Poonthaanam’s Devotion
Once there lived an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna named Poonthaanam. He worshipped Guruvayoorappan (Lord Krishna) with all his heart and soul. People loved him for his beautiful Bhagavatam discourses.
Journey to Kottiyoor Temple
There is a temple in North Kerala called Kottiyoor, dedicated to Lord Siva. The temple was open only for a few days during the year. Poonthaanam reached the Kottiyoor temple, bathed in the holy river, and worshipped Lord Siva. He felt happy and stayed there for a few days, reciting the Bhagavatam daily in front of the deity. Several hundreds of people listened to his sweet discourse on the wonderful pastime in the 10th Canto 60th chapter of Srimad Bhagavatam, “Lord Krishna Teases Queen Rukmini.”
Krishna’s Playful Tease
The Lord playfully asks Queen Rukmini why She wanted to marry Him when She had better choices like King Sisupala, Salva, Jarasandha, etc. Hearing this, Queen Rukmini faints, and Lord Krishna consoles Her.
Poonthaanam’s Repeated Recitation
Poonthaanam finished reading this part of the chapter and kept the bookmark at the end of the chapter to continue the next day. To his surprise, he found the bookmark at the beginning of the same chapter the next day. He read the same part again. This was repeated for the rest of the days. On the last day before the temple closed for the year, Poonthaanam finished the discourse and returned with the other devotees but forgot to bring the Bhagavatam with him.
Divine Revelation
Remembering the Bhagavatam, Poonthaanam hurried back to the temple, which was closed. He heard someone reciting the same part of the chapter from inside. Looking through the keyhole, he saw Lord Siva himself reading from Poonthaanam’s Bhagavatam. Mother Parvati and other Bhoothaganas were listening, their eyes filled with tears of devotion. Poonthaanam stood motionless, hearing the whole recitation.
Lord Siva’s Preference
At the end, Lord Siva asked Parvati, “Did you like the Bhagavatam recitation?” Parvati replied, “Yes, it was nice, but it was not as good as Poonthaanam’s.” Lord Siva agreed, “Yes, that is true. I also like to hear Bhagavatam from Poonthaanam. That is why I placed the bookmark again and again at the beginning of the same topic every day.” Hearing this, Poonthaanam, who stood outside, was shaken and uttered the holy name of Krishna loudly. When he watched again, Lord Siva and Mother Parvati had disappeared.
Moral of the Story
This pastime clearly explains how all living entities, including the demigods, love the great literature of Srimad Bhagavatam. As stated in Srimad Bhagavatam (12.13.18):
srimad bhagavatam puranam amalam yad vaishnavaanaam priyam yasmin paaramahamsyam ekam amalam jnaanam param geeyate tatra jnaana viraaga bhakti sahitam naishkarmyam aavishkrtam tac chrnvan supathan vicaarana paro bhaktyaa vimucyen narah
“Srimad Bhagavatam is the spotless Purana. It is most dear to the Vaishnavas because it describes the pure and supreme knowledge of the paramahamsas. This Bhagavatam reveals the means for becoming free from all material work, together with the processes of transcendental knowledge, renunciation, and devotion. Anyone who seriously tries to understand Srimad Bhagavatam, who properly hears and chants it with devotion, becomes completely liberated.”
The word paaramahamsyam indicates that even completely liberated souls are eager to hear and narrate Srimad Bhagavatam.
Lessons to Be Learned
- Divine Appreciation The recitation of Srimad Bhagavatam is appreciated by all, including the demigods and supreme beings.
- Sincere Devotion Genuine devotion and sincerity in reciting and hearing the Bhagavatam bring immense spiritual benefits and divine pleasure.
- Power of the Bhagavatam The Srimad Bhagavatam holds a special place in Vaishnavism and has the power to purify and liberate souls.
- Encouragement in Devotion Even great personalities like Lord Siva derive joy from the sincere devotional service of devotees like Poonthaanam.
Prayer
“O Lord Krishna, please grant us the sincerity and devotion to immerse ourselves in the holy Srimad Bhagavatam. Help us to appreciate its divine teachings and to recite and hear it with pure love and devotion. May we always be inspired by the example of great devotees like Poonthaanam and strive to please You through our devotional service.”
