Fruits of Attachment - I

Get ready to dive into thrilling adventures and royal legacies. In this blog, we'll explore the epic stories of King Nabhi, King Rishabh, and King Bharat.

The King's Yearning and a Divine Promise

In a realm where divine beings walk among mortals, there stood a magnificent King named Nabhi, whose heart brimmed with love and yearning. Though he ruled a prosperous kingdom, King Nabhi and his wife Queen Meru Devi desired an heir. King Nabhi summoned the most revered priests, requesting them to perform a yagya (fire sacrifice) that could fulfill their desire.

The sacred fire crackled, and the air was filled with the fragrance of offerings. The priests, with devotion and unwavering faith, chanted the potent mantras. The atmosphere became charged with anticipation, igniting hope in every heart present. Suddenly, the air shimmered with an ethereal glow, and a divine presence began to pulse through the gathering.

It was Lord Narayan Himself! With a radiant smile that could outshine the sun, He appeared, captivating everyone in sight. Overwhelmed with reverence, the priests fell to their knees, their eyes glistening with tears of gratitude.

They prayed, “My Lord, we know that worship must be selfless; however, the purpose of this yagya is to seek your blessing in the form of a son for our king. A son who is just like You."

With a voice that resonated like a divine melody, Lord Narayan replied, “There is no one in this world just like me. I shall grace your beloved King Nabhi by being born as his son."

In that moment, the heavens rejoiced, and blessings showered upon the earth as the promise of divine lineage was bestowed upon King Nabhi.

Rishabh: The Divine King

King Nabhi's heart soared to new heights when a radiant child was born—none other than the incarnation of the Lord Himself. The child was named Rishabh.

Rishabh grow up to be a very handsom and rightous prince. He married a beautiful girl, Jayanti, the daughter of King Indra. Together, they welcomed a hundred sons into the world, each one destined for greatness, promising to carry forth the light of their father's legacy.

The incredible journey of Lord Narayan as King Rishabh unfolds a powerful lesson for humanity. His life reflects that you can be a householder and still keep your heart and mind firmly attached to God, which is the true purpose of human existence.

King Rishabh, a ruler of remarkable strength and wisdom, governed his kingdom for many glorious years. When the time came, he chose to pass the crown to his eldest son, Bharat.

With a heart full of detachment and devotion, King Rishabh left the kingdom and wandered all over the world as a renunciant. One fateful day, a ferocious forest fire engulfed the vast wilderness where he was roaming, leading to the complete destruction of the forest along with the body of Rishabh. Lord Rishabh returned to His divine abode.

Bharat: The Righteous Ruler

The reign of King Bharat, the oldest son of Lord Rishabh, was characterized by steadfast righteousness and outstanding governance that resonated through the ages. His exceptional leadership was so influential that it led to the entire region being celebrated as "Bhaarat Varsh", a name that honors his deep impact. Over time, this name transformed into what we now know as India.

Interestingly, before embracing the esteemed name of Bhaarat, the land was referred to as Ajnaabh Varsh.

King Bharat's devotion to Lord Narayan was unparalleled. The image of the divine Narayan shone brightly in his heart, in every moment of his reign, guiding his every decision. As time passed, King Bharat felt a powerful stir within. The time had arrived for him to forsake the material pleasures that surrounded him and embark on a journey into the forest, seeking to immerse himself in the eternal embrace of his beloved Lord.

With a heart full of purpose, he divided his vast kingdom amongst his five sons. And with that, King Bharat set forth on a quest to find Lord Narayan.

A Forest, a Deer, and a Test of Devotion

Bharat ventured deep into the dense and mysterious forest on the banks of river Gandaki, where the towering trees whispered ancient secrets. Alone in the wild, he found solace in the embrace of nature, he gathered fragrant flowers and ripe fruits to offer to his beloved Lord Narayan. Bharat reached a state that was beyond human emotion; he transcended the mundane pain and fleeting pleasures of life and became a living embodiment of devotion.

In this enchanting solitude, Bharat's heart swelled with love for his Lord; as he mediated, the profound beauty of his Lord would wash over him, and tears of ecstasy would stream down his face. Each moment was a celebration, each breath a testament to his unwavering faith, as the forest around him became a sanctuary of his devotion.

One day, while Bharat was in deep meditation by the waters of the Gandaki River, an unexpected and heart-wrenching scene unfolded before his eyes. A pregnant deer approached the riverbank, her thirst visible in her gentle eyes. But just as she was about to drink, the chilling, thunderous roar of a lion shattered the stillness of the air, sending shockwaves of fear through her.

The pregnant deer, consumed by panic, desperately attempted to leap across the river, her instincts kicking in to save her life. But in her frantic escape, tragedy struck—the fawn (baby deer) fell from her womb into the rushing waters of the river. In a surge of desperation, the mother deer stumbled towards a nearby cave, seeking refuge. But the struggle was too much for her; moments later, the cave stood silent, as she took her last breath.

To be continued.............

Summary

The text explores the lineage of Kings—Nabhi, Rishabh, and Bharat—who are deeply connected to Lord Narayan. King Nabhi's desire for a son leads to the divine incarnation of Lord Narayan as Rishabh. Rishabh's life demonstrates devotion to God while fulfilling worldly duties. Bharat, Rishabh's son, rules righteously, leading to the land being named Bhaarat Varsh (India), then ultimately leaves his kingdom to meditate on Lord Narayan, exemplifying profound devotion and detachment. His story incorporates an event where he comes across a deer whose baby falls into a river.

Let's Reflect

Do you think that you can make God the epicentre of your life in the same way as these three powerful Kings did?