Maharishi Śuka continued,

“Aged Ajāmila had 10 sons, the youngest among them was named Nārāyana. It was his fortune that he had kept the Lord’s name for his child”.

This was the good fortune that he had chosen the Lord’s name instead of choosing some silly name.

“Ajāmila had extreme affection towards this youngest son. He derived great joy in watching the little ones’ playful activities and hearing his chatter. His heart was totally bound by attachment to this dearest son”.

Do you know that sinners have greatest attachments towards worldly objects? Their attachment is unhealthy; it binds them tightly so much so that they fail to think of God. They are extremely attached to their children, grand-children and so on. They spend all their time watching their playful activities. Even on the death-bed they cling to these attachments. Ajamila had no love for God Narayana but son Narayana.

“Ajāmila would feed the child whenever he had his meals. When he drank water, he called the boy and gave him water to drink. At all times and for all activities he ensured this little son Nārāyana was by his side. Such was his love for the little one!

Due to his extreme infatuation for his son, Ajāmila failed to realize that time was quickly speeding and that death was at his doorstep. He was reckless in reckoning the power of death. Isn’t it true that death cannot be postponed by any technique?

Death arrived to snatch Ajāmila. At this moment Ajāmila’s mind was totally fixed upon his dearest son Nārāyana. He saw the three fierce-looking Yama’s attendants who had arrived to take him away. With their elongated teeth that almost touched the ground they were so gruesome that Ajāmila shivered nervously. Seeing the noose in their hands he panicked and trembled. He urinated on that bed in that nervousness. With twisted faces, long hair, bulging eyes and deformed bodies they were nearing him. (Yama is the God of death).

Seeing these attendants approaching him, Ajāmila, who was trembling in fear, saw his son Nārāyana who was engrossed in his games and addressing him he screamed loudly, “Nārāyana, Nārāyana, Nārāyana.” He badly wanted to see his son.

Niśamya mriyamāṇasya bhruvato hari-kīrtanam Bhartur nāma mahārāja pārṣadāḥ sahasāpatan

O emperor! Ajāmila uttered the Lord’s name exactly at the moment of death! Hearing Nārāyana’s name, Vishnu’s attendants assumed that he is calling their Lord. Hence they instantly arrived”.

Hearing this story, many argue that they will continue their sinful activities throughout life and at the moment of death, call out “Nārāyana” or “Krishna” as it is sufficient enough to grant merit. But shouldn’t the Lord’s name come to their memory exactly in the last moment? Have they considered this?

“Having thrown the noose around Ajāmila’s subtle body, Yama’s attendants were dragging it out from his heart, when Vishnu’s attendants arrived and vehemently stopped them.

Addressing Vishnu’s attendants who were hampering their work, Yama’s attendants asked, “Who are you? Who has given you the audacity to question Lord Yama’s orders? Do you realize the greatness of Lord Yama? Who is your master? From where have you come? Do you realize the power of our noose? Why do you choose to block our path and obstruct our task? Could you perchance be some Devatas? Or are you some accomplished beings? Why have you adorned your body with crown and ear-rings? Why do your eyes resemble lotus petals?”

Govindāya namah