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Articles: Devotion | Repentence and Reward
- Prof. venkata ramanamurty mallajosyula
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Once upon a time there lived a King by name Satvika who ruled Puri Kshetra (the pilgrim town of Puri in East India). He was deeply devoted to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna worshipped in Puri). This King, who was highly learned, was unequalled in debates and ruled the Kingdom in a righteous way. He had but one bad habit - he was obsessed with the game of dice. However much he tried he could not give up this bad habit.
Once, King Satvika, along with his courtiers, went to the Temple to have Darshan of Lord Jagannath. At the time he went to the Temple the screen had been drawn across the Sanctum Sanctorum. King Satvika sat on the 'prakara' (corridor running outside and around the Sanctum Sanctorum) and began to play the game of dice with his Minister.
The screen was opened and the Temple priests came up to King Satvika and informed him that the 'abhisheka' (ritual) was about to be performed. But, he turned a deaf ear to it as he was excitedly playing the game of dice.
As the wait for the presence of the King went in vain, the priests commenced the 'abhishekha'. Though the King was again informed about the puja being performed, he did not pay heed to it, passionately playing the game of dice.
The priests performed 'Alankara' (decoration), 'nivedanam' (offering of food), and ‘karpoora harati' (showing lighted camphor). But, the King was still playing the game of dice.
Going to where the King sat, the temple priests requested him to accept the 'prasada'. Turning the dice with his right hand the King extended his left hand to receive the 'prasada'. It has been said in the scriptures that the Lord's 'prasada' should be received in all humility and devotion. Since the King failed to receive the 'prasada' in this manner and had indifferently extended his left hand (which is considered disrespectful), the priests went back without giving him the 'prasada'. After a long time the game of dice came to an exciting close and returning to his normal state the King learnt that the puja to the Lord was over and 'prasada' had been distributed.
The King questioned the priests, 'Why did you not inform me when the screen was opened?' The priests explained to him, 'At every stage of the puja we invited you. But, you did not come, as you were playing the game of dice. Moreover, when we came up to you to offer the 'prasada' you extended your left hand.
As receiving the 'prasada' in the left hand and giving the 'prasad' to one who receives it in this manner is verily a sin we did not give you the 'prasada'. ”Realizing his fault the King said to the priests, 'You have indeed acted in the right way!'
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