Stories from Sanatana Dharma

Dharma

this one from Mahabharata, Chapter 17, Mahaprasthanik-parva. Which roughly translates to:

Story of the great journey!

The Great Battle of Kurukshetra had ended with silence, grief and recriminations. Balarama had gone and so had Shree Krishna. The Pandavas went to Rishi Vyasa for advice. Vyasa said it was time for them also to leave the mortal world.

The time had come.

So said King Yudhisthira and made preparations to make the long journeys across the Himalayas. The loyal brothers and the great wife Draupadi could not bear to stay behind in the golden palace at Hasinapura, now silent in unconsolable grief. The Royal party left Hastinapur.

But, there was this mongrel dog on the streets of Hastinapur.

You know how the mongrel dogs are! Any sign of food or affection and they are on your tail with tongue wagging. And the Pandavas were nothing if not compassionate.

Well, this one was no different!
(picture by courtesy of <a class="go2wpf-bbcode" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href=" http://www.fotosearch.com/DGV197/413063/ "> http://www.fotosearch.com/DGV197/413063/ )

Some of you may have experienced the slopes of the Himalayas. Oh the start is fine, up to the base camp. But then every step is gasping torture, that only increases with each thousand feet of altitude. And there just happens to be over 25 of those!

The beautiful Draupadi was the first to fall!

Sahadeva fell next. Bhima asked Yudhisthira why? Yudhisthira answered: Because of pride. He used to think he was the wisest of all!

Nakul fell next! Bhima asked Yudhisthira why?
Because of pride. He used to think he was the most handsome of all!

Arjuna fell next! Bhima asked Yudhisthira why?
Because he vowed to destroy all the opponents (in Kurukshetra) within one day! But he couldn't fulfil his vow!

Bhima fell next! As he fell, he asked Yudhisthira why? Because of pride. You used to think that you were the strongest of all!

But the mongrel was still there!

You know how tough mongrels are!

By day the chilling winds whistled past Yudhisthira, as he made his tortuous way alone! Permafrost covered sharp rocks cut his feet. Onwards he went, his quest to fulfil. As night fell and fresh snow covered his meagre coverings, the mongrel curled up beside him and provided warmth for mutual survival!

No water to wash with, no fresh clothes to change into! Yudhishthira and the mongrel became more and more unkempt every day. To be quite frank, they stank!

At last the King of the Deities, Indra,
(image from <a class="go2wpf-bbcode" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href=" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra "> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indra )
had enough! Came with his Pushpak Rath (Flying Chariot, a bit like the Space shuttle Discovery, I imagine) ready to lift Yudhishthira to Heaven.

Yudhishthira declined!

"Without my dear brothers and dear wife, I have no desire to reach heaven", he said. Talk about stupidity! I am telling you, this guy was really thick! Or, was he?

Indra said "Don't be silly. They are already there, waiting for you!"

Thus reassured, Yudhisthira took the mongrel in his arms and proceeded to climb aboard the Pushpak Rath.

Indra was visibly horrified and disgusted. "No, no. Dogs are most unclean! Whoever stays with a dog cannot attain Heaven. Quick, get rid of him."

Yudhishthira said "It's wrong to abandon someone under one's protection. I would rather not go to heaven but I cannot abandon this dog."

Indra was flabbergasted. Never seen anything like this! Was there ever a man so stupid? But he controlled himself, "Just for a dog, you will reject heaven! You left Draupadi, you left your four brothers, and you cannot leave this mongrel!"

Yudhishthira replied: "I didn't leave them, they left me. But this mongrel, uninvited, has kept me company through thick and thin, just because he loves me unconditionally. I cannot abandon him, even to go to Heaven!"

Suddenly, a transformation happened. The mongrel morphed!

And assumed his true form, Dharma himself!

Said to Yudhishthira "That was your final test!"

"Come with me" he said and took Yudhishthira by his arm and boarded the Pushpak Rath. Indra himself stepped aside for Dharma!

The only time anyone with mortal form ascended Heaven.
Never before, nor since!

Regards. 🙂

Prashna

Great story.......There's hope for us all then ?

.....................................
Om shanti shanti shanti

Thanks for the story Prashna.

Apologies

Great story.......There's hope for us all then ?

.....................................

Om shanti shanti shanti

Indeed there is, Oakapple,

Even for me!

I lied, but it was only a little, white one!

Since both you and Barafundle have been gracious enough not to point out my error, it is time for me to do so. So here it is:

I did write "Never before, nor since" at the end of my last story. Only half of it is true. So to correct the other half, I shall narrate the next story, also from the Mahabharata, only a few pages before the previous one!

This one has to be a bit long!

I apologise in advance for the length.

Regards.

Prashna

The half-gilt mongoose

Hi all,

This next story also concerns dharma. But it also illustrates the concept of "atithi" (unexpected guest), family relationships in Sanatana Dharma, and sacrifice.

It comes from Chapter 14 of the Mahabharata, called the "Aswamedha-parva". The full text translated more than a hundred years ago can be found in Section 90 here:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The half-gilt Mongoose!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Great war of Kurukshetra had finished! The battle-conches were silent! The righteous Yudhishthira was King! Peace reigned!

Or, did it?

Beneath the silence, if you strained your ears, you could hear the wailings of the wives who had lost their husbands, the mothers who had lost their sons, the children who had lost their fathers!

Was it really peace, or the silence of the crematorium?

King Yudhishthira asked himself this question, again and again?

And found no answers!

So he asked VedaVyasa! He said, “Do a Ashwamedha Yajna”, the Yajna to pour oil over troubled waters, bring new hope to the disheartened, new goals to the goalless!

Good advice! Just as Britain did in 1948, to host the Olympics

and create the First Wermbley Stadium:

Then, as in 1948, Many Nations took part. The Yajna of King Yudhishthira earned great acclaim! Rightly so, by the assembled Brahmins, the huge assembly of subjects, and the many new partnering Royal houses..

But as the closing ceremony reached its peak, a mongoose, with one side of his body changed into gold, suddenly appeared and spoke in a voice loud and deep as thunder.

From <a class="go2wpf-bbcode" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href=" http://www.fotosearch.com/NGF006/73614720/ "> http://www.fotosearch.com/NGF006/73614720/

'Ye kings, this great sacrifice with all its pomp and circumstance is not equal to a prastha of powdered barley given away by a liberal Brahmin of Kurukshetra in the observance of the Unccha vow.”

Needless to say, the assembly was shocked and the Brahmins challenged the Mongoose; just to learn more! They said:
“Wise Mongoose of celestial form. Please explain.”

The Mongoose smiled and replied:

“That which I have said may have been heard by you all. Ye, foremost of Brahmins, without doubt, this sacrifice is not equal in merit to the gift of a prastha of powdered barley.

Listen to me with undivided attention as I narrate what happened to yours truly. Wonderful and excellent was the occurrence that fell out. I saw it myself. And in consequence of what then happened half my body became transformed into gold.

On that hallowed ground known as Kurukshetra, there lived a Brahmin, observing the Unccha vow. He lived there with his wife and son and daughter-in-law and practised penances. Of excellent vows, he used to eat everyday at the sixth division. If there was nothing to eat, that excellent Brahmin would fast for that day and eat the next day at the sixth division.

Inevitably, came a drought and dreadful famine. The herbs and plants dried up! The Brahmin and his family had nothing to eat; day after day! Afflicted with hunger, they were obliged to pass the days as best they could.

One day, in the month of Jaishtha, while the DivAkar was in the meridian, the Brahmin toiling in the cornfield, succeeded in obtaining a prastha of barley. That barley was reduced to powder by those ascetics for making what is called Saktu of it. Having finished their silent recitations and other daily rites, and having duly poured libations on the sacred fire, those ascetics divided that little measure of powdered barley amongst themselves so that the share of each came up to the measure of a Kudava.

As they were about to sit down for eating, there came unto their abode a guest. They saluted the atithi (unexpected guest) and made the usual enquiries of welfare. They were of pure minds, self-restrained, and endued with faith and control over the passions. Freed from malice, they had conquered wrath. Possessed of piety, they were never pained at the sight of other people's happiness.

They said to the guest:
'This is the Arghya for thee. This water is for washing thy feet. There are scattered some Kusa grass for thy seat, O sinless one. Here is some clean Saktu acquired by lawful means, please accept it.' Thus addressed by them, that Brahmin accepted the Kudava of powdered barley that was offered to him and ate it all. But his hunger, O king, was not appeased by what he ate. The Brahmin in the observance of the Unccha vow, seeing that his guest's hunger was still unappeased, began to think of what other food he could place before him for gratifying him.

Then his wife said, 'Let him have my share.' Knowing that his chaste wife was herself afflicted by hunger, the Brahmin could not approve knowing that his aged, toil-worn, cheerless, and helpless wife was herself afflicted by hunger, emaciated into mere skin and bone and quivering with weakness.

The Brahmin said, 'O beautiful one, even animals, worms and insects, feed and protect their wives. The wife treats her husband with kindness, feeds and protects him. Everything appertaining to religion, pleasure, and wealth, careful nursing, offspring for perpetuating the species, are all dependent on the wife. Indeed, the merits of a person himself as also of his deceased ancestors depend on her. The man who fails to protect his wife falls down from even a position of great fame and is never happy.’

She answered him, 'AryaPutra, you and I are one. The husband is the highest deity of the wife. Through the grace of the husband, women obtain both pleasure and offspring as the reward. Thou art my Pati (lord) , my Bhartr and my boon-giver, having presented me a son. Afflicted by hunger thou art exceedingly weakened. Worn out with fasts, thou art very much emaciated. If thou couldst part with thy share, why should not I part with mine?'

The guest ate the wife’s share but his hunger was not yet appeased. Beholding him ungratified, the Brahmin in the observance of the Unccha vow became thoughtful.

His son then said unto him, 'Take my share of the barley and give it to the guest.” The father, at this, said, ' Even if you were a thousand years old, you will still seem to me to be only a little child. Having begotten a son, the father achieves success through him. I know that the hunger of children is very strong. I am old. I shall somehow succeed in holding my life-breaths. Old and decrepit as I am, hunger scarcely afflicts me. I have, again, for many years, practised penances. I have no fear of death.'

"The son said, 'I am your son. Shruti declares that one's offspring is called putra because one is rescued by him. One's own self, again, takes birth as one's son. Therefore, please rescue yourself by yourself (in the form of your son).’

Having eaten that barley also, the guest's hunger was not appeased. The Brahmin became ashamed (at the thought that he had nothing more to give).

To relieve his obvious grief, his chaste daughter-in-law, bearing her share of the barley, approached him and said, 'Through thy son, I shall obtain a son. The son is called Putra because he frees his sires from debt. Through sons and grandsons one always enjoys the happiness of those regions which are reserved for the pious and the good.'

"The father-in-law said, 'O thou of excellent vows and conduct, O auspicious daughter, how can I behold thee: at even this, the sixth division of the day, abstaining from food and observing vows? You are a child, hungry and weak. You should always be protected by me. Alas, I have to see thee worn out with fasts '

"The daughter-in-law said, 'You are the senior of my senior…Through your grace, O learned Brahmin, I shall obtain many regions of happiness hereafter. I deserve to be looked after by thee. Cherishing this thought, that my happiness is thy concern, please take this my share of the barley.'

"The father-in-law said, 'O chaste lady, in consequence of such conduct of thine thou wilt for ever shine in glory, ‘ Having said so unto her, the Brahmin took her share of the barley and gave it unto his guest.

At last, the guest was full! And revealed his true self! None other than Dharma, himself! He said:

For this gift, in a season of great difficulty, made with a pure heart and disregarding filial affection, you have conquered Heaven. Hunger destroys one's wisdom and obliterates one’s judgment. Therefore, one who conquers hunger conquers Heaven without doubt.

Mere wealth is not merit. Good men acquire merit by exerting to the best of their power and with the aid of pious meals. Through wrath, the fruits of gifts are destroyed. Through cupidity one fails to go to Heaven. The fruit, O Brahmin, of this gift made by thee (of a prastha of powdered barley) is much greater than what one acquires by many Rajasuya sacrifices with profuse gifts or many Horse-sacrifices. With this prastha of powdered barley thou hast conquered the eternal region of Brahman.

Go thou in happiness, O learned Brahmin, to the abode of Brahman that is without the stain of darkness. O foremost of regenerate persons, a celestial chariot is here for all of you.

After the Brahmin, had thus ascended to Heaven with his son, daughter-in-law, and wife, I came out of my hole. I rubbed my head in the ground, heavy with the scent of that powdered barley and the celestial flowers that had been rained down. My head became gold, as did half of this body. But the other half did not as there was no more barley on the ground!

For converting the rest of my body into gold I visit, with a cheerful heart, the ashramas of ascetics and sacrifices performed by kings. Hearing of this sacrifice of the Kuru king endued with great wisdom, I came hither with high hopes. I have not, however, been made gold.

With the grains of that prastha of powdered barley, I was made gold on that occasion. This Yajna, however acclaimed it may be, is not equal to those grains. Having said those words unto those foremost of Brahmins, the mongoose disappeared from their sight.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Regards.

Prashna

Prashna,
That was a bautiful story ~ thank you for sharing it with us.
x

Some footnotes

Prashna,
That was a bautiful story ~ thank you for sharing it with us.
x

Thank you, holisticheaven,

Although I tried to shorten this story, as a simple story, it's still too long!

I could have made it much shorter by omitting all the reasoning behind the incredible sacrifices and indeed was tempted to do so. But I did not, because, IMO, the resonings are essential to the understanding of Sanatana Dharma itself. In this case as an illustration of the principle of "atithi -satkara".

Perhaps a few footnotes might help:

1. The Brahmin householder was doing penance by observing the very strict 'unchha' vow; roughly similar to a Buddhist Bhikku's similar action.

2. The term 'unchha' is virtually impossible to translate to English, but it can be described.

It consists of subsisting like a pigeon. To go to the field of Barley, AFTER the harvest is collected by the farmer and collect only those scraps that are left on the ground!

The object is not to deprive the farmer of even a grain of his crop; nor to embarass him by asking alms. Alms would have been given most readily, but the farmer might make sacrifices in the process (as did this Brahmin).

Then to grind the scraps by hand using a stone grinder to produce the barley flour.

Then to cook the flour to obtain the edible product.

And not to collect or store any more than one day's need! Since the right way for a sanyasin is to follow "akash-britti". Or to be as free as the open skies.

3. The mongoose is a ferret like animal, living in a burrow. Deadly enemy of the snake. Very common in India and the stuff of much folklore.

Remember 'Rikki-tikki-tavi in the 'Jungle Biik' by Rudyard Kipling?

If you don't, here is a reminder:

Some translators translate it as a weasel but that is incorrect.

4. The story also illustrates the complex inter-relationships in the Hindu family structure. Roughly the hierarchy goes as follows:

Mother - the highest. It is beautifully illustrated by the State saying in Nepal. Here is the original Sanskrit sloka:

Janani Janmabhumishcha Svargadapi Gariyasi!

Here is a translation:

Even more glorious than heaven;
___are one's Mother and one's land of birth.

Father - next.

Both are living deities to the sons and daughters.

Son - Very important as the son performs the after death rites. Hence the reference in this story, 'the Father lives through the son'.

Daughter/Daughter in law - Same for another reason, the survival of the species.

Regards.

Prashna

Durga Puja

Hi all,

The number 3 is auspicious in so many cultures!

Witness for example: The trinity: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Or just the simple 3 Primary colours, without which the modern TV system or this MB would be so much poorer!

Or the 3 Gunas in Sanatana Dharma, Satya, Raja and the Tamas.

Or even that constant, the speed of light 3 x 10 exp 8 m/s. See, for example:

Or even the nearest integer to Pi, the transcendental number, which is beyond evaluation!

So it’s right and proper that my third story should take us to the heart of Sanatana Dharma, as I know it!

It’s from Shree Shree Chandii, or Devi MAhAtmyam, Chapters 2 to 4.

It concerns Ma Durga. It’s especially relevant to me as the Durga Puja is probably the most significant Puja in what used to be known as Gaudiya.

It would be celebrated on 17-21 October, 2007 or the sixth to the tenth day of MahAShukla Paksha, the fortnight leading to the great full Moon when LakshmiPuja takes place.

So what or who is Ma Durga?

A casual observer might see an idol of a female figure with ten arms (really?), riding a lion (how plausible is that?), slaying a male figure half emergent from a water-buffalo (oh, please! Pull the other one!)

And from that conclude very rightly that Hindus are ignorant savages, bent on idol worship!

Nothing, but nothing, could be further from the truth!

So the next story is an attempt to set the record straight.

Regards.

Prashna

Ma Durga and Mashishasura.

Hi all,

This is the story of Ma Durga:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In the olden days, there arose an asura by the name of mahisAsura, who had the boon of immortality from BrahmA. With that boon, he became the King of Asuras and conquered all the devas (deities). The devas were reduced to roaming around on mortal Earth!

So, the deities, Brahma, Indra and the others sought the refuge of Vishnu and Shiva and narrated the story of their humiliation. On hearing the injustice, the brows of Vishnu and Shiva became furrowed. A great light shone from their countenance as did from those of Brahma, Indra, Chandra, Varuna and all the deities. The dazzling radiance obscured the Sun itself and coalesced to a female form.

The radiance of Shambhu formed her face, that of Yama her tresses of hair, and of Vishnu her arms! That of Chandra (the Moon) her breasts, Indra her torso, Varuna her thighs and Earth her hips.

The radiance of Brahma formed her feet, Sun her toes, the eight Basus her fingers and Kuvera her nose!

Fire itself formed her eyes, the Sandhyas her eyebrows, and the breeze her ears. Indeed, she was formed from the combined energies of all the deva’s and devi’s (deities).

Seeing her thus, all the deva’s and devi’s were filled with joy! Shiva gave her a trident from his own, Vishnu a chakra from his Sudarshana Chakra. Varuna gave her the battle-conch, Fire the shakti (energy weapon) and Pavana (the skies) gave her a celestial bow and ever-full quiver.

Indra, the King of the deities gave her his own thunderbolt, and a bell from the neck of the celestial elephant airAbat. Yama, the King of death, gave her his own sceptre, Varuna, the king of the oceans, gave her a noose from his own and the creator BrahmA one bead from his neckalace of Rudraksha beads and a replica of his sacred kamandalu!

Divakar, the Sun, bestowed his radiance to every hair root of hers, Time itself gave her his scintillating scimitar and impenetrable shield, the milk-ocean gave her the iridescent Pearl necklace, self-renewing garments and a full set of jewellery. The divine blacksmith ViswakarmA, gave her the sharpest battle-axe, and the unassailable protective field.

The bottomless ocean gave a fadeless Lotus for her head, and a necklace of the same for her breast, and one more for her palm. The king of the Mountains, Himalaya, gave her the lion as her mount and jewels galore. The king of the serpents, Vasuki, gave her the bejewelled snake necklace, and all the deities gave her their ornaments and weapons.

Equipped thus, the Mother of creation, Durga, approached the battlefield to face Mahishasura. Her roars filled the skies, their reverberations echoed across the Earth.

Mahishasura was overcome with anger! With countless asuras he approached the source of the sound! And found the Devi, whose radiance illuminated the three worlds, at whose footsteps trembled the Earth, the twang of whose bow reverberated across the seven regions!

The assembled asuras began to cast their weapons on Devi. She cut them all. Her outgoing breath turned into battalions who fought the asuras. Her mount alone destroyed innumerable asuras.

The battle ground became a river, red with flowing blood from the asuras. It became a mountain of flesh, freshly slain. Just as a raging firestorm turns a forest to cinders, so the Devi turned the assembled asuras to corpses.

With the asura army decimated, their chief, Chikksura himself, entered the battle field. Devi cut down his arrows, then his horse, then his chariot. So Chikksura, on foot attacked Devi with his sword and wounded her mount. Devi just broke his sword in two. He threw his unfailing Javelin at Devi. BhadraKali just cut it and Chikksura with her own.

Then came ChAmarasura and BirAlAsura. Same fate. Finally MahishAsura.

He took the form of the water buffalo and attacked Devi’s mount. Devi got angry! She threw her noose and trapped MahishAsura. MahishAsura. Assumed the form of a lion and Devi severed his head. MahishAsura. Assumed the form of a fighting male and Devi pierced his chest with an arrow. MahishAsura.took the form an elephant and began to pull Devi’s mount with his trunk. Devi cut down the trunk. And so it went on for 3 days.

Devi took one sip from the glass of nectar given by Kuvera and said

“Roar, Roar, o ignorant one, so long as I drink of this nectar.
For soon enough you will die by my hand, to the delight of the devas!”

Devi then thrust her trident into the heart of MahishAsura, in water-buffalo shape. MahishAsura emerged then in the form of man. While he was only half-emerged, Devi cut him down with her scimitar!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
That's the form that is usually seen in the form of the idol of Ma Durga.

What follows then are some of the most beautiful passages in Sanatana Dharma, that I know of.

But that will have to wait for another day, for I have run out of time.

Regards.

Prashna

Hi Prashna,

So Dharma is the opportunity to make the best of all circumstances and conditions.....by learning to embrace ...EVERY....situation , whether good or bad.With pure thoughts and actions.

Again, great stories.......

I'm attending a chant evening on Saturday....always a powerful spiriitual event

Om shanti shanti shanti

Oakapple xx

Hi Prashna,

So Dharma is the opportunity to make the best of all circumstances and conditions.....by learning to embrace ...EVERY....situation , whether good or bad.With pure thoughts and actions.

Om shanti shanti shanti

Oakapple xx

Thank you, Oakapple,

for your appreciation.

Your comment on Dharma is so far-reaching, so profound that I cannot do justice to it on this thread. As I see it, it is nothing short of asking the most fundamental question yet:

What is faith for?

That has implications far beyond Sanatana Dharma and so does deserve a special thread. Here then I shall give the most superficial response to your question.

In a way, yes! And it is incredible, yet fitting that you say so.

Let me answer you with yet another allegory.

Does the Sun ever discriminate between the poison ivy and the fields of corn? It shines on both equally.

Such is the final nature of dharma! It enables a very very few to become so pure that they can see the sin but not the sinner, so clear in their mind that they can act without desire and become free of all attachment.

That is heaven on Earth or transcending mortal existence while still in mortal form. Like that pure Brahmin and his family!

So yes, but only for a very very few. Even trying to achieve that is a blessed enterprise.

I was not actually thinking of that most rarefied of states.

I was thinking of climbing a very tall spire with external footholds. It's better not to look down, for one might suffer from vertigo and fall down. Also not to look up, then one might despair and give up (and fall down).

Better just to concentrate on one foothold at a time, always going up, even if falteringly...

Regards.

Prashna

Hi Prashna,
Just a couple of questions;

Could you tell me about the divisions of time within the day. You mention the sixth division.

What are the Unccha Vows.

When are they observed.

How long are they observed.

Are these vows still practiced, Today

Many Thanks

Oakapple xx

Clarification of Unchha vow

Hi Prashna,

Just a couple of questions;

Could you tell me about the divisions of time within the day. You mention the sixth division.

What are the Unccha Vows.

When are they observed.

How long are they observed.

Are these vows still practiced, Today

Many Thanks

Oakapple xx

Hi Oakapple,

Many thanks for your interest.

The day of 12 hours is divided in 8 equal divisions from sunrise to sunset. Assuming those to occur at 6 am and 6 pm precisely, the sixth division would be 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

I did try to explain the Unchha vow in post 8 in this thread. I think the nearest translation of the Sanskrit word would be 'rejected' or 'left behind' referring to the grains of corn on the ground in the field.

Can be observed at any time of the year; duration = indefinite, or unto death.

A vere austere vow indeed. I do not think it is observed or even much heard of today!

It would be most impractical to attempt it today, nor is it necessary, I believe.

All that is necessary is to dedicate every grain of food and every drop of water to the Infinite before every meal. Very much like saying grace for a Christian. Except that it has to come from the heart of everyone present.

Easy to say, not so easy to achieve!

Regards.

Prashna

Great stories Prashna. Thanks 🙂

Hi Prashna !

Thanks for the thought-provoking, and inspirational stories...very deep !

Have you got any more you can share?

Live long and prosper !

Nev.

Starry nights!

Have you got any more you can share?

Nev.

Hi Nev,

My wife, two sons and I were sharing a precious family holiday in New York, over ten years ago, now! One evening, we took a stroll under the Empire State Building. We looked up and could not see the radio tower at the top. The clouds were low that evening!

Another evening we went up, and could see for 20 miles across the sea, beyond Liberty Island, Statten Island and so on.

It's like that!

I look back and sometimes it's a haze and on other times a sky glittering with stars!

I shall try to share the starry nights!

Regards.

Prashna

Hi all,

The next story also comes from mahabharata,

The references first:

<a class="go2wpf-bbcode" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href=" http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/index.htm "> http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/index.htm

Chapter 3, Sections CCLXLII to CCCVIII.
Pativrata-mahatmya Parva

Or if you prefer, as I do:

<a class="go2wpf-bbcode" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href=" http://www.hinduwebsite.com/sacredscripts/maha05.asp "> http://www.hinduwebsite.com/sacredscripts/maha05.asp

This last one is in superb verse, as the mahabharata is.

It's called 'Woman's love'. Why?

You are about to find out.

Regards.

Prashna.

Woman’s Love

Hi all,

A long, long time ago, in a land far away, in the land of Madra, the childless King Asvapati prayed to Savitr for an offspring. She was pleased with his prayers and granted him his wish!

A little girl was born and Brahmins of the court named her Sabitri.

Sabitri grew to be a beautiful woman and her father, true to traditions, let her choose her husband to be. She wandered in the forests long and far and found Rishi Narada. She knew about the Rishi and so she told him that she fancied Satyaban, Prince of Salwa.

Narada, knowing what was to be, warned her and advised against.

So King Asvapati asked Narad, why? What's wrong with Satyaban?

Narada answered, “The Sun itself shines in him, as does the wisdom of Brihaspati (Jupiter). His patience is that of the Earth, and and valour that of Indra!”

The king was perplexed, and frankly a little annoyed. Wouldn’t you be?

“Why then, the hesitation, I don’t understand.”

Narada answered : “In 12 month’s time, Satyaban will die!”

The King begged his daughter “Please. Please, heed the counsel of Narada. Choose another husband!”

The ever-blessed Sabitri answered, “The blessed Narad counsels well. But, once I have given my heart to Satyaban, I cannot give it to another! Whether he lives or dies, he is my husband. I choose him, even if your poor Sabitri goes into wilderness!”

Ah well! What would you do? Except, swear at your obstinate daughter! Fat lot of good that would do!

12 months passed!

Sabitri prayed. The old Brahmins blessed her fervently,
"Widow may'st thou never be,"

Satyavan left for the forest to collect wood as usual. But this was no ordinary day and Sabitri was apprehensive. She begged the blessing of his parents and accompanied him to the forest. But Satyaban became weary and finally laid his head on the loving lap of beautiful Sabitri for one last longing look. And then he was no more!

A dark shadow fell across Satyaban's body as Yama came to collect the immortal soul of Satyaban. Most mortals would have feinted at the sight of the Grim Reaper!

Sabitri was made of sterner stuff!

Southbound went Yama and Sabitri just followed the dark shadow. Yama tried to persuade Sabitri not to follow, where no mortals may tread! Tough! Yama had met his match!

Sabitri, pure of heart and steady of purpose, said to Yama “ The wife and the husband are one, so the shastras say. Should you take my husband, take me also. For nothing can divide a faithful wife from her loving husband!"

We have but four duties: to study the shruti, to live as good householders, then to live in penance, but finally and above all in eternal truth and deathless love!

Yama said "Fair wife of pure heart. True are your words and ask for any boon, other than that the dead come to life!"

Sabitri said, "My husband's father is weak and blind. Grant him his vigour and his sight!"

"Done" said Yama and boarded the black boat to cross the river of life. Sabitri clung to his shadow. Yama said "Go back, Sabitri, faint and weary. No mortal may cross the river of life!"

That noblest of women replied " Neither faint nor weary is Sabitri. Whatever is the fate of the husband is the fate of his loving wife!"

Yama was getting desperate! More bribery was needed. "I give you another boon. Ask me for anything, except that the dead come to life."

Sabitri said " His kingdom and riches my husband's father lost. Restore his pride and his self-esteem, if you would."

"Done" said Yama, hoping to get rid of Sabitri at last!

And Sabitri still followed!

"What now" Yama asked "Ask me for one last boon and then you must leave."

"Let the father of my husband's line not end. Let my husband nor his father not be deprived of the holy waters!"

"Done" said Yama. "Your husband will live again and you will have a son who will be King."

Under the tree, the lifeless body of Satyaban stirred. Helped by Sabitri, he got up. Hand in hand they returned.

The rest is the stuff of Hindu legends and heritage.

Regards

Prashna

Hi all,

As I have stated already, the Lakshmii Puja has been celebrated already. I wonder how many Hindus actually appreciate the concept of Lakshmii!

So it is with that spirit that my next story begins!

Lakshmii is a Sanskrit word, a very peculiar one!

Lakshma = Aim (very roughly)

Lakshmii then is simply the feminine gender of the word.

So Ma Lakshmii is not a deity at all, but a concept?

But aren't Hindu deities personifications of concepts?
Simply a device to realise the Absolute, the Infinite, Brahman, if you like!

Now, why is that so objectionable?

To me, it isn't, as I believe in Advaita!

So the next story from mahabharata yet again, is about aim!

Or lakshma, without which our entire existence becomes meaningless!

Regards. 🙂

Prashna

lakshma - the aim!

So well illustrated in this story from the Mahabharata, Chapter 1 Adi-Parva, sub-chapter: sambhaba parva. Section CXXXIV. See:

The Aim.

Dronacharya, the Royal preceptor in the Martial Arts, had finished his training of the Kuru Princes. He had a son though, one called ashwathAmA. Naturally, he wanted his son to learn a bit more than the others! Ah well, who can blame him? Wouldn't you wish your own flesh-and-blood to be the very best?

So Drona devised a cunning plan. Every day he would give each of his Royal pupils a NARROW-mouthed pitcher to fill with water from the river nearby and bring it back to him before his training could begin!

And he gave his own son a WIDE- mouthed pitcher!
Crafty devil! But, who can blame him?

Well, Arjuna, the third Pandava was having none of this!

He used his Varuna weapon, to fill the pitcher and so return to Drona at the same time as Ashwathama. Thus he became as well versed in the divine weapons as the preceptor's son, ashwathAmA!

At last, the exams came. As any parent would know, this was not a happy time!

Drona decided on an Archery test! So he set up a wooden bird, a vulture, on top of a tree! Then he called all the princes and set them the task:

to severe the neck of the WOODEN bird!

He called upon Yudhishthira, the eldest, and asked "what do you see?" Yudhishthira replied truthfully, as was his wont, "I see the bird on the tree". But Drona was not to be deterred!

He asked again, "Do you not see me, or your brothers or the tree?"

Yudhishthira replied
"I see all of these, and the bird, O learned preceptor".

Drona uttered just one word "NEXT"...

One by one the Princes came. All met the same fate...

Arjuna came. Drona asked him "Do you see the bird, the tree and me?" Arjuna replied *I see the bird, but not the tree nor yourself".

Drona pressed him again " Describe the bird to me!" he commanded.

Arjuna replied "I cannot. I see only the neck, not its head nor its body!"

Drona uttered just one word: "shoot!"

There was a twang and a soft thud!

The head of the wooden vulture fell on the ground!

Regards.

Prashna

Avatar of Shiva

Hi all,

The next story is about avatars of Shiva. Now, that is difficult. Because while the ten avatars of Vishnu are well known to every Hindu, these are not quite so well known. Besides, I have a great difficulty with these.

Following the lead of Rishi Bankim, I see an avatar as a deity descended in a particular form and therefore subject to all the limitations of that form. Rishi Bankim wrote a brilliant essay called “Krishna Charitra” in which he demonstrated how that exacting criteria is met by the character of Krishna.

It is difficult for me even to try to fit the shoes of Rishi Bankim.
You see, my shoe size is a mere 10!

Nevertheless, there is a short episode in Mahabharata, where an avatar of Shiva in the form of a Kirata (a hunter) is described.

Very transient is that avatar, but an avatar nonetheless.

So the next story is taken from Vana Parva (Forest Chapter) of Mahabharata, episodes, ‘Kirata’ and Indraloka arohan (ascent to the region of Indra).

Enjoy,

Prashna

Arjuna and the Hunter - Part 1.

Arjuna’s austerity

As agreed, the five Pandava brothers, Princess Draupadi and their party had left Hastinapur for 12 years of austerity in the forests. Even if they survived the forest, they had to spend a year in complete disguise. If anyone recognized them during that year, they would have to spend another 12 years of austerity in the forests. Even if they fulfilled all conditions, Duryodhana was unlikely to return their kingdom to them without a fight. A fight in which he would be assisted by Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Karna and many others. They had celestial weapons at their command. The pandavas had none. No wonder Yudhishthira was concerned.

Vyasa came to visit them and hearing about the predicament suggested that Arjuna should set off to the Himavat (the Himalayas) and pray to Shiva for celestial weapons. As Yudhishthira’s command, Arjuna left Kamyaka for Himavat on his mission.

Soon he entered the dense and desolate forests at the foothills of Himavat. Undaunted, he strove onwards and upwards to the regions where fresh springs joined to form turbulent rapids with water crisp and clear, reflecting the blue skies above. Swans and Cranes came there without fear and the morning was greeted by the sweet strains of the Kokila and the dazzling wing spread of the peacock. Enchanted by the solitude and stillness, Arjuna began his austerities there. Once clad in princely attire, he now wore only rags and ate only fallen leaves and fruits every third night!

A month passed. The second month, he ate every sixth night and the third once a fortnight. When the fourth month came, the son of Pandu began to subsist on air alone!

Gone was the peace of the forest. The Rishis were very much troubled and went to Shiva and said “we know not what Partha wants! But whatever it is, his austerities are causing great suffering.” Mahadeva (another name for Shiva) smiled and re-assured them. “I know what he wants. He longs not for heaven, or prosperity, or long life. And I will accomplish, even, this day, all that is desired by him.”

So it happened that Mahadeva took the form a Kirata (a hunter) and went to where Arjuna was. Uma (his consort) took the form of huntress by his side. Various spirits took the forms of huntress women and accompanied the most handsome of Gods. At the same time a Danava (a monster) called “Muka” took the form of a wild boar and approached Arjuna in a menacing manner. Arjuna, unperturbed, picked up his Gandiva.

Now this was no ordinary bow. This was the celestial bow of Vishnu given to Arjuna by the Fire Deity Agni together with a pair of inexhaustible quivers. Even the sight of it was enough to cause lesser animals to flee. But not this one. Arjuna gave one last warning:
“I came here in peace and done you no harm. Leave me in peace or prepare to meet Yama.”

( Note: Yama is the Grim Reaper. None may meet him and return). The boar crouched ready to charge. So he picked up one arrow, placed it on the bowstring and pulled it back. But he heard another bow being pulled.

The Kirata, seeing Arjuna in danger, also had picked up his bow and taken aim. He warned Arjuna, “I took aim first, the boar is my rightful hunt.” Ignoring the Kirata, Gandivi (wealder of the Gandiva, another name for Arjuna) released his arrow with deadly accuracy. Simultaneously, another arrow, from Kirata’s bow, was speeding towards its target. Both pierced the boar’s heart at the same instant. As the boar in its dying moments assumed its natural Danava form, Arjuna turned towards the Kirata. “Who are you accompanied by all these women? Are you not afraid of the perils of this fearsome forest? I aimed first and by the rules of the chase that boar is mine. Leave or die!”

The Kirata assured Arjuna “Don’t worry on our account. We live here, this is our home and hunting is our life! Unaccustomed to the rigors of forest life and brought up in luxury, what are you doing here? The boar was killed by my arrow, I took aim first. For your false claim, you shall die at my hand.”

But the vanquisher of Takshak and Indra was not to be denied.
“For that challenge, I shall take your life!”

The Kirata was amused. “ Oh yeah!” he said “you and who else?

He was referring to the occasion when Agni consumed the Khandava forest, helped by the dynamic duo.
No, not the indomitable SuperHeroes of Marvel Comics, only Arjuna and Shree Krishna.

But that’s another story.

...............................................continued..........

Arjuna and the Hunter - Part 2.

Arjuna fights the Kirata

“All right, son of Pandu, do your worst!” said the Kirata, calmly!

Arjuna showered the Kirata with arrows. And when his right arm got tired, Sabyasachi shot with the left. Sabyasachi means ambidextrous. It was another name for Arjuna, because he could shoot equally with either arm.

No doubt Rocket Ronnie heard the story and got the inspiration to use the cue with either hand on the snooker table.
With magical results, as the experts agree.

The Kirata just caught the arrows and threw them to one side. If this seems far-fetched, you need to re-visit the circus and see those knife acts again! And then see some oriental Martial Arts display from the Masters and get really hooked. Ouch!

Arjuna was puzzled. Who or what is this creature! Even Devas, Yakshas, or Asuras could not withstand the Gandiva for so long. Is he Rudra himself? Or Neelakantha (= the Blue throated one, another name for Shiva) who alone can withstand all destruction!

Soon even the inexhaustible quivers were empty!

Desperately, Arjuna struck the Kirata with the Gandiva. The kirata simply snatched the celestial bow from Arjuna’s hand! Arjuna picked up his all-severing scimitar and struck at the Kiratas head with all his might. The blade shattered as though it had hit a block of granite!

Arjuna picked up tree branches, huge boulders, anything to hit the Kirata with. He was still there! At last, exhausted and baffled, Arjuna started to fight with his bare hands. He tried to overcome the Kirata with a crushing embrace; but was himself crushed and lost consciousness!

On regaining consciousness, Arjuna made a clay idol of his chosen deity Shiva and placed a garland of fallen leaves on the idol. The garland vanished and appeared on the neck of the Kirata!

Arjuna fell prostrate on the feet of Kirata and began his obeisance:

“God of gods are you, cause of all causes.
___Refuge of all devas are you, absolver of all sins.
Mahadeva are you, destroyer of the Daksha yajna ( sacrifice).
___Wielder of the Trishula (=Trident) are you, Dancer of destruction

Triple eyed are you, of throat blue with poison
___Ash covered are you, with hair matted in locks
Shiva in the form of Vishnu are you, and Vishnu as Shiva
___Creator of the Universe, and its destroyer

O Hari, O Rudra, I bow to thee. Forgive me my errors,
___as the bright Sun dispels the mist!”

...................................................continued........

Arjuna and the Hunter - Part 3.

Arjuna gains the celestial weapons

Hara (another name for Shiva) said “I forgave you before you even picked up the Gandiva. Arise, O foremost of men! Ask me for your heart’s desire”

Thus emboldened, Arjuna said “I ask of you that celestial weapon Brahmashira- which can destroy the entire universe-so that by your grace, the Pandavas may have an equal chance to attain victory against Duryodhana aided as he is by Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Kripa and other great warriors.”

Mahadeva replied “So be it. You shall have that favourite weapon of mine called the Pashupata. You, son of Pandu, are capable of calling, launching and recalling it. Not Indra, nor Yama, nor the king of the Yakshas, nor Varuna, nor Vayu, knows it. But it will be yours. I give you back your Gandiva and the inexhaustible quivers which I emptied by my Maya (illusion).

I shall teach you the Mantras to launch the Pasupat by the bow, the mind, the eye and by words, or recall it at will”. With mind purified and body cleansed, Arjuna approached the task with absolute concentration. Mahadeva then imparted to Arjuna the secret knowledge of that weapon, which began to wait upon Arjuna as it did upon Shankara. At that moment, mountains and mines, seas and forests, villages and towns trembled. Stormsand twisters began to blow. Pinaki (another name for Shiva) then took away all the weariness and injuries from the body of Arjuna and commanded him to go to heaven so that other devas could bestow their gifts to him.

His mission done, Mahadeva together with Uma and the other spirits then vanished. In their place came the foremost of devas, led by Yama, who gave Arjuna celestial vision so that he could see them in their glory. Yama blessed Arjuna first and gave him his own Danda (a form of mace) along with the invocations to call, launch and recall it. Then Varuna, Lord of the Oceans, gave him his irresistible noose (with which thousands of Daityas had been rendered immobile) along with the invocations to call, launch and recall it. Kubera, the Lord of treasures, gave him celestial vision and Antardhyana, which could send enemies to sleep with which Shankara (another name for Shiva) had slain Tripura, the mighty demon.

Then they all blessed him, commanded him to go to heaven and disappeared.

As Arjuna was pondering about their command, there was a distant roar in the skies above him. The roar grew louder and became a long blazing streak. Arjuna turned away his eyes to avoid being blinded by the fast-approaching light. It resolved into the StarShip adorned with the Vaijayanta flag, belonging to Indra and piloted by Captain Matali.

Matali said “your father has sent this chariot so that he can see you without delay. Come, let’s not keep the Devas and the Yakshas, the Gandharvas and the Apsaras, the Rishis and Mahadeva himself waiting!”

"Arjuna replied, 'O Matali, please give me a moment to be ready to mount this vessel, that cannot be attained even by hundreds of Rajasuya and Ashwamedha yajnas. Without ascetic merit, one cannot even see or touch this StarShip, let alone ride on it. O blessed one, after you have rested and recalibrated the Star Charts and after the exhausted diLithium crystals have been regenerated in the pure waters of the Ganga, I will ascend it. Let me prepare myself."

Arjuna first purified himself by immersion in the Ganga, duly repeated his daily prayers and gratified the Pitris (forefathers) with oblations of water. Lastly, he invoked the Mandara mountains thus—
'O mountain, you are ever the refuge of Munis (Ascetics) and hold numerous sacred shrines. By your grace, men attain heaven, and enjoy the company of immortals. O king of mountains, happily have I dwelt on your slopes. Now it’s time for me to leave and wish you goodbye.”

Arjuna was welcomed with open arms at the court of Indra who gave him his own thuderbolt. He also learnt the arts of dancing and singing which was to be very useful in the 13th year of exile. He also got accursed by Urvasi, the divine dancer! This was an invaluable boon in disguise!

But that’s another story!

Prashna

Hanuman

Hi all,

AFAIK, Hanuman was the offspring of ‘Pavana’ or ‘Vayudeva’ (this means wind-deity). You can find the relevant info in

Skanda Purana part 2 (of 7) Vashnava Khand.
Here is an excerpt:

Vayudeva had once assured Anjana that he would take birth as her son. Anjana did not conceive despite a long married life. As advised by Rishi Matang, she went to Akashganga tirth to ask providence for a son. The location is described in the reference I cited, although inevitably for historical reasons the directions have become obscure.

Anyway, she went to the holy shrine of ‘Swamipushkarni’ by the river ‘Suvarnamukhari' at the foot of the mountain ‘Venkentachal’. She did a full immersion in the holy river ‘Suvarnamukhari', sought the blessings of ‘Shree Varahaswami’ and ‘Shree Venketeshwar’ and went North to reach the holy shrine of ‘Swami Teerth’ by the river ‘Akashganga’. There she did her penance as advised by Rishi Matang until ‘Vayudeva’ appeared and promised to incarnate as her son – Hanuman.

The rest is the stuff of Hindu legends…..

Hanuman in Mahabharata - prologue

Hi all,

The next story concerns Hanuman. Oh yes, that King of apes, who is one of the central characters in Ramayana. To this day monkeys are held in high regard all across Bharat, to the consternation of foreigners and indeed some Indians. But why?

Most Hindus know about Hanuman’s role in Ramayana, the stories of Gandhamadana and the reviving of Laksmana, the jump across the ocean to reach Shree Lanka, the burning of Shree Lanka; these are stories well known and well retold. Less well known is the occasion when Hanuman appeared before Bhima, in Mahabharata. Whether as an avatar of Hanuman or not is debatable!

But the story is extremely significant, not least because of the reverence with which Hanuman is regarded, even today by many Hindus. It comes from the VanaParva (Forest episode – episode 3) of the Mahabharata.

Interested readers can read the original version in sections CXLV to CXLIX of Vana Parva here:

<a class="go2wpf-bbcode" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href=" http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03145.htm "> http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03145.htm

The following is my own rendering and the faults are entirely mine…

Yudhishthira, his brothers, Panchali (another name for Draupadi) and his faithful followers were in exile for 12 years as per the terms of the agreement. It was a drab and dismal existence, for a King and Prince’s and Princesses. Everyone needs a little something to brighten their life from time to time and Panchali was no different.

Come on, all the delightful female readers of this post:
Have you never hankered for a little Chanel7, or Christian Dior or Gucci perfume? Now, be honest, please!

Well, one day, the Royal Princess of incomparable beauty, Panchali found a little flower by her doorstep. Chance and a fickle wind had dropped it on her doorstep. Such flawless beauty. Such heavenly fragrance, Panchali just could not tear herself from that fallen bloom. She had to have a bunch!” (That flower was Parijat, that only grew in a sacred lake, unattainable by mortals)

But she was not in her normal abode, a Queen surrounded by a thousand consorts to fulfil her every wish! She was sad! But she had a husband who could not bear to see her sad face. His arms were strong, his strength and endurance legendary. His name, Bhimsen, the second Pandava, offspring of Vayudeva. He loved her very much and couldn’t bear to see her sad face.
He asked her “What ails thee, fair daughter of Panchal?”

Draupadi told him.

“Is that all?” Bhimsen said “I shall get you a hundred Parijats!”

And he set off. And in his journey to the celestial abode, met his elder brother, Hanuman.

The story of their meeting is the only reference I can find about the avatars of Hanuman, unless you know different…

Enjoy.

Prashna

Hanuman in Mahabharata - Part I

Bhima meets Hanuman

Bhima was off to find the lake where the elusive Parijat bloomed!

He wanted to offer a bunch to Draupadi to please her. Now, come on, all you male posters, who are lucky enough to be married and indeed those not so lucky. Have you never offered a bunch of flowers to your loved one?

Who can blame him?

Well, onwards and upwards, as they say. Bhima ended up in the dense forests at the foothills of the Himalayas. He was fed up and made sounds! Well, not exactly sounds, more like roars. This guy had a loud voice that could be heard from miles away. A bit like me, I suppose, only I am not so pleasant to hear.

Anyway, in that forest dwelt Hanuman. And he could hear Bhima loud and clear. He decided to do something about it. Like what, you may well ask!
Well, he just obstructed the path, that Bhima had to pass. Hanuman just lay across the narrow path, pretended to be ill, overcome with drowsiness, started yawning and lashing his long tail. The lashings of his tail on the stony path made a big sound. If you don’t believe me, just try sharing a river with a ‘gator in the Northern Territories of Australia. If you don’t return, please send demands for compensations to lucus! You have been warned!

Well Bhima found the obstreperous Monkey all right and was mighty annoyed. He rored and the trees trembled. But the upstart Monkey seemed unperturbed. He barely opened one eye and said to Bhima:

“I am unwell and trying to rest. Why are you disturbing me? I am only an animal, ignorant of virtue. You are a human endued with reason, to show kindness towards creatures. Who are you and where are you headed? This is the path of the celestials, inaccessible to mortals. No mortal may cross this boundary and live. Why don’t you just rest here, enjoy the fruits and roots, that are like nectar? Please do not let yourself be destroyed for nothing”

Bhima asked, 'Who are you? And why have you assumed the shape of a monkey? I am of the Kuru clan of Chandra Bansha (lunar stock) and son of Pandu, and off spring of Vayu (the wind-deity). I am Bhimsen.'

Hanuman smiled, and said 'I am a monkey, I cannot allow you the passage you desire. Do not court destruction. Please go back. '

Bhima replied. 'The prospect of destruction does not bother me. Please give me passage. I have no wish to harn you.'

Hanuman said, 'I have no strength to rise as I am unwell. If you must continue, please feel free to jump over me.'

Bhima said, 'Nirakar Brahman takes form in all bodies. That, which cannot be known, I revere. And therefore, I cannot overleap you. If I had not known this, I would have leapt over you and also the mountain, even as Hanuman had bounded over the ocean.'

Hanuman said, 'Who is that Hanuman, who had leapt across the ocean?”

Bhima replied, "He is my brother, perfect in every way, and intelligent and strong, renowned in the Ramayana. With one leap he crossed the ocean extending over a hundred yojanas. That mighty one is my brother. I am equal unto him in energy, strength and prowess and also in fight. And able am I to punish thee. So arise. Give me passage or I shall send you to the abode of Yama."

Hanuman knew the score, and knew how proud of his own strength Bhima was. He said in a voice that was gentle and beguiling: 'Relent please, O sinless one. I am old and too weak to get up. Out of pity for me, please go, by just pushing aside my tail.'

Bhima thought to himself “No problem. How hard can that be?" He took hold of the tail with his left hand; but could not move that tail one inch! Then with both arms he pulled it. He could not even lift it an inch, much less shift it. He huffed and he puffed, eye-brows contracted, eyes rolled, face wrinkled and body covered with sweat.

Nothin’ doin’. The tail had not shifted by a mm, much less an inch!

...................................................continued.....

Hanuman in Mahabharata - Part 2

.....from above......................

Bhima with a red face, 'Relent, O foremost of monkeys; and forgive me for my harsh words. Who are you? I ask as a disciple, and seek your refuge.'

Hanuman said, 'O son of Pandu! O lotus-eyed one, I am the offspring of the wind-deity. I am a monkey, my name is Hanuman, devotee of Rama. I am your elder brother. I live here. O sinless one, this path is impassable to mortals. For this, O Bharata, as also with the view that none might defeat or curse you, have I obstructed thy passage to this path trod by the immortals. This is one of the paths to heaven, for the celestials; mortals cannot pass this way. But the lake in search of which you hast come, lies in that direction."

Bhimasena said, 'None is more fortunate than I am; now that I have seen my elder brother. Bless me with the sight of that incomparable form, which you had, in bounding over the ocean to reach Shree Lanka.

Hanuman said with a smile, 'That form of mine neither you, not any one else can behold. At that age, things were different.

In the subsequent paragraphs, Hanuman summarised the characteristics of the 3 previous yugas (ages), That summary is extremely significant in understanding Sanatana Dharma but I shall skip for now.

"Bhimasena said, 'Without beholding your former shape, I am not moving. If you care for me at all, show me your own shape."

Adamant trouble-maker, wasn’t he?
Well, Hanuman needed to get rid of him.

So he showed him that form. He assumed a gigantic body which was gigantic. Bhima closed his eyes. Thereupon, Hanuman addressed Bhima with a smile, saying,

'O sinless one, you can only see my size up to this extent. I can, however, go on swelling my size as long as I wish. And, O Bhima, amidst foes, my size increases exceedingly by its own energy.'

Bhima could not bear to look. He said 'My eyes have been blessed by the sight of the vast dimensions of your body. O highly powerful one, please decrease yourself now by your own power. “ But he wondered: “ Why then with you by his side did Rama have to encounter Ravana personally. You could have destroyed Lanka in an instant, with its warriors, horses, elephants and chariots. Surely, nothing is beyond your reach. Ravana together with his followers were no match for you alone!"

Hanuman replied solemnly: "As you say, that worst of Rakshasas was no match for me. But if I had slain Ravana, the glory of Raghu's son would have been obscured. For this, I left him alone.

Then contracting that huge body of his, which he had assumed at will, the monkey with his arms again embraced Bhimasena. And O Bharata, on Bhima being embraced by his brother, his fatigue went off, and his strength were restored.
Hanuman said: “O heroic son of Kunti, let not thy meeting with me be fruitless. As a younger brother asks of the elder, ask of me a boon, O Bharata. If this be thy wish, that going to Varanavata, I may destroy the insignificant sons of Dhritarashtra--even this will I immediately do. Or if this be thy wish that, that city may be ground by me with rocks, or that I may bind Duryodhana and bring him before thee, even this will I do to-day, O thou of mighty strength.”

But all Bhima wanted was this: “Just your blessing to conquer all foes. That’s all I desire.”

Hanuman said”
As a brother, I shall help you. Remaining on the flagstaff of Arjuna's chariot I shall emit fierce shouts that will damp the energy of your foes. Thereby you will slay them easily.'

Hence the name of Arjuna’s chariot

“Kapidhwaja Rath” = the chariot with the Monkey on the flagstaff.

Having said this to Bhima, and pointed him the way. Hanuman vanished at that spot.

a story to explain the forms of Natarajan and Natarajni

One day some sages heard Mahadevi the Great Goddess say that something had irritated her and she would perform a dance called Tandava (that means 'Wild' or 'Ecstatic'), and which causes the universal elements to dissolve. They went to Shiva, and told him that Ma was intending to destroy the universe. 'Just tell her not to it!' they begged.
Shiva remembered the last time he utterly forbade his wife to do something. It was when she had wanted to go her father Daksa's sacrifice, and Shiva had refused permission -- on the grounds that she could not look after herself without him. Bad move. She assumed ten awesome forms, one in each of the ten directions, so that whichever way he turned he saw the terrifying shape of the goddess before him, and he had been forced to give in -- with a certain loss of face. He thought an indirect approach might be better this time.

Shiva said to his consort, 'I see you're going to dance the Tandava today. Since I dance a bit better than you, I really should dance the Tandava. And you know, I just feel like meditating today'.
'What? Do you really think that you excel me something?' she asked.
'Well then, if you think not, we can have a dancing competition! I say that I can do things you can't, so I'm obviously the superior dancer. And these sages can judge. They wouldn't tell a lie to save the universe!'

They began to dance.
Every wonderful manouvre that Shiva performed Kali copied exactly. And because she had a female form, she looked better, even if she merely did what Shiva did.
The sages were amazed at the spectacle, but at the same time their fear rose. There was no way Shiva could possibly win a clear victory. In a few moments, Kali would do another dance, and they would all vanish along with everything else in the universe. 'Well at least we get to see something truly amazing before we enter oblivion' the sages thought.
Just then, with the dance about to end, Shiva turned his head suddenly, causing his earring to fall off.
He danced over to where it lay, picked it up with his toes, easily raised his foot to his ear, and dextrously replaced the earring on his ear with his toes. He did this all without breaking the rhythm, rather incorporated it into the dance as if it were a normal part of it.

Kali shook her head and smiled. For if she raised her foot up to her ear, everyone present would catch a look at her private parts!
The sages were all noble souls, purified by years of meditation and austerity -- but there was no way she would let them see her nether regions!
Feminine modesty prevailed. 'My Lord dances too well today!' she said with a smile.
The sages sighed; and eveyone laughed. 🙂

PS. Prashna asked me the ultimate source of the story but I could not remember it. Has anyone seen it on the net?