Srinath Shrothrium's Blog, page 7

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Reception of Lord Sri Krishna at Dwarka

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. 

|| Hari Om || Hare Srinivasaकल्यण अद्भुत गात्राय कामितार्थ प्रदयिने ।श्रीमद् वेन्कटनाथाय श्रीनिवासय ते नम: ॥Your benevolence for granting wishes is incredibly vast and unsurpassed. Divine Lord Venkateshwara! Destroyer of Sins! An abode of Mahalakshmi! Srinivasa! My salutations to you.भवाय नस्त्वं भव विश्वभावन त्वमेव माताथ सुहृत्पतिः पिता ।त्वं सद्गुरुर्नः परमं च दैवतं यस्यानुवृत्त्या कृतिनो बभूविम ॥ ७॥Vishwabhavana! From you, the whole universe has arisen. Suhrtpati! You are the mother, the father, you are the friend, as well as our teacher. Sadguru! It is you, who makes us walk on the right path. You are our lord, as well as being worshipped. We are safe and successful by taking refuge in your lotus feet which are auspicious. Lord! You are the only cause of our success.व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.दयादाक्षिण्यवैराग्यवाक्पाटवमुखाङिकतः ।शापानुृग्रहशक्तोऽन्यो राघवेन्द्रन्नविध्यते ॥ The face symbolizing Compassion; Modesty; Dispassion towards sensual pleasure; Eloquence; Power to remove curses is none else than you, Guru Raghavendra. My salutations to you. मधुभोजदशार्हार्हकुकुरान्धकवृष्णिभिः ।आत्मतुल्यबलैर्गुप्तां नागैर्भोगवतीमिव ॥ ११॥The people of various divisions of Yadava clan including Madu, Bhoja, Dashahra, Arha, Kukura, Andaka, and Vrishni were the citizens and protected the kingdom of Dwarka like the Nagas protect the city of Bhogavati, the capital for the region of Nagaloka in Patala.सर्वर्तुसर्वविभवपुण्यवृक्षलताश्रमैः ।उद्यानोपवनारामैर्वृतपद्माकरश्रियम् ॥ १२॥The trees, creepers & shrubs in the City of Dwarka flowered all the seasons. There were ornamental flowers, shrubs with colorful leaves throughout the year bringing grandeur. There were fruit gardens, flower gardens, and parks with, play gardens, water bodies, and fountains. Also, the large auspicious pupil trees and ashrams for people to sit and relax were spotted. All this made the city a splendid with Goddess of abundance dancing off to her glory.Seeing all this, the always satisfied Lord Sri Krishna expressing happiness from his vast bliss walked through the city of Dwarka.गोपुरद्वारमार्गेषु कृतकौतुकतोरणाम् ।चित्रध्वजपताकाग्रैरन्तः प्रतिहतातपाम् ॥ १३॥For the reception of Lord, the large ornamented gateways leading to the main VIP roads broad enough for the movement of royal carriages were cleaned and decorated. Also, the arches leading to crossroads were festooned. The large trees overarched the roads offering shade. However, the canopies of green natural coconut palm thatch were erected along the road to avoid scorching sun of the mid-noon. Fresh flags symbolizing the diverse interests fluttered the skylines of Dwarka bringing grandeur.सम्मार्जितमहामार्गरथ्यापणकचत्वराम् ।सिक्तां गन्धजलैरुप्तां फलपुष्पाक्षताङ्कुरैः ॥ १४॥All the roads of Dwarka including the VIP roads for royal, crossroads, and market roads were swept and cleaned. The intersections of two roads, the entrances of each house, entrances shop, all were washed and decorated with rangoli. Flower garlands were tied to the doors, entrances and canopy columns. The scent was sprayed and incense sticks were lit all over.On the roads which Lord Sri Krishna had taken were scattered with the leftover flowers, its petals, fruits and colored grains of rice. Also, the pots filled with curds and plates full of fruits offered to Lord Sri Krishna was spotted all over. द्वारि द्वारि गृहाणां च दध्यक्षतफलेक्षुभिः ।अलङ्कृतां पूर्णकुम्भैर्बलिभिर्धूपदीपकैः ॥ १५॥Each and every one had decorated their entrance door by tying banana plants, bunches of fruits, sugar canes, etc. Also, they had kept the Akshata or the colored rice, Kalasha or the decorated picture filled with holy water stuck with mango lives and the mouth covered with a decorated coconut, gifts, Deepa or oil lamps, and other Pooja items in front of their houses.  निशम्य प्रेष्ठमायान्तं वसुदेवो महामनाः ।अक्रूरश्चोग्रसेनश्च रामश्चाद्भुतविक्रमः ॥ १६॥प्रद्युम्नश्चारुदेष्णश्च साम्बो जाम्बवतीसुतः ।प्रहर्षवेगोच्छ्वसितशयनासनभोजनाः ॥ १७॥वारणेन्द्रं पुरस्कृत्य ब्राह्मणैः ससुमङ्गलैः ।शङ्खतूर्यनिनादेन ब्रह्मघोषेण चादृताः ।प्रत्युज्जग्मू रथैर्हृष्टाः प्रणयागतसाध्वसाः ॥ १८॥Immediately upon hearing the message of the arrival of Lord Sri Krishna, Vasudeva, Akrura, Uggrasena, the valorous Balarama, Pradyumna, Charu Deshna, Samba the son of Jambavati, were all excited. All of them abandoned their job on hand, also, their regular routines to welcome Lord Sri Krishna. They got their elephants, horses ready to lead them. Also, the dogs in the houses of kshatriyas followed them. The Brahmins carried all divine and auspicious material including paste of sandalwood, flowers, fruits, colored grains, Deepa, and Kalasha. Also, they assembled orchestra and played auspicious music with instruments like mridangam, conch, veena, dhol, drums, kahle, kombu, and so on. As the Brahmins blew the conch and recited the auspicious Veda mantra. The complete troop climbed the chariot and rushed to the main entrance gate and the arch of the palace area to receive Lord Sri Krishna.The dharma was accepting kshatriyas to have dogs then as they accompanied them for hunting. However, it was prohibited for Brahmins and Vishya. वारमुख्याश्च शतशो यानैस्तद्दर्शनोत्सुकाः ।लसत्कुण्डलनिर्भातकपोलवदनश्रियः ॥ १९॥Similarly, thousands of women from the palace sporting curly hair, beautiful earrings, with complete make-up appeared stunningly beautiful were boarding the beautifully carved and decorated individual Pallaki or the wooden plank carried by humans to welcome Lord Sri Krishna.नटनर्तकगन्धर्वाः सूतमागधवन्दिनः ।गायन्ति चोत्तमश्लोकचरितान्यद्भुतानि च ॥ २०॥The expert performers of rasa abhinaya arousing various emotions in the audience through art including actors, dancers, singers, narrators of mythology & historic stories from the various communities of Suta and Vandi-Magda had assembled at the main entrance gate. They were performing their respective art through which they praised the glories of the Lord in separate groups and moved ahead as Lord walked towards the palace. भगवांस्तत्र बन्धूनां पौराणामनुवर्तिनाम् ।यथाविध्युपसङ्गम्य सर्वेषां मानमादधे ॥ २१॥प्रह्वाभिवादनाश्लेषकरस्पर्शस्मितेक्षणैः ।आश्वास्य चाश्वपाकेभ्यो वरैश्चाभिमतैर्विभुः ॥ २२॥स्वयं च गुरुभिर्विप्रैः सदारैः स्थविरैरपि ।आशीर्भिर्युज्यमानोऽन्यैर्वन्दिभिश्चाविशत्पुरम् ॥ २३॥Lord Sri Krishna responded to everyone. He responded to his near & dear relatives, administrative staff, common public, elephants, horses, dogs, and even chandalas individually and exclusively based on the gradation of their esteem and stature. He congratulated them.To some, Lord Sri Krishna responded by bowing his head. For a few others, he responded through words by talking to them. To some others, he gave a warm hug, for some he shook hands, for some others he responded by smiling, and to some, he responded through his eyes. He patted each of the elephants, horses, and dogs. And to everyone, he blessed them boon fulfilling their desire. This way satisfying everyone including the community of chandalas. Lord received blessings from gurus, old Brahmin couples, and other senior citizens. Hearing his praises in the chanting of Vedas by Brahmins, Sutas, and Vandi-Magdas, Lord Sri Krishna entered Dwarka.After narration on the happenings of Lord Sri Krishna entering Dwarka, Sri Sutacharya continued saying on the reception of Lord Sri Krishna from the entrance of his palace. Sri Sutacharya, says,राजमार्गं गते कृष्णे द्वारकायाः कुलस्त्रियः ।हर्म्याण्यारुरुहुर्विप्राः तदीक्षणमहोत्सवाः ॥ २४॥नित्यं निरीक्षमाणानां यदपि द्वारकौकसाम् ।न वितृप्यन्ति हि दृशः श्रियो धामाङ्गमच्युतम् ॥ २५॥श्रियो निवासो यस्योरः पानपात्रं मुखं दृशाम् ।बाहवो लोकपालानां सारङ्गाणां पदाम्बुजम् ॥ २६॥Shaunaka! The women from various Yadava clan including Madu, Bhoja, Dashahra, Arha, Kukura, Andaka, and Vrishni had climbed terraces and some stood in front of their houses waiting to see Lord Sri Krishna. His coming to the King’s road brought happiness to those women. The Lord’s reception was like a celebration of the festival to them. All had climbed the terraces of their respective houses to get a glimpse of the Lord.What could one say about the auspicious and divine-personality of splendor, of Lord! Wonders Sri Sutacharya. Let alone him visiting after a gap staying in Vajra mandala, his attraction is Achutha without decline or be satisfied even if one is seeing him continuously. He is a treasure house of charm and beauty.Even, Goddess Soundarya Lakshmi who is the most beautiful causing beauty is attracted to the Lord. Unable to part even for a second, has made the place of his heart as her abode. His lotus face is a vessel of the nectar of beauty for the consumption of her eyes. His beauty surpasses that of Goddess Soundarya Lakshmi. The strength in the Lord’s shoulders are sung as praises by the soldiers seeking its refuge. The best of beings, God Brahma, Vayu, their wives, Goddess Saraswati, Bharati; the best of Vaishnavas, Garuda, Sesha & Rudra including their wives Sauparni, Varuni and Parvati; the King of Gods, Indra and his wife Shachi; and all Gods and their wives are like सारङ्ग or bees attracted only to the Lotus feet of Lord to consume the nectar.  सितातपत्रव्यजनैरुपस्कृतःप्रसूनवर्षैरभिवर्षितः पथि ।पिशङ्गवासा वनमालया बभौ घनो यथार्कोडुपचापवैद्युतैः ॥ २७॥ As Lord Sri Krishna took the road, a large white decorated umbrella was held above him. On either side, handheld fans made with a silver handle and yak hair was swung. At his every step, flowers and flower petals were showered.His yellow robes dazzled with the brightness of lightning. He was wearing Vanamala, the garland made of exotic flowers from deep forests. Its distinct fragrance stood out from the other fragrance that the people of Dwarka had applied. This way, the dark-colored decked-up Lord shined with the brilliance surpassing the sky when lit-up by Sun, Full Moon, Rainbow, Lightening. All at the same time.  



 || Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Praises of Lord Krishna on his return to Dwarka

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. 

|| Hari Om || Hare Srinivasaकल्यण अद्भुत गात्राय कामितार्थ प्रदयिने ।श्रीमद् वेन्कटनाथाय श्रीनिवासय ते नम: ॥Your benevolence for granting wishes is incredibly vast and unsurpassed. Divine Lord Venkateshwara! Destroyer of Sins! An abode of Mahalakshmi! Srinivasa! My salutations to you.भवाय नस्त्वं भव विश्वभावन त्वमेव माताथ सुहृत्पतिः पिता ।त्वं सद्गुरुर्नः परमं च दैवतं यस्यानुवृत्त्या कृतिनो बभूविम ॥ ७॥Vishwabhavana! From you, the whole universe has arisen. Suhrtpati! You are the mother, the father, you are the friend, as well as our teacher. Sadguru! It is you, who makes us walk on the right path. You are our lord, as well being worshipped. We are safe and successful by taking refuge in your lotus feet which are auspicious. Lord! You are the only cause of our success.व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.दयादाक्षिण्यवैराग्यवाक्पाटवमुखाङिकतः ।शापानुृग्रहशक्तोऽन्यो राघवेन्द्रन्नविध्यते ॥ The face symbolizing Compassion; Modesty; Dispassion towards sensual pleasure; Eloquence; Power to remove curses is none else than you, Guru Raghavendra. My salutations to you. The war at Kurukshetra was over. Dharma had trumped, Dharmaraja was coronated as King of Hastinapur and the death of Duryodhana had marked the birth of Kali. Hence, the war of injustice, the fight of adharma against dharma continues unabated. Meantime, Ashwathama had fired a Brahmashirsastra directing to kill all the progeny of Pandavas and hence was attacking the womb of Uttara Devi. Answering Uttara Devi’s prayers, we noted below:अन्तःस्थः सर्वभूतानामात्मा योगेश्वरो हरिः ।स्वमाययावृणोद्गर्भं वैराट्याः कुरुतन्तवे ॥ १४॥Lord Sri Krishna, the indweller in all the lives of this universe, the Lord of Yoga, Sri Hari had entered the womb of Uttara Devi with one of his forms wearing a secretive armor to protect the offspring of the Pandu dynasty. For which, Sri Sutacharya had said, यद्यप्यस्त्रं ब्रह्मशिरस्त्वमोघं चाप्रतिक्रियम् ।वैष्णवं तेज आसाद्य समशाम्यद्भृगूद्वह ॥ १५॥“Shaunaka! It is true that Brahmashirsastras is only one of a kind. It will never go in vain. And there is no anti-missile to neutralize this. Even then, it became calm seeing वैष्णवं तेज or the brilliance of the Lord.”Subsequently, at the request of Uttara Devi, Kunti Devi, all Pandavas and to bring happiness to his sister Subhadra, Lord Sri Krishna stayed back for a long time in Hastinapura.  One day, Lord Sri Krishna left for Dwarka.For daily prayers, or hearing Lord’s stories that describe his glories, or sing his names that describe his attributes, we often lose attention or devotion. Sometimes, it even becomes a burden. Here, Sri Sutacharya narrating the zeal and enthusiasm of the people of Dwarka establishes the way to go about when it comes to Lord. He says,   कुरुजाङ्गलपाञ्चालान् शूरसेनान् सयामुनान् ।ब्रह्मावर्तं कुरुक्षेत्रं मत्स्यान् सारस्वतानथ ॥ ३४॥मरुधन्वमतिक्रम्य सौवीराभीरयोः परान् ।आनर्तान् भार्गवोपागाच्छ्रान्तवाहो मनाग् विभुः ॥ ३५॥Dear Shaunaka! After crossing the kingdoms of Kuru, Lord Sri Krishna had traveled through the various kingdoms of Panchala, Shoorasena, on the banks of the river The Yamuna. Also, he had traveled through Brahmavarta, Kurukshetra, Matsya, Saraswata, Marudanva, and had reached Anarta adjacent to Sauveera and Abhira kingdoms. By then, the horses had pulled the chariot and had covered a long distance. They were tired.  तत्र तत्र ह तत्रत्यैर्हरिः प्रत्युद्यतार्हणः ।सायं भेजे दिशं पश्चाद्गविष्ठो गां गतस्तदा ॥ ३६॥As the people in various towns and cities heard the news of Lord Sri Krishna’s travel plans, they assembled to welcome him, pay respects and offer him presents.  They were excited and happy. Hence, they had to stop at various places. The Lord seeing all of them, was pleased and had showered his blessings. However, it was dusk when he had reached Anarta, the border territory of his kingdom. The Sun that had raised from the sea for the day was setting into the sea. Hence, he got down from the chariot to carry out Sandyavandana. This was his daily routine.          इति श्रीमद्भागवते महापुराणे पारमहंस्यां संहितायां प्रथमस्कन्धेश्रीकृष्णद्वारकागमनं नाम दशमोऽध्यायः ॥ १०॥With this, we complete a part named "Arrival of Sri Krishna to Dwarka" of tenth Adhyaya, of Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1. We could do so only with the grace of Gurus including Sri Raghavendra and his philosophical associates including Sri Saunaka & his fellow Rishis, Sri Sutacahrya, Sri Sukachary, God Vayu, and Sri Hari as their Jnana Prasada. Let's pray for their continued blessings.सूत उवाच, Sri Sutacharya says,आनर्तान् स उपव्रज्य स्वृद्धाञ्जनपदान् स्वकान् ।दध्मौ दरवरं तेषां विषादं शमयन्निव ॥ १॥Shaunaka! Sri Krishna had reached the border territory of Anarta. All along his travels, he had noticed that the villages, towns, and cities were prosperous. Always satisfied Lord had also noticed that a sense of loss was growing from time to time due to his separation among the people of Dwarka. He blew his auspicious conch named Panchajanya. Hearing which, the citizens had lost their pain of missing Lord Sri Krishna, also, they gave up the solitude and became very happy.स उच्चकाशे धवलोदरो दरोऽप्युरुक्रमस्याधरशोणशोणिमा ।दाध्मायमानः करकञ्जसम्पुटे यथाब्जखण्डे कलहंस उत्स्वनः ॥ २॥The Panchajanya conch was pure white, glossy that reflected the pink color of the cheeks of Lord Sri Krishna. Hence, the conch appeared like the newly bloomed early morning lotus flower in the water body graciously dancing to the gentle flow of the air and like the melodious sound of King Swan.तमुपश्रुत्य निनदं जगद्भयभयावहम् ।प्रत्युद्ययुः प्रजाः सर्वा भर्तृदर्शनलालसाः ॥ ३॥The sound of Panchajanya is very scary to all the evils who cause fear. Also, the pregnant women of evil abort hearing this sound. However, the virtuous people of Anarta heard the same sound of Panchajanya as melodious. This brought enthusiasm in them looking forward to seeing their Lord, they rushed out of their city to receive Lord Sri Krishna.तत्रोपनीतबलयो रवेर्दीपमिवादृताः ।आत्मारामं पूर्णकामं निजलाभेन नित्यदा ॥ ४॥ Sri Krishna's ArrivalThe devotees of Lord Surya Narayana offer oil lamps out of respect & devotion to God Sun, though himself is blazing. So too, the offer argyria, the water from the lake to God Sun. Similarly, the people of Dwarka brought gifts and welcomed Lord Sri Krishna who was always engrossed in himself as Atmarama. They brought pooja items that included garlands, sandalwood paste, jewelry, clothes, and so on. Also, they brought different types of fresh fruits and dry fruits to please the Lord. All these, they had arranged in silver plates and some in gold plates and were carrying these plates on their heads with a lot of care and devotions. As they reached the Lord Sri Krishna, they kept in front of him and offered prostration filling their hearts with love towards the Lord. In fact, Sri Krishna had received this symbolically and had returned the same making it manifold as blessing to the people of Anarta. प्रीत्युत्फुल्लमुखाः प्रोचुर्हर्षगद्गदया गिरा ।पितरं सर्वसुहृदमवितारमिवार्भकाः ॥ ५॥The people of Anarta had their faces lit-up. It bloomed like a lotus flower, bringing happiness and enthusiasm.  They had seen Stayaki, Uddhava, the chariot and the Lord Sri Krishna himself. Their voice was choking. As they sang and twittered like a little boy talking to his father. Submitting themselves including their words, deeds, mind, and soul, they sang the glory of the kind-hearted protector, Lord Sri Krishna. नताःस्म ते नाथ सदाङ्घ्रिपङ्कजं विरिञ्चवैरिञ्च्यसुरेन्द्रवन्दितम् ।परायणं क्षेममिहेच्छतां परं न यत्र कालः प्रभवेत्परः प्रभुः ॥ ६॥Lord! Our salutations are always to your divine lotus feet. The best of being, God Brahma, Vayu, the best of Vaishnavas Garuda, Sesha, Rudra, the King of Gods Indra all worship those divine lotus-like feet. Also, the children of Brahma including Sanat Kumaras, Narada, and the accomplished souls themselves seek refuge in your lotus feet. These very lotus-like feet have set-foot on the lordship of the universe. Those who seek auspicious benefits, to them, these divine lotus feet give refuge. Even the God of Time, Yamaraja cannot trouble them. As you are the Lord of Time and the indweller of Yamaraja.    भवाय नस्त्वं भव विश्वभावन त्वमेव माताथ सुहृत्पतिः पिता ।त्वं सद्गुरुर्नः परमं च दैवतं यस्यानुवृत्त्या कृतिनो बभूविम ॥ ७॥Vishwabhavana! From you, the whole universe has arisen. Suhrtpati! You are the mother, the father, you are the friend, as well as our teacher. Sadguru! It is you, who makes us walk on the right path. You are our lord, as well being worshipped. We are safe and successful by taking refuge in your lotus feet which are auspicious. Lord! You be the only cause to our success.अहो सनाथा भवता स्म यद्वयं त्रैविष्टपानामपि दूरदर्शनम् ।प्रेमस्मितस्निग्धनिरीक्षणाननं पश्येम रूपं तव सर्वसौभगम् ॥ ८॥Wow! Your beauty is the essence of all beautiful. The arrival of a handsome Lord like you is like an orphan unexpectedly receiving parents. The Gods have their King as Devendra. But for us, the people of Dwarka, you are our Lord. We are more fortunate than the Gods in Heaven. We are fortunate to see your lotus like a beautiful face filled with love, friendship, compassion, tight-lipped smile, always.यर्ह्यम्बुजाक्षापससार भो भवान् कुरून् मधून् वाथ सुहृद्दिदृक्षया ।तत्राब्दकोटिप्रतिमः क्षणो भवेद्रविं विनाक्ष्णोरिव नस्तवाच्युत ॥ ९॥The lotus-eyed Pundarikaksha! Achutha! You have no decline. However, when you had left to see your dear relatives in Hastinapura, Mathura in Vajra Mandala, our lives had become as if devoid of Sunlight. For us, every second was appearing as if thousands of years. When you are here now, the Pandavas and the people of Kuru would experience the same. Oh, Lord! It is very hard to live without you. We had really missed you.इति चोदीरिता वाचः प्रजानां भक्तवत्सलः ।शृण्वानोऽनुग्रहं दृष्ट्या वितन्वन् प्राविशत्पुरीम् ॥ १०॥ Lord Sri Krishna being bhaktavatsala, as devotees are most dear, heard the pleasing words of his devotees. He heard everyone and acknowledged each of them. With that view itself, filled with compassion, blessed them and entered Dwarka.|| Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Stree Stuti

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. 

|| Hari Om ||
Om Krishnaya Namahकृष्णाय वासुदेवाय देवकीनन्दनाय च ।नन्दगोपकुमाराय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः ॥Sri Krishna! Being a hope to the imprisoned Devaki & Vasudeva caused happiness by mesmerizing Nandagopa, Gopikas and even the Goddess of abundant beauty. Vasudeva! creation, sustenance, destruction and so on is a sports charm of you. Govinda! you are the cause & protector of Vedas.Krishna, Vasudeva, Devaki Nandana, Nanda Gopa Kumara, Govinda, 
My repeated salutations to you.नमः पङ्कजनाभाय नमः पङ्कजमालिने ।नमः पङ्कजनेत्राय नमस्ते पङ्कजाङ्घ्रये ॥My salutations to the Lotus of the navel. My salutations to the Lotus garlanded.My salutations to Lotus petal eye. My salutations to the Lotus feet.
व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.
यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.
यद्भनौ यत्क्र्शानौ यदमृतकिरणे यद् ग्रहेषू दितेषुज्योतिर्यत्तारकासु प्रथितमणिषु यद्यच्च सौदामिनिषु ।सम्भूयौतत् समस्तं त्वदमितह्रदयाकाशनिर्यत्प्रकाशेधीर श्रीराघवेन्द्रव्रतिवरभजते हन्त खद्योतरीतिम् ॥The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Lord Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghvendra, भजते, I worship you by surrendering myself.In that golden era of Pandava rule, all were devout Vaishnavas. Were they Kshatriyas taking care of borders or running the administrations or Brahmins doing priesthood or practicing Vedas or were they Shudras doing services like farming, or expert in skills of carpentry or forging gold & iron or they herded cattle and supported tradesmen, or were they Vaishyas doing trade or business or managing logistics all had their heart filled with bhakti towards Sri Krishna. So too, were young and old, men and women all had their heart dipped in bhakti.The Lord is supreme. The way one needs to remember the Lord always is illustrated in this Srimad Bhagavata by himself in his form of Veda Vyasa through the noble women of Hastinapura. As Lord greeted and moved forward towards chariot, Arjun was holding the white umbrella, Satyaki, and Uddhava were fanning, the play of orchestra was melodious.
The noblewomen of Hastinapura had decorated their houses, they had drawn rangoli in front of their houses and stood all over to catch a glimpse of Lord. They bid farewell to Lord Sri Krishna known by the divine verses, and as the supreme Atma in all beings. These women had surrendered their hearts to the extremely charming Lord Manohara. They admired, praised and talked among themselves about their Lord saying,स वै किलायं पुरुषः पुरातनो य एक आसीदविशेष आत्मनि ।अग्रे गुणेभ्यो जगदात्मनीश्वरे निमीलितात्मन् निशि सुप्तशक्तिषु ॥ २१॥Friends! Isn’t he the earliest man? The supreme Lord? When the whole universe was destroyed, all the nonliving substance made of Prakriti was converted to its subtle form as Pralayodaka or water. The water that is indistinguishable as Satvika guna, Rajasika guna or Thamisika guna. When the Goddesses Sri, Bhu and Durga responsible to influence Prakriti had taken-up the form of water, pupil leaf, and darkness respectively becoming inactive. And all souls starting from God Brahma to a blade of grass had fallen asleep in their latent form. The supreme universal soul provided refuge to all the souls in his stomach and slept alone on the pupil leaf. Isn’t he the same Sriman Narayana?

स एव भूयो निजवीर्यचोदितां स्वजीवमायां प्रकृतिं सिसृक्षतीम् ।अनामरूपात्मनि रूपनामनी विधित्समानोऽनुससार शास्त्रकृत् ॥ २२॥It is He who has founded and set forth the Vedas. With a desire to give name and form to Atma, it is He who is motivated with his astonishing vigor started creation using Prakriti. Goddess Mahalakshmi is the ‘Jiva Maya’ influences Prakriti and just by raising her eyebrows, she instructs even the best of being God Brahma who is more than keen to serve at her feet. Also God Garuda, Shesha, Shiva to even a blade of grass. Even in such a powerful Goddess, Mahalakshmi is the Lord as her Indweller.As ‘Jiva Maya’ having the three forms of Sri, Bhu, and Durga, Goddess Mahalakshmi ties all the three types of Jiva to Prakriti and confines them to death & birth. In her form of Sri influencing Satvika Guna, she confines uttama or the best who is capable to accomplish bliss & Vaikunta. As Bhu influencing Rajasika Guna, she confines the second type who is madyama or mediocre and would swing them between happiness and sorrow i.e. Heaven, Earth, and Hell. With her third form of Durga influencing Tamasika Guna, she binds the third type who is adhama or worse and who would work hard to accomplish only Hell.The other two forms of Goddess Mahalakshmi are ‘Atma Maya’ through which she is at the command of Lord as his Iccha Shakti or will power and executing the same; as ‘Guna Maya’ she influences all nonliving substances.The power to Goddess MahaLakshmi for creating delusion, bind the Jivas with Prakriti, and causing name & form is the blessings of Lord. Though He appears being अनाम or without popularity lacking name & fame, as all his deeds are not known to anyone; He appears as if he is working hard to accomplish the same through Goddess Mahalakshmi; Also, he is अरूपात्म, having no form made of Prakriti like God Brahma to a blade of grass, he has entered in all Jivas to be a part in them. He is the only authority standing untouched, moves the world forward and governs.

स वा अयं यत्पदमत्र सूरयो जितेन्द्रिया निर्जितमातरिश्वनः ।पश्यन्ति भक्त्युत्कलितामलात्मना नन्वेष सत्त्वं परिमार्ष्टुमर्हति ॥ २३॥The yogis who do rigorous practice and get perfection in controlling their sense organs, gain knowledge through rigorous studies, develop a desire to hear and sing Lord’s names and fame. Hearing & singing the name and fame of Lord, they reach the crescendo to accomplish pure heart. In such, the lotus of heart blossoms flowing the nectar of bhakti. It is this very Lord, Paramatma whom we are seeing, says one to her fellow noblewomen. As she says, her eyes fill with tears of joy and fear. She pleads,“Oh my Lord! Please don’t let this knowledge in me of your Lordship, Supremacy, Compassion, Generosity, and so on, lessen. My Lord! Let this remain at all times and in each of my birth.”     In fact, it is only doing bhakti in this Lord would purify the consciousness of Jivas and not through any other methods of yoga.

स वा अयं सख्यनुगीतसत्कथो वेदेषु गुह्येषु च गुह्यवादिभिः ।य एक ईशो जगदात्मलीलया सृजत्यवत्यत्ति न तत्र सज्जते ॥ २४॥Lord Veda Vyasa and the other devotees of high intellect have composed texts embedding secrets into Vedas and others scriptures praising & propounding the glory of this very Lord. Being only one and all being only his Ishwarya or wealth is Isha, the Lord. Being stainless and dazzling, He creates; protects; destroys; regulates; confines by bestowing knowledge & ignorance; and releases with moksha and stays uninfluenced by doing so. Friends! We are seeing that very Lord here said another noblewoman of Hastinapura.  
   यदा ह्यधर्मेण तमोधियो नृपा जीवन्ति तत्रैष हि सत्त्वतः किल ।धत्ते भगं सत्यमृतं दयां यशो भवाय रूपाणि दधद्युगे युगे ॥ २५॥The Kings and rulers of the country need to protect the subjects, ensure peace and enable prosperity. However, when the Kings themselves accept Tamasika Gun and walk the path of adharma including exploitation. Then the Lord appears from time to time. He accepts Satvika Guna to protect the virtuous as Dharma, Bhaga, Satya, Ruta, Eshas, and Daya.As Dharma, he upholds the one falling; As Bhaga, he has enormous wealth and makes it available to his devotees; Lord is full of bliss. As Satya, he brings happiness to his devotees; As Ruta, Lord composes scriptures including interpretations to bring knowledge to his devotees; In Vedas, Vedanta bhaasya, Ithihasa, and other scriptures, He is the protagonist. He has the highest fame as Eshas. And as Daya, he is Karunakara or the compassionate.Hence, the Lord protects the wealth, upholds truth & justice and brings fame through compassion.

अहो अलं श्लाघ्यतमं यदोः कुलमहो अलं पुण्यतमं मधोर्वनम् ।यदेष पुंसामृषभः श्रियः पतिः स्वजन्मना चङ्क्रमणेन चाञ्चति ॥ २६॥Oh! Wonderful! How great is the clan of Yadhus! The Lord of abundance, Sripati has appeared in their clan of Yudhus bringing them respect and fame. Also, his appearance has made the Madhuravan, divine and auspicious. His walk and play as a child embellished Madhura. Madhura remains splendid.

अहो बत स्वर्यशसस्तिरस्करी कुशस्थली पुण्ययशस्करी भुवः ।पश्यन्ति नित्यं यदनुग्रहेषितं स्मितावलोकं स्वपतिं स्म यत्प्रजाः ॥ २७॥Oh! Wonderful! Even the city of Dwarka has surpassed the fame of heaven. And has brought about significant fame to the region of the earth as pure, divine and auspicious. Also, the Lord has blessed the people of the city through his charming and tight-lipped smile. Hence, they receive the mercy and compassion of the Lord at all times. They are fortunate being blessed to have the view of Lord Sri Krishna. 

नूनं व्रतस्नानहुतादिनेश्वरः समर्चितो ह्यस्य गृहीतपाणिभिः ।पिबन्ति याः सख्यधरामृतं मुहुर्व्रजस्त्रियः सम्मुमुहुर्यदाशयाः ॥ २८॥Friends! I wonder how many numbers of births, those respectable women have propitiated the Lord through the vow of austerity including bathing in divine rivers, visiting holy places, fasting, and so on to hold the hands of Lord. That could be the reason why the handsome Sri Krishna having every part of the body stunning shares an intimate friendship with the fortunate girls of Gokula. His captivating lips arouse a taste surpassing their most liked fruit. Hence, they hold him tight and kiss his lips to drink the sweet अमृतं or the nectar of अधर or lip. That too, मुहुर् continuously. And are lost in the ecstasy thinking of him. 
   या वीर्यशुल्केन हृताः स्वयंवरे प्रमथ्य चैद्यप्रमुखान् हि शुष्मिणः ।प्रद्युम्नसाम्बाम्बसुतादयोऽपरा याश्चाहृता भौमवधे सहस्रशः ॥ २९॥एताः परं स्त्रीत्वमपास्तपेशलं निरस्तशौचं बत साधु कुर्वते ।यासां गृहात्पुष्करलोचनः पतिर्न जात्वपैत्याहृतिभिर्हृदि स्पृशन् ॥ ३०॥Lord Sri Krishna killed the strong Shishupala and others to reduce the weight of sin on mother earth. In swayamvara, through his strength and talent, he got married to the Ashtamahishi, namely Rukmani, Jambavati, Satyabhama, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra, and Lakshana, the mothers of Pradyumna, Samba and others.He released thousands of women held illegally by Bhaumaasura in the jail after defeating and killing him. He gave refuge to these thousands of women by marrying them. Doing so, the Lord destroyed the superstitious belief that women are not of pure conscious, nor independent and eligible to take-up job of propitiating Lord. In fact, he brought high esteem to the brilliance of women folk.Whatever glory be described of these wives of Lord Sri Krishna by whomever! No matter, how much ever! But they have their Lord as Bhagavan Sri Krishna having the lotus-like beautiful eyes. Being naughty & playful, they receive the Parijata flower yielding trees from their Lord. Mischievously sometime, gently serious sometimes invoke the bliss of love without missing a second are always in his company! How fortunate are these wives of Lord? wondered the womenfolk of Hastinapura.

एवंविधा गदन्तीनां स गिरः पुरयोषिताम् ।निरीक्षणेनाभिनन्दन् सस्मितेन ययौ हरिः ॥ ३१॥This way, as the women of Hastinapur, talked about the glory. The handsome Lord Sri Krishna with his tight-lipped smiled and expressed his love, affection, and goodwill through eyes. He conveyed his greetings appearing in each of those women’s lotus of the heart. He left them behind wonderstruck and spellbound.      
अजातशत्रुः पृतनां गोपीथाय मधुद्विषः ।परेभ्यः शङ्कितः स्नेहात्प्रायुङ्क्त चतुरङ्गिणीम् ॥ ३२॥Sri Krishna was accompanied by chaturanga sena with four armed battalion constituting chariots, elephants, horses, and foot soldiers. The King Yudhitira, an ajatashatru having no enemies was extremely sensitive to the journey of his dear friend Sri Krishna. Hence, he had arranged battalion as protection during the journey.
अथ दूरागतान् शौरिः कौरवान् विरहातुरान् ।सन्निवर्त्य दृढं स्निग्धान् प्रायात्स्वनगरीं प्रियैः ॥ ३३॥The separation with the dearest friend had overwhelmed Pandavas. Hence, they were following Sri Krishna. However, Sri Krishna insisted their return to Hastinapura and sped up along with Arjuna, Stayaki, and others as they had planned.  || Hari Om ||
Surya ArghyaKeraya neeranu kerege chelli, Like pouring back the water from the lake,

Varava padedavarante kaaniro, Be seen as blessed.

Hariya karunadolaada bhagyava,
The accomplishments happening due to Lord Hari's grace,

Hari samarpane maadi badukiro, Credit back to Lord Hari.

Sri Purandara Vithala raayana Charana kamalava nambi badukiro.
Live to have trust in the Lotus feet of Lord Sri Purandara Vithala.
|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Farewell to Lord Krishna at Hastinapur

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. || Hari Om || Om Krishnaya Namahकृष्णाय वासुदेवाय देवकीनन्दनाय च ।नन्दगोपकुमाराय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः ॥Sri Krishna! Being a hope to the imprisoned Devaki & Vasudeva caused happiness by mesmerizing Nandagopa, Gopikas and even the Goddess of abundant beauty. Vasudeva! creation, sustenance, destruction and so on is a sports charm of you. Govinda! you are the cause & protector of Vedas.Krishna, Vasudeva, Devaki Nandana, Nanda Gopa Kumara, Govinda, 
My repeated salutations to you.
नमः पङ्कजनाभाय नमः पङ्कजमालिने ।नमः पङ्कजनेत्राय नमस्ते पङ्कजाङ्घ्रये ॥My salutations to the Lotus of the navel. My salutations to the Lotus garlanded.My salutations to Lotus petal eye. My salutations to the Lotus feet.
व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.यद्भनौ यत्क्र्शानौ यदमृतकिरणे यद् ग्रहेषू दितेषुज्योतिर्यत्तारकासु प्रथितमणिषु यद्यच्च सौदामिनिषु ।सम्भूयौतत् समस्तं त्वदमितह्रदयाकाशनिर्यत्प्रकाशेधीर श्रीराघवेन्द्रव्रतिवरभजते हन्त खद्योतरीतिम् ॥The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Lord Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghvendra, भजते, I worship you by surrendering myself.
Lord Sri Krishna had bestowed the kingdom of Kuru to King Yudhishthira and reclaimed dharma. The tenets of Vaishnava started appearing in the society repressing the poverty of bhakti.
How the jewel of Dharma, King Yudhishthira, and the legitimate successor to the kingdom of Hastinapura did rule along with his brothers? As King Yudhishthira had no desire to enjoy the wealth of the kingdom was the question of  Sri Shaunaka and his fellow rishis. Sri Sutacharya, answering the question sings the glory of dharma and the protector of the same, Lord Sri Krishna.Continuing the narration, Sri Sutacharya says,उषित्वा हास्तिनपुरे मासान् कतिपयान् हरिः ।सुहृदां च विशोकाय स्वसुश्च प्रियकाम्यया ॥ ७॥Lord Sri Krishna had stayed back in Hastinapura for a few months after the request of his aunt. He had done so, for the happiness of his sister Subhadra, friends Pandavas and his aunt Kunti Devi. Also, he stayed back as his relatives and friends had not completely recovered from the aftermath of the cruel war. आमन्त्र्य चाभ्यनुज्ञातः परिष्वज्याभिवाद्य तम् ।आरुरोह रथं कैश्चित्परिष्वक्तोऽभिवादितः ॥ ८॥However, Lord Krishna discusses his return to Dwarka with everyone. He held meetings with Pandavas, dear friends, and relatives to convince and build consent. Finally, he informed King Yudhishthira about his decision to proceed to Dwarka. This came as a surprise. Overwhelmed! King Yudhishthira embraced Sri Krishna with a heavy heart and bid farewell. Many others of the same age embraced Lord Sri Krishna, Others offered respects. Lord Sri Krishna responded to all with greetings as he departed to board the chariot. सुभद्रा द्रौपदी कुन्ती विराटतनया तथा ।गान्धारी धृतराष्ट्रश्च युयुत्सुर्गौतमो यमौ ॥ ९॥वृकोदरश्च धौम्यश्च स्त्रियो मत्स्यसुतादयः ।न सेहिरे विमुह्यन्तो विरहं शार्ङ्गधन्वनः ॥ १०॥Unable to accept the parting of Lord Sri Krishna holding the bow and arrow and eager to protect his devotees, Subadhra, Draupadi, Kunti, Uttara, Gandhari, Drithrastra, Yuyutsu, Krupacharya, Nakula, Sahadeva, Bheemasena, Dhaumya, Satyavati and others felt distraught and dejected. सत्सङ्गान्मुक्तदुःसङ्गो हातुं नोत्सहते बुधः ।कीर्त्यमानं यशो यस्य सकृदाकर्ण्य रोचनम् ॥ ११॥तस्मिन् न्यस्तधियः पार्थाः सहेरन् विरहं कथम् ।दर्शनस्पर्शसंलापशयनासनभोजनैः ॥ १२॥“Those who hear the sweet and divine stories of the Lord even once would abandon the bad company, seek only the good company and yearned to hear the stories of Lord often.”Such being his greatness, could the Pandavas who were seeing the Lord day and night, touching him, conversing with him, being in the company of him all the time including sitting-sleeping-having food, having surrendered the heart and mind to him enjoying his company accepts his departure easily?       Sri Purandara Dasaru (1484-1564), is believed to be the अंश or part of Narada Rishi. A staunch devotee sensitizing the common man to take-up the divine path of bhakti. Sri Purandara dasaru has composed the below song giving away sugar candy named Sri Krishna and its ease to relish. Let's take a look at it with English translation in a font:   Kallu  sakkare  koLLiro  nivellaru kallu  sakkare  koLLiro  /Have this sugar candy, All of you. Have this sugar candy.kallu  sakkare  savi  ballavare  ballaru pulla  lochana  shrI  krSNa  nAmavemba  //  ( kallu sakkare )The distinctive taste of sugar candy is known to only those who knowthe taste in the name of Sri Krishna having eyes bloomed like a lotus. Have this sugar candy, All of you. Have this sugar candy.ettu  hErugaLinda  hottu  mAruvadalla othothi  gONiyoL  tumbuvadallaetta  hOdaru  bADige  sunkavidakillauttama  sarakidu  ati  LAbha  baruvantha  //   ( kallu sakkare )Need not be carried in a bullock cart for saleNor can be filled in a gunny bagNor requires payment of tax, nor rentThis is the best goods yielding the highest profit.Have this sugar candy, All of you. Have this sugar candy.naSTa  bILuvudalla  natha  huTTuvudallaeSTu  oidaru  bele  rokkavidakillakaTTiruvayu  tindu  kaDimeyAguvadillapaTTaNadoLage  prasidhavAgiruvantha   //   ( kallu  sakkare )There would be no loss, nor would it stinknor requires money to carry as much as one desiresnor even the large carpenter ants couldn't eat and reduce the stockThe one which is famous in the townHave this sugar candy, All of you. Have this sugar candy.sante  santege  hOgi shrama  padisuvadalla santeyoLage  iTTu  mAruvudallasantata  bhaktara  nAlige  savigombakAnta  shri  purandara  viTTalana  nAmavemba  //  (  kallu  sakkare ) .This would not tire by taking one to market placeNor can be kept in the market for a saleBut tastes only to those close devoteesof one having a pleasing name Shri Purandara VittalaHave this sugar candy, All of you. Have this sugar candy.This above Kallu Sakkare koLLiro nivellaru song is sung by Sri Vidyabhushan.

सर्वे तेऽनिमिषैरक्षैस्तमनुद्रुतचेतसः ।वीक्षन्तः स्नेहसम्बद्धा विचेलुस्तत्र तत्र ह ॥ १३॥The complete consciousness of Pandavas was occupied by Lord Sri Krishna. They were gazing at the Lord without a blink. With a bind of friendship towards Lord, they were always in the company of him. Said Sri Sutacharya.     न्यरुन्धन्नुद्गलद्बाष्पमौत्कण्ठ्याद्देवकीसुते ।निर्यात्यगारान्नोऽभद्रमिति स्याद्बान्धवस्त्रियः ॥ १४॥As the Lord Krishna departed the palace towards the chariot, the relatives and the assembled ladies became emotional. They tried to suppress their emotions of broken-heart and eyes filling with tears. They did so to ensure that their emotions should not become as bad omen for the travel of Lord Sri Krishna.   मृदङ्गशङ्खभेर्यश्च वीणापणवगोमुखाः ।धुन्धुर्यानकघण्टाद्या नेदुर्दुन्दुभयस्तथा ॥ १५॥For the farewell to the Lord, music band was organized including musical instruments like mridangam, conch, veena, dhol, drums, kahale, kombu, and so on. This filled the environment with auspicious music.प्रासादशिखरारूढाः कुरुनार्यो दिदृक्षया ।ववृषुः कुसुमैः कृष्णं प्रेमव्रीडास्मितेक्षणाः ॥ १६॥The women folk climbed the terrace, parapet walls, chejja and canopies to have glimpses of Lord Sri Krishna. Seeing the Lord, they thought it was a feast for their eyes. They blushed and giggled. Many had brought flowers and showered on Lord Sri Krishna.सितातपत्रं जग्राह मुक्तादामविभूषितम् ।रत्नदण्डं गुडाकेशः प्रियः प्रियतमस्य ह ॥ १७॥उद्धवः सात्यकिश्चैव व्यजने परमाद्भुते ।विकीर्यमाणः कुसुमै रेजे मधुपतिः पथि ॥ १८॥Arjuna, the dear friend sporting curly hairs held a large white umbrella to the Lord as he walked towards the chariot,  The umbrella was specially made with decorated pearls and having a handle studded with precious stones. The courteous Arjuna held it carefully as a gracious host to प्रियः प्रियतम or a most loved friend.Uddhava and Satyaki manually swung handheld fans made with a silver handle and yak hair each on either side of Lord Sri Krishna. And at every step, the assembled people showered flowers over Lord. The omniscient and the indweller in the lotus of each one’s heart smiled and responded through his eyes. He responded to each one, exclusively. This way a grand farewell was bid to the Lord Sri Krishna.अश्रूयन्ताशिषः सत्यास्तत्र तत्र द्विजेरिताः ।नानुरूपानुरूपाश्च निर्गुणस्य गुणात्मनः ॥ १९॥A group of Brahmins had assembled in the farewell ceremony of Lord Krishna.“Contemplating the attributes of Lord Paramatma as one standing above the three Gunas of Prakriti; being Satchidananda with an indestructible body of only knowledge and bliss; being complete with immeasurable auspicious attributes”were singing his glory and praising his attributes in a high pitch. Our Lord Krishna who bestows zest to each of those Brahmins heard his praises by the older ones. The older who were thorough in Vedas as they were teachers and had taught many. He heard the praises by middle-aged and the just initiated kumaras. Lord heard each one’s unique voice and responded separately to them by his smile.      अन्योन्यमासीत्सञ्जल्प उत्तमश्लोकचेतसाम् ।कौरवेन्द्रपुरस्त्रीणां सर्वश्रुतिमनोहरः ॥ २०॥The noblewomen of Hastinapura had assembled to bid farewell to Lord Sri Krishna known by the divine verses, and as the supreme Atma in all beings. These women had surrendered their heart to the extremely charming Lord Manohara. They admired, praised and talked among themselves about their Lord. Lets pray to Lord Hari, Vayu and Gurus to seek their blessings enabling us to hear what the noble women of Hastinapur talked about. Looking forward to the jnana Prasada of Stree Stuti. 
  || Hari Om ||
|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Prosperity, In the Rule of Dharma Raja

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. || Hari Om || Om Krishnaya Namahकृष्णाय वासुदेवाय देवकीनन्दनाय च ।नन्दगोपकुमाराय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः ॥Sri Krishna! Being a hope to the imprisoned Devaki & Vasudeva caused happiness by mesmerizing Nandagopa, Gopikas and even the Goddess of abundant beauty. Vasudeva! creation, sustenance, destruction and so on is a sports charm of you. Govinda! you are the cause & protector of Vedas.Krishna, Vasudeva, Devaki Nandana, Nanda Gopa Kumara, Govinda, 
My repeated salutations to you.
नमः पङ्कजनाभाय नमः पङ्कजमालिने ।नमः पङ्कजनेत्राय नमस्ते पङ्कजाङ्घ्रये ॥My salutations to the Lotus of the navel. My salutations to the Lotus garlanded.My salutations to Lotus petal eye. My salutations to the Lotus feet.
व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.यद्भनौ यत्क्र्शानौ यदमृतकिरणे यद् ग्रहेषू दितेषुज्योतिर्यत्तारकासु प्रथितमणिषु यद्यच्च सौदामिनिषु ।सम्भूयौतत् समस्तं त्वदमितह्रदयाकाशनिर्यत्प्रकाशेधीर श्रीराघवेन्द्रव्रतिवरभजते हन्त खद्योतरीतिम् ॥The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Lord Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghvendra, भजते, I worship you by surrendering myself.
The Pandavas always walked on the righteous path and took the refuge of Lord Sri Krishna. Hence, they regained their kingdom and Yudhishthira ascended the throne of Hastinapura. The belief in Lord Sri Krishna and the righteous path they adhered made their rule great and brought grandeur. Similarly, let's take refuge of Lord Sri Krishna and be resolute to walk on the righteous path. While being on the path, like Pandavas we too would face difficulties from adversaries like Duryodhana and his fellow associates. As Kunti-stotra describes, Sri Krishna will stand with us at every step and bring greatness and grandeur in our body, house, and surroundings.Hearing the success story of Pandavas, Sri Shaunaka and his fellow rishis ask Sri Sutacharya,शौनक उवाचहत्वा स्वरिक्थस्पृध आततायिनो युधिष्ठिरो धर्मभृतां वरिष्ठः ।सहानुजैः प्रत्यवरुद्धभोजनः कथं प्रवृत्तः किमकारषीत्ततः ॥ १॥Suta Puranika! The Pandavas defeated enemies and all those who wanted to kill them and steal their kingdom. Also, they heeded to all those who advised dharma including Lord in the form of Sri Krishna, Veda Vyasa, and Sri Bheeshmacharya. 
Subsequently, how the jewel of dharma, King Yudhishthira and the legitimate successor to the kingdom of Hastinapura did rule along with his brothers? While King Yudhishthira had no desire to enjoy the wealth of the kingdom.
In fact, repenting for his mistakes of gambling, Yudhishthira had renounced all the luxuries of a King. King Yudhishthira ate very little food, slept on the floor and disassociated himself from worldly life. He had even taken up the most difficult vow of govratha. King Yudhishthira took bath with cow urine,  had only milk, curds & ghee as food, he would be standing when cows stood, and sit when they sit. Also, the food that he had was only after the cows returned from grazing and the water he drank only after the cows drank water. This way he did service of cow and protected them.
Calling Duryodhana as Suyodhana, there are always groups of people supporting him. However, Sri Shaunaka rishi is referring to Duryodhana as Aatataayee here. Duryodhana was jealous of Pandavas. When Pandavas established their kingdom in Indraprastha, accumulated a lot of wealth and set-up the best governance, the people became happy. However, Duryodhana cribbed and resented. They had established their empire through Rajasuya yagna which was just and the righteous way. However, Duryodhana wouldn’t take-up a difficult path. He resorted to gambling. This itself had made him fallen from the standards of dharma. When subjects wanted to leave the kingdom to go along with Pandavas, he threatened them.
He was Aatataayee carrying out misdeeds including poisoning the food of Pandavas, but Bheema ate and digested the poison. Duryodhana arranged to tie Bheema with dead weight and dropped him into the water, burnt the house of Pandavas and so on. Duryodhana never refrained from immoral acts. He even went to the extent of stripping the clothes of Draupadi in the middle of the assembly. Though, Draupadi was his elder cousin brother’s wife and equivalent to the mother. That too in presence of his own mother. 
His uncle, Vidura, father’s younger brother had a very high commitment to the nation, he would only suggest the righteous path of governance after a thorough evaluation. Hence, Duryodhana got him removed from his house. Though Duryodhana knew Karna earlier, he did not support him. But only when he found Karna as a great archer and his usefulness to counter Arjuna, only then he shared state power as a bribe.  Even the subjects of his kingdom resented. They were unhappy with the policies of Duryodhana. Instead of wooing people to carry out state activities including administration, defense, or pay taxes or punish them for any failure, Duryodhana resorted to bribing them with position and money.     
Duryodhana was the form of Kali. He is the treasure-house of all inauspiciousness. And, his fight with the righteous path is eternal.सूत उवाच, Sri Sutacharya says,वंशं कुरोर्वंशदवाग्निनिर्हृतं संरोहयित्वा भवभावनो हरिः ।निवेशयित्वा निजराज्य ईश्वरो युधिष्ठिरं प्रीतमना बभूव ह ॥ २॥To make the earth a better place to live, Lord Sri Krishna appeared on the earth. The dry bamboo groves in the forest lights-up itself with rubbing of each other and turns the entire forest into ashes. Similarly, the fire of jealousy and hatred that Duryodhana had lit with his cousins had killed the progenies of both the families of the Kuru dynasty.Lord Krishna has created the entire universe for Jivas and governs it by regulation, protection, binds the Jivas with Prakriti causing ignorance, deaths & births, bestows knowledge and releases them from the bind by blessing moksha. Such Lord Krishna protected Parakshid. He protected in Uttara Devi’s womb and subsequently when Parakshid took birth. Also, he made Yudhishthira the successor of the Kuru dynasty as King of Hastinapura. With this, the ever satisfied Lord was pleased.निशम्य भीष्मोक्तमथाच्युतोक्तं प्रवृत्तविज्ञानविधूतविभ्रमः ।शशास गामिन्द्र इवाजिताश्रयः परिध्युपान्तामनुजानुवर्तितः ॥ ३॥King Yudhishthira was enlightened with wisdom after he had taken advice from Sri Bheeshmacharya and Lord Sri Krishna. He had shed all his delusion and his mind had become lucid. With the support of Lord Sri Krishna, Yudhishthira ruled the entire earth like God Indra rules heaven. His brothers including Bheemasena supported him following his order.   कामं ववर्ष पर्जन्यः सर्वकामदुघा मही ।सिषिचुः स्म व्रजान् गावः पयसोधस्वतीर्मुदा ॥ ४॥His kingdom had abundant food supplies. There was peace and prosperity everywhere. The rain gods were very supportive of the needs of farmers and made enough water available to plants, animals and human requirements. The mother earth made sufficient minerals available for the material required for life. Also, people were frugal and satisfied without causing environmental imbalance. The cows had their udders full of milk and would drop it on earth without being able to hold. नद्यः समुद्रा गिरयः सवनस्पतिवीरुधः ।फलन्त्योषधयः सर्वाः काममन्वृतु तस्य वै ॥ ५॥The rivers, sea, mountains, plants & creepers bearing spices, all yielded their riches sufficiently in all seasons in the righteous kingdom of Yudhishthira.In all, the kingdom & its people had gained the favor of Sridevi, the Goddess of abundance, नाधयो व्याधयः क्लेशा दैवभूतात्महेतवः ।अजातशत्रावभवन् जन्तूनां राज्ञि कर्हिचित् ॥ ६॥King Yudhishthira was known for being अजातशत्रु i.e. having no enemies of Arishadvargas. Neither Kama or Desire, Krodha or Anger, Lobha or Greed, Moha or Attachment, Mada or Pride and Matsarya or Jealousy could prevail over King Yudhishthira. Also, he was अजातशत्रु of having enemies without birth. The birth of Duryodhana and his ninety-nine brothers happened in a unique way without fatal birth. Gandhari delivers an embryo. Lord Veda Vyasa collects in a pot and divides it into hundred pieces to have a hundred children. Hence, having अजात or without a fetal birth in the mother’s womb as an enemy.  None were weak-minded nor got victimized to Adhi or dejection. Everyone was healthy and did not get Vyadhi or ill health. No one suffered from Tapatraya like 1)  Aadhibhoutika – There were no earthquakes or Tsunamis causing widespread deaths; nor 2) Aadhidaivaka – People did not suffer due to quarrels nor untimely deaths nor being childless. There were no windows. Marriages happened in time, children became virtuous and everyone walked on the righteous path; and 3) Aadhyatmika - People did not suffer from internal diseases like madness nor leprosy nor sugar nor Blood Pressure (BP), in those thirty-six years of “Prosperity, In the Rule of Dharma Raja”.This is the glory of Krishna Aashraya or taking refuge in Lord Sri Krishna and being blessed with abundance. Like a very good teacher putting his hand on the shoulders of his beloved student teaching him how to take refuge of Lord Krishna, Vyasatirtharu has extended his friendship. The great saint by composing the below Kannada song has taught us how to take refuge of Lord Sri Krishna. He has also communicated that his friendship as Prahlada or Sri Raghvendra Swamy is available during all times of happiness or sorrow or hardship.Sri Vyasarajaru (1460 – 1539), also called as Vyasatirtharu or Chandricka Acharya had Aparoksha Jnana and an earlier birth of Sri Raghvendra Swamy. By elaborating the most famous acts of Lord as creation, sustenance & destruction to include regulation, bestowing of both ignorance & knowledge to confine to birth & death and liberation to provide moksha, he has put several questions on Bhagavata philosophy of Bhakti Yoga to rest. Also, by initiating Purandara Dasaru and Kanaka Dasaru as Hari Dasaru gave momentum to both the kinds of Vyasa and Dasa Literature.Let’s take a look at the below Kannada song with English translation:
Nere Nambidhe madh hrudhaya mantapadholu, parishobisuthiru Panduranga ||sharana janara samsara mahabhaya, harana karuna siri Panduranga ||
The only absolute protector! Shine brilliantly on the pedestal in my heart, Lord Panduranga!  The compassionate! Destroyer of the fierce cycle of death & birth to those who take refuge in you, Siri Panduranga.
neredhiha bahu janarolidharu manasthiravidu ninnali Pandurangaparara apeksheya bidisi niranthara paragathi patha thoro Panduranga || 1 ||
Though you are the indweller in all, bless me, with a firm mind only in you, Lord Panduranga.Bless me, to give-up expectations from others and accomplish progress towards your Lotus feet, Panduranga.
paradevane ninna Lilla smruthiyanu nirutha enage Kodu Pandurangaparipari kelasavu ninna mahapuje nirutha enage kodu Panduranga || 2 ||
The supreme Lord! Bless me, to always sing your sports charm, Panduranga.Bless me, with successive work as your worship, Panduranga.
sukhavagali bahu dukhavagali saka ninagiru Panduranganikhilanthargatha Vyasa Vitala thava mukha pankaja thoro Panduranga || 3 ||
In my happiness and my sorrow, bless me your friendship, Panduranga.  The indweller in all, Vyasa Vitala! Bless me a view of your charming Lotus face, Panduranga.

This song is sung by many famous singers. This link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GonrLYYAcY is sung by Raichur Sheshagiridas.
  || Hari Om ||
|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Sri Bheeshmacharya’s Pranotkramana

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. || Hari Om || Om Krishnaya Namah
कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय देवकीनन्दनाय च ।नन्दगोपकुमाराय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः ॥Sri Krishna! Being a hope to the imprisoned Devaki & Vasudeva caused happiness by mesmerizing Nandagopa, Gopikas and even the Goddess of abundant beauty. Vasudeva! creation, sustenance, destruction and so on is a sports charm of you. Govinda! you are the cause & protector of Vedas.Krishna, Vasudeva, Devaki Nandana, Nanda Gopa Kumara, Govinda, 
My repeated salutations to you.नमः पङ्कजनाभाय नमः पङ्कजमालिने ।नमः पङ्कजनेत्राय नमस्ते पङ्कजाङ्घ्रये ॥My salutations to the Lotus of the navel. My salutations to the Lotus garlanded.My salutations to Lotus petal eye. My salutations to the Lotus feet.

व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.
यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.
यद्भनौ यत्क्र्शानौ यदमृतकिरणे यद् ग्रहेषू दितेषुज्योतिर्यत्तारकासु प्रथितमणिषु यद्यच्च सौदामिनिषु ।सम्भूयौतत् समस्तं त्वदमितह्रदयाकाशनिर्यत्प्रकाशेधीर श्रीराघवेन्द्रव्रतिवरभजते हन्त खद्योतरीतिम् ॥The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Lord Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghvendra, भजते, I worship you by surrendering myself.We had heard that a long time back and much before the start of Kali Yuga a spiritual gathering was organized by Sri Shaunaka and his fellow rishis where Sri Sutacharya narrated Srimad Bhagavata. Reference to the blog post of 4thJuly 2019, Shaunaka Rishi's Virtue of Humility, Lord Veda Vyasa, the composer of Srimad Bhagavatam has recorded this saying,इति ब्रुवाणं संस्तूय मुनीनां दीर्घसत्रिणाम् ।वृद्धः कुलपतिः सूतं बह्वृचः शौनकोऽब्रवीत् ॥ १॥In the long stories of penance conducted in the spiritual gathering at Naimaishya, the elder in both knowledge and age, the head of Rigveda, Sri Shaunaka Rishi praising Sri Suthacharya requested him to narrate Srimad Bhagavata.Sri Sutacharya had heard Srimad Bhagavata directly from Sri Shukacharya who in turn was initiated by Lord Veda Vyasa himself. In that very blog post, Sri Shaunaka & his fellow Rishis had asked Sri Sutacharya that: अभिमन्युसुतं सूत प्राहुर् - भागवतोत्तमम् ।तस्य जन्म महाश्चर्यं कर्माणि च गृणीहि नः ॥ ९॥Sri Sutha Puranika! We have heard that the son of Abhimanyu, Parakshid Raja was the best of Bhagavata following Bhagavata dharma to letter and spirit. His birth itself was a wonder. Please tell us the extraordinary story of his birth and all his outstanding activities.Answering this, Sri Sutacharya narrated the story of Ashwathama executing Brahmashirsha Astra and his refusal to callback its aggression on the offspring of Pandavas. Hence, Uttara Devi the wife of Abimanyu had prayed to Lord Sri Krishna seeking protection in the blog post, Protection of Uttara Devi’s Womb on 12th September 2019. She had sought protection from Brahmashirshastra. पाहि महायोगिन् देवदेव जगत्पते ।नान्यं त्वदभयं पश्ये यत्र मृत्युः परस्परम् ॥ ९॥अभिद्रवति मामीश शरस्तप्तायसो विभो ।कामं दहतु मां नाथ मा मे गर्भो निपात्यताम् ॥ १०॥The God of Gods! The Lord of the Universe! The greatest Yogi! Save me! Save me!  None else could offer protection to me. Here, everyone is becoming a cause for one another’s death. My Lord! You are Omnipotent. All-Powerful. An iron arrow burnt red hot is chasing me. If needed, let it kill me. However, please bless the safety of the baby growing in my womb, prayed Uttara Devi. Lord Sri Krishna for whom the devotees are most dear, protected both the Bhagavatas from Brahmashirsha Astra through his वैष्णवं तेज or his brilliance. We saw this in the blog post, Bhakti Yoga of Uttara Devi and Kunti Devi of 19th September 2019. Subsequently, we also heard, Lord Sri Krishna blessed Abhaya or safety to the selfless, ready to sacrifice her own life, Uttara Devi and the baby in her womb. Hearing this Sri Shaunaka & his fellow Rishis were astonished to which Sri Sutacharya said,मा मंस्था ह्येतदाश्चर्यं सर्वाश्चर्यमयेऽच्युते ।य इदं मायया देव्या सृजत्यवति हन्त्यजः ॥ १६॥One need not be astonished by this. Our Lord is awesome. He is the most amazing one. He is Achyutha, having no decline. The unchanging Lord without birth nor death having immeasurable power using Prakriti creates, sustains, destroys, and regulates the whole universe. He is Paramatma or Supreme Atma to confine other Atmas to death & birth. Subsequently, releasing them with Moksha.Overwhelmed by the compassion of Lord Sri Krishna protecting at every step of their life, the virtuous Sadvi, Kunti Devi’s heart filled with bhakti. Offering her gratitudes to Lord Sri Krishna, the whole of Kunti Stotra was unveiled, with starting verse as,कुन्त्युवाच, Kunti says,नमस्ये पुरुषं त्वाद्यमीश्वरं प्रकृतेः परम् ।अलक्ष्यं सर्वभूतानामन्तर्बहिरवस्थितम् ॥ १८॥You are the Purusha without beginning nor end. Using Prakruti, you have created the vast Universe and gave birth to Jivas starting from God Brahma to a blade of grass. However, neither Prakruti nor Jiva can influence you as you are Satchidananda, the best of all and the Supreme Lord. You are inside as well as outside the universe, all material substances, and living beings. You are omnipresent. Yet we are unable to know you nor the best of being does God Brahma or even Goddess Lakshmi knows you completely. My Salutations to you.Subsequently, we noted that King Yudhishthira suffered from a delusion. Though he got coronated as the King of Hastinapur by Lord himself and became the successor of the famous Kuru dynasty, he was taken over with a thought that the war of Kurukshetra happened due to him. He had to become king only with the death of gurus, acharyas, near & dear relatives & friends, common men, and animals. He was immersed in the guilt of causing death. Hence, Lord Sri Krishna took Yudhishthira to his grandfather, Sri Bheeshmacharya to seek his advice.    Sri Bheeshmacahrya lying on the bed of arrows, awaiting Pranotkramana or breath-departure says, “Yudhishthira! As a Kshatriya had you not fought the war of Kurukshetra to uphold dharma, the righteous path, history would have called you a coward.”Sri Sutacharya narrating this incidence says:सूत उवाच, Sri Sutacharya says,युधिष्ठिरस्तदाकर्ण्य शयानं शरपञ्जरे ।अपृच्छद्विविधान् धर्मान् ऋषीणां चानुशृण्वताम् ॥ २५॥Sri Shaunaka! Hearing the words from Grandfather Bheeshma who was sleeping on the bed of arrows, Yudhishthira asked several clarifications on various subjects of statecraft in the presence of great Rishis & Munis.After hearing all the dharma or indoctrinations that would cleanse sins from grandfather Bheeshma, Yudhitira asked him,किमेकं दैवतं लोके किं वाप्येकं परायणम् ।स्तुवन्तः कं कमर्चन्तः प्राप्नुयुर्मानवाः शुभम् ॥को धर्मः सर्वधर्माणां भवतः परमो मतः ।किं जपन्मुच्यते जन्तुर्जन्मसंसारबन्धनात् ॥ Who is that utmost God to whom all Shastras or indoctrination is praising? Who is that last resort, in whom one can take refuge? Who is that in whom, propitiating by praising and singing his glory would cause auspiciousness leading to peace & prosperity?In your opinion, which is that dharma that is most superior? And doing which Japa, a person can be relieved from the confinement of birth and death? Understanding the core of the question, its reasons and generally what every spiritual practitioner wants to have answers, Sri Bheeshmacharya blessed us with most potent verses,  Vishnu Sahasranama. He says, Lord Vishnuजगत्प्रभुं देवदेवमनन्तं पुरुषोत्तमम् ।स्तुवन् नामसहस्रेण पुरुषः सततोत्थितः ॥ तमेव चार्चयन्नित्यं  भक्त्या पुरुषमव्ययम् ।ध्यायन् स्तुवन् नमस्यंश्च यजमानस्तमेव च ॥अनादिनिधनं विष्णुं सर्वलोकमहेश्वरम् ।लोकाध्यक्षं स्तुवन्नित्यं सर्वदुःखातिगो भवेत् ॥ब्रह्मण्यं सर्वधर्मज्ञं लोकानां कीर्तिवर्धनम् ।लोकनाथं महद्भूतं सर्वभूतभवोद्भवम् ॥“The महेश्वर having the entire universe as his wealth is the Supreme Lord, Vishnu. He is the निधनं, the prime cause of all this existence since अनादि or immeasurable time in the past, and till अनन्तं or immeasurable time in future. He is देवदेवम्, God of Gods. सर्वलोक जगत्प्रभुं, He, only has the Lordship of the entire Universe. He is eternal without destruction and present everywhere. Only he is पुरुषोत्तमम्, the best and the utmost without being surpassed by anyone. A practicing devotee, being cautious without an iota of doubt should propitiate this very Lord by repeatedly singing his thousand names that describe his attributes, worship him with these names wondering his glories, and have thoughts only of him. He is the last and the only refuge that one can take.Doing so is the supreme dharma of all dharma. All the sins causing sorrow will disappear leading to auspiciousness bringing peace & prosperity. The Lord is supremely excellent!एष मे सर्वधर्माणां धर्मोऽधिकतमो मतः ।यद्भक्त्या पुण्डरीकाक्षं स्तवैरर्चेन्नरः सदा ॥ १४॥Singing a thousand names of Lord Pundrikaksha having lotus petalled eye, with the white of eye appearing lotus pink, with the realization of his attributes, with complete faith and devotion, is the best dharma of all dharmas. The best verses to praise Lord is Vishnu Sahasranama.परमं यो महत्तेजः परमं यो महत्तपः ।परमं यो महद्ब्रह्म परमं यः परायणम् ॥ १५॥The Lord is the most brilliant and he is the cause for all the dazzling light.He is the supreme ascetic and he is the cause of asceticism in the best of yogis He is the supreme Brahman and best of all, including Goddess Lakshmi and God Brahma, the best of beingHe is the leader of leaders. He is the cause for leadership and the top leader in whom one can take refuge.पवित्राणां पवित्रं यो मङ्गलानां च मङ्गलम् ।दैवतं दैवतानां च भूतानां योऽव्ययः पिता ॥ १६॥The Lord is the purifier of the pure, destroyer of sins by removing stain & blemishes and he is the cause for crystal clear and clean knowledge and bliss; He is the most auspicious and causes for auspiciousness; He is the God of Gods; and He is the eternal father for all living beings having no destruction or death. यतः सर्वाणि भूतानि भवन्त्यादियुगागमे ।यस्मिंश्च प्रलयं यान्ति पुनरेव युगक्षये ॥ It is the Lord Vishnu who has created this entire universe with non-living substance and living plants and animals. And it is He who is the cause of the destruction of this universe including all non-living and living. During the destruction, he converts everything into a subtle form. All this happens in a systematic and organized way. This existence is not accidental.तस्य लोकप्रधानस्य जगन्नाथस्य भूपते ।विष्णोर्नामसहस्रं मे श‍ृणु पापभयापहम् ॥ The Lord of the universe, Jaganatha is the most superior. Ones’ sins will flee with the repetition of his Vishnu Sahasranama or by doing Japa or even just hearing it. It breaks the confinement of death and birth.    यानि नामानि गौणानि विख्यातानि महात्मनः ।ऋषिभिः परिगीतानि तानि वक्ष्यामि भूतये ॥ Hence, I shall reveal to you such Vishnu Sahasranama.having thousand names of the Lord describing his attributes that have been in vogue and been practiced since a long time back by great rishis & munis of this Land, says Sri Bheeshmacharya to Yudhisthira.  This way, by initiating Vishnu Sahasranama to King Yudhisthira, Sri Bheeshmacharya has become its cause.  Though this appears in Mahabharata, it is a worthy recall here in Srimad Bhagavata. Since we are going through the legend’s Pranotkramana or breath-departure.सूत उवाच, Sri Sutacharya says,कृष्ण एवं भगवति मनोवाग्दृष्टिवृत्तिभिः ।आत्मन्यात्मानमावेश्य सोऽन्तःश्वास उपारमत् ॥ ४३॥These ways, initiating Dharma, Shastra, Stotra to Yudhisthira and reciting Bheeshma Stuti, Sri Bheeshmacharya’s thoughts, intellect, speech, and the view was completely occupied in the form of Supreme Atma, Sri Krishna. When he had closed his eyes he could see Sri Krishna in his Lotus of Heart and when He opened too he saw the same form along with forms of Lord Veda Vyasa and Lord Parshurama. Meanwhile, his breath got merged with God Prana Vayu and they departed from the body. Sri Bheeshmacharya died.    सगोनसंगोगो सम्पद्यमानमाज्ञाय भीष्मं ब्रह्मणि निष्कले ।सर्वे बभूवुस्ते तूष्णीं वयांसीव दिनात्यये ॥ ४४॥In presence of all great rishis and munis, the five Pandavas, Sri Bheeshmacharya seeing the form of Lord, thinking about him, singing his praises left the body along with God Prana to join the stainless Lord. The assembled there became silent like the birds after return to their nest at the dusk. तत्र दुन्दुभयो नेदुर्देवमानववादिताः ।शशंसुः साधवो राज्ञां खात्पेतुः पुष्पवृष्टयः ॥ ४५॥While the assembled become perplexed. The Gods and Gandharva from heaven filled the surrounding playing musical instruments including drums with joy. Sri Bheeshmacharya is one of eight Vasu name Dyu. Gods’ and Gandharva filled with joy had come to receive him. They shower ed the flowers of heaven on Sri Bheeshmacharya.   तस्य निर्हरणादीनि सम्परेतस्य भार्गव ।युधिष्ठिरः कारयित्वा मुहूर्तं दुःखितोऽभवत् ॥ ४६॥Sri Shaunaka! For मुहूर्तं, about 48 minutes, King Yudhishthira grieved for the departed soul. Subsequently, he conducted the death ceremony of Sri Bheeshmacharya with all, state honor.तुष्टुवुर्मुनयो हृष्टाः कृष्णं तद्गुह्यनामभिः ।ततस्ते कृष्णहृदयाः स्वाश्रमान् प्रययुः पुनः ॥ ४७॥The assembled rishis and munis praised the Lord Sri Krishna with his very exclusive and secretive names that described his secretive attributes. With their heart dipped in divine nectar named Krishna returned to their hermitage.ततो युधिष्ठिरो गत्वा सहकृष्णो गजाह्वयम् ।पितरं सान्त्वयामास गान्धारीं च तपस्विनीम् ॥ ४८॥King Yudhishthira shedding his delusion got full clarity. Along with Lord Sri Krishna, his brothers, family priests, and their attendants returned to Hastinapura. They consoled Dhritarashtra and Gandhari.पित्रा चानुमतो राजा वासुदेवानुमोदितः ।चकार राज्यं धर्मेण पितृपैतामहं विभुः ॥ ४९॥Following the dictates of Dhritarashtra and the permission of Lord Sri Krishna, King Yudhishthira governed the Kingdom in a righteous way that had come down to him from the family lineage following the divine order.इति श्रीमद्भागवते महापुराणे पारमहंस्यां संहितायां प्रथमस्कन्धेयुधिष्ठिरराज्यप्रलम्भो नाम नवमोऽध्यायः ॥ ९॥With this, we complete "King Yudhishthira’s ascendence to the throne of Hastinapura” the ninth Adhyaya, of Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1.We could do so only with the grace of Gurus including Sri Raghavendra and his philosophical associates including Sri Saunaka & his fellow Rishis, Sri Sutacahrya, Sri Sukachary, God Vayu, and Sri Hari as their Jnana Prasada. Let's pray for their continued blessings.
  || Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Bheeshma Stuti, Remaining Part

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. || Hari Om || Om Krishnaya Namah
कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय देवकीनन्दनाय च ।नन्दगोपकुमाराय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः ॥Sri Krishna! Being a hope to the imprisoned Devaki & Vasudeva caused happiness by mesmerizing Nandagopa, Gopikas and even the Goddess of abundant beauty. Vasudeva! creation, sustenance, destruction and so on is a sports charm of you. Govinda! you are the cause & protector of Vedas.Krishna, Vasudeva, Devaki Nandana, Nanda Gopa Kumara, Govinda, 
My repeated salutations to you.नमः पङ्कजनाभाय नमः पङ्कजमालिने ।नमः पङ्कजनेत्राय नमस्ते पङ्कजाङ्घ्रये ॥My salutations to the Lotus of the navel. My salutations to the Lotus garlanded.My salutations to Lotus petal eye. My salutations to the Lotus feet.

व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.
यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.
यद्भनौ यत्क्र्शानौ यदमृतकिरणे यद् ग्रहेषू दितेषुज्योतिर्यत्तारकासु प्रथितमणिषु यद्यच्च सौदामिनिषु ।सम्भूयौतत् समस्तं त्वदमितह्रदयाकाशनिर्यत्प्रकाशेधीर श्रीराघवेन्द्रव्रतिवरभजते हन्त खद्योतरीतिम् ॥The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Lord Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghvendra, भजते, I worship you by surrendering myself.Continuing to sing the glory of Lord, Sri Bheeshmacharya says,युधि तुरगरजोविधूम्रविष्वक्कचलुलितश्रमवार्यलङ्कृतास्ये।मम निशितशरैर्विभिद्यमानत्वचि विलसत्कवचेऽस्तु कृष्ण आत्मा ॥ ३४॥My Lord! Please bless me with Dharana yoga of another form of you. The form where you were the charioteer of Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. You exhibited your excellent skills of negotiating with the enemy attack, their rain of arrows and other arms. Your movements on the battlefield were smart. Always you positioned the chariot in the most advantageous position to Arjuna for an attack.
Lord! The galloping of Horses, Camels & Elephants, the drive of chariots and the movement of foot soldiers had kicked up dust on the battlefield. The beads of sweat on your nose and forehead mixed with dust made you appear tired. The curly hairs dangling on your forehead appeared as if you were exerting yourself for success. This form of yours exhibiting outstanding gallantry is very attractive to the valorous Kshatriyas. 
Lord! Bless me, so that this form of your’s imprints on my memory strongly. And forever.
When my grandson Arjuna was attacking me, you brought the chariot right in front of me. I thought that if there is a charioteer, then the chariot would come attacking towards us. Hence, I attacked you with all my might. I distinctly remember, when one of my arrows broke your armor, pierced through,  injuring your body. The arrow had cut your body bleeding. 
Lord! Bless me this form of you being injured be imprinted on my memory strongly. And forever.Here, it is important for us to note that the Lord does not have confluence with any other substance or beings. Like the dust of Prakriti and does not stick to him influencing his skin. Also, no blemishes can touch him nor anguish or pain. No one can injure him nor control him. He will not get dried up as we see in other plants & animals nor his strength will reduce. Hence, he is called as Niranjana, not being touched and Achyutha having no decline. 
Yet, he appeared in the heat and dust of the battleground; as if suffering from pain & agony of injury; bleeding; subject to control through arms. This he does with a reason to give progress for three types of people in their own following three different ways:To the evil Asuras and infernals, the Lord creates confusion through Moha or illusions. They feel deluded and believe that Sri Krishna is subject to injury, pain like any ordinary. Hence, he can be fought and won over;To the divine Gods, Lord exhibits Lela, the charm of the sport. He mesmerizes the Gods. While for a moment they get deluded. But quickly realize that the Lord does so to exhibit his sports charm. Hence, the Gods propitiate the Lord in that special form through which he has created delusion and accomplish perfection. Like Sri Bheeshmacharya though thought for a moment that he could injure the Lord, he quickly realized that it is otherwise. Hence, he did special sadhana, practiced repeatedly thinking the attributes of Niranjana, Achyuta, Satchidanand having the body of pure knowledge & bliss that would not get sheared nor injured, andTo the mortal human beings, the Lord creates both belief and disbelief. Hence, making one think that Lord appearing on earth, he exhibits like other ordinary and gets dirty due to dust, feels stressed due to heat or even gets hurt & injured. But, they also believe that since he is Lord nothing would happen to him when he returns to his abode. This way, the Lord bestows mediocrity in ordinary beings.सपदि सखिवचो निशम्य मध्ये निजपरयोर्बलयो रथं निवेश्य ।स्थितवति परसैनिकायुरक्ष्णा हृतवति पार्थसखे रतिर्ममास्तु ॥ ३५॥Lord! When we all assembled at the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Duryodhana declared me as the commander in chief. I took the lead position for the entire eleven Akshauhini. On the enemy line, I saw the chariot having the saffron flag carrying the image of Hanuman in which you were driving Arjuna. Seeing the enemy line, Arjuna asked you if he had to kill his grandfather, acharyas, and relatives. He became deluded. In fact, he asked you to move the chariot to the center of both the armies to decide whom to kill and whom not. 
Sri Krishna! I was closely observing all this. You brought the chariot at the center. While Arjuna was seeing both sides of enemies, you too saw each one with your charming face. In that very specific glimpse, you had taken away the Life spans of all those who later died in the war of Kurukshetra. 
Oh! Lord of Time! Bless me with bhakti in that form of you. Let that form of you be imprinted on my memory. I too have a lot of enemies within me. Let this form of you destroy all of them.In the metaphysical meaning of Mahabharata, the soldiers are the Merits and Sins. All that yields happiness & comfort in our day to day life are Merits and are the soldiers of Pandavas. And those that bring sorrow & grief are Sins. They are the soldiers of Kauravas. The war of Kurukshetra is happening continuously in each one of us. Let Arjuna, the great archer in us having arrows of Sravana, Adhyayana & Sankeertana asks Sri Krishna to stand between the enemies. Let Sri Krishna, the dear friend of Arjun, with his glimpse, take away the lifespan of all those soldiers of Kauravas called Sins.व्यवहितपृतनामुखं निरीक्ष्य स्वजनवधाद्विमुखस्य दोषबुद्ध्या ।कुमतिमहरदात्मविद्यया यश्चरणरतिः परमस्य तस्य मेऽस्तु ॥ ३६॥Arjuna seeing all of us in the enemy line thought that killing one's own Acharyas and relatives is a sin. Though, each one had consciously taken sides with full responsibility and went to war. While the eleven Akshoini representing several kingdoms took the side of Duryodhana. They had no issues with his misdeeds nor his evil acts. 
Also, the seven Akshoini took the side of Dharmaraja. They wanted good governance by following a righteous path. In fact, the soldiers on both sides had decided to fight to the death to establish their way of life. 
The Lord who has the form of Knowledge, unfurled Bhagavad Gita having the divine knowledge of Atma. He initiated Arjuna into Tattva Jnana and destroyed Arjuna’s कुमति or delusion. 
Lord Sri Krishna! Bless me with bhakti in that form of yours initiating Tattva Jnana. Let that form of you initiating Tattva Jnana to Arjuna be imprinted on my memory. And forever. स्वनियममपहाय मत्प्रतिज्ञां ऋतमधिकर्तुमवप्लुतो रथस्थः ।धृतरथचरणोऽभ्ययाच्चलद्गुर्हरिरिव हन्तुमिभं गतोत्तरीयः ॥ ३७॥The compassionate Lord, Sri Krishna! You had स्वनियम, put up your own rule to yourself that you would not take up any weapon to fight in the whole war of Kurukshetra. While I took a contrary vow that I will make sure that you would hold a weapon in your hand. Bhaktavatsala! to you, your devotee is dearest and hence you broke your own rules. You appeared with your weapon Sudarshana Chakra, only to uphold your devotee's words. When you jumped from the chariot, even the earth quacked. You appeared like a roaring Lion heading towards an intoxicated elephant destroying the forest to govern and maintain the order in the forest. As you approached me, your steel armor had broken by my arrows injuring your body to bleed. The उत्तरीयः, the upper garment on your shoulder was slipping as if the Goddess Lakshmi in the form of garment influencing Prakriti was not approving your act of giving up your vows. Her Lord’s vow. 
Such Lord! Please solidify my bhakti in you.     Sri Krishnaशितविशिखहतो विशीर्णदंशः क्षतजपरिप्लुत आततायिनो मे ।प्रसभमभिससार मद्वधार्थं स भवतु मे भगवान् गतिर्मुकुन्दः ॥ ३८॥Lord! I too am a आतताय or Ataataayi for having stood with evil Duryodhana who was an Ataataayi. Also, I have broken your armor and injured you with sharp steel arrows. Yet did not heed to Arjuna who tried to stop you to fight me & kill me. My compassionate Lord! Carrying Sudarshana, you came towards me roaring that you would kill me. But, this was only to bless me. 
Such compassionate Lord Sri Krishna, bless me with progress, happiness and be always supportive to me. विजयरथकुटुम्ब आत्ततोत्रे धृतहयरश्मिनि तच्छ्रियेक्षणीये ।भगवति रतिरस्तु मे मुमूर्षोर्यमिह निरीक्ष्य हता गताः सरूपम् ॥ ३९॥Lord! विजयरथकुटुम्ब, Arjuna’s chariot itself had become your household during the war. You protected it as if your own house. Holding the आत्ततोत्रे, the reins of the हय, horses you appeared attractive with the power of charm. Let there be रति, affection and love in your Lotus feet as मुमूर्ष, I desire to die seeing your form of Parthasarathy. With this form bestow me with सरूपम्, view of my original form of Atma, lead me to Moksha.     ललितगतिविलासवल्गुहासप्रणयनिरीक्षणकल्पितोरुमानाः ।कृतमनुकृतवत्य उन्मदान्धाः प्रकृतिमगन् किल यस्य गोपवध्वः ॥ ४०॥Your वल्गुहास, attractive face wearing a pleasant smile charmed the Gopikas. Always कृतम् expressing their gratitude to you for your ललित, fragile acts with the subtle approach. The Gopis were lost अनुकृत repeating their gratitude by remembering their experiences of – 
How you Sri Krishna sat; the pose with which you stood; the gait while you walked; the way you saw them from the edge of the eye; the way you held & embraced them; the way your eyes met their eye holding them captivated; their view of your lips that aroused them a taste surpassing the taste of their most liked fruit; The manifold increase in the pleasure of being in your arms.
The Gopikas lived in उन्मद, intoxication, they had taken only your refuge and accomplished to see their original form of Atma leading to Moksha.     मुनिगणनृपवर्यसङ्कुलेऽन्तःसदसियुधिष्ठिरराजसूय एषाम् ।अर्हणमुपपेद ईक्षणीयो मम दृशिगोचर एष आविरात्मा ॥ ४१॥King Yudhishthira had conducted the Rajasuya Yagna  in the presence of great saints and munis. अग्रपूजा,   the highest honor, and reverence were received by Sri Krishna as suggested by me. Let such supreme Sri Krishna be present right in front of me during this moment of death. Also, let there be my deep devotion to him.    तमिममहमजं शरीरभाजां हृदि हृदि धिष्ठितमात्मकल्पितानाम् ।प्रतिदृशमिव नैकधार्कमेकंसमधिगतोऽस्मि विधूतभेदमोहः ॥ ४२॥Like the way Sun is present in the eyes and powering each of the immeasurable living beings with a view. The same very Sun, lights the three worlds in the universe appearing as one. Similarly, you are the Paramatma, the Indweller of all living beings starting from a blade of grass to God Brahma. Though being as the indweller in immeasurable living beings, you are the only one, Lord. 
Lord, you are विधूतभेदमोहः. There is no difference between your attributes, forms, actions and yourself. Nor there is a difference between you and your body. Knowing this I am prostrating at your Lotus feet.क्षितिभरमवरोपितं कुरूणां श्वसन इवासृजक्षवंशवह्निम्।तमिममहमजमनुव्रतार्तिहाङ्घ्रिं हृदि परिरभ्य जहामि मर्त्यनीडम् ॥ ५० ॥To reduce the weight of sin on mother earth you lit a fire called gambling between the cousins of Kuru family. By taking away the lifespan of evil including those through your glimpse in the middle battleground, you relieved the pain of mother earth. The one who destroys the pain of all who fall at his Lotus feet taking refuge, Sriman Narayana! holding & embracing your Lotus feet firmly in my heart, I am dying.Saying so, holding Lord Sri Krishna’s Lotus feet through his interior organs of Atma, Sri Bheeshmacharya closes his eyes. The same Lord Krishna appears in his Lotus of Heart.
  || Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Bheeshma Stuti, Middle Part

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. || Hari Om ||
Om Krishnaya Namahकृष्णाय वासुदेवाय देवकीनन्दनाय च ।नन्दगोपकुमाराय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः ॥Sri Krishna! Being a hope to the imprisoned Devaki & Vasudeva caused happiness by mesmerizing Nandagopa, Gopikas and even the Goddess of abundant beauty. Vasudeva! creation, sustenance, destruction and so on is a sports charm of you. Govinda! you are the cause & protector of Vedas.Krishna, Vasudeva, Devaki Nandana, Nanda Gopa Kumara, Govinda, 
My repeated salutations to you.नमः पङ्कजनाभाय नमः पङ्कजमालिने ।नमः पङ्कजनेत्राय नमस्ते पङ्कजाङ्घ्रये ॥My salutations to the Lotus of the navel. My salutations to the Lotus garlanded.My salutations to Lotus petal eye. My salutations to the Lotus feet.

व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.
यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.
यद्भनौ यत्क्र्शानौ यदमृतकिरणे यद् ग्रहेषू दितेषुज्योतिर्यत्तारकासु प्रथितमणिषु यद्यच्च सौदामिनिषु ।सम्भूयौतत् समस्तं त्वदमितह्रदयाकाशनिर्यत्प्रकाशेधीर श्रीराघवेन्द्रव्रतिवरभजते हन्त खद्योतरीतिम् ॥The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Lord Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghvendra, भजते, I worship you by surrendering myself.Like the cow pulls back the cud from the stomach to re-chew, Sri Bheeshmacharya recalls the incidences in the war of Kurukshetra. Before the war of Kurukshetra, both Pandavas and Kauravas approach Lord Sri Krishna requesting him to fight on their side. Incidentally, both approaches at the same time. Arjuna representing Pandavas and Duryodhana himself from Kauravas. Sri Krishna will be lying in his yoga Nidra. While Duryodhana comes first, engulfed in his ego thinks that he is the prince of the Kuru dynasty and stands near the head of Sri Krishna. However, Arjuna waits near the Lotus feet of Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna sees Arjuna waiting for him as he wakes up and later Duryodhana.
Seeing Arjuna first and recognizing that Duryodhana too had come first, Lord Sri Krishna says that he and his children together will fight the war on both sides. He proposes that his million sons whom he had from his 16,000 wives would fight with weapons on one side. He himself would be on the opposite side. And would not take-up any weapons during the war. Sri Krishna gives the first choice to Arjuna to select his million sons or himself to fight on their side.
Meantime, Duruodhana gets jittery worrying if Arjuna would choose Sri Krishna’s million sons to their advantage. Surprising to Duryodhana, Arjuna the dear devotee of Sri Krishna says, 'My Lord! Whether you take up weapons or not, we want you to be on our side'. Subsequently, Arjuna requests Sri Krishna to be his charioteer and Sri Krishna accepts the same. Duryodhana feels relaxed and happy. He thinks with an affirmative question, “What is the point of having Sri Krishna who is not going to take-up weapon and fight?”
This incidence including the vow of Sri Krishna that he would not take-up any weapons during the war was apprised by Duryodhana to Sri Bheeshmacharya. Hearing that, Sri Bheeshmacharya takes-up a contrary vow that he will make sure that Sri Krishna takes-up the weapon.
Later, the battle between Pandavas and Kauravas starts. Sri Bheeshmacharya fights in full vigor raining arrows in all directions of Pandavas. He kills about 10,000 soldiers a day. Seeing the aggression of Sri Bheeshmacharya's attack, the soldiers of Pandavas start fleeing from the battleground. Arjuna and Bheemasena had the ability to stop Sri Bheeshmacharya and kill him. However, Arjuna who was fighting against Sri Bheeshmacharya was only defending with a soft hand. He did not see his grandfather as an enemy standing with evil Duryodhana. He did not want to kill his grandfather, teachers, and acharyas. He went soft on the aggressive and attacking Sri Bheeshmacharya.
Turning the chariot towards Sri Bheeshmacharya, Sri Krishna exhibited superb skills of negotiating to the enemy attack, their rain of arrows and their other weapons. Sri Krishna took the chariot on the battlefield with agility, quickness, and intelligence. The attacking positions of the chariot gave the most advantageous position to Arjuna for archery.
Sri Bheeshmacharya was raining arrows from all directions. He even stopped the sunlight to reach Arjuna’s chariot. He was injuring the Horses, Arjuna and even damaged the chariot. Sri Krishna too appeared as if injured and bleeding.  However, Arjuna was not considerate of any of this. He allowed the Elephants, Camels, Horses and so many foot soldiers to die. And much more vulnerable to injury & death. Sri Krishna appeared utterly dissatisfied and angry on the battlefield. Yet, Arjuna remained sober.
The attacking Sri Bheeshmacharya appeared as bright midday summer Sun, unable to be seen with naked eyes. It became hard to see him, his skillful, speedy & sharp way of delivering arrows, the agility & the speed of his movements were all exemplary. Unseeable. The chariots were coming down crashing with the hit of steel arrows powered by Sri Bheeshmacharya. Many more chariots were damaged. Elephants, Camels, Horses were all getting killed. The soldiers on the Pandava side were fleeing for their life. No amount of encouragement held them back. The battle appeared as if it was a walkover. Kauravas cheered.
Sri Bheeshmacharya stringing the bow expressed his power. Also, he roared like a lion on the battlefield. Arjuna escalated his defense. Making a counter sound by stringing his bow Gandiva, Arjuna shot three quick arrows. The projectiles powered accurately, picked up high speed hitting Sri Bheeshmacharya’s bow breaking it down. But Sri Bheeshmacharya did not get deterred. Swiftly, he picked up another bow in the chariot and started showering arrows. On the other hand, Arjuna continued breaking down the bows. This exchange of attack and counterattack continued. Sri Bheeshmacharya was pleased with his grandson’s archery. He appreciated the cleverness & the swiftness of Arjuna. He complimented Arjuna by saying, ‘Pandu was a great warrior. You are his worthy son’.
Sri Bheeshmacharya had set his eye on Sri Krishna. His objective was to make Sri Krishna take up a weapon. Hence, Sri Bheeshmacharya was raining arrows on the charioteer and the chariot horse. Sri Krishna was skilfully ducking the arrows and saving the horses. Sri Krishna notes the way Arjuna putting-up a meager fight against Sri Bheeshmacharya. The actual fight he has to put-up, even while having respect, though.
Satyaki comes stopping Sri Bheeshmacharya, but in vain. He shouts to the soldiers, not to flee as that would not speak well of their valor and gallantry as Kshatriya soldiers. Yet, Arjuna does not realize his responsibility. Hence, Sri Krishna announced that he himself would attack Sri Bheeshmacharya.
Chakrapani Sri Krishna threw the rein and the whip aside. He raised his right-hand index finger and called the disc, Sudarshana. Everyone on the battlefield was flabbergasted seeing the Chakrapani holding the disc, Sudarshana with the brightness of 10 million Suns.
Holding the disc, Sri Krishna jumped from the chariot on the earth. The earth tremored. Appearing furious, Sri Krishna walked towards Bheeshmacharya. Happy looking Bheeshmacharya welcomed Sri Krishna saying, 'Lord! It would be a privilege to me to die at your hands'.
Seeing this, Arjuna woke up.  He ran towards Sri Krishna stopping him. He promised that he will uphold Sri Krishna's words of not taking up any weapon and fight. Sri Krishna did not heed. Arjuna held Sri Krishna's left hand pulling back. But Sri Krishna shook off his hand throwing back Arjuna. He headed towards Bheeshmacharya like a Lion, the King of the forest heading towards an intoxicated wild elephant to leap and break his forehead. As Sri Krishna roared forward, Arjuna chased and held the Almighty's lotus feet. Sri Krishna dragged Arjuna almost ten steps forward. Arjuna pleaded and swore by his son's life. Also, sworn by each of his brother's life. He committed his utmost to fight Sri Bheeshmacharya. Sri Krishna accepted and returned to the chariot without further engaging Sri Bheeshmacharya in a fight.
Remembering the incidences of Kurukshetra, Sri Bheeshmacharya lying on the bed of arrows sang the Glory of the Lord before the Pranotkramana or breadth-departure,श्रीभीष्म उवाचइति मतिरुपकल्पिता वितृष्णा भगवति सात्वतपुङ्गवे विभूम्नि ।स्वसुखमुपगते क्वचिद्विहर्तुं प्रकृतिमुपेयुषि यद्भवप्रवाहः ॥ ३२॥Oh! My Lord, इति मतिरुपकल्पिता, I am submitting the whole of my mind and intellect to your Lotus feet during the last moments of my life. The crystal clear & clean knowledge that I have gained after intense practice & Anustana is only because of your blessing and is only yours. Now, my mind is full of you and only you.वितृष्णा, Sri Krishna! I have no other desire other than your Lotus feet. सात्वतपुङ्गवे or Appearing in the Vrishni clan who practice all that is said in Panchatantra, you are विभूम्निhaving a special and unique attribute of completeness. Though, Goddess Mahalakshmi is complete, that is only because of your blessings. Also, many of the beings have accomplished Mukti have completeness in their own right and extent to their capacity through only your blessings. But, your’s is special and unique, my Lord! But, being complete is your intrinsic attribute, independent of others, surpassing all others and is most complete.      You are स्वसुखमुपगते oh! My Lord. You are a treasure house of Ananda or bliss. In fact, you are made of bliss and need not seek elsewhere. Yet, क्वचिद्विहर्तुं, you take-up this pleasure trip of creation by प्रकृतिमुपेयुषि or bringing Chetana Prakriti or Goddess Lakshmi closer to you and यद्भवप्रवाहः or the Prakriti that sets forth the flow of Samsara or the cycle of birth & death. This way creation has become your pass-time. In such अद्य or the first supreme Lord Sriman Narayana, my mind has been fixed.त्रिभुवनकमनं तमालवर्णं रविकरगौरवराम्बरं दधाने ।वपुरलककुलावृताननाब्जं विजयसखे रतिरस्तु मेऽनवद्या ॥ ३३॥My Lord! विजयसखे, your friends are always victorious. You are a friend of Pandavas. रतिरस्तु मे, Please give me the endless bliss. Lord! Let that bliss be अनवद्य or having no blemishes associated with exterior sensory organs.  But the Svaroopa Ananda or bliss felt by Jiva or Atma.My Lord! त्रिभुवनकमनं. You have a very beautiful body having a dark color like तमालवर्णं  or the darkness in bay leaves. You are very attractive, the color of अम्बरं or robes is गौरव or Saffron-Yellow like रविकर the golden hue of the young rising Sun, the sporty-looking curly hair dangling down on your face. You appear to only worthy Jivas of all the regions of the universe. You are so attractive. Seeing you, these worthy Jivas wonder.Oh! My Lord, I am wearing such a beautiful form of you on my memory through Dharana Yoga. Please bless me with endless bliss having no blemishes.      

Let's pray to Hari, Vayu, and Gurus for their continued Jnana Prasada to take a look at the balance part of Bheeshma Stuti.  || Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Bheeshma Stuti, The Forepart

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. || Hari Om ||
Om Krishnaya Namahकृष्णाय वासुदेवाय देवकीनन्दनाय च ।नन्दगोपकुमाराय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः ॥Sri Krishna! Being a hope to the imprisoned Devaki & Vasudeva caused happiness by mesmerizing Nandagopa, Gopikas and even the Goddess of abundant beauty. Vasudeva! creation, sustenance, destruction and so on is a sports charm of you. Govinda! you are the cause & protector of Vedas.Krishna, Vasudeva, Devaki Nandana, Nanda Gopa Kumara, Govinda, 
My repeated salutations to you.नमः पङ्कजनाभाय नमः पङ्कजमालिने ।नमः पङ्कजनेत्राय नमस्ते पङ्कजाङ्घ्रये ॥My salutations to the Lotus of the navel. My salutations to the Lotus garlanded.My salutations to Lotus petal eye. My salutations to the Lotus feet.

व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.
यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.
यद्भनौ यत्क्र्शानौ यदमृतकिरणे यद् ग्रहेषू दितेषुज्योतिर्यत्तारकासु प्रथितमणिषु यद्यच्च सौदामिनिषु ।सम्भूयौतत् समस्तं त्वदमितह्रदयाकाशनिर्यत्प्रकाशेधीर श्रीराघवेन्द्रव्रतिवरभजते हन्त खद्योतरीतिम् ॥The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Lord Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghvendra, भजते, I worship you by surrendering myself.In the great war of Kurukshetra, Sri Bheeshmacharya had taken several arrows. These arrows had pierced through him forming a bed on which he laid waiting to accept death and relinquish his body. Sri Bheeshmacharya had accomplished the siddhi of Iccha Marana or perfection to have death at his time of choosing. Hence, he waited for the winter solstice, when the doors of Heaven would be opened. That is the first day of Uttarayana. During his wait, Sri Bheeshmacharya experienced the pain of eight garbhavasa i.e. the pain during the stay in the mother’s womb. Sri BheeshmacharyaDuring death, when jiva departs the mortal body, it experiences enormous pain while being in the cycle of death and birth, so too during birth. To God Garuda’s question in Garuda Purana, Lord Keshava who is always being worshipped by God Brahma & God Shiva says that the jiva experiences enormous pain & misery in the womb. It would be awash by feces and urine having a bad smell. The bitter, hot, salty and acidic taste. As the body develops, it experiences pain in all directions due to the heat of the digestive system of the mother and due to the narrow space of confinement for a very long period of time. Sri Bheeshmacharya experiences the pain of eight Garbavasas or equivalent to the pain in each of the eight deaths and births.All the Rishis including Brahma Rishis, Deva Rishis, Raja Rishis heard the news of Sri Bheeshmacharya. They visited him while he awaited death. Dharmaraja at the directions of Lord Sri Krishna and Lord Veda Vyasa having a dilemma on dharma visited along with his brothers, family Priests and the support brahmins. The Lord Bhaktvatsala for whom devotees are most dear was present in the form of Parashurama, Veda Vyasa, and Sri Krishna to bless Sri Bheeshmacharya. Seeing them, Sri Bheeshmacharya sings the Glory of the Lord who is full of mercy and compassion.This song on Glory of Lord  sung by Sri Bheeshmacharya is the most powerful versus having the ability to bestow the remembrance and thoughts of Lord at the last moments of one’s life when practiced daily by repeated chanting with a conscious mind, heart filled with Bhakti and doing anusandhana. Anusandhana is understanding the principles of philosophy in each verse, draw essence and implement it by practicing in all our day to day activities of life.Sri Bheeshmacharya says,एष वै भगवान् साक्षादाद्यो नारायणः पुमान् ।मोहयन् मायया लोकं गूढश्चरति वृष्णिषु ॥ १८॥Evidently, this Sri Krishna is the Lord of everything. He has created the Universe including his forms, all living beings and non-living things. He is the sustainer, destroyer, controller, bestowing ignorance and knowledge to confine all living beings to death-birth and liberates them with moksha. He is the cause of this existence. Even before this creation, when nothing was there, He was there. Hence, he is popular as अद्य or the first supreme Lord, Sriman Narayana. The same Sriman Narayana is appearing in the form of Sri Krishna here. Though he mesmerizes everyone with his charm, He is appearing as if another person has taken birth in the Vrishni clan. This way he is unfolding his sports charm. अस्यानुभावं भगवान् वेद गुह्यतमं शिवः ।देवर्षिर्नारदः साक्षाद्भगवान् कपिलो नृप ॥ १९॥His glory, His acts, and the way He influences are extremely secretive. And impenetrable. Yudhishthira! Only His form of Kapila, God Shiva and Deva Rishi, Narada is aware. Hence, they could predict the exact future without being deluded.यं मन्यसे मातुलेयं प्रियं मित्रं सुहृत्तमम् ।अकरोः सचिवं दूतं सौहृदादथ सारथिम् ॥ २०॥The one whom you think is your maternal uncle Vasudeva’s son, the dear friend, most trusted & special. And to whom with great love, you ask him to be your minister, messenger and even charioteer without any hesitation,  that very compassionate Sri Krishna is the very complete Brahman. He is the Almighty, Supreme Lord.    सर्वात्मनः समदृशो ह्यद्वयस्यानहङ्कृतेः ।तत्कृतं मतिवैषम्यं निरवद्यस्य न क्वचित् ॥ २१॥He is सर्वात्मनः, the Indweller of all living beings without an iota of वैषम्य or discrimination including in their मति, intellect. He is समदृश, fair and impartial. He is Supreme as he is अद्वय or second to none.तथाप्येकान्तभक्तेषु पश्य भूपानुकम्पितम् ।यन्मेऽसूंस्त्यजतः साक्षात्कृष्णो दर्शनमागतः ॥ २२॥Yudhishthira! The balanced Lord is impartial and has no prejudice, whatsoever. With his immeasurable love towards his vast devotees, you are seeing how the compassionate Lord is favoring all with divine grace! As I have taken-up death to forego this body, Lord Sri Krishna has come himself with his presence for my दर्शन or view.भक्त्यावेश्य मनो यस्मिन् वाचा यन्नाम कीर्तयन् ।त्यजन् कलेवरं योगी मुच्यते कामकर्मभिः ॥ २३॥To those great yogis who have filled their hearts with Bhakti in Lord, sing his namasankeertana with a mind focused towards him while foregoing the body to accept death, the most compassionate Lord will shear the bind of desire and actions breaking the cycle of death and birth.  स देवदेवो भगवान् प्रतीक्षतां कलेवरं यावदिदं हिनोम्यहम् ।प्रसन्नहासारुणलोचनोल्लसन्मुखाम्बुजोध्यानपथश्चतुर्भुजः॥ २४॥Such God of Gods has a bright lotus-like face, wearing charming smile with the lotus petal-shaped eye, the white of his eye appearing lotus pink and having four arms, Bhagavan blessing with his view only to great Yogis in their meditation, Lord Sri Krishna be present right in front of me, seeing me till I forego my body, says Sri Bheeshmacharya.      सूत उवाच, Sri Sutacharya says,युधिष्ठिरस्तदाकर्ण्य शयानं शरपञ्जरे ।अपृच्छद्विविधान् धर्मान् ऋषीणां चानुशृण्वताम् ॥ २५॥Sri Shaunaka! Hearing the words from Grandfather Bheeshma who was sleeping on the bed of arrows, Yudhishthira asked several clarifications on various subjects of statecraft in the presence of great Rishis & Munis.पुरुषस्वभावविहितान् यथावर्णं यथाश्रमम् ।वैराग्यरागोपाधिभ्यामाम्नातोभयलक्षणान् ॥ २६॥दानधर्मान् राजधर्मान् मोक्षधर्मान् विभागशः ।स्त्रीधर्मान् भगवद्धर्मान् समासव्यासयोगतः ॥ २७॥धर्मार्थकाममोक्षांश्च सहोपायान् यथा मुने ।नानाख्यानेतिहासेषु वर्णयामास तत्त्ववित् ॥ २८॥Then the Tattva Jnani, Sri Bheeshmacharya having the divine knowledge consistent with Varna or Profession and Ashrama or the Stage of life, explained natural behavior or dharma to be followed by human beings. Vairagya or dispassion towards materialistic life that needs to be developed. Also, due to the instinct of desire and greed, Grandfather Sri Bheeshmacharya explained the way प्रवृत्ति or Pravruti dharma or worldly activities and निवृत्ति or Nivruti dharma or abstaining from sensual pleasures have been set forth in various ways.  Those with Vairagya would follow Nivruti or Nishkama dharma and those with desire & anger would follow Pravruti dharma.  Further, Sri Bheeshmacharya explained the दानधर्मा or quality of benevolence one needs to develop through donations; राजधर्मा or the righteous way of administration; स्त्रीधर्मा or the duty for females including women & children; भगवद्धर्मा or the behaviour of Gods when they appear on earth, the divine order he has set-up to follow and the way for Jivas to please the Lord; मोक्षधर्मा or The way one should propitiate Lord doing spiritual practice by submitting to him. Also, the benefits or the way the accomplished beings live after moksha. All these he explained in a detailed and elaborate way. Also, he summarised the same in brief for a quick memory. Along with these, he explained Dharma, Kama, Artha and Moksha, the four Purusharthas or the objectives of life, the way to accomplish perfection in this. He illustrated this through short stories and reference to history.   The whole of Shanti Parva and the Anushasana Parva that has been detailed in Mahabarata has been briefly touched upon herein Srimad Bhagavatam by Lord Veda Vyasa.र्मं प्रवदतस्तस्य स कालः प्रत्युपस्थितः ।यो योगिनश्छन्दमृत्योर्वाञ्छितस्तूत्तरायणः ॥ २९॥Sri Bheeshmacharya who had Iccha Marana or death at his time of choosing was expounding the axiom of dharma. While he was doing so, the auspicious time for such highly accomplished yogis to leave the body had come. The Uttarayana had set in for the doors of heaven to be opened.      तदोपसंहृत्य गिरः सहस्रणी र्विमुक्तसङ्गं मन आदिपूरुषे ।कृष्णे लसत्पीतपटे चतुर्भुजे पुरः स्थितेऽमीलितदृग्व्यधारयत् ॥ ३०॥The protagonist of the thousands assembled there became silent. The assembled there were filled with joy to hear more, though. Sri Bheeshmacharya was sucked into meditation with open eyes. His attention moved towards the Adipurusha, the four-armed Lord wearing the yellow robes, Bhagavan Sri Krishna. He brought his mind towards Lord Krishna, fixed it there as it was not always his companion. Gazing at the Lord who was standing right in front of him, blink less, Sri Bheeshmacharya’s lotus of heart blossomed.विशुद्धया धारणया हताशुभ स्तदीक्षयैवाशु गतायुधव्यथः ।निवृत्तसर्वेन्द्रियवृत्तिविभ्रमस्तुष्टाव जन्यं विसृजञ्जनार्दनम् ॥ ३१॥This way, Sri Bheeshmacharya having absolutely no expectations whatsoever doing meditation wore the form of Lord through Dharana on to his memory firmly. In that Dharana yoga, all sins causing inauspiciousness fled out of him. The most compassionate Lord Sri Krishna had a glimpse of Sri Bheeshmacharya destroying all the pains. The pain equivalent to a summation of eight garbhavasa or in eight births. Also, the pain inflicted by several weapons including the arrows that had pierced through him in the war disappeared. As the time to forego the body was arriving, Sri Bheeshmacharya stopped all the activities of exterior sensory organs filled with bhakti sang the praises of the Lord. 
Let's pray to Hari, Vayu, and Gurus for their continued Jnana Prasada to take a look at the balance part of Bheeshma Stuti.|| Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Dharmaraja’s Dilemma on Dharma

Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of Kali, destroys sins, shows the indweller, the Lord, in oneself by bringing Vairagya towards the materialistic world, and gives pure devotion, crystal clear, and clean knowledge. || Hari Om ||
Om Krishnaya Namahकृष्णाय वासुदेवाय देवकीनन्दनाय च ।नन्दगोपकुमाराय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः ॥Sri Krishna! Being a hope to the imprisoned Devaki & Vasudeva caused happiness by mesmerizing Nandagopa, Gopikas and even the Goddess of abundant beauty. Vasudeva! creation, sustenance, destruction and so on is a sports charm of you. Govinda! you are the cause & protector of Vedas.Krishna, Vasudeva, Devaki Nandana, Nanda Gopa Kumara, Govinda, 
My repeated salutations to you.नमः पङ्कजनाभाय नमः पङ्कजमालिने ।नमः पङ्कजनेत्राय नमस्ते पङ्कजाङ्घ्रये ॥My salutations to the Lotus of the navel. My salutations to the Lotus garlanded.My salutations to Lotus petal eye. My salutations to the Lotus feet.

व्यासाय भव नाशाय श्रीशाय गुण राशऐ ।हृद्याय शुद्ध विद्याय मध्वायछ नमो नमः ॥Charming & the beloved Vyasa, the destroyer of emotional & behavioral disorders, the Lord of Goddess of abundance having heaps of attributes, bestower of clean knowledge, my repeated salutations to you and Acharya Madhwa.
यः स्वानुभावमखिलश्रुतिसारमेकमध्यात्मदीपमतितितीर्षतां तमोऽन्धम् ।संसारिणां करुणयाह पुराणगुह्यं तं व्याससूनुमुपयामि गुरुं मुनीनाम् ॥This Srimad Bhagavatam gives the experience of the Lord and has the essence of all Vedas and Vedanta. It sheds spiritual light on the transcendental philosophy required to surpass the intense cycle of death and birth which is wrapped in ignorance. However, it is very secretive in nature. Hence, I pray to you Sri Shukacharya for your continued blessings.
यद्भनौ यत्क्र्शानौ यदमृतकिरणे यद् ग्रहेषू दितेषुज्योतिर्यत्तारकासु प्रथितमणिषु यद्यच्च सौदामिनिषु ।सम्भूयौतत् समस्तं त्वदमितह्रदयाकाशनिर्यत्प्रकाशेधीर श्रीराघवेन्द्रव्रतिवरभजते हन्त खद्योतरीतिम् ॥The brightness of the Sun, Fire, Moon, Planets, Stars, Gems, Precious stones and Lightening put together is just like a firefly near the astonishing brilliance emanating from your lotus of Heart wherein the five forms of Lord Sri Rama, Sri Narasimha, Sri Veda Vyasa, Sri Krishna and Sriman Narayana are present in a significant way bestowing you the Brahmavarchas or the Sacred Knowledge.Gentle & Holy Sage, Sri Raghvendra, भजते, I worship you by surrendering myself.After the great war of Kurukshetra, Yudhishthira was coronated as the King and Bheemasena as Crown Prince of the Kuru Kingdom by Lord in his forms of Veda Vyasa and Sri Krishna. For the fair and just governance of Yudhishthira, he became popular as Dharmaraja.
Sri Sutacharya continuing the narration of Srimad Bhagavatam to Sri Shaunaka & fellow Rishis says,व्यासाद्यैरीश्वरेहाज्ञैः कृष्णेनाद्भुतकर्मणा ।प्रबोधितोऽपीतिहासैर्नाबुध्यत शुचार्पितः ॥ ४६॥Shaunaka! Dharmaraja remembering the death of his relatives and friends sunk into melancholy. Having hidden meanings and objectives, Lord in the form of Veda Vyasa and even the form of Sri Krishna tried consoling Dharmaraja citing examples of history. They told him that he had carried out fair and good acts, consistent with the teachings of Lord Sri Krishna to Arjuna before the start of the war. Hence, they were successful in establishing Dharma of fair and good governance. They had done as per the wish of Lord, with his inspiration or Vishnu Prernaya and for pleasing him or Vishnu Preethyartham to accomplish Purusarthas or the objective of Life. However, King Yudhishthira was not convinced. All the time, his mind was occupied with scenes of the aftermath of the war of Kurukshetra. He continued sulking.
आह राजा धर्मसुतश्चिन्तयन् सुहृदां वधम् ।प्राकृतेनात्मना विप्राः स्नेहमोहवशं गतः ॥ ४७॥अहो मे पश्यताज्ञानं हृदि रूढं दुरात्मनः ।पारक्यस्यैव देहस्य बह्व्यो मेऽक्षौहिणीर्हताः ॥ ४८॥Sri Sutacharya says, Shaunaka! The son of Goddess of Dharma, King Yudhishthira had allowed his exterior mind of Prakriti to be tied up with relation to friendship and infatuation. Hence, being subjugated and controlled by exterior mind regarding the death of his relatives and friends, he thought thus,“So sad! I wonder as to how this ignorance has deeply rooted in my ill-natured heart? I have sacrificed bodies of soldiers forming several Akshauhini. These bodies have become food for dogs and wolves after the departure of their souls.”      In, The Axiom of Yoga continued, (we saw that the Shastras are saying that there are two minds. One which is made of nature or the exterior and the other with Swaroopa or Jivatma. Similarly, eyes for seeing, ears for hearing, nose for smelling, tongue for taste and skin for touch.  All Sensory organs that are seen exterior, the same is in Swaroopa or Jivatma including the one causing thoughts and intellect. The ones that are exterior are prone to disease and decay.  However, those in Jivatma is not destructible. The exterior sensory organs are the cause of samsara or death and birth. As these exterior sensory organs are made of Prakriti having guna of Sattvika, Rajasik and Tamasik and reason for Arishadvarga. These external sensory organs are tied to हृदय or Linga Deha with ग्रन्थि  or Knot. As the cracks appear, क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि or the Sins will disappear.
बालद्विजसुहृन्मित्रपितृभ्रातृगुरुद्रुहः ।न मे स्यान्निरयान्मोक्षो ह्यपि वर्षायुतायुतैः ॥ ४९॥नैनो राज्ञः प्रजाभर्तुर्धर्मयुद्धे वधो द्विषाम् ।इति मे न तु बोधाय कल्पते शासनं वचः ॥ ५०॥King Yudhishthira engrossed in himself thought "I have deceived several kids, brahmins, near & dear relatives and friends. Also, those in the position of elder or younger brothers, fathers, and Gurus. To all these and many more, I have deceived. Hence, having carried out such a big crime, even tens of millions of years in hell would not redeem my sins, thought Dharmaraja."While Lord in the form of Veda Vyasa and Sri Krishna including the family priest Dhaumya Rishi all quoted Shastras or The indoctrination that permits the King to go to war for justice and the protection of the citizens of his kingdom. Thus, permitting the King to order the killing of enemy soldiers. However, I am not able to absolve my guilt for the death of so many lives during the war. This is the emotional & behavioral disorder that Arjuna went through before the Great War of Kurukshetra. Arjuna seeing his Grandfather, brothers including Karna, Acharyas, Gurus, near & dear relatives and friends in the enemy line against whom he had to fight, drops his bow Gandiva to surrender to the enemy. To this Lord Sri Krishna unfurled Bhagavad Gita. He clarified that one is not born to serve himself or his sensory organs which always long for more. But for maintaining Bhagavad Dharma or the Lord's divine order. As a Kshatriya, there is a divine call to Yudhishthira for the killing of unfair and unjust Duryodhana. However, King Yudhishthira was caught up with a thought that the killings in the great war of Kurukshetra happened only for his personal benefits.  For him to become the King. Hence, the Kingdom has been established for him to enjoy Power. 
As a common man, we too are under the grip of such disorder of emotions and behavior. What comes to our mind, we think is right. Further, we reiterate the same. We fail to consider if what we think is consistent with Bhagavad Dharma or Lord's divine order.
स्त्रीणां मद्धतबन्धूनां द्रोहो योऽसाविहोत्थितः ।कर्मभिर्गृहमेधीयैर्नाहं कल्पो व्यपोहितुम् ॥ ५१॥यथा पङ्केन पङ्काम्भः सुरया वा सुराकृतम् ।भूतहत्यां तथैवैकां न यज्ञैर्मार्ष्टुमर्हति ॥ ५२॥King Yudhishthira thought that there is no spiritual austerity or sacrifice that could be carried out by a family man to absolve his sins accrued due to the curse of women & children for loss of near and dear in a war. Like the murky water cannot be cleaned with the muck. And the impurity caused to the soul by the liquor cannot be purified by liquor. Similarly, spiritual austerity having a sacrifice of animals cannot be redeemed for violence and killing. Under this circumstance, how could I redeem my sins? Thought King Yudhishthira.    

इति श्रीमद्भागवते महापुराणे पारमहंस्यां संहितायां प्रथमस्कन्धेकुन्तीस्तुतिर्युधिष्ठिरानुतापो नामाष्टमोऽध्यायः ॥ ८॥With this, we complete a part named "Kunti Stotra and Repentance of King Yudhishthira" of eighth Adhyaya, of Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1. We could do so only with the grace of Gurus including Sri Raghavendra and his philosophical associates including Sri Saunaka & his fellow Rishis, Sri Sutacahrya, Sri Sukachary, God Vayu, and Sri Hari as their Jnana Prasada.
सूत उवाच. Sri Sutacharya says, इति भीतः प्रजाद्रोहात्सर्वधर्मविवित्सया ।ततो विनशनं प्रागाद्यत्र देवव्रतोऽपतत् ॥ १॥तदा ते भ्रातरः सर्वे सदश्वैः स्वर्णभूषितैः ।अन्वगच्छन् रथैर्विप्रा व्यासधौम्यादयस्तथा ॥ २॥भगवानपि विप्रर्षे रथेन सधनञ्जयः ।स तैर्व्यरोचत नृपः कुबेर इव गुह्यकैः ॥ ३॥Shaunaka Rishi! This way, Dharmaraja’s Dilemma on Dharma continued. He suffered from fear. He thought he was the cause for the death of several soldiers. Accepting the suggestions of Lord in his forms of Sri Krishna and Veda Vyasa to take the opinion from the eldest of his Kuru family and since he had fought against them along with Duryodhana, King Yudhishthira decided to meet Sri Bheeshmacharya. 
Also, with a desire to learn the secrets of dharma or divine justice in statecraft from his grandfather, Sri Bheeshmacharya, Dharmaraja arrived at the battle-ground of Kurukshetra. Sri Bheeshmacharya was lying there on the bed of sharp arrows. At the same time, the other four brothers of Pandavas followed him in their chariots well decorated with gold plates and pulled by horses of very good breed. Also, they were accompanied by Lord Veda Vyasa, Dhaumya Rishi, the family priest and his assistant brahmins.  Lord Sri Krishna accompanied by Arjuna boarded the chariot and traveled to Kurukshetra. With all these dignitaries of high rank, King Yudhishthira appeared shining like King Kubera, the God of wealth in the assembly of high ranked Yakshas, says Sri Sutacharya
दृष्ट्वा निपतितं भूमौ दिवश्च्युतमिवामरम् ।प्रणेमुः पाण्डवा भीष्मं सानुगाः सह चक्रिणा ॥ ४॥तत्र ब्रह्मर्षयः सर्वे देवर्षयश्च सत्तम ।राजर्षयश्च तत्रासन् द्रष्टुं भरतपुङ्गवम् ॥ ५॥ Sri BheeshmacharyaTo Pandavas, Sri Bheeshmacharya appeared as divine God sleeping on the bed of arrows. He appeared as if he slipped down from heaven and had taken up the vow of religious observation. They had arrived along with Lord Sri Krishna. Seeing Sri Bheeshmacharya, the Pandavas paid their respects by offering salutations. To see the most eminent hero of Bharata, Sri Bheeshmacharya, all the Brahma Rishis, Deva Rishis, Raja Rishis accompanied with their students had arrived there by then, says Sri Sutacharya.Continuing the narration, Sri Sutacharya says,    पर्वतो नारदो धौम्यो भगवान् बादरायणः ।बृहदश्वो भरद्वाजः सशिष्यो रेणुकासुतः ॥ ६॥वसिष्ठ इन्द्रप्रमदस्त्रितो गृत्समदोऽसितः ।कक्षीवान् गौतमोऽत्रिश्च कौशिकोऽथ सुदर्शनः ॥ ७॥अन्ये च मुनयो ब्रह्मन् ब्रह्मरातादयोऽमलाः ।शिष्यैरुपेता आजग्मुः कश्यपाङ्गिरसादयः ॥ ८॥Parvata, Narada, Dhaumya, Bhagavan Veda Vyasa, Brihadaswa, Bharadwaja, Parashurama, Vasishtha, Indra Pramada, Trita, Gritsamad, Asita, Kakshivanta, Gautama, Atri, Vishwamitra, Sudarshan had arrived to see Sri Bheeshmacharya. Also, Brahmaratas who were initiated by god Brahma like Sukacharya, Kashyapa, Angirasa, and so on who were Maharishis with pure souls along with their support staff and students had arrived.
तान् समेतान् महाभागानुपलभ्य वसूत्तमः ।पूजयामास धर्मज्ञो देशकालविभागवित् ॥ ९॥कृष्णं च तत्प्रभावज्ञ आसीनं जगदीश्वरम् ।हृदिस्थं पूजयामास माययोपात्तविग्रहम् ॥ १०॥Knowing one’s duty and the protocol of response based on place and time, Sri Bheeshmacharya an incarnation of a God among Asta Vasu welcomed all the Sages and offered his salutations through thoughts in his mind.   Sri Bheeshmacharya, knowing the Lordship of Sri Krishna who appeared as if another human being seated among the sages creating an illusion to most of the people and also knowing him being an indweller in  each one's heart, offered salutations to Lord Sri Krishna.
पाण्डुपुत्रानुपासीनान् प्रश्रयप्रेमसङ्गतान् ।अभ्याचष्टानुरागास्रैरन्धीभूतेन चक्षुषा ॥ ११॥अहो कष्टमहोऽन्याय्यं यद्यूयं धर्मनन्दनाः ।जीवितुं नार्हथ क्लिष्टं विप्रधर्माच्युताश्रयाः ॥ १२॥The Pandavas always expresses their virtue of humility, sat next to the bed of arrows. They sat close to their grandfather, Sri Bheeshmacharya. Seeing them, the tears of joy rolled down the eyes of Sri Bheeshmacharya. Taking a while to come to terms with the situation, Sri Bheeshmacharya says,Dharmanandana! The Sons of Pandu! You all have believed in taking refuge of pious priests, the Dharma and the Lord. Though you all have always taken their refuge, yet, life has not been kind! Alas, you had to face lots of difficulties without good reasons. You all are not fit for such a state of poverty and difficult life.
Sri Bheeshmacharya continues to say,संस्थितेऽतिरथे पाण्डौ पृथा बालप्रजा वधूः ।युष्मत्कृते बहून् क्लेशान् प्राप्ता तोकवती मुहुः ॥ १३॥सर्वं कालकृतं मन्ये भवतां च यदप्रियम् ।सपालो यद्वशे लोको वायोरिव घनावलिः ॥ १४॥यत्र धर्मसुतो राजा गदापाणिर्वृकोदरः ।कृष्णोऽस्त्री गाण्डिवं चापं सुहृत्कृष्णस्ततो विपत् ॥ १५॥Pandu was a great warrior. He had an unexpected death. At that time, you all were too young. Hence, Kunti had to suffer a lot for your upbringing. Also, You all have to face the burden of the early death of Pandu.The way the clouds are under the control of wind so too in our lives. Each one’s life is under the control of Time. The Universe, including the Guardians of the Universe, are under the control of Time. There is no choice. But, all have to follow the dictates of Time. Hence, I believe that you are facing so many difficulties is in the charm of the sport of the Lord Time.Else, when the son of Dharma, Yudhishthira himself is King, the bearer of the terrific mace that could break the hardest, Sri Bheemasena and the bearer of terrifying bow and arrow, Arjuna are the guardians and the Lord Sri Krishna himself is a friend, how could difficulties even show it's face!
न ह्यस्य कर्हिचिद्राजन् पुमान् वेद विधित्सितम् ।यद्विजिज्ञासया युक्ता मुह्यन्ति कवयोऽपि हि ॥ १६॥तस्मादिदं दैवतन्त्रं व्यवस्य भरतर्षभ ।तस्यानुविहितोऽनाथा नाथ पाहि प्रजाः प्रभो ॥ १७॥Dharmanandana! The Sons of Pandu! The form of the Lord of Time, this Sri Krishna is a wonder! What are his intentions and how he intends to unfurl the situations can never be contemplated by any being! Even the most intelligent being falls into an illusion if he tries contemplating to predict the future.
The best in Bharat! All the happenings on the earth are as per the wish of the Lord. The subjects in the Kingdom of Bharat have become orphans without a King. Hence, return to Hastinapura to protect them. Also, you are the most capable to take care.

Hence, even before Dharmaraja asks the question to get clarifications on his Dilemma, Sri Bheeshmacharya suffering from an intense pain with several arrows pierced through him forming a bed answers conclusively. He says that no matter who the person is, he is under the control of Bhagavad Dharma or the Lord's divine order. Even though it is Kunti Devi, the aunt of Lord Sri Krishna or Pandavas, a relative and dear friend of Sri Krishna. Also, the evil Duryodhana including all those who supported him in the great war of Kurukshetra are under the control of Bhagavad Dharma or the Lord's divine order.
Subsequently, Sri Bheeshmacharya sings the Glory of Lord that is famously known as Bheeshma Stuti. Let's pray to Hari, Vayu, and Gurus for their continued blessings to take a look at the famous Bheeshma Stuti.
|| Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||