Narad Muni Goes To The Swayamvar

Many kings from different estates had flocked to the Swayamvar. Dressed in beautiful garb, they were seated in different rows, near the aisle where the princess would pass by. Narad Muni was gloating to himself and feeling very happy. The princess will never marry anybody in her wildest dreams after seeing his handsome looks, he thought. Little did he know that the all forgiving God had made him so ugly for his own good, that it cannot be described in words. However, nobody really knew what was going on, so they all greeted him as Narad.

Rahe Tahon Duee Rudra Gan Tey Janahin Sab Bheu

Bipravesh Dekhat Phirahin Param Kautuki Teu

Their were two Shivji's gurns (attendants) present there disguised as Brahmins. They knew about the plot of Narad. They used to roam in gay abandon and watch the happenings of the world.They went and sat near about where Narad who was bursting with pride for his own good, was sitting. No body noticed these two, because they were disguised as Brahmins, as they taunted Narad for his looks."God has given him a great look, for sure the princess will fall in love with him, and realising that he is 'Hari' (monkey) she will specially marry him" they said out loud. While Narad sat listening to the ramblings of the two he thought that he was being praised instead of being made fun of. Delusion had truly set in his mind.

As was the plan of the great schemer, Shri Hari, nobody knew anything, except the princess who as soon as she saw the monkey head and the sinister body on Narad she got very angry and fled towards the other suitors with her garland. She did not even look towards Narad while he sat proudly on his seat. He tried to get her attention by fidgeting and standing up. Shivji's attendants were rejoicing seeing Narad 's pain.

Shri Hari was also there as one of the suitors, and as soon as the princess saw Him, her search for a husband was over. She put the garland round his neck. The Bhagwan who lived with Lakshmi was now on his way home with his new bride.

All the kings were disappointed and left. Narad who's brains were burnt, so to speak took all this to heart and became desolate as if he had lost a precious gem. Then, the two attendants who were still not done with Narad suggested to Narad to go and take a good look at himself in a mirror. After that they both ran for their lives. The Muni promptly saw his face in the water nearby. Upon seeing his face he was filled with rage and he cursed the two gurns/attendants. He told them that they were very wily sinners and to pay for their sins they will be born as Rakshas in their next lives. He warned them that they would never be able to make fun of another Muni again. Then Narad looked at himself in the water , only, this time he saw his true self. Still he had not calmed down yet, his lips were pursed and he was bubbling with anger. He decided to go see his Swami Shri Hari.

We already know from Ram Rajya that we should find joy in every moment. Today we learn from the two attendants of Shivji, that we must not carry a joke too far, else we will have to pay for the consequences. JAI HO!