Speeches of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda on Vaikuntha Ekadashi – December 19, 1999 – Mysore
In the dawn of December 19, Sri Swamiji celebrated Uttara Dwara Darshana on the auspicious occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi (i.e. the 11th day of the fortnight of the month of Margashira as per the Hindu almanac). The small idol of Venkateswara was placed at the north door of the temple and thousands of devotees had the Darshan (vision) of the deity. Special worship was conducted in the Asthana Mantapa (stage of special rituals) in the northwest corner of the temple complex. “Uttara Dwara Darshana” means to have the vision of the Lord at the north door of the temple. This event which happens once in a year has a special spiritual significance. It indicates the seeker’s aspiration to achieve the goal of reaching the Sahasrara Chakra in the subtle spiritual path of Kundalini Yoga.
In the evening of the 19th December Sri Swamiji narrated the following story of emperor Ambarisha, a great devotee of Vishnu.
The pious ruler was always engaged in beneficial activities of the empire as also the various rituals. He had great supernatural powers by which he could go about freely to the celestial worlds in his subtle form. During a visit to the heaven, he saw one of his subjects there. On enquiring, the emperor came to know that the person could reach the Heaven for permanent stay due to his Punya (merit) of fighting in a war with patriotism and loyalty to Ambarisha, the emperor.
Returning to earth, Ambarisha did a severe penance for the blessings of Vishnu. Pleased by the devotion of Ambarisha, Vishnu offered to give a boon to him. However, by his penance, the emperor was cleansed of his ego. Hence he expressed that he had no desire. Vishnu was very glad by his words and hence gave him the boon, “Ambarisha! Just think of me whenever you face any serious
problem. My weapon Sudarshana will protect you”. However, Vishnu insisted that Ambarisha should ask for a boon. The devotee said, “Lord! Bless me with a daughter who would become your spouse”. Vishnu gave the boon.
In due course, the emperor was blessed with a daughter of exquisite beauty, who grew up to the marriagable age. The sages Narada and Tumbura attended the Swayamvara, which is an event in which the bride chooses her husband from the princes seated in the royal assembly hall. Both the sages appeared to one another as monkey faced, due to the illusion of Vishnu. The princess chose Vishnu as her spouse and the marriage took place in grand manner. The sages became angry and created a ghost, which was killed by the Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu.
Ekadashi Vratam: The ritual of Ekadashi (11th day of the fortnight)
Once the famous sage Durvasa saw a Gandharva (celestial singer) playfully bathing in a river with his wife. The saint was influenced by the scene and he desired to marry to enjoy conjugal life. Soon, he married Kandali, the daughter of the sage Orva. However Kandali was arrogant, obstinate, rude and impolite. Durvasa could not bear her nasty behaviour for long and he reduced her to ashes by his curse. Just then the sage Orva arrived there and was very sad for the death of his daughter. At once, he became angry and cursed Durvasa, “One day you will be insulted by the entire world for your anger and pride”
Some time later, one day, Ambarisha performed the vow of Ekadashi, which was his usual practice. On the next day i.e., Dwadashi, Ambarisha was about to take food as per the custom, after fasting on the previous day. Just then Durvasa arrived there and asked the emperor for food. Ambarisha happily agreed to do so. However, Durvasa said that he would return after bathing and praying.
It is the rule that the food must be taken in a specific period. This being so, Durvasa did not return for a long time. Ambarisha consulted the sages participating in the ritual to seek their guidance. They advised unanimously that Ambarisha could drink water to end the fast and yet it would not be considered as an insult to Durvasa for whom he could still wait to participate in the feast. Ambarisha did as per their direction. Just then Durvasa came there and said angrily, “Ambarisha! you didn’t care to wait for me and drank water in haste. I curse that you will be killed by this ghost”. So saying, Durvasa created a ferocious ghost. Ambarisha prayed to Vishnu for a moment for protection. At once, Sudarshana Chakra (the circular weapon of Vishnu) manifested and started to chase the ghost and Durvasa.
The sage sought protection from Brahma (the Creator) who expressed his helplessness. When approached, Shiva also stated likewise and directed the sage to seek Vishnu for protection. However, Vishnu said “Let us all approach Ambarisha for relief”.
Seeing the dangerous state of the sage, Ambarisha said “Oh! Sudarshana! If I am righteous and if I am obedient to the pious people, may the sage Durvasa be saved”. Then the Sudarshana Chakra was pacified and it vanished. The anger and pride of Durvasa was humbled. The sage felt glad that he was cleansed of his evil traits. Later on Ambarisha became more detached. He relinquished his empire to his sons and did penance in exclusion and was blessed by Vishnu with liberation.
Whoever listens to this story, will acquire Punya (merit).
Sri Swamiji blessed the devotees “May you have peace, prosperity and knowledge”.