UMA SAMHITA
UMA
SAMHITA
CONVERSATION BETWEEN KRISHNA
& UPAMANYU
Once, Lord Krishna went to Kailash mountain to
do penance with the desire of having a son. He found Maharishi Upamanyu
engrossed in his meditation. He told Upamanyu about his desire and requested him
to describe about the greatness of lord Shiva.
Upamanu described about his own experience when he had divine glimpses of lord
Shiva who was meditating
"Once I saw Shiva who was surrounded by all the deities. Lord Shiva was
engrossed in his deep meditation. Shiva had in his possession all the divine
weapons like - Trident, Axe, Noose, Sudarshan etc. Lord Vishnu and Brahmaji were
also present there. I eulogized lord Shiva who became pleased with me. Lord
Shiva wanted to bless me with a boon. I requested lord Shiva to bless me with
three things- CONVERSATION BETWEEN
KRISHNA & UPAMANYU
Once, Lord Krishna went to Kailash mountain to do penance with the desire of
having a son. He found Maharishi Upamanyu engrossed in his meditation. He told
Upamanyu about his desire and requested him to describe about the greatness of
lord Shiva.
Upamanu described about his own experience when he had divine glimpses of lord
Shiva who was meditating
"Once I saw Shiva who was surrounded by all the deities. Lord Shiva was
engrossed in his deep meditation. Shiva had in his possession all the divine
weapons like - Trident, Axe, Noose, Sudarshan etc. Lord Vishnu and Brahmaji were
also present there. I eulogized lord Shiva who became pleased with me. Lord
Shiva wanted to bless me with a boon. I requested lord Shiva to bless me with
three things- 1) I should always remain his devotee b) to be able to know about
the past, present and future events, c) My family should never feel the scarcity
of rice and milk."
"Lord Shiva not only blessed me with all these three things, but also to be
able to see the Vaivasvat kalpa."
After completing his story, sage Upamanyu told Krishna he must worship lord
Shiva if he was desirous of a son, because Lord Shiva can be pleased quite
easily.
SRI
KRISHNA DOES PENANCE
Sri Krishna then proceeded to do his penance after getting initiated by Upamanyu
with the mantra - Om Namah Shivay. He did a tremendous penance for fifteen
months by standing on his toe. In the sixteenth month lord Shiva and Parvati
appeared before him after being pleased by his penance. Lord Shiva expressed his
desire to bless Krishna. Krishna demanded eight boon. 1) May his intelligence
always remain inclined towards religiousness. 2) May he attain immortal fame, 3)
May he has his abode in Shiva's proximity, 4) May his faith and devotion in
Shiva be unswerving, 5) May he have ten valiant sons, 6) May he be victorious
against his enemies, 7) May all his enemies be destroyed and 8) May be dear to
all the yogis. After receiving eight boons from Lord Shiva, Krishna demanded one
boon from goddess Parvati May he always be in the service of his parents and the
brahmins. Sri Krishna then went back to Upamanyu and narrated the whole story.
At last he returned to Dwarka.
CLASSIFICATION
OF GRAVE SINS
Describing about the sins, Sutji told the sages
that altogether there were twelve types of sins committed by a man by his
actions, thought speech. Out of them having a desire for another person's wife,
being desirous of another's wealth, having evil designs against other people and
drifting towards sinful path are considered to be sins committed by one's
thoughts.
The following sins are supposed to be committed by speech - Conversating with a
woman who is having periods, telling lies, Unpleasing talks and back biting.
The following sins are committed by one's actions eating things, which are not
worth eating's, indulging in violence and uncivilized activities and taking
other's wealth by improper means.
Even among all these sins some are considered to be graver, like criticizing
teacher, hermit and parents etc, stealing the property of temple or a brahmin. A
person commits Mahapap (grave sin) if he indulges in any of the following: not
having devotion towards one's preceptor abandoning one's preceptor, sleeping on
the preceptor's bed, drinking intoxicating drinks, having illicit relationship
with one's teacher's wife, taking back the wealth which has already been
donated, earning wealth by employing improper means.
A man who commits the following sins are considered to be the grave sinners -
burning a cowshed, a forest or a city, not marrying a girl with a suitable man,
having illicit relationship with daughter in law, and sister in law.
THE
DESCRIPTION OF HELL
Each living being has to taste the fruits of
his 'Karmas', when his soul reaches the abode of Yama after his death. The soul
of a virtuous man enters the hell from the Northern side, where as that of
sinful man enters from the southern side.
Yamanagri - The abode of Yama is situated at a distance of eighty six thousand
yojans (One Yojans - Eight miles) from the surface of the earth.
The virtuous soul reaches there without any problem because of his virtuous
deeds. On the contrary, the soul of a sinner reaches Yamanagri tasting the
fruits of his sins all along the way. Moreover, when the soul of a sinner
reaches Yamanagri, it gets punished by the 'Yamadutas'. The lord of death then
gives the final judgement on the basis of each individual's sins.
From the hell the virtuous soul leaves for the heaven. There are many categories
of hells all filled up with filth.
CHARITY
AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Sutji while warning the sages told-
"People who engages themselves in virtuous deeds through out their lives
and who have been kind of others, cross the terrifying path of the hell quite
easily. A person, who donates shoes or wooden sandals to brahmins, reaches the
hell riding on the horse.
Similarly, a person who donates an umbrella to brahmins reaches the hell under
the shade of an umbrella. Making donations of bed or chairs to brahmins, help a
man to reach the hell after taking adequate rest on the way. Making donations of
Gold or silver to brahmin helps a man to attain to heaven."
A man who donated food grains enjoys all the pleasures of life, because food
grains sustain life. Even, making donation of water is considered to be of
supreme value because life can not exist without it. A man, who digs up wells
and ponds for the benefit of people, acquires great virtues. Planting trees,
especially which gives fruits or flowers are considered to give immeasurable
virtues.
Making donations of cow, land, knowledge and such objects that can be weighed
are considered.
Making donations of Gold, Sesame, elephant, girl, maid, servant, house, chariot,
diamond, cow whose colour is pure white and food grains are considered to be
Mahadan (great donation).
The donations should be made only to worthy brahmins.
THE
DESCRIPTION OF NETHERWORLD (PATAL LOKA)
The earth is balanced on the hood of Sheshnag. Lord Vishnu is the nurturer of
this world. There are seven more worlds beneath the earth, which are Atala,
Vitala, Sutala, Rasatala, Tala, Talatala and Patal. Each of these worlds is ten
thousand yojans in length and twenty thousand yojans deep. All these worlds are
full of invaluable and priceless diamonds. The residents of each of these worlds
enjoy all the luxuries and pleasures of life. The demons and the Nagas reside in
these worlds.
LIBERATION
FROM THE HELL
Even farther than these seven worlds is situated the hell, Where the soul of the
sinner goes to after the death. Some of the main names of hell are - Raurav,
Shukar, Rodh, Taal, Vivasan and Mahajwala etc. The soul of a sinner goes to each
of these hells according to the magnitude of his sins. A man should worship lord
Shiva and sing hymns in his praise to get liberated from his sins.
THE
DESCRIPTION OF SEVEN - ISLANDS
The whole earth is divided into seven islands or dweepas. The name of these
islands is Jambu, Plaksha, Shalmali, Kraunch, Shaaka and Pushkar. All these
islands are surrounded by such oceans on all sides. The content of each of these
oceans is salt. Sugarcane juice, ghee, milk, curds and honey respectively.
Jambudweepa is also known as India. It stretches from south of Himalaya to the
north of ocean. The total area is about nine thousand yojans. It is further
subdivided into nine land segments, seven mountains, and seven sacred rivers
near the seven places of pilgrimage and many other rivers.
Similarly the 'Plaksha' island is surrounded by ocean of salt on all sides and
spread up in the area of one thousand yojans.
The area of Shalmali island is twice as that of Plaksha island. It is surrounded
by the ocean of honey.
The are of Kusha island is twice as that of Shalmali island and is surrounded by
the ocean of ghee. Similarly the Krauncha is surrounded by the ocean of curd and
its area is thrice as that of Kusha island.
The area of Shaka island is twice as that of Kraucha island and is surrounded by
the ocean of milk.
The ocean of sweet water surrounds the Pushkar island. Its total length is five
thousand yojans and five lakh yojans respectively. The mountain Manas is
situated in this island. The residents of these islands never attain old age.
Lord Brahma resides in Mahaveet section of this island. The people living in
this island get food without making any effort.
THE
DESCRIPTION OF PLANETS
As far as the light of Sun and Moon reaches the earth, it is called 'Bhoo loka'.
Surya loka is situated one lakh yojan above the Bhooloka. The Chandra loka is
situated one lakh yojan above Surya loka. All the constellations as well as the
planets are spread in the area of the ten thousand yojans above the Moon.
Mercury is situated above the moon Venus above the Mercury and Mars is situated
above the Venus. Jupiter is situated above Mars and Saturn above Jupiter.
The Saptarshi mandals are situated at a distance of one lakh yojan above Saturn.
The 'Dhruva' is situated at a distance of one lakh yojan above the Saptarshi
Mandals. All the planets are situated between the earth and Dhruva star in the
form of three lokas - Bhooloka, Bhuvar loka and Swarga loka (heaven).
Mahar looka is situated even beyond the Dhruvaloka. This is the world where the
manasputras (Sanak sanandan etc) of lord Brahma reside.
Jana loka is situated above Mahaloka where as the Tapaloka is situated at a
distance of twenty six lakh yojans above Mahaloka. Satyaloka is situated six
times the distance between Mahaloka and Tapaloka. Satyaloka is also known as
Brahmaloka. Beyond Brahmaloka is situated the Vaikuntha loka. Similarly the
world of Kartikeya Kumar loka is situated beyond Vaikunth loka. After Kumar loka
comes the Uma loka and then comes the Shiva loka, which is the farthest loka.
Goloka is situated near Shivaloka where lord Krishna lives with the cow names
Sushila, with the permission of lord Shiva.
CATEGORIES
OF AUSTERITY OR TAPA
Truth or Satya is the best among all the types
of austerity. A truthful man is the supreme devotee and a great accomplisher.
Austerity helps a man to attain all the worldly pleasures of life and ultimately
salvation. Austerities have been classified into three types on the basis of
three basic qualities or gunas i.e. Satvik tapa, Rajassi tapa and Tamassi tapa.
Austerities observed by the deities' hermits and celibates come under the
category of Satvik Tapa.
Austerities maintained by the 'daityax' and man come under the category of
Rajasi-Tapa.
Austerities maintained by the demons and those people who indulge in evil and
cruel deeds come under the category of Tamasi Tapa.
THE
ORIGIN OF BODY
The food intaken by a man gets transformed into
'semen' in the body. The semen is transformed to the woman's womb during the
time of intercourse where it gets mixed with the blood. It then develops into an
egg. Gradually all the organs start to manifest themselves. The body then
attains the vital force and ultimately comes out from the mother's womb after
suffering great pains. But after taking birth he forgets all about those pains.
He then lives his life by reaping the fruits of his past Karmas.
PURIFICATION
OF THE BODY
Before taking birth, the body lives a very filthy environment in mother's womb.
It becomes so dirty that even Panchagavya can not make it pure. Remembrance of
Shiva is the only means to make it pure.
CONTROL
OVER DEATH (ICHCHHA MRITYU)
Sutji told the sages that a person who wants to control death should first be
seated on a pure seat. He should then perform Pranayama by holding his breath.
While doing this exercise care should be taken that lamp is not burning.
Both the ears should be shut by the index fingers for the period of one hour.
After doing this he would be able to hear the sounds emerging from within. He
should try to concentrate his mind on that sound. If this exercise is practiced
daily for two hours, then he will have full control over his death.
This particular exercise helps a man to attain great accomplishments,
self-knowledge and salvation.
THE
DESCENT OF GANGA
Once, emperor Sagar performed an Ashwamedha
Yagya. Indra abducted the horse used in this Yagya and kept it in the hermitage
of Sage Kapil. All the sixty thousand sons of Sagar went to search the horse and
found it in Kapil's hermitage.
Hearing the commotion and noise, sage Kapil who was engrossed in his meditation
opened his eyes and came out to see what was happening. He was very angry. He
looked angrily towards the sons of Sagar. All of them were burnt to death except
four.
In due course of time, Sage Bhagirath became successful in bringing river Ganga
to earth with the blessings of lord Shiva. Bhagirath was the descendants of
Sagar. Bhagirath made all of his ancestors alive who had met an untimely death
by sprinkling the water of Ganga on their bones. River Ganga is also known as
Bhagirathi because of Bhagirath.
THE
AUSTERITIES OF VED VYAS
Narrating about the life of Sage Ved Vyas,
Sutji said to the sages-
"Once while sage Parashar was on his pilgrimage, he arrived at the bank of
Yamuna. Satyavati, who emitted the smell of fish, helped him cross the river.
Sage Parashar was very pleased with her. He transformed the bad smell emitting
from her body into fragrance. He also told her that she would be fortunate to
give birth to a son as mighty as lord Vishnu.
In due course of time Satyavati gave birth to a child. The child was given the
name Krishnadwaipayan by Satyavati's father. Soon after his birth the child told
his mother that he was going to do penance and he would come back to see her the
moment she desired.
The child did tremendous penance and became famous as Ved Vyas. With this deep
knowledge and insight he categorized the different sections of Veda. After the
accomplishment of his penance. Ved Vyas went on a pilgrimage. He came to Kashi
with a desire to write the Puranas. To get the blessings of Lord Shiva he
worshipped the Madhyeshwar linga. Lord Shiva became pleased by his devotion and
blessed him. Ved Vyas created numerous puranas like - Brahma Purana,
Padma-Purana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagawat Purana, Bhavishya Purana,
Narad Purana, Markandeya Puran, Agni Puran, Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Linga Puran,
Varah Puran, Kurma Puran, Matsya Puran, Garuda Puran, Vaman Puran, Skanda Puran
and Brahmanda Puran.
INCARNATION
OF MAHAKALI
Once upon a time king Surath after loosing his
kingdom to his enemy fled to the forest. After wandering for some time he
reached the hermitage of sage Medha. He started living there, as he had no place
to go. The dejected king used to pass his time wondering about his future.
One day, Surath met a man named Samadhi, who was driven out from his house by
his own sons. His sons had captured all the wealth. Both of them went to sage
Medha and narrated about their woeful tales. Sage Medha advised both of them to
contemplate on the form of Mahamaya Bhagawati Surath and Samadhi were curious to
know about Bhagawati Sage Medha said-
"The demons, Madhu and Kailash were produced from the filth which came out
from the ears of lord Vishnu, while he was resting on the back of Sheshnag
during the time of total annihilation."
"On seeing lord Brahma sitting on the lotus flower, which emerged from the
navel of lord Vishnu, both the demons tried to kill him. Lord Brahma eulogized
yoga nidra. So that lord Vishnu could be awakened from the sleep. Goddess
Bhagawati became pleased and told Brahma that in a short while from now she
would be manifesting herself to kill the demons."
"Bhagawati manifested herself in the form of Kali from the mouth and eyes
of lord Vishnu. Meanwhile lord Vishnu awakened from his sleep. He fought with
the demons for one thousand years but could not defeat them. At last the demons
told lord Vishnu that they wanted to bless him with a boon. Lord Vishnu demanded
their death. Seeing water on all sides the demons told him that he could kill
them where no water was found. Lord Vishnu then severed their heads after laying
them on his thighs."
INCARNATION
OF MAHALAXMI
Mahishasur - the son of Rambhasur had captured
the heaven after defeating the deities. The sorrowful deities came to seek the
help of lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu became extremely furious after hearing about the
misdeeds of Mahishasur. Radiant lights appeared from the bodies of Vishnu, Shiva
and other deities and collectively manifested into a single form of Mahalaxmi.
All the deities presented their respective weapons to her.
Mahalaxmi went to fight Mahishasur, who fought valiantly by changing his
appearance, but ultimately got killed by her. The deities became very pleased by
the death of Mahishasur. They eulogized and worshipped her.
INCARNATION
OF MAHASARASWATI
After being tormented by the demons Shumbha and
Nishumbha, the deities went to goddess Parvati and requested her to protect
them. Kaushiki manifested from the body of goddess Parvati. Goddess Kaushiki
assured the deities and disappeared.
By coincidence the attendants of the demons - Shumbha and Nishumbha, happened to
see Kaushiki and became enchanted by her divine beauty. They went to Shumbha and
Nishumbha and praised about her beauty.
Both the demons sent a messenger to Summon her. Kaushiki asked the messenger to
convey the message to the demons that only such a person can become her lord,
who defeats her in a battle. The messenger returned and gave the message to
Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Both the demons were enraged. They sent a huge army to bring Kaushiki forcible,
under the commandership of Dhumralochan. When Dhumralochan reached there, he
told her about his master's command. Kaushiki gave the some reply that only such
a person can become her master, who defeats her in a battle. Dhumralochan then
tried to abduct her forcibly. Kaushiki gave a loud roar in her anger as a result
of which Dhumralochan was burnt to death. The whole army was annihilated by her
vehicle-lion.
When Shumbha and Nishumbha learnt about the death of Dhumralochan and the
destruction of his army, they sent many mighty demons like Chanda, Munda,
Raktabeeja etc to fight her. But each of them got killed by goddess Kaushiki.
Ultimately Shumbha and Nishumba themselves came forward to fight. Both of them
attacked Kaushiki with volley of arrows. Kaushiki destroyed their whole army.
The whole battle field became flooded with blood. After that Kaushiki killed
Nishumbha with special types of arrows, which did not allow single drop of blood
to fall on the ground.
Angered by his brother's death, Shumbha attacked Kaushiks with his Various
weapons, but she neutralized all of them. At last, she killed Shumbha with her
trident.
UMA
WARNS THE DEITIES
Once, after having defeated the demons the
deities had become very arrogant and proud. They started indulging in self
praise. Suddenly they were started by the emergence of radiant light before
them. All the deities became scarred and went to Indra. Indra sent Vayu to test
the power of that radiant light. As soon as Vayu reached there, he found that he
had become powerless. One by one all the deities came but returned after being
defeated. At last Indra himself went there.
As soon as Indra reached there, he found that he had become bereft of all his
powers.
Suddenly goddess Uma manifested herself and warned Indra against becoming
arrogant. Indra realized his mistake.
THE INCARNATION OF SHAKAMBARI
The most valiant demon Durgam had acquired all the four Vedas from lord
Brahma after pleasing him. Lord Brahma had also given a boon of invincibility to
him.
Durgam became very arrogant and started tormenting the whole world. As the
consequence it did not rain for one hundred years and the whole world was hit by
drought.
The deities went to goddess Maheshwari (Parvati) and narrated about their woeful
tales. Goddess Maheshwari was so moved by their plights that tears rolled down
from her eyes for nine continuous days and nights. The tear tool the form of a
river as the result of which the phase of drought came to an end.
The deities then requested her to recover the Vedas, which were in possession of
Durgam. They then went back to their abode. When Durgam saw that people were
living happily, he attacked with a large army. At that very moment goddess
manifested herself and fought a tremendous battle with Durgam. From her body
manifested the ten Mahavidyas and many other goddesses. At last goddess
Maheshwari killed Durgam with her trident and recovered the Vedas from his
possession. She then handed over the Vedas to the deities. Maheshwari is also
known as Shakambhari as she had created river by her tears and saved the lives
of People.
1) I should always remain his devotee b) to be able to know about the past,
present and future events, c) My family should never feel the scarcity of rice
and milk."
"Lord Shiva not only blessed me with all these three things, but also to be
able to see the Vaivasvat kalpa."
After completing his story, sage Upamanyu told Krishna he must worship lord
Shiva if he was desirous of a son, because Lord Shiva can be pleased quite
easily.
SRI
KRISHNA DOES PENANCE
Sri Krishna then proceeded to do his penance after getting initiated by Upamanyu
with the mantra - Om Namah Shivay. He did a tremendous penance for fifteen
months by standing on his toe. In the sixteenth month lord Shiva and Parvati
appeared before him after being pleased by his penance. Lord Shiva expressed his
desire to bless Krishna. Krishna demanded eight boon. 1) May his intelligence
always remain inclined towards religiousness. 2) May he attain immortal fame, 3)
May he has his abode in Shiva's proximity, 4) May his faith and devotion in
Shiva be unswerving, 5) May he have ten valiant sons, 6) May he be victorious
against his enemies, 7) May all his enemies be destroyed and 8) May be dear to
all the yogis. After receiving eight boons from Lord Shiva, Krishna demanded one
boon from goddess Parvati May he always be in the service of his parents and the
brahmins. Sri Krishna then went back to Upamanyu and narrated the whole story.
At last he returned to Dwarka.
CLASSIFICATION
OF GRAVE SINS
Describing about the sins, Sutji told the sages
that altogether there were twelve types of sins committed by a man by his
actions, thought speech. Out of them having a desire for another person's wife,
being desirous of another's wealth, having evil designs against other people and
drifting towards sinful path are considered to be sins committed by one's
thoughts.
The following sins are supposed to be committed by speech - Conversating with a
woman who is having periods, telling lies, Unpleasing talks and back biting.
The following sins are committed by one's actions eating things, which are not
worth eating's, indulging in violence and uncivilized activities and taking
other's wealth by improper means.
Even among all these sins some are considered to be graver, like criticizing
teacher, hermit and parents etc, stealing the property of temple or a brahmin. A
person commits Mahapap (grave sin) if he indulges in any of the following: not
having devotion towards one's preceptor abandoning one's preceptor, sleeping on
the preceptor's bed, drinking intoxicating drinks, having illicit relationship
with one's teacher's wife, taking back the wealth which has already been
donated, earning wealth by employing improper means.
A man who commits the following sins are considered to be the grave sinners -
burning a cowshed, a forest or a city, not marrying a girl with a suitable man,
having illicit relationship with daughter in law, and sister in law.
THE
DESCRIPTION OF HELL
Each living being has to taste the fruits of
his 'Karmas', when his soul reaches the abode of Yama after his death. The soul
of a virtuous man enters the hell from the Northern side, where as that of
sinful man enters from the southern side.
Yamanagri - The abode of Yama is situated at a distance of eighty six thousand
yojans (One Yojans - Eight miles) from the surface of the earth.
The virtuous soul reaches there without any problem because of his virtuous
deeds. On the contrary, the soul of a sinner reaches Yamanagri tasting the
fruits of his sins all along the way. Moreover, when the soul of a sinner
reaches Yamanagri, it gets punished by the 'Yamadutas'. The lord of death then
gives the final judgement on the basis of each individual's sins.
From the hell the virtuous soul leaves for the heaven. There are many categories
of hells all filled up with filth.
CHARITY
AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Sutji while warning the sages told-
"People who engages themselves in virtuous deeds through out their lives
and who have been kind of others, cross the terrifying path of the hell quite
easily. A person, who donates shoes or wooden sandals to brahmins, reaches the
hell riding on the horse.
Similarly, a person who donates an umbrella to brahmins reaches the hell under
the shade of an umbrella. Making donations of bed or chairs to brahmins, help a
man to reach the hell after taking adequate rest on the way. Making donations of
Gold or silver to brahmin helps a man to attain to heaven."
A man who donated food grains enjoys all the pleasures of life, because food
grains sustain life. Even, making donation of water is considered to be of
supreme value because life can not exist without it. A man, who digs up wells
and ponds for the benefit of people, acquires great virtues. Planting trees,
especially which gives fruits or flowers are considered to give immeasurable
virtues.
Making donations of cow, land, knowledge and such objects that can be weighed
are considered.
Making donations of Gold, Sesame, elephant, girl, maid, servant, house, chariot,
diamond, cow whose colour is pure white and food grains are considered to be
Mahadan (great donation).
The donations should be made only to worthy brahmins.
THE
DESCRIPTION OF NETHERWORLD (PATAL LOKA)
The earth is balanced on the hood of Sheshnag.
Lord Vishnu is the nurturer of this world. There are seven more worlds beneath
the earth, which are Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Rasatala, Tala, Talatala and Patal.
Each of these worlds is ten thousand yojans in length and twenty thousand yojans
deep. All these worlds are full of invaluable and priceless diamonds. The
residents of each of these worlds enjoy all the luxuries and pleasures of life.
The demons and the Nagas reside in these worlds.
LIBERATION
FROM THE HELL
Even farther than these seven worlds is
situated the hell, Where the soul of the sinner goes to after the death. Some of
the main names of hell are - Raurav, Shukar, Rodh, Taal, Vivasan and Mahajwala
etc. The soul of a sinner goes to each of these hells according to the magnitude
of his sins. A man should worship lord Shiva and sing hymns in his praise to get
liberated from his sins.
THE
DESCRIPTION OF SEVEN - ISLANDS
The whole earth is divided into seven islands
or dweepas. The name of these islands is Jambu, Plaksha, Shalmali, Kraunch,
Shaaka and Pushkar. All these islands are surrounded by such oceans on all
sides. The content of each of these oceans is salt. Sugarcane juice, ghee, milk,
curds and honey respectively.
Jambudweepa is also known as India. It stretches from south of Himalaya to the
north of ocean. The total area is about nine thousand yojans. It is further
subdivided into nine land segments, seven mountains, and seven sacred rivers
near the seven places of pilgrimage and many other rivers.
Similarly the 'Plaksha' island is surrounded by ocean of salt on all sides and
spread up in the area of one thousand yojans.
The area of Shalmali island is twice as that of Plaksha island. It is surrounded
by the ocean of honey.
The are of Kusha island is twice as that of Shalmali island and is surrounded by
the ocean of ghee. Similarly the Krauncha is surrounded by the ocean of curd and
its area is thrice as that of Kusha island.
The area of Shaka island is twice as that of Kraucha island and is surrounded by
the ocean of milk.
The ocean of sweet water surrounds the Pushkar island. Its total length is five
thousand yojans and five lakh yojans respectively. The mountain Manas is
situated in this island. The residents of these islands never attain old age.
Lord Brahma resides in Mahaveet section of this island. The people living in
this island get food without making any effort.
THE
DESCRIPTION OF PLANETS
As far as the light of Sun and Moon reaches the
earth, it is called 'Bhoo loka'. Surya loka is situated one lakh yojan above the
Bhooloka. The Chandra loka is situated one lakh yojan above Surya loka. All the
constellations as well as the planets are spread in the area of the ten thousand
yojans above the Moon. Mercury is situated above the moon Venus above the
Mercury and Mars is situated above the Venus. Jupiter is situated above Mars and
Saturn above Jupiter.
The Saptarshi mandals are situated at a distance of one lakh yojan above Saturn.
The 'Dhruva' is situated at a distance of one lakh yojan above the Saptarshi
Mandals. All the planets are situated between the earth and Dhruva star in the
form of three lokas - Bhooloka, Bhuvar loka and Swarga loka (heaven).
Mahar looka is situated even beyond the Dhruvaloka. This is the world where the
manasputras (Sanak sanandan etc) of lord Brahma reside.
Jana loka is situated above Mahaloka where as the Tapaloka is situated at a
distance of twenty six lakh yojans above Mahaloka. Satyaloka is situated six
times the distance between Mahaloka and Tapaloka. Satyaloka is also known as
Brahmaloka. Beyond Brahmaloka is situated the Vaikuntha loka. Similarly the
world of Kartikeya Kumar loka is situated beyond Vaikunth loka. After Kumar loka
comes the Uma loka and then comes the Shiva loka, which is the farthest loka.
Goloka is situated near Shivaloka where lord Krishna lives with the cow names
Sushila, with the permission of lord Shiva.
CATEGORIES
OF AUSTERITY OR TAPA
Truth or Satya is the best among all the types
of austerity. A truthful man is the supreme devotee and a great accomplisher.
Austerity helps a man to attain all the worldly pleasures of life and ultimately
salvation. Austerities have been classified into three types on the basis of
three basic qualities or gunas i.e. Satvik tapa, Rajassi tapa and Tamassi tapa.
Austerities observed by the deities' hermits and celibates come under the
category of Satvik Tapa.
Austerities maintained by the 'daityax' and man come under the category of
Rajasi-Tapa.
Austerities maintained by the demons and those people who indulge in evil and
cruel deeds come under the category of Tamasi Tapa.
THE
ORIGIN OF BODY
The food intaken by a man gets transformed into
'semen' in the body. The semen is transformed to the woman's womb during the
time of intercourse where it gets mixed with the blood. It then develops into an
egg. Gradually all the organs start to manifest themselves. The body then
attains the vital force and ultimately comes out from the mother's womb after
suffering great pains. But after taking birth he forgets all about those pains.
He then lives his life by reaping the fruits of his past Karmas.
PURIFICATION
OF THE BODY
Before taking birth, the body lives a very
filthy environment in mother's womb. It becomes so dirty that even Panchagavya
can not make it pure. Remembrance of Shiva is the only means to make it pure.
CONTROL
OVER DEATH (ICHCHHA MRITYU)
Sutji told the sages that a person who wants to control death should first be
seated on a pure seat. He should then perform Pranayama by holding his breath.
While doing this exercise care should be taken that lamp is not burning.
Both the ears should be shut by the index fingers for the period of one hour.
After doing this he would be able to hear the sounds emerging from within. He
should try to concentrate his mind on that sound. If this exercise is practiced
daily for two hours, then he will have full control over his death.
This particular exercise helps a man to attain great accomplishments,
self-knowledge and salvation.
THE
DESCENT OF GANGA
Once, emperor Sagar performed an Ashwamedha
Yagya. Indra abducted the horse used in this Yagya and kept it in the hermitage
of Sage Kapil. All the sixty thousand sons of Sagar went to search the horse and
found it in Kapil's hermitage.
Hearing the commotion and noise, sage Kapil who was engrossed in his meditation
opened his eyes and came out to see what was happening. He was very angry. He
looked angrily towards the sons of Sagar. All of them were burnt to death except
four.
In due course of time, Sage Bhagirath became successful in bringing river Ganga
to earth with the blessings of lord Shiva. Bhagirath was the descendants of
Sagar. Bhagirath made all of his ancestors alive who had met an untimely death
by sprinkling the water of Ganga on their bones. River Ganga is also known as
Bhagirathi because of Bhagirath.
THE
AUSTERITIES OF VED VYAS
Narrating about the life of Sage Ved Vyas, Sutji said to the sages-
"Once while sage Parashar was on his pilgrimage, he arrived at the bank of
Yamuna. Satyavati, who emitted the smell of fish, helped him cross the river.
Sage Parashar was very pleased with her. He transformed the bad smell emitting
from her body into fragrance. He also told her that she would be fortunate to
give birth to a son as mighty as lord Vishnu.
In due course of time Satyavati gave birth to a child. The child was given the
name Krishnadwaipayan by Satyavati's father. Soon after his birth the child told
his mother that he was going to do penance and he would come back to see her the
moment she desired.
The child did tremendous penance and became famous as Ved Vyas. With this deep
knowledge and insight he categorized the different sections of Veda. After the
accomplishment of his penance. Ved Vyas went on a pilgrimage. He came to Kashi
with a desire to write the Puranas. To get the blessings of Lord Shiva he
worshipped the Madhyeshwar linga. Lord Shiva became pleased by his devotion and
blessed him. Ved Vyas created numerous puranas like - Brahma Purana,
Padma-Purana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagawat Purana, Bhavishya Purana,
Narad Purana, Markandeya Puran, Agni Puran, Brahma Vaivarta Puran, Linga Puran,
Varah Puran, Kurma Puran, Matsya Puran, Garuda Puran, Vaman Puran, Skanda Puran
and Brahmanda Puran.
INCARNATION
OF MAHAKALI
Once upon a time king Surath after loosing his
kingdom to his enemy fled to the forest. After wandering for some time he
reached the hermitage of sage Medha. He started living there, as he had no place
to go. The dejected king used to pass his time wondering about his future.
One day, Surath met a man named Samadhi, who was driven out from his house by
his own sons. His sons had captured all the wealth. Both of them went to sage
Medha and narrated about their woeful tales. Sage Medha advised both of them to
contemplate on the form of Mahamaya Bhagawati Surath and Samadhi were curious to
know about Bhagawati Sage Medha said-
"The demons, Madhu and Kailash were produced from the filth which came out
from the ears of lord Vishnu, while he was resting on the back of Sheshnag
during the time of total annihilation."
"On seeing lord Brahma sitting on the lotus flower, which emerged from the
navel of lord Vishnu, both the demons tried to kill him. Lord Brahma eulogized
yoga nidra. So that lord Vishnu could be awakened from the sleep. Goddess
Bhagawati became pleased and told Brahma that in a short while from now she
would be manifesting herself to kill the demons."
"Bhagawati manifested herself in the form of Kali from the mouth and eyes
of lord Vishnu. Meanwhile lord Vishnu awakened from his sleep. He fought with
the demons for one thousand years but could not defeat them. At last the demons
told lord Vishnu that they wanted to bless him with a boon. Lord Vishnu demanded
their death. Seeing water on all sides the demons told him that he could kill
them where no water was found. Lord Vishnu then severed their heads after laying
them on his thighs."
INCARNATION
OF MAHALAXMI
Mahishasur - the son of Rambhasur had captured the
heaven after defeating the deities. The sorrowful deities came to seek the help
of lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu became extremely furious after hearing about the
misdeeds of Mahishasur. Radiant lights appeared from the bodies of Vishnu, Shiva
and other deities and collectively manifested into a single form of Mahalaxmi.
All the deities presented their respective weapons to her.
Mahalaxmi went to fight Mahishasur, who fought valiantly by changing his
appearance, but ultimately got killed by her. The deities became very pleased by
the death of Mahishasur. They eulogized and worshipped her.
INCARNATION
OF MAHASARASWATI
After being tormented by the demons Shumbha and
Nishumbha, the deities went to goddess Parvati and requested her to protect
them. Kaushiki manifested from the body of goddess Parvati. Goddess Kaushiki
assured the deities and disappeared.
By coincidence the attendants of the demons - Shumbha and Nishumbha, happened to
see Kaushiki and became enchanted by her divine beauty. They went to Shumbha and
Nishumbha and praised about her beauty.
Both the demons sent a messenger to Summon her. Kaushiki asked the messenger to
convey the message to the demons that only such a person can become her lord,
who defeats her in a battle. The messenger returned and gave the message to
Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Both the demons were enraged. They sent a huge army to bring Kaushiki forcible,
under the commandership of Dhumralochan. When Dhumralochan reached there, he
told her about his master's command. Kaushiki gave the some reply that only such
a person can become her master, who defeats her in a battle. Dhumralochan then
tried to abduct her forcibly. Kaushiki gave a loud roar in her anger as a result
of which Dhumralochan was burnt to death. The whole army was annihilated by her
vehicle-lion.
When Shumbha and Nishumbha learnt about the death of Dhumralochan and the
destruction of his army, they sent many mighty demons like Chanda, Munda,
Raktabeeja etc to fight her. But each of them got killed by goddess Kaushiki.
Ultimately Shumbha and Nishumba themselves came forward to fight. Both of them
attacked Kaushiki with volley of arrows. Kaushiki destroyed their whole army.
The whole battle field became flooded with blood. After that Kaushiki killed
Nishumbha with special types of arrows, which did not allow single drop of blood
to fall on the ground.
Angered by his brother's death, Shumbha attacked Kaushiks with his Various
weapons, but she neutralized all of them. At last, she killed Shumbha with her
trident.
UMA
WARNS THE DEITIES
Once, after having defeated the demons the deities had become very arrogant and
proud. They started indulging in self praise. Suddenly they were started by the
emergence of radiant light before them. All the deities became scarred and went
to Indra. Indra sent Vayu to test the power of that radiant light. As soon as
Vayu reached there, he found that he had become powerless. One by one all the
deities came but returned after being defeated. At last Indra himself went
there.
As soon as Indra reached there, he found that he had become bereft of all his
powers.
Suddenly goddess Uma manifested herself and warned Indra against becoming
arrogant. Indra realized his mistake.
THE
INCARNATION OF SHAKAMBARI
The most valiant demon Durgam had acquired all
the four Vedas from lord Brahma after pleasing him. Lord Brahma had also given a
boon of invincibility to him.
Durgam became very arrogant and started tormenting the whole world. As the
consequence it did not rain for one hundred years and the whole world was hit by
drought.
The deities went to goddess Maheshwari (Parvati) and narrated about their woeful
tales. Goddess Maheshwari was so moved by their plights that tears rolled down
from her eyes for nine continuous days and nights. The tear tool the form of a
river as the result of which the phase of drought came to an end.
The deities then requested her to recover the Vedas, which were in possession of
Durgam. They then went back to their abode. When Durgam saw that people were
living happily, he attacked with a large army. At that very moment goddess
manifested herself and fought a tremendous battle with Durgam. From her body
manifested the ten Mahavidyas and many other goddesses. At last goddess
Maheshwari killed Durgam with her trident and recovered the Vedas from his
possession. She then handed over the Vedas to the deities. Maheshwari is also
known as Shakambhari as she had created river by her tears and saved the lives
of People.