Stories From The Bhagawatham - Kardama And Devahuti

 

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One of Brahma’s sons was Kardama, a pious devotee of Lord Narayana. He had been advised by his father to create lineage and progenies in his family line.

On the banks of the Saraswati river, Kardama performed Tapas for several years. Lord Narayana, pleased with his devotion, appeared before him.

“I am indeed fortunate that You have appeared before me!” Kardama said to the Lord, prostrating at His feet. “You are the ultimate knowledge, and to realise You, people perform penance. One vision of You puts an end to every little desire in the human mind. Yet, I have been commanded by my father to assist in the task of creation, and I have to ask you for a suitable mate for me. Although I ask a worldly desire from You, I request you to grant me dispassion and non-attachment to perform my duties and also abandon the world for Your sake when it is time for me to do so. Kindly grant me this boon!”

“I know your mind, and I know that you live in this world like the dew drop on a lotus leaf.” Lord Narayana smilingly told Kardama. “I see the perfect mate for you. In a few days’ time. King Manu, the emperor of this world, and his wife Shatarupa, will come seeking you for a marriage alliance with their daughter Devahuti. She will be the perfect mate for you. Also, I am very pleased with your knowledge and devotion, and I will be born as your son who will extol the virtues of Sankhya Yoga in this world.”

Having said this, the Lord vanished and Kardama patiently waited for King Manu.

As per the Lord’s prophecy, the king visited Kardama and sought him for marriage to his daughter Devahuti. The alliance was fixed and the princess became the Rishi’s wife. Her devotion to Kardama equaled that of Devi Parvathy’s to Lord Shiva. Several days passed, and while Devahuti was the perfect wife, she had had her share of struggles. Kardama started noticing that she had lost weight in performing her duties. The princess-like glow from her face had vanished. Her eyes had lost their lustre. One day, she gently expressed her wish to become a mother.

Kardama, with his yogic power, created a floating palace in front of his Ashram, complete with lakes, pillars and gardens. He requested Devahuti to enter the lake Bindusaras that had formed by the tears of Lord Narayana, on seeing His devotee. To her amazement, Devahuti found many maidens waiting there to assist her. They prepared a perfumed bath for her and decked her in jewels and silks. When Devahuti stepped out of the lake, she could not recognize herself, for she now looked like a royal queen. When she looked at kardama, she saw that he too had changed physically and looked like a Gandharva.

Kardama took her hand and led her into the floating palace, which arose into the skies and roamed all over the world. Kardama and Devahuti spent several blissful years together in the palace. They became parents to nine daughters.

And then one fine day, Kardama realized that it was time to get back to the earth. Devahuti had known even before her marriage that Kardama would renounce his phase of Grihasthya (life as a householder) once his children came into the world and he had performed his duty of procreation. She told Kardama, “I know you had told my father before our marriage that you will have to renounce your life as a householder once our children come. I realize that the time is coming. But I am scared. How can I bear this separation? The children will grow up and get married and live in other houses. Who will be there with me? Please stay with me!”

Kardama gently wiped her tears and told her, “Lord Narayana has said that He will be born as our son. How fortunate are you, that the Lord will live in your womb! The Lord’s birth has a reason and you will know it soon.”

Devahuti filled her days with Tapas to welcome Lord Narayana as her child. With His yoga, the Lord entered her womb. The entire creation rejoiced when this miracle happened.

Lord Brahma along with several Rishis appeared at Kardama’s Ashram. “You have been the ideal son and have done your duties well.” The Lord said to Kardama. “Give your daughters to these Rishis in marriage. Lord Narayana has chosen you both as parents for a reason.” To Devahuti, the Lord said, “To you, and through you, Lord Narayana will teach the world the ultimate knowledge of Brahma Vidya. He will be the propagator of Sankhya Yoga and will be famed as Kapila. Your names will be remembered as the blessed parents of Kapila!”

Kardama’s daughters were accordingly married off to the Rishis, and the couple now awaited the Lord’s birth.

Before Kardama’s time came, he worshipped Kapila with these words. “How can I, with my limited intellect, describe Your greatness! You promised me that You would be born as my son, and here You are. Your love for your devotees knows no bounds. My words aren’t enough to praise You. You who are the womb of the entire universe, chose Devahuti’s womb to arrive into this world! My salutations to You, Kapila Vasudeva. Having seen You, and known You, I am rid of all my attachments. I am ready for my next phase of sanyasa. I will spend the rest of my life in Your contemplation, and now the purpose of my life will be to reach You.”

Kapila said, “My arrival is solely for the benefit of those wanting to escape the bondage of the human body. I am here to retrieve the forgotten Brahma Vidya and to save humanity. You have my blessings to adopt sanyas. You will see me in your heart and very soon you will attain me. As for my mother who is frightened, I will take care of her. I will teach her Atma Vidya and help her to realise the godliness within her.”

Kardama soon left for the forest where he spent his days in silent contemplation. He had no attachment or desires left and his mind attained tranquility. In such a frame of mind, Kardama, son of Lord Brahma and the father of the divine Kapila Vasudeva, attained oneness with Lord Narayana.

In the next part the link of which has been given below, we will read about Kapila’s teachings to his mother which form the essence of Sankhya Yoga.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Vaasudevaya!

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