(Kavitraya) MAHAA BHAARAT
(In Simple English)

Originally written in Sanskrit by Bhagavan Veda Vyaasa
(Krishna Dvaipaayana)
Translated into Telugu (a Regional Language of South India)
b y
Sri Nannaya Bhattaarakah
Sri Tikkana Somayaaji
Sri Yerra Pragada.
in Eleventh Century
( popularly known as Kavitrayam)
Commentary in simple English
by Sri. M.V.Subrahmanyam,
In Naimisaranya, on the occasion of Satra Yaga, Soothi, the story teller, told the story of Mahabharata to Saint Sounaka and other sages and saints, as told by Saint Vaisampayana to King Janamejaya, on the occasion of Sarpa Yaga.
King Dharmaja asked Bhishma, lying on the arrow bed, thus:
“O Grandsire, Bhishma! What are the duties to be discharged with utmost devotion, care and attention.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! One has to follow the principles, enunciated in Vedas, devotedly. One has to study Vedas, understand them and preach them to others in detail. One has to control his mind and shall not receive anything from others. One has to discharge the duties assigned to him with greater care and attention, devotedly. One has to control his sense organs, speak truth always, and engage himself in studying Vedas and Scriptures. One has to show more interest in giving to others. One has to follow Brahmacharya and worship his parents and Guru. One has to be kind towards his followmen and protect cows always. The above principles have to be followed scrupulously.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! you told me about Godaana (Giving cows in charity to others). Kindly tell me the procedure to be followed while performing Godaana” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! In the past, Brihaspati explained King Mandhata about the procedure to be followed while making Godaana.
On an auspicious day, with the permission of Brahmins, one has to observe fasting. On that night he shall stay in the cattle shed. Nextday morning, he shall call the cow, intended tobe given in Godaana, by name. He shall chant the Mantra told by Brahma: “This cow is my mother. The womb of this cow is heaven. The place where the cow stands is sacred” so saying, he shall pour water into the hands of the person who receives Godaana. Such person enjoys heavenly pleasures.
The person who receives Godaana shall fulfil the following conditions. He must be a Vedic student or interested in performing Vratas; a sinless person; a person with peace of mind; a person who controls his sense organs; and a person without anger.
Brihaspati continued to say: “One who intends to perform Godaana shall stay in cattle shed for three days from Ashatami in Asvayuja month-- Krishna Paksha; consume urine and dung of cow. Then all his desires be fulfilled.” said Brihaspati.
Hence, Dharmaja! you also follow the above conditions before performing Godaana, that too kapila cows (cows with red colour)” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
“O Grandisre: Kindly tell me the importance of Kapila cows.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus: “O Dharmaja! Once, the divine bodies were hungry. All of them went to Brahma. Brahma gave them Amrutha. Divine bodies consumed Amrutha. From the fragance of Amruta, Kama Dhenu was born. Kama Dhenu gave birth to some other cows. All the cows were grazing on the peak of Himalayas. While a calf was drinking milk of its mother, the foam of milk, due to the speed of wind, was sprinkled on the head of Lord Siva who was in meditation. Siva opened his third eye. All the cows became reddish. All the cows fled away.
Having come to know about this, Brahma came down to Siva. “O Maha Siva! Chandra (moon) is on your head. Chandra was showering Amrutha daily. The foam from milk of cows is equal to Amrutha. The cow milk is equal to Amrutha. Hence there is no reason to be angry against cows and their calves. Please be kind towards the cows and calves” prayed Brahma. Brahma presented one Vrishabha (ox ) to Siva. Sive made it as his vehicle. Siva permitted cows to move on Himalayas. All the cows returned back.
Siva told Brahma: “O Brahma! with the power of my third eye, all the cows became reddish. Hitherto, red cows are considered to be best and sacred of all cows.” told Siva. From then onwards, red cows are preferred in performing Godaana.
In this connection I tell you one story. Once there was a king called Soudasa in Ishvaku dynasty. His chief priest was Vasishta. One day, Soudasa asked Vasishta thus: “O Saint! What is sacred in this world?” asked Soudasa.
“O Soudasa! Cow is sacred in the entire world. Cow is the abode for Havis. Cow is the life for all creatures. Lakshmi stays where cows stay. Cow is the ladder to climb to heaven. Humanbeings shall give away one cow from out of ten cows as Godaana. Saluting cow in morning bestows greaterPunya. Cow dung, cow urine are sacred but consuming cow meat is a great sin. Cleaning house with cow dung and consuming cow urine as medicine are advisable.” said Vasishta to King Soudasa.
O Dharmaja! once Suka, son of Vyasa, asked his father thus: “O father! which is greater than all and which is essential for performing Yajna?” asked Suka.
“O my son Suka! none is equal to cow in this world. Cow is essential for performing yagas. Once Brahma told the saints thus:
“Cows are sacred. Cows are essential for performing Yajnas. All troubles vanish on the sight of a cow. If cow milk, cow urine and cow dung are taken for three days as medicine, it cures all diseases. Cow ghee gives humanbeing brightness. Chanting Gomati Mantra amidst cows, purifies body and mind. Chanting Gomati Mantra in front of Brahmins and Cows accomplishes all desires. Hence Cow is said to be best of all” said Vyasa.
“O Dharmaja! this is the greatness of cow.” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
“O grandsire Bhishma! Brahma is the master of all the three Lokas. Brahma’s abode is called Goloka. Why?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! In the past, Visvakarma performed great Tapas and created Surabhi(sacred cow) as his brain child. Along with Surabhi, Visvakarma created another glorious man. That man fell in love with Surabhi. Brahma blessed both of them. Brahma named him as Marthanda and performed his marriage with Surabhi. Cows were born to both of them. Both divine bodies and human bodies were worshipping cows. Cows also were accomplishing the desires of divine bodies and human beings.” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
“O grand sire! you told me that Marthanda married Surabhi. Tell me about their children. Who were born first?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! first, eleven sons were born. They are Ekadasa Rudras. They are: (1)Ajapada, (2) Ahirbudhnyudu, (3)Triyambaka (4)Vrushakapi (5)Sambhu (6)Hara (7)Bahuroopa (8)Ugra (9)Visvaroopa(10)Kapaali (11)Raivata. All these eleven Rudras were worshipped by the entire world. After the eleven Rudras, Surabhi gave birth to several cows. All the divine bodies reside in several parts of the cow. Therefore, the glory of cow is indescribable.
In this connection, there is a story. There was a hill called Trisikhara. At the foot of that hill, some sages, born in Bhrigu clan, were performing Tapas. Sumitra was one of them. A brahmin called Angirasa gave a herb, useful for the health of cows, to Sumitra. Sumitra gave that herb to his cows as fodder. As a result of that herb, all the cows were grown healthy with good physique. The cattle were increasing day by day. Sumitra was looking after his cattle with great love and affection. Sumitra used to consume the foam emanated while the calves were drinking milk from their mother cows. Hence Sumitra was called Phena.
Those cows were blessed with Kamaroopa. One day, some of the cows, in the form of beautiful ladies, were swimming in the nearby pond. Some other cows also were taking bath in the same pond. Those cows recognised these ladies as cows.
They asked the ladies: “Who are you? How could you get this lady transformation?” asked those cows.
“We always serve brahmins. We give milk to Brahmins for their use in Yajnas, Pitru karmas, and worshipping guests etc. We send our children to work in fields. Because of our virtuous deeds, we are blessed with this transformation art.” said those ladies-cows.
The other cows realised their mistake. They requested those ladies-cows to show them a way out for liberation. “Listen! King Rantideva is performing a Yaga. You go there and offer yourselves as sacrifice. Then you attain Goloka.”said those ladies-cows.
All the other cows were ready to go to King Rantideva. But one cow raised a doubt. “Before going to Ranti Deva, we have to obtain the permission of our master, Sumitra.” said that cow. The other cows intervened. “Our master, Sumitra never allows us to go to Rantideva. The only alternative is to kill him. Then he also follows us to Goloka.” said the other cows. Other cows did not agree.
But some reddish cows came forward to kill Sumitra but they aspired for some reward. The other cows gave them a boon. From then onwards, all the reddish cows be considered best of all cows. Then all the reddish cows, in disguise, went to Sumitra and said thus:
“O master! You have worshipped cows sofar. We are very happy. Choose whatever you want” asked those reddish cows in disguise.
“Bless me with eternal devotion, love and affection towards cows.” prayed Sumitra.
The cows blessed him accordingly. “Then you follow us to Goloka.” asked those cows.
“I never leave my cows. I never come anywhere.” said Sumitra.
Those cows in disguise killed Sumitra. The Aatma of Sumitra attained Goloka. All the cows welcomed Sumitra to Goloka. But some cows cursed the reddish cows who killed Sumitra “Let the faces of those reddish cows turned black” Since then, the faces of reddish cows turned black.
All the cows on earth approached Ranti Deva and prayed him to sacrifice them in Yajna, so that they may attain Goloka. Ranti Deva declined their request.
“Why should I be afflicted with sin by killing cows. I never do it.” said Ranti Deva.
“O Ranti Deva! we are destined to die. You have to execute it. This is the decision of divine bodies.” said those cows.
“I obey the decition of divine bodies but on one condition.
I stop the Yajna even if atleast one cow declines to sacrifice its life.” . All the cows agreed. Ranti Deva commenced Yajna. All the cows, one my one, were sacrificed. When the turn of a mother cow came, that cow was telling its calf: “those cruel people are coming to sascrifice me in Yajna. If I die what would be your fate” the mother cow wept. Ranti deva overheard this conversation. Immediately he ordered to stop Yajna. The remaining cows were saved.
The cows which were sacrified so far attained Goloka.
O Dharmaja! This is all about cows. I will also tell the words of Vyasa about cows.
“Brahma at the inception created cows. Cow is the basis for the entire world. Cow is equivalent to mother for divine bodies, Sidhas and Sadhyas. One who intends to attain Brahmapada, shall not cause harm to cow either physically or mentally. This is the word of Brahma. Even Vedas attributed sanctity to cows. Divine bodies worshipped cows and attained glory.
While performing Yajnas and yagas, the usage of cow milk is most important. Even the Upanishads are the embodiment of cows. Worshipping cows itself is Yajna. Human beings generally worship reddish cows, give them as charity and get rid of their sins.” said Vyasa to his son, Suka.
Then Suka asked his father: “O father! You have been telling about reddish cows. How they attain that magnanimity and dignity? Kindly tell me.” asked Suka.
“O my son! Once, Agni was running away from Divine bodies and requested cows to hide him. Accordingly, cows concealed Agni. Divine bodies came there in search of Agni. Divine bodies requested Cows to reveal the whereabouts of Agni. Cows revealed Divine bodies about the whereabouts of Agni. Divine bodies were satisfied and requested Agni to bless the cows with a boon.
“As I was hidden inside cows, they attain reddish colour. The reddish cows will be considered best of all cows. Worshipping reddish cows attains liberation. Giving and taking reddish cow as charity attains greater sanctity and both attain higher lokas.” said Agni.
O my son Suka! now I tell you about the characteristics of reddish cows. Generally, the ears, horns, eyes, nose of Kapila cow (reddish cow) are in red colour. This is sufficient to characterise a cow as Kapila cow. Even if one of the above characteristics is present, it is sufficient to consider that cow as Kapila cow. Besides that, if the entire body of a cow is in red colour, its magnanimity is indescribable.
One shall neither put load on its back nor beat the red cow. Red cow shall not be utilised for sacrifice. Beating, kicking either with hands, legs or stick throws him into hell. One who feeds red cow timely with water and fodder, attains liberation.
It was said that along with cows, brahmins, mother Gayatri, spring season, truth and gold were born. Amongst all things given in charity, cows, gold and land are greater.” said Vyasa to his son Suka.
“Dharmaja! those are the words of Vyasa about the greatness of cows.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! I heard that Lakshmi stays in cow dung. Is it true?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmanandana! In this regard, I tell you the conversation between Lakshmi and cow. Once Lakshmi went into the cattle shed.
Cows asked her “Who are you? Why you have come here? ”
“I am Lakshmi. I want to be your companion.” said Lakshmi.
“O Lakshmi! You are fickle minded. You never stay anywhere atleast for one day. You are not fit to be our companion.” said cows.
Lakshmi was distressed. “O cows! Previously I was with demons. But they proved bad. I left them and stayed with divine bodies. Now divine bodies are glorious. But human beings always worship me to be with them. But you are not allowing me as your companion.” said Lakshmi.
“Whatever you say? We never allow such a fickle minded like you to be our companion? You go as you like.” said the cows.
“O cows! even cows insult me, where can I go? Who allows me? Therefore I will be with you only.” said Lakshmi firmly.
“O Lakshmi! if that is so, do one thing. Vedas say that cow urine and cow dung are sacred. You reside in them.” said the cows. Lakshmi agreed. Since then cow urine and cow dung are places of stay for Lakshmi.
Once Kamadhenu did Tapassu. Brahma appeared before Kamadhenu and asked Kamadhenu “What do you want?”.
“O Brahma! Your appearance before me itself is sufficient. I dont want anything more than that. I am blessed.” said Kamadhenu.
Brahma was happy with those words. “O Kamadhenu! henceforth, goloka will be above Brahma (Satya) loka.” said Brahma.
O Dharmaja! that is the dignity and glory of Cows.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandisre Bhishma! you told me about cows. But I heard that in all Yajnas, Gold is best to be given in charity. Even in Vedas, Gold was siad to be an offering to Brahmins. You yourself said that land, gold and cows are best to be given in charity. Kindly tell me about Gold and its origin.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! After the demise of my father, Santana, I went to Ganga to perform obsequies. With the help of my mother Ganga, I was performing the obsequies of my father. At the time of Pinda Pradana (offering of food to Pitaras). I spread Dharbas (sacred grass) on the floor. While I was placing one Pinda on Dharbas, a hand with gold ornaments, probably that of my father, was stretched to receive the Pinda. I was astonished that my father personally came there to receive Pinda. I was very much satisfied. My heart was filled with joy. But if I put Pinda in the hand of my father, Vedas do not agree. Pindas shall be placed only on Dharbas not directly on hands. It was against Vedic rites. Therefore, I kept the Pinda intended for my father, on Dharbhas.
The hand of my father disappeared. Before me, my father and forefathers appeared before me. “O Devavrata! You performed Pindapradana according to Dharma. You have not favoured your father because he stretched his hand. We are very happy. We are satisfied with your Pindapradana. You give Gold in lieu of land and cows because Gold is sacred. Hereinafter, you give Gold during Yajnas and Yagas in lieu of Land and Cows.”said my forefathers. Then my father and forefathers disappeared. Dharmaja! This was what I personally experienced.
Besides that, after Parasurama massacred all Kshatriyas twenty one times, he performed Vajapeya yajna. Parasurama was not satisfied with that Yajna. He went to Vasishta and asked him a way out to vanish all his sins.
Vasishta said thus: “O Parasurama! Gold is equivalent to Agni. Even divine bodies are embodiments of Agni. If you give Gold as charity, it is equivalent to giving Divine bodies as charity. This was told by Vedas. Therefore, give Gold as charity to Brahmins, and vanish your sins completely. I also tell you the words of Brahma about Gold.
After the marriage of Parvati to Lord Siva they were living together. As a result of their conjugal life, the semen of Lord Siva was deposited with Agni. At that time, one Taraka Asura was teasing and harrassing divine bodies and sages and saints. All of them went to Brahma and told him about their woes and sufferings.
Brahma said : “I already made sufficient arrangements. You go and meet Agni. He solves the problem” said Brahma.
All divine bodies and saints went in search of Agni but could not find him. At last they found Agni in a Jammi Tree. All divine bodies and saints told Agni about the words of Brahma. Agni immediately threw away the brilliantly shining semen of Maha Siva into Ganga. With the combination of the semen of Maha Siva, Ganga became pregnant. But she could not bear that pregnancy. Ganga deposited her pregnancy in a grass bush on its banks. In that grass bush a boy was born. Six Krittikas nourished and fed that baby. That boy with six faces sucked milk from those six Krittikas. Hence he was called Shanmukha. He was also called Agniputra, Gangaputra and Kartikeya. After growing up, that boy became the Chief of Army for Divine forces. Then Kartikeya killed Taraka Asura with Shakti weapon. All divine bodies and saints were very happy.
Maha Siva was the embodiment of Gold. Agni who bore the semen of Agni also shined as Gold. Gold was born from Agni. Hence Gold was called Jata Roopa. Therefore, Gold attained such splendour and sacredness.” said Vasishta to Parasurama. Then Parasurama performed several Suvarna Danas.
Therefore, Dharmanandana! You also make Suvarna Danas in abundance and attain name and fame.” said Bhishma.

“O Grandsire Bhishma! kindly enlighten me about Pitru Yajna” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! Worshipping Pitaras is greater than worshipping divine bodies. For human beings, worshipping their fathers and forefathers attain all kinds of fortunes. One who performs Pitru Yajna and Pinda Pradana on every Amavasya (no-moon day) gets the benefit of worshipping Pitaras everyday.
Different kinds of results follow the worship of Pitru Yajna on different days, like getting a beautiful wife by performing Pitru Yajna on Padyami day and begetting beautiful children by performing Pitru Yajna on Vidiya day and so on. For performing Sradha Karma (pitru yajna), days in Krishna Paksha and afternoon are auspicious.
While performing Pitru yajna, gingelly seeds, Payasam (food item prepared with rice, milk and sugar) and ghee are best items. Using of fish and meat in limited extent also yields good results. Cow milk, curd, butter and ghee prepared out of cow milk are also best to be used during Pitru Yajnas. During Pitru Yajnas, ram meat, rhino meat, goat meat also can be used.
Different results follow by performing Pitru yajnas on different Nakhatras. viz., Krittika, Rohini etc.” said Bhishma.
“O Bhishma! Kindly tell me about the nature of persons to be worshipped during Pitru Yajnas.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmanandana! for performing Divine worship, we need not test the veracity of brahmins in detail. If they are good, it is sufficient. But for performing Pitru yajnas, we have to test the veracity of brahmins strictly.
First of all, the brahmins to be worshipped during Pitru Yajnas shall be free from all kinds of vices. They must be learned. They must be eligible to dine along with others in the same line. Gamblers, criminals, money lenders, singers, village officers, illiterates, lepers, traders in wine, traders trading abroad, servants under King, divorcees, shepherds, sculptors, thieves are not fit to be worshipped during Pitru Yajnas.
All the food items prepared for Pitru Karma shallbe purified by sprinkling water with gingelly seeds. People with peace of mind, people with good character, people who control their sense organs, teachers, people with kind heart, wise and learned, experts in grammer, Dharmasastra and Puranas are eligible to dine along with others in the same line.
Before deputing Brahmins for Pitru Karma, one has to test their eligibility as per the above norms. Once deputed, if they are found to be unfit for Pitru Yajna, the mental agony is unbearable. One who performs Pitru Karma as per the above standards, attains higher regions. In this connection, I narrate you a story.
Athri is the brain child of Brahma. Athri’s son was Dattatreya. His son was Nimi. Nimi’s son was Srimantha. Srimanta died. Nimi was performing Shraadha karma to his son. Nimi invited his grand father, Athri to supervise the ceremony. During that time, Saint Athri explained the procedure to be followed during Sradha Karma.
“Brahmins invited for Sradha Karma must be eligible to dine with others.Dharbhas must be spread with their ends towards right side. Gingelly seeds shall be used plenty. Good quality of Dharbhas be procured. While spreading Dharbhas on floor, their ends shall face southwards. While preparing food items for Shradha, drumstick leaves, onion, spoiled meat, dirty salt, black jeera, karela leaves, assafoetida, shall not be used.
At the place of Shradha Karma,dogs, ladies under menstrual periods, prostitutes and low class people shall not be allowed to move. During the course of Sradha Karma, sneezing, crying shall be avoided. Peaceful atmosphere shall prevail. The above conditions shall strictly be followed.” said Athri to Nimi.
Athri continued to say: “In Sradha Karma, Brahma allotted shares to Aryama (sun) Soma (moon) and Agni. Along with fathers and fore fathers, Visve Devatas also shall be worshipped and shares be allotted to them. In divine bodies, there are Ushmapas numbering 60. Brahma allotted equal shares to them also along with Pitaras. If Shradha Karma were to be performed during journeys in hills and forests, simply mental worship of these sixty divine bodies is sufficient. It is equivalent to performing Shradha Karma.
Once several saints were performing Sraadha karma at a time. All the Pitaras suffered with indigestion as they consumed the offerings at a time. All Pitaras approached Chandra (lord of herbals) and sought for remedy. Chandra directed them to Brahma. All of them went to Brahma and told him about their sufferings. Brahma said that Agni will cure their indigestion. Agni told Pitaras “During Shradha Karmas, while consuming the offerings, you consume them through me. The question of indigestion does not arise.” said Agni. Since then, Pitaras have been consuming the offerings through Agni only. Therefore, during Sraadha Karma, Agni must be worshipped by which Pitaras also are satisfied.
During the course of Shradha Karma, the sacred thread (yajnopaveetamu) shall hang from right to left (apasavya). By performing Pinda Pradana, the deceased fathers and fore fathers leave their Preta Atmas and attain higher regions. Human beings aspire for more sons, with a fond hope that atleast one of their sons perform Pinda Pradana in Gaya.” said Saint Athri to his grandson Nimi.
O Dharmaja! these are the norms prescribed for Sraadha Karma.” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! Upavasa vrata (fasting) is called Tapas. Kindly explain me about it.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmanandana! Simply fasting, without taking any food, is not Tapas. Fasting is nothing but torturing himself. Tapas means performing a karma with great devotion. They are..... speaking truth, adopting Brahmacharya, cleanliness, maintaining silence without talking unnecessarily, disciplined life; showing kindness towards fellow beings, not hurting anybody either physically or mentally; making charities within his might; these are all called Tapas.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! You told me about two kinds of persons. One who gives to others within his might; and one who does not receive anything as charity from others. What are the characteristics of these two kinds of persons. Kindly tell me.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! in this connection, I tell you a conversation between Seven saints and King Vrishadarbhi. Kashyapa, Athri, Visvamitra, Goutama, Bharadwaja, Jamadagni, Vasishta, are called Sapta Rishis (seven saints). Arundhati, wife of Vasishta always accompanies her husband,wherever he goes. A servant maid called Ganda serves them. Her husband was Pasusakha. He also accompanies them always.
Once there was a great famine. Food was not available for eating. It became difficult for humans to keep themselves alive. At that time, these seven saints were searing for food. They found a dead body kept on pyre for cremation. As all the saints were suffering with hunger, they were about to eat that dead body.
King Vrishadarbhi beheld that situation. “O Saints! what are you doing. It appears you are suffering with hunger. I am the king of this area. I will give you sumptuous food and sufficient water. Please come along with me. Not only that, I will make permanent arrangement for your sustenance. I give you sufficient money, grains, cows, carts, villages as charity.” said King Vrishadarbhi.
“O King! we never receive anything from anybody as charity. If we receive anything freely, it is nothing but poison. Perhaps you do not know about us. Hence you talked like that. You can go.” said those saints.
King Vrishadarbhi went back to his city. He kept some gold inside some fruits and sent them to the saints through his ministers, for eating. Accordingly, the ministers went to the Saints and offered those fruits to the saints. By simple touch, the saints grasped that those fruits contain gold. They smoothly rejected those fruits and went away.
The ministers went back and told the King what had happened. The King was enraged with great wrath. He performed a Homa (burning sacred fire) and created a demon called Kritti from that Homa. The King ordered Kritti to kill all the saints and cut them into pieces. Kritti went in search of the saints.
At that time the Saints were searching for some fruits to eat. A Sanyasi called Sunassakha approached them and joined them in search of fruits. All of them could not find a single fruit. They went near a pond to pick up atleast some lotus stems for eating. There, Kritti appeared and obstructed them from picking up the stems.
They requested Kritti: “We are suffering with hunger. We could not find anything for eating. Let us eat atleast these stems to subside our hunger” they requested.
“If that is so, tell me your names and then get into the pond” said Kritti.
All the saints realised that it was a demon which had come to kill them. Hence, they revealed their names, with equivalent words, explanations and derivatives which could not be understood by Kritti. Meanwhile Sunassakha told his name correctly, as it was.
Kritti grew angry. “Why you are confusing me. Cannot you tell your name correctly and straight?” said Kritti.
“What! when I told my name correctly, you are finding fault with me. Even if I tell correctly you could not understand. My Mantra Danda will tell you my correct name.” so saying Sunassakha beat Kritti with his Manthra Danda on its head. With that blow, Kritti fell on the ground and reduced to ashes.
Then all of them went into the pond and picked up louts stems and cleaned them and kept the bundle of lotus stems on the bund of the pond. Again all of them went inside the pond to perform daily rituals. When they returned back, they did not find the bundle of lotus stems. They were suspecting each other.
They kept Sunassakha as mediator and made promises.
First Athri said: “Had I stolen the lotus stems, I would be inflicted with the sin of beating a cow, making excretion and urinating in front of Sun, studying Vedas on inauspicious days.
Then Saint Vasishta said: The person who had stolen the lotus stems will be inflicted with the greater sin of evading studying of Vedas; having sexual intercourse being a sanyasi; having a dog along with him; selling of his own daughter; not rescuing a person who sought refuge; asking for charity knowing fully well that that person has nothing to give etc.
All the other saints, Arundhati, including the servant maid and her husband made similar promises to prove their innocence. All of them cursed the one who stole the lotus stems. At last Sunassakha said that giving away the lotus stems to the so called thief is equivalent to giving away his daughter to a wise and learned virtuous brahmin. All astonished for his words. They all suspected that Sunassakha stole those lotus stems.
“O Sunassakha! we are all suffering with hunger. Kindly give those stems to us.” requested those sages and Arundhati.
“O great saints! kindly forgive me. I am telling the truth. With a view to know your mind, I have concealed the bundle of stemps. Please take them and subside your hunger.” so saying Sunassakha brought the bundle of lotus stemps.
Sunassakha continued to say: “I cannot hide myself anymore. I am Devendra. I have come and joined you to save you from Kritti, the demon, created by King Vrishadarbhi for the purpose of killing all of you. I killed that demon. As you are all freed from greediness, you attained Punya Lokas. Let all of us go to heaven.” said Devendra. Then the seven saints, Arundhathi along with Devendra departed to heaven.
“O Dharmaja! As the seven saints were endowed with the virtuous quality of not receiving anything from others freely, they attained divinity. You also discard greediness and attain greater heights.” said Bhishma.
“O Pitamaha! Generally, during Pitru ceremonies, chappals and umbrellas are given in charity to Brahmins. Why chappals and umbrellas are chosen for charity. Kindly explain.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! In this connection, I narrate a conversation between Sun and Saint Jamadagni. Once Jamadagni along with his wife Renuka, went far away from their Ashram for a stroll. Jamadagni was holding his bow and Renuka was holding the arrows pouch. While Jamadagni was releasing arrows from his bow, Renuka was collecting the arrows.
This went on upto midday. Sun was shining bright and hot in the middle of the sky. During that hot son, there was some delay in bringing the arrows.
“Why so much delay?” asked Jamadagni.
“The sun is hot. My feet are burning. Hence I stood under a tree for a while. Hence the delay.” replied Renuka.
Jamadagni grew angry. “What! Sun caused your feet burning and pained you. I will teach a lesson to Sun. I will cover the entire Sun with my arrows.” roared Jamadagni.
Sun heard these words and arrived there under the guise of a Brahmin. “O Saint Jamadagni! kindly subside your anger against Sun” requested the Brahmin (Sun).
“Go away. I will pull down the Sun from sky to earth” said Jamadagni.
“O Saint! You are a saint. How can you get anger! Due to the heat of Sun only, the waters in the Seas are transformed into clouds and giving us water in the form of rain. Otherwise, how can we get drinking water and water for cultivation. Therefore, heat of sun is a must.” said Brahmin (Sun). But Jamadagni was not convinced. Then Sun appeared before Jamadagni in his original form.
“O saint Jamadagni! I am Sun. Kindly excuse me if any wrong is committed by me. Kindly receive these two things. These are umbrella and chappals. These two things protect humans from hot sun. If chappals and umbrellas are given to brahmins, attainment of Punya is certain.”said Sun. Jamadagni was very happy.
Dharmaja! in that manner, umbrella and chappals were created by Sun.” said Bhishma.
“O grandsire Bhishma! what would be the behaviour of Sudra to have pleasures on earth and heaven.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmanandana! On a previous occasion, Saint Parasara taught his students some Dharmas. I tell you those teachings.
A sudra who conquers sense organs and inner-enemies viz., Kama, Krodha,Lobha,Moha,Mada and Matsarya, eschews pride and anger; and serves brahmins, kshatriyas and Vaisyas with great devotion, he enjoys pleasures on both earth and heaven.
If a Sudra, avoiding his own dharma and adopts studying Vedas, performs tapas, he falls down to hell.
Study of Vedas for Brahmins, vigour and valour for Kshatriyas; trade and commerce for Vysyas and serving the above three castes for Sudras are ordained duties. These are the duties prescribed by Vedas. If all castes follow their own duties, they attain higher regions. If they follow dharma other than prescribed for their own caste, their fall is certain.
Dharmaja! now I tell you the words of Saint Parasara about Soucha (cleanliness). Northern side during day time and southern side during night time are best for urination and excretion. Urination and excretion shall be done facing northwards during morning, midday and evening times. After excretion, the excretory organs shall be cleaned with left hand smoothly as they are very sensitive. After cleaning, both hands shall be cleaned thoroughly by applying mud. Then feet shall be cleaned thoroughly. Excretion and urination shall not be done in public places.
After excretion, one has to perform Achamanam means taking pure water thrice. Then one should wash his mouth, eyes and nose, arms, chest and naval and sprinkle water on head. Achamanam shall be done facing east or north. This Achamana shall be done after taking food also. This shall be done by all castes.
Dharmaja! Parasara, then, explained the Varna Ashrama Dharmas: For a Brahmin, meditation itself is Yajna. Studying vedas is his livelihood. Tapas brings glory to Brahmin. For Kshatriya, Ruling the Kingdom is his duty. Performing Yajnas, punishing wrong doers, protecting law abiding citizens and maintaining peace and tranquility are his foremost duties. Supplying all kinds of commodities to Yajna is Vysya’s duty. His main profession is trade and commerce and entertaining guests. Serving the above three castes is the livelihood of Sudra. It is equivalent to performing Yajna by Sudra.
All the above Dharmas are to be followed by one and all scrupulously. Sages and saints are to be worshipped by all castes.
The qualities of a Sudra are....soft spoken, peace of mind, control of sense organs, ever vigilant, virtuous behaviour, eschewing greediness; serving sages and saints; earning money by lawful means and serving others. Sudra need not perform charities. Sudras attain the fruits of making charities by serving sages and saints.
Then Parasara told some Dharmas which are applicable to one and all. One should not be greedy; one should treat all creatures and human beings equally; one should be disinterested and detatched towards worldly objects; one should be kind towards others; one should help others to the extent possible; one should feel that the fruits of his virtuous deeds always accompany him.
If anybody commits any wrong unknowingly, and causes harm to others, he should immediately repent for his mis deeds and perform expiation (Prayaschittam). The sin afflicted by killing another person shall not be vanished even by begging years together. The sin afflicted by Drunkenness and lusting teacher’s wife shall not vanish even by self immolation. Therefore one should lead his life with the fear of sin.
Then Parasara told them about bad omens. If anybody beholds a person with golden colour on northern side facing southern side, he may meet his death within three years. If anybody beholds Sun without shining, he may die within two years. If anybody finds holes in his shadow in moon light, he may meet his death within one year. If one finds his shadow without head, his end will be within six months. If one could not hear any sound while closing his ears, he may die within one month. If one loses life in eyes and face turns awkward, he may die on the same day.
Beholding the above bad omens, one shall not be disheartened. First he shall eschew all desires and ambitions on life. Keep his mind stable. Perform meditation with concentrated mind. Even if he dies in that stage, he attains salvation.
In his next birth, he will born in Brahmin, Vysya, and Kshatriya communities, in a rich family. He enjoys pleasures in his next birth also both on earth and in heaven.
But in next birth, he shall realise himself that........... nothing is eternal in this world; nothing follows him after death; birth and death are certain to each and every living being;Samsara is full of sorrows; small happiness always followed by great sorrows;we always crave for such small happiness,forgetting the great sorrows, unaware of the fact that again sorrow follows happiness.
Realising these eternal truths, one should not develop love and affection towards the worldly plealsures. All Karmas yield good abd bad results. One shall not avoid undergoing the results of Karma. He enjoys the fruits of his past virtuous deeds in heaven.
After his Punya is extinguished, he will again take birth in a wise and learned family and worship deities, pitaras and guests. He enjoys marital life with wife and childlren. After half of life, he proceeds to forests and live with sages and saints. Later he becomes Sanyasi and spends austere life, in temples and caves. He eschews anger and desire; pleasure and sorrow, egoism and greediness and spends a contented life. At last he attains liberation.
Such persons, take along with them, their companions also to such a eternal state of liberation. If Sudras serve such Sanyasis, they also attain liberation without any effort on their part. This facility is not available to other castes. Because Sudras serve others. By serving such Sanyasis, they attain Moksha effortlessly along with their masters.
Everybody aspires for liberation but Sudras, by serving Sanyasis, attain liberation easily. But Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vysyas attain liberation by controlling their sense organs. By controlling sense organs and serving Sanyasis, even sinners, prostitutes, downtrodden attained liberation. But all of them, at the inception, shall abandon their sinful acts and lead a virtuous life. A sinner never beholds virtuous path.
Then they should go in search of a righteous teacher and follow his teachings. But they shall not be egoistic that they got realisation through best Guru. The sign of attaining Jnana is being non-egoistic. While serving those Gurus, they may attain liberation. While serving Guru, one shall keep his mind, stomache, genitals, hands, legs, eyes and ears under strict control. (means.....unnecessary thinking, over eating, uncontrolled lust; seeing and hearing unnecessary things and visiting unwanted places.)
If any person follows the above dharmas strictly, he attains liberation. This is called Sankhya. Keeping this Sankhya path in mind, without egnoism and pride, serving a Guru leads to liberation. Sanyasa Ashram is limited to Brahmana, Kshatriya and Vysya. But Soodras attain moksha by serving Sanyasis. Soodra need not become Sanyasi to attain liberation.” said Saint Parasara to his students.
Therefore, Dharmaja! Soodras are more blessed than the other castes.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! It is heard that even in human beings, there are persons worshipped by diving bodies. Kindly enlighten me about them.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmanandana! the same question was asked by Matali (charioteer of Devendra), for which Devendra gave the following reply.
Those who earn money and enjoy sensual pleasures through lawful means; those who possess phisique and beauty desired by beautiful ladies, but do not have any sensual desires towards ladies; those who possess higher education, enormous wealth and riches but do not have pride; those who conquered their sense organs; those who are satisfied with their own wives; those who speak truth always; those who are desirous of performing Tapas; those who remain neat and clean always; those who do not indulge in unnecessary affairs; and those who are sanyasis are worshipped by divine bodies though they are human beings.” said Bhishma.
“O Bhishma! kindly tell me about digging tanks for the welfare of people.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! tanks are the abode for divine bodies, animals etc. In tanks, cows drink water. Hence the person who dug that tank attain Punya Lokas. As long as the tanks remain with full of water, the name and fame of the person who dug those tanks, shall remain. If trees are planted on the bund of the tank, those trees give shade to the passers by and also useful as place of stay for all kinds of birds. The fathers and fore fathers of the persons who dug tanks attain Punya Lokas.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! kindly tell me in detail about Grihastha Ashram” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! in this connection, I narrate you the conversation between Goddess Earth (Bhoodevi) and Maha Vishnu. Bhoodevi said thus:
Grihastu shall perform Agni Karya daily. He shall perform Bhoota Bali (offering food to domestic animals and birds) every day. A Grihasthu shall offer cooked rice, milk, fruits and fresh water to Pitaras daily. He shall perform Vaisva Devamu (offering food to Visve Devatas). He shall do poor feeding within his might.
Daily, Grihasthu shall worship guests and offer food to them.If for any reason, a guest is not found on any day, first lump of food shall be offered to Agni. Then Grihasthu shall dine along with his relatives and friends. Then he shall perform Bali (offering) ceremony.
Bali is of two kinds. The first is Srouta Bali. Srouta Bali was mentioned in Vedas. This Bali is concerned with herbs, forests and demons. The second is Smartha Bali. This Bali relates to cattle, birds etc. Grihasthu shall perform both these Balis. After performing these two Balis (offerings) Grihasthu shall take food.” said Goddess Earth to Maha Vishnu.
Dharmanandana! this is the reply for your question about Grihasthu” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
Thus said Sooti to Saint Sounaka and other sages and saints the story of Maha Bharata as told by Saint Vaisampayana to Janamejaya.
MAHA BHARATA
ANUSASANIKA PARVA
THIRD CHAPTER COMPLETED.
OM TATSAT OM TATSAT OMTATSAT.
MAHABHARAT
Anusasanika parva
Fourth Chapter
Vaisampayana told Janamejaya the story of Mahabharata.
Dharmaja continued to ask Bhishma, all his doubts about Dharma. In that process, he asked thus: “O Grandisre Bhishma! Human beings worship divine bodies by lighting lamp, and burning incense sticks and eatables. Kindly enlighten me about it.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! What you have asked now, was previously told by Sukra Acharya to Emperor Bali; Bali to Manuvu; Mavunu to Saint Suvarna; Suvarna to Narada; and Narada in turn told me. I now tell you what Saint Narada told me:
On this earth, herbs are the best plants. Amongst the herbal plants, flowering plants are best of all. Those who worship divine bodies with flowers, they flourish. Therefore, flowers are called Sumanas. If divine bodies are worshipped with flowers they bless the humans and fulfil their desires. Therefore, divine bodies are called Sumanaskas. Flowers with good colour and fragrance, collected from thornless plants are best for worshipping deities. Deities receive such flowers with great plelasure.
Lotus flowers, Jaji flowers, Tulasi leaves are liked by deities. Yakshas like flowers from water. Flowers with pungent smell, collected from thorny bushes are used for Mantras and Tantrik activities intended to kill enemies. Flowers with pungent smell are liked by devils and demons. Humans like flowers with white and black colours with sweet smell.
Ladies shall not use flowers collected from temples and burial grounds. Before worshipping deities, lighting lamp is compulsory. Lighting lamp drives away darkness from the place of worship. It also denotes driving away ignorance from our mind. Lighting lamp with cow ghee is best.
I now tell you about offerings. After preparing food items, one should offer them to deities and then consume. Food not offered to God amounts to demon’s food. For Nagas, Yakshas and Asuras, food mixed with blood and flesh, coupled with wine is dearest.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! what are the results that would flow by offering flowers, incense sticks, lamps and offerings to diving bodies.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmanandana! In the past, there was a king called Nahusha. He had no pride or arrogance. He worshipped divine bodies with great devotion by offering flowers, incense sticks, lamps and fruits and food items. He also worshipped Pitaras in the same manner by offering Tarpanas. He also worshipped Rakshasas, Yakshas, Bhootas, Bhujangas, with flowers and other offerings. Hence, Nahusha attained the highest position as Devendra. He was fortunate to be carried in a chariot driven by seven saints. He also visited the Brahma assembly. All this happened only due to his daily Pooja ritual. But due to his small mistake of eyeing on the wife of Indra, he had fallen on earth in the form of a python. On account of conversation with you only, he could regain his original status. O Dharmaja! lighting lamp before God is greatest of all. How long you keep the lamp before God, so many years you remain in heaven.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma!what would be the fate of a person who steals the wealth and property of Brahmin?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmanandana! Of all the sins, stealing the moneys of Brahmin is a greatest sin. His entire family be ruined. In next birth, he takes a lowest birth. In the past, there was a king called Kshatrabandhu. Once, he was going on his horse by the side of a field. A low caste man was also going by walk by the side of that field. Due to the force of wind, some grains were flying in air. The low caste man was averting those grains falling on him.
The King saw this. He called that low caste man and asked him why he was averting those grain particles.
“O King! in my past birth, I was a brahmin. One day, I sat under a tree and was about to take my food. Meanwhile, due to force of wind, dust particles fell on my food. I ate the food. I do not know those dust particles came from the adjacent field of a brahmin. As I had consumed the dust particles belonging to a brahin, I have taken this birth in low caste. Yesterday, I got a dream. In that dream, a brahmin appeared and said that my sin vanishes by talking to a king called Kshatrabandhu. Now I am before you” said the low caste man. Later, the low caste man died and attained higher regions.” said Bhishma.
“O Grand father Bhishma! I heard about heavens. The happiness and pleasures in all heavens are one and the same or are different from one heaven to other.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! the Punya Karmas are different kinds. So also, for each Punya Karma, different kinds of heavens are prescribed. In this connection, I narrate a conversation between a brahmin called Goutama and Devendra.
Once upon a time, a Brahmin called Goutama was performing Tapas in a forest. One day he saw an elephant cub separated from its mother. Goutama brought that elephant to his Ashram and nourished it. In due course of time, it had grown up. The elephant was serving Goutama by helping in his daily needs.
Once, Devendra came down to Goutama in the form of the King of that kingdom and asked Goutama to give away that elephant to him.
“O King! I am treating this elephant as my own son. It is serving me in my day to day affairs. It protects my house in my absence. Hence I cannot part with this elephant.” said Goutama.
Devendra grew angry. “O Goutama! What is the need of an elephant to you for performing Tapas. In fact, you need cows. I give them in abundance. I also give you gold. Giveme that elephant.” asked Devendra.
“O King! I brought this elephant, abandoned by its mother, while it was a cub. I nourished it as mother. You cannot evaluate my love towards this elephant. Even if you give me ten thousand cows and one crore gold coins, I wont give away this elephant.” said Goutama.
“O Goutama! elephants are the carriers for Kings. I require this elephant as my carrier. I can lift it by force. But I take it with your consent. Hence, kindly give this elephant to me out of your own volition.” said Devendra.
“O king! Either virtuous people or sinners will meet at one place. That is Yama Sabha. If you come there, I will give the elephant.” said Goutama.
“How is it. It is Yama Loka. Only sinners, non-believers of God and Vedas, arrive there. How can I come there.” said Devendra.
“If you come to the banks of River Ganges, I will give the elephant” said Goutama. “O Goutama! On the banks of Ganges, only those who worshipped guests, non-receivers of other’s wealth come there. How can I come there.” said Devendra.
“Then you come to Meru mountain. I will give my elephant” said Goutama. “There you find people who are soft spoken; truth telling; compassionate; and who love their own fellow men. How can I come there? said Devendra.
“Then there is a place where Saint Narada lives. Come there.” asked Goutama. “There, you find experts in music and dance and Narada will always be enjoying with them in music concerts. I dont come there.” said Devendra.
“If so, come to Uttara Kuru fields where divine bodies move freely. There I give my elephant.” said Goutama. “That is also not acceptable to me. People who discarded passion, violence and anger come there. I cannot come there.” said Devendra.
“Then come to moon” asked Goutama. “There you find
persons who give away their wealth and who do not receive anything from others. How can I receive elephant from you?” said Devendra.
“Then will you come to Soorya Loka?” asked Goutama. “Those who perform Tapas and Svadhyayam come there. I dont come there” said Devendra.
“Come to Varuna Loka!” asked Goutama.
“Persons who perform Yajnas, Yagas, daily rituals, agnihotra come there. I dont come there.” said Devendra.
“Come to Indra!” asked Goutama. “Oh. All those who died in war field, who performed Yajnas, who completed 100 years on earth come there. I am not eligible” said Devendra.
“Come to Prajapati Loka” asked Goutama. “Those who peformed Asvamedha come there. I do not come” said Devendra.
“Come to Goloka where you do not find passions and distress” asked Goutaka. “Those who perform Godaana, who visited holy places in Pilgrimage and who observe Brahmacharya come there. How can I come there.” said Devendra.
“Then you come to Brahma Loka which is beyond duals like heat and cold, joys and sorrows, friends and foes etc.I will give my elephant” said Goutama. “That is also not possible. Those who are detached, who attained Atma Jnana and those who are interested in Adhyatma vidya go there. I cannot come.”said Devendra.
Then Goutama with folded hands said: “O Mahatma! You are none else than Devendra; otherwise how it is possible for others to know about several Lokas. O Devendra! you are going round all Lokas. Is there any loka which is not accessible to you?” asked Goutama.
“O Goutama! I am very much satisfied with your virtues. Ask what do you want?”
“I do not want anything, if you dont ask for my elephant.” replied Goutama.

“Goutama! How can I separate you from your elephant. Besides that, you have identified me as Devendra by virtue of your past deeds. I invite you and your elephant to heaven. You both stay there for ever.” invited Devendra.
Goutama accepted his invitation. Both Goutama and his elephant remained in Svargaloka for ever.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandisre Bishma! you told me about Tapo Dharma. Is there any other dharma which is better than Tapo Dharma?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! all dharmas are good. But Tapo Dharma is best of all. Tapas means consuming limited food. Once Saint Bhagiratha went to Brahma Sabha. Beholding Bhagiradha, Brahma said:
“To gain entrance into Brahma Loka, you have to perform great Tapas. Without performing any kind of Tapas, how can you come over here.” asked Brahma.
“O Brahma! I performed many Yanjas, Yagas, Godanas, Bhoodaanas, Kanyadaanaas, pilgrimages; Rajasooya Yagas, Asvamedha Yagas in abundance. But I have not come here on account of performing the above virtuous deeds. Once some Brahmins were performing a Yajna. There were so many obstacles. I helped them in putting an end to those obstacles and perform Yajna smoothy. Then they blessed me “Brahma Loka Praptirastu”. Hence I have come here. I served Brahmins without caring for thirst and hunger. I do not think there is any greater tapas than serving brahmins.” said Bhagiradha. Brahma was very much pleased with his words. Hence Dharmaja! you also worship Brahmins with great devotion.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire! “Satayushmaan Bhava! is the precept of Veda. Why people are dying even while they are young. What is the reason? How to prolong life? How the life diminishes?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! good habits, disciplined living always extends life. Such a person gets wealth and fame. Bad habits, indiscplined liiving diminishes human life. All the elements in the universe refuse bad habits and indiciplined life. One has to follow the food steps of great people and follow Varna Ashrama Dharma. Then only one can lead disciplined life.
Not caring for the words of teacher; killing birds, biting nails, cutting plants without doing any work; staring at bright sun during morning and evening, diminish our life.
Having peaceful mind without anger; avoiding killing animals; telling truth alwlays; performing sandhyavandanam in morning; and worshipping deities daily, increase the life span.
Lusting for others’ wives always leads to lessening the life. It is a great sin. That too, lusting for the wife of friend, wife of teacher and lusting for ladies who are older than him; lusting for wives of kings, lusting for wives of those who are younger than him; lusting for the wives of relatives, brahmins, doctors, servants, learned people is a great sin. It creates decrease in his life. Performing Vratas increases the life to some extent.
One should not pass urine near temples, in streets, near meeting places, paddy fields. One shall not pass urine in standing posture. Before taking food, one has to wash hands and legs neatly and thoroughly. Avoid taking food in standing posture.
One should salute elders always. One should not keep hands on head while studying Vedas. Before going to bed, one has to take bath with hot water. One shall not rub his head with nails and shall not rub oil applied to head to other parts of body. One shall not bear grudge against eachers and shall not accuse teacher. All these cause diminishing of life.
If one come across bramins,cows, Kshatriyas, old people, weak people, pregnant ladies and persons carrying load on their back, he shall give way to them. One shall not have sexual intercourse with wife on full moon day, no moon day, chaturdasi, Ashtami and Dvadasi and also on birth days. This leads to lessening of life.
One shall not heckle handicapped, poor, uneducated and ugly people. It is a great sin. Accusing the above equivalent to accusing God.
Telling prophesy against money is a great sin. One shall not talk while cleaning teeth and while in toilet. One shall not sleep during sunrise and sunset times. Before worshipping God in morning, one shall not meet any other person.
Having sexual intercourse with pregnant ladies, unmarried ladies is a great sin. Sexual intercourse before marriage is also a sin. One shall not sleep keeping head towards north and west. One shall not wear clothes of others and shall not eat food items left by others.
While taking food, one shall keep his mind calm and quiet and keep silence.. One shall not take food keeping mind otherwise and talking with others in exciting mood. One shall not consume curd or honey during nights. Taking food in front of others, without offering them, is a sin. While dining with others, one shall not take better food while supplying cheaper food to others. One shall not give away ghee, honey, Payasam and water to others after consuming part of it.
One shall not have sexual intercourse during day times, even with his wife. One shall not have sexual intercourse with virgins and prostitutes. One shall not stare at ladies without clothes. When sisters, teachers, friends, learned people and cousins are poor and needy, one shall help them physically and financially. It increases one’s own lifespan.
Pigeons, parrots, flower bearing plants, golden items are auspicious and can be kept in house. Eagles, small insects, owls shall not be allowed to enter into house. One shall not read and dine duing sunset. One shall not perform Sraadha Karma during nights. While performing Sapindeekaranam and Ekodishtam (11th and 12th day ceremonies after death), one shall not take food during nights. One shall not visit others’ houses for food, uninvited.
Kshatriya shall learn horse riding, riding on elephant, chariot driving and expertism in launching several weapons, warfare, knowledge in penal laws, economics, public administration, Kama Sastra; music, vedas, performance of Yajnas etc.
One shall not touch ladies during periods. One can have intercourse on fourth day of periods. Intercourse on fifth day results in female child and intercourse on sixth day results in male child. Intercourse on even days from the day of commencement of period results in male child and on odd days, female child. Intercourse on all days from fourth day of the periods, results in pregnancy and child bearing.
Being kind towards others is a great dharma. It increases life span.” said Bhishma to Dharmaja.
“O grandsire! what would be the behaviour of brothers in this world?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! younger brothers shall show regard towards elder brothers. In the same way, elder brothers shall show love and affection towards younger brothers. Even one of the younger brother is bad, nothing happens but if the eldest brother is bad, the entire family be ruined. All the brothers shall divide the ancestral property equally without quarrelling among themselves. Then the rest of the world regard their family.
If any one of the brothers is greedy and claims the entire property for himself, that family breaks into pieces and be defamed. After father, eldest brother is equavalent to father. His wife is equival to mother for other brothers. After the death of the father, all younger brothers shall treat the eldest of them as father and his wife as mother.
After the death of mother, eldest sister is equal to mother. Even the servant maids who nourished him during childhood are equal to mothers. Father is the first teacher. Father is ten times more than teacher. But mother is ten more times greater than father. While father and mother gives birth to body, teacher gives another birth by imparting knowledge and wisdom. The physical body given by father and mother is mortal whereas the knowledge and wisdom given by teacher is immortal. Therefore, teacher has to be greatly respected.” said Bhishma.
“O grandsire Bhishma! It was said that Upavasa Vrata (fasting) was prescribed for Brahmins and Kshatriyas but not to other communities. What is meant by Upavasa? What are the qualities of Upavasa? What are the fruits derived by observing Upavasa? Kindly tell me.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! in the past, I also asked Saint Angirasa in the same manner. I told you what he told me.
Brahmins and Kshatriyas are eligible to observe Upavasa for three nights. If body and health permits, they can observe Upavasa for some more days. Vysyas and Sudras are eligible to observe Upavasa for four half days. More than that, they cannot observe Upavasa Vrata.
The following are the days auspicious for observing Upavasa. They are.....full moon day, Sukla Ashtami, Sukla Panchami, Shashti, Bahula Pamchami, Bahula shashti. If a brahmin observes Upavasa during nights, he will get a beautiful wife and children. If he observes Upavasa during nights for one year, he will get all kinds of riches.
If anybody observes Upavasa for 15 days in a year, he will get Punya Lokas. If anybody observes Upavasa for 30 days in a year, he attains Brahma Loka. But one shall not observe Upavasa for more than 30 days in a year.
There is no teacher greater than mother, there is no Sastra greater than Veda and there is no Tapassu greater than Upavasa. Out of all purest , Brahmin is purest of all. Therefore, Brahmins have to be worshipped. In the past, divine bodies, saints became greater by observing Upavasa vrata only. Saint Visvamitra observed one time meal during his entire life. By observing Upavasa, body and mind become pure.
The above said Upavasa Vrata was dedicated by Saint Angirasa to this world.” said Bhishma.
“O grandsire Bhishma! you told me time and again to perform Yajnas and yagas. To perform Yajna, plenty of money is required. All cannot perform Yajnas. What about them? How can they perform virtuous deeds like Yajnas.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! that was the reason why Saint Angirasa prescribed Upavasa vrata to those who are unable to perform Yajnas. There are some easy methods to perform Upavasa Vrata. If anybody takes food twice a day, drinking water while taking food only, and without taking anything in between and who performs Agnihotra daily, is equal to performing Upavasa Vrata daily.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandsire Bhishma! Sri Krishna is embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. I want to hear his teachings about Tatva Jnana. Kindly tell me.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! in this connection I tell you the conversation between Lord Siva and Sanatkumara. Once, Parama Siva came down to Sanatkumara. Sanatkumara received Siva with due honours and offered him a seat. Siva asked Sanatkumara to clear off some doubts. Sanatkumara gladly accepted.
“O great saint Sanatkumara! what is to be beheld with Dhyana (meditation). How many Tatvas are there? What is Sankhya and What is Yoga? Tell me about other phylosophical theories” asked Siva.
Sanatkumara told Siva thus: “O Siva! Tatvas are 24. Some may say Tatvas are 23 and some may say 25. Praakrutas say tatvas are 23. They say Mind and intellect are one and the same. It is not correct. Those who believe Tatvas are 24, say that pure mind itself is intellect.
I believe that Tatvas are 25. The 25th Tatva is Adhishtana. It manifests the other 24 Tatvas. All the 24 tatvas appear to have been mingled with 25th Tatva. Therefore, it can be said that there are 24 tatvas. It can also be said that there are no 24 tatvas. Both are possible. Now I tell you about 24 tatvas in detail.
In this Universe, there are Pancha Bhootas. They are 5.
Their attributes are 5. Sense organs are 10.Mind, intellect and Ahankara - 3. Prakriti - 1 These are 24.
Seated on the above 24 tatvas, is Mahat Tatva.
It is 25th tatva.
An intelligent person thinks that the body consists of 24 tatvas. Mahat Tatva which is 25th one, is hidden in the entire body as if fire is hidden in wood. But jealousy and egoism evaporates this knowledge and the man always thinks that this body is eternal and he himself is the body. This egoism keeps him always in samsara.
Vedas manifest paramatma tatva and brahma tatva. This is also called Amrutartha Tatva. Of all the tatvas, this Amrutartha tatva is best. By knowing Amrutartha Tatva, one can conquer Mruthyu. That is Eswara. There is no other God except this Tatva which is true and eternal.
O Parama Siva! if these Tatvas descend, creation starts. If these Tatvas ascend, destruction starts. Passing through all these tatvas and attaining Brahma is oneness. This knowledge is not available for those who do not have devotion and concentration of mind, control over sense organs and who do not study vedas.”. said Sanatkumara.
Next, Sanatkumara taught Parama Siva about Adhyatmamu, Adhi Bhootamu and Adhi daivamu.
“O Parama Siva! The real awareness is knowing that Adhyatma is inherent in all the living beings. Not knowing the above, divine bodies, Rakshasas, Gandharvas and human beings fell in ignorance. So far nobody is aware of Brahma. Brahma tatva is nothing but Omkara. Unless egoism is completely destroyed, Brahma Tatva is not visible. Brahma Tatva is unblemished, enjoyable and indestructible, beyond all duals and it is not visible to sense organs.
This Brahma Tatva was first known to Narayana. Through Narayana, divine bodies, saints, sidhas, sadhyas, gandharvas came to know about it. Later, only eligible human beings were taught about this Brahma Tatva. Brahma Tatva cannot be seen by one and all. Only those who discarded these worldly bondages can behold Brahma Tatva. First, Jeeva shall discard Ahankara (egoism). Then all the thoughts and works done by body, mind and intellect shall the discarded. Then mind and intellect turns towards Paramatma. When all these 23 attributes join Para tatva, what is there tobe seen. That is Advaita State
O Parama Siva! now I explain about the divine bodies in human body. Moon in tongue; Sarasvati in head; Vayu in life; thunders in Udana; Parjanya in Vyana, Sky in breast; Kousika in strength; Eesaana in Apaana;Mitra in Samaana; Sun in eye; earth in body; Vishnu in feet; sides in ear; Prajapati in genital organ; Brahma in intellect. All these are manifested by Atman.
Atma is of two kinds. Prabudha and Abudha. Yogi worships all divine forms equally and make his life travel upwards and keeps it in head and beholds Brahma. That is Avyakta state. Abudha knows about Vyakta form. (visible form). Prabudha knows about Avyakta form (invisible form). In fact, Abudha and Prabudha are two stages of Atma. Atma is one. A yogi who beholds Avyakta is second to none. Others cannot attain that state.
Atma is in three stages. They are Kshara, Akshara and Para. 25th tatva is Prabudha. If this 25th tatva joins Prakriti, it becomes Abudha. That Abudha is 26th tatva. This Abudha is not accessible either to mind or word. By knowing himself, Abudha becomes Prabudha. If Abudha identifies himself with Prakriti, he falls into ignorance. If that ignorance ends, he becomes Prabudha.
O Parama Siva! I told you about the three stages in Paramatma Tatva. Now I tell you about the activities of saints. One who receives sainthood, shall stay in forests and caves. He shall have control over his sense organs and discard all sensual pleasures. Then he becomes Yogi. Yogi controls his food and at last lives without food. Then his mind becomes stable. He beholds Paramatma.
For that purpose, he shall stay in a lonely place without any sounds or disturbance. Then Yogi attains a state without duals, viz., pleasures and sorrows, likes and dislikes etc. It is called Advaita state. Yogi liberates himself from all kinds of sorrows in Advaita state. He attains eight Siddhis viz., Anima, Garima, Laghima etc. He is placed abouve Yakshas, Gandharvas, Sidhas and Sadhyas. They are free from all bondages.
O Parama Siva!at present, myself and my brothers viz., Sanaka, Sananda, Sanatsujata are in the same state. Therefore, there is no other Dharma except Yoga Dharma. To attain Moksha, Yoga dharma is a ladder.
O Parama Siva! I have sofar told you about Yoga. Now I tell about Sankhya. Sankhya Yogis treat both Yoga and Sankhya as one and the same. Mind is greater than sense organs; egoism is greater than mind; intellect is greater than egoism; and nature is greater than intellect. Above all, Purusha remains.
O Parama Siva! Pancha Bhootas (main elements) are 5. Their attributes are 5. Sense organs are 10. Mind, intellect, egoism and Prakriti are 4. In total they are 24 tatvas. By coming into contact with conscious Purusha, Prakriti also becomes conscious. All these 23 tatvas are floating in the 24th tatva Prakriti. In fact, Purusha has no attributes. By coming into contact with Prakriti only, Purusha attains attributes, which are natural to Prakriti. If Purusha realises that he is different from Prakriti, and he is different from these 23 tatvas, Purusha ignores Prakriti and shines like fire without smoke.
If Purusha identifies himself with Prakriti by means of Ahankara, and if he feels that he is creator of this Universe; he becomes Jeeva and Jeeva cannot go against Prakriti. He falls under the influence of Prakriti and drowns in worldly plealsures.
If Purusha ignores Prakriti and turns towards Paramatma, he attains Paramapada. Therefore, if purusha, by taking shelter under satva and attainng Tatva Jnana, he becomes Chidananda Svaroopa, by ignoring Prakriti. This 26th element is awareness. It is eternal, without beginnig or end. It is without death, without decay and everlasting. It shines in the form of Atma.
O Maha Deva! those who study Sankhya Yoga shines with greatest knowledge and intelligence. They remain in prakriti as fish in water and drop of water on lotus leaf, without coming into contact with Prakriti. Though Sankhya Yogi always moves in Prakriti, he is not influenced by the attributes of Prakriti. He beholds Prakriti from a distance and shines in a stable state. In this manner, Purusha by abandoning Prakriti attains Parama Tatva. It is called mukti.
O Parama Siva! this Sankhya was first taught by my teacher, Saint Kapila. Those who were trained under Saint Kapila became wise and learned. I also imparted my learning to one and all. Several Saints viz., Gargya, Goutama, Katyayana etc. cleared of their doubts. They abandoned their bondages with Prakriti and attained liberation.
O Parama Siva! in nutshell, I may say that Purusha, coming into contact with Prakriti, is bondage and Purusha ignoring Prakriti is liberation.
O Dharmaja! this is the conversation between Sanatkumara and Parama Siva.” said Bhishma.
“O Pitamaha! there are several Punya Tirthas . Which is the best of all of them?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharma Nandana! all Punya Tirthas are good. There is no pure or impure. But Manasa Teertha is most auspicious. It is called Satya. It is in Dhruthi tank. Whoever dips in that Tirtha by ignoring Rajas and Tamas and holding Satya in hand, he becomes pure. Those who abandon likes and dislikes and maintain control over sense organs, they are all equivalent to Punya Thirthas. By serving them, one can attain the Punya of taking dip in Punya Thirtha. Without the above qualities, simply having holy dip in Punya Tirthas is nothing but cleaning body but not mind. Those who observe the following qualities viz., not aspiring for anything and feeling contentment with what he has; and abandoning greediness, need not go round Punya Tirthas.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandisre Bhishma! what would be the behaviour of a person to attain Parama Pada. After leaving the body, which follows him?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmanandana! what you have asked are sacred. Only Brahaspati is eligible to teach about them. He is right now coming here. You can clear off all your doubts” said Bhishma.
Meanwhile, Brihaspati arrived there. Dharmaja along with his brothers, received him with due honours. Dharmaja asked the same which he earlier asked Bhishma. Brihaspati told thus:
“O Dharmanandana! During birth and death, either in Punya Loka or Naraka Loka, Jeeva shall exist. In this material world, father, mother, wife, sons, daughters, relatives accompany the dead body upto burial ground. But the dharma which he followed during his life time, follows him even after death. Therefore, even during the life time, one has to perform virtuous deeds, failing which, he goes to hell.” said Brihaspati.
“O Brihaspati! After leaving the body, how dharma accompanies Jeevatma.”asked Dharmaja.

“O Dharmaja! five elements, their attributes, intellect and dharma accompany jeevatma.” said Brihaspati.
“O Brihaspati! how does sperm form?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! The body of human being forms out of five elements. Food gives strength to body. Lust and Passions created in body generate sperm. When female joins male, sperm enters into the body of female, and female becomes pregnant. After nine months, human body comes out. If that human does Punya, he enjoys pleasures. If that human was sinful, he spends sorrowful and miserable life. All the virtuous deeds performed in previous birth cause pleasure and happiness in the present birth. Therefore, one has to perform virtuous deeds always, and keep himself away from sinful acts. As a result of sinful acts committed in previous birth, one takes the birth of beasts, birds,insects etc. It itself is hell and there is no other hell.
Now I tell you about Karma and its results. One who worships father, mother and teacher, he enjoys pleasures. If they are put to trouble, he undergoes sorrowful life. One who commits theft of food grains takes the birth as rat. One who lusts for others’ wives takes birth as eagle or jackal or monkey. He may take the birth of insect also. One who consumes food without offering to divine bodies and Pitaras, takes the birth of a crow. One who abuses his own brother takes the birth of a bird.
If Sudra had intercourse with a Brahmin lady, he takes birth as an insect. One who kills a person for profit gets the birth of a donkey or bird. One who kills a lady goes to hell. One who steals cooked rice and milk, he takes birth like an insect in rice and milk.
One who steals fruits, iron, silver and gold, takes birth as monkey, crow, bird, insect etc. One who steals others’ clothes takes birth as rabbit. One who commits breach of trust takes birth as fish.” said Brihaspati.
“O Brihaspati! is there no way to get rid of the above sins?” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! generally all sins vanish by performing charities. Of all Danas, Annadaana is best. If one performs Annadaana with the money he legally earned, all his sins vanish. One who performs annadaana even by begging, he attains Punya Lokas.
Brahmin by studying Vedas and teaching Vedas to others; Kshatriya by looking after the needs of Brahmins attain higher regions. By performing Annadaana with legally earned money, human beings attain Punya Lokas. Even Sudra attains Punya Lokas by performing Annadaana with his hardearned money. To whichever caste he belongs, one who serves food to others before he eats, he gets Punya Lokas.
Therefore, Dharmanandana! Annadaana is best of all by peforming which all sins vanish.” said Brihaspati.
“O Brihaspati! meditation, control of sense organs, serving teachers with devotion; ahimsa, daily worship of God, Tapas.... of these, which is best ....kindly tell me.” asked Dharmajua.
“O Dharmanandana! all the above are good. But Ahimsa (non violence) is best of all.” said Brihaspati and went away.
“O grandisre Bhishma! everybody says that Ahimsa is best of all. Kindly enlighten me about Ahimsa.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhishma said thus: “O Dharmaja! To tell in one word, all dharmas are embodied in Ahimsa. Ahimsa had four legs. Even if one leg limps, Dharma goes out of control. Violence means hurting killing animals for consuming meat. Consuming meat amounts to violence. If one avoids consuming meat, it amounts to nonviolence.” said Bhishma
“O Grandsire! Generally meat is used during Pitru ceremonies. Unless animals are killed, how can they get meat. Does it not amount to violence against animals?” asked Dharmaja.
“Giving up eating meat is equal to performing Asvamedha Yaga. Killing or getting the animals killed only for eating amounts to great sin.
But during Pitara ceremonies, Yagas, animals may be killed according to Veda rituals. There is no wrong. But only for the sake of taste and filling the belly, animals shall not be killed. It is a great sin. Giving up consuming meat itself is a Tapassu.
The taste of meat is greater than all eatables. If one gives up eating meat, he will be eqivalent to divine bodies. Unless the animals are killed, one cannot get meat. While killing animals, if the killer receives any injury, the he suffers with pain . The killer should realise that the animals to be killed also suffer with the same pain. Without such realisation, killing animals amounts to great sin. Therefore, animals shall not be killed only for the sake of eating tasty meat. If human beings avoid eating meat, the animals move safely.
Saint Markandeya said that the person who eats meat is equivalent to Rakshasa. After giving up eating meat only, divine bodies attained divinity. We do not know whether one can attain brahma loka if he performs Tapas and charities, but if one gives up eating meant, he certainly attains Brahmaloka.” said Bhishma.
“O grandsire Bhishma! knowing fully well that killing animals for the sake of meat is a sin, why people are craving for meat instead of vegetables and fruits.” asked Dharmaja.
Bhisham smiled and said: “O Dharmaja! Once human being addicts to the taste of meat, it is very difficult to avoid meat. Why because, eating meat improves vitality and vigour during sexual acts. Meat gives instant energy. Eating meat heals wounds quickly. Other eatables and fruits do not have such qualities. Consuming meat during Yajnas,Yagas and Pitara ceremonies is not wrong.
Saint Agasthya also said that hunting is the dharma of Kshatriyas. Using that meat during Pitara ceremonies and Deva rituals is quite common. But killing animals and consuming meat for the sake of taste and also to improve his vigour and vitality is wrong. It is a fact that the sin afflicted by eating flesh vanishes by making charities, on condition that he shall not consume meat from then onwards. Then only he gets rid of that sin.
A kind hearted person beholds the fear of death in the eyes of the animal being killed. Hence he never eats meat. Such person attains divinity. If humans are kind towards animals, animals also reciprocate the same kindness towards humans. If humans are cruel towards animals, same attitude will be reciprocated. Therefore, avoiding killing animals for the sake of meat is great dharma.” said Bhishma.

“O grandsire Bhishma! During the great war we fought, several warriors and soldiers were killed. What are the Lokas attained by them. Generally people live only for the sake of enjoying worldly pleasures and death is a misery. Hence they do not stake their lives for the sake of war.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! in this connection, I tell you a conversation between said Vyasa and a small ant. Once Veda Vyasa was going on a pathway. On that pathway, several vehicles were passing this side and that side. In between those vehicles, one ant was running escaping those vehicles. Beholding that ant, Vyasa said: “O ant, you are a small insect. why you are running on the pathway with great fear. What is the reason?” asked Vyasa.
“Please see how the vehicles are moving and animals are running. I struck with fear. If I fell under the wheels of vehicles or feet of animals, I will be crushed. Life is a pleasure whereas death is a misery. Hence I am running.” said the ant.
“After all you are a small insect. You cannot enjoy sensual pleasures. This body is full of miseries. Why are you afraid of death? It is better to die than leading this miserable life?” said Vyasa.
That ant smiled and said: “O saint! how can you say that we cannot enjoy sensual pleasures. We got our own way to enjoy such pleasures as humans. Hence we also got the desire to live for ever and enjoy pleasures and we also fear for death. Don’t you know this much. In my last birth, I was a Rich Sudra but I was so cruel and unkind towards others. I was addicted to all vices. But I served my mother with greatest devotion. Once a Brahmin came to my house as guest. I worshipped him and offered him food. Hence I am blessed with knowledge of previous birth.” said that creature.
“O ant! beholding you, I know about your previous birth. I know that due to the sinful deeds committed by you, yout got this birth like an ant. As you have done some pious deeds, you could speak to me. As you are strongly desirous of getting a human birth, with the power of my Tapas, I could fulfil your desire, but in due process. First you take birth as animals, then humans. In humans you take birth as Soodra, Vysya, Kshatriya and atlast Brahmin. But in all these births, you will have the knowledge of your previous births.” said Veda Vyasa.
After touching the feet of Vyasa, that ant left its body. Vyasa went away. That ant, while taking birth by birth, was born as Kshatriya and became King of a Kingdom. One day, that King went to the Ashram of Vyasa and prostrated before him. Then Vyasa advised the King to perform Tapas and leave the body for the sake of Brahmins and cows. Then only he will born as Brahmin. That King performed Tapas and died in battle field. In next birth, he was born as Brahmin. In that birth also he performed Yajnas and yagas and visited several holy places and made charities to poor and needy. O Dharmaja! there is no doubt that those who died in battle field also attained higher regions.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandisre Bhishma! education, tapas, charities...which is best of these three.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! in this connection, I will tell you the conversation between Vyasa and Maitreya. Once Veda Vyasa visited Kasi town and met Saint Maitreya. Maitreya received Vyasa with due honours and offered him sumptuous food. Vyasa was satisfied with his hospitality.
“O Maitreya! amongst all Danas, Annadaana is greatest. You offered me food. I am very much satisfied. In fact, this body and the life in it grow with food only. By performing Tapas, mind will be purified. Learning would become easier. Learning increases his Tapas. Therefore, learning and charities increase the power of Tapas. Amongst all Danas, Annadaana is best. However bad he may be, by performing Annadaana, he becomes pure.” said Vyasa to Maitreya. Therefore, Dharmanandana! amongst all Dharmas, daana dharma is best. Amongst all daanas, Annadaana is best.” said Bhishma.
“O grandsire! you told me about several things. But you never told me about ladies and their behaviour.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! in this connection, I tell you about conversation between Kaikeyee and Sandilya. Kekaya Princess once asked Sandili: “O Sandili! how could you come and live in Deva Loka?”

Sandili replied thus: “O Kekaya Princess! I served my father in law and mother in law without disregarding their advices. I performed divine worship, Pitara ceremonies, and worshipping guests regularly. I never stood at the main entrance. I never laughed loudly. I offered food to students and learned. On arrival of my husband, I served him with great care. I brought up my children as good and intelligent.
I like what my husband likes. I never abuse anybody inspite of their rude behaviour towards me. Whenever my husband is out of station, I never wear flowers, good clothes and never eat tasty food. I never waste food. I regarded all my relatives equally. I looked after the cows in my house. I never tease my husband with household affairs. I take care about Agnihotra daily. I never reveal my family secrets to neighbours. While I was pregnant, I took nourishing food instead of tasty food. Hence I attained divine loka.” said Sandili.
I hope your doubts are cleared.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandisre! what is best deed enunciated in Sastras and Vedas.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmaja! in this connection, I tell you the conversation between Narada and Pundareeka. The same question which you now asked, was put by Pundareeka to Narada. Narada told thus:
“O Pundareeka! Pancha Bhootas are five. Their attributes are five. Sense organs are ten. Mind, intellect and egoism are three. These are 23. the 24th element is Prakriti. 25th element is Purusha. He is also called as Nara. As these elements are influenced by Nara, they are called Naaras. The chief of Naras is Narayana. Narayana causes creation and destruction. That Narayana is Para Brahma, Paratatva, Paramapada, Eswara, Vishnu. Narayana is shining throughout the Universe. Narayana also is clled Vasudeva, Atma etc. There is no difference between Nara and Narayana. Therefore, Narayana is the greatest of all and he should be worshipped.
If people, for some time, think about Narayana, they attain higher regions. Atleast, at the time of leaving this body, if one chants the name of Narayana, Om Namo Narayanaya, he attains Brahma Pada because Narayana himself is Brahma. Constant chanting of Narayana Mantra vanishes all sorts of sins. Whatever be the Ashram, be it Brahmacharya, Grihastashram etc., chanting Narayana mantra is must. Otherwise, he may not attain higher regions.
Vishnu cannot be seen except with devotion. Hence Narayana is called Bhakta Vatsala.” said Narada to Pundareeka. Then Pundareeka worshiped Vishnu with great devotion.
In his dream, Narayana appeared with Sankhu, Chakra, Gadha, Sarja in his four hands, with lotus petal eyes, crown on head, ear rings for ears, with Srivatsa mole on chest, and Koustabha in his ornaments. Therefore, Dharmaja! you also worship Narayana constantly.” said Bhishma.
“O Grandisre Bhishma! generally, human beings perform charities and endowments and speak with others softly. What is best of these two.” asked Dharmaja.
“O Dharmanandana! both are good and have to be done according to the mind of others. Making charities is always appreciable. I now tell you a story about soft spoken people. Once a Brahmin was lonely going through a forest. In that forest, there was a demon. That demon caught that Brahmin to kill him and consume his meat. The Brahmin was not afraid of the demon.
The demon was astonished for his braveness. “O Brahmin! If you answer my questions, I leave you. Otherwise I kill you.” said the demon. The Brahmin accepted his challenge.
“Now my body is tired and weakened. I am unable to do anything. What is the reason?” asked the Demon.
“You are bad. Knowing that you are bad, all your relatives abandoned you. You are very much worried about it. You are suffering with poverty and you are worried for not getting riches.Though you are defeated for the sake of others, while they are enjoying their victory, you are unable to swallow it. While wicked and wretches are praising you, you are worrying that wise and learned are not praising you. That is why you are very much distressed.
There are also other reasons for your decay. Others are not accepting your words. While your wife is annoying for your deeds, you are unable to console her. While others are trying to grab your money, you are unable to protect your money. Your relatives are not trusting you. Even while you are trying to do good deeds, others are not trusting you. In view of the above, you are unable to control your sorrow. These are some other reasons for your decay.
Your wife and children and your sons in law are worrying you with their misdeeds. Your parents and brothers are suffering with incurable diseases. In the past birth, you killed a cow belonging to a brahmin. You stole the money of deity and brahmins. You are worrying for the money you lost. Your lamentation for the death of your relatives. Your servant is behaving badly towards you and you are becoming responsible for his misdeeds. While you are about to finish a work, some miscreants are spoiling it and you are worrying a lot. There are some other reasons for a man’s distress and decay.” said the Brahmin. Dharmaja! this is the answer for your question.” said Bhishma.
It appears that Dharmaja exhausted all his doubts. Hence he asked Bhishma to tell him a old pouranic story. Bhishma said thus: “O Dharmaja! I now tell you about the conversation beween Maheswara and Uma devi, that too with the kind permission of Sri Krishna.
Sri Krishna married Rukmini. For long time, they did not beget children. Sri Krishna along with Rukmini went to Himalayas and performed Vratas for 12 years. At that time Saints Narada, Vyasa, Valmiki, Devala, Kasyapa etc arrived there to meet Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna and his wife Rukmini received them with due honours. While Sri Krishna was talking with them, a great fire emanated from the face of Sri Krishna and started to destroy the forests. The animals, birds, saints, sidhas, sadhyas who were doing tapas there, were running away. Beholding this, Sri Krishna with his kind looks, withdrew all flames. The forest resumed to normal position.
Beholding this, the sages and saints assembled there astonished. They all asked Sri Krishna: “O Krishna! the entire universe is created and destroyed by you only. The entire creation is under your control. Everything is occurring according to your intentions. But how the flames emanated from you. Kindly tell us.” asked the saints.
Sri Krishna said thus: “There was a Rakshasa. He was an expert in archery skills. He learnt archery from me. Hence I dont want to kill him. Taking advantage of my weakness, he was teasing the inmates of three Lokas with his cruel behaviour. I am vexed with his behaviour. I should beget a son to kill that Rakshasa. Hence I came here for doing Tapas. Due to the gravity of Tapas, flames emanated from my body and burnt the forests. Those flames spread upto Brahma Loka. Brahma blessed me with a son. He is Manmadha. I withdrew my flames and resumed the forests to their normal position. That is what you have seen.” said Sri Krishna.
O Saints! It is a great pleasure for me to meet all of you. Kindly tell me a story.” asked Sri Krishna.
“O Sri Krishna! You are the chief of all Three Lokas. There is nothing not known to you in these three Lokas.” said those saints.
“O Saints! For the present, I am a human being born to a human being. My mind also is in the same state. You should not forget that. Whatever you say now, is unknown to me. Is it not?” said Sri Krishna.
“O Sri Krishna! Narada is fit and eligible to tell anything to you. Hence Narada will tell a story.” said those saints. Then Narada told them the conversation between Maheswara and Uma Devi.
While going round this universe, I once visited Himalaya mountains. Parameswara was sitting in a beautiful garden. He was surrounded by Pramadha Ganas, Devatas, Sidhas, Sadhyas, Vidyadharas, saints etc. I also went there and saluted Maheswara and sat on a suitable seat.
At that time, Parvati Devi came there and closed the eyes of Maheswars from behind with her hands. For this sudden action, the entire Universe plunged into darkness. The entire creation was annoyed. There was a great confusion. Parameswara opened his third eye. Flames emanated from the third eye burnt away the entire Himalaya Mountain range. Himalaya Mountain King was the father of Parvati. Hence she fell on the feet of Maheswara and sought for mercy. Parama Siva closed his third eye. He was very much delighted. The flames extinguished. Then Parvati asked Parama Siva thus:
“O Siva! why you opened your third eye and caused this disaster? Kindly tell me if it is not a secret.” asked Parvati.
“ O Parvati!There are no secrets not known to you. I am the master of this Universe. The entire Universe looks through my eyes. When you closed my eyes, I could not see. Hence the entire Universe could not see anything, resulting in complete darkness. The entire creation was frightened. To dispel the darkness without removing your hands, the only alternative is to open my third eye.” said Parama Siva.
“O Parama Siva! Why you have four faces?” asked Parvati.
“O Parvati! in the past, there were two Rakshasas called Sundu and Upasundu. They possess great vigour, valour, mighty personalities. They are not killed with any weapon or Astra. To kill those Rakshasas, a human weapon was created by Maya. Her name was Tilottama. Maya brought her before me. She went round me. I looked at her from four sides. Hence I got four faces.” said Parama Siva.
“O Maha Siva! why your neck is black?” asked parvathi.
“ O Parvati! in the past, both divine bodies and Rakshasas churned the sea for Amrutha. First Haalahala was emanated. I swallowed and kept it in my throat. Hence my neck is black.” said Maha Siva.
“O Maha Siva! why you like Pinaka more than all other weapons.” asked Parvati.

“O Parvati! during Krita Yuga, Saint Kanva performed great Tapassu. Ant hills were grown on and around his body. One bamboo plant also had grown with good height and width. Brahma appeared before Kanva and blessed him with boons. Brahma made Sanga (a weapon made up of bamboo) to Vishnu, and Pinaka for me. With the remaining piece of bamboo, Brahma made Gaandeeva. As Brahma gave Pinaka to me, it is dearest of all weapons.” said Maha Siva.
“O Maheswara! while there are several animals in this creation, why you chose bull as your vehicle.” asked Parvati.
“O Parvati! Once, while I was performing Tapassu, several cows were grazing around me, disturbing my Tapassu. I looked at them with anger. With my harsh looks, the cows frightened. Brahma intervened and pacified the matter. At that time, Brahma presented me a bull as my vehicle. Since then, bull was my vehicle.” said Parama Siva.
“O Siva! though there are several buildings equipped with comforts, why you are staying in burial grounds amidst skulls and bones, emanating foul smell.”asked Parvati.
“O Parvati! the cruel Bhootas, Pretas were destroying the man kind. Brahma requested me to retaliate their cruel actions. I also intended to save the man kind from Bhootas and Pretas. Hence I am staying in burial grounds which is the abode for Bhootas and Pretas. Besides that, saints craving for liberation like to meditate in burial grounds. Hence I stay in burial grounds.” said Maha Siva.
“But why you apply ashes to your body, wear Trishool and wear bones, skulls and snakes as ornaments. Why you appear so frightful and fearful.” asked Parvati.
“O Parvati! The entire creation is divided into two kinds. Hot and Cold. Soft and fearful. The entire Universe is admixture of Softness and fearfulness. Softness is borne by Vishnu. I bear the fearfulness. Hence I appear to be frightful and fearful always.” replied Maha Siva.
“O Parama Siva! Kindly explain me about Varna Ashrama Dharmas” asked Parvati. Maheswars told thus:


MAHA BHARATA
AANUSAASANIKA PARVA
FOURTH CHAPTER COMPLETED.
OM TATSAT OMTATSAT OMTATSAT (My humble salutations to Brahmasri M V Subrahmanyam     for the collection