Abhaya Daanam
(see Shibi Chakravarti story and Vibheeshana-varada story too)
There will be many who do Suvarna, Go, Bhuu daanam; but it is rare to find one who has sarva-bhuuta-daya.
One day, when Raghu maharaja was doing Tapas, a Viprottama approached him and asked for Sharanam. Seeing the Viprottama, who was trembling with fear, Raghu maharaja gave Abhayam and asked the reason for the fear. Meanwhile a Raakshasa came there saying “leave … leave”. He said to Raghu maharaja “Raja! leave him. This is the aahaaram that Brahma decided for me. Why are you protecting my aahaaram. I am very hungry”.
Raghu maharaja said “I will not. He, that too a Viprottama, came to me and asked for Sharanam. A sat-purusha always gives Abhayam to a Sharana-arthi. Also it is my Kshatriya-dharmam to protect this arthi. A person who does Abhaya-daanam will get more punyam than one who does all Yagnyas-Vratas. How can I cheat a person, to whom I said even giving my life I will protect you? For any paapam there might be a praayashchittam; but not for a Sharnaagata-hanta. I can get you any other aahaaram which you will like. With hunger how much you are suffering, this Vipra is also suffering that much with fear”.
Raakshasa replied “Like a Gnyaani you talked a lot about anya-samrakshana-dharmam. However you wont care about my hunger. When the tastiest food I want is before me, you are asking me to ask for some other aahaaram. Now if I die of hunger wont you get the paapam? Raja! you dont have daya. For Tapas, daya is the basis. Nirdaya gives paapam. Please save me – who is suffering from hunger. Leave the Vipra”.
Raghu maharaja then thought like this “If I leave this Vipra, Raakshasa will eat him. If I dont, Raakshasa may die of hunger. Without any doubt in either case I will get the paapam. What do to?”. Then he remembered his Guru, Vasishtha’s bodha — “Hari naama smaranam is the only way in case of difficulties”. So Raghu maharaja, with nishchala chittam, did Shri Hari dhyaanam and said “Paatu maam Bhagavaan Vishnuh”.
Just on hearing the Hari naamam, the Raakshasa got Divya-aakruti and said “I am a King by name Shatadyumna and got this ghora-ruupam because of Vashishtha maharshi shaapam, for my dushkaaryam. Because of hearing to Divya-Hari-naamam that too from a Dharmaatma, Tapasvi like you, I got Vimukti”. The Vipra also reached home safely.
Seeing this, Brahmadeva appeared before Raghu maharaja and said “O Mahiipaala! your Dharma-vartanam impressed Me. Please aboard this Divya-vimaanam and come to Satyalokam”. This Divya-gaadha was told by Shri Bhrugu maharshi to Shaunaka mahaa-muni.
Morals in the story:
There will be many who do Suvarna, Go, Bhuu daanam; but it is rare to find one who has sarva-bhuuta-daya.
One day, when Raghu maharaja was doing Tapas, a Viprottama approached him and asked for Sharanam. Seeing the Viprottama, who was trembling with fear, Raghu maharaja gave Abhayam and asked the reason for the fear. Meanwhile a Raakshasa came there saying “leave … leave”. He said to Raghu maharaja “Raja! leave him. This is the aahaaram that Brahma decided for me. Why are you protecting my aahaaram. I am very hungry”.
Raghu maharaja said “I will not. He, that too a Viprottama, came to me and asked for Sharanam. A sat-purusha always gives Abhayam to a Sharana-arthi. Also it is my Kshatriya-dharmam to protect this arthi. A person who does Abhaya-daanam will get more punyam than one who does all Yagnyas-Vratas. How can I cheat a person, to whom I said even giving my life I will protect you? For any paapam there might be a praayashchittam; but not for a Sharnaagata-hanta. I can get you any other aahaaram which you will like. With hunger how much you are suffering, this Vipra is also suffering that much with fear”.
Raakshasa replied “Like a Gnyaani you talked a lot about anya-samrakshana-dharmam. However you wont care about my hunger. When the tastiest food I want is before me, you are asking me to ask for some other aahaaram. Now if I die of hunger wont you get the paapam? Raja! you dont have daya. For Tapas, daya is the basis. Nirdaya gives paapam. Please save me – who is suffering from hunger. Leave the Vipra”.
Raghu maharaja then thought like this “If I leave this Vipra, Raakshasa will eat him. If I dont, Raakshasa may die of hunger. Without any doubt in either case I will get the paapam. What do to?”. Then he remembered his Guru, Vasishtha’s bodha — “Hari naama smaranam is the only way in case of difficulties”. So Raghu maharaja, with nishchala chittam, did Shri Hari dhyaanam and said “Paatu maam Bhagavaan Vishnuh”.
Just on hearing the Hari naamam, the Raakshasa got Divya-aakruti and said “I am a King by name Shatadyumna and got this ghora-ruupam because of Vashishtha maharshi shaapam, for my dushkaaryam. Because of hearing to Divya-Hari-naamam that too from a Dharmaatma, Tapasvi like you, I got Vimukti”. The Vipra also reached home safely.
Seeing this, Brahmadeva appeared before Raghu maharaja and said “O Mahiipaala! your Dharma-vartanam impressed Me. Please aboard this Divya-vimaanam and come to Satyalokam”. This Divya-gaadha was told by Shri Bhrugu maharshi to Shaunaka mahaa-muni.
Morals in the story:
- Bhuuta-daya and Sharanaagati-dharmam are well shown by Raghu maharaja. The Punyam got by Abhaya daanam is anantam! For such a person, Satyalokam is easy to reach.
- The importance of Shri Hari-naama-smarana is well shown in the story. Especially in Kali-yugam, Naama-sankeertanam, Daiva-bhajanam is the easiest way for Mukti.
Dadhiichi Mahaa-muni
One who does Paropakaaram will get all Sampadas and will have no difficulties. The Punyam which one gains by doing Paropakaaram is Anantam. Once Brahmadeva put the Punyam got by doing all Dharma-kaaryas and Daanams on one side of the balance and the Punyam got by Paropakaaram on the other — the Punyam gained by doing Paropakaaram out-weighed the other!
“Paraa” was the putrika of Hiranyakashipa and the Bhaarya of Tvashta. Once, she did Tapas for Paramashiva for 1000 years to get santaanam. When Shuula-paani appeared before her, she asked “O Devadeva! Please give me a Shuura, Shastra-astra-avadhya as a Putra”. Paraa after some time, got a putra by name Vrutra. Vrutra right from birth had mahaa-tejas, which increased with the anugraham of Shukraachaarya, the Guru of the asuras.
With Bala-garvam, Vrutraasura attacked Deva-lokam and Devendra. For 5000 years there was a ghora-yuddham between Devatas and Daityas. All the Tri-bhuvanas were affected, disturbed. In the end, Vrutraasura won the Yuddham because of the Varam of Pinaaka-paani. Devendra then went to Brahma-lokam and took aashrayam.
Vrutraasura said to Shukraachaarya “I must also go to Brahmalokam”. Shukraachaarya replied “Daanavanaatha! Now you dont have any way of reaching Brahma-lokam. Be the King of the Tri-bhuvanas and be happy”. Vrutra then replied “Bhaargava! I wont be happy till Devendra is alive. After His naashanam only I will be happy. Why cant I go to Brahma-lokam?”. “Long time ago, Devendra did Tapas with great Nishtha for Shankara-bhagavaan in the pavitra Naimishaaranyam. After such 1000 years of Teevra-Tapas, Devendra got the shakti to go and come from Brahma-lokam. Without any doubt, anybody who does such Tapas in Naimishaaranyam will also get the same phalam”. Knowing this, Vrutraasura started Tapas with ekaagra-chittam for Bhola-shankara.
Seeing Devendra, the Sharana-arthi, Mahaavishnu said “On Sarasvatii-nadii-teeram, Dadhiichi Muni is doing Tapas with parama-nishtha. His asthi (skeleton) is twice as hard as diamond. Request the Muni to give his asthi and using the ‘Vajra-aayudham’ made with his asthi, You can kill Vrutraasura”. In Vipra-vesham, Devendra then reached Dadhiichi Muni, said “Svasti” and sat beside him. Seeing this Dadhiichi asked “O Vaasava! Why did You come in Vipra-vesham? Are all Devatas safe? Please tell me the cause of Your fear”. Devendra told him what happened and asked the Mahaa-muni to give his asthi as Daanam!
Listening to this, Dadhiichi became very happy!! He thought what can be better than giving away the life for others, that too to Uttama-purushas like the Devatas. With his Yoga-shakti, he did Deha-tyaagam. Devendra then did Vrutraasura samhaaram using the Vajra-aayudham built from the asthi of Dadhiichi Muni and restored peace to all worlds.
Morals in the Story:
“Paraa” was the putrika of Hiranyakashipa and the Bhaarya of Tvashta. Once, she did Tapas for Paramashiva for 1000 years to get santaanam. When Shuula-paani appeared before her, she asked “O Devadeva! Please give me a Shuura, Shastra-astra-avadhya as a Putra”. Paraa after some time, got a putra by name Vrutra. Vrutra right from birth had mahaa-tejas, which increased with the anugraham of Shukraachaarya, the Guru of the asuras.
With Bala-garvam, Vrutraasura attacked Deva-lokam and Devendra. For 5000 years there was a ghora-yuddham between Devatas and Daityas. All the Tri-bhuvanas were affected, disturbed. In the end, Vrutraasura won the Yuddham because of the Varam of Pinaaka-paani. Devendra then went to Brahma-lokam and took aashrayam.
Vrutraasura said to Shukraachaarya “I must also go to Brahmalokam”. Shukraachaarya replied “Daanavanaatha! Now you dont have any way of reaching Brahma-lokam. Be the King of the Tri-bhuvanas and be happy”. Vrutra then replied “Bhaargava! I wont be happy till Devendra is alive. After His naashanam only I will be happy. Why cant I go to Brahma-lokam?”. “Long time ago, Devendra did Tapas with great Nishtha for Shankara-bhagavaan in the pavitra Naimishaaranyam. After such 1000 years of Teevra-Tapas, Devendra got the shakti to go and come from Brahma-lokam. Without any doubt, anybody who does such Tapas in Naimishaaranyam will also get the same phalam”. Knowing this, Vrutraasura started Tapas with ekaagra-chittam for Bhola-shankara.
Seeing Devendra, the Sharana-arthi, Mahaavishnu said “On Sarasvatii-nadii-teeram, Dadhiichi Muni is doing Tapas with parama-nishtha. His asthi (skeleton) is twice as hard as diamond. Request the Muni to give his asthi and using the ‘Vajra-aayudham’ made with his asthi, You can kill Vrutraasura”. In Vipra-vesham, Devendra then reached Dadhiichi Muni, said “Svasti” and sat beside him. Seeing this Dadhiichi asked “O Vaasava! Why did You come in Vipra-vesham? Are all Devatas safe? Please tell me the cause of Your fear”. Devendra told him what happened and asked the Mahaa-muni to give his asthi as Daanam!
Listening to this, Dadhiichi became very happy!! He thought what can be better than giving away the life for others, that too to Uttama-purushas like the Devatas. With his Yoga-shakti, he did Deha-tyaagam. Devendra then did Vrutraasura samhaaram using the Vajra-aayudham built from the asthi of Dadhiichi Muni and restored peace to all worlds.
Morals in the Story:
- The Paropakaara buddhi of Dadhiichi Muni was well shown in the story. With great aanandam he did deha-tyaagam for saving the Devatas.
- Santrupti is very important. One must be satisfied with whatever he has. Though Shukraachaarya adviced Vrutraasura to be satisfied being the King of the Tri-bhuvanas, he was not and with Duraasha continued enemity with the Devatas. Duraasha always leads to difficulties.
Aashraya Parityaaga Dosham
When Vaamana Murty and Devatas, along with Devendra, were doing many Teertha-yaatras for Lakshmi-kataaksham, they saw a huge Vruksham which was dried-up and dead. There was a Shukam (parrot) living in it, which was very thin and not looking healthy.
Devendra and others asked “Pakshiishvara! This Vruksham dried-off. There are no more leaves, flowers and fruits. We want to know why you didnt leave this and live on a new Vruksham?”.
The Shukam replied “This is a very old Vruksham; a Kalpa-vruksham (Its age is measured in Kalpam). I lived happily for a very long time eating its sweet fruits. In course of time, it reached this state. Kaala-gati cannot be changed. Just because it dried-off now, if I leave it, forgetting that I lived my entire life with its help, then it will be a Krutaghnata. There is no paapam which is greater than Krutaghnata. Hence this Shushka-vruksham is my universe”.
Devendra replied “O Vihanga-raaja! You are a Gnyaani and a Medhaavi. Hence I am telling this: This Vanaspati now left its Svadharmam — it no more gives you fruits, flowers etc. You are still following your Sva-bhaavam. Why dont you go and live on a Phala-vruksham instead?”.
The Shukam replied “Panchabhuutas (Pruthvi, Jalam, Agni, Vaayu, Aakaasham) have Chaitanyam always. They are controlled by You, and other Devatas. However Vrukshas dont have Chaitanyam always. They have to obey Kaala-dharmam. So how can we say that the Vruksham left its Sva-dharmam? What is there that You dont know”.
Listening to this, Shachii-pati replied “Khagottama! I want to know how you got this Vignyaanam, Dharmam and Parishrama?”.
Shukam replied “Devaraaja! I never did Mitra-droham. Even if Mrutyu comes, I wont think of Mitra-droham. I respect and do seva of my Maata-Pita. I always look after my Bhaarya (wife). I dont insult other creatures and eat away their food. Because of this I got Nirmala-gnyaanam”. Devendra, with great aanandam, said “I am happy with your sat-buddhi. Please ask Me any varam. I will grant it to you”. The shukam replied
“I dont want to go to any other lokas. I cant leave this Mahaa-vruksham. Please make this Vruksham alive again”. Devendra gave back the life of the Vruksham and Vaamana Murty and Devatas continued their Teertha-yaatra and later got Lakshmii-kataaksham.
Because the Shukam never left its Sva-aashrayam, the Vruksham, and showed Krutagnyata, it went to Brahma-lokam after leaving the physical body. Jayam to Shri Raama Chandra who said “Jananii Janma Bhuumishcha Svargaadapi Gariiyasi” and showed all of us the easiest way to Brahma-lokam.
Morals in the story:
Devendra and others asked “Pakshiishvara! This Vruksham dried-off. There are no more leaves, flowers and fruits. We want to know why you didnt leave this and live on a new Vruksham?”.
The Shukam replied “This is a very old Vruksham; a Kalpa-vruksham (Its age is measured in Kalpam). I lived happily for a very long time eating its sweet fruits. In course of time, it reached this state. Kaala-gati cannot be changed. Just because it dried-off now, if I leave it, forgetting that I lived my entire life with its help, then it will be a Krutaghnata. There is no paapam which is greater than Krutaghnata. Hence this Shushka-vruksham is my universe”.
Devendra replied “O Vihanga-raaja! You are a Gnyaani and a Medhaavi. Hence I am telling this: This Vanaspati now left its Svadharmam — it no more gives you fruits, flowers etc. You are still following your Sva-bhaavam. Why dont you go and live on a Phala-vruksham instead?”.
The Shukam replied “Panchabhuutas (Pruthvi, Jalam, Agni, Vaayu, Aakaasham) have Chaitanyam always. They are controlled by You, and other Devatas. However Vrukshas dont have Chaitanyam always. They have to obey Kaala-dharmam. So how can we say that the Vruksham left its Sva-dharmam? What is there that You dont know”.
Listening to this, Shachii-pati replied “Khagottama! I want to know how you got this Vignyaanam, Dharmam and Parishrama?”.
Shukam replied “Devaraaja! I never did Mitra-droham. Even if Mrutyu comes, I wont think of Mitra-droham. I respect and do seva of my Maata-Pita. I always look after my Bhaarya (wife). I dont insult other creatures and eat away their food. Because of this I got Nirmala-gnyaanam”. Devendra, with great aanandam, said “I am happy with your sat-buddhi. Please ask Me any varam. I will grant it to you”. The shukam replied
“I dont want to go to any other lokas. I cant leave this Mahaa-vruksham. Please make this Vruksham alive again”. Devendra gave back the life of the Vruksham and Vaamana Murty and Devatas continued their Teertha-yaatra and later got Lakshmii-kataaksham.
Because the Shukam never left its Sva-aashrayam, the Vruksham, and showed Krutagnyata, it went to Brahma-lokam after leaving the physical body. Jayam to Shri Raama Chandra who said “Jananii Janma Bhuumishcha Svargaadapi Gariiyasi” and showed all of us the easiest way to Brahma-lokam.
Morals in the story:
- Shaastras say one who doesnt leave his Sva-aashrayam will get Shrii-laabham, Bhuu-laabham and Iham-Param. The Shukam didnt leave the Vruksham, even though the Vruksham died. Hence it got Brahma-lokam in the end.
- Krutagnyata is the Prathama-kartavyam of Bhaarateeyas. Krutaghnata is the greatest paapam, which has no nishkruti. This is well shown in the story through the words of the Shukam.
Annapuurna
Dokkaa Seetamma was born in 1841 in Mandapeta. She was known by many as “Annapuurnamma”. This was because of her sadgunams like Atithi-seva and Anna-daanam. To whoever was hungry, she used to cook food and serve them. In no time her fame went to all directions.
In 1902, December, she was called to Delhi for receiving an award for her daana-gunam. With great Vinayam, thinking that Atithi-seva, Anna-daanam are the minimum things that Bhaarateeya Samskruti imposed in order to show one’s Krutagnyata to his fellow humans, she didnt attend the function to receive the award. She was a true Bhaarateeya who was humble, never thought about name and fame. The collector, knowing this, made a painting of her, put it in the award cermony and respected her.
Once on a heavy rainy day a Vruddha sharana-arthi was shouting like this from the other side of the Godaavari river “I am very hungry. Please give me food. O Seetamma!”. Listening to the aarta-naadam, Seetamma felt pain. She immediately cooked food and herself carried it across the river in the heavy rain and served the hungry old man.
In a village by name Munganda, there was a Bhraatru-hantaka (he killed his own brother for property). Due to this dushkarma, he became a pishaachi. He experienced ghora-narakam with that form. Once he came into a small girl and said “one night Seetamma did great Annadaanam to a Vruddha. Please ask her to give me this one Anna-daana phalam. With this I will get Vimukti”. The family ran to Seetamma and told this. Immediately Seetamma did Phalatyaagam of her Anna-daanam with the help of her Purohita. Before everybody, the pishaachi got Vimukti. Seeing this everybody came to know the greatness of Anna-daanam. Bhaarata-desham will never forget Dokkaa Seetamma. Annadaata Sukhiibhava!
Morals in the story:
In 1902, December, she was called to Delhi for receiving an award for her daana-gunam. With great Vinayam, thinking that Atithi-seva, Anna-daanam are the minimum things that Bhaarateeya Samskruti imposed in order to show one’s Krutagnyata to his fellow humans, she didnt attend the function to receive the award. She was a true Bhaarateeya who was humble, never thought about name and fame. The collector, knowing this, made a painting of her, put it in the award cermony and respected her.
Once on a heavy rainy day a Vruddha sharana-arthi was shouting like this from the other side of the Godaavari river “I am very hungry. Please give me food. O Seetamma!”. Listening to the aarta-naadam, Seetamma felt pain. She immediately cooked food and herself carried it across the river in the heavy rain and served the hungry old man.
In a village by name Munganda, there was a Bhraatru-hantaka (he killed his own brother for property). Due to this dushkarma, he became a pishaachi. He experienced ghora-narakam with that form. Once he came into a small girl and said “one night Seetamma did great Annadaanam to a Vruddha. Please ask her to give me this one Anna-daana phalam. With this I will get Vimukti”. The family ran to Seetamma and told this. Immediately Seetamma did Phalatyaagam of her Anna-daanam with the help of her Purohita. Before everybody, the pishaachi got Vimukti. Seeing this everybody came to know the greatness of Anna-daanam. Bhaarata-desham will never forget Dokkaa Seetamma. Annadaata Sukhiibhava!
Morals in the story:
- The Atithi-seva tattvam, Anna-daana gunam of a Bhaarata-naari is well shown in this story through Dokkaa Seetamma.
- The greatness of Anna-daanam is well shown in the story. The punya-phalam of one Anna-daanam was enough to give Vimukti to even a pishaachi.
Think before acting
(Please read King Nruga’s story too)
A Viveka will never do any Kaaryam without Sameeksha (thinking, careful examination).
Long time ago, there used be a King in a city by name “purika”. He was a Para-himsa-rata. He used to do himsa of other creatures. Because of this in his next janma, he was born as a Gomaayu (jackal). However due to the Punyam and Gnyaanam the King acquired, the Gomaayu had puurva-janma-smruti.
Gomaayu used to have great pashchaattapam for his Ahimsa-svabhaavam. Hence it decided to leave Himsa in this janma atleast. It never used to do Himsa of others. Even as aahaaram it used to take only fruits which, by themselves, fell on the ground. Later it started taking only water. It used to always speak Satyam only. Like this, with Dhruda-vratam, it used to lead an Ahimsaayuta-jeevanam.
As for other jackals, the Gomaayu’s home was in Rudra-bhuumi (smashaanam). It never used to leave its janma-bhuumi and used to always stay there and show Krutagnyata to Bhuu-maata. However other Gomaayu in the neighbourhood never used to understand the actions of this one. They used to do many “hita-bodhas” to it; but the Gomaayu never used to leave Ahimsa, Satyam and always used to have Indriya-nigraham, Shuchitvam and Gnyaanam. Like this many days passed by.
Once, the King, a Shaarduulam (tiger), realizing the greatness of this Gomaayu, came near it and said “O Soumya! I came to know about your Vignyaanam. You deserve to be my Mantri and serve this Raajyam. You can also enjoy all the pleasures of a King”. With great Vinayam the Gomaayu replied “Mrugaraja! Only a Gnyaani, Sajjana deserves to be in the position of a Mantri. Else it will lead to the downfall of the Kingdom. I dont have any interest in the Bhoga-bhaagyas of a King; however I will accept to be your Mantri and do Desha-seva. But your previous servants will have Iirsha on me. They might create differences between you and me. Hence I will be your mantri only if you trust me 100%”.
The Shaarduulam accepted and they together did Dharma-paalana of the Vana-raajyam. As Gomaayu expected, the other servants of the King developed Iirsha, Matsaram on the Gomaayu. Once out of Matsaram, they hide the Shaarduulam’s lunch in Gomaayu’s house. When the Shaarduulam ordered them to find who stole his food, they bring it out from the Gomaayu’s house proving that the Gomaayu only stole the food! Believing in the Kapata-naatakam of the animals, Shaarduulam immediately orders that the Gomaayu must be killed.
Knowing that his child is acting without thinking, the mother of the Shaarduulam said “O son! This is looking like a Kapata-naatakam. You must always think before acting and never take decisions in haste. Paapaatmas always hate the people who have shuchitvam, Muurkhas hate Panditas, Adhaarmikas hate the Dhaarmikas. Some Panditas, who are equal to Bruhaspati, also give false-evidence. We must be careful about these people. Even if we see something, without examining we must never accept it without thinking. A person who acts without thinking will always have pashchaattaapam. Remember that you only carefully examined the sadgunams of the Gomaayu. Also dont forget all the help it did for your Raajyam. I think giving such shiksha to this Gomaayu is not good”.
Listening to this Hita-bodha of his mother, Shaarduulam then thought carefully and left Gomaayu without punishing. Gomaayu then thought it is dangerous to be in the company of a King who is an Asameekshaa-kaari and left the place. Later the Shaarduulam’s Raajyam also perished because of a dushta-mantri.
Morals in the story:
A Viveka will never do any Kaaryam without Sameeksha (thinking, careful examination).
Long time ago, there used be a King in a city by name “purika”. He was a Para-himsa-rata. He used to do himsa of other creatures. Because of this in his next janma, he was born as a Gomaayu (jackal). However due to the Punyam and Gnyaanam the King acquired, the Gomaayu had puurva-janma-smruti.
Gomaayu used to have great pashchaattapam for his Ahimsa-svabhaavam. Hence it decided to leave Himsa in this janma atleast. It never used to do Himsa of others. Even as aahaaram it used to take only fruits which, by themselves, fell on the ground. Later it started taking only water. It used to always speak Satyam only. Like this, with Dhruda-vratam, it used to lead an Ahimsaayuta-jeevanam.
As for other jackals, the Gomaayu’s home was in Rudra-bhuumi (smashaanam). It never used to leave its janma-bhuumi and used to always stay there and show Krutagnyata to Bhuu-maata. However other Gomaayu in the neighbourhood never used to understand the actions of this one. They used to do many “hita-bodhas” to it; but the Gomaayu never used to leave Ahimsa, Satyam and always used to have Indriya-nigraham, Shuchitvam and Gnyaanam. Like this many days passed by.
Once, the King, a Shaarduulam (tiger), realizing the greatness of this Gomaayu, came near it and said “O Soumya! I came to know about your Vignyaanam. You deserve to be my Mantri and serve this Raajyam. You can also enjoy all the pleasures of a King”. With great Vinayam the Gomaayu replied “Mrugaraja! Only a Gnyaani, Sajjana deserves to be in the position of a Mantri. Else it will lead to the downfall of the Kingdom. I dont have any interest in the Bhoga-bhaagyas of a King; however I will accept to be your Mantri and do Desha-seva. But your previous servants will have Iirsha on me. They might create differences between you and me. Hence I will be your mantri only if you trust me 100%”.
The Shaarduulam accepted and they together did Dharma-paalana of the Vana-raajyam. As Gomaayu expected, the other servants of the King developed Iirsha, Matsaram on the Gomaayu. Once out of Matsaram, they hide the Shaarduulam’s lunch in Gomaayu’s house. When the Shaarduulam ordered them to find who stole his food, they bring it out from the Gomaayu’s house proving that the Gomaayu only stole the food! Believing in the Kapata-naatakam of the animals, Shaarduulam immediately orders that the Gomaayu must be killed.
Knowing that his child is acting without thinking, the mother of the Shaarduulam said “O son! This is looking like a Kapata-naatakam. You must always think before acting and never take decisions in haste. Paapaatmas always hate the people who have shuchitvam, Muurkhas hate Panditas, Adhaarmikas hate the Dhaarmikas. Some Panditas, who are equal to Bruhaspati, also give false-evidence. We must be careful about these people. Even if we see something, without examining we must never accept it without thinking. A person who acts without thinking will always have pashchaattaapam. Remember that you only carefully examined the sadgunams of the Gomaayu. Also dont forget all the help it did for your Raajyam. I think giving such shiksha to this Gomaayu is not good”.
Listening to this Hita-bodha of his mother, Shaarduulam then thought carefully and left Gomaayu without punishing. Gomaayu then thought it is dangerous to be in the company of a King who is an Asameekshaa-kaari and left the place. Later the Shaarduulam’s Raajyam also perished because of a dushta-mantri.
Morals in the story:
- We must never act without Sameeksha. The Shaarduulam, even being a King, ordered to kill the Gomaayu without thinking.
- The importance of Ahimsa, Shuchitvam, Satyam are well shown by Gomaayu. Though it took birth as a Gomaayu, it never left these sadgunas.
- A person’s nature, behaviour depend a lot on the teachings of his mother, parents. The mother of the Shaarduulam saved him from unnecessarily punishing the Gomaayu.
Vande Maataram
(We recommend people reading all previous morals before reading this story.)
It is our adrushtam that we belong to a place where janmabhuumi is called by the name “Maata”. It is our Kartavyam to understand the paramaartham behind the “Vandemaataram” geetam, which awoke the Bhaarateeyas, filled in Desha-bhakti in them and drove them to fight for Svaatantryam.
Vandemaatara geetam shows well the unnata aadarshas and aashayam of Bhaarateeyas. This mahaa-geetam shows the Vaibhavam of Bhaarata-maata, her Praakrutika-ramaniiyata, her strength. It was like an aushadham for people who were suffering from “aatma-vismruti”.
It was like taaraka-mantram for the mahaaveeras of Bhaarata-svaatantrya-udyamam. Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterji, a person equal to a rushi, gave us this maha-aushadham. This was what gave strength to bear the cruel laathi-charges, to experience execution, with a smiling face! In 1906, April 14th, absolutely without any reason the British police started laathi-charge. For every blow, Bhaarateeyas did “Vandemaatara” japam. Soon “Vandemaataram” became a nightmare for the British. On 17-8-1909, Madanlaal did Praana-tyaagam for Bharata-bhuumi, with a smile, singing this Vandemaataram only. When police were torturing people who sing Vandemaataram, Shri Chandrashekhar Azad, who was then only 13, did Vandemaatara japam only, without any fear.
During ~1875, Bankim Chandra Chatterji was travelling from Kolkata to his village, “Kaantaal paada” in a train. He looked out of the window and got great aanandam seeing the beauty of Bhaaratamaata. His antar-drushti made him see the Vaibhavam and alaukika-soundaryam of Bhaarata-desham. He stored this Varnana-ateeta-bhaavana as a Madhura geetam — Vandemaataram.
During the split of Bengal, Boom Field Fuller, then governer, imposed a strict prohibition against Vandemaataram geetam. The situation we are in now is not much different. Even after independence, we hear only the 1st stanza of this divya-geetam:
Mahaatmaa Gandhi many times praised this Vandemaatara-geetam; however the Mulsim league opposed it. In 1923, at Kaakinaada, during the Congress meet, when as usual Vandemaataram was being sung, Maulaana Mohammad Ali, who was the president of Congress, strongly opposed it. However, Shri Vishnu Digambar, who was the singer, sang it. May be it was the last time it was ever sung fully in a big meeting. Congress broke the song into pieces and divided it — similar to how Bhaarata-desham was divided! This was strongly opposed by many like Shri K.M.Munshi, Mahaatma Gandhi. But who will listen to them?
Let us show our Krutagnyata to Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterji and our Bhaaratamaata by learning, knowing the paramaartham in it and singing this Vandemaatara geetam.
Vande Maataram in Samskrutam
Vande Maataram in Telugu
Search Terms: Bankinchandra, Vandemataram, Vandematharam
It is our adrushtam that we belong to a place where janmabhuumi is called by the name “Maata”. It is our Kartavyam to understand the paramaartham behind the “Vandemaataram” geetam, which awoke the Bhaarateeyas, filled in Desha-bhakti in them and drove them to fight for Svaatantryam.
Vandemaatara geetam shows well the unnata aadarshas and aashayam of Bhaarateeyas. This mahaa-geetam shows the Vaibhavam of Bhaarata-maata, her Praakrutika-ramaniiyata, her strength. It was like an aushadham for people who were suffering from “aatma-vismruti”.
It was like taaraka-mantram for the mahaaveeras of Bhaarata-svaatantrya-udyamam. Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterji, a person equal to a rushi, gave us this maha-aushadham. This was what gave strength to bear the cruel laathi-charges, to experience execution, with a smiling face! In 1906, April 14th, absolutely without any reason the British police started laathi-charge. For every blow, Bhaarateeyas did “Vandemaatara” japam. Soon “Vandemaataram” became a nightmare for the British. On 17-8-1909, Madanlaal did Praana-tyaagam for Bharata-bhuumi, with a smile, singing this Vandemaataram only. When police were torturing people who sing Vandemaataram, Shri Chandrashekhar Azad, who was then only 13, did Vandemaatara japam only, without any fear.
During ~1875, Bankim Chandra Chatterji was travelling from Kolkata to his village, “Kaantaal paada” in a train. He looked out of the window and got great aanandam seeing the beauty of Bhaaratamaata. His antar-drushti made him see the Vaibhavam and alaukika-soundaryam of Bhaarata-desham. He stored this Varnana-ateeta-bhaavana as a Madhura geetam — Vandemaataram.
During the split of Bengal, Boom Field Fuller, then governer, imposed a strict prohibition against Vandemaataram geetam. The situation we are in now is not much different. Even after independence, we hear only the 1st stanza of this divya-geetam:
Mahaatmaa Gandhi many times praised this Vandemaatara-geetam; however the Mulsim league opposed it. In 1923, at Kaakinaada, during the Congress meet, when as usual Vandemaataram was being sung, Maulaana Mohammad Ali, who was the president of Congress, strongly opposed it. However, Shri Vishnu Digambar, who was the singer, sang it. May be it was the last time it was ever sung fully in a big meeting. Congress broke the song into pieces and divided it — similar to how Bhaarata-desham was divided! This was strongly opposed by many like Shri K.M.Munshi, Mahaatma Gandhi. But who will listen to them?
Let us show our Krutagnyata to Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterji and our Bhaaratamaata by learning, knowing the paramaartham in it and singing this Vandemaatara geetam.
Vande Maataram in Samskrutam
Vande Maataram in Telugu
Search Terms: Bankinchandra, Vandemataram, Vandematharam
Ekachakrapura Baka Vadha
Yudhishthira said to Kuntidevi “Maata! why are you doing such a Saahasam? Why are you doing Putra-tyaagam? Believing in whose Baahu-balam we are living happily, believing in whose balam we are hoping that we will get our Raajyam back, fearing whose Veeryam Duryodhana aadi Kauravas dont get sleep, depending on whose Veeratvam we all saved our lives in the laakshaa-gruham (wax-house), whose greatness put an end to Purochana — why are you doing Tyaagam of such a Bhiimasena?”
Kuntidevi replied “we are now living under the aashrayam of this Viprotaama. It is our minimum duty to show Krutagnyata and do Pratyupakaaram to him. Even otherwise, since we are Kshatriyas (one who saves from Kshatam or difficulties), we must protect the people who need help. Hence we must protect this Braahmana. We need not worry about Bhiimasena; he will surely come back safely — we saw his ananta-balam when he killed Hidimbaasura. He carried all of us in Vaaranaavatam and saved us from the fire. He even has the strength of doing Yuddham with Devendra! On the very day he was born, when I dropped him by mistake, he was unaffected whereas the stone on which he fell broke into pieces! Thinking of all these things I have sent Bhiimasena to kill Bakaasura and save the villagers. Vyaasa Bhagavaan told us to what uttama-lokas a person whose does Paropakaaram will reach”.
Yudhidhthira was happy listening to these amruta-vaakyas of Kuntidevi and with full-heart did aashiirvachanam to Bhiimasena. As planned, Bhiimasena reached the nivaasam of the raakshsa, along with the cart full of aahaaram. He shouted for the raakshasa and he himself started eating the food in the cart. Seeing that the food which was brought for him, was being eaten away by Bhiimasena, the raakshasa started stamping his foot onto the ground with great strength. Bhiimasena didnt respond. Seeing this, the raakshasa gave a mushti-ghaatam (strong punch) on Bhiima’s back. Bhiimasena didnt feel anything and continued to eat. With anger, the raakshasa tried to uproot a mahaa-vruksham and throw it on Bhiimasena. Meanwhile, Bhiimasena completed his Bhojanam, did aachamanam, shuddhi of his hands and legs (see this too) and got ready for the Yuddham.
Bhiimasena threw back the Vruksham. For sometime they did Yuddham with Vrukshams. Then raakshasa caught Bhiimasena binding him, Bhiimasena also did the same. Both were squeezing each other. Finally the raakshasa became tired. Then, supporting with legs, Bhiimasena gave a strong mushti-ghaaatam on Bakasura’s back.
Crying for help, bleeding, the raakshasa died. Hearing this aarta-naadam, the relatives of the raakshasa came out. Bhiimasena said “if you all do pratignya and leave Maanava-aahaaram, I will spare you; else you will get the same fate as Bakaasura”. Immediately everyone did Pratignya. The villagers happy to see the end of the Bakaasura.
Morals in the story:
Kuntidevi replied “we are now living under the aashrayam of this Viprotaama. It is our minimum duty to show Krutagnyata and do Pratyupakaaram to him. Even otherwise, since we are Kshatriyas (one who saves from Kshatam or difficulties), we must protect the people who need help. Hence we must protect this Braahmana. We need not worry about Bhiimasena; he will surely come back safely — we saw his ananta-balam when he killed Hidimbaasura. He carried all of us in Vaaranaavatam and saved us from the fire. He even has the strength of doing Yuddham with Devendra! On the very day he was born, when I dropped him by mistake, he was unaffected whereas the stone on which he fell broke into pieces! Thinking of all these things I have sent Bhiimasena to kill Bakaasura and save the villagers. Vyaasa Bhagavaan told us to what uttama-lokas a person whose does Paropakaaram will reach”.
Yudhidhthira was happy listening to these amruta-vaakyas of Kuntidevi and with full-heart did aashiirvachanam to Bhiimasena. As planned, Bhiimasena reached the nivaasam of the raakshsa, along with the cart full of aahaaram. He shouted for the raakshasa and he himself started eating the food in the cart. Seeing that the food which was brought for him, was being eaten away by Bhiimasena, the raakshasa started stamping his foot onto the ground with great strength. Bhiimasena didnt respond. Seeing this, the raakshasa gave a mushti-ghaatam (strong punch) on Bhiima’s back. Bhiimasena didnt feel anything and continued to eat. With anger, the raakshasa tried to uproot a mahaa-vruksham and throw it on Bhiimasena. Meanwhile, Bhiimasena completed his Bhojanam, did aachamanam, shuddhi of his hands and legs (see this too) and got ready for the Yuddham.
Bhiimasena threw back the Vruksham. For sometime they did Yuddham with Vrukshams. Then raakshasa caught Bhiimasena binding him, Bhiimasena also did the same. Both were squeezing each other. Finally the raakshasa became tired. Then, supporting with legs, Bhiimasena gave a strong mushti-ghaaatam on Bakasura’s back.
Crying for help, bleeding, the raakshasa died. Hearing this aarta-naadam, the relatives of the raakshasa came out. Bhiimasena said “if you all do pratignya and leave Maanava-aahaaram, I will spare you; else you will get the same fate as Bakaasura”. Immediately everyone did Pratignya. The villagers happy to see the end of the Bakaasura.
Morals in the story:
- The Dharma-bodha of Kuntidevi shows us the importance of Krutagnyata and parokaaram.
- How a sajjana uses his Balam, Dhairyam and helps the society is well shown in the story. On the other hand, Kauravas spent all their strength in destroying Paandavas, due to their Iirsha, Asuuya and Maatsaryam.
Story of Vedasaagara
Long time ago, there used be a rushi by name Vedasaagara. He knew all Veda, Shaastra, Puraanas. His aashramam was on the banks of the Kaaverii-Nadi. Following his sva-dharmam, he used to spread his knowledge by teaching many Shishyas. However, since any Daanam must be given only to a Satpaatra (one who deserves), he used to examine the Vidyaarthi before accepting him as his Shishya and do Vidyaa-daanam.
One day, two Vidyaarthis by names Raama Sharma and Krishna Sharma came to Vedasaagara. Vedasaagara asked them to stay in the aashramam till he finishes the exam and accepts them. As a first lesson, he told “Gururbrahma, Gururvishnuh, Gururdevo Maheshvarah, Gurussakshaat Parabrahma, Tasmai Shri Guravenamah”.
On one Ekaadashi, Vedasaagara woke the two Vidyaarthis very early and told “today is Ekaadashi. It is the priya-tithi for both Paramashiva and Mahaavihnu. You must do Upavaasam today. Also goto the Devaalayam in the far off hill and come back by Saayam-sandhya”. Both of them started off for the Devaalayam. By the time of Maadhyaahnika-Sandhyaavandanam, they reached the Devaalayam. They were completely exhausted and were very hungry, thirsty and tired. After Daiva-darshanam, the Devaalaya-puujaari offered them Prasaadam and Tiirtham. Raama Sharma remembered his Guru-aagnya and hesitated to take. Then the puujaari said “at such difficult times you need not follow your Guru-aagnya. That too how will he know that you didnt obey him? So take it”. Krishna Sharma, unable to bear the hunger, ate; however Raama Sharma chose to stick to his Guru-aagnya.
One day, when Vedasaagara was teaching the two some lesson, forest-fire surrounded them. There was only one way out: use the boat (which could carry atmost 2 people) and cross the river. Vedasaagara immediately said “you both take the boat and go. Looking after you is my Kartavyam. I am old, it doesnt matter if I loose my life. Also you are very young”. Krishna Sharma immediately went and sat in the boat.
However Raama Sharma didnt move and replied “O Gurudeva! Kshama for not following your aangya. As you told us, a Shishya’s prathama Dharmam is Guruseva and rakshana. That too the society wont loose anything if a agnyaani like me dies. Uttama Guru like you is very important to the society. So please take the boat”. Saying this, he forcibly made Vedasaagara sit in the boat.
Immediately all the fires vanished. Vedasaagara said “I created all this with my Tapas-shakti to test you two. I was only the puujaari at the Devaalayam. Raama Sharma qualified both my tests and hence I accept him as my Shishya.”.
Morals in the story:
One day, two Vidyaarthis by names Raama Sharma and Krishna Sharma came to Vedasaagara. Vedasaagara asked them to stay in the aashramam till he finishes the exam and accepts them. As a first lesson, he told “Gururbrahma, Gururvishnuh, Gururdevo Maheshvarah, Gurussakshaat Parabrahma, Tasmai Shri Guravenamah”.
On one Ekaadashi, Vedasaagara woke the two Vidyaarthis very early and told “today is Ekaadashi. It is the priya-tithi for both Paramashiva and Mahaavihnu. You must do Upavaasam today. Also goto the Devaalayam in the far off hill and come back by Saayam-sandhya”. Both of them started off for the Devaalayam. By the time of Maadhyaahnika-Sandhyaavandanam, they reached the Devaalayam. They were completely exhausted and were very hungry, thirsty and tired. After Daiva-darshanam, the Devaalaya-puujaari offered them Prasaadam and Tiirtham. Raama Sharma remembered his Guru-aagnya and hesitated to take. Then the puujaari said “at such difficult times you need not follow your Guru-aagnya. That too how will he know that you didnt obey him? So take it”. Krishna Sharma, unable to bear the hunger, ate; however Raama Sharma chose to stick to his Guru-aagnya.
One day, when Vedasaagara was teaching the two some lesson, forest-fire surrounded them. There was only one way out: use the boat (which could carry atmost 2 people) and cross the river. Vedasaagara immediately said “you both take the boat and go. Looking after you is my Kartavyam. I am old, it doesnt matter if I loose my life. Also you are very young”. Krishna Sharma immediately went and sat in the boat.
However Raama Sharma didnt move and replied “O Gurudeva! Kshama for not following your aangya. As you told us, a Shishya’s prathama Dharmam is Guruseva and rakshana. That too the society wont loose anything if a agnyaani like me dies. Uttama Guru like you is very important to the society. So please take the boat”. Saying this, he forcibly made Vedasaagara sit in the boat.
Immediately all the fires vanished. Vedasaagara said “I created all this with my Tapas-shakti to test you two. I was only the puujaari at the Devaalayam. Raama Sharma qualified both my tests and hence I accept him as my Shishya.”.
Morals in the story:
- The Guru-shishya anyonya-sambandham is well shown in this story. Guru wanted to save the Shishya and the Shishya was worried about the Guru.
- Whatever happens one must always keep up his word. That too a word given to a Guru. Raama Sharma though he was very hungry, followed his Guru-aagnya and continued his upavaasam.
- The amruta-vaakyas of Vedasaagara and Raama Sharma (during their conversion when forest-fire came) reveals the unnata-aadarshas of Bhaarateeyas. As shown in their conversion, they always think about what is Dharmam, what is useful to the society and then act.
Vishvaasa Ghaatuka Ninda
A person who makes others believe him and then cheats them is a Vishvaasa-ghaatuka. There is no greater Drohi than a Vishvaasa-ghaatuka. Such paapaatmas must be kept away (see this too). We must be careful of such people who from outside tell all Dharmas, Neeti-bodha, but they always do paapa-karmas and destroy the people who trust them. They appear beautiful, they do Dharma-pravachanam — but they have Kapata-buddhi.
Long time ago, in Saagaraantam, there used to live a Vruddha-hamsa. It had durbuddhi. However it used to do Dharma-bodha to the birds that used to live near-by. It used to say follow Dharmam always, leave adharmam. All birds used to have Guru-bhaavam on the Kapata-hamsa.
One day all the birds met and asked the Hamsa to tell what is the uttama Dharmam. Vruddha Hamsa replied “Ahimsa is the parama-dharmam. There is no Dharmam greater than it” (see this too). Surprised the birds asked “O Andajeshvara! Knowingly if a person always follows Ahimsa what uttama-lokams will he reach?”. Kuhana-hamsa replied “There is no lokam to which he cannot go”. Then the birds asked “you know all Shaastras and follow Dharmam. Why didnt you go to the Svarga-lokam then?”. With mandahaasam, Hamsa replied “After Bhagavat-nirneeta-aayu is over and one does Deha-tyaagam, then a Dharmatma will surely reach Svargam”. Impressed with the words of the Vruddha-hamsa all birds everyday did seva to it, fed it with good meal and lived happily.
In the course of time, the birds got 100% confidence that this Hamsa is a Dharmaatma and left their eggs under the protection of the Hamsa and flew a long distance away. Utilizing the opportunity the Hamsa slowly one-by-one ate away all the eggs. There was no end to the duhkham of the birds who saw that the eggs were eaten. One intelligent bird in them then identified that the Vruddha-hamsa ate away the eggs. With Aikamatyam, all birds attacked and killed the Kapata-hamsa. Because of its duraachaaram, the Hamsa reached Ghora-narakam.
Morals in the story:
Long time ago, in Saagaraantam, there used to live a Vruddha-hamsa. It had durbuddhi. However it used to do Dharma-bodha to the birds that used to live near-by. It used to say follow Dharmam always, leave adharmam. All birds used to have Guru-bhaavam on the Kapata-hamsa.
One day all the birds met and asked the Hamsa to tell what is the uttama Dharmam. Vruddha Hamsa replied “Ahimsa is the parama-dharmam. There is no Dharmam greater than it” (see this too). Surprised the birds asked “O Andajeshvara! Knowingly if a person always follows Ahimsa what uttama-lokams will he reach?”. Kuhana-hamsa replied “There is no lokam to which he cannot go”. Then the birds asked “you know all Shaastras and follow Dharmam. Why didnt you go to the Svarga-lokam then?”. With mandahaasam, Hamsa replied “After Bhagavat-nirneeta-aayu is over and one does Deha-tyaagam, then a Dharmatma will surely reach Svargam”. Impressed with the words of the Vruddha-hamsa all birds everyday did seva to it, fed it with good meal and lived happily.
In the course of time, the birds got 100% confidence that this Hamsa is a Dharmaatma and left their eggs under the protection of the Hamsa and flew a long distance away. Utilizing the opportunity the Hamsa slowly one-by-one ate away all the eggs. There was no end to the duhkham of the birds who saw that the eggs were eaten. One intelligent bird in them then identified that the Vruddha-hamsa ate away the eggs. With Aikamatyam, all birds attacked and killed the Kapata-hamsa. Because of its duraachaaram, the Hamsa reached Ghora-narakam.
Morals in the story:
- Vishvaasa-ghaatukam is a mahaa-paapam. We must be careful and never even by mistake think about such dushchaaranam.
- We must be very careful in choosing a Guru. The birds came into the influence of the false-speeches of the Vruddha-hamsa and accepted him as their Guru.
Story of Dharmavyaadha
Its a beautiful forest near by a village. There is a prashaanta-pradesham in that forest, where a small river used to flow. On the banks of the river was a huge tree giving shade to many. Under the treeKaushika, a Vipra, was doing Tapas. At afternoons he used to go to village, do Bhikshaatanam and divide the aahaaram into four parts — 3/4 he used to use for Daanam and other Dharma-kaaryas. The remaining 1/4 he used to eat.When he was living such a life, one day, a baka (crane) put its droppings on him. The baka got burnt just as he saw it with Krodham. That day as usual he went for bhikshaatana. He stood in front of one house and said “Bhavati! Bhikshaam Dehi”. On hearing this the Gruha-lakshmi went towards the kitchen to bring him some food. But at the same time, her Bharta came back after a long journey. On seeing him, she washed his feet with cool water, fanned air for him for sometime, gave him someaahaaram and made him sleep. After doing pati-seva like this, she came with some aahaaram for Kaushika. Again Kaushika saw with Krodham. Seeing this the Gruha-lakshmi said
“Svaami! I not not the baka to get burnt. After Pati-seva-dharmam only there are other Dharmas for me”. Surprised, the muni replied “Amma! How did you come to know about the story that happened far off in the forest? Please do Gnyaana-bodha to me”. She replied “Muniishvara! Little away from here is Mithilaanagaram. There lives a Vyaadha who makes his living by selling maamsam. Approach him, he will tell you everything”.
Immediately he left for Mithila. He enquired about Dharmavyaada and reached his shop. Seeing different jantu-maamsam, he stood away. Dharmavyaadha, seeing the Muni, went and did Yathaavidhi namaskaaram and said “Muniishvara! Namaskaaram. Is the Pativrata who sent you to me doing well?” Kaushika was awe-struck to listen to these words of Dharmavyaadha. He thought “there that woman and here this person. Even after doing so much Tapas, Idont have so much power. May be because that woman was a Pativrata, she was able to know what happened in the forest. But how come this kasai, who lives selling maamsam, have Divya-drushti?” Seeing Kaushika thinking, Dharmavyaadha continued “Svaami! You cant tolerate this smell. Please come I will take you to my house and show you how I got all these divya-shaktis”. With great Vinayam, Dharmavyaadha took Kaushika to his house.
Just on entering his house, Dharmavyaadha did pranaamam to his Pita who was taking rest. After asking him Kushala-prashnas, he went to his Maata and did Yathaavidhi namaskaaram to her. He then did her seva. After this he told Kaushika “Svaami! This is the only thing that I do. Many ever Vratas, Japams, Tapas we do, if we dont do the seva of Maata-Pita, there will be no prayojanam. A Maata carries her shishu in her Garbham for 9 months, experiences prasava-vedana and then protects the shishu like how an eye-lid protects the eye. A Pita gives us this shariiram to do paropakaaram and Daiva-praarthana. He experience many difficulties in doing our poshana. Our very existence is because of them. Howmuch ever seva we do to them, we will never to able to repay this runam.
I do seva of my Maata-Pita and so poshana of my Samsaaram. Thats all. Also I dont cheat people while selling maamsam. I dont expect adhika-laabham and be happy with what I get. I never leave my Sva-dharmam of being a Vyaadha, neither do I take up Para-dharmam. I try to do poshana of people who come under my aashrayam and enquire their Yoga-kshemam. More important than all of these, one must have Samyamam. We must never have Raaga-dvesham. WIth Nirmala-chittam, we must always do Parameshvara-aaraadhana”. Listening to these Amruta-vaakyas of Dharmavyaadha, Kaushika went away and continued his Tapas, this time with a nishchala-manas.
Morals in the story:
- Importance of Maata-Pita seva is well shown in the story. Just by doing this, Dharmavyaadha got many great shaktis and was always involved in Parameshvara-dhyaanam.
- Greatness of a Pativrata is also shown in the story. What, even with great Tapas, Kaushika could not achieve, the Gruha-lakshmi achieved with her Paativratyam.
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