... A page from Markandeya Puruna

Legendary discourse on the principles and tenets of scriptures glorifies Mahabharata, a book of perfect chaste lexis, sensibilities, rhythms, music and linguistic excellence and a document on dharma a man ought to pursue. It speaks of pursharatha, the well-being of humanity, dharma, artha, kama and moksa –the four aspects are linked and inseparable. Sage Jaimini raises certain doubts. At that moment, Sage Markandeya hears the sage, agrees to what he says, and later, guides him to meet sons of Drona (a bird of dharma), who knows the meaning of tattva - the essence of life and existence, religious exposition, and he always concentrates on the eternal wisdom as contained in the Vedas and scriptures.

If a man is conscious of enemies - desire, passion and love for material fortification, antagonism, self-indulgence and attachment, fixation or stupid craze for material and physical joys, it is waste of life. These enemies cause memory loss, delusion and finally destroy intellect and bring ruin to man. Efforts of human beings on earth are under the control of the invisible power, one may call it destiny or god. A man learns that only dharma – truth and uprightness, correct and honest acts determine the true objective of life and existence or else a man confronts destruction.

 Religion is about affirmative and constructive principles of life of man and society. Critical psychoanalysis or study is not the objective, because it creates doubts about probity and principled values. Thoughts and principles that inspire and guide humankind always enrich life and living.

Jaimini, one of the most celebrated and devoted disciples of sage Vyasa was a dedicated and truthful sage of powerful tapa –meditation, and was curious to know about life and existence. Never for a moment, he forgot obligations and duties toward gurus and humanity, and adhered to the path of dharma. He was always engaged in the study of Holy Scriptures but still inquisitiveness to know more increased discomforts of mind and heart. He was eager to explore and find solution to certain doubts and spiritual inquests.

Therefore, he went to the ashrama of sage Markandeya, and after a deep thought said, “O lord, a great holy book of Mahabharata is full of sacred principles and dictums of many scriptures. Tenets pertaining to life are exceptionally flawless and brilliant, and give a solid foundation to human beings so that they live life confidently and effectively. An eternal dissertation on truth a man ought to espouse it is. It offers solutions to various issues confronting man. Sanctified book is straightforward, engaging and decorated with perfect meters. Rhymes and finely woven linguistic niceties, chaste and correct usage of vowels, consonants and various embellishments, attract. It makes a complete reading of consecrated thoughts suiting calm nature of virtuous people. Language is pure and sublime and it never irritates sensibilities of grace and nobility. Sage Vyasa created the sacred book, an exposition on eternal values. It is an immortal classic.”

A long pause forced each other to read facial expressions. He looked up as if trying to decipher meaning and mystery of hidden gems of thoughts.

Jaimini said further, “In the initial stages, it offers background and then, stipulates and elucidates principles enshrined therein. For example, among the gods, lord Vishnu is the principle lord of gods people think and believe. Among human beings, brahmins are the greatest, who are learned, an embodiment of virtuous conduct and adherents to the laws of dharma. Further, one considers chudamani as the grandest among the whole range of ornaments. On the same analogy, the divine thunderbolt is the mightiest weapon created beings believe. O sage, I would further say that among the indriyas -the senses of man, mind is the presiding lord. I think you agree with the stipulation.”

He looked at the great guru and said again, “Stretching the argument further, I think sacred Mahabharata is the most consecrated and principal book among the sacrosanct books.”

He looked at the benign face of sage and then, resumed in soft and humble words, “O monk, the four great wings of pursharatha -dharma (religious life), artha (material wellbeing), kama (passion) and moksa (liberation) find appropriate meaning and clarification. The holy book further tells how the above four aspects are essential for the man on earth, and emphasize that the qualities are obligatory for attaining moksa -deliverance on earth. Various aspects relating to pursharatha are intimately linked to one another, and therefore, find clear enlargement in meaning and purpose, and at the same time, main features and other extensions are explained separately taking into consideration each one.”

Monk Markandeya listened to Jaimini with a blissful posture and emitted a divine smile. Mild words were like little drops of nectar from the mouth of a great sage he thought. While Markandeya brooded over, Jaimini said, “Moreover, O sage, different wings of pursharatha find relative justification and focused depiction in related footnotes and sub-sections where one finds the subject, its relation, purpose and authority.”

“O lord, thus, the holy book and its teachings through different tales and episodes are an extension of teaching and subtle knowledge that the Vedas impart. The Vedas require deep and rigorous study, and the pages open up vistas of knowledge pertaining to spiritual, metaphysical, worldly and various aspects of life. However, know only dedicated and eager people appreciate and comprehend depths of knowledge and wisdom the Vedas convey. Through the reading of book, an ordinary man learns many abstruse and subtle meanings of life and existence when he goes through tales, myths, legends and the background, the narrative figures out. Tales in lighter vein, and at times, seriously, take up any subject relating to life, and then, interpret and illuminate an ardent reader.”

He continued in soft congenial voice, “I realized Mahabharata’s impact and understood its rational approach to life, and therefore, I came. Certain doubts arise even as I studied the holy book thoroughly. I heard your nectar like words and understood inherent meaning. I wish to know how the omnipresent lord of lords Janaradhana, the only creator, the preserver and the destroyer of the universe took birth in the yoni of a man even though he is nirguna. It puzzles as to how a daughter of Drupada alone became a queen of five pandavas.”

After a thought, he said, “O sage, I have serious doubts. It is a mystery how enemy killed as if orphans, the five unmarried mighty sons of queen Draupadi and the guardians like pandavas. Kindly dispel doubts I nurse.”

Legendary wise birds know the essence of life and existence. The grand assembly of Narada, Indra and celestial women and the tale of Vapu, who wishes to destroy penance of sage Durvasa

Sage Markandeya heard good-naturedly and then, penetrated into the eyes of Jaimini, smiled and said, “O great monk, it is time for the performance of obligatory duties, offerings, evening prayers and worship. I wish to give an exhaustive answer, and therefore, it is not the right time. O Jaimini, I shall introduce you to wise birds that would answer all questions, and at the same time, chase away suspicions you hold. O sage, Drona a bird, has four sons -Pingaksa, Vibodh, Suputra and Sumukh. Sons of Drona are the greatest among the birds. They know the meaning of tattva -the basic essence, evince deep interest, and so, contemplate over sastras -religious books. Intellects and hearts of wise birds are never tired and the prudent birds truly comprehend meaning of the Vedas and sacred books but appear thirsty for more knowledge and understanding.”

He thought and said, “Wise birds live in a deep and long cave of Vindhya, the great mountain. O sage, please go and ask disquieting questions and I am sure sagacious birds will satisfy your genuine curiosity.”

Jaimini looked serious, and after a little thought, said, “O brahmin, it is wonderful. I am amazed that the birds possess voice and wisdom of human beings. The wise birds it appears, gained greatly hard and arduous knowledge with astuteness. If born in the yoni of birds, how is it that they attained knowledge? How they gained subtle knowledge of books? Why you call the birds, the sons of Drona? Who is Drona, the famous bird? How Drona’s sons, the great mahatmas of virtues turned wise and learned, and attained knowledge of dharma?”

Markandeya said, “O monk, please listen attentively. I take you back to ancient times. A great assembly of celestial sage Narada, lord Indra and heavenly women - apasaras held in the forest of Nanda is quite a noteworthy event. Prior to the event, a chance encounter between Narada and lord Indra in the forest of Nanda is significant. As soon as lord Indra observed celestial sage Narada, he immediately got up with feelings and gestures of reverence, greeted the sage, bowed before him and then, offered to Narada appropriate chair.”

He continued, “Narada was very happy. In the meantime, divine dancer-women present in the hall, bowed humbly and reverentially before the sage. After preliminaries with regard to welcome, greetings and worship of sage were over, celestial sage occupied a glorious seat and lord Indra sat beside him. Indra and Narada exchanged a few words of wellbeing. Narada asked about the kingdom of lord Indra, and in between, narrated various tales as Indra heard each tale with interest.”

Celestial sage Narada related many tales in similar contexts. After sometime, Indra said, “O sage of gods, whatever pleases you at the moment, you may ask the celestial women. They would entertain the assembly with godly and bewitching dance you love and admire. You select any apasara out of Rambha, Mishrakesi, Urvasi, Tilotama, Ghritachi and Menaka you love and respect immensely, and thereafter, witness an entrancing dance.”

Narada heard Indra, looked at beautiful apasaras, who stood modestly with bowed heads. He thought, and then said, “O dear apasaras, whoever among you is the most beautiful and a treasure of great virtues should dance. It is left to you to make a choice, and therefore, the most beautiful and virtuous nymph will dance.”

~*~

Narada mode of choice surprised celestial women. He asks the fairy women to disturb the tapa of sage Durvasa …each nymph speaks of individual virtues and beauty, and creates a delicate situation…Vapu offers to fulfill the mission

“Celestial women were quite astonished when they heard, and therefore, looked at one another in utter bafflement. One of the apasaras said gently, ‘O lord, I think I am the greatest beauty and a mine of qualities.”

Another apasara says, ‘No, not you but I am the greatest with regard to beauty and qualities.’

It surprised Indra. After Indra heard foolish and unfounded arguments of nymphs, he said, “O celestial women, please ask sage Narada. He would tell you as to who is the most beautiful with a quarry of virtues.”

Narada said, “I would consider a nymph – an apasara as a treasure of divine beauty and qualities, who disturbs sage Durvasa, now undergoing austere tapasya at Himalaya where the king of mountains captivates through fitting overtures of beauty, love, passion and charm so that the sage is not angry.”

Lovely nymphs were immensely cautioned and disturbed. It was a risky situation to ascertain as to who was the most beautiful celestial woman with virtues of head and heart. It was not an easy proposition and therefore, they looked uneasy.

One of the nymphs, whispered, “O friend, for us it is very difficult to say.”

They were silent and appeared lost in deep thought. Apasara Vapu was proud of her beauty and intellect, and filled with pride and self-confidence, she thought she would disturb monk with beauty, charm and charismatic advances.

After a thought, Vapu said to the celestial sage, “I shall go to the place where sage Durvasa undergoes severe tapa. Sage Durvasa has yoked indriyas like horses with the body-like chariot and very soon, I will prove that Durvasa is an incompetent and unfit charioteer.”

 Assertion appeared astute and wise.

After a few moments, she said, “O sage, I will go, attack, release arrows of kama -love and passion, and destroy intensity of penance of Durvasa, who restrains and disciplines senses, and thereafter, he will lose control over senses and body.” Vapu appeared intrepid and positive.

Sage Narada and Indra heard a self-confident divine woman and looked at each other. After a few moments, she got a nod from the sage and the lord of gods, and instantly went to the mountain of Himalaya.

~*~

Celestial beauty Vapu arrived at the ashrama of sage Durvasa and witnessed unique scenario where even violent beasts of the jungle had lost the capacity to hurt or harm any other being…fails and suffers sage’s curse

She arrived at the ashrama of Durvasa and witnessed an extraordinary scenario. She found that the most violent and meat-eating beasts of jungle had lost the tendency or nature to get violent on the slightest pretext because of influence of tapa of sage Durvasa, and therefore, the wild and fierce beasts lived in the hermitage in peace and harmony.

She preferred to stay at a distance of one kosa -a measure of distance, from the ashrama, and reflected over the plans of enticing the sage. She comfortably settled down, began to live, roamed about, and then at leisure, sang songs. At times, she danced as if she were unaware of the surroundings but concentrated on engagements of sage, and was in the look out of a suitable opportunity to enter the ashrama. Vapu was sweet and melodious like a cuckoo and thus, chirping continued. When sage Durvasa heard soft, melodious, soothing and gentle tuneful singing and sweet voice he was astonished.

Unable to endure the melody and enthralling tunes, he got up and went to the place from where delightful words, voices and tunes emanated. He saw a beautiful young girl singing a song, at once stirring and soulful. Noticing a beautiful woman, he was excited but controlled his mind effectively. After a thought, he realized and understood the mischief. She had come to allure and tempt with beauty and charm. Suddenly, anger and impatience filled him.

After a few moments, the sage said, “O great apasara, you appear mad with beauty and charm and so, continue to wander about in the sky. I know you arrived to create obstructions in the path of tapa I pursue. O apasara, I earned huge fruit of penance after I underwent sufferings. I will not forgive you. Therefore, you will suffer for ages because of anger I had and tried to restrain after you acted foolishly. Now, you will take birth in the yoni of a bird in life next. O nymph of mischievous and mean intellect, you will live for sixteen years in the yoni of a bird after you relinquish physical beauty and magic. At that time, you will give birth to four sons. However, you will not get comforts of love and warmth of offspring, and therefore, feelings of deprivation would give you immense anguish.”

Sage Durvasa was annoyed, spoke in anger, looked at the apasara and said again, “O celestial woman, at that time, a sastra -weapon released through the curse will kill and release you from the curse, and thereafter, you shall go to heaven, live in delight and pleasure and attain an assigned status in heaven. That is it. Now, you do not speak anything against whatever I told you.”

Thereafter, the great sage left ashrama and went to spend time on the bank of river Ganges flowing in the sky, Akashganga.

~*~

Sufferings of Vapu after the curse, birth of birds, genealogy of wise and divine birds, who take birth in the house of Tarksi, a nymph in the previous birth in the battleground of Mahabharata when Tarksi went to the place

Apasara Vapu suffered because the curse of sage chased. Later on, she gave birth to a bird. However, the curse of the sage constantly scorched. On the other hand, Drona was born in the house of bird Mandpal after the consent of Kandara. It is interesting to go back to past to find the roots of amazing birds.

Markandeya told Jaimini that Garuda was born in the house of Aristnemi. Garuda was famous as Sampati. Suparsva was a brave and wise son of Sampati.   Kumbhi, a son of Suparsva had a son Prololupa. Kank and Kandara took birth in the house of Prololupa. Tarksi, a nymph in the previous birth was born in the house of Kandara.

After a short period, Tarksi became pregnant. While she carried the baby in the womb, she went to Kurukshetra. At that time, the Great War of Mahabharata was going on between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. It was destined to happen, and therefore, she entered the battlefield where a fierce war continued. At that time, an extremely ferocious battle between Bhagdutta and warrior Arjuna was in progress. Like a crowd of tidis - a dangerous class of flying insects that moves in a crowd and eats leaves and crops to survive, the arrows of warriors filled the sky. Suddenly, Arjuna released an arrow with force and pierced Tarksi’s womb. Unfortunately, it torn asunder the womb and four moon-like white eggs fell on the ground. Happily, the eggs contained life and so, did not break because of the abrupt fall on the ground. Surprisingly, eggs fell as if a heap of cotton. Precisely at that moment, a huge bell from the back of an elephant suprateek of Bhagdutta collapsed on the ground and split into fragments because of deadly and frequent strikes of arrows cut off its strong ropes.

Time of fall of huge bell and eggs from the womb of Tarksi coincided and therefore, the huge bell covered the eggs securely as it made deep thrust into the earth. Now, the eggs were quite safe while the Great War gained momentum with each passing day.

After the war was over, a man of restraint and discipline, mahatma Shammi arrived at the place where the huge bell had fallen. As he came close to the huge bell, he heard chirping sounds that appeared like little sparrows. Though tiny birds had attained supreme knowledge, yet they could not speak out, as they were mere children. It was difficult to speak even a sentence. Sage Shamik was going alone to an ashrama and at that time, no disciple accompanied him. However, a few brahmins had followed. Chirpings of birds surprised. He bowed down and after digging out the bell with force, saw Tarksi, Drona and wingless children, the little birds.

Thus, the wisest birds took birth.