Yajnavalkya

. YAJNAVALKYA 1.1 Sage Yanjavalkya was a Brahmarshi. It was this revered maharshi who, being blessed by Bhagavan Suryanarayana became a seer of Yajurvedic mantras and gave them to the world in the form of Shukla Yajurveda. Even as a student in the Gurukula Yanjavalkya firmly stuck to the path he considered as the right one. He was the master who guided thousands of persons, from king Janaka to the commonest students, on the path of Enlightenment. He vanquished all the scholars of his times in argument, won the title of Sarvajna and was elevated to the high seat of learning. 1.2 Parents of sage Yanjavalkya Sage Brahmaratha and Sunanda Devi were the parents of Yajnavalkya. Sunandadevi was the sister of sage Vaisampayana .We refer to sage Vaisampayana in the Vishnu sashasranam- “Vaisampayana Uvacha-Sruta dharmana seshena papanicha sarvasa…” Brahmaratha was a devout man who practised what he preached. He was a great scholar and had great faith in religious rites and rituals like Yajna and Yaga. He used to worship Yajneshwara (Agni -the god of fire). Brahmaratha was also called Yajnavalka or Devaratha. This couple had no children for a long time. So they went on offering prayer to God through many religious vows and fasts that they might be blessed with a son. The penance bore fruit. A sweet-looking baby son was born to them on the seventh day of the month of Kartik at an auspicious time. This baby born of Brahmaratha who regularly worshipped the god of fire through yajnas and yagas had divine radiance like Yajneshwara. The baby was named Yajnavalkya. 1.3 Yanjavalkya send to GurukulaYajnavalkya grew up. Parents taught alphabets to him. Mother Sunanda Devi used to tell the boy many moral stories. Occasionally she used to give him bits of good advices also. The little boy used to watch with devotion the rituals such as Homa performed by his father while worshipping the god of fire. He also would offer with devotion his salutations to yajneshwara like his parents. Sometimes he would ask his mother, “Amma, I wish to see the Gods. Is it possible for me to see them?” The mother would say “Yajnavalkya, dear, perhaps anything is possible for you. May it be so. I wish that and bless you.” Sometimes the boy used toput questions to his father also enquiring about Homa and the Gods. The parents were happy about the child’s development and divine thinking. The boy was initiated into Brahmin hood at the appropriate age . Yajnavalkya received the great Gayatri Mantra from his father. He was to be sent to a Gurukularun by his uncle for further education. Maharshi Vaishampayana was the disciple of the great sage Vedavyasa. He was a renowned Vedic scholar and an authority on Yajurveda. The uncle and the nephew were very fond and proud of each other. Yajnavalkya was sent to the Gurukula run by this mamafor his education after Brahmopadesam. 1.4 In the Gurukula Yajnavalkya wasvery sharp and learnt the lessons rapidly. He won the love and admiration of everybody in the Ashram, within a few days. He became the favourite of his mama at the Gurukula by his learning. He was extraordinarily well versed in the study of Yajurveda. He was engaged in Vedic studies, and was also observing strict celibacy. So his body and mind had acquired a unique divine radiance. Radiant as he was, the boy gained an added lustre like purified gold. 1.5 Displeasurestarts with Guru Vaisampayana Once Brahma arranged the meeting of all sages. It was ordered all sages should attend the meeting positively .It was similar to the present day NCC commander order to cadets. Unfortunately sage Vaisampayana could not attend it due to some urgency. On this thought thesage Vaishampayana fell seriously ill. Charaka, Adhwarya and other pupils decided to observe a vow in order to cure their guru of his illness. Yajnavalkya came to know of this. He went and stood before his guru. He said, “Revered Sir, what is the use of this simple vow? I think, a more rigorous vow than this is necessary to cure you of this illness. If you would kindly permit, I shall do it and bring relief to you.” These words of Yajnavalkya displeased Vaisampayana . He said curtly: “Charaka and Adhwarya are my senior pupils than you. I wish you had spoken disparagingly of their vow. There is no need of your vow to cure my illness.’ Yajnavalkya did not argue. He left the place to attend to his business. 1.6 Holy Water to Cure King’s Disease There was a city called Vardhamanapura near Vaishampayana’s ashram. King Supriya was its ruler. Vaishampayana was the king’s royal preceptor. Once the king fell seriously ill owing to his immoral life. Several physicians tried various treatments but to no avail. At last the king approached Vaishampayana for help to get rid of his disease. The master began to perform a homa, offering special prayer and worship at the ashram as prescribed in the scriptures. Every day after these rituals Tirtha (holy water) was sent to the king. Thus a few days passed. There was some improvement in the condition of the king. Yet the king did not seem to have faith in the efficacy of Tirtha sent by the Guru. So he was taking it half-heartedly. One day it was Yajnavalkya’s turn to go to the palace. He went to the palace and very eagerly and earnestly walked up to the king to give him Tirtha and Prasada. But then the king treated him with indifference. He showed no enthusiasm to receive the Theertham. Yajnavalkya felt very much offended. “O King,” said he, “if you have no faith in these holy things, why should we come all the way from our ashram to give them to you every day? It can better dispensed” “If you think that the tirtha and prasada have such potency, you may show it to me ,” said the king arrogantly. Yajnavalkya, without saying a word, chanted immediately a mantra and sprinkled the holy water on a nearby wooden pole. 1.7 Wooden pole flower and give fruits Yajnavalkya walked out of the palace without looking back, and went straight to his gurukula. Meanwhile, due to theeffect of the sprinkledtirtha, the wooden pole of the palace sprouted. In another few minutesflowers and fruit appeared on it. Seeing this, the king and all his people were stunned. The king’s arrogance and scorn were gone. He immediately sent his messengers to Vaishampayana’s ashram. They conveyed the request of the king to the Maharshi that Yajnavalkya might bring again the tirtha and prasada to his palace .They did nottell the story of flowering and giving fruitsfrom wooden pole by spraying of thirtha by Yanjavalkya. Yajnavalkya as the honest student had reported to Vaisampayana that theking responded with half faith to spraying of thirtha. Getting the news Yanjavalkyashould be sent again with thirtha sage Vaisamapayana got upset thinking some thing rotten in the dealings of Yanjavalkya. He felt that Yajnavalkya had would have behaved hastily and sometimes brushed with king too. He g 1.8 ‘Leave the Ashram at Once’ Vaishampayana called forth Yajnavalkya, “Your behaviour might have annoyed the king. You are likely to be punished too. Go again to the palace and give tirtha and prasada to the king. You may be sometimespardoned.” But this advice was not acceptable to Yajnavalkya. “I am not prepared to go and give tirtha and prasada to the king who has such disregard towards sages,” he told decisively. In addition to this, he also said, “I feel it is not good for anybody to cure the king who ishaving half faith withus” Hearing these words, the master became angry. His anger grew to an enormous degree as his own nephew insulted him by disobeying his orders. His voice became hoarse. ” By refusing to obey me you have insulted me. You are no longer fit to be my pupil. Go away from here this moment. But mark this, before leaving the ashram you should give back all the Vedic knowledge I have imparted to you so far,” ordered the master harshly. 1.9 Yanjavalkya vomits the mantras In obedience to his mama guruYajnavalkya vomited all the mantras of Yajurveda he had learnt from the master. As a result of this, he lost the radiance of his body. Yajnavalkya bowed to his master and left the gurukula with a mind heavy with worries about his future course of action. Yanjavalkya felt he did not done anything wrong. He felt every thing happened for the good and recollected the words of Bhagavat Geetha.  

1.10 Education Continued

Yajnavalkya came home. He told his parents in detail about the incident at with mama Vyasmapayana. They became worried.

Yajnavalkya had much faith in the efficacy of gayathri manthra. He used to recite Gayathri manthraevery day with faith while performing Sandhya . He had firmly believed that if he sought refuge in Mother Gayatri, the originator of all the Vedas, the path would be clear to him to take the next step. 

In accordance with that faith, he began to spend most of the time during day chanting the Gayatri mantra.

His parents began to worry and think about the future plans of their son’s education. They decided to  sent their son to the ashram of Bashkala, the disciple of sage Paila, to join there as a student. Yajnavalkya learnt Rig Veda from his master there.

Then he learnt Sam Veda at the feet of Acharya Hiranyanabha in the kingdom of Kosala. He learnt Atharva Veda from Acharya Aruni. After this he went to the ashram of sage Uddalaka to learn and get trained in the performance of various religious rites and rituals.

In short Yanjavalkya completedthe studyof other threeVedas in due course except the broken Yajurveda study with sage Vaisampayana.

1.11 At Uddalaka’s Ashram

Sage Uddalaka clearly recognised that Yajnavalkya was a great person who had come to this world with the great mission of holding aloft the divine light of Jnana. He took Yajnavalkya into his gurukula with a heart filled with love and joy.

We have already seenthat Yajnavalkya had lost the knowledge of Yajurveda, which he had gained earlier. The pain of it had remained fresh in his heart. He had become almost proficient in Vedic studies, no doubt. But how could the education be complete without a thorough study of Yajurveda? 

Therefore he tried to regain the knowledge of Yajurveda, which he had lost. During his stay in the ashram he engaged himself in m ore intense meditation doing more and more Japa of Gayatri mantra, for Gayatri is the mother of the Vedas. He observed severe austerities and rigorous vows.

1.13 Mother Gayatri’s Vision and Grace

The special vow that Yajnavalkya had been observing to earn the Grace of Gayatri was fruitful. Goddess Gayatri appeared before him. Yajnavalkya prayed, “O Mother, kindly grant me the knowledge of Yajurveda to complete my Vedic studies.

“Goddess Gayatri smiled and said, “My child Yajnavalkya you have to pray to Sun god to get this wish of yours fulfilled. He will teach you Yajurveda.” She then blessed him and disappeared.

As a result of the grace and blessings of goddess Gayatri, Yajnavalkya’s body and mind began to throb with a new vitality. He became aware of the presence of various divine powers immanent in subtle form in different parts of the body.

1.13 Yanjavalkya leaves Gurukula

As days passed by Yajnavalkya was more and more engaged in religious vows and fasts. Sage Uddalakaobserved this change . He informed hisparents of the developments of Yanjavalkya. 

Parents of Yanjavalkyadesired thatYajnavalkya should become a householder to maintain the tradition of the family in all the religious customs and observances, performing yajnas and yagas and other rituals. He should not renounce the family life and take to ascetic life. They decided to celebrate his marriage with a suitable bride.

Uddalaka liked Yanjavalkya and desired with him for some time as his disciple Stillhe wasfar-sighted. He realized that it was good for Yajnavalkya to become a householder at the earliest.

The day when Yajnavalkya was to leave the ashram came. Sage Uddalaka, his wife and other pupils with great love and good wishes bade farewell to Yajnavalkya. The acharya advised him “Speak only the truth. Lead a righteous life. Recollect Matha pitha guru deivam. May the guest be treated as God.”

1.14 Yanjavalkya marry Katayani

Yajnavalkya consentedto marry. It wasnot because he liked to lead a life of mundane interests such as wife, children and property. In his view marriage is a spiritual process, which helps the fulfilment of an ideal and the attainment of everlasting happiness.

Sage Kadira was a close and intimate friend of Brahmaratha and his family. He had a daughter by name Katyayani. All the elders came to the conclusion that she would be a suitable bride to Yajnavalkya. Katyayani was only a ten-year-old girl then. (Pl note -no horoscope matching was done on those days).

1.15 Mama Vaisampayana wish happy married life to Yanjavalkya

Uncle (Mama) Vaishampayana arrived well in time with his wife for the marriage of his nephew (maruman) Yanjavalkya with Katyayani. The newly wedded couple made obeisance to them and sought their blessings. They had completely forgotten their anger. They gladly blessed the couple saying, “May you have all the best in life. May you be protected always by the grace of all gods and goddesses.”

married life to Yanjavalkya

Mama Vaishampayana arrived well in time with mami for the marriage of his maruman Yanjavalkya with Katyayani. The newly wedded couple made obeisance to them and sought their blessings. They had completely forgotten their anger. They gladly blessed the couple saying, “May you have all the best in life. May you be protected always by the grace of all gods and goddesses.”  Read further…

1.16 Soorya narayana prayer

Though Katyayani was far younger than Yajnavalkya, yet in speech, in behaviour and in all respects she proved herself a worthy wife to him.

Yajnavalkya began to observe all the rites connected with the vow of Suryanarayana very scrupulously. He used to get up during Brahmi. After finishing the ablutions he would sit in his abode engaged in meditation and japa of Surya-mantra till afternoon. Then he would worship the Sun god and make an offering of paayasaanna. That prasada of paayasaanna was all that Yajnavalkya and Katyayani would take as their food for the whole day. 

1.16 Aditya gift Yajur Veda

Days passed. One morning as usual Yajnavalkya was absorbed in meditation and in japa of Surya-mantra. He experienced a greater ecstasy than ever in his meditation. He saw an unusual mass of bright light coming from the Sun and flowing towards him. Yajnavalkya opened his eyes. That mass of dazzling brightness took the form of a horse of red colour. That horse came neighing and stood before Yajnavalkya. The divine horse said, “Yajnavalkya, I am pleased with your penance. Tell me what you want.”

Yajnavalkya realized that the divine horse standing before him was no other than Sun god himself. He offered his salutations and prayed, “Please grant me such knowledge of Yajur Veda as known to none so far.” The divine horse vanished into the mass of bright light. In a winking time there appeared Sun god whom Yajnavalkya could see in human form with the full splendour. Yajnavalkya again made obeisance to him repeating the Aditya-mantra. 

Then Surya Deva said,. “Yajnavalkya, your body has not yet got the purity and strength enough to receive from me and Comprehend Vedic knowledge. Therefore first I shall make the goddess Saraswati enter your body in the form of energy. Open your mouth.”

Thus Saraswati entered the body and mind of Yajnavalkya as energy through his mouth. Consequently a great heat was produced in his entire body. Whenhe was suffering from this extreme heat Surya Deva said comfortingly, “Bear this suffering for a short while. Your body and mind thereby will get purified. Then only you will have sufficient stamina to grasp and retain Vedic knowledge. In a few minutes Yajnavalkya’s physical suffering subsided. A strange joy ran through his body. The Sun god blessed him and again merged into the mass of light.

1.17 Yajurveda mantras appear to Yangavalkya

Yajnavalkya stood gazing at that light. Veda Mantras (Incantations) shining attractively in that mass of light were visible to him. He closed his eyes and saw them shining in the same way in the innermost center of his heart. There was a flood of light everywhere! In the midst of that light here and there was the glow of those fine Mantras. This mystical experience of bliss filled and overflowed the body, mind and soul, nay the entire being of Yajnavalkya. After this the vision changed. Again the same luminous horse of red hue stood neighing in front of Yajnavalkya. As it neighed a divine radiance was emanating from its mouth! In that radiance the Mantras appeared in shimmering letters for a moment and merged into that mass of light. Even as Yajnavalkya stood looking intently at that divine horse, in no time it got merged in that mass of light.

This magnificent vision enabled Yajnavalkya to attain the fulfillment of his vow. He became a Seer blessed with the vision of Mantras, a maharshi and also brahmarshi possessing divine knowledge.

1.18 The Great Works of Yanjavalkya

Yajnavalkya resolved to write down his divine experiences and visions of Vedic truths, in the form of books. Thus the great book ‘Shukla Yajurveda’ took shape in his blessed hands. The subject matter of Karma and Jnana has been elaborately explained in that book. The two Upanishads Ishavasya and Brihadaranyaka which contain significant thoughts on the Soul and Divine life, similarly seventeen other Upanishads and ‘Shuklas’ were all included in the making of the volumes of that Magnum Opus ‘Yajurveda’. Yajnavalkya’s fame spread like any thing. 

1.19 Yajnavalkya take charge of Gurukula

Sage Uddalaka, one of the teachers of Yajnavalkya, we have read in the last posting became very old. He was no longer able to manage the affairs of the ashram. Uddalaka considered Yajnavalkya as the best qualified person to be his successor for the Gurukula and invited him for heading the Gurukula. 

Accordingly Yajnavalkya took the responsibility of heading the Gurukula run by Uddalaka. The prestige and reputation of this Ashram grew remarkably with the arrival of Yajnavalkya as its head. Large number of students came to join this Gurukula. The enlightening lectures and discourses on Vedic studies delivered by Yajnavalkya, out of his profound and divine scholarship, proved an illumination of great fortune to the students. Janaka, the emperor of Videha, was eager to meet him and receive initiation from him.

1.20 Rajarshi Janaka met Yanjavalkya

King Janaka was a very religious man as well as a great scholar. He was a Rajarshi. Yanjavalkya’s ashram resolved at a meeting to conduct a conference of scholars at the time of Janaka’s visit to the ashram and arrange for the recitation of and discourse on ‘Shukla Yajurveda’ written by Yajnavalkya.

Sages and scholars from different places came in large numbers. Maharaja Janaka arrived at the right time. The conference began. The Shukla Yajurveda was recited and discussed. Yajnavalkya explained the Vedic mantras wherever it was necessary. There was discussion and exchange of ideas on those Vedic mantras. The conference went on for a few days.

Only philosophers of tremendous scholarship participated in the discussion during sessions. Two woman scholars participated in it were Gargi and Maitreyi. After the recitation of the Vedas the entire galaxy of scholars assembled there glorified Yajnavalkya. The august body of scholars accepted Shukla Yajurveda, the sacred Vedic text, with great pride and pleasure. Yajnavalkya was honored as Brahmarshi. Most of the Yajur vedies follow Sukla Yajur Veda.

1.21 Maitreyi takes companionship with Yanjavalkya

Maitreyi had cherished a desire in her heart to live with Yajnavalkya as his disciple and a spiritual companion to do sadhana and realize Brahman. But she knew that if she were to live in companionship with maharshi, people might talk scandalizing them. She really did not want to marry. She was not after the pleasures of having children, property or money. Yajnavalkya was already married. Some times he may not take another wife.

She arrived at a decision after a good deal of thinking. She went straight to Katyayani Devi wife of sage Yajnavalkya. 

“Dear sister, I have a problem which can be solved only by you,” she said. “What is it Maitreyi, please tell me.” 

Maitreyi told Katyayani about her wish to live with Yajnavalkya as his companion to get his help in her intellectual and spiritual pursuits. 

“I shall be your younger sister and stay in your home observing celibacy. Please do favour me by your consent.”

Katyayani gladly gave her consent. Then Maitreyi met Yajnavalkya, expressed her desire and requested him to take her. He only said, “Katyayani’s decision alone is final.” Just at that time Katyayani walked in. Katyayani and Maitreyi together bowed down to the feet of Maharshi Yajnavalkya and expressed their reverence by addressing him ‘Bhagavan’. Maitreyi became his spiritual companion. (My note- In later references she too is told as sage Yanjavalkya’s wife).

1.22 Take the Cows to our Ashram

King Janaka once made arrangements for a Jnana Yaga (a philosophical treat) setting a rich award. Great sages and scholars from various places were invited to participate in it. There would be discussion and exchange of thoughts on matters pertaining to spiritual life supported by their knowledge and experience of Vedic truths. He who would prove himself the greatest among them would receive the highest honour and a celebrated award. It was announced that such a person would be honoured at the end of that Maha Jnana Yaga by ceremonially placing the crown of Sarvajna on his head. Invitations were sent to eminent sages. Yajnavalkya also got an invitation of from Janaka.

Many Sages arrived.Maharshi Yajnavalkya arrived with his disciples. Maharaja Janaka accorded a reverential welcome to all those assembled. “We will elect the greatest Brahmanishta to the chair of Sarvajna and offer him the crown of Sarvajna. One thousand cows decorated with golden medallions are kept ready in the nearby cowshed. The greatest spiritual master in the assembly may take them home.”

Yajnavalkya stood up. Casting his eyes on his disciple-seated close by, he ordered in a bold and dignified voice, “Samashrava, go and take those decorated cows to our ashram.” All those assembled there were taken aback. They looked intently at Yajnavalkya.

Then Aswala, the royal preceptor, said, “Why do you order your pupil to take the cows home?” asked Aswala. “Because we need them. ” Yanjavalkya answered.

“But the cows are meant for one who is established in the Brahman State. By commanding your pupil to take them to your ashram, you have clearly suggested that you are one such. That means an open invitation to anyone to place questions to you. You will have to satisfy them with your answers,” said the court preceptor. To this Yajnavalkya replied with a smile”Welcome. Questions on Brahman may be put.”

There was a heavy downpour of questions to Yajnavalkya. Some of the questions put to him were like.

– What is it that enables one to become free from death?

– What is a soul?

– What pervades this perceptible world and the sky?

Yanjavalkya answered with confidence and competence to every question. His replies flowed into the hearts and minds of all the listeners like sacred Jnana-Ganga. The scholars who had put the questions got satisfied with the answers of the sage and said, “We bow down to the Brahmarshi.”

Then king Janaka stood up and sought the permission of the august body to declare Yajnavalkya elected to the chair of Sarvajna. The assembly readily acclaimed it. Maharaja Janaka ceremoniously offered the crown of Sarvajna to Brahmarshi Yajnavalkya.

1.24 Yajnavalkya become King Janaka’s Guru

King Janaka afterwards made a practice to meet Yajnavalkya now and then to listen to his divine sermons. After some time one day he requested Yajnavalkya, “Revered Sir, would you please take me as your disciple and accept the offering of all that is mine, my kingdom, and my wealth?” Yajnavalkya, the embodiment of renunciation, said smilingly, “I want none of them.” All the same, he gave initiation to Janaka and made him his disciple. (Members may now recollect King Janaka’s this attitude told by Cho in his serial Engae brahmanan in Jeya TV).

Yajnavalkya led a divine life. He was loved and respected by everybody from all quarters. He imparted Vedic knowledge to many students. He preached them some maxims helpful in everyday life so that their mode of living conformed to the norms of Dharma. In course of time a collection of these practical hints for religious life became famous as “Yajnavalkya Smriti” (The Code of Yajnavalkya).

Gradually Yajnavalkya began to feel, “Enough of this material life of the world.” He decided to lead the life of a recluse in the woods spending all his time in the

contemplation on Brahman. He confided this wish to his two wives. All his worldly possessions were equally divided between them. Katyayani Devi took her share as her husband’s gracious gift and remained in the ashram as its holy mother.

Maitreyi Devi said, “I don’t want any of these things. I want only self-realization and have no use for these material possessions.” 

Yajnavalkya got ready to leave for the woods. Katyayani made obeisance to him and kneeling down with bowed head she prayed to him to bless her. “May your contemplation on Brahman be fruitful. May you have salvation soon,” said Yajnavalkya blessing her.

Then he proceeded to the Himalayas for doing penance. Maitreyi accompanied him as an ascetic after doing obeisance to Katyayani Devi. 

Both of them were doing penance at the foot of the Himalayas. Maitreyi one day passed away. A few days later, Yajnavalkya also passed away from this world and merged into the state of Brahman through his deep meditation.

1.26 The Light of YanjavalkyasMessage

Yajnavalkya became a great man of divine glory by giving Shukla Yajur Veda to the world. Since it was the treasure of knowledge obtained during daylight from God, it was called Shukla Yajur Veda. 

Since the Sun god appeared in the form of a horse and granted this Vedic knowledge, it is also called Yajasaneya Samhita (the sacred collection of divine wisdom coming from the God in Horse form).

This divine message of the Vedas has been conveyed by Yajnavalkya through his Ishavasya, Upanishat.

1.27 References in Mahabharatha and Sathapatha Brahmana and his contributions

Yanjavalkya wascelebrated sage, to who is attributed the White Yajur-Veda, the Satapatha Brahmana, the Brihad Aranyaka, and the code of law called Yajnavalkya-smriti. He lived before the grammarian Katyayana, and probably later than Manu. He was a disciple of Vaisampayana.

Max Muller quotes a dialogue between Yanjavalkya and Maitreyi from the Satapatha Brahmana (Ancient Sanskrit Literature, p. 22), in which the sage sets forth his views.

Yajnavalkya also is represented as inculcating the duty and necessity of religious retirement and meditation, He is considered as having been the originator of the Yoga doctrine.

The Maha-bharata makes him present at the Rajasuya sacrifice performed by Yudhishthira. According to the Satapatha Brahmana he flourished at the court of Janaka, king of Videha and father of Sita.

Janaka had long contentions with the Brahmans, in which he was supported, and probably prompted, by Yajnavalkya. Hewas a dissenter from the religious teaching and practices of his time.