Uddhavam pranamaami

10.8/09

When Vidura Mahaashaya knew that war between Pandavaas and Kauravaas was unavoidable, he did not want to be part of that heart-breaking war and went for theerthayaathra or pilgrimage.On his way to Theerthaas, Vidura met somebody who looked like Lord Krishna, dressed like Him and did everything as He told him. That was the greatest devotee Shree Uddhava. Viduraji was very happy to meet him and asked him where he was going.

 

Uddhavaji told him about Lord Krishna's "swadhaama gamanam" or going to his own permanent abode, Vaikundham and told Viduraji that he considered himself as the most blessed human on earth. Viduraji begged Uddhavaji to explain what he meant. Then Uddhavaji told about the few hours he spent with Lord Krishna before He left for Vaikundham and how Krishna affectionately ignored his request to take him with The Lord. Uddhava did not elaborate on the advise given to him by Lord, but repeated a few words of Krishna that made him think  he was the most blessed soul on earth. 

 

With tears rolling down His cheeks and holding Bhagavaan's paadukam or chappals on his head Uddhavaji thus repeated Krishna's words:

 "Uddhava, do not cry. You are more dear to me than anybody in this world. My affection for you is greater than my affection for Arjuna, Balarama, my own parents, my foster parents, Garuda, and even my own consort Lakshmi Devi. Uddhava, let me tell you that my affection for you is even greater than my affection for my own self. Please go to Badari and meditate on me and you will reach me soon. There is no other bhaktha who is more dear to me than you." 

 

Uddhavaji could not say these words continuously. He went into samadhi several times and some how completed what he wanted to tell. Viduraji requested him to enlighten him with the advise Lord gave to him. But Uddhavaji told Viduraji that he could not do that because Lord wanted him to go straight to Badari and he was on his way. He told Viduraji to go to Haridwar where Maithreya Maharshi was waiting for him and that Mahaathma or great soul would enlighten him with the same advise Lord had given Uddhavaji. Uddhavaji went to Badari with tears of devotion flowing from his eyes, with a mind illuminated by Bhgavaan's constant presence, with his blessed head holding Bhgavaan's paadukam and lips singing the sweet Bhagavat naamaas.

 

Let us pray Uddhavaji to bless us with unswerving devotion to the Lord.

 

Shree paaduke shirasi paavitha bhoothale cha

roopam thavaathmani krupaamrutha varshya varNyam

dhruthva sa bashapanayanam badaree prayaantham

bhakthyarthhamuddhavam aham praNamaami dhanyam

 

ശ്രീ പാദുകേ  ശിരസി പാവിത ഭൂതലേ ച 

രൂപം തവാത്മനി കൃപാമൃത വര്ഷ്യ വര്‍ണ്യം    

ധൃത്വാ സ ബാഷ്പനയനം  ബദരീ പ്രയാന്തം

 ഭക്ത്യർഥ മുദ്ധവം   അഹം പ്രണമാമി ധന്യം