King Cola and Brahmana Vignudasa

Narada said:

1. Hearing her words like this, Dharmadatta, being amazed, bowed on the ground (i.e. prostrated himself) like a staff and said these words: Dharmadatta said:

2-3. By means of sacrifices, gifts, vows, (visits to) holy places, austerities, all devotees properly propitiate Vishnu who removes affliction. (Tell me) that which pleases Vishnu and which brings about proximity of Vishnu and having done which all those are done. The two attendants said:

4-13. O brahmana, you have asked well. Listen with a concentrated mind to a story, with its history, which took place in olden times and which is being told (by us). Formerly in Kantipura there lived an emperor Cola after whom, it is said, the country was called Cola. While he was ruling over the globe, no man was poor, unhappy, of a sinful design or diseased. Of him, performing many sacrifices (i.e. while he was performing many sacrifices), both the banks of the TamraparnI (river) were full of beauty with golden sacrificial posts resembling Caitraratha (Kubera's garden). Once, O brahmana, that king went to Anantasayana where this lord of the three worlds resorts to sleep. There the king having duly worshipped god Vishnu with divine gems, pearls, and beautiful golden flowers, saluted him (prostrating before him) like a staff and sat (there). When he was seated he saw a brahmana called Vishnudasa, who had come with Tulasi-water in his hand for worshipping the god and living in his own city. Having come there, the brahmana-sage worshipped the god of gods after having bathed him with Tulasi blossoms and leaves and with (the recital of) the Vishnu-hymn. Seeing that the worship done (by him) with jewels (etc.), was covered with Tulasi (-leaves) etc. the got angry and spoke (these) words:

The king said:

14-16. O Vishnudasa, how is it that the beautiful worship done by me with rubies and gold is covered with Tulasl-leaves by you? Since you cover this very beautiful worship offered by me, I think you do not know devotion to Vishnu and you are wretched. Hearing these words, the best brahmana got angry, and transgressing (i.e. not caring for) the greatness of the king, said (these) words then: Vishnudasa said:

17. O king, you do not know salvation; you are proud of your wealth. Tell me which Vishnu-vow you have observed before. The two attendants said:

18-22. O brahmana, hearing those words of the brahmana the best king laughed and proudly said these words to Vishnudasa: " O brahmana, if, being very proud, you are telling like this, (tell me) how much devotion to Vishnu you poor and indigent one have. O brahmana, you have not offered sacrifices or gifts. Nor anywhere have you put up a temple before. If the pride of you who are like this persists due to your devotion, then may these bestbrahmanas today hear my words. This dispute will go (i.e. cease). I shall have actual perception of Vishnu so that all these and you will realise our devotion." The two attendants said:

23-30. Speaking like this, O brahmana, the king went to his palace; and making Mudgala the preceptor he commenced a sacrificial session (in honour) of Vishnu, at which hosts of sages had come and many presents were given, which was rich like the one offered formerly by Brahma at Prayaga. Vishnudasa, observing the vow, remained just there in the temple, always observing these five restraints pleasing Vishnu: observing properly the vow in Magha and Kartika, maintaining a Tulasi-grove, observing the Ekadasl-vow, and muttering the twelve-syllabled hymn. So also everyday he worshipped Vishnu in the sixteen ways with auspicious (acts) like dancing and singing. (Thus) he observed these vows. He, viewing all equally, always remembered Vishnu while walking, eating and even while sleeping, and saw Vishnu remaining (i.e. as present) in every being. He daily observed the special restraints in Magha and Kartika for pleasing Vishnu, so also their proper conclusion. When king Cola and Vishnudasa, who were observing that vow, who had devoted their senses and acts to deeds for him (i.e. Vishnu), were thus propitiating (Vishnu) the lord of Lakshmi, much time passed.

 

CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED NINE

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