This body is only for the sake of others. Many people say that they have offered this; they have offered that; they have offered their own selves and so on. We learn the meaning of arpana (offering) through the help of this story.
A king named Jeemuthaketu was a very dharmic (righteous) person. In order to beget children, he prayed to Kalpavruksha (wish yielding tree) and obtained a child. That child is “Jīmuthavāhana”. He too was very righteous just like his father. One day, enemies attacked the kingdom. When the king was about to head for the battle, Jīmuthavāhana stopped his father and said, “O father, all these pleasures and treasures are not permanent for us. Such being the case, do we really need all this?” The king understood the feelings of his son. He called the enemy king, crowned him and offering garlands, told him that the kingdom now belongs to him. After saying so, Jeemuthaketu left for forest along with his son.
One day, when Jīmuthavāhana was wandering about in the forest, he found a mother who was wailing bitterly. He went to her and enquired why she was crying so badly. Then, she said, “O revered one, we belong to the Nāga (snake) community. One of us must become prey for Garuthmantha every day. Today is the turn of my son, Shankhachūda. Kindly protect him!” Jīmuthavāhana gave her assurance that he would take care of everything.
Meanwhile, Garuthmantha came there and caught hold of Jīmuthavāhana with his beak. All of this happened in seconds. While Garuthmantha was about to move, he heard of a high pitched scream under him. When he saw there, he found the Nāga, Shankhachūda. Immediately, Garuthmantha looking at Jīmuthavāhana, who was in his mouth, asked, “Who are you?” Then he told his name. He further told about his promise given to the mother of Shankhachūda. He said that he is rendering help. Then, Garuthmantha asked, “Does helping someone implies to sacrifice one’s own life?” Jīmuthavāha asked a counter question, “Why are you bothered about all that? You are hungry. Satiate your hunger by consuming me.” Shankhachūda then said to Garuthmantha, “O Lord! I am your prey. You are committing a mistake. Why did you catch hold of him when I am here?” Garuthmantha released Jīmuthavāha from his mouth and without any further questions said, “I am extremely happy for your helping nature. You may seek any wish from me.” Jīmuthavāha prayed, “Lord, please do not harm snakes. Kindly leave them.” Garuthmantha agreed but wanted him to seek for a wish. Then, Jīmuthavāha said that his grace is more than anything. Garuthmantha said, “I liked your nature of being helpful towards others. You will get back your kingdom and will soon become the emperor too.” These are the blessings received by Jīmuthavāha.
All the elders who wish to help others must keep in mind the story of Jīmuthavāha. Only then, the help rendered will be offered really to God that makes him happy. I wish all of you attain such a state of self-surrender. We must always remember the story of Jīmuthavāha.
Jai Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!