ॐ विष्णवे नम:
OM VISHNAVE NAMAH
Matali is Lord Indra, the king of the Gods’ charioteer.
There was a time when Lord Indra even with the powerful fiery weapon gifted to him by Agni and his glorious, golden chariot was losing battles against the asuras (demons). This was because Indra did not have a charioteer skilled enough to drive the divine chariot. Without an expert charioteer to steer him with speed through the battle fields, Indra was losing one battle after another. Indra urgently needed a master charioteer who could expertly manoeuvre him through combat zones in order to win against the fierce asuras.
Just when Indra was desperately looking for an accomplished charioteer to drive his chariot it so happened that a child was born to Sage Samika and his wife Tapasvini.
Sage Samika and Tapasvini who had already had one child wished to have a second child. They had been told by a wise old sage that should they ever wish for a second child they should put their first child out in the open at a time when Lord Indra was riding across the skies. If they did so they would be blessed with a child who would be the exact replica of their first son. Following the sage’s instructions Sage Samika and Tapasvini placed their first born outside, under the open skies, at a time when Lord Indra was passing through. There was a cool breeze and with it soft, fluffy mist descended to the ground. The mist lifted as suddenly as it had appeared. Sage Samika and his wife rushed forward to see what had happened. To their amazement there before their very eyes was a child. Just as the sage had foretold the child was a replica of their first child.
Before they could quite recover from the shock and wonder of this spectacle and the birth of this magical, miracle child, the boy moved away from them. He headed directly upto the heavens. Indra’s chariot was right above. With not a word said, the child entered the golden vehicle and with uncanny confidence held the reins and began to guide it forward.
Indra was amazed at the child’s charioting skill. He knew that finally, he had been blessed with a divine charioteer. He would now be able to defeat the evil asuras and restore good in the heavens. Naturally, the miracle child was immediately appointed as Indra charioteer. Indra named the child Matali. From that day forward it was Matali who led Lord Indra’s chariot through many, many successful battles.
In fact Matali is known as the greatest charioteer in the world. His skills are so incredible that he needs no words or even hand movements to direct his horses. It is said that he is such an astounding charioteer that the horses respond to even his thoughts.
After charioteering for Lord Indra for many years. Matali got married to Sudharma. They had a daughter called Guna Kesi. When she grew up Matali and Sudharma wished to arrange her marriage. But though they looked everywhere they could not find a suitable match. Matali began to worry that his daughter may never get married. He decided to talk to Sage Narada about this matter.
Meeting Sage Narada, Matali said, “Holy sage, though I have searched everywhere I am unable to find a suitable groom for my beautiful daughter. What should I do?”
Sage Narada known for his humour, smiled and teasing Matali said, “What? You Matali have failed to find a boy for your daughter? How is that possible?”
Matali knowing Sage Narada well, knew the sacred sage was only teasing him. However, the lightheartedness of sage did not quell Matali’s concern. With folded hands Matali said, “Respected Sage. I have looked in all the three worlds and even then have found no one suitable for Guna Kesi. You know well that she is a good and honourable maiden. I come to you because I know it is only you who can help me.”
Sage Narada seeing that the pious Matali was truly worried and desolate said, “Do not worry Matali. I know of the perfect match for your daughter.”
Matali breathed a sigh of relief. He had always been sure that Sage Narada would solve his problem. Immediately he asked, “Who is it, wise muni (sage)? Please tell me quickly so that I may go and arrange the match.”
Sage Narada still in a playful mood mysteriously replied, “Matali. Be patient. I will not tell you his name just now. Instead I will take you to meet him.”
Matali was so excited and happy that he set off immediately with Sage Narada. They went from the heavens down to Patala Lok (nether world) the under world, deep down below the planet earth. There, in the rich gem filled subterranean world, Sage Narada introduced Matali to the noble naga (snake) named Aaryaka. Aaryaka warmly welcomed Sage Narada and Matali. It so happened that Aaryaka had a handsome and powerful grandson named Sumukha. Sage Narada had chosen Sumukha to be Matali’s daughter, Guna Kesi's, husband.
Matali looked at Sumukha and knew that his search for the perfect match for his daughter had finally ended. Seeing the strong, powerful, brave and noble young man standing before him, Matali knew that this man would keep his darling daughter happy and safe. Matali was glad that finally he had found someone truly worthy of his daughter.
Sumukha was also very happy to receive a proposal of marriage from such a worthy, celestial family. He said to Matali, “I am honoured that you have chosen me as your daughter’s groom. I would be delighted to marry her but as you know there is a long standing enmity between our family and the mighty Garuda (the kite/eagle that is Lord Vishnu’s vahan). Garuda hates us so much that the minute I come out of my nether world Garuda will swoop down and kill me.”
The great Garuda was indeed very powerful. After all he was the mighty vahan (vehicle) of Lord Vishnu. This was indeed a problem that Matali would need to solve. Matali who had found a suitable groom for his daughter after such a long search was not willing to give up easily.
Matali turned to Lord Indra for advice and help. Much as Lord Indra wanted to help his devoted charioteer, he too was unable to assist. Garuda was indeed very, very powerful and besides he was the vahan of the great Lord Vishnu. As Lord Indra knew that there was nothing he could do he said, “This is a matter I cannot help you with as I do not have the powers to do so. I suggest that we go to Lord Vishnu himself and ask him for a solution.”
Accordingly, Matali and Indra then headed off to meet Mahavishnu. Falling at Lord Vishnu’s feet in obeisance Matali explained his dilemma to the great lord, “Lord I have for a very long time been searching for a good match for my daughter. After searching through all the worlds I have found a groom that is most eligible. He too is happy to marry my daughter.”
“Then what is the problem Matali?" asked Vishnu. “Why have you come to me looking so anxious and troubled?”
“Lord,” replied Matali, “The problem I face is that the groom I have chosen for my daughter is Sumukha the noble naga who is the grandson of the mighty and honourable Aaryaka. If Sumukha leaves the nether world, the great Garuda will kill him. I have come to you to beg you to protect Sumukha from Garuda.”
Knowing Matali’s unquestionable integrity, his righteousness and his many virtues Vishnu without any hesitation said, “I happily grant Sumukha the boon of protection from Garuda. Garuda will never attack him.”
Matali was overjoyed to hear this. Once again he fell at Lord Vishnu’s feet and profusely thanked him for this blessings.
Matali rushed back home to delver the happy news to his wife and daughter. He knew he could, without any fear, now make preparations for the wedding. His daughter’s husband would be safe because of Lord Vishu’s blessings and his gift of protection.
Very soon after Guna Kesi and Sumukha were married.
When Garuda heard the news that Sumukha had been granted the boon of protection by Lord Vishnu he was not happy at all. In fact he was furious. He thought,”How could the Lord grant such a boon to a naga?”
Losing no time he rushed to Mahavishnu and asked, “Lord, you know of my enmity with the nagas. Knowing my relationship with the inhabitants of the nether world how could you grant the boon of protection to Samukha? What wrong have I done to deserve this? Have I not always been your faithful and devoted disciple?”
Mahavishnu looking at Garuda gently replied, “My dear Garuda. Perhaps I have made a mistake in offering protection to Sumukha. I will now go and meet Sumukha and withdraw the boon. Please arrange for my chariot to get ready.”
Garuda was pleased with Lord Vishnu’s reply and was eager to see the boon reversed. He suggested, “My Lord why should you use your chariot to go to see Samukha? I am here. I will take you there. Allow me to take you on my back and together we will fly to the netherworld.”
Mahavishnu replied, “Very well Garuda. Lower your wings so that I might mount your back.”
Garuda quickly lowered his wings and the Lord claimed up and sat comfortably on his back. Then Garuda stretched his massive wings wide and began to flap them in order to fly. But try as he might the weight on his back was so immense that he could not even move an inch on the ground let alone soar in the sky. This had never happened to him before. Being the Lord’s vahan Garuda had flown Lord Vishnu a myriad times. But now each time he flapped his wings the weight of the Lord increased. Garuda was perplexed. He tried and tried again but soon he was unable to even lift his wings off the ground. Finally, completely exhausted he dropped down and gave up. He was breathing heavily and his heart beat was racing.
Garuda sat down, slowed his breath and gradually rid his mind of anger. It was then that he realised that in his pride he had questioned an action taken by the supreme Lord himself. His ego and inflated pride had so blinded him that he had tried to assert his will above that of the Lord. He realised that had it not been for the Lord’s blessing he would not even have the ability to fly. He would not have his strength or power. Nor would he be the revered Garuda.
When the Lord had blessed him with all these gifts, Garuda had not thought to question him. But the moment he had blessed another he had felt aggrieved.
Humbled, Garuda very deferentially fell at Mahavishnu’s feet and begged him, “Lord please forgive me. In my stupidity I questioned your decision. My anger and resentment of the nagas made me forget all the blessing that you have gifted me. In my foolishness I expected that I should be the sole recipient of your blessings. Please forgive me for my errors.”
The loving and ever benevolent Lord smiled. Calmly alighting from Garuda’s back he said to Garuda, “My faithful bird, I will always forgive you. Everyone makes mistakes. What is important is that you learnt from your mistake. I love every one of my devotees and to each of them I offer my blessing and when requested my forgiveness too.”
Garuda was so happy that once again he lowered his massive wings. The Lord laughed and remounted the huge birds strong back and together they flew through the expanse of the universe.
LESSONS LEARNT
1. Each one of us is born with special talents. Once we find that talent we must pursue it and we will surely succeed. Matali’s talent was charioteering and he took to it instantly.
2. All living things be they of a different race or species are honourable and worthy. Matali a celestial being found the perfect match for his daughter in the nether world.
3. God blesses each one of us. All we have to do is pray to him to receive his blessings - just as Matali did.
4. When fearful turn to God. He will undoubtedly protect you as he did protect Samukha from Garuda .
5. Never deny others their blessing, their strengths, their skills or their powers. Each of us is specially blessed. Garuda learnt this when he tried to revoke the blessing God had granted Sumukha.
6. Everyone makes mistakes. Like Garuda we must all learn from our mistakes.
7. Like Lord Vishnu let us learn to forgive those who have wronged us.
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