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Tales from Indian Mythology
gradually assumed an altogether new meaning, as far as Kuntibhoja and his subjects were concerned. It was now the abode of God. "Father," Kunti would say, "God dwells among the weak. We must therefore worshsip them." Impressed by her idealism and wisdom, he would fondly believe that she was a veritable goddess on earth.
One day he received word from the sage Durvasa that the latter was on his way to Kuntibhoja's capital where he had decided to spend some time. The king became nervous because he did not know how to entertain the irascible hermit whom even Indra's hospitality might not satisfy. Kuntibhoja consulted his counsellors who were equally nervous. They could not even think. For they made the stupid suggestion that Durvasa be requested to drop their city from his itinerary. If Kuntibhoja had followed the advice of these wiseacres, he would have found himself reduced to the lowest of the lowly under the irate sage's curse. He told them. "You are already thoroughly demoralized. Let me consult Kunti. If she also cannot guide me now, no one else can. Bring her here.” He thus used his ministers as mere messengers. They naturally resented the confidence he had reposed in the ten year old child. But as their minds at the moment best to avenge her. On the contrary, they would never concede that_but they flattered themselves that instinct might succeed where intellect has failed! They approached her and made obeisance to her. Feeling much embarrassed, she said: "Please never bow to me again. I am as young as your grand-daughter. You are all venerable old men and I need, not your salutations, but your benedictions. Have you forgotten, what the seers have said? No, it does not augar well
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