The kingdom of Soundarapandya was ruled by Varaguna. His family deity was Sundareshwara. However, he neglected the worship of his family deity. When he sought Sage Pushpalada’s guidance on whom to worship, the Sage taught the king the panchaaskshara mantra.
The king neglected to meditate on this mantra too as he came under the influence of Buddhists. As a consequence, he lost his wealth and his kingdom faced hardships. The Buddhists deserted him at this stage. Some time later, Sage Narada appeared before Varaguna and pointed out that his plight was due to the negligence in following the Guru’s teachings. The Sage advised him to steady his mind and pray to Sri Kalahastheeswara with devotion. King Varaguna, repenting for what he did, decided to follow Sage Narada’s advice.
We may think of two reasons as to why Maharishi Pushpalada’s mantra did not have the desired effect. One is that the King neglected worship of his family deity and the other is that the King came under the influence of Buddhists who were atheists and became an atheist himself.
We can understand several things from this episode. Once a vow is taken to worship a particular deity, no other deity should be worshipped. Devotees of Siva need not find fault with devotees of Vishnu. Ignorance makes man dwell on the differences between Siva, Vishnu, and Brahma. This ignorance can bring endless suffering to man.
King Varaguna, guided by Sage Narada’s instructions, shed his perceived differences and attained liberation through worship of Sri Kalahastheeswara.
The king neglected to meditate on this mantra too as he came under the influence of Buddhists. As a consequence, he lost his wealth and his kingdom faced hardships. The Buddhists deserted him at this stage. Some time later, Sage Narada appeared before Varaguna and pointed out that his plight was due to the negligence in following the Guru’s teachings. The Sage advised him to steady his mind and pray to Sri Kalahastheeswara with devotion. King Varaguna, repenting for what he did, decided to follow Sage Narada’s advice.
We may think of two reasons as to why Maharishi Pushpalada’s mantra did not have the desired effect. One is that the King neglected worship of his family deity and the other is that the King came under the influence of Buddhists who were atheists and became an atheist himself.
We can understand several things from this episode. Once a vow is taken to worship a particular deity, no other deity should be worshipped. Devotees of Siva need not find fault with devotees of Vishnu. Ignorance makes man dwell on the differences between Siva, Vishnu, and Brahma. This ignorance can bring endless suffering to man.
King Varaguna, guided by Sage Narada’s instructions, shed his perceived differences and attained liberation through worship of Sri Kalahastheeswara.
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