Indian Antiquary Vol 35

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 56

THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
[FEBRUARY, 1906.
II.
Ambarisha and the Fiory Diso. Ambarisha was a King, and son of Nabhaga. His capital was between the Sarasvati and Jamnâ, and he ruled the whole world. He was a true rdjarshi. He regarded all worldly pleasures as a dream, and looked upon his riches only as earth, fixing bis mind on God alone, in contemplating his lotus feet. His mouth was engaged in praising God's qualities; his ears in hearing of bis wondrous works; his eyes in regarding the different forms of Vishnu in different temples ; his nose in smelling the perfume of his sweet lotus feet; his tongue in tasting the tulasi offered to him; his head in bowing down to him ; his hands in keeping clean his temples ; his feet in going to different temples of Vishnu and performing circumlocution ; his body in embracing his devotees. His love was in God's service without hope of return. Although he was always engaged in this way, yet he did not neglect his State affairs. He had many sacrifices performed through the help of Vabishta and other Rishis, on the bank of the Sarasvati. All the Rishis and Devas were present at his sacrifices, and he gave to many cows tips of gold for their horns, bracelets for their feet, and good cloths. In this way he spent his time, while his mind gradually detached itself from worldly pleasures.
In this wise be went to the banks of the Jamna, and performed the dvadasi prata for one year. On the last dvddafi day, Durvasa came to that place, and at Ambarisha's invitation the two went to the Jamna to bathe. As Durvasa delayed in the river a long time, and the period for the performance of the prata was fast drawing to a close, Ambarisha, knowing that he could not finish it without the presence of Durvasa, became very anxious, and consulted with the other Brahmans as to what he sbould do. They said that he could neither leave ont Durvasa, nor yet delay in finishing the vrata, and so they advised him to sip up a little water, instead of taking a meal, as a compromise. While doing this and anxiously waiting, Durvasa came up, and seeing what was done, was very angry, and took one of the hairs from his head and beat the ground with it. invoking a certain demon to come and punish Ambarisha. Now before this, Ambarisha had been given the Fiery Diso of Vishnu, which was able to aid him in difficulties and also to help him role his country with wisdom. So when the demon appeared, Ambarisha invoked the Disc, which came and quickly destroyed the demon. After doing this, it rolled swiftly after Durvasa. Then Durvasa was terrified and began to run, but the Disc rolled after him, dogging his footsteps; and if he stopped, it stopped also; when he ran again, it also ran. Then Durvasa finding the burning fire of the Disc unendurable, flew to Brahma for help and besought him to save him from the Disc. But Brahms said, "I, Sive, Daksha, and other Prajapatis will never do anything against Vishņu's will, but must always bear bis commands on our heads. At the end of every æon a frown from his brow destroys the whole universe, and we cannot even bear the sight of this Disc of his."
Thus, finding no help from Brahmâ, Durvasa went to Siva, who also could do nothing for him, and advised him to go to Vishņu, as no one else could stop the Disc. Then Durvasa, all the times being tormented by the flames from the Disc, managed to get to Baikunta whoro Vishnu wag with Lakshmi. There Durvasa besought him to save him from the Disc, saying, “Thou art my Saviour, relieve me from this distress. It was in ignorance that I offended thy devotee."
Then Vishnu said, "I am not my own master. My mind is dispersed amongst my devotees, they always have their minds fixed on me. I am bound by the cords of their love. My mind is theirs, and theirs are mine. I am in their hearts, and they in mine. They know nothing but me. I will never do anything without them. They serve me by their penance, their wisdom, and their lives, and so I cannot stop the Disc. You must go to Ambarisha, and ask his pardon."
So Durvasa in great distress, ran back to Ambarisha, fell down before him and caught his feet in sign of great hamility, and begged forgiveness. Then Ambarisha was grieved to see this, and addressed the Disc as follows:
"O Sudarshana, I bow down to thee; thou hast a thousand spokes; thou art the close companion of Vishņu: thou canst destroy all the other weapons. Now I pray thee to be good towards this Rishi