Narada's Divine Secret
Mathura was the capital of the Yadavas. Ugrasena was their king. He was king only in name. His wicked son Kamsa wasthe de facto ruler. He had married to two daughters of Jarasanda, another very powerful but wicked king of the time.This added to Kamsa's strength. He began to behave the way he liked. He had a caucus of wicked men to advise him.When he came to know that a particular person was against him, he would send him to prison. Once Narada visited Mathura.He stayed in a park outside the city and sent word to Kamsa that he had come. Kamsa came to the park with the royalentourage to accord a grand traditional welcome to the sage. He was offered arghya, padya and other offerings. Whenthe sage sat on a royal chair, he said,"Prince Kamsa, I had been to Devaloka. All the Devas had met in an assemblyand they decided to destroy all the asuras in the role of Kshatriyas. They have drawn up a plan to that effect. Theyhave drawn up a big list in which your name also figures. The eighth son of your sister Devaki Devi is going to killyou. Beware of it." So saying Narada left the place.
When Kamsa returned to the palace he laughed and said to his friends,"This Narada had no better business except doing silly things. he is an expert in doing such things that are laughted at by people. I am not frightened of anyone inthis world. No one can do any harm to me, not even Devendra and his followers. I am sitting, sleeping or makingmerry. But we have to be on our guard. Let Pootani, Keshi, Pralamba, Arishta and others go round the world and put anend to anyone who is against us. We must kill all the children of Devaki, not just eighth one. Kamsa lived up to his being and proved to be a scourge of the world. There was no end to his wicked deeds. The pot of his sins was full.For that very purpose sage Narada told him the divine secret. Later his sister devaki's eighth child, Sri Krishnakilled him and saved the world from him.
Lord Hari's Secret by Narada
When Yudhishtira was conducting Rajasura Krishna had to kill Shishupala. As the latter died, a sivine light left his body and it entered Sri Krishna's divine being. Yudhishtira was surprised at the phenomenon. Sage Narada was therein the assembly and Yudhishtira asked him " O holy one, Shishupala had developed hatred towards Sri Krishna sincechildhood. He was destined to go to hell. How did he go to heaven? What is the secret of this? Please enlighten meon this."
In answer to this, sage Narada dwelt in detail about the divine deeds of Lord Hari. He does not hate anyone. Whenthe world fails to bear the weight of wickedness he takes avataras to restore the balance by killing the wickedand protecting the righteous. The punishment he gives is in a way a boon. This Shishupala and his younger brotherDantavakra were the divine gate-keepers at Vaikuntha. They were cursed by great sages Sanaka and his brothers. Theyhad to take birth on the earth as Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha, Ravana and Kumbhakarna and now as Shishupala andDantavakra and they had to be killed by the Lord to help them to go back to Vaikunta. They have gone where they belonged to. It is always beneficial to develop some kind of relationship with the lord." Yudhishtira was convincedby the explanation.
Motivation to compose Ramayana
It was Bhagawan Narada who requested and motivated sage Valmiki and sage Valmiki and sage Vedavyasa to compose the Ramayana and the Mahabharata respectively.
Once when sage Vedavyasa was sitting in a pensive mood sage Narada visited his ashram. Vedavyasa welcomed him with allreverence. The sage told him about the cause of his worry. He said,"O holy sage, I have classified the responsibilityof continuing tradition. For those, who cannot comprehend the vedas, I composed the Mahabharatha pouring into it theessence of the Vedas in simple comprehensible language. Still I am not satisfied and happy. Please instruct me whatI should do further?"
The celestrial sage said,"O great scholar,what you have done in fine. But in your great epic you have included a numberof stories and other incidents describing the first three purusharthas and commented on them. You did not includestories and incidents which highlight the devotion to God. Therefore compose the Bhagavatha which should have as its main theme, devotion to Sri Hari. That would make you satisfied and happy."
Acting on this advice, sage Vedavyasa composed the great Bhagavatha which preached devotion, knowledge and renunciation.After composing the same he initiated his son great sage Shuka to the epic. Thus sage Narada was instrumental ingetting the Bhagavatha composed.
Proclaimation to the world
Bhakti Devi is the personification of pure love of God. Her sons Jnana (Knowledge of God) and Vairagya (Detachment)become old and fell unconcious on the lap of their mother. They could not be awakened by their mother even by verygreat efforts. Sage Narada went to her and consoled her. He promised to restore her sons to life and make them youthful and healthy. After many enquiries he learnt that listening to Srimad Bhagavatha was the only means to redeemhis promise. At his request sage Sanatkumara recited that sacred text and lo! Jnana and Vairagya immediately becamealive. The compassionate help of sage Narada proclaimed to the world that even in KaliYuga, Jnana and Vairagya canbe revived only through listening to the glory of Sri Krishna as described in the Srimad Bhagavatha.Sage Narada himself was Parama Bhagavatha( a devotee par excellence).
It was Bhagawan Narada who was responsible for thousands of incidents which brought out the greatness of God in this world. He motivated the people concerned to such actions. It was he who has sown the seed of the name Narayana, singsa famous Haridasa. Yes he was absolutely right because it was sage Narada who enlightened the ordinary people of theworld about the greatness of God and the need to love Him and be grateful to him. The very name suggests it. 'Naara'means knowledge about God and 'da' means one who gives it. That means that the force that spreads the knowledge ofthe divine among the people of the world is Bhagwan Narada. Our Puranas proclaim that sage Narada is the child of goddessof devotion and it is through him that the world derives its knowledge and power of renunciation.
Sage Narada is not a force that existed and disappeared from the world long ago. It is believed that he is still wanderinground the world unseen by the mortal eye. Wherever needed, he still carries out the Lord's biddings. He is consideredto be the perennial force of spreading bhaktirasa among the people of the world to help them reach the Creator. Theliterature of devotion has become the beacon said to have been composed by him (Narada Bhaktisutra) to those cravingto feel the presence of the Lord.
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Narada 9
After a number of years, sage Narada visited the ashram of Valmiki again. as he descented from the sky he appeared shiningas brightly as the rising sun. seeing the glorious sight, sage Valmiki stood up in great reverence, accompanied by hisdisciples. He accorded a great welcome to Narada following rituals such as offerings arghya, Padya and acamaniya.
when he sat down he enquired about his welfare. Reciprocating the same Narada said,"Maharishi, is your penance goingon well? Are your disciples engaged in their studies? Is everyone well at the ashram? Are the birds and beasts in theashram and the surrounding of the ashram well?"
Valmiki touched Narada's feet and said,"O great sage, I would like to know about a person who has all the great qualitiesa man should possess? who is the most righteous? Who is the most grateful? Who is the best among the lovers of truth?Who is the person who performs all the required vratas with great devotion? who is the person who carries on the traditionhanded down to him without diminishing it's importance? Who is the person who loves and has concern for all the livingbeings? Who has mastered all the sixty four vidyas? who is the expert in everything he does? Is there anyone who isthe most handsome at all times? O holy one, let me know about such a person if there is one. Is there anyone who isbraver than any force? Is there anyone who has conquered anger and hatred? Is there anyone who shines with limitlesslustre? Is there anyone who is not jelous of other's good qualities? Who is the one who, when he gets ready to battle.makes even devas tremble with fear?Does such a paragon among human beings exist in the world? If such a one exists,who is he? You know everything and you will be in a position to tell me about such a great human being. Please letme know who he is.
Sage Narada was very happy when he heard the series of questions posted by Valmiki. He knew what was happening in eachcorner of the three worlds as a result of his constant wanderings and the the power of his inner eye. He said," O greatsage, you have asked me very good questions. You reffered to a number of great human qualities. It is rather difficultto find persons eve with just one or two of the qualities you have mentioned.. But I am happy to tell you that thereis one person in the world who has all these qualities personified to perfection. He is born in the family of Ikshwaku,the soon of Vaivaswath Manu. His name is sri Rama. He is a paragon among human beings."Then sage Narada went on describing in detail the great qualities of Sri Rama and in fact he narrated his story in detail.
Curse by Narada to Nala & Koobara
The world wakes up with the sun. All the activities start then. The sun does not get any benefit from any of theseactivities. He i fact, bestows on the world. In the same way sadhus and saints perform their duties without expecting any return. They try to do good to the world with all concern, kindness and love. They go round the world chantingthe holy name of God.
Once sage Narada was wandering on the slopes of the Himalayas. On the way there was a beatiful lake with pellucid water.It was called Lake Acchoda. Kubera's sons Nala and Koobara were swimming playing in the water with their wives. Whenthe women saw Narada they came out of the water and dressed themselves up in a hurry. But Nala and Koobara in greatarrogance did not dress themselves up. They were standing on the stone,naked.
When Narada saw their arrogance, he thought, 'These arrogant young men are the sons of Kubera, the lord of the north,cheif of Yakshas and Rakshasas with least respect for established customs and they are behaving as if no one can question them because they are the sons of Kubera. If they are not taught a lesson right now, they are going to be the scourge of three worlds.' Then he addressed the following words to those young men."Without knowing how to behavein the presence of elders, you stand naked as trees. May you be born as terminalia trees on the earth."
Realising their mistake, the two young men begged pardon of the sage. Then the sage said,"You will get salvation fromLord Krishna,"Narada left the place.
Narada's help to Yadavas
One day sri Krishna's grandson Aniruddha(son of Pradhyumna) was relaxing on a cot and suddenly he disappeared. No oneknew what had happened to him. The Yadavas became worried. Sage Narada appeared before Sri Krishna and told him whereAniruddha was and what his condition was. This way he helped the Yadavas to find one of their dear ones. In fact, hewas taken to Shonitapura, the capital of demon king Banasura by the help of some witchcraft. The youngman saw Banasura'sdaughter Usha Devi and fell in love with her. Banasura was furious and he tied Aniruddha up with nagapasha. The Yadavasasked Sri Krishna to go Shontipura and get back Aniruddha. Sri Krishna collected a huge army and marched towardsBanasura's capital. He laid seige on the city and defeated Banasura and brought back his grandson along with his fiancee,Usha Devi. Sri Krishna had to fight with Parashiva, who came to the help of Banasura. Narada, by revealing thewhereabouts of Aniruddha, helped Sri Krishna defeat Banasura. The arrogant asura was subdued and Sri Krishna's greatbravery was revealed to the world.
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when he sat down he enquired about his welfare. Reciprocating the same Narada said,"Maharishi, is your penance goingon well? Are your disciples engaged in their studies? Is everyone well at the ashram? Are the birds and beasts in theashram and the surrounding of the ashram well?"
Valmiki touched Narada's feet and said,"O great sage, I would like to know about a person who has all the great qualitiesa man should possess? who is the most righteous? Who is the most grateful? Who is the best among the lovers of truth?Who is the person who performs all the required vratas with great devotion? who is the person who carries on the traditionhanded down to him without diminishing it's importance? Who is the person who loves and has concern for all the livingbeings? Who has mastered all the sixty four vidyas? who is the expert in everything he does? Is there anyone who isthe most handsome at all times? O holy one, let me know about such a person if there is one. Is there anyone who isbraver than any force? Is there anyone who has conquered anger and hatred? Is there anyone who shines with limitlesslustre? Is there anyone who is not jelous of other's good qualities? Who is the one who, when he gets ready to battle.makes even devas tremble with fear?Does such a paragon among human beings exist in the world? If such a one exists,who is he? You know everything and you will be in a position to tell me about such a great human being. Please letme know who he is.
Sage Narada was very happy when he heard the series of questions posted by Valmiki. He knew what was happening in eachcorner of the three worlds as a result of his constant wanderings and the the power of his inner eye. He said," O greatsage, you have asked me very good questions. You reffered to a number of great human qualities. It is rather difficultto find persons eve with just one or two of the qualities you have mentioned.. But I am happy to tell you that thereis one person in the world who has all these qualities personified to perfection. He is born in the family of Ikshwaku,the soon of Vaivaswath Manu. His name is sri Rama. He is a paragon among human beings."Then sage Narada went on describing in detail the great qualities of Sri Rama and in fact he narrated his story in detail.
Curse by Narada to Nala & Koobara
The world wakes up with the sun. All the activities start then. The sun does not get any benefit from any of theseactivities. He i fact, bestows on the world. In the same way sadhus and saints perform their duties without expecting any return. They try to do good to the world with all concern, kindness and love. They go round the world chantingthe holy name of God.
Once sage Narada was wandering on the slopes of the Himalayas. On the way there was a beatiful lake with pellucid water.It was called Lake Acchoda. Kubera's sons Nala and Koobara were swimming playing in the water with their wives. Whenthe women saw Narada they came out of the water and dressed themselves up in a hurry. But Nala and Koobara in greatarrogance did not dress themselves up. They were standing on the stone,naked.
When Narada saw their arrogance, he thought, 'These arrogant young men are the sons of Kubera, the lord of the north,cheif of Yakshas and Rakshasas with least respect for established customs and they are behaving as if no one can question them because they are the sons of Kubera. If they are not taught a lesson right now, they are going to be the scourge of three worlds.' Then he addressed the following words to those young men."Without knowing how to behavein the presence of elders, you stand naked as trees. May you be born as terminalia trees on the earth."
Realising their mistake, the two young men begged pardon of the sage. Then the sage said,"You will get salvation fromLord Krishna,"Narada left the place.
Narada's help to Yadavas
One day sri Krishna's grandson Aniruddha(son of Pradhyumna) was relaxing on a cot and suddenly he disappeared. No oneknew what had happened to him. The Yadavas became worried. Sage Narada appeared before Sri Krishna and told him whereAniruddha was and what his condition was. This way he helped the Yadavas to find one of their dear ones. In fact, hewas taken to Shonitapura, the capital of demon king Banasura by the help of some witchcraft. The youngman saw Banasura'sdaughter Usha Devi and fell in love with her. Banasura was furious and he tied Aniruddha up with nagapasha. The Yadavasasked Sri Krishna to go Shontipura and get back Aniruddha. Sri Krishna collected a huge army and marched towardsBanasura's capital. He laid seige on the city and defeated Banasura and brought back his grandson along with his fiancee,Usha Devi. Sri Krishna had to fight with Parashiva, who came to the help of Banasura. Narada, by revealing thewhereabouts of Aniruddha, helped Sri Krishna defeat Banasura. The arrogant asura was subdued and Sri Krishna's greatbravery was revealed to the world.
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Narada 8
Ratnakara tore a few creepers and tied Narada to a tree and said,"I will be back soon." So saying he left the placein the direction of his house.
After a long time Narada could see Ratnakara coming back. He was running. He appeared very upset. It appeared asthough he was being chased by a wild fire or a wild animal. He looked frightened. He untied Narada and fell at his feetand said,"O great guruji, you must save me."
"What has happened? Aren't your people ready to share your sins?" said Narada."No gurudeva, what you said was true. Sincere and real love is rare as you rightly said. Those I considered my peopleare not really my people. I realised this naked truth a little too late.
"My father said,'We looked after you from birth and it is your duty to look after us in our old age.""My wife said, ' I am a dependent. I am not concerned with how you earn. I do not need to know it either. I know thata wife has a share in all the righteous acts of her husband not in his sins and she quoted from our shastras.""My children said,"Father we are innocents.We are after all too young to understand spirituality and social duties.
In such a case how can we share your sins?'
In such a case how can we share your sins?'"My followers had similar stories to narrate. They said,"We are your followers. You are our master and bid us do things.We obey your commands, we do not know anything about sins or merits of what we actually do.' Gurudev, I am lost. Youhave opened my eyes and please save me." So saying Ratnakara fell at the sage's feet.
Narada smiled and said,"Chant the holy name of Rama. You don't have a second way." His words were filled with loveand concern.
The samskara of his previous births began to surface. It was dormant like rhe ash covered fire. When great yogis or greatest devotees of Sri Hari or devarshris blessed a sinner like Ratnakar his earlier samsakaras began to shinevery brightly. All his sins were burnt and reduced to ashes. As instructed by sage Narada he went to the river nearby, had a holy bath, sat beneath the tree to which he had tied sage Narada and began to chant the holy name Rama. Hecontinued doing this for years.
Worried greatly, Ratnakara's parents, wife, children and followers came in search of him. They persuaded him to return.All their efforts were in vain as they failed to wake him up from the state of samadhi. He had become disgusted withlife and completely renounced it. He forget his past completely and began to spend his time in meditation and otherreligious and spiritual activities such as japa and anushtama. As years passed an anthill grew over him and he washidden from view. But his chanting did not stop. He continued chanting Ramanama.
Years later, the seven great sages happened to visit the place. They wanted to rest in that place for something. Asthey sat there, they experienced an inexplicable peace and quietude. Besides, they could hear the chanting of Ramanamafrom some corner. They went in search of the place where the sound came from.They came near an anthill and they couldhear the melodious and clear chanting of Ramanama from the anthill. They wondered how it could be. While they werediscussing it, sage Narada happened to come to that place. They asked Devarshi Narada about the secret of the Ramanamacoming from an anthill and who was chanting it. They asked him to let them know about it if he knew. They also toldhim that they had experienced such peace as they had not experienced anywhere else.
"Yes, you are right. My disciple Ratnakara is engaged in Ramajapanushtana."(The rite of chnting the name of Rama.)At the time, the Trinity, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara appeared before the sages. Lord Brahma sprinkledholy water from his holy water-pot on the anthill. The anthill melted and they could see the figure of Ratnakara andhe was chnting Ramanama. He was not aware of the presence of gods and the saptarishis. He was repeating Ramanama. Hehad enthroned Sri Rama in his heart. Observing this Lord Brahma said,"Sage Narada, your disciple's devotion to his preceptor is unparalleled. Please wake him up."
Obeying the Lord's word Narada went near the anthill and spoke softly. "Dear son, get up. I have come, your preceptor."As soon as Ratnakara heard the words of his guru, he opened his eyes. when he saw his teacher he got up and in greatreverence, he fell at his feet. Narada lifted him up and embraced him with great affection and blessed him. Then hesaid,"Ratnakara, you have become a blessed one. Gods and saptarishis are standing in front of you. Seek their blessings."
Ratnakara fell at the feet of the Trinity and saptarishis. Lord Brahma said,"As you have come out of Valmika(an anthill) you will become famous by the name Valmiki". The gods and sages blessed Valmiki and disappeared. Naradaadvised Valmiki to have his ashram on the bank of the river Tamasa and live there doing penance. Then sage Narada left the place.
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After a long time Narada could see Ratnakara coming back. He was running. He appeared very upset. It appeared asthough he was being chased by a wild fire or a wild animal. He looked frightened. He untied Narada and fell at his feetand said,"O great guruji, you must save me."
"What has happened? Aren't your people ready to share your sins?" said Narada."No gurudeva, what you said was true. Sincere and real love is rare as you rightly said. Those I considered my peopleare not really my people. I realised this naked truth a little too late.
"My father said,'We looked after you from birth and it is your duty to look after us in our old age.""My wife said, ' I am a dependent. I am not concerned with how you earn. I do not need to know it either. I know thata wife has a share in all the righteous acts of her husband not in his sins and she quoted from our shastras.""My children said,"Father we are innocents.We are after all too young to understand spirituality and social duties.
In such a case how can we share your sins?'
In such a case how can we share your sins?'"My followers had similar stories to narrate. They said,"We are your followers. You are our master and bid us do things.We obey your commands, we do not know anything about sins or merits of what we actually do.' Gurudev, I am lost. Youhave opened my eyes and please save me." So saying Ratnakara fell at the sage's feet.
Narada smiled and said,"Chant the holy name of Rama. You don't have a second way." His words were filled with loveand concern.
The samskara of his previous births began to surface. It was dormant like rhe ash covered fire. When great yogis or greatest devotees of Sri Hari or devarshris blessed a sinner like Ratnakar his earlier samsakaras began to shinevery brightly. All his sins were burnt and reduced to ashes. As instructed by sage Narada he went to the river nearby, had a holy bath, sat beneath the tree to which he had tied sage Narada and began to chant the holy name Rama. Hecontinued doing this for years.
Worried greatly, Ratnakara's parents, wife, children and followers came in search of him. They persuaded him to return.All their efforts were in vain as they failed to wake him up from the state of samadhi. He had become disgusted withlife and completely renounced it. He forget his past completely and began to spend his time in meditation and otherreligious and spiritual activities such as japa and anushtama. As years passed an anthill grew over him and he washidden from view. But his chanting did not stop. He continued chanting Ramanama.
Years later, the seven great sages happened to visit the place. They wanted to rest in that place for something. Asthey sat there, they experienced an inexplicable peace and quietude. Besides, they could hear the chanting of Ramanamafrom some corner. They went in search of the place where the sound came from.They came near an anthill and they couldhear the melodious and clear chanting of Ramanama from the anthill. They wondered how it could be. While they werediscussing it, sage Narada happened to come to that place. They asked Devarshi Narada about the secret of the Ramanamacoming from an anthill and who was chanting it. They asked him to let them know about it if he knew. They also toldhim that they had experienced such peace as they had not experienced anywhere else.
"Yes, you are right. My disciple Ratnakara is engaged in Ramajapanushtana."(The rite of chnting the name of Rama.)At the time, the Trinity, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara appeared before the sages. Lord Brahma sprinkledholy water from his holy water-pot on the anthill. The anthill melted and they could see the figure of Ratnakara andhe was chnting Ramanama. He was not aware of the presence of gods and the saptarishis. He was repeating Ramanama. Hehad enthroned Sri Rama in his heart. Observing this Lord Brahma said,"Sage Narada, your disciple's devotion to his preceptor is unparalleled. Please wake him up."
Obeying the Lord's word Narada went near the anthill and spoke softly. "Dear son, get up. I have come, your preceptor."As soon as Ratnakara heard the words of his guru, he opened his eyes. when he saw his teacher he got up and in greatreverence, he fell at his feet. Narada lifted him up and embraced him with great affection and blessed him. Then hesaid,"Ratnakara, you have become a blessed one. Gods and saptarishis are standing in front of you. Seek their blessings."
Ratnakara fell at the feet of the Trinity and saptarishis. Lord Brahma said,"As you have come out of Valmika(an anthill) you will become famous by the name Valmiki". The gods and sages blessed Valmiki and disappeared. Naradaadvised Valmiki to have his ashram on the bank of the river Tamasa and live there doing penance. Then sage Narada left the place.
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Narada 7
The story of Ratnakara
Agnisharma, belonging to Bhrigu family was on a Pilgrimage along with his wife. His wife gave birth to a male child. It was a thick jungle infested by decoits and robbers. Somehow the parents were seperated from their infant child.A band of robbers cum hunters happened to see the child and they took it home. The child was adopted by the leader ofthat group and it was anmed Ratnakara. When he came of age, Ratnakara became the leader of the group.
Ratnakara fell on the pilgrimags and took away all their belongings. If they resisted they would be killed mercilessly.Ratnakara became very wild and cruel. If he did not find valuables on them he would take away their dresses even. Heput them to untold misery. Sage Narada was observing the happenings in the forest. His heart melted for the helpless pilgrims. He knew that Ratnakara who was orginally good, turned bad owing to the force of circumstances. Thereforethe sage decided to save both Ratnakara and the pilgrims. He wannted to make the highway safe for the pilgrims and treadthe path of righteousness. One day he appeared before the band of robbers led by Ratnakara on the dreaded highway. It was almost evening and that day Ratnakara was not lucky enough to meet any rich pilgrim. On seeing sage Narada herushed at him sword in hand, shouting loudly at him.
Narada was not perturbed. He was playing on his Veena, singing the praise of the Lord. This kind of situation was quitenew to Ratnakara. he was so confused that he did not know what to do with the strangely behaving sage, the sage stoodbefore him without any fear and he appeared cool as a cucumber.
Ratnakara brought his sword down and composed himself and shouted,"Hey, you beggar!Stop!"Narada said,"Dear brother,whyare you angry with me?I haven't done anything to make you angry."
Ratnakara's voice rose to a high pitch and he shouted,"Give me all that you have and leave the place."Narada spokewith great calmness and composture. He said,"As you have called me, I am a mendicant. I don't think I have anythingwhich is going to be of any use to you." Ratnakara shouted,"Give me your bag,cymbals and veena."
"Be it so, but will you give me answer to a question. Everyday you loot and harm people and get cursed by them. Bydoing so, you are accumulating a huge load of sins. Why do you do it? Narada asked.
"I have aged parents, a wife and children. I also have a band of followers to look after" Ratnakara said.
"That' fine.what you say is acceptable. You have to look after the welfare of those who depend on you. But the wayyou follow is full of sins. Do you think your people share your sins as they share the spoils? Are they ready topartake of your sins? But something tells me that none of them is ready to take even a very small portion of theload of sins you have accumulated.
Ratnakara was already under Narada's charm and influence. He was perplexed at the sage's words. He sad,"What are yousaying? Do you think those whom I feed and look after, will desert me? My parents love me to their heart. My wifeloves me dearly and my children have great love and respect for me. My followers regard me with great respect. They enjoythe food and other things I provide them. As they share my wealth, they will certainly take a share of my sins."There was a degree of firm assurance in his words.
Sage Narada felt concerned very much at Ratnakara's simplicity and child like confidence. He said,"The world is notwhat it seems. Real sincere love is a rare commodity. If you have any doubt in what in what I say, you can go and askyour own people. Go and ask them whether they are ready to take a share of your sins."
Ratnakara laughed loudly and said,"You mendicant, I might appear rough as a forest dweller, but I am not a simpleton as you think I am. As soon as you see my back you want to go away."
"Look here, this forest belongs to you. You know every inch of it, not me. Where can I run and how can I escape?"said Narada.
"Thats true. I am acquainted with every inch of this forest. Still I cannot leave you like that. I will tie you toa tree." Ratnakara said."
Do as you please" said Narada.
Narada 6
The birth of Prahalada
Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha were twins of great strength. They were rank bad and wicked to the marrow of their bones.Being the elder of the two Hiranyakashipu ascended the throne and began to rule with such arrogance that his subjectsprayed to God for relief. His brother Hiranyaksha would go round the three worlds and trouble everyone. He wascausing rack and ruin whenever he went and plunged into the unbathomable ocean causing pain to the earth and waters.Sri Mahavishnu had to assume the form of Mahavaraha(Big Boar) and entered the sea. He spotted out the demon and thereensured a great fight in which the demon was killed. The world heaved a sigh of relief.
When his brother Hiranyakashipu learned about the death of his brother he became very sad and angry. He consoled hisbrother's wife and his own wife and left the palace to perform penance to invoke Lord Brahma and get extraordinarilyspecial boons in order to make himself invincible. He entrusted the kingdom to his ministers.
When the Devas came to know about the absene of Hiranyakashipu in his kingdom, they laid siege to the capital. LordDevendra had an easy victory. He took Hiranyakashipu's wife queen Kayadhu a prisonr and dragged her along. When sageNarada heard her cries for help, he appeared before Devendra and said, "Lord of heaven, what are you doing? Thiscowardly act is not in keeping with your status. Killing a woman is one of the worst sins(setting fire to someone'shouse, to fight with a man with no weapons, coveting someone else's wealth, taking away someone else's wife are theworst sins for which there is no redemption according to scriptures.) and do not pollute your hands with it. Leave her alone."
Devendra heard Narada and said,"O holy sage, I am not going to kill her. Instead I am going to kill the child she isbearing. We cannot withstand the troubles Hiranyakashipu has been giving. It is dangerous to allow his family lineto continue. If I do so, the world is going to be in great danger."
"O cheif of Gods, killing a helpless child is also a great sin. Further the child the queen is bearing is not an ordinary child. He is going to become one of the greatest devotees of Lord Sri Hari. The three worlds are going to benefit from this child. Therefore spare it."said Narada. Devendra spared the child on Narada's advice. He begged pardonof the demon queen, touched her feet and left the place taking leave of Narada. Narada consoled Kayadhu and took herto his ashram. On reaching the place he said,"My dear daughter, you live here in this ashram without any fear.Youwill be well cared for by the inmates of the ashram. You can go to the capital when your husband returns from his tapas." So saying he entrusted the care of the pregnant queen to the elderly ascetic women of his hermitage. The queenlived happily in the conductive atmosphere of the ashram. Great sages there would hold discourses on righteous livingand the greatness of God. They saw to it that Kayadhu would sit near them and listen to the discourses. Shastras havemade it obligatory for pregnant women to live in conductive and sacred places so that the environment will have a positive influence on the child in the womb. While the child is in the womb and after birth as a child and later asa youth, the influence of the environment on him/her is decisive in forming his/her personality. It is the socialand natural environment that decide whether the person becomes good or bad. Therefore shastras have given the greatestimportance to the surroundings in which a child a brought up.
Kayadhu, the queen of demons, thus began to spend a happy and contented life in the sage's ashram. Sometimes sageNarada would call her and talk to her privately and intiate her to noble ideas. Sometimes, while listening to thesage she would go to sleep, but sage Narada would continue his discourse and the child in her womb would listen tohim with great devotion. The child would try to understand the inner meaning of his discourses. In course of time, tough Kayadhu forgot most of what Narada spoke, the child remembered even the last syllable of what he said. The sage spoke about the world we see around us, thousands of things we do not see, the five senses, the world beyond our senses and the all comprehensive God. He made it clear that everything in this world is controlled and goverened by theomnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God, and that God is called Sriman Narayana. We have to see that God throughour inner eye and then to see him in evrything around us. we should never harm any living being. We should never hate anyone. Love should form an indivisible part of our personality, because everything is created by God everywhere andin everything. We have to be kind to people in difficulties, and help them to the best of our abilities. We shouldpray to God to give us that strength and pray for those in misery and be friendly to everyone. In the process we may suffer but we should put up with such sufferings. Pardon those who try to harm you. Be happy and contended all the while.Never blame fate when you are in difficulties. In the same way when youbeam with happiness never forget the Lord. Onall occasions chant the sacred name of the Lord.
The child in the womb of the daitya queen understood all these great principles of good life and this was possible as a result of sage Narada's preaching, God's grace and his good luck. At the end of the ninth month queen Kayadhu gavebirth to a handsome son. He was named Prahlada. A number of good omens were seen in nature when the child was born.The whole heaved a sigh of relief afetr contineously being put to trouble by Hiranyakashipu. Later the Lord had tocome out of a pillar, as desired by his devotee Prahalada, in the form of half man and half lion and put and end to the sufferings of the world by killing Hiranyashipu.
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Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha were twins of great strength. They were rank bad and wicked to the marrow of their bones.Being the elder of the two Hiranyakashipu ascended the throne and began to rule with such arrogance that his subjectsprayed to God for relief. His brother Hiranyaksha would go round the three worlds and trouble everyone. He wascausing rack and ruin whenever he went and plunged into the unbathomable ocean causing pain to the earth and waters.Sri Mahavishnu had to assume the form of Mahavaraha(Big Boar) and entered the sea. He spotted out the demon and thereensured a great fight in which the demon was killed. The world heaved a sigh of relief.
When his brother Hiranyakashipu learned about the death of his brother he became very sad and angry. He consoled hisbrother's wife and his own wife and left the palace to perform penance to invoke Lord Brahma and get extraordinarilyspecial boons in order to make himself invincible. He entrusted the kingdom to his ministers.
When the Devas came to know about the absene of Hiranyakashipu in his kingdom, they laid siege to the capital. LordDevendra had an easy victory. He took Hiranyakashipu's wife queen Kayadhu a prisonr and dragged her along. When sageNarada heard her cries for help, he appeared before Devendra and said, "Lord of heaven, what are you doing? Thiscowardly act is not in keeping with your status. Killing a woman is one of the worst sins(setting fire to someone'shouse, to fight with a man with no weapons, coveting someone else's wealth, taking away someone else's wife are theworst sins for which there is no redemption according to scriptures.) and do not pollute your hands with it. Leave her alone."
Devendra heard Narada and said,"O holy sage, I am not going to kill her. Instead I am going to kill the child she isbearing. We cannot withstand the troubles Hiranyakashipu has been giving. It is dangerous to allow his family lineto continue. If I do so, the world is going to be in great danger."
"O cheif of Gods, killing a helpless child is also a great sin. Further the child the queen is bearing is not an ordinary child. He is going to become one of the greatest devotees of Lord Sri Hari. The three worlds are going to benefit from this child. Therefore spare it."said Narada. Devendra spared the child on Narada's advice. He begged pardonof the demon queen, touched her feet and left the place taking leave of Narada. Narada consoled Kayadhu and took herto his ashram. On reaching the place he said,"My dear daughter, you live here in this ashram without any fear.Youwill be well cared for by the inmates of the ashram. You can go to the capital when your husband returns from his tapas." So saying he entrusted the care of the pregnant queen to the elderly ascetic women of his hermitage. The queenlived happily in the conductive atmosphere of the ashram. Great sages there would hold discourses on righteous livingand the greatness of God. They saw to it that Kayadhu would sit near them and listen to the discourses. Shastras havemade it obligatory for pregnant women to live in conductive and sacred places so that the environment will have a positive influence on the child in the womb. While the child is in the womb and after birth as a child and later asa youth, the influence of the environment on him/her is decisive in forming his/her personality. It is the socialand natural environment that decide whether the person becomes good or bad. Therefore shastras have given the greatestimportance to the surroundings in which a child a brought up.
Kayadhu, the queen of demons, thus began to spend a happy and contented life in the sage's ashram. Sometimes sageNarada would call her and talk to her privately and intiate her to noble ideas. Sometimes, while listening to thesage she would go to sleep, but sage Narada would continue his discourse and the child in her womb would listen tohim with great devotion. The child would try to understand the inner meaning of his discourses. In course of time, tough Kayadhu forgot most of what Narada spoke, the child remembered even the last syllable of what he said. The sage spoke about the world we see around us, thousands of things we do not see, the five senses, the world beyond our senses and the all comprehensive God. He made it clear that everything in this world is controlled and goverened by theomnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God, and that God is called Sriman Narayana. We have to see that God throughour inner eye and then to see him in evrything around us. we should never harm any living being. We should never hate anyone. Love should form an indivisible part of our personality, because everything is created by God everywhere andin everything. We have to be kind to people in difficulties, and help them to the best of our abilities. We shouldpray to God to give us that strength and pray for those in misery and be friendly to everyone. In the process we may suffer but we should put up with such sufferings. Pardon those who try to harm you. Be happy and contended all the while.Never blame fate when you are in difficulties. In the same way when youbeam with happiness never forget the Lord. Onall occasions chant the sacred name of the Lord.
The child in the womb of the daitya queen understood all these great principles of good life and this was possible as a result of sage Narada's preaching, God's grace and his good luck. At the end of the ninth month queen Kayadhu gavebirth to a handsome son. He was named Prahlada. A number of good omens were seen in nature when the child was born.The whole heaved a sigh of relief afetr contineously being put to trouble by Hiranyakashipu. Later the Lord had tocome out of a pillar, as desired by his devotee Prahalada, in the form of half man and half lion and put and end to the sufferings of the world by killing Hiranyashipu.
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Narada 5
Dhruva listened to the sage's words dissuading him from going to the forest, and said in great reverence,"O holy one, it is rare that persons like me get an oppurtunity to see you. You have come to me on your own to help me and adviseme. I am a Kshatriya. The step mother's words still peirce my heart. Your words of wisdom do not get into my mindfull of tension. O greatest among the great, I have resolved to attain what none of my ancestors have achieved. Itis going to be the most exalted state in all the three worlds. Please show me the way to reach it. You are going roundthe three worlds, playing on the holy Veena, doing good to others. I am sure you can help me."
Sage Narada was very much pleased at the young prince's resolve. He placed his right hand on his head and blessed him saying,"The way suggested by your mother is the best and the most blessed way to achieve your heart's desire, dearchild. Pray to Lord Vasudeva with great devotion and concentration. You can get everything that will make your life opulent,blessed and successful. Righteousness, wealth, desires and salvation are the four purusharthas or objectives or aimsof a man and they can be attained only with the blessings of Lord Sri Hari and it is the only way to achieve the purusharthas.Dear prince Dhruvakumara, may success be yours. Go to a place called Madhuvana on the banks of he Yamuna where LordSri Hari's presence is always felt by devotees. Have a bath three times a day morning, noon and evening in the holy Yamuna.Perform your daily rites such as sandhyavandana etc. Then sit on a soft seat in a yogic posture. Do pranayama and bringabout the balance of mind and then meditate in your mind in the folowing way. Lord Sri Hari who blesses us with hisbounties is standing before me in a very pleasant and favourable mood. His eyes are bright and wide with attractive brows. He has a wellshaped pair of cheeks and red lips with a pleasnt smile, shining nose and mouth and the vaijanthigarland of flowers shines brightly round his neck. He is holding the conch, the wheel, the mace and a lotus in his fourhands - he has diamond - studded crown on his head, a pair of earrings, a pair of bracelets round his upper arms.Hisgrand necklace with the Kaustubha diamond and the silk cloth he is wearing make him very attractive. The toe rings havemade his feet fascinating. In short, his very handsome figure makes the on-looker very happy. The benign Lord is lookingat me with great love and affection.'
If you go on doing this meditation continuously your mind gets immersed in the Lord. While thinking thus you have to be chanting the holy incarnation. ' Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya.'
Dhruva, who was thus instructed by the Divine sage went round him four times and prostrated before him. After gettinghis blessings Dhruva went in the direction of Madhuvana.
After blessing Dhurva and direcing him towards Madhuvana, sage Narada went to the palace of king Uttanpada. The king felt ashamed of himself when he heard that prince dhruva had left for the forest. All the same, he wecomed the sage. Narada said, " O great king, you look sad. what ails you? what are you thinking about?"
" O holy sage, I have commited the worst blunder in my life. I spurned my elder son Dhruva, who came to me with all love. He wanted to sit in my lap. I have become the cause of his misery. I understand that he has left the land andhas gone to the forest. He must be suffering from hunger and thirst, or he might become a prey to a wild beast. I was afraid of my younger queen and commited this heinous crome. I am really sad."
The sage tried to console the king who was in great sorrow. He said,"O dear king do not be swimming in the sea of sorrow.Do not think that your son is helpless in the forest. He is under the protection of the omnipotent Lord Sri Harihimself. You are not aware of the greatness of your own son. He is going to become very famous. His strength ofcharacter is unequalled in all the three words. He is going to achieve what great emperors of yester years have not beenable to achieve. He is going to come back to you soon. He is going to add lustre to your name."Narada left the palace after consoling the king. He began to play on the Veena praising Lord Sri Hari and leftUttanpada's land, and what he said about prince Dhruva became true.
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Sage Narada was very much pleased at the young prince's resolve. He placed his right hand on his head and blessed him saying,"The way suggested by your mother is the best and the most blessed way to achieve your heart's desire, dearchild. Pray to Lord Vasudeva with great devotion and concentration. You can get everything that will make your life opulent,blessed and successful. Righteousness, wealth, desires and salvation are the four purusharthas or objectives or aimsof a man and they can be attained only with the blessings of Lord Sri Hari and it is the only way to achieve the purusharthas.Dear prince Dhruvakumara, may success be yours. Go to a place called Madhuvana on the banks of he Yamuna where LordSri Hari's presence is always felt by devotees. Have a bath three times a day morning, noon and evening in the holy Yamuna.Perform your daily rites such as sandhyavandana etc. Then sit on a soft seat in a yogic posture. Do pranayama and bringabout the balance of mind and then meditate in your mind in the folowing way. Lord Sri Hari who blesses us with hisbounties is standing before me in a very pleasant and favourable mood. His eyes are bright and wide with attractive brows. He has a wellshaped pair of cheeks and red lips with a pleasnt smile, shining nose and mouth and the vaijanthigarland of flowers shines brightly round his neck. He is holding the conch, the wheel, the mace and a lotus in his fourhands - he has diamond - studded crown on his head, a pair of earrings, a pair of bracelets round his upper arms.Hisgrand necklace with the Kaustubha diamond and the silk cloth he is wearing make him very attractive. The toe rings havemade his feet fascinating. In short, his very handsome figure makes the on-looker very happy. The benign Lord is lookingat me with great love and affection.'
If you go on doing this meditation continuously your mind gets immersed in the Lord. While thinking thus you have to be chanting the holy incarnation. ' Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya.'
Dhruva, who was thus instructed by the Divine sage went round him four times and prostrated before him. After gettinghis blessings Dhruva went in the direction of Madhuvana.
After blessing Dhurva and direcing him towards Madhuvana, sage Narada went to the palace of king Uttanpada. The king felt ashamed of himself when he heard that prince dhruva had left for the forest. All the same, he wecomed the sage. Narada said, " O great king, you look sad. what ails you? what are you thinking about?"
" O holy sage, I have commited the worst blunder in my life. I spurned my elder son Dhruva, who came to me with all love. He wanted to sit in my lap. I have become the cause of his misery. I understand that he has left the land andhas gone to the forest. He must be suffering from hunger and thirst, or he might become a prey to a wild beast. I was afraid of my younger queen and commited this heinous crome. I am really sad."
The sage tried to console the king who was in great sorrow. He said,"O dear king do not be swimming in the sea of sorrow.Do not think that your son is helpless in the forest. He is under the protection of the omnipotent Lord Sri Harihimself. You are not aware of the greatness of your own son. He is going to become very famous. His strength ofcharacter is unequalled in all the three words. He is going to achieve what great emperors of yester years have not beenable to achieve. He is going to come back to you soon. He is going to add lustre to your name."Narada left the palace after consoling the king. He began to play on the Veena praising Lord Sri Hari and leftUttanpada's land, and what he said about prince Dhruva became true.
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Narada 4
The queen felt very sad when she heard what Dhruva said. Quickly she composed herself and began to speak soothingwords to her son. "My dear child,Don't cry. Calm yourself. Don't scold step mother. Don't wish bad things for others.Those who harm others, get harmed themselves. Dear prince, don't get upset because your step mother put you to shame.In a way, she has done good to you. I am sure, you are as desirous as your brother, Uttama to sit on the throne. Inthat case, banish hatred from your mind and do as she has asked you to do. Workship Lord Hari with all devotion. Yourgrandfather and great grandfathers workshipped Lord Hari and acheived things which other great men could not andreached heights which others could only dream of. You are born in the family of such great men. Go and pray to LordNarayana and you are capable of getting what you want from him."
Dhurva listened to his mother intently. Noe he knew his mission. He fell at his mother's feet and obtained her blessings.He left the palace as he did not want to live in such a place even for a moment. He was rushing towards a forest.
Devarshi Narada came to know about Dhruva's plight and his leaving for the forest. He appeared before Dhruva and placinghis divine right palm on his head, he blessed him. Looking at young Dhruva, he felt surprised and said to himself, 'Allthe divine power of a prince can be seen on his face. What brightness! What resolve! He cannot bear the slightesthumiliation! He is still a young boy. How deeply the cutting words of his step mother have stuck his heart.!'Narada smiled gently and said,"Dear child where are you going? It appears as if you have left home after quarrellingwith someone. You are a young boy. It is nor proper to quarrel with elders and leave home in a huff."
Dhruva looked at the divine face of the sage full of love and benign smile and when he heard his soft loving words,he was almost enchanted. He fell at the sage's feet and said,"O holy one, how did you know about me? My heart finds nosolace. My step mother's harsh words have cut deep into my heart."
"Dear child Dhruva, you are on your way to please 'Lord Hari' as suggested by your mother, Aren't you? It is not thateasy. Even great sages after years of devoted hard effort, have failed to find the way to attain the feet of the Lord.Dear child, give up your stubborn desire and go back home. When you grow old enough you can attempt this almostimpossible task."
Dhruva listened to the sage's words dissuading him from going to the forest, and said in great reverence,"O holy one, it is rare that persons like me get an oppurtunity to see you. You have come to me on your own to help me and adviseme. I am a Kshatriya. The step mother's words still peirce my heart. Your words of wisdom do not get into my mindfull of tension. O greatest among the great, I have resolved to attain what none of my ancestors have achieved. Itis going to be the most exalted state in all the three worlds. Please show me the way to reach it. You are going roundthe three worlds, playing on the holy Veena, doing good to others. I am sure you can help me."
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Dhurva listened to his mother intently. Noe he knew his mission. He fell at his mother's feet and obtained her blessings.He left the palace as he did not want to live in such a place even for a moment. He was rushing towards a forest.
Devarshi Narada came to know about Dhruva's plight and his leaving for the forest. He appeared before Dhruva and placinghis divine right palm on his head, he blessed him. Looking at young Dhruva, he felt surprised and said to himself, 'Allthe divine power of a prince can be seen on his face. What brightness! What resolve! He cannot bear the slightesthumiliation! He is still a young boy. How deeply the cutting words of his step mother have stuck his heart.!'Narada smiled gently and said,"Dear child where are you going? It appears as if you have left home after quarrellingwith someone. You are a young boy. It is nor proper to quarrel with elders and leave home in a huff."
Dhruva looked at the divine face of the sage full of love and benign smile and when he heard his soft loving words,he was almost enchanted. He fell at the sage's feet and said,"O holy one, how did you know about me? My heart finds nosolace. My step mother's harsh words have cut deep into my heart."
"Dear child Dhruva, you are on your way to please 'Lord Hari' as suggested by your mother, Aren't you? It is not thateasy. Even great sages after years of devoted hard effort, have failed to find the way to attain the feet of the Lord.Dear child, give up your stubborn desire and go back home. When you grow old enough you can attempt this almostimpossible task."
Dhruva listened to the sage's words dissuading him from going to the forest, and said in great reverence,"O holy one, it is rare that persons like me get an oppurtunity to see you. You have come to me on your own to help me and adviseme. I am a Kshatriya. The step mother's words still peirce my heart. Your words of wisdom do not get into my mindfull of tension. O greatest among the great, I have resolved to attain what none of my ancestors have achieved. Itis going to be the most exalted state in all the three worlds. Please show me the way to reach it. You are going roundthe three worlds, playing on the holy Veena, doing good to others. I am sure you can help me."
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Narada 3
After a very long time Lord Brahma though of creating the world all over again. To begin with, Prajapathis, the fathersof humanity were created and four Sanaka brothers and Narada came out of the Lord's body.
Narada came out of the Lord's thigh. One of the Prajapathis by name Daksha asked his sons to continue the work of creation. For that purpose he wanted them to perform penance. They went to secluded places and began to perform penance. Narada chanced to go to the place assigned to him. He preached them renunciation. He succeded in changingtheir mind and they gave up worldy desires. They began to follow the path of salvation. Daksha had a few more sonslater and Narada succeeded in changing their minds too. Daksha Prajapathi became very sad. He was angry with Narada.He called Narada and said,"Narada , the great creator, our father Brahma had entrusted to me the task of creation. Ientrusted the work to my sons. You intervened and changed their mind. They disobeyed me because of you. You don'ttolerate other's happiness. Take this curse. May you be ever quarrelsome. Be wandering all over the world without a fixed place to dwell in."
As a result of his own brother's curse, Narada began to roam about in the three worlds. Fortunately for the world,this curse turned out to be a boom. Narada, playing on his Veena by name Mahati, began to sing in praise of the lord and roamedabout doing good to all living beings.
Lord Brahma had a son by name Swayambhuva Manu. He had two sons namely Priyavratha and Uttanapada. King Uttanpadahad two queens in Suneethi and Suruchi. Though Suneethi was the elder, the king loved Suruchi more. The king had twosons Prince Dhruva from Suneethi and Uttama from younger queen.
One day king Uttanapada was palying with Uttama and his mother, the queen was sitting beside him. The king took Uttamaand placed him on his lap and kissed him. Just at that moment Prince Dhruva came running to his father. He wanted to climb up his father's knees on his lap. The king did not welcome the child. Proud suruchi, who was sitting beside himfelt jelous of him and said,"Child Dhruva, you have no right to sit on the throne of this land. You may be the elderson of the king. But I am not your mother. Therefore you cannot succeed your father. You are born of some other woman.You are trying to acheive the impossible. You don't know what you are doing. If you are desirous of climbing the thronego to the forest, perform penance, please Lord Srimannarayana and with his grace you may be born as my son and onlythat would give you the right to claim the throne. Is it clear to you?
Dhurva was shocked at first to listen to his step mother words. This shock turned into anger. Like a wounded cobra, beinghit by someone with a stick he began to breathe heavily and it sounded like a snake's hissing. He looked at his father. Poor king the hen pecked husband, looked at Dhurva helplessly, without even uttering a single word. The youngprince felt humiliated. He began to sob and ran to his mother. He reported to her how he had been illtreated and humiliated.
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Narada came out of the Lord's thigh. One of the Prajapathis by name Daksha asked his sons to continue the work of creation. For that purpose he wanted them to perform penance. They went to secluded places and began to perform penance. Narada chanced to go to the place assigned to him. He preached them renunciation. He succeded in changingtheir mind and they gave up worldy desires. They began to follow the path of salvation. Daksha had a few more sonslater and Narada succeeded in changing their minds too. Daksha Prajapathi became very sad. He was angry with Narada.He called Narada and said,"Narada , the great creator, our father Brahma had entrusted to me the task of creation. Ientrusted the work to my sons. You intervened and changed their mind. They disobeyed me because of you. You don'ttolerate other's happiness. Take this curse. May you be ever quarrelsome. Be wandering all over the world without a fixed place to dwell in."
As a result of his own brother's curse, Narada began to roam about in the three worlds. Fortunately for the world,this curse turned out to be a boom. Narada, playing on his Veena by name Mahati, began to sing in praise of the lord and roamedabout doing good to all living beings.
Lord Brahma had a son by name Swayambhuva Manu. He had two sons namely Priyavratha and Uttanapada. King Uttanpadahad two queens in Suneethi and Suruchi. Though Suneethi was the elder, the king loved Suruchi more. The king had twosons Prince Dhruva from Suneethi and Uttama from younger queen.
One day king Uttanapada was palying with Uttama and his mother, the queen was sitting beside him. The king took Uttamaand placed him on his lap and kissed him. Just at that moment Prince Dhruva came running to his father. He wanted to climb up his father's knees on his lap. The king did not welcome the child. Proud suruchi, who was sitting beside himfelt jelous of him and said,"Child Dhruva, you have no right to sit on the throne of this land. You may be the elderson of the king. But I am not your mother. Therefore you cannot succeed your father. You are born of some other woman.You are trying to acheive the impossible. You don't know what you are doing. If you are desirous of climbing the thronego to the forest, perform penance, please Lord Srimannarayana and with his grace you may be born as my son and onlythat would give you the right to claim the throne. Is it clear to you?
Dhurva was shocked at first to listen to his step mother words. This shock turned into anger. Like a wounded cobra, beinghit by someone with a stick he began to breathe heavily and it sounded like a snake's hissing. He looked at his father. Poor king the hen pecked husband, looked at Dhurva helplessly, without even uttering a single word. The youngprince felt humiliated. He began to sob and ran to his mother. He reported to her how he had been illtreated and humiliated.
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Narada - 2
She used to wake her son up before dawn. She taught him Suryanamaskara. He would do that every morning after ablutions.Then she would give him a bath and then his morning food. There was a temple in that village. She would go to thetemple and clean it all around. She would, then, sprincle fresh water and draw beautiful rangavalli decorationdesigns in front of the temple. She would do the work with great love and devotion. She firmly believed that Godwould be pleased with her and bless her son and that his life would become pretty useful as a result.
She did not allow her son to mix with the unclutured village children. She would take him to the temple and then tothe house where she worked. The child would help her in his own small way. He would run errands for the priest, doingsimple jobs for him. He would gladly follow his mother to the house where she worked. This way the best part of his daywould be spent in the temple and the master's house.
As he was conditioned to this style of life, his attention was not drawn to other attractions around him. Almostevery day there used to be some festivity or the other either in the temple or at his master's house. There used to be discourses by learned men on these occassions on spiritual aspects of life and God. He would participate in bhajansconducted by sanyasis, saints, professional and revered sages. He would listen to holy stories and gradually hebecame wiser and mastered great knowledge about life here and hereafter. He also realised the greatness of God and infact, his mind was full of God and nothing else.s activities such as games, recreations which normal children of his age would be fond of indulging in.
Once a number of great and highly learned sages came to the brahmin's house to observe caturmasya vrata. They stayedin the house for four months. Narada began to serve them with great devotion day and night. He would closely observethem when they did deep meditation. The great sages were very much impressed by the sincerity and devotion of the boy.He would eat whatever was left when they completed their meals. There is immence power in the prasadam of God and holy men. There is no power which would cleanse one's mind of all evils better then this prasadam. Boy Narada's mindbecame purer as a result of his service and company of the sages. His mind never strayed from thoughts about God.He would sit for long hours doing meditation, prayer and other sacred activities. He would build up the beautifulimage of God in his mind and concentrate on it for long hours. In course of time, he mastered this art.
At the end of the four months the sages left the brahmin's house and went to their places in the forest or to places of pilgrimage. One day when his mother went to milk her cow she was bitten by a snake and breathed her last. Naradatook this tragedy stoically, thinking that it was God's wish. He left the village, went to a forest and began to meditate on God in a lovely but lonely place. After a long number of days, one day when he opened his eyes he saw theexquisitely beautiful form of the lord in front of him. Narada's joy knew no bounds but in a flash the form disappeared.Narada became sad. He continued his penance in order to have another vision of the form of God. He spent long numberof years of fruitless penance. He lost all hopes and became highly disturbed in mind. When he was thus worrying, heheard a voice. It said,"Narada, it is enough for you for this life. I appeared before you and disppeared as quicklyas I appeared. I have done it with a purpose. Let all your endeavours be for seeking me and nothing else. You willhave your desired fulfilled, that is, having my darshan, in your next birth." Narada spent the rest of his life inprayer and penance and finally left his mortal remains and reached heaven. By then life on this world had gone onefull circle and there was the great deluge and everything was destroyed.
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She did not allow her son to mix with the unclutured village children. She would take him to the temple and then tothe house where she worked. The child would help her in his own small way. He would run errands for the priest, doingsimple jobs for him. He would gladly follow his mother to the house where she worked. This way the best part of his daywould be spent in the temple and the master's house.
As he was conditioned to this style of life, his attention was not drawn to other attractions around him. Almostevery day there used to be some festivity or the other either in the temple or at his master's house. There used to be discourses by learned men on these occassions on spiritual aspects of life and God. He would participate in bhajansconducted by sanyasis, saints, professional and revered sages. He would listen to holy stories and gradually hebecame wiser and mastered great knowledge about life here and hereafter. He also realised the greatness of God and infact, his mind was full of God and nothing else.s activities such as games, recreations which normal children of his age would be fond of indulging in.
Once a number of great and highly learned sages came to the brahmin's house to observe caturmasya vrata. They stayedin the house for four months. Narada began to serve them with great devotion day and night. He would closely observethem when they did deep meditation. The great sages were very much impressed by the sincerity and devotion of the boy.He would eat whatever was left when they completed their meals. There is immence power in the prasadam of God and holy men. There is no power which would cleanse one's mind of all evils better then this prasadam. Boy Narada's mindbecame purer as a result of his service and company of the sages. His mind never strayed from thoughts about God.He would sit for long hours doing meditation, prayer and other sacred activities. He would build up the beautifulimage of God in his mind and concentrate on it for long hours. In course of time, he mastered this art.
At the end of the four months the sages left the brahmin's house and went to their places in the forest or to places of pilgrimage. One day when his mother went to milk her cow she was bitten by a snake and breathed her last. Naradatook this tragedy stoically, thinking that it was God's wish. He left the village, went to a forest and began to meditate on God in a lovely but lonely place. After a long number of days, one day when he opened his eyes he saw theexquisitely beautiful form of the lord in front of him. Narada's joy knew no bounds but in a flash the form disappeared.Narada became sad. He continued his penance in order to have another vision of the form of God. He spent long numberof years of fruitless penance. He lost all hopes and became highly disturbed in mind. When he was thus worrying, heheard a voice. It said,"Narada, it is enough for you for this life. I appeared before you and disppeared as quicklyas I appeared. I have done it with a purpose. Let all your endeavours be for seeking me and nothing else. You willhave your desired fulfilled, that is, having my darshan, in your next birth." Narada spent the rest of his life inprayer and penance and finally left his mortal remains and reached heaven. By then life on this world had gone onefull circle and there was the great deluge and everything was destroyed.
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Narada
Introduction
After completing the creation of the entire cosmos, Lord Brahma asked his sons Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanathkumara andSanatsujata to continue the task of further creation. The four sons refused saying,"Lord we cannot do it. We have toperform penance." They left the place for good. The lord was sad. He asked his another son, sage Narada,"My dear sonplease help me in great task of creation. Don't behave like your brothers." Narada was not interested in the taskassigned to him. He said,"Dear father, I don't want to get entangled in this difficult task of creation. I desire to perform penance."
The lord was very angry at the ungrateful behaviour of his sons. He said,"What! Do you consider the task of creationso low? Narada, you must leave this Satyaloka and be born twice as an ordinary human being and suffer the pains of life in the world. Only then you can come back here. You should realise the trials and tribulations of earthly life.Let your heart feel for them. May the realisation that the salvation of other created beings is far more important than your own dawn on you and may regard the desires and ambitions of others with real feeling.
Lord Brahma's curse began to work on Narada. He was born as the son of Chitraketu, the king of gandharvas(CelestrialMusicians). He was named Upabharana. Now as a gandharva, he naturally loved music. He learnt music under able teachersand attained a high degree of proficiency in it. He had a great love for stringed musical instrument. He inventeda new musical instrument Veena. He got himself initiated to Vaishnavadeeksha from Brihaspathi Acarya, the divinepreceptor of Gods. He began to pray and meditate.
Once while he was in deep meditation, the daughters of Chitraratha, a gandharva, happened to pass that way. When theylooked at the handsome figure of Upabharna they fell in love with him. They decided to marry him. With the consent ofelders, the marriage of Upabharana with the daughters of Chitraratha was solemized. He began to live with them. Hespent a number of happy years with his wives. When he realised that the day had come for him to leave gandharvaloka,he engaged himself in deep meditation and one day he renounced his body and his soul left its destined place.He had to live another earthly life before going to satyaloka and therefore he was born as a son to a housemaid in a brahmin'shouse on the earth. The master of the house gave the name Narada to the child. The servant maid a number of relativesbut they did not take care of her. She was a person who did not want to seek help from them at the expense of herself respect. She lived independently with the wages she got from her master. She did not know how to read and writebut she was highly cultured. She had but one aim in life, that was, to see that her son was brought up well and made ahighly cultured human being.
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