Story #50: Bhagadhaththa's story

Story #49: The gaurava who battled in Pandavas side

    Hasthinapur was ruled by Dhridharashtra, whose wife was Gandhari. Dhridarashtra's Brother Pandu had Kunti and Madhri as his wives. All the three women were expecting child to be born at the same time.

   When time came, Kunti begot Yudhishtra. However, Gandhari didn't deliver the baby well beyond the expected time. She then hurt herself in a rage of anger over herself and delivered a hard ball kind of flesh. This flesh was divided into 100 pieces and put into 100 pots filled with ghee and kept covered under high care as per the advise of sage Vyasa. Vyasa assured that she would get 100 children from those pots at end of an year.

   Dhridarashtra wa not able to count on this completely. He began to fear that if, those pieces of flesh didn't turn to children, then the kingdom ruling authority would go over to the kids of Pandu. To keep the ruling clan he got a child thru the maid of Gandhari, Sugadha. The child was named Yuyutsu.

   Though Yuyutsu was born and brought up with the Kauravas, he was always very righteous. He couldn't however come away from them. He began to work as informer of Pandavas.

   Once Dhuryodhana tried to kill Bheema by poisoning water that he was to drink. Yuyutsu came to the rescue by alerting Bheema about the plot.

   Yuyutsu, then became friends with Pandavas, when he opposed the act of insulting them and Draupadi in the court. He then battled for Pandavas during the Kurukshethra war.

   When Krishna left to Gholokha, all the Pandavas were ready to go along. Before retiring, they gave the rule to Parikshit and made Yuyutsu the supervisor of affairs for the kingdom.

   We learn from Yuyutsu that wherever we are being righteous is important.

Sathyameva Jeyathe !!

Story #48: Story of Uloopi

   Uloopi is another lesser known character from Mahabharatha. Uloopi was the daughter of the Naga King Kauravya, who ruled over the underwater kingdom of Ganga. Uloopi once got to see Arjuna and was mesmerized by his charisma. With her magical powers she pulled Arjuna instantly to her father's court.

   She then asked Arjuna to marry her. However, Arjuna denied as he was on a mission to go to Himalayas to do penance and there by get powerful weapons. Uloopi and her father consoles him at length and makes him marry Uloopi.

   After this Uloopi gave birth to Iravan or Aravan. She got so pleased on getting a son. So, she gave Arjuna the boon that he would not be affected by any underwater creatures.

   After the Mahabharatha battle, the Saptha Vasus, brothers of Bhisma, became very angry with Arjuna for killing their brother. They curse Arjuna that he would die at the hands of his own son in a battle.

   Uloopi became very disturbed when she heard of this. She goes to Ganga matha and asks her if there is any remedy. For this Ganga ma says she can't take back the curse. On hearing persistent prayers of Uloopi, Ganga matha gave Uloopi a stone jewel which if she would keep on the chest of Arjuna after he died, would bring him back to life.

   Uloopi was not only rich and powerful but was also very intelligent. She wondered that the stone will be of no use, if Arjuna died when she wasn't there near him.

   She hatches a plan. Acccordingly, she meets Babruvahana, who was son of Arjuna and Chitrangadaa. She confuses them so much that Babruvahana declares a war against Arjuna, when he was trying to do Ashwameda yaga.

   During this war, Arjuna dies in accordance with the curse he got from the vasus. Uloopi immediately brings Arjuna back to life. Seeing all this commotion, Chitrangada and Babruvahana gets angry at Uloopi.

   Uloopi patiently calmed them down and explained the curse and remedy. She said it was for the well being of Arjuna only, she kindled Babruvahana to wage a war and kill Arjuna. Pleased with her thought process Arjuna and others praise her.

   We learn from this, that even the worse situation could be twisted in a positive way, only by using a proper plan and executing it at the right time. So, a clear mind at any situation provides ample benefits.

Jai Ganga Matha ! Jai Sri Uloopi ! 

Story #47: Mystery of no living thing in Madurai temple tank

   Long ago, there was a heron who was accustomed to live on the fish of some large lotus-filled tanks. The heron lived in a tank near the southern bank of river Vaigai.

   Once there had been a famine in that area, causing the tank to become dry. The heron in the hopes of finding another tank with water and food, came to another lake. This the heron found was full of water, fishes, crabs and all that it would have as food. This tank was near an ashram in which many rishis resided and prayed for the well-being of the world.

   The Saathvik character of the rishis, slowly transfused into the heron. It began to listen to the dissertation that were given by the rishis everyday in the evening. This began to make huge changes in the heron.It realized that killing another life for one's own happiness is unforgivable sin. It also became very much interested in going to Madurai, about which the rishis talked very highly about.

   So, the heron started to fly day in and out for 15 days (1 paksha). Finally it reached Madurai and came to the potramarai kulam(golden lotus tank). It became even more serene and peaceful there. It decided to stop eating any other creature. Lord Shiva pleased with such a transformation in a five-sensed creature, wanted to test it. He made a fish leap out of the bank in its own accord, as if offering itself as feast to the heron.

   Strong instinct urged the heron to devour its prey; but it recollected that the place was holy, and considered that severe punishment would follow. It therefore abstained. Happy with the determination of the heron, lord Shiva appeared there.

   The lord asked the heron what he desired. The heron said that it desired two things. First one was that it could reside in the abode of Shiva forever. Second desire was to make no living creature to live or reproduce in that lake, as it would help all other herons to move in spiritual way and not get any sin by eating other lives.

   The lord was very happy for the selfless wish of the heron and blessed it that the wishes would come true. We still can't see any living thing in the temple tank of Meenakshi temple.

   We learn from this thinking about all is much preferred and accepted by the gods.

Lokha Samastha Sukino Bhavanthu !!

Story #46: Indra's relief - First Thiruvilayadal

   Once Indra was witnessing the dance performance of Apsaras. He was so involved in the dance that he didn't even see Brihaspathi, the guru of all the Devas, come there. This made the guru little angry. However, he waited till the performance was over. Indra, then saw Guru there in his court. He didn't budge from his throne or ask for forgiveness.

   This infuriated the Guru so much that he said that he wouldn't stay in the court or meet Indra and went away. All the knowledge that Indra had disappeared in an instance, so did the brilliance of his court. Not knowing what to do, he went to meet Brahma for his advice.  Indra still didn't repent for what he did. He just wanted to have a replacement of Guru.

   Brahma wanted to teach him a lesson. He advised Indra to ask Vishvaroopa, who was son of Daksha prajapathi, to be the Guru. Brahma also warned him to be careful as Vishvaroopa was son-in-law of Asuras. With the thought that there was no other person who could suit the position well Indra accepted the idea readily. He asked Vishvaroopa to be his Guru.

   Vishvaroopa accepted this and began doing many japas and yagnas. He was secretly giving the avirbhaga to Asuras. This was making the asuras more powerful. When Indra came to know this truth, he cut off the head of Vishvaroopa. This caused Brahmahathi dhosham. A black demon started following Indra everywhere that he went. It was threatening Indra continuously. This caused terrific mental agony for Indra.

    Meanwhile, Dhaksha prajapathi, heard the news that his son was beheaded by Indra. So, he began to do yagna, from which came a rakshasha. This also started to follow Indra wherever he followed and went on giving trouble to him.

   With both the demons following Indra didn't know what to do. So, he took the form of a bee and went inside the stem of Lotus plant. For the first time he realized his mistake of not respecting Guru. He started to meditate upon Brihaspathi. After many years Brihaspathi appeared before him and advised him to visit many Kshethrams on earth. On the way he would get rid of the demons.

    Thus Indra started his journey. When he reached kadambavanam, present day Madurai, the demons disappeared. As per the advise of Brihaspathi, he raised a temple for the Shivalinga that he found there, with the help of Vishwakarma.

   This sport of Sokkanatha to help Indra get rid of the demons is the first thiruvilayadal among the 64 leelas, that the lord performed in Madurai.

   We learn from this the importance of respecting and treating Guru with utmost importance.

Om Sri Gurave Namaha !!

Story #45: Dhaumya- the purohit of pandavas

   During their exile, Pandavas kept on moving from one place to another. After slaying Bakasura and helping the village of Ekachakra, the Pandavas moved towards the town of Panchala. On the way while crossing river Ganga, they saw a Gandharva named Angaaraparvana, who was Kubera's friend. He was bathing in the river with his wife.

   He thought that the Pandavas were there to disturb him. He made such a situation, which pressurized Arjuna to battle against the Gandharva. The Gandharva fought with over-confidence that after all a human could never defeat him. He wasn't aware of the valour of Arjuna. He faought with Arjuna and lost miserably.

    Arjuna, heeding to the advise of Dharma, left the Gandharva to go citing the gandharva's wife's plea. The gandharva was happy to be left alone, however he didn't want to show a defeated face to his wife. So, he told Arjuna that he was ready to give him anything that he wanted.

   Arjuna promptly declined his offer saying that he didn't need any. The Gandharva however convinced Arjuna and said he was ready to give each of the Pandava brothers fifty horses, which never felt tired or hungry.

   Arjuna was amazed by such gift. He said that he would get those when the time comes for it. He also gave a poweful asthra to the Gandharva as a return gift. Thus they both became good friends.

   While talking the Gandharva stressed the importance of purohit or a priest for the wellness of the family and clan. He said it was because of Vasishta, who acted as purohit of king Samavarna, that Kuru was born.

   Understanding the importance of the purohit, they marched in the direction that the Gandharva showed. There they saw Sage Dhaumya in a forest near Ganga. They all immediately felt a connect with the sage and a calmness prevailed in their minds.

   The sage readily acceptedthe position and became the purohit of the Pandavas. He travelled with the Pandavas during their entire exile and also thereafter when they ruled over the kingdom.

Acharyaya Namaha !!

Story #44: Navagunjara

    In North eastern versions of Mahabharata, this incident is described.  During exile Arjuna wandered in the forest,  uncertain as to perform penance towards which form of the Lord.

    At this time he comes across a strange animal that he had never seen before. The animal was composite of nine animals.  It had the head of a rooster, the neck of a peacock, the waist of a lion, the hump of a bull, serpent as tail, the leg of an elephant, another leg of a tiger, yet another leg of a horse and a human hand holding a lotus or chakra. It was termed as Navgunjara.

   Arjuna’s natural reaction was to take his bow and attack the monster before it could attack him. But then Arjuna noticed that Navagunjara was holding a lotus. So,  he lowered his bow and wondered what kind of creature it was.

   Krishna then appears to him and says that the navagunjara is another of his forms, (similar to the Virata Rupa of the Bhagwad Gita). In the navagunjara, Krishna expresses the plurality of approaches to understanding of reality. Krishna says that the ultimate reality is one,  but appears different to different people.  So whatever penance he do it ultimately a penance towards Krishna himself.

    We have a number of gods and goddesses which lead to different religious sects and, therefore, there are many and varied temples, festivals, rites and rituals. Just like many branches arise from the same trunk which finds its nourishment in the springs of water in the earth; it is the same water that they drink. This aadharam or base is called brahman.

   The navagunjara motif is sculpted at the northern side of the Jagannath Temple, Puri. Also, the Nila Chakra disc on the temple has eight navagunjaras carved on it, with all facing towards the flagpole above.

Om brahmane namah!! 

Story #43: Ashwathama's desire

  Dhrona imparted the knowledge of Brahmastra to his best disciple, Arjuna. Ashwathama, the son of Drona was however not able to endure that fact that his father chose to teach this knowledge to someone else other than his own son.

   Ashwathama urged Drona to reveal the knowledge of the weapon. Drona obliged unwillingly and imparted the knowledge to him, but warned that the weapon should not be used even in times of great danger, especially against human beings.

     Knowing the restlessness of his son, Drona felt that Ashwathama would not tread the path of dharma and told it to him directly. Hearing this, Ashwathama was overcome by despair and he wandered the earth in grief.

   While Pandavas were in exile, Ashwathama visited Dwaraka and stayed there for a while. One day, he visited Krishna when the latter was alone by the seashore. He urged Krishna to offer His Discus in exchange for the Brahmastra weapon.

.   Krishna replied that all Worlds put together wouldn't be equal to a thousandth of his energy.  So,  he wouldn't need anything for exchange of anything else.  He offered to give his bow,  discus, mace or konch, whichever Ashwathama wanted to possess.

    Ashwathama said that he preferred to have the discus.  Even before Krishna could give,  Ashwathama seized the discus with his left hand.  He was unable to move the weapon even an inch.  He tried again with his right hand and failed again miserably.  Dejected and tired, Ashwathama resigned.

   Krishna told Aswattama that not even Arjuna, Pradhyumna, Garage or Samba spoke the words that Ashwathama uttered. Krishna asked Ashwathama as whom he intended to battle against using the discus.

Ashwathama replied that he was Infact thinking of using it against Krishna himself.  He further said that he now realized the real power of the weapon and that he doesn't have the capacity to hold it.  Saying this Ashwathama departed.

    This incident was narrated by Krishna to Yudhistra at the end of the war.  Krishna described Aswattama as wrathful, wicked-souled, restless and cruel.

   We must learn from this that we mustn't have any wicked thought while praying to the god. This will only end up in our own misery.

Om namo Vasudevaya !!

Story #42: Story of Upamanyu

   Dhaumya maharishi,  who was purohit of Pandavas, once gave his disciple Upamanyu the responsibility of herding cows. From then Upamanyu would herd the cows during the day and return in the evening to pay his respects.

   One day, Dhaumya asked him as how he was so healthy and plump even after undertaking day long outdoor activity.  For this Upamanyu replied that he consumed food obtained by taking alms.  Guru replied that he can't take any food without offering to guru first.  Upamanyu said sorry for his deed and said that he would follow it going forward. 

    After few days Dhaumya again Alex the same question as the student was still healthy and plump as before.  The sishya said that he went for second round of alms after offering the first round of Alma to his guru.  The guru said that it would become a burden for the house holders if he asked for alms two times everyday.  The student apologized and swore that he wouldn't do it again.  

   After few weeks,  the guru asked the same question as the student didn't reduce even a bit. The student replied that he consumed the milk of the cows that he herd to nourish himself.  Dhaumya replied that it was injustice to the calves to drink the milk that belonged to them.  Upamanyu promised that he wouldn't do that in future. 

    The student remained still healthy which made the guru ask the question again.  Now Upamanyu replied that he took the froth thrown out by the calves from their mouths when they drink their mothers’ milk.

The preceptor replied that he supposed the calves threw out large quantities of froth out of compassion. He ordered the student to allow the calves to have their full share of food.  Upamanyu agreed to this also and went.  

    Upamanyu, thus deprived of food by the above means, had to endure bouts of hunger. One day, driven by extreme hunger, he consumed Arka leaves in the forest. As a result, he lost his eyesight, and, as he wandered around helplessly, fell into a pit.

   Dhaumya, observing that his disciple did not return, went in search of Upamanyu in the forest. The teacher located Upamanyu and learnt from him all that had transpired. Dhaumya asked him to pray to Ashwinikumaras as they will be able to rectify his vision.  

   Upamanyu,  like always ever so truthful and sincere did as his guru said.  The Ashwins, pleased by Upamanyu’s prayer, appreared before him and offered him a prasada that, when consumed, would regain his vision. Upamanyu agreed to consume the prasada after offering it to his Guru.

The Ashwinikumaras said that Dhaumya didn't give the medicine to his guru and hence it isn't necessary for him to give to Dhaumya before eating. Upamanyu thanked them but declined their advice.

    Pleased by his resolve, the Ashwins repaired his sight. They also offered  him a golden tooth, and many other powers. The Ashwins then blessed Upamanyu with good fortune and left. 

   The boy returned to his guru and narrated all that had happened. Dhaumya was thrilled, and he blessed Upamanyu with prosperity and mastery of the Vedas. 

    True and sincere belief and obedience in one's guru will bring in immense benefits. 

Shri Gurave namah!!! 

Story #41: The beginning of Kaliyuga

    Dwapara Yuga was about to be finished and Kali yuga was about to begin. The kalipurusha was able to conquer every place in the world except the kingdom ruled by king Parikshit.

   When Parikshit came to know that kalipurusha was waiting at the boundary of his kingdom,  he really went there and battled against kalipurusha.  Sure enough the King won the battle and was ready to slain the kalipurusha.

    At this time kalipurusha explained the King that the onset of Kali yuga was as per the rules laid out by Lord Brahma. He forget gave the details as how many year reach yuga was supposed to be and also the nature of each yuga. He said the weapons that kalipurusha was bestowed upon were poison, lust, evil, treachery, greed.

   At the end,  the King allowed kalipurusha to reside in five places, and use his five weapons. He gave permission that people who willingly came to these places could become the victims of the demon Kali Yuga.

    The five places where those were there was
   1.  Alcohol drinking - weapon of poison
   2.  Prostitution - weapon of lust
   3.  Animal slaughter - weapon of evil
   4.  Gambling - weapon of treachery
   5.  Gold - weapon of greed.

    Kali smartly entered into Parikshit's golden crown and spoiled his thoughts.

    Parikshit entered the hut of a sage named Shamika as he was thirsty. He found the sage in deep meditation. He bowed to him several times but as there was no response. In anger, he took a dead snake and threw it around the sage's neck. Later when the sage's son, Shringin, heard of this incident he cursed the king to die of snake bite on the seventh day.

    On hearing this, the king forswore the throne for his son Janamejaya and spent his last seven days, in an socially created island,  which was void of snakes.  All seven days he was listening to the Bhagavatham from sage Shukabrahma.

   On the seventh day, the King took a lemon that was floating in the sea and cut it open. Inside the lemon was the snake king Takshaka, who bit him. Parikshita left his mortal remains behind and attained Moksha.

   We learn from this though we encounter the hardest time, mere listening to the stories of God would lead us to the ultimate goal.

Jai Sri Krishna!! 

Story #40: The tale of Tulasi

   There once was an Asura named Jalandhara. Jalandhara was born out of the anger that Lord Shiva felt towards Lord Indra. He was married to the beautiful Vrinda.

   Vrinda was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and she had received yogic powers due to her bhakti. Jalandhara, who was already powerful, became invincible due to the powers of Vrinda.

   Every time Jalandhara went to battle, she would begin her prayers to Lord Vishnu.
This would ensure the victory of the Asura.

   Once, Jalandhara went against battling with the Devas, with Lord Shiva as the leader. The Gods knew that it was impossible to defeat Jalandhara, as the prayers of Vrinda were in progress. So, Lord Vishnu took the form of Jalandhara and went to Vrinda. He informed that he has defeated lord Shiva, and asked her to stop her prayers. Hearing these words, she stopped the prayers and got up from her seat.

   As soon as she did so, she realized that there was something wrong. At that very moment, Lord Shiva had killed Jalandhara.

    Vrinda realized this and also came to know that it was none other than her Lord Vishnu who had cheated her.

   She cursed lord Vishnu to become a stone for such cheating and not protecting her husband at the time of need. With this, she breathed her last.

    According to the curse, Lord Vishnu was trapped in the Saalagramam and Vrinda was reborn as a tulsi plant. The leaves of tulsi is Lord Vishnu's favourite and no pooja or offering for him is complete without the leaves of tulsi.

    We learn from this incident in Tulsi Mahathmiyam that even the God have to bear the consequences, if he does an evil deed.

Tulsi maharaani kids jai !!

Story #39: Son of Hanuman

   This is again a lesser known story,  which appears in Gujarati and few other versions of Ramayana.

   After setting Lanka on fire, Hanuman flew off from the blazing city, his tail still in fire.  As he was feeling too hot, he decided to take a dip in the sea water. Here a drop of his perspiration fell in the mouth of a mighty Makara.

    This Makara or fish was caught by the fishermen in the kingdom of Ahiravana, the king of Patal. When the Makar was cut open, a monkey face baby with a fish’s body was found. Ahirvana saw his strength and named him Makardhwaj, the guardian of Patal.

   Later when Ram was fighting the war against Ravan, Ahiravana cast a spell on Ram and Lakshman and took them to Patal. Hanuman followed them. However, at the gates of Patal he was challenge by Makardhwaj who introduced himself as the son of Hanuman.

    Hanuman was most amused to hear this.  On his behest, the guard narrated the story of his birth and asked blessings from his father. However, Hanuman still had to fight a duel and defeat him to get into Patal to get Ram and Lakshman. On his return and upon Ram’s Advice, Hanuman appointed Makardhwaj as the new king of Patal.

   Temples dedicated to Makardhwaj can be found in Gujarat and Rajastan. 

   We must learn from this,  we must be courageous enough took stand against even our kith and kin when it comes to establishing righteousness.

Jai Bajrangbali!! 

Story #38: Ashoka Sundari - Daughter of Shiva

   Acccording to Padma purana, Ashoka Sundari, was born to Shiva and Parvathi before birth of Ganesha. Parvathi felt lonely many times, as Shiva would leave her alone many times to visit his devotees. Once when both of them were under karpagavriksham, the wish-fulfilling tree, Parvathi tells Shiva her problem and asks for a girl child who could be with her to wardoff her loneliness.This wish was instantly granted. She was named Ashoka as she got rid of Parvati’s shokam or sorrow and Sundari because she was very beautiful.

   Ashoka Sundari was to be married to Nahusha, grandson of Yayati of the lunar dynasty. There was a demon who tries to abduct her. However she escaped fromm him and curses him that her husband would become the reason for his death. Later, Ashoka Sundari and Nahusha got married in the ashram of Sage Vashishta. After this Nahusa kills the demon and saves the life of many sages.

   In many vrat-katha of Gujaratis we come to know that, Ashoka Sundari was present at the time Ganesha was beheaded by lord Shiva. She gets too afraid that she hides herself behind a sack of salt. When Parvathi comes to know of this, she gets really frustrated and letdown. She curses her own daughter, that her fame would go down and she will not be known to all and she will be one with salt always.

   Since this is said to have happened in Chaitra month, Gujaratis still refrain from getting salt during the month. They believe that it would bring in the wrath of Parvathi if they get salt that month.

   We learn from this mythological incident that whoever we may be we must be brave and courageous and stand for the right when there is a need. Being a witness of an evil deed is as good as doing the deed itself.


Jai Uma Maheshwara !!!

Story #37: Seetha's previous life

   Once there lived a son of Brihaspathi, Brahmarshi Kusadhvaja. He was the guru of Devas and had spent his life reading the Vedas. He had a daughter named Veddavathi,  who was very bright and charming.  Her father wished to give her in marriage to Lord Vishnu. A daitya king sambhu killed her parents for rejecting his marriage proposal. Yet Vedavathi continued her great penance towards Lord Vishnu.

   Ravana, the Asura King, found Vedavathi meditating and got attracted to her and asked her to marry him.  However she rejected the proposal. Ravana got irritated and spoiled her penance by touching her hair. Vedavathi jumped into for SMH sacrificed her life.  She was careful not to curse Ravana as it will cause her penance to go wasted.  Still before jumping into fire, she told that it would be because of her rebirth that Ravana would die.

   Ravana who got a little scared,  didn't even want to leave the ashes behind.  He took it along with him to Lanka. The asked in the box showed up as different forms to everyone. So, Mandodari, wife of Ravana, threw the box in deep seas. The box thus thrown travels in seas and landed in a place Mithila.

    Long time later,  even Janaka, the king of Videha, ploughed the land to prepare for Yagna, he got the box,  which had a beautiful child in it.  The child was named Seetha. As we all know,  she grew up and became the reason for the fall of Ravana.

   We learn from this,  unspoken words have much more power than the words that are spoken.
             
    Jai Sitaram!! 

Story #36: Anirudhdha

   Banasura, was an asura with 1000 hands. He played various instruments using all his hands and sang with fill dedication to please lord Shiva. Shiva was so happy with his way of tapas that he started to do Anandha Thandava. The lord also granted him a boon that no one could kill him not even a god.

   After getting such a boon, Banasura became so drunk with pride that he had nothing but utter disrespect and disregard left for all gods except Shiva. He troubles all the world. Shiva wasn't happy when his devotees were troubled. Shiva cursed Banasura that he shall meet his downfall soon.

   Banasura had a beautiful daughter named Usha. She once had a dream in which she saw a handsome prince. She started to get that dream everyday. So she decided to marry the prince that came in her dream. Everyone, except her friend Chitralekha, teased her for taking such decision.

   However, Chitralekha, her dearest friend, drew the portraits of many princess but they were out of luck. None of the portraits matched the person who came in her dream. One day Chitralekha observed that Usha was exhilarated seeing a painting. She asked her if it was the person she saw in her dreams.

   Usha said it wasn't that prince, but there was some resemblance. Chitralekha revealed that the portrait was that of lord Krishna. She immediately drew the picture of Pradyumna, stating he was the son of lord Krishna. Usha again said there were resemblance to the person she saw in her dream, but still the portrait didn't match exactly. Chitralekha then drew the picture of Anirudhdha, who was Pradhyumna's son. Seeing this portrait Usha became very happy and said that it was him, who came in her dreams.

    Chitralekha, who was well-versed in many thantras, flew to Anirudhdha's chamber and carried a sleeping Aniruddha on his bed to Ushas chamber. Anirudhdha after waking up realized where he was. Seeing Usha, he also felt attracted towards her. They both talked and played board games.

   Just then Banasaura, who just became aware of all these, came there. When he saw Anirudhdha, he became very furious and tied him up with snakes. This news reached the years of Krishna and Pradhyumna.

   Both of them together waged war against Banasura. Since Banasura was still a staunch devotee of Shiva, he got support from Shiva. The battle moved to a stage that Krishna had to fight against Shiva. Krishna took the Sudharshana Chakra, while Shiva took his Trishul. Brahma appeared there in the middle and stopped both from using there ultimate weapons. Just then, Krishna went to talk with Shiva. Shiva told of Banasura's devotion and also about the boon that he had given Banasura.

   Hearing all these information, Krishna with the permission of Shiva, cut off all the hands except four. This caused Banasura to get rid of his ego and began to think normally.

He now readily accepted the proposal of Anirudhdha getting married to Usha. The marriage went on with great pomp.

We must understand that steadfast belief in god alone wouldn't keep us on top. Our actions should also be Saathvik,

Om Namah Shivaya ! Om Namo Narayanaya !

Story #35: How mouse became vehicle of Vinayaka

   Once there was a gandharva (celestial musician)  by the name Krouncha. One day,  after performing in the court of Indra,  he was praised a lot by the attendees there.  The gandharva walked out with so much proud, that he noticed very little about what was in the way. Without looking he stamped on the leg of Vaamadeva Rishi, son of Gowthama Rishi.  He didn't even apologize for his action.  This irritated Vaamadeva Rishi, so he cursed him to become a mouse,  which would only run wherever it wanted.

    True to the curse, the gandharva became a mouse of enormous size.  He began to run wherever he wanted.  This disturbed everyone.  Due to his size, he was destroying everything over which he was running.

   As he was running,  he came to the ashram of sage Vasishta. As the mouse was about to destroy the ashram,  Vinayaka who was present there,  tied down the mouse using his paasangusam as a noose rope.

   Vinayaka jumped over and sat on the mouse. The gandharva started to cry out of pain, unable to carry the load.  As he pleaded guilty, Vinayaka reduced himself to a size and weight which the mouse can carry.  The mouse or the mooshik was named Anindhya.

   Later vinayaka used him as a vehicle to run around to nook and corner of the world to get rid of any obstacles to his devotees.

   We must also note that the mooshik signifies our senses and vinayaka represents our intellect. The form of Vinayaka on mooshik reminds us that we must keep our senses under the control of our intellect.

  Jai Shri Mooshika Vaahana!! 

Story #34: Duryodhana's dilemma

   Duryodhana was lying in the battle field, awaiting death, badly bruised by the wounds inflicted by Bheema. He was unable to speak.  He stretched out his hand and kept three fingers in raised position.   

   None of his men understood the meaning.  Seeing this pity sight,  Krishna himself approached Duryodhana. Krishna said her knew what was in the mind of Duryodhana. 
 
   Krishna said, the three things you think you should have done are:
    1. You must have built a fort around Hastinapur.
    2. Persuade Vidhura to fight the battle
    3. Making Aswathama the commander-in-chief after the death of Dronacharya.

   To this Duryodhana moved his head in affirmative to the extent that he was able to. 

   Krishna explained further that, even if Duryodhana would have done all those,  he would have failed. Krishna said,
   1. If there has been a fort,  I would have sent Nakhula on horse, to destroy the fort.
    2. If Vidhura had been made to battle, then I would have participated too too counter him.
    3. If Aswathama was made the commander-in-chief, I would have made Yudhistira angry.

   Hearing this Duryodhana closed all the fingers and within seconds he left his body. Reason behind such answer is that, 
 
    1. Nakhula can ride his horse even in heavy rain without getting wet. He travels with such a speed between a drop and another drop, without getting wet. Only Nakhula had such skill.
 
    2. Krishna would have fought against Vidhura and would have taken the soul,  as he was the one who provides it in his body.

   3. When Yudhistra gets angry,  anything everything in his sight would be burnt. 


   We learn from this conversation between Krishna and Duryodhana,  that whatever mighty we may think or do with an ill thought will only bring in misery.  So keeping our thoughts and actions clean without the intention of hurting others is very important.

   Hare Krishna!!! 

Story #33: Udupi King's foresight

   The Mahabharata battle,  was the mother of all battles.  Every king in the world were compelled to support either of the two sides. 

   The King of Udupi, however, chose to stay neutral.  He took up the duty of feeding both the armies with food during the battle.  The Mahabharata battle was a just battle, so the army men were at peace with each other everywhere else except the battle field.  They used to dine together.  As accepted,  the Udupi king provided all with food necessary for fighting with full energy. 

   Arjuna once noted that neither food for ever wasted, nor was any soldier left without food. He got curious as how the Udupi king had the knowledge of how many would remain in the battle until the next meal. When he asked Krishna about this,  Krishna directed him to talk with Udupi king himself to know the fact.

   Accordingly,  Arjuna met the Udupi king and asked how the King had such knowledge.  The King replied that Krishna would give those details to him in a round about way. 

   He said that he went to Krishna's tent every night and gave him boiled and peeled peanuts which he likes very much.  After Krishna completed,  the Udupi king would count the remaining peanuts in the bowl and thus gets to know how many Krishna has eaten. If Krishna had eaten 20 peanuts then 20,000 warriors would die the next day in the battle.   From this he guessed how many would remain the next day and cook accordingly.

   We come to know from this,  even during the fierce battle scenario, the Lord himself supported and helped in stopping wastage of food. We must take that as a note and make sure that we too don't waste food anytime.

Hare Shyam Gopala !!!

Story #32: Ravanan's father

  Vishrava was the father of Ravana, who was inturn the son of Pulasthya maharishi and grandson of Lord Brahma. Vishrava was a scholar with very high intelligence. He earned great powers thru tapasya.  His name and fame spread far and wide.

   Bharadwajar was so impressed with Vishrava that he gave his daughter, Ilavida, in marriage. Vishrava and Ilavida gave birth to Kubera,  who was bestowed as lord of wealth and lots of Northern direction, by lots Shiva.

   Vishrava's  yogic and thapas powers reached the ears of asuras as well. One asura king named Sumali and his wife, Tataka, sought to increase their own powers through alliances with mighty Kings and Rishis. They decided that their daughter, Kaikesi would make a worthy wife for Vishrava and orchestrated her chance encounter with the Rishi.

   Vishrava fell as a prey in a bait.  He fell in love with the beautiful Kaikesi and married her.  He fathered four children with her. The oldest was Ravana who would eventually oust his half-brother, Kubera, as King of Lanka and usurp his throne.

   In addition to Ravana, Vishrava fathered Vibhishana, Kumbakarna and a daughter, Soorpanaka, through Kaikesi.

   Vishrava then disowned his demonic family after witnessing Ravana's disrespectful treatment of his older brother, Kubera and returned to his first wife, Ilavida.

   We learn from this incident that appearance may be deceiving. We must wisely choose our associations.

   Saptharishyai namah!! 

Story #31: The five golden arrows

    Once during their exile pandavas stayed near a lake in a forest. Duryodhana and few of his brothers camped on the other side of the lake.  The Gauravas were repeatedly harassing pandavas on the tough time they had to face.

    One day a few Gandharva princes came to the lake and were bathing.  Duryodhana picked up fight with them and was easily defeated. When the Gandharvas were ready to slain him, Arjuna came to his rescue and saved Duryodhana. This made Duryodhana feel very embarrassed.  However being a kshathriya,  he told Arjuna to ask for a boon. Arjuna however said that he didn't need any at that point and that he would use it when he needed.

    Years rolled by and as per fate the battle of Mahabharata commenced.  As the Gauravas were losing, Duryodhana went to Bheeshma's tent one night, and began accusing Bheesma for not fighting to the fullest.  This angered Bhisma. He immediately showed five of his sacred arrows and promised Duryodhana that he would behead all the pandavas by next day evening.  Duryodhana however didn't trust Bhisma and said that he would safe guard the arrows till the next day morning. He was doubting that Bhisma would give those to pandavas. So,  he took the five arrows with him to his tent.

    At this time, lord Krishna advised Arjuna to go to Duryodhana's tent and get his incomplete boon complete by asking for the five golden arrows as gift. Arjuna did as per the advice. Duryodhana was shocked when Arjuna asked for such a gift. However being a true kshathriya he gave the arrows as per the request. 

   He then went to Bhisma and iterated the whole incident and asked if Bhisma could create another set of such five arrows.  Bhisma laughed at Duryodhana and said that it's not possible. He also said that Duryodhana deserved losing such valuable weapon on account of his faithless attitude.

   We learn from this to trust in our allies and not keep suspecting everyone always.

Krishna Krishna!!