Shishupala: the Cursed!!! Or the Tolerant

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Shishupala: the Cursed!!! Or the Tolerant © 2018 JETIR October 2018, Volume 5, Issue 10 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162) SHISHUPALA: THE CURSED!!! OR THE TOLERANT Abstract: The concept of curse and boon has been into the history since the advent of the civilization. The concepts like curse and boon itself are thought provoking and at times misleading. As we all know, curse is a kind of punishment that doesn’t involve any kind of mercy. It could be the worst form of irretrievable punishment. The word ‘curse’ has always made me think on the existence of mercy and love because psychologically it is proved that punishments and humiliation makes a man cruel and egoistic and also is the death of love, mercy and healthy living. It also makes me think whether there is any human being or a divine power or a person with supreme powers can bring in any kind of change in one’s life. A curse either acts as a blessing or a bane that alters your personality. If curses had to be feared and if they really had power to change a person’s destiny then what is the existence of divinity? The story of the curse is always tragic and doesn’t create any peace or harmony and a person who has the power of cursing someone can never be divine. This character Shishupala being one of the prominent characters of Kaliyuga, Mahabharata and the Hindu mythology represents a life of being cursed and punished for a wise man’s ego and doing his duty sincerely. This arises subtle questions like……. 1. What is the use of wisdom if one doesn’t control his or her anger? 2. What is the use of a curse that doesn’t teach you anything in the form of punishment? 3. Who judges whether the curse is fair or unfair? 4. Is curse humiliation rather than punishment? 5. Is curse giving birth to a rebellion? 6. What is the use of curse when it instills a poison tree deep down one’s heart and for several births? 7. If curse is powerful then why love God? While pondering on these thoughts, I came across the best example of victimization of a mythological character called as Shishupala. A brief introduction to Shishupala – Shishupala was the son of Damaghosha, king of CHEDI, and Srutashrava, sister of VASUDEVA and KUNTI. He was also called Chaidya, being a member of Chedi kingdom. He and DANTAVAKRA are considered to be the third and last cursed incarnation of Vishnu's gatekeepers JAYA AND VIJAYA. To answer the question like who are Jaya and Vijaya? Jaya and Vijaya are the gatekeepers of the abode of lord Vishnu. They are also ardent devotees of him. Once the Manasaputras of Lord Brahma Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara visited the abode of Vishnu for his Darshan. One thing they all have in common is, they all look like children irrespective of their age due to the power of their Thapas. Thinking that these four are children, Jaya and Vijaya block them at the entrance. They also tell the Kumaras that Shri Vishnu is resting and that they cannot see him now. The enraged Kumaras replied Jaya and Vijaya that Vishnu is available for his devotees any time, and cursed both the keepers Jaya and Vijaya, that they would have to give up their divinity, be born as mortals on Earth, and live like normal human beings. The first part of the introduction somehow strikes to me that these Manasaputras are none other than traits like ego, jealousy, anger, intolerance because I staunchly feel that if the children of God are not merciful to the meek(weak) then who will enlighten the paths of the weaker section of the society to grow profoundly and believe in the mercy and love of God. To continue with the story….. Vishnu appeared before them, and the gatekeepers requested Vishnu to lift the curse of the Kumaras. Vishnu says curse of Kumaras cannot be reversed. Instead, he gives Jaya and Vijaya two options. The first option is to take seven births on Earth as a devotee of Vishnu, while the second is to take three births as his enemy. After serving either of these sentences, they can re-attain their stature at Vaikuntha and be with him permanently. Jaya and Vijaya cannot bear the thought of staying away from Vishnu for seven lives. As a result, they choose to be born three times on Earth even though it would have to be as enemies of Lord Vishnu. In the first life they were born as Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha in the Krita Yuga, to Diti (daughter of Daksha Prajapathi) and sage Kashyapa who were killed by Vishnu taking the form of Varaha, a boar and Narasimha, a man-lion in the Satya Yuga. In their second life they were born as Ravana and Kumbhakarna and were killed by Vishnu who descended as Rama in the Treta Yuga. And in their third life as Shishupala and Dantavakra who were killed by Vishnu who descended as Krishna in the Dwapara Yuga. There were absolutely no mercy shown to the gatekeepers who were doing their duty. As they were not shown mercy and the judgement was not fair they chose to be the rebellions of Lord Vishnu for the next three lives which is a clear cut movement of rebellion against the divine thought. Here in my opinion the Demons were more powerful than the Gods. I find the Demons to be the heroes and the victims of caste, religion and spirituality whereas the Gods have always been hyprocritic and unfair to the large masses and has only turned these masses into large number of slaves. JETIR1810031 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org 135 © 2018 JETIR October 2018, Volume 5, Issue 10 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162) In the Mahabharata – The MAHABHARATA states that Shishupala was born with three eyes and four arms. His parents were inclined to cast him out, but were warned by a voice not to do so, as his time had not come. It was also foretold that his extra eye and arms should disappear when a certain person took the child into his lap, and that he would eventually die by the hands of that same person. Coming to visit his cousin, Krishna placed the child on his lap and the extra eye and arms disappeared indicating Shishupala's death was destined at the hands of Krishna. Shishupala's mother was happy to see her son being cured but she was aware of what was foretold and she pleaded Krishna, her nephew to forgive her son for his mistakes. Krishna took a vow that he would pardon his cousin Shishupala for a hundred offenses and that he will kill him if he exceeds the limit. After I read the story the question that multiplies in my mind is when Krishna was Shishupala’s cousin, how can he be treated as God? And who gave him the permission to kill Shishupala and consider him as Demon when both were mortals? We don’t get any logical answers to these questions. Hence I feel that there is been lot of injustice in calling one a Demon and other a God. To continue with the story….. RUKMI, the prince of VIDARBHA, was very close to Shishupala. He wanted his sister RUKMINI to marry Shishupala. But before the ceremony could take place, Rukmini was carried away by Krishna (according to her wish). This made Shishupala hate Krishna and he always thought of ways and means to avenge his disgrace. When Krishna knew that Rukmini’s brother wanted Shishupala to marry Rukmini, then why did he eloped with Rukmini? Why didn’t he convinced Rukmini to be an ideal sister and wife whom she would marry as per the Hindu marriage rituals? This makes us rethink on the validity of Krishna’s lordship. The unfair injust continues….. When YUDHISHTHIRA underwent the RAJASUYA Yagna, he sent BHIMA to obtain the fealty of Shishupala, now king after his father's death. Shishupala accepted Yudhishthira's supremacy with no protest, and was invited to the final ceremony at INDRAPRASTHA. At that event, the Pandavas decided that Krishna would be their honored guest. At that time Shishupala insulted Krishna as a coward and worthless to be honoured as a king. At the same event, he committed his 100th sin and was pardoned by Krishna. On insulting him again, which was considered as the 101st sin, Krishna released his Sudarshana Chakra on him and killed him on the spot. In the last part of the analysis I find Shishupala to be the most strongest and brave one as he had the guts to question Krishna and his question was genuine. Finally the hypocritic and the unfair system wins in the name of God and religion. JETIR1810031 Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) www.jetir.org 136 .
Recommended publications
  • Mahabharata Tatparnirnaya
    Mahabharatha Tatparya Nirnaya Chapter XIX The episodes of Lakshagriha, Bhimasena's marriage with Hidimba, Killing Bakasura, Draupadi svayamwara, Pandavas settling down in Indraprastha are described in this chapter. The details of these episodes are well-known. Therefore the special points of religious and moral conduct highlights in Tatparya Nirnaya and its commentaries will be briefly stated here. Kanika's wrong advice to Duryodhana This chapter starts with instructions of Kanika an expert in the evil policies of politics to Duryodhana. This Kanika was also known as Kalinga. Probably he hailed from Kalinga region. He was a person if Bharadvaja gotra and an adviser to Shatrujna the king of Sauvira. He told Duryodhana that when the close relatives like brothers, parents, teachers, and friends are our enemies, we should talk sweet outwardly and plan for destroying them. Heretics, robbers, theives and poor persons should be employed to kill them by poison. Outwardly we should pretend to be religiously.Rituals, sacrifices etc should be performed. Taking people into confidence by these means we should hit our enemy when the time is ripe. In this way Kanika secretly advised Duryodhana to plan against Pandavas. Duryodhana approached his father Dhritarashtra and appealed to him to send out Pandavas to some other place. Initially Dhritarashtra said Pandavas are also my sons, they are well behaved, brave, they will add to the wealth and the reputation of our kingdom, and therefore, it is not proper to send them out. However, Duryodhana insisted that they should be sent out. He said he has mastered one hundred and thirty powerful hymns that will protect him from the enemies.
    [Show full text]
  • Mahabaratha Tatparya Nirnaya - Introduction by Prof.K.T.Pandurangi
    Mahabaratha Tatparya Nirnaya - Introduction by Prof.K.T.Pandurangi CHAPTER XVII Rukmi’s initiative to arrange the swayamvara of Rukmini Rukmi the son of Bhishmaka planned to give Rukmini in marriage to Shishupala by arranging Swayamvara. Demon Ilvala was born as Rukmi.Such the son of Vahni also had entered him.He had studied Dhanurvidya from Druma and had secured the bow – Vijaya of Indra.This was equal in strength ot Gandiva and Saranga.When swayamvara was announced Jarasandha, Salva, Paundraka and Shishupala arrived.Sri Krishna also arrived seated on Garuda.When Shishupala and Dantavakra found that Krishna had arrived they pleaded with others not oppose to Krishna.After all they were originally devotees of Sri Krishna. However Jarasandha opposed it. Coronation of Sri Krishna Krishna was not duly coronated on the throne. Therefore he was not entitled for a seat in the swayamvara hall nor for any hospitality. They though if they did not provide him a seat he would go away.Kratha and Kaisika the brothers of Bhishmaka came to know of it.They took Krishna to their residence and arranged for their coronation.In the meanwhile a messenger of Indra came and advised the princes gathered to coronate Krishna. He said Indra would throw vajrayudha on them if they failed to carry out his order. Indra did not want Jarasandha, Rukmi,Salva and Shishupala to participate in the coronation of Sri Krishna.therefore he has asked them not to join. They also did not want to join.Indra sent a rich throne. Krishna made Garuda sit on the right side, Kratha , Kaisika and satyaki on left side.Then coronation bath was given using a golden pitcher.Krishna blessed Bhishmaka and said his daughter’s marriage would be auspicious.He revealed his Vishvarupa to him .Bhismaka saw infinite incarnations of Vishnu and Lakshmi in that Vishvarupa.Sri Krishna returned to Mathura.
    [Show full text]
  • Component-I (A) – Personal Details
    Component-I (A) – Personal details: Component-I (B) – Description of module: Subject Name Indian Culture Paper Name Outlines of Indian History Module Name/Title Mahajanapadas- Rise of Magadha – Nandas – Invasion of Alexander Module Id I C/ OIH/ 08 Pre requisites Early History of India Objectives To study the Political institutions of Ancient India from earliest to 3rd Century BCE. Mahajanapadas , Rise of Magadha under the Haryanka, Sisunaga Dynasties, Nanda Dynasty, Persian Invasions, Alexander’s Invasion of India and its Effects Keywords Janapadas, Magadha, Haryanka, Sisunaga, Nanda, Alexander E-text (Quadrant-I) 1. Sources Political and cultural history of the period from C 600 to 300 BCE is known for the first time by a possibility of comparing evidence from different kinds of literary sources. Buddhist and Jaina texts form an authentic source of the political history of ancient India. The first four books of Sutta pitaka -- the Digha, Majjhima, Samyutta and Anguttara nikayas -- and the entire Vinaya pitaka were composed between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE. The Sutta nipata also belongs to this period. The Jaina texts Bhagavati sutra and Parisisthaparvan represent the tradition that can be used as historical source material for this period. The Puranas also provide useful information on dynastic history. A comparison of Buddhist, Puranic and Jaina texts on the details of dynastic history reveals more disagreement. This may be due to the fact that they were compiled at different times. Apart from indigenous literary sources, there are number of Greek and Latin narratives of Alexander’s military achievements. They describe the political situation prevailing in northwest on the eve of Alexander’s invasion.
    [Show full text]
  • Inquiries Into the Absolute
    Inquiries into the Absolute (A collection of thought provoking & intriguing answers given by His Holiness Romapada Swami for questions raised by devotees on various spiritual topics) Shri Shri Radha Govinda, Brooklyn, NY We invite you to immerse yourself into the transcendental answers given by Srila Romapada Swami! These sublime instructions are certain to break our misconceptions into millions of pieces and to deepen our understanding of various topics in Krishna consciousness. Compilation of weekly digests 1 to 242 (Upto December 2007) His Holiness Srila Romapada Swami Maharaj! Everyone one likes to inquire. Srila Prabhupada writes, "The whole world is full of questions and answers. The birds, beasts and men are all busy in the matter of perpetual questions and answers... Although they go on making such questions and answers for their whole lives, they are not at all satisfied. Satisfaction of the soul can only be obtained by questions and answers on the subject of Krishna." -- Purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.5 "Inquiries into the Absolute" is a wonderful opportunity provided by Srila Romapada Swami to help us fruitfully engage our propensity to inquire and seek answers. Please take advantage! Guide to “Inquiries into the Absolute” om ajïäna-timirändhasya jïänäïjana-çaläkayä cakñur unmélitaà yena tasmai çré-gurave namaù I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, who has opened my eyes, blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge. ‘Inquiries into the Absolute’, is a weekly email digest comprising of thought provoking and sublime answers given by His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaj to the questions raised by devotees on myriad spiritual topics.
    [Show full text]
  • A Comprehensive Guide by Jack Watts and Conner Reynolds Texts
    A Comprehensive Guide By Jack Watts and Conner Reynolds Texts: Mahabharata ● Written by Vyasa ● Its plot centers on the power struggle between the Kaurava and Pandava princes. They fight the Kurukshetra War for the throne of Hastinapura, the kingdom ruled by the Kuru clan. ● As per legend, Vyasa dictates it to Ganesha, who writes it down ● Divided into 18 parvas and 100 sub­parvas ● The Mahabharata is told in the form of a frame tale. Janamejaya, an ancestor of the Pandavas, is told the tale of his ancestors while he is performing a snake sacrifice ● The Genealogy of the Kuru clan ○ King Shantanu is an ancestor of Kuru and is the first king mentioned ○ He marries the goddess Ganga and has the son Bhishma ○ He then wishes to marry Satyavati, the daughter of a fisherman ○ However, Satyavati’s father will only let her marry Shantanu on one condition: Shantanu must promise that any sons of Satyavati will rule Hastinapura ○ To help his father be able to marry Satyavati, Bhishma renounces his claim to the throne and takes a vow of celibacy ○ Satyavati had married Parashara and had a son with him, Vyasa ○ Now she marries Shantanu and has another two sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya ○ Shantanu dies, and Chitrangada becomes king ○ Chitrangada lives a short and uneventful life, and then dies, making Vichitravirya king ○ The King of Kasi puts his three daughters up for marriage (A swayamvara), but he does not invite Vichitravirya as a possible suitor ○ Bhishma, to arrange a marriage for Vichitravirya, abducts the three daughters of Kasi: Amba,
    [Show full text]
  • Mbtn-Chapter17
    || Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya || 1) When the King of Chedi (Damaghosha) returned to his place, Sri Janardana got to know that Rugmini, who was Mahalakshmi herself, was getting ready for a Swayamvara. 2) Her elder brother Rugmini hated Sri Hari, the lord of Ramaa, and had stopped the marriage of Rugmini, who was dear to Sri Hari, with Sri Krishna. 3) When the Swayamvara was announced, Jarasandha, along with other warriors such as Salva, Paundraka, Shishupala and others left (for the Swayamvara). 4) Then, Sri Krishna quickly left for Kundinapura. Garuda too reached him as soon as he (Sri Krishna) remembered him. 5) Due to the wind speed from his wings, the Kings fell down on the ground. When Garuda’s strength itself is so much, what to say of Sri Hari’s strength? 6 to 10) “What shall we do now for our good?” – thought all the Kings. At that time Jarasandha said thus – “This Krishna, who keeps winning, is definitely Vishnu himself. Or else, how can he be pakshivahana (rider of Garuda)? All of us have lost to him alone every time in battle. Even though we have attacked him together, we have never won even once. His brother Balarama had almost killed me. When I was badly hurt, he left me after listening to an ashareeravani. What else to say of his (Sri Krishna’s) strength? Without himself getting hurt, he is rendering us almost like a blade of grass everytime. In such a grave scenario, what may be good for us to do?” 11) Speaking thus, Jarasandha lowered his lustre-less face.
    [Show full text]
  • Sanskar Gurukul Weekly Update
    Sanskar Gurukul Weekly Update Class Name: Bhrigu Week# 29: April 26, 2015 General Assembly Hari Om Everybody: Here is the GA Update for today's session. Vagdevi aunty started the GA with three Omkars followed by the Shanti Mantra. We chanted Nama Ramayana - Bala Kanda verses. Then we learn two new verses of Ayodhya Kanda. We chanted new verses few times. Aparna Aunti told us about the Kulfest and Chanting questions. 1) Student will be given starting of a verse line and student has to complete the verse from prayer book. Example: Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishuhu ... (complete the verse). 2) Hanuman Chlisa, there will be questions. Example - "What is in the hand of Hanumanji?" 3) Student will be given starting of a verse line and student has to complete the verse from Bala-Kanda of Nama Ramayana. We ended session with a short meditation. Next Sunday, May 3rd is Field Day. All children should report to Green Hope Elementary School by 9:30 AM. All children will be divided into teams and each team will play two games - Dodge Ball and Satodiyu/Lagori/Pitthu. Some children demonstrated how to play these games on the stage on April 19th. Please DO NOT bring your Gurukul bag and wear shoes as you will be running around the field as well comfortable cloths. Lunch will be provided and you can be picked up by your parents at 12:15 PM. Class We started class with three Omkars followed by the Shanti Mantra and before studies prayers. We covered Chapters 25 and 26 which talked about Jarasandha Vadh and Rajasuya Ceremony respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Lust Leads to Destruction - Part 1
    Lust Leads to Destruction - Part 1 Date: 2013-09-11 Author: Sajjanapriya Krishna das Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva. Our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj says that, 'Srimad Bhagavatam equals behaviour' and every pastime of the Lord and His beloved devotees in Srimad Bhagavatam gives us certain lessons to learn as devotees and correct in our life. This will really make us spiritually progress towards the Lord. The 14th Chapter of 3rd Canto talks about pregnancy of Diti in the evening and it is very interesting chapter which talks about the pastimes which happens before the appearance of Lord Varaha. Kashyapa muni is a great sage created by Brahma. He was married to Diti, daughter of Prajapati Daksha to start the creation of this gigantic material world. Daksha has been entrusted to create human beings and that is the reason he is called Prajapati which means master of all human beings (Praja). Along with Diti, his thirteen sisters were married to Kashyapa muni to start the procreation. All the thirteen sisters of Diti got the children and they were very happy. But Diti did not have any children and therefore naturally out of concern and also out of envy towards her sisters, she started approaching her husband Kashyapa muni to give children, as she was tormented by cupid and wished to immediately unite with Kashyapa muni. The only issue was that the approaching time was inappropriate, as it was sandhya time and therefore it is prohibited as per shastras to unite and produce children at that time.
    [Show full text]
  • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings & Speeches Vol. 4
    Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (14th April 1891 - 6th December 1956) BLANK DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR WRITINGS AND SPEECHES VOL. 4 Compiled by VASANT MOON Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar : Writings and Speeches Vol. 4 First Edition by Education Department, Govt. of Maharashtra : October 1987 Re-printed by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation : January, 2014 ISBN (Set) : 978-93-5109-064-9 Courtesy : Monogram used on the Cover page is taken from Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar’s Letterhead. © Secretary Education Department Government of Maharashtra Price : One Set of 1 to 17 Volumes (20 Books) : Rs. 3000/- Publisher: Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India 15, Janpath, New Delhi - 110 001 Phone : 011-23357625, 23320571, 23320589 Fax : 011-23320582 Website : www.ambedkarfoundation.nic.in The Education Department Government of Maharashtra, Bombay-400032 for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Source Material Publication Committee Printer M/s. Tan Prints India Pvt. Ltd., N. H. 10, Village-Rohad, Distt. Jhajjar, Haryana Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment & Chairperson, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Kumari Selja MESSAGE Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of Indian Constitution was a scholar par excellence, a philosopher, a visionary, an emancipator and a true nationalist. He led a number of social movements to secure human rights to the oppressed and depressed sections of the society. He stands as a symbol of struggle for social justice. The Government of Maharashtra has done a highly commendable work of publication of volumes of unpublished works of Dr. Ambedkar, which have brought out his ideology and philosophy before the Nation and the world. In pursuance of the recommendations of the Centenary Celebrations Committee of Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Essence of Maha Narayanopanishad
    ESSENCE OF MAHA NARAYANOPANISHAD Edited and translated by V.D.N.Rao, Retd. General Manager of India Trade Promotion Organisation of Ministry of Commerce of Govt. of India, New Delhi presently at Chennai 1 Other Scripts by the same Author: Essence of Puranas:-Maha Bhagavata, Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana, Varaha Purana, Kurma Purana, Vamana Purana, Narada Purana, Padma Purana; Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Devi Bhagavata;Brahma Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Agni Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Nilamata Purana; Shri Kamakshi Vilasa Dwadasha Divya Sahasranaama: a) Devi Chaturvidha Sahasra naama: Lakshmi, Lalitha, Saraswati, Gayatri; b) Chaturvidha Shiva Sahasra naama-Linga-Shiva-Brahma Puranas and Maha Bhagavata; c) Trividha Vishnu and Yugala Radha-Krishna Sahasra naama-Padma-Skanda-Maha Bharata and Narada Purana. Stotra Kavacha- A Shield of Prayers Purana Saaraamsha; Select Stories from Puranas Essence of Dharma Sindhu Essence of Shiva Sahasra Lingarchana Essence of Paraashara Smtiti Essence of Pradhana Tirtha Mahima Dharma Bindu Essence of Upanishads : Brihadaranyaka , Katha, Tittiriya, Isha, Svetashwara of Yajur Veda- Chhandogya and Kena of Saama Veda-Atreya and Kausheetaki of Rig Veda-Mundaka, Mandukya and Prashna of Atharva Veda ; Also ‘Upanishad Saaraamsa’ (Quintessence of Upanishads) Essence of Virat Parva of Maha Bharata Essence of Bharat Yatra Smriti Essence of Brahma Sutras Essence of Sankhya Parijnaana- Also Essence of Knowledge of Numbers Essence of Narada Charitra; Essence Neeti Chandrika Es sence of Hindu Festivals and Austerities Essence of Manu Smriti*------------------- Quintessence of Manu Smriti* Essence of Paramartha Saara*- *Essence of Pratyaksha Bhaskara Note: All the above Scriptures already released on www. Kamakoti. Org/news as also on Google by the respective references.
    [Show full text]
  • Devi Danu and the Shiva Lingam of Ireland
    Hare Krishna Centre - Leicester, UK - Devi Danu And The Shiva Lingam Of Ireland Written by James Robinson Cooper Friday, 08 May 2015 14:50 - Last Updated Sunday, 30 August 2020 22:16 In County Meath, Ireland, upon the hill of Tara sits a mysterious stone known as the Lia Fail ( the stone of destiny ). For thousands of years, up until 500 AD, the kings of Ireland were coronated upon this stone. History informs us it was one of the four legendary treasures brought to Ireland by the Tuatha De Danann, the other three being the Dagdas cauldron, the spear of 1 / 4 Hare Krishna Centre - Leicester, UK - Devi Danu And The Shiva Lingam Of Ireland Written by James Robinson Cooper Friday, 08 May 2015 14:50 - Last Updated Sunday, 30 August 2020 22:16 Lugh and the sword of light of Nuada. The Tuatha De Danann means the children of the Goddess Danu, who are said to have ruled over Ireland some 4000 years ago. Danu is considered to be the mother of all Irish Gods and in Wales they honour her as the Goddess Don, Don and Danu being one and the same. Danu is also known as Anu, in county Kerry there are two mountains named after her which are known as the Paps Of Anu. Patricia Monaghan in her book " the encyclopaedia of Celtic mythology" writes " Most significantly we find an Irish divine race, thought to represent the God of the Celts called the Tuatha De Danann, the people of the Goddess Danu". In her book Valerie Estelle Frankel writes " It is believed that the Celts started with the concept of a mother Goddess named Danu ( meaning water from heaven ).
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter X Samudra Mathana the Delineation of the Vedavyasavatara
    Chapter X Samudra mathana The delineation of the Vedavyasavatara is the theme of the tenth chapter. However, as a preliminary to it, the samudramathana episode is narrated. The purpose of Vyasavatara was to remove ignorance and confusion caused by the curse of Gautama in respect of the knowledge enshrined in the Vedas, Pancharatra, Itihasapurana, and other sacred pieces of literature. For such an ignorance and confusion Kali was considerably responsible. He arose at the time of the samudramathana along with poison. Not only the personality of Kali was Kali but the ignorance and the confusion caused by him were also Kali. Destroying these was meant to destroy Kali. This was the purpose of Vyasavatara. Therefore, in order to point out that such a Kali had arisen at the time of samudramathana, that episode is narrated in the tenth chapter before the narration of Vyasavatara. The details of samudramathana are well-known. Therefore, only such items that are especially mentioned in Tatparyanirnaya and that have a deep religious significance will be stated here. At the close of the 28th Dvapara Yuga, Chaturmukha Brahma, Shiva, Indra, and other deities approached Lord Vishnu present at Shvetadvipa at the center of Kshirasamudra. They offered prayers to Him and informed Him that due to Durvasa's curse, Indra lost his power and glory and was defeated by the demons. Therefore, they had come to Him seeking protection. As per the instructions of Lord Vishnu, the deities entered into an agreement with the demons through Bali Chakravarthi and attempted to bring the Mandara mountain for samudramathana.
    [Show full text]