Stories From The Bhagawatham - A Timeless Conversation, A Timeless Tradition!

 

In the last chapter of Bhagavatham, we read that Parikshit was humbled by the curse of Shringi and renounced his kingdom. After retiring to the banks of the Ganga, he went on prayopavesha (fasting till death).

At the banks of the river, he met many sages such as Narada, Atri, Vashista, Vishwamitra and many more. Parikshit was overwhelmed that so many people of wisdom had come to meet him. “I am blessed, there is no doubt. Surely I must have done some good deed in my past births, that you all have come to meet me. The Rishi who cursed me has in fact blessed me since I am now preparing for the next life in the presence of wise men like you. I have renounced everything and I am now ready for the next journey. I have only one wish - may my ears listen only to the glory of Lord Narayana in the last days of my life. Please advise me the course of action that is to be taken by someone at the point of their death so that they attain liberation.”

The Rishis suggested various ways such as yoga, Tapas and renunciation. However most of the ways were not possible since Parikshit did not have sufficient time in his hands. While everyone was pondering over this, Rishi Shuka arrived there.

Parikshit’s joy knew no bounds on seeing the great sage who was the son of Vyasa and who was righty considered as the most pious among Rishis. All the sages stood up in his presence and bowed to him. Parikshit fell on to his feet and shed tears of joy. “The Lord who protected me in my mother’s womb is still looking after me, otherwise how it would be possible that the great Shuka Rishi is standing in front of a sinner like me?? When great sages visit places, they sanctify the place and get rid of all the sins committed there. It is said that just thinking about great sages purifies the place. What then can be said when the great sages visit there personally!? I am indeed most fortunate. I humbly request you to advise me the right path as my death is near and I wish to attain the holy feet of Narayana.”

Shuka Rishi blessed everyone and took a seat. “The sole purpose of my visit is to tell you about the glories of Lord Narayana.” The Rishi said. “My father has composed the Bhagawatha Purana and taught me the same. I will recite the leelas of the Lord Narayana and make the last days of your life, the most glorious. The leelas will not only benefit you, but they will also uplift all those yet to come.”

The Rishi continued. “The lives of ordinary people are caught up in attachment to their homes, people and belongings. They do not follow the path of self-realization. When the moment of death comes, they should devote their minds to Lord Narayana and should meditate on His form. When life leaves the body while the mind is focused on the Lord, it attains the holy feet of the Lord. Before the end comes, people should spend their time listening to the glories of Narayana. The ears will only be two holes in the head if they do not listen to the leelas of the Lord. The tongue which doesn’t sing the glories of the Lord is just like the tongue of the croaking frog. That head is a burden which does not bow down to the Lord. The hands, no matter how beautifully decked with jewellery, will just like be the arms of a corpse, if they do not worship the Lord with flowers. The eyes which cannot imagine the beautiful vision of Narayana are just like the designs on the plumage of a peacock. Every person can find salvation if at the end of their lives, they devote their minds to Narayana. Parikshit, I will recite the entire Bhagawatha Purana to you in these seven days. You can be assured that all of humankind will benefit from this.”

Shuka Rishi then invoked the Lord Narayana in his mind and worshipped his father Vyasa, the author of the Bhagawatham. Then he recited the same over a period of seven days. True to his words, the Bhagawatham still continues to be a source of devotion and courage to devotees all over the world.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaaya!