The sages Narada and Tambura visited Ayodhya. Raja Ambarisha greeted the sages with respect. His daughter Srimati served delicious fruits to the guests.
“You have come at the right time,” said the king. “Tomorrow, I’m holding a swayamvara for my daughter Srimati.”
In those days, a princess could choose someone she liked as her husband. All suitors would line up, and the girl would walk past them with a garland in her hand. She would look at each of the suitors. If she liked someone, she would garland him. This event was called a swayamvara.
Later, Narada confided to Tambura that he had fallen in love with the princess. “I think she will choose me as her husband tomorrow,” said Narada. “Are you sure?” asked Tambura with a smile. “I have a feeling she will garland me tomorrow.”
“Let the better man win,” said Narada.
Narada wanted to make sure that Tambura would pose no threat to his chance of marrying the princess. He prayed to Lord Vishnu that on the day of the swayamvara, Tambura should appear to Srimati with a monkey head. Lord Vishnu granted his wish.
What Narada did not know was that Tambura too had prayed to Lord Vishnu. He wished that on the day of the swayamvara, Narada should appear to Srimati with a bear head. Lord Vishnu smilingly granted his wish too.
Both Curse that Vishnu as Rama will Require Their Support
