Datta Maata 212: God gives us the opportunity to serve to give us the fortune of serving and not because of our ability to serve

This story of Garuthmanta is very nice. Those who engage in dharmic (righteous) activities, those who serve God and those who serve the people must believe that it is God who has given them the opportunity to serve. Instead, if they believe that they are able to do so much only because of their caliber and efforts, then they have to suffer the consequences one or the other day. In this context, Garuthmanta is the best example.

Indra's charioteer, Matali begot a daughter. Her name is Gunakesi. She was very beautiful. Matali started to look for a groom to perform her marriage. Despite searching vigorously, he did not find a groom who was a perfect match for her. At this juncture, he heard of Sumukha, who was the resident of Nāga lōka. He too was beautiful and virtuous. He was valorous too. So, Matali wanted to give her daughter to him. Hence, he went to Nāga lōka and requested the grand father of Sumukha, Ārika. Ārika said, "Just a few days ago, Garuthmanta killed the father of Sumukha and ate him away. He said that he would also kill Sumukha, within a month. Why should a person, who is ready to die engage in a marital relationship?" Listening to this, Matali said to Ārika, "Please send Sumukha with me. I will take him to Indra. Later, I will think how he should be protected from Garuthmanta." Ārika agreed. Matali went to Indra along with Sumukha. Later, they had the darshan of Lord Vishnu and told his story completely. With the permission of Vishnu, Indra enhanced the longevity of Sumukha. Garuthmanta got to know this. He was intelligent but at that time, his mind was enveloped with ego. He immediately came to Indra and said, "You seem to be feeling very great for having domination on the three worlds. Our father is Kashyapa and hence same blood runs in you and me. I have more power than you. I always carry Lord Vishnu on my shoulders." Lord Vishnu got to know this. He wanted to teach Garuthmanta a lesson. Immediately, he called him, smiled and said, "O Garuthmanta, there will be one or the other person who can dominate with respect to intelligence. No one should be egoistic of one's power. I heard that you are telling everybody that you carry me on your shoulders. In fact, I alone can carry myself. I have actually given you the fortune of carrying me. If you still feel that you are the most powerful one, then show me by lifting my hand." Saying so, Lord Vishnu placed his right hand on Garuthmanta. Unable to bear the weight, Garuthmanta collapsed completely. All this happened because of ego. Fighting with the last breath, Garuthmanta prayed Vishnu to save him. Then, Vishnu, out of compassion saved him and warned him not to talk unnecessarily about his might or intellect and sent him away. Later, Matali gave his daughter to Sumukha and performed their marriage.

With this, we understand that God gives us the opportunity to serve only to give us the fortune of serving and it is not because he is happy for our ability to serve. In fact, all our capabilities and power to serve him is God's blessing. Hence, we must make it a practice to serve without succumbing to ego. We must realize why God has given us the fortune of serving when there are millions of other people too. We must get this feeling and only then what we do gets good acceptance. We must not say that we have the ability and power. If we show our egoistic attitude, then God will test us like Garuthmanta. We must be thankful to God for the fortune obtained.

Jaya Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!