ॐ Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Shrimad Bhagavata Mahatmya
Gokarna and Dundikaara: A Profound Journey from Sin to Liberation
The timeless tale of Gokarna and Dundikaara from the Bhagavata Purana beautifully illustrates the power of devotion, righteousness, and redemption. Gokarna, a devout soul committed to dharma, stood in stark contrast to his brother Dundikaara, whose sinful life led to his tragic end in a ghostly state (preta yoni). Striving to free his brother’s tormented soul, Gokarna initiated a sacred recitation of the Shrimad Bhagavata Purana. Over seven days of heartfelt discourse, the divine vibrations purified Dundikaara’s spirit, granting him peace and liberation, ultimately leading him to the celestial realms.This inspiring story serves as a profound reminder of how devotion, spiritual practices, and righteous living can guide us toward inner peace and eternal freedom. It underscores the transformative power of sacred scriptures and the importance of living a life aligned with virtue and responsibility.
The Tale of Atmadev and Dhundhuli
Once upon a time, there was a town on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. A Brahmin named Atmadev lived there. He was well-versed in the Vedas and knew how to perform yajnas. Although he was wealthy, he lived a life of austerity, accepting only what he received in alms. His wife, Dhundhuli, was of noble lineage and virtuous, but she had a stubborn streak. Often, she would engage in idle gossip, talking about others. She spent her time in chit-chat and exaggeration. However, there was one deep sorrow in their lives—lack of offspring. Both of them were dissatisfied with their childless state. They performed numerous vows and acts of charity, but still, they had no children. The Brahmin was deeply troubled and often sat despondent.
In the end, he left his home and went to the forest, unable to find peace anywhere. He began to self-inflict hardship. There, he met a sage. Atmadev shared his tale of sorrow with the sage, and the sage, moved by compassion, said, "Why do you cling to hope? In your destiny, there is no child in seven lifetimes."
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The Brahmin replied, "Please, do something. Bless me with a child. My heart yearns for one."
The sage gave him a divine fruit and said, "Give this to your wife. She must eat it and for one year, she must follow strict vows. She should eat only once a day, avoid anger, remain charitable, speak the truth, and maintain cleanliness. After one year, she will conceive a son with a pure heart."
Atmadev took the fruit, his eyes filled with tears as he prostrated before the sage. The sage then left on his journey.
Dhundhuli’s Deception and Dhundhukari’s Destiny
Atmadev joyfully returned home and called for his wife. Dhundhuli was glad to see him and her stubborn nature softened a little. With a calm mind, Atmadev told her everything and handed her the fruit, asking her to observe the vows for a year.
Dhundhuli, however, was skeptical. Her pregnant sister was staying with her, and she confided in her. The sister suggested, "If you don't want the fruit, give it to the cow. You just need a child, and I'll pretend that my son is yours. You can wear a disguise of pregnancy. Let's keep this secret. If you give my husband a large sum of money, he won’t question it."
Dhundhuli agreed to this plan. The fruit was given to the cow, and Dhundhuli began to feign pregnancy. She called her sister to stay with her.
In due course, the sister gave birth to a son, but she claimed it was Dhundhuli's child. She fabricated a story that her own child had died. Atmadev, convinced by their explanation, was overjoyed. The son was named Dhundhukari and was raised by Atmadev with great care.
However, this child, Dhundhukari, was destined for misfortune. He grew up to be a wicked person, indulging in vices and losing everything. Atmadev, now a beggar, began to feel great sorrow. In his time of despair, Gokarna, the son of Dhundhuli, who had grown into a wise and virtuous man, advised him, "Father, this worldly life is transient. Go to the forest, meditate on God, and remember His name. Don’t waste even a moment.
Gokarna’s Compassion and Dhundhukari’s Redemption
Atmadev left his home and went to the forest, meditating on God and remembering His name. After his death, he reached Vaikuntha and was blessed with eternal peace.
Meanwhile, Dhundhukari, having fallen into bad company, indulged in sinful acts. He was eventually killed by the wicked women and his wealth was looted. After his death, he became a restless ghost, wandering the town.
Gokarna went on a pilgrimage and learned of his brother’s death. He performed the last rites for him at Gaya and returned home. That night, he saw the restless spirit of Dhundhukari in the form of a terrible ghost. The ghost begged for release from his suffering, asking for Gokarna’s help.
Gokarna, though moved by compassion, didn’t know how to help. He offered comfort to the spirit and meditated on the sun for guidance. By dawn, the Sun God appeared before Gokarna and advised him, "Perform a seven-day recitation of the Bhagavat Purana. This is the only way to release Dhundhukari from his ghostly form."
Gokarna did so, and during the recitation, Dhundhukari, who was listening intently, underwent a miraculous transformation. In seven days, his ghostly form was completely purified. A divine chariot came to take him to heaven, and he bowed in gratitude to Gokarna.
The Power of Devotion and Liberation
As Gokarna questioned the Sun God, the Sun revealed, "The key difference lies in the devotion with which one listens. Dhundhukari listened with full concentration, fasting, meditating, and immersing himself in the soul of the Bhagavat. His sincere devotion earned him liberation."
Through his unwavering devotion, Dhundhukari was freed from his suffering. Gokarna, meanwhile, continued his recitations, guiding others toward liberation. Those who listened with the same dedication also attained salvation and reached Vaikuntha.
Conclusion
This story was narrated by Sanaka and the sages. The divine fragrance and celestial sounds filled the atmosphere, and the earth rejoiced with the names of Narayana.
Finally, Soot, in a gathering of sages, concluded, "Gokarna recited the Bhagavat to his brother, Dhundhukari, on the Shuddha Navami of Ashadha. This is how Dhundhukari attained salvation."
Thus, by listening with pure devotion, one can attain ultimate freedom. Those who listened to the story of the Bhagavat with full attention, like Gokarna and Dhundhukari, earned divine blessings.
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