The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna marrying Jaambhavati, daughter of Jaambhavan. We’ve witnessed the interesting event of how the Syamanthaka ornament got lost and how Bhagawan Krishna went in search of it, only to find it in a huge cave wherein Jaambhavan was present. Unknowingly, Jaambhavan and Bhagawan Krishna entered into a ferocious fight with each other and at one point, they were unable to defeat each other. It is only at this time that Jaambhavan realized that it was none other than Bhagawan Rama standing in front of him, in His next incarnation as Bhagawan Krishna. In turn, Bhagawan Krishna too realized that it was none other than Jaambhavan himself, who was an ardent devotee of Bhagawan Rama! Thus, both of them seek forgiveness to each other for the unwanted ghastly fight, and at the end, Jaambhavan was so overwhelmed that Bhagawan Rama had kept up His promise of giving him His divine “Darshan” during the Dwaapara Yuga. He was surprised how Bhagawan Krishna came all the way to see him in person! With this happiness, Jaambhavan gave his daughter, Jaambhavati in marriage to Bhagawan Krishna, along with the Syamanthaka ornament too.

Now we’ve witnessed Bhagawan Krishna being the husband of Jaambhavati. However, it might be very popular everywhere that Bhagawan Krishna’s divine consortium is Rukmini Devi and Satyabhama Devi. Have we ever heard of any temple wherein we would worship Jaambhavati as the divine consortium of Bhagawan Krishna? For instance, if we go to Kumbakonam (A temple-town in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu), we would be able to worship Bhagawan Krishna as Bhagawan Raajagopala, along with Rukmini Devi. Elsewhere also, we would find innumerable “Divyadesams” wherein we would be able to worship Bhagawan Krishna along with Rukmini Devi only. However, there is one “Divyadesam” near to Srivilliputhur, called “Thiruthangal”. This is also in the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu. This is perhaps the only temple wherein we would be able to worship Bhagawan Krishna with His divine consortium to be Jaambhavati. We should make it a point thus, to visit this important and a unique temple and thus, enjoy the event of how Bhagawan Krishna married Jaambhavati.

Moving thus, Bhagawan Krishna had to initially marry Satyabhama, who was the daughter of this Satraajith. However, He ended up marrying Jaambhavati before that. With Jaambhavati and the Syamanthaka ornament, Bhagawan Krishna returns victoriously to His dwelling place at Dwaaraka, called up Satraajith and said thus, “Oh Satraajith! Here is the Syamanthaka ornament that you were looking for! I’m giving it back to you in front of the entire world today. You had branded me as a thief and a murderer of your brother. Now all your narratives and theories have been proven wrong. Henceforth, please have this Syamanthaka ornament with you only and I’m no way connected to it!” As Bhagawan Krishna gives the ornament thus, Satraajith felt guilty within himself that he has branded his childhood friend in a wrong way. He immediately falls on Bhagawan Krishna’s feet and seeks unconditional apology. Satraajith explains to Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Krishna! Please accept my unconditional apology for branding you in a wrong way. Please do not take this to heart. This Syamanthaka ornament had created lot of rift between you and me. Please forget the past and please accept my apologies!”

Saying thus, Satraajith continues further – “Oh Krishna! Here is my daughter, Satyabhama. As a token of our reconciliation, I’m hereby wishing to give my daughter in marriage to you! Please accept my daughter and grace us with your divine gesture.” Saying thus, Satraajith gave Satyabhama in marriage with Bhagawan Krishna. Bhagawan Krishna too, from His end, accepted Satyabhaama as His wife and a great marriage ceremony was organized. Satraajith was extremely happy and so was his daughter Satyabhaama. The marriage was conducted in a grand fashion and Bhagawan Krishna now had two wives in one pursuit – Jaambhavati first and now Satyabhama!

So for today, let us enjoy and experience the significance of these two important events together and let us wait for the next episode to continue with the next set of events after this! What happened to Satraajith and his Syamanthaka ornament after Satyabhama’s marriage? An interesting accord awaits us! Stay tuned! 😊

 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of an important event that involves the “Syamanthaka” ornament and how Bhagawan Krishna end up marrying Jaambhavati and Satyabhama. We’ve witnessed that Satraajith was one of Bhagawan Krishna’s childhood friends and he had the “Syamathaka” ornament gifted to him by Bhagawan Soorya for some reason. This Syamanthaka ornament was a shining and a glittering one, and it caught the attention of many people around him. Satraajith too was very happy flaunting around by wearing this ornament around his neck, because he loved people getting envious about him and his possession. Moreover, the Sayamanthaka ornament also had a divine characteristic of giving gold when being rubbed. This also made people open their mouths wide open with awe! It is at this time, Bhagawan Krishna also heard about Satraajith possessing this Syamanthaka ornament and He too wanted to see how it is. As He requested Satraajith for the same, Satraajith insulted Bhagawan Krishna and also denied Him the possession of it, even if it was for a day or two. Bhagawan Krishna too let him go, but with a little bit of a haste.

Once when Satraajith’s brother went around for hunting, he was having that ornament around his neck. However, he never returned back home after that day’s hunting. As the search operation continued, Satraajith’s brother was found dead and it was said that he was killed by a lion. However, Satraajith refused to accept this narrative. He instead put the blame squarely on Bhagawan Krishna by saying that since Bhagawan Krishna had a “desire” for the Syamanthaka ornament, he chased his brother, killed him and abducted it. This led to lot of chaos and confusion, and even as Bhagawan Krishna vehemently denied the allegations, He was “branded” to be a thief and a murderer! Thus, unable to tolerate these false allegations against Him, Bhagawan Krishna decided to set things right by investigating the matter all by Himself.

Thus, Bhagawan Krishna sets out in search of the body of Satraajith’s brother and with a savage resolution to disprove people’s belief and to clear the air. As Bhagawan Krishna ventures into the forest, He first sees a horse that is lying dead on His way. Upon seeing that, Bhagawan Krishna knew that this horse hasn’t had an ordinary death, but a lion has killed it. He was able to see footsteps of the lion nearby. Thus, Bhagawan Krishna follows the footsteps of the lion and this leads to Satraajith’s brother being dead on the ground. He thus concluded for sure that it is the lion that has killed Satraajith’s brother, and not Him! He’s thus proved innocent. With this, one part of the allegation came to an end.

However, the Syamanthaka ornament was missing. Satraajith’s brother was lying dead there, but the ornament has been taken away by someone else. He followed some footsteps that were there to some distance. There was a huge tunnel amidst a huge cliff. The footsteps led into the tunnel and Bhagawan Krishna followed those footsteps carefuly. As He enters the tunnel, Bhagawan Krishna sees a beautiful girl sitting there and on top of her, this Syamanthaka ornament was tied to the rock. It was used by this girl as a toy to play with. Bhagawan Krishna was wondering how this ornament came here and upon seeing nobody around, except for that girl, He tried to take the ornament from there and escape away.

It is only at this time that a huge roar was heard from inside the tunnel and there came a huge bear! The bear was extremely ferocious in appearance and it said thus to Bhagawan Krishna – “Oh! Who are you? What made you come here? Why are you touching my daughter’s toy? Are you trying to steal it? It’s not going to happen at all! Win over me in war and maybe perhaps you can take whatever you want!” Saying thus, the bear came forward and attacked Bhagawan Krishna! A huge fight broke out between the two! The fight goes on and on for few hours, for the entire day until the dusk set in. Both of them weren’t able to defeat each other. Bhagwan Krishna couldn’t understand what can defeat the bear, and similarly the bear too couldn’t understand how to overpower Bhagawan Krishna! The bear thinks within itself thus, “Oh wow! Normally I kill everyone who come in front of me with just one tight slap. But today, I would have given a thousand such slaps to this boy, and how come He’s all the more enthusiastic to fight on and on?” Similarly, Bhagawan also thinks thus, “Oh wow! I’ve lifted the Govardhana mountain in a single finger, I’ve killed hundreds of Raakshasas including the powerful Kamsa without much effort, I’ve neutralized Jaraasandha’s huge army seventeen times, etc. How come I’m unable to defeat this one bear?”

It is to be remembered by readers that as both of them are thinking thus, the fight is still continuing unabated. But with some deeper introspection, Bhagawan Krishna understood that this bear is none other than the great Jaambhavaan, who has helped Him during His previous incarnation of Bhagawan Rama. It was the same Jaambhavaan who had played a crucial role in finding the whereabouts of Mother Sita and also during the epic battle with Ravana. Thus, Bhagawan Krishna realizes in a flash  that He has committed a great mistake in picking up a fight against this veteran Jaambhavan. Similarly on the other end, Jaambhavaan too realizes that he has made a folly by fighting with his own Bhagawan Rama! He understood that this person is none other than Bhagwan Rama Himself, who has incarnated next as Bhagawan Krishna! Thus, both of them realized their mistake and hug each other! The fight comes to an end!

Jaambhavan seeks apology to Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! I’m extremely sorry for fighting against you. For a moment I did not realize that you’re Bhagawan Rama Himself incarnated as Bhagawan Krishna. I had forgotten the promise that you had given me when we met last after your “Vana-Vaasa!” it is to be remembered here that when Bhagawan Rama came back to Ayodhya after his 14-year-tenure at the forest for His coronation, Jaambhavan did not accompany Bhagawan Rama, Lakshmana and Mother Sita beyond a point. He went back to his dwelling place and it is at this point that Bhagawan Rama gives an assurance to Jaambhavan that, He would surely meet him during His next incarnation by coming to the place wherever he was residing! It is thus incredible to know how Bhagawan honors His words and promises given to His devotees even if the devotees forget it, isn’t it?

Thus, both of them patch up together and appreciate each other’s company. Thus, Jaambhavan points out towards the girl who was sitting at the entrance and introduces her to Bhagawan Krishna. He says thus, “Oh Bhagawan! This is my daughter by name Jaambhavati! It is for her that I took this Syamanthana ornament as a playing object. I did not kill anybody. Prasenajith (Brother of Satraajith) was on the ground dead. The ornament was lying around in his vicinity unclaimed. Hence, I picked it up while I was passing through that place. I never had any special interest in this ornament! The entire world is your property and I’m not a person who goes behind all these ornaments. Hence, you can take it!”

As Jaambhavan gave back the ornament, he also gave his daughter Jaambhavati in marriage with Bhagawan Krishna! Thus, we are witnessing here that Bhagawan Krishna came in search of the Syamanthaka ornament, but ended up marrying Jaambhavati! So for today, let us enjoy, understand and experience this important event and we shall wait till the next episode to witness what happened after this! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important discussion on the various places that combine to form the “Dwaaraka-Kshetra”. We started with the famous “Daakur-Dwaaraka”, wherein Bhagawan Krishna came running all the way from Mathura. Subsequently we moved on to witness the “Gomati-Dwaaraka” and “Bet-Dwaaraka” wherein Bhagawan Krishna had established His huge palace from where He was ruling the world. Subsequently we witnessed the significance of the “Naatha-Dwaaraka” or the “Shreenaatha-Kshetra” in Rajasthan, wherein Bhagawan Krishna is referred to as Bhagawan Shreenatha. We also witnessed how the “Pushti Sampradhaaya” is being followed here for doing all the offerings to Bhagawan Krishna, which was established by Sage Vallabhaachaarya. Just like how we have Sage Raamaanujachaarya in the south, Sage Vallabhaachaarya was very prominent in the Shri Vaishnava Sampradhaaya in the north.

Moving on, we shall now witness how Bhagawan Krishna is going to marry Satyabhama and Jaambhavati, it should be remembered by readers here that Bhagawan Krishna had now already married Rukmini Devi and we’ve not yet witnessed the “Charithra” behind it. We’ve reserved it for the last. But for the moment, we can assume that Bhagawan Krishna has already married Rukmini Devi and now we shall move on to witness Bhagawan Krishna’s marriage with Satyabhama. In fact, it is very interesting to note here that Bhagawan Krishna is going to marry both Satyabhama and Jaambhavati at almost the same time. Let us witness the events that unfolded.

“Pravisya satraajith svagruham shrimath krita koutuka mangalam!

Pravishya deva svadhane manim viprairyavveshayath!!

Sa yaachito manim qvaapi yaduraajaaya shourina!

Naivaartha kaamukah praadaath yaanchaabhangam atharkayan!!”

Sage Sukhaachaarya is now starting to explain the trail of events that unfolded one after the other. There was once a person by name “Satraajith”. He was a good friend of Bhagawan Krishna for many years. For some reason, Bhagawan Soorya had gifted Satraajith with a beautiful glittering pearl-like ornament called “Syamanthakam”. He used to wear this “Syamanthakam” ornament around his neck like a necklace and it used to glitter with all its sheen. As he walks, the ornament made beautiful sounds and attracted the attention of many trespassers who walked past him. As Satraajith was gaining lot of attention from every corner, he was very happy and on top of his world!

This “Syamanthakam” ornament had a unique characteristic. If someone rubs it gently, it starts giving gold! Thus, it was a huge attraction for all the people in Dwaaraka, including Bhagawan Krishna Himself! As Satraajith was roaming around here and there, just for the sake of showcasing the ornament, people used to feel jealous that only he had the opportunity to have such a highly-rated ornament! Upon seeing people feeling jealous about him, Satraajith was very happy! Even we do this today, isn’t it? If we have some expensive ornaments made of gold or diamond, we too would wear it in such a way that it is visible to everybody and walk past, isn’t it? This is a common sight if we go to attend some marriage and other auspicious functions. In fact, these kinds of events are good opportunities for us to showcase our “financial strength”! 🙂 Of course, none of us would wear it everyday while we go for work. But here, Satraajith is wearing this “Syamanthakam” ornament every day as he walks past! This makes people attracted towards him and the ornament and many were feeling envious of him.

As days passed by, Satraajith’s name and fame started increasing exponentially and this news came to Bhagawan Krishna as well. So He calls Satraajith to his palace one day and requests him thus, “Oh Satraajith! You know that we’ve been good friends for many years now! Our friendship is very deep and understanding. Hence, I’m wishing to ask you something – Can you please give this Syamanthaka ornament to me for a day or two? I shall just see how it is and give it back to you!” As Bhagawan Krishna asks for it thus, Satraajith was high on pride. He replies back thus, “Oh Krishna! You’re asking for something that you do not deserve! You’re afterall an ordinary person who had come from the Yadava clan and you don’t stand any eligibility to possess such a high-profile ornament. Hence, I’m not going to give this to you!” Hearing this from His friend Satraajith, Bhagawan Krishna thinks within Himself thus, “Oh wow! This is called true friendship – If a person becomes exceptionally rich one day, he would even forget his friend completely!” Thinking thus, Bhagawan Krishna too left it off, and didn’t argue further. Afterall it was the possession of Satraajith and he has graciously obtained it from Bhagawan Soorya. Hence, Bhagawan Krishna did not medel with it.

One fine day, for whatsoever reason, Satraajith’s brother was having the Syamanthakam ornament on his neck and was roaming around. He had gone somewhere for something, but he did not return back! Upon searching and investigating about his whereabouts, it was concluded that a fierce lion had attacked him somewhere and had killed him. However, Satraajith had his own doubts! He recollected that once Bhagawan Krishna had asked for it and he had denied it. he also knows how Bhagawan Krishna once used to steal butter and milk from all houses in Gokula when He was five years old! Hence, Satraajith concluded that it was none other than Bhagawan Krishna who had “stolen” the ornament and eventually, he had also killed his brother as well. Thinking thus, Satraajith started to spread this “fake narrative” everywhere in Dwaaraka! We’re talking today about various “fake narratives” built up by few politicians with vested interests, but it’s surprising to know that this concept was in existence even during Bhagawan Krishna’s tenure! As the narrative was being reinforced on and on by Satraajith, at one stage people too started to believe this story and started concluding that Bhagawan Krishna was a thief!

Of course, Bhagawan Krishna was a thief during childhood days, but even now? He has grown up and is a ruler of a huge kingdom called Dwaaraka. Also, He’s the divine incarnation of Bhagawan Vishnu! How can He be a thief? Satraajith failed to understand all this. He thus concluded that Bhagawan Krishna was a thief, just because He had exhibited similar behavior when He was a child! A huge investigation was called for! What happened next? Where did the Syamanthaka ornament disappear? What had really happened to Satraajith’s brother? Let’s wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna granting the highest “Moksha” to Muchukunda. We’ve witnessed the trail of events that led to this important point, wherein Muchukunda was slumbering undisturbed and Bhagawan Krishna ran into the tunnel being chased by Kaalayavana. As Muchukunda’s sleep is disturbed, he opens his eyes and it was at this time, Kaalayavana bumped on to him straight on to his face! Thus, according to Indra’s boon, Kaalayavana was burnt to ashes and Bhagawan Krishna appears in front of Muchukunda to talk with him. However, sleeping as he was for hundreds of years together now, Muchukunda didn’t realize that it was Bhagawan who was standing in front of him. Unknowingly thus, Muchukunda questions Bhagawan Krishna about His whereabouts and what was He doing here. Playful and joyous as He is, Bhagawan Krishna shuts Muchukunda’s mouth, grants him the highest “Moksha” and sends him packing to Vaikunta! What a fortune did Muchukunda have in his life!

Thus, with this point, we come to the end of the Muchukunda-Charitra. Moving on thus, as Kaalayavana was killed, Bhagawan Krishna is going to establish His dwelling place at Dwaaraka. Even today, the presiding deity at this “Dwaaraka-Kshetra” is called as “Rana-Chod-Rai”. “Rana” means, battlefield, “Chod” means “thief”. Thus, we can infer that Bhagawan Krishna acted as if he had feared the battlefield at Mathura, ran all His way to this Dwaaraka Kshetra. Thus Bhagawan “Rana-Chod-Rai” is the presiding deity of “Daakur-Dwaaraka”. Thus, Bhagawan Krishna establishes a huge palace in this very place.

“Satvayaa drsihtamaatastu basmeebhavatu tatkshanaath!

Kobhavaaniha sampraaptaha vipine girigahvare!!

Padhyaam Padmaphalaashaabhyaam vicharasthu rurukantake!

Sva janma karma gotram vaa katthyathaam yadi rochate!!”

With this, we move on thus to the next important “Charitra” – How Bhagawan Krishna married Rukmini Devi. We’re going to witness how Rukmini Devi fell in love with Bhagawan Krishna and how did she manage to marry Him. However, we’re not going to do this now at this point. We shall reserve this Charitra towards the end of the “Shrimad Bhaagawatha Purana” text, according to the tradition. We would now witness what happened after Bhagawan Krishna married Rukmini Devi. For now, let us understand that Bhagawan Krishna has married Rukmini Devi and henceforth, they had children. Apart from Rukmini Devi, Bhagawan Krishna marries many other women and most importantly we talk about eight significant wives.

Till now, we’ve been witnessing what had conspired at the “Daakur-Dwaaraka” and now we’re going to move the scene to the next important Dwaaraka called “Gomati Dwaaraka”. This is where, Bhagawan Krishna prays to Samudra-Raja to obtain around 120 miles of “reclaimed land” from the sea. We’ve already witnessed a brief of this in our previous episodes, but now let us witness it in detail. It is on this reclaimed land did Bhagawan Krishna build an enormously beautiful palace and it is from here, was Bhagawan Krishna ruling the entire world. Even today if we happen to worship this Gomati Dwaaraka Kshetra, we would be able to worship all the eight important wives of Bhagawan Krishna.

From the seashore, we’ve to travel for around 8-9 kilometres inside the sea and we would reach a place called “Bet-Dwaraka”. “Bent” means “Hundi”, wherein we offer all our contributions when we visit temples. Also, when Bhagawan Krishna’s childhood friend Kuchela came to visit Him, he brought some puffed rice as a token of offering for Bhagawan Krishna. This is also called “Bent”. We’re going to witness this beautiful story in a while from now. Thus, this phrase “Bent” got revised over time and became “Bet”. This is why it is called as “Bet-Dwaaraka”. It is amidst this place, is another small place called “Moola-Dwaaraka”. This was perhaps once a main place, but now, owing to sea-erosion over the years, it has become totally insignificant today.

Next important place around this area is the place where Sudhaama was born. Sudhaama, also referred as Kuchela was Bhagawan Krishna’s important friend and many of us might be knowing it. This place today, is referred to as Porbandhar. This is also in the Indian state of Gujarat. In fact, all of these places that we’re referring to, are all in Gujarat only. Thus we can see here that this Gujarat is a complete enclosure of innumerable “Punya-Kshetras”. After this, if we travel northwards for a longer distance, we would enter into the Indian state of Rajasthan, wherein there is a famous place called “Udaipur”. From Udaipur, if we travel further northwards for around 40-50 kilometres, we would reach another important Dwaaraka called “Naasat-Dwaaraka”. The presiding deity of this Kshetra is called “Shreenath ji” and this is why it is also called as “Shreenaatha-Dwaaraka”. Shri Vallabhaachaarya was a great saint in the Shri-Vaishnava-Sampradhaaya who resided in this place and it was under him that this “Shreenaatha Dwaaraka” came into existence. The tradition which is followed in these places is referred to as “Pushti-Sampradaaya”, wherein the offerings to Bhagawan Krishna is predominantly milk and milk products only. If we happen to visit the “Shreenaatha-Kshetra” we would observe that there are around 3000 cows that are maintained for this purpose. If we pay some 10 or 15 rupees, they would give a bowl full of milk to us and we shall directly take it to Shrinath ji to be offered to Him!

Thus, these are all extremely important “Punya-Kshetras” and even today, the significance of all these are still maintained. The most important point here is that, we should allocate some time and visit these places. This is why I’m spending lot of time in describing these Kshetras in detail. We should not restrict ourselves in just reading about all of these. The real experience would be obtained only if we personally visit these places. Can we taste a sweet chocolate by just reading the word “Chocolate” on a paper? Can we enjoy the sweetness of a chocolate by just looking at a picture of it on a book? We would be able to enjoy the sweetness of the chocolate only by eating it isn’t it? Similarly, we would be able to enjoy the significance of “Dwaaraka” and its five important places only if we visit them in person. So let us make it a point to do so.

With this, we shall move on with the next important Charitra. From now we’ve to witness how Bhagawan Krishna married each of the eight women. We shall wait till the next episode to commence the events one after the other! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna continuing to run all His way from Mathura city towards Dwaaraka. The place where Bhagawan Krishna entered first into Gujarat was “Daakur-Dwaaraka”, which is very close to today’s city called Anand. Kaalayavana is chasing Bhagawan Krishna all through the way and even though he’s asking Bhagawan Krishna to stop, He never stopped! Finally, Bhagawan Krishna enters into a small cave at this place called “Daakur-Dwaaraka” and this is exactly the cave within which Muchukunda was sleeping for a long time. We’ve witnessed that Muchukunda had obtained a boon from Indra to sleep for a long time undisturbed by anybody and if at all somebody disturbs his sleep, he could kill them by just casting his look upon them.

This is where Bhagawan Krishna acted smart. As He runs inside this cave, He kicks Muchukunda hard with His feet, runs further and hides behind a huge rock. Muchukunda’s sleep gets disturbed with this hard kick by Bhagawan Krishna and he wakes up! However, Kaalayavana comes along and he comes in straight contact with Muchukunda! In fact, Kaalayavana did not do anything here. All what he did was to come in straight sight of Muchukunda, and that was enough! He fell on the ground, burnt to ashes with just that one fierce look of Muchukunda. Thus we can see here that Bhagawan Krishna did not kill Kaalayavana directly. He just made sure that Kaalayavana, Muchukunda and his boon from Indra came together at the same time and at the same place. We can witness the smartness of Bhagawan Krishna here! Thus we realize here that Bhagawan Krishna wasn’t a coward in running away from Kaalayavana. The real reason here is that, Kaalayavana’s fate was to die because of Muchukunda’s boon from Indra and Bhagawan Krishna aided it very nicely.

Moving on further thus, as Kaalayavana falls on the ground dead, Muchukunda did not understand anything. He was just up from a long slumber, but when he fully woke up to his senses, he found someone dead beside him! Upon seeing this, Muchukunda did not understand head or tail of what had actually conspired. It is at this time, Bhagawan Krishna appears in front of Muchukunda for the first time. He thus comes out from His hiding place and stands in front of Muchukunda to grace him. Even as Bhagawan comes and stands in front of him, Muchukunda did not understand! He did not know who was standing in front of him! He thus asks Bhagawan Krishna a set of non-stop questions thus, “Oh! Who are you? What are you doing here? Why did you come here? You do not seem to be like a normal human being. I see you as some divine person. Are you one amongst the Devas (Celestial Beings)? Or are you Bhagawan Brahma or Bhagawan Shiva in human form? Who woke me up? Was it you or was it the person who had fallen here on the ground? Why did this person fall to ashes when I opened my eyes? Why did you hide yourself from me?”

As Muchukunda asks series of back-to-back questions thus, Bhagawan Krishna couldn’t control His laughter! He laughs aloud, seeing Muchukunda’s ignorance! In fact, just like how Bhagawan Krishna laughs out at Muchukunda, He’s doing the same everyday with us also! It is because we’re also amidst a huge cloud of sheer ignorance. Let us think for a moment here – We’re praying everyday to Bhagawan for attaining Moksha and finally upon hearing our prayers, Bhagawan gets moved by heart and appears in front of us! We’re not opening our eyes and are still chanting our “Mantra”. When Bhagawan calls out for us, what would be our reaction? Would we have that maturity to believe that Bhagawan is standing right in front of us to grant us the highest “Moksha”? For a moment we wouldn’t! It is of course because we’ve not seen Bhagawan in real till date, and we’ve also repeatedly heard and read from many sources that Bhagawan is somewhere far off at Vaikunta. Also, Bhagawan has innumerable ardent devotees who are calling Him and yearning for His presence every single minute. However, if He has to discard all of them and come towards us, just for our ordinary “Bhakti”, would we be able to believe it?

This is where our ignorance takes over! Thus, even if Bhagawan comes and stands in front of us, we wouldn’t recognize and realize Him isn’t it? This is exactly what Muchukunda faced – Even though Bhagawan Krishna was standing right in front of him, his sheer ignorance made him ask thousands of irrelevant questions to Bhagawan Krishna. In other words, how is Muchukunda to be bothered if Bhagawan Krishna was hiding or not? How is Muchukunda to be bothered for what reason Bhagawan Krishna had come there? All He should be doing upon seeing Bhagawan Krishna is to seek “Moksha” then and there, isn’t it? He did not do it! However, Bhagawan Krishna was kind and compassionate upon Muchukunda and replies thus, “Oh Muchukunda! It is not important as to why I came here, or why was I hiding. I’m Bhagawan Krishna standing in front of you! I’ve come here to grant you Moksha. Just take it and stop asking all these irrelevant questions to me!”

Upon understanding thus, Muchukunda falls on Bhagawan’s feet seeing apology to have made Him wait all this while. He thus receives the fortune of the Highest Moksha and finally descends to Vaikunta! With this, the “Muchukunda-Charitra” comes to an end. From this, the important lesson that we’ve to learn is that, whenever we’re praying to Bhagawan, we shouldn’t keep asking unwanted and unnecessary questions to Him, other than requesting Him to grant us the highest “Moksha”. So for today, let us realize and understand this point. We shall wait till the next episode to move on with the next important event. Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna “trying” to escape the wrath of Jaraasandha and Kaalayavana, who was his deputy. As Bhagawan Krishna decides that staying hereafter at Mathura is only going to add to the woes of the people because of the constant fights with Jaraasandha and his army, He decides to shift to a different location. However, as Bhagawan Krishna starts His way from Mathura, this Kaalayavana spots Him! As this happens, Bhagawan Krishna didn’t want to fight Kaalayavana and instead He starts running away from him! Initially, even Kaalayavana did not understand why Bhagawan Krishna is running away from him, instead of putting up a fight. Thus, he starts chasing Bhagawan Krishna and asks Him to stop! But Bhagawan Krishna runs non-stop! He runs and runs!

We might be wondering why Bhagawan Krishna, who, inspite of being the all-pervasive supreme of the entire world, running away from afterall a miniscule enemy called Kaalayavana. There is a reason behind Bhagawan Krishna running away! He isn’t a coward to run away from His enemies like that. We’ve in the past episodes too witnessed how Little Krishna had killed thousands of Raakshasas singlehandedly, lifted the Govardhana Mountain with a single finger, etc. Inspite of doing all this, we might wonder why is Bhagawan Krishna “running away” like this from Kaalayavana. We’re going to see the answer for this question today.

Moving on with the event thus, Bhagawan Krishna starts running faster and faster and now he crosses the border of Uttar Pradesh, enters into Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and subsequently into Gujarat. We’ve witnessed in the past episodes that Bhagawan Krishna spent lot of time at Vrindavan. It is a huge geographical area, which encompasses the entire Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, goes into a bit of Rajasthan and southwards towards a bit of Madhya Pradesh. If we join these points together, the area within this is Vrindavan. This would encompass an area of around 170-180 miles. This is where Bhagawan Krishna would take the cows of Gokula and let them to graze there. There is a place called “Kaamya-Vana”, which is towards the western part of Uttar Pradesh and a little bit into the eastern part of Rajasthan. There is an important place of worship called “Bhojan-Thaali”, where Bhagawan Krishna had sat down there, taken food with all His little friends and threw the plates. Moreover, there is a huge rock, which is like a sliding board. This is where Bhagawan Krishna had played games with all His little friends. All these places are inside the Kaamya-Vana. There was a demon by name Loha-jangaasura. He was also killed by Bhagawan Krishna in this same Kaamya-Vana only. There is another place called “Vimala-Kunda” and this is also inside the Kaamya-Vana only.

Now as Bhagawan Krishna runs across all of these places in the Kaamya-Vana, He finally enters into Gujarat. The first place into which Bhagawan Krishna enters into Gujarat is called “Anand” today. This place might be familiar with many of us, as it is the headquarters of the famous AMUL brand of milk-products. It is very close to this Anand is a place called “Daakur-Dwaraka”. This place is around 2 hours drive from Ahmedabad, the capital city of Gujarat. In Hindi, the word “Daaku” means “Thief”, isn’t it? Since Bhagawan Krishna was a “divine thief”, running for safety, this place came to be called as “Daakur-Dwaaraka”. These are certain things that all of us should know and this is why we’re spending lot of time in understanding the geographical details associated with it. We’ve also seen a similar description during our Ramayana episodes too, wherein we’ve witnessed almost each and every place where Bhagawan Rama had travelled to – From Ayodhya to Mithilapuri and all the way southwards to Sri Lanka.

Now let us witness the “Charithra” in detail. As Bhagawan Krishna is running His way through, He comes across someone by name “Muchukunda”. This Muchukunda comes as part of the Ikshvaaku Dynasty. One of the prominent kings of this dynasty was Maandhaata. In fact, Muchukunda was a great king once upon a time, and this was all way before Bhagawan Krishna incarnated. Once, Indra had called Muchukunda for help in fighting the Raakshasas. Accordingly, Muchukunda gave a helping hand to Indra in defeating the Raakshasas. After that, Muchukunda asks Indra for a boon – Because he had helped Indra in his pursuit. He asked Indra that he wants to sleep for a long time, as he was very tired after the long fight. Indra too granted him the boon, and showed him a place where he can go and sleep as much as he wanted to. Indra showed a tunnel and asked Muchukunda to go there and sleep. He says further to Muchukunda thus, “Oh Muchukunda! If at all someone comes and disturbs your sleep, you can kill that person instantly by opening your eyes and looking at him or her. The moment you cast your look over that person, he or she would be reduced to ashes!” This is the boon that Indra had given to Muchukunda. It was with this boon that Muchukunda is sleeping and sleeping for a long time.

As Bhagawan Krishna is running all his way through, it was exactly into this tunnel that He enters! He knows that Muchukunda is sleeping there because of Indra’s boon. As Bhagawan Krishna sees Muchukunda sleeping, He gives a tight slap on his back, runs into a nearby portion of the tunnel and hides Himself! Now this Kaalayavana is coming along, chasing Bhagawan Krishna, isn’t it? He now bumps into Muchukunda whose sleep was disturbed! Thus, Muchukunda opens his eyes, and sees Kaalayavana standing in front of him! As per the boon, Muchukunda’s fiery look reduces Kaalayavana into ashes then and there! Kaalayavana falls on the ground dead!

We can witness here that Bhagawan Krishna never fought with Kaalayavana, but He managed to kill him successfully! Thus, Bhagawan Krishna brings Muchukunda, his boon from Indra and Kaalayavana together at the same time! Isn’t this smartness at its peak? 🙂 This is how Bhagawan Krishna operates! He brings all situations together and lays the perfect trap for His enemies, only for them to kill themselves! Hence, the argument that Bhagawan Krishna “ran away” from Kaalayavana like a “coward”, stands to be totally negated!

So for today, let us understand this entire event in the exact way that it conspired, and let us appreciate Bhagawan Krishna’s astute smartness in bringing His enemies to their knees! We shall wait till the next episode to continue this further. Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the significance of the Sriranga-Kshetra, as part of our discussion about “Chaar-Dhaam”. We’ve witnessed how the “Sriranga-Vimaana” (Idol or Sanctum sanctorum of the temple) was once at Bhagawan Brahma’s Satya-Lokha, then came down to Ayodhya amidst the Iksvaaku Dynasty and then finally to the present-day Srirangam near the city of Tiruchirapalli in the South-Indian state of Tamil Nadu, India. This is the headquarters of the entire “Sri Vaishnava Sampradaaya” even today and is worshipped by thousands of devotees to this date. Thus, the point here is that, Bhagawan Krishna establishes the Dwaaraka city, which is also one amongst the four important “Punya-Kshetras” of our Bhaarata Desha, along with Srirangam, Badrinath, Puri and Rameshwaram.

Moving on thus, Sage Sukhaachaarya explains the sequence of events that followed, wherein Bhagawan Krishna had to make His way to Dwaaraka. We’ve already witnessed the events in brief in our previous episodes, however, for the sake of continuity, let us re-visit them as we move forward.

“Asthih praatpthischa kamsasya mahishau bharata rishabha!

Mrite bhartari dukhaarthe eyatusma pitaa gruhaan!!

Pitre Magadha raajaaya jaraasandhaaya duhkite!

Satatah priyakaakarna shokaamrishayanonrupa!!”

We’ve thus witnessed that Bhagawan Krishna kills Kamsa and because of that, his wives were extremely aggrieved. Thus, they make their way to their father, Jaraasandha who was the king of the Magadha Raajya. Understanding the situation thus, Jaraasandha decides to take on Bhagawan Krishna, come what may. He came with a huge army and he himself was armed with enormous powers. However, Bhagawan Krishna defeats him and destroys his entire army quite easily. This doesn’t unfaze Jaraasandha in any way. Not once, but he invaded Mathura city for seventeen times, only to meet the same fate over and over again. It is at this time, Bhagawan Krishna discusses with Balarama that it is becoming increasingly difficult for people in Mathura, because of this Jaraasandha and his atrocities. As this is the case, Bhagawan Krishna suggests that they leave Mathura city and go somewhere else, where this Jaraasandha might not be able to find them out anymore. If not for anything else, atleast the people of Mathura city would be relieved of seeing too many useless wars.

As Bhagawan Krishna suggests thus, Balarama did not accede to it and instead, motivated Bhagawan Krishna to fight Jaraasandha for one last time before taking a decision further. In the meanwhile, Jaraasandha comes again with a huge army, led by his assistant by name Kaalayavana. As Jaraasandha and Kaalayavana approaches thus, Bhagawan Krishna thinks thus, “Oh! There’s no use of fighting these fellows. It is only going to result in heavy loss of artillery and human lives. Instead of fighting this Jaraasandha for the seventeenth time now, let me run away secretly somewhere!” Thinking thus, Bhagawan Krishna adorns a garland made of lotus flowers on His neck and starts running towards the western direction!

In the meanwhile, Kaayayavana did not know who Bhagawan Krishna was, and Jaraasandha is trying to explain His features to Kaalayavana as they’re approaching Mathura. At this juncture, Sage Naarada appears in front of Kaalayavana! He takes over the job of describing the features of Bhagawan Krishna to Kaalayavana. We might wonder here, whether Sage Naarada is making Bhagawan Krishna falling into the trap of Kaalayavana! It’s not the case! Only if Sage Naarada explains all of these, would Kaalayavana come forward and fight with Bhagawan Krishna, isn’t it? Only if he comes and fights, would Bhagawan Krishna be able to kill him, isn’it it? We would witness in many instances that Sage Naarada’s actions might be inducing fights and communication gaps everywhere, but finally it would all result in the establishment of “Dharma” in the world!

We’ve witnessed a similar pattern in the past as well – As Kamsa was in a dilemma whether to kill the first baby of Devaki and Vasudeva, Sage Naarada appears in front of him and “motivates” him to “go for the kill”! It was because, only if Kamsa kills a new-born, will his sins increase! Only if his sins increase, will Bhagawan Krishna have a case to put Kamsa to an end. Similarly, when Hiranya-Kashibu was trying to establish himself as the supreme power in the world, Sage Naarada comes and “motivates” him to do further – Only for Bhagawan Narasimha to appear soon and finish him off! Thus the point here is that, Sage Naarada’s actions might sound a bit weird, but he only enables and makes Bhagawan’s job easier in this world!

Thus coming back to this context again, Sage Naarada explains all the important features of Bhagawan Krishna, in a way that Kaalayavana gets more and more interested in fighting Him out! As Bhagawan Krishna starts making His way in the western direction, Kaalayavana spots Him! Upon knowing that Kaalayavana has spotted him, Bhagawan Krishna starts running and Kaalayavana starts chasing Him down! As both were running one after the other, Kaalayavana shouts thus, “Oh Krishna! Why are you running like a coward? Stand at one place and fight with me, if at all you have an iota of courage to take on my might!” However, Bhagawan Krishna never paid heed to Kaalayavana’s words! He was running, running and running! He thus comes across a person by name Muchukundha!

Now who is Muchukundha? We might have heard this name before. What was his role in this entire Bhagawan Krishna-Kaalayavana fiasco? Where did Bhagawan Krishna meet this Muchukundha? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the significance of “Chaardham” and why thousands of people in India undertake this “Chaardhaam Yatra” every year. In that, we had witnessed the four important places as part pf this “Chaardhaam” – Dwaaraka in the West, Badrinath in the North, Puri in the East and Srirangam / Rameshwaram in the South. Thus we can witness here that our Bhaarata Desha (India) is a land of “Punya-Kshetras”, right from north to south to east and to the west. This is why we should feel extremely fortunate to take birth in this holy land and to lead our lives here. We had concluded yesterday’s episode with an “open-loop” wherein we’re about to witness the importance of this place called “Srirangam”. I had written about this in our previous episodes when we discussed Valmiki Ramayana in detail. However, ,since we’re currently discussing the “Chaardhaam” and since the context touches upon this great “Punya-Kshetra” of Srirangam, it would be apt for us to recall and recollect the significance of this great place.

As we might be hearing often, “Srirangam” is an island in between the two rivers – Cauvery and Kollidam (Coleroon) and is situated amidst the city of Tiruchirapalli in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is considered to be the headquarters of the entire “Shri-Vaishnava Sampradaaya” and is also considered to be the “Numero uno” of the 108 Divyadesams of Bhagawan Vishnu all across India. Here, the sanctum sanctorum is Bhagawan Vishnu in the reclining form, with His hands raised up and blessing the southern direction, towards Sri Lanka. We can recollect the interesting background behind Bhagawan Vishnu at Srirangam and how did He arrive here. I shall narrate it in a quick brief.

In fact, this idol of Bhagawan Vishnu was originally in the “Satya Lokha” of Bhagawan Brahma. He was doing daily puja for the idol for so many thousands of years. However, Bhagawan Vishnu was thinking within Himself that it would be nice if someone continues the prayers and puja for this idol in the “Manushya Lokha” (Mother Earth). Hence, this idol was gifted to the Ikshvaaku Dynasty which ruled from Ayodhya. It is to be remembered that all the kings of the Ikshvaaku Dynasty had performed prayers and puja to this idol, and at that point in time, this deity’s name was “Narayana”. Thus, successive kings including Dileepa, Aja, Dasharata and even Bhagawan Rama Himself who had incarnated in the Ikshvaaku Dynasty had offered prayers to this idol of Bhagawan Narayana. At one point in time, Bhagawan Vishnu at Vaikunta was not very satisfied with the way how people were offering the prayers – Not even with Bhagawan Brahma and successive Ikshvaaku Dynasty kings. Hence, He decides that if He wants the prayers and puja in line with His expectations, there is no point in expecting it from anybody else, except Him! J This is why, Bhagawan Vishnu incarnated as Bhagawan Rama in this particular Ikshvaaku Dynasty. Else, He could have incarnated anywhere else in some family, isn’t it? It is primarily to offer prayers to Himself according to His wish!

Valmiki Maharishi makes a special mention of this idol in the “Baala Kaanda” of the Ramayana text, wherein when King Dasharata fixes Bhagawan Rama’s coronation ceremony at Ayodhya, Sage Vasishtaachaarya asks Bhagawan Rama and Sita to offer their prayers to this particular idol, which was in their palace. Accordingly, Bhagawan Rama and Sita go inside the room where this idol was kept, and pray to it. Bhagawan Rama prays thus, “Oh Narayana! I’vve come and incarnated in the pretext of killing Ravana. However, I’m stuck up in Ayodhya for the past 25 years! Nothing has happened! Somehow I’ve to start all the “Drama” now and make this Manthara go and meet Kaikeyi, so that I can get the opportunity to go to the forest! It is only if I go to the forest, I can achieve my divine! Whereas, these people are trying to coronate me as the king so quickly!” Thus, it is only after this prayer from Bhagawan Rama, is everything starting to conspire in the Ramayana story. This is one significance of this Idol of Bhagawan Narayana.

Another point that we need to understand here is that, how did this idol come all the way from Ayodhya to the present Srirangam? When Bhagawan Rama came back from the forest after killing Ravana, the coronation ceremony happened with lot of grandeur. Vibhishana (Ravana’s brother) had also come to Ayodhya to take part in this ceremony. As the ceremony gets over, Bhagawan Rama wanted to give a great prize as a token of gratitude to Vibhishana. He immediately remembered this idol, took it and gave it to Vibhishana! Giving thus, Bhagawan Rama says, “Oh Vibhishana! You may take this huge idol to Sri Lanka and keep it with you as a rememberance of me always! You’ll get all prosperity in life!” Vibhishana was so happy with the gift and he takes the idol with him. As he travels in the southern direction towards Lanka, his “Pushpaka Vimana” crosses this particular place in between the two rivers – Cauvery and Kollidam. Upon seeing the beauty of this place, Bhagawan Narayana told Vibhishana that He would not like to come with him to Lanka, but instead, stay here only. However, Vibhishana was stunned and disappointed. He even replied to Bhagawan Narayana that if He’s going to stay here, Vibhishana would also stay at this place only, without going to Lanka. It is at this point, Bhagawan Narayana gives Vibhishana the assurance thus, “Oh Vibhishana! You have the duty to rule Lanka and establish the Dharma there. You should not stay here. However, do not feel disappointed that I’m not coming along with you! I shall stay here, but my divine grace would always reach your Lanka through my Hands!” This is why we see even today, Bhagawan Ranganatha (As He is referred today at Srirangam) is keeping His hands facing the southern direction – To protect His dear Vibhishana!

Thus, we can see here that Bhagawan Ranganatha was once in Bhagawan Brahma’s Satya Lokha and then came down to Ayodhya and now is at Srirangam! This is why we refer Srirangam as “Bulokha Vaikunta”, given Bhagawan Vishnu’s deep significance attacted to this “Punya-Kshetra”. So for today, let us understand the significance of this important place and let us appreciate it. We shall wait till the next episode to continue further with how Bhagawan Krishna established Dwaaraka city and what happened henceforth! Stay tuned! J

The previous episode was completely dedicated to witness the significance of “Dwaaraka”, one of India’s important “Punya-Kshetras”. We’ve witnessed that Bhagawan Krishna had established His dwelling place amidst the sea, wherein “Samudra-Raja” had gifted a portion of it for building the grand palace. Even today, we’re getting archaeological information that there is a presence of a massive structure under the sea, off the Gujarat coastline. There are several artifacts that have been recovered from under the seabed, which clearly indicates that there was a huge palace-like structure once upon a time. We’ve to note that Bhagawan Krishna had established Dwaaraka some five-thousand-odd years ago. Thus, after Bhagawan Krishna departed to Vaikunta, the sea took over the vast sheath of land upon which Dwaaraka had been established.

Thus, such is the significance of “Dwaaraka”. In fact, the “Punya-Kshetra” called “Dwaraka” doesn’t end only in this one place. It is actually a conglomerate of five different places situated in five different locations around the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. We should make it a point to visit these “Punya-Kshetras” and this would help us in understanding and relating whatever we’re discussing here in a better manner. Of course, we can read through lot of material from books, from archaeological studies, from Vedas, Upanishads, listen to discourses, etc. and gain knowledge about all this. However, only if we visit things in real, we would be able to experience the real knowledge that we’ve gained. Bookish knowledge has its own limits, isn’t it? 😊 Hence, it is not enough if we read through all of these. We’ll get to understand the real significance of the place only if we’re there in person. For instance, we’ve written and read so much about Gokula, Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhana, etc. wherein Little Krishna spent most of His childhood days. While we read through, of course we would have enjoyed doing so for the past 30-odd-episodes here. However, if only we’re visiting these places in real, we would be able to enjoy the real experience of Bhagawan Krishna’s divine presence in all these places even today. Thus, there should always be a blend between bookish knowledge and real experience.

Moving on thus, we’re now going to witness Bhagawan Krishna establishing the Dwaaraka city. We’ve witnessed five different places in this isn’t it? They are “Daakur Dwaaraka”, “Bet Dwaaraka”, “Gomati Dwaaraka”, “Moola Dwaaraka” and “Shreenaatha Dwaaraka”. However, the main place amongst all these five “Dwaarakas”, which was sung in praise by all the “Aalwars” and “Aachaaryas” is the “Gomati Dwaaraka”. It is this “Gomati Dwaaraka” which is in the edge of Gujarat’s western coastline, and wherein Samudra Raja had gifted the “reclaimed land” to Bhagawan Krishna. So we’ve to understand here that we’ve been talking all the while about this “Gomati Dwaraka” and it is to this place, did Bhagawan Krishna run all the way from Mathura! Thus, this “Gomati Dwaraka” is extremely significant in this way.

Similarly, if we look at India’s eastern coastline, we have a very famous “Punya-Kshetra” called “Puri”, which is in the Indian state of Odisha. This is a place that touches the coastline in the eastern side. If we look at the northern part of India, we have an important place amidst the snow-covered peaks of the great Himalaya mountains – Badrinath. This is a very important “Punya-Kshetra” in India, which is famously known as “Badreekaashrama”. In similar lines, if we’re looking at the southern part of India, we have either Srirangam or Rameshwaram. We’ve already witnessed that it is the home for the famous and historic “Ram-Sethu” bridge. Thus, Dwaaraka in the west, Puri in the east, Badrinath in the north and Rameshwaram / Srirangam in the south of India are collectively known as “Chaardhaam”. This is a common “pilgrimage trip” that thousands of people from across India make – “Chaardhaam Yatra”, wherein they cover these four important places.

Another significance of the “Chaardhaam” is that, just like how we get up every morning and have a shower, Bhagawan Vishnu also wakes up every morning and does the same. But where does He do that? He does that at Badrinath – Amidst the pure and fast-flowing River Ganges! Next, after taking a shower, He has to dress Himself up beautifully, isn’t it? We call it as “Alankaara”, wherein Bhagawan is adorned with various ornaments, dresses, beads, etc. He does all of it at Dwaaraka. Even today, if we go and worship Bhagawan Krishna at Dwaarakapuri, we would find that He’s adorned with all possible expensive jewellery and clothing that we might not even be able to think of! This is because, Bhagawan Krishna is the king od Dwaaraka, (“Dwaaraka-Deesha”) isn’t it? We should give Him the respect that a king gets, isn’t it? Hence it is that way at Dwaaraka! Next, just like how we have three meals a day – Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bhagawan Vishnu also has to do the same, isn’t it? Thus, for food and meals, He comes to the eastern shore wherein Puri Jagannatha Kshetra is located. Even today, Puri Jagannatha Kshetra is known for it’s delicious “Prasadha”. In fact, it would be surprising for us to know that in Puri, almost 2-lakh tonnes of “Prasadha” is prepared every single day and distributed to the devotees.

Thus, after a sumptuous breakfast, lunch and dinner, what else is left to be done? It’s only to have a sound sleep, isn’t it? 😊 This is when, Bhagawan Vishnu comes to Sriranga Kshetra in the South-Indian State of Tamil Nadu and rests. This is where we worship Bhagawan Vishnu in the reclining position. We’ve witnessed the significance of Srirangam in our previous episodes, however, I shall re-elaborate it in our next episode. So for today, let us understand the significance of the holy “Chaardhaam” and let us appreciate it. As mentioned above, it is not just enough if we read and appreciate all this on the computer. Real appreciation is possible only if we visit these places in person. With this message, we shall wait till the next episode, for a brief re-description of the Sriranga-Kshetra as we move forward with Bhagawan Krishna’s Dwaaraka! Stay tuned! 😊

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna fighting epic battles for seventeen times against Jaraasantha, who was Kamsa’s father-in-law. However, both weren’t able to defeat each other. Something was pulling them back to war again and again. After the seventeenth battle, Bhagawan Krishna decides that He has had enough with Jaraasantha, and talks to His brother Balarama that they can leave Mathura city for some time, since this battle was creating lot of problems for the people there. However, Balarama did not accede to Bhagawan Krishna’s words, and finally Bhagawan Krishna had to “run” and run all through His way to reach Dwaaraka, in the western coast of Bhaarata Desha. In today’s episode, we’re going to witness the significance of this “Punya-Kshetra” called “Dwaraka”.

Till now, for the past 30-odd episodes, we’ve witnessed various important incidents, events and “Leelas” of Bhagawan Krishna’s childhood days. We’ve witnessed all important “Charitra” of Little Krishna at Gokula, Vrindavan and Mathura. Now He has grown up, well-educated and is ready to rule the kingdom as a righteous king. He is now “running” towards this place called “Dwaraka”. As mentioned in the previous episode, this “Dwaraka” is a place that is even today worshipped in the western Indian state of “Gujarat”. In fact, unlike other “Punya-Kshetras” like Ayodhya, Naimishaaranya, Mathura, Gokula, etc. which are just one in number, this “Dwaraka” is a conglomerate of five different places. However, Bhagawan Krishna’s enormously huge palace was established in the western seashore of Gujarat, wherein “Samudra-Raaja” had gifted a vast sheath of “reclaimed land” from the sea.

In today’s scenario, we’re talking about “reclaimed land” from the sea at various parts of the world, wherein people are now building underwater hotels, buildings, etc. It is to be remembered that this concept of “reclaimed land” had existed even during Bhagawan Krishna’s time. In fact, to be very precise, the concept of “reclaimed land” existed even during the Ramayana time, wherein the famous “Ram Sethu” bridge was built by the Vaanaras across the Indian ocean, so that the entire population of the Vaanara army along with Bhagawan Rama and Lakshmana could cross over from India to Sri Lanka. Even this “Ram Sethu” can be considered as a “reclaimed land” as the bridge was built with enormous amounts of sand and stones.

Similarly, here too, we’re witnessing that Samudra-Raaja is gifting a huge amount of “reclaimed land” from the sea. Sage Sukhaachaarya explains that the extent of this “reclaimed land” is about 125 miles, which can be translated to around 200 kilometers in area! We can imagine how huge Bhagwan Krishna’s palace would have been. As the palace was getting constructed, Indra, leader of the Devas sends a special “Raaja-Sabha” called “Sudharma” to Dwaraka. It was an exact replica of Indra’s “Raaja-Sabha” at “Svarga-Lokha” or “Indra-Patna”. It is only from this “Sudharma”, did Bhagawan Krishna rule the entire world with His divine potentials. It is only from this Dwaraka palace did Bhagawan Krishna leave for Vaikunta at the end of His divine incarnation. Once Bhagawan Krishna leaves for Vaikunta, the ocean waters surround the entire city and takes away most of the reclaimed land.

This is why, we would not be able to see vast portions of the Dwarakapuri alongside the Gujarat coastline. However, scientists and researchers from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have discovered various evidences of the existence of an under-sea temple, palace, etc. In fact, they have discovered various artifacts such as idols of lions, some sculptural works, artistic works, etc. from beneath the sea floor. All these artifacts are now kept as “exhibits” in a well-built museum in that vicinity and all of us can see them even today. Thus, this grossly proves that there was a huge palace that existed amidst the sea at Gujarat and this was nothing but the place from which Bhagawan Krishna ruled the entire world! This is the significance of the place called “Dwaraka”.

Of course, all these places were in existence, some five thousand years ago. It is to be remembered that Bhagwan Krishna’s incarnation was somewhere towards the end of the Dvaapara Yuga. Once Bhagawan Krishna departed for Vaikunta, the Kali Yuga took over the next day! Till date, we’ve crossed over around 5,120 years in the Kali Yuga. The Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana explains that Bhagawan Krishna’s total lifespan in this world was around 125 years. Hence, this Dwaraka palace that we’re currently talking about, should have existed some 5000 years ago.

As mentioned above, the Dwaraka-Kshetra is not just the one that comprises of this undersea palace. It is a conglomerate of five different places, out of which four are in Gujarat and the fifth one is in it’s neighbouring state called Rajasthan. So for today, let us understand the significance of this all-important “Punya-Kshetra” of Dwaraka and let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 😊