It is a matter of common experience that a person turns towards God for succor when he is in trouble and when he discovers that he cannot expect relief from human efforts alone. Diseases, accidents, or danger posed to life in critical situations make a man cry piteously to God to come to his rescue. Such a person is called an ‘arta’ and his devotion to God is classified as ‘artabhakti,’ ‘devotion of the afflicted’ (Bhagavad Gita 7.16).
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions four types of devotees who worship Him: the distressed (arta), the seeker of knowledge, the seeker of wealth, and the wise. Among these, the ‘arta’ is the one who turns to God in times of distress, seeking divine intervention to overcome their immediate troubles. This form of devotion is driven by a profound sense of urgency and dependence on a higher power when all other avenues seem to be exhausted.
Hindu mythological lore abounds in instances of such artabhakti, illustrating the deep-rooted belief in divine intervention during times of crisis. These stories serve as powerful reminders of faith and the transformative power of sincere prayer.
Gajendra Moksha
One of the most poignant tales of artabhakti is that of Gajendra, the elephant king. Gajendra was enjoying a leisurely bath in a lake when a crocodile clamped down on his leg. Despite his enormous strength, Gajendra could not free himself from the crocodile’s deadly grip. As his strength waned, he realized that only a divine force could save him. In his desperation, he called out to Vishnu with a heartfelt prayer, offering a lotus flower with his trunk. Deeply moved by Gajendra’s sincere devotion and plight, Vishnu descended and rescued him by killing the crocodile.
Draupadi’s Vastraharan
Another significant instance is the story of Draupadi from the Mahabharata. During the infamous dice game, Draupadi was humiliated in the court of the Kauravas when Dushasana tried to disrobe her. In her moment of utter despair, she called out to Lord Krishna for help. Her plea was answered, and Krishna miraculously provided an endless stream of sarees, thereby protecting her modesty and dignity. Draupadi’s unwavering faith in Krishna during her ordeal exemplifies artabhakti, showcasing the power of sincere devotion and divine grace.
Markandeya’s Salvation
The story of Markandeya is another vivid example of artabhakti. Markandeya was a young boy destined to die at the age of sixteen. When Yama, the god of death, came to claim him, Markandeya clung to a Shivalinga and fervently prayed to Lord Shiva to save him. Deeply moved by his devotion, Shiva appeared and intervened, blessing Markandeya with immortality and vanquishing Yama. This tale underscores the belief that earnest devotion can alter even predestined outcomes.
Artabhakti, the devotion of the afflicted, is a profound aspect of Hindu spirituality. It highlights the intense and personal relationship between a devotee and the divine, especially in times of distress. The tales of Gajendra, Draupadi, and Markandeya serve as timeless exemplars of how sincere, desperate pleas for divine intervention can lead to miraculous rescues and transformations. These stories continue to inspire millions, reaffirming the power of faith and the benevolence of the divine in moments of dire need.