Kartaviryarjuna Blessed with Thousand Hands

Kartaviryarjuna’s father, Kritavirya, performed the Sankashti Vratam for one year to have a child. When the child was born, he had neither arms nor legs. The mother cried bitterly, saying, 'Why was I given such a child? It would have been better to remain childless. I feel my past sins have not yet ended. Even the blessings of Lord Ganesha have turned out like this!'

Kritavirya also lamented, 'O Lord, they say You are merciful and grant blessings just by remembrance. Why has this happened to me who sought refuge in You? All my prayers,tapas, and charity have been in vain. Truly, no effort can overcome destiny.'

The ministers and advisors consoled him, saying, 'What is destined will happen. Just as a tree bears flowers and fruits at the right time, so will the fruits of your good deeds. Lord Ganesha will not abandon you.'

When Kartavirya turned twelve, Lord Dattatreya visited them. Seeing Kritavirya’s sorrow, Dattatreya said, 'I will give Kartavirya padesha of the Ekakshara Mantra of Ganesha. Let him perform tapas with this mantra. Everything will be set right.'

Accordingly, Kartavirya was taken to a forest, where a small hut was built for him. He lived there, consuming only air, and performed tapas for twelve years. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Ganesha appeared before Kartavirya.

Kartavirya asked for two boons from the Lord: unwavering devotion to His lotus feet and the removal of his deformity to relieve his parents’ sorrow. The Lord blessed him and granted him two legs and a thousand arms.

Lessons:

1. Even what seems impossible can be achieved through devotion and effort.
2. Greater the problem, greater the effort required. Kartavirya succeeded after twelve years of intense tapas.
3. Do not lose hope if results are not immediate. Keep praying and persevering.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi