Srimad Bhagavata Mahatmyam 05 - The Buzz of Srimad Bhagavata at Ananda, Haridwar

Hari Om

My highest Salutations to Lord Narasimha, the destroyer of ignorance and in whose abode resides the Goddess of abundance. My repeated Salutations to him at whose service are Gods themselves at all time. Also, my scaled Salutations to all Gods that includes Hanuman, Sarasvati, Garuda, Sesha, Shiva, Narada, Dhruva, Prahalada who are always brimming with devotion and are never exhausted at the service of Lord. My utmost Salutations to Srimad Acharya and all the Gurus of the lineage through whom the nectar of Bhagavata Shastra has been flowing and seek the shelter of Guru Raghavendra at all times.

The Buzz of Srimad Bhagavata at Ananda, Haridwar 

During the conversation between Sanakadi munis and Narada Rishi in Badri Ksetra on the revival of Jnana, Bhakti & Vairagya, Sanathkumara suggested Narada Rishi conduct Srimad Bhagavata Sapthaha.

Narada Rishi fully committed for reviving and establishing Jnana, Bhakti and Vairagya filled with gratitude said, Sanatkumaras! On your Darshana or sight, Moha or infatuation, mada or intoxication, andakara or darkness caused by ignorance will be destroyed and one would be blessed with Viveka or ability to distinguish. Also, the sins committed & difficulties thereof will disappear, there will be solace and prosperity. You are always enjoying the flavor of the nectar in Lord’s stories of Bhagavatam that you have received from your guru, God Sesha. Your sight is very rare and Satsang or meeting virtuous like you will happen only on the accumulation of Punya or good deeds over several births including service to jnani or the learned. I seek refuge in you to help me establish the light of Love in God or Bhakti

Narada Rishi further declared that he would organize the Jnana Yagna, a recital of Srimad Bhagavatam that was narrated by Sri Shukacharya to Parikshit raja during his last seven days of life filled with remorse. Narada Rishi praising Sanatkumara said, you have reached the further end of Vedas and knows the glory of Srimad Bhagavata. Humbly requesting for the guidance and narration of Srimad Bhagavatam, Narada Rishi said, please tell me, where I should organize this Yagna? Which place is auspicious? How long the yagna should be carried out? What are the procedures I need to follow? 

Narada Rishi, we feel very happy seeing your humility and Viveka. At Gangadwara, presently called Haridwar, on the shore of Ganges, there is a place called Ananda. There resides several Rishis, Saints, Virtuous people, Gods, and Siddhas or who have achieved spiritual advancement. The place is surrounded by trees, plants, and creepers filled with the fragrance of flowers. The place is very pleasant and so are the people there. There is no jealousy, nor anger nor enmity among the people there and generally, have no differences. 

You need to organize Jnana yagna at Ananada for seven days. Just with the thought of decision or Sankalpa, things will start happening without any obstructions. If you organize there, novel thoughts of tattva or axiom will form in the minds of person narrating and people hearing. Such is the holiness of the place. Also, don’t be worried that how would the young lady, Bhakti come with her very old and unconscious sons, Jnana and Vairagya from the shore of Yamuna to the shore of Ganga. Just tell them that Jnana Yagna of narrating Srimad Bhagavatam is being conducted and let there be no doubt in you about their attendance. We will narrate Srimad Bhagavata as per procedure and let us all go to Haridwar. 

Having agreed to Narada Rishis request, Sanakadi munis along with Narada Rishi left Badriksetra and proceeded towards Haridwar, a holy place where the Ganges touch the planes. Meanwhile, the news spread and becomes most talked about in all lokas including on earth, also in Deva Loka or Heaven and Brahma Loka. All got to know that Srimad Bhagavata is being organized by Narada Rishi and narrated by Sanakadi munis at Ananada. Hearing this, all Vaishnava, extremely desirous to enjoy the flavor of nectar, Srimad Bhagavata, started rushing towards Haridwar.

Also, sages like Bhrugu Rishi, Vasishtha, Chyavana, Gautama, Medhatithi, Devala, Devarata,

Parashurama, Vishvamitra, Shakala, Markandeya, Dattatreya, Pippalada, Vyasa, Parashara, Chayasuka, Jajali, Jahnu, and all saints along with their family including children and students came filled with happiness.

The Gods responsible to influence Shastras or indoctrination of Hindu beliefs, theerthas or holy places reached Ananda. They included ones responsible for each Vedas, Brahma Sutra, Mantras, Tantra, each of seventeen Puranas, each of six Shastras. They came in their original physical forms as they are in their respective lokas. 

The Gods responsible to influence rivers including for Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, Godavari, Narmada, Sindhu, Kaveri, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Sarayu, Kalindi, Kshipra and also Pushkarni came. Also, the Gods responsible for holy places including Pushkar, Prayag, Kashi, Brindavana, Harikshetra, Kurukshetra, Gaya Tirupati, Sriranga, Sethubandhan came. So too the Gods responsible to influence directions, Dandaka & other forests, mountains came. They all came in their physical forms. All celestial beings including Devatas, Gandharvas, danavas came.

Narada Rishi received each one with affection. As he offered the seat, everyone paid respectful salutations to Sanatkumaras before taking their seat. Brahmachari or one who observes chastity and Sanyasi or Saints with impassion or Vairagya bhava, Vaishnava sat in the front side and to the foremost sat Narada Rishi as Shrothru or audience. On one side sat rishis, on another all Gods & celestial beings. The Gods responsible to influence words like Jaya or triumph, Namaha or Salutations, Shankar or conch also came in their physical forms. Also, the women & their children, people of all varna sat in the earmarked locations. 

Gods were pleased to see all sitting down pretty keen and with full of excitement to hear Srimad Bhagavata. They showered flowers of Heaven filled with fragrance & rich color which they brought in their flying planes. The fragrance, grandeur, and excitement filled the atmosphere.

Hari Om

Sri Krishnarpanamastu