Don't Do Anything In A Haste!

(Story of Chirakarin- Mokshadharma Parva- Mahabharata.)

The discourse between Bhishma and king Yudhishthira continued with questions and answers. Yudhishthira humbly asked, 'O the scion of Kuru race! Clear my doubt on how to judge whether to perform an act or abstain from it?'

Recounting the old story, Bhishma said, 'O virtuousone! O son Yudhishthira! Rgarding this, Ishall narrate the story of a wise man- Chirakarin, a descendant of high-souled Angirasa. Thence, he began the story--------------------------

Chirakarin was the son of rishi Gautama and Ahalya. It was said Ahalya was extraordinarily beautiful. She was devoted to her husband and served her husband sincirely. Chirakarine was wise, virtuous and always followed the path of Dharma! He justified his name Chirakarin which means- one who acts slowly, reflecting thoroughly upon the matters, performs the acts. People considered him as a fool.

Once, rishi Gautama noticed some falts with his wife- Ahalya and out of anger, he asked Chirakarin to slay his mother (Ahalya). Without a second thought, he took the decision in a haste, commanding his son left for forest. Chirakarin nodded his head, saying, 'So it be'.

Adorned with his natural (in-born) traits, he didn't carry out his order instantly. He began to think upon the command for a long time. Being wise, he thought, 'How can I accomplish my my duties without sinking into sin in this plight of conflicting obligations? Both the duties are contradictory to each other! Obedience of father's order is the highest merit for a son as well as protection of mother is a must! The Vedas have mentioned it that a son should consider what his father says as the highest duty. Without questioning the words uttered by father, a son must obey it.

In the next moment, he analysed his duty for his mother. He considered no one can replace his mother's place! She has justified her various titles as 'Dhatri'(sustanier, Janani, Amva (the one who nurturs, gives up shape), and Shushru. A son always seems young to his mother even hildrenr even after getting old. Mother is the ultimate shelter for her children! Thus, protection of mother was his highest duty!'

As Chirakarin continued to reflect for a long time over his duty and obligations, in the meanwhile, rishi Gautama's anger subsided, and he repented thinking upon the repercussion of his own command. He understood the result of anger, and taking decision in haste. He realised how how blessed were those, who reflecting deeply over the matters deeply, perform the act. Acknowledging the value of patience, he prayed to God that Chirakarin should justify his name.

Rishi Gautama returned to find if his son still contemplating over the slaying his mother. Having seen both his wife and son, the rishi overwhelmed with joy! He showed his gratitude to his son for his wise decision! Chirakarin's delayed action saved both of them- rishi Gautama and himself from a grave sin. It was his good fortune that his sonproved his wisdom, intelligence, and the value of patience. Gautama rishi blessed his son for his prudence!

There after, rishi Gautama by the merit of his hard penances went up to heaven with his son.

The values we should learn from this story: --------

The power of thoughtful reflection always gives

Don't take any decision in haste! a positive outcome!

Anger kills humanity! Better one should control it!

A person never repents, if he thinks over the matter thoroughly before giving answer!

[PS: There are various stories regarding Lord Indra and his deception. One story says-- Ahalya was a woman of incredible beauty created by Brahma. Once, Indra became too desirous to have her company. Thus, he came to her in the guise of her husband- rishi Gautama and fulfilled his desire. They were caught by the sage. Outraged by the betrayal the sage cursed both but in Mahabharata, the sage asked his son to slay her.]