Devanga Charithra in English (Translated and Compiled by Senthil Kumar Krishnaswamy)

 

 

About Author

Senthil Kumar Krishnaswamy, MCA, PGDBA 

 

           A dynamic and multi-talented individual with years of experience at a leading multinational IT company. Known for his research, dedication, innovation, and creativity, he has contributed significantly to the Devanga community. His work includes numerous research articles, YouTube videos, music, animations, and more. He has also curated and archived over 250 Devanga-related articles, images, links, and books in multiple languages on the Devanga World website.

                                        Devanga Charitha Translated and Compiled in  Dec-2022

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Seven Great Incarnations of Sage Sri Devala Maharishi

 

Nimaisaranya is one of the 108 temples of Vaishnavites. This temple is revered by Thirumangai Alwar. It is located sixty miles away from Lucknow in the district of Uttar Pradesh.

        Sage Sūta reached Nimaisaranya while sage Sounaka was performing Chandra Yagna, which was to be completed in twelve years. All other sages at Nimaisaranya surrounded Sage Sūta, received his blessing, and demanded him to delineate the Punya Puranas.

          Sage Sūta delineates the Great Mahabaratha story with no imprints to all the sages at Nimaisaranya which he heard from King Janamejaya at Sharpha Yagna which was performed by the King. The Great Mahabaratha story was told by the Sage Vaisambayana to the king which he heard from great Sage Vyasa. After hearing the Great Mahabaratha Story and all other eighteen Punya Puranas, all the sages at Nimaisaranya demanded Sage Sūta to delineate the Bramanda Pruna and Devanga Muni Sri Devala Maharishi’s great mythology which can beatify, remove all the obstacles and sins of whoever listens to it. Sage Sūta accepted sage's request at Nimaisaranya and started delineating the Bramandha Pruna and the Great mythology of Sri Devala Maharishi.

          One day at Kailash Lord Parameshwara shifted his sight towards Goddesses Parvathi who was in the vicinity to create the world. Immediately Lord Vishnu appeared with Sattva Guna, Lord Brahma appeared with Rajo Guna and Lord Rudra appeared with Tamas Guna. Lord Paramashwara offered Vedamangaya Santhana to Lord Bramha and Padmatanthu Santhana to Lord Vishnu which Lord Parameshwara was having from primordial. With blessings and Vedamangaya Santhana from Lord Paramewshwara, Lord Brahma left Kailash to engage himself in the duty of creation. Lord Vishnu preserved the Padmatanthu Santhana at his navel to keep it safe and left Kailash with the blessing of Lord Parameshwara to engage in the duty of protection.

          Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathi at Sathya Lokha created Heaven, Earth, Direction, Time, Language, and Feelings. He created Saptharishis such as Mareesi, Athri, Angirasa, Pulastiya, Pulahar, Kiratu, and Vashishta out of his feelings. He also created the first man called Suvayambumanu, and the first woman called Satharuba. Swayambhumanu and Satharuba had a child named Manu who later ruled the Kingdom of Kambili. Manu was also engaged in weaving cloths for humans and Devas. With great virtue, compassion, Patience, dedication, and infinite devotion towards Lord Parameshwara, he alienated rebirth and attained mukthi by dissolving himself in Lord Parameshwara.

 

           After Manu, there was none to weave cloths for humans and Devas. Gradually humans and Devas ran out of clothes. Since no alternate was available, most of them were half-naked and wearing leaves, tree bark, and animal skin as clothes. When Asuras started mocking Gods, all the Gods and Devas joined with Lord Bramha and petitioned Lord Parameshwara to address their pain and grievances at Kailash. Lord Parameshwara was in penance of silence but was listening to the petition made by Gods and Devas. When all were waiting for a response from Lord Prameshwara, he maintained silence. When Lord Prameshwara thought to address the grievances of Gods and Devas, instantly in his mind and feelings a sage appeared out of luminary. The sage possessed the highest qualities of patience, Virtue, Sanity, confidence, Justice, Grace, Bliss, Valour, discipline, Punya, etc. The sage appeared to be wearing Yegnopavitham on his chest, ashes applied on his Organs, Kamandala in one hand, and Pavithra on his finger. He bowed to Lord Parameshwara and patiently waited for his order.

 

Sri Devala Maharishi

The First Incarnation
 

With kindness, Lord Parameshwara blessed the sage who came out of the luminary and said: "Dear Son, I invited you to do a noble thing to this world with the name Devala, you must create clothes for Devas and humans and protect their honor". Devala Maharishi saluted Lord Parameshwara and accepted the commandment and politely asked: “Dear Lord, When can I attain Mukti?”. Lord Parameshwara promised Devala Maharishi that he could attain Mukti after completing worldly possessions at the end of his 7th incarnation. Devala Maharishi accepted and sought suggestions from Lord Parameshwara for raw materials to create clothes. Lord Parameshwara instructed to meet Lord Vishnu at Vaikuntha and receive Padmatanthu Santhana which was kept safe at his navel. Lord Parameshwara advised Devala Maharishi to meet King Sunabha at Aamodhi and take over the rule of his Kingdom.

Devala Maharishi receives Padmatanthu Santana from Lord Vishnu

            After accepting the commandment of Lord Parameshwara, Devala Maharishi sought a blessing from Goddess Parvathi. Devi blessed him with a boon assuring that she will appear for help whenever he encounters trouble or risk in the process of creating clothes. After receiving the blessing and boon from Goddess Parvathi, Deval Maharishi traveled for several days and reached the ocean called Ksheerasagara (ocean of milk). At the shore, Devala Maharishi found a beautiful ashram that belonged to Lord Garuda. Devala Maharishi rested at the ashram and started his penance towards Lord Vishnu. Pleased by Devala Maharishi’s penance Lord Vishnu appeared in front of Rishi and asked: “What is the boon that you desired for?”. By seeing Lord Vishnu, Devla Manarishi was outbursted with ecstasy. He bowed to his feet and explained that Lord Parameshwara commanded him to get Padmanthu Santana (Yarn) to create clothes. Lord Vishnu accepted the request and offered him Padmanthu Santana (Yarn) and one of his extreme weapons: Chakrayutha. Devala Maharishi left Vaikunta with Lord Vishnu’s consent, to continue his journey after receiving Padmanthu Santana and Chakrayutha.

 

The incarnation of Goddess Chowdeshwari

On the way to Kingdom (Aamodhi) with Padmanthu Santana, Devala Maharishi found an ashram at the shore of Shambu Island. The island was filled with a syndicate of rakshas led by five rakshasa monarchs: Vajra Musthi, Pugai Mukha, Pugai Kannaha, Chitra Sena and Pancha Sena. The Rakshasas disguised as sages at the ashram, welcomed Devala Maharishi and offered food & shelter. They requested him to stay for a few days to serve him and receive his blessing & knowledge. Devala Maharishi accepted the request and stayed at the ashram as he was unaware that they were rakshas disguised as sages with bad intentions. Once Devala Maharishi slept at the ashram, all the five rakshasa monarchs and their associates returned to their original demon appearance. They with greed planned to kill Devala Maharishi and snatch the Padmanthu Santana (Yarn). 

 

They surrounded Devala Maharishi with swords and weapons. Devala Maharishi restricted the attack and fought for a long time. When Devala Maharishi tried to chop their heads with the weapon: Chakrayutha, the Rakshasas were multiplied by five monster Rakshasas for every drop of blood spilled. Devala Maharishi sought help from Goddess Parvathi when he could not control the multiplication of Rakshasas. Goddess Parvathi heard Devala Maharishi's voice seeking her help and immediately appeared in front of Devala Maharishi, wearing a dazzling crown and holding a Trishool. All the Rakshasas collapsed due to the powerful gleam that appeared from Devi’s crown. Devi started killing all the Rakshasas with her Trishool. She asked her Vahana (Vehicle) Lion to drink all the blood that was scattering out of the Rakshasas. The lion drank all the blood without leaving even a single droplet.

 

Devala Maharishi obtained colors for the yarn

Devala Maharishi obtained five different colors for his yarns by soaking the yarns in the blood of the five rakshasa monarchs. Meanwhile, two blood drops of monsters stayed in the lion's ears from which two Rakshasas appeared when the Lion shook his head. When Devi raised her Trishoola to destroy both the Rakshasas, they bowed down to Devi for an apology and requested her mercy in leaving them unpunished. Devi with compassion accepted the apology and left them unpunished. Both the rakshasa bowed to Devala Maharishi and sought his refuge. Devala Maharishi blessed and accepted them as his refugees. The Rakshasas volunteered to support Devala Maharishi and his offspring by making arrangements for weaving. 

 

Devala Maharishi prayed, praised, cherished, and named the Devi “Choodeshwari” (Chowdeshwari) as she wore the brightest crown. He sought a blessing from the Goddess Chowdeshwari with a warm prayer. Devi accepted the prayer from Devala Maharishi and said: "I took an incarnation as Choodeshwari (Chowdeshwari) on this new moon day (Amavasya) to save you from all the obstacles. From now, all the new moon days (Amavasya) can be a souvenir and celebrated as my birthday”. Devi Chowdeshwari also said: “You and your clan will be flourished and blessed with health & wealth when you offer prayers on every new moon day”. 

 

Devala Maharishi Crowned as a King of Aamodhi

            The news spread throughout the kingdom including King Sunabha that Devala Maharishi was traveling towards the city of Aamodhi. King Sunabha welcomed Devala Maharishi with all due respect and took him to his palace. All necessary arrangements were made for Devala Maharishi in the palace.

 

In a few days, King approached Devala Maharishi and implored him to accept the crown of the Aamodhi for good governance. As that was the commandment of Lord Parameshwara, Devala Maharishi accepted the request. On the auspicious day, determined by the palace astrologers, Devala Maharishi was crowned as King of Aamodhi and rulership was transferred by King Sunabha. After some days, King Sunabha sought Devala Maharishi’s acceptance to leave the Kingdom. But Devala Maharishi insisted he stays at the palace to guide him with political affairs. King Sunabha refused to stay back at the place for a great reason.

 

King Sunabha said that he was the King of Kinnaara Lokha, one day he lost his mind and fell into lust with his spouse at dawn in the Kailash. Lord Parameshwara enraged and cursed him to take birth as a human to undergo all the worldly sufferings when he contaminated the sanctity of the Kailash. He realized his mistake and begged Lord Parameshwara for mercy to acquit him from earthly sufferings. Lord accepted his apology with empathy and said: “You will be out of the curse and worldly sufferings when you meet Devala Maharishi at Aamodhi”. He advised him to hand over the kingdom

to Devala Maharishi with all due respect and return to his world. Hearing this, Devala Maharishi accepted his request. King Sunabha and his wife left their body on earth and went to their world in a Vimanaha. Devala Maharishi completed the funeral rituals for King Sunabha's and his wife's bodies with all due respect.

 

Devala Maharishi’s Voyage to Mount Meru

Devala Maharishi was ruling the kingdom with great majesty. A few months later, Devala Maharishi decided to travel towards Mount Meru to receive equipment from Manu for weaving cloths. He started his voyage towards Mount Meru after transferring the rulership of his kingdom to the four of his ministers (Subuthiman, Kariyadakka, Dheerkadarisina, and Needhivendaa). Devala Maharishi lost his path towards Mount Meru on his voyage in dense forest. When he was in an indistinct state try finding a path toward mount Meru, a Lion struck him suddenly. Devala Maharishi fired an arrow and killed the Lion.

 

A Deva came out of Lion’s soul and bowed towards Devala Maharishi. The Devala Maharishi was amused and asked: “Who are you?”. The Deva said: “My name is Kabinjala, I am one of the officers of Kubera. One day when I was hunting, I found a beautiful deer in the forest. I set an arrow on it, but the deer escaped from my arrow and ran into an ashram for refuge. I chased the deer and entered the ashram. I found sage Gautama and the deer next to him. I started an argument with sage Gautama in asking him to handover the deer. Sage Gautama denied me saying that deer sought refuge from him. I argued and forced him to hand over the deer. The enraged sage cursed me for turning into a wild animal as I was behaving like a ruthless wild animal. I understood my mistakes and begged him for his forgiveness. He showered grace and said that my curse would be nullified by Sage Devala Maharishi who would be incarnated by Lord Parameshwara to create clothes for all. Kabinjala begged Devala Maharishi for his blessing and said I got back the opportunity to serve Kuberan only because of you. After receiving his blessing, he thanked him and directed him to walk north of the forest to reach the Valakilliya rishi’s ashram to take guidance for his journey.

 

Devala Maharishi Slaying Rakshasa Kundika

              Devala Maharishi reached the banks of the Ganges on his journey towards Mount Meru. The Ganges is the river of sanctity that washes away all sins of one who takes a holy dip in it. Devala Maharishi performed pooja and took a holy dip in the Ganges. After three days, he continued his journey to Mount Meru, and on his way, he reached the ashram of the sage Vaalakilliya.  Devala Maharishi bowed towards sage and received his blessing. He inquired about the welfare of the ashram residents. The sage Vaalakilliya said that, with the blessing of Lord Parameshwara our Yagna karmas were performed competently, but there is recent suffering. At the far end of this forest, a rakshasa named Gundika, carrying a powerful weapon that can destroy all three lokhas, frequently interrupts our yagnas.

 

Sage Vaalakilliya requested for benefaction from Devala Maharishi to destroy Gundika and retain the peace for them.

 

Devala Maharishi accepted the request of sage Vaalakilliya and headed towards the end of the forest. Devala Maharishi was horrified by seeing the heaps of human and animal bones heaped outside of the cave of Rakshasa Gundika. Devala Maharishi raised his bow and generated a sound from the bow's string. The sound of Devala Maharishi’s bow’s string pierced the ear of the rakshasa. The furious Rakshasa came out of the cave with his deadliest weapon and started attacking Devala Maharishi. All the attacks by Gundika were retaliated by Devala Maharishi. He fired an arrow called Arthachandira on Rakshasa which slashed the head of the demon. A soul came out of the rakshasa body that evolved as a king. He raised both hands above the head and bowed to Devala Maharishi for his blessing.

 

Devala Maharishi blessed and inquired about him and his earlier rakshasa life. The king said: “My name is Ukkradanuva and I was the king of Visaalamapuri. In a war, I killed the rakshasa Vikatan who was persecuting us for a long time. The brother of Vikata wanted to take revenge on me and joined my palace as a cook in disguise. One day Vengeful Vikata’s brother served food made out of human flesh to the sage Durvasa, who came to meet me at my palace. Sage Durvasa is well known for his fiery nature and cursed me to be a demon searching for anthropophagy. I held his foot for an apology and requested him to take back his curse. After his anger subsided, he blessed me that my curse would be nullified by Devala Maharishi. As he blessed I am very honored that my curse was nullified by you”. He expressed his gratitude to Devala Maharishi and returned to his Kingdom.

 

Devala Maharishi Obtaining Tools From Devadaccha Maya

             The extermination of rakshasa Gundika was informed by Devala Maharishi to sage Vaalakilliya, he received his blessings and continued his journey towards Mount Meru. Devala Maharishi met Devadaccha Maya at Mount Meru and implored him to provide the tools & equipment to weave cloths. Devadaccha Maya commended Deval Maharishi and contentedly accepted his requests. Maya donated to Devala Maharishi with necessary tools &  equipment to weave cloths and explained the tools' glory. Maya delineated the use of tools, and equipment and demonstrated how to increase or decrease the size of the tools & equipment. Maya vouchsafed Devala Maharishi that the yarn in the flying shuttle will turn into the desired color. Devala Maharishi paid attention to all the explanations given by Devadaccha Maya and comprehended them. He returned to his county (Aamodhi) with all the tools and equipment.

 

Along with the tools received from Devadaccha Maya, he devised other required tools by himself. Once all the necessary tools accumulated he constructed his first weaving machine (Handloom).  Before start weaving cloths, Devala Maharishi calls on Sri Sowdeshwari Devi. Immediately she appeared in front of Devala Maharishi

and inquired why he was invoked. Devala Maharishi bowed Devi and delineated that he was ready to begin his obligation of weaving cloths. He begged Devi to bless him with a boon to multiply the clothes which he has to be distributed to all gods, Devas, and humans. 

 

Devi was greatly elated by Devala Maharishi's commitment and blessed him by offering a bangle (Kankana). She asked him to wear Kankana when he weaves cloth to multiply the production.  Also, Devi blessed him by saying that the clothes would turn into the colors and designs he needed as per his depiction. Devala Maharishi found a day with auspicious Star(Naksthtra), Tithi, Karana, and Yoga. Devala Mahrishi venerated Devi Sowdeshwari and wore the Kanakana to weave the following clothes 1. Nethra Bandar 2. Amirtha Chandira Bandar 3. Anna Bandar 4. Anna Punjar 5. Variety of Taravalis & 6. Meagavalis.

 

After the completion of weaving, Devala Mahrishi desired to offer the first cloth to Lord Vishnu at Vaikunta, who gave the yarn to produce the cloths. He went to Vaikunta and presented the first cloth to Lord Vishnu with great respect and obtained his blessing. He also offered clothes to all the residents congregating at Vaikuntha. Then he went to Satyaloka and offered different colors of clothes to Lord Brahma, Goddesses Saraswathi, and all other residents at Satyaloka. Devala Maharishi prayed to Lord Brahma and solicited to succor him and his offspring with yarns to create clothes in the future. Lord Brahma comprehended the appeal of Devala Maharishi.  He said: “ I will be sending two sacred women (Mani and Abimani) to the earth to be born as cotton, who emerged out of Lord Vishnu’s navel. He added that yarn can be obtained from cotton and it can be used for weaving cloths in the future. Then Devala Maharishi went to Indhara Lokha, Rudhra Lokha, Lokha, and Asthadikku Balaka Lokaha to offer clothes to all. In return, he received lots of gifts and offerings. As the clothes of Devala Maharishi embellished the organs of Devas he was identified with the name (Deva + Angha) Devanga.

 

Marriage of Devala Maharishi with Chandirarekha

Devala Maharishi traveled to Putkara Island, Navala Island, Saaka Island, Irali Island, and Kiranuncha Island to offer clothes to all residents. Later he went to the Pathala Lokha, where he was pleased by offering appropriate clothes to Nagas and Naga Kannis such as Dakka, Vasuki, Karkotaka, and Sangha. The Naga king, Anantha, was very much satisfied by the offering made by Devala Maharishi. The King honored him by offering his daughter Chandirarekha for marriage. After marrying Chandirarekha, Devala Maharishi reached Kailash and provided clothes to Lord Parameshwara, Goddesses Parvathi, Lord Ganesh, Lord Subramanya, Veerabathra, Nandi, Gana, and all others congregate in Kailash. As soon as the Devala Maharishi prayed to goddess Sowdeshwari, she appeared immediately and received the special cloth. In Kailash's house, he offered clothes to dancers, such as Ramba, Urvasi, Menaka, and Dilothama. Lord Parameshwara was delighted with the service of the Devala Maharishi, he gifted him a powerful Nandic flag and a sword. Lord Parameshwara asked Lord Surya to have his sister Devadattha married to Devala Maharishi. Lord Surya agreed and promised Lord Parameshwara the marriage proposal.

 

Devala Maharishi Producing Five Great Sacred Sutras

After offering clothes to all in Kailash, Devala Maharishi prayed to Lord Parameshwara and requested him to delineate the use of leftover yarn. Lord Parameshwara instructed Devala Maharishi to make five great sacred Sutras like Yagnopavita, Mangalya Suthra, Kankana Suthra, Sajgnada Sutra, and Kadisuthra with the leftover yarn. He added to offer the Yagnopavita to Brahma, Vishnu, Devas, and all the varnas including males & females on earth. Mangalya Sutra for marriage, Kankana Suthra for Upanayana, Yaga and Yagnas. Sajgnada Sutra for pregnant Ladies for help in easy delivery and Kadisuthra for all humans on the planet.

 

Rambha Cursing Devala Maharishi

Devala Maharishi found a heavenly alluring place on his travels and needed to do penance as a gratitude for all his success. When Devala Maharishi was performing penance Rambha with bewitching beauty approached him with lust. He worshiped her and refused to comply with her needs. Devala Maharishi said: “I never possess lust with any other women”. Rambha felt ignominy and cursed him saying: “You lose against your opponent and get apprehended by them”. Devala Maharishi did not beg for mercy as he had not committed any mistake. Also, he felt it as a god’s play and envisaged to move on.

 

Marriage of the Devala Maharishi with Devadatta

Devala Maharishi married Lord Surya’s younger sister, Devadattha, on an auspicious Wednesday of the month Vaisakha with Poorvapaksha & Saptami Tithi. Devala Maharishi distributed attractive colorful cloths to all the attendees at his marriage. Devala Maharishi offered the last available gorgeous cloth to Lord Bairavha. But Lord Bairavha was enraged as he felt the previous leftover cloth provided to him and shredded the fabric. Lord Parameshwara who was observing this, was unhappy with the action of Lord Bairavha and punished him with a curse that he would not get even a torn cloth to cover his body.

After a few months, Devadatta had three sons: Divayangan, Vimalangan, and Davalanagan. Naga Kanni Chandhrarekha was blessed with a son named Sudharma. Once all are grown, at their proper age Divayangan, Vimalangan, and Davalanagan were married to Prabhai, Padmakshi, and Kamalkshi respectively. Naga Kanni Chandhrarekha’s son Sudharma was married to Putkala, the daughter of Avanti's king. Then the eldest son Divayangan was crowned as King of Amodhi. Sudharma was crowned King of Island Kushai, which was acquired by Devala Maharishi in the battle with Surasena.

 

Rakshasa's indignation towards Devala Maharishi

             Rakshasas were left naked when Devas were wearing clothes, which exasperated them. Furious Rakshasas complained against Devas to Vajaradantha (king of rakshasa). They claimed that Devala Maharishi deceived Rakshasas by not offering clothes. Annoyed Vajaradantha, to acquire a boon, started a dire penance towards Lord Parameshwara and his brothers (Pulimukha & Sharbanaava). Pleased Lord Parameshwara enquired about their demands. All three Rakshasas bowed to Lord Parameshwara and requested: “Dear Lord! Please stop the sun from rising”. Lord Parameshwara said: ” Stopping the sun from rising will wipe out all the creatures in the world” and appealed to Rakshasas for relaxation in their request. Then Rakshasas requested to stop the sun from rising at least for a year.  Had no other choice, Lord Parameshwara agreed and offered the boon. The world was then encrusted with darkness.

 

Waiting for this opportunity, Rakshasas gathered at Veeramagendra. They planned for a battle against Devas under the leadership of Vajaradantha. Combative Rakshasas surrounded the city of Amaravati and started the fight against Lord Indra & Devas. Grisly forces of rakshasas defeated Lord Indra in the battle. Defeated Devas and Lord Indra met Lord Parameshwara at Kailash and appealed to save them. Lord Parameshwara realized the situation and requested Devala Maharishi to start a battle against rakshasas. Devala Maharishi won the fight against Rakshasa and returned Amaravati to Lord Indra. Vexed Viyakramugha, one of the brothers of Vajaradantha, started a new battle against Devala Maharishi with deadly weapons and tremendous force. Devala Maharishi slew Viyakramugha in the struggle with the help of his powerful arrow.

 

Upon hearing of the death of his brother Viyakramugha, Vajaradantha mobilized all the available rakshasa forces against Devas. They surrounded Hemakooda hill, where Devala Maharishi and Lord Indra rested after the battle. Again a dire battle started against Devas, a rare witch invoked by Vajaradantha caused great damage to the Devas and their troops. Devala Maharishi realized the worst situation, venerated Nandhi Dwajha (Naddhi Flag), and invoked the great forces to end the battle. Then terrible elephants, lions, tigers, bears, snakes, giants, and others appeared and battled against rakshasas. Again Rakshasas lost the fight against Devas. Vajaradantha and his troops fled back to their Kingdom. Vexed Vajaradantha with great agony sought help from his friend Vittayuthesa to take revenge against Devas and Devala Maharishi.

 

Devala Maharishi’s Arrest After Losing the Nandhi Dwajha

The great illusionist, Vittayuthesa agreed to help his friend. He disguised as an ambassador of Lord Indra, approached Devala Maharishi at Amodhi, and requested for Nandhi Dwajha (Naddhi Flag) saying that again Rakshasas came for a battle against Devas and Lord Indra. He said:” Lord Indra sent me to procure the Nandhi Dwajha from you”. Devala Maharishi believed him and handed over the Nandhi Dwajha. Vittayuthesa handed over the Nandhi Dwajha to Vajaradantha. After receiving the powerful flag, Vajaradantha started a battle against Devas. With the abundant force that appeared from the Nandhi Dwajha, rakshasas won the fight against Devas and arrested Devala Maharishi (Sacred dancer Rambha’s curse turned out to be true here).

 

Vajaradantha took Devala Maharishi to his Kingdom with a plan to get clothes for all Rakshasa and his clans. He did not imprison Devala Maharishi and requested him to create clothes for them, by offering the highest position in his kingdom. As per his request, Devala Maharishi created clothes for all Rakshasas. Vajaradantha requested Devala Maharishi to marry his foster daughter Padmini. Devala Maharishi was hesitant to marry the daughter of a rakshasa. Lord Agni appeared in front of Devala Maharishi and elucidated the truth. He said: “Padmini is my daughter and she is being brought up by my friend Vajaradantha”. Devala Maharishi married Padmini and had three sons Saala, Ala, and Bela. He taught weaving to his sons and decided to return to Amodhi. Vajaradantha was pleased by the Devala Maharishi‘s service and allowed him to return.

 

Vidyadhara

The Second Incarnation

 

One day, all the Vidyadars approached Lord Parameshwara and appealed to help them learn all the leftover skills. Lord Parameshwara accepted the request and agreed to help them through a highly knowledge tutor. He instructed Devala Maharishi to take birth as a son of Emavarun who was in penance towards him at Mount Meru. Devala Maharishi accepted the commandments of Lord Parameshwara and returned to his Kingdom. He conveyed the commandments of the Lord to his wives and children. One day he left his body as a Linga on the earth and traveled to Deva Loka with his soul. Divayangan, the eldest son of the Devala Maharishi, raised a temple for the Linga and venerated daily poojas.

 

Devala Maharishi appeared as a child before Emavaruna and his wife, who was performing penance towards Lord Parameshwara at Mount Meru. Emavaruna and his wife are delighted to see the kid offered by Lord Parameshwara. They named the kid Kamalaksha and raised him by providing the best education. 

At the age of 11, Kamalaksha attained wisdom by learning all the skills and yogas. He was well-versed in all the scriptures and mastered all 64 skills. Many of the Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, and Devas turned as students of Kamalaksha in seeking knowledge & wisdom. Kamalaksha was called Vidyadhara’s Vidyadhara (Master of all educated). As Lord Parameshwara commanded, Kamalaksha as Vidyadhara taught all the skills, and knowledge and spread wisdom. Once he completed his obligation, he returned to Kailash and engaged himself in pleasing Lord Parameshwara and Goddesses Parvathi with the exciting music of the harp.

 

 

Pushbanda

The Third Incarnation

 

Suruthikeethi the King of Kanakamapuri was severely persecuted by Rakshasha Shoora. He started a penance towards Lord Parameshwara to slay the rakshasha. Lord Parameshwara was pleased by Suruthikeethi's dire penance and listened to his appeal. Suruthikeethi requested Lord Parameshwara to bless him with a child who could slay Rakshasa. Lord Parameshwara commanded Kamalaksha to take birth as the son of King Suruthikeethi. Kamalaksha was birth as the son of Suruthikeethi and was named Pushbanda.  He learned war skills and techniques to operate the weapons in a very short period. Pushbanda was married to the King of Sindhu’s daughter Devadatta. Pushbanda fought with Rakshasha Shoora and defeated him in the battle. Pleased by Pushbanda’s victory,  King Suruthikeethi crowned Pushbanda king of Kanakamapuri and transferred the rulership. Suruthikeethi with his wife went to the deep forest to perform penance. Pushbanda was a nonpareil devotee of Lord Parameshwara and ruled the county remarkably. He built temples, mutts, and gardens for Lord Parameshwara. He venerated Lord Parameshwara with flowers that he collected from the gardens. Lord Parameshwara and Goddesses Parvathi were pleased by his devotion and offered a boon to perform pooja daily at Kailash.

 

Pushbanda and Devadatta were cursed by Lord Parameshwara

Offering pooja at Kailash along with his wife became a daily practice for Pushpabandha. One day, due to illness, Devadatta was not accompanied by Pushbanda to offer pooja at Kailash. Pushbanda heard a private conversation between Lord Parameshwara and Goddesses Parvathi when he reached the door of Kailash. He stopped at the door of Kailash to avoid interrupting the conversation between Lord Parameshwara and Goddesses Parvathi. Lord Parameshwara was telling secret philosophy to Goddesses Parvathi upon her request. The conversation between Lord Parameshwara and Goddesses Parvathi did not end even after a long wait. Hence Pushbanda returned to his Kingdom without offering the pooja for that day. 

Devadatta had a suspicion and enquired Pushbanda about his delay from Kailash. Pushbanda explained the entire event along with the secret philosophy to avoid suspicion. Pushbanda and his wife Devadatta went to Kailash to offer pooja the next day. Devadatta requested Goddesses Parvathi to explain secret philosophy told by Lord Parameshwara. But Goddesses Parvathi got angry with Lord Parameshwara assuming that he cheated by telling a philosophy that was already known to others. During a long argument, Lord Parameshwara discovered that Pushbanda had revealed the secret philosophy to his wife. Disappointed Lord Parameshwara with exasperation cursed Pushbanda to become a Demon (Bethal). Also, he cursed Devadatta to be a deer in the day and a woman in the night,  playing the harp and disturbing others.

 

 

Bethal

The Fourth Incarnation

 

Pushbanda and Devadatta realized their blunder and begged Lord Parameshwara for mercy. Upon their apology, Lord Parameshwara guided them to go to Patalipura and get rid of their curse by King Vikramaditya. Pushbanda and Devadatta went to Patalipura to get rid of their curse. Pushbanda turned out to be the deadliest demon (Bethal) and started hanging upside down on the trunk of giant drumstick trees at the graveyard. Devadatta turned out to be a deer roaming in the forest during the day and a woman playing the harp at the Kali temple at night. Pushbanda continued to be a Bethal for many years awaiting Great King Vikramaditya. At the same time, a deception sage penanced Goddess Kali to acquire Bethal as a slave to achieve the power to control the whole world. Goddess Kali planned to ask for an unrealistic offer to avoid the crooked desire of deception sage. She asked him to offer 1000 human heads along with the head of Great King Vikramaditya to bless him with a boon.

 

Vicious sage tricked and brought a lot of men to the Kali temple. There he beheaded them and offered their heads to Kali. Once he completed offering 999 human heads to Kali, he planned to trick Great King Vikramaditya and bring him to the kali temple. One day deceptive sage at Ujjain met Great King Vikramaditya at his palace and offered a Pomegranate fruit filled with gemstones. The deceptive sage told King Vikramaditya that he was performing penance to benefit the world. He also requested King Vikramaditya to attend the Yagna to complete the penance. King Vikramaditya agreed to the deceptive sage's request considering the world's benefits.

Great King Vikramaditya Seizing Bethal :

On a new moon day, King Vikramaditya went with a deceptive sage to the Kali temple. King Vikramaditya heard a harp sound in the forest when the deceptive sage started the yagna rituals and went into penance. He started walking towards the sound and found a woman playing harp near the Kali temple. King Vikramaditya interrogates the woman, to see who the woman is and why she is playing the harp at night in the woods. She recognizes the great king Vikramaditya and tells him that they are waiting for years to meet him. She explained about the curse and events that happened. Informed about the unfeasible task of bringing her husband (Bethal) to Kali temple so that they will get rid of their curse. She requested him to help as this can be achieved only by King Vikramaditya. King agreed to the request of Devadautta and said: "No matter how big the risk is, I will bring Bethal to Kali temple and help both of you to get rid of the curse". He walked towards the graveyard to seize the Bethal and bring him to the Kali temple. He found a demon hanging upside down on the giant drumstick tree trunk at the cemetery. Without any fear, King Vikramaditya climbed the tree, tied the hands of the Bethal, and seized him. King carried him on his shoulder and started walking towards the Kali temple.

 

Bethal Telling Stories to the Great King Vikramaditya

Until the King started walking, the Bethal maintained silence and suddenly began to speak with King Vikramaditya. The Bethal said: "Dear Great King! you must not speak a word until we go to the temple. at the same time, I will tell a story and in the end, ask you a question. If you know the answer and you don't answer, then your head will explode into a thousand pieces." Bewildered King Vikramaditya continued his journey mutely toward Kali temple. Bethal told a story to King Vikramaditya and finally asked a question out of it. Bethal flew back to the giant drumstick tree once King Vikramaditya answered the question. Bethal repeated this 24 times, with 24 different stories and questions. On the 25th time, Bethal told a weird story which can lead to an inconclusive answer. At the end of the story, Bethal asks King Vikramaditya to answer the question. King Vikramaditya was not clued about the answer to the question. He pretended to answer the question and went inside the Kali temple with Bethal on his shoulder.

 

Pushbanda and Devadatta’s Curse Redress

Devadatta followed King Vikramaditya inside the Kali temple along with Bethal. When Pushbanda & Devadatta entered the Kali temple their curse was nullified and returned to their original state. They prayed to King Vikramaditya, conveyed their gratitude, and explained to him the real intention of the deceptive sage. Hearing this, King Vikramaditya was outraged and chopped the head of the deceptive sage before Goddess Kali.

Then Goddess Kali appeared before King Vikramaditya and said: "I am extremely pleased by your action of killing deceptive sage". Goddess Kali offered a boon. King Vikramaditya entreaty Goddess Kali to bring all the 999 humans alive who were killed by deceptive sages. Goddess Kali accepted and fulfilled his request. Pushbanda and Devadatta were extremely pleased by King Vikramaditya's great help, and they offered him a powerful Bethal who could always accompany and serve King Vikramaditya. Then Pushbanda and Devadatta went back to Kailash and subdued themself on the foot of Lord Parameshwara.

Varamuni

The Fifth Incarnation

 

After a long time, when morality was diminished and the darkness of ignorance occupied the world. All the devas appealed to Lord Parameshwara to help the world out of this harsh situation. Lord Parameshwara promised to send his son to the world to restore morality, devotion, and goodwill. As Lord Parameshwara commanded, Pushbanda was born as Gangadara's & Sukunavani's son and named Varamuni. Gangadhar and Sukunavani brought up the kid with the utmost care, and educated him with skills and wisdom. Effortlessly and quickly, Varamuni mastered all the skills and knowledge. He became a great philosopher with extraordinary knowledge, virtue, and understanding. At an appropriate age, he was married to Amrithaseeli, King Sushilea's daughter. Gangadhar transferred the rulership to Varamuni. Once Varamuni was crowned as King, he revised and regularised the laws for the benefit of citizens.

 

He revised the Vedas & composed many of the Aagams and contributed a rule book to the world. He authored the following books: 1. Shastra Sutra Nikkandu 2. Ganitha Shastra 3. Chandra Siddhanta 4. Pindothpatri Shastra 5. Sandhi Sutra 6. Nara Pingala Shastra 7. Surya Siddhanta 8. Sutha Memamsa 9. Gaumudhi Viyakana 10. Thirlinga Nikkandu 11. Vastu Aayul Nirnayam 12. Bagha Shastra 13. Yoni Nikkandu 14. Niaaya Bodhini 15. Santok iganna 16. Lakshana Shastra 17. Swara Suthra 18. Pancha Suthra Nikkandu 19. Vedanga Maala 20. Aayul Veda. Varamuni re-spread morality, devotion, and goodwill in the world. Varamuni and Amirthaseeli had a son named Veerarutira who was raised by them with the best education and morals. Veerarutira was married to Komala, who was King Avanti's daughter. After crowning Veeraruthra, Vararushi and Amrithaseeli returned to Kailash and subdued themselves at Lord Parameshwara's foot.

 

Devasali

The Sixth Incarnation

 

Sukunan took birth as a son of Veeraratutra and Komala. Once he grew up at the appropriate age, he was married to Satyavati. Veeraratutra crowned him the king. During those days, many wanted to master all the concepts written by Vararushi to attain bliss in achieving Shiva Yoga. Four sons of Brahma, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanakumara went to Kailash to meet Dakshina Murthy, the primary guru among all the gurus. After the separation from Goddesses Parvathi, Lord Parameshwara was undergoing penance under the Kallaala tree.  All four approached Lord Parameshwara and appealed to him to teach the inner substance of the Vedagamaas. Lord Parameshwara indoctrinated all four with the inner substance of Pashu, Pathi, and the affection of Shivaagamaa. He went back to do penance of silence. But all four wanted to understand the inner substance of Veda and started meditating in front of Lord Parameshwara.

 

 

One day Lord Parameshwara came out of the penance of silence.  He commanded Vararushi to take birth as the son of Sukunan, in the name of Devasaali, to teach all the inner substance and aptitude of Vedas & Vedagaamaas to all who wish to attain wisdom in Shiva Yoga. Vararushi was birth as the son of Sukunan by the name of Devasaali. He grew up and was admired by all. He explained the Atanga Yoga in detail to all the scholars who wanted to attain Shiva yoga. Shiva Yoga helped to spread devotion and discipline throughout the Kingdom. Later Sukuna transferred the rulership of the kingdom by coronating Devasaali as a king. As a great king and a great yogi, Devasaali ruled the country remarkably. Devasaali was married to Sukatharuni and had a son Sasisekara. Once Sasisekara grew up, he married Uttami, Kanakaranga's daughter. Later Sasisekara was coronated by Devasaali. Once Devasaali completed all the obligations he went back with his wife to Kailash to serve Lord Parameshwara.

 

Sri Devaradasimayya

The Seventh Incarnation

 

In the year 980 on an auspicious day with Chita Nakshatra (Sitirai) and Panjami Tithi, Sri Devaradasimayya was born as the son to Lord Siva devotees: Sri Ramayya and Smt Shankari in Mudanuru Village, Surupura Taluk, Yadagiri Zilla, Gulbarga district, Karnataka. Devaradasimayya had great love and devotion towards Lord Siva from his childhood. He had his primary and secondary education at a Gurukul in Mudanuru Village. He spent all his free time at Ramanada Temple located in his village. Venerating Lord Ramanada and undergoing meditation was his daily practice.

 

Post completion of his primary and secondary education at Mudanuru Gurukul, he had a strong desire to pursue his higher studies at Sri Sailam. In those days the city of Sri Sailam was very famous for gurukul systems and higher studies. Well-renowned gurus and clerics were found only in Sri Sailam. The town of Sri Sailam was the land of higher studies in all subjects including spirituality. The town of Sri Sailam was well known for its spiritual aspects and it was the place for spiritual seekers. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple at Sri Sailam is one of the famous and prominent temples of Lord Siva. It is also considered as one of the jyotirlingas out of 12.

 

Sri Devaradasimayya’s Higher Education

Sri Devaradasimayya joined as sisya (Student) to Sri Chandragundu Sivacharya, the 4th Jagath Guru for Surya Simahasana. Sri Chandragundu Sivacharya taught him Sastharas, Veda’s, Dayanas, Meditations, and all spiritual processes & kriyas. Along with spiritual education, he also learned some languages including Kannada, Telugu, and Sanskrit. After completing his graduation, he continued to visit all well-known temples on his way back home. In his journey, he was preaching and spreading “Sarana Tatva” to all who were interested in attaining Mukthi. During his trip, a few quarreled and tried to hurt him. They stopped him from practicing Sarana Tatva. In return, Sri Devaradasimayya showed great love towards them and preached that God is nothing but love in action and inner peace. Dasimayya’s love & care turned them into his disciples and made them follow “Sarana Tatva”.

 

Once he reached his home, he started helping his parents on their job (Weaving). Like his childhood, he began spending his free time at Ramanadha temple. Dasimayya’s parents expressed their interest in finding the right bride for him. But Dasimayya was not interested in marriage, rather he was much more interested in engaging himself in spirituality. To give due respect to his parents' desire, he agreed to a marriage with the condition that they should find a girl who could cook food without water and firewood.

Sri Devaradasimayya’s Marriage and Life

His parents and relatives found difficulties in finding a girl who could fulfill his condition. After a long search, they found a girl (Duggale) in Pappur village, Apjalpura Taluk, Gulbarga district, Karnataka a few miles away from Dasimayya’s village. Duggale was the astute daughter of Mallikarjuna and Mahadevi. Sri Devaradasimayya and his parents and relatives went to Duggale’s home on an auspicious day. Devaradasimayya gave sugarcane and a bowl of rice mixed with sand to Duggale. She washed the rice and removed the sand with the juice extracted from sugarcane. Using the sugar cane bagasse as firewood she cooked rice payasam (Indian Hot Sweet Drink). Duggale offered the payasam to Dasimayya and others who accompanied her. Dasimayya’s parents and elders extolled Duggalea’s wisdom. On an auspicious day, Dasimayya was married to Duggalea in the presence of elders and parents. Dasimayya was earning money by selling sarees and clothes at the market which was weaved by him. After completing all the household work Duggalea was supporting Dasimayya in his weaving. Successfully, Dasimayya and Duggalea were running their life with earnings from weaving.  

 

One day two youths argued and wanted to find the best among spiritual and married life. They met Dasimayya at his home to get the insight, but they did not explain the purpose. Dasimayya welcomed them and made them stay comfortable at his home. He went back to continuing his weaving. Both of them were observing Dasimayya’s actions and waiting for the right turn to clarify their doubts. In the afternoon while Dasimayya was engaged in weaving found one of the yarns to be cut off. Dasimayya asked Dugglea to bring a lamp to knot the yarn. Youths were astonished to see that Dugglea came with a lamp in the afternoon with bright sunlight. After seeing the action of Dasimayya and Duggalea youths were bewildered and hesitated to ask for clarification.

 

In the afternoon, Dugglea invited youths and Dasimayy for lunch. Dugglea served previous day's prepared porridge to Dasimayya and youths. Youths swiftly drank the cold porridge but Dasimayya requested Dugglea to fan the porridge. Youths were astonished and suspected the mental balance of the couple when Duggela was fanning the cold porridge. Youths concluded that Dasimayya and Dugglea were not qualified to answer their question. They decided not to ask for clarification and leave the place. When youths sought permission to leave the place, Dasimayya asked:” Have I clarified your doubt?”. Youths were surprised by hearing the question of Dasimayya. When youths were excited and eagerly waiting for Dasimayya’s answer. Dasimayya said:” If a person gets a wife who can understand and obey his order then married life is best. If a person gets a wife who always squabbles and doesn't obey his orders then spiritual life is best”. Youths bowed to Dasimayya and Dugglea for the undisputed answer received. Many such incidents brought pride and popularity to Dasimayya. His popularity outspread in and around villages and cities.

 

Sri Devaradasimayya’s rivalry with Jaina clerics

Sukladevi the queen of Pattalakere from Andhra Pradesh heard about Dasimayya and his spiritual excellence. She had a desire to meet Dasimayya and become his disciple. One day, she met Dasimayya in his village and expressed interest in becoming his disciple. Dasimayya accepted Sukladevi as his disciple and offered Shiva Deeksha. This incident irritated the Jaina clergies. They appealed to the king of Pattalakere saying: "When the king follows Jaina religion, the queen cannot follow other religions (Sharana Tattva)". The exasperated king

commanded soldiers to arrest Dasimayya and bring him to his palace. He asked them to force him to follow the Jaina religion. The soldiers detained Dasimayya and brought him to the king's court. Dasimayya had an argument when the King asked him to accept the Jaina religion. He requested the King to conduct a rivalry with the condition to decide which is best among Jaina and Sharana Tatvaa. Dasimayya said to King: "I accept the Jaina religion if I lose in the rivalry. If my opponents (Jaina clergies) lose then including you all your citizens need to accept the Sharana Tatvaa". The condition was agreed upon by the King and Jaina clergies. Arguments were presented from both sides in the rivalry. Dasimayya gave precise answers to all the questions asked by the opponents. Jaina clergies realized that the victory was falling towards Dasimayya. To avoid losing in the rivalry they planned to trick Dasimayya. They kept venomous cobra in the side pot. The top of the pot was covered with cloth and brought to Dasimayya. Opponents asked Dasimayya to find out what was inside the pot only by touching it. Dasimayya observed the pot for a minute and said Shiva’s jewelry (Nagabarana) was kept inside the pot. He put his hand inside the pot with closed eyes and took a Shiva Linga. Including the King, all were astonished and accepted their defeat against Dasimayya. Including the King, all the citizens at Pattalakere accepted the Sharana Tatva. The King built a temple for Utteraswara Linga which was taken out by Dasimayya from the pot. More than 700 Jaina monasteries in the Pattalakere Kingdom were converted into Shiva temples and mutts.

 

Sri Devaradasimayya’s Offering Clothes to Lord Shiva

One day an extraordinary cloth was weaved by Dasimayya through his devotion and wisdom towards Lord Parameshwara. He planned to sell the fabric at the market and earn money for daily needs. Due to its richness no-one at the market enquired about the price or ready-to-purchase cloth. Helpless Dasimayya brought the fabric back to his home. On the way to his house, he found an old man shivering under the tree. Dasimayya offered the cloth to the old man considering the bad weather and age.  The old man shredded the prodigious cloth and tied it to his head, hands, waist, and legs. But Dasimayya was not irritated by the insane act of the old man. He was calm and left the place with a smile considering that he does not hold any rights over the item that he donated. He described the entire event to his wife Dugglea once he reached home.

 

Dasimayya and Duggela found 7 kinds of cereals filled at their home when they woke up from their bed the next day morning. Both realized that the old man Dasimayya met on the previous day was no other than Lord Parameshwara. They understood that the cereals were the price given for the cloth by Lord Parameshwara. Dasimayya wrote “176” poems with an extraordinary message to the world which can be applicable even for today’s lifestyle.

 

The Vachana he authored has an extraordinarily profound message like other prominent writing in different languages. All the Vachanas are the wisdom expressed to the world by Lord Ramanatha Swamy through Dasimayya. Our ancestors confirmed that we can receive prosperity, good health, and wealth in our life by reading or hearing the "Vachanas”.

 

You kept the fire un-burning in a tree,

You kept ghee in milk without fragrance,

You kept the soul unseen within the body,

I marvel at the way you mix things, Raamanaatha!

                                                                                           - Sri Devaradasimayya