Story of Ajamila is found in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana and it
suggests that even big sinners could achieve moksha just by reciting the sacred
name of Narayana. Here is a look at the symbolism and meaning of the story of Ajamila.
Story of Ajamila
Ajamila belonged to the family of priests but instead of
doing priestly duties, he squandered all the wealth of his ancestors on
drinking and whores.
He abandoned his wife and ten sons to lead a wanton life.
Later in life when all his money got over, he took to theft,
dacoity and gambling.
The name of Ajamila’s youngest son was Narayana. When
Ajamila became old, his youngest son took care of him.
One day, when Ajamila’s time to die came near, three
attendants of Yama, the god of death, arrived at his doorsteps.
Afraid of them Ajamila shouted out the name ‘Narayana’ his
youngest son for help.
As soon as Ajamila said ‘Narayana’ the attendants of Lord
Vishnu appeared on the scene and they saved him from the clutches of attendants
of Yama.
After this incident, a repentant Ajamila prayed to Narayana
for his deliverance.
Soon he attained moksha and was carried to Vaikunta, the
abode of Vishnu.
Symbolism And Meaning Of Ajamila Story
Most of us live on the outskirts of our mind's deep jungles, within the bounds of a small area cleared out, with a presentable frontage which is neatly dressed up,and moving about as decent individuals in society. There are occasions when we dare into the woods of our Karma Vasanas behind us, and in rare unguarded moments fall into the clutches of Dushkarma Vasanas and tumble into bad ways of life. We seem to slide down the ladder of evolution, struck by a blind force within our own hearts. In such, critical moments of our lives, when we behold our own dark images of total negativity, the little spiritual wealth still left in our bosom flashes forth, making us to cry aloud - Narayana - in sheer desperation.
The efforts made in acquiring that little spiritual wealth
which makes us to cry out – Narayana, never go in vain. It comes to our rescue at
the appropriate time.
For those whose minds are coated with thick layers of
negative vasanas and have not acquired the sensitivity to evaluate their own
selves, it would make no difference whether their images are dark or dreary.
The misconception that one could go on indulging in sinful
pursuits all though one’s life and get expiation from it all by uttering the
name of Narayana at the hour of death, is indeed a miserable one, for such
deliberate indulgence would never be able to prompt them to remember Narayana
on their death bed.
On the other hand when we accidently bump into unseen air
pockets in our flight to the Supreme and seem to suddenly lose our heights, we
are sure to be protected by the wide-stretched arms of the Lord which put us
back on our chartered paths.
(Source - Glory Of Krishna (2001) published by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust Mumbai)
