REPENTENCE AND REWARD

[Guest guest]

REPENTENCE AND REWARD

 

Once upon a time there lived a King by name Satvika who ruled Puri

Kshetra (the pilgrim town of Puri in East India ). He was deeply

devoted to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna worshipped in

Puri). This King, who was highly learned, was unequalled in debates

and ruled the Kingdom in a righteous way. He had but one bad habit -

he was obsessed with the game of dice. However much he tried he could

not give up this bad habit.

 

Once, King Satvika, along with his courtiers, went to the Temple to

have Darshan of Lord Jagannath. At the time he went to the Temple the

screen had been drawn across the Sanctum Sanctorum. King Satvika sat

on the 'prakara' (corridor running outside and around the Sanctum

Sanctorum) and began to play the game of dice with his Minister.

The screen was opened and the Temple priests came up to King Satvika

and informed him that the 'abhisheka' (ritual) was about to be

performed. But, he turned a deaf ear to it as he was excitedly

playing the game of dice.

 

As the wait for the presence of the King went in vain, the priests

commenced the 'abhishekha'. Though the King was again informed about

the puja being performed, he did not pay heed to it, passionately

playing the game of dice.

 

The priests performed 'Alankara' (decoration), 'nivedanam' (offering

of food), and `karpoora harati' (showing lighted camphor). But, the

King was still playing the game of dice. Going to where the King sat,

the temple priests requested him to accept the 'prasad'. Turning the

dice with his right hand the King extended his left hand to receive

the 'prasad'. It has been said in the scriptures that the Lord's 'prasad' should

be received in all humility and devotion.

Since the King failed to receive the 'prasad' in this manner and had

indifferently extended his left hand (which is considered

disrespectful), the priests went back without giving him the 'prasad'. After a

long time the game of dice came to an exciting

close and returning to his normal state the King learnt that the puja

to the Lord was over and 'prasad' had been distributed.

 

The King questioned the priests, " Why did you not inform me when the

screen was opened? " The priests explained to him, " At every stage of

the puja we invited you. But, you did not come, as you were playing

the game of dice. Moreover, when we came up to you to offer

the 'prasad' you extended your left hand.

 

As receiving the 'prasad' in the left hand and giving the 'prasad' to

one who receives it in this manner is verily a sin we did not give

you the 'prasad'. " Realizing his fault the King said to the

priests, " You have indeed acted in the right way! "

 

The King deeply regretted playing dice at the temple instead of

worshipping the Lord and also for holding out his left hand for

receiving the 'prasad'. He was unable to eat or sleep. He was eaten

with remorse that one who had to set an example for the people of his

Kingdom had acted so sinfully. He decided to cut off his hand by way

of punishing himself. Since he had played the game of dice with the

Minister he decided to ask the Minister to cut off his hand and

informed him. The Minister was totally shaken by this and refused to

carry it out. The Minister advised him, " It is enough if you seek the

Lord's forgiveness from the bottom of your heart! " But, the King was

unable to accept this advice.

 

One day, when the Minister had forgotten about this matter the King

said to the Minister, " Oh! Minister! For some time now I have been

unable to sleep at nights. Through the window a hand seems to appear

into my room and wave out. I think that this might be the work of

some ghost! " The Minister thought for a while and said that he would

stay that night in the King's room and find out. The King said to the

minister, " If you see that hand tonight cut it off. Only then can it

be known if it is the work of a ghost or that of a thief. " Agreeing

to this suggestion the Minister, holding a sword in his hand, stayed

awake in the King's room that night. Just as the King had said a hand

appeared through the window. Without any delay the Minister cut that

hand down.

 

The Minister was shocked to find the King's ring on the finger of the

hand and rushing out of the room he found the King standing there

bleeding.

 

Only then did he understand the King's motive in asking him to cut

of the `ghost hand'. Though writhed in pain the King was happy that

he had been punished for the wrong he had committed.

 

Everyone wondered at the devotion and righteousness of the King on

learning about this incident. Some time passed and one day the King

went to have Darshan of Lord Jagannath. That day, after the puja when

the priests came to him to offer the 'prasad', King Satvika tried to

receive it with both his hands. A miracle occurred when by the Grace

of Lord Jagannath the King's right hand was restored!

 

Deeply touched by the compassion of the Lord, the King said, " I came

here today with a decision to give up my life, as losing the right

hand is not enough for the wrong done by me. But, oh! Lord! What

compassion you have even towards a wicked person like me? " and fell

in prostration to Lord Jagannath.

 

From that day King Satvika undertook the service of the Lord and His

devotees as his duty and finally merged with Lord Jagannath.

Courtesy: Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas, January 2007

Illustrations: Sai Aditya, SSSU.

 

- Heart2Heart Team

 

 

LOVINGLY IN SAI

RAM.CHUGANI

 

Ram Chugani

Kobe, Japan

Ramchand Chugani <rgcjp