Some of the characters linking Vedic, Ramayana and Mahabharata periods and points to ponder seriously about the dating of events of the above mentioned periods. So far various authorities wrote history of India and fixed the dates of major events of Mahabharata and Ramayana and invariably all have agreed that the gap between Mahabharata and Ramayana was at least 2500 to 3000 yrs. But the evidences show the other story that Sri Krishan and Sri Ram were contemporary in a sense. It is disheartening to see why our historians are having blind-spots or may be having cataract in their eyes. I have searched out about 51 characters who reflect the true story and it is time to re-write history of India with our Indian mind and not as the westerners think fit to suit their whims slighting the grandeur of our great culture and antiquity. For obvious reasons I have not mentioned the sources in this article :--
1. Angira--Angira was one of the mind born sons of Brahma. He was even prior to Sri Ram. He spoke of Sri Ram thus: "He is the creator of all beings".
1. Angira--Angira was one of the mind born sons of Brahma. He was even prior to Sri Ram. He spoke of Sri Ram thus: "He is the creator of all beings".
Sri Krishan after extreme enurance learnt Pashupatyoga from Angira, at the Ashram of Vyaghrapad, one of the twelve sons of Vasisth. His wife Samriti was the daughter of Daksh prajapati and his son was Brihaspati.
2. Arjun--Arjun met Bhardwaj muni at his ashram situated in south near the banks of Mahanadi at Kalhasti and listened to the stories of Shiv-Parvati, Agstya rishi etc. It came to pass a couple of years after Pandavas got the area of Khandavprastha (now Delhi) from Dhritrashtra, after Pandavas married Draupadi. Arjun was on the journey of all the Tirthas as he happened to break the agreement about Draupadi. It was agreed among Pandavas that she will reside for full one year with each, and during that period of one year ohters will not even gaze at Draupadi.
3. Ashwani Kumars--Nakul and Sahdev were born of Madri, second wife of Pandu, through Ashwani Kumars. They are born of Kashyap through Aditi.
4. Asit--He was even prior to Sri Ram. He was son of Kashyap. He spoke of Sri Krishan thus: "Sri Krishan himself is the Prajapati (the lord of creation) during the primal creation of beings, and is the sole creator of all the worlds".
5. Asthavakra--It was due to his curse that the wives of Sri Krishan were reduced to mere human mortals from their higher existence as apsaras (celestial nymphs). Asthavakra appeared in the court of Janak at Mithila and he instructed king Janak on spiritual matters.
6. Atithi--He was the son of Kush, and grand son of Sri Ram. Vasisth asked him to do Bhisam-panchak vratt. it becomes evident that Bhisam lived prior to or in the times of Atithi.
7. Atri--Father of Durvasa, in his writing 'Atri-samriti' refers to Shishupal and Sri Krishan.
"Vidveshadapi Govindam Damghoshatmajah smaran, Shishupalo gatah swarga kim punstratparayanah."
His wife Ansuya guided Sita about the duties of a lady towards her husband etc. while Sri Ram and Sita set for 14 yrs exile.
8. Bali--Bali was prior to Sri Ram. Bali had a lead role in carrying Samudramanthan in Satyuga/Krittyuga. He was alive even after Sri Krishan left for Vaikunth and Kaliyuga began.
9. Banasur--He was son of Bali and grandson of Prahlad. Bali and Prahlad were prior to Sri Ram. Bali had a lead role in carrying Samudramanthan in Satyuga/Krittyuga. Banasur was the king of Shauntipur situated near Kedarnath. His daughter Usha married Anirudh, the grandson of Sri Krishan, with the clandestine help of Chitralekha. Sri Krishan cut thousand arms (meaning big army) of Banasur in a fight that ensued after the abduction of his daughter Usha.
10. Balram/Balbhadra/Baldev--Balram after being angry with Sri Krishan, believing that after killing Shatdhanva he has taken Samyantak mani with himself, went to king Janak at Mithila and resided there for 3 yrs. There Duryodhan learnt the art of fighting with club (gada) from Balram.
11. Bharadwaj--He was the gotriya of rishi Valmiki, both were Angiragotriya. He made the story of Ramayana popular among masses. He very fondly listened to the story of Sri Ram from the lips of Yagyavalkya. One of his daughters was married to Yagyavalkya. His second daughter Devavarshini was married to Vishrava, father of Kuber. Ravan was also son of Vishrava. He was the guru/father of Acharya Dron. He learnt grammar and Ayurveda from Indra. "Gandharv Narado Ved Bhardwajo dhanurgriham." Bhardwaj discoursed on Dhanurveda 9science of Archery), and Raajshashtra (politics). Sri Ram visited his ashram at the very first instance immediately after their exile. He guided Ram to Chitrakut. Historically this period aligns the overlapping period of Treta-Dwapar Yuga. He lived up to the mature age of +300 years. he is referred to as "Dirghjivitam."
12. Bhishma--Bhishma was brought up by Vashisth up to the age of 8 years. After that his mother Ganga handed over Bhishma to his father Shantanu. Bhishma refers to Ram, Dashrath, Lakshman, Sita, Harischander and Rohit etc in reference to worry by his father Shantanu, after hearing the condition from Dashraj, father of Satyavati, that the son of Satyavati will be the heir apparent for the throne after Shantanu. he died at the age of 135 years. Parsuram and Bhisma fought for 23 days on disagreement about marriage of Bhishma.
13. Bhrigu--He was even prior to Sri Ram. He spoke of Sri Krishan thus: "He is the gods of gods and the most ancient Vishnu."
14. Daanvendra Maiy--He was the father of Mandodri, who was the wife of Ravan. He was like Vishwakarma for Asuras. His two sons Dundubhi and Maayaavi were killed by Vaanar-raj Bali while his third son Vyom was killed by Sri Krishan. Daanvendra Maiy took shelter of Sri Krishan when Arjun set Khandavavan on fire and did not allow anyone to escape alive from that forest. Maiy was meditating in that forest. He was saved by Sri Krishan from the rage of Arjun. He designed and built celestial looking palaces for Yudhistra. He was a great illusionist and a magician.
15. Dattatreya--He was son of Maharishi Atri. Sri Ram visited ashram of Atri during sojourn in jungle for 14 years. Dattatreya met Praduman, son of Sri Krishan, when he was traveling south India with Uddhavji. Dattatreya also taught Yadu, the great grand father of Praduman, the teachings of 24 gurus that he had.
16. Deval--He was even prior to Sri Ram. He was son of Asit, and grandson of Kashyap. He spoke of Sri Krishan thus: "Sri Krishan himself is the Prajapati (the lord of creation) during the primal creation of beings, and is the sole creator of all the worlds." His son was Shandilya. Shandilya was purohit of Raghuvanshi king Dilip and was present when Bhishma was lying on the bed of arrows erected by Arjuna.
17. Dilip--He was advised by Vasisth to visit dev-temple of Sri Krishan at Dwarka, when Jupiter was in Zodiacal sign of Leo. Vasisth accompanied king Dilip to Dwarka.
18. Draupadi--During the 11th year of their exile, Pandavas were staying at an Ashram where many renowned rishis were staying at that time namely: Dhaumaya, Atri, Galav, Pail, Jabali, Gautum, Bhrigu, Chayavan, Kanav, Jatu, Vithihotra, Sumantu, Yajyadatt, Vatsal, Rashashan, Kahod, Yavkrit, Yajyakreet and many more. That day five Pandvas were out for hunting when Jaydarath came in that ashram and tried to entice and kidnap Draupadi.
19. Dronacharya (Acharya Dron)--He was son of Maharishi Bharadwaj. he was guru of Pandavas and Kaurvas. his son was Ashwathama, who fought in Mahabharata war. From Maharishi Agnivesya and Sri Parsuram he obtained knowledge of all forms of arms and missiles with their secrets. From them he possessed very deep knowledge and experience of archery and the use of other forms of weapons, and unrivaled skill of warfare.
Dronacharya married Kripi who was the daughter of Urvashi and Shardwan. Urvashi was the daughter of Shatanand, the son of Gautam. Gautam was son of Angira through Swaroopa daughter of Marichi. Shardwan was the son of Uttathya was again son of Angira through Swaraat, the daughter of Kardam muni. Angira and Gautam were prior to birth of Sri Ram and Dronacharya lived in the period of Sri Krishan.
20. Drupad--Son of Yagyasen/Prasat of Panchal and father of Draupadi, who was wife of Pandavas, spent some tome in the ashram of Bharadwaj rishi as his disciple. Here Drupada and Drona became friends, but later they became arch enemies of each other. Dronacharya killed Drupad in Mahabharat war.
21. Durvasa--If Durvasa had not cursed Indra then Samudramanthan would not have been executed for the benefit of both daityas and devatas, prior to birth of Sri Ram. he was the illustrious son of Atri and Ansuya. his mother Ansuya guided Sita about the duties of a wife that should be towards her husband.
He visited rishi Mudgal in dwapar yuga, to examine his vow of asceticism. Durvasa gave mantra to Kunti. She recited it in given manner and Surya devata appeared before her. From Surya she got impregnated and gave birth to Karan.
Duryodhana sent simple hearted but fiery tongued Durvasa to Pandavas believing that Pandavas will be unable to properly feed and treat Durvasa and his large number of followers in the jungle, and thus if displeased then Pandavas will receive the curse of Durvasa. Pandavas were not in the state to provide meals to Durvasa and his large assemblage. Draupadi remembered Sri Krishan for help. Through Sri Krishan's divine intervention they felt as if they were loaded up to their throat and declined to take meals, and being afraid ran away from there lest they face the wrath of Yudhistra and Sri Krishan. "My experience with Ambarisa is still fresh in my memory, and I am terribly afraid of the devotees of Sri Krishan."
Durvasa cursed Saamb, the son of Sri Krishan through Jambvatti, daughter of Jambvant. Due to this curse Saamb suffered from white leprosy (vitiligo). He was cured of this skin disease with the blessings of Sun god.
There is a story in Mahabharat that once Durvasa visited Sri Krishan and pleased with the reception and respect from Sri Krishan he asked Sri Krishan to smear on his whole body the drinking water left over by Durvasa. Sri Krishan smeared the water on his body as guided but out of respect to Brahmin did not smear it on the sole of his feet. Sri Krishan died when some herdsman hit his arrow on his sole accidentally mistaking the shape of his feet for the head of a deer.
"Sammanyandvijvacho Durvasa Yaduvatch hai,
Yogayuktoabhvatpadam kritva jaanuni sattm."
("To protect the truth of the words of Durvasa Sri Krishan sat with his leg folded on his other thigh maintaining yogic posture.")
22. Duryodhan—Duryodhan also visited Videhnagar of King Janak, father of Sita. There he learnt to handle and fight with club (gada) from Balram.
23. Dvivid—He was a warrior in the army of Sugriva. Later on he made friendship with Narakasura. At the instigation of Paundrik Vasudev Dvivid tried to demolish Dwarka. Dvivid was killed by Balaram being accomplish of Narakasura. Paundrik Vasudev and Narakasura were killed by Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna is also known as Narakantak .
24. Garg—Garg initiated many Yadvas into spiritual knowledge. He advised Vasudev, father of Sri Krishan, to worship Bhagvatti Durga, to beget a son that will be long lived. Vasudev was then a prisoner of Kans. Garg performed worship of goddess on his behalf at vindhyagiri.
Ritwik muni also consulted Garg about the misconducts of his son and out of rage Ritwik cursed revati nakshatra to fall from heaven. This episode is sometime prior to birth of Sri Ram. Garg was the son of Bhardwaj and brother of Dronacharya .
Garg was present at the time of Samudramanthan to guide astrologically the auspicious time for devatas to begin the churning. The churning of ocean was carried in Sat (Kritt) Yuga.
He was alive even after the mahaprayana of Sri Krishna, when Kaliyuga entered. He along with Chayavan, Galav, Asit, Deval, Dhaumaya, Udyalak etc met king Bali and Prahlad to seek their guidance to avoid the terrible impact of Kaliyuga and to know the abode of Vishnu in Kaliyuga .
25. Gargi—She was the daughter of Vachknu, the son of Garg. Her full name was Vaachknavi Gargi. She was in declamation with Yagyavlkya at the court of king Janak of Mithila. This episode is recorded in detail in Brihadaranyak Upnishad .
26. Hanuman—A great hero in the epic of Ramayana. Helped Ram in his victory over Ravana. He also appeared to disparage the ego of Bhima.
In accordance with his promise to Bhimsen, the great hero Hanuman always occupied the huge flag of Arjuna, and from time to time, during the war, used to give loud and dreadful roars .
Hanuman met Sri Krishan. Through Hanuman Krishan decided to disparage ego of Garuda, Satyabhama and Sudereshan . Through Hanuman, Sh Krishan also punished Paundrik Vasudeva, who adopted the visage of Sh Krishan and claimed that he, not Sh Krishan is the real incarnation of Vishnu, and forced his people to worship him .
Hanuman is believed to be born in Sat Yuga and was alive after the beginning of Kaliyuga. “Charo jug pratap tumhara, hai prasidh jagat ujiyara”.
27. Indra—He is another character ever present in all the four yugas. There not a scripture where Indra is not mentioned. Sri Krishan ordered all yadvas not to worship Indra anymore. Sri Krishan lifted Govardhan parvat to protect yadvas from the wrath of Indra. Indra was pleased in the end and took promise from Sri Krishna that he will always protect and take care of his son Arjuna. After that Sri Krishna held Indrayag festival in honor of Indra. Indra gave Sri Krishna the epithet of ‘Govind’ . Arjuna is said to be son of Kunti through Indra.
28. Indraduman—“He was a king in Satyug, in the lineage of Swayambhuv Manu, Priyavrat, and son of Sumati, illustrious and brave like Indra, he erected a very high temple at Utkala, Purushottama-kshetra and in that temple installed the idols of Sri Krishan, Balbhadra and Subhadra ”, who were in Dwapar yuga.
29. Jambvan—He helped Hanuman in tracing Sita. He made Hanuman realize the power he had to cross the ocean in one leap. Jambvan refused to return back from Ayodhya. Sri Ram promised him to appear again for his sake in Dwapar yuga. Sri Krishna fought Jambvan for 27 days to get back “sayamantak mani”. Jambvan married his daughter Jambvati to Sri Krishna .
Jambvan expresses to Kaakbhasundi his inability to cross the sea as:
“Jarath bhyehu ab kahie Richesa, nahi tan raha pratham bal lesa;
jabhi Trivikram (Vaaman) bhaye Kharai (Sri Ram), tab mei tarun raheu bal bhari” .
(Now that I have grown old and the old vigor is no more, and when Vishnu appeared (incarnated) as Vaaman, then I was young and very strong.
Jambvan was present in Satyuga/Krityuga, Tretayuga as well as Dwaparyuga.
30. Janak—There is a reference of king Janak in Gita. Sri Krishna praises king, father of Sita. “It is through action, without attachment, alone that Janak and other wise men reached perfection. Having an eye to maintenance of the world order too you should take to action”—Krishan tells Arjun.
31. Krishan—He learnt Pashupat yog from Maharishi Angira at the ashram of Vyaghrapaad , after very intense austerity and contemplation . Angira was one of the mind born sons of Brahma. He was even prior to Ram.
32. Kunti—She obtained Surya mantra from Durvasa, while she was virgin and unmarried, and bore Karan due to Surya mantra .
33. Manigriv and Nalkuber—They were sons of Kuber, the brother of Ravana. Both were cursed by Narad and turned them into a pair of Arjuna trees. Both were redeemed of their curse by Sri Krishna .
34. Markandey—Markandey was the one of the few survivors after the event of great flood (naimitik pralaiy) prior to Kritt yuga. Markandey was great grandson of Bhrigu. From him Vajra, the son of Anirudh, grand son of Praduman, and great grand son of Sri Krishan, learnt all subjects and disciplines of knowledge in their entirety .
Yudhistra along with his wife Draupadi and brothers met Markandey at his ashram situated by the edge of Narmada River. Yudhistra asked about the mahtamya of Narmada river. At that time following of some of the rishis of extreme repute were also present at his ashram: Pulastya, Vasisth, Atri, Bhardwaj, Manu, Angira, Prasara, Shukracharya, Gautum, Daksh, Yajyavalkaya, Jamdagni, Rishyashring, Garg, Shaunak, Vyas, Shuk, Narad, Durvasa, Vishwamitra, Shatanand and many more .
35. Muchkund—He was a descendant of Suryavansh. In dwapar period he had darshan of Sri Krishna. Kalayavan was reduced to ash by mere looks on him by Muchkund . Muchkund fought with Tarkasur whom Kartikeya, son of Parvati killed . Parvati married Shiva in her next incarnation of Sati, sometime after abduction of Sita by Ravana.
36. Narad—Assisted in carrying out lilas of Sri Krishna and Sri Ram.
He inspired great devotees like Prahlad, Dhruva and Ambrish, and showed them the way to bhakti and the world further vowes to him two incomparable names of Indian litereature, viz. Srimad-Bhagavata and the Ramayana of Valmik. It was he who imparted instructions even to a man of great spiritual wisdom like Sri Shukdev.
Narad said about Sri Krishna, “He is the supreme Lord of all deities known as the Sadhyas, as well as of all blessings… Just as a child plays at will with its dolls, so does Sri Krishna sport in the company of Brahma, Siva, Indra and the other gods. ”
Devrishi Narad, addressing the pious king Yudhistra, says, “O king, of all men you are indeed highly blessed, inasmuch as sages who lend sanctity to the worlds frequently visit your palaces, and the supreme Brahma Himself lives here in the guise of a human being. Indeed, Sri Krishna is the supreme Brahma whom sages seek to realize as the bliss of absolute repose. He is your beloved friend, your maternal cousin, the object of your worship, your Guide and teacher. Tell me, then, who can compare with you in the matter of good luck? ”
37. Parsuram—He appeared when Sri Ram broke the mighty bow of Shankra in Sita svayamvara. He taught weapon handling to Bhishma. Once he accepted defeat at the hands of brave Bhishma. Fight continued for full 23 days.
Great warrior Karan acquired exceptional knowledge of the science of arms from great Parsuram.
Dronacharya also learnt art of archery and missiles from Parsuram .
Once an altercation ensued between Parshuram and Ganesh. Out of rage Parshuram cut down left tusk of Ganesh with his weapon ‘Parsha.’ Parvati informed Parshuram that Ganesh is the soul-akin of Sri Krishan. Then Parshuram remembered Sri Krishan with all reverence and pleading for forgiveness. After this episode Ganesh is known by the name ‘Ekdant’.
Parsuram said about Sri Krishna, “He is Vishnu Himself; none can vanquish Him. He is the sacrifice, the sacrificer and the deity worshipped through sacrifice. ”
Well known is Krishna's showing his Cosmic Form Vishva ruupa to Arjun, while teaching Bhagavad Gita in Mahabharata battle. But the epic Mahabharata records Rama's display of His Cosmic form to Parashu Rama. In it is said in detail as:
pasya mam svena rupena chaksuh te vitarami aham |
tato rama sarira vai rama pasyati bhargava |
adityan pavamanan rudran sadhyan cha sa marud ganana |
pitaro hutasanan chaiva nakshatrani griha tatha |
38. Prahlad--He was alive even after the mahaprayana of Sri Krishna, when Kaliyuga entered. Chayavan, Galav, Asit, Deval, Dhaumaya, Udyalak etc met king Prahlad and Bali to seek their guidance to avoid the terrible impact of Kaliyuga and to know the abode of Vishnu in Kaliyuga .
39. Prsat and Drupad—Prsat, king of Panchal--father of Drupad, and Bhardwaj were great friends. Drupad passed a certain period of his early days in the hermitage of sage Bhardwaj, where an intimacy was formed between him and Drona, the son of sage Bhardwaj.
40. Ram—Long after Sri Krishan left Mathura and moved to Dwarka, He advised Shatrughan to kill Lavanasur. Shatrughan re-built the city of Mathura . Previously Kans, maternal uncle of Sri Krishan, was the king of Mathura. After completion of Ashwamedha yajya Sri Ram worshipped his soul-akin (atam-swaroop) Vishnu’s other incarnation Sri Vaasudev (Sri krishan) . In Agni Puran the name ‘Vaasudev’ is without doubt used for Sri Krishan .
Vasisth informs Ram about Sri Krishan and Dharmaranya (which later Krishan developed into Dwarka). In Vasisth’s opinion Jambvant and Lomash risihi knew about the antiquity of this place, since these two are very long lived. This event is few months after Ram’s coronation ceremony. Sita also accompanied Sri Ram to this place.
41. Sanatkumars—They were even prior to Ram. They spoke of Sri Krishna thus : “His head pervades the heavens and His arms cover the earth; all the three worlds are contained in His belly. He is the external Purusa. The practicant can know Him only after attaining purification of the heart. He is considered to be the Best even among seers who are sated through self-realization; and He is the ultimate resort even of the lofty-minded royal sages, who never turn their back on the field of battle” .
42. Shandilya—When Vishvamitra was doing yajya on behalf of Trishnku, then Shandilya was acting as hotta. He was the purohit of Raghuvanshi king Dilip. He was also present when Bhishma was lying on the bed of arrows erected by Arjuna .
Shandilya was son of Deval, grandson of Asit, and great-grandson of Kashyap. Shandilya talked to Prikshit and Vajranabh, the grandson of Sri Krishna, about Lila of Sri Krishan, sometimes after the death of Sri Krishna.
43. Shukdev—Son of Vyas, was sent to Janak, king of Mithila, to dispel his doubts about certain spheres of philosophy. Shukdev took spiritual lessons from king Janak on the advice of his father Vyas. After that Shukdev agrees to marry.
Shukdev took birth (emerged out of the yoni of her mother) at the behest of Sri Krishna.
Shukdev went to see Prikshit seven days in advance when he was to be bitten by Takshak snake. Then Shukdev recited Bhagvatta for him.
44. Sootji—When the 12 years Yajya of Sri Ram was being conducted at Kurukshetra, which commenced after the return of Sri Ram from exile and his coronation on the throne of Ayodhya, then Sootji was present there. The Bhardwaj muni asked Sootji to explain the grandeur and greatness of Ayodhya. Sootji was the disciple of Vedvyas, the famous author of Mahabharata. Then Sootji begin the explanation of Ayodhya with these words:
“Namami Pramatmana Ramam Rajivlochnam, atsikusumshymam Ravanantakmvayayam.”
45. Swadha—She was one of the daughters of Daksh Prajapati and married to Pitr (Angnik, Agnishvtta, Sagnik) of whom she bore 3 daughters : Maina, Dhanya and Kalavati. Maina the wife of Himalaya Giri gave birth to Parvati, the consort of Shiva, Dhanya the wife of King Janak became foster mother to Sita, who married Sri Ram and the 3rd daughter Kalavati married to Vrishbhanu became mother of Radha, the beloved of Sri Krishna.
46. Uddhav—Friend of Sri Krishan, was the disciple of Brihaspati. Brihaspati is said to be father/paternal uncle of Bhardwaj.
47. Vashisht—There is a reference in Devibhagvatta that Ganga married Shantnu. She drowned her 7 children in river Ganga as soon as they were born. On Shantanu’s much pleading she spared the 8th child. She left Shantanu and handed over that 8th child in the ashram of Vashisht. That child was Gangaputra Bhishma. He was reared up by Vashisht himself in that ashram for 8 years. He was well conversed in Vedas and other fields of education. After that Shantanu brought him home .
Vashisht was also kulguru of Suduman, a Chandravanshi king, who as female known by name Ila, bore Pururava. Vashishta out of pity for the king worshipped Shiva and took a boon on behalf of the king, that Suduman will remain female and male on alternate months .
There is an episode described in Kaalika Puran about son of some Varaha known as Narak. He was king of Kaamroop in Treta yuga. He was devoted to Kaamakhya Devi, but by the advice of Baanasur he became Asura. He wanted Kaamakhya to marry him. She put condition that a way to her place of pilgrimage along with other facilities be built overnight which Narak could not fulfil. That path remained incomplete and Narak began to torment people who-so-ever came that way. Infuriated Vashisht cursed Narak and after that the temple of Kaamakhya vanished .
48. Vyaghrapad—Mantradrishta of Rigveda, was one of the twelve sons of Vashisht . His son Upmanyu was the teacher of Sri Krishna. From Upmanyu Sri Krishan learnt Pashupaat yoga/Vratt of 12 months .
His aother son was Shakti who gave birth to Prashar whose son was Vyas, the famous author of great epic Mahabharata.
49. Vishwamitra—Vishwamitra took Ram to Janakpuri. He cursed Samba, son of Sri Krishna. Due to this curse Samba gave birth to ‘musal’. That ‘musal’ was reduced to powder and thrown in sea, but that grew into sarkandas. By those sarkandas yaduvamhis killed each other in a fierce brawl, thence exterminating all yadus .
50. Vyas—King Janak tells Shukdev that his father is his guru and that Vyas is a respectable person . Shukdev took spiritual lessons from king Janak. It was Vedvyas who composed great epic Mahabharat .
51. Yagyavlkya—He was guru of king Janak. Yagyavlkya’s guru was Vedvyas . He resided in Mithilapuri, the capital of King Janak. He was prominent among all the narrators of Ramayana. He was also disciple of Vaishmyapam. He narrated Ramayana to Bhardwaj, his father-in-law, at Prayag .
2. Arjun--Arjun met Bhardwaj muni at his ashram situated in south near the banks of Mahanadi at Kalhasti and listened to the stories of Shiv-Parvati, Agstya rishi etc. It came to pass a couple of years after Pandavas got the area of Khandavprastha (now Delhi) from Dhritrashtra, after Pandavas married Draupadi. Arjun was on the journey of all the Tirthas as he happened to break the agreement about Draupadi. It was agreed among Pandavas that she will reside for full one year with each, and during that period of one year ohters will not even gaze at Draupadi.
3. Ashwani Kumars--Nakul and Sahdev were born of Madri, second wife of Pandu, through Ashwani Kumars. They are born of Kashyap through Aditi.
4. Asit--He was even prior to Sri Ram. He was son of Kashyap. He spoke of Sri Krishan thus: "Sri Krishan himself is the Prajapati (the lord of creation) during the primal creation of beings, and is the sole creator of all the worlds".
5. Asthavakra--It was due to his curse that the wives of Sri Krishan were reduced to mere human mortals from their higher existence as apsaras (celestial nymphs). Asthavakra appeared in the court of Janak at Mithila and he instructed king Janak on spiritual matters.
6. Atithi--He was the son of Kush, and grand son of Sri Ram. Vasisth asked him to do Bhisam-panchak vratt. it becomes evident that Bhisam lived prior to or in the times of Atithi.
7. Atri--Father of Durvasa, in his writing 'Atri-samriti' refers to Shishupal and Sri Krishan.
"Vidveshadapi Govindam Damghoshatmajah smaran, Shishupalo gatah swarga kim punstratparayanah."
His wife Ansuya guided Sita about the duties of a lady towards her husband etc. while Sri Ram and Sita set for 14 yrs exile.
8. Bali--Bali was prior to Sri Ram. Bali had a lead role in carrying Samudramanthan in Satyuga/Krittyuga. He was alive even after Sri Krishan left for Vaikunth and Kaliyuga began.
9. Banasur--He was son of Bali and grandson of Prahlad. Bali and Prahlad were prior to Sri Ram. Bali had a lead role in carrying Samudramanthan in Satyuga/Krittyuga. Banasur was the king of Shauntipur situated near Kedarnath. His daughter Usha married Anirudh, the grandson of Sri Krishan, with the clandestine help of Chitralekha. Sri Krishan cut thousand arms (meaning big army) of Banasur in a fight that ensued after the abduction of his daughter Usha.
10. Balram/Balbhadra/Baldev--Balram after being angry with Sri Krishan, believing that after killing Shatdhanva he has taken Samyantak mani with himself, went to king Janak at Mithila and resided there for 3 yrs. There Duryodhan learnt the art of fighting with club (gada) from Balram.
11. Bharadwaj--He was the gotriya of rishi Valmiki, both were Angiragotriya. He made the story of Ramayana popular among masses. He very fondly listened to the story of Sri Ram from the lips of Yagyavalkya. One of his daughters was married to Yagyavalkya. His second daughter Devavarshini was married to Vishrava, father of Kuber. Ravan was also son of Vishrava. He was the guru/father of Acharya Dron. He learnt grammar and Ayurveda from Indra. "Gandharv Narado Ved Bhardwajo dhanurgriham." Bhardwaj discoursed on Dhanurveda 9science of Archery), and Raajshashtra (politics). Sri Ram visited his ashram at the very first instance immediately after their exile. He guided Ram to Chitrakut. Historically this period aligns the overlapping period of Treta-Dwapar Yuga. He lived up to the mature age of +300 years. he is referred to as "Dirghjivitam."
12. Bhishma--Bhishma was brought up by Vashisth up to the age of 8 years. After that his mother Ganga handed over Bhishma to his father Shantanu. Bhishma refers to Ram, Dashrath, Lakshman, Sita, Harischander and Rohit etc in reference to worry by his father Shantanu, after hearing the condition from Dashraj, father of Satyavati, that the son of Satyavati will be the heir apparent for the throne after Shantanu. he died at the age of 135 years. Parsuram and Bhisma fought for 23 days on disagreement about marriage of Bhishma.
13. Bhrigu--He was even prior to Sri Ram. He spoke of Sri Krishan thus: "He is the gods of gods and the most ancient Vishnu."
14. Daanvendra Maiy--He was the father of Mandodri, who was the wife of Ravan. He was like Vishwakarma for Asuras. His two sons Dundubhi and Maayaavi were killed by Vaanar-raj Bali while his third son Vyom was killed by Sri Krishan. Daanvendra Maiy took shelter of Sri Krishan when Arjun set Khandavavan on fire and did not allow anyone to escape alive from that forest. Maiy was meditating in that forest. He was saved by Sri Krishan from the rage of Arjun. He designed and built celestial looking palaces for Yudhistra. He was a great illusionist and a magician.
15. Dattatreya--He was son of Maharishi Atri. Sri Ram visited ashram of Atri during sojourn in jungle for 14 years. Dattatreya met Praduman, son of Sri Krishan, when he was traveling south India with Uddhavji. Dattatreya also taught Yadu, the great grand father of Praduman, the teachings of 24 gurus that he had.
16. Deval--He was even prior to Sri Ram. He was son of Asit, and grandson of Kashyap. He spoke of Sri Krishan thus: "Sri Krishan himself is the Prajapati (the lord of creation) during the primal creation of beings, and is the sole creator of all the worlds." His son was Shandilya. Shandilya was purohit of Raghuvanshi king Dilip and was present when Bhishma was lying on the bed of arrows erected by Arjuna.
17. Dilip--He was advised by Vasisth to visit dev-temple of Sri Krishan at Dwarka, when Jupiter was in Zodiacal sign of Leo. Vasisth accompanied king Dilip to Dwarka.
18. Draupadi--During the 11th year of their exile, Pandavas were staying at an Ashram where many renowned rishis were staying at that time namely: Dhaumaya, Atri, Galav, Pail, Jabali, Gautum, Bhrigu, Chayavan, Kanav, Jatu, Vithihotra, Sumantu, Yajyadatt, Vatsal, Rashashan, Kahod, Yavkrit, Yajyakreet and many more. That day five Pandvas were out for hunting when Jaydarath came in that ashram and tried to entice and kidnap Draupadi.
19. Dronacharya (Acharya Dron)--He was son of Maharishi Bharadwaj. he was guru of Pandavas and Kaurvas. his son was Ashwathama, who fought in Mahabharata war. From Maharishi Agnivesya and Sri Parsuram he obtained knowledge of all forms of arms and missiles with their secrets. From them he possessed very deep knowledge and experience of archery and the use of other forms of weapons, and unrivaled skill of warfare.
Dronacharya married Kripi who was the daughter of Urvashi and Shardwan. Urvashi was the daughter of Shatanand, the son of Gautam. Gautam was son of Angira through Swaroopa daughter of Marichi. Shardwan was the son of Uttathya was again son of Angira through Swaraat, the daughter of Kardam muni. Angira and Gautam were prior to birth of Sri Ram and Dronacharya lived in the period of Sri Krishan.
20. Drupad--Son of Yagyasen/Prasat of Panchal and father of Draupadi, who was wife of Pandavas, spent some tome in the ashram of Bharadwaj rishi as his disciple. Here Drupada and Drona became friends, but later they became arch enemies of each other. Dronacharya killed Drupad in Mahabharat war.
21. Durvasa--If Durvasa had not cursed Indra then Samudramanthan would not have been executed for the benefit of both daityas and devatas, prior to birth of Sri Ram. he was the illustrious son of Atri and Ansuya. his mother Ansuya guided Sita about the duties of a wife that should be towards her husband.
He visited rishi Mudgal in dwapar yuga, to examine his vow of asceticism. Durvasa gave mantra to Kunti. She recited it in given manner and Surya devata appeared before her. From Surya she got impregnated and gave birth to Karan.
Duryodhana sent simple hearted but fiery tongued Durvasa to Pandavas believing that Pandavas will be unable to properly feed and treat Durvasa and his large number of followers in the jungle, and thus if displeased then Pandavas will receive the curse of Durvasa. Pandavas were not in the state to provide meals to Durvasa and his large assemblage. Draupadi remembered Sri Krishan for help. Through Sri Krishan's divine intervention they felt as if they were loaded up to their throat and declined to take meals, and being afraid ran away from there lest they face the wrath of Yudhistra and Sri Krishan. "My experience with Ambarisa is still fresh in my memory, and I am terribly afraid of the devotees of Sri Krishan."
Durvasa cursed Saamb, the son of Sri Krishan through Jambvatti, daughter of Jambvant. Due to this curse Saamb suffered from white leprosy (vitiligo). He was cured of this skin disease with the blessings of Sun god.
There is a story in Mahabharat that once Durvasa visited Sri Krishan and pleased with the reception and respect from Sri Krishan he asked Sri Krishan to smear on his whole body the drinking water left over by Durvasa. Sri Krishan smeared the water on his body as guided but out of respect to Brahmin did not smear it on the sole of his feet. Sri Krishan died when some herdsman hit his arrow on his sole accidentally mistaking the shape of his feet for the head of a deer.
"Sammanyandvijvacho Durvasa Yaduvatch hai,
Yogayuktoabhvatpadam kritva jaanuni sattm."
("To protect the truth of the words of Durvasa Sri Krishan sat with his leg folded on his other thigh maintaining yogic posture.")
22. Duryodhan—Duryodhan also visited Videhnagar of King Janak, father of Sita. There he learnt to handle and fight with club (gada) from Balram.
23. Dvivid—He was a warrior in the army of Sugriva. Later on he made friendship with Narakasura. At the instigation of Paundrik Vasudev Dvivid tried to demolish Dwarka. Dvivid was killed by Balaram being accomplish of Narakasura. Paundrik Vasudev and Narakasura were killed by Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna is also known as Narakantak .
24. Garg—Garg initiated many Yadvas into spiritual knowledge. He advised Vasudev, father of Sri Krishan, to worship Bhagvatti Durga, to beget a son that will be long lived. Vasudev was then a prisoner of Kans. Garg performed worship of goddess on his behalf at vindhyagiri.
Ritwik muni also consulted Garg about the misconducts of his son and out of rage Ritwik cursed revati nakshatra to fall from heaven. This episode is sometime prior to birth of Sri Ram. Garg was the son of Bhardwaj and brother of Dronacharya .
Garg was present at the time of Samudramanthan to guide astrologically the auspicious time for devatas to begin the churning. The churning of ocean was carried in Sat (Kritt) Yuga.
He was alive even after the mahaprayana of Sri Krishna, when Kaliyuga entered. He along with Chayavan, Galav, Asit, Deval, Dhaumaya, Udyalak etc met king Bali and Prahlad to seek their guidance to avoid the terrible impact of Kaliyuga and to know the abode of Vishnu in Kaliyuga .
25. Gargi—She was the daughter of Vachknu, the son of Garg. Her full name was Vaachknavi Gargi. She was in declamation with Yagyavlkya at the court of king Janak of Mithila. This episode is recorded in detail in Brihadaranyak Upnishad .
26. Hanuman—A great hero in the epic of Ramayana. Helped Ram in his victory over Ravana. He also appeared to disparage the ego of Bhima.
In accordance with his promise to Bhimsen, the great hero Hanuman always occupied the huge flag of Arjuna, and from time to time, during the war, used to give loud and dreadful roars .
Hanuman met Sri Krishan. Through Hanuman Krishan decided to disparage ego of Garuda, Satyabhama and Sudereshan . Through Hanuman, Sh Krishan also punished Paundrik Vasudeva, who adopted the visage of Sh Krishan and claimed that he, not Sh Krishan is the real incarnation of Vishnu, and forced his people to worship him .
Hanuman is believed to be born in Sat Yuga and was alive after the beginning of Kaliyuga. “Charo jug pratap tumhara, hai prasidh jagat ujiyara”.
27. Indra—He is another character ever present in all the four yugas. There not a scripture where Indra is not mentioned. Sri Krishan ordered all yadvas not to worship Indra anymore. Sri Krishan lifted Govardhan parvat to protect yadvas from the wrath of Indra. Indra was pleased in the end and took promise from Sri Krishna that he will always protect and take care of his son Arjuna. After that Sri Krishna held Indrayag festival in honor of Indra. Indra gave Sri Krishna the epithet of ‘Govind’ . Arjuna is said to be son of Kunti through Indra.
28. Indraduman—“He was a king in Satyug, in the lineage of Swayambhuv Manu, Priyavrat, and son of Sumati, illustrious and brave like Indra, he erected a very high temple at Utkala, Purushottama-kshetra and in that temple installed the idols of Sri Krishan, Balbhadra and Subhadra ”, who were in Dwapar yuga.
29. Jambvan—He helped Hanuman in tracing Sita. He made Hanuman realize the power he had to cross the ocean in one leap. Jambvan refused to return back from Ayodhya. Sri Ram promised him to appear again for his sake in Dwapar yuga. Sri Krishna fought Jambvan for 27 days to get back “sayamantak mani”. Jambvan married his daughter Jambvati to Sri Krishna .
Jambvan expresses to Kaakbhasundi his inability to cross the sea as:
“Jarath bhyehu ab kahie Richesa, nahi tan raha pratham bal lesa;
jabhi Trivikram (Vaaman) bhaye Kharai (Sri Ram), tab mei tarun raheu bal bhari” .
(Now that I have grown old and the old vigor is no more, and when Vishnu appeared (incarnated) as Vaaman, then I was young and very strong.
Jambvan was present in Satyuga/Krityuga, Tretayuga as well as Dwaparyuga.
30. Janak—There is a reference of king Janak in Gita. Sri Krishna praises king, father of Sita. “It is through action, without attachment, alone that Janak and other wise men reached perfection. Having an eye to maintenance of the world order too you should take to action”—Krishan tells Arjun.
31. Krishan—He learnt Pashupat yog from Maharishi Angira at the ashram of Vyaghrapaad , after very intense austerity and contemplation . Angira was one of the mind born sons of Brahma. He was even prior to Ram.
32. Kunti—She obtained Surya mantra from Durvasa, while she was virgin and unmarried, and bore Karan due to Surya mantra .
33. Manigriv and Nalkuber—They were sons of Kuber, the brother of Ravana. Both were cursed by Narad and turned them into a pair of Arjuna trees. Both were redeemed of their curse by Sri Krishna .
34. Markandey—Markandey was the one of the few survivors after the event of great flood (naimitik pralaiy) prior to Kritt yuga. Markandey was great grandson of Bhrigu. From him Vajra, the son of Anirudh, grand son of Praduman, and great grand son of Sri Krishan, learnt all subjects and disciplines of knowledge in their entirety .
Yudhistra along with his wife Draupadi and brothers met Markandey at his ashram situated by the edge of Narmada River. Yudhistra asked about the mahtamya of Narmada river. At that time following of some of the rishis of extreme repute were also present at his ashram: Pulastya, Vasisth, Atri, Bhardwaj, Manu, Angira, Prasara, Shukracharya, Gautum, Daksh, Yajyavalkaya, Jamdagni, Rishyashring, Garg, Shaunak, Vyas, Shuk, Narad, Durvasa, Vishwamitra, Shatanand and many more .
35. Muchkund—He was a descendant of Suryavansh. In dwapar period he had darshan of Sri Krishna. Kalayavan was reduced to ash by mere looks on him by Muchkund . Muchkund fought with Tarkasur whom Kartikeya, son of Parvati killed . Parvati married Shiva in her next incarnation of Sati, sometime after abduction of Sita by Ravana.
36. Narad—Assisted in carrying out lilas of Sri Krishna and Sri Ram.
He inspired great devotees like Prahlad, Dhruva and Ambrish, and showed them the way to bhakti and the world further vowes to him two incomparable names of Indian litereature, viz. Srimad-Bhagavata and the Ramayana of Valmik. It was he who imparted instructions even to a man of great spiritual wisdom like Sri Shukdev.
Narad said about Sri Krishna, “He is the supreme Lord of all deities known as the Sadhyas, as well as of all blessings… Just as a child plays at will with its dolls, so does Sri Krishna sport in the company of Brahma, Siva, Indra and the other gods. ”
Devrishi Narad, addressing the pious king Yudhistra, says, “O king, of all men you are indeed highly blessed, inasmuch as sages who lend sanctity to the worlds frequently visit your palaces, and the supreme Brahma Himself lives here in the guise of a human being. Indeed, Sri Krishna is the supreme Brahma whom sages seek to realize as the bliss of absolute repose. He is your beloved friend, your maternal cousin, the object of your worship, your Guide and teacher. Tell me, then, who can compare with you in the matter of good luck? ”
37. Parsuram—He appeared when Sri Ram broke the mighty bow of Shankra in Sita svayamvara. He taught weapon handling to Bhishma. Once he accepted defeat at the hands of brave Bhishma. Fight continued for full 23 days.
Great warrior Karan acquired exceptional knowledge of the science of arms from great Parsuram.
Dronacharya also learnt art of archery and missiles from Parsuram .
Once an altercation ensued between Parshuram and Ganesh. Out of rage Parshuram cut down left tusk of Ganesh with his weapon ‘Parsha.’ Parvati informed Parshuram that Ganesh is the soul-akin of Sri Krishan. Then Parshuram remembered Sri Krishan with all reverence and pleading for forgiveness. After this episode Ganesh is known by the name ‘Ekdant’.
Parsuram said about Sri Krishna, “He is Vishnu Himself; none can vanquish Him. He is the sacrifice, the sacrificer and the deity worshipped through sacrifice. ”
Well known is Krishna's showing his Cosmic Form Vishva ruupa to Arjun, while teaching Bhagavad Gita in Mahabharata battle. But the epic Mahabharata records Rama's display of His Cosmic form to Parashu Rama. In it is said in detail as:
pasya mam svena rupena chaksuh te vitarami aham |
tato rama sarira vai rama pasyati bhargava |
adityan pavamanan rudran sadhyan cha sa marud ganana |
pitaro hutasanan chaiva nakshatrani griha tatha |
38. Prahlad--He was alive even after the mahaprayana of Sri Krishna, when Kaliyuga entered. Chayavan, Galav, Asit, Deval, Dhaumaya, Udyalak etc met king Prahlad and Bali to seek their guidance to avoid the terrible impact of Kaliyuga and to know the abode of Vishnu in Kaliyuga .
39. Prsat and Drupad—Prsat, king of Panchal--father of Drupad, and Bhardwaj were great friends. Drupad passed a certain period of his early days in the hermitage of sage Bhardwaj, where an intimacy was formed between him and Drona, the son of sage Bhardwaj.
40. Ram—Long after Sri Krishan left Mathura and moved to Dwarka, He advised Shatrughan to kill Lavanasur. Shatrughan re-built the city of Mathura . Previously Kans, maternal uncle of Sri Krishan, was the king of Mathura. After completion of Ashwamedha yajya Sri Ram worshipped his soul-akin (atam-swaroop) Vishnu’s other incarnation Sri Vaasudev (Sri krishan) . In Agni Puran the name ‘Vaasudev’ is without doubt used for Sri Krishan .
Vasisth informs Ram about Sri Krishan and Dharmaranya (which later Krishan developed into Dwarka). In Vasisth’s opinion Jambvant and Lomash risihi knew about the antiquity of this place, since these two are very long lived. This event is few months after Ram’s coronation ceremony. Sita also accompanied Sri Ram to this place.
41. Sanatkumars—They were even prior to Ram. They spoke of Sri Krishna thus : “His head pervades the heavens and His arms cover the earth; all the three worlds are contained in His belly. He is the external Purusa. The practicant can know Him only after attaining purification of the heart. He is considered to be the Best even among seers who are sated through self-realization; and He is the ultimate resort even of the lofty-minded royal sages, who never turn their back on the field of battle” .
42. Shandilya—When Vishvamitra was doing yajya on behalf of Trishnku, then Shandilya was acting as hotta. He was the purohit of Raghuvanshi king Dilip. He was also present when Bhishma was lying on the bed of arrows erected by Arjuna .
Shandilya was son of Deval, grandson of Asit, and great-grandson of Kashyap. Shandilya talked to Prikshit and Vajranabh, the grandson of Sri Krishna, about Lila of Sri Krishan, sometimes after the death of Sri Krishna.
43. Shukdev—Son of Vyas, was sent to Janak, king of Mithila, to dispel his doubts about certain spheres of philosophy. Shukdev took spiritual lessons from king Janak on the advice of his father Vyas. After that Shukdev agrees to marry.
Shukdev took birth (emerged out of the yoni of her mother) at the behest of Sri Krishna.
Shukdev went to see Prikshit seven days in advance when he was to be bitten by Takshak snake. Then Shukdev recited Bhagvatta for him.
44. Sootji—When the 12 years Yajya of Sri Ram was being conducted at Kurukshetra, which commenced after the return of Sri Ram from exile and his coronation on the throne of Ayodhya, then Sootji was present there. The Bhardwaj muni asked Sootji to explain the grandeur and greatness of Ayodhya. Sootji was the disciple of Vedvyas, the famous author of Mahabharata. Then Sootji begin the explanation of Ayodhya with these words:
“Namami Pramatmana Ramam Rajivlochnam, atsikusumshymam Ravanantakmvayayam.”
45. Swadha—She was one of the daughters of Daksh Prajapati and married to Pitr (Angnik, Agnishvtta, Sagnik) of whom she bore 3 daughters : Maina, Dhanya and Kalavati. Maina the wife of Himalaya Giri gave birth to Parvati, the consort of Shiva, Dhanya the wife of King Janak became foster mother to Sita, who married Sri Ram and the 3rd daughter Kalavati married to Vrishbhanu became mother of Radha, the beloved of Sri Krishna.
46. Uddhav—Friend of Sri Krishan, was the disciple of Brihaspati. Brihaspati is said to be father/paternal uncle of Bhardwaj.
47. Vashisht—There is a reference in Devibhagvatta that Ganga married Shantnu. She drowned her 7 children in river Ganga as soon as they were born. On Shantanu’s much pleading she spared the 8th child. She left Shantanu and handed over that 8th child in the ashram of Vashisht. That child was Gangaputra Bhishma. He was reared up by Vashisht himself in that ashram for 8 years. He was well conversed in Vedas and other fields of education. After that Shantanu brought him home .
Vashisht was also kulguru of Suduman, a Chandravanshi king, who as female known by name Ila, bore Pururava. Vashishta out of pity for the king worshipped Shiva and took a boon on behalf of the king, that Suduman will remain female and male on alternate months .
There is an episode described in Kaalika Puran about son of some Varaha known as Narak. He was king of Kaamroop in Treta yuga. He was devoted to Kaamakhya Devi, but by the advice of Baanasur he became Asura. He wanted Kaamakhya to marry him. She put condition that a way to her place of pilgrimage along with other facilities be built overnight which Narak could not fulfil. That path remained incomplete and Narak began to torment people who-so-ever came that way. Infuriated Vashisht cursed Narak and after that the temple of Kaamakhya vanished .
48. Vyaghrapad—Mantradrishta of Rigveda, was one of the twelve sons of Vashisht . His son Upmanyu was the teacher of Sri Krishna. From Upmanyu Sri Krishan learnt Pashupaat yoga/Vratt of 12 months .
His aother son was Shakti who gave birth to Prashar whose son was Vyas, the famous author of great epic Mahabharata.
49. Vishwamitra—Vishwamitra took Ram to Janakpuri. He cursed Samba, son of Sri Krishna. Due to this curse Samba gave birth to ‘musal’. That ‘musal’ was reduced to powder and thrown in sea, but that grew into sarkandas. By those sarkandas yaduvamhis killed each other in a fierce brawl, thence exterminating all yadus .
50. Vyas—King Janak tells Shukdev that his father is his guru and that Vyas is a respectable person . Shukdev took spiritual lessons from king Janak. It was Vedvyas who composed great epic Mahabharat .
51. Yagyavlkya—He was guru of king Janak. Yagyavlkya’s guru was Vedvyas . He resided in Mithilapuri, the capital of King Janak. He was prominent among all the narrators of Ramayana. He was also disciple of Vaishmyapam. He narrated Ramayana to Bhardwaj, his father-in-law, at Prayag .
