Hindu Vedic Philosophy (Puranas)

1       Andhakaasura’s obsession and Prahladaa’s Dharma bodha

On reaching Pataala [ ref. previous chapter on Andhakasura’s passion for Gauri and her retalliation] Andhakasura was unable to control her infatuation for Gauri Devi but his Advisor Prahlada told him that Gauri was as good as his mother and should never ever entertain sinful ideas or hopes of a mother-figure; in fact, Hiranayaksha the father of Andhaka did most austere Tapasya to Maha Deva desirous of a son and Maha Deva while about to give the boon, Devi Parvati closed Shiva’s trinetras for fun and hence was born Andhakasura. Shankara also gave a qualified boon to Hiranyaksha that when Andhaka would become a King, the latter would get infatuated with Gauri as also harass Brahmanas and other Virtuous and that he himself would destroy the Asura. Prahlada while cautioning Andhaka also asserted not to misjudge the magnificence of Parama Shiva who was an invincible Supreme and yet extremely merciful. He also asserted: Parastree Kaamavaan Mudhah Saraashtro naashamaapavaan/ ( Even otherwise, one would be a stupid King desirous of another person’s wife).



In this context Prahlada narrated an incident regarding Danava Guru Shukracharya’s daughter Aaraja and King Danda who came to Shukracharya’s Ashram in a forest and as the Acharya was away wanted to talk his daughter and got attracted at once and proposed to her. She was surprised and prevented him to overact and said that her father could in no time destroy him from his passionate onslaught despite the intervention of the Ashrama Vasis and also the King’s own aids! Aaraja pleaded to the King to please await the arrival of her father as she was not independent by herself to yield to him or not. The King in turn cited an example of Vishwakarma’s daughter Chitrangada who when bathing in Nimisharanya fell for a King Suratha who was passing by and asserted that since she was grown enough did not have to wait for her father a Sage to their Ashram as in similar circumstances and despite the King’s reprimand surrendered to him.As the incident was conveyed, Araja told King Dandaka: ‘ You fool Danda! You also should narrate the further story about Chirangada that on return Vishwakarma punished Chitranga with a curse that the act of immorality was not to be construed as a wedding and hence that she would not get any happiness from the so called wedding as she would secure the further company her husband nor would beget a child from the wedding! King Dandaka hecklingly told the further part of the Story to Aaraja that Chitrangada having recieved the curse of her father and abandoned her, leapt into the River Sarasvati. Having known her antecedents, Sarasvati diverted her coures and got her live body merged with River Gomati and the latter pushed Chitranga near the banks of a forest infested with cruel animals. A Guhyaka / Yaksha named Anjana flying on the Sky saw the woman in a helpless stage, approached her, woke her up and heard her entire bakground of Chitranga and suggested that she should pray to Shri Kantha Muni who would soon be bathing in the River Kalindi and the Yaksha left Chitranga there. On narrating her sad story which ended with her father Vishwakarma’s cruel curse, the Muni cursed Vishwakarma to become a monkey as Chitranga since his daughter cursed and disabled to her to either enjoy her husband’s company nor beget a child as her support. Then Shri Kantha Muni asked Chitranga to visit Sapta Godavari and be engaged in the worship of Hatakeshwara and after some time she woud meet Devavati the daughter of Daitya Kandaramaliand a Yakshini named Nandayanti. While continuing her worship to Shri Kantha, a Rishi wrote on a stone near the Temple: ‘ Is there a Devata or Asura or Yaksha or Manava or Rakshasa who could possibly help this hapless Chitranga?’ Meanwhile, Vishwakarma who was turned into a monkey came down from Meru to Bhumi near Shalukini River in thick forests and remained there for a very long number of years. The monkey caught hold of the hands of Devavati and the Daitya Kandara got very angry and with his sword in hand and ran after the monkey; the latter took away Devavati to Himalayas and from there both reached the banks of Yamuna, prayed to Shrikantha Mahadeva and having deposited Devavati in an Ashram nearby and as Kandara Daitya was noticed on the banks of Yamuna drowned in the River Vishwakarma in the Rupa of monkey. The Daitya thought the the monkey and Devavati might have got drowned in the River and as having the entire happening left back to Patala. The monkey Swarupa Viswakarma then swam the River and reached another bank of the River and felt like entered into a forest full of fruits. There the monkey saw a Kanya called Nandayanti the daughter of one Yaksha called Anjana and mistook her as Devavati and tried to chase her but in the chase she leapt into a River Hiranyavati; the Yaksha too thought that Nandayanti and the monkey got drowned in that River and disheartened left back to Yakshaloka. But Nandayanti swam and reached Koshaladesha and sat under a Vata Vriksha or Banyan Tree; there came a voice to say there was a boy was tied on top of the Banyan Tree and as she looked up and found a boy tied up; she asked the boy as to who did the nasty deed, the boy replied that a monkey did it, that he was the son of Maha Tapasvi Rithudhwaja, that his name was Jaabali, that his father predicted his future to spend his Balyadasha for thouand years, ten thousand years as Kumara, and so on and as such he was now he was tied up by a monkey which was too predicted by his father! As his father informed Jaabali when he was of five years, he left his house for an outing and a monkey took him away and tied him to the tree top. Jaabaala requested Nandayanti to inform about him to his father Rithudwaja to rescue him; Nandayanti reached the Temple of Shri Kantha and to her pleasant surprise found Devavati and they embraced erach other and as Ritudwaja came out of the Temple Nandayanti conveyed the details of Jaabaali and the Muni who with the help of King got Jaabali released. In an encounter with the monkey, Vishwakarma narrated as to how he became a monkey and Ritudwaja predicted that when an Apsara Ghritachi and the Vishvakarma would beget a child. In course of time Ghritachi having known the background of the monkey engaged themselves in mutual relationship and gave birth to a chiild when the Shaap of Viswakarma got terminated! Then Nandayanti and Devavati were restored back to their respective positions. At the end Shukracharya returned to his Ashram after achiving Sanjeevini Vidya and gave a Shaap to King Danda for harassing and making advances to Araja the daughter of Shukracharya.

Thus citing the example of King Danda and Chitrangada, Prahlada continued his advice to Andhaka thus: Yo Dharmasheelo jitamaana rosho Vidyaavineeto na paropataapi, Swadaaratushtah Paradaara varjitaa na tasya lokey bhayamaasti kinchit/ (A person who possesses Dharma Nishtha or Self discipline, Self respect, peaceful demeanor devoid of Anger, modesty arising from good eduction, causing no concern or hindrances to fellow beings, and most essentially contented with one’s own legal spouse always has fear in life). Prahlada further continued: Yo Dharma heenam Kalahapriyah Sadaa Paropataapee Shriti Shastra varjitah, Paropadaareypsuravarna samyogi Sukham na vinteta paratra cheha/ ( A person who is without Virtue and is always involved in quarrels, provider of torment to others, unused to Veda Shastra Adhayana, avaricious of other’s money and woman and regular breaker of Varaashrama Regulations would never be happy either in this or other births).

Prahlada gave the great examples of Surya for his eternal observance of Dharma, Vasishtha left his anger for good, Agastya was contented with his wife and none else, and he (Prahlada) himself never deviated from Dharma and Nyaaya, where as King Vena followed Adhrma and Anyaaya while Namuchi was jealousy of others and Nahusha was desirous of Indra’s wife when original Indra absconded due to fear of the blemish of Brahma Hatya. This was the caution that one must always observe since Dharma would always vindicate itself and Adharma would result in doom. Twaajyam Dhamaannityam Nityam Paradaaropasevanam, Nayanti Paradaaraa hi Narakaaneka vimshitam, Sarveshjaamapi Varnaanaameva vimshitam, Sarveshaamapi Varnaanaamesha Dharmo Dhruvontaka/ Paraartha paradeaareshu yadaa vaamcchaam Karishyati, Sa yaati Narakam Ghoram Rouravam Bahulaah Samaah/ (Those who observe Dharma Nishtha ought to refrain from Para Stree Vyamoha atvany cost, lest they pave way for the frightful Rourava Naraka!).

The arrogant reply to Prahlada from Andhakaasura was that he could not care less for Dharma and ordered Shambaraasura to go to Mandara Mountain and question Shiva as to how he wasc staying in a cave of the Mountain without his permission as after all, Andhaka was the Supreme Lord of Trilokas! If he (Shiva) requested him then he would get the permission only if his wife should gift to Andhaka! Both Maha Deva and Devi Parvati sent calm but curt replies to Andhaka that the latter should fight with them to deserve Parvati to be gifted to the stupid Daitya! Incensed by the replies, Andhaka called Daitya Duryodhana to lead an offensive along with a strong force comprising several Akshouhinis of Sena along with Mahaabala Rakshasaas including Jambha, Krujambha, Hunda, Tuhunda, Shambara, Bali, Baana, Kaartaswara, Hasti, Suryashatru, Mahodara, Shibi, Shaalva, Vrishaparva, Virochana, Kalanemi, Hayagriva, Samhlaad, Kalanaashana, Sharabha, Shalabha, Viprachitti, Paaka, Vipaaka, and Kaala.

Shivaya Vishnu Rupaaya Shiva Rupaaya Vishnavey, Shivasya Hridayagum Vishnuh Vishnorhridayagum Shivah/

Nandideva organised Rudra Sena and Vishnu Sena since the fool Andhaka never realised the identity of Shiva and Vishnu and even the Trilokaas were in utter ignorance that both the Swarupas were just one and the same! In this connection Rudra Deva clarified once for all: Bhavadbhirbhakti Samyukttair Harobhaavena pujitah, Ahamkaara vimudhayaischa nindadhir Vaishnavam padam/ Tenaajnaanena bhavatonaandruthyaanu virodhitaah, Yohamsa Bhagvan Vishurvishnuryah sohamavyayah/ Naavanorvai visheshostu ekaa Mutrirdwhidhaa sthitaa, Tadamorbhirnavyaaghair bhakti bhaava yutairganaaih/ Yathaaham vai parijnaato na bhavaddhistataa dhruvam, yenaahi nindito nityam bhavardhirmudha buddhibhih/ Tena Jnaanamhi vai nashtam Nataswaalingitaa maya, Yityeva muktey vachano ganaah prochyar- Maheswaram/ Katham bhavvan yathaikyena samshitosti Janardanah, Bhavaan Nirmalah Shuddhah Shaantah Shuklo Niranjanah/ (You are all obsessed with my devotion to me and tend to blame Vishnupada in that extreme dedication to me; in this blind faith of denounciation of Vishnu you did not please me but on the contrary I was highly upset! Whatever is there in me is what Vishnu possesses and what ever Vishnu has in me too is replete in me too and there is no basic difference in both of us excepting that one imagines we possess two Forms. Those devotees of mine who are confident of what I possess, do not really realise me fully. As the Ganaas were reprimanded by Shiva as above, they wondered as to how Janardana and Mahadeva could be identical! After all, Shiva is Nirmala / Clean, Shuddha /Pure, Shukla / White and Nirdosha/ Blemishless.) Parama Shiva replied smilingly that whoever indulged even in indirect references against Vishnu would surely go to Narakas. The Shiva Ganas then requested Mahadeva to display his real Swarupa. Tato Eka Mukham Bhuyo dadrushuh Shankaram Ganaah, Roudraischa Vaishnavaischaiva vrutam chihnaih Sahasrashah/ Ardhaina Vaishnava Purandraina Haravigrahah, Khagadhwajam Vrishaarudham Khagaarudham Vrishadhwajam/ Yathaa Yathaa Trinayano rupam dhatrey gunaagranih, Tathaa tathaa twajaayanta Mahaa Paashupata Ganaah/ Tatobhavacchaika rupee Shankaro bahurupavaan, Dwirupaschaa bhavad yogi Ekarupopya rupavaan, Kshanaacchaitah kshanaad raktah peeto neelah khanaadapi/ Mishrako Varna heenascha Mahaapaashupatastathaa, Kshanaad bhavati Rudraindrah Kshanaadcchambhuh Prabhakarah/ Khanaartharcchankaro Vishnuh Kshanaarccharvah Pitaamahah, Tadast -adbhutamayam drushtwaa Shaivaadayo ganaah/ Yadaabhinnamanyanta Deva devam Sadaa Shivam/ Tadaa Nirdhuta paapaastey Samayaajanta Paarshadaah, Teyshvevam Dhuta paapeshu Abhinneshu Harishwarah/ (The Ganaas then visioned a Single Faced Vishnu-cum- Shiva Swarupa with thousand ‘chinhaas’ or symbols indicating same Swarupas, of which half was Rudra and another half Vishnu; one half was Vrishabhadhwaja Garudhaarudha and another half was Garudhadhwaja Vrishaarudha. Just as one visualised, so did that person visioned the Rupa of Bhagavan. The same Shankara assumed various forms each time changing his colours of white, red, yellow, blue, mixed or colourless; some times as Rudra, of Indra, Surya, Vishnu, or Brahma. As this most surprising and swift changes happened, the Ganas were then convinced that Paramatma was indeed one and only one!)

2       Andhakasura’s extermination by Maha Deva and appearance of Ashta Bhairavas

( Andhaka’s eulolgies to Shiva and Gauri included)

As Maha Ganesha informed Parama Shiva about the arrival of several Akhouhinis of Daithya Sena led by Andhakasura on Mandaragiri, Mahadeva took leave of Gauri Devi asking Aprasas in charge of Gauri’s security to be vigilant even as Tundasura came running towards Ganesha and his army. The Gana Sena halted Tundasura and one of the Ganeswaras snipped the Asura’s head with ease. Kundodara and Ghatodara attacked from two sides Shailoda a strong Ganeswara  ended one and Nandi another. Krujumbha and Duryodhana met with similar fates by Nandi. As several Danava Chiefs appeared simultaneously the Ganas and Ganeswaras made deadly counter attacks and annihilated the overflowing Asura Senas in hundreds and thousands. As Andhaka was highly disturbed and disheartened at the merciless killings of Asura Sena, he approached Danava Guru Shukracharya for guidance and the latter assured that he possessed Sanjivini Vidya and revived all the dead Asuras. Following this, Danavas made massive and multi-sided attacks by quite a few most cruel Generals of Asuras like Jambha, Bala, Vitra, and Shira mobilising sea-like Daitya Sena of thousands of Akshouhini; Lord Brahma then instructed Indra to join the Deva Sena at once in counter attacks. As Nandi saw Shukracharya among the Danavas, he picked him up and brought him to Maha Deva who in turn threw the Guru onto his own face and the latter entered Maha Deva’s stomach and visioned the entire Brahmanda comprising the Charaachara Srishti including Adityas, Rudras, Vishva Devas, Yaksha- Kimpurusha- Gandharva- Apsaras. The Danava Guru spent a Divya Varsha in the ‘Udara’ of Shiva and got utterly confused and lost moving around all over inside. Finally, Shukra prayed to Mahadeva with great helplessness, humility and reverence and said that he was tired and would like to return. Then Shiva released him through his ‘Shukra’ and when he went back to the Asuras, they were very happy. Then there was an all out battle: Jambha versus Indra, Shambha against Brahma, Krujambha against Vishnu, Shalava-Surya, Trishira-Varuna, Dwimurtha-Varuna Deva, Rahu-Soma, Ashtaavasus versus Sarabha, Shalabha, Paaka, Pura, Viprutthu, Pruthu, Vataapi, and Ilval, besides Kalanemi against all Vishwadeva ganas like Vishvaksena; Vidyunmaali against Ekadasha Rudraas; Shambara against Dwadasha Adityas; Naraka against Ashvini Kumaras; Maha Deva created Jrumbhaayika who slowly but steadily demolished the fighting spirit of the opponents who ever released the Astras. Mahadeva then performed his Snaana in the River Sarasvati and having prayed to Surya Deva got ready for his attack when Andhaka deputed Sunda the Senapati to engage Shiva; he took the form of Maha Deva and entered the Abode of Gauri. She understood the falsity of Andhaka and disappeared along with her personal aids into a garden and he chased her for a while and returned to the battle field. Meanwhile, Shiva killed Sunda, Vishnu destroyed Kujumbha and Jambha. Andhaka covered the opponents like Indra, Vishnu, Maheswara and the rest of the Devas with his arrows as Vishnu asked the Devas to continue their fights and asked them to kill the Sarathi or the Charioteer of Andhaka, destroy the charoit so that Shankara could turn the entire personal belongings of Andhaka. Then Vishnu destroyed the horses with his mace. Devoid of his chariot, Andhaka shouted at Mahadeva and said that he was alone and without his chariot would still defeat Shiva; Maha Deva then decided Devas and Ganas to withdraw excepting his Nandi Vahana. He assumed a mammoth Bhairava Swarupa with the extraordinary radiance and heat of crores of Suryas, wearing Tiger Skin, Sarpa-haraas, Ten Hands and Three Burning Eyes and pierced his Trishula right into the Asura’s heart and hit his head with his mace and tossed his body up high in the air that got dropped on Earth with a thud. From all the sides of his huge body, there were streams of blood as Ashta Bhairavas were surfaced: from the Eastern direction emerged a Bhairava akin to Agni called ‘Vidya Raaj’ with his neck adorned with lotus flowers; from the Southern direction appeared ‘Kala Raaj’ Bhairava looking like a ‘Preta’ with dense black colour; from the Western direction was materialised a Bhirava named ‘Kamaraj’; from the Northern direction was caused a fourth Bhairava named ‘Soma Raaj’; a fifth Bhairava emerged from the wound near the demon’s heart where Maha Deva pierced his Trishula and his name was ‘Swacchanda Raja’with the resemblance of Indra Dhanush (Rainbow); the Sixth Bhairava was ‘Lalit Raaj’ who appeared from the gush of the Asura’s blood on Earth; the Seventh Bhairava was ‘Vighna Raaj’ and including Maha Bhairava there were thus Ashta Bhairavas. As there was sweat from Maha Deva’s forehead after the extermination of the Asura, especially since his body was covered with armoury, a Kanya got formed from his sweat and spills of the Rakshasa’s blood and Maha Deva named her ‘Charchika’and gave her the boon of a Symbol of Propitiousness to be worshipped by Devatas, Rishis, Pitaras, Yaksha, Vidyaadhas etc as also Sarpas, and Manavaas. There was also a boy who appeared from the sweat drops which were like sparks of fire dropped on Bhumi and  Maha Deva named him ‘Kuja’ or ‘Mangala’ and made him a Senior of ‘Grahas’ (Planets) with the responsibility of providing ‘Shubha’ or Auspiciousness and ‘Ashubha’ or Inauspiciousness.

Andhakaasura’s eulogy to Maha Deva: As Parama Shiva revealed his real Swarupa to the Daitya, the latter greeted him reverentially and paid homage as follows:

Namostu tey Bhairava Bhima Murtey Trilokagoptrey Shitashuladhaariney,Vimshaardha baaho Bhujageshahaara Trinetra maam paahi vipanna budhim/ Jayaswa Sarveswara Vishwa Murtey Suraasuravandita paada peetha, Trailokya Maathurguravey Vrishaangka Bheetah Sharanyam Sharanaagatosmi/ Twaam Naatha Devaah Shivameerayanti Siddhhaaharam Sthaanum Maharshyascha, Bheemam cha Yakshaa Manujaa Maheshwaram Bhutaascha Bhutaadhipamaamayanti/ Naishaacharaa Ugramupaarrchayanti Bhaveti Punyaaha pitaro namanti, Daasosmi tubhyam Hara paahi Mahyaam Paapakshayam mey kuru Lokanaatha/ Bhavaamstridevastriyugastridharma Tripushkaraschaasi Vibho Trinetra, Traiyyaarunistri Shrutiravyayaatman Puneehi Maam twaam sharanam gatosmi/ Trinaachiketastripada pratishthah Shadangavit twam vishayeshwa lubdhah, Trilokanaathosi puneeha Shambho Daasosmi bheetah Sharanaagatastey/ Krutam macchankara teyparaatham Mayaa Mahaabhuta patey Gireesha,Kaamaarinaa nirjita maanasena Prasaadayo twaam Shirasaa natosmi/ Paapoham Paapa karmaaham Paapaatmaa Paapa sambhavah Teaahimaam Deva Ishaana Sarva paapa haro bhava/ Maa mey krudhyaswa Devesha twayaa chaitaadrushosmyaham, Srashtah paapa samaachaaro mey prasanno Bhaveswara/ Twam Kartaachaiva Dhaataacha twam jayastwam Mahaajayah, Twam Mangalastwa momkaarastwa meeshaano dhruvovyayah/ Twam Brahmaa Srushtikrunnaathastwam Vishnustwam Maheswarah, Twamindrastwam Vashat- kaaro Dharmastwam cha Surottamah/ Sookshmastwam Vyakta rupastwam twamavyayas –twameeshwarah, Twayaa Sarvamidam Vyaaptam Jagat Sthaavara jangamam/ Twamaadiranto Madhyasca TwamanaadihvSahasrapaat, Vijayastwam Sahasraaksho Virupaaksho Mahaa Bhujah/ Anantah Sarvago Vyaapi Hamsah Praanaadhipatochyutah, Geervaana patiravyagro Rudrah Pashupatih Shivah/ Traividyastwam Jitakrotho Jitaarirvijitendriah, Japasha Shula  paanistwam traahi maam sharanaagtam/

(Namastey Maha Bhairava, Bheema Murti, Trailoka Rakshaakarey, Shula dhaariney! Ten handed, Naagesha Haara dhaariney! Kindly bestow Raksha or safety to me as I had been a lost person without perspective; Sarveswara who was worshipped by Devas and Asuraas alike at your lotus feet, may Victory be with you always, Vrishanga! In the present situation I feel miserable, full of fear and shame and am at your feet seeking your mercy and shelter! You are an embodiment of auspiciousness as Siddhaas hail you as Hara or Paapahari; Maharshis address you as Sthaanu or Ever Steady; Yakshas call you as Bhima; Manushyas pray to you as Maheswara; Bhutas consider you as Bhutapati; Nishaacharaas or Rakshasaas worship you as Ugra; Pitruganaas realise you as Bhava and supplicate you; Hara! I am your servant and devotee; Kindly demolish my sins and provide me succour. Sarvasamartha Trinetra! You are Trideva, Tridharma, Triyuga, Tripushkara, Traiyyaruni, Trishruti, Trinaachiketa and Tripada Pratishtha or of Trilokaas; You are the Embodiment of Shadvedangaas or Six Vedangaas of Siksha, Kalpa, Vyakarana, Nirukti, Chhanda and Jyotisha. Hey Shambho! I am your Daasaani-Daasa having reached my final destination with extreme repentance and remorse for having committed irredeemable and shameful sins for forgiveness. Kindly exonerate and save me., as I was a victim of Kama of the meanest kind: I am Paaapi, Paapakarma, Paapaatma, and Paapa Sambhava. Maha Deva! You are the Creator, Administrator and Preserver; You are the Emblem of Victory, the Eternal Fund of Virtue, Sacrifice and Mercy! You are Mangalamaya, Ishaana, Avyaya and Dhruva; Yor are Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara, Indra, V ashatkaara, Dharma, Sarva Sreshtha, Sukshma Swarupa, Vyakta Rupa, Aprakatahasya, Avyakta, Ishvara, Jaraachara Jagat Vyapta; yet Unravealed; Adi-Mandhyaata Rahita; Adyanta Rahita, Sahasrapaada, Adytanta Rahita , Sarvagata, Sarva Sthita, Sarva Vyapi, Hamsa, Prana Swami, Achyuta, Devadhi Deva, Shanta, Rudra, Pashupati, Shiva, Trivedi, Krodhajita, Shatru vijita, Indria jayi, Jaya and Shulapaani; do very kindly save me Maha Deva!)

Andhakaasura’s Stuti to Ambikla Devi is as follows: Namasye Bavaanim Bhuta Bhavyapriyaam Lokadhaatri Janitrim, Skanda maaturam Mahaadeva priyaam Dhaarinim Sasyandinim Chetanaam, Trailokya Maataram Dharitrim Devamaatara mathejjyaam Shrutim Smritim, Dayaam Lajjaam Kraantimagnayaamasuyam Matim Sadaa Paavanim, Daitya Sainya kshaya -karim Mahaa Maayaam Vaijayantim Sushubhaam, Kaalaraatrim Govinga bhagineem Shaola Raaja putreem Sarvadevaarchitaam, Sarva bhutaarchitaam Vidyaam Sarasvatim Trinayana Mahaharshim, Namasyaami Mridaaneem Sharanyaam Sharanamupaagateham Namo Namastey/

3       Bhakta Prahlada’s Tirtha Yatras and legends related to some Tirthas

In the course of several Tirtha yatras undertaken by Bhakta Prahlada, he visited Manasa Tirtha to worship Matsyaavatari, performed Pitru- Deva Tarpanaas; worshipped Kurma avatari Vishnu at Kaushiki River; and did puja at Devahlada River to Hayagriva. After taking Sacred Bath in River Yamuna, he prostrated before Trivikrama who measured three feet for his Tapasya and thus Vamana Deva secured the epithet of Trivikrama. Maharshi Pulastya narrated the bakground as follows:

Dundhu and Trivikrama:

Devi Danu’s son Dundhu was a close associate of Hiranya Kashipu -the son of Diti- who conquered Swarga Loka; both the friends were in the habit of moving about Swarga happily.After Hiranya Kashipu, Dundhu conquered Deva Loka. But since Devas took refuge in Brahmaloka, Dundhu desired to reach there but came to know that Brahmaloka was very very far away. By about thousand Yojanas was Maharloka the residence of Rishis whose mere sight would destroy the Rakshasaas; then there was Janaloka far away by crores of yojanas where cows stayed predominantly and from where even sand particles could badly hurt the Rakshasas; the Tapoloka was away again by six crores of Yojanas farther, the residence of Sadhyaganaas whose mere ‘Nishvaasa’ or exhalation could wipe out the Daitya-Danava Kulas; and finally the Satya loka of Brahma was thirty crore yojanas away which was impossible to reach by Daitya-Danavas! But the resolute Dundhu asked Danava Guru Shukracharya and the latter cited the example of Vritrasura who sincerely performed hundred Ashwamedha Yagnas and so did Indra Deva to have free movement to Brahmaloka. Dundhu resolved to perform the Yagnas likewise while appointing Danava Guru as the Dikshit, Bhargava Vamsha Vidwans as Ritwiks and Sadasyas and Daitya-Danavas as Rakshkas; the Yagna Bhoktas were Danavas instead of Devas; Asiloma Danava was sent as the Security-in-Chief along with the Yagna horse. Devas approached Bhagavan Vishnu who assured that he would frustrate the efforts of Dundhu Danava and his mighty followers even in the first Yagna. Vishnu took the form of a wooden board with a Brahmana tied up in the river nearby the place of the Yagna; the Brahmana was drowning and floating on the water surface struggling to balance himself tied to the wooden plank. This attracted the attention  of the Sadasya, Ritviks and the Yagna Karta Dundhu; they all ran to save the Brahmana, untied him and pulled him out of the water surface. They asked as to who threw him into the River and why. The Brahmana told his story that as his father died, he and his elder brother performed the rites and after some time he asked for the share of property but the elder brother bundled him and having tied him to a wooden plank threw him into the river and along with the plank he had been balancing it eversince! Dundhu took pity on the Brahmana and offered lot of money, property and riches. But the Brahmana replied politely that he would be satisfied with a small piece of land of merely three feet since not only he was covetous and greedy but was also incapable of protecting big property! As the King Dundhu granted those three feet of land, Vishnu Deva started measuring the three feet: 

Kramatrayam taavadavekshya dattam Maha Surendrena Vibhur Yashaswi, Chakrey tato langhayitum Trilookeem Trivikramam Rupamananta Shaktih/ Krutwaa cha Rupam Ditijaamscha hatwaa pranamya charsheena Prathamakramena, Mahim Maheeghnaih sahitaam sahaarnavaam jahaara ratnaakara pattanairyutaam/ Bhuvam sanaakam Tridashaadhivaasam Somaarkarukshairabhi manditam nabhah/ Devo dwiteeyena jahaara vegaat kramena Devapriyameepuureeshwarah/ Kramam triteeyam na yadaasya puritam Tataadikopaada Danurpungavasya, Papaata prushthey Bhagavaamstrivikramo Meru pramaanena tu vigrahena/ Patataa Vaasudevena Daanavopari Narada!Trimshadyojana saahastri Bhumeyr gartaa dridheekrutaa/ Tato Daityam samutpaatya tasyaam prakshipya vegatah, Avarshat sikataavrushthya taam gartaapa puritam/ ( As Dundhu bestowed three feet to the Brahmana, the latter assumed Virat Swarupa with a view to measuring the Three Lokas, greeted the Rishis, as the first foot measure counted the totality of the Prithvi; as the second measure counted Swarga and Bhuvarlokas, Planets, Nakshatra Mandali, the Sky and so on and since could not measure the third step, got extremely angry and shook up his body  far beyond Meru Parvata as huge chunks fell on the back of the Danava who was pushed down under creating resounding tremors beneath thousand and odd more yojanas deep). Subsequently, Indra and Devatas were restored of their respective positions of status as before.

4       The background of King Pururava

After praying Bhagavan Shankara at Kedaranatha and Vishnu in the Swarupa as Hrishikesha near Badarikashrama, Bhakta Prahlada recalled the Legend of Pururava as recounted by Pulastya Maharshi to Brahmarshi Narada. During Tretayuga, there was a Shaakala Nagari in Madra Desha where there was a rich Vyapari or businessman called Sudharma who was proceeding to Surashtra and on way had to stay back for a night near a cremation ground under a Shami Vriksha. As he was too tired fell asleep and found that he was looted by thieves and started moving about helplessly when he sighted a few Prethaatmas (Apparitions) and the Chief of the Pretas enquired of the Vanika’s whereabouts. The Vyapari conveyed his helplessness as he was looted and he was hungry and thirsty and cursed his fate. The Chief of Pretas provided the much needed solace to the Vyapari and asked his colleagues to treat the Vyapari as their special guest and gave him good bath and bhojan even in that god-forsaken jungle. The Vyapati was moved by the hospitality and asked the Preta Chief about their background. The Chief gave his account: ‘ I was a Brahmana named Somasharma in Shalaka Nagar whose neighbour was a rich Vanika named Somashrava who was a great Vishnu Bhakta and virtuous person. But I was evil minded and avaricious not used to Pujas and Danaas. On one auspicious Shravana Ekadashi, I obsereved a day long Upavasa and on the subsequent Dwadashi,  many of the Nagara Vaasis took bath in Sacred River Iravati and I too had a dip there and for once gave charities of umbella, footwear, Jalapatra, Mrishtaanna bhojan, curd , sweets etc. to well studied and reputed Brahmanas . That was one only one singular occasion when I gave a daana in my seventy years of mean and wasteful life; after my death, I became a ‘Pretatma’but the umbrella which I gave as charity turned out to be this Shami Vriksha, the pair of footwear that I gave in charity became my Vahana or my carrier, and the tasty and sumptuous meal has been shared by my follower Pretatmas also at noon daily-since they never did a charity in their lives’. Having narrated the story of the Preta Chief, he requested the Vyapari Sudharma to visit Gaya Tirtha and after taking bath perform Pinda Daana in the name of the Preta Chief to redeem his soul; the Vyapari did exactly the same and redeemed his soul on Bhadrapada Shukla Shravana Nakshathta at Gaya Kshetra and in his next birth became the famed King Pururava.

18    Shiva and Vishnu killed Jalodbhava-Origin of Sudarshana Chakra and Trishula

Bhakta Prahlada reached River Iravati to take sacred bath, then to Kurukshetra, Sudarshana Chakra Tirtha, Devika Tirtha Snaana and worship of Nrisimha Deva, Gokarna for Kameswara Darshana, Pundarika Darshana, followed by Payoshini Snaana and Akhandeswara puja, Shambhu Puja at Devahlada, and made a six day halt at Madhunandini to vision Chakradhari Shiva and Suladhari Govinda! It was in this context that Pulastya Maharshi narrated the background of the pauranik story to Narada Muni. Daitya Jalodbhava secured invincibility from Brahma; neither the curses of Brahmarshi nor Agni/ Water could demolish him. The Daitya tormented the Beings of the Srishti, especially Maharshis and there was an over-all threat to their existence. Devas approached Vishnu Deva and the latter accompanied by Mahadeva attacked the Demon who hid himself in the deep waters of Madhumati. As both the Bhagavans arrived at the banks of the River, Jalodbhava disappeared and scaled the heights of Himalayas; having scented the presence of the Daitya on the Himalayan peaks, Vishnu and Shankara destroyed the Daitya instantly and thus maerialised the Sacred River Vitasta in Kashmira Region and that was where Bhakta Prahlada worshipped: Yatreshwaro Devasarasya Vishnoh praadaadrathaanga pravara ayudham vai, Yena prachiccheda Tridhaiva Shankaram Jignaasa maanostra balam Mahatma/    ( It was at the Bhrungatunga Tirtha that Bhagavan Shambhu gifted a Mahaastra Chakra to Vishnu and the latter assessed its supreme power sliced the Astra into three parts creating a Trishula or a Trident).                                                                              

Pulastya Maharshi informed Narada about the background of Sudarshana Chakra and Trishula as follows: A Veda Vedanga Brahmana called Veetamanyu and his virtuous wife Aayetri gave birth to Upamanyu; the couple were so poor that Aatreyi administred ground rice powder and water as milk to the son for years together and as one day in another Brahmana’s house Upamanyu tasted real milk as ‘Ksheeraanna’ and insisted in the house too to have it daily; the mother replied with tears in her eyes: Umapatou Pashupatou Shuladhaarini Shankarey, Aprasannow Virupaashey krutam Ksheerena bhojanam/ Yadeecchasi payo bhoktum sadyah pushtikaram suta, Tadaaraadhya Devesham Virupaaksham Trishulinam/ Tamsmitushtey Jagadvyaamni Sarvakalyani daayini, praaptemruta- paayityam kimpunah Ksheeera bhojanam/                                                       (Son! Since Maha Deva Shankara who is also called Umapati, Pashupati, Shuladharini and Virupaksha was not kind to us, how could we get Ksheeraanna /real milk and rice? If you insist so, then you have to sincerely worship Virupaksha. My lad! If you could please him, then why only Ksheeraanna ; even Amrit would be available to all of us!). Then Upamanyu asked his mother as to who that Virupaksha was! She explained that there was a Mahasura King called Shridaama who created havoc to the World killing Munis, Brahmanas and even children; he defeated Devas and threw them out of Swargaloka, harassed Devi Lakshmi and even chased Vishnu to forcefully take away his Srivatsa Jewel. Vishnu prayed to Virupaksha and the latter gifted Sudarshana Chakra with which was like a fiery Kalachakra:                                                           Kaalachakranibham chakram Shankaro Vishnumabraveet, Varaayudhoyam Devesha Sarvaayudha nibharhanah, Sudarshanou dwaadashaarah Pashnaabhi dhruyugo javee/ Aaraasamthaaswamee chaasya Devaa Maasaascha Raashayah, Sishtaanaam rakhsanaarthaaya samshitaa rutavascha shat/ Agnih Somastatha Mitro Varunotha Shacheepatih, Indraagnee chaapuatho vishvey Prajaapataya eva cha/ Hanumaamchaatha Balavaan Devo Dhanvantarastithaa, Tapaschaiva Tapasyascha Dweaadashoutey pratishthitaah, Chaitraadyaah Phaalgunaantascha Maasaastatra pratishthitaah/                                                             

(The Sudarshana Chakra was like the frightening Kalachakra that Shankara gifted to Vishnu which had twelve compartments, six ‘naabhis’ or hinges, two Yugas of validity, top speed and instant smasher of any kind of ‘Aaudhaas’ of enemies. The Chakra was essentially to rescue virtuous Beings and in the compartments were situated Devatas, Rashis, Six Ritus or Seasons, Agni, Soma, Varuna, Mitra, Indra, Vishvadeva, Prajapati, the mighty Hanuman, Dhanvantari Deva, Tapasya and the Twelve Months from Chaitra to Phalguna). As Shankara described the Chakra as ‘Amogha’ or Singularly Ehhective, Vishnu liked to test its Uniqueness and Effectiveness and thus made a test-run on Maha Deva himself! Then Vishnu let the chakra aiming Maha Deva, who no doubt escaped but sliced off Visvesha, Yagnesha and Yagna yaajaka; as Vishnu was stunned that the sliced Shiva‘Amshas’ or Alternate Shaktis viz. Hiranyaksha, Suvarnaaksha and Virupaksha since these Amshas of Mahadeva were only Kalyana Karini Shaktis or of auspicious features, but not of destroying features; therefore the Chakra was fundamentally of destruction mode and would not adversely affect Shiva’s propitious charecteristics in any way! Having assured Vishnu thus, Mahadeva asked Janardana to act forthwith and destroy the Asura Sridaama and as he did so the entire Universe secured relief fromAlso, Upamanyu took his mother’s advice to worship in right earnest and Parama Shiva blessed the boy to drink not only Ksheeraanna but Elixir too!

19. Gajendra Moksha

Maharshi Pulastya narrated futher to Brahmarshi Narada further that Bhakta Prahlada extensive tours of Tirthas like Naimisharanya, Brihadhwaja, Maha Nadi, Soma Tirtha, Mangunika, Ashwa Tirtha, Varanasi, Avimukteshwara, and so on and reached Trikuta Mount which was the residence of Rishis anf Yogis. He worshipped Sarvya Vyapi Pundarikaaksha and sighted the famed Gajendra Moksha Sarovara which was the legendary and Sacred Tirtha encircled by the Mountain Range. Nearby the Sarovara was a thick jungle inhabited by cruel animals, birds, and vegetation inhabited by large groups of wild elephants too. The chief of a herd of elephants Gajendra entered the Sarovara for a bath of cool water along with its group and a huge crocodile caught hold of one of the feet of Gajendra dragged into deep waters as the Elephant struggled but could not escape the sharp and powerful grip of the crocodile, even as Gajendra and its companions made desperate efforts for thousand years while Devas were witnessing the prolonged suffering of the Elephant King. The Elephant was stated to be the King of Pandya an extreme and dedicated Narayana Bhakta and the crocodile was a Gandharva called Huhu who was cursed by a Sage ; when implored by the Gandharva, the Muni forecast that Narayana Himself would slice the crocodile head and qualify him for Salvation. As Gajendra was desperate and distressed, he remembered the Script of a Vishnu Stotra in his erstwhile birth and frantically chanted the Prayer by offering a ‘Pushpamaala’ with his lifted trunk and imagining the Swarupa of Artaa- Janardana with tears in his eyes as as follows:

Om Namo Mulapratrutaey Ajinaatha Mahatmaney, Anaashritaaya Devaaya Nispruhaya Namostutey/Nama Aadyaaya Beejaaya Arshayaaya Pravartiney, Anantaraaya Choukaaya Avyataaya Namo Namah/  Namah Shivaaya Shantaaya NischitaayaYashaswiney, Sanaatanaaya Purvaaya Puraanaaya Namo Namah/ Namo Devaadhi Devaaya Swabhaavaaya Namo Namah, Namo Jagat Pratishthaaya Govindaaya Namo Namah/ Namostu Padmanaabhaaya Namo Yogoddbhavaayach, Vishveswaraaya Devaaya Shivaaya Harayey Namah/ Namotu Tasmai Devaaya Nirgunaaya Guptaataney, Narayanaaya Vishvaaya Devaanaam Paramaatmaney/ Namo namah Karanavamanaya  Naraayanaayamita vikramaaya/ Shrishaankha charaasi Gadaadhaaraaya Namostu tasmai Purushottamaaya/Guhyaaya Vedanalayaaya Mahodaraaya Simhaaya Daityanidhanaaya Chaturbhujaaya, Brahmendra Rudra Muni chaarana Samtutaaya Devottamaaya Varadaaya Namochyutaaya/  Nagendra deha Shayanaasana supriyaaya Goksheera Hema Shukhaneela ghanopamaaya, Peetaambaraaya Madhu Kaitabha naashanaaya Viswhaaya Charumukutaaya Namojaraaya/ Naabhiprajaata Kamalastha Chaturmukhaaya Kshirodarakaanavaniketa Yashodharaaya, Naanaa Vichitra Mukutaangada Bhushanaaya Sarveshwaraaya Varadaaya Namo Varaaya/ Bhaktipriyaaya Varadeepta Sudarshanaaya Phullaravinda Vipulaayata lochanaaya, Devendra vighnashamanodyata pourushaaya Yogeshwaraaya Virajaaya Namo Varaaya/ Brahmaayanaaya Tridashaananaaya Lokaadhi naathinaathaaya Bhavaapanaaya, Mahaa Varaahaaya Namaskaromi/ Kutasthamavyata -machintya rupam Naarayanam Kaaranamaadidevam,  Yugaanta sesham Purusham Puraanam tam Devadevam Sharanam prapadey/ Yogeshwaram Charuvichitra mouli magneyamagrayam Prakruteyh parasthatam, Kshetrajnamaatma prabhavam Varenyam tam Vaasudevam sharanam prapadye/Adrushya mavyata machintya mavyayam Mahashiyo Brahmamayam Sanaatanam, Vadanti yam vai Purusham Sanaatanam tam Deva guhyam sharanam prapadye/ Yadaksharam Brahma vadanti Sarvagam nishamya yam Mrutyu mukhaat pramuchyatey, Tameehwaram truptamanuttamaigunaaih paraayanam Vishnumupaimi shaswatam/ Kaarya Kriyaa Kaarana   maprameyam Hiranyabaahum Varapadmanaabham, Mahaabalam Vedanidhim Suresham Vrajaami VishnumSharanam Janaardanam/ Kireeta Keyura Mahaarha nishkairmanyuktamaa -lankrita sarva gaatram, Peetaambaram Kanchana Bhakti Chitram Maalaadharam Keshava mabhyupaimi/ Bhavodbhavam Veda vidaam Varishtham Yogaatmanaam Saamkhyavidaam Varishtham, Aditya Rudraashvasuprabhaavam Prabhum prapadyechuta maavatmavantam/ Shrivatsaankam Mahadevam Devaguhyamanoupamam, Prapadye sukshmamachalam Varenyamabhayapradam/ Prabhavam Sarva bhutaanaam Nirgunam Parameshwaram, Prapadye muktamamkaanaam yateenaam Paramaam gatim/ Bhagavantam Gunaadhyakshamaksharam Pushkarekshanaamc Sharanyam Sharanam Bhaktya Prapadye Bhaktavatsalam/ Trivikramam Trilokesham Sarvesham Prapitaamaham, Yogaatmaanam Mahaatmaanam pradyeham Janaardanam/ Adidevamajam Shambhum Vyaktaavyaktam Sanaatanam, Naraayana –maneeyamsam prapadye Brahmana priyam/ Namo Varaaya Devaaya Namo Sarvasahaayacha, Prapadye Deva Deveshamaneeyaamsa manauh sadaa/ Ekaaya Lokatatwaaya Paratah Paramaatmaney, Namah Samahsahasra shirashey Anantaaya Mahaatmaney/ Twaameva Paramam Devamrishayo Vedapaaragaah, Keertayanti cha yam Sarvey Brahmaadeenaam Paraayanam/ Namstey Pundareekaaksha Bhaktaanaamabhayaprada, Subrahmanya Namastostu traahimaam Sharanaagatam/

(My salutations to you Mula Prakriti Swarupa, Invincible Mahatma Vishnu who is Nirashraya or free to act in your own voiltion; You are the Adyabija Swarupa or the Primeaval Germinator, Aradhya Deva or the Principal Target sought to be achieved by Rishis and Yogis and the Unique and Unknown powerhouse of the Kalachakra or the Supreme Time Machine; You are indeed the Sarva Vaapi or All-Pervasive; the Undisclosed Guna Swarupa and at the same time the Nirguna or Featureless; You are beyond the barriers of reasoning and logic, impossible to achieve by rationality or prudence, the Immesurable; the Foremost Form of auspiciousness, Ever Peaceful, Decisive, the Embodimemt of Eminence and Fame and the Origin of Knowledge and the Ageless and Timeless! Devadi Deva, Swabhavarupa, Jagat Pratishtha Kaaraka, Govinda, Padmanabha, Yogodbhava, Vishveswara, Deva, Shiva, Hari, Nirguna and Gunatma alike; Viushwatma, Narayana, Deva’s Paramatma, Karanavasha Vamana -rupa or of the Form of Vamana owing to Exigencies; Atula Vikrama; You are the Holder of Shankha, Chakra, Sword, and Mace and Purushottama; You are the Mysterious and the Unidentified; the Emitome of Vedas; Mahodara readily assuming Leonine Form to eradicate the race of Daityas, the Chaturbhuja or the Four Handed Swarupa; You are the Dheya or the Worshippable by Brahma, Indra, Rudra, Maharshis, and one and all. You lie comfortably on the Sesha Naga’s Unique Body as your Bed; wearing vastras of different colours; the annihilator of Madhu-Kaitabha Daityas; the wearer of a charming Kirita or head gear; who has always youthful and never has old age; has Brahma seated on a lotus top that sprouted from his nave; has residence on Ksheera Sagara or the Ocean of Milk; he is multi ornamented on his various body parts; the provider of boons and the Emblem of Boons; Bhakta Premi or the Beloved of devotees; the Eternal Embodiment of Radiance; with eyes resembling fully bloomed Lotus flower; the trouble shooter of Devendra; and the provider of boons to him; The ‘Aadhaara Swarupa’ or of the Murti worshipped by Brahma and all the Devas; Triloka Naatha; Bhava Hatha; Maha Varaaha Swarupa; I seek refuge in Kutastha, Avyakta, Achintya Swarupa; Kaaranaswarupa; Adi Deva Narayana; the Great Survivor Maha Swarupa at the End of Yugas; Ajeya; Sarva Sreshtha; The One who exists far beyond Prakriti; the Kshetrajna; Atmaprabhava; Varenya, Vaasudeva; Adrushya, Ayakta, Achityaneeya, Ayaya, Brahma maya and Sanatana Purusha and Deva guhya my Pranaams / greetings; I was at the Mrityu Mukha or at the Devouring Point of Death; I seek protection and safety from you Bhagavan; You are Atmatrupta or Self-Saisfied; Shaswata Ashraya Swarupa; Karya-Kriya-Karana Swarupa; Agamya; Hiranuabaahu; Mahabala shaali; Veda nithi; Sureshwara-Janardana-Vishnu; I seek asylum from that Jishnu who was ornamented by Kireeta-Kayura-Atimulya Mani malaas; Peetaambara Dhaari; Swarnima Patra Racaha naalin -krita; Mala Dharana Keshava; Samsaarotpannakara; Vedavidsreshtha; Yogatma; Sankhya Shastra Jnaata Sreshtha; Aditya-Rudra-Ashvini Kumara-Vasu Prabhavaachyuta; Atma Swarupa Prabho! Shri Vatsa Dharanakara; Maha Deva; Devataaguhya; You are the Unparalelled one defying descriptiton, with the Epithet of Nirguna, Nissanga, Niyama Paalaka; My I seek refuge in you Gunaadhyaksha, Akshara, Kamala Nayana, Ashraya Karana Yogya Swarupa, Sharana Pradata and Bhakta Prema kara. I prostrate before you Bhagavan as the measurer of Three Feet covering the the Trilokas, Prapitamaha, Yoga Murti, Mahatma Janaddana, Adi Deva, Ajanma, Shambhu, Vyaktaavyakta Swarupa, Sanatana, Parama Shukshma, Brahmana Priya Narayana! I bend my knees before you Sreshta Deva, Sarva Shaktimaan, Sukshmaati Sukshma Devadevesha, Lokatatwa Swarupa, the Unique Paratpara Paramkatma, Sahasraseersha Paranatma, Ananta, Dedaparagami Rishi sannuta! You are the final shelter to Brahmadi Devaas; Pundarikaaksha, Bhuaktaabhaya Pradata, Subrahmanya, Sharanu, Sharanu (Save me, Save me)!                         

As Vishnu Deva was pleased with the heartfelt and desperate supplication of Gajendra appeared in his full glory with four arms adorned with Shankha, Chakra, Gadaa and Saranga descended from Garuda and sliced off with his Sudarshana Chakra the neck of the crocodile and relieved from the curse of Devala Muni to the Gandharva Huhu and simultaneously rescued Narayan Bhakta King of Pandya.

 Phala Shruti : Brahma Deva affirmed- Ya idam shrunuyaa nityam Praatarutthhaaya Manavah, Prapyuyaat Paramaam siddhim duhkha prastasya nishyati/ Gajendra mokshanam Punyam sarva Paapa pranaashanam, Kathitena smrutey naatha Shrutena cha Tapodhana, Gajendra mokshaneneha sadyah paapaat pramuchyatey/ Yasmin kiloktey bahu paapa bandhanaat labhyet Moksho Dwiradena yaddhat, Ajam Varenyam Varapadmanaabham Narayanam Brahmanidhim Suresham/ Tam Devaguhyam Purusham Puraanam Vandaamyaham Lokapatim Varenyam/

(Whosoever reads, hears or cogitates about the Gajendra Moksha Stuti with purity of body and mind in the mornings would be relieved of difficulties of the day and the cumulative sins of the past; Its Pathana-Shravana-Manana would dissolve the sins and provide liberation as in the case of Gajendra. May I salute Vishnu Bhagavan who is Ajam or birthless, Varenya or the Supreme, Sreshtha or the Topmost, Padmanabha or Lotus-navelled, Narayana or Existent on Water, Devaguhya or absorbed among Devas , Purana Purusha or the Most Ancient, and Loka Swami or the Super Lord of Lokas!)

20     Vishnu Panjara, Saarasvata and Paapa Prashamana Stotras by Shiva and Agastya Muni

Maharshi Pulastya narrated the happening of a cruel, mean and sinful Kshatriya who disregarded Brahmanas, Rishis and Devas who got turned into a Rakshasa during his subsequent birth and was in the habit of lifting up and eating humans; he came across a holy person deeply engaged in Tapasya and rendering Vishnu Panjara Raksha Mantra Stotra as follows to ward off evil influences in the forest where he was engaged in Tapasya: Vishnum Praachyaam Sthitaschakri Vishnur Dakshinato Gadee, Praticheeyaam Shaaranagadhrugvishnu Khadgi mamottarey/ Hrishikesho vikoneshu tatchaadreshu Janardanah, Krodarupi Harirbhowmou Naarasimhemba -rey mama/ Kshuraantamamalam chakram bhramatyetat Sudarshanam, Asyamshumaalaa drusprekshya hantum pretanishaacharaan/ Gadaacheyam Sahasraarchirudviman paavako yathaa, Rakshobhuta piscaachaanaam Daakininaam cha shaatani/ Sharangam Visphurjitam chaiva Vaasudevasya madripuun, Tiryanga Manushya Kushmaanda Pretaadeen hantwa seshatah/ Khadgadhaaraajjwalajjotsnaa nirdhutaa ye mamaahitaah, Tey yaantu sowmyataam sadyo Garudeneva pannagaah/ Ye kushmaandastathaa Yakshaa Daityaa ye cha Nishaacharaah, Preta Vinaayakaah kruraa Manushyaa Jrumbhakaah Khagaah/ Simhaadayo ye Pashavo Danda- Shukaascha Pannagaah, Sarvey bhavantu mey sowmyaa Vishnuchakraravaahataah/ Chittavrutti -haraayecha ye janaah smritihaarakaah, Baloujasaam cha hartaarashchhayaa Vidhvamshakaas chaye/ Ye chopabhogahartaaro yecha lakshana naashakaah, Kushmaandaastey pranashyantu Vishnu Chakra ravaahataah/ Buddhiswaasthyam Manah swaasthyam swasthya maindrikam tathaa, Mamaastu Deva Devasya Vaasudevasya kirtinaat/ Pushtey Purastaadatha Dakshino -ttarey vikonataschaastu Janaardano Harih/ Tameedyameeshaana manantamachyutam, Janaardanam pranipatito na seedati/ (Hey Vishnu Bhagavan! Do guard me from the Eastern side with your Chakra; from my Southern side with your Gadaa; from the westeren side with your Sharanga Dhanush; and from the northern side with your Khadga. In the Dishaakonaas or the Konaas (Angles) of Agneya, Nirruti, Vayavya and Ishaana, may Hrishikesh and Janardana  save me in the regions in between; May Varaha RupaVishnu protect me from Bhumi Devata’s side and Nrisimha Bhagavan shield me from above viz.the Akaasha /Sky. May Sudarshana Chakra keep a Raksha (Vigilance) from all around me encircling me with safety! May Bhagavan’s highly radiant and unvisionable rays of his mace destroy Rakshasaas, Bhutaas, Piscaachas, and Dakinis. May Vaasudevaa’s lightning luster of his Sharanga Dhanush demolish violent Pashu-Pakshis, cruel Manavaas, Danavas and Pretaas be uprooted for good; Just as  ferocious snakes and such other poisonous reptiles get frightened away at the very sight of Mahatma Garuda, may Vishnu’s Khadga’s extraordinary splendour subdue the hissings of such species; may the severity and speed of Sudarshana save me the totality of Kushmaandaas, Yakshaas, Daityas, Nishacharaas, Pretaas, Vinayakas, Harsh and ruthless Manavas, Jumbhakaas, Harmful Pakshis, Lions and such other ferocious animals while slicing them off instantly; May all the root causes which create mental tribulations, memory lapses, physical ailments, weaknesses and all other kinds of psychological distresses be rescinded and may the Vaasudeva Kirthanas and Stutis enhance my mental sharpness, equanimity of behaviour, maturity of judgment, performance of deeds and over all virtuosity.)                                                                    As the golden screen of Safety and the impregnable Kavacha or shield was installed around the Brahmana Tapaswi, the Rakshasa became highly subdued and weakened and could not reach anywhere near the great halo around the Sage. The placated Rakshasa then realised and confessed his previous deeds of inexcusable blunders and ‘Patakaas’ and begged his spiritual advice. But the Brahmana refused to do so as the mountain like sins of the Rakshasa could never be demolished out of feeble realisation of his Maha Patakaas! This had indeed annoyed the Rakshasa who did not basically change much and his cruelty returned along with his hunger as the dusk time arrived. The Brahmana replied that he was no doubt ready to surrender to the Rakshasa on his own volition but he had to first of all carry fruits to his Guru. The Rakshasa said that he was even prepared to free the Brahmana if only he would be shown a way to reform himself. The Brahmana realised that the Raakshasa would not leave him unless he taught him the way of self-realisation although his conscience did not agree; thus he approached Agni Deva to advise him to show a way out. Then Devi Saraswati appeared as prompted by Agni Deva and assured the Brahmana that he needed not to worry and that he could teach the Raakshasa the way to a virtuous path. Thus the Brahmana decided to teach Saarasvata Stotra to the Rakshasa as follows:

 Shruyataam tava yachhreyastathaanyeshaam cha paapinaam, Samasta paapa shuddhharthyam Punyayopachayadam cha yat/ Pratarutthhaaya Japatvam Madhyaahnehnah Kshayepi vaa, Asamshayam sadaa japyo japataam pushti  shaantidah/ Om Harim Krishnam Hrishikesham Vaasudevam Janaardanam, Pranatosmi Jagannaatham sa mey Paapam Vyapohatu/ Shankhinam Chakrinam shaaranga dhaarinam snagdharam param, Pranatosmi patim Lakshmyaah sa mey Paapam vyapohatu/ Daamodara -mudaaraaksham Pundareekaakshamachyutam,  Pranatosmi stutam  stutyaih sa mey paapam vyapohatu/ Naaraayanam Naram Shourim Maadhavam Madhusudanam, Pranatosmi Dharaadhaaram sa mey paapam vyapohatu/ Shrivatsa Vakshasam Shreesham Shridharam Shriniketanam, Pranatosmi Shriyah Kaantam sa mey Paapam Vyapohatu/ Yameesham Sarvabhutaanaam dhyaayanti yatayoksharam, Vaasudevamanirdeshyam tamasmi sharanam gatah/ Samastaalambanebhyo yam  Vyavrutya manasogatim, Dhyaayanti Vaasudevaakhyam tamasmi sharanam gatah/ Sarvagam Sarvabhutam cha Sarvasyaadhaarameeshwaram, Vaasudevam Param Brahmaa tamasmi sharanam gatah/ Paramaatmaavyaktam yam prayanti sumedhasah, Karmakshayekshayam Devam tamasmi sharanam gatah/ Punyapaapa vinirmuktaa yam pravishya punarbhavam, Na Yoginah Praapruvanti tamasmi sharanam gatah/ Brahmaabhutwaa jagat sarvam sa Devaasuramaanusham, Yah srujatyachyuto Devastamasmi sharanam gatah/ Brahma rupadharam Devam Jagadyonim Janaardanam, Strasthatvey samdhitam srashtou pranatosmi sanaatanam/  Srashthaa bhutwaa sthito yogi sthitaavasura suudanah, Tamaadi Purusham Vishnum pranatosmi Janaardanam/  Dhrutaa mahi hataa Daiyaah paritraataastahaa Suraah, Yenatam Vishnumaadhyesham Pranatosmi Janaardanam/ Yajnairyajanti yam Vipraa Yagnesham Yagnabhavanam, Tam Yagna Purusham Vishnum pranatosmi Sanatanam/ Pataala veethibhutaani tathaa lokaan nihantiyah, Tatpurusham Rudram Pranatosmi Sanaatanam/ Sambhakshitwaa sakalam  yathaa srishtimidam Jagat, Yo vai nrityati Rudraatma pranatosmi Janaardanam/ Suraasuraah Pitruganaah Yaksha Gandharva Raakshasaah, Sambhutaa Yasya Devasya Sarvagam tam namaamyaham/ Samasta Devaah Sakalaa Manushyaanaam cha jaatayah, Yasyaamsha Bhutaa Devasya sarvagah tam Namaamyaham/ Vriksha gulmaadayo yasya tathaa Pashu Mrigaadayah, Ekaamsha bhutaa Devasya Sarvagam tam namaamyaham/ Yasmaannaanyat param kinchiyasmin Sarvam Mahaatmani, Yah Sarvamadhyagonantah sarvagam tam namaamyaham/ Yathaa sarveshu Bhuteshu gudhogniriva daarushu, Vishnurevam tathaa paapam mamaasesham pranashyatu/ Yathaa Vishnumayam sarvam Brahmaadi sa charaacharam, Yaccha Jnaana paricchedyam paapam nashyatu mey tathaa/ Shubhaashubhaani karmaani Rajah Satva Tamaamsicha, Aneka Janma karmotthyam paapam nashyatu mey tathaa/ Yannishaayaamcha yatpraataryan madhyaahnnaaparaahnniyoh, Sandhyayoscha krutam paapam karmanaa manasaa giraa/ Ajnaanato Jnaanato vaa madaacchalita maanasaih, Tat Kshipram vilayam yaatu Vaasudevasya keertanaat/ Paradaara paradravya vaanchhidrohodbhavam cha yat, Para peededbhavaam nindaam kurvataa yanmahaatmanaam/ Yaccha bhojey tathaa peye bhakshey choshey vilehaney, Tad yaatu Vilayam toyey yathaa lavana bhaajanam/ Yad baalyeyaccha Kaumaarey yat paapam Youvaney mama, Vayah parinatou yaccha yaccha janmaantarey krutam/ Tannaaraayana Govinda Hrishikesha keertanaat, Prayaatu Vilayam toyey yathaa lavana bhaajanam/ Vishnavey Vaasudevaaya Haravey Keshavaayacha, Janaardanaaya Krishnaaya Namo bhuyo namo namah/

Bhavishyaanarakaghnaaya namh Kamsa vighaatiney, Arishta Keshi Chaanuura Devaari kshaniyo namah/ konyobalervanchitaa twaamrutey vai bhavishyati, Konyo naashyati balaad darpam Haaihaya Bhupateyh/ Kah Karishyatathaanyoh vai Saagarey Shetu bandham, Vadhish yati Dashagreevam kah Saamaatmapurah saram/ Kastwaamriteynyoh Nandasya Gokule rati meshyati, Pralamba Putaanaa Dinaam twaamrutey Madhusudana, Nihantaapyathavaa Shaastaa Devadeva bhavishyati/ Japannevam Narah punyam Vaishnavam Dharmamuttamam, Ishtaanishta prasangebhyo Jnaanatojnaana topi vaa/ Krutam tena tu yat paapam Sapta janmaan –taraani vai, Mahaa Paataka samjnam vaa tathaa chaivopa paatakam/ Yagnaadeeni cha Punyaani Japa homa vrataanicha, Naashayed Yoginaam Sarva maamapaatramimaambhasi/ Narah Samvatsaram purnam tila paatraani shodasa, Ahanyahaani yo dadyaat pathattechha tasmamam/ Avilumpatam Brahma charyam Sampraapoya smaranam Hareyh, Vishnuloka mavaapnoti Satyametanvayoditam/ Yatthaaitat Satyamuktam mey na hyaalpamati mey Mrushaah, Raakshasastrastat Sarvaangam tathaa maameshu mricchyatu/                    

(Hey Raakshasa! I would now like to preach to you and your kind of persons who faltered in their lives, a highly propitious Discourse which should wash off your earlier immorality and depravity as also encourage to follow a life of Virtue and quality. As one rises up from bed from the sleep of the previous night, or at the noon-time or at the evening, the following Stuti be read or heard:

‘OM Hari, Krishna, Hrishikesha, Vaasudeva, Janardana, Jagannaatha! My Salutations to you. Do kindly keep me away from blunders. You are the Guru of Moving and Immobile Beings, resting on the cozy bed of Sesha Naaga, Parama Deva Govinda, may I pray to you to keep me away of sins; my sincere reverences to you Sharanga Dhara, Chakradhara, Shankha Dhara, Maalaadhaari, Lakshmipati, Damodara, Udaaraaksha or of benign looks, Pundarikaaksha, Achyuta who is extolled by one and all! Do mercifully lead me on right path! I beseech Narayana, Nara, Shouri, Madhava, Madhusudana, Dharaadhara! Do pity me and let me refrain from wrong-doings. Paramatma! You possess Surya and Chandra as your eyes to punish the evil and encourage virtue; You are the demolisher of Kamsa and Keshi the notorious ‘paapis’; do kindly put me on the right track and desist me from infamy and evil-doings. Shri Vatsadhara, Shreesha, Shidhara, Shri Niketana, Shri Kaanta and Shripati: my most humble homage to you; do save me from the shacles of delusion. You are Sarva Praana Swami, and the Akshara, Anirdeshya, Vaasudeva, may I surrender myself and put me on the path of contentment and fulfillment. Do bless me Bhagavan! to take me from the road of decadence and decay to the pathway of Dharma and Nyaaya. May I bend and beseech Sarvagata, Sarva Bhuta, Sarvaadhaara and Parabrahma to indicate the narrow but sure way of Dharma, Nyaya and Punya. I seek refuge to Adrushta, Avinaashi, Paramatmadeva, Punya Paapa Rahita, and Srashta of Brahma down to Deva, Danava, Manushya and Charaachara Jagat! May I commend that Brahma Swarupa the fountain-head of Vedas,Sanatana Jajadyoni, Janardana, Yogi Rupa Vidyamaan, Adi Purusha Maheswara-Vishnu, that Maha Kurma who pulled up Bhu Devi, that Daityahaari, Devata rakshaakara, Yagna Purusha, Yagna Bhavana, Yagnesha, and Sanatana Vishnu. I crave the indulgence of that Jagat Srashta who created Suraasuraas, Pitruganaas, Yaksha, Gandharva, Raakshasas and also that Maha Rudra who terminates Srishti and having destroyed the Universe enjoys a Maha Tandava or the Supreme Dance before ‘Punah Srishti’! I seek protection from the Sarva Vyaapi Maha Vishnu whose ‘Amshaas’or Formulations are Vrikshas, Pashu-Mriga-Vastu- Padaarthaas! May Paramatma burn off my most heinous sins like Agni scorches fire-wood into ash. May Vishnu Deva be merciful to eradicate all my evil deeds of vice and wickedness; these were due to the  mix of previous acts as generated by the interplay of Satwa-Rajo-Tamasika Gunas of the erstwhile births. May this earnest prayer emerging from the depths of my inner self, my body, soul, heart, deed and voice at early mornings, mid-days, evenings or dead of nights, while in movement, or being seated, or in sleep, in full awareness or involuntarily, bring about total transformation of my existence! May all my evil actions anchored on feelings of other’s women, wealth and properties; or due to deceipt, pressures / temptations from within or without; or due to shortcomings of avoidable consumption of Bhakshya, Bhojya, Lehya, Peya, Choshya varieties of food be excused and pave the way for my liberation. May I prostrate before that Unique and Singular Paramaatma called by endless names like Narayana, Govinda, Hari, Krishna, and Maheswara bestow his compassion on me and extinguish my wrongs of small or huge proportions committed during my childhood, teenage, youth and old age just as earthen vessels dissolve in violent gushes of waterfalls! My most respectful obeisances to you Hari, Vishnu, Vaasudeva, Keshava, Janardana, and Krishna the annihilator of Kamsa, Arishta, Keshi, and countless other evil forces! Who else could suppress and tick off the Triloka Swami Maha Bali? Who else could terminate the unconquerable Kartaveeryarjuna the Super Lord of Haihayas? Who else could build a Setu or a gigantic bridge from shore to shore of a Grand Ocean and exterminate the invincible Ravanaasura? Who else could perform Rasaleela by dividing himself in endless Krishna Swarupaas to entertain Gopis! Who else as a child nip the gigantic Demons like Pralamba, Shakatasura and Pothana in split seconds as baby pranks?’

Phala Shruti: Who so ever recites the above Dharma-maya Vaishnava Mantra with keenness or disinterest, with full awareness and sincerity or in a casual or even complete ignorance would indeed destroy the sins of previous seven births irrespective of their volume, severity or magnitude. Side by side, the Vaishnava Mantra bestows fresh accounts of Punya or the fruitiful results of performing Yagnas, Homaas and Vrataas.  The Maharshi emphasised to the Raakshasa that the recitation of the Sarasvata Vaishnava Mantra every day by observing celibacy and offering charity of sixteen vessels of Tila Seeds and water would definitely qualify access to Vishnu Loka at the termination of his or her life! The Maharshi further advised the Raakshasa that Devi Saraswati the Goddess of Learning and Knowledge who was prompted by Agni Deva sharpened the tip of his tongue to emerge a flow of the Vishnu Stotra. Accordingly, the Raakshasa recited the Saarasvata Mantra and attained Vishnu Loka!

Paapa Prashamana Stotra: Maharshi Pulastya quoted to Brahmarshi Narada the Sanctified Paapaprashamana Stotra as bestowed to the ensuing generations by Maheswara as follows:

Namastestu Jajannaanta Deva Deva Namostutey, Vaasudeva Namastestu Bahurupa Namostutey/ Ekashringa Namastubhyam Namastubhyam Vrishaakapey, Srinivasa Namastestu Namastey Bhuta Bhaavana/ Vishvaksena Namastubhyam Narayana Namostutey, Dhruvadhwaja Namastestu Satyadhwaja Namostutey/ Yagnadhwaja Namastubhyam Dharmadhwaja Namostutey, Taaladhwaja Namastestu Namastey Garudadhwaja/ Varenya Vishno Vaikuntha Namastey Purushotthama, Namo Jayanta Vijaya Jayaananta paraajita/ Krutaavarta Mahaavarta Mahadeva Namostutey, Anaadyaadyanta Madhyaanta Namastey Padmajapriya/ Puranjaya Namastubhyam Shatrunjaya Namostutey,Shubhanjaya Namastestu Namastestu Dhananjaya/ Srushthi garbha Namastubhyam Shuchishravah Pruthushravah, Namo Hiranya- garbhaaya Padmagarbhaaya tey Namah/ Namah Kamala Netraaya Kaalanetraaya tey Namah, Kamalanaabha Namastubhyam Mahaanaabha Namo Namah/ Vrushtimula Mahaamula Mulaavaasa Namostutey, Dharmaavaasa Jalaavaasa Shrinivaasa Namostutey/ Dharmaadhyaksha Prajaadhyaksha Lokaadhyaksha Namo namah, Senaadhyaksa Namastubhyam Kaalaadhyaksha Namostutey/ Gadaadhara Shrutidhara Chakradhaarin Shriyodhara, Vanamaalaa dhara Hbarey Namastey Dharanidhara/ Aarchishena Mahaasena Namastestu Purushthuta, Bahukalpa Mahaakalpa Namestey Kalpanaamukha/ Sarvaatman Sarvaga Vibho Virinchey Shweta Keshava, Neela Rakta Mahaa neela Aniruddha Namostutey/ Dwaashaatmaka Kaalaatman Saamaatman Paramaatmaka, Vyomakaatmaka Subrahman Bhutaatmaka Namostutey/ Harikesha Mahaakesha Gudaakesha Namostutey, Munjakesha Hrishikesha Sarvanaatha Namostutey/ Sukshma Sthula Mahaasthula Mahaasukshma Shubhankara, Sweta peetaambara dhara Neela vaasa Namostutey/ Kushoshaya Namastestu Padmeshaya Jaleshaya, Govinda Preetikartaa cha Hamsa Peetaambarapriya/ Adhokshaja Namastubhyam Seera dhwaja Janaardana, Vaamanaaya Namastestu Namastey Madhusudana/ Sahasra seershaaya Namo Brahmaseershaaya tey Namah, Namah Sahasra netraaya Soma Suryaanilekshana/ Namaschaatharva shirasey Mahaaseershaaya tey namah, Namastey Dharma netraaya Mahaanetraaya tey Namah/ Namah Saharsa paadaaya Sahasrabhujamanvaye, Namo Yagna Varaahaaya Mahaa Rupaaya tey Namah/Namastey Vishwa Devaaya Vishvaatman Vishwasambhava, Vishwa Rupa Namastestu twattho Vishwama bhudidam/               

Nyagrodhastwam Mahaashaakastham Mulakusumaarchitah, Skandha patraankara lataapallavaaya Namostutey/ Mulam tey Brahmanaa Brahman Skandastey Kshatriyaa Prabho, Vaishyaah Shaakhaa dalam Shudraa Vanaspatey Namostu tey/ Brahmanaah Saagnayo vaktraah Dordandaah Sayudhaan Nripaah, Paashvaad Vishacheru yugaajjaataah Shurascha Paadatah/ Netraad Bhaanurbhuta tubhyam Padbhyaam Bhuh Shotayordishaah, Naavbhaahya Bhudantirishah Shashaanko manas- tatwa/ Praanaada Vaayuhu Samabhavat Kaamaada Brahma pitaamahah, Kridhaat Trinayano Rudrah Sheershanyoh dhouh Samavartata/ Indraagni Vadanaat tubhyam pashavo Malasambhavaah, Aushadhyo roma sambhutaa viraajastwam Namostutey/ Pushpa haasa Namastestu Mahaahaas Namostu tey,  Omkaarastwam Vashatkaaro Voushat twam cha Swadhaa Sudhaa/ Swaahaakaara Namastubhyam Hantakaara Namostutey, Sarvaakaara Niraakaara Vedaakaara Namostutey/ Twam hi Vedamayo Devah Sarva Deva mayastathaa, Sarva Tirthamayaschaiva Sarva Yagna mayastathaa/

Namastey Yagna Purusha Hagna Bhaaga bhujey Namah, Namah Sahasra dhaaraaya Shatadhaaraaya tey namah/ Bhurbhuvaswah swarupaaya Godaayaamritamrita daayiney, Suvarna Brahmadaatrey cha Sarvba daatrey cha tey Namah/ Brahmeshaaya N amastubhyam Brahmaadey Brahmarupa dhruk, Parabrahma Namastestu Shabda Brahama Namostutey/ Vidyaastwam Vedya rupastwam Vedaneeyastwamevacha, Buddhistwamapi bodhyascha Bodhastwamcha Namostuey/ Hotaa Homascha Havyam cha Humamaanascha Havyavaat, Paataa Potaa cha Putascha Paavaneeyascha Namah/ Hantaacha Hanyamaanascha Hruyamaanastwamevacha, Harthaa Netaacha  Neetischa Pujyograyo Vishva dhaaryasi/ Struka struvou paradhaamaasi Kapaalo- lukha lorinah, Yagna paatraaraneyastwamekadhaa bahudhaa tridhaa/ Yagnastwam Yajamaana- stwameedyastwamasi Yaajakah, Jnaataa Jneyastathaa Jnaanam Dhyeyo Dhyaataasi cheswara/ Dhaanayogascha Yogeecha Gatirmoksho dhrutih sukham, Yogaangaani twameeshaanaha sarvagastwam Namostutey/ Brahmaa Hotaa tayodraataa Saama yupotha dakshinaa, Dekshaa twam twam Purodaashastwam Pashuh Pashumaahyasi/ Guhyo dhaataa cha paramah Shivo Naraayanastatha, Mahajano Nirayanah Sahasraarkendu rupavaan/ Dwaadashaarotha shannaabhis- trivyuuho dwiyugastathaa, Kalachakro Bhavaaneesho Namastey Purushottamah/ Paraakramo Vikramastwam Hayagreevo Hareeshwarah, Nareswarotha Brahmeshaha Suryeshastwam Namostutey/ Ashwa vaktro Mahaamedhaah Shambhuh Shakrah Prabhanjanah, Mitraavaruna murtistwama murtiranaghah parah/ Praagvamsha kaayo Bhutaadir mahaabhuto –chyuto Dwijah, Twamurthva kartaa Urdhwascha Urthwaretaa Namostutey/ Mahaapatakahaa twam cha Upapaatakahaa tathaa, Aneeshaha Sarvapaapebhyastwaamaham sharanam gatah/ Ityetat paramam stotram Sarva paapa pramochanam, Maheshwarena kathitam Vaaraanasyaam purey Muney/ Keshavasyaagrato gatwaa snaatwaa Tirthey sitodakey, Upashaantastathaa Jaato Rudrah paapavashaat tatah/ Etat Pavitram Tripuraghna bhaashitam pathan Naro Vishnuparo Maharshey, Vimukta paapo Khupashaanta murtih Sapujyatey Deva varaih prasiddhaaih/        

(My salutations to you Jagannaatha, Deva Deva, Vaasudeva, Ananta Rupadhara, Ekashringa, Vrishaakapi, Shrinivaasa, Bhutabhaavana, Vishvaksena, Narayana, Dhruvadhwaja, Satyadhwaja, Yagnadhwaja, Dharmadhwaja, Taaladhwaja, Garudadhwaja, Varenya, Vishnu, Vaikunthga, Purushottama, Jayanta, Vijaya, Jaya, Ananta,Paraajita, Kritaavarta, Mahaavarta, Maha Deva, Anaadi-Aadi-Anta-Vidyamaan, Madhyaanta, Padmajapriya, Puranjaya, Shatrunjaya, Shubhanjaya, Dhananjaya, Srushthigarbha, Shuchishravah (even by hearing a Stuti would purify the person concerned); Pruthushravah ( intently listens to the moanings of the needy devotees); Hiranyagarbha, Padmagarbha, Kamala netra, Kaala netra, Kaalanaabha, Mahaanaabha, Vrishtimula, Mahaa mula, Mulaavaasa, Dharmaavaasa, Jalaavaasa, Shrinivaasa, Dharmaadhyaksha, Prajaadhyaksha,Lokaadhyaksha, Senaadhyaksha, Kaalaadhyaksha, Gadaadhara, Shritidhara, Chakradhara, Sridhara, Vanamaali, Prithvidhara, Harey, Archishena, Mahaasena, Purustuta, Bahukalpa, Mahaakalpa, Kalpanaamukha, Sarvaatman, Sarvaga, Vibho, Virinchi, Shweta Keshava, Neela, Rakta, Mahaaneela, Aniruddha, Dwadashjaatmaka, Kaalaatma, Samaatma, Paramaatma, Subrahman, Bhutaatma, Harikesha, Mahaakesha, Gudaakesha, Munjakesha, Hrishikesha, Sarvanaatha, Sukshma, Sthula, Mahaasthula, Mahaa Sukshma, Shubhankara, Sweta Peetaambaradhara, Adhokshaja, Neelavaasa, Kushaashaana, Padmashayana, Jalashayana, Govinda, Preeti kartaa, Hamsa, Peetaambara priya, Seeradhwaja, Janaardana, Vaamana, Madhusudana, Sahasra sirsha, Brahma sirsha, Sahasra netra, Chandra Suryaagni netra, Atharvasirsha, Mahaa sirsha, Dharma netra, Mahaanetra, Sahasrapaada, Sahasra bhujaayukta, Sxahasra Yagna kartaa, Yagna Varaaha, Mahaarupa, Vishwa Deva, Viswaatma, Vishwa sambhava, Vishwarupa, Vishvyotpanna, Nyagrotha, Mahaashaakha, Mula Kusuma -archita, Skandha / Scrub - Patra-Ankura-Lataa-Pallava Swarupa, my reverential ‘pranaamas’ to you!  Parama Deva! As compared to a MahaVriksha or Huge Tree, Brahmana is your root; Kshatriya is your shoulder; Vaishya is your branch and Shudra is your leaf; Agni-Sahita Brahmana or with Fire-obeisance is your Mukha / Face; Sastra sahita Kshatriya is your hands; Viashya is your janghas or thighs; and Shudras are born of your feet; Surya was born of your eyes; Bhumi was created from your feet; Dishas or Directions were materialised from your ears; Antariksha or the entire Sky was formed from your navel; Moon was born of your mind; Vayu Deva was created from Paramatma’s breathing; Pitamaha Brahma emerged from your desire; Trinetra Rudra was formed out of your anger and the Trilokaas were produced from your head; Indra and Agni surfaced from his countenance, Pashus or the Animal-Bird-Reptile and similar species came out of your excreta and Auoshadhis were formulated from your ‘Romas’ body- hairs! My sincere greetings to you Viraaja, Pushpahaasa, Mahaahaasa, Omkara Swarupa, Vashatkaara, Aoushat, Swadhaa Swarupa, Sudhaa Swarupa, Swaahaa Swarupa, Hantakaara, Sarvaakara, Niraakaara, Vedaakaara, Vedamaya Deva, Sarva Deva maya, Sarva Tirtha maya and Sarva Yagnamaya! You are Yagnabhaaga Bhokta, Sahasradhaara, Shatadhaara, Bhur-Bhuvah- Swah Swarupa, Godaata, Amrita daataa, Suvarna, Brahma the Creator and the Preserver; Brahmasha, Brahmaadi, Brahmarupa dhaarina, Para Brahma, Shabda Brahma, Vidya, Vedya Rupa, Buddhi-Bodhya-Bodha Rupa; You are the Hota-Homa-Havya-Huyamaana Dravya- Havyavat; Paataa- Potaa-Puta-Pavaneeya Omkaara! You are Hanta- Hantamaana- Hriyamaana- Hartaa- Neta- Neeti-Pujya-Sreshtha and Samsaara Dhaarana Swarupa. Devadhideva! You are Shukra, Struva, Paradhaama, Kapaali, Ulukhala, Arani, Yajnapaatra, Aaraneya, Ekadhaa, Tridhaa, and Bahudha. You are the Yagna and Yajamaana alike; the Stutya and yhaajaka; You are the Jnaataa-Jeya-Jnaana-Dheya-Dhyata and Dhyana; the Dhyanayoga, Yogi, Gati, Moksha, Dhruti, Sukha, Yogaanga, Ishaana and Sarvaga! You are Brahma, Hota, Udraataa, Saama, Upa, Dakshina and Diksha; You are Purodasha, Pashu, Pashuvaahi, Guhya, Dhaata, Parama, Shiva, Narayana, Mahajana, Niraashraya, and Sahasra Surya-Chandra Samaana Swarupa! You constitute the Kalachakra or the Wheel of Time, comprising twelve ‘Araas’ or compartments, six naabhis, three Vyuhaas, and two Yugas and the cart-drivers viz. Isha and Purushottama. You are the Parakrama, Vikrama, Hayagriva, Harishwara, Nareshwara, Brahmesha, and Suryoshwara. You are Ashwa vaktra, Mahamedha, Shambhu, Shakra, Prabhanjana, Mitraavaruna Murti, Amurti,  Nishpaapa, Shreshta, Praagvamshakaaya or Mula Purusha, Bhutaadi, Mahaa Bhuta, Achyta, Dwija, Urthva kartaa, Urthva, Urthwaretaa, Maha Pataka Vinaasha, Upapaataka nashaka; Paapopari Nirlipta, Devaadhi Deva! I am in your safety zone seeking your protection!

That was the Maha Stotra rendered by Maheshwara himself at the Maha Punya Kshetra of Varanaasi as he bathed in the Sacred Ganga. Whosoever recites this Maha Stuti with ‘Bhahyaantara Shuchi’ or of External and Internal Cleanliness would accomplish Vishnu Loka, and be eligible of worship by Devas even!)

Paapa Prashamana Stotra by Agastya Muni: Having rendered Paapa Prashamana Stotra blessed by Maha Deva himself as above, Maharshi Pulastya gave another Stotra to Bramhmarshi Narada as recited by Agastya Maha Muni as follows: [ Great care has been taken in this Agastya’s Stuti to firm up the Identity of Shiva and Vishnu].

Matsyam Namasye Devesham Kurmam Govindameyvacha, Haya seersham Namasyeham Bhavam Vishnum Trivikramam/ Namasye Maadhaveshaanou Hrishikeshakumaarinou, Narayanam Namasyeham Namasye Garudaasanam/ Urthwakesham Nrisimham cha Rupadhaaram Kurudhwajam, Kaama paala makhandam cha Namnasye Brahmana priyam/ Ajitam Vishwa karmaanam Pundareekam Dwijapriyam, Hamsam Shambhum, Namasyecha Brahmaanam Suprajaapatim/ Namasye Shula baahum cha Devam Chakradharam tathaa, Shivam Vishnum Suvarnaaksham Gopatim Peetavaasasam/ Namasyecha Gadaapaanim Namasyecha Kushoshayam, Artha Naareeswaram Devam Namasye Paapanaashanam/ Gopaalam cha Savaikuntham Namasye chaaparaajitam, Namasye Vishva Rupam cha Sougandhim Saravadaa Shivam/ Paanchaalikam Hayagreevam Swayambhuva Maheshwaram, Namasye Pundareekaaksham cha Payogandhim cha Keshavam/Avimuktamcha Lolamcha Jyeshthesham Madhyamam tathaa, Upashantam Namasyeham Markandeyam Sajambukam/ Namasye Padma kiranam Namasye Vadavaamukham, Kaartikeyam Namasyeham Braahmeekam Shikhinam tathaa/ Namasye Sthaanumanagham Namasya Vanamaalinam, Namasye Longaleesham cha Namasyeham Shriyah Patim/ Namasyecha Trinayanam Namasye Havya vaahanam, Namasyecha Trisouvarnam Namasye Dharaneedharam/ Trinaachiketam Brahmesham Namasye Shashibhushanam, Kapardinam Namasyecha Sarvaamaya vinaashanam/ Namsye Shashinam Suryam Dhruvam Roudram Mahowjasam, Padmanaabham Hiranyaaksham Namasye Skandamavyayam/ Namasye Bhima Hamsou cha Namasye Haatakeshwaram, Sadaa Hamsam Namasyecha Namasye Praana tarpanam/ Namasye Rukma Kavacham Mahaa Yogi- nameeshwaram, Namasya Shrinivaasam cha Namsye Purushotthamam/ Namasyecha Chatur –baahum Namasye Vasudhaadhipam, Namasye Sarvamanagham Goureeshwaram Nakuleeshwaram/ Manoharam Krishna kesham Namasya Chakrapaaninam, Yashodharam Mahabaahum Namasye cha Kushapriyam/ Bhudharam chaadhita Gadam Sunetram Shula Shaankhinam, Bhadraaksham Veerabhadram cha Namasye Shankhakarnikam/ Vrishadhwajam Mahewsham cha Vishwamitram Shashiprabham, Upendram chaiva Govindam Namasye Pankaja –Priyam/ Sahasrashirasam Devam Namasye Kundamaalinam, Kaalaagnim Rudra Devesham Namasye Krittivaasasam/ Namasye Chaagalesham cha Namasye Pankajaasanam, Sahasraaksham Kokanadam Namasya Harishankaram/ Agastyam Garudam Vishnum Kapilam  Brahmavaadyamayam, Sanaatanamcha Brahmaanam Namesye Brahmatatparam/ Apratarkyam Chaturbaahum Sahasraamshum Tapomayam, Namasye Dharmaraajanam Devam Garuda Vaahanam/ Sarva Bhutagatam Shaantam Nirmalam Sarvalakshanam, Mahaayoginamavyaktam Namasye Paapa naashanam/ Niranjanam Niraakaaram Nirgunam Nirmalam padam, Namasye Paapa hantaaram Sharanam Sharam Vrajey/ Etat avitram Paramam Puraanam proktam twagastyena Maharshinaacha, Dhanyan Yashasyam Bahupaapa naashanam Samkeertanaat Smaranaat Samshravaaccha/ (My salutations to Govinda Bhagavan who had assumed the Matsya and Kurmaavataaraas! My greetings to Hayasirsha, Hrishikesha, Kumara Deva, Narayana, Garudaasana, Urthwakesha, Nrisimha Rupa, Kurudhwaja, Kaamapaala, Akhanda, Brahmaadi Deva Priya, Brahmana Priya, Ajita, Vishwakarma, Pundarika, DwijaPriya, Hamsa, Shambhu, Prajapati Sahita Brahma, Shula Baahu, Chakradhara deva, Shiva, Vishnu,  Suvarnaaksha, Gopati, Peetavaasa, Gadaadhara, Kusheshayana, Paapa naashaka, Arthaneereshwara, Vaikuntha sahita Gopala, Aparaajita, Vishwarupa, Sougandhi, Saadaashiva, Paanchaalika, Hayagriva, Swayambhuva, Amareshwara, Pushkaraaksha, Payogandhi, Keshava, Avimukta, Lola, Jyeshthesha, Madhyama, Upashaanta, Jambuka sahita Madkandeya, Padmakirana, Badabaamukha, Kartikeka, Braahmeeka, Shikhi, Sthaanu, Anagha, Vanamaali, Laangaleesha, Lakshmipati, Trinetra, Havyavaahana, Trisouvarna, Dharanidhara, Trinaachiketa, Brahmesha, Sashibhushana, Sarva roga haari, Kapardi Bhagavan, Chandra, Surya, Dhurva, Ojaswi, Rudra Bhagavan, Padmanaabha, Hiranyaaksha, Avyaya, Skanda, Bhima, Hamsa, Haatakeshwara, Sadaahamsa, Tripta kaarana, Rukma Kavacha, Maha Yogi, Ishwara, Purushottama, Shri Nivaasa, Chaturbhuja dhara, Prithivipati, Pashupati, Ayaya, Shri Kantha, Vaasudeva, Danda sahita Nilakantha, Sarva, Anagha, Girisha, Nakuleshvara, Krishna kesha, Chakrapaani, Yashodhaari, Mahabaahu, Kusha Priya, Bhudhara, Kshaaditagada, Sunetra, Shulashankhi, Bhadraaksha, Virabhadra, Shankhakarnika, Vrisha dhwaja, Mahesha, Vishvaamitra, Shashi prabha, Upendra, Govinda, Pankaja priya, Sahasra sirsha, Kundaamaali, Kaalaagni, Rudra Deva, Kritthavaasa, C haagalesha, Pankajaasana, Sahasraaksha, Kokanada, Harishankara, Agastya, Garuda, Vishnu, Kapila, Brahma Vaangmayam, Sanaatana, Brahma, Brahma Tatpara, Anumaanswra Pare! Chaturbhuja, Devadi Deva, Sahasraamshu,Tapo Murti, Dharma Raja, Garusdavaahana, Vyaapta, Shanta Swarupa, Nirmala, Samasta Lakshana Yukta, Mahaayodgi, Avyakta, aapa Naashaka, Niranjana, N iraakaara, Gunarahita, Nirmala pada Swarupa, Paapa Naashaka, Sharanaa gata Rakshaka)! Maharshi Agastya underlined that the Kathana-Smarana- Shravana of the Stuti would demolish the huge stock of Paapaas and bestow health, prosperity, fame and all-round success).

21     Vamana Deva leaves Rasaatala for Brahma Loka and Brahma’s worship to Vishnu

After suppressing Bali Chakravarti and restricting him only to the Pataala Lokaas and reinstating Indra and all other Devas to their erstwhile positions, a highly pleased Bhagavan Vishnu discarded his Vamana Swarupa and flew to Brahmaloka by his Garuda Vaahana. As Brahma desired Vishnu to display his Virat Swarupa measuring ten thousand yojanas of elevation and an equal width, Brahma was overjoyed and could not but break into ecstasy and acclaimed the Virat Purusha as follows:  Om Namastey Devadhi Deva Vaasudeva Eka shringa Bahurupa Vrishaakapey Bhuta bhaavana Suraasura vrisha Suraasura Mathana Peetavaasah Srinivaasa Asuranirmitaanta Amita nirmita Kapila Mahaakapilka Vishvaksena Naraayana/ Dhruvadhwaja Satyadhwaja Khadgadhwaja Taaladhwaja Vaikuntha Purushottama Varenya Vishno Aparaajita Jaya Jayanta Vijaya Kritaavarta Mahaadeva Anaadey Ananta Aadyaanta madhya nidhana Puranjaya Dhanaanjaya Shuchishrava Prushnigarbha/ Kamala garbha Kamalaalayataaksha Shripatey Vishnu mula Mulaadhivaasa Dharmaadhivaasa Dharmavaasa Dharmaadhyaksha Prajaadhyaksha Gadaadhara Shridhara Shrutidhara Vanamaalaadhara Lakshmidhara Dharanidhara Padmanaabha/ Virinchey Aarshtishena Mahaasena Senaadhyasha Purushtuta Bahukalpa Mahaakalpa Kalpanaamukha Aniruddha Sarvaga Sarvaatman Dwadashaatmaka Suryaatmaka Somaatmaka Kaalaatmaka Vyomaatmaka Bhutaatmaka/ Rasaatmaka Paramatman Sanaatana Munjakesha Harikesha Gudaakesha Keshava Nila Sukshma Sthula Peetha Rakta Shweta Shwetaadhivaasa Raktaambara Priya Preetikara Preetivaasa Hamsa Nilavaasa Seera -dhwaja Sarvalokaadhivaasa/ Kushoshaya Adhokshaja Govinda Janaardana Madhusudana Vamana namastey/ Sahasra sheershosi Sahasradrugasi Sahasra paadosi twam Kamalosi Mahaa Purushosi Sahasra Baahurasi Sasramurtirasi twaam Devaah Praahum Sahasra Vadanam tey Namastey/Om Namastey Vishwadevesha Vishwabhuh Vishwaatmaka Vishwarupa Vishwa sambhava twatto Vishwamidam bhavad Brahmaanaastwan mukhebhyobhavan Kshatriyaa doh Sambhutaah Urugmaad Vishobhaan Shudraascharana Kamalebhyah/ Naabhyaa Bhavatonta- rikshamajaayata Indraagni Vakrato netraad bhaanurabhunmanasah Shashaankah Aham Prasaadajastwa krodhaat Traimbakah Praanaajjaato bhavato maatarishvaa Shiraso dyuora –jaayata netraadi disho bhuriyam charanaadbhuta Shrotrodbhavaa disho bhavatah Swayambho Nakshatraasteyjodbhavaah/Murtayaschaaamrutayascha Sarvey twattaha Samudbhutaah/ Ato Vishwaatmakosi Om Namastey Pushpahaasosi Mahaahaasosi paramosi Omkaarosi Vashatkaa -rosi Swaahaakaarosi Aoushatkaarosi Swadhaakaarosi Vedamayosi Tirthamayosi Yajamaana mayosi/ Yajnamamayosi Sarvbadhaataasi Yagnabhoktaasi Shukradhaataasi Bhurda Bhuvarda Swarda Swarnada goda Amritadoseeti/ Om Brahmaadirasi Brahmamayosi Yajnosi Vedakaamosi Vedyosi Yajna dhaarosi Mahaameenosi Mahaasevaasi MahaashiraaAsi/ Nrukesaryasi Hotaasi Homyosi Havyosi Huyamaanosi Hayamedhosi Potaasi Paayayitaasi Putosi Pujyosi Daataasi Hanyamaanosi Hriyamaanosi Hartyaaseeti Om/ Neetarasi Netaasi Agneyaasi Vishwathaamaasi Shrumbhadosi Dhruvosi Aaraneyosi/  Dhyaanosi Dhyeyosi Sheyosi Jnaanosi Yashtaasi Daanosi Bhumaasi Yeekshesi Brahmaasi Hotaasi Udgaataasi Gatimataam Gatirasi Jnaaninaam Jnaanamasi Yoginaam Yogosi Mokshigaaminaam Mokshosi Shreemataam Shrirasi Guhyosi Paataasi Paramasi/ Somesi Suryosi Deekshaasi Dakshinaasi Narosi Trinayanosi Mahaanayanosi Aditya prabhavosi Surotthamosi Shuchirasi Shukrosi Nabhosi Nabhasyosi Ishtosi Urjosi Sahosi Sahasyosi Taposi Tapasyosi Madhurasi/Maadhavosi Kaalosi Sankramosi Vikramosi Paraakramosi Ashyagreevosi Mahaamedhosi Shankarosi Hreeshwarosi Shambhurasi Brahmeyshosi Suryosi Mitraavarunosi Praagvamshakaayosi Bhutaadirasi Mahaabhutesi Urthwakarmaasi Kartaasi Sarvapaapa vimochanaasi Trivikramosi Om Namastey/ ( Om Namastey Devaadhideva, Vaasudeva, Ekashringa, Bahurupa, Vrishaakapey, Bhutabhaavana, Suraasura Sreshtha, Devaasura mathana kaara Peetavastra dhaari, Srinivasa, Asuranirmitaanta, Amita nirmita, Kapila, Mahaa Kapila, Vishvaksena, Narayana, Dhruvadhwaja, Satyadhwaja, Khadgadhwaja, Taala Dhwaja, Vaikuntha, Prushottama, Varenya, Vishno, Aparaajita, Jaya, Jayanta, Vijaya,Krutaavarta, Mahadeva, Anaadey, Ananta, Aadyanta, Madhyanidhana, Puranjaya, Dhananjaya, Shuchisrava, Prushnigarbha, Kamalagarbha, Kamalaayataaksha, Shripatey, Vishnu mula, Mulaadhivaasa, Dharmaadhivaasa, Dharmavaasa, Dharmaadhyaksha, Prajaadhyaksha, Gadaadhara, Shridhara, Shrutidhara, Vanamaalaadhara, Lakshmidhara, Dharanidhara, Padmanaabha, Virinchey, Aashtishena, Mahasena, Senaadhyaksha, Purushtuta, Bahukalpa, Mahakalpa, Kalpanaamukha, Aniduddha,Sarvaga, Sarvaatman, Dwadashaatmaka, Suryaatmaka, Somaatmaka, Kaalaatmaka, Vyomaatmaka, Bhutaatmaka, Rasaatmaka, Paramaatman, Sanaatana, Munjakesha, Harikesha Gudaakesha, Keshava, Nila, Sthula, Sukshma, Peeta, Rakta, Shweta, Shwetaadhivaasa, Raktaambarapriya, Prretikara, Preetivaasa, Hamsda, Nilavaasa, Seeradhwaja, Sarvalokaadhivaasa, Kusheshaya, Adokshaja, Govinda, Janaardana, Madhusudana, Vaamana, Sahsraseersha, Sahasranetra, Sahasrapaad, Kamala, Maha Purusha, Sahasrabaahu, Sahasra Murti, Sahasravadana as addressed by Devas, Om Vishwadevesha, Vishwabhu, Vishyatmaka, Vishwarupa, Vishwa Sambhava, Vishvotpannakaari! From your face were born Brahmanas, Kshatriyas from your hands, Vaishyas from both of your thighs, Sudraas from your feet. Swayambho! Fron your navel emerged Antariksha or Sky, from your face came Agni and Indra, Surya from your eyes, Chandra from your mind, Brahma from your self Bhagavan! Fromm your anger appeared Trinetra Shankara, Vayu Deva from your life / existence, from your head was materialised Swargaloka, Dishaas or Directions from your ears, the Stars from your brightness, and the entire Murta or Amurta ( Seen and Unseen) Beings were created by You Vishwaatmaka! You are Pushpahaasa, Mahaa haasa,,Parama, Omkaara, Vashat –kaara, Swaahaakaara, Aoushatkaara,Swadhaa kaara,Veda maya, Tirthamaya, Yajamaanamaya, Yajnamaya, Sarvadhaata, Yajna bhoktaa, Shukradaataa, Bhurda, Bhuvarda, Swarda, Swarnada, Goda, Amritada; Om You are Brahmaadi, Brahmamaya, Yajna, Vedakaama, Vedya, Yajnadhara, Mahaa Meena, Mahaa sena, Mahaa Shira, Nrukesari, Hota, Homya, Havya, Huyamaana, Hayamedha, Potaa, Paavayitaa,  Puta, Pujya, daataa, Hanyamaana, Hriyamaana and Hartaa! You are Niti, Netaa, Agnya, Vishwadhaama, Shubhaanda, Dhruva, Aaraneya, Dhyaana, Dhyeya, Jneya, Jnaana, Yashtaa, Daana, Bhumaa, Ikshya, Braham, Hota, Udgaataa, Gati for Gatimaanaas, Jnaana for  Jneyaas, Yoga for  Yogis, Moksha to Mokshagamis, Shri to Shrimans, Guhya, Paataa and Parama. You are Soma, Surya, Deekshaa, Dakshina, Nara,Trinayana, Mahaanayana, Adityaprabhava, Surottama, Shuchi, Shukra, Nabha, Nabhasya, Isha, Urja, Saha, Sahasya, Tapa, Tapasya, Madhu , Madhava, kaala, Sankrama, Vikrama, Paraakrama, Ashyagreeva, Mahameda, Shankara, Harishwara, Shambh, Brahmesha, Surya, Mitraavaruna, Praagvamshakaaya, Bhutaadi, Mahaabhuta, Urthwakarmaa, Kartaa, Sarva PaapaVimochana, and Om Trivikrama)! As Vishnu Deva was pleased by the ‘Stuti’ of Brahma Deva, the formed asked Brahma to bless him with a boon and Brahma desired that Vishnu should reside in Brahmaloka in the Swarupa of Brihad Vamana and as Vishnu bestowed the boon, there had been daily worships to Vamana Deva, enjoined by all the Devas, while Apsaras danced with ecstasy, Gandharvas praised the Vamana Deva with soulful and tuneful hymns, Vidyadharaas played memorable instrumental extravaganzas, and Asuras and Siddhas displayed group sessions of frenzied singings!

22     Bali Daanava in Patala Lokas and worship to Maha Vamana

(Sudarshana Stuti and Prahlada’s preaching to King Bali included)

                                                                                                                                                     

As Vamana Deva who occupied the totality of the Universe pursuant to the illustrious charity of mere Three Feet by Bali Chakravarti, Maha Vamana Murti bestowed the boon of long life to King Bali to administer the Sapta Lokas beneath the Bhumi and Oceans viz. Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talaatala, Mahatala, Rasaatala and Paataalas. As Vishvakarma constructed a luxurious palace and  Bilwa Swarga of the Underworld with no comforts and desires unfulfilled, the cozy life to the hilt, Bali was fully contented with his family and Praja. One day suddenly, the Sudarshana Chakra of Vaikuntha made its appearance and King Bali prostrated before the Chakra and reverentially prayed to it as follows: Namasyaami Hareshchakram Daityachakra vidaaranam, Sahasaamshum Sdahasrtaabham Sahasraaram Sunirmalam/ Namasyaami Hareshchakram yasya naabhyaam Pitaamahah,  Tundey Trishula dhruk Sharva Aaraamuley Mahaadrayah/ Aareshu smamstitaa Devaah Sendraah Saarkaah Sapaavakaah, Javey yasya sthito Vaayuraapognih Prithivi nabhah/ Aarapraateshu Jeemutaah Soudaaminuruksha taarakaah, Baahyato Muniyo yasya Baalakhilyaadayashathaa/ Tamaayudhavaram Vandey Vaasudevasya Bhaktitah, Yaney Paapam Sharirottham Vaagjam Manasamevacha/ Tanmey dahaswa Deeptaamsho Vishnoschakra Sudarshana, Yanmo Kulodbhavam Paapam Paitrukam Maatrukam tathaa/ Tanmey Haraswa gtarasaa Namastey Achutaayudha, Aadhayo mama nashyantu Vyaadhayo hyaantui Samkshayam/ Iktevamuktwaa matimaan Samabhyacchaartha B haktitah, Samsmafran Pundareekaasham Sarva Paapa pranaashanam/ Pujitam Balinaa Chakram krutwaa Nistejasosuraan, Nischakraamaatha Paataalaad vishuvey Dakshiney Muney/ Sudarshaney nirgatey tu Balirviklabvataam gatah, Paramaapadam praapya sasmaara Swa Pitaamaham/ (My salutations to Vishnu Sudarshana Chakra which smashes the multitudes of Daitya enemies by its endless and most powerful sparkles of extraordinay rays with thousands of spokes and compartments within. I pray most reverentially to the Chakra in whose axis exists Brahma, its periphery resides Trishladhaari Maha Deva, spoke-ends are embellished with mammoth Mountains, inside the compartments are Indra, Surya, Agni, and other Devaas, its speed and velocity likened toVayu Deva, and its other inhabitants are Varuna, Agni, Bhumi, and Akaasha; its compartment ends are clouds, Vidyut or Electricity, Nakshatraas, etc and in the peripherry of the Chakra Bakakhilyas and Munis. May the Chakra destroy greatest sins of the devotees on account of  physical, vocal, and antarika or mind-born blemishes; may the Chakra punch and blow the sins of Vamsa Vaasis of the present and  previous generations! As Bali extolled the Chakra and  visioned it  travelling away southwards, he wondered as to what was the need for its visit to the Bilwa Swarga, prayed to Bhagavan Vamana and remembered his grand father to ascertain the forebodings of the surprise appearance of the Sudarshana). Bhakta Prahlada met the King at once and congratulated Bali at the timely, prognostic and propitious appearance of Sudarshan to remind him and his ‘Praja’ about the need and urgency for worshipping Bhagavan Vishnu and his incarntion as Vamana Deva!

Prahlaada’s exhortation to King Bali and his Subjects: Prahlada addressed the King and through him his entire population of Pataala Lokas as follows: Bhavajaladhigataanaam Dwandwavaataa hataanaam Suta duhitru kalatra traana bhaaraarditaanaam, Vishamavishayatoye Majjataama -plavaanaam bhavati sharanameko Vishnupoto Naraayaam/ Ye samshritaa Harimanantamanaadi –madhyam Naaraayanam Suragurum Shubhadam Varenyam, Shuddham Khagendragamanam Kamalaalyesham tey Dharmaraaja karanam na vishanti Dheeraah/ Swapurushamabhiveekshya Paashahastam, Vadati Yamah kila tasya karnamuley, Parihara Madhusudana prapannaan Prabhurahamanya nrunaam na Vaishnavaanaam/ Tathaanyaduttam Narasattamena Ikshvaakunaa Bhaktiyutena nyunam, Ye Vishnu Bhaktaah Purushaah Pruthivyaam Yamasya tey nirvishayaa bhavanti/ Saa jihvaa yaa Harim stutoti tacchhit yattadarpitam, Taaveva kevalam Shlaaghyou yow tatpujaakraou Karou/ Nunam na tou karou proktou Vriksha shaakaagrapallavou, Na yow Pujayatum shaktou Haripaadaambuja dwayam/ Nyunam tat kantha shaalookamathavaa prati jihvakaa, Rogovaanyo na saa jihvaa yaana vakti Hareygunaan/ Shochaniyam sabandhu -naam Jeevannapi mruto Narah, Yah Paada pankajam Vishnorna pujayati Bhaktitah/ Ye Naraa Vaasudevasya satatampujaney rataah, Mritaa api na shocchastey Satyam Satyam mayoditam/ Shareeram Maanasam Vaagjam Mritaamurtam charaacharam, Drushyam sprushyamadrushyam cha tatsarvam Keshavaatmakam/ Ye naarchitohi Bhgavaan Chaturthaa vai Trivikramah, Tenaarchitaa na samdeho Lokaah saamara daanavaah/ Yathaa ratnaani jaladhera samkhye –yaani putraka, Tathaa gunaa hi Devasya twasamkhyataastu Chakrinah/ Ye Shankha Chakra -abjakaram sa Shaaranginam Khagendra ketum Varadam  Shriyah Patim, Samaashrayantey Bhavabheeti naashanam Samsaaragartena patanti tey punah/ Yeshaam Manasi Govindo Nivaasi Satatam Baley, Na tey paribhavam  yaanti  na Mrutyoruddijanti cha/ Devam shaarangadharam Vishnum  ye praopannah paraayanam, Na teshaam Yamasaalokyam na cha tey Naakoukasah/  Na taam gatim praapruvanti Shruti Shastra Vishaaradaah, Vipraa Daanava shaardula Vishnu Bhaktaa vrajaanti yaam/Yaa Gatirdaithya shaardula hataanaam tu Mahaahavey, Tatodhikaam gatim yaanti Vishnu bhaktaa Narotthamaah/ Yaa Gatirdharma sheelaanaam Saathvikaanaam Mahaatmanaam, Saa Gatirditaa Daitya Bhagavatsevinaamapi/ Sarvaavaasam Vaasudevam Sukshmamavyakta Vigraham, Pravishaanti Mahaatmaanam tad Bhaktaa naanyachetasah/  Ananya manaso Bhakatyaa ye Namasyaanti Keshavam, Shuchayastey Mahaatmaanasteertha bhutaa Bhavanti tey/ Gacchhan tishthan swapancha jaagrut pibannashwanna bheekshanashah, Dhyaanam Naraayanam yastu na tonyosti Punya bhaak, Vaikuntham khadga parashum bhava- bandhasamucchidam/Pranipatya Yathaanyaayam Samsaarey na punarbhavet, Kshetreshu vasatey nithyam kreedaannaasteymita dyutih/ Aaseenah Sarvadeheshu Karmabhirna sa badhyatey, Yeshaam Vishnum Priyo nityam  tey Vishnoh Satatam Priyaah/ Na tey punah sambhavanti tad Bhaktaastatparaayanaah, Dhyaayed Damodaram yastu Bhakti namrorchayet vaa/ Na sa Samsaara pankesmin majjatey Daanaveshwara, Kalyamutthaaya ye Bhaktyaa smaranti Madhusudanam, Stuvantyapyabhi shrunvanti Durgaanyati taranti tey/ Yeshaam Chakra gadaa paanou Bhaktiravyabhichaarini, Tey Yaanti Niyatam sthaanam yatra Yogeshwaro Harih/ Vishnu karma prasaktaanaa \Bhaktaanaam yaa paraagatih, Saa tu Janma sahastrena na tapobhiravyaapyatey/ Kimjapyestasya Mantrarvaa kim Tapobhih kimaashramaih, Yasya naasti  paraa bhaktih satatam Madhusudaney/ Vrithaa Yagnaa Vrithaa Vedaa Vrithaa daanam vrithaa shrutam, Vrithaa Tapascha Keertischa yo dweshti Madhusudanam/ Kim tasya bahubhir mantrair bhaktiryasya Janardaney, Namo Naraayaneti mantrah  sarvaarthta saadhakah/ Vishnureva gatiryeshaam krutasteshaam paraajayah, Yeshaamindeevara shyaamo hridayastho Janardanah/ Sarva maangala maangalyam Varenyam Varadam Prabhum, Naraayana Namaskrutya Sarva karmaani kaarayet/ Vishtayo vyatipaataascha ye nanye durneeti sambhavaah,  tey naama smaranaad Vishno naasham yaanti Mahaasura/ Tirtha koti sahastraani Tirtha Kotishataanicha, Naraayana pramaanasya kalaam naarhanti shodasheem/ Prithivyaam yaani Tirthaani Punyaanyaya tanaani cha, Taani Sarvaanavaapnoti Vishnor naamaanu kirtanaat/ Praapnuvanti na taamllokaan vratino vaa Tapaswinah, Praapyantey ye tu Krishnasya Namaskaara parairnareyh/ Yopyanya Devaataa bhakto Midhyaarchayati Keshavam, Sopi gacchati Saadhunaam sthaanam Punyakritaam mahat/ Saatatyena Hrishikesham puja itwaa tu Sumedhasah, Tey labhyantupavaasasya phalam naasyantra samshayah/ Satatam Shastra drushtena karmanaa Harimarchaya, Tatprasaadaat Paraam Siddhim Baley Praapsyasi shaashvatim/  Tanmanaabhava tadbhaktastadhyaaji tam Namaskuru,Tamevaashritya Devesham Sukham Praapyasi Putraka/ Aadyam hyanantamajaram Harimavyayam cha  ye vai smarantya harahanruvaraa Bhuvisthaah, Sarvatragam Shubhadam Brahma mayam puraanam tey yaanti  Vaishnavapadam dhruvamakshayancha/ Ye Maanavaa Vigataraaga paraaparagjnaa Naraayanam Suragurum satatam smaranti, Tey Dhouta paanduraputaa iva Raaja hamsaah Samsaara Saagara jalas ya taranti paaram/ Dhyaayanti ye satatam achyutameeshitaaram  Nishkalmasham Pravara Padma dalaayataaksham, Dhyaanena tena hata kilimbasha Veda naastey Maatuh Payodhara rasam na punah pibanti/ Ye Kirtayanti Varadam Vara Padma –naabham Shankaabja chakra vara chaapa gadaa si hastam, Padmaalayaavadana Pankaja shatpadaakhyam nyunam praayanti  sadanam  Madhughaatinastey/ Shrunvanti ye Bhaktiparaa Manushyaah Samkeertyamaanam Bhagavantamaadyam, Tey Mukta paapaah sukhino bhavanti yathaamruta praashana tarpitaastu/ Tasmaad Dhyaanam smaranam keertanam vaa Namnaam Shravanam pathataam Sajjanaanaam, Kaaryam Vishnoh Shraddhaanairmanushyaih Pujaatulyam tat Prashamsanti Devaah/ Baahyaaistathaantah Karanairaviklavairyo  naarchayet Keshavameeshitaaram, Pushpaischa Patrairjala pallavaadhibhi nyunam sa mushto Vidhitaskarena/ ( Danava Sreshtha! To those persons who are all drawn into the depths of Samsara Samudra, buffeted by mighty and cruel winds of perils at every mode of life carrying the heavy loads of wife, children and dependents and exposed to daily hazards and threats, the only support and relief is the Unique Ship of Vishnu Bhagavan! He is devoid of a beginning, midway or termination providing auspicious encouragement to one and all who would approach him with faith ad devotion. He is an epitome of benevolence and compassion, the Prime Source of Magnanimity and Radiance, Garuda vaahana, Lakshmikanta, Pavitra, Deva Guru, Narayana and the Ultimate Point of Refuge far above the Rule of Yama Dharma Raja, who swears that he is the Administrator of all Beings but certainly not for Vaishnava Bhaktaas! Also, the God of Death confirms that those tongues which extol Hari, those sincere hearts which are absorbed in the meditation of Shri Hari, and those hands which are engaged in performing worship to Hari are never in the purview of Dharma Raja! Those hands which are devoid of worship of Hari are as good as handless likened to useless and dried up leaves of a tree and those  ‘jihvas’ without describing and cherishing the enormous quailities of Hari are just guttural gruffs like the dead wood trunk of a desiccated tree! Those who are not engaged in Hari Seva are as good as dead and those who are committed to the devotion are alive even if dead and continue to be celebrities! For,  the totality of physical, mental, psychological and action- reaction impulses are all Vishnu Swarupas; and the Jangama- Sthaavara- Drushya- Sprushya- Murta and Amurta Elements are all indeed of Vishnu Swarupas! Those Suraasura / Manavas who are devoted to Trivikrama Bhagavan in all the four ways of Stuti-Dhyana- Puja and Manana would have performed worship to the whole Universe. There are as many unaccountable ‘Rathnaas’ (jewels) in the depths of Oceans as the Parama gunaas and Rupaas or the countless features and forms of Narayana Bhagavan! But to anchor one’s imagination about that Supreme Being, one could conjecture that the Virat Swarupa of Maha Vamana possesses Shankha, Chakra, Kamala and Sharanga Dhanush in his four arms and is also Garudadhwaja, Bhava Bheeti Vinashaka or the Destroyer of all fears and troubles, Varada or the Provider of boons, Lakshmi Pati and the Saviour of Deep Troubles. Those who keeps Govinda in his heart and Soul is never rejected in life nor is haunted by Mrityu and  even experience Naraka. Brahmanas who are well versed with Vedas and Shastras are not recognised as well as Vishnu Bhaktaas; similarly persons who die in battles and become eligible to Veera Swarga are not superior to Vishnu Bhaktaas. Those who are proven Mahatmas of extraordinary piety and virtue are indeed not rated better than Vishnu Bhaktaas! In fact such Bhaktas get readily absorbed into the Physique of Sarvavaasa, Sukshma, Avyakta, Ananta, Tirtha Swarupa Vaasudeva! There is no parallel to a person who takes the name and fame of Govinda while walking, standing, sitting, sleeping, eating and awake who is esteemed superior to any body else! As one worships in the prescribed manner that Vaikuntha Deva, he or she would indeed accomplish Moksha and would not be subject to rebirth! Even being in Samsaara, a typical Krishna Bhakta is not greatly influneced in his normal profession, since he or she is completely in love with  Bhagavan and vice-versa. Those who wake up in the morning and surrender to Narayana every day  and keeps the consciousness aligned to the latter is indeed unaffected by mundane affairs or Samsara bandhanaas. As the Bhakta is fully dedicated to Chakra-Gadaadhaari Govinda, that person would indeed carve a niche far ahead of Yogeshwaras for thousand previous lives. Why should persons waste precious time of their lives with Yagnas, Vedas, daanaas, jnaana, Tapas and Kirti! Why should one learn so many Mantras and  clutter their minds with mental confusion instead of merely reciting the simplest and unique Maha Mantra of Om Namo Narayanaaya! Could there be a defeat in one’s life if only that person recites always recite the MahaMantra and firmly establish the Swarupa of that Mangala Murti, Varenya, Varadaprada prabhu Narayana! Even the worst evils like Vishtis, Vyaktipaataas, and other physical and mental aberrations fall flat and get smashed with Narayana Smarana which is equivalent to the sevas of crores of Tirthaas! Persons desirous of organising mammoth Bhagavat Sevas for securing ‘Kirti’ and public recognition as also for displaying their wealth and might end up with nothing tangible whereas a modest, quiet and sincere appeal to Janardana of an individual with total submission to Hrishikesha is by far the most effective and fulfilling! Therefore King Bali! Do perform those prescribed deeds of virtue and worship Hari always. Do get fully engaged in the service of that Saadya, Ananta, Ajara, Sarvatragaami Shubhadaataa, Brahmamaya, Purana, Avyaya Hari day and night like the illustrious Dhruva who was blessed with an Eternal Position among Vaishnava Padaas! That ought  to be the way to Narayana. Do always  recite hymns of Madhusudana. Do always execute Dhyana, Smarana, Keertana, Paatha, Naama Shravana, and Manana. Those who regulate their Swasthya- Baahya-Aantarika Indriyas or Physical Parts and worship Keshava with Pushpa- Patra-Jala- and Pallavaas always avoid the onslaughts of Vidhi Rupa Taskaraas or Fate-determined robbers!)

23     Vamana Purana Vaachana, Shraavana /Shravana, Pathana Phala Shruti

Maharshi Pulastya who narrated Vamana Purana to Brahmarshi Narada assured that the Purana’s Kathana and Vaachana ( recitation) would bestow lofty fame, Bhakti and Vishnu Loka Praapti. The Purana Shraavana-Shravana would cleanse the body and soul of the Presentor and the Listener just as the Sacred Ganagaajala Snaana. The Purana Shravana assures that the person concerned and his / her clan would be shielded against physical ailments and ‘Abhichara Karma Prayogaas’ like Maarana, Mohana, Ucchaatanaadi base-categories of Applcations by Evil and Unscrupulous and Jealous persons. Sincere and virtuous human beings taking interest in the Purana would be freed from their accounts of Sins and upgrade their accounts of Punya to the extent of performing Ashwamedha Yagna and Daanaas of Gold, Bhumi, Ashwa, Gou, Ratha and even Elephants. Even the Shravana of a Chapter even of Vamana Purana would attain purity of mind and clarity of thought. Navagraha Shanti is assured to the person reading or expaining the meaning and purport of even portions of the Purana. Worship of Surya- Chandra Eclipse times and  Daanas especially Anna Daanaas and Brahmana Sevas would be highly beneficial while reciting the Purana. But care must be taken not to recite the contents of the Purana to non-believers, Achaara heena Vyaktis, and confirmed arguers and hecklers. Those who read or listen to the Purana must first assume the best possible disposition of mind and attitude by invoking Narayana with devotion and then only proceed to the Pathana and Manana of this Sacred Account of the Avatara of Vamana Deva as it also firmly establishes the  Advaita Siddhanta of the Uniqueness and Oneness of Bhagavan Vishnu and Parama Shiva!

Namo Namah Kaarana Vamanaaya Narayanaamita Vikramaaya

Shri Shankha Chakraasi Gadaadharaaya Namostu tasmai Purushottamaaya/