p189 _
-chap- _
toc-1 _
p190w _
toc-2 _
+chap+ _
p191
----- bhagap190.html
NABHAGA
NABHAGA.
AMBARISHA
King Ambarisha had discrimination and dispassion. His devo-
tion was great. His mind was fixed on the lotus feet of Vishnu, his words
were all about the glory of Vaikuntha, his hands were engaged in
cleansing the temples of Vishnu, his ears only heard about the glory
and the works of Vishnu, his eyes intently looked on the symbols
of Vishnu wherever found. His body felt pleasure in the touch of
Vaishnavas, his nose smelt the sweet fragrance of Tulasi proceeding
from the feet of Vishnu, his tongue tasted only food offered to Vishnu,
his feet traversed the places sacred to Vishnu and his head was devot-
ed to the salutation of Vishnu. If he enjoyed things of this
world, it was for service to Vishnu and not for the sake of enjoyment.
If he had attachment, it was only for those that were devoted to
Vishnu. The fruits of his action he offered to Him. By devotion
and by the unselfish performance of duties pertaining to his sphere
of life (Svadharma), he pleased Bhagavan and by degrees he gave
up all desires. Vishnu was so much pleased with the King, that he
gave him His own Chakra for protection.
Ambarisha with his wife once undertook to perform Dvadasi
Vrata for one year. (Dvadasi is the twelfth day of the Moon. The
Vrata consists in fasting on the eleventh day of the Moon and in
breaking the fast on the 12th day). On one occasion he fasted for 3
consecutive days. He bathed himself in the Yamuna and worship-
ped Vishnu at Mathura. He gave plenty of riches and cattle to the
Brahmanas. He then fed the Brahmanas and asked their permission
to eat himself. At the time Durvasas appeared as his guest. The
king received him duly and requested him to take his meals. The
Rishi consented and went to bathe himself in the river and perform
his daily rites. The king waited long for him but he did not return.
There was only half a muhurta now remaining of Dvadasi. If the king
did not eat any thing, his Vrata would not be observed. If he ate, he
would shew disregard to a Brahmana. At this juncture, the king
decided to serve both ends by taking a little water, for the Brahmanas
call that both eating and non-eating. Durvasas came back. By
spiritual vision, he knew what had happened and became highly
enraged. He tore up a hair tuft and charged it to kill Ambadsha.
The king remained unmoved. The chakra of Vishnu consumed the
[[190]]
p189 _
-chap- _
toc-1 _
p190w _
toc-2 _
+chap+ _
p191
v?