Miscellaneous - Religion   

Indispensable grace

CHENNAI : The Mahabharata is a comprehensive treasure trove of Indian lore, both religious and secular, containing many useful lessons for humanity and providing an insight into various practical aspects of life. It is shown that every individual has to face the effects of one's karma — both good and bad deeds. The underlying message in the epic is the need to follow the righteous way of life and Lord Krishna's crucial presence in the various events of the epic factors in to establish dharma and subjugate evil, said Tiruchi Sri K. Kalyanaramam in a discourse. Such is the uprightness of the Lord's law that when He incarnates as a human being, He subjects Himself to all the laws that govern individuals.

In the episode of Jarasandha's killing by Bhima, two truths — that each one has to live out one's karma and God's grace is indispensable for success in all our undertakings — are reinforced. Lord Krishna could have easily killed Jarasandha, the powerful king of Magadha, who was both father-in-law and a close friend of Kamsa, and hence bore enmity towards Lord Krishna for killing Kamsa. Even when Mathura was repeatedly attacked, Lord Krishna remained patient and finally He made a show of conceding victory to him by retiring to Dwaraka. This was because Jarasandha's death was destined to be at the hands of Bhima. Again when Lord Krishna along with Arjuna and Bhima sought a combat with Jarasandha who had conquered many kings and held them in captivity, it so happened that the latter chose Bhima as his opponent.

But for Lord Krishna's timely help and grace in the form of His indirect hint to Bhima during the fierce combat, where it was next to impossible to kill Jarasandha, Bhima could not have won. The Lord indicated that Jarasandha could be killed only if he was torn into two halves, by splitting a twig. Bhima tore him apart in two pieces lengthwise and threw away the pieces in opposite directions. Then the imprisoned kings were released.

Though Bhima was the killer, it was made effective through God's grace. The touch of His grace is essential for everything in life.

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