Once there lived two demon brothers named Ataapi and Bataapi. They preferred killing saints and sages through special magics.
One day, they invited a saint to their house to receive offerings and purify their dwelling with positive vibes. The saint accepted the invitation and came to the house at the destined time. Ataapi welcomed the saint and washed the saint’s feet. Meanwhile, Bataapi transformed into delicacies and offerings and arranged himself near the aasan. The saint remembered Lord and accepted the offerings.
After having the food, the saint asked Ataapi to have the prasad. Ataapi took permission from the saint to call his brother. The saint agreed. Ataapi called out his brother aloud. Soon, Bataapi perforated the saint’s belly and emerged out. The saint died due to acute hemorrhage. The brothers rejoiced over their victory.
They went to other saints the next day. Their practice continued incessantly for several months. Soon, the other saint realized their tricks. The saints went to Rishi Agastya to seek help. Rishi Agastya listened to their grievances and assured them. He asked them to send the brothers to him when they visited again. The saints offered their greetings to Rishi Agastya and left.
Ataapi and Bataapi visited the saints and portrayed their false invitations. The saints directed them to Rishi Agastya. They went to Rishi Agastya, and he accepted the invitation wholeheartedly.
Ataapi welcomed him and, Bataapi disguised himself as delicacies. Rishi Agastya dwelled in deep reminiscence and accepted the offerings. After licking the platters, he burped heavily. Rishi Agastya asked Ataapi to receive the prasad. Ataapi called out his brother but, he didn’t return, perforating Rishi’s belly. Rishi Agastya said that Bataapi could not return as a blazing digestive fire vanquished the demon. The digestive fire was strong enough to assimilate the entire water of the ocean.
Listening to the fate of his brother, Ataapi turned into cinders.
In reality, Ataapi refers to attractive sensual objects. Bataapi refers to the mind. Our mind never remains still over a pinpoint. Rishi Agastya denotes the Guru who can eliminate Ataapi and Bataapi from our lives. We should have the belly bold enough to assimilate all junks of the planet. We should always feel the presence of the Lord rather than blabbering like a parrot. They remembered Lord before accepting the offerings, but their mind remained distracted.
