Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 3 Chapter 3:1-13

Book 3: Chapter 3

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 3: Chapter 3: Verses 1-13
A brief survey of the Lord's other exploits

Uddhava continued :Then, in order to afford delight to His parents (Vasudeva and Devaki), the Lord returned to the city (of Mathura), accompanied by Baladeva (His elder half-brother) and, knocking down Karhsa (the leader of His enemies) from his high seat and killing him, dragged his lifeless body along on the ground. Having learnt the Vedas along with the sciences subsidiary to the same (viz., Grammar, Astronomy, Phonetics, Prosody, Etymology and Kalpa or the science dealing with the ritual and laying down rules for ceremonial or sacrificial acts) from Sandipani (His preceptor), who recited them to Him but once, He restored to him his dead son by way of the preceptor's fee after ripping up the belly of the demon Pancajana (and recovering him from Yama's abode). Trampling on those (king Sisupala and his associates, Jarasandha and others) that had been invited on behalf of princess Rukmini (the daughter of king Bhismaka of the Vidarbhas) by her comeliness, that vied with Goddess Laksmi's (or by her elder brother, Rukmi, the first two syllables of whose name were identical with the corresponding syllables of her own name), and who stood gazing, the Lord carried her away with the intention of marrying her by mutual consent, knowing her (as a part manifestation of Goddess Laksmi Herself and as one who had dedicated herself to Him) to be His own share, even as Suparna (Garuda) carried away the jar containing nectar (that had been won by him). Having (synchronously)'tamed (as many as seven) bulls whose nostrils had not been bored through, He married princess Satya (the daughter of king Nagnajit) at an assembly of a suitors called for the election of a husband by the princess. But when the other assembled princes, who were foolish enough to retain a passion for her, even though their pride had been curbed (by His superhuman feet), took up arms (to contend with Him), He disposed of them with His own (divine) weapons, Himself remaining unscathed. Like a hen-pecked husband, the almighty Lord took away (from Indra's paradise) the celestial tree (of Parijata) for His favourite consort (Satyabhama) in order to please her; and on this account Indra (the wielder of a thunderbolt), blind with rage, pursued Him with his bodyguards (consisting of the forty-nine wind-gods); for Indra is indeed a toy in the hands of his wives. Seeing her son (the demon Naraka), who seemed to swallow the sky with his (gigantic) body, killed by the Lord's discus, Sudarsana, goddess Earth prayed to Him (for mercy) when the Lord bestowed on the deceased's son (Bhagadatta) the portion of his kingdom that had not been annexed, and entered the gynaeceum (in Naraka's palace). Seeing Sri Hari (Sri Krsna), the Befriender of the afflicted, the princesses (numbering not less than sixteen thousand) that had been kidnapped (and imprisoned) there by Naraka (the son of goddess Earth) sprang on their feet and at once accepted Him as their husband through glances that betrayed their excessive joy, bashfulness and love. Having assumed by His wonderful divine potency (Yogamaya) an equal number of forms suited to those girls, the Lord accepted their hand with due ceremony at one and the same hour, though in different palaces. In order to extend the sphere of His Lila (playful activity) He begot ten sons through each of them-sons that were His own images in every respect. When Kalayavana, Jarasandha (the king of Magadha), Salva and others besieged the city (of Mathura) with their armies, He took the initiative Himself and had them killed by His people (Mucukunda, Bhima and others), lending to them His own divine power. Of the demons Sambara, Bana, Mura and Baiwala, Dwivida (the monkey chief) and other warriors like Dantavaktra, some He disposed of Himself, while others he caused to be despatched (by Balarama, Pradyumna and so on). Thereafter He brought about the destruction of monarchs who had joined the sides of your nephews (the sons of Dhrtarastra and Pandu), and who made the entire globe rock as they marched to Kuruksetra (the scene of the Mahabharata war) with their armies. Nay, He did not rejoice (was not satisfied) even when He saw Suyodhana (a euphemism for Duryodhana) with his satellites lying prostrate on the battle-field, his thighs broken (by a blow from Bhima's mace)-Suyodhana, who had lost his fortune as well as his life as an outcome of the wicked counsel of Karna,Duhsasana (his younger brother) and Sakuni (the son of Subala).

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