Indian Antiquary Vol 35

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

Page 61

FEBRUARY, 1906.]
TALES OF THE TELUGU VAISHNAVAS.
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the temple of Kalf. Then the king himself conducted him to a raised place, and taking a sword in his hand, was preparing to cut off Bharata's head, when Kali, seeing Bharata and knowing that he was a man with full experience of Brahma, without hatred in his heart, and having love to all, was afraid to receive such a sacrifice, and feeling very angry with the king for bringing him, became visible, and caused the king and his retinue to be struck dead on the spot. She turned to Bharata and said, "No Deity will suffer any harm to befall a good Brâhman," and disappeared. Tben Bharata, who feared neither the sword nor Kali, but looked upon all as forms of God, with his mind steadfast in God, remained standing. The people being much afraid, let him go and he returned to watch the fields as before.
A few years passed in this way, when the king, wishing to go to Kapila the Rishi on some religious enquiry, was being carried along in a palanquin, passed by the field where Bharata was watching. One of the bearers, seeing Bharata, seized hold of him, and made him bear the palanquin in his place. Bharata, being unable to keep pace with the others, got out of step, so that the even balance was disturbed, which made the king angry, and he bade the bearers stop and find out who was in fault. They said, " It is not one of us, but this new man." Then the king spoke angrily to Bharata, who remained quite undisturbed. The king was amazed at his calmness, and asked him how it was. Bharata replied, “It is not I who am bearing this palanquin, but only my body, and you have reproved me without knowing the truth." In this manner he continued to instruct the king, who perceived that he was a Rishi, and saluted him with respect and begged him to instruct him further. So Bharata lived with the king, and died, and obtained mukti.
IX.
Ajamila and the Angels of Death. In the country of Kanyakubja lived a good Brāhmaṇ, well versed in the Vedas. He had a son named Ajamila, who was well taught and performed his duties willingly, reading all the Vedas. He served his teachers and performed all the duties required of him towards uninvited guests. He treated all animals equally, was very truthful, and knew many mantras and obtained the results thereof. He performed the daily as well as the occasional ceremonies, tried to overcome all bad, and to cultivate all good, qualities, and was always doing virtuous actions with a good will. Besides this, he grew up into a young man of beautiful appearance.
One Spring season his father asked him to go to the forest and fetch kusa grass, fuel, flowers and fruit. He went and collected them all, and was returning, when he caught sight of a Sudra courtezan and her lover disporting themselves in the groves. Seeing her, he became fascinated with her beauty and forgot his father and his wife and everything, and became entirely given up to this woman. Then he left all and losing the good opinion of everyone, he began to work to earn money to support the woman. For her sake he underwent many hardships and difficulties, falling into debt, and at last was seized and put into prison. Even after this he did not leave the woman. She bore him ten children, of whom he loved the youngest the best.
He lived to the age of eighty-eight and on his death-bed, just before he died, he called out the name of the youngest child, Narayana, several times. Then the Angels of Death came and took him out of his body, and bound him hand and foot. While thus in terror and dismay, he saw four Celestial Beings approach, who came to his rescue, put aside the Angels of Death and released him. Then the Angels of Death saluted these Beings, and asked who they were, saying, "O Beings of wonderful form, having beautiful shining eyes, with, crowns on your heads and earrings, and wearing yellow silk garments, your bodies smooth and decorated with sweet-scented garlands, with your four arms bearing the Disc, Conch, Bow, and Sword! All who see you are lost in admiration! Your calmness is andistarbed, the worlds shine by your light and darkness is dispelled, your presence sheds comfort upon us all, your radiance dazzles our eyes, you appear as the upholders of all the virtues ! But why do you hinder us from taking this bad man to Yama P",