Bhaktachintamani Prakaran 11

In the beautiful land of Sarvar, there is a river named Manorama; north of the Makhoda tirtha there lies the village of Chhapaiya.

A beautiful lake shines there, its waters exceedingly clear, adorned with rows of lotus and water-lilies, exceedingly lovely.

To its south lie two forests, Bagiha and Chudva, filled with beautiful fruits and flowers, dense with lovely trees.

In that matchless land is a village named Chhapaiya, where all four castes -- Brahmin, KshatriyaKshatriyaPerson of power and courage, traditionally responsible for the formation and enforcement of law within society, as well as its safety. Rulers and warriors of society. The second of the four varnas (castes) of the ancient Indian social system.Tap to open in glossary →, VaishyaVaishyaMerchant. Businessman or employer traditionally dealing with financial and commercial matters in society. TheTap to open in glossary →, and ShudraShudraLabourer. Skilled worker traditionally serving the other three varnas (brãhmans, kshatriyas, and vaishyas). The lowest of the four varnas (castes) of the ancient Indian social system.Tap to open in glossary → -- dwelt.

There lived a Brahmin named Krishnasharma, a manmanMind. One of the four antah-karans, with the function of (pronounced mun) generating thoughts and desires, and governing all of the indriyas.Tap to open in glossary → of discernment who knew the essential from the trivial, endowed with virtue, contentment, of pure heart and supremely holy.

In his house was his fortunate wife, exceedingly pure and generous of heart; as pure as that young woman was, so wise was Krishnasharma.

Both husband and wife performed devotion to Vasudev with full-hearted faith; such a pure manmanMind. One of the four antah-karans, with the function of (pronounced mun) generating thoughts and desires, and governing all of the indriyas.Tap to open in glossary → and woman -- there BhaktiBhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary → took incarnation.

In the year SamvatSamvatThe calendar established by Indian emperor Vikramaditya of Ujjain following his victory 56 BCE. It is a lunar calendar based on ancient Hindu tradition. The Vikram Samvat calendar is 56.7 years ahead of the solar Gregorian calendar. The calendar most commonly used is the Kãrtiki Samvat, which begins on the first day of Kãrtik. However, the Vachanãmrut is written using the Ashãdhi Samvat, which begins on the first day of Ãshãdh.Tap to open in glossary → 1738, on the full moon of Kartik, under the Krittika nakshatra, on a Wednesday, at moonrise, the incarnation occurred.

When the auspicious one was born, her mother and father rejoiced greatly; then Krishnasharma, the Brahmin, summoned astrologer-Brahmins to his home.

The astrologers examined the beautiful horoscope and said: name this girl child well; the determining of another name shall be done, based on her virtues, by all.

Know that this is no ordinary being but divine; your fortune, they said, is truly great. Hearing this, Krishnasharma rejoiced and gave gifts to please the Brahmins.

Then that divine form grew, becoming exceedingly dear to her mother and father; she played as a child would, thus concealing her own true knowledge.

As the young moon grows day by day, she grew, performing devotion to Shri KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → with deep love; so people began calling her by the name BhaktiBhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary → (Devotion), both men and women addressing her so.

In form, virtue, and character she was like Devahuti, mother of Kapila; her gentle nature shone abundantly -- how many of her virtues can I count?

Modest and exceedingly humble, that form was full of mercy and forgiveness; her heart, ever pure within, was sinless and self-purified.

Such was the wife of BhaktiBhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary → and DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, taking form and named as a girl; from the day this saintly woman was born, all felt their devotion to KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → grow.

Everyone's faith increased at that time, as devotion itself was born to inspire devotion; joy spread through every home, while the hypocrites and pretenders went into hiding.

Seeing such glory of BhaktiBhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary →, her father Krishnasharma said: let us now arrange her betrothal, to a fine family in the great land of Sarvar.

There lived the virtuous Balashrama, of a high lineage in that place; his son is named Devsharma -- let us give this girl to him.

Hearing this, the mother rejoiced: I approve well of what you say. Then, having fixed the date of marriage, the Brahmin prepared to depart.

The Brahmin set off at once from there and came to the town of Raikhatta; he said to Balashrama: I have brought a marriage proposal to your home.

Your son, named DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, should be married in the village of Chhapaiya. Hearing this, all were pleased, and they welcomed the marriage proposal with love.

Then they adorned a beautiful wedding procession, and all the virtuous ones prepared themselves; they beautifully adorned the groom, by which DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → shone forth greatly.

He wore fine saffron-dyed garments, a golden turban adorning his head, a garland at his chest, a bracelet on his wrist, beautiful tassels tucked at his head.

Earrings, bracelets, and rings adorned his arms, a golden chain shone at his throat, a diamond necklace at his heart, and a beautiful upper garment besides.

He wore a beautiful enchanting garland, with an upper cloth over his chest; he also wore a garland of flowers, by which he shone exceedingly beautiful.

Armlets, wristlets, and bangles on his small young arms, rings set with gems on his fingers, jewels and stones sparkling in the settings.

A golden sword hung at his shoulder, and a veil covered his smiling face; he wore red slippers on his feet, walking gracefully like a swan.

The wise groom mounted his horse, as drums and kettle-drums sounded; chariots, carriages, and carts were hitched, moving on one after another finely.

The procession rose in such crowds that it seemed to cover the very sky; seeing it, even the immortals were delighted. The beautiful groom arrived at Chhapaiya, and the whole village came out to receive him.

Seeing the groom's beauty, the people said: this must be a god or a king among men. They were given lodging and fed with due honor, then the groom came to the marriage arch.

Seeing the groom's beautiful form, men, women, gods and kings alike were enchanted; seeing the mark of tilak upon his forehead, it seemed as though a second moon had risen.

Then they performed the welcoming rite and seated him on the ceremonial platform, greatly pleasing his mother-in-law; then the gifts for the bride were given -- O bride, your groom is virtuous.

The bride and groom satsat1) True. Real. 2) Permanent, imperishable and unchanging. Is unbound by the past, the present, and the future.Tap to open in glossary → together at the wedding canopy, and their marriage knot was tied, never to be undone; DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, the generous one, married with love, and cries of victory resounded there.

After giving many kinds of gifts, they saw the wedding party off toward home; the wedding guests were given great gifts, more than can be told.

Abir and gulal and fragrant oils flew about, and a flood of color filled the air; thus they played and feasted joyfully, and then Krishnasharma spoke with affection:

Balashrama, I make a request of you -- you are a manmanMind. One of the four antah-karans, with the function of (pronounced mun) generating thoughts and desires, and governing all of the indriyas.Tap to open in glossary → of truth, please fulfill my wish; in your family, it is certain, none refuses what is asked.

So I ask, with joined hands, grant this with mercy, wise one: give me your son, my son-in-law, that I may keep him here with me.

Hearing this, Balashrama's heart fell into difficulty: how can this be done? How can I give up my son DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →?

Yet to refuse was also impossible -- to say no would ruin his honor. Then, mindful of his family's dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, he consented to give his son.

As though tearing out his very life, so did the wise father give up his son; his composure could not hold, and the words could not fully be spoken.

Then, gathering great composure, he resolved to give his daughter-in-law counsel: listen, dear bride, blessed one, I speak to you words for your own good.

Hold fast to the vow of devotion to your husband, through which happiness comes at once; there is no greater glory for a woman than the dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → of devotion to her husband.

Whoever attains true devotion to her husband, all her troubles are removed; her mother, father, brothers, uncles are all blessed -- blessed is the husband who has such a wife.

Such a woman redeems three generations of her family, whoever holds fast to devotion to her husband; reckoning every hair on her body worth a million years, such a woman and manmanMind. One of the four antah-karans, with the function of (pronounced mun) generating thoughts and desires, and governing all of the indriyas.Tap to open in glossary → dwell in heaven.

Even the gods and moon become purified, the very wind fears to touch her body; whatever merit is gained by austerity, pilgrimage, and vows, that same radiance is attained by a woman devoted to her husband.

Even if the dust of a sinful earth touches her, it becomes purified -- no wonder in that. Such devoted and meritorious women -- hear their names, without doubt:

Arundhati and Anasuya, Savitri, Shandili, and SatyaSatyaTruth.Tap to open in glossary →, Ahalya, Draupadi, Shatarupa, Mena, Suniti, and matchless Sanjna,

Svaha and Lopamudra, such were the chaste women who served their husbands with love; you too shall become such a blessed one -- believe truly what I say.

You shall have such deep love for your husband that you shall be called Premavati (full of love). Then he spoke words of counsel to his own pure son as well.

My son, you who are called to the duties of a Brahmin, remain always well and prosperous in them; and this fortunate, beautiful bride of yours -- never forsake her.

Thus ends the eleventh chapter, named 'The Marriage of BhaktiBhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary → and DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →,' in the Bhaktachintamani composed by the disciple Nishkulanand MuniMuniSãdhu.Tap to open in glossary → of Shri Sahajanand Swami, propagator of the path of Ekantik DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →.