Viswamithra
Viswamithra
Viswamitra is one of the greatest and popular sages of our epics and Puranas. But, due to his short temper and envy, he had to lose several times the power and potency he acquired by his hard penance.
In the beginning, when he was a king, he was jealous of Vasishtha, because he possessed the wish-fulfilling, sacred cow. And when he became a Rishi, once again he was very angry, because all men and gods hailed the sage Vasishtha as Brahmarishi, while he was addressed only as Rajarishi inspite of his life-long penance. So, he decided to kill Vasishtha.
On a moonlit night, he went to the hermitage of Vasishtha. He was not to be found in the ashram. He searched and searched; at last, he found him in the company of his wife, Arundhati. He hid himself behind a tree with a knife in his hand, for some time. He could very clearly hear their conversation. Arundhati said, “My dear husband, don’t you think it is a very pleasant, cool, and calm night and it is so refreshing to be here.”
Vasishtha, replied, “Yes, my dear wife, so pleasing is effect of our dear Viswamitra’s penance.”
Viswamitra could not stand there; he ran forward and fell at the feet of Vasishtha. He had come to kill the sage. What did he hear? He was full of remorse. Vasishtha affectionately held him by the shoulders and said, “Get up, oh ye Brahmarishi.” So, at last, Viswamitra’s wish was fulfilled. He got the title of Brahmarishi only when he had given up his anger and jealousy.
Questions:
- Why was Viswamitra jealous of Vasishtha, when he was a king?
- How did he lose the power of his tapas?
- How was he transformed?
- When was he called Brahmarishi?
Source- Stories for Children- II Published by- Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust, Prashanti Nilayam.