||Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram||

 

Chapter -20 - Uththarakandam

Lord Shiva’s curse on the Kakabhushundi who was born in the Shudra clan/ Vipra’s pleas to Lord Shiva/Sri Rudrashtakam

 

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “ Oh! Pakshiraja, Once, I was engaged in the recitation of Manthra in the Shivalaya, I have noticed that my preceptor entering into the shrine, but I kept myself unnoticed, I did not pay respect or obeisance, my preceptor did not feel bad. Lord Shiva could not control the insult to my preceptor, there was a divine voice heard from the sanctum “Oh! The unfortunate one, arrogant fool, your preceptor may forgive you, he is wise and learned, Oh! Moda, I curse you for your arrogant behavior on a Bhramajjyani, If I did not punish you, it would bring shame to the deities, whoever show disrespect to their preceptor would heave to the hell Raurava for one crore of Yugas. Further, they would take birth in the Yoni of animals in any of the three worlds, would undergo hellish torture for ten thousand births. You have impolite to your serpent, seated like a giant serpent after witnessing the arrival of your preceptor, therefore I curse you to become a serpent, you are a sinner. Oh! Adhamadhama, you will be forced to take shelter in the big hollow of the tree.”

 

Sage Kakabhushundi continues “Oh! Garuda, my preceptor shrieked out in pain listening to curse of Lord Shiva, I got terrified, it put the twice-born in intense trepidation and grief and he prostrated before Lord Shiva, with folded hands and shed tears and prayed “Oh! Prabho, you are the protector of Eshana directions, you are the commander of Lord of Universe and its living beings, you are supreme bliss, you are omnipresent, you are absolute Bhramam, I shall reverentially prostrate before you. Oh! Prabho, you have supreme brilliance, you are beyond virtues, and comparison, you are desireless and contented, attired in directions as clothe. You have no specific form, you represent Omkara, supreme Bhramam, you are beyond sense and perceptions, you are mighty Lord Mahadeva, you are benevolent, you are Mahakala, you are the storehouse of virtues, you are the Supreme Lord who guides the Jeeva to cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Prabho, who has the fair complexion resembles a silver mountain, mighty, excels the beauty of crores of Manmatha, adorned in Ganga and crescent moon on matted hair locks, the serpent as ornaments all over the body, scorpions as ear ornaments, have a beautiful eye brows and wide eyes, attractive face, bluish throat, attired in the skin of leopard, adorned the skulls as garland, smeared in sacred ashes all over the body and compassionate, Oh! Sarveshwara, Oh! Shankara, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. I shall take shelter at the feet of Bhavanipathi, who is mighty Lord, fearless, has no dual forms, has no birth or death and has the brilliance of crores of Surya, you are the destroyer of Thapathraya, wielded in Trident, approachable without intense devotion, Oh! Paresha, Oh! Bhavanipathe, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Kamari, Oh! Manmathashathro, who is immeasurable, symbolizes auspiciousness, destroyer of the Universe, and its living beings at the end of Kalpa, is the source bliss to Sajjana, Oh! Thripurari, Oh! Chidhanandaswaroopa, who is the remover of interest in worldly matters and bondage, kindly protect us. Oh! Prabho, it is impossible to achieve welfare in the Ihaloka and Paraloka without your grace Oh! Umapathe, kindly protect us, Oh! Prabho, who resides as a soul in living beings, I do not know Yoga, Japa or Puja, Oh! Shambho, I know to prostrate before you, Oh! Shambho, kindly protects us from the Jara, Janana, and Marana.” Whoever recites or read the Rudrashtakam sung by the Vipra, with intense devotion and faith would achieve the grace of Lord Shambhu.

 

Namameesham Eshanam Nirvanaroopam | Vibhum Vyapakam Bhrama Vedaswaroopam | Nijam Nirgunam Nirvikalpam Nireeham Chidhakasham Akashavasam Bhaje Aham ||

 

Nirakaram Omakaramoolam Thureeyam | Gira Gyana Gotheethameesham Gireesham | Karalam Mahakalam Kalam Kripalam| Gunagara Samsaraparam Nathoaham ||

 

Thusharadhri  Samkasha Gauram Gabheeram | Manobhootha Koti Prabha Sri Shareeram | Spuranmauli Kallolini Charu Ganga | Lasath Phalabalendhu Kande Bhujanga ||

 

Chalath Kundalam Bhru Sunethram Vishalam | Prasannananam Neelakandam Dhayalam | Mrigadheesha Charmambaram Mundamalam | Priyam Shankaram Sarvanatham Bhajami ||

 

Prachandam Prakrishtam Pragalbham Paresham | Akhandam Ajam Bhanukoti Prakasham | Thraya:Shoola Nirmoolanam Shoolapanim | Bhaje Aham Bhavanipathim Bhavagamyam ||

 

Kalatheetha Kalyana Kalpanthakari | Sadha Sajjanandhadhatha Purari | Chidhanandha Sandhoha Mohapahari| Praseedha Praseedha Prabho Manmathari ||

 

 Na Yavath  Umanatha Padharavindham | Bhajantheeha  Loke Pare Va Naranam | Na Thavath Sukham Shanthi Santhapanasham | Praseedha Prabho Sarvabhoothadhivasam ||

 

Na Janami Yogam Japam Naiva Poojam | Nathogaham Sadha Sarvadha  Shambhu Thubhyam | Jara Janma Dhukhaugha Thathapymanam | Prabho Pahi Apan Namameesha  Shambho ||

 

Rudrashtakamidham Proktham Viprena  Harathoshaye | Ye Padanthi Nara Bhakthya  Thesham Shambhu: Praseedhathi ||

 

||Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram||

 

Chapter -19 - Uththarakandam

Sage Bhushundi describes the evilness of the Kali era and its merits as well/Kakabhushundi meeting with a scholarly Bhramin in Ujjain

Sage Bhushundi speaks “Oh! Pakshishwara, listen to me, in this Kali era, 39) there will be evilness of deceitfulness, untruthfulness, ill fame, adamancy, enmity, disbelief, pride, endless desire, lust, and haughtiness, these would overpower the entire Universe. 40) The humans will undertake Japa, Thapa, Yoga, Yaga, Vratham, Dhanam, and austerities to fulfill their personal desires, and in this way they earn sins.41) There will be the scarcity of rain; the seeds will not provide its fruit.  42)The woman folks take great interest in the hairdos and eat more than that required to maintain their health, they take great pleasure in worldly interests, even though they face a shortage of money and difficulties in taking care of the family, they constantly chase after the pleasure to appease their senses, won’t be considered as Dharmathma, they do not follow any righteous deeds, narrow-minded, selfish, and not soft-hearted as the way it should be. 43)The men will undergo various illnesses, will not have any happiness or peace in their lives, they will be swollen with pride and keep enmity with others, their life span will be short, not more than fifty years. 44) The men will have the misconception that they will live till the end of Kalpa and take pride in the material welfare and bondage. 45) Kali era drives humans to insane, they will not respect women folks, be it mother, sister, wife, or daughter. 46)No one will have knowledge of goodness and evil, peace, or happiness.  47)All the Varnnas engage in begging for alms, throw abusive languages on each other, jealous and greedy at each other. 48)There will be no equality among the people; all are snowed down with the pain of sorrows of separation, and depression. 49)No one will follow Varnna and Ashrama Dharma or Sadhacharas/disciplines and morals,  50)there will be no trace of self-control, Dhanam, Dhaya, Gnanam, and there will be the rush of Vyamoha, and wickedness.51) The male and females will take great pleasure in decorating their bodies, and feed it with various things to present it attractive. 52)The people will take great pleasure in disrespecting or disgracing others. Oh! Sarppashathro, the Kali era is a storehouse of impurities and immoral deeds, but this era has a benefit too. In this Kali era, Mokshaprapthi is easily attainable. In the previous three Yugas of Kritha, Thretha, and Dwaparayuga,  people engaged in Tapas, Yaga and worship of deities respectively, in this Kali era no such deeds are required, mere remembrance of Harinama would provide Moksha to the Jeeva.”

 

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Pakshiraja, In Krithayuga people, was Yogi, wise and learned, therefore they undertook extreme penances and austerities/ Tapa, contemplating upon Lord Hari and crossed the worldly existence. In the Threthayuga, people engaged in various Yaga/fire sacrifices, and surrendered all those deeds at the lotus feet of Prabhu, and attained Moksha. In the Dwaparayuga people engaged in the veneration of Sagunaswaroopa/Sagunopasana, and crossed the ocean of worldly existence. Oh! Sarppashathro, In the Kali era, mere remembering and reciting the glorious names and legends of Prabhu, singing in praise of him would help the Jeeva to cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence. Oh! Garuda, therefore in the Kali era there is not much help with the Yoga, Yaga, and Gnana, other than singing in praise and listening to the glorious legends of Rama. Hence, whoever engages in the constant contemplation and meditation of Prabhu and singing in praise of his glorious would easily cross the worldly existence. Kali era stands for the ‘Namaprabhava’/significance of the sacred names of the Lord. There is one more merit in this Kali era, the Manasika Puja/worship of favorite deities in their own hearts would provide an abundance of merits, and it would remove the sins. The Kaliyuga cannot be compared with the other Yugas, in this Yuga singing in praise of the virtues of Rama, the Jeeva could easily cross the ocean of worldly existence.”

 

Sage Kakabhushundi continues “There are four feet for Dharma, and one in the Kali era has very important to it, the performance of charities helps to achieve the Athmakalyan/piousness. Oh! Pakshiraja, these four Yugas are initiated from the Maya of that Prabhu reflects on the Dharma as well as Thrigunas in the Jeeva. In the Krita Yuga, the Sathvik nature resembles peace; serenity, happiness, and wisdom were predominant. In the Thretha Yuga, there was little rise of Rajoguna along with the Sathvik nature, Karmavasana, and interest in comforts were the characteristics of Thretha Yuga. In the Dwaparayuga, there was little Sathvik, and more and more Rajasik and a little bit of Thamasik nature prevailed in this Yuga, therefore the mixture of happiness and fear was more visible. In the Kali Yuga, enormous Thamasik, and a little bit of Rajasik and enmity and conflicts are predominant. The wise and learned who has the knowledge of the nature of the Yugas, abandon the Adharma and follows the Dharma, therefore the Kala or Dharma won’t affect the worshiper who is sincerely devoted to the lotus feet of Sri Ramachandra. Oh! Pakshiraja, magicians perform intricate tricks to fool the audiences, but it won’t work with the people who are with the magician. The goodness and evilness of Maya of Sri Hari are impossible to get rid without contemplating the virtues of him; therefore Jeeva should understand this fact, leaving all the desire they have to take shelter at his lotus feet.”

 

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Pakshiraja, it was one of the Kali eras, I have taken birth in the Ayodhya, live there for several years, there was a sudden outbreak of famine so I had to move out from Ayodhya. Oh! Sarppashathro, I have become pathetic, penniless, and distressed went to Ujjain, and earned some wealth, and conducted the worship of Lord Shambhu. There was a twice-born, an ardent devotee of  Lord Shiva, engaged in the worship of the Lord according to Vedic rites in a shrine, he has no other work, he was poor and highly knowledgeable, had great reverence for Lord Sri Hari too. I served that twice-born with a selfish motive, that twice-born was innocent and honest, he trusted me and he considered me as his son and gave Manthroupadhesha to worship Lord Shambhu and taught me various lessons. I have been so arrogant and proud, went to the shrine of Lord Shiva, and practiced the Manthropadhesha given by the Bhramin. I was born in the lowly clan, impure, wicked, had a dislike towards the devotee of Lord Srihari and twice-born, my preceptor was very sad to watch my behavior, advised me several times, I did not follow his advice, it irritates me, will it taste good the advice of a Sadhu to wicked? One day, my preceptor called me and taught me lessons from Neethishashtra, and spoke “Oh! Son, the worship of Lord Shiva would provide devotion at the lotus feet of Srihari, Oh! Thatha, Lord Bhrama, and Lord Shiva worship that supreme Lord Rama, therefore needless to say about the ordinary people like us. Oh! Unfortunate one, do you think the enmity towards the devotees of Lord Hari would bring goodness to you? Lord Shiva is the fervent devotee and a sincere servant of Lord Sri Hari.” Oh! Pakshiraja, I got thoroughly annoyed listening to the comment about Lord Shiva, as I was born in the lowly clan, the meager knowledge that I have attained worked like the serpent served with the milk. I have decided to humiliate my preceptor for his truthful comment, but my preceptor was extremely kind and blameless, began to advise me more and more. Oh! Pakshiraja, a wicked person would make all efforts to kill or destroy the person, who brought progress to him, Oh! Thatha, listen to me, the smoke comes out of the fire, later it takes shelter in the sky and causes downpour and put off the fire. The dust on the street treated with hatred, wind raises the dust in the sky, later it would fall on the eyes or on the crown of the King. The learned have the knowledge, so they will abandon the companionship with the Dhurjjana. The wise and intellectuals say that do not make friends or fight with a wicked, it is always good to keep the wicked people out of reach, and they should consider dogs. As I was born Shudra, wicked and deceitful I have considered all those promising advice of my preceptor are not related to me.”

||Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram||

 

Chapter -18 - Uththarakandam

Kali Yuga Varnnana/The hard phase of the Kali era

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “ Oh! Garuda, In kali era 1)  the people will not follow Varna or Ashrama Dharma, 2) they will not follow any of the righteous deeds, the people take great pleasure in disgracing the Veda and Purana.  3)The twice-born sell their knowledge for money, 4)the Kings will take pleasure in torturing its subjects, and no one will follow or believe the Vedic rites.  5) Everyone follows their own mind and consider them a perfect way of performing rites.  6) People who have excellence in speech would be the leader of scholars, spread false perceptions, and recommends newly formed structures of Dharmic rites, considered as Sajjana. 7) The people will be interested in stealing the wealth of others 8) people will admire the person who exposes himself/herself, as the highly knowledgeable and spiritualistic follows religious practices. 9) People who speak lies and sarcastic would be considered as virtuous and smart. 10) The people who have no discipline, completely forbidden the rules prescribed in Veda, would be considered as Vairagin and Gnani in the Kali era, 11) the person with the long nails, beard, and matted hair locks would be treated as Thapasvi.  12) In the Kali era, people will be interested in getting dressed in horrific clothes, ornaments, etc. eat the worst meals which are prohibited, and expose themselves as Yogi and Mahashreshta. 13) People will take great pleasure in putting others in trouble, enjoys physical and verbal abuse, they engage all those awful deeds and conflicts with their mind, deed, and words. Oh! Prabho, 14) the woman folks would make the men dance to their tunes, and take complete control over them, like the person who performs magic with a monkey on the streets.  15)Shudras advise the Bhramana, and they adorn sacred thread and receives all those charities shamelessly.16) The humans are lustful and greedy, they speak ill of deities, Veda, scriptures, Bhramins, and ascetics.  17) The unfortunate women leave their wedded husband, who is virtuous and handsome, chase after Parapurusha/strangers. 18)Sumangalis/chaste women will find it difficult to wear good clothes or ornaments due to poverty; the widows dress up in various sparkling clothes. 19) The preceptor and disciple would live like a deaf and blind. The preceptor who takes away the wealth of the disciple and did not work to remove the suffering or sorrows of his disciple would throw to hell. 20) The child will be taught the Dharma to earn wealth and how to feed their craving body by their parents.  21)The men and women speak more about Bhramagnana, but are not free from greed or desires, will be ready to kill the Bhramin and preceptors for money.  22)Shudra enter the debate with the Bhramin, make all efforts to prove them as Bhramagnani, deserve to perform all the Vedic rites, and pass sarcastic comment on the twice-born. Oh! Pakshiraja, 23) I have seen several atrocities in the Kali era, men will have illicit relationships, deceitful, selfish and take pleasure in verbal and physical abuses, and make promises on Bhramam, these people are self-destroyed and ruin the virtuous as well. Whoever speaks ill about Veda would take several births and undergo various hellish tortures.24) The people from the lowly clans, engaged in various heinous deeds like crushing seeds for oil, potter, Kiratha, Kola, etc. after losing their wives adopt Sanyasa and claim to worship by the twice-born, these kinds of people would bring grief in Ihaloka and Paraloka as well.  25) The twice-born would be interested in material welfare, worldly matters, illiterate, lustful, undisciplined, dull-minded, get married to the infamous woman of Shudra clan. 26) The Shudras engages in the pious deeds, Japa, Tapa, Vratha, and take a seat on the raised platforms to recite the scriptures.  27)The people in the Kaliera perform deeds as they feel good and comfortable, follow various traditions. Oh! Pakshiraja, I cannot describe those atrocities in words.”

 

Sage Kakabhushundi continues “ Oh! Harivahana, 28) In the Kali era there will be Jathisangara/inter-caste marriages to a great extend, everyone breaks the code of conduct and living, and accumulate sins, therefore, Dhukha/grief, Bhayam/fear, Vyadhi/illnesses, Shoka/depression, Viyoga/pain of separation, will be their permanent companions, 29) people will be soaked in material matters, and bondage, leave all the Vedic way of living, will not have Virakthi or Viveka or devotion to Lord Hari, follow their own way of traditions.  30)The Sannyasins will not have a sense of Virakthi, fill their homes with all the modern amenities and take comfort in it, therefore fall prey for material matters, Oh! Garuda,  31)Thapasvi get wealthier and the Grihasthas will become poor, the abnormal living of the Kali era is endless. 32)The men abandon their beautiful and virtuous wife for a callous woman as their partner and leave all the Sadhacharas.  33) The men love and respect their parents until they get married, eventually, they get new relations with the wedded wife and forget their parents and siblings, and treat them as enemies. 34) The Kings will not follow righteousness, they engage in sinful deeds, they take pleasure cruelty to the people, and the innocent get grilled. 35) The wealthiest achieve respect in the society, the twice-born recognize with their sacred thread across the chest, and Thapasvi will be recognized with their naked bodies.  36)The people who discard Veda and sacred scriptures will be known as Sadhu and devotee of Srihari, there will be endless poets, but very less will get recognition. 37) There will be several people to point out one’s mistake and criticize, there will no virtuous. 38) The Kali era will be troubled with repeated natural calamities, famine and epidemics, and poverty would kill a huge number of people.

||Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram||

Chapter -17 - Uththarakandam

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks about the significance of devotion/Bhakthi/ The importance of the Sthoolashareera/cosmic body, to achieve devotion/Kakabhushundi describes his previous birth in Ayodhya and  the influence of evilness of the Kali era

Pakshiraj grieved over his ignorance, followed with the misconception of that supreme Bhramam as an ordinary human, he fell at the feet of Kakabhushundi several times, considered him as equivalent as Rama, and showered his great affection and respect to him. It is impossible to cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence without the help of a preceptor, even if he is Lord Bhrama and Lord Shiva.” Garuda speaks to Sage Kakabhushundi “Oh! Thatha, I have got bitten by the venomous serpent of misconceptions, therefore I had to undergo several hardships like unconsciousness, the supreme Lord Raghunayaka who is the source of happiness to devotees, send me to a physician who can cure of the serpent bite, thus you have removed the desires like venom in me, and I have come to know the highly confidential philosophies of that supreme Lord Ramachandra.” He eulogized Kakabhushundi, prostrated before him with folded hands, and affectionately spoke “Oh! Prabho, I wanted to ask something, kindly consider it as my ignorance, and treat me as your sincere servant, Oh! Kripasindho, kindly answer me. You are the knower of all, you are the knower of absolute truth, you have crossed the darkness of ignorance, you are highly intelligent, humble, truthful, and you are the storehouse of Gnana, Bhakti, Virakthi, Viveka, Vignana, Vairagya and Sadhana, after all these, how did you attain the body of a crow? Oh! Prabho kindly describes it to me. Oh! Natha, how did you achieve the beautiful Manasa Saras like the legends of Rama, Oh! Prabho, I have heard from Lord Mahadeva that you will not face any destruction during the deluge, and it won’t be untruthful, although I am still having doubts about it. The Universe and its living beings, Naga, Manushya, Deva, all are bound by the time and undergoes ruin at the end of Pralaya, it destroys the countless Bhramanda, therefore the Kala is powerful and unconquerable. Why did the Kala can’t overpower you? Oh! Compassionate one,  kindly describe me, is it because of your Gnanashakthi or  Yogashakthi,? Oh! Prabho, my Moha, and Maya have vanished the moment I have entered in your hermitage. Oh! Prabho, kindly describe the reason for it.”

Sage Kakabhushundi replied with a smile “Oh! Sarppashathro, you are fortunate and highly intelligent as well, you have raised a brilliant question, listening to your compassionate inquiries, I recollected my previous births. I shall narrate all those to you, kindly listen to them carefully. The results of Japa, Tapa, Yaga, sense control, following austerities and vows, charities, Virakthi, Viveka, Yogam, Gnanam, are the pathways to the devotion at the lotus feet of Raghupathi, without this none could achieve welfare and happiness. I have attained the blessings of that supreme Lord while I have assumed the form of the crow; therefore I love this form dearly. It is quite natural to have a fondness towards the things that are promising. Oh! Sarppashathro, the Veda recommends that the status of the birth of a person does not matter if it is most promising and fruitful, even the noble souls agrees with this, the silkworms are the source of the expensive and magnificent silks, therefore the fondness to the worms are quite natural, even though they are impure by nature. The devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Srihari makes the Jeeva fortunate, therefore the body assumed is significant, it should be utilized for the practice of intense devotion and belief of that Lord, to makes the life of the Jeeva fruitful, even after obtaining the body of Bhramana if one is not devoted to that supreme Lord is considered as mere waste. I have obtained devotion at the lotus feet of Sri Hari with the body of a crow, so it is dear as my life, even though I have the boon to leave the life as and when I require/Icchamrithyu, but I will not discard this body, Oh! Garuda, the Veda pronounces that it is impossible to practice devotion at the lotus feet of that Prabhu without a Sthoolashareera/cosmic body. In the beginning, I was wielded in Maya, therefore I had no peace or sleep. I have performed Yaga, Yoga, Tapas, Dhanam, and various austerities, Oh! Pakshishwara, we have taken several births and traveled through several Yonis, and performed various deeds, Oh! Prabhu, I have never been at peace like this before, it was the grace of supreme Lord Mahadeva, I am not under the influence of Maya, and therefore I could remember all my previous births. Oh! Pakshiraja, I shall narrate my previous births, that would enhance the devotion at the lotus feet of Prabhu, it would remove all the sufferings and sorrows of the Jeeva.”

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Prabho, I shall narrate my previous births in detail, it was Kaliyuga in another Kalpa, which is the root cause of all the evilness, the males and females were engaged in various immoral deeds, discarded the teachings of Veda and scriptures. I was born in the city of Ayodhya, in a family of Shudra, I was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, with words, deeds, and mind. I took pleasure in disgrace other deities, and I was arrogant as well. I was swollen with the pride of wealth, have been talkative, wicked-natured, and deceitful. Even though I have born in the city of Ayodhya, I had no knowledge of the greatness of that city I have born or Prabhu Sri Ramachandra. In this life, I have attained all the knowledge about the splendor of Ayodhya and Prabhu Sri Ram. The Veda and Purana speak that whoever taken birth in the city of Ayodhya in their previous life would take great pleasure in the reading and listening to the glorious myths of Prabhu Sri Ramachandra. Whoever has the devotion at the lotus feet of Lord Rama who is wielded in bow and arrow, would understand the splendor of Ayodhya. Oh! Sarppashathro that the kali era was extremely pathetic and the people were immersed in various sinful deeds. The Kalimala/evilness of the Kali era wipe off all the Dharmic rites and all those sacred scriptures got vanished, the Pankhandis introduced various traditions of their won, and people started to follow them. The people were drenched in material welfare and bondage, extremely lustful; all those righteous deeds were swallowed by Lobha, Oh! Highly intelligent Harivahana, I shall narrate the characteristics of the Kali era. Listen to me carefully.”

||Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram||

 

Chapter -16 - Uththarakandam

Sage Kakabhushundi explains the necessity of devotion and faith upon the supreme Lord/ he describes the magnificence of supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra

 

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “ Oh! Garuda, The supreme Lord Shiva attired in the skin of tiger, adorned in Mundamala/garland of the skull, serpents, and smeared in sacred ashes to get a glimpse of that divine child, the people of the city of Ayodhya were extremely fortunate to take great pleasure in the supreme bliss, the ascetics won’t think or search for any other pleasure in their lives, even the Bhramanandham. I have stayed in the city of Ayodhya and took great pleasure in the various pastimes of that supreme Lord. I have attained the boon of intense devotion at his lotus feet and returned to my hermitage, from that moment the supreme Lord has showered his eternal grace upon, I have never been haunted by the powerful Maya. I have elaborately explained to you how the Maya of Lord influenced me, now I shall narrate my own experiences to you. Oh! Harivahana, it is definite that without contemplating or meditation upon that supreme Lord Hari, our afflictions and miseries will not come to an end. Oh! Pakshiraja, listen to me carefully, it is impossible to learn the glorious legends of Rama without his grace, and without the knowledge of his splendor, it is impossible to get intense devotion and belief in him. If there is no trust, there will be no love, and the Bhakti will not sprout without love. Is it possible to attain knowledge of scriptures without a preceptor? Is it possible to attain Gnana/wisdom without Vairagya? Oh! Dear Garuda, how did a person attain peace without joy? Is it possible to drive a ferry in the absence of water? The desire cannot be removed without the contentment when the desires go out of hands, simultaneously the miseries and sorrows settle in one’s life. The endless desires cannot bring peace not even in the dreams. Is it possible to get rid of desires without contemplating on Rama? How did a tree grow without the rich soil? How did we understand the knowledge of Oneness-in-all, without the realization of ‘self’? Space is the source for air, Dharma cannot grow without the dedication, and the brilliance cannot be achieved without Tapas, without water there is no existence of taste, how did we attain good disciplines, morals without serving the preceptor? Oh! Prabhu, how did the forms initiate without the fire? Do we get happiness or peace without the knowledge of ‘self’? How do we experience the feel of touch without air? How did we succeed in a task without faith? Oh! Garuda, the fears and anxieties of the worldly existence will not go away without contemplating that supreme Lord Hari.”

 

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “The dedication and belief cause the development of Bhakti, Rama melts in the devotion of his devotees, it is impossible to achieve peace and serenity without his grace, not even in the dreams, hence, Oh! Brilliant Garuda, leave all the misconceptions, and worries, and contemplate upon that supreme Lord who is an ocean of mercy, he most charming Raghuveera and he is the source of happiness and welfare. Oh! Pakshiraja, I have sung in praise of that Prabhu according to my intellect. I have narrated all that I have witnessed with my eyes, I have not explained anything which I have not seen or heard. The splendor of Rama, his sacred names, various incarnations, and glories are endless. Raghunatha is eternal, and all those ascetics and Rishis and Sages singing in praise of that Lord Hari according to their capabilities, even the Veda, Adishesha, and Devi Saradha is incompetent to describe his endless glories, like the vast sky. Oh! Dear Garuda, the supreme Lord is immeasurable and has the loveliness that excels a hundred crores of Manmatha. He has great prowess of hundred crores of Durga in killing the demons, he has the magnificence of hundred crores Lord Indra and his glories are infinite like the Ananthakoti Bhramanda. His power excels a hundred crores of Vayu, his brilliance excels a hundred crores of Surya, he has the coolness of hundred crores of Moon, he is the destroyer of extreme fears and anxieties of worldly existence. He is changeless and endless, he is powerful than the hundred crores of Kala, he has the power excels a hundred crores of Dhoomakethu/comets. He has the depth excels a hundred crores of Pathalloka, and he is vicious as hundred crores of Yama. He is sacred as the hundred crores of Punyatheertha, his sacred names are capable to burn the accumulated sins of the worshiper. Raghuveera is firm like hundred crores of Himalaya, and majestic as hundred crores of oceans. Prabhu is auspicious like the hundred crores of Kamadhenu which fulfills all the desires of the worshiper. He resembles several crors Sharadha in intelligence and excellence in speech; he is skilled in creation as a hundred crores of Lord Bhrama. He resembles a hundred crores of Vishnu in the function of preservation; he resembles a hundred crores of Rudra in the function of destruction, he is wealthiest as hundred crores of Kubera, he is powerful as the hundred crores of Maya to create Prapancha. He is powerful to hold a hundred crores Universe as Adhishesha. In short, Jagadheeshwara Lord Rama is incomparable, and beyond comparison. The Veda and scriptures strongly pronounce that there is no comparison for an incomparable supreme Lord Rama, the ascetics Rishis and Sages describe the glory of that Lord according to their intellects, sounds as the comparison of fireflies with the supreme brilliance of Surya. The compassionate Lord takes great pleasure in their devotion; he is beloved to his devotees. The supreme Lord Rama is the bottomless ocean of virtues; does anyone make an effort to measure the depth of it? I have narrated all that I have heard from the association of the ascetics. Prabhu can be attainable only with the intense devotion and faith; he is the source of bliss and compassion. Therefore, Oh! Mortals, leave your interest in worldly matters and bondage and contemplate upon that supreme Lord Rama.” Garuda was highly pleased with the nectar-like speeches of Kakabhushundi, he spread wings widely, eyes welled up in tears overflowing, contemplated upon Raghupathi, and his heart filled in extreme delight.

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

Chapter -15 - Uththara Kandam

Prabhu Sri Ram enlightens Kakabhushundi with the supreme knowledge of Paramarththa

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Sriharivahana, the several Universe I have witnessed had different characteristics, and unique, but I have not seen different Rama in it, because the Prabhu is beyond Maya, changeless, void of Thrigunas, therefore I could see the same lovely child Rama in all those Universes in the several Bhramanda. I felt hundreds of Kalpa got over while taking a tour through these Bhramandas and Universes. I have returned to my hermitage and stayed for quite some time. In the meantime I have heard my Prabhu has incarnated as Raghukulathilaka, I have rushed to see that lovely child once again, and witnessed the grand ceremony of his birth. Oh! Pakshiraja, all these have happened while I was in the stomach of that Prabhu. All that I have seen cannot be explained, it can be experienced. Once again, I stood before the child and saw that lovely child who is Mayapathi, Sarvajja, Bhagavan Sri Rama smiling at me. I was heavily snowed down with the Maya of that Lord; I was mystified, Prabhu laughed at me. Oh! Sharp minded Garuda, listen to me, immediately I rushed out of his mouth. In this way, Srirama performed various amusements to me on a regular basis, my mind was not calm I was completely under the clutches of Maya. I fell down at his feet wept bitterly “Oh! Arththarakshaka, kindly protect me,” I was not capable to utter a word, watching my pathetic state; Prabhu removed the Maya in me.

The Prabhu who is extremely compassionate, patted my body and relieved me from the grief, thus he uprooted the illusion in me, I have remembered the splendor of Prabhu and attained a state of ecstasy, I shed tears with folded hands I requested to Prabhu, watching the miserable state of mine, soaked in devotion, Prabhu spoken in soft words “ Oh! Kakabhushundi, I am highly pleased with your devotion, ask for the boon, willing to provide all those Animadhi Siddhdis, immense wealth and happiness, ultimately Moksha. You can ask for anything, I shall provide Gnanam, Virakthi, Bhakti, Viveka, Vignana, and many other virtues which is impossible to achieve for the illustrious Rishis and sages, therefore, ask for anything you want.”

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh Prabho, Oh! Pakshiraja, the supreme Lord has prepared to give everything, except devotion at his lotus feet. I felt all those Siddhis and wealth and happiness would be meaningless without devotion at the feet of Prabhu like the sumptuous meals served without salt in it. Therefore Pakshiraja I immersed in deep thought and spoke “Oh! Prabhu who is Sarvantharyami resides as a soul in Jeeva, you are kind and compassionate, if you are kind enough to provide a boon which I ask for, kindly provide me the boon I have desired. Oh! Srirama, you are the Kalpavruksha to your devotees, Oh! Sharanagathavathsala, who is the ocean of mercy, Oh! Anandhadhama, give that superior boon which is highly eulogized by Veda and Purana and sought after by the Yogeeshwaras and ascetics, and it is very difficult to attain, and which is attainable only with the grace of you, kindly provide me the boon to have intense devotion/Ananya Bhakti and pure faith at your lotus feet.”

The supreme Lord Raghunatha replied “Thadhasthu/let it be!” and Raghunayaka began to speak nectar-like words “Oh! Kakabhushundi, you are born as learned, that’s why you have asked for Anananyabhakthi as a boon, there is no one fortunate in the world like you. The devotion is the key to all the treasures, it won’t be available even for the saints and ascetics who abandon worldly matters and bondage, engages in constant meditation and contemplation, and undergoes various austerities and vows. Oh! Kakabhushundi, I am highly pleased with your intelligence, for achieving my beloved Bhakti. Oh! Kakabhushundi, you will attain all those virtues, with my grace. You will be enriched with the knowledge of Bhakti, Gnana, Vairagya, Viveka, Vignana, Yoga, and various pastimes of mine, and the highly confidential philosophies as well. You need not undergo penance or austerities to attain all those. You will be freed from the Maya forever, you have understood my nature as endless and beyond Maya, I have no birth or death, I am free from Thrigunas, and storehouse of virtues, and supreme Bhramam. Oh! Kakabhushundi, listen to me, devotees are beloved to me always, therefore perform all those tasks with words, mind, and deed, contemplating upon me.”

Raghunatha continues “Oh! Kakabhushundi listens to my advice, it is true and easily understandable, and strongly recommended in Vedas and scriptures; I shall narrate them all, listen to me carefully, and contemplate upon me. The Universe and its living creatures are created with the inseparable Maya of mine, and I love them dearly because all are my creations, but the humans are beloved to me. In humans, the twice-born/Bhramin, who have thorough knowledge in Veda and scriptures,  sincerely follow the rites prescribed in the scriptures, people who are contented, have no interest in worldly matters or bondage, wise and learned has the knowledge of self are most beloved of mine. There are Jeeva who is completely surrendered to me, have no other shelter place, and those sincere servants are beloved than anyone, I repeatedly affirm that they are the most beloved of mine. Even if it is Bhrama who does not have devotion to me, he is like everyone to me, if the Jeeva is passionate and devoted to me without any selfish motive, and taken shelter in me is dear than my life. Oh! Kakabhushundi, I want to hear from you, suppose if you the servants who are faithful, humble, and intelligent, and virtuous, would you stop loving them? Listen to me carefully, the Veda and scriptures highly recommend the devotion to attain Paramgathi. If a father has sons with different nature, virtues, wealth, intelligence, austerities, righteousness, and discipline, but his love for all his children would be the same. The Universe and its living beings are my creation, these deities, Manushya, Asura, are my Shrishti, therefore I love everyone dearly. But whoever worships me without pride or greed, devoted to me with the mind, word, and intellect, be it Sthree or Purusha, Chara or Achara, or Napumsaka, are beloved of mine. Oh! Kakabhushundi, I shall tell you the truth, a sincere devotee who has no personal motive to fulfill, leaving all the worldly matters and bondage, contemplates upon me, and takes shelter in me are dear as my life. Oh! Pakshi, you will not have the pressure of Maya or Time on you, therefore constantly contemplate upon me.”

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “ Oh! Pakshiraja, I did not feel content after listening to those nectar-like words of Prabhu, I have transported to a supreme state of ecstasy, I could not express them in words, I have experienced that bliss with these eyes. I have no ability to speak how could I narrate them all? In this way, Prabhu enlightened me with the supreme knowledge and returned to his Balaleela. His eyes welled up in tears, looked at his mother as if hungry, watching this Devi Kausalya rushed to him and took him on his lap and embraced. Devi Kausalya singing in praise of his various pastimes satisfied her child with her bosom milk.”

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -14 - Uththara Kandam

Sage Kakabhushundi describes the childhood pastimes of Rama/ The sight of several Bhramanda and universes in the stomach of Prabhu.

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, the disbelievers do not understand the divinity of that supreme Lord, as if the traveler on the ferry wrongly assumes that the world is moving not the ferry. Oh! Pakshiraja, the supreme Lord is beyond perception, is not understandable for those who are drenched in Maya. The dull-minded, unfortunates, undergoes several births and heaved to the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence. It is impossible to understand the splendor of Raghupathi for the people who are drenched in  Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Ahamkara, and ignorance. Sagunaroopa of that supreme Lord is easily understandable, with the constant meditation and contemplation, listening to the glorious legends. Oh! Pakshiraja, I shall narrate a few of the marvelous stories of that Prabhu, and how did I fall prey to Moha, Oh! Garuda, you are beloved of Lord Rama, and you loved to hear the interesting legends of him. I shall narrate the highly confidential philosophies of that supreme Lord; listen to the nature of Prabhu Ram. He does not tolerate the arrogance in his sincere devotees, because it causes grief of worldly existence, and it heaves the individual to endless miseries and sorrows. Therefore Kripanidhi protects his sincere devotees from these hurdles, like a mother who opens the infected wound on the body of the child and cleanses it, even though the child cries heart out, the mother won’t stop cleansing them with the anxiousness to get rid of the infection in no time. In this way, Raghupathi, removes the arrogance and ignorance in his devotees and teaches them a lesson, and gets them freed from the impurities.” Oh! Tulsidas, why don’t you take shelter at the lotus feet of Prabu and get rid of your impurities?

 

Sage Kakbhushundi continues “Oh! Pakshiraja, I shall narrate the grace of that compassionate Prabhu and my foolishness as well, listen to me carefully. I have witnessed the glorious Balaleela of that Prabhu Srirama in Ayodhya on a daily basis, I have been to Ayodhya on all those occasions, I take part in the grand celebration of the birth of that Lord, Balarama is dearest deity to me, his loveliness excels the beauty of several Kamadeva. Oh! Sarppashathro, my eyes have attained that fortune to take great pleasure in the loveliness of the Prabhu, I have assumed the form of a crow and take part in the various amusements of Prabhu and took great pleasure in it. During his childhood, I always hang around with the Prabhu, and follows him wherever he moves, I take great pleasure in the meals fallen from the mouth of that Prabhu, he has performed several amusements which are most pleasing to the eyes.” Sage Kakabhushundi was transported to a state of ecstasy remembering the kindness of that Prabhu.

 

Sage Kakbhushundi continues “Oh! Pakshinayak, listen to me, the legends of Rama provides bliss to his devotees, the palace of the King Dhasharatha was stunning, decorated with gems and various precious stones, with exquisite artworks, in that beautiful place where these four brothers engaged in various childhood amusements, those are indescribable, in this way Prabhu offered supreme bliss to his mother Devi Kausalya.   His soft and delicate body has the luster of emerald, his limbs have the attractiveness of Kamadeva, his supple feet has the softness and redness of the lotus flower, the nails on feet has the luster of the moon, his footprints carry the divine symbols of Vajra, Kulisha, flag, and louts, he was adorned in marvelous anklets that produce jingling noises while he was crawling and takes baby steps. He has the three lines on the stomach, and deep navel, his chest was adorned in various precious ornaments of gem and pearls. He has beautiful palms and little fingers, his long hands were adorned in marvelous bangles and armlets. He has beautiful shoulders resemble the lion cub, his beautiful neck has the shape of the conch,  has beautiful jawlines, lovely face, his speeches were unclear, lips have the redness of Bimba fruit, he has beautiful line of teeth resembles the buds of jasmine, he has soft cheeks, attractive nose, and a pleasing smile on his face.  The lustrous eyes resemble blue lotus petals, capable to remove the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence. The forehead was adorned in Gorochana, bow-shaped eyebrows, attractive ears, and beautiful curly hair locks resemble the pack of honey bees. He was adorned in majestic yellow silk garment, his enthusiastic screams and his lovely gestures and stares take away my heart and complete attention. I have been with this marvelous divine child who engaged conversing with his own shadow in the spacious and magnificent portico of that palace. He energetically runs towards me and I flew away from his catch, soon he will invite me with a piece of pudding when I got closer to him, he becomes so happy, but when I flew away from his sight, begins to cry, when I get closer to catch his feet, he runs away. The divine Lord has performed the various amusements like an ordinary child when I was wielded in the Maya of Raghupathi, but it does not put me into miseries or sorrows or Kalachakra. Oh! Prabhu, there is a reason for this, Oh! Vishnuvahana, listen to me carefully, Seethapathi is eternal and storehouse of wisdom and beyond Maya. All the living and non-living things are under the constant clutches of Maya if everyone has attained the same status as Prabhu, what will be the difference between us and that Prabhu? Therefore, the arrogant Jeeva is always under the threat of Maya who is the main source of Thrigunas, is under the control of Prabhu. Jeeva is not independent; it always depends on that supreme Lord who is independent. The Jeevathma is numerous and the Paramathma has no dual forms, therefore the Jeeva cannot get rid of the Maya without the grace of that Prabhu. The intellectuals who work hard to achieve the Paramapadham of that Lord, without contemplating upon the glorious legends of Rama, resembles the animals without horn and tails, and lacks the knowledge of night will not end without sunrise, Oh! Pakshiraja, without contemplating and meditating upon the glorious legends of Prabhu Srirama, it is impossible for a Jeeva to get rid of the miseries and sorrows of the worldly existence. He is the essence of Bhramavidhya, the servants of the supreme Lord never meets afflictions, in fact, the devotion to that supreme Lord multiplies in them. The little child Rama smiled at me, the beautiful dark cloud complexioned body, reddish feet, and hands crawled towards me. Oh! Sarppashathro, I flew away, that lovely child stretched his hands towards the sky, I darted high in the sky experienced the little hands following me, and finally, it’s all around me, and this was not known to his brothers or mothers. Oh! Garuda, I darted to the Bhramaloka, I saw those soft supple reddish hands of that lovely child are very closer to me, I have darted through the entire Universe, but those little hands were there everywhere following me. I was horrified and closed my eyes when I have opened my eyes I was before that little Sriramachandra who was watching me with a beautiful smile. Oh! Pakshiraja, suddenly I was pulled inside his little mouth, I could see several Bhramanda inside his stomach, all those Bhramanda was beyond words, I have seen numerous Bhrama, Shiva, Surya, Chandra, Stars, countless Lokapalakas, Yama, Kala, mountains, the entire world, oceans, rivers, ponds, streams, wells, endless woods, various creations of him, deities, Sages, Rishis, Siddhas, Nagas, Manushya, Kinnaras, and four types of Charachara. I have seen numerous things which I have not seen or heard and many things were unimaginable and beyond description. I have lived in each Bhramanda for hundreds of years in a row. I have visited those Bhramanda, and several Universe in it, and I have seen Bhrama, Vishnu, Shiva, Manu, Dhikpalaka, Manushya, Kinnara, Gandharva, Bhootha, Vethala, Rakshasa, Kinnara, animals, reptiles, birds, and all those creatures, I have seen several oceans, rivers, ponds, and mountains, in each The universe and the living beings with special characteristics. I have seen numerous creatures which have no comparison, and I have seen Ayodhya, Sarayu, males and females of the Ayodhya, Rama’s parents and brothers in each Universe and I have seen the incarnation of Prabhu and his various pastimes in these several Universes.”