Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 9 Chapter 4:43-55

Book 9: Chapter 4

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 9: Chapter 4: Verses 43-55
The stories of Nabhaga and King Ambarisa

With (all) his limbs shaking through rage and with a face (looking) curved due to a frown, the sage, who was (feeling) extremely hungry too, spoke (as follows) with reference to the emperor, who stood with joined palms (before the sage):- 'Oh, look at the violation of Dharma (the principles of righteousness) on the part of this cruel monarch, intoxicated with fortune and lacking in devotion to Lord[1] Visnu, and looking upon himself as ail-powerful, in that having invited me, arrived (at his door) as a newcomer, to accept his hospitality, has broken his fast without offering food to me 1 (Turning to the king himself,) I shall forthwith show you as such the consequences (of your unrighteous act) Speaking thus and pulling a matted lock (from his head), the sage, who was inflamed with anger, created by means of it a female evil spirit (Krtya), akin to the fire seen at the time of universal dissolution, in order to get rid of Ambarisa. Though clearly perceiving her overhead, emitting flames and rushing (toward him), sword in hand, making the earth quake under her feet, the emperor did not stir from his place. Already' told off by Lord Visnu (the supreme Person), the universal Spirit, for the protection of His devotee (King Ambarisa), the discus (Sudarsana) burnt the aforesaid Krtya (even) as fire would burn an angry serpent. Frightened to see over his head the discus rushing towards himself (after burning the Krtya) and his own endeavour (to kill Ambarisa) infructuous, the sage rad in his anxiety to save his life in different directions. S udarsana (the discus of the Lord) pursued him (even) as a wild fire with its flames thrown upwards (by the wind) would chase a serpent. Observing the discus close upon his heels as aforesaid, the sage fled in his eagerness to enter a cave of Mount Meru. (Flying in this way) Durvasa betook himself to (all) the quarters, the sky (the aerial region), (the various parts of) the terrestrial world, the subterranean regions, the (seven) oceans, the (different) spheres as well as their guardians and heaven (too). (But) Whithersoever he fled, he saw (at his back) in each such region the formidable Sudarsana. When (however) no protector was found by him anywhere, he got frightened at heart and, seeking an asylum, approached the glorious Brahma (the creator) and prayed (as follows): "0 maker (of the universe), O Brahma (the self born), protect me from the might (in the form of the discus) of Lord Visnu (who is conquered by none)." Brahma observed : After a period of two Parardhas, when the pastime (of the Lord in the shape of creation etc., of the universe) is over, my sphere alongwith (the rest of) the universe will surely vanish as a result of the mere contraction of brows on the part of the Lord in the form of the Time-Spirit, eager to burn away (all) this (objective universe). Myself, Lord Siva (the source of the universe) and others with Daksa and Bhrgu at their head-the foremost of Prajapatis (lords of created beings), Bhutapatis (the lords of ghosts and other evil spirits) and the chief of the gods (such as Indra)-we all submissively obey His Law, beneficial to the (whole) world, as a burden placed on our head. (Hence we are unable to protect you against His wrath). (Thus) refused by Brahma (the creator) and scorched by Sudarsana (the discus of Lord Visnu), the sage Durvasa sought as his shelter Lord Siva (the Destroyer of the universe), who lives on Mount Kailasa. [2]

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References

  1. The Sruti also says:-'
  2. Vide verse 28 above.

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