Often one idea gets reiterated so much that it distorts the original content. Even if there is no loss of content, the emphasis tends to skew our understanding of the picture. In many cases, this happens willfully; yet in a few cases, the unintentional emphasis doesn’t do justice. Ambarisha’s story fits this latter category. It is often cited to showcase the importance of ekadasi. Though it is the best story that highlights the practice and its importance, the complete picture is around Ambarisha and his gunas. This story occurs in the fourth adhyaya of the Ninth skandha of the Srimad Bhagavatam.
Storytime:
Maharaja Parikshit was very curious to know about how Ambarisha was immune to the highest effects of the insurmountable Brahmana sapah, curse from a Brahmana. Suka narrated him this story in great detail. Ambarisha of Ikshavaku dynasty, was the son of Nābhāga, who was heir of Nabhaga, Manu’s son. (Note: There were numerous Manus). He ruled the entire world with inexhaustible wealth and prowess. Yet, Ambarisha dwelled upon the ephemeral nature of the world which is akin to a short-lived dream. He was a staunch worshipper of Vasudeva and was devoted to all his Bhaktas.
Ambarisha was an extraordinary Bhakta. He trained his senses and mind to be centered only on Krishna. His hands were dedicated only in the service of Bhagawan; his feet only took him to the places of worship; his eyes feasted on Mukunda’s image and his sense of touch gratified by the sewa to other bhagavatas. His nose imbibed the smell of tulasi that was sanctified by puja at the feet of Bhagawan, while his food was always after offering it to Bhagawan. Even the delicacies offered as prasada did not tickle his senses as he merely partook as it was offered to Bhagawan. Thus having complete mastery over his mind and senses, Ambarisha led by like minded ministers governed the world with an attitude of devotion.
Ambarisha performed several Aswamedha yajnas in the desert region, where Saraswati was flowing. They were officiated by the likes of Vasishtha, Asita and Gautama. He distributed enormous wealth and gave away liberal gifts. Ambarisha’s devotion was so deep that he influenced everyone around him to develop similar devotion, transcending the desires for svarga. Ambarisha’s devotion uplifted everyone to think only about the highest Supreme Reality.
His
devotion got purified further by his nishkamya
karma and his constant thinking of Sri
Hari. This further lead a life of complete viveka and vairagya, yet
steeped in deep Hari Bhakti. None of
the worldly attractions of wealth, children, weapons or anything else could
dent his focus. Pleased with him, Hari had offered him Sudarshana chakra to take care of his
welfare. (तस्मा अदाद्धरिश्चक्रं प्रत्यनीकभयावहम् । एकान्तभक्तिभावेन प्रीतो भक्ताभिरक्षणम् ॥ tasmā adād
dhariś cakraṁ
pratyanīka-bhayāvaham ekānta-bhakti-bhāvena prīto
bhaktābhirakṣaṇam SB 9-4-28)
Dwadasi vratam: Worshipping Krishna, Ambarisha and his queen observed vrata on every ekadasi and dwadasi for an entire year. It is important to note that marriage in Sanatana Dharma is to amplify the practice and observance of Dharma. The vrata concluded in Kartika masa, when he fasted for three days, bathed in Yamuna and worshipped Hari in Madhubana. There he worshipped Hari by performing Mahabhisheka and did alankara with costly clothes and ornaments accompanied by dhoopa, deepa and arghya. He distributed to holy men, six crores of young healthy cows of gentle nature with great milking quality, along with their calves. Their horns had gold encasements and silver shoes for their hooves. He fed all the guests with sumptuous food and sought their permission to break his fast.
As he was about to break the fast in accordance with the vrata, Durvasa Maharishi arrived. Falling at the Rishi’s feet, after honoring him, Ambarisha requested the Rishi to have some food. Gladly accepting the offer, the Rishi went to the river Yamuna to have his bath and meditate on the Supreme Brahman. The King found he had only half a muhurta (few minutes) for the dwadasi tithi to lapse. The vrata becomes complete only when the fast is broken in dwadasi with a proper meal. Caught in this dilemma, Ambarisha sought the advice of the Brahmanas. If he ate food, he would be violating athithi maryada of disrespecting an uninvited guest. On the other hand, if he did not have any food, he would violate the rules of dwadasi vrata. Invoking dharmashastras, under the guidance of the Brahmanas, Ambarisha concluded that having one sip of water will satisfy dwadasi vrata, yet since it is not food; it will not violate the rules of hospitality. Water is considered as both food and not.(आहुरब्भक्षणं विप्रा ह्यशितं नाशितं च तत् āhur ab-bhakṣaṇaṁ viprā hy aśitaṁ nāśitaṁ ca tat 9-4-40) After having a sip of water, Ambarisha meditated upon Achyuta, as he awaited Durvasa’s return.
Durvasa having completed his rituals was warmly welcomed by Ambarisha. Durvasa was able to learn from his mental powers about the single sip of water Ambarisha had taken and was furious that the host had eaten without the guest. He declared Ambarisha as puffed with pride, drunk with the powers and might, violator of Dharma and as a fake Vishnu Bhakta who acts as if he himself was the Supreme Self. Durvasa’s outrage made him conclude this behavior must be punished. He took a lock of his matted hair and created a fiery fiend that exudes fire akin to Durvasa’s mind. The blazing creature armed with trident and radiating fire all around, rushed to the calm Ambarisha, who did not even budge. Sudarshana Chakra that was ever present beside Ambarisha burnt the fiery creature and rushed towards Durvasa. Seeing the failure of his creation and Sudarshana at his tail, Durvasa ran hither thither in every direction, seeking to preserve his life.
Durvasa tried hiding in a cave in Meru, but was quickly detected by the Sudarshana Chakra. Running away from the menacing disc in any direction or loka brought no respite. He went to Brahmaloka and pleaded Brahma to grant him shelter. Brahma responded that along with Satyaloka even his time is finite. Along with Bhava, Bhrigu, Daksha and other Prajapatis, he bows to this Supreme Being and wondered how he could protect the one who has offended a devotee of Narayana?
Being relentlessly pursued by Sudarshana Chakra, Durvasa tried to take refuge in Kailasa by praying to Shankara. Rudra explained that countless universes are created and destroyed by that Being. In fact, along with Sanatkumara, Narada, Brahma, Kapila, Saubhari, Devala, Dharma, Asuri, Marichi and himself, all perfected beings complete with jnana, are still subject to the influence of HIS Maya. Thus Bhava guided him to Sri Hari, as his ultimate refuge.
Scorched by Sudarshana’s heat, Durvasa realizing his blunder surrendered at the feet of Hari, having reached Vaikuntha. He sought atonement for his mistake rendered to a Vishnubhakta and said he has understood the powers of both Hari and his bhakta. If a person in naraka were to think of Hari, even then they are redeemed, so the gracious Hari alone could save him. Hari responded that he is completely dependent on his Bhaktas (अहं भक्तपराधीन ahaṁ bhakta-parādhīna 9-4-63), especially the ones who have completely transcended all material desires. Hari expressed that such Bhaktas are very dear to HIM and even closer than Sri. These Bhaktas have given up everything just for Bhagawan’s sake, so how can he give up on them? These rarified Bhaktas don’t even aspire for Mukti (सालोक्यादिचतुष्टयम् sālokyādi-catuṣṭayam 9-4-67). The four types of Mukti are Sālokya, Sārūpya, Sāmīpya and Sāyujya. Not even desiring these Mukti states, their Bhakti transcends. The heart of such Bhakta is completely given to Bhagawan and Bhagawan’s mind is completely given to them. Out of extreme grace, he suggested to seek refuge at Ambarisha’s feet.
Durvasa tormented by Sudarshana’s heat fell at the feet of Ambarisha as instructed, who was extremely pained at seeing a Rishi at his feet. Ambarisha offered a hymn in praise of Sudarshana and pleaded it not to torment Durvasa. He requested if he had done enough to please Bhagawan and other Bhagavatas then Sudarshana must grant his request to spare Durvasa’s life. As soon as his prayers were completed, Sudarshana relented in his pursuit and withdrew himself. Amazed and relieved, Durvasa praised Ambarisha for overlooking his evil actions and yet be so compassionate. He pronounced several benedictions. He sang praises to the qualities of Bhaktas like Ambarisha, wondering what is not possible for them, as Bhagawan himself is eager to serve them.
Falling at Durvasa’s feet, Ambarisha who had not eaten anything; requested the Maharishi to accept food at his hands. He served six different types of food and fed him sumptuously. Durvasa requested the Raja to join him and wondered at his blessing to interact and be with such an elevated Mahatma. Durvasa blessed that all blessed and evolved beings will recite Ambarisha’s story and also be sanctified by narrating it. Durvasa after being thrilled with this encounter, left for Brahmaloka. The time Durvasa left due to Sudarshana’s pursuit and returned translated to ONE YEAR. For this entire duration Ambarisha took nothing more than water to sustain. Though it was obvious that he was powerful enough to liberate Durvasa for the jaws of certain death, he was humble to see it as Bhagawan’s leela. Owing to his advanced Bhakti, he entrusted the kingdom to his sons, who were akin to him in Dharma observance and took to Vanaprastha life. Having given his mind completely to Vasudeva and attained Mukti. Anyone listening, narrating or meditating on this wondrous Ambarisha charita is certain to become a bhakta like Ambarisha, according to Sri Suka, leading to their Mukti.
Practical Applications:
Satsangha: Ambarisha was so evolved in his Bhakti that his influence was all around him. From his ministers to his servants, from his athithis to everyone around, everyone lost themselves to singing the glory of Sriman Narayana. His actions reflected his Saatvic mindset. Durvasa’s pride was humbled, his bad actions nullified, yet it did not stoke any hubris in Ambarisha. Such was his glory that Bhagawan explained his stature to Durvasa. What is more exciting is Suka’s declaration that anyone who recites, listens or meditates on Ambarisha’s story gets to develop the same Bhakti of Ambarisha. This highlights the brilliant grandeur of Satsangha.
Danda is part of Dharma: The abhichara mantra generated fiery creature was immediately destroyed. Sudarshana Chakra defended the parama Bhagavata Ambarisha. But it also turned the heat on Durvasa. If it intended to kill him, it would have done so in a split second. Yet it allowed the Maharishi to exhaust his options, when even Brahma and Shiva expressed their limitations. His obvious final option of seeking refuge at the feet of Hari also came short. Hari informs us through Durvasa, that HE is Bhakta dheena. He also highlights the only refuge for those who offend a Bhagavata is only at their feet, not even Bhagawan’s.
If Dharma is violated, unless a punishment is meted, there is a weakening of the ecosystem. As Dharma is weakened by our actions, it proves to be too weak when we seek its refuge. Danda doesn’t imply capital punishment, but a transformation of the person to comply with upholding and following Dharma. In case of Durvasa, the threat loomed till he realized and begged forgiveness at the feet of Ambarisha.
Ekadasi vrata: Many following Vaishnava traditions observe this great Ekadasi vrata. Typically the last meal is on Dasami noon. Fasting is not only for the stomach, but primarily for the senses. The entire day is devoted to Hari namasankirtan, singing his glories, studying about HIM. The fasting is broken on Dwadasi morning, when prasadam is offered to Bhagawan. Though the story is narrated as Ekadasi mahatmiya, one must not lose the words of Hari as he spells out the glory of the mindset of such a Bhagavata. Ekadasi confers numerous health benefits, but the biggest benediction is the fast tracking of the spiritual journey. Following the Hindu lunar calendar, there are two ekadasis for every lunar month.
Bhagavata: The traits of the Bhagavata are the real focus for our application, as we aspire to get inspired by the stratospheric heights of Ambarisha.
- The world is ephemeral, that only feeds and stokes the ahamkara. Futility of all the possessions is understood by all those with Viveka. Chasing behind materialistic trinkets only lead to spiritual blindness. (मेनेऽतिदुर्लभं पुंसां सर्वं तत् स्वप्नसंस्तुतम् । विद्वान् विभवनिर्वाणं तमो विशति यत् पुमान् ॥ mene ’tidurlabhaṁ puṁsāṁ sarvaṁ tat svapna-saṁstutam vidvān vibhava-nirvāṇaṁ tamo viśati yat pumān 9-4-16)
- Ambarisha deployed all his senses and mind only in the service of Bhagawan. The senses or his mind did not get influenced by the worldly ways.
- Ambarisha overcame his sense of doership, by constantly remembering that Bhagawan alone is the real enjoyer, not his senses or mind or ahamkara. Bhagawan is the sole dispenser of all Karmaphala. (परेऽधियज्ञे भगवत्यधोक्षजे pare ’dhiyajñe bhagavaty adhokṣaje 9-4-21)
- Sadhakas steeped with such highest jnana and bhakti do not even desire for objects that can move Siddhas, as they are content by the bliss of the True SELF.
- Just like a chaste, gentle woman who brings her husband completely in her control by service, sadhakas with sama-drishti to everyone, completely attached only to Bhagawan, bring HIM completely under their control. (मयि निर्बद्धहृदया: साधव: समदर्शना: । वशीकुर्वन्ति मां भक्त्या सत्स्त्रिय: सत्पतिं यथा ॥ mayi nirbaddha-hṛdayāḥ sādhavaḥ sama-darśanāḥ vaśe kurvanti māṁ bhaktyā sat-striyaḥ sat-patiṁ yathā 9-4-66)
- The highest level Bhaktas even have given up desire for Moksha.
- Even miracles like the seeing the Sudarshana jump in to defend and respond to his prayers did not dent the ego of Ambarisha. He dedicated all as Hari’s grace and leela.
Ambarisha exudes these Bhagavata lakshanas and these are the benchmarks we all need to aspire. Ambarisha did not even try to defend himself when Durvasa sent the fiery fiend. His state of Saranagati was complete that it fell upon Bhagawan and thus Sudarshana Chakra to play that role. Ambarisha’s story is more than fasting during Ekadasi. It elevates the ordinary mind to such an exalted state of possibility that is even difficult to imagine, let alone follow. Ambarisha and his gunas are truly uplifting and inspires every bhagavata. May we try our best to follow in his footsteps, though we may be light years behind. Let us atleast get the orientation right by the wonderful biography of Ambarisha. May such Bhagavatas guide our daily life. If Bhagawan follows these exalted Bhagavatas, then what about us.
ॐ तत् सत
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