Poonthanam’s Journey
Several hundred years ago in Kerala, India, there lived a great devotee named Poonthanam. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Guruvaayurappan (Lord Krishna). Poonthanam lived over 90 years, reading the Bhagavatam and singing the Lord’s glories in simple Malayalam, solely to please the Lord. Every month, he would walk about 100 kilometers to take darshan of Guruvaayurappan, even though the route was dense and unsafe, especially in daylight.
The Robbers’ Attack
On one such journey through the forest, Poonthanam was attacked by robbers. He gave them all the money and his ring, but they were still after a small packet he clung to dearly. This packet contained his greatest treasure—the Bhagavatam book, which he was unwilling to part with. The robbers, not believing it was just a book, continued their assault. In desperation, Poonthanam closed his eyes and cried out for the Lord’s help.
Divine Intervention
Amidst the chaos, a man on horseback appeared, fighting off the robbers and retrieving Poonthanam’s money and ring. The man introduced himself as the minister of the Zamorin Raja, who happened to be passing by. Grateful, Poonthanam offered his ring as a gift to the minister, who accepted it and guided Poonthanam safely to the temple before disappearing.
A Miraculous Dream
That night, the head priest of the Guruvayur temple had a dream. He was instructed to find a ring on the deity and give it to Poonthanam, who would come for darshan the next day. To his amazement, the priest found a ring on the deity’s finger the following morning. When Poonthanam arrived for darshan, the priest handed him the ring and recounted his dream.
Poonthanam’s Realization
Poonthanam was astonished to see that the ring was his own, the one he had given to the minister. He then realized that it was indeed Lord Guruvayurappan Himself who had come in the guise of a minister to rescue him.
Moral of the Story
Just like how Uddhava prays in Srimad Bhagavatam 11.19.9:
“pashyaami naanyac charanam tavaanghri dvandvaatapatraad amrtaabhivarshaat,”
“I do not see any possible shelter other than Your two lotus feet, which are just like a refreshing umbrella that pours down showers of delicious nectar,”
We need to firmly trust that the Lord is the only shelter unconditionally. This is echoed in Queen Uttara’s prayer in Srimad Bhagavatam 1.8.9 when Ashwathama shoots the Brahmastra weapon:
“uttarovaaca paahi paahi mahaa-yogin deva-deva jagat-pate naanyam tvad abhayam pashye yatra mrtyuh parasparam,”
“Uttara said: ‘O Lord of Lords, Lord of the universe! You are the greatest of mystics. Please protect me, for there is no one else who can save me from the clutches of death in this world of duality.'”
The Essence of Divine Protection
In these pastimes, we see how the Lord immediately takes up His personal weapon to protect His devotees who know no one but Him. Srila Prabhupada explains in his purport to verse 1.8.13 that the Lord’s protection is unwavering for those who surrender to Him completely. Whether it was King Gajendra, Draupadi, Kunti Maharani, Uttara, or the Gopis, the common trait was their complete surrender and unwavering faith in the Lord as their sole protector.
Conclusion and Prayer
We should strive to cultivate the same level of surrender and devotion, trusting in the Lord’s mercy and protection. The Lord loves all His devotees and responds according to their level of surrender.
Prayer
O Lord, help me to understand and embrace the simplicity of life and the depth of surrender. Guide me to focus on what truly matters and to lead a life of contentment and devotion. May I always prioritize my spiritual growth and serve You with a sincere heart. Grant me the wisdom to see the true value of complete surrender and unwavering faith in Your protection.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
