Austerities!

Arjun was astonished to see the Lokapālas before him. After receiving their weapons, he worshipped them with prayers & offerings of fruit & water. As demigods departed for their abodes, Arjun suddenly saw Indra’s effulgent chariot coursing thro’ sky resounding like thunder. Drawn by 10000 golden horses, the chariot was filled with weapons & occupied by huge Nagās

Coming before Arjun, Matāli got down from his driver’s seat & announced: O son of Indra, the king of heaven wishes to see you without delay. Arjun replied-Please get on to the chariot while I perform required purificatory rites. One who is deficient in ascetic merit cannot even hope to see this chariot, what to speak of riding in it

He then bathed in Ganga reciting customary prayers, offered water to forefathers & respect to mount Mandara, where he had been residing. He expressed his appreciation for having taken advantage of the mountain’s fruit, water & other necessities it had kindly provided. Arjun then mounted the celestial chariot with great delight

As it ascended the sky, Arjun was able to behold many wonderful regions that from earth appear to be mere points of light. In these heavenly regions there is no need of Sun, moon, or fire, because the ascetic splendor of residents brilliantly illuminates them. Arjun saw many saintly kings that had died in battle or had attained heavenly regions because of performing great austerities

He also saw Gandharvas, Guhyakas, Apsarās & celestial sages. When he enquired about them from Matāli, the charioteer explained-All these virtuous persons were formerly seen by you from the earth as twinkling points of lights known as stars. At last Arjun reached Amravati, the abode of Indra. He first saw Airavata, Indra’s elephant carrier, saw Nandan garden, the sporting ground of Apsarās & finally the city itself crowded with Siddhas & Caranas

The heavenly regions that Arjun beheld are only seen by those who’ve acted virtuously. They can never be visited by those who’ve failed to perform sacrifice, turned their backs on enemy during battle, drank intoxicating liquor or have eaten meat that had not been first offered in sacrifice

Entering Amrāvati, Arjun was astonished to see 1000’s of celestial chariots & innumerable gardens that resounded with sounds of heavenly music

We should be respectful to all who aid us in our journey, be it men or plants, animals, to the smallest element in Nature. We cannot progress without their support. They aid us in all respects & their contribution however small is still the most important

Human form of life is meant for austerities & thro it only we elevate ourselves, either materially or spiritually. All our scriptures teach us to control our senses & work for satisfaction of the Supreme Lord. As Supersoul if he is satisfied then we are also satisfied

bhoktaram yajna-tapasam sarva-loka-mahesvaram

suhrdam sarva-bhutanam jnatva mam santim rcchati

Thoughts? #gameoflife