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Thiru Kudanthai

2020-03-24T05:49:34Z

Seshadri: /* Festivals */ Adding content

{{One source}}

Thiru Kudanthai is one of the 108 Vaishnava temples (divya deshas). The temple is situated 200 kms from Chennai. This temple is one of the Pancha Ranga Kshetras, the other four being, Adirangam (Mysore), [[Thiru Pernagar|Appalarangam]] (Thiruper), [[Srirangam|Madhyarangam]] (Srirangam) and Pancharangam of Indalur (Mayavaram).<ref name=":0">Prof. S. Narayanan (April 2004), 108 Temples of Azhvars, Volume 1, Maharashtra: Sri Ramanuja Mission.</ref>

== Introduction ==
Thiru Kudanthai or Kumbakonam as it is commonly referred to is one of the ancient towns of India and a very important center of Hindu pilgrimage. This sacred and celebrated place has been famous as a seat of learning, culture, art and tradition. And therefore, it is extended the highest respects from time immemorial. Steeped in antiquity, the ancient town of Kumbakonam by the side of river Kaveri derives its name from its presiding deity Kumbeshwara. Known as Kudamukku in the earlier days, it is said to have been ruled by the Pallavas. It is located between the two rivers, the Kaveri in the north and Arasalar in the south. Just as in Srirangam, the two rivers on the two sides of Kumbakonam enhance the town as a grand necklace. The town extends about two miles in length from North to South and one mile in breadth from east to west and is surrounded by a number of Vishnu and Shiva temples.

The huge Sarangapani temple is in the center of the town and all roads are paved in such a way that they lead us to the shrine. It is considered a hub of adhyatmik life and prime attraction for every devotee of Narayana. Mahavishnu is worshiped here as Sarangapani and Mahalakshmi goes by the name Komalavalli thayar. He is also known as Dravida Veda Darshaka. This tirtha is called Bhaskara kshetra as the Sun deity is said to have regained his brightness after performing a penance here. The vimana is known as Vaidika vimana and the Pushkarni is named Hema Pushkarni.<ref name=":0" />
[[Category:Temples]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+Thiru Kudanthai at a glance<ref name=":0" />
|Vishnu here is referred to as
|Sarngapani, Aravamudan, Amudan, Sarngaraja, Sarnga Dhanan, Sarnga Kesan, Apryapthamrudhan.
|-
|Lakshmi here is referred to as
|Komavalli Thayar, Padithanda Patthini.
|-
|Kshetra is called
|Bhaskara Kshetra, Pancharanga Kshetra.
|-
|Vimana is called
|Vaidika Vimana.
|-
|Pushkarni is called
|Hema Pushkarni (Potramarai)
|-
|River in the vicinity is
|Kaveri and Arasalaru
|-
|Hymns on this deity
|Fifty Four
|-
|Location
|2 kms from Kumbakonam Town
|}

== Structure ==
Sarangapani temple occupies a prominent position in the city of Kumbakonam. It covers an area of over 3 acres and has one gopura and two praharas which is then surrounded by the town and the busy market. The temple with oonjal mandapa, door panels, paintings, Garuda shrine, Sheesh Mahal, etc is noted for its excellent sculpture which includes royal procession, dancing damsels, hunting scenes and devas in infinite variety of poses and postures. The carvings on the pillars on both sides are very elaborate and the style of the craftsman is very effective in the depiction of the puranic themes. However, though closed by stone walls and strengthened by pillars, the imposing tall tower dominating the landscape is visible even from a distance. It stands on a base of 30 mtrs x 18 mtrs. While the temple itself measures 90 feet by 51 feet at the base. It has eleven tiers and there are steps to reach the top tier from where one can have a panoramic view of the entire town. Infact, the temple has a planned elevated fleet of steps at short distances. Also, the shikhara presents a well-developed phase of Dravidian architecture.

The temple has two separate entrances - one in the south and one in the north with nine steps each which is symbolic of the nine steps leading to Moksha. The southern entrance is used during Dakshinayana (approx. January to July) and the northern side entrance is used during Uttarayana (approx. July to January). The Dakshinayana entrance is known as the doorway to marriage as Lord Sarngapani came out of this corridor after his marriage to Komalavalli.

The sanctum and the front mandapa are designed to look like a chariot on wheels and horses. The very concept of a temple on a chariot in motion is novel. The vimana is called Vaikunta Vimana. Since the chariot landed with great force, the elephants are seen arresting its speed. The chariot is so sculptured that it seems ever ready for flight. The front mandapa called Thiru Mamani Mandapa is of the Nayaka style and is supported by 12 pillars. This temple is dedicated to Vishnu who is bhaktavatsala and as he wields a bow called Sarnga, he is known as Sarngapani. In the sanctum, the deity Aravamudan (Mahavishnu) is seen in Uthanga shayana posture on the Sesha facing the east with his head slightly raised giving darshan to Thirumazhisai Piran flanked by Bhudevi and Sridevi. And Brahma is seen rising from his navel. Hemarishi, Saptarshis, Kaveri and Devas are also seen paying homage. Here, the Alwars have sung in praise of both the deities, the presiding deity and the processional deity. Therefore, the shrine is known as Ubhaya Pradhana Divya Desha where both the presiding and processional deities are given equal importance. Goddess Lakshmi as Komalavalli is enshrined separately in a sanctum near the Uttarayana steps. There is also a Srinivasa Sannidhi which is situated underground. And due to this location, the deity is known as Pathala Srinivasa and the Sannidhi is called Pathala Srinivasa Sannidhi.<ref name=":0" /> Also, at the exit of the Garbhagrha on the Uttarayan side, there is a statue of Anjaneya. Behind the temple there is a Pottramarai (the Golden Lotus tank) that measures 361 feet by 285 feet and is known as Lakshmi teertha and Amudavani. The tank also has a mandapa with sixteen pillars right in its midst.<ref name=":0" />

Talking about the grandeur of the temple and its architecture, Prof. S. Narayanan says, <blockquote>''"It is one of the most impressive structures remarkable for its ornamentation and rhythmic harmony. Its elegant construction and gigantic proportion are truly remarkable.The main temple and the other shrines have jointly given the entire pilgrim center a balanced architectural assemblage. The layout, design, colour and wooden carvings of the temple reflect the best traditions of Chola style. Whereas, inside the sanctum the atmosphere is calm and serene, darkness adding to its sublime glory. And it is this serenity in the sanctum that is the most remarkable feature of the shrine."<ref name=":0" />''</blockquote>

== Legends ==
This sacred shrine of Thiru Kudanthai is sung by seven of the twelve alwars. Referred to by Bhuthathalwar in his hymns, this temple is considered to belong to a very early period. Infact, this shrine has a special significance in the history of Vaishnavism because of its connection to Nathamuni. It is said that, it was in this sannadhi that Nathamuni (the grand father of Alavandar) first heard the ten hymns of Nammalwar in praise of Amudan and then paved the way for the renaissance of all the four thousand hymns of the Alwars at Alwar Thirunagari. Thus, the temple is much respected due to its association with Thirumazhisai Alwar, Nathamuni as well as Hema Maharishi.

Several puranas give accounts of the importance of this shrine. Especially, the Brahmanda Purana and Bhavishya Purana bring out the merits and prominence of this temple.
* According to a Purana, this place was originally known as Kudamukku. It is said that, once Brahma created Amruta Kudam (pot of nectar), with the four Vedas offering protection on four sides and kept it on the Meru mountain. However, during Pralaya, the great deluge, the amruta vessel got dislodged and spilled over the vast region of the present Kumbakonam. Hence the name.

* According to another legend, sage Brghu once went to see Mahavishnu. However, the Lord was in the company of Sridevi and did not immediately respond. Annoyed at this, Brghu kicked Vishnu on his chest, the place where Sridevi resides. Therefore, Sridevi took this as a personal insult and descended on earth and began a severe penance on a thousand-petalled lotus in a tank named Pottramarai at Kumbakonam. This is the tank that later gave birth to goddess Komalavalli and hence is considered very sacred. It is said that, when the milky ocean was being churned, the Amruta Kalash broke and it is believed that some nectar spilled into this tank.
* In his next birth, Rishi Brghu was born as Hema Maharshi. He remembered the actions of his earlier birth and regretted that he was the main cause of separation between Mahavishnu and the devi. In order to repent for his wrong doing, he began a severe penance. And pleased with his prayers, Mahavishnu gave darshan to Hema Maharishi and granted him boons. As a boon he prayed to beget Sri Lakshmi devi as his daughter and the Lord himself as his son-in-law. Mahavishnu fulfilled the request and married Komalavalli much to the rishi's joy and hence the kshetra is also known as Kalyanapuram. Therefore, it is said that anyone who wishes to take a dip in this tank that purifies and paves way for salvation, is first told to worship Hema Maharishi at the shrine. Even, Thirumazhisai alwar is said to have attained salvation here.
* It is said that Ayya Kumara Tata Desikan was the one who constructed a separate shrine for Komalavalli Thayar. And then, pleased with his devotion, it was a Nayaka Raja who erected a sannadhi for Ayya Kumara Tata Desikan.
* According to a legend, [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Surya]], the Sun deity, once, lost in a contest to the Sudarshana Chakra. Having lost, it was after a long severe penance in this kshetra that the Sun deity regained his original glory. Therefore, the place came to be known as Bhaskara Kshetra and the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Sarangapani here is considered most powerful as he defeated Surya.
* There is also another interesting legend which says that once, Mahavishnu went out of the shrine without the knowledge of Mahalakshmi. And therefore, on his return the Devi refused to open the door. It was then left to Nammalwar to reconcile and bring the divine couple together.

* Once as a matter of precaution, the murti or vigrahas of this temple were kept in safe custody at Thiru Koshtiyur temple. In gratitude, till today, it is a practice to sing a hymn in honour of Thiru Koshtiyur Perumal in this shrine.

* Another story says that there was an orphan named Lakshmi Narayana who was a sincere devotee of the Lord Sarangapani. With tears in his eyes and a blissful smile on his face, he danced and sang fully realising the sweetness of Amuda. He could go on in this way for days and nights without a break and without any exhaustion. His only obsession was to build a gopura for his favourite Sarngaraja. In due course of time, the dream came true and he realised that the Lord abides in all things as well as his own heart. With advancing age, he was sure that Mahavishnu would save him just as he saved the Pandavas. In fact, when he died, Mahavishnu directed one of his archaka through a dream to do the final samskara for Lakshmi Narayana Swami. Taking this as a divine command, the archaka is believed to have taken the grass from the Lord's hands and performed the final ceremony on his behalf. Thus, every year on Deepavali Amavasya, this ceremony is performed in this Kumbakonam temple at the command of the Lord himself.<ref name=":0" />

== Festivals ==
Some of the special sevas in this temple are as follows.
* On the 19th day of Margazhi month, Mahavishnu is bedecked as Thayar (devi) and Thayar is dressed like Perumal (Mahavishnu). This is an event peculiar to this temple.
* The month of Masi sees the float festival taking place in the golden lily tank of this temple.
* Also, every year on Deepavali Amavasya, the ceremony of Mahavishnu performing the last rites of his devotee Lakshmi Narayana is performed.
Apart from this, the Mahamaha festival in Kumbakonam is itself considered to be the most sacred. It is believed that the deities of the nine sacred rivers meet in confluence on the day of Mahamaha that comes once in twelve years typically in the month of Feb-March when Jupiter passes through the sign of Leo. This festival that is celebrated once in 12 years is also depicted in a sculptural representation at the Kashi Vishwanatha temple. This festival was last held in March 2004.<ref name=":0" />

The temple also had a practice of displaying "KOLU" (கொலு) during Navrathri, that attracted large crowds. However, this practice is no longer in vogue.

== Other Temples ==
There are many other Vaishnava shrines in Kumbakonam.

Some of them are located in the Periya veedi (Big Street) like,
* Varaha Perumal temple.
* Chakrapani temple.
* Gopalaswamy temple.
* Udayavar temple.
Others include:
* Varadaraja Perumal temple near the Kaveri bridge.
* Vedaranya Perumal temple near Saurashtra street.
* Brahman Kovil at Saurashtra street.
* Pattabhiraman temple near Kamakshi Joshiar street.
* Saranarayana Perumal temple.<ref name=":0" />
On the day of Akshaya Trtiya, all deities of nearby temples (approx. 12 in munber) used to assemble in their respective Garuda Vahanas, in the TSR Big street. And the festival would begin only after the arrival of the Sarngapani in his Garuda Vahana.

== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Temples]]
[[Category:Article needs attention]]

Vamana Avatara (वामनावतारः)

2019-10-16T11:29:15Z

Seshadri: Adding story

{{ToBeEdited}}Once in a battle between the celestials and the demons, the celestials were defeated by the demon Bali Raja, the son of Virochana and grandson of Prahlada. As they were driven away from Svarga, devas sought refuge in Hari. At that very moment, Hari was being praised by Sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi, the mother of the devas. Therefore, Hari became their son Vamana who was dwarf. He then went to the Yajna being performed by Bali and recited the Vedas at his royal gate. Having heard the Vedic chanting, Raja Bali, in spite of being forbidden by Shukracharya (the preceptor of demons), said to Vamana, “Whatever you desire, I shall give you”. And Vamana asked for ‘three feet of space’. Once dana (दानम्) was agreed upon and water was poured on the hands of Vamana signifying the grant of his request, Vamana grew huge and measured the Earth, Netherworld and Svarga with his three strides. He then sent Raja Bali to Sutala and gave the worlds to Indra.

This story is taken from the Agni Purana ([https://archive.org/details/AgniPuranaUnabridgedEnglishMotilal/page/n13 Chapter 4]).

== The Story ==
It is said that reading "Vamana Avatar" will bring rain.

Translation of the elucidation of Sri. Mukkur Narasimhacharior in his book "Kurai ondrum illai" about Vamana Avatar.

It all starts with first "Manvantharam". This particular word defines a particular portion of time "Kala" which is unique as another vedic term "Swayambhu Manu".

In this Swayambhu Manu, Brahma sent a couple by the names of "Bruchni" and “Suthapas". They were ordered to create the world. But, the couple, instead of creating the world, decided to go on Tapas for ten thousand years. Lord Narayana appeared before them on his Garuda, and asked "Oh! Children. I am pleased. Whatever boon you want shall be yours". The couple demanded that Lord Narayana be born to them as their child"

Much later, the couple were born as Aditi and Kashyapa Prajapathi.

It was around this time, the Emperor Bali was holding absolute sway over the world and the Devas.

The Devas waited patiently hoping that Bali's arrogance and torture will fade away. But it was not to be. Finding no other alternative, the Devas killed him. But they did not realise that he was protected by Sukrar. The Rajaguru of Bali is the famous Sukrachariar and the only one who is well versed in all arts including "Mrutha Sanjivini" mantra.

He invoked the mantra and gave life to Emperor Bali. He was angered by the act of Devatas and conducted a big "Yagam". As an ultimate benefit of the Yagam, he procured an invincible chariot and several armaments for assault and defence from the altar of fire for Bali

Bali, now renewed with life, vigour and "astras" fought valiantly and drove the Devas away and captured Indra's abode. Devas hid themselves from the wrath of Bali and prayed for deliverance from Bali.

Aditi was despondent. She asked the Devaguru, "Oh! Rshi Bruhaspati. I am extremely sad to see the plight of Devas, my children. What could possibly be the solution to their plight.

Bruhaspati replied "Dear Aditi. I do not foresee any solution immediately. But, remember Bali is blessed with the support of Sukrachariar, the Brahmana. You have to observe patience, till he commits an error in disrespecting his Guru".

Aditi approached her husband to find help for her children. But Kashyapa Prajapathi only said,

"Let us pray to Bhagavan Narayanan. Chanting his name will deliver us from evil"

Hearing this Aditi prepares herself to perform a penance, a vratam called Piovratam. The observance of this penance (vratam) began on the second day and ended on eleventh day. She offered Ksheerannam (rice cooked in milk) for Lord Narayana each day of her penance (vratam).

Her effort was equivalent to a big Homam. Finally, her effort bore fruit. On the auspicious conjunction of star Shravanam and the day of dvadashi, Lord Narayana was born to her. His was named as "Bruchni Garbha".

There is a saying in sastras that 'teach Gayatri before the child learns other attractions of life'. So, when Bhagwan reached the age of five, Prajapathi started preparations for Upanayanam.

Upanayanam means another "eye" which enables one to see "Parabrahmam". It also means guiding or paving the way for one to go near his Acharyan and Devi Gayathri.

Thus five year old child is ready and waiting to be initiated.

Lord Kubera hurries and gives the child a vessel (bhiksha patra) for him to seek alms.

Sage Bruhaspati gives the child the "Yagnyopaveetham", the sacred thread.

Brahma gives him the Kamandal

Lord Surya chants the Gayathri mantra in his ears.

All the Devas descended to Prajapathi's Ashram and blessed.

The child takes the first step out and realises that Lakshmi, His consort is residing in his chest. He wonders "I am going to Bali's sacrificial fire to rid him of his power and wealth. And, here she is looking. Her look is enough to multiply his wealth and power"

So, he unfolds his upper cloth and hides her presence in his chest and approaches Bali in his Yagashala.

A small kid. A brahmana. All because, the Devas entreated him to help control Bali. He takes one step inside and the earth caves in.

Bali does not realise how blessed he is. He is enthralled by the sight of this small Brahmana. The Brahmana's halo mesmerises him.

He asks "Oh Brahmana. Who are you? You emanate a divine glow.

Brahmana replies " I am rare/unique. You will not understand. Have you seen me before? Will you ever see me again? Do you know what I will the next minute? I cannot describe my next status. That is why I am rare/unique. Apoorva.

Bali does not understand the import of the statement. He says "Is that so? Where do you live? Which is your native place? Where do you reside?

Brahmana replies "This whole place is mine.

Bali's arrogance increases. He asks " Who is your father?"

Brahmana smiles. Whom can he show as his father? So he says, "I am an orphan"

Bali is infatuated. And blind too to see the reality. He feels that he has seen the right Brahmana to his offerings. He becomes magnanimous and says "Oh! Brahmana. Ask whatever you want"

Brahmana says, "Oh! King. Give me three steps of earth".

The Lord who gives, is now asking.

Bali asks, " Do you not want more?

Brahmana says, "No. I am happy with my demand"

Bali says, "Your demand is insignificant. It is almost demeaning to me"

Sukrachariar interferes. Oh! King. You do not realise with whom you are talking. He is the Almighty. He is a "mayan". He is Lord Narayana.

Bali ignores his Guru's warning and says with immense arrogance and pride, "How lucky am I, that Lord Almighty comes to receive from me".

Sukrachariar gets angry. He says,"Inspite of my warning, you ignore my command. I hereby ordain that you lose everything".

All that Bali has gained was through the powers of Sukrachariar. Unless he commands, none can take away anything from Bali. Now, the Brahmana is happy. But Sukrachariar's attachment with Bali runs deep.

So when Bali's wife Vinthyavali was about to offer the water to the Brahmana, Sukrachariar turned himself into a small frog and blocked the passage of the water.

The Brahmana who was wearing a pavithram, a form of grass which Brahmanas wear during auspicious ceremonies, dug the grass into the blocked passage and the frog had to give way.

The water flowed and so did the raised foot of the Brahmin. It reached Brahmalog were Brahma washed the feet and worshipped it. The heavenly waters fell on earth.

Bali gave away everything and bowed devoid of his arrogance. The son of Prahlada is Virochana. Virochanan's son is Bali. Lord Narayanan did not kill him but banished him to the underworld.

Vamana Avathar shows the power and magnanimity of Vedas. It expounds the grandeur of Gayatri.

Shibi Chakravarti (शिबिचक्रवर्ती)

2019-10-16T10:30:56Z

Seshadri: Adding a story

The concept of Abhaya Dana is illustrated by the story of Raja Shibi.

Raja Shibi was once sitting with his councillors, when a dove fell into his lap. It was being chased by a falcon. The dove prayed to the Raja for protection. When the falcon arrived the Raja refused to hand the dove over, saying that the dove had sought asylum, and he (Raja) was duty-bound to protect it. However, the falcon insisted that he was merely following his Dharma, as the dove was designated food for him.

The Raja then offered the falcon rice and vegetables instead. When the falcon refused the offer, the Raja asked him as to how his hunger would be satisfied. The falcon asked for the Raja’s flesh, weighing as much as the dove. The Raja cut off a piece from his thigh and put in on a scale. However, this was not sufficient. The Raja kept adding more flesh from other parts of his body, but to no avail. He finally climbed into the scale himself, at which the falcon (Lord [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] in disguise) disappeared. The dove (Lord [[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni]] in disguise) also disappeared after making the Raja whole again.<ref name=":02">Agarwal, Sanjay. (2010) ''Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India.'' New Delhi: AccountAid, India</ref>

== The story of Shibi ==
Once upon a time, Ashtakan, the son of Rishi Vishwamitra, conducted Ashvamedha Ritual. He invited all the Kings and Rishis to take part in the ritual and all of them had come. After the performance of the ritual, Ashtakan along with his brothers, Pratharthanan, Vasumanas, and the king of Useenara Desh, Shibi, were travelling in a chariot. All the four were in the same chariot.

On their way, they observed Rishi Narada, stopped the chariot, paid respects to him and enquired whether he would wish to travel with them. Narada Muni was greatly pleased and agreed to accompany them.

After some distance had passed, one of the kings, said “Oh! Maharishi. Can I ask a question?” Narada Muni smiled and said, “Sure. Go ahead. If I can answer, I will oblige you”.

The King asked “Oh! Great one. Assuming that this Chariot, is proceeding to Heaven and that we are all equal, and if the chariot will allow only a maximum of four persons to complete the journey, please tell us who has to get down”

Narada Muni replied “Ashtakan has to get down”. All asked, “ why?”

Narada Muni said, “Sometime back, I lived in the palace of Ashtakan. One day, as a good host, he took me around his kingdom. On the way, I saw a strange sight. I found thousands of cows grouped separately by their colour. I enquired to whom those cows belong and Ashtakan replied “These cows were gifted by me”.

“Since he praised himself and was egoistic, he should be the one to get down”

The King who raised the query initially, again asked “Who has to get down, if this chariot allows only three persons to travel to Heaven”

The Maharishi replied, “Pratharthanan has to get down”

The king asked “Why?”

Narada Muni replied, “I had also stayed in Pratharthanan’s palace. As we were travelling in his chariot, which was being drawn by four horses, one ascetic approached him and asked him for a horse. Pratharthanan promised to gift him the horse after his return. But the ascetic insisted that he be given the horse immediately. The King immediately gave the horse tied on the right side”

As we were proceeding with three horses, another ascetic approached him. The king said “Agreed” and gave a horse on the left side”

“Very soon another ascetic, approached him and asked for a horse. The king replied “I will give you”. When the ascetic insisted that he wants it immediately, the king gave the third horse too and in its place, he started drawing the chariot”

“As he was drawing the chariot, the king said, in disgust, “These ascetics do not know the time and occasion to demand things from me”

“Since he felt disgust, he should be the person to get down”

Then, again, the King asked “What, if the chariot allows only two persons?”.

Then Narada Muni said, “Vasumans has to get down”

When asked “why”, the Maharishi replied “Once when I was travelling, I reached the palace of Vasumanas, as I required the “Pushparath” which he owned. When I heard the brahmins chanting vedic, I waited for the ritual to be over. After the ritual Vasumanas was showing the Pushparath to the brahmins. When I expressed my need, he told the brahmins that he has given it to me. But, he did not give me. On the next two occasions too the same words were said, but he did not lend the chariot. So, he has to get down”

Then the king asked “ Assuming that the chariot will allow one person to travel, then who will get down”. The Maharishi replied “I have to get down. Shibi will travel in the chariot to heaven. I am not his equal”.

The kings were surprised and asked the reason.

Narada Maharishi replied, “Once, a brahmin approached Shibi and said “Oh! Great King. I am very hungry”

Shibi asked “Sir. Please tell me what I should do. What food will satisfy your hunger”

The Brahmin said “Kill your son and prepare a good tasty food out of him”.

Shibi accordingly killed his son made a tasty dish of him and came out carrying the food on his head and started searching for the brahmin to feed him.

As he was searching, people came running to him and said “Oh King. An insane Brahmin is burning the places where you had kept your horses, elephants and treasury”

Shibi reached the brahmin and without any semblance anger said “Oh! Brahmin. Your food is ready. Please take”

The Brahmin looked at the dish which the king was carrying on his head and said “I I have lost the appetite. So, you take the food”. The king Shibi, without any second thoughts or anger, dipped his hand in the food and when he was about to put it in his mouth, the Brahmin withheld his hand and said “Shibi! You have conquered anger. You are blessed” and disappeared.

Then Shibi, found his son in front of him alive and with more radiance. Whatever was burnt looked fresh and new. He realised that Bhaghavan Narayanan had come as a Brahmin to test him.

After the Brahmin disappeared, his ministers reprimanded him. But Shibi was unaffected.

He said “I have not done this to gain fame. I have not done this to enjoy the benefits of listening to this Brahmin or comfort accruing out of it. I felt and know that the path chosen by great Rishis and Brahmins are the path to be followed without doubt or anger or expectation of salvation”

Narada Maharishi after narrating this incident got down from the chariot, blessed the kings and proceeded on his spiritual journey.

(The story appears in Mahabharata -Vana Parva - Chapter 201.)

== References ==
[[Category:Danas]]