Giver and the Guard of Life

Naran“PURUSHOTTAMA, BOOTHA BHAVANA, BHUTHESA DEVA DEVA JAGATHPATHE” – Arjuna praises Sri Krishna in these words. It means, “O Purushottama! You are the one who gives life, and also the one who safe-guards life”. The Mahabharata war is drawing to a close. Ahwattama has vowed to destroy the Pandava lineage. Uttara was bearing Abhimanyu’s child then. As Ahwattama directs his Brahmaastra against her, Arjuna in return sends his Astra against Ahwattama. Sage Vyasa intercedes and orders both of them to withdraw their Astras. Arjuna obeys, but Ahwattama doesn’t, as he does not possess the knowledge of recalling the Brahmaastra.  As the time for the delivery of the child approaches, Sri Krishna stays with Uttara and puts a protective shield around her. But, the Brahmaastra once activated will not deactivate without taking a life. So, despite all of the Lord's efforts Uttara delivers a still-born child. At that time, Sri Krishna sends a message to the Universe: "If I have never spoken an untrue word, if I have remained a Brahmachari (the One who abstains from sexual intercourse) all my life, then let the child become alive". And Uttara's child was given life. He made true Arjuna’s description of Him as “Bootha Bhavana, Bhuthesa” – the giver and guard of life. This mantra, “PURUSHOTTAMA, BOOTHA BHAVANA, BHUTHESA NAMO NAMAHA” can be chanted by pregnant women throughout their pregnancy period to avoid still-born and/or breech delivery, and for a well-developed foetus.