Marvellous Mahābhārata Morals - XIV

God never fails to rescue

A devotee is a person who is devoted to God. In all ages, God has come in various forms and has never failed to come to the rescue of his devotees. There are many instances in society, when extremely rich people are, by a sudden turn of fate, reduced to utter poverty. People who are used to mansions are forced to live in a shanty. People used to the best delicacies are forced to beg for a living. People who had several servants at their command now have to work as servants. During such times, if they lose their morals and demean their character, then they invariably fail in all their attempts to regain their lost position and glory. It is especially true that during such times, they should keep their faith on God and work honestly by keeping their character intact. The Pāndavas were used to all the royal pleasures. However, after they lost everything in the dice game, they were forced to live in the forests for twelve years and the last thirteenth year in disguise. Without any wealth and without any servants, they spent their twelve years as ascetics living on fruits, roots, and herbs. They never lost their morals and character, and thus they passed through all their trials and tribulations with calmness and fortitude. They had to face numerous hardships and tests, and with the guidance of Śrī Kṛṣṇa they passed all of them.

It so happened that one day Riśī Durvāsa came along with his numerous followers, at an odd hour, to visit the Pāndavas and told them to arrange for their lunch. Thus saying, they all went to the river for a bath. Draupadī had just fed all the Pāndavas and there was no food left. There was only a single grain of rice left in the magical bowl gifted by the Sun God, which could produce food of any quantity but only once a day. Riśī Durvāsa was known for his anger and curses. Draupadī did not know how to arrange to feed Riśī Durvāsa and his large retinue. She feared that Riśī Durvāsa would get angry and curse them. She prayed to Śrī Kṛṣṇa who came and partook of that single grain of rice that was left in the bowl. Thereafter, Śrī Kṛṣṇa burped, thus signifying that his stomach was full. At that same time, with the grace of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the stomachs of Riśī Durvāsa and all his followers also became full. Thus, they left without any lunch and carried on with their journey. This incident proves that God never fails to come to the rescue of his devotees. Again, during the last year of their exile, when the Pāndavas had to live in disguise, they took refuge with the king of Virāta. Yudhiśṭira became a royal courtier, Bhīma became a cook, Arjuna became a dance teacher, Nakula and Sahadeva worked as stable hands, and Draupadī became a maidservant in the palace. All of them had never worked in such menial positions, and yet they faced all with courage and remained true to their character. They never lost their morals and their faith in God always remained unshaken. Due to this, they successfully passed their exile period and revealed who they really were. Subsequently, they claimed for their rightful inheritance, which Duryodhana refused. Hence, the battle of Kurukśetra, the battle of Dharma and Adharma, took place.