Hari, The Master Illusionist

That illusionist Bhagwan Hari created a whole town that spread for four hundred miles. This place was so beautiful that it surpassed the beauty of the town of Baikunth that Shri Hari lived in himself! The men and women of this town were very gorgeous as if lots of Kaamdevs and Ratis had come to live there. A king by the name of Sheelnidhi lived in this town who had innumerable horses, elephants plus a standing army. His kingdom was more prosperous than those of a hundred Indras. He had a daughter by the name of Vishvamohini who was so exquisitely beautiful that even Lakshmiji was jealous of her.

The princess was a paragon of virtues and rightly so, after all, this was only an illusion. Well she wanted a Swayamvar (a ritual where the girl chooses her husband from a gathering of suitors) so a lot of kings had collected there. Narad was in a playful mood so he was curious to know from the town folks what was happening in their town. Upon finding out, he made his way to the palace where the king welcomed him and sat him down. The princess was called and the king asked Narad to look at her palm and predict her future leaving nothing out.

The Muni was charmed out of his mind when he saw Vishvamohini. For a moment he forgot everything and then seeing into her future he felt pleased but did not make it obvious. Thinking about her attributes he started telling himself that whoever will marry her will become eternal and nobody would defeat him in war. Everybody would serve that person whom she marries. When he saw the pretty princess Naradji cunningly kept all this to himself, while telling the king whatever he could make up on the spot.

As soon as he could, Narad took his leave. Finding himself totally enchanted by the princess he had to find a way that she married him. He knew that there was no time for 'tap'/penance and chanting. The only way he thought was to look very handsome and becoming . Then Vishvamohini would put the garland around his neck. He thought to himself maybe, he could ask Shri Hari for his good looks but, there was no time to go there. But He always wanted his good and He was the only one who would help him. So at that time Narad dropped on his knees and prayed hard. The illusion master Shri Hari appeared right away. Narad was delighted to see his Swami appear and he thought to himself that he was in luck, now his wish would come true.

Narad very meekly related what had happened thus far and requested Shri Hari to help him. He asked Him to lend him His good looks so that he could get the princess, that was the only way. "Oh Lord" Narad said , "please do whatever is good for me, I am your servant" Seeing the huge impact of the illusion on Narad, Shri Hari smiled to himself and said:

Jehi Vidhi Hoee Param Hith Narad Sunahu Tumhaar

Soee Hum Karab Na Aan Kachu Vachan Na Mrisha Hamaar

Bhagwan said to Narad that He would do whatever was good for him, nothing else, and He gave him his word. Then He gave him an example of a Vaidya (Doctor) who would never administer poison to a dying patient even if he begged him to do so . Similarly, Bhagwan told Narad that he had taken a vow to do what is good for him and then he disappeared.

The irony of this is that Narad was so enwrapped in that illusion that he foolishly went along with it. He could not read the clear message of Shri Hari. So the rishi rushed to the Swayamvar venue lest he got late!!!

The fun begins now!!! In Ram Rajya we should figure out what is good for us and not be blinded by the glory alone !! JAI HO!