Talk:The Power, Simplicity and Beauty of Archanaṃ
By Vishal Agarwal
The act of Archanā is visually very appealing and pleasing. Thousands of Hindus and non-Hindus throng the banks of the Ganga River at Haridwar to see the Ārati being performed. Some people make a big show of their wealth and pomp by organizing elaborate worship ceremonies. But in the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna clearly says that it is one’s loving bhakti and surrender to Bhagavān alone that counts.
He who offers me with devotion a leaf, a flower or even water, I accept that offering given me that soul who has surrendered to me. Bhagavad Gita 9.26
Other scriptures to reiterate the same-
Being self-satisfied with His inherent blissful nature, the Bhagavan does not desire to be worshipped by ignorant people. If He accepts worship, it is only out of mercy to the worshipping devotee. Whatever honor man does to God by worship and praise benefits himself, just as the beauty that a face derives from decorations goes to its reflection in the mirror. Bhāgavata Purāṇa 7.9.11
The stories below illustrate the power of worshipping the Divine.
Story: The Worship of King Ambarisha Saves Him From The Wrath of Rishi Durvāsā
King Ambarisha was a great Bhakta of Bhagavan Vishnu. Every 11th day of the month, he did not eat food. He spent the entire day worshipping Vishnu and feeding poor people, teachers, and stray animals. Bhagavan Vishnu loved Ambarisha. This made some people jealous of Ambarisha, and they decided to cause trouble for him. One day, King Ambarisha was fasting when Rishi Durvasa came to his palace. Everyone was scared of Durvasa because he used to get angry very easily. Durvasa said to Ambarisha, “I have come as your guest. I am a great Rishi. Everyone respects me. I want you to give me food. But first, I will go and take a bath. Keep in mind that you cannot eat anything till you give food to me.” King Ambarisha agreed and bowed to Durvasa with respect. Durvasa went to the bath but just kept bathing. Several hours passed, but Durvasa did not come back. Ambarisha started feeding the poor people, teachers, and stray animals. But he did not eat anything himself. Several more hours passed, but Durvasa still did not come back. Then, some priests said to Ambarisha, “You must eat after some time. Otherwise, Bhagavan Vishnu will not be happy.” Therefore, Ambarisha just sipped some water, but he did not eat anything.
Suddenly, Durvasa came back. He became very angry when he saw Ambarisha drinking water. Durvasa said, “You are very rude. I told you not to eat or drink anything before I came back. You have insulted me by drinking water before giving some food to me! I will have to punish you for this.” Then, Rishi Durvasa used his magical powers to make a fiery demon. But to protect his Bhakta King Ambarisha, Bhagavan Vishnu immediately sent his Sudarshana Chakra.
The Sudarshana Chakra immediately killed the demon. Then, the Chakra started flying towards Rishi Durvasa to kill him. Durvasa became very scared, and he started running everywhere. Finally, he reached Vaikuntha, where Bhagavan Vishnu lives. Durvasa said to Vishnu, “Please save me from your Sudarshana Chakra. I do not want to die.”
Vishnu replied, “You have tried to kill my Bhakta King Ambarisha. That was not a good thing to do. My Sudarshana Chakra will stop chasing you on one condition. You will have to go to Ambarisha and say sorry to him. And you will have to promise Me that you will control your anger.” Rishi Durvasa agreed. He rushed to Ambarisha and said sorry for his mistake. He also promised Vishnu that he would never get angry towards Bhaktas of Vishnu. The Sudarshana Chakra suddenly disappeared and went back to Bhagavan Vishnu.
Story: The Archanā of Vishnu Transforms Irreligious Dhanurdāsa
How the love for Bhagavān, arising from Darshana, enables us to transcend love for our near and dear ones but does not eliminate it is illustrated by this story from the 11th century CE. Ramanuja thought, “I wish that his infatuation for beauty were directed towards Vishnu, the most beautiful one! If that happens, this man would attain great spiritual heights.” Therefore, the saint said, “If you worship beauty, then come this evening to the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam at the time of the ārati (prayer ceremony done with lamps).”
The man was reluctant to go to the temple, but his lady love said, “Perhaps a misfortune would befall you if you do not obey the command of a holy man. So just go for today.” The man showed up at the required time in the temple, and he was overwhelmed when he saw the beauty of the lamps being waved around the Deity. He was moved by the beauty of the prayers being chanted by the devout and by the faith in their eyes.
His transformation occurred there and then. He gave up his wrong ways and became a true devotee of Vishnu. His name is recorded as Dhanurdas in the Hindu tradition. Dhanurdasa married the girl he liked with the blessings of Ramanujacharya, and they both settled down in the temple city of Srirangam, where the couple spent their lives in the worship of Bhagavān.