THE PURANAS FROM PULATSYA

Pulastya was one of the ten Prajapatis (mind-born sons of Brahma) and a Saptarishi (One of the seven Great Sages) of the first Manvantara (the first age of Manu). He is said to have emerged from Brahma's ear. He was the medium through which some of the Puranas were communicated to man.

He received the Vishnu Purana from Lord Brahma and passed it onto Parashara, the grandson of Sage Vasishtha, through whom it was delivered it to mankind.

Pulastya's wife was Havirbhoo, one of the nine daughters of Kardama muni. They had two sons: Maharshi Agastya and Visravas. His son Visravas had two wives, Kekasi and Ilavida. By Kekasi, he fathered Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Vibhishana. With Ilavida, he had Kubera. Hence Lord Brahma was the great grandfather and Sage Pulastya, the grandfather of Ravana and Kubera. Such is the antecedents of Ravana who abducted Sita and Kubera the treasurer of the Gods who is often depicted as a pathetic character.

Legend has it that Pulatsya rishi once saved his grandson Ravana from Sahastrabahu the King of Mahishmati Puree. The ruthless power of this king can be estimated by the fact that he was the one who killed Maharshi Jamdagni, Parasuram's father.

One radiant morning, as the golden sun kissed the waters of the Narmada River, Ravana revelled in a refreshing bath in the cool waters. All of a sudden, the mighty Sahastrabahu, in a display of supernatural prowess, diverted the river's flow. Irked by this Ravana’s temper flared and in moments a fierce quarrel ensued between the two.  Unfortunately for Ravana Sahastrabahu got the better of him and Ravana found himself captive and bound within the confines of the kings stables.

Pulastya Rishi, the revered sage and protector of his lineage, sensed the turmoil from afar. With a demeanour both commanding and compassionate, he intervened, advocating for his grandson's release. Moved by the sage’s wisdom and respect for the esteemed lineage, Sahastrabahu, not only freed Ravana but, in an unexpected show of honour, adorned Pulastya Rishi with exquisite gems and splendid garments.

Legend has it that Pulastya Muni, while wanderings through the sacred places on the earth, was enraptured by the enchanting splendour of the Govardhan Mountain nestled among vibrant trees and adorned with a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers, nectar trees. lovely creepers and auspicious caves perfect for performing austerities. Its slopes overflowed with luscious fruits, fragrant gardens and thriving invaluable herbs. The soothing sounds of gushing rivers and streams pervaded the graceful slopes as peacock calls, and chirping birds added to the melody. In awe, Pulastya beheld the majestic mountain, it struck him that such beauty truly belonged to the hallowed city of Kashi.

With reverence, he approached Dronachala, the venerable father of Govardhan, and spoke with deep respect, “O revered lord of all mountains, to whom the gods bow in respect! Your essence is woven with miraculous, life-giving plants, bestowing vitality upon all who seek it. I am but a humble muni from Kashi, and have come to you with a heartfelt plea. Gift me your illustrious son, Govardhan, so that Kashi may be graced with his serene presence. It is through Kasi that the sacred Ganges flows, and Visvesvara Mahadeva reigns, granting liberation to all who seek absolution. Govardhan will provide all spiritual seekers who come to Kashi the perfect haven to engage in their austerities and sacred practices.”

Dronachala was saddened to hear the muni’s request as it meant he would be separated from his beloved son, Govardhan. Govardhan Parvat sensed his father’s reluctance and was afraid that should his father refuse, the sage might in anger curse his father the king of the mountains.

In a flash of insight, Govardhan thought of a solution to this dilemma and he addressed Sage Pulatsya “Revered sage, I will indeed accompany you, but on one condition: if you place me down for any reason, know that I shall remain forever anchored in that spot, immovable."

Pulastya nodded in agreement. Govardhan rose and placed itself on the sage’s right hand and the sacred journey to Kashi began.

As they journeyed through the enchanting landscape of Vraja, Govardhan felt divine stirrings within him. The air shimmered with whispers that this sacred land was destined to be the stage for the divine descent of Lord Krishna—the master of the universe.

He envisioned joyous days when Krishna, the embodiment of playful divinity, roamed freely among the verdant fields, his laughter mingling with the songs of nature. The cowherd boys, his beloved companions, gathering around him, their hearts alight with shared innocence, as they engaged in delightful games and celestial pastimes.

A surge of longing coursed through Govardhan; he yearned to bear witness to the miraculous tapestry of the Lord’s leela unfolding within this vibrant landscape. He felt an irrepressible urge to remain, to watch the divine drama of love, friendship, and joy. Govardhan felt a deep connection with the sacred soil.

Keeping this in mind Govardhan began to make himself heavier and heavier. The sage exhausted decide it was best that he bathe and clean himself before entering Kasi. Forgetting his promise of not putting Govardhan down till he reached Kashi, he stopped and went to perform his ablutions. To his horror when he returned after completing his bodily purifications and asked the great mountain to rise onto his right hand the mountain stood perfectly still. Sage

Pulatsya tried to lift the mountain but to no avail.

Govardhan had realized the goal of his life on Earth - to stay at his Karmabhoomi.

In His avatar pastimes, Krishna usually sends many associates to His abode, before coming Himself. Thus, even before the Lord set foot upon the earth, the blessed land of Vrindavan, with the shimmering river Yamuna weaving through its heart, had already descended to Vraja. Among the sacred companions sent to await Him was Govardhan Parvat, destined to stand firm and faithful, a silent guardian of the Lord’s divine leela. In time, Lord Balarama — the mighty elder brother of Krishna and the incarnation of Shesha too made His descent, heralding the coming glory. Hence it was ordained, from beyond the veils of time, that Govardhan would remain at Vraja, an eternal witness and an essential part of the enchanting leelas that would one day unfold under the gaze of the Supreme Lord Himself.

Thwarted in his attempt to carry the mighty mountain to Kashi, Pulastya Muni was seized by a fierce and burning anger. In the heat of his wrath, he pronounced a terrible curse upon Govardhan Parvat — decreeing that it would sink into the earth, little by little, shrinking each day by the measure of a single mustard seed. However, as the fires of his fury cooled and the clarity of wisdom returned to him, the venerable rishi was filled with remorse. Moved by compassion, Pulastya withdrew the full force of his curse and blessed Govardhan Parvat with a prophecy: that in the sacred Dvapara Yuga, the mountain would be revered by all, worshipped as a living embodiment of the divine

Sage Pulastya was blessed with the extraordinary power of alchemy. He would use only vessels made of pure, gleaming gold, to conduct his rituals. After each solemn ritual, he generously offered the contributing Brahmins all the gold they could carry. Yet even after such lavish gifts, great heaps of the precious metal still shimmered in abundance, untouched and waiting. In time, this treasure — born of sanctity and sacrifice — was passed on to Yudhishthir, the noble Pandava king.

It was Pulastya’s responsibility to spread the knowledge of the Purans. He had received the Vishnu Purana from Brahma, and went on to explain it to rishi Parashara, who made the purana known to mankind.

The celestial sage Narada, ever devoted to Lord Vishnu and thirsting for divine wisdom, approached the venerable Pulastya seeking knowledge and deeper understanding of the Vamana Purana and the significance of the Vamana story. Pulastya responded to Narada's earnest queries by recounting in detail the story of the Vamana avatar, weaving a tapestry of divine purpose, celestial drama, and eternal truth.

It is said that Bhishma, steadfast in his devotion, was deep in penance at the sacred Gangadwar Palace. Moved by the purity of his devotion Lord Brahma ordered Sage Pulatsya to go to Bhishma and bless him. Obedient to the Creator’s will, Pulatsya approached Bhishma and said, “O noble Bhishma Lord Brahma is pleased with your penance and wishes to grant you a boon.”

With a heart full of reverence, Bhishma, ever humble prostrated before Sage Pulatsya and in that sacred moment, confessed a yearning that had long stirred within his soul — the deep, burning desire to understand the mysteries of creation. How had the mighty Lord Brahma woven the vast and wondrous tapestry of the world?

Sensing the purity of Bhishma’s longing, the venerable sage smiled and then began to unfold the sacred Padma Purana to Bhishma – revealing to Bhishma the timeless secrets of existence.

Apart from his pivotal role in safeguarding and passing on the wisdom of the Puranas Sage Pulatsya is believed to be the eternal guardian of Cosmic Cycles and ensures the harmonious progression of celestial rhythms and the ebb and flow of existence throughout the universe. 

LIFE LESSONS

1. Like Sage Pulatsya each one of us serves a purpose on this earth.

2. Like Govardhan Parvat we too must search for our goal in life and once we discover it we should remain steadfast in its pursuit.

3. Remember to always remain vigilant of your ways as no matter what your background or abilities you may be led to unrighteous acts as was Ravana.