Story of Bhagiratha - A king who sought alms in his own country
King Bhagiratha did great penance to bring heavenly ganga to earth so as to enable his ancestors attain Moksha. In this process he faced several obstacles yet with great determination he was able to fulfill his wish.
Later, he developed vairagya, a way of life desisting desires of any sort. He gave away his kingdom to one of his trusted ministers who reluctantly accepted it.
Bhagiratha left the kingdom and lived in a neighbouring kingdom as a recluse, with bare minimum needs.
Time and way of life brought significance physical change in him as a result people failed to recognize him.
To test himself he decided to go back to his kingdom and more particularly to his palace and sought alms. To his surprise a guard recognized his voice and after enquiry he informed the present King. Everyone pleaded with him to take back kingship but he did not oblige. He preferred to live on alms.
The present King attained heavenly adore leaving behind no progeny. With no option left, ministers and people pleaded Bhagiratha to take back the kingdom. Bhagiratha accepted and ruled the kingdom with no sense of attachment.
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