Astavakra Gita

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Astavakra Gita
[Conversation between King Janaka and Astavakra]

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ASTAVAKRA GITA : AN INTRODUCTION

Astavakra Gita, also known as the Astavakra Samhita, is an advait Vedanta
scripture. It unfolds philosophical truths in the Upanishadic style, i.e. in the form of a
dialogue between Guru, a teenage sage Astavakra and his royal disciple Janaka, the King of
Mithila. Astavakra Gita deals with the mystical experiences of the inner self in ones flight for
transcendental peace and bliss. Astavakra Gita is much older than the Bhagavad Gita and
presents the truth straightaway, without any winded twists and turns. Story of Astavakra is
also described in Mahabharata Vana Parva, from Chapter 132 to 134, wherein Maharshi
Lomasha narrates it to Yudhisthir, the eldest of Pandava.
There is an interesting story behind Astavakras name. When Astavakra was unborn
and still in his mothers womb, he used to listen to his fathers recitation of Rig Veda verses.
One day, he observed that the recitation was not proper. So he corrected his father what
you are reciting is mere repetition of words, theres no substance in them.
His father was agitated at the remarks made by his unborn child. Being shorttempered, he cursed his son without a second thought for finding his mistakes. As a result
Astavakra was born deformed, with eight bends or distortions in his body. Therefore he
became known as Astavakra (asta = 8, vakra = crooked).
Despite his father's cruel curse, Astavakra remained a faithful son. When he was just
twelve, his father lost a priestly debate and was banished to the watery realm of Varuna,
lord of death. Although it was extremely painful for Astavakra to travel, Astavakra made it
to king Janaka's court to challenge the man who had defeated his father.
King Janaka was observing Mahayajan. Astavakra accompanied by his maternal
uncle, Swetaketu reached there searching for his father. They were obstructed by Kings
attendants as king was proceeding to sacrificial place.
Quoting his knowledge of Scriptures, Astavakra pointed out that a Brahmin has
priority over king for way. When Janaka overheard the conversation, he was impressed with
this young boys knowledge and let him proceed ahead of him.
The moment he enters the royal court, everybody started laughing looking at his
crooked body. But instead of being offended or belittled, Astavakra also starts laughing.
King Janaka asked at once everybody is laughing at you, but why are you laughing?
Astavakra answered very boldly, referring to everybody in the court, I am laughing
because a great king like you is surrounded by cobblers (shoemakers)! A cobbler looks only
at the skin, and not beyond it, likewise you all are judging me merely by my outer
appearance, and not looking at my inner being (soul or atman)!
"O King, just as the shape of a temple does not affect the sky, the crookedness of
the physical body has no effect on Soul. A wise man looks behind this manifested world,
whereas an ignorant one gets lost in names and forms."
King Janaka realized that Astavakra was anything but a crooked teenager. So he
started asking him questions. King learned about Astavakras motive of defeating his royal
scholar Bandi. Although the Mahayajna was open only to established scholars, king Janaka
allowed Astavakra to participate. Bandi and Astavakra got engaged in arguments. Astavakra
defeated Bandi and got his father released. The question and answer recorded became
known as the Astavakra Gita. It highlights the fact that Self knowledge is the only goal to be
reached and experienced in deepest meditation.
Find here the Sanskrit text of Astavakra Gita. To read text of other great scriptures
such as Bhagavad Gita, Ramcharitmanas, Mahabharat, Upanishads, Yog Sutra etc. along
with its Gujarati translation and comments, please visit www.swargarohan.org.

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