Shreemad Bhagavat Mahapuran- Canto: 3, Chapters: 21 to 24
When Vidurji asked about the lineage of Manu, his sons, and daughters in relation to the increase of the population, Maitreyaji responded as follows: Brahmaji ordered Kardam Muni, who was born from His shadow, to procreate. Following this command, Kardam Muni performed severe penance for 10,000 years on the banks of the Saraswati River. Pleased by his devotion, Shree Hari appeared before Kardam Muni at the beginning of the Satya Yug. Where the muni was meditating, there was a tranquil lake formed by the pure waters of the Saraswati River. Kardam Muni's unwavering penance moved Bhagwan so much that tears of compassion streamed from His eyes. These divine tears sanctified the lake, making it renowned as the Bindusar Tirtha.
Seeing Shree Hari before him, Kardamji offered His sincere praises, and in response, Bhagwan said to him with an ambrosial voice, “For whom you have worshipped Me through self-restraint and other practices, knowing the sentiment of your heart, I have already made arrangements for that. My worship is never in vain; the worship performed by great souls like you, whose hearts are constantly devoted to Me, bears even more fruit. Emperor Swayambhu Manu governs the entire earth, which has seven oceans from Brahmavarta. He will come here the day after tomorrow to meet you, accompanied by Maharani Shatarupa. He has a daughter endowed with beauty, youth, virtue, and qualities, who is now of marriageable age. You are entirely suitable for her, so he will offer you that daughter. Accept her; she will give birth to nine daughters, and I will also take birth from you as My portion and then compose the Sankhya Shastra.” Saying this, Shree Hari departed to His abode.
Kardam Muni, following Shree Bhagwan's instructions, remained at Bindusar Tirtha. As Shree Hari had foretold, Manu and Shatarupa came to see Kardamji. Manu, with hesitation, said to Kardam Rishi, "This is my daughter Devahuti, the sister of Priyavrat and Uttanpad. She desires a husband worthy of her age, virtues, and qualities. She has resolved to make you her husband since she heard from Naradji about your character, knowledge, appearance, lifespan, and qualities. I offer my daughter to you. Please accept her."
Kardamji replied, "I will marry your daughter according to the Vedic rituals. Who could refuse such a beautiful girl? Once, while she was playing ball on the roof of her palace, Vishvavasu, the Gandharva, fell from his aircraft upon seeing her. The same girl is now requesting me to accept her as my wife. In such a case, who wouldn't accept her? I will certainly accept her, but on one condition – I will live with her only until she bears children, and after that, I will leave for renunciation (sannyas)."
Manu, Shatarupa, and Devahuti happily accepted this condition, and thus, Devahuti was married to Kardam Muni.
As Manuji returned from there, he wept deeply in sorrow but eventually made his way back to Barhismati Nagar. This was the place where, during the act of lifting Prithvi, Bhagwan Varaha had shaken His body, causing His hairs to fall. Every morning in Manuji's palace, Gandharvas would sing, but Manuji only listened to the divine tales of Shree Hari. He did experience worldly pleasures, yet they never deviated him from the path of Dharma. In this way, he completed the span of 71 Chaturyugis.
How can physical, mental, divine, human, or material suffering trouble a person who takes refuge in Shree Hari? Manuji constantly engaged in the welfare of all beings. Upon being asked by the sages, he also elaborated on the various auspicious Dharmas for humans and all the varnas and ashramas, which are still available in the form of the Manusmriti. Maitreyaji said that the world’s first emperor, Maharaj Manu, was truly worthy of praise. I have narrated his remarkable character; now, listen to the influence of his daughter, Devahuti.
After her parents left, Devahuti regarded Kardam Muni as even higher than Bhagwan Himself and always served him with great reverence. She showed such dedication in her service that she neglected caring for her body. After some time, Kardam Muni was immensely pleased with her service and bestowed upon her all the powers he had acquired through his penance and Yog. He also granted Devahuti divine vision, allowing her to see him in his true form. Kardamji said, "All other pleasures are insignificant as Bhagwan Shree Hari's mere frown can destroy them. Yet, you have received these divine pleasures as a result of following the path of Pativrata Dharma. You may now enjoy them."
Devahuti was also very pleased with the fruits of her service. She then expressed her desire to have children before Kardamji. In response, Kardamji created a magnificent seven-story Vimana (flying palace) equipped with all kinds of luxurious amenities. However, when Devahuti showed no particular interest in it, Kardamji advised her to bathe in the Bindusar Lake.
When Devahuti entered the Bindusar Lake to bathe, her clothes were very dirty, her hair was matted, and her body was unclean. But as soon as she took a dip in the water, she found a thousand maidservants waiting for her in the lake. These maidservants helped Devahuti bathe, dressed her in new clothes, and adorned her with jewellery. Afterwards, they served her a variety of delicious foods and beverages.
When Devahuti looked at herself in the mirror, she saw herself as extraordinarily beautiful. As soon as she thought of Kardam Muni, she found herself beside him. She was astonished by this sight.
Kardamji first seated Devahuti in the Vimana and then got in himself. After that, they visited various places for many years. They also spent several years in the valleys of Mount Meru, the abode of Kubera. Finally, they returned to their ashram.
The self-realised Kardamji, being aware of all desires, noticed that Devahuti was eager to have children. Remembering Bhagwan's command, he divided himself into nine forms and placed his virya (seed) into Devahuti’s womb to bring forth daughters. As a result, Devahuti gave birth to nine daughters simultaneously.
At this time, Devahuti saw that her husband was preparing to adopt sannyas and go to the forest as per his previous vow. Trying to hold back her tears, she smiled on the outside, but with a distressed and anxious heart, she said, "You have fulfilled your promise, but I still seek refuge in you, so please make me fearless. You are leaving, and I must now find suitable husbands for these daughters. Moreover, once all of them are married and go to their husbands' homes, who will take care of me? Please make some arrangements for me as well.
The time I have spent so far feels wasted. Despite having you as my husband, I feel deceived because I did not seek liberation from this world. The time I spent indulging in sense pleasures, turning away from the Supreme Being, now seems meaningless. It was only due to my ignorance that I remained attached to the sensory world and to you, not recognising your supreme influence. However, even this attachment to you should help me overcome my worldly fears. Association with worldly men leads to bondage, but association with saintly people results in detachment.”
Neha yat-karma dharmaya na viragaya kalpate
Na tirtha-pada-shevayai jivannapi mrito hi saha
In this world, a person whose actions neither lead to the fulfilment of Dharma nor result in the development of detachment (Vairagya) nor serve Bhagwan is akin to a living corpse. (Bhagavat 3.23.56)
Devahuti expressed, "Indeed, I have been greatly deceived by Bhagwan's Maya. Despite having a husband like you, who is a giver of liberation, I did not wish to be freed from worldly bondage." When Kardamji heard Devahuti's words, he remembered Bhagwan's divine words. He then said to Devahuti, "Dear one, do not worry about this. Now, with self-control, discipline, penance, and charity, devote yourself wholeheartedly to the worship of Bhagwan with great faith. By doing so, Shree Hari will incarnate from your womb, enhance my fame, and, through His teachings of Brahmajnana, sever the knot of ego within your heart."
Bhagwan Kapil Took Avatar as the Son of Devahuti and Kardam
Following Kardam's instructions, Devahuti placed her complete faith in him and began to worship Shree Krishna. After a considerable time had passed, Bhagwan Madhusudana manifested from Kardamji's virya in her womb. At that moment, clouds in the sky began to roar and pour down rain while thunderous sounds echoed. The Gandharvas started to sing, and the Apsaras joyfully began to dance. Divine flowers rained down from the heavens, showered by the gods, filling all directions with joy. The waters of the lakes became clear, and the hearts of all living beings were filled with happiness.
At that time, Brahmaji, accompanied by sages like Marichi, arrived at Kardamji's ashram, surrounded by the Saraswati River. Brahmaji realised that the Supreme Brahman, Bhagwan Vishnu, had incarnated in the form of Kapil to impart the teachings of Sankhya Shastra through His pure and sattvic aspect. Brahmaji told Kardam, "These beautiful daughters of yours will enhance this creation in many ways through their offspring. Now, you should dedicate your daughters to these sages, like Marichi, according to their natures and inclinations, and spread your good name throughout the world. I know that the Adipurush, Shree Narayan, who fulfils the desires of all living beings, has indeed incarnated as Kapil through His Yogamaya."
Jnana vijnana yogena karmana uddharan-jataha
Hiranya-keshaha padm-akshaha padma-mudra padaambujaha
Esha manavi te garbham pravishtaha kaitabhar-danaha
Avidya-samshaya-granthim chittva gam vicharishyati
[Then He said to Devahuti:] "O princess! The slayer of asura Kaitabha, the very embodiment of Shree Hari, who has golden hair, lotus-like large eyes, and lotus-shaped feet, has entered your womb. He has come to cut the knots of ignorance and delusion through the knowledge and science of Yog, thereby cleansing the desires associated with actions. He will roam freely on Earth after severing these bonds born of ignorance." (Bhagavat 3.24.17-18)
Ayam siddha-ganaa-dheeshaha sankhy-acharyaiha susammataha
Loke Kapila ityakhyam ganta te keertivardhanaha
"He will be the lord of the Siddhas and also revered by the philosophers of Sankhya. He will spread your fame worldwide and be known by the name 'Kapil'." (Bhagavat 3.24.19)
Which Rishis Married Whom?
After that, Brahmaji departed. Following Brahmaji's departure, Kardamji, in accordance with His instructions, performed the ceremonial marriages of his daughters with the Prajapatis, including Marichi and others.
Marichaye alam pradad anasuyam athatraye
Shraddham angirase ayachchat pulastyaya havirbhavam
He dedicated his daughter named Kala to Marichi, Anusuiya to Atri, Shraddha to Angira, and Havirbhu to Pulastya. (Bhagavat 3.24.22)
Pulahaya gatim yuktam kratave cha kriyam satim
Khyatim cha bhrigave ayachchhad vasishthaya apy arundhatim
He gave his daughter Gati to Pulaha, married the supreme virtuous woman Kriya to Kratu, and dedicated Khyati to Bhriguji, while Arundhati was given to Vasishta. (Bhagavat 3.24.23)
Atharvane-adadach-chantim yaya yajno vitanyate
Viprarshabhan kritodvahan sadaran samalalayat
He gave the daughter named Shanti to Atharva Rishi, through whom the rituals of sacrifice are expanded. Kardamji honoured those married sages along with their wives very warmly. (Bhagavat 3.24.24)
- Marichi - Kala
- Atri - Anusuiya
- Angira - Shraddha
- Pulastya - Havirbhu
- Pulaha - Gati
- Kratu - Kriya
- Bhrigu - Khyati
- Vasishta - Arundhati
- Atharva - Shanti
Bhagwan Kapil’s instruction to Kardam Muni
Kardamji saw that Shree Hari had incarnated in his home, so he went to him in solitude, bowed down, and said: "You, whom yogis attempt to see in solitude through many lifetimes of practice and firm meditation, have now incarnated in my home. You have come here to fulfil your words and to teach Sankhya Yog. I have now become free from the three debts (to the gods, ancestors, and sages), so I wish to take Sanyas."
Shree Hari replied, "Whether it is Vedic duties or worldly actions, my words are the standards. Therefore, when I said, 'I will incarnate in your home,' I have taken birth here. This birth of mine in this world is meant for the renunciates who desire liberation to elucidate the nature of the self and other related principles. This subtle path of self-knowledge has been lost for a long time. I have taken this body to re-establish it. I command you to go as you wish, and while dedicating all your actions to Me, worship Me to conquer the invincible death and attain liberation."
Mamatmanam swayam-jyotiha sarva-bhuta-guha-shayam
Atman-ye-vatmana vikshya vishoko abhaya-mrichhasi
"I am the Supreme Soul, the self-luminous one, who resides in the hearts of all beings. Therefore, when you realise me within your heart through pure intellect, you will become free from all kinds of sorrows and attain the fearless state (liberation)." (Bhagavat 3.24.39)
Bhagwan Kapil further told His father that He would also bestow the knowledge of self-realisation on mother Devahuti, which would free her from all actions and allow her to transcend the fears of this material world.
Maitreyaji states that after hearing this from Bhagwan Kapil, Kardamji circumambulated Him and joyfully departed for the forest. He dedicated his mind to the Supreme Being while adhering to the path of renunciation, and ultimately, free from desire and aversion, filled with equanimity and devotion to the Supreme, Kardamji attained the divine abode of the Shree Hari.
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Shreemad Bhagavat Katha [Hindi]- 27.09.2024
