In the previous episode, we had witnessed how the Brahman (Bhagawan Vishnu) is both the “Kaaranam” and the “Kaaryam” in this world. This simply means that Bhagawan is the sole creator and the sole destroyer of the entire world. No matter whether the world gets created or destroyed, the Brahman keeps existing at all times. When we say that the world is getting destroyed, it is only that it changes it’s shape from one form to the other. It is like the example of the mud pot here – When the mud is in the form of a beautiful pot, we say that it is a pot. However, when the pot gets broken into pieces, it again transforms into mud. The mud is “Brahman” and the Brahman takes different forms at different times. This is what we’ve to understand from this important discussion and this is exactly what Sage Paraashara is explaining to Sage Maithreya here.
In due course of the previous episode, we also witnessed how Bhagawan Vishwaksena is the person who allocates people for different positions in the Satya Lokha, Indra Lokha, etc. This is why we chant this famous sloka as follows:
“Shuklaambharatharam vishnum sashi varnam chaturbhujam!
Prasanna vadanam dhyaayeth sarva vignobha shaantaye!!
Yasyahdviratha vaktraathyaa paarishaktyaa parashatham!
Vighnam nighnanti satatam vishvaksenam tamaashraye!!”
These two slokas are usually chanted at the beginning of the Vishnu Sahasranaama stothra, and many of us might be familiar with them. These slokas are in praise of Bhagawan Vishwaksena, who is the allocator of various roles. These slokas also clearly highlight the point that it is Bhagawan Vishnu who is the universal creator of this world. It is only with the divine grace of Bhagawan Vishnu that Bhagawan Brahma is given his position in the Satya Lokha and is continuing the job of creating the world. Of course, Bhagawan Vishnu has commenced the job of creation, and it is He who appoints Bhagawan Brahma to continue the job further. It is like how a manager allocates roles and responsibilities of the organization to his / her subordinates. Of course, the manager would have all the capabilities to do the job all by himself. But, to make himself free for other responsibilities that are important as well, he allocates these roles to his / her subordinates. Similarly here too, Bhagwan Vishnu has so many other things to take care of in this world. Hence, He “outsources” this job of creation to Bhagawan Brahma.
Thus, if we’re outsourcing something to someone, we’ve to give them a job position, title, job description, etc. isn’t it? Similarly here also, Bhagawan Vishnu gives Bhagawan Brahma, a position in the Satya Lokha, and gives the job description of “creation”. Obviously, the lifespan of the Satya Lokha is something we’ve already discussed in our earlier episodes as well. Giving off the responsibility to Bhagawan Brahma thus, Bhagwan Vishnu goes to his Vaikunta and resides there. From here, it is all Bhagawan Brahma’s responsibility to continue with the creation.
With this recollection of all the point that we’ve discussed in the first “Amsa”, we now move into the second “Amsa”. I had done a brief recollection of the important points here, because these are the points that we’ve to carry forward into the second “Amsa”. If we do not remember these points, the second “Amsa” would become a nightmare for us to understand. Now, Sage Maithreya is going to ask further questions to Sage Paraashara and we’re going to witness the answers that Sage Paraashara is going to give. Till now, we’ve witnessed all the aspects of creation, and Bhagawan Brahma’s role in it. We’ve also witnessed how Svaayambhva Manu took birth, and from that, we’ve also seen how Raakshasas and Devas took birth. Specifically, we’ve seen how Hiranyaksha and Hiranya Kashibu tried to wreak havoc and how Bhagawan Vishnu had to incarnate as Bhagawan Varaaha and Bhagawan Narasimha respectively to neutralize these two Raakshasas.
Now we’re going to witness the important point here as to how our “Bhoomandala” is categorized. This is a critical point here and readers are requested to be a little more attentive as you read through this section. We’re going to witness what is meant by “Dveepa”, “Varsha”, “Kanda”, etc. and how they’re classified. Sage Paraashara gives a very detailed accord on this point here. Now, Sage Maithreya is posing a question here – “Oh Sage Paraashara! You’ve now narrated the “Vamsa” (Family Lineage) of Svaayambhuva Manu’s one son – Utthaanapaada. However, there’s one more son by name “Priyavratha” isn’t it? You’ve not narrated the story of this Priyavrata yet. So tell me – Who is this Priyavrata? What is his significance and contribution?”
We’ve already discussed earlier in the first Amsa that Svaayambhuva Manu had two sons – Priyavrata and Utthaanapada. I’m recollecting these points again and again so that readers shouldn’t forget. We’ve seen that Little Dhruva, Prahlaada, etc. came in the family lineage of Uttanapaada. Now we’re going to witness the lineage of Priyavrata. We shall wait till the next episode to commence the accord. Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 