CHAPTER 2: AVATRAS them. That is usually the extent of it.

In this chapter, I
wish to examine each loka peeling apart the qualities of
athvatrakathandhyya||2|| the avatras.
=now
= avatra [deities who become engaged in the As I was translating this chapter, I realized the first
affairs of the universe] chapter was an important foundation to this chapter,
=narration especially in regards to the below key points from the last
=meditation three lokas of chapter one:
=masculine in a stem, singular, nominative
1. Per loka 22, living beings [containing a portion of
Now the meditation on the narration of the avatras living being and supreme soul] can have a predominance
[deities who become engaged in the affairs of the of living being portion or supreme soul portion.
universe].
2. Per loka 23, Surya, etc., additional planets, Brahma,
The main subject matter for chapter two is the avatras. iva and others have supreme spirit in predominance
In the widest definition, avatras are deities that become and abundance.
engaged with the affairs of universe. In contemporary
vedic astrology, avatras are not commonly referenced. 3. Per loka 24, the aktis are attached to the respective
You hear of them and an occasional myth is attached to portions [living being and supreme soul].

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 1

Chapter 2/loka 1: =Lakshmis Lord [referring to Vishnu]


=they [pronoun, 1st person, plural]


=[emphatic]
rmakdayo ye ye hyavatr rampate| =emphatics

te'pi jvasayukt ki v brhi munvara||1|| =living being
=portion
=Rma =endowned with

=Ka
=masculine a stem, plural, nominative
=etc. =containing a portion of the living being

=masculine i stem, plural, nominative =[interrogative], [partical] whether

Rama, Ka, etc.
= =please tell [Impv, 2nd gana]

=who, who [such as] =Muni [Brahmin of the highest order]

=[emphatic] =Lord
= avatra
=Lord of munis
=masculine a stem, plural, nominative

=of the Avatars Please tell me lord of the munis! Whether, Vishnus
=Ram [referring to Lakshmi] avatras [such as Rma, Ka, etc.] contain a portion of
=Lord living being.
=masculine i stem, singular, genitive

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 2

With this loka Maitreya [the inquiring Brahman] is
trying to figure out if an avatra will have a portion of
living being. It is important to determine if an entity like
an avatra will have a portion of living being to
determine its hierarchy on a cosmic level. As stated in
chapter one, loka 21 and 22, if someone one is a living
being then automatically the living being will contain a
portion of living being and a portion of supreme soul.
Everyone contains some amount of the supreme soul and
the supreme soul is established in all living beings.

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 3

Chapter 1/loka 2:


=Sukara



=masculine a stem, singular, nominative
rma kaca bho vipra nsiha sukarastath| =thusly
ete prvatrca hyanye jvaknvit||2||
=thusly Sukara
=these [emphatically said]
=Rma full
=

=masculine a stem, singular, nominative = avatra
= Rma =masculine a stem, plural, nominative
=Ka
=and
=masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=full Avatara, and
=and =indeed [emphatic]

=and Ka =other
=O [emphatic in addressing a person or people] =pronoun, plural, nominative, 1st person
=wise one =Indeed, other
=Nrsimha

=masculine a stem, singular, nominative

=Nsiha

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 4

=living being Later in this chapter it is revealed that these Avatras

=portion come from there respective planets. Rma, Ka,

=those who have Nsiha, Sukara are associated with Sun, Moon, Mars

=endowed and Rahu, respectively. After pondering this mystery

=masculine a stem, plural, nominative one thing I came up with is combining a statement made

=those endowed with living portion in the Tao Te Ching [an important and ancient text in
Taoism] with the vedic numerology of the planets and

O wise one, Rma, Ka, Nsiha, Sukara thusly indeed the Sakhya philosophy system. In the Tao Te Ching it

are full avatra. The others are endowed with a living states, The one becomes the two, the two becomes the

portion. three and the three becomes the many. In vedic

numerology the Sun is number one, the Moon is number

This is a very significant loka given it is only qualifying two, Mars is number three, and Rahu is number eight,

four avatras as completely full of supreme soul. It is but lords over number four. If you overlay the planets

very interesting how only four Avatras are completely on the Sakhya philosophy framework then Sun is

full of supreme soul. Why is this? Rma and Ka are Purua, Moon is Prakriti, Mars is Mahat and Rahu would

commonly given high rank amoung the vedic deities, but rule over Ahamkra. The Purua is everything and is

not always with Nsiha and especially not with Sukara. beyond everything and is analogized with the cosmic
soul. Prakriti is cosmic nature that Purua conjuncts with
resulting in the third stage of Mahat, the cosmic

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 5

intelligence. Buddi is the individual intellingence which
is also a part of Mahat. The planet Mercury is the
number four and relates to the Ahamkra [the I-maker].
Ahamkra is the quality that has us think we are the doer
and engenders this falacy within us, which results in a
lack of discrimination. Discrimination is a quality of
Mercury. In Sakhya philosophy it is stated that lack of
discrimination is what sets us into samsara [cyclical
existence]. It is by regaining discrimination of what is
soul [the Sun] and what is nature [the Moon] that we
merge with the Purua once again. Intelligence is a tool
to this [the quality of Mars]. Mercury brings in the
discrimination quality to manage the intelligence to take
us back to the source through nature and experience [a
quality of the Moon]. Note also that Mars is the number
three, but rules number nine, which takes us to the end of
the nine main numbers. Rahu is eight, which starts the
regression back toward one. Regression in vedic
philosophy is always thought as a positive point whereas
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
evolution is thought as inferior for it is going away from
the soul. Rahu in the natal chart is showing you what
you are moving toward. Before we ever become
liberated we have to experience something as a medium
of will for the divine. This is our role in the great scheme
of things. Rahu cuts the umbilical cord and sets us out in
this life and will eventually return us to the divine. Rahu
is the great turning point in our evolution and
involution. The lord always does the work of the
supreme soul. Thus Rahu clouds our discrination and
sets us up for experience in nature and will eventually
allow us to return to the divine. This is food for thought
to ponder more on this loka. Later in this commentary I
will detail each of the avatras listed in this chapter along
with the main myths connected to them.
6
Chapter 2/loka 3: =living beings


=masculine a stem, plural, genitive


=of living beings
avatryanekni hyajasya paramtmana| =karma
jvn karmaphalado graharup janrdana||3|| =fruit
=giving
=avatra =masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=neuter a stem, plural, nominative
=to give fruit of karma
=many [pronoun]
=graha
=neuter a, plural, nominative =form [-in ending, nominative, singular]

=Many avatras =in the form of the grahas
=indeed [emphatic] =Janrdana
=unborn =masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=masculine a stem, singular, genitive = Janrdana [epithet of Ka/Vishnu]

=Indeed of the unborn

=supreme [adjective] Indeed, Paramtma who is unborn has had many

=soul avatras. Janrdana, in the form of the grahas, gives the
=an stem, singular, genitive fruits of karma of the Living beings.
=supreme soul

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 7

This loka states that the supreme soul has many
avatras, but only the four listed in loka two of this
chapter are full of supreme soul. Different traditions say
there are a certain number of avatras. The most
common being ten. This loka does not give a set
number of avatras.

The second part of this loka is stating how living beings

receive the results of their karmas. Janrdana is an
epithet of Ka/Vishnu, thereby, creating a strong link
between Vishnu and the grahas via a deity called
Janrdana. Grahas give the fruits of karma of the living
beings, thus clarifying why we look at the position of
the planets to derive a persons karma. Karma is simply
the consequences of past actions. This also clarifies that
if you are not living being than the Grahas do not issue
your fruits of karma.

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 8

Chapter 2/loka 4: =strength


=increase



=masculine i stem, singular, dative
daityn balanya devn balavddhaye| =
to increase the strength
dharmasasthpanrthya grahjjt ubh =dharma
kramt||4||
=establish
=aim
=daitya [demon] =masculine a stem, singular, dative

=masculine a stem, plural, genitive =for the aim to establish dharma

=of the daityas [Demons] =graha
=strength
=masculine a stem, singular, ablative
=for destruction =took auspicious births
=masculine a stem, singular, dative =masculine a stem, plural, nominative
=to destroy the strength =from [singular] graha, born from [plural]
=Deva =auspicious

=masculine a stem, plural, genitive =masculine a stem, plural, nominative
=
of the devas [divine] =auspicious

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 9

=succession increasing the divine and destroying the demons to

=masculine a stem, singular, ablative establish and reestablish dharma. These themes and

=successively [adverb] stories will be relayed later in this chapter.

The last part of this loka states that many auspicious

To destroy the strength of the Daityas [demons], to births [avatras] came from the grahas. The main

increase the strength of the Devas [divine], aiming to avatras that came from the planets will be listed below

establish dharma. [Janrdana] from grahas took many from Sun to Ketu.

auspicious births successively.

This loka is stating that Janrdana will incarnate into

various auspicious births, for the following three reasons:

1. Destroy the strength of the demons

2. Increase the strength of the divine
3. Establish dharma

I believe the auspicious births mean the avatras. All the

myths about avatras have this recurring theme of

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 10

Chapter 2/loka 5: =Yadu

=Leader


=masculine a stem, singular, nominative
rmo'vatra sryasya candrasya yadunyaka| =Lord of the Yadu [Ka]
nsiho bhmiputrasya buddha somasutasya ca||5|| = Nsiha [Mars]

=masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=Rma = Nsiha

=masculine a stem, singular, nominative =Earth

=avatra =son
=masculine a stem, singular, nominative =masculine a stem, singular, genitive
= Rma avatra =Son of the Earth [Mars]

Surya [Sun]
= =Buddha
=masculine a stem, singular, genitive =masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=Surya [Sun]
=Buddha

=Chandra [Moon] =Soma
=masculine a stem, singular, genitive =extract
=Chandra [Moon] =masculine a stem, singular, genitive

=Extract from Soma [Mercury]

=and

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 11


The avatra are Rma of Surya [Sun], Yadu Leader of
Chandra [Moon], Nsiha is of the Son of Earth [Mars],
and Buddha of Soma Extract [Mercury].
Rma:
This loka is listing the avatras that come from the Sun
to Mercury, respectively. I have listed some details about
these avatras below [these details are copied from
Ernsts Wilhelms book Vault of the Heavens]:
Long ago during the Tetra Yuga there was an Asura
[demon] king by the name of Ravana who was
displaying great selfishness and arrogance, and who was
fast breaking every conduct of dharma. Ravana had won
many boons due to the strict penance he had performed.
These boons made him so powerful that no one could
conquer his display of unrighteousness and therefore
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
adharma [unrighteousness] was becoming rampant in
the world. Brahma and the Devas went to the all-
pervading Vishnu to request his assistance in ridding the
world of Ravana, as none of them could do so. Vishnu
promised to incarnate in the Solar Dynasty and put an
end to Ravana and his unrighteousness.
Vishnu was born as Rma, who exemplified all the ideals
of Dharma throughout the entirety of his life. Rma was
of royal birth and was chosen as the crown prince of
Ayodhya. Through the scheming of one of his fathers
wives the throne was unjustly taken from him and he
was exiled to the forest for fourteen years. To willingly
accepted the exile with even minded calmness and
detachment, even though his father had already died due
to the grief caused by Rmas exile, Rmas wife, Sita and
his brother, Lakshman, would not part from Rma and
followed him to the forest. Many adventures befell Rma
12
during his exile and not even once did he stir from the
strict path of Dharma.
After many years of living and wandering in the forest,
news of Sitas beauty reached the ears of Ravana, who
then abducted Sita, hoping to make her his wife. Rma
was heartbroken and made every effort to find Sita and
rescue her from Ravana. After much time and effort,
Rma destroys Ravana, and Sita is returned to him. At
that point the purpose of Rmas incarnation had been
fulfilled; he had destroyed Ravana and exemplified
Dharma to such a degree that mortal man weeps at the
thought of the sacrifices Rma had made to reestablish
Dharma in the world of man. On hearing the stories of
Rama, man to this day becomes inspired to follow his
example.
The trials of Dharma are hard and Rma, after
conquering Ravana, still had one more ideal to establish.
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
After returning to his native city and becoming crowed,
Rma heard that one of his subjects spoke ill of his wife.
His subject declared that once a woman resides under the
care of another man she should not be allowed to return
to her husband, though Rma might accept her because
he was infatuated with her, he would never accept her.
That Sita was taken against her will, that she remained
outside Ravanas place, only eating roots and fruits so as
to eat what her husband was eating in the forest while
she waited for him to rescue her, was not considered by
this critic, Rma, feeling that as king his highest Dharma
was to please his subjects abandoned Sita to the ashram
of Rishi Valmiki. Sita was with child and after giving
birth to Rmas twin sons she died. At hearing of Sitas
death Rama was sunk in sorrow, but he remembered that
a king has no right to have feelings of his own so he
concentrated on ruling the earth until his death.
13
For a man to live a life of such strict adherence to
Dharma he must be conscious of the true Self that resides
in him. Only then can he be separated and detached
enough to do his duty. This Self is symbolized by the
Sun and exemplified for all time by Lord Rma.
Yadu Leader:
Ka is the beloved Avatar of the Hindus. The stories of
Ka are many and his devotees never tire of hearing
them. Ka was born of two saintly parents while
imprisoned by the evil King Kamsa, Kas uncle.
Kamsa had imprisoned Kas parents because a voice
from the sky had told him that their eighth child would
be the death of him. Kamsa killed Kas six younger
siblings as soon as they were born, but the seventh was
transformed to the womb of Rohini, a cowherd of
Gokula. This seventh was Balarma; an incarnation of
Adishesha-the 1000 headed serpent, Kas lifelong
companion.
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
When Ka was born the doors to his parents prison
magically opened. His father carried him away to
Gokula, and exchanged Ka for the newborn daughter
of Yashoda, who lay sleeping.
When Kamsa heard of the eighth child being born, he
rushed to kill it. When he raised the child, who was
actually Yashodas child, up in order to smash and kill it,
the child slipped from his fingers into the air, and before
magically disappearing, told Kamsa that the eighth child
was hidden safely away.
Ka spent his early life in sweet contentment among
the cowherds. Kamsa sent many Asuras to kill him, but
Ka, though just a small child, vanquished them all.
Ka was a delight to all, and entertained them with the
music of his flute and his constant pranks.
14
At the age of fifteen Ka left the cowherds to kill the
evil Kamsa and release his parents. Ka became
known as a hero due to his amazing feats while
destroying many Asuras. The people, therefore, always
came to Ka for his aid, succor, and comfort.
Ka is best know for his role as friend, advisor and
comforter to Arjuna and the Pandus during the
Kurukshetra war between the Pandus and Kurus,
depicted in the Mahabharata and Bhagavad-Gita.
During this war, virtually all those who were of an evil
and arrogant nature were destroyed, purifying the world
Ka grew up in a contented atmosphere among the
cowherds; it is the Moon that indicates the early
environment essential for emotional well-being. The
Moon also rules cows as well as dairy and butter, Kas Hiranyakashipu.
favorite food.
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
Ka spoke always of the importance of Bakti
[devotion], keeping God always-in mind. He loved his
Baktis [devotees] more than all else, even more than
Brahma and all the other deities. It is when the mind, the
Moon, is kept centered in the heart that bakti is
cultivated.
Among Avatars, it is Ka who is many activities are
questionable, but as his mind was always one with God,
nothing he did could ever be construed as degrading to
his spirit. The Moon is the mind; where the mind is, that
is what is important.
Nsiha:
Very long ago there was an Asura by the name of
He had won many boons and had
become very powerful. He conquered the three worlds,
forcing the Devas [demigods] to become his vassals. The
Devas appealed to the Supreme Lord, who told them that
15
Hiranyakashipu would soon have a saintly son and that
a time when Hiranyakashipu was mistreating his son,
He, the Lord, would come and destroy him.
Hiranyakashipus youngest son, Prahlada, expressed all
of the qualities of a saint. He was truthful, disciplined
and loved all living beings. He had his senses under
control and his conduct was faultless. Whenever his
father asked him what he had learned, Prhlada spoke of
the Lord. Needless to say his father was not pleased at
this. He commanded Prhladas instructors to teach
Prahlada worldly ways and to make sure that he saw no
devotees of the Lord.
Prahladas instructors asked him who had instilled him
with such thoughts. Prahlada answered that like iron
attracted to a magnet his mind was always pulled
towards the Lord. With the threat of punishment they
taught him their ways and he acted as though he was
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
learning, but his mind was always with the Lord. They
then brought him to his father who was interested in his
progress. Again Prhlada spoke of the Lord. His father
was enraged and commanded that he be tortured,
Prahlada was undaunted, and therefore, Hiranyakashipu
ordered that Prhlada be killed. Though many methods
were the Asuras were unable to kill this child of five.
Prahladas instructors finally told the king that since they
were unable to kill the boy, in time he might reform, and
so Prhalada was taken back to his studies.
There then came a time when the instructors were away
and Prhlada began converting the other students. When
the instructors returned they were furious at this,
especially since the other students would no longer heed
them in their lessons. The instructors rushed to
Hiranyakashipu who become enraged and decided that
he would kill his son with his own hands.
16
Hiranyakashipu then sent for Prahlada who came and
greeted him respectfully. Hiranyakashipu, chastised
Prahlada, who remained undaunted, speaking only of
the Lord to his father in a respectful manner. Prahlada
told his father that he could benefit from the Lord who
was greater than he was. Prahlada replied that he was
everywhere. His father asked him if He was in a pillar,
which he pointed to. Prahlada said that He was.
Hiranyakashipu then told Pralada that he was going to
kill him, now, so if indeed the Lord was in the pillar, He
should come out and rescue Prahlada from death.
Hiranyakashipu then hit the pillar with his great fist.
There was a terrible noise and the pillar split. Out of it
came the Lord in a terrible form. He glowed like molten
gold. His head and face were that of a lion, his chest also.
His lower half was that of a man. Everyone was afraid
except for Hiranyakashipu. He thought what a strange
beast this is; it is neither nether man nor animal. He then
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
remembered the time when he had asked Brahma for a
boon of immortality. Brahma had been unable to do so,
as he was not immortal himself. However Brahma
granted him that he would not be killed by one of His
creations, he would not be killed by man or animal,
during day or night, inside or outside, on the earth or in
the sky. Brahma did definitely not create this that came
out of the pillar; could this be his death?
Hiranyakashipu then hit the Lord in this beastly form
with his mace. They fought, until finally the Lord lifted
him and carried him to the threshold of the hall; it was
neither inside nor outside. The sky was deepening into
darkness; it was neither day nor night. The Lord placed
him in his lap; neither the earth nor the sky.
Hiranyakashipu was still unafraid. He looked at
Prahlada as if to say that perhaps he was right, that there
was someone more powerful than he. The lord then
ripped out his entrails, killing him.
17

The Lord then went and sat on the throne. He was so
angry that no one dared approach him, the Earth was
trembling, and the heavens were scorching from the heat
of the Lord. They went to get Mother Lakshmi, the Lords
consort. Even She dared not approach Him; She had
never seen him so angry before. Finally Prahlada went to
the Lord. The Lord raised him up and His anger
vanished. Nsihas righteous anger, providing
protection to Gods devotees, is the fiery energy of Mars
utilized at its best.
Buddha:
Buddha means the awakened one. As a name, Buddha
refers to the Buddha known as Guatama Siddhartha, the
founder of Buddhism.
Siddhartha was born as a prince in the kingdom of
Sakyas, on the border of present-day Nepal and India.
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
Learned Brahmins who read his palms and bodily
features declared that he would become either a world
monarch, if he remained at home, or a Buddha, if he left
home. However, there was one Brahmin who said he
would definitely become a Buddha.
As a result of this, Siddharthas father was always
concerned that Siddhartha might desire to leave home
and become an ascetic. He therefore always did his best
to influence Siddhartha in favor of the worldly life,
keeping him happy and contented with every comfort
and luxury.
When Siddhartha was 29 years of age his life took a
sudden turn. When he was out driving his charioteer he
saw a decrepit, old man. Siddhartha asked his charioteer
what had happened to the man. The charioteer
explained that the man was old, that all men became old.
This greatly perturbed Siddhartha. Another day he saw
18
a sick man that fallen in his own excrement. His began eating and taking care of himself in a balanced
charioteer, seeing that Siddhartha was perplexed, manner. His five companions, on seeing this, lost faith in
explained that the man was sick, that all men succumb to him and left in disgust.
sickness. On another occasion Siddhartha saw a dead From this point forward Siddhartha followed his own
body. Again his charioteer explained that the man was path. Soon after he attained enlightenment at the foot of
dead, that all men must die. Next Siddhartha saw a man a bodhi tree after determining that he would not rise
with a shaven head wearing yellow robes. He was from the foot of the tree before attaining enlightenment.
impressed with the calm demeanor and serenity of the After several tests he obtained his goal and become the
man. That day Siddhartha decided to become a Buddha.
wandering ascetic. During the night he quietly slipped
out of the palace, leaving his wife and newborn son. Buddha then began attracting disciples. His first
disciples were the five ascetics who had earlier
Siddharhartha searched for truth. There were two sages abandoned him. He spoke of a balanced middle path
who became his teachers, through their teachings he avoiding both self-indulgence and self-mortification.
reached very high spiritual states. This was not enough This became known as the Noble Eight-fold Path. This
for Siddhartha who continued his quest for six years in a path consisted of right view, right thought, right speech,
woodland grove along with five other ascetics, right action, right living, right endeavor, right
Siddhartha realized that such mortification could not mindfulness, and right concentration. Buddhas
bring him to what he wanted. He changed his ways and

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 19

teachings rapidly spread, through himself and his many
enlightened disciples.

Buddha, upon seeing the death suffering inherent in the

world and the peacefulness of an ascetic, made the choice
between worldly life and the spiritual life. In the same
manner, Mercury, upon seeing his options, has the
capacity to make the choices that result in greatest
security.

Siddhartha went from royal luxuries to severe austerities,

but only when he became balanced in his approach did
he receive enlightenment. It is Mercury, a neuter planet,
which gives a practical balance between two extremes.

The Noble Eight-fold Path is a path of choosing, always,

to do the right thing; it is a path of discrimination. It is
Mercury who provides this type of discrimination.

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 20

Chapter 2/loka 6: =and


=
Kurma



=masculine a stem, singular, nominative
vmano vibudhejyasya bhrgavo bhrgavasya ca| =Kurma

krmo bhskaraputrasya saimhikeyasya skara||6|| =Sun
=son
=Vamana =masculine a stem, singular, genitive
=masculine a stem, singular, nominative =Son of the Sun [Saturn]

=Vamana =Saimhikeya [Rahu] [decended from Lion-like]


=wise one =masculine a stem, singular, genitive
=teacher [of the]
= Saimhikeya [Rahu] [decended from Lion-like]
=masculine a stem, singular, genitive =Sukara [Varaha]


=teacher [of the] wise one [Jupiter] =masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=Bhrgava = Sukara [Varaha]

=masculine a stem, singular, nominative

=Bhargava
Vamana of wise one teacher [Jupiter], Bhrgava of
=Bhrgava Bhrgava [Venus], Kurma of the Son of the Sun [Saturn],
=masculine a stem, singular, genitive Sukara of Sainhikeya.
=Bhargava [Parashurama] [Venus]

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 21

This loka is listing the Avatras that come from Jupiter
to Rahu, respectively. I have listed some details about
the avatras below [these are copied from Ernsts
Wilhelms book Vault of the Heavens]:
Vamana:
Long ago there was a powerful Asura by the name of
Bali. He grew to such strength that he chased Indra, the
king of the Devas, from the heavens. He then ruled the
heavens and the world from what had been Indras city.
Balis fame spread all over the world. Though an Asura,
he was famous, not only for his might, but also especially
for his goodness and generosity.
The mother of Indra was unhappy over the vanquishing
of her son by Bali. She performed a mantra and the
Supreme Lord came to her and told her not to worry; He
would be born as her son to provide help to the Devas.
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
A son was born to her who is known as Vamana.
Vamana, as a boy, approached Bali during a spiritual rite
that he was performing. Such was Vamanas brilliance
that it appeared as if a bright light was coming over the
horizon towards Bali and the other onlookers. When Bali
saw that he who came was such a glorious Brahmin boy
he honored him and fell at his feet. Welcome, said
Bali, by your coming I have been blessed. Tell me what
I can do for you?
Vamana answered him; I want from you three paces of
ground measured by my stride.
Bali was taken back, You do not know what is good for
you, boy. You are just a child. Instead of asking me for
islands you ask me for three paces of ground measured
by your tiny feet. Please, ask again, and ask for enough
land to keep you comfortable for all your life. Vamana
22
said, If a man has not conquered desire all things in the
world will not be enough to satisfy him. One who is not
satisfied with three paces of ground will not be satisfied
with the seven continents and all their wealth. I therefore
ask you only for three paces of ground.
Bali was prepared to grant Vamanas request. At this
time, however, ukra [Venus], Balis Guru, stepped in
and said, Do not give. He is deceiving you in order to
help the Devas. He is the Supreme Lord and with one
pace of his foot He will cover the world, with another He
will cover the heavens and the third step He will take on
your head. You do not have to keep your promise of a
gift to him, for he is deceiving you and intends to take all
that you have.
Bali listened to his Guru and said, I believe what you
say, I do not have to honor my promise as all my
possessions and security is at stake, but I do not fear
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
loosing all that I have. I only fear the infamy of speaking
an untruth.
Sukra was angry with Bali for this and cursed him to fall
from grace and loose all his wealth and success. Bali was
not perturbed by his Gurus curse and granted Vamanas
request.
Vamana then grew to huge proportions and took the
form of the Lord. With one-step he covered the world,
and with another the heavens. He then resumed the
form of Vamana. Bali was then tied up, but he smiled,
for he knew why the Lord had done this to him, to rid
him of two sins, I and Mine. By taking away all that
he had, the Lord rid him of the sin Mine. The Lord
now wanted to show the world that only by surrender
could one rid oneself of the sin I.
23
Vamana looked at Bali, You promised me three paces of
ground. I have taken only two and there is nothing left.
Tell me, where should I place my third step? You have
not kept your word.
Bali was not frightened, I do not consider my words to
be lies, and there is still a place for your third pace.
Please place your foot on my head.
Brahma then came to Vamana and said, Please release
Bali; he has given you all he has and has surrendered
himself to you. He should be rewarded.
The Lord then said, When I want to destroy a man I
grant him all the wealth and power in the world. He
then gets involved in them and forgets his true nature.
When I want to save a man from this delusion I take
away his all. Becoming rid of all his faults he will
become Mine. Bali has never swerved from the path of
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
truth. Blessed by me he will become the Indra during the
Savarnni Manvantar [another cycle of creation]. Until
then he will go to Sutala [a heavenly realm] where I will
always be with him.
Vamana took everything from Bali, but after Bali
surrendered to Him. He blessed him to be the next
Indra. In the same manner Jupiter will take away in
order to allow for greater blessings to follow.
Bali had never swerved from truth and when he was
ready to grow, Vamana, in taking, freed Bali from his
attachments so that he could grow. In the same manner
Jupiter, when we are ready to grow, frees us from those
things that are preventing our growth.
Vamana graced Bali, a mere Asura to become the next
Indra, the next king of the Devas. In the same manner,
Jupiter turns all that is gross into the most perfected.
24
Parasurama:
Parasurama was the son of Jamadagni. Due to some
misbehavior of his grandmother, Parasurama, though
born in a Brahmin [priest caste] family, had the qualities
of a Kshatriya [warrior caste]. A time came when
Kartavirya, a powerful and arrogant king, came to the
ashram of Jamadagni. So impressed was he of
Jamadagnis divine cow of plenty that he stole her.
When Parasurama found this out, he pursued Karavirya
and killed him and his entire army single-handedly,
returning the cow to his father.
His father was disappointed in him and scolded him for
his impatience and for the sin of killing a king.
requested Parasurama to go on a one-year pilgrimage to
the sacred rivers in order to purify himself of the sin.
A year passed and Parasurama returned home. Shortly
thereafter, his mother, while fetching water on the banks
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
of the river, saw a demigod playing in the water and
thought how handsome he was. When she returned,
Jamadagni saw with his minds eye the thought she had.
The thought that a man, other than her husband, was
handsome was a sin. Jamadagni called his sons and
commanded they kill her. They were hesitant to kill their
mother at their fathers angry command. Jamadagni then
called Parasurama, his youngest son, and commanded
that he should kill his mother and brothers. Without
hesitation, Parasurama did so. Jamadagni was pleased
with him and told Parasurama to ask for any boon.
Parasurama asked that his mother and brothers be
returned to life, not remembering what had happened.
He Jamadagni was happy to provide this boon and it was
done.
In the meantime Kartavirayas sons were nursing their
hatred against Parasurama for killing their father.
During a time when Parasurama was out hunting, they
25
came to his fathers ashram to kill his father. When
Parasurama heard the cries of his mother and saw his
dead father he left everything in the hands of his
brothers, grabbed his huge ax and ran from the ashram.
At that moment he had decided to kill all Kshatriyas.
Parasurama killed all the 10,000 sons of Kartavirya, but
this did nothing to appease his anger. His pride
rampant, he would not brook any insult, not resting until
he had punished the offender. With his pride as an
excuse he went around the world twenty-one times
killing Kshatriyas. He performed sacrificial rites to
purify himself of the sins of killing so many kings. It is
said that his purpose was to rid the world of evil
Kshatriyas. A Brahmin by birth, he punished Kshatriyas
that disrespected Brahmins.
Parasurama was very loyal and devoted to his father.
Venus also exhibits such traits of loyalty and devotion,
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
which comes from understanding where the greatest
good lies.
Parasurama instigated many a fight due to his pride, the
pride that is a characteristic of Venus, the most proud
amongst the planets.
Parasurama became intoxicated with killing Kshatriyas.
In the same manner Venus becomes intoxicated with
passion for what he loves to do.
Venus is considered one of the benefices, for an avatar,
with such a bloody role as Parasurama had, to be related
to the benefic Venus appears preposterous at first. A
very important astrological text, Upadesa Sutras, states
that Venus has the ability to abort siblings and cause the
loss of children, so there is much more to Venus then
meets the eye.
26
Kurma:
There was war in the heavens between the Devas and the
Asuras. The Devas could not stand the fierceness of the
Asuras, and many of them were dying. Indra and the
others came to Brahma for help. He advised that they
pray to the Supreme Lord. Brahma and the Devas then
prayed to the Lord and asked him to pity the Devas.
The Lord appeared and counseled them to make peace
with the Asuras in order to buy them time. He then
suggested that they obtain Amrita, the nectar of
immortality. He told them that to obtain the Amrita they
must churn the ocean with the mountain, Mandara, and
that they would need the help of the Asuras to do so. He
then told them that he would also assist and that he
would make sure that the Asuras got nothing of the
Amrita. He then cautioned that many things would
come from the churning of the ocean and that they were
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
not to oppose the Asuras in anything that the Asuras
desired; their only aim was to be the Amrita.
The Devas then made peace with the Asuras who agreed
to help them for their fair share of the Amrita. First they
began to carry the mountain, Mandara, to the ocean, but
it was too heavy and they dropped it crushing many
Devas and Asuras. The Supreme Lord then appeared,
lifted the mountain, and carried it to the ocean. The
serpent, Vasuki, was then tied to the mountain. The Lord
and the Devas went to the head of the serpent and
grasped it in their hands. The Asuras were angry with
this and complained that they would not hold onto the
tail of the serpent as it was beneath their dignity.
Therefore, the Lord allowed the Asuras to hold onto the
head. They then began to churn the ocean, but the
mountain was very heavy and sank into the ocean. The
Lord knew that this happened because they had failed to
pay reverence to Lord Ganesha. The Lord then went
27
under the water and took the form of a huge tortoise,
Kumas, and lifted the mountain on his back. Only very
few knew why the mountain had sank and how it had
come up again. The churning began and the serpent
being pulled upon, could not take it. Fire and poisonous
smoke came out of his mouth, and the Asuras suffered
greatly from it.
The difficult churning continued and many things of
great value and beauty rose from the ocean. The Devas
took only that which the Asuras did not want until at last
Amrita rose to the surface in a vessel gold carried by a
divine looking being. The Asuras quickly took the
Amrita, ran away, and began fighting amongst
themselves over who should have the first taste. The
Devas appealed to the Lord. The Lord told them not to
worry, for had not he already promised them that they
would receive the Amrita.
Among the Asuras then came a woman, Mohini, of such
beauty that the Asuras stopped quarreling. The Asuras
handed the Amrita to her and asked for her to decide
who should take the Amrita first. She said that she
would do so if they promised to accept her actions,
which the Asuras readily agreed to.
The woman was actually the Lord who knew it was not
right to give the Amrita to the Asuras because they were
cruel by nature. He then, in the guise of the woman,
seated the Devas and the Asuras in separate groups. Her
smiles and loving glances were all for the Asuras, but all
the while she was giving the Amrita to the Devas. The
spell she had cast on the Asuras prevented them from
realizing that the Amrita was all being given to the
Devas. They were so enamored by the womens beauty
that the thought how terrible that the devas could only
think of the Amrita and had no appreciation of beauty.
They thought that it was okay for the Devas to have their

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 28

share first and that surely the woman would not cheat
them.
One Asura, Svarbhanu, however was not fooled, so
taking the appearance of a Devas he sat between the Sun
and the Moon. He partook of the Amrita. The Sun and
Moon then recognized him and made signs to the Lord
who cut off Svarbhanus head with his chakra.
Svarbhanu, though, was already immortal from drinking
the Amrita. Brahma had previously granted a boon to
this demon to make him a planet, therefore the Lord
allowed him to drink the Amrita. Svarbhanus head
became Rahu and his body became Ketu. Rahu and Ketu
forever after have had bitter enmity with the Sun and the
Moon, which they swallow during an eclipse.
When the Lord saw that all the Devas had taken Amrita
he resumed His form. Though the Asuras had worked as
the Devas they were not rewarded with any Amrita.
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
Kurma made it possible to perform the difficult churning
of the ocean by raising the mountain after it had sunk
into the ocean and holding it on His back during the
churning. It is Saturn who provides the capacity to
persevere through difficult tasks. It is also Saturn who is
slow, persevering, and lasting, just like a turtle.
The Asuras churned the ocean with attachment and
desire for the objects that arose from the ocean. The
Devas only desired the Amrita, and after the Asuras ran
off with the Amrita they had to surrender to God and
believe that He would return it to them. When Saturn is
attached to the results he tends to create obstacles,
become inert due to fear, or actually push away what he
desires, both resulting in the loss of what is desired.
When Saturn works with detachment and surrender he
finds that his efforts bring happiness.
29
Varaha:
In the beginning of the creation of this Kalpa [cycle of
time], Brahma commanded his son to begin creating.
But please tell me where my creations are to live. The
earth has been submerged during the great deluge. His
son replied. She is now in the netherlands. If you can
retrieve her I will be able to do as you wish. Brahma
thought to himself, Lord, you have commanded me to
create, so it is up to you to help me solve this problem.
Brahma then thought of the Supreme Lord and became
absorbed in meditation. All of a sudden a tiny boar
jumped out of his nostril and began to grow and grow
until it had assumed immense proportions. All those
who were watching realized that the Supreme Lord had
donned the form of a boar in order to raise the earth from
below. The Supreme Lord then, in the form of the boar,
plunged into the waters, swimming to the bottom He
found the Earth. Raising the Earth on his tusks the boar
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
began to rise up. A demon attacked him on his way up
but was killed after a ferocious battle. Varaha then
emerged from the water with the Earth, which he praised
him and his glory, We salute you and your wife, Mother
Earth. Varaha, [the boar] after listening to their words,
vanished from their sight, but not before giving the
essence of yagyas; rites for manifesting desires, making
changes, and creating karmic balance.
Varaha, the avatar associated with Rahu, was necessary
in order to create life on Earth, the physical plane, after
causal and astral planes had been created. Rahu
indicates many of the deeper lessons and desires, and the
need to create karmic balance in underdeveloped areas,
which make it necessary for us to reincarnate on the
physical plane. This is also symbolized by the Earths
salutation as Varahas wife.
30
When Varaha was raising the Earth, an Asura attacked
him. Many Asuras of phobias, hallucinations,
pretensions, and compulsions similarly attack the areas
that Rahu influences.

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 31

Chapter 2/loka 7: =these verily




=planets


=born
ketormnvatraca ye cnye te'pi kheaj| =masculine a stem, plural, nominative
partmo'dhiko yeu te sarve khecarbhidh||7||
=born of planets

=supreme soul

=Ketu
=portion
=masculine u stem, singular, genitive =masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=fish =predominance
=avatara [descent] =masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=great soul portion, predominant
=and
=amoung those

=Ketormina avatara [descent] and =who [plural]
=who [plural] =all
=and =pronoun, plural, nominative
=other =all
=and others

=these
=verily

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 32

 =sky goers

=are called Previous to that a saintly king by name Satyavrata ruled

=masculine a stem, plural, nominative the world. One day Satyavrata was performing his

=sky goers, are called ablutions on the banks of the river Kritamala. When he
took up the water in his cupped palm he found a tiny

And Mina avatara of Ketu. Verily, these who are others fish in his hands. He promptly dropped the fish back in

born of planets. All among those who have predominance the water. The fish spoke and said, O King, have pity

of partma are sky goers. on me, I am so small and afraid of the big fish which
threaten to eat me up. Please take me away and protect

The first part of this loka is stating the avatara that came me. The king was touch by the fish and took it home.

from Ketu. I have listed some details about this avatra The next morning the fish said, There is not enough

below [this is copied from Ernsts Wilhelms book Vault space inside the vessel I am in, please place me in a wider

of the Heavens]: pot. Satyavrata placed it in a wider pot filled with

water but within an hour the fish had outgrown the new

Matsya: pot. Satyavrata then placed it in a pond and the same

At the end of the previous Kalpa, Brahma, the Creator, thing happened. He kept placing the fish in bigger and

went to sleep and the world became submerged under bigger areas filled with water but the fish kept growing

the waters. When Brahma was sleeping an Asura stole and complaining that it did not have enough space.

the Vedas from him and disappeared under the waters.

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 33

Finally Satyavrata took it to the ocean and dropped it
there.
The fish said, The Ocean is full of sharks and whales
which will surely eat me up. Why did you bring me
here?
Satyavrata smiled and said, You are no ordinary fish. I
know who you are. You are the Supreme Lord who has
donned this form for some good purpose.
The Lord, in the form of the fish, then said, You are
right. Seven days from today the three worlds will be
submerged under the waters. The great deluge is
coming. When the world goes completely under you will
see a boat. Take your place in the boat with the Seven
Rishis. I will be in the waters. When you see me tie the
boat to one of my horns. I will play on the waters for the
duration of Brahmas night [the period during which
2005 Prashanti Saraswati
Brahma is sleeping and creation is submerged], and you
will also be with me.
All happened as was said. The Lord in the form of the
fish also taught Self-realization to Satyavrata. During
this time he also fought the Asura who had stolen the
Vedas, returning the Vedas to Brahma at the end of the
great deluge.
Matsya was a fish who discontented with all smaller
vessels except for the ocean of Spirit. Similarly Ketu is
never contented with anything of the world and only
finds contentment in Spirit.
Matsya taught the knowledge of Self-realization to
Satyavrata and returned the wisdom of the Vedas; Ketu
provides the Jnana [knowledge] of Self-realization.
34
Matsya liberated Satyavrata from the fears caused by the The last part of the loka states that those who have
ending of creation; Ketu, in the end, provides us with predominance of partma are sky goers. This part of
spiritual liberation. Ketu is therefore known as the the loka is also very vague and has much to ponder.
producer of Jnana and Moksha [liberation]. Sky goers can mean planets, but remember loka 23 of
chapter one states, Surya [Sun], etc. and additional
The next part of the loka states that others are born planets; and Brahma and iva. Among them and many
from planets also. With the vagueness of this loka much others the supreme spirit is in abundance and
is to be pondered. I would assume the others would predominance. This must mean that when supreme
be the rest of the avatras given this is what chapter two spirit is in abundance and predominance it would not
is all about and loka two of this chapter states, O wise only be planets, but deities like Brahma and iva, etc.
one, Rma, Ka, Nsiha, Sukara thusly indeed are full
avatra. The others are endowed with a living
portion. Others to me would mean avatras with
living being portion and thus from this loka they would
be born from planets like the nine main avatras
mentioned in loka five, six, and seven [of which five of
the nine would fall into the other category and four
avatras would full avatras].

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 35

Chapter 2/loka 8: =[emphatic]


=called




=masculine a stem, plural, nominative
jvohyadhiko yeu jvste vai prakrtit| =called

srydibhyo grahebhyaca Surya [Sun]
=

paramtmanist||8|| =etc.
=masculine i stem, plural, ablative
=living being
=from Surya, etc.

=portion =grahas
=masculine a stem, singular, nominative =masculine a stem, plural, ablative
=verily [emphatic] =and
=predominance
=from grahas, and
=masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=supreme soul

=living being portion, predominent
=portion

=amoung those =come forth
=living being =masculine a stem, plural, nominative
=masculine a stem, plural, nominative

=Paramtm portion come forth
=those

= those living beings

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 36

Among those whose living being portion is in
predominance, those are called living beings. [The ones
who have] supreme soul portion [in predominance] have
emerged from the planets, Surya, etc.

This loka links up with loka 7 in stating that those with

a predominance of living being portion are called living
beings. When one has supreme soul portion in
predominance they have emerged from the planets like
Surya, etc. The loka seems to ascertain the location of
emergence of the livings beings and the avatras.
Avatras directly come from the planets and living
beings are known as people [to be revealed in loka 10 of
this chapter], which has the connotations of having the
grahas determine their karmic fruits and such [as already
mentioned in this chapter].

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 37

Chapter 2/loka 9: =be
=1st gana, parasmaipada, plural, 1st person

=they are

=[emphatic]
rmakdaya sarve hyavatr bhavanti vai| =therefore
tatraiva te vilyante puna kryottare sad||9|| =truely

=therefore, truely
=Rma =those
=Ka

=dissolved [as in melted]

=etc.
=atmanepada, plural, 1st person
=masculine i stem, plural, nominative
=they are dissolved

=Rama, Ka, etc. =again

=all =done
=pronoun, plural, nominative =later
=all =masculine a stem, singular, locative
=indeed =to be done later
=avatra =always
=masculine a, plural, nominative

=Indeed avatara

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 38

Rama, Krsna, etc. all indeed are Avatras! Therefore, truly
they dissolve again and always come back later.

The loka confirms that avatras have a life cycle and

they come back later.

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 39

Chapter 2/loka 10: =people, etc.


=these [emphatic]


=therefore
jvanistste tebhyo jt nardaya| =truely
te'pi tatraiva lyante te'vyakte samayanti hi||10|| = therefore, truly

=to dissolve
=living being =atmanepadi [present], 4th gana, 1st person, plural,

=portion =to dissolve

=come forth =those
=masculine a stem, plural, nominative =unmanifest
=
genitive, plural, 1st person [of them] =masculine a, singular, locative

=living
being portion come forth of them
=very into the unmanifest
=from them [ablative, plural, 1st person]
=merge
=born =parasmaipada, plural, 1st person
=masculine a stem, plural, nominative =they merge
=born =indeed
=person
=etc.
=masculine i stem, plural, nominative

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 40

Of those who emerged with living being portion are born
as people. These therefore truly they do dissolve and
merge into the unmanifest, indeed.

This loka states that those with a living being portion in

predominance are born as people and they dissolve and
merge into the unmanifest like the Avatras do.
Although it does not seem they come back in such as a
way as the avatras would as mentioned in loka nine.

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 41

Chapter 2/loka 11: =beings


=neuter a stem, plural, accusative

=[emphatic]
ida te kathita vipra sarva yasmin bhavediti| =beings!
bhtnyapi bhaviyanti tattajjnanti tadvida||11|| =will become [future]
=that
of that
=it [pronoun]
=they know
=these
=that of that, they know
=told [participle]
=that

=masculine a stem, singular, accusative
=knower
=told
=consonant ending, plural, nominative
=verily
=that knower
=all

=masculine a stem, singular, accusative
Verily all this [referring to all that was stated before in this
=all chapter] ought to be. Knowers of this [referring to all that
which place [locative pronoun]
=in was stated before in this chapter] they know the

=ought [optative] particulars of the beings who will exist.
=[close quote]

=ought to be, [close quote]

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 42

The loka is stating that by knowing of the knowledge
contained in this chapter one can know the particulars of
the beings who exist. This is very esoteric in that this
chapter basically breaks down full avatras and partial
avatras. Partial avatras can either have predominance
in supreme soul [i.e., the planets, Brahma, iva, etc.] or a
predominance of living being portion in which people
manifest. These avatras [full and partial] emerge and
merge back into the unmanifest.

loka three in this chapter alludes to Jyotish in that the

grahas will map out a living beings karma. Thus by
knowing these things the particulars of the living beings
whom exist. This is done in vedic astrology by drawing
up a chart in certain moments in time to determine a
persons karma. The more esoteric part of this chapter
are the parts explaining avatras. How is one to know
the particulars of a person by knowing the make-up of
the Avatras?

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 43

Chapter 2/loka 12:
=able


=never
vin tajjyautia nnyo jtu aknoti karhicit|
=therefore
tasmdavayamadhyeya brhmaaiaca
=neccesarily
vieata||12|| =study
=given
=without
=[optative ver]

=that =
therefore, neccesarily, ought to study
=related to the science of divination [jyotish]
=Brahman

=neuter a stem, singular, nominative = masculine an stem, instrumental, plural
=that science of divination [jyotish] =and
=not =by Brahmans, and
=other =especially [adverb]

=masculine a stem, singular, nominative

=not, other Without Jyotish [one would] never be able to know the
to know
= other. Therefore, it ought to be studied by Brahmans,
=able especially.
=parasmaipada, singular, 1st person

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 44

I believe the other in this loka alludes to the beings
who will exist in loka 11. This states that by not having
Jyotish you will never be able to fully know the
particulars of people. This goes back to the first chapter
where it states Jyotish is the best divination system. The
other also refers to the partial avatras in loka 2 of this
chapter. This also means that the full avatras cannot be
known because the planets do not give them their karmic
fruits.

Brahmans are people who take to a life of study and deep

thought into the nature of life, therefore, it would be
indicative of Brahmans to know Jyotish by the very role
they play in life.

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 45

Chapter 2/loka 13:

=reviled

=1st gana, parasmaipadi, 1st person, singular [him]
yo nara stramajtv jyautia khalu nindati| =reviled is him
raurava naraka bhuktv cndhatva =hell
cnyajanmani||13||
=masculine a stem, singular, accusative

=hell
=who or which
=a person
=a person
=relating to
=masculine a stem, singular, nominative
=masculine a stem, singular, accusative
=a person =relating to the person

=stram [instruction]
=suffered

=not known
=having [gerund]
=having
=having suffered

=not having known of the shastra
=and
=relating to the science of divination [jyotish]
=blind

=masculine a stem, singular, nominative =-ness
= relating to the science of divination [jyotish] =and, blindness
=indeed

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 46

=and
born again
=is
=neuter consonant, singular, locative

=and is born to another birth

loka 13: A person who not having known of the Shastra

relating to the science of divination [Jyotish] indeed is
reviled. This person having suffered hell is reborn again
blind.

The loka gives the results of one not knowing the

Shastra of Jyotish. It is stern and has a high potential
angering people in this day. Yet Jyotish is a great science
and is the best and most important veda. Remember,
munis are not concerned with being politically correct,
but seek to speak the truth. Being born blind could be
literal or a metaphor, but it does indicate the person will
suffer as a result of not knowing Jyotish.

2005 Prashanti Saraswati 47