Sampoorna Mahabharata • సంపూర్ణ శ్రీమహాభారతము • Episode 38

Birth of Devatas-demons
Janmejaya asked Vaiśampayana, ‘O Maharishi, I want to know why these kings, who are like Devatas, take birth on earth?’
Vaiśampayana said, ‘Listen to this divine secret. Paraśurama went around the earth 21 times and killed all kshatriyas. At that time kshatriya women prayed to brahmins for progeny. Following strict disciplines and at times authorized by Shastras, the brahmins fulfilled their desire; not at other times. Thus kshatriya population increased. These kshatriyas acted exactly as dictated by Shastras. As everybody strictly followed Shastra, people lived for over 100 years’.
I remember a story. A king wanted 10,000 years lifespan, which was granted. But by 400 years he was bored and sad as he had witnessed death of many family members. We should therefore be happy with what we have.
‘People in that era were freed from physical & mental ailments; they had perfect sense-control; the rulers were freed from lust & anger and ruled well. Hence Indra showered timely rains and protected them’.
Our erratic rainfalls happen as people have forgotten dharma. ‘What is dharma?’- presently people ask. This is our pitiable state. Kindness has eroded in people; they live like machines. Hence we suffer with excessive or scanty rainfall, calamities, newer diseases every year. This happens because no one focuses on dharma. Like robots people wake up, eat, roam and beget children.
In that era, no child died prematurely. Marriages took place at auspicious times. Everyone lived long. Kshatriyas performed Yagnas and offered good dakshina to the priests.
In this era there are no pujas; no yagnas. Even puja is mechanical procedure, devoid of bhakti. The priest arrives, performs his puja and goes away. The host does not bother. People have no disciplines, no time for anything. We have abandoned bhakti & dharma. We do not revere Vedas.
In that era, Brahmins diligently studied Vedas. They never sold Vedic knowledge. Traders (Vysyas) reared cows and engaged in trading activities without cheating others.
O King! People in that era would engage only in dharmic deeds, were inclined towards dharma and their focus was on dharma alone. Due to this, every living being lived happily for long.
When this was going on, demons, who had lost to Devatas, took birth on earth in kshatriya families and also from wombs of cows, asses, elephants and other species. As their number increased, earth could not tolerate their weight. Demons who obtained kingly positions subdued and harassed people of all four castes; insulted Brahmins and Rishis.
Unable to withstand this, Mother earth prayed to Lord Brahma. He read her mind. As he is the creator of all, he knows the feelings in all minds. He said to her, ‘Do not fret. I shall instantly order the Devatas to go for your help’.
Calling the Devatas, Gandharvas and apsaras he said, ‘For reducing earth’s burden, you need to fight the demons. Hence, with your partial aspects, take birth on earth in different homes’.
The Devatas then Requested Srihari, ‘O Lord, please permit us to incarnate on earth with our partial aspects. You too incarnate and reduce earth’s burden’. Srihari agreed.
Thereafter, in accordance to their will, the Devatas took birth in families of kings and rishis’.
These births are not based on destiny; the Devatas were free to choose the home they wanted.
Janmejaya wanted to know about the birth of Devatas, Gandharvas, apsaras, demons, yakhas and humans.
Vaiśampayana said, ‘Marichi, Atri, Angirasa, Pulastya, Pulaha, Krtu are Brahma’s sons. Marichi’s son Kashyapa is the father of all living beings.
Brahma’s son Daksha had 13 daughters starting from Aditi, who bore many powerful sons.
Aditi’s sons were Adityas- Dhattri, Mitra, Aryaman, Sakra, Varuna, Ansa, Vaga, Vivaswat, Usha, Savitri, Tashtri, and Vishnu, of whom Vishnu was most virtuous.
Diti had 1 son. He had 5 noble sons of whom Prahlada was eldest. Prahlada had 3 sons including Virocana. Virocana’s son was Bali; his son was Bāna, the devotee of Rudra.
Danu’s 34 sons beginning with Vipracitti were known as Danavas. Among Danavas -Ekaksha, Amritapa, Pralamva, Naraka, Vatapi, Satrutapana, Satha, Gavishtha, Vanayu& Dirghajiva were renowned. Their progeny is limitless.
Simhika’s son was Rahu- the tormentor of Sun and Moon. Krodha gave birth to many sons who were cruel by nature. Danayu had 4 sons. Kāla sons were fearsome like time. She also gave birth to Kalakeyas.
Bhrigu’s son Shukra was the Guru for demons. He had 4 sons who were also their priests.
This is the story of the birth of Devatas and demons. It is impossible to describe about their progeny.