Krishna’s Supremacy

Chapter 87, 88, 89, 90

Maharaja Pariksit was puzzled as to how the Vedas could describe the Lord, who is beyond the scope of language and syllables. Sukadeva Goswami cited a conversation between Narada and Narayana Rishi in which the same question was asked. Narayana Rishi cited an explanation by Sanandana-kumara, who had once narrated the prayers uttered by the personified Vedas at the dawn of creation. The prayers concluded with the affirmation: “The srutis, following their method of eliminating everything separate from the Supreme, become successful by revealing You as their final conclusion.”

Maharaja Pariksit then enquired why Siva’s devotees procure opulence, while Vishnu’s devotees are often poverty stricken. Sukadeva Goswami explained how Siva is in contact with the material modes, while Vishnu transcends them, and the worshippers thus adopt similar qualities. When Maharaja Yuddhistira asked the same question, Krishna famously replied that when He especially favours a devotee, He strips him of all opulence (yasyaham anugrhnami)! When awarded material opulence, the danger is that one could become proud, intoxicated and forgetful of the real spiritual wealth of life.

The example of this is Vrikasura, who was informed by Narada Muni that Lord Siva is very easily pleased. He began worshipping Siva by mutilating his own body, but when his sacrifices yielded no reciprocation he resolved to decapitate himself. Siva suddenly appeared and offered him any boon he desired. Vrikasura requested that whoever’s head he would touch would smash to pieces. Siva reluctantly benedicted him, and Vrikasura immediately chased Siva to test the boon! Siva fled, and only when the Lord intervened as an innocent brahmacari and duped Vrikasura into touching his own head, was he saved.

Once, when a discussion regarding the identity of the Supreme deity ensued, the sages deputed Brighu Muni to investigate the matter. Brighu offended Brahma mentally, Siva verbally, and Vishnu physically – but Vishnu’s incredible tolerance highlighted His greatness, and Brighu confidently concluded that Vishnu was indeed supreme. On another occasion, Arjuna vowed to protect the newborn children of a brahmana, but was unable to do so. Disappointed with himself and bound by his word, Arjuna resolved to end his life. Krishna, however, stopped Arjuna and took him to the abode of Maha Vishnu. When they arrived, it came to light that Maha Vishnu had orchestrated the entire intrigue just to receive an audience with Krishna and Arjuna. Even Maha Vishnu yearns to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna!

Krishna continued His astonishing activities in Dwaraka, where the queens relished beautiful pastimes with Him every day. In the ecstasy of love, the queens would madly converse with the ocean, moon, clouds, winds, mountains and various birds, remembering the enchanting love of their life. Krishna’s family expanded, and later, after the Yadu dynasty would be annihilated, Vajranabha (the son of Aniruddha and Rocana) would remain one of the few survivors.

Canto Ten concludes: “By regularly hearing, chanting and meditating on the beautiful topics of Lord Mukunda with ever-increasing sincerity, a mortal being will attain the divine kingdom of the Lord, where the inviolable power of death holds no sway.”