Speeches of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Navaratri – October 10-20, 2018 – ETV
Compiled by Parimala Eshwarla
Day 1
Srimātre Namaḥ
Namō dēvi mahāmāyē viśvōtpatti karē śivē
nirguṇē sarvabhūteśi mātaḥ śankara kāmadē
Let us recollect that incident from ‘Śri Devi Bhagavatam’ wherein it is mentioned that Lord Rama worshipped Mother Goddess and obtained Her blessings prior to setting out to kill Ravana.
In order to execute His father’s command, Lord Rama, accompanied by Sita and brother Lakshmana left Ayodhya and stepped into the deep forests. During this period of their exile, demon Ravana abducted Mother Seeta leaving Rama totally disconsolate and grief-stricken. Lakshmaṇa tried his best to pacify and instill confidence in his brother Srirama. Exactly around that time Maharishi Nārada arrived there and said,
“Srirama, in the Deva-loka (abode of celestials) I have heard your entire story. It has come to my knowledge that you have incarnated solely for the destruction of demon Ravana. Sita’s abduction is a part of this mega plan. As Sita’s abduction is solely for the well-being of the celestials, Indra, the Lord of heaven, has personally supplied her with a golden vessel containing milk yielded by the celestial cow Kāmadhenu. Having consumed this milk Mother Sita is now totally freed from hunger and thirst. I have visited her a short while ago. Rest assured and courageously tackle the situation.
O Rama! Towards obtaining victory in your mission and towards ensuring that Mother Sita safely returns, abide by my advice. Ashwayuja month which comes in autumn (sharad rutu) has just set in. From this day engage yourself in worshipping Mother Goddess through penance, homas and other rituals. In the past, the Trinity had worshipped Her. Prior to setting out to destroy demon Vŗttāsura, Lord Indra had worshipped Her and obtained Her blessings. Prior to killing demons Madhu-Kaiṭaba, Lord Vishnu worshipped Her and secured Her grace. As such it is advisable that you too should obtain Her grace. Success will smile upon you”.
Hearing this, Rama enquired, “O revered sage! Who is this Divine Mother? What is Her prowess? Please initiate me into Her worship.”
Maharishi Nārada replied, “O Rama! Mother Goddess herself is the primordial supreme energy (ādi-parāshakti). She is eternal and indestructible. She is the Mother who fulfills all desires. In an instant She drives away the sufferings of those who diligently worship Her. She is the primordial cause for the existence of this vast creation. She is the supreme empress who rules the Trinity themselves. Brahma and other Gods derive their ability to complete their assigned tasks purely due to Her energy and grace. Without Her blessings, neither are they able to move nor are they able to execute any task.
Within Vishnu, this Mother exists as the energy of protection and sustenance. Within my father Brahma She is the energy of creation. Within Rudra She is the energy of annihilation. Every object in this creation, including the infinitesimal atom, is purely Her creation alone. Purely with the grace of this Mother, freedom from worldly bondages and from the shackles of re-births can be obtained. Having realized Her potencies and transcendental glories, Lord Brahma and others have glorified and worshipped Her through innumerable names (nāmās). The total number of word combinations that could possibly be created using all the alphabets in existence i.e. aksharas from ‘a’ to ‘ha’ (in vernacular language) comprise Her infinite names.
Rama! You sought to know how She should be worshipped. Listen. Install an idol of Mother Goddess and worship Her during these nine days. During this period it is advisable to have only one meal a day. Since your task is for the well-being of the Celestials, I shall be the priest for your Navaratri worship”.
Enthused, Srirama began the Navaratri worship and with absolute faith, dedication and devotion, He worshipped Mother Goddess through varied rituals. On the night of aśtami (eighth day), Mother Goddess appeared in His dream and said,
“O Valorous hero! O Raghurama! Your devotion and dedication is truly laudable. Seek any boon. O Rama, You are none other than Narayana himself. Moved by the pleas of the Celestials you have incarnated as a human to secure their well-being. In the past, you have incarnated as a gigantic fish (Matsya) and rescued the Vedas. Taking on the form of a gigantic tortoise (Kurma) you held the entire Mandara Mountain on your back. Incarnating as the gigantic boar (Varāha) you safely restored the entire earth which had sunk into the oceans to its original place. Incarnating as Narasimha You killed Hiranyakaśipu while protecting your devotee Prahlāda.
You incarnated as the dwarf Vāmana to subdue the arrogance of demon-king Bali and then, transforming as the gigantic Trivikrama, you occupied the entire space. You incarnated as Paraśurama in order to free the earth from the burden of unscrupulous warriors and then handed over the conquered Earth to Maharishi Kaśyapa. Presently at the behest of Celestials you have incarnated as Rama, the son of King Dasharatha. The celestials have incarnated as Vānaras in order to assist you in this mammoth task. These Vānaras have my partial aspect in them. The 1000-headed Ādiśeṣha has incarnated as Lakshmaṇa for killing Indrajit (son of Ravana). Rama! Victory will be yours. After killing Ravana, you will rule happily for 11,000 years after which you will return to Vaikunṭha”- saying so, She vanished.
Totally elated and motivated, Srirama duly completed the remaining worship and on Vijayadaśami he, along with hordes of Vānaras, set out to capture Lanka. With Supreme Mother’s blessings, he destroyed Lanka, killed Ravana and rescued Seeta.
Onset of Spring and Autumn, which correspond to Chaitra and Aswayuja months respectively, is the breeding period for many germs that spread rapidly taking away many lives. The compassionate Mother, whose grace is infinite, stands by us during this deadly period. During this time She incarnated for us. Hence, during this period, it is imperative to worship Her to the best of one’s ability and earn Her grace. Participate in Yagnas, charitable activities, pujas and other rituals to the best of your abilities and, through them, render your life fruitful.
These 9 days and nights should be spent exclusively in meditating upon Her! May She shower Her compassionate gaze upon this world! May Her grace flow upon you all!
Day 2:
Namō devi mahāmāyē sŗṣṭi samhāra kāriṇi
Anādi nidhanē Chandi bhukti mukti pradē Shive
Totally deluded by illusionary energy (mahāmāya), the human being lacks steady dedication towards righteous living (dharma) due to which his mind is drawn towards the sense organs and he endlessly chases them. When he fails to obtain the object deeply cherished by the senses, he at once resorts to falsehood. Thereafter he seeks recourse in anger. Having succumbed to anger, discriminative wisdom erodes in him. Failing to distinguish good from bad, he slips into a mire of sin.
To save himself from this pitfall, the person should seek shelter in the Divine Mother who herself is the illusionary energy. She will pull him up and will prevent him from sidestepping righteous rules.
When eminent sages Nara and Narayana were meditating upon Mother Goddess seeking the well-being of the universe, they were faced with an awkward problem. Let us understand how the grace of Mother Goddess enabled them to tactfully overcome the same.
Observing Maharishis Nara and Narayana engaged in deep penance in the Himalayas, Indra, the Lord of Heaven, was unnerved. Fearing his position could be usurped, he tried to tempt them with boons. However, they, who were in a deep meditative state, remained motionless and undisturbed.
Angered, Indra then resorted to illusionary tactics to disturb their penance but failed. Infuriated beyond limit, he now created illusory lions, tigers, wolves and other ferocious animals but they too failed to dislodge the saints from that deep meditative state. Having failed miserably, he returned to heaven and began to devise ways to destroy their penance.
Maharishis Nara and Narayana were meditating solely upon the Supreme Mother, the eternal supreme empress who rules the entire creation and who exists beyond Nature (prakriti). Can there be any illusion which has in it the ability to disturb the penance of those who are exclusively fixed upon Her? No, because in front of Her supreme illusion, every other illusion, including illusion created by Devatas, fades.
The two saints had been meditating upon the ‘Kāmarāja mahābeeja mantra’, one of the foremost mantras in the worship of Mother Goddess and hence Indra’s tricks failed to impact them.
His arrogance having multiplied, Indra was desperate to disturb their penance at any cost. He commanded Manmatha, the Lord of love, to proceed to Himalayas along with the celestial dancers (Apsaras). ‘My position is at stake. You therefore have to ensure those saints do not complete their penance’- he ordered. Prior leaving, Mamatha approached Indra and expressed his apprehension saying, ‘O Lord, I shall duly execute your command. Nevertheless, it is beyond my capacities to harm the devotees of Mother Goddess. My arrows fail to harm those who meditate upon the Kāmarāja mantra’.
Indra however was in no mood to listen. As such Manmatha accompanied by the celestial dancers (Apsaras) reached Himalayas and cast his spell all around the hermitage. At once trees were laden with rich, delicious fruits. Bees buzzed melodiously around the many blooming flower beds. Birds chirped tunefully. Manmatha recreated spring, the season of love, all around the hermitage. Celestial dancers began to dance sensuously. The enchanting surroundings could cause the sense-organs to lose balance. Finding an opportune moment, Manmatha directed his five arrows (of love) towards the two sages.
Their meditation having been disturbed, Maharishis Nara and Narayana opened their eyes and observed their surroundings. What could have caused spring to arrive at this time of the year- they thought. They then noticed the celestial dancers. Their gaze then travelled to Manmatha who was standing behind them.
‘Oho! These are the attempts of Indra who is frightened of us’- thought the sages. ‘Impudent Indra must be taught a lesson’ opined Maharishi Narayana. He immediately thumped his thigh. From it arose an astonishing, never-seen-before beauty named Urvashi. In addition, for every celestial dancer 16, 050 female attendants were created, who immediately waited upon the dancers and supplied them with sumptuous meals.
In deep shame Manmatha and the celestial dancers lowered their heads. Addressing Maharishi Narayana they said, ‘O revered sage! Your penance is unparalleled. We could not even cause the slightest disturbance in your mind and in your penance. You have shattered our pride and thus have helped us who were here to cause your fall. Kindly pardon us’.
Pleased with this prayer, Maharishi Narayana said, ‘Seek any boon. I shall grant it. Take Urvashi and these attendants along with you to heaven. She is a gift to Indra from us. In future never disturb anyone engrossed in penance. May you as well as your master be blessed with auspiciousness!’ With these pleasing words, Maharishi Nara and Narayana bade them goodbye.
Such large-heartedness is visible in devotees of Mother Goddess. Fearlessness becomes their characteristic. Ability to shower blessings as well as curse exists in them. Their opponents always face defeat in their hands. Obstacles hesitate to approach them and instead turn into tools that assist in their spiritual journey. These devotees attain oneness in form with Her.
May the grace of such Supreme ever-compassionate Mother fall upon each one of you!
Srimātre namah
Day 3:
Sachchidānanda rūpiṇyai samsārāraṇayē namaḥ
Pancakŗtya vidhātrai tē bhuvaneṣayai namō namaḥ
We are now going to learn of the preaching imparted by Maharishi Nārāyaṇa to Maharishi Nārada at the behest of the Divine Mother. It finds a mention in Śri Devi-bhagavatam.
Every action performed by the human being from birth to death must necessarily have the sanction of the Vedas. Actions contrary to those stipulated in the Vedas turn into punishable offences. Every night, prior retiring to bed we must question ourselves, ‘Were my actions of today perfectly aligned with the Vedic dictates? Were they righteous?’ Unrighteous deeds must be abandoned that very instant.
Upon waking up one must necessarily spend a few minutes meditating upon Sadguru and upon his/her favourite deity, following which the body must be cleansed through bathing and other activities. Everyone must compulsorily apply Kumkum, vibhuti, sandal-paste or Gopi-chandan on the forehead.
Water cleanses the external body while Vibhuti has in it the power to cleanse both externally and internally. ‘The sins of that limb on which Vibhuti has been applied are drained away’ – said Maharishi Nārāyaṇa and to drive home this point he narrated an anecdote to Maharishi Nārada.
Having applied Vibhuti all over his body, Maharishi Durvasa was travelling through the universe when he chanced upon the abode of the fore-fathers (pitŗ loka). In great reverence fore-fathers welcomed him, seated him comfortably and were performing his worship when horrendous heart-wrenching screeches could be heard from a distance.
Greatly alarmed, Maharishi Durvasa enquired from them about the horrendous sounds. The fore-fathers replied, ‘O revered sage! The abode of Yama, the Lord who punishes the wicked sinners, is at a close distance from here. Within his abode are 86 terrible hells, each of which awards a different form of punishment for the sins committed on earth. Among them however, Kumbhipāka is the worst. Those who abuse Spiritual Gurus and God, those who cheat their parents and relatives as well as those who deviate from the righteous path are thrown into this hell. Unable to withstand the heinous torture, they howl in pain all day long. Their painful, piteous piercing cries are enough to cause detachment in the listener.
Hearing this Maharishi Durvasa stood up. Saying, ‘I want to see Kumbhipāka’ he quickly walked towards it. As he peeped into the well-like deep hell, the sinners who were screaming until then, suddenly began to laugh merrily. Singing joyously, they danced and played musical instruments. The great saint was perplexed, ‘Contrary to what I expected, there is an air of celebration here akin to the heavens. What could have caused this transformation? Where have the horrendous screeches vanished?’
In great agitation the attendants of Yama rushed to their master Yama saying, ‘O master, Kumbhīpāka has transformed into a heaven. What could have caused it?’ Lord Yama mounted his bull and travelled to Kumbhīpāka. The news meanwhile spread in all directions, causing all the Devatas to travel to Kumbhīpāka. Seated on their vehicles, even Lords Brahma and Vishnu arrived there. Everyone was equally perplexed. ‘What could have caused the terrible Kumbhīpāka hell to transform into a heaven?’ They discussed among themselves and then, deciding that Lord Shiva alone would have an answer, they travelled to Kailasa and reported the same to Lord Shiva.
Laughingly Lord Shiva said, ‘My dear Devatas! What could be astonishing in this? It is the power of Vibhuti. As Maharishi Durvasa peeped into the Kumbhīpāka hell, a few specks of Vibhuti from his body fell into it. The power of Vibhuti transformed hell into heaven! It transformed Kumbhīpāka into a sacred water body with purifying abilities! The fore-fathers who dip into this sacred well will henceforth be bestowed with happiness. Please build a temple for us- the holy, primordial couple. Residing there as the Supreme Emperor and Empress, we shall accept the worship offered to us by the fore-fathers’.
Lords Brahma and Vishnu returned to Kumbhīpāka and passed on the message given by the Supreme Lord Shiva. They extolled the glory of Vibhuti. The fore-fathers were thrilled upon knowing that it had transformed into a sacred place.
By then many celestial aircrafts arrived and ferried the inhabitants of Kumbhīpāka to Kailasa. Those who had been screaming piteously until then, were now eligible for residence in Kailasa! They continue to exist in Kailasa and are addressed as Bhadra-gaṇās.
Yama along with his attendants thereafter created another Kumbhīpāka hell.
Such is the significance of Vibhuti. The merit earned by those who wear it daily upon their bodies can never be satisfactorily explained. Hence all of you must mandatorily wear Vibhuti every day. Followers of Vishnu can wear the Urdhva-pundra. Never leave the forehead empty. At least a dot of Kumkum must adorn it! It is imperative.
Wearing the Kumkum on the forehead grants eligibility for the performance of good deeds. Only when Kumkum is worn on the forehead, the grace of the Supreme Mother, who is the life-force within us and who herself is the Supreme Paramatma, falls upon us.
Behind every tradition there is a significant reason. Hence every tradition must be abided by. It is mandatory to tread the righteous path. Our actions must be in accordance with the Vedic dictates. When these are followed, the Divine Mother will take on your responsibility.
May everyone in the creation be entitled to earn the grace of the Supreme Mother!
Day 4:
Namō dēvi mahāvidyē namāmi caraṇau tava
Sadājnāna prakāśam mē dēhi sarvāthadē śivē
Limitless is the merit that accrues due to worshipping the Divine Mother. It is beyond any estimation. Boundless is Her grace. As a mother for the entire universe, unbounded love and compassion towards every living entity naturally exists in Her. What to say of the fortune of the person who worships Her with absolute devotion? Bŗhadratha who lived in the ancient past was one such supremely fortunate person.
Eons ago a Chakravāka bird (goose), which resided in the Himalayas, was flying in the skies when it landed in the city of Kashi. It was fascinated by the temple of Mother Goddess Annapurna located here. Perhaps the accumulated merit from the various good deeds of its many past births caused it to notice the cooked rice that had been kept as an offering to the Mother Goddess. It flew down and ate a few grains from that rice. As it flew up, it inadvertently circumambulated the shrine.
Shortly thereafter it died. It then reached the supreme heavens and, for a period of two kalpas, enjoyed heavenly comforts. (A kalpa is estimated to be 4,320 million human years). Thereafter it was reborn as a prince on earth and named Bŗhadratha.
Bŗhadratha grew up to become the king of the land. For having circumambulated the shrine of Mother Goddess during his birth as a bird, he was showered with divine knowledge. This intensified his dedication towards Yagnas and other meritorious deeds. He diligently treaded the path of righteousness (dharma) and strictly adhered to truthfulness. His righteous rule earned him praise from the citizens. ‘He is an ideal king’ -they joyfully extolled. His fame travelled far and reached the ears of the great saints. All of them arrived to meet the king. He received them in great reverence and worshipped them. The saints then enquired,
‘O king, the perfection that you show in ruling righteously and your steadfastness in completion of Yagnas and other meritorious deeds make it evident that the memory of your previous birth exists in you. What were your austerities that have blessed you with this divine knowledge? We have travelled this far only to understand it. O King, unless your austerities are supposed to remain a secret, we request you to share them with us and fill us with delight. From your story the common man has a lot to learn’.
King Bŗhadratha replied, ‘O revered sages! There is absolutely no secret. It is purely the grace of Mother Goddess. During my previous birth as a chakravaka bird I ate the morsels of food at the temple of Mother Annapurna. Furthermore, inadvertently I circumambulated the shrine. Although it was done inadvertently, Mother Goddess showered limitless grace upon me. The merit earned by that deed helped me enjoy in the heavens for a period of 2 kalpas after which I was born as a prince. More importantly, She blessed me with the knowledge of the past, present and future.
Who can ever estimate the merit that accrues due to worshipping the Supreme Mother? From any angle it is inestimable! The moment I recollect Her glories, my body horripilates. The lives of those who fail to worship the Divine Mother are a sheer waste. Ungrateful are those who forget to remember Her. They are the worst sinners. Worshipping Divine Mother is far more supreme than worship of any other Gods. Don’t our Vedas declare that worship of the Supreme is the only eternal truth?
O great sages! You are omniscient. There is nothing more I can say except that every person must spend his time eternally in serving the lotus feet of the Divine Mother. Apart from Her there is no other nirguna vastu (object devoid of traits) in this creation worthy of receiving worship!’
Hearing these statements, the sages applauded the King, blessed him profusely and returned to their hermitages. The citizens who came to know of this began to diligently worship the Divine Mother and through this earned Her grace.
Worshipping Mother with Bilva leaves dispels all forms of sorrows. Offering Her the easily- available seasonal flowers along with the chanting of the Sahasranama for an entire period of one year destroys even the worst unpardonable sins (maha pātaka). Upon leaving this body one merges into Her feet.
By worshipping Her with fragrant substances (sugandha dravya) the three worlds can get under one’s sway. Offering to Her the camphor- light (nirajana) with total devotion bestows residence in the Surya-loka (solar region). Offering Her sandal paste, Kasturi tilaka and lattuka (red colour paste like lac which is applied to the feet) blesses the person with the position of Indra, the Lord of Heaven. The person who worships Her with many varieties of flowers becomes eligible to reach Kailasa, the abode of Shiva. The person who makes food offerings to Her to the best of his/her ability obtains the merit of having satisfied the entire creation.
As this universe is nothing but Her form, reading or listening to Her glories causes Her to be filled with happiness towards the devotee. Hence wisely utilize these nine days pertaining to the Divine Mother. Spend your entire day immersed in Her thoughts, stories and glories. Participate in Yagnas performed for Mother Goddess. Engage in charitable deeds so as to please Her. This Divine Mother grants both devotion and salvation. She drives away all forms of difficulties. May this world be rendered peaceful with Her infinite grace!
Day 5:
Jayadēvi Mahādevi bhaktānugraha-kāriṇi
Jaya Sarva surārādhyē jayānanta-guṇālayē
A person could scale unimaginable heights. He perhaps could obtain the vision of Gods or could acquire supernatural powers. Perhaps he could obtain unique, wondrous boons or conquer mighty heroes. Nevertheless, all of them including the freedom to choose the time of death, turn worthless when one lacks good conduct. This becomes evident in the story of Madhu-Kaiṭaba. An in-depth understanding of this story helps us realize the significance of cultivating goodness (sattva). We then appreciate our learned elders and our Scriptures who goad us to tread the path of goodness.
When Lord Maha-vishnu was in deep Yogic sleep, from His ears emerged two demons known as Madhu and Kaiṭaba. For many thousands of years they meditated upon the Supreme Mother and when She manifested asking them to choose any boon they said, ‘O Mother! O ocean of compassion! We are but your children. We too choose to live eternally as You do. Kindly bless us with deathlessness. Grant us this small desire’.
Mother Goddess replied, ‘Your desire is not one that can be fulfilled for, anything that has a birth has to have a death. Hence choose another appropriate boon’. The demons reflected for a while and said, ‘We should meet death only when we choose to’. She granted this boon and vanished. ‘No one willingly seeks death’- this was their confidence. This reflected their foolishness as well. ‘We have conquered death. There is none to counter us now’ – priding in their intelligence in obtaining deathlessness, they turned self-conceited.
This was a period just after annihilation. Water had enveloped everything. Swimming in the raging waters and screaming haughtily, ‘Is there anyone who can match us in combat’, they swam for thousands of years. One day they spotted a lotus in which was seated the four-faced Brahma. Approaching him they said, ‘O great man! Your seat is divine. Please step down so that we can occupy it’. Frightened, Lord Brahma vanished into the lotus stem. He then travelled for 5000 years and reached the place where Lord Maha-vishnu was in deep Yogic slumber and beseeched Him for help. When Lord Vishnu could not be awakened from sleep even after repeated prayers, Lord Brahma invoked the goddess of sleep with whose grace Lord Vishnu abandoned His sleep.
Lord Vishnu who opened His eyes was greeted with wicked gleeful grins of Madhu and Kaiṭaba. At the horizon He could see Brahma shivering in fear beseeching Him for help. The gravity of the situation dawned upon Him. By then the demons were saying to Him, ‘We asked the four-headed gentleman to vacate his seat which he obliged. Now we are fascinated by your bed. Kindly step down so that we can rest peacefully on it’. Deciding to punish their impudence, Lord Vishnu readied for war. This battle stretched for 5000 years.
The two demons fought turn by turn. Lord Vishnu however fought without any respite. Exhausted He thought, ‘The boon granted by Divine Mother is the reason for their indomitable might. Without Her blessings vanquishing them is beyond anyone’s capacity. She alone has to show me the way’. He then addressed the demons saying, ‘O valorous heroes! Your conduct is incorrect. While you both fight turn by turn I have been fighting without any respite for many long years. I too need rest.’ The self-conceited demons laughed boisterously and granted it to him. During this break, with faith and devotion Lord Vishnu prayed to the Supreme Mother,
‘Namō devi mahāmāye śŗṣṭi samhāra kārinī
Anādi nidhanē Chanḍi bhukti mukti pradē śivē
O Divine Mother! To understand Your prowess is beyond my capacity. I was confident in my abilities to eliminate these two demons. Now I have come to realize that barring You no one has the ability to destroy them. O Mother, please suggest means by which I can destroy these demons. You are my refuge’.
Mother Goddess manifested and said, ‘Srihari! These demons have secured a boon that they will meet death only when they choose to. Hence device a method by which they willingly choose death’. Vishnu then called the demons saying, ‘O heroes! Come back to battlefield. Impressed with your fighting skills I have decided to grant you a boon. Seek it’.
Self-conceited Madhu and Kaiṭaba instantly offered abhaya to the Lord and said, ‘Do not fear us. For one last time glance at your seat, your home and bid farewell to your kinsmen. O handsome man, we assure you that this will be our last meeting. In your arrogance you decided to shower boons upon us, when we are the givers of boons. If you so desire you could seek any boon from us.’
Instantly Lord Vishnu said, ‘O heroes! In accordance to your request I choose my boon. Please die in my hands in the battle’. Taken aback, Madhu and Kaiṭaba regretted their hastiness, ‘Our pride in our valour caused us to forget ourselves and speak thus’. A little while later they said, ‘We are surrounded purely with water. Where is the land where you can battle us? If at all such land is found then you may kill us in battle’.
As it was the time of annihilation the entire creation was filled with fiery waters of dissolution. It was the time when living entities did not exist on earth. To create land was a time-consuming process and hence the demons were confident they would wade out of the situation. This was however the moment Lord Vishnu had been waiting for. He immediately grew into a boundless form. His thighs became the land. The demons could not spot even a drop of water on those thighs. He placed the demons on his thighs and killed them.
In this anecdote, Madhu and Kaiṭaba could please the Mother Goddess with their penance, could see Her and could obtain boons from Her. Nevertheless, lacking good conduct they sought refuge in traits of passion (rajas) and ignorance (tamas) which resulted in their downfall. Their penance was thus wasted. Understanding that the grace of Mother Goddess had enabled him to playfully eliminate the demons, Lord Vishnu profusely glorified Her. Although they met their end in the hands of the Lord, as Mother Goddess was responsible for it She is praised as ‘Madhu-kaiṭaba praṣamani, Madhu-kaiṭabi hantri’. May the grace of Mother Goddess cause a spurt in goodness (sattva) within every living entity! May they be blessed with discriminative wisdom! May everyone adhere to the righteous path and obtain the resultant positive benefits!
Day 6:
Jayadevī mahāmāyē śūladhāriṇi cāmbike
Śankha cakra gadā padma khadga haste bhayaprade
‘It was my intelligence that brought about the successful conclusion of this task. My intelligence rewarded me with this power and position. My tactfulness alone helps me wield power perfectly. My capabilities have helped me earn immense wealth. My business sense helps me sail through business dealings smoothly’- Aren’t there many who pride thus in this world?
All such statements are the outcome of ignorant thinking. When we observe the happenings in the life of Gauri and Lakshmi, the partial incarnations of Mother Goddess, the real meaning of the word ‘prosperity’ will be understood.
Demons known as halāhalās once obtained boons from Brahma causing them to turn arrogant, violent and terrorize the three worlds. Hearing the pleas of the Devatas, Lords Shiva and Vishnu entered into battle with these demons which stretched for 6000 years. Ultimately Lords Vishnu and Shiva destroyed those demons. For having restored heaven back to them, the Devatas lavishly showered praise upon Lords Vishnu and Shiva. Drums and kettle-drums were beaten. Trumpets and conches were sounded. Dancers danced merrily to the melodious songs being sung. There was an air of festivity everywhere.
The lavish praises, the air of merriment and the importance being given to them caused Shiva and Vishnu to pride in their abilities. ‘We were the ones who brought a smile to many faces. We were responsible for their joy. In our absence these worlds will cease to exist. Limitless is our might. There is none in this creation who can match us’, priding thus, Shiva returned to Kailasa and Vishnu went home to Vaikunṭha. Upon reaching their respective homes they bragged of their supremacy. Their spouses however laughed mockingly. Angered with this, the Lords chastised their wives. Instantly Gauri vanished from Kailasa and Lakshmi vanished from Vaikunṭha. The Lords now searched endlessly for their consorts however they could not be traced.
All of a sudden, these Lords were beleaguered with severe weakness. Their limbs refused to move. They failed to figure out the cause for these sudden changes. Same was the case with all the Devatas. There was none to stimulate them. The air of festivity was replaced with gloom. Coming to know of this, Lord Brahma arrived there. Through his divine vision he understood, ‘For having rebuked Gauri and Lakshmi, the partial incarnations of Mother Goddess, these two Lords have turned lustreless and inactive. They have earned the wrath of the Divine Mother which led to this outcome’. Using his power of penance he now began to execute the tasks normally performed by Lords Shiva and Vishnu (Keshava).
One morning Brahma called the great sages and addressing them said, ‘My dears! Lords Shiva and Keshava have earned the wrath of Mother Goddess and are lustreless. Their tasks have now come upon me which has left me without any breathing time. Hence I request you all to mediate upon the Supreme Mother and earn Her grace. With Her grace they will be restored back to their original state. For having helped in this mission, you will earn renown. The homes in which this Mother incarnates are truly fortunate’.
Thus commanded by their father, all the saints proceeded to the Himalayas and for a period of a hundred thousand years they meditated upon Mother Goddess. Pleased with them, She manifested before them and asked them to choose any boon. They pleaded, ‘O Mother, please restore Lords Vishnu and Shiva to their previous glory. Please fill them with energy’. However Daksha Prajāpati prayed, ‘O Mother, You must incarnate in my home’.
The Divine Mother replied, ‘My dear sons! Lords Shiva and Vishnu mocked at my prowess which resulted in them falling into this precarious situation. It is a sin to mock thus for, I exist within every living entity and every object. To drive home this fact I have caused their downfall. Do not fear. The Lords will now be restored to their previous states.
O Daksha! One of my energies will take birth in your home. Another energy will emerge from the milky-ocean. Lords Shiva and Vishnu will obtain back their lost energies. May you all be blessed with auspiciousness!’ – saying so She vanished.
Lords Vishnu and Shiva who were now filled with energy began to conduct their duties efficiently. As prophesized by the Divine Mother, one of her energies took birth as Satidevi, the daughter of Daksha, and at an appropriate time married Shiva. During the battle between the Devatas and demons, another of Her energies manifested from the milky-ocean as Lakshmi and married Vishnu.
Mother Parāshakti has pervaded the entire creation. A speck of that Supreme Energy exists within us and is responsible for our victories and achievements in our chosen fields. Hence at times of success do not attribute it to yourself. Acknowledge the greatness of the Divine Mother who, residing within you caused your success. Understand that She pervades everything beginning from an atom and up to the Lords. The Devatas duly complete their actions in abidance with Her commands. At times of success humbly express your gratitude to Her.
May the grace of Mother Parāshakti fill this world with peace and prosperity! May Her compassionate gaze fall on every living entity!
Navaratri Day 7:
Namaste bhuvanēśāni śakti darśana nāyike
Daśatattvātmikē mātaḥ mahā-bindu-svarūpiṇi
As the prosperity of Earth is solely due to the grace of the holy cow, let us understand the story of Surabhi, the celestial cow which was an incarnation of the Mother Goddess.
In the supreme celestial plane called Go-loka, one morning Lord Srikrishna experienced unbearable pangs of hunger. Addressing Rādha-devi He said, ‘O Devi! Please give me something to eat as I am hungry’.
Rādha cast a perplexed glance at Him wondering how He, the Supreme Lord, could suddenly experience hunger. Understanding her thought process, the Lord instantly created ‘Surabhi’ the celestial cow from the left half of His body. He then milked the cow, drank a little of that milk from a pot and then hurled the pot down. As the pot hit the Earth, it created a huge deep pond on it, much to Rādha-devi’s amazement. From then on, she began to consider Surabhi to be her dearest Krishna himself!
Namō rādhāpriyāyai ca padmāmśāyai namō namaḥ
Namaḥ Krishnapriyāyai ca gavām mātre namō namaḥ
From the celestial cow Surabhi, were born many cows which made their way to Earth. It is indeed true that all cows existing presently on Earth are her descendants alone! With milk, curd, butter and other produce, cows are responsible for generating happiness in humans. It was for this reason that people on Earth worshipped the cow, nourished and protected it. They have been reverentially addressed as Go-māta (mother cow).
It can be said that the success of any Yagna solely depends upon the cow. The Devatas are dependent upon the havissu offerings made during the fire-sacrifice (Yagna) for their food and only through adequate offerings they can be appeased. Rains are dependent upon the appeasement of the Devatas. Thus, timely rainfall is dependent upon the cow, which provides for the offerings made in the Yagna. Hence one must always wish for the wellbeing of cows and Vedic Brahmins (who help conduct rituals).
Eons ago Earth was plagued with a terrible famine which took a heavy toll on animal as well as human lives. The population of cows reduced drastically. Inability to offer protection to the existing cows led to their ill-health. Due to lack of milk and other cow produce, fire- sacrifices (Yagnas) came to a halt. The Devatas were thus deprived of their havissu offerings (food) and they suffered along with the humans. Taking the Devatas along with him, Lord Brahma approached Lord Srikrishna, who was residing in Go-loka, and beseeched, ‘O Lord, kindly give us respite from this calamity’. The Supreme Lord then created the wish-fulfilling cow Kāmadhenu from Surabhi’s tail and gifted it to them. In response to the prayers of the Devatas, Kāmadhenu created thousands of cows and sent them to Earth. Cows were worshipped, protected and nourished well, hence they yielded milk in plenty. Using cow produce Yagnas were re-started. The Devatas were appeased with the havis (food) offered through Yagna, and they in turn ensured timely rainfall on Earth. Timely rainfall ensured a rich agricultural produce. Naturally the land turned prosperous. Thus, with the arrival of the cows, famine was driven away from Earth.
Hence among all forms of wealth, cow is the most supreme. It is the most precious and most pure wealth. It is the wealth which causes prosperity of the entire human race. All the Devatas reside in the body of the cow. Serving the cow has elevated many and taken them towards salvation.
During the period when Lord Varāha (boar) incarnated on Earth, the Devatas committed a small mistake. Due to this, Lord Vishnu’s illusionary energy enveloped everything causing cows to suddenly stop yielding milk. Devatas were desperate to obtain milk. Due to inadequacy of ghee (clarified butter) all Yagnas came to a standstill. Brahma manifested before the Devatas who were ardently praying seeking deliverance from this situation said, ‘Worship Surabhi. If she is pleased you desire shall be fulfilled’. Lord Indra then worshipped Surabhi with the following prayer,
Namō devyai mahādevyai surabhyai ca namō namaḥ
Gavām bija swarūpāyai namaste jagadambikē
Pleased with the prayers, Mother Surabhi fulfilled all desires cherished by Indra before returning to Go-loka. Her grace caused all cows to transform into healthy milk-yielding ones. Milk flowed like rivers. With this, the Devatas could come out of their calamity.
In the Skanda Purana there is an anecdote in which Mother Lakshmi brings to the notice of the world the greatness of cows. Approaching the holy cows, one morning Goddess Lakshmi prayed, ‘O holy cows! I am Lakshmi. The entire world always seeks me. Desirous of obtaining my blessings, even Celestials worship me ardently. The person whom I fail to approach sinks into sorrows. I, who am thus sought by everyone, however seek to reside within you’.
The holy cows responded, ‘O Mother! Please do not deduce that we desire to denigrate you but you are known as ‘chanchala’- the restless one. To remain steadily at one place is beyond you. Kindly refrain from residing within us’.
Lakshmi replied, ‘O Mothers! If you reject me, then I am doomed to face humiliation in all the worlds. Please bless me by accepting me. I take a vow to never leave you’. The cows then consented and allowed her to reside within their urine and dung. With this, the waste products of the cow turned pure and precious.
All of you must revere, serve and worship the holy cow who is worshipped by Mother Lakshmi herself! Protect them. Mother Lakshmi will shower wealth into your homes. Residing as Surabhi in Go-loka, the Divine Mother increases the population of cows in the universe thereby ensuring their sustenance. Offering protection to cows is our duty. Serving cows and worshipping them is equivalent of worshipping the Divine Mother herself! The merit of having helped the entire world accrues to us! May you all be bestowed with such supreme fruit due to protection and service to cows!
Gomātre namah.
Day 8:
Jayadēvi Jaganmātaḥ Jayadēvi parātparē
Jaya kalyāṇa nilayē jaya kāma-kalātmikē
Lord Brahma has filled this creation with innumerable species. Every species has its own place and usefulness in the plan of creation and hence it is imperative to not despise any of them. Abusing any species is equivalent of abusing the Lord. As such, the thought process, ‘What is good is to be revered and what is inferior is to be despised’ is harmful.
A snake hisses and instils fear in passers-by. It bites the person who nears it. Nevertheless, it never harms the person who maintains a distance from it. However human nature is such that he makes it a point to kill the snake that he spots even if it has not harmed him in any way. This is a sinful deed.
God has never entrusted humans with the right to kill other living entities. Our ancient dharma teaches us to never entertain feelings of aversion towards any form of life. ‘Even poisonous animals should never be harmed needlessly’- say our scriptures. We must therefore walk on the path directed to us.
Let us now understand the anecdote where the entire species of serpents, who were facing a life-threatening situation, crossed that hurdle with the grace of Mother Mānasā-devi.
This incident took place many eons back. Apprehensive of the serpent species, humans sought refuge under Maharishi Kaśyapa, who, with the help of Lord Brahma scanned the Vedas and picking the seed-syllables (beejaksharas) from them created some significant mantras. Lord Brahma then created Goddess Mānasā-devi who would be the presiding deity for these mantras. Lord Shiva assumed the position of her preceptor and initiated her into various branches of knowledge. He also initiated her into Srikrishna mantra.
For a period of three yugas (eons) this mother meditated with absolute concentration upon Lord Srikrishna. He then manifested and blessed her saying, ‘You will become a supremely worshipful deity’. He himself offered her the first worship. Lord Shankara offered her the second worship. Thereafter the Devatas, Nāgas, saints and humans worshipped her.
Maharishi Kaśyapa offered Mānasā-devi in marriage to Maharishi Jatarkāra. This saint was short-tempered. Once, in the sacred place of Pushkara, Maharishi Jaratkāra was resting with his head placed on the lap of his wife. He slipped into deep slumber. Soon it was sunset, the auspicious time when the obligatory ritual known as Sandhya-vandana must be mandatorily performed. Failure to perform this ritual at the stipulated time taints the person with the terrible sin equivalent of killing a Brahmin.
Mānasā-devi, who was well-versed in the righteous rules, wanted to prevent her husband from being tainted with this sin and hence she gently awakened him. The furious saint however cursed her, ‘The rituals and worship offered by a woman who has been unjust to her husband never yield fruit. Only that chaste woman who worships her husband and fulfills his needs travels along with him to the highest Vaikunṭha or Brahma-lokas. If she fails to cause happiness to her husband or utters falsehood, then she falls into the terrible Kumbhīpāka hell, wherein she suffers miserably for as long as the Sun and Moon exist. In her subsequent birth on earth she leads a life wherein she is deprived of the companionship of her husband and sons’.
Mānasā-devi panicked hearing the curse. She gently pleaded, ‘To prevent you from transgressing dharma I have acted thus. Kindly pardon me’. Without listening to her pleas Maharishi Jaratkāra took a few drops of water into his hands from his water-pot and was about to curse her when Lord Sun accompanied by Goddess Sandhya arrived there and said,
‘O revered sage! Calm down. Fearing that you would be tainted with sin for transgressing dharma your chaste wife acted thus. You must forgive her who acted seeking your well-being. On her behalf I apologize’. Maharishi Jatarkāra calmed down. After Goddess Sandhya and Sun-god had departed, he said to his wife,
‘Mānasa! Today for the very first time my words have gone in vain. Neither can I curse you nor can I go against my pledge. Hence I am leaving you and going away. From this moment the connection between us has snapped’. Mānasā-devi was totally shaken up. She instantly thought of her Guru Shiva, her favourite Lord Krishna and Lord Brahma. Instantly the Trinity manifested there to the astonishment of the saint. He humbly bowed before them and asked for permission to leave home.
Lord Brahma offered obeisance to Lord Srihari and then addressing the saint said, ‘O saint! Kindly complete your duties towards the householder’s stage of life. Bless her with a son prior to leaving home’. Maharishi Jaratkāra reflected for a moment. Then addressing his wife he said, ‘So be it. Mānasa, you are now carrying my son in your womb. The son who will be born to you will be a Vishnu-bhakta and a supreme yogi. He will elevate the lineage’. In great happiness, the Trinity departed from there. Maharishi Jaratkāra taught Mānasa-devi her duties and her dharmas before leaving home.
Saddened that her husband had deserted her, Māṇasa-devi reached the abode of her Guru Shankara. Mother Parvati consoled her and filled her with courage. The foetus in Mānasa’s womb would daily listen to the knowledge being preached by Lord Shiva. As such at birth he was a Yogi filled with Supreme Knowledge. Shiva conducted the thread ceremony for this boy and taught him all the Vedas. He also imparted Supreme Essence. Due to his boundless love for Srihari, this boy was addressed as Āstīka.
One morning Shiva commanded Āstīka to undertake severe penance. In accordance to this command, Āstīka travelled to the sacred Pushkara kshetra and was immersed in penance for 3 lakh years after which he returned to Kailasa. Thereafter along with his mother he began to reside in his maternal grandfather Maharishi Kaśyapa’s hermitage. Around that time Śŗngi muni had cursed Emperor Parikshit to die within seven days due to snake bite. On the seventh day Dhanvantari (deity for medicine) descended in order to revive Parikshit after he would be bitten by the Takshaka serpent. Takshaka however gifted his precious gem to Dhanvantari and sent him away. Thereafter he entered into the room, bit Parikshit causing his immediate death.
Angered at the death of his father Parikshit, Janmējaya decided to wipe away the entire clan of serpents. He began a fire ritual in which he attracted snakes from all over the world towards him using energized mantras and caused them all to fall into the burning fire pit.
During the Yagna, Janmējaya uttered mantras to attract Takshaka towards the fire. Fearing for his life Takshaka sought refuge in Indra. The priests who were helping Janmejaya in the Yagna came to know of this. They now chanted mantras by which Indra along with Takshaka would be dragged towards the fire pit. The power of the mantras caused Indra’s throne to move in that direction. Deeply agitated all the Devatas now sought refuge in their Guru Brihaspati and beseeched him for help. Guru Brihaspati replied, ‘Seek the help of Mother Mānasa-devi. You will emerge successful’.
Mānasa-devi, who was pleased with the prayers of the Devatas, commanded her son āstīka to go to Janmejaya’s Yagna. Seeing the radiant face of Maharishi Āstīka, Janmejaya stood up humbly, welcomed him reverentially, worshipped him and said, ‘Please command. What is it that I should do for you?’ Maharishi Āstīka replied,
‘My dear son! For the mistake of one person why are you eradicating the entire clan? Your deed is incorrect. In this universe, every living entity needs the help of others for survival. Every entity has a role to play in the creation. It was with this intent that Lord Brahma created innumerable species each with their own role. Stop this Yagna and let the serpents live’. Thus commanded by the sage, Janmejaya stopped the Yagna. Thus the serpents were saved.
The Devatas and saints were deeply pleased with Janmejaya’s obedience and showered blessings upon him. They greatly extolled Maharishi Āstīka for his timely help. They worshipped Mānasa-devi who was residing in father Maharisi Kaśyapa’s hermitage. Lord Indra received her blessings prior returning to heaven. One morning the celestial cow Surabhi arrived from Go-loka, offered milk-abhisheka to Mānasa-devi and returned.
Those who listen to this story as well as those who remember Mānasa-devi will never have to fear snakes. Poison will turn into nectar. Their lineage will prosper. Snakes will be held under their sway. They will accomplish success in their japa.
Day 9:
Jaya Kāmesha vāmkāṣi jaya kāmākṣi sundari
jayā-khila surāradhyē jaya kāmeśi kāmadē
The payments made to the mason who constructs the home, the money given to the farmer who tills the field, the salary earned every month are all classified as dakshina. The amount paid towards the completion of any task is dakshina. Huge sums of money are spent during every festival, function or gathering. However when it comes to offering money to priests for services rendered by them, we turn tight-fisted.
Let us today understand the glory of Dakshina-devi from Devi-bhagavatam which is surely an eye opener for everyone who hesitates to offer dakshina to priests.
In Go-loka the rāsa-kreeda dance was in full swing. Musicians were engrossed in the delightful music rendition while the women-folk were dancing with total involvement in their dance. The minds of all the Gopikas who were thus dancing were overflowing with bliss. Among them was one Gopika named Sushila who had boundless devotion towards Srikrishna. As she danced her devotion reached uncontainable heights and, forgetting that she was dancing in the presence of Rādha, she suddenly ran and stood beside Krishna, who lowered His head.
Radha however was infuriated. She screamed, ‘Look at her audacity. Unmindful of my presence she dares to stand next to Srikrishna. Through this deed she seeks to insult me’. Having said this, she vanished from there. Frightened at her outburst, Krishna too vanished from there. A short while later Radha re-appeared there and looked for Krishna. However He was not to be seen. Worried, she now scanned the entire area with the help of the Gopikas. Nevertheless He was not to be found. She was totally disheartened.
Meanwhile she spotted Sushila, who was also searching for the Lord. Angrily Radha thought, ‘She is responsible for Krishna’s disappearance. Had she not danced her way towards Krishna, He would not have vanished from our midst. All of us would be having His darshan presently’. She therefore cursed, ‘O Sushila! You are a spoilsport. You transgressed your limits and deprived us of Srikrishna’s presence. If you dare step foot into Goloka in future, you shall be reduced to ashes. Go away from here’. She then sat down and incessantly prayed to Krishna but He did not return.
Sushila was deeply saddened. Nevertheless, she abided by Radha’s command and left Goloka. She began intense austerities to appease Lord Vishnu. Pleased with her austerities and even without her asking, Vishnu himself granted her the boon that she would merge into the right portion of Lakshmi’s body.
In the interim, at the behest of Lord Brahma all the Devatas began a Yagna. Even after limitless years, the Yagna failed to bear fruit. Perplexed, the Devatas sought guidance from Lord Brahma for the failure of their Yagna. Brahma in turn meditated upon Lord Vishnu who arrived there and took cognizance of the situation. He then brought out the Goddess who was resting in the right portion of Goddess Lakshmi and handed her over to Brahma. For having emerged from the right portion of Goddess Lakshmi, this Goddess was addressed as ‘Dakshina devi’. Brahma now offered Dakshina-devi to the Fire-god in marriage. To this holy couple a son named ‘phala’ (fruit) was born. From then on, in every Yagna Dakshina assumed a prominent position.
The Fire-god who is the presiding deity for the Yagna began to shower the fruits of the Yagna upon those who worshipped him along with his wife Dakshina and son Phala. He then commanded that soon upon completion of any Yagna, Dakshina must be offered to the priests without slightest delay. He said,
‘The money offered to the priests who help in completion of the yagna is known as Dakshina. The fruit of the Yagna fails to be obtained by the performer in case he defaults in offering Dakshina. Where there is a delay of an hour (muhurta) in offering Dakshina, the performer has to double the amount of Dakshina to the priests. If he postpones the offering by a night, he needs to gives hundred times the amount as Dakshina. If he postpones by a week, then he must offer two-hundred times the original amount as Dakshina. Where he postpones by a month, he must offer a million times the original amount. If he delays by a year, then he must offer 30 million (3 crore) times the original amount as Dakshina.
Where the person fails to offer any Dakshina he does not get any fruit for the ritual performed by him. More importantly, Mother Lakshmi will terribly curse the person who slacks in offering Dakshina to the priests. She will desert the house of the performer of the sacrifice (Yagna karta). The person who remembers Dakshina-devi during the performance of the Yagna will obtain the complete result of that Yagna’.
The term Yagna is not limited only to the fire-sacrifices. Even the worship we offer to the Gods is Yagna. Our rituals are all classified as Yagna. All our meritorious deeds come under the classification of Yagna. Likewise, priests are not only those who can chant mantras fluently. All those who assist us in the completion of meritorious deeds are classified as priests and hence through offering of money, offering of goods and through words of appreciation they must be remunerated. This is dakshina. With this, Mother Lakshmi will be pleased and she will shower the fruit of the Yagna upon the performer of the good deed. She will reside within their home.
Ensure that you offer timely dakshina to the priests. To the learned scholars who share their knowledge, offer dakshina. Ensure that the office staff are paid timely salaries. Make sure that the servants who help you are remunerated adequately for the services. May Goddess Lakshmi, who is a partial incarnation of Mother Parāshakti, bless you abundantly!
Day 10:
Namaḥ śivāyai kalyāṇyai śāntyai puṣtyai namō namah
Bhagavatyai namō devyai rudrāṇyai satatam namaḥ
The first three days of Navaratri, Mother Goddess was worshipped as Mahā-Kāli. The second three days She was worshipped as Maha-Lakshmi and the last three days She is worshipped as Maha-Saraswati. On this last day of Navaratri if She is worshipped as Aparājita-devi, She grants us victories.
Aparājita means ‘one who is never vanquished’. This mother resides in the Shami tree. Worshipping this tree grants victories. Due to the grace of this mother not only the external enemies but also the inner enemies can be vanquished.
When the Devatas and demons were churning the milky-ocean, from the oceans along with the Pārijāta, bilva and other trees, the Shami tree also emerged. All the trees have a presiding deity known as vanamāli. This Vanamāli deity also takes on the name Śami-deva.
Śamī śamaya mē pāpam śamī śatru vināśini
Arjunasya dhanur-dhātri rāmasya priya darshini.
Merely remembering the Shami- deva on this day destroys sins in entirety. The story of the Shami tree is embedded within the story of Emperor Raghu hence let us recollect that story.
Emperor Raghu, who was one of Rama’s ancestors, was an extremely righteous ruler and an unsurpassed warrior. Having conquered the entire earth, he began to perform the sacred Viśwajit Yagna. This Yagna however differs from the normal Yagna wherein the priests surround the holy fire and make offerings into it. Viśwajit Yagna is connected with charity. The person performing the Yagna has to give away every possession of his. Emperor Raghu strictly abided by the rules of the Yagna and gave away every possession of his including his palatial home. He now resided in a thatched hut, cooked in earthern pots, slept on the bare floor but yet led a life of peace and satisfaction.
Exactly around that time, Kowtsa completed his education from his Guru Maharishi Varatantu. Desirous of offering some fees towards Guru-dakshina, Kowtsa repeatedly requested his master to express his needs. For a long time Maharishi Varatantu was reluctant to make any demand. However the student continued to pester him. Exasperated, the Maharishi said, ‘Ok give me 7 crore gold coins as my fees’.
Kowtsa had previously heard of Emperor Raghu’s valour and of his Yagna. With great hopes he arrived at the residence of the king. However upon seeing the thatched hut, the eathern pots, and the wooden seats his hopes were totally dashed. ‘What to say of my misfortune! I had hoped that this king would fulfill my desire but it is not to be so. Now I will be tainted with the sin of having cheated my Guru. Of what use is it to express my desire to this king who owns nothing?’- he thought.
Just as Kowtsa was about to return, Emperor Raghu suddenly arrived there. As if he had read the mind of the young celibate, Emperor Raghu assured him saying, ‘Raghu has in him the capacity to fulfill your desire, however impossible it may appear to be. If Raghu makes a promise he mandatorily abides by it. Do not fear’.
Kowtsa was filled with hope. It was the first day of Ashwayuja month (1st day of Navaratri). Emperor Raghu, who was an ardent devotee of Mother Goddess, had just taken on the vow of completing the Navaratri rituals.
The king said to Kowtsa, ‘My dear boy! In lieu of me you complete the nine days worship to Mother Goddess. Meanwhile I shall find means by which your desire can be fulfillled’. Kowtsa agreed to this and continued the worship. Meanwhile Raghu declared war on Indra, the Lord of heaven.
A terrible war ensued. Having lost to Raghu, Indra surrendered to him all his wealth, the medicinal plants and all other valuable herbs. Raghu carried them all and deposited them on earth. Among the trees brought by him one was the Shami tree.
‘Raghu is out to perform some wondrous, extra-ordinary deed. We must catch sight of it’- thinking thus, in great eagerness, all the Celetials boarded their aircrafts and travelled to Earth. However Earth lacks the ability to carry the auspicious celestial aircrafts. The Shami tree surprisingly could offer a proper landing zone for all those aircrafts. Using this tree as their support, the celestials descended to Earth.
As this was going on , Raghu deposited before Kowtsa all the wealth he had obtained from Indra saying, ‘Dear boy, take this wealth. Offer it to your Guru and make him happy. Obtain his blessings’. From that heap of gold, Kowtsa picked only 7 crore gold coins. He then said, ‘O king! This was the amount I had asked. I have taken that amount. I need nothing else from you’.
Raghu would not relent. He insisted that the boy should accept all the wealth offered to him. The boy was adamant. He was determined not to accept a penny more than what he had initially sought. Finally Raghu relented and addressing Indra said, ‘O Lord of heaven! You can take back the remaining wealth. I do not need it’.
Laughingly Indra said, ‘Do not alter the dharmic rules. You have defeated me in battle hence I am only your vassal. My wealth naturally belongs to you alone. I have no right to take it back’. All these discussions took place beneath the Shami tree. Raghu relented and carrying the remaining wealth he offered to the tree saying,
‘O Shami tree! The place where your root is planted will be filled with water. Merely by seeing you one’s sins will be destroyed. Your leaves will develop the ability to dispel poisons. By circumambulating you, the couple will be blessed with progeny’. Due to the many boons showered upon it, this tree assumed significance.
On this sacred day, it is important to worship this sacred tree. You will be showered with victory in your chosen field. May the grace of Goddess Aparājita flow towards everyone!
Jaya Guru Datta.