VRITRA GITA

Contents

. Introduction

. Teachings of Vritra Gita

. Conclusion

Introduction

Vritra Gita is contained in the epic Mahabharata in the Mokshadharma part of Book 12 Shanti Parva. It consists of two chapters and is a dialogue between a fierce demon Vritrasura and Shukracharya the Guru of the Asuras. Yudhisthira in the Mahabharata asks Bhishma if there will ever be an end to sorrow for him, the repeated cycles of birth and death and if he will ever escape the influence of the senses and the pull of the three attributes of Rajas, Tamas and Sattwa. Bhishma reassures him that everything has to have an end. Through millions of lives the Jiva enveloped in attachment and desire gains spiritual knowledge which will wipe out the ignorance and attain the Supreme Reality Brahman. In this connection, he relates the story of Vritrasura which forms the Vritra Gita.

The teachings of the Vritra Gita

After being defeated by the Gods Vritrasura gives up all his demonic qualities. His Guru Shukracharya asks him as to how come he does not seem to have any grievance inspite of being defeated and bereft of all former glory. Vritrasura replies that enlightenment dawned on him when he saw Lord Narayana who was helping the Devas in their battle against the demons. He realised that greed, attachment and ignorance was the cause of the cycle of birth and death. Seeking refuge in the Supreme being was the only hope for mankind. Hearing his words, Shukracharya was unhappy and asked him not to utter such foolish assertions. But Vritrasura was undaunted and said that the victory that he had achieved after his severe penances was misused by him and his ego and pride made him revel in his invincibility. But in the battle against the Lord of Devas Indra, he beheld Lord Hari and realisation dawned on him. He said that he must have had some grace left from his past penances due to which the grace of the Lord had shone on him. He then requests Shukracharya to tell him about the greatness of Vishnu as being a holy preceptor he should have knowledge on the subject. As the discussion between them is going on, the great Sage Sanatkumara comes upon them. Shukracharya then turns to him and requests him to provide the answer to Vritrasura’s question. Sanatkumara then explains to him the greatness of Lord Vishnu and how the Lord can be attained only by purifying the senses by knowledge and devotion through millions of births just as a goldsmith purifies the dross of his metal by repeatedly casting it in the fire. He explains about the might and power of Vishnu and the process by which the Jiva attains Paramatma after many lifetimes. Listening to these words Vritrasura comprehended the truth. He said that he was now freed from sorrow and sin of every kind and Vishnu was the Supreme Controller and Preserver of the whole Universe. He was the life breath of all creation and the mighty energy who was the foremost of all beings.

Conclusion

Vritrasura having realised the Supreme Truth then cast off his life breath uniting his soul with the Supreme soul and attained the highest state. Thus reassuring Yudhishthira, Bhishma tells him that when a demon like Vritrasura could attain godhood in the end, there was no need for Yudhisthira to become despondent as he belonged to the illustrious Pandavas who were righteous and good, hence he would definitely be freed from all sorrow and liberated in the end.