The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had been amidst a very important discussion on what are the contents of the humongous text of “Shri Vishnu Puraana”. In this, we had witnessed that it has six “Amsas” in total, and we’ve also seen the contents of the first three “Amsas”. The first “Amsa” spoke about how Bhagawan created this entire world, along with some excerpts from few important incarnations of Bhagawan, along with the “Dhruva Charitra”. The second “Amsa” has a detailed description on the various constituents of all the fourteen “Lokhas” including the “Bhoo-Lokha” which we are part of. Subsequently, the second “Amsa” also covers the important aspect called “Kaalam” or “Time” and the various calculations that are involved in measuring time. The second “Amsa” comes to an end with a detailed analysis of the difference between the “Atma” and the “Deham”, which forms an integral part of our Sanaatana Dharma’s “Vedanta”. Subsequently, we had also witnessed the brief contents of the third “Amsa”, which covers the details of how Bhagawan created the Vedas. It also talks about how Sage Vyaasa analyzed the Vedas in detail, and classified it into the four main categories – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and the Atharvana Veda. Moreover, the third “Amsa” also covers other important aspects like why should we perform our “Karma” in this world. This is an important discussion wherein Sage Paraashara clearly explains the intricate details behind the various types of “Karma” that we perform – Starting from “Seemantha Karma”, to “Naandi Karma” to “Shraadha Karma”, etc. This is going to be an absorbing “Amsa” and we shall discuss in detail.

Now moving on further, Sage Paraashara explains several important incarnations of Bhagawan Vishnu – He first begins with a detailed explanation of the great and revered “Soorya-Vamsa” and explains all the intricate details till the end of Bhagawan Rama’s incarnation. In this, there are some details that we might not have witnessed in the Valmiki Ramayana before – The birth story and background of Mother Sita – Where and how was Mother Sita born, how did King Janaka adopt her, and what was her background until the time when she got married to Bhagawan Rama. Subsequently, Sage Paraashara moves on to describe the “Yadu-Kula” and the “Chandra-Vamsa”, wherein Bhagawan Krishna’s incarnation comes in. The fourth “Amsa” comes to an end with the incarnation of Bhagawan Krishna. Thus, we can witness here that the fourth “Amsa” is extremely rich in detail about the “Soorya-Vamsa” and the “Chandra-Vamsa” and is going to be an absorbing “Amsa” for us to discuss in detail as well. 

Moving on with the fifth “Amsa”, this is going to a near replica of Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana’s tenth “Skandha” – Here too, Sage Paraashara talks in extreme detail about Bhagawan Krishna’s divine incarnation – Stories and “Leelas” (Divine plays) of Little Krishna, all the “Leelas” of Bhagawan Krishna as He grows up further to His teen-age, all the “Leelas” after Bhagawan Krishna grows up into an adult and followed by the entire “Charitra” until Bhagawan Krishna reaches Vaikunta again! All this is captured in the fifth “Amsa” in great detail. Here thus, we can witness that this fifth “Amsa” is pretty much the same as the tenth and eleventh “Skandhas” of the “Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana” put together. Thus, the entire fifth “Amsa” talks in detail about Bhagawan Krishna, and as ardent devotees of Bhagawan Krishna, we are in for a mega-treat very soon! 🙂 

As we now move on with the sixth “Amsa”, we’re going to witness the “Kali-Yuga Dharma” in great detail. Of course, we’ve witnessed only a brief in the “Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana”, but here in the “Shri Vishnu Puraana”, it is discussed in great detail. It is going to talk about the sufferings, difficulties, losses, etc. that would happen in the Kali Yuga. Amidst all this, Sage Paraashara explains clearly the ways and means as to how we should conduct ourselves, as ardent devotees of Bhagawan Krishna. Sage Paraashara also warns us here with some different types of “Avidhya” (Darkness & Illusions) that are going to be upon us and with what kind of “Vidhya” (Right Education and Awareness) should we use to win over the darkness. Finally the sixth “Amsa” would come to an end with the “Kaandikya-Keshidvaja Samvaadham”. There were two people by name “Kaandikya” and “Keshidvaja” and the dialogue between these two people comprises some important learnings and messages for all of us for today’s scenario. We shall witness that also in detail and with this, Sage Paraashara explains the “Phalastuthi” of the entire text to conclude it. 

So with this, we conclude this particular discussion on the structure of this “Shri Vishnu Puraana” text, and from the next episode onwards, we shall commence our detailed discussion on the first “Amsa”. As discussed earlier, we shall start with how Bhagawan Vishnu creates this entire world, along with the fourteen “Lokhas”. An absorbing discussion awaits us tomorrow! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had commenced our detailed discussion on the structure of “Shri Vishnu Puraana”, wherein we had witnessed that it comprises of six different “Amsas” and loads of “Adhyaayas” within each of them. We’ve witnessed in due course that the first Amsa talks about how the world was created by Bhagawan Vishnu and how He takes meticulous efforts to protect the balance of it. Also, as we’ve seen in the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana, here too we would witness an accord of the “Mohini” incarnation of Bhagawan Vishnu – How Bhagawan Mohini helped the Devas (Celestial Beings) to capture the “Amrut” from the Raakshasas (Demons). Subsequently there’s a detailed accord on the “Dhruva Charitra”, wherein little Dhruva is able to obtain the divine Darshan of Bhagawan Vishnu within just six months of deep and one-pointed penance. Subsequently, there’s going to be a detailed accord on Bhagawan’s incarnation as “Narasimha” and a bit of “Prahlaada Charithra”. Subsequently we would also witness how Bhagawan is balancing the entire world and is ensuring that “Dharma” is maintained. The “Adhyaaya” which talks about this particular point in detail is called “Asthra-Bhooshana-Adhyaaya”. With this, the first “Amsa” comes to an end.

Thus, the first “Amsa” comprises of 20 “Adhyaayas”, starting from the creation of the world to the “Asthra-Bhooshana-Adhyaaya”, which talks about how Bhagawan protects the world that He had created. Now let us move on with the second “Amsa”. Here, Sage Paraasara commences with a very interesting accord on what is “Bhoo-Lokha”, and what are the fourteen different “Lokhas” that are part of this entire world (Universe). In the first “Amsa” Sage Paraasara had mentioned that all this was created by Bhagawan. Now in this “Amsa”, he describes what are the various constituents of all these fourteen “Lokhas”. He goes into a detailed description as to what is “Kaalam” (Time) and how is this time classified. He describes in detail on how time is measured in various “Lokhas” and how is it different from each of the “Lokhas”. He also describes meanwhile as to how the calculation of sunrise and sunset are made, which is going to be very interesting for all of us to understand and comprehend. Thus, in the second “Amsa”, Sage Paraashara talks in detail about the “Bhoo-Lokha”, and also the rest of the fourteen “Lokhas”, and the key constituents in each of them. Subsequently, the discussion moves on with the detailed description of “Time”. 

Towards the end of the second “Amsa”, Sage Paraashara concludes by giving a beautiful explanation about “Atma”, “Paramatma” and “Jeevatma”. Just like how he described Bhagawan’s “Asthras” and “Bhooshanas” towards the end of the first “Amsa”, here too we are going to witness a very interesting accord on the “Atma”, “Paramaatma”, etc. He also explains the key differences between the “Atman” and the “Deham” and how to differentiate between the two. We’ve already witnessed these concepts in various other contexts in the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana, Vidura Neeti and Ramayana as well. Readers can witness here that this is one important point that is repeatedly emphasized by all texts of our Sanaatana Dharma literature, because this concept of “Atma” and “Deham” forms the crux of the “Vedanta” principles that we’re looking at. 

With this, we now move to the third “Amsa” wherein Sage Paraashara explains how Bhagawan Vishnu creates the Vedas and how Sage Vyaasa analyzes the Vedas and splits them into four important categories – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana. Inside the Rig Veda there are various “Shaakas” that are associated with it. Inside the Yajur Veda there is “Shukla Yajur Veda” and “Krishna Yajur Veda”. Inside the Sama Veda there are a thousand branches, of which today, we have only three of the branches that we can access. “Jaimini Sama”, “Poutuma Sama” and “Ranaayanee Sama”, etc. which are part of the Sama Veda – Sage Paraashara explains which of these are popular in which parts of our Bhaarata Desha.Thus, we can witness in the third “Amsa” as to how the Vedas were born. Moreover, Sage Paraashara also explains how to chant these Vedas. Of course, all of us know that Vedas are those that sing in praise of Bhagawan and there is a dedicated procedure for chanting them. In this “Amsa” itself, Sage Paraashara explains the rules and regulations (“Puja-Vidhi) with which we should worship Bhagawan Vishnu through the Vedas. This “Puja-Vidhi” also talks about various other aspects as well – For instance, how do we make ourselves eligibile for the Veda chanting – What are all the important “Karmas” that one has to perform while taking birth as a human being – The “Naandi Karma”, “Shraadha Karma”, “Seemantha Karma”, etc. All these “Karma-Vichaara” (Explanation of all these important “Karma”) is done by Sage Paraashara in the third “Amsa”! 

So for today, let us understand these important points, and let us wait for the next episode to continue this discussion further, to see the contents of “Amsa” 4, 5 and 6! Stay tuned! 🙂

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed a very important aspect pertaining to the difference between the “Ithihaasas” and the “Puraanas”. We’ve seen that the “Ithihaasas” were authored when Bhagawan’s incarnation was going on in this world. Whereas, “Puraanas” were authored after all the incarnations got over. In a similar way, we also witnessed yesterday that the ultimate aim of the “Puraana” and “Ithihaasa” texts are to convey the highest principles of “Vedanta” in a lucid form for normal people like us to understand and comprehend. If it is all complex content  of “Vedanta”, we might not be able to understand, decipher and appreciate the relevance of it, due to our lack of knowledge, understanding capability, etc. This is why, our great “Maharishis” have taken it upon themselves to offer the greatest of the services to humanity – By putting in place all the stories, life events of Bhagawan together, along with the “Vedanta” content encapsulated into them! What more can we ask for from our great Maharishis? 

This is one sort of a selfless service that they’ve offered to the world! Of course, they did not gain anything commercially on this. They did not go behind money, name, fame, etc. by writing all this. For instance, today  if someone publishes a book or an article, what do we do? The moment our book gets published, immediately we would take to the social media and publicize it, isn’t it? We would be eager to see how many “likes” and “comments” we receive on a regular basis! Moreover, we would also be interested in how many copies of the book are getting sold, and how much money is the publisher giving us. But did Valmiki Maharishi or Sage Veda Vyaasa look into all of this? They composed something that is nearly impossible for any other human being in this world can even think of, isn’t it? Yet, they never went behind publicity, name and fame! 

So, what should be our token of gratitude towards our great Maharishis for their selfless offering? All what we’ve to do now is take the book and start reading what they’ve written! That is what our Maharishis are asking us to do! All we should do is to read and re-read what they’ve written for us, and implement the messages that they’ve conveyed, in our day-to-day lives. This is their only expectation. Hence, in that way, we should firmly believe with trust and faith, on what our Maharishis are saying. In that way, we had commenced looking into the structure of this “Puraana”, namely “Shri Vishnu Puraana”. We had witnessed that this text comprises of six different “Amsas”, just like how Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana had “Skandhas”, Ramayana had “Kaandas” and Mahabharata has “Paruvas”. Under these six “Amsas” there are lot many “Adhyaayas”, which we would be discussing in detail in the coming episodes. 

Now, let us witness the themes and messages that each of these “Amsas” try to convey to all of us. The first “Amsa” talks about how the world was created – The various aspects associated with it. This is explained in a lot of minute detail by Sage Paraashara, and we;re going to witness that in the first “Amsa”. Once this is covered, the theme moves into how Bhagawan Vishnu incarnated as “Mohini” to help the Devas and Asuras explore and excavate the “Amrut”. Subsequently, the text talks about various incarnations of Bhagawan Vishnu in detail, including Bhagawan Narasimha’s “Charitra”, Dhruva Charitra, etc.  similar to that of the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana text. Of course, the detailing would be a bit more here and all of it forms part of the first “Amsa” itself. Finally the first “Amsa” comes to an end with a detailed explanation of how Bhagawan Vishnu is maintaining a great deal of balance with all His creations. How does He ensure that the balance is maintained? All the various ways in which Bhagawan is maintaining the balance is explained in detail and with this, we mark the end of the first “Amsa”. 

With this first “Amsa” itself being so detailed in accord, we still have five more “Amsas” to talk about! We can imagine here as to how huge the “Shri Vishnu Puraana” would be! In the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further and understand the contents of the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth “Amsas” in brief, before we start going into the contents of the first “Amsa” in detail! Stay tuned! 🙂 

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In the previous episode, we had commenced our next mega project on “Shri Vishnu Puraana”, and in that, we had witnessed an introduction to the same. We had witnessed the classification of “Puraanas” into 18 different ones, categorized into three different sets. Six “Sathvika Puraanas”, six “Raajasa Puraanas” and six “Taamasa Puraanas”. Under these eighteen, Shri Vishnu Puraana occupies the prime place as the first of the six “Sathvika Puraanas”. This text, along with Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana which we had finished in the previous project, form an integral part of our Sanaatana Dharma literature. We’ve also witnessed in the previous episode, the family lineage of great Maharishis, starting from Bhagawan Brahma to Sage Vasishta to Sage Shakti to Sage Paraashara to Sage Veda Vyaasa to Sage Sukhaachaarya, etc. it is to be remembered by readers that Sage Sukhaachaarya gifted us with the important Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana text and his father, Sage Paraashara gifted and blessed us with this text called Shri Vishnu Puraana. 

Most of us already know that our Sanaatana Dharma literature comprises of two major classifications of texts – the “Ithihaasas” and the “Puraanas”. Just like how we saw that the Puraanas are eighteen in number, the “Ithihaasas” are two, namely Shrimad Ramayana and Mahabharata. As we move on further, we should understand the key difference between the “Ithihaasas” and the “Puraanas”. The “Ithihaasas” were written when Bhagawan Rama and Bhagawan Krishna were living in this world. Shrimad Ramayana was authored by Valmiki Maharshi when Bhagawan Rama was very much alive. He had finished His fourteen-year stint in the forest, killed Ravana, crowned Vibhishana to the throne of Lanka, returned back to Ayodhya and crowned Himself as the 35’th King of Ayodhya. As Bhagawan Rama was ruling Ayodhya and as the “Rama-Rajya” was in progression, Valmiki Maharishi authored the Shrimad Ramayana text. We’ve witnessed the sequence of events that followed in our earlier Ramayana project and readers can go back to refer to the same for more clarity and understanding. Similarly, Sage Veda Vyaasa authored the Mahabharata text when Bhagawan Krishna was ruling Dwaraka, after the Kurukshetra war was over. 

However, the “Puraanas” were authored by various Sages after Bhagawan Rama and Krishna had left for Vaikunta. For instance, the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana was born only after Bhagawan Krishna had ascended to Vaikunta. We had witnessed that this happened after the advent of the Kali Yuga, wherein King Parikshit was cursed by a Sage that he would meet his death on the seventh day from that time, with a snake bite. This is where Sage Sukhaachaarya arrives and blesses him with the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana text. Similarly, we can see the same approach in this “Shri Vishnu Puraana” text as well. Thus, the point here  is that, the “Ithihaasas” were authored when Bhagawan’s incarnation was taking place in the world, and the “Puraanas” were authored after Bhagawan’s incarnations were over. 

Now as we move on further with this understanding, we shall witness the structure of this Shri Vishnu Puraana text. Just like how we know that the Valmiki Ramayana has six different “Kaandas”, Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana has twelve different “Skandhas”, Shri Vishnu Puraana has six different “Amsaas”.  Under each “Amsa”, we have various “Adhyaayas”. Each “Adhyaaya” would contain several slokas. Hence, we’ve to remember this structure very clearly. Now, what is Sage Paraashara trying to explain in all these six “Amsas” and “Adhyaayas” within them? We’ve already witnessed that the Puraanas are texts that add more value and explanation to the high-level “Vedantic” messages in our Sanaatana Dharma. Of course, the contents of “Vedanta” are extremely complex in nature and are difficult for normal people like us to understand and decipher. It is for this reason, the “Puraanas” were born, wherein the same contents of “Vedanta” and explained, elaborated and illustrated in a much simpler form. This is where we would find several storylines, several characters, several instances, events, etc. which would outline a very interesting accord, but as we analyze them in-depth, we would be able to unearth important contents of the “Vedanta”. Just like how we’ve dig the soil, excavate, and unearth precious metals like gold, iron, etc. from the earth surface, we’ve to excavate, dig through and unearth the Vedanta content from the Puraanas. Of course, the storyline would be very interesting in all these texts, but we shouldn’t stop ourselves with only these storylines. We should excavate deeper to find the inner Vedanta behind each of the story and that is the primary aim behind every project that we’re doing, as part of this blog. 

So for today, let us understand these important points, and as we move on, we shall witness the themes that are outlined in each of the “Amsa” in the Shri Vishnu Puraana text. We shall wait till the next episode to continue further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

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“Vyaasaaya vishnu roopaaya vyaasa roopaaya vishnave!

Namo vai brahma nidhaye vaashishtaaya namo namaha!!”

A very warm welcome to all our esteemed readers to our fourth new mega project – Shri Vishnu Purana! As we had witnessed in the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana till yesterday, the lineage of great Sages who incarnated in our esteemed Bhaarata Desha commences from Bhagawan Brahma Himself. If we’ve to have a glimpse of it, Bhagawan Brahma had a son by the name Sage Vasishta. Sage Vasishta’s son was Sage Shakti. Sage Shakti had a son who is none other than Sage Paraashara. As we might be familiar, Sage Paraashara had a son by name Sage Vyaasa, whom we refer to commonly as Veda Vyaasa. Sage Veda Vyaasa had a son by name Sage Sukhaachaarya, whose Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana text has been discussed by us in detail in the previous project. We’ve enjoyed the contents of this rich text for the past 423 days. Now moving on further from this, we shall now experience what Sage Sukhaachaarya’s father, Sage Paraashara had authored. This is none other than the great Vishnu Puraana. Amongst all the “Puraanas” that exist as part of our Sanaatana Dharma Literature, Shri Vishnu Puraana occupies a special place and is revered to be one of the key texts. Whichever Puraana text it might be, including the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana, the ultimate content and deeper meaning attached to each of these texts is the subtle “Vedanta” of our Sanaatana Dharma. There might be innumerable number of messages that the “Vedanta” would try and convey, but someone should “walk the talk” and make us understand the real meaning of these messages, isn’t it? This is where we have various Maharishis (Sages), Aachaaryas (Spiritual Masters), etc. who incarnate in this world time and again, so as to illustrate and teach people like us, these important messages of Vedanta. In fact, the texts that comprise of various documentations of how these great “Maharishis” and Spiritual Masters followed the principles of Vedanta are nothing but the “Puraanas”. 

We can witness a small analogy to understand this point – Just like how we go to a doctor if we fall sick, and just like how we’ve to take some medicines that are bitter in taste, and injections that are painful, so as to get cured of our physical disease, we have the messages from the “Vedanta” which are like these medicines and injections. At times, certain messages might be “painful” and “bitter” for us to understand and comprehend. This is where, in medicines too nowadays we have capsules in different flavors like mango, chocolate, etc. and within the capsule, the real bitter medicine is embedded. Similarly, in Vedanta too, we have a “storyline” like a capsule and inside this storyline we have all the important messages of Vedanta embedded into it. This combination of a storyline (or multiple storylines put together) and the corresponding messages of Vedanta closely knit with each other, are referred to as “Ithihaasas” and  “Puraanas”. Thus, we can understand here that as we’re enjoying the storyline here, we’re also slowly grasping the important messages of Vedanta, which is extremely important for our peaceful lifestyle in this world, and also serves as a medicine for us to reach the highest “Moksha”. 

As we know by now, the “Puraanas” are eighteen in number – Six Puraanas classified under the “Satvika Puraanas”, the next six classified under the “Raajasa Puraanas” and the final six as “Taamasa Puraanas”. The first and foremost of the six “Satvika Puraanas” is none other than Shri Vishnu Puraana. So for today, let us understand and recollect these important messages, and let us wait till the next episode to witness the structure of Shri Vishnu Puraana, as we move forward! Stay tuned! 🙂 

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The previous episode marked the conclusion of the grand event of “Rukmini-Bhagawan Krishna Kalyaana” and we had witnessed how it was a festive to remember for all people in Dwaaraka city and also for Rukmini Devi’s relatives and family. We had witnessed the trail of events too, that led to this marriage and how Bhagawan Krishna ensured that this is not going to be classified under the “Raakshasa Vivaaha”. The stage was all set for the all-important event and the marriage took place hassle-free. In due course, we had also witnessed the ulterior motive behind Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi marrying each other. We’ve seen that they got married, not for their own personal benefits and happiness, but for our benefits and happiness. When Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi are as a couple, it becomes easier for devotees like us to reach the highest “Moksha” without much of a hassle. Thus with this, let us pray to Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi together for showering their blessings endlessly on all devotees like us, and let them bring upon a change in the world for the good.

With this note, we come to the end of the Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana text officially. Readers might remember that we commenced this project last year (2019) around April and we’ve completed this ambitious project within a span of 423 episodes. Of course there were few intermittent breaks in the middle, amidst some challenging and busy schedules of mine, but nevertheless, thanks to all our readers and obviously with the divine grace of Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi, it enabled me to come back stronger than ever and continue writing. With this, I’m also very happy to announce that our blog page, titled “The Indian Dharma” has officially crossed the “ONE LAKH” viewership mark recently and it is a matter of pride that our Sanaatana Dharma is still alive and would continue to be in the coming decades and centuries!

Thus, with all my deepest regards and respects, I thank all our readers in making this third project successful. If we can trace our beginnings to the year 2017, we started with our first project – Shrimad Ramayana. Subsequently in 2018, we moved to the second project on the “Vidura Neeti” from the Mahabharata text. Now we’ve completed the third project, which is by far the biggest and the most ambitious projects of the three – Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana. It wouldn’t have been possible to accomplish this feat without the love and overwhelming support of our readers! I’m very happy that many readers are reaching out to me with interesting questions and clarifications, which indeed is an excellent motivation for youngsters like me to carry on with writing. I wholeheartedly thank all of you for this, and hopefully we would be able to continue this relationship in the future as well!

Moving further, starting tomorrow, we’re proud to commence our fourth project – Shri Vishnu Puraana officially. This is also going to equally interesting and absorbing like how it was for the past three projects. Thus, as I always say everyday, let us wait for tomorrow’s episode for the grand beginning of “Project four”! With the divine grace of Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi, let us conclude Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana with a note that it is not enough that we just read through and forget the content in the air. We should make efforts to follow them and put them into practice in our daily life and this is what is going to take us to “Moksha”. Hence, let us meticulously put efforts to practice what we preach! We shall wait till the next episode to make the grand beginning of Shri Vishnu Puraana! 🙂 Stay tuned! 🙂

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed a very important discussion pertaining to the main reason why Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi are marrying each other. We had witnessed that both of them are getting married, not for their own happiness, but for the happiness of devotees like us. The marriage is an important hallmark event, because it provides us an opportunity to reach Bhagawan more easily and thus attain the highest Moksha, with His divine grace. We’ve also witnessed that Goddess Mahalakshmi serves like a “bridge” between Bhagawan and His ardent devotees, by enabling Him to forget and forgive all the sins committed by the devotees. This is how our sins get washed away when we completely surrender to Bhagawan’s lotus feet and this is the important understanding that we should have in all of us, as we move forward with the “Rukmini-Kalyana” event.

Thus, as the arguments between the two families go on and on as to who is fortunate to marry whom, Rukmini Devi’s relatives repeatedly assert that it is Bhagawan Krishna’s fortune that He’s able to marry her. Similar argument surfaces on the other side as well. But, as devotees, what can be our argument? We can neither take sides of Vidharba Desha from where Rukmini Devi is, nor can we take sides of the Dwaaraka Desha, from where Bhagawan Krishna is. All what we can say as ardent devotees is that, it is neither Rukmini Devi’s fortune of marrying Bhagawan Krishna or vice versa, but it is our fortune that both of them are getting married to each other! Thus with this, the marriage event takes place with lot of grandeur and from that day till today, Bhagawan Krishna is still holding hands with Rukmini Devi and Sayabhaama as all three of them are blessing us with their infinite divine grace. With the three together, Bhagawan Krishna gives us the divine darshan as “Dwaaraka-deesha”, “Paarthasaarathy” and “Mathura-naatha”. With this divine note, let us pray together that Bhagawan Krishna should continue blessing us at all times, and it is none other than He who has to protect us from the raging pandemic that is currently gripping the entire world. Let us all pray together in unison – There is no difference between all of us when it comes to being ardent devotees (Bhaktas) of Bhagawan Krishna. All of us are the same and are the loving children of Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi. We should be extremely thankful for both of them for what we are today and for protecting us all these years continuously in all our endeavors. Hence, let us continue seeking their divine blessings in the days, months and years to come!

By reading this Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana text and by listening to the contents of it, one gets abundant wealth, all sort of luxuries in life and a spiritual path towards Vaikunta gets enlightened in his / her life. This is what is important isn’t it? No matter what all kinds of luxuries we might possess in this birth, everything is going to come to an end when our “Deham” is going to get destroyed. We’ve witnessed this time and again in our previous episodes. But what we’ve to understand by the term “luxuries” here is that, the path that clears up towards Bhagawan, as our sins get washed away slowly one after the other, is the real luxury that a “Jeevatma” can get from Bhagawan. Hence, we should strive for this luxury first, rather than others. Obviously, money, wealth, name, etc. would automatically be taken care of by Bhagawan through various ways, and I don’t think we need to invest all our time and effort in going behind those things endlessly. All what we’ve to do is to surrender to Bhagawan’s lotus feet with ardent devotion and detachment from the worldly objects and pleasures, and this itself would take us down the spiritual path, so as to make us attain the highest “Moksha”. This is the key learning that all of us have to imbibe within ourselves from this important text.

Thus, with this note, we come to the end of this great project called “Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana” and we shall formally call it “complete” in the upcoming final episode, with a special “Vote of Thanks” to all readers! Stay tuned! 🙂

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We’re at a beautiful juncture of the all-important Rukmini Devi-Bhagawan Krishna wedding, wherein the garlanding ceremony is about to take place. It is at this time, people from both the families praise Rukmini Devi and Bhagawan Krishna. On one hand, Rukmini Devi’s relatives and friends are explaining how fortunate is Bhagawan Krishna to hold hands of such a beautiful girl, with all value systems ingrained in her as well. In turn, Bhagawan Krishna’s side of relatives and friends are refusing to accept that argument made by the other side. These people explain how Rukmini Devi is so fortunate to hold Bhagawan’s hands and how lucky is she to get an opportunity to spend her entire life with Him, in His vicinity all the time. Ultimately, what we should understand from this “fight” between the two families is that, both Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi are “made for each other”, and they are the “Divine parents” of all of us. Rukmini Devi is our divine mother and Bhagawan Krishna is our father. Indeed, from their marriage, we are fortunate enough to worship both of them as a couple.

In our previous Ramayana project, we’ve witnessed why Bhagawan Rama is always better to be worshipped along with Mother Sita, and not alone. It is because, when we go and stand in front of Bhagawan, His eyes only look at the truckloads of sins that we’ve committed during the entire lifetime of ours. Ultimately, Bhagawan’s eyes are embodiments of “Surya Bhagawan” (Sun) and “Chandra Bhagawan” (Moon), isn’t it? It should be understood that Bhagawan’s one eye, which is an embodiment of Surya Bhagawan would burn and destroy the evil in the world and the other eyes which is an embodiment of Chandra Bhagawan would be cool, kind and compassionate towards those people who follow Dharma. Certainly for all the sins that we’re committing every passing day, we’re never going to be in that category of people who are following the path of “Dharma”! Hence, Bhagawan’s eye which is the embodiment of Surya Bhagawan is only going to get activated when we go and stand in front of Him! Thus, for all the wrongdoings that we’re doing, Bhagawan is only going to burn us down to ashes, within seconds!

This is where, Mother Sita or Mother Rukmini Devi plays an important role. As we’ve witnessed Bhagawan’s eyes are embodiments of both Surya Bhagawan and Chandra Bhagawan, Goddess Mahalakshmi’s eyes are full of compassion and love for Her children, and both her eyes are embodiments of Chandra Bhagawan. This is where, Mother Sita and Mother Rukmini Devi pacify Bhagawan when we go and stand in front of Him, saying thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Afterall he’s our child isn’t it? Why are you trying to burn him down for some petty mistakes that he has committed? Let us forgive and accept him!” Bhagawan would reply back to Goddess Mahalakshmi thus, “Oh Mahalakshmi! Do you really think we should forgive him? He’s an embodiment of all “Adharma” put together. He has committed all unwanted crimes during his lifetime and has created untold miseries to living beings around him, isn’t it? Why on earth should we forgive him? If we forgive this fellow, what is the purpose of having all the Vedas, Shaastras, etc. which prescribe punishments for respective crimes?”

Hearing thus, Goddess Mahalakshmi would reply to Bhagawan, “Oh Bhagawan! I understand your point! But let us come to a mutual understanding here – All those people who come to us with folded arms, seeking our unconditional surrender – You should forgive them unconditionally. You may feel free to give your punishments according to the Vedas and Shaastras, to those who do not want to come to us seeking surrender!” Hearing thus from Goddess Mahalakshmi, Bhagawan thinks thus, “Oh yes! This seems a good point. Hence, all those people who come with an unconditional surrender, seeking refuge to my lotus feet, would be let off from all sort of punishments for all sort of sins that they’re commiting. The other people who do not come to me seeking surrender, would certainly experience all punishments as per the crimes they’ve committed!”

As Bhagawan explains His stance thus, Goddess Mahalakshmi heaves a sigh of relief! She later comes to all of us and says, “Now that Bhagawan had ruled thus, I shall make all of you surrender to His lotus feet!” 🙂 We can see here how compassionate and merciful our Divine Mother is! No matter what kind of sin we commit, if we’re going to our divine mother seeking refuge, She would definitely accept us with all Her divine grace and compassion. This is the reason why Bhagawan Rama marries Mother Sita and here, Bhagawan Krishna marries Rukmini Devi. They do not marry each other for their own luxuries, pleasures and benefits. They get married for our benefit, so that all of us can reach Vaikunta easily, without any hassle. We should understand this important point here thus. In other words, Bhagawan Krishna marries Rukmini Devi to liberate all of us from the clutches of the “Samsaara”, “Karma”, etc. and take us together to the highest state of “Moksha”.

In fact, if we look at the trail of events, both in Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhaagawatha Puraana, all killings of Raakshasas would have been done by Bhagawan Rama / Bhagawan Krishna when Mother Sita / Rukmini Devi aren’t around. In the Ramayana for instance, Bhagawan Rama kills Shubaahu, and at this time, Mother Sita isn’t near Rama. Similarly, Bhagawan Rama kills the 14,000 Raakshasas at Janasthaana and again at this time, Mother Sita isn’t near Him. Similarly, Bhagawan Rama kills Ravana, and even at that time, Mother Sita isn’t nearby! Bhagawan Rama killed Maareecha, who disguised himself as a golden deer. Even during the time when Bhagawan Rama killed him, Mother Sita wasn’t nearby, isn’t it? Bhagawan Rama went somewhere else when the killing happened! Thus, if we analyze the Ramayana carefully, we would understand that Bhagawan Rama would kill someone only when He’s alone. Whereas, if He is with Mother Sita, He doesn’t kill anyone.

Similarly in the Mahabharata and Bhaagawatha Puraana, we would see the same trend. Right from Poothana to Kesi, when Little Krishna killed all the Raakshasas, Rukmini Devi wasn’t near Him. When Little Krishna killed Kamsa, again Rukmini Devi wasn’t nearby. When Bhagawan Krishna killed Sishupaala, again Rukmini Devi wasn’t nearby! Whereas when Kuchela (Sudhaama) came to meet Bhagawan Krishna, Rukmini Devi was alongside Him, and all of us know how Sudhaama’s life was transformed totally upside down! This is where, Mother Rukmini Devi is extremely significant and she serves as a bridge between Bhagawan and the Bhaktas! Goddess Mahalakshmi has a divine name called “Kamala”, isn’t it? What does this word mean? The sacred syllable “Ka” means “Jeevatma”. The sacred syllable “Ma” means “Paramatma” or Bhagawan. The sacred syllable “La” means “Serving as a bridge between Jeevatma and the Paramatma. This is exactly the role of Goddess Mahalakshmi, and in this context, Rukmini Devi.

So for today, let us understand these important points as to why Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi are getting married to each other. We should understand that they’re not getting married to enjoy their life with each other. They’re getting married to take all of us to “Moksha”! We shall thus surrender to our divine parents wholeheartedly from today and benefit from their marriage! We shall wait till the next episode to continue the marriage event at Dwaaraka city! Stay tuned! 🙂

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important juncture wherein Bhagawan Krishna’s marriage with Rukmini Devi is getting underway in full swing and with lot of festive grandeurs. We’ve already witnessed that since this shouldn’t be considered as a “Raakshasa Vivaaha”, Bhagawan Krishna ensures that all the elders from both families are invited for the marriage function and through that, their blessings are seeked. Both Bhagawan Krishna’s and Rukmini Devi’s parents are present at the venue and the entire Dwaraka city is dazzling with lightings and other festive decorations. The entire city is in a joyous mood as their great king is getting married. All the Devas (Celestial Beings) including Indra and Co. are alsmaking their way to Dwaaraka to be part of this grandeur. Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi are well-dressed and are dazzling with beauty, surrounded by all the important elders from both the families. Rukmini Devi is having a garland in her hand, which is to be submitted to Bhagawan Krishna. Similarly, Bhagawan Krishna is also having a beautiful shining garland, which is to be submitted to Rukmini Devi. All the rituals are taking place as per the protocol and the stage is set now for the exchange of garlands between the divine couple.

It is at this time, something tricky happens. As Bhagawan Krishna is about the garland Rukmini Devi, a sudden and an unexpected clash erupts between the two families. Normally, clashes between two families happen in terms of dowry, money, name, status, ego clashes, etc. We’re seeing this even today in the present-day marriages too isn’t it? Everything would go on smoothly and suddenly somebody would raise a complaint with some small aspect with respect to the food that is served for all the guests. Immediately this issue would be taken up by the groom’s family and this would be blown out of proportion! Ultimately this would erupt into a huge fight between the families of the bride and the groom and many a times, the marriage itself would get called off, or it would end up in a very hostile marriage. It is important that such things should be avoided by us. We should understand that not everybody and everything can be 100% perfect always. There would be certain shortcomings here and there, and we should develop the maturity to accept it with a smile and move on. Ultimately the life of the couple who is getting married is more important than all these luxuries and grand celebrations. As elders, people should have the respect and maturity to bless the couple with all their heart, rather than picking up issues and creating problems. Thus, marriage is a happy event in one’s life and this should not turn hostile due to petty reasons. This is very important for all of us to understand.

Having said thus, the issue between Bhagawan Krishna’s and Rukmini Devi’s families are not with regards to money, property, name, etc. Both families are affluent ones, as both are royal king families. But the issue here was that, suddenly someone got up from Bhagawan Krishna’s side and exclaimed thus, “Oh! Look at the handsomeness of our Krishna! To have a look at this handsome boy, your Rukmini should consider herself very fortunate in her life. Else, how would she be able to get married to such a handsome boy with a divine look? Hence, you people should be thankful to Bhagawan Krishna for this golden opportunity that He has given to your daughter!” Indeed, they were right in their own way, isn’t it? If we look at Bhagawan’s face, we can keep looking at Him, all through the day and night, without taking our eyes off! The beauty and handsome features of Bhagawan’s compassionate and kind face is a treat for all of us to gaze at. This is exactly what Bhagawan Krishna’s family members are explaining here!

As this statement was being made loud and strong, Rukmini Devi’s family members thought of taking some revenge! Indeed, this is not a hostile revenge, but a sweet one. They get up and explain thus, “Oh, do you know what? Look at our Rukmini! How beautiful and compassionate are her eyes? How dazzling she looks with all the ornaments adorned on her? Indeed, it should be the other way round! Your Krishna should consider Himself very fortunate that He’s able to marry a beauty queen like Rukmini Devi! Else, without this fortune, how on earth is He going to get such a girl in His life? Hence, it is your Krishna who has to be thankful!”

Indeed, both of the families are right in their own perspective, isn’t it? Rukmini Devi is an embodiment and an incarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi Herself from Vaikunta, just like how Mother Sita incarnated for Bhagawan Rama. We’ve already witnessed during our Ramayana project as to how Mother Sita was so kind and compassionate with all her dazzling beauty during her marriage with Bhagawan Rama. The same thing applies here too. Rukmini Devi, being Goddess Mahalakshmi, is an embodiment of compassion towards all Her divine children, isn’t it? Afterall she’s the divine mother and how on earth can she lack that beauty, in combination with the compassion? In fact, this is what is the difference between Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi. Bhagawan Krishna is handsome, beautiful, etc. But when compared to Rukmini Devi, the factor called “compassion” is extremely high in Rukmini Devi, than for Bhagawan Krishna. Even in today’s world we see this isn’t it? Generally, males are less compassionate than females in day-to-day life too. Females are more patient and accommodating than males. This is what makes the difference! This same thing applies to Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi in the Dwaapara Yuga, and Bhagawan Rama and Mother Sita in the Tretha Yuga.

Thus, in this context, a huge debate breaks out between the two camps as to who is fortunate to marry whom! This is not something that is going to end up in a clash or a fight, but it is just a treat for all of us, devotees to witness and enjoy! In fact, as I had mentioned earlier, both the families are right in their own perspective, and this is why, Bhagawan Krishna and Rukmini Devi are “made for each other!” Similarly, Mother Sita and Bhagawan Rama are “made for each other”! The couple complements one another so beautifully that there would be no haste in between them even for a single iota of time. This is what we’ve to understand from this “fight” that is breaking out between the two families!

So for today, let us understand this important point and let us wait till the next episode to witness where is this going to lead to! Stay tuned! 😊

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In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the incidents that took place after Bhagawan Krishna picked up Rukmini Devi from Rukmi and Sishupaala. There was a huge battle and at the end of it, Bhagawan Krishna emerged victorious. He made sure that He doesn’t kill any of them, but sent them back with lot of insults! With this, Bhagawan Krishna brings Rukmini Devi to Dwaaraka and all the arrangements for a grand marriage are being made. This is where in the previous episode, we had discussed the key categories of “Vivaaha” or Marriage. We had witnessed what is a “Raakshasa Vivaaha” and a “Deva Vivaaha”, which are the two main categories of Viviaaha. The “Raakshasa Vivaaha” is something wherein the boy and girl get married without the proper consent of their parents and family. All instances that involve the couple running away from home and getting married at a secretive place in a secretive way, comes under the ambit of “Raakshasa Vivaaha”. Whereas, the one that happens with the proper approval of the parents and family is called as the “Deva Vivaaha”.

In the case of Bhagawan Krishna marrying Rukmini, it was almost going to be under the classification of the “Raakshasa Vivaaha”, however, Bhagawan Krishna realized that if such a thing is going to happen, the entire world would start following this as a role model! Ultimately, Bhagawan Krishna knew that this would be taken as a bad example to be implemented in future too. Any marriage should happen only with the due consent of elders and parents especially, and Bhagawan Krishna made sure that He sets the right example for the subsequent generations of people to follow. With this in mind, what was going to be a “Raakshasa Vivaaha”, is now getting transformed into a “Deva Vivaaha”, wherein Bhagawan Krishna makes elaborate arrangements for all people in Dwaaraka city to be invited. The marriage is about to take place with the due consent of all the elders in the place, including Bhagawan Krishna’s parents – Devaki and Vasudeva.

In fact, if we look at the trail of events that had conspired, all the “Engagement” rituals has been done by Rukmi for Rukmini Devi and Sishupaala. The entire marriage event was finalized and it is only at the last moment, Bhagawan Krishna broke inside and did whatever He had done, isn’t it? In fact, Bhagawan Krishna was a bit lazy to do all these formalities of marriage! He wanted all of these rituals to get over and only then come at the last moment to play spoilsport! Even in modern day movies, we see such scenes often isn’t it? The “hero” would barge inside the marriage hall when the ceremony is going on, and lift the girl from there and create a huge ruckus amidst all the people! This is not something that is found out in today’s context! These things were existing even in the Dwaapara Yuga itself and Bhagawan Krishna Himself is an epitome of this! 🙂

Now having said all this, the time is all set for the auspicious Rukmini Devi’s marriage with Bhagawan Krishna! Both are on the stage, with all people surrounding the couple. Bhagawan Krishna has a garland in His hand to put around Rukmini Devi. Similarly, Rukmini Devi has a garland in her hands and is waiting to put it around Bhagawan’s neck. As the couple were ready to garland each other thus, people from both sides were present – Rukmini Devi’s side of people on one end and Bhagawan Krishna’s side on the other. Rukmi had also made his way to Dwaaraka after accepting the fact that it is only with the behest of his daughter that Bhagawan Krishna had enacted the entire set of events. In a way, Rukmi was also convinced that his daughter is going to get married to a great king. Thus, Rukmini Devi’s side of people were also present for the event and the entire place was coming alive with a grand festive mood! Dwaaraka city is lit up in a great fashion and so is Bhagawan Krishna’s palace.

As the entire event started it’s course, it is now time for the main event to take place – Garlanding and “Thiru-Maangalya-Dhaaranam” (Tying the sacred thread around the woman’s neck). It is at this time, something unexpected happens! A huge fight breaks out between the two “in-laws” of the couple! What is this fight for? What conspired at the end of this fight? Did the marriage go through successfully? Let’s wait till the next episode to witness the answers for all of these questions! Stay tuned! 🙂