A couple of days ago, I was browsing the internet, searching
for the spelling of ‘Bhagavatam’, when the following information caught my
attention: according to Srimad Bhagavatam, Lord Sri Krishna ruled over the
kingdom of Dwarka and he had 16,000 wives and expanded himself 16,000 times to
live as an example of a perfect householder.
We look upon Gods as role models, who led their life in such
a way as to set examples for ordinary humans. I am a Hindu and, naturally, whenever
people confronted me with the question, “What kind of God is your God who had
so many wives?”, I used to feel unhappy. I used to wonder within me whether
such a thing can ever be justified.
A few days ago, I got the answer. Lord Sri Krishna might
have had 16,000 wives, but he was an Akanda Brahmachari. This He declares in
the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
People highlight the statement in Srimad Bhagavatam but they
ignore (or hide) Sri Krishna’s own statement. When Dronacharya’s son Ashwatthaama
releases an arrow from his bow with a curse that it should kill all the Pandava
children, Lord Sri Krishna vows to save the unborn child in Uthara’s
(Abhimanyu’s wife) womb. Sri Krishna declares, “If there is any truth in the
fact that I am an Akanda Brahmachari, may Uthara’s child be saved from the
wrath of Ashwatthaama.”
The child was indeed saved, who grew up to become King Parikshit.
This was conveyed in a talk rendered by Swami
Purushothamananda, many years ago. I was fortunate enough to hear the recorded
version of the talk recently.
Now that I know the truth, I don’t have any more doubts
about the divinity or purity of Lord Sri Krishna. I also understood how little
I know about Hindu Gods.
Only a man (I mean God) of such great purity could have
given the immortal song celestial Bhagavad Gita. All power is in preserving
one’s purity.
More on this purity aspect in my next blog…
P.S. If you found this blog interesting, you may read Part 2 and Part 3 of this blog:
Sri Krishna –- 16,000 wives, yet a brahmachari: Part 2.
Sri Krishna –- 16,000 wives, yet a brahmachari: Part 3.
P.S. If you found this blog interesting, you may read Part 2 and Part 3 of this blog:
Sri Krishna –- 16,000 wives, yet a brahmachari: Part 2.
Sri Krishna –- 16,000 wives, yet a brahmachari: Part 3.
Awesome! Today when I was seeing a girl one of my friend commented that today there is no one like Sri Rama, everyone is like Krishna. I did not feel bad about the comment on me but I felt bad about the comment on Sri Krishna. I heard in some talk about the topic that Sri Krishna is brahmachari. So before telling my friend about this view point I thought I would research on this topic and give the answer. I googled about the topic and luckily found your blog. I think this blog is one of the great ones out on the web with such a great information and with new updates. I request you to update such interesting things more.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Ram
Sorry for the delayed response. I read your comments just now. I am happy to know that this blog on Sri Krishna is indeed serving the purpose it is meant to serve. Thank you for the kind words
DeletePadma
And I would like to quote this story too which gives more insights to this topic.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.celextel.org/storiesandanecdotes/krishnanityabrahmachari.html
I checked celextel.org and was amazed to see the wealth of information available there. I read the story quoted in your comment and it was extremely useful. Thank you for the valuable information.
DeleteWho is Naishtika Brahmachari?
ReplyDeleteBrahmaLoka. Sage Narada was in conversation with his father Brahma. His question was; in all three worlds who is Naishtika Brahmachari?
Narada imagined that Brahma would confirm that without doubt he would qualify for the title. Brahma’s reply shocked Narada.
“Sri Krishna, who took birth on earth and is performing Leela in Gokul and Brindavan is the real Naishtika Brahmachari”, said Brahma.
“ The one who always sings, dances and performs Rasleela with Gopis, is he?” quipped Narada and exploded into laughter.
“ You can clear your doubt from sage Durvasa who observes fast everyday and does tapas; he will give you reasons” said Brahma. Narada was intrigued further. “ Durvasa cannot tolerate hunger. He eats several times everyday. Because of his excesses, he is short-tempered and curses indiscriminately! You praise his Upavasa. It is even stranger than Krishna’s BrahmaCharyam!”, retorted Narada.
“ Narada! You think that only those like you who chant the name of Narayana and observe celibacy; only those rishis who indulge in self-denial and engage in long meditations even to the extent of being covered by growing shrubs and mole-hills qualify.
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It is not true. Go forth and know the truth from both. Ask Krishna who is NithyaUpavasi and ask Durvasa as to who is Naishtika Brahmachari and be clear! Let the world also be clarified”, said Brahma.
It is usual for Narada to create conflicts; however, in this case, Brahma created the conflict in Narada! He proceeded to Brindavan. These were the days before Krishna weds Rukmini and the seven other royal consorts! These
Were the days when Krishna was young, was the darling of the Gopis, was a shepherd, played on the flute divine melodies and filled everyone’s heart with pleasure.
Narada wanted to meet Krishna in private! He found one Krishna in each household; he did not know which was real Krishna! Finally Narada stood under a tree and waited till daybreak! Let Krishna find me, was his thought! Lo! Krishna appeared; but Krishna appeared pensive! “ I came to meet you, Lord! Why do you have a worried look?” queried Narada.
“ Durvasa today ate in excess. Therefore, I have stomach ache” said Krishna.
DeleteNarada was more confused. How could this be? Thought Narada.
As if reading his mind, Krishna said, “Narada! Durvasa does not eat anything for himself. Both before and after food he says ‘ SriKrishnarpanam!’ and drinks water. He is NityaUpavasi. Whatever he eats reaches me. Even the air he breathes he dedicates to me. His vairagya absolves him of ill-effects of his anger.
He dedicates everything to me and lives light”, said Krishna.
Narada understood how anything dedicated to God attains an exalted status.
He bowed to Krishna and left to see Durvasa.
Durvasa received Narada with customary respect and asked of him what he wanted. Narada narrated partly his conversation with his father and asked him who was Naishtika Brahmachari.
“ Sri Krishna is the Naishtika Brahmachari, sans doubt”, said Durvasa.
“ Why?” quipped Narada.
“ One who lives where there are no women observing celibacy is not the real one.
The one who lives amidst women and is not caught in the sway of desire is in reality vairagya brahmachari. Krishna who sings and dances with ten thousand Gopis without a sense of ownership remains Parabrahman. His love and grace are the property of all. He regards both cows and Gopis in Brindavan alike, irrespective of gender. He remains like water droplets on lotus. Others think of him as son, father, mother, friend, lover, guru, deity etc., for their own bliss.
He lives without carnal desires both in mind, word and deed, although he is the subject of love and attachment of everyone! He is the real Naishtika Brahmachari!”, said Durvasa.
“ Narada! You also need to know more. In Treta Yug, in his avatar as Rama Sriman Narayana undertook exile in forests to uphold his father’s promise. During his exile, thousands of maharishis and tapaswis wanted him to stay with them. But he could not, because of his mission. They all yearned for his company, love and embrace. To fulfil their pious wishes, in the next yuga, they were granted birth as Gopis to be loved and embraced spiritually! As far as He is concerned they were his Bhaktas. His Prema is transcendental and pure. There is no place for Kama, being Platonic. He is therefore the real Naishtika Brahmachari!”, explained Durvasa.
Now Narada understood that body with gender has no significance in this union. Krishna came to unite with his Bhakta Jivatmas and give them deliverance.
Later, He teaches Arjun that he resides in and fills all and that there is no discrimination based on gender, in the Gita at the war for Dharma.
Narada profusely thanked Durvasa; Durvasa said “Krishnarpanam”.
Narada returned to his father’s abode and thanked him for his guidance
Thank you for the valuable comment(s). I request you to kindly read Sri Krishna - 16,000 wives yet a Brahmachari: Part 2. Nithya Bhramachari and Nithya Upavasi. I have decided to post your comment as Part 3 so that it will be read by more people.
DeleteGreat blog! The way you've explained the topic is simple yet insightful, making it easy to understand. I especially liked how you included real-life examples to connect with the readers. Looking forward to more such informative content from you!
ReplyDeleteListening to a soulful Krishna bhajan while reading this made the experience even more divine. Keep sharing such inspiring content!