Brahma Vaivarta Mahā Purana - Brahma Khaṇḍa
29 - Question raised by Narada before Narayana in Badrikashrama
Sauti said— Narada the divine sage, went to the abode of Narayana and had a look at his astonishing Ashrama. It had a large number of Jugube trees, besides various other types of trees, in which the cuckoos, were issuing sweet notes. It had a number of stages, lions and flocks of tiger.
But with the influence of Narayana, the place was free from danger and violence. Thus the inaccessible forest was looking more charming then the heaven.
Thirty-three crores of siddhas and fifty crores of ascetics dwelt there. О Brahmana, he found Narayana as there the head of all the Rushis observing the dance of Vidyadharas, wearing a smile over his face. The sound of music and songs relating to Krishna was heard there. There were three crores of siddhas and sages living in Ashramas which was surrounded by the forest of Parijata and sandal-wood trees. Thus the sage Narada found a gem-studded lion throne in the centre of the assembly hall, having a beautiful path. He happens to be the teacher of the yogis. О Saunaka, the sage Narada reciting the name of Sr! Krishna bowed at the feet of the lord.
Thereafter sage got up and embraced him showering blessings on him. He then enquired about his welfare and welcomed him.
Не made Narada to sit over the beautiful lion throne by which the fatigue of journey of Narada was removed.
Thereafter Narada spoke to the eternal lord, “O lord my mind is not satisfied after getting the knowledge of Vedas from my father Brahma and the divine knowledge from lord Siva. My mind is still unstable.
Therefore, inspite by my own thought I have come to have a look at your lotus-like feet. You Therefore, impart the divine knowledge to me in order to rid myself of the birth, death and old age and to recite always she glory of lord Krishna.
О lord he is the one who is adored by Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, Indra and other gods besides the intelligent sages.
You kindly tell me where from the universe emerges and in whom does it merge ultimately? Who happens to be the lord of all including Vishnu and happens to be the cause of all the causes? О lord of the universe, you kindly enlighten me about the great lord.”
On hearing the words of Narada the lord smiled and started narrating the story which purifies all the three worlds.
Summary of chapter 29 of the Brahma Vaivarta Mahā Purana - Brahma Khaṇḍa is as follows:
Enraptured by Lord Śiva's divine revelations, Maharshi Nārada opened his heart and posed a series of deeply confidential questions regarding the supreme personality, eternal attributes, and primary Mantras of Lord Śrī Kṛshṇa. He inquired about the secret meaning of the supreme eighteen-letter Mantra, the procedure for receiving initiation from a bona fide guru, the methods for achieving direct vision of the Lord, and the inner mood required to enter the eternal pastimes of Goloka. Maharshi Nārada's humble inquiries served as a divine catalyst for Lord Śiva to bestow the most precious gems of Vaishṇava theology upon the world.
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