25 - Durvasa relieved of Sudarshana-chakra

Narada said- О Brahman, I have listened to the extremely astonishing story of the lord which provides prosperity, the narration of the story from your mouth appeared quite impressive. 

О best of the sages, after the death of the daughter of the sage how did the sage Aurva react. What did he do after that you kindly tell me? 

Narayana said- At that point of time Aurva was performing tapas at the bank of river Sarasvati. The upper garrtient of the girl was carried by the wind and was dropped on the sage Aurva.

With the falling of the costume of his daughter the sage using his divine sight come to know everything about the demise of his daughter. 

He was than filled with grief and in that condition, he rushed to the abode of Durvasa and the tears from his eyes started dropping on the ground. 

Feeling disgusted, he reached the hermitage of the sage and uttered, "O daughter Kandali." Thus, he uttered her name again and again.

Recognising the voice of his father-in-law Durvasa was upset with terror and coming out of his hermitage he fell at the feet of Aurva.

Bowing at the feet of his father-in-law, started wailing with grief. Me than narrated the entire episode to the sage from beginning to end. On hearing it, the sage Aurva fell on the ground unconscious. In spite of his being so learned a sage, he lay there fainted like a dead person.

Finding him looking dead Durvasa apprehended danger and by making strenuous efforts he made the sage to regain consciousness.

On regaining consciousness found the grief and terror-stricken son-in-law who was standing bowing before him and crying with his eyes filled with tears which had turned red like the red lotus flower. At that point of time the sage Aurva was trembling in anger and his lips we were fluttering.

Aurva said- О Brahman, you are born of the race of Atri and are the grandson of Brahma; you have for a petty fault pronounced such a great punishment of my daughter.

You were born of the amsha of Shiva and you happen to be his pupil as well as who is the teacher of the universe. You are yourself well versed is Vedic and post-Vedic literature possessing all the qualities.

Anasuya who was born out of the amsha of Lakshmi happens to be your mother. I do not know for what reason you have this type of wisdom. 

The one whose father is virtuous and the mother is an immensely chaste lady full of all the virtues, their sons can be so heartless it has been provided in the Vedas. I had wedded my daughter who was dearer to me than my life and had all the virtues except one blemish.

Even in the Vedas it has been provided to disown a wife who is foul spoken. In case you had disowned man and she could have been brought up the father but in spite of that you reduced my daughter to ashes. Therefore, you have to meet with great humiliation. There is no doubt about it. 

All the creatures of the world are created, maintain and destroyer while the lord who is all merciful. 

Thus, Speaking the sage started wailing again and again uttering the name of his daughter he went back to his abode. 

After the departure of the sage Aurva, Durvasa lamented again and again. Getting deprived of the divine knowledge, his grief went on increasing. 

The grief like the fire in due course of time, gets extinguished with the application of the divine knowledge but by meeting with the close relatives it goes on increasing like putting the dry-wood in the fire. 

Recollecting his wife again and again, he lamented continuously. He somehow got himself composed again and devoted himself towards tapas. 

Thus, I have narrated to you the cause of the curse of the sage quite elaborate by. In due course of time Durvasa had to face unbearable humiliation.

Narada said- Durvasa was born out of the amsha of Shiva, was illustrious like him by how could such a great ascetic be put to disgrace.

Narayana said- О sage, the king Ambarisa was born in solar race. He devoted his mind always at the lotus-like feet of lord Krishna. He never cared much about his merit earned by performing the good deeds.

Throughout the day and night while sleeping or awake, he always recited the name of the lord quite happily. He was self-control led, pleasant and performed all the vratas for lord Vishnu. 

He has been performing Ekadashi-vrata, adoring lord Krishna and performing all the connected rites. 

The Sudarshana-chakra of Krishna having sixteen spokes was as illustrious as lord Hari himself, having the lustre of crores of sons and was adored by Brahma and otter gods. The lord entrusted the protection of king Ambarisa to Sudarshana-chakra which always hovered round him. 

Once the king after performing the Ekadashi vrata performed the usual puja on the next day and distributed gold and silver to the Brahmanas as serving them with food. While all the Brahmanas were taking food in the meantime the sage Durvasa also arrived there who was quite hungry holding a danda and an umbrella, clad in white garments, with his forehead fainted with tilakam and wearing the matted locks of hair on the head. He was quite lean and thin but terror stricken. His throat, lips and palate had dried up.

О sage, the king finding the sage having arrived in his abode got up and welcomed him and after washing his feet with the water contained in the golden pitcher, he seated him on the golden lion-throne. The sage Durvasa also blessed him variously and took his seat. The king than asked lovingly to the sage, "What is your command for me? You Spell out your desire.". 

On hearing this, the sage said, О king I am suffering from hunger and you serve me with proper food. 

I am just coming reciting the Aghamarsana mantra. Therefore, you should wait for me for a moment. Thus, speaking the sage left the place. After the departure of the Brahmana, the king felt extremely worried, the Dvadashi-tithi was coming to an end and as such he was afraid. In the meantime, his teacher arrived there. The king bowed in reverence to him and told him everything and asked, О sage, the sage Durvasa has not returned so far and the Dvadashi-tithi is coming to end. What could be done in such a difficult time. You kindly think over it and let me know about the future course of action,

Listening to the words of the king, the best of the sages spoke to the king, the beneficial and truthful words which were according to the provision of the Vedas and were beneficial in results. 

Vasistha said- In case the fast is broken on the thirteenth day of the moon, after the lapse of the twelfth days, the merit of the fasting is lost and the one who performs the vrata also has to face destruction.

Besides he earns the sin of Brahmahatya. This has been ordained in the Vedas, the eatables become like wine. In case he consumes food without offering the same to the guest, who had already arrived and he has to fall in the Kumbhipaka hell. Where he has to dwell for a hundred years and then has to be born as a Chandala, suffering from all ailment and poverty. Therefore, at this time of danger what type of secret talk can I reveal to you. You are to protect the dharma of both. Keeping this in view I tell you.

By sipping the water of the lord Krishna’s feet, you save the merit of fasting. О king, you therefore consume the water, the sipping of the water of the feet of lord Krishna cannot be treated as the good. О great sage, thus speaking Vasistha, the son of Brahma kept quiet and the king with his mind, at the lotus-like feet of lord Krishna, sipped the water of the feet of lord Krishna.

О Brahman, in the meantime the sage Durvasa arrived there. The all-knowing sage got enraged and he plucked a lock of hair, out of which an illustrious person having the lustre of the fire flame appeared, he was terrible to look at and was holding a sword in his hand. He got ready to kill the king Ambarisa.

At the sight of the terrific person, the Sudarshana-chakra of lord Krishna got activated and its cut-off the head of the terrific person created by Durvasa and got ready to kill Durvasa also. 

At the sight of Sudarshana-chakra, the sage Durvasa felt terrified and fled from the place followed by the Sudarshana-chakra illumining like the burning flames. 

He was completely upset and went around the globe. Feeling tired he went to the abode of Brahma and took refuge with him. He uttered, "O sage, save me." Thus, speaking he entered the court of Brahma. Brahma got up from a seat and enquired about his welfare.

Durvasa narrated to him the entire episode from beginning to end. On hearing this Brahma took a deep sigh and getting upset with fear, spoke to him. 

Brahma said- О son, on what base did you venture to pronounce a curse on a devotee of lord Vishnu? One who is protected by the lord, no one can cause harm to him in the three worlds.

The devotees are the beloved of lord Hari and for the protection of his devotees, the chakra(disc) has been deputed. 

О Brahmana, the one who feels envious of the devotees of lord Vishnu who are dearer to him like his own life are the one who tries to harm them is destroyed by lord Hari. 

О son, therefore you leave this place and go to some distant place because you cannot be saved here. Otherwise this Sudarshana-chakra will kill me also along with you. 

The Sudarshana-chakra which can destroy the Brahmaloka and the globe in a moment and the one which is as illumining as Vishnu himself, who can prevent it. 

On hearing the words of Brahma sage Durvasa getting terrified, left the place and arrived at Kailasa and said to Shiva, "O merciful one, you protect me." The all-knowledgeable Shiva did not enquire from Durvasa about his welfare.

Lord Shiva who happens to be the protector of the down-trodden and the people in misery and can destroy all the lokas in a moment, said to Durvasa, "O best of Brahmana, be stable and listen to my words."

Shiva said- You happen to be the grandson of Brahma and the son of sage Atri. You are all knowledgeable, well-versed in the Vedas but your actions are like fools.

The one who has been described as the lord of all in the Vedas, Puranas and historical Annals you are not aware of him like a fool. 

With the playfully frowning of whom, myself Brahma, Indra, Adityas, Vasus, Dharmendra all the gods, the sages, the Manus are born and destroyed; his devotees are dearer to him than all the creatures on earth. By whose lustre you were going to kill the king? 

Even myself Brahma, Lakshmi, Durga, Sarasvati and Radhika are not equated by word with his devotees. He likes his devotees the best of all. 

Therefore, the lord who happens to be the soul of all protects his devotees with the chakra making much efforts. He does not depend even the terrible chakra which has been deputed for the protection of his devotees and on the other hand, he himself goes for their protection. 

Listening to his qualities and the name, the lord at once follows his devotee like the shadow and moves after him. 

Their spouses are dearer to him than their lives. No one is beyond him but they also feel envious of the devotees. In that case the lord disowns him as well. 

О sage, the Brahmanas are dear or to the lord than his own body but the devotees are dearer to him than the Brahmanas; they are dearer to him than his life. 

Who is dear to the lord in the three worlds and who is otherwise but the noble people are always adored by him? 

О Brahmana, at the time of great dissolution when everything submerges in the water even than his devotees are never destroyed. 

О Brahman, you recite the prayer of Govinda and devote your mind at his lotus-like feet. All the dangers disappear with the reciting of the name of the lord. 

You at once proceed to Vaikuntha and you can take refuge there the all merciful lord will surely provide you protection. 

In the meantime, the entire mount Kailasa was filled with the tejas of Sudarshana-chakra like the rays of the sun. 

All the people of Kailasa felt the burning heat of Sudarshana-chakra and praising for protection arrived to take refuge with Shiva. Finding that unbearable chakra, the compassionate Shiva together with Parvati blessed Brahmana variously and pronounced a boon on him. "In case her tejas is true and the tapas earned by her since long is also true then the Brahmana, in spite of his performing a sin should be freed from the suffering from the same."

Parvati said- "This Brahmana has arrived to take refuge at the feet of my lord. Let him be relieved of all the danger with my blessing." Parvati after speaking these words kept: quiet with Shiva and the sage bowing in reverence to Shiva, the lord of the gods; proceeded towards Vaikuntha for taking refuge. 

The sage Durvasa who could move with the speed of mind, reached Vaikuntha and finding the Sudarshana-chakra following him, he entered the inner apartment. 

He found lord Hari seated on a gem-studded lion throne holding Shamkha, chakra, padma and gada, clad in yellow lower garment, having a dark-complexion, four arms, peaceful, lord of Lakshmi, quite pleasant, adorned with gem studded ornaments and the garland of gems and wearing serene smile on the face. The one who bestowed his grace on his devotees, having his head adorned with the kirita crown and being served by two chowry, bearer, holding white fly whisks. Lakshmi was serving at his lotus-like feet while Sarasvati was praising him. He was surrounded by Sunanda, Nanda, Kumuda, Pracanda and other attendants surrounded him. He was looking at his devotees who were engaged in devotion for the lord. 

Finding such a lord there Durvasa bowed in reverence to him and catered prayer to the lord with the stotra, contained in the Samaveda. 

Durvasa said- O lord of Lakshmi, you save me, О ocean of mercy, you protect me; you are lord of the down-trodden and those who are in great misery. You are ocean of compassion and the lord, you are the creator of the Vedas and post Vedic literature, beside your day being the universe and the preserver of the universe as well. You are death for the death and Kala for the Kala, you protect me from the ocean of miseries. 

You are the killer of those who indulge in killings. You are the lord and the cause of all, you are the seed of victory of Mahavishnu and you protect me from the ocean of the universe. О lord, you relieve me I have come to take refuge with you suffering from danger. You always protect those who take refuge in you. You protect me since I am in danger. О Narayana, I bow you again and again. 

The one who has been declared to be all sovereign in the Vedas and the glory of whom is beyond the recitation of the Vedas and Sarasvati also stands there like a dumb person, then how can ether intellectuals, praise him. Sesha with all the thousand hoods finds himself non-pulsed while offering prayer to you. Even the five-faced Shiva becomes motionless and the four-faced Brahma has to keep quiet, the shrutis and smritis and Sarasvati are not competent enough to praise you. How can an ordinary person like me offered prayer to your О lord, I am well-versed in the Vedas and also the pupil of those who are well-versed in the Vedas, still I don’t have the competence to offer prayer to you.

The one whose one day is counted with the age of twenty-eight Manus and Mahendra, the same creator remain alive for hundred and eight years. But even when they also fall only than you wink for a while. Thus, the lord who is beyond description, how can I praise him. О lord, you protect me. 

Thus, praising the lord, Durvasa fell on his lotus-like feet and overwhelmed with fear, he started wetting his feet with his tears. 

The stotra composed by Durvasa as prescribed in Samaveda is quite auspicious and create prosperity even in deserted places. 

The one who recites the same at the time of danger and practices it the lord Narayana arrived to protect him gracefully. 

In the royal court cremation ground, the prison in danger, getting surrounded by the enemies, while facing the wild animals, getting surrounded by the royal array and while at the time of the sinking of the ship in the great ocean whosoever recited this stotra he gets relieved of the danger. There is no doubt about it. 

Narayana said- Listening to the prayer of the sage, the lord who bestowed his grace on the devotees smiled for a moment and spoke nectar like words in sweet voice. 

The lord said- Get up О sage, you will meet with welfare with my boon. But you listen to my truthful and pleasant words. 

By listening to the scriptures from the mouth of the noble people even the lay-men achieve knowledge. The scripture travel in the form of the noble people everywhere. 

When an intellectual having all the wisdom acts against the Vedas, he can be termed as dead even when he be still alive.

О Brahmana, in the Puranas, Vedas and the historical treatises, the glory of Vaishnavas has been highlighted which has been heard by one and all variously. 

I am the life of Vaishnavas and Vaishnavas happen to be my life. Therefore, whosoever is envious of them, the foot indulges in her time me with the same. 

The one who devotes his mind towards me disregarding his sons, grandsons, spouses, kingdom and riches no one is dearer to me than such a person. There is no one greater on earth for me than my devotees and in comparison, to them Lakshmi, Shiva, Sarasvati, Brahma, Durga, Ganesha, Brahmanas, Vedas, Savitri, Cowherd Cowherdesses and all others of no consequence. 

Thus, I have spoken to you truthfully, which is the gist in reality. I have not exaggerated anything for praising my devotees, who are dearer to me than my life. 

Such of the foolish and unwise people who are envious of me and are not aware of themselves, they have to fall in the hell for a long-time and those who are envious of my devotees, who are dearer to me than my life, I at once punish them and beyond life they have to suffer in the hell for long. 

I am the cause of everyone and the lord besides being the preserver of all but still I am not independent. I am always influenced by my devotees. 

In the Goloka, I appear in two-armed and in Vaikuntha, I appear as four-armed one. I have only symbolical appearance in Goloka and Vaikuntha but actually I always remain with ray devotees. 

I consume everything whatever is offered to me by my devotees but even if the nectar is offered by a non-believer to me, it is not acceptable to me. 

The king Ambarisa happens to be the best of the kings who is unattached, believes in Ahimsa, quite compassionate one and loves all the creatures. Why do you intend to kill such a noble person? The noble people who are compassionate to the creatures and such of the people who are envious of them, I destroy them. 

I am completely helpless in protecting those who are inimical to my devotees. Therefore, you approach Ambarisa who will surely protect you. 

Narayana said- On listening to the words of the lord, the Brahmanas was upset and with the disturbed mind he got up reciting the name of lord Krishna.

In the meantime, Brahma, Shiva with Parvati, Dhrama, the moon besides the sages also arrived there. 

Overwhelming with the devotion of the lord, they bowed in reverence and started praising him. 

Brahma said- О self-illumining lord, you are uninvolved and always show mercy on your devotees, therefore you kindly protect this Brahmana, who has committed a sin against your devotees. 

Shiva said- О compassionate on the down trodden, you are the lord of the universe and this Brahmana, does not remain out of it. Therefore, you protect this sinful and meek Brahmana, who has come to take refuge in you. 

Parvati said- Ambarisa happens to be your devotee. The Brahmanas, the gods all of us are also your devotees; you happen to be the lord of all therefore you protect the sinful Brahmana. 

Dharma said- О lord, you happen to be the creator of all, preserver and the one who punishes everyone. But where has it been provided that the father would kill one child for the sake of other. 

Indra said- О lord, you are compassionate always to all the creatures. He has already suffered for his sin. You kindly protect him now. 

Rudra said- whatever will be done by you to make him peaceful it would be quite appropriate; now you save this handicapped fool. 

Dikpala said- It is unheard in the Vedas that a sinful Brahmana should be killed. The lord always maintains the people after forgiving for them their sins. 

The planets said- The one who is envious of the Vaishnavas, the gods also get annoyed with the fool. We people always punish him variously and thereafter protect him. 

The sages said- О lord, at the humiliation of this Brahmana we people feel like dead while still alive. By finding one getting humiliated, the others of the same race feel ashamed. 

Atri said- You had bestowed a son like this, who is full of anger but always serves at your feet. Because of his illumining with your tejas, he does not care for anyone in the three worlds. 

Lakshmi said- О lord, you forgive the Brahmana who has come to take refuge with you, all the gods and the Brahmanas are praying you. You please don’t commit the sin of Brahmahatya. 

Sarasvati said- О lord, you are the creator of the Vedas and fulfil the desires of all; I shall speak to you about a shruti according to which you happen to be his protector and therefore you should protect him. 

The creator said- With the reciting of your name everyone meets prosperity and all the misfortunes disappear; therefore, you please protect this person who has come to take refuge with you. 

Nartaka said-0 lord of the removal of poverty, we had always been begging from you. Therefore, you bestow the alms in the form of the protection of this Brahmana. 

On hearing the words of all the gods, the lord smiled and spoke the words satisfying everyone. 

The lord said- All of you should listen to my appropriate words which will bestow pleasure. At your command now I protect the Brahmana.

But this Brahmana should go from Vaikuntha to the house of Ambarisa and he should pray to the king for his pleasure. 

This Brahmana being the guest of the king was about to pronounce a curse on him without any rhyme or reason. Because of that this Sudarshana-chakra got activated for the killing of this Brahmana. 

The terrified Brahmana has been roaming around the world for a year and since than the king Ambarisa is fasting with his wife.

Because of the fasting of my devotees, I am also fasting. As the mother finding her infant fasting, she herself does not take the food, I am facing the same situation.

With my blessing, the great sage will be pleased and, on the way, my chakra will not harm him. 

Whatever is given to me by the devotees with devotion, I accept it like nectar and consume it with pleasure. 

Unless a devotee of mine offers me something, I do not consume anything offered to me even by Lakshmi and Lakshmi is also unable to offer me anything unless it is given by the devotees.

О best of the sages, O people of great wisdom, O son, you go to the king’s palace and all other gods and the goddesses should go back to their respective abodes. 

Thus, speaking lord Hari went back to his abode and all the people bowing at the feet of the lord went back to their respective homes. 

The Brahmana who could move with the speed of the mind, at once reached the house of the king followed by the chakra illumining like crores of suns. 

Because of his fasting for one year, the throat, lips and palate of the king had dried up, seated on his throne he found the sage approaching him. The king suddenly got up and delightfully bowed before the Brahmana, served him food and thereafter he himself took food. 

Getting satisfied with the food, he blessed him immensely praising the king. Thereafter, he then left for his abode; the Brahmana was surprised in his mind saying the glory of the Vaishnavas is beyond our reach.