The story of Lord Vishnu's devotee Ambareesh

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 InAmbareesha 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.