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Mankind thrives on validation. Today, more than ever before, the need to be liked is catching up with all sections of people. Social media has ensured to keep this fever alive. Applications, filters, fake identities and credentials are being used extensively to create a larger-than-life picture. Over a period of time, many people forget that faking can be fatal in the long run.
A story from the Bhagavata Purana captures the gravity of projecting a fake identity which can prove to be fatal to the individual.
Paundraka Vasudeva, the king of Pundra Desham thought highly of himself. Once he was roped in by his friend Shishupala to support him in his endeavour to marry Rukmini. Paundraka anticipated war and went to Vidarbha with his army. Despite all the cautions exercised, Krishna abducted the bride and fled to Dwaraka.
Paundraka Vasudeva felt miserable and helpless. He moped for the longest time and then slipped into a state of depression. He lost sight of his royal duties much to the chagrin of his ministers. They decided to cheer him up by pandering to his ego.
It was generally believed that Vasudeva Krishna the king of Dwaraka was an incarnation of Maha Vishnu. However, the rivals of Krishna were cynical about the theory. The ministers of Pundra decided to exploit this dissension. They led Paundraka to believe that he was the original incarnate. In addition to that, they created scenarios in Pundra Desham to make the common man believe that their king was Maha Vishnu himself. Consistent gaslighting on all fronts had its desired effect. Paundraka Vasudeva claimed that he was divine and started impersonating Krishna in terms of attire, accessories and attributes.
Over a period of time, Paundraka lost sight of the truth and he declared Vasudeva Krishna was an imposter. In a bid to drive home his point, he brazenly sent word to Krishna to surrender the emblems of Vishnu and pay obeisances to him.
Vasudeva Krishna was amused. He decided to play along. He flew to Pundra Desham on his Garuda. He laughingly tossed the Sudarshana Chakra and Mace at the disillusioned and arrogant king. Almost immediately, the emblems of MahaVishnu decapitated Paundraka and exposed the Truth. We will do well if we steer clear of impersonating an imaginary image of ourselves if we realise that truth and oil have away of surfacing at an opportune moment.