King Ambarish and Sage Durvasa

King Ambarish was a King in the Satya Yuga. He was a great king and was loved by his subjects. He was an ideal king and he was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was so happy with the devotion of the King that he blessed the king with his Sudarshan Chakra. Anyone who was protected by the Sudarshan Chakra was protected from everything.

King Ambarish and his kingdom prospered even more after they had got the Sudarshan Chakra. King Ambarish was humble and loved his people even more.

King Ambarish performed a fasting ceremony out of devotion to the Lord. King Ambarish fasted on the 11th of every month which he broke the next day. King Ambarish had to perform this for a year. As Ambarish was fasting, Lord Indra, the God of the heavens grew worried. Already King Ambarish commanded the Sudarshan Chakra which made him very powerful, if he also completed this fast successfully, King Ambarish would become even more powerful than Indra.

Wondering what to do, Indra saw Sage Durvasa. Sage Durvasa was one of the Sapta Rishis and was believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. However Sage Durvasa had a drawback – he got angry very fast and cursed people. Looking at him, Indra had an idea. He fell at the feet of Sage Durvasa. 'Sir! What a pleasure to meet you!'

Sage Durvasa was pleasantly surprised. He was used to people running away from him, because he got angry very often. However here was somebody who said he was glad to meet him! He blessed Indra. Indra was at his best behaviour and soon won over Sage Durvasa. Sage Durvasa was happily enjoying Indra's hospitability, when Indra said, 'Great Sage! Have you heard about King Ambarish's fast? It is said that he is true devotee of Lord Vishnu! He must really be a great king to keep up the fast for such a long time...' Sage Durvasa was listening with interest now. 'Why...?' Indra said as if he had just thought of some thing, '...he must have finished his year of fasting. I think tomorrow he will break the fast...It would be a great occasion sir!'

Sage Durvasa nodded and murmured, 'Yes indeed! That would be great! I would love to see that...'

Indra nodded his head encouragingly. He knew that Sage Durvasa would always find something to get angry about and if King Ambarish even put one foot out of line....the fast would not be complete.... Indra smiled.

The next day Sage Durvasa came to King Ambarish. Ambarish was very happy to meet the sage and both of them sat down and King Ambarish offered the Sage everything he had. The sage was very happy but he shook his head, 'Ambarish! I have just come...I need to wash up first and then we will both have some food...I think you are also due to break your fast soon...'

King Ambarish smiled, 'Yes Sir! Two hours from now would be an auspicious time to break the fast!'

Sage Durvasa smiled, 'I will clean up and both of us together will do it...'

King Ambarish nodded.

However as usual there was a twist in the tale. Sage Durvasa got delayed and the auspicious time came. The minsters of King Ambarish came forward, 'Sir! I think it would be best if you broke the fast and had a sip of water! You can wait for the sage and then have the food sir!'

The king shook his head. 'Sage Durvasa is my guest! He said he would come and then we would break my fast...I will wait for him...' The king said firmly.

However the Sage did not come. The ministers said again, 'Sir, the auspicious time for the finishing the fast is approaching...If you do not break the fast now...there was no point in keeping your fast sir!'

The king was sitting worriedly looking for the sage when the minister spoke again, 'Sir! You are taking only a sip of water sir! You are not going to eat without him...'

Finally King Ambarish nodded and he took just a sip of water...Just as his luck would have it, as he finished taking the sip, Sage Durvasa came all fresh and...angry!

'Ambarish! Is this how you show respect to your guest?' He thundered, 'You just broke your fast before I came...'

The king humbly raised his hands, 'Sir! The auspicious time was passing....I took only a sip of water....'

'AUSPICIOUS TIME!....You don't know how to deal with guests...and you talk about auspicious time...' Sage Durvasa looked far from forgiving....

'Sir! I am sorry, if I have offended...' King Ambarish said again.

'OFFENDED...I...You...' Sage Durvasa said angrily, 'See what I am going to do you...'

Sage Durvasa said plucking out a strand of hair from his head and threw it on the ground. From the strand of hair emerged a huge demon. The ministers of King Ambarish stepped back in fright.

The demon bowed before Sage Durvasa, 'Command me, Sage Durvasa!'

Sage Durvasa looked contemptuously at King Ambarish as he pointed at the King, 'He...He has offended me...Kill him...' Sage Durvasa said simply to the demon.

The demon charged at King Ambarish. The ministers ran away. The Kings guards came forward unsure of how to deal with demons. They held out their swords, when King Ambarish called out, 'Do nothing...If you value your life...do nothing....'

The soldiers looked at each other and put their swords back as Sage Durvasa watched the whole scene with angry eyes.

King Ambarish prayed to Lord Vishnu, 'My Lord1 I have not committed any mistake...Please protect me and my men...'

The demon came forward and was about to push the soldiers away, when a loud whirring sound came from above King Ambarish. Sage Durvasa and the demon stared widely, as the Sudarshana Chakra came and attacked the demon.

The demon did not even have a chance. Before he even knew what happened, the Sudarshana Chakra attacked the demon. The demon was no more. Then the Sudarshana Chakra turned towards the surprised Sage Durvasa. Without stopping, the Chakra started whirling towards the sage. The sage stared at the Chakra with wide unbelieving eyes as he stepped back. Then suddenly he started running, realizing that there was no stopping the Chakra and that the Chakra actually meant to hurt him!

Sage Durvasa ran...He ran on top of mountains, on plains, caves, even under water...the Chakra followed him everywhere.

Sage Durvasa was desperate. He ran to Satyaloka where Lord Brahma was residing and gasped, 'Lord! Please help me....the Sudarshana....is after me....'

Lord Brahma hid a smile, 'I cannot help you...Durvasa...Please seek the help of Lord Shiva...'

Dodging the Chakra and running through forests and caves, and desperately climbing the icy mountains of Kailash, Sage Durvasa ran to Lord Shiva, 'My Lord!...' He was not able to get the words out as he was panting, 'Chakra...'

Lord Shiva looked at Durvasa with pity, 'The Sudarshana Chakra belongs to Lord Vishnu...He is the only person who can call it off, Durvasa'

Having no choice, Sage Durvasa ran to Vaikunta and just escaped the Chakra from hurting him as he ran to Lord Vishnu. He fell on Lord Vishnu's feet. 'My Lord! Please protect me from your Chakra...please'

Lord Vishnu smiled, 'Durvasa! The Sudarshana is mine, no doubt! But it is now protecting Ambarish. He is the only one who is controlling the Chakra. Talk to him. He will be able to call off the Chakra...'

Finally the sage ran to back where he had started. Ambarish was shocked on seeing the appearance of Sage Durvasa. The sage was panting and gasping, locks of hair flying all over his face, faced flushed and tired and haggard.

Sage Durvasa spoke gasping, 'Ambarish! You are the...the one... one...who can call it back...please call it back...!' The Sudarshana Chakra came whirling behind the Sage

Ambarish immediately understood. He closed his eyes and prayed to the Lord, 'Lord! I still respect this great sage as much as I did when I saw him first! Please forgive him for his mistake...He does not deserve this punishment. Please ask the Chakra not to hurt him.'

No sooner had Ambarish thought the words, the Chakra stopped. It wavered for a minute and then disappeared.

Sage Durvasa heaved a sigh of relief and took several deep breaths controlling himself. Finally when he was calm enough he went straight to King Ambarish. 'Ambarish! I have never seen a man equal to you in devotion! You never made any mistake. You broke the fast by taking a sip of water and you waited for me! I did not understand that in my anger! I am sorry!...' The sage looked unhappy and sad as he continued, '...And you are also a very good man. Though I threatened to destroy you, you still saved my life! Thank you! You really are a great man!'

Ambarish smiled and fell of the Sage's feet and asked for his blessings. Then the two of them together broke the King's fast! Thus despite all the hurdles, Ambarish also completed the fasting ceremony, which made him as powerful as Indra, the Lord of the Heavens!

The birth of Hanuman

Hanuman is one of the heroes of Ramayana. He has the face of a monkey and is an ardent devotee of Ram. It was mostly due to his help that Ram was able to defeat Ravana, the demon-king of Lanka. Do you know the story of the birth of Hanuman?

The birth of Hanuman starts with an apsara – Punjikastala. Punjikastala was a heavenly maiden and roamed the skies. Once when she roamed the heavens, she saw a monkey deep in meditation.

Instead of admiring the devotion of the monkey rishi, Pujikastala felt that the monkey sitting in a cross-legged posture was very funny. Unable to control herself she burst out laughing. However the monkey did not take any offence. He was after all a rishi...someone in control of his senses. He was so deep in meditation that he did not even know that someone was laughing at him.

Punjikastala misunderstanding the silence of the rishiand poked fun of him some more. She finally threw stones and fruits at the rishi. When one of the mangoes hit the rishi on his head, the rishi opened his eyes with a start, his meditation broken. He looked around furiously and saw Punjikastala aiming a stone at him.

The sage looked so angry that Punjikastala shivered. She involuntarily dropped the stone and looked mutely at the sage.

The sage looked at Punjikastala angrily, 'Why did you throw stones at me?'

Punjikastala remained mute staring at the Monkey-sage. 'You have now broken my meditation...I can forgive the rest...but I cannot forgive you for interrupting my meditation....'

Punjikastala looked at the furious sage still not able to talk. The sage continued, 'You think I am funny because I look like a monkey...I curse you that you will henceforth become a monkey yourself....'

Hearing this, Punjikastala burst out crying, 'Great sage! I w...was wrong...I did not understand who you were and I threw stones at you....I made...made fun of you....But turning me into a monkey is a ver...very harsh punishment....Please sir...' Punjikastala fell at the the sage's feet, 'I beg you sir! I have learnt my lesson. Please take back your curse. She said tears streaming down her face.

Looking at Punjikastala, the monkey-sage realized that Punjikastala had really repented her actions and was sorry for her actions. But he was a sage. Sages were powerful and when they said anything, they were immediately brought into effect. Their words could not be taken back.

The monkey-sage looked at Punjikastala and said softly, 'I am sorry Punjikastala, but I cannot take back my word! But your curse will end as soon as you give birth to an incarnation of Lord Shiva! Pray to him....'

Punjikastala looked downcast as the sage vanished from there. She felt some change in her body and ran to the nearest river. There she saw that fur had grown in her body, she had a small tail and her face was that of a monkey! Unable to bear the grief anymore Punjikastala walked aimlessly throughout the forest, wishing that the nightmare would be over and that she would again become her normal self. Pray to Lord Shiva...The words of the monkey sage came to her mind.

That night, Punjikastala made a small linga and worshiped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati before going to sleep. She felt peaceful and fell asleep almost immediately.

In the morning, she again prayed to the Lord and the Goddess and then walked further deep inside the forest. As she walked, she saw a small ashrama there.

The people in the ashrama however did not make fun of her because she had the face of a monkey. They were true ascetics. They did not care how a person looked. True faith in God was all that mattered.

They gave her fruits to eat. Punjikastala was feeling very hungry after a long day. She gratefully ate the fruits.

'Who are you my child?' asked one of the oldest ascetics.

Punjikastala opened her mouth to say, 'I am...' when she stopped. What do I tell these people that I am an apsara who was cursed to be a monkey...These people will make fun of me if they come to know that I was cursed...My past life is done and over...I need a new identity, a new name...a new beginning....'Punjikastala winced as she looked as the calm and wrinkled eyes of the ascetic. She cleared her throat again, 'Sir, I am Anjana...' From deep down, Punjikastala felt that she had more than changed her name...She began to feel that she was destined to greatness because of this name...

'Well Anjana...You are a very brave woman...You have crossed this forest at night...' The ascetic shivered, 'We normally never go out at night...'

Anjana looked quizzically at the ascetic as he continued, 'There is a huge demon Sambasadan who lives here. He...' The ascetic shivered again, 'He is a monster. He terrorizes all the people in the forest....We think he may attack the ashrama today....' Anjana looked at the ascetic, 'We are preparing to defend ourselves against the demon...'

'I will also help you fight...' She said in a determined manner as the ascetic nodded and left to make preparations. 

Anjana walked out of the hut and made a small linga on the ground and worshiped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. These people are good and kind. They have given me protection, instead of laughing at me and my plight...It is my duty to protect these people...Please give me the strength to fight this demon.

Anjana felt distinct words flow inside her head, 'Sambasadam can be defeated only by his own blood my child...May you be victorious...'

Anjana opened her eyes as a new hope filled her body. She knew she had heard the words of the Lord and the Goddess and that they would guide her to victory....She got ready for battle. She was picking up the weapons, when she saw another man standing beside her who was examining the weapons. The man had turned his face away from her so she could not see his face. However the man was very muscular and well-built. Anjana realized that the man was a professional fighter a king perhaps....and that he probably was called upon by the people in the ashram to fight for them.

The man looked strong and from the scars in his body he looked like he had fought many times.

As Anjana was about to talk to the man, the man turned and Anjana gasped. The man had the face of a monkey...He carried himself like a king and Anjana realized that he was probably the king of monkeys here.

He came forward and spoke to her in a strong voice. 'I am Kesari! I hear that you are also going to fight the demon here. That...' Kesari smiled, 'That is very brave of you...'

Anjana felt proud as she picked up her staff and practiced with it, 'Well, you are also fighting, that makes you a very brave man....'

Kesari laughed, 'Well it is my duty. I am the King of the monkeys here and this ashrama comes within my territory. So I have to give these people all the protection that I can give them...'

Anjana was about tell him about Shiva and Parvati's dream, when they heard a loud roar. Anjana turned and saw a huge demon rush towards the hermitage. His size was so big that Anjana felt that even if he came inside the ashrama by mistake, he would trample the people and destroy the homes of the people in the hermitage....

'We have to lead the demon away from the ashrama...' Kesari said as he picked up his weapon and charged at the demon. Together the two of them along with some people from the ashrama and a small monkey army fought with the demon. Kesari fought the demon brilliantly, but unfortunately he was not able to hurt the demon.... The demon was always able to turn and twist away or change his form, before Kesari could actually hurt him.

However Kesari persistently kept pushing the demon back and once pierced the demon's shield. The demon roared as some of his blood flowed down on the earth.

Anjana who was firing some arrows stopped and ran forward. She dipped the arrows in the blood of the demon and fired the arrows. The demon wailed as the arrow pierced him. Kesari saw this and immediately came forward and dipped his staff in the blood and started fighting.

Whenever the staff or the arrow tipped in his own blood hit the demon, the demon roared as his body started melting.

Soon Kesari dipped his whole staff and pierced the demon straight in the heart. Sambasadan let out a loud roar and slowly disappeared.

The people in the ashrama let out a loud cheer when they saw that Sambasadan was no more. People carried Anjana and Kesari on their shoulders and happily brought them to the ashrama and dancing for hours together.

Sambasadan had been killing and injuring people very often and the forest had become a very dangerous place because of him. However now it was all over...The festivities went on all night and the people had a grand feast to celebrate the victory....

While the festivities were going on, an old ascetic of the ashrama came forward and asked to speak to Anjana separately. The ascetic was looking at her with pride, but he looked slightly uneasy as if he was going to ask a favour from her. Anjana looked at the ascetic and waited for him to continue. The ascetic cleared his throat and said softly, 'Anjana, we have a custom....Generally when a person fights and wins a battle for us, we give a very precious gift to that person...Today both of you have won this battle for us...I was wondering if....' Anjana looked at the ascetic wondering what he was going to give her. 

'Would you consider marrying Kesari?' The ascetic blurted out as Anjana looked surprised. 'He is a brave man and you are a brave woman..You are the best gift for him and he is the best gift for you....Would...?'Anjana looked at the ascetic shyly as she did not say anything. Since she had seen Kesari fight, she was filled with awe at how brave he was. He was also extremely intelligent...Anjana had wondered all day whether Kesari would be interested in marrying her. But then she remembered that she had the face of a monkey...Though he was also a monkey, Anjana did not think she was pretty enough to attract him...

She cleared her throat and said softly, 'If Kesari is willing, I am also....'

The ascetic was happiness personified, 'We have already spoken to him. You see...he thinks you are very brave and beautiful and he wanted to marry you. But he did not know whether you would be...'

Anjana laughed....

An auspicious day was chosen and Kesari and Anjana was beaming as they were married....

After their marriage, both Anjana and Kesari daily worshiped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They led a very happy married life.

Meanwhile in a faraway place called Ayodhya, King Dasaratha had no children of his own and was performing a yagna for children. After Sage Rishyashringa performed the Putrakameshti yagna for King Dasaratha, Lord Agni came before Dasaratha and gave him some pudding [payasam] which was to be be shared between King Dasaratha's three wives. 

King Dasaratha gave the pudding to Kausalya and Kaikeyi.  However as Dasaratha was about to hand over the pudding to Queen Sumithra, a bird snatched the payasam and flew away from there. Both Kausalya and Kaikeyi immediately gave a portion of their own pudding to Queen Sumithra, because of which Queen Sumithra gave birth to twins – Lakshmana and Shatrugana. Queen Kausalya gave birth to Ram, the hero of Ramayana and Queen Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharat.

[The bird which stole the payasam also has a story. The bird was actually an apsara – Suvarchala. Suvarchala was very impulsive and often acted without thinking. Once because of her impulsive behaviour, Lord Brahma got very angry with her and cursed her that she would become a bird.  Suvarchala promised Lord Brahma that she had repented her ways. Lord Brahma said that his words could not be taken back and that Suvarchala would have to go to earth and stay as a bird. Lord Brahma however modified the curse and said that Suvarchala was to be freed from her curse if she touched the pudding given by Lord Agni to Dasaratha.]

Eager to have her curse lifted, Suvarchala snatched the pudding from Queen Sumitra. Immediately she changed form and became an apsara. The payasam fell from the bird's claws and was falling to the ground when Vayu, the Wind God following the orders of Lord Shiva, blew the pudding softly without spilling it...Vayu blew the pudding straight towards the forests where Anjana and Kesari were staying

Anjana and Kesari had just finished her morning prayers when Anjana felt something brush her hands. It was the pudding! Anjana and Kesari looked surprised when they heard a heavenly voice, 'Take this offering Anjana. It has the power of the Wind God as he was the one who blew it you and the essence of Lord Shiva inside it. You will have a healthy brave boy, who will be the incarnation of Lord Shiva...Take the pudding...'

Kesari looked with pride as Anjana swallowed the pudding.

Subsequently Anjana gave birth to one of the most powerful heroes of Ramayana – Hanuman. 

However Hanuman was originally called as Anjaneya [Son of Anjana]. He was also called as Pavanputra, [which means son of the Wnd God.He was called so because he had the essence of the Wind God] Hanuman was also called as Kesharinandan  [which means 'son of Kesari']

Anjana was freed of her curse as she had given birth to an incarnation of Shiva. 

Vayu, whose essence was there in the young monkey boy looked after the boy as his own son...

But how Anjaneya got the name as 'Hanuman' is another story!

Dhruva - The Pole Star

Manu [Who was rescued by Lord Vishnu in his Matsya Avatar] had many children. One of them was Uttanapada. Uttanapada had two wives – the elder wife was Sunithi and the younger was Surichi.

Surichi was extremely beautiful, but was very haughty and dominating. Uttanapada loved Surichi more because she was very beautiful. Uttanapada was often partial to Surichi and this made Surichi even more arrogant.

Dhruva was Sunithi's son whereas Uttama was Surichi's son. Dhruva was the elder son and in those days it was customary to crown the elder son as the king. However Surichi wanted her son to be the king and not Dhruva. She used her cunning and soon made sure that her son was closer to the king than Dhruva.

One time when Dhruva was seven years old, Uttama was playing on the king's lap. Dhruva looking at this ran forward and tried to get up the throne to sit on his father's lap. However Surichi saw this and became very angry. She dragged Dhruva away from the father's lap and shouted at him, 'Do you really think, you can sit on this lap Dhruva? You don't deserve to sit there...You will never be close to the king and you will never be the king...If you want to sit on the King's lap, go pray to Narayana that you may be born as my son in your next birth...Then you can sit there...' She said pointing at the king.

King Uttanapada was disturbed by what Surichi had done, but he loved his wife so much that he did not dare open his mouth against her. Looking that his father was silent at his treatment, Dhruva burst out crying and ran to his mother...

Numbed by grief, he ran all the way to his mother's room. Looking at the disheveled face of the normally cheerful Dhruva, Sunithi was alarmed. She gathered him in his lap. 'What is the matter child?' She asked him as she wiped the tears from his eyes.

Slowly, with broken sobs, Dhruva told Sunithi the whole story. Sunithi was angry that the king had kept quiet when Surichi had done pushed her son, but she knew that she could not do anything to help her son.

She hugged the weeping child in her arms and held him. Slowly the child's tears subsided. Then Dhruva asked his mother in a very small voice, 'Mother am I not my father's son? Can't I sit on my father's lap?'

Sunithi wanted to burst out crying when she heard this, but she controlled herself. She cleared her throat and said quietly, 'Dhruva, the king...loves Surichi more than he has ever loved me...You are older than Uttama...You should have been the king....but because the king loves Surichi more, he has decided to make Uttama as the king....I am sorry son...' She said wiping a tear from her eyes, 'All this is happening to you.... because you are my son....'

Dhruva listened to his mother and did not say anything. He lovingly wiped his mother's tears. 'Mother I do not want to be Queen Surichi's son. I want to be only your son...' He said with fierce pride. 'Mother who is Lord Narayana?'

Sunithi frowned as she heard the child asking an unconnected question. She looked at her child not saying anything, when the child said, 'Queen Surichi said, if I pray to Lord Narayana, I may be born as her son...Who is Lord Narayana?'

Queen Sunithi said tears welling up her eyes, 'Lord Narayana is the ultimate God in the universe. Everything in world exists because of Narayana. He can do anything and everything. He protects all of us...'

Dhruva looked at wonder as his mother explained about Lord Narayana,a strange love filling him.'Mother if Lord Narayana is that powerful then he is the one who can solve all our problems..I will pray to him..I will meditate to him and I will come with his blessings...'

Queen Surichi's looked at the determined face of the child and said quietly, 'It is not easy to see Narayana, you can see him only if you are devoted to him totally and meditate to him and him alone...'

Dhruva nodded. 'I will do it mother...I will make you proud...' He said getting up.

Queen Sunithi came forward and kissed her son once more, 'You already have made me proud...'

With his mother's blessing's Dhruva set out to the forest to meditate on Lord Vishnu. On his way, Dhruva met Sage Narada.

Sage Narada was traveling the world, when he saw a young child going inside the forest with great determination. Puzzled he went down to see the child.'Where are you going, child?'

Dhruva bowed to Sage Narada, 'Sir! I am going to the forest to meditate on Lord Narayana and see him....'

Sage Narada had never before seen such a determination in such a young child. Looking at the child he realized that the child was very serious about doing what he had said. The child needed guidance... 'Why do you wish to see Lord Vishnu?'

Dhruva told him his whole story. Narada was moved when he heard the story. He looked at the child, 'Son, I believe that you will do what you have set out to do....Here, repeat these mantras after me...' Sage Narada taught Dhruva some mantras and the words 'Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudeva...' Chant these mantras with devotion, child, the Lord will appear....' Dhruva joyously thanked the Sage and sat under a tree and started his penance.

In the first month of his penance, Dhruva used to eat the fruits he used to get. However from the second month onwards he slowly gave that up. By the fifth month of his penance Dhruva had given up food and water. The power of his penance was so strong that a fierce light came from him. When finally Dhruva gave up even air in the sixth month, the three worlds shook with the power of his penance.

Indra, the Lord of the three worlds, saw the young child performing the rigorous penance and just could not understand why the child was doing it...Indra was beginning to get frightened by the power of the child. Perhaps the child wants my throne, why else would he be performing such a penance...

Indra took up the form of Queen Sunithi and went to Dhruva and talked to him about giving up his penance. But Dhruva was adamant. He continued with his meditation. Indra sent monsters to attack the child. However nothing happened to the child. The Sapta Rishis [Seven Holy Sages] fearing more attacks from Indra, formed a protective circle around the child.

Finally the earth and the heavens were able to take it any more...Dhruva's penance was literally burning it up...The Gods all went to Lord Vishnu and asked him to meet the child.

Finally Lord Vishnu came to earth to meet the child. 'Open your eyes Dhruva!' The Dark Lord said gently.

Thrilled on hearing the voice of the Dark Lord, Dhruva opened his eyes to see the most beautiful sight of his life. The dark Lord was standing before him with all his ornaments and was looking radiant. The child was so happy that he could not get words out of his mouth. He just fell at the feet of the Lord, not knowing what to say.

'Your penance dragged me here child....Anything you ask for is yours...Anything...'Lord Vishnu said with a gentle smile.

Finally Dhruva opened his mouth to speak. 'I...I do...not wish anything....I wanted something....But after seeing you....I don't need anything...now...' The child said softly.

Lord Vishnu gave Dhruva a dazzling smile as he embraced the child. 'I am yet to see something close to your devotion child...Go back home...Be a good ruler and after your rule has ended, you will get a position, from where no one can ever throw you...ever..'

Finally Dhruva remembered why he had been meditating. But he shook his head, 'My Lord! I am not interested in those things...I just want to be with you...' Dhruva said desperately...

Lord Vishnu smiled, 'Go home child... everything you wish for will happen...'

Unable to understand the Lord's meaning, Dhruva looked at the Lord as the Lord explained. Sage Narada after meeting Dhruva had gone to meet King Uttanapada. The King was feeling miserable at having treated a young child so rudely. The King was now angry with Queen Suruchi for her acts. The Queen was also lying unhappily at what she had done...She should have treated Dhruva as her own son, but instead she had sent a child away to the forest...She could not forgive herself...

Sage Narada told the king that Dhruva was a special child and that he would come back only with the blessings of the Lord. Sage Narada also asked King Uttanapada to treat Queen Sunithi well...So now King Uttanapada with both his queens and his other son Uttama and waiting for Dhruva to come back.

After hearing the Lord's explanations, Dhruva then went back home, where the whole kingdom received him happily. With the blessings of both the queens, Dhruva was made the crown prince of the kingdom. Uttama also loved his brother and Dhruva also looked after his brother very well.

In fact Dhruva loved his brother so much, that once he almost destroyed all the yakshas [Kubera's men] because they had hurt Uttama. However that is another story!

King Uttanapada made Dhruva as a king and left to the forests to meditate on the Lord. Dhruva was a very good king and the people of the kingdom rejoiced.

Dhruva ruled the kingdom for very long time- thirty six thousand years – infact! After his rule, Dhruva crossed over the three worlds and went to Vaikunta – the home of the Dark Lord Vishnu, where he became the bright star – Dhruva – the Pole Star, protected by the stars of the Seven Sages, with his mother Queen Sunithi near his orb. Thus by sheer devotion, Dhruva finally attained a place, from where he could never be pushed away!

Why Shiva is worshiped as a Linga?

In Hindu Mythology, at the time of creation, the Brahman [Force which runs through all of us and the Great energy which created everything in the universe] manifested itself into the form of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.

Lord Brahma was the Creator and Lord Vishnu was the Preserver. They worked together and everything was fine with the universe. However once Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma had a fight with each other.

Lord Vishnu said, ‘Brahma, I am the Preserver. I am more powerful than you…’

Lord Brahma snorted, ‘If I had not created anything, where does your role come into this…’

‘More People worship me …’ Lord Vishnu angrily. The fight was threatening to go out of hand, when the other Gods went to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva told the Gods that he would take care of this and asked the Gods to be in peace.

As Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma were angrily staring at each other, a huge pillar erupted before them. The pillar was so long that neither Lord Vishnu nor Lord Brahma could either see the beginning or the end of it.

Their fight forgotten the two Gods got together. ‘What is this, Vishnu? Did you…?’ asked Brahma pointing at the column. Vishnu shook his head.

Lord Brahma said, ‘Let us find out how huge this pillar is….I will go to the top…’

Lord Vishnu nodded, ‘…I will go to the bottom….’

Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and flew up, whereas Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha [Boar] and went digging down to find the end of the pillar.

On and on Brahma flew but the pillar never seemed to end….What is this and how long can it get…Brahma thought…Suddenly Lord Brahma thought of something else. What if Vishnu is able to reach the bottom of the pillar….What if he comes back first….He will make fun of me and tell me that he is better than me…Lord Brahma started flying with renewed vigour but he still could not find the end of the pillar…As Brahma flew he saw a beautiful Ketaki flower on the pillar.

He picked up the flower, ‘You are so beautiful, what are you doing here, Ketaki.?’

‘Sir, I was offered to this pillar for prayer. As the wind blew, I was blown down the pillar. But the pillar is so long that even after a few years I am still on the pillar…’

Looking at the flower Brahma had an idea. ‘Ketaki, you have been on this pillar. I want you to do something for me…Can you lie for me?’

The flower looked at Lord Brahma suspiciously as Lord Brahma laughed nervously, ‘You see, I had a bet with Vishnu, about who is better. At that time this pillar came between us. I went looking at the top and Vishnu went looking at the bottom. If I take you back and tell Vishnu that I…I found the top and you…also said the same…well I would become a stronger God than Vishnu….’ Lord Brahma said looking desperately.

The Ketaki flower slowly nodded his head, ‘Ok I will support your story…’

Happily, Lord Brahma carried the flower in his beak and flew back. He met Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar still digging the base, unable to get to the bottom of the pillar.

Tired Lord Vishnu got out of the digging to meet Lord Brahma. ‘Were you able to find the top Brahma?’ He asked tiredly.

Lord Brahma proudly pulled out the flower and said, ‘Yes, I have seen the beginning of the pillar…’ Lord Vishnu looked disbelievingly as Lord Brahma continued, ‘..and as proof of the same, I have brought this back…’ He said placing the Ketaki flower on the pillar. ‘This flower was at the top of the pillar and I brought is back… Well?’ Lord Brahma nervously peered at the flower.

The Ketaki spoke, ‘Yes Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma speaks the truth. I was at the top of the pillar. Lord Brahma brought me from there…’

Lord Vishnu looked dejected, ‘Well Brahma, good for you…I have not been able to get to the bottom. I have been digging….digging and digging…the pillar does not seem to end…’

Lord Brahma looked smugly, ‘Well that means that I am….’ CRACK!

Much to the surprise of Lord Brahma, the pillar split open. From inside the pillar came the beautiful three eyed God – Shiva. Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma looked dazed as Shiva appeared before them with all his splendor and power.

Lord Shiva addressed Lord Brahma who was looking at him with an open mouth, ‘You saw the end of the pillar, Brahma?’

Lord Brahma did not say anything. He just looked down and stared blankly. Lord Vishnu looked uncomprehendingly as Lord Shiva continued angrily, ‘You lied, Brahma! This pillar is a form of me..It is a linga – a form in which I am easily found. There is no beginning or end for this linga.You, me and Vishnu- we are all forms of the Brahman – each one of us has a job – Creation, Preservation and Destruction. There is no ‘who is better’ between us….’ Lord Shiva said angrily, ‘We have to function together not fight with each other.

Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma both apologized to Lord Shiva. However Lord Shiva was not yet finished, ‘Brahma for your lie, I curse you…You will never be worshiped like the rest of us….And you Ketaki…’Lord Shiva thundered as the flower quailed, ‘You will never be offered in prayers from now on….

Both Lord Brahma and the flower did not dare object. They had paid the price for lying…

Lord Brahma has very few temples in India and is rarely worshiped separately. Lord Shiva’s curse is said to be one of the reasons for this. Even now the Ketaki flower is never used for worship or offered while prayers.

Lord Shiva is always prayed in the form of the linga, which is regarded as his symbol, the form in which he first appeared to stop the fights between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma.

Vamana Avatar

The Vamana Avatar is the first Avatar in which Lord Vishnu incarnated as a human. This is the fifth of the Dasavatar, where Lord Vishnu incarnates as a dwarf to protect Indra. ['Vamana' in Sanskrit means dwarf]

The Vamana Avatar starts with Mahabali the Asura King. Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada and the son of Virochana. Mahabali was a a great ruler and his people loved him. The people were very happy and prosperous under his rule. He was taught the Vedhas by his grandfather Prahlada and after that by his teacher Shukracharya. [After the churning of the ocean, when the Devas had taken the Amrit, Indra had killed Bali. Shukracharya brought back Bali to life, with the help of his mantras and power.]

Mahabali performed severe penance to Lord Brahma. Finally Lord Brahma appeared him, 'My Lord!' Bali said bowing before Lord Brahma, 'The people are always afraid of Asuras. I want to show the world that we are good. I want to have the power equal to Indra. I also should not be defeated in battle, sir!'

Lord Brahma sensed that Mahabali was a righteous man, meant for great things. Without asking any questions, he granted Mahabali his boon.

Shukracharya was a very good teacher and a very good battle strategist. With his help, Bali soon conquered the three worlds. Bali defeated Indra, the King of the Gods and took over the heavens. However Bali aided by his Guru was always righteous and was devoted to Lord Vishnu.

Shukracharya once called him, 'Bali! You have now conquered the three worlds. However if you wish to always be the Lord of the three worlds, you have to perform 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas. It is befitting that a king like you should perform the Ashwamedha Yagna, then you will always be the king of the 3 worlds.'

Bali who respected his teacher nodded his head and started about making preparations for the Yagna. Preparations were going on full scale.

Meanwhile, elsewhere Indra was lying dejected. Bali had not only defeated him, but was also showing the world, how a great ruler should behave! Bali was a good king and people loved him. Indra was actually feeling jealous of him. Indra had a feeling that all the Gods would also be on the side of the Asura – Bali.

He was sitting beside his mother Aditi in his father – Kashyap's hermitage. Aditi looked at her son and asked him. 'What is the matter son? You look unhappy...'

Indra looked at his mother and said quietly, 'Mother, it is Bali...'

Aditi looked at his son, waiting for him to explain.

'Mother, not only did he manage to defeat me, he is such a good king! People will always say that I am not that good a king as him...' Indra said angrily, 'They will compare me to that Asura and say he is better... I cannot bear it...' He said burying his hands in his lap.

Aditi looked at her son and took pity on him. 'I will see what I can do...But you have to promise me son that you will be a good king and not be hasty and act rashly henceforth...'

Indra looked at his mother, wondering what she could do. But Indra did not doubt even for a minute that his mother would solve his problem.

Aditi prayed to Lord Vishnu and started performing penance to invoke Lord Vishnu. After some time Lord Vishnu appeared before Aditi, 'Aditi! Open your eyes!'

Aditi opened his eyes and bowed to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu spoke, 'Why did you pray to me, Aditi?'

Aditi said, 'There is nothing you do not know. You know that Bali has taken over my son's kingdom...'

Lord Vishnu interrupted softly, 'Aditi, Bali is a great man and he is good devotee and he deserves to be the Indra...'

Aditi took a deep breath and spoke again, 'My Lord! I have no doubt, Bali is a fit king. But are the other Asuras fit to rule? I am sure the other Asuras would fall to their old cruel ways and go back to hurting people...Is that what you wish?'

Lord Vishnu looked at Aditi thinking something, 'Well what do you wish?'

Aditi smiled, 'I wish that you are born as my son to end Bali's menace...'

Lord Vishnu smiled, 'Bali is not a menace. But there is one thing. Bali is destined to be the Indra.' Aditi looked at Lord Vishnu with fear. 'But... not just yet. It will be after some time.' Lord Vishnu said smilingly.

'I will take care of this. I will be born as your son, Aditi.' Aditi left home a slightly happy woman.

Soon Aditi and Kashyap were the parents of a black, beautiful short boy. He was extremely intelligent and full of pranks and was the darling of the house.

In those days at the age of five, the sacred thread ceremony was performed, to send the children for their education. Vamana's sacred thread ceremony was also performed.

Meanwhile Mahabali had performed 99 Ashwamedha Yagna and had to perform just one more yagna after which he could be crowned as the King of the Gods.

The final Ashwamedha Yagna was about to be get completed, when the entire kingdom saw a handsome dark boy approach the throne. He looked radiant and looked as if he had mastered all the arts in the universe.

Mahabali felt a surge of love towards the boy. He got up from the throne and offered it to the boy and bowed before him.

'Sir! I am honoured that you have come to my hundredth Ashwamedha Yagna. I now feel it will be a success.' Mahabali said looking at the boy lovingly.

However Guru Shukracharya was looking at the boy suspiciously.

Mahabali said again, 'Sir! Today happens to be the day I give away any alms to any person. I will give you anything you want. Please...

'Mahabali!' Shukracharya interrupted. Mahabali turned around surprised. His guru never spoke out of turn. Something was surely wrong. He looked at his Guru who spoke quietly, 'I wish to talk with you, my Lord!'

'You wish to talk with me now, sir!' Mahabali spoke incredulously. The guru nodded curtly and went inside the main hall to a private room. Mahabali hurriedly apologized to the dwarf boy and went to with his Guru.

'Sir! What hap...' Mahabali asked in an agitated manner.

'Silence!' Shukracharya spoke firmly, 'The boy is none other than Lord Vishnu. He has come here on behalf of Indra. If you give him what he wants, all will be lost...'

However it seemed as if Mahabali heard only half of what his Guru had said. 'Lord Vishnu...! He looked like a man in a daze. 'My Lord has come here to ask something from me...Than I must go...' He said going towards the door.

'Stop! You will do no such thing' The guru thundered, 'Will you disobey your guru and do what your enemy wants...'

'There is no rule as far as my Lord is concerned. And...' Mahabali looked with loving eyes, 'He has come to ask something from me...I will give him anything...' Mahahabli said with a simple devotion, from his heart.

'You disobeyed me!' Shukracharya said angrily, 'You will lose your all your splendour, Mahabali!'

Mahabali listened to the sages words and remained unchanged. It did not matter to him anymore. He looked at his Guru, 'Sir! I am not afraid of anything that will happen from giving my Lord what he wants'

Saying thus Mahabali walked out of the room followed by a furious Shukracharya.

Mahabali went to the boy again and spoke lovingly, 'Sir! We were rudely interrupted...For that I am sorry. As I was saying, today is the day I will give anything to any person who comes asking from me. What is your wish sir?'

The dark boy looked at Mahabali quietly, 'I want three steps of land, measured by my feet!'

Whatever Mahahbali had expected this was not it! He expected the boy to ask for his life, his...anything but not this...this was simple...too simple. He almost laughed. 'Three steps! That is all you want! I will give you....'

The boy interrupted, 'If any person cannot be satisfied by three steps, of land there is nothing much he can be satisfied with, your Majesty! That is all I wish...'

Looking at the dark boy, the king felt the same magnetic effect. He nodded his head, 'Anything you wish sir!'

As soon as Mahabali uttered these words, Vamana grew. Vamana grew...and grew and grew. He grew so huge, that from where Bali stood, he could see only the boy's feet, nothing else. The boy had grown so huge that the earth itself seemed to measure up in his one step!

Next the boy lifted his other leg and measured up the entire skies with his other step! [The avatar where Lord Vishnu grew to such a huge size is called as Trivikrama Avatar]

Mahabali stood there astounded watching the Dark Lord's brilliance! The boy called Mahabali. 'Oh Great King! You promised me three steps... I have measured the earth and the skies in two steps. I have nowhere to keep my third step. Where shall I keep my third step?'

Mahabali heard the boy and smiled, 'My Lord! I am not someone who breaks his promises. I offer my head as your third step my Lord!'

Lord Vishnu gave a beautiful smile, a melancholy smile and kept his third step on the Asura's head. The Asura was pushed to the Nether world [Paatala] by the force of the third step on his head.

Thus Mahabali was removed from his splendour of being the king of the Three Worlds and was pushed to the Nether worlds....

Indra and the other Devas came back to their skies grateful that they had got back their kingdom. They were happy.

However Lord Vishnu was perturbed. Mahabali had been his true devotee. He had not faltered even when his guru had warned him. He remained true to what he had said...Lord Vishnu went to the underworld.

In the underworld, Mahahbali was rebuilding his kingdom. He did not once regret the fact that he was back in the underworld...He had served his Lord and had kept his promise. He was happy. He saw a dark man approaching him. 'Your majesty! I hear you are rebuilding your kingdom. I will be your watchman your majesty! I will protect you and be part of your army!'

Mahabali looked at the dark strong young man. He agreed. The man stayed along as his watchman.

Meanwhile a very beautiful woman also came up to Mahabali. She looked powerful and graceful at the same time. She said to Mahabali, 'Your Majesty! My husband...he has gone to fulfill some errands and is not yet home. I feel lonely without him. I also need protection. I heard that in Mahabali's kingdom, you look after everyone like your own children. Please give me protection too!'

Mahabali was moved when he heard the woman. He said, 'Lady! You are like my sister to me1 Please come and stay in my palace. You can stay there as long as you wish!'

The lady thanked Mahabali. Very soon the Nether world became a very prosperous place. People lived very happily and without any worries.

Soon Mahabali relied on the watchman and his sister's counsel heavily. His kingdom was flourishing.

One day Mahabali heard the lady saying some prayers. 'Whom are you praying for?' Mahahbali asked the woman.

The woman turned and looked at Mahabali and said, 'You are my brother! I am praying for you!'

Mahabali was moved and again said, 'Whatever you want, I will give you, my sister!'

The lady smiled, 'I want my husband, Mahabali. You are the only one who can give it to me...'

Mahabali looked confused, 'Me..give your husband...?'

The lady pointed to the watchman, 'That is my husband...'

Mahabali blinked and stared as the two people vanished and there stood Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi in their places. Mahabali was flabbergasted that the great Lord had been his watchman! And that the Goddess of Fortune – Lakshmi had been with him all these days!

Lord Vishnu spoke, 'Your devotion dragged me here Mahabali! I had to be with you...'

Mahabali fell to his feet and looked at the Lord. The Lord continued. 'After this Indra's rule, you are the next Indra...That is my promise. Be a good ruler, my son!'

Mahabali then turned to the Goddess, 'I am sorry for keeping your husband from you, sister! Take him and go back!'

The goddess smiled, 'Thank you! And you did not keep him! He always is with people who love him most! May you always be prosperous...brother!'

Saying thus the two of them vanished to went back to Vaikunta. The bond between Mahabali and Lakshmi is said to be one of the reasons for celebrating the Raksha Bandhan, where the sisters prays for the welfare of the brothers and the brothers protect the sisters from any harm!