In the rich tapestry of our Puranas, the minstrel sage Narada emerges as a vibrant figure, steeped in legend and lore. His journey began as the handsome celestial musician named Upabarhana, a gandharva whose melodious voice enraptured the heavens.
During a grand sacrifice orchestrated by Daksha, one of Brahma's mind-born sons, Upabarhana was invited to sing devotional songs. Upabarhana began to sing in his divinely mellifluous voice but unfortunately and unwittingly his attention diverted from his singing when he saw some beautiful Apsaras. Observing this lapse in attention, Daksha's annoyance swelled, and in a fit of rage he cursed Upabarhana, “Your despicable behaviour indicates that you don’t deserve to remain in the splendour of heaven. May you be relegated to be born as a mere mortal on earth.”
Thus, the celestial melody of Upabarhana was silenced, and the stage was set for the earthly saga of Narada, the wandering sage whose tales would echo through the ages. He took birth on earth as the son of an ordinary maid servant. What was initially perceived as a curse unfolded into a blessing of immeasurable value.
When Narada was still a young child he and his mother had the opportunity to serve some great sages who visited their village and then remained on for four months through the rainy season. These revered sages, imparted wisdom and grace upon Narada, shaping his destiny and setting him upon the path of enlightenment.
Although just a child, Narada developed an interest in spiritual topics. Diligently attending to the needs of the visiting sages, he earned their blessings. Day by day his faith grew stronger and deeper and he became rooted firmly in their teachings. The sages pleased with his interest generously shared their wisdom and Narada eagerly absorbed everything he was taught. With the end of the rainy season the sages left the village but their profound influence remained entrenched in young Narada’s heart.
Shortly thereafter, tragedy struck as Narada's mother fell victim to a snakebite and passed away. Despite the sorrow it brought, this painful event proved to be yet another hidden blessing, propelling Narada further along the path of Self-realization. Reflecting upon his life's journey while narrating it to Ved Vyasa, Narada remarked, "I perceived this as a divine grace bestowed by the Lord, who eternally bestows blessings upon His devotees."
Barely five years old, Narada, embraced the life of a renunciant and wandered across the country as solitary monk. Finally, he reached a dense forest teeming with wild animals. He was exhausted and longed for some food and water. Spotting a river he drank the water. Bathed and refreshed he settled down under a sprawling banyan tree to meditate on the Lord just as the sages had taught him. Imagine his joy when in deep meditation he was blessed with a vision of the Lord. Moved beyond words, Narada shed tears of ecstasy. Unfortunately he could not hold on to the vision which disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared. Though fleeting, the vision left an indelible mark on his soul, igniting an insatiable yearning to behold the divine once more. His determination to deepen his spiritual practice grew exponentially. Undeterred by worldly distractions and free from the shackles of desire, Narada embarked on a journey across the earth, chanting the sacred name and glory of the Lord with unwavering devotion.
One day as the morning sun ascended and bathed the land in its warm glow, Narada found himself amidst a breathtakingly beautiful and dense forest. The verdant canopy of leafy trees cast a soothing shade, inviting him to pause and immerse himself in the tranquil embrace of nature. Choosing a majestic giant tree, Narada settled beneath its sprawling branches and went into deep meditation. Unknown to Narada the forest grove where he sat to meditate had been blessed by Lord Shiva ensuring that no disturbances would disrupt the tranquility of those who sought solace within its bounds.
Narada's intense meditation began to stir concern in Indra, who feared that Narada might attain powers surpassing his own. Determined to thwart Narada's progress, Indra devised a plan to interrupt his meditation. He sent Agni, Varuna and Vayu, the divine elements, down to disturb Narada and thwart his meditation.
Descending to the earthly realm, Agni, Vayu, and Varuna unleashed their respective powers upon Narada's tranquil abode. Varuna unleashed torrents of rain, Vayu whipped up mighty winds, and Agni set the surroundings ablaze. Despite their concerted efforts, Narada remained steadfast in his unwavering meditation, undisturbed by the chaos unfolding around him.
Returning to the heavens, Vayu, Agni, and Varuna approached Indra with humility, conceding defeat. "Indra," they confessed, "despite our best efforts, Narada's meditation remains unbroken. His strength of focus is such that we were powerless to disrupt his profound state of contemplation."
Indra, resolute in his quest to disrupt Narada's meditation, dispatched Kamadeva, the God of Love, with explicit instructions. "Descend and shatter Narada’s meditation," Indra commanded. "Take Rathi along with the Apsaras and the celestial nymphs; employ all the means necessary to cease Narada's contemplation."
At Indra’s behest Kamadeva went down and employed every resource within his powers and those of Rathi, the Apsaras and nymphs but nothing could distract Narada. Kamadeva admitted defeat and returning to heaven said to Indra, “Despite all our efforts we have failed to break his meditation.”
On concluding his meditation, Narada learned of the unsuccessful attempts made by all the devas, including Kamadeva, to disrupt his practice. Overwhelmed with joy, he hastened to Mount Kailash to share the news with Lord Shiva. Narada expressed his elation, saying, "Shiva, I am filled with happiness. Even Kamadeva, the God of Love, could not break my meditation. I have triumphed over even the God of Love!"
Knowing that it was his own blessing that safeguarded Narada's meditation, Shiva chose not to reveal this fact. Instead, he responded to Narada's news by saying, "Narada that is indeed intriguing. However, I would advise you not to disclose this to Vishnu."
Filled with pride over his achievement, Narada promptly inquired, "Why shouldn't I tell Vishnu? I always chant 'Narayan, Narayan,' so surely he will be pleased to hear the news."
Shiva said, “Well, you do as you like, but I suggest you don’t tell Vishnu.”
Ignoring Shiva's counsel, Narada allowed his arrogance to swell unchecked. With an inflated sense of accomplishment, he proceeded directly to Vaikuntha and proudly announced to Vishnu, "My Lord, I have just returned from a meditation of unparalleled greatness.”
Lord Vishnu smiled warmly and replied, "You appear truly radiant, as if you've attained a remarkable victory. Please, tell me about this meditation of yours."
Narada brimming with pride, declared, "I have conquered the God of Love. I am liberated from love, lust, and desire."
Vishnu with a knowing half-smile on his face said, “Oh, that’s wonderful, I applaud your attainment.”
Puffed up with conceit from his perceived victory, Narada resumed his wanderings and eventually came upon a lush garden where a captivating young princess was dancing gracefully. Enchanted by her beauty Narada hurried into the garden, eager to learn more about her. There, he discovered that the princess was none other than Shrimati the daughter of King Shilanidhi.
Approaching the king, Narada was greeted warmly. "Ah, Narada Muni, welcome. My daughter is on the verge of selecting her life partner. Please, would you kindly examine her palm and reveal the type of husband she should seek and what fate awaits her?" requested the king.
The king called his daughter, he said, “Please, sit here and show Narada Muni your palm.”
Narada gazed intently at Princess Shrimati’s palm and carefully scrutinized the lines etched on it. As he did a profound revelation dawned upon him: the princess was destined to marry the king of the three worlds. She was destined to live as the God’s did.
However without revealing all that he had seen Narada, with a reassuring smile, said to the king, “Everything appears auspicious for your daughter. She will marry the most handsome prince, and they will be very happy together.”
The king was delighted with Narada’s reading. Narada, however had by now fallen in love with Srimati reluctantly letting go off her hand he thought to himself, “I wish to marry this exquisite damsel”.
Narada swiftly made his way to Vaikuntha and addressed Vishnu, "Lord Vishnu, I humbly beseech you for a favour. Transform me into the epitome of handsomeness, adorn me with abundant ornaments, gold, and splendid attire of silks and satins. Make me as captivating and as desirable as Hari Himself, so that I may win the heart of Princess Shrimati"
Vishnu mischievously enquired, “Narada, why, I thought you had just conquered the God of Love and were free of lust and desire?”
Narada responded, "Indeed, I did say I had overcome the God of Love. However, upon reflection, I find that I might have been rather hasty in coming to that conclusion. Now I strongly desire to marry this princess. Her father is arranging a swayamvar for her, where she will select her husband. I want her to see me as the most desirable among all her suitors."
“Don’t worry,” Vishnu promised, “I will give you a most distinctive appearance.”
Vishnu adorned Narada in the most exquisite attire, draping him in resplendent fabrics of the finest quality. Upon his head, Vishnu placed a crown crafted from pure gold, gleaming with regal splendour. Narada's form was embellished with magnificent ornaments, each encrusted with precious jewels, while shimmering necklaces and garlands adorned his neck. Undoubtedly Narada had an aura of unparalleled extravagance.
Narada strode into the assembly of kings and princes with an air of confidence, convinced that he stood out as the most distinguished among them all. As the princess approached, gracefully holding a garland of flowers, she looked upon each prince with keen interest, offering a kind smile as she passed by. However, upon reaching Narada, much to his astonishment, the princess unable contain her amusement burst out into loud peals of laughter. Before her stood a magnificent monkey, adorned in princely attire, seeking her hand in marriage. With laughter bubbling forth, she proceeded past a bewildered Narada, who was utterly perplexed by her reaction. Finally, she bestowed her garland upon the very last prince assembled in the king's court – Lord Vishnu.
Narada said, “Wait! You made a mistake, I’m the most distinctive man here, I’m the most handsome prince and I am deserving of this garland.”
Everyone began to laugh. Jaya and Vijaya the two attendants of Lord Vishnu who were also present at the court came up to Narada and said, “Why such conceit?" they chided. "Your arrogance blinds you to your true nature and appearance. Come, peer into this looking glass, and behold your true visage. Come and take a look in this mirror and behold your appearance.”
Narada gazed into the mirror. To his horror his reflection revealed a face resembling that of a monkey!
When he had requested Vishnu for the appearance of Hari he had meant a face as glorious as Lord Vishnu Himself. What he had failed to remember was that the term "Hari" also meant "monkey." The Lord had indeed bestowed him the face of hari (a monkey)!
Narada was now seething with rage. He took some Ganga Jal in his hand and rushed to where Lord Vishnu stood and shouted, “Vishnu, I asked you to make me beautiful so that I could win the love of Princess Shrimati but instead you turned me into a monkey. Now I have lost my beloved to you! For this I curse you Vishnu! You too will lose your beloved, and suffer the pain of separation from her. Because you made me look like a monkey you will be dependent on the help of monkeys to find your wife. Your saviours will be the monkeys.”
Lord Vishnu then said to Narada, “Princess Shrimati is in fact Goddess Lakshmi. How then can she marry you when she is already married to me? It is desire that has blinded you. Had you spent even a little while in contemplation or meditation, you would have realized her true identity”
It was then that Narada realized his error. He was ashamed of himself. He realized that for all his arrogance and boasting he had not been able to control desire all at. He folded his hands and looked pleadingly at Lord Vishnu for forgiveness.
Lord Vishnu knowing that Narada had learnt his lesson looked at Narada with compassion he continued, “Narada I willingly accept your curse. I will incarnate as a human and Goddess Lakshmi will be my wife. I will endure separation from her. But all of this I will do in order to relive my beloved attendants Jaya and Vijaya from the curse of the Sannat Kumaras. Jaya and Vijaya were cursed to live three lifetimes apart from me on earth. As they were heartbroken to leave me I promised that I would be a part of their mortal lives and after the curse was fulfilled they would return as the divine gate-keepers of Vaikuntha. In accordance with your curse I will descend to earth as Rama to save the earth from Jaya and Vijaya’s incarnations as Ravana and Kubhakarna.”
True to Narada’s curse Lord Vishnu, in his seventh incarnation, was born as Lord Rama and it was Lord Hanuman and his vanara army that helped him find his beloved wife Sita.
After realizing the impact of his harsh words Narada became contrite at his unthinking, foolish outburst. He had made the terrible mistake of having cursed the Lord. He wished he could take everything back. Tears poured down his cheeks as he silently stood before Lord Vishnu with hands folded and eyes shut.
Vishnu then spoke in a sympathetic and gentle tone, “Narada now that you are serene and no longer agitated by desire I want you to open your eyes and look around you.”
Obediently, Narada opened his eyes slowly and looked around. He was dumbstruck to discover that everything had vanished. There was no city, no king, no swayamvara. He glanced once again at the mirror and he no longer had the face of a monkey.
Narada humbly prostrated before Lord Vishnu and said, “I am truly grateful to you, my Lord for having opened my eyes to my shortfalls.”
Thereafter Narada spent the rest of his human life as an unwavering devotee of Lord Vishnu. Reflecting on the end of his mortal existence he had said, “To me whose thoughts were steadfastly focussed on the Lord, devoid of all attachments and whose heart remained pure death arrived at the appointed hour swiftly like a flash of lightening.”
Narada, blessed by the grace of Lord Narayana, roamed freely throughout the three worlds, carrying his lute and singing praises of the divine.
Narada who is known to often create confusion and conflict in the three lokas was once questioned by the Lord as to why he did this. Narada responded "I do so to gauge the extent of their devotion and faith in You. For there is nothing and no one greater than You."
LIFE LESSONS
1. Pride comes before a fall.
2. Like Narada we too often imagine ourselves as far greater and better than we actually are. Narada teaches us to see ourselves as we truly are.
3. When we face disappointments as Narada did we too like Narada must realize that these disappointments occur to teach us some important life lessons.
4. We too like Narada should remain devoted to God.
5. Just as Lord Vishnu blessed Narada He blesses each and every one of his devotees
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