Who is Lord Dattatreya?

Guru : Lord Dattatreya is known as Jagatguru (universal guide)

Learning :Interestingly, he learnt 24 lessons from 24 different teachers.

These teachers were planets ; five natural elements ; human beings ; birds and reptiles.

Well, he leant from sun ; moon, earth, air, sky, water, fire, pigeon, python, sea, moth, bee, elephant, deer, fish, bird, snake, spider), Pingala, child, maiden, arrow-maker.

He adored them as his spiritual guide.

Trinity: Lord Dattatreya represents Lord Brahma ; Sri Hari and Mahadev.

Living : Ardent devotees believe, Lord Dattattreya is ever living and roams around the world.

Girnar : Many yogis believe that he lives in hills of Girnar in Gujarat.

Juna Akhara : Lord Dattatreya is Ishta (personal deity) of Juna Akhara, the largest Hindu monastic sect.

Simple : Guru Dattatreya is known as the epitome of humility; selflessness and wisdom.

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Gurudev Dutt Jai Sita Ram Narayan Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev Shiv Shambo Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai !

Pic Credits : Google Images/ Web

Why is Lord Narasimha considered the most powerful avatar of Vishnu?

Don’t treat Lord Vishnu avatars like Marvel cinematic universe characters. All Vishnu avatars are powerful in their own way, including Vaman Avatar.

A dwarf measures the whole universe in two steps, isn’t it powerful?

Rama leaves luxurious life and goes to forest for 14 years, if this is not powerful then what it is?

Krishna influenced the outcome of Mahabharata war without lifting a weapon, is it not the power at its peak?

Each avatar of Bagwaan Vishnu, including Narashima avatar, was powerful.

Who were the individual enemies killed by Lord Krishna?

 Lord Krishna slayed many wicked demons and kings. Here are the most famous ones mentioned in Mahabharata and Harivamsa.

Putana

Bhoja Kamsa’s nursemaid was known by the name of Putana. She was seen in the middle of the night, in the form of a bird. She roared repeatedly, in a voice that was like that of a tiger. Her breasts flowing with milk, she stood on the axle of the cart. While people slept in the night, she offered her breasts to Krishna. Krishna sucked on her breast and sucked out her life too. With her breast torn out, she screamed. The bird suddenly fell down on the ground.

• 50, Harivamsa, Mahabharata, CE.

Arishta

In the encounter, Krishna and the bull sought to counter each other. It was as if two quivering clouds had clashed against each other. He destroyed the insolence of his strength. He kicked him between the horns with his feet. He squeezed Arishta’s throat, as if it was a wet cloth. He uprooted the left horn, which was like Yama’s staff. He then struck him on the face. Severely struck, he died. His horns were shattered and his bones were broken. The danava’s shoulder buckled. Vomiting blood, he fell down, like a cloud releasing water.

• 64, Harivamsa, Mahabharata, CE.

Keshi

Keshi, supreme among horses, engaged with Krishna. Using his front legs, he struck Krishna on the chest. Using his hooves, the powerful one repeatedly struck him on the sides.

As they engaged, the powerful and infinitely valorous Krishna also became angry. Using his hand, he struck him in the mouth. He was incapable of biting the hand, or withstanding the blow. His teeth were broken and torn from their foundations and he started to vomit frothy blood. His teeth were uprooted, his lips mangled and his throat choked.

Having brought about the destruction of Keshi and divided his body into two in the encounter, the lotus-eyed Krishna stood there, smiling.

• 67, Harivamsa, Mahabharata, CE.

Chanura

Devaki’s son played with Chanura for a long time. But on discerning Kamsa’s sentiments, he summoned up all his strength. The earth trembled. The arena started to move around. The best of gems fell down from Kamsa’s crown. Chanura had already lived his life. With his arms, Krishna bent him. He struck him on the head with his fist and on the chest with his knee. Tears and blood flowed from his eyes and his eyeballs emerged from their sockets, hanging like bells from a seat on an elephant. With his eyes gouged out, he fell down in the middle of the arena. Bereft of life and with his lifespan over, Chanura lay down on the ground.

• 75, Harivamsa, Mahabharata, CE.

Kamsa

In the midst of that assembly in the arena, Krishna used his arms, which were like clubs, and seized Kamsa by the hair on his head. The crown, decorated with gold and diamonds, fell down. His head was seized by Krishna’s hands. With the hair grasped by the hands, Kamsa was unable to make any efforts.

The immensely radiant king of Bhoja was thus dragged by Krishna along that arena. As his body was dragged along, potholes were created there. In that arena, Krishna played around and dragged him along. When he had lost his life, Krishna flung Kamsa’s body a long distance away.

• 76, Harivamsa, Mahabharata, CE.

Narakasura

Naraka, who terrified large numbers of gods, fought with Purushottama, as if he was the energetic Madhu’ fighting with Madhusudana. Madhusudana fought with Naraka for some time. After this, using his blazing and fierce chakra, he severed him into two. Divided into two parts by the chakra, his body fell down on the ground. Like the summit of a mountain, it was severed into two parts by the chakra.

• 91, Harivamsa, Mahabharata, CE.

Shishupala

When he was talking in this way, the illustrious Madhusudana, the destroyer of his enemies, angrily sliced off his head with the chakra. The mighty-armed one fell down like a mountain struck by the vajra.

• 42, Shishupala Vadha parva, Mahabharata.

Shalva

When Soubha fell down, the chakra returned to my hand. I took it up once more and hurled it, saying, "Go to Shalva." Shalva was about to hurl a giant club in that great battle. The chakra suddenly blazed up with its energy and cut him into two. When that brave one was killed, the danavas were frightened and lost their senses. Chased by my arrows, they lamented and fled towards.

• 23, Kairata Parva, Mahabharata.

Ekalavya

He was challenged by Ekalavya, the king of Nishadha, who was thought to be invincible. But Krishna killed him and robbed him of his life, forcefully smashing him against a rock, like Jambha.

• 47, Yana Sandhi parva, Mahabharata.

How is Lord Shiva born?

 Shiva was born from the rage of Narayana!!!

When Brahma's night wore off, through the grace of that Being of immeasurable energy, a lotus made its appearance first, O thou of eyes like lotus petals. Within that lotus was born Brahma, springing from Aniruddha's grace. Towards the evening of Brahma's day, Aniruddha became filled with wrath, and as a consequence of this, there sprang from his forehead a son called Rudra vested with the power of destroying everything (when the hour for destruction comes). These two, viz., Brahma and Rudra, are the foremost of all the deities, having sprung respectively from the Propitiousness and the Wrath (of Aniruddha). Acting according to Aniruddha's direction, these two deities create and destroy. Although capable of granting boons unto all creatures, they are, however, in the matter of the concerns to which they attend (viz., Creation and Destruction), merely instruments in the hands of Aniruddha.

-Mahabharata, Santi Parva, Chapter 342

And again Krishna says

That Being whom, at the time of all thy battles, thou beheldest stalking in thy van, know, O son of Kunti, is no other than Rudra, that god of gods, otherwise called by the name of Kaparddin. He is otherwise known by the name of Kala, and should be known as one that has sprung from my wrath. Those foes whom thou hast slain were all, in the first instance, slain by him.

-Mahabharata, Santi Parva, Chapter 344

Obeisance to Nārāyaṇa, who is pure and eternal. Obeisance to the Lord of all past, present and future, who is in the form of Lord Śiva and auspicious Lord, the origin of Lord Śiva, and the most worshipable of Lord Śiva. Obeisance to Sri Hari, who assumes the most terrible form to end the Kalpa, who is of universal form, Lord of the universe and the supreme soul.

-Mahabharata, Anushasana Parva, Chapter 13

You are the creator. You are the destroyer. You support the worlds. You are Kāla, the destroyer of all. All the clans of Devas were created by you alone, O God. You are the path of all the worlds. You are salvation, the greatest goal. Brahmā, the eternal one of the Rajas form is the Lord born from you. Rudra originating from (your) Krodha (Anger) is also so (born from you). You are established in Sattva. O Lord, the mobile and immobile beings have been created by you for the sake of sport.

-Skanda Purana, Reva Kanda, Chapter 20

May the Lord of unlimited glory be favourably disposed to us—the Lord from Whose strength was born the great Indra, from Whose grace the (various) gods; from Whose wrath sprang up god Śiva, the Lord of mountains; from Whose intellect came forth god Brahmā; from the appertures in Whose bodies were created the Vedas and the sages, and from whose generative organ, the god Prajāpati.

-Srimad Bhagavata Purana, Skanda 8, Chapter 5

So Shiva was born from the wrath of Vishnu.

What does Lord Krishna most like?

 A very pertinent Question, the answer to which should be known to all those who wish praying to Bhagwan Krishna. No other Deity is as simple to be reached as Him. Vishnu Sahastranam Maha Mantra, shlok 6 expounds on the ease of it :

“ यस्य स्मरणमात्रेण जन्मसंसारबन्धनात् । विमुच्यते नमस्तस्मै विष्णवे प्रभविष्णवे “ ।।

“ By only remembrance of whom one gets free of worldly bonding of Birth-Rebirth, I perform Namaskar to that Vishnu, the God Vishnu “ Vishnu Sahastranam Sh.06

pics courtesy Google search - for indicative purpose only

Stuti is the one form of prayer that pleases Bhagwan Krishna the most. The wise, therefore, must pray to Him in this manner, deploying panchopchar (using or offering 5 ingredients) as the minimum. The other point to consider is that He gives in to devotion instantly. One should drop all inhibitions and pray to Him with open heart, performing the way preferred.

As can be seen that many of His followers tend to develop a bonding of Love for Bhagwan Krishna. There is actually a hidden chemistry behind this bonding : As much the devotee may feel himself falling in love for Bhagwan Achyut, in exactly same proportion Bhagwan Hrishikesh comes to like that devotee. The higher the level of love, greater becomes the number of occasions when Bhagwan Vasudev makes His devotee sit to pray for Him. More the prayers, greater the blessings. Further from here is what He is wanting me to say : “As many the remembrances of Him, Burning of Sin of the person are as many”.

Here, though a restricted matter to some extent, but still to elucidate that Human has no power to perform any Pujan to any Deity by his own resolve. If one is pondering upon doing some puja anushthan for any Deity and thereafter performs presuming that he has done it. Know, that his assumptions are highly misplaced. Man is no entity to decide on matters of Pujan.

Instead, one should know and realize, that it is the Deity who chooses the person to perform any Pujan for Himself. It is the Deity who creates the situation, implants the idea of Pujan in the devotee’s mind, makes his devotee to sit and perform the Pujan, then comes to receive the Pujan Himself and then blesses the devotee accordingly. And thus, duly blessed by the God concerned, devotee earns virtues making his journey worthy. This is the actual truth behind all the pujan that is done by everyone, irrespective of whatever Faith or religion one belongs to.

The wise, having realized this fact, should know himself as the chosen one by none other but Bhagwan Krishna, Himself. The intelligent one, therefore, feeling the great benevolence of the Supreme Soul as already bestowed upon him, should devote his utmost (sarvasva samarpayami - in Sanskrit) at the lotus feet of Bhagwan. For, there is nothing more or beyond Him.

Jai Jai Shri Hari

How did Lord Krishna revive Parikshit in Mahabharat?

 Lord Krishna saved Parikshit because he was not destined to die. Krishna does not interfere with destiny and hence he did not save Abhimanyu or Draupadi's sons. But Parikshit was destined to live and rule the Kurus for a long time.

Krishna challenges Ashwatthama that he will save Uttara’s son

Vasudeva replied, “This supreme weapon is invincible and will indeed descend. The foetus will be born dead. However, it will revive and live till a long age.

O extremely evil-minded one! That king will be known by the name of Parikshit. O worst of men! You will look on. Behold the power of my austerities, energy and truth.”

• 16, Aishika parva, Mahabharata.

When the Pandavas had went away to Himalayas to collect the hidden wealth of Marutta, Uttara gave birth to a dead child. Great lamentations happened in Hastinapura. Draupadi, Kunti, Subhadra and Uttara pleaded to Lord Krishna to save the child and the lord agreed.

Lord Krishna invoked various truths and withdrew the power of Brahmashira, allowing Parikshit to come back to life

Krishna touched water and withdrew brahmastra’s powers. Dasharha had promised that he would bring him back to life. The one with the pure soul spoke these words, so that the entire universe could hear. “O Uttara! I do not utter a falsehood. This will come true. While all the creatures look on, I will revive him. I have never spoken a lie earlier, not even in jest. Never have I retreated in battle. Therefore, he will come back to life. I love dharma and I specially love brahmanas. Abhimanyu’s son was born dead. But let him revive. There has never been a conflict between me and Vijaya. Through the virtue of that truth, let this dead child come back to life. Since truth and dharma have always been established in me, let this dead child come back to life. I killed Kamsa and Keshi by resorting to dharma. Because of that truth, let his child again come back to life.”

• 68, Ashwamedha parva, Mahabharata.

When Parikshit was brought back to life, everyone praised Krishna

‘Krishna thus withdrew the power of brahmastra and that room was illuminated through your father’s energy. All the rakshasas were rebuffed and forced to leave that house. An invisible voice was heard to speak in the firmament, “O Keshava! Excellent.” The blazing weapon returned to the grandfather. O lord of men! Your father again got back his life. Appropriate to its capacity and its strength, the child began to move. O king! At this, the Bharata women were delighted. On Govinda’s instructions, the brahmanas pronounced benedictions. Everyone was delighted and praised Janardana. The wives of the lions among the Bharatas were like those who acquire a boat and reach the shore. Kunti, Drupada’s daughter, Subhadra and Uttara and the wives of the other lions among men were cheerful in their minds. Wrestlers, actors, fighters, narrators, soukhashayikas and large numbers of bards and minstrels praised Janardana.

• 69, Ashwamedhika parva, Mahabharata.

What is the significance of the loan taken by Lord Venkateswara?

 Before delving deep into this aspect, let’s know the background for the loan taken by Lord Venkateswara when he incarnated as Srinivasa to enter into wedlock with Padmavathy, the Princess whom he came across while wandering in the forests for hunting.

Maharshi Bhrigu and Trimurthi: During Dwapara Yug, a Maha Yagya (Divine sacrifice) was organised on the banks of the River Saraswathi. and many great Sages participated. At that point of time, the Sages could not decide who amonst the Trimurthis viz., Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheswara could be made the Pradhanta (Chief) of that Yagna. Sage Narada, who was also present there, intervened and suggested that Sage Bhrigu could be deputed to test as to who was more deserving.

Primus: Subjecting the Creator to test: First, he entered Brahmaloka and pretending to be angry with his Father, he bawled at him for showing disrespect by not getting out of his seat and receiving him. He was expressing his scorn and disdain towards Brahma who got enraged at the unpalatable conduct of Maharshi and wanted to teach him a lesson but was intervened by Saraswathi, his Consort. The Sage then let out a curse that in Kaliyuga, no one will worship Lord Brahma and left Satya Loka.

{Note:-Brighu was, in fact, the Manasaputra of Lord Brahma.] {Rajo Guna]

Secondus: He then leaves for Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva when he was stopped by Nandi at the gate who informs him that both Shiva and his consort, Parvathi are in privacy and no one is allowed to enter. Getting angry at this, the Sage cursed that Shiva will lose his form in worship by the people and be formless I.e., Lingam. {Tamas Guna].

Tertius: Lastly, he reached Vaikuntam, the Abode of Lord vishnu when he was pretending to be asleep and in a fit of rage, Brighu kicked him up on his chest where Lakshmi was seated. On waking up, Vishnu, seeing the enraged Sage, apologises to the Maharshi in return and catches hold of his foot for massaging. So as to relieve him of the pain. This benevolent act of Lord immensely pleases Maharshi who decides that Vishnu is endowed with Satva Guna and He is fit to be the Master for the Yagna.

Lakshmi’s anger and separation from Lord Vishnu: Goddess of Wealth became furious at the impolite behaviour of Brighu Maharshi and she let out a curse that henceforth, Brahmins would live in penury. On hearing this, the Sage explained in detail about the whole episode but Lakshmi whittled down the curse to the effect that those Brahmins who surrender to the Lotus Feet of Lord Vishnu would be exempt from its impact. However, Lakshmi could not tolerate this behaviour and she left Vaikunth and descended down to the Earth.

There was a King named Akasa Raja who was childless. He and his wife, Dharani Devi decided to perform Putrakameshti Yaga for progency. As was the custom of ploughing the land, there emerged a beautiful child on the Big Lotus Flower. He embraced the child and named her as “Padmavathy” having been found on the lotus flower.

{Note:-Here the similarity of the birth of Sita from the Yagna ground spotted by King Janaka should be noted.]

Why Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Srinivasa? Yashoda, the fondling Mother of Lord Krishna was unable to witness the marriage of her son and she lamented about this. Lord Krishna pacified her that she would herself arrange for his wedding when he incarnates as Lord Srinivasa. Therefore, Yashoda was reborn as Vakul;a Devi, the mother of Lord Srinivasa now.

Srinivasa Meets Padmavathi: In due course of time, Padmavathi grew up into a beautiful girl and was attended by a host of maids. One day, while the Princess was enjoying the beauty of the garden of flowers with her maids, Sage Narada appeared and predicted that she is destined to marry Lord Vishnu himself. Around this time, Srinivasa went into the forests near the hills, chasing a wild elephant, and eventually came across the embellished beauty of Padmavathi. However, the guards of the Garden mistook him for a hunter and drove him away.

Love knows no bounds: On the first sight of Srinivasa, Padmavathi also was afflicted with the arrows of Kama Deva. Now, Srinivasa came to know that Padmavathi is the foster daughter of Akasa Raja.

Srinivasa was not in his usual mood and was reluctant to take his meals. On repeated enquiries, Vakula Devi came to know of the entire sequence of events and she decided to enter the Palace for meeting Akasa Raja for the purpose. She approached the Royal Palace in the garb of a sooth sayer and when Padmavathi came out to see what is going on outside, she was called by the Sooth Sayer (Kurathi in Tamil). She examined the palm of the princess and predicted that she would marry the same person whom she had met in the Nandavana.

But, seeing the outwardly appearance of both Vakula Devi and Srinivasa, Akasa Raja agreed on the condition that the entire wedding expenditure shall be defrayed by Srinivasa which will be a grandeur function. Initially, the King thought that Srinivasa was penniless and to test their capability, he insisted on this condition and also pay the dowry in exchange.

Now comes the crux of taking loan: Kuber, the Yaksha and the Custodian of Wealth is the son of Visravas Rishi and Illavida. {also the cousin brother of demon King Ravana). He is also Dik Pala (Regent of the North). Being the Treasurer of Wealth, he is worshipped along with Lakshmi Devi during Dhanteras, the opening day of Deepavali.

If one chants daily the Kubera Mantra, it is believed that He will shower riches and free from debt-ridden problems.

KUBER MANTRA

ॐ ह्रीं ह्रीं ह्रीं, महालक्ष्मी, धनदा लक्ष्मी

कुबेराम मम ग्रहेस्थिरो ह्रीं ॐ नम:।

Loan from Kuber for meeting wedding expenses: Lord Srinivasa now approached Kubera for loan who agreed to give subject to the condition that the Lord shall not return to Vaikunta until and unless the loan along with interest is fully paid off. Lord agreed that he will not return to his abode unless and until the loan is fully paid off with interest which is expected to be fulfilled by the end of Kali yuga. The loan amount was to the tune of one crore fourteen lakhs of gold {11.04 million) Ramamudra coins. According to another version, Kuber gave Lord mountains of gold, as promised. An agreement was executed for the loan repayment in which both Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma signed as witnesses.

Marriage of Padmavathi with Lord Srinivasa: The wedding was a gargantuan event for which Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, was entrusted with the task of construction of heavenly surroundings in Seshadri Hills. The event was magnificent when all the celestial Gods descended on Earth for witnessing this epoch-making ceremony. Every one was received with hospitality and accorded respects as befitting them. Srinivasa was bathed with holy waters from Pushkarini and dressed with beautifully embelllished attires and jewels. He was taken in procession to the palace of Akasa Raja where he was received with honours and both the King and the Queen along with Preceptor, Vashisht, washed his Lotus Feet with holy waters.

It is believed that the dowry given to the King, as promised, was of whopping quantum.

After the wedding was over, it was now parting time for Padmavathi and both the King and the Queen, albeit foster parents, were lachrymal. Both Srinivasa and Padmavathi reached Venkatachala Hills and lived there happily.

Conclusion: Lord Venkateswara, it is believed, is supposedly to wipe off his debt to Kuber by the end of Kali Yuga through the offerings so as to help Lord Srinivasa to wipe off his debt to Kuber. In return, the Lord blesses his devotees with wealth and make them free from the attachment to riches. Let’s chant the following Mantra and lead a pleasant life:

> This is the most amazing Sloka that we would find written on the first sign board we come across on the Tirumala Hills, the moment we enter there.

Venataadri samam sthaanam brahmande naasti kinchana,

Venkatesha samo Devo na bhuti na bhavishyati

And Here’s The Meaning

“...There indeed is no God like Venkateswara in this Universe and none else can equal the sanctity or showering of happiness and prosperity in the future”

> This is the most awesome Sloka written by Sage Veda Vyasa and first mentioned by him in one of his sacred Ashta Dasa Puranas – the Bhavishyattottara Purana…