Datta Maata 126: It is wrong to change one's Guru.

It is wrong to change one's Guru. We have discussed this story already. However critical one's situation might be, it is absolutely wrong to change one's Guru. It is a grave sin. In order to get enlightenment earlier or assuming that the other Guru has many powers or for some other reason, if one changes the Guru, downfall is certain, irrespective of the greatness of the person. Indra is the best example in this case.

Long ago, Indra won over the demons by accepting Brihaspathi, the Guru of demigods as his Sadguru. He was ruling the three worlds in all grandeur. This happened for several years. His mind was gradually immersed in the worldly pleasures. Once, he was enjoying the dance of the celestial women in the court of demigods. Quite unexpectedly, Brihaspathi arrived at that place. Despite seeing him, Indra, reluctantly behaved as though he did not see him. Brihaspathi did not utter even a single word. Instead, he left the place calmly. But, later Brihaspathi's whereabouts could not be traced. Nobody knew where he left. Indra became angry on Brihaspathi for abandoning him without telling him the reason. Indra just assumed Brihaspathi to be his minister and priest. He forgot that he is his Guru who came to see him. Because of negligence shown towards Guru, India's merit vanished completely and he was assualted once again by the demons. It is all because of Guru's curse!

As a result, Indra searched for another good Guru to get rid of all his hardships. He then remembered the sons of Twasta Prajapathi - Roopa and Viswaroopa. Indra, at first approached Roopa and requested him to become his Guru. Roopa not only denied him but also tried to make Indra understand that what he did was wrong. Despite all that, Indra reluctantly went away to approach Viswaroopa. Since he was getting the opportunity to become the Guru of the demigods, Viswaroopa immediately agreed happily. As a Guru, he made Indra perform several rituals and also initiated him with the Narayana kavacha (protective shield). As a result, Indra once again started emerging victorious. Viswaroopa was not just making Indra perform several austerities. He also gave the portion of the rituals to the demons, very secretly. Consequently, the fame of Viswaroopa rose in both demons and demigods.

Once, Indra got to know this and out of uncontrollable fury, he chopped off the three heads of Viswaroopa. Immediately, Indra acquired the sins of killing Guru and Brahma. Despite all this, Indra remained reluctant. Meanwhile, demon Vritrasura fiercefully attacked the heaven. Since Indra had no help of Guru, he could no longer fight over. Even then, Indra struggled and achieved a strong weapon from sage Dadheechi and killed Vritrasura. With that, another sin - killing Brahma haunted him. Unable to bear the mountain of sins, Indra ran away. He hid himself in the stem of a lotus plant in a pond for 10,000 years. He then contemplated on Lord Datta. He appeared in front of Indra and said , " Neglecting Guru is your gravest of sins. Contemplate on your Guru, Brihaspathi. He will uplift you and absolve you from your sins." Indra repented and prayed Brihaspathi. With his grace, Indra reattained his previous grandeur.

The story tells us the plight of those who change Guru. This means that Guru will forgive you for your any number of sins but if you ever think of changing him, no God will come to your rescue. Guru protects you if one/all of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva become angry. Contrary to that, there will be no one to protect you if Guru gets angry on you. Hence, to change one's Guru, it is said that one must seek his permission itself. We must approach another Guru only by seeking his order. Else, remember to see your Guru's form in the Guru you want to approach.

Jaya Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!