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In the sacred realm of Soratha, there stood a renowned city named Dwarka. Its sanctity was elevated by the birth of Lord Nemi Nath, a revered figure worshipped across the three worlds. Dwarka's rulers were the ninth Narayana, Shri Krishna, and Balbhadra – both sons of Vasudeva and cousins to Neminatha. A significant event occurred when Narayana and Balbhadra visited a spiritual gathering (Samavsharan) hosted by Lord Nemi Nath to pay their respects. Overwhelmed, their hearts filled with reverence upon seeing the Lord. Their emotions surged, tears of joy welled in their eyes. With great respect, they bowed to the Lord's lotus feet and attentively listened to His sacred discourse from the designated area for human attendees.
During this gathering, Balbhadra inquired, "O Lord! How long will Dwarka, founded under Vasudeva's divine guidance and enriched, endure?"
The Lord answered, "Dwarka shall be reduced to ashes after twelve years. The Yaduvanshi rulers, intoxicated by drink, will cause grave harm to Depayan Muni. This action will enrage Depayan Muni, leading to Dwarka's destruction." On receiving this prophecy from the divine teacher (Jagat Guru), Balbhadra returned to Dwarka and disposed of all the wine containers in the forest of Girnar Mountain. Depayan Muni also left Dwarka for another place. Despite their efforts, fate's decree could not be evaded. As the twelve-year mark neared, Depayan Muni mistakenly believed that twelve years had passed and returned to Dwarka. He meditated near Girnar Mountain.
Around the same time, the Yaduvanshi Princes, fatigued and thirsty from revelry on Girnar Mountain, desperately sought water. They stumbled upon a rainwater-filled pond and, unaware that it contained wine from Balbhadra's disposal, drank from it. Their intoxication led to erratic behavior. Spotting the meditating Muni, their anger surged, believing him to be the cause of Dwarka's impending doom. They pelted him with stones. Despite the torment, the saint remained composed. When Balbhadra learned of this, he hurried to Depayan Muni and apologized, but the Muni's anger remained unassuaged. Fueled by intense rage, the Muni passed away with bitterness and was reborn as Vayanter Deva.
Remembering his past life through distorted knowledge, Vayanter Deva, now a deity, ignited Dwarka in a fit of fury, reducing it to ashes. This tale highlights how anger, when indulged, harms oneself and others. It demonstrates the wisdom of avoiding or relinquishing anger. Anger breeds animosity, ruptures bonds, disrupts inner tranquility, distorts reason, and erodes reputation. Anger is a state of mental agitation that impairs sound thinking, robbing us of rationale and logic. Hence, cultivating forbearance is essential for human existence. Armed with forbearance, one becomes invincible against adversaries. Those who endure pain with patience ultimately triumph over adversity.
In conclusion, the narrative underscores the importance of taming anger to safeguard one's well-being and promote harmonious living.
