Diwali !!

Jai Sriman Narayna !!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wishing my blog readers A Very Happy & Prosperous Diwali !!
 



Choti Diwali / Naraka Chathurdashi  is celebrated on the previous day of Diwali / Deepavali,  on this day preparation for the grand celebration of Diwali begins, as a part of celebration houses are decorated with colorful Rangoli and lights.  As an initiation of the celebration of the Diwali, fireworks and lakshmi Puja   also held
 
The legend behind the Choti Diwali is that there was demon King Narakasura, ruler of South province Nepal.  He conducted severe austerities and acquired several boons and immense power from Lord Brahma.  He conquered Lord Indra and took away the magnificent earrings of Adithi, mother of dieites and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of dieties and Sages.   This spiteful act of Narakasura infuriated Goddess Sri Sathybama, an incarnation Bhudevi and wife of Lord Krishna.  The demon King Narakasura had a curse on him that he would die in the hands of a woman.  Lord Krishna granted immense power to Goddess Sri Sathyabama to kill the demon King.   Goddess Sri Sathyabhama after obtaining enormous power, Lord Krishna as her charioteer Sathyabama entered in the battlefield to fight against the demon King.  Narakasura was beheaded by Sathyabhama at the end of the ferocious battle, ultimately eighteen thousand daughters of deities and rishis was freed from the prison were married by compassionate Lord.  Naraka Chathurdashi day celebrates with lot of fun and fireworks, to mark the triumph over the evil King Narakasura.
 
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mahabharath !! Birth of Sathyavati !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!






 
 




The great epic Mahabharath was composed by Maharishi Veda Vyasa/Krishna Dwaipayana, son of Sage Parasara and Sathyavati, a woman from fishermen clan.  Mahabharath describes the legend of Bharatha Dynasty.     It was written in 18 Parva such as Adhi Parva, Sabha Parva, Vana Parva, Virada Parva, Udhyoga Parva, Bhishma Parva, Drona Parva, Karna Parva, Shalya Parva, Soupthika Parva, Stri Parva, Shanthi Parva, Anushasana Parva, Ashwamedha Parva, Ashramavasika Parva, Musala Parva, Mahaprasthanika Parva and Swargarohana Parva and each Parva has divided into many Upaparva and has chapters in detail.    Adhi Parva depicts the life of King Dushyantha and his wife Shakunthala and their son Sarvadhamanan, who was famously known as Bharatha, a righteous ruler of Bharatha Empior.


 

Lord Brahma created deities, Sages and Prajapathis.  It was the beginning of the growth of human race from the sixty daughters of Daksha Prajapathi.  Pururavass,  Yayathi, Puru,  Dushyantha,  Bharatha, Shanthanu were born in the family of Dithi, one of the daughters of Daksha Prajapathi. 

 

Birth of Sathyavati :

 

King Vasu was the ruler of Chedhi Kingdom.  He underwent severe austerities and worshipped Lord Indra.  Lord was pleased at the dedication and devotion of King Vasu and offered several boons; he attained profound knowledge in Sastra and also obtained a celestial vehicle capable to fly in the sky.  Hence King Vasu was known as Uparichara Vasu.

 

The river Shakthimathi was chivalrously streaming through the mountain range of Kolahala in the Kingdom of Chedhi, Kolahala fallen in love at the serenity of Shakthimathi and embraced forcefully.  It resulted in the sudden halt in the flow of Sakthimathi, eventually it caused heavy flood in the Chedhi Kingdom.  King Vasu thrashed the mountain range into pieces, consequently Shakthimathi flee through the cracks created in the mountain.  River Shakthimathi handed her son and daughter born in the relationship with the mountain range to King Vasu.  The son of Shakthimathi became warrior and the daughter Girika became the wife of King Vasu. 

 

King Vasu went for a hunting expedition; he wandered through the attractive lush green lands.  Suddenly, the memories of pleasurable moments shared with his wife Girika brought out a sperm from him.  It was carefully covered in a leaf and sent through an eagle to deliver to his wife.   On the way another eagle scurried for it and spilled the sperm into river Kalindi, ultimately it was swallowed by a fish Adhrika.  A fisherman caught the fish Adhirka and killed.  Surprisingly, he found two human child and it was duly informed the King who was ruled that city.  The male child became the chief of the fishermen clan and the female child  returned to fisherman was Sathyavati.
 
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mahabharath !! Vidura’s marriage !!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 

 
 

The great epic Mahabharath was composed by Maharishi Veda Vyasa/Krishna Dwaipayana, son of Sage Parasara and Sathyavati, a woman from fishermen clan.  Mahabharath describes the legend of Bharatha Dynasty.     It was written in 18 Parva such as Adhi Parva, Sabha Parva, Vana Parva, Virada Parva, Udhyoga Parva, Bhishma Parva, Drona Parva, Karna Parva, Shalya Parva, Soupthika Parva, Stri Parva, Shanthi Parva, Anushasana Parva, Ashwamedha Parva, Ashramavasika Parva, Musala Parva, Mahaprasthanika Parva and Swargarohana Parva and each Parva has divided into many Upaparva and has chapters in detail.    Adhi Parva depicts the life of King Dushyantha and his wife Shakunthala and their son Sarvadhamanan, who was famously known as Bharatha, a righteous ruler of Bharatha Empior.

 


Lord Brahma created deities, Sages and Prajapathis.  It was the beginning of the growth of human race from the sixty daughters of Daksha Prajapathi.  Pururavass,  Yayathi, Puru,  Dushyantha,  Bharatha, Shanthanu were born in the family of Dithi, one of the daughters of Daksha Prajapathi. 

 

King Pandu brought enormous wealth after winning over the battles with the neighboring countries; this wealth was reverentially handed to Bhishma Pithamaha and Sathyavati.   It was fairly distributed to the members of Kurus:  Drushtharashtra, Ambika , Ambalika and Vidura.   Ambalika embraced Pandu with lots of affection and shed tears of joy at the victory of her son.    Durtharashtra conducted a grand Yaga’s equivalent to Ashwamedha Yaga with the wealth he received from his dearest brother, on this occasion he has donated abundance of alms in the form of golden coins to the Vedic Brahmins.  The Kingdom of Hasthinapur and its people praised the glories of King Pandu.  The people of Hasthinapur lived a happy and prosperous life.

 

It was the collective decision to send King Pandu and his wives Kunthi and Madhri for recreation to the woodlands, in order to alleviate from the physical and mental weariness caused by the prolonged battle with the neighboring countries.  This couple prepared to leave comforts and luxuries of the palace.   They proceeded to woodlands, constructed a beautiful hermitage in the lush land of Sala tree in the Himalayas.  King pandu merrily wandered through the rich lush land like Airavatha with his wives Kunthi and Madhri.  King Pandu cheerfully chased deer’s, the people resided in the forest thought that it was not an ordinary human but deity from the celestial world.   Drutharashtra made all the arrangements to send the requirements for King Pandu and his wives.

 
 

In the meantime, Bhishma came to know about the beautiful daughter of King Devaka who was born to a Shudra woman.  Bhishma visited the Kingdom of King Devaka and informed the purpose of his visit to receive his gorgeous daughter’s hand for Vidur, chief of the Assembly of Kurus.    The marriage of Vidur with the daughter of King Devaka was performed according to the prescribed rules.   This couple blessed with virtuous and intelligent offspring’s, they were the mirror image of Vidur. 
 
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mahabharath !! King Pandu’s marriage with the Princess of Madhra !!

 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The great epic Mahabharath was composed by Maharishi Veda Vyasa/Krishna Dwaipayana, son of Sage Parasara and Sathyavati, a woman from fishermen clan.  Mahabharath describes the legend of Bharatha Dynasty.     It was written in 18 Parva such as Adhi Parva, Sabha Parva, Vana Parva, Virada Parva, Udhyoga Parva, Bhishma Parva, Drona Parva, Karna Parva, Shalya Parva, Soupthika Parva, Stri Parva, Shanthi Parva, Anushasana Parva, Ashwamedha Parva, Ashramavasika Parva, Musala Parva, Mahaprasthanika Parva and Swargarohana Parva and each Parva has divided into many Upaparva and has chapters in detail.    Adhi Parva depicts the life of King Dushyantha and his wife Shakunthala and their son Sarvadhamanan, who was famously known as Bharatha, a righteous ruler of Bharatha Empior.


 


Lord Brahma created deities, Sages and Prajapathis.  It was the beginning of the growth of human race from the sixty daughters of Daksha Prajapathi.  Pururavass,  Yayathi, Puru,  Dushyantha,  Bharatha, Shanthanu were born in the family of Dithi, one of the daughters of Daksha Prajapathi. 
 
 
King Pandu's marriage with Madhri:
 
 

Rishi Vaishampayana narrates to King Janamejaya about the legend of his ancestors.  After few years of marriage of Pandu with Gandhari, it was Bhishma thought about a second marriage for Pandu.   Bhishma with the Vedic Brahmins, Sages and Rishis and the enlightened in the assembly proceeded to the Kingdom of Mathura/Madhra ruled by King Shalya.  Bhishma was received with great honor in Madhra and King Shalya earnestly enquired the reason for his visit.  Bhishma graciously answered that his purpose of visit to Madhra was to receive the most beautiful and intellectual Madhri, sister of King Shalya as his daughter- in-law and wife to King Pandu and also stated that both the families are perfectly suitable to be united.  King Shalya hesitatingly revealed his opinion about the proposal and the customs which was carried out by them; it was the practice prevailed in their family to receive plentiful wealth in the form of gold, precious jewels, elephants, horses, chariots, grand royal attires, precious stones, grand houses from the bridegroom as a return gift.   Bhishma who was well aware of the same which was already narrated by Lord bhrahma, graciously agreed to follow their tradition and provided copious wealth to King Shalya on behalf of King Pandu.  It was received with utmost reverence by King Shalya and courteously gave off his sister Madhri’s hand for marriage to Pandu.  Bhishma pleasingly returned to Hasthinapur with Madhri.

 
 
On an auspicious day the wedding ceremony of Madhri, the most beautiful and intelligent princess of Madhra with King Pandu was performed.  Kind Pandu showed equal love and attention to his both the wives, lived a blissful life.  It was after thirty days of marriage of with Madhri, King Pandu decided to go to war field in order to expand the strength and resources of Kingdom of Hasthinapur, and it was duly approved by Bhishma Pithamaha and the assembly.  King Pandu prepared to leave Hasthinapur, he paid initial obeisance to Bhishma Pitamaha and elders of Kuru, bade farewell to Drutharashtra and the members of the whole family and resumed the journey with a huge army of men accompanied on elephants, horses and chariots.  King Pandu won over the neighboring cities and proceeded through Panchala Desam, entered in a battle with the King Dhirga of Magadha and won over him, further moved to Vidheham/Mithila, Kasipuram/Kasi,Sambha, Pundra etc… King Pandu won over his enemies with his remarkable war tactics and marvelous strength of the army.  The cities won in the battle were come under the rule of Kingdom of Hasthinapur and they had to pay exorbitant wealth in the form of elephants, horses, camels, precious stones, jewels, as tax to Kurus.  King Pandu was treated as the most valiant on the Earth, rulers of the other Kingdom were reverentially stood before King Pandu to follow his instructions and gifted abundance of wealth in the form of precious stones and jewels, gold and silver,  horses, elephants, camels, chariots etc…. King Pandu returned to Hasthinapur with all those wealth, the people of the Kingdom were overjoyed and praised the valor of their King.  Bhishma and the entire royal family members were cheerfully received King Pandu, admired him for the abundance of resources he had brought in the form of elephants, horses, camels, cows, chariots etc…King Pandu paid obeisance to Bhishma and the elders, Bhishma shed tears of joy and affectionately embraced Pandu.
 
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 

275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thirukkaraveeram Thiru Karaveeranathar Temple !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 
 
 
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
 
 
 
 
 
 





Thirukkaraveeram/Karayapuram is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Thiruvanur, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga.

 

Presiding deity – Thirukkaraveeranathar/Brahmapureeswarar with his consort Goddess Sri Prathyakshanayaki/Prathyakshaminnammi

 

Mangalasasanam – Thiru Ganan Sambandhar

 

Sthalavruksham – Sevvarali

 

Theertham – Anavaratha Theertham

 

Worhsipped by – Lord Brahma, Sage Gauthama,

 

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Subaramanya with his consorts Goddesses Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Lord Surya, Lord Chandra, Lord Shaneeswara, Lord Bhairava, Sage Gauthama, Goshtamurtham – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Dakshinamurthi and Goddess Sri Durga,

 

Worship of Lord Brahmapureeswara with his consort Goddess Sri Prathyakshambikai would provide abundance of pieties include happiness, prosperity, good health and eradicates sins. Thiru Gnan Sambandhar stayed overnight and worshipped Lord Shiva and sung praising the glories in this sacred land.

 

This temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 11.30 AM in the morning and 4.30 PM to 7.30 PM in the evening.
 
 
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Rama Ekadashi on 30th October, 2013 !!

Jai Sriman Narayana
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Please follow the link below to read the glories of Rama Ekadashi :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mahabharath !! Life of Pandu & Kunthi !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 
 
 
 
 





The great epic Mahabharath was composed by Maharishi Veda Vyasa/Krishna Dwaipayana, son of Sage Parasara and Sathyavati, a woman from fishermen clan.  Mahabharath describes the legend of Bharatha Dynasty.     It was written in 18 Parva such as Adhi Parva, Sabha Parva, Vana Parva, Virada Parva, Udhyoga Parva, Bhishma Parva, Drona Parva, Karna Parva, Shalya Parva, Soupthika Parva, Stri Parva, Shanthi Parva, Anushasana Parva, Ashwamedha Parva, Ashramavasika Parva, Musala Parva, Mahaprasthanika Parva and Swargarohana Parva and each Parva has divided into many Upaparva and has chapters in detail.    Adhi Parva depicts the life of King Dushyantha and his wife Shakunthala and their son Sarvadhamanan, who was famously known as Bharatha, a righteous ruler of Bharatha Empior.

 

Lord Brahma created deities, Sages and Prajapathis.  It was the beginning of the growth of human race from the sixty daughters of Daksha Prajapathi.  Pururavass,  Yayathi, Puru,  Dushyantha,  Bharatha, Shanthanu were born in the family of Dithi, one of the daughters of Daksha Prajapathi. 

 

Life of Pandu & Kunthi !!
 
 

Rishi Vaishampayana narrates to King Janamejaya about the glorious marriage of Prudha (Kunthi), daughter of King Kunthibhoja with King Pandu.  Kunthi was the most beautiful and virtuous woman, she led a serene life and performed religious services with utmost devotion and dedication.  King Kunthibhoja planned a Swayamvara ceremony for Kunthi to find a suitable bridegroom, the invitations were duly sent to the Princes and Kings of neighboring cities.  Meanwhile, Bhishma and Sathyavati were in a meticulous search for a suitable bride for King Pandu in Hasthinapur.  Vidura received the message of Kunthi’s Swayamvara ceremony suggested that it is the finest opportunity for Pandu to take part in the occasion.  Initially, Sathyavati was not happy about the proposal and refused the idea as Kunthi was born in the family of Yadhava not from the royal family.  Bhishma intervened and described the devoutness of Kunthi and the boon she had obtained from Sage Durvassa. 


 

Kingdom of King Kunthibhoja was fabulously decorated to receive the prince and Kings of various cities for the Swayamvara ceremony.  The assembly was over flown with the dignitaries and guests, the most elegant  Kunthi shyly entered the assembly and looked upon their guests, instantly her eyes fallen on Pandu who was seated like a lion with most charming physical features like broad shoulders, beautiful eyes, brilliance on his face and had resemblances of Lord Indra.  Kunthi timidly drifted through the marvelously decorated assembly and adorned the garland on Pandu.  King Kunthibhoja majestically performed the wedding ceremony of the couple.  The people of the Kingdom of Kunthibhoj praised the virtues of King Pandu and couple was marvelously stood as deities before them.  King Kunthibhoja provided abundance of wealth to King Pandu and send off the couple to Hasthinapur with splendid accompaniment of men of army along with the Vedic Brahmins.  The couple reached Hasthinapur was appropriately received with the great honor.
 
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mahabharath !! Birth of Karna !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 
 
 
 
 





The great epic Mahabharath was composed by Maharishi Veda Vyasa/Krishna Dwaipayana, son of Sage Parasara and Sathyavati, a woman from fishermen clan.  Mahabharath describes the legend of Bharatha Dynasty.     It was written in 18 Parva such as Adhi Parva, Sabha Parva, Vana Parva, Virada Parva, Udhyoga Parva, Bhishma Parva, Drona Parva, Karna Parva, Shalya Parva, Soupthika Parva, Stri Parva, Shanthi Parva, Anushasana Parva, Ashwamedha Parva, Ashramavasika Parva, Musala Parva, Mahaprasthanika Parva and Swargarohana Parva and each Parva has divided into many Upaparva and has chapters in detail.    Adhi Parva depicts the life of King Dushyantha and his wife Shakunthala and their son Sarvadhamanan, who was famously known as Bharatha, a righteous ruler of Bharatha Empior.

 

Lord Brahma created deities, Sages and Prajapathis.  It was the beginning of the growth of human race from the sixty daughters of Daksha Prajapathi.  Pururavass,  Yayathi, Puru,  Dushyantha,  Bharatha, Shanthanu were born in the family of Dithi, one of the daughters of Daksha Prajapathi. 
 
Rishi Vaishampayana narrates the birth of Karna.  King Shoorasena was a righteous ruler of Yadava Dynasty had a son Vasudeva (father of Lord Krishna) and a daughter Prudha (Kunthi).  Prudha was the most beautiful woman in the Universe, her features were incomparable.  King Shoorasena led a respectable life, it was one of his virtues to stick to the promises he had made to others.   As promised earlier, he gave away his daughter Prudha to his friend and next of kin (father’s sisters son) King Kunthibhoja who had no offspring.  King Kunthibhoja took good care of Prudha as his own daughter.  Prudha was merrily brought up in the palace of King Kunthibhoja, she had possessed all the qualities of her father Shoorasena.  Prudha grown into a beautiful maiden with exquisite persona, she served the Vedic Brahmins, Rishis and Sages visited the palace.  Once, Sage Durvassa visited the palace was received with utmost reverence, everyone knows about the anger of Sage Durvassa,  Kunthi was assigned to take care of the needs of Sage Durvassa, she relentlessly served the Sage Durvassa who was a Trikalajnani ( one who is aware of past, present and future), he  was pleased at the dedication of Kunthi and offered her an exceptional boon.  As a Trikalajnani, Sage Durvassa was aware of the outcome of Kunthi’s married life with Pandu, who had a curse from Sage Dindim that the death happens when he enters into physical relationship with his wife.  The remarkable boon she had obtained was a glorious chant that would help her to invoke any deity as desired and they will provide her a virtuous child. 

 
Kunthi overjoyed at her fortune and invoked Lord Surya with the hymn advised by Sage Durvassa, to her sheer surprise Lord Surya appeared before Kunthi and enquired about her wish.  Kunthis was mystified at the appearance of Lord Surya; she nervously answered to Lord Surya that it was a boon she had received from Sage that she wanted to experiment the power of the hymn.  Lord Surya was not satisfied with her response; he continued that he was already known about the intrinsic worth of the hymn advised by Sage Durvassa, so it is his responsibility to abide by power of it.  Further, advised Kunthi to be prepared to receive a child from him.  Kunthi was hysterical; she revealed her status as an unmarried daughter of King Kunthibhoja, she does not want to bring shame to his father by having an illegitimate child before marriage.  Lord Surya advised her that it will not be a sin to have a child from him, moreover she will remain virgin after receiving child from him, and eventually a child was born to this couple with the brilliance of Lord Surya.  This child born with a golden ear stud (Swarna Kundalam) which added the brightness to his face and a safety shield to protect from all the evils hence he was famously known by the name Karna.   Kunthi was in a dilemma after seeing the face of newborn, her heart did not want to discard the child but she had to make a sagacious decision for the family she belonged.  Finally, she decided to abandoned the child in a river; the infant was safely vested in a box and mournfully drifted in the water.     Shortly, this child was found by a childless Sudra couple Radha and Sushena, charioteer of Kurus.  They brought up the child affectionately and named him Vasusena, as he was born with the Golden ear stud and golden shield.  Vasusena had the resemblance of deity with an astonishing physical features and immense physical powers; was an excellent archer and extremely proficient in Astra Sastra and he was a staunch devotee of Lord Surya.  During the time of worship, if anyone requests Vasusena for any kind contributions were abundantly provided.  Once Lord Indra disguised as a Brahmin and requested Vasusenan for his ear stud with an intention to protect his own child Arjuna.  Vasusenan readily offered his ear stud to the Brahmin.  Lord Indra was pleased at the devotion of Vasusena and honored him with the title ‘Karna’ and also provided him with a powerful weapon capable to kill a person whoever from the deities or demons or anyone from the  race of human, Yaksha, Gandharva or Naga desired by him.      
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 

Sadhvishya Samgraha !! 14 Lokas !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





God has created 14 Lokas  such as Sathya Loka, Thapoloka, Janoloka, Swargaloka, Maharloka, Buvarloka and Bhooloka above the Earth and the dwelling places below the Earth are Athalaloka, Vithalaloka, Suthalaloka, Thalathalaloka, Mahathalaloka, Pathalaloka and Rasathalaloka as the dwelling places of Trinities, deities, Rishis & Sages, Pithrus (Ancesstors), Lord Indra and celestial Gandharvas,  Grahas & Nakshatras, Humans & Animals, demons, righteous demons, Mayavis/magicians, virtuous born in the family of demons, venomous snakes like Vasuki and Acharyas of demon respectively.

 

Sathya Loka – Lord Brahma  
Thapoloka – Deities
Janoloka – Pithrus
Swargaloka – Lord Indra and celestials
Maharloka – Sages & Rishis
Buvarloka – Nakshtras & Graha
Bhooloka – Human & Animals
Athala & Vithalaloka – Demons
Suthalaloka – Righteous demons like Mahabhali,
Thalathalaloka – Mayavis/magicians
Mahathalaloka – virtuous born in the family of demons
Pathalaloka – Venomous snakes like Vasuki
Rasathalaloka – Acharyas of demons
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

Mahabharath !! Life of Drutharashtra & Gandhari !!

Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 
 
 
 
 





The great epic Mahabharath was composed by Maharishi Veda Vyasa/Krishna Dwaipayana, son of Sage Parasara and Sathyavati, a woman from fishermen clan.  Mahabharath describes the legend of Bharatha Dynasty.     It was written in 18 Parva such as Adhi Parva, Sabha Parva, Vana Parva, Virada Parva, Udhyoga Parva, Bhishma Parva, Drona Parva, Karna Parva, Shalya Parva, Soupthika Parva, Stri Parva, Shanthi Parva, Anushasana Parva, Ashwamedha Parva, Ashramavasika Parva, Musala Parva, Mahaprasthanika Parva and Swargarohana Parva and each Parva has divided into many Upaparva and has chapters in detail.    Adhi Parva depicts the life of King Dushyantha and his wife Shakunthala and their son Sarvadhamanan, who was famously known as Bharatha, a righteous ruler of Bharatha Empior.

 

Lord Brahma created deities, Sages and Prajapathis.  It was the beginning of the growth of human race from the sixty daughters of Daksha Prajapathi.  Pururavass,  Yayathi, Puru,  Dushyantha,  Bharatha, Shanthanu were born in the family of Dithi, one of the daughters of Daksha Prajapathi. 

 

Life of Drutharashtra & Gandhari:

 

Rishi Vaishampayana narrated the prosperity of Kuru Dynasty after the birth of Drutharashtra, Pandu and Vidura to Ambika, Ambalika and a maid servant respectively.    The Kingdom of Hasthinapur flourished with rich natural resources and its people led a happy and peaceful life.  The people of Hasthinapur were righteous and skilled in their work.   Drushtharashtra, Pandu and Vidura was brought up by Bhishma, they were introduced to the knowledge in Veda Sastra Puranas, Astra and Sastra etc..  The three of them were gained remarkable knowledge in all the fields.  Drutharashtra attained astounding physical strength, Pandu gained extraordinary skill in war tactics and Vidura outshined in Dharma Sastra.  The whole Kingdom praised the good fortune of the daughters of King of Kasi, they shone as the privileged mothers of ideal children.

 

Bhishma Pitamaha narrates to Vidura about the glorious return of Kuru Dynasty and the three maidens who are flawlessly suitable for Drutharashtra and Pandu, would add fame to the Kurus was Kunthi daughter of Shoorasena of Yadhava Dynasty and adopted daughter of King Kunthiboj, Gandhari daughter of King Subhala of Kingdom Gandhar and Madri, the princes of Mathura/Madhra.   Further Bhishma enquires Vidura’s opinion about the above thought.  Vidura reverentially answered that it was Bhishma Pitamaha ought to have the right to make a decision about the well-being of Kurus as a father, mother and an Acharya.

 

Drutharashtra and Pandu has grown into competent charming adults attained the age to pronounce them as the King of Hasthinapur.  Bhishma heard from Brahmins about the amazing virtues Gandhari, the princess of Gandhar and the boon received from Lord Shiva to have hundred children from her husband.  Bhishma was highly pleased at Gandhari’s devotion and dedication to Lord Shiva and thereby the remarkable boon she had achieved.  Bhishma approached King Subhala and revealed his purpose of visit to choose Gandhari as a bride to Drutharashtra.  King Subhala was traumatized at the suggestion of Bhishma, he was not enthusiastic about the proposal or sends his daughter married off to a blind prince.  Later, King Subhala had to agree with the terms of Bhishma, enmity towards Hasthinapur would never do good to Gandhar, after a series of thought about the fame of Hasthinapur and the status of Drutharashtra he reluctantly decided to give away his daughter’s hand to Drutharashtra.  Shakuni, brother of Gandhari was not at all happy about the proposal of marriage; he held his parents responsible for Gandhari’s misery.  He sincerely wanted to put an end to his dearest sister’s marriage to a blind prince.   Gandhari, the gorgeous princes of Gandhar was happened to hear about her parent’s choice of bridegroom, she was hysterical; shortly she decided to follow her fate and revealed her acceptance by tying her eyes forever.  Gandhari sincerely decided to have the experiences and agonies of a blind; she was always had utmost reverence and love for her husband.

 

Gandhari was brought to the Kingdom of Hasthinapur with all honors and the marriage to Drutharashtra was performed according to the rules prescribed in the scriptures.  Initially, the appearance of Gandhari created a huge chaos in the assembly, it was Drutharashtra dreamed for a wife who would be capable to remove the weakness of his blindness, and he strictly opposed the very idea of Gandhari to tie her eyes and refused to marry her.  Gandhari earnestly prayed to the respected elders and the enlightened people assembled about her decision to tie her eyes to remain a chaste wife of Drutharashtra, requested for an opportunity to provide hundred children to Kuru Dynasty.  Drutharashtra had the dislike against the promise of Gandhari to remain blind forever; he denied accepting her as his wife and Gandhari was discarded from the life of her husband for several years, it was Gandhari’s will to live her married life as a couple equally grieved of their blindness.  Shakuni the elder brother of Gandhari refused to return Gandhar after witnessing the pathetic plight of his dearest sister and has chosen Hasthinapur as his place of residence.  Later, it was created a huge turmoil in the relationship of Kurus, gradually he injected venom in the heart of Drutharashtra against his brother Pandu and his family, Shakuni took ultimate control over the life of his nieces, brought up them with all wickedness, the same way he had manipulated Drutharashtra and it resulted in the great war of Kurushetra.

 

Finally, the auspicious moment has arrived for the coronation of Drutharashtra as the King of Hasthinapur, the moment he was desired all his life.  The decision has been made, Pandu was elected as the chief of the Army of Hasthinapur and Vidura as the Chief of Assembly.  Vidura who has the ultimate wisdom of Dharma Sastra stated publicly in the Assembly that a blind person cannot be crowned as the king, hence Pandu was chosen for coronation as the King of Hasthinapur.  This pronouncement was exasperated Drutharashtra, he was deeply hurt, it was the same for Shakuni who was desired her sister to be declared as the Empress of Hasthinapur.  The very moment Shakuni promised to himself to take away the peace of Kurus and bring fairness in the life of his sister.  Pandu had lots of affection and respect towards his elder brother Drutharashtra, in order to save Hasthinapur from the hands of enemies, he unenthusiastically agreed for the coronation ceremony.  This incident has created an enormous rupture in the relationship between the two brothers, Pandu and Drutharashtra.   On the other side Shakuni tactfully utilized the above circumstances to instigate enmity between Pandu and Drutharashtra by pouring ghee into the fire. 

 

Once again a big question raised before Sathyavati and Bhishma that who will be the suitable bride for Pandu? 
 
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!