Mudgalopanishad

This Upanishad deals with an important chanting called purusha sooktha. This subtle knowledge is imparted by Sri Vasudeva to Devendra. There are two parts for purusha sooktha. The purusha described in this is said to be free from name, image and knowledge and he is beyond the comprehension of ordinary beings. So he abandoned his unintelligible form and decided to accept an image visible to all (incarnation). The very sight of his image is enough for the salvation of any one. (This description comes very close to the incarnation theory as accepted by Christianity).

Third stanza of the second part reads like this:

“Purusho narayano bhutham

 bhavyam bhavysya chaseetth

saesha sarvesham moksha das chaseet. sa cha sarva sarveesham

sman mahimaonjyaayaan.tasmaannaako pijyaayaan.

Before the creation of the universe only Narayana, who encompasses the three worlds was present in his original image. He is the most supreme and sublime being. He is the cause of salvation for all beings. There is none above him.

The next stanza states that He divided himself into four parts. And three parts (trinity) reside in the heavens. The fourth part is named as Anirudha Narayanana and he created the universe. Anirudhan first created nature in the process of creating the universe and it was he who advised Brahma to acquire the knowledge of creation. And Brahma then created the whole universe. One who knows this truth gains complete life.

The third section gives a description about the total creation process. This is the theme of Yajurveda and they call it Yajus.

Towards the concluding section we get the idea that one who reads this Upanishad everyday becomes Agniputra and Vayuputra. He will remain free from all ills and attain prosperity: he will become wise and be blessed by posterity: he will be free from all sins and all evils. He will become purusha in this life itself by absolution from lust, anger, desire, hatred and so on. And it is advised that this purusha sooktha should be imparted only to deserving disciples.

Dr. Abraham Karickam