Tag: Bhishma

  • Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum Bhishma Stuti, Janmashtami

    Krishna Janmastami for 2013, falls on Wednesday, the 28 August.

    Krishna, forgetting his Vow, bears Arms against Bhishma.
    Krishna, forgetting his Vow, bears Arms against Bhishma.

    Bhishma is the Grandsire of  all Hindus.

    He is so revered that Hindus perform the Tharpana, which is performed  by one for his ancestors, for him ,though Bhishma never married for He wanted his father’s offspring by his second wife to ascend the throne.

    As he has done what is impossible for a Man( Being a Naishtika Brahmachari, that is not allowing semen to fall ), Devavrata was rechristened Bhishma(one who does the impossible).

    Lord Krishna has(d)the highest regard for Bhishma.

    It was mutual.

    During  the Mahabharata War,  as Bhishma lay dying, Krishna takes the Pandavas to Bhishma’s death-bed and asks Bhishma to advise Yudhisthir   on Dharma.

    Bhishma  says,

    ‘Krishna, You are Dharma,

    Why do you ask me to do this?

    You can do it by yourself’

    (Throughout the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna addresses Bhishma as ‘Grandfather!)

    Krishna replies.

    ‘Dharma , when spoken by The One who has practiced, is strengthened”

    This, mind you, from Krishna!

    Let me paraphrase one essential sloka form Bhishma Stuti, Bhishma’s prayer of Krishna as addressed to Duryodhana -Bhishma Parva 67/24)

    Vasudeva is is the Devata among all the Devatas.

    He is the Embodiment of Dharma.

    He fulfills everyone’s desires.

    He id the best among everyone.

    He is the Creator.

    He is the Action and its performer.

    He is the Yagya, Yagya Performer and its results.

    He is Lord unto Himself.

    He is in the present, past and the Future.

    He created Prajapathi(Fater of all).

    He is the austerity of the Seers.

    He is the Dawn, Dusk , the time when day Day meets Night and night meets the Day, Day and  Night.

    He is the Infinite.

    He is also Finite.

    He supports the World,Vishnu.

    He is Brahma,Rudra,

    He is the Sadguna Brahman.

    He is the Father.He is the parent of all.

    He is Vamana and Narasimha.

    He is the Grand sire of the Universe.

    He is easily accessible.

    He resides in the heart of the Seers, Hrishikesa.

    In whom Krishna is pleased,he will get everything.

    If one is afraid and takes refuge in Him, he need not Fear.

    One who loves Krishna, will transcend desires.

    The Bhishma Stuti.

    This great prayer occurs in the Mahabharatha. The Grand old man old man of Mahabharatha is Bheeshma, the son of King Santhanu and the grand father of Pandavas and Kouravas. He joined the war on the side of hte Kauravas because he was bound by an oath he had given his father. Lord Krishna who refused to participate in the war took an oath that he would not take part in the war but be a charioteer to Arjuna. He also took an oath that he will never raise any weapon during the war. Bheeshma who is a great devotee of Krishna and also a great warrior took an oath that he will make Lord Krishna take up his weapon. So he went on sending sharp arrows at Arjuna and Lord Krishna. At a particular time Lord Krishna felt that Arjuna is loosing the war against Bheeshma. So unable to bear this he picked up a chariot wheel from the ground and jumped at Bheeshma. Bheeshma explains this in this prayer as done due to his love towards his great devotee.

    Ithi mathir Upakalpithaa vithrushnaa,
    Bhagawathe sathwatha pungave vibhoomni,
    Swasukhamupagathe kwichidwiharthu,
    Prakruthimupeeyushiyad bhava pravahaa., 1

    That Brhamam which is sunk within itself,
    Some times, with an interest to play,
    Takes some form of nature leading.
    To the effulgent tide of Samsara,
    And I believe it has taken the form,
    Of this great one of the clan of Yadus,
    And I submit it to him, my self,
    Without any interests or desires.

    Tribhuvana kamanam, thamala varnam,
    Ravi kara gowrambharam Dhandaane,
    Vapuralakakulavruthaana naabhjam,
    Vijya sakhe rathirasthu metanavadhya., 2

    Oh friend of Arjuna, let my mind,
    Attach without any expectations to you,
    Who is prettiest in all three worlds,
    Who is blue coloured like Thamala,
    Who wears dresses that are yellow,
    Similar to the shine of the early sun,
    And who has a pretty lotus like face,
    That is hidden by the pretty tresses,
    Which flow from the top of his forehead.

    Yudhi thuragarajo vidhumra vishya,
    Khachaluleetha srama varyalam kruthasye,
    Mama nisithasasairvibhidhyamana,
    Thwachi vilasad kavachetasthu Krishna athma., 3

    Let my mind and soul rest in that Krishna,
    Who is covered by the dust raised by hooves of horses,
    Whose hair uncontrollably moves here and there,
    Whose lotus like face is covered by sweat of exertion,
    Whose body has been pierced by my sharp arrows,
    And whose armour shines with the spread of blood.

    Sapadi sakhivaco nisamya madhye,
    Nija parayor balayo radham nivesya,
    Sthithavathi para sainikayurakshana,
    Hruthavathi Partha sakhe rather mamasthu., 4

    Let my heart firmly stay with the friend of Arjuna,
    Who positioned the chariot in between armies,
    As per the request made by Arjuna.
    And killed all the enemies just by his glance.

    Vyava hitha prathanaamukham nireekshya,
    Swajanavadha dwimukhadya dosha budhya,
    Kumathimaharadathma vidhyayaa,
    Scharanarathi paramasya thasya me asthu., 5

    Let my mind rest firmly on the divine one,
    Who taught the science of soul to Arjuna,
    Whose deluded mind lead him to take recourse,
    To the argument that he would be killing his own people.

    Swanigama mapahaya math prathigna,
    Mruthamadhi karthumavaplutho radhastha,
    Drutha radhacharanotabhyachalad gur-
    Haririva hanthumibham gadothareeyam., 6

    Not caring for his oath but trying to make my oath right,
    He took a decision to kill me and jumped from the Charriot,
    Like a Lion rushing to kill an elephant, along with his Chakra,
    Making the earth shake unknowingly and slipped his upper cloth down.

    Sithavishakhahatho visirna damsa,
    Kshathaja pariplutha aatha thayino may,
    Prasabhamabhisasara madwadhartham,
    SA bhavathu may Bhagawan gather Mukunda., 7

    His armour being punctured by my sharp arrows,
    And with his bleeding wounds, he jumped to kill me,
    As he tried to protect a devotee.
    And make the oath of another devotee come true
    Showing his partiality to his devotees twice,
    And let that Lord Mukunda be my refuge.

    Vijaya radha kutumba aathathoithre,
    Dyatha haya rasminee thachreye kshaneeye,
    Bhagawathi rathirasthu may mu moorsho-,
    Ryahamiva nireekshya hathaa gathaa swaroopam., 8

    Vowing to protect the chariot and family of Arjuna,
    And holding in his hand the whip to control the horses,
    Is the God who steals the mind of onlookers,
    And the one who grants them a place in his heaven,
    To all those who see him and die there.

    Lalitha gathi vilasavadhguhaasa-,
    Pranaya nireekshana kalpi thoru maanaa,
    Krutha manu krutha vathya unmaa daandhaa,
    Prakruthi magan kila yasya gopa vadhwa., 9

    For have not the gopa maidens, blinded by love,
    Towards him, who has vary pretty gait,
    Very bewitching smile and movements,
    That indicates love towards them,
    Show the great respect to him,
    And reached the salvation of his heaven.

    Muni gana nrupa varya sangulteantha-,
    Sadasee Yudhishtra raja soya yeshaam,
    Arhanamupapeda eekshaneeyo,
    Mama drusi gochara yesha aaviraathma., 10

    In the Rajasooya performed by Yudishtra,
    In the assembly of great kings and sages,
    You were worshipped by the entire world,
    And your coming under my sight,
    Is indeed a matter of great luck to me.

    Thami mama hamajam sareerabhaajaam,
    Hrudhi hrudhi dheesthitha mathma kalpithaanaam,
    Prathi drusamiva naika dharkamevam,
    Samadhi gatho ta smidhoothabhedha moham., 11

    After divesting myself of my ignorance due to desire and differentiation,
    I have now realized that Lord Krishna shines in the heart of all beings,
    Similar to the Sun who is spread in the eyes of all beings of earth,
    But appears as different to each according to his experience,
    And having realized this truth, I have attained fulfillment.”

    Source:

    Was Krishna Born To Devaki?

    http://ramanisblog.in/2012/12/27/was-lord-krishna-born-to-devaki/

     

    http://srikrishnaradha.com/bhismastuti-krishna-premi/

  • Rules For Peace உள்ளத்தில் உள்ளது அமைதி

    Words ,Deed  Thy be One ,

    Peace Forever be Thine,

    Deeds Be The Best Adorn,

    Balm The Joy betwixt Pain.

    Thee grasp the First Two,

    Thy Life Be in Full Flow ,…1

    Kannadasan
    Kannadasan
    )ஆறு மனமே ஆறு அந்த ஆண்டவன் கட்டளை ஆறு
    ஆறு மனமே ஆறு அந்த ஆண்டவன் கட்டளை ஆறு
    தேர்ந்து மனிதன் வாழும் வகைக்கு தெய்வத்தின் கட்டளை ஆறு
    தெய்வத்தின் கட்டளை ஆறு
    ஆறு மனமே ஆறு அந்த ஆண்டவன் கட்டளை ஆறு

    ஒன்றே சொல்வார் ஒன்றே செய்வார் உள்ளத்தில் உள்ளது அமைதி
    இன்பத்தில் துன்பம் துன்பத்தில் இன்பம் இறைவன் வகுத்த நியதி
    ஒன்றே சொல்வார் ஒன்றே செய்வார் உள்ளத்தில் உள்ளது அமைதி
    இன்பத்தில் துன்பம் துன்பத்தில் இன்பம் இறைவன் வகுத்த நியதி
    சொல்லுக்குச் செய்கை பொன்னாகும் வரும் துன்பத்தில் இன்பம் பட்டாகும்
    சொல்லுக்குச் செய்கை பொன்னாகும் வரும் துன்பத்தில் இன்பம் பட்டாகும் – இந்த
    இரண்டு கட்டளை அறிந்த மனதில் எல்லா நன்மையும் உண்டாகும்
    எல்லா நன்மையும் உண்டாகும்”)  Tamil.

     

    An action is worth thousand words.

     

    When one does there is no necessity for words.

     

    Nor does one to need to communicate and the action earns approbation beyond words.

     

    Bhisma, The Grand Sire of the Bharata Clan, was felled by the arrow of Arjuna in the Epic Battle of Mahabharata.

     

    He was in acute discomfort, the countless  arrows being uneven on the ground.

     

    He was awaiting the Northern Path, or The Uttarayan of The Sun to leave the mortal coil.

     

    He looked around his Clan, including Arjuna and Lord Krishna and fixed his eyes on Krishna.

     

    Krishna looked at Arjuna.

     

    Arjuna extracted a string of arrows and arrayed them evenly, had Bhishma lifted,placed on this bed and Bhishma was comfortable, the level being even.

     

    He was thirsty and no amount of water could quench his thirst.

     

    Arjuna sent an arrow down the earth near Bhishma’s head, and out came Ganges,The River Ganga, Mother of Devavrta,now known as Bhishma.

     

    Bhishma was quenched of his thirst and his yearning to see his mother before his death.

     

    When The Heart communicates there is no need for words.

     

    Compare this with

     

    “கண்ணொடு கண் நோக்கொக்கின் வாய்ச்சொற்கள் என்ன பயனும் இல’

     

    (If Eyes were to communicate, words are of no use)

     

     

    No words spoken!

     

     

    Related:

    http://ramanisblog.in/2013/02/02/peace-at-be-kannadasan-beyond-the-grave/

     

     

     

  • Military Strategy Battle Formations Mahabharata War

    Indian epics abound in detail on military strategies ,tactics and details of Battle formations of the army.

    In preparation of the Mahabharata War, Lord Krishna used all the guile of Military Strategies.

    Some of the Strategies.

    Preventing Vidhura from entering the Battle field.

    Sidelining Karna till the tenth day or the death of Bhishma.

    Allotting his Vrushni Sena to Kauravs and Himself standing by the side of the Pandavas.

    Misguiding on the Full Moon Day for the War Ritual of sacrifice.

    Prevention of Karna from using the Nagastra twice;of making him fight only with Arjuna’of preventing him from using the Brahmastra;

    making Karna part with his Punya pala on the Battle field;disarming his Kavacha and Kundala Armor;preveting him from attacking any of the pandavas other than Arjuna.

    Use of Sikandi against Bhishma.

    Announcement of the death of Aswathama by Yudhistira  to kill Drona.

    Hiding of the Sun by His Sudarshana to draw out Jayathratha.

    There were some of the tactics by Lord Krishna used by Lord Krishna in preparation and during the Mahabharata War at Kurukshetra.

    He was also instrumental in forming the Battle plans.

    Indian Epics used advanced Battle Formations in War.

    The List .

    Carving showing the warrior Abhimanyu entering...
    Carving showing the warrior Abhimanyu entering the chakravyuha – Hoysaleswara temple, Halebidu, India (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
    1. Krauncha vyuha (heron formation)
    2. Makara vyuha (crocodile formation)
    3. Kurma vyuha (tortoise or turtle formation)
    4. Trishula vyuha (trident formation)
    5. Chakra vyuha (wheel or discus formation)
    6. Kamala vyuha or Padma vyuha (lotus formation)
    7. Garud vyuha (eagle formation)
    8. Oormi vyuha (ocean formation)
    9. Mandala vyuha (galaxy formation)
    10. Vajra vyuha (diamond or thunderbolt formation)
    11. Shakata vyuha (box or cart formation)
    12. Asura vyuha (demon formation)
    13. Deva vyuha (divine formation)
    14. Soochi vyuha (needle formation)
    15. Sringataka vyuha (horned formation)
    16. Chandrakala vyuha (crescent or curved blade formation)
    17. Mala vyuha (garland formation)

    Each formation was met bya counter formation by the other side.

    For instance , the Sarpa Vyuha was met with Garuda Vyuha(Serpent formation against Eagle.

    heron Bird.
    Heron

    The Heron Formation was usually met with Garuda or eagle Formation’Eagle is a Natural Enemy of Heron.

    Note the Swoop of the Garuda, nullifying and swamping the posture of the Heron.

    Eagle Swoop.
    Eagle Swooping

    There were also courses to get into and out of each formation.

    These were fought while being taught the Dhanur Vidya .

    Source;

     

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  • Did Sanjaya See and Report Mahabharata War Live?

    I treat the Mahabharata and the Ramayana as History, not as mere Stories born out of the imaginations of Vyasa and Valmiki.

     

    If people take as History that

     

    Jesus lived and preached, The Old Testament based on a Book compiled by a Conclave of Cardinals assembled by King Constantine afer

     

    three hundred years of the death of Christ,

     

    Ocean parted,

     

    Mohammed ascended to Heaven,guided by an Angel, directed by God to look at the Rules embedded in a rock(as though God can not remember),

     

    I believe the Mahabharata and the Ramayana to be true as

     

    The city of Hastinapur , and Dwaraka are found,

     

    Kurukshetra and other descriptions of the places mentioned are correct on date, especially Kurukshetra is found to be slightly tilted as explained in the Puranas,

     

    The birth date of Rama and his ascension to throne are verified and proved.

     

    As also his travel routes-refer my posts on these and Dwaraka .

     

    Now  I had a nagging doubt whether Sanjaya  reported the Mahabharata war Live to Dhritarashtra or recollected and reported.

     

    The Mahabharata  Bhishma Parva  states

    Its first chapter beings with –‘Narayanam namaskrtya……’, a
    benedictory verse, after which, it begins with a question asked by the king
    Janamejaya to Vaishampayana, as to how the Kauravas, who gathered for the
    battle in Kurukshetra, fought with the kings, who supported Pandavas. While
    giving a reply, the arrangements to stay in the camp with all the facilities were
    arranged by Vaishampayana. The way the Kauravas, Pandavas and Samakas
    made the special rules for the battle is a special feature of this chapter, which
    explores the principles of the battle field. The rules such as, no enmity should
    be observed after the sunset, the existence of mutual love, battle of speech
    should be done only with those who are indulged in it, killing a person, who is
    out of the army is condemned. A foot-soldier, a horse-soldier and an elephantsoldier should fight with their equals only. One should make an enemy alert
    and fight with him alone, who is equal to him in ability, zeal and strength. One
    should not fight with the person who is not unprepared or with a scared person.
    The war is condemned with a person, who is fighting with others, a refugee, a
    person who is out of war and a person with tainted weapons. A charioteer, the
    player of kettle drum, a conch-blower and the supplier of weapons should not
    be attacked. The second chapter begins with the arrival of Vyasa Maharshi.
    He informs the death time of Kauravas. He also conveys Dhrtarashtra that he
    could provide him the ability to see the battle, for which, Dhrtarashtra
    expresses his unwillingness, as he doesn’t want to see the death of his sons.
    After knowing the interest of Dhrtarashtra to listen the details of the battle,
    Sanjaya, the charioteer of Dhrtarashtra was provided with the divine vision by
    Vyasa Maharshi. Many more scary incidents are also depicted.”

    The first sloka of the Bhagavad Gita starts with

    Dharamashetre Kurukshetre…. bu Dhritharashtra asking sanjaya to inform him of what happened in the Bharata Battle.

    Sanjaya replies with the second verse..

    Pasyaithaam pandu puthraanaam…

    Sanjaya , according to mahabharata and all puraanas was granted the Divine vision  to see things from the distance.

    In fact The Bhishma parva states that Sanjaya was endowed with the power of Knowing the past, present and future.

    Then why do I have a doubt?

    Mahabharata War
    Mahabharata War

    The Bhisma parva Section XIV declares

    “Dhritarashtra said,–‘How hath Bhishma, that bull among the Kurus, been slain by Sikhandin? How did my father, who resembled Vasava himself, fall down from his car? What became of my sons, O Sanjaya, when they were deprived of the mighty Bhishma who was like unto a celestial, and who led life of Brahmacharyya for the sake of his father? 2 Upon the fall of that tiger among men who was endued with great wisdom, great capacity for exertion, great might and great energy, how did our warriors feel? Hearing that bull amongst the Kurus, that foremost of men, that unwavering hero is slain, great is the grief that pierceth my heart. While advancing (against the foe), who followed him and who proceeded ahead? Who stayed by his side? Who proceeded with him? What brave combatants followed behind (protecting his rear) that tiger among car-warriors, that wonderful archer, that bull among Kshatriyas, while he penetrated into the divisions of the foe? 1 While seizing the hostile ranks, what warriors opposed that slayer of foes resembling the luminary of thousand rays, who spreading terror among the foe destroyed their ranks like the Sun destroying darkness, and who achieved in battle amongst the ranks of Pandu’s sons feats exceedingly difficult of accomplishment? How, indeed, O Sanjaya, did the Pandavas oppose in battle the son of Santanu, that accomplished and invincible warrior when he approached them smiting? Slaughtering the (hostile) ranks, having arrows for his teeth, and full of energy, with the bow for his wide-open mouth, and with the terrible sword for his tongue, and invincible, a very tiger among men, endued with modesty…..

    Section XV

    ‘Sanjaya said,–“Deserving as thou art, this question is, indeed, worthy of thee, O great king. It behoveth thee not, however, to impute this fault to Duryodhana. The man who incurreth evil as the consequence of his own misconduct, should not attribute that misconduct to others. O great king, the man that doth every kind of injury to other men, deserveth to be slain by all men in consequence of those censurable deeds of his. The Pandavas unacquainted with the ways of wickedness had, for a long time, with their friends and counsellors, looking up to thy face, borne the injuries (done to them) and forgiven them, dwelling in the woods.’

    “Thereafter, in the 13thchapter, the Bhagavadgita parva begins, which is continued till 42nd

    chapter. It begins with Sanjaya, who returns from the battle
    field and conveys the news of Bhishma’s death to Dhrtharashtra. Listening to
    which, Dhrtharashtra, while lamenting, expresses his intention to know about
    the death of Bhishma in detail.’

    This, to me, appears to indicate that the War was not reported Live but by a recollection.

    The whole conversation is as said by Vaisampayana to Janamejaya.

    Will some body clarify?

    Sources.

    http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06015.htm

    http://www.rsvidyapeetha.ac.in/mahabharatha/summary/eng/6.pdf

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