A pious Brahmin had a young son named Ajamil, who led a life of sin. But since the Brahmin was a devotee of Vishnu, the latter did not trouble his son as it would have caused the father sorrow.
One day, the Brahmin sent Ajamil to the forest to collect wood for lighting fire and flowers for prayer. As Ajamil was walking through the woods, his eyes fell on a tribal girl who on seeing this fair good-looking youth decided to marry him. She went and stood in Ajamil'spath and said, ?I wish to marry you. Will you agree to do so??
For a moment Ajamil was taken aback at the girl'sbold behaviour but on seeing her beauty and dark captivating eyes, he agreed. So they had a gandharva vivah and the time came to take the girl home. Ajamil set forth for home and as he placed his foot on the threshold to his home, the Brahmin asked his son, ?Where did you get lost? Why did it take you so long to get wood and flowers?? At that moment the Brahmin'seyes fell on the tribal girl standing behind his son, so he asked further, ?Who is she??
Ajamil told his father the entire story at which the Brahmin began to get red with anger as he could see that the girl looked bold and crooked from her face itself. Ajamil soon added, ?Father, I have married her whether you like it or not. If it is unacceptable to you, then you can leave and go wherever you want.?
The Brahmin was so shocked at his son'swords that without wasting a moment, he told his wife to go and pack up their meagre belongings. They departed from their house to start life afresh.
The newly-weds were very happy to get the house to themselves and began to live happily. Ajamil and his wife however continued leading a life of vice, drinking and eating and being merry. His wife bore him ten sons. Their youngest son was called Narayan and was Ajamil'sfavourite. For any work that had to be done, Ajamil would call out to Narayan.
Time passed and Ajamil became old and sick. Now it was time for Yamaraj to take him away. But Lord Vishnu appeared in front of Yamaraj and would not let Yamaraj do so. What had happened was that Vishnu, also known as Narayan, had begun to think that Ajamil regularly was taking his name when in reality Ajamil was merely calling out to his son. Vishnu had become very pleased with Ajamil.
Yamaraj said to Vishnu, ?I can spare him only for a year more but after this he will have to be taken to my kingdom.?
Ajamil, very happy at being spared from death, left for Kashi and began spending his time in prayer and meditation to Lord Vishnu. For a year he did penance and pleased Lord Vishnu. By now it was time for Yamaraj to take him away, so he drew near Ajamil. But Vishnu, seeing Ajamil'spenance and devotion decided to take him away to heaven. This way Ajamil received moksha (salvation) because he had adequately repented for his sins.
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