In the previous episode, we had witnessed the important message that the “Paadma Puraana” conveys with respect to Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana. It ultimately conveys through the words of Sage Naarada, Sanaka and Sanathkumaara that this sacred text is perhaps the only solution for enhancing one’s spiritual aspirations and channelize a person towards attaining Mukti (Salvation). As this point was highlighted, we witnessed a very interesting story wherein Sage Naarada goes around the world amidst the advent of the Kali Yuga and he is unable to find any sort of good and auspicious happenings anywhere in the world. He thus narrows down to find a 20-year-old “mother”, who had two 90-year-old sons! The entire story unfolds as Sage Naarada realizes that these three people were none other than Bhakti, Gnyaana and Vairaagya, which are three qualities that are of paramount importance, if we’ve to reach the level of Mukti. If we’ve to attain these three qualities in this Kali Yuga, of innumerable solutions, Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana is the best amongst all. It can be recalled by our readers that even in our earlier episodes we had witnessed that Bhagawan Krishna Himself resides in an invisible form amidst this great text in this Kali Yuga.
Now moving on further, in the last episode we had also witnessed that at a place called “Aananda Vana” on the banks of River Ganges, wherein all of them including Sage Naarada, Sanaka, Sanathkumaara, Prahlaada, Arjuna, all the Devas (Celestial Beings) assembled together for the grand festive of experiencing Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana. Bhagawan Krishna Himself marks His presence amidst the entire gathering.
“Hemasimha yutham chaitath vaishnavaani dadhaadi cha!
Krishnena sahasaayujyam sapumaan labhate dhruvam!
Uktham bhaagawatham nityam kritham cha hari chintanam!!”
As this was happening, the “Paadma Puraana” also describes how should this text be recited and heard. Who should recite the text? A person who is an expert at communicating a beautiful story should be made to recite it. If we look into what is “story” in this context, it means that this person should have that mental acumen to narrate the story in a beautiful and an impactful manner, as well as to relate the contents of the story to the happenings of modern-day life and link both! Only then, the listeners would be able to understand what exactly is going on and how do they relate it. In other words, the storyline in the Bhaagawatha Puraana text, as we’ve witnessed yesterday, contains enormous amounts of messages hidden inside and it is only upto the smartness of the orator to bring out this essence along with the storyline. Moreover, the orator should have the passion to recite the slokas and explain the meaning and messages deeper and deeper. For this, the orator should prepare a lot before coming on to the stage. Moreover, the orator should be patient enough to repeat explanations till the listeners have understood the whole thing. Many of us, as we might see, might not be able to understand everything at one go. We require some time to acknowledge, assimilate, think and then understand it. Hence, the orator should have the patience to let all these processes happen within the listeners and maybe repeat the content more than once, so that all people are on the same page.
In addition, before the recital starts, the book of Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana should be kept on a “Hema-Simhaasana”, which means, the highest possible seat! Normally, “Hema-Simhaasana” means a seat made of pure gold! This is a way to respect the sacred text, as we know already that this text is none other than Bhagawan Krishna Himself! Of course in today’s scenario, who on earth has a chair made of gold? 😊 So, it is advisable to atleast have a small dedicated place to keep this sacred text. As the recital is going to commence, this orator who is going to perform it should be physically neat and tidy, and should offer his deep prayers to Bhagawan Krishna before he starts. As this recital is arranged, many people should be invited to be listeners. This should be like a marriage ceremony that we do – We should invite as many people as we can, offer them good food, shelter and perform all the necessary arrangements to make the listeners comfortable and happy! For the next seven days thus, the contents of this sacred text should be discussed day and night and analyzed. Moreover it is also said that the most sacred months to recite and listen to this text is from the Tamil month of “Aavani” (Precisely July-August) till the commencement of the holy month of “Maargazhi” (Precisely mid-December). This is the most auspicious time period for recital and listening of this sacred text.
As this is being described, there is another sub-story within this main story! We need to witness this one too! From this itself we might understand that there are innumerable stories like this, and we should pay very close attention to the minute detail of it. We shall wait till the next episode to witness this sub-story! Stay tuned! 😊
The Indian Dharma 