Srikrishna- the Lord of the Universe

by Shivaji Sawant

  “Indeed, I do. Along with our gopa friends both of us offered ‘Abhishek’ with pots of milk.” I halted momentarily while walking along with others. As I had anticipated there was indeed a golden Shiva temple with a dome. Shiva was our deity in Gokul as the deity of the Abhirbhanu dynasty. In Mathura, our Yadava family deity was Ida. She was also here. Creative Gargamuni had wisely founded the temples of both deities in this city. On the western gate of my mind a deluge of some unknown rain began pouring. Pure white and uncontrollable. The Sudarshan mantras also echoed momentarily. I stopped dada, Uddhava, royal minister, Gargamuni, and the others and started talking rapidly, “The main eastern gate with the watch tower will be named ‘Shuddhaksha’. The southern gate witnessing the rocks bathing in the foamy ocean waves will be called ‘Pushyadanta’. The western gate bearing with a smile the deluge of the ocean rain, will be known as ‘Aindra’. This northern gate witnessing Shiva will be called ‘Bhallata’.”

  The Yadavas around me kept listening and I kept talking, “Dear Yadavas, we can see the edifice of the royal assembly with the glistening dome in the centre of this island, encircled by the royal palaces. No other kingdom in the entire Aaryavarta possesses such a unique edifice of the royal assembly. This assembly will be called Sudharma! Sudharma – that which protects all that is True, Beautiful and Righteous! I haven’t thought of a suitable name for this city yet. But I will do that soon, and announce it in the royal assembly at the right time. Come, let us go there.”

  We started walking towards the royal assembly by the royal highway passing in front of the northern gate. On our way, we saw dancing water fountains in many places. On both sides of the road a variety of trees were planted artistically. Behind them were well-planned markets with a variety of shops. There were also fenced parks at places. The empty space between two parks was utilized to build armouries, treasuries, and stables for horses, camels and elephants. While observing all that, I asked Maya, “What about the physical exercise of the Yadavas?”

  Dada immediately asked his favourite question, “Where are the wrestling pits?” Where are the grounds for the elephant fights? Where are the areas for the Yadava warriors’ competitions of horses?”

  To satiate his curiosity Gargamuni answered, “Those are built in many open places between the two royal highways.”

  We reached in front of the east-facing door of the royal assembly. This was where my ‘Karmayoga’ of life was going to take place. I touched the first step of the royal assembly with both hands. Then touching my chest and the top of my head with the fingers, I brought both my palms together and prayed with my heart full of emotions and moved forward.

  Looking at the circular structure of the royal assembly I was also dazzled for a while and stood still. Everything here was shining, golden and bright. In the western direction in front of me there was our elegant insignia. The huge golden Garuda spreading its wings and effortlessly bearing the shining, full moon on its head was ready to soar high in the sky.

  Two majestic golden thrones were positioned on the highest plane in such a way that the tops of their backs were almost touching the curled talons of the golden Garuda above. These were designed for the Maharaja and Maharani – for my father and mother. Both the chairs had their hand rests designed in the shape of lions with their jaws wide open. Not a single corner on these thrones was left without a decorative design and the royal emblems. Located almost near the base of these two thrones were two seats a little smaller in size. These were for the crown prince and his wife, for my dear dada and vahini. A little below that on the next plane, to the right was a seat covered with deerskin with a plain wooden back and no hand rests. This was for the royal Aacharya Sandipani. Another similar seat was located on the left for Gargamuni, the royal priest. Below that on the next plane, there were ten seats in a semi-circle, five on the right and five on the left, for ten royal ministers. At the centre of this ring, a large seat was elevated for the chief minister, Vipruthu. On his right, there was a tall, stone socket to place the magnificent, golden, jewel-studded royal sceptre of the Yadavas. Touching the base of the royal sceptre were two seats, one on either side, for the two commanders of our army – Yuyudhana also known as Satyaki and Anadhrishti who were Satyaka’s sons and Shinee’s grandsons. On the plane below there were two long half-circular rows of seats for the spies, envoys, army leaders, treasurer, armoury chief, and chiefs of horses, elephants, and camel troops, and many more.

  There were two seats located high on the right, clearly away from the rest of the seats, somewhat parallel to Maharaja Vasudeva’s throne or to Prince Balarama’s seat. These were also golden but simple, without any decorative engravings on them. Yes, the right seat among them was for me and the left seat was for my future wife. Right now, it was empty.

  This seating arrangement of the royal assembly would certainly inspire awe in the spectator. In front of these royal seats was a huge square. It was for the citizens, the guests, and the people seeking justice from the Maharaja; this was the real ‘Sudharma’ assembly. There were separate sections for men and women. For other royal ladies, separate sections of galleries were located on both sides, parallel to the royal throne. Next to those were the sections for other women guests and learned women invitees.

  I checked each row of the seats leisurely with dada and Uddhava. In this circular structure of the royal assembly designated platforms for armed sentinels were also built. Near the eastern gate a huge, round time-disk was dangling. Right next to it a long hammer was placed in a groove – this was to give the time-indicating tolls. Both were made from iron and polished with gold. I came here with everybody. Out of curiosity I picked up the hammer from the groove. Looking at the ocean waves I struck a blow of the hammer on the dangling time-disk. “Thann!” The sound echoed. ‘Kala’ woke up shaking his body. The sound waves scurried far away to catch up with the sound of the ocean.

  We left the Sudharma assembly contented. After taking a look at the well-built mansions of the Prince, the royal priest, the chief minister, and the commanders, etc. we finally we arrived at my residential mansion.

  I was very eager and extremely curious to see how Maya and Gargamuni had built the ‘Krishnasopana’. The moment we entered the mansion, we saw the huge, long, spacious Srikrishnasopana, with glistening golden stairs right in front of us. It was exactly the way I had envisioned it. Moving closer, I stood near the lowest step, touching it and tightly holding the railing on the left. My gaze moved sequentially from the first step upwards and reached the twenty-fifth step eventually. Unknowingly I entered the deep meaning of life.

  “How far up do I have to climb the staircase of my life yet? How many more men and women am I going to meet at every turn of my life? How many such turns of my life have I left behind? My beloved Gokul, my baba and mata there, kakas and kakus, aajoaba, friends, the gopas and gopis, Eka and Radha. Gokul? No, a childhood! Doesn’t everyone have a Gokul of their own childhood in their life?”

  We climbed up the golden staircase, visited the resting chamber and the bed chamber on the upper level and came down. I walked through the complete mansion, checking all the big and small rooms and passages. While leaving the mansion with a contented heart I handed a pearl necklace to Maya and said, “Maya, sir, we saw Kushasthali, and we loved it. It doesn’t have a single fault in it. You will be duly honoured in the special royal council. Tomorrow we will visit the neighbouring Shankhoddhara Island to see the Queens’ residences.”

  That day we stayed at Kushasthali. The next day we woke up before sunrise and performed our morning rituals. Standing waist deep in the ocean water the three of us offered oblations to the Sun. Instead of travelling by way of the channel connecting the twin islands we sailed in boats to arrive at the Shankhoddhara Island. Even here there was the trench and fortification like Kushasthali. It was a little smaller in circumference. It also had four big gates but not as big as Kushasthali. Here too many kinds of facilities were built. Cow corrals were built and grazing meadows were
reserved for the cattle. The boulders near the fortification on the sandy shore of the western ocean were shaped like seats. The Yadava pennant - was fluttering in the air on a platform at the centre of this island.

  The chariot assembly on this island was quite spacious. The path connecting both islands was narrow and long. Communication between the two islands by this way was possible only by chariots and horses. If commuting by water was required, it was only possible by boats, rafts, etc. Both the modes of transportation were already in use. The Queens’ residences had eight grand palaces – four on both sides, facing each other. While observing those edifices, I asked Gargamuni with the usual playfulness, “Why are there exactly eight of these edifices? And for what?” He took a moment, then with a slight smile he said, “Even though the Yadava prince may have only one wife, surely the fragrance of her reputation will disperse in all eight directions! These eight edifices are a symbol of that!” I kept looking at him in amazement.

  We also checked out the mansion for Balaramadada’s queen. Spending the night on that island, the next day we returned to Mathura from there itself.

  The invitations for Vasudevababa’s coronation were dispatched to various kingdoms in Aaryavarta. I sent off Uddhava again to invite Nandababa, Yashodamata, Ekananga, Radha and all from Gokul. But he returned with a sentimental refusal and a few gifts. Yashodamatahad refused to come saying that, “If we see you after so many years now, we wouldn’t be able to return to Gokul. We cannot leave Gokul forever like you have left Mathura. As per your convenience, you only come to visit Gokul. Come to meet dear Eka. See how she has grown. Come and meet your friend Radha too at least once. Till then we will meet the Gopalkrishna in our hearts every day!”

  But almost all the Yadavas of Mathura left the city to attend the coronation. Only a select few stayed behind. Aacharya Kashyapa Sandipani planned the complete agenda for the coronation. Kushasthali Island, glistening with the golden gates, royal palaces, and the fortification, was now fragrant with various kinds of garlands. It was embellished with delightful decorations. First, in the presence of all sages and hermits from various kingdoms Sandipani and Gargamuni performed a religious ceremony at the hands of aai and baba to begin the function. Many idols of gods and goddesses were formally installed in many temples. Plenty of charities were distributed. Then the actual coronation ceremony began with vibrant sounds of various musical instruments. At the exact moment of sunrise, with various ascetic sages from holy places like Kashi, Prayaga, Ahichchhtra, Kurukshetra, Panchanada, Hrishikesha and many more coming together to chant the holy mantras, the rituals of the ceremonial ‘Abhishek’ began. Till today, so many times my forbearing mother and father had performed the continuous ‘Abhishek’ of their tears on the land. Today they both appeared somewhat thinner due to keeping fasts before performing the rituals. Yet the faces of Vasudevababa and Devakimata were shining with unlimited, unparalleled radiance today. Their loving eyes silently reflected the serene satisfaction of their lives’ fulfilment.

  The sun arose. His first rays bowed down to touch the feet of venerable Yadava Maharaja Vasudeva and Maharani Devakidevi. At that moment hundreds of sages and ascetics began continuously intoning the mantras from the Vedas. Five priests performed the holy Abhishek on mother and father’s heads with the holy waters of Ganga, Yamuna, Sindhu, Narmada and Kaveri – the holy rivers of Aaryavarta. That was followed by the Abhishek of the five holy liquids – milk, honey, golden-water, lotus-water, and sandal-water. The waters of the three oceans protectively surrounding Aaryavarta on the three sides were also offered. The concluding Abhishek was performed with the waters of seven rivers. Mother and father wore elegant royal costumes and ornaments.

  Similar rituals were performed for Balaramadada and Revati vahini to proclaim them as the crown prince and princess. Both of them also wore shining royal costumes and ornaments. I too took the holy bath along with Uddhava and all my maternal and paternal cousins and performed the necessary rituals. I wore my usual yellow dhoti.

  As usual the precious Paanchajanya conch was tied in a blue scarf around my waist. I put my peacock-feathered crown on my head. I did not forget to wear the Vaijayanti garland around my neck over a pearl necklace studded with a kaustubh jewel. I wore gold-plated iron armour on my chest. My Ajitanjaya bow and arrows were on my shoulder. I fastened the Nandaka sword at my waist, and held the Kaumodaki mace in my hand. Uddhava handed me a fully blossomed red ochre lotus flower.

  As the Muhurta was approaching, we left the royal palace to go towards the Sudharma royal assembly. Leading us was chief minister Vipruthu holding the royal sceptre. Behind him were Aacharya Saandipani, Gargamuni and many sages. Behind them was baba, wearing the Yadava turban on his head and Devakimata in her royal costume. They were followed by the crown prince and princess – Balaramadada and Revativahini along with Rohinimata in their royal costumes. I followed them. On my right were Uddhava, his brothers Chitraketu, Brihadbala, and many maternal and paternal cousins. On my left were Satyaki, Anadhrishti, Akrura, Satrajita, Vikadru and many ministers of the royal council.

  As soon as our royal procession entered the Sudharma assembly from the eastern gate, a cacophony of drums and trumpets ensued. Following that hundreds and thousands of excited Yadavas standing on both sides showered my dear mata and baba with various flowers. Walking on the red carpet our royal panel reached the royal altar at the east side. As per the instructions of the five priests’ baba gently put his right foot forward on the footrest of the royal throne, and making a cautious effort to not let his foot touch the royal throne he seated himself in an elegant posture. Devakimata followed suit and took her seat. At that moment, each and every corner of the Sudharma assembly resonated with the exhilarating sound of non-stop applause.

  As the coronation Muhurta was barely a few moments away the head of the five priests moved forward to remove the Yadava turban from Vasudevababa’s head. The main rituals of the coronation commenced now. In a clear voice, the five priests began non-stop incantation of the mantras. Many hymns from the Vedas singing the praises of Rajadharama – imperial duties and rights – started gushing out unceasingly from their mouths like a waterfall gushing incessantly in torrents.

  Time-measuring vessels had been kept in big, round, golden tubs near the four entrances on the four sides. Capturing the exact moment of the coronation Muhurta, all the time-measuring vessels simultaneously sank in the water inside the golden tubs making a sinking sound. The timekeepers at all gates simultaneously struck powerful time-indicating tolls on the time disks. Their sound echoed together - ‘Tha …nn …nn’. At that moment, on the royal altar the five priests picked up the crown in their hands. The traditional golden, grand royal crown of the Yadavas was gently installed on father’s gray-haired head. After that they installed a smaller golden diadem, suitable for a woman’s delicate face, on Devakimata’s head. Seeing that, two tears appeared in the corners of my eyes, like never before.

  Following that similar rituals were performed for the crown prince and princess. After that the royal priests declared minister Vipruthu as the royal chief minister, and officially handed over to him the pride of the Yadava clan, the golden royal sceptre embellished with diamonds and jewels.

  Now that their religious rituals were concluded, the royal priests settled in their own seats. The chief minister was now in charge of the royal assembly. As he raised high the royal sceptre in his hand the entire assembly hall arose. As it was brought down, everybody sat down mechanically. There was absolute silence. The senior, tall, experienced, chief minister Vipruthu talked with authority in his clear voice, “Dear Yadavas, and honourable invitees, now venerable leader of the Yadava clan, Maharaja Srikrishna will felicitate the creator of this precious royal city – the architect Maya and his associates Vishwakarma, Gargamuni and Twashtta.”

  I smiled and glanced at Uddhava sitting in the royal council. In my mind, I bowed to dada, vahini, Thorali, baba and Dhakali sitting in the gallery. First, I bestowed rich garments and platt
ers of jewellery upon the aforementioned architects and felicitated them. Then I began to speak, “All my dear Yadava men and women, we consider our guests as gods, and I welcome all our guests. I am exceedingly happy today that the Yadavas who have endured suffering and humiliation for so long, now own their own royal city and royal palace. This was a divine dream that they carried forward in their hearts for ages. This royal city has been erected with the blessings of the Ocean-god, and the conscientious, diligent efforts of millions of Yadava brothers. While inaugurating this city, I am overwhelmed with unparalleled joy that cannot be expressed in words.

  “First of all, let me formally announce the names of the four gates of this royal city. The eastern gate is ‘Shuddhaksha’, the western is ‘Aindra’, the southern is ‘Pushpadanta’, and the northern gate will be called ‘Bhallata’. The perfect name that is coming to my mind for this royal city of the Yadavas is Dwaravati – Dwarika – Dwaraka!

  “My dear Yadava brothers, the chief representatives of the sixteen major kingdoms of Aaryavarta are present here today. Some have not come. I am well aware that those present today have brought invaluable gifts for Vasudevababa and for the Yadavas. But more than that, they have brought their heartfelt blessings along. We, the citizens of Dwaraka, are looking forward to a future full of peace and harmony with other kingdoms along the ocean coast. I have complete faith in the universal truth of Love.

  “I have declared the name of this royal city with the permission of Maharaja Vasudeva. I presume that Aaryavarta will certainly acknowledge Dwaraka as the seventeenth kingdom of the region. Everyone is welcome in this city.”

  By this time the Sun god in the sky, a witness to the very first coronation in the golden city of Dwaraka, was about to set. The emissaries of various kingdoms like Raivataka, Kashi, Kosala, Kuru, Avanti, Ashmaka, Panchala, Videha, Sindhu-Sauvira, Shibi-Ushinara, Daarwa-Abhisara, Kamboj, Gandhara and many more offered their royal gifts to Maharaja Vasudeva. No gifts arrived from Magadhas of Jarasandha, Chedis of Shishupala, Shalva, Dantavakra and especially from the city of Kundinpura of Vidarbha king Bhishmaka; and were not even expected. The southern Yadava kingdoms of Vanavasi, Kraunchapura, Padmawaat, Mahishmati, Purika, Ratnadipa, and Harita had offered us many exclusive gifts including substantial amount of gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls; along with copper, lead and iron jars full of honey and liquor as well as closed containers of extracts of medicinal herbs.