Once upon a time, Maharaja Ambarisha observed the vow of Ekadashi and Dvadashi for one year, along with his equally qualified wife. In the month of Kartika, when the vow was completed, Maharaja Ambarisha fasted for three nights, and then, after bathing in the River Yamuna at Madhuvana, he worshiped the Deity by performing the mahabhisheka. First of all, the king bathed the Deity with all paraphernalia, and then he dressed the Lord in fine clothing, ornaments and flower garlands.
Thereafter, Maharaja Ambarisha gave sixty crores cows, with gold-plated horns and silver-plated hooves, in charity to the brahmanas, and satisfied all the other guests that had arrived at his house. All of these cows were mild in nature, young and beautiful, and were accompanied by their calves.
After this, Maharaja Ambarisha sumptuously fed the brahmanas. Then, when he saw that the brahmanas were fully satisfied, he prepared to observe the end of Ekadashi by breaking his fast, with their permission. Just at this time, however, the powerful mystic, Durvasa Muni, appeared on the scene as an uninvited guest.
After standing up to receive the great sage, Maharaja Ambarisha offered him a nice seat and all kinds of paraphernalia for his worship. Then, after sitting at Durvasa Muni’s feet, Maharaja Ambarisha humbly requested him to eat. Durvasa Muni gladly accepted the invitation, but first, so that he could perform his ritualistic duties, he went to the River Yamuna. After dipping into the water, Durvasa Muni began meditating upon the impersonal Brahman, and due to remaining in samadhi, he did not return for a long time.
Meanwhile, because only one muhurta remained before the Ekadashi-parana of the Dvadasi day, it was imperative to break the fast immediately. In this dangerous situation, Maharaja Ambarisha consulted the learned brahmanas and then said, “It is certainly a great offense to transgress the rules of respectful behavior toward the brahmanas. On the other hand, if I do not break my fast within the allotted time, there will be a flaw in the observance of my vow. Therefore, O brahmanas, if you think it to be proper, I shall break the fast by drinking water.”
After consulting the brahmanas, Maharaja Ambarisha made up his mind in this way, for according to their opinion, drinking water can either be accepted as eating, or not eating. After drinking some water, Maharaja Ambarisha absorbed himself in meditation upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead within his heart, while awaiting Durvasa Muni’s return.
When his noontime duties were finished, Durvasa Muni returned from the Yamuna, and so Maharaja Ambarisha received him with all respect.
http://handlinganger.blogspot.com/search/label/incarnation
http://freedomweapon.blogspot.com/search/label/Ambarisha
Thereafter, Maharaja Ambarisha gave sixty crores cows, with gold-plated horns and silver-plated hooves, in charity to the brahmanas, and satisfied all the other guests that had arrived at his house. All of these cows were mild in nature, young and beautiful, and were accompanied by their calves.
After this, Maharaja Ambarisha sumptuously fed the brahmanas. Then, when he saw that the brahmanas were fully satisfied, he prepared to observe the end of Ekadashi by breaking his fast, with their permission. Just at this time, however, the powerful mystic, Durvasa Muni, appeared on the scene as an uninvited guest.
After standing up to receive the great sage, Maharaja Ambarisha offered him a nice seat and all kinds of paraphernalia for his worship. Then, after sitting at Durvasa Muni’s feet, Maharaja Ambarisha humbly requested him to eat. Durvasa Muni gladly accepted the invitation, but first, so that he could perform his ritualistic duties, he went to the River Yamuna. After dipping into the water, Durvasa Muni began meditating upon the impersonal Brahman, and due to remaining in samadhi, he did not return for a long time.
Meanwhile, because only one muhurta remained before the Ekadashi-parana of the Dvadasi day, it was imperative to break the fast immediately. In this dangerous situation, Maharaja Ambarisha consulted the learned brahmanas and then said, “It is certainly a great offense to transgress the rules of respectful behavior toward the brahmanas. On the other hand, if I do not break my fast within the allotted time, there will be a flaw in the observance of my vow. Therefore, O brahmanas, if you think it to be proper, I shall break the fast by drinking water.”
After consulting the brahmanas, Maharaja Ambarisha made up his mind in this way, for according to their opinion, drinking water can either be accepted as eating, or not eating. After drinking some water, Maharaja Ambarisha absorbed himself in meditation upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead within his heart, while awaiting Durvasa Muni’s return.
When his noontime duties were finished, Durvasa Muni returned from the Yamuna, and so Maharaja Ambarisha received him with all respect.
http://handlinganger.blogspot.com/search/label/incarnation
http://freedomweapon.blogspot.com/search/label/Ambarisha
