In the sâdhak state, Sri Lilâshuk is telling his Vaishnav companions – “My heart is full of the sweet youthfulness of Mukunda.”

Definition of ‘Mukunda’

 

“muktin dadâti-iti mukundah”

 

Meaning – “’Mukunda’ is the One Who grants freedom from Mâyâ (illusion) and bestows a gift on the living being and that is – the joyous love for His lotus-feet.”

 

Srila Bilvamangal Thâkur has written –

 

“ayi parichinuchetah prâtrambhoja-netram

kabara-kalita-chanchat-pichcha-dâma-abhirâmam,

balabhid-upala-nilang vallavi-bhaga-dheyan

nikhila-nigama-valli-mula-kândam mukundam”

 

Meaning – “O my mind! Whose splendour is like the sapphire, Whose attractive chudâ is decorated with swaying peacock-feather, Who is the priceless treasure of the young Gopa damsels – remember That lotus-eyed Mukunda when you wake up each morning for He is the root of all Scriptural injunctions.”

– [K.K. 2.10]

 

We find the name ‘Mukunda’ being used to glorify the Lord in various places in Srimad-Bhâgavatam, such as –

 

“yama-adibhir-yopa-pathaih kama-lobha-hato muhuh,

mukunda-sevaya yad-vat tatha-atmaddha-na shamyati.”

                         

Meaning – “Man is bound by mâyâ and is constantly wounded by the six enemies such as lust, greed etc. His heart can not be so much purified by the Ashtânga Yog such as yam, niyam etc. as it can be purified by serving the lotus-feet of Mukunda.”

– [Srimad-Bhâgavatam 1.6.36]

 

“Following the footsteps of the previous great devotees, I too shall cross this perilous material ocean just by serving the lotus-feet of Mukunda.” – [Srimad-Bhâgavatam 11.23.58]

 

In Srimad-Bhâgavatam we find –

 

(Maharshi Karbhâjan told Mahârâj Nimi) – “O Râjan! Sri Mukunda is the loving shelter of all. The one who forsakes all duties and surrenders completely unto Him is no more a subordinate to devatâs, rishis, relatives, pitris (forefathers) or any other living or non-living element. He is not indebted to any one either.”

 

Sri Prahlâd Mahâshay has instructed the daitya children in this manner –

 

“O daitya children! Whether one is a devatâ, asur, human being, yaksha, gandharva or anything else, he will gain ultimate welfare by performing bhajan of the lotus feet of Sri Mukunda alone. We cannot please Him with brahminical qualities or just because we are a devatâ or rishi. Neither can we please Him simply with high birth, honourable family or by gaining knowledge. We can make Him happy only by pure bhakti – all other efforts are in vain.”

– [S.B.7.7.50-52]

 

In this verse the poet has described the beauty of That kishor Mukunda, His attire that attracts the rasiks and the sweet beauty of His moon-like face, lips and soft smiles.”              

(to be contd……………..)