Sage Suka’s narrative on Ambarisha’s faithful observance of Ekadasi Vrata and Puja throws light on many subtle aspects of bhakti bhava, pointed out Sri Muralidhara Swamigal in a discourse. The vrata entails fasting on Ekadasi day and is finished the next day by taking food before Dwadasi elapses.
Once, the king decides to observe the Ekadasi vrata on the banks of the Yamuna, along with his entourage. The fast is duly observed and on Dwadasi morning, the abhisheka to the Lord’s Sudarshana chakra that the Lord had given him on an earlier occasion is performed. This is followed by serving food to all to mark the completion of the vow.
When the king is about to break his fast, Sage Durvasa visits him. The king considers this his fortune and the sage too gladly accepts his hospitality and goes for his ablutions. But now Ambarisha faces a dilemma. Should he complete the vrata on time since this is crucial for the vow or wait for the sage?
After much thought, he takes a sip of water in lieu of completing the vrata. This act enrages the sage who creates a bhuta to attack the king. The king feels apologetic that his act has thus angered the sage and stands with folded palms, willing to face the consequences. But the Sudarshana chakra rises in the king’s defence and destroys the bhuta; it then starts to attack the sage.
It is ironical that the sage, who is supposed to be endowed with atma jnana, runs from pillar to post to save himself, while Ambarisha, entitled to kingship and other bhogas, does not worry when his life is in danger, revealing the maturity level of his realised state. Ambarisha is pained when the sage tries to fall at his feet to save him from the chakra. Such is his humble devotion to the Lord and His devotees.
