Ambarisha is the son of Nabhaga. The story of Ambarisha in the Bhagavatam is very sacred. Ambarisha was highly educated. He showered happiness on his subjects, considering them his children. To him, his subjects were parts of his body and the Lord was his heart. A king and his subjects are related to each other as the head is to the body, he believed. He realized that all relations are related to the body and is based on the attachment not on love. He decided that he wanted only the treasure of God’s proximity and not worldly attachment.
Sages Vashistha and Gautama once instructed King Ambarisha to perform the Ashvamedha Yaga. Many kings had performed the same yaga successfully but no one in any age had done it like Ambarisha. He conducted it magnificently, giving away cows, land, gold and other articles in charity, articles that people had never seen or heard of before. During the Yajna, Ambarisha forgot his kingdom and even his body. He concentrated only on Lord Narayana. At the end of the Yajna, Lord Narayana appeared and presented His personal weapon, Sudarsana Chakra, to Ambarisha.
Sometime later, instructed by Sage Vashistha, Ambarisha performed the Dvadasi Vrata, twelve-month vow. After observing certain disciplines for twelve months, Ambarisha was to fast on the day prior to the completion of the one year period. The fast was to be broken at a particular time the next day, just before the end of the year. And after partaking food himself, he was to feed his subjects as well. These were the stipulations of the vow.
Ambarisha was getting ready to break his fast on the last day. Sage Durvasa arrived unexpectedly. Ambarisha honoured him. Durvasa said, ‘O King, no one has performed such a vow in the world. You will achieve great fame. Your kingdom will always experience peace and abundance.’ Ambarisha pleaded, ‘Swami, you must accept my hospitality today.’
Durvasa said, ‘With pleasure. But give me some time. I will go to the river, bathe and complete my daily prayers.’ So saying, Durvasa left for the river with his entourage.
Ambarisha started getting worried when Durvasa did not return even after a long time. Why? On the one hand, the etiquette of a host demanded that he could not eat before offering food to his guest. On the other hand, rules of the Dvadasi Vrata dictated that Ambarisha had to eat before the auspicious moment of the completion of one year, which had arrived. Ambarisha was as worried now, as he was peaceful during the vow. Vashistha suggested that he touch a few drops of Tulasi water to his lips to break his fast, assuring him that no fault would accrue to him by this act. Ambarisha obeyed Vashistha.
Durvasa returned after the auspicious moment. He divined Ambarisha’s action. He said, ‘Ambarisha, you are blind with pride!’ Ambarisha asked, ‘Honorable Sage, what is my fault?’ Durvasa said, ‘How dare you act innocent! You invite me as a guest and then eat before you serve me! Is this not a violation of the principles of hospitality? I am a Maharshi,8
not an ordinary guest! To insult me is not expected of you!’
Ambarisha claimed innocence, humbly but fearlessly. But Durvasa was adamant. He plucked one hair from his head and empowered it with a Mantra. A terrible demoness appeared and lifted her sword to kill Ambarisha. In a flash, the Sudarsana Chakra appeared and put an end to the demoness. The Lord’s weapon then turned on Sage Durvasa.
Durvasa fled. Sudarsana Chakra followed him through forests, rivers, deserts, plains, cities... everywhere. Durvasa ran and ran. Finally, he sought refuge in Brahma Loka, Lord Brahma’s abode. Brahma told him, ‘I’m helpless. I cannot challenge Lord Narayana’s power. I am the Lord’s servant. You will gain nothing from me.’
Durvasa then fled to Kailasa, Lord Shiva’s home. Lord Sankara spoke similar words, ‘I have no right to oppose Narayana’s Will. I cannot help you.’ Durvasa then ran to Lord Narayana Himself. The Lord said, ‘O Sage! Do you not see My helplessness? I may be all-powerful, but I cannot break one bond: The bond with devotees who have renounced everything for Me. I will always submit to My devotees. Ambarisha is one such devotee. He has renounced everything and he seeks Me alone. I cannot deny such surrender. The power of love (prema shakti) of My devotees is greater than My own will power (Iccha shakti)! I cannot help you in the least. But I will suggest a solution. Seek the pardon of Ambarisha.’
As advised by Lord Vishnu, Durvasa retraced his steps and fell at Ambarisha’s feet. Durvasa’s penance and powers were unsurpassed. Imagine, such a great sage falling at a king’s feet! Ambarisha was surprised and embarrassed. He said, ‘O great sage! You are rich in penance and wisdom. Please do not fall at the feet of an ordinary man like me.’ Durvasa replied, ‘In my pride I spoke harsh words to you. I made you suffer without recognizing your sincere devotion. Pardon me.’ Ambarisha then prayed on Durvasa’s behalf, ‘O Lord Vishnu, You are the embodiment of Love and Compassion. You are allknowing and omnipotent. Please forgive the sage’s faults.’ Only then the Sudarsana Chakra stopped pursuing the sage.
Ambarisha was an emperor not just of his kingdom, but in the kingdom of devotion as well. Even Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva had to bow to his devotion! The efficacy of devotion is - Avaang Maanasa Gocharam – beyond thought and word. In this Kali age, people do not understand devotion. They think devotion is limited to worship, Bhajans and vows. God’s Form should be imprinted in your heart like words on paper! There should be no separation, no distinction between you and God. Such intense faith is rare today. Ambarisha’s eyes only saw Narayana, his ears heard only the Lord’s Name, his feet approached only the Lord and his hands were ever engaged in worship. Divine brilliance flowed through all his senses. Ambarisha despite his vast knowledge, wealth and powers, he renounced worldly joys: ‘I want only God, nothing else. He alone is my goal.’ (SSB 1995, pp. 50-59)