The Indian Dharma

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed the significance of Bhagawan Soorya in detail. This discussion is part of Sage Paraashara’s detailed description of the “Bhoo-Kolam” and the structure of the world. As part of this, Bhagawan Soorya occupies an important position and is greatly revered and respected in our Sanaatana Dharma Literature. Even today in our modern astronomical sciences, we have the Sun as the center of all the planets, which revolve around it in the form of the solar system. Thus, Bhagawan Soorya moves in two main directions – The forward direction, which is referred to as the “Uttharaayana” and the reverse direction, which is referred to as the “Dakshinaayana”. Sage Paraashara also went on to describe Bhagawan Soorya’s large and indomitable one-wheeled chariot. He explained the dimensions of this chariot and we’ve witnessed all these details in our yesterday’s episode. Also, we’ve witnessed the seven horses that adorn the chariot and Sage Paraashara explains the names of these seven horses. These names commonly feature in our daily “Sandhyavandanam”, which I’m sure, most of us perform three times a day. 

Moving on thus, Sage Paraashara beautifully explains the movement of Bhagawan Soorya. He explains that the Sun moves from one end of the chariot to the other end of it. As he moves thus, one Dveepa would experience daytime and the other Dveepa would experience night. It should however be noted that Surya Bhagawan is always present, and there is no time in this world that he disappears. There is nothing called “Sunrise” and “Sunset”. It is only with the movement of Bhagawan Soorya from one end to the other, we experience these “so-called” phenomena. We can see how this concept goes along so well with our modern day science. Just like how we see within this world itself (Mother Earth) that if one country has a daytime at present, other countries might be having a nighttime. These kinds of facts are extremely and accurately calculated and have been published as various books, which form a very important part of our Sanaatana Dharma literature. Thus, from all these aspects that we’re witnessing here, we can see how our Sanaatana Dharma is nothing but an embodiment of various sciences and mathematics put together. It is not only a religion or a way of life, but also a huge hub for mathematics and science. 

Moving on thus, Sage Paraashara is explaining yet another important concept here – He splits the movement of the sun into 360 different parts, which in today’s astronomical science we calculate it as a year. We say that a year has around 365 days, isn’t it? This is already mentioned in our “Sanaatana Dharma” literature in this very text. Sage Paraashara explains further calculations here. He now talks about something called as “Muhurta”. We’ve at an earlier context witnessed that 30 such “Muhurtas” constitute one day. We’ve also witnessed the calculation behind another measurement called “Naazhika”. Around sixty “Naazhikas” constitute one day. This is also another calculation. Readers shouldn’t get confused here. These are all various parameters to measure the time duration of a day. Now, what is the calculation behind this “Muhurta”? One “Muhurta” measures about 48 minutes. Sage Paraashara explains thus: 

“Yevam pushkara madhyena yadaayaati divaakaraha!

Trimshadbhaagam medinyaastadaa muhurtiki gatihi!!”

Now, Sage Paraashara explains further divisions to our Mother Earth’s revolutionary arithmetic. We’ve seen that we have 365 days in a year and Sage Paraashara splits it into 30 divisions. What would we obtain? We would obtain around 12 such divisions, isn’t it? (Approximately 360 divided by 30). This one division of 12 days, is what we call as “Muhurta”. We’ve seen that the “Muhurta Kaala” is calculated to around 48 minutes. Thus, we’ve to understand the calculation that if our Mother Earth revolves around the sun for that one division, it takes 48 minutes. If we look at the modern day science, we have two parameters to measure the same thing what Sage Paraashara is explaining here – One is the “Latitude” and the other is “Longitude”. If we see a globe, we would have crossed lines all across, isn’t it? The horizontal lines are called as the “Latitudes” and the vertical lines are called as the “Longitudes”, Now if we equate this to what Sage Paraashara has just told – We’ve seen thirty divisions isn’t it? We can similarly have thirty longitudinal splits in the world. These are referred to as “degrees” in measurement today. Thus, for one split, there would be 12 degrees, thus we obtain 30*12 = 360 degrees. Thus, to traverse 12 degrees in longitude, it takes around 48 minutes. Thus, we can see that one degree of longitude has a time calculation of around 4 minutes. This is the exact basis upon which we have various time zones today. For instance, if we move one degree of longitude towards the east, the time would increase by four minutes. Thus, if we traverse around 10 degrees from one point to the other in the eastern direction, the time difference from the original point to the new point would be around +40 minutes. 

Similarly, if we move westwards from one longitude to the other, there would be a -4 minutes variation in time. For instance, if we’ve to move around 10 degrees of longitude towards the western direction from one point, we would see a reduction of around 40 minutes from the source to the destination. This is why if we see from our Bhaarata Desha, if we move towards Singapore and Australia, there is an increase in time difference. (Singapore is 2.5 hours ahead of India and Australia is around 4-5 hours ahead of India in time). Similarly, if we move towards the west, Europe is around 4.5 hours before India and the United States of America and other American countries are around 10-12 hours behind us. Thus, all of these measurements are accurately explained by Sage Paraashara in this text. 

So for today, let us understand these time calculations very clearly and let us wait till the next episode to witness further explanations in this regard! Stay tuned! 🙂 

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed a very important message as to how significant is the chanting of Bhagawan’s divine names. In due course, we had also witnessed the procedure (A tentative one of course) of how do we “internalize” the chanting of the sacred “Mantra”. We’ve also witnessed the benefits that one would get by constantly chanting Bhagawan’s divine names. Especially in this “Kali Yuga”, “Mantra Chanting” is perhaps the only possible way through which we wash off all our sins, thereby paving the way to attain Moksha. This message is clearly brought about by Sage Aadi Shankarachaarya and this is the exact point which Sage Paraashara also mentions here too. Thus, by singing Bhagawan Krishna’s divine names, by performing the “Archana” with flowers of sweet fragrance and by constant thinking of Bhagawan Krishna, we can overcome the fear of the “Naraka Lokha”. 

Moving on from here, Sage Paraashara now explains the “Bhoo-Kola”. In fact, we’ve already started this discussion when we witnessed that there are seven “Lokhas” above us and seven below us. This is just the continuation of that important discussion and Sage Paraashara is adding a few more important points here. The “Lokha” upon which all of us are living currently is referred to as “Bhoo-Lokha”. This “Bhoo-Lokha”  extends to around one lakh (one hundred thousand) Yojanas upwards, further which is the next Lokha called “Bhuvar-Lokha”. This “Bhuvar-Lokha” extends to around twelve lakh Yojanas in height and after which, the “Suvar-Lokha” starts. Further to the “Suvar-Lokha”, we have the other four “Lokhas” namely, “Mahar-Lokha”, “Janah-Lokha”, “Tapah-Lokha” and the “Satya-Lokha”. If we look at this concept according to our “Sanaatana Dharma”, there is this “Bhoo-Lokha” where all of us live. On top of this “Bhoo-Lokha”, is Soorya (The Sun). On top of the Soorya is Chandra (The moon). On top of Chandra is “Budha” (Mercury). On top of this “Budha” is “Shukra” (Venus). On top of this “Shukra” is “Angaaraka” (Mars). On top of this “Angaaraka” is the “Guru” (Jupiter). On top of this “Guru” is Bhagawan “Shani” (Saturn). This is the basis of the science called “Astrology”, which talks extensively about the various planetary positions and how they influence one’s life. 

On top of the “Shani” planet is the “Sapta-Rishi-Mandala” and on top of this “Sapta-Rishi-Manadala” is the “Dhruva” star. We’ve already witnessed the story of Little Dhruva and this is the same Dhruva that we’re talking about here too. Thus, Sage Paraashara explains all these important points to make us understand how the world is structured and sequenced. Having said thus, Sage Paraasshara is now going to explain some salient features of Soorya Bhagawan (The Sun God) and how beautiful is His chariot. He talks about how Bhagawan Soorya revolves around, which is the cause of the two seasons – The “Uttharaayana” and the “Dakshinaayana”. Normally the time from mid January to mid of July every English year is referred to as the “Uttharaayana” period wherein Bhagawan Soorya apparently comes closer to the earth surface (Bhoo Lokha). This is why we have the summer season in most parts of the world, including our Bhaarata Desha. This normally starts with the festival called “Pongal” or “Makhara-Shankaraanti”, which is celebrated all over India. In fact, we had just celebrated this festival last week and I’m sure all of us have this fresh in our minds. The significance of this festival is that, Bhagawan Soorya changes His direction from the “Dakshinaayana” to the “Uttharaayana” or the forward direction of movement. 

Similarly, when the Uttharaayana period comes to an end, by around mid-July or so, Bhagawan Soorya starts his backward movement called “Dakshinaayana”. This is where the Sun moves away from the earth surface and we experience winter seasons across the world till the middle of January again. This phase is referred to as the “Dakshinaayana” and is also referred to as the “Dakshinaayana-Punya-Kaala”. Explaining thus, Sage Paraashara goes on to explain how big is Bhagawan Soorya’s chariot. He explains that the chariot alone is around 9,000 Yojanas in size! On either sides of the chariot there would be two fulcrums to hold it isn’t it? One of the fulcrums according to Sage Paraashara is around 18,000 Yojanas in size! We can imagine how mammoth this would be! We’ve already witnessed the calculation of Yojana previously. If we assume that one Yojana measures to around 8 miles or 13.2 kilometers, we can calculate the exact size that Sage Paraashara is talking about. Similarly, the other fulcrum is around 45,000 Yojanas in size. The center portion of the chariot is around 1,75,00,000 Yojanas in area. This chariot has seven horses tied to it, to pull it forward. Sage Paraashara explains the names of these seven horses thus, “Gayathri”, “Brihat”, “Anushtup”, “Brihati”, “Bankti”, “Trusthup” and “Yevacha”. These names are some constant elements that we keep chanting during our “Sandhyavandanam” that we perform every day. So many of our readers might know this pretty well. However, one unique feature of this chariot is that it has only one wheel. Normally we would have seen all chariots having two wheels minimum. But here, it has only one “Chakra” (Wheel). 

It is thus in this chariot, Bhagawan Soorya travels across and keeps revolving. So for today, let us understand these important points about Bhagawan Soorya, and let us wait till the next episode to continue this important accord forward! Stay tuned! 🙂 

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Paraashara’s important answer to Sage Maithreya’s question as to how do we prevent ourselves from getting into the clutches of the treacherous “Naraka Lokhas”. In fact, this is one question that might have been lingering in our minds as well, when Sage Paraashara was deeply explaining Naraka Lokha after Naraka Lokha and their “royal treatments”! Perhaps Sage Maithreya too was petrified when he heard this in person from Sage Paraashara. To be very blunt, atleast, we’re just reading all of these thousands and thousands of years later. However, Sage Maithreya was “on the spot” when Sage Paraashara was describing all of these. We can imagine how petrified he would have become, although he was a great sage. As Sage Maithreya asks thus, Sage Paraashara explains beautifully how Bhagawan Vishnu is the only savior for all of us from reaching the “Naraka Lokhas”. If we’re chanting His divine names continuously with ardent devotion (Naama-Sankeertanam), these names themselves have the inordinate power to protect us from the Naraka Lokha, and take us to Vaikunta without any harm done. 

This is exactly what Sage Aadi Shankara explained in his “Bhaja Govindam” song too. He says how the “Govinda Naama” (Sacred name of Bhagawan Govinda) is the only one that is going to give us liberation, and nothing else. In the first stanza that we saw yesterday, there is a phrase called “Dukrunkarane” towards the end. This phrase has a beautiful meaning here. “Dukrunkarane” indicates the “Damaru” or the “Drum” which is there in Bhagawan Shiva’s hands. Many of us might have seen it and might have known about it too. It is believed that all the alphabets that we have today, all the syllables that we use today, such as “Ka”, “Kha”, “Ga”, “Gha”, “Nga”, “A”, “Aa”, “E”, etc. were born when Bhagawan Shiva played this divine drum called “Damaru”. Thus, by invoking Bhagawan Shiva’s “Damaru”, Sage Aadi Shankara drives home the important point thus, “Oh Moodamathe! (Stupid person)! Please understand that your education – Be it whatever that you’ve learnt, is not going to help you towards the end of your life to attain “Moksha”. It is only the “Govinda-Naama” that is going to be of help, if you’ve to reach “Moksha”. Thus, the significance of “Naama-Sankeertana” is beautifully brought out by Sage Aadi Shankarachaarya, which is what Sage Paraashara is exactly talking about here. 

This is why, not only Sage Aadi Shankaraachaarya, every “Mahatma” or the “Spiritual Master” would say the same thing. One important point that all of us should note here is the significance of chanting our “Mantra” constantly. No matter whatever we keep doing in our day-to-day routine life, we should develop the habit of “internally” chanting Bhagawan’s divine names as we keep doing our duties. This might be tough initially, but this is why I use the phrase “Internally chanting”. We would find it difficult to attain such a state straightaway, but we’ve to start somewhere isn’t it? Obviously the first step for all of us to do is to approach our “Guru” (Spiritual Master) and obtain the “Mantra Upadesha” from Him / Her. Once this is done, we’ve to fix up a routine for our “Mantra Chanting” and we can initially fix a target of how many times per day we’ve to chant the Mantra. Initially, we can fix up a target of around 108 times to start with. Gradually as days and months progress, we can slowly increase the number every  passing day, depending on our daily routines and duties. As time goes by, we should slowly start chanting the Mantra every minute that we’re awake, and this process leads us to the “internalization” of our Mantra. Thus, it is a process and is not something that we can achieve overnight. We should consciously put that effort in the positive direction to achieve it. Of course there would be obstacles in the middle, but we’ve to develop that maturity to cross over these obstacles and be steadfast in our mission. Ultimately we should remember that one goal for which all of us are striving – “Attaining Moksha”. We should do anything and everything possible to achieve it, isn’t it? 

We should always remember that chanting “Mantras” are extremely powerful and it adds a lot of good vibrations around us. Moreover, constant chanting of our Mantra protects us from imminent dangers that we come across in our daily lives. There are innumerable instances to prove this point but owing to lack of time, etc. I do not want to get into that. However, all of us would be able to experience it if we start following this point. In fact, giving explanations beyond a point doesn’t really make sense. Certain things in life are deeply understood only if we experience them, isn’t it? 

Moreover, another way of looking at it is that consistent “Mantra chanting” is perhaps the only way in this “Kali Yuga” to overcome our sins. It is mentioned in various contexts in our “Sanaatana Dharma” literature that as we keep chanting our “Mantra”, our sins start getting burnt away then and there. In fact, if we’re meticulously doing this every passing day, there is no need for us to go to any astrologer for any sort of “Parihaara” or “Praayaschittha”. The Mantra given to us by a “Sadguru” or a “Mahatma” is so powerful that it would automatically wash away all our sins and the resultant bad repercussions. We should understand this very clearly, and this is an important offshoot discussion of the significance of “Naama-Sankeertanam”. 

So for today, let us understand this point clearly and let us start putting efforts consciously from today onwards. It is never too late to start any good practice. Bhagawan is never going to ask us about our past. All what He expects from us is that, whether we’re following His advice in the present day and in the future to come. So let us all take a pledge today (Being the 72’nd Republic Day of our great Bhaarata Desha) that we would strive together in chanting the “Mantra” and would create a case for ourselves to represent to Bhagawan for our journey towards the ultimate “Moksha”! We shall wait till the next episode to continue with Sage Paraashara’s accord forward! Stay tuned! 🙂 

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed an intriguing accord from Sage Paraashara as he is on course of explaining some “royal” treatments that would be meted out to those who would reach the various Naraka Lokhas – Not one, but 32 of them! We’ve in due course witnessed one such treacherous Naraka Lokha called “Tapta Lokha”, wherein those people who misbehave with women, who torture women in many different ways, would enter into it. Yama-Dharma-Raja would have a beautiful idol of a woman made out of brass, which would be burning hot over a mass of fire. He would thus push those people who come there, onto that burning hot idol, which is one of the most cruel punishments that we could ever imagine! As Sage Paraashara lists down the royal treatments in various Naraka Lokhas thus, we might have become petrified and many of us might be damn sure that we might not go just into one Naraka Lokha, but we’ve to take turns to go into all the thirty-two put together! Perhaps Sage Maithreya too knew that there are going to be people like us who are “eligible” for all the thirty-two, and as our representative to Sage Paraashara, he interrupted the conversation mid-way. Sage Maithreya thus poses a counter question as to what are those ways through which one can protect himself / herself from entering into any of these Naraka Lokhas. 

This is something that all of us should know and perhaps, we can take some corrective measures from here on, forgetting our past? Let’s look into what Sage Paraashara had to say on this. Sage Paraashara replies thus, “Oh Maithreya! I’m not telling all this to instil some fear into you. That’s not the point here, and it is out of question completely. I had just elaborated on the Naraka Lokha to highlight the intensity of the punishment given there. However, the bigger picture here is that, you should understand Bhagawan Vishnu’s significance – He protects those people who think about Him and with that divine thought, Bhagawan destroys all the sins that His devotees make. If the sins aren’t in the picture of these people, how do they even reach the Naraka Lokha? Only if I elaborate the Naraka Lokha experiences and then about Bhagawan, will you be able to understand His significance!” 

This is an important message for all of us here. Sage Paraashara is continuing thus, “Oh Maithreya! Just think for a moment – Do all people who reach Vaikunta commit zero sins in their lives? It’s never possible! Every minute we keep committing sins day in and day out! However, what makes few people reach Vaikunta and what makes the others enter the Naraka Lokha? It is because those few who do sins, think about Bhagawan Vishnu, pray to Him and surrender to His divine Lotus Feet! Overwhelmed by this, Bhagawan destroys all their sins to make them neutral. He gives them the qualification and “eligibility” to reach Vaikunta! Only very few people in this world are born with that eligibility to reach Vaikunta. All the others either “create” that eligibility themselves, or they’re “given” that eligibility by Bhagawan to reach Vaikunta.” Sage Paraashara says thus, 

“Praayaschitthaannaseshaani tapah karma aatmakaanivai!

Yaaniteshaam aseshaanaam krishnaanusmaranam param!!”

This is one of the most important slokas of this entire “Shri Vishnu Puraana”. Just like how we say that the “Sundara Kaanda” is the vital segment of the entire Valmiki Ramayana, this particular sloka has all the essence of the entire text of Shri Vishnu  Puraana. It says “Praayaschitthaan aaseshaani” – This means, we cannot wipe out our sins by merely doing some “Praayaschitha” (Substitute actions or actions of repent), or we cannot wipe out or sins by merely doing “Tapas” (Deep penance), or “Karma” (Good actions), or “Aatmakaanivai” (Any action that would try and uplift our Atman). One can wash off his / her sins only by chanting Bhagawan Krishna’s divine names. This is what the second line  of this sloka says – “Yaaniteshaam aseshaanaam krishnaanusmaranam param!!”

This is what we exactly term as “Naama-Sankeertanam ” or repeated chanting of Bhagawan’s divine names. It is only this “Naama-Sankeertanam” which is going to grant us “Moksha”. Aadi Shankara Bhagawad Paada too emphasized the same point here in his famous “Bhaja Govindam” song. The first stanza goes as follows: 

“Bhaja Govindam Bhaja Govindam Govindam bhaja moodhamate!

Sampraapte sannihite kaale nahi nahi rakshati dukrinkarane!!”

Here, Sage Aadi Shankara drives home the same point – “Oh Moodamathe! (Stupid)! Don’t waste your time in every other worldly activity. You would never be able to attain Moksha with all what you’re doing! Chant the divine name of Govinda! (Bhaja Govindam). Only this would give you the eligibility of attaining Moksha!” 

So for today, let us understand this important point on “Naama-Sankeertanam” and let us start performing it from today! We shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well, to see the significance of this “Naama-Sankeertanam” in this Kali Yuga. Stay tuned for an interesting episode tomorrow! 🙂 

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In the previous episode, we had commenced the important discussion of Sage Paraashara explaining some “royal treatments” that would be meted out in a few of the “Naraka Lokhas”. In these lines, we’ve started with the accord on the “Rourava Naraka Lokha”, wherein we’ve seen how people who fail to protect the law of the land and justice to the innocent, would be subjected to some “royal treatment” from this animal called “Ruru”. In fact, Sage Paraashara starts first up with people who falter in the judicial system, perhaps because he already knew that this is one system in our today’s scenario which is totally rotten beyond change. We’ve already witnessed many times in the past as to how our ancient “Maharishis” have had far-sightedness with their immensely accumulated “Tapas” or penance.  Thus, Sage Paraashara knew long back that if there’s one thing that requires to be explained first up, it is for those in this rotten judicial system of India today. Secondly, Sage Paraashara gave an eye-opener for those people who think that they can attain name and fame by torturing and killing animals, babies, etc. Such radicals would be subjected to some “burial” exercises by Yama Dharma Raja in the Naraka Lokha. Thirdly, Sage Paraashara spoke about the “Sookara Naraka Lokha”, which gives some royal treatment for those who are into consumption of excessive alcohol, drugs, etc. and those who insult and kill innocent Brahmins. So for those who are “busy” today in lynching people for their pride, they have some special treatment waiting for them. Yama-Dharma Raja is waiting for such lynchers with some “appointment letters” with wild boars and pigs, which are waiting to have a go! Fourth, Sage Paraashara talks about the “Tapta Kunda” Naraka Lokha, wherein those people who misbehave with their teachers and their wives go! They would be subjected to some “burning” treatment here wherein they would be dropped into a hole with burning fire inside it. 

Moving on further thus, Sage Paraashara continues with his accord on the different “Naraka Lokhas” and what are the various treatments meted out to those who enter them. He says thus: 

“Saadhvi vidhve kritvatpaalaha tapta loke patantethe tapta pareechayeth!!”

Here, Sage Paraashara drops the next bombshell. He now explains that if one illtreats his wife in anyway by torturing her or by physically harming her, or if one doesn’t forgive a person who comes and falls on his feet, seeking forgiveness, he goes to the “Naraka Lokha” called “Tapta Lokha”. Here what happens is, a huge female body would be created out of brass. Normally, one important characteristic of this brass is that, if it is shown into the fire, it would immediately start reacting to the heat. The temperature of the brass would go up immediately. This is why we often use some utensils in the kitchen, which are made of brass. This enables the heating process to happen quickly. Thus, it is this brass we’re talking about here. In the “Tapta Lokha”, there would be a woman’s body beautifully crafted in brass and this body would be on top of a fire. Yama Dharma Raja would take us near that brass woman body and tell us thus, “Oh! When you were living in the world, you wanted to harm your wife by torturing her, isn’t it? You wanted to go behind women other than your marriage, isn’t it? You wanted to show your superiority over a person who seeked your unconditional apology, isn’t it? Now go to this brass woman and exhibit all your desires!” Saying thus, he would push us towards that burning hot brass woman and would make us hug it. Thus, this is what happens at the “Tapta Lokha” – A section of the “Naraka Lokha”. 

Similarly, Sage Paraashara keeps on listing one after the other about the various Naraka Lokhas and the corresponding people who go there. He talks about how people who commercialize Vedas and sell them and how these people enter into the Naraka Lokha and obtain the requisite punishment. As we go on like this, I’m sure we would start getting extremely jittery! As Sage Paraashara describes all the 32 different Naraka Lokhas, we’re going to faint down on the ground as all of us know that we’re going to fit into atleast one of the 32, if not all! In fact, we fitting into just one out of the 32, is a gross understatement! 🙂 We would probably fit into all the 32 of them! We’ve to literally ask Yama-Dharma_Raja whether he has another 32 Naraka Lokhas exclusively made for us! 🙂 This is exactly what Sage Maithreya felt too! Hearing all of these carefully, Sage Maithreya replies to Sage Paraashara thus, “Oh Sage Paraashara! Till now you’ve explained all the 32 different Naraka Lokhas! Everything was perfectly said. You’ve also said who goes to which of the 32 Naraka Lokhas. That is also perfectly said. Now you’ve not told me how “not” to go into any of these “Naraka Lokhas”. You’ve to tell me this. Upon hearing all your previous accords of the Naraka Lokhas, I’m sure that I’m going into many of them – Not one!”  

As Sage Maithreya and ourselves have this doubt in mind, Sage Paraashara is going to clear this doubt with this important answer. What is that answer? Let’s wait for the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂 

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In the previous episode, we had commenced Sage Paraashara’s accord on the “Naraka Lokha”. If we would have thought that there was only one “Naraka Lokha”, we’ve been mistaken. There are 32 different “Naraka Lokhas” in this world and Sage Paraashara gives a detailed description about all the thirty-two. We had seen the different names of the various Naraka Lokhas in yesterday’s episode, and we shall continue with this discussion further today. Of course, I’ve just mentioned only one half of the list yesterday here, and by this time, readers would have started feeling jittery thus, “Oh wow! Is it a necessity that we should even know all of these? Isn’t this extremely scary? Would we get a good sleep at night after reading through all of these?” These are some valid concerns, but there is a reason why Sage Paraashara is explaining this upfront. He himself is explaining it in the subsequent slokas. 

Here, Sage Paraashara explains the reason thus, to Sage Maithreya. He says, “Oh Maithreya! You should understand here that for each type of sin that we do, there are separate “Naraka Lokhas” for each of them! Now let me tell you for which sin you would reach which Naraka Lokha.” Sage Paraashara drops the bombshell thus: 

“Kootasaakshi tathaa samyah paksha pasadena ruravadeth!”

If someone is giving a biased verdict by hiding the truth and protecting the evil, he / she would enter into the “Rourava Naraka Lokha”. All my dear friends in the “pervertedly famed” Indian Judiciary should read this carefully – If a judge (Also referred to in India as “My Lord” – I seriously wonder if there can be any other Jeevatma equivalent to Bhagawan in this world) allegedly involves in corruption and protects a criminal, against an honest and a legitimate person, he / she would be subjected to some “royal treatment” at this “Naraka Lokha”. Now – What is this royal treatment there? In this Lokha, there is this animal by name “Ruru”. Yama-Dharma-Raja would ensure that this “My Lord” would be made to be bitten by this “Ruru” animal. This animal bite would be 100 times more painful than even a snake bite in this world. We can see what kind of royal treatment that our “My Lords” would be getting at the “Rourava Naraka Lokha”, if they’re allegedly protecting “Adharma”. I hope, atleast if few of them get to read this, they might rethink their strategy of giving verdicts. I do not want to comment anymore on our judiciary, because it is already shamed and named by many today. Hope this would be an eye-opener for those who take “pride” in being part of this (perhaps the most) rotten system in India. 

Moving on with the next one thus, Sage Paraashara explains the next Naraka Lokha called “Brunaha”. He says thus,

“Broonaha purahantaacha gognashca muni sapthama!!”

If anyone allegedly causes harm to a cow, or if anyone destroys a womb wherein the child is growing – Be it an animal or a human  being, Sage Paraashara explains that these people would be repeatedly buried under a heap of foul-smelling mud for a long duration of time. This again, is a wake-up-call for all our “friends” who take immense pride in killing an innocent cow. I hope this would again be an eye-opener for those elements who take lot of pleasure in causing harm to animals. 

Next, Sage Paraashara explains that if anybody consumes excessive alcohol or drugs, or if anybody abducts and abuses Brahmins, or if anybody steals gold from someone, they would be subjected to some “royal treatment” at the “Sookara Naraka Lokha”. Here, the treatment is very simple – There would be a herd of wild boars or pigs. All these wild animals would pounce on us and would thrash us left, right and center. Just like how this fellow thrashed a cow to death, he would be thrashed by these pigs and boars. Just like how this fellow thrashed innocent Brahmins and abducted their property, he would be thrashed mercilessly and with perhaps 10-15 times greater intensity by these wild animals together. Subsequently, Sage Paraashara explains thus, 

“Prayaathi narakeyashca thai samsargam upaithicha!

Raajanna vaishya hantaacha tathaiva guru kalpakaha!!”

If a disciple acts in the wrong way towards his / her Guru (Teacher) and his / her wife, this person goes into the “Naraka Lokha” called “Tapta Kunda”. Now, what is the royal treatment here? There would be a big crater or a hole in the middle and this hole would have burning fire in it. Yama Dharma Raja would be so “kind enough” to take us and drop us into this burning fire. We’ve to also burn along with the burning fire there. Thus, if a person insults his / her teacher, we’ve to be facing such kinds of punishment at the “Tapta Kunda” Lokha. 

So for today, let us understand and digest these points. I’m sure many readers would have started feeling jittery already! So let us take this a bit slowly! We shall wait till the next episode to witness the continuation of this important accord on the “Naraka Lokha”. Stay tuned! 🙂 

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Paraashara’s narrative that people in the other “Dveepas” are singing in praise of those in the “Jambu-Dveepa”. Sage Paraashara is highlighting this narrative to drive home the point that if we’re born in this “Jambu-Dveepa”, we’re the most fortunate living beings ever. Within this “Jambu-Dveepa”, if one takes birth in the Bhaarata Desha, there is literally no excuse for us to dodge away from attaining “Moksha”. It becomes more or less a mandate for all of us to strive and somehow attain Bhagawan. We should always remember this clearly – Foreigners from various western countries and neighbouring China are envious of the fact that our Bhaarata Desha is a land of spirituality. If they’re able to understand this, and follow our cultural & spiritual practices, what stops us from doing it? Thus, it is only the mindset that needs an overhaul here. We’ve to accept the fact that we’re a blessed lot of people, and Bhagawan has “hand-picked” all of us to come along with Him. If Bhagawan is sending out such a message to us, isn’t it up to us to understand that “Vaikunta” or “Moksha” is up for grabs for all of us? We should strive and make this as our top priority as we move on with our life thus. 

Moving on, Sage Paraashara now talks about the “Paathaala Lokha”. We’ve already witnessed previously that our entire world consists of fourteen different Lokhas – Seven above us and seven below us. Thus, the seven underground “Paathaala Lokhas” are the topic of discussion here, and if there should be one person who can hold up all the seven “Paathaala Lokhas” together, it is none other than Bhagawan Aadisesha. All of us know who Bhagawan Aadisesha is and He needs no introduction. He’s none other than the thousand-headed divine serpent, over which Bhagawan Vishnu rests Himself at Vaikunta. Thus, It is this Bhagawan Aadisesha who sits underneath all these seven Paathaala Lokhas and rests them on His thousand heads. 

Post this, there is another very important place that Sage Paraashara is going to talk about here. He now says that amidst all these “Paathaala Lokhas” and over the ocean floors are the various “Naraka Lokhas”. We might be familiar of this term called “Naraka Lokha”, isn’t it? The gross idea that all of us have about the “Naraka Lokha” is that, all those whose account of “Paapa” (Sins) are high would go into this. The treatment that would be metted out to all of us here is something extremely “royal” in nature! 🙂 All that is spoken about here is punishments – Various forms of punishments like beating, burning, cutting, etc.! 🙂 So for this “Naraka Lokha” – We might be thinking that there’s only one “Naraka Lokha”! For all of us who have such a thought – Please think again! There are various different “Naraka Lokhas” and not just one! This is exactly what Sage Paraashara is going to explain here. He explains 32 different “Naraka Lokhas”. Sage Paraashara explains thus: 

“Tathascha narakaa vipra bhuvodhah salilaschatha!

Paapinoyeh paapyante thaachrunusva mahaa mune!!”

Now this is an important sloka wherein Sage Paraashara is going to start explaining who will go to which of these 32 Naraka Lokhas. But before that, we’ve to first look at some names and “terminologies” that are associated with these 32 different “Naraka Lokhas”. Sage Paraashara lists them down thus: “Raurava”, “Sookara”, “Rodha”, “Taala”, “Vishana”, “Mahaajwaala”, “Tapta Kumbha”, “Lavanodha”, “Bilohita”, “Rudhiraambha”, “Vaitharanihi”, “Kirmishaha”, “Krimi bhojanaha”, “Asipathravanam”, “Krishnaha”, “Laalaabhakshaha”, “Daarunaha”, etc. Of course, I’ve just mentioned only one half of the list here, and by this time, readers would start feeling jittery thus, “Oh wow! Is it a necessity that we should even know all of these? Isn’t this extremely scary? Would we get a good sleep at night after reading through all of these?” These are some valid concerns, but there is a reason why Sage Paraashara is explaining this upfront. He himself is explaining it in the subsequent slokas. 

So for today, let us understand these points, and in tomorrow’s episode we shall continue from the reasons behind Sage Paraashara’s exhaustive narratives about the “Naraka Lokha”. An absorbing episode awaits us tomorrow! Stay tuned! 🙂 

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the discussion on how the Jambu-Dveepa houses our Bhaarata Desha and the entire land mass that we see in our Mother Earth today. In due course, we’ve also witnessed the significance of our Bhaarata Desha and how one attains “Moksha” only by taking birth and living in this “Karma Bhoomi”. Subsequently, we’ve also witnessed the different oceans that surround the different Dveepas. Just like how we saw that the Jambu-Dveepa is surrounded by the ocean of salt water, we’ve to understand that other Dveepas are surrounded by oceans of different items, such as milk, ghee, pure water, curd, alcohol, etc. Ultimately, we’ve concluded yesterday’s episode with an important point here that this Jambu Dveepa is very significant amongst all the other Dveepas and, people in the other Dveepas sing in praise of this Jambu-Dveepa. 

This rakes up a debate whether life exists beyond our Mother Earth! Well! The Vishnu Puraana and Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana say yes! All these texts are authored by high-profile Maharishis, and hence, their words cannot be discarded just like that. Perhaps what we can assume is that, over thousands and thousands of years that had passed by, loads of things would have undergone changes and these changes might have wiped out life existence in those places. This is one way of looking at it. Perhaps, this is also the reason why our satellite images are showing signs of water that may have flowed in planets like Mars, Jupiter, etc. This might give us a hint that life would have existed thousands of years ago, but due to various changes that had taken place over time, life would have disappeared. Another way of looking at it is that those who might perhaps be still living there might not resemble us, human beings here on Mother Earth. We must have seen in many movies and documentaries that these so-called “extra-terrestrial” living beings being referred to as “Aliens” and sometimes they do show up into our Mother Earth too. Also, recently there has been lot of talk that goes on around spotting some UFO’s in some parts of the world. All these might depict and paint a picture that life still exists even outside of our Mother Earth, but somewhere down the line, research might give us a deeper insight as we move on further. 

Moving on thus, Sage Paraashara explains that the so-called “extra-terrestrial” living beings from the other Dveepas are singing in praise of the Jambu-Dveepa thus: 

“Gaayanti devaaha kila geeta kaani dhanyaastuthe bhaarata bhoomi bhaage!

Svargaapavargaaspada maarga bhute bhavanti bhooyah purushaasvarathvaath!!”

This is a very important sloka here. It says that those people who are born in this “Jambu-Dveepa” and in the Bhaarata Desha are extremely fortunate and have the greatest opportunity to reach “Moksha” directly without any hindrance or a question being asked. We should understand that people from other Dveepas are saying this – Not our own people. This is the problem here. In fact, even today, many people from foreign countries truly acknowledge the fact that we can attain “Moksha” only by taking birth and living in this great country. If foreigners are having that faith and belief in our Bhaarata Desha, it is only up to us to convince ourselves and take the strong belief within each and everyone of us that we’re having the greatest opportunity in front of us to attain “Moksha”. We’ve to know one thing here very clearly – Bhagawan will give us the opportunity. But it is upto us to grab the opportunity and use it to our benefit. Thus, here, we’ve got this golden opportunity – Perhaps one in our entire lifetime! We’ve to use this opportunity to attain Bhagawan’s feet in some way or the other. 

In fact, there are many places in our Sanaatana Dharma literature that clearly explains that if one gets an opportunity to be born in this great country, it is only because of the extraordinary amount of “Punya” that he / she accumulated in the previous birth. More than this, if one gets a close association with a “Guru” or a “Spiritual Master” in this birth, it amounts to truckloads of “Punya” that he / she has accumulated over several births put together. If we’ve got such an association with a Guru or a Mahatma in this birth, and that too, being born in India, this is like a “Double Whammy”! There is no excuse for us if we’re not attaining “Moksha” even after being in such an advantageous position! 

Hence, for today, let us understand and realize this important point and let us start our efforts right away without even wasting a single minute from now on! We shall wait till the next episode to witness the continuation of Sage Paraashara’s accord further. Stay tuned! 🙂 

• 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the discussion our Bhaarata Desha’s vast significance. Sage Paraashara is clearly putting out a concrete statement that our Bhaarata Desha is a “Karma Bhoomi”, and if anyone wants to even think and conceptualize about attaining “Moksha” or “Liberation” from this vicious birth-death cycle, he / she has to be born and living in this great land. It is called “Karma Bhoomi” because Sage Paraashara clearly explains that whatever “Karma” we perform in life, it has full effect only if it performed here in our Bhaarata Desha. When I talk about “Karma”, I’m talking about the “Nitya Karma” and the “Naimittika Karma”. Right from our “Sandhyavandanam” every day to performing the “Shraadha” for our departed parents, grandparents, etc., – All would bear the essence and fruit of it only if done in our Bhaarata Desha. Of course, people who live abroad can perform all of this, but it would generally be only for our own personal satisfaction. However, the question that whether this would give us the real benefit while performing our “Karma” abroad, remains broadly in the terms of merely satisfying oneself, rather than attaining the ultimate benefit of “Moksha”. Thus, such is the significance of our great Bhaarata Desha. 

Moving on thus, Sage Paraashara talks about the various geographical significance of our Bhaarata Desha. He talks about the important mountain ranges that adorn our beautiful country – The Himachala, Vindhyas, etc. Then, he talks about the important rivers that add to the significance of our Bhaarata Desha – He talks a great deal about River Ganges, River Yamuna, River Godavari, River Brahmaputra, River Tapti, River Narmada, River Cauvery and River Taamraparni. Thus, the significance of these rivers is that, if anyone takes a dip into any of these rivers, the sins that he has done, as well as the sins that his 21 generations have done would be completely washed away. Thus, once our sins are washed away, automatically we’re on the path to attain “Moksha” isn’t it? This is exactly what Sage Paraashara is mentioning here, for all of us to understand. 

Moving on thus, we’ve seen that the Jambu-Dveepa is at the center, and surrounding the Jambu-Dveepa is the ocean of salt water. In fact, it is only amidst the discussion of this Jambu-Dveepa, we branched into the discussion of the Bhaarata Varsha and Bharata Kanda and the Bhaarata Desha. Now moving on with the major discussion on the different Dveepas again, we’re going to see what kinds of oceans surround each of the Dveepas. We’ve already witnessed that there are seven different Dveepas, surrounded by seven different oceans, isn’t it? Readers can trace back a few episodes backwards and find the details of this narrative. Now, we’re going to extend this discussion forward and witness the different types of oceans that surround each of the Dveepas. In that way, the Jambu-Dveepa, as mentioned, is surrounded by the ocean of salt water. Similarly, the next “Plaksha Dveepa” is surrounded by the ocean of black-coloured thick water. Subsequently, the third Dveepa is surrounded by the ocean of alcohol. The fourth Dveepa is surrounded by the ocean of ghee. Fifth Dveepa, subsequently is surrounded by the ocean of curd. Next, is the ocean of milk, and the seventh one is the ocean of pure water. Thus, these seven oceans surround the seven different Dveepas. It would be astonishing for all of us as to how great Sages like Sage Paraashara, Sage Sukhaachaarya, etc. have such a “telescopic” view of what is there millions of kilometers apart. They never had any sort of modern equipment that we have today. Yet, their “Adrishta Shakti” or the “Power of deep penance” takes them to such great distances by just sitting at one place. This is the power of our “Maharishis” and we should indeed feel proud that we’re having all these documentations intact, without getting destroyed over time. 

Thus, Sage Paraashara moves onto the next narrative – He says that people living in the other Dveepas, other than the Jambu-Dveepa are jealous, and they sing in praise of this great “Jambu-Dveepa”. This kicks up an important question here, which the modern scientists keep asking all the time – Does life exist beyond our earth’s surface? Well! The answer according to Sage Paraashara is a big “YES”! If someone from another Dveepa has to sing in praise of our Jambu Dveepa (which is nothing but Mother Earth today that we know), there is certainly every chance that life does exist elsewhere too. Most importantly, according to Sage Paraashara, life exists elsewhere in the human form! This is a startling answer given by Sage Paraashara here, however, we might find it difficult to accept this, given the various theories and philosophies that we’re into today. 

Thus, for today, let us understand these important points and let’s wait till the next episode to find out how did these people from the other “Dveepas” sing in praise of the “Jambu-Dveepa”. Stay tuned for an interesting accord ahead! 🙂  

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Paraashara’s important and a thundering accord as he declares that our Bhaarata Desha is the land of ‘Karma Bhoomi”, and it is only by taking birth and living in this very country, one can attain “Moksha”. He explains this important point as he describes the significance of this great land of India. Sage Paraashara explains how our Bhaarata Desha – The land that is bordered by the Himalayas in the north, Vindya and Satpura mountains in the center, the Western Ghats in the western and southern sides, and finally the three oceans on three sides of the land, is one of the holiest and sacred places ever in this world. Thus, having said this, we should all feel proud that we’re part of this Bhaarata Desha – The land of “Moksha”. Not only here in Shri Vishnu Puraana, there are innumerable places in the spiritual literatures that find mention about how India is the land of “Karma Bhoomi”. In fact, not only our Sanaatana Dharma, many other religions in the world also have their roots to India. All of us know that Buddhism started in India, with Gautama Buddha, also revered in many places as one of Bhagawan Vishnu’s incarnations taking birth at Gaya and attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Similarly, Jainism too started in India. Similarly, Christianity has great roots in India – it is believed that there were three “great men” who travelled all the way from India to Jerusalem (Betthlehem) and they were instrumental in Jesus Christ taking birth. 

Thus, in all religions, this Bhaarata Desha (India) is revered and respected, because India is a land of Sanaatana Dharma. The fundamental root and fabric of this great country is our Sanaatana Dharma and this would be the case unless and until the Himalayas, River Ganges, etc. exist in this world. In fact, during our earlier Ramayana project, we’ve seen Bhagawan Brahma blessing Valmiki Maharishi, thus motivating him to commence scripting the Ramayana text. Our readers might remember Bhagawan Brahma blessing Valmiki Maharishi at that occasion thus, “Oh Valmiki! Unless and until the Himalayas exist in this world – Unless and until the Meru Mountain is going to be in existence – Unless and until the River Ganges is going to keep flowing – Your Ramayana text would be revered and respected all throughout!” This simply means that the Valmiki Ramayana is going to be a permanent entity and is going to exist forever. Obviously all of us know that the Himalayas is not going to be destroyed. River Ganges is going to flow all throughout. If such is the case, how can Bhagawan Brahma’s words go false? 

Thus, if Valmiki Ramayana would exist forever, our Sanaatana Dharma would also exist forever. If Valmiki Ramayana would exist forever, our Bhaarata Desha would exist forever. If Valmiki Ramayana would exist forever, the reputation that our Bhaarata Desha is the land of Sanaatana Dharma would exist forever. This is exactly the message that Sage Paraashara is conveying here too. When he says that this Bhaarara Desha is the land of “Karma Bhoomi”, it means that if one needs to spiritually advance and progress, the real treasure and pedigree for it is nowhere in this world, but in this Bhaarata Desha only. If one needs to attain “Moksha”, he / she should obviously be coming to this great land. This is the reason why all great “Mahatmas” who incarnate even today in this Kali Yuga, are all in India, and nowhere. For instance, the revered Shirdi Sai Baba, Puttaparthi Sai Baba, Sadguru Shri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, Kanchipuram Shri Chandrasekhara Swamigal (Kanchi Shankaraachaarya), the Alwars, Bhagawad Ramanuja, the Nayanmars, etc. (The list goes on and on…) have all chosen this Bhaarata Desha to incarnate. Why? The reason is very simple – Bhaarata Desha is the land of “Karma”, and whatever “Karma” we perform here, with the aim of attaining liberation (“Moksha”) gets realized here. Thus, all the Mahatmas know that if at all they should incarnate, they should do so ONLY in India, and nowhere! Thus, this is the significance of our Bhaarata Desha. 

In fact, this is also one reason why loads of westerners are flocking towards India for their spiritual progress and “peace of mind”. Only where there is spirituality, will there be “peace of mind” existing. We might wonder why westerners flock towards India, despite the fact that they have impeccable infrastructure, robust state-of-the-art technological advancements, clean air, water, etc. as compared to us in India. The reason is simple – They have everything in this world that are required for a worldly materialistic life. But they do not have the “inner peace of mind” that is required to enjoy those worldly requirements in a detached way. It is only the Bhaarata Desha that gives solace to all of them. 

Hence, for today again, let us understand the significance of our Bhaarata Desha and rejoice the fact that Bhagawan has given us this golden opportunity to be born here and to spend time in this noble land. We shall wait till the next episode to continue with Sage Paraashara’s further accord on our Bhaarata Desha. Stay tuned! 🙂