stories

[pramanisa]

Note: all the stories are taken from different websites. The credit goes to all who worked for this. May baba bless each and everyone who worked for these beautiful stories. I shall keep adding the names. right now it is http://moralstories.wordpress.com/list-of-stories/

Poundareeka Vaasudeva

Poundareeka was the Raaja of Karuusha desham. He always used to try to imitate Shri Krishna. He used to dress like Shri Krishna, wearing Piitaambaram, carrying Venu and Shikhi Pichchham (peacock’s feather) on the kiriitam (crown). He also got imitations of Sudarshana Chakram, Paanchajanya Shankam, Koumodaki Gada, Padmam, Shaarnga Dhanuh (bow). He also put a mark on his Vakshasthalam and said it is Kaustubham.

Though he was doing all this, Shri Krishna, the Purushottama, never got Krodham. He thought may be atleast by imitating My outward appearance, his internal behaviour will change.

But no. Poundareeka was no Bhakta to imitate outward appearance of Shri Krishna and change his buddhi. Infact, he started saying he is the “true Vaasudeva”, not Shri Krishna. He used to tell everybody, with Ahankaaram, that He is Paramaatma not Shri Krishna.

Sarvagnya, Shri Krishna, even then didnt get any Krodham. He tolerated the duushanams of Poundareeka. However once with Garvam, Poundareeka went to the extent of imprisoning Parama Bhakta and sakha of Shri Krishna, Sudaama.

Bhagavaan can tolerate anything but not His Bhaktas being tortured. He immediately reached Poundareeka, did his samhaaram and saved Sudaama, His priya-mitra. Once again God proved that He is a Bhakta-sulabha.

Morals in the Story:

Imitating, following Mahaapurushas is good, but following Them fully is very very difficult. Poundareeka could only imitate outward appearance but not the Dharma-buddhi of Shri Krishna.
Ahankaaram is the root cause for one’s destruction. With Ahankaaram, Poundareeka thought he was only God, behaved like a Kruura and imprisoned Bhakta Sudaama.
The greatness of a Bhakta is well shown in the story. Shri Krishna didnt get angry with Poundareeka until he tortured His bhakta, Sudaama.

[pramanisa]

One day when Jagadguru Shri Aadi Shankaraachaarya was going with His Shishyas, they saw an unbelievable thing. There was a Vruddha sitting under a Taala-Vruksham and the Vruksham by itself was bending and giving its ’sura’ to him. The shishyas and Shri Aadi Shankaraachaarya were surprised seeing how a tree can bend and by itself give its product, to a person.

Shri Aadi Shankaraachaarya went to the Vruddha and asked how he got this Shakti? The Vruddha replied “Svaami! All my life I have lived by selling this sura I get from Taala-Vruksham. This is my Sva-dharmam, Vrutti. Though many who were with me left this and took to other jobs, I never left it. This Taala-Vruksham was my aadhaaram for years.

As Shri Krishna Paramaatma told, for a person who follows his Sva-dharmam, nothing is impossible. Now since I grew old and can no longer climb the tree, collect ’sura’ and sell it, the Vruksham by itself is bending and giving its sura to me. Since I never left my Sva-dharmam, it is only saving me”.

Showing this great person, the Vruddha, Shri Aadi Shankaraachaarya told His shishyas “Is there a greater example to say Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah“?

[pramanisa]

Long time ago, there used to be a Sanyaasi. He was a great Gnyaani. Many used to respect him and many used to come and get Divya-Upadeshams from him. He was a well known Aadhyaatmavetta. He had many shishyas. He did uddharana of many. Even Kings and Mantris used to come to him, have his darshanam and get Gnyaanopadeshams from him.

The Sanyaasi became very old. Since he was a Gyaani, he came to know soon he has to leave his Bhoutika Shariiram. Hence he was doing Bhagavat-naama-smaranam and waiting for Mrutyudevata.
Knowing this, many many from all parts of the country came there to get the last darshanam of the Sanyaasi. True Bhaktas came to have Darshanam of the Sanyaasi and get some Upadesham if possible. However some came expecting to get some shakti or some materialistic benefit from the Sanyaasi. One of them was a Sampanna (rich fellow). He was a lobhi (miser), Kruuraatma, Muurkha. Hoping to get some more wealth he came to have the Darshanam of the Sanyaasi.

The Sanyaasi, who didnt want to meet anybody, seeing this Parama-lobhi, called him. As soon as the Sanyaasi called him, though many many were waiting, the Lobhi got Garvam. He looked at others with an expression like “see how great I am. The Sanyaasi called me only”.

The Lobhi wanted to ask the Sanyaasi why he chose him only to come in. Repeatedly he kept on asking this. Then Sanyaasi replied “I and these people waiting outside, some or the other time, have chance to meet again in some Uurdhva-lokas. Whereas a Lobhi can never get sat-gati. So I can never meet you. Thus I wanted to do some Hitopadesham to you now only”.

[pramanisa]

Long time ago, Bandar, which is in Aandhra Pradesh, was a small town. One day a person was walking on a street of Bandar. The style of his walk itself showed his honesty. After all only an honest person never needs to lower his head.

This person saw something on the road and it stopped him. It was the cry of a young boy. The boy was sitting outside his house and crying. The person approched the boy asked him why he was crying. Seeing the Daya in his eyes, the boy told his story “Swaamy! My father died recently. We are three brothers and our Maata is there. I am the eldest brother. I searched a lot for a job, but I was not able to get one anywhere”.

The person thought for a while; he wanted to help the young boy somehow. He said “come with me”. They both went to a Bank. The person talked to the Manager and the person requested the Manager to train the boy on some Bank related work. The boy learnt the work with great shraddha. One month was over and the person gave money to the boy from his own pocket. Similarly, the next month, the person only gave money to the boy. From the third month onward, since the boy had enough experience, the Bank itself recruited him and thus the young boy was able to stand on his own legs.

The person was none other than “Dr. Bhogaraaju Pattaabhi Seetaaraamayya“. He was one of the freedom fighters and did great Desha-seva. He was born on 24th November 1880 in Gundugolanu village, West Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh.


Though Shri Seetaaraamayya could have just given the boy some money and consoled him, he didnt choose to do that. Instead he spent his valuable time, made the person learn to stand on his own legs and did true help to the poor family. May be this is why Panditas say “Samaya Daanam” is the greatest Daanam.

[pramanisa]

On the way to the great Ujjaini Nagaram, there was a Pippala-Vruksham (Ashwattha Vruksham). On it use to live a Vaayasam (crow) and a Hamsa. One afternoon, when Suurya-deva was showing His power, came a Paantha (traveller). He not able to tolerate the heat, thought of taking rest in the shade of the Ashwattha Vruksham. When he was taking rest, the Hamsa saw that, through the gaps between leaves of tree, sun-light was directly falling on the face of the Paantha.

Hamsa, who was a Dayaalu, couldnt see this and spread out his wings and thus gave shade to the Paantha sleeping under the tree. Seeing the Paantha was sleeping happily, the Vaayasam got Iirsha due to his natural Dushta-svabhaavam. The Vaayasam, out of Matsaram, put his puriishotsargam (put its droppings) on the face of the Paantha and flew away.

Though it had nothing to gain by troubling the traveller, it troubled him because, for Dushtas Para-piida (paining others) itself gives pleasure. The Paantha woke up and saw the Hamsa which was above him and thinking that it has done this to him, shot it with an arrow. The innocent Hamsa fell down and died.

Morals in the Story:

The Daya of Hamsa is great. Not able to see the difficulty of the traveller, it spread its wings, took all the heat and protected the traveller. There is no greater Dharmam than Paropakaaram.
Even though the Hamsa is a sajjana, just because it stayed with the Vaayasam (dushta), it got into difficulties. One must never be in the Saagatyam of bad. Durjanas not only destroy themselves, but also others with them.
Krodham is one’s greatest enemy. Because of his anger, the traveller, without thinking what actually happened, killed the innocent Hamsa. Coming under Krodham one can do any great paapam, hence one must always be away from it.

[pramanisa]

One night, Shri Raama Chandra Murty was taking rest. He put His head on His Parama-mitra Sugreeva’s lap. Bhakta Hanumaan and Angada were doing Paramaatma Paada-seva. Lakshmana was arranging the aayudhams and gaurding everyone.

Shri Raama’s drushti was caught by the beautiful Pournami-Chandra. He saw Chandra and said “can anyone of you explain the dark regions in Chandra”.

Everyone gave their explanations. They proved their arguments also. However Hanumaan said “Chandra is Parama-bhakta of Nila-megha-shyaama, Mahaavishnu. Since Paramaatma is a Bhakta-varada, He always stays in a Bhakta’s Hrudayam. ‘Naaham vasaami Vaikunthe Na Yogi Hrudaye Ravou. Madbhakta yatra gaayanti, tatra tishthaami Naarada’. Hence it is Shri Raama who is in the Chandra’s Hrudayam. Hence Chandra is able to give Amrutam and Aushadhas to the worlds. This explains the dark region (because Shri Raama is Neela-megha-shyaama)”.

Shri Raama had great aanandam seeing the Bhakti of Hanumaan. A true Bhakta recognizes and respects the Bhakti of others, as Hanumaan did for Chandra. A Bhakta also sees Paramaatma in everything, like Hanumaan saw in Chandra.

[pramanisa]

Bhaarateeyas always respected Nature and their fellow living creatures. Bhuuta-daya was the foremost in our Saampradaayam. Infact they do puuja of Prakruti assuming its Parameshvarii’s ruupam.

Gopaalakas used to every year do Indra-yaagam. Seeing this Paramaatma, Shri Krishna, who then was 7 years old, said “O Nandaraaja! What is the reason behind doing Indra-yaagam”?

Nandaraaja replied “Krishna! Yagnya-yaagams are a way of showing Krutagnyata. We show our Krutagnyata to Devatas, Devendra. A Krutagnya only deserves help and not a Krutaghna. Hence if we do Indra-Yaagam, Devatas will help us, leading to Loka-hitam”.

Nandakishora replied “Devatas alone do not give Phala-siddhi. One’s Karma (what good and what bad he did) is the main reason for Phala-siddhi. Hence one must always follow his Sva-dharmam. With Bhagavat-bhakti, Dharma-kaaryams must be done.

This Prakruti is what we see directly, and Paramaatma, Devendra, Devatas are who we cannot see. Hence leaving this Pratyaksha-daivam, Prakruti, is not correct. We all live under this Govardhana-giri. For us this Govardhana and Gomaatas are Pratyaksha-daivams. Gomaatas, Viprottamas, Saadhus, Vedams are all Puujaniiyam. This Pavitra Govardhana Giri came from Mahaavishnu’s Vakshasthalam and brought here by Pulastya muni. Hence let us do pooja of this Govardhana giri and Gomaatas. This is My abhimatam (wish)”.



Sannanda, one of the greatest Vruddhas replied “Nandanandana! What You spoke are Amruta vaakyams. You are Gnyaana-svaruupa, Paramaatma. Your words are Shirodhaaryam for us (must be followed by us). Please tell us how to do Govardhana-giri puuja”?

Paramaatma replied “Taata! We must clean the bhuu-bhaagam near the Giri-paadam, purify with Gomayam. Then must put beautiful Rangoli on it. With all puujaa-dravyams, we must do Shodashopachaara pooja as told in Shaastrams. Abhishekams must be done with Triveni-sangama-jalam, Go-ksheeram. After Deepaaraadhana, we must do Giri-pradakshinams and Namaskaarams. We must then do Naivedyam. After Neeraajanam, we must do Go-puuja and then do many Daanams”. Every one became enthusiastic. They were longing to start the Giri-puuja.

Shri Krishna then continued “before coming for puuja, do all your Kartavyams (duties) and then only come. Do not leave Vruddhas hungry in the house and come. Feed the Vruddhas, baalakas first. Feed the Gomaatas, pashu-pakshis (cattle, brids), Shunakams (dogs), other domestic animals and then come”.

On a Shubha-vaasaram, all Gopaalakas did as told by Shri Krishna, decorated themselves, Gomaatas and came in huge numbers to do Govardhana-giri puuja. Nandaraaja, Yashodaa Devi, Rohinii Devi, Balaraama-Krishna, Garga Maharshi came. Navanandas and Vrushabhaanu brought Raadhaa Devi in a Suvarna-aandolika (golden palaquin).

Devatas, Apsaras, Raajarshis, Maharshis many came. Paarvatii-Parameshvara also came to see the Divya-puuja. After puuja, Govardhana Giriraaja appeared with Chaturbhujas and gave His anugraham to the Vraja-vaasis. Everywhere people were shouting “Jayaho Shri Krishna Paramaatma, Jayaho Govardhana Giriraaja”.

Morals in the Story:

Destroying Natural resources, Nature was never Bhaarateeyata. They infact used to do puuja of Prakruti assuming it as Aadi-shakti. This was well shown in the story through the words of Shri Krishna.
Bhaarateeyas also believed in Bhuuta-daya. As Shri Krishna said, Bhuuta-daya is one of their Kartavyams. Shri Krishna asks Gopaalas to feed Vruddhas, Baalakas, other domestic animals and then only come for pooja.
The Amruta-vaakyams of Shri Krishna must never be forgotten. One must never leave his Sva-dharmam.

[pramanisa]

Sunandinii was the putrika of Sudharma and Sumanasaa. Sunandinii right from childhood was a Shiva Bhakta and used to be very nice to others. Seeing her uttama-gunams, her Maata-Pita used to be very happy. The three of them were always satisfied with what they had and used to do help others in whatever way they could.

Kaalam never remains the same. Change is its nature. Vidhi-vashah once Sunandinii got separated from her Maata-Pita. The small girl searched everywhere. But no use. Searching for them, she reached a forest. A Siddha, who was doing Tapas in the forest, saw this helpless girl and took pity on her. He gave Sunandinii a Divya Phalam and Pushpam and said “O Kumaarii! Take these Divya Phala-Pushpams. As long as you have them you will never have Kshut-pipaasas (hunger and thirst). You will get purusha-ruupam and it will help you survive in this dangerous place”. Sunandinii did Namaskaaram to the Siddha and took the Divya Phala-Pushpams.

Sunandinii continued her search for Maata-Pita. Because of having the Divya Phala-Pushpams she had purusha-ruupam and never had Kshut-pipaasas. When she was going through the forest she heard an aarta-naandam from a Vruddha-strii (old woman). The Vruddha-strii was very hungry and asked Sunandinii to help her. Sunandinii got separated from her Maata-Pita, but not from the Hita-bodha they did. Sunandinii remembered the stories of Saktuprastha, Rantideva and other Mahaa-purushas which she heard from her Maata-pita.

Taking pity on the Vruddha-strii, she wanted to give off the Divya Phala-Pushpams to her, even though she knew it will be very difficult for her to survive without them! The Siddha who was passing by saw this and stopped Sunandinii. He said “O Shubhaanana! Why are you giving away these? Dont you know without them it will be very difficult for you? Is Aatma-raksha not the greatest Dharmam”?

Sunandinii replied “O Tapasvi-Chandrama! My Maata-pita told me that Paropakaaram is the greatest Dharmam. After all the purpose of having this shariiram is to help others and thus progress in Moksha-maargam”. Saying thus, Sunandinii gave off the Divya Phala-Pushpams to the Vruddha-strii. Impressed with the Dharma-buddhi of Sunandinii, Parameshvarii, who came in disguise as the Vruddha-strii, showed Her true form and gave Her Anugraham to Sunandinii.

Jayam to the great Bharata-bhuumi that gave birth to such Mahaapurushas.

[pramanisa]

One day a Vaishya came to Vikramaaditya Maharaja and said “Raaja! One night, when I was in Madhuraanagaram, doing Vartakam, I heard an aarta-naadam from Uttara-disha. From the Nagara-vaasis I came to know that there lives a raakshasa near a Parvatam on the North side of the Nagaram. There is a Kaalikaalayam too there. Everyday night, they hear these aartanaadams”.

Vikramaaditya Maharaja reached the Kaalikaalayam. Till it was night, he did Praarthana in the Aalayam. At night, he heard the aartanaadam. He saw the Raakshasa torturing a strii. Vikramaaditya Maharaja couldnt tolerate Strii-himsa. He immediately pounced on the Raaksha and did his Vadha. He then asked “Maata! Who are you? Why is this Raakshasa paining you”? The strii did Namaskaaram to show her Krutagnyata and said

“Prabhu! I am a Viprottama’s arthaangi. I used to always unnecessarily fight/argue with my Bharta and cause grief to him. That Shaanta-muurti tolerated me for a very long time. One day he got very angry with me and gave shaapam that “everyday get beatings from the Raakshasa near Kaalikaalayam and clean your paapams”. When I had pashchaattaapam and asked for Shaapaantaram, he said that Dharmaatma, Dhairya-shaali Vikramaditya Maharaja will do Raakshasa-samhaaram and save you. From that day onwards everyday I am seeing Narakam because of the Raakshasa. Because of your Divya-darshanam I got Vimukti. How can I show my Krutagnyata?”. Saying like this, she showed Vikramaditya a Nidhi that had 1crore Gold coins which was under the control of the Raakshasa. She then said “Maharaja! Since you did Raakshasa-samhaaram, you are the adhikaari of this Nidhi. Please take this Nidhi”.

Vikramaditya Maharaja then gave away the Nidhi to the Strii and said “Sukhiibhava”. After telling this story, the Pratima on the Vikramaditya Maharaja’s Simhaasanam continued “Bhoja Raaja! Do you have such Paropakaara Buddhi? Like Vikramaditya I hope you also dont have Dhana-kanksha”.

Morals in the Story:

Paropakaara buddhi of Vikramaditya is well shown in the story. After saving the Vipra-strii, he gave away the Nidhi to her and blessed her to live happily.
The Dharma-vartanam and Veeratvam of Vikramaditya is shown in the story. Following Raaja-dharmam, he protect the strii and with great Dharyam did dushta-samhaaram.

[pramanisa]

Pryaagam Paataliiputram Vijayanagaram Puriim |

Indraprastham Gayaam chaiva pratyushe pratyaham smaret ||

Such is the greatness of Indraprastham. What more needs to be said about a Nagaram which was once ruled by the great Yudhishthira? This story happened in Tretaa-yugam (see Kaala-maanam) during Setu-bandhanam:

Every one was enthusiastic. Setu-bandhanam was going in full swing. Vaanaras were bringing huge paashaanams (boulders), writing Divya Shri Raama Naamam on them. Nala-Neela were throwing them into the ocean. Due to Shri Raama Naama mahima, the stones floated.

Everyone showed their Bhakti towards Shri Raama, the purushottama. Even though they knew that their small effort doesnt matter for accomplishing the impossible task of Setu-bandhanam, and that it is the power of Shri Raama only helping them, they put in effort and were doing whatever they could. Everyone was doing Parishrama according to their capability. Parama Bhakta Hanumaan was bringing huge Parvatams and throwing into the ocean. The tiny Chikroḍa (squirrel) was rolling in water, then rolling on the sands and then rolling in water so that the sands stuck to its body go into the water. Seeing the Parishrama and Bhakti of the Chikroḍa, Paramaatma took it in His hands, carresed the squirrel’s back and blessed it. (Only Indian squirrels have three lines on their back)


In this, once Hanumaan reached the great Indraprastham in search of Parvatams to throw into the ocean and build the Setu (bridge). There He saw a Giri-raaja by name Govardhana. Seeing Hanumaan, Govardhana had paramaanandam. He thought that now is when his body is being of some use. He invited Hanumaan to carry him so that he can be of some help to Paramaatma Shri Raama. Bhakta Hanumaan also was very happy to see the Bhakti of Govardhana.

But some duutas (messengers) from Shri Raama came and informed Hanumaan that Setu-bandhanam is over and He can return to the Saagaram. Listening to this news there was no end to the duhkham of Govardhana. He thought due to some paapa-kaaryam he did in his previous janma, he now is not able to serve Parandhaama, Shri Raama. Seeing the duhkham of Govardhana, Hanumaan went to Shri Raama and told about Govardhana.

Shri Raama had great aanandam seeing the Bhakti of Govardhana. He gave a varam to Govardhana that he will do Uddharana of Govardhana in Dvaapara-yugam when He is Shri Krishna.

For 7 days, Shri Krishna lifts Govardhana Parvatam and saves lifes of the Gopaalas. Govardhana then has great aanandam for being of some use to the Paramaatma Shri Krishna.

Morals in the Story:

We must always put in efforts, hard-work for doing a good deed, whether or not it is possible or impossible for us. God will be happy with the Parishrama (hard-work) we put in and bless us immaterial of the result. Though it was not capable of doing much, the squirrel did whatever it could and impressed the Lord.
The nishkaama Bhakti of the squirrel and Govardhana must be inculcated. God always protects His Bhaktas, like He did to Govardhana.

[pramanisa]

A Vyaapaari was walking through an Aranyam near Himavat-parvatams. Suddenly a huge Daavaanalam (forest fire) spread and a Krishnaahi (Black Cobra) got caught in it. It trembled with fear seeing the sky-touching flames. It didnt know where to go. The Kaala-sarpam then saw the Vyaapaari and cried for help “O Aarta-jana-sharanya! Not knowing where to run to save my live, when I did Daiva-praarthana, like Bhagavaan you came. You look as great as Shibi Chakravarti to me. Please do my praana-raksha”.

The Vyaapaari was a dayaamaya. He couldnt even see the duhkhum of a dushta-jantu like the Krishnaahi. With aganya-kaarunyam, the Vartaka-shreshtha went into the Daavaanalam and found the Krishnaahi. He tied a syuutam (bag) to one end of his hand-stick, caught it by the other and put the syuutam near the Visha-sarpam. Krishnaahi crawled into the syuutam, coiled itself and stayed safely in it. The Vartaka then brought the Krishnaahi to a safe place and left it.

Instead of showing Krutagnya to the Vartaka, Krishnaahi said “Maanavas and Sarpas always have Shatrutvam. I will not leave you”. It immediately hissed and jumped on the Vartaka. Shocked, trembling with fear, the Vartaka ran for his life. Vartaka was running and the Krishnaahi was following. They ran into a Jambukam (jackal), which was sleeping in a cave. The Srugaalam (jackal) said seeing Krishnaahi “O Uragaraaja! Why are you chasing this Vartaka. Please tell me your story, I will help if I can”.

Krishnaashi then told the story to the Gomaayu (jackal). Putting an expression as if it was surprised, Jambukam said “I dont believe you. You are so huge. I dont believe that you fit in this small syuutam”. To show how it was possible, the Krishnaahi went into the syuutam and coiled itself. Gomaayu then hand-signalled the Vartaka, who was awe-struck and was looking on, to close the syuutam. Vartaka then closed the opening of the syuutam and then hit it with his stick and sent it to Narakam.

Morals in the Story:

Krutaghnata is a paapa-kaaryam which doesnt have any Nishkruti (see this story). Though the Vartaka saved the live of the cobra, it instead of showing Krutagnyata went to kill him. A Krutaghna will always face difficulties in the end.
The Bhuuta-daya of the Vartaka is well shown in the story. Even though it is a Visha-sarpam, without caring about his own life, the Vartaka went into the fire and saved the Cobra.

[pramanisa]

One day a Siddha by name Manovega came to Vikramaaditya Maharaja and said “Raaja! Near Udayaparvatam, there is a pushkarinii by name Aghanaasham. A Suvarna-Kalasham comes from it at Suuryodayam. As Suurya Bhagavaan raises, the Kalasham also goes up, at Madhyaahnam it reaches Suurya-mandalam. By Suuryaastamaanam, it again comes and goes into the Pushkarinii”. Listening to this Aashcharyam, Vikramaaditya Maharaja asked the Siddha how to reach Aghanaasham. Siddha replied that it can be reached through Yoga-maargam. He has a lehyam (paste) with him, which when applied to the leg, one can reach any place at Manovegam.

Both of them applied the Lehyam and reached Aghanaasham. They waited for Suuryodayam. As the Siddha said, the Divya Kalasham came. Vikramaaditya Maharaja jumped and sat on it. By Madhyaahnam, along with the Kalasham, Vikramaaditya reached Suurya-mandalam. Seeing Vikramaaditya, Suurya Bhagavaan said “Kumaara! No normal person can bear my teevra Tejas. My abhinandanams (congratulations) to your Yoga-shakti. I am very happy with you. Keep these Divya-kundalas as a Bahumaanam (gift) from Me. These are not ordinary Kundalas, they give 8 Pushkariniis full of Suvarnam (1 Baaruvu) everyday”! Taking the Kundalas, along with the Kalasham, Vikramaaditya reached Aghanaasham, after doing Namaskaaram to Suurya Bhagavaan. He then left for Ujjaini.

As soon as he reached Ujjaini, a Viprottama came near him and asked “Raaja! I live in Vidarbha-desham. With the Krupa of my elders, and the Dhanam earned by them, I do Annadaanam to 1000 people everyday. My Sodaras, with Iirsha, told asatyam about me and made the King give me punishment. I need to give away whole of my Sampada, property as a fine. In addition I need to pay somemore amount. To ask help from you I came here”.

Taking pity on the Viprottama, Vikramaaditya Maharaja gave the Divya Kundalams to him and sent him away! After telling this story, the Pratima on the Simhaasanam of Vikramaaditya continued “Bhoja Raaja! Did you see Vikramaaditya’s Daana Gunam? He never turns back an arthi empty handed. He gave away the Divya Kundalams as daanam. Do you have such Daana Gunam?“

Morals in the Story:

The Daana gunam of Vikramaaditya Maharaja is shown in the story. As soon as the Viprottama told his difficulty he gave away the Apoorva Divya Kundalas to the Viprottama.
The Vinayam of the Viprottama is well shown in the story. Though he did many Anna-daanams he didnt have Garvam. He said only because of his elders he is able to do such good deeds.

[pramanisa]

Kapinjalam, a Pakshi (bird), used to live in the Vruksha-Kotaram (hole of the tree) in an Aranyam near Vindhya-Parvatas. One day, at Suuryaastamaanam, there was a very heavy rain, because of which Kapinjalam couldnt return to its home in time. Meanwhile, a Shasham (rabbit), by name Deerggha-karna, who was wet in rain, came to the Vruksha-Kotaram. Deerggha-karna took aashrayam in the Vruksha-Kotaram and slept.

Kapinjalam then reached its home and said “O Shashaadhama! Seeing the time when I am not there, you came and occupied my house. Now also its not late. If you want to live, leave the place”. With Garvam, Deerggha-karna replied “enough. Dont think I’ll be afraid of these warnings from you. Vaapii-kuupam, Tataakam (wells, lakes), Vruksha-Kotaram etc. belong to those who first occupy them. They will never be under the control of one person all the time. If you dont go away I am ready to fight”.

“Ok. I accept the challenge. Lets do Yuddham at Suuryodayam. Be patient till then” said Kapinjalam. Both spent the night thinking about the Yuddham. They woke up by Suuryodayam and then they thought who will be Dharma-nirneta? Deergha-karna then said “In Narmadaa-nadii teeram there lives a Maarjaala-shreshtha by name Dadhi-karna. He is a Dharmaatma, Samavarti, Shaanta-muurti”. By the time of Maadhyaahnikam, they reached Dadhi-karna, the Kapata-Dhaarmika, Kevala-jathara-puuraka (one who lives only for filling his stomach) and said “O Maarjaala-naayaka! We have a Sthala-vivaadam (fight for land). Please tell us what is Dharmam, without having Pakshapaatam. Please give your Dharma-nirnayam, without making us wait for long”. Dadhi-karna replied

“you are telling you are coming from a far off place. I am already weak with Jaraabharam (old age) and more because of Chaandraayana-vratam. So you both come near me and tell loudly in my ears your arguments”. Immediately Dadhi-karna continued, thinking that Kapinjalam and Deergha-karna wont believe in him, “it is time for my Maadhyaahnika-anushthaanam. After that I have to do Daana-dharmas. Even though there are many who can do Dharma-nirnayam, you came to me from a long distance. So it is not correct to send you away”. He then told the following Neeti:

“When Mrutyu comes, the only thing that saves is Dharmam. Nothing else will be of any use. Hence whatever difficulties may come, one must never leave Dharmam. All this is Parama-Satyam. One must never leave Satyam. It is the muulam for all Shubhams. Along with Satyam, one must have Bhuuta-daya. Bhuuta-daya is an alankaaram to all Dharmas. ‘Ahimsa Paramodharmah‘. Kruuraatmas who dont know this leave Bhuuta-daya and run only after protecting their own shariiram. ‘Svaashritaavanasamo na hi Dharmah‘ says Vedam. Hence we must never leave aashritas. So I will help you. A Sajjana must leave Lobham first. Duraasha makes even great people do paapa-kaaryams” (see this story).

Listening to these Neeti-vaakyams, Kapinjalam and Deergha-karna believed in the Kapata and came near Dadhi-karna. Immediately Dadhi Karna killed both of them and ate them happily. While dying Kapinjalam and Deergha-karna had pashchaattaapam and thought “Hatavidhi! Why did we fight over a small issue? What is there is he sleeps or I sleep or both share for one night? Then we believed in this Kapata. Even after knowing what qualities a Dharma-nirneta must have, we made a mistake. Vinaasha Kaale Vipariita buddhi”.

Morals in the Story:

Yuddham always has many side-effects. Fighting for a small thing, both Deergha-karna and Kapinjalam lost their lives. Hence in our Raaja-dharmam, one always tries to send Shaanti-sandesham first. (Shri Raama and Yudhishthira do the same)
One must be very careful while choosing a Dharma-nirneta. Not knowing about Dadhi-karna fully, Deergha-karna and Kapinjalam went to the Kapata-dhaarmika for Dharma-nirnayam.

[pramanisa]

One day Avantii-raaja came to know the greatness of Vikramaaditya Maharaja. The Raaja got Iirsha. He used to always think how he can get more Keerti, Yashas than Vikramaaditya.

One day a Sanyaasi came to Avantii-raaja. The King told his vichaaram to the Sanyaasi. Sanyaasi said “There is a Kaalikaalayam near Himavannagaram. Some Yoga-purushas everyday do Yagnyas there. Go there. After snaanam, enter the Aalayam, build a Gundam and do a Homam for Kaalikaa Devi. In the end give your shariiram as Puurnaahuti. Yoga-purushas will save you, Kaalikaa Devi will appear and give Her Anugraham”. Avantii-raaja did as told by the Sanyaasi and asked Kaalikaa Devi “Everyday I must get 7 Crores”. Kaalikaa Devi said “if everyday you give your shariiram as Puurnaahuti, you will get what you want”.

Everyday the King did as said by Kaalikaa Devi and did Daanam of the Dhanam he got, to whoever asked and soon got the name that he is a great Daata. Vikramaaditya Maharaja came to know about the Daana-gunam of Avantii-raaja. He immediately went ot Himavannagaram and was about to give his shariiram as Puurnaahuti. Just then Kaalikaa Devi appeared and Vikramaaditya said

“without even Avantii-raaja having to do the difficult task of Puurnaahuti, give him the dhanam so that he can do more and more Daanams“. Very happy with the Amruta-vaakyas of Vikramaaditya Maharaja, Kaalikaa Devi said “Raaja! No one ever will be born who equals you in Vitarana (Tyaagam, Audaaryam)”.

On knowing about Vikramaditya, Avantii-raja got Iirsha, whereas Vikramaditya on knowing about Avantii-raja, helped him by asking Kaalikaa Devi Varam to bless Avantii-raja!

[pramanisa]

Raamayya was an ordinay farmer. He used to treat his Vrushabhams, with the help of which he used to do Vyavasaayam, like his own putras. Like other Bhaarateeyas he used to do pooja of Dhenu-Vrushabha sampada. The Vrushabhams of Raamayya were special. They were of the variety ‘Naagour’; hence have a lot of strength. His Vrushabhams used to run very fast. They used to be faster than good quality horses too. Raamayya always had Santrupti and was happy with whatever God gave him.

One day some Chorakas stealed the Vrushabhams of Raamayya. There was not end to the duhkham of Raamayya when he came to know about this. He cried saying “Raama! What is this Vidhi-vaipariityam? Why are You testing me like this? How can I live without my Pashu-sampada? I would have been very happy if the robbers took away all my Dhanam and left the Vrushabhams for me. Will Lakshmii Devi stay in a house where Pashu-sampada is not there? (no)” Having great duhkham, he ran to the nearest Police-station to lodge a complaint.

He also went along with the Police to search for the Vrushabhams. At last, to the joy of Raamayya, they traced the robbers who were running away with a cart pulled Raamayya’s Vrushabhams only. There was no end to the aanandam of Raamayya seeing his Vrushabhams.

The police and Raamayya were chasing the robbers on horses and the thieves were going on the bullock-cart. Raamayya who very well knew the strength of his Vrushabhams saw that they were not running at full speed and hence the horses were able to approach it. He was not able to bear the fact that if they catch the robbers then his Vrushabhams will loose to the horses in race. He thought his Vrushabhams must never loose! They must always win!!

He shouted a trick “pull the ropes tied to the Vrushabhams twice”. The robbers heared it and the Vrushabhams started to zoom. In no time the robbers went out of sight of the robbers. The Police who thought Raamayya will be very sad to have lost the oppurtunity of catching his Vrushabhams, saw the happy Raamayya and were surprised. They asked him why he was so happy. Raamayya replied

“Arya! My Vrushabhams never lost to any horse in race. The Pratishtha of my Vrushabhams is more important for me than they being with me. With whom ever they will be, they will be winners. That satisfaction is enough for me”. Seeing the Bhaarateeyata in Raamayya, the Police did Namaskaar to Raamayya.

The respect what Bhaarateeyatas used to give for domestic animals is well shown by Raamayya. He overcame his teevra-duhkham just seeing his Vrushabhams win!

Message to the present society:
Gomaata, Vrushabhams and sakala Pashu-sampada was always given great respect in Bhaarateeya Samskruti. From the ages of Diliipa, Shri Krishna through the times of Raamayya (which is not even 60 years ago), now we are in an age where just for money people are exporting the cattle to foreign countries where for flesh the animals are killed. Breeds like ‘Naagour’ have demand for flesh hence just for money, not caring for Bhaarateeya Samskruti people are exporting the cattle. It is very sad, heart-breaking to see such Krutyas happening in Pavitra-Bhaarata-desham.