Sant Raja Janak
Sant Raja Janak
King Janaka Story
Janaka was childless when once he found a baby in a furrow when he was ploughing a field as part of a yagna. Because of this Sita was described as the daughter of the earth goddess Bhumi. Sita was raised by Janak and his wife Sunaina.
While Sita was a young girl, she once playfully picked up the mighty bow of Shiva that was placed in the royal armory. At that time Janak decided that the bow of Shiva would be used to pick the best husband for Sita.
When Sita reached adulthood, Janak organized a Swayamvara with the condition that Sita would get married to only that individual who will be able to string Pinaka, the bow of the god Shiva.
Raja Janak’s guru name was Ashtavakra. King Janaka and Ashtavakra conversation is documented as Ashtavakra Gita
He knew, the bow of Shiva was not even liftable let alone stringable for ordinary mortals.
Rama lifted up the bow of Shiva, fastened the string tightly and finally break the bow. He fulfilled Seeradhwaja’s condition to marry Sita.
Later on Vivaha Panchami, a marriage ceremony was conducted under the guidance of Satananda. Rama married Sita, Bharata married Mandavi, Lakshmana married Urmila and Shatrughna married Shrutakirti.
Janak was a very religious and spiritually inclined man and he was usually surrounded by sages and Rishis. He was also known as ‘Rajarshi‘ as he was a king and Rishi (sage) at the same time.
When Poonja met Ramana Maharshi, and asked him, “Have you seen God?”
anak was a king of Mithlapuri and was a good-hearted person. He always ensured justice in his kingdom and was compassionate toward the poor. He worshipped Shiva Ji’s bow that was given to him. One day, a saint came to Raja Janak and asked him a question, “Hey Raja, who is your Guru?”
Raja Janak started thinking, and after some time, replied, “Until today, I have not accepted anyone as my Guru. I only worship Shiv Ji’s bow.”
“Raja, adopt a Guru. Without a Guru, you cannot obtain liberation, and all your good deeds will go to waste. This is because you are a good soul.”
Hearing this, Raja Janak agreed and called all his ministers to discuss this matter. He then decided to call an assembly of saints, sadhus, pandits, Rishis, and great scholars. From them, he would choose a Guru.
The day came when all the saints and scholars came well-prepared. They were discussing amongst themselves who will be fit to be the king’s Guru. Raja Janak got up from his throne and addressed everyone. “O’ great saints and scholars, you must know the reason for this assembly that I am to adopt a Guru. But I have one condition. I would only accept that person as my Guru, who will give me spiritual wisdom as I mount the horse, and before I sit on the saddle of the horse. If you think you would provide me with spiritual knowledge in this short period, please step forward. If you fail to fulfill the condition, you will be punished, as you have disgraced yourself and me. Therefore, only the courageous and well-prepared saint scholar should step forward for this test.”
Upon hearing this, all the saint scholars got shocked and started looking at each other.
Just then, a Brahmin stepped forward. His name was Ashtavakar. As he was walking, everyone looked at his body and started laughing. Even the King was embarrassed. Why? Ashtavakar was a hunchback, his legs went bent, and he only had one arm. His fingers were joint up, but his face wasn’t that bad. Finally, the king’s minister stopped him and asked, “Are you sure about this? If you fail, you will be killed!”
Ashtavakar spoke, “Oh minister, you are saying this, maybe after looking at my ugly body. Maybe, I am also poor and homeless. Maybe you are thinking that I am doing this out of greed. But look at this, all these people that you have called are lacking in spiritual wisdom. It is a shame that no one can step forward for this test. Let me ask you, is spiritual wisdom connected to the soul and mind or the body? Why aren’t these people of high caste, so well-dressed, with a saffron mark on their forehead coming forward? They are laughing at this body of mine, but they have forgotten that this body is an illusion, Maya, which God created. Those who are proud and worship this body can never attain spiritual enlightenment.”
All the other saint scholars were ashamed. Finally, Raja Janak stepped forward and, with folded hands, said, “Come O’ Great One, if you have faith in yourself, then please fulfill my condition and give me assurance.”
Raja Janak called for a horse, and just as he was about to put his foot on the stirrup, Ashtavakar spoke. “O’ King, believe me when I say that I will end up becoming your Guru, and you shall be my disciple. But before I give you any wisdom, you must provide me an offering. The offering must be either your body, mind, or wealth. Choose one to give to me, and choose wisely.”
Raja Janak started thinking, and after a while, said, “I will give you one of these, but please allow me to return to my palace. After my return, I will provide you with an offering. Ashtavakar agreed and started his meditation while waiting. Raja Janak then went to his palace and narrated the whole incident to his wife.
Sourse- basicsofsikhi
