Yoga Vashishta 1.1.28–35
(King Arishtanemi)
Verse 1.1.28:
इत्यहं देवराजेन सुभ्रूराज्ञापितस्तदा।
दूत त्वं तत्र गच्छाशु गृहीत्वेदं विमानकम् ॥ २८ ॥
Thus, I was commanded by Indra, the King of the gods, "O Divine messenger, go there quickly, taking this celestial chariot.”
Verse 1.1.29:
अप्सरोगणसंयुक्तं नानावादित्रशोभितम् ।
गन्धर्वसिद्धयक्षैश्च किन्नराद्यैश्च शोभितम् ॥ २९ ॥
"This chariot was adorned with celestial nymphs (Apsaras) and embellished with various musical instruments. It was also surrounded by Gandharvas, Siddhas, Yakshas, and Kinnaras, making it splendid."
Verse 1.1.30:
तालवेणुमृदङ्गादि पर्वते गन्धमादने।
नानावृक्षसमाकीर्णे गत्वा तस्मिन्गिरौ शुभे ॥ ३० ॥
"On the Gandhamādana mountain, resonating with the sounds of cymbals, flutes, and drums, and covered with various trees, go to that auspicious peak."
Verse 1.1.31:
अरिष्टनेमिं राजानं दूतारोप्य विमानके।
आनय स्वर्गभोगाय नगरीममरावतीम् ॥ ३१ ॥
"Bring King Arishtanemi onto this celestial chariot, and take him to Amaravati, the heavenly city, so that he may enjoy the pleasures of paradise."
These verses (1.1.28-32) depict a Divine messenger being instructed by Indra to escort King Arishtanemi to heaven.
The imagery suggests a grand celestial vehicle, decorated with Divine beings and heavenly music, emphasizing the grandeur of the Divine realm. This passage echoes themes found in various Hindu texts, where sages and kings are sometimes invited to the Higher realms based on their virtues and deeds.
Verse 1.1.32:
दूत उवाच ।
इत्याज्ञां प्राप्य शक्रस्य गृहीत्वा तद्विमानकम् ।
सर्वोपस्करसंयुक्तं तस्मिन्नद्रावहं ययौ ॥ ३२ ॥
The messenger said: "Having received this command from Indra, I took that celestial chariot, fully equipped with all divine accessories, and proceeded to that mountain."
Verse 1.1.33:
आगत्य पर्वते तस्मिन्राज्ञो गत्वाऽऽश्रमं मया ।
निवेदिता महेन्द्रस्य सर्वाज्ञाऽरिष्टनेमये ॥ ३३ ॥
"Arriving at that mountain, I went to the king’s hermitage and conveyed Indra’s command in full to Arishtanemi."
Verse 1.1.34:
इति मद्वचनं श्रुत्वा संशयानोऽवदच्छुभे।
राजोवाच ।
प्रष्टुमिच्छामि दूत त्वां तन्मे त्वं वक्तुमर्हसि ॥ ३४ ॥
"Hearing my words, the king, filled with doubt, spoke thus: O Divine messenger, I wish to ask you something. Please answer me truthfully."
Verse 1.1.35:
गुणा दोषाश्च के तत्र स्वर्गे वद ममाग्रतः ।
ज्ञात्वा स्थितिं तु तत्रत्यां करिष्येऽहं यथारुचि ॥ ३५ ॥
"What are the virtues and flaws of heaven? Tell me in detail. Only after understanding the reality of that realm shall I decide whether to go there or not."
These verses (1.1.32-35) depict the moment when King
Arishtanemi, despite being invited to heaven, questions its merits and drawbacks. Unlike many who would blindly accept the offer of celestial pleasures, the king exhibits wisdom and discernment, emphasizing the spiritual perspective that even heaven is transient.
This theme aligns with the broader teachings of Yoga Vashishta, where the Ultimate Goal is Realization, rather than temporary enjoyments in any realm. The king's hesitation echoes similar discussions in texts like the Bhagavad Gita (2.42-2.44), where Krishna warns against being enticed by heavenly rewards, as they bind one to the cycle of birth and rebirth.
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