The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : More than signposts

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 24, 2005

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

More than signposts

CHENNAI: Human nature easily succumbs to powerful emotions like anger that can lead to a feeling of revenge, disappointment or remorse. A person under the sway of these emotions indulges in acts unthinkingly. In times of misfortune or sorrow when one tends to lose balance, and is likely to react negatively, it is of great help to be guided by the wise counselling of a preceptor who can clear the illusion and show the right path.

This is illustrated in the Sarpa yaga that was performed when King Parikshit died at the hands of serpent Takshaka. His son Janamejaya broke down in grief and became so enraged that he decided to kill all serpents as a matter of revenge. As the yaga progressed, serpents from all nooks and corners started falling into the fire. When Takshaka was called he sought Indra's protection. This was intuitively perceived and so Indra along with Takshaka was summoned. At that time, Janamejaya had the good fortune of being counselled by the sages and elders, and was dissuaded from completing the yaga by the timely intervention of Sage Asthikar, said Sri N. Rama Dikshitar, while pointing out the fact that yagas performed with strict accordance with the ritualistic details as prescribed in the scriptures are very efficacious. The celestials invoked through respective mantras during the rituals are ordained to respond. But it should be remembered that performing yagas is like waking a sleeping tiger, and has to be undertaken only by knowledgeable people, who can handle the process and consequences.

It was pointed out to Janamejaya that it was not ethical to kill innocent serpents. He was enlightened about the power of destiny. While his father was destined to attain liberation in this manner, it was also destiny that Takshaka and Indra could not be killed. So Takshaka was spared and the other serpents were released.

There is a special status accorded to yagas in the Vedas. There are Vedic mantras for different purposes like the well being of the people. Performance of yagas for rains, prosperity, good health and so on has been advocated. But one should not get caught in worldly aspirations and lose sight of the ultimate goal of release from human bondage. Scriptures can only point out the way. Realised souls can personally escort one towards the goal that Sastras have indicated.

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