Lesson - 29
Miracle Of Namaskara-Mantra
Once King Shrenika undertook the task of construction of a huge palace; but every time as it neared completion, it crumbled down. The King summoned the astrologers and asked them, what should be done?
The astrologers suggested- O king! For this purpose, a boy possessed with thirty two attributes should be sacrificed. Immediately the king announced publicly that one who is willing to part with his son for sacrifice, would be given gold equal to the weight of the boy. In spite of being restricted by her husband, out of greed, a woman named Bhadra offered her son named Amarkumar as an oblation for the sacrificial fire.
When queen Chelana came to know of it, she dissuaded the King from doing so, but to no avail. She even threatened the persons who were to perform that sacrifice, but they were all adamant. Feeling helpless, the queen went to the wailing child, consoled him and said, Amarkumar, don’t cry like this. Have patience. Everything will be all right. I will teach you a mantra. Recite it in your mind, silently chant it. It will protect you. Are you listening to me?
Amarkumar: Yes, mother queen, I am listening to you. Please tell me that mantra.
Queen: Well, here it is. Learn it well.
[The queen taught the namaskara mantra.]
Amarkumar: I already know it. I have learnt it from the monks.
Queen: Then its alright. Now you don’t have to worry. Wipe away your tears. With steadfast mind, begin to chant it mentally.
Her words gave mental strength to the boy. He began to chant the mantra. The people, who were to offer him in the sacrificial fire, came. As they were about to push him into the fire, the fire grew cool due to the effect of Namaskara Mantra. A throne was formed in that place, and the people involved in sacrifices fell unconscious on the ground.
When the king knew about it, he hastened to that spot. He was wonder-struck to see what had happened.
He offered to appoint Kumar as his successor but Amarkumar replied, I shall take the shelter of the mantra which has protected me. I am not interested in governing the Kingdom.
Kumar was initiated as a monk and attained self-realization.
Questions:- What was the name of Amarkumar’s mother?
- What did Amarkumar reply when the king offered to nominate him as his successor?
- Who inspired Amarkumar to chant namaskara mantra?
- Why did Bhadra sell his son?
- Why did the king undertook the job of sacrifice of “Amarkumar’?
