Miscellaneous - Religion   

Unfailing protector

CHENNAI : Besides serving to illustrate the basic law governing human existence that every individual has to face the consequences of one's actions, the Puranas and the Itihasas also establish the supremacy of the Lord who is the abiding support of the entire universe. In the Mahabharata it is seen that Lord Krishna is not only a great preceptor who teaches dharma by His own example, but also reveals His power to protect His devotees in distress, pointed out Tiruchi Sri K. Kalyanaraman in a lecture.

At the conclusion of the Rajasuya Yaga when the time came for paying obeisance to the most pre-eminent person in the assemblage of saints and savants, the Pandava brothers consulted the sages Vyasa and Sukha. All the elders including Bhishma suggested that this honour go to Lord Krishna who is the subject of the Vedas. It was then that Sisupala, cousin of Lord Krishna, who had nurtured enmity towards the Lord, started to hurl abusive language at the Lord that embarrassed the entire gathering. But the Lord remained patient, since He had promised Sisupala's mother that he would react only after a hundred curses. Incidentally Sisupala's end after this harangue signifies the culmination of the curse incurred by the celestial gatekeeper Jaya after three consecutive births.

The Lord's protective power is revealed when Draupadi is humiliated in Dhritarashtra's court. Draupadi's plight was pitiable since none in the midst of the great assembly of renowned kings, learned scholars and upright preceptors, in addition to the distinguished Pandava brothers, were able to avert the humiliation she was subjected to. When all hands seemed tied, the Lord alone stood by His promise of supporting those who seek His help with utmost faith. Though Lord Krishna was not present in the assembly, He intervened to save Draupadi from further dishonour in the most extraordinary fashion, establishing beyond doubt that He is the most dependable relative to those who hold Him close in their hearts.

No one is helpless for He is always there to protect those who seek His help.

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