By practising rigorous asceticism and devout yoga sadhana, Durvasa had achieved the status of a rishi (sage). However, he could not give up the habit of losing temper on small issues. He often became angry with people for their minor faults. When Durvasa got angry he cursed the person who had made him angry. As he had developed supernatural powers of a rishi, whatever he said happened. His curse frequently made people miserable. People were afraid to face him.
Once in the course of his visit to King Ambrish’s court, Durvasa became annoyed with the king. The king had not done any wrong. Nor did he show any disrespect to Durvasa. But somehow, some minor mistake or something in his court had made Durvasa angry. (As such, when anger becomes a habit it sees no reason).
The displeasure of Durvasa made Ambrish apprehensive of his curse. Ambrish was a great devotee of Vishnu. In order to escape the curse of the rishi, he began to pray. Ambrish was an honest king who cared for the people in his empire. Hearing his sincere prayer, Vishnu decided to protect him. He launched his Sudarshan Chakra (an unflinching omnipotent divine weapon) to chase Durvasa away from Ambrish.
Finding the Sudarshan Chakra coming towards him, Durvasa ran and ran to escape it. However, as only Vishnu had the power to call the Sudarshan Chakra back, Durvasa was left with no alternative but to apologise to Vishnu for making his devotee unhappy
Moral
- One who troubles a devotee of God invites wrath of God.
- Bad consequences of anger should be taken as punishment by God.
- One should control one’s temper
Source: Pragya Tales Part 2
