Story: WHY SHIVA REDUCES KAMDEV TO ASHES--Check the arrogance in you

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    Powerful asura (demon) Tarkasur, after seeking the blessings of Lord God Shiva (also known as Sadashiv), conquered, all the three lokas (worlds). He then, threw, all the devtas (deities) out of Swarg (heaven) and started ruling the place all by himself. Terrorized, Devtas, then approached Lord Brahma.

    When, Devtas narrated their plight to him. He said, ‘since Tarkasur has been blessed directly, by Lord God Shiva. There is no one else in the cosmos. Who, can intervene in this matter. So, the only person who can kill Tarkasur, is his own avatar (embodiment of God). As and when, he is born.

    ‘But how will that happen?’ asked Devraj Indra. Who was leading the team of Devtas. Replying to Indra, Brahma said.

    ‘If Lord Shiva falls for Girija, (Goddess Parvati) who is anyway in Himachal, where, Shiva is in dhyan (meditation). They can get married, and as a consequence of that, have his avatar. Who will be named, Rudra. He would then be empowered to kill Tarkasur. But this will not be easy. As, Lord Shiva, is beyond any worldly and even, cosmic allurement. So, it’ll not be that easy for Girija to attract him.’

    With the humungous challenge ahead, Devraj Indra suddenly thought of Kamdev (the god of love). And within no time Kamdev appeared with folded hands and said—Prabhu (God) what made you, think of me?

   Indra said, ‘Dear Kamdev. There is a demon by the name of Tarkasur. He is blessed by Lord God Shiva and that makes him invincible. As, no one, can kill him for now. Therefore, he is troubling the whole world. He has also conquered our abode—Swarg (heaven). He can only be killed by God Rudra. Who, happens to be an avatar of Lord Shiva. But he is yet to be born. This is what Lord Brahma has told us. And, Lord Shiva can have Rudra, only if he marries Girija. So, to get Lord Shiva attracted to Girija, is now your job.     Girija, in order to worship and serve Lord Shiva goes to him every day. If they both get married, the wishes of Devtas can be fulfilled—which is, the death, of Tarkasur.’

    After, patiently, listening to Devraj Indra, Kamdev said—‘Rajendra! (Indra) I will surely do this job for the welfare of the Devatas.’ Thereafter, Kamdev with all his paraphernalia reached the spot. Where, Lord Shiva was meditating.

     At the particular place, where, Shiva was sitting in dhyan (meditation), there, Kamdev, used his illusory tricks to arouse his feelings. He made the surroundings, look like, the beautiful erotic spring, where, the birds started chirping in melodious tones. The ambience soon got romantic that did not spare, even the Lord. When, he got the sudden whoosh of Goddess Girija, but nothing beyond that.

    Kamdev used all his five arrows on him. But he was unsuccessful in all his attempts. As, there, was no effect of his arrows on Shiva. After all, who had the power to unsettle Shiva? Most certainly, no one in the universe.

    During that time, Girija with a tray in her hands. Filled with flowers and ingredients, came there, for the puja of Lord Shiva. With her, she also had her friends. And coincidentally, even Lord Shiva, was out of his dhyan at the same time. Kamdev thought, this was the opportunity, and shot his arrow of crush on Shiva and thereafter in continuity. He shot, one arrow after another. This struck Lord Shiva momentarily.

   With that he got attracted to Girija at once.  But soon he realised, something abnormal was happening to him. He questioned—‘what is this! I’m nirvikar (changeless). Yet I’m impacted by this stroke of infatuation. If, as, God I’m affected. What will happen to the average people of the world? It surely, appears to be the job of Kamdev.’ He thought in some regret.

    Sure enough, when he turned to his left, he saw Kamdev standing there with his bow and arrow. He could not control his anger. And with that, all the three lokas started shivering. It appeared, as if, hell is about to swallow the universe. Just then his third eye opened and from that. In great velocity fire oozed out, and that reduced Kamdev to ashes. All the three lokas quaked in fright. Devtas saddened, but Asuras were happy. After Kamdev was dead. Even, Girija returned home with her friends, feeling devastated.

    Kamdev’s wife Rati, upon, seeing, her dead husband, fainted. When she regained consciousness. She started wailing—’Swami!   Why did you go to Shivlok at all, without telling me? What should I do now? Where should I go? All this is a result of the arrogant talk, you often made in Indralok (Indra’s abode). Devtas, have only done bad for me. They sent my husband here. Only to get him reduced, to ashes.’

    Moral of the story: One should know his limits. Kamdev tried to transgress his powers and had to pay the price.

    Later Devtas assembled around Lord Shiva. Shiva asked for the reason. Devtas said, ‘Lord you are antaryami (omniscient) and you know the reason.’ Shiva understood. They had assembled for Kamdev. He clarified—’whatever happened. Happened, because, of Brahma’s shaap (curse), which, can’t be reversed now. But yes. When, Lord Vishnu will take avatar as Krishna. Then Kamdev will be his son. His name will be Pradhuman. A demon by the name of Shambar will pick Pradhuman and throw him in the sea. Rati, Kamdev’s wife, during that time will be residing in the same city. That is Shambar. She will get her husband back, in this city only. Kamdev will kill Shambar and along with his wife, he will come to Krishna.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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TRAFFIC SIGNAL

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  It is office hours. Rush time and in the morning. The traffic is really heavy. Looks, as if, entire India is on the move and with that, India’s GDP too. Perhaps, it’ll go up substantially today. So will the sensex. But the very first few indications on the mobile say. Sensex is wobbling. Just like the morning hour traffic. It’ll settle and shoot up, maybe, after, traffic hours. Say towards the afternoon. Mind, as usual is filled with a lot of clutter, that keeps fogging me. There is always so much to do and so much to improve. But, where do I begin and where do I end.
  

    Thank God, boss is not in town, today. O Jesus! … It’s already nine thirty. He might call anytime, on the office land line. Arrey! where is this idiot Ramesh. He still hasn’t given me the data. Without it, how do I prepare the power-point, for boss’s meeting tomorrow? Mobile rings—it’s a call from home. ‘Hello! Just, thought, of reminding you. Don’t forget, to pull out the cash, for Diwali shopping’—that was my evergreen wife. See the trust. The call is over, even without, my saying a word.

    Mobile beeps. There is a whatsapp message. This could be the routine good morning, from Shashi. Arrey what is so good about the morning. It is the same old, Ram kahani. Sala kuch bhi nahibadalta hai is Hindustan mein. Mobile rings again … O—O boss.

    ‘Good morning, sir!’

    ‘Morning Anand, have you got the data from Ramesh?’

    ‘No sir.’

    ‘Speak to him. Drop my name. I need both the data and the power-point first thing, tomorrow morning.’ the call is over.

    Arrey yaar. I forgot to recite hanuman chalisa today. ‘Jai hanuman gyan gun sagar … Mobile rings, yet again. This time it is Ramesh. ‘Arrey yaar when are you giving me that data? Boss called for it just now.’

  ‘I’m carrying it to the office. It’s nothing great. You can’t prove a thing with it.’

   I restart my hanuman chalisa. Suddenly, the traffic light goes green. The car in front refuses to move. But the rear one is honking full blast. It appears, he has a greater stake in India’s prosperity than anyone of us. He tries to prove it, by honking. I’m about to complete my chalisa.

   O God! What is this life? God retorts, ‘this alone is life.’ I put my car in gear. It slides into motion. When, Lord Hanuman says, ‘bye—bye, see you tomorrow. I’ll take the aerial route. As I need to remind others, too, about their Hanuman chalisa. They are ahead of you and on this very road. Even Durga and Mahadev are doing the same. Bhakts are under a lot of work pressure. No time.’ I remember Mom. Dad can be remembered later. I’m starved of time.

    My stomach churns—‘breakfast!!’ I remember its lying on the seat behind. It’ll now have to wait till I reach office.

    I raise the volume. The RJ is once again there. To tell me how exciting life is. She connects with me every morning like a soul mate. Plays a few peppy numbers for me, to, rev up my mood. By the time I reach office I’m all perked up. When, I’m sucked in for the day. And why only the day, it is day after day.

   And that’s life.  

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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HAPPINESS and SIMPLICITY go hand in hand

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 In my spells of loneliness I look for my happiness. When I get up early in the morning, it is quiet and lonely. This is when, I hope to come across happiness. The ongoing moments are serenading and moving, where, you can even hear yourself breathing. It is still dark outside, but the dawn is about strike and where, the sun is gearing up to rise. The mood is dreary with all sorts of fears. As if, the heaven is far away, but the hell is about to strike, anytime during my life. People call it depression. But I guess that is only an impression. I slowly rise to sit on the bed. The silhouette on the side tells me, she is still, fast asleep. There is no pleasant reverie that tickles my funny bone. And like every day. I think of my God who has gone off to sleep and refuses to wake up. When I’m again struck, by that galling, every day whoosh that echoes once again … there is always so much to do, and how do I improve.

   My mind is all confused as if I’m still in the woods. I squirm in mild agita and hackneyed clutter. When, I decide to leave my cot. Pondering, slowly, I walk up to the loo. And where, the first thing I try and do, is to woo my rue, with a splash of water. That brings the first ray of happiness on my just woken up, face. I follow it up with another and then another. It tones me up.

    I decide to sprawl in the lawns for a while. Luckily I’m bereft of thoughts. So, the mind is empty. They say an empty mind is a devils workshop. But here, the devil is missing. Perhaps, he doesn’t believe in the age old proverb, anymore. He is in great demand. As, he has a lot to do, in terms of bearing out, this holy world turning unholy.

    My mind has nothing to say. There is no content fermenting in it yet. So, heart is at peace. The dawn is now alive and the sun is now behind the high rise. The loneliness has only expanded and with that happiness has arrived. But I know it is only momentary. I often wonder who distributes these merry tickets of joy. Barring the early morning cameo I’ve never seen her in full flow.

  She’s a mystery, happiness. She often comes uninvited. She follows no path. No paradigms and no rhymes. Nothing influences her, not even, tons, of holds in form of gold. People die for her and people lie for her. Everyone wants to hobnob with her. But she is aloof and beyond any loop.

    At times one gets to feel, even God cannot control her. But yes, there is something that can tame her.

    Says Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore—‘It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.’

    So, won’t it better to look for happiness in divine simplicity than in nightmarish loneliness?

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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