Story: Airtel's - Arrogance

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

#AIRTEL'S -ARROGANCE

    I have an Airtel number against which the bill amount was being deducted through ECS directly from my account. I later on requested Airtel to discontinue the system of ECS, as I started making payments from my account directly through NET-BANKING and at times even before the bill was generated for my own convenience.

    But to my surprise I found in spite of my making direct payments in the first week of the month they continued to deduct money through ECS from my account, and therefore for a couple of months I was made to pay twice the amount of the bill. And, all this happened, when I got several calls from the company, that the system of ECS payment has been discontinued and that is why I made direct payments.

    When I requested Airtel to refund my excess amount through several tweet messages, I got the same standard replied that we are looking into the matter but then no one called. I also tried to request them by making calls where I was told the amount will be adjusted against my next bill.

    Now comes, the moot point of essence. Suppose I have limited money in my account and I have kept it for something important and suddenly from nowhere this ECS comes and deducts my cash balance even when my bills are paid. It upsets my cash flow and some other EMI of my bounces, who is to be blamed. For a corporate as big as Airtel an amount of eleven to twelve hundred can be a small amount but for an individual it may not be that small an amount at a particular moment. And why should my EMI bounce for no fault of mine, but the fault of Airtel.

    Now what is the redressal? Will Airtel give me harassment charges? Because a simple cash incentive or an interest doesn’t parallel the harassment one undergoes when being treated like that, as it kills your lively personna. Surely #Airtel appears to be an arrogant company behind the garb of customer delight.

    #Consumer #forums and #TRAI should come out with a guideline on this, even if it is a small issue as it will help many consumers. My Airtel mobile number is 9971494795 about which the above dissatisfaction has been detailed.

    Today morning when I got a call from Airtel number 011-400481191 which was to sell one of their plans, I have again requested them to refund my amount.

CC Mr #SunilBhartiMittal- Kindly look into this even if it is a small issue for you but helps the consumer in a big way.

SHORT STORY: THE GREEDY KING- MIDAS

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

    Once upon a time Greece was being ruled by a king called Midas. He was extremely greedy. Besides, his daughter the only thing he loved in the world was Gold. And he was so greedy about gold that even while sleeping he used to make plans of amassing gold in large quantities.

    One day while the king was sitting in his treasury and counting his possessions in terms of gold bricks and coins, he saw a ring of smoke rising from the ground and behind that a golden silhouette emerged with a halo on the top that almost resembled an angel. He was transfixed for a moment till the angel said—‘Midas! You are so rich.’

    Midas turned melancholic at once and replied—‘Where am I rich. I have so little gold.’

    Angel said—‘You are not content even with so much of gold? How much gold do you want?’

    King Midas replied—‘I desire; whatever I touch with my hands should turn into gold.’

    Angel laughed at the wish of the king and said—‘Very well! From tomorrow morning whatever you touch will turn into gold.’

    That night the king could not sleep. He got up quite early in the morning. After getting up he decided to keep his hand on the chair lying close to him just to test the words of the angel. To his surprise the chair turned into gold. He then touched a table and that too turned into gold. Midas in delight started merry making by jumping and dancing. Like a mad man he then ran towards his garden and started touching the plants there. Then he touched the flowers and the leaves, he even touched the branches and the flower pots and everything turned into gold. Everything around was now glittering like gold. Midas now had unlimited gold.

    Merry making and excitement had made king Midas tired by now. He hadn’t even realised that his clothes had become heavy as it had turned into gold. He was now thirsty and hungry. After returning from the garden he came and sat on a golden chair. One of his servants kept some delicious food and water in front of him realising his master was hungry. But the moment he touched the food it turned into gold and the moment he lifted the glass of water that too also turned into gold and this made him somewhat nervous. All the delicious food lying in front of Midas had now turned into gold when he was very hungry. He couldn’t have satisfied his hunger and quenched his thirst by food and water made out of gold.

    He started weeping. Just then his daughter who was playing in the vicinity came there, when she heard her father crying. And, seeing him crying she climbed on to his lap to wipe his tears. Emotional Midas hugged his daughter but soon realised that his daughter was no more there and in her place Midas had his daughter’s golden statue that was very heavy for him to hold on to. Poor Midas started banging his head on the calamity. Angel who was watching king Midas from heaven witnessed the calamity that befell on him and felt sympathetic towards him and appeared again. On seeing her Midas fell on her feet and started pleading—‘please take back your blessing.’

    Angel asked—‘Midas! Now you don’t want gold? Tell me whether a glass of water is more precious or gold? A morsel of bread is beneficial or gold?’

    Midas folded his hands and said—‘I don’t want gold. I have come to know that a man doesn’t require gold to survive. Without gold a man can exist but without a glass of water or a loaf of bread he cannot. Now on I will not be greedy for gold.’

    Angel then gave him a bowl full of water and said—‘sprinkle this all over.’

    Midas sprinkled the water on his daughter, on the chair and the table, on the food and water, in the garden and on the plants and flowers, and everything thereafter from gold came back to its original form.

***

#story: Priorities of life vs priorities of a lifetime

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

    There was once an old person who used to stay in a remote city with his wife. He was not very well off. But apparently, he was very sincere both towards his family and even his extended family. By nature he was not very diplomatic and conniving, rather he was curt and straight forward, yet he wished everyone well. But his straight forward nature had painted a negative picture of him in the entire family.

    One day he realised that his clan had grown both in size and diversity with people settling all across the country and even abroad, and had not come together for many years. Over the years many marriages had taken place, where many daughter-in-laws and son-in-laws had entered the family and many grandchildren were born and many of them had not even met each other. This required a complete churning of the family; for the clan is as closely knit as its last meeting, he thought so.

    One day he got a brainwave. He thought of arranging for a family get-together where the entire clan could come under one umbrella just for a couple of days during a holiday or even a weekend. He visualised this could be a forerunner and could set a domino effect of family gatherings amongst family members which in turn will generate fondness and belongingness in the family even after he is gone. He discussed the idea with his wife who too welcomed it.

    He then communicated to all the family members about his idea. Some family members responded warmly, some in a lukewarm fashion, some were indifferent and some didn’t even consider the idea worth replying, nevertheless he took the indifference in his stride.

    But in spite of the minor disrespect that he suffered at the hands of some members of the family, he decided to go ahead and take initiative as he thought it was a watershed idea to bring together the entire clan. In consultation with members of the family a three day programme was fixed. The dates were finally decided keeping everyone’s convenience in mind; which was during the festival period and that too over a weekend so that leave was not an issue.

    The first day was all about receiving people from the airport and the railway station followed by some free time to laze and mingle as most of them would have met after a long gap and some for the first time, followed by a gala dinner in the ambience of some soothing gazals in the club. The second day was all about local sightseeing for which he had booked a van, which was more for the children and the young crowd that not seen the city. For the third day a family puja was planned in the morning followed by shopping during the day and a bout of indoor games in the evening followed by dinner and with that the programme would have come to an end. 

    While keeping the get-together in mind, he had also started some minor renovations and facelift of his house for the comfort of the guests, considering so many family members were arriving after a long gap and the atmosphere at home had begun to be upbeat. Until one day when less than a month was left he and his wife started getting calls from several family members that they are unable to make it.

    For some, important business meetings had sprung up on those very dates falling over the weekend, for some others pressing engagements, and few had an afterthought and didn’t want to come home—that is to their roots for just two or three days, and wanted to come for a longer duration as they considered a short trip as waste of money and an unhealthy return on investment; even when they hadn’t come home for more than a decade. And, under the dubious circumstances the watershed idea of the person was under gradual strangulation and soon it died a painful death.

    But destiny at times is inconveniently cruel. Even when the get-together was called off, just a couple of days after the proposed dates of the get-together the person kicked the bucket. The sad news reached one and all. The entire clan was in grief and had little choice now, but to cancel their pressing engagements and meetings, which they couldn’t have done for a family get together. Their viewpoints about return on investment went for a toss as they rushed to have a last glimpse of the person leaving behind all pressing commitments. The same travel agent whose vehicle was booked for sightseeing earlier was now ferrying everyone from the airport as most of them had arrived by flights on account of short notice; but tragically this time it was not for any family get together or sightseeing, but to finally bid adieu to the person.   

    In our lifetime we all feel as if we have a lot of time to catch up with things in life even when we see death all around us each day.  Whereas, we show urgency and immediacy when it comes to earnings and career, we fail to show the same urgency when it comes to reaching out to our clan or to our inner self and even God. The prudent precept of life therefore is: don’t allow such rare heavenly opportunities to go by in your busy life, for you don’t know when the other person will drop dead or you will make an exit. And don't allow opportunities of life to overtake opportunities of a lifetime.

***

Short story: Knowledge and Love

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

  Long time ago there lived a Maharishi (sage) whose name was Shaunak. He had many devoted shishyas (pupils) who sincerely served him. Maharishi used to often send his shishyas to the nearby villages and cities, and to the common people there to teach them the fundamental objectives of life. This continued for some time. After a while and gradually some shishyas started becoming arrogant as they thought by teaching so many people they had become a scholar.

    One day a few of them came up to the Maharishi and said, ‘Guruji as advised by you, we on a continuous basis keep touring across villages and cities to convey your message about the essence and objective of life to common people.

    We relentlessly spread your message, as we deem fit to so many people. But we feel this huge effort on our part has given no benefit to the people as most continue to be moorkh (simpleton) because even after hearing the message they don’t want to change themselves. We feel as if we are wasting our time and energy with them.

    Maharishi, for a moment was stunned and saddened at this, because he knew some shishyas were sounding arrogant. Maharishi said, ‘You’ll have researched quite a lot on the various aspects of life.’ Shishyas said, ‘yes Guruji and our reservoir of knowledge is praised by one and all, and in all directions. And we have learnt whatever was required to be learnt.’

    Maharishi said, ‘I’m happy at your proficiency of knowledge that you all have attained. But before we discuss anything on the subject, I want you’ll to form two groups. One group will gather the kind of knowledge from the people, that is not bookish and the other group will gather information about love that is not physical.

    The arrogant shishyas were stunned at Maharishi’s orders. They started wondering, as to how a person can gain knowledge without reading a book and how can he be in love without physical contact? Nevertheless, based on Maharishi’s advice they formed two groups and immediately marched towards different directions and started discussing the matter with various people who came in contact. They also came in contact with people they had met earlier.

    Wherever they went they were ridiculed, and people made fun of them considering them to be the moorkh of the first order.  And since the shishyas were away from the realities of life, their self respect took a beating. Soon they returned to the Maharishi. In a murmuring tone they said,

    ‘Guruji, it appears you had sent us to the village and city of moorkhs. Where, each of them who earlier respected us is today mocking at us. It is impossible to gain knowledge without reading a book and also impossible to love without physical relationship.’

    Maharishi smiled and said, ‘is it so? So then what happened to the knowledge that I gave you. If real knowledge is only available through books, and love only with physical relationship then why did you come to me? So then why is it that people after reading books and after acquiring love through physical relationship are still ignorant about real knowledge and real love.’

    Upon hearing Maharishi’s reply the shishyas were shamed. They were embarrassed at their ignorance. They requested Maharishi to show them the way. Maharishi said, ‘my dear children let me make it known to you that real knowledge will not arise out of books but will arise only out of these people. Because from many of them only books have emanated. Before educating these people we will have to understand the reservoir of self knowledge within us. And, if we place ourselves in their position we will know the reason of their laughter.

    Only by knowing people from a close distance can we reach a definite conclusion and understand as to what they want to communicate. And all this is possible only when we accept them.

    Accept the person as he is. Because, accepting the Universe as it is, and also accepting its people as it is the lone true knowledge and rest are only evasive thoughts.

    In the same manner true love comes to you only if you are humble towards the Creator of the Universe. One who has given me body, mind and soul and has decorated this world with various beautiful dreams. This feeling of humbleness takes me to that divine love which forms our roots and that gives us the refuge of salvation.

    To gain out of real knowledge and to know about real love you all had to come to me, as I’m your Guru, and Guru is the representative of the Universe and its creator. Finally, only the real knowledge and love for God are true.’

***

POEM: MORNING WALK

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

MORNING WALK

Is like the retreat in heaven,

As refreshing as the fresh breeze,

Arising from the seas of all the seven,

While it starts from the break of day,

And lasts till the last drop of frost in the blade.

*

It prepares me for the day,

And detaches me from the wearies of my yesterday,

It sinews my vision,

And orchestrates my system,

To fire the spark of momentum,

That leapfrogs me to meritorious action.

*

When I see the sun rising

The birds twittering,

The animals stretching,

Insects trancing,

And humans jogging.

*

It beguiles me to act,

Warrants me to react,

To take on mighty life each day,

Where, I stand as a dwarf.

*

And while walking every morning,

I plan my day,

Introspect my bygone years,

And rekindle my aspirations,

That execute, my ensuing destinations.

*

And as I walk around the meadows, the sun rises,

And with that my hope augurs,

Is when the refreshing breeze, huddles me around,

Only to tell me I’m not alone in the walk of life.

*

And to take me to my morning walk,

The earth rotates and the galaxy acrobats,

The sun shows up at the horizon,

Where the cool breeze comes as an x-factor.

*

For everyone has a part to play

Where the rising Sun brings about the warmth,

The mystic breeze the freshness,

And your workout the spice for the day.

*

One day when I missed my morning walk,

I felt,

I missed my day,

Lost my warmth,

Waylaid my health,

And scattered my hurray!

*

Since then I show up each day,

Doesn’t matter summer, winter or rains,

As morning walk is the purest of the pure

Act of my day.

***

STORY: INSPECT BEFORE YOU HELP SOMEONE

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

INSPECT BEFORE YOU HELP SOMEONE

    Mahatama Kautilya was a renowned scholar. He was a proficient preacher of human relations. He had many shishyas (pupils) out of which, one even became the king of erstwhile Bharat.

    He often used to preach, ‘before you decide to help any anyone try and know about the person in great detail,’ and then only offer him help, as that alone will be beneficial in entirety for the person you’re trying to help. We should not offer help for useless causes, as by doing that the noble gesture goes for a complete waste. His shishyas, however could not understand this advice of his, because in their childhood they had heard that charity and help like rainfall should be showered on everyone equally, otherwise it goes for a complete waste. Mahatma on this belief of theirs often used to laugh.  

    One day a cheat from a nearby town came to him and said, ‘Rishivar (Sage) I have heard you are a great repository of knowledge in the field of wealth and intelligence. My humble request to you is to make me rich.’ Upon hearing this, the shishyas got angry and literally wanted to throw him out of the ashram when Maharishi smiled and said, ‘wealth is of two kinds, one is materialistic and the other is spiritiual. Whatever you are worth giving, I will definitely give you that. But, before that you will have to undertake a small test. Out there from the sand go and pick two stones, one black and one white and put them in your bag. I will then ask one of my shishya to put his hand in your bag and pull out a stone while you keep your eyes closed. In case the stone happens to be white I’ll give you spiritual knowledge and if the stone happens to be black then I’ll give you materialistic knowledge that will help you in becoming rich. The cheat on prophetic advice of the Mahatma closed his eyes  for a while when he heard the Mahatma saying,

    ‘My shishya has pulled out a white stone that fell down. And that is why I feel you require spiritual knowledge and I will provide you with that.’  

   

    When the cheat saw without even telling anyone that he is a cheat he has been exposed, and thus, has received the punishment for his misdeeds he started repenting. He then fell at the feet of the Maharishi and started pleading for pardon for having kept his identity as a secret and for all the misdeeds he done in the past. He decided to cleanse his soul when he earnestly started pleading before the Maharishi to make his shishya.

    All the shishyas were dazed at this, is when the Mahatma said, ‘when this cheat came to ask for help, I found an opportunity to present you all and him in front of a truth finding test so that you all could see his misdeeds. But no one besides me and the moon tried to inspect this test in detail. But we still wanted to help the cheat. So we stayed quiet, researched on him and later on based on the necessity and requirement we taught him the lesson of honesty, truthfulness, and seriousness. As this he required even before he became rich.

    This episode teaches us that before helping anyone you should try and know the person in minute details, so that you can help the person in the best possible manner and what he requires the most, he should get that only.

***

        

INEFFACEABLE HOLIDAY: JAMMU-PATNITOP-SANASAR CIRCUIT

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

    I recently covered Jammu-Patnitop-Sanasar circuit as a vying tourist with my family. It was an electrifying experience. I had not known what I was missing in life till I actually got to see this paradise that remains unruffled from the poison of planet corrosion even now.  Let me take you through this interesting journey that may motivate you too, to visit these fizzy tourist spots that remain huddled in scenic landscapes and lazing around in idyllic settings.

    The hilly region of Jammu spreads across the middle Himalayas and the Shvaliks in the Jammu & Kashmir state. It presents a variety of attractive features and is home to several tourist resorts and pilgrimage centres. These include the Holy Cave Shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi (so famous that I dare not discuss in the passage) nestling in the folds of the Trikuta hills which is one of the most venerated Hindu Pilgrimage destinations of northern India, visited by millions every year. Also hidden away amongst the surrounding mountains are a number of hill resorts, the most famous among these being the beautiful meadows of Patnitop & Sanasar towards northeast of Vaishnodevi. These present an opportunity to recoup, after the strenuous pilgrimage, amidst an enchantingly beautiful and salubrious environment, with a variety of other tourist attractions/pilgrim centres to see en route before returning to Jammu, the City of Temples, on way home.

Chidai Muttal

    As one embarks towards Patnitop, 12 kms from Katra, is Chidai Muttal, famous for its wells and well side sculptures. An ancient temple stands beside a small garden here, shaded by Chinar trees normally associated with Kashmir. A brief stopover at this place refreshes one’s soul and mind.

Krimchi

After travelling a further 25 km towards Patnitop, a short detour of 8 km from the National Highway near Udhampur, leads to Krimchi, the site of one of the oldest temple complexes of Jammu. Believed to have been constructed between 11^th-12^th century AD. This group of temples, is locally known as the Pandava Temples, has some interesting architectural features, which resemble the Orissan style of temple architecture.

Udhampur

    An important town in the hilly areas of Jammu region, Udhampur is the farthest rail head of Northern India so far. The ancient Raghunath Temple located next to the sacred underground river, Devak is one of the oldest temples of the region. Accommodation is available in the PWD Dak Bungalow and several private hotels. The ancient temple of Jallandri Mata at Ladden Kotli is believed to have been abode of the Pandavas for some time during their exile. The hidden chambers in its roof, sculptures on its walls and the nearby springs tell a unique story. Mini Hydel Project Chenani, is at a short distance, and an ancient fort provides the backdrop of the temple. 10 kms from Udhampur towards Patnitop, at the way side station of Samroli, one can enjoy Kaladi Sandwhich (a local cottage cheese produced in the interiors of hilly areas) with a hot cup of tea.

Kud

    The first hill resort on this circuit, Kud (1738 meters), is a picturesque town located just 9 kms short of Patnitop. This resort commands a panoramic view of the terraced valley downwards and the mountains beyond, specially, from the Mall Road, presently under construction. Besides enjoying a cool climate in summers, it is also famous for Patisa a speciality sweet preparation and waters of a spring. A number of hotels and guesthouses besides the Tourist Bungalows of the JKTDC here provide decent accommodation for a comfortable stay in the hills.

Patnitop

    By far the most populous of Jammu’s hill resorts, 87 kms from Katra, Patnitop (2024 meters) is perched on a beautiful plateau across which the Jammu-Srinagar highway passes. It comprises of several meadows enveloped by thick forests of Deodar & Kail trees and affords peaceful walks amidst pine groves, beautiful spots for enjoyable picnics and breathtaking views of the Chenab basin and the Pir Panjal range beyond. For solace one can visit the beautifully located Nag Mandir. Other activities include horse rides and short treks into the surrounding hills. One can also drive through thick forests 12 kms downhill to Batote, an old hill station also known for apple orchards, Amar Cheshma and other springs. From here one can also visit the Dam site of the Bagliar Hydro-Electric Project 10 kms away, with permission of the authorities.

In winters (January-February) the snow covered slopes of Patnitop provide opportunities for various snow games including amateur skiing and sledging. Visitor facilities at Patnitop include good quality accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, the JKTDC’s tourist bungalows, and recreational facilities in the Patnitop Club. Accommodation for youth and students is available in the Youth Hostel. The JKTDC’s luxury huts-self contained timber cottages tucked away amidst pine trees- provide an idyllic ambience for a quiet and memorable stay surrounded by sights and sounds of nature.

    The most exciting feature of the beautiful resort of Sanasar (2079 meters), 19 km west of Patnitop, is a sprawling cup shaped meadow, 1 surrounded by gigantic conifers, which has been developed into a 9-hole golf course. Besides enjoying exciting pony rides amongst the groves and the other smaller meadows, one can also take treks up the surrounding hills from here. Sanasar is also ideal for paragliding, while Natha Top on way to Sanasar affords scenic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. For those desirious of experiencing a quiet stay surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, there are self-contained huts and a Tourist Bungalow managed by JKTDC at Sanasar.

Sankhpal

    At an altitude of 10,000 ft, 10 kms from Sanasar, the misty meadow of Sankhpal offers the most exciting trek from Sanasar. It takes about two and a half hours of exciting trekking through scenic mountain slopes to reach here. One can also hire ponies upto Sankhpal. Food etc., should be carried from Sanasar. At one side of the meadow is the small old temple of Sankhpal Devta. On a clear day trekkers can be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountain peaks.

    This highly revered Shiva temple (1225 mtrs) is located at a distance of 42 kms from Patnitop and 112 kms from Jammu. Legend has it that after bathing at a spring called Gauri Kund, just short of Sudh Mahadev, the Goddess Parvati would worship the Shivling here that is believed to be at least 3000 years old. The temple also houses a black marble statue of Lord Shiva and Parvati. A trishul (trident) of Lord Shiva is also preserved here. Pilgrims in large number visit the Shrine on the full moon night of Sawan (July-August) to participate in the festival to worship Lord Shiva. The mystical underground stream, Devak believed to be as sacred as the Ganges originates at Sudh Mahadev and disappears among the rocks some distance downstream. Also of interest are wooden sculptures, crafted locally. Accommodation is available in Tourist Sarai managed by J&K Tourism Development Corporation and Dharmshala managed by the Dharmarth Trust.

Mantalai Temple

    A few kilometres further ahead of Sudh Mahadev is Mantalai (1450 meters) surrounded by lush Deodar forests. As per legend, it is a place where Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati. Besides the Shiv temple here, one can also visit the complex created by Swami Dhirendra Brahmchari which includes a tree shaped house, an air strip, a hostel and a number of other unfinished projects. An excursion through the woods to Naina Devi 5 kms from Mantalai provides excellent views of the mountains landscape all round.

Kali Mata Mandir

    While returning to Jammu one can visit the Kali Mata Mandir, located next to a waterfall near Manthal, 40 kms from Jammu. A highly revered location for travellers driving on the National Highways, it provides a cool and refreshing stopover point for the traveller especially during the summer season.

Jhajjar Kotli

    Further ahead, 35 kms short of Jammu on the National Highway is the Jhajjar Kotli, Tourist Complex, built on the banks of the Jhajjar rivulet. The crystal clear, cool waters of Jhajjar attract picnickers in large numbers especially during summers. A Tourist Cafetaria, a Bar and a small Tourist Bungalow are provided here by JKTDC. Moving further towards Jammu, one can also stop at the ancient Rani ka Talab.

Kol Kandoli (Nagrota)

    The ancient temple of Kol Kandoli located, 9 kms from Jammu is considered to be the first darshan of the Holy Goddess of Mata Vaishnidevi was performed entirely on foot, the first of the 6 nights, halts after Jammu used to be at this temple.

***

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STORY: EVEN CURSE BECOMES A BLESSING: IF YOU DEFEND DHARMA (RIGHTEOUSNESS)

Copyright@shravancharitymission

By Kamlesh Tripathi

Pandavas were leading a life in vanvas (forced exile in forest). Inspired by sage Vyas, Arjun had left for the jungles for a prolonged tapasya (intense meditation and austerity). He pleased lord Shiva with his tapasya, is when Ashutosh (Lord Shiva) presented him with his pashupatastra (destructible weapon of Lord Shiva). 

    Amidst all of this Devraj Indra took Arjun on his chariot to Swarg Loka (heaven). Indra and other Lokpals (caretakers) of heaven also presented their divyastra (weapons of God) to Arjun for his victory.  With those divyastras, Arjun waged a war on asuras (demons) known as ‘Nivaatkavach.’ Even the Devatas (Gods) were not able to defeat these asuras, and repeat attack by these asuras had frustrated the Devatas. In the war that followed Arjun defeated the asuras. They could not withstand the powerful attack from the ever famous Gandeev dhanush (the famous bow) of Arjun and they ran towards paatal (hell).

    After defeating the asuras when Arjun returned to Amravati (abode of deathless) all the Devatas welcomed him in a grand fashion.  The assembly of Devraj Indra was decorated and Devraj along with Arjun sat on the throne. All the Gandharvas (melodious singers) picked up their veenas (stringed instrument) to sing.   The beautiful apsaras (beauties) of swarg (heaven) one by one started dancing to the melodious tunes of the Gandharvas. Devraj at any cost wanted to please Arjun. He was therefore very intently noticing Arjun to find out as to what was attracting him.

    Arjun was now residing in heaven. The one and only one heaven, majestically decorated. The apsaras were busy dancing and while dancing they wanted to attract and cajole the favourite guests of Devraj Indra. After each dance representative of Devraj used to introduce another apsara and in this manner the assembly of Devraj swung into a band of melodies.  But Arjun in whose honour all this was being done was quietly sitting with his head down and eyes staring at the ground. And while the grand show in heaven was going on he was only remembering his exiled brothers who were living in extreme austerity by eating fruits and roots and by sleeping on the ground. He was therefore not at all attracted towards Amravati.

    Suddenly Devraj Indra uttered the name of Urvashi. Arjun looked at Urvashi several times who was dancing in the assembly. Devraj Indra noticed Arjun while he was looking Urvashi. After the celebrations got over Devraj called Gandharva Raj Chitrasen and said—‘go across to Urvashi and tell her that tonight she needs to spend with Arjun. Arjun is one of our most loved ones. And she should make him happy.

    Urvashi herself was attracted towards Arjun, and therefore when she received the message of Devraj she willingly accepted the same. She then decorated herself as much as she could to look ravishing. In the night after decking up she reached the residence of Arjun.

    As Arjun saw Urvashi he got up from his bed. And with both hands he offered his pranam (greetings) and said—‘Mata! (Mother) you, and what brings you here at this time? And what can I do for you?

    Urvashi was astounded in the manner Arjun had addressed her—as mother. She minced no words and clearly said she was attracted towards him, as if in love, and that she had also received a message from Devraj to make him happy. She prayed to Arjun to accept her. But Arjun with a stable mind said—‘please don’t say these unbecoming words again. You are the mother of kurukul. I have heard this from many rishis (sages). Today in the sabha (assembly) when the pratihari (chamberlain) called your name, I felt like seeing you. Considering, you as the mother of my kul (lineage). I several times glimpsed your feet. I feel this is what led to some misunderstanding in Devraj’s mind.

    Urvashi explains—‘Parth! (Name given to Arjun- an archer who never misses his target) This is not dhara (earth) this is heaven. We apsaras are neither any ones mother, nor sister nor wife. Anyone coming to heaven as per his punya (collective virtues) can enjoy us (upbhog kar sakta hai). So you please accede to my request.’

    In the middle of a romantic night the most beautiful apsara of the heaven was incessantly requesting Arjun to accept her; but Dharmyug (righteous) Arjun was adamant, where Kamdev (God of love) could not even touch him. Arjun in the same manner with folded hands was praying to Urvashi—‘just as Kunti is my mother, just as Madri is my mother, in the same manner I consider you like my mother. Kindly consider me as your son and shower your affection.’

    Urvashi never expected this kind of a treatment even from the rishis (sages) who led a life of extreme austerity and so this was least expected of Arjun. And in all of this she felt as if her beauty had been insulted. She then in the lust of love cursed Arjun—‘like an impotent man you did not accept my request and therefore for a year you’ll live as a hijra (eunuch) where you’ll only sing and dance amidst women.’

    After cursing Arjun, Urvashi left. Arjun too had the power to curse her especially when she had cursed him wrongly; but even then Arjun was looking down with his hands folded as a mark of respect, conveying his pranam (respectful greetings).

   In the morning Devraj came to know what had transpired during the night. He was happy and said—‘Dhananjay! People who follow the righteous path (dharma) are never surrounded by vippatis (calamites). And even if calamity strikes it turns into a lucky mascot. The curse of Urvashi will be for only a man year, after which it will turn into a blessing when after vanvas you enter a year of agyatvas (anonymity) where no will recognise you.’

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