Once Emperor Akbar faced a perplexing problem: a fort being built at Prayag was collapsing repeatedly for unknown reasons. He turned to his Minister, Mansingh, to find a solution.
The Minister’s Discovery
The Minister, while contemplating and strolling along the banks of the Ganga, saw a saint meditating. As he watched, a python attempted to attack the saint but failed miserably. The saint, using the power of a mantra, had defeated the python.
Seeking Help
Amazed by this miracle, the Minister approached the saint and explained Emperor Akbar’s problem. After some contemplation, the saint revealed that the fort could not be built because Goddess Devi Shakti was annoyed.
The Mantra Solution
The saint gave the Minister a piece of paper with a mantra inscribed on it and instructed him to lay it on the foundation of the fort and start building again. Mansingh followed his advice, and the fort was successfully rebuilt.
The Power of Mantra
This story highlights the profound power of mantras. A mantra can make the impossible possible. A simple sādhaka (practitioner) can become a great saint with the power of mantra. A mantra can change an unfavorable situation into a favorable one.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Divine Intervention: The story illustrates the importance of seeking divine intervention in times of trouble. The power of divine mantras can resolve even the most perplexing issues.
- Respect for Higher Powers: Understanding and respecting the will of divine entities, such as Devi Shakti, is crucial. Recognizing their influence can help overcome obstacles.
- Power of Mantras: The effectiveness of mantras in transforming situations and providing protection is emphasized. Mantras, when chanted with devotion and faith, hold immense power.
Teaching from Srimad Bhagavatam
Srimad Bhagavatam 6.2.18: “By performing bhakti-yoga, one can control the mind and senses, and gradually, by the process of devotional service, one becomes detached from material activities and can attain the ultimate goal of life, Kṛṣṇa.”
This verse underscores the transformative power of devotional practices, including the chanting of mantras, which can lead to ultimate liberation and fulfillment.
Teaching from Caitanya Caritamrita
Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya-lila 15.107: “Simply by chanting the holy name of Krishna, one can obtain freedom from material existence and attain the highest perfection of life, pure love of God.”
This verse highlights the power of the holy name and mantras in achieving spiritual liberation and divine love.
Teaching of Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada emphasized the potency of the holy names and mantras in transforming lives and achieving spiritual goals.
Srila Prabhupada said: “The transcendental vibration established by the chanting of Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare is the sublime method for reviving our Krishna consciousness.” (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Preface)
This teaching reinforces the importance of chanting mantras with devotion as a means to revive our spiritual consciousness.
Prayer
O Lord Krishna,
Please bless us with the understanding and faith in the power of Your holy mantras.
Help us to chant Your names with sincerity and devotion,
So that we may overcome all obstacles and achieve spiritual liberation.
May our hearts be filled with divine love and devotion,
And may we always seek Your guidance in our lives.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
May Your divine grace and blessings be upon us always,
Guiding us towards pure devotion and eternal bliss in Your service.
