She attends schools, she earns the same qualifications as the boys do. But all these opportunities do not change her gender - she still remains a woman. As there is not much difference between a boy and a girl at this age, a Shlok is famous about the characteristics of a student to be a good student. This Shlok has nothing to do with time and space and is true for today also --
Kaag Cheshtaa, Bako Dhyaanam, Shwaan Nidraa Tathaiv Cha
Alpa Haaree, Griham Tyaagee, Vidyaarthee Panch Lakshanam
Means - A student should have his movements like a crow, should concentrate on his studies like a crane; he should sleep like a dog, eat only a little food and give up his house - these are the five characteristics of a good student
(2) Sister
Till she is in her parents' house, she might have some younger brothers and sisters. Being the elder sister, she has some special duties towards them. A boy can run away from his duties towards his younger brothers and sisters, but it is difficult for an elder sister to run away from her duties.
(3) Wife
After she is educated and gets matured, she gets married and goes to her husband's house. Some 30-40 years ago the girls used to go to their in-law's house, but now the times are changed, they do not live with them, they live with their husbands, and do jobs like their husbands. They are also the earning member of the family and are breadwinners. Although she lives like a boy, still she can't escape being a woman. Being a woman she still has to complete her certain duties - satisfy her husband physically and emotionally, give birth to children, possibly breastfeed the children after they are born. There is a Shlok about a wife's duties also, like the characteristics of a student given above -
Kaaryeshu Daasee, Karaneshu Mantree, Roopeshu Lakshmee Kshamayeshu Dharitree,
Bhojyeshu Maataa, Shayanehu Rambhaa, Shat Dharmyukta Kul Dharm Patnee
Means - A wife should work like a servant in the house, should be a counselor like a minister, should be beautiful like Lakshmee, should be a forgiver like Prithvi, should feed her husband like a mother, and should be like a prostitute in bed, these 6 qualities make a wife good wife.
The problem of this Shlok is this that its correct reference is difficult to find. Three references are given -
(1) In Rukminee Kalyaanam - Krishn says that Rukminee has all these 6 qualities,
(2) In Abhigyaan Shaakuntalam - by poet Kaalidaas , or
(3) Maybe by the poet Bhartrihari.
But whatever it is, it is a good Shlok in which 6 qualities of a wife are told. Although, in my opinion, 100% women will never agree with these qualities, but if they think with the perspective of a man or husband (as what type of wife he needs), all boys will agree with it.
(4) Mother
After being a wife, a woman becomes a mother. When somebody gives birth to a child, both parents have some duties towards him. If they do not perform them properly, they certainly commit a crime. To take care of the child of his physical, emotional and training needs is the primary duty of the parents, but this duty is more of a mother than father. Whatever a mother teaches him, he becomes like the same. Mother is the first Guru or teacher of the child - a very important duty of the mother.
Although there are many other roles also for a woman and all of them cannot be described here, because in this modern time her roles have changed a lot because of her financial earnings and changing social status, but still, the above mentioned roles - a role of a daughter, sister, wife, earner (new economic dimension) and mother, are a must in her life. She cannot escape from them. That is another matter how does she play those roles. Everybody's Dharm is decied by the station in your life and is relatively simple moral coed to adhere to.
Here it will not be irrelevant to cite a Shlok about woman --
Pitaa Rakshati Kaumaaree, Bhartaa Rakshati Yauvane
Putro Rakshati Vriddhakyee, Na Stree Swatantryam Arhati
Means - Father protects a woman in her childhood, husband protects her in her youth, the son protects her in her old age, thus a woman is never independent.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
(1) Daughter
When a girl is born, she is only a daughter. She has to do her duties towards her parents and a few elders in the family, if there are any. She obeys them, she learns whatever she is taught by them. As she grows, along with being daughter, she enters in Brahmcharya Aasharm. In today's world, she has equal opportunities with boys. She attends schools, she earns the same qualifications as the boys do. But all these opportunities do not change her gender - she still remains a woman. As there is not much difference between a boy and a girl at this age, a Shlok is famous about the characteristics of a student to be a good student. This Shlok has nothing to do with time and space and is true for today also --
Kaag Cheshtaa, Bako Dhyaanam, Shwaan Nidraa Tathaiv Cha
Alpa Haaree, Griham Tyaagee, Vidyaarthee Panch Lakshanam
Means - A student should have his movements like a crow, should concentrate on his studies like a crane; he should sleep like a dog, eat only a little food and give up his house - these are the five characteristics of a good student
(2) Sister
Till she is in her parents' house, she might have some younger brothers and sisters. Being the elder sister, she has some special duties towards them. A boy can run away from his duties towards his younger brothers and sisters, but it is difficult for an elder sister to run away from her duties.
(3) Wife
After she is educated and gets matured, she gets married and goes to her husband's house. Some 30-40 years ago the girls used to go to their in-law's house, but now the times are changed, they do not live with them, they live with their husbands, and do jobs like their husbands. They are also the earning member of the family and are breadwinners. Although she lives like a boy, still she can't escape being a woman. Being a woman she still has to complete her certain duties - satisfy her husband physically and emotionally, give birth to children, possibly breastfeed the children after they are born. There is a Shlok about a wife's duties also, like the characteristics of a student given above -
Kaaryeshu Daasee, Karaneshu Mantree, Roopeshu Lakshmee Kshamayeshu Dharitree,
Bhojyeshu Maataa, Shayanehu Rambhaa, Shat Dharmyukta Kul Dharm Patnee
Means - A wife should work like a servant in the house, should be a counselor like a minister, should be beautiful like Lakshmee, should be a forgiver like Prithvi, should feed her husband like a mother, and should be like a prostitute in bed, these 6 qualities make a wife good wife.
The problem of this Shlok is this that its correct reference is difficult to find. Three references are given -
(1) In Rukminee Kalyaanam - Krishn says that Rukminee has all these 6 qualities,
(2) In Abhigyaan Shaakuntalam - by poet Kaalidaas , or
(3) Maybe by the poet Bhartrihari.
But whatever it is, it is a good Shlok in which 6 qualities of a wife are told. Although, in my opinion, 100% women will never agree with these qualities, but if they think with the perspective of a man or husband (as what type of wife he needs), all boys will agree with it.
(4) Mother
After being a wife, a woman becomes a mother. When somebody gives birth to a child, both parents have some duties towards him. If they do not perform them properly, they certainly commit a crime. To take care of the child of his physical, emotional and training needs is the primary duty of the parents, but this duty is more of a mother than father. Whatever a mother teaches him, he becomes like the same. Mother is the first Guru or teacher of the child - a very important duty of the mother.
Although there are many other roles also for a woman and all of them cannot be described here, because in this modern time her roles have changed a lot because of her financial earnings and changing social status, but still, the above mentioned roles - a role of a daughter, sister, wife, earner (new economic dimension) and mother, are a must in her life. She cannot escape from them. That is another matter how does she play those roles. Everybody's Dharm is decied by the station in your life and is relatively simple moral coed to adhere to.
Here it will not be irrelevant to cite a Shlok about woman --
Pitaa Rakshati Kaumaaree, Bhartaa Rakshati Yauvane
Putro Rakshati Vriddhakyee, Na Stree Swatantryam Arhati
Means - Father protects a woman in her childhood, husband protects her in her youth, the son protects her in her old age, thus a woman is never independent.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Friday, June 21, 2013
Use of Knowledge
Here I present three stories in which some learned people got some people freed from the grip of some animals, or Devtaa, or ghoul by answering their questions. Two stories are from Mahaabhaarat in which Yudhishthir answers the questions of a python and Yam Raaj. And the third story is from Tripur Rahasya. Dattaatreya Jee told this story to Parashuraam Jee in which one brother releases his brother by answering a ghoul's questions.
Yudhishthir and Python (Nahush)
When Paandav were passing their time in 12 years of exile and Arjun had gone to Swarg to take Divine weapons, once Draupadee saw a very beautiful flower. She showed it to Bheem and asked him to get some more of that kind of flower for her. Bheem set off in search of that flower. Wandering around in search of that flower, he came across a python who caught him in his coil. Although he did not kill him, but he caught Bheem so tightly that in spite of being so mighty, he could not come out of the python's grip. He was very restless thinking that no ordinary python could keep him in his grip for so long, then who was this python who could keep him in his grip and he was unable to come out of his grip.
When Bheem did not come for quite some time, and Yudhishthir did not see him, he asked Draupadee about him. Draupadee told him that she sent him to bring some flowers quite some time ago and since then he had not come back. Yudhishthir got worried about him and he himself set off in search of him. Following his footprints, he also came to that python and saw his all mighty brother in the grip of that python. Yudhishthir was very patient and an intelligent man so he requested the python to free his brother. The python said - "First you tell me who are you?" Yudhishthir said - "I am Yudhishthir, Paandu's eldest son." Python said - "I will free your brother when you will answer my questions." Yudhishthir said - "Ask your questions, if I will be able to answer them, I will surely answer them." Then the python asked him some questions and Yudhishthir answered them. The python got satisfied, he freed Bheem, and he himself also left the body of python and assumed the body of the King Nahush. Then the python told Yudhishthir his whole story as how he became python and how he got free from this curse. Then he went to his Lok.
Yudhishthir and Yaksh (Yam Raaj)
When Paandav were passing their time in 12 years of exile, and their 12 years were coming to an end, they were sitting and thinking about spending their A-Gyaatvaas period. A Braahman came to them and complained that a deer came running and his Agnihotra's Arani and Agnisthalee got caught in his horns and as he ran away they also went with him. Now if they were not retrieved, he will not be able to perform his Agnihotra, so they should help him. As a Kshatriya all got up to help that Braahman.
They started searching for that deer but could not find him. Tired and thirsty they sat under the shade of a tree, and Yudhhishthir asked Nakul to look for water somewhere around. Nakul found a pond and went there to bring water. As he wanted to drink water, he heard a voice - "This pond belongs to me. First answer my questions then only you can drink water from it. If you will not do this, you will be dead." But Nakul did not listen to him and started drinking water. he could not drink water and fell down as dead. When Nakul did not come for some time, Yudhishthir sent Sahadev, then Arjun and then Bheem to bring water and check on his brothers. They also heard that voice but in their pride they all ignored it and fell dead on the shore of the pond.
When all had gone, and nobody returned, Yudhishthir himself came there and was surprised to see his all mighty brothers lying dead there without any mark of wounds or fight. He was thirsty so he also tried to drink water first, the then he also heard that voice. he stopped and asked him to ask his questions. The Yaksh asked him some 64 questions for which Yudhishthir answered all correctly. Yaksh got very pleased and he brought back all four Paandav back to life. Thus Yudhishthir had to answer his questions to get his brothers live. On asking who was that Yaksh, the Yaksh replied - "I am your father Dharm Raaj and I grant you a boon that you will not be recognized in your A-Gyaatvaas period." - read Yudhishthir and Yaksh
Hemaangad and a Ghoul
There is another story which comes in Tripur Rahasya. Dattaatreya Jee told it to Parashuraam Jee. There were two brothers - Rukmaangad and Hemaangad. Once both went for hunting. Rukmaangad was very fond of spiritual discussions. he had heard that a Ghoul lived in that forest and was good in such discussions, so both went to him and Rukmaaangad had a discussion with him. Now whoever he defeated, he would eat him. Unfortunate ly Rukmaangad got defeated, so the Ghoul wanted to eat him.
Seeing this Hemaangad requested him not to eat his elder brother on the condition that he would arrange some other food for him in exchange of his brother. the Ghoul said - "I will release your brother if you answer my questions." Hemaangad said - "Ask, I will try." The Ghoul asked him some 14 questions and Hemaangad answered them all correctly and got his brother released from him. This Ghouls later told him that he was a learned Braahman and was cursed by a disciple of a debater to be a Ghoul and get freed from this curse when somebody would answer his questions. Since Hemaangad had answered his questions, he has got freed from this curse.
These stories teach us that learned people are never at loss, rather they are able to help others also with their knowledge.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Yudhishthir and Python (Nahush)
When Paandav were passing their time in 12 years of exile and Arjun had gone to Swarg to take Divine weapons, once Draupadee saw a very beautiful flower. She showed it to Bheem and asked him to get some more of that kind of flower for her. Bheem set off in search of that flower. Wandering around in search of that flower, he came across a python who caught him in his coil. Although he did not kill him, but he caught Bheem so tightly that in spite of being so mighty, he could not come out of the python's grip. He was very restless thinking that no ordinary python could keep him in his grip for so long, then who was this python who could keep him in his grip and he was unable to come out of his grip.
When Bheem did not come for quite some time, and Yudhishthir did not see him, he asked Draupadee about him. Draupadee told him that she sent him to bring some flowers quite some time ago and since then he had not come back. Yudhishthir got worried about him and he himself set off in search of him. Following his footprints, he also came to that python and saw his all mighty brother in the grip of that python. Yudhishthir was very patient and an intelligent man so he requested the python to free his brother. The python said - "First you tell me who are you?" Yudhishthir said - "I am Yudhishthir, Paandu's eldest son." Python said - "I will free your brother when you will answer my questions." Yudhishthir said - "Ask your questions, if I will be able to answer them, I will surely answer them." Then the python asked him some questions and Yudhishthir answered them. The python got satisfied, he freed Bheem, and he himself also left the body of python and assumed the body of the King Nahush. Then the python told Yudhishthir his whole story as how he became python and how he got free from this curse. Then he went to his Lok.
Yudhishthir and Yaksh (Yam Raaj)
When Paandav were passing their time in 12 years of exile, and their 12 years were coming to an end, they were sitting and thinking about spending their A-Gyaatvaas period. A Braahman came to them and complained that a deer came running and his Agnihotra's Arani and Agnisthalee got caught in his horns and as he ran away they also went with him. Now if they were not retrieved, he will not be able to perform his Agnihotra, so they should help him. As a Kshatriya all got up to help that Braahman.
They started searching for that deer but could not find him. Tired and thirsty they sat under the shade of a tree, and Yudhhishthir asked Nakul to look for water somewhere around. Nakul found a pond and went there to bring water. As he wanted to drink water, he heard a voice - "This pond belongs to me. First answer my questions then only you can drink water from it. If you will not do this, you will be dead." But Nakul did not listen to him and started drinking water. he could not drink water and fell down as dead. When Nakul did not come for some time, Yudhishthir sent Sahadev, then Arjun and then Bheem to bring water and check on his brothers. They also heard that voice but in their pride they all ignored it and fell dead on the shore of the pond.
When all had gone, and nobody returned, Yudhishthir himself came there and was surprised to see his all mighty brothers lying dead there without any mark of wounds or fight. He was thirsty so he also tried to drink water first, the then he also heard that voice. he stopped and asked him to ask his questions. The Yaksh asked him some 64 questions for which Yudhishthir answered all correctly. Yaksh got very pleased and he brought back all four Paandav back to life. Thus Yudhishthir had to answer his questions to get his brothers live. On asking who was that Yaksh, the Yaksh replied - "I am your father Dharm Raaj and I grant you a boon that you will not be recognized in your A-Gyaatvaas period." - read Yudhishthir and Yaksh
Hemaangad and a Ghoul
There is another story which comes in Tripur Rahasya. Dattaatreya Jee told it to Parashuraam Jee. There were two brothers - Rukmaangad and Hemaangad. Once both went for hunting. Rukmaangad was very fond of spiritual discussions. he had heard that a Ghoul lived in that forest and was good in such discussions, so both went to him and Rukmaaangad had a discussion with him. Now whoever he defeated, he would eat him. Unfortunate ly Rukmaangad got defeated, so the Ghoul wanted to eat him.
Seeing this Hemaangad requested him not to eat his elder brother on the condition that he would arrange some other food for him in exchange of his brother. the Ghoul said - "I will release your brother if you answer my questions." Hemaangad said - "Ask, I will try." The Ghoul asked him some 14 questions and Hemaangad answered them all correctly and got his brother released from him. This Ghouls later told him that he was a learned Braahman and was cursed by a disciple of a debater to be a Ghoul and get freed from this curse when somebody would answer his questions. Since Hemaangad had answered his questions, he has got freed from this curse.
These stories teach us that learned people are never at loss, rather they are able to help others also with their knowledge.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Shiv Fights Vishnu
Sometime back we wrote a blog on "How Vishnu Helped Shiv". In fact Vishnu has always been helpful to other Devtaa, whether it is Shiv or Brahmaa or other Devtaa. Today we will tell you a story when Shiv fought with Vishnu. It seems strange in hearing, but it it is true. For this we have to go long back in history - in Krishn's times.
Story of Ushaa and Aniruddh
There was an Asur named Baanaasur in the family line of Hiranyakashyap; Hiranyakashyap --> Prahlaad --> Virochan --> Bali --> Baanaasur. When Narasinh Bhagvaan killed Hiranyakashyap, He granted a boon to Prahlaad that He would not kill anybody in his lineage.
Now Baanaasur had a daughter named Ushaa. He loved her very much so he cared for her very much. As the time went on, Ushaa grew up in a fine young woman. One day she went to Devee temple and asked her as who will be her husband. Devee said - "On one night you will see a Prince in your dream, the same Prince will be your husband." So according to Devee's statement, one night Ushaa saw a Prince in her dream. She got attracted to him and as he made love to her (of course in her dream), she woke up and got very sad at her separation from that prince. She started crying for him. Her dream was gone but she could not forget that Prince. She became sad and sickly remembering him.
Ushaa had a friend, Baanaasur's Minister's daughter, Chitralekhaa. Chitralekhaa noticed this and asked her the reason for her sadness. Ushaa told her everything. She asked her who was he, but Ushaa could ot tell anything about him. Chitralekhaa was a good artist so she drew many sketches and at last got success in making out the name of that Prince. That Prince was Aniruddh, son of Pradyumn (Krishn's son). She knew some Maayaa too, so one night she brought sleeping Aniruddh to Ushaa to please her and put him in bed near Ushaa.
Now Ushaa was very happy to see the Prince of her dream. Aniruddh stayed there for some time. Ushaa's palace was separate and well-secured and well-guarded. After a while Ushaa got pregnant and the marks of her pregnancy appeared on her body. One day the guards noticed this and reported to Baanaasur. Baanaasur doubted their security measures but the guards assured him that nobody else came in the palace of the Princess in their knowledge. Baaanaasur himself came there found Aniruddh living there. he got very angry at this.
Shiv Fights With Krishn
On the other side Krishn and Pradyumn were worried at Aniruddh's disappearance. came to know from Naarad Jee that Aniruddh was living in Baanaasur's palace, so they both came with their army either to marry Aniruddh to Ushaa or to fight with Baanaasur. Baanaasur had a boon from Shiv Jee that he would guard his city, so when Krishn and Pradyumn came to Baanaasur with their army, Shiv's Gan came to fight with Krishn. Krishn's army was defeating. Shiv's Bhoot Gan so they started running away. Shiv Jee released a 3-headed and 3-feet Jwar burning all directions Seeing this Jwar coming Krishn released His own Jwar and both Vaishnav Jwar and Maaheshwar Jwar started to fight. At last Maaheshwar Jwar got defeated and came in the shelter of Krishn. Krishn made him fearless and that Jwar went away.
In the meantime Baanaasur came to fight, but Krishn spared him just cutting his all arms (he had 1,000 arms) leaving his 4 arms. Shiv came to Krishn and requested His grace for his devotee. Krishn replied - "Hey Mahesh, Otherwise also I could not have killed him as I have already promised to Prahlaad that I will not kill anybody in your lineage."
Then Baanaasur came to Krishn with Ushaa and Aniruddh. He married them and on Shankar's request Krishn appointed Baanaasur as Shiv's Chief Paarshad.
That is how Shiv fought with Vishnu to protect his devotee Baanaasur. Read this story in full here in Bhaagvat Puraan, 10/u10
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Story of Ushaa and Aniruddh
There was an Asur named Baanaasur in the family line of Hiranyakashyap; Hiranyakashyap --> Prahlaad --> Virochan --> Bali --> Baanaasur. When Narasinh Bhagvaan killed Hiranyakashyap, He granted a boon to Prahlaad that He would not kill anybody in his lineage.
Now Baanaasur had a daughter named Ushaa. He loved her very much so he cared for her very much. As the time went on, Ushaa grew up in a fine young woman. One day she went to Devee temple and asked her as who will be her husband. Devee said - "On one night you will see a Prince in your dream, the same Prince will be your husband." So according to Devee's statement, one night Ushaa saw a Prince in her dream. She got attracted to him and as he made love to her (of course in her dream), she woke up and got very sad at her separation from that prince. She started crying for him. Her dream was gone but she could not forget that Prince. She became sad and sickly remembering him.
Ushaa had a friend, Baanaasur's Minister's daughter, Chitralekhaa. Chitralekhaa noticed this and asked her the reason for her sadness. Ushaa told her everything. She asked her who was he, but Ushaa could ot tell anything about him. Chitralekhaa was a good artist so she drew many sketches and at last got success in making out the name of that Prince. That Prince was Aniruddh, son of Pradyumn (Krishn's son). She knew some Maayaa too, so one night she brought sleeping Aniruddh to Ushaa to please her and put him in bed near Ushaa.
Now Ushaa was very happy to see the Prince of her dream. Aniruddh stayed there for some time. Ushaa's palace was separate and well-secured and well-guarded. After a while Ushaa got pregnant and the marks of her pregnancy appeared on her body. One day the guards noticed this and reported to Baanaasur. Baanaasur doubted their security measures but the guards assured him that nobody else came in the palace of the Princess in their knowledge. Baaanaasur himself came there found Aniruddh living there. he got very angry at this.
Shiv Fights With Krishn
On the other side Krishn and Pradyumn were worried at Aniruddh's disappearance. came to know from Naarad Jee that Aniruddh was living in Baanaasur's palace, so they both came with their army either to marry Aniruddh to Ushaa or to fight with Baanaasur. Baanaasur had a boon from Shiv Jee that he would guard his city, so when Krishn and Pradyumn came to Baanaasur with their army, Shiv's Gan came to fight with Krishn. Krishn's army was defeating. Shiv's Bhoot Gan so they started running away. Shiv Jee released a 3-headed and 3-feet Jwar burning all directions Seeing this Jwar coming Krishn released His own Jwar and both Vaishnav Jwar and Maaheshwar Jwar started to fight. At last Maaheshwar Jwar got defeated and came in the shelter of Krishn. Krishn made him fearless and that Jwar went away.
In the meantime Baanaasur came to fight, but Krishn spared him just cutting his all arms (he had 1,000 arms) leaving his 4 arms. Shiv came to Krishn and requested His grace for his devotee. Krishn replied - "Hey Mahesh, Otherwise also I could not have killed him as I have already promised to Prahlaad that I will not kill anybody in your lineage."
Then Baanaasur came to Krishn with Ushaa and Aniruddh. He married them and on Shankar's request Krishn appointed Baanaasur as Shiv's Chief Paarshad.
That is how Shiv fought with Vishnu to protect his devotee Baanaasur. Read this story in full here in Bhaagvat Puraan, 10/u10
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Monday, June 17, 2013
Dog or God
A while ago we wrote about Dog in Hindu Mythology and Man and God. They were about the references of dog in Hindu mythology and how the man got hos 80 years of age and how the man had got his companion - woman. You must have heard many jokes about husband and wife in which they prefer dog as their companions, instead of each other respectively. Do you know why do they do it so? So today we will talk about God and dog. Dog is a very important animal in our Hindu scriptures after cow in spite of being a very inauspicious animal. Let us see how the dog came to be called dog and why men and women prefer dog over their companions.
In the beginning, when God started His Creation, God made the earth and sky, the flowers and the trees, He then made all the animals, the fish, the birds and bees. When at last He had finished making everything, He saw that no two were quite the same. He said - "Let me go around this world of mine, and then give each one a name." So He traveled far and wide and went everywhere wherever He had His Creation and gave each one a name.
Now wherever He went a little creature followed Him. All were named upon the earth, in the sky and the sea, but that little creature. So in the end that little creature said - "Dear Lord, There's not one left for me?" God said - "I have left you to the end. I have turned my own name for you - back to front, and called you dog, my friend." Thus the dog was born.
And since the God gave him His own name, it is all right even if it was turned back to front, men and women saw the God in him. So when men and women do not appreciate each other, in spite of being produced from one body, the next thing they appreciate DOG.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
In the beginning, when God started His Creation, God made the earth and sky, the flowers and the trees, He then made all the animals, the fish, the birds and bees. When at last He had finished making everything, He saw that no two were quite the same. He said - "Let me go around this world of mine, and then give each one a name." So He traveled far and wide and went everywhere wherever He had His Creation and gave each one a name.
Now wherever He went a little creature followed Him. All were named upon the earth, in the sky and the sea, but that little creature. So in the end that little creature said - "Dear Lord, There's not one left for me?" God said - "I have left you to the end. I have turned my own name for you - back to front, and called you dog, my friend." Thus the dog was born.
And since the God gave him His own name, it is all right even if it was turned back to front, men and women saw the God in him. So when men and women do not appreciate each other, in spite of being produced from one body, the next thing they appreciate DOG.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Krishn Bheeshm and Number 8
Krishn and Bheeshm and Number 8
There is a great deal of relationship between Krishn and Bheeshm and number 8. Let us see how is it?
Krishn
Krishn has a very strong relationship with No 8.
(1) Krishn is the 8th Avataar of Vishnu from among 10 main Avataar - (1) Matsya, (2) Varaah, (3) Kashchap, (4) Narasinh, (5) Vaaman, (6) Parashuraam, (7) Raam, and (8) Krishn.
(2) He was born on Bhaadrapad Krishn 8th.
(3) He was the 8th son of His parents - Vasudev and Devakee. His 6 elder sons were killed by His Maamaa Kans, the 7th one, Balaraam was transferred to Rohinee and the 8th one was Him.
(4) krishn was born in 8th month of Devakee's pregnancy (Harivansh)
(5) He had 8 chief wives - (1) Rukminee, (2) Satyabhaamaa, (3) Kaalindee, (4) Mitravindaa, (5) Jaambvatee, (6) Naagnjitee, (7) Bhadraa and (8) Lakshmanaa.
(6) There are 7 Swar in Indian music. The last Swar, the 7th Swar, is Nishaad. Nishaad Jaraa killed Krishn and Krishn became the 8th by adding the 7th Swar Nishaad to Him.
(7) Krishn had full control on 8 Siddhi - (1) Animaa, (2) Laghimaa, (3) Mahimaa, (4) Praapti, (5) Praakaamya, (6) Eeshitaa, (7) Vashitaa, and (8) Kaamaavasaayitaa
(8) krishn goes to His Param Dhaam in the 16th (8 x 2) Parv of Mahaabhaarat.
Bheeshm
Bheeshm is also associated with number 8.
He was also the 8th son of Gangaa and Shaantanu.
He was the incarnation of 8th Vasu - Prabhaas and all Yaadav were killed in Prabhaas Kshetra.
8 stands for Dharm, Mahaabhaarat stands for Dharm.
In Mahaabhaarat when Krishn and Bheeshm fight (they fight twice), means 8 and 8 are fighting (Dharm Yuddh).
In the end when Bheeshm teaches Yudhishthir - it is Dharm (Bheeshm) is teaching Dharm Raaj, with the help of Dharm (8, Krishn)
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
There is a great deal of relationship between Krishn and Bheeshm and number 8. Let us see how is it?
Krishn
Krishn has a very strong relationship with No 8.
(1) Krishn is the 8th Avataar of Vishnu from among 10 main Avataar - (1) Matsya, (2) Varaah, (3) Kashchap, (4) Narasinh, (5) Vaaman, (6) Parashuraam, (7) Raam, and (8) Krishn.
(2) He was born on Bhaadrapad Krishn 8th.
(3) He was the 8th son of His parents - Vasudev and Devakee. His 6 elder sons were killed by His Maamaa Kans, the 7th one, Balaraam was transferred to Rohinee and the 8th one was Him.
(4) krishn was born in 8th month of Devakee's pregnancy (Harivansh)
(5) He had 8 chief wives - (1) Rukminee, (2) Satyabhaamaa, (3) Kaalindee, (4) Mitravindaa, (5) Jaambvatee, (6) Naagnjitee, (7) Bhadraa and (8) Lakshmanaa.
(6) There are 7 Swar in Indian music. The last Swar, the 7th Swar, is Nishaad. Nishaad Jaraa killed Krishn and Krishn became the 8th by adding the 7th Swar Nishaad to Him.
(7) Krishn had full control on 8 Siddhi - (1) Animaa, (2) Laghimaa, (3) Mahimaa, (4) Praapti, (5) Praakaamya, (6) Eeshitaa, (7) Vashitaa, and (8) Kaamaavasaayitaa
(8) krishn goes to His Param Dhaam in the 16th (8 x 2) Parv of Mahaabhaarat.
Bheeshm
Bheeshm is also associated with number 8.
He was also the 8th son of Gangaa and Shaantanu.
He was the incarnation of 8th Vasu - Prabhaas and all Yaadav were killed in Prabhaas Kshetra.
8 stands for Dharm, Mahaabhaarat stands for Dharm.
In Mahaabhaarat when Krishn and Bheeshm fight (they fight twice), means 8 and 8 are fighting (Dharm Yuddh).
In the end when Bheeshm teaches Yudhishthir - it is Dharm (Bheeshm) is teaching Dharm Raaj, with the help of Dharm (8, Krishn)
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Yam and Vishnu
Yam Has No Power to Punish Vaishnav
If anybody wants that he should not face Yam Raaj, he must worship Shree Hari or love Hari's things -Hari things means - Aamalaa, Tulasee, Vaishaakh and Kaarttik Maas, Ekaadashee, reading Bhaagvat Puraan, reciting Vishnu Sahastra Naam etc. All who love these things, eat Aamalaa, water Tulasee plant, do Snaan and fast in Vaishaakh Maas, keep Ekaadashee fast, recite Bhaagvat or Vishnu Sahastra Naam or Tulasee Stotra, cow donation (as cow is another form of Vishnu), etc, Yam Raaj has no control on those people because they come under the category of Vishnu Bhakt (devotees).
This he has cleared several times himself to his Doot (messengers). In Bhaagvat Puraan, in its Mahaatmya (Glory), in its 6th chapter, comes a reference for this that - "Seeing the Paash in his Doot's hands, Yam Raaj says to them - "Do not go near where Vishnu's Kathaa is going on, because I can punish all other people but I do not have power to punish Hari's devotees - Vaishnav." and there are some stories too in this regard. Here are given some stories ---
Vishnu's Name and Things
(1) In Padm Puraan, 4/21, Yam Raaj tells a story of King Maheerath who being a Vishnu Bhakt relieved people suffering in Narak (Hell) just by passing nearby the Hell.
(2) A story comes in Vishnu Puraan, 3/3, that once Yam Doot went to bring somebody from the Earth at his death. That man was a great sinner so Yam's Doot got ready to take his soul away, but suddenly he called Vishnu's name at the time of his death, and as Vishnu's Paarshad were roaming around, they heard Vishnu's name and they came rushing to him. They found that Yam's Doot were ready to take his soul. They fought with them and got succeeded in taking that man's soul to Vaikunth Lok.
Tolerating the insult at Vishnu's Paarshad, Yam's Doot came to Yam Raaj and complained about the incident. So this chapter is about Yam Raaj explaining them that why were they defeated at the hands of Vishnu's Paarshad? And who are those people upon whom he does not have any control - "I cannot take those people who worship Vishnu, who take name of Vishnu and who call Vishnu at the time of their death, because Vishnu is respectable for me, because He is my Creator. I cannot disregard Him."
(3) Who does not know the story of Ajaamil. It comes in Bhaagvat Puraan, 6/1. Ajaamil was a Braahman but since he lived with a maidservant his all Braahman like qualities were gone. He had 10 sons among whom he named his youngest son as Naaraayan. He loved him very much. He lived for 88 years. When he was about to die, he started calling "Naaraayan, Naaraayan". Since he was a great sinner Yam's Doot were present there to take his soul to Yam Raaj, but when he was dying he was calling "Naaraayan, Naaraayan", and Naaraayan is Vishnu's one name, so Vishnu's Paarshad came immediately and wanted to take his soul to Vaikunth Dhaam. Yam's Paarshad argued them over this matter as how could they take his soul because he was great sinner and they had the first right over his soul, but Vishnu's Paarshad convinced them since he was taking Vishnu's name at the time of his death, that is why they were the right people to take Ajaamil's soul and they took it to Vaikunth Dhaam. Such is the power of Vishnu's name. That discussion is given here in this chapter.
(4) One story comes in Padm Puraan, 1/31 in which Yam's Doot could not take the soul of even a Chaandaal (the lowest level of people in Indian society) because he had eaten Aamalaa fruit.
(5) In Padm Puraan, 1/31 Yam Raaj sent his Doot to bring one Mudgal's soul, but his Doot brought Muni Mudgal's soul. Seeing Muni Mudgal Yam Raaj scolded his Doot and asked them to bring the Kshatriya Mudgal's soul, not Muni's Mudgal's soul. Even Mudgal Rishi tells them that whoever has eaten Aamalaa fruit does not go to Hell.
Release From Pret Yoni
Pret Yoni is the result of many sins. It is also a kind of Narak. Vishnu's name has an effective effect on getting free from Pret Yoni. There are some incidents showing this in several Puraan. Even the name of Vishnu and using of Vishnu's things have also freed people from their Pret Yoni.
(1) One main story of such subject is about Dhundhukaaree comes in Bhaagvat Puraan while describing its Mahaatmya (Glory), in its 5th chapter, Gokarn Jee uplifts his brother Dhundhukaaree from Pret Yoni by telling Bhaagvat's Kathaa to him.
(2) In Padm Puraan, 4/20 gives a story of a Braahman, Muni Sharmaa and five Pret, in the dialog form of Raajaa Ambareesh and Naarad Jee. It is also related to Vaishaakh Maas importance with regard to upliftment from Pret Yoni.
(3) In Padm Puraan, 4/21, Yam Raaj also tells a story of Dhan Sharmaa. He meets three Pret and he gives them relief just by taking the name of Vishnu. Since Vaishaakh Maas is Vishnu's month, Dhan Sharmaa did Snaan in that month and freed them from Pret Yoni.
Thus they all are examples showing of the incapability of Yam Raaj's control over Vishnu Bhakt. That is why one must worship Vishnu or love His things (as given above) to save oneself from Hell and Yam Raaj.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
If anybody wants that he should not face Yam Raaj, he must worship Shree Hari or love Hari's things -Hari things means - Aamalaa, Tulasee, Vaishaakh and Kaarttik Maas, Ekaadashee, reading Bhaagvat Puraan, reciting Vishnu Sahastra Naam etc. All who love these things, eat Aamalaa, water Tulasee plant, do Snaan and fast in Vaishaakh Maas, keep Ekaadashee fast, recite Bhaagvat or Vishnu Sahastra Naam or Tulasee Stotra, cow donation (as cow is another form of Vishnu), etc, Yam Raaj has no control on those people because they come under the category of Vishnu Bhakt (devotees).
This he has cleared several times himself to his Doot (messengers). In Bhaagvat Puraan, in its Mahaatmya (Glory), in its 6th chapter, comes a reference for this that - "Seeing the Paash in his Doot's hands, Yam Raaj says to them - "Do not go near where Vishnu's Kathaa is going on, because I can punish all other people but I do not have power to punish Hari's devotees - Vaishnav." and there are some stories too in this regard. Here are given some stories ---
Vishnu's Name and Things
(1) In Padm Puraan, 4/21, Yam Raaj tells a story of King Maheerath who being a Vishnu Bhakt relieved people suffering in Narak (Hell) just by passing nearby the Hell.
(2) A story comes in Vishnu Puraan, 3/3, that once Yam Doot went to bring somebody from the Earth at his death. That man was a great sinner so Yam's Doot got ready to take his soul away, but suddenly he called Vishnu's name at the time of his death, and as Vishnu's Paarshad were roaming around, they heard Vishnu's name and they came rushing to him. They found that Yam's Doot were ready to take his soul. They fought with them and got succeeded in taking that man's soul to Vaikunth Lok.
Tolerating the insult at Vishnu's Paarshad, Yam's Doot came to Yam Raaj and complained about the incident. So this chapter is about Yam Raaj explaining them that why were they defeated at the hands of Vishnu's Paarshad? And who are those people upon whom he does not have any control - "I cannot take those people who worship Vishnu, who take name of Vishnu and who call Vishnu at the time of their death, because Vishnu is respectable for me, because He is my Creator. I cannot disregard Him."
(3) Who does not know the story of Ajaamil. It comes in Bhaagvat Puraan, 6/1. Ajaamil was a Braahman but since he lived with a maidservant his all Braahman like qualities were gone. He had 10 sons among whom he named his youngest son as Naaraayan. He loved him very much. He lived for 88 years. When he was about to die, he started calling "Naaraayan, Naaraayan". Since he was a great sinner Yam's Doot were present there to take his soul to Yam Raaj, but when he was dying he was calling "Naaraayan, Naaraayan", and Naaraayan is Vishnu's one name, so Vishnu's Paarshad came immediately and wanted to take his soul to Vaikunth Dhaam. Yam's Paarshad argued them over this matter as how could they take his soul because he was great sinner and they had the first right over his soul, but Vishnu's Paarshad convinced them since he was taking Vishnu's name at the time of his death, that is why they were the right people to take Ajaamil's soul and they took it to Vaikunth Dhaam. Such is the power of Vishnu's name. That discussion is given here in this chapter.
(4) One story comes in Padm Puraan, 1/31 in which Yam's Doot could not take the soul of even a Chaandaal (the lowest level of people in Indian society) because he had eaten Aamalaa fruit.
(5) In Padm Puraan, 1/31 Yam Raaj sent his Doot to bring one Mudgal's soul, but his Doot brought Muni Mudgal's soul. Seeing Muni Mudgal Yam Raaj scolded his Doot and asked them to bring the Kshatriya Mudgal's soul, not Muni's Mudgal's soul. Even Mudgal Rishi tells them that whoever has eaten Aamalaa fruit does not go to Hell.
Release From Pret Yoni
Pret Yoni is the result of many sins. It is also a kind of Narak. Vishnu's name has an effective effect on getting free from Pret Yoni. There are some incidents showing this in several Puraan. Even the name of Vishnu and using of Vishnu's things have also freed people from their Pret Yoni.
(1) One main story of such subject is about Dhundhukaaree comes in Bhaagvat Puraan while describing its Mahaatmya (Glory), in its 5th chapter, Gokarn Jee uplifts his brother Dhundhukaaree from Pret Yoni by telling Bhaagvat's Kathaa to him.
(2) In Padm Puraan, 4/20 gives a story of a Braahman, Muni Sharmaa and five Pret, in the dialog form of Raajaa Ambareesh and Naarad Jee. It is also related to Vaishaakh Maas importance with regard to upliftment from Pret Yoni.
(3) In Padm Puraan, 4/21, Yam Raaj also tells a story of Dhan Sharmaa. He meets three Pret and he gives them relief just by taking the name of Vishnu. Since Vaishaakh Maas is Vishnu's month, Dhan Sharmaa did Snaan in that month and freed them from Pret Yoni.
Thus they all are examples showing of the incapability of Yam Raaj's control over Vishnu Bhakt. That is why one must worship Vishnu or love His things (as given above) to save oneself from Hell and Yam Raaj.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Man and God
Today in lighter mood - here are given two short stories about the God and the Man. Read them and enjoy.
How the Man Got 80 Years of Age
On the first day, God created the dog and said to him - "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years." The dog said - "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?" So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said to him - "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span." The monkey said - "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten years like the Dog did?" And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said to him - "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."The cow said - "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about only twenty years and I'll give back the other forty?" And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said to him - "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life and for this, I'll also give you twenty years." But man said - "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty. Is it okay?" "Okay,' said God, "As you ask for it."
So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves (like a man). For the next forty years we work as a slave in the sun to support our family (like a cow)y. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone (like a dog).
Man and Woman
When God created man, he wandered around for many years without any company, without any aim, without any fun. When he got tired he came to God and said - "O God, I have nobody to live with, nobody to to talk to, nobody to play with, nobody to have fun with, nobody to share my thoughts and feelings. I feel bored. Give me a companion." God said - "Very well."
So when the man had slept, God took out his one rib from near his chest and transformed it into a being. Since He created that being from man only he named it woman. When the man got up and see that woman near him he got very happy and immediately went to thank God. God accepted his thanks, and warned him pointing towards a tree - "Whatever you do, never eat the fruit of this tree." The man was so happy to get his companion that he obeyed His orders without any objection.
Now both, man and woman, started enjoying life with each other. They loved each other very much. After all she was a part of him. Both could not live without each other. They played together, they wandered together, they ate food together, they admired the nature together, they laughed together, they enjoyed each other's company together, means they did everything together. They were very happy.
But the Satan could not see their happiness. He was very jealous and always thought to start some kind of quarrel between them so that they get separated. And then what he did with them, everybody knows it. He put them in such a situation that even God exiled them from His garden and sent them to Earth. He made their lives so much worth of mockery that perhaps there are maximum jokes today on man and wife relationship.
There is still time, don't allow Satan (other people) to ruin your life. Be together, be sincere and faithful to each other, be happy. She is a part of you. Don't let anybody separate her from you.
Read also Dog or God, and Dog in Hindu Mythology
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
How the Man Got 80 Years of Age
On the first day, God created the dog and said to him - "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years." The dog said - "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?" So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said to him - "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span." The monkey said - "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten years like the Dog did?" And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said to him - "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."The cow said - "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about only twenty years and I'll give back the other forty?" And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said to him - "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life and for this, I'll also give you twenty years." But man said - "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty. Is it okay?" "Okay,' said God, "As you ask for it."
So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves (like a man). For the next forty years we work as a slave in the sun to support our family (like a cow)y. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone (like a dog).
Man and Woman
When God created man, he wandered around for many years without any company, without any aim, without any fun. When he got tired he came to God and said - "O God, I have nobody to live with, nobody to to talk to, nobody to play with, nobody to have fun with, nobody to share my thoughts and feelings. I feel bored. Give me a companion." God said - "Very well."
So when the man had slept, God took out his one rib from near his chest and transformed it into a being. Since He created that being from man only he named it woman. When the man got up and see that woman near him he got very happy and immediately went to thank God. God accepted his thanks, and warned him pointing towards a tree - "Whatever you do, never eat the fruit of this tree." The man was so happy to get his companion that he obeyed His orders without any objection.
Now both, man and woman, started enjoying life with each other. They loved each other very much. After all she was a part of him. Both could not live without each other. They played together, they wandered together, they ate food together, they admired the nature together, they laughed together, they enjoyed each other's company together, means they did everything together. They were very happy.
But the Satan could not see their happiness. He was very jealous and always thought to start some kind of quarrel between them so that they get separated. And then what he did with them, everybody knows it. He put them in such a situation that even God exiled them from His garden and sent them to Earth. He made their lives so much worth of mockery that perhaps there are maximum jokes today on man and wife relationship.
There is still time, don't allow Satan (other people) to ruin your life. Be together, be sincere and faithful to each other, be happy. She is a part of you. Don't let anybody separate her from you.
Read also Dog or God, and Dog in Hindu Mythology
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Some Guru and Lords
Great Guru
Many earthly kings and princes were educated by great Guru who indeed considered themselves fortunate by teaching them. Some of them considered themselves so fortunate that they did not ask for any Guru Dakshinaa from them, as the custom was there in those times. The names of some of those kings and Princes are given here - for example --
Raam was educated by Vashishth Jee and Vishwaamitra Jee
Krishn was educated by Saandeepan Muni in Ujjayinee
Bheeshm Jee was educated by Parashuraam Jee and Brihaspati Jee
Parashuraam Jee was educated by Shiv Jee
Hanumaan Jee was educated by Soorya Dev
Drone was educated by Parashuraam Jee
Vajra, Aniruddh's son, was educated by Maarkandeya Muni (Agni Puraan, 5)
Kaurav and Paandav were educated by Dronaachaarya
Karn was educated by Parashuraam Jee
Abhimanyu was trained by Krishn Himself
Pareekshit was educated by Kripaachaarya
Gaalav was educated by Vishwaamitra Jee
Lords of the Creation
Secondly, when the Creation was started, some were appointed the Lords of various departments of the world at that time only. The followings were appointed as the lords of the followings ------
Agni Dev (Paavak) was appointed as the Lord of 8 Vasu
Airaavat was appointed as the Lord of all elephants
Chandramaa was appointed as the Lord of herbs
Chitrarath was appointed as the Lord of Gandharv
Daksh Jee was appointed as the Lord of Prajaapati
Garud Jee was appointed as the Lord of all birds
Himvaan was appointed as the Lord of all mountains
Indra was appointed as the Lord of 49 Marut Gan
Kuber was appointed as the King of kings
Nandee, Shiv's bull, was appointed as the Lord of all cows and wild animals
Prahlaad was appointed as the Lord of Daitya
Saagar Sea) was appointed as the Lord of all rivers
Shiv Jee was appointed as the Lord of Bhoot (ghosts)
Takshakwas appointed as the Lord of all snakes
Vaasuki Naag was appointed as the Lord of all Naag (serpents)
Varun was appointed as the Lord of water
Vishnu was appointed as the Lord of 12 Aaditya
Yam Raaj was appointed as the Lord of Pitar
Sudhanvaa was appointed as the guard of East direction
Shankhpaad was appointed as the guard of South direction
Ketumaan was appointed as the guard of West direction
Hiranyaromaa was appointed as the guard of East direction.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Many earthly kings and princes were educated by great Guru who indeed considered themselves fortunate by teaching them. Some of them considered themselves so fortunate that they did not ask for any Guru Dakshinaa from them, as the custom was there in those times. The names of some of those kings and Princes are given here - for example --
Raam was educated by Vashishth Jee and Vishwaamitra Jee
Krishn was educated by Saandeepan Muni in Ujjayinee
Bheeshm Jee was educated by Parashuraam Jee and Brihaspati Jee
Parashuraam Jee was educated by Shiv Jee
Hanumaan Jee was educated by Soorya Dev
Drone was educated by Parashuraam Jee
Vajra, Aniruddh's son, was educated by Maarkandeya Muni (Agni Puraan, 5)
Kaurav and Paandav were educated by Dronaachaarya
Karn was educated by Parashuraam Jee
Abhimanyu was trained by Krishn Himself
Pareekshit was educated by Kripaachaarya
Gaalav was educated by Vishwaamitra Jee
Lords of the Creation
Secondly, when the Creation was started, some were appointed the Lords of various departments of the world at that time only. The followings were appointed as the lords of the followings ------
Agni Dev (Paavak) was appointed as the Lord of 8 Vasu
Airaavat was appointed as the Lord of all elephants
Chandramaa was appointed as the Lord of herbs
Chitrarath was appointed as the Lord of Gandharv
Daksh Jee was appointed as the Lord of Prajaapati
Garud Jee was appointed as the Lord of all birds
Himvaan was appointed as the Lord of all mountains
Indra was appointed as the Lord of 49 Marut Gan
Kuber was appointed as the King of kings
Nandee, Shiv's bull, was appointed as the Lord of all cows and wild animals
Prahlaad was appointed as the Lord of Daitya
Saagar Sea) was appointed as the Lord of all rivers
Shiv Jee was appointed as the Lord of Bhoot (ghosts)
Takshakwas appointed as the Lord of all snakes
Vaasuki Naag was appointed as the Lord of all Naag (serpents)
Varun was appointed as the Lord of water
Vishnu was appointed as the Lord of 12 Aaditya
Yam Raaj was appointed as the Lord of Pitar
Sudhanvaa was appointed as the guard of East direction
Shankhpaad was appointed as the guard of South direction
Ketumaan was appointed as the guard of West direction
Hiranyaromaa was appointed as the guard of East direction.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
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