Audaaryam

One day few sainikas came to Vikramaaditya Maharaja and told “Prabhu! Near Chitrakuuta-parvatam there is a Kaalikaalayam. Everyday a Braahmana is doing Homam before the Devaalayam. He did so many Homams that the bhasmam that came from the Homams became a huge heap, larger than the parvatam itself!”

Vikramaaditya Maharaja took some sainikas with him and reached Chitrakuutam to see this. The Braahmana replied like this, when Vikramaaditya asked why he was doing so many Homams, “Raaja! I have some Vaanchas. To satisfy them I am seeking Devi-krupa. However She didnt show Karuna on me till now”.

Taking pity on the Braahmana, Vikramaaditya said “Braahmanottama! You take some rest. I will do the Homams and try to get Kaalikaa-anugraham. I will ask Her to give you Varam”. The Braahmana agreed.

Vikramaaditya Maharaja then did snaanam in the near-by Pushkarini and became Parishuddha. Then with great nishtha he started doing the Homam. However Kaalikaa Devi didnt show Karuna. “Jaganmaata! If I give my head as bali, may be You will then show Karuna” saying this, Vikramaaditya Maharaja took his sword and wanted to cut his head off. Just then Kaalikaa Devi appeared and said “Raaja! I am happy with your Saahasam. Please ask Me a Varam”. Vikramaaditya Maharaja said “Maata! This Braahmana did a lot of Homams with great nishtha. Please give him Varam”. Kaalikaa Devi then gave Varam to the Braahmana and praised Vikramaaditya for his Audaarya-guanm and Paropakaara-buddhi.

Vikramaaditya Maharaja then said “Maata! I have one sandeham. This Braahmana did your Upaasana for a very long time. Why didnt You show Your Anugraham on him?”. Kaalikaa Devi replied “This Braahmana is a Chapala-chitta. More than Bhakti on Me, he wants Varam from Me. I will be happy with people who have Nishkaama-bhakti on Me, not the ones who do My archana expecting something in return”.

After telling this story, the Pratima on Vikramaaditya Maharaja’s Simhaasanam continued “Bhoja raaja! So do you also have the Audaarya-gunam and Tyaaga-buddhi of Vikramaaditya”?

Morals in the Story:

1. The Audaarya-gunam of Vikramaaditya Maharaja is well shown in the story. Though Kaalikaa Devi asked him to ask for Varam, he asked Her to give Varam to the Braahmana instead.
2. God always likes Nishkaama-bhaktas. Kaalikaa Devi’s Amruta-vaakyas must always be remembered.

Search Terms: Vikramaarka, Vikramarka, Vikramaditya, Vikramadithya, Kaali, Kalidevi