Ambarish

 The story of Ambarisha Raja (King Ambarisha) is a famous tale from Hindu scriptures, particularly from the Bhagavata Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam). It exemplifies themes of devotion (bhakti), righteousness (dharma), and the protection given by God to his true devotees.

King Ambarisha was a noble and virtuous ruler of the Solar Dynasty (Suryavansha). He ruled the earth with dharma (righteousness) and was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. He was known not only for his political wisdom and charitable nature but also for his deep devotion and strict adherence to religious vows.

Ekadashi Vrat and Devotion

Ambarisha undertook the Ekadashi vrata (a sacred fasting ritual) regularly, especially observing the Dvadashi Parana (breaking of the fast on the next day). Once, he decided to perform a great yajna (sacrifice) and observe the Dvadashi vrata at the holy place of Madhuvana on the banks of the Yamuna River.

After completing the Ekadashi fast, he waited to break his fast on Dvadashi with a small meal, as per the scriptural rule. Just at that moment, the great sage Durvasa arrived at his palace.

Durvasa’s Anger

As per the custom, Ambarisha received Sage Durvasa with honor and requested him to join the meal. Durvasa accepted but said he would bathe in the river first before eating. Meanwhile, the auspicious time to break the fast (Dvadashi Parana) was running out.

The king was in a dilemma — if he ate, he might insult the guest; if he didn’t, he would violate the vrata. Consulting with sages, he decided to sip a few drops of water, which is considered as both breaking and not breaking the fast.

Durvasa returned and learned that Ambarisha had sipped water before feeding him. He became enraged and felt insulted. In his fury, he plucked a hair from his head and created a fiery demon to destroy Ambarisha.

Lord Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra Protects the Devotee

Ambarisha remained calm and didn’t react, as he had complete faith in Lord Vishnu. Suddenly, the Sudarshana Chakra (divine discus of Vishnu) appeared and destroyed the demon in an instant. It then turned toward Durvasa to punish him for trying to harm a devotee.

Durvasa fled in fear, flying to different realms — to Brahma, Shiva, and finally to Lord Vishnu himself — to seek protection. But Vishnu refused, saying:

“I am bound to my devotee. My heart is with my bhakta. If you want forgiveness, go to Ambarisha.”

Realizing his mistake, Durvasa returned to Ambarisha, who humbly prayed to the Sudarshana Chakra to spare the sage. The chakra relented, and Durvasa was saved.

Durvasa was amazed by Ambarisha's patience, humility, and devotion. He blessed the king and left. Ambarisha, who had been waiting all this time without eating, only broke his fast after feeding the sage.

King Ambarisha ruled for many years and eventually attained moksha (liberation) through his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu.

1. Bhakti (devotion) is supreme — God protects His true devotees.

2. Humility over ego — Even great sages like Durvasa must learn humility.

3. Dharma over fear — Ambarisha followed his dharma even in the face of danger.

4. Forgiveness is divine — Ambarisha’s forgiveness saved Durvasa and upheld harmony.

अहं भक्तपराधीनो ह्यस्वतन्त्र इव द्विज ।

साधुभिर्ग्रस्तहृदयो भक्तैर्भक्तजनप्रियः ॥

 Ahaṁ bhakta-parādhīno hy asvatantra iva dvija

Sādhubhir grasta-hṛdayo bhaktair bhakta-jana-priya

 "I am completely under the control of My devotees. O Brahmana, I am not at all independent. My heart is captured by saintly devotees who are pure. I am dear to them, and they are dear to Me."

"Aham Bhakta-Parādhīnaḥ" – "I am dependent on My devotees."

Even though Lord Vishnu (or Krishna) is Parameshwara (the Supreme Lord), He declares that He is not independent when it comes to His devotees.

His love is so pure that He willingly becomes a servant to their devotion.

"Asvatantra iva" – "As if I have no free will."

Though omnipotent, He behaves as if He has no will of His own when His true devotees are in need.

"Sādhubhir grasta-hṛdayaḥ" – "My heart is captured by the saintly."

The Lord's heart is stolen by the purity and love of those who worship Him sincerely, like King Ambarisha.

"Bhaktaiḥ bhakta-jana-priyaḥ" – "I am dear to the devotees, and they are dear to Me."

There is a mutual love between the Lord and His devotees — unbreakable, eternal, and supreme.

This verse is spoken by Lord Vishnu when Sage Durvasa goes to Him for protection from the Sudarshana Chakra. Vishnu says:

"O Sage, I cannot help you. I belong to my devotee Ambarisha now. If you want relief, you must seek forgiveness from him. I have given myself completely to my devotee."

This shows that God does not let harm come to a true devotee, and even the most powerful beings must respect that sacred bond.