Jwalamukhi Mata Katha – Chapter 4: Akbar's Test: Miraculous Flame

Akbar's Test: The Miraculous Flame

In the previous chapter, we read about the discovery of the Jwala Ji site. King Bhumi Chand, through his devotion and tireless efforts, reached the sacred place where Mother Jwala was continuously burning. Now, in this chapter, we will witness the test of the Mughal emperor Akbar and the miracle of Mother Jwala. Akbar, in his arrogance of power and empire, attempts to challenge the power of Mother Jwala, but he has to bow down before the divine power of the Mother.

Akbar's Arrogance

Seated on the throne of Delhi, Akbar was intoxicated with his power and splendor. He was proud of the vastness of his empire and was unwilling to accept that there could be a power beyond his reach. When he heard about the temple of Jwala Ji and the wondrous flame burning there, doubt arose in his mind. He felt that this was all a deception spread by the Brahmins, a trick to fool people. He could not tolerate the idea that any power could challenge his authority, even if it was spiritual power. His courtiers tried to convince him that it was a divine miracle, but Akbar's arrogance prevented him from hearing the truth. His mind became restless to extinguish these flames and expose this 'miracle'.

Akbar said to his Wazir, "What kind of miracle is this that has not reached my court? What is this flame, and why do people worship it? I find it all a deception. I will go myself and extinguish this flame and show what the truth is!" The Wazir said fearfully, "Your Majesty, this flame is not ordinary. It is a form of Mother Bhagwati. Attempting to extinguish it could be disastrous!" Akbar replied angrily, "Silence! I do not believe in any gods or goddesses. I only believe in my own power. The order is, we march to Jwala Ji tomorrow!"

Attempt to Extinguish the Flame

Akbar arrived at the temple of Jwala Ji with a large army and equipment. He set up camp around the temple and immediately began planning to extinguish the flame. He ordered his soldiers to bring water from canals and pour it on the flame. The soldiers made tireless efforts, but pouring water on the flame only made it burn brighter. The power of water failed to calm the flame. Akbar then had leather oil and other flammable substances poured on the flame, thinking it would extinguish it, but this only made the flame burn more fiercely. The flames of the fire reached the sky, and the heat increased so much that the soldiers had to retreat.

The flame, even after all of Akbar's efforts, remained unwavering and indomitable. This was proof of Mother Bhagwati's power. The heat of the flame was melting Akbar's arrogance, and fear began to creep into his mind. He saw that the flame was beyond any human effort. Even heavy rain and storms could not calm the flame. It was a supernatural power, a divine miracle beyond his comprehension.

Offering of a Golden Umbrella

Akbar finally realized his mistake. His power and arrogance proved insignificant before Mother Jwala. He understood that this flame was not an ordinary fire, but the form of Bhagwati herself. With a heart full of repentance, Akbar decided to bow down at the feet of Mother Jwala. He had a golden umbrella made from his treasury and decided to offer it to Mother Jwala. However, as soon as the golden umbrella was installed in the temple, it melted and transformed into a strange metal, which can still be seen there today. This was another symbol of Mother Jwala's glory, showing that offerings made with pretense and arrogance are not acceptable to the Mother. After this incident, Akbar's heart was transformed, and he accepted the power of Mother Jwala.