SRI KRISHNA LEELAMRUTHAM (THE NECTARINE STORIES OF THE DEEDS OF LORD KRISHNA)

 51. LIBERATION OF KING MUCHUKUNDA

Kaalayavana was burnt into ashes as soon as the man glanced at him. The glowing rays from his eyes burnt the demon into ashes. He was the ancestor of Lord Shri Rama, King Muchukunda. King Muchukunda was the son of King Madhanta. King Muchukunda was following all rules and regulations as a strict brahmin and in his past life he was the devotee of Lord Shri Rama. He was an honest and most powerful king that even demigods would sought his help for fighting with demons. Lord Muruga was the Commander-in-chief of the Devas, who is the son of Lord Shiva. Lord Muruga, the unique God who is matchless of beauty and intelligence. King Muchukunda once devoted Lord Muruga with much tapas. Lord Muruga was very pleased by his devotion and appeared infront of the King. Lord Muruga granted him a wonderful boon. The God gave His divine army to the King! The God asked His followers, the leader Veerabahu to follow the King in fighting with the demons. Being granted by the special boon of Lord Muruga, King Muchukunda spent his lifetime in warriors in fighting with the demons. His family was no more when he indulged himself in the duty of fighting with demons. So, Lord Muruga addressed King Muchukunda, "O King Muchukunda, You have spent your lifetime in fighting with demons. As you were engaed in your duty of fighting, your kingdom had no leadership, your family was also no more. You have also sacrificed your kingdoms, richness and all opulence. We cannot get back the time as it doesn't wait for any kind of man". Lord Muruga was ready to give him any benediction for his truthful service. King Muchukunda replied, "O God! You are the powerful commander-in-chief of Devas! For so many years, I didn't sleep well as I was engaged in fighting with the demons. I'm so weary. Therefore, I want to sleep for millions of years. If anyone disturbs me while sleeping, he shall be burnt into ashes with the glowing rays of me. So, God, I request You to grant me this boon". Lord Muruga gave him the benediction which the king asked. 

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Shri Krishna appeared before King Muchukunda with a splendid appearance. The king the Lord wearing yellow garment, Pitambara, wearing a long garland, Vaijayanthi maala, wearing magnificent jewel, Kawsthubhamani. He appeared before him with four hands. His smile was as sweet as nectar. On seeing the beautiful Lord, King Muchukunda said, "O Supreme Lord! You are here in the caves of mountain? How could to come in the forest consistent of thorns? Your feet are as soft as the flower lotus! I'm astonished to see Your arrival in this place! So, may I know Your identity? Are You one of the demigods or You are the Supreme Lord who is ever blissful, not a slave of karma, omniscient, faultless and endless? What is Your story and who are Your parents? Please let me know Your identity. I address myself first. I'm born in Ikshvaku Dynasty. My father is King Madhanta. I'm King Muchukunda. I was so weary as I engaged myself in fighting during wars for so many years. So I became inactive. I was taking rest in this cave of mountain for millions of years. If someone tries to awake me, they will be burnt to ashes. This demon, Kaalayavana forced me to wake up. My eyes were opened after millions of years. My eyes were searching for the demon who disturbed me. At my glance of rays, his body was burnt into ashes. I think You are the cause of killing this arrogant demon Kaalayavana". Lord Krishna replied, "O My dear King Muchukunda, time won't be sufficient to tell My story of birth, deeds and disappearance. I have many forms and I'm beyond the materialistic desires. Upon your request, I introduce Myself. I'm specially descended to the earth to kill the evil and thereby to re-establish righteousness. Also to please my dear devotees who worships Me. I was born as a human being and father, Vasudeva and Mother Devaki are My parents. I'm also called as Vaasudeva. You may know that I killed Kamsa who was Kaalanemi in his previous birth and many other demons. This demon, Kaalayavana was the son of Garga Acharya who wanted to disturb the inhabitants of Mathura and the city as well. So, on your glance of fire rays, he was burnt into ashes. Dear Muchukunda! You are my great devotee. I specially appeared in this form before you to only please you out of immense mercy! You can see Me with your heart's content!".

                                

King Muchukunda recollected Acharya Garg's foretell that the Supreme Personality  of Godhead would take His birth as a human being in Mathura to protect His devotees at the twenty eighth millineum of Manu chakravarthy. On realizing the Lord's identity, King Muchukunda instantly fell down at the magnificent lotus feet of Lord Muraari and said, "O Lord, You are the Supreme Lord! You are the indweller of all living and non-living entities. The so called Maya or illusion is behind You! You are the Lord of the Universe! From the birth, I was so indulged in material activities. I was puffed up with opulence and my pride for these many days. I bow down to the lotus feet of You which is the shelter of all sincere devotees. You are the controller of all senses of living entities. Your feet serves as the protecting shield". On seeing the faith and sincere devotion of King Muchukunda, Lord Krishna was so pleased and said, "O King Muchukunda! I'm so glad that you are now became a pure devotee and freed from all material contamination! Tell Me what benediction you want Me to offer!". King Muchukunda said, "O Achyutha! I don't want any boons or benediction! I want to serve Your lotus feet till my death as a sincere devotee! If I ask You any boon, my mind will think of any material boon and I may fail to indulge in spirituality and devotional service. So, my soul is surrendering unto the beautiful lotus feet of the Supreme Lord!". Lord Krishna said, "I'm much pleased by your devotion and love! I offer you the unique boon that your mind will always have My thoughts! You will be liberated and will become the pure devotee of Me!". 

TO BE CONTINUED..