23- The Tale of Jay and Vijaya as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu

Maitreyiji informed Vidurji that Diti was apprehensive that her sons might cause suffering to the gods (devas). Therefore, she held Kashyapji's powerful energy (virya) in her womb for a hundred years. Due to the influence of the energy in her womb, the light of the sun and other celestial bodies began to diminish, and even Indra and the other protectors of the realms (Lokpal) were deprived of their own power. They went to Brahmaji and prayed, saying that darkness had spread across all directions, causing great disorder. They said that nothing is hidden from Brahmaji and that he must be aware of this darkness. They expressed their fear and requested him to help. The devas prayed to Brahmaji, saying that the distinction between day and night had become unclear due to the darkness. As a result, all the duties and daily activities of the people had ceased, leaving them deeply distressed. They requested him to bestow his immense grace upon them and ensure their well-being.

When the devas prayed, Brahmaji said to them, "Devas! My mind-born sons, the Sanat Kumars, once travelled through the sky and reached the pure-sattva-filled Vaikunth Dham of Bhagwan Vishnu. Only those who have completely abandoned all desires and taken refuge at the feet of Bhagwan can enter Vaikunth. There, Narayan, who resides in His pure-sattva form to give joy to His devotees, is always present. The celestial Gandharvas sing the divine pastimes of Bhagwan, which destroy all sins. The supremely beautiful Lakshmiji, for whose grace even the devas strive, resides in the abode of Shree Hari, having renounced her restless nature."

Meaning: Alas! The greatness of this human birth is immense; even we deities desire it. Through it, one can attain both knowledge of the truth and righteousness (Dharma). His all-pervading Maya truly enchants those who receive this opportunity but do not worship Bhagwan. (Bhagavat 3.15.24)

When the devas prayed, Brahmaji said, "Such fortunate devotees, who continuously meditate upon Bhagwan, reside in Vaikunth, where even Yamraj is afraid of them. The Sanakadi Munis, through their yogic power, reached Vaikunth Dham, where the scene was extraordinary. Longing for the darshan of Shree Hari, they crossed six gateways and reached the seventh, where they saw two divine gatekeepers, who appeared to be of the same age and were holding maces in their hands. They were adorned with priceless ornaments such as armlets, earrings, and crowns. Between their four dark arms, a garland of forest flowers was shining. However, due to their raised eyebrows, flaring nostrils, and reddish eyes, signs of agitation were visible on their faces.

Although the Sanakadi Munis were fully realised in knowledge and the oldest beings in Brahmaji's creation, they appeared as young boys and were unclothed. The gatekeepers mocked them and stopped them with their staffs, obstructing their vision of Bhagwan. This infuriated the sages, causing their eyes to redden with anger, and they began to speak.

The Sanakadi Munis said to the gatekeepers, 'O gatekeepers! Those who reside in Vaikunth are impartial, just like Bhagwan. You, too, are His servants, so why this discrimination? Bhagwan is calm and impartial, but you are deceitful, which is why you doubt others. The entire universe is contained within Bhagwan, and the wise see no distinction in Him. As His attendants, what are you afraid of? Although you are servants of Vaikunthnath, your intellect is very dull. Therefore, for your own welfare, we will punish you according to your offence. You shall fall from Vaikunth and be born into sinful species, where enemies like lust, anger, and greed dwell.'

Hearing the harsh words of the sages and knowing the curse of the Brahmins to be inevitable, Shree Hari’s two attendants, in extreme humility, fell at the feet of the Munis. They understood that their master, Shree Hari, holds Brahmins in great reverence. Distressed, they said, 'We deserve punishment for our offence. We misunderstood your command and acted wrongly, and this punishment will free us from our sins. Please grant us the mercy that, even when we are born in the lower species, we do not fall into forgetfulness and always retain the memory of Shree Hari.'

When Bhagwan Shree Hari learned that His gatekeepers had disrespected the Sanakadi Munis, He personally went to them along with Lakshmiji. Upon seeing Bhagwan’s divine form, the sages offered their respects and praised His glory. Bhagwan admitted that He, too, was responsible for the insult caused by His attendants, as Jay and Vijay were His servants, and He asked for forgiveness on their behalf. Finally, Bhagwan requested the Munis to shorten Jay and Vijay’s exile so they could return to Him soon.

Hearing Shree Hari's sweet words, the Sanakadi Munis were delighted. Bhagwan explained that the curse given to His gatekeepers was, in fact, by His will. Jay and Vijay would soon be born daityas, and through intense concentration in those forms, they would return to Him purified.

Brahmaji explains that the sages worshipped Bhagwan Vishnu and witnessed the splendour of Vaikunth Dham. Bhagwan reassured His attendants not to fear, as everything would turn out for their welfare. He revealed that once, when He was in yogic slumber, Lakshmiji had already cursed the gatekeepers in anger for stopping her, and now, this daitya birth would strengthen their focus, helping them return sooner, free from sin. After this, Bhagwan re-entered His abode, adorned with celestial vehicles. Jay and Vijay, due to the curse, fell from Vaikunth, their pride shattered, causing an uproar among the residents of Vaikunth."

The fierce energy of Kashyapji, which resides in Diti's womb, is where the two attendants of Bhagwan have entered. Due to the power of these two asuras, the strength of the devas had faded. Maitreyi further told Vidurji that when Brahmaji revealed the reason for the darkness, the devas' doubts were cleared, and they all returned to their heavenly abode.

Meanwhile, when the full hundred years had passed, Diti gave birth to twin sons. At the time of their birth, many disturbances occurred in the heavens, on earth, and in the sky, causing great fear among the people. These two daityas grew quickly, becoming as massive and hard as great mountains. Their golden crowns reached the heavens, and their bodies covered the entire direction. Golden armlets shone on their arms, and earthquakes occurred whenever they stepped on the ground.

Kashyapji named the elder son Hiranyakashipu and the younger Hiranyaksha. Hiranyakashipu, free from the fear of death due to a boon from Brahmaji, became extremely arrogant. With his immense strength, he conquered the three worlds. His younger brother, Hiranyaksha, always supported and carried out his beloved tasks.

One day, in search of a battle, Hiranyaksha reached Swargalok. His power and speed were unbearable, causing the devas to hide in fear. He roared fiercely when he saw that even the proud Indra and the other devas did not come before him. Then, he dived deep into the ocean and began playing in the water. As soon as he entered the ocean, Varuna’s soldiers fled in terror. The mighty Hiranyaksha wandered in the sea for many years until he finally reached Varuna’s capital, Vibhavari Puri.

There, mocking Varuna, he asked for a fight. Though greatly angered by the arrogant enemy’s ridicule, Varuna contained his fury with wisdom and said, “Brother, I no longer have any desire for battle. I do not see anyone besides Bhagwan, the eternal Purusha, who could satisfy a warrior like you in combat. O King of Daityas, you should seek Him; only He can fulfil your desires. Brave warriors like you praise only Him. He is the greatest of warriors, and when you reach Him, all your boasting will come to an end. He takes various forms to destroy evil beings like you and show His grace to the virtuous.”

Hearing Varunaji’s words, the arrogant Hiranyaksha was overjoyed. He did not heed that Varunaji had hinted that Bhagwan would slay him and quickly sought Naradji’s help to locate Shree Hari. Following Naradji’s guidance, he reached Rasatal (the netherworld). He saw Bhagwan Varaha lifting the Earth on the tip of His tusks. The Lord’s brilliant red eyes seemed to absorb Hiranyaksha’s strength. Upon seeing Him, Hiranyaksha laughed mockingly and said, “Ha! Where did this wild animal come from into the waters?”

Then, Hiranyaksha taunted Bhagwan Varaha, saying, “O foolish one, leave this Earth behind! Brahmaji has given it to the inhabitants of Rasatal. In this form, you cannot take it before me. You may win against Asuras using your Maya, but is this the strength your enemies know you for? Fool! Your power is merely of Yogmaya; you have no real strength. Today, I will end your existence and free my brothers from grief. When you die by my mace, your worshippers, the devas and sages, will fall like uprooted trees.”

Despite Hiranyaksha’s insults, Bhagwan bore them calmly, protecting the Earth in His care. He left the waters without responding, but Hiranyaksha pursued Him. Then Shree Hari, carrying His mace, laughed and, filled with righteous anger, said to Hiranyaksha, "Fight me and fulfil your desire."

A fierce battle ensued between the two. As the combat intensified, Brahmaji and the rishis arrived to witness the event. Seeing the daitya’s immense power and his complete lack of fear, Brahmaji addressed Bhagwan Narayan, saying, "This wicked demon has grown incredibly strong after receiving a boon from me. He has become a great threat, harming devas, Brahmins, cows, and other innocent beings. No warrior can face him, and thus, he roams across the realms searching for a formidable foe. This demon is deceitful, arrogant, and uncontrollable. Please defeat this asura and grant victory to the devas. His death lies in Your hands. We are fortunate that he has approached You in his time of doom. With Your strength, slay him in battle and bring peace to the world."

After engaging in battle for some time, Bhagwan finally killed Hiranyaksha, thus ending his reign of terror.

Vidurji, filled with joy after hearing the divine pastime of Shree Hari’s Varaha form lifting the Earth from Rasatal and effortlessly slaying Hiranyaksha, requested Maitreya Muni to narrate the continuation of the creation story. Maitreya Muni proceeded to describe:

First, Brahmaji, using His shadow, manifested five types of ignorance—Tamisra (anger or darkness), Andhatamisra (fear of death), Tam (darkness of ignorance), Moha (delusion), and Mahamoha (great delusion). Dissatisfied with this tamasic (ignorance-filled) form, Brahmaji discarded it.

From this discarded body emerged the Yakshas and Rakshasas, consumed by hunger and thirst. They rushed towards the discarded form, exclaiming, “Devour it, do not protect it.” The ones who shouted “Devour it” came to be known as Yakshas, while those who said “Do not protect it” were named Rakshasas.

Following this, Brahmaji took on a luminous form and created the principal devas (gods). He then created the lust-driven asuras, who immediately approached him. Initially amused by their desire, Brahmaji soon became alarmed by their intense lust.

He prayed to Bhagwan Shree Hari for protection. Bhagwan advised him to discard his lust-tainted body. Brahmaji did so, and the discarded form transformed into the beautiful Sandhya Devi, whose beauty captivated the asuras, leading them to praise her.

With a smile, Brahmaji then created the Gandharvas and Apsaras (celestial beings) from the light of the discarded form. Next, from his state of drowsiness, he brought forth the Bhutas and Pishachas (ghosts and spirits). Seeing their unkempt appearance, he closed his eyes in dismay.

Brahmaji then created the Sadhyas and Pitris (ancestors) from his invisible, radiant form. Using his power of concealment (Tirodhan), he created the Siddhas and Vidyadharas, granting them marvellous bodies. Admiring his reflection, he generated the Kinnaras and Kimpurushas (celestial beings known for music and service).

When Brahmaji noticed that creation was not progressing satisfactorily, he discarded his pleasure-filled form. From the fallen hair of this discarded body emerged the Ahi (serpents), and from its shrinking form arose the serpents and nagas.

At one point, Brahmaji felt accomplished in his task. Finally, he created the Manus (progenitors of humanity) from his mind. Upon doing so, he relinquished his male form, which had birthed the Manus. The devas, Gandharvas, and other celestial beings praised Brahmaji for his work.

Brahmaji, now complete in austerity, knowledge, yoga, and meditation, created his beloved offspring, the rishis (sages). He imparted to each sage aspects of his own body, filled with austerity, knowledge, yoga, sovereignty, and detachment, ensuring the growth of creation.

Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Shreemad Bhagavat Katha [Hindi]- 20.09.2024