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Narada

La découverte de ce texte provenant des védas est grandement du à Swami Jyortirananda de la Yoga Research foundation
Narada figures in Mahabharata and Krishna stories as the seer who foretold the death of king Kansa at the hands of Krishna. In religious books and other legends there come numerous references to Narada, though these denote a time lag of centuries. Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher of the eighth century A.D. explains this anomaly by stating that such perfected beings and gods, though freed from the bonds of ignorance and illusion, continue their appearances again and again for completion of their divine missions, assigned to them from age to age.

Narada and Ramayana

Narada had a part to play in the composition of the Ramayana. Once sage Narada came to the hermitage of Valmiki and 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: "O 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 any one who wishes well or all living creatures and who is 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: "O 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: "O 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.

In the Mahabharata also, Narada intervenes at many points. Narada knew for certain that the Pandavas were virtuous and Dharmaraja was truthful. For some time he was staying at Indraprastha. It occurred to Narada that the young Dharmaraja needed to be advised in matters relating to ethics and polity. He came to Indraprastha and gave him a discourse.

He said, "O Yuddhistira, you must treat your subjects kindly as did your elders. Do not swerve from the path laid down by them. You should have among your minister men who are righteous, knowledgeable and experienced. Attend to your household duties in time. Listen to good counsel before taking a decision. Let your army and war machines are kept ever in readiness. Never let the guilty go unpunished. Have compassion for women, children and the aged. Treat your servants with kindness. Wages must be disbursed to servants and soldiers at the appointed time without fail. Do not spend money extravagantly. Look after the peasants by providing them with adequate facilities like tanks and canals. Let not the rich exploit the poor. Do not entertain sycophants. Do not indulge in pleasures. Only Dharma can preserve Dharma. Protect Dharma at all times."

Narada was by the side of the Pandavas and he entertained the Pandavas during their stay in the forest. He requested Markandeya to narrate for the benefit of Pandavas a number of instructive stories. He consoled Dharmaraja when he was grief-stricken on account of Karna's death. He advised the Pandavas to get moral instructions from Bhishma who was lying on his bed of arrows. He advised the aged king Dhritarashtra to undergo penance when the latter was mourning his son's death, and thus showed him the path of peace.

Narada played a main role in popularizing the story of Mahabharata. The Mahabharata that we know of today contains a hundred thousand shlokas, whereas the Mahabharata written by sage Vyasa contained three hundred thousand shlokas. Narada recited it before the devatas (gods). Thus Narada had a role to play in all the three great epics, namely the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Bhagavata. They are also India's greatest contribution to world literature.

Narada and Parvata

Narada had a nephew called Parvata. One day these two together went to the palace of Ambarisha, the ruler of Ayodhya.

Ambarisha had a beautiful daughter by name Srimati. She was an embodiment of all good qualities. Her beauty attracted Narada and his companion. Each of them wanted to marry her. They secretly disclosed to Ambarisha their heart's desire.

Ambarisha was in a fix. How could he disobey the sages? He said to them: "O revered sages, both of you desire the hand of my daughter. How am I to decide? I shall arrange a Swayamvara. Whomsoever Srimati selects shall be her husband." Without Parvata's knowledge, Narada went to Vaikunta to consult Mahavishnu. He narrated to him all that had happened. He said to Lord Vishnu: "O Lord, have mercy on me and do me a favor. At the time of the Swayamvara, please make Parvata look like a monkey." The Lord smilingly assented.

Later, it was sage Parvata's turn to approach Lord Vishnu - without Narada's present. He said to Vishnu: "O Lord, at the time of the Swayamvara, please make Narada look like a bear." Vishnu said to himself, "Aha! Both are naive, and there is little to choose between them!" But he smilingly assured the sage that he would grant his request. The day of the Swayamvara came. Both the sages arrived at the Swayamvara each congratulating himself on their cleverness.

Ambarisha led Srimati to the dais of the Swayamvara. Srimati blushingly stood before the rishis with garland in her hand. But she was taken aback when she lifted her head and saw both Narada and Parvata. Her hand trembled. She said: "Father, I can see no rishi here. Instead I find two men, one with the face of a bear and the other with a monkey's face. But in between these two I find a handsome man with an attractive well dressed in jewel-studded clothes, and he is smiling. He has stretched his right hand as if to beckon me." Both Narada and Parvata were astonished. Narada said: "O king, is this one of your tricky schemes to deceive us?" Then it struck Srimati that the two angry sages would curse her father if she did not act quickly. So she declared that she would throw the garland in the direction of the sages and that she would marry the one who caught the garland thrown by her. She flung the garland at them. The garland fell on the handsome man sifting between the two sages. All at once Srimati and the handsome man disappeared. That handsome man was none other than Lord Vishnu.

It was then that wisdom dawned on both the sages. They realized that they had been taught a lesson for their conceit. They felt ashamed that they should have thought of marriage. They took an oath that they would remain bachelors for life.

Narada - the KAPIVAKTRA or monkey-faced

Narada is also named as KAPIVAKTRA or monkey-faced. This episode makes an interesting study of how God curb: the AHANKAR (pride) of even the best of seers. The legend goes thus:

Once Narada practiced severe austerities in the Himalayas. Indra, king of the Devas, became suspicious of Narada and decided to tempt him with worldly pleasures to break his penance. With this in mind, Indra sent for Kamadeva (the god of love) and asked him to break Narada's penance. Kama came to the cold, barren spot where Narada was sitting, deep in meditation. As he shot the first arrow the scene suddenly changed into one of beautiful valley and a beautiful damsel appeared before Narada. She began to dance before him. But Narada's eyes where closed to her charms. She pleaded, "O sage, open your eyes and behold your slave." But Narada hardly heard her. Realizing, that she would never succeed in distracting the sage, the damsel left for her heavenly abode.

Kamadeva had to acknowledge his defeat. Narada then opened his eyes and asked, "O Kama, who sent you here?" "Lord Indra", replied Kamdeva. "Go and tell Indra that Narada has conquered all desires, that he is above temptation," said Narada. Narada gloated over his achievement and thought, "I have defeated Kama. Lord Shiva is no longer the only conqueror of this invincible god. I must go and tell Shiva about it. He must accept me as his equal." So thinking he left to Kailasa the abode of Shiva. On arriving in Kailasa he paid his salutations to Lord Shiva and said, "I have conquered Kamadeva. Indra sent him to tempt me. But Kamadeva failed." Shiva replied, "I am glad to know that. But keep the matter to yourself. In any case never brag about it to Lord Vishnu."

Narada left Kailasa and pondered, "Shiva is jealous of me. Why shouldn't I speak about my success to Vishnu? Vishnu, who love me so dearly! I am sure he will be proud to hear of my victory over Kama."

He went straight to Vishnu's abode and paid his respect to the lord. Vishnu invited the sage warmly and said, "Come Narada! I am so pleased to see you." Narada said, "You will be more so my lord, when you learn that I, your devotee, have conquered Kamadeva. Shiva is no longer the only conqueror of Kamadeva. I, your devotee, am above temptation too." Vishnu laughed and said, "Is that so? But never cease to be on your guard. You never know"

Narada left the abode of Vishnu and wondered, "Vishnu didn't seem to pleased about my achievements either. I am no weakling. Doesn't he know that? Why should he warn me to be on my guard?" As he moved on suddenly he saw a beautiful city like he had never seen before. Curiously he descended and entered the city and asked a passerby, "Who is the ruler of this big and charming city?" "Don't you know? It belongs to the glorious King Sheelanidhi. You'll find him in the palace", replied the passerby.

Hearing that Narada had come to visit him, the king came out to receive him and welcomed him. Just then a beautiful girl came and bowed before Narada. The beauty of the girl took Narada. The king said, "This is my daughter Shrimati. She is ready for marriage. I plan to hold a Swayamvara (a gathering of princes from which the princess selects her husband) for her soon." Narada blessed the princess who bowed to him and said to the king, "Your daughter is the incarnation of goddess Lakshmi. No less than Hari (Lord Vishnu) in glory and power shall be her husband." The king was filled with joy and said, "Your words fill our hearts with joy. I cannot wait to announce the date of the Swayamvara."

Narada was so taken by the princess that he wished to make her his wife. He pondered as to how could he win her hand in the Swayamvara. Narada prayed fervently to Lord Vishnu. At last when Lord Vishnu appeared before him Narada requested, "Lord let my face resemble Hari's." "So be it. You shall certainly have the face of the Hari," said Vishnu and vanished.

When Narada made his request he had forgotten that the word Hari also meant a monkey and he could not see his own face. Not knowing what had happened, Narada reached the court of that King full of confidence sure of his victory. So many other princes had also assembled there to solicit the hand of princess. The princess entered the hall of marriage with a flower garland in hand Narada was sure that with the handsome face that he had got the princess would choose him as the companion of life. But to his utter dismay and great astonishment, the princess did not even look twice at his face of a monkey. As Shrimati passed him Narada could not resist, he stood up and said, "You must be looking for me beautiful one. Here I am. " Rest of the crowd burst into laughter and said, "For you? Monkey face a very handsome one, no doubt, but still a monkey-face?"
 
Narada was left wondering, "Do I really have the face of a monkey? All of them can't be wrong. Vishnu has duped me. I wish he were here. I could have asked him why." Suddenly Lord Vishnu also appeared in the court and before Narada could ask him why he had got a monkey face the princess put the garland around the neck of Lord Vishnu. Narada filled with rage, cursed Vishnu proclaiming that Vishnu would, during his sojourn on earth, have to bear the pangs of his wife's forcible separation from him and only a monkey would be able to relieve him of his sufferings and asked Vishnu, "You promised me your face and gave me a monkey's face instead! Why?" Vishnu replied, "My dear Narada you are a scholar of Sanskrit. Don't you know, Hari also means monkey? You didn't specify which Hari you meant." Narada then asked angrily, "Am I stuck with this face forever?" Vishnu calmly replied, "Narada, calm down, and look around you."

Narada was dumb struck when he looked around for everything had vanished. He said, "I don't understand! King Sheelanidhi, Shrimati, the princess... where are they? They seem to have vanished." Vishnu laughed and replied, "So has your monkey face Narada. There was no city, no king, no Swayamvara. It was all an illusory creation of mine to humble your pride; because you thought you were above temptation." Narada gratefully prostrated before Vishnu and said, "I am grateful to you, my lord! You have opened my eyes."

But the Narada's curse which was uttered in a fit of rage could not be taken back and thus Vishnu was born as Rama and had to take the help of Hanuman to free Sita from the clutches of Ravana.

Narada and Maya

In Devi Bhagwat Purana one comes across an incident where Narada desires to know from Vishnu the secret and nature of Maya (the illusion). Vishnu led Narada to a lake and asked him to take a bath. Narada found himself transformed into a female and though such a great seer he forgot who he really was. He as a female started taking his life as such and married a King called Taladhvaj. He also gave birth to sons and took pride in his family. Suddenly Vishnu dispelled this illusion and brought back Narada to the realm of reality. Narada thereby learnt what power Maya has over man.

Another legend relates the story of illusion as following:

Once Narada visited Dwaraka to see Lord Krishna (incarnation of Vishnu). He was welcomed heartily by Krishna. After the pleasantries Narada said, "Krishna I want to know what maya is? Can you explain?" Krishna replied, "Narada, maya can't be explained. It has to be experienced to be understood. Come with me."

Both Krishna and Narada left Dwaraka and kept on walking till they came to a desert. Narada curiously asked, "Where are we going? How can I experience maya in a desert Krishna?" "Be patient, Narada", replied Krishna.

After they had walked a good distance, Krishna suddenly stopped. He said, "I can't walk any further Narada. My throat is a parched. Please fetch me some water." Narada immediately went in search of water. After walking miles he came across to what looked a settlement. With determination of fetching water to his Lord, Narada went on till he reached the small village. On reaching the village he came across a well. Near the well drawing water was an exquisite village girl. Narada was very taken by the beauty of the girl and asked her, "Lady will you give me some water to quench my thirst?" "By all means, sir", replied the damsel and served him with water.

After his thirst was quenched taken by her beauty Narada followed the damsel to her house. On reaching the house he met the master of the house and enquired about the beautiful he had followed. On knowing he was talking to the girl's father, who was the village chieftain Narada asked the hand of the damsel. The father agreed to give his daughter on the condition that Narada stay in the village and in the house with him. Narada readily agreed for the condition.

The marriage soon took place. Soon after the marriage, the old village chieftain died, Narada had to assume his title and responsibilities.

Life went on and Narada was blessed with four children. When Narada was at the peak of his success, disaster came in the form of a cyclonic winds, rain and floods. Narada put his family into a boat and tried to keep afloat, on the swirling waters. But the boat capsized. Narada tired in vain to save his wife and children. A huge wave threw Narada on the shore. Distressed and grief stricken Narada moaned at the loss of his wife and children. Utterly disillusioned he lost interest in life and cried out, "My wife gone! My children drowned! How can I live without them?"

Suddenly, he heard a voice, "Narada I am thirsty. Where is the water?" Narada turned around and seeing Krishna in front of him lamented, "Krishna! My wife, my children, bring them back to me." Laughingly Krishna said, "Come to your senses Narad. There never was any wife or children. It was all an illusion." Immediately realizing the truth Narada said, "I am grateful to you for enlightening me, Krishna. Life itself is an illusion from which it is difficult to escape. Only with your grace can this illusion be conquered."

Narada and Dhruva

King Uttanapada had two wives. Dhruva was the son of Suniti; the elder of the two wives and Uttama was the son of Suruchi the younger wife. Once Suruchi chided Dhruva and taunted him that he was not eligible for the throne. Dhruva felt humiliated by her remarks. He took an oath that he would become the king by propitiating Lord Vishnu by penance.

But Dhruva was hardly five years of age. How could a five year old boy know anything about the observance of penance? Narada came to know of it and appeared before Dhruva. He taught Dhruva various aspects of worshipping and penance. He taught Dhruva the mantra 'Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya.' In accordance with Narada's instructions, Dhruva observed penance and earned the blessings of Lord Narayana. He achieved this feat, which had eluded even mighty yogis.

Narada and Chitraketu

A king by name the Chitraketu ruled the kingdom of Shurasena. He had a son after a very long time. But the jealous stepmothers poisoned and killed the child. Chitraketu wept bitterly over the dead body of the child. Then Narada arrived and he tried to console the king, but it was in vain. Narada then used his yogi's powers and made the child come back to life.

The boy sat up and said: "I went through many births, saw countless mothers and fathers. I felt like a coin being passed from hand to hand in a fair. To whom does a coin belong? No one can hoard it for long. It keeps constantly circulating. Likewise, a human being, on account of his Karma, takes birth in the womb of a woman. Again, owing to his Karma alone does he take his birth again. I have gone through this cycle of births and deaths. I do not wish to get caught in it once again." So saying he cast away his body. Only then did wisdom dawn on Chitraketu. His mind became calm. Narada later taught him the sacred mantra and guided him in the spiritual path.

Narada and Prahalad

Hiranyakashipu was an enemy of Devas (gods). Once, while he was away at the Mandara Mountains for penance, Lord Indra kidnapped his wife Kayadu and tried to kill the child in her womb. Then Narada went to Lord Indra and prevented the misdeed by preaching him good sense. Narada then took away Kayadu to his ashram and looked after her till Hiranyakashipu came back from his penance. The child in her womb was Prahalad. Narada used to address Prahalad even while he was in his mother's womb and he would preach the child Dharma and describe the glory of the Lord. Thus when Prahalad was born he was already a great devotee of Vishnu.

Narada and Savitri-Satyavan

In the state of Madra there was a king by name Ashwapati. Savitri was the name of his daughter. She grew up to be a woman of great wisdom and beauty. Once she saw a young man named Satyavan and decided that he alone should be her husband.

On hearing this, Narada said to the king: "O king, I happen to know that young man. No doubt, Satyavan is as bright as the Sun God, as wise as Brihaspati and as brave as Lord Indra. But he will live only for a year from today. This is the only problem."

Narada's words shocked king Ashwapati. He grew pale and shuddered to think that his prospective son-in-law would live only for one year after the marriage. But Savitri said: "Father, I have accepted Satyavan devoutly and sincerely as my husband. Hence, only he shall be my husband." Narada consoled the king and l said: "O king, none can change Savitri's decision. There is no more worthy than Satyavan. Hence I feel it is but proper that you 'give your daughter in marriage to him. The Lord is great. Everything will turn out to be favorable."

Later the wedding of Savitri and Satyavan did take place. As predicted by Narada, Satyavan breathed his last after one year. The Lord of Death - Yama himself came to take away his life. But Savitri got back her husband's life by winning Yama's favor with her unswerving virtues. It was owing to Narada's timely guidance that Savitri was vigilant and cautious and was able to win back her husband's life.

Narada - Punishing the evil

Sometimes Narada's remarks outwardly looked like scandalous gossip. But it was his intention that evildoers should merit punishment and the virtuous are fittingly rewarded. Kamsa was a cruel king. He, along with his like-minded 'Rakshasas', used to torture people. His sister Devaki got married to Vasudeva. Then an invisible voice said: "O Kamsa, you shall meet your end at the hands of the eighth child of Devaki." Kamsa's anger knew no bounds. At once he took out his sword and rushed to kill Devaki. Vasudeva begged him not to kill her. He assured Kamsa that he would handover to his custody all the children born to Devaki. Kamsa left Devaki unharmed.

Later Narada met Kamsa in secrecy and said: "O Kamsa, the gods have conspired to kill you. Your father Ugrasena, Devaki, and Vasudeva - all these people have joined hands with the gods. You are after all a 'rakshasa', a demon. Don't you know that the gods and the rakshasas are sworn enemies?" On hearing this Kamsa was outraged. Immediately he imprisoned Devaki and his father Ugrasena, and declared that thereafter he was the king of that state.

One wonders why Narada stooped to such tale bearing. But he had a noble purpose. He knew that it was only when the cup of evil was filled to the brim that the wicked will attract punishment. Kamsa's cruel acts came in quick succession. He sent an army of 'rakshasas' to kill Sri Krishna who was then a little boy in Nandagokula. All of them met their end. Soon Lord Krishna found enough justification for killing Kamsa, and did so.

Narada and Durvasa

Once Narada was sitting in Lord Ishwara's court on Mount Kailasa. Illustrious sages and brahmarshis attended it. Just then Durvasa entered the assembly carrying a huge bundle of books. Although Durvasa was a great saint, he was highly irascible, quick to anger. Ignoring the august assembly, he went and sat by the side of Lord Shiva. Shiva asked him smilingly: "Sir, how are your studies progressing?" The saint proudly displayed his bundle of books and said, "I have thoroughly studied these books and I know them by heart."

Narada stood up and called Durvasa a donkey carrying a burden of books on his back. Durvasa thundered in wrath.

Narada retorted, "There you are! You have not been able to get over your passions in spite of your scholarship. You have ignored the assembly and gone and sat by Lord Shiva. What good is scholarship without patience and forgiveness? These books are nothing but the burden of a donkey." Durvasa realized his folly. He then threw away the books into the sea and went into penance.

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