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Vamana Purana : Dharma (Sukēśi - Rsi samvada)

In our Puranas, there are many anecdotes and instances where Dharma is discussed, explained and elaborated a lot. In Vamana Purana, there is a very intriguing and informative section across a few chapters where Dharma, its meaning, its implications and ramifications on the creation are discussed in detail. This section will cover only the specific tenets to Dharma, but there will be more connected posts related to the same.


Context:


There was a Rakshasa king called Vidyutkṣēśin, who had a son called Sukēśi. The latter was a parama Bhakta of Maheshwara and been blessed with an invincible city that moves through the sky. Once while flying over the Magadha forest, Sukēśi observes the ashramas of Rsis. Sukēśi was a virtuous and dharmic ruler, immediately fell at their feet and starts a dialogue (samvada). This post and related posts are based on the explanation given by Rsis to Sukēśi’s queries.


Dharma

Sukēśi initially poses a query about what is good in this realm and other realms? By what actions does one attain sukha / happiness. 

Rsis explain that Dharma is the good thing in this world and other. A jiva who observes the Dharmic path will be worshiped by the pious and attain internal everlasting happiness.


Sukēśi poses the following questions

  • What are the characteristics of Dharma?
  • By observing or following what path can one become virtuous?

As a response to these queries, Rsis explain that there are 12 types of beings as enumerated by Brahma, who have their own specific Dharma. Observing the paths outlined specifically as below, one can attain the higher worlds. One key point to be noted is that the Rsis specifically quote these are "Shruti"

1. Devata

  • Attending Yajna, Yaga & related events
  • Philosophical introspection of vedic concepts
  • Knowledge of the truth
  • Worship Vishnu (Hari)

2. Daityas

  • Physical strength
  • Envy, Warfare, Hospitality
  • Adoration of Political science
  • Devotion to Shiva (Hara)

3. Siddhas

  • Excellence in Yoga
  • Study of Vedas
  • Work towards the ultimate reality (Parama Brahma Jnana)
  • Devotion to Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara) both

4. Gandharvas

  • Expertise in Dance and Music
  • Unwavering intense devotion to Saraswati

5. Vidyadharas

  • Unlimited knowledge
  • Special knowledge related to Shilpa Sastras
  • Devotion to Parvati (Bhavani)

6. Kimpurushas

  • Interest in Dance, Music and Dance(similar to Gandharvas)
  • Expertise in architecture (shilpa kaushala)
  • Devotion to Surya

7. Pitrs

  • Brahmacharya (celibacy)
  • Lack of pride / arrogance
  • Deep dedication to Yogic practice
  • Ability to travel anywhere based on wish

8. Rsis

  • Brahmacharya (celibacy)
  • Always speaking the truth
  • Recitation (Japa) of maha mantras
  • Philosophy, knowledge of regulations & Dharma

9. Manavas (Human Beings)

  • Study of Vedas
  • Brahmacharya (celibacy)
  • Charity (Dana), Yajna
  • Benevolence, Compassion, Non-violence
  • Forbearance, Control of senses, Purity, Auspiciousness
  • Devotion to Vishnu, Shankara, Surya, Devi

10. Yakshas (Guhyakas)

  • Ownership of riches and wealth
  • Indulgence
  • Study of Vedas
  • Devotion to Shankara
  • Egoism, non-aggressiveness

11. Rakshasas

  • Desiring / Greed for others wealth and riches
  • Study of Vedas
  • Devotion to Shankara

12. Piśācas

  • Lack of discriminiation
  • Ignorance
  • Impurity, not being truthful
  • Greed for flesh
These are the various dharmic attributes as outlined by Brahma which was narrated by the Rsis to Sukēśi

References

  1. Vamana Purana - Kannada (https://www.vyasaonline.com/vamana-purana/)
  2. The Vamana Purana - AITM Vol. 72 - Dr. G. P. Bhatt

















 

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