-:
Great
Devotee
Ambrisha
:-
Introduction
:
Ambareesha,a
great devotee. saved Durvaasa from the wrath of Sudarshana Chakra, the
weapon of Lord Vishnu. The name of Ambareesha is associated with the
Ekaadashi vow i.e, fornightly observance of fast coupled with meditation on
the supreme
Ambareesha
Celebration of festivals and fulfillment of vows are occasions of joy and
enthusiasm for everybody at home. Our elderly persons of yore were of the
view that worshipping God, observing feasts and fulfilling vows would fetch
a lot of merit.
The Vow Of
Ekaadashi
A month is divided into two 'Pakshas' (fortnights). One is 'Shukla Paksha'
(bright fortnight), and another is 'Krishna Paksha' (dark fortnight). The
period commencing on the first day after the new moon day up to the full
moon day is 'Shukla Paksha'. The period after the full moon day up to the
end of new moon day is 'Krishna Paksha', One 'Paksha' means fifteen days.
'Vow' means religious regulation. The eleventh day of every 'Paksha' is
called 'Ekaadashi'. This is regarded as a major vow. It is also called 'Hari-vaasara'
(the day devoted to Sri Hari, the Supreme God). Eldeyrly people adhering to
this vow observe complete fast on that day. Some take only snacks or milk.
The whole day 'is spent in prayer, meditation and singing of bhajans. The
next day is 'Dwaadashi' (the
Twelfth Day). Those who would have observed fast the previous day, bathe in
the morning, then worship their deity, and treat some guests to a sumptuous
feast; and only after this will they take their food. This completes the
vow of Ekaadashi.
Fasting for a day once in a fortnight and spending the whole day in prayer
and meditation is good for both body and mind. Both will be clean and fresh.
This also helps us gain control over the body. Everyday, every moment we
will be having some thought or the other passing through our mind. However
much we may try to avoid them, some bad thoughts invade our mind. If the vow
of Ekaadashi is observed at least for one day, we can be free from these
troubling thoughts and cares and we can set our mind on God only. Those who
observe Ekaadashi spend the entire day in thoughts connected with God,
singing His glory, and in the company of pious and devotional persons. In
this manner the mind becomes purified and experiences peace.
Those who engage themselves in fasting and singing bhajans on Ekaadashi day
with all sanctity and solemnity attached to the vow believe that this
pleases, God and brings merit for them. They also believe that in times of
difficulties God will come to their rescue. The story of Ambareesha is one
such story of a great soul who was protected by God's Grace in a most
trying situation, because of his having observed regularly the vow of
Ekaadashi.
Naabhaaga
Devoted To Studies
You must have heard of the city of Ayodhya. It is on the bank of the river
Sarayu. Many great Wings and rulers ruled there.
Nabhaga, the son of Manu, also was a king there. He was very noble. He had
many children, and ihe youngest of them was Naabhaaga.
Naabhaaga was fond of learning even from his young age. He used to be
engaged in studies always.
Education in those times
was provided in Gurukulas. One who studies is a student, is he not?
'Student' means one who longs for and goes in search of knowledge. In
ancient times boys would leave their parents and go to Gurukulas for
education. They were required to give up all luxuries and pleasures and lead
a simple life to pursue their studies. earnestly. The children would go and
live in the hermitage of a Guru. Even princes had to go like this and live
with a Guru in order to be educated. Similarly Naabhaaga went to a hermitage
for his education. It had a calm atmosphere. The inmates there lived quietly
and happily like friends, free from any disturbance or quarrel. The teachers
were very learned men who taught their pupils with great affection. Every
day dawned with an opportunity to learn new things, and every day ended with
the joy of having acquired some new knowledge. So the life at Gurukula
became very attractive to him. Is there any limit to learning? Thus he
stayed in the Gurukula taking up studies one after another. He did not
return to his palace for many years.
Forgot To
Give A Share
King Nabhaga became old. He was tired of ruling. He left his kingdom to the
care of his sons and went to the forest for perfor- ming penance. At that
time Naabhaaga was still in the Gurukula. Thinking that he was not
interested in the kingdom, his elder brothers divided the kingdom among
themselves.
After completing his education,Naabhaaga returned home.He saw what
hadhappened and became much worried. "Give me my share of the kingdom, " he
asked of his elder brothers. "0, we forgot to keep a share for you. What can
we do now? You had better go to father and ask him. Probably he may help
you." they said in a tone of finality.
Father's
Blessings
Naabhaaga felt disappointed and distressed. He went into the forest in
search of his father. He found the place where his father lived. He went to
him and made obeisance. The father was very glad to see his son after a long
time. "May you live long, my dear, and may you be happy always," he blessed
his son and asked, "Have you completed your education?"
Naabhaaga told his father all abouthimself. "Dear Father, I came after
finishing my education successfully. But when I went home I found that all
my brothers had divided the entire kingdom among them selves. They do not
like to give me my share. They are all united, and I stand - alone. What
shall I do?"
The father was pained to
hear this. He felt sorry, for this was the only son who had the best
education, and he was deprived of his share. It was obvious that it was only
a lame excuse if the elder brothers said they forgot to keep aside his
share; and the fact was that they did no want to give him that. Realizing
his own helplessness, being aged and a recluse in the forest, the father
concluded that this son should get on only by means of his education.
So he said, "Naabhaaga, do not desire that piece of land which your brothers
have taken for them by cheating you.The greedy will never be happy. I shall
help you with a plan of earning your livelihood. There is the ashram of Sage
Angeerasa very close to this place. That great sage has been performing a
twelve-day 'Satra Yaga' sacrifice now. He is a great scholar. He knows
everything. But still not knowing what rites are to be performed on the
sixth day, he is now worried. I will teach you two Vedic mantras, which are
to be chanted during the rites of the sixth day. You go there and chant
these mantras on that occasion. Sage Angeerasa will be highly pleased at
this. It will bring you good afterwards. The Vaga' undertaken now by
Angeerasa will be fruitful with these two
mantras."
He then taught his son the two mantras and sent him with his blessings.
Rewarded
With Wealth
As directed by his father, Naabhaaga came to the sacrificial pandal of
Angeerasa. It was very beautiful to look at many priests (called 'Ritwiks’
were there. The yaga proceedings were going on with festive zeal. Naabhaaga
was respectfully received by Angeerasa. He sat and watched the proceedings
of the yaga.
On the sixth day Naabhaaga taught Sage Angeerasa, at the appropriate time
those two mantras which he had learnt from his father. The holy sacrifice
went on smoothly and was concluded. The sage was extremely happy when the
yaga was over, a lot of unused grains, provisions, money and jewels were
still there in store. Angeerasa gifted all of that to Naabhaaga while seeing
him off. This made Naabhaaga very happy. He mentally thanked his father for
his blessings.
"Naabhaaga,
This is Wrong"
When he was transporting wealth, he met on his way a dark figure that
stoodblocking the way. He was god Rudra. Long ago it had been agreed among
the sages that whatever remained after a yaga should go to Rudra. That is
why Rudra had stopped Naabhaaga on his way.
He said, "Naabhaaga, the
remains of this yaga rightly belong to me. You are wrong in carrying them
away for yourself."
Naabhaaga replied, 'O
celestial figure, as Sage Angeerasa has given these things to me, they are
rightfully mine-"
Both started arguing. At last Rudra said, "Naabhaaga, let us refer this
matter to your father. Let him decide it fairly for us.
Both went to Nabhaga and related the whole case to him. Nabhaga then said,
"My dear son, it is but just that this wealth should go to Rudra. Long ago,
at the time of the yaga performed by Daksha, all the sages had resolved that
the remains of a yaga should belong to Rudra. Therefore surrender all this
wealth to Rudra and apologise to him."
A Boon From
Rudra
As advised by his father, Naabhaaga begged Rudra to forgive him and then
surrendered all the wealth to Rudra.
Rudra was pleased and satisfied with this.
All that had happened becamecrystal-clear to him. He admired Nabhaga's keen
sense of justice when he gave a judgement upholding the right, though it was
un- favorable to his own son. Besides he also pitied Naabhaaga who had lost
both his rightful share of the kingdom and now, by his father's decision,
also this wealth which had been given to him by Angeerasa.
"Naabhaaga, I am pleased with your virtues. I will teach you all the great
and important mantras. Cling always to truth, which alone brings good to
you. Your father is a righteous man. You too should be like him. Take all
this wealth foryourself, and live happily." After graciously granting this
boon, Rudra departed.
Ambareesha
In Gurukula
Receiving instruction from Rudra himself, Naabhaaga become a great scholar.
He had a son. And this was the great Ambareesha. He had inherited all the
fine qualities of his father.
The beginnings of his devotion to God could be seen in his earliest age.
Always meditating on God, singing bhajans and reading good and sacred books
became his regular habit.
As usual, in course of time Ambareesha joined a Gurukula.He learnt all the
subjects very quickly. He was deeply interested in learning. So he gained
knowledge with ease.
Learning makes on modest. Ambareesha learnt how to behave with elders and
how to conduct himself in the company of other. He would never hurt the
feelings of others. He would not utter a fie even under trying
circumstances. He used to speak only truth.
King
Ambareesha
Ambareesha, being so vituous a person, became a great king. Only the welfare
of his subjects was his objective. He cautiously guarded his kingdom from
the attacks of external enemies. He ruled over his country maintaining
internal peace. Whatever work he did was done with a pure, heart so that it
might be approved and admired by God.
There is a saying: 'As is the king, so are his subjects.' The subjects
follow the example of their rulers.So, worthy rulers try to set a good model
to their subjects who will try to emulate them in good conduct. Ambareesha
had faith and devotion. He would speak only truth. Similarty his subjects
developed devotion to God and leamt to tread the righteous path only.
Strict
Observance of Vows
As days passed, Ambareesha lost interest in everything-wife, children and
kingdom. He was always thinking of God. He would observe many vows. He would
spend all his time in good thoughts and good deeds. He worshipped Mahavishnu.
Vishnu was highly pleased with Ambareesha who was leading such a good life.
Sudarshana, a sharp-edged disc, is one of the weapons of Vishnu. It is His
favorite weapon. He gave this very Chakra to Ambareesha for being
worshipped. This gladdened the heart of Ambareesha. He began worshipping it
with faith and devotion
During One
Ekaadashi...
Ambareesha used to observe certain vows. Among them was Ekaadashi, which he
performed along. With his wife in intense faith and devotion. Both husband
and wife would fast the whole day. They would spend the day in meditation
and prayer. The whole night they would sing bhajans or sit in meditation and
would not sleep. The next day being Dwaadashi, they would, after meditating
and serving the guests, take their food. This is known as 'Paarane' - the
ceremonial way of breaking the fast. This is how the vow of Ekaadashi would
be concluded. Ambareesha, used to observe every Ekaadashi scrupulously.
Once Ambareesha resolved to perform the vows of Ekaadashi and Dwaadashi for
one year and conclude this course with a special fasting followed by the 'Paarane'.
It was thus carried on for a year it was completed in the month of Kaartik.
During this month Ambareesha fasted for three days preceding Dwaadashi. All
the three nights he spent in worship and prayer. The fourth day was
Dwaadashi. That day he bathed in the river Yamuna and worshipped his deity.
On such - days as this he
wished to have some guests. If pious and good people, the old and the
revered were to come, he would be happy to welcome them and treat them
hospitably. He could take food with them and get their blessings. This was
his wish. So on Dwaadashi day he waited eagerly for some chance guests to
arrive.
Durvaasa
Himself The Guest
Shortly afterwards, Durvaasa came. He was a great sage who had done a good
deal of penance. But he was short- tempered.
This sage arrived at the palace of Ambareesha whose joy knew no bounds to
have such a distinguished guest as
Durvaasa on that auspicious day. He accorded a hearty welcome to the "Kindly
accept my invitation to dine in the palace."
sage and seated him on honored chair He made obeisance. "How are you, Sire?
Has your penance been going on unhindered?" He Enquirer. I am indeed very
fortunate to have a great and revered man like you as the guest of our
palace," he continued, "Today is Dwaadashi the day of 'Paarane'. I request
you to kindly accept my invitation
to dine in the palace.
To this request Durvaasa replied, "O Ambareesha, I gladly accept
yourinvitation. First let me go to the river for bathing. I shall be back
after finishing my prayer." the king agreed to this.
Durvaasa went to the river.
Ambareesha sat in the palace waiting eagerly for him.
Durvaasa
Fails To Turn Up
The sage bathed in the river. After this he sat for meditation and forgot
the entire world. He was not conscious of the time at all. Fixing his mind
on God he forgot himself.
Thus passed the afternoon. The evening set in. Yet sage Durvaasa's prayer
was not over He did not come back to the palace from the river.
Ambareesha become worried. The Dwaadashi day was coming to a close. If he
did not take food before the dayclosed, his vow of Ekaadashi would become
ineffective. If he were to take any food, it would amount to a sin of eating
without first feeding the guest. Besides, Durvaasa was known to be a very
short-tempered man. King Ambareesha was thus caught in the homs of this
dilemma and began to feel miserable.
At last he consulted the brahmins who were his court scholars wellversed in
scriptures, as to what he should do in such a situation.They
suggested,"YourHighness may take some holy water used in the worship of God.
It will not be a violation of the vow."
Upon this advice Ambareesha took only some holy water. Then the waited for
the sage to come back.
Durvaasa
Came Back, But... !
After many hours, Durvaasa's meditation was over finishing his worship, he
got up and came to the palace. He came to know through intuition that
Ambareesha had drunk water even before his arrival. He became terribly
angry. With brows knit up, and eyes growing red, his whole body shook with
rage.
Ambareesha bowed in reverence to the sage with great devotion and modesty
and appealed, "Pray be pleased to walk in. I have been wafting for you only"
To this sage Durvaasa burst out "Ambareesha, your wealth has made you
senseless and swell with arrogance.Icame to your palace on my own accord. I
was your guest. You invited me to stay for 'Paanane.' But now you have
already finished 'Paarane' without me. For this insolent act you shall
presently suffer a severe punishment."
Ambareesha begged forgive me, Sir. After Ekaadashi, before the closing of
the day of Dwaadashi, the observer of the vow must take something.
Otherwise the vow will be infructuous. In fact I waited for you till the
Dwaadashi was about to be over. But your good self did not come. I have
therefore taken only some holy water. Dinner is ready. I' request you to
proceed to the dining-hall Please don't be angry with me," he implored very
politely.
Durvaasa's anger was not cooled. He created out of his mantric power a
horrid-looking goddess of evil force to
kill Ambareesha.
Sudarshana
Chakra Issues Forth
That goddess of evil power roared thunderously and with a trident in hand
stood in front of Ambareesha.
All the people of Ambareesha's family and court trembled. What will be the
fate of our king? For no fault of his he has to die now. Is there no hope of
his escape? "They wailed and shed tears.
Ambareesha did not fear a bit. He stood with folded hands praying within his
mind to God Srihari. Sriman Narayana saw his devotee in that plight. He sent
forth his Sudarshana Chakra to protect his devotee from the goddess of evil
Durvaasa.
What a wonder! In a moment the Sudarshana Chakra issued forth with a blazing
flame and killed the goddess of
evil force on the spot. Then it proceeded towards Durvaasa to kill him.
Durvaasa was terrified. He
ran for his life.
The Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu,emitting flames and making a terrific
sound,chased Durvaasa.
Durvaasa was himself a sage of great penance, and was quite powerful. But he
was helpless before this Vishnuchakra.
From One
World To Another
Seeing the Chakra rushing towards himself Durvaasa became panicky. He took
to his heels and ran without, stopping anywhere. The Chakra relentlessly
pursued him. The sage entered a cave in Mount Meru to escape from it. The
Chakra also entered the cave following him. Then the sage field to heaven.
The Sudarshana Chakra was
always at his heels. Over hills, dales and forests, wherever he ran, it
chased him. Thus, all over earth and heaven, the sage fled from place to
place. Sudarshana Chakra pursued him. At last he turned towards Satyaloka,
the word of Brahma.
He approached Brahma. "I am being chased and pestered by Sudarshana, Chakra,
0 Lord, please protect me by
stopping it," he appealed. To this Brahma said, NI do not have so much power
as to stop Sudarshana Chakra, my dear sage. Go and appeal to Vishnu. Only He
can save you.'
From there Durvaasa went to God Shankara. "Save me from Sudarshana Chakra,"
he implored Shankara. "You had
better pray to Vishnu Himself, as this is His Chakra," advised Shankara.
By this time Durvaasa had realised that only he and not Ambareesha was at
fault. "Ambareesha drank some holy water only in strict adherence to the
rules of the vow and not out of arrogance. He was very polite with me. It
was my fault to have sent a goddess of evil power to kill him. The
root-cause of all this disaster was my own anger," he thought within
himself.
He went to God Vishnu. "0 Lord, Shankha - Chakra-Gadadhara, save me. There
is no one but you to rescue me. Please forgive my fault and save my life by
withdrawing your Sudarshana Chakra, " he prayed appealing in several ways to
His mercy.
"Seek
Refuge InAmbareesha Only"
Mahavishnu said with a smile, "O sage Durvaasa, this is beyond my power too.
I can bear with any wrong done to me. But the wrong done to my devotees is
un- pardonable. I am under the control of my devotees. It is my duty to rush
to their help when they call me. Now there is nothing that I can do. Listen
to me, Durvaasa," He continued, "Strength comes from penance and
knowledge.It should be used for doing well to others. If it is misused
either for satisfying one's ego or for harming others, the harm will turn
back on the user him. Now you go to Ambareesha and seek protection. Only he
can save you."
To
Ambareesha
Durvaasa was in deep grief. Sudarshana Chakra was still pursuing him. Even
the trinity of great Gods-Brahma,Vishnu and Ishwara-had declared that they
were in- capable of saving him. So he ran to Ambareesha and clasped his feet
in obeisance.
Several days thus passed. Durvaasa had traveled over Satyaloka, Kailasa and
\/ykunta before coming to Ambareesha. Till then Ambareesha had remained
fasting as his guest Durvaasa had not taken food.
Durvaasa said, addressing Ambareesha, "0 Ambareesha, great king and the best
"among devotees, even the trio of Gods were not able to ' protect me.They
advised me to appeal to you only. I became angry with you, though you had
not done any wrong. I even attempted to kill you. Please forget all that.
Now you alone can protect me from this Sudarshana Chakra. Please save me"
Thus Durvaasa entreated Ambareesha.
"Spare
Durvaasa"
Ambareesha was of very good nature. He had great respect for Durvaasa as a
sage of spiritual eminence. He pitied his plight. He was embarrassed to see
such a sage touching his feet.He prayed to Sudarshana Chakra which came
pursuing the sage: "O king of Chakras, embodiment of efful- gence, you
yourself are Agni, Sun you are, and even Moon the lord of all stars are
yourself. You are Dharma.You are courage ; you destroy the wicked and the
cruel who indulge in unrighteous acts; you protect the pious and saintly
There is none who can oppose you. You can perform wonderful deeds.If you are
favorable there is nothing that is impossible. Therefore I am praying to you
with folded hands. Please spare the life of sage Durvaasa."Such was
hisprayer, made with a sincere and pure heart. True, Durvaasa had teased the
faultless Ambareesha and went to the extent of even killing him. But
Ambareesha did not nurse any illwill towards the sage. He did not even rake
it up saying, well, this is what you did.' for the sake of sage Durvaasa
who had surrendered, he prayed to Sudarshana chakra.
Sudarshana
Chakra Relents
In response to the prayer of Ambareesha, the deity of Sudarshana Chakra
appeared in his divine form'. He had sixteen arms, sixteen hands. His body
was radiating light. Ambareesha enjoyed ecstatic bliss at this divine
manifestation. Again he prayed to the lord of Chakras with intense devotion
to save sage Durvaasa.
The king of Chakras, in compliance with Ambareesha's request, assured him
that he would spare the life of sage Durvaasa. Hearing this, Ambareesha's
joy was boundless. By his piety, Durvaasa's life had been saved.
After this the king of Chakras said to Sage Durvaasa, " look here, O Sage! A
Brahmin is one who is without anger or desire. He should always be kind and
compassionate. He should lead a regulated and righteous life. He must always
look upon the devo- tees of Vishnu with love. Anger is bad for man. In anger
one might even kill one's own father and mother. How could you think of
killing Ambareesha who was guilt- less and who had such great devotion to
God? Are not your penance and holy sacrifices all a waste? Your fault is un-
pardonble. Yet, by the prayer of Amba- reesha, the greatest of God's
devotees, you got a lease of life. Don't err again." Having advised thus, he
disappeared.
Greatness
Of Ambareesha
Sudarshana Chakra went back. Durvaasa was at last released from its flames.
He praised Ambareesha wholeheartedly: "0 noble king, now I understand ' the
great- ness of Vishnu's devotees. God forgives any offence committed against
Him. But if the same offence is committed against His devotees, He will
never tolerate. As for yourself, you have captured God Himself. There is
nothing, which a great soul like you cannot achieve. Even the gods are
pleased with your noble qualities.
The Vow
Fulfilled
Ambareesha felt abashed on hearing Durvaasa praise him like this.
"Great sage," he said with all humility, folding his hands, "Your praise is
indeed a blessing to me. But all this is God's Grace. It is He who directs.
I just act as He guides me. That is all. You are tired. It was I who caused
this fatigue to you. Kindly forgive me. You too observed Ekaadashi fast and
did not break the fast on Dwaadasi.
Please forget all that has happened and accept my hospitality Graciously
favor me doing 'Paarane' here only." So saying, Ambareesha made obeisance
toDurvaasa prostrating at his feet.
Sage Durvaasa felt ashamed
of himself. How polite and courteous was Amba- reesha even towards one who
had wished him ill!
He was very much pleased also with his request. Paarane' was finished. After
that Ambareesha also took his food.
Sage Durvaasa blessed Ambareesha and left the palace.
Another
Episode
There is one other episode about Amba- reesha. He had a daughter by name
Sreemati. Once two sages came to his
court. They were Narada and Parvata. Ambareesha received them with due
respect and treated them hospitably Both were sages who had performed
penance. Still, strange as looked, both desired to marry Sreemati. They who
had renounced all pleasures and had spent their life in meditation did not
think how difficult it would be for the princess to adjust herself to their
way of life if she were to marry one of them. Both met Ambareesha separately
and privately without each other’s know- ledge.Each asked him,"Give your
daughter in marriage to me."
The king had no wish to
marry his daughter to either of them. But they were sages possessing the
power of penance. He did not want to go against their wish. And both of them
wanted to marry Sreemati. The King was in a dilemma. At last he said,
"Revered Sirs, since both of you desire to marry Sreemati, it is better we
leave it to her decision. I shall arrange for a Swayam- vara (a special
-congregation of suitors wherein a princess is free to choose one of them to
marry her). You too can attend it. Let Sreemati choose whomsoever she
likes."
This appeared to them reasonable. They agreed.
But both harbored apprehensions within their minds: What if she should
choose the other man?’
Both
Approach Vishnu
Narada went to Vishnu. "0 Lord, I wish to marry Sreemati, the daughter of
Amba- reesha. But Parvata has the same desire. Ambareesha said that Sreemati
might be allowed to choose her husband. He will hold a Swayamvara. Make the
face of Parvata look like that of a monkey only to Sreemati at the time of
Swayamvara, so that she will choose me only," he prayed offering his
salutations to Him. Vishnu could not help laughing at this desire of so
saintly a person as Narada. He replied with a smile, "All right. It will be
so. "
Parvatgt did not know about this meeting of Narada with Vishnu. He too
approached Vishnu and expressed his desire to marry Sreemati. "At the
Swayamvara, make the face of Narada appear like the face of a bear to
Sreemati, while to others it may be the usual face, 0 Lord", he requested.
Parvata also was a great sage. Vishnu smiled and said, "Granted."
Swayamvara
Take Place
Ambareesha arranged for theSwayamvara. Narada and Parvata arrived at the
Royal Hall enthusiastically. "Parvata's face will look like a monkey's to
Sreemati. She will reject him and marry me only," thought Narada feeling
confident of him. "Looking at Narada's bear-face, Sreemati will be
horrified. She will then wed me only,"
Parvata chuckled.
Ambareesha conducted his daughter into the Swayamvara Hall. She was holding
in her hand a beautiful garland. She would put it round the neck of the one
whom she approved.
The king did not see any
change in the faces or features of the two sages.
Ambareesha told Sreemati,"Deardaughter, take a look at these two sages. Both
of them are desirous of marrying you. You may choose any one you like."
Sreemati looked at them. She was struck with wonder. She said, "0 father, I
don't see any sage here. One has the face of a bear and the other has the
face of a monkey. What am I to do?"
Both the sages were surprised to hear her say like this. Narada mused, 'So
Parvata's face has been made to look like that of a monkey. It is Vishnu's
doing. But why does she say that my face is like of a bear? '
Parvata, on the other side, wondered, 'Vishnu's boon has come true, no
doubt, if Narada has the face of a bear. But why should mine look like the
face of a monkey?’
At last Narada said, "Ambareesha, you must be playing some trick on us
because you do not like to give your daughter in marriage to either of us."
Even on hearing his daughters words Ambareesha had been puzzled enough. Now
the words of Narada and the anger shown on the faces of the two sages
completely bewildered him. He feared that the sages might pronounce a curse
on him. " 0, Revered Sires, please have patience. I am at a loss to know
what is happening," he pleaded.
The Divine
Person
Sreemati also feared that the sages might utter a curse on her father.
Then there appeared a very handsome person with a face beaming effulgently
standing between the two sages. He was no other than Mahavishnu Himself. But
Sreemati did not know it. She prayed to Mahavishnu in her mind silently,
"May it be according to your will, 0 Lord," and flung the garland at them.
It fell round the neck of that Divine Person. Vishnu drew Sreemati by the
hand to his side and disappeared with her.
The sages Narada and
Parvata with their intuition understood everything that had happened. They
also felt ashamed of themselves.
Ambareesha sang the praise of Lord Vishnu's Glory for having averted the
calamity, which had befallen him. He
ruled over his kingdom for a long time benevolently looking after his
subjects, He earnestly carried on his prayer, meditation and worship of God.
When he became old he handed over his kingdom to his sons and left for doing
penance.
When Reason
is Blinded...
Even sages and learned men sometimes have their reason blinded. Whatever one
might be, one should always be alert. When one loses one's wisdom, one might
commit any blunder. Narada and Parvata were sages and learned men. Even
they, overtaken by desire, tried to cheat and insult each other. Sages of
such eminence thoughtlessly tried to harm others. Man should always be
alert, keep his mind controlled, and do things thoughtfully.
With purity of heart and
unshaken faith in the right path he had taken to,Ambareesha deserved to be
called the noblest. Do you remember the words of Vishnu to Durvaasa?"
Strength comes from penance and knowledge. It should be used for doing well
to others. If it is misused for satisfying one's ego or for harming others,
the harm will turn back upon the user him.'
Durvaasa was no ordinary person. As the story itself reveals, his penance
and spiritual power were astonishing. But even he, a great sage, because of
his short temper and hasty nature, had to undergo suffering. At last he was
to be saved only by Ambareesha. In spite of all these happenings,
Ambareesha's mindremained immaculate and free from anger and hatred ' Thus
we see the virtues such as purity of heart, devotion to God, and
faithfulness shine forth in the story of Ambareesha.
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