Page 110 - Kailaspati: Paramhans Hansdevji Avadhoot

very much. On introspection, he concluded that he himself had committed the mistake. soon he waged a war against Vishnu. The Commander-in-chief was called in and a huge army was raised. shukracharya began offering him suggestions. a huge arrangement was made across the country for the proposed battle. at that time, an old Brahmin with a staff in hand reached the gate of the Palace. The sentinel at the gate intercepted him. The Brahmin said, “i am here to see the King. Why are you intercepting me?” The sentinel said, “Without the order from the King, i will not allow you to enter.” The Brahmin said, “Then please seek permission from him.”
after a fiery exchange, the sentinel went to the King to get his permission for the Brahmin waiting at the gate. and soon the King offered his permission. The Brahmin, on reaching the Court, left his staff on the ground as a show of respect to the King and said, “sorry for having disturbed you at such an odd time.”
Prahlad said, “What are you here for, dear old man?”
The Brahmin said, “i came to know that you intend to wage a war against Vishnu.”
Prahlad said, “Right you are.”
The old Brahmin said, “i too have a desire to fight against him. But since i do not know his whereabouts, my plan to fight against him has not come true. and today, since i came to learn that your highness has decided to wage a war against Vishnu, i thought that you know his whereabouts. i am here to collect that information from you.” On hearing the words of the old Brahmin, Prahlad got worried. he too did not know the whereabouts of Vishnu. Once upon a time he had perhaps known about his whereabouts. But not that day. he knew nothing about his whereabouts.
seeing the King, worried, the Brahmin said, “Oh! i see. You know nothing about the whereabouts of Vishnu. But you are preparing for a war against him. OK. allow me to leave you. Let me be on the lookout for some other.” The King said, “Really, little do i know about his whereabouts.”
The old man said, “Why should i waste my time here? Let me go. Do me a favour by asking any of your men to take up this staff lying at my feet. i am too old to bend.”
88 Kailashpati