SATYAN
-16. Bharadwaj Weds Chitralekha

“Thank you for everything, my lord…. ”  Vasudev broke down even as the Lord hugged him warmly. 

The moment Lord Krishna embraced him; Vasudev was filled with such delight he had never witnessed before.  He felt a robust energy and vigour entering his body, which refreshed him.

“Pradayumna’s curse would never have it’s impact on you!”  the lord said fervidly looking at Vasudev.

Vasudev realised that the very touch of the Lord had liberated him from the curse of the King, which he had taken upon himself drinking the ‘amrit’.

“O Lord!  When you had taken away this idol from me, I was very disturbed.  But now I feel that had you not made such a move, this wonderful moment would have never occurred.”  Vasudev observed.

“Whatever happens, happens for the best, Vasudev.” said the lord, “…People should accept whatever developments that occur in their lives in the true spirit, learn from their mistakes and move forward with determination.”

“My lord, my friends possessed bad qualities like me but still, why was I the chosen one?”  Vasudev asked with folded hands.

“Just like a lit-up lamp can aid in lighting several other lamps to illuminate a place of darkness, so also showing you the proper path was enough to put your kingdom on the path of prosperity and fame.  So I went against destiny and made you the choosen one!  Like I said earlier, not only your King but also the entire kingdom benefited from the righteous path you adopted.  I feel honoured to have a devotee like you!”  the lord complimented his devotee.

Yet again that customary smile flashed on his lips, “It’s time to depart!”

“Oh Lord!  If only this moment could be forever!” said Vasudev disappointed that the lord was going to take his leave.

“No moment is forever, O Vasudev!” explained Lord Krishna, “…Every moment which has begun will meet it’s end some day.  But do not despair.  I always reside in everyone’s heart which only pure souls like you can see.”  Vasudev once again thanked the Lord for this joyous moment and he disappeared.

Vasudev opened his eyes from his dream and felt that he was holding something firmly in his hands.  He was delighted to see that it was the idol of Lord Krishna he had in his hands!  He held it close to his heart and ran to the King’s chamber.  “Maharaj! Maharaj!”  he cried.

“Vasudev!  What is it?  Why are you so excited?”  the King asked him.

Vasudev showed him the idol and revealed his dream to him.  “…I am so happy, Maharaj!  The Lord himself came to meet me and returned my idol!”

Bharadwaj embraced him warmly, “All this has happened due to your noble qualities, Vasudev!  It is a matter of great relief that God has himself relieved you from the impact of my curse on you.”

“We must inform King Dharmaraja about this, my lord.  He would then have no second thoughts in giving Chitralekha’s hand to you in marriage.”  Vasudev felt.

“We shall leave tomorrow, O Satyan.  If only I could express my happiness to you at this moment!”  The King had tears of joy in his eyes when he spoke these words.

The next day, both the King and Vasudev left for Dharmaraja’s kingdom where they were given a warm welcome.  When Dharmaraja heard all the events that had taken place since he left Somnapur, he felt very happy.  He was in full praises for Vasudev and hugged Bharadwaj in delight.  “When I told Chitralekha about your curse, she was unperturbed.  She told me that the very fact that you told me about your curse shows your greatness and genial character.  She now holds you in greater esteem and has made up her mind in marrying you!  Still I asked her to think in this matter and not make any decision out of haste.  And here you bring this wonderful news!  I am immensely pleased!  Thank you so much, Vasudev!”

Thereafter, things began to shape up fast.  On an auspicious day, Bharadwaj married Chitralekha amidst much celebration and gay.  Chitralekha was indeed beauteous with long hairs, lovely eyes and rosy cheeks and lips coupled with a fair complexion.  As for the noble Vasudev, this was one of the happiest moments of his life.  He, had, at last succeeded in relieving his King from the curse and prayed to Lord Krishna that the couple lead a happy and prosperous life ever after.

Sage Suryananda who was narrating this story concluded, “Let us adopt the path of honesty and kindle in us the desire to live for others like the noble Vasudev.  To be loved and respected by others, we should foremost display these qualities in society.  Do not ever deviate from ‘dharma’ which will certainly put you on the path of prosperity and enlightenment.”

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