A Study of the Bhâgavata Purâna; or, Esoteric Hinduism

Chapter V: The Story of the Prachetas Brothers (4)

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(The eighth Manvantara is the Second half of the Fourth Round and should be the spiritual half according to Theosophical ideas. But we find the Asura King Bali, who was removed from the kingdom of Triloki in the Vaivasvat Manvantara, restored to the kingdom of Svarga).

Amongst the Rishis we find Parasurama who fought with Rama and Asvatthama and Kripa who ranged themselves against the Pandava brothers in the battle of Kurukshetra.

All this shews that spirituality was developed out of materiality. The sons of Manu are Nirmoka and Virajaska. _Moka_ is the cast off skin of an animal and may well represent the sthula body. Nirmoka is one without Moka.

Virajaska is without Rajas. So the course of evolution shews a tendency in the first place to cast off the sthula body and to overcome the Rajas.

THE NINTH MANVANTARA.

*SKANDHA VIII. CHAP. 13.*

The ninth Manu is Daksha Savarni. He is the son of Varuna Bhutaketu, Diptaketu and others shall be his sons. Para, Marichi garbha and others shall be the Devas and Adbhuta their Indra. Dyu timat and others shall be the Rishis.

Rishabha, son of Ayushmat by Ambudhara, shall be the Avatara.

THE TENTH MANVANTARA.

*SKANDHA VIII. CHAP. 13.*

Brahma Savarni is the tenth Manu. He is the son of Upasloka. Bhurishena and others shall be his sons. Havishmat, Sukrita, Satya, Jaya, Murti and others shall be the Rishis; Suvasana, Aviruddha and others shall be the Devas and Sambhu their Indra.

Vishvaksena, son of Visvasrij by Visuchi, shall be the Avatara.

THE ELEVENTH MANVANTARA.

*SKANDHA VIII. CHAP. 13*

Dharma Savarni is the eleventh Manu. Satya-Dharma and others shall be his ten sons. Vihangama, Kalagama, Nirvana-ruchi and others shall be the Devas, Vaidhrita their king, and Aruna and others the Rishis. Dharma-Setu, son of Aryaka by Vaidhrita shall be the Avatara.

THE TWELFTH MANVANTARA.

*SKANDHA VIII. CHAP. 13.*

Rudra-Savarni is the twelfth Manu. Devavat, Upadeva, Devasrestha and others shall be his sons (men shall be evolved into Devas In this Manvantara). Harita and others shall be the Devas, Ritadhaman their Indra. Tapomurti, Tapasvin, Agnidhraka and others the Rishis; Svadhaman, son of Satya-sahas by Sunrita, shall be the Avatara.

THE THIRTEENTH MANVANTARA.

*SKANDHA VIII. CHAP. 13.*

Deva Savarni is the thirteenth Manu. Chitra Sena, Vichitra and others shall he his sons, Sukarma and Sutrama the Devas, Divaspati their Indra and Nirmoka, Tatvadarsa, and others the Rishis.

Yogesvara, son of Devahotra by Vrihati, shall be the Avatara.

THE FOURTEENTH MANVANTARA.

*SKANDHA VIII. CHAP. 13.*

Indra Savarni is the fourteenth Manu. Uru, Gambhira, Vradhna and others shall be his sons.

Pavitra and Chakshusha the Devas, Suchi their Indra, Agni, Vahu, Suchi, Suddha Magadha and others the Rishis.

Brihat-bhanu, son of Satrayana by Vitana, shall be the Avatara (_i.e._ the great sun shall absorb everything.)

THE ADMINISTRATION OF A MANVANTARA

*SKANDHA VIII. CHAP. 14.*

Said Raja Parikshit: -- Tell me, O Rishi, what are the respective duties of Manu and others in the Manvantaras.

Suka replied: -- The _Avatara_ of each Manvantara guides the Manu, the sons of Manu, the Rishis, the Indra and the Devas of that Manvantara. (Each Manvantara has its own place in the history of the Kalpa, and the general evolution has to be worked out in the way best adapted to that Manvantara. The administration of each Manvantara is in the hands of a separate set of kings and ministers. Vishnu incarnates in each Manvantara, as the king of all who serve as administrative officers of that Manvantara and he is as such called the special Avatara for that Manvantara. The divine kings, the Rishis, the Devas, all work under His direction. He gives the law that is to be administered. He shews the path, which evolution is to take in any particular Manvantara.)

Yajna and others are Avataras of Purusha. Guided by them, Manu and others lead the course of the universe.

_Rishis_: -- At the end of every four Yugas, the Srutis become devoured by time. (The human races have a life period timed to the four Yugas. They have their infancy, as it were, in Satya Yuga, and they have to be guided by wise sayings, which form the Srutis of those races. The Srutis become better understood with the growth of racial intelligence and other texts take the place of old ones. When the races do not require the help of the earlier texts, those texts become lost in time. When the races begin another life cycle, they require again the help of teachings, which become revealed to the Rishis. The Rishis then give those teachings to the races.) The Rishis find out the Srutis, by means of Tapas. The eternal Dharma proceeds from the Srutis. (People know their duties from the scriptures.)

_Manus_. -- The Manus then take up the Dharma, and each in his own time devotedly promulgates it on the earth.

_Manu's sons_. -- The sons of Manu preserve the Dharma, generation after generation, till the end of the Manvantara.

_Devas and Indra_. -- Indra, with the Devas that participate in sacrificial offerings, protects the three Lokas and gives rains.

(Besides this general administration, there are other ways also of managing the affairs of the universe and these are mentioned incidentally in the following slokas. _Sridhara_.)

Hari appears as the Siddhas (Sanaka and others) and expounds divine wisdom (Jnana) in every Yuga. He appears as Rishis (Yajnavalkya and others) and expounds Karma. As Lords of Yoga (Dattatreya and others), He expounds Yoga.

THE STORY OF BALI.

*SKANDHA VIII. CHAPS. 15-23.*

Bali, son of Virochana and grandson of Prahlada, was once defeated by Indra. His Guru, Sukra, advised him to perform the Visvajit sacrifice. When _ghee_ was offered at the sacrifice, one chariot, some green coloured horses, one lion-marked flag, one golden bow, two quivers with an inexhaustible store of arrows, and one divine _kavacha_ (protective charm) arose from the fire. Bali gladly accepted these things. Prahlada also gave him a fresh garland and Sukra gave him a conch.

Equipped with these things Bali attacked Svarga. Brihaspati told Indra the time was inauspicious and the Devas could not succeed without the help of Vishnu. He advised them to give in and to remain concealed somewhere, till the time came for their ascendancy. The Devas followed the advice of Brihaspati and Bali became the king of Triloki.

Sukra advised Bali to perform one hundred Asvamedha sacrifices.

Aditi became disconsolate at the down-fall of her sons. She asked her husband Kasyapa what to do for her sons. The Prajapati advised her to observe Payoravata in honor of Vishnu (for details, see the original). She observed the Vrata for 12 days when Vishnu appeared before her and assured her He would incarnate as her son.

Vamana was born of Aditi at midday, on the 12th day of the moon, during the white quarter in the month of Bhadra, while the moon was in the first part of Sravana, in the Abhijit.

(Vamana = Dwarf). Vamana heard that Bali was performing Asvamedha on the banks of the Narmada. He went there and Bali received him duly and enquired what he wanted, expressing his willingness to gratify him fully. Vamana asked for only three paces of ground. Bali laughed at this modest prayer and asked him to take more land. But Vamana excused himself, saying a Brahmana should be content with small things only. Bali laughed again and at once said "Then accept." He then took the water pot to make the formal gift. Sukra perceived the object of Vishnu. He tried to dissuade Bali from carrying out his promise. "This is not a dwarf Brahmana but Vishnu Himself. By one pace he will cover the whole of Bhur Loka and Bhuvar Loka. By the second pace, He will cover Svar Loka and what then will become of the third pace? You will have to go to Naraka for not being able to fulfil your promise. And where shall you yourself remain after giving over all you have? Therefore desist from what you are doing. No doubt truth is preferable. But the Vedas also allow untruth in extreme cases."

Bali replied: -- "The grandson of Prahlada shall never speak an untruth. I will give to this Brahmana boy what I have promised, even if he be Vishnu and my enemy too."

Sukra said in anger -- "You disregard the words of your Guru. So you shall forthwith lose everything."

Bali remained unmoved. He worshipped the Brahmana boy and read out the formal Mantra of giving over three paces of land. Vindhyavali, the virtuous consort of Bali, at this time placed a golden pitcher filled with water before her husband. He washed the feet of Vamana with that water, and sprinkled it over his head. Then Vamana wonderfully grew in size. The whole Universe became visible in him. He seized the whole of Bhur Loka with one pace the whole of Bhuvar Loka with his body, and the directions in space with his hands, so that even the whole of Svar Loka became insufficient for the second pace. But nothing remained for the third pace. For the second pace of Vamana passed through Mahar Loka, Jana Loka, Tapas Loka and reached even Satya Loka.

The Asuras exclaimed: -- "By what an unjust device has our king been deprived of all! It is no sin to fight with this disgrace of a Brahmana, this deceitful Vishnu." So they engaged in fight with the followers of Vishnu, but were defeated by them.

Bali told his followers there was no use fighting, for Kala was against them. The same Bhagavan who had favored them was now in opposition.

Garuda, knowing the intention of Vishnu, tied Bali with the noose of Varuna.

Vamana then addressing Bali said: -- "Where is your promised ground for my third pace? You have told a lie. You do not carry out your promise to a Brahmana. For this you will have to go to Naraka."

Bali said: -- "Do not think I told an untruth or that I mean to deceive thee. Here is my head for the third pace. I am not so much afraid of the Naraka thou art speaking of, nor of this noose, nor of any troubles I may undergo, nor of any punishment thou mayest inflict on me as I am afraid of doing anything for which good people will blame me. I deem this punishment an act of favor a favor shewn perhaps out of consideration for my grand-father Prahlada. For this kingdom only maddened me with power and made me forget my end. And what shall I do with this body too? True thou art my enemy, but this loss of kingdom has brought me nearer to thee."

Prahlada appeared at this time. He bowed down to Vamana and said: -- "It is thou that didst give the kingdom of Triloki to Bali and it is thou that hast taken it away and really thou hast shewn him a favor by doing so. For power maddens a man and blinds him as to his real self."

Vindhyavali said: -- "O Lord, Thou art the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer of Triloki. Who else could own it besides Thyself? It was the height of presumption to pretend to give the Triloki to you." Brahma said: -- "O Deva of Devas, all-pervading Lord, thou hast taken away everything from this Bali. He has also given himself up entirely to Thee, without being moved in the least. He does not now deserve to remain tied up."

Bhagavan said: -- "O Brahma, I take away all his riches from him whom I favor. For one proud of riches disregards both myself and others. When after many births the Jiva happens to become a man, and when in that birth he is found not to entertain any pride of birth, karma, age, beauty, wisdom, power, wealth and other things, you should know that to be my favor. One constantly devoted to me is not led away by anything apt to beget pride.

"This king of Danavas and Daityas has now conquered Maya. So he is not beside himself even in grief. His wealth gone, his position lost, himself overpowered and chained by enemies, forsaken by friends, reviled and cursed by his own preceptor, and what not, this Bali did not give up Truth.

"I will give him a place, difficult for others to attain. He shall be the Indra of Savarni Manvantara. Till then let him reside in Sutala. By my wish, the dwellers of Sutala shall have no mental or bodily pain, no fatigue, no sleepiness, no defeat and no misfortune. Bless thee, O Maharaj, go to Sutala with thy clan. Sutala is even wished for by those that dwell in Svarga. Even the Lokapalas shall not be able to overpower thee. What of others? If any Daitya does not follow thee, I will kill him by my Chakra. By all means I will preserve thee and thy followers. There you shall always find me at your door. Thy Asura nature shall be there entirely destroyed under my influence."

Prahlada was also ordered by Bhagavan to accompany Bali to Sutala. So they all went to Sutala.

THOUGHTS ON THE ABOVE.

We now find Bali shorn of all materialism and restored to spiritual purity. We can well understand the removal of Bali from the kingdom of Triloki, for the cyclic movement was tending that way since the last Manvantara, and the Devas were to have supremacy over Triloki. We have to study the future of Bali, as holding further light for us.

We must repeat here the distinction made between the two classes of Asuras: Daityas and Danavas. The Daityas trace their origin to the gate-keepers of Vishnu. They had inherent Satva in them, which was eclipsed in their downfall. Therefore, though they acted as materialistic forces following the cyclic tendency, they were themselves not incapable of spiritual development Thus we find words of wisdom and spirituality in Vritra, in Hiranyakasipu, unselfish devotion in Prahlada, and complete resignation in Bali. Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipu went back to their old place in Vaikuntha. Vritra became united with Sankarshana. Prahlada is immortal in his unselfish mission, and we have just heard the future of Bali. The Maruts become Devas after their very birth.

Therefore there is no extinction for the Asuras, except for those that do not follow Bali and do not place themselves under the influence of Vishnu. The cyclic weapon or Chakra is ever ready to destroy those that hopelessly go against the law.

Now a word about Sutala. The arrangement of Patalas as given in the text is the reverse of what they should be in point of spirituality, for Atala is the most and Patala the least removed from spirituality.

The influence of Vishnu does not extend beyond Sutala, and nothing can save those that transgress the limits of this nether plane. For in Vitala the destructive Purusha reigns and a passage to that plane is only a door to utter extinction. And in Atala there is not a trace of spirituality, the work of destruction is already done, and mother Nature dissolves the material elements for some better use in future.

The special provision for Sutala is therefore a cyclic necessity. For Jivas have to be preserved from an undesirable end. Therefore Bali was given a post, the proud privilege of seeing that Jivas do not undergo utter extinction. Sutala was also fortified with an accession of spirituality.

The example of self-abnegation, the ideal of self-sacrifice, Bali is to become the king of Devas in the succeeding Manvantara.

THE MATSYA AVATARA.

*SKANDHA. VIII. CHAP. 24.*

Towards the end of the previous Kalpa, Brahma was falling asleep and the Vedas fell from his mouth. The Asura Hayagriva took them up. Seeing this Vishnu became a small fish. King Satyavrata was making Tarpana (_i.e._ offering libations of water), when the fish found its way into his hands. He threw it into the river. The fish implored the King to preserve him. So he took it home and placed it in a small waterpot. The fish increased in size so much that all tanks and rivers were tried, but they could not contain it. At last the king took the fish to the sea, but it implored him not to throw it away into the sea. The king then said: -- "This fish must be the Deity Himself, otherwise how could it grow so large?" The fish then addressed the king thus: "On the seventh day from this, the Triloki shall be plunged into the Pralaya waters. Then a big Ark shall come to thee. Take all plants, all seeds, all animals, and the seven Rishis with you and get into that ark. When the wind shakes that ark, tie it with a serpent to myself. I will remain with that ark in the Pralaya Ocean till the awakening of Brahma. I will manifest supreme wisdom in thee."

So saying the fish disappeared and on the seventh day the Pralaya waters deluged the Triloki. Satya Vrata did as he was told. He got the highest wisdom from the Fish Incarnation.

That Satya Vrata is Sraddhadeva, our present Manu.

SKANDHA IX.

THE VAIVASVATA MANVANTARA.

SUDYUMNA.

*SKANDHA IX. CHAP. 1.*

Sraddhadeva Manu had no child for some time. Vasistha performed a sacrifice in honor of Mitra-varuna that he might obtain progeny. Sraddha, wife of the Manu, went to the chief priest and asked for a daughter. So Manu had a daughter named Ila. He took Vasistha to task for having had a daughter. Vasistha thought the priest had done something wrong. He prayed to Bhagavan for the change of Ila's sex. So Ila became a male named Sudyumna and in company with others went on horse back to the chase. He entered a forest called Sukumara, below the Meru, which is the play ground of Siva and his consort. He and his companions were all transformed into females, for such is the mandate of Siva for those that enter the forest. In this changed condition, Sudyumna with his female companions went to Budha. Budha took a fancy for Sudyumna and had by her one son Pururavas.

Vasistha took pity on Sudyumna again and prayed to Siva to change his sex. By the favor of Siva, Sudyumna became a male for one month and a female for another month. He had three sons. Utkala, Gaya and Vimala.

IKSHVAKU BROTHERS.

*SKANDHA IX. CHAP. 2.*

Manu prayed to Vishnu for one hundred years for other sons. He got ten sons like unto himself. Ikshvaku was the eldest:

(8). PRISHADHRA.

While residing in the house of his Guru, Prishadhra was placed in charge of cattle. It was raining one night, when a tiger entered the fold. The cattle strayed about in fear and bellowed aloud. Prishadhra ran after the tiger. The night was dark. He missed his aim and cut off the head of the cow, which the tiger had seized. He found out the mistake in the morning and informed his Guru about it. The Guru said: -- "You shall become a Sudra, as the fruit of your Karma." Prishadhra accepted the curse. He became an ascetic, and roamed about the earth as the friend of all beings. Eventually He ended his life in fire.

(10). KAVI.

Kavi attained wisdom in his youth. He did not marry.

(6). KARUSHA.

The sons of Karusha were the Karushas, a race of pious Kshatriyas, who guarded the north.

(5). DHRISHTA.

Dharshtas were the sons of Dhrishta. Though born as Kshatriyas, they became Brahmanas on this earth.

Sambarta, Son of Angiras, officiated at the Yajna performed by Marutta. The Devas took direct part in the Yajna.

(3). SARYATI.

SKANDHA IX. CHAP. 3.

Saryati was well versed in the Vedas. He had one daughter, Sukanya. He went with her one day to the Asrama of Chyavana Rishi. Sukanya found there two streaks of light as from glow-worms, issuing from within a mound of earth, thrown up by white ants. She pricked those portions with a thorn and blood oozed out. The party of Saryati found that their usual secretions were stopped. The king thought some one had offended Chyavana. The girl then told her story. The king found the Rishi underneath the mound of earth and asked his pardon. The Rishi wanted the hand of the girl in marriage and Saryati consented. So Sukanya became the wife of Chyavana.

One day the Asvini Kumaras came to Chyavana. The Rishi asked them to give him youth and beauty and promised in return to give them offerings of Soma, though they had no part in Soma Yagas, The Asvini Kumaras took the Rishi inside a tank and all the three came out young and beautiful and looking all alike. Sukanya could not recognise her husband and she prayed to the Asvini Kumaras to remove her confusion. They were pleased with her chastity and pointed out her husband.

One day king Saryati came and found his daughter sitting with a young man. He reproved Sukanya for her supposed unchastity. The girl then related the story of her husband's attaining youth and the king became very much pleased.

Chyavana made offerings of Soma to the Asvini Kumaras. This offended Indra. He held up the Vajra to kill Chyavana, but the son of Bhrigu paralysed the hands of Indra. From that time the Devas consented to give a share in Soma to the Asvini Kumaras.

SARYATI.
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--+------------+--------+---+-----------------+---
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Sukanya Uttanavarhi Anarta Dhuri Sena
m. Chyavana |
Revata
(He built a town called Kusasthali
in the midst of the sea and from that
town ruled Anarta and other lands.)
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--+----------------------+-------------------+---
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Kakudmin 99 other Sons.
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Revati

Kakudmin took his daughter Revati with him and went to Brahma loka to enquire of Brahma, who should be her husband. The Gandharvas were singing at the time and Kakudmin had to wait for a moment. He then saluted Brahma and made the enquiry. Brahma laughed and said: -- "O king, the men of your choice are dead and gone. I do not hear even of their sons and grandsons. Twenty seven yuga cycles have now passed away. Therefore go back to thy place and give thy daughter to Baladeva, who has now incarnated as an Ansa (part) of Vishnu for the good of Bhur-loka." And so the king did. (The Present is the 28th. Yuga cycle. Baladeva is the brother of Sri Krishna.)

(9) NABHAGA.

SKANDHA IX. CHAPS. 4-6.

Nabhaga remained long with his Guru. So his brothers thought he had become a Brahma-charin. They reserved no share for him at partition. Nabhaga at last returned to his house and asked for his share in the patrimony. The brothers pointed out their father Manu as his share. Nabhaga asked his father -- "How is it my brothers have reserved thee for my share?" Manu replied: -- "Child, do not believe them. The clan of Angiras are performing Yajna. They get confounded on every sixth day. This is the sixth day. Give them two Vaisvadeva Suktas. When they go to Svarga after completion of their Yajna they will leave all their sacrificial wealth to you." Nabhaga did as he was told. The Angirasas left all the property remaining on the sacrificial ground to Nabhaga. As he was going to take those things, a dark Purusha appeared from the north and said. "These are mine."

"But the Rishis have given them to me" said Nabhaga.

"Go to your father then and ask for the solution" said the dark Purusha.

"Yes, the remnants of a Sacrifice belong to Rudra" said Manu.

Nabhaga returned and said "Yes these remnants of sacrifice all belong to thee. So my father told me."

"I am pleased with thee and thy father. Both of you have spoken the truth" said Rudra, "I give thee supreme wisdom. I also give thee these remnants. Take them now."

NABHAGA
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NABHAGA.
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AMBARISHA

King Ambarisha had discrimination and dispassion. His devotion was great. His mind was fixed on the lotus feet of Vishnu, his words were all about the glory of Vaikuntha, his hands were engaged in cleansing the temples of Vishnu, his ears only heard about the glory and the works of Vishnu, his eyes intently looked on the symbols of Vishnu wherever found. His body felt pleasure in the touch of Vaishnavas, his nose smelt the sweet fragrance of Tulasi proceeding from the feet of Vishnu, his tongue tasted only food offered to Vishnu, his feet traversed the places sacred to Vishnu and his head was devoted to the salutation of Vishnu. If he enjoyed things of this world, it was for service to Vishnu and not for the sake of enjoyment. If he had attachment, it was only for those that were devoted to Vishnu. The fruits of his action he offered to Him. By devotion and by the unselfish performance of duties pertaining to his sphere of life (Svadharma), he pleased Bhagavan and by degrees he gave up all desires. Vishnu was so much pleased with the King, that he gave him His own Chakra for protection.

Ambarisha with his wife once undertook to perform Dvadasi Vrata for one year. (Dvadasi is the twelfth day of the Moon. The Vrata consists in fasting on the eleventh day of the Moon and in breaking the fast on the 12th day). On one occasion he fasted for 3 consecutive days. He bathed himself in the Yamuna and worshipped Vishnu at Mathura. He gave plenty of riches and cattle to the Brahmanas. He then fed the Brahmanas and asked their permission to eat himself. At the time Durvasas appeared as his guest. The king received him duly and requested him to take his meals. The Rishi consented and went to bathe himself in the river and perform his daily rites. The king waited long for him but he did not return. There was only half a muhurta now remaining of Dvadasi. If the king did not eat any thing, his Vrata would not be observed. If he ate, he would shew disregard to a Brahmana. At this juncture, the king decided to serve both ends by taking a little water, for the Brahmanas call that both eating and non-eating. Durvasas came back. By spiritual vision, he knew what had happened and became highly enraged. He tore up a hair tuft and charged it to kill Ambarisha. The king remained unmoved. The chakra of Vishnu consumed the destructive force sent by Durvasas and went even to destroy him. The Rishi ran in every direction. The Chakra followed him wherever he went. He went to Brahma and prayed to be saved. "It is not in my power to save thee" said Brahma. "Thou hast offended a votary of Vishnu." He went to Siva. "Child" said Siva "this weapon of Vishnu is too much for me even. Go thou to Vishnu." Durvasas went to Vishnu and prayed to be pardoned and saved. Said Vishnu: "O Brahmana, I am dependent on my Bhaktas. I am not free. My heart is in the possession of my Bhaktas. I am dear to them. Without these my Bhaktas I do not even want myself, nor my absolute powers, for I am their sole and supreme resort. They forsake their wives, homes, children and wealth for my sake. How can I forsake them. Their heart is chained to me. They look on all with equal eyes. By devotion they win me even as chaste wives win their husbands. My service is all in all to them. They do not even desire the four Muktis, Salokya and others, though these come within their easy reach. What perishable objects can they have desire for? The Sadhus are my heart. I am the heart of the Sadhus. They do not know any one besides me nor do I know any one besides them. O Brahmana, hear what is thy only remedy. Without delay go to him who has caused this fear in thee. When force is used against Sadhus, it reacts on him who uses the force. True asceticism and wisdom are both for the salvation of the Brahmanas. But in one untrained, they produce the contrary effect. Therefore go thou to the son of Nabhaga. Beg his pardon and thou shalt be saved." Durvasas went back to Ambarisha and touched the feet of the king. Ambarisha became non-plussed at this act of a Brahmana and knowing the object of the Rishi, he prayed to the Chakra to desist from its course and to save the Brahmana. The Chakra had just commenced its work of destruction, but it withdrew its energies upon the prayer of Ambarisha. Durvasas was extremely thankful and he thus praised the king. "I see this day the greatness of Vaishnavas, O king. Thou didst pray for my welfare, though I had offended thee. There is nothing strange for those that have conquered Vishnu Himself. Thou hast been very kind to me. Thou hast favored me much. Thou didst not even think of my offence, but thou hast saved my life." The king had waited for Durvasas all this time. He now fell at the feet of the Rishi and requested him to take his meals. The Rishi gladly did so, and also made the king take his food.

Durvasas then went to Brahma Loka. He did not return for one year and the King lived upon water only all this time, being so anxious to see the Rishi back. Such is the holy story of Ambarisha.

Rathitara had no children. At his request Rishi Angiras produced certain sons by his wife. They were known both as Rathitaras and Angirasas.

[Durvasas had cursed Indra, and Indra lost all power. But after the great churning, times were changed. The divine law favoured the Devas and the worshippers of Vishnu. Those who assumed a power, independently of Vishnu, were sure to find disappointment, however eminent their position might be.]

(I) IKSHVAKU.

SKANDHA IX. CHAPS. 6-13.

Ikshvaku was born out of the nostrils of Manu when sneezing. He had one hundred sons. Vikukshi, Nimi, and Dandaka were the eldest born. Twenty five of them ruled on the east of Aryavarta, twenty five on the west and twenty five in the middle. The others ruled else where. For the performance of Ashtaka Sraddha, Ikshvaku once ordered Vikukshi to get some good flesh. Vikukshi had a bagful of good game. But he was hungry and ate one rabbit out of his store.

Vasishtha found fault with this and Ikshvaku had to reject the whole of the game. The King became angry at this and he expelled his son from the kingdom. When Ikshvaku died, Vikukshi returned. He succeeded his father as king and was known as Sasada or Rabbiteater. Puranjaya was the son of Sasada. He was also called Indravaha and Kakutstha. The Devas had a fight with the Asuras and Indra asked for the help of Puranjaya. Puranjaya wanted Indra to be his carrier, and the King of the Devas became a bull. Puranjaya ascended the bull on its hump. He is therefore called Indravaha or Indra-vehicled and Kakutstha or the mounter on the hump. He defeated the Asuras.

With his 21 thousand sons, Kuvalayasva killed an Asura called Dhundhu, for the good of Rishi Utanka. But the Asura killed all his sons, except three, with fire from his mouth. Those three were Dridhasva, Kapilasva and Bhadrasva.

Yuvanasva had no son. So the Rishis performed a sacrifice directed to Indra. One night Yuvanasva became very thirsty and entered the Yajna house. He found all the Rishis sleeping at the time. He thought it improper to rouse the Rishis and drank whatever water he found near at hand. By chance that happened to be the consecrated water with the power of producing a son. When the Rishis rose up they did not find the water. On enquiry, when they knew what had happened, every one wondered what the outcome would be. In time the king brought forth a son from his right side. The little thing cried out for milk. Indra said "Do not weep, child, you shall _drink wine_ ('_Man Dhata_')" So saying he offered the child his fore finger. From this, the child was called Mandhata. Yuvanasva, by the blessing of the Rishis, did not meet with death at delivery. Mandhata was a very powerful king. The thieves dreaded him much. He performed many sacrifices and made many gifts. He married Indumati, daughter of Sasabindu. He had three sons Purukutsa, Ambarisha, and the Yogin Muchukunda. He had also fifty daughters.

Rishi Soubhari made Tapas in the waters of the Yamuna. One day he saw the pairing of a couple of fish and became excited. He requested king Mandhata to give him one daughter in marriage. The king said: "By Svayamvara, you may get my daughter" (_i.e._ the girl must choose her own husband from amongst a number of men offering themselves as husbands.) The Rishi thought because he was old and decrepit therefore the king wanted to put him off. So Soubhari by yogic powers became young and beautiful. All the fifty daughters then accepted him for their husband. The Rishi prepared for himself all the enjoyments of life and passed his days in company with his 50 wives. He then became disgusted with this sensual life and afterwards attained Moksha with his wives.

Yuvanasva adopted his grand son Ambarisha. Ambarisha had one son Youvanasva. His son was Harita. These three, Ambarisha, Youvanasva and Harita were the founders of the chief clans of the Mandhata Dynasty.

The elemental serpents gave their sister Narmoda in marriage to Purukutsa. Purukutsa accompanied Narmoda to Rasatala at the request of Vasuki. There he killed such Gandharvas as deserved to be killed. Those who remember this story have no fear from serpents. Such was the blessing of the elemental serpents.

Tri Sanku became a Chandala by the curse of his father. Rishi Visvamitra lifted him up to Svarga in his own mortal body. Tri Sanku is still visible in the heavens. The devas turned him with his head downwards and attempted to throw him down. Visvamitra by his power has retained him there.

[Tri Sanku is a constellation in the southern hemisphere.]:

Tri Sanku
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Haris Chandra

Haris Chandra had at first no issue. He prayed to Varuna for a son, promising to offer him as a sacrifice to the Water-god. The king had a son named Rohita (Red). Varuna asked for his victim. Ten days passed away. "Without teething the child will not be pure." There was teething. "When these milk teeth fall away, then will be the time." The milk teeth fell off. "Let other teeth grow." Other teeth did grow. "But he is a Kshatriya boy. He can be pure only when he is fit to put his armour on."

The king put off Varuna from time to time in this way, out of affection for his son. Rohita came to know of his father's promise. To save himself, he took a bow and went to the forest. There he learned that his father had an attack of dropsy, the disease caused by Varuna. So he prepared himself to go back, but Indra prevented him by persuasive words. He was put back from year to year by Indra, till his 6th. year. He then made his way to the king. He purchased from Ajigarta his second son Sunahsepha. He saluted his father and offered the child. King Haris Chandra appeased Varuna by human sacrifice and got rid of his dropsy. In that sacrifice, Visvamitra was the Hota, Jamadagni was the Adhvaryu, Vasistha Brahma and Ayasya was the Udgata. Indra being pleased gave a golden chariot to the king. Visvamitra taught Atma Vidya to Haris Chandra and he attained liberation.

[The story of Haris Chandra in this Purana follows the vedic version. The gist of the story is that in the course of further evolution the Devas were to be propitiated by human sacrifice. But this sacrifice did not mean killing. It was the complete offering of oneself up to the service of the gods. The mission of the human victim is to constantly work for the good of the Universe and to extinguish his own personality. Sunahsepha was not killed in the sacrifice. He was offered up to the service of the gods. After the sacrifice, he was called Devarata _i.e._ one offered to the Devas. Visvamitra adopted Devarata as his own son and he asked his hundred sons to accept him as their eldest brother. He disowned those sons that did not obey him (Bhagavata IX-16). Therefore Visvamitra took the principal part in this sacrifice and not Vasistha, though he was the family preceptor.]

His enemies dispossesed Bahuka of his kingdom. He went to the forest accompanied by his wives. When he died, the eldest queen prepared herself for death also. Rishi Aurva knew her to be big with child, and dissuaded her from accompanying her husband on to the funeral pyre. The co-wives of the queen, out of jealousy, gave her poison. The child was born with this poison, therefore he was called Sagara (Sa = with, gara = poison.) Sagara became a great king. The Seas were dug by his sons. He was prevented by Rishi Aurva from taking the lives of the Talajanghas, Yavanas, Sakas, Haihayas, and Barbars. But he made them change their outward look. He performed an Asvamedha sacrifice as advised by Aurva and Indra stole the sacrificial horse.

Sagara had two wives Sumati and Kesini. The 60 thousand sons of Sumati searched for the horse on all sides. They dug the earth's surface and made the Seas. They found the horse near Kapila. They took him to be the stealer of the horse and abused him. For this they were all burnt up.

Kesini had one son Asamanjas by Sagara. Ansumat was son of Asamanjas. He was attached to his grandfather Sagara. Asamanjas was a Yogin in his former birth. He therefore wanted to avoid company by means of provoking acts. He threw down some children into the Saraju. His father Sagara was thus compelled to forsake him. By Yogic powers, be brought back the children thrown into the Saraju, and left his father for ever.

Ansumat was also sent by Sagara to search for the horse. He found the horse and a heap of ashes near Kapila. He saluted Kapila and glorified him. The Avatara was pleased. He permitted Ansumat to take away the horse. He also informed him that his burnt-up Pitris could only he saved by the water of the Ganga.

Sagara completed the sacrifice with the horse. He made over the kingdom to Ansumat and attained Mukti.

Ansumat made Tapas for the downward flow of Ganga but without success. He was followed by his son Dilipa. He also did not succeed. Bhagiratha was the son of Dilipa. He prayed hard and Ganga appeared in person before him. "Child, I am pleased with thee. What boon do you ask for"? Bhagiratha told her what he prayed for. "But who shall arrest my course, when I fall down. If not arrested I will pierce the earth and reach Rasatala. Again if I pass over earth, men will wash away their sins in my waters. Where shall I wash away those sins, O King? Therefore do thou ponder well what to do." Said Bhagiratha: -- "The touch of Sadhus shall take away thy sins. For Vishnu, the destroyer of sins, remains in them. Thy downward course shall be arrested by Rudra." Siva was pleased by the prayer of Bhagiratha, and he consented to hold Ganga.

Ganga came rushing down and she was taken by Bhagiratha to where the ashes of his Pitris lay. The very touch of her waters purified the sons of Sagara and they went to Svarga.

Once there lived two Rakshasas. Soudasa killed one and did not kill the other. The surviving Rakshasa, bent on taking revenge, entered the service of Soudasa as a cook. When the king entertained Vasistha, he gave him human flesh to eat. The Rishi became angry and caused Soudasa to become a Rakshasa. When he learned however it was the doing of a Rakshasa, he reduced the king's Rakshasa life to 12 years. The king also held out water for the execration of Vasistha. His queen prevented him. So he threw the water at his own feet. His feet became black with sin. While living as a Rakshasa, the king saw a Brahmana and his wife in their privacy, and he attacked the Brahmana. The wife reminded the king of his former birth and requested him not to deprive her of her husband at the time of enjoyment. The king heeded not her words but devoured the Brahmana. The Brahmana woman cursed Soudasa so that he should meet with death whenever he had female connection. On the expiry of 12 years, Soudasa reverted to his former birth, but for fear of the curse he had no connection with women. Vasistha at the request of Soudasa produced a son by his wife, Madayanti. The conception lingered for 7 years. Vasistha struck the womb with a stone (Asman) and the son was hence called Asmaka. The son of Asmaka was Balika. He was the surviving kshatriya, after the extirpation of that caste by Parasurama. Hence he was called Mulaka also (the root of a race).

Khatvanga was a very powerful king. He killed Daityas as a friend of the Devas. The Devas offered him a boon. The king wanted to know how much longer he was to live. Learning it was a Muhurta only, he returned forthwith to his place and concentrated his mind on Bhagavan. He attained Mukti.

(The story of Rama as told in the Ramayana is widely and universally known. It is therefore unnecessary to repeat that story from the Bhagavata Purana.)

Dasaratha
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RAMA Lakshmana Bharata Satrughna
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+-----+ --+----+-----+-- --+-------+-- --+--------+--
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Kusa Lava Angada Chitraketu Taksha Pushkala Subahu Srutasena.

_Manu has matured in Yoga. He now resides at Kalapa._ _Towards the end of Kaliyuga he shall restore the Solar dynasty._

Sumitra shall be the last of the Ikshvaku dynasty in this Kali Yuga.

Nimi was the second son of Ikshvaku. He asked Vasistha to officiate at his Yajna. But the Rishi had been pre-engaged with Indra. So he asked the king to wait till he came back. Considering the uncertainty, Nimi did not wait for his family Purohita. But engaged another priest. Vasistha on returning became offended and cursed Nimi with the loss of his body. Nimi gave the same curse to Vasistha. So both gave up their bodies. Vasistha was reborn shortly after as the son of Mitravaruna by Urvasi. The Rishis picked up the body of Nimi and placed it with the scented things of Yajna. On the completion of the Yajna, the Rishis prayed to the Devas for the vivification of the body. But Nimi said from within the scented things that he did not want to be encumbered with the body any more. The Devas said: "Then remain in the eyes of all beings as winking." So Nimi remains in the twinkling of eyes.

The Rishis churned the body of Nimi and a son was born. He was called Janaka. As he was born, when his father was bodiless (_videha_) he was also called _Vaideha_. The churning also gave him the name of Mithila (Manth = to churn). He built the town Milhila. (Mithila is the modern Tirhut).

While ploughing the ground for sacrifice, Sira-Dhvaja got Sita at the end of the plough. Therefore Sira (plough) being his Dhvaja (flag, proclaimer of fame), he was called Sira Dhvaja.

(This Sira-Dhvaja is the renowned Janaka of Ramayana.):

Kesi Dhvaja was versed in Atma-vidya, Khandikya was versed in Vedic Karma, Kesi Dhvaja overpowered Khandikya and he fled away.

These kings of Mithila were well versed in Atma-vidya.

THE LUNAR DYNASTY.

*SKANDHA IX. CHAP. 14.*

Soma (the Moon) was born out of the eyes of Atri. He carried off Tara, the wife of Brihaspati (Jupiter). Brihaspati asked for his wife several times, but Soma would not give her up. Sukra (Venus) was not on good terms with Brihaspati. So he took the side of Soma, with his disciples, the Asuras. Siva with his Bhutas took the side of Brihaspati. Indra with the Devas also sided with their preceptor. The two parties engaged in fight. After some days of fight, Angiras informed Brahma about every thing that transpired. Brahma reproached Soma. So he returned Tara to Brihaspati. Brihaspati found that Tara had conceived. "Immediately throw out the seed of another man in my field," cried he. Tara feeling bashful brought forth at the time a lustrous son, Both Brihaspati and Soma desired to have the son, each saying "It is mine not yours." When they quarrelled with each other, the Devas and Rishis asked Tara who was the father of the child. The child reproved his mother for the delay in answering. Brahma took Tara aside and learned from her that Soma was the father of the son, Soma then took the child. Brahma seeing the deep wisdom of the child named him Budha (Mercury).

Budha had by Ila one son Pururavas. Narada related his beauty and his virtues to the Devas in Svarga. Urvasi heard all that and took a fancy for the king. By the curse of Mitra Varuna, she had then a human form. Both the king and the Apsaras became attached to each other and they lived as husband and wife. But Urvasi laid down two conditions of her company with the king -- (1) that the king was to preserve two rams, which the Apsaras had brought with her and (2) that the king was never to expose himself before her except in privacy. Indra sent the Gandharvas in search of Urvasi. They found her out and took away her two rams. She had a maternal affection for these animals and she cried out in despair. The king hurriedly took his arms and ran after the Gandharvas. They left the rams and fled away. The king brought them back. But in the hurry, he had forgot to cover himself and Urvasi left him. The king became disconsolate, and roamed about in search of her. After some days he found her on the banks of the Sarasvati with her 5 companions. He entreated her to come back. She promised to give her company to the king one night every year and informed him of her delicate state of health.

Urvasi came after a year, with one son. She advised the king to entreat the Gandharvas for her hands. The king did so and the Gandharvas became pleased with him. They gave him one Agnisthali (pot of fire). The king took the Agnisthali to be Urvasi and roamed with it in the forest. (The Gandharvas gave him the fire for the performance of sacrifice necessary for the attainment of Urvasi). The king found out his mistake at last. He then placed the fire in the forest, went home and meditated every night on Urvasi. On the approach of Treta, he was inspired with the three Vedas (Karma-Kanda). He then went to the place of fire and found there one Asvatha tree (the sacred fig) grown from inside a Sami tree (Sami is the name of a tree said to contain fire). He decided that the fire must be within the Asvatha tree. He took two pieces of wood (technically called Arani) from that tree and produced fire by their friction. He deemed one piece to be Urvasi and another piece to be himself and the space between the two pieces to be his son. By friction, the fire called Jatavedas came out. (_Vedas_ is wealth, enjoyments in general. _Jata_ is grown. Jata-vedas is that fire from which enjoyments proceed that which gratifies all sense-desires. It is the chief fire of the Karma-kanda of the Vedas). By the invocation of the three vedas, that fire became three fold. (Ahavaniya, Garhapatya, and Dakshina are the three fires perpetually kept in the household. _Ahavaniya_ is the eastern fire which represents the relations of the house holder with the Devas. _Garhapatya_ is the sacred fire which the householder receives from his father and transmits to his descendants and from which fires for sacrificial purposes are lighted. It represents household and family duties. _Dakhina_ is the southern fire. It represents all classes of duty to the Pitris). The king imagined this threefold fire to be his son (The son by his offerings sends his father's soul to Svarga. The sacrificial fire also sends the performer to Svarga). With that fire, he performed Yajna desiring to reach the Loka (plane) of Urvasi. Prior to this in Satya Yuga, Pranava was the only Veda, Narayana was the only Deva, there was only one fire and only one caste. The three Vedas came only from Pururavas, at the beginning of Treta Yuga. The king attained Gandharva Loka by means of the fire. (In Satya Yuga, Satva generally prevailed in men. Therefore they were all fixed in meditation. But in Treta Yuga, Rajas prevailed and by the division of the Vedas, Karma Marga made its appearance. _Sridhara_.)

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A Study of the Bhâgavata Purâna; or, Esoteric HinduismChapter V: The Story of the Prachetas Brothers (4)

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