Srimad Bhagavatham Skanda 2 Chapter 2 - " Be one with Bhagavan in all earnestness "

  P.Natarajan.

(Source: Velukkudi Sri. Sri. Krishnan Swamy's writings in recent Tamil weekly Tuglak  - This would serve the limited purpose to read this chapter of Sacred Srimad Bhagavatham by those who don't know to read Tamil or don't get access to the related recent issues of the  Tamil weekly magazine 'Tuglak')

Sukacharya explained the ways to meditate upon Bhagavan to King Parikshit in the previous chapter and he made it clear that Brahma acquired the power to create the World (Srishti) by meditating upon the ‘Virat Purush’ as was described by him.

When a person is in wants  and has to work hard to earn his bread, he does not find time for meditation. Should  someone takes care to feed a person, he may be able to practice ‘dhyana’. It is for meeting this purpose, free feeding exists in Temples and in places like Mutts run by religious  endowments from time immemorial. How long can one keep his eye in earnings alone which would only attract worries, make one greed and force unpleasant situations.

Suka addressed the King:- “ When large free space is openly available, where is the need for a cot or pillows to lie down ? A person need not search for a spoon or a fork when two hands are available to eat .  The river or pond is not dried up and when water flows copiously, what is the need to search for water?   Nature provides fruits, nuts and fibrous material as energy to live - where is the necessity to go for synthetic food? Similarly one need not search for a big mansion to live. It  becomes therefore evident one can lead a healthy life provided he endears to live with Nature and accept  the natural surroundings”.

Parikshit attempted  to meditate upon the Virat Purush,  but found it very hard to do so.  Thirumangai Alwar says it is difficult for an ordinary person to sit in ‘ dhyana-posture ‘, by controlling his breath, and focusing his mind at the center of his eyebrows. Instead it would be easy to train the mind to visualize  the image of the deity. We can  bring before our closed eyes for instance the standing posture of the deity Sri Venkateswara clad in pitambara, adorned with a golden crown ,  showing his ‘abhaya-hasta’, carrying the conch shell, disc and a  club. We can focus our attention mentally at his feet adorned with  colourful flowers. So Suka preached the second method of worshiping to King Parikshit. While doing so, the devotee should set his mind in every limb of Bhagavan’s body and get inspired with devotion..

Suka continued :-  ” When a person leaves his mortal remains and departs from this world, he travels in two ways and reaches two different places.  One way is known as ‘ Doomadhi Marga’ which allows him to go to places in line with his ‘Prarabdha’.  The sins and punyas when they become even out  he takes rebirth in bhooloka.  The other way is known as ‘Archiradi Marga’. Here he performs dhyana continuously and reaches a position beyond the sins committed or punyas earned by him. He thus reaches Vaikunta through the Archaradi Marga. He will not be subject to the cycle of birth and death, thereafter” Suka emphatically brings this point in the following lines:-

Etham gathim bhagavathim gatho yaha

  savai punar neha vishajjathe (a)nga !! (Sri Bhagavatham : 2-2-31)

The person who reaches Vaikunta also proclaims :- “ Na Cha Punaravarthathe; Na Cha Punaravarthathe” - meaning No Rebirth, No Rebirth “ which is true for those who reach Vaikunta.    

Dhyana, Upasana or Bhakthi - all advocate one and the same objective of how to reach Bhagavan.

Purusha Suktam outlines :-  Na Anya Pantha:  Ayanaya  Vidhyathe !  -  meaning that there is no other way to reach Bhagavan except  the path of devotion.

Listening to his progressive gunas and singing in praise of those outstanding deeds heart of hearts and visualizing his glorious form at constant intervals renders a person to a state of self actualization. Instead of allowing our mind to wander in meaningless thoughts that serve no purpose, what a great relief it would turn to be when we redirect the thoughts and visualize the radiant form of  Bhagavan. We can feel the joy inside when we hear the story of Vasudeva. It is certain that ‘Bhakthi Marga’ leads us to reach the feet of Bhagavan.

Sukacharya thus explained at length the two ways to meditate upon Bhagavan to King Parikshit.

The second method is easy to follow by all of us.

pn

Srimad Bhagavatham - Skanda 2 Chapter 1 - ' Ways to meditate upon Bhagavan '

P.Natarajan.  

(Source: Velukkudi Sri. Sri. Krishnan Swamy's writings in recent Tamil weekly Tuglak  - This would serve the limited purpose to read this chapter of Sacred Srimad Bhagavatham by those who don't know to read Tamil or don't get access to the related recent issues of the  Tamil weekly magazine 'Tuglak')

Sri Sukacharya began his address :-  “ Oh ! King Parikshit, You have raised a right question what a person should do when he is about to die. Not only you would gain knowledge but it would benefit a large section of population also. People live their life without being aware of the purpose of the birth. Nights are spent in sleep and the days in earning the livelihood and thus the whole life is spent in the up-keep of the family. It is analogous to people watching interestingly a scene where a large tree is being cut at the two ends. But they don’t realize the section of the tree in the middle would be felled at any time. People run in haste at dawn to earn and bring the earnings late in the evening only to spend it with the family, in the process they forget to do anything towards gaining ‘Brahma-Jnana’.(knowledge about the Supreme). Time is precious like gold and time lost can not be recovered.

Sri Rama addressed Sita when she was expecting : - “ Sita, I have regained whatever I lost - I got back the Kingdom, I got back you but the ten months time of separation from you can never be regained by me which makes me sad." Lord Rama himself accepted that time once lost is lost for ever. The mandate is clear that time needs to be utilized in the best and wholesome  manner for the benefit of all concerned. The stress here is to utilize the valuable time in seeking knowledge about the Supreme being.

Sukacharya continues:- “ Parikshit, you are having at least seven days  but the case of a King by name Kadvanga was different. The King had helped the Devas during a war against Asuras. The Devas asked him what boon he would desire from them. He asked Devas what was his life time and was shocked to know that he would die within one ‘muhurta’ (very short time). He was not disheartened. He rushed to bhooloka  and completed the unfinished tasks and spent the remaining time in praying and meditating upon the Lord Supreme. He reached heaven in the end. If there is a will there is a way. A person should control his senses and orient his thoughts towards Bhagavan. He should meditate upon the ‘OHM’, the Pranava Mantra. The three letters in OHM, A+U+M symbolize Brahman. The letter A points towards Vishnu, and M the Jeeva. The meaning of Ohm is  that Jeevatma is dependent upon Vishnu or better said Jeevatma is enslaved by Paramatma. We should utter the Pranava Mantra sitting in a peaceful and clean surrounding and direct our minds towards every part of the cosmic form of Bhagavan. The breath should be controlled and the mind subdued.  Rajas and Tamas gunas would leave a person, instead Satva guna will be gained”.

Parikshit requested Suka to explain the procedures involved in the meditation of the Supreme being. Suka explained:- “ Bhagavan's cosmic form consists of the whole world which is known as ‘Virat Swarupa’. He is also known as “Vairaja’ in this form. (Quote Sri Bhagavatham):-

Jitasano: jitasvaso jitasango jitendriya:!

Sthoole bhagavato rupe mana: sandharayeth dhiya !! (2-1-23)

We should sit in a proper seat, regulate our breath, control the senses without any passion, and direct the thoughts towards Bhagavan's Form. Whatever objects we see all those are in the form of Bhagavan only. The Universe consists of 14 Worlds. We should meditate that each world or loka is an integral part of Bhagavan’s cosmic form.

The steps in meditation are :- (1) 'Vedana’ viz  the awareness of the Supreme being, (2) ‘Dyana’ -- orienting the thoughts towards him (3) Manana’-- binding the thoughts in him with no deviation at all (4’Nithityasana’ --  the thoughts will be full of love and affection - this constitution is called as ’ Upasana ‘or Dhyana. “

Sukacharya continued his narration :- “ The cosmic form of the Supreme should be thought in the following order:-  starting from the netherworld first and proceeding towards heaven and above - that is in this order - (1) Patala as his sole and feet (2) Rasatala as his heels and toes (3) Mahatala as his ankles (4) Talatala as his shanks (5) Sutala as his knees (6) Vitala & Atala as his two thighs (7) Bhutala as his hips (8) Akasa as his nabhi or navel (9) above Akasa, that is Swarga or heaven as his chest (10) Maharloka as his neck (11) Janaloka as his face (12) Tapa Loka as his forehead (13) Satyaloka as his head.

Indra and other Devas are his hands, All the existing Directions become his ears, Ashwini Devas are his nostrils, the Sun God is his eyes, the night and the day are his two eye-brows, Vedas are his head, Yamadharma is his canines and passion becomes his teeth, the elusive Maya is his smile, the day and the night become his dress. The Moon is his mind. The logic can thus be extended that whatever thing there exists in the 14 worlds becomes part of his limb or cosmic form.” Suka added whoever was able to meditate in the manner elucidated above could obtain liberation or ‘mukti'.

Sukacharya also added “It is traditionally said that the Mahat-Tatva’ is his intellectual power and Rudra Siva is the ego of the Lord who rests in every heart.  The first Manu by name Swayambhava Manu’ is his power of intellect and whose offspring namely the human race represents his dwelling place. Such is the magnitude and configuration of  the cosmic form of Eshwara, as I have described to you. It is on this huge body one's mind should be concentrated on, using one’s own intellect, as nothing exists beyond this “. 
Sukacharya continued to speak which we will see in Chapter 2. (end of chapter 1 of Skanda 2)

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Srimad Bhagavatham - Chapter 19 (contd.) - Suka Appears Before Parikshit.

P.Natarajan.

(Source: Velukkudi Sri. Sri. Krishnan Swamy's writings in recent Tamil weekly Tuglak  - This would serve the limited purpose to read this chapter of Sacred Srimad Bhagavatham by those who don't know to read Tamil or don't get access to the related recent issues of the  Tamil weekly magazine 'Tuglak')

King Parikshit who was overwhelmed when many great Rishis arrived at the banks of Ganges soon after his decision to renounce his body, addressed the gathering in a choked voice :- “ Today is  a day to reckon with. You all don’t go anywhere normally for no reason. I consider that it is my good fortune that all of you have assembled here and by virtue of the same, this place has become more holy and my sins are also washed away”.

A significant point needs to be understood here why Parikshit said so. God resides in our minds, so also at our homes.Why then should we visit sacred  temples?  It is because many great devout people visit these temples, sing in praise of the deities installed and also due to important religious activities being carried out at regular intervals. A devotee can feel the vibration of the Vedic chanting in the temple-atmosphere.

Parikshit pondered that he had spent most of his time in vain in worldly pleasures. Rishi Kumara’s curse might have been a blessing in disguise as it  had been instrumental for his resolution to renounce his life. He prayed to Lord Krishna with deep devotion when Devas from heaven showered their good wishes in the form of flowers. He also wished to listen to the sacred stories about Gods in the short time as only seven days were remaining for him to leave the earthly abode. He addressed the Sages:- “ It is believed that Vedas are present physically in some forms in Brahma’s Satya Loka - in a similar manner I consider that the same Vedas have come alive in the form of all of you and physically present before me. Please advise me what a person like me who is standing at the threshold of death should do?".  Suka appeared at the scene all of a sudden like lightning.

Suka who was only 16 years old was known for his laudable interest primarily in giving lectures about Gods and  narrating stories. He would wander all over with a single minded approach to search where 'Bhagavatha-Puranas' were being narrated. He evinced interest in no other matter. He was contented with what he possessed already. He had a wonderful personality with sparkling eyes, broad shoulders, long, strong hands, curly hair, good looks and a slender neck. When he appeared before them the Rishis showed their veneration and gathered around him. It was akin to a scene when Moon is seen in the center of stars and planets like Sukra. Suka appeared resplendent in his ever growing thoughts about Bhagavan. Parikshit prostrated before Suka and showered encomiums upon him. He felt that his sins took to heels just like the Asuras ran away in fear when they saw Bhagavan. He also believed that it was because of his faith in Lord Krishna, Suka was present when he was about to die. He also told Suka that it was Krishna’s blessings  that brought victory to Pandavas over Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war that ended not long ago.

Parikshit added that it was Bhagavan who would beget a  Guru and in turn it was Guru who would pave the way to access Bhagavan. Who is greater of the two? Bhagavan is akin to be 'silver'  whereas Guru is like 'Gold' - which is more valuable. The person who donates Gold is looked upon with more respect as compared to  the one who gives away Silver. By the same logic, it is very much apparent that Bhagavan who leads us to Guru goes up in the scale, as he guides us to acquire more valuable things. When viewed in another angle the Guru is placed high whereas Bhagavan is rated higher still. Both protect  every one of us

An illustration can be cited to explain this point.The lotus looks for the rays of Sun to blossom. If fire or heated charcoal is brought near, the lotus flower would  not  bloom but only wither away.  In case the lotus is plucked up from the pool of water and planted on the earth, the same Sun would not open its petals , instead the flower would only dry up under the heat of the Sun. The duality is clear. The Sun can  bloom the lotus flower only when the lotus is in the pool of water. A devotee when he wishes to approach God who is believed to be at a far-off place, needs the guidance and help of a Guru, as in the case of lotus.   What lesson does the lotus impart to mankind ? Jeevatmas' atma-jnana' (knowledge of the Self) brightens up, just as the lotus blossoms, for which God's grace is essential. The important tool for the connection between Jeevatma and Paramatma happens to be the presence of a Guru. A lotus has to be in water  only when the rays of the Sun can blossom the flower. The link between an Acharya and Sishya, that is 'the teacher and the taught'  is considered unique and when  ' the Guru-Sishya Bhava ' grows in stature, it paves the way for the Sishya to acquire  Bhagavan's blessings easily.

Parikshit continued-, “So Gurudeva Suka, I am to leave my body in seven days from now. Please guide me regarding the things I should listen to, meditate upon, perform or take up as an exercise or lesson before dying. I am aware when you go for 'bhiksha'  you don’t  wait for more than a few seconds at the door. In fact your stay will last the same duration it  takes to milk a cow just once. Any further delay would make you not only to deny the ‘bhiksha’ (alms), but would also lead you to fast for the whole  day. Though I am thoroughly aware of this fact, I beg you with folded hands to stay as long as it requires and impart knowledge  as to ennoble me to attain greater heights”.

Sukacharya laughed thunderously and began to address Parikshit in a loud voice.

( Skanda 1 ends here  and we will continue Skanda 2 of Srimad Bhagavatham.)

pn 

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Srimad Bhagavatam - Chapter 18 & 19

P.Natarajan.

Srimad Bhagavatam - Chapter 18 ‘ The Curse of the Rishi Kumara ‘ and
Chapter 19 ‘ Sukar Appears before Parikshit ‘

 (Source: Velukkudi Sri. Sri. Krishnan Swamy's writings in recent Tamil weekly Tuglak  - This would serve the limited purpose to read this chapter of Sacred Srimad Bhagavatham by those who don't know to read Tamil or don't get access to the related recent issues of the  Tamil weekly magazine 'Tuglak')

Suta addressed Sounaka and other Rishis :- “ Listeners would get inspired to hear the poignant story of Parikshit who renounced his body at the banks of holy Ganges. Their belief in God gets strengthened. Their sins get washed away. Parikshit, who hailed from a family of honor and dignity and heralded to uphold the family heritage did not kill Kali but belittled him and warned him not to interfere or wield his influence where people led a righteous life. Kali was not evicted by Parikshit because of certain good qualities he possessed. In the previous Yugas like Kruta and Treta, one had to toil hard to earn ‘punya’ (God's blessings) whereas in Kali Yuga, it becomes easy -  good thoughts themselves will beget ‘punya’. As many as 1000 years were required to accomplish some feat in Kruta Yuga whereas it is possible to attain the same in a short span in the present Yuga. It is due to these reasons Parikshit allowed Kali to stay but with some restrictions. Kali may have a say with cowards. But those who are strong minded and have implicit faith in God, Kali will dare to come near. It is important, that to ward off Kali, we should listen to Puranas which extol the grace of God and eulogize Bhagavan’s ‘ kalyana gunas’ at length and keep reading to make it as a  daily routine.

The Rishis assembled voiced that they were fortunate to listen to the rendering of Srimad Bhagavatam from Suta and that they had no doubt that their sins would be washed and make them reach the feet of Bhagavan ultimately. They pleaded Suta to continue the narration of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Suta Pouranika was modest to add that it was because of the ‘Satsang’, he was inspired to speak about Bhagavan who is the abode of all virtues. We are endowed with a power of speech and it would serve as a useless tinsel if not utilized to sing the praise of Bhagavan. God endears to hear simple slokas rendered in Bhakti from any one irrespective of their status. But it is not possible for anyone to bring Bhagavan under his hold. Suta continues to tell the story of Parikshit :-

“ Parikshit went to the forest for hunting. He was tired and felt hungry and thirsty. He entered an Ashram that belonged to a Sage called Sringi who was in deep meditation.  He did not take notice of the King’s presence nor heard his request for water. The King felt humiliated and in anger threw a dead snake around the Rishi’s neck and departed from the scene.  Rishi Kumara who entered a little later was infuriated to see his father in that condition. He cursed that the King who threw the dead serpent would meet his death by the bite of a snake called ‘Takshaka’ within 7 days.

The Rishi opened his eyes and realized what had happened. He expressed  that Kings are representatives of Lord Vishnu as they are rulers and looked after the people. He chided his son that he should not have cursed the King. No harm could have come from a dead snake and the snake could have been removed from his neck .  A true Sage would never get angry if someone abused or troubled him. Instead he would be compassionate and correct the wrong doer. Atma has no ‘gunas’ and always remains unperturbed A true sage has the realization that the body only reacts and not the Atma. Suta continued to narrate what fate awaited King Parikshit.

Skanda1 Chapter 19 - ‘ Suka appears before Parikshit ‘.

Parikshit was bemoaning that he had committed a blunder in a hurry. The Rishi was in a state of ‘Samadhi’ when the king had entered the Ashram in search of water. How the Rishi could know the King’s need when he was in deep meditation? Parikshit said to himself that Gods would condone when a devotee regrets the mistake whereas Sages do not easily yield to the prayers of a wrongdoer. The King also knew that he could not seek forgiveness from God but instead should approach the particular Sage only.

Vedanta Desika, a learned Acharya, advocates four ways for getting atonement:-
(1) Accept the mistake in the presence of the concerned and express regrets.
(2) Resolve that the mistake will never be repeated.
(3) Find out the exact method for performing ‘prayaschitta’ from Sastras.
(4) Undergo the same (performing atonement).

The lesson from the incident is clear that Sastras do not agree or accord pardon when a mistake is repeated. Instead one should feel sorry deeply and resolve not to repeat the mistake. God forgives such cases only. Otherwise one has to undergo the punishment and suffer the consequences.

Parikshit made up his mind to renounce the Kingdom. He crowned his son Janamejaya as the King. Further Parikshit thought what he should do to atone the wrongdoing within the next seven days of his life. He then reached the banks of the sacred river Ganga. He announced that he would fast, perform ‘tapas’  and renounce his body by the act of ‘prayopavesam’.

The Four Words that begin with the letter ‘G’  namely Govinda, Gayathri, Gita and Ganga, are really sacred and if a person imbibes the greatness of these, there is no rebirth for him. Prayag means ‘meeting point’ and at Devaprayag, the Rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi confluence. Ganga resides in the hand of Brahma, the God with four Faces. Ganga also resides in Vishnu who has ‘Chatur Bhuja’. Ganga resides also in Lord Siva’s  head. Ganga who remains very close to Trimurti in the above manner is believed to be resourceful and devotees worship Ganga Devi. The King Parikshit’s resolution to leave his body at Ganges was thus justified.

The King’s lofty resolution was appreciated by great Sages like Athri, Vasishta, Shyavana, Bhrugu, Angiras, Parasa, Vyasa, Viswamitra, Agastya, Vyasa, Narada and many others. They all  assembled at the place where Parikshit was getting ready to renounce his body. The King prostrated before the great Sages and started addressing them in voice full of compassion and remorse.

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Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 1 Chapter 16 -- ' Cow and the Bull ' that Parikshit saw ' and Chapter 17 ' Parikshit creates Fear in Kali '

P.Natarajan.

(Source: Velukkudi Sri. Sri. Krishnan Swamy's writings in recent Tamil weekly Tuglak  - This would serve the limited purpose to read this chapter of Sacred Srimad Bhagavatham by those who don't know to read Tamil or don't get access to the related recent issues of the  Tamil weekly magazine 'Tuglak')

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 1 Chapter 16  --  ' Cow and the Bull ' that Parikshit saw '.

Suta was conversing with Sounaka and other Rishis. Uttara gave birth to Parikshit. He married his uncle Uttaran's daughter by name Iravathy.. Janamejaya and three other sons were born to them. Parikshit once wished  to conquer other  kingdoms and embarked on a voyage in his chariot. He saw an amazing incident en-route. A Cow and a Bull were standing next to each other. The Cow was weeping. A common man disguised as a King was beating both the animals. Parikshit Maharaja got angry and attempted to save the Cow. Suta then narrated what happened there.

"What is this? Why a man had to hit the animals? Is Krishna's ' leela ' involved in the episode? " - Sounaka raised these questions and pleaded to Suta to narrate the story.. He was also convinced that by hearing God's involvement in the incidents of these nature one can obtain liberation. 

Suta commenced the story:- Parikshit had learnt that 'Kali Purush' had already entered  his country. Krishna had left Bhooloka and departed to Vaikunta. Hence Kali found it   convenient to start his evil ways. Parikshit was determined to drive Kali away. He conquered Badraswam, Sethumalam and other countries. People sang Parikshit's glory.  As he was furthering his victory march, he came across a Bull standing on one leg..He was perplexed by this sight.

The Bull enquired the Cow, " Why are you sad and crying? Have you lost any relative? Are you weeping because I am standing on one leg instead of four legs as a normal course?  Are you sad as there are no rains for long? Is it due to lack of protection extended to women folk by men? Are the children not well fed? Is it due to killing of fetus or murdering of women? Are you crying because Krishna had left this world for Vaikunta without solving your problems ? Or you  worried that the world is unable to bear the destruction being caused by the passage of the Time? Pl. answer me ". It should be noted here that the Cow was none other than  the Goddess of Earth and the Bull, Dharma Devata.

The Cow replied:- " Yes. I am crying. Bhagavan was embodiment of noble qualities like Truth, Purity, Compassion,Tolerance, Contentment, Straightforwardness, Control of the Senses, Equality, Wisdom, Dispassion, Broadmindedness,Valor, Grace and Strength. Unless these qualities prevail in the world, people can not lead a quality life. Since Lord Krishna had left this world, there is no semblance of existence of these noble straits. Kali Purush has now entered. Kali would destroy every thing and trouble every one including Devas, Pithrus, Rishis, Sadhus and the Public in General - why even you who is the God of Dharma would suffer at the hands of Kali - I am saddened because of this . I shall  tell about me now. Brahma prays at the feet of Mahalakshmi for his welfare. Lakshmi always remains at the lotus feet of Vishnu. As Goddess Earth, my spirit excels when ever Vishnu's feet touch the Earth. Alas, now that feet of the Lord Krishna have left the world for Vaikunta - I am totally shattered and unable to bear the irreparable loss. 

As the Cow and the Bull conversing, let us shift for a while our attention to Parikshit who had now reached the banks of River Saraswathy in Kurukshetra.

Skanda1 - Chapter 17  -   Parikshit  creates fear in Kali

Parikshit reached the spot where Kali was. The King witnessed a man  disguised as a King  beating the Cow and the Bull. Parikshit shouted

aloud :-" Oh, Evil as you are, why do you beat the poor Cow and the Bull? Though you look like a King, yet perform acts that are to be condemned . Are you  trespassing the boundary since Krishna had left this world followed by Arjuna ? Do you think there exists no other Ruler to question you. Beware that I am the King from the clan of Arjuna and Pandavas. The Pandava dynasty knows how to protect the people and even the little animals from the woes.Unaware of these facts you are committing sins. Oh, Cow, the Goddess of earth and embodiment of virtues and with Devas residing in you - why should you weep? Oh,Bull, why have you lost the other three legs and stand on one leg? Why  are you both afraid of the Kali Purush?  Tell me the cause , I shall get rid of them. A King has to protect those who lead a life of integrity and honesty."

The God of Dharma, in the form of the Bull spoke like this:- " I am happy that you speak worthy as a descendent of Pandava Clan. I am unable to answer your questions directly. It is imperative, you have to find the cause. Some blame it is because of  Atma, many put it on  God, or may be the ill effects of karma or can we blame that we are born to suffer only. Please can you ponder and arrive at the cause of our woes?

The King  started thinking deeply. By the effects of his 'Tapas', he was able to identify who were the Cow and the Bull and also the person disguised as a King and beating the animals. The Bull was standing on four legs at the beginning of Krita Yuga. The four legs of the God Dharma portray (1) Purity (2) Austerity (3) Charity (4) Truthfulness. But, later arrogance,desire and pride - the three weapons belonging to 'Adharma' knocked out the three noble traits  Purity, Austerity and Charity. - one by one in each of the three Yogas ended. Parikshit realized that Dharma Devatha was standing on Truthfulness alone, and that too, Kali was about to crush. The King also understood that the Cow who was none other than the Goddess Earth and was unhappy after Krtishna's departure from the World. He vowed to protect them. The King drew the sword and went near Kali to kill him when Kali Purush pleaded thus:- "Oh King, I surrender at your feet. pl. don't kill me. I am to be the ruler of the next age (Kali Yuga). Sp please spare my life".

The King said, "Since you have surrendered, you have to depart as you have no place in this Earth where we practice only good and noble deeds". Kali Purush pleaded that the same God who created the Three Yugas had also created him. It was not his desire to be cruel and do wrong.He requested Parikshit to allot him a place to stay back in consideration of some good qualities he possessed.

Suta then continued the narration:-  " Parikshit thought  deeply about Kali's plea  then said ," It's alright - I shall assign you five places. You can live in all houses (1) for gambling and  (2)drinking, (3) places where there is cruelty to women and (4) animals and  (5) Centres where Gold is acquired and hoarded".
Kali readily accepted the places assigned by the King but quipped that he had a huge figure and that those five places would not be enough. The King reiterated that Kali could readily occupy the minds of those who passionately amass wealth or Gold which would provide a large space but Kali was not contented. The King added the fields of (6) falsehood, (7)  pride, (8) jealousy,  (9) enmity and (10) lust. These ten places Kali Purush accepted, flourished and prospered.

Kali was sent off in the above manner judiciously by the King. Further, the King commenced good deeds like performing Tapas, homas to restore the three legs that got lost in the three Yugas gone  by. Parikshit ruled and led the country in 'dharmic path'.
Suta proclaimed to Sounaka and other Rishis that they were performing ' tapas ' firmly in the environment created by Parikshit which was totally rid of Kali Purush.and his ill-effects. They can lead a life of devotion and righteousness without the evil ways of Kali as Parikshit had driven him away once for all.

Now, that we know the places where this wicket Kali resides, we must try to avoid them, and like King Parikshit, we must try and restore to the poor bull, its three lost legs - Purity, austerity and Charity.

pn