The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna continuing to set records straight. As Balarama started talking otherwise, Bhagawan Krishna immediately chips in to correct his stance. He re-emphasizes the point that people who follow “Dharma” will always taste success, sooner or later. This time lag is only because of our Karma that we’ve accumulated over time and over various previous births. Once we neutralize the “Karma” that we’ve accumulated, we would automatically be able to attain “Moksha”. Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna has a word of praise for all the sages who are accompanying Yudishtra and Co. at all times, especially Sage Dhoumya and Sage Saathviki. Bhagawan Krishna openly appreciates both of them by saying that He is breathing a bit easier because of the presence of these two sages constantly with Yudishtra, who are trying to guide Yudishtra all the time towards the path of “Dharma”. Maybe, had these two people not been there, Bhagawan Krishna’s job of protecting the Paandava brothers would have been complicated. Thus, as Bhagawan Krishna appreciates them, the sages, including Balarama also get reassured. 

Moving on thus, Bhagawan Krishna continues his accord further with another angle here. He looks at Balarama and says, “Oh Balarama! Please understand one thing very clearly – No matter how much we talk and lament, Bhagawan’s arithmetics never go wrong at any point in time. Bhagawan has all the accounts of our “Paapa” and “Punya” correctly maintained for each and every individual. According to that, maybe Yudishtra might have committed some sins in his previous birth or earlier in this birth itself. We never know! Hence, if that is the case, how can he escape the punishment for his wrongdoing? No matter whether the misdeed has been performed in this current birth or in any of his previous births, there is no way that the punishment can be evaded. Hence, you’ve to understand that Yudishtra is suffering today because of his “Paapa” accounts being burnt down. At the same time, you’re saying that Duryodhana is very happily enjoying a luxurious life. Yes, this is true, however, you’ve to understand that Duryodhana has performed enormous “Punya” either in this current birth, or in his previous births. The resultant of the “Punya-Karma” is happiness, and this also has to be experienced. Just like how punishments have to be experienced for the “Paapa-Karma”, happiness should also be experienced for the “Punya-Karma” that we do. Hence, for the moment Duryodhana is enjoying the fruits of his “Punya-Karma” and because of this, we should not get carried away. Duryodhana is currently performing an enormous amount of “Paapa-Karma” and the punishments for all this are awaiting him. It is only a matter of time now!” 

Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna continues to give another perspective here too! He says thus, “Oh Balarama! You’ve to also understand one more thing – If someone is going in the path of “Adharma”, Bhagawan will try and motivate him / her to walk deeper into that path, so that this person goes deeper and deepr into the pit. You might ask me – Why is Bhagawan doing this? Why shouldn’t He correct that person from the path of “Adharma” to “Dharma”? Why is Bhagawan pushing someone into the pit? Doesn’t Bhagawan have compassion towards people? The answer is very simple – Bhagawan definitely has compassion towards all His devotees. If someone is going by the path of  “Adharma”, He will definitely give a signal to resurrect the path. However, it is upto us to pick up that signal. Bhagawan has given the intellect to all of us to pick up those signals. If our “antenna” is not tuned to that frequency of Bhagawan, it is going to be nearly impossible for us to pick up those signals, and eventually if we’re not doing so, Bhagawan will not stop us from doing the “Adharma”. Ultimately, we would only fall into the pit, and after we fall, why should we blame Bhagawan for it? He has given the warning signals of our wrongdoing, and if we’re not correcting ourselves and mending our ways, what will Bhagawan do? This is where Duryodhana is also getting stuck! Hence, Balarama! Just wait and see how things proceed from here, and don’t lose heart!” 

Now this is an important eye-opener for all of us here – The message from Bhagawan is loud and clear to all of us! If we’re not tuning our “antennas” to receive Bhagawan’s signals, we’re going to fall into the trap of “Adharma”. Hence, all of us should make it a point to try and get closer to Bhagawan as much as possible, and this is the way in which we tune our antennas towards Him. We should follow whatever Bhagawan is trying to teach us. So for today, let us understand and reflect on these important points and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important assertion given by Bhagawan Krishna with regards to how “Dharma” is always bound to win, no matter how long it takes to do so. This is indeed an eye-opener to all of us. Also, to substantiate this point further, Bhagawan Krishna explains the path to “Moksha”, wherein He clearly spells out that we’ve to neutralize both our “Paapa Karma” and “Punya Karma” accounts before we reach there! For this, we’ve to obviously undergo some trials and tribulations in our lifetime, along with the happiness and joy. We cannot have a life with only happiness, which might also be quite dangerous. If we’re only going through happiness, it means that only our “Punya_Karma” is getting burnt. If such is the case, when is our “Paapa Karma” going to be burnt? For this, we’ve to suffer, don’t we? Hence, we should not get perturbed by the suffering that we undergo every now and then. We should be able to treat both happiness and suffering equally with balance, and embrace both of them so that all our “Karma” balance gets burnt down! We’ve to understand this point very clearly as we move further. 

As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Sage Saathviki replies back to all of them: “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Whatever you’re saying are words of gold! I totally agree to all your words of wisdom. However, as you explained now, I do not know the difference between suffering and happiness, as I’m a sage. Everything for me is the same. But, no matter whatever it takes, I shall always be alongside the Paandava brothers, irrespective of whether they’re happy or suffering. I do not care whether they fight a war with Duryodhana and win over him. I do not care whether Yudishtra once again goes back to Indraprastha and becomes a king. I shall support him in whatever cause, in whatever way possible!” As Sage Saathviki says thus, Bhagawan Krishna acknowledges his words and replies with tears in His eyes: “Oh Saathviki! I truly appreciate your stance. Now let me tell you something frankly and openly to all the sages gathered here – It is only because of your divine presence with Yudishtra and Co., I’m having a huge sigh of relief! If you hadn’t been around the Paandavas, then it would have been a herculean task for me to protect them. All of you are time and again inculcating the “Dharma” into Yudishtra’s mind, and with this, Yudishtra is also following the “Dharma” meticulously. Oh Yudishtra and Co.! Oh Sages! Please do not worry! “Dharma” will win. It might take some time, but I shall ensure that “Dharma” does not have a downfall beyond a point! Moreover, I do not know how to thank Sage Dhoumya for what he is doing here! He is another person along with Sage Saathviki who is guiding Yudishtra and Co. in all possible ways! It is only because of all of you, I’m happy that Yudishtra is in safe hands!” 

Moreover, as Bhagawan Krishna once again reassures all of them thus, He also explains one important thing here. He explains thus, “Oh Yudishtra and Saathviki! All the accounts of “Paapa” and “Punya” Karma that all of us do, are carefully maintained by Bhagawan! He knows when to give the prize for our “Punya Karma” and when to punish us for our “Paapa Karma”. We might not get the effect immediately as and when we think. There is a time for everything and perhaps, Yudishtra is undergoing some suffering as a token of punishment for some “Paapa Karma” that he has done earlier! This might have been in this birth, or in any of his previous births as well, and we never know! Hence, let us take this in the right sense and move on. Atleast now I’m happy that Yudishtra and Co. are walking the path of “Dharma” which is very important for me at this time! Hence, please do not worry! Things will take its shape when the time comes!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna once again reassures all of them gathered there, and for today, let us once again understand and reflect this point within us. We shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna giving a befitting reply to Balarama’s concern about Yudishtra and Co. Although Balarama’s concern is genuine in nature, it seems a bit misleading for others. Balarama, when he expressed concern, he put it in a way that people following “Adharma” were enjoying life, and those who practise “Dharma” were suffering the most. This might send a wrong message for people like us, had Bhagawan Krishna agreed to what Balarama said. Of course, there is no doubt that Yudishtra and Co. are suffering at this moment, but that might be because of various other reasons as well. This simply doesn’t mean that all people would suffer if they practise “Dharma”! Hence, to set the record straight, Bhagawan Krishna indirectly “pokes” Balarama by saying that some so-called “scholarly” people are sometimes talking nonsense, whereas people who are devoid of any spiritual knowledge are actually talking sense! Of course, if Bhagawan Krishna gives such indirect “punches”, Balarama is no less smarter to understand it! 🙂 However, the point here is that, Bhagawan Krishna is trying to emphasize and re-emphasize that “Dharma” will ultimately have the upper hand and will definitely pay rich dividends, if followed meticulously. Hence, there is no question of deviating from the path of “Dharma”, no matter whatever happens. This is the “Vairagya” that all of us should also strive to develop within ourselves. 

Moreover, we’ve to understand this in a different perspective too, and let us witness this perspective of Bhagawan Krishna’s words in today’s episode. Yesterday, we had left a thread incomplete – Bhagawan Krishna explains how our past “Karma” comes in the middle of our sufferings and enjoyment that we undergo alternatively in our life. If our “Paapa-Karma” account is more, obviously we’ll have to suffer, so as to pay the price for whatever mistakes we’ve done in the past. This “past” can be in this birth itself too, that is, for instance, we might have committed some mistake a few minutes ago, and immediately there might be a repercussion for it! Sometimes, we might have to face the repercussion for a “Paapa Karma” that we might have committed years ago! Many a time, we experience the resultant of our “Paapa Karma” after many births! Hence, we never know which “Paapa Karma” is having its effect on us today! However, one thing is clear – As per Newton’s third law of motion which says, “Every action has an equal and an opposite reaction”, here too, every “Paapa Karma” that we commit today, will definitely have an equal and opposite reaction at some point of time, which we might not be able to calculate accurately! Of course, as per Newton’s law, if a ball is thrown on a wall, it will immediately bounce back upon us! However, in the case of “Karma”, we never know the time at which it would come back to us! This is the difference that all of us should understand! Hence, in Yudishtra’s case, he might have done a wrongdoing during some other birth, which is reflecting upon him now, and perhaps because of that, he had to lose his kingdom, stay in exile for twelve years, and one year of “Agnyaatavaasam”, then fight a disastrous war and then establish himself! Thus, “Karma” is something that none of us can escape, no matter whoever or whatever we are! 

If such is the case for the “Paapa Karma”, the same is the case with our “Punya Karma” as well. If we perform good actions, these too will have an equal and opposite reaction as per Newton’s law! The resultant of all our “Punya Karma” is the enjoyments that we experience in our lifetime! Thus, life will always be a mixture of both suffering and enjoyment, which simply means that we’re paying dividends for all what we do! However, in today’s mindset of ours, what do we want? We want only happiness and enjoyment, but no sufferings! How can this work out? In lieu of this, we’ve to understand one more thing here – We shall be able to attain the highest “Moksha”, only if we’re able to neutralize both our “Punya Karma” and “Paapa Karma”! We’ve to also understand here that whenever we undergo a difficulty in life, our “Paapa Karma” is getting burnt! At the same time, whenever we’re undergoing an enjoyment, our “Punya Karma” is getting burnt! Hence, if we want to experience only enjoyment, our “Punya Karma” will only keep on burning down! Our “Paapa Karma” will be staying still without any downward movement, isn’t it? If such is the case, how on earth are we going to attain “Moksha”? 

Thus, the point here is very clear – We should learn how to look at life with a balance. We should embrace suffering in life in the same way as we embrace enjoyment. This is exactly what Bhagawan Krishna is trying to convey here. Hence, the underlying meaning of what Bhagawan Krishna is saying here is that, no matter whether it is happiness, joy or sadness or suffering, we should develop that mindset to view all of them in a balance. He is going to give a detailed accord on this point during the Bhagawad Gita later on, which we’re also going to witness in great detail! However, for now, let us understand this important point very clearly, as we try and introspect within ourselves too! We shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra and Co. travelling to the “Prabhaasa Kshetra” in the Western Indian state of Gujarat, which is quite close to the city of Dwaraka. This “Prabhaasa Kshetra” is the place from where Bhagawan Krishna is going to transcend to Vaikunta, at the end of the Mahabharata story. As Yudishtra and Co. arrive at the Prabhaasa Kshetra, Bhagawan Krishna is quite eager to visit all of them, as it had been a long time since they met each other. Hence, Bhagawan Krishna, accompanied by Balarama arrive at the place where all of them are residing. Upon seeing the pitiable state of Yudishtra and Co., Balarama could not tolerate it any further, and thus vents out his frustration amidst all of them. Balarama laments that it is only the good people in this world who are always bearing the brunt of “Adharma”, and those who meticulously follow “Adharma” are extremely happy and content! If such is the case, why at all should one follow the path of “Dharma”, if it is so treacherous in nature? Balarama is more concerned with the physical and mental health of the Paandava brothers, especially Bheemasena who is supposed to have an excellent appetite for food. Since the Paandavas are struggling to get even their daily quota of three meals a day, Balarama’s heart is melting towards their health condition. 

However, as Balarama expresses himself, Sage Saathviki replies to him by saying that no matter whatever happens in this world, Yudishtra will never deviate from the path of “Dharma”. He will be taken care of, by Bhagawan in the right way at the right time. Even though nobody is certain about the future in hand, Sage Saathviki reposes faith on Yudishtra and his “Dharma” by saying that Duryodhana will pay for whatever he has done to the Paandava brothers! As Sage Saathviki says thus, Bhagawan Krishna also agrees. Now it is the time for Bhagawan Krishna to respond. What initially started as a genuine concern for Yudishtra and Co. by Balarama, slowly started turning into a “Dharma” vs. “Adharma” debate. Balarama somehow did not agree to what Sage Saathviki said. Both of them started arguing with each other at one point of time. It is at this time Bhagawan Krishna is going to intervene and issue the “Diktat” here! Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh Balarama and Sage Saathviki! With all what is happening around us, I’m getting to a conclusion like this – Someone who proclaims to be a master in “Dharma”, talks all nonsense, and someone who doesn’t even know what is “Dharma” is extremely clear in what is right and wrong!” 

As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, nobody understood what He was trying to convey! 🙂 This is the same thing that Bhagawan Krishna does everytime with everyone! He would tell something very important, but not directly! He would point out someone in a very indirect way and nobody will understand anything! 🙂 Even here, Bhagawan Krishna is doing exactly the same thing – He is indirectly saying here that Balarama is talking nonsense, without taking his name! 🙂 However, Balarama is too smart to understand his brother’s words! Of course, Balarama has spent a considerable amount of time with Bhagawan Krishna and he knows how “smart” Bhagawan Krishna can be! Hence, as Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Balarama immediately quips – “Oh Krishna! I know that you’re trying to squarely pin-point me when you said that someone is talking nonsense! You can tell this directly on my face!” 

As Balarama says thus, Bhagawan Krishna laughs out loudly! He continues his reply thus, “Oh Balarama and Sage Saathviki! Please remember one thing – “Dharma” will always win in this world, no matter how much time it takes! Of course, “Dharma” will take a bit of a time and effort to walk the path. But, it doesn’t mean that people following “Adharma” are happy and content! I grossly discard this statement made by Balarama. But we’ve to understand one thing – If we say that people following the path of “Dharma” are suffering, we should define the word “suffering” here. Is the suffering for the “Atman” or for the “Deham”? Ordinary people would immediately claim that they are suffering, if their “Deham” is undergoing a difficulty! But for people who are “Dharma-Atmas”, the “Deham” undergoing suffering is merely nothing for them. Ultimately if their “Atman” is happy and content, it means that they are not undergoing any kind of suffering! For instance, if we fall sick, we say that we are suffering from a disease! However, for those who can clearly differentiate between the “Atman” and the “Deham”, this is never a suffering. This is because, they know very clearly that the suffering is for the “Deham”, which is temporary in nature, and not for the “Atman”, which is permanent in nature. Thus, if the permanent entity is happy, whatever happens to the temporary entity doesn’t really matter!” 

Bhagawan Krishna continues further thus, “Oh Balarama! Moreover, please remember one thing – If one has to reach “Moksha”, he / she should neutralize all the “Karma” that has been accumulated over the past, isn’t it? In that way, if it is a “Paapa Karma” that has been accumulated over time, the person has no other option but to experience the fruits of it, before attaining “Moksha”! If we look at this angle, whatever the Paandavas are undergoing right now is justified. Moreover, I’m not saying that they would never see the light at the end of the tunnel. Of course the “Dharma” that Yudishtra and Co. are meticulously trying to follow will win! But, it is subject to so many headwinds, which Bhagawan will take care of! Hence, let us not worry about these things. We should always go with the flow and should not pity upon others by seeing their suffering!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna renders important advice to all of them present there! So for today, let us also understand this important point that Bhagawan is talking about here, because it is not only for them, but also for all of us today! We should pause here and introspect within ourselves and recollect this important advice from Bhagawan every time when we feel let down or sad! We shall continue with this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a very important accord wherein Parasurama is killing 23 generations of Kshatrya princes all across the world! All of this started when Sage Jamadagni was attacked by King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna, who was later killed by Parasurama himself. However, when King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna’s sons started messing up badly with Parasurama, he couldn’t bear it anymore. He killed everyone at a stretch, and also started going around with his “Parasu” weapon to kill whichever “Kshatrya” prince came by his way! This treacherous journey continued till a point wherein Parasurama killed 23 generations of Kshatrya princes completely and started drinking all their blood to quench his thirst! Narrating Parasurama’s history thus, Sage Naarada and Sage Dhoumya lead the way as Yudishtra and Co. worship the ashram of Parasurama. As Sage Dhoumya explains the whole thing, he says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! This is the place where Parasurama created five huge storage blocks for all the blood that came out of the 23 generations of the Kshatrya princes! The blood that was collected here, used to be Parasurama’s quencher! Please worship this place!” As Sage Dhoumya says thus, Yudishtra and Co. bow down to the place and worship it as they move forward from there. 

Moving on further thus, the next destination where Yudishtra and Co. reach is the “Praabhaasa Kshetra”. This place is in the Western Indian state of Gujarat, and is extremely significant because Bhagawan Krishna is later going to choose this very place to transcend back to Vaikunta. As Yudishtra and Co. arrive at Praabhaasa Kshetra, all the Yaadavas arrive there to meet them. Bhagawan Krishna too comes to know that Yudishtra and Co. are camping at this place and He too comes to meet all of them. As Bhagawan Krishna comes along, His brother Balarama also accompanies Him. Thus, all of them meet after a long time and Bhagawan Krishna says to Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I heard that all of you are undertaking a long “Teertha Yatra” until the time Arjuna comes back! I hope you’re having a good time visiting all the important places across the entire country!” As Bhagawan Krishna enquires thus, Yudishtra and the others are extremely happy and they too share their experiences with Him. As the conversation goes on like this, Balarama starts talking about something which is very important here. We shall witness the content of this important conversation between Balarama and Yudishtra in a bit of a detail, before we move further. 

Upon seeing the pitiable condition of Yudishtra and Co., Balarama turns to Bhagawan Krishna and says, “Oh Brother! Look at how Yudishtra is suffering! Yudishtra is supposed to be an epitome of “Dharma”, isn’t he? Now look at how he has been dragged down to the level of a popper! This clearly shows that “Dharma” doesn’t have a place in this “Dwapara Yuga”, isn’t it? Oh Krishna! Why are people who are ardent followers of “Dharma” suffering so badly like this? On the other hand, see how Duryodhana and the others are enjoying their lives! Duryodhana is leading a life of luxury with all the wealth and kingdom! Even when he illegally abducted the Indraprastha Kingdom from Yudishtra, there were no repercussions for him! He is fully enjoying his time there at Hastinapura, whereas, poor Yudishtra has to bare all the brunt! Is this the way “Dharma” operates in the present day? Look at the condition of Yudishtra – He is not even having a proper dress to wear! What kind of a king he is actually? He is a great “Chakravarthy” isn’t he? Look at how Yudishtra is today! Moreover, look at the condition of Bheemasena! He is normally a person who has a great appetite for food! Now he doesn’t even get proper three basic meals a day! We don’t even know where Arjuna is and what he is doing right now! Thus, overall, tt is so disheartening to see good people suffering like this! What is your take on this situation?”

Balarama asks this with a lot of pain upon seeing Yudishtra, and Bhagawan Krishna isn’t really convinced with this! At the same time, Sage Saathviki who is also part of Yudishtra’s tour group along with Sage Dhoumya talks thus, “Oh Balarama! This is not what I think! Of course, I do not know whether the Paandavas would be able to wage a war and win over Duroydhana in the future. However, the Paandavas are good-hearted people. They will always follow the path of “Dharma” till their last breath! If at all they’ve to fight a war in the future and win, I shall be with them at all times and be of help to them in whatever way possible!” As Sage Saathviki says thus, Bhagawan Krishna is listening to all their conversations, and doesn’t look really convinced with the way Balarama is talking! Bhagawan Krishna replies back thus, “Oh Balarama! What are you talking? The way in which you’re talking is highly misleading! People who follow the path of “Dharma” are actually happier than those who practise “Adharma”! People who practise “Adharma” are undergoing enormous suffering! This is the fundamental principle upon which the entire world operates. Now do not come with some new philosophies like this and mislead the world!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna is extremely stern in His response to Balarama. An important accord from Bhagawan Krishna awaits us tomorrow! So for today, let us understand up to this point and let us wait till tomorrow to find out what Bhagawan Krishna has to say to Balarama in detail! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the “Charitra” of Sage Jamadagni and his son Parasurama. We’ve witnessed how Sage Jamadagni got furious with his wife Renuka Devi, for allegedly “looking at” Chitra-Rasa, who was an “Apsaras” male passing by the garden from which she was plucking flowers. Sage Jamadagni suspected Renuka Devi to be in a relationship other than him and with this, he wanted her head to be chopped off. While none of their sons came forward to execute this instruction, Parasurama, who was their last son, obeyed his father. He chopped off Renuka Devi’s head then and there, however, he requested two boons, with which, Parasurama got his mother back alive. The other boon was that, this “Karma” that he had performed by killing his own mother, shouldn’t come and haunt him at any stage in his life. Happy with the dedication of Parasurama, Sage Jamadagni granted the two boons, and with this, Renuka Devi came back alive. Thereafter, all of them lived together happily as a family. We’ve witnessed the “Charitra” of Jamadagni until this point, and in today’s episode, we shall continue it further. 

Moving on thus, after a few years, as the family accumulated more wealth and cows, etc. King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna who hails from the Kekeya Desha, noticed that Sage Jamadagni has a lot of resources that he can abduct. Hence, he waited for the right opportunity to attack Sage Jamadagni and his family. We should note here that King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna did not know the significance of Parasurama, who was living along with Sage Jamadagni. Without knowing about Parasurama thus, King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna attacked Sage Jamadagni, and proclaimed that he is going to abduct all his wealth! Sage Jamadagni warned him to get out of his ashram, but King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna stood his ground! A huge fight broke out between both of them and the fight went on and on endlessly. Both of them were equally powerful. King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna was a great Kshatrya warrior and Sage Jamadagni was a great Brahmana Rishi. It was literally a battle between the power of penance and the power of weapons! 

Finally, as the fight was going on endlessly, at one stage, King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna started running away with the battle, as Sage Jamadagni started losing strength. With this, King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna killed Sage Jamadagni’s ego and the entire power of his penance, and insulted him a great deal! King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna had a thousand hands as he was an “Aavesha Avatara” of Bhagawan Vishnu Himself! As King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna was insulting Sage Jamadagni left, right and centre, Parasurama couldn’t stand it any further. The moment Parasurama saw this, he immediately took out his powerful “Parasu” weapon and flayed it on Kaartha-Veeryarjuna. Since the weapon was too powerful, King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna couldn’t bear it and finally had to succumb to it! As this happened, King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna’s sons came to understand that their father had been killed by someone called Parasurama. With this, all of them came to fight with Parasurama. Initially when they had come, Sage Jamadagni was in deep penance! Kaartha-Veeryarjuna’s sons were making a ploy to irritate Parasurama and make him come to a war with them. Hence, the best way that they found to infuriate Parasurama was to kill Sage Jamadagni! Thus, they took out their sword and flayed it over the head of Sage Jamadagni. As the attack was all of a sudden, Sage Jamadagni did not even have a split of a second to react, and with this, he had to die! This, as expected, infuriated Parasurama, who came with his powerful “Parasu” weapon to wage a war with these people. A huge battle broke out and eventually Parasurama’s weapon proved to be the most powerful amongst all! With this, Parasurama singlehandedly destroyed all of them! 

After killing these people, Parasurama did not stop there. His anger knew no bounds. He came to a conclusion that all the “Kshatrya” princes are as bad as King Kaartha-Veeryarjuna and his sons! Hence, Parasurama started going around, all over the Bhaarata Desha and started killing each and every “Kshatrya” in this world! Thus, it is said that Parasurama had killed almost 23 generations of “Kshatrya” princes all across the world! As this was happening, the entire world started to tremble with Parasurama’s fiery arrogance! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall continue this interesting accord in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the birth stories of both Parasurama and Sage Vishwamitra. Because of the “Paayasam change” that took place between Satyavati and her mother, Parasurama incarnated in the family lineage of Satyavati and Sage Richeeka, but after one generation. This is because, Satyavati requested Sage Richeeka to “postpone” the birth of a baby with extreme anger and “Kshaastrava Tejas”, and hence, she delivered a baby named “Jamadagni”, who later on became a great Brahmana Rishi. The child that was born to Jamadagni was none other than Parasurama, according to Sage Richeeka’s words. On the other hand, Satyavati’s mother delivered a baby who was none other than Sage Vishwamitra. Thus, Sage Vishwamitra was a “Kshatrya” by birth, since Gaadhi was a king. However, since the “Paayasam” that Satyavati’s mother consumed was meant to produce a Brahmana Rishi, Sage Vishwamitra obtained that interest to become a “Brahma-Rishi” at a later stage in his life. Thus, we can see here that Parasurama was a “Brahmana Rishi” by birth, but went on to become a “Kshatrya” and Vishwamitra on the other hand, was a “Kshatrya” by birth, but went on to become a great “Brahmana Rishi”! This is the important understanding that all of us should have! 

Moving on thus, we shall now discuss the “Charitra” of Jamadagni, as narrated by Sage Naarada and the others to Yudishtra, as they continue with their “Teertha Yatra” further. As we’ve seen earlier, Jamadagni was a great sage born to Satyavati and Sage Richeeka, and he later married a girl by name Renuka. After the marriage, they started having children. One amongst these children of Jamadagni was Parasurama. Once upon a time, after the children were born, Renuka Devi was once busy plucking some flowers for the “Nitya-Aaraadhana” of her husband Jamadagni. This used to be a daily routine for Renuka Devi and on one particular day, one of the “Apsaras” (Celestial being) by name “Chitra-Rasa” happened to pass by that place. Upon seeing the beauty of Renuka Devi standing there as she was plucking the flowers, Chitra-Rasa fell in love with Renuka Devi for a moment! He simply stood there and admired her beauty, and after a few minutes he went away. 

As Renuka Devi came back home with the flowers and the “Teertham” for Jamadagni’s “Aaraadhana”, Jamadagni sensed something unusual. He got angry with it as well. Jamadagni called his wife and asked her straightaway thus, “Oh Renuka! Why are the flowers that you brought today so pale? What happened to you? Indeed, even the holy water that you’ve brought also seems to have some bad vibrations! Did you see someone in the garden? Did you give yourself to that person who saw you? The vibrations that are emitting out of the water and these flowers point to an illicit affair that you’ve had with someone else! Tell me the truth! What happened in the garden today?” As Sage Jamadagni asked thus with great anger, Renuka Devi did not know what to reply! She was shell-shocked! In fact, she hasn’t even seen Chitra-Rasa standing and admiring her, even though he had seen her! She replied to her husband thus, “Oh Sage Jamadagni! I’m a “Pathi-Vratha” woman and till this moment I’ve never thought of anyone else other than you in my life! How are you saying all such words to me? I’m not understanding what you’re saying! Please forgive me if I’ve done something wrong!” 

As Renuka Devi says thus, she falls on Sage Jamadagni’s feet and seeks unconditional apology! However, Sage Jamadagni’s anger towards Renuka Devi did not subside. With extreme anger, he called out all his sons to come forward and chop off Renuka Devi’s head for the mistake she had committed! He calls the first son and instructs this, however, the first son was moved by the bonding he had with his mother. He refused to chop of his own mother’s head! Subsequently, Jamadagni called out for his other sons, and everyone refused to do this. Finally, Parasurama came forward. Parasurama was Jamadagni’s last son. As the instruction comes from his father, Parasurama immediately took his weapon in hand and rushed towards his mother. Even though his mother pleaded with Parasurama to leave her, Parasurama stood by his “Dharma” of obeying his father’s words! With this, Parasurama chopped off his own mother’s head and Renuka Devi fell on the ground dead! 

As this treacherous incident happened, everyone started crying, but Jamadagni was extremely happy. He was contented that atleast one of his sons had the guts to come forward to execute his words. Parasurama was also happy because he stood by his “Dharma” of obeying his father’s words, even though it was for a disastrous cause of sacrificing his mother! Impressed by Parasurama’s dedication, Sage Jamadagni requests Parasurama to ask for two boons! As Sage Jamadagni asks thus, Parasurama spells out his two boons – “Oh father! My first boon to you is to bring back my mother to life! She should once again get up and be along with us! My second boon to you is that, the “Paapa-Karma” of killing my own mother should not touch me at any point in life! I had to do it, just because it is my “Dharma” to obey my father’s words. However, this should not cause any harmful effect to my mother! Also, this “Karma” shouldn’t haunt me in my life! Please grant these two boons to me!” 

As Parasurama spells out his two requests thus, Sage Jamadagni became very happy and appreciated his son for his dedication to both his parents. He immediately brought Renuka Devi back to life and assured that the sin of killing his own mother would never haunt him at any point in his life. With this, all of them lived happily henceforth, along with Renuka Devi. They had all the possible wealth with them, along with the cows, and other forms of resources too. So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall witness what happened further in Parasurama’s life! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had commenced an important discussion on the birth background of Sage Vishwamitra and Parasurama. We’ve witnessed that King Gaadhi had a daughter by name Satyavati, who had been given in marriage to Sage Richeeka. As days and months progressed, King Gaadhi and his wife visited Satyavati and enquired about her life. As Satyavati and her mother were conversing with each other, both of them had a wish to have their own sons. That is, Satyavati wanted to have a son with Sage Richeeka and at the same time, Satyavati’s mother wanted to have a son with King Gaadhi. Thus, Satyavati’s mother wanted her daughter to approach Sage Richeeka who was a great sage, for a solution to this wish. Accordingly, as Satyavati expresses her wish along with her mother’s, Sage Richeeka prepares two cups of “Paayasam” out of his power of penance – One for Satyavati and the other for her mother. The cup of “Paayasam” designated for Satyavati was to give birth to a Brahmana Rishi and the other cup designated for her mother was to give birth to a Kshatrya prince. Sage Richeeka gave both these cups to Satyavati and asked her to give one of them to her mother. 

Now, as Satyavati gave the designated cup of “Paayasam” to her mother, she did not drink it immediately. She waited until Satyavati drank her cup. However, Satyavati did not drink her cup as well. This led to her mother thinking thus, “Oh! Since Sage Richeeka is Satyavati’s husband, probably he might have prepared her cup of “Paayasam” with a lot more dedication than mine. Perhaps, the son who would be born to Satyavati might be more intelligent and brilliant than mine! Hence, maybe if I drink that cup of “Paayasam” which Satyavati should have, I might obtain that more intelligent son!” This thought of jealousy came into Satyavati’s mother’s mind and with this, she drank the cup of “Paayasam” that was designated for Satyavati! Thus, as Satyavati was sleeping during the night, her mother secretly drank Satyavati’s cup of “Paayasam” before she woke up! Next morning when Satyavati woke up, she initially did not realize that her mother had drank the wrong cup of “Paayasam”. Assuming that the remaining cup of “Paayasam” is her’s, Satyavati drank it! 

As days passed by, both of them became pregnant and started carrying. However, the babies that were growing inside both of them had contrasting characteristics! Satyavati was the first one to understand this because the baby that was growing within her womb started exhibiting aggressive characteristics! With this, Satyavati understood that there was some problem and she immediately reported this to her mother. As Satyavati explains the problem, her mother accepts the truth that she had allegedly consumed the cup of “Paayasam” that wasn’t designated for her! Upon hearing this, Satyavati was shell-shocked! She was in tears of anger and frustration and with this, she immediately ran to Sage Rickeeha for a solution! Satyavati cries to her husband that a blunder has happened and this should somehow be reversed! As Satyavati cries thus, Sage Richeeka replies back, “Oh Satyavati! Now it is too late. Nothing can be done! When I trusted my power of penance and prepared the two cups of “Paayasam”, I had clearly mentioned which cup was for whom. If you had mistakenly consumed the wrong cup, it is not my fault and the situation cannot be reversed! Thus, the son who would be born to you would be an embodiment of “Kshaastrava Tejas”, which means that the baby would be full of anger and aggression! You’ll have to bear with it and I cannot reverse this situation!” 

As Satyavati listened to this, she was again shell-shocked! She could not digest this fact! However, she fell on her husband’s feet and prayed once again to him! With this, Sage Richeeka thought for a while and replied thus, “Oh Satyavati! Maybe I can do one thing – Of course I cannot change the outcome completely, but maybe I can “delay” it a bit further. This means, the subsequent generation child who would be born, would be extremely aggressive with the “Kshaastrava Tejas”!” As Satyavati heard this, she heaved a huge sigh of relief! Atleast, her baby will not be this aggressive, isn’t it? It is only going to be this baby’s baby, which would take another thirty to forty years time! Thus, she accepted Sage Richeeka’s proposal and with this, Satyavati delivers a son by name “Jamadagni”. This baby was a great sage and had all the characteristics of a Brahmana Rishi. Eventually, Jamadagni becomes a great sage similar to his father and when Jamadagni marries and obtains a child, this child was extremely aggressive with a lot of “Kshaastrava Tejas”! This child was none other than Parasurama! Thus, we can see here that Parasurama, even though he was a Brahmana Rishi’s son, had extreme anger and “Kshaastrava Tejas” in him. This is why we see that Parasurama went around the world killing all those people who practised “Adharma” and drank all of their blood to quench his thirst! Parasurama’s aggression and anger knew no bounds and this is the history behind it! 

Now let us witness the other side where the “Paayasam” got interchanged – King Gaadhi’s wife (Satyavati’s mother) delivered a son and this baby was none other than Sage Vishwamitra. Thus, even though Sage Vishwamitra was a “Kshatrya” prince by birth, he wanted to become a “Brahma-Rishi” during his later period of life and he somehow achieved it as well! The reason behind a “Kshatrya” obtaining the highest title of “Brahma-Rishi” is this interchange of the “Paayasam”! Thus, we can see here that Parasurama was a “Brahmana Rishi” by birth, but went on to become a “Kshatrya” and Vishwamitra on the other hand, was a “Kshatrya” by birth, but went on to become a great “Brahmana Rishi”! This is the important understanding that all of us should have! 

So for today, let us understand this story clearly and we shall wait till the next episode to witness the next accord of Sage Naarada and Sage Dhoumya! Stay tuned! 🙂  

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important accord that Sage Naarada is narrating, with regards to Parasurama and Sage Vishwamitra. As Sage Naarada was narrating all these accords, the Paandavas led by Yudishtra have already begun their “Teertha Yatra” and are proceeding to each and every place as per Sage Naarada’s instruction and guidance. Sage Naarada is also accompanying them for a few important places, however, Sage Dhoumya takes the centre-stage here as well. We’ve already witnessed Sage Dhoumya’s association with Yudishtra and Co. earlier as well – When the Paandava brothers were proceeding towards the Drupada Desha for Draupati’s “Svayamvara” event, Sage Dhoumya got introduced to them, and subsequently, wherever the Paandavas travelled to, Sage Dhoumya was always with them at every occasion. Hence, while witnessing all these accords about various great sages, rivers and “Punya-Kshetras”, we should understand here that along with Sage Naarada’s main accord, Sage Dhoumya also gives his own inputs on these places and people. Sage Dhoumya himself was a great scholar and his knowledge on these subjects were excellent. Thus, in this context, Yudishtra is being apprised of Sage Vishwamitra and Parasurama. We’ve witnessed earlier that Sage Vishwamitra had a definitive role to play, both in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata times, which means that he was living right through the Tretha Yuga and the Dwapara Yuga as well! 

All these “Charitras” come up when Yudishtra and Co. meet a sage by name Sage Akritavrana. The entire caravan of Yudishtra and Co., along with Sage Dhoumya and many other sages, including Sage Naarada at different points are travelling to various places and now they have come to Sage Akritavrana’s ashram. From there, Yudishtra is seeking guidance to reach Parasurama’s ashram, so as to pay his respect to the great sage. As Yudishtra asks thus, Sage Akritavrana replies back – “Oh Yudishtra! I’m so glad that you’ve come all the way to meet all of us! However, you should understand here that meeting Parasurama isn’t that easy, even though he resides somewhere amidst this dense forest area only. He comes out in visibility to others only during the “Chaturdasi” (Fourteenth day of every month) day. Hence, you should wait till the “Chaturdasi” day to meet him and obtain his divine “Anugraha”. Till that time, you stay here in this forest itself!” 

Saying thus, Yudishtra asks Sage Akritavrana – “Oh great Sage! We shall obey your instructions by staying here itself till the next “Chaturdasi” day arrives. But till then, I would like to understand a detailed accord on the history and significance of Parasurama. Of course, Sage Naarada had earlier given an accord on him in brief. Now since we have a lot of time, I would like to understand Parasurama in detail!” As Yudishtra asks thus, Sage Akritavrana replies – “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve asked an important question. Now let me give you the details. Once upon a time, there was a king by name Gaadhi. He had a daughter by name “Satyavati”. As Satyavati grew up, he wanted to get Satyavati married to a great Brahmana Rishi. Thus, he found out Sage Richeeka and got his daughter married to this sage. As the marriage happens, Satyavati and Sage Richeeka were living happily thereafter together. One day, King Gaadhi and his wife wanted to pay a casual visit to his daughter’s house. As Satyavati was talking with her mother, both of them exchanged their wish to each other that they wanted to have a son. Satyavati’s mother opined that even though she had a daughter, she wanted to have a son. Similarly, Satyavati too wanted to have a son with Sage Richeeka. As this happens, Satyavati’s mother comes up with an idea and proposes it to her daughter thus, “Oh Satyavati! Do one thing – Go to your husband and explain our wishes to him. Tell him that you want a son and your mother also wants a son. He is a great Brahmana Rishi, isn’t he? Maybe he can give a solution to this!” 

Thus, Satyavati goes to her husband, Sage Richeeka and proposes this idea to him. Immediately, Sage Richeeka is very happy with the idea and creates two cups of “Paayasams” – One for his wife and the other for his mother-in-law. The reason why he gave two separate cups of “Paayasams” is that, the son who should be born to Sage Richeeka and Satyavati should be a Brahmana Rishi and the son who should be born to King Gaadhi and Satyavati’s mother should be a “Kshatrya prince”, since King Gaadhi is a “Kshatrya” himself. With this intention, Sage Richeeka prepared two separate cups of “Paayasams” and gives to Satyavati. 

Thus, the instruction is very clear – One designated cup should go to Satyavati and the other should go to her mother. So for today, let Satyavati have both the cups of “Paayasams” in her hands and in tomorrow’s episode, we shall witness what happens to these “Paayasams”! An interesting accord awaits us tomorrow! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a detailed accord on Sage Rishyashringa and how he got married to Shaanta Devi, who was the daughter of King Lomapaada of the Anga Desha. Once upon a time, when the Anga Desha was going through a treacherous drought situation that crippled the entire territory, King Lomapaada learnt through his sources that only if Sage Rishyashringa sets foot on the soil of Anga Desha, this drought situation would come to an end. Subsequently, Sage Rishyashringa was made to come to the Anga Desha, but this was not easy for King Lomapaada. This is because, Sage Rishyashringa did not have any experience in interacting with any human being on earth! He was a unique person and gave is 100% to his deep penance, without even having basic interactions with anyone around! Thus, to convince such a person and to bring him inside a place which is dominated by human beings was a herculean task for King Lomapaada, however, he finally achieved it. Thus, once Sage Rishyashringa set foot on Anga Desha, rains started to lash the territory and with this, the drought situation came to an end! Impressed with the divine capability of Sage Rishyashringa, King Lomapaada gave his daughter Shaanta Devi in marriage to him. Thus, both of them lived happily together at a place called “Shringiberapura”, which is also the residing place of Guha – The hunter whom Bhagawan Rama approached first, when He was going on his 14-year exile. 

Moving on from here, Sage Naarada is explaining about the significance of River Kaushiki and how River Ganga goes and meets the ocean after travelling for thousands of kilometers towards the eastern direction. I’m not going into these stories in detail at the moment, but we shall discuss them when the apt context comes up in the near future. Now we move into the next important “Charitra” that Sage Naarada is going to narrate – Something about Sage Richika. Now, this is going to be a very interesting story and this is going to lead to the birth of two very important people here. Moving on into what Sage Naarada explains – There was a great sage by name Richika. Sage Richika was a very pious person and was extremely into deep penance, similar to how we’ve seen Sage Rishyashringa and the others. This Sage Rishika gets married to a woman by name “Gaadhi”. Both of them had a son by name “Jamadagni”. Later on, Jamadagni got married and out of this marriage, Parashurama took the divine incarnation. On the other hand, Gaadhi had a daughter along with Jamadagni. This daughter was married to a king, and gave birth to none other than Sage Vishwamitra. We might wonder how Sage Vishwamitra was born to a king! This is where the twist of the story is – As we’ve discussed in our previous Ramayana project, Sage Vishwamitra was born as a “Kshatrya Prince” but later on with enormous effort, he obtained the title of “Brahma-Rishi” from none other than Sage Vashsitachaarya himself! We’ve witnessed this story in our earlier episodes as to how there was a huge fight between Vishwamitra and Sage Vasishtachaarya, over the “Kaamadenu” cow. Vishwamitra, when he was a king, wanted to abduct the Kaamadenu cow from Sage Vasishtachaarya, who in turn resisted it. Vishwamitra was defeated left, right and center by Sage Vasishtachaarya – Thanks to his extreme power of penance. However, Vishwamitra did not leave it there. This insult that he obtained was stirring continuously in his heart. He somehow wanted to take revenge over Sage Vasishtachaarya. Hence, he decided that there is no warfare technique that can defeat Sage Vasishtachaarya and only the power of penance could! 

Thus, Vishwamitra goes into deep penance and eventually he again goes to fight with Sage Vasishtachaarya and ends up killing all his family members and children! This irks Sage Vasishtachaarya to a great extent, however, he decides to forgive Vishwamitra’s anger and vengeance. Eventually, Sage Vasishtachaarya himself gives Vishwamitra the “Brahmarishi” title and with this, Vishwamitra becomes “Sage Vishwamitra”. This is one side of the story. On the other side, if we look at Parasurama’s role in the Mahabharata text, we’ve earlier seen that Guru Dhronachaarya was a student of Parasurama, with regards to all the techniques of warfare. Similarly, when Karna was denied by Guru Dhronachaarya to be accepted as his student, we’ve witnessed the Karna straightaway went to Parasurama, who in turn accepted him as his student. Thus, Karna is a student of Parasurama. Similarly, when Amba, Ambika and Ambaalika were being brought by Bhishmachaarya to Hastinapura, to get them married to King Vichitraveerya, Amba had an issue with getting married to him, as she was in love with another king. However, the king wasn’t ready to accept her as his wife, since Bhishmachaarya had already won over her in the “Svayamvara” event. Thus, when Amba came back to Bhishmachaarya, he wasn’t ready to accept her either! Hence, unable to understand where to go from here on, Amba straightaway rushed to Parasurama for help. Thus, Parasurama was pressured by Amba to fight with Bhishmachaarya! However, when the fight happened, both Parasurama and Bhishmachaarya weren’t able to defeat each other, because both of them had equal strength and power! 

Thus, we can see here that both Sage Vishnwamitra and Parasurama lived during the Dwaapara Yuga as well, when the Mahabharata took place. There are also references about both of them during the Ramayana time as well. Hence, both these people had lived for two Yugas together! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness a few of these events in detail! Stay tuned! 🙂