
In the previous episode, we had witnessed Mudgala rejecting the offer made by Sage Dhurvasa and the “Deva-Dhootas” to transcend towards the “Svarga Lokha”. Even after a convincing reply and answer given by the “Deva-Dhootas”, Mudgala isn’t really convinced about it because of the very fact that the “Svarga Lokha” is not the place for permanent happiness and bliss. As Sage Dhurvasa and the others educate Mudgala on how the Vaikunta is the only place which gives that permanent happiness and bliss, he desires to take all the effort possible to somehow reach Vaikunta. For this, he is also ready to continue his “Dharma” of collecting grains as per the rules and regulations strictly, just like he had been doing all these days. He desires to also continue serving anyone and everyone who comes to him as a guest, even though he and his family are starving without food for fifteen days continuously at any point in time. Thus, we can see how much “Sathva Guna” has Mudgala accumulated over time, and how much he desires to accmmulate it more and more as well. This is a great lesson to learn for all of us, both in terms of “Saathvika Aahaara” and the steadfast attitude of Mudgala in following the “Dharma” perfectly without any blemish.
Moving on thus, as Mudgala refuses the offer, Sage Dhurvasa is more than a happy man! Perhaps he might not have been this happy if Mudgala had accepted the offer of going to the “Svarga Lokha”. Maybe Sage Dhurvasa would have concluded that Mudgala was waiting for such an opportunity to enjoy luxuries, and once he got it, he grabbed it with both hands! However, in this case, Mudgala proved his consistency and steadfast attitude towards following the “Dharma”, which made Sage Dhurvasa extremely impressed. He now says to Mudgala thus, “Oh Mudgala! I’m proud of you and your achievements in terms of practising “Dharma”! I understand how steadfast and meticulous you are in practising your “Dharma” and I hereby provide my divine “Anugraha” to you, which would help you reach the highest “Vaikunta” very soon in your life! Please continue practising your “Dharma” the way you’re doing currently, and the world requires people like you to uphold the “Dharma” in this way! Hence, at the end of this birth, if you continue practising your “Dharma” in this way, you would definitely obtain the divine opportunity of transcending towards “Moksha” along with your family!”
Saying thus, Sage Dhurvasa provides his divine “Anugraha” to Mudgala and his family and with this, Sage Dhurvasa leaves the place. All these narratives, as we should remember, is being given by Sage Vyaasa to Yudishtra to illustrate how Mudgala was extremely steadfast in his “Dharma” and even though his “Dharma” wasn’t that great, it still led him to attain “Moksha”! So for today, let us also once again ponder along with Yudishtra in understanding how important is our “Dharma” and how important it is for us to stand by it at all times! We shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further to witness what Sage Vyaasa further told Yudishtra! Stay tuned for an interesting accord ahead! 🙂