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destructive force sent by Durvasas and went even to destroy him.
The Rishi ran in every direction. The Chakra followed him wherever
he went. He went to Brahma and prayed to be saved. " It is not in
my power to save thee " said Brahma. " Thou hast offended a votary
of Vishnu." He went to Siva. " Child " said Siva " this weapon of
Vishnu is too much for me even. Go thou to Vishnu." Durvasas
went to Vishnu and prayed to be pardoned and saved. Said Vishnu:
11 O Brahmana, I am dependent on my Bhaktas. I am not free. My
heart is in the possession of my Bhaktas. I am dear to them. With-
out these my Bhaktas I do not even want myself, nor my abso-
lute powers, for I am their sole and supreme resort. They for-
sake their wives, homes, children and wealth for my sake. How can
I forsake them. Their heart is chained to me. They look on all
with equal eyes. By devotion they win me even as chaste wives win
their husbands. My service is all in all to them. They do not even
desire the four Muktis, Salokya and others, though these come within
their easy reach. What perishable objects can they have desire for?
The Sadhus are my heart I am the heart of the Sadhus. They do
not know any one besides me nor do I know any one besides them.
O Brahmana, hear what is thy only remedy. Without delay go to
him who has caused this fear in thee. When force is used against
Seidhus, it reacts on him who uses the force. True asceticism and
wisdom are both for the salvation of the Brahmanas. But in one
untrained, they produce the contrary effect. Therefore go thou to
the son of Nabhaga. Beg his pardon and thou shalt be saved."
Durvasas went back to Ambarisha and touched the feet of the king.
Ambarisha became non-plussed at this act of a Brahmana and knowing
the object of the Rishi, he prayed to the Chakra to desist from its
course and to save the Brahmana. The Chakra had just commenced
its work of destruction, but it withdrew its energies upon the prayer
of Ambarisha. Durvasas was extremely thankful and he thus
praised the king. " I see this day the greatness of Vaishnavas, O
king. Thou didst pray for my welfare, though I had offended thee.
There is nothing strange for those that have conquered Vishnu Him-
self. Thou hast been very kind to me. Thou hast favored me much.
Thou didst not even think of my offence, but thou hast saved my
life." The king had waited for Durvasas all this time. He now fell
at the feet of the Rishi and requested him to take his meals. The
Rishi gladly did so, and also made the king take his food.
Durvasas then went to Brahma Loka. He did not return for
one year and the King lived upon water only all this time, being so
anxious to see the Rishi back. Such is the holy story of Ambarisha,
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