Bhaktachintamani Prakaran 18

Now listen, all of you, with full attention, to what happened after this. By HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →'s own will, the virtuous sage Markandeya came to that place.

A seer of the three times and knower of the deepest truths, dressed in the guise of a celibate student, he came to DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →'s home, accompanied by many disciples.

DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → received him with great honor and worshipped him in many ways: welcome, celibate one, you have made my home sacred.

From where have you come, who are you, and what is your name? What scriptures have you studied, Swami? I ask you with joined hands.

Then the sage said, listen to my words: I travel about performing pilgrimage to holy places. My name is Markandeya, and I have studied the Vedas and Puranas.

I know astrology well, and I teach it to this disciple of mine. Then DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → rejoiced greatly: welcome, Lord, you have come out of mercy.

Give a name to my child, and stay long in our home. You know astrology well -- tell us, what fortune does this child have?

Look at the day of his birth in due form, the auspicious moment, the ascendant sign, and his birth chart; examine the exact hour and instant of his birth, and give him his name, O wise one.

Then, consulting the almanac, he cast the birth chart. Examining it through the science of astrology, he understood this to be someone truly great.

Then he spoke slowly: listen, wise DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →. This child shall be exceedingly intelligent, and so shall be called the greatest of all.

And since the moon at his birth is in Cancer, his name shall be HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →; whoever takes refuge in you and in him shall have all their troubles removed.

So his name shall be HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →, an abode of happiness for all who remember it. And since his birth occurred in the month of ChaitraChaitraTenth month of the Ãshãdhi Samvat year, normally falling between March and April.Tap to open in glossary →, he may also be called 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 →.

His fine, beautiful body is dark, so we call him by the name 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 →; for his very form shall draw in the minds of all who see it -- for this too he shall be called 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 →.

And combining both these names into one, discerning people shall call him by a third name -- Harikrishna, remembering which delights the minds of the people.

Austerity, renunciation, yoga, dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, and knowledge -- these five virtues, without doubt, he shall have; by these he shall become like Shiva himself, and so shall be called Nilkanth.

So, by virtue and deed, both men and women shall call him by many names. And further, what I perceive, DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, listen, I shall tell you:

He shall be a great listener like King Prithu, devoted and forgiving like Ambarish; possessed of self-knowledge like Janaka, and given to renunciation and detachment like Shuka.

Like Haridas Hanuman, singularly devoted to his one chosen deity, like Uma; steadfast in his resolve toward 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 →, he shall be like Prahlad.

Of maya and its workings, not a trace shall remain unknown to him. Among those who perceive the true self, he shall be known like Kapila, the son of Kardama.

Abandoning fault and embracing virtue, he shall be like Dattatreya in this. His mind shall fear bad company, as King Yudhishthira feared it.

He shall be merciful and greatly generous, more than even Rantideva. In giving souls knowledge of the Lord, he shall be certain like Narada.

He shall never impute fault to the Lord, understanding this as Janaki (Sita) did. His independence shall be like that of LakshmiLakshmiA devi (goddess) who is the wife of Vishnu. She is the devi of wealth. Therefore, money and gold is also called Lakshmi. She eternally remains in the sevã of Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary →, who dwells within the very form of 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 →.

Toward those hostile to HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary → and his devotees, he shall behave like Lakshmana. He shall bring happiness to all souls, as a mother nurtures her child.

In remaining within HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →'s command, he shall be sinless like Bharatji. To take up the glory of the dust of the Lord's feet, he shall be like the devotee Akrurji.

Among those whom the Lord holds dear, he shall be counted equal to Draupadi. Capable of conquering the inner enemies, I know him to have come like a second Arjuna (Partha) manifest.

In answering questions with great skill, I know him to have come like Brihaspati himself. Among the patient, he shall be most patient, equal to King Bali.

To bewilder the demons, he shall be like Vamanji himself. He shall greatly protect dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → -- see for yourselves the signs of this.

On his hand are the marks of the lotus and the goad; seeing his face, millions of fish (of beauty) would feel shame. An upward line, an eight-sided figure, a banner, a swastika, a goad, and a lotus --

barley, jambu fruit, and a thunderbolt are seen there too, and with these his right foot is adorned. A fish, a triangle, a pitcher, and the sky, a cow's hoof-print, a bow, and the moon --

these seven marks adorn his left foot; therefore he is truly the refuge of the refugeless. He shall grant fearlessness to many souls, and shall bestow great honor upon them.

He shall establish many souls in his command, as in the justice of the SatyaSatyaTruth.Tap to open in glossary → Yuga. Whatever manifold sufferings there are, he shall remove them and give you happiness.

As VishnuVishnuThe dev of sustenance. Part of the trimurti. He lives in Vaikunth with his wife Lakshmi.Tap to open in glossary → and the wise gods help in times of great calamity, so he shall care for you -- such boundless virtues does he possess.

Many other great virtues are in him too; he shall be the very limit of good qualities. Such were the words of Markandeya, and DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary → heard them with great joy.

Then he gave garments, ornaments, and wealth, gifts of many kinds. Markandeya was pleased, and remained there two more days.

Then, giving his blessing, the king of sages departed for Prayag with his disciples. Then 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 → rejoiced, and cradled their son, calling him by his name.

As four months passed, the fifth month began. On an auspicious day, the couple performed the ceremony of seating the child upon the earth.

They worshipped the earth goddess together with the boar-incarnation, and lovingly invited the Brahmins. A great celebration was held that day, and many Brahmins were fed.

Auspicious music was played, and joyful blessings were given. Then, in the seventh month, on a fine day, the full-moon day fell on a Thursday.

On that day the child's ears were pierced, and he was adorned with fine golden ornaments. Then, on the second day of the dark half of Ashvin, the ceremony of the first solid food (annaprashan) was performed.

A celebration was held and people were fed, and Brahmins were given a feast. Then three objects were placed before him -- scripture, a coin, and a sword.

Then the Lord set aside the coin and the sword, and placed his hand upon the book. Whatever inclination was truly his own, nothing else pleased him at all.

Then his mother took him upon her lap, and pressed him tightly to her heart, and kissed him. Then, nursing him with love, she felt new affection welling up each day.

Then, day by day, that merciful child grew like the waxing moon. He performed boundless childhood pastimes, and men and women watched, entranced.

He was dear to his mother and father, who would not let him out of their sight for a moment. So the days passed in joy, their hearts delighted at the sight of their son.

Whoever, 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 → or woman, beheld him, their mind was carried away by love for him. Even the elderly, the learned, and the wise, seeing the Lord, forgot their own knowledge.

Whatever pleasing deeds the Lord performed, they could not be grasped or matched by anyone. Mother and father, sister and brother, uncle and maternal uncle, whatever the relation --

all held affection for HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →, and he too held great affection for them all. Men and women loved the Lord dearly, yet he did not come easily even into his mother's arms.

Then he began to speak a little, uttering words in a lisping, stammering voice. However he spoke, in sweet, halting baby-talk, it was dear to his mother's heart.

Then the wise women all taught the beloved child fine speech. And they played with him in fine ways, feeding him milk-sweets and confections.

Sweets, candies, and delicacies -- Bhagwan ate whatever was given with love. Slowly, slowly, to teach him to walk, the women taught him, and Maharaj learned.

He stumbled and took faltering steps, unafraid to hold onto whatever support was near. So Maharaj performed his childhood pastimes, showing love for the sake of his own people.

He would whimper, cry, fall on his belly, and with great effort climb over the threshold. He would eat little morsels, tumbling about often, performing the deeds of a child.

He crawled on his knees within the house, and holding support, would stand up himself. Seeing him thus seemingly helpless, all thought him so, yet he was truly steady and profound.

He was not startled by hunger, suffering, or fear, and was not disturbed by gods or demons. Ghosts, spirits, demons and titans, rakshasas, rakshasis, and yakshas together --

he held no fear of them in his mind, being as unmoving as a mountain. His other fine virtues too were many and good, by which he became dear to all.

He did not cry but always played happily, and by this he pleased everyone all the more. He spoke sweet words often with his mouth, and this delighted all who heard him.

Whether he drank milk and sugar or not, he took food only without desire for it. Food, clothing, ornaments, and bed -- he desired none of these for his own sake.

Cold, heat, mosquitoes and bites -- none of these ever troubled or disturbed him. Seeing such fine conduct, all were filled with great wonder in their minds.

They said, this is surely someone very great -- so said the couple, seeing him. As a year passed in this way, his deeds became known to all.

Thus ends the eighteenth chapter, named 'HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →'s Childhood Pastimes,' 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 →.