Lord Kapil

In our last blog, "Kardama and Devahuti," we narrated the story of Sage Kardama and his devoted wife, Devahuti. Their story is a testament to unyielding love and unwavering devotion. Devahuti had accepted Kardama as her husband even before she had met him, and had a burning desire to marry him only. After marriage, Devahuti served Kardama earnestly without any selfish desires. Kardama was pleased with her and granted her a boon.

Now, prepare yourself as we continue the story that will unveil Kapil Bhagwan's divine birth and extraordinary life.

Devahuti and Kardama returned to earth; the dream had come to an end. Devahuti felt a rush of joy remembering the hundred (100) years she spent with Kardama, but that joy was tainted by the remembrance that her husband would abandon her after the children were born. The very idea sent shivers down her spine. The vibrant colours of her happiness began to dim, replaced by loneliness and uncertainty.

A Wife's Plea

Devahuti approached her husband, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Speaking to her husband in a low tone, she said, "I know the time is near; you will leave me soon."

Further, with a trembling voice, she said, "I beg you, stay a while longer. I ache at the thought of raising our daughters alone, with no one to guide them towards the rightful suitors they deserve.  But once they are married, I fear I will be left alone again. Please, don’t abandon me to face this world by myself. Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps I might bear a son, one who could be my strength and support in my old age; he may become my hope, who will help me navigate the treacherous waters of maya that binds me. I am an unfortunate woman, married to a great tapasvi, yet I find myself caught in the delusions of this divine maya."

The Chosen Mother

From a distance, Kardama watched tears flow down his wife Devahuti's cheeks. He quickly moved towards where she sat, head bowed, overwhelmed by emotions.

Kardama gently wiped away her tears. "Devahuti," he said, his voice a soothing balm, "you are no ordinary woman. If only you could see what I see. You are not unfortunate; you are destined for greatness. The universe has chosen you, my beloved, to bear the one destined to change everything—the mighty Lord Narayan will enter this world through you.

Prepare yourself for the miraculous moment by praying to the Lord day and night, and wait when you will cradle the Lord of the universe in your arms. Let your heart dance with joy and your spirit soar with pride, for you are truly blessed."

Waiting for the Divine

When their daughters came of age, Kardama and Devahuti married them to the most illustrious sages of that time, who became renowned for their wisdom and spiritual prowess. The daughters left with their husbands and went to their marital homes. The old couple, Kardama and Devahuti, waited with greater anticipation for the birth of their divine son.

The Lord Incarnate

As time went by, the Lord, honouring His divine promise, incarnated in the home of Devahuti and Kardama. Kapil Bhagavan, the divine baby, was a vision of unparalleled beauty, adorned with flowing golden hair that shimmered like sunlight. His eyes resembled delicate lotus petals, his divine feet marked with exquisite symbols.

Farewell

One day, the enlightened sage Kardama, filled with reverence, prostrated before Kapil Bhagavan. With utmost respect, he addressed the Lord, saying, “O Lord, may I have your permission to leave this hermitage and devote myself to the path of Sanyas?”

Kapil Bhagavan spoke to Kardama, saying:

"Kardama, I made a promise to be born as your son, and the promise is now fulfilled. In this incarnation, I come with a purpose: to awaken souls by revealing the truth about this human body and guiding them on how to break free from the bondage of maya. This mission will ultimately benefit all of humanity. You’ve made a wise choice in deciding to follow the path of Sanyas. Surrender all your desires to me, and you will find me residing in your heart, which will release you from the chains of maya.

As for my beloved mother, I understand her fears regarding this world and her apprehension about facing loneliness after you depart. Please don’t worry about her. I will guide her towards God-realization by imparting divine philosophy, which will ultimately lead her to Me."

Kardama circumbulated the Kapil Bhagavan and, with a joyous heart, departed to the forest. He spent his time in loving remembrance of the Lord and attained the divine abode of God.

After Kardama departed, Devahuti and Lord Kapil remained in the serene hermitage by the banks of the river Saraswati. Days passed, and Devahuti remembered the profound words of Lord Brahma:

"Lord Narayan would soon be born as your son, destined to illuminate the world with the timeless philosophy of self-knowledge."

The Divine conversation

Devahuti stepped into the vibrant embrace of nature. There, in tranquil solitude, she found her son, Kapil Bhagavan. A sense of awe washed over her as she realised the divine presence before her. With a mixture of reverence and urgency, she approached him and said,

“I know you are my son, yet you are so much more—you are Lord Narayan,” she began, her eyes shimmering with hope.

“I beg you, guide me. Help me shatter the chains of maya that bind me and lift me beyond the allure of sensual pleasures. I am weary. I have been running after shadows for far too long. I am tired, tired of this life. You are the sun which has come into my life to dispel the darkness under which I live.”

Lord Kapil turned to his mother, smiled and said,

"There is only one path that will lead you to God-realization."

He explained, "Mother, it is the mind that creates bondage and liberation. The simplest way to realise God is through Bhakti/devotion. The wise tell us that we possess an inherent quality called attachment, which is imperishable. While you cannot destroy this attachment, you should not nourish it with objects of the worldly senses. Instead, change the object of your affection. Allow your attachment to remain, but redirect it towards the Supreme Lord. By cultivating a bond with the Supreme, you can break the ties that bind you to material existence."

Kapil Bhagavan imparted divine philosophy to his mother, and through her, he shared this wisdom with the world. With his teachings complete, he felt free to depart from the hermitage and bid farewell to his mother. He set forth on a journey towards the northwest, spreading the profound philosophy to others who came in contact with Him.

Finally Enlightened

Devahuti found herself alone once more and devoted her time to the teachings imparted by her son. The once lustrous black of her hair faded to a dull brown, tangled and lifeless—a testament to the intense austerities she willingly embraced. Dressed in garments woven from bark, she renounced all worldly possessions, casting aside everything that had once defined her.

She missed her son and husband dearly, but channelled her longing into practising the philosophy her son had taught her.

She focused on her son day and night, remembering his words to let her thoughts flow toward Lord Narayan. Envisioning the beautiful face of her beloved son, Kapil, her mind gradually became steady and tranquil, purifying her consciousness. In this state of devotion, she transcended her physical form and rose above the material world, ultimately attaining God-realization.

Summary

The story of Sage Kardama and his devoted wife, Devahuti, revolves around her deep longing for her husband's company and her desire to have a son. Kapil Bhagavan, an incarnation of Lord Narayan, became the son of Devahuti and Kardama. Devahuti, fearing the loneliness that would follow her husband's departure, turns to her son for guidance. Kapil Bhagavan shares profound spiritual wisdom with her, leading her on a path to God-realization through devotion. Through his teachings and her intense dedication, she ultimately attains God.

Moral

1. If you are persistent, anything is possible.
2. Knowledge and wisdom aren't limited by age; even your son could teach you valuable lessons.

Let's Reflect

Who is the object of your affection?