Despite being a universal emperor, King Ambarisha was deeply spiritual and detached from material pleasures. He is known in Hindu scriptures as a symbol of Sattva (purity and goodness). One day, as he was about to break his Ekadashi fast, Sage Durvasa arrived with his disciples.
The king humbly invited them to partake in a meal. The sage accepted and said, “We shall bathe in the Yamuna River and return for the feast.”
However, the sage was delayed. Meanwhile, the exact time to break the fast (known as Paran) had arrived. The royal priest advised King Ambarisha to sip tulsi water (holy basil water), which would technically fulfill the ritual without fully eating, thus maintaining respect for both the fast and the sage.
The king followed the advice and sipped the water.
When Sage Durvasa returned and realized – through his yogic powers – that the king had broken the fast before his return, he became furious. In a rage, he plucked a lock of hair and created a demoness (Kritya) to attack King Ambarisha.
But Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra, always guarding his devotee Ambarisha, chased the demoness away and then turned on Sage Durvasa himself.
Terrified, the sage sought help from Indra, Brahma, and Shiva, but none could protect him. Finally, he approached Lord Vishnu, who told him, “I am bound by my devotees. You must seek forgiveness from Ambarisha, the one you wronged in anger.”
Defeated and remorseful, Durvasa approached King Ambarisha, who humbly touched his feet and prayed for his well-being. The Sudarshan Chakra then returned, and peace was restored.
Learning:
The story of Durvasa and Ambarisha teaches that uncontrolled anger leads to downfall, while patience, humility, and true devotion bring peace and divine protection. It’s a powerful reminder of the value of self-control and spiritual strength.
This inspirational story from Hindu mythology teaches that self-restraint, forgiveness, and devotion are the foundations of a fulfilling life. Anger not only harms others – it also destroys the person who carries it.
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