Srinath Shrothrium's Blog, page 7

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 ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Kunti Stotra

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 war of Kurukshetra, Lord Sri Krishna saw to it that Yudhistira ascended the throne of the Kuru Kingdom. Thus ensuring the reinstatement of Dharmarajya or fair & just governance to the common people. Subsequently, when Lord Sri Krishna bid farewell and boarded the chariot to proceed to Dwarka, Uttara Devi ran towards him seeking his protection to the baby in her womb from Brahmashirshastra that was executed by Ashwathama. With one of his forms of brilliance, Lord entered the womb of Uttara Devi and neutralized the aggression of the Brahmashirshastra.After narrating all this to Sri Shaunaka & fellow rishis, Sri Sutacharya started narrating the famous Kunti Stotra that has the power of bestowing Aparoksha Jnana. She addressed Sri Krishna as the Supreme Lord or Adi Purusha in recognition of His Lordship. She praised Sri Krishna's Supremacy over Prakriti or Goddess Lakshmi and the best of Jiva or God Brahma. She sang the attributes of Lord, his names and the Sports Charm.We as common human beings encounter difficulties every now and then. Most of us without a second thought, run to the Lord seeking an immediate solution for every difficulty we encounter. We do this at the drop of a hat. We want his blessings and protections only when we go wrong. But hardly we realize that all happenings of delight are because of the blessings of Lord. So too, the solutions to all our problems. Hence, we miss upon our sense of gratitude.However, the most noteworthy virtue exhibited by Kunti Devi is Titiksha or having the patience to endure the ragging of samsara or the grind of life.  Hence, in this Stotra or the praises to Lord, Kunti Devi assigns the attribute of Lord giving difficulties to Jiva as the kindest, compassionate, and bridge towards himself.       Continuing on Kunti Stotra,  Kunti Devi says,           गोप्याददे त्वयि कृतागसि दाम तावद्या ते दशाश्रुकलिलाञ्जनसम्भ्रमाक्षम् ।वक्त्रं निनीय भयभावनया स्थितस्य सा मां विमोहयति भीरपि यद्बिभेति ॥ ३१॥ DamodaraLord! I have heard the stories about you. Appearing in the house of Yashoda and Nanda Gopa, you have been showing your sports Charm. One day you happened to break the earthen pot full of butter. Yashoda not realizing your Lordship brought a rope to tie you up. The reaction displayed by you to Yashoda Devi scares me, Says Kunti Devi.Though full of attributes and stainless, your eyes filled with tears mixing with the grease of eye black had flowed down your cheeks arousing the extreme feeling of motherhood. You appeared as if being scared to Yashoda Devi’s rope and dropped your head as if you had done a mistake. Meditating on this form of you makes me illusioned every time. I'm Scared of being misled by your acts. Oh! My Lord, the death itself is scared of you, how could Yashoda scare you?     केचिदाहुरजं जातं पुण्यश्लोकस्य कीर्तये ।यदोः प्रियस्यान्ववाये मलयस्येव चन्दनम् ॥ ३२॥अपरे वसुदेवस्य देवक्यां याचितोऽभ्यगात् ।अजस्त्वमस्य क्षेमाय वधाय च सुरद्विषाम् ॥ ३३॥भारावतारणायान्ये भुवो नाव इवोदधौ ।सीदन्त्या भूरिभारेण जातो ह्यात्मभुवार्थितः ॥ ३४॥भवेऽस्मिन् क्लिश्यमानानामविद्याकामकर्मभिः ।श्रवणस्मरणार्हाणि करिष्यन्निति केचन ॥ ३५॥For you, there is no birth nor death. Yet you appeared as the son of Devaki & Vasudeva and grew up with Yashoda & Nanda Gopa. The great saints opine that you did so, To increase the fame of Malaya hills where sandalwood trees grow in abundance due to your blessings. To bring fame to Yashoda & Nanda Gopa and to the Yadhu clan. As your appearance is a divine verse well-spoken of having good fame.The other great saints believe that in the previous birth of Devaki & Vasudeva as Sutapa & Vrishni you had blessed them with a boon that you would be born to them as their Son. Hence you appeared as the son of Devaki & Vasudeva.Also, as requested by Gods to cause prosperity on Earth and the destruction of the wicked, you appeared as the son of Devaki & Vasudeva.Some others believe that as the sinners had carried out intense and large sins, their weight on mother earth had increased enormously making her unbearable. Hence, the extremely troubled mother earth had started sinking in the middle of the sea. Therefore, God Brahma had prayed to you for her help and hence you appeared on earth.In this intense cycle of death & birth wrapped in ignorance having a keen desire for endless actions, people are stuck with sorrow & grief. With an intent to remember, hear, read your divine sports charm that uplifts “we the people suffering from sorrow & grief” you have appeared on earth, say some.शृण्वन्ति गायन्ति गृणन्त्यभीक्ष्णशः स्मरन्ति नन्दन्ति तवेहितं जनाः ।त एव पश्यन्त्यचिरेण तावकं भवप्रवाहोपरमं पदाम्बुजम् ॥ ३६॥However, your fortunate devotees remain happy as they are blessed with a taste to hear of your stories, singing your glories & names repeatedly. Also, remember your sports charm always. Only such devotees of yours would be able to break the cycle of death & birth. They will have the sight of your Lotus feet and take refuge only there.            अप्यद्य नस्त्वं स्वकृतेहित प्रभो जिहाससि स्वित्सुहृदोऽनुजीविनः ।येषां न चान्यद्भवतः पदाम्बुजात्परायणं राजसु योजितांहसाम् ॥ ३७॥My Lord! You are like the Kalpavruksha or the wish fulfilling tree of heaven on earth to your devotees. We are yours, you’re our relative and we live in your shadow.  Do you wish to leave us and proceed your way to Dwarka?Lord! You know how all the kings on this earth harbor enmity against us. Your Lotus Feet is the only place where we have a refuge. So, please do not leave us.के वयं नामरूपाभ्यां यदुभिः सह पाण्डवाः ।भवतोऽदर्शनं यर्हि हृषीकाणामिवेशितुः ॥ ३८॥Atma is the bearer and motivator of all Indriya. Other than Atma, who else can give a place for the existence to Indriyas and power them? Similarly, my Lord! without your presence and sight, how could the clan of Yadhu and Pandavas have a name, form, existence, and power? How can they live? नेयं शोभिष्यते तत्र यथेदानीं गदाधर ।त्वत्पदैरङ्किता भाति स्वलक्षणविलक्षितैः ॥ ३९॥My Lord! Gadadhara! You hold the mace named Kaumodaki. Your divine Lotus feet have auspicious symbols and have made this place of Kuru kingdom special and beautiful. Your departure would make this place dull.  इमे जनपदाः स्वृद्धाः सुपक्वौषधिवीरुधः ।वनाद्रिनद्युदन्वन्तो ह्येधन्ते तव वीक्षितैः ॥ ४०॥The kind-hearted Lord! Your glimpse of favor has yielded an abundance of food grains, fruits & flowers, creepers, plants, and trees. Even the countryside is filled with lakes & rivers. The forests, hills, and mountains are filled with natural resources with just your glimpse. अथ विश्वेश विश्वात्मन् विश्वमूर्ते स्वकेषु मे ।स्नेहपाशमिमं छिन्धि दृढं पाण्डुषु वृष्णिषु ॥ ४१॥Lord of the Universe! This whole universe is An idol of you. Inside, are you as a universal soul. A deep sense of affection in Pandavas & Yadavas has grown in me and has made me possessive. This affable relationship is of Prakriti and limited to the physical body. Hence, I pray to you to kindly cut this bind of affection.त्वयि मेऽनन्यविषया मतिर्मधुपतेऽसकृत् ।रतिमुद्वहतादद्धा गङ्गेवौघमुदन्वति ॥ ४२॥Madhupati! Your appearance in the family of Madhu has brought fame to the Yadhu clan. Lord Sri Krishna, like the entire water flowing in the river Ganga, merges with the sea, so too should my mind without straying here and there and my heart oozing with the nectar of divine love should flow only towards you and only you.  श्रीकृष्ण कृष्णसख वृष्ण्यृषभावनिध्रुग्राजन्यवंशदहनानपवर्गवीर्य ।गोविन्द गोद्विजसुरार्तिहरावतार योगेश्वराखिलगुरो भगवन् नमस्ते ॥ ४३॥Sri Krishna! The dear friend of Arjuna! Vrishni! The jewel in the crown of Yadhu clan! The fire burning down the sinners disguised as Kings! The brave hero! Govinda! The cause & protector of Vedas, Godvija! The protector of Cows & twice-born, having come to remove the difficulties of Gods, my Lord! The Lord of Yoga! Guru! Bhagavan! My repeated Salutations to You.

Sri Sutacharya says to Shaunaka & fellow Rishisसूत उवाचपृथयेत्थं कलपदैः परिणूताखिलोदयः ।मन्दं जहास वैकुण्ठो मोहयन्निव मायया ॥ ४४॥तां बाढमित्युपामन्त्र्य प्रविश्य गजसाह्वयम् ।स्त्रियश्च स्वपुरं यास्यन् प्रेम्णा राज्ञा निवारितः ॥ ४५॥This way Kunti Devi praised the Lord with sweet words singing his names and sports charm. Hearing this, ever-charming Lord Sri Krishna who has Vaikuntha as his abode accepted Kunti Devi's request to stay back in Hastinapura. The entire crowd with a heavy heart that had assembled to see him off were mesmerized with his gentle smile. A second of pin-drop silence engulfed the surrounding with the spellbound crowd and everyone distinctly heard Lord Saying to Kunti Devi, “Aunt! So may it be.”As the crowd cheered watching him, Lord Sri Krishna walked back towards the palace accompanied with the King Yudhishthira, Sister Subhadra and others who had all opposed his travel to Dwarka.  || Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Bhakti Yoga of Uttara Devi and Kunti Devi

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 Shaunaka Rishi's Virtue of Humility, Sri Shaunaka & his fellow Rishis had asked Sri Sutachary through the ninth verse of the fourth adhyaya: 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 narrates the story of Ashwathama including the execution of Brahmashirsha Astra and his refusal to callback its aggression on the offspring of Pandavas. Hence, Uttara Devi the wife of Abhimanyu prays to Lord Sri Krishna seeking protection, says,
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 other than you 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. Lord Sri Krishna for whom the devotees are most dear, protected both the Bhagavatas from Brahmashirsha Astra through his वैष्णवं तेज or his brilliance. He 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.
मा मंस्था ह्येतदाश्चर्यं सर्वाश्चर्यमयेऽच्युते ।य इदं मायया देव्या सृजत्यवति हन्त्यजः ॥ १६॥One need not be astonished by this, said Sri Sutacharya. 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.Remember, this is the same as the first verse of prayer in this Srimad Bhagavatam taught by Lord Veda Vyasa himself. जन्माद्यस्य or His attribute of Creation, Sustenance, Destruction, Regulation, providing - Knowledge, Ignorance, Bandha or Confinement and Moksha or Liberation has the highest fame. Overwhelmed by the protection of Lord Sri Krishna at every step of their life, the virtuous Sadhvi Kunti Devi’s heart oozes with devotion. She addresses Lord Sri Krishna to offer her gratitude. Submitting herself sings the famous Kunti Stotra, 
कुन्त्युवाचनमस्ये 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.
मायाजवनिकाच्छन्नमज्ञाधोक्षजमव्ययम् ।न लक्ष्यसे मूढदृशा नटो नाट्यधरो यथा ॥ १९॥To understand you, I should understand myself. With the concealment of Jeevachadika, I do not have the ability to look into myself as my Indriya or the sensory organs are always looking outwards for happiness. Also, the veil of Paramachadika between you and me is obstructing me to know you. Though I am born with a human body that diseases & decays, I have been caught in the grips of your Vishnu Maya causing illusions and chasing the mirage of happiness outwards.Whenever I close my eyes and sit to meditate your form & fame, I only see darkness & short-lived contemplation of your fame though you are present in me as my Indweller. Omniscient Lord Adhokshaja! You know everything and have surpassed the knowledge & happiness that come from Indriya. You are a supreme actor playing immeasurable roles with several acts and unique outfits. How can a dull and ignorant person like me recognize you? Only your blessings will bestow the knowledge of myself, you, and the happiness therein.
तथा परमहंसानां मुनीनाममलात्मनाम् ।भक्तियोगविधानार्थं कथं पश्येम हि स्त्रियः ॥ २०॥The Paramahamsa like Sanakaadi yogis, Naradaadi Rishis, and the Aparoksha Jnanis have overcome Ignorance, desire, anger, actions, & so on giving up the materialistic world to gain pure heart brimming with devotion in you and crystal clear and clean knowledge of you. For them, you are the subject of Bhakti Yoga. How can a common woman like me recognize you? Asks Kunti Devi.
Sri Krishna
कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय देवकीनन्दनाय च ।नन्दगोपकुमाराय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः ॥ २१॥
नमः पङ्कजनाभाय नमः पङ्कजमालिने ।नमः पङ्कजनेत्राय नमस्ते पङ्कजाङ्घ्रये ॥ २२॥

Krishna, Vasudeva, Devaki Nandana, Nanda Gopa Kumara, Govinda, My repeated salutations to you.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.

यथा हृषीकेश खलेन देवकी कंसेन रुद्धातिचिरं शुचार्पिता ।विमोचिताहं च सहात्मजा विभो त्वयैव नाथेन मुहुर्विपद्गणात् ॥ २३॥विषान्महाग्नेः पुरुषाददर्शनादसत्सभाया वनवासकृच्छ्रतः ।मृधे मृधेऽनेकमहारथास्त्रतोद्रौण्यस्त्रतश्चास्म हरेऽभिरक्षिताः ॥ २४॥Oh! Lord Hrishikesha, Your mother Devaki was put in jail and the babies born to her were brutally killed by the wicked Kamsa. You saved her by destroying Kamsa. It’s not just that you saved your mother from her sorrow & grief, you have saved me and my children from one difficulty after another. You are the All-powerful, Almighty Lord.Lord Sri Krishna! Only you have saved all my five sons Pandavas from Duryodhana and his evil cronies. Bheema was poisoned, tied with a chain to dead weight, and thrown into a river to sink and die. Yudhisthira was lured into the gambling and deceived. You protected us during our exile period of living in the forest and from evils like Hidimba. At every stage in the war of Kurukshetra, you saved the Pandavas from dangerous weapons executed by the expert warriors. Now you saved us from the Brahmashirsha Astra. Your favor with blessings is endless!
विपदः सन्तु नः शश्वत्तत्र तत्र जगद्गुरो ।भवतो दर्शनं यत्स्यादपुनर्भवदर्शनम् ॥ २५॥जन्मैश्वर्यश्रुतश्रीभिरेधमानमदः पुमान् ।नैवार्हत्यभिधातुं वै त्वामकिञ्चनगोचरम् ॥ २६॥नमोऽकिञ्चनवित्ताय निवृत्तगुणवृत्तये ।आत्मारामाय शान्ताय कैवल्यपतये नमः ॥ २७॥Jagadguru! The teacher of the Universe, gives me difficulties all the time, in all my activities that I take-up while being in this cycle of death & birth. Let there be obstructions coming more frequently. So, during all my difficult times, compassionate Lord! You will stand with me blessing with thoughts of you making your sight definitive. The sight of you would break the cycle of death & birth with Moksha.You will bless with the sight of your presence to only those who have nothing of their own. Those being utterly poor and destitute. Then, how can the brags intoxicated with the pride of the clan or the class or authority or for being famous or wealthy and so on would even get the thoughts to singing your names? How can they become even eligible?Hence, Lord Krishna! Please bless me without any of those yielding intoxications. You are a treasure for all those who have nothing of their own and yet propitiating you without expectations. You surpass the three Gunas or Prakriti including their effects. Being engrossed in yourself and having no expectations from anyone else, you are Atmarama. You are serene and the only Lord to bestow Moksha having eternal bliss.My salutations to you.
मन्ये त्वां कालमीशानमनादिनिधनं विभुम् ।समं चरन्तं सर्वत्र भूतानां यन्मिथः कलिः ॥ २८॥My Lord! I know you have no beginning nor end. From the immeasurable time of past to an immeasurable time in future, being omnipresent, you are the Lord of Time controlling everyone’s lifespan. In this form of Sri Krishna, you are here to reduce the Sin on mother earth. Through the war of Kurukshetra, you took away the life of all the sinners. Though there are differences and aberrations among all living beings and nonliving things, you are present in all of them with equanimity. Lord is the Indweller of each individual Jiva. Consistent with the intrinsic characters and Gunas, the Jiva practices perfection doing Sadhana. Accordingly, the Lord supports the practice to accomplish their utmost.
न वेद कश्चिद्भगवंश्चिकीर्षितं तवेहमानस्य नृणां विडम्बनम् ।न यस्य कश्चिद्दयितोऽस्ति कर्हिचिद्द्वेष्यश्च यस्मिन्विषमा मतिर्नृणाम् ॥ २९॥Bhagavan! When you appear among us the people of earth showing your sports charm, no one could contemplate your actions and intentions. You delay as if a fellow human being. Though the people have unfair mind towards you, never have you had one whom you like nor whom you dislike. 
जन्म कर्म च विश्वात्मन्नजस्याकर्तुरात्मनः ।तिर्यङ्नृर्षिषु यादःसु तदत्यन्तविडम्बनम् ॥ ३०॥Vishwatma! You are the pure soul of the Universe having no birth nor are you duty-bound. Yet, you take birth with all the Jivas including the birds that live in the sky, plants & animals that live in water and those living on earth. Also, in ordinary human, rishis, and munies to carry out the actions consistent with the behavior of those species.My Lord! I wonder as to what sort of Sports Charm is this. says Kunti Devi.
Let's seek the continued blessings of Lord Sri Hari, Vayu, and Gurus to take a look at the remaining part of Kunti Stotra.|| Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Protection of Uttara Devi’s Womb from Brahmashirshastra

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 fight for Justice, we saw the way Ashwathama threatened for his Life uses Brahmasirshastra having no other weapon to neutralize it except for another Brahmasirshastra. Hence Arjuna responded with another Brahmasirshastra. However, as the collision of these would destroy the whole universe, the Lord intervened in his form of Veda Vyasa. He held these two missiles in his two hands. Consoling Aswhatama and Arjuna asks them to call back those missiles. Arjuna does so. But Ashwathama fails only to call back through words against the five Pandavas. When Lord in his form of Sri Krishna asks Ashwathama to call back even against offsprings of Pandavas, he gets angry and accuses the Lord. To which Sri Krishna says,“Mean minded Ashwathama! I know the word you have given to Duryodhana. You want to cease the Pandu dynasty and further that of Dhritarashtra. Do what you can! Use all the power at your hand. But I shall make sure that the Pandu dynasty will continue for another thousand years. You have sinned by killing helpless men without arms, women, and children including animals. You will fail in your attempt to kill Uttaradevi and also the baby growing in her womb.No power on this earth can match that of mine. Nor anyone can stop the Pandava dynasty continuing for another thousand years on this earth. Your body will be full of soars, bleeding & stinking to irritate people. You are banished from the place of human dwellings. Go and live in the forest”.Ashwathama having lost his divine bead and even the Sikha or tufted hair tied with a knot walks into the forest. Lord Sri Krishna leads the Pandavas to the capital city of Hastinapura where they meet the blind King Dhritarashtra and his wife Gandhari. King Dhritarashtra continues to carry enmity against Pandavas. Gandhari having lost her hundred sons questions Bheemasena of killing all her children. She asks him why he did not spare at least one of her hundred sons to take care during their last days and do the death ceremony. Bheemasena silences them by reasoning affirmative question as“When Duryodhana along with his cronies carried out several evil deeds, you remained blind. You did not question even for his single wicked act. Now, after having killed the wicked to destroy Adharma or Injustice from the face of the earth and as we are in the process of instating Justice, you are questioning us”.The entire Kuru family including Pandavas & Kauravas sinks into melancholy. A feeling of pensive sadness sets into them. A short description of the subsequent happenings is in Srimad Bhagavatam. Narrating this to Sri Shaunaka and his fellow Rishis, Sri Sutacharya says, सूत उवाचपुत्रशोकातुराः सर्वे पाण्डवाः सह कृष्णया ।स्वानां मृतानां यत्कृत्यं चक्रुर्निर्हरणादिकम् ॥ ५८॥Every one of them had lost children including Draupadi & Gandhari. They were engulfed in sorrow. Sri Krishna along with Pandavas, Draupadi, Kunti Devi, Gandhari, Dhritarashtra visited the battleground of Kurukshetra. They saw a sea of corpses all around. Though Gandhari had blindfolded herself, Lord Veda Vyasa extends her with divine eyes through which she was able to see the dead through the blindfold. She gets shocked to see the dead bodies all around through her divine eye and curses Lord Sri Krishna saying “You have destroyed my lineage and so should your lineage get destroyed”! By cursing so, the large merit that she had accumulated being blindfolded to serve her blind husband gets quashed.Lord Sri Krishna holds the hand of Draupadi and takes her into the sea of dead bodies. He recalls the incidence when Dushasana held Draupadi’s hair and pulled her into the assembly as she had refused to go for reasons of her menstrual cycle. She had told, "This is not the time I can enter the auspicious assembly wherein elders are present". However, Dushasana had continued with his evil act. Not just that, Duryodhana asked her to come and sit on his lap in the presence of her husband Bheemasena and other elders. When she does not do that, an attempt was made by Duryodhana and his cronies to strip Draupadi in front of their own mother and in the middle of the assembly. When she sought help to the elders present there, everyone in the assembly put their head down in negation. The only person to come to her rescue was Bhagavan Sri Krishna who made her robes endless.Subsequently, the Pandavas along with Kunti Devi & Draupadi goes to the forest. One day, Lord Sri Krishna reaches there to enquire about their safety and well being. The moment Draupadi sees the Lord, she ran to grab his feet and held it tightly. She starts weeping and flooding his feet with tears. The tears flowed relentlessly, throwing out the emotional pent-up pain that she was suffering. She remembered the most embarrassing incidence of her life and it was only that lotus of feet of Lord Sri Krishna that had come to her rescue. During that incidence, Lord Sri Krishna had said that those who had caused her embarrassment and made them live in the forest, he would ensure that each one of them is beaten to death by Bheemasena. And Pandavas would be reinstated to the throne. Also, he would show her their wives crying with scattered hair and holding the dead bodies.Now, the time had come. Lord Sri Krishna moving through the scattered limbs, trunk, heads, and other parts of dead bodies to show Draupadi how the wicked had died to the powerful strokes of Bheemasena. He points toward the body of Durmukha, an evil faced, then towards Dussalan, Jalagandha, Sama, Saha, Vindha, Anuvindha, Durmukha, Chitrasena, Durdarsha, Durmarsha, Dussaha, Durmada, Vikarna, Dushkarna, Vivinsati, Durvishaha, Durvimochana, Durpradharsha, Durjaya, Jaitra, Bhurivala, Ravi, Jayatsena Siyata, Shratavan, Shrutanta, Jayat, Chitra, Upachitra, Charuchithra, Chitraksha, Sarasana, Chitrayudha, Chotravarman, Suvarma, Sudarshan.He reaches near the body of Dhushasana, a well known for his wicked governance. Lord Sri Krishna says “wasn’t this wicked who had pulled you by your hair to the assembly. See his chest! How Bheemasena has ripped the chest cage allowing the birds & animals to eat his flesh. Then He shows Duryodhana and says see his thighs that have been broken by Bheema. Showing the dead this way Lord Sri Krishna lists all the 100 children of blind Dhritarashtra and the blindfolded Gandhari. Draupadi sees their wives with scattered hairs, all the symbols of being married removed, chest-beating and crying.Sri Krishna says, Draupadi! Bheemasena has not left a single soul that was involved in insulting you, to go free. Each one's chest has been broken or the head has been dismembered. He has done justice. See the status of their women and the way the Law has been implemented to those who took the path of Adharma.No individual can escape the Law of Justice for each of their misdeed. And not just that, the entire tribe taking the side of injustice have to face the Law, says Lord Sri Krishna.

Hence, in the perfect governance of stainless Lord, for doing well, nothing untoward will happen. Also, each bad act of ours is an assurance for misery and sorrow happening with certainty.

In other words, behind all our misery and sorrow, there is an act of our misdeed. Srimad Bhagavatam wants us to look inwards. The most important lesson to us from Mahabarata is not to Sin. Mahabarata outlines each of our behavior with precision. The blindness of Dhritarashtra or Gandhari towards justice, the acts of sins by each of their children should not be limited to those roles in the story. But these behaviors are in us and should be won over with the behavior of Pandavas. It would be appropriate for us to take a look at the last verse of Sanjaya in Bhagavad Gits:यत्र योगेश्वर: कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धर: ।तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम ॥

When Yoga or synchronization with इश्वर: or The Lord is practised, like done by पार्थ, the prince, the son of Lord and accomplish the precision of an expert archer hitting the bull’s eye. Then, there would be unending abundance, victory, prosperity, and righteousness  

अथ ते सम्परेतानां स्वानामुदकमिच्छताम् ।दातुं सकृष्णा गङ्गायां पुरस्कृत्य ययुः स्त्रियः ॥ १॥ते निनीयोदकं सर्वे विलप्य च भृशं पुनः ।आप्लुता हरिपादाब्जरजःपूतसरिज्जले ॥ २॥The great war of Mahabharata in Kurukshetra took a heavy toll on several lives in the Kuru family. The Pandavas along with Lord Sri Krishna and family members including women & children reached the banks of Ganga to offer Tarpana to deceased relatives who were expecting Tilodaka, Tilodaka or Tarpana or Dharmadakaalso called Dharmodaka or offering by sticking the black sesame seeds to the right-hand thumb in the specified posture and pouring a small quantity of water over the right hand to flow over thumb to take along with the stuck black seeds as an offering.They mourned remembering all deceased relatives and offered them Tilodaka. Thereafter, they once again took bath in the holy river Ganga that had gained purity by flowing from the Lotus of Feet of Lord in Vaikunta.तत्रासीनं कुरुपतिं धृतराष्ट्रं सहानुजम् ।गान्धारीं पुत्रशोकार्तां पृथां कृष्णां च माधवः ॥ ३॥सान्त्वयामास मुनिभिर्हतबन्धूञ्शुचार्पितान् ।भूतेषु कालस्य गतिं दर्शयन्नप्रतिक्रियाम् ॥ ४॥Lord Sri Krishna along with Dhaumya Rishi started consoling. They consoled Yudhishthira and his brothers Bheemasena, Arjuna, Nakula & Sahadeva. Consoled their wife Draupadi Devi & mother,Kunti Devi. Also, Dhritarashtra & Gandhari who had lost their own children. Any life that has come to this earth has a lifespan that is under the control of Time. No one can save the other from death. Saying so, Lord Sri Krishna consoled them. Hence, one should not be suffering from the pain due to death of relatives. साधयित्वाजातशत्रोः स्वं राज्यं कितवैर्हृतम् ।घातयित्वासतो राज्ञः कचस्पर्शक्षतायुषः ॥ ५॥Lord Sri Krishna made sure that those who had taken away the kingdom through gambling, deceit, and insult were killed. अजातशत्रु or the one who did not have enemy i.e. Yudhishthira was reinstated to his own throne. 
The other way to look for Yudhishthira being अजातशत्रु is because of the birth of Duryodhana and his ninety-nine brothers happened in a unique way. They did not have a fetal birth. Their mother, Gandhari delivered an embryo. Lord Veda Vyasa collected that in a pot and divides it into hundred pieces to have a hundred children. Hence, having अजात or without a fetal birth in a mother’s womb as शत्रु or enemy is Yudhishthira. It was Yudhishthira who was reinstated to his own throne. The wicked following the path of Adharma, who had misbehaved with their wife Draupadi and the evil kings who had expended the lifespan was killed.याजयित्वाश्वमेधैस्तं त्रिभिरुत्तमकल्पकैः ।तद्यशः पावनं दिक्षु शतमन्योरिवातनोत् ॥ ६॥Subsequently, Lord Sri Krishna got three Ashwamedha Yagna or the horse-sacrifice ritual done through each of the five brothers of King Yudhishthira using clean substances, expert priests of the highest order and to the precision as in the Shastras. With that, he bestowed the fame like that of the King of Heaven, God Indra who had carried out a hundred Ashwamedha Yagna and blessed by Lord Upendra. Yudhishthira’s fame spread far, wide and remains intact to date for us to hear.Hearing the story of Pandavas destroys the sins in us. The reason being the Pandava fought against the sinners and won over them.   आमन्त्र्य पाण्डुपुत्रांश्च शैनेयोद्धवसंयुतः ।द्वैपायनादिभिर्विप्रैः पूजितैः प्रतिपूजितः ॥ ७॥गन्तुं कृतमतिर्ब्रह्मन् द्वारकां रथमास्थितः ।उपलेभेऽभिधावन्तीमुत्तरां भयविह्वलाम् ॥ ८॥After all this, Lord Sri Krishna decided to return to his kingdom of Dwarka. He bid farewell to Pandavas. Subsequently, paid reverence to his form of Lord Veda Vyasa and admiration to other Brahmins. Along with Uddhava, Satyaki and others, Lord Sri Krishna boarded the Chariot. As he boarded, He saw the pregnant Uttara Devi frightened and running towards him seeking help. Immediately, Lord Sri Krishna jumps out of the chariot and rushes towards Uttara Devi.   उत्तरोवाचपाहिपाहि 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 Universe! The greatest Yogi! Save me! Save me!  None else than you 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, pleads Uttara Devi. सूत उवाचउपधार्य वचस्तस्या भगवान् भक्तवत्सलः ।अपाण्डवमिदं कर्तुं द्रौणेरस्त्रमबुध्यत ॥ ११॥तर्ह्येवाथ मुनिश्रेष्ठ पाण्डवाः पञ्च सायकान् ।आत्मनोऽभिमुखान् दीप्तानालक्ष्यास्त्राण्युपाददुः ॥ १२॥व्यसनं वीक्ष्य तत्तेषामनन्यविषयात्मनाम् ।सुदर्शनेन स्वास्त्रेण स्वानां रक्षां व्यधाद्विभुः ॥ १३॥Sri Krishna is Bhagavan Bhaktavatsala. To him, his devotees are most dear. He heared the cry of Uttara. He knew that Ashwathama wanted to have no seed of the Pandu family that could sprout. Hence, he had not called back the Brahmasirshastra.     Incidentally, seeing those five arrow missiles approaching Uttara Devi, the Pandavas holding their bow, pulled their arrows out to shoot it down. However, as Utara Devi had sought the help of Lord Sri Krishna. Seeing the crises to his dear devotees who took refuge in him, Lord Sri Krishna having immeasurable power with his divine disk named Sudarshana destroyed the five arrow missiles and protected them.   अन्तःस्थः सर्वभूतानामात्मा योगेश्वरो हरिः ।स्वमाययावृणोद्गर्भं वैराट्याः कुरुतन्तवे ॥ १४॥यद्यप्यस्त्रं ब्रह्मशिरस्त्वमोघं चाप्रतिक्रियम् ।वैष्णवं तेज आसाद्य समशाम्यद्भृगूद्वह ॥ १५॥मा मंस्था ह्येतदाश्चर्यं सर्वाश्चर्यमयेऽच्युते ।य इदं मायया देव्या सृजत्यवति हन्त्यजः ॥ १६॥The Indweller in all the lives of this universe, the Lord of Yoga, Sri Hari entered the womb of Uttara Devi with one of his forms wearing a secretive armor to protect the offspring of the Pandu dynasty.     With emphasis, Sri Sutacharya says, “Shaunaka and all the Rishis! 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.This is an amazing act of Lord that made Shaunaka & assembled Rishis hearing Srimad Bhagavatam bewildered. The Brahmashirsastras is rendered by Gayatri mantra. While the Brahma Astra has a counter and can be neutralized. There is no counter to Brahmashirsa Astras and cannot be neutralized. When Ashwathama executed this on all Pandavas including Bheemasena, Arjuna executed this Astra to counter it. Lord Veda Vyasa himself had to intervene and held these in his two arms not allowing collision. Since collision would destroy the entire Universe. In other words, Brahmashirsastra cannot attack the best of beings i.e. God Brahma or God Vayu. As Bheemasena is a form of God Vayu, Brahmashirsastra cannot attack him. However, when once Brahmashirsastra is executed, it does not attain futility. Hence, to uphold these two conditions set-up by Lord himself, he intervened in his form of Veda Vyasa to make both Ashwathama & Arjuna execute the callback. 
Even for the Astra that attacked the womb of Uttara Devi, Lord Sri Krishna did not destroy it. But he entered the Uttara Devi's womb in one of his forms and protected from destruction by being an Armour protecting the baby. While the Astra continued to attack. Therefore, the Brahmashirsastra rendered by Gayatri or energized by Lord himself for the attack and also himself opposing as Armor in Uttara Devi's womb is opposite acts that are astonishing.
One need not be astonished by this, says Sri Sutacharya. 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. In other words, Lord is Satya Sankalpa or Truthfully Resolute to bind us with confinement only to release with Moksha. This is the Axiom and is being taught by Srimad Bhagavatam. 
However, we the common people are unable to unveil this secret of opposing acts of Lord. While He is the cause of binding us with death and birth bringing sorrow & misery. He is also the cause of releasing with Moksha bringing full knowledge & Bliss.
Without the realization of His acts, we think that I am the doer and I need to protect myself from an attack. Nor we understand his Lordship thinking this is mine and I need to protect it for my possession.   ब्रह्मतेजोविनिर्मुक्तैरात्मजैः सह कृष्णया ।प्रयाणाभिमुखं कृष्णमिदमाह पृथा सती ॥ १७॥Thus, being protected from Brahmashirsastras by Bhagavan Sri Krishna, Sadvi Kunti Devi along with her children, Draupadi, Uttara Devi sang the Glory of Lord worshipping him.
|| Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Soul Searching by Ashwathaamacharya

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.
Ashwathamaacharya being cursed by Lord Sri Krishna saying “Your body will be full of soars, bleeding & stinking to irritate people. You are banished from the place of human dwellings. Go and live in the forest”, walks into a forest. As he walks into the forest, his mind becomes introspective. He starts Soul searching by reflecting on his bad dreams and starts comparing with the actual happenings. He starts realizing that most of his dreams had actually come true in one or the other way.  
Sri Suthacharya continuing the narration on the aftermath of an unfortunate massacre and the firing of Brahmashirsha Astra at Arjuna in the dream of Ashwathama says,
ततः प्रादुष्कृतं तेजः प्रचण्डं सर्वतो दिशम् ।प्राणापदमभिप्रेक्ष्य विष्णुं जिष्णुरुवाच ह ॥ २१॥The whole surroundings in all the ten directions got lighted-up bright as if the Sun God was in the midst of them. Arjuna’s inability to see the frightening brightness of the weapon arriving towards him prayed Sri Krishna seeking his refuge.Ashwthama wonders what Arjun could do next! Even in his dream, he sees the way Arjuna is responding to a critical situation unlike himself.  Instead of reacting spontaneously all by himself, he sees Arjuna following Bhagavata dharma of offering prayers to Lord Sri Krishna for help and rescue.  
अर्जुन उवाच, Ashwathama being a form of God Rudra is the best of Vaishnavas. In his dream, he notes the following prayer though through Arjuna saying, कृष्ण कृष्ण महाभाग भक्तानामभयङ्कर ।त्वमेको दह्यमानानामपवर्गोऽसि संसृतेः ॥ २२॥त्वमाद्यः पुरुषः साक्षादीश्वरः प्रकृतेः परः । मायां व्युदस्य चिच्छक्त्या कैवल्ये स्थित आत्मनि ॥ २३॥स एव जीवलोकस्य मायामोहितचेतसः ।विधत्से स्वेन वीर्येण श्रेयो धर्मादिलक्षणम् ॥ २४॥तथायं चावतारस्ते भुवो भारजिहीर्षया ।स्वानां चानन्यभावानामनुध्यानाय चासकृत् ॥ २५॥Krishna, Krishna! You are Satchitananda. You have long arms with far-reaching authority being in the form of knowledge and bliss capable of giving refuge to all your devotees. All Jivas are burning in the cycle of death & birth afflicted with sorrow & grief. You are the only protector to redeem their sins and retrieve from the cycle of death & birth. You are the one and only Adi Purusha standing above Prakriti. You are the only Lord having the Lordship over everything including Prakriti. Hence, you have the power to break the shield of Prakriti encapsulating Atma in which is also your presence. Though the Jivas are deluded by Maya believing themselves as Prakriti, only your divine blessing brings them श्रेयो धर्मा or unfalling benefits. By reflecting on the Atma to make know your presence, brings self-realization to Jiva.  Sri Krishna! This form of you is to reduce the weight of Sin on mother earth. Also, to enable your devotees to meditate your form so that they could be blessed with auspiciousness. 
Ashwathama observes in his dream how Arjuna is taking refuge of Lord and saying,किमिदं स्वित्कुतो वेति देवदेव न वेद्म्यहम् ।सर्वतोमुखमायाति तेजः परमदारुणम् ॥ २६॥ देवदेव! The divine Lord! This bright projectile is coming towards me. सर्वतोमुखं! It is coming towards me from all directions. I am frightened about this. What is this? From where is it coming from? I am not aware nor am I able to understand all this!  Ashwathama notes that though he had a dream wherein Arjuna was unable to recognize the Brahmashirsha Astra, however, he was able to do so in reality.
श्रीभगवानुवाचवेत्थेदं. Ashwathama continuing to reflect his dream wherein Lord Sri Krishna says,द्रोणपुत्रस्य ब्राह्ममस्त्रं प्रदर्शितम् ।नैवासौ वेद संहारं प्राणबाध उपस्थिते ॥ २७॥न ह्यस्यान्यतमं किञ्चिदस्त्रं प्रत्यवकर्शनम् ।जह्यस्त्रतेज उन्नद्धमस्त्रज्ञो ह्यस्त्रतेजसा ॥ २८॥Arjuna! This is the Brahmashirsha Astra shot by the son of Dronacharya, Ashwathama. Threatened by death, he has used this. However, he does not know how to call back.There is no other weapon that has the ability to neutralize this. You’re an expert in weaponry. To neutralize this Brahmashirsha Astra, you need to fire another Brahmashirsha Astra.  Reflecting on this incident, Ashwathama wonders how his dreams had messages to him. He had in the dream of the inability to callback Brahmashirsha Astra. During the execution of Brahmashirsha Astra too he realizes his inability to a callback. Also, when Lord Veda Vyasa asks him to the callback, he fails.  
सूत उवाच. Sri Sutaharya narrating the conversation between Lord Sri Krishna & Arjuna in Ashwathama’s dream to Sri Shaunaka & his fellow Rishis says,  श्रुत्वा भगवता प्रोक्तं फाल्गुनः परवीरहा ।स्पृष्ट्वापस्तं परिक्रम्य ब्राह्मं ब्राह्माय सन्दधे ॥ २९॥संहत्यान्योन्यमुभयोस्तेजसी शरसंवृते ।आवृत्य रोदसी खं च ववृधातेऽर्कवह्निवत् ॥ ३०॥दृष्ट्वास्त्रतेजस्तु तयोस्त्रींल्लोकान् प्रदहन् महत् ।दह्यमानाः प्रजाः सर्वाः सांवर्तकममंसत ॥ ३१॥ प्रजोपद्रवमालक्ष्य लोकव्यतिकरं च तम् ।मतं च वासुदेवस्य सञ्जहारार्जुनो द्वयम् ॥ ३२॥ Great Rishis! The brave hero, an expert in warfare and always defeating enemies, Arjuna, immediately upon hearing the words of Lord Sri Krishna, took-up the act of Achamna for purification, circumambulating the Lord filled with Bhakti fired another Brahmashirsha Astra to neutralizing the one executed by Ashwathama The brightness that emanated from both these projectiles encountered each other was like the blinding brightness of द्वादशार्या or twelve Suns and Fire during the pralaya or the end of this existence engulfing the region between the earth and sky. Also, these Brahmashirsha Astra were burning all three regions of the universe, including the people of this, upper and lower regions. As the people burned in the fire, they thought that with the blinding brightness of Suns and the Fire, the time of pralaya had dawned in all the regions.    Seeing the horrible impact caused by the two missiles on public and the destruction of the world, Lord Sri Krishna intended to neutralize the missiles.  Arjuna understanding the intent of Lord Sri Krishana, called back, both the missiles.   However, Ashwatham realizing the reality wherein Lord Veda Vyasa had to intervene between the two missiles stopping their collusion. Also, Lord Veda Vyasa makes a truce between himself & Arjuna. Also, instructs them to call back the Brahmashirsha Astra. Arjuna does, but he fails. Therefore, Lord Veda Vyasa instructs him to callback at least through words. Ashwathama does so only limiting to Pandavas. Hence, Arjuna following Lord Veda Vyasa’s instruction to callsback his missile and also of Ashwathama that was intended to kill the five Pandavas. तत आसाद्य तरसा दारुणं गौतमीसुतम् ।बबन्धामर्षताम्राक्षः पशुं रशनया यथा ॥ ३३॥शिबिराय निनीषन्तं दाम्ना बद्ध्वा रिपुं बलात् ।प्राहार्जुनं प्रकुपितो भगवानम्बुजेक्षणः ॥ ३४॥ Being angry, Arjuna caught Ashwathama and tied his neck with the rope. He does that like done to animals. Arjuna dragged him to the camp. Lord Sri Krishna seemingly angry says,मैनं पार्थार्हसि त्रातुं ब्रह्मबन्धुमिमं जहि ।योऽसावनागसः सुप्तानवधीन्निशि बालकान् ॥ ३५॥मत्तं प्रमत्तमुन्मत्तं सुप्तं बालं स्त्रियं जडम् ।प्रपन्नं विरथं भीतं न रिपुं हन्ति धर्मवित् ॥ ३६॥स्वप्राणान् यः परप्राणैः प्रपुष्णात्यघृणः खलः ।तद्वधस्तस्य हि श्रेयो यद्दोषाद्यात्यधः पुमान् ॥ ३७॥ Arjuna! Don’t leave this killer, Brahmin alive. He has attacked the helpless children and women while sleeping. Kill him, says Lord Sri Krishna. He has killed the children while they were sleeping. A wise, virtuous and a gentleman would not punish with death to a dull & ignorant or an intoxicated or to an insane or to one who is sleeping or children or women or a refugee or one who is scared. Even if he is an enemy.However, punishing with death to a cruel culprit who kills others and always thinks about his own benefits is worthwhile. In fact, beneficial to everyone including the culprit. As the opportunity of sinning on this earth to the culprit gets reduced causing reduced time in hell. Also, society is benefited without such a cruel being.      Reflecting this dream, Ashwathama observes that this was just in a dream and did not happen in reality. However, Ashwathama wished that Arjuna just not tie him with a rope, but should also kill him as he had done a heinous act of killing their children.
प्रतिश्रुतं च भवता पाञ्चाल्यै शृण्वतो मम ।आहरिष्ये शिरस्तस्य यस्ते मानिनि पुत्रहा ॥ ३८॥तदसौ वध्यतां पाप आतताय्यात्मबन्धुहा ।भर्तुश्च विप्रियं वीर कृतवान् कुलपांसनः ॥ ३९॥Not just that, says Lord Sri Krishna. You have promised Panchali in front of me saying, “Gracious & Kind hearted one! I shall cut the head of the slaughterer of your children and place it at your feet.”Hence, Arjuna! You should kill this sinner. He has killed your children. Also, his leader, Duryodhana is also not happy with his act. 
While Ashwathama started observing how Arjuna, A Great Bhagavata or worshipper of the Lord would respond, Sri Sutacharya says, एवं परीक्षता धर्मं पार्थः कृष्णेन चोदितः ।नैच्छद्धन्तुं गुरुसुतं यद्यप्यात्महनं महान् ॥ ४०॥Lord Sri Krishna motivated Arjuna to test his righteous behavior. However, Arjuna had a pure heart with high moral values. Though Ashwathama had killed his children and also made an attempt to kill him, Arjuna did not like to kill the son of his teacher, Dronacharya. 
अथोपेत्य स्वशिबिरं गोविन्दप्रियसारथिः ।न्यवेदयत्तं प्रियायै शोचन्त्या आत्मजान् हतान् ॥ ४१॥ तथाऽऽहृतं पशुवत्पाशबद्धमवाङ्मुखं कर्मजुगुप्सितेन ।निरीक्ष्य कृष्णापकृतं गुरोः सुतं वामस्वभावा कृपया ननाम च ॥ ४२॥उवाच चासहन्त्यस्य बन्धनानयनं सती ।मुच्यतां मुच्यतामेष ब्राह्मणो नितरां गुरुः ॥ ४३॥सरहस्यो धनुर्वेदः सविसर्गोपसंयमः ।अस्त्रग्रामश्च भवता शिक्षितो यदनुग्रहात् ॥ ४४॥ स एष भगवान् द्रोणः प्रजारूपेण वर्तते ।तस्यात्मनोऽर्धं पत्न्यास्ते नान्वगाद्वीरसूः कृपी ॥ ४५॥ तद्धर्मज्ञ महाभाग भवद्भिर्गौरवं कुलम् ।वृजिनं नार्हति प्राप्तुं पूज्यं वन्द्यमभीक्ष्णशः ॥ ४६॥ मा रोदीदस्य जननी गौतमी पतिदेवता ।यथाहं मृतवत्साऽऽर्ता रोदिम्यश्रुमुखी मुहुः ॥ ४७॥ यैः कोपितं ब्रह्मकुलं राजन्यैरजितात्मभिः ।तत्कुलं प्रदहत्याशु सानुबन्धं शुचार्पितम् ॥ ४८॥ However, Arjuna with the help of his dear charioteer, Lord Sri Krishna reached their army camp and placed Ashwathama in front of Draupadi for her command.  Draupadi was surprised to see Ashwathama being brought like an animal tied by a rope to his neck. Having carried out the heinous act of killing the children, Ashwathama hung his head with shame. Seeing the way Ashwathama was shamed, the kind-hearted Draupadi overflowing with compassion paid her respects with the gesture of Namaste.  Unable to accept the situation of Ashwathama, she says, “Untie Ashwathama. Let him free. He is a Brahmana. They ascend to the position of divine teachers or Gurus, worthy of being worshipped.   From whom you have gained the knowledge of Archery including usage & callback of Arrows as all types of missiles that Divine Dronacharya is standing in front of us in the form of his Son. He is the brave son of Kripi, the wife of Acharya Drona. Because of her fondness towards her son Ashwathama, she नान्वगाद् or did not accompany death along with her husband Krupacharya. She is living.      The Law Abiding Gentlemen! Bringing sorrow by hurting the feelings of divine teacher including his lineage who are worthy of being worshiped everyday will not do well to us.  The way I experienced sorrow & grief due to the death of my children, let Kripi, who is known for her devotion & virtuousness as a wife being called Gautami does not experience the same. Let her not weep.   Allured by enthusiasm, if the King angers the brahmin community, the brahmins through their anger will burn him down.
सूत उवाच. Sri Sutacharya narrating the dream of Ashwathama says,धर्म्यं न्याय्यं सकरुणं निर्व्यलीकं समं महत् ।राजा धर्मसुतो राज्ञ्याः प्रत्यनन्दद्वचो द्विजाः ॥ ४९॥नकुलः सहदेवश्च युयुधानो धनञ्जयः ।भगवान् देवकीपुत्रो ये चान्ये याश्च योषितः ॥ ५०॥ Dear Shaunaka & all the assembled Rishis! Hearing Draupadi’s words which were righteous, law-abiding, balanced, kind-hearted, and having no deceit was appreciated & welcomed by the son of Dharma, Sri Yudhistira.Also, Nakula, Sahadeva, Satyaki, Arjuna including Lord Sri Krishna and all men and women assembled there agreed with Draupadi and appreciated her stand.
Ashwathama reflecting his dream saw the objection being raised by Bheema. Sri Sutacharya narrating this says,तत्राहामर्षितो भीमस्तस्य श्रेयान् वधः स्मृतः ।न भर्तुर्नात्मनश्चार्थे योऽहन् सुप्तान् शिशून् वृथा ॥ ५१॥निशम्य भीमगदितं द्रौपद्याश्च चतुर्भुजः ।आलोक्य वदनं सख्युरिदमाह हसन्निव ॥ ५२॥However, Bheema alone got angry and stated, "He has killed five children and that too while they were sleeping. His act has not benefited his master Duryodhana nor himself. He is worthy of being killed."  
Lord Sri Krishna hearing both Draupadi and Bheema with a smile on his face seeing Arjuna said thus:श्रीकृष्ण उवाचब्रह्मबन्धुर्न हन्तव्य आततायी वधार्हणः ।मयैवोभयमाम्नातं परिपाह्यनुशासनम् ॥ ५३॥कुरु प्रतिश्रुतं सत्यं यत्तत्सान्त्वयता प्रियाम् ।प्रियं च भीमसेनस्य पाञ्चाल्या मह्यमेव च ॥ ५४॥ Partha! Though a Brahmin is sinned and fallen, he is not worthy of being killed. However, killing the आततायी or AtatAyI or the culprit of murdering children is worthy of being killed. I, myself have these laws incorporated in the Shastras or indoctrinations. Hence, follow both the rules that I have decreed.     Also, stand by your vow you took while consoling Draupadi saying that you shall cut the head of the Aatataayee and place it at her feet.
सूत उवाच. Narrating the dream of Ashwathama to Sri Shaunaka & fellow rishis, Sri Sutacharya says, अर्जुनः सहसाऽऽज्ञाय हरेर्हार्दमथासिना ।मणिं जहार मूर्धन्यं द्विजस्य सहमूर्धजम् ॥ ५५॥Arjuna was quick to understand the intent of Lord Sri Krishna and was eager to please him. Hence, he pulled out his sword and cut open his head along with Sikha or tufted hair tied with a knot and took away the divine bead that was embedded in his head since his birth.  
विमुच्य रशनाबद्धं बालहत्याहतप्रभम् ।तेजसा मणिना हीनं शिबिरान्निरयापयत् ॥ ५६॥वपनं द्रविणादानं स्थानान्निर्यापणं तथा ।एष हि ब्रह्मबन्धूनां वधो नान्योऽस्ति दैहिकः ॥ ५७॥ By killing five children of Draupadi, Ashwathama had already lost the Aura. By taking away his divine bead and Sikha, he even lost the Brahmavarchas or the divine Knowledge. After having lost conclusively and shamed, Ashwathama was let free out of their military camp. 
It is believed that the undying Ashwathama is chiranjeevi or immortal living on earth.    Shaving the head including the Sikha or taking away money or dismissing from a position is equivalent to executing or carrying out death to a Brahmin.  Hence, one should not resort to physical execution.
पुत्रशोकातुराः सर्वे पाण्डवाः सह कृष्णया ।स्वानां मृतानां यत्कृत्यं चक्रुर्निर्हरणादिकम् ॥ ५८॥Engulfed in sorrow due to the loss of five children, Pandavas, and Draupadi went ahead carrying out the death ceremony of their children.
इति श्रीमद्भागवते महापुराणे पारमहंस्यां संहितायां प्रथमस्कन्धेद्रौणिनिग्रहो नामसप्तमोऽध्यायः ॥ ७॥With this, we complete "A Punishment to The Son of Dronacharya, Ashwathama” the seventh Adhyaya, of Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1.We could do so only with the grace of Guru Sri Raghavendra and all his philosophical associates including Sri Saunaka & his fellow Rishis, Sri Sutacharya, Sri Sukachary,, God Vayu, and Sri Hari as their Jnana Prasada.And let's look forward to their continued blessings to see how the aggressive Brahmashirsha Astra that was not called back against the attack on the offsprings of Pandavas. Also, how Lord Sri Krishna ensured the continuity of Pandu lineage for another 1000 years in Kali Yuga. 
|| Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Ashwathamaacharya Brutal Massacre

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.Sri Suthacharya continuing the narration of unfortunate massacre by Ashwathama at the Yudhisthira camp by flouting all rules & regulations of war says,  माता शिशूनां निधनं सुतानां निशम्य घोरं परितप्यमाना ।तदारुदद्बाष्पकलाकुलाक्षीतां सान्त्वयन्नाह किरीटमाली ॥ १५॥तदा शुचस्ते प्रमृजामि भद्रे यद्ब्रह्मबन्धोः शिर आततायिनः ।गाण्डीवमुक्तैर्विशिखैरुपाहरेत्वाक्रम्य यत्स्नास्यसि दग्धपुत्रा ॥ १६॥With the heinous death of her five children, mother Draupadi started crying. She was immersed in the grief & sorrow struggling to deal with the incidence.“Gracious & Kind hearted one! That slaughterer is a आततायी or AtatAyee, a mean Brahmin. With this bow named Gandiva and the arrows, I shall cut his head and place it at your feet. After completing the death ceremony of your children, you shall kick that head to avenge their death and take the bath of purification."Only then shall I come to wipe your tears,” said Arjuna, burning with fury.  For those who light a fire to the dwellings or keep carrying tales of others, one who does spiritual acts only to show off, one who steals other's money or others wife is calledआततायी or AtatAyee.  इति प्रियां वल्गुविचित्रजल्पैः स सान्त्वयित्वाच्युतमित्रसूतः ।अन्वाद्रवद्दंशित उग्रधन्वा कपिध्वजो गुरुपुत्रं रथेन ॥ १७॥तमापतन्तं स विलक्ष्य दूरात्कुमारहोद्विग्नमना रथेन ।पराद्रवत्प्राणपरीप्सुरुर्व्यां यावद्गमं रुद्रभयाद्यथार्कः ॥ १८॥Saying so, Arjuna wore his armor having small arms, tied the back harness quiver filled with arrows and held the formidable Gandiva that terrified the enemy. Having the most favorite friend, Sri Krishna as charioteer climbed the chariot and chased the Son of his teacher, Dronacharya.The killer of the children, Ashwathama seeing Arjuna chasing him from distance got scared. He started running as far as possible to save his life like God Sun was scared and started running when God Shiva chased him holding his weapon Trishul.Here, Lord Veda Vyasa composing Srimad Bhagavatam reminds us of that incidence when the evil asura, Vidyunmali receives a gift of a Golden Airplane having a brightness as that of Sun after doing severe austerity. He would fly this Golden airplane in the opposite angle of the Sun to illuminate the nights. This removed the darkness of the night. Hence, God Sun was furious and burnt down the Golden airplane killing the evil Vidyunmali. The powerful God Rudra, the Lord of Vidyunmali got angry against God Sun and held his frightful weapon Trishul. With Trishul, God Rudra could destroy the entire universe including the twelve Gods of Sun as he does during Pralaya or dissolution of the universe. God Sun being scared of his life kept running till he got exhausted and fell in Kashi or present-day Varanasi or also called as Banaras seeking his refuge. Kashi is the Land of God Siva where he worships the Lord of the form of Bindu Madhava and initiates Rama mantra to all the departing souls from their body. Due to the impact of God Sun, the place became a pond, filled with water and is a place of pilgrimage. It is famously called as Lolark Kund and is located close to Tulsi Ghat where people take a dip to redeem sins causing skin disease or depriving birth of a child even to date.यदाशरणमात्मानमैक्षत श्रान्तवाजिनम् ।अस्त्रं ब्रह्मशिरो मेने आत्मत्राणं द्विजात्मजः ॥ १९॥अथोपस्पृश्य सलिलं सन्दधे तत्समाहितः ।अजानन्नुपसंहारं प्राणकृच्छ्र उपस्थिते ॥ २०॥While being chased, Ashwathama’s horses became tired and could not maintain the pace. Seeing the gap between their chariots closing-up, Ashwathama became desperate having no other “Strategy of Rescue”. Hence, he decided to use the utmost weapon on the escalation ladder. He decided to execute “The Brahmashirsha Astra”. As he decided to use Brahmashirsha Astra, he noticed that he had lost the ability to a callback. However, being desperate to save himself from death at the hands of Arjuna, he locked himself without an exit strategy. He started with the act of purification. Completed Achamana. Entered the phase of Dhyana or meditation to gather all senses to focus. Doing so, he repeated the mantra and executed Brahmashirsha Astra.           Ashwathama was seeing such repeated dreams of killing the children of Draupadi when they were fast asleep including helpless Duryodhana struggling for life. However, Mahabarata describes the actual happenings during the war for justice by Pandavas. Being the best of all beings and upholder of dharma, Bheemasena swinging his mace had hit Duryodhana in a measure only to hurt him and not to kill. Duryodhana taking the blows was profusely bleeding and fallen on ground smeared with mud and was unmoveable. Seeing his fate, the ghosts & goblins entering the dogs & wolves came to eat the flesh of helpless Duryodhana.       The only few survivors on Kaurava’s side were Ashwathama, Kritavarma, and Kripacharya. They came searching Duryodhana. They had seen Duryodhana as Crown Prince of Hastinapura under the white umbrella and fanned by Chamara. However, they were shocked to see Duryodhana fallen on the ground helpless. Ashwathamacharya gets angry, accuses Pandavas under the evil influence of Kali and asks, what he could do to Duryodhana? Could he satisfy his wish?      Though helpless & struggling, Duryodhana says to Ashwathamacharya that he wants to see the end of Pandavas and seeks each and every life of Pandavas. Also, by pouring a fist of dust on Ashwathamacharya, he does Pattabhiseka or coronation to the post of Chief Commander. Not stopping at that, the evil Duryodhana commands Ashwathama to have a child from his wife to be the successors of the Crown. Ashwathamacharya accepts this and gives his word of assurance. Ashwathamacharya was indebted to Duryodhana as he lived under his kingship. Hence, the evil kali and his associates had made a house in Ashwathamacharya.Ashwathama, Kritavarma, and Kripacharya attack the camp of Pandavas. Ashwathama kicks and awakens Dhrishtdyumana. Though Dhrishtdyumana pleads Ashwathama to give him time just to pick-up a weapon so that he could have valorous death while fighting, Ashwathama denies. With the string of his bow, Ashwathama tightens the neck and chokes Dhrishtdyumana to death.  Also, he kills Shikhandi and other children of Drupada. Burning with rage, Ashwathama proceeds to kill Pandavas. Meanwhile, the children of Pandavas stop him with their bow and arrows. The unstoppable Ashwatama pulls out his sword and kills the children of Pandavas dismembering their head. Continuing his massacre, he kills several people on the Pandavas side. Not stopping there, he lights fire to the camp to kill the women, children, support personnel and animals. Subsequently, carrying the five heads of the past children of Draupadi, he goes to see Duryodhana. Seeing the chopped heads, Duryodhana feels happy. Meanwhile, the Pandavas get to know the happenings. Bheemasena, in his chariot, follows Ashwathama. Hearing the voice of the Chariot nearing, Ashwathama becomes scared and flees in his own chariot. However, Bheemasena over speeds Ashwathama and engages him in a war. Bheemasena disarms Ashwathama stripping him of all defense. Hence, Ashwathama decides to use Brahmashirsha Astra. At the same time, Sri Krishna and Arjuna arrive there. Seeing Brahmashirsha Astra arriving towards them, Lord Sri Krishna asks Arjuna to neutralize by countering with another Brahmashirsha Astra.However, if these two missiles collide with each other, then the whole life including the universe would get destroyed. Hence, the all-knowing, all-powerful Lord Veda Vyasa reaches there to stand in between the missiles stopping the collision. Lord Veda Vyasa calms them saying that so many people having the knowledge and power to execute Brahmashirsha Astra have come and gone. But they have not misused it causing inauspiciousness and destruction of the universe. Looking at Ashwathama and Arjuna, the Lord instructs to call back those missiles.“My Lord, I executed the Brahmashirsha Astra hopping to only neutralize the attacking one. Please pardon me”, pleads Arjuna.“Lord, I had no other choice for my self-protection. Bheemasena had stripped all my arms. Please pardon me”, says Ahwathama. Lord Veda Vyasa instructs both of them to callback the missiles and stops the destruction of the universe. Arjuna does so by uttering the mantra of a callback. The missile returns. However, when Ashwathama repeats the mantra, the missile does not return. He repeats in frustration but fails. Though, Ashwathamacharya had the knowledge of the process to callback but finds himself lost the ability to implement. He had lost the Psychic Power as he had broken the celibacy.Remember, Ashwathama had given a word of assurance to Duryodhana’s a request of having a child in his wife to ascend the Crown of Hastinapura. Though, there was a system of Niyoga or bearing the child through the third person at that time, but had rules & regulations to have adhered. 
Of course, go without saying that such systems are not in vogue at present times and is forbidden. 
Duryodhana’s suggestion was not in line with the rules & regulations of that time. Hence, was illegal. While Ashwathamacharya had no physical contact with Duryodhana’s wife, in the Tattva or Science of behavior & mind, just the Sankalpa or the resolution in mind has high potential and is a larger fraction of completion in the resultant physical implementation.    Having lost to Bheemasena and unable to callback the Brahmashirsha Astra he had executed, Lord Veda Vyasa asks Ashwathama to give the Shiromani or a bead that was embedded in his head to Bheemasena. Ashwathama was born with a divine bead in his head making him thirstless, hungerless and even deathless. Also, the divine bead would emit fragrance making his vicinity delightful. Ashwathama does so.Also, Lord Veda Vyasa asks Ashwathama to at least recall the Brahmashirsha Astra through words, though unable to do so physically. However, Ashwathama limits only to the five Pandavas. Giving no absolution to their children including Abimanyu, his wife Uttaradevi, and Parakshid growing in Uttaradevi’s womb. With that, Lord Veda Vyasa instructs Arjuna to call back the missile executed by Ashwathama. As through words, Ashwathama has not called back the missile targetting the offsprings of Pandavas, it continues its aggression on Uttaradevi and to be Parakshid in her womb.  Lord in the form of Sri Krishna intervenes to tell Ashwathama to callback the missile through a statement as the baby is still in the womb.Krishna! I will not do so. I shall not call back even as a statement. You are showing bias towards your sister Subhadra’s and her grandchild, says Ashwathama.If you are so keen to use the missile on Pandavas, direct it towards the dead body of Abimanyu. Not to the womb of Uttaradevi, says Sri Krishna.Ashwathama’s gets further angered. Remember the indebtedness or the effect of food that he had eaten of Duryodhana. He says,I shall direct only towards Uttara to ensure the end of the Pandava dynasty.The all-powerful, Lord Sri Krishna appearing angry says,Mean minded Ashwathama! I know the word you have given to Duryodhana. You want to cease the Pandu Dynasty and further that of Dhritarashtra. Do what you can! Use all the power at your hand. But I shall make sure that the Pandu dynasty will continue for another thousand years. You have sinned by killing helpless men without arms, women & children including animals. You will fail in your attempt to kill Uttaradevi and also the baby growing in her womb.No power on this earth can match that of mine. Nor anyone can stop the Pandava dynasty continuing for another 1000 years on this earth. Your body will be full of soars, bleeding & stinking to irritate people. You are banished from the place of human dwellings. Go and live in the forest. Says Lord Sri Krishna. Lord present in another form of Veda Vyasa also consents the word of Sri Krishna.Suddenly, Ashwathamacharya realizes Sri Krishna as Lord. Acknowledging his Lordship pleads his form of Veda Vyasa not to deny him his sight and moves into the forest. But continues to serve the Lord in his form of Veda Vyasa full or remorse. Thus redeems Sins to be re-born as Veda Vyasa in next Dwapara Yuga to carry out the splitting or classification of Vedas. This is the incidence recorded in Mahabarata and its subsequent interpretations by Srimad Acharya. However, Srimad Bhagavatam is narrating the dream of Ashwathamacharya before the incidence happened. Let’s look forward to the rest portion of the dream of Ashwathama as we continue with this series of Srimad Bhagavatam through the blessings of Hari, Vayu, and Gurus. 
|| Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - The Aftermath of a conversation between Lord Veda Vyasa and Narada Rishi

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 Satra or a spiritual gathering that was organized under the leadership of Sri Shaunaka Rishi in Naimisharanya wherein Sri Sutacharya was the  Puranika narrating Srimad Bhagavatam. This was a long time back, even before the dawn of Kali Yuga. Sri Shaunaka Rishi had asked Sri Sutacharya:ब्रूहि योगेश्वरे कृष्णे ब्रह्मण्ये धर्मवर्मणि ।स्वां काष्ठामधुनोपेते धर्मः कं शरणं गतः ॥The Lord of Yoga, Sri Krishna protected Dharma and Brahmana. After his disappearance from this earth, in whom is Dharma taking refuge?For this, we have seen the answer in Srimad Bhagavatam, A Refuge Assured. Sri Sutacharya has answered that Dharma took refuge in Lord Veda Vyasa who classified Vedas and composed holy scriptures in which Dharma took refuge. However, for all those who do not practice Vedas, Women and for those having a lesser intellectual ability to understand Mahabarata, Lord Veda Vyasa composed Srimad Bhagavatam in which Dharma took refuge.
Further, Sri Shaunaka Rishi had asked Sri Sutacharya:कस्मिन् युगे प्रवृत्तेयं स्थाने वा केन हेतुना ।कुतः सञ्चोदितः कृष्णः कृतवान् संहितां मुनिः ॥ ३॥During which time, place and for what reason was Srimad Bhagavatam composed? It was on whose request did Lord Sri Krishna Dvaipayana compose this scripture? To which Sri Sutacharya had brought up the conversation between Lord Veda Vyasa and Narada Rishi. In that conversation, Narada Rishi offers prayers seeking to detail his choicest attributes which are inexhaustible. His glory and sports charm. Also, about the selfless Bhagavatas worshipping him with Nishkama dharma or without expectations. Hence Sri Shaunaka Rishi asks
शौनक उवाचनिर्गते नारदे सूत भगवान् बादरायणः ।श्रुतवांस्तदभिप्रेतं ततः किमकरोद्विभुः ॥ १॥Suta Puranika! After the departure of Narada Rishi and hearing his opinion, what did The Omnipotent and Omniscience Lord Veda Vyasa do?
सूत उवाचब्रह्मनद्यां सरस्वत्यामाश्रमः पश्चिमे तटे ।शम्याप्रास इति प्रोक्त ऋषीणां सत्रवर्धनः ॥ २॥तस्मिन् स्व आश्रमे व्यासो बदरीषण्डमण्डिते ।आसीनोऽप उपस्पृश्य प्रणिदध्यौ मनः स्वयम् ॥ ३॥भक्तियोगेन मनसि सम्यक् प्रणिहितेऽमले ।अपश्यत्पुरुषं पूर्वं मायां च तदुपाश्रयाम् ॥ ४॥यया सम्मोहितो जीव आत्मानं त्रिगुणात्मकम् ।परोऽपि मनुतेऽनर्थं तत्कृतं चाभिपद्यते ॥ ५॥Sri Sutacharya says the holy west bank of river Saraswati is liked by God Brahma, Rishis & their attendant Brahmins. In that west bank, there is a hermitage called Shamyaaprasa convenient for doing Fire sacrifices. Also, at this place, a branch of tree used in fire sacrifice had fallen making the place sacred. Hence, Shamyaaprasa is sacred, holy and delivers the fruit of sacrifice quickly.Lord Veda Vyasa’s ashrama is also located in this Shamyaaprasa having a beautiful landscape surrounded by Badri trees. After having returned from the river Saraswati taking bath, sitting in that ashrama, completing Achamana or the purification ritual, Lord Veda Vyasa confined his mind to meditation for a long time depicting himself as any other Rishis on earth.During the meditation, through his divine sight, Lord Veda Vyasa no different from Supreme Purusha sees how the process of Bhakti Yoga unfolds in all the Jivas or Atma when they hear or take-up study of Srimad Bhagavatam that he had decided to compose. For doing Bhakti Yoga, the Jiva needs crystal clear and pure mind devoid of stains of pollutant and sins. In the meditation, he also sees how Srimad Bhagavatam cleanses kalimala or the pollutant of kali & Sins brings Vairagya towards the materialistic world, gives pure devotion, crystal clear, & clean knowledge founding steady & continuous Bhakti to reveal the indweller. For cleansing the kalimala and sins, Lord Veda Vyasa beheld Goddess Maya along with his form of Purusha in his meditation. He sees Jiva or Atma getting deceived by Goddess Maya to get deluded and believe as if a part of Gunas though is beyond Prakriti. Or part of three Gunas of Satvika, Rajasika & Thamisika. And, due to this belief, the Jiva experiences suffering.
अनर्थोपशमं साक्षाद्भक्तियोगमधोक्षजे ।लोकस्याजानतो विद्वांश्चक्रे सात्वतसंहिताम् ॥ ६॥

The only way to cure the sufferings or its threat is Bhakti Yoga in Lord Adhokshaja who is beyond the perception of Sensory organs.

As Jivas are ignorant on this, Lord Veda Vyasa composed सात्वतसंहिताम् or The Sacred Bhagavata.  यस्यां वै श्रूयमाणायां कृष्णे परमपूरुषे ।भक्तिरुत्पद्यते पुंसः शोकमोहभयापहा ॥ ७॥स संहितां भागवतीं कृत्वानुक्रम्य चात्मजम् ।शुकमध्यापयामास निवृत्तिनिरतं मुनिः ॥ ८॥Only by hearing this will give rise to Bhakti in Supreme Purusha, Sri Krishna resulting in the disappearance of grief, delusion, and fear. Hence, the Lord Veda Vyasa composed the Sacred Bhagavata. After which, the generous & kind-hearted Lord did अनुक्रम्य or reread to ensure that even the weakest and fragile are benefited. Subsequently, He initiated it to his son Shuka. As Shuka had accomplished the highest level of Propitiating Lord with Nishkama Dharma or without expectations. 
शौनक उवाचस वै निवृत्तिनिरतः सर्वत्रोपेक्षको मुनिः ।कस्य वा बृहतीमेतामात्मारामः समभ्यसत् ॥ ९॥Curious to know more, Sri Shaunaka Rishi asks that though Sri Shukacharya has reached the highest level of Nishkama Dharma or without expectations, always engrossed in the Supreme Atma showing indifference to all other happenings. What made him take-up the study of such a vast composition of Srimad Bhagavatam?   
सूत उवाचआत्मारामाश्च मुनयो निर्ग्रन्था अप्युरुक्रमे ।कुर्वन्त्यहैतुकीं भक्तिमित्थम्भूतगुणो हरिः ॥ १०॥हरेर्गुणाक्षिप्तमतिर्भगवान् बादरायणिः ।अध्यगान्महदाख्यानं नित्यं विष्णुजनप्रियः ॥ ११॥Sri Suthacharya responding to Sri Shaunaka and his fellow Rishi says, Sri Shukacharya has a vast knowledge of the creation and is a Paramahamsa or an awakened Soul. He is not concerned even for Kaupina, a small piece of cloth to cover himself nor has an iota of ego. He is always engrossed in Paramatma doing unlimited Bhakti and dipped in the ocean of bliss. Yet, the attributes of Lord and his sports charm is so attractive & sweet that the devout would like to relish by remembering, thinking, describing, singing about him.आत्मारामाश्च मुनयः says Sri Sutacharya with full of admirations i.e Let alone the Jivas or beings like best of Vaishnava, God Rudra who influences the mind of all Jivas of fourteen regions, without whose blessings the Jiva cannot work for perfection. He has the ability to destroy the entire universe during pralaya or dissolution. Or even his superior, the best of being, God Brahma who has created the entire Universe. Even the Muktas who have broken the cycle of death & birth, being fully satisfied, having nothing more to accomplish and living in Mukta Vaikunta with full of knowledge & bliss also study Srimad Bhagavatam as our Lord is Krishna i.e. he is आकर्षिक​ or attractive.                The dear son of Lord Veda Vyasa, Sri Shukacharya had his mind attracted to Lord’s attributes & sports charm. His heart full of Bhakti expressing respect towards his father requested him to initiate the study of vast Srimad Bhagavatam and mastered it. To Sri Shukacharya, a form of God Rudra, devotees of Lord is very dear to him. Hence, he showed up all by himself at a gathering on the banks of Ganga River. Initiated Parikshid Raja with Srimad Bhagavatam. Being inside influencing his mind to easily understand Bhagavata dharma and outside by narration of same.
Sri Shaunaka Rishi had requested Sri Sutacharya in The SpiritualGathering of Naimisharanya सूत जानासि भद्रं ते भगवान् सात्वतां पतिः ।देवक्यां वसुदेवस्य जातो यस्य चिकीर्षया ॥तन्नः शुश्रूषमाणानामर्हस्यङ्गानुवर्णितुम् ।यस्यावतारो भूतानां क्षेमाय च भवाय च ॥Benevolent Sri Sutacharya, The most auspicious one who protects us all the time and for whom we are very dear, please tell us about him, Lord Sri Krishna. And why is that he took birth in Vasudeva and Devaki? What was his purpose? Please tell that to us.The foremost feature of Lord Sri Krishna and the stories of his various appearance on this earth is extremely beneficial to the people and would blossom the Lotus of heart which is made of devotion. Please tell us his stories.
Hence, Sri Sutacharya says,परीक्षितोऽथ राजर्षेर्जन्मकर्मविलापनम् ।संस्थां च पाण्डुपुत्राणां वक्ष्ये कृष्णकथोदयम् ॥ १२॥Sri Shaunaka & fellow Rishis! Now I am going to narrate the stories of birth, action, and moksha of the emperor Parikshid Raja. Also, the story of Pandavas up to their ascending to Heaven and the dawn of the stories of Lord in his form as Sri Krishna. In congruence with thoughts and feelings of assembled Rishis, Sri Sutacharya is telling that he would also tell the story of Pandavas and of Parakshid Raja as in it is the glory of Lord Si Krishna.यदा मृधे कौरवसृञ्जयानां वीरेष्वथो वीरगतिं गतेषु ।वृकोदराविद्धगदाभिमर्शभग्नोरुदण्डे धृतराष्ट्रपुत्रे ॥ १३॥भर्तुः प्रियं द्रौणिरिति स्म पश्यन् कृष्णासुतानां स्वपतां शिरांसि ।उपाहरद्विप्रियमेव तस्य जुगुप्सितं कर्म विगर्हयन्ति ॥ १४॥In the war at Kurukshetra of Mahabarata, the brave warriors of both Kauravas and Pandavas had accomplished valorous death. The mace of Bheemasena was a pretty heavy made of steel and yielded hard strikes breaking the thighs of Duryodhana. As Duryodhana had fallen on the ground immovable, Ashwatama beheaded the children of Draupadi while they were fast asleep in the camp set up close to the battlefield and presented the chopped heads to his master Duryodhana as a gift to please him. However, Duryodhana was not pleased as he believed that the act of killing while one is sleeping was awfully bad.      

Lord Krishna said:

"Whatever belongs to you today, belonged to someone else yesterday and it will belong to someone else tomorrow. Don't be illusioned by Maya. Maya is the root cause of all pain and misery"

Happy Janmashtami 2019.

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

Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1 - Bhakti Yoga Sutra of Narada Rishi, The Genesis of Srimad Bhagavatam

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 || || Sri Veda Vyasaya Namaha ||व्यासाय विष्णुरूपाय व्यासरूपाय विष्णवे ।
नमो वै ब्रह्मनिधये वासिष्ठाय नमो नमः ॥Vyasa the form of Lord Vishnu, Vishnu the form of Lord Vyasa, my salutations to you the treasure of creation. My repeated salutations to you, the grandson of Vasishta Rishi.
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.
जयति जगति मायां यस्य कायाधवस्ते वचनरचनमेकं केवलं चाकलय्य​।ध्रुवपदमपि यातो यत्क्रुपातो ध्रुवोऽयं सकलकुशलपात्रं ब्रह्मपुत्रं नतास्मि॥Narada Rishi, Prahlada the son of Kayadhu, had full faith in your teachings that The Lord is present everywhere and would never let his devotee down. He held this even during his most adverse situation and won the blessings of Lord Sri Narasimha. So too, did Prince Dhruva had your advice & blessings and became immovable Star or Polar Star. You are generous and object of all auspiciousness. Your blessings will yield the siddhi of thoughts of The Lord at all times. My Salutations to you the Son of God Brahma.


मूकोऽपि यत्प्रसादेन मुकुन्दशयनायते ।राजराजायते रिक्तो राघवेन्द्रं तमाश्रये ॥Your mercy would confer the blessings of Lord Mukunda laying on God Sesha. Even a dumb become an eloquent speaker, a pauper becomes wealthy as God Kubera.
I seek refuge in you, Guru Raghavendra.
Narada Rishi being Sharanagata or having submitted to Lord has complete faith in him. Admiring The glory of Creation, seeing Lord in every living species including human beings, large trees, mango groves, bamboo grooves, shrubs, bushes, and plants that grow in water, birds travel in the sky, wild animals, bees, flies and so on. And also seeing Lord in all non-living objects including rocks, clouds, and water bodies and so on.           Narada Rishi narrating his experience of previous birth to Lord Veda Vyasa says,दिदृक्षुस्तदहं भूयः प्रणिधाय मनो हृदि ।वीक्षमाणोऽपि नापश्यमवितृप्त इवातुरः ॥ २०॥After having glimpses of auspicious Lord, I wanted to see him again. I tried my best to take my mind to the Lotus of Heart to meditate. I tried repeatedly becoming desperate but in vain. This made me dissatisfied, struggling and sickened.एवं यतन्तं विजने मामाहागोचरो गिराम् ।गम्भीरश्लक्ष्णया वाचा शुचः प्रशमयन्निव ॥ २१॥हन्तास्मिञ्जन्मनि भवान् न मां द्रष्टुमिहार्हति ।अविपक्वकषायाणां दुर्दर्शोऽहं कुयोगिनाम् ॥ २२॥सकृद्यद्दर्शितं रूपमेतत्कामाय तेऽनघ ।मत्कामः शनकैः साधु सर्वान् मुञ्चति हृच्छयान् ॥ २३॥सत्सेवयादीर्घया ते जाता मयि दृढा मतिः ।हित्वावद्यमिमं लोकं गन्ता मज्जनतामसि ॥ २४॥मतिर्मयि निबद्धेयं न विपद्येत कर्हिचित् ।प्रजासर्गनिरोधेऽपि स्मृतिश्च मदनुग्रहात् ॥ २५॥As I was desperately trying to meditate in that forest uninhabited by human beings, the independent Lord having no obligation whatsoever addressed me through a voice without appearance. His voice was gentle and full of grace. He told me, “In this life of yours, you would not have the sight of me anymore. Since various impressions of worldly matters remaining on your mind are active. The sight of me to yogis having not fully completed their practice is extremely rare.  However, to keep the desire of my sight active in you, I have shown my form only once. When a practitioner of Bhakti Yoga has a desperate desire of me, the remnant impressions on worldly matters start disappearing little by little with the advancement of practice. Consequent to this there will be no delay in obtaining me, said the most kind-hearted one.Continuing, the voice without appearance said, for having served the sages for a long time, your consciousness has become stable and established in me. After foregoing the body made of Prakriti, with my blessings you will get associated with me. Also, your desire in me will remain firm, established and never get disturbed. Even after the destruction of present creation or pralaya, you will be blessed with remembrance of this experience of sight of me.”              Narada Rishi not just in his previous birth was born to a housemaid the Lord says he has been serving the pious for a very long time and has been serving in previous births too. एतावदुक्त्वोपरराम तन्महद्भूतं नभोलिङ्गमलिङ्गमीश्वरम् ।अहं च तस्मै महतां महीयसे शीर्ष्णावनामं विदधेऽनुकम्पितः ॥ २६॥नामान्यनन्तस्य हतत्रपः पठन् गुह्यानि भद्राणि कृतानि च स्मरन् ।गां पर्यटंस्तुष्टमना गतस्पृहः कालं प्रतीक्षन् विमदो विमत्सरः ॥ २७॥Having told thus, the all-powerful invisible Lord became silent. My desperation and restlessness had disappeared. I prostrated to the direction of voice expressing my gratitude & submission. I admire the Lord as He is the most powerful even among the powerful, yet pouring his mercy on me. Like the cow pulls back the cud from the stomach to re-chew, I fill my heart with happiness re-calling the sight of the Lord and his voice. हतत्रपः or Keeping aside my inhibition and shyness, I sing the names of the Lord that are अनन्त or infinite, गुह्य, filled with mystery and भद्रा or auspicious. Also, I sing his sports charm & dance. Shedding aside the desire for worldly matters, pride & jealousy, I kept my mind lucid & a heart filled with joy, toured around the earth to find no place devoid of Lord. Yet, I looked forward to the day when I could shed the body made of Prakriti and the day I see the Lord as he showed up in my Lotus of heart, says Narada Rishi.Continuing to address Lord Veda Vyasa, Narada Rishi says,एवं कृष्णमतेर्ब्रह्मन्नसक्तस्यामलात्मनः ।कालः प्रादुरभूत्काले तडित्सौदामनी यथा ॥ २८॥प्रयुज्यमाने मयि तां शुद्धां भागवतीं तनुम् ।आरब्धकर्मनिर्वाणो न्यपतत्पाञ्चभौतिकः ॥ २९॥Brahma Rishi, Sri Veda Vyasji, This way my mind space was filled only about the Lord Sri Krishna. I had completely lost all the desires towards the worldly matter. Having no place in my body, mind or thoughts all the sins in me started fleeing. अमलात्मनः or I experienced this process of purification. My ears had no desire to hear anything about worldly happenings, nor did my eyes see anything else other than Lord and my tongue did not long for yummy stuff. Untouched by any sins and making myself pure-hearted, I was spending my time looking forward to the day when I could shed the body made of Prakriti.On a monsoon day, I was meditating the auspicious and divine form of Lord, the time that I was looking forward had passed like a lightening. My Prarabdha Karma that I had to experience in that life had got completed bringing an end to my life. Hence, न्यपतत्पाञ्चभौतिकः that body made of Panchabhoota i.e. earth, water, fire, air & either had fallen apart. We have seen the three types of Karma Viz. Sanchita, Prarbdha and Agami Karma in “The Axiom of Yoga continued” As Lord Veda Vyasa had asked a question to Narada Rishi on the process of death in his previous birth, Narada Rishi has replied that when he was doing meditation on the form of Lord, death happened. Being similar to that of Bheeshmacharya. Hence, he had to once again take birth as Narada Rishi, the son of God Brahma in the next creation.कल्पान्त इदमादाय शयानेऽम्भस्युदन्वतः ।शिशयिषोरनुप्राणं विविशेऽन्तरहं विभोः ॥ ३०॥सहस्रयुगपर्यन्त उत्थायेदं सिसृक्षतः ।मरीचिमिश्रा ऋषयः प्राणेभ्योऽहं च जज्ञिरे ॥ ३१॥The pious Narada Rishi seeing Lord in each individual & doing service to people in his previous birth on earth exhausted his lifespan. After that, he stayed in the higher region of Satya Loka preceded by God Brahma. He says, at the end of that lengthy period of time measured as Kalpa, Lord Sriman Narayana शिशयिषा or had intended to lay sleeping on the pupil leaf floating on the Pralaya Jala or the ocean formed by the dissolution of the whole universe. Therefore, God Brahma ended his entire creation to enter the Lord. At that time, I too entered the stomach of Lord with the help of प्राणं or God Prana. After a span of thousand yugas, Lord Brahman intended to start creation. During that creation, I too appeared along with Rishi Marichi.   अन्तर्बहिश्च लोकांस्त्रीन् पर्येम्यस्कन्दितव्रतः ।अनुग्रहान्महाविष्णोरविघातगतिः क्वचित् ॥ ३२॥देवदत्तामिमां वीणां स्वरब्रह्मविभूषिताम् ।मूर्च्छयित्वा हरिकथां गायमानश्चराम्यहम् ॥ ३३॥प्रगायतः स्ववीर्याणि तीर्थपादः प्रियश्रवाः ।आहूत इव मे शीघ्रं दर्शनं याति चेतसि ॥ ३४॥Since then, अनुग्रहान् with the blessings of Lord Maha Vishnu, I am able to travel to लोकांस्त्रीन् i.e. all the three regions including this, upper and lower regions. Also, अन्तर्बहिश्च inside the body, mind & consciousness of all beings knowing their thoughts & feelings towards Lord and outside अविघात or unimpeded. This form of mine अस्कन्दितव्रतः or with the vow of worshipping the Lord by singing his names & sports charm having description of his attributes & glory is continuing uninterrupted without decline.This Veena instrument named Mahati is blessed by Lord Bhagavan who is Omnipresent, Eternal & Complete generates the sound as wished by his form of Shabda Brahman. Playing this instrument, singing the divine names and the stories of the sport's charm of Lord Sri Hari, I travel.When I sing the stories of his sport with divine names, the Lord who loves being praised, whose lotus feet is purifying and a supportive foundation to all holy places of Pilgrimage comes running to me hurriedly as if being called loudly and blesses me with his sight at any time without any restrictions.एतद्ध्यातुरचित्तानां मात्रास्पर्शेच्छया मुहुः ।भवसिन्धुप्लवो दृष्टो हरिचर्यानुवर्णनम् ॥ ३५॥यमादिभिर्योगपथैः कामलोभहतो मुहुः ।मुकुन्दसेवया यद्वत्तथात्माद्धा न शाम्यति ॥ ३६॥Always being engaged with worldly happenings make the consciousness sick with emotional & behavioral disorders. To them, singing sports charm of Lord is like a ship helping them to cross the vast river of Sindu flowing in the planes far and wide. This is my experience, says Narada Rishi.

“The Jiva getting repeatedly beaten-up with arishadvargas like desire, stinginess & so on, should hear the stories of Lord Sri Krishna desirous of Solace & tranquillity. This is not possible by any other Yoga marga including Yama, Niyama and so on, says Narada Rishi propounding Bhakti Yoga as Axiom”

Remember, this is the same what Sri Sutachary had said in "The Pursuit to Hone Bhakti",शृण्वतां स्वकथाः कृष्णः पुण्यश्रवणकीर्तनः ।हृद्यन्तःस्थो ह्यभद्राणि विधुनोति सुहृत् सताम् ॥The most attractive, Lord Krishna in his dark skin like the color of monsoon clouds, standing in हृद्यन्तःस्थ, the Lotus of Heart like a सुहृत्, friend. A dear friend for the सताम् or virtuous waiting with great patience as if he has nothing else to do except for ह्यभद्राणि विधुनोति, destroying all our Sins that cause inauspiciousness and ready to pour his mercy.

He is waiting for us to श्रवणकीर्तनः, hear and sing his Glory. So that he could pour पुण्य, mercy, and high merit.

Like he did to Kuchela, with a torn dress and made him Sudhama, having in abundance for just three fists of beaten rice. The rice filled with Love, brimming with devotion through hearing and singing the Glory of the Lord. So too, he came as if he is at the beck and call of Prahlada! Also, in a form only dedicated to him! सर्वं तदिदमाख्यातं यत्पृष्टोऽहं त्वयानघ ।जन्मकर्मरहस्यं मे भवतश्चात्मतोषणम् ॥ ३७॥The Stainless Lord Veda Vyasji, यत्पृष्टोऽहं or since you have asked and instructed, I have answered all your questions by narrating my past birth story as an illustration including the actions and the spiritual practice I undertook. By answering this as submission, I am blessed. In this is embedded your glory and fame hearing which अत्मतोषणम् or the virtuous will be satisfied filling their heart with happiness and removing distress. As I am blessed by your beloved devotees, the Great Sages and yourself I am able to put forth these answers.  Also, you had asked that even after classifying the Vedas & initiating to several rishis to strengthen Teacher-Student tradition, composing Brahma Sutra, Mahabarata & 17 Puranas, yet your heart is not pleasant nor is your mind lucid, to which I have submitted my answer requesting composition of Srimad Bhagavatam having The glory of the Lord and his devotees. This was possible with your blessings. Wondering on the greatness of Narada Rishi, Sri Sutacharya says,एवं सम्भाष्य भगवान्नारदो वासवीसुतम् ।आमन्त्र्य वीणां रणयन् ययौ यादृच्छिको मुनिः ॥ ३८॥अहो देवर्षिर्धन्योऽयं यत्कीर्तिं शार्ङ्गधन्वनः ।गायन् माद्यन्निदं तन्त्र्या रमयत्यातुरं जगत् ॥ ३९॥Sri Shaunaka Rishi, this way the auspicious and divine Narada Rishi had a conversation with Supreme Lord Veda Vyasa, bid farewell by taking his permission and moved on playing Veena which is his musical instrument.How fortunate is Narada Rishi! Always playing his Veena singing the sport's charm of Lord with bow and arrow. Not only fills his heart with happiness but also brings happiness to common people who are exhausted with the fight of Life.      After hearing the opinion of Narada Rishi, Lord Veda Vyasa took up the composition of Srimad Bhagavatam on the banks of river Saraswati.इति श्रीमद्भागवते महापुराणे पारमहंस्यां संहितायां प्रथमस्कन्धे व्यासनारदसंवादे षष्ठोऽध्यायः ॥ ६॥With this, we complete " The Conversation between Lord Veda Vyasa & Narada Rishi ” the sixth Adhyaya, of Srimad Bhagavatam Skanda 1.We could do so only with the grace of Guru Sri Raghavendra and all his philosophical associates including Sri Saunaka & his fellow Rishis, Sri Sutacahrya, Sri Sukachary, God Vayu, and Sri Hari as their Jnana Prasada.|| 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 - The Past Birth of Narada Rishi & The Sight of Lord

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 || || Sri Veda Vyasaya Namaha ||व्यासाय विष्णुरूपाय व्यासरूपाय विष्णवे ।
नमो वै ब्रह्मनिधये वासिष्ठाय नमो नमः ॥Vyasa the form of Lord Vishnu, Vishnu the form of Lord Vyasa, my salutations to you the treasure of creation. My repeated salutations to you, the grandson of Vasishta Rishi.
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.
जयति जगति मायां यस्य कायाधवस्ते वचनरचनमेकं केवलं चाकलय्य​।ध्रुवपदमपि यातो यत्क्रुपातो ध्रुवोऽयं सकलकुशलपात्रं ब्रह्मपुत्रं नतास्मि॥Narada Rishi, Prahlada the son of Kayadhu, had full faith in your teachings that The Lord is present everywhere and would never let his devotee down. He held this even during his most adverse situation and won the blessings of Lord Sri Narasimha. So too, did Prince Dhruva had your advice & blessings and became immovable Star or Polar Star. You are generous and object of all auspiciousness. Your blessings will yield the siddhi of thoughts of The Lord at all times. My Salutations to you the Son of God Brahma.


मूकोऽपि यत्प्रसादेन मुकुन्दशयनायते ।राजराजायते रिक्तो राघवेन्द्रं तमाश्रये ॥Your mercy would confer the blessings of Lord Mukunda laying on God Sesha. Even a dumb become an eloquent speaker, a pauper becomes wealthy as God Kubera.
I seek refuge in you, Guru Raghavendra.

We saw the way Narada Rishi through a narration of his past life story has put forth the complex formula of Bhakti Yoga in a simple & straight forward way by breaking-up each of its ingredients. Also, the relevance and the role of Karma Yoga in the impenetrable philosophy of the practice of moksha has been described. The way the tasks or actions needs to be executed without getting touched by the Sins associated with it through submission to the Lord has been detailed by Narada Rishi. Sri Suthacharya says,एवं निशम्य भगवान् देवर्षेर्जन्म कर्म च ।भूयः पप्रच्छ तं ब्रह्मन् व्यासः सत्यवतीसुतः ॥ १॥As the long stories of penance at Naimisharanya organized Sri Shaunaka Rishi continues, One day, Sri Suthacharya narrating the conversation between Lord Veda Vyasa and Narada Rishi, addressing Sri Shaunaka Rishi says that after hearing the past life story of Narada Rishi, Lord Veda Vyasa, the son of Satyavati, questioned thus,भिक्षुभिर्विप्रवसिते विज्ञानादेष्टृभिस्तव ।वर्तमानो वयस्याद्ये ततः किमकरोद्भवान् ॥ २॥Deva Rishi, after those sages who initiated you with special knowledge of Tattva Jnana, what did you do? Probably, you were a too-small boy then. Isn't it?  स्वायम्भुव कया वृत्त्या वर्तितं ते परं वयः ।कथं चेदमुदस्राक्षीः काले प्राप्ते कलेवरम् ॥ ३॥Svayambhuva! Being on your own, How did you spend the rest of your life? Also, at the time of death, how did you leave the body? What was the process?Lord Veda Vyasa asks this question because there are four types of death,The death! like it comes to all leaving being at the end of each life span. Based on our individual deed, one has to face this difficult time. As most of us are attached with a sense of possession, we feel bad even for loss of small & inconsequential. The highest value of possession we attach is towards our body. Hence, to forgo this and overcome the loss would be terrifying and painful.As a practice of this, few take up the vow of non-possession or Aparigraha Vrata. In The First Principles of Bhakti Yoga by Narada Rishi, we saw how Sri Purandara Dasaru (1484-1564 AD), a अंश or part of Narada Rishi, earlier as Srinivasa Nayaka was a jeweler and popularly known as Navakoti Narayana for his wealth of over ninety million. But he gave up everything to live on alms and sing the glory of Lord. He called this as taking up the business as that of honey bee relishing the nectar from the Lotus feet of Lord Purundara Vittala.     These acts of non-possession do not strike the chord to most of us. The reasons could be the state of denial we live in on the encounter of death or maybe the poor understanding of the trade-off between possession and pain of death and so on.   The second type of death is that of the devotees of Lord. Those who are on the path of devotion and yet to have accomplished self-realization and Aproksha Jnana. For these, the attachment to worldly affairs including the body is not as much as those encountering the first type of death. But they are not completely detached too. However, they would have the confidence in the Lord with the expectation of a better re-birth as a pious Vaishnava. They would not suffer as much as in the first type of death. They would be able to see the body as temporary and worthy to forego. They will also be able to intermittently remember the Lord during the last hours of death lowering the pain. But they fail at the last moments of life engaging themselves with worldly thoughts denying peaceful pass away.The third type of death being those blessed with Aproksha jnana. Here, the Jiva will be able to remember the Lord even in last moments and see his forms. Bheeshamacharya is a good example. Bleeding profusely on the sharp bed of arrows he leaves the body in front of the Lord. As Lord presents himself in the assembled crowd of Pandavas in his forms of Sri Krishna, Veda Vyasa and Parshurama making the death peaceful. However, he too not having the specific sight of the form of Indwelle, he has to return to earth.However, in the fourth type of death being auspicious, the Jiva leaves the body seeing the Indweller, the Lord. Blessed with overflowing bliss, goes to higher regions and not to return. Here, he waits in the higher region till pralaya and subsequently appears only in Mukta Vaikunta or the abode of Lord demarked only for Muktas or those released from the cycle of death & birth.  प्राक्कल्पविषयामेतां स्मृतिं ते सुरसत्तम ।न ह्येष व्यवधात्काल एष सर्वनिराकृतिः ॥ ४॥Devarishi, The time though, has the unique ability to destroy everything! The story you are narrating is that of प्राक्कल्प or previous Kalpa and crores of years back. Even then, how do you have memories of a past life? Could not time destroy past life memory?
नारद उवाच, Narada Rishi replies,भिक्षुभिर्विप्रवसिते विज्ञानादेष्टृभिर्मम ।वर्तमानो वयस्याद्ये तत एतदकारषम् ॥ ५॥At the time of departure of those great Yogis who had initiated me with विज्ञानादेष or special knowledge of Tattva Jnana as instruction. I was a small boy. I shall narrate to you the way I spent my life thereafter. Kindly hear.    एकात्मजा मे जननी योषिन्मूढा च किङ्करी ।मय्यात्मजेऽनन्यगतौ चक्रे स्नेहानुबन्धनम् ॥ ६॥सास्वतन्त्रा न कल्पाऽऽसीद्योगक्षेमं ममेच्छती ।ईशस्य हि वशे लोको योषा दारुमयी यथा ॥ ७॥अहं च तद्ब्रह्मकुले ऊषिवांस्तदपेक्षया ।दिग्देशकालाव्युत्पन्नो बालकः पञ्चहायनः ॥ ८॥एकदा निर्गतां गेहाद्दुहन्तीं निशि गां पथि ।सर्पोऽदशत्पदा स्पृष्टः कृपणां कालचोदितः ॥ ९॥तदा तदहमीशस्य भक्तानां शमभीप्सतः ।अनुग्रहं मन्यमानः प्रातिष्ठं दिशमुत्तराम् ॥ १०॥I was the only son of my mother. Being women, not very intelligent, she had an attachment. My mother worked as a housemaid. She was kind, dear and had tied me with a bond of affection. She would deeply think of my prosperity. However, being in other’s control, she could not do much. Like the puppets are under the control of Puppetry, so too the Jiva or being is under the control of the Almighty, the Lord. Empathizing with her, I too responded to my mother and stayed with her in the house she worked. I was just over five years old. I did not know much. Even the directions from my place or the state I lived nor the time. However, I was enthused about the knowledge initiated by the accomplished sages, gushing with excitement to take up the practice and accomplish Siddhi or perfection. Also, my intrinsic qualities of moving around from place to place singing the glory of Lord was building-up.The most important question to any seeker of moksha is if he has to go ahead to the Himalaya or Kashi leaving behind the materialistic world of family, friends and the responsibility associated with it is answered here by Narada Rishi. After having received the most secret Knowledge of Tattva Jnana or axiom as a boy in his previous life from the sages, Narada Rishi does not forsakes his mother and walk away. However, he waits for an appropriate time.Narada Rishi replying to the questions of Lord Veda Vyasa says,The days passed, we both as mother and son continued to stay being social support to each other. We shared happy moments and overcame the negative. While I was still small, one night, when my mother went out of the house to milk a cow, she stepped on a poisonous snake. The snake bit my poor mother. How can I blame the snake? The God of death wished so.Always wishing the best to his devotees, I believed that this too was Lord’s blessings and walked away towards North.स्फीताञ्जनपदांस्तत्र पुरग्रामव्रजाकरान् ।खेटखर्वटवाटीश्च वनान्युपवनानि च ॥ ११॥चित्रधातुविचित्राद्रीनिभभग्नभुजद्रुमान् ।जलाशयाञ्छिवजलान्नलिनीः सुरसेविताः ॥ १२॥चित्रस्वनैः पत्ररथैर्विभ्रमद्भ्रमरश्रियः ।नलवेणुशरस्तम्बकुशकीचकगह्वरम् ॥ १३॥एक एवातियातोऽहमद्राक्षं विपिनं महत् ।घोरं प्रतिभयाकारं व्यालोलूकशिवाजिरम् ॥ १४॥As I walked alone, I came across rich states having enough wealth with cities, towns, villages. Also, I saw dwellings of nomadic, cattle herds, several types of mines, rivers, small dwellings at the foot of mounds and hills. As I walked, large trees, farms, mango groves, gardens, forests passed by. I saw bamboo grooves and trees broken & destroyed by elephants. I neared a thick forest wherein the chattering of birds, their chirp sound, and the song of cuckoos became distinctively different and filled the atmosphere with serenity. The landscape there had turned more beautiful. The ponds and water bodies were filled with Swans, Ducks, water Lillies, and Lotus. Each of the lotus flowers appeared as if competing with one another in terms of color, their bloom, and moisture waiting to reach the feet of Lord. However, they swayed to the light breeze as if they were lost dancing in ecstasy filling the surroundings with fragrance submitting themselves to the most fascinating Lord Manohara.As I walked ahead through the beautiful landscape, I entered a forest that thick and dark allowing shaft of light here and there. The atmosphere there had suddenly changed.   The buzz of bees, hoot of an owl, and cry of birds, their shriek, and screams of jackals became more often. Also, the sound from the swaying of tall grass, rubbing of branches and bamboo groves due to heavy breeze sharpened. These sounds, darkness, the sight of worms, bees & flys over the carcass left over by carnivores’ animals brought horror and wilderness to the place. I was in a thick, dark and scary forest inhabited by wild & ferocious.           As an Individual or race or as human beings, we have a notion and built a paradigm of exclusivity. However, in this world created by the Lord, there is an immeasurable diversity. Putting aside our ego, we need to understand & study from this diverse creation to accomplish spiritual progress. Narada Rishi, not standing nor sitting at one place keeps traveling to all fourteen regions starting from Patala to Vaikunta singing the glory of this creation and of Lord has done sadhana or practice in his previous births. Narada Rishi is Sharnagatha or having submitted himself to Lord.परिश्रान्तेन्द्रियात्माहं तृट्परीतो बुभुक्षितः ।स्नात्वा पीत्वा ह्रदे नद्या उपस्पृष्टो गतश्रमः ॥ १५॥By then my body had become tired. Walking up and down the gradients of the countryside, negotiating the shrubs, bushes & their thorns, stepping on sharp pebbles & stones, my feet were crying in agony and legs demanded rest. I was hungry, my mouth had dried with the feeling of thirst overwhelming me.I took a bath in the nearby river, had water, did Achamana  i.e sipping water from palm for three times and touching various parts of body invoking various forms of Lord with his names for purification. This way my tiredness subsided.  तस्मिन्निर्मनुजेऽरण्ये पिप्पलोपस्थ आस्थितः ।आत्मनाऽऽत्मानमात्मस्थं यथाश्रुतमचिन्तयम् ॥ १६॥ध्यायतश्चरणाम्भोजं भावनिर्जितचेतसा ।औत्कण्ठ्याश्रुकलाक्षस्य हृद्यासीन्मे शनैर्हरिः ॥ १७॥प्रेमातिभरनिर्भिन्नपुलकाङ्गोऽतिनिर्वृतः ।आनन्दसम्प्लवे लीनो नापश्यमुभयं मुने ॥ १८॥रूपं भगवतो यत्तन्मनःकान्तं शुचापहम् ।अपश्यन् सहसोत्तस्थे वैक्लव्याद्दुर्मना इव ॥ १९॥Subsequently, I sat below a Pupil tree in that uninhabited river bank and started meditating the Indweller as initiated to me by the accomplished Sages. As I started contemplating the Lord’s auspicious lotus feet that were of the bright red color of crimson with the nail plates turning pinkish under the dazzling brilliance of the free edges having the brightness of the sun, the bhakti in me started glowing, my mind was lucidly filled with happiness. Also, the body filled with goosebumps experienced a light shock wave and sucked me into a deep state meditation. Not giving up, I moved my attention upwards to see yellow robes of Lord covering his knees, wearing the golden waistband, Srivatsa and being four-armed.  However, I was flushed with bliss, the tears of joy started flowing, choking my throat, but I was unable to come out of the meditative state. The Lord Sri Hari appeared in my Lotus of Heart making me wonderstruck As I was thinking that there is nothing to which the Lord is second to, the next moment Lord disappeared अपश्यन्.|| Hari Om |||| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||