Hindu Mythology Blog

Kamadeva is the god of human love and passion who is known to awaken carnal desires among humans. Etymologically, Kama means sensual desire and Deva means a divine being. He is regarded as the heavenly god of love who arouses passion and love among those struck by His cosmic arrow. He is described as a beautifully winged youth with greenish skin, holding a bow while a quiver with arrows hangs on his back. His bow is made of sugar cane and its string is made of a line of honey bees. His arrows are made of 5 types of flowers, his vehicle is a green parrot and he is accompanied by his wife Rati, Vasant (spring) and a gentle breeze. The Shiva Purana explains that right after he was born from Brahma’s mind, Kama stood in front of his creator and asked ”Kam darpayani?”, or “whom shall I please?” By this famous question he acquired the name Kandarpa, and this was his father’s answer:

“You should move around this world engaged in the eternal work of creation with the five arrows of flowers in your hands and thus multiply the population. Not even the gods will be able to obstruct your arrows.” For this reason, Kamadeva is considered as one of the most popular and well-known deities. References to Kamadeva can also be found in various scriptures, including the Rig Veda, Atharva Veda and others, although He figures more prominently in the Puranas.

When Lord Shiva’s consort Sati entered into fire and embraced death due to the insult her father Daksha showed Shiva, He was completely devastated and angry. He abandoned His duties and went into severe meditation. This led to a destructive imbalance in the world, which worried all the Gods. Meanwhile, Sati was reborn as Goddess Parvati. She wished to marry Lord Shiva but He was least interested and chose to ignore her feelings. Lord Brahma told Narada that the deities decided to send Kamadeva to influence lord Shiva so that the marriage between him and Parvati is felicitated. Indra called Kamadeva and told him that the demon king Tarakasur could be killed only by such a person who was the son of Shiva and Parvati. Indra instructed Kamadeva to arouse passion in lord Shiva, so that he agrees to marry Parvati.

Kamadeva, accompanied by his wife Rati went to lord Shiva to accomplish his mission. After reaching the place where lord Shiva was engrossed in his meditation, Kamadeva made repeated attempts to arouse passion in the heart of lord Shiva, but his actions were no avail. Right then, Kamadeva saw Parvati arriving accompanied by her companions. She was looking divine in her beauty. Just at that moment lord Shiva too had come out of his meditational trance. Kamadeva thought that it was the most appropriate moment to have a go.

Kamadeva struck lord Shiva with his ‘Kamabana’ which did have a deep impact on him. Lord Shiva was struck by the awesome beauty of Parvati and his heart became full of passion for her. But at the same time he was surprised at the sudden change in his behavior. He realized that it was an act of Kamadeva. Lord Shiva looked all around him. He saw Kamadeva standing towards his left side, with a bow and arrows in his hands. Now he was fully convinced that it was indeed an act of Kamadeva. Kamadeva became terrified, he started remembering god, but before the deities could come to his rescue the third eye of lord Shiva got opened and Kamadeva was reduced to ashes.

Parvati got scarred after seeing Lord Shiva in such a destructive anger. She went to her house along with her companions. Rati the wife of Kamadeva wept inconsolably. The deities arrived and consoled her by saying that by the grace of lord Shiva, her husband would be alive once again. After that the deities went near lord Shiva and did his worship. They told him that it was not the fault of Kamadeva, as he had acted in accordance with the aspirations of the deities. They also told him the mystery of Tarakasur death. The deities then requested him to make Kamadeva alive once again. Lord Shiva told the deities that Kamadeva would take birth as the son of Krishna and Rukmini in the era of dwapar. A demon by the name of Shambar would throw him off in the sea. He would kill that demon and marry Rati, who too would be living in a city near the sea.

But the deities were not satisfied. They requested lord Shiva to help Rati to unite with her husband. Lord Shiva then told them that Kamadeva would become his gana, but he also warned them against revealing this fact to anybody. Rati then went to the city where the demon Shambar was expected to appear in the era of dwapar. The deities too went back to the heaven. Lord Shiva’s anger did not subside after the death of Kamadeva and the whole world started to feel the wrath of lord Shiva’s fury. All the living creatures became terrified. They went to Lord Brahma and prayed to him, to save them from Shiva’s wrath.

Lord Brahma went to lord Shiva and conveyed their request to him. Lord Shiva agreed to relinquish his anger. Lord Brahma then carried Shiva’s ‘fury’ to the sea and went to the sea. He requested the sea to possess it until the final annihilation. The sea agreed to do this. This way Lord Shiva’s fury entered into the sea and all the living creatures felt a sigh of relief. Parvati also told Rati, that her husband Kama will take a body again later on as a son of Krishna and Rukmini, and will be named Pradyumna. “At that time you will be able to rejoin your husband if you will take the position of a maid servant at the house of the demon Sambara,” Parvati said.

Rati was glad to hear the news, and after her death she incarnated as Mayavati, the maidservant of Sambara. The demon Sambara learned from Narada that Pradyumna, the baby boy of Krishna and Rukmini, will kill him. The demon kidnapped the baby and threw him into the ocean where a big fish swallowed him. Fishermen caught the fish and sold it to the cooks of Sambara. When the belly of the fish was cut open, a beautiful baby was discovered and he placed in the care of Mayavati. Mayavati raised the boy and as he grew, she expressed great sexual attraction to him rather than motherly affection.

The boy asked his mother in wonder: “My dear mother, how is it that you express feelings that are not befitting a mother?” Mayavati explained to Pradyumna that he was not her son but the god Kama who was born as Pradyumna, the son of Krishna and Rukmini, and was kidnapped by Sambara. In fact, she was his wife, Rati, who came to join him in that incarnation. She also described to him how his parents were probably still grieving his loss. Hearing this, Pradyumna, filled with anger and challenged Sambara to fight. He killed the demon and, along with Mayavati, went back to Dwaraka. When he arrived in Dwaraka, all were impressed by his beauty and his resemblance to Krishna, but they did not recognize him as he was mere a baby when he was kidnapped. It was his mother Rukmini who recognized him because of the strong motherly feelings that she started to sense for him.

Kashyapa and his two wives, Diti and Aditi, were the parents of Asuras (demons) and Devas (gods). Indra, the king of Devas went to war with the king of the Asuras, as it was common practice in those days for one king to invade the kingdom of another to acquire additional territory. Mahabali vanquished Indra in the war and proceeded to annexe the territory of Indra and occupied his capital Amaravati. Kashyapa had gone to the Himalayas to do penance. Lamenting over the defeat of her son, Indra, Aditi was in great grief. When she was wailing, Kashyapa came to her. Instantly; he was able to recognise the cause of her grief by Divine insight, which he had acquired as a result of his penance. He consoled his wife Aditi saying that nothing happens in the world without God’s will and people should go on doing their duties. He asked her to pray to Lord Narayana and taught her a Vrata to be followed strictly, known as Payovrata. It has to be observed from the twelfth day of the bright half of Karteeka. She observed the Vrata as prescribed. A devotee’s sincere prayer will never go waste. Since she performed the Vrata with a pious heart, Narayana appeared before her and blessed her that He would Himself take birth in her womb and help Indra. Aditi was very happy and true to the word of the Lord, she gave birth to a son of uncommon effulgence on the twelfth day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada. That child was Vamana Murthi. Even as a child He demonstrated His Divine power by doing marvellous deeds.

Mahabali was performing an Ashwamedha Yajna. He had previously performed a hundred such Yajnas. He declared that he would give anything that anyone sought from him during this Yajna. Vamana came to the Yagashala. As He was approaching them, the sages assembled there perceived the extraordinary effulgent form of the young lad. Mahabali went forth to receive the Brahmana boy with all traditional honours and gave him and eminent seat befitting the status of a holy person. Bali told him: “Master, it is my good fortune that you have chosen to honour me with your presence. Whatever you desire, I am here ready to fulfil the same”. Vamana smiled and said: “You need not give me anything very great. It is enough if you give me that extent of land covered by three foot-steps of mine”.

On hearing him, Bali’s preceptor, Shukracharya, who could have vision of the future, told Bali that the one who had come to seek a gift from Bali was not an ordinary Brahmana boy but Lord Narayana Himself who had assumed this form. He advised Bali not to promise the lad anything. But Bali was a king who would never go back on his word and told his Guru that he would never break his promise. He was determined to give Vamana whatever he wanted since breaking one’s word was a sin and he had to keep his pledge. Shukracharya insisted that he should not fulfil the demand of Vamana as He had come to deprive Bali of all his possessions. He said Vamana was not really in need of anything as everything was in His hands.

Bali, however, determined to honour the word given to Vamana, begged pardon of his Guru for disregarding his advice. Earlier, while Bali was embarking on the war with Indra, he had prostrated at the feet of his preceptor, Shukracharya, and on his advice he performed the Vishvajit Yajna from which he secured very powerful weapons. It was only because of Shukracharya’s help that he was able to conquer Indra. On this occasion, Bali was not prepared to heed the advice of the same preceptor. Shukracharya cursed Bali, saying: “As you have not heeded your Guru’s words you will be reduced to ashes”. Bali was firm and replied, “I am prepared to face any consequence, but will not go back on my word”.

So saying, he told Vamana to measure the three feet of land as desired by Him. All attempts of Shukracharya to dissuade Bali from offering the land desired by Vamana proved futile. Bali told his Guru: “Prana and Mana are the two eyes of a person. Even if life goes, honour should be protected. Granting that the person that has come now is the Lord Himself, I should be the most fortunate one as the Lord who gives everything to mankind, is seeking something from me”.

Bali wanted to perform a great Yaga called Vishwajit Vishwam (means the totality of Pancha Bhootas (five elements), Pancha Indriyas (five senses) and Pancha Koshas (five regions or sheaths) of the human body). It is the victory over such a Vishwam which the word Vishwajit symbolizes.

Indra is so called because he is ruler of the Indriyas (senses), and the ruler of the Indriyas in man is the Manas. The nature of the interplay of Indriyas is such that it is possible to gain as well as to lose through it. Indra wanted to rule heaven, but Bali wanted nothing of the sort. Indra used to propitiate and beg Vishnu in order to achieve what he desired, but Vishnu Himself descended in the form of Vamana to beg from Bali. Thus Bali proved himself to be far superior to Indra.

Vamana belonged to the famous Siddhashram which was founded by Kashyapa (representing Purusha) and Aditi (representing the feminine Nature). It is through the union of this Purusha and Prakriti that the progeny known as Siddhi (in the form of Vatu), the embodiment of Vishnu Tatwa, was born. The Siddhashram was located on the banks of a sacred river called Pavitra, which represents life. Siddhi will always be found on the banks of flowing life whenever the Bhava Shuddhi (purity of mind) and Chitta Shuddhi (purity of heart) predominate in man. It is due to the fact that all Sankalpas could be realised at this sacred Ashram that it has come to be known as Siddhashram. Vishwamitra, after the successful completion of his Yaga with the help of Rama and Lakshmana, brought them to reside at this Ashram for some time. It was at this Ashram, too, that Bali attained Moksha (liberation).

The spreading of Vishnu Tatwam is known as Trivikrama Tatwam. The aspect of Trivikrama Tatwam is represented by the Gayatri Mantra: ‘Bhur Bhuvaha Suvaha’. The Bhu Loka, Bhuvar Loka and Suvar Loka constitute the Trivikrama Tatwam. It is wrong to conceive of these three Lokas as existing one on top of the other and thus capable of being reached by climbing a ladder, as it were! In fact the three Lokas are intertwined with each other and one exists within the other.

The real meaning of this kind of geometrical configuration of the three Lokas is that the Pancha Indriya, Pancha Bhootas and Pancha Koshas aspects of man’s Deha, is Bhu Loka; the aspect of Prana Shakti or Manas Tatwam is Bhuvar Loka; and the microscopic state of Aanandam represents Suvar Loka. So it can be said that the three worlds, Bhu Loka, Bhuvar Loka and Suvar Loka, are nothing but the Deha Tatwa, Manas Tatwa and Ananda Tatwa respectively and the totality of these three represents the Trivikrama Tatwa.

Again, these three aspects of Trivikrama Tatwa can be understood in terms of the three states of an individual, viz., the one you think you are, the one others think you are and the one you really are. Hence only by proper Sadhana can one transcend from Bhu Loka through Bhuvar Loka to Suvar Loka. The attainment of Suvar Loka is known as Moksha, and it represents the stage of complete mergence with the Lord. Since it is a state where the aspect of Moha is made to disintegrate, it is known as Moksha.

The story of Narasimha is one of Vishnu’s ten avatars taken to restore Dharma and righteousness in the world. The story revolves around Hiranyakashyapu and his son, Prahlada. Hiranyakashyapu’s elder brother Hiranyaksha was killed by Vishnu in Varaha Avatar for terrorizing the world. Enraged by his brother's death, Hiranyakashyapu vowed revenge against Vishnu. Hiranyakashyapu decided to pray to Brahma to obtain boons of immortality.

While Hiranyakashyapu was in meditation, Indra, King of God's attacked Hirankashyapu’s kingdom and was massacring subjects. Indra almost killed Kayadhu, Hiranyakashyapu’s wife but Narada intervened and took Kayadhu to his Ashram. At the time, Kayadhu was pregnant with a child. Hiranyakashyapu prayed and prayed until Brahma appeared before the Asura. When Hiranyakashyapu asked for immortality, he was refused for every being had to die. So, Hiranyakashyapu chose the following conditions for his death:

1. He cannot be killed in the sky, on earth or in water.

2. He cannot be killed inside a house or outside of a house.

3. He cannot be killed by man, Deva, animal or Asura.

4. Hiranyakashyapu cannot be killed during daytime or nighttime.

5. Hiranyakashyapu could not be killed by any sort of celestial or divine weapons.

Brahma granted these requests and then left. Pleased with himself, Hiranyakashyapu returned to his kingdom and began expanding his empire. Because of his boons, the Devas were powerless against him. Hiranyakashyapu conquered the 3 worlds, but his aim was to defeat Vishnu.

Hiranyakashyapu ordered to stop prayers of Devas and had people worship him. By this time, the child was born and he was named Prahlada. Hiranyakashyapu loved Prahlada very much and loved to be with the child.

When it came to the boy's education, the King sent the child to the Ashram of the Royal Sage to learn scriptures etc. and also learn his father's greatness. But the child had eyes for Narayana alone. While at the Ashram, Prahlada converted all the Asura students to worship Vishnu rather than Hiranyakashyapu.

The teachers got afraid and told this to the King. Hiranyakashyapu laughed it off like a joke and called Prahlada to him. When Hiranyakashyapu asked Prahlada to praise him, Prahlada praised Vishnu. The angry King turned to the preceptors and reprimanded them for such filthy thoughts.

But layer, Hiranyakashyapu understood that the boy was a staunch devotee of his enemy. Hiranyakashyapu was enraged at the child and subjected him to many kinds of torture and punishments. Some of them are:

1. Had Prahlada stuck neck deep in mud and had elephants trample his head,

2. Threw the boy off a cliff,

3. Threw the child in a cell with snakes and scorpions,

4. Tried to burn the child using his sister, Holika.

In the burning incident, Holika, despite having a boon of not being hurt by fire, was burned to death while the child escaped each torture unharmed for Vishnu kept protecting the child.

One day, Hiranyakashyapu called Prahlada and asked him where Vishnu was. When Prahlada replied everywhere, Hiranyakashyapu pointed to a pillar and asked “in there too?” Prahlada nodded yes. Hirankashyapu took his mace and struck the pillar. From the pillar came a terrifying roar. A man with the face of a lion came out, angry and bloodlusted, with the aim of killing the Asura. All of Creation stopped to witness this truly spectacular event.

The anger of Narsimha did not subside even after killing Hiranyakashipu. He was still roaring repeatedly. God Brahma, God Shankar and even Goddess Lakshmi prayed to God Narsimha from a distance but no one had the courage to go near him. Finally, Brahma sent Prahlad near Narsimha to calm him down. Fearlessly, Prahlad went near Narsimha and laid himself flat at his feet. Affectionately, the God in Narsimha form raised Prahlad and embraced him and said: “O son Prahlad, you had to bear the sufferings for so long. Please forgive me.” Prahlad felt overwhelmed. The God of the universe was standing before him and was stroking his head in assuring way. Prahlad bowed his head faithfully. God Narsimha then asked Prahlad to seek some boon. Prahlad said: “You are my true God. If you wish to grant me a boon, kindly bless me that no desire may arise in my mind for anything.”

Prahlad also prayed to God Narsimha for his father, asking him, “O God, my father had always criticized you. Please free him from the sins he has committed.” God Narsimha replied saying, “Prahlad, your father has now become holy.” God Narsimha promised Prahlad that he would never kill any of his descendents. God Narsimha then escorted Prahlad to the throne of his father and made him sit on it, instructing him to follow good conduct and do his duties. Saying those words God Narsimha disappeared.

Devi Draupadi is an important character in Indian mythology and there are stories related to her which are talked about most. She was the princess of Panchala kingdom, wife to the five Pandavas and an enigmatic woman with great wisdom and devotion towards her husbands. Everything about Draupadi is fascinating. The tales of her enigmatic beauty, her pride, her devotion, her love, her insult and her great vow are all equally mesmerising. One aspect of her personality which is controversial as well, is her having five husbands. But as everything in life happens for a reason, this is no exception as well. We will look at some of the reasons on why she had five husbands.

As per Narada and Vayu Puranas, Draupadi was composite Avatar of Goddesses Shyamala (wife of Dharma), Bharati (Wife of Vayu), Sachi (wife of Indra), Usha (wife of Ashwinis) and hence married their earthly counterparts in the form of the five Pandavas. Due to an incident happened, Lord Brahma cursed these goddesses to human birth. Devi Parvati thought of the solution wherein they will be born as one woman, Draupadi and hence share the earthly body for a smaller period of time. Draupadi's resistance against injustice reflects Parvati or her Shakti, Kali inhabiting Draupadi's mortal flesh at times. At other times, Draupadi was docile and even waited to be rescued (as in case of Jayadratha and Jatasura) showing the qualities of other goddesses like Sachi and Usha. Other times, she showed astuteness in hiding their true identity and asking Vayu putra Bhima to kill the evil Keechaka like Goddess Bharati would.

Draupadi was also avatar of Goddess Shree or Wealth who was joint wife to five Indras, the five Pandavas. She was to be born several times for imprisoning the Indras. First time was as Vedavati who cursed Ravana (who is another goddess Avatar Swaha, wife to Agni).

She incarnated as Maya-(shadow of Sita) especially to take revenge from Ravana while Agni hid the real Sita. Third one was partial, as Damyanti (whose husband Nala was equivalent to Dharma, Vayu, Indra just like the Pandavas) and her daughter Nalayani. She married Sage Mudgala. The fifth avatar was Draupadi herself. So we find in Draupadi, a composite avatar of Kali, Parvati, Sachi, Shyamala, Usha, Bharati, Shree, Swaha, the eight goddesses.

When Arjuna won Draupadi in swayamber, the Pandavas went to forest to introduced Draupadi to their mother Kunti. Yudhishtira told Kunti in excitement to see what they have brought for her. Kunti replied without seeing, 'SHARE IT AMONG YOURSELVES, Whatever Is There Son'. But upon seeing Draupadi, she thought what blunder she has made. But as Pandavas were follower of Dharma, they could not disobey what their mother told and from that moment Draupadi became common wife of five Pandavas.

When Kunti asked her sons to share draupadi as their wives, Lord Krishna took Draupadi aside and explained to her. "This awkward situation you find yourself in is of your own making. Draupadi in her previous life asked a boon to God Shiva. According to that boon her husbund should have five qualities:-

1. He would be symbol of Dharma.

2. He would be strong as God Hanuman.

3. He would be skilled in Archery as God Parashurama.

4. He would be intelligent as Deva Guru Brihaspati.

5. He would be most handsome man on the earth.

When, God Shiva told her it's impossible to have all these qualities in a single man, Draupadi told nothing is impossible for God.

So, God Shiva told "Tathastu".

In next life as per result of God Shiva's boon she had five husbund.

1. Yuddhisthira is symbol of Dharma.

2. Bhima is strong as God Hanuman.

3. Arjuna is skilled in Archery as God Parasurama.

4. Shahadeva is the most intelligent as Deva Guru Bruhaspati.

5. Nakula is the most handsome man on earth.

Hence she would have five husbands in her next life. All of them together would possess the qualities she had enumerated. This is the reason cited for the words uttered by Kunti ‘SHARE IT AMONG YOURSELVES”.

Lord Krishna then added," You will spend one year with each husband. Others will be forbidden to enter the chamber in which you and the husband-of-the-year are staying. If one does so, even accidentally, he would be exiled for one year."

The Story of Krishna and Uddhava

There are beautiful stories about the relationship between Lord Krishna and his devotee, Uddhava, a disciple of Brihaspati, the preceptor of the Gods and son of Devabhanga. The differences between them were sharp and glaring. Uddhava was a scholar and intellectual, while Krishna was a cowherd. The former was brought in a city while Krishna was brought up in a village. Uddhava intuitively knew that Krishna was no ordinary soul while Krishna saw Uddhava as a seeker.

Uddhav was son of Vasudev's (Shri Krishna's father) little brother Devbhaag.
After his childhood, Devraj Indra took him to Swarg Lok (Heaven) and Uddav got education from DevGuru Vrihaspati. After Kansa death, Uddhav returned to Mathura and here he was main minister of Yadav's and became good friends with Shri Krishna. Uddhav had very good knowlegde of Shastra, Ved etc but he was missing Bhakti (devotion). He was in the favour of Nirgun Brahman (the supreme reality without form, quality, gender) while Gopis were in favour of pure devotion (shuddh premabhakti).

"Real wise person is that person who loves God without ego or greed"

To combine knowledge and Love, Shri Krishna sent Uddhav to Braj Bhumi. Shri Krishna gave His peetambar and Vaijayanti mala to Uddhav and told Uddhav to meet Gopis in this attire otherwise gopis won't talk to you. Shri Krishna also sent love message to all brajwaasi (mother, father, gopis etc) that He remembers them a lot. Krishna instucted Uddav to meet nandbaba and mata yashoda first.

AAs instructed, Uddhavfirst met with NandBaba and yashoda. Nandbaba asked about the well being of Krishna. NandBaba said. "Uddhav, We (gop-gwal, birds etc) consider Him (Krishna) everything, does he also remember us? Sometimes I also feel, he is not in Mathura, but playing in my lap. He is touching my beard. Sometimes I feel, he is sitting on my shoulder touching my hair. I see him everywhere. Uddhav, when will my kanhaiya return? What crime I have done?" Saying all this, Nandbaba started crying.

Meanwhile Yashoda also came there and said- "Can someone see dreams without sleeping? Sometimes I feel Krishna is in Mathura and sometimes I feel Krishna is in my lap." Saying all this, Yashoda also started crying. Yashoda also said, we pray to Lord Vishnu that wherever kanhaiya live, he should be happy. Seeing Yashoda and Nandbaba in this state, half of his ego (ego of knowlegde) was destroyed like this. Uddhav started to think, how to teach Yashoda and nandbaba about nirgun brahman knowledge. "Nirguna means “without attributes”. The term “Nirguna Brahman” implies that God as the Absolute has no name and form or attributes".

It went from evening to morning (3:30am) like this talking about Krishna. 3:30 am is the time of Brahma Muhurta. Now it was time for Gopis to wake up. They were chanting Shri Krishna name while making butter. All the sound that was getting created due to making of butter started to sound like dholak (like drum). It was making a sound like gham-gham. Their bangles were making sound like chhan-chhan and it started to sound like Majira. Shri Krishna name chanting and these sounds seemed like sankirtan.

Bhaj Govindam, Bhaj Govindam, Govindam bhaj hare hare, krishna kanhaiya, bal mukundam, nand kumaram hare hare. It was habit of every Gopi that after completing their household work, they used to come to Nandbaba home and nandbaba ke praangan ko pranaam karna (Obeisance to countryard). Whether krishna is there or not, it has no meaning for them, they used to come there daily. On this day, Uddhav and Gopis met each other, Uddhav told gopis that he has come here to give message of Krishna to you. Recognizing peetambar and baijanti mala of krishna, Gopis did praanam (Obeisance) to Uddhav.

It was habit of every Gopi that after completing their household work, they used to come to Nandbaba home and nandbaba ke praangan ko pranaam karna (Obeisance to countryard). Whether krishna is there or not, it has no meaning for them, they used to come there daily. On this day, Uddhav and Gopis met each other, Uddhav told gopis that he has come here to give message of Krishna to you. Recognizing peetambar and baijanti mala of krishna, Gopis did praanam (Obeisance) to Uddhav.

Gopis asked-"You have brought the message of which Krishna? Does Krishna live in Mathura only? See there, he is sitting on Kadamb tree playing flute. You see him only in Mathura but we see him everywhere". Uddhav started to give them teaching of Nirgun Brahman. Gopis said we don't know, what sagun is and what nirgun. We only know about our love with Krishna. Now each Gopi narrated their story about how they see Krishna everywhere in their daily life.

Shyam tan, Shyam man, Shyam hi humaro dhan, aathon yaam humko udho(uddhav) shyam se hi kaam hai, shyam heeye, shyam jeeye, shyam hi to khaye peeye, andhe ki si laakdi , aadhar shyam naam hai, Shyam mati, shyam gati, shyam hi to praan pati, shyam sukhdaayi so, bhulaayi shobha dhaam hai, shyaam aan, shyam praan, shyam hi humari shaan, aadi ant madhya, humara shyamaviram hai.

Uddhava was surprised. He sat in chariot and started on his way, but he could not help wonder what would be Radha’s reaction. He was sure Radha would be very angry at this. He did not want to see a problem in Radha and Krishna’s relationship. So just before he entered Vrindavan, he got a parch-paper and wrote a hi-hello message to Radha and forged to look like it came from Krishna. On reaching Vrindavan, he did not have problem finding Radha’s house. She gave him a warm welcome. After he settled, he handed over the message, hoping she would not examine the message in too much detail. For a moment Radha stared at the parch-paper and then she started laughing hysterically. Uddhava was confused. He asked Radha what was the matter. She said the message Krishna wrote was funny. Uddhava pretended surprise and asked what the message was.

“The message says Uddhava’s study is still not complete.” replied Radha. On listening this, Uddava was stunned. ‘How could she have known this?’ he wondered. Radha calmed him down. “I love Krishna and trust Krishna in ways beyond you can imagine.” She said “We are two bodies but same soul. There is nothing to be said in between us. We have walked the path of trust, love, devotion and sacrifices for so long that there are no boundaries in my being and his. He does not need to send me messages. He is my message. He is my love letter from the universe.”

“But Uddhava, you have not learned to trust Krishna. You have not learned to give up yourself, your ego, and stop your manipulating mind. You ego stands between you and the truth. Between you and the supreme awakening.” “Erasing the sense of duality and being one with the universe, being one with the one who beholds universe, is this not the jist of the sacred ancient texts, Uddhava?” Uddhava was speechless. Within a minute, Radha had explained the the deepest mysteries of life. He just wanted to stand there and listen.

He spent the whole day at her house. She talked about life in layman’s terms of love and truth. But Uddhava found answers to his most profound questions in philosophies he learned all this life. “How did you get so much knowledge staying in this village and living life doing chores?” He asked. “Each moment makes you take sides. If you always take side of truth and love, you will gain insights. Each insight awakens you from the illusion and takes you a step closer to the supreme awakening.” “How can you be in Love with Krishna and still remain free from bonds of life?”

“There is distinction between the love that results from insecurity and the love that results from faith. The former results in bonds. The later results in freedom. The former gets lost, the later transcends. The former leads to fear of death and abandonment. The later leads to Nirvana, to enlightenment that is death of death, to realization that Radha and Krishna are just ripples and love is like the water, eternal and infinite.” “How can you get awakened without leaving the society and becoming a monk?” “Where a man reaches by renouncing the world, a woman reaches by embracing the world in its wholeness.” Said Radha.

“Is there no point in pursuit of knowledge? Then what is the meaning of life?” “Your ability to give it any meaning, is the meaning of life. ” Ansewred Radha. “And about the pursuits, pursuit of currency is not the same as pursuit of wealth, pursuit of sensation is not pursuit of happiness, pursuit of titles is not pursuit of knowledge. These pursuits are in synergy for some time, and they are at conflict later. You must wake up, and open your eyes.” Radha’s answers turned all of Uddhavas learning upside down and inside out and presented to him as a paradox, a paradox his doubting mind could never grasp. Uddhava’s ego surrendered. The constant chatter of thoughts at the back of his mind stopped and he saw a totally new world at the same place. An eternal, peaceful world where everything seemed OK. On his way back to Dwaraka, Uddhava sensed a big change within him. He sang to himself. He offered lift to a sick man. He appreciated the sunset in the Western sky. He did not feel rush to get home and work on getting his title.

Once the Asuras surrounded Indrapuri. He had a large well equipped army. Equipped with all kinds of weapons, he challenged Indra to battle.

'Face us in battle. We want to be defeated in the war with the power of our muscle. If you are afraid of us, accept defeat. Hand over Indrapuri to us.

The majestic Indra trembled once upon seeing the huge Asura army. What can a handful of gods be able to do in front of the majority enemy? In this way only my Indrapuri will be taken away. Now help should be taken from some external goddess Shakti. Indrapuri does not seem to be protected by her limited powers.

The question before him was, 'How to kill Asuras?'

God advised, only with the help of the word - God of power, communication of new life and new enthusiasm is possible among you all. He is the source of my strength. By his grace, a new power arises in the dead heart. Go to them and take word - power from them. Even in good words, there is tremendous power. Do his work.

Maharaja found some patience for Indra - looking for him, reached to Om (ॐ) God.

Indra said to ॐ Om, "O God of power!" You are the word power. We want to make you our leader and fight against the army of Asuras. You are the form of the power and power of God. With the mere utterance of your name, we will get new power and new energy in the gods.

Every voice of your name is full of tremendous power. We will have the courage to continue to pronounce your name. Our eyes are on you in this time of crisis. O voice god! Help us.

ॐ Om kept thinking. There was a great crisis on the gods. He needed bravery, courage, patience, encouraging words. He had hands, feet, nose, and mouth all over his body. Only confidence and courage had weakened. With encouraging words, his same body could become powerful again. The powers of words will have to be planned for them.

He took pity on the humility of the gods. Aum agreed to give divine help to the gods on one condition. Everyone asked, 'O God! Say, what is your condition?

That is, do not do Brahmin Vedocharana without reading 'Om' to me first. Be the first to pronounce my name. If a Brahmin recites the Veda without taking my name, it should be accepted by the gods.

ॐ Om 'Asuras' could not be won. Therefore, the gods accepted this condition. He operated an army of gods.

He was standing in front of the entire army. He said, Gods! Continue with full patience while pronouncing my name. You will measure the depth of Indus The cowardice will go away. The power of unwavering faith will come in loose steps. Today you recognize your power. Divine powers are sleeping in you. Taking my name will open them.

The army of gods proceeded. There was a great war. The army of the gods filled the faith with a loud voice chanting 'ॐ….ॐ….ॐ….ॐ….ॐ….ॐ….ॐ…. The strong power of that word was giving rise to new power and enthusiasm in the whole army. He was cutting a large army of demons with renewed vigor. Just as the tired army used to pronounce the word 'Om', it would get new power again. His power was renewable. The miracle of this word was life and life like Sanjeevani Shakti.

The war ended. The gods emerged victorious due to the power of the word ' ॐ Om'. All the gods shouted for ॐ.

Since then, ॐ have become immortal. Tired - Losers the use of the word ' ॐ Om' came into vogue to give new life, new inspiration and new power to the depressed, enthusiastic people in life.

In the crisis, the people have gained confidence from the utterance and hearing of the word 'Om' in the disaster.

Vidura was Dhritarashtra and Pandu’s brother in the Mahabharata. He was famously known for his devotion to dharma (righteousness). Vidura was considered the most wise man in all of Bharatvarsha. Whatever happened, Vidura always took the side of righteousness. Therefore, he always favored the Pandavas. On several occasions, he advised Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana to take the path of dharma, but they ignored him. In fact, Vidura was the incarnation of Lord Yama himself, the god of dharma and death.

Once, there was a Brahmin named Mandavya. He was very knowledgeable and righteous. Once, Mandavya Rishi was doing a vow of silence. He sat under a tree and passed hours in meditation. At that time, some robbers had stolen money. They were being chased by the royal guards. The robbers came across Mandavya’s house. They decided to hide inside his house. The soldiers also came there. They asked Mandavya, “Brahmin, have you seen some robbers here. We are chasing them, and they ran in this direction.” But Mandavya couldn’t respond to them. He was following a vow of silence. Hence, he kept quiet. The soldiers finally gave up and searched his house. Eventually, they found the robbers and the loot hiding inside the house. The soldiers then doubted Mandavya himself. Along with the robbers, they arrested Mandavya.

They were all presented in front of the king, who sentenced them to death. Thus, Mandavya was impaled on a stake and left there. However, Mandavya was spiritually powerful. He used his powers to stay alive. He even invoked other rishis. When the king realized that Mandavya was a powerful rishi, he realized his mistake. He ran to Mandavya and said, “Oh great rishi, I foolishly harmed you. Please do not be angry at me. I only want your blessings!” Mandavya forgave him. He was then lowered from the stake. However, he couldn’t completely take the stake out of his body. Thus, he left the end in his body and continued to meditate.

Thereafter, Mandavya went to Yamaloka and asked Lord Yama, “Why have I suffered this punishment? I never did anything sinful.” “When you were young, you once pierced an insect with a piece of grass. This was the punishment for your actions,” Yama said. “You have cruelly punished me for such a small sin! I curse you that you will be born as the son of a Shudra woman! From now on, I declare that any sins committed under the age of fourteen will not matter,” Mandavya then declared.

Vidura’s Birth

King Vichitravirya of Hastinapura had two wives: Ambika and Ambalika. They were the princesses of Kasi, and Bhishma had kidnapped them to marry Vichitravirya. Both wives loved their husband, and vice versa. But Vichitravirya had one flaw: he was addicted to alcohol. This weakened his health, and one day, he suddenly died.

Satyavati then beseeched Bhishma to marry and father a child to continue Shantanu’s lineage. However, Bhishma refused to break his vow of celibacy. He said, “I suggest that we invite a Brahmin. This Brahmin can give birth to sons with Vichitravirya’s wives and thus, continue the lineage.” Satyavati invited her son Veda Vyasa (Satyavati’s son with Parashara). After properly greeting him, she said, “My son, your brother Vichitravirya has died. But he has left behind two beautiful woman. They want to have children. The line of Shantanu must continue. I request you to have children with them. Please fulfill my and Bhishma’s wishes.” Vyasa agreed.

After purifying herself, Ambika got ready to have a child. Ambika was scared when she saw Vyasa’s appearance: dark skin and wild hair. Because she was scared, she kept her eyes closed when they had sexual intercourse. Hence, her child was born blind. He was named Dhritarashtra. After that, Vyasa entered Ambalika’s chamber. Ambalika was also scared and turned pale while they had sexual intercourse. As a result of this, her child was born with pale skin. He was named Pandu. When Satyavati heard that the children were pale and blind, she asked for a third grandchild. Vyasa again went to Ambika’s chambers. However, Ambika was scared. Instead of going herself, she sent her beautiful maid. The maid was not scared, so the child born was completely normal. He was extremely wise and was named Vidura.

Right from their birth, Bhishma raised the three brothers as if they were his own sons. Bhishma taught them everything about archery, horsemanship, combat, religion, and history. Pandu was a master archer. Dhritarashtra was the strongest of them all; he had the strength of ten thousand elephants. Meanwhile, Vidura was the most righteous. He was devoted to dharma. He was also extremely intelligent and wise.

Soon, a king had to be chosen between the three brothers. Naturally, Dhritarashtra would become the king because he was the oldest. However, the Kuru elders objected to his coronation because he was blind. Vidura couldn’t be the king because he was the son of a Shudra. Thus, Pandu was crowned the king of Kuru.

Vidura was married to the daughter of King Devaka from a Sudra woman. She was a wonderful woman, and Bhishma thought she was a worthy match to Vidura. Not only because she was intelligent, but also the fact that she wasn’t a pure royal either. Despite Vidura’s qualities, it wouldn’t have been easy to find a match for him. No royal would have allowed their daughter to marry him. A sad reality indeed for the most intelligent and righteous man on earth.

Vidura was devastated by the carnage at the Kurukshetra was. Although Dhritrashtra appointed him the prime minister of his kingdom and wanted him to have unbridled power Vidura wanted to retire to the forest. He did not want to be part of the court anymore because he was so tired and crestfallen.

Apparently when he retired to the forest Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and Kunti also followed him. He practised extreme penance and died a peaceful death. He came to be known as Mahachochan, someone who has attained extreme ascetic qualities.

Vidura will always be remembered by later generations as the man who never left the path of Dharma despite being thrown into the most adverse situations.

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