Introduction: The Problem of Pride
In this story, we see how Lord Krishna deals with the pride that sometimes creeps into the hearts of even his closest devotees. Garuda, Satyabhama, and Sudarshan Chakra each had their own sense of pride, and Krishna, knowing the hearts of all, decided to correct them in His unique way.
Garuda’s Pride
Garuda, the mighty eagle who carries Lord Vishnu, was very proud of his strength. He thought, “I can carry Vishnu on my back; who can compete with me? Without me, Vishnu is helpless and cannot go anywhere.” Krishna, knowing Garuda’s pride, decided it was time for a lesson. He called Garuda and asked him to go to Gandhamadana Parvat to bring Hanuman to Him, saying, “Tell Hanuman that Ram is calling him.”
Garuda, full of confidence, flew to Gandhamadana Parvat and conveyed the message to Hanuman. But Hanuman, aware of the Lord’s plan, calmly said, “I will come before you can return.” Garuda, not realizing what was happening, insisted on carrying Hanuman himself, boasting about his strength. In response, Hanuman, with a smile, picked up Garuda by his tail and swung him around effortlessly before throwing him near the ocean of Dwarka. Garuda, humiliated and drenched, realized that his pride had been shattered by Hanuman’s immense strength.
Satyabhama’s Pride
Satyabhama, Krishna’s queen, was very proud of her beauty and status as Krishna’s favorite. Krishna, recognizing this, asked her to inform Rukmini to dress as Sita, as Hanuman was coming to visit. Satyabhama, feeling slighted, questioned Krishna, asking why Rukmini should take the place of honor. However, Krishna simply told her to do as she was told.
When Hanuman arrived, Satyabhama, dressed and prepared to impress, sat by Krishna’s side. But Hanuman, with his deep devotion to Lord Ram and Sita, ignored her completely and instead paid his respects only to Rukmini, whom he recognized as Sita. Satyabhama’s pride was thus crushed as she realized that her beauty and status meant nothing in the face of true devotion.
Sudarshan Chakra’s Pride
Even Sudarshan Chakra, Krishna’s powerful weapon, was not free from pride. He thought, “Without me, what is Krishna? I am the one who protects Him.” Krishna, aware of this pride, instructed Sudarshan to guard the palace gate when Hanuman arrived.
When Hanuman approached, Sudarshan tried to stop him, but Hanuman, knowing his strength, simply picked up Sudarshan and placed him in his mouth, rendering him powerless. Hanuman then proceeded to enter the palace with Sudarshan still in his mouth. When Krishna saw this, He humorously remarked, “What’s in your mouth, Hanuman? Is it paan or tobacco?” Hanuman then released Sudarshan, and the weapon, now humbled, admitted that Hanuman had overpowered him.
Conclusion: The Lesson in Humility
Through these incidents, Krishna taught his devotees a valuable lesson in humility. He showed them that no matter how powerful or special they may think they are, true greatness lies in devotion and surrender to the Lord. Pride, even in the hearts of His closest devotees, must be eradicated for their own spiritual growth.
This story serves as a reminder to all of us that pride can easily take root, even in the most pious hearts. But Krishna, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, will always find a way to correct us, guiding us back to the path of humility and devotion. As devotees, we should always strive to remain humble, recognizing that our strength and worth come only from our connection to the Divine.
