The Story of a Devotee and his Devotion: Ambarisha
Rishi Durvasa is well known for his short temper, so wherever he went, he was received with great reverence.
Story Of Ambarisha, a great king and a great devotee. He observed fasting on every Ekadasi and on the next day (Dwadashi) as per the practice he would end fasting. Thus on One Dwadashi day when Ambarisha was about to end his fasting, Rishi Durvasa came with his disciples. The King immediately fell at his feet and said he was honored to have him as a guest on such a day as Dwadasi. The sage said that he would go to the river, have a bath, and come back.
But Durvasa took a long time to finish his bath. King waited to end his fast, as on Dwadashi day one should end fasting early. So the priests suggested to the King that instead of a regular meal he could just take a basil leaf and break the fast. King, without any choice left, took one small basil leaf and put it into his mouth with a spoonful of water and just Durvasa entered. He shouted at the king at this insult. Durvasa, using his tapas created a demon to destroy the King. King bowed and prayed to Maha Vishnu.
Sudarshana Chakra came whirling and instantly destroyed the demon and went after the sage. Rishi went to Bhramha Loka, Shiva Loka, and at last Vishnu Loka. But nobody could help him. Mahavishnu suggested that the only person who could save him was King Ambarisha, The sage came running to Ambarisha’s palace. King bowed to Chakra and it vanished.
It is said that the Bhagwan will tolerate any disrespect to Him but never tolerate any insult or harm done to his devotees. That is the power of Bhakti.