Interesting stories from Mahabharata -I : Krishna & Utanaka

 

After the Mahabharata war got over and having spent considerable time in the company of Pandavas, Krishna started his journey back to Dwaraka. On his way, he had to cross the desert region where water was very limited.Therein he met a great ascetic, named Utanka. Krishna paid his respects to Utanka and was respectfully worshipped by the ascetic in return,. After enquiring about Krishna's welfare, Utanka asked Krishna, did he succeed in establishing peace between Pandavas & Kauravas? 

Krishna said, 'I did my best to bring peace, but Kauravas didn't heed to my advice and also ignored the wise counsel of Bhishma & Vidura.  Ultimately, a great war happened between Kauravas & Pandavas. The Kauravas along with their friends & relatives went to the abode of Yama".  When Krishna had said these words, Utanka, was filled with anger, and  said 'Since, even though you were able, you didn't stop the war, I am going to curse you.  "Vasudeva said, please listen to  me before uttering your curse. No harm is going to come me from your curse and  I don't want merits acquired by you through penances to be exhausted by making a curse. After having heard my words, if you wish, then you may curse me 

Krishna said, 'Know that the three qualities of Tamas, Rajas and Sattva exist, depending on me as their refuge. Additionally,  know that the Rudras,Vasus. Daityas, Yakshas, Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Gandharvas, Nagas and Apsaras have sprung from me. In me are all creatures, and in all creatures do I exist. Whatever is manifest and not-manifest, whatever is destructible and indestructible, all have me for their soul. There is nothing higher or beyond me I am the eternal god of gods. Know that all the Vedas beginning with Om are identical with me. I am the sacrificial stake, I am the Soma , I am the offering in the sacrifice and I am the sacrifice itself. Dharma is my eldest-born offspring, sprung from my mind,  whose essence is compassion for all creatures. I keep transforming myself and keep taking birth in diverse wombs, for upholding dharma, with the aid of men now existing or departed from the world. I do this for protecting righteousness and for establishing it. I am known, in the three worlds as Vishnu, Brahman and Indra. I am the origin  and I am also the destroyer of all those creatures that live in sinfulness. When, I live in the order of the deities, I then act in every respect as a deity. When I live in the order of the  Gandharvas, I then act in every respect as a Gandharva. When I live in the order of the Nagas, I then act as a Naga, and when I live in the order of Yakshas or that of Rakshasas, I act after the manner of that order. Born now in the order of humans, I must act as a human being. I appealed to the Kauravas most piteously but they refused to accept my words. I also frightened them by referring to the consequences of  ignoring my message but as they were possessed by unrighteousness, and were under the impact of  Time, all of them have been righteously killed in battle, and have, without doubt, gone to heaven. 

After hearing this from Krishna, Utanka said, 'I know you, to be the creator of the universe, this knowledge that I have,is the result of your grace towards me. My heart is now free of agitation and I no longer wish to curse you. However, if, you are pleased with me, then please show me once your divine form. Gratified with him, Krishna, then showed Utanka that Vishvaroopa which He had shown to Arjuna  Beholding that high and wonderful  form of  the Supreme Lord,  Utanka became filled with wonder. Utanka, said, "I bow to you , O Soul of the universe, O parent of all things".

Having shown his divine form, Krishna asked Utanka for a boon as the sight of this supreme form cannot be fruitless.  Utanka said, "O lord, as water is very scarce in this region, I desire to have water whenever I  wish to quench my thirst". Vasudeva said,  whenever you require water, just think of me! Having said so, Krishna proceeded towards Dwaraka. Subsequently, one day, Utanka, was exceedingly thirsty as he was wandering over the desert and he thought of Krishna  Immediately, he held in front of him  a naked hunter, full of  dirt and surrounded by a pack of dogs and water issuing from his urinary organs .The hunter smilingly addressed him, saying, 'O Utanka, do you  drink this water. Utanka, refused to drink that water and became extremely angry with the hunter, but before he could  utter a curse the hunter disappeared from there. Now, Utanka was puzzled and thought this was some trick played on him by Krishna. Just then, Krishna appeared there. 

Utanka questioned Krishna, "Was it proper for you to offer water to a Brahmana in the form of a hunter's urine".  Janaradana smilingly said, "water was offered to you in the form, which was best suitable for you, however you couldn't understand it".  I had asked Indra to give you Amrutam in the form for water, however Indra said its not proper to give Amrutam to ordinary mortals. However on my insistence,  Indra said, I'll take a form of hunter and give him water in a way I find fit. If, he drinks it then he'll get Amrutam. So, it was the King of gods who had come to give you nectar but you refused it. You made a big mistake, however, I'll still fulfill your wish. Whenever you wish to have water, on those days, clouds well-charged with water will rise over this desert. Those clouds, will give you sweet water to drink, also those clouds will become known in the world as Utanka-clouds.' Thus addressed by Krishna, Utanka became happy, and to this day Utanka-clouds (appear and) shower rain on the deserts.

Why Utanaka was such a great ascetic that he could think of cursing Krishna? Wait for the next blog..

Vishnu is the boss

 

Once Matali, the chairoteer of Indra was searching for a bridegroom for his daughter Gunakesi, who was celebrated all over the world for her beauty. Even after searching enough, He couldn't find any suitable husband amongst  gods,  daityas , gandharvas, men and  rishis. He then made a journey to the world of the Nagas. 

On  his way, he saw the great Rishi Narada. Matali informed Narada, of his mission purpose and then, the well travelled Narada, who knew all the residents of nether world, agreed to join Matali in his quest. After going through various regions in the nether world, Matali foung a Naga youth by the name of Sumukha, whom he found suitable for his daugher. On enquiring with Narada about lineage of Sumukha, he got to know that Sumukha was born in the race of Airavata and his father Chikura was killed by Garuda. When Narada told Sumukha's grand-father Aryaka about Matali's desire to have Sumukha as his son-in-law, he became both happy and sad. He said its an honor to have such an alliance for his grandson and would be more than happy to get Sumukha married to Gunakesi. However, they are scared as when Garuda killed Sumukha's father, he also promised to kill Sumukha within a month. 

Matali, who had the lord of the devas as his friend, suggested, they all go to Indra and ask his help in this matter. When they went to meet Indra, they found Lord Vishnu also there, who on hearing their story asked Indra to give Amrutham to Sumukha and make him immortal like other gods. Indra was also scared of Garuda as in the past during a battle with Garuda, he had found his Vajra was also not able to do any damage to Garuda. However after getting assurance from Lord Vishnu, he gave Amrutham to the Naga. Now Sumukha, having drunk Amrutham and having lost fear of Garuda, married Matali's daughter and returned home.  

Now, when the mighty Garuda heard what had happened, he got into a rage and was inflamed with anger. He came to Indra and asked him, how dare you gave away my food(the naga Sumukha). Garuda said, although I am of immeasurable strength and also more powerful than you, I still have to be respectful towards you(as Indra is the king of the devas). He further said, that through my strength I can carry the weight of three worlds without getting fatigue, yet due to the respect I give you, I carry your younger brother(Vishnu) on my back and I also protect his flag.  There is no one in the whole universe who is capable of bearing such heavy burden. 

Lord Vishnu who was also listening to these proud words of Garuda, said smilingly to Garuda. "You are very weak and yet you are saying all these proud words". All the three worlds united can't bear my weight, it is me only who bears my weight. If you are capable to bear the weight of my right arm only, then i can assume your words are true. Saying this, Lord Vishnu gently put his right arm on Garuda's shoulders. Just by the touch of that arm, Garuda fell down, became breathless and lost his senses. He thought that one arm was itself like weight of complete earth along with its mountains. Garuda was gasping of life and started losing all his feathers. Immediately, he bowed down to the great Lord and asked for forgiveness. He said, this strength of yours was never known to me and this strength of yours used to make me unequalled. Please forgive this winged created. Lord Vishnu became happy, told Garuda never to boast about his strength in future and also asked him to keep the naga Sumukha on his breast. 

This story was told by the Kanwa Rishi to Duryodhana and others in the Kuru assembly to let them know that Krishna is no one else but that Lord Vishnu and Kauravas don't stand a chance against Pandavas who are ever protected by Krishna. 

Home Alone

Humans are social beings and right from birth we are always in company of others. In childhood we spend time playing with brothers, sisters or friends. As we grow up and enter youth, we move out from family and spend more time with our friends. In course of time, we meet that someone special with whom we want to share our next phase of life. In due course, we might have our own family and then we start spend our time & energy in raising the family. In a matter of few years, life comes to a full circle. In all these years, we have spend time with so many people, however we have hardly spend time with our own self.  

We are too busy interacting with others and projecting an image outside that we don't get time to see what is inside us. There could be hidden talents within us, which we have not explored due to societal pressure or lack of time. Some of us may like to sing, listen to music, dance or paint but we don't do it as someone else is around us or we are too busy taking care of others. Living in a society has its advantages, however sometimes being in the company of others prevents us from expressing our own self. The everyday expectations from family & relationships can be a big drain on the physical and mental health. 

Great thoughts, new discoveries and innovative ideas have come out when people have gone in solitude and touched their inner core. Sages/philosophers across ages and continents have emphasized the importance of being alone and then doing contemplation. Reminds of the famous line from Pt. Bhimsen Joshi's bhajan, "chod kar duniya ke maje, baith ekaant mein, dhyaan kar Hari ke charan ka, phir janam nahi payega".Once in a while, we should just take a break from our regular life, our friends/family and go to some place where no one knows us and spend a few days there. We can just be, in our own company. It'll help to rediscover a newer aspect of ourselves and bring in fresh new ideas/thoughts to last till the next break. In many countries, after completing the basic education, children take a break. They go around visiting countries, learning new skills, doing odd jobs and trying to find out what to do in life. This can bring more clarity about what one really wants from the life or can even bring in much bigger question about what life is. 

Staying alone for long time has its downside as well. Solitude can also bring out our worst fears and insecurities to the fore as well. This is another side of us which we have ignored but by being alone, they come out more strongly and if one is not prepared, then they can make one go crazy or start hallucinating. This is where a master or Guru is required, who can guide us through and show the right way. After the goal is achieved, its time to come back to the society and share the fruit with others. Rightly said by the protagonist in  the movie  Into the Wild  "Happiness is only real once shared"

Brothers Across Ages

There is something special about the bond between brothers. Historically, men have gotten together to hunt, explore new areas & conquer new territories. These pursuits develop a special relationship between them as they help each other in overcoming various challenges. Boys grow up together playing games and sharing dreams about their future. In course of time they grow up & look for a different kind of  companionship to share their softer feelings. However, there are certain aspects of their life which they can only share with their brothers. Being a husband doesn't allow them that freedom which they can enjoy with their brothers. 

Throughout history, there have been many brothers and their relationships were different & very interesting. The best of them is between Rama & his brothers. All of them were extremely dedicated to each other. Ram-Lakshaman and Bharat-Shatrughna were never separated and its said that Rama could tolerate the separation of Sita but couldn't stay on earth once he asked Lakshmana to go away. Then, we had Krishna and Balaram, they had tremendous love for each other and although they had disagreements but Balaram would never go against Krishna. We also had the Pandavas, where all the brothers were committed to each other and stayed together even in the most adverse of situations. Interestingly, even the Kauravas all 100 brothers fought together. The feeling of brotherhood runs strong even among other creatures. We have Sampaati, the elder brother of Jataayu, who saves his younger brother from getting   burnt when they both tried to go near the sun. Ravana and his brothers also had great love for each other(only his lust and ego, came in between). Both, Vibheeshan and Kumbhakarna wanted good for Ravana and even advised him to give away Janaki and have peace with Rama. Even Vaali and Sugriva had a very good relationship, till Vaali lost his sense due to pride and arrogance. Even the demons Hiranyaksha and Hirankashyapa were highly fond of each other and shared common hatred towards Naarayana. 

When brothers are of almost same age, then their relationship becomes more like friendship. As it was with Krishna and Arjuna. They become like one soul in two bodies. Their love for each other was even more than love for their families. When Arjuna takes the vow to kill Jayadrath or else kill himself, Krishna is extremely worried and says to his charioteer Daruka, I can live without Rukmini, my son Pradyumna or even Balarama but I can't see this earth without Arjuna. He asks Daruka to get his chariot ready with all the weapons, in case Arjuna fails to accomplish the mission, he would forget his oath  destroy the whole Kaurava army himself.  It was the same with Arjuna, once Krishna departs this earth, he lost all interest and immediately start his final journey. 

The relationship between brothers, if it is of love and friendship, then it leads to great heights but if ego, jealously comes into play, then it leads to downfall. 

Krishna hosts Durvaasa

The famous sage Durvaasa, known for his short temper openly challenged anyone to receive him as guest. Knowing his short temper and as his name suggests(difficult to reside), no one was brave enough to risk getting cursed in failing to please the great sage. Krishna invites Durvaasa to come and stay at his place. Now Durvaasasa, shows why he is so difficult to please and also why the ways of Rishis are impossible to understand. 

 On certain days he would eat the food sufficient for the needs of thousands of persons. On certain other days he would eat very little. On some days he would go out of the house and would not return. He would sometimes laugh without any ostensible reason and sometimes cry without reason. One day on entering the palace he burnt all the beds and covers and then told Krishna, that he wants to eat porridge without delay.  Krishna got hot porridge to be made available. Durvaasa ate some and then told Krishna to smear the porridge on all his body.  As told, Krishna smeared the porridge on his body and head. Now, Durvaasa saw Rukmani , and then laughingly smeared porridge all over her. Then he asked Krishna for a chariot and then instead of horses, yoked Rukmani there. He then rode that chariot and set out of the palace. If this was not enough, he kept striking at Rukmani with a whip (as if she was an animal) in Krishna's presence. Everyone in Dwaaraka, was amazed at this act of Durvaasa and also at the respect and reverence shown by Krishna to the Rishi, in-spite of all this cruel acts of the Rishi. Then suddenly Durvaasa jumped off the chariot and ran away. Krishna and Rukmani both ran behind the sage. After a while the sage stopped and then said the following to Krishna. You have subdued wrath by your nature and I'm very pleased with you. He further blessed Krishna by saying, as long as there is desire for food among humans and deities, till then people will like you as they like food. Further, your palace would be restored to its previous beauty or better.  He also blessed Rukmani  to be the best among among all women. Now, comes the surprise about the porridge!!

He says, as long as you live, you'll never have to fear from any injury to those parts of your body where you have smeared porridge and he's disappointed that Krishna didn't apply porridge to the sole of this feet.  The all knowing Krishna only smiles. The ways of saints and Krishna are unfathomable. 

Ref: This incident is from Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, and  narrated by Krishna to his son, Pradyumna to tell him how much Brahmanas are to be respected. 

Atithi Devo Bhava

I was on a bike trip with my cousin to Tunganath(highest of the panch Kedar's) in Uttaranchal. We were about 10Km away from our destination when the bike tyre got punctured. My cousin got a lift and took the tyre to nearest puncture repair shop, which was about 20Km downhill. I thought of waiting at a small tea stall nearby and keep a watch on the bike and luggage. With nothing to do, I got chatting with the tea-stall owner over cups of tea. It soon starting getting dark with ominous clouds threatening with heavy mountain rain. There was no sight of my cousin and I was getting a little worried on what to do next. I was also worried on what to do once the  tea shop owner decides to close the shop and asks me to leave. What happened next was really interesting. He told me to wait at the shop, while he goes to the village and get some stuff. By the time he came back, it had started raining really heavily(only those who have witnessed mountain rains can appreciate it). He told me that he went to get provisions for making dinner and then he made an excellent dinner of daal + rice for me. The rains had become even worse by then and it was pitch dark. I couldn't even see 10m ahead and was wondering what had happened to my brother. The shop owner on the other hand told me not to worry and made arrangements for me to sleep in the shop basement. Long story short, i had a wonderful sleep in that cozy basement and found to my amazement that my cousin had somehow comeback in the night and we continued our journey further.

I was really amazed at the hospitality of these people. Providing shelter and food to an unknown person, without asking anything.These people who live in small one room house with very basic facilities have a much bigger room in their hearts. We, who live in multi-bedroom houses can not even tolerate our friends and relatives staying for more than a couple of days. Few years back, it was very common to have people from extended family and family friends coming and staying for days. 
All that seems to distant history as people have become more focused on their smaller families.

Our scriptures are replete with stories about the importance attached to Atithi(someone who comes unannounced). The Taittriya Upanishad even equates Atithi with divine by declaring "Atithi Devo Bhavah". The ancient thinkers wanted us to see divine in everyone and showing reverence to an unannounced guest was a hallmark of our culture.The beauty and greatness of sanatana dharma lies in these traditions. There is an interesting story about Krishna hosting Sage Durvasa for sometime in Dwaraka and how Durvasa tried every trick to find mistake in Krishna and his family's conduct. In the end, he is happy and gives many boons to Krishna and Rukmini. That story is very very interesting, may be covered in another post... 

Investment & Charity

We all make investments in the expectation that they would help us in the time of need. Investments can be classified based on when they start giving us returns, some of them might be short term(1-2 year), some medium(5-10  yrs) and some real long term(beyond 10 yrs ). Again, smart investors  don't put all their money in one instrument, as they want to shield themselves from vagaries of the market and time. So they invest in gold, property, stocks and various other options. They keep getting rewarded from their investment and live a life of prosperity with all the comforts of this material world.

Now, drawing an analogy here, what should we do for attaining prosperity in the spiritual world. Charity is the investment which can help us grow in the spiritual work. There is a story in Mahabharatha of a Brahmana, who attained to the highest sate of SriVaikuntha, just by donating a handful of rice.  Similar to material investment, we should do charity of different types. Some, which is very easy like feeding birds, animals or someone who is hungry or giving clothes to the needy. This is like short term investment. Some of the charity should be for causes like education, healthcare which helps the society in general and can be like medium term investment. Some of it should be set aside for religious & spiritual institutions which is like long term investment and would give results in this or next lives. Now, intelligent investors don't brag about their investments, similarly while doing charity the following line from Taittriya Upanishad should be remembered 

shraddhayA deyam |  Give with Faith,
 ashraddhayA.adeyam |  Give not without Faith;
 shriyA deyam |  Give in Plenty,
 hriyA deyam |  Give with Modesty,
 bhiyA deyam |  Give with Awe,
 saMvidA deyam |  Give with Sympathy.