Good Actions Improve Life’s Circumstances

In Chapter 42 of the *Shri Guru Charitra*, known as the *Anant Vrat Mahatmya*, the text describes how Lord Krishna helped the Pandavas regain their lost kingdom. Even though the Pandavas were courageous, righteous, disciplined, loyal to Dharma and protected by Krishna, they still lost their kingdom because of their own past karmic debts, destiny and the results of their choices. This teaches that life’s circumstances (*yog* and *bhog*) can suddenly turn a person’s life upside down. When the Pandavas suffered, they approached Krishna for guidance. Krishna did not simply remove their difficulties. Instead, he advised them to perform a sacred vow (*vrata*) so that they could rise again from their painful situation. The message is clear: in difficult times, the only effective way to rise again is to perform the right actions. This is exactly what Lord Dattatreya also teaches at the end of the chapter: *“Right action is the remedy for suffering.”* The Nath tradition, established by Krishna and continued through the Guru-lineage, follows this same principle today. A disciple should perform the practices prescribed by the Guru daily, and through such karma one can rise even from severe hardship.

Shri Guru explains to Sayandev: *“Let me tell you the greatness of the Anant Vrat. This vow was once performed by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, and because of its power he regained his lost kingdom.”* The Pandavas lost everything in a game of dice against the Kauravas and were forced into twelve years of exile and one year of living in disguise. Yudhishthira, once ruler of half the kingdom, now wandered through the forest with his brothers and Draupadi, facing great hardship. Even during their exile, the Kauravas plotted repeatedly to harm them, but Krishna protected the Pandavas each time. Seeing their suffering, Krishna came to meet them. Yudhishthira bowed at Krishna’s feet and prayed: *“O Krishna, protector of your devotees, You are the source of creation, preservation and dissolution. If we are truly dear to you, why do we suffer so much? What must we do to regain what we have lost?”* All the Pandavas and Draupadi pleaded with Krishna for guidance.

Krishna replied: *“To regain your lost prosperity, perform a sacred vow. Among all vows, the Anant Vrat is the most powerful. The Anant you worship is none other than Lord Vishnu, who rests upon the cosmic serpent Shesha — and that Anant is My own original form.”* Krishna continued: *“I have taken birth as Krishna to destroy evil and lighten the burden of the Earth. I exist in water, land, wood and stone — everywhere in the three worlds. Perform this vow with devotion, and your lost kingdom will soon return.”* Following Krishna’s instruction, the Pandavas performed the Anant Chaturdashi Vrat during their exile. Its effect removed the obstacles created by destiny and karma, and in time they regained their kingdom.

Shri Guru Narasimha Saraswati concludes: *“This vow should be performed by all men and women. It grants the four aims of life: Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. Therefore, always continue performing the daily actions and practices prescribed by the Guru.”* The timeless message is: good actions, guided by the Guru, have the power to transform even the most difficult circumstances.