THE STORY OF LORD KRISHNA AND JARASANDHA

         The Story of Krishna and Jarasandha

Lord Krishna

Bhima and Jarasandha fighting

Bhima & Jarasandha

Bhima and Jarasandha(Jarasandha on ground)

Jarasandha on ground

King Brihadratha of Magadha was married to the twin daughters of the King of Kashi. Brihadratha loved both his wives equally and had all the material joys of the world, but no son. This left him in a depressed state.

The sage Chandakaushika visited his kingdom and Brihadratha served him with respect. Being pleased with his service, the sage granted Brihadratha a boon. Brihadratha asked the sage for a son and the sage gave him a mango, which Brihadratha was to give one of his wives. Now Brihadratha loved both his wives equally so he cut the mango in two equal halves and fed both of them.

Nine months later, both his wives gave birth to a child, or rather half a child each. Seeing this the queens attendants were horrified and decided that they must dispose of the two halves, so they dumped them outside the kingdom. Now outside the kingdom, there lived a demoness named Jara. Sensing human flesh, she found the two halves of the child. Hoping to carry them home to eat them, she placed both the halves side by side in a basket and lo behold the halves miraculously joined up, making one complete human child. Jara realized that this must be the son of the King of Magadha, and wanting a reward, took the child to the palace. The King was overjoyed and named the child Jarasandha in order to honor Jara, the demoness who had saved him.

Jarasandha grew up and became a very powerful king. He defeated many other kings and made them promise their allegiance to him making him supreme emperor. He gave both his daughters in marriage to Kamsa of Mathura.

Now Krishna killed Kamsa, making Jarasandha an enemy. Jarasandha attacked Mathura seventeen times and Krishna decimated his army, sparing Jarasandha alone.

Krishna had five cousins, the Pandavas, who had just acquired a kingdom -Indraprastha. The eldest Pandava, Yudishtra wanted to perform the Rajasuya Yagya. In order to perform the Rajasuya Yagya, a king had to be declared emperor and all the surrounding kingdoms had to recognize the emperor as their overlord. In order for this to happen, Yudishtra would have to defeat Jarasandha and obtain the title of emperor. Yudishtra, not knowing how to go about this, asked Krishna for help. Krishna said that he, Arjuna (the third Pandava) and Bheema (the second Pandava) would dress up like brahmans and go to Magadha and challenge Jarasandha to a wrestling match.

Upon reaching Magadha, Krishna, Arjuna and Bheema challenged Jarasandha to a wrestling match. Jarasandha seeing their physiques realised that these were not brahmans and asked them who they were. Krishna revealed their identities and told Jarasandha that they had come to challenge him and that Jarasandha must pick an opponent. Jarasandha said that he would not fight Krishna as he was a cowherd and he did not match his dignity and social standing. He then refused to fight Arjuna saying that Arjuna was too young, but he agreed to fight Bheema as Bheema seemed mighty and a worthy opponent.

Bheema and Jarasandha fought for days, both equally matched and neither succumbed to the other's blows. Bheema realizing that Jarasandha was an equal match looked to Krishna for help. Now Krishna who knew the story of Jarasandha's birth, picked up a twig from the floor, broke it in two halves and threw the two halves far away from each other.

Bheema now knew what he must do. He threw Jarasandha to the ground, held his legs and split his body in two. He then threw the two halves of Jarasandha far away from each other so that they might not join. Bheema had defeated Jarasandha and Krishna installed Jarasandha's son as the king of Magadha. In return, Jarasandha's son agreed to be a vassal to the Pandavas.

source : http://www.indiaparenting.com/stories/82_2240/the-story-of-krishna-and-jarasandha.html

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LORD KRISHNA AND SAINT MUCHUKUNDA

              LORD KRISHNA AND SAINT MUCHUKUNDA

Vishnu appears to king Muchukunda in a cave in Himalayas

Kalayavan burnt to ashes by Muchukunda

Muchkunda was born to the same Ikshvaku dynasty as king Rama. He was so powerful that even Indra would seek his help. Once, unable to bear the onslaught of the demons, the gods came to Krishna and Muchkundahim for protection. He became their commander and helped them win the battle, but in the process lost his family. Pleased at his service, the gods allowed him to ask for any boon.

Muchukunda who had not slept for several ages due to the prolonged fight, asked for a peaceful sleep. The gods granted his wish and he slept for many yugas, till the Dwapara yuga when Krishna arrived.

One day, while living in Mathura, Krishna was attack by the demon Kalavayana. He wanted to get rid of the demon and ran to Muchukunda's cave. The arrogant demon thinking that he would be able to kill Krishna, also followed.

However, Krishna entered the cave and hid, after quickly covering the body of Muchukunda with the silken robe that he was wearing. When the demon entered he mistook the sleeping Muchukunda for Krishna and tugged at the robe.

Muchukunda woke up, startled. Looking around he saw the fierce Kalavaya standing before him and cast such a fiery gaze the demon was burnt to ashes.

Then seeing the whole cave illuminated , he started searching for the source of the light and discovered Krishna standing at a distance. Muchukunda shows his devotion and asked Krishna to bless him so that he would always be able to live in service of God .

source : http://www.kidsgen.com/fables_and_fairytales/indian_mythology_stories/krishna_and_muchkunda.htm

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GANESHA AND ORIGIN OF KAVERY RIVER

Ganesha and Origin of Kaveri River

Story of Origin of Kaveri River and Ganesha. There is a legend behind the origin of river Kaveri which is very much related to Lord Ganesha and sage Agastya. According to this, the distinguished saint was very sorry to see the barren southern region of India. So he approached Lord Brahma who directed him to seek the help of Lord Shiva. Pleased by the sacraments of sage Agastya, Lord Siva appeared before him. To fulfill his divine intentions Lord Siva poured some sanctified water into his pot and advised to utilize the same at a suitable place in the south. When the sage Agastya reached Kudaku Mountains he saw a boy on the way. It was time for Agastya to meditate and he wanted to be fresh. So he asked the boy to guard the pot containing water till his ritual was over.

The boy was disguised Ganesha whose goal was to help sage Agastya for discharging the pot of water at a sacred place. Thus he placed the vessel on the right spot and left the venue. When the sage returned the boy was nowhere and saw a crow sitting on the edge of the pot. He tried to send off the bird and in this attempt the pot turned down and the water content oozed out as a continuous flow giving rise to holy Kaveri River. To support this mythology there is a temple with three shrines where idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha and sage Agastya are consecrated. The pond situated here is fed by the same spring that feeds river Kaveri. The importance of this temple has made Talakaveri a renowned Hindu pilgrim center.

ORIGIN OF KAVERY RIVER

TALAKAVERY

About Kaveri River

River Kaveri is the longest water source in south India and as sacred as River Ganga in the north. Kaveri River originates from Bhramagiri ranges in Western Ghats which belongs to the Kurg district in Karnataka state. The naturally beautiful landscape is called Thalakaveri and locates about 1280 meters above sea level. Here, the fog embedded atmosphere add glorious luster to the environments and makes the sightseeing extremely mesmerizing. The origin of the watercourse is from a spring in the mountains which flows underground for about one kilometer and then emerges out as River Kaveri. The flow of the river has promoted the growth of spices, palm trees and other green vegetation along its entire route through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states. Kaveri River covers a distance of 765 km before it merges with Bay of Bengal.

source : http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2013/07/ganesha-and-origin-of-kaveri-river.html

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Parable Of The Bullock-Cart Driver

                            PARABLES OF SIVANANDA
                                                      By Swami Sivananda Saraswati
            Parable Of The Bullock-Cart Driver

A bullock-cart driver had discovered actually what Lord Brahma had destined for him. Brahma had willed at the birth of the bullock-cart driver that he would earn his living with the help of the bullock-cart. This had ensured that he would have two bullocks and a cart. When this truth dawned in him, the bullock-cart driver devised a beautiful plan. He immediately sold away the bullocks and the cart and purchased all that was necessary for him and his family. He had saved nothing out of the sale proceeds. He returned home. He had nothing for the morrow. So, the Lord created a pair of bullocks and a cart and placed them in the man’s empty shed. The bullock-cart driver, after a few days, sold them once again and distributed the amount in charity to the poor. Once again the Lord created the bullocks and the cart and placed them in the driver’s shed.

Similar is the case with the sage of Self-realisation. He has discovered that his body is the result of his Prarabdha and that whatever he is to get and to enjoy or suffer is predestined. He sees the workings of Karma very clearly. Therefore, he never bothers about the morrow. Whatever worldly Possessions come to him, he at once distributes to others. He keeps nothing for himself. Naturally, in order to fulfil the Divine Will and to justify his Prarabdha, the Lord grants him all the comforts and possessions once again. The Sage, too, goes on sharing his possessions with all the children of the Lord. He is free from anxiety and worry, because he knows that so long as the body lasts, what is predestined according to Prarabdha will be granted. Thus he enjoys supreme peace and perfect contentment.
Courtesy: The Divine Life Society

Aano Bhadra Krtavo Yantu Vishwatah.(RIG VEDAM)
"Let Noble Thoughts Come To Me From All Directions"

Read more: http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=216568.480#ixzz2Y0b21qHz

source : http://www.dlshq.org/download/parables.htm#_VPID_95

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Parable Of The Children’s Quarrel Over Mud-Houses

                             PARABLES OF SIVANANDA
                                                        By Swami Sivananda Saraswati
Parable Of The Children’s Quarrel Over Mud-                       Houses

                                                           Swami Sivananda Saraswati

Several children were playing on the village street, building houses and acting the part of families etc. One child got annoyed with another and in a fit of anger kicked the house built by the latter. The two began to quarrel over this. “You have destroyed my house; how dare you?” etc. etc. A young man who was watching all this began to laugh at the children’s foolishness in quarrelling over the imaginary “houses” made of a handful of mud which were in any case to be destroyed after the play came to an end. An elderly man, however, remarked: “Friend, when you were a young boy, You, too, quarreled like that. Now that you have grown old, you no more take interest in these things. You have acquired the sense of proper valuation of things. Come. let us by all means pacify the children; but you should not laugh at their behaviour.”

Similarly, in the world people quarrel over the petty things. They build houses of brick and mud; and quarrel over their possession. This earth itself is just a mud-pile whirling in infinite space. It is created for the time being so that the Jivas might carry on His play. When this play is over, it will be dissolved. Then man with a worldly wisdom laughs at others who quarrel over the objects of the senses. But the sage reminds him that, before gaining the knowledge of the impermanence of the objects, he, too, was behaving like the worldly men. With genuine love and sympathy, he makes people live in peace and gradually enlightens them about the real nature of the mundane objects and the Peace and the Bliss that can be had in the Self.
Courtesy: The Divine Life Society

Aano Bhadra Krtavo Yantu Vishwatah.(RIG VEDAM)
"Let Noble Thoughts Come To Me From All Directions"

Read more: http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=216568.480#ixzz2Y0a0ayrg

source : http://www.dlshq.org/download/parables.htm#_VPID_95

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Parable Of The Boy And His Shoes

PARABLES OF SIVANANDA
By Swami Sivananda Saraswati
              Parable Of The Boy And His Shoes

                                                          Swami Sivananda Saraswati

The dog barked at him and the boy began to run. The dog began to chase him. The boy found that his shoes were impeding his speed. He let them slip off his feet. He left them behind. The dog instantly caught hold of one of the shoes and ran away from the boy who then proceeded home safely.

The world troubles the man in every way, so long as he possesses the two things—I-ness and mine-ness. With egoism and possessive nature, wherever he runs, the miseries of Samsara chase him and leave him no respite. Attached to a thousand things, he also is not able to proceed towards his destination with expedition. Therefore, he renounces the I-ness and mine-ness, in order to proceed faster towards the goal. As soon as he renounces the possessions, the world gives up chasing him and the miseries of Samsara leave him once for all. Renunciation has this double advantage: it relieves you of all burdens, lightens your heart and thus enables you to soar higher into the spiritual realm, and it also enables you to free yourself from the troubles of friends and relatives. Therefore, renounce the world and enjoy Supreme Bliss.
Courtesy: The Divine Life Society

Aano Bhadra Krtavo Yantu Vishwatah.(RIG VEDAM)
"Let Noble Thoughts Come To Me From All Directions"

Read more: http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=216568.480#ixzz2Y0W9jTNJ
source : http://www.dlshq.org/download/parables.htm#_VPID_95

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Parable Of The Manager Who Removed The Hands Of The Clock

                              PARABLES OF SIVANANDA
                                                        By Swami Sivananda Saraswati
Parable Of The Manager Who Removed The Hands Of The Clock

                                                            Swami Sivananda Saraswati

In an office the staff was ever eager to see that it struck 5 p.m. and on more day’s salary earned without working for it. The manager noticed that every few minutes after 4 the members of the staff were again and again looking at the office-clock to see if the clock had struck 5. Quietly he went over to the clock and removed the two hands. Afterwards, the members of the staff worked with calm interest and counted, not the hours and minutes, but the work that they were able to turn out.

In the world, a selfish man is ever eager to see that whether he has rendered any good action or not, he got good reward. If he gives a cup of water, he looks eagerly forward to a reward or at least an expression of gratitude. Noticing this, the Guru comes into the man’s life and removes the two hands of this clock of selfishness—attachment to action and longing for the fruits of actions.

Afterwards the man works for work’s sake, never expecting any reward but ever conscious of his duty.


Courtesy: The Divine Life Society

Aano Bhadra Krtavo Yantu Vishwatah.(RIG VEDAM)
"Let Noble Thoughts Come To Me From All Directions"

Read more: http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=216568.480#ixzz2Y0PwOQcb
source : http://www.dlshq.org/download/parables.htm#_VPID_95

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Parable Of The Conductor Who Fell Off The Bus

                           PARABLES OF SIVANANDA
                                                         (By Swami Sivananda Saraswati)
   Parable Of The Conductor Who Fell Off The Bus

                                                          Swami Sivananda Saraswati

The bus had started. The conductor noticed, as he was standing on the foot-board, that a man was running towards the bus. In his “compassion”, he held out his hand. The man came running and caught hold of the conductor. As he was heavier than the conductor, the moment he caught hold of the conductor’s hand, the conductor himself was pulled away from the bus and he found himself on the road. Now both of them began to run towards the bus. A hefty passenger who was securely sitting inside the bus now held out his hands through the window; both of them caught hold of his hands and jumped on to the bus.

This happens very often in the aspirant’s journey to the Goal. As he stands on the foot-board of Sadhana which he has just ascended, he thinks too much of his strength and goes about “saving” other people. The result is obvious. He himself is pulled on to the road of worldly life. The beginner has no business to try to help wicked people reform themselves; he should mind his own Sadhana. If he meddles in other people’s affairs, he too becomes worldly-minded; then he, too, has to run towards the bus of Sadhana. An advanced Sadhaka or saint comes to his rescue. He is established in Sadhana. Even he does not take the rest of coming out of the fortress of Sadhana in order to help other aspirants. He still remains firm in his Sadhana and holds out his hand through the window of selfless service. Other aspirants are thus taken on the bus of spiritual Sadhana. This is the best method.
Courtesy: The Divine Life Society

Aano Bhadra Krtavo Yantu Vishwatah.(RIG VEDAM)
"Let Noble Thoughts Come To Me From All Directions"

Read more: http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=216568.480#ixzz2Y0IM5AAZ

Read more: http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=216568.480#ixzz2Y0IM5AAZ
source : http://www.dlshq.org/download/parables.htm#_VPID_95


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Parable Of The Brahmin Who Escaped Rain

                                                        PARABLES OF SIVANANDA
                                                       (By Swami Sivananda Saraswati)
                                                              (OTHER PARABLES!)

                  Parable Of The Brahmin Who Escaped Rain

An old Brahmin was walking along the road when it began to rain heavily. He had no umbrella. He was afraid of catching cold. There was no place to take shelter, too. He saw at a distance two coolies carrying a wooden cot. He ran forward. He was shorter than the coolies. He went between the two coolies, with the wide cot over his head. Not a drop of rain fell on his head. Occasionally he also helped the coolies a little; but the advantage to him was very much more than the labour.

Many Sadhakas expose themselves to the severe rain of worldly temptations, while they are walking towards the destination of God-realisation. The wise ones, discover an intelligent way of escaping the evil effects of these temptations. They find that there exist very near them Ashrams and spiritual institutions managed by spiritually “taller” souls, more advanced Sadhakas and saints. By joining such Ashrams and institutions, they escape the temptations and trials. The advanced souls carry a protective shield underneath which the lesser souls take refuge and thus avoid getting lost. These aspirants also contribute a little to the institutions: but eventually the advantage they derive is something very great in comparison to the work they contribute. Such is the glory of spiritual institutions.

Courtesy: The Divine Life Society

Aano Bhadra Krtavo Yantu Vishwatah.(RIG VEDAM)
"Let Noble Thoughts Come To Me From All Directions"

Read more: http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=216568.480#ixzz2Y0HH1mvF
source : http://www.dlshq.org/download/parables.htm#_VPID_95

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Parable Of The Puranjana Maharaja

      Parable Of The Puranjana Maharaja

In days of yore there was a king by name Puranjana. He had a friend known as Avijnata, the Unknown. The king parted company with this friend and wandered about seeking an abode. He rejected many kingdoms and arrived at a city which had nine gates and which was heavily guarded by five walls. In this city he met a beautiful lady surrounded by ten attendants and a five hooded serpent, that guarded her. Puranjana approached her and asked her to accept him. She, too, was happy beyond measure and married him and made him the ruler of her kingdom. There Puranjana ruled for a hundred years.

Puranjana went out daily through the nine gates of the city and brought back various objects and experiences. He was lost in sense-enjoyments and had so thoroughly identified himself with the queen that he seemed to have no individuality of his own.

One day Puranjana went out on a chariot of two wheels drawn by five horses. He killed many animals to satisfy his appetite for sense-enjoyments. On his return, though his wife was angry with him for thus abandoning her for a brief while, was soon pacified and once again she clasps the king in love. Thus Puranjana lived, without noticing the passage of time.

Old age assailed Puranjana. Chandavega, chief of the three-hundred and sixty-five Gandharvas (half of them fair and the others dark) repeatedly attacked Puranjana. But the great five-hooded serpent guarded the city. For full hundred years this battle raged and the serpent was successful in repelling the attack of Chandavega.

The daughter of Kala (Time), sought a husband; but no one accepted her. At last she approached Bhaya and wooed him, Bhaya offered her his army and also his brother Prajwara and induced her to destroy all beings. This army, accompanied by the daughter of Kala and Prajwara attacked Puranjana's city. Embraced by the daughter of Kala, the king underwent untold agony. When Prajagara's own home was attacked by the powerful army, this serpent was unable to withstand the onslaught and after a little struggle fled the city. In the meantime, Prajwara set the city ablaze. Though intensely attached to it, the king had to quit the city. Even at this moment, on account of his intense sense-craving, Puranjana was unable to remember his old friend Avijnata. While he was leaving the city, the animals which he had killed in the forest surrounded him and tortured him.

He was again born as the beautiful daughter of the king of Vidarbha. Maharaja Malalvadhwaja married this princess. In due time, they got one daughter and seven sons. The Maharaja after entrusting the kingdom to his sons went to the forest to meditate upon God. The Maharani, too, followed him. After intense penance, he obtained Darshan of the Lord; he entered into Samadhi and was oblivious of the surroundings. He realised his identity with the Supreme Brahman and was established in the Turiya State. When the Maharani discovered that only his body remained on earth, while his soul had attained union with the Supreme Soul, she prepared the husband's funeral and made up her mind to ascend the funeral pyre, to follow the husband. At that moment, her old friend the Avijnata appeared before her and reminded her that he was her friend birth after birth. He reminded her how, leaving him, she in her previous birth had gone over to the city of nine gates and underwent much suffering. He reveals that he and she are One and One alone. The soul of Vidarbhi awakened and attains union with the Supreme Brahman.

This parable illustrates the life of a Jiva here. Puranjana is the Jiva. Avijnata, the Unknown, is the Supreme Soul. After discarding many births as mineral, plant, animals, etc., the Jiva enters into the human body, the Navadwara-Puri. There are five Kosas that surround the Jiva here. The princess in this city is none other than intellect. The Jiva is wedded to the little human intellect. Residing in the body, it enjoys the pleasures of this world through ten various sense-avenues.

Riding the chariot of the body with its two wheels of good and evil, the Jiva performs many actions such as sacrificing animals in Yajnas, etc. The intellect gets reconciled to such actions and thus the Jiva and the intellect pass the time.

Chandavega represents the year, with its three hundred sixty-five days. Years attack the body; but the five-hooded serpent Prajagara (which is the five Mukhya-Pranas) repels all attacks and protects the city. But in due time old age overpowers the man.

At this time, a powerful army attacks him. It is the army which is led by Kala (Time or death), Bhaya (Great Fear) and Prajwara (mortal fever). The sensuous man who revelled in various objects of the senses now has to embrace cold and cruel death. The Prana is unable to face this new enemy. It departs. Mortal fever sets the body ablaze. Though unwilling, the Jiva has to quit the body. But on account of Moha, the Jiva is unable to recognise his kinship with the Great Unknown Being, God. As he departs from this world, the various beings whom he harmed during his life here, pursue him and torture him.

Puranjana's rebirth as a girl is intended to show that the Jiva is beyond sex and takes birth as male or female in accordance with Karma. In this birth, however, the Jiva renounces all desires for sense enjoyment, meditates on the Lord and eventually meets the Great Unknown Friend, God, who awakens the soul to its pristine glory. The Jiva realises its identity with the Supreme Being.

Courtesy: The Divine Life Society

Aano Bhadra Krtavo Yantu Vishwatah.(RIG VEDAM)
"Let Noble Thoughts Come To Me From All Directions"

Read more: http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=216568.480#ixzz2Y07XJumf
source : http://www.dlshq.org/download/parables.htm#_VPID_95

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Parable Of The Old Lady And The Needle

Parable Of The Old Lady And The Needle

One old lady lost a needle in the house,

But she was searching for it outside

In the moonlight.

One man asked her:

"O lady, what are you searching here?"

She replied: I lost a needle in the house;

There is darkness inside;

So I am searching for the needle here."

Worldly people are like this old lady. 

They are searching for happiness in the object, 

Where real happiness does not exist. 

Look within; control the mind; 

You will find the object of your quest in your own Atman.

source : http://www.dlshq.org/download/parables.htm#_VPID_95