Durvasa Muni Story – Chapter 3: Ambarish and Vishnu's Grace

Ambarish and Vishnu's Grace

In the previous chapter, we saw how the gods and humans were tested. Now we move forward to the story of King Ambarish, who was a supreme devotee of Lord Vishnu and whose devotion made even Sage Durvasa understand the importance of Vishnu's grace.

Breaking the Ekadashi Fast

King Ambarish observed the Ekadashi fast with great devotion. On the day of Dwadashi, as the time for breaking the fast approached, he was busy preparing to feed the Brahmins. There was peace in the atmosphere, the fragrance of incense rising from the yajna hall spread in the air, and birds were singing melodiously. King Ambarish, always eager for the welfare of his subjects, was especially happy today as he had completed another fast in the worship of Lord Vishnu. The radiance of devotion and the spirit of service were clearly visible on his face. Suddenly, an unexpected event occurred.

King Ambarish thought to himself, "It is time for food. If I eat anything before feeding the Brahmins, the fast will be broken. However, it would also not be proper if there is a delay in feeding them. What should I do?" Then he decided that he would only drink water, which is neither food nor a violation of a complete fast.

The Arrival of Sage Durvasa and the Chase of Sudarshana Chakra

At that very moment, Sage Durvasa arrived there with his disciples. Ambarish bowed to him and invited him for a meal. Sage Durvasa accepted the king's hospitality but went to the river for a bath. King Ambarish waited, but the sage did not return. The Dwadashi auspicious time for breaking the fast was passing. The king fell into a moral dilemma. He consulted the Brahmins. The Brahmins permitted him to take water before the auspicious time ended. As soon as the king took water, Sage Durvasa returned. He saw the king drinking water and became furious.

“Wicked one! You have insulted me! You ate before my arrival? I will burn you to ashes with the power of my penance!” Sage Durvasa said angrily and uprooted a lock of his hair and threw it on the ground. From that lock, a terrible demoness emerged and ran to kill Ambarish. At that very moment, Lord Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra appeared there and instantly reduced the demoness to ashes. Then the Chakra began to chase Sage Durvasa. Sage Durvasa, terrified, fled through all three worlds, but the Sudarshana Chakra was unwilling to let him go. He understood that all this was happening because of Ambarish's devotion and his steadfastness towards Vishnu.

Plea for Forgiveness from Vishnu and Praise of Ambarish

Finally, Sage Durvasa went to Lord Vishnu to ask for forgiveness. He prayed to Vishnu, "O Lord, I admit my mistake. I should not have troubled King Ambarish. Please free me from this offense." Lord Vishnu said, "I am under the control of my devotees. Even I do not have the power to stop my Chakra. Only King Ambarish can save you. Ask forgiveness from him." Sage Durvasa returned to King Ambarish, disappointed, and sought his forgiveness. King Ambarish prayed to Lord Vishnu to pacify the Chakra. Hearing the king's prayer, the Sudarshana Chakra became calm and stopped chasing Sage Durvasa. Sage Durvasa praised the devotion and kindness of King Ambarish, and then he understood the glory of Vishnu's devotees. In the next story, we will learn about Shakuntala's misfortune, which caused her to suffer many hardships.