Author's
Note: Please visit - The 'Real' Ramayana/ Ram-Rajya - to read the other parts of this
series, so as to be able to fully understand or grasp the contents of this one.
What
does 'Ram' and 'Krishna' mean? What does the Blue Lotus (Pushkara or Indivara) and the Blue Water-lily (Utpala) represent? Notes on: the meaning (symbolism) of a lotus flower, the significance of the blue water-lily in ancient
Egyptian culture, 'divine', Bharatvarsha, the 8th 'avatar' - Balaram, Bhagiratha, Ma Ganga, the 'curse' of Raja Yayati, etc. Why is Shri Ram and
Shri Krishna depicted as 'blue-hued'? Why the cow is considered sacred, worthy of worship and treated as a
'mother'? What is 'Kamadhenu'?
Krishna (also: Krishn, Krsna; Sanskrit:
Krshn) means: "that attracts" or "all-attractive". From
classical texts we gather that Shri Krishna possessed a magnetic personality,
crimson cheeks, 'coral lips', eyes shaped like lotus petals (Pundarikaksha,
Padmalochan, puṣkara-locanaḥ, puṣkara-akṣaḥ, puṣkara-īkṣaṇah), head
bedecked with peacock feathers, a fascinating face, an enchanting smile, a perfectly proportioned
body and a sky-blue complexion - features largely due to the delicate blending
of the martian, saturnine, venusian and lunar characteristics (i.e., due to the
dominance of the influences of the Moon and Venus, with Saturn and Mars.)
Therefore, what we can conclude is this: that Shri Krishna
was a figure of matchless good looks, grace and splendor that no mortal eyes have
ever witnessed. He also possessed extraordinary conversational ability. [More: HERE.]
Ram (also: Ramchandra) comes from the Sanskrit Rāma,
which means: black, dark; Chandra means: moon (in Sanskrit). Therefore:
Ramchandra means: the Rāmamoon. Or as gentle as the moon (which distills the harsh rays of the sun. A gentle moon in a dark sky exudes peace and tranquility). Shri Ram has been described as: tall,
strong, handsome and 'big-eyed' (vishalaksha). He is also known as the 'lotus-eyed one' (i.e. one
whose eyes are shaped like lotus petals).
[However: we must remember that the humans of the earlier
eras or yugs were nothing like the 'modern humans' of the current era
(the Kali Yug) in all respects: be it in height, appearance, strength,
caliber, intelligence, knowledge, 'way of life', technological know-how and so
on and so forth.]
Ma Saraswati, the goddess (or the symbol)
of learning, wisdom, and knowledge too is referred as: Vishalakshi or
'the big-eyed-one' and as 'Padmakshi', 'Padmalochana' and 'Kamalalochane' - all
of which means: the 'lotus-eyed-one' i.e. one whose eyes are shaped like lotus
petals:
||
Saraswati Mahabhaage Vidhye Kamalalochane
Vishwaroope Vishaalaakshi Vidhyaam Dehi Namostute ||
Vishwaroope Vishaalaakshi Vidhyaam Dehi Namostute ||
[Do read: Saraswati Shatanam Stotram]
Maa Shakti or Maa Durga - the divine
Mother - has 108 names, one of which is 'Padmapatrakshi' or 'eyes like the lotus
leaf'.
Shri
Krishna is also considered to be a 'part' of Maa Shakti or Maa
Durga - and this is due to the greatness of his actions and deeds
(keerti).
The dark-blue complexion of
Krishna is compared to that of the Neel-kamal - the Blue Water-lily (Utpala)
or the Blue Lotus (Pushkara or Indivara), and hence, this flower is also
called: 'Krishna Kamal'. While devi Durga, the 'manifestation' of the
divine cosmic feminine force (or energy) - is worshiped with 108 'Neel-Kamal'
or Blue Lotuses, Shri Krishna too is the possessor of 108 names and is known as
the 'lotus-eyed-one'.
[Divine probably
comes from dev, which in turn comes from daaivic - meaning: noble
traits or qualities. Therefore, divine = one who possesses noble traits or
qualities. It can be animate or inanimate. Dev (an honorific for a great
male) or Devi (an honorific for a great female) comes from
daaivic (meaning: one who possesses noble traits or qualities.) Devi
is essentially a reverential honorific for a female (entity, person, power,
force or energy) - that is worthy of respect and worship. Dev is
the male version.]
The Blue
Lotus [Indivara] and the Blue Water-lily [Utpala] are often confused despite the distinct differences
between the two plants. Many say: there is no blue lotus, no such flower
exists or ever has; that it is a botanical chimera. Or that: lotuses can
be white [Pundarika, Svetakamala, Pankaja], pink [Padma] or pink-going-on-red
[Kokonad, Kamala, Rakta-Kamala], but they are never blue.
However, I
would like to say that: perhaps a long time ago the blue lotus was indeed blue;
that there indeed was a Blue Lotus - known to our ancients; maybe it was a rare
flower. And maybe: due to changed circumstances, environmental factors,
increase in adharm, etc..., the Blue Lotus - pushkara or indivara - went
into a Nirvikalpa Samadhi to awaken to moksha.
And when this
happened, our forefathers began to consider the Blue Water-lily (Utpala)
instead, in its place. This blue lotus (rather: the blue water-lily; utpala) is actually a delicate
shade of indigo. Perhaps a similar thing happened with the red lotus
[Kokonad, Rakta-kamala] too, who can say? Meaning: the actual red lotus may
have faded away from the face of the earth, and therefore, had to be replaced by
the pink-going-on-red variety.
Moral of
the story: I would not like to be drawn into the 'Utpala or Indivara'
debate.
[Note: Nymphaea caerulea, also known as the
Blue Egyptian water lily or sacred blue lily, is a water lily in the genus
Nymphaea. Its original habitat may have been along the river Nile and parts
nearby, apart from other locations in East Africa, besides the Indian
Subcontinent, Nepal and Thailand.
The blue
water lily had a much deeper significance to the Egyptian people. In the
beginning were the waters of chaos ... Darkness covered the waters until ...
the Primeval Water Lily rose from the abyss. Slowly the blue water lily opened
its petals to reveal a young god sitting in its golden heart. A sweet perfume
drifted across the waters and light streamed from the body of this Divine Child
to banish universal darkness. This child was the Creator, the Sun God, the
source of all life.
Now, can
you see the similarities between this story and the one we know involving Brhma
emerging out of Vishnu's lotus-naval? Perhaps: the river Nile got its name
from the blue water lily. Nile is anglicized; it is actually 'Neel',
meaning: blue. Egypt (ancient Miṣr, Mishr)
fascinates me no end; and we will discuss this land in our later posts, for
sure.
The ancient Egyptians saw
that the blue water lily opened up each morning, seeing the intense golden
center set against the blue petals, seemingly an imitation of the sky that
would greet the sun, releasing sweet perfume. Each afternoon, they would close
again only to open again each day. The flower was therefore firmly linked with
the rising and the setting of the sun, and thus to the sun god and the story of
creation. The significance of the flower was great - many columns of the
Egyptian temples had water lily capitals crowning them. It has been depicted in
numerous stone carvings and paintings, including the walls of the famous temple
of Karnak. [Now: whether Konark and Karnak have anything to do with each
other... well, what do you think?]
Nymphaea
caerulea (Blue Egyptian water lily or sacred blue lily) was considered
extremely significant in Egyptian mythology, since it was said to rise and fall
with the sun. Consequently, due to its colourings, it was identified, in some
beliefs, as having been the original container, in a similar manner to an egg,
of Atum, and in similar beliefs Ra, both solar deities. As
such, its properties form the origin of the lotus variant of the Ogdoad
cosmogeny. It was the symbol of the Egyptian deity Nefertem (the god
of the blue water lily).
As with the
blue lotus in Hindu and Buddhist artwork and philosophy (essentially: 'Sanaatan
Dharma'), the blue lily has a similarly prominent place in the art and culture
of ancient Egypt and Near Eastern cultures. Water lilies have been identified
painted on Egyptian frescoes, pillars, and vases, usually in the process of
being consumed by deities or held in their hands as part of rituals. A 13th or
14th century BCE terracotta plaque from Syria depicts the goddess Ashera
holding two flowers that are probably water lily blossoms. In an interesting
piece of cross-cultural synchronicity, the water lily also seems to have been
of importance to the ancient Maya: some Classic Period Mayan statues
also feature deities holding lily buds or flowers in their mouths, although in
the case of the Maya, the species of lily was probably Nymphaea ampla. But then, it may have been the elusive Neel-Kamal too, who can say?]
The Indivara
(blue lotus) is a symbol of victory, victory over the senses. It
signifies knowledge and wisdom. Krishna is also known as Hrishikesa -
the master of the senses. He had not only gained mastery over his senses
(indriyas), but also over those of others. Hence, he was 'illusionist' par
excellence - the best of his era no doubt, but of all times as well. [This
'illusionist' is not to be confused with what passes for magic and magicians
these days. Krishna's mastery over the senses was due to a combination of
illumined knowledge or 'yog' and awesome technology. He was a 'Yogeeswara' -
which is a Sanskrit word, and means: 'a great yogi who is equivalent to
the Almighty (Ishvara)'. We will discuss this in greater detail in our later
posts. However, 'yog' should not be confused with what passes for 'yoga' now-a-days.]
While the lotuses, white
and pink, either stand on the surface or slightly above the (muddy) water, the
blue lotus is completely up and out of the water. The Neel-kamal or the Blue
Water-lily (Utpala) too is seen thus - completely up and out of the (muddy)
water.
This is
representative of somebody who carries out his or her tasks with little concern
for any reward and with a full liberation from attachment. The drops of water
easily sliding off its petals signify this. Shri Krishna did all
that he did, not for personal glory or to earn a great name for himself.
He did not annex territories or expand his kingdom nor indulged in rape,
loot and plunder. Whatever he did was for the greater good of mankind and for
civilization to flourish well. His was Nishkam Karm; he was doing his
duty and upholding dharm (i.e. the right principles or 'way of life')
without expecting anything in return.
Notes on
Bharatvarsha:
Raja Yayati had five
sons: Yadu, Turvasu, Druhyu, Anu and Puru.
Puru
started the Puruvansh (the Puru lineage), while the eldest
- Yadu - started the Yaduvansh (the Yadu or the Yadav
lineage). Puru is the progenitor of the Puru clan i.e. the Bharatas
(from which 'Bharat-Varsh' derives her name).
According
to the scriptural description of the Brhmaand, the entire planet earth
is called Bharatavarsha, but particularly the area that lies south of
the Himalayas has also been referred to as Bharatavarsha (also: Bharatvarsh.)
[This area has been compared to a Neel-Kamal or a Blue-Lotus (Pushkara
or Indivara) - since it is surrounded by mountains or hills, much like how the center
of the blue-lotus is surrounded by the petals.]
Bharatavarsha
literally means the continent ('varsha'; Sanskrit) that is dedicated ('rata')
to light, wisdom ('bha'). Our Vedic Rishis and Munis (i.e.
learned persons) devoted themselves to the quest for the eternal truth or
'illumined knowledge' (kevala jnana) and the ultimate reality or bliss for the
mind and soul i.e. satchidananda.
[Sat-cit-ānanda, pronounced as: sach-chid-ānanda, means: one who has
achieved eternal bliss of self-realization. Sat describes an essence
that is pure and timeless; cit is consciousness; ānanda is
absolute bliss.]
Bharata means "the cherished",
Bharatavarsha is the land of Bharata; it is the bhumi of the
Bharatas or "cherished land" (and this is not confined to the
descendents of Puru only.)
Bharatvarsha
is our 'Punya-Bhoomi' or worshipable Motherland and the nation of our
ancestors. It is in this land that the eternal principles of 'Sanatana Dharma'
were understood and practiced for many millennium - and complied as well. The
philosophy and culture that evolved in this land are very distinct and
vibrant... for which we should be proud. It is this land where a clarion call
was given to all humanity to pursue the goal of becoming higher spiritual
beings and realize the Ultimate Truth (i.e. the Brhaman, the Paramaatma,
the Parameshwar, the Ultimate Knowledge or the Ultimate
Reality.)
Thus: we
must work to preserve the ancient traditions of Bharatvarsha, and
keep it as the homeland of a dynamic and thriving Vedic culture.
However: this
can only be achieved if we collectively work towards uprooting the still
thriving toxic harvest born out of all the poisonous seeds that were diligently
sown by an assortment of friendly colonizers + internal vested interest. This
combination indiscriminately mutilated our ancient texts, resulting in
several negative aspects creeping in, which in turn caused a huge
exodus from the Vedic fold. [These vested interest have also come up with long
narratives about how Radha and Krishna still dance together; Radha's date of
birth - complete with the 'fact' that she was 5 or 8 years older to Krishna and
was his aunt (!) and the like. They are also the ones that have thought
up some fictitious narrative (that accuse Krishna of some really disgusting
activities), and then ritualistically hurl the choicest of abuses at him - while
pulling his 'rath'. As for Ram and Sita, we already know what has been done to
them.]
All this:
with what result? Ram, Sita, Krishna, et al get a bad name, while these vested
interest continue to thrive and benefit. Sadly.
This great
land is our 'Matri-Bhoomi' (mother-land, Bharat-mata) as well as our
'Karm-Bhoomi'. And this (i.e. our 'Matri-Bhoomi' and 'Karm-Bhoomi') encompasses the entire landmass of Bharatvarsha,
not just bits and pieces of it. Just like: though we are born out of our
respective mother's womb, yet the entire person is the mother... and not just
her womb. Isn't it?
Now, lets move
on to the lotus.
Lotus: padma,
aravind, nalini and kamala – in Sanskrit.
Brhma - is the name of the cosmic force
(or energy) that sustains and supports creation (and stands for Buddhi +
the creative and discretionary energies in humans). The energy or force that
our ancients called "Brhmaa" signifies Creation. And this force
emerges out of the "lotus-naval" of the energy that our ancients
called: Vishnu (Vish = poison). Here "lotus" is a metaphor. A
lotus grows in muddy water, yet remains untouched by it. Brhmaa or Creation
emerges out of poison (Vishnu), yet remains untouched by it. [Do read: Link.]
The meaning (symbolism)
of a lotus flower ranges from divine purity and enlightenment to creation,
beauty, fertility, prosperity, spirituality, and eternity. As a lotus is able
to emerge from muddy waters un-spoilt and pure, it is considered to
represent a wise and spiritually enlightened person; it is representative of
someone who carries out their tasks with little concern for any reward or
recognition, and with a full liberation from attachment (rather: negative
attachment or 'moh'.) Hence: the lotus flower represents non-attachment (or
lack of 'moh'.) This symbolization is based on the characteristic of the
lotus flower itself. As we all know: the lotus flower grows in muddy water, but
in spite of growing in dirt and filth, the flower never has even a drop
of mud on it. This is regarded as the symbol of detachment.
[Incidentally: lotus
leaf and stem surfaces are coated in a wax that is super-hydrophobic, meaning:
it repels water and is very difficult to wet. This hydrophobic adaptation is
referred to as the "lotus effect" and has inspired many
products that emulate its properties, such as paints, fabrics and roof tiles.]
A lotus
flower or Padma, held by the lower right hand, represents spiritual
liberation (lack of 'moh'), Divine perfection, purity (sattva; sattvic or sāttvika) and the unfolding of Spiritual
consciousness (Sat-cit-ānanda) - within a person.
Lotuses white, pink or
blue can represent human beings of 3 types, since they either stand on the
surface (white lotus), slightly above (pink lotus), or up and out of the (muddy) water (blue lotus).
Because
they emerge from slime (corruption), then grow up through the purifying water
to emerge into the sunlight, they are seen as metaphors for the
development of a person towards enlightenment. Meaning: the flower stands
for (or symbolizes) little heed towards worldly aspects like rewards, etc, and represents the
desire for enlightenment and selfless service - for the sake of others (i.e.
for the greater good; Loka Kalyana or Loka-sangraha.)
In Buddhist symbolism,
the lotus is symbolic of purity of the body, speech, and mind as while rooted
in the mud, its flowers blossom on long stalks as if floating above the muddy
waters of attachment and desire ('moh', greed). It is also symbolic of detachment as drops of
water easily slide off its petals.
In the Srimad
Bhagavat Gita (5.10) Shri Krishna tells Arjun (and through him to all of us):
|| brahmaṇy ādhāya karmāṇi
sańgaḿ tyaktvā karoti yaḥ
lipyate na sa pāpena
padma-patram ivāmbhasā ||
Meaning:
brahmaṇi: the unseen and formless energies of
the cosmos: the Brhaman; also known as: the Paramaatma (the Supreme
Spirit) or the Parameshwar (the Supreme Being); the Ultimate
Truth, the Ultimate Reality or the Ultimate Knowledge; ādhāya: by resigning or surrendering, by leaving it to; karmāṇi: the outcome of all work or actions; sańgam: attachment; tyaktvā: giving up; karoti: performs; yaḥ: who; lipyate:
is affected; na: never; saḥ: he; pāpena: by negativities; padma-patram: a lotus leaf; iva: like; ambhasā: by the water.
Translation:
One who performs his or
her duty without attachment (i.e. without expecting rewards,
recognition, etc), surrendering the results unto the Supreme Spirit or the Brhaman,
is unaffected by negativities, just as the lotus leaf is untouched by water.
[In short: selfless service or Nishkam Karm and 'Karm Yog'.]
In other words:
||
karmaNi eva adhikaaraste maa phaleshu kadaachana,
maa
karma phala hetuH bhuH maa sanghaH astu akarmaNi ||
- [Srimad
Bhagavat Gita, Chapter 2, Verse - 47]
Meaning:
"Thy business is with the action only, never with its fruits; so let not
the fruits of action be thy motive, nor be thou to inaction attached." [Do
read: Part-XII – for greater detail.]
[The
palms of such persons remain: kara-puṣkara or lotus-palm, in a manner
of speaking.]
However:
Shri Ram and Shri Krishna were not blue-hued or
blue-skinned - not literally, that is.
Blue is the colour of the sky and it is
vast. Hence: the blue colour of Ram and Krishna is only to denote their vast
wisdom and illumined knowledge, as well as the greatness of their deeds (or keerti).
Their
'sky-blue complexion' is a metaphor: to indicate that they achieved the
exalted status of divinity (that of the 'Fortunate One' or the 'Blessed
One'; or in other words: that of 'Bhagavan') through sheer dint of action
(karm) or through the diligent pursuance of 'Karm Yog'. Both Shri Ram and Shri
Krishna are regarded as 'physical manifestations' of the unseen and formless
energies behind the cosmos (not only by the people of their respective eras
- the Treta Yug and the Dwapar Yug, but also by those beyond
these eras as well.) So, their depiction with a 'sky-blue complexion' is perhaps to
essentially state that since they are divine (i.e. since they possessed noble
traits or qualities; and were the 'Fortunate One', the 'Blessed One' or
'Bhagavan'), they have 'descended from the skies'.
[The unseen
Cosmic Energy is variously known as: the Supreme Being (the Parameshwar),
the Supreme Soul (the Parmaatmaa), the Brhaman, the Ultimate
Truth, the Ultimate Knowledge or the Ultimate Reality.]
Also: Shri
Ram and Shri Krishna represent or denote a different kind of humans that
walked on this planet; humans that did not evolve on earth nor
were conceived the natural way. Shri Ram represents an era where
somewhat 'agni-born' humans appeared. That is: humans that were
'born' as a result of 'IVF therapy' (not conceived naturally, yet born out of
their mothers' womb). While Shri Krishna represents an era that saw a
proliferation of 'agni-born' or 'virgin-birth' humans: i.e. genetically
engineered humans including 'cloned humans'.
[Do read: Part-V - to get the drift. We will discuss the 9th
avatar of the 'Dasavatara' - the 'Krishna-avatar' - in greater detail in our
later posts. We have already discussed the 'Narasimha-avatar', the
'Vaman-avatar' and the 'Ram-avatar' besides the 'Hayagreeva' - and it should be
reasonably clear by now that the 'Dasavatara' essentially depicts the evolution
of the earth as well as the evolution of various kinds of humans on it.]
However: it
is possible that the actual complexion of Shri Ram and Shri Krishna were grayish
to dusky blue (meaning: similar to the colour of a newborn's skin immediately after
birth.)
Plus: our
ancients may have considered indigo sacred, and this plant may have
grown on the banks of the sacred rivers Ganga and/or Sindhu.
However:
the depiction of Ram and Krishna as 'blue-skinned' may have also been inspired
by the blue-lotus or the Neel-Kamal, that remains untouched by (muddy) water despite
growing on it; Shri Ram and Shri Krishna exemplifies this. [Do refer to our
discussions above.] Plus: they were 'absorbing the poisonous/negative aspects of society', in a manner of speaking, that is - due to their Karm Yog, thus cleansing society of various ills.
Why the
cow is worshiped and some thoughts on the sacred river Ganga.
The Arya people or the ones that followed the Arya
'way of life' subscribed to a set of principles. Even during times of war, when
various groups of people fought against each other, a set of guidelines was
strictly adhered to. The battles were fought during specific times of the day;
it was halted at sundown. They did not indulge in slave-taking or
pillaging, they did not harm the children, the elderly and the sick;
they did not mistreat their women nor buried their daughters alive, they
did not harm the livestock, especially the cows; and they did
not molest or rape women. They did not kidnap or covet other people's
spouses either. This is because such acts were against the 'way of life'
that prevailed in this great land. [That way: Bali (also: Vaali) as well as Duryodhan and Duhshasana crossed this red
line.]
[Arya = 1. a group of people. 2. also means: noble thoughts, noble traits and a noble
'way of life' that stresses upon doing one's duty.]
Now, let us
discuss as to why the cow is considered sacred, worthy of worship and
treated as a 'mother'.
Among all
animals, the cry of a cow sounds like 'Maa' (meaning: mother.)
A newborn
baby derives its nourishment from its mother. But in case the mother is unable
to nurse the baby for whatever reason, cow's milk can be (and is) an excellent
surrogate. Otherwise too, a small child is fed cow's milk for its all-round
nutritive qualities.
Needless to
say: one does not eat the flesh of an animal whose milk one drinks as a
baby, as a toddler and as a child. And hence, this gentle animal is considered and
worshiped as a 'mother' instead.
The elderly and the sick (patients) benefit from cow's milk. It is also used to
prepare a variety of (sattvic) food and drink: butter, ghee, sweets, cheese,
curd, lassi, buttermilk and the like; and most of these are used as
offering - during puja or worship.
The cow
dung is used as a natural fertilizer, and as a natural disinfectant. People
cleaned the surroundings of their homes with a thin solution of cow dung. Many
still do, especially in the interiors.
Cow dung
cakes were used as fuel - to light the earthen 'chulhas', in order to cook
food. It is still used, especially in the interiors. This form of fuel is
extremely Eco-friendly.
The Rg
Ved (also: the Rig Ved or the Rikh Ved) talks about:
"cows coming out from the mountains."
This is a
clear allusion to "Gomukh". The sacred river Bhagirathi emerges from Gomukh
and later branches into the Alaknanda... and then becomes the Ganga.
Gomukh is
also referred to as: "Gaumukh" or "Gomukhi". The word
"Gomukh" (go + mukh) or "Gaumukh" (gau + mukh) or
"Gomukhi" (go + mukhi) literally means: "Mouth of a Cow".
According to some sayings, earlier the snout (from where the river Bhagirathi
emerges) looked exactly like the "Mouth of a Cow".
Therefore:
the holy Bhagirathi River descends from a snout that is shaped like the mouth
of a cow. This river becomes the Alaknanda and then the Ganga. Ma Ganga
weaves her way throughout the length and breath of the country, sustaining life
along the way - of people, livestock and crops. Hence: Ma Ganga is
another name for life. Her waters are also well-known for their
bactericidal properties. The waters of the Ganga (Ganga-jal) are used during
festivals, rituals, and puja (worship); it was and is offered to a dying
person - so as to prevent the micro-organisms present in his or her stomach and
intestines from coming out (after he or she is no longer alive). This
prevents proliferation of disease or ailments.
[Note: The sacred river Bhagirathi is named after Bhagiratha -
a noble ancestor of Shri Ram; he was instrumental in bringing the waters of
this river - to the whole of this land. This would have solved the
irrigation and drinking water needs of the people. Bhagirath would have
achieved this feat via the use of geological equipments, drilling and terrain
clearing, apart from cutting of hills, rocks and forested areas, though the
story associated with him is very different. But then, our ancient texts are in
camouflaged language - with lots of metaphors and imagery in them, plus: we
should not rule out mistranslations and later embellishments too. The supposed '60,000 sons' of Bhagirath are very likely
the work-force engaged to bring out the hidden river through the mountains, and
also to make way for the waters to flow smoothly - throughout the land. The king
in those days was viewed as a paternal figure; hence the work-force has been
described as Bhagirath's 'sons'. Bhagirathi = daughter of Bhagirath; since the latter was instrumental
in getting the gupt or hidden river (that flowed beneath the ground) to
emerge out of the mountains; a birth - in a manner of speaking.
The Bhagirathi Mali
is a landowning agricultural community of Western Uttar Pradesh. They
claim to be the descendants of the Ikshvaku king Sagara and the
Suryavansha king Bhagiratha, whom the community is named after. They
adopted the Saini surname in 1941.
Karma (Karm
Yog) must be done in massive quantity as Bhagiratha did, but selflessly. Brave
people continue to work in spite of a mountain of difficulties or
challenges, and finally achieve their goal. Bhagiratha, with his unparalleled
effort to out the hidden river - that flowed beneath the ground - showed us how
much effort a man (or a woman) can put in and as a result what wonders can be
done. We can achieve wonders, once we put in effort and dedication. Indeed,
impossible is nothing.
However: by
taking a dip in the holy waters of this sacred river, we are unlikely to rid
ourselves of our misdeeds, etc. Only 'Karm Yog' can make this happen.
Unfortunately: the misinterpretation of our ancient texts +
the misunderstanding of the Vedic 'way of life' has only resulted in the river itself getting heavily
polluted. Pouring milk and dumping flowers and ash into the waters would not bring purity to
any river, or for that matter, to any human, whether departed or otherwise.
The ancient
'Bharatas' worshiped Ma Ganga (the holy and mighty river Ganga), the
mighty Brahmaputra (Brhmaputr), the sacred river Sarasvati (now
lost, but which existed during Shri Krishna's time), the Alaknanda
(also: Alakananda, one of the two head-streams of the river Ganga), the Bhagirathi
(the other head-stream of the river Ganga, it is longer than the Alaknanda and
is the source stream), the Mandakini (one of the five head-streams of
the river Ganga), the Kaveri (the river Cauvery), the Tapi (the
river Tapati), the Narmada, the Sindhu (the river Indus), the Suvastu
(now: the river Swat), the Sutlej and the Chenab (known as Śutudri
or Satadru and Chandrabhaga respectively - during the Vedic
period), the Ravi, the Vipasa (the river Beas), the Jhelum
(Sanskrit: Vitastā), the Karnali (Ghaghara) ... among several more.
The waters
of all these rivers sustain life - be that of humans, animals, birds or plants.
They sustain the lives of all living beings and have been doing so since time
immemorial. But what we have done - for several generations now - is the complete
opposite. We must reflect on our actions and try to make amends - collectively.
Or else, we shall all perish.
We
must not get confused between the mortal Shiv and the formless Cosmic
Energy of the same name, or stuffs related to Aakash Ganga and other
celestial events. We must not confuse some or the other mountain of the Himalayan ranges - through which the river Bhagirathi emerges, or falls, in order to soften its force - for Shiv's dreadlocks (jaata). I mean: we should not take these things at face value. Nor should be mix up the 'Shiv-Sati' stories with the
'Shiv-Parvati' stories, or be confused by the numerous metaphors and imagery.
The former (the 'Shiv-Sati' stories) is essentially describing some natural + celestial events, while the
latter talks about the history of the 1st era (Satya/Sat/Krita Yug) or
the early part of the 2nd era (Treta Yug) - albeit in camouflaged
language.]
The galaxy
that we inhabit - the Milky Way - is known as Aakash-Ganga or the 'Ganga
of the sky' - in Sanskrit.
[Ma Ganga is also called the tripathga
- because she flowed in Swarga
or heaven (Aakash-Ganga), flowed on earth (as the river Ganga and her
many tributaries) and flowed in the nether-world as well (i.e. beneath the ground - in her
hidden form; gupt-Ganga or patalganga). Hence: the three paths or tripathga.]
The planet
that we inhabit, Mother Earth has several Sanskrit names - given to her
by our ancients. One of these names is: Go-loka. This is because: the
earth is round in shape. But 'Go' also means: cow.
Go-loka is interpreted as Shri Krishna's
abode in the spiritual sky (Goloka-Paravyoma). Mother Earth
(Prithvi-Loka or Bhu-Loka) appears to be 'Krishna-loka' i.e. dark or dark-blue in colour
- in and from space (Vyoma). [Shri Krishna is also known as 'Hrishikesa'
or 'Gopala' meaning: 'Master of the senses'; since He not only gained mastery
over his senses (indriyas), but also over those of others. Krishna is a
teacher and guide (Gopala) to his flock (here: Go = humanity; pala = guide, master, care-taker.)
[Gopala = Go + pala; Go = cow.]
[Gopala = Go + pala; Go = cow.]
Bullocks
have been (and are still used) to irrigate the fields.
[The 8th
'avatar' in the 'Dasavatara' is 'Balaram', and he is depicted with a plough or
'hal' - probably indicating that after the humans resulting out of IVF
therapy made their appearance (as represented by the 7th 'avatar' -
the 'Ram-avatar'), there was a period of calm and prosperity (meaning: there
was a lull in such experiments). Therefore: 'Balarama' depicts an era where
various vocations, especially agriculture - flourished.
Balaram is
also known as 'Haldhar' or 'the one holding a plough'. He was transferred from
Devaki's womb to that of Rohini's womb (via embryo transfer) and hence, is also
known as: 'Sankarsana'. Balaram was married to Revati, the daughter of King
Raivata; they had two sons: Nisatha and Ulmuka. Balarama is so-named because of
his immense strength (bala). Farmers worship him, while the plough too is
worshipped before farming commences. Balaram's symbol is the agricultural
equipment - 'plough', while his younger brother (Krishna) is depicted with
cows. Together they represent peace, prosperity and plenty.]
Therefore, as you can see:
this gentle animal, the cow, gives back to mankind far more than it takes. And
hence, it is considered sacred, worthy of worship and treated as a 'mother'.
However:
the 'Kamadhenu' is not a cow per se.
The
'Kamadhenu' is a device whose output was far greater than its input.
Just like a cow. And hence, the metaphor of a 'cow' has been used.
It is very
likely that the 'Kamadhenu' was a multi-purpose device: one that was capable of
growing 'synthetic meat' or 'in vitro meat', besides other eatables of course;
apart from developing exact replicas of precious jewels - that were equal in
shine and value to the original. [As can be gathered from the stories
associated with Draupadi and Rishi Jamadagni.]
Incidentally:
The powerful Yadavas had become arrogant and decadent... and were proving to be
a menace for others. Therefore, Krishna and Balaram destroyed them, meaning:
Yadu-vansh was decimated. Krishna, who rarely took up arms, made an exception
in this case.
[If one
were to observe closely, Shri Krishna remains calm and rarely takes up arms -
to fight; but when he does - he is a true warrior. However: on most occasions,
he uses his wits, his razor sharp intelligence, his perception, his oratory,
his power of conviction, his charisma, his wisdom and knowledge, his immense
foresight and his understanding of people and events - in order to fructify his
thoughts and plans. He chooses the time, the moment of action and the
instrument of action - with precision. Thus he used the mighty Bheem -
to slay Jarasandha, Duryodhan and Dushshasana. These three were indulging in adharm -
and their thoughts, words and deeds were detrimental for the common
people, for their own families and clans... and for society as well.]
Raja Yayati did away with primogeniture and made his youngest son (Puru) the successor. The eldest son - Yadu - was the preceptor of the Yadu lineage or the Yaduvansh. It
is said that the Yadus or the Yadavas can never be rulers - as a result of Raja
Yayati's 'curse'. This simply means: that Yadu (Yayati's eldest son) was
disinherited/overlooked. However: in light of Balaram and Krishna's actions,
most of the Yadu clans were decimated. [Though the stories associated with this
event is again in camouflaged language, spiced up with much embellishments +
other philosophical narratives.]
Krishna had
no hesitation in surmounting loyalty to kith and kin in slaying his maternal
uncle, Raja Kansh - who had become a tyrant, as well as his
cousin, Shishupala - who had allied himself with the imperialistic
ambitions of the nefarious Jarasandha (the mighty ruler of Magadha.) Free from greed
for personal aggrandizement, Krishna refused to become the ruler of the Yadavas
(the Chandravanshi or the moon-worshipping/moon-flag-bearing Yadava clan/Yadu
vansh/Yaduvamsa - to which he belonged) in Mathura, and reinstated the old
Ugrasena back on the throne. [Kansh had let himself to be manipulated by his
friend, Jarasandha, and had first dethroned and then imprisoned his own father
- the aged Ugrasena. Note: People with the surname of 'Mathur'
are probably the ones whose ancestors hailed from ancient or maybe even
medieval Mathura.]
The
opposite of Jarasandha in his goal, Krishna would be no samrat or
emperor, for his status is that of svarat, he removes the tyrants and aggrandizers
of public wealth. Finally, the killing of Jarasandha restores independence to
nearly a hundred chieftains/kings, besides freeing the Yadava clans and indeed
the whole of this country - of the spectre of the all-constricting Magadhan python.
Here is the idea of loka-sangraha ("welfare for all" or the
"welfare of the world") exemplified. Shri Krishna's use of power is
precisely what should have engaged Bheeshma Pitamah: protect the
noble-hearted, destroy the wicked, paritranaya sadhunam vinasaya ca duskrtam.
Years ago,
a statue of Shri Krishna (carved out of stone) was discovered during the
excavation at Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh.) The English version of the Sanskrit
write up found on it is as below:
"When there are clouds of hypocrisy and when the sins
turn into a storm, then my melodious flute takes the form of a small
spear."
[We will continue our discussions in
the next post...]
(Do stay tuned…)
Pictures: An illustration of: Shri Krishna, the blue
water lily, and the lotus flower; Krishna with the cows, Balarama; Krishna and
Balaram annihilating the Yadus.
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