Tapas or austerities performed by focusing on the Lord always give results. There is an exact mathematical law – the law of karma which dictates that when we perform actions, we get proportionate results. The more intense and focused the tapas is, the greater are the results. When intense austerities are performed, Divinity has to bless the person with the boons of his choice. The law of karma is inexorable and relentless. Only when we lack knowledge and understanding we ask silly questions : Why does the Lord give boons to demons and asuras who misuse them and cause problems and pains to mankind. The answer is: the demons have performed intense tapas and hence were suitably rewarded and when they misused their boons and blessings, they were also suitably punished. The law of karma operates eternally and inevitably and is the same for all.
Many a times, men as well as demons go on an ego rampage. They think they are far cleverer than God and try to outsmart and outwit Him. While seeking boons for their tapas, they put across seemingly strange and impossible conditions in order to become immortal. Immortality is the basic nature of Divinity and not His creations. The demon Hiranyakashyap sought that he should not be killed by neither man or animal or gods, or by any weapon, not during day or night, not inside home or outside and not on land or in air. Divinity outwitted him and he was killed by Lord Narasimha who was neither man or animal, by tearing open with claws – not a manufactured weapon, at time of dusk which is neither day or night, sitting on the door way – which is not in the home or outside, by placing him on the lap – which is not on ground or in the sky. We see now the story of another such greedy egoistic demon called Bhasmasura who tried to outwit Divinity and become Almighty. Greed and excessive desire always meet a gruesome end!
Bhasmasura was a demon who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Once he performed long and intense tapas for many thousands of years chanting the name of Shiva. His focus on the Lord was intense and his determination to win the Grace of the Lord was fierce. With no thought for food, water, shelter, heat, cold, rains, storms, winds, rest, comforts or luxuries, he sat still in tapas. He had overcome physical needs, desires and emotions and was totally focussed on the Lord. Finally Lord Shiva appeared in front of him and blessed him. The demon being evil and cunning by nature sought a unique boon that when he placed his hand on anyone’s head, the person should be reduced to ashes! And he sought to test the boon immediately by placing his hand on Lord Shiva’s head! And what happened after that was a Divine play or Leela of the Lord.
Lord Shiva ran swiftly to escape Bhasmasura and the demon chased him. The Lord ran through Vaikunth to catch the attention of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu understood at once the Divine Play of Lord Shiva and took part in it. He took the beautiful and seductive form of Mohini and appeared at point in the hills when Lord Shiva passed by and the demon came panting after him. Seeing the lissom form and the seductive smile of the beautiful Mohini, Bhasmasura forgot Lord Shiva. Lust overcame him and now his current mission was to win over the beautiful lady and make her his own.
The beauty introduced herself as Mohini and Bhasmasura informed her about himself, his tapas, the chase and his desire for her. He was mesmerized by her graceful form, her movements of limbs and eyes and expression. Mohini said that she was a dancer and wanted that her partner also join her in her dance. As they danced together, Mohini placed her hand on her head and Bhasmasura copied her. He was reduced to ashes instantly! His boon was his curse. No one can think of cheating God and win that game!
There is a Bhasmasura in all of us and we always think of ways to outwit karma and Divinity. Intelligence, logic, calculated planning – nothing works before God. The only way of winning God is by extreme bhakti and surrender to God. So let us be regular in our spiritual practices, the SitaRam Japa and increase bhakti and surrender to God.
