PREPARATION
OF 'MADHUPARK'
While describing the
method of preparing Madhupark, Lord Varaha told Prithvi--"Madhupark"
manifested from the right half of my body at the time when the process of
creation began. This is the reason why it is so pure. Anybody who makes offering
of Madhupark in the course of my worship,attains to my abode. For the
preparation of Madhupark honey, curd and ghee are mixed in equal proportion.
While preparing it sacred mantras in my praise should be constantly chanted.
Giving some Madhupark to a dying man liberates his soul."
NACHIKETA'S
EXPERIENCE
Once, Janmejay asked
Sage Vaishampayan about Yamrajpuri and it's location. He also wanted to know as
to what should a man do so that he does not have to go there.
Sage Vaishampayan narrated the tale of Nachiketa, one of the few blessed persons
to have visited yamarajpuri with his mortal body--"Long Long ago, there
lived a Sage named Uddyalak. He had a son named Nachiketa. One day, while
Uddyalak was performing a'Yagya', Nachiketa arrived there and disturbed him by
repeatedly asking-'To whom will you give me?' Sage Uddyalak, in a fit of rage
cursed Nachiketa to go to hell. But after he cooled down, he regretted for
having cursed his dear son. Nachiketa being an obedient son was ready to go to
hell. His father tried his best to convince him against doing this but to no
avail. Nachiketa assured his father that he would return safely after visiting
Yampuri."
"Thus, Nachiketa went to Yampuri and met Yamaraj---the lord of death. He
stayed there for some days and witnessed all the events taking place over there.
Ultimately he sought yamaraj's permission to return. When he returned home, his
father was extremely delighted to find his son alive. Very soon, the place was
thronged by many people and everybody was curious to know about his experiences
during his stay in the hell. Nachiketa replied--Sinners like liars, greedy
people, jealous people, caluminators, treacherers etc, go to hell. Similarly,
one who kills a child or a woman, or kills a brahmin, or one who criticizes the
Vedas, or lends money on interest, or one who abandons his parents or faithful
wife, or one who ciritizes his guru, or one who sells liquor, or a brahmin who
sells Vedas, goes to hell and tastes the fruits of his sinul actions."
"Yamapuri is made of gold and spread in the area of one thousand yojan. It
is well fortified and it is impossible for anybody to tresspass its territory. I
saw sinners experiencing unbearable torture over there. I also saw couple of
rivers flowing there--Pushpodaka, at the bank of which there are trees in
abundance and Vaivaswati, which flows through the central part of Yamapuri.
Vaivaswati contains divine water which never dries up. Yamapuri has two
entrances---one through which only virtuous souls like sages and hermits are
allowed to enter and the second through which sinners enter Yamapuri. The former
entrance is such that even heat loses its quality in its vicinity. The latter
entrance is situated in the south and has a large iron gate. I also saw three
large ditches called 'Audoombar', 'Avirchiman' and 'Uchchavach' which are meant
for the sinners. Sinners are also forced to pass through the flames that
continuously keep on errupting to the west of Yamapuri.
"I saw a grand assembly hall where truthful and virtuous people live. It is
graced by the presence of sages like Manu, Vyas, Atri, Gautam, Angira, Bhrigu
and others. There, I saw a goddess who is worshipped by Yamaraj. The goddess
controls all the functions of the world. I also saw the ferocious Kala. He
possesses extreme anger and is very powerful. Time does not have any influence
on him as the result of which he enjoys eternal youth. I also saw various types
of demons and giants in the hell."
I saw many messengers of Yamaraj punishing the sinners. Some were beating the
sinners with sticks in their hands while some sinners were being forced to enter
fire. I saw all the sinner wailing and repenting for their sinful deeds. Many
sinners were kept at a very dark place where there was no light. Those who had
committed graver sins were put in boiling oil. I saw many sinners being given
all sorts of severe punishment. I saw a place where iron nails were spread all
around. This was the place where people who breached the modesty of women were
given punishment."
"I saw ten different hells--Tapta, Mahatapt, Raurav, etc; Each of the
latter is more ferocious than the former. The sinners are sent to all these
hells on the basis of the gravity of their sins. Yamaraj himself instructs
chitragupta on the punishment to be given to these sinners."
KARMA
VIPAK
Karma Vipak means the
fruits one reaps according to his or her Karma. While continuing with the
description of various aspects of hell, Nachiketa told the assembled sages--At
yamapuri, Chitragupta goes through the record of all the deeds, committed by a
man when he was alive and brings into the notice of Yamaraj.
Yamaraj then decides upon the punishment to be given to the concerned soul. The
punishment can be varied like if the soul was virtuous then it would be sent to
heaven, or the soul may even be made to take birth as a tree, or an animal or
any other creature. Sinners like those who had remained disinclined towards any
kind of virtuous deed, or those who had abandoned there faithful wives, were
sent to the hell named Raurav. The souls of virtuous people were sent to the
heaven. Those who had extreme attachment to women took rebirth as human beings.
People who had attained martyrdom while fighting a battle were sent to Indrapuri.
Those who had engaged themselves in virtuous deeds throughout their lives were
rewarded for their good deeds."
VIRTUES
OF CHASTITY
First of all,the area is
purified by coating it with cow-dung after which a black deer-skin is spread on
it alongwith 'kusha grass'.Two pots-one large and the other a small one are
placed side by side.These pots are filled with sugarcane juice and symbolize
'Rasa-Dhenu' and the calf.Four sugarcanes symbolizing the four legs of 'Rasa-Dhenu'
are fixed at four corners.After that,one small silver piece is placed at the
base of each of the sugarcanes symbolizing hoofs.Rasa-Dhenu is then adorned with
colourful cloths and flowers.Again,four small pots filled with sesame seeds are
kept at the four corners near Rasa-Dhenu.After the worship is
accomplished,Rasa-Dhenu is donated to a brahmin.A person who donates Rasa-Dhenu
is liberated from all his sins and all his ancestors as well as the generations
to come attain to the Heaven.
LIBERATION
FROM SINS
Narad asked Yamaraj
about the reason why joy was so elusive to human beings. He also wanted to know
about the reasons for man's sorrows.
Yamaraj replied---Man's destiny is defined by his own actions. He has to taste
the fruits of his actions. He has to taste the fruits of his each and every
actions. So when a man finds himself amidst sorrows he must realize that he is
reaping the fruits of his past actions. If a man commits virtuous deeds then joy
is experienced but sinful deeds invite sorrows and miseries. Desires force a man
to take countless birth. A man takes birth on the basis of his past Karmas. God
does not interfere in this matter. So, only foolish people curse God for their
miseries.They forget that their sorrows are of their own making. A man can
liberate himself from sins by engaging in virtuous deeds and abstaining from
sinful deeds. A man should perform his duties with a sense of detachment,because
attachment results into the transmigration of the soul.
Lord Brahma has declared that 'Shishumar chakra' is the symbolic expression of
his own self. Anybody desirous of getting liberated from his sins must make an
image of this chakra and worship it. One who visualises this chakra within his
body, too, becomes liberated from his sins. Mental worship of various planets
(Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Mars etc) Visualized at the various points of
this chakra helps a man to become liberated from all the sins. Similarly,
practising Pranayam for hundred times helps a man to become liberated from all
the sins.The most easiest way to become liberated from sins is by engaging
oneself in the servitude of a cow. This deed is as virtuous as making
pilgrimages to all the sacred places together. Observing fast on Ekadashi also
helps a man to become liberated from his sins." Having finished his
narrations, Nachiketa, looked at the sages, who were listening with rapt
attention. The sages thanked Nachiketa for enlightening them on the sacred place
called Yamapuri.
GOKARNESHWAR
The famous battle of 'Tarakamaya'
had ended. The deities after having defeated the demons had once again regained
the control of heaven. Lord Brahma being satisfied with the postive outcome of
the war was engrossed in his meditation when Sanat Kumar arrived and
asked--"O Lord! I am anxious to know about the origin of three famous Shiva
lingas--Uttar-Gokarn, Dakshin-Gokarn and Shringeshwar. What made Lord Shiva to
take the form of a deer (Gokarn)? Please enlighten me on all these
subjects."
Lord Brahma replied--The northern peak of Mandarachal mountain is famously known
as Munjawan. This place is divinely beautiful and the stones and rocks over
there glitter like diamonds. It has many rivers, lakes and springs. The
atmosphere overthere is so serene that even the deities are tempted to have
their abodes at that place. This sacred place is graced by the presence of 'Sthanu
Maheshwar'.
Nandi-- the lord of all the Ganas of Shiva, was a virtuous brahmin in treta
yuga. Once, he did an austere penance to realize lord Shiva. The penance lasted
for one thousand years. At last Lord Shiva became pleased and appeared before
him. Lord Shiva blessed Nandi with an appearance similar to him(Shiva).
Lord Shiva said-- From today onwards you will be blessed with three eyes just
like me. You will be worshipped by the deities and demons alike. You will be
immortal and time and age will have no effect upon you. You are being granted
with the lordship of all my Ganas. It will be your duty to stand guard at the
entrance of my dwelling place.
Lord Shiva then informed Nandi that in a short time the deities would be
visiting him(Nandi). Due to some reason Lord Shiva had pledged not to give
deities an opportunity to see his physical form. So, after blessing Nandi, Shiva
disappeared and went to live in Sleshmatak forest in the form of a deer. Nandi
was unaware of this fact.
Meanwhile, after being blessed by Shiva, Nandi had attained a divinely radiant
form. When the deities saw Nandi possessing three eyes instead of two, they
immediately understood that this could not have happened without the blessing of
Lord Shiva.
All the deities arrived at Munjawan peak and requested Nandi to reveal Shiva's
whereabouts. Nandi expressed his helplessness and told them that he was not
aware where Shiva went after blessing him. He requested the deities to find out
Shiva on their own. The deities searched for Shiva in all the three worlds but
could not find him. I (Lord Brahma) was also present in the search-team of the
deities.I sat down to meditate. In the deep state of meditation, I came to know
that Shiva was living in the form of a deer in sleshmatak forest. I revealed
this fact to the deities. All the deities then went into the sleshmatak forest
and recognised Shiva living in the form of a deer. The deer (Shiva) had one horn
on its head. All the deities ran towards the deer with the desire of catching
hold of it. Indra held the topmost part of the horn with a firm grip while I
(Lord Brahma) held its middle portion. Similarly, Lord Vishnu held the lower
part. Very soon, the horn got uprooted because of the force which was being
applied on it. Lord Shiva vanished out of our sight. We were left behind with
three pieces of horn in our hands. We cursed ourselves for our bad luck.
Suddenly, we heard Shiva's voice instructing us to install those pieces of horns
at that very place and worship them. The upper part of the horn become famous as
Uttar Gokarn, while it's middle portion became famous as Dakshin Gokarn. The
part of the horn, which Vishnu installed became famous as 'Shringeshwar'. All
these three places have incomparable religious significance and are situated in
Nepal. Sleshmatak forest is situated at the distance of 2 miles from the famous
Pashupatinath temple." Sanatkumar thanked Lord Brahma for enlightening him
on these secret topics.
THE
MEANS OF VISHNU REALIZATION
Once, Sage Agastya
narrated the following tale to King Bhadrashva--- One day, Narad went to Lord
Vishnu and asked about the means by which a devotee could realize him. Lord
Vishnu replied--Those who worship me by chanting the mantras of either 'Purushsukta'
or 'Vaidik Samhita' can certainly realize me. Those who perform oblation
according to the rituals of 'Pancharatra' can also have my divine glimpse. But,
the rituals of Pancharatra yagya can be performed only by the brahmins. All the
rest of the castes can realize me by devotion, chanting my name and making
pilgrimage to holy places."Sage Agastya while giving discourse to king
Bhadrashwa also predicted that sinners would outnumber the virtuous ones in
Kaliyuga and said--"People would abandon their respective 'dharmas' and the
caste system would become extinct."
LORD
VISHNU--THE ALMIGHTY GOD
Once, Sage Agastya had
organised a grand yagya in which he had invited all the deities and sages. Lord
Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva also went there. Agastya was puzzled as to
who was the most superior among all three of them. He asked Lord Shiva in this
regard. Lord Shiva replied--One who is worshipped by performing oblation- One
who is the source of this universe and into whom it ultimately merges; is none
other than Lord Janardhan. So he should be worshipped first of all.
He is the only one who expresses himself in three forms--Brahma, Vishnu,
Mahesh.Rajoguna is predominant in lord Brahma along with some quantities of
Satvaguna and Tamoguna.Lord Brahma has manifested from the naval of Lord
Vishnu.Tamoguna is the dominant quality in me(Rudra)with little bit of satva and
rajo gunas.Narayan is the embodiment of pure satva guna.In satya yuga,He is
worshipped by the means of meditation.During Teta yuga, HE is worshipped by the
means of oblation.During Dwapar yuga, HE is pleased by nothing but the rituals
of Pancharatra. During Kali yuga, people will worship HIM by various means. Lord
Shiva's revelations had completely satisfied Sage Agastya.
SAGE
GAUTAM CURSES THE BRAHMINS
There were many sages
present at the yagya organised by Agastya. Some of them asked Lord Shiva as to
why he had created some scriptures which appeared so confusing to human beings.
Lord Shiva revealed to them that he had done so to protect the brahmins from the
curse of Sage Gautam. Then he narrated the incident as it had happened ---
During ancient times, Sage Gautam did an austere penance in Dandakaranya forest.
Lord Brahma became pleased and gave him some divine seeds capable of producing
eternal crops. Gautam then went to Saptashring mountain and made his hermitage
there. He sowed the seeds and became pleasantly surprised when he saw rice
grains sprouting up withiin few moments. He lived there happily with his
disciples. In course of time, the whole country was struck by famine except the
place where Gautam had his hermitage.
One day, few sages arrived at Gautam's hermitage. Gautam treated them with all
the respect. These sages enjoyed the hospitality of Gautam and stayed at his
hermitage till the famine phase was over. Then they decided to go back to their
respective native places. When they sought Gautam's permission,he requested him
to stay for few more days. The sages then decided to use deceitful means for
taking Gautam's permission. They created a superficial cow with the help of
their illussionary powers and left it near the hermitage of Gautam.
Gautam was very pleased to see that cow. He eulogised it by sprinkling water on
it. Hardly had he finished his act than the cow died. All those wicked sages
arrived there and cursed Gautam for killing an innocent cow. They told him that
they could never live along with a person who had killed a cow. Gautam then
requested those impostors to tell about the means by which he could become
absolved from the heinous sin he had committed. The sages told him that the cow
would become alive once Ganga water was sprinkled on its body.
Gautam once again did a tremendous penance to please Lord Shiva. When lord Shiva
appeared, he requested him to give a lock of his hair. Lord Shiva agreed to give
a lock of his hair to Gautam. Gautam then went to the spot where the cow's body
was lying. He sprinkled some water emanating from the hair. The illussionary cow
disappeared within a moment and in its place was created a river. Right then,
the sapta rishis arrived there and blessed Gautam. Meanwhile, Gautam realized
that a wicked prank had been played on him by those wicked sages. He cursed
those wicked sages that they would become bereft of the knowledge of Vedas and
also that they would no longer be entitled to perform the vedic rituals.
The Sapta rishis requested Gautam to have mercy on those unfortunate brahmins.
Gautam then declared that his curse will come true only in Kaliyuga and those
brahmins will not be affected by his curse in all the remaining three yugas. The
Sapta rishis came to me and informed me about whatever had happened to those
unfortunate brahmins. I created 'Shiva Sanhita' from my breath which is similar
to Vedas as far as the importance of rituals are concerned. I did this for the
benediction of the brahmins. I know that brahmins would fall from grace during
Kaliyuga. People would give little respect to the Vedas and create their own
scriptures. Confusion would be prevalent and people would discover false
religions.
PRAKRITI
AND PURUSH
Once, Lord Shiva while
describing about the incident when he had a divine glimpse of Lord Narayan, told
Sage Agastya --
'Purusha' is none other than Lord Narayan himself and Prakriti is the medium
through which he manifests his powers. I have been fortunate to have a divine
glimpse of this Purush. Lord Brahma after having created me, instructed me to
create. But, I did not know how to create. So, I decided to do penance and went
into the ocean. In the ocean, I saw an entity who was no more than the size of a
thumb. He was purush himself and I immediately recognized him. I started
meditating on the form of that almighty--Purush. Suddenly, eleven more entities
emerged before me. They were all very radiant and the water had become hot on
account of the heat emanating from their bodies. I asked them as to who they
were but they did not give any reply and went out of my sight. The next moment,
I saw an extremely handsome man. I asked him about his identity and also about
the eleven entities whom I had seen few moments ago. Those entities were the
eleven Aadityas and had gone to help Lord Brahma in the process of creation.
Then he said--I am Narayana--the omnipresent lord. I am blessing you with
'divine vision' so that you can see my divine appearance.'
When I fixed my glance at Narayan I was amazed to see the same thumb-sized
Narayana standing before me. But, now He was no longer having the size of a
thumb. On the contrary he had expanded his body to such an extent that He
appeared like a giant. I also saw Lord Brahma sitting on a lotus flower
emanating from his navel. I eulogized HIM with complete devotion. HE blessed me
and said--'You are eternal and nothing is beyond your knowledge. You will be
worshipped by the deities. I shall take twelve incarnations in the coming eras
and shall worship you in each of my incarnation.'
Having said this, Lord Narayana disappeared. This was how I saw the divine form
of the 'Purush'--Lord Narayan.
BHUWAN-KOSH
& THE ISLANDS
All the sages listened
with rapt attention to the description Lord Shiva made of the Almighty Narayan.
But, they had few more queries in store, so they asked Lord Shiva-- "O Lord
of Uma! please tell us about the expanse of the Earth- the situation of
mountains and the prominent islands."
Lord Shiva replied--"Bhuloka is situated on the surface of the Earth, while
the earth itself is based on Almighty's chest. With the desire of creating the
three basic gunas---Sat, raj and Tama, the Almighty Narayan created water first
of all and went into 'yoganidra'. Then a lotus flower manifested from HIS navel
on which was seated Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma then created his manasputras--Sanak,
Sanandan, Sanatan and Sanatkumar all of whom were enlightened souls. Then Lord
Brahma created sages like Daksha etc. Daksha's daughter Shatarupa was married to
Manu from whom she had two sons--Priyavrata and Uttanpad. Priyavrat had ten
sons--Aaghnighna, Agnibahu, Medh, Medhatithi, Dhruva, Jyotishman, Dyutiman,
Havya, Vayushman and Savan. He had divided the earth into seven islands and
presented them to each of his seven sons. Aaghnighna became the king of
Jambudweepa whereas Medhatithi, Jyotishman, Dyutiman, Havya, Vayushman and Savan
became the rulers of Shakadweepa, Kraunch dweepa, Shalmalidweepa, Gomeddweepa,
Plakshdweepa and Pushkar dweepa respectively."
"Savan had two sons--Dhat and Mahaveeti, who were the rulers of 'Dhatki'
and 'Kaumud provinces respectively. Similarly Dyutiman had three sons--Kush,
Vaidyut and Jeemutvahan. Jyotishman had seven sons--Kushal, Manugavya, Peevar,
Andhra, Andhakarak, Muni and Dundubhi. Kush had seven sons--Udbhid, Venuman,
Rathapal, Manu, Dhriti, Prabhakar and Papil."
"Medhatithi too had seven sons--Nabhi, Shantmaya, Shishir, Mukhodam,
Nandshiva, Kshemak and Dhruv. Nabhi's wife was Merudevi, who had given birth to
Rishabh. Rishabh was the father of Bharat upon whom the area lying south of
Himalaya mountain is named."
"Sumati was the son of Bharat. Bharat, after appointing Sumati as his
successor went into the forest to do penance. The names of some prominent kings
coming from the lineage of Sumati were Tej, Satsut, Indradyumna, Parmeshthi,
Pratiharta, Nikhat, Unmeta, Abhav-Udgata, Prastota, Vibhu, Prithu, Anant, Gaya,
Naya, Virat, Mahavirya and Sudhiman."
"Sudhiman had one hundred sons. This way the population continued to grow.
The four yugas--Satya yuga, Treta, dwapar and Kali occur in a cyclic order. Each
of the latter follows the former. A manvantar comprises of 71 chaturyugas."
JAMBUDWEEPA
Dwelling upon the
prominent islands, Lord Shiva told the assembled sages---"Jambudweepa is
spread in the area of one lakh yojan and it consists of numerous Janapadads. It
is inhabited by 'siddhas' and 'charanas' and is blessed with incomparable
natural beauty."
'A total number of nine 'Varshas' lie within the territory of Jambudweepa which
itself is surrounded by various oceans on all sides. Towards its east and west
lie salt water oceans. Some prominent mountains of Jambudweepa are the Himalaya,
the sumeru, the Hemakut and the Nishadh. Territory situated towards east of
Sumeru mountain is inhabited by the fair complexioned brahmins. Towards its
south live Vaishyas. Shudras live towards the south of Sumeru and the area lying
towards its north is inhabited by Kshatriyas."
SHAK
DWEEPA
It's area is
approximately twice as compared to Jambudweepa. It is inhabited by virtuous
people who are prosperous and who enjoy a long life. They are free from the
tortures of old age. This island is covered by oceans on its two sides--Salt
water ocean on one side and 'Ksheer Sagar' (Ocean of Milk) on the other.
The mountain ranges lying in the northern part of this island is known as
Udayachal while 'Chandragiri is situated in the western part. There are some
other mountain ranges like Rajatgiri, Aambikey, etc situated on this island.
Altogether these mountain ranges total seven in number and are known as 'Kula-Parvatas'.
Some primonent rivers flowing through this island are Sukumari, Kumari, Nanda,
Venika, Dhenu, Ikshumati and Gabhasti. There is a large tree named Shak in the
central part of this island. This is how this island derived it's name.
KUSHA
DWEEPA
This island is twice the
area of Shak dweepa. There are seven prominent mountain ranges in this island
which are known as 'Kula Parvatas'--- Kumud, Unnat, Drona, Kank, Isha, Mahish
and Mandar. There are seven prominent rivers flowing through the various parts
of this island--Pratoya, Shiva, Chitra, Chandra, Vidyullta, Varna and Mahati.
This island has got its name from Kusha grass which are found in abundance in
its central part.
KRAUNCHA
DWEEPA
It is twice the area of
Kusha dweepa. It has seven prominent mountain ranges--Kraunch, Paavan, Devavrit,
Devishtha, Devaanand, Govind and Pundareek. There are also six prominent rivers
flowing in this island--Gauri, Kumudwati, Ratri, Manojava, Khyati and Pundarika.
Kraunch dweepa is surrounded by an ocean of charified butter (ghee) on all its
side.
SHALMALI
DWEEPA
"It is double the
area of Kraunch dweepa and covers the 'clarified-butter' ocean from all sides.
There are seven prominent mountains as well as seven rivers in this
island." This way Lord Shiva disappeared after having finished the
narration of all the prominent islands.
TRISHAKTI
Describing
the reason behind the manifestation of 'TriShakti' (Three goddesses manifesting
from the bodies of Brahma Vishnu and Shiva), Lord Varah told Prithvi--- There
lived a mighty demon named 'Andhak' who used to torment the deities. After being
driven out of the heaven all the deities sought lord Brahma's help. Lord Brahma
took them to Lord Shiva and requested him to find some solution to the miseries
of the deities. Lord Brahma then meditated on the form of Vishnu who appeared
instantly.
The powers emanating from the eyes of all the three deities got combined and
resulted into the manifestation of goddess Parmeshwari.On the request of the
deities,goddess Parmeshwari created three more goddesses from her body-Brahmi,Vishnupriya
and Rudrani.Goddess Brahmi was of fair complexion while Vishnupriya's complexion
was wheatish.Goddess Rudrani appeared extremely ferocious in her dark
complexion.
Lord Brahma advised goddess Brahmi to do penance at Shwetgiri
mountain.Similarly,Vishnupriya went to Mandarachal mountain to do her penance
while Lord Shiva advised goddess Rudrani to go to Nilgiri mountain. While
Vishnupriya was doing her penance at Mandarachal mountain, crores of goddesses
manifested from her body prominent among whom were
Vidyutprabha,Chandrakanti,Suryakanti,Gambhira,Vijaya,Jaya,
Jayanti,Aparajita,etc.All these goddesses acted as the escorts of goddess
Vishnupriya who is also called Vaishnavi.
One day,sage Narad visited goddess Vaishnavi and was dumbstruck by her divine
beauty.He had never seen such a beautiful woman in his life.On his return
journey,Narad met Mahishasur-the mighty demon,who had been blessed by
Brahma.Mahishasur had conquered all the three worlds.Narad praised the glory of
Mahishasur but went on to add that his majesty was incomplete untill he married
Vaishnavi.
Narad said-"I have never seen such a beautiful woman in my life. She is
worshipped by all the sages,gandharvas,deities as well as other celestial
beings.Although,you are worthy of becoming her husband yet the fact is that you
can not have her as your wife untill you have conquered the deities and the
gandharvas." After sowing a seed of lust in Mahishasur's mind,Narad went
away. Mahishasur vowed to marry Vaishnavi at any cost. Lord Varah continued with
the tale and said-"After Narad went away,Mahishasur summoned his ministers-Praghas,Vighas,Shanku-
karna,Vibhavasu,Vidyunmali,Sumali,Parjanya and Krura.When all the ministers
arrived,he requested them to find out means so that he could marry Vaishnavi.
Praghas-one of the ministers, was very intelligent.He warned Mahishasur against
going ahead with his evil designs and said- 'This illegal abduction could become
the cause for your destruction.'Vighas corroborated the statements of Praghas.
Finally,everyone agreed that it would be better if Vaishnavi was persuaded to
accept Mahishasur as her husband instead of forcefully abducting her.
"So all of them,finally came upon two conclusions-first was to send a
messenger to persuade Vaishnavi into marrying Mahishasur and the second was to
defeat the deities in a battle.A demon named Vidutprabha was sent to meet
goddess Vaishnavi. Mahishasur then launched a fierce attack on the deities and
defeated them.The deities were forced to flee the battle-field and seek refuge
in brahma loka."
"Meanwhile,Vidutprabha had already reached Mandarachal mountain. Without
showing any rspect to goddess Vaishnavi,he tried to impress her by narrating the
amazing tale of Mahishasur's birth- 'During ancient times,there lived a sage
named Suparshva.Once,he was doing penance and an ogress named Mahishmati
alongwith her companions, arrived at his hermitage.Mahishmati was very much
impressed by the grandeur of his hermitage and decided to occupy it.She changed
her appearance and became a buffalo.She then started tormenting Suparshva,who
was initially terrified but finally came to know about her real
identity.Suparshva cursed her-'You deserve to remain as a buffalo for the rest
of your life.'
"Now,Mahishmati became extremely terrified and begged for being
pardoned.Finally,Suparshva took pity on her and said-'You will get liberated
from my curse only after you give birth to a calf.' Thus,Mahishmati started
wandering all over the places in the form of a buffalo.Once,while wandering, she
reached the bank of river Narmada,where sage Sindhudweep was doing his penance.
A significant incident had taken place just few minutes before her arrival-Sage
Sindhudweep,being unable to control himself,had ejaculated sperms after
infatuated by a beautiful ogress taking bath in river Narmada,which was flowing
nearby.The sperms fell on a rock and was eventually washed off by the swift
currents of Narmada."
"As Mahishmati was thirsty,she drank water from river Narmada. While
quenching her thirst,she also consumed the sperms as the result of which she
became pregnant.In course of time,she gave birth to Mahishasur,who grew up to be
a mighty demon king.The same Mahishasur wants to marry you." After
finishing his story, Vidutprabha waited for Vaishnavi's response.
Goddess Vaishnavi burst into a loud laughter and all the the three worlds became
visible to the messenger,through her opened mouth.Vidutprabha was scarred to the
hilt as he realized that the woman was extraordinary and divine.
Jaya-a dwarpalika of Vaishnavi,told him-'Our goddess has taken a vow of
celibacy,hence your master's wish will remain unfulfilled.' At last,Vidutprabha
went back empty handed.In the meantime,Narad arrived there and informed goddess
Vaishnavi about the deities's defeat at the hands of Mahishasur and requested
her to kill the demon.
Goddess Vaishnavi ordered her escorts to get prepared for the battle.She then
proceeded with a huge army to fight against the demons.In the ensuing
battle,Mahishasur's army was severely humiliated.Most of the demons were killed
and the survivors fled from the battlefield. A demon named Virupaksha informed
Mahishasur of the death and destruction caused by goddess Vaishnavi.Mahishasur
was infuriated and came forward to fight the goddess.Goddess Vaishnavi was aware
of his might,so she manifested her divine form in all her glory. Now,she
possessed ten arms and held lethal weapons like a sword, a bow,a shield,a mace,a
trident,a chakra,etc.in each of them.She then remembered lord Shiva,who appeared
within a moment.Goddess Vaishnavi requested him to be witness to the fierce
battle,which was going to take place.
A fierce battle commenced,which lasted for ten thousand divine years.Mahishasur
ran helter and skelter,changing his disguise frequently,in order to protect his
life but goddess Vaishnavi chased him wherever he went.Ultimately,she killed him
at 'Shata- shring' mountain by severing his head.All the deities heaved a sigh
of relief and praised the glory of goddess Vaishnavi.
Similarly,goddess Rudrani,who had manifested from lord Shiva and had gone to
Nilgiri mountain to do her penance had killed a mighty demon named 'Ruru'. Ruru
was a very powerful demon king.He ruled over Ratnapuri, which was situated in
the middle of the ocean.He had become invincible on account of a boon received
from lord Brahma.After being defeated by him,all the deities went to seek the
help of goddess Rudrani. Goddess Rudrani,who is also known as 'Chamunda' finally
killed Ruru-the dreaded demon."
Having completed the tale,lord Varah blessed Prithvi and went back to his abode.
END
OF VARAH PURAN