Sunday, 26 March 2017

Greatness of the name of Hari

Yudhistira asked Bhishma - Please tell me about those who have sinned and who they get relief.
Bhishma said - Yama's abode is huge. It measures sixteen hundred miles. The one gives cows to a brahmin gets the protection of Vishnu. They go to Yama's abode and treated like Gods. Chitragupta, who is Yama's assistant, weighs the sins with the virtues. One who worships Narayana and prays to Him regularly is worshiped like Vishnu, when he dies. Vishnu comes there and takes the person with him. One who gives gifts of food and clothing does not go unrewarded. They are worshiped by the Gods.
Yama is the giver of justice. The person gets exactly what he deserves. To get relief one needs to take the name of Govinda. One day Narada went to Brahma. Brahma wanted to know why Narada had come there. Narada said I want to know about the greatness of the name of Hari.
Brahma said He is the soul of the Universe. I do not know the significance. Go to Shiva, He should be able to help.
Narada went to Shiva. Shiva said I am unable to explain this. Go to the one who is only One.
Narada then went to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu. He prayed to Vishnu.
Pleased Vishnu said I am difficult to grasp but I am captivated by my devotees and bow down to them. Do tell me why you are here.
Narada said he wanted to know the reason behind the greatness of the name. Vishnu smiled and said - Go to Sanjivanipura, the abode of Yama. There you will see a form of mine. Ask Him. He will answer you.
Narada saw the four handed divine form, dark in color, wearing yellow garments. The form asked Narada to go to a certain place where he would get the answer. Narada went there. It was a wet place infested with crocodiles. People were being tormented there. Scared Narada began taking the names of Krishna. The moment Narada had uttered the names, the sins of the sinners vanished. The place changed to a beautiful place.
Narada realized the greatness of the name of Hari.

Bhishma then said - I have not told you about the North gate of Yama. The ones who take the name of Hari go there and are worshiped by Yama himself. 

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