King Ambarisha

Introduction

Purity of mind and unswerving faith in the efficacy of the spiritual path are exempli- fied in the life of Ambareesha, a great devotee. Durvaasa, though full of learning, had to face travails because of lack of self-control. Ambareesha, by his piety, saved Durvaasa from the wrath of Sudarshana Chakra, the weapon of Lord Vishnu. The name of Ambareesha is associated with the Ekaadashi vow - i.e., fortnightly observance of fast coupled with meditation on the Supreme.

The Vow of Ekaadashi

A month is divided into two 'Pakshas' (fortnights). One is 'Shukla Paksha' (bright fortnight), and another is 'Krishna Paksha' (dark fortnight). The period commencing on the first day after the new moon day up to the full moon day is 'Shukla Paksha'. The period after the full moon day up to the end of new moon day is 'Krishna Paksha', One 'Paksha' means fifteen days. 'Vow' means religious regulation. The eleventh day of every 'Paksha' is called 'Ekaadashi'. This is regarded as a major vow. It is also called 'Hari-vaasara' (the day devoted to Sri Hari, the Supreme God). Eldeyrly people adhering to this vow observe complete fast on that day. Some take only snacks or milk. The whole day 'is spent in prayer, meditation and singing of bhajans. The next day is 'Dwaadashi' (the
Twelfth Day). Those who would have observed fast the previous day, bathe in the morning, then worship their deity, and treat some guests to a sumptuous feast; and only after this will they take their food. This completes the vow of Ekaadashi.

Fasting for a day once in a fortnight and spending the whole day in prayer and meditation is good for both body and mind. Both will be clean and fresh. This also helps us gain control over the body. Everyday, every moment we will be having some thought or the other passing through our mind. However much we may try to avoid them, some bad thoughts invade our mind. If the vow of Ekaadashi is observed at least for one day, we can be free from these troubling thoughts and cares and we can set our mind on God only. Those who observe Ekaadashi spend the entire day in thoughts connected with God, singing His glory, and in the company of pious and devotional persons. In this manner the mind becomes purified and experiences peace.

Those who engage themselves in fasting and singing bhajans on Ekaadashi day with all sanctity and solemnity attached to the vow believe that this pleases, God and brings merit for them. They also believe that in times of difficulties God will come to their rescue. The story of Ambareesha is one such story of a great soul who was protected by God's Grace in a most trying situation, because of his having observed regularly the vow of Ekaadashi.

Naabhaaga Devoted to Studies

You must have heard of the city of Ayodhya. It is on the bank of the river Sarayu. Many great Wings and rulers ruled there.

Nabhaga, the son of Manu, also was a king there. He was very noble. He had many children, and ihe youngest of them was Naabhaaga.

Naabhaaga was fond of learning even from his young age. He used to be engaged in studies always.

Education in those times was provided in Gurukulas. One who studies is a student, is he not? 'Student' means one who longs for and goes in search of knowledge. In ancient times boys would leave their parents and go to Gurukulas for education. They were required to give up all luxuries and pleasures and lead a simple life to pursue their studies. earnestly. The children would go and live in the hermitage of a Guru. Even princes had to go like this and live with a Guru in order to be educated. Similarly Naabhaaga went to a hermitage for his education. It had a calm atmosphere. The inmates there lived quietly and happily like friends, free from any disturbance or quarrel. The teachers were very learned men who taught their pupils with great affection. Every day dawned with an opportunity to learn new things, and every day ended with the joy of having acquired some new knowledge. So the life at Gurukula became very attractive to him. Is there any limit to learning? Thus he stayed in the Gurukula taking up studies one after another. He did not return to his palace for many years.

Forgot to Give a Share

King Nabhaga became old. He was tired of ruling. He left his kingdom to the care of his sons and went to the forest for perfor- ming penance. At that time Naabhaaga was still in the Gurukula. Thinking that he was not interested in the kingdom, his elder brothers divided the kingdom among themselves.

After completing his education,Naabhaaga returned home.He saw what hadhappened and became much worried. "Give me my share of the kingdom, " he asked of his elder brothers. "0, we forgot to keep a share for you. What can we do now? You had better go to father and ask him. Probably he may help you." they said in a tone of finality.

Father's Blessings

Naabhaaga felt disappointed and distressed. He went into the forest in search of his father. He found the place where his father lived. He went to him and made obeisance. The father was very glad to see his son after a long time. "May you live long, my dear, and may you be happy always," he blessed his son and asked, "Have you completed your education?"

Naabhaaga told his father all abouthimself. "Dear Father, I came after finishing my education successfully. But when I went home I found that all my brothers had divided the entire kingdom among them selves. They do not like to give me my share. They are all united, and I stand - alone. What shall I do?"

The father was pained to hear this. He felt sorry, for this was the only son who had the best education, and he was deprived of his share. It was obvious that it was only a lame excuse if the elder brothers said they forgot to keep aside his share; and the fact was that they did no want to give him that. Realizing his own helplessness, being aged and a recluse in the forest, the father concluded that this son should get on only by means of his education.

So he said, "Naabhaaga, do not desire that piece of land which your brothers have taken for them by cheating you.The greedy will never be happy. I shall help you with a plan of earning your livelihood. There is the ashram of Sage Angeerasa very close to this place. That great sage has been performing a twelve-day 'Satra Yaga' sacrifice now. He is a great scholar. He knows everything. But still not knowing what rites are to be performed on the sixth day, he is now worried. I will teach you two Vedic mantras, which are to be chanted during the rites of the sixth day. You go there and chant these mantras on that occasion. Sage Angeerasa will be highly pleased at this. It will bring you good afterwards. The Vaga' undertaken now by Angeerasa will be fruitful with these two
mantras."

He then taught his son the two mantras and sent him with his blessings.

Rewarded with Wealth

As directed by his father, Naabhaaga came to the sacrificial pandal of Angeerasa. It was very beautiful to look at many priests (called 'Ritwiks’ were there. The yaga proceedings were going on with festive zeal. Naabhaaga was respectfully received by Angeerasa. He sat and watched the proceedings of the yaga.

On the sixth day Naabhaaga taught Sage Angeerasa, at the appropriate time those two mantras which he had learnt from his father. The holy sacrifice went on smoothly and was concluded. The sage was extremely happy when the yaga was over, a lot of unused grains, provisions, money and jewels were still there in store. Angeerasa gifted all of that to Naabhaaga while seeing him off. This made Naabhaaga very happy. He mentally thanked his father for his blessings.

"Naabhaaga, This is Wrong"

When he was transporting wealth, he met on his way a dark figure that stoodblocking the way. He was god Rudra. Long ago it had been agreed among the sages that whatever remained after a yaga should go to Rudra. That is why Rudra had stopped Naabhaaga on his way.

He said, "Naabhaaga, the remains of this yaga rightly belong to me. You are wrong in carrying them away for yourself."

Naabhaaga replied, 'O celestial figure, as Sage Angeerasa has given these things to me, they are rightfully mine-"

Both started arguing. At last Rudra said, "Naabhaaga, let us refer this matter to your father. Let him decide it fairly for us.

Both went to Nabhaga and related the whole case to him. Nabhaga then said, "My dear son, it is but just that this wealth should go to Rudra. Long ago, at the time of the yaga performed by Daksha, all the sages had resolved that the remains of a yaga should belong to Rudra. Therefore surrender all this wealth to Rudra and apologise to him."

A Boon from Rudra

As advised by his father, Naabhaaga begged Rudra to forgive him and then surrendered all the wealth to Rudra.

Rudra was pleased and satisfied with this.

All that had happened becamecrystal-clear to him. He admired Nabhaga's keen sense of justice when he gave a judgement upholding the right, though it was un- favorable to his own son. Besides he also pitied Naabhaaga who had lost both his rightful share of the kingdom and now, by his father's decision, also this wealth which had been given to him by Angeerasa.

"Naabhaaga, I am pleased with your virtues. I will teach you all the great and important mantras. Cling always to truth, which alone brings good to you. Your father is a righteous man. You too should be like him. Take all this wealth foryourself, and live happily." After graciously granting this boon, Rudra departed.

Ambareesha in Gurukula

Receiving instruction from Rudra himself, Naabhaaga become a great scholar. He had a son. And this was the great Ambareesha. He had inherited all the fine qualities of his father.

The beginnings of his devotion to God could be seen in his earliest age. Always meditating on God, singing bhajans and reading good and sacred books became his regular habit.

As usual, in course of time Ambareesha joined a Gurukula.He learnt all the subjects very quickly. He was deeply interested in learning. So he gained knowledge with ease.

Learning makes on modest. Ambareesha learnt how to behave with elders and how to conduct himself in the company of other. He would never hurt the feelings of others. He would not utter a fie even under trying circumstances. He used to speak only truth.

King Ambareesha

Ambareesha, being so vituous a person, became a great king. Only the welfare of his subjects was his objective. He cautiously guarded his kingdom from the attacks of external enemies. He ruled over his country maintaining internal peace. Whatever work he did was done with a pure, heart so that it might be approved and admired by God.

There is a saying: 'As is the king, so are his subjects.' The subjects follow the example of their rulers.So, worthy rulers try to set a good model to their subjects who will try to emulate them in good conduct. Ambareesha had faith and devotion. He would speak only truth. Similarty his subjects developed devotion to God and leamt to tread the righteous path only.

Strict Observance of Vows

As days passed, Ambareesha lost interest in everything-wife, children and kingdom. He was always thinking of God. He would observe many vows. He would spend all his time in good thoughts and good deeds. He worshipped Mahavishnu.

Vishnu was highly pleased with Ambareesha who was leading such a good life.

Sudarshana, a sharp-edged disc, is one of the weapons of Vishnu. It is His favorite weapon. He gave this very Chakra to Ambareesha for being worshipped. This gladdened the heart of Ambareesha. He began worshipping it with faith and devotion.

During One Ekaadashi...

Ambareesha used to observe certain vows. Among them was Ekaadashi, which he performed along. With his wife in intense faith and devotion. Both husband and wife would fast the whole day. They would spend the day in meditation and prayer. The whole night they would sing bhajans or sit in meditation and would not sleep. The next day being Dwaadashi, they would, after meditating and serving the guests, take their food. This is known as 'Paarane' - the ceremonial way of breaking the fast. This is how the vow of Ekaadashi would be concluded. Ambareesha, used to observe every Ekaadashi scrupulously.

Once Ambareesha resolved to perform the vows of Ekaadashi and Dwaadashi for one year and conclude this course with a special fasting followed by the 'Paarane'. It was thus carried on for a year it was completed in the month of Kaartik. During this month Ambareesha fasted for three days preceding Dwaadashi. All the three nights he spent in worship and prayer. The fourth day was Dwaadashi. That day he bathed in the river Yamuna and worshipped his deity.

On such - days as this he wished to have some guests. If pious and good people, the old and the revered were to come, he would be happy to welcome them and treat them hospitably. He could take food with them and get their blessings. This was his wish. So on Dwaadashi day he waited eagerly for some chance guests to arrive.

Durvaasa Himself the Guest

Shortly afterwards, Durvaasa came. He was a great sage who had done a good deal of penance. But he was short- tempered.

This sage arrived at the palace of Ambareesha whose joy knew no bounds to have such a distinguished guest as
Durvaasa on that auspicious day. He accorded a hearty welcome to the "Kindly accept my invitation to dine in the palace."

sage and seated him on honored chair He made obeisance. "How are you, Sire? Has your penance been going on unhindered?" He Enquirer. I am indeed very fortunate to have a great and revered man like you as the guest of our palace," he continued, "Today is Dwaadashi the day of 'Paarane'. I request you to kindly accept my invitation
to dine in the palace.

To this request Durvaasa replied, "O Ambareesha, I gladly accept yourinvitation. First let me go to the river for bathing. I shall be back after finishing my prayer." the king agreed to this.

Durvaasa went to the river. Ambareesha sat in the palace waiting eagerly for him.

Durvaasa fails to turn up

The sage bathed in the river. After this he sat for meditation and forgot the entire world. He was not conscious of the time at all. Fixing his mind on God he forgot himself.

Thus passed the afternoon. The evening set in. Yet sage Durvaasa's prayer was not over He did not come back to the palace from the river.

Ambareesha become worried. The Dwaadashi day was coming to a close. If he did not take food before the dayclosed, his vow of Ekaadashi would become ineffective. If he were to take any food, it would amount to a sin of eating without first feeding the guest. Besides, Durvaasa was known to be a very short-tempered man. King Ambareesha was thus caught in the homs of this dilemma and began to feel miserable.

At last he consulted the brahmins who were his court scholars wellversed in scriptures, as to what he should do in such a situation.They suggested,"YourHighness may take some holy water used in the worship of God. It will not be a violation of the vow."

Upon this advice Ambareesha took only some holy water. Then the waited for the sage to come back.

Durvaasa Came Back, But……!

After many hours, Durvaasa's meditation was over finishing his worship, he got up and came to the palace. He came to know through intuition that Ambareesha had drunk water even before his arrival. He became terribly angry. With brows knit up, and eyes growing red, his whole body shook with rage.

Ambareesha bowed in reverence to the sage with great devotion and modesty and appealed, "Pray be pleased to walk in. I have been wafting for you only"

To this sage Durvaasa burst out "Ambareesha, your wealth has made you senseless and swell with arrogance.Icame to your palace on my own accord. I was your guest. You invited me to stay for 'Paanane.' But now you have already finished 'Paarane' without me. For this insolent act you shall presently suffer a severe punishment."

Ambareesha begged forgive me, Sir. After Ekaadashi, before the closing of the day of Dwaadashi, the observer of the vow must take something. Otherwise the vow will be infructuous. In fact I waited for you till the Dwaadashi was about to be over. But your good self did not come. I have therefore taken only some holy water. Dinner is ready. I' request you to proceed to the dining-hall Please don't be angry with me," he implored very politely.

Durvaasa's anger was not cooled. He created out of his mantric power a horrid-looking goddess of evil force to kill Ambareesha.

Sudarshana Chakra Issues Forth

That goddess of evil power roared thunderously and with a trident in hand stood in front of Ambareesha.

All the people of Ambareesha's family and court trembled. What will be the fate of our king? For no fault of his he has to die now. Is there no hope of his escape? "They wailed and shed tears.

Ambareesha did not fear a bit. He stood with folded hands praying within his mind to God Srihari. Sriman Narayana saw his devotee in that plight. He sent forth his Sudarshana Chakra to protect his devotee from the goddess of evil Durvaasa.

What a wonder! In a moment the Sudarshana Chakra issued forth with a blazing flame and killed the goddess of
evil force on the spot. Then it proceeded towards Durvaasa to kill him.

Durvaasa was terrified. He ran for his life.

The Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu,emitting flames and making a terrific sound,chased Durvaasa.

Durvaasa was himself a sage of great penance, and was quite powerful. But he was helpless before this Vishnuchakra.

From One World to Another

Seeing the Chakra rushing towards himself Durvaasa became panicky. He took to his heels and ran without, stopping anywhere. The Chakra relentlessly pursued him. The sage entered a cave in Mount Meru to escape from it. The Chakra also entered the cave following him. Then the sage field to heaven. The Sudarshana Chakra was
always at his heels. Over hills, dales and forests, wherever he ran, it chased him. Thus, all over earth and heaven, the sage fled from place to place. Sudarshana Chakra pursued him. At last he turned towards Satyaloka, the word of Brahma.

He approached Brahma. "I am being chased and pestered by Sudarshana, Chakra, 0 Lord, please protect me by
stopping it," he appealed. To this Brahma said, NI do not have so much power as to stop Sudarshana Chakra, my dear sage. Go and appeal to Vishnu. Only He can save you.'

From there Durvaasa went to God Shankara. "Save me from Sudarshana Chakra," he implored Shankara. "You had
better pray to Vishnu Himself, as this is His Chakra," advised Shankara.

By this time Durvaasa had realised that only he and not Ambareesha was at fault. "Ambareesha drank some holy water only in strict adherence to the rules of the vow and not out of arrogance. He was very polite with me. It was my fault to have sent a goddess of evil power to kill him. The root-cause of all this disaster was my own anger," he thought within himself.

He went to God Vishnu. "0 Lord, Shankha - Chakra-Gadadhara, save me. There is no one but you to rescue me. Please forgive my fault and save my life by withdrawing your Sudarshana Chakra, " he prayed appealing in several ways to His mercy.

" Seek Refuge in Ambareesha Only"

Mahavishnu said with a smile, "O sage Durvaasa, this is beyond my power too. I can bear with any wrong done to me. But the wrong done to my devotees is un- pardonable. I am under the control of my devotees. It is my duty to rush to their help when they call me. Now there is nothing that I can do. Listen to me, Durvaasa," He continued, "Strength comes from penance and knowledge.It should be used for doing well to others. If it is misused either for satisfying one's ego or for harming others, the harm will turn back on the user him. Now you go to Ambareesha and seek protection. Only he can save you."

To Ambareesha

Durvaasa was in deep grief. Sudarshana Chakra was still pursuing him. Even the trinity of great Gods-Brahma,Vishnu and Ishwara-had declared that they were in- capable of saving him. So he ran to Ambareesha and clasped his feet in obeisance.

Several days thus passed. Durvaasa had traveled over Satyaloka, Kailasa and \/ykunta before coming to Ambareesha. Till then Ambareesha had remained fasting as his guest Durvaasa had not taken food.

Durvaasa said, addressing Ambareesha, "0 Ambareesha, great king and the best "among devotees, even the trio of Gods were not able to ' protect me.They advised me to appeal to you only. I became angry with you, though you had not done any wrong. I even attempted to kill you. Please forget all that. Now you alone can protect me from this Sudarshana Chakra. Please save me" Thus Durvaasa entreated Ambareesha.

"Spare Durvaasa"

Ambareesha was of very good nature. He had great respect for Durvaasa as a sage of spiritual eminence. He pitied his plight. He was embarrassed to see such a sage touching his feet.He prayed to Sudarshana Chakra which came pursuing the sage: "O king of Chakras, embodiment of efful- gence, you yourself are Agni, Sun you are, and even Moon the lord of all stars are yourself. You are Dharma.You are courage ; you destroy the wicked and the cruel who indulge in unrighteous acts; you protect the pious and saintly There is none who can oppose you. You can perform wonderful deeds.If you are favorable there is nothing that is impossible. Therefore I am praying to you with folded hands. Please spare the life of sage Durvaasa."Such was hisprayer, made with a sincere and pure heart. True, Durvaasa had teased the faultless Ambareesha and went to the extent of even killing him. But Ambareesha did not nurse any illwill towards the sage. He did not even rake it up saying, well, this is what you did.' for the sake of sage Durvaasa who had surrendered, he prayed to Sudarshana chakra.

Sudarshana Chakra Relents

In response to the prayer of Ambareesha, the deity of Sudarshana Chakra appeared in his divine form'. He had sixteen arms, sixteen hands. His body was radiating light. Ambareesha enjoyed ecstatic bliss at this divine manifestation. Again he prayed to the lord of Chakras with intense devotion to save sage Durvaasa.

The king of Chakras, in compliance with Ambareesha's request, assured him that he would spare the life of sage Durvaasa. Hearing this, Ambareesha's joy was boundless. By his piety, Durvaasa's life had been saved.

After this the king of Chakras said to Sage Durvaasa, " look here, O Sage! A Brahmin is one who is without anger or desire. He should always be kind and compassionate. He should lead a regulated and righteous life. He must always look upon the devo- tees of Vishnu with love. Anger is bad for man. In anger one might even kill one's own father and mother. How could you think of killing Ambareesha who was guilt- less and who had such great devotion to God? Are not your penance and holy sacrifices all a waste? Your fault is un- pardonble. Yet, by the prayer of Amba- reesha, the greatest of God's devotees, you got a lease of life. Don't err again." Having advised thus, he disappeared.

Greatness of Ambareesha

Sudarshana Chakra went back. Durvaasa was at last released from its flames.

He praised Ambareesha wholeheartedly: "0 noble king, now I understand ' the great- ness of Vishnu's devotees. God forgives any offence committed against Him. But if the same offence is committed against His devotees, He will never tolerate. As for yourself, you have captured God Himself. There is nothing, which a great soul like you cannot achieve. Even the gods are pleased with your noble qualities.

The Vow Fulfilled

Ambareesha felt abashed on hearing Durvaasa praise him like this.

"Great sage," he said with all humility, folding his hands, "Your praise is indeed a blessing to me. But all this is God's Grace. It is He who directs. I just act as He guides me. That is all. You are tired. It was I who caused this fatigue to you. Kindly forgive me. You too observed Ekaadashi fast and did not break the fast on Dwaadasi.
Please forget all that has happened and accept my hospitality Graciously favor me doing 'Paarane' here only." So saying, Ambareesha made obeisance toDurvaasa prostrating at his feet.

Sage Durvaasa felt ashamed of himself. How polite and courteous was Amba- reesha even towards one who had wished him ill!

He was very much pleased also with his request. Paarane' was finished. After that Ambareesha also took his food.

Sage Durvaasa blessed Ambareesha and left the palace.

Another Episode

There is one other episode about Amba- reesha. He had a daughter by name Sreemati. Once two sages came to his
court. They were Narada and Parvata. Ambareesha received them with due respect and treated them hospitably Both were sages who had performed penance. Still, strange as looked, both desired to marry Sreemati. They who had renounced all pleasures and had spent their life in meditation did not think how difficult it would be for the princess to adjust herself to their way of life if she were to marry one of them. Both met Ambareesha separately and privately without each other’s know- ledge.Each asked him,"Give your daughter in marriage to me."

The king had no wish to marry his daughter to either of them. But they were sages possessing the power of penance. He did not want to go against their wish. And both of them wanted to marry Sreemati. The King was in a dilemma. At last he said, "Revered Sirs, since both of you desire to marry Sreemati, it is better we leave it to her decision. I shall arrange for a Swayam- vara (a special -congregation of suitors wherein a princess is free to choose one of them to marry her). You too can attend it. Let Sreemati choose whomsoever she likes."

This appeared to them reasonable. They agreed.

But both harbored apprehensions within their minds: What if she should choose the other man?’

Both Approach Vishnu

Narada went to Vishnu. "0 Lord, I wish to marry Sreemati, the daughter of Amba- reesha. But Parvata has the same desire. Ambareesha said that Sreemati might be allowed to choose her husband. He will hold a Swayamvara. Make the face of Parvata look like that of a monkey only to Sreemati at the time of Swayamvara, so that she will choose me only," he prayed offering his salutations to Him. Vishnu could not help laughing at this desire of so
saintly a person as Narada. He replied with a smile, "All right. It will be so. "

Parvatgt did not know about this meeting of Narada with Vishnu. He too approached Vishnu and expressed his desire to marry Sreemati. "At the Swayamvara, make the face of Narada appear like the face of a bear to Sreemati, while to others it may be the usual face, 0 Lord", he requested.

Parvata also was a great sage. Vishnu smiled and said, "Granted."

Swayamvara Takes Place

Ambareesha arranged for theSwayamvara. Narada and Parvata arrived at the Royal Hall enthusiastically. "Parvata's face will look like a monkey's to Sreemati. She will reject him and marry me only," thought Narada feeling confident of him. "Looking at Narada's bear-face, Sreemati will be horrified. She will then wed me only,"
Parvata chuckled.

Ambareesha conducted his daughter into the Swayamvara Hall. She was holding in her hand a beautiful garland. She would put it round the neck of the one whom she approved.

The king did not see any change in the faces or features of the two sages.

Ambareesha told Sreemati,"Deardaughter, take a look at these two sages. Both of them are desirous of marrying you. You may choose any one you like."

Sreemati looked at them. She was struck with wonder. She said, "0 father, I don't see any sage here. One has the face of a bear and the other has the face of a monkey. What am I to do?"

Both the sages were surprised to hear her say like this. Narada mused, 'So Parvata's face has been made to look like that of a monkey. It is Vishnu's doing. But why does she say that my face is like of a bear? '

Parvata, on the other side, wondered, 'Vishnu's boon has come true, no doubt, if Narada has the face of a bear. But why should mine look like the face of a monkey?’

At last Narada said, "Ambareesha, you must be playing some trick on us because you do not like to give your daughter in marriage to either of us."

Even on hearing his daughters words Ambareesha had been puzzled enough. Now the words of Narada and the anger shown on the faces of the two sages completely bewildered him. He feared that the sages might pronounce a curse on him. " 0, Revered Sires, please have patience. I am at a loss to know what is happening," he pleaded.

The Divine Person

Sreemati also feared that the sages might utter a curse on her father.

Then there appeared a very handsome person with a face beaming effulgently standing between the two sages. He was no other than Mahavishnu Himself. But Sreemati did not know it. She prayed to Mahavishnu in her mind silently, "May it be according to your will, 0 Lord," and flung the garland at them. It fell round the neck of that Divine Person. Vishnu drew Sreemati by the hand to his side and disappeared with her.

The sages Narada and Parvata with their intuition understood everything that had happened. They also felt ashamed of themselves.

Ambareesha sang the praise of Lord Vishnu's Glory for having averted the calamity, which had befallen him. He ruled over his kingdom for a long time benevolently looking after his subjects, He earnestly carried on his prayer, meditation and worship of God. When he became old he handed over his kingdom to his sons and left for doing penance.

When reason is blinded...

Even sages and learned men sometimes have their reason blinded. Whatever one might be, one should always be alert. When one loses one's wisdom, one might commit any blunder. Narada and Parvata were sages and learned men. Even they, overtaken by desire, tried to cheat and insult each other. Sages of such eminence thoughtlessly tried to harm others. Man should always be alert, keep his mind controlled, and do things thoughtfully.

With purity of heart and unshaken faith in the right path he had taken to,Ambareesha deserved to be called the noblest. Do you remember the words of Vishnu to Durvaasa?" Strength comes from penance and knowledge. It should be used for doing well to others. If it is misused for satisfying one's ego or for harming others, the harm will turn back upon the user him.'

Durvaasa was no ordinary person. As the story itself reveals, his penance and spiritual power were astonishing. But even he, a great sage, because of his short temper and hasty nature, had to undergo suffering. At last he was to be saved only by Ambareesha. In spite of all these happenings, Ambareesha's mindremained immaculate and free from anger and hatred ' Thus we see the virtues such as purity of heart, devotion to God, and faithfulness shine forth in the story of Ambareesha.

Sage Bharadwaja

Introduction

A sage of the Vedic period - a great seer who attained extraordinary scholarship and power of meditation. An enlightened man who used his might for punishing the wicked and protecting the poor and the weak.

Bharadwaja

The Vedas!

Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvana Veda - these four Vedas are a treasure house of Indian culture? From the Vedas we learn all about the behavior, life, customs and rituals of our ancestors who lived thousands of years ago.

Venerable Life

Bharadwaja was a saint of the Vedic period. There are numerous hymns in Rigveda concerning him. Not only that he was a Mahatma who lived serving other people. He taught the way of life

to citizens. He blessed numerous virtuous kings. He earned the praise of gods. He became famous as one of the galaxy of seven saints. The biography of such an eminent person is interesting. Remembering him is salutary.

Who? Who is this great Bharadwaja?

Uncared Child

A male child lying on the shore of the divine Ganga river!

"How pretty this baby is! Golden-colored body. Looks like a just-born child. Its face has the radiance of the sun, and lustre of the moon. He is shivering possibly due to hunger and cold. Is there nobody to care for him? Who left him in this condition? Poor soul!"

The Marudgana-gods (celestial beings) spoke among themselves thus. They took the babe in their arms. They fondled and kissed him. Then there was heard a voice from heaven:

"This baby will be a great soul, a savior of the world, a sage radiating the light of wisdom."

If so, this great soul should not remain an orphan. He must be brought up properly. That is our duty. So thought the Marudgana-gods. The child, unwanted by his parents, grew up in the cradle of the gods. He was the loved one of the gods. That is Bharadwaja!

Penance

The young Bharadwaja's sacred thread ceremony was performed by the Marudgana- gods, who also became his bit gurus and taught him. Bharadwaja took keen interest in learning the Vedas. As he progressed in learning, he became eager to learn more. Even when he became of marriageable age, his attention was focused on education. He decided to remain a bachelor- till he completed the study of the Vedas.

Bharadwaja's education continued for long. However much he learnt, he was still not satisfied. The Marudgana gods taught him all they knew. Bharadwaja learnt it all. He wished to learn more. Seeing no other way, the Marut-gods said: "Bharadwaja, we have taught you all we know about the Vedas. If you want to learn still more, you should perform penance and satisfy Indra."

Bharadwaja was still a bachelor. The duty of a bachelor is to live as ordered by the teacher, wishing for nothing except to acquire knowledge with concentration. Bharadwaja desired nothing but education. He decided to perform penance to learn more about Vedas. He stayed in a peaceful place and prayed to Indra.

Radiant Being

Even gods were surprised'by the austere penance of the young Bharadwaja. He feared neither rain nor storm. He gave up food and drink. As time passed, his body began to wear out. Everybody began to fear his condition. But he did not stop his penance. Finally, one day, as he could not even sit, he collapsed.

Lord Indra then appeared.

"Arise, Bharadwaja. Here I am!"

"God of Gods, at last you have appeared!"

Bharadwaja rose slowly and folded his hands.

Indra blessed him and said:

"Bharadwaja, you have been a staunch bachelor. You had observed penance like this even in your two previous lives. For the same purpose you have worn out your body now. If I give you one more life, how will you use your body?"

"0, God, even then I will remain a bachelor and wear out my body for the sake of knowledge!"

What a statement of devotion! This is indeed the path of knowledge – said Indra in appreciation. He drew Bharadwaja's attention, "Look here."

Bharadwaja saw before him three mountain-sized masses of radiance. From each of the three heaps Indra picked up a handful and placed them in Bharadwaja's hands. Immediately the three radiant objects melted in Bharadwaja's body and he felt a new vigor. Bharadwaja could not understand what was happening and asked: "Lord, what is this?"

Said Indra laughing: "Bharadwaja, can education be measured? Vedic knowledge is boundless. The three mounds you saw are the three Vedas. Your educational attainments during the last three lives are the three handfuls you have picked up. But it is not a little. Even with this, your radiance has exceeded the brilliance of the gods."

"God, if that is so, what should I do next?"

"Bharadwaja, attaining knowledge is not the sole purpose of existence; spreading that knowledge in the world is important too. That is what you have to do. Let the world attain bliss at your hands."

So saying, Indra departed.

In the Service of Mankind

The Marudgana-gods saw Bharadwaja coming clothed sparsely, carrying the holy jug and a string of beads. His serene face exuded radiance. The Vedic scholar, the seer, the embodiment of wisdom, Bharadwaja prostrated before the Marudgana-gods. They fondly embraced Bharadwaja and said: "Great soul, although young in age, by virtue of your knowledge, you deserve our veneration. You are a teacher to us also. Knowledge is more important than age."

To bless Bharadwaja, a number of groups of gods arrived - Surya, Chandra, Agni, Varuna, Pushan, and Saraswati. To all the gods Bharadwaja made obeisance. Said they to Bharadwaja:

"Bharadwaja, give as gift to the people of the world the wisdom of the Vedas. Establish morality. Teach people how to live a righteous life. Peace in the world has been disturbed by the menace of the wicked demons. Try to overcome them. In your efforts for this, we will help you."

Bharadwaja bowed to their orders. "From this moment my life is set apart for service."

To Emperor Bharata

The names of Dushyanta and Shakuntala are famous in Bharat Emperor Bharata is their son. Equal in valor to Indra, he was a virtuous king. His wife Sunandadevi was chaste and devoted. They had no children. None of the children born to them had survived. They performed a religious sacrifice 'Maruisoma' on the banks of the Ganga in order to get children. The Marudgana-gods accompanied by Bharadwaja came to the pla6e of the religious ceremony. They pointed out Bharadwaja to emperor Bharata and said: "0 king, this person is born in the Angiras lineage. As you have no children, you may adopt him as a son. He will bring glory to your race."

Bharata became free from worry. At the proper age, Bharadwaja was married. His wife was Susheela. Befitting her name, she was a righteous woman, her character matching her beauty – a wife suited to Bharadwaja. Bharadwaja saluted Bharata for his blessings and kindness.

Continuing Bharata's Lineage

Bharata had adopted Bharadwaja. Bharata had no other children. There fore, Bharadwaja could have become the emperor. But Bharadwaja had no love for the kingdom. The words of the gods had taken root in his mind. Had they not said, you must impart what you have learnt to others? Righteousness must be established; people should be taught how to live a noble life one's example. Therefore, Bharadwaja arranged one more religious sacrifice by Bharata. He praised and invoked Agni. "O Lord Agni, please get rid of Emperor Bharata's worry and grant him what he wants," he said.

The prayer bore fruit. In due cot Bharata got a son named Bhimanyu. As Bharata died around that time, the duty of Bharadwaja increased. Staying in the palace till Bhimanyu came of age, he guided him and crowned him.Bharadwaja's action in thus saving the dynasty was a great deed. it is in Bharata's dynasty that, later, righteous men like the Pandavas were born.

Fate of the People

Taking leave of Bhimanyu, Bharadwaja went on a pilgrimage. He covered numerous countries san kingdoms. He met a number of ascetics in places of meditation. He went to Mount Kailas and met Bhrigu in the hermitage. Bhrigu was also a learned and respectable ascetic. They discussed the state of the world, religious and other matters.

By this pilgrimage on foot, Bharadwaja saw what his proper future course of action should be. There was poverty all over the world. Assuming that might is right, the well to do were plundering the poor. Every moment people were subjected to fear of evildoers.Hordes of demonsVaarashikha's and 'Shambara'- were harassing the people. They had no respect for righteous conduct, kindness or morality. Every place was full of murder, extortion, torture and immoral behavior. There was strife everywhere. There was. None to lead the people. The rulers here and there were afraid of the demons and somehow passing time.

"End Poverty, Establish Peace"

Bharadwaja felt sorry for the condition of the people. Looking at the weak and poor people suffering for want of food and clothing, his sympathy became boundless. He proclaimed this pledge:

"All people of this earth are my kith and kin. I dedicate my life to their service. I will teach my pupils and redeem Vedic morality. I will use my strength and will power in the service of others. 0 children of this sacred land of Bharat, win over the gods. Acquire knowledge and save Dharma. Warrior you should all unites to defeat the immoral demons. Get rid of the poverty of the poor and establish peace."

Seat of Education-Priest

Bharadwaja's proclamation spread in several countries. Numerous students came to Bharadwaja for education. For their convenience a hostel was built and a school was started on the banks of the Saraswati river. It was here that Bharadwaja's famous son Garga was born.

As time passed, the number of students in the school increased. The hermitage on the banks of the Saraswati river rever- berated to the chanting of the Vedas. In addition to the Vedas, the people of the warrior community were taught the use of arms and the administration of justice.

Do not the students in the hermitage need food and clothing? It is the ruling kings who provided them. On hearing of the influence and greatness of Sage Bharadwaja, a number of kings used to visit the hermitage. 'They were makind generous gifts to the school. Hundred of cows were given to the ashram to provide milk.

There was another reason for this affectionate pride of the kings. The kings were imploring Bharadwaja constantly to become their Royal Priest. In those days a priest was essential for a ruling king. It is the priest who crowns a kind. It is the priest who shows the path of righteous conduct. His advice is important in administration. In, times of distress, it is he-who protects the king by hiscleverness. Sometimes the priest was so learned that he could teach those warrior sons the art and science of war too. Bharadwaja was an adept in all these matters. Born in divinity and beloved of the gods, he was a great man. What else is needed?

Only Righteous Kings Could be Students

But Bharadwaja wanted only morally righteous warriors; warriors who could conquer demons and morally upright kings were desired. Finally he succeeded in getting such type of people.

The country on the eastern side of the Indus river was ruled by the race of Srunjaya. These kings were virtuous, famous for their religious observances and were beloved of their subjects because of their charitable disposition. One of them was Abhyavarti, son of Chayamanana. He was a famous emperor. Another was Divodasa, king of the Kashi kingdom. Divodasa was also called Prastoka. When they both requested Bharadwaja to become their priest, Bharadwaja agreed.

Ayurveda

Bharadwaja's hermitage was not only a place of education but also, occasionally, a place where pilgrims who passed that way could stay. Forest dwelling people and the hunting tribes were approaching Bharadwaja to represent their grievances. Sometimes sages residing in hermitages were visiting. Bharadwaja's wife was very patient and hospitable. In providing food and drink to visitors she was never indifferent.

More important that all was Bharadwaja's medical treatment. He knew the system of Ayurvedic medicine. He was providing accommodation for the real suffering patients and giving good treatment for them; when the patients become completed cured they will be discharged from the hospital. The circumstances under which he learnt Ayurveda are also interesting.

Boon from Indra for The People

At one time everywhere there were epidemic diseases spreading.The number of people suffering and dying of the diseases increased. The curse of the disease spread to the hermitage also. The sages also were affected. Nobody knew the symptoms or the treatment for the disease. At last, all the ascetics requested Bharadwaja for help.

"O Bharadwaja, this disease will first sap the energy of the body, Tormenting, weakening, finally it takes away life itself. There is only one way out of this. Indra must be propitiated and the science of Ayurveda should be learnt from him. No doubt, you are a great man; so, it is easy for you to learn Ayurveda. Learn Ayurveda from Indra and save us by curing this disease."

Immediately, when called by Bharadwaja, Indra appeared. He gifted Ayurveda as desired by Bharadwaja. Thereafter, Divodasa, pupil of Bharadwaja, gave it much publicity. Divodasa was considered the incarnation of the king of medical science - Dhanvantari.

Violence by the Demons

Mention has previously been made of the Vaarashikha demons. Varashikhas children were Varashikhas. Demon Parama was the eldest of them. He had a hundred younger brothers. Their capital was situated on the banks of the river Hariyoopeeya. They were all wicked, avaricious and were constantly harassing people. They possessed a large army. They had learnt to wear protective armors; which would be invisible to others. Arrows shot by the enemies in war would hit the armor and become useless; they could not petrate the body. Thus no warriors could face them. Consequently, the whole world was in fear of them.

Vaarashikhas invaded the kingdom of Abhyavarti. They interrupted religious ceremonies, destroyed dwellings, cut off the heads of people, even of children and of women, and plundered the property they could lay their hands on.

To assist Abhyavarti's army, Divodasa also arrived. Both faced the Vaarashikhas and fought. But the demon had the upper hand. The armies of the kings sustained losses, and defeat seemed certain. Seeing no way out, Abhyavarti and Divodasa escaped and reached Bharadwaja's hermitage.

Fight for Life

"O great soul, having been defeated by the Vaarashikhas, we have come here. They have occupied our kingdom our riches and treasuries have fallen into their hands. In future only the hermitage will be our place of said Abhyavarti and Divodasa.

On hearing these words, Bharadwaja felt as if the sky had fallen from the heavens. Those whom he had considered the pillars of morality had arrived in a hopeless condition! The eyes of Bharadwaja, who never knew of anger, became red. Like an angry serpent he said:

"By your diffidence you are bringing disgrace to the warder race. Like cowards, you fear a war! Get up, Abhyavarti, arm your bow, and chase away the - unrighteous demons. For once, remember your people who are suffering like orphans. For their safety, sacrifice your body!"

"0 godly man, you are our family priest. In addition, you are born to protect the good 'people. You have the power to call gods to appear before you. We are sure to win if we have your help.

Order us," said Abhyavarti and Divodasa.

Help of the Gods

The responsibility of Bharadwaja thus increased. It is not easy to fight demons. Arms and equipment are required. Food and clothing are required for the soldiers. The princes were impoverished. The common people were suffering from poverty. The demons had taken over the 'riches of the kingdom. In that condition Bharadwaja had to do his duty and win the war.

In the fireplace of the hermitage Agni was blazing. The ascetic Bharadwaja sat on a pedestal and worshipped Indra devotedly.

"O God, you helped in getting good deeds done. Only you are the Lord of the earth. You had helped my ancestors in working for the welfare of the people. Now also I have undertaken such a task, Grant me success as you did to my ancestors."

Indra’s Assistance

There was a flash like lighting in the fireplace. Indra appeared.

"Bharadwaja, let your wish be fulfilled. Tell me what I can do for you."

"God Indra, you reign over this world with the help of the Maruts. The demons are harassing the people of the world proudly thinking that they are superior. Put them down. I am praying to you for these children of the earth, for the good of the cattle and for food and water for all."

"Be it so; we Gods, we will help these valiant Kshatriyas to enable them to defeat the demons and uphold righteousness. With the help of the Ashwini'gods, gather wealth to procure war material."

Indra disappeared. Bharadwaja prayed to the Ashwini gods. They showed Bharadwaja a hidden treasure. Bharadwaja brought that treasure and gave it to Divodasa.

War

Armies stood ready. Bharadwaja's disciple, ascetic Payu, clothed the warriors with impregnable armour. Both Abhyavarti and Divodasa prostrated before Bharadwaja and were blessed by him. All mounted the chariots.

Fierce fighting started. Abhyavarti and Divodasa fought valiantly. One by one the demons fell dead.

The godly clan won. All persons kept in the jail by Vaarashikhas were released. Abhyavarti transferred the immense treasure they had gathered by plundering to the capital.

Demon Shambara

When demon Shambara, came to know that Vaarashikhas were dead, he was furious like a serpent. He was also wicked like Vaarashikhas and was proud thinking that there was none to equal him.

Shambara was the chief of a hilly country adjoining Kashi Kingdom. He was the chief -of a hundred towns. A number of kings had accepted defeat at his hands. He was a prime enemy of Divodasa. He invaded Kashi kingdom with a huge army. The misfortune befell that kingdom when Divodasa was away

On hearing this, Divodasa returned to the capital. But before his arrival Shambara had devastated the land of Kashi. There was commotion and misery everywhere.

Bharadwaja to the Rescue

Bharadwaja again stood in support of Divodasa. He made the king perform a religious sacrifice with an intoxicating drink and invoked Indra to appear. The help of other gods like Ashwini also became available.

It was the last war to suppress the demon. Although Shambara's soldiers attacked from all directions, their plan did not succeed. They all fell dead. From Divodasa's arrow, Shambara's head rolled down. His kingdom and the riches he had acquired by plundering fell into the hands of Divodasa. The world's entire ownership thus came to Abhyavarti and Divodasa. In the reign of these righteous people, the subjects led a peaceful life.
Service to the Country

Divodasa was a kingly sage who led the life of an ascetic and unfailingly gave what was sought. Service of the guests was for him service of god. So was emperor Abhyavarti, humble, god's devotee and beloved of the people. Those two became Bharadwaja's commendable followers.

The two kings arranged a celebration to commemorate their victory. It was a grand celebration. Lakhs of people had assembled. People and ascetics had come from distant places. Gifts were given and offerings were made liberally.

In the presence of the full assembly, both the kings washed the feet of Bharadwaja and his son Garga. After that, they heaped the riches such as pearls and diamonds, which they had brought after victory over the demons a huge mountain of riches. Surprised, Bharadwaja asked, "What is this?"

"O, great man, this is the wealth we brought from the demons after defeating them. We won only on account of your help. Therefore, all this is your property," said the two kings.

Bharadwaja laughed. "For me who is in the forest, what use are these? Why do I need these silver and gold articles? Money, which breeds greed, is very bad. Desire begets sins," said Bharadwaja.

"O great man, in any case, we have given these wealth to you as a gift. Use it as you will," said Abhyavarti and Divodasa. In admiration of the righteousness of the kings and generous sacrifice of Bharadwaja, all the gods appeared there. Indra, varuna, Agni and others said in praise of the ascetic: "O Bharadwaja, you are an effulgence descended from heaven to illumine the earth; a sage who saved the vedas; and eminent seer who established peace on earth."

Bharadwaja explained to the gods the charitable nature of Abhyavarti and Divodasa and said: "Charity is a great virtue. Gift is an exemplary service. Let the names of these two kings remain enshrined in the Vedas, for all time."

The valuable articles were all loaded onto chariots and taken away. Bharadwaja distributed them among the poor and humble folk. By this gift the subjects became prosperous.

The Seven Sages

Tarakasura was a wicked demon. He had been given boons by Lord Brahma. With the strength of these boons, he had vanquished the gods and snatched away their kingdom. As Shanmukha, son of Parvati and Ishwara, killed him in war, the gods got back their kingdom and were happy.

Happiness came to the world due to Ishwara's marriage. The sages who brought about the marriage were Bharadwaja, Gautama, Jamadagni, Kashyapa, Atri, Vashishta andVishwamitra. These were well known as the Seven Sages.

Several 'Yugas' make one Manvantara'. In every Manvantara the positions of the Seven Sages change. Fourteen such Manvantaras. According to ancient legends, Bharadwaja will get a place among the Galaxy of the Seven Sages in the Vaivaswata Manvantara. We are now in the Vaivaswata Manvantara. In this Manvantara, Bharadwaja is one of the great sages who saved the Vedas.

Divodasa's Appeal

Divodasa, who got back his kingdom due to the grace of Bharadwaja, ruled the country well for a long time. Earlier his enemies had destroyed his capital Kashi. With the help of Indra he built a new capital by name Varanasi.

Vatsa was a state adjoining Divodasa's kingdom. Veetahavya was its king. In earlier times he was ruling as asubordinate of Divodasa. As time passed, the number of his sons and grandchildren exceeded a hundred likewise his greed grew. At a favorable time all members ofVeetahavyas side attacked Divodasa's kingdom.

By that time Divodasa had grown old. He had no longer the strength and ability to face the enemies. He was defeated. However without becoming a prisoner of the enemies, he somehow escaped and reached Bharadwaja's hermitage with his wife. He narrated his troubles to Bharadwaja:

"0 great soul, Veetahavyas of Haihaya dynasty have occupied all my territories. I am not afraid of war. But the army of the enemies is vast. They are sure to win. I have no children at all. If I die in fighting, my dynasty will cease to exist. Therefore, I came here to seek your advice."

Blessing Divodasa

Bharadwaja was kind-hearted. He took pity on Divodasa. "Don't fear; I will ensure that you will not come to grief," he promised. Divodasa stayed in Bharadwaja’s hermitage itself with his wife.

Bharadwaja instructed Divodasa toperform religious ceremonies to beget children. At an auspicious time Divodasa's queen delivered a male child. The child, named Pratardana, eventually became famous as a virtuous person.

Bharadwaja himself taught Pratardana the art of war with bow and arrow andeducated him in yoga. By the time he was thirteen he gathered an army of youth resident in the forest.

Divodasa's joy was boundless. In Bharadwaja's hermitage itself he was crowned as a prince. After that an armor was put on him and he was given bows and arrows. "Pratardana, vanquish the enemies and repay your father'sgratitude," blessed by Bharadwaja.

A fierce battle was fought on the banks of the river Ganga. All Veetahavyas lost their lives. Only the aged Veetahavya survived; he went to Bhrigu's hermitage and became an ascetic.

Even though Pratardana followed Veetahavya up to Bhrigu's hermitage, on knowing what had happened, he became calm. He received Bhrigu's blessings and returned. Thereafter, Divodasa, after crowing his son as king, returned to Bharadwaja's hermitage for meditation.

Among the Gods

Bharadwaja again undertook a pilgrimage. This time he was satisfied that people were contented and had no problems. Every place he visited, along with Atri and other eminent sages, became a hallowed place of pilgrimage. To this day there are numerous pond and tanks which bear the names of the Seven Sages.

Bharadwaja’s hermitage on the banks of the river Saraswati became a place for contemplation. The Vedic recital by the large number of students cast a holy influence on every tree of the hermitage. In the peaceful forest in which the hermit was living even wild animals lived in harmony as if they had changed their nature.

Gradually age overtook the sage. After prolonged contemplation one day he opened his eyes slowly. Dawn was about to break. The chirping of birds was pleasant to hear. All around there was greenery and cold breeze was blowing mixed with the pleasant fragrance of flowers. Nearby his wife Susheeladevi was seated. She folded her hands and was looking skyward.

Bharadwaja had offered prayers to the morning goddess Usha. In an orderly manner he offered his prayers to all the gods.

"Goddess Usha (Dawn), when you appear birds fly out of their nests. People move about to earn their bread. Bestow wealth on your worshippers. O Pooshan, grant us the company of the wise.... 0 Soma and Rudra, end all epidemic diseases. Fill our bodies with sickness- resistant materials Indra and Varuna, grant us the power to get over sins, just as people cross a flood by means of a ferry."

This is not a prayer offered by Bharadwaja for his own self. But it is a prayer offered by the ascetic for the good of the entire mankind.

There emerged an extraordinary flash in the sky. Gods showered flowers on the Bharadwaja couple. A heavenly chariot appeared. Indra and other gods bowed to the holy being and said: "Great soul, we welcome you to make heaven your abode." Assuming a celestial form, the Bharadwaja couple boarded the chariot and reached heaven.

Sage - Glorious Being

Bharat is well known as the homeland of sages. Among them Bharadwaja was the most renowned. Even now, on Rishipanchami day, the Bharadwaja couples are worshipped with reverence.

In the Sixth Part of Rigveda there are hymns attributed to Bharadwaja. There are also hymns of Bharadwaja's disciples Garga, Payu, Suhotra and others. The names of Abhyavarti and Divodasa or Prastoka are also mentioned In Rigveda. Westerners too have praised the greatness "So long as the rivers a last, the fame of Rigveda said Max Muller, the well-known scholar.

Thus did the great sag live for the spread of knowledge and for welfare of the people. A great soul, he was not tempted by the to become an emperor but to serve the people. He acquired extensive knowledge with strenuous effort; he disseminated it for the welfare of the world. The clash between the good people and the bad people has been in this world for thousands of years. Even in Bharadwaja’s time such confrontations were going on. In that clash, by protecting the good people, Bharadwaja stood like a fortress protecting the good people. extraordinary scholarship and might of Bharadwaja, numerous kings accepted him as their preceptor and ruled as ordered by him. But even among kings he sought out the righteous. He extended support only when people followed the tenets of righteousness enunciated by him. The wealth his warrior pupils offered at his feet, this great soul gave away as a gift to humanity. The vow that he took deserves to be the vow for all time in the hearts of all sages, all warriors and all rich people: "All people are my relatives. For their service my life is dedicated.

My strength acquired by meditation and strength of body I will use for the benefit of the people."

Sage Bharadwaja spent his life bridging the earth and the heaven as it were. A sage who spread the fame of Bharat by his wisdom, meditation, kindness and service of the people.

Remembering him every morning is auspicious:

Bharadwajam mahashantam

Susheelapatim-oorjiatam

Aksha-srag-gandha-hastam cha

Munim Angirasam bhaje I

"To Bharadwaja who is holding the sacred beads and looks serene, husband of Susheeladevi, of the dynasty of Angiras, I humbly bow."

Sage VISHWAMITRA

Introduction

Vishwamitra quarrelled with Vashishta and was defeated. But Vashishta himself named him as a Brahmarshi. Vishwamitra created new stellar constellations and
threatened to create a new Indra. Gods trembled at this. He tested the truthfulness of Harishchandra.He saved Shunahshepha who was to be sacrificed. He was the guru
of Sri Rama and taught him the use of many divine arrows. He was responsible for the redemption of Ahalya and for the marriage of Sita with Rama. In him we see a confluence of three high qualities-valor, knowledge and sympathy-which have made him great.

Vishwamitra

Kowsalya supraja Rama

Poorva sandhya pravartate

Uttishtha nara-shardoola

Kartavyam daivam anhikam

(0 Rama, worthy son of Kowsalya, the day has just dawned in the east. Arise, 0 lion among men, it is time to offer ablutions to God.)

This well-known stanza from Venkatesha Suprabhata was composed byVishwamitra to awake Sri Rama.

Vishwamitra belonged to a dynasty of kings. King Gadhi was his father. Vishwamitra was also called as Vishwaratha. He had several wives such as Haimavati, Shalavati, Drishadwati, Renu, Madhavi and so on. He had nine sons and their names were Madhuchchanda, Kati, Yajnyavalkya, Panina, Galava, Mudgala, Sankruti, Devala and Ashtaka. A nephew of his by name Shunahshepha is also a famous figure in the Puranas.

Vishwamitra ruled over his kingdom for a long time.

What A Host!

Once Vishwamitra set out with an akshouhini' of army to see around places. (One akshouhini consists of 21,870 chariots, 21,870 elephants, 65,610 horses and 109,350 soldiers.) On his way he came across a forest region. He was wonderstruck by what he saw there. Tigers and cows, lions and deer were moving about as if they were great friends. "Oh ! How strange and wonderful!" thought Vishwamitra as he moved on. The entire region was an abode of peace and beauty. Happiness appeared to reign there.

The king moved on.

He found a hermitage at a little distance. It was the hermitage of the great sage Vashishta. It was due to his powerful spell that wild animals had given up their enmity and lived like friends.

Sage Vashishta welcomed king Vishwamitra with respect and warmth. He was offered a suitable seat. The sage enquired about the welfare of the king and then offered cool drinks and tasty fruits. During the conversation the sage came to know that the king had brought a. large army with him.

"0 king, please be my guest today along with your followers and army," said Vashishta.

The king thought, "How can these sages living in forests feed a large army? How will they find food for so many men and fodder for so many animals? It is hard even for a king who resides in a palace. How then can a poor sage manage it?" and declined the offer.

But sage Vashishta pressed him again and again. At last king Vishwamitra agreed to be his guest.

In his hermitage Vashishta had a cow by name Nandini. Nandini was the daughter of Kamadhenu, the Heavenly Cow.

Vashishta approached Nandini and prayed thus: "0 mother, king Vishwamitra has come to our hermitage. It is our duty to feed and satisfy' him and his followers. Please arrange for it."

In minutes Nandini produced all the articles of food required. Heaps of rice and eatables, basketfuls of various fruits, and streams of milk and honey, all that each and everyone desired for appeared before them. All were satisfied.

"Let Nandini Be Mine!"

King Vishwamitra observed all this. It was a wonder of wonders. How could a poor hermit residing in a forest entertain so
many people to a sumptuous meal of so high a standard? He asked Vashishta as to how such a feat could be accomplished at such a short notice. When he came to
know that it was a boon granted byNandini, he was dumbfounded.

A little later he thought, "Being a king, I should have such a cow."

He addressed Vashishta thus: "Make a gift of this cow Nandini to me. In return I will give you one lakh cows, jewels, fourteen thousand sturdy elephants and eight hundred gem-studded chariots and many other valuables."

Vashishta replied, "0, great king, this cow Nandini has been gifted to me by Kamadhenu, her mother, so that my daily sacrifices, rites, rituals and penance are performed, as well as to entertain my guests in a befitting manner. That is all the riches I possess. How can I part with it?"

Vishwamitra was unhappy with this reply. "Why do you, a sage residing in a forest, require such a cow? I am a king. Such rare and worthy things rightly belong to the king.
Nandini should be mine, "he said.

Vashishta replied in a calm tone, "0 king, I have no power to gift her."

"Who Can Stop Me?"

Now Vishwamitra's anger knew no bounds. How could he, a powerful and mighty king, tolerate such a blank refusal of his request from poor sage? "Oh, if I beg and entreat
if will not be gifted. If I drag away this cow, what will this miserable sage do? Who can stop me?" he thought. He called his soldiers and ordered them, "Bind that cow and drag her away!"

The soldiers bound Nandini with a strong rope and pulled her. She was pained very much. She jumped, shook off the soldiers and ran like wind to Vashishta. She begged him to protect her.

Vashishta said, 'Mother, before the power of a mighty king, what can a poor sage like me do to defend you?" Nandini realized this and prayed to him, "0 great sage! Permit me to protect myself." Vashishta said, "Yes, there is nothing wrong in it."

At once Nandini roared "Hum-bha!" Out of each hair on her body, thousands of armed men were born and jumped out. With tumultuous shouts these men fell upon the army of Vishwamitra. No doubt, Vishwamitra's army was mighty. But they could not stand the attack from these divine defenders of Nandini.

Before his very eyes, Vishwamitra's army was annihilated. In a fit of desperate rage he sent up his one hundred sons to punish Vashishta. They rushed against him. Seeing them, Vashishta roared out only once. A huge fire enveloped them and all the hundred were burnt down to ashes.

Vishwamitra was grief-stricken. But hi rage had not subsided.

"Grant Me All the Magical Arrows"

Vishwamitra thought, "Due to the power of Vashishta's penance, I lost my army and my sons. Our entire valor was useless. Therefore I should also perform penance like Vashishta and acquire such power." Then and there he took the decision and left the hermitage of Vashishta. He went to Himalaya and selected a peaceful place for performing penance. He started his penance to obtain the favour of Shankara, the lord of Kailasa.

Days rolled on. Months were over. Year after year passed on. But Ishwara did not show himself. Vishwamitra's penance became harder and harder. Thousands of years rolled on. At last Ishwara was pleased with the tenacity of Vishwamitra's penance and presented himself.

"0 Vishwamitra! I am much pleased by your penance. Ask for whatever boon you desire from me," he said.

Vishwamitra was jubilant.

"Lord, grant me all the secret knowledge of archery. Grant me the secret of all the magical arrows that Yakshas, Rakshasas, Gandharvas and Maharshis have," he prayed. Ishwara granted all these and went away.

Defeated Again

Now Vishwamitra was highly pleased with his own power. "Vashishta destroyed my army and my sons. Now I will go to him and teach him a good lesson," he thought. He rushed upon the hermitage of Vashishta like a tempest.

At that moment Vashishta was immersed in prayer. Other sages were sitting around him performing rites and chanting mantras.

Enraged beyond limits, Vishwamitra rushed against Vashishta with the utmost confidence in his own victory. He launched many arrows from his bow.

Other sages saw this sudden danger and ran away halter-shelter shrieking loudly.

By this noise Vashishta was disturbed out of his prayer. He opened his eyes.

Before him stood king Vishwamitra with a deadly weapon ready to strike. Other sages and young disciples were running about in great excitement and fear. Some had been injured and blood was gushing out of the wounds. Vashishta called at once to all of them to cast away their fear. He took out the Yoga-danda on which he had been resting his arm and planted it in front.

Vishwamitra went on shooting arrows and throwing weapons.

But to his utter despair, every arrow and each weapon would come up to the Yoga-danda and would be swallowed by it. He did not know what to do. All the magical arrows and weapons he had obtained as a result of his penance for years had become useless before the power of this sage! He sat there with his head hung in great shame.

In the meanwhile all the inmates of the hermitage returned and praised Vashishta for his prowess.

In his utter desperation Vishwamitra sighed and said, "Dhig--balam Kshatriya-balam, Bramha-tejo-balam balam." It means, "Power of arms is worse than useless, before the power of Brahmatejas (divine power bestowed by Brahma on those performing intense penance) which is the only power worth possessing,"

"Let Me Be A Brahmarshi"

. But this defeat did not deter Vishwamitra. He did not swerve from his decision to defeat Vashishta. He decided to perform penance once more to increase his powers. He went southwards with his queens. There he settled down in a forest and started his penance to please Brahma, the Creator.

Hundreds of years passed, but Brahma did not appear before him. Vishwamitra did not budge from his decision and penance. After a thousand years, Brahma was pleased with his unshakable determination and appeared before him and said, "0 King Vishwamitra, you have now become a Rajarshi."

How could this satisfy Vishwamitra? He repeated his resolve - I must become a Brahmarshi. I will continue my penance till I reach my goal." He continued his penance.

"I Shall Guide the Sacrificial Rite"

At this time a new development took place.

Trishanku was a king of lkshwaku dynasty. He desired to purify himself of his sins and go to heaven in his earthly body itself. Vashishta was his family Guru. He went to
Vashishta and sought his help to attain his desire. But Vashishta replied, "Trishanku, no one can attain heaven in this earthly body," and refused to guide the sacrificial rite to achieve such an impossible goal.

Trishanku felt very sad, but could not get rid of his desire. He left Vashishta's hermitage and set out in a southerly direction. There, in a forest, a hundred sons of Vashishta had settled down for penance. Trishanku hoped that these sages might help him in fulfilling his desire. He went to them and explained his plight and then requested them thus: "After Vashishta, you his sons are the only guides I can look to. Kindly help me." Vashishta's sons laughed at him in derision and said, "What our father has refused, cannot be granted by us also."

Trishanku was angered by their derisive laughter. He stood erect and said - "if you and your father refuse to help me out, can I not find someone to do it? I will get the' help from someone else and perform the necessary sacrificial rite." This bold reply piqued the sons of Vashishta. They said, "Because you have turned a traitor to your Guru, You shall become a 'Chandala'." Immediately king Trishanku lost his color and beauty. He became black, his hair became rough and he indeed became a 'Chandala'. His followers and ministers left him in disgust. Trishanku's grief knew no bounds.

Still his courage did not desert him. He moved further south and found Vishwamitra performing penance. He was elated by this good luck and approached Vishwamitra, with outstretched hands.

Long ago rains had failed in the country. Great famine had appeared and people were starved to death. Vashishta had gone away for performing the penance. His wives and children were residing in the kingdom of Trishanku. He had himself looked after the welfare of Vishwamitra's family members. When Vishwamitra returned home he learnt about the great famine and was worried about the fate of his wives and children. When he came to know that they were safe and that Trishanku had taken care of them he
was immensely pleased.

Though Trishanku had become ugly, Vishwamitra addressed him with sympathy and kindness. He asked, "0 King, how did this happen to you?"

Trishanku explained his plight in detail, and finally prayed thus: "0 sage, I have never uttered falsehood. I have ruled over the people according to Dharma. But now there is none to protect me. Can we not please gods by human effort? If it pleases you, help me and see that I attain heaven in this human body itself."

Realizing the great hardships that Trishanku had undergone, Vishwamitra was very kind. "Trishanku, do not worry
yourself. I will guide your sacrificial rite," he assured. Vishwamitra had another aim in helping Trishanku. Vashishta had refused to guide the sacrificial rite, which he would
now get performed and thereby put Vashishta to shame and embarrassment.

At once Vishwamitra called his disciples and followers and told them thus, "You go round and meet all the sages. Tell them that I invite them to take part in this sacrificial rite along with their disciples and followers. It any one refuses, come and inform me." They went out in all, the directions with this message and invited all the sages they knew and came across. Among these, only one sage by name Mahodaya and the hundred sons of Vashishta derided the sacrificial rite to be guided by Vishwamitra. They laughed at his disciples and followers. "Ah! A sacrifice is being performed by a 'Chandala'! How will gods receive the 'Havis' (offering)? Can you believe it - can this windbag Vishwamitra send Trishanku to heaven?" and similar were the taunts with which they derided Vishwamitra and his decision.

When the disciples returned with these reports, Vishwamitra was extremely angered. He cursed sage Mahodaya to perdition for having derided the sacrificial rite undertaken by Trishanku. And to sons of Vashishta his curse was - "Let them be burnt down to ashes." As a result of these curses, Mahodaya was ruined and Vashishta's sons were burnt to ashes.

"I Shall Create Another Indra!"

Under the leadership of Vishwamitra, the sacrificial rites began in right earnest. Trishanku, as per the instructions of Vishwamitra, offered 'Havis' to gods to the
accompaniment of incantations chanted by sages.

But none of the gods came to receive his portion.

This enraged Vishwamitra further. He called Trishanku and said, "Trishanku, do not be afraid of all this. Now I will send you to heaven in your earthly body by the power of my penance." The congregation of sages was wondering at these words. In their presence itself Vishwamitra made Trishanku rise from the earth and dispatched him to heaven.

Trishanku, in his earthly body itself, rose higher and higher and reached -the world of gods. Seeing Trishanku approaching heaven, Indra the lord of heavens became angry. He shouted out, "Trishanku, the senseless one, you have no place in our world, as you have been polluted by the curse of your Guru' and catching Trishanku by the neck, pushed him away.

Trishanku turned upside down and began falling down to the earth. He was filled with great fear. In his agony he shouted out, "0 great sage! 0 Vishwamitra, I am ruined.
Save me! Save me!" Hearing this entreaty Vishwamitra rose to occasion and ordered, 0 Trishanku, do not fear. Stop there!" He made Trishanku stand there in mid-heavens by the sheer power of his penance.

To finalize the act he had undertaken, Vishwamitra created a new Saptarshi constellation and many other stellar constellations in the southern sky.

After this he roared, "I shall now create another Indra or I will see to it that heavens do not -have an Indra!"

Hearing this, the gods and sages shuddered in fear. They came and told Vishwamitra, "0 great sage! Trishanku
bears the curse of his Guru. He cannot have a place in heaven."

Vishwamitra told them, "But my vow and word cannot become false. Let those stellar constellations created by me be permanent. Amidst them let Trishanku be there in his earthly body." Gods agreed to it.

Vishwamitra was immensely pleased. He had won his battle against Indra and gods. But to his dismay he realized that all the power he had gained by his long and hard
penance had been spent due to his anger. So, he went westwards to the holy place called Pushkara to perform penance again.

A Child as A Sacrificial Animal

At this time Ambareesha was the king of Ayodhya. He had decided to perform a sacrificial rite. But gods stole away his sacrificial animal. The king was grief-stricken. He was going through a forest in search of the sacrificial animal as suggested by sooth-savers. On the way he found the hermitage of a sage by name Rucheeka. He explained his predicament to the sage. That sage was extremely poor. He told the king, I will give one of my sons as sacrificial animal." He had three sons. He himself did not want to sell his eldest son; his wife did not want to part with the youngest. So, the middle one by name Shunahshepha was sold to the king for one lakh cows. Young boy Shunahshepha became very sad of that matter. But in obedience to his parents, he set out with king Ambareesha to become the sacrificial animal. On their way they came to Pushkara. Vishwamitra who was performing penance there was a maternal uncle of Shunahshepha.

"0 Child, Do Not Fear!"

Now seeing his uncle, Shunahshepha hoped that his life might after all be saved. He ran to his uncle, seated himself on his lap and explained his plight and wept.

"Uncle, even though I have my father and mother, it is as good as not having them. You are a protector of all. Please save me. My life must be saved, but the king's
sacrificial rite should not be ruined," he prayed.

Seeing his nephew, a. mere child, in tears, Vishwamitra took great pity on him. "0 son, do not fear," he said. Then with great love and ceremony he taught the boy some'mantras' (special incantations) which could save one from all difficulties. "Child, when you will be tied to the sacrificial altar, chant these 'mantras' with devotion. Your
life will be saved," he instructed the boy and blessed him.

King Ambareesha took away the boy. He started the rites and got the boy tied to the sacrificial altar. Shunahshepha began chanting the 'mantras' his uncle had taught.
They were prayers offered to Devendra, the king of gods. Hearing these mantras being chanted with pure devotion, Devendra and the gods were highly pleased. They blessed the boy and saved his life. The sacrificial rite came to a successful conclusion and Ambareesha got the boons he desired.

"You are A Brahmarshi," Vashishta Agrees

Vishwamitra continued his rigorous penance for a thousand years. Brahma appeared before him and said, "0 Vishwamitra, now you have truly become a Rishi. "

But this did not satisfy Vishwamitra. His goal was to become a 'Brahmarshi'. So, he continued his penance.

During this time Vishwamitra met a beautiful woman by name Menaka. Menaka was a dancer in the court of gods. Vishwamitra lived with her happily for ten years. They got a daughter called Shakuntala. One day Vishwamitra began thinking, "Why did I give up my penance?" and felt sorry for it. He left Menaka and went to north. He started his penance again. This time he overcame his tendency to anger. He performed his penance for a thousand years in peace. At theconclusion he prepared a meal for himself and was getting ready, for taking it. Just then Indra came there dressed as a Brahmin and begged for a meal. Vishwamitra gave him the prepared meal and started his penance again. After a thousand years Brahma appeared again and said, "Vishwamitra, now you have become a 'Maharshi’."
Even this did not make him happy; but he did not feel sorry. He continued his penance to attain the status of a 'Brahmarshi'. He faced all the obstacles with equanimity and peace. Due to his rigorous penance, the whole universe was upset. Devendra himself came in the form of a Brahmin and tested Vishwarnitra but failed to make him swerve from the penance to reach his goal. At last Brahma, accompanied by all the gods, appeared and said, Vishwamitra, you have become a Brahmarshi."

Vishwamitra prostrated himself before Brahma and gods and said, "My desire is to be called a Brahmarshi by Vashishta, who is learned in all the Vedas." Then the gods requested Vashishta to fulfil the desire of Vishwamitra. Vashishta came and said, "Vishwamitra, you are indeed a Brahmarshi."

Thus Vishwamitra reached his goal by his tenacious efforts and concluded his penance. He was honored by gods and sages alike.

Vow in the Court of Gods

Once in the court of gods, Devendra asked Vashishta, "0 great sage, kings of lkshwaku dynasty are your disciples. Among them is there any one who is brave enough to tread only the path of truth in all situation?" Vashishta was immensely happy at the question and said, "King Harishchandra of the solar dynasty is the one who will stick to the path of truth at any cost."

Vishwamitra who was also seated in the court and he did not agree with this assertion. He rose and said, "0 Vashishta, this Devendra has no better business to engage himself in. He asked you first only out of regard and you are telling something which makes no sense."

This resulted in a wordy duel between the two sages. As the arguments became strong, the whole court began trembling in fear. Even Devendra became anxious about the outcome. None dared to intervene. At last Vishwamitra gnashed his teeth in anger, and with raised hands declared, Washishta, if I do not prove you and your disciple false, I will no more call myself Vishwamitra." He shouted these words as if lightning was striking and left the court of gods in a huff.

"I Need a Gift"

From there Vishwamitra came to the earth and went to his hermitage. He started evolving a plan to make kingHarishchandra utter a falsehood. As he calmly thought, he
realized that his task would not be as easy as he had imagined it to be while addressing the court of gods.

Some time later Harishchandra performed a sacrificial rite, which involved gifting of a large quantity of old. Vishwamitra bided for a time when Vashishta was away and
visited Harishchandra. The king received him with great honor and offered him a suitable seat. He washed the hands and feet of the sage and Enquirer as to what brought him there. The sage said, "I need a gift." Harishchandra agreed to give whatever was asked for. Then Vishwamitra asked, "0 king! I need gold of a quantity, which may be measured thus: A tall man must stand on a huge elephant and throw up a cowrie shell. I want a heap of gold which would measure up to that height."

Without any hesitation Harishchandra replied, "0 great sage, gladly I give what you have specified. It is in my treasury and you may take it."

Vishwamitra had not expected such a reply. It was his first defeat. Without giving expression to his disappointment he said, "King, let it be in your treasury. I will take it
when I require it." He received the honors and went away to his hermitage.

He planned his next creation. By the power he possessed he created many wild animals. He sent them to trouble the people of Harishchandra's kingdom. People came to the king and begged him to protect them from these wild beasts. Harishchandra set out for hunting along with his wife Chandramati, son Lohitashwa and many followers.

Defeated By Harishchandra

Vishwamitra created two beautiful dancing girls and sent them to the place where the king was camping. They purposefully talked with the king in a haughty manner.
Harishchandra became angry and turned them out with beatings. As per his plan Vishwamitra appeared before king Harishchandra and said, "You have beaten my daughters." As punishment for this either he should marry these low-cast girls or he took away the kingdom arid then demanded the money he had been gifted earlier. Harishchandra did not want to marry them. He gave away all that he had including his throne and treasury.

But that was not enough. Vishwamitra gave him time up to forty-eight days to make up the remaining gold. Harishchandra left his kingdom with his wife and son. Vishwamitra sent his disciple Nakshatraka along with them to trouble and tease them.

Harishchandra came to Kashi. He sold his wife and son, and then sold himself to slavery and paid the entire amount of gold due to Nakshatraka.

His new master made Harishchandra the watchman of the cremation-ground. His son Lohitashwa died due to snakebite and Chandramati brought the dead body for
cremation. At first Harishchandra did not recognize his wife. He demanded the prescribed fee for the cremation. Chandramati's griefstricken words revealed the tragedy in full. But still Harishchandra demanded the fee, which rightfully belonged to his master. Chandramati returned to the town to arrange for that small amount. On the way the king's soldiers arrested her on the charge of murdering the Prince of Kashi. The king sentenced her to death. Execution was the duty of Harishchandra as the watchman of the cremation-ground. Harishchandra did not hesitate to perform his duty. He raised the sword to behead her.

All of a sudden Vishwanantha, the Lord of all the Worlds, appeared there. Lohitashwa was given back his life. Harichandra's truthfulness was extolled by Vishwanatha
himself. Vishwamitra too blessed Harishchandra, gave back his riches and kingdom and went away to his own hermitage.

Guru of Sri Rama

In the Ramayana the role of Vishwamitra is great. King Dasharatha of Ikshwaku dynasty had four sons-Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. His guru was
Vashishta. The princes grew up and learnt archery. They were the pet of the eyes of their parents and the hope of the people.

One day Vishwamitra came to the palace of Dasharatha. The king welcomed him with great respect and offered a high seat. After salutation the king asked, "May I know what brought you to this place?"

Vishwamitra explained the purpose of his visit. "0 great king, two Rakshasas (Demons) - Mareecha and Subahu - are obstructing my sacrificial rites. They are very wicked but extremely brave. I can curse them and get rid of the menace. But according to the vow of the rite I should not become angry. Send with me your son Rama who is wise and brave. Let him kill the'Rakshasas.' In return I will teach Rama things which would make him famous in all the three worlds."

Hearing this, Dasharatha became worried. How cans Rama, still a young boy, fight the mighty 'Rakshasas'? He explained this to Vishwamitra and then said, "Great sage, I
shall accompany you with my army. I shall remove their menace."

Vishwamitra in a most reassuring tone said, "Have no doubt the valour of Rama." Still Dasharatha felt uneasy.

Vishwamitra then became angry, and warned Dasharatha, "Having agreed to fulfil my request, you are now backing out." Vashishta, the Guru of the king, advised him thus:
"Vishwamitra is the bravest among the brave and the wisest among the wise. He is a master of all arms and weapons. In fact there is none else in the world that knows the art of archery and warfare better than him. He alone can kill all the 'Rakshasas.' When he is with Rama, what danger can there be for him? This is a good opportunity. Send Rama with Vishwamitra." At last Dasharatha agreed. Rama, accompanied by Lakshmana, went with Vishwamitra.

They approached river Sarayu. On the banks of this river Vishwamitra taught two ‘mantras' namely Bala and Atibala, to Rama. These mantras' could give unmatched bodily power and wisdom. Afterwards, they came to a forest. This forest was full of noise made by wild beasts and insects. Their ademoness by name Tataka lived. Vishwamitra
asked Rama to kill her. Accordingly Rama killed Tataka who was pursuing him.

Early the next morning. Vishwamitra woke up Rama. He taught Rama the secrets of magical arrows which could defeat all the gods and demons. He. also taught the
methods of withdrawing them.

Vishwamitra made all the preparations for the sacrificial rite. He instructed Rama in the means and methods of defending the rite. The rite began and continued for five days without hindrance. On the sixth day there started a deafening roar in the sky. Mareecha and Subahu came in its wake with their followers. They began pouring blood into the sacred fire. Rama killed Subahu, and Mareecha ran away. The rite was ended in peace. All the sages were happy.

Redemption of Ahalya

King Janaka, who was famous for his wisdom and knowledge, was ruling over the kingdom of Mithila. He had a wonderful bow. It was known as the bow of Shiva. None had been able to bend and string it. Janaka had decided to perform a sacrificial rite. Vishwamitra wanted to go there. He took Rama and Lakshmana also. On the way he told them about the wonderful bow.

All along the way there were beautiful forests and hermitages of sages. Vishwamitra narrated many stories and legends to Rama and Lakshmana. The journey was invigorating.

They came across a beautiful but vacant hermitage. It belonged to sage Gautama. Out of curiosity Rama asked as to why it was empty. Ahalya was the wife of sage
Gautama. For a sin she committed, the sage cursed her to "become a stone and be in dust for thousands of years," and left the hermitage for performing penance
elsewhere. Vishwamitra. narrated the story to Rama and said, "Rama, now you redeem Ahalya." They entered the empty hermitage. As soon as Rama stepped over the stone, which was once Ahalya, she regained her old form and beauty. She welcomed them and treated them to sumptuous food. Realising. that his wife had been redeemed from the curse, sage Gautama also returned to the hermitage. All were happy.

Marriage of Rama with Sita

Vishwamihtra along with Rama and Lakshmana arrived at Mithila. King Janaka welcomed them with great delight and
ceremony. Vishwamitra introduced Rama and Lakshmana to King Janaka. In the meanwhile Janaka had decided and declared that he would give his daughter Sita in marriage to any one who would bend and string the bow of Shiva. None had been able to perform this feat. Vishwamitra said, "My boy, Rama, try that." As Rama lifted the bow and bent it, it broke into two, with a thunderous noise. It was unable to bear the strength of Rama's arms.

Janaka gave his daughter Sita in marriage to Rama. Another daughter of his, Urimila, married Lakshmana. Bharata and Shatrughna were given two daughters of
Kushadhwaja, a younger brother of Janaka. Vishwarnitra blessed all of them heartily and went away to the Himalayas.

A Great Personality

Vishwamitra was the bravest among the brave. He was the personification of power. His personality is attractive but awesome like lighting. He was fearless. No gods or demons or men could deter him from his chosen path. The episode of Trishanku is a testimony to this. When he was in error he was humble enough to take his defeat, as highlighted by the story of Harishchandra.

Tenacity, fearlessness, and rigorous penance mark Vishwamitra out as a great sage. Along with these great qualities, he was kind and sympathetic to those who were suffering. He saved Shunahshepha and was responsible for the redemption of Ahalya. His vigour and power may be realised by his decision to create another Indra. The rigour of his penance was such that he could achieve even impossible goals. He was a Guru to Sri Rama himself. The towering personality of Vishwamitra picturises many values of Ancient Bharat.

Sage Vasishta

Introduction
Vasishta was a great ascetic. He was the preceptor of great men like Sri Rama and Harischandra. He had conquered anger and desire. He was a great saint who humbled insolent men. As a preceptor he imparted knowledge and became a guide to thousands of aspirants.

Vasishta

Have you seen the Pole Star? If you observe keenly you can see it at night in the northern part of the sky shining bright always. Below the Pole Star you will find a group of stars i n the shape of inverted English letters as shown here-u). They are seven in number and are called ‘Saptarshi Mandala’ or the Great Bear,a constellation. The seven saints after whom they are named are: Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and Vasishta. Rishi or saint means a wise man, the man who knows the secret of the Vedas.

Kulapati (Acharya, The Teacher)
Vasishta is supposed to have been born as the result of Brahma’s will-power. He was a great ascetic, laboured for the welfare of the world Vasishta was not a recluse, he was householder. He was married Arundhati. Arundhati is famous for virtues and devotion to her husband There is a small star close to Vasish in the Great Bear or Saptarshi Mandal They have named it after Arundha Among the Hindus, immediately after, the wedding, the bride is shown Arundhati and she worships the star. It is a symbolic acceptance of the ideal of virtue and devotion by the bride .

Vasishta had his hermitage on the banks of the river Saraswati. Arundhati spent all her time in the service of husband. He had with him thousand of disciples and taught them he Vedas.

Vasishta was affectionately addressed by his disciples as Kulapati or chiefpreceptor. In those days a teacher who fed and taught at least ten thousand students was called Kulapati. Vasishta's daily routine was to teach his disciples, to preach dharma to the visitors and to practise tapas or austerities.

There was an atmosphere of peace in the hermitage. The plants and trees were full of flowers and fruits. A variety of birds sang and flew about in the hermitage. Herds of deer and cows lived there. There was regular performance of several holy sacrifices for the good of the world. Several Hundreds of visitors used to come to the hermitage to meet Vasishta. The merit earneds by the performance of tapas was Vasishta's great strength.

He was a man of peace. He had conquered desire and anger. His Ashram needed great quantities of milk, curds and ghee for the feeding of thousands of his disciples, guests and performance of sacrifices regularly. Devendra had gifted to Vasishta a divine cow, having admired his generosity and performance of sacrifices. The cow was called Nandini. She was the daughter of Kamadhenu. Since it was a divine cow it had extra ordinary powers. The Ashram got plenty of milk and ghee from this cow. Since it had moonlike patches all over the body, it was also called 'Shabala.' The word mean many-coloured. Vasishta and Arundha were very fond of Nandini.

Vishwamitra Arrives as a Guest
Vasishta's tapas, patience and the aura of God-realization were so great that king Vishwamitra was influenced by him to give up his kingship and desired to become a Rishi like Vasishta.

Vishwamitra was a king. He went to the forest to hunt. Once, after hunting he was returning with his tired army and happened to pass through Vasishta's Ashram. He wished to pay his kingship and desired to respects to Vasishta. Vishwamitra saluted Vasishta with proper respect and humility. Vasishta was glad to meet king Vishwamitra. He entertained the king and his army with fruits and other delicacies and spoke to him with affection.

Vishwamitra got ready to depart after this. Then Vasishta said, "Vishwamitra, you are a guest here. You and your army may take food and rest here and then depart."

Vishwamitra thought, 'My army is big. If all of us stay here for food, the inhabitants in the Ashram will be put to hardship'. He said aloud, "Great soul, we are all satisfied with your kind words. I am fortunate to have met you. I thank you for your kindness. Extend the same love always. Allow us to depart." Vasishta said, "King, do not feel embarrassed. I do not feel happy if you go away without taking food. All of you should stay back." Vishwamitra agreed to do so since Vasishta pressed him.

As a result of Nandini's divine powers there were large quantities sweets and other eatables. Vishwamitra and his followers ate to their heart content.

Guest becomes Enemy
Vishwamitra was greatly surprise at what Nandini had performed. He felt greedy and wished to take the cow wit him to his capital. He went to Vasishta and expressed his desire.

Vasishta said, "King, Indra gave this cow to me. I am able to feed thousand of my disciples and guests every day only with the help of this cow gifted to me by Indra. Even the milk, curds and ghee required for sacrifices here and supplied by Nandini only. How can you ask for such a cow?"

Vishwamitra said, "Saint. I shall give in place of your cow one lakh decorated cows which will supply your requirement and you will not feel the absence of Nandini."

Vasishta said, "That is not the point, King. It is not proper to give away a gift made to me by Devas. it will go against the wishes of the Devas." Vishwamitra argued, "it will not violate any ethical norms. I shall supply all the requirements of your Ashram. Give me Nandini." Vasishta argued, "Why should you bear the burden of this expenditure? If you have ample Supply of foodgrains, use them to help your subjects. Give them to the poor. Let them be happy. I do not wish to accept money from a king for the use of our Ashram."

Thus the argument went on between the two. Vasishta would not agree to part with Nandini and Vishwamitra would not accept the refusal. Finally Vishwamitra became very angry. He thought, 'I am a great king. Whatever good things there are in. my kingdom should belong to me. A poor saint like Vasishta is disrespectful by his conduct and then said, "Vasishta, if you do not give Nandini, I will take her by force.

So saying, he got ready to leave.

Vasishta remained peaceful and do not say anything.

Vishwamitra called his soldiers an ordered, "Soldiers, tie up the cow will ropes and bring her along by force. They surrounded the cow. But she dodged them and came running to Vasishta and pleaded, "Great saint, the king's guards are trying to drag me by force. Do you give me up? What wrong did I do?"

Vasishta answered, "Shabala, you have done no wrong. I have not given you up. Vishwamitra is taking you by force and he has the army. Besides, he is my guest. How can I stop him? Then Nandini said to Vasishta, "Give me permission. I shall subdue his army.

Vasishta agreed. Nandini then bellowed once. By the divine power of her voice, lakhs of magical soldiers came into being and faced Vishwamitra's army. There was a great battle and Vishwamitra's army was defeated.

Power of Tapas

Vishwamitra became most worried. He felt ashamed because he was no able to face a saint and a cow though Like a fangless he had a large army snake and like a wingless bird, he felt sad. He was burning with the desire to take revenge. He decided to earn Powerful weapons by performing tapas. He went to the Himalayas and worshipped Ishwara with his austere tapas and earned in return knowledge of archery and divine weapons.

Vishwamitra was insolent because of his position as king and overlord. After winning the divine weapons, he was swollen with pride. It went to his head. He thought he would be able to defeat Vasishta completely and destroy him. With this determination he came to the hermitage of Vasishta. He began to rain arrows on the Ashram and destroy it. The other saints and disciples ran helter-skelter. The animals and bird! of the Ashram were terrified. There was wailing followed by destruction.

Vasishta came to know about the destruction caused by Vishwamitra. He comforted the frightened disciples and advised them to take courage. He tool, his Brahmadanda - the staff of a saint- and came out of his hermitage and confronted Vishwamitra and said, "O you fool, why are you destroying the Ashrarn without any cause? Is it proper for a king to destroy when he should protect?" Vishwamitra got ready to release his arrow called Agneyastra, a powerful weapon. Then Vasishta put up his saint's staff (Brahmadanda) before him and said, "Vishwamitra, show me your valour and strenght." Then Vishwamitra released - his Agneyastra against Vasishta. The arrow sped roaring with fire towards Vasishta but got reduced like a burnt-out faggot and fell at his feet like live coals dropping into a tank.

What is a Brahmadanda?

It is the staff in the hands of an ascetic. The power and strength of Vasishta's tapas was concentrated in the staff. In his anger Vishwamitra released one by one all his powerful weapons. Roudra, Aindra, Pashupata followed each other to the incantation of mantras or verses. But all of them were rendered powerless before Vasishta's Brahmadanda. Vishwamitra was furious with anger. When he had used all his weapons in vain, he took out the divinely endowed arrow called Brahmastra and fitted it in his bow. It frightened all in the Ashram as well divine beings in heaven. Every one became concerned for Vasishta Vishwamitra released it against Vasishta invoking the spiritual powers of mantras. Vasishta stood undisturbed. I appeared like a bright flame at this moment; sparks of fire emanated form his body. The staff in his hand look like the staff in the hands of Yama God of Death. The Brahmastra sped like lightning towards Vasishta make frightening noise like thunder. It pounced on Vasishta's Brahmadanda and was absorbed into it. The other saints who saw this praised Vasishta's strength said, "Great man, your strength beyond our guess. Control your I and become peaceful." Vasish, accepted their advice and became Calm.

There was no other weapon left with Vishwamitra. He had used all his weapons and had been totally defeated by Vasishta. He felt repentant. He realised his mistake. He understood the truth would always win. He felt, "I took the wrong path. It is impossible suppress truth by force." He sighed and went away saying, "There is no value for my power and strength. The real power. is that which comes from tapas.

Vishwamitra was a man determination, ambition and strength. He said to himself, "All my diving weapon are rendered powerless. The power of Vasishta is great. Tapas, truth are non-violence are matchless. I must become the equal of Vasishta." He gave his kingdom to his son and went to forest to perform tapas. He started performing severe tapas. People stopped calling him king and started calling him saint Vishwamitra. He became famous as a Rishi.

Harischandra, Disciple of Vasishta

Harischandra was the king Ayodhya. He was famous for his truthful nature. Vasishta was his preceptor and he was proud of Harischandra. At a meeting of the court in heaven, one day Indra asked, "Who is truthful on the earth?" Vasishta replied.

"Harischandra is truthful. He remains so under all trying circumstances and will not utter a lie." Everyone agreed with Vasishta. Vishwamitra stood up. He nursed ill-will against Vasishta. He said, "Devendra, what vasishta says is not true. Out of his partiality for his disciple, he says that Harischandra is always truthful. We cannot believe it. Who is there that will not utter a lie when he is in very hardcircumstances?"

Vasishta did not agree with him. He said, "Harischandra will never utter a lie whatever be 'the hardships."

There was controversy.

Vishwamitra declared "Lock, I shall make Harischandra utter lies. It I do notsucceed, I shall make over all the merit of my tapas to him."

The assembly was over. Vasishta returned to his hermitage. He knew that Vishwamitra would examine Harischandra in various ways and that Harischandra would be subjected to severe tests in this course. But Vasishta did not say a word about it to Harischandra. What is the greatness of a man if he is cautioned and then put to test? He did not bother about it because he knew that a man of truth would always remain truthful.

Vishwamitra got ready to testHarischandra. His hatred of Vasishta was the only reason for his entering into this controversy. He used all his learning to succeed in his plan. He tookfrom Harischandra his kingdom by practising duplicity and cunning. Harischandra was made a debtor; his queen Chandramati and son Lohitashwa had to go to Kashi along with him.

Even there he was pestered to repay the loan. He sold himself and his wife to pay back the loan. But he did not utter a lie. He was reduced to the position of a servant of the man who watched over the cemetery at Kashi and did the job for him. Even then he did not utter a lie. Vishwamitra manipulated things in such a way that Harischandra was expected to behead his wife. Even then Harischandra did not give up truth. Vishwamitra did not succeed in his vow to make Harischandra utter a single lie even in the worst circumstances. He accepted his defeat and made over the merit of his tapas to Harischandra and went to forest to perform tapas. Vasishta was proved right.

Shakthi - Vasishta's Son

King Kalmashapada was driving in his chariot along the forest track. Shakti, the eldest son of Vasishta, encountered the chariot in the forest. Shakti did not move to a side to make way for the chariot. During the journey in those days, if a chariot or any vehicle came against a saint, a cow, a king, a blind man, an old man, a man carrying a load, a pregant woman, or a weak man, the vehicle had to give the right of path to them by moving to a side. That was considered the proper conduct. Kalmashapada saw Shakti and said, "You, move to a side and make way for the chariot. Don't you see that I am a king?"

In reply Shakti said, "I am a saint. It is the duty of a king to make way for a saint. Instead of that it is not proper for you to find fault with me." The king was very vain. He became angry and lashed at Shakti very hard with his whip. Shakti also became angry and cursed, "You rogue, do you whip a saint! Your temperament is that of a Rakshasa. Become a Rakshasa, Demon."

Vishwamitra who was passing that way at some distance from the scene of this incident saw all this. It pleased him because Vasishta- -was his enemy. He heard Shakti cursing become a Rakshasa (Demon). A little later Vishwamitra met another Rakshasa called Kinkara. He entered into the body of Kalmashapada as per the instructions of Vishwamitra, and the curse came true, The king lost his wisdom and sense of righteousnes. He offended another saint who also cursed him to become a Rakshasa. Kalmashapada came to know of the curses taking effect. As a consequence he became degraded to the position of a Rakshasa in nature. Next day he went to Shakti's hermitage and said to him, "You! I am reduced to this horrible state because of you. My sense of righteousness is destroyed. You are responsible for it. I will take revenge on you. I shall begin my career as a Rakshasa by first eating you." He then roared and killed Shakti and ate him up. He also killed Shakti’s brothers.

Embodiment of Forgiveness

Vasishta came to know all about this. He became very sad when he heard that Kalmashapada killed Shakti and his other sons. Unable to bear his sorrow, he became very unhappy, went away from his hermitage and wandered about in the forest. During this period he saw a pregnant woman coming towards him. She was Shakti's widow, Adrushyanti. Having lost her husband, she did not know how to protect herself and so she came in search of Vasishta. He was moved to pity when he saw her. He then took courage himself, comforted Adrushyanti and brought her to his hermitage. He looked after her with love and affection. In a few days, she gave birth to a son. Vasishta named him Parashara.

One day Vasishta went to forest to collect twigs for his holy fire. Adrushyanti also went to assist him. When she was tying up the bundle of twigs, a Rakshasa came bellowing loudly.

She became frightened and started running towards Vasishta calling for help. He told daughter-in-law not to be afraid then turning towards the Rakish made a frightening sound. The Rakshasa stood planted to the spot unable to move even a step. He was Kalmashapada.

Vasishta understood everything by a handful of his divine vision. He took holy water from his (Kamandalu) water jug, recited holy verses and sprinkled the holy water on the Rakshasa's head. He was freed from the curse and the nature of a Rakshasa. Kalmashapad fell at the feet of Vasishta and begged "0 great sage, on account of the curse I did what I should not have done. You are kind. Forgive me and save me."

Kalmashapada had wronged Vasishta greatly. He had committed great crime. Vasishta forgave him and advised, "0 king, go back to your city and rule over it as you did in the past.

Do not go against righteousness. Treat preceptors and elders with respect. Do not become vain because of power and wealth, Because of your vanity you were punished in the past." What a great soul was Vasishta!

There is No Greater Virtue Than Patience

Parashara, son of Adrushyanti, grew up in Vasishta's hermitage. Vasishta taught him everything. When he grew up into a man, his mother told him all about his father. Parashara became angry. He had mastered the four Vedas and was a saint like Vasishta. He had earned great power by his tapas like Vasishta. He declared, I shall kill Kalmashapada, who killed my father" and was starting when Vasishta came and advised, "0 child Parashara, be calm. There is no virtue higher than patience. For a person who. Performs tapas, patience is of great value. After all Kalmashapada is the king of this country. he is ruling righteously now.

What is the benefit in killing him? Will your father come back to life? The kingdom will become leaderless. The citizens will be put to a lot of hardship. Taking revenge is not fit for us. Do not use the power gained by hard tapas for a task like this. Your father also did not do the right thing. He could have given the right of way to the king and could have avoided conflict. He made a mountain of a mole-hill. See how bad the consequences were. in his anger he cursed the king and wasted the, power he had gained by his tapas. He became the cause of his own death. Therefore, Parashara, do not wish Kalmashapada ill."

If We Do Not Conquer '1', The Ego...

Vasishta was becoming more and more famous as the merit earned by his tapas increased. Everywhere people talked about his greatness. Vishwamitra again started practising tapas to become the equal of Vasishta. He was determined to be recognized as such. There were many obstacles in his way, But he continued his tapas for a long time and he come across all the difficulties through his brane and firm mind. Brahma appeared before him and said, "Vishwamitra, ask what you want." Vishwamitra replied, "Brahmadeva, I must become Brahamarshi. Vasishta must acknowledge that I am a Brahmarshi. I must get as much power as Vasishta because of the power that goes with that position as Brahmarshi." Brahma thought, 'There is still the spirit of competition in Vishwamitra. There is the ego in him still' and said –

"Vishwamitra, you are a great Rishi. But you have not yet reached the stage of Vasishta and earned such merit. He will not accept you as a Brahmarshi" and disappeared.

Vishwamitra was greatly annoyed. He said to himself, I have practised tapas most rigorously all these years. I gave up my kingship and came to forest for this purpose. Even then I have not earned enough merit to become Brahmarshi. Why is it that Vasishta cannot accept me as a Brahmarshi? I shall ask him myself." At the end of this reflection he decided to see Vasishta and came to his hermitage.

It was night. The residents of the hermitage were all asleep except Vasishta and Arundhati. Arundhati addressed Vasishta and pleaded, "My Lord, Vishwamitra has been practising most rigorous tapas for many year now. Brahma has appeared before him. It is Vishwamitra's desire to be recognised as a Brahmarshi. The only hurdle is that you will not accept him as a Brahmarshi. Why don't you yield and accept him as a Brahmarshi?" Vasishta said, "Arundhati, you do not understand. It is not easy to become a Brahmarshi. What is the good of Vishwamitra's austere tapas? I must die and then alone he can become a Brahmarshi. If does not disappear, he cannot become a Brahmarshi. "Vishwamitra overheard the conversation. He was angry because he thought that Vasishta was adamant and opposed his becoming a Brahmarshi. He misunder- stood T and thought he could not become a Brahmarshi as long as Vasishta was alive. He said to himself, "Let me finish off Vasishta now itself" and entered the hut in a state of anger. Arundhati was frightened. Vasishta was clam and said, "Look Arundhati, How arrogant Vishwamitra is! What is the good of his tapas? He lacks the virtue of peace and calmness. If his ‘I’ (This I stands for Aham; ie utterselfishnes) and arragance does dot die, is it possible for him to become a Brahmarshi?"

Brahmarshi Vishwamitra

Vishwamitra realised his mistake. He understood what T meant according to Vasishta. The I is the ego in man. Unless that ego dies, man can never claim any merit. When Vishwamitra understood this, he was ashamed of his behaviour and felt repentant. He prostrated before Vasishta and pleaded, "Venerable man, I realised my mistake only today. I am a peerless fool. Kindly forgive me."

Vasishta said, "Vishwamitra, you have performed austere tapas. What is the aim of tapas? It is not fame. It is not to gain power to perform miracles. Then I and 'mine' should die; we must burn the vain feelings of selfishnes and arrogance. Then the mind become clear. God dwells in a clear conscience. Faith grows in that condition of the heart. You will then see God everywhere. If the mind is not clean and pure, all our prayers and tapas are in vain." Vishwamitra said with humility, "You are my preceptor. Forgive me and bless me." Vasishta blessed, "Be it so. Let your effort be successful" and wished him well. Vishwamitra prostrated before Vasishta and left the hermitage.

A great change was noticed inVishwamitra. He had got rid of his hatred of Vasishta. Competition and arrogance had went off. He went to the banks of river Kaushiki and engaged himself in austere tapas again. Many hurdles were placed in h * is path. But Vishwamitra did not yield. He gave up eating food and observed fasting very rigidly. At the end of his fasting days, he cooked his food to break his fast. He was about to take food. At that moment Devendra came in the form of an old man and said that he was hungry. Vishwamitra did not hesitate for a moment. He served his food to the old man. Without eating anything he sat for tapas again. Brahma was pleased with him. He came with other angles and said, "Vishwamitra, you are a Brahmarshi. There is no doubt about it." Vishwamitra's wish was fulfilled. He saluted Brahma and Vasishta. From that day Vishwamitra and Vasishta became great friends. There was no trace of. the past bitterness between them. The credit for converting the arrogant king Vishwamitra into a Brahmarshi by effecting a great change in his life goes to Vasishta.

A Great Soul's Anger Also is For The Good of The World

It was not only Vishwamitra that was tempted to take away Nandini, the divine cow, but others also were tempted. Dyo was a Vasu, an angel Vasu number eight. Dye’s wife saw Nandini and was tempted to take I because it was so beautiful. It was well built and had good-looking horns and a long tail which ended with a tuft of hair resembling a bunch of flowers. I had well-filled udders. Dyo's wife desired to have it. Though Dyo knew that was wrong to steal Vasishta's divine. Cow which supplied the requirements of Vasishta's sacrifices, he stole the cow because of his wife's cupidity. Vasishta came to know that Nandini had hot returned to the Ashram though it was late in the evening. He went in search of the cow. He could not find it anywhere. Then he used his divine vision and came to know that a Vasu had stolen it. He became very angry and called out, "You Dyo, did you steal my divine cow? Being an angel, an order higher than man, you should have behaved in a manner exemplary to the world. Is it proper for you to steal like an ordinary man? I shall teach you a good lesson. Be born as a human being in the world of human beings. You were too fond of your wife and you will go without a wife in the lower world." Dyo came to know of this curse. He became frightened and brought back Nandini. He apologised to Vasishta and begged for forgiveness. Vasishta took pity on him and said, Vasu, what is done is done. My word will come to pass. Though you are going to be born as a human being, you will earn fame and name as a good man". Dyo was born in this world as the son of king Shantanu. He was called Bhishma.

Vasishta, out of kindness, taught Bhishma all the Vedas and the art of warfare Bhishma learnt archery from Parashurama. Bhishma combined in him scholarship, heroism and fame. He was an avowed bachelor. His role in Mahabharata was great. Even when he was lying on death- bed he preached the path ofrighteousness to Dharmaraya. He has set down the principles of morality proper to a king, a common man, and righteousness implied in these interesting ancient stories. His teachings are a valuable gift to the world. Thus Vasishta's curse pronounced on Dyo, a Vasu, proved a blessing to the world.

If Non—Violence Does Not Succeed...

Saint Vasishta was not committed to peace to the extent of precluding force even when it was necessary. He believed that it was right to use force and fight against injustice when peaceful methods failed. In Indian tradition there is a prominent place for non-violence. When non-violence fails to prevent unrighteous- ness, we have to use force. Waging war is proper according to the morality of rulers. Sri Krishna also preaches in Bhagavad- geeta that Arjuna should fight and fighting was his duty under the circumstances.

There was an Asura called Vritra. He was the bane of his citizens. He troubled the people of the three worlds. He never listened to anyone's advice and conducted himself in an insolent manner. Unable to tolerate his teasing, every one went to Devendra. for protection. Devendra went to war with Vritrasura. He was master of magic with the help of his magical powers he made Devendra very uneasy and helpless. Devendra was unable to fight against him and ran away from the battle-field. He was so afraid Vritrasura that his mind became befogged with fear. Then Vasishta, recited a powerful imcantation called Rathantara Sama Mantra and cleared Devendra's mind of the fogginess. He encourged him to go and fight against Vritrasura by saying, "Indra, you are brave. You are the Lord of the three worlds. If you sit without doing anything what will be the fate of your citizens, Every one has faith that you will win in the battle. Cowardice does no become you. Go to fight. You will win. With such encouraging words from Vasishta Devendra again got ready to fight against Vritrasura. With Vasishta' blessings he killed Vritrasura in the battle.

A Real Priest

Desire, anger, miserliness, lust, insolence and jealousy are the six enemies of man. They come in the way of man's growth. Great men have always advised that we should conquer these six weaknesses and for that we should keep our eyes, ears and tongue under our control. It is difficult to conquer them. Vasishta had succeeded in keeping them under his control. Having admired his effulgence, tapas and principled life, the kings of the lkshvaku dynasty had requested Vasishta to be their preceptor and priest ('Purohita').

What does the word 'Purohita' mean?

Purah-standing in the forefront.

hita - one who does good.

One who does good to his disciples is a Purohita.

Vasishta was the priest to Dasharatha and also Rama and he was the preceptor too. They did not do anything without consulting Vasishta. When Vishwamitra came to Dasharatha requested him to send Rama to protect his sacrifices from being defiled, he did not like to send Rama as he was young But Vasishta advised, "0 King Vishwamitra is a great sage. Send Rama with him. It will be for the good. Vishwamitra took him and taught him the use of divine weapons. Sri Rama is also known as Raghava. Since he was born in the dynasty of Raghu, A king, he is called Raghava. Raghu was a famous king of the Ikshvaku dynasty Vasishta wasresponsible for him becoming so famous. There is a story, relating to this.

King Dileepa did not have children Pained by this, Dileepa went with his queen Sudakshina to the hermitage of Vasishta and expressed to him the reason for his sorrow. Vasishta tried to find the reason for his childlessness with the help of his divine vision and found it out. Once Dileepa was going on some work. He was in deep thought and so passed by Kamadhenu who was there without saluting her. Therefore he was childless. Vasishta gave him the remedy also. He was advised to serve Nandini, daughter of Kamadhenu. Dileepa and his queen served Nandini with devotion. Raghu was born as his son later. Vasishta's kindness helped him to become famous.

Nectar of Words for People in Sorrow

Raghu's son was the emperor Aja. Indumati, his wife, was as noble as she was lovely. Aja loved her very greatly. But she died young. Aja was depressed with sorrow. He forgot his duty as king. He sorrowed so much that he wished to die. Here is the advice that Vasishta

gave Aja at that time: "King, do not forget your duty because your wife has departed. It is not proper for you to think of following her. Your may die but you will not get Indumati. Birth and death are unavoidable. Set aside your sorrow and engage yourself in the doing of your duty. Soul leaves the body which sheltered it. Therefore it is not surprising that it leaves behind the relatives. No one can avoid death. Remember your parents. He who faces difficulties is the hero. When the wind blows, plants shake but the mountain does not shake. You should be firm like a mountain."

Vasishta was fond of cows. Once a man called Soudasa asked, "Great saint, which is the most sacred object in this world?" Vasishta said, "I consider the cow as the most sacred. Is then anything more nourishing than cow milk? Its manure is very important to grow our food-grains. For men like me everything necessary for , the performance of sacrifices comes from the cow. A cow is like the mother. We can live where the cow lives. Let cow live with us always. It is not enough i we worship and honour her. We must look after cows as we look after our mothers."

Exponent of work-mindedness

Vasishta was a great visionary. Many of the verses in Rig-Veda were composed by him. He wrote a treatise called Vasishta- Smriti on Dharma, righteousness. He composed Ramayana also, called Vasishta Ramayana. He believed that divine aid and individual effort were necessary to achieve any thing in this world. The divine and the human are the two wheels of the chariot, the two wings of a bird. Without either, nothing can be done. We must believe in God and do our best. This was Vasishta's firm conviction and his message is : As is the seed, so is the tree. So also is the fruit. If the seed is good, the fruit will be good. Good is the result of good deeds. Bad is the result of evil deeds. The Divine is like the good seed. Our effort is like preparing the land for ' sowing; knowledge, wealth, house, friends- it is possible to get all these only with human effort. The man who does not do anything gets nothing. If we depend on the Divine without doing anything, there will be nothing in return. Laziness is a disease with us and brings unhappiness. It is because of laziness that people are illiterate and poor. If this disease is not there, who will not become learned? Who cannot become rich? If we can set aside laziness, we can be happy. It is wrong to believe that we can improve with the help of others. Or that others will save us. We must save ourselves. We are our best friends. Because of laziness, we become our worst enemies. Vishwamitra became

Brahmarshi because of his unusual effort. If he had placed trust in God, and had done nothing, could he have attained that position? Vasishta believed in doing his duty. His life was an example for every one in his time. By his timely advice he helped many people to grow higher and higher. There was the light of wisdom around him.