The Bhagavat Mahapuran is a repository of knowledge. In the age of Kali, it is said that Lord Krishna has taken the form of the Srimad Bhagavatham to dispel all darkness and lead us towards the light! One wonderful story from the Bhagavatham, which shows us the path towards this light, is the story of Puranjan!
WHEN THE KNOWER IS FORGOTTEN!
In the Bhagavatham, Narad Muni relates the story of a man by the name of Puranjan. Puranjan had a best friend and confidant, by the name of Avigyaat. Avigyaat was named thus because no one could know him or what he did. They were always happy together and in a state of eternal bliss. However, in course of time Puranjan forgot about his best friend and wandered away from the wisdom that his friend often used to offer him. In this new found freedom, Puranjan chanced upon a beautiful city with nine entrances called the NawaDwaara Puri. He was mesmerized by the beauty of this place and wandered into it. In the city, his eyes fell on a beautiful young maiden who was guarded by a five hooded serpant and eleven body guards. Although he was initially hesitant, the charms of the young lady and her inviting glances made Puranjan fall madly in love with her. The woman introduced herself as Puranjani, Together Puranjan and Puranjani enjoyed the pleasures of the beautiful city. Completely unaware of the fact that an enemy by the name Kaal was attacking the neighboring forts, they lived happily in marital bliss. As time progressed, Kaal set his eyes on Nawadwarapuri and attacked it. In the battle that ensued, Puranjan died, all the while thinking of Puranjani.
A CYCLE THAT HAS NO END!
Puranjan was reborn as a woman in his next life as he died thinking of his wife. In this new life, she married a king. In due course, she began to age and was about to die, all the while thinking of her husband. At that very moment, a Brahmin appeared in front of her and reminded her that this was not her first life and that she was born Puranjan before. The Brahmin reminded her, how she had fallen into the cycle of life and death, which has no end. She was about to die again thinking of her husband, which would only make her be reborn again as a male. She realized her folly and surrendered to the Brahmin. The Brahmin looked very familiar and showered a sort of compassion that put her at ease instantly! She began to wonder. Who was she really? Who was the Brahmin? Is he the knower of all? Is it possible to know him? Why did he come to her rescue? To know the answers to these, attend the Srimad Bhagavat Mahapuran at the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas from July 21st to July 27th. Please visit the Shrimad Bhagavat Mahapuran page for more details
