Mani Manjari
Mani Manjari
With the grace of Sri Laksmi Hayagriva and Guru Sri Vadhirajaswami, I am
commencing the stanza-wise postings of Sri Narayana Panditacharya's work
'Mani Manjari'. It is a work of 301 slokas divided into eight chapters.
Traditionally, it is the first text taught to madhvas. It is among the three
works on Sri Madhvacharya - Sri Hari Vayustuti and Sri Sumadhva Vijaya,
being the other two - that has had a long tradition of being recited with
devotion among orthodox Madhva circles. According to Dr.BNK Sharma, it is
an essential prologue to Sri Sumadhva Vijaya. In the collection of essays on
Sri Sumadhva Vijaya by Sixteen Eminent Scholars, released in Srirangam in
late sixties, Sri Narayana Panditacharya is mentioned as amsha of Sri
Subramanya, though no pramanas are given.
The first two chapters deal with Creation and Ramayana. The third and
fourth chapter deal with Krishnavatara. The fifth chapter deals with ascent
of Buddhism and early days of Advaita. The sixth chapter deals with the
birth of Adi Sankara and his early activities. The seventh chapter deals with
consolidation of Advaita and the demise of Adi Sankara. The eight chapter
deals with the torture of Tattvavadins (before Sri Madhvacharya) by
Advaitins and the work closes with birth of Sri Madhva. At the end, Sri
Narayana Panditacharya mentions in the end that he has devoted a separate
work - his masterpiece on the life of Sri Madhvacharya.
While Sri Harivayustuti and Sumadhva Vijaya have enjoyed many good
translations into English, Mani Manjari has been sadly neglected (which is
understandable, given that much matter that is given here is
unfashionable). I have come across just one translation of it in
Dharmaprakash (Issues of Feb & Mar '89, April & May'89, December'89 to
May'90, June'90, July'90, August'90, Sept & October'90). The name of the
translator has been acknowledged from issue of June'90 onwards as 'S.
Narayana Rao, Banglore - 580 019'. The postings are based on this.
The translator has appended 'notes' to many stanzas they have all been
retained. I have found it necessary to correct the grammar and syntax
2
I don't have the phalastuti of Mani Manjari and request learned readers to
post it to the list.
Dedicating this work at the feet of Sri Srinivasa who resides in pure heart of
Sri Vadhirajaswami, Sri Raghuprema tirtharu of Adoni and in our own
Guru, Sri Satyatma Swamiji of Uttaradi Mutt.
Kind Regards, AR
MANI MANJARI
by
1.1
Vande Govindamaananda Jnanadeham patim sriyam
Srimad anandatirtharya vallabham paramaksharam
I bow to Govinda (1) whose Svarupa is Divine bliss and Knowledge (2),
Consort of Lakshmi and the Lord of Srimadanandatirtha and who is
Supreme and indestructible in any sense (3).
Notes
1.2
Sasarja Bhaghavavnadau tringunam prakruteh parah
Mahatattvam tato vishnuh srustavan brahmapastunum
First, Bhagavan created three gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) from Jada
prakriti (4). From them, Bhagavan Vishnu created Mahatattva, which is the
body (5) of Virinchi (Chaturmukha Brahma).
Notes
1.3
Mahattattvadahankaram sasarja siva vigraham
Daivandehanmana h khani kham ca sa trividhattatah
1.4
Akasadasrujadvaayum vayostejo vyajijanat
Tejasah salilam tasmatprithivimasrujadavibhunah
Omnipotent Narayana created air (Vayu) from space, heat from air, water
(Salila) from heat (Tejas), Earth (Prithvi) from water.
1.5
Tatah kutasthasthamasrujadvidhim brahmandavigraham
tasminstu Bhagavan bhuyo bhuvanani chaturdasa Tatah kutastha
4
Notes
Before creation, Bhagavan Narayana was lying on a diving banyan leaf in the
midst of 'Pralayadaka' (Water) - the other form of Goddess Laksmi. She took
another form by name 'Arubhrani' and prayed Lord that the world may be
created. On her request, the Almighty Narayana manifested Himself in
various forms - Vasudeva etc (5 forms), Matsya etc (10 forms), Kesava etc (24
forms), Visva etc (1000 forms) and unlimited forms (Ananta rupas). This is
called 'Atma Sristi'. All these forms are fully identical in all respects and
there is no iota of difference whatsoever. Similarly, His consort Ramaa takes
equal number of forms to serve her husband in those forms. This is
'Lakshmi Sristi'. Then, Bhagavan created three 'Gunas' - Sattva, Rajasa and
Tamasa from the original prakriti, which is beginingless and eternal and
patronised by Lakshmi. These three matters are mixed in uneven
proportions making them fit for further transformations. This is 'gunatraya'
sristi. With one percent of tamas, twelve percent of rajas, and rest sattva, He
created 'mahatattva' the body of Virinchi. Although Rajas and Tamas are
present in the body, they have no effect on the Patron deity - Virincha. From
that portion of Tamas and Rajas in mahatattva, Bhagavan created
Ahamkara tattva and Buddhi tattva respectively. All the gunas are present
in all the tattvas in some percentage. From Sattvika portion in Ahamkara
tattva, He created 'manas' (mind) and Vaikarika ahamkara being the bodies
of Devatas; so also from Rajas portion, He created Taijasa Ahamkara and ten
senses and action organs (Dasendriyas) and from Tamas portion, He created
fire 'Matras' and five 'Bhutas' as follows - Space with sound (Akasa -
sabda) -> Air with tangibility (Vayu - Sparsha) -> Heat or light with colour
(Tejas -- rupa) -> Water with taste (Ap - rasa) ->Earth with odour (Prithvi -
Gandha). In this manner, twenty four tattvas, bodies of all devatas and jivas
with Avidya (ignorance) were created in minute forms. This is 'Sukshma
sristi'. It may be noted here that Jivas are not created in the true sense
of the word as they are beginingless and eternal.
(1) Mahat (2) Ahamkara (3) Buddhi (4) Manas (5-9) Jnanendriyas - Eye,
Ear, Nose, Tongue, Skin (10-14) Karmendriyas - Speech, Hand, Limb, Arms,
Genitals (15-19) Matras - Sabda, Rupa, Rasa, Gandha, Sparsha (20-24)
Bhuta - space, air, light (heat), water, earth.
5
Then, as requested by Brahma (Virinchi) out of these twenty four tattvas and
with his golden divine semen, He created Brahmanda (whole world) and
entered there. Thereafter, He created fourteen petalled Lotus from His navel,
therefrom Chaturmukha Brahma (ie.Hiranyagarbha or Virinchi). Being
satisfied with Brahma's prayer, He further created five elements - Space etc.,
for forming fourteen lokas (upper and lower world) from fourteen petals of
the lotus.
--------------------------------------------
1.6
Tatvikanatha devan ko vairajah purusosrajat
Tathaiva paramann hamsan sanakadisca yoginah
1.7
Asuran dosarupanapyavidyam pancaparvanim
Varnasrama visesamsca dharmakliptim ca so'srjet
He then created 'Asuras' (6) who are embodiments of all defects, Five fold
Avidya (ignorance) (7), Caste System (8), Ashrama (9), Code of Conduct and
Dharma.
Notes
(6) 'Asuras' means Daityas with all flaws including hatred towards the very
creator and other devatas. (7) 'Five fold Avidya' refers to Tamas, Moha,
Mahaa Moha, Tamisra, Andha Tamisra
(8) Caste System - Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya, Sudra
(9) Ashrama - Brahmacharya, Grhastha, Vanaprastha, Sanyasa
1.8
Maricyatrayadayah putra abhuvan paraestinah
Mariceh kasyapo jajnc vamanasya pita batoh
6
From different parts of the body of Brahma, Marici, Atri and other principal
sages were born, Kasyapa, in whom the Lord Vamana manifested Himself
was born to Marici.
1.9
Prajah sisrusurvividha avahatkasyapo ditim
aditim ca danum kadrun kikasam vinatamapi
1.10
Dityam tato'bhavan daitya adityam ca surah punah
Danau tu danavah kadrau naga nana visolbanah
From Kasyapa daityas were born in Diti, devatas in Aditi, danavas in Danu,
most poisonous snakes in Kadru.(10)
Notes
10. The words 'abhavan suga punah' are in this verse, meaning, Devatas are
born again. The idea is as follows:
Thirdly, these devatas were again born in other forms to Kasyapa and Aditi.
In these forms, they serve Lord Vishnu in many ways and participate in His
act of creation and destruction of sentient and insentient bodies within the
Brahmanda.
As all the Devatas are samsajivas, they are capable of taking any number of
bodies; these incarnations will have definite purposes. For example,
Vayudeva as Hanuman, Bhima and Madhva; Rudra Deva as Asvathama and
Durvasa; Indra as Vali and Arjuna; Surya as Sugriva and Karna and so on.
7
They serve the cause of Almighty Vishnu in those forms to earn His grace,
and thus they pursue their 'sadhana' towards salvation. When their
sadhana is completed at the time of liberation, they merge in their original
form (mula rupa) and finally attain moksa.
--------------------------------------------
1.11
Kikalayam yaturdhana vinatayamtu paksinah
Mahaviryah sutah asan kasyapasya mahatmanah
1.12
Manavanam pita jajne aditayakasyapatmajat
Manurnama mahaprajne etanmanvamtaresvarah
The sraddha Dev by name Manu (Vaivasvata) was born after the birth of
Vaivasvan possessing spiritual wisdom of very high order and origin of the
human race, who is the son of Sun-God, who is the son of Kasyapa.
1.13
Tasya ghranadabutchrimaniksvakuh ksuvato manoh
Tapastaptva virincatsa lebhe Rangesvaram Harim
Once when Vaivasvata Manu sneezed, the great King Iksvaku was born
through his nostils. Then he observed religious austerities like fasting etc.,
and by grace of Virinchi, he got Narayana (Hari) idol with a divine chariot.
1.14
Vaikulsissamabhuttasya puranjayapurogamah
Tadanvaye vyajayanta sura rajarsayah pare
Iksvaku got Vikuksi as son. In his dynasty very powerful and spiritually
matured Kings (Rajarsis) were born.
1.15
Tasminvamsa Dasaratho bahuvatyanta bhagyavan
Sorcanvaimanikam visnum raraksa mahatim mahim
8
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1.16
Tasminkale surah sarve maharaksana piditah
Dugdhabdhi sayinam visnum saranyam saranam yuyuh
During that period, all the Devatas, being importuned by great demons (like
Ravana) took refuge with Vishnu lying in the Milky ocean, who protects all
from danger.
1.17
Ta adistah sriyah patya jajnire ksitimandale
Sakhamrigadi bhavesa Hanuman marute'bhavat
The Devata's being ordered by the Consort of Lakshmi, Narayana, were born
on this earth as monkeys etc, and Vayudeva by name, Hanuman.
1.18
Abhayaya satam hatyai raksasanam tato Harih
Rama nama Dasarathat Kausalyayamajayate
Notes
Narayana does not have to take physical body at any time. He is the
embodiment of divine knowledge and bliss. As such, Rama is not 'son' of his
parents in the true sense. He only pretends or acts as a human being. This
should be remembered when we read further about Rama, Krishna, and
other manifested forms of Almighty Sri Narayana.
1.19
Tato Lakhmana Satrughnau Sumitrayam bhabhuvatuh
Kaikayyam Bharatho Jajne sada sbharato nrpat
9
1.20
Abhyavardhamta samyancah kumarah sukumarakah
Caturbhiscaturaih putraih pitarthairiva nirbabhau
These holy children grew as pleasing boys; the father Dasaratha considered
four intelligent boys as four purusarthas (ie.Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksa).
----------------------------------------------
1.21
Visvamitrstato yajnanighnato raksassvaran
Nihamtumanayamatham Ramadevam salaksmanam
Then, Viswamitra (11) brought Rama (12) with Lakshmana to his monastery
for destroying demon kings, who were attacking yajnas (sacrifices).
Notes
11. 'Viswamitra' is not merely a name, but it means he is friend of all good
and blessed souls.
12. 'Ramadev' means Lord to whom even the liberated souls (muktas) offer
prayers (Visnu).
1.22
Adavyam tatakam hatva sa siddhasramamameyivan
Vidhuya yajnavighnansca videhavisayam yayau
Rama killed Tataka in the forest and went to Siddasrama; then, He killed
these demons who were hinderence to the rituals and proceeded further to
Videha kingdom.
1.23
Rajadyaih pujitah so'tha vihbajya dharnuesvaram
Janakimalabhistooccaih stuyamana suresvaraih
10
Rama was received with devotion by King Janaka and others and when
Rama broke the great bow of Siva (Presented to Janaka by Siva) and
procured Janaki (Sita) while Devatas praised His glory.
1.24
Gacchan devya sahayodhyam savasistah sahanujah
Kavikayayutajyotsnakantavavat sa vyarocayata
Rama, while going to Ayodhya shone brilliantly with Vasista and his brother,
Lakshmana like the Lord of moonlight with Brihaspati and Sukracharya.
(Here, Lord Rama is compared with the Lord of moonlight ie. Moon, Sita
withmoonlight, Vasista with Brhaspati, and Lakshmana with Sukracharya).
1.25
Pravisya nagarim tatra parvandhya pitaram tatha
Matrusca punjitah sarvaih sa reme sukhacithanuh
After entering the city (Ayodhya) He whose body is very bliss and knowledge,
prostrated to His father and mother; He was worshipped by all the citizens
and was quite happy.
-----------------------------------------------
1.26
Ramarajyabhisekaya dadhre Dasaratho manah
Nijaghne sa tu kaikayya matsuto gamavediti
1.27
Ramadevastada stahah Sitalaksmanabhyam samanvitah
Vanamprati yayau vadhyan asesanapi raksasena
Then, Rama left the city and went to the forest along with Sita and
Lakshmana for killing all the demons.
1.28
Dvastakaram vighnonam ca karyamasa raksetim
11
Rama asked his Brother Lakshmana to cut off the ears and nose of the
demon, Surpanakhi, the sister of the King of Lanka, Ravana.
1.29
Rama viprakritah kravyat pratikarmacikirsaya
Ajagama sahanikah kharo dusanasamyutah
The non-vegetarian, Khara came with Dusana, along with the army towards
Rama to take revenge against the disrespect and punishment inflicted by
him (to Surpanakha). Khara and Dusana were relatives of Ravana.
1.30
Tan jaghana ramanatho ramo rajivalocanah
Leelayaiva paranandah surakarya prasiddhaye
Lotus-like eyed Rama with infinite bliss, the consort of Rama killed all of
them without any efforts; it was a pastime to him.
------------------------------------------------------
1.31
Rama purastat paratopi ramo ramah paramdiksu vidiksu ramah
Ramairanantairiti visvarupo nighnannaratin viraraja ramah*
While destroying the enemies Rama was seen with countless forms in all
directions - east, west; south-east etc., and shone brilliantly. He assumed
so many identical forms as He is - 'Visvarupi' - Perfections unlimited.
--------------------------------------------
After destroying Khara, Dusana and others in the forest, when Rama and
Laksmana were far away from the asrama, Ravana thought that Sita might
be kidnapped but he took away a substitute, that looked like Sita.
Although Sita devi was with Rama, she could not be seen clearly by ignorant
people; Sita who is ever insperable from Rama, went to Kailasa by taking a
different form.
Rama seeing His consort Sita Devi always, was happy to the fullest extent,
but He looked as if distressed at not seeing her.
Notes:
Sita being incarnation of Ramaa (Lakshmi) is all powerful, next only to the
almighty, Rama. She is always with her consort in one form and thus
inseperable. When Ravana came to her to carry her away, she left the place
and went to Kailasa leaving a substitute figure behind, which looked like her
in all respects. Indra entered the body in one form and made it sentient.
Thus, Ravana was illusioned by the substitute body that he took away.
2.3
prabha~njanasutaH shrImaanaa~njaneyo nira~njanaH |
nanaamabhaktisampuurNo raamaM raajiivalochanam.h || 3 ||
2.4
13
Hanuman prayed his eternal (permanent) master - "O Rama, Thou art the
embodiment of Bliss, untinged with sorrow, all Thy actions are Thy very
nature and effortless, destroy the wicked and protect Thy devotees".
2.5
sa vanaantaramaasaadya raamassugriivamaikShata |
tena sakhyaM samaasaadya nijaghaana tadagrajam.h || 5 ||
He (Rama) went to another forest and there He made friendship with Sugriva
and there killed his brother Vali. (Vali was an enemy of Sugriva although
they were brothers).
2.6
tatassugriivasandiShTaa vaanaraa dikShu sarvashaH |
prasasrurnipuNaa viiraassiitaamaargaNatatparaaH || 6 ||
After the death of Vali (Sugriva got his kingdom back), being ordered by their
master, Sugriva's monkey warriors went in all directions in search of Sita.
2.7
dakShiNaaM kakubhaM gatvaa hanumaanambhasaaM niDhim.h |
atila~Nghya gato la~NkaaM siitaakR^itimavaikShata || 7 ||
Hanuman went to the south and jumped over the vast ocean, reached Lanka
and found out 'Sita'. ('Sita' within brackets to distinguish mayic Sita from
the real Sitadevi who is in Kailasa).
--------------------------------------------------------------------
2.8
raamaa~NguliiyakaM devyai datvaa chuuDaamaNiM tataH |
sa~NgR^ihya jaanakiimbhaktyaa natvaasaavaaruhattarum.h || 8 ||
Hanuman gave Rama's ring to 'Sita' and collected the Chudamani from her
(a jewel worn in the crest by ladies), bowed her with devotion and climbed a
tree.
14
2.9
vanaM vishakalayyochchai raakShasaanakShapuurvakaan.h |
nihatya maarutirla~NkaamadahatpuchChavahninaa || 9 ||
Notes:
Aksa Kumara was one-third of the force of Ravana. He with his army was
destroyed completely by Hanuman who was alone.
2.10
tato ratnaakaraM tiirtvaa vaanarendraissabhaajitaH |
datvaa chuuDAmaNiM dhanyaH praapya raamaaya so.anamat.h || 10 ||
After destroying Lanka, Hanuman jumped back into the ocean, being
worshipped by the great monkeys, he bowed down to Rama and offered the
Chudamani jewel to him.
-------------------------------------------
2.11
raamo hanumataa saardhaM lakShmaNena cha dhiimataa |
sugriiveNa sasainyena kiinaashaharitaM yayau || 11 ||
2.12
sa setuM sakShiNambhodau bandhayaamaasa markaTaiH |
sasainyo vartmanaa tena naktaJNcharapuraM yayau || 12 ||
Rama got constructed a bridge by the monkey; and on that path, He went
with His army to Lanka, the city of demons, who traverse during nights.
2.13
nijaghno raakShasaaniikaM vaanaraassahalakShmaNAH |
hanumaan bhagavatpriityai jaghaanaatibalaan ripuun.h || 13 ||
15
2.14
so.ajiivayanmahaarakShomohitaan sarvavaanaraan.h |
gandhamaadanamaaniiya tadgataagadavaayunaa || 14 ||
When all the monkeys were swooned because of this very powerful demon
(Indrajit), Hanuman brought Gandhamadhana mountain containing life
giving medicinal herbs and saved their lives. They got consciousness by the
very
wind blown from the mountains.
Notes:
2.15
Asamhyan raksasanhatva kumbhakarnam ca ravanam
Ramo Vibhisanam raksah samrajyeso'bhyaciklpt
--------------------------------------------------
Rama having gone near Asokavana and presented inivisible and inseperable
Sita to the view of ignorants.
Rama who is Supreme to ksara and aksara pursued (sic) ascended an air-
chariot by name Puspaka along with Sita devi, Hanuman and other
monkeys and went to his native city, Ayodhya.
Bharata being united with Rama fell on his feet with zeal and affection just
like Akrura, son of Svaphalka to Krishna.
Rama lifted him up and embraced him. Being adored with reverence by all
the citizens, Raghava went to the seraglio and bowed down to his mother,
Kausalya Devi.
Rama, after being coronated as King, ruled the country. The almighty Rama
possessor of infinite bliss and knowledge trained his subjects in varnasrama
and enjoyed his possessions.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Rama performed sacrifices like 'Asvamedha' and satisfied the Supreme God,
presiding ceremony which is another form of Himself. Is it so, that Sita
came at the time to the platform of the ceremonial hall and disappeared
there itself? - (The answer is No, as she is with Rama always in one form).
Sanaka and others, saints by nature, who were born from the very power of
the mind of Brahma (Virinchi) learnt the correct interpretation of Vedas and
wrote commentaries correctly.
------------------------------------------------------------
2.26
Namo Ramaya Ramaya Rama Rama Namostu te
Ramah svami gati Rama iti loka vicukrusuh
The citizens were shouting loudly - 'O Rama, magnificient Lord, We bow
down to you; you are the controller of all; you are our goal'
2.27
Devo jigamisurdhama sviyamathyarthitah suraih
dugdhabdhim prayayou seso Laksmano Ramocoditah
18
When Rama willed to go back to his place, Vaikunta, Devatas prayed that he
may do so; Lakshmana, being instructed by Rama, took his original form of
Sesa and went to Ksira Samudra (Ocean of Milk).
2.28
Samayata samayata ye ye moksapadecchavah
Evamaghosayadramo dutairdiksu samastsah
2.29
Athottaram disam devah prathastc shasitaya
Vanaradai rnaradhirapyasesairjantubhivrtah
2.30
Tesam moksapradam datvabhyanujnapya Marutsutam
Raghavah Sitaya sardham vivesa svam param padam
Rama offered all his followers suitable places (Lokas) to stay (in order to give
moksa in usual course), ordered Hanuman, the son of Marut (Vayu) to stay
on earth itself and proceeded further and entered his principal abode,
Vaikunta.
Notes:
Those souls graced by Rama should wait for final liberation till
Chaturmukha Brahma completes his sadhana. As such, they were placed by
Rama in different lokas ie. Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka, Satyaloka,
according to their worthiness.
2.31
Satyena bhaktya ca viraktimatya matya ca dhrtya ca tapasyaya ca
Ha Rama Rameti sadopagayan prabhanjanih kimpurusesu reme
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3.1
Himansoratriputrasya budho nama suto'bhavat
Pururava maharajastasya putro vyajayate
Chandra (Moon God), the son of Atri rsi, had the famous Budha as his son.
The King Pururava was born as his son.
King Ayu was the son of Pururava; his son was Nahusa and his son was
very powerful King Yayati.
3.3
Devayanin ca samistamsa uvaha priye ubhe
Prathamusanasah putrid dvitiyo vrsparvanah
The King Yayati, married two girls, one was Devayani, the daughter of
Sukracharya (usanasah) and the other was Sarmista, the daughter of King
Vrsaparva.
3.4
Yadun ca turvasun raja Devayayanyamajijanat
Drhyam canumca puram ca sarmistayamajijanat
The King Yayati gave birth to the King Yadu and Turvasu in Devayani and to
the King Drhya, Anu and Puru in Sarmista.
3.5
20
In Yadu's family, many Kings Kartavirya and others were born and they were
all devotees of God, possessed religious wisdom and followed religious
austerities such as severe abstinence.
--------------------------------------------------
3.6
Purorvamse tu rajanah asan dawsyantipurvakah
Tesam kirtya ca vikrantya samstah purita disah
In Puru's family also, many kings - Bharata, son of dushyanta and others
were born and they were famous for their valour with their fame spread in
all directions.
3.7
Bhugbharaharanapeksa tasminkale divaukasah
Dugdhabdhisayinam Visnum saranyam saranam yayuh
In order to destroy daityas, who were burden on the earth, the gods in
heaven went and appealed to Vishnu, the protector of all, lying in Ksira
Samudra (Oceanof Milk).
3.8
Vipraksairadibhavena ta adistah suradayah
Babhururbhagavatsevam vidhitsantah smastasah
Having been ordered by the Lord, all the deities and others descended from
heaven in the forms - Brahmin, Kshatriya, etc in order to serve him.
3.9
Varunah santanurnama purorvamsee vyajayata
Vicitraviravastasyasitputrascitrangadanujah
Varuna dev was born by name Santanu in Puru's family; and he got two
sons - Vicitravirya and Chitrangada.
3.10
Drtarastransca pandusca iti (tasya) putro babhunatuh
21
Vicitravirya got two sons - Dhrtarastra and Pandu; Pandu married two
Kunti and Madri who were well versed in religious austerities (Dharma).
--------------------------------------------------
3.11
Sa Pandurmuniscapena strisangamasukham jahau
Bhartrajnaya sutam kunti Dharmallabhe yudhistira
Owing to the curse of a sage, Pandu did not have sexual pleasures through
his wife; but on the mandate of her husband, Kunti got Yudhistira through
Yamadharmaraja.
Notes
Once, a sage was enjoying sexual pleasures with his wife, in form of birds.
They were hit with an arrow by Pandu who thought them to be mere birds;
while discarding the bird bodies, the sage cursed the King that he may also
meet death if he enjoys sexual pleasures with his wife.
Kunti had served Durvasa rsi in her father's house when she was a virgin.
The sage, being satisfied with her service blessed her with a boon that she
may get children by the grace of any god by calling his name and respective
incantation. Pandu, desiring of having progeny, permitted Kunti to get a
child by calling a deity. The clever Kunti called Yamadharmaraja, as He is
patron deity of Dharma and justice. She got Yudhistira (Dharmaraja) as son
through him. Again, for protecting Dharma in the kingdom, she got
Bhimasena as her second son through the most powerful Mukhya Vayu.
Third, for expanding the kingdom by conquering the lands, she got Arjuna,
though Indra, next to Vayu in power. Then, she administered a mantra to
the second wife of Pandu, Madri to get a child. But that intelligent lady
called Asvini Devi and got twins - Nakula and Sahadeva.
3.11
Dhrtarastrasya Gandharayamasan Duryodhanadayah
Vadhaya Marutastesam Bhimam kuntyamajijanat
3.12
22
Kunti got Arjuna as son through Indra Deva and Madri got twins through
Asvini Devas. All the children were well protected by Pandu.
3.13
Evam pancala bahlikah avardhanta mahabalah
Ahukadyadavadugraseno'bhuddevakastatha
3.14
Devakasya suta jagne Devaki devasammata
Vasudeva uvahainem yadavah suranandanah
With the assent of Sri Hari, Devaki took birth as daughter of Devaka and
Vasudeva, the son of Yadava Surasena married her.
Notes
3.15
Tatra pradurabhuddevah paramatma sanatanah
Dampatyoranayorasah purayan surakaryavan
The Almighty Lord Sri Hari manifested Himself in Devaki to fulfil the desire
of the couple and the deities (ie. Destruction of the asuras).
-----------------------------------------------
3.16
Vasudevasya Rohinyam tatah purvamajayata
Ananto balavatvena balabadhra iti srutah
3.17
Jnananadatanum syamam sankhacakragadadharam
Vyaktamatram Harim drstva tustavarakadundubhih
Vasudeva saw the Lord, Sri Krishna, in bluish colour, having four arms with
sankha, chakra, gada and padma. He was embodiment of knowledge and
bliss (immortal) and He was not a product of conjoining of his
parents. Hence, Vasudeva simply praised him.
3.18
Svajnaya sa vrjam nttah kamsatbhittena saurian
Sisurupo yasodayah sayitah sayane sunaih
With His instruction, Vasudeva took Sri Krishna in baby form to Gokula, out
of fear from Kamsa; and laid Him down in the bed of Yasoda Devi.
3.19
Candikam tatsanodbhutam nitva yadovanandavah
Devakyah sayane nyasya purvavatbandhomayayau
Vasudeva, the son of yadava sowri, took Durga Devi in baby form, just born
(in Gokula) and brought her to Mathura, put her in bed by the side of
Devaki, and thereafter again went to fetters.
3.20
Tam kanyam kamsa aniya nihantumupaicakrame
Mrtyuste jata ityuktra sotpapata nabhastalam
Kamsa took the girl baby out of his house and began to kill her but the baby
escaped from his hand and sprung into the sky saying that the killer had
already been born elsewhere.
----------------------------------------------------------------
3.21
Jatamatrankumacansa nihantum janamadisat
Himsavihara dustatse nijaghnurbalakanbhuvi
Kamsa ordered his men to kill all the babies as soon as born; Those wicked
men who took delight in doing evil deeds and killed children on earth.
24
3.22
Jagama Gokulam dusta dhasti kamsasya Putana
Krsnamadatta sa hantum tam jaghana Ramapatih
Putana, the step mother of Kamsa went to Gokula and caught hold of
Krishna to kill; but Ramapati (Krishna) killed her himself.
Notes:
Putana was the step mother of Kamsa because she fed him with breast milk
and brought him up. She smeared the nipples of her breast with poison,
took a beautiful form and after coming to Gokula, pretended that she would
breastfeed Krishna. Fully knowing the cunningness of the wicked lady, the
Almighty in baby-form injected the same poison into breast and heart and
killed her in no time. She dropped down dead in the original form, which
was demonical and the people in Gokula were surprised at the great
strength of the baby.
3.23
Sayitah saktasyadhah sakataksam jaghama sah
Amimastrnavartam tennitah sa lilaya
Once Krishna was sleeping under the cart, which was another form of
Sakataksha, a demon, who had come in that form to kill Krishna; but he
shattered the cart into pieces and killed the demon. Again another baby by
name Trnavrta came in the form of whirling storm and lifted the baby
Krishna high in the sky but Krishna himself killed and dropped him to the
ground without any effort.
3.24
Gargo'tha sourinadistascakara kratriyocitan
Samkarannama camusya sakalasya vrajangatah
3.25
Pangane rinkhanam kurvam arbhakaih saha Madhavah
Leelabhirbhavagarbhabhirjanamanandayau babhau
25
The people in Gokula were very happy to see the bright baby, Sri Krishna
crawling on his hands and feet along with other children in the courtyard, as
his actions were purposeful.
-------------------------------------------------------
3.26
Jaghasa mrttikim devah kadacillilaya Harih
Matropalabdha asye sve vyatte viswamadrasiyat
Once Krishna ate a morsel of mud only while playing. Mother Yashoda
scolded Him and His mouth got opened. The Almighty showed her the whole
universe in that small mouth.
3.27
Dedhyamatvam vibhajyesah kadaciccandra sannibham
Navanitam samadaya raho patva jaghasa ca
Once, the Lord Sri Krishna broke the pot containing curd into pieces and
took away the butter, as bright as moon; went to a secluded place and ate it
also.
3.28
Jananyolukhale baddhah so'rjunavudamulayat
Nalakubera Manigrivau mocayamasa sapatah
Once Sri Krishna was tied to a big mortar by his mother as He was very
mischevious. He dragged the mortar without any effort in between the twin
trees; they fell down and two Gandharvas by name Nalakubara and
Manigriva emerged from them, having been liberated from curse.
Notes:
The Gandharva sons of Kubera, named above were once walking about for
pleasure in a garden in bare body, when the Rishi Narada saw them and he
was disgusted with the sight. He immediately cursed them to be in bare
body always. They realized their folly and begged his forgiveness. He
consoled them saying that they would be liberated from that state when
Lord Krishna would touch them. They took the form of big trees (twin trees
called Arjuna vrksa) and were awaiting liberation. Now, when Sri Krishna
dragged the mortar, His body came in contact with the trees and the
Gandharvas were able to get their original bodies and they praised the Lord.
26
3.29
Trndavanamiyasuh san Nandasunurbrhadvane
Sasarga romakupebhyo vrkan vyaghrasamanbale
Tatrorpatabhiya Gopa apurvrndavan vanam
3.30
Sa palayangopakabalavrndaibalena sakam pasuvatsayuthan
Nihatya vatsasuramadidevo bakam ca Gopalakatamavapa
Sri Krishna with Balarama and other cowherd boys protected cows and
calves in Vrndavan; killed demons named Baka and Vatasura. He grew up
as a young boy.
-----------------------------------------------------
4.1
Krsna kaliyam tyaktya pitva davagnimulbanam
Sa visadrumammuccida daityan govapusohanat
Sri Krishna drove away Kaliya from Yamuna river; swallowed the wild fire in
the jungle; uprooted the poisonous tree and killed demons who were in form
of cows.
4.2
Sa saptoksavadhallebhe nilam gopalakanyakam
Balena dhenukam hatva jaghananyan kharan svayam
Sri Krishna, having killed seven wild boars, married Nila Devi, daughter of
Gopala (by name Kumbhaka); He got killed Dhenakasura by Balarama and
He Himself killed other demons who were in the form of asses.
27
4.3
Pralambho balabhadrena hate davam papau punah
Nandajo vrjaraksartham krpasindurhi madhavah
4.4
Viprapaturbhiranittam tadgrhantikamagatah
Sonnam sanucaro bhuktva cakre tasam anugraham
Once, when Sri Krishna went near an yajnasala (a place of sacrifice) He was
much pleased by the sumptuous food brought by the wives of the brahmins
and ate them along with other Gopalakas and blessed them.
Notes:
Once, Sri Krishna went to a Yajnasala along with his companions, pretended
to be very hungry, and asked for food. The priests denied him food saying
that the ceremonies were still incomplete and hence they could not offer Him
anything. They were not aware that He was the Supreme Lord Himself, for
whose grace they were performing the ceremonies. The Almighty asked one
of His friends to go to the wives of the same brahmins and beg of food on His
behalf. When the ladies heard of the Lord Sri Krishna, there was no second
word; immediately, they brought all the foods, prepared by them and offered
to the Supreme Lord, who ate them with other Gopalakas and blessed the
virtuous women, who did not wait for permission from their husbands for
offering the food. The Brahmin priests were ignorant of their own actions
and failed to have reward from the almighty. They realized their folly, when
they came to know later that their ladies were more fortunate and had
reward from the God easily.
4.5
Makhabhangarupendrenadistaimeghaih krtam Harih
Vrstim sodhumaktansvan raraksodhrtya parvatam
protected all his men and they continued the ceremony under the shelter of
the mountain.
Notes
Unfortunately, Indra deva was under the veil of momentary ignorance and
challenged the Almighty. He wanted to spoil the ceremony which continued
in favour of Sri Krishna. He brought heavy clouds and incessant rains for
seven days. Sri Krishna lifted the mountain as an umbrella and thus
protected the yajna and all men. The ceremonies were completed. Indra
came to his senses only after seven days and surrendered to the Lord, and
begged pardon from him. Sri Krishna excused him and blessed him to have
right knowledge.
----------------------------------------------------
4.6
Aryanugraha sampratptakama Goapanganastatuh
Ramayamasa Govindacciramaistau ratrisu
Under the influence of Parvati Devi, the Gopikas (women in Gokula) wanted
to have union with the Lord, due to inordinate affection. Sri Krishna
satisfied their desires for a long time in moon-lit nights.
4.7
Surupinanca Gopinam mandale Bhagavan svayam
Nanarta venuna gayan rasakrida mahotsave
Sri Krishna danced while playing his flute in the midst of very beautiful
Gopikas, who were assembled in the moonlight night for observing a feast
known as Rasakrida.
4.8
29
Sri Krishna killed the demons by name Sankhacuda, Arista, Kasi and
Vyomasura, son of Mayasura and thus protected Gokula.
Notes
4.9
Kamsapreitamakuram drstva sambhavya tam Harim
Tena sakam yayau devo madhuram balasamyutah
On seeing Akrura, who was sent by Kamsa to Gokula, Sri Krishna welcomed
him with respect and went to Mathura along with him. Balarama
accompanied Him.
4.10
Bhantva kamsadhanuh sarvam hatvambastam ca varanam
Canuramustikau hatva sabalah susubhe Harih
Sri Krishna broke the bow, given by Kamsa by Siva; killed the mahout and
the elephant (by name Kuvalayapida) and along with Balarama, he killed the
great wrestlers by name Canura and Mustika and thus he was in exalted
position.
----------------------------------------------------
4.11
Mancastam matulam kamsam murdhini saugrhya Madhavah
Nipatya nispipesoccairdharanyam sa mamara ca
Kamsa was the maternal uncle of Sri Krishna. When he was sitting on a cot,
Sri Krishna caught hold of his head and threw him down the ground and
smashed him to death.
4.12
Tadbalam sakalam hatva janan sarvanandayat
Vimucya nigadadisah pitaravabhyavandata
30
He destroyed the whole army of Kamsa and thus all the people were very
happy. He released His parents from the bondage and prostrated before
them.
4.13
Putravaidhavya sankrdhamabhiyantam jarasutam
Sabalo'bhyaradayatkrsno hatva tatsaunikanmumuhuh
4.14
Pandurvane mrtah partha anita munibhih puram
Pidyante kurubhih swairamityasravi madhudhvisa
After the death of Pandu, his sons Dharmaraja and others were brought to
Hastinavati; there they were being teased by Kauravas, and came to the
knowledge of Sri Krishna.
4.15
Akruram pesayamasa krsne nagapuram prati
Kurunamanayam jnatva Drtarastramuvaca sah
-------------------------------------------------------
4.16
Tava putra na santveva Bhimasuagnibhasmitaah
Ityuktva Bhimaparthabhyam sahitah prayayau purim
'O Dhritarastra! Know that thou sons will be reduced to ashes to fire like
Bhimasena'. So saying he went away to Mathura along with Bhima and
Arjuna.
4.17
Pujayantau Harim parthav pujitau sarvayadavaih
Oosatuh sucitam tatra bhatijnanamrtasanau
31
Bhima and Arjuna were adored by all yadavas in Mathura and they
worshipped Sri Hari (Krishna). Knowledge and devotion towards the God
were nectar-like food for them. They stayed in Mathura for a long time.
4.18
Uddhavam presyamasa vrjasokapanuthaye
Bhagavanmaghadhadisam punarabhyaraduyudhi
Sri Krishna sent Uddhava to Gokula to console Gopalakas (as they were
distressed by the absence of Krishna for a long time). The Almighty Sri
Krishna defeated again Jarasandha in war and drove him away.
4.19
Sa srgaladhipam hatva tatputram paryapalayat
Iti citrani karmani cakara purusottamah
Sri Krishna killed Srgala Vasudeva, King of Kolhapur and installed his son
Sakradeva as King. Thus, the Almighty Sri Krishna who was far superior to
all beings made historical deeds.
4.20
Bhismakasya sutam devim Rukminimavahattatah
Vijnanandarupinya sa reme Ramaya taya
-----------------------------------------------
4.21
Labdham satrajita suryat sa simhapahrtam
Ratnam jambavata nitam jambavatya sahanayat
Note: The King Satrajita prayed to Surya who, pleased with his devotion,
gifted him the most precious gem by name Syamantakamani. One day,
32
4.22
Satrajite dadau ratnam tena dattam saratnakam
Satyabhamamudavahat sakrallaksmim paratparah
The Supreme Being, Sri Krishna gave the gem to Satrajit who was very
pleased and gave back the gem to Sri Krishna, along with his daughter
Satyabhama. He married her, who was an incarnation of Lakshmidevi.
--------------------------------------
33
4.26
Svamitvena subrtvena bandhutvena ca pandavah
Sakhitvena gatitvena tameva saranam yayuh
Pandavas observed that Sri Krishna was their master, friend, kinsmen,
benevolence, final beatifier (as their goal even after salvation). Hence they
surrendered to Him with all humility.
4.27
Puranniryapita dustairhidimbam ca bakam tatha
Nihatya pandavah prapuh Krsnam krsnavayamvare
Having been sent out of Hastinavati by Duryodhana and other wicked men,
Pandavas went to forest and killed demons Hidimba and thereafter,
Bakasura; and then they met Sri Krishna on the occasion of the marriage
with Draupadi.
Notes: As the pandavas were very powerful, the wicked Duryodhana with evil
advice of his maternal uncle, Sakuni planned to send them out of
Hastinavati and somehow put them to death. So he got constructed a
palatial building at Varanavati (a far away place) using lac-gum etc; the
building was glittering with precious stones like diamonds, pearls etc. With
much reluctance, Bhisma and Drtharastra asked Pandavas to leave the city
and go to the new place, without knowing the evil designs of wicked men.
But Vidura was aware of their plans and hence to save Pandavas, he
constructed a trench from within the building secretly, which was made
known to Bhimasena.
Pandavas went there the same night and the same night Bhimasena carried
his mother and all his brothers on his shoulders (as they were asleep) and
he himself set fire to the building and escaped through the trench. He
sighted Sri Vedavyasa, prostrated before Him and got His blessings. There,
in the forest, he killed a demon by name Hidimba and married his sister
named Hidimbi under the instructions of Vedavyasa. He proceeded along
with his mother and brother to Ekacakranagara and there he killed the
monstrous demon Bakasura. It was a great relief to the people in the town.
Then they went to the court of King Drupada. Bhimasena asked his brother
Arjuna to shoot the arrow successfully from the bow, which was kept as a
stake by Drupada for marrying his daughter Draupadi. Arjuna won the
stake and by providence all the brothers married Draupadi, Bhimasena
being the chief and real husband (further details are available in our Sri
Madhvachaya's Mahabharatha Tatparya Nirnaya). Pandavas were very much
pleased to see Sri Krishna at the marriage time, as it was very long since
they met Him.
34
4.28
Labdhakrsnanujnapya pandavan svapuram gatah
Nihatya satadhanvanam Parthanamantikam yayau
Notes: Satadhanva was a yadava who killed Satrajita, the father-in-law of Sri
Krishna. On hearing the news, Sri Krishna went to Dvaraka immediately
and punished Satadhanava to death and returned to Panchalanagara.
4.29
Karapitva Hariprastam tatra parthannivesya sah
Upameya ca kalindim Dwarakamapa Madhavah
-------------------------------------------------------
4.31
sothascaryatamo dhanyo bhoumam hatva divam gatah
apaharatparijatam parajitya purandaram
Sri Krishna, who is perfect in all respects and wonder of wonders killed
Narakasura, the son of Bhudevi and went to heaven, Indra's abode. He
defeated Indra and seized Parijata tree from him.
35
4.32
Mahisinam sahasrani sodasavahadacyntah
Satam ca tasu pratyekam putra dasa dasabhavan
He married sixteen thousand women who were eligible to become his queens
and He gave birth to ten children in each of his wives.
4.33
Dyute jitah krtaranyavasa ajnatavasatah
Parangta upaplavye parthastam pratilebhire
4.35
Vayurvamsanivanyoyam prarighataan sambhavaih
36
-----------------------------------------------
4.36
Uddhavam sanakadinsca Durvasaprabrtinsca sah
Nyayunkta sarvavedantavartane shasisyakan
Sri Krishna (along with Bhima) ordered Uddhava, Sanaka etc., and Durvasa
Rsi
with his disciples to spread Vedanta philosophy.
4.37
Evam citracaritrastu Krsnonujnapya Pandavan
Rupenaikyenasa bhumavekena sa divam yayau
Thus, with such wonderful deeds, Sri Krishna ordered Pandavas to go back
to their original form and He himself left an invisible form on this earth and
went to the heavens in another form.
4.38
Evam krishnasahayaste Partha Duryodhanadikan
Sri krisnadvesino hatva sakrsnah krsnamanvayuh
In this manner, Pandavas who had Sri Krishna as their solace, destroyed the
enemies of Sri Krishna ie. Duryodhana and others (and also the demons
known as Krodhavasah, Maniman etc) and followed the path of the Lord
along with Drupada Devi.
4.39
Athabhimanyostanayah pariksitraja savajre jagatim vijitya
Sarvatmabhavam parame dadhanah
samrajyalakmimupalabhya reme
After Sri Krishna and Pandavas departed from this world, the King
Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu (or grandson of Arjuna) along with Vajra
(ie. Son of Aniruddha or grandson of Sri Krishna) expands the kingdom by
37
defeating the enemies and ruled the wealthy kingdom. He was highly
devoted to Sri Hari and was in an exalted position.
5.1
That Paramahamsa ye krsnabhimanusiksitah
Vyasasrayadatrijadya vedasastranyavartayat
Having been taught by Sri Krishna and Bhimasena, Durvasa, the son of Atri
Rsi and others spread Vedas and treatises of philosophical theology with the
authority of Sri Vedavyasa.
5.2
Krsne Bhime ca vidvesamaddhikam dadhato'surah
Bhagnabahubala isurvagyuddhaistatvaviplavam
Having realized that they could not defeat Krsna and Bhimasena with
muscle
power, the Demons made up their mind with much more hatred, to spoil the
real
meaning of Vedas and other related scriptures with wrong interpretations.
Notes: By doing so, the demons thought that they would antagonize Sri
Krishna and Bhimasena or they were the incarnations of the Supreme
Being, Sri Hari and Sri Vayu. Vayu who is none other than Virinci is the
highest among the jivas and Sri Hari is most Supreme with infinite
attributes. This is the gist of all the Vedas and other sacred scriptures. But
the demons decided to reject those facts by muddling with words in Vedas,
by wrong interpretations and confer arguments without any basis,
purporting to the character assassination of Sri Hari and Vayu.
5.3
Kahah sambhuya te sarve buddhimanto nyamantrayan
Svakaryas ddayenyo'nyam yathoprajnavijrmbhanam
5.4
Sakunirdwaparah smaha vacastattvartha brhmitam
Lokayatatanujena canikyena procoditah
Sakuni, the presiding demon for Dvapara yuga, having been instigated by
Canikya, the son of Carvaka, represented the following, which he thought to
be salient.
5.5
Duradharso Bhimaseno nah Krrnopyatyanta dussahah
Tabhyam niriksita daityah mrtyum yanti na samsayah
5.6
Krishno daivam gururbhimo vedavidya ca parsati
Tasya utsadanensiva yatastavatisankatam
For all devotees, Krishna is God, Bhima is Spiritual master, Draupadi, the
daughter of Prsada, is the patron deity of all Vedas and sacred scriptures. If
this knowledge is destroyed in the minds of devotees, they (Krishna and
others) will be in distress. This is how we can take revenge on them.
5.7
Tasmajjanesu vidvatsu vedvyakhyanesalisu
Pravisya sadyatam vidya kaishitutpadya bhutale
Therefore some of us should take birth on the earth and enter the minds of
scholars, who are commentators of Vedas. Let the Vedas be destroyed by
wrong interpretation.
5.8
Viparitani sastrani kartavyani bahunyapi
Asattarkaih kutarkairva vedavidya nirasyatam
39
5.9
Vedasastrannano bhitirasti karyantaraprham
Lokayatamatam manahinam nadriyate janaih
As our aim is to plague Krishna and Bhimasena, we need not worry about
right knowledge of Vedas. The atheists were not accepted by theists as they
were against verbal testimony (vide. Pramanya).
5.10
Aksapadah kanadasca kapilascaparo janah
Sastrantarni krtvapi vedadvesam na kurvate
Although Aksapada, Kapila (not the God incarnate Kapila, son of Devahuti),
Kanada have imposed their philosophies, they do not hate Vedas.
Notes: Aksapada had composed Nyaya sutrs, Kanada Vaisesika and Kapila,
Sankhya philosophies. They do not rule out the validity of Vedas clearly. As
such they do not serve our purpose.
5.11
Harena nihitah purvem tripura asurah punah
Jatah samsargadosena pamarh sraddhustrayim
5.12
Vedo'pramanmityuktva buddhasthanapyamohayat
Bhouddhasastramtatastenurajnatva tanmatam param
Buddha, the God Incarnate deceived them (tripurasuras) stating that the
Vedas were 'apramana' having no verbal testimony. He made them believe in
His words; they could not follow the implied meaning of His teachings. Thus,
having been deluded they spread the philosophy as spread by them.
40
Notes: Tripurasuras were not fit people for studying Vedas and other
scriptures. But they had keen interest in studying and observing rituals. All
the Devatas prayed to Almighty, Sri Hari to dissociate the sacred Vedas from
the demons. Sri Hari fulfilled their prayer and incarnated Himself as
Buddha, son of Suddhodhana. When the parents performed rituals in
connection with the birth of the child and named it, the baby laughed at
them and asked them to stop the meaningless ceremonies, and so no
offerings were made to Siva, Indra and other Devatas. As planned earlier,
the Devatas attacked the child with their weapons 'angrily', but the child
collected all of them effortlessly. When the child took his immortal disc -
Sudarshana, the Devatas stopped attacking him out of fear. Then the child
taught his father, and all those related to him that this world was asat -
sunya, ksanika, etc. Thus, the demon understood that the world is illusory
and does not exist like a snake imposed upon a rope, Vedas have no validity
etc. Having seen the superiority of the child over all other gods, they had full
faith in him. They started their own philosophy based on those teachings.
But the implied meanings of the same words were made known to the
devatas by Bhagavan Buddha.
5.13
Nirasraman dusacaram prayaksam dvisatah srutih
Brahmana garhayantyetanveda bahanakausalan
These Buddhists who had no code of Vedic conduct but who decried the
Vedas were censured by the Brahmanas who had full faith in the Vedas and
Sri Hari.
5.14
Jainapasupataadyastu lokavidvesagocarah
Vedavidvesinopyete tatropayam na janate
Jaina and Saivates who opposed supremacy of Lord Vishnu were also
censured by the Brahmins. Although they do not accept the validity of
Vedas, they do not know the device to propagate the same.
5.15
Sarvan vedan dvijo bhutva srtah paramasramam
Vedantivyapadcsena nirayannah parah suhrt
Now, therefore, one of us should take birth as Brahmin on the earth and
embrace sannyasa (or sainthood) and under the garb of Vedanta, he should
discard the validity of Vedas. He would be our trusted friend indeed.
41
5.16
Asminkarye vidagdhoyam Manimaneva drsyate
Adestavyo'muna rajna kalina karyasiddhaye
5.17
Evamuktva dvaparena kalipurvah suradvisah
Hrsta ahuya sambhavya Manimantam babhasira
Kali and other demons (the enemies of Devatas) were very happy to hear the
plan of Dvpara (formerely Sakuni) and honoured Maniman with zeal and
spoke to him thus.
5.18
Yahi bhratarnamastubhyanutapadyasva mahitale
Vidyavedapuranadyah bhrsam viplavaye drtam
'O brother, salutations to you; take birth on earth and destroy the Vedas,
puranas and other scriptures completely soon'.
5.19
Vidusaya gunan visnorjivaikyam pratipadaya
Bhumau vrkodarabhavannasankam katrumarsi
'Condemn the attributes of Vishnu and proclaim the identity of jivas with
Brahman. As there is no Bhimasena now on earth, you need not have any
fear'.
Notes: All the Vedas praise the attributes of glorious Brahman (Sri Hari) but
there are some words in the Vedas which seem to be contrary, ie. 'Kevalo
Nirgunadasca', but if the sentences are read in the right perspective
according to the context, there would not be any contradictions. 'Nirguna'
does not mean attributelessness but it means that Brahman has no prakrita
'guna' ie. Satva, Rajas and Tamas, meaning that all his attributes are
immortal. The demons take advantage of this Vedic word and proclaim that
Brahman has no attributes at all - thus leading to character assisination;
similarly, there is another passage in Chandogyopanishad - 'Tattvamasi'.
This is exploited by them as stating identity of Brahman with jivas. But this
also, when interpreted correctly, is an evidence of difference between
42
Brahman and Jivas. No passage in the Vedas are favourable to them. But
they instigated Maniman to make use of such passages, which might be
interpreted illogically in their favour.
5.20
Asmasu baddha vairah san svastopyasvastham gatah
Anujnabhavato visnoradhunavatrayatyayam
Being in heaven, Bhimasena is always alert and has close enemity towards
us, he will not come to earth as there is no command by Vishnu. As such,
we need not have any fear.
5.21
Vamsayatsu sanakadinamadhuna yatayo bhuvi
Ekadandastridandasea vartante tadunuvrtah
There are many sages of different customs on earth who are in the lineage of
Sankara Maharishi (They all possess religious wisdom and knowledge of
Brahman).
5.22
Paratirthabhidastastra yatireko mahatapah
Tamasritya pravrtasva tatah sambhavyase janaih
Among them there is one great ascetic by name Paratirtha ; you can
associate with him; you will be honoured by the people as a disciple of the
great sage; then you spread our own theory.
5.23
Vedantasutrairnsmakam matamaikantyagocaram
Vitatya sakilanvedanatatvavedakanvada
Notes: As noted before, there are some sentences in the Vedas which appear
to be favourable to advaitins, but they are not really so. Such sentences are
branded by Sankara as 'Tatvavedaka' meaning that they preach the reality
ie. Brahman (Atmaikya jivo- no different from Him). He is the Brahman in
43
original form 'svarupatah'. Except a few such sentences, all other passages
preach things
(also) other than Brahaman. As such, they are all branded by him as
'Attatvavedaka' - meaning that which do not preach Tatva or Brahma or
reality. Therefore, anything which is not Brahman is 'Mithya' or illusory or
that which do not actually exist at any time like the horn of a hare.
5.24
Jivebhyo'anyo Harirbrahma srstavadigunanvitah
Iti Vedanta sutranam hrdayam tiraskuru
The Upanishads and Sutras preach actually the difference between Jiva and
Brahman; and proclaim the Supremacy of Brahman, ie. Vishnu, glorifying
His act of creation of the world etc., and His limitless attributes. You must
abuse all these aspects (stating and establishing that all is 'Mithya').
5.25
Asmadavesa balatah kaleh saktya ca pidithah
Bhavanti malinatamanah sajjgnuh sankhyayoginah
This age being Kaliyuga (Age of vices), the minds of the highly learned
scholars and devotees of Vishnu will be tarnished and will be still more
vexed by our influence.
5.26
Mithyavadam tatastei kecicchruddadhie pare
Udasate nirakartum kecideva samihate
When the mind is spoiled, some people will be fickle minded and they will
readily accept our Mithyavada philosophy; those not influenced by us, will
neglect it; and only some people will try to refute the theory.
Notes: 'Mithyavada' means a theory which says that this world other than
Brahman is illusory just like the 'silver' seen in a nacre. Hence all our
worldly knowledge, action etc are delusive and not real. Brahman only is
real (Truth). Those who refute this theory argue that if all our knowledge
acquired by the scriptures, actions, etc are delusive cognition etc., there
there would be no Guru-sisya (Teacher - studentship) bhava at all. And there
would be no meaning in studying Vedanta (Vedas and Brahmasutras),
offering prayers, etc., We can as well be inert.
5.27
44
With this idea only (ie. Destroying Veda vidya), some among the daityas are
already born on earth according to our 'karma' and some will be born after
you go to earth; as such you will not be helpless. (You can carry on your
work without any hindrance).
5.28
Iti daityah samadisto Manimanbhimabhimatam
Manasa samkamanopi bhuvyutpattum manodadhe
Being inspired or ordered in this way by Kali, Dvapara and other demons,
Maniman made up his mind to be born on earth although he had fear of
Bhimasena.
5.29
Tatkale sakhaysastrena vistrta sakala mahi
Vaidikasrama dharadeeh parabhutirabhuttatah
At the same time, Buddhism was pervading on earth and it abused the
custom of Vedas (ie. Varna, Asrama, Gurukula system, sacrifices etc).
5.30
Indrajalairvasikrtya rajanam sowgatah prabhum
Sunyam tatvam ca samsravya satastenodasadayat
Buddhists mersmerised their King by witchcraft and taught him that Sunya
(Nothingness) was the only 'tatva' and this world is illusive. Through him,
they overthrew the wise men and made them devoid of Vedic culture.
5.31
Tato Govinda namabhuddvijo vidyavisaradah
Sa caturvrnajah kanya udva putranajijanat
At that time, there was a great Brahmin scholar by name Govinda Bhatta.
He married four girls, one from each community - Brahmin, Kshatriya,
Vaisya and Sudra - and give birth to four sons.
5.32
Sabaro Vikramadityo Hariscandro'atha Bhartrhrt
45
5.33
Govindo daraputradyam vihayathacaranmabhim
Vyadhathat sabaro bhasyam sutranam jaimine rahah
Govinda Bhatta abandoned his wives and sons and went traveling from
place to place. Sabara wrote commentary privately Jaimini's sutras (Karma
Mimamsa).
5.34
Kramamapapadvikramadityo Hariscandrah surottamam
Istvayurveda vasistamalabhista param varam
5.35
Gatva yajnabhuvam Bhartrharivipranumoditah
Vicarya yajnahrdayam sa cacara mahimimam
5.36
Aryasya vedavidusah prabhutam tanayavudhau
Bhattah kumarah prathamo Bhatta Narayana parah
The Vedic Scholar, Sabara got two sons, namely Bhattakumara and Bhatta
Narayana
46
5.37
Kumarastu tada bheje bouddham tanmatavittaye
Naraynena sammantrya samprapte dharmasamkate
When the Vedic customs (such as Varna, Asrama dharmas) suffered due to
onslaught of Buddhism, Kumara Bhatta in consultation with Narayana,
served a Buddhist as his pupil to know the philosophy.
5.38
Prasadagre sankasya Bhatto'bhyamjayita pade
Vedaviplavanavyakhyam srutvasruni nyapatayat
Once, when Kumara Bhatta was applying oil on the head of his Master,
seated on the terrace of the house, the latter criticized Vedas (decrying
Verbal testimony, that too Vedas - Apauruseya - Not composed by anyone -
that would be like horn of hare etc), the former shed tears in distress and
they fell on the foot of the master.
5.39
Tadusnimanumanena viprasyadhim vibudhya sah
Hanyatamhanyatamesah candmatmatmetmeti jagada ca
As the tears were warm, he immediately inferred the mental agony of the
Brahmin (Kumara) and cried 'Kill him; Kill him; He is a hypocrite'
Notes: The tears will be hot in distress and will be cold when shed due to joy.
The Buddhist monk was wise enough to infer that Kumara was not happy at
his criticism of Vedas, as he was a Brahmin with Vedic customs and that he
had come to him in concealment.
5.40
Idanim hantukames'min nyapataddharanitale
Bhatto Vedah pramanamcejjtvamiti vaco bruvan
When the monk wanted to kill him, Kumara jumped down from the terrace
shouting "If the Vedas are valid testimony, then I will be alive".
47
5.41
Samkuvedena tasyaikim caksurnastam tato'bhavat
vedapramanyasamdehat kane'sityasariravak
Then his eye dashed to a peg and then he lost an eye; immediately there
came an oracle - a Divine reveleation (from Vayudev) stating that 'since you
doubted the validity of Vedas by saying 'if' you became blind of one eye'
5.42
Kadacittam raho rajna samahuyedamabravit
Devatajanasambhavyamatam kimsvit dvijendra te
Once, the King (having heard the Oracle himself) called Kumara Bhatta
privately and asked - 'O reverend Brahmin, what is your philosophy, which
is honoured by divine beings - Devatas'.
5.43
Ityuktah sa mahibharta bhattah smahavisamkitah
Varnasramochita dharma na hatavya mumuksubhih
Bhatta replied to the King without any fear that the code of Vedic conduct
(Varna, Asrama dharma etc) should not be abandoned by the person
desirous of salvation or eternal bliss.
Notes: The idea is that it is a sin if the Vedic dharma are not observed. As
such, Brahmins, Kshatriyas and others should observe their customs at any
cost).
5.44
Vedah pramanamityasmanmatam devanusiksitam
Hatavyam gatimicchadbhih purusaih sougatam matam
5.45
Yadi prasidasi kamesa sougataan vijayamahe
Prevesaya na cedamanvahvavahaya niscayat
48
O King, if you are pleased, we will win over the Buddhists and defeat them
in arguments; if not, you may put us into fire immediately without any
hesitation.
5.46
Iti bhattavacasrutva visrambhenabravinrpah
Yadi jasyasi tanvahnau vesaye sougataniti
On hearing Bhatta Kumara, the King with all confidence announced that if
the Buddhists were defeated, they would be put into fire.
5.47
Tasya rajno vacah srutva visrabdhah sa mahisurah
La Narayana Bhatah sesabaro mumude bhrsam
On hearing the assurance given by the King (whose subjects were Buddhists
only), the Brahmin scholar, Kumara, being associated with Sabara and
Narayana Bhatta, were very happy.
5.48
Apaksapatini ksa re sa tikam tarkaharkasam
Cakre sabarabhasyasya bouddhasastr nikrutanim
5.49
Narayanena Bhattena sa kadcitsameyivan
Toranagre puradwari patrikamapyaptayat
5.50
49
The stakes being that the defeated person would be burnt alive as
punishment, Kumara Bhatta condemned outright the argument of the
Buddhist that the Vedas are not verbal testimony; as a result many
Buddhists lost their lives, by being burnt alive at once.
5.51
Samyantrikaih saha yayuh katiciinilinah
Sampraptabhatabhuvi kecana Bakkamukhyah
Vesantarena krita sougatalinga bhangah
Rajyamtnvartamasu gatah sugata viceruh
Some Buddhists left this country along with foreign traders, some of them
ie. Bakkasami and others were hiding in the kitchens and other places and
escaped under the garb of theists and concealed their own customs. They
went on traveling along the border of the country.
6.1
Udajrbhrta Vedanta dharma varasramacitah
Brahmanastutusuryajna pravartanta mahitale
When the opponents of Vedas were driven out of the country, Vedic customs
such as Varnasrama dharma, Brahmacharya sacrifices flourished.
Brahmins were very happy and sacrifices etc were freely performed in the
country.
6.2
Vimsrya bharavirbhattam samudase nirisvaram
Susrava tannirakartum matsaryena Prabhakarah
The poet Bharavi reviewed Bhatta's treatises but neglected it as it did not
give prominence to God. Prabhakara studied it with jealousy in order to
criticize the same.
50
Notes: Mimamsakas were Bhatta, Murari Misra and Guru. They gave
prominence to Karma and not to Supreme Being Brahman. As such, it is
stated here as 'Nirvisvaram'.
6.3
Magho vararucirbana mayurah kalidasakah
Pracandakovida dandimukhyascaitadudasata
Magha, Vararuchi, Bana, Mayura, Kalidasa, Dandi and others great scholars
did not pay attention to Bhatta's treatises.
6.4
Dambakastarkavittantri prabhakrttarkatantravit
Mandano rephanascaite Bhattadbhattamasrunvata
6.5
Tatah Prabhakaram cakre vyarthayuktiprabhakarah
Bhatta sambaddha matsaryo bahutantrprapanacanam
6.6
Tameva samayam daityo Manimanapyajayata
Manorathena mahata brahmanyam jaratah khalat
At the same time, Maniman thought that his ambition could be achieved
immediately, and was born to a widow through aldultery.
6.7
Utpannah sankaratmayam sarvakarmabahiskrtah
Ityuktah svajanairmata sankaretyajuhava tam
51
As his nature was rubbish as sweepings or his nature was to mix castes,
creeds etc, and as he was born to an adultress he was prohibhited from all
Vedic karmas by his own relations; his mother called him 'Sankara'.
From the above, one can note that there is no concurrent view regarding
birth of a great person among his own followers. All of them being very good
scholars, they stick to their own, what is the traditional version?
Mani Manjari was written around 700 years ago by an eminent scholar Sri
Narayana Panditacharya who was a son of more eminent scholar and highly
learned Sri Trivikrama Panditacharya - the best exponent of advaita
philosophy at that time. He had incessant discussions with Sri
52
Madhvacharya for fifteen days and got convinced himself that the Dvaita
philosophy was the only solace for salvation. He surrendered to Him and
became one of his prinicipal disciples. The birth of Sankaracharya as
narrated in the above stanza was a traditional version and it was established
by the author, supported by Skanda Purana, Udupi Mahatmya, Srimusna
Mahatmya etc. The readers should remember that when this work was
written, there were eminent scholars in all communities and they would not
spare him for false narrations. In fact, as there are different versions in
many Shankara Vijayas, one can conclude that the stories are concocted
and none can be taken as genuine. Too many cooks have spoiled the broth.
As regards the name Sankara instead of Sankara (Query by AR - I really
don't understand this distinction, and hope learned readers will clarify this.
I think this has more to do with changes in Sanskrit letters - a sort of
punning.), it makes no difference in colloquial usage. Secondly, if a rare
child is born, many of us name it peculiarly as 'Tippa' 'Kuppu' Kalla'
'Gunda'etc meaning - sweepings, dust, stone, sound, waste etc - which
would be 'Sankara' when translated into Sanskrit. The poet must have used
the word in that sense.
As regards the ex-communication from all Vedic karmas, the fact that no
one came forward to dispose off the dead body of his mother and that he
himself, though being a sanyasi, cremated her body in the backyard of his
house, is a very strong evidence.
6.8
Visvasta sasutam drstva tusta sa psoayntkramat
Mandodumbaranispavaih sigrusakairalabubhih
The widow (mother) was glad and took care of the child and fed him with
cream made of flour, fig fruits (many seeds), drum sticks, long green,
pumpkin and such other prohibhited fruits and vegetables.
6.9
Pancasanyanaya ksipram Vrntakaniti coditah
Matra sa jagmivadbalo vrntakastamba samcayam
The boy was once asked by his mother to bring five or six brinjals. He went
and approached the plants (in the backyard).
6.10
Ganyamasa vrntakamckamekamiti soutam
Ekatva smkhyaya tatra na dwitiyamavaiksate
53
He counted each brinjal as one only and he did not count the second one as
'two' at all. As he was not willing to add all of them, he did not find the
second one.
6.11
Tadaha mataram putro nekse vrntakayordvayam
Pancasani katham tani tvanyeyamtaramiti
He told his mother that he could not find the second one itself, how could he
bring five or six of them.
6.12
Pathikasradupasrutya prahasya mitha neire
Ekasmin dvitvasamkhyam tu kah pasyatitramiti
The passers by overheard him and talked to themselves that the wise man
could find the secondness in one brinjal. (If one is added to one, it would
become two and the latter is called 'second', otherwise, it would not have
secondness at all. Second, third and fourth and so on are relative terms and
number one is called 'Puraka Samkhya').
6.13
Upaniya dvijah kascidvacatam nipunam vatum
Subiksannaghrta kseeram sowrastramanyattatatah
6.14
Pragbhave suciram cirnam tapastustasya sulinah
Varaprasadaih sigramadhyagistagamanvatuh
The brahmachari Sankara studied all the Vedas very soon due to the grace
of Rudra deva, who was satisfied with his devotion in his previous birth.
6.15
Tatah sowmim disam yato nadim tartumavatarat
Tasya okhaihrste Brahmasutre tamuttatara sah
54
After studying the Vedas, he went on a journey in the northern direction and
while he was crossing the river, he lost his sacred thread - Yajnopavita - but
he continued his journey.
6.16
Mam tvam tyajasicet sutra tvam pragevahamatyajam
Akaramanastvaye kim me ityuktah prayayau drtam
Sankara said - 'O, Sacred cord, you are leaving me; note that I have forsaken
you earlier; of what use are you to me; who does not perform Vedic karmas
(actions)' So saying, he went away quickly.
6.17
Durvassah param sisyam paratirthabhidam yatim
Caturmasya vrtadharamapasyatkaapato vatuh
This hypocrite bachelor saw the sage by name, Paratirtha, who was a chief
disciple of Durvasa Muni and who had observed penances like Caturmasya
vrata etc.,
6.18
Nirasutram tam vatum drstva mahadanavalaksanam
Vidvanavangmukham bhutva sa acamya mattam yayau
The highly learned sage, Paratirtha observed the demonic signs on the
bachelor without sutra (sacred cord) and bent his head in disgust, and went
away after sipping water thrice as penance for having seen such a wicked
persons.
6.19
Dosajnam tam munim jnatva tirtva Godavarim yayau
Badaryam Paratirtharya sisyam parpyedamabravit
Sankara made out that the sage was aware of the demonic features in him,
and hence he went to Badari after crossing river Godavari (Vrdha Ganga).
55
6.20
Tvedgurorasmi sisyo'aham tadadesadihagatah
Ityuktavati tasmin sa visrambham naiva jagmivam
'I am the disciple of your master (Paratirtha) and I have come here on his
permission', but he did not trust his words.
6.21
Satyaprajno vatum bhativairagyadi gunojjhitam
Dustam vijnaya tatyaja jugupsam paramam gatih
Satyaprajna found out at once that the bachelor was vile, devoid of all good
qualities like devotion, detachment from worldly passions and in utter
disgust, he abandoned him.
6.22
Atita janamasamskaravasadaikatamya bhavanam
Cakara sunyabhavena nirgunatvena va kvacit
Having experience in his previous birth (as Maniman) and due to strong
memory in this birth, Sankara meditated on Brahman as attributeless and
with identity of souls (which amounts to Sunya tattva of Buddhism).
6.23
Sahayam margayamasa dustapaksaihkadiksitah
Ekaki malino mundastatra tatra paribhramo
Sankara, with shaven head was alone with wicked thoughts and he had
staunch belief in Buddhism as it was opposed to Vedas. He was loitering
here and there in search of a suitable companion to assist him.
6.24
Kadainnisi sangatya daityastam samabhavayan
Ucusca Sankaracharya tvamasmakam paragatih
Once, the demons (Dvapara and others) approached him during a night and
respected him and said 'Sankaracharya, you are our solace'.
56
'O pure minded padatalotyaja (ie. A person born in Kaladi village) we wish
you happiness and prosperity. We think of you in full confidence, as our
agent in our task of destroying the Vedas'.
6.26
Pura Bhattabhayatsakya nasta dwipantaram
Narayano'anvagattesam tatopyutsadanecchaya
'Earlier to your birth, the Buddhists, who were defeated fled away to foreign
countries out of fear from Kumara Bhatta (who would burn themselves
alive). Narayana Bhatta chased them to drive them out of those islands also'.
6.27
Tatah utsadya tan Bhatta ayatamanujam nijam
Dustadese ciravasannagrheedddosasankaye
After driving them out from foreign islands also, when Narayana Bhatta
came back to his brother, he was not received, as he was an outcast, having
lived in the foreign land for a long time.
6.28
Tatah sa sougatamatam punah kincidudagrhit
Bakkaswami tato dwipadajagamatisamkitah
6.29
Kumarah svarmrtam loke khyapayamasa sisyakaih
Narayanastu tatsrutva sokatpavakamavisat
Kumara Bhatta got spread a false news through his disciples that he
(Kumara) was dead. On hearing the news, Narayana was extremely sorry
and jumped into fire.
hid himself in a secluded place and asked his disciples to spread the false
news. Narayana loved him so much that he could no bear the news and
hence, committed suicide.
6.30
Apane tu tato Bakkah pravartayata sougatam
Matam lingatardharairjaniah Kerala janmabhih
Bakkaswami got the Buddhism spread in the bazaar street by his followers
in Kerala, who were in disguise as astikas (ie. As if they were following Vedic
customs).
6.31
Gowdapadastato nyasamiyesa pravayastada
Tatsrutva yatirupena Bakko gatva tamabravit
6.32
Sanatkumaro Bhagavan presyamasa mam tava
Moksapravartanayaiva dwaitabhavena kim phalam
Sanatkumara, the son of Virinchi, has sent me to incite you with the means
of attaining salvation. What is the use in following Dvaita?
Notes: The learned scholars were following Dvaita only at that time, ie. The
knowledge of difference between jiva and Brahman. Gowdapada was
misguided by the Buddhists, Bakkaswami, who pretended to be an Vedantin
and preached in Advaita ie. Identity of Brahman with Jivatman.
6.33
Ityukto Gowdapadastu sambhramena naname tam
Viprasturyasramam prapya tatvam susrava Bakkstah
Gowdapada believed and prostrated before him happily; he ordained into the
fourth asram (ie.Sannyasarasrma) and listened to his preachings (ie. As a
sanyasin, he had to renounce all worldly passions and Vedic karma and
meditate on the identity of Brahman - Soham upasana).
58
6.34
Tadvivarta prapanco'ayam badhyate janansampadi
Jnanam tu taptalohaptajalanyayena samyati
6.35
Yatha pratyasyateta sarvam badhopalaksanam
Tatastvamanyatha tatvam sohamityuhamarhasi
6.36
Iti Bakkoditam tatvam vicarya suciram dwijah
Sarvabhavamnirvisesam vinanyadvaiksata
'The Brahmin, Gowdapada, pondered over the theory taught by Bakka for a
long time and realized that the Brahman was absolutely attributeless and
that this world was only superimposed and not real. The fact that the world
was real and Brahman was perfect with unlimited auspicious qualities did
not strike to his mind at all.'
6.37
Govindastam samasadya tatah sannyasamacaran
Sampradayagatam tatvam srutvopasta yatharthadhih
6.38
Govindaswaminam sadum tam gurum samupaihi bho
Tato dandadikam prapya srunu tvam tattvamuttamam
59
'O Sankara, you accept Govinda Bhatta as master and take sannyasasrama
from him and listen to his invaluable teachings'
6.39
Manah pravisya sarvesam tva vayam rocyamahe
Visnurvidusaya gunanityuktva yayurasurah
'We will enter the minds of the astikas (who have belief in Veda in form and
make them helpful to you and love you. You start assassination the
character of Vishnu by citing Vedas of wrong interpretation). So saying the
demons went away. (Thus the teachings of Asuras from Stanza 24 to 39).
6.40
Vatuh satah sa Govindaswaminam praitkata kvacit
Bhuyasam bhavatah sisyo no me'anyatvadrso guruh
At once the deceitful bachelor, Sankara met Govindaswami (as told) and said
- 'I do not find any other master equal to you. I want to be your disciple'.
6.41
Ityucivamsam Govindah sa tam paryagrhiddrtam
Pracchadya sunyaviditvam vedantivyapadesatah
6.42
Vartayamo matam sviyamanyatha garhayanti nah
Tadartham surtahrdayam Brahmadattasrnomyaham
Govinda Bhatta readily accepted him as his disciple. Sankara told him 'We
shall preach Sunyavada (Buddhism) in the guise of Vedanta or otherwise,
the people will abuse us as Non Vaidikas. As such, I will study
Brahmasutras under Brahmadatta (a sannyasi) to know the meaning and
significance of the same'.
6.43
Iti Govindamabhasya Mayi siddhantinam yayau
Prabhakara kumarabhyam sakam Bhaskarasamyutah
6.44
Susrava sutrabhavam sa Brahmadattatridendinah
Sisyaste prayayuh sarve vibhinnamatayo mithah
6.45
Bhattam sisyesu vinyasya Bhatto diavamasevata
Guruh prabhakaram tene Bharaveranujah sathah
6.46
Sutraih prapancayamcakre Mayavi swogatam matam
Sunyam Brahmapadenoktya tathavidyeti samvritam
6.47
Satvadi dharmarahityam sunyatayai jagada sah
Sutramurdhrtya siddantamutsutraih sviyamuccakshih
6.47
Abhasya bahubhih sabdaih katham Vedantitamiyat
Atatvavedakah prayo Vedah kecinnirarthakah
6.48
Iti Vedantavadah syatkatham vadastadantakah
Karnaupyadhuatta siddhanti bhasyam tatccusruvanmanak
Some portions of srutis like Jhasjhari and aa ha hoo etc were discarded by
him as meaningless. As such arguments would be a death blow to the
sacred srutis, how could it be 'Veda Vada'. On hearing Sankara's
interpretation, to some extent, Brahmadatta closed his ears, as such things
should not be heard.
6.49
Bhaskarah karkasaistarkaidurbhasyam tadkhandayet
Duhsastramapathan daityastata eva Haridvisah
6.50
Asuravesatah sarve Sankarasya vasangatah
Jivesvaradwaitamatamuriri cakruradarat
6.51
Vasicikisurnikhilansca jantum sa vartmabahyanapi hantumiccha
Sakteya mantranabajatsa mayi sa Bhairavi tasya cakara dowtyam
point is that unless there is some extraneous influence of such dur devatas,
many intelligent, well educated and otherwise empirically lead people would
have not fallen for such nefarious doctrine. Personally, I am as convinced
about the existence of such dur-devatas and their influence in favour of
Advaita as I am on the falsity of that doctrine.
I have heard (but not read) that Sri Vijayadasaru has given a list of dur-
devatas that should not be worshipped. I request learned readers having
that list to share it with us. Just as we should know what deities to bow, we
equally need to be warned on what deities to avoid.
7.1
Tatah sa visvarupasya grham vavraja sankarah
Kimapyabodhatapangaviksaya tatpriyamuna
7.2
Jaghatate tayormamksu cetasitvitaretaram
Nileeno'adhwanayadbhiksurnirsithe pranganadhbahih
They had some understanding immediately. In midnight, the saint went out
of the backyard and made some signal sound, concealing himself.
7.3
Niryaye'kalakusmandapatakataraya kila
Taya kincitparigate nidraya nijabhartari
When the husband had gone asleep, the lady went out under the pretext
that a pumpkin had fallen down from the plant.
7.4
63
The corrupt saint with large head and bulged posteriors had pleasure with
stout and close breasted lady - the wife of Visvaroopa.
7.5
Patyuretya saniarnari samipe'asea viklaba
Kusmandakathaya caiman prabhudhya tamabodhayat
Being frightened, she came back and slept by the side of her husband and
when he woke up, she narrated the story of the pumpkin.
7.6
Tatah pratarvivadecchuh Sankaro vipramabravit
Jalpavah prasnikatve'asau kalpyatam dayita tava
Next morning, Sankara wanted to debate with the Brahmin (ie. Visvaroopa)
and told him, "We shall have a debate and let your wife be the judge".
7.7
Sa asramantaram prayadyah parabhavamesyati
Ityuktva tena so'ajalpet sa patim jitambravit
'One who is defeated in the debate should embrace different asrama'. With
this condition, Sankara had debate with him; the judge, the wife of
Visvaroopa, declared that her husband was defeated.
Notes: The condition was that if Sankara was defeated he should become
'Grhastha' - a family man after discarding sanyasa and that if Visvaroopa
was defeated, he should become a sanyasi leading and ascetic's life. The
stake was so severe that no body would agree to have the wife of the
participant as the judge. In this case, it is a surprise that a Sanyasi had
proposed the wife of his opponent to preside and give judgement. It was
perhaps done so with some ulterior motive.
7.8
Tatah paryavrjapviprastaya reme sa Sankarah
Kvacittenasuresena sahapasyat sa mandanam
along with the great demon (the new saint) met the Scholar Mandana
Mishra.
7.9
Yo Bhattena parabhuto bhuastrani suresvaran
Niryayau varanarudhah sa tam Sankarambravit
7.10
Kuto munda iti praha agalatmunda ityamum
Mandanastvaha panthanam prcchamityatha so'abravit
7.11
Kimaha pantha iti te matha randeti Mandanah
Ahatam Bhiksukah satyamada pantha it eechalam
When Mandana asked some questions, Sankara fabricated his very words to
give a different meaning and gave answers perversely as follows:
Mandana - 'Kute Manda? (Meaning 'O bald headed (well shaved) man, where
from are you coming?
Sankara fabricated those words and answered - 'O Mandana, I have got
shaven upto the neck'
7.12
Nigrheeto'apratibhaya Bhairvya kukkutena ca
Ksobito Brahmanah sighramanvavartata Bhiksukam
65
7.13
Totakah Padmapadasca Jnanoccho Beejabhuk tatha
Ityete Mayinah sisya asanscatvara ulbanah
Notes: They were wicked because they destroyed the minds of even the
saintly persons by their perverted teachings.
7.14
Siddhitrayamakarsuste sisya jnanottamadayah
Totakadini cadvaram tamisrasya nirargalam
Notes: Those works were gateways for eternal Hells - Tamisra etc because
they decry the greatness of the Almighty by stating that His attributes are
not real and that this world consisting of sky, sun, moon, etc - visible and
invisible is not His creation but it is an illusory, just as silver seen in a shell
out of ignorance. All the Scriptures, srutis and smritis proclaim that. He is
the creator, protector as well as destroyer of this real world and He is the
solace and salvation ie. To get out of this bondage, which is the cause for all
our sorrows. To decry such auspicious qualities by perverted arguments is
devilish and scriptures say that such demonic persons are Tamasas and
they go to eternal hell after liberation.
7.15
Tesam sisyaprasisyadya yatyabhasascaturvidhah
Abrhayanta vamsan svan nyasayanta prthagjanan
Those four so called saints, Jnanottama and others initiated the disciples
and their students into four types of sannyasa (Hamsa, Paramahamsa,
Bahuda, and Kuticika) but they were also wicked by nature and they were
under the garb of sannyasis and they increased their tribe.
Notes: This is not stated by the author out of hatred. The information may
be confirmed with reference to relevant passages in the Skanda Purana,
66
7.16
Daksinasam tato gatva dagdhva matuh kalevaram
Agatya svamaiham prapya Sankaro rogapiditah
Sankara went to his native place in the South and cremated the dead body
of his mother and went back to his Mutt in North and suffered from disease.
7.17
Tatah kale samayate svasajwara bhagandaraih
Dukkadaih piditasyasya vani kincidaliyata
When his death was approaching, Sankara was suffering from veneral
diseases, fever and deep breath. His voice became very feeble.
7.18
Mumursum svagurum drstva Mayino vedavidvisah
Bhagavanah param krtyam kimprccham sasamsambhramah
The deceitful disciples, who were the enemies of Vedas, went to their dying
master hastily and asked 'revered master, what we have to do now?'
7.19
Sa smaha tan krtaprayam satyam krtyam mahasurah
Utsadyatamayam ksipram paratirtharya sisyakah
Sankara told them 'O Great Demons, I have almost done my duty; but the
disciples of the Great Paratirtha have to be destroyed.'
7.20
Paratirthah prakrtyaiva sapanugraha saktiman
Tivravrataistapobhisca pravaya atyajattanum
67
'Paratirtha, who had by nature the power of blessing with a boon or retorting
with a curse, is now dead of severe penanace and immersion in deep study
of scriptures always. (So you have no fear of him now).
7.21
Satyaprajno duradharsah saktoptha haridvisam
Rsibhyo himavatprste srutirvakhyati gocarah
7.22
Tatsisyo nipunah santo vedavedanta kovidah
Srutirvyakhyati sisyebhyah pancasebyastapomayah
Satyatirtha's disciple (by name Prajyatirtha) who is well versed in all the
Vedas, Upanishads is imparting scriptural knowledge to his followers five
or six students (in Nandigrama).
7.23
Nanyosti sampradayajnah sruterdaiteyapungavah
Etya Hamsaniman ksipramutsadayata nirbhayah
O Great Demon, none other than Prajyatirtha knows the traditional meaning
of the Vedas, you go to this sage immediately and destroy him without any
fear.
7.24
Adisyetham balavatah sisyan Biksurmuhasuran
Ahuya caturo daitya nahantevasino guruh
7.25
Beejadamsruntasmakamesyantam bhavasankatam
Ityuktaste dasadisah paribhramya samagatah
68
'You go to Beejada and ask him what are the difficulties and sorrows I have
to face in my future births'. They went in all the ten directions and came
back to him.
7.26
Kimapasyate Bijadah kimavocatsa me gatim
Itynklaste svaguruna rahastam pratyacaksata
He asked them whether they could find Beejada and if so what did he say
about his future births. They told him confidentially the following words.
7.27
Guroh ka ne gatiriti drstam drstam naram prati
Vicaryapyuttaram naptamityekah punarbravit
One said that they asked the people, whoever they came across about the
future of guru, but we could not get any reply. Another said the following.
7.28
Dvayam Sankarasyasti padmasya caikam mamaikam ca nasti
Giretvetaya kadukakridamekamaveksee antyajam pakkanate kvaceti
He said he saw an outcaste (Candala) playing with the ball near his hut and
that he told that Sankara had two births, Padmapada one birth and he (the
disciple) had not even a single birth. (He said that he had not even a single
birth).
7.29
Haha bijadaisagudho madiyo bhuyasthata vyaptro'ham gunesu
Kimvasmakam Bhavi kavagatih syadhitham jalpannapa dirgham sanidram
8.1
Mayavins samadista murkhh pattalajanmana
Nandigramam samasadya hamsanamadahanmatham
The stupid Jnanottama and others, who were instructed by the deceif
Sankara went to Nandigrama and set ablaze the mutts (monastery) of
Prajnatirtha and others.
8.2
Nijaghrurgovrjam grame bhairavya balkanapi
Vipranajvarayan daitya abala udasadayat
With the influence of Bhairavi, the demon killed cattles and children in
Nandigrama; They gave untold miseries to the Brahmins and spoiled pious
ladies.
8.3
Prajnatirthah sesisyasaw cchinnadandakamandalu
Uddisya prastitah pratah satksetram pourusottamam
8.4
Mayinastananudrutya hamsagryan vijanasthale
Abhihatya nipatyacuh smpraptaprsnasankatan
The demons followed them and threw them down in a lonely place and
struck them with a fist. When they were in the agony of death, the demons
told the following:
8.5
Asmananuvrajadhavam va mriyadhvam va vicintyatam
Ityuktva mayibhirmurkhairanvayameti te'bruvan
8.6
Atha jnanottamastebhyo dandadikam khalah
Vyatyasyalanchanam copadidesakutamasuram
When they consented to follow the demons, the wicked Jnanottama gave
them separate stick Danda and ascetic vessels (kamandalu), changed their
symbols and taught them the demonic philosophy of 'Mayavada'.
Notes: Prajnatirtha and others were wearing the string of tualsi beads,
urdhavapundras with Gopichandana - those being Vaishnava symbols. The
demons changed the symbols to Rudraksha beads and tiryagapundras with
vibhuti. He taught his Advaita philosophy decrying the difference between
jiva and Brahman etc.
8.7
Tebhyaste nipuna aamsah parama gudacetasah
Srutvh sarirakam bhasyam vyacakhyustarka karkasam
8.8
Mayino vancayitvenivam santosavivasayan
Anando balamathagan nyavasansahatairam
Thus, being deluded, the Demons thought that they were converted to their
religion and were happy. Prajyatirtha and others were living along with them
in the Monastery by name, Ananda Bala.
8.9
Visvasya Prajyarithraryaamaikatmopasti nistitam
Mayavadaratam drstva mayinojahrsurmuda
The demons (Jnanothama & others) believed that Prajyatirtha and other
sages were well versed in Mayavada and they were very happy again and
again.
8.10
Tam sasisyam sadacaramavalokyatha mayinah
Panabhogabalakanksa vihaye prayayau sanai
71
8.11
Ayam hi Prajyatirthah sadacaratikarkasah
Gurunasman duracara garhapediti bhiravah
8.12
Prajyatirhastada sisyan hamsanahuya sammatam
Rahasyaha mahaesa harinanugrahah krtah
When the deceit men left, Prajyatirtha called his disciples and other pious
men and told secretly that it was only by the grace of Sri Hari that those
culprits left them.
8.13
Barbara mayinah sarve yayuvisvasya nah sukham
Parayitva caturmasavrtam yamo vayam tviti
He said 'If gives us great pleasure that low caste and corrupt people left us.
We shall finish Caturmasa vrata here and leave this place'.
8.14
Gatva Gangam tatah snatvamuktvamho mayisambhavam
Mayivyajena yasyamo Nandigramam sanaih sanaih
'We shall go to River Ganga (Bhagirithi) and wash our sins due to our
association with corrupt demons and proceed further Nandigrama under
the disguise of Mayavadins'
8.15
Ityuktva Prajyatirtharyascaturmasyadantaram
Gatva sasisyo Gangayam snatvayuduttaram disam
So saying, Prajyatirtha left that place along with his disciples after
Caturmasya vratam, took bath in River Bhagirathi and went towards North.
8.16
Nandigramam samasadya harim sasmartha tajjanin
72
8.17
Prajyatirthasca tatsisya bhaktya sambhajita janaih
Badaryam munayah snatva tirthe tivram tapocaram
Prajyatirtha and his disciples were facilitated by the people at Badri; they
took bath in the sacred river and observed severe penances like fasting.
8.18
Narayanam Namastubhyam mamo vastatvikah surah
Ha Ha nah sugarim dehi guro natheti cakrusuh
8.19
Tesamavirabhut satyaprajyah sakam mahribhih
Tasmai Hamsa drutam nemuh sarve te daityapiditah
8.20
Krandantah patitan bhumau satyaprajyo mahatapah
Ajnayothapayamasa jananstesam mahadbhayam
The great ascetic Satyaprajya who was aware of their mental agony, ordered
them to get up and lifted them, as they had fallen on their feet.
8.21
Upavisyasana tasminnupavesya ca tan munin
Uvacaham bhayam vedi bhavatam tapasakhilam
73
Satyaprajna sat down and asked Prajyatirtha and other sages to sit and said
- 'From the divine power (tapas), I know all your difficulties and mental
agony'.
8.22
Ayam kalah kalaih saksat tena copkdrutaah jamah
Vatsa vimumcaatatyugram tavaviplava samkatam
'The presiding demon for this age is Kali directly. Naturally, the pious mem
have to face all sorts of atrocities. They destroy the valid knowledge of Vedas
by defective reasonings and wrong interpretations of Vedas. You,
Prajnatirtha, don't be sorry for it'.
8.23
Tavami Prajyatirthaaantevasinah pourustottamam
Ksetre yantu param siddhimupasya purusottamam
8.24
Sisyesvekah srutinam te sampradayabhignptaye
Carata mayibhih sardham tesam chandanuvartanam
'Let one of your disciples associate with the demon and preach their
philosophy in order to protect the traditional meaning of the srutis'.
Notes: If all the disciples attain salvation as stated in the previous verse,
who is to propogate the traditional meaning of the srutis? As such,
Satyaprajna ordered that a competent person knowing the valid meanings of
seemingly doubtful passages in Vedas, such as Tatvamasi, Aham
Brahmasmi, Ayamatma Brahma etc, should be in midst of demons and
initiate like them; and preserve the traditional version of the srutis without
their knowledge. In due course, it will be preached to pious people by the
most competent Devata and Jivottama, Vayudeva.
8.25
Sannyasyetsanipunamekam vamsadharam dvijam
So'apyanyamanyam sopiti vamso na syadakhanditah
'Let that disciple (sannyasi) who will be in the midst of demons give
sannyasa to another competent person who is capable of preserving the
74
hereditary customs (of Durvasa Muni) and that sannyasi to another such
person. In this way, the tradition will continue without break.
8.26
Narayanah parah swami satyajyanadisadgunah
Tasya dasosmyaham satyamkityupasa pravartatam
'Let Him meditate and preach that the Almighty Narayana is the Supreme
Being; He is the Lord and controller of this visible and invisible world; He is
the creator and destroyer of this world, which is real like Himself and not
illusory; He is full of auspicious qualities like valid knowledge, happiness
etc, which are all everlasting. All the attributes are part and parcel of His
nature; All the Vedas praise His glory and so on. I am only His humble
servant; so also all the jivas. The difference is also everlasting. (ie.
Paramarthika like Brahman).
Notes: Every word in this verse has got vast meaning. The translation is only
a short note. Prajyatirtha and other sages understood the instructions of
Satyaprajya. It is nothing but a gist of Tattvavada of Sri Madhvacharya.
8.27
Mayinam lanchanam dharyam karyam tannamandrkam
Smrtva harim tadnatastam mayavadasca patyatam
You wear symbol (vibhuti etc) just like the demons and you bow down to
him; but when you bow down think of Sri Hari, who is the internal soul of
all the jivas and who is the Chief Inducer of all; and read Mayavada sastra.
Notes: As they would be following the customs of the Mayavadin, there would
be no fear from them.
8.28
Mahasuramaye loke naivaaviskrastumarhasi
Bhairavya va krpanya va Mayino ghnmti vaidikan
"As the world is now pervading by the Great Demons like Kali, you do not try
to preach Tattvavada; Jnanottama and other demons will destroy you with
the influence of Bhairvai, Krpani etc. and with swords.
8.29
Tebhyo gopayatatmanam sampradayam na muncata
Ityuktva satyasamvittam tyajyam dandapatadikam
75
8.30
Mayidattam punastebhyo dandadyam purvaddhadau
Tananujnayapya satyatma purvavat sa tirodadhe
"You have to protect yourself against the harm from demons and at the same
time you should not give up the hereditary customs, you may abandon the
stick (danda), robes, etc given by the demons". So saying, Satyatirtha gave
separate danda, robes, Kamandalu etc to Prajyatirtha and other sages. Then
he asked them to go away and he himself disappeared.
8.31
Prayasisya yayuh kshetram viraktah paurusottamam
Prajyo Gurupadiste margenovasa mayibhih
The disciples of Prajyatirtha, who were above wordly passions and always
meditating on Sri Hari, went to the sacred place, Jagannatha. Prajyatirtha
was moving with the demons as directed by his Guru, Satyaprajna.
8.32
Ekam vamsadharam sisyam krtvopastimasiksayat
Anyam samnasya so'pi svam sampradayamasiksayat
8.33
So'pyayamityayam vamso' nodacchidyata bhagyatah
Tatah kevalavamse'smin mayibhi svajanabhramat
Grhyamano'eyutapreksah parvivrajyamupagamat
The same procedure was followed by the latter sages and this tradition
continued by God's grace. The demons thought that they are true followers
of their customs. In that line, one competent person was initiated as
sannyasi by name Acyutaprekshacharya.
8.34
Athasuranam srutidusakanamutsadanayarthayatah surendran
Anandayan Sridayjitatyayesah samjivanatmavatatara bhumau
76
When Achutapreksha took sannyasa, the chief deities Garuda, Sesa and
Rudra etc prayed Vayu deva to destroy Mayavada and establish Tattvavada.
On being ordered by the Almighty Sri Hari, Vayudeva, the chief executive of
all sentient and insentient world was born on earth to please these deities
by destroying the demons who were enemies of Vedas, as they had
misinterpreted them. (As misinterpretation of a sruti gives conflicting
meanings it is as good as destroying the Sruti).
Notes: This stanza commenced from the word 'Atha' which denotes 'Good
fortune'. At the advent of Vayudeva, this world of pious people would
prosper, as they would be imparted with the right knowledge leading to
salvation.
8.35
Sa Bhagavanupanitimitah pituh sakalaveda sulaksanalaksitah
Adrta paramahamsyamathasramam yativarsi paramacyuta cetasah
8.36
Pravartitaya sankadibhih pura tatah prastat paratirtha sisyaraih
Harerupastim svaguru prasaditam madhvaya bhakyopadidesa hamsarat
8.37
Gunanantaanupasamharan hareranatarudesu durantasamtateh
Anantarupo Bhagavanantadherupasta sarvadi suparvanam
Notes: There is a purana - struti which states that Vayu has three crore of
forms - 'Trikoti rupah Pavanacca me sutah' - Vayudeva has the same
strength and knowledge unblemished in all his incarnated forms -
Hanuman, Bhima and Madhva. He is the only deity who can meditate on
Brahman as stated above according to his capacity.
8.38
Dasyormanita uditam durbhasyam vyasya Madhva arardhyah
Vedanta sutra bhasyam sakala srutitarka brhmitam cakre
Notes: Concealing the valid meaning of sutras amount to stealing away the
sutras itself. As such word 'Dasyuh' is used in the words - meaning, looting
away precious objects.
8.39
Tatana tantra sruti gitakanam Bhasyani Vedesvara cakravarti
Purana Ramayana Bharatanam cakara tatparyavinirnayam ca
78
Sri Madhvacharya, who was the Master of all Vedas and all scriptures was
commended by Sri Vedavyasa Himself to write commentaries on Brahma
Mimamsa, Upanishad, Rigveda, Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavata,
Ramayana, Mahabharata etc. Thereby He exposed the correct and valid
meanings of all srutis etc., and conception of Brahman - Sri Mahavishnu.
8.40
Tarkikaviradapunjabhanjana Madhvakesarini hanta jrumbhite
Sankatena ca bhayena mayigomayavo dasadisah paradravat
Notes: The Advaitins could not argue with Sri Madhva. They were sure that
they would be defeated; if they do not argue, the ex-parte decision would be
against them. As such, they were in distress.
8.41
Vyadyotista viclravritarueirah sampurnavidyakarah
Krsnasyadbhuta viryavarnanaparo namrthasarthojvala
Sarvedradjsurendratalitapado mayivinam bhisanah
Sri Madhva vijayi ca Madhvavijayo Narayana prodhbhavah
79
(At the end of a work, it is customary to have a happy ending with 'Mangala
sloka'. The author concludes stating that he wrote immediately another
great work - Sri Madhva Vijaya - which is not only the biography of Sri
Madhvacharya but a multi -faceted work as described below -)
'Vicitra vrttarucirah' - Sri Madhva made history of his own which is unique
and very interesting. Madhvavijaya, the sacred work has been composed
with different metres in figurative Sanskrit, which is very interesting to read.
Courtesy:
Dharmaprakash - Feb & Mar '89, April & May'89, December'89 to May'90,
June'90, July'90, August'90, Sept & October'90
I have been in some hurry regarding its postings, so could not wait to do
the ITRANS of the text before posting. A handy text for parayana has been
published by Sri Raghavendraswami Mutt, Mantralaya. To the best of my
knowledge,
no english translation of the work exists, except the one by Narayana Rao
that
has been posted. Given the nature of its contents, and our 'secular' climate
(even within Dvaita institutions), it is not likely that we will be seeing
many translations.
I am extremely grateful to God for having given me the net connection, the
ready materials, and an interested circle to post these materials. I am happy
to be a part of this highly focussed group.
Dedicating this to Sri Lakshmi Hayagriva who ever resides in the pure heart
of Sri Yantaroddaraka Sri Hanuman and in the Rju Sri Vadhiraja swamiji of
Sonde.
Sri Krishnarpramastu