Bhatha Prahalada was the son of Demon King Hiranyakashibu. Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashibu and made Prahalada as the king of the region. Bhakta Prahalada was an ardent devotee of Lord Hari. He has preached the greatness of Lord Hari along with his fellow students. He has lived a life with much holiness, pure bhakti, and kindness among his people.
During his regime, he has daily offered Annadanam to more than 1000 people. He is the Avatar of Divine Personality – Sangukarna Devar. Sangukarna Devar was serving Lord Brahma in Satyalok during Krita Yoga. Once due to his mistake, he was cursed by Lord Brahma and took the avatar as Bhakt Prahalad. His next avatars are Pahlika Raja, Vyasa Raja, and Guru Raghavendra Swamy.
It can be seen in Raghavendra Mutts, that the Urchava Vigraham is Prahaladar. Bhakta Prahalada was praised by Divine gods like Indra, for the efficient handling of his kingdom.
OM SREE BHAKTA PRAHALADAYA NAMAHA.
Sree Bhakta Dhuruva Mahathmiyam
Dhuruva was born to the king Uthanapadha. He was the son of his first wife. The king Uthanapadha was very much attracted to his second wife and was not shown much interest with Dhuruva. Depressed by this unfavorable act, Dhuruva went to the forest and meditated Lord Hari. After several years, Lord Hari appeared and granted him a boon to become a GREAT STAR – DHURUVA.
Dhuruva then went to his palace and being received by his father and mother with much joy and he was crowned after his father. After completing his good golden rule, he attained the Star Position. Even now we can see one Bright star shining in the sky. That is Bhakt Dhuruva.
Dhuruva due to his bhati has attained the position of the Star. He will not be conquered by anyone. Even in Maha Pralayam, there will be no disturbance for him and he will be shining in the sky forever. He is fulfilling the wishes of his devotees even now.
OM BHAKTA DHURUVAYA NAMAHA
Sree Markandeya Maharishi Mahathmiyam
Sage Mirukandu has no child and performed severe penance for several years. Lord Shiva granted him the boon and then Markandeya was born. He was supposed to live only up to the age of 16. After knowing this, young Markandeya left his parents and went to the forest and created a shiva lingam on soil on his own and performed deep meditation on Lord Shiva.
After his time in the earth is over, Lord Yama approached him and tried to put the rope on his neck but suddenly it was struck with Shivalingam. Lord Shiva angrily emerged from the Shivalingam and burnt Lord Yama into ashes. Due to the prayers of divine gods, he gave the life for Lord Yama. And Lord Shiva granted Markandeya the boon for becoming Chiranjeevi – Always 16 and there is no end for his life. He always remains constant. Such a pure Bhakti he observed.
Markandeya returned to his place and narrated the detail to his parents. His parents were very happy and worshipped lord shiva for returning their child’s life.
Even today, Markandeya Maharishi is alive and fulfills the wishes of his devotees.
OM SREE MARKANDEYA MAHARISHIYE NAMAHA
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR
