In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Vyaasa’s important answer to Bhagawan Brahma’s question, wherein he puts forward a huge “Table of contents” for the entire Mahabharata text! 🙂 He outlines the various aspects of “Dharma” that he has spoken about, which is nothing but a condensed form of the Vedas and Upanishads, sans any difficulty in understanding. He has narrated all of what we’ve seen yesterday in the story format, so that all of us who do not have any knowledge of Sanskrit language and also of the “Shaastras” can also understand and comprehend it with ease. In these lines, Sage Vyaasa has commenced outlining the contents, and we’ve seen that there is nothing that Sage Vyaasa hasn’t touched upon in the Mahabharata text. As discussed earlier as well, if there is something that we couldn’t find from the Mahabharata text, it would probably be non-existent in the entire world, no matter how much we dig through any Vedas or Upanishads or Puraanas. Thus, we can witness here first-hand that the Mahabharata is a package of all that exists in this world and how the world moves on with the divine grace of Bhagawan.
Having said thus, now let us continue the reply of Sage Vyaasa to Bhagawan Brahma. We’ve seen yesterday itself that the answer is way too long! We’ve only seen a part of that answer during yesterday’s episode. Now what are the other aspects that the Mahabharata contains? Sage Vyaasa continues with his “Table of contents” thus, “Oh Bhagawan Brahma! I’ve also outlined in the Mahabharata text with regards to various “Shaastras” that are required to cure diseases. I’ve spoken at length about the “Ayurveda Shaastra”. Apart from this, I’ve also spoken about “Nyaaya-Shaastra”, “Dhanda Shaastra”, “Raaja-Neethi”, commerce, trade, “Meemaamsa Shaastra”, etc. in detail. Moreover, I’ve also spoken about the “Ithihasas” and “Puraanas” in a condensed format. I’ve explained all of what I said in such a way that a person cannot finish reading everything within his / her entire lifespan!”
This is a final thunder for all of us here, isn’t it? If a person cannot finish reading and comprehending the Mahabharata text within a lifespan, we shall imagine what is the level of intricacies and content in the text. Assuming that all of us have a lifespan of 120 years – Of course, none of us are going to live that long, but still, just for the sake of an assumption – For instance, Bhagawan Krishna’s incarnation spanned over a period of 120 years. Bhagawad Ramanujaachaarya’s incarnation too spanned for a period of 120 years. Now assuming this as a benchmark, Sage Vyaasa is explaining here that one cannot finish comprehending this Mahabharata text even if he / she tries for 120 years.
Continuing further thus, Sage Vyaasa outlines, “Oh Bhagawan Brahma! In this text, I’m also outlining the various “Punya-Kshetras” that adorn this great Bhaarata Desha – Right from the Himalayas in the north, to Kannyakumari in the south, I’ve covered all important sacred places that this great country has. Apart from this, I’ve also spoken about the various “Punya-Theerthas” (Sacred rivers, ponds, lakes, oceans, etc.) wherein if one takes a bath or a dip, all his / her sins would get washed away instantaneously. I’ve also spoken about what all “Karma” should be performed at which places. For instance, I’ve spoken about places wherein the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” should be performed. I’ve spoken about where “Tila-Pradhaanam” has to be done. Similarly I’ve spoken about places where “Go-Dhaanam” (Donating a cow), “Karma” for a mother, “Karma” for a father, “Karma” for “Pitru-Devatas”, etc. should be performed. I’ve also spoken about who are the “Pitru-Devatas”, where is the “Pitru-Lokha” and who are those who transcend to this “Pitru-Lokha” in detail. Moreover, I’ve spoken at length about the “Yuddha-Shaastra” (War and its intricacies), kings giving punishments to offenders, who should get what punishments, etc. in this text! Such is the content that I have in my mind, which I’m planning to draft as a great text!”
As Sage Vyaasa finishes thus, Bhagawan Brahma heaves a sigh of relief! Atlast the answer comes to an end! 🙂 When Sage Vyaasa talks at length this way, Bhagawan Brahma was quietly listening to what he was talking. Now that Sage Vyaasa has completed his accord, Bhagawan Brahma replies thus, “Oh Sage Vyaasa! I’m extremely impressed with what you have in mind! If this has to be documented in the way you’re conceptualizing it to be, there is nobody in this world who can help you do this, except for Bhagawan Ganesha, who is the leader of all the “Ghanas”! Hence, invoke the presence of Bhagawan Ganesha and He will help you in this great pursuit!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Brahma blesses Sage Vyaasa and leaves the ashram. Now Sage Vyaasa obeys the words of Bhagawan Brahma, invokes Bhagawan Ganesha and invites Him to his ashram. As Bhagawan Ganesha arrives, Sage Vyaasa details his “project” to Him and Bhagawan Ganesha immediately accepts the work! Now Bhagawan Ganesha has to start writing as Sage Vyaasa is going to dictate. What happens next? Let’s wait for the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 