Rishi ( sage ) Narada became proud of his skill in playing the Veena. Lord Krishna wanted to remove this defect. Once many talented musicians were present at the Durbar of Lord Krishna. Hanuman & Narada were also there. Lord Krishna asked Narada to play the Veena. Narada gave a delightful performance.Everyone appreciated of the great sage, except the Lord.

At the end of the performance, Lord Krishna asked Sri Hanuman, "O monkey chief ! What do you think of the music of Narada? " Narada took this as a great insult & hung his head in shame. Lord Krishna enquired," O Rishi ! Why do you look so dejected ?" Narada kept silent for a few minutes & then replied, " O Lord ! many talented musicians are present in this gathering. You have ridiculed me by asking a monkey, who does not understand even the rudiments of music for his opinion on my music. I am indeed very much afflicted at heart."

Lord Krishna said, "Dear Narada, do not be offended. Please give your veena to the monkey chief. Let us find out whether he knows the art of playing or not." Narada became even more annoyed and began muttering something. Lord Krishna asked, " Narada! what are you whispering? Explain your thoughts clearly." Narada replied, " This is a very delicate instrument. It is very dear to me. It is as dear to me as life itself. He is a monkey. He will spoil my instrument entirely."

Lord Krishna said," Do not be afraid, beloved Rishi! Give it to him. I will be held responsible for your Veena. Narada gave the veena to the monkey-chief reluctantly. Sri Hanuman was not a bit affected by the insulting words of the Rishi . He was a sage of balanced mind and great self control. Thereupon the Lord said, "O monkey-chief! let us hear your charming music."

Hanuman started singing Ram - Nam with intense devotion and began playing on the veena. It excelled Narada's music. The listeners were immensely pleased with it. The music of Hanuman even melted the stones. All praised him. Narada also joined them. Lord Krishna said, "Rishi ! It is good that you also appreciated the music of the monkey-chief. It was indeed astounding. " Narada hung his head in shame and at once fell at the feet of the Lord, saying "O Lord! please forgive me. How can I judge the merits of men? Thou art the real judge."

Narada tried to take back his veena but discovered that he could not raise it from the ground. He said to the Lord,"Lord ! I cannot lift my veena from the ground. The monkey has played a trick on me. Let me have the veena." Lord Krishna said, "Narada let others try to lift it up." Everyone tried but in vain. The Lord then enquired from the other musicians as to the cause of the sticking of the veena.

A highly skillful musician remarked, "The stone on which the veena was placed melted through the music of the monkey - chief and thus sank a little; when the music stopped, it hardened again and the veena got stuck. "Rishi Narada, sing and melt the stone and take back your veena." Narada sang & sang to his level best but his efforts proved futile.

Then Lord Krishna asked Hanuman to continue singing and playing the veena. The stone melted within a few minutes. Narada took back his veena. Narada discovered that Lord Krishna had devised this plan to remove his pride . He came to know that the monkey chief was none other than Sri Hanuman. He embraced Sri Hanuman with great affection, at the same time apologizing for his misbehavior. Narada's music pride was thus quelled and he returned a better man.

At times the Lord makes fun of his devotees. Pride is the greatest drawback in a man. It is a dire evil and very difficult to eradicate. Even the best of men fall prey to it. It marks one's achievements. Just as a beautiful painting is entirely spoilt by an ugly black mark on it, so also pride completely spoils one's life, however great be one's talents, accomplishments and achievements. Give up pride through humility and sadhana.