Bhagavatha Stories For Children

How did Garuda get nectar from heaven? When Garuda went to heaven, there was uneasiness in the denizens of heaven. Devaguru Brihaspathi said “Garuda is heading towards heaven to take nectar. None can oppose him, yet it is your duty to protect it. Be prepared for the event”. Garuda carried heavy dust that blinded the whole area, and none were able to see. He defeated Gods and went to heavily guarded nectar. Its outer peripheral is protected by fire. Garuda took the form of 100 faces, collected water from holy rivers, and extinguished the fire.  Going further, he saw lotus shaped iron rods with sharp spokes. Garuda reduced himself to a tiny size and passed through the blockage without getting hurt. Further, two poisonous snakes with sharp eyes were protecting the nectar. Garuda threw dust on its eyes and killed them. Garuda took the nectar and was flying back. Maha Vishnu observed that Garuda had no intention to consume nectar, though he possessed it. He was carrying it solely to ge...

 ______________ Birth of  Aruna and Garuda Who is Garuda? Garuda was born to Sage Kashyapa and Aditi. Sage Kashyapa is the son of Marici and the grandson of Lord Brahma. The Sage was married to 13 daughters of Prajapathi Daksha. Kadru and Vinata were among them. Who is the mother of serpents and that of eagles? Kadru is the mother of 1000 mighty serpents and Vinata is the mother of 2 eagle sons. Who is Aruna and why is he disabled? At the designated time Kadru’s 1000 eggs hatched, and serpents were born. Vinata was anxious as her eggs were yet to hatch.  Vinata, in a haste, broke open one of the egg and a half grown eagle, Aruna, was born. He blamed his mother for his plight. He cursed her that she would serve as a slave of Kadru. Aruna went away and served as charioteer to Sun God ( his half-brother). Aruna was equally powerful as Sun God.  Arunodaya is the time just before sunrise and immediately after sunset. Aruna advised his mother to protect the other egg an...

 Prahlada  and his Teachings to Demon Boys  Prahlada, son of Demon Hiranyakashipu, was studious and learned all the lessons taught by his gurus, Chanda and Amaka, sons of Shukracharya He contemplated it but had his own views.  When Chanda and Amaka questioned Prahlada as to who had taught him devotion to Srihari, he replied that it is Srihari in me who is prompting to spread the message of devotion. Just as iron pieces get attracted towards magnets, so also my thoughts are always with Srihari.  When teachers were away for a break, fellow students desired to play games. Prahlad called them and began to teach on spiritual enlightenment. Prahlad’s Teaching to Demon Boys   Man must make total surrender to Srihari, and that is the only course for lasting happiness. Sensual pleasures are obtained in every birth by destiny and are without any effort. Hence, no effort should be made as it is a mere waste of one’s life. When the body is young and sound, one mu...

Dhruva's step brother Uttama was fond of reckless hunting. Once, while hunting, he was killed by Yakhas (semi-gods). The news of the demise of Uttama reached Dhruva. To take revenge on the Yakshas, Dhruva decided to wage war against them and wipe out the Yaksha race itself. Both sides fought ferociously. Dhruva decided to use ‘Narayana Astra' (a powerful weapon that would result in catastrophe). Swayambhu Manu, Dhruva's grandfather, intervened and stopped Dhruva from using Narayana Astra. He said Yakshas did not kill his Uttama but the ‘Time’ factor that took away his life. None can escape this 'Time' component, while Yakshas was just a medium in the process.  Manu also warned Dhruva that Kubera, the king of Yaksha, is a friend of Lord Shiva. Conquering Kubera is next to impossible. He asked Dhruva to seek an apology from Kubera.  Dhruva respectfully accepted his grandfather's advice and thought for a while on how to approach Kubera. To his surprise, Kubera a...

What did Dhruva Seek from Srihari? On seeing Lord Srihari, Dhruva was dumbstruck because the image he meditated upon was similar to the one standing before him. He confessed to Srihari that he didn't have sufficient knowledge to describe His supremacy. Srihari understood the situation and touched his cheek with his Conch.  Conch is a representation of the Vedas. Dhruva praised the Lord in length. He didn't seek any offer.  Srihari blessed Dhruva that he would be welcomed by his father and stepmother, and would rule the kingdom for 36000 years and finally attain a position in the universe that none could achieve.   The position is known as Dhruva Nakshatra or the Pole Star. During the deluge, he would reach Srihari, the final destination. What can we learn from Dhruva? Do not seek for temporary happiness.  Devotion is Supreme.   

 2. How Rigorous was Dhruva’s Penance? Dhruva went to a place called Madhuvana, near Mathura to do penance. Holding the beautiful form of Srihari in his mind he began the penance.  During the first month he ate:  Kapila ( Wood apple) and Jujube fruit at the end of every 3rd day  Second Month: Blades of grass and leaves every 6th day   Third Month: Water alone on the 9th day  Fourth Month: Inhaling air  Fifth Month: Remained motionless  All three worlds began to shake. Earth pressed by his one foot leaned to one side. Dhruva has identified himself with Srihari and hence there was a sudden stoppage of breath in Gods. Gods couldn't bear the heat of Dhruva's penance. They sought Srihari's help, and ultimately, Srihari gave darshan to Dhruva. What can we learn from Dhruva? Commitment towards our goal. The goal should be Dharmic. It should not harm anyone.     

 1. Bhagavatha Stories For Children   Why did Dhruva do penance? Dhruva is the son of King Uttanapada and Suniti. Uttama is his half-brother.   As a young child of 5 years, Dhruva saw Uttama sitting on King's lap. Dhruva, too, desired to sit beside Uttama. Uttama‘s mother, Suriti, disliked it and abused Dhruva that he did not deserve it.  Emotionally hurt, Dhruva comes to his mother. Suniti consoles him and asks him to aim higher. She asks him to do penance and seek the blessing of Srihari. Dhruva didn't think much. He goes to the forest, and on the way, he meets Sage Narada. The Sage advises him to go back home and desist from frustration and anger. However, Dhruva was firm in his resolution.  The Sage just wanted to test his determination. He taught him the Beej mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagavathe Vadudevaya’.  He asked him to meditate on Srihari, visualizing Him with Shanka, Charka, Gada, and Padma. He also asked to do penance near Mathura. Dhruva did...