Defeat of King Suratha

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Defeat of King Suratha

तस्य तैरभवत् युद्धम् अतिप्रबलदण्डिनः
न्यूनैरपि स तैर्युद्धे कोलाविध्वंसिभिर्जितः

Suratha was well known for his Dandaneethi, as he would mete out severe punishment to criminals. For this reason, he was called Atiprabaladandee—one who metes out strong punishment. A battle broke out between Suratha and the Kolavidhwamsis (तस्य तैरभवत् युद्धम्). Although the Kolavidhwamsis were fewer in number (न्यूनैरपि), King Suratha was defeated in the battle (कोलाविध्वंसिभिर्जितः).

ततः स्वपुरमायातो निजदेशाधिपोभवत्
आक्रान्तः स महाभागस्तैस्तदा प्रबलारिभिः

Surrounded and chased by powerful enemies (आक्रान्तः स महाभागस्तैः), he returned to his own capital (स्वपुरमायातः). His command over the entire earth was lost, and his rulership became limited to his own country (निजदेशाधिपोभवत्). His enemies, the Kolavidhwamsis, had proven to be powerful (प्रबलारिभिः).

अमात्यैर्बलिभिर्दुष्टैर्दुर्बलस्य दुरात्मभिः
कोशो बलं चापहृतं तत्रापि स्वपुरे ततः

His ministers were evil-minded and wicked. Seeing their king weakened, these ministers seized control of his army and robbed his treasury.

ततो मृगयाव्याजेन हृतस्वाम्यस्स भूपतिः
एकाकी हयमारुह्य जगाम गहनं वनम्

Hritaswamyam—his lordship or rulership—was lost along with his wealth and army. Realizing he had lost his command, the king left alone for the jungle, mounted on a horse, as if going hunting.

स तत्राश्रममद्राक्षीद् द्विजवर्यस्य मेधसः
प्रशान्तश्वापदाकीर्णं मुनिशिष्योपशोभितम्

In the jungle, he saw the ashrama of the great Rishi Medhas (Sumedhas). In that ashrama, even fierce animals like tigers lived peacefully without harming anyone. The rishi had many disciples.

तत्स्थौ किंचित्स्कालं च मुनिना तेन सत्कृतः
इतश्चेतश्च विचरंस्तस्मिन्मुनिवराश्रमे

The rishi welcomed and cared for him. King Suratha spent some time in the ashrama, roaming here and there.

सोचिन्तयत्तदा तत्र ममत्वाकृष्टचेतनः
मत्पूर्वैः पालितं पूर्वं मया हीनं पुरं हि तत्
मद्भृत्यैस्तैरसद्वृत्तैर्धर्मतः पाल्यते न वा

He began worrying, his mind gripped by Mamatva—the concern for his own people, his own kingdom. 'The city that my ancestors once protected, I am no longer there. Are my staff taking proper care of it now? My prime minister, he is very arrogant.'

मम वैरिवशं यातः कान्भोगानुपलप्स्यते
ये ममानुगतानित्यं प्रसादधनभोजनैः
अनुवृत्तिं ध्रुवं तेद्य कुर्वन्त्यन्यमहीभृताम्

'But now he has joined hands with my enemies. They must be pampering him with all kinds of enjoyments. My own servants and subordinates, those who used to follow me, obey my orders, and receive their salary and food from me, must now be obeying the new rulers.'

King Suratha began reflecting on all of this, as his mind was overpowered by Mamatva—concern for what he considered his own.

Knowledge Bank

Mrigashira Nakshatra borns should plant and protect Jamun (Syzygium cumini) trees

This is their Nakshatra Tree. Planting and protecting them will enhance health and long life.

How many km is Vaishno Devi climb?

From Katra, Vaishno Devi is a 12 km climb. If you are going by helicopter, then it is a 2.5 km walk (from Sanjhi Chhat).