SATYAN 2
-7. Vasudev Parts With His Idol

Few days passed by.  A major portion of all temple revenues in the kingdom were spent for the benefit of the poor and the needy.  Of all his responsibilities Vasudev was also entrusted with the task of checking whether the funds released by the temple authorities for this purpose were in accordance to the records maintained by them.  He also had to ensure the mathematical accuracy of these records.

One evening, Vasudev visited the King and explained the purpose of his visit.  “Maharaj, I have got some information from Manohar, who is the head of Laxmi Narayan temple.  He says that this year owing to a sudden decline in the number of devotees visiting the temple and also due to fewer contributions made in the hundi, the annual returns of the temple is less than compared to previous years.  As a result, the process where these returns are channelised for the benefit of the needy would take a beating this time.  I have seen his records which show a drop in contributions towards the latter part of the year.”   Vasudev furnished details to support his disclosures and the King mulled over them.  “If people are not making contributions, then can we do anything about it?  After all, they cannot be compelled to do so!  However, the fall in devotees visiting one of the most reputed temples of our kingdom is a matter of concern.  Did Manohar cite any reason for this?” 

“He is himself not sure of the reason, Maharaj.”   

“Alright!  I shall talk to him in this regard.  One factor we should not forget is that it’s been hardly a year ever since Manohar took over the reins of ownership of the temple after his father’s death.  Therefore, he might take time to settle down.  Since he is from a very decent family, may be there is no reason to suspect foul play.  Isn’t it?”  The King asked thoughtfully.  Vasudev agreed and then took his leave.

**The Laxmi-Narayan temple owed it’s origin to an event which occurred years ago when workers who were digging the ground for constructing a new house for Damodhar – Manohar’s father who had bought some land from Bharadwaj’s father (who was then the King) for this purpose –  unearthed two huge golden idols of Lord Vishnu and Mahalakshmi.  Damodhar was so pleased with this discovery that he decided to build a temple instead of a house in that holy spot where the idols were found.  He met Bharadwaj’s father and sought his permission to fructify his plans.  The King gave the go-ahead to his proposal but exhorted Damodhar to donate the returns of the temple for the deprived and the needy to which the latter readily agreed. **

The next evening, Vasudev had an unexpected visitor.  It was Manohar!  After they were seated, Manohar, who had long ears, big eyes, sharp nose and a thick moustache that matched his burly physique, spoke his mind, “Satyanji, I had a meeting with the King in the morning.  He was upset about the decline in the influx of devotees in my temple.  I assured him of taking all possible measures to rectify this like ensuring proper maintenance and even carrying out some renovation work if required.  But then all these steps may or may not achieve the desired purpose.  I have an idea and would be gratified if you agree to it!”  After a moment’s pause, Manohar continued, “Your idol of Lord Krishna is famous in our kingdom for it’s extraordinary history and also because it belongs to you.  The fact that it was returned to you by the Lord himself in one of your dreams has aroused everyone’s interest in seeing this idol.   If you permit, I would be glad to install this statue in my temple, Satyanji.  It would   not only give the idol a permanent fixture but would also entice devotees to once again throng the temple for having it’s darshan.  What do you say?” 

Vasudev was unable to provide a prompt reply to this intriguing proposal put forward by Manohar and asked for some time to think over it.

Later, he apprised Bharadwaj and the Queen of his conversation with Manohar.  “It appears to be a good idea but then the decision is entirely yours!” declared the King.  Chitralekha concurred with him. 

After much thought, Vasudev agreed to the suggestion of Manohar!  After an auspicious day was choosen, the King propagated the upcoming event among the people who were thrilled to hear this news. 

On the choosen day, Vasudev bathed, cleaned and applied sandalwood paste on his idol’s forehead.  He, then garlanded it and looked at his deity for some time.  He was feeling sad at heart over the fact that the idol may no longer be in his chamber but then there were other factors which had bolstered his decision to part with it like more people getting an opportunity to see the deity which may amplify contributions made to the temple hundi that would ultimately benefit those in need.   Besides, he also felt to have had the permission of Krishna when he had prayed to the Lord in his mind.    

A little while later, Vasudev walked to the Laxmi-Narayan temple followed by the King, Hari, Manohar, and others in the kingdom, holding the Lord Krishna idol in his hand.  A large crowd had converged on the outskirts of the temple to witness this event.  Vasudev climbed up the marble stairs of the temple and foremost went to the sanctum Sanctorum of Maha Vishnu and his spouse Lakshmi who stood majestically, raising their hands in blessing and having a serene smile on their divine faces which filled the hearts of the devotees with transcendental bliss.  He stood there for some time with rapture at the magnificent presence of the sparkling deities that were fully embellished in gold.  Thereby, he was led to another room beside the sanctum.  At the center of this room was a small dome having architectural curves at the base and was supported by four marble columns.  Vasudev and the others following him stood near this shrine as the air rent with the holy mantras and hymns of priests.  Finally, he broke a coconut as per the rituals and placed his murti in the shrine as everyone cheered loudly and showered flowers on the idol.  At that moment, Vasudev felt a sudden rush of emotions in his heart and his eyes became moist.  He stood with eyes closed and folded palms and silently prayed to Lord Krishna.  Thereafter, he was embraced by the King and Hari.  Manohar clasped his hands in gratitude.  Vasudev stood before his idol for a long time and then took out a few coins which he dropped in the hundi.  He then implored all those present there to make some contributions whenever they visited the temple and left for the palace alongwith the King and Hari.  Realising that this was an emotional moment for his friend, Hari decided to stay with him for some time. 

From that day onwards, Vasudev visited the temple early morning to bathe and clean his idol.  Whenever he felt like having the darshan of the Lord, he used to come to the shrine but if there was a crowd that stood in line to enter the temple by turns, he did not take advantage of his royal status but instead preferred to stand in queue and patiently wait for his turn to see his deity!  This level of austerity displayed by him earned him accolades among the people.

(To Continue)