How Narada Became a Wanderer

                                                         

 Sage Narada holds an important place in Indian mythology. He is a great scholar of arts and the veena playing musician for gods. A wanderer who roams freely across both heaven and earth, he is often seen as the messenger oh Vishnu. The word Nara means knowledge and Da is 'one who gives'. So, Narada means a person who passes on knowledge and guides those who seek his advice along the path of right. In this story Narada will be cursed by a Sage and becomes a wanderer.

NOW LET US GET INTO THE STORY.

Narada in most of the the purana stories, appears as a scholar but is also a bundle of playing mischief and he just loves dramas. He sometimes discloses the secrets of gods, demons as well as human beings to those who need not know about these. It sometimes leads to misunderstandings and quarrels between them and this is why Narada is often described as 'one who enjoys quarrels'. Despite his mischievous nature, all gods, demons and human beings, love him. His ultimate aim is to bring about justice so that the good are rewarded and the bad punished.

Narada is always on the move and never stays in one place for long. This interesting story in the puranas tells us why he became a wanderer. Long, long ago there lived a prosperous man named Dakshabrahma. He looked forward to the time when they would group up and help him in his work and finally get married and head lead happy lives. But he realised that mere material comfort was not the only important for the wholesome development of his sons. So he called his sons and spoke to them seriously about how they planned to lead their lives. 

"What would you like us to do, father?" asked his sons. "I'd like you to gain some spiritual knowledge without which no one can truly grow," said Dakshabrahma. "So, my sons, first go and do penance. Pray to god so that he gives you true knowledge. After that you will return home. That will be the time for you to get married and lead a normal  family life."

"very well, father'" agreed the obedient sons. "Where should we go for our tapasya?". "The Himalayas. No one is likely to disturb you there, and you can concentrate on your prayers." Dakshabrahma's sons left for the Himalayas. They found an appropriate place for meditation along the bank of a crystal clear lake, the Narayana Saras. They were soon deep into meditation. This was when Narada happened to pass by and saw them praying. He was curious to known why a group of young boys had left their home and had come to the Himalayas to pray. 

"Who are you?" he asked them. "We are Dakshabrahma's sons," they replied. "What are you doing in the Himalayas?" asked Narada. "Our father asked us to come and pray here," said the eldest. "We shall return home after we have acquired true knowledge." And what do you plan to do afterwards?" asked Narada curiously.

"Start our work, get married, of course. And lead the life of a householder," said the boys. Narada looked them up and down. Well, here's my chance to have some fun he thought mischievously. Turning again to the boys, he said, "Dear boys, what a very foolish thing to do". "What do you mean?"they asked in surprise. "Marriage brings about trouble and problems galore. Why do you wish to be bothered with such things? At the end of your tapasya, you will realise the glories of celestial life. And that is the only thing that will give you true happiness.

"I can't think why your father wants you to get trapped into married life. Escape from it while you still have a chance," he went on. "Think only of the god and aspire for eternity," he emphasised. "Do you really mean all this?" asked the boys, surprised. "Of course I do. You are all intelligent, and look at me, have I also not made the choice? I have never allowed thought of marriage to cross my mind, it's sheer waste of energies" he added. "Just think about what I have told you, and decide for yourselves" said Narada. He laughed to himself as he continued with his journey.

Narada's words had a tremendous impact on the minds of Dakshabrahma's sons. They took a solemn vow never to get married. When Dakshabrahma sent for them, they refused to return. "We have decided to spend the rest of our life in spiritual quest," they informed their father. Dakshabrahma was greatly upset by their decision. He was looking forward to getting them married and having them and their families with him. Now he called his younger sons.

"Children, before doing anything else, go and do penance. Pray to god so that he gives you true knowledge. After that you may return home, get married and lead a normal family life. It is your duty to return  and help me in my old age and help the family continue," he advised. The younger sons promised to follow his advice. Once in the Himalayas for their penance, Narada noticed them and approached the brothers. He repeated the same sermon that he had given to the older brothers. The younger sons felt exactly as their brothers. The younger sons felt exactly as their brothers had felt earlier. They also took a vow not to marry and intended take up the path of renunciation. When Dakshabrahma came to known about this, he was very upset indeed. This time he also got to know who had influenced his sons. 

Livid with anger, Dakshabrahma faced Narada. "Why did you mislead my young son's ?" he asked Narada. "I wanted them to marry and settle down, and be near me when I grow old. "Because I felt it was the right thing to do," Narada replied. "But it was none of your business you interfered quite unnecessarily," cried Dakshabrahma. "I shall not tolerate this. I will curse you," shouted Dakshabrahma.

"Since you did not let my sons settle down, I curse you that you shall never settle down either henceforth, you shall be a perpetual wanderer, travelling between heaven and earth. You will not be able to rest in peace in one place".

"Dakshabrahma, it shall be as you wish," said Narada. He did not seem upset really. Dakshabrahma's curse came to pass and that is why sage Narada turned into a constant wanderer. He is still believed to be wandering somewhere between the heaven and the earth.      

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