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
Showing posts with label Vishnu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vishnu. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
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
Monday, May 20, 2013
When Vishnu Got the Boon
Normally gods bestow boons to others. It is very unlikely that somebody else bestows boon on them. Who can be more powerful than them to be able to bestow boons on them? It is not like that Brahmaa, Vishnu and Shiv always grant boons. Sometimes they also get boons from others. Today we will talk about the boons granted to Vishnu, and let us see who are such who could grant boons to Him --
Boon Granted by Madhu and Kaitabh
Madhu and Kaitabh were two great Asur who were born from Vishnu's earwax. In the beginning there was only water and on that water there was Vishnu lying on His Shesh Shayyaa. Then appeared Brahmaa Jee from His navel After a while Brahmaa Jee started his creation. Earwax started flowing from Vishnu's ears and two great Asur were born from it - Madhu and Kaitabh. Since Brahmaa Jee were creating the world at that time so they were born from Rajo Gun and Tamo Gun.
They did Tapasyaa for 1,000s of years and got the boon of Ichchhaa Mrityu from Devee - when they want they will die at that time only. With this boon they started troubling the universe. Once they saw Brahmaa Jee, they asked him who was he and from where he had come? They came to know that he was born from Vishnu, so they came to Vishnu and started fighting with Him. The Asur were very powerful. the fight continued for 5,000 years. Vishnu knew that He was weaker, and the Asur also knew that they were more powerful than Vishnu, so they said to Vishnu proudly - "Surrender to us that you are our servant." Vishnu said - "We have been fighting for 5,000 years, but I am only a single and you are two. You have already taken rest in between, now let me take some rest, then I will fight. " So they left Vishnu alone for rest.
Vishnu remembered the boon granted by Devee to them. It was because of that boon that they were not feeling tiredness, so He decided to seek help from Devee too. Devee said - "Go and fight with them, and I will delude them with my sight." So Vishnu went to fight with them. Devee deluded them with her sight. At the same time Vishnu said to them - "I admire you, you are very brave, ask for a boon." They were very proud of their might, so they said - "We are not beggars, instead you ask us for any boon you wish for. We can give you whatever you want." Vishnu wanted the same, so He said - "If you are pleased with me then grant me this boon that you should be killed by me now." They said - "We are cheated." Since at that time the whole Prithvi was covered with water, they said - "Then kill us where there is no water on Prithvi."
Immediately Vishnu expanded His thighs, showed them the vast Prithvi on the waters. He asked them to keep their heads on His thighs. They also expanded their bodies to 10,000 Yojan. Vishnu also expanded His thighs twice the size of their bodies. Seeing this they kept their heads on His thighs. Vishnu immediately cut their necks with His Chakra. That is how those Asur granted the boon to Vishnu to kill themselves.
Boon Granted by Gajmukhaasur
Gajmukhaasur was a very powerful Daitya. Once he did a severe Tap for Shiv Jee and asked for a boon that he should live in his belly. As Shiv had granted this boon to him, he had to comply with tthe boon. he started living in his belly. Now some time passed and Paarvatee Jee did not see Shiv Jee so she went to Vishnu and asked His help. Vishnu took Shiv's Nandee Bull, assumed the form of a flute player and started playing flute. Nandee started dancing on His tune. Now they started going around playing flute and dancing.
Once they came to Gajmukhaasur's residence, many of the servants of Gajmukhaasur started coming there to see the show. Some admired the show to Gajmukhaasur also, so he also came out to see it. Vishnu understood that this Gajmukhaasur is the one who has hidden Shiv. So they played the flute and danced very well. Gajmukhaasur got very pleased hearing the flute and seeing the dance of a bull. He asked Vishnu to ask for a boon from him. Vishnu asked him - "Are you serious? You will grant me the boon?" The Asur said - "Yes, I will grant you the boon, ask me anything, I will give it to you." Vishnu said - "Then you release Shiv. You have hidden him, I want him back." The Asur now had to give Shiv back. As Shiv came bursting out of his belly, the Asur died in this process.
These are the only two boons Vishnu got from Asur.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Boon Granted by Madhu and Kaitabh
Madhu and Kaitabh were two great Asur who were born from Vishnu's earwax. In the beginning there was only water and on that water there was Vishnu lying on His Shesh Shayyaa. Then appeared Brahmaa Jee from His navel After a while Brahmaa Jee started his creation. Earwax started flowing from Vishnu's ears and two great Asur were born from it - Madhu and Kaitabh. Since Brahmaa Jee were creating the world at that time so they were born from Rajo Gun and Tamo Gun.
They did Tapasyaa for 1,000s of years and got the boon of Ichchhaa Mrityu from Devee - when they want they will die at that time only. With this boon they started troubling the universe. Once they saw Brahmaa Jee, they asked him who was he and from where he had come? They came to know that he was born from Vishnu, so they came to Vishnu and started fighting with Him. The Asur were very powerful. the fight continued for 5,000 years. Vishnu knew that He was weaker, and the Asur also knew that they were more powerful than Vishnu, so they said to Vishnu proudly - "Surrender to us that you are our servant." Vishnu said - "We have been fighting for 5,000 years, but I am only a single and you are two. You have already taken rest in between, now let me take some rest, then I will fight. " So they left Vishnu alone for rest.
Vishnu remembered the boon granted by Devee to them. It was because of that boon that they were not feeling tiredness, so He decided to seek help from Devee too. Devee said - "Go and fight with them, and I will delude them with my sight." So Vishnu went to fight with them. Devee deluded them with her sight. At the same time Vishnu said to them - "I admire you, you are very brave, ask for a boon." They were very proud of their might, so they said - "We are not beggars, instead you ask us for any boon you wish for. We can give you whatever you want." Vishnu wanted the same, so He said - "If you are pleased with me then grant me this boon that you should be killed by me now." They said - "We are cheated." Since at that time the whole Prithvi was covered with water, they said - "Then kill us where there is no water on Prithvi."
Immediately Vishnu expanded His thighs, showed them the vast Prithvi on the waters. He asked them to keep their heads on His thighs. They also expanded their bodies to 10,000 Yojan. Vishnu also expanded His thighs twice the size of their bodies. Seeing this they kept their heads on His thighs. Vishnu immediately cut their necks with His Chakra. That is how those Asur granted the boon to Vishnu to kill themselves.
Boon Granted by Gajmukhaasur
Gajmukhaasur was a very powerful Daitya. Once he did a severe Tap for Shiv Jee and asked for a boon that he should live in his belly. As Shiv had granted this boon to him, he had to comply with tthe boon. he started living in his belly. Now some time passed and Paarvatee Jee did not see Shiv Jee so she went to Vishnu and asked His help. Vishnu took Shiv's Nandee Bull, assumed the form of a flute player and started playing flute. Nandee started dancing on His tune. Now they started going around playing flute and dancing.
Once they came to Gajmukhaasur's residence, many of the servants of Gajmukhaasur started coming there to see the show. Some admired the show to Gajmukhaasur also, so he also came out to see it. Vishnu understood that this Gajmukhaasur is the one who has hidden Shiv. So they played the flute and danced very well. Gajmukhaasur got very pleased hearing the flute and seeing the dance of a bull. He asked Vishnu to ask for a boon from him. Vishnu asked him - "Are you serious? You will grant me the boon?" The Asur said - "Yes, I will grant you the boon, ask me anything, I will give it to you." Vishnu said - "Then you release Shiv. You have hidden him, I want him back." The Asur now had to give Shiv back. As Shiv came bursting out of his belly, the Asur died in this process.
These are the only two boons Vishnu got from Asur.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Vishnu's Weapons
There are many weapons with Devtaa themselves to kill Asur and relieve humanity. Some of them belong to them only and nobody else can handle and use them, while some of them they hand over to others also and they can also use them. Today we are going to write about them. First we will take Vishnu and His weapons.
Vishnu's personality is identified by a lotus flower, a Gadaa (Mace), a Chakra (Discus), and a Shankh (conch) in His four hands. They are called His Aayudh. Although there are some other things also to identify Him, but these four things are seen just in the first look. If one can see these four things in His hands, he becomes more than half sure that it is Vishnu's picture.
His other things are Peetaambar (yellow cloth on His shoulders), yellow Dhotee, Vaijantee Maalaa (a special gems necklace), Kaustubh Mani (gem) around His neck, fish shape earrings and Shree Vats mark on His chest. And if His ride is also shown, then it should be Garud. Sometimes He is seen with His consort Lakshmee Jee. He has a bow and sword also, which are not always in His hands. His bow's name is Shaarng and the name of His sword is Nandak. He sleeps on 1,000-hooded Shesh Naag in Ksheer Saagar in a reclining pose. Sometimes they show lotus flower also growing out of His navel and Brahmaa Jee sitting on it.
It is a million dollar question that where His the three Aayudh - Gadaa, Chakra and Shankh came from? And how Garud became His ride? Today we will explore their origin.
Chakra (Disc)
Vishnu's Chakra's name is Sudarshan Chakra. How He got it, there are a few stories about it.
(1) Soorya Dev married Vishwakarmaa's daughter Sanjanaa or Sangyaa. Sanjanaa had 3 children from him - Vaivaswat Many and Yam and Yamunaa. She could not bear Soory's Tej so she left Soorya keeping her shadow Chhaayaa with him. For some time Soorya did not know that Chhaayaa was not his wife and they also had four children - Saavarni Manu, Shanaishchar, Tapatee and Vishti. Then he came to know that Chhaayaa was not his wife. He asked his father-in-law about Sangyaa and he told him her whereabouts. Soorya then went to Sangyaa and had a twin sons more from her - Ashwinee Kumaar. Then Vishwakarmaa put Soorya on his lathe and shaved his some Tej and with that shavings he made many weapons for Devtaa. Vishnu's Chakra was one of them (Vishnu Puraan, 3/1).
(2) Its another version is that, once Vishnu had to kill a Raakshas, but He did not have a proper weapon to kill him, so he worshiped Shiv. Shiv Jee got pleased and gave Him his Chakra to Him with the blessings that - "This Chakra will never fail to kill anybody and will come back to you after killing him."
(3) Mahaabhaarat, 1/3/16 says that Agni Dev gave a Chakra (Disc) to Krishn at the time of burning Khaandav forest, when he gave other things to Arjun.
(4) Mahaabhaarat Serial by BR Chopra shows that Krishn got His Chakra from Parashuraam Jee. Why it was with Parashuraam Jee, is not told in it, nor any story comes anywhere of this matter.
Gadaa
Vishnu's Gadaa's name is Kaumodakee. Where did He get it? There was a terrible Raakshas named Gad. In spite of being a terrible Raakshas, he was a good donor. he never refused to give anything to anybody when asked for. To save the people from his terror, once Vishnu assumed the form of a Braahman and asked him to give Him his bones. Gad ripped himself apart and gave his bones to Vishnu. He took those bones and built a Gadaa (mace) for Himself. Because that mace was built from Gad's bones, it was called Gadaa and even this word was added to the vocabulary. This Gadaa was created to protect the whole humanity, so there is nothing which it cannot conquer in the world.
Shankh (Conch)
The name of Vishnu's Shankh is Paanchjanya. It represents the 5-Bhoot. When Vishnu incarnated as Krishn and went to Saandeepan Muni for His education; at the end of His education He asked His Guru to ask for Guru Dakshinaa, as that time the custom was. Since Guru Jee knew who was Krishn, he refused to take any Guru Dakshinaa from Him saying that "I am blessed by teaching you, because it is a matter of pride to be a Guru of such a disciple." Still Krishn insisted to pay Guru Dakshinaa that His education will not be complete if He would not pay His Guru Dakshinaa. Then Guru Jee told Him to ask His Guru Maataa if she wanted anything. Krishn went to her and she asked Him to get her lost son back. So Krishn went to bring him back. First He went to the sea where he was lost. Sea told Him that he had not taken His Guru's son, maybe a Raakshas named Panchjanya who was in the form of a conch had taken him, so He might go to him and find out. Krishn went to him, killed him but he could not find His Guru's son there. he brought that Asur's body and gave to His Guru but Guru gave it back to Him. Since then that Shankh, Paanchjanya Shankh, on the name of that Asur is with Him. he always keeps it with Him.
Garud, The Ride
How Garud became Vishnu's ride? When Garud was born, he immediately got grown up and asked food to eat. His mother Vinataa sent him to Kashyap Jee. Kashyap Jee told him to eat a tortoise and an elephant. Garud picked up the tortoise and the elephant and started looking for a place to sit down so that he could eat his food comfortably. Once he tried to sit on a large tree branch but it started breaking by his weight, and many Rishi were sitting under that branch so he immediately picked that branch in his beak and started looking for another place to sit. Now he again started flying with the tortoise and elephant in his two paws and a branch of a tree in his beak.
On the way he met Vishnu. Vishnu asked him where was he going to? He told Him that he was looking for some place to sit and eat his food. Vishnu said - "Oh, Do not worry. Come and sit on my left arm and eat your food." Garud did not believe this. When so big big mountains and trees could not support his weight how that that tender left arm could bear his weight. He asked Him - "Are you sure?" "Yes, I am quite sure." Poor Garud sat on Vishnu's arm scared. But he was surprised to see that Vishnu's arm did not got a jerk or shake even a bit when he sat over it. He ate his food comfortably and then asked Him - "Who are you and what can I do for you?" Vishnu said - "I am Vishnu and I would love if you will be my ride." Garud said - "I am Kashyap's son Garud. Let me go and ask my father, then I will let you know." "Sure." Garud came to Kashyap Jee and told him that he had a Darshan of Vishnu and Vishnu has offered him to be his ride. Kashyap Jee got very pleased to hear this. He said - "Blessed are you that you had Darshan of Vishnu and have an offer to be His ride. Accept it without any second thought. Go and be happy." That is how Garud became the ride of Vishnu. When Vishnu fights with somebody Garud also helps Him.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Vishnu's personality is identified by a lotus flower, a Gadaa (Mace), a Chakra (Discus), and a Shankh (conch) in His four hands. They are called His Aayudh. Although there are some other things also to identify Him, but these four things are seen just in the first look. If one can see these four things in His hands, he becomes more than half sure that it is Vishnu's picture.
His other things are Peetaambar (yellow cloth on His shoulders), yellow Dhotee, Vaijantee Maalaa (a special gems necklace), Kaustubh Mani (gem) around His neck, fish shape earrings and Shree Vats mark on His chest. And if His ride is also shown, then it should be Garud. Sometimes He is seen with His consort Lakshmee Jee. He has a bow and sword also, which are not always in His hands. His bow's name is Shaarng and the name of His sword is Nandak. He sleeps on 1,000-hooded Shesh Naag in Ksheer Saagar in a reclining pose. Sometimes they show lotus flower also growing out of His navel and Brahmaa Jee sitting on it.
It is a million dollar question that where His the three Aayudh - Gadaa, Chakra and Shankh came from? And how Garud became His ride? Today we will explore their origin.
Chakra (Disc)
Vishnu's Chakra's name is Sudarshan Chakra. How He got it, there are a few stories about it.
(1) Soorya Dev married Vishwakarmaa's daughter Sanjanaa or Sangyaa. Sanjanaa had 3 children from him - Vaivaswat Many and Yam and Yamunaa. She could not bear Soory's Tej so she left Soorya keeping her shadow Chhaayaa with him. For some time Soorya did not know that Chhaayaa was not his wife and they also had four children - Saavarni Manu, Shanaishchar, Tapatee and Vishti. Then he came to know that Chhaayaa was not his wife. He asked his father-in-law about Sangyaa and he told him her whereabouts. Soorya then went to Sangyaa and had a twin sons more from her - Ashwinee Kumaar. Then Vishwakarmaa put Soorya on his lathe and shaved his some Tej and with that shavings he made many weapons for Devtaa. Vishnu's Chakra was one of them (Vishnu Puraan, 3/1).
(2) Its another version is that, once Vishnu had to kill a Raakshas, but He did not have a proper weapon to kill him, so he worshiped Shiv. Shiv Jee got pleased and gave Him his Chakra to Him with the blessings that - "This Chakra will never fail to kill anybody and will come back to you after killing him."
(3) Mahaabhaarat, 1/3/16 says that Agni Dev gave a Chakra (Disc) to Krishn at the time of burning Khaandav forest, when he gave other things to Arjun.
(4) Mahaabhaarat Serial by BR Chopra shows that Krishn got His Chakra from Parashuraam Jee. Why it was with Parashuraam Jee, is not told in it, nor any story comes anywhere of this matter.
Gadaa
Vishnu's Gadaa's name is Kaumodakee. Where did He get it? There was a terrible Raakshas named Gad. In spite of being a terrible Raakshas, he was a good donor. he never refused to give anything to anybody when asked for. To save the people from his terror, once Vishnu assumed the form of a Braahman and asked him to give Him his bones. Gad ripped himself apart and gave his bones to Vishnu. He took those bones and built a Gadaa (mace) for Himself. Because that mace was built from Gad's bones, it was called Gadaa and even this word was added to the vocabulary. This Gadaa was created to protect the whole humanity, so there is nothing which it cannot conquer in the world.
Shankh (Conch)
The name of Vishnu's Shankh is Paanchjanya. It represents the 5-Bhoot. When Vishnu incarnated as Krishn and went to Saandeepan Muni for His education; at the end of His education He asked His Guru to ask for Guru Dakshinaa, as that time the custom was. Since Guru Jee knew who was Krishn, he refused to take any Guru Dakshinaa from Him saying that "I am blessed by teaching you, because it is a matter of pride to be a Guru of such a disciple." Still Krishn insisted to pay Guru Dakshinaa that His education will not be complete if He would not pay His Guru Dakshinaa. Then Guru Jee told Him to ask His Guru Maataa if she wanted anything. Krishn went to her and she asked Him to get her lost son back. So Krishn went to bring him back. First He went to the sea where he was lost. Sea told Him that he had not taken His Guru's son, maybe a Raakshas named Panchjanya who was in the form of a conch had taken him, so He might go to him and find out. Krishn went to him, killed him but he could not find His Guru's son there. he brought that Asur's body and gave to His Guru but Guru gave it back to Him. Since then that Shankh, Paanchjanya Shankh, on the name of that Asur is with Him. he always keeps it with Him.
Garud, The Ride
How Garud became Vishnu's ride? When Garud was born, he immediately got grown up and asked food to eat. His mother Vinataa sent him to Kashyap Jee. Kashyap Jee told him to eat a tortoise and an elephant. Garud picked up the tortoise and the elephant and started looking for a place to sit down so that he could eat his food comfortably. Once he tried to sit on a large tree branch but it started breaking by his weight, and many Rishi were sitting under that branch so he immediately picked that branch in his beak and started looking for another place to sit. Now he again started flying with the tortoise and elephant in his two paws and a branch of a tree in his beak.
On the way he met Vishnu. Vishnu asked him where was he going to? He told Him that he was looking for some place to sit and eat his food. Vishnu said - "Oh, Do not worry. Come and sit on my left arm and eat your food." Garud did not believe this. When so big big mountains and trees could not support his weight how that that tender left arm could bear his weight. He asked Him - "Are you sure?" "Yes, I am quite sure." Poor Garud sat on Vishnu's arm scared. But he was surprised to see that Vishnu's arm did not got a jerk or shake even a bit when he sat over it. He ate his food comfortably and then asked Him - "Who are you and what can I do for you?" Vishnu said - "I am Vishnu and I would love if you will be my ride." Garud said - "I am Kashyap's son Garud. Let me go and ask my father, then I will let you know." "Sure." Garud came to Kashyap Jee and told him that he had a Darshan of Vishnu and Vishnu has offered him to be his ride. Kashyap Jee got very pleased to hear this. He said - "Blessed are you that you had Darshan of Vishnu and have an offer to be His ride. Accept it without any second thought. Go and be happy." That is how Garud became the ride of Vishnu. When Vishnu fights with somebody Garud also helps Him.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Friday, April 19, 2013
Curses to Vishnu
First of it seems absurd that somebody can curse Bhagavaan Vishnu, but it is true and it has happened for a few times. Vishnu has accepted their curses happily. Here are five stories in which people have cursed Him and He had to act accordingly.
Naarad
Once Naarad did some Tap so Indra got worried. He sent Kaam Dev to disturb his tap, but he could not disturb his Tap. Naarad got proud of his victory over Kaam Dev, so he went to Brahmaa and Shiv to tell this. In spite of Shiv's warning he went to tell this to Vishnu too. Vishnu found a sprout of pride in His Bhakt's heart, so He thought to crush it then and there. For this He created a beautiful city on the way where Naarad was going to. When Naarad saw that city, he entered the city and found that its king was organizing his daughter's Swayamvar. He went there, saw the princess' hand and told the King that she would be married to a great man.
Now Naarad was worried as he himself wanted to marry her. He thought that he needed beauty at such time, and who else was his best friend to give it to him. So he went to Vishnu and told him that he needed the beauty to marry the princess. Vishnu said - "Naarad, i will do the same what is beneficial for you." Naarad Jee came back and sat in the Swayamvar court to marry the Princess. Now Naarad Jee was sure that he must be looking very beautiful and the Princess will surely choose him, but the Princess did not even look at him. In fact Vishnu had made his face of a monkey's face. So the princess was seeing him as monkey faced. Vishnu was also there, and she put her Jayamaalaa in Vishnu's neck and Vishnu set off to His Lok with her. Now Naarad was very angry. He also followed Vishnu.
There were Shiv's two Gan also who wee seeing all this, they ran away from there laughing - "Naarad Jee, Look at your face in the mirror." Naarad Jee saw his face in water and found it of a monkey's face. He went to Vishnu straight and found Him with Ramaa and the Princess. He started abusing Him - "You have made a mockery of my face. Nobody is above you to say anything to you, that is why you have behaved with me like this, but now I will see you. I curse you that you incarnate on Prithvi, wander around in suffering of the separation of your wife as I am suffering, and you will get the help only from those whose face you have given to me (monkeys)." Vishnu accepted his curse, but in the meantime Naarad saw that there was neither Ramaa nor the Princess. Vishnu was standing alone. He immediately understood that this was Maayaa of Vishnu. He fell on His feet and asked for His forgiveness.
That is why Vishnu was incarnated as Raam, suffered in the separation of Seetaa, and got help only from monkeys.
Bhrigu
This story comes in Bhavishya Puraan, 4/21. Krishn tells this story to Yudhishthir - "Bhrigu Jee had a wife named Divyaa (we have never heard that he had a wife of this name). She was very Pativrataa woman. Once Asur got very afraid of Vishnu, so they came running to Vishnu for refuge, so Bhrigu Rishi gave them refuge and he himself went to Himaalaya to take Sanjeevanee Vidyaa. In the meantime Vishnu came there and He killed all Daitya in a few moments. Seeing this Divyaa got very angry and was about to curse Vishnu, that He cut Divyaa's neck with His Chakra. At the same time Bhrigu also came back. Seeing all Daitya and his wife dead, he filled with rage and cursed Him - "You incarnate on Prithvi 10 times." After telling this story, Krishn said - "That is why to keep Muni's words I keep coming on Prithvi."
Gaandhaaree
When the Mahaabhaarat war had ended, Krishn went to Gaandhaaree to console her on the death of her 100 sons. She said - "O Krishn, You could have stopped this war, if you wanted to, but you let it happen. You have killed my 100 sons. If you had stopped this war, I would have not been weeping for my sons. I curse you that your whole family should also be destroyed like this fighting among themselves." The same thing happened. Krishn's whole family was killed fighting among themselves.
Uttank
Uttank was the disciple of Ved (the disciple of Rishi Dhaumya). He was about to curse Krishn, but Krishn stopped him doing so, so that his Tap is not wasted. When Mahaabhaarat war was over, and Krishn was going back to Dwaarakaa, He met Uttank on His way. Uttank asked Him about the welfare of kaurav and Paandav - "Have you made Kaurav and Paandav even?" Krishn explained - "I tried my best but I could not help. I could not stop them from fighting each other and in that fight all Kaurav were killed and Paandav won." Hearing this Uttank got very angry, he said - "Even though you were able to stop the war, you did not stop it, you let it happen and killed them all, that is why I curse you..." Krishn interrupted him - "First you listen to me then decide what you want to do, because I do not want your Tap should be wasted by this curse."
Thus Krishn stopped him cursing Him, otherwise he would have cursed Bhagavaan. As Vaishampaayan Jee was telling this story to Janamejaya, Janamejaya asked him - "What great Karm or Tap he did so that he could curse even Bhagavaan?" Then Vaishampaayan Jee told him the story of his Karm. Read this story here.
Tulasee
Tulasee was the wife of Shankhchood Daitya. Shankhchood had the boon from Brahmaa Jee that he would not be killed by anybody else than Shiv and gave an armor of his wife's Paativrat also to him , that till she will be faithful to him, he would not be killed. Thus Shiv also could not kill him just like that, so he took the help of Vishnu who broke Tulasee's Paativrat. Vishu went to Tulasee in disguise of Shankhchood and had her. When Tulasee came to know, she filled in rage cursed Vishnu to be a black stone (as His heart was black and of stone too). Vishnu immedeiately turned into a black stone (Shaalgraam).
Then Vishnu said to her - I accept your curse because it was justified, but since my Darshan does not go waste, I grant you a boon that you will be born as a plant, Tulasee, and I will not accept anything without you. Beside you will be turned into a river too and i will always live in your heart." That is why Vishnu's Naivedya is not complete without Tulasee leaves and Shaalgraam live in Gandakee River. After this only Shiv could kill Shankhchood.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Naarad
Once Naarad did some Tap so Indra got worried. He sent Kaam Dev to disturb his tap, but he could not disturb his Tap. Naarad got proud of his victory over Kaam Dev, so he went to Brahmaa and Shiv to tell this. In spite of Shiv's warning he went to tell this to Vishnu too. Vishnu found a sprout of pride in His Bhakt's heart, so He thought to crush it then and there. For this He created a beautiful city on the way where Naarad was going to. When Naarad saw that city, he entered the city and found that its king was organizing his daughter's Swayamvar. He went there, saw the princess' hand and told the King that she would be married to a great man.
Now Naarad was worried as he himself wanted to marry her. He thought that he needed beauty at such time, and who else was his best friend to give it to him. So he went to Vishnu and told him that he needed the beauty to marry the princess. Vishnu said - "Naarad, i will do the same what is beneficial for you." Naarad Jee came back and sat in the Swayamvar court to marry the Princess. Now Naarad Jee was sure that he must be looking very beautiful and the Princess will surely choose him, but the Princess did not even look at him. In fact Vishnu had made his face of a monkey's face. So the princess was seeing him as monkey faced. Vishnu was also there, and she put her Jayamaalaa in Vishnu's neck and Vishnu set off to His Lok with her. Now Naarad was very angry. He also followed Vishnu.
There were Shiv's two Gan also who wee seeing all this, they ran away from there laughing - "Naarad Jee, Look at your face in the mirror." Naarad Jee saw his face in water and found it of a monkey's face. He went to Vishnu straight and found Him with Ramaa and the Princess. He started abusing Him - "You have made a mockery of my face. Nobody is above you to say anything to you, that is why you have behaved with me like this, but now I will see you. I curse you that you incarnate on Prithvi, wander around in suffering of the separation of your wife as I am suffering, and you will get the help only from those whose face you have given to me (monkeys)." Vishnu accepted his curse, but in the meantime Naarad saw that there was neither Ramaa nor the Princess. Vishnu was standing alone. He immediately understood that this was Maayaa of Vishnu. He fell on His feet and asked for His forgiveness.
That is why Vishnu was incarnated as Raam, suffered in the separation of Seetaa, and got help only from monkeys.
Bhrigu
This story comes in Bhavishya Puraan, 4/21. Krishn tells this story to Yudhishthir - "Bhrigu Jee had a wife named Divyaa (we have never heard that he had a wife of this name). She was very Pativrataa woman. Once Asur got very afraid of Vishnu, so they came running to Vishnu for refuge, so Bhrigu Rishi gave them refuge and he himself went to Himaalaya to take Sanjeevanee Vidyaa. In the meantime Vishnu came there and He killed all Daitya in a few moments. Seeing this Divyaa got very angry and was about to curse Vishnu, that He cut Divyaa's neck with His Chakra. At the same time Bhrigu also came back. Seeing all Daitya and his wife dead, he filled with rage and cursed Him - "You incarnate on Prithvi 10 times." After telling this story, Krishn said - "That is why to keep Muni's words I keep coming on Prithvi."
Gaandhaaree
When the Mahaabhaarat war had ended, Krishn went to Gaandhaaree to console her on the death of her 100 sons. She said - "O Krishn, You could have stopped this war, if you wanted to, but you let it happen. You have killed my 100 sons. If you had stopped this war, I would have not been weeping for my sons. I curse you that your whole family should also be destroyed like this fighting among themselves." The same thing happened. Krishn's whole family was killed fighting among themselves.
Uttank
Uttank was the disciple of Ved (the disciple of Rishi Dhaumya). He was about to curse Krishn, but Krishn stopped him doing so, so that his Tap is not wasted. When Mahaabhaarat war was over, and Krishn was going back to Dwaarakaa, He met Uttank on His way. Uttank asked Him about the welfare of kaurav and Paandav - "Have you made Kaurav and Paandav even?" Krishn explained - "I tried my best but I could not help. I could not stop them from fighting each other and in that fight all Kaurav were killed and Paandav won." Hearing this Uttank got very angry, he said - "Even though you were able to stop the war, you did not stop it, you let it happen and killed them all, that is why I curse you..." Krishn interrupted him - "First you listen to me then decide what you want to do, because I do not want your Tap should be wasted by this curse."
Thus Krishn stopped him cursing Him, otherwise he would have cursed Bhagavaan. As Vaishampaayan Jee was telling this story to Janamejaya, Janamejaya asked him - "What great Karm or Tap he did so that he could curse even Bhagavaan?" Then Vaishampaayan Jee told him the story of his Karm. Read this story here.
Tulasee
Tulasee was the wife of Shankhchood Daitya. Shankhchood had the boon from Brahmaa Jee that he would not be killed by anybody else than Shiv and gave an armor of his wife's Paativrat also to him , that till she will be faithful to him, he would not be killed. Thus Shiv also could not kill him just like that, so he took the help of Vishnu who broke Tulasee's Paativrat. Vishu went to Tulasee in disguise of Shankhchood and had her. When Tulasee came to know, she filled in rage cursed Vishnu to be a black stone (as His heart was black and of stone too). Vishnu immedeiately turned into a black stone (Shaalgraam).
Then Vishnu said to her - I accept your curse because it was justified, but since my Darshan does not go waste, I grant you a boon that you will be born as a plant, Tulasee, and I will not accept anything without you. Beside you will be turned into a river too and i will always live in your heart." That is why Vishnu's Naivedya is not complete without Tulasee leaves and Shaalgraam live in Gandakee River. After this only Shiv could kill Shankhchood.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
When Vishnu Was Tested
Last time I wrote a blog on how Vishnu was cursed by people, this blog is about how Vishnu was tested. Tested for what? To decide that who was the greatest Devtaa. This story comes in the end of Padm Puraan.
Once Rishi gathered and started arguing that who was the greatest Devtaa among all Devtaa. Certainly there were three Devtaa who were the greatest among all Devtaa, but among these three Devtaa, who was the greatest? When quite some time passed arguing on this and no conclusion could be drawn, Rishi assigned this work to Maharshi Bhrigu. They asked him to find out as who was the greatest Devtaa among them. Bhrigu Jee set on his journey.
First Bhrigu Jee came to Kailaash Parvat where Shiv Jee lived. There he saw Nandee standing holding a trident in his hand. He said to him - I am Bhrigu, I have come here to have a Darshan of Mahaadev. So inform him that I have come here." Nandee said in harsh voice - "You cannot see him now. he is with Devee at this hour. If you want to live, then go back." Bhrigu saod - "This Rudra does not know this Braahman under the influence of Tamo Gun therefore whatever food, flower will be offered to him will not be worth eating." And thus cursing him he came from there.
Next he went to Brahmaa Jee. Brahmaa Jee was sitting in his court. He was enjoying Apsaraa's dances with his courtiers. He did not pay any attention to him. Bhrigu Jee said - "You have ignored me under the Rajo Gun therefore nobody in the whole world will worship you." Thus cursing him Bhrigu Jee came from there
Next he came to Vishnu - on the shore of Ksheer Saagar. The Mahaatmaa people living there welcomed him and he went tot Vishnu's inner apartments without hesitation. There he saw Lakshmee-Pati sleeping on His Shesh serpent bed and Lakshmee Jee was massaging His feet. Seeing Him like this Muni got very angry and hit Him on His chest with his left foot. Bhagavaan immediately got up and said - "I am blessed today." and started massaging his feet. He then said - "Today I am blessed that you foot touched my body. It will always make me holy."
Then Bhagavaan worshiped Bhrigu Jee, Bhrigu Jee also greeted Him with his folded hands and said - "Oh, How lovely form is yours? You are the sea of qualities. Only you are the faithful to Braahman and you are the Purushottam. Only you are the worthy of worship.that is why every Braahman should worship you and take Prasaad from the Naivedya offered to you. I hit my foot on your chest only to test your qualities and conduct. Please pardon me for that. He greeted His feet and came back.
He told Rishi Muni that Shiv was influenced by Tamo Gun, Brahmaa Jee was influenced by Rajo Gun, it was only Naaraayan who is the Devtaa for all Braahman, therefore you should worship Vishnu. Only by remembering Vishnu, you will get free from sins. You should worship Him with 8-letter Mantra and one should always do Jaap, Havan, Daan for Him."
Sushma Gupta
www,sushmajee.com
Once Rishi gathered and started arguing that who was the greatest Devtaa among all Devtaa. Certainly there were three Devtaa who were the greatest among all Devtaa, but among these three Devtaa, who was the greatest? When quite some time passed arguing on this and no conclusion could be drawn, Rishi assigned this work to Maharshi Bhrigu. They asked him to find out as who was the greatest Devtaa among them. Bhrigu Jee set on his journey.
First Bhrigu Jee came to Kailaash Parvat where Shiv Jee lived. There he saw Nandee standing holding a trident in his hand. He said to him - I am Bhrigu, I have come here to have a Darshan of Mahaadev. So inform him that I have come here." Nandee said in harsh voice - "You cannot see him now. he is with Devee at this hour. If you want to live, then go back." Bhrigu saod - "This Rudra does not know this Braahman under the influence of Tamo Gun therefore whatever food, flower will be offered to him will not be worth eating." And thus cursing him he came from there.
Next he went to Brahmaa Jee. Brahmaa Jee was sitting in his court. He was enjoying Apsaraa's dances with his courtiers. He did not pay any attention to him. Bhrigu Jee said - "You have ignored me under the Rajo Gun therefore nobody in the whole world will worship you." Thus cursing him Bhrigu Jee came from there
Next he came to Vishnu - on the shore of Ksheer Saagar. The Mahaatmaa people living there welcomed him and he went tot Vishnu's inner apartments without hesitation. There he saw Lakshmee-Pati sleeping on His Shesh serpent bed and Lakshmee Jee was massaging His feet. Seeing Him like this Muni got very angry and hit Him on His chest with his left foot. Bhagavaan immediately got up and said - "I am blessed today." and started massaging his feet. He then said - "Today I am blessed that you foot touched my body. It will always make me holy."
Then Bhagavaan worshiped Bhrigu Jee, Bhrigu Jee also greeted Him with his folded hands and said - "Oh, How lovely form is yours? You are the sea of qualities. Only you are the faithful to Braahman and you are the Purushottam. Only you are the worthy of worship.that is why every Braahman should worship you and take Prasaad from the Naivedya offered to you. I hit my foot on your chest only to test your qualities and conduct. Please pardon me for that. He greeted His feet and came back.
He told Rishi Muni that Shiv was influenced by Tamo Gun, Brahmaa Jee was influenced by Rajo Gun, it was only Naaraayan who is the Devtaa for all Braahman, therefore you should worship Vishnu. Only by remembering Vishnu, you will get free from sins. You should worship Him with 8-letter Mantra and one should always do Jaap, Havan, Daan for Him."
Sushma Gupta
www,sushmajee.com
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Krishn's Weapons
You might have seen Vishnu's picture with four things carrying in His hands - lotus flower, Chakra or discus, Gadaa or mace, and Shankh or conch. His this Moorti (figure) is for blessings, as well as for protection. Lotus is to bless the people as it shows that He is very soft-hearted, Shankh is to frighten the enemies thus soothes the Bhakt, and Gadaa and Chakra are to protect His Bhakt. He has two weapons more which He takes up occasionally according to the situation - they are a sword and a bow. All have their own names. Today I will write about these weapons as what are their names, where did he get them and their some uses He made.
Shankh (Conch)
Krishn's conch's name is Paanchjanya. He got this conch after killing a Raakashas named Panchjan who lived in the sea in the form of a conch. He went to get educated to Saandeepan Muni. When He and Balaraam had finished their education, according to those times, He asked His Guru as what Guru Dakshinaa He should pay. Guru Jee knew who Krishn was so he did not ask anything from Him. He just said - "I am blessed to receive you as my disciple, that is all, I do not need anything." But Krishn insisted that His education was not complete unless He had paid His Guru Dakshinaa. So Guru Jee directed Him to his wife saying that He could ask His Guru Maataa if she needed anything. So Krishn and Balaraam went to to their Guru Maataa.
Now Guru Jee had a son who died long time ago. Guru Jee knew this but Guru Maataa was not yest convinced. She thought that he was lost in a fair, while in reality he had died in the sea after drowning. So when Krishn asked His Guru Maataa if there is anything she needed anything for Guru Dakshinaa, she asked Him to search for her son. Krishn went to the sea and asked him to tell about His Guru's son. Sea said - "I have not taken your Guru's son, but there is a Raakshas named Panchjan living in me in the conch form, you can check there if he has taken him. So Krishn went there and killed Panchjan, but He could not find Guru's son there. When He had killed that Raakshas He brought his body with Him. The same Raakshas' body, in the form of conch, is now Krishn's conch Paanchjanya. That is how Krishn got His Paanchjanya Shankh. When He used to blow His conch the enemies used to get frightened.
Raam's brother Shatrughn was the incarnation of His Shankh.
Chakra (Discus)
Krishn's Chakra's name is Sudarshan. It has 1,000 Arey (spikes) inside and its speed is very fast. Nobody can escape from His Discus. After doing the assigned work to it, it comes back automatically to Vishnu. How Vishnu got His Chakra, is an interesting story. When Soorya Dev got married to the daughter of Vishwakarmaa, named Sanjanaa. Sanjanaa lived with him for some time, but she could not live with him for long, so Vishwakarmaa put Soorya Dev on his lathe and cut 1/8th part of his powers. The fragments that fell on the Earth because of this operation were used by him to make Sudarshan Chakra for Vishnu and some other weapons for other Devtaa. According to Mahaabhaarat, when Agni Dev asked Arjun to satisfy him with food, Arjun said - "I don't have proper means to fulfill your wish. If you can arrange me the means, I can give you food." So Agni Dev went to Varun Dev and brought some things from him - chariot, inexhaustible quiver, Gaandeev bow for Arjun and a Disc and a Gadaa (mace) for Krishn. Then only Arjun and Krishn could burn Khaandav Forest and satisfy Agni Dev.
(1) First Krishn used His Chakra to kill Shishupaal, and and then to kill fake Krishn. Krishn Himself told a story to Arjun about His Discus. He said - "Once Jayadrath came to Dwaarakaa and expressed his desire that he wanted to be very mighty like me. He knew that my Discus does not go empty and that is what he wanted from me, so he asked me my Discus. First I politely ignored his request, but when he did not listen to me, then I gave it to him and asked him to hold it, but it was so heavy that he could not hold it, so he abandoned the idea to have it and said - "Krishn, It looks good in your hands only." and went away.
(2) Vishnu has used His chakra to cut the neck of Raahu Daitya also at the time of Saagar Manthan. This gave birth to Daitya - Raahu (the head) and the Ketu (the tail),
Raam's brother Bharat was the incarnation of this Sudarshan Chakra.
It is believed that Kaartveerya Arjun (Sahastrabaahu) was the Avataar (incarnation) of Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra. As the Chakra had 1,000 spikes, he also had 1,000 arms.
Gadaa (Mace)
His mace's name is Kaumodakee. When Arjun pleased Agni Dev by burning Khaandav Forest, he gave Krishn and Arjun several things. One of them was this Kaumodakee Gadaa which he gave to Krishn. Krishn used His Gadaa to fight wiht Kaalayavan Raakshas after he had killed most of his army by His Shaarng bow.
Dhanush (Bow)
Krishn has a bow also, Its name is Shaarng. He killed most of Kaalayavan's army with His this bow. And then He fought with him with His Gadaa Kaumodakee.
Talavaar (Sword)
Krish has a sword also. Its name is Nandakee.
Krishn's Chariot
Krishn's chariot is very special. Its name is Jaitra (Vishnu Puraan, 5/14). He has another chariot too which is named as Sugreev Pushpak. His chariots are driven by His special charioteer named Daaruk. His chariot is drawn by four horses - Sugreev, Meghpushp, Shaivya and Balaahak. These horses run with the speed of wind. His chariot was equipped with all kinds of His weapons which He might need at any time.
Apparels and Other Identification Marks of Vishnu
His apparels include
--a peacock feather worn as His crown (Mor Pankh)
--a flute (Baansuree)
--earrings of a fish shape (Makaraakrit Kundal)
--yellow cloth worn on the upper part of His body (Peetaambar)
--a Vaijantee Maalaa or Van Maalaa on His chest
-- a cow on which Krishn leans on (Gaaya)
These are Krishn's weapons, chariots, driver, apparels etc etc.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Shankh (Conch)
Krishn's conch's name is Paanchjanya. He got this conch after killing a Raakashas named Panchjan who lived in the sea in the form of a conch. He went to get educated to Saandeepan Muni. When He and Balaraam had finished their education, according to those times, He asked His Guru as what Guru Dakshinaa He should pay. Guru Jee knew who Krishn was so he did not ask anything from Him. He just said - "I am blessed to receive you as my disciple, that is all, I do not need anything." But Krishn insisted that His education was not complete unless He had paid His Guru Dakshinaa. So Guru Jee directed Him to his wife saying that He could ask His Guru Maataa if she needed anything. So Krishn and Balaraam went to to their Guru Maataa.
Now Guru Jee had a son who died long time ago. Guru Jee knew this but Guru Maataa was not yest convinced. She thought that he was lost in a fair, while in reality he had died in the sea after drowning. So when Krishn asked His Guru Maataa if there is anything she needed anything for Guru Dakshinaa, she asked Him to search for her son. Krishn went to the sea and asked him to tell about His Guru's son. Sea said - "I have not taken your Guru's son, but there is a Raakshas named Panchjan living in me in the conch form, you can check there if he has taken him. So Krishn went there and killed Panchjan, but He could not find Guru's son there. When He had killed that Raakshas He brought his body with Him. The same Raakshas' body, in the form of conch, is now Krishn's conch Paanchjanya. That is how Krishn got His Paanchjanya Shankh. When He used to blow His conch the enemies used to get frightened.
Raam's brother Shatrughn was the incarnation of His Shankh.
Chakra (Discus)
Krishn's Chakra's name is Sudarshan. It has 1,000 Arey (spikes) inside and its speed is very fast. Nobody can escape from His Discus. After doing the assigned work to it, it comes back automatically to Vishnu. How Vishnu got His Chakra, is an interesting story. When Soorya Dev got married to the daughter of Vishwakarmaa, named Sanjanaa. Sanjanaa lived with him for some time, but she could not live with him for long, so Vishwakarmaa put Soorya Dev on his lathe and cut 1/8th part of his powers. The fragments that fell on the Earth because of this operation were used by him to make Sudarshan Chakra for Vishnu and some other weapons for other Devtaa. According to Mahaabhaarat, when Agni Dev asked Arjun to satisfy him with food, Arjun said - "I don't have proper means to fulfill your wish. If you can arrange me the means, I can give you food." So Agni Dev went to Varun Dev and brought some things from him - chariot, inexhaustible quiver, Gaandeev bow for Arjun and a Disc and a Gadaa (mace) for Krishn. Then only Arjun and Krishn could burn Khaandav Forest and satisfy Agni Dev.
(1) First Krishn used His Chakra to kill Shishupaal, and and then to kill fake Krishn. Krishn Himself told a story to Arjun about His Discus. He said - "Once Jayadrath came to Dwaarakaa and expressed his desire that he wanted to be very mighty like me. He knew that my Discus does not go empty and that is what he wanted from me, so he asked me my Discus. First I politely ignored his request, but when he did not listen to me, then I gave it to him and asked him to hold it, but it was so heavy that he could not hold it, so he abandoned the idea to have it and said - "Krishn, It looks good in your hands only." and went away.
(2) Vishnu has used His chakra to cut the neck of Raahu Daitya also at the time of Saagar Manthan. This gave birth to Daitya - Raahu (the head) and the Ketu (the tail),
Raam's brother Bharat was the incarnation of this Sudarshan Chakra.
It is believed that Kaartveerya Arjun (Sahastrabaahu) was the Avataar (incarnation) of Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra. As the Chakra had 1,000 spikes, he also had 1,000 arms.
Gadaa (Mace)
His mace's name is Kaumodakee. When Arjun pleased Agni Dev by burning Khaandav Forest, he gave Krishn and Arjun several things. One of them was this Kaumodakee Gadaa which he gave to Krishn. Krishn used His Gadaa to fight wiht Kaalayavan Raakshas after he had killed most of his army by His Shaarng bow.
Dhanush (Bow)
Krishn has a bow also, Its name is Shaarng. He killed most of Kaalayavan's army with His this bow. And then He fought with him with His Gadaa Kaumodakee.
Talavaar (Sword)
Krish has a sword also. Its name is Nandakee.
Krishn's Chariot
Krishn's chariot is very special. Its name is Jaitra (Vishnu Puraan, 5/14). He has another chariot too which is named as Sugreev Pushpak. His chariots are driven by His special charioteer named Daaruk. His chariot is drawn by four horses - Sugreev, Meghpushp, Shaivya and Balaahak. These horses run with the speed of wind. His chariot was equipped with all kinds of His weapons which He might need at any time.
Apparels and Other Identification Marks of Vishnu
His apparels include
--a peacock feather worn as His crown (Mor Pankh)
--a flute (Baansuree)
--earrings of a fish shape (Makaraakrit Kundal)
--yellow cloth worn on the upper part of His body (Peetaambar)
--a Vaijantee Maalaa or Van Maalaa on His chest
-- a cow on which Krishn leans on (Gaaya)
These are Krishn's weapons, chariots, driver, apparels etc etc.
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
Saturday, November 26, 2011
How Vishnu Helped Shiv
In the last blog we wrote that both Shiv and Vishnu worship each other. Shiv has helped Vishnu and Vishnu has saved Shiv. Today we will write about how Vishnu saved Shiv several times. Shiv is called Bhole Baabaa and in this Bholaapan (innocence) he gives odd types of boons which many times are used against him. Here are some of them and the how Vishnu saved him from his own given odd boons..
(1) Vrikaasur
Vrikaasur was a very mighty Daitya. Once wandering around, he met Naarad Jee. He asked him who was the Devtaa who could be pleased the soonest. Naarad Jee said - "Shiv Jee." So he did Tap to please Shiv Jee and got a boon from him that "On whosoever's head I put my hand, he should die immediately." Shiv Jee bestowed the boon. Vrikaasur was very evil-minded, he desired to have Paarvatee Jee. For this had to kill Shhiv Jee first, so as he got the boon he tried to put his hand on Shiv's head. Shiv Jee guessed it so he ran away from there. Now Shiv Jee was in front and Vrikaasur was behind him. He headed towards the end of the Prithvi, towards Swarg but found Vrikaasur still following him. He turned towards North. Even the great Devtaa could not find the solution of his problem. In the end he came to Vaikunth Lok. There lives Vishnu Himself.
Vishnu found Shiv in trouble, so He assumed the form of Mohinee and sat in the way from where Vrikaasur was coming. Following Shiv Vrikaasur saw a beautiful woman standing. he paused briefly seeing her, that Mohinee asked him - "Where are going running so fast, take some rest." Vrikaasur said - "I have to catch Shiv." "tell me if I can do anything for you?" Vrikaasur stopped for a while and told her whatever happened between Shiv and him. Mohinee asked - "So you want to put your hand on Shiv's head? No need to run after him. I teach you how to do it." Saying this she asked him to copy her so that she could teach him the way to put his hand on his head. Mohinee started dancing and asked him to copy her. While dancing Mohinee kept her own hand on her head, so Vrikaasur also did it the same way, and as soon as he did it, he got killed.
Shiv thanked Vishnu to save his life.
(2) Gajamukhaasur
Once there was an Asur, Gajamukhaasur. He did a severe austerities for Shiv Jee and got a boon from him that Shiv should live in his stomach. Shiv could not say "no" to him and entered in his stomach. Now Paarvatee Jee did not see Shiv Jee for some time, so she went to Vishnu and told her problem. Vishnu assured her that He would surely find him soon. So He took along Nandee and came out in the form of a flutist in search of Shiv Jee. They started wandering in search of Shiv Jee.
Wandering around He came to the Asur's house and started playing His flute while Nandee started dancing on His tune. All living nearby came out to see this strange and funny dance. That Asur also came out. That Asur was so happy to see that dance that he asked Vishnu to ask whatever He wanted without knowing Him who He was. Vishnu got this opportunity and asked that he should free Shiv Jee. When Shiv Jee came out of his belly, his belly burst out, the Asur died and Shiv Jee got free.
It was then Shiv Jee promised Vishnu that he would serve Vishnu in one of His future Avataar and will help Him the same way as He did for him now. So when Vishnu incarnated as Raam, Shiv sent his one of the 11 forms as Hanumaan to help Him and protect Him. Thus Vishnu freed Shiv from that Asur's clutches.
(3) Killing of Bhasmaasur
This story is similar to Vrikaasur's story given above. Bhasmaasur was another such Daitya who was killed by Vishnu. Once Bhasmaasur did severe penance and pleased Shiv Jee. Shiv Jee appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. Bhasmaasur desired that his mere touching somebody's head should reduce the person to ashes. Shiv Jee conferred him the boon. Now Bhasmaasur wanted to test it. Who else was better candidate than Shiv himself for this test? so he proceeded towards Shiv Jee. Shiv Jee guessed it in time so he took to flight. He went in all Lok but he found Bhasmaasur following him, so he proceeded towards Vaikunth Lok.
When Vishnu saw Shiv Jee running like this, He understood that Shiv is in trouble. In order to save him from that predicament, Vishnu appeared as a voluptuous damsel (Mohinee) before the pursuing Asur and enticed him. He became amorous seeing the damsel and made advances to her. Vishnu said - "You are smelling very badly, go to that spring and rub your body with water. When you become clean, then you can embrace me." As he was taking bath under the spring, his hand touched his body, and eventually his head to in order to clean his head. As soon as he touched his head, he fell down in a heap of ashes. That is how Vishnu saved Shiv Jee. He asked Shiv Jee - "Why do you grant such boon that you have to run all around to save yourself?"
Read also Shiv Fights Vishnu
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
(1) Vrikaasur
Vrikaasur was a very mighty Daitya. Once wandering around, he met Naarad Jee. He asked him who was the Devtaa who could be pleased the soonest. Naarad Jee said - "Shiv Jee." So he did Tap to please Shiv Jee and got a boon from him that "On whosoever's head I put my hand, he should die immediately." Shiv Jee bestowed the boon. Vrikaasur was very evil-minded, he desired to have Paarvatee Jee. For this had to kill Shhiv Jee first, so as he got the boon he tried to put his hand on Shiv's head. Shiv Jee guessed it so he ran away from there. Now Shiv Jee was in front and Vrikaasur was behind him. He headed towards the end of the Prithvi, towards Swarg but found Vrikaasur still following him. He turned towards North. Even the great Devtaa could not find the solution of his problem. In the end he came to Vaikunth Lok. There lives Vishnu Himself.
Vishnu found Shiv in trouble, so He assumed the form of Mohinee and sat in the way from where Vrikaasur was coming. Following Shiv Vrikaasur saw a beautiful woman standing. he paused briefly seeing her, that Mohinee asked him - "Where are going running so fast, take some rest." Vrikaasur said - "I have to catch Shiv." "tell me if I can do anything for you?" Vrikaasur stopped for a while and told her whatever happened between Shiv and him. Mohinee asked - "So you want to put your hand on Shiv's head? No need to run after him. I teach you how to do it." Saying this she asked him to copy her so that she could teach him the way to put his hand on his head. Mohinee started dancing and asked him to copy her. While dancing Mohinee kept her own hand on her head, so Vrikaasur also did it the same way, and as soon as he did it, he got killed.
Shiv thanked Vishnu to save his life.
(2) Gajamukhaasur
Once there was an Asur, Gajamukhaasur. He did a severe austerities for Shiv Jee and got a boon from him that Shiv should live in his stomach. Shiv could not say "no" to him and entered in his stomach. Now Paarvatee Jee did not see Shiv Jee for some time, so she went to Vishnu and told her problem. Vishnu assured her that He would surely find him soon. So He took along Nandee and came out in the form of a flutist in search of Shiv Jee. They started wandering in search of Shiv Jee.
Wandering around He came to the Asur's house and started playing His flute while Nandee started dancing on His tune. All living nearby came out to see this strange and funny dance. That Asur also came out. That Asur was so happy to see that dance that he asked Vishnu to ask whatever He wanted without knowing Him who He was. Vishnu got this opportunity and asked that he should free Shiv Jee. When Shiv Jee came out of his belly, his belly burst out, the Asur died and Shiv Jee got free.
It was then Shiv Jee promised Vishnu that he would serve Vishnu in one of His future Avataar and will help Him the same way as He did for him now. So when Vishnu incarnated as Raam, Shiv sent his one of the 11 forms as Hanumaan to help Him and protect Him. Thus Vishnu freed Shiv from that Asur's clutches.
(3) Killing of Bhasmaasur
This story is similar to Vrikaasur's story given above. Bhasmaasur was another such Daitya who was killed by Vishnu. Once Bhasmaasur did severe penance and pleased Shiv Jee. Shiv Jee appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. Bhasmaasur desired that his mere touching somebody's head should reduce the person to ashes. Shiv Jee conferred him the boon. Now Bhasmaasur wanted to test it. Who else was better candidate than Shiv himself for this test? so he proceeded towards Shiv Jee. Shiv Jee guessed it in time so he took to flight. He went in all Lok but he found Bhasmaasur following him, so he proceeded towards Vaikunth Lok.
When Vishnu saw Shiv Jee running like this, He understood that Shiv is in trouble. In order to save him from that predicament, Vishnu appeared as a voluptuous damsel (Mohinee) before the pursuing Asur and enticed him. He became amorous seeing the damsel and made advances to her. Vishnu said - "You are smelling very badly, go to that spring and rub your body with water. When you become clean, then you can embrace me." As he was taking bath under the spring, his hand touched his body, and eventually his head to in order to clean his head. As soon as he touched his head, he fell down in a heap of ashes. That is how Vishnu saved Shiv Jee. He asked Shiv Jee - "Why do you grant such boon that you have to run all around to save yourself?"
Read also Shiv Fights Vishnu
Sushma Gupta
www.sushmajee.com
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