The
Pandava brothers along with Draupadi and Kunti were in exile after the wax
house episode. One evening, Dharmaja
and Draupadi were taking a quiet stroll in the forest. While walking, they saw a big fruit lying on
the ground. They thought given its size everyone can have it for their
dinner. But they were unable to move
the fruit. The other Pandavas who came
in search of them also tried in vain and all were exhausted. Suddenly they observed that something moved
under their feet and they realized that they were standing on Romarshi’s hair
spread wide on the ground like a carpet.
The sage had undertook several years of penance for this special fruit
which would free him from thirst and appetite. Sensing some disturbance, the sage was just
about to open his eyes.
The
Pandavas and Draupadi felt guilty and were scared that the sage, given the
circumstances, might curse them.
Draupadi immediately prayed to Krishna wholeheartedly seeking His divine
mercy to guard them. Moved by Draupadi’s prayers, Krishna appeared in
front of her and remarked that though He always rescues His devotees, He also
resides in hearts of the sages. And
Pandavas committed mistake by aspiring for the fruit for which Romarshi did
great penance. Falling at Lord Krishna’s
feet, in tears, Draupadi fell at Krishna 's feet and said, "Oh Lord! We
are left with none. But for you, we wouldn't have survived like this. We admit
our mistake. Please pardon us and save us from the danger of the sage's
curse". Hearing this, Krishna,
"Alright! No matter what I do
remain absolutely calm and still. Act
strictly according to my instructions. Now, I will go and be with Romarshi and
begin conversing with him and come there exactly ten minutes later."
Krishna
went to Romarshi. He was very thrilled
to see that the object of all his penance and austerities was right in front of
him. The sage received the Lord with
all devotion and sincerity. Krishna started
talking to him, and as instructed the Pandavas arrived there. Seeing them, Krishna prostrated in front of
every one of them: Watching this,
Romarshi concluded if the Lord prostrated they must be Rishis of the noblest
and highest order. Then Romarshi too
prostrated and did Namaskar to the Pandavas
With his anger pacified, the sage couldn't curse those whom he had
reverentially welcomed.
Lessons to be learnt:
This
anecdote speaks volumes of the profound and limitless love of God has for His
devotees and showcases that He would go to any extent to protect them. However, reciprocally the devotee should also
be worthy of His compassion.
Incident 4: The Durvasa Maharishi
Episode
The
Pandavas were in exile after the gambling game. By the grace of Lord Krishna, they were
happy and unruffled by the difficulties in the jungle. The Kauravas could not bear that the
Pandavas were happy and tried to create dissent amongst the Pandavas; but their
wicked strategies were futile and were in despair. At this moment sage Durvasa, known for his
amazing combination of asceticism and anger arrived in Hastinatpur with ten
thousand disciples for spending a 4 month retreat. Fully aware of the sage’s prowess and
nature, the Kauravas lavished their hospitality and served the group in all
enthusiasm and zeal. Completely
mollified over, Durvasa asked Duruyodhana to seek any boon. Seizing on this chance, exhibiting great
humility Duruyodhana prayed that the opportunity to serve the sage was in
itself the greatest boon and the Pandavas should also be given a chance to
serve the sage and his retinue. He
added as a favor, when his entourage visits the Pandavas, they should do so
after Draupadi has partaken her meal.
The sage understood the ploy and bursting into laughter told that he
would accede to Duruyodhana’s wish.
The
reason for Duruyodhana’s peculiar wish is that Pandavas were blessed with
Akshayapathra, a vessel that could multiply the food, by Sun God. Draupadi the dutiful wife, used to take
her food only after the five brothers had had their full. When she has finished and cleaned the
Vessel, it can give no more. Considering
this singular complication in mind, Duruyodhana requested Durvasa to enjoy
Pandavas hospitality after Draupadi
had taken her food. He imagined if the
Pandavas were unable to fulfil the great sage’s and his followers’ hunger, in
anger, Durvasa might curse them.
As
agreed Durvasa with his ten thousand disciples sought Pandavas generosity, just
when Draupadi was resting after her food and after cleaning the sacred Vessel,
and conversing with Pandavas. While the
Pandavas were venerating the sage, Durvasa, tired after the long journey, spoke
with exasperation ‘We are going to the river for bath and noon rituals. Have
food ready for me and my ten thousand followers, when we return.’ Hearing this announcement, the Pandavas sank
in sorrow. Draupadi shuddered in fear
and pleaded yearningly with Lord Krishna to save them from this adversity.
Moved
by the prayers of the Pandavas and Draupadi, Lord Krishna entered their
hut. As soon as the Lord saw Draupadi
He said ‘Draupadi! I am hungry. First,
appease My hunger and then you can seek your needs.” Draupadi in a surprised tone remarked this is
not time for fun and explained her plight.
But Krishna was adamant and asked her to get the sacred vessel and told
that even if he get a particle, He will be satisfied. Examining the vessel, Krishna spotted a
fraction of a cooked leaf in the neck of the vessel. Showing that little piece, the Lord exclaimed
that this is sufficient to appease not only My hunger, but the hunger of all
beings in the Universe and swallowed it.
At that very moment, Durvasa and his disciples on the river bank felt
their stomachs overfull and their pangs of hunger, experienced a moment ago, miraculously
vanished. Durvasa wondered and felt
despair that Pandavas were awaiting with lavish feast but there was no space
for it. The sage became aware of the
Grace of Lord Krishna on Pandavas and liberally blessed them and took another
route avoiding the residence of the Pandavas.
But
Krishna commissioned Bhima to invite the sage and his followers quickly for
lunch. Durvasa blessed Bhima and the
other Pandavas that they may attain all happiness and those who sent the
entourage with sinful motives will be destroyed.
I
was very fortunate to do a role play in front of Swami as Draupadi and I
profusely thank Bhagawan for this opportunity.
Lessons to be Learnt:
The
devotee has to only surrender for every dilemma and the Lord responds
magnificently in the way only He can.
The Lord can turn any adversity into an opportunity for grace. One more fact is Sage Durvasa had no anger
at all. But they modulate their voice
to transform people.
To Be continued…….
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