Navadurga Madālasā

It is said that long ago Vyāsa Rishi divided the Veda Rashi into Ŗgveda, Yajurveda, Sāmaveda, and Atharvaveda. What remained was Ᾱkhyān, Upākhyān, and Gāthās. These were put together to form the core Purāṇa. New events as they occurred and new information as it developed were added to the Purāṇa. It grew into a huge body of literature … a treasure of 18 MahāPurāṇas, 18 UpaPurāṇas, and many more minor Purāṇas.

The well-known stories of Dhruvbāḷa, Bhakta Prahlāda, Samudra-Manthana, Gangā-Avatarana, Daksa Prajāpatī, Ṡiva and Satī, Daśāvtāra belong to the Purāṇas. Some stories from Veda such as of Pururavā and Urvaśī have been retold in Purāṇas. The story of Duṣyanta and Ṡakuntalā from Mahābhārata reappear in Purāṇas. Rāmarakshā Stōtra is a part of Padma Purāṇa and the Satyanārāyaṇa Kathā is from Skanda Purāṇa. Amongst these, the Bhāgvata Purāṇa, filled with Bhaktīrasa, is known for its simple yet beautiful poetry.

Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa

Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa is one of the well-known MahaPurāṇas. It starts with two questions of Jaimini – “Ŗṣī! Though the four puruṣārtha (objects of human pursuit) are different, they are interlinked as well. I want to know why it is so. Secondly, I am anxious to learn the reason behind the death of five sons of Draupadī in the battle of Mahābhārata.” The answers given by Mārkaṇḍeya Ŗṣī to are noted in the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa. It has the stories of King Hariṣcandra, Ŗṣī Viṣvāmitra, and Vaśiṣtha. The ‘Durga Saptaśatī’ or ‘Devī Mahātmya’, a compilation of 700 verses that tell the story of the bravery of Mahiṣāsuramardinī is a part of this Purana. It also records the conversation between Jaiminī, the disciple of Vyās, and Mārkaṇḍeya Ŗṣī. It also has the story of Madālasā.

Story of Ŗtudhvaja and Madālasā

Ŗtudhvaja, a brave king also known as Kuvalyāśva reached Pātāḷōka while chasing the demon Pātālaketū. Pātālaketū had kidnapped Madālasā, the daughter of Viśvaketu, a Gandharva King. Ŗtudhvaja freed Madālsā from the clutches of Pātālaketū and later, married her.

The couple was blessed with 3 sons: Vikranta, Subāhu, and Śatrumardana. Madālasā laughed at the names given by the king. When asked why, she replied, “The meaning of the name Vikranta, is one who moves from one place to another. But the ātmā is omnipresent how will it move? Subāhu means one with beautiful, strong arms. However, the body has arms and not the ātmā. And the name of the third son - Śatrumardana meant one who relinquishes his enemies. But ātmā has no enemies!”

Madālasā’s Lullaby

Madālasā’s upbringing of children had an element of spirituality. She used to pacify her crying baby by singing this lullaby:

Śudhōsi budhōsi niranjanōasi

Sansāramāyā parivarjitōasi

Sansārasvapna tyaja mōhanidrāma

Mandālsōlapamuvāca putrama || 1||

“Oh, my child! This Universe gives false hope of everlasting happiness. Please do not cry. You are pure don’t get blinded by the illusions of this world. Wake up from your sleep of ignorance.

“My child! You are a pure soul. You were given a name by someone else it is not yours! Your body that is made up of the 5 elements is not you! And nor does it belong to you! Why then do you shed tears?

“My child! The creator of this Universe remains calm at all times. Oh, Prince! The false notion you have about your character and virtues is a disillusion. Please do not take pride in it as it is unreal.

“Human body is made up of 5 elements (Pancamahābhūta). Any element when in excess or inadequate will impact the body’s growth, like food when over-consumed, will lead to obesity and when under-consumed may lead to an anemic condition. Nevertheless, the soul remains unaffected, as the body and soul are not one.

“Body is like our clothes, an external layer, which wears out with time. However, please remember, it is your body that bears the fruits of your good and bad deeds - not your soul.

“They will call you a father, a son, a mother, a wife, or a brother. You will be dear to some and despised by others. They will address your body which is made up of 5 elements but not the soul within you.

“Ignorant people look for satisfaction and happiness in material things, however the wise are aware that the same thing that can bring a smile to the face can also bring tears.

“The charioteer and the chariot are not one, similarly the body and soul are not unified. The awakened soul is conscious of this fact.”

To pacify a crying baby, the baby is offered a colorful toy or favorite food, or even a spank. Madālasā did not bribe her children or create any fear but gave a clear message from Vedas through her soulful lullabies.

Madālasā imparted the knowledge of Brahmavidyā to her 3 sons. This helped them become wise and stay detached from the material world. Later, they sacrificed their right to the throne and left for exile to meditate in peace.

Madālasā’s teachings of Rājadharma

Madālasā and Ŗtudhvaja were blessed with another son, whom she named Alarka. On Ŗtudhvaja’s request, Alarka was given lessons on Dhanurveda, Rājadharma, and other training necessary for a King to be. Madālasā’s teachings on Rājadharma to Alarka:

“My child! As a king, you should restrain yourself from sensual pleasures, anger, greed, enchantment, jealousy, and ego. A great king should have control over his sensory organs and desires. King Paṇdū lost his life owing to his desire for sensual pleasures and King Pururavā lost his life as he was not able to overcome greed.”

“Oh, Prince! For a king, learning is a continuous process and he must learn from all living beings on earth. A king should assume the role and qualities of Indra, Surya, Candra, and Vāyū. A king should recover taxes from his subjects the way Sunrays gently absorb water from the ocean, ensuring that the ocean does not dry. Indra, by showering rains, takes care of the nutritional needs of people, alike, the King should take care of his subjects by providing services through the taxes collected. A king’s duty is to treat all his subjects equally, irrespective of gender, caste, and financial status. Though unseen, Vāyū is everywhere, in like manner, the King should mingle with his ministers, relatives, subjects, and even enemies through his network of spies. The King should be fearless while on the battlefield but calm and peaceful like a moon otherwise.”

“Alarka! A king, who is not greedy, remains unaffected by love and lust, is not attracted to material life, always fulfills his duties and responsibilities, and inspires others to do so. Such a king who takes care of his subjects earns a place in heaven.”

“Oh, Braveheart! As a child, have cordial relations with your family and friends. As a disciple, abide by the rules and follow the teachings of your Guru. As a youth, treat women with respect. As a grown-up, revere the Sadhus, protect the good, punish the evil, destroy the enemies and perform yajňas. Earn a good name and be a wise king.”

Dhanyōasi re yō vasudhāmaśatrura

ekaṣcirama pālayitāsi putra

Tatpālanādastu sukhhōpabhōgō dharmāta

phalama prāpsyasi cāmaratvama ||

“Oh, Prince! You shall become great! Always be fair and just! Protect your motherland and take care of your subjects. May you be blessed with peace and moksha.”

Madālasā briefed Alarka about the duties, and responsibilities of a citizen and the duties to be performed in all four ashrams, especially grihasthāśrama.

Later, Ŗtudhvaja handed over the reign to Alarka and he left for vānaprasthāśrama along with Madālasā. Madālasā’s teachings of Rājadharma and the key to a meaningful life brought him success. After many years, Alarka passed over the reign to his son and left for vānaprasthāśrama to find the true essence of living.

Madālasā – Mother, Queen, and Ŗṣīkā

Madālasā’s teachings and advice had the potential to create a great Ŗṣī and a great King. Blessed are those who have a mother like Madālasā. Fortunate is the society, to have children like Subāhu, Vikranta, Śatrumardana and Alarka, where peace and prosperity will always prevail. A nation that has queens like Madālasā will flourish.

A Mother worthy to be worshipped like a Guru! A Queen worthy to be recorded in the pages of history! A Sage worthy to be included in religious literature! Madālasā! A Queen, a Rishika, a Mother!