स्यमंतक मणि

स्यमंतक मणि

स्यमन्तक मणि वही हीरा है, जो वर्तमान आधुनिक युग में कोहिनूर हीरा नाम से प्रसिद्ध है। इसकी कथा द्वापर युग से बतायी जाती है।


[संपादित करें] सन्दर्भ
एक बार नंदकिशोर ने सनतकुमारों से कहा कि चौथ की चंद्रमा के दर्शन करने से श्रीकृष्ण पर जो लांछन लगा था, वह सिद्धि विनायक व्रत करने से ही दूर हुआ था। ऐसा सुनकर सनतकुमारों को आश्चर्य हुआ। उन्होंने पूर्णब्रह्म श्रीकृष्ण को कलंक लगने की कथा पूछी तो नंदकिशोर ने बताया।


[संपादित करें] कथा
श्रीकृष्ण समुद्र के मध्य नगरी बसाकर रहने लगे। इसी नगरी का नाम आजकल द्वारिकापुरी है। द्वारिकापुरी में निवास करने वाले सत्राजित यादव ने सूर्यनारायण की आराधना की। तब भगवान सूर्य ने उसे नित्य आठ भार सोना देने वाली स्यमन्तक नामक मणि अपने गले से उतारकर दे दी।

मणि पाकर सत्राजित यादव जब समाज में गया तो श्रीकृष्ण ने उस मणि को प्राप्त करने की इच्छा व्यक्त की। सत्राजित ने वह मणि श्रीकृष्ण को न देकर अपने भाई प्रसेनजित को दे दी। एक दिन प्रसेनजित घोड़े पर चढ़कर शिकार के लिए गया। वहाँ एक शेर ने उसे मार डाला और मणि ले ली। रीछों का राजा जामवन्त उस सिंह को मारकर मणि लेकर गुफा में चला गया।

जब प्रसेनजित कई दिनों तक शिकार से न लौटा तो सत्राजित को बड़ा दुःख हुआ। उसने सोचा, श्रीकृष्ण ने ही मणि प्राप्त करने के लिए उसका वध कर दिया होगा। अतः बिना किसी प्रकार की जानकारी जुटाए उसने प्रचार कर दिया कि श्रीकृष्ण ने प्रसेनजित को मारकर स्यमन्तक मणि छीन ली है। इस लोक-निन्दा के निवारण के लिए श्रीकृष्ण बहुत से लोगों के साथ प्रसेनजित को ढूंढने वन में गए। वहाँ पर प्रसेनजित को शेर द्वारा मार डालना और शेर को रीछ द्वारा मारने के चिह्न उन्हें मिल गए। रीछ के पैरों की खोज करते-करते वे जामवन्त की गुफा पर पहुँचे और गुफा के भीतर चले गए। वहाँ उन्होंने देखा कि जामवन्त की पुत्री उस मणि से खेल रही है। श्रीकृष्ण को देखते ही जामवन्त युद्ध के लिए तैयार हो गया।

युद्ध छिड़ गया। गुफा के बाहर श्रीकृष्ण के साथियों ने उनकी सात दिन तक प्रतीक्षा की। फिर वे लोग उन्हें मर गया जानकर पश्चाताप करते हुए द्वारिकापुरी लौट गए। इधर इक्कीस दिन तक लगातार युद्ध करने पर भी जामवन्त श्रीकृष्ण को पराजित न कर सका। तब उसने सोचा, कहीं यह वह अवतार तो नहीं जिसके लिए मुझे रामचंद्रजी का वरदान मिला था। यह पुष्टि होने पर उसने अपनी कन्या का विवाह श्रीकृष्ण के साथ कर दिया और मणि दहेज में दे दी। श्रीकृष्ण जब मणि लेकर वापस आए तो सत्राजित अपने किए पर बहुत लज्जित हुआ। इस लज्जा से मुक्त होने के लिए उसने भी अपनी पुत्री का विवाह श्रीकृष्ण के साथ कर दिया।

कुछ समय के बाद श्रीकृष्ण किसी काम से इंद्रप्रस्थ चले गए। तब अक्रूर तथा ऋतु वर्मा की राय से शतधन्वा यादव ने सत्राजित को मारकर मणि अपने कब्जे में ले ली। सत्राजित की मौत का समाचार जब श्रीकृष्ण को मिला तोवे तत्काल द्वारिका पहुँचे। वे शतधन्वा को मारकर मणि छीनने को तैयार हो गए। इस कार्य में सहायता के लिए बलराम भी तैयार थे। यह जानकर शतधन्वा ने मणि अक्रूर को दे दी और स्वयं भाग निकला। श्रीकृष्ण ने उसका पीछा करके उसे मार तो डाला, पर मणि उन्हें नहीं मिल पाई।

बलरामजी भी वहाँ पहुँचे। श्रीकृष्ण ने उन्हें बताया कि मणि इसके पास नहीं है। बलरामजी को विश्वास न हुआ। वे अप्रसन्न होकर विदर्भ चले गए। श्रीकृष्ण के द्वारिका लौटने पर लोगों ने उनका भारी अपमान किया। तत्काल यह समाचार फैल गया कि स्यमन्तक मणि के लोभ में श्रीकृष्ण ने अपने भाई को भी त्याग दिया। श्रीकृष्ण इस अकारण प्राप्त अपमान के शोक में डूबे थे कि सहसा वहाँ नारदजी आ गए। उन्होंने श्रीकृष्णजी को बताया- आपने भाद्रपद शुक्ल चतुर्थी के चंद्रमा का दर्शन किया था। इसी कारण आपको इस तरह लांछित होना पड़ा है।

श्रीकृष्ण ने पूछा- चौथ के चंद्रमा को ऐसा क्या हो गया है जिसके कारण उसके दर्शनमात्र से मनुष्य कलंकित होता है। तब नारदजी बोले- एक बार ब्रह्माजी ने चतुर्थी के दिन गणेशजी का व्रत किया था। गणेशजी नेप्रकट होकर वर माँगने को कहा तो उन्होंने माँगा कि मुझे सृष्टि की रचना करने का मोह न हो। गणेशजी ज्यों ही 'तथास्तु' कहकर चलने लगे, उनके विचित्र व्यक्तित्व को देखकर चंद्रमाने उपहास किया। इस पर गणेशजी ने रुष्ट होकर चंद्रमा को शाप दिया कि आज से कोई तुम्हारा मुख नहीं देखना चाहेगा।

शाप देकर गणेशजी अपने लोक चले गए और चंद्रमा मानसरोवर की कुमुदिनियों में जा छिपा। चंद्रमा के बिना प्राणियों को बड़ा कष्ट हुआ। उनके कष्ट को देखकर ब्रह्माजी की आज्ञा से सारे देवताओं के व्रत से प्रसन्न होकर गणेशजी ने वरदान दिया कि अब चंद्रमा शाप से मुक्त तो हो जाएगा, पर भाद्रपद शुक्ल चतुर्थी को जो भी चंद्रमा के दर्शन करेगा, उसे चोरी आदि का झूठा लांछन जरूर लगेगा। किन्तु जो मनुष्य प्रत्येक द्वितीया को दर्शन करता रहेगा, वह इस लांछन से बच जाएगा। इस चतुर्थी को सिद्धि विनायक व्रत करने से सारे दोष छूट जाएँगे।

यह सुनकर देवता अपने-अपने स्थान को चले गए। इस प्रकार भाद्रपद शुक्ल चतुर्थी को चंद्रमा का दर्शन करने से आपको यह कलंक लगा है। तब श्रीकृष्ण ने कलंक से मुक्त होने के लिए यही व्रत किया था।

मुख्य लेख: गणेश चतुर्थी
कुरुक्षेत्र के युद्ध में युधिष्ठिर ने भगवान श्रीकृष्ण से पूछा- भगवन! मनुष्य की मनोकामना सिद्धि का कौन-सा उपाय है? किस प्रकार मनुष्य धन, पुत्र, सौभाग्य तथा विजय प्राप्त कर सकता है? यह सुनकर श्रीकृष्ण ने उत्तर दिया- यदि तुम पार्वती पुत्र श्री गणेश का विधिपूर्वक पूजन करो तो निश्चय ही तुम्हें सब कुछ प्राप्त हो जाएगा। तब श्रीकृष्ण की आज्ञा से ही युधिष्ठिरजी ने गणेश चतुर्थी का व्रत करके महाभारत का युद्ध जीता था। यही चतुर्थ गणेश चतुर्थी नाम से प्रसिद्ध है।

Rishi Panchami

Rishi Panchami

(Excerpts from Satsang of Pujya Bapuji)
This festival is meant for all those who are ignorant of their True Self
India is the land of Rishis and Munis. The country is so profoundly influenced by the enlightening knowledge of the Rishis and their teachings that even today people follow their precepts and succeed in leading a life of piety, virtue and righteousness and finally attain emancipation as well. There have been so many Rishis who have spent their entire lives in the service and welfare of humanity. We adore and worship those Rishis. Of those Rishis, Vasishtha, Vishwamitra, Jamdagni, Bharadwaj, Atri, Gautam and Kashyap are represented by the constellation of Ursa Major, the Great Bear, so that they are forever imprinted in our memory.
Rishis are also called ‘Mantradrashta’. Rishis do not consider themselves to be doers. They observe the world in a detached manner, remaining established in the state of a dispassionate witness. Similarly, they espouse the esoteric meaning and impact of the mantras in a completely detached manner. As such, Rishis are known to be ‘Mantradrashta’.
On the occasion of Rishi Panchami, such Mantradrashta Rishis are worshipped. Women in particular observe a fast on this day.
There is no distinction between men and women in the eyes of the Rishis. Everything to them is but the manifestation of their own infinite Self. This festival is meant for all those who are ignorant of their own Self. With a heart full of gratitude we salute and pay obeisance to the Rishis who have endeavoured to remove the ignorance due to which jiva gets entangled in cycles of birth and death, going through various species and suffering extensively in the process.
However, the real worship of the Rishis and Munis lies in complying with their commandments. And their expectation is:
‘Worship God by being god.’ Rishis are established in the state of being an eternal witness and are seers with no attachments at all. They are not distracted in the least from this state by the vagaries of pleasure or pain, loss or gain, respect or disrespect or even auspicious and inauspicious events of the world. To establish oneself in that state of an eternal witness through unrelenting practice is, in essence, their true worship. They have toiled hard to free the world from attachments. They have introduced specific ceremonies, social customs, festivals and traditions so that we may see life as it is and realize the Supreme Self, setting aside the obstructions of our age old notions. As a mark of our gratitude, we should revere the Rishis in order to absolve ourselves from the debt owed to them.
THE STORY IN RELATION TO THE RISHI PANCHAMI FAST
The story related to the Rishi Panchami fast is described in ‘Hemadri Khanda’ of the ‘Bhavishyottar Purana’.
Once there was a Brahmin named Sumitra. His wife’s name was Jayashri. In general, they led their life properly, but they failed to observe some of the important canons of healthy living, such as self-restraint and circumspection.
Brahmin’s wife Jayashri did not pay heed to the rules prescribed to be followed during menstrual cycles. She continued to cook food on those days and the Brahmin Sumitra used to take the food prepared by her. With the passage of time, the Brahmin’s intellect lost its brilliance and sharpness, and his capabilities also got blunted. Though he was blessed with a human life, he made no attempts to elevate himself to the higher stages of divinity. He frittered away his precious human life by leading an animalistic life and was consequently condemned to lower species after his death.
It has been even scientifically proved that the female body emits negative vibrations (aura) during menstruation. Her mind and life force are concentrated in the lower centres. Therefore, it is essential for the sake of our own advancement to follow the rules and regulations prescribed by the scriptures during menstrual periods. For example, a boy who does not study properly while in school and also avoids doing his homework cannot be successful and will lag behind even though he may be intelligent and belong to a progressive family. Similarly, we are attending this school of life in this human form; and without knowing the nuances of righteousness, action and enlightenment, our intellect cannot attain the heightened state required for Self-realization. Thus we fail to appreciate the real worth of our human birth. If a son cannot manage the business and wealth handed over to him by his father, he ends up becoming insolvent and has to find a job to make both ends meet. Similarly, we, the sons of God, who is the embodiment of Truth, Consciousness and Bliss, have been given a human birth, and if we do not progress we will be condemned to take lower births. This is but the law of nature.
That Brahmin Sumitra and his wife Jayashri were born as a bullock and a bitch respectively in the next birth, in their same house. The name of Brahmin Sumitra’s son was Sumati and his wife’s name was Chandrawali.
Many people have a “debtor-creditor” relationship or feelings towards one another. The law of Karma operates in such a way that even while born in different species such souls happen to live together. Jayashri had not observed the prescribed rules during her menstrual cycles; therefore she had committed grave sins and was condemned to become a bitch. Her husband had unwittingly committed the mistake of not being careful enough; and so he landed up to be an ox.
As a Brahmin, it was his duty to be circumspect and maintain purity within the house as ordained by the scriptures. When he failed in that duty, he also had to suffer the consequences.
One day it so happened that Chandrawali’s former mother-in-law, the bitch, entered the kitchen. The daughter-in-law, Chandrawali who was working in the kitchen, beat the bitch with a stick.
All these events are written in the Puranas. As such this event would have occurred even earlier than the Puranic period which is dated thousands of years back. Therefore, it is quite probable that humans and animals could comprehend each other’s language in those days. The daughter-in-law Chandrawali did not know that the bitch whom she hit was none other than her own mother-in-law. The former husband and wife in the form of the ox and the bitch were having their meals outside their son’s house. They started talking amongst themselves. The bitch said, “She beat me mercilessly. What sins have I committed that the wife of my own son, whom we brought up so carefully, is now beating me?”
The ox said, “Sure enough, we must have committed some sins.”
The daughter-in-law overheard this conversation. She told her husband, the son of the Brahmin Sumitra, about this. He was deeply moved, ‘Oh! These are my parents and in such a miserable and sorry state! I must do something for their emancipation.’
During those days, a renowned Muni, Sarvatapa, lived in that locality. He was impartial and was established in the Supreme bliss of his True Self. The guidance of such great Saints is highly beneficial for all beings. One, who is beyond attachment and hatred and is established in the Supreme Being, is the most elevated of all. Anyone who follows their instructions, quickly attains an elevated state. What they say may not be appealing at that instant, but should still be accepted whole-heartedly. It brings immense good to one, without fail.
‘Shri Guru Gita’ says,
‘Guru’s instructions should never be disobeyed whether right or wrong. One should carry out Gurudev’s commandments day in and day out and live like a slave in his proximity.’
For example, when a child goes to school, the teacher tells him that the earth is round. Irrespective of whether it appeals to his intellect or not, he accepts it. Later on he comprehends the concept. Similarly, you should accept this precept of Enlightened Gurus, the liberated Saints, that You are not this physical body but Brahman. Subsequently, if you steadfastly imbibe this truth, you will come to terms with it and realize Brahman.
The Brahmin’s son went to Sarvatapa Muni, and related the entire story stating,
“My parents live in my own courtyard as an ox and a bitch. It is the bounden duty of a son to make efforts for his parents’ emancipation. Kindly prescribe the ways and means for the same.”
Sarvatapa Muni delved for a while into his own Self, the source of all knowledge throughout the universe, and said,
“Your mother transgressed the rules to be followed during menstruation. As a result of this sin she has taken birth as a bitch. Your father unwittingly and foolishly acquiesced in her sin; that is why he is in the body of an ox. He had got the human birth endowed with intellectual faculties, but failing to utilize that invaluable privilege he acted foolishly and ended up as an ox.”
Sarvatapa Muni then prescribed a course of action for their emancipation, “These animal bodies do not possess the intellect to comprehend the concept of fasting. You may starve the ox by denying it fodder, and the bitch by refusing to give it bread; but they will hardly comprehend that they are observing a fast. Starving under compulsion yields no virtue. A fast becomes virtuous only when it is observed willingly. Therefore you should yourself observe a fast in lieu of them. On the day of Rishi Panchami observe the fast while remembering and worshipping the seven aforesaid Rishis along with Arundhati (the wife of Maharshi Vasishtha). Offer the virtues of your fast, japa and meditation performed on that day to your parents to absolve them of their sins. This will give your parents an opportunity to be free from the Rishis’ debt and they will thus be emancipated.”
The Brahmin’s son and his wife observed the fast and donated the virtue accruing therefrom to their parents. Consequently, both their parents were released from their animal births and proceeded to heaven.
Generally women observe the Rishi Panchami fast. As per this tale, any woman who has violated the rules ordained by the scriptures in regard to the days of menstruation or unwittingly had darshan of a Rishi during menstrual periods, thereby committing an act of sacrilege, should observe this fast for expiation of that sin, thus seeking forgiveness.
The modern woman may claim, “I don’t believe in such customs.” As a result, she suffers the consequences; begetting physically impaired and lustreless children.
Rishis and Munis are called ‘Arshadrashta’. They have laid down these customs only after thorough investigation and not on the basis of their whims. You can see for yourself that when any woman in the house is menstruating, your mind is not as elevated and cheerful as it is on other days.
I know a number of ascetics and yoga aspirants who engage themselves in austerities and practice of yoga, but to look after their daily needs they keep a woman who disregards the rules of maintaining piety during menstruation. Such yogis and aspirants miss the effulgence of asceticism or yoga in their lives. They fail to impress. Although my Gurudev might not have engaged in such extensive austerities and meditation, yet he had a rare and unique power of elevating people through his gracious glance, because he was highly circumspect in such matters.
My Gurudev believed in women’s liberation, but not in the kind of liberation that is observed today. What passes off as liberation today is in fact shamelessness. Women are becoming more and more helpless everyday. Real liberation of women can be appreciated only from the point of view of Rishis. There have been epitomes of female virtue like Madalasa, Jijabai, Chudala, Dirghatapa’s wife, etc. Young ladies like Gargi and Sulabha used to have open debates with renowned scholars in spiritual discourses and competitions. Many a woman has attained the status of a Rishi and even contributed to the composition of the Upanishads. Where are that sort of vibrancy, strength and lustre in the modern women? Lustrous children are born in only those families wherein people exercise self-restraint and observe the rules ordained by the scriptures.

Katha of Syamantak Mani

How the Syamantaka Jewel Brought Krishna Jâmbavatî and Satyabhâmâ(1) S'rî S'uka said: 'Satrâjit having been offensive with Lord Krishna gave for his elevation his daughter together with the jewel known as Syamantaka.' (2) The honorable king said: 'What offense committed Satrâjit against Krishna, o brahmin, from where came Syamantaka and why gave he his daughter to the Lord?(3) S'rî S'uka said: 'The sungod who was Satrâjit's best friend affectionate with him gave, to his satisfaction with his devotee, the jewel called Syamantaka. (4) He, wearing that jewel shining as brilliant as the sun around his neck, having entered Dvârakâ, o King, was because of the effulgence not recognized. (5) The people, by the glare robbed of their vision seeing him from a distance, presuming that Sûrya had arrived reported that to the Supreme Lord who was playing dice: (6) 'O Nârâyana, with obeisances unto You, o Holder of Club, Cakra and Lotus, o Dâmodara, o Lotus-eyed One, o Govinda, o beloved of the Yadus! (7) Savitâ ['the radiant one'], who with the intense radiation of his radiating disc steals the vision of men, has come to see You, o Lord of the Universe. (8) It must be so that of the most exalted of the gods of wisdom seeking out Your path, the one not born [Sûrya], knowing that You now hide among the Yadus, has come to see You.' (9) S'rî S'uka said: 'Hearing these innocent words said He with the Lotuslike Eyes smiling: 'This one's not Ravideva, it's Satrâjit glowing of his jewel.' (10) He [Satrâjit] arriving at his opulent home executed with festivity auspicious rituals in the temple room where he with the help of the learned installed the jewel. (11) Day after day would it bring him eight bhâras [of about 9.7 kg] of gold, o prabhu, and none of the inauspicious of famines, premature deaths, catastrophes, snakebites, mental and physical disorders and cheaters would take place there in the presence of the gem properly worshiped. (12) Some day asked S'auri [Krishna] on behalf of the king of the Yadus [Ugrasena] for the gem, but, he, greedy for the wealth, saw no offense in it not to hand it over. (13) One day, hanging the intensely radiating jewel around his neck, mounted Prasena [Satrâjit's brother] a horse and went he hunting in the forest. (14) Prasena along with his horse were killed and taken away by a lion who on his turn entering a cave was killed by Jâmbavân ['he from the Jambu-trees'] who wanted the jewel. (15) He then in the cave made the jewel a toy for his kid as meanwhile not seeing his brother, brother Satrâjit got deeply troubled: (16) 'My brother gone to the forest wearing the jewel around his neck is probably killed by Krishna', and what he thus said was what the people heard whispering in one another's ears. (17) The Supreme Lord who came to hear of it then, to clear Himself of the gossip to His infamy, together with the citizens followed the path taken by Prasena. (18) Seeing that he and his horse were killed by a lion in that forest, discovered they that the lion had been killed too by Riksha at a mountain side. (19) Stationing the people outside of the terrifying cave of the king of the rikshas [the bears] entered the Supreme Lord alone the place covered in pitch-dark. (20) When He saw that that most precious of jewels was used as a child's plaything, decided He to take it away and got He Himself over there close to the child. (21) Seeing the stranger cried the nurse in fear so that Jâmbavân, that best one of the strong, hearing it ran forward in rage. (22) He indeed, thinking Him a worldly person, unaware of His position fought with Him, the Supreme Lord, his own Master. (23) A very furious fight ensued between the two who each tried to win with the help of stones, trees, their arms and with weapons as if they were two hawks fighting over some meat. (24) Day and night without a pause continued for twenty-eight days the fight with blows hard as lightening of fists against fists. (25) With the muscles of his huge body pummeled by the blows of Krishna's fists, perspired he, diminished in strength, all over and addressed he Him in great amazement: (26) 'I know You, You are the life air, the physical and mental strength of all living beings, Lord Vishnu, the Primeval Personality, the All-powerful Supreme Controller. (27) You indeed are the Creator who of All Creators and the Created of the Universe art the Essence, who of the subduers art the Subduer, the Lord, the Soul Supreme to all the Souls [compare 3.25: 41-42]. (28) You are the One of whose little evidence of anger with Your glances the ocean and the crocodiles and whale-eating whales [timingilas] agitated gave way for building a bridge; You are the one famous for setting Lankâ afire; of You fell the heads of the râkshasa to the ground that You cut off with Your arrows.'(29-30) O King, Acyuta, the lotus-eyed Supreme Lord, the son of Devakî, then in great compassion for His devotee with a voice as deep as the [rumbling] clouds spoke to the king of the bears who thus had understood the truth, touching him with the hand that bestows all blessings: (31) 'O lord of the bears, we came here to the cave because of the jewel, in order to dispel the false accusation with this jewel held against Me.' (32) Thus addressed presented he along with the jewel happily as a respectful offering his maiden daughter named Jâmbvatî to Krishna. (33) Not seeing S'auri who had entered the cave coming out, went the people after waiting for twelve days unhappy back to their city. (34) Devakî, Rukminî devî, Vasudeva and all His friends and relatives lamented over Krishna not coming out of the cave. (35) They, the residents of Dvârakâ sorrowfully cursing Satrâjit then worshiped Durgâ, the fortune of the moon [the deity called Candrabhâgâ] in order to retrieve Krishna. (36) After the worship of the goddess granted she in response to them the benediction after which, creating joy, the Lord having achieved His purpose appeared with His [new] wife. (37) Greatly aroused on finding out that Hrishikes'a had come with a wife and the jewel around His neck, they all rejoiced as if someone had risen from the dead. (38) Satrâjit, summoned by the Supreme Lord to the royal assembly, was in the presence of the king informed of the recovery of the jewel which then was presented to him. (39) And he took extremely ashamed, head down, the gem and went home from there full of remorse about his sinful behavior. (40-42) Pondering over that evident offense and fearing a conflict with the ones in power thought he: 'How will I cleanse myself of the contamination and how can I satisfy Acyuta? What good should I do so that the people won't curse me for being narrow-minded, petty, befooled and avaricious after the wealth? I'll give the [Syamantaka-]jewel to Him as well as my daughter, a jewel among women; that's the way to make it up with Him and nothing else!'Satrâjit Murdered, the Jewel Stolen and Returned Again(1) The son of Vyâsa said: 'Though aware of what factually had transpired went Krishna, hearing [of the rumor] that the sons of Pându and queen Kuntî had burned to death [in the house of lac], in order to answer to His family obligations together with Balarâma to the Kuru kingdom. (2) Meeting with Bhîshma, Kripa, Vidura, Gândhârî and Drona They equally sorrowful said: 'Ah how painful this is!' (3) Getting the chance, o King, said Akrûra and [the Bhoja] Kritavarmâ [meanwhile in Krishna's absence in Dvârakâ] to S'atadhanvâ ['hundredbow', a bad character]: 'Why not take the jewel? (4) He who promised each of us his gem of a daughter, gave her, ignoring us, to Krishna; why then should Satrâjit not follow his brother ? (5) Thus influenced by the two killed that most wicked man, in his sinfulness shortening his lifespan, out of greed Satrâjit as he was sleeping. (6) While the women helplessly cried calling for help took he, after having killed like a butcher does animals, the jewel and took he off. (7) Satyabhâmâ after seeing her father killed, thrown in grief lamented: 'O father, alas o father, with you being killed I am killed!' and then fainted. (8) Putting the corpse in a large vessel of oil she went to Hastinâpura to Krishna who [already] was aware of the situation, and related sorrowfully the murder of her father. (9) The Lords hearing that, o King, imitating the human ways both lamented, eyes full of tears: 'Oh what a tragedy fell upon us!' (10) The Supreme Lord returned from there to His capital with his His wife and elder brother, prepared to kill S'atadhanvâ and take the jewel from him. (11) He, learning that, in fear also readied himself to save his life and entreated for assistance Kritavarmâ who told him: (12-13) 'I cannot be of any offense with the Lords Râma and Krishna; how can he who causes Them trouble indeed be of good fortune? Kamsa and his followers in their hatred of waging against lost their wealth and lives and Jarâsandha from seventeen battles became bereft [even] of his chariot!' (14) He, turned down, next begged Akrûra for help but he also said: 'Who, knowing the strength of the Lordships, can can oppose? (15-17) He who maintains, creates and destroys this universe as a play; He whose purpose is not even known to the secondary creators [headed by Brahmâ] being bewildered by His invincible potency [of mâyâ]; He who playing as a child of seven years of age uprooted a mountain that He held up with a single hand like a boy does a mushroom [see 10.25]; Him, Krishna the Supreme Lord to whose wondrous acts there is no end I do worship; Him who as the source of all existence is the Supreme Soul, the immovable center, I offer my obeisances.' (18) He, S'atadhanvâ also by him refused, left the precious jewel with him, mounted a horse that could cover a hundred yojanas and departed. (19) Krishna and Râma mounting the chariot with the emblem of Garuda followed with the swiftest horses, o King, the murderer of Their guru [Their father-in-law as a teacher]. (20) In a Mithilâ suburban park abandoning his horse that had fallen, ran he on foot terrified with a furious Krishna speeding after him likewise. (21) With him on the run severed the Lord on foot with the sharp edged disc his head, and searched He his upper and lower garments for the stone. (22) Not finding the gem said Krishna approaching His elder brother getting near: 'S'atadhanvâ was killed uselessly, the jewel is not with him.' (23) Balarâma then said: 'S'atadhanvâ must have left the rock with some person, so go [back] to the city [of Dvârakâ] and search him out. (24) l wish to see the king of Videha most dear to Me', and thus having spoken entered the descendant of Yadu, o King, Mithilâ [the capital of Videha]. (25) Seeing Him the king of Mithilâ immediately rose with a mind full of love and honored Him being worshipable, as was prescribed with all there was to it. (26) There in Mithilâ did He, the Mighty One, honored by the affectionate Janaka, the great soul, live for several years for the time teaching Duryodhana to wield the club.(27) Kes'ava the All-powerful getting to Dvârakâ, told to the comfort of His beloved [the grieving Satyabhâmâ] of the demise of S'atadhanvâ and the failure to get hold of the jewel. (28) He, the Supreme Lord together with all the well-wishers one may so have at the end of one's life, then made sure to have the obsequies performed for the deceased relative [Satrâjit]. (29) The ones responsible, Akrûra and Kritavarmâ, hearing of the killing of S'atadhanava, seized by fear went into exile from Dvârakâ. (30) With Akrûra in exile ill omens arose indeed for the residents of Dvârakâ that gave them by higher powers [natural disasters included] and other living beings, constantly trouble in body and mind. (31) Thus, my dear, were some in conjecture forgetting what of old had been described by the sages as following His residence; how could with His presence any calamity arise? (32) [They said:] 'When Indra withheld the rains gave the king of Benares his daughter Gândinî to S'vaphalka who came to him, after which it then indeed did rain in Kâs'î. (33) Wherever indeed he, Akrûra, his son, having his [fathers] powers stays, will lord Indra shower rains and will there be no painful disturbances or untimely deaths.'(34) Hearing of the elders these words ordered Janârdana, with the thought that this was not the only cause of the matters at hand , that Akrûra should be brought back. (35-36) Greeting him with respect and honor and pleasantly discussing topics, smiled He, fully aware of everything that went on in his heart, and said: 'We of course, o master of charity, arealready known with the fact that you indeed at present hold the opulent syamantaka-jewel that S'atadhanvâ put under your care. (37) Since Satrâjit had no sons is it his daughter's sons [she and her sons] who after presenting water, offerings and having cleared his remaining debts, should receive his inheritance. (38-39) Nevertheless should the jewel, as it is impossible to hold by others, remain with you, o trustworthy keeper of the vows. However, My brother does not completely believe Me concerning the gem. Please, to bring peace to My relatives, show it Us now, o most fortunate soul who with your altars of gold uninterrupted continues with your sacrifices. (40) Thus won over by the conciliatory words took the son of S'vaphalka the gem hidden in his garment and gave he it, shining as brilliant as the sun. (41) After showing Syamantaka to His relatives, [and thus] doing away with the emotions [of the accusations held] with Him, offered the Master it back to him again. (42) Whoever recites, hears or remembers this narration which indeed, rich with the prowess of the Supreme Controller Vishnu, most auspiciously removes the reactions to sin, will attain peace and drive away his badness and bad reputation.(43) Thus intelligently deciding set Satrâjit himself to it and presented he his fair daughter and the jewel to Krishna. (44) She, Satyabhâmâ, sought by many men for being endowed with the qualities of a fine character, beauty and magnanimity, married the Lord according the customs. (45) The Supreme Lord said: 'We do not desire back the jewel, o King, let it remain with you being of devotion with the godhead [Sûrya] so that We may also be the enjoyers of its fruits.

गणेश चतुर्थी

Ganesh Chaturthi (23rd Aug’09)
On the Auspicious Afternoon of Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi, Bhagawan Shri Ganapati was born.

Aum Gam Ganapataye Namah

This mantra should be chanted calmly on this auspicious day as much as one कैन

Excerpts from the Satsang of Param Pujya Sant Shri Asaramji Bapuji)
Once Lord Ganesha was walking in His own delightful rhythm. It was the fourth lunar day (chaturthi). The Moon god saw him. The Moon god was very vain about his good looks. He said with a bitter sarcasm to Lord Ganesha, "What a beautiful form you have! A big belly and an elephant's head...".
Lord Ganesha realized that the Moon's vanity will not go without his being appropriately punished for the same. Lord Ganesha said, "Your face will not be worth showing to anybody."
The Moon did not rise after that. The gods were worried, "The whole department that nourishes the earth has been closed! How will the medicinal herbs be enriched? How will the affairs of the world be conducted?"
Lord Brahma said, "The Moon's insolence has angered Lord Ganesha."
The gods worshipped Lord Ganesha in order to propitiate him. When Lord Ganesha was pleased, the Moon's face became worth showing to others. The Moon god prayed to Lord Ganesha with hymns.

Lord Ganesha said, "Your face will be worth showing on other days of the year, but on the fourth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada, the day when you insulted me, whoever sees you will be slandered with a serious blemish within a year. This is necessary to give the message to the people that 'No one should be vain regarding one's physical beauty and charm.'

The Lord of all the gods and senses is the Self. You are ridiculing a Self-Realized personality like me? You are finding faults with my physical form and are proud of your external beauty? You are ignorant of Me, the Self, the source of all beauty, that lends beauty to your external form. That Self alone exists. He alone is seen in the forms of Lord Narayana, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva as also in all beings. O Moon! Even your real Being is That very Self. Don't be proud of your external beauty."
Even Lord Krishna was accused of stealing the 'Syamantaka Gem', because He happened to see the Moon on that particular fourth lunar day. His brother Balrama has also joined the accusers; though, in fact, Lord Krishna had not stolen the 'Syamantaka Gem'.
Those who don't believe in the truth of this incident, who are sceptical of the scriptures, are invited to test its veracity by looking at the Moon on the fourth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (Ganesh Chaturthi). A sceptic will pay the cost of disbelieving the scriptures retold in satsang. Within a year, he will be the victim of such a great blemish as will completely vitiate his dignity.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This year Ganesh-Chaturthi falls on the 23rd of August, 2009. It is extremely harmful to look at the Moon on Ganesh-Chaturthi. Therefore be very careful not to look at the moon on that night. If it happens to look at the Moon on the night of Ganesh-Chaturthi, then no matter how innocent one is, one will definitely be defamed.

Even Lord Krishna was accused of having stolen the ‘Syamantak Mani’ because of looking at the Moon on this night.However, if you look at the Moon on the 3rd(22nd Aug '09) and 5th (24th Aug'09) nights of that lunar month, the harmful effects caused by seeing the Moon on the 4th lunar night is countered.

This year On Ganesh Chaturthi moonset is at 9.00 PM IST, Pujya Bapuji asks sadhaks to do Jap-dhyan from evening Sandhya to Moon set(9.00 PM) in your pooja room.

In any case, if by mistake you do happen to look at the Moon on this night, read or listen to the episode narrating the theft of the Syamantak Mani as described in the 56th and 57th chapters of the tenth Skanda of the Srimad Bhagawata.Below is the mantra to encounter the effect of Chandra Darshan on Ganesh Chaturthi
Mantra to encounter the effect of Chandra Darshan


सिहः प्रसेनमवधीत सिंहो जाम्बवता हतः ।
सुकुमारक मा रोदीस्तव ह्येष स्यमन्तकः ॥

Sinha prasenmavadheet sinho jambavataa hatah.
Sukumarak ma rodeestav hyesh syamantakah.

जन गन मन

हरी ॐ

मेरा देश महान , मेरा प्यारा देश , मेरी प्यारी जन्मभूमि माँ तुजे लाखो लाखो सलाम , तुज पे हमारा दिल कुर्बान ,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ह२६ज़्जीह९ई

आप सभी से निवेधन है आप सब सलाम करे अपने प्यारे वतन को

और जरुर यह गाए
हरी ॐ

अखंड महा मुर्तुन्जय मंत्र जप समर्पित पूज्य गुरुदेव जन्मास्त्त्मी के दिन १४/०८/09

Hari om to all


Just to remind all of you that we allready send you email Regarding AKHAND MAHA MURTUNJAY MANTRA JAP ON JANMASTMI 14/08/09 FRIDAY FROM 6.00 AM INDIAN TIME TO 15/08/09 7.00AM INDIAN TIME 25 HOURS WORLD WIDE SAMARPIT TO PUJYA GURUDEV'S HOLY FEET

All slots are half hours slot but to make continuty just start .05 min before and finish .05 min after so it will be continue akhand .

We request all of you that we all have lot more time for us just spare only .40 min from your valubele time and do the seva For Guruvar .

Dubai people can take the benefit double as there is same 25 hours Maha Murtunjay Mantra Jap the part of world wide seva at Naresh Motwani residence from local time 4.25 AM 14/08/09 TO 5.35 AM 15/08/09 . 25 HOURSS JAP. including Janmastmi Mahotsav Krishna Janma Celebration at their residence from 9.00 pm to 11.30 pm local time .

To take the part in World wide jap seva please send your time , city and name to the worldwideseva@yahoo.com



WWST
(WORLD WIDE SEVA TEAM )
GURU SEVA HI PARAM DHARAM

पुत्रदा एकादशी

पुत्रदा एकादशी

युधिष्ठिर ने पूछा : मधुसूदन ! श्रावण के शुक्लपक्ष में किस नाम की एकादशी होती है ? कृपया मेरे सामने उसका वर्णन कीजिये ।

भगवान श्रीकृष्ण बोले : राजन् ! प्राचीन काल की बात है । द्वापर युग के प्रारम्भ का समय था । माहिष्मतीपुर में राजा महीजित अपने राज्य का पालन करते थे किन्तु उन्हें कोई पुत्र नहीं था, इसलिए वह राज्य उन्हें सुखदायक नहीं प्रतीत होता था । अपनी अवस्था अधिक देख राजा को बड़ी चिन्ता हुई । उन्होंने प्रजावर्ग में बैठकर इस प्रकार कहा: ‘प्रजाजनो ! इस जन्म में मुझसे कोई पातक नहीं हुआ है । मैंने अपने खजाने में अन्याय से कमाया हुआ धन नहीं जमा किया है । ब्राह्मणों और देवताओं का धन भी मैंने कभी नहीं लिया है । पुत्रवत् प्रजा का पालन किया है । धर्म से पृथ्वी पर अधिकार जमाया है । दुष्टों को, चाहे वे बन्धु और पुत्रों के समान ही क्यों न रहे हों, दण्ड दिया है । शिष्ट पुरुषों का सदा सम्मान किया है और किसीको द्वेष का पात्र नहीं समझा है । फिर क्या कारण है, जो मेरे घर में आज तक पुत्र उत्पन्न नहीं हुआ? आप लोग इसका विचार करें ।’

राजा के ये वचन सुनकर प्रजा और पुरोहितों के साथ ब्राह्मणों ने उनके हित का विचार करके गहन वन में प्रवेश किया । राजा का कल्याण चाहनेवाले वे सभी लोग इधर उधर घूमकर ॠषिसेवित आश्रमों की तलाश करने लगे । इतने में उन्हें मुनिश्रेष्ठ लोमशजी के दर्शन हुए ।

लोमशजी धर्म के त्तत्त्वज्ञ, सम्पूर्ण शास्त्रों के विशिष्ट विद्वान, दीर्घायु और महात्मा हैं । उनका शरीर लोम से भरा हुआ है । वे ब्रह्माजी के समान तेजस्वी हैं । एक एक कल्प बीतने पर उनके शरीर का एक एक लोम विशीर्ण होता है, टूटकर गिरता है, इसीलिए उनका नाम लोमश हुआ है । वे महामुनि तीनों कालों की बातें जानते हैं ।

उन्हें देखकर सब लोगों को बड़ा हर्ष हुआ । लोगों को अपने निकट आया देख लोमशजी ने पूछा : ‘तुम सब लोग किसलिए यहाँ आये हो? अपने आगमन का कारण बताओ । तुम लोगों के लिए जो हितकर कार्य होगा, उसे मैं अवश्य करुँगा ।’

प्रजाजनों ने कहा : ब्रह्मन् ! इस समय महीजित नामवाले जो राजा हैं, उन्हें कोई पुत्र नहीं है । हम लोग उन्हींकी प्रजा हैं, जिनका उन्होंने पुत्र की भाँति पालन किया है । उन्हें पुत्रहीन देख, उनके दु:ख से दु:खित हो हम तपस्या करने का दृढ़ निश्चय करके यहाँ आये है । द्विजोत्तम ! राजा के भाग्य से इस समय हमें आपका दर्शन मिल गया है । महापुरुषों के दर्शन से ही मनुष्यों के सब कार्य सिद्ध हो जाते हैं । मुने ! अब हमें उस उपाय का उपदेश कीजिये, जिससे राजा को पुत्र की प्राप्ति हो ।

उनकी बात सुनकर महर्षि लोमश दो घड़ी के लिए ध्यानमग्न हो गये । तत्पश्चात् राजा के प्राचीन जन्म का वृत्तान्त जानकर उन्होंने कहा : ‘प्रजावृन्द ! सुनो । राजा महीजित पूर्वजन्म में मनुष्यों को चूसनेवाला धनहीन वैश्य था । वह वैश्य गाँव-गाँव घूमकर व्यापार किया करता था । एक दिन ज्येष्ठ के शुक्लपक्ष में दशमी तिथि को, जब दोपहर का सूर्य तप रहा था, वह किसी गाँव की सीमा में एक जलाशय पर पहुँचा । पानी से भरी हुई बावली देखकर वैश्य ने वहाँ जल पीने का विचार किया । इतने में वहाँ अपने बछड़े के साथ एक गौ भी आ पहुँची । वह प्यास से व्याकुल और ताप से पीड़ित थी, अत: बावली में जाकर जल पीने लगी । वैश्य ने पानी पीती हुई गाय को हाँककर दूर हटा दिया और स्वयं पानी पीने लगा । उसी पापकर्म के कारण राजा इस समय पुत्रहीन हुए हैं । किसी जन्म के पुण्य से इन्हें निष्कण्टक राज्य की प्राप्ति हुई है ।’

प्रजाजनों ने कहा : मुने ! पुराणों में उल्लेख है कि प्रायश्चितरुप पुण्य से पाप नष्ट होते हैं, अत: ऐसे पुण्यकर्म का उपदेश कीजिये, जिससे उस पाप का नाश हो जाय ।

लोमशजी बोले : प्रजाजनो ! श्रावण मास के शुक्लपक्ष में जो एकादशी होती है, वह ‘पुत्रदा’ के नाम से विख्यात है । वह मनोवांछित फल प्रदान करनेवाली है । तुम लोग उसीका व्रत करो ।

यह सुनकर प्रजाजनों ने मुनि को नमस्कार किया और नगर में आकर विधिपूर्वक ‘पुत्रदा एकादशी’ के व्रत का अनुष्ठान किया । उन्होंने विधिपूर्वक जागरण भी किया और उसका निर्मल पुण्य राजा को अर्पण कर दिया । तत्पश्चात् रानी ने गर्भधारण किया और प्रसव का समय आने पर बलवान पुत्र को जन्म दिया ।

इसका माहात्म्य सुनकर मनुष्य पापों से मुक्त हो जाता है तथा इहलोक में सुख पाकर परलोक में स्वर्गीय गति को प्राप्त होता है ।