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| The Story of Ganesa: 15. Krishna observes Vinayaka Chathurthi | INDIAN MYTHOLOGY |
The Story of Ganesa: 15. Krishna observes Vinayaka Chathurthi
The sudden departure of Krishna from the court of King
Satrajit had upset Princess Satyabhama more than her father. She was expecting
him to seek her hand in marriage; but Satrajit told his daughter that what
Krishna wanted was the precious Symantaka gem in his possession. And when the
king refused to part with it, Krishna had gone away without waiting even to
meet Satyabhama.
The princess was angry with her father, whom she thought
was more possessive of the gem than his daughter. She doubted whether she had
any place in the palace as her father cared more for the jewel. Satyabhama who
had a lot of faith in Ganesa waited for the next Vinayaka Chathurthi day.
Back in Dwaraka, Krishna wondered why his consort
Rukmini was looking very happy. “My lord! I’m very happy today. I am happy
because you found in Satyabhama great devotion for you. I sincerely feel that
she would have her desire fulfilled soon.”
“All right, I agree with you,” said Krishna, “but you’re
not saying anything about me!”
“Who am I, my lord, but the smallest of small creatures,
seeking only your blessings!” said Rukmini with extreme modesty and humility.
“You seem to have taken words out of my mouth, Rukmini,”
remarked Krishna. “However, let me tell you what I wish for.”
“The truth is, Satyabhama is full of love and affection
for you, but what I have for you is only devotion,” responded Rukmini.
Meanwhile, a rumour was afloat that Krishna had gone to
the palace of Satrajit only to steal the Symantaka gem! The person behind this
mischief was none other than the king himself. When the rumour reached the ears
of Krishna, he heaved a heavy sigh. ‘O Vinayaka! It is all left to you to
reveal the truth and absolve me from this ill repute.’ Krishna left Dwaraka in
search of Symantaka.
Satrajit had by now decided to marry his daughter off to
King Satadhvanu. He sent his brother Prasenajit to meet Satadhvanu and take his
acceptance of the proposal. Prasenajit insisted on wearing the priceless gem
and started on his important mission.
As he was going through a forest, a lion was dazzled by
the glitter from the gem. It pounced on Prasenajit and killed him and took the
gem to his den. Jambavat, the king of bears, was attracted by the bright rays
emanating from the cave. He attacked the lion, who was mortally wounded, and
carried away the gem and gave it to his daughter Jambavati.
When Prasenajit did not come back for a long time,
Satrajit presumed that Krishna would have taken the gem and spread the rumour.
Satadhvanu and Jarasandha, both of whom were hoping to marry Satyabhama,
assured Satrajit that they would help him recover the Symantaka from Krishna.
Krishna, who had started in search of the precious gem,
saw Prasenajit lying dead. There was a lion, too, lying dead near his body. He
could also notice footprints of Jambavat. Krishna followed the footprints which
led him to the cave where the bear was living. He found Jambavati playing with
the gem.
Jambavat had found Jambavati as a baby abandoned in the
forest. He picked her up and took her to his cave and brought her up as his own
daughter.
Krishna caught hold of the girl’s hand to take the
Symantaka. Jambavati was unable to free herself from Krishna’s grip and looked
at his eyes coyly. At that moment, Jambavat came into the cave and attacked
Krishna.
A fierce fight ensued and Krishna hit Jambavat’s chest
with his powerful fist. The bear then realised that Krishna was none other than
the incarnation of Rama for whom he had fought in Lanka. He prostrated before
Krishna and said, “O Krishna! As you had caught hold of my daughter’s hand, I
take it that you both wish to marry. So, from now on, she is yours.” He once
again placed Jambavati’s hands in Krishna’s and gifted him the Symantaka.
Krishna went back to Satrajit and explained how he
retrieved the Symantaka. Satrajit was now full of remorse over his accusations
about Krishna, who consoled him that he had now washed away all sin by
expressing regret over his action. He gave back the gem to Satrajit, who
requested him to accept his daughter as his consort.
Satyabhama turned to her father and said, “Father, do
you now realise who is more precious for Krishna? You were once showering your
abuse on Vighneswara! I have full faith in him. He has now fulfilled my wish.”
She then thought of Ganesa and worshipped him with great devotion.
Vighneswara now appeared before Satyabhama and Krishna
and blessed them. “Truth will prevail always!” he told them. “May the Lord
shower his blessings on you both!” Satrajit pleaded for mercy, while Krishna
expressed his gratitude to Vighneswara. “It is all because of you that I could
clear all allegations against me,” said Krishna. “Symantaka was responsible for
bringing Satyabhama to me.”
“Whoever listens to the story of the Symantaka and
Satyabhama will get absolved of all accusations!” remarked Vighneswara before
disappearing from Satrajit’s palace.
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