The Death of Parikshit and the Snake Sacrifice

“Greetings, sages. Are you all well?” Romaharshan said as he entered the holy forest. “I came to this Naimisha forest of Gurudev to meet you all.”

At once the sages welcomed him with joy.

“Come, Romaharshan, come,” said Sage Shaunaka. “How fortunate we are. This Naimisharanya will become truly complete. Your guru himself, Sukadeva, has sent you here.”

“Yes, Sage Shaunaka,” Romaharshan replied with folded hands, “that great guru has sent me to you. I hear that you have begun a great holy work for the good of the world.”

Shaunaka nodded. “I see you have heard correctly, Suta. We are indeed performing a great sacred rite. But during this rite, we also wish to hear the words of the Vedas and Puranas from your mouth. No one can tell these things in the way you can. Please tell us the story that you heard from the mouth of the great guru Sukadeva. You yourself have realized that Supreme Brahman. Give us that joy as well.”

Romaharshan bowed deeply. “Great sage Shaunaka, you have given me the place of a speaker in your gathering. I am blessed by this. Hearing the chanting of the Vedic mantras, I felt a wonderful peace in my heart. Tell me, great sage, what do you wish to hear?”

Shaunaka spoke for all the sages.

“There are many paths and many views for worshipping God. But the people of the age of Kali have little time, little patience, and little intelligence and devotion. So which path is the easiest for this age?”

Romaharshan answered at once, “Acharyadev Sukha says that the best path for this age is Bhakti Yoga. Worship Lord Sri Krishna with devotion. It will bring good to all of you. One of Sri Krishna’s names is Vibhaya. That means fear itself is afraid of him. So when people worship Sri Krishna, their fear goes away.”

One of the sages then asked, “But Sri Krishna is no longer on this earth. Long ago he returned to Vaikuntha. Without him, how will the people of this world gain knowledge of dharma?”

Romaharshan smiled gently. “Sri Krishna has not gone anywhere, great sage. He is always with us. He loves his devotees deeply. He lives in our hearts as the Supreme Soul. He guides us on the right path.”

Another sage said, “But who can always see the soul within? In the outer world, he is no longer before our eyes. Where do we see him now?”

Romaharshan replied, “What do you mean he is not outside? Who said that? He is there. He is everywhere. Before our very eyes, he is present in the form of saints and in the form of scripture. Just now I came after hearing him.”

Shaunaka looked surprised. “You heard Sri Krishna? I did not fully understand what you mean, Suta.”

“The Bhagavata that Acharyadev Sukha has spoken,” Romaharshan said reverently, “is itself the living body of Sri Krishna’s words. His words and he are one. There is no doubt about this.”

The sages listened in wonder. Then Shaunaka asked another question.

“I have heard that Acharyadev Sukha has no maya at all. I have heard that maya could never bind him. Was he a Paramahamsa from birth?”

“Certainly,” said Romaharshan. “Then listen to one event from his life.”

“At that time Sukadeva was a young man. Deep renunciation had awakened in his mind. He had left human society and was walking on the path of the forest. He would meditate. A little behind him was his father, the great sage Vyasa. He was following his son. Then a very strange thing happened.”

“What happened there?” the sages asked eagerly.

Romaharshan continued, “On the way there was a divine lake. There, heavenly apsaras were bathing and playing in the water. Sukadeva passed by without looking to either side. The apsaras also felt no discomfort. They kept bathing freely. But a little later, when Vedavyasa came there, the apsaras became shy, covered themselves with clothes, and bowed to the sage.”

“What!” cried one sage. “Why did they feel shy on seeing Vyasadeva?”

Romaharshan said, “Vyasa himself had asked them that. When the apsaras came and bowed to him, Vyasadeva said, ‘Wait. Today I was a little surprised by your behavior.’”

“‘Why, great sage?’ they asked. ‘Have we done some wrong?’”

“‘No, I am not speaking of wrongdoing,’ Vyasa said. ‘Just a little while ago my young son Sukadeva passed by here, naked. You did not feel shy at all on seeing him. But I am an old man, and I am wearing clothes. Why then did you cover yourselves and feel shy on seeing me?’”

The apsaras answered humbly, “‘Do you want to know the reason, great sage? You will not be angry, will you?’”

“‘No, child, speak without fear,’ said Vyasa.

“Then they said, ‘Great sage, in your sight there is a difference between man and woman, so even though you are old, we felt shy. But your son is a Paramahamsa. In his eyes, a woman’s body and a man’s body are the same. He is open to life. So we felt no discomfort on seeing him, great sage. His sight is pure. His presence is holy.’”

Vyasa was filled with joy.

“‘Ah, blessed, blessed. How fortunate I am to be the father of such a pure son. Truly, Sukha sees nothing except the pure soul. He sees no difference between woman and man. Wonderful, wonderful is the character of this Sukadeva. He is equal to God himself.’”

The sages of Naimisha sat silent for a moment, their hearts full of reverence.

Then Shaunaka asked, “Where did you hear the Bhagavata from the holy mouth of Sukadeva, Romaharshan?”

Romaharshan answered, “You have surely heard of it. A Brahmin boy cursed King Parikshit that within seven days the king would die from the bite of Takshaka. Then the king gave up his kingdom and sat on the bank of the Ganga in a gathering of sages. Giving up food and water, he began to hear the Bhagavata from the mouth of Acharyadev Sukha. For seven days without break, the acharya told the king about the glory of Sri Krishna.”

“Then how did the king die?” the sages asked.

“By good fortune,” Romaharshan said, “I too was present in that gathering. I saw everything with my own eyes. Then listen to that event.”

He drew a long breath and began.

“After finishing the Bhagavata, Sukadeva at last asked King Parikshit, ‘O King, has the dirt of your mind been washed away by hearing the glory of Sri Krishna? Have you become fearless?’”

The king replied with folded hands, “‘Yes, Acharyadev, by your grace I have become fearless. I am filled with joy. I have no more worries now. I am only waiting. Many years ago, while I was still in my mother’s womb, I saw Lord Vasudeva. Now I wait eagerly to see him again.’”

Sukadeva blessed him. “‘Yes, O King. You will see him again. Surely you will. Your mind is now purified.’”

Then the king bowed and said, “‘O King, lord, this purification of my heart is a gift of your grace alone. Millions and millions of salutations at your holy feet.’”

Sukadeva then spoke words of highest truth. “‘O King, remember this: you are the eternal and indestructible Brahman. Within you is the supreme abode. And in your own heart is the playground of Sri Krishna’s divine acts.’”

Romaharshan’s voice became softer.

“The great sage Sukadeva stretched out his blessed right hand. He touched the king’s head. The king’s eyes slowly closed. His body trembled a few times and then became still. Sukadeva rose from his seat. Looking at me, he said, ‘Child Romaharshan, now it is time for me to depart. Remember your duty. You must go to Naimisharanya. You must spread the Bhagavata among all the sages.’”

Romaharshan said, “‘As you command, Acharyadev. But what has happened to King Parikshit, lord? He is not breathing, and there is no movement in his body. Has he already left his body?’”

Sukadeva answered, “‘Parikshit has entered samadhi in the posture of meditation, child. The Brahmin’s curse will not fail. Takshaka will surely come. But Parikshit will feel no pain. He will go to the supreme abode, to Sri Krishna.’”

Romaharshan continued, “Just as the great guru Sukadeva had risen to leave, and all were bowing to him, Prince Janamejaya came running from far away. He was the son of King Parikshit. Bowing to Sukadeva, he asked, ‘O great guru, O Brahmarshi, please show me mercy, lord. Please tell me some way to stop Takshaka, Acharyadev.’”

Sukadeva said, “‘No, prince, there is no way to stop Takshaka. What is destined will happen. With divine sight I saw that a Brahmin named Kashyapa was coming to save the king. But on the way Takshaka sent him back with wealth and treasure. Takshaka will surely come. No one can stop him.’”

Janamejaya cried, “‘Then will my father die helplessly, Acharyadev? After ruling the kingdom so long on the path of dharma, is this his fate?’”

Sukadeva answered with compassion. “‘Child Janamejaya, be calm. Even yogis wish to leave the body in the way your father is doing. You are young, and your mind is restless. So you cannot understand.’”

Then the great sage turned to Romaharshan. “‘Father Romaharshan, keep the prince calm. It is time for me to leave. May the stories of Sri Krishna’s divine acts always shine in your heart.’”

Romaharshan bowed low. “‘Child, salutations, Acharyadev.’”

“Sukadeva disappeared from the assembly,” Romaharshan said. “We waited with held breath for Takshaka. King Parikshit sat motionless in deep meditation. Prince Janamejaya grew restless. Soon it was sunset.”

The sages leaned forward. “Then, then what happened there?”

“At sunset,” Romaharshan said, “a soft murmur rose in the assembly of Brahmins. Then I saw the sages moving away in fear. And from among them came forward a huge serpent. There was endless cruelty in its eyes. In the light of the setting sun, its poison fangs shone brightly.”

“What! How did Takshaka enter that gathering without anyone noticing?”

“Takshaka is very clever,” Romaharshan answered. “He had come in the form of a Brahmin. So no one suspected him. When the moment came, he took his own true form.”

Prince Janamejaya shouted, “‘Guards, guards, attack this serpent. Who is there? Bring me my bow. Let me deal with this devil.’”

Romaharshan said, “I tried to stop him. ‘Prince, please do not go forward. Stop. You are the eldest son of the king. After this, the people will be your responsibility. Prince, Takshaka holds great supernatural power. No one in this world can stop him. I beg you, future king of Hastinapura, do not bring death upon yourself by rash action.’”

But Janamejaya cried, “‘Leave me, leave me. Before my eyes this serpent—’”

“He could not finish his words,” Romaharshan said. “With great speed Takshaka bit the foot of the king who sat in samadhi. In a moment the king’s holy body was burned to ashes.”

The sages gasped.

“Janamejaya cried out, ‘Father, father.’

“The curse of the Brahmin came true. Takshaka vanished into the air. And at that very moment, conch sounds were heard in the sky, and the sound of divine drums was heard. Above the place where the ashes of King Parikshit lay, the gods began to shower flowers. That altar was covered with flowers. In front of it Janamejaya broke down in tears.”

The prince had cried, “‘Father, what has happened? I am orphaned now. What will happen to me?’”

Romaharshan had told him, “‘Do not grieve, prince. Your noble father has returned to Vaikuntha, to the Lord.’”

Then Janamejaya had said, “‘Can you not see?’”

“Yes,” Romaharshan said now to the sages, “I saw it. I saw everything. Now you will see what happens to that devil serpent Takshaka.”

One of the sages said, “Did you not hear the words of the great guru? He said no earthly power could stop Takshaka.”

Romaharshan replied, “Janamejaya answered in anger, ‘I will destroy him with earthly power. Not only him, but his whole serpent race. He killed my father in this way. I will burn him and his whole line alive in fire in the same way. Only then will I have peace.’”

Shaunaka sighed. “Strange. The passing of King Parikshit was truly very strange.”

Romaharshan said, “The passing of a devotee of Vishnu is like that, great sage. They do not fear death. All the spiritual practice of their whole life finds its end in that final moment. Leaving behind the bond of the body made of the five elements, they go to that endless world of Vishnu, into the presence of the Lord.”

Then Shaunaka asked, “You were speaking of Prince Janamejaya’s wish for revenge. What did he do to repay his father’s death?”

“He tried,” Romaharshan said. “Now I will tell that story.”

“After his coronation, King Janamejaya, like his father, cared for his people with the love of a parent. He had also married a beautiful princess named Vapustama. Janamejaya was a good ruler and also faithful to his wife. Perhaps he would have forgotten revenge. But one day a Brahmin named Utanka came to his court. He said, ‘Victory to Maharaja Janamejaya, glory of the Pandava line. O King, this Brahmin seeks justice from you.’”

The king received him with respect. “‘Salutations, revered Brahmin. Please take a seat. Tell me, who has harmed you? In the kingdom of King Janamejaya, you will surely receive justice.’”

Utanka said, “‘O King, I was returning after collecting very rare ornaments to offer as guru dakshina. On the way, Takshaka the serpent came in disguise and stole those ornaments.’”

Janamejaya’s eyes flashed. “‘What! Has Takshaka begun causing trouble in my kingdom again? It seems I must prepare for war against the serpent army.’”

Utanka continued, “‘O King, Indra, king of the gods, is a friend of my guru. With his help I recovered those ornaments from the underworld. But if such injustice continues again and again, then there will be no order in the kingdom, O King.’”

Janamejaya said, “‘This wicked serpent Takshaka is the murderer of my father. Has proper punishment still not been given to him? Wait. Today itself I will begin counsel with the commander. We must prepare our army for battle against the serpent world.’”

Utanka shook his head. “‘The serpents possess supernatural powers. You cannot fight them with an army, O King.’”

“‘Then what is the way?’ asked Janamejaya.

“Utanka replied, ‘To fight supernatural power, one must take shelter in supernatural power, O King. Seek the help of Sage Chandabhargava.’”

Janamejaya said, “‘Then by what means shall I fight the serpents?’”

Utanka answered, “‘Sage Chandabhargava is skilled in occult knowledge. He has the power to arrange the serpent sacrifice spoken of in the scriptures. O King, accept the sage as the chief priest and arrange the serpent sacrifice. This sacrifice can burn not only Takshaka, but the whole serpent race to ashes.’”

The king at once made his decision.

“‘Very well. Then so it shall be. Charioteer, prepare the chariot. Today itself I will go to the ashram of Sage Chandabhargava.’”

“King Janamejaya became busy arranging the serpent sacrifice,” Romaharshan said. “At the same time, after hearing the news from spies, an emergency meeting was held in the serpent world. In that meeting, many serpents gave many kinds of advice to the serpent king Vasuki.”

One serpent said, “‘O King, if we bite the priests of this sacrifice, then all the trouble will be over.’”

Another said, “‘No, no, there is no need to commit Brahmin-killing. Better to bite King Janamejaya and end his life. Then there will be peace.’”

But a wiser serpent objected, “‘If the king is killed, his people will become furious. Wherever they see snakes on roads and fields, they will beat them to death. Not all snakes have poison or supernatural powers. How will they protect themselves?’”

Another suggested, “‘Well then, why do a few of us not join the group of Janamejaya’s ministers and advise him in many ways to stop this sacrifice?’”

At once another serpent said, “‘What are you saying? The king’s head is burning with anger now. Will he listen to anything at this time?’”

Then Vasuki spoke. “‘Ah, everyone be quiet. Minister Elapatra, you are wise and experienced. What is your advice in this matter?’”

Elapatra bowed and said, “‘O King, this is the result of the curse of the serpent mother Kadru.’”

Vasuki asked, “‘What curse are you speaking of?’”

Elapatra answered, “‘When the serpent mother was plotting against our stepmother Vinata, some among us did not support her. Then she cursed those serpents to be burned alive. A mother’s curse cannot be turned aside, O King.’”

Takshaka cried in fear, “‘What are you saying? Then must I now burn to death with my whole family?’”

Vasuki said sharply, “‘Be quiet, Takshaka. You can see that we are all trying to find a way. Elapatra, you often go to the court of Prajapati Brahma. Did you get any sign of how this danger may be solved?’”

Elapatra replied, “‘Yes, O King. Once Brahma was saying during a discussion with the sages that when the serpent race would be in great danger because of King Janamejaya’s serpent sacrifice, then the son of Sage Jaratkaru would save them.’”

Vasuki said at once, “‘Sage Jaratkaru, that means the husband of our sister Manasa?’”

“‘That is right, O King,’ said Elapatra. ‘The sage has a very angry nature. He did not live long with Manasa. He left home again and went away for penance. But the son that the sage had through Manasa can now save us.’”

Takshaka muttered, “‘Manasa’s son, that means Astika. But he is still only a child. How will he save us?’”

Elapatra said, “‘Takshaka, do you have no faith in the words of Grandfather Brahma?’”

Takshaka replied, “‘Who knows? Do whatever you can. If I sense danger, I will go to my friend, Indra, king of the gods.’”

Someone said with annoyance, “‘Yes, yes, go then. You do understand, do you not, that this great danger to the serpent race has come because of your rashness? Go, hide yourself in heaven for a few days.’”

Takshaka only muttered, “‘How annoying.’”

Then Vasuki said, “‘Minister Elapatra, many thanks to you. Today itself I will go to the ashram of my sister Manasa.’”

“Meanwhile in Hastinapura,” Romaharshan said, “Sage Chandabhargava arrived. The arrangements for the serpent sacrifice were complete. After warning King Janamejaya, the sage said, ‘O King, I have calculated and found that some Brahmin may try to stop this sacrifice.’”

Janamejaya answered firmly, “‘This sacrifice has been my dream for many days. I will not let any obstacle come into it.’”

Chandabhargava nodded. “‘Good. All the Brahmins who assist me are trustworthy. Give the order that as long as the sacrifice continues, no unknown outsider may enter this sacrificial hall.’”

The king gave the order at once. “‘So it shall be, great sage. Commander, I want strict guards at every door of the sacrifice hall. No unknown person from outside should be able to create any trouble here.’”

Then the sacrifice began.

“Flames rose from the great fire pit,” Romaharshan said, “and with the chanting of the priests, snakes of many kinds, many colors, many shapes, small and large, began to fly through the air and fall into the fire pit. The cries of dying snakes filled the sky and air. The sacrifice hall filled with the smell of burning.”

Meanwhile Takshaka, shaking with fear for his life, ran to the court of Indra.

“‘King of the gods, king of the gods, save me. I have long been your friend. Save me. While you are here, shall I burn alive in Janamejaya’s serpent sacrifice, O king of the gods? Have mercy, have mercy, O king of the gods.’”

Indra said, “‘Have no fear, Takshaka serpent. Take serpent form and hide in my upper garment. Let me see how much power that Brahmin has.’”

At that same time, at Vasuki’s request, the boy Astika came to the sacrifice hall. But the guards would not let him enter.

Astika called out, “‘Victory to King Janamejaya. O King, my family has fallen into great danger. Protect us.’”

The king heard the voice and asked, “‘Who is this Brahmin boy?’”

Then he said, “‘Guards, let him come. King Janamejaya never turns away a person who asks.’”

But Chandabhargava warned him, “‘Be careful, O King. The sacrifice is not yet finished. Do not make any promise to anyone now.’”

Still the king’s mind was burning with one question. “‘Why has Takshaka still not fallen into the fire, great sage?’”

Chandabhargava replied, “‘It seems Takshaka is under the shelter of Indra, king of the gods. Offer oblation in Takshaka’s name. If needed, burn him even with Indra.’”

The king said, “‘Very well, then so be it. Mahanagibhuta kuru saha. Mahanagabhuta kuru saha. Mahanaga kuru sahaye.’”

The sage then cried out, “‘There, O King, Indra has abandoned Takshaka. Moving through the sky, he is coming toward the fire, coming, O King.’”

Then Chandabhargava turned to the king and said, “‘O King, now you may fulfill the wish of that Brahmin boy.’”

Janamejaya said to Astika, “‘Speak, child, what is your prayer? What danger has come upon your family? I surely promise to protect your family.’”

Astika raised his hand toward the sky and cried, “‘Stop, stop, stop, Takshaka.’”

At once Takshaka stopped in mid-air.

Astika then said, “‘O King, my mother is of the serpent race. In this serpent sacrifice of yours, many innocent serpents have lost their lives. No more, O King. Please protect my serpent family.’”

Janamejaya was shocked. “‘What? No, that is impossible. Ask for anything else you wish. I will give you elephants, horses, wealth, servants, anything. But do not ask me to stop this serpent sacrifice.’”

But Astika spoke gently and wisely.

“‘Violence can never truly end violence, O King. Violence is ended by forgiveness. O King, forgive Takshaka. Let this serpent sacrifice, this dance of violence, come to an end.’”

The king was silent for a moment. Then his royal word bound him.

“‘When King Janamejaya gives his word, he keeps it. Great sage, let this serpent sacrifice stop. I forgive Takshaka.’”

So by the effort of the boy Astika, the serpent sacrifice was stopped.

Astika returned to the serpent world. There, when the celebration had begun, the serpent king Vasuki lovingly seated his nephew on his lap.

“‘Child, today by your grace the serpent race has been saved from destruction. Tell me, what do you want? Ask for a boon.’”

Astika said, “‘Serpent king, the serpent race has a very violent nature. Make such a rule that this kind of danger may not come again in the future. Grant me this boon: whoever takes my name and stays under my protection, no serpent should be able to harm that person.’”

Vasuki was delighted. “‘Blessed are you, Astika, blessed are you. I, serpent king Vasuki, from this day begin this rule: whoever takes the name of Astika, son of Manasa, and stays under his protection, no serpent shall harm that person. Sister Manasa.’”

Manasa answered, “‘Command me, brother.’”

Vasuki said with affection, “‘You suffered much and bore insult in the household of the aged sage, rich in spiritual treasure. Today your son has saved us all. Manasa, from this day you shall gain the rank of Mother of Serpents. Along with the eight great serpents, you too shall receive worship.’”

Manasa bowed her head. “‘Brother, I am blessed.’”

Shaunaka listened with deep feeling. “Wonderful. This story is truly very wonderful. Truly, the root of violence cannot be destroyed by violence. It can only be held back for a short time. Violence can be ended completely only through forgiveness. Today I have received a very beautiful lesson.”

Romaharshan said, “In the quality of forgiveness, no one equals Lord Narayana, great sage. It is because he easily forgave the terrible offense of Sage Bhrigu that he is the greatest among the gods.”

“What offense did he commit?” asked Shaunaka.

“Then let me begin that story now,” Romaharshan replied.

“Long ago, on the bank of the Saraswati River, the sages arranged a sacrifice. A question arose in their minds: to whom should this sacrifice be offered? To solve this question, they remembered Sage Bhrigu.”

The sages had said to him, “‘O sage, in knowledge and learning no one in this assembly is equal to you. Please tell us, which god is the greatest? We will offer this sacrifice to him.’”

Bhrigu replied, “‘You have asked a very difficult question. The scriptures say that Brahma is the creator of this world, Vishnu is the sustainer, and Rudra is the destroyer. Each one is great. Each one has amazing and unimaginable power.’”

The sages said, “‘We know that as well. But tell us which one among them is the greatest.’”

Bhrigu answered, “‘But to decide which one among them is the greatest is truly difficult.’”

Another sage said, “‘It seems to me that this answer cannot be found just by reading the scriptures.’”

Bhrigu nodded. “‘You are right, O sage. There are different scriptures that describe the greatness of different gods. It is very hard to come to a final decision just by reading them.’”

Then they asked, “‘Then have you thought of any way to solve this question?’”

Bhrigu answered, “‘Yes, there is one way. It is not enough just to have power. One must also know both the right use of power and self-control at the proper time. I will meet these three gods. I will test their self-control. Then I will answer your question.’”

“After giving assurance to the sages,” Romaharshan said, “Bhrigu first went to Satyaloka. Satyaloka is the home of Prajapati Brahma, creator of the world. Brahma was then busy in discussion with the gods. After many days, seeing his dear son Bhrigu arrive, Prajapati’s face lit up with a smile. But Bhrigu left Satyaloka quickly without bowing to Brahma.”

Brahma became angry.

“‘Have you seen, O gods? How far Bhrigu’s pride has grown after receiving a seat of honor in the assembly of sages. Far from bowing to his own father, nowadays he does not even ask after my welfare. No, such arrogance cannot be borne. It is a father’s duty to punish an ill-mannered son. Today I will curse Bhrigu.’”

But the gods calmed him.

“‘Be calm, be calm, Prajapati. Is it right for a father to give such harsh punishment for the offense of a child? When we meet the sage, we will explain it to him. He is wise and will surely understand his mistake. If in the future the sage keeps repeating the same offense again and again, then you may curse him. But for now, please calm yourself.’”

Brahma said, “‘Very well. At your request, this time I forgive Bhrigu’s rudeness. But remember, I will not forgive again and again.’”

“After testing Brahma,” Romaharshan continued, “Bhrigu went to Kailasa. Shiva and Parvati were then discussing the scriptures. Seeing Sage Bhrigu arrive, Shiva smiled. He came forward with both arms spread out to embrace the sage.”

Shiva said warmly, “‘After so long, I am so happy to see you come to Kailasa. Your penance is not being disturbed, I hope? I hear that in the assembly of sages you now hold great honor. It gives me great joy to hear of your glory.’”

But Bhrigu answered harshly, “‘That is very good, Mahadeva. But have you left me any way to be proud of you?’”

Shiva was surprised. “‘What do you mean by that?’”

Bhrigu said, “‘You are the teacher and guide of sages. Yet I hear that you roam in cremation grounds with ghosts, spirits, yakshas, and rakshasas, dancing wildly.’”

Shiva frowned. “‘Dancing wildly? What are you saying, Bhrigu?’”

Bhrigu continued, “‘I am saying what is true, Mahadeva. This unclean ash from funeral pyres is smeared on your body. You wear bark cloth and a garland of skulls around your neck. Is this a proper dress for the teacher of the world? I feel uneasy even to touch you, Mahadeva.’”

At once Shiva’s anger rose.

“‘Be silent, Bhrigu. I honor you as a brother. But if you think you can insult me as much as you like and go free, then you are mistaken.’”

Bhrigu answered fearlessly, “‘Is that so? You go on doing what is not fit for decent society day after day, and I must bear it all? Am I not allowed to say anything to you? Why should I not speak? Do you think I fear you?’”

Now Shiva blazed like fire.

“‘You talkative sage, your boldness has grown far too much. Today you must be punished for it.’”

Romaharshan lowered his voice.

“Mahadeva’s three eyes blazed with anger. His bright white face turned red with insult. He lifted his most terrible weapon, the trident. As Mahadeva moved forward to kill Sage Bhrigu, Mother Parvati ran and held his hand.”

She cried, “‘What are you doing, lord? You are the teacher of the world, above honor and insult. Will you become agitated by what this talkative Brahmin said and commit Brahmin-killing, O great god? No, no, no, do not bring about such disaster, lord. Calm yourself. Please calm yourself, lord.’”

Shiva said, “‘Why do you stop me from punishing an evildoer, goddess? I cannot refuse your request. But I cannot bear the presence of this slandering Brahmin. Tell him to leave at once.’”

Parvati then said to Bhrigu, “‘O sage, please do not make the lord angry any more. Go, I tell you, go. Leave Kailasa this very moment.’”

“So by Mother Parvati’s mercy,” Romaharshan said, “Bhrigu’s life was saved.”

“This time he went to Vaikuntha. And there he committed the worst offense of all. The way Bhrigu had behaved with Brahma, the creator, was a mental offense. In his mind he had ignored his father, but he had not spoken any harsh words. In Satyaloka he was forgiven, and so his courage grew. Then he went to Rudra, the destroyer, and there he committed a spoken offense. He insulted Lord Maheshvara with harsh words. Even this time, by Mother Uma’s mercy, he was not punished. So his pride grew even more. Going to Vaikuntha, in extreme boldness he committed the most terrible offense. Lord Vishnu was then resting on the couch of the serpent Ananta, with his head on the lap of Goddess Lakshmi. Sage Bhrigu came forward and struck Vishnu hard on the chest with his foot.”

Shaunaka shuddered. “What disaster! This is a bodily offense. This is an attempt to hurt the divine body of the Lord, full of truth, consciousness, and bliss. Just hearing it makes my whole body grow cold with fear. Then what happened? What was the result for Sage Bhrigu?”

Romaharshan said, “That is the most wonderful part, great sage. Lord Narayana is the very home of forgiveness. He gave Bhrigu no punishment, no curse, not even a word of scolding.”

“Do you know what he did?” he asked.

The sages stared at him. Romaharshan answered his own question.

“He asked the sage for forgiveness.”

“What are you saying?” cried Shaunaka. “The sage committed the offense, and Lord Narayana asked forgiveness? What a strange thing this is.”

Romaharshan said, “All the divine acts of Narayana are full of wonder. Bowing to Bhrigu, Narayana said, ‘Great sage, my salutations. Please forgive me. I was so absent-minded that I did not even notice when you arrived. And I have received the proper punishment for that. Please take a seat. Let me wash your two feet. I made a great mistake by neglecting you, O sage. Please give me the chance to serve a holy man and correct that mistake.’”

Bhrigu’s pride broke at once.

He said, “‘Please do not shame me further, Lord. Among the three gods, you are the greatest in the quality of forgiveness. That understanding has now come to me. Permit me, Lord, to return to the mortal world. There, in the assembly of sages, I will sing of your greatness.’”

Narayana replied gently, “‘Your grace is endless, revered Brahmin.’”

“After receiving forgiveness from Narayana,” Romaharshan said, “Sage Bhrigu returned to the mortal world. Coming to the sages on the bank of the Saraswati River, he said, ‘O sages, today in this assembly I declare that among all the gods, and even among the chief three gods, Lord Narayana is the greatest. I do not have the power to describe his glory.’”

“But meanwhile in Vaikuntha,” Romaharshan said, “a great trouble arose. Goddess Lakshmi became angry.”

She said, “‘Lord, your humility is beyond all limits. My home is in your heart. That proud sage struck that very heart with his foot, and yet you gave him no punishment at all.’”

Narayana answered, “‘Calm yourself, goddess. The Brahmin did not insult you. He punished me.’”

But Lakshmi said, “‘Do not misunderstand me, lord. I know now that I have no honor left in Vaikuntha. I thought your love for me had no end. But now I see I was mistaken. Very well, stay with your Bhudevi and Niladevi. This Lakshmi now departs.’”

“She left Vaikuntha,” Romaharshan continued, “and went to the netherworld. There she entered the ashram of Sage Kapila. The sage and his disciples began to serve the goddess. But without Sridevi, Vaikuntha could not continue in joy. Then Bhudevi and Niladevi prayed to Narayana.”

“‘Lord, without Lakshmidevi, Vaikuntha is without light and happiness. Please bring her back, lord. It is our pride that Lakshmidevi is our companion. Please bring her back.’”

Narayana said, “‘Sridevi’s hurt pride is very deep. Wait for me. I myself will go to the mortal world. I will surely bring her back.’”

“In the disguise of a handsome prince,” Romaharshan said, “Narayana came down to the mortal world. First he went to Kolhapur.”

Shaunaka asked, “Kolhapur, do you mean the capital of King Suratha?”

Romaharshan nodded. “You are exactly right, great sage. This Kolhapur is the capital of King Suratha. King Suratha had once been defeated in war with the Yavanas. Following the advice of Sage Medha, he worshipped Goddess Mahalakshmi, and by her grace he regained his kingdom.”

Shaunaka asked, “In what form does Goddess Mahalakshmi live in this city?”

Romaharshan replied, “O sage Agastya, in this city the goddess has been established in the form of Mahalakshmi. At the beginning of creation, in this very form she filled the endless great sky with the radiance of her own beautiful body. Goddess Mahalakshmi, beloved of Vishnu, has four arms. In her hands she holds a mace, a shield, a cup, and a citron fruit. With motherly love she is always eager to grant boons to her devotees.”

“Ah, how wonderful is the glory of the Mother,” said the sage. “Then what did Lord Vishnu do in Kolhapur?”

Romaharshan answered, “In the holy temple of Kolhapur, Lord Vishnu performed penance for a long time to please Goddess Lakshmi. At last, one day, a divine voice was heard.”

The heavenly voice said, “‘O ascetic, if you truly wish to gain Lakshmi, then go to the southern part of Bharatavarsha. Twenty-two yojanas south of the Krishna-Veni River flows the Subarnamukari River. Perform penance to the goddess on that riverbank.’”

Narayana asked, “‘O heavenly voice, how shall I please the goddess?’”

The voice replied, “‘In that holy land you will create a lake. You will bring golden lotuses from the heavenly world and plant them in that lake. You will worship her by chanting the mantra of Sridevi. And every day in her worship you will offer those golden lotuses. Pleased with you, the goddess will surely grant you her vision. O ascetic, may you attain Lakshmi.’”

“Receiving the order of that divine voice,” Romaharshan said, “Vishnu in the disguise of a prince went south. Meanwhile, so that the lord should not suffer from the weariness of travel, Vishnu’s mount Garuda came to help him. Garuda took the form of a beautiful horse. Riding on that horse, Narayana moved toward the desired place.”

“On the way came Seshachala. There was the ashram of Sage Vaikhanasa. That night Narayana spent in great joy at the ashram of Sage Vaikhanasa. The next morning he took leave of the sage. Bowing to the sage, Narayana rode farther south. At last he arrived on the bank of the Subarnamukari River. There he made a clear lake and then called upon the wind god.”

At once the wind god appeared.

“‘Salutations, Lord Narayana. Your servant, the wind god, is present. What service shall I do for you, lord?’”

Narayana said, “‘Blessed child, wind god, Goddess Lakshmi has left Vaikuntha in anger against me. In separation from her, my pain has no end. I will perform penance on the bank of this lake to please the goddess. Help me in arranging the worship of Lakshmi.’”

The wind god asked, “‘Do you need any special offering for the worship of the goddess, lord?’”

Narayana replied, “‘Yes, child. In Kolhapur I received an order through a divine voice that I must worship the goddess with golden lotuses from heaven. Only then will I get her back.’”

The wind god said joyfully, “‘Begin your worship without worry, Lord. I, your servant, take the responsibility that every day you will receive many heavenly golden lotuses.’”

A sage then asked, “Then when did the goddess give him her vision?”

Romaharshan replied, “With the help of the wind god, Narayana began the worship of Lakshmi. For a long twelve years that hard penance continued. Every day Narayana offered countless golden lotuses and worshipped the goddess. That day was the fifth lunar day of the bright half of the month of Kartik. In that holy lake a great golden lotus bloomed. In that lotus appeared Goddess Mahalakshmi.”

The sages listened in wonder as he described her.

“What a wonderful form of the Mother. Her body shone like gold. In two hands she held two lotuses, and with the other two hands she showed blessing and fearlessness. She was beautifully dressed in shining clothes and ornaments. Around her, four white elephants were bathing the goddess with pots of nectar. The goddess looked with loving eyes toward her beloved. Lakshmi and Narayana were united once more.”

“Surely the gods had been waiting for this blessed moment,” said Shaunaka. “Is that not so?”

“Of course,” Romaharshan replied. “At that blessed moment Brahma, Savitri, Shiva, Parvati, and other gods and goddesses appeared in the sky. Together they began to cry out in praise of Lakshmi-Narayana.”

“What a wonderful sight,” said a sage. “The goddesses blew auspicious conch shells, the gods recited the Vedas, the Gandharvas sang, and the apsaras danced in joy. In the middle of that sky-high celebration, Sridevi placed a garland of white flowers around the neck of Vasudeva.”

Then the gods declared, “‘Victory, victory to Lakshmi-Narayana. O Goddess Lakshmi, today you have appeared from the lotus grove. So the name of this beautiful form of yours is Padmavati. Lord Narayana, Sridevi lives forever in your heart. Therefore the name of your wonderful form is Srinivasa. If you are pleased with the earth, then stay here on Seshachala. Let a new Vaikuntha be born on the breast of the earth.’”

Narayana replied, “‘So be it.’”

Romaharshan said, “From that time Padmavati and Srinivasa have lived on Seshachala in South India. This mountain, this mortal world itself, is truly Vaikuntha.”

The sages folded their hands. “We are blessed to hear of Lakshmi-Narayana. Now please grant one humble request of ours. Tell us the essence of the Bhagavata.”

Romaharshan answered, “Very well. I will tell you just as I heard from my guru. Listen with full attention.”

Then he spoke the sacred teaching.

“At the beginning of creation, Narayana himself taught this Bhagavata to Brahma in only four verses. He said, before creation, only I existed. Even now, only I am. And after the final destruction, only I will remain. Whatever seems to exist apart from me is only my maya, nothing else. Just as the five elements exist inside and outside all living beings, in the same way I exist within and without all. Those who seek self-knowledge, those who seek truth, are really seeking only me. Just as the five elements exist inside and outside all living beings, in the same way I exist within and without all. In short, this is the essence of the Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana.”

Then Romaharshan looked at the assembly of sages and said in a voice filled with devotion, “O sages, this Bhagavata can never die. In age after age, sages will taste the sweetness of this Bhagavata. This Bhagavata is the living body of Sri Krishna’s words. The spiritual practice of the gopis of Vrindavan is the highest spiritual practice of all. Come, let us all bow to Lord Sri Krishna.”