All posts tagged Visvamitra

POWER OF BRAHMINS IS GREATER THAN POWER OF RULERS: TAMILS AND VYASA (Post No.10,591)

WRITTEN BY LONDON SWAMINATHAN

Post No. 10,591

Date uploaded in London – – 23 JANUARY 2022

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

POWER OF BRAHMINS IS GREATER THAN THE POWER OF RULERS: SANGAM TAMIL LITERATURE AND MAHABHARATA

The clash between the great two Vedic Rishis Vasishta and Viswamitra is a well known story. It established the supremacy of Brahmins. Both rishis/seers figure in the oldest book in the world- The Rig Veda (RV). People who are pure at heart and selfless are more powerful than the AK 47 wielding Clint Eastwoods!

This message is in both the Mahabharata, the longest epic in the world and Purananuru, the oldest anthology in 2000 year old Sangam Tamil literature.

First let us look at Mahabharata (Adi Parva, the first of the 18 Books in the Mahabharata):_

Once upon a time great king Viswamitra went out on a hunting expedition. When he and his retinue were tired, they visited the great saint Vasistha. His ashramam (House of Saints; hermitage) was in the middle of the forest. He had a beautiful cow named Nandini. It had the power of fulfilling anyone’s wishes like Kamadhenu.

Vasistha received him with great honour. He gave to Viswamitra precious jewels which were obtained from his wonder working cow Nandini. Viswamitra wondered how come this sage in the middle of the forest , could feed all his retinue and give him precious gifts. Vasishta explained that his holy cow can give anything he wished for. Viswamitra asked Vasishta to give him the cow in exchange for hundred million cows or even his kingdom. When Vasishta refused to comply with his demand Viswamitra threatened to use force. He dragged the cow and pushed it hither and thither, but she would not move. She became angry and in order to punish Viswamitra and his army, she created Pahlavas , Dravidas, Sakas,Yavanas , Kiratas and other tribes. The words of the poet Vyasa are

Asrujat pahlavan, puchchath prasravath dravidaan, sakaan yonidevascha yavanan sakrutah savaraan bahuun.

Beholding this great miracle, the Bramanical might , Viswamitra was humbled at the impotence of a Kshatria nature, and exclaimed

Dhig balam kshatriya balam brahma tejo balam, balam

Balabalam vinistritya tapa eva balam balam

Shame on a Kshatriya’s strength. The strength of a Brahmins lustre is strength indeed. Determining what is strength and what is weakness, we see that, penance is the greatest strength.

This legend is found in Valmiki Ramayana as well .

Later Viswamitra went for doing Tapas(penance), but failed in first two attempts because of ego and women (Trisanku Episode and Menaka episode). When he won at the third attempt, Vasishta himself called him “Hello Mr Brahmin” (Brahma Rishi). That has become a phrase in Hindusim equal to ‘From the horse’s mouth’ in English.

The power of penance is in Purananuru, oldest portion of 2000 year old Sangam Tamil literature and later moral book Tirukkural of Tiru Valluvar

Here is the verse from Purananuru:-

Vanmiki , similar to Valmiki, the Ramayana author, has penned the verse 358 in Purananuru. Though there are very interesting information in these seven lined verse, I will highlight only one point here. If you weigh the earth and the penance, penance is so big that earth will look like an iota. Earth means earthly life that is family life, but penance is far greater than the family life. Tamil poet Vanmiki use the Sanskrit word Tavam. Tapo in Sanskrit is tamilized Tavam (P=V). here we are concerned only about the greatness of penance. It is a repetition of what is said in Mahabharat. True Brahmins are doing penance even when they are in family life. So the word Antanar is used for anyone who is inward looking, ie. God searching. Brahmin also meant the same, i.e. Brahmam seeking. So it is an echo of Mahabharata lines. Even a kshatriya like Viswamitra is called Brahmin when he competed his penance successfully.

Tiruvalluvar also elucidated the power of saints. If any one does any harm to a saint the empire will crumble like dust, he says.

“If those of rigorous penance become enraged, even Indra will crash from power and position” – Kural 899

Venthan is the Tamil word used in this couplet. It means King or Indra. Tolkaappiam used the word for Indra.

The next couplet emphasizes this point,

“Though possessed of great support, they who are exposed to the wrath of persons of exceeding penance will perish”- Kural 900.

Brahma tejo balam balam!!

–subham–

tags- Brahmins, Kshatria, Power, Visvamitra, Vasistha

LAST PART OF RIG VEDIC POET’S UNIQUE DIALOGUE WITH TWO RIVERS-3 (Post No.10,131)

WRITTEN BY LONDON SWAMINATHAN

Post No. 10,131

Date uploaded in London – 24 September 2021

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

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THIS IS THE THIRD AND LAST PART OF RIG VEDIC POET’S UNIQUE DIALOGUE WITH TWO RIVERS.

We saw in the past two days a unique conversation between the seer Visvamitra and two rivers Vipas and Sutudri. They are identified with modern day rivers Beas and Sutlej.

Here is my commentary on the last five mantras of 3-33

3-33-9

Visvamitra addresses the rivers as Sisters! In the third mantra/stanza we saw the rivers as Mother. Hindus are the only people in the world who worship rivers as Goddesses. All the rivers have feminine names and each one has a legend. The poet requests the rivers to flow below the axle of the wagon and car.

3-33-10

Here the rivers speak. They use two beautiful similes. Yes ; we would lower our level ‘like a nursing mother and yield like a maiden to her lover.

These types of similes are seen throughout the Rig Veda. We see well-knit family connections with love and affection between the relatives. Similes of husband and wife coming together, children running into the garments of mother, son getting the warmth of his father, lover and lady love hugging together etc are found in Vedas. Very often cow and calf are compared to mother and child.

3-33-11

Here we read about the poet and his clan the Bharatas crossing the river. The poet urges the rivers to flow rapidly (after their crossing). Indra’s help in feeding the rivers (through rain) is also mentioned. Poet’s words “ I crave your favour who deserve our worship” are to be noted. In the eighth stanza we saw rivers saying NAMASTE. Even today this greeting is used by all Indians. Here Visvamitra says they/the rivers deserve worship.

Today Hindus worship not only rivers but also water. Hindu brahmins sprinkle water on their head thrice a day praising water as medicine and the take water in sips as well.

3-33-12

Here the poet concludes saying they have all crossed the river and it can roll swiftly onward.

Hindus believe that saints and seers like Visvamitra can control natural forces such as rivers, rain and wind, even ocean. In the Ramayana we read about Rama commanding the sea to obey. In the Bhagavata Purana we see river Yamuna parting away to give way to Vasudeva carrying Baby Krishna. In Adi Shankara’s life we see his command over flooded river. In Sangam Tamil literature Rama commands the birds in a banyan tree and then they shut their mouths. It happened when Rama was consulting Civil engineer Nala about building a bridge across the sea. So I would take these stanzas as water miracle performed by Visvamitra. Two rivers obeyed his commands and the additional message is to show respect and reverence to Rivers.

3-33-13

Griffith has added a foot note saying that it is in different metre and so a later addition. Stanzas with different metres occur in ancient Tamil and Sanskrit literature. Not only the differences in metre but also the repetitions. Here in 13^th mantra we see the same message repeated.

Prof . Wilson following Sayana, gives a somewhat different version of the stanza:

Let your waves/rivers so flow that the pin of the yoke may be above their waters; leave the trace full, and may the two streams exempt from misfortune or defect and uncensured, exhibit no (present) increase.

I take it as a blessing to the rivers given by Visvamitra.

This hymn shows the environmental awareness among ancient Indians. ‘Humble us not mid men’ in the eighth stanza is the message Visvamitra gives to humanity through the rivers. Never treat rivers with contempt; never pollute them.

Confluence of Sutudri/Sutlej and the Vipas/Beas takes place near Amritsar in Punjab.

–subham–

tags- Visvamitra, Dialogue with rivers, Vipas, Sutudri, last part, RV 3-33

RIG VEDIC POET’S UNIQUE DIALOGUE WITH TWO RIVERS (Post No.10,123)- part 1

WRITTEN BY LONDON SWAMINATHAN

Post No. 10,123

Date uploaded in London – 22 September 2021

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

There are nearly twenty dialogue poems in the Rig Veda . They are spread over the Ten Mandalas. Of them Visvamitra’s dialogue with two rivers (RV.3-33) in Punjab is unique. I don’t think any other ancient literature has such a dialogue poem with the Rivers. Later Indian literature has many odes to birds, cloud and insects; this unique poem reveals a lot about Hindu Way of Thinking. First read the poem and then read my commentary: –

1. FORTH from the bosom of the mountains, eager as two swift mares with loosened rein contending,

Like two bright mother cows who lick their youngling, Vipas and Sutudri speed down their waters.

2. Impelled by Indra whom ye pray to urge you, ye move as ’twere on chariots to the ocean.

Flowing together, swelling with your billows, O lucid Streams, each of you seeks the other.

3. I have attained the most maternal River, we have approached Vipas, the broad, the blessed.

Licking as ’twere their calf the pair of Mothers flow onward to their common home together.

4. We two who rise and swell with billowy waters move forward to the home which Gods have made us.

Our flood may not be stayed when urged to motion. What would the singer, calling to the Rivers?

5. Linger a little at my friendly bidding rest, Holy Ones, a moment in your journey.

With hymn sublime soliciting your favour Kusika’s son hath called unto the River.

6. Indra who wields the thunder dug our channels: he smote down Vrtra, him who stayed our currents.

Savitar, God, the lovely-handed, led us, and at his sending forth we flow expanded.

7. That hero deed of Indra must be lauded for ever that he rent Ahi in pieces.

He smote away the obstructors with his thunder, and eager for their course forth flowed the waters.

8. Never forget this word of thine, O singer, which future generations shall reecho.

In hymns, O bard, show us thy loving kindness. Humble us not mid men. To thee be honour!

9. List quickly, Sisters, to the bard who cometh to you from far away with car and wagon.

Bow lowly down; be easy to be traversed stay, Rivers, with your floods below our axles.

10. Yea, we will listen to thy words, O singer. With wain and car from far away thou comest.

Low, like a nursing mother, will I bend me, and yield me as a maiden to her lover.

11. Soon as the Bharatas have fared across thee, the warrior band, urged on and sped by Indra,

Then let your streams flow on in rapid motion. I crave your favour who deserve our worship.

12. The warrior host, the Bharatas, fared over the singer won the favour of the Rivers.

Swell with your billows, hasting, pouring riches. Fill full your channels, and roll swiftly onward.

13. So let your wave bear up the pins, and ye, O Waters, spare the thongs;

And never may the pair of Bulls, harmless and sinless, waste away.

There are 13 Manrtras or stanzas . My commentary is as follows:

The legend cited by Sayana says that VIsvamitra , the family priest of King Sudas, having obtained wealth by means of his office, took the whole of it and came to the confluence of Vipas and Sutudri. Others followed him. In order to make the rivers fordable, he lauded them with the first three verses of the hymn. The hymn has poetic beauty and is interesting as a relic of the traditions. This shows the westward expansion of Vedic Hindus. Elsewhere in the Rig Veda we see the link between Sudas and the River Jamuna. That means Sudas rule spread up to River Yamuna or beyond in the eastern direction.

Vipas is the modern Beas and Sutudri is modern Sutlej. Vipas falls into Sutudri near Amritsar.

xxx

RV 3-33-1

Rishi Visvamitra is talking to fast flowing rivers Sutudri and Vipas.

Visvamitra knew the origin of rivers is in the mountains. And later he sings that they are running towards sea. Vedic poets referred to SEA in at least 100 places. They knew very well that all the rivers run towards sea. Hindu Brahmins repeat thrice a day a mantra saying “like the falling rain water from the sky runs towards sea, all the salutations go to Kesava/God.” The speed of the horse gave us the word Horse Power. The cow gave us the word Vaccine. It came from Vatsa/calf with which Edward Jenner did experiment to find a cure for diseases, such as small pox. Now vaccine is applied to any Vaccie.

Hindus greatest contribution to humanity is in four fields 1. They domesticated cows and showed that is the closest to mother’s milk. No other animal can give milk equal to cow’s milk.

2.They domesticated horse and revolutionised the transport. Even today we use the word ‘Horse Power’.

3. They discovered numerals (1,2, 3,…….0) and Zero. They developed decimal numbers. Now the computers use 1 and 0.

4.Last but not the least they discovered iron and created industrial revolution. Though they knew gold, silver, copper and zinc they developed the iron industry. Now the whoe world use it. The very word Iron came from Ayas in the Rig Veda. No wonder we find so many references to cow andhorse

Throughout the Vedas cows and horses are mentioned at least 1000 times. Here the poet compares them for their speed and love and affection.

Xxx

3-33-2

Here Indra is referred as the one who commands the rivers. Indra in the Rig Veda stands for Thunder and rain and so he is associated with rivers.

3-33-3

Hindus praise rivers as Mothers or Sisters. This is found throughout the Vedas. Most of the river names end with the suffix VATI. We see this in Saras Vati and Par Vati and innumerable feminine names (Shara Vati, Charman Vati).

The respect shown to rivers and waters shows their concern for environment. In stanza also the motherly love of cows are praised. The word ‘Vatsalyam’ for affection came from Vatsa/calf.

3-33-4

God has made the rivers a ‘home’ (Sea). Poetic way of saying! Some idiots in the West argue tat Vedic Hindus did not know Sea. They thought Sindhu meant only River Indus. They have no knowledge of Tamil where AAZI means sea and 17 other meanings. The word Sindhu means river and 15 other meanings. Lack of knowledge in Indian languages made them to bluff.

To be continued………………………………..

tags- Dialogue poem, Rivers, Vipas, Sutudri, Visvamitra, Rigveda,

Tamil and Vedas

All posts tagged Visvamitra

POWER OF BRAHMINS IS GREATER THAN POWER OF RULERS: TAMILS AND VYASA (Post No.10,591)

LAST PART OF RIG VEDIC POET’S UNIQUE DIALOGUE WITH TWO RIVERS-3 (Post No.10,131)

RIG VEDIC POET’S UNIQUE DIALOGUE WITH TWO RIVERS (Post No.10,123)- part 1

Like two bright mother cows who lick their youngling, Vipas and Sutudri speed down their waters.

2. Impelled by Indra whom ye pray to urge you, ye move as ’twere on chariots to the ocean.

Flowing together, swelling with your billows, O lucid Streams, each of you seeks the other.

3. I have attained the most maternal River, we have approached Vipas, the broad, the blessed.

Licking as ’twere their calf the pair of Mothers flow onward to their common home together.

4. We two who rise and swell with billowy waters move forward to the home which Gods have made us.

Our flood may not be stayed when urged to motion. What would the singer, calling to the Rivers?

5. Linger a little at my friendly bidding rest, Holy Ones, a moment in your journey.

With hymn sublime soliciting your favour Kusika’s son hath called unto the River.

6. Indra who wields the thunder dug our channels: he smote down Vrtra, him who stayed our currents.

Savitar, God, the lovely-handed, led us, and at his sending forth we flow expanded.

7. That hero deed of Indra must be lauded for ever that he rent Ahi in pieces.

He smote away the obstructors with his thunder, and eager for their course forth flowed the waters.

8. Never forget this word of thine, O singer, which future generations shall reecho.

In hymns, O bard, show us thy loving kindness. Humble us not mid men. To thee be honour!

9. List quickly, Sisters, to the bard who cometh to you from far away with car and wagon.

Bow lowly down; be easy to be traversed stay, Rivers, with your floods below our axles.

10. Yea, we will listen to thy words, O singer. With wain and car from far away thou comest.

Low, like a nursing mother, will I bend me, and yield me as a maiden to her lover.

11. Soon as the Bharatas have fared across thee, the warrior band, urged on and sped by Indra,

Then let your streams flow on in rapid motion. I crave your favour who deserve our worship.

12. The warrior host, the Bharatas, fared over the singer won the favour of the Rivers.

Swell with your billows, hasting, pouring riches. Fill full your channels, and roll swiftly onward.

13. So let your wave bear up the pins, and ye, O Waters, spare the thongs;

And never may the pair of Bulls, harmless and sinless, waste away.

There are 13 Manrtras or stanzas . My commentary is as follows:

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