Ambarisha Charitram

– Samhitha Srinivasan Edmonton, Canada.

Ambareesha was a great devotee of Bhagavan. He had unlimited power and took control of everything but still he was submerged in Bhagavan. Ambareesha gave himself to Hrishikesha the Lord of senses. Ambareesha’s ears only listened to Him, he ate only His prasadam. He would spend his time cleaning His temple and serving His devotees. So the Lord sent a discus, Sudarshana to guard His devotee’s kingdom which protected Ambareesha in return for his devotion.

Quite some time ago Ambareesha took a vow to fast every ekadasi. On dwadasi day, on the banks of river Yamuna a sage named Durvasa arrived before him moments before Ambareesha was about to break his fast. Out of respect, Ambareesha invited Sage Durvasa to dine with him. Accepting this invitation, before eating he went to take a bath in the river. As time passed by, Druvasa was still bathing and it was almost time to conclude the fast. To respect the guest, Ambareesha took a sip of water which also concluded the fast. 

When Durvasa found out that Ambareesha had broken his fast, he was furious. To punish him, he created a fire spirit to attack him. Ambareesha stood still, accepting the consequence. As Sudarshana Chakra knew it was his job to protect Ambareesha, he quickly burned the fire spirit and chased after Durvasa. Not wanting to get hurt or die, Sage Durvasa ran in all directions trying to escape from Sudarshana chakra. 

Ambareesha’s humbleness is once again represented when Durvasa tries seeking help from Brahma and Rudra but fails. He runs to Sri Hari but He says, “I am a slave to my devotees. You have disrespected one of my devotees, so go and apologize to my devotee.” 

Durvasa immediately falls down at Ambareesha’s feet. At this moment, Ambareesha doesn’t feel thankful that Durvasa was bowing down to his feet. Instead, he feels embarrassed that a great sage like Durvasa has fallen down at his feet. 

Only devotion with humility will bring good and lack of modesty leads to unpleasant results.

Showing modesty Ambareesha removes his feet out of the hands of Durvasa and he sings the praise of Sudarshana Chakra. Though Ambareesha was a great king with devotion, he led a humble and simple life. Baghavan Himself says “Only devotion with humility will bring good and lack of modesty leads to unpleasant results.”