Freedom Through Jnana

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A story of Bhagiratha before engaging in bringing down the Ganges to earth is stated in the Vasishtam. King Bhagiratha was an emperor and ruling his empire was burdensome weighing down his shoulders as his interest lay in spiritual pursuits. On the advice of his Guru on the pretext of Yagna (sacrifice) he distributed his wealth and possessions. However his kingdom stuck on to him as nobody stepped forward to take his empire.

Bhagiratha to get away with his kingdom invited the neighbouring king who was his enemy and handed over the empire. He left his kingdom in the night in disguise and wandered in other regions other than his kingdom. It was customary of the king to beg for alms in the night while remaining hiding during the day for the fear of recognition.Bhagiratha ultimately gained purity and maturity of the mind, sufficiently free of inhibitions to wander in his native land, living on alms. His mendicant disguise and outlook veiled him from the identification of his own country men until one day he was recognised by his guard when he begged for alms in front of his own palace. On hearing the arrival of Bhagiratha, the then reigning ruler requested him to accept the kingdom back which he refused. He persistently asked only for alms and went his way highly pleased on receiving it.

Bhagiratha, subsequently became the king of another country and at the demise of the king of his own country, took charge of his own kingdom at the behest of his country men. The kingdom which earlier seemed a burden to him was not a trouble for him in the least after having attained Jnana.

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