Bhagavata Dharma

The effect of Maya automatically deludes by placing before

an individual many options as goals in life which are easily

believed as not only important but also as true and enduring.

But the spiritually inclined are able to discriminate

between the ephemeral and the eternal and are determined

to seek only the ultimate goal, liberation, pointed out Sri

Damodhara Dikshitar in a discourse.

The narratives in the Bhagavata Purana reiterate this

truth to help the jivatma see the way Maya ties one to samsara

and how propitiating the Lord and being in His service

is the best haven of refuge. Prithu’s great grandson, Prachina

Barhis, reputed for upholding dharma and for serving

his subjects, asks his ten sons, known as Prachetasas, to set

out into the world and propagate the race. The ten brothers

are staunch devotees of the Lord and proceed westwards

where they reach Narayanasaras, a sacred lake frequented

by Siva for worship of Narayana. They are wonder struck

and pleasantly surprised to see Siva rise from this lake.

Siva is equally happy about their selfless devotion to Lord

Narayana. He imparts the sacred Rudra Gita to them,

wherein the path to liberation through bhakti for its own

sake is explained. Intense devotion to the Lord, with no desire

for any worldly gain or benefit, is a sure and easy means

to win His Grace. This is the spirit of devotional fervour one

sees in Tirunavukkarasar who typifies the Dasa marga of

worship, which rests on the permanent bond of servant and

master between himself and Siva.

Accordingly, each one fulfils his enjoined duties. When he

realises that God showers His grace on him though he is

most undeserving simply because he is a servant, he is so

overwhelmed and this act of kindness in turn makes him understand  his role, which is to only serve Him

wholeheartedly.