Faith!

 

Yudhisthira said to Mārkandeya Rsi: O sage! I don’t lament so much for the loss of my kingdom, but I feel sorry to see how poor Draupadi has to suffer. Do you know of any woman in the past that underwent so many miseries?

 

Sage told a story: There was once a King of Madras named Asvapati. This virtuous ruler looked after the welfare of all living entities in his kingdom & was greatly loved by all citizens. However in his old age, he lamented as he didn’t have any children. Finally, he commenced a great austerity worshipping Gāyatri, the wife of Lord Brahmā. He underwent penance for 18 years & gained favor of the goddess, who personally appeared to give benediction

 

King said in veneration: My motive to perform austerities is to attain the highest degree of righteousness. For this, I beg to award me many sons who are worthy of being born in my royal dynasty. Gāyatri said: I already knew of your purpose & have consulted Lord Brahmā about this. He has ordained that a daughter will soon be born to you. You shouldn’t be disappointed & understand that this is Lord’s favor upon you

 

The King resumed governing his subjects & in due course of time a baby girl was born of the queen. She was named Sāvitri & grew up just like second Laxmi & all thought she must be a celestial goddess descended upon earth. As all considered her to be just like a deity, no one dared to ask her hand in marriage

 

One day as Sāvitri came before the king, he was sad to see that she has attained marriageable age but no one came forward to request her hand in marriage. Considering the situation carefully he said: Dear Sāvitri, you should select a husband you feel to be equal in terms of beauty & good qualification.  Let me know when you have found one & I’ll make all arrangements

 

Sāvitri bashfully bowed down to her father. King called his ministers & ordered them to accompany her on her quest to find suitable husband. She then mounted a golden chariot & started the search. She distributed much charity to Brāhmanās on way. One day King was seated in royal court alongwith sage Nārada, when Sāvitri returned home from her wanderings. Sage asked the King: Where has your daughter been? Why you’ve not bestowed a suitable husband as she has come of age?

 

King said: Sāvitri went to forest to search for a qualified husband. Let’s see if she has selected someone. When he asked, she said: Father! Amongst Sālvas there is a king named Dyumatsena, who became blind. Taking advantage of this, an enemy dwelling within the kingdom usurped his throne. Dyumatsena then took his wife & baby son to forest to perform austerities. That son Satyavān has grown up & he is fit to become my husband

 

Hearing this Nārada said: You have made a great mistake by choosing Satyavān. Although he has all good qualities, he has one defect. Just one year from this very day, he’ll have to die by the will of destiny. But Sāvitri had other ideas

 

What we have received is what the almighty Lord has decided for us. When one has long vision of faith in the Supreme, the adversities sure becomes blessings & setbacks are stepping stones for success. But if we only see immediate, we are overwhelmed

 

Thoughts? #gameoflife

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