Guest

 
“Oh Dharmaja! nothing is impossible for a virtuous man having determination of mind. In this connection I narrate a story:

In the past, there was a called Duryodhana. River Narmada fell in love with him. River Narmada, in human form, married him. They begot a beautiful daughter called Sudarsana. Her father worships Agni daily. He deputed Sudarsana to look after his needs at the time of worshipping Agni. While Sudarsana was moving around him, Agni fell in love with her. One day, Agni expressed his desire to marry her. She told Agni to approach her parents.

Duryodhana intended to perform one Yaga. At that time, he worshipped Brahmins and gave them alms. Agni, in the disguise of Brahmin, also stood in the que to receive alms. While Duryodhana offered alms to Agni he expressed his desire to marry his daughter. Duryodhana was reluctant to give his daughter to a poor brahmin. Agni grew angry. He reduced his flames during Yaga, inspite of chanting several Mantras. Agni expressed his desire to Ritviks to marry Sudarsana. Ritviks informed Duryodhana about Agni’s desire.
“Oh what is this? Agni would have exprssed his desire directly to me. I thought he was a Brahmin. Tell Agni I am agreeable.” said Duryodhana.

Later Sudarsana was given in marriage to Agni. Agni and Sudarsana begot a son called Sudarsana. After marriage, Sudarsana begot a son called Oghavanta. Oghavanta begot a son and daughter called Ogharadha and Oghavati respectively. Oghavati attained marriageable age.

Oghavathi was given in marriage to Sudarsana, who is no other than her grand father. After marriage, Sudarsana took a vow that he will conquer death while adopting Grihastha dharma. He was living at Kurushetra along with his wife, Oghavati. One day, Sudarsana told his wife Oghavati: “I like worshipping guests. Whether I am in the house or not, you have to receive and worship guests on my behalf. The Grihasthas attain greater regions when they satisfy their guests, in full. Therefore, whatever be the desire of our guests, you have to fulfil it without hesitation. Following the footsteps of husband is the main virtue of the wife.” said Sudarsana.
Oghavati gladly accepted the words of her husband.

One day, Sudarsana went into forest to fetch fuel. At that time one guest arrived at their house. Oghavathi invited him and offered him water and fruits. After eating sumptuously, the guest asked her to share bed with him. He also warned her that satisfying the guest is the foremost duty of a Grihastu. Oghavathi requested the guest to have some other desire except sharing bed. The guest was adament and did not agree for anything except herself.

Oghavati remembered the words of her husband. If she accepts the desire of the guest, her chastity will be spoiled. If she refuses, it would amount to violating the command of her husband. At last she agreed to share bed with the guest. The guest took her inside.

At that time, Sudarsana arrived at the house and called his wife. There was no reply. The guest shut the mouth of Oghavati not to speak. Sudarsana repeatedly called his wife for which the guest replied: “You wife is attending on the guest. You know much better about honoring guests. Hence be patient. Dont be angry.” said the guest from inside.

“O great man! I am very happy that my wife is attending on the guest. Where the guests are satisfied fully, that house is purified. I will wait outside till the worship of guest is completed.” said Sudarsana.

Then a voice was heard from the sky: “Sudarsana is blessed. He is respected by one and all”.

At that time, the guest appeared in his splendid and glorious form. “O Sudarsana! I am Dharma Devata. (Deity of Dharma). I have come to test your mind and your devotion towards guests. Mruthyu is waiting to kill you whenever you transgress dharma. But you conquered Mruthyu. You have alrlelady conquered the six rivals viz., Kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya. Your wife is your virtuous follower. You both are eligible to go to higher regions with this physical body whenever you wish. With half of the power of your Tapas, your wife Oghavati transforms into a holy river and flows on this holy land. With the rest of the power of your Tapas, she remains with you in human form and serves you. My desire to share bed with your wife is all myth created to acclaim your greatness to the outside world. Your wife is pure and no harm is caused to the chastity of your wife. This is the truth.” so saying Dharma Devata disappeared.
O Dharmaja! this is the story of River Oghavati. There is no other Dharma to a Grihastu except worshipping his guests. “ said Bhishma.