SYNOPSIS- Satyan 4 - Divine Purpose

The Lord smiled and intoned in his baritone voice, “Your son’s future was ordained to be what I had predicted as Ajanma.  Thus, I made that appearance both to change his future and to put you through a test.  Rishabd would still undergo a depression after your death but he would also gradually come out of it after he recollects the piece of advice which you and your family have offered him now.”  How relieved was Vasudev to hear this!  The Lord continued,” I also wanted to see how you would react should some complications actually materialize in choosing your son as your successor.  As you always do, you have passed this test too with flying colours!  You were even ready to go against the wishes of your wife and your beloved King Bharadwaj to hold adherence to your moral principles.  Therein lies your greatness! People, so often, take their powers for granted.  They tend to treat it like some family inheritance.  You have served a lesson for one and all by showing such remarkable perseverance to your principles even in such sensitive, emotive and rapacious matter as power.  My visit was also for the benefit of Pradayumna which you must have grasped by now.  Vasudev, today you had to learn the truth of Ajanma’s identity for I did not want the stringency of your principles to affect the wonderful relationship you enjoy with Bharadwaj in any way.”  Thanking the Almighty, Vasudev implored, “O Lord!  You always guide me to light whenever I find myself in a dark tunnel.  Please always be so compassionate and bounteous to everyone.” “Certainly…”  The Lord assured him, “provided everyone is as noble and virtuous as you!  I will then surely oblige!” As Vasudev looked at the Lord mesmerized by his presence, he continued, “Now that a reference has been made about your death, are you not afraid of it?  If you so desire, you may ask me a boon to increase your lifespan.”  The mischievous smile was back in his face as he spoke these words. Vasudev smiled at him, “No, My Lord!  What is the point in prolonging the inevitable?  I have lived my life.  Besides, I have grown old and there is no point in turning my face away from reality.  All I ask you is that after my death, neither my kingdom nor my family should undergo any sort of difficulty.  Always keep them happy and prosperous.” “So be it!”  The Lord granted his wish.  “After you bid farewell to this human form, your soul shall become a part of me.  That is the ultimate reward I can offer you for the outstanding way you have conducted yourself in life.” Vasudev folded his palms in gratitude.  “Thank you, my lord” he said overwhelmed with emotions. “However, for now you can anoint both your son and Abharan as the rulers of this kingdom.  After making attempts to change his mind, it would not be appropriate if Abharan is not offered the promised elevation.”  The Lord reasoned to which Vasudev agreed with a request, “I have asked a promise from my son, O Lord!  I want to coronate him only after he gives me that promise!” The Lord agreed, smiling at the firm grip his devotee possessed towards his principles.  He, thereby, continued, “Do not worry about Manorama, O Vasudev.  With time, she will agree to your wish from the bottom of her heart.”  The Lord allayed Vasudev’s concern that was troubling his mind. “My Lord, when I tell my people about Ajanma’s identity, there could be some among them who may not believe it and feel that I have cooked up a story just to fulfill my requirements.  How do I satisfy them?” “There is no need to satisfy anyone in this matter, my child!  You know that you are telling them the truth and that would suffice.  Even if you adduce solid proof to support your story, there could still be some discordant voices around which you cannot stop.  People will be like that which cannot be changed.” Vasudev agreed. The Lord embraced his devotee for a long time and after offering his blessings disappeared.  Vasudev rushed to meet Bharadwaj and informed him about the happenings.  The old King held Vasudev close to his heart thoroughly relieved that everything had finally come to a good conclusion. Sage Pradayumna was very pleased to learn the facts.  He thanked the Lord for guiding him in the proper path after he had yet again been swayed by ordinary emotions. ——————- Sage Suryananda who was narrating this story concluded, “O children, it is in time of adversities that the true nature of our character is put to test.  This is where Manorama slipped down the ladder while Vasudev unflinchingly managed to stick to his principles.  Therein lies the lesson for all of us.”