Bhaktisandesam / The Lilas of Lord Shiva

[Guest guest]

LORD SIVA THE FUEL SELLER

 

Varaguna Pandian was the king of Pandya kingdom. His capital was at

Madurai. He was like Indra. Yemanathan, skilled in Vina, came to his

Durbar from Northern India. He played thrilling songs on Vina. The

king appreciated Yemanathan's music, gave him rich presents and kept

him in a separate bungalow. Yemanathan was very much puffed up owing

to his skill in music.

 

Varaguna Pandian understood that Yemanathan was proud of his

knowledge of music. He called his Durbar-musician Bhanabhadra and

said to him: " O Bhadra! Will you be able to attain victory over the

new musician Yemanathan? " Bhanabhadra replied: " I can certainly

defeat him through your grace and the blessings of Lord Somasundara

of Madurai. " The king said: " Well then, come tomorrow and exhibit

your skill in music. "

 

The disciples of Yemanathan roamed about in all the streets and lanes

of Madurai, played on Vina and vigorously advertised about their

skill in music. Bhanabhadra heard this and reflected within

himself: " These disciples are very efficient in music and Vina. If

the disciples possess such knowledge, what must be the splendour and

glory of their Guru! How can I attain victory over this master-

musician? " Then he prayed to Lord Siva: " Kindly help me now to defeat

Yemanathan. I am in need of Thy grace. "

 

Then the Lord assumed the form of a wood-cutter, wore a rag around

his body and torn shoes on his feet. He had a Vina in his hand and a

bundle of fuel on his head. He went to the house where Yemanathan was

living and sat on the verandah. He took his Vina and played in a

marvellous manner. He sang beautifully along with Vina.

 

Yemanathan was struck with wonder when he heard the wonderful music.

He came out and asked the fuel-seller: " O fuel-seller! Who are you? "

The fuel-seller replied: " I am one of the disciples and a servant of

Bhanabhadra, the Durbar-singer of Varaguna Pandian. He has many

disciples. As I became old, my master abandoned me and told me that I

am unfit for singing. "

 

Yemanathan requested the fuel-seller to sing again. He sang again

Satari Raga which melted the heart of Yemanathan. Lord Siva, who

acted the part of fuel-seller, vanished with his bundle of fire-wood.

 

Yemanathan thought within himself: " I have not heard this Satari Raga

till now. It is Devaraga. If this old man can sing this Raga in such

a beautiful manner, what must be the knowledge and glory of his

master! Surely God only ought to have taught him this Raga. I cannot

stand before Bhanabhadra. Let me leave this place at once. "

Yemanathan's heart was filled with fear and shame. He left all the

things and left the house at midnight along with his disciples.

 

Lord Somasundara appeared in the dream of Bhanabhadra and said: " Do

not be afraid. I put on the form of fuel-seller, sat on the verandah

of the house in which Yemanathan lived and played on the Vina. He was

struck with wonder and ran away at midnight. Be at ease now. "

 

Bhanabhadra got up in the morning, went to the temple at Madurai and

worshipped Lord Somasundara. Then he went to the Durbar of Varaguna

Pandian. The king sent a servant to call Yemanathan. The servant

searched him in several places. He was not able to find out the new

musician. The neighbours of the house in which Yemanathan lived

said: " One fuel-seller came and sang. The new singer left the place

at midnight. This only we know. "

 

The servant reported the matter to the king. The king said to

Bhanabhadra: " Could you tell me what you did after leaving me? "

Bhanabhadra told the king: " My venerable Lord! I went to my house and

prayed to Lord Somasundara to bless me. He appeared in my dream and

said: `I put on the form of a fuel-seller, sang Satari Raga in the

house of Yemanathan. I drove him away.' I at once woke up. This is

what happened. "

 

Varaguna Pandian came to know that this was the Lila of Lord Siva. He

admired the devotion of Bhadra and gave him rich presents. He said to

Bhadra: " The Lord who made Brahma and the other Devas His servants,

became your servant and blessed you. We are all your servants only. I

am your servant. In future sing the praise of Lord Somasundara

always. "

 

Bhanabhadra rejoiced heartily. He was ever devoted to Lord

Somasundara.

 

Jai Shree Krishna!