Kalashtami Vrat – Chapter 2: Devotee's Plea and Devotion

The Devotee's Plea and Devotion

In the previous chapter, we sang the glory of the origin of the Kalashtami fast, which contained the story of the advent of Bhairavnath. Now we will see how by observing this fast, devotees are freed from many sufferings. This is the story of such a devoted devotee, who by his unwavering faith obtained the grace of Kaal Bhairav.

Remembrance in Difficult Times

Like a dark night, life too is sometimes shrouded in such dense clouds that no path is visible. A similar calamity had gripped the kingdom of King Vikramaditya. Drought, famine, and constant attacks by enemies had made the subjects cry out in distress. King Vikramaditya himself was extremely worried, the lines of worry deepening on his forehead. The royal treasury was empty, the soldiers were disheartened, and the subjects were hungry. In such a situation, the king remembered all the gods, performed all the rituals, but found no relief from anywhere.😔

Disheartened, on a moonless night, when the moon was also hidden by clouds, King Vikramaditya sat in his chamber. He thought, "When all the gods are unable to rescue me from this crisis, whom should I remember?" Just then, he remembered the glory of the Kalashtami fast, which his priest had narrated. He decided that he would sincerely remember Kaal Bhairav, who is the lord of time itself.

Seeking Special Grace from Bhairavnath

As per the rules, King Vikramaditya, in the third prahar of the night, in a secluded place, wearing pure clothes, meditated on Bhairavnath. He fasted, and without worrying about the rituals, he simply expressed the pain in his heart and the suffering of his subjects. He said, "O Supreme Lord, O Kaal Bhairav! You are the controller of time, you are the solution to every problem. My subjects are in pain, my kingdom is in crisis. I know this is the fruit of my deeds, but O Lord, I have come to your refuge. Only you can save us from this calamity. Accept my devotion and bestow your merciful glance upon me and my subjects."🙏

There was no ostentation in his prayer, no pretense, only the pain of a heart and unwavering faith. Bhairavnath, known for listening to the cries of devotees' hearts, was pleased by King Vikramaditya's sincere devotion. The king tied a red thread on his wrist and became absorbed in his prayer, knowing that his destiny was now in the hands of Bhairavnath.

The Test and Facing Sufferings

As soon as King Vikramaditya began the worship of Bhairavnath, he felt that a test had begun before him. Darkness deepened all around, and strange sounds began to fill his ears. He felt as if some invisible force was trying to frighten him. This was the illusion of Kaal Bhairav, testing the devotee's faith. The king did not divert his attention; instead, he strengthened his mind further. He resolved to willingly endure this suffering for his subjects, for his kingdom.💪

Bhairavnath saw the king's unwavering devotion. He understood that the king was not asking for grace for himself alone, but for his entire subjects. This was the hour of the devotee's test, and King Vikramaditya was proving himself. The next day, when the sun rose, the king felt a strange change in his kingdom. There was a new freshness in the air, and a new hope on the faces of the people.