Vīravikrama
Vīravikrama was a Śūdra of fine character who honoured brāhmaṇas, always kept his word, and was devoted to his father and to Bhagavān Vishṇu. He once gave his right hand as a promise to a caṇḍāla who came to him disguised as a brāhmaṇa. His family and his priest warned him, but he would not break the promise. Bhagavān Vishṇu appeared, praised him, and took his whole family to Vaikuṇṭha.
Who Vīravikrama was
The Brahma Khaṇḍa of the Padma Mahā Purāṇa says that Vīravikrama lived in a city that it does not name. He was born a Śūdra, but his character was excellent. He ate well and was strong and very handsome. He spoke much. He was wealthy and had sons. He was polite and learned, and all people loved him.
He always honoured brāhmaṇas and guests. He was devoted to his father, always kept his promise, protected his elders, and served Bhagavān Vishṇu.
The caṇḍāla asks for his daughter
One day a handsome young caṇḍāla came to his house in the guise of a brāhmaṇa. He said that his wife had died, and he asked for a daughter in marriage. He said:
“What is the use of gifts, visits to tīrthas (holy places), yajñas (fire rituals), or crores of vows for a man who would give his daughter in marriage to a brāhmaṇa?”
Vīravikrama was moved, and he answered with full commitment:
“O brāhmaṇa, I have a virgin daughter. If you wish, I shall give her to you by the proper rite. Hold my right hand. I shall give her. This shall not be otherwise.”
The caṇḍāla, still in disguise, held his right hand. Vīravikrama then confirmed:
“O brāhmaṇa, I shall give you my daughter tomorrow. This will not be otherwise. A man who has offered his right hand should not act as a mean man would.”
The warnings
His family priest Kṛshṇaśarman advised him against the match. The priest pointed out that the man’s family, country, race, wealth, character and age were all unknown. He warned that Vīravikrama might be giving his daughter to a man who was not a brāhmaṇa at all. His father and the other relatives joined in objecting.
To all of them Vīravikrama gave one answer:
“I have offered my right hand. Now I shall not be able to change my words at all.”
Bhagavān Vishṇu appears
Bhagavān Vishṇu heard Vīravikrama’s truthful and firm answer. He appeared suddenly, bearing the conch, the disc (cakra) and the mace (gadā), and mounted on Garuḍa. He praised Vīravikrama greatly:
“Blessed is your family! Blessed is your way of life! Blessed are your mother and father! Blessed is your truthful speech! Blessed is your right hand! Blessed is your deed! Blessed is your existence! Such a person does not exist in the three worlds. With such a deed, O good man, you will set your family free.”
At once a golden aerial vehicle (vimāna) arrived, filled with Bhagavān Vishṇu’s attendants. Bhagavān Vishṇu himself placed all of Vīravikrama’s family in it, together with the caṇḍāla and the priest Kṛshṇaśarman. He took them all to Vaikuṇṭha, where they enjoyed rare pleasures for a long time.
Sources
- Padma Mahā Purāṇa, Brahma Khaṇḍa, Chapter 26