King Bharthari is a legendary figure in ancient Indian history, known for his wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and for renouncing his kingdom to become a wandering ascetic. His story is deeply ingrained in the cultural and spiritual heritage of India and continues to inspire people to this day.
Bharthari was born into a royal family in the kingdom of Ujjain, and from a young age, he was deeply interested in spiritual practices and the nature of reality. Despite his great wealth and power, Bharthari felt unfulfilled and longed for something more meaningful in his life.
One day, while out hunting in the forest, Bharthari stumbled upon a hermit who was meditating in deep concentration. The hermit’s peaceful demeanor and deep understanding of spiritual truths deeply impressed Bharthari, and he realized that true happiness and fulfillment could only be found through spiritual practice.
Without hesitation, Bharthari renounced his kingdom and began to wander as an ascetic. He spent his days in deep meditation, contemplating the nature of reality, and striving to achieve spiritual enlightenment. He also began to write poems and hymns to express his understanding of the spiritual path. His most famous poem is “Vairagya Shatakam” (The Hundred Verses of Renunciation) which is considered a classic guide for those seeking spiritual liberation.
Bharthari’s journey as an ascetic was not an easy one. He faced many challenges and obstacles, but he persevered, driven by his unwavering determination to achieve spiritual enlightenment. He traveled to many different places, seeking out the guidance of spiritual masters and immersing himself in the study of sacred texts.
During his travels, Bharthari met many other seekers of spiritual truth, and he shared his wisdom and insights with them. He also performed many acts of kindness and charity, helping to alleviate the suffering of those around him.
Bharthari’s story is deeply ingrained in Rajasthani folk tradition, where many stories and folk songs are told about him. He is considered an embodiment of wisdom, asceticism, and devotion, and his teachings continue to guide and inspire people today.
One of the most notable aspects of Bharthari’s story is his poem “Vairagya Shatakam” which is considered a classic guide for those seeking spiritual liberation. The poem is divided into 100 verses, each one providing a valuable insight into the nature of reality and the path to spiritual enlightenment. The poem is written in simple, yet powerful language, and it is accessible to people of all levels of spiritual understanding.
The poem begins with an introduction to the concept of vairagya, which is the renunciation of material desires and attachment to the world. It then goes on to explain the importance of developing a deep understanding of the nature of reality and the fleeting nature of the material world. It encourages the reader to detach themselves from the world and to focus on the attainment of spiritual enlightenment.
The poem also highlights the importance of humility, devotion, and surrender to the divine. It encourages the reader to let go of their ego and to submit to the will of the divine. It also stresses the importance of living a simple and austere life, free from the distractions and temptations of the material world.
One of the most powerful verses in the poem is verse number 80 which reads, “One who has attained the state of vairagya, sees the world as a dream, and himself as the dreamer. He is freed from the cycle of birth and death, and attains the state of eternal peace.”
This verse encapsulates the ultimate goal of Bharthari’s spiritual journey, and it is a reminder of the ultimate goal of spiritual practice – to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death and to achieve eternal peace.
The poem also speaks about the importance of devotion and surrender to the divine. It encourages the reader to let go of their ego and submit to the will of the divine. It also stresses the importance of living a simple and austere life, free from the distractions and temptations of the material world.
In the end, Bharthari achieved enlightenment and attained liberation from the cycle of birth and death. He is remembered as an inspiration for seekers of spiritual truth, and his teachings continue to guide and inspire people today.