ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Narada
Narada Narada (Sanskrit: नारद, Nārada) is a Vedic sage, famous in Hindu traditions as a traveling musician and storyteller, who carries news and enlightening wisdom.
He appears in a number of Hindu texts, notably the Mahabharata telling Yudhishtira the Prahlada story the Ramayana as warning Ravan. as well as in the Puranas.
Once God decided that it was time for Him to descend to earth to set matters right, most lesser Gods came down too as someone or the other to aid and enjoy a ringside view of epochal events.
He is also referred to as the king of all sages or rishis, meaning Rishiraj. He was gifted with the boon of knowledge, past, present and future.
Once his knowledge became a hindrance in God’s designs. He was therefore cursed that although he would tell the truth and warn people, they would never believe him. In Indian texts, Narada travels to distant worlds and realms (Sanskrit: lokas).
He is depicted carrying a khartal (musical instrument) and tambura with the name Mahathi and is generally regarded as one of the great masters of the ancient musical instrument.
This instrument is known by the name “mahathi” which he uses to accompany his singing of hymns, prayers and mantras.
In the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism, he is presented as a sage with devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Narada is described as both wise and mischievous in some humorous tales. Vaishnav enthusiasts depict him as a pure, elevated soul who glorifies Vishnu through his devotional songs, singing the names Hari and Narayana, and therein demonstrating bhakti yoga.
The Narada Bhakti Sutra is attributed to him. He would usually make his entrance vocally chanting Narayana, Narayana before optically appearing in the scene.
Other texts named after Narada include Narada Purana and the Nāradasmṛti (pre 6th century CE text), the latter called the “juridical text par excellence” and representing the only Dharmaśāstra text which deals solely with juridical matters while ignoring those of righteous conduct and penance.
In the Mahabharata, Narada is portrayed as being conversant with the Vedas and the Upanishads and as acquainted with history and Puranas.
He has mastery of the six Angas: pronunciation, grammar, prosody, terms, religious rites and astronomy. All celestial beings worship him for his knowledge – he is supposed to be well versed in all that occurred in ancient Kalpas (time cycles) and is termed to be conversant with Nyaya (logic) and the truth of moral science. He is a perfect master in re-conciliatory texts and differentiating in applying general principles to particular cases. He can swiftly interpret contraries by references to differences in situation.
He is eloquent, resolute, intelligent and a possessor of powerful memory.
He knows the science of morals, politics; he is skilled in drawing inference from evidence, and very proficient in distinguishing inferior things from superior ones.
He is competent in judging the correctness and incorrectness of complex syllogistic statements consisting of 5 proponents.
He is capable of arriving at definite conclusions about religion, wealth, pleasure and salvation. He possesses knowledge of this whole universe and everything surrounding it.
He is capable of successfully answering Brihaspati himself, while arguing.
He is a master of the Sankhya and Yoga systems of philosophy, conversant with sciences of war and treaty and proficient in drawing conclusions by judging things not within direct knowledge.
He knows about the six sciences of treaty, war, military campaigns, maintenance of posts against the enemy and strategies of ambushes and reserves. He is a thorough master of every branch of learning.
He is fond of war and music, and incapable of being repulsed by any science or any course of action.
The Bhagavata Purana describes the story of Narada’s spiritual enlightenment: He was the primary source of information among Gods, and is believed to be the first journalist on Earth.
In his previous birth Narada was a Gandharva (angelic being) who had been cursed to be born on an earthly planet for singing glories to the demigods instead of the Supreme Lord.
He was born as the son of a maid-servant of some particularly saintly priests. The priests, being pleased with both his and his mother’s service, blessed him by allowing him to eat some of their food (prasad), previously offered to their lord, Vishnu.
Gradually he received further blessings from these sages and heard them discussing many spiritual topics. After his mother died, he decided to roam the forest in search of enlightenment in understanding the ‘Supreme Absolute Truth’.
Reaching a tranquil forest location, after quenching his thirst from a nearby stream, he sat under a tree in meditation (yoga), concentrating on the paramatma form of Vishnu within his heart as he had been taught by the priests he had served.
After some time Narada experienced a vision wherein Narayana (Vishnu) appeared before him, smiling, and spoke “that despite having the blessing of seeing him at that very moment,
Narada would not be able to see his (Vishnu’s) divine form again until he died”.
Narayana further explained that the reason he had been given a chance to see his form was because his beauty and love would be a source of inspiration and would fuel his dormant desire to be with the lord again.
After instructing Narada in this manner, Vishnu then disappeared from his sight. The boy awoke from his meditation both thrilled and disappointed.
For the rest of his life Narada focused on his devotion, meditation upon and worship to Vishnu.
After his death Vishnu then blessed him with the spiritual form of “Narada” as he eventually became known. In many Hindu scriptures Narada is considered a saktyavesa-avatara or partial-manifestation (avatar) of God, empowered to perform miraculous tasks on Vishnu’s behalf.
Narada temples are few, most prominent being Sri Narada Muni Temple at Chigateri, Karnataka.
In Mahabharata
Narada visits Yudhishthira in Maya Sabha
Narada questions Yudhishthira about his rule
While the illustrious Pandavas were seated in that Sabha along with the principal Gandharvas, there came, unto that assembly the celestial Rishi Narada, conversant with the Vedas and Upanishads, worshipped by the celestials acquainted with histories and Puranas, well-versed in all that occurred in ancient kalpas, conversant with Nyaya and the truth of moral science, possessing a complete knowledge of the six Angas (viz., pronunciation, grammar, prosody, explanation of basic terms, description of religious rites, and astronomy).
He was a perfect master in reconciling contradictory texts and differentiating in applying general principles to particular cases, as also in interpreting contraries by reference to differences in situation, eloquent, resolute, intelligent, possessed of powerful memory.
He was acquainted with the science of morals and politics, learned, proficient in distinguishing inferior things from superior ones, skilled in drawing inference from evidence, competent to judge of the correctness or incorrectness of syllogistic statements consisting of five propositions.
He was capable of answering successively Brihaspati himself while arguing, with definite conclusions properly framed about religion, wealth, pleasure and salvation, of great soul and beholding this whole universe, above, below, and around, as if it were present before his eyes.
He was master of both the Sankhya and Yoga systems of philosophy, ever desirous of humbling the celestials and Asuras by fomenting quarrels among them, conversant with the sciences of war and treaty, proficient in drawing conclusions by judging of things not within direct ken, as also in the six sciences of treaty, war, military campaigns, maintenance of posts against the enemy and stratagems by ambuscades and reserves.
He was a thorough master of every branch of learning, fond of war and music, incapable of being repulsed by any science or any course, of action, and possessed of these and numberless other accomplishments.
The Rishi, having wandered over the different worlds, came into that Sabha.
The celestial Rishi of immeasurable splendour, endued with great energy was accompanied, by Parijata and the intelligent Raivata and Saumya and Sumukha. Possessing the speed of the mind, the Rishi came there and was filled with gladness upon beholding the Pandavas.
The Brahmana, on arriving there, paid homage unto Yudhishthira by uttering blessings on him and wishing him victory.
Beholding the learned Rishi arrive, the eldest of the Pandavas, conversant with all rules of duty, quickly stood up with his younger brothers.
Bending low with humility, the monarch cheerfully saluted the Rishi, and gave with due ceremonies a befitting seat unto him. The king also gave him kine and the usual offerings of the Arghya including honey and the other ingredients.
Conversant with every duty the monarch also worshipped the Rishi with gems and jewels with a whole heart. Receiving that worship from Yudhishthira in proper form, the Rishi became gratified. Thus worshipped by the Pandavas and the great Rishis, Narada possessing a complete mastery over the Vedas, said unto Yudhishthira the following words bearing upon religion, wealth, pleasures and salvation.
Narada said,
“Is the wealth you are earning being spent on proper objects?
Does your mind take pleasure in virtue? Are you enjoying the pleasures of life?
Does not your mind sink under their weight?
Continue you in the noble conduct consistent with religion and wealth practised by your ancestors towards the three classes of subjects, (viz., good, indifferent, and bad)?
Never injure you religion for the sake of wealth, or both religion and wealth for the sake of pleasure that easily seduces?
Ever devoted to the good of all, conversant as you are with the timeliness of everything, follow you religion, wealth, pleasure and salvation dividing your time judiciously?
With the six attributes of kings (viz., cleverness of speech, readiness in providing means, intelligence in dealing with the foe, memory, and acquaintance with morals and politics), do you attend to the seven means (viz., sowing dissensions, chastisement, conciliation, gifts, incantations, medicine and magic)? Examine you also, after a survey of your own strength and weakness, the fourteen possessions of your foes?
These are the country, forts, cars, elephants, cavalry, foot-soldiers, the principal officials of state, the zenana, food supply, computations of the army and income, the religious treatises in force, the accounts of state, the revenue, wine-shops and other secret enemies.
Attend you to the eight occupations (of agriculture, trade, &c), having examined your own and your enemy’s means, and having made peace with your enemies?
Your seven principal officers of state (viz., the governor of the citadel, the commander of forces, the chief judge, the general in interior command, the chief priest, the chief physician, and the chief astrologer), have not, I hope, succumbed to the influence of your foes, nor have they, I hope, become idle in consequence of the wealth they have earned?
They are, I hope, all obedient to you. Your counsels, I hope, are never divulged by your trusted spies in disguise, by yourself or by your ministers?
You ascertain, I hope, what your friends, foes and strangers are about?
Make you peace and make you war at proper times?
Observe you neutrality towards strangers and persons that are neutral towards you?
Have you made persons like yourself, persons that are old, continent in behaviour, capable of understanding what should be done and what should not, pure as regards birth and blood, and devoted to you, your ministers?
The victories of kings can be attributed to good counsels. Is your kingdom protected by ministers learned in Sastras, keeping their counsels close?
Are your foes unable to injure it? You have not become the slave of sleep?
Wake you at the proper time?
Conversant with pursuits yielding profit, think you, during the small hours of night, as to what you should do and what you should not do the next day?
You settle nothing alone, nor take counsels with many?
The counsels you have resolved upon, do not become known all over your kingdom?
Commence you soon to accomplish measures of great utility that are easy of accomplishment?
Such measures are never obstructed?
Keep you the agriculturists not out of your sight?
They do not fear to approach you?
Achieve you your measures through persons that are trusted incorruptible, and possessed of practical experience?
I hope, people only know the measures already accomplished by you and those that have been partially accomplished and are awaiting completion, but not those that are only in contemplation and uncommenced?
Have experienced teachers capable of explaining the causes of things and learned in the science of morals and every branch of learning, been appointed to instruct the princes and the chiefs of the army?
Buy you a single learned man by giving in exchange a thousand ignorant individuals? The man that is learned confer the greatest benefit in seasons of distress. Are your forts always filled with treasure, food, weapons, water, engines and instruments, as also with engineers and bowmen?
Even a single minister that is intelligent, brave, with his passions under complete control, and possessed of wisdom and judgment, is capable of conferring the highest prosperity on a king or a king’s son. I ask you, therefore, whether there is even one such minister with you? Seek you to know everything about the eighteen Tirthas of the foe and fifteen of your own by means of three and three spies all unacquainted with one another?
Watch you all your enemies with care and attention, and unknown to them? Is the priest you honour, possessed of humility, and purity of blood, and renown, and without jealousy and illiberality?
Has any well-behaved, intelligent, and guileless Brahmana, well-up in the ordinance, been employed by you in the performance of your daily rites before the sacred fire, and does he remind you in proper time as to when your homa should be performed?
Is the astrologer you have employed skilled in reading physiognomy, capable of interpreting omens, and competent to neutralise the effect of the disturbances of nature?
Have respectable servants been employed by you in offices that are respectable, indifferent ones in indifferent offices, and low ones in offices that are low?
Have you appointed to high offices, ministers that are guileless and of well conduct for generations and above the common run? Oppress you not your people with cruel and severe punishment?
Do your ministers rule your kingdom under your orders?
Do your ministers ever slight you like sacrificial priests slighting men that are fallen (and incapable of performing any more sacrifices) or like wives slighting husbands that are proud and incontinent in their behaviour?
Is the commander of your forces possessed of sufficient confidence, brave, intelligent, patient, well-conducted, of good birth, devoted to you, and competent?
Treat you with consideration and regard the chief officers of your army that are skilled in every kind of welfare, are forward, well-behaved, and endued with prowess?
Give you to your troops their sanctioned rations and pay in the appointed time?
You do not oppress them by withholding these?
Know you that the misery caused by arrears of pay and irregularity in the distribution of rations drive the troops to mutiny, and that is called by the learned to be one of the greatest of mischiefs?
Are all the principal high-born men devoted to you, and ready with cheerfulness to lay down their lives in battle for your sake?
I hope no single individual of passions uncontrolled is ever permitted by you to rule as he likes a number of concerns at the same time appertaining to the army?
Is any servant of yours, who has accomplished well a particular business by the employment of special ability, disappointed in obtaining from you a little more regard, and an increase of food and pay?
I hope you reward persons of learning and humility, and skill in every kind of knowledge with gifts of wealth and honour proportionate to their qualifications.
Do you support the wives and children of men that have given their lives for you and have been distressed on your account?
Cherish you with paternal affection the foe that has been weakened, or him also that has sought your shelter, having been vanquished in battle?
Are you equal unto all men, and can every one approach you without fear, as if you were their mother and father?
March you, without loss of time, and reflecting well upon three kinds of forces, against your foe when you hear that he is in distress? Begin you your march when the time comes, having taken into consideration all the omens you might see, the resolutions you have made, and that the ultimate victory depends upon the twelve mandalas (such as reserves, ambuscades, &c, and payment of pay to the troops in advance)?
Give you gems and jewels, unto the principal officers of enemy, as they deserve, without your enemy’s knowledge? Seek you to conquer your incensed foes that are slaves to their passions, having first conquered your own soul and obtained the mastery over your own senses?
Before you march out against your foes, do you properly employ the four arts of reconciliation, gift (of wealth) producing disunion, and application of force?
Go you out against your enemies, having first strengthened your own kingdom? Having gone out against them, exert you to the utmost to obtain victory over them?
And having conquered them, seek you to protect them with care?
Are your army consisting of four kinds of forces, viz., the regular troops, the allies, the mercenaries, and the irregulars, each furnished with the eight ingredients, viz., cars, elephants, horses, offices, infantry, camp-followers, spies possessing a thorough knowledge of the country, and ensigns led out against your enemies after having been well trained by superior officers?
I hope you slay your foes without regarding their seasons of reaping and of famine?
I hope your servants and agents in your own kingdom and in the kingdoms of your foes continue to look after their respective duties and to protect one another.
I hope trusted servants have been employed by you to look after your food, the robes you wear and the perfumes you use. I hope your treasury, barns, stables arsenals, and women’s apartments, are all protected by servants devoted to you and ever seeking your welfare.
I hope you protect first yourself from your domestic and public servants, then from those servants of your relatives and from one another.
Do your servants ever speak to you in the forenoon regarding your extravagant expenditure in respect of your drinks, sports, and women?
Is your expenditure always covered by a fourth, a third or a half of your income?
Cherish you always, with food and wealth, relatives, superiors, merchants, the aged, and other protégés, and the distressed?
Do the accountants and clerks employed by you in looking after your income and expenditure, always appraise you every day in the forenoon of your income and expenditure?
Dismiss you without fault servants accomplished in business and popular and devoted to your welfare?
Do you employ superior, indifferent, and low men, after examining them well in offices they deserve?
Employ you in your business persons that are thievish or open to temptation, or hostile, or minors?
Persecute you your kingdom by the help of thievish or covetous men, or minors, or women?
Are the agriculturists in your kingdom contented. Are large tanks and lakes constructed all over your kingdom at proper distances, without agriculture being in your realm entirely dependent on the showers of heaven?
Are the agriculturists in your kingdom wanting in either seed or food?
Grant you with kindness loans (of seed-grains) unto the tillers, taking only a fourth in excess of every measure by the hundred?
Are the four professions of agriculture, trade, cattle-rearing, and lending at interest, carried on by honest men?
Upon these depends the happiness of your people.
Do the five brave and wise men, employed in the five offices of protecting the city, the citadel, the merchants, and the agriculturists, and punishing the criminals, always benefit your kingdom by working in union with one another?
For the protection of your city, have the villages been made like towns, and the hamlets and outskirts of villages like villages?
Are all these entirely under your supervision and sway?
Are thieves and robbers that sack your town pursued by your police over the even and uneven parts of your kingdom? Console you women and are they protected in your realm?
I hope you place not any confidence in them, nor divulge any secret before any of them? Having heard of any danger and having reflected on it also, lie you in the inner apartments enjoying every agreeable object?
Having slept during the second and the third divisions of the night, think you of religion and profit in the fourth division wakefully. Rising from bed at the proper time and dressing yourself well, show you yourself to your people, accompanied by ministers conversant with the auspiciousness or otherwise of moments?
Do men dressed in red and armed with swords and adorned with ornaments stand by your side to protect your person?
Behave you like the god of justice himself unto those that deserve punishment and those that deserve worship, unto those that are dear to you and those that you like not?
Seek you to cure bodily diseases by medicines and fasts, and mental illness with the advice of the aged?
I hope that the physicians engaged in looking after your health are well conversant with the eight kinds of treatment and are all attached and devoted to you.
Happen it ever that from covetousness or folly or pride you fail to decide between the plaintiff and the defendant who have come to you?
Deprive you, through covetousness or folly, of their pensions the protégés who have sought your shelter from trustfulness or love?
Do the people that inhabit your realm, bought by your foes, ever seek to raise disputes with you, uniting themselves with one another?
Are those amongst your foes that are feeble always repressed by the help of troops that are strong, by the help of both counsels and troops?
Are all the principal chieftains (of your empire) all devoted to you? Are they ready to lay down their lives for your sake, commanded by you?
Do you worship Brahmanas and wise men according to their merits in respect of various branches of learning?
I tell you, such worship is without doubt, highly beneficial to you. Have you faith in the religion based on the three Vedas and practised by men who have gone before you?
Do you carefully follow the practices that were followed by them? Are accomplished Brahmanas entertained in your house and in your presence with nutritive and excellent food, and do they also obtain pecuniary gifts at the conclusion of those feasts?
Do you, with passions under complete control and with singleness of mind, strive to perform the sacrifices called Vajapeya and Pundarika with their full complement of rites?
Bow you unto your relatives and superiors, the aged, the gods, the ascetics, the Brahmanas, and the tall trees (banyan) in villages, that are of so much benefit to people?
Cause you ever grief or anger in any one?
Do priests capable of granting you auspicious fruits ever stand by your side?
Are your inclinations and practices such as I have described them, and as always enhance the duration of life and spread one’s renown and as always help the cause of religion, pleasure, and profit?
He who conducts himself according to this way, never finds his kingdom distressed or afflicted; and that monarch, subjugating the whole earth, enjoys a high degree of felicity.
I hope, no well-behaved, pure-souled, and respected person is ever ruined and his life taken, on a false charge or theft, by your ministers ignorant of Shastras and acting from greed?
I hope your ministers never from covetousness set free a real thief, knowing him to be such and having apprehended him with the booty about him?
I hope your ministers are never won over by bribes, nor do they wrongly decide the disputes that arise between the rich and the poor. Do you keep yourself free from the fourteen vices of kings, viz., atheism, untruthfulness, anger, incautiousness, procrastination, non-visit to the wise, idleness, restlessness of mind, taking counsels with only one man, consultation with persons unacquainted with the science of profit, abandonment of a settled plan, divulgence of counsels, non-accomplishment of beneficial projects, and undertaking everything without reflection? By these even monarchs firmly seated on their thrones are ruined.
Has your study of the Vedas, your wealth and knowledge of the Sastras and marriage been fruitful?”
After the Rishi had finished, Yudhishthira asked,
“How, O Rishi, do the Vedas, wealth, wife, and knowledge of the Shastras bear fruit?”
The Rishi answered,
“The Vedas are said to bear fruit when he that has studied them performs the Agnihotra and other sacrifices. Wealth is said to bear fruit when he that has it enjoys it himself and gives it away in charity. A wife is said to bear fruit when she is useful and when she bears children. Knowledge of the Shastras is said to bear fruit when it results in humility and good behaviour.”
The great ascetic Narada, having answered Yudhishthira thus, again asked that just ruler,
“Do the officers of your government, O king, that are paid from the taxes levied on the community, take only their just dues from the merchants that come to your territories from distant lands impelled by the desire of gain?
Are the merchants treated with consideration in your capital and kingdom, capable of bringing their goods there without being deceived by the false pretexts of (both the buyers and the officers of government)?
Listen you always to the words, fraught with instructions in religion and wealth, of old men acquainted with economic doctrines? Are gifts of honey and clarified butter made to the Brahmanas intended for the increase of agricultural produce, of kine, of fruits and flowers, and for the sake of virtue?
Give you always, regularly unto all the artisans and artists employed by you the materials of their works and their wages for periods not more than four months?
Examine you the works executed by those that are employed by you, and applaud you them before good men, and reward you them, having shewn them proper respect?
Follow you the aphorisms (of the sage) in respect of every concern particularly those relating to elephants, horses, and cars?
Are the aphorisms relating to the science of arms, as also those that relate to the practice of engines in warfare–so useful to towns and fortified places, studied in your court?
Are you acquainted with all mysterious incantations, and with the secrets of poisons destructive of all foes?
Protect you your kingdom from the fear of fire, of snakes and other animals destructive of life, of disease, and Rakshasas?
As acquainted you are with every duty, cherish you like a father, the blind, the dumb, the lame, the deformed, the friendless, and ascetics that have no homes. Have you banished these six evils, viz., sleep, idleness, fear, anger, weakness of mind, and procrastination?”
The illustrious bull among the Kurus, having heard these words of that best of Brahmanas, bowed down unto him and worshipped his feet. Gratified with everything he heard, the monarch said unto Narada of celestial form,
“I shall do all that you have directed, for my knowledge has expanded under your advice!”
Having said this the king acted conformably to that advice, and gained in time the whole Earth bounded by her belt of seas. Narada again spoke, saying, “
That king who is thus employed in the protection of four orders, Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, passes his days here happily and attains hereafter to the region of Shakra.”
At the conclusion of Narada’s words, king Yudhishthira the just worshipped him duly; and commanded by him the monarch began to reply succinctly to the questions the Rishi had asked. Yudhishthira said,
“O holy one, the truths of religion and morality you have indicated one after another, are just and proper.
As regards myself, I duly observe those ordinances to the best of my power. Indeed, the acts that were properly performed by monarchs of yore are, without doubt, to be regarded as bearing proper fruit, and undertaken from solid reasons for the attainment of proper objects.
We desire to walk in the virtuous path of those rulers that had, besides, their souls under complete control.”
Assemblies of the Lokapalas and Brahma
Yudhishthira, having received with reverence the words of Narada and having also answered the Rishi thus, reflected for a moment. Perceiving a proper opportunity, the monarch, seated beside the Rishi, asked Narada sitting at his ease and capable of going into every world at will, in the presence of that assembly of kings, saying,
“Possessed of the speed of mind, you wander over various and many worlds created in days of yore by Brahma, beholding everything. Tell me, I ask you, if you have, O Brahmana, ever beheld before anywhere an assembly room like this of mine or superior to it!”
Hearing these words of Yudhishthira the just, Narada smilingly answered the son of Pandu in these sweet accents,
“O child, I did neither see nor hear of ever before amongst men, any assembly room built of gems and precious stones like this of yours, O Bharata. I shall, however, describe unto you the rooms of the king of the departed – Yama, of Varuna, of Indra, the King of Gods and also of Kubera who has his home in Kailasa. I shall also describe unto you the celestial Sabha of Brahma that dispels every kind of uneasiness. All these assembly rooms exhibit in their structure both celestial and human designs and present every kind of form that exists in the universe. They are ever worshipped by the gods and the Pitris, the Sadhyas, by ascetics offering sacrifices, with souls under complete command, by peaceful Munis engaged without intermission in Vedic sacrifices with presents to Brahmanas. I shall describe all these to you if you have any inclinations to listen to me!”
Thus addressed by Narada, the high-souled king Yudhishthira the just, with his brothers and all those foremost of Brahmanas seated around him, joined his hands in entreaty. The monarch then asked Narada, saying,
“Describe unto us all those assembly rooms. We desire to listen to you. O Brahmana, what are the articles with which each of the Sabhas are made of?
What is the area of each, and what is the length and breadth of each?
Who wait upon the Grandsire in that assembly room? And who also upon Vasava, the Lord of the celestials and upon Yama, the son of Vivaswana?
Who wait upon Varuna and upon Kubera in their respective assembly rooms.
Tell us all about these. We all together desire to hear you describe them. Indeed, our curiosity is great.”
Thus addressed by the son of Pandu, Narada replied, saying,
“O monarch, hear you all about those celestial assembly rooms one after another.”
Then Narada described to Yudhishthira the Sabhas of Brahma, Indra, Yama, Varuna and Kubera.
Who is Sage Narad?
According to the Hindu traditions, Sage Narad has been described as the Messenger of Gods who carries news and enlightening wisdom.
He is a traveling musician and storyteller. He has been gifted with the boon of knowledge, past, present, and future.
Narad Muni has appeared in many Hindu texts such as in Mahabharata, where he tells Yudhishtira the Prahlad story as well as in Ramayana, where he warns Ravana and many other Puranas as well.
However, Sage Narad was cursed for his knowledge.
He would create confusion and controversy wherever he goes. So, he would tell the truth and warn people, but they would never believe him.
According to the Hindu Puranas, Sage Narad had the power to travel to distant worlds. He carries a khartal (musical instrument) and tanpura (Mahathi). He is a champion in playing this musical instrument.
Sage Narad has immense devotion to Lord Vishnu.
He has been described as both wise and mischievous. For Vaishnav enthusiasts,
Narad Muni is a pure and elevated soul who glorified Lord Vishnu through his devotional singing. He chants the names Hari and Narayana. Narad Muni demonstrates Bhakti Yoga.
In fact, the Narad Bhakti Sutra is attributed to him. Moreover, Narad Purana is dedicated to him. Naradasmriti deals solely with juridical matters.
Sage Narad can be best understood as a divine musician or a journalist. His intervention had changed the outcome of many events. He is a very significant sage in Hindu mythology. He is widely loved and revered by most Hindus.
The Bhagavata Purana has described the story of Sage Narad’s spiritual enlightenment. Sage Narad is regarded as the primary source of information among Gods. He is recognized as the first journalist on earth.
In his previous birth, Sage Narada was a Gandharva who was cursed to be born on an earthly planet. So, he was born as the son of a maid-servant. He was in the service of some priests who blessed him and taught spiritual knowledge.
After his mother’s death, he decided to roam the forest in search of enlightenment. He sat under a tree in meditation. He had the divine vision of Lord Vishnu.
He spent the rest of his life in devotion to Lord Vishnu, who blessed him that he would take the spiritual form of “Narada” after his death.
The most prominent Narada Muni Temple in India is the Sri Narada Temple at Chigateri, Karnataka.
Here, we share with you some key facts about Sage Narad:
According to Hindu mythology, Sage Narad is one of the twelve immortals or Chiranjeevi.
Narad Muni is a great Bhakta of Lord Vishnu. He always chants the Mahamantra – “Narayana Narayana.” He sings various glories of Lord Vishnu. He is a master musician and expert at playing the veena.
Sage Narad narrated the story of Lord Ram to Valmiki
Sage Narad appeared in Mahabharata, wherein he advised Yudhishthira and taught him his duties as a king.
Narad Muni can travel between the three Loka at will. He can do so at a lightning-fast speed.
Sage Narada was the messenger of the Gods. He would alert the Gods to take action whenever there is some major crisis awaiting heaven and earth.
Sage Narad was a great scholar and master of the Vedas
Narada is sometimes portrayed as a mischievous character. However, he did things for the greater good of the Universe.
Narada preaches Bhakti Yoga. He preached the importance of devotion and faith.
Why did Narada curse Vishnu?
Although Narada was a Vishnu Bhakta, he once cursed Lord Vishnu. It so happened that once Lord Shiva blessed Narad that he would be able to meditate in Tapovan, a forest meant for Tapasya. No one would be able to disturb.
So, Narad Muni started his meditation.
However, Indra became worried as he did not know his aim of meditation. In order to disturb Narada, Lord Indra sends Agni Deva (God of Fire), Varuna (God of Rain), and Vayu (God of Wind).
Thus, they began their work. Agni Deva lit the place on fire, Vayu made the wind blow, and Varuna made it rain. However, it came of no use, and they returned to heaven.
Now, Indra approached Kamadeva, the God of love, to disturb him. He tried every possible way to disturb Narad Muni. However, Narad remained unaffected. He defeated everything because of his sheer determination.
However, after completing his meditation, Narad Muni became proud of his achievement. He went to Kailash to meet Lord Shiva. He boasted how he defeated Agni Deva, Varuna, Vayu, and Kamadeva. Now, Lord Shiva advised Narad not to say anything to Lord Vishnu.
However, Narada couldn’t resist and boasted everything before Lord Vishnu. So, Lord Vishnu told Narada, “Be on Guard.” But Narad Muni paid no attention to Lord Vishnu’s words.
On his way back, Narad visited King Sheelanidhi’s palace. He came to know about princess Shrimati’s swayamvara. Narad fell in love with the princess and wished to marry her.
Narad read her fortune that whosoever marries the princess would become the king of the three worlds.
So, Narada approached Lord Vishnu and requested him to make him as beautiful as his avatar ‘Hari’ so that the princess chose him as her companion.
At last, the day of swayamvara arrived. Narad Muni was confident that the princess would choose him as his companion. However, the princess laughed when he looked at his face and did not offer him the garland.
Narad was irritated and told the princess that he deserves the garland. However, everyone at the ceremony began to tease him. They asked Narada to look into the mirror.
When Narad looked into the mirror, he was surprised as he did not look like a handsome man but a monkey.
Unfortunately for Narad, Lord Vishnu’s other name ‘Hari’ also means monkey.
Narad became furious and asked Vishnu the reason behind this act. Narad told Lord Vishnu that it is because of this act he had lost his love. He was supposed to be a handsome prince. Instead, he was turned into a monkey.
Later, Narad cursed Lord Vishnu that he would also lose his beloved and will suffer the pain of separation. Narad Muni even exclaimed that it would be monkeys that would help him to get your love back.
Narada said that he would take birth as a human being. Goddess Lakshmi will be his wife. They both would have to suffer the pain of separation.
Lord Vishnu smiled and accepted the curse.
(This incident has been taken from Shri Ramcharitmanas that was written by Goswami Tulsidas.)
Who cursed Narada Muni?
The story has been told in Srimad Bhagavatam.
Daksha had 10,000 sons.
They were called as Haryaśvas.
Daksha had instructed them to populate creation with more beings. However, Sage Narada convinced them to become Sanyasis rather than to beget children.
Then Daksha had 1000 more sons.
He gave them the same instruction.
However, Narada again convinced them to become Sanyasis rather than beget children.
Daksha became very angry with Narada.
He put the following curse on Narada.
“You have made me lose my sons. You are a rascal and do not know how to behave toward others. I put the curse on you that you may travel all over the Universe, but you would have no residence anywhere.”
Narada voluntarily accepted the curse. He could have cursed Prajapati Daksha. However, he took no action as he was a tolerant and merciful Sadhu.
Narad Puran
Narad Purana is one of the major Hindu Puranas. It covers a diverse range of topics such as Vedangas, Moksha, Dharma, etc.
It highlights methods of worshiping Lord Ganesha. It discusses various avatars of Lord Vishnu (Mahavishnu, Hayagriva, Narasimha, Rama, Krishna), Lakshmana, Hanuman, Devi, and MahaLakshmi, as well as Shiva.
It also contains a legend of a king named Rukmangada. It even offers travel guides for pilgrimage along the river Ganges.
Story of How Narada Curses Vishnu
Narada Muni went to meditate in a special grove which Shiva had blessed. And Shiva said, “This Tapovan, is this forest for tapasya, I am giving a special blessing, no one will be able to disturb a meditating Muni who sits in this Tapovan. Well, Narada sat in the Tapovan unknowingly and started to meditate. Indra became concerned, “Why is Narada meditating so strongly? I’m sending Agni, Varuna and Vayu down to disturb him.”
Agni, Vayu and Varuna went down and Varuna made it rain, and Narada didn’t respond. Vayu made the wind blow, and Narada did not respond. Agni lit the place on fire, Narada sat still in perfect stillness in meditation. All three of them went back to heaven and they said, “Indra, we can’t disturb his meditation, he’s meditating so strongly we don’t know how to stop him from meditating.”
Then Indra called Kamadeva, the God of Love, and said, “Kamadeva, you go down and break his meditation. Take Rathi, take the Apsaras with you, the celestial nymphs, the dancing girls, do whatever you have to do, make him stop meditating.”
Kamadeva went down and tried everything within his power. And he had all his girls, they were dancing and they were making spring sprung and the bees were buzzing and the birds were humming, and it was the atmosphere of Love and Narada didn’t stir one bit. Kamadeva admitted defeat. The God of Love went back to Indra and said, “I can’t break his meditation.”
At that, Narada woke up and said, “I have defeated all the Gods, I have even defeated the God of Love, I am beyond lust.” And he was so happy, and he went to Shiva in Kailash and Shiva said, “Narada, your shining radiantly why are you so happy today?” And Narada said, “Shiva, I defeated Kamadeva, he couldn’t break my meditation, I have conquered the God of Love.”
And Shiva said, “Narada, that’s very interesting, but if you have an experience like that don’t ever tell Vishnu.” Narada said, “Why wouldn’t I want to tell Vishnu, I mean I’m always saying Narayana, Narayana, he’ll be so happy to hear the news.” And Shiva said, “Well, you do as you like, but I suggest don’t tell Vishnu.”
And Narada took his leave from Shiva and he went right to Vaikuntha and he said, “Vishnu, I’ve just come from the greatest meditation.” And Vishnu smiled and said, “Really, you look radiant like you’ve achieved a tremendous victory. What kind of meditation did you have?” And Narada said, “I defeated the God of Love. I am free from Love, I am free from lust and desire.” And Vishnu said, “Oh, that’s fine, that’s very nice, wonderful, I applaud your attainment.”
Narada went off, and he was so full of happiness and joy and self-conceit that it was his power that allowed him to sit there and meditate without any disturbance. And it wasn’t because Shiva had blessed that grove, it was because of Narada’s attainment. And as Narada was traveling, he looked out and he saw this beautiful young princess dancing near the garden. And he looked down and he said, “Wow, there’s a beautiful young princess, I’m going to go see who she is.”
So he went down to the garden and he saw that it was the daughter of the King Shilanidhi. And he went in to see the king and the king said, “Oh, Narada Muni has come, please, my daughter is just about to choose her husband, please look at her palm and tell us what kind of husband she should choose. What will be her fate?”
He called the daughter, he said, “Please, sit here next to Narada Muni.” And Narad Muni looked at the palm of this princess and her name was Vishwamohini. And he took the hand of Vishwamohini and he looked in that palm and he saw that whoever marries this lady is going to be the king of the three worlds, he’s going to live as the Gods live. And suddenly Narada thought, “Well, I should marry this girl”. And he said, “Well, everything looks wonderful in her hand and she’s going to find the most beautiful, the most handsome prince, and they’re going to marry and be very happy.”
And Narada went straight to Vaikuntha and he said, “Vishnu, you got to do something for me, I have a favor for you, I want you to turn me into the most handsome prince and deck me out with many ornaments, and gold, and finery and silks and satins and make me as beautiful and as desirable as possible.” And Vishnu said, “Narada, why, I thought you had just conquered the God of Love.” And Narada said, “Oh, yes, I did conquer the God of Love but now I’m thinking that I should marry this princess.” And this is going to be her swayamvar, she is going to choose her husband, I want to have the most distinctive appearance.”
And Vishnu promised, “I’m going to give you the most distinctive appearance.” And he dressed him in the finest, and gave him a golden crown. And gave him all these ornaments, and made jewels and necklaces and garlands and he made him the most beautiful looking prince with the face of a monkey.
Narada went to the assembly of all the kings and princes and he walked in knowing that he was the most beautiful of all the princes, “Gee, the princess will certainly choose him”. And the princess took the garland of victory and she walked around the assembly of princes, and she looked at the face of everyone assembled there and passed by many people, and she came to Narada Muni and she started to laugh! There was this beautiful monkey dressed like a prince coming to win her hand, and she walked right past him and then she came to the last of the Kings assembled and she gave the garland to Vishnu.
Narada said, “Wait! You made a mistake, I’m the most beautiful man here, I’m the most handsome prince and I am deserving of this garland.” And everyone started to laugh. And Jaya and Vijaya (two servants of Vishnu that we met in the last scripture) came to Narada and they said, “Why are you so possessed with yourself, you are so filled with self-conceit, you don’t know what you look like? Come and look in this looking glass, and see what kind of distinctive appearance you have.”
And Narada went and looked in the looking glass and he saw he had the face of a monkey. And he got mad, he took some Ganga Jal in his hand and he said, “Vishnu, I asked you to make me beautiful so that I could get the heart of my beloved and win my beloved, and instead you turned me into a monkey. And now I’ve lost my beloved, I curse you Vishnu! You will lose your beloved, and endure the pains of separation from her. And in order to get her back you’re going to make friends with monkeys, and monkeys are going to be your helpers, and your saviors, and your devotees. And you think that it’s funny that I look like a monkey and I lost my beloved, here, is my curse!”
And Vishnu smiled when he received the curse. And said, “I accept your curse Narad, and I will incarnate as a human being and my Goddess Lakshmi will be my wife, and I will endure seperation from her. But all of this is to fulfill the curses against Jaya and Vijaya, who became in the first incarnation Madhu and Kaitabha. In their second incarnation they became Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashyapu. That was the story of Prahalad that we told the other night, which was the story of holding. And then in their third incarnation they became Kumbhakarna and Ravana). And now I have to go down and save the earth from the atrocities of Ravana, so I accept your curse.”
It is said that Narada himself once told the story of his birth.
The great sage Vedavyasa divided the Vedas into four branches – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana. Vedavyasa felt that common people could not comprehend the Vedas, and therefore wrote the Puranas which explained the meaning of the Vedas. He also wrote the Mahabharata; he brought out the essence of the Upanishads in a chapter called ‘Bhagavad Gita’ using very simple language.
The great sage was not satisfied even with such wonderful writings meant for the good of humanity. He was somehow convinced that there was yet one more work to be carried out by him for the benefit of humanity. A worried Vedavyasa was once sitting on the banks of the river Saraswati. Narada came there.
Narada Instructs Ved VyasaNarada knew what was worrying the sage Vyasa. He said: “Great sage, you have done so much for the welfare of humanity. And yet you are not satisfied. It is because none of your writings thoroughly describes the glory of Lord Narayana. You have not adequately brought out the greatness of devotion. In the coming Kaliyuga people will not live for as long a period as in the present era. For them it will be a tough task to acquire spiritual knowledge. The best way for them will be the Path of Bhakti or Devotion. You must write a book, which will describe the glory of the Lord and the greatness of Bhakti. Only then will you find peace. The company of good men generates Bhakti. 0 sage Vyasa, words fail to describe the all-pervasive influence of good men and their devotion towards God. I was once a very ordinary man. But today I am revered as Saint Narada. I owe this entirely to the company of great men; to the devotion I have towards God.”
Sage Vyasa was dumb-founded. Is it ever possible that this universally respected ‘Devarshi’ was once upon a time an ordinary man? A baffled Vyasa stared at Narada in wonder. Narada. Could read his mind. So he explained: “0 Vyasa, I was once an angel. I was called Upabarhana. I was an expert in music and I was handsome to look at, too. Once Dakshabrahma decided to perform a sacrifice. He arranged a big function. I sang devotional songs on that occasion. But I was not concentrating; my attention was diverted towards the apsaras (heavenly damsels). Dakshabrahma was upset by my behavior. He turned towards me and cursed me, ‘you lecherous gandharva! Let the devil take away your entire Knowledge and spiritual splendor. You don’t deserve to live in Heaven. May you be born as a little, despicable human being on earth!’
“I came to my senses only after I had heard the dreadful curse. I begged for his forgiveness. Daksha then said: ‘do not lament, 0 Upabarhana. You will be blessed by the company of good men.’ 0 Vyasa, it was owing to that curse that I was born to a slave woman.”
“Later, my mother started working as a servant-maid in an ashram. I was a little boy then. The rainy season came. Some sannyasi came to the ashram and stayed there. They were learned men and great devotees of God. Every day they conducted prayer meetings in which they sang the glory of Lord Narayana. Their preaching changed my very behavior. I became increasingly attracted to their preaching as days passed. Gradually I became more and more devoted to God. The sages began to like me. They would offer me fruit and speak to me with much warmth. I carried out devotedly whatever work they assigned to me.”
“The rainy season came to an end. The sages prepared to leave for another place. I felt very sad. The kind sages understood my feelings and consoled me. ‘Do not worry. Have trust in God and be always eager to realize Him. Do not while away your time on earth. This world is a creation of God and it finds its ultimate fulfillment in Him. Not a straw moves without the will of God. Keep repeating with whole-hearted devotion the mantra ‘Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya’ and you will be blessed.’ Having uttered this benediction, the sages went away.”
“The departure of the sages made me sad beyond words. I spent all my time thinking about God.”
“Days passed. One day my mother died bitten by a snake. I placed all my trust in God and headed northwards. I had no particular destination. After a great deal of wandering, I came to a beautiful uninhabited place. I took my bath and drank the water from a nearby pond. I felt comforted. Body and mind became light.
I remembered the good words the holy men had preached in the ashram. I sat under a people tree contemplating on God.”
Narada Muni – The Story of Narada“Many years passed by.
I lived on the fruits and leaves of the forest. My mind was immersed in contemplation. As time passed, I realized that God is present everywhere and in all objects. One day I saw a brilliant flash of divine light. I saw that the Lord was standing before me. His magnificent form thrilled me.
Everything else looked meaningless. I was over- whelmed. I began to wander everywhere. I longed to see that divine form again.
Then I heard a divine voice: ‘you will not see me once again in this birth. I do not appear before people who have not rid themselves of desire and anger. As you have seen me once, your devotion for me will now become more steadfast, especially since you keep company with good men. In your next birth you will be one of my close attendants.’”
“I felt somewhat relieved after I heard that voice. I felt a surging spirit of renunciation. The world appeared to be pervaded by the Lord. There was no trace of ego in me. I remained loosely attached to that body for a while like a drop of water on a lotus-leaf. Once, while I was in deep meditation, I felt as if I was touched by a divine light. Immediately I cast away my body. Then the deluge came. I along with all the living creatures became absorbed in the body of the Lord.”
“Some time after the deluge, new creation began. Out of the navel of Lord Narayana came Brahma. He engaged himself in the work of creation, in accordance with the Lord’s command. Then Brahma created Marichi, Atri and the other eight Prajeshwaras. I happened to be one of them. Vyasa, I became Narada thanks to the blessings of the Lord.
I am wandering round the world singing the glory of the Lord accompanied by this Veena Mahati. It has since then been my aim to convert people into the Path of Devotion (Bhakti) and Piety. In the future Kaliyuga, the chanting of the Lord’s name will bring greater reward than performance of sacrifices.
The Path of Devotion is the easiest and best. The mind becomes steady, cleansed of passions like greed and anger. Knowledge can be attained only when the mind becomes pure. Of course you are aware of all these things.
I therefore ask of you to compile a book setting out the greatness of Devotion (Bhakti) and the glory of God. I shall narrate to you the ideas of Vedanta, which Brahma has taught me briefly. Let this be the basis of your great work. That book will make people happy and will bring mental peace to you.”
And then Narada communicated to Vyasa the secrets of Vedanta. Vyasa composed the Bhagavata deriving inspiration by Narada.
In The Hermitage of Valmiki
Narada-Valmiki-desibantu
Narada had a part to play even in the composition of the Ramayana. Once sage Narada came to the hermitage of Valmiki.
He was received with warmth and the two hermits sat chatting with each other. Something had been worrying Valmiki for a long time. He wondered whether there was any man who tenaciously stuck to the path of righteousness even in the midst of the greatest odds; whether there was any man
who could be pointed out as an ideal to the whole world.
Narada traverses in all the three worlds. Valmiki thought that Narada might find an answer to his questions. He asked Narada: “0 great sage, you are all knowing. You have studied the Vedas. Can you tell me if there is any man in this world who is virtuous, pious, ever truthful and tenacious? Is there anyone who wishes well or all living creatures and who are also a hero and a scholar? Such a man should be free from jealousy and be a man of
invincible valor. He should be the most handsome among mankind. If there be such a man, please let me know.”
Narada beamed with a smile and replied: “0 yes. I understand you. You want to find out if there is a flawless perfect human being. It is no doubt difficult to come across such a man. But there is a man who has combined in himself all the virtues you have enumerated. He is Sri Rama the king of Ayodhya.” Then Narada narrated the story of Sri Rama and went away.
Sage Valmiki was thrilled to listen to the story of Sri Rama. He decided that Sri Rama was truly the greatest living being. With the story of Sri Rama still fresh in his memory, Valmiki set out for the river Tamasa for his morning ablutions. Two birds were seen playing about on the banks of the river. A hunter shot down the male bird. The female bird wailed sorrowfully for the loss of her male. Sage Valmiki was greatly moved by the misery of the stricken bird.
Unable to restrain his sorrow, Valmiki cursed the hunter for his shameful deed. But no sooner did he utter the curse than it was converted into the form of a shloka – a verse. The sage was amazed.
He returned to the hermitage after his ablutions. Meanwhile Lord Brahma himself arrived there. Valmiki was astonished. Early morning was Narada’s surprise visit; later, the death of the bird, and his utterance of a shloka; lastly it was Brahma’s arrival. Lord Brahma said: “0 sage, the shloka you have uttered is due to my inspiration. Your mind is now mature enough for writing poetry. Please write in poetic form the story of Sri Rama as narrated to you by Narada. Your poetry will be acclaimed all over the world as the ‘Ramayana’. The first ‘sarga’ or canto of Ramayana written by Valmiki contains one hundred shlokas. These contain a concise account of the Ramayana narrated by Narada.
Narada Muni story: Power of maya!!!
Once Narada Muni who is very intimate devotee of the Lord has meet Krishna.
And while they were walking, Narada Muni asked Lord Krishna, “My dear Krishna, can you please show me power of your maya, your illusiory energy? Please explain to me the secret of this magic called maya and how she act?”
Sri Krishna hesitated to do it. So Krishna asked his dear devotee:
My dear Narada are you sure you want to see power of my maya!?
Narada was very detirmened so he said: Yes, Krishna i am sure. I want to see power of your maya!
Lord Krishna replied : Ok Narada i will show you. Let’s lie down here in the shade and I shall tell you everything. But first, Narada, it’s terribly hot; would you get me a cool glass of water?”
“Right away,” Narada promised happy to do some serviceto his beloved Lord krishna. He set out across the fields. The sun beat down and though he was a good walker, the little line of thatched cottages on the horizon that marked the nearest village seemed no closer as he strode along. The heat grew unbearable. Narada’s throat became parched too; he began to think that he would ask for two glasses of water, and drink the second himself.
Finally he reached the village and ran to the nearest house. The door opened – and there stood the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She smiled up at Narada through long, dark lashes and something happened to him that had never happened before. All he could do was to look at her beatiful face. Finally he spoke out, “Will you marry me?” That is the Indian way; you cannot just say, “What are you doing on Saturday night?”
The couple settled down to a life of family bliss. After a while, children began to arrive. Narada’s became a very animated household.
Somebody was always being bathed or dressed; there were meals to get and people to be provided for. And all these things were filling up their lives. Narada and his wife became engrossed in their private little world, quietly building their dreams. Years passed. The children grew up, went to school, got married; in time, grandchildren arrived. Narada became the patriarch of a great family, respected by the whole village; his lands stretched to the horizon. He and his wife would look at each other fondly and say, “Don’t you think being grandparents is the greatest thing on earth?”
Then a flood came. The village fields became a raging river, and before Narada’s helpless eyes, everything that he loved and lived for – his lands, his cattle, his house, but especially his beloved wife and all their children and grandchildren – were swept away. Of all the village, only he remained.
He was trying to save them from all this calamities but was not successful.
Unable to watch the destruction, Narada fell to his knees and cried for help from the very depths of his heart.
“Krishna! Krishna!”
At once, the raging floods disappeared and there was Sri Krishna, standing casually on the fields where they had walked what seemed to be so many years before.
“Narada,” the Lord asked gently, “where is my glass of water?”
Moral:
This is power of maya. She make us forget lotus feet of Krishna. She overcome us and we forget our Lord. We have done this for millions of lives in this material wolrd. It has been our desire to be in maya as Narada wanted to see her. We are all in situation as great sage Narada have in this story. To be free from this illusion of the Lord we must cry his holy name:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
Sri Krishna says in Bhagavad gita 7.14:
daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī
mama māyā duratyayā
mām eva ye prapadyante
māyām etāṁ taranti te
This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.
The Story Of Narada Cursing Vishnu
The story of why Narada cursed Vishnu is found in the Puranas. It is said that once Narada went to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu, and saw that the god was sleeping on the serpent Adisesha. Narada was surprised that Vishnu, who was the protector of the world, was sleeping on a snake. He asked Vishnu’s wife Lakshmi why her husband was doing this. Lakshmi told him that Vishnu was in a deep meditation and would wake up soon. Narada then asked Lakshmi what Vishnu did during his meditation. Lakshmi told him that Vishnu thought about the world and its creatures. Narada was not satisfied with this answer and he asked Lakshmi again what Vishnu did during his meditation. Lakshmi became angry and she cursed Narada that he would never be able to enter Vaikuntha again. Narada went back to earth and he started doing severe penance. After many years, Vishnu appeared before him and asked him what he wanted. Narada told Vishnu that he wanted to know what he did during his meditation. Vishnu told Narada that he thought about the world and its creatures. This time Narada was satisfied with the answer and he asked Vishnu to forgive Lakshmi. Vishnu did as Narada asked and Lakshmi was forgiven.
During the austerity period, there was severe austerity in the Himalayas. Narada appeared before the beautiful damsel as the scene suddenly shifted from a valley to a beautiful valley, with the first arrow fired. Narada, who had just won the game, was overjoyed and declared that he had defeated Kama. As a result, Lord Shiva is no longer the only one capable of destroying this invincible god. Narada pondered if he should proclaim victory over Kamadeva to Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu. He told Lord Shiva, “I’m glad to hear that.” He went to Kailasa. However, keep your actions in your own hands. As Narada walked away, she wondered if Vishnu also didn’t seem to be pleased with my accomplishments.
As told in the Vishnu Purana, Narada once visited Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu. He was so overwhelmed by its beauty and grandeur that he forgot to pay homage to Vishnu. When Vishnu asked him why he had not paid homage, Narada replied that he had not thought it necessary, since Vishnu was all-pervading and present everywhere. Vishnu then asked Narada to go back to the earthly world and see if he could find a place where he was not present. Narada searched far and wide but could not find such a place. Finally, he realized that Vishnu was indeed present everywhere and paid homage to him. Vishnu was pleased with Narada’s realization and blessed him. However, Narada asked Vishnu for a boon that he would be able to find a place where Vishnu was not present. Vishnu granted the boon and Narada went back to the earthly world. He soon found a place where Vishnu was not present and cursed Vishnu that he would have to take birth on earth as a mortal.
According to the Puranas, Narada, the mind, was born as a result of Brahma’s thoughts. The world would be able to break the cycle of birth and death as a result of his knowledge and actions. Narada would always wander from one realm to the next because he was the one who devised the plan to achieve moksha. He appears to be working as a journalist, spreading information, but he creates jealousy, anger, and rage in order to indulge his ego, all of which is jealousy and anger. In the end, he goes and traps Kansa to kill Devaki’s children; praises Ravana for her beauty; and sings and plays the Vishnu song.
The Curse Of Vrinda
This curse was committed on Lord Vishnu by Vrinda, according to the texts. Vrinda was enraged by Lord Vishnu after he duped her into believing He was Jalandhar, cheating her of her chastity. Lord Vishnu would eventually become a stone, she said. It was a curse that led Lord Vishnu to transform into the Shaligram stone. Vrinda was also devastated by her loss and decided to end her own life.
Is Narada Avatar Of Lord Vishnu?
There is no clear consensus on whether or not Narada is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Some believe that he is, while others believe that he is not. There is no clear evidence either way, so it is ultimately up to each individual to decide what they believe.
Who Cursed Lord Vishnu Into Black Stone?
There are many different stories about who cursed Lord Vishnu into black stone. Some say that it was the goddess Parvati, while others say it was the sage Narada. There are many different versions of the story, but the most popular one is that Lord Vishnu was cursed by the sage Narada.
Daksha Cursed Narada
Daksha cursed Narada because he was angry with him. Narada had been interfering in his plans and trying to stop him from doing what he wanted to do. Daksha was so angry with Narada that he cursed him and said that he would never be able to find a wife.
When they first saw trees growing on the earth, they were enraged. Soma, the lord of all types of vegetation, arrived to pacify them. O fortunate ones, you should not destroy these trees, he advised them. According to religious beliefs, they married the daughter of Pramlocha Apsara. When Daksha realized his generation of living beings was not as it should have been, he went to the mountain near the Vindhya range where the holy place Aghamarshana is located. Daksha, in order to achieve the Supreme Personality of Godhead, was deeply immersed in austerities and rituals. As a result, the Supreme Lord appeared at the holy place Aghamarshana as a result of Daksha’s prayers.
As the air reflects the characteristics of the physical elements, the Lord appears through lower systems of worship for a person’s convenience. Narada was with the Lord as he was accompanied by Indra, the principle demigod. Daksha sired 10,000 children named Haryashvas after his wife, Ashikni, during her early pregnancy. After Daksha ordered them to have children, they went to a pilgrimage site known as Narayana-saras. When Lord Vishnu spoke to Daksha, he vanished as if he had been seen in a dream. A person who is submerged in the river of maya may be able to escape by making their way to the banks of knowledge and austerity, but the current is swifter near the shore. Shastra was understood to be their true father by the Haryashvas, so one should not be ignorant of its true purpose if they are not aware of its true nature.
Those who chose this path have forever chosen to remain in the material world. The second group of sons of Daksha was led by Narada Muni in their absolute knowledge. As a result of bathing in the sacred lake on a regular basis, their hearts were cleansed, and they only required water and air for a few months. With Narada’s assistance, the Savalashvas gave up their desire to raise children and engage in Krishna consciousness activities. In Daksha’s words, you wear the attire of a religious figure but you become emotionally attached to those who do not follow your tenets. How can one pose as one of the personal associates of supreme lord while performing abominable activities? Daksha, on the other hand, makes a mockery of the concept that by awakening a sense of renunciation one can detach oneself from the material world.
Narada was cursed by Daksha after she cursed him, and she responded, “Tad badham, so be it.” Daksha had 60 daughters when he was forced to do so by Lord Brahma, and his wife, Ashikni, conceived a total of 70 girls. As the living entities are allotted time, they can perform actions that result in the results of those actions. The cow, buffalo, and other animals with cloven hooves were the first to give birth to their offspring in Surabhi, and the eagle, vulture, and other large birds of prey were born at Tamra. Masood’s wife, Muni, gave birth to a plethora of serpents and mosquitoes. Danu gave birth to sixty-one sons, with eighteen of them prominent.
Sage Narada’s Curse On Lord Vishnu
Narada was a wise sage who spread wisdom and news from all over the world, according to Hindu mythology. Vishnu impressed him with his power and majesty one day after he had met him. Narada was frustrated when he asked Vishnu why he was so handsome. Narada explained to Vishnu that he would suffer separation as a result of his curse – his beloved would be lost and his pain would be greater. He cursed Vishnu, claiming that he would also lose his beloved and feel separation pain. Narada was unable to accept Vishnu as a curse, and the demon remained elusive.
Why Did Lakshmi Cursed Vishnu
Lakshmi cursed Vishnu because she was angry with him. She felt that he had not protected her properly and had allowed her to be insulted by the Asuras.
Maa never resides in a single dwelling. When she saw High: Shrava, Ashwa, she was taken aback by its beauty. He cursed her when he became enraged because she had disobeyed him. Since the beginning of time, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati have been performing Lord Shiva and Parvati’s sacrifices. To free her, Vishnu was ordered to form a horse and produce a son. Ashwa became the form of Shiva to which Lord Shri Laxmi ji took on the form of Shiva. The child was born to Lakshmi as a result of her pregnancy. She had been cursed and returned to Vaikuntha Lok after being freed.
Saraswati was irritated that Ganga and Vishnu both loved each other. Saraswati was enraged one day after she saw Vishnu and Ganga smiling at each other. At the end of the event, nobody raised an eyebrow, save for Laxmi. As a result, she cursed her son, Balaji, to become a tree throughout his life. In return, Ganga cursed Saraswati.
When the Asuras and Devas hoped that Lakshmi would choose the prospective grooms on the day of the Swayamvar, Lord Vishnu entered and posed as one of them. As soon as she saw him lay his eyes on her, she ran towards him to bathe him in the Jaymala. Vishnu was chosen by Laxmi as her husband as a result.
Lakshmi Narada Muni is an important figure in Hindu mythology. He is a sage who is known for his wisdom and his ability to bring people together. He is also known for his love of music and his ability to play the instrument known as the Veena. Lakshmi Narada Muni is someone who is respected by many people and is someone who is considered to be a very important part of Hindu mythology.
King Sanjay also decided to marry Narada Muni after his daughter refused to listen to him. When the weather was good, King Sanjay performed the marriage ceremony for Narada Muni and Damayanti. Narada Muni moved into the king’s palace after this.
Why Did Lakshmi Left Vishnu?
Why did voish abandon visukuntha? His loving companion, Shrivesh, left Vaikuntha after a disagreement, so he followed his companion, Lalvattha. Bhrigu kicked Vishnu on his chest, right on his heart, claiming that he had attacked his beloved, and she was angry.
Who Is Vishnu’s Wife?
Even though Vishnu and Laxmi are Avtaars, most have children, particularly in haygreevas Avtaar, when Sada Shiva is worshipped. It is only through their efforts that Haehai vansh began to take shape. Other famous sons of Laksmi jee are Kardam, Prajabhoot, and Chikleet, in addition to them. Who did Vishnu marry? Vishnu married three gods: Laxmi (the goddess of good fortune), Sarawati (the goddess of wisdom), and Ganga (the goddess of the River Ganges), who is considered the epitome of wisdom and grace. Despite his inability to control his three wives’ disagreements, Vishnu eventually sent Ganga to Shiva and Sarawati to Brahma.
Who Is Husband Of Alakshmi?
Asura of inauspiciousness and grief, on the other hand, is opposite of goddess of auspiciousness and joy, who is opposite of her. Alakshmi is sometimes referred to as Jyestha…. AlakshmiTextsLinga is a linguistic composition. Shri Suktam Padma Purana
The Many Origin Stories Of Lakshmi, The Hindu Goddess Of Abundance
Some say that Alakshmi was born when a seadrop crashed into the ground, but others say she was born when a drop of water splashed onto the land. A goddess who presided over the fortunes of seafarers formed as the droplets dispersed and formed.
Many Hindus believe that worshiping goddess of abundance, who is often depicted as a goddess of abundance, is beneficial to their spiritual lives. Her symbol is a lotus, which represents how she can grow from nothing.
It is customary for weddings and other ceremonies to include an invocation of LaLaVija, the goddess of wealth, as a way of ensuring that guests have a bountiful meal. She is thought to be associated with good health and longevity in the form of her worship.
Narad
Narada Muni is an important character- a divine sage from the Vaisnava tradition, who used to roam in distant worlds or planets (lokas) for collecting news and see the wellbeing of people. He is believed to have got birth from the mind of Brahma, that’s why he is also called Manasputra. One interesting thing about Narad muni is that he used to spread information from one place to another and in this process he sometimes creates misunderstandings between the fellows.
Narad was a great musician, communicator and author too. He wrote ‘Pañcaratra’, a sacred book for Vaishnavs containing the technical and philosophical meanings of the temple Deity worship. The role of devarishi Narad in a number of the Puranic texts like Bhagavata Purana, and Ramayana is well-known.
He is picturised as a sage with a high bun of hairs adorned with flowers, hanging garland around neck and carries a veena. He uses to sing hymns, prayers and mantras devoted to Lord Vishnu. As a traveler he recites Vishnu name as ‘Narayana…Narayana’ or ‘Hari.’ He was the first to practice Natya Yoga.
Other names
One of his name is Triloka sanchaari received because he as a nomad roams around three lokas, namely, Swargaloka (heaven), Mrityuloka (earth, literally: “place of death”) and Patalloka (nether-world) to find out about the life and welfare of people.
He is also known as Kalahapriya as he mischievously causes quarrels amongst Gods (devas), Goddesses and people.
Narada Muni journalist of the universe
Narada Muni journalist of the universe: Devarshi Narada Muni, who is considered a symbol of unending devotion and the psyche son of Brahma, recounts in detail in the Puranas. The common man considers Narada to be bickering and discord, but this image of him is completely untrue because the main purpose of Narada is to bring the call of every devotee to God.
Narada is considered among the greatest devotees of Vishnu and has the blessing of being immortal. However, before attaining this stage, Narada is also reported to have had many births. With the grace of Lord Vishnu, they can appear anywhere in all the ages and all three Lokas.
Birth of Devarshi Narada Muni
It is believed that Devarshi Narada was born on the day of Pratipada of Krishna paksha of Jyestha month. That is why Narada Jayanti is celebrated every year on this day. On this day, after worshiping Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess Narada is worshiped. Narada, praising Lord Vishnu with the melodious sound of his veena and chanting Narayana-Narayana from his Shrimukh forever, is considered the Guru of Maharishi Vyasa, Maharishi Valmiki, and Mahakavi Shukdev.
Religious mystery of Narad muni
In some scriptures, Narada Muni is also considered an incarnation of Trikaldarshi and Vishnu. According to Srimad Bhagavadpuran, Lord Vishnu has taken the third incarnation as Devarshi Narada in the universe. In some places, he is also described as a disciple of Jupiter. According to religious Puranas, Brahma Ji himself taught music to Devarshi, Narada, who was proficient in many arts and disciplines, and Lord Vishnu had taught him various forms of Maya.
It is believed that Devarshi Narada preached to many supreme devotees of Lord Vishnu like Bhakta Prahmaad, Bhakta Ambarish, Bhakta Dhruva, etc., and led them on the path of devotion. He married Bhrigu Kanya Lakshmi to Lord Vishnu. Devraj Indra understood and extinguished Dev dancer Urvashi with Pururava. Apart from this, he also became the medium of his destruction by bringing the accounts of the persecution of the people by many tyrannical Maharaksas to God.
Religious mystery of Narad muni
Inspired Maharishi Valmiki to compose the Ramayana. This is the reason that Narada, who has been respected in all ages, times, genres, and classes, is remembered as a poet, meritorious ethicist, and an influential orator with knowledge of the news of all the worlds.
Narada Muni journalist, traveling musician, and storyteller
Narada, who is considered to be the supreme devotee of Lord Vishnu, is believed to have been born from the lap of Brahma, the creator of the universe. Narada Muni, the sage (Devarshi) of the Gods and the Gods of sages who exchange information through the three worlds, unmoving, is considered one of the seven Manas sons of Brahma, who has the gift of immortality.
Devarshi Narada was the first journalist of the universe
According to the scriptures, Narada Muni can appear anywhere at any time in every era and in the three worlds due to the grace of Lord Vishnu. He is considered the first such messenger of the universe, who used to exchange information while circling from one world to another. Though the image of Narada Muni has been said to be a mythical character who is a slugger, that is, the idolatry and strife among themselves, in reality, his main purpose has been reflected in bringing every devotee’s call to God.
He has been playing the role of an active and meaningful correspondent, while traveling from one world to another, compiling and communicating. Through dialogue, he does not break but connects and he is the first ancestor of journalism. Along with being the sage of the gods, he is the correspondent of the universe as the first divine journalist of the universe. He has been considered the divine emissary of the gods and the leading seeker of communication.
In the universe, all the gods and goddesses, Gandharvas, Rishi-sages, and even demons respected Devi sage Narada very much. Narada, the benevolent Devarshi of the people, used to grieve himself after seeing various creatures on earth, and it is mentioned in a mythological story. According to the legend, once Devarshi Narada Muni went to Baikuthadham and pleaded with Lord Vishnu that he is very sad to see the people on earth unhappy because it is good not for those who follow the path of religion but those who do wrong.
It is said that Naradji taught 10 thousand sons of Daksha Prajapati to retire from the world, while Brahma wanted to chase them on the path of creation. Brahma cursed them again. By this curse, Gandharvas were born in the vagina on the mountain of Narada Gandhamadan. In this vagina, Narada’s name was Upbaharna (उपबर्हण). It is also believed that there was a Gandharva named Narada Muni Ji Upbarana in the preconception. It is said that he had 60 wives and being beautiful he was always surrounded by beautiful women. Therefore Brahma cursed them to be born in the Shudra vagina.
After this curse, Narada was born to a maid of the Shudra class. The father died as soon as he was born. One day his mother also passed away from this world due to a snake bite. Now Narada muni Ji remained alone in this world. At that time, he was only five years old. One day Santjan stayed in his village during Chaturmas. Naradji served the saints well. He got enlightenment by the grace of saints. When the time came, Naradji’s five physical bodies were left and at the end of the cycle, Brahmaji’s psyche incarnated.
According to Tulsidasji’s Balram of Shriramcharit Manas, Naradji felt arrogant that he had conquered work. God once built a city with his illusion, in which a beautiful Rajakanya swayamvar was going on. It is given in the story. Naradji went to God and asked for his beautiful face so that the princess would like him. But for the good of his devotee, God gave Narada the monkey’s mouth. In the Swayamvara, Rajakanya (Lakshmi herself) received God. When Naradji saw his mouth in the water, his anger erupted. Naradji cursed Lord Vishnu that he too would have to bear the brunt of his wife and the monkey would help him.
According to the Puranas, Brahmaji asked Narada muni to participate in the works of creation and marry, but he did not obey his father Brahma and he continued in devotion to Vishnu. Then, in anger, Brahmaji cursed Devarshi Narada to remain unmarried for a lifetime.
Finally, Narada Muni is worshiped only after worshiping Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi on Narada Jayanti. On this day one should recite the Gita and Durgasaptashti. On this day, Lord Krishna should donate food and clothes by offering a flute to Lord Krishna in the temple.