All Advice Yudhishthir (5)

Yudhishthir asked - "How Srinjaya's son became Swarnishthivi (whose excreta is of gold)? Why Paravt gave that child? and why did he die in his infancy when in those time people lived for thousand years?" Krishn said - "I tell you all this. There are two Rishi - Parvat and Naarad. Naarad is maternal uncle of Parvat, Parvat is his sister's son. Once both descended on Prithvi to taste Ghee (clarified butter) and rice. Both wandered on Prithvi subsisted on the food taken by human beings. Both had a pact that whatever, good or bad, one will experience will be disclosed to the other one; but on that event if one will act otherwise - he should be subject to the other's curse.

Agreeing on this pact they came to the king Srinjaya - the son of Sitya, and said - "We two wish to stay with you for a few days for your good, take care of our needs." King himself took this responsibility and started serving them. After a while the king introduced his daughter Sukumaaree and said that she would take care of them. Her beauty and selfless service attracted Naarad towards her. Because of shame he could not disclose this to his nephew Parvat. But Parvat knew all about this by his powers. He got angry at this and resolved to curse Naarad. He said to him - "You have violated the rule, that is why I curse you. You are a Brahmchaaree and my preceptor, you are a Tapaswee and a Braahman, still you broke the pact so I curse you, This Sukumaaree will definitely be your wife, but from the time of your marriage to her, she and other men will see you as an ape. Your true features will disappear and an ape's feature will appear on you." 

Hearing his nephew Naarad also cursed him - "Although you have been a great ascetic, Truth speaker and self-resistant, you will not go to Heaven." Thus both cursed each other. Since then Parvat began to wander over the Earth and Naarad married Srinjaya's daughter Sukumaaree. But as the last Mantra of marriage was read, Sukumaaree saw Naarad's face as an ape's face, still she did not disregard her husband, rather she got dedicated to him. One day when Parvat was wandering, he saw Naarad in a lonely forest. He greeted him and asked his forgiveness and permission to go to Heaven.

Since both were not happy with their situations, Naarad said - "You cursed me first by saying "you be an ape". At this I cursed you "from this day you will not live in Heaven". This was not good for you because you are like a son to me". Both saints freed each other from their curses. When Sukumaaree saw the celestial beauty in Naarad, she took him somebody else and fled away from him. Seeing her running away from Naarad, Parvat said to her - "He is your husband, don't run away. He is Rishi Naarad. Do not have any doubt." She calmed down and came back to Naarad. Parvat went to Heaven and Naarad went to his home."

Vaasudev continued - "Rishi Naarad who himself is an actor, is here, ask him yourself, what happened afterwards?"

Vaishampaayan Jee said - "Then Yudhishthir asked Naarad to tell him the further events. Naarad Jee said - "What Keshav has told you is all correct, now I tell you the remaining story. Once Parvat and myself came to reside with Srinjaya. After the rainy season had gone, at the time of our departure came, Parvat said to me - "We have lived here duly honored, give something to him. Either fulfill his wish or give him boon for success." So Parvat called him and said - "We are very much satisfied with your services so ask anything which does not envy Devtaa or destroy mankind." At this Sanjaya said - "I want a son who is very powerful, firm in his vows, has long life, highly blessed and should possess the grace like Indra. The son shall be known by Suvarnshthivi. Take care that he should always be protected from Indra." At this Parvat said - "So be it, but the child will not live long because your wish is prevailing over Indra. His name will be Suvarnshthivi." Srinjaya said - "Please let my son be long-lived with your ascetic merits." Parvat did not reply him because he was partial to Indra, then I said - " Think of me whenever you need me. Do not grieve, I will gave your son back to you even if he is dead." After saying this o Srinjaya we left for wherever we wished and Srinjaya also left for his palace as he pleased.

The child was growing up as a fine handsome boy and became known to others soon according to his name. Indra got feared so he asked Thunder to slay the prince by appearing in a tiger form and eating him. Once the prince, of five years of age, was roaming around on the banks of Gangaa River, that he came across a tiger. The tiger attacked him and he fell dead immediately. The tiger ran away, prince's nurses cried loudly and the king came there rushing. As he saw his son dead, he starting lamenting for him piteously. Remembering my words he remembered me and I appeared before him. I told him many stories of death, as Krishn has already told you. Then I gave him life with the permission of Indra. Whatever is the Destiny must occur. It is impossible that it should be otherwise. After the king he became the king and ruled for 1,100 years. You also dispel your grief, as Keshav has advised you, as Vyaas has advised you, get up and take care of your kingdom."

Vaishampaayan Jee said - "Hearing all this Yudhishthir got silent, then Vyaas Jee spoke again - "Follow your ancestors. Braahman's duty is to do Tap; a Kshatriya's duty is to protect his people, all people of sinful nature should be treated well. The king who does not do this attaches to sin." Yudhishthir said - "You say all right, everything related to morality and duties is known to you. I have slain many people just because of kingdom, that is what is burning me." Vyaas asked him - "Tell me, O Yudhishthir, the Supreme Being is doer or the human being?