The Pilgrimage
Once, two Brahmins from Vidyanagara in South India decided to undertake a pilgrimage to the holy places of Northern India. After a long journey, they reached Vrindavana, the sacred land of Lord Krishna’s pastimes. They bathed in the holy Yamuna River and visited various sacred sites, including Govardhana Hill and the twelve forests of Vrindavana. Eventually, they arrived at a magnificent temple where the Gopala Deity was worshipped.
The Promise Before Gopala
One of the Brahmins was elderly and from a high-class family, while the other was young and from a lower class. The young Brahmin served the elderly one with great devotion throughout the journey. Impressed by the young Brahmin’s service, the elderly Brahmin promised to give his daughter in marriage to him. The young Brahmin, out of humility and respect, initially declined, citing their social and economic differences. However, upon the elderly Brahmin’s insistence, they made the promise in front of the Gopala Deity, asking the Deity to be their witness.
The Challenge of Keeping a Promise
The Return Home
Upon returning to Vidyanagara, the elderly Brahmin faced strong opposition from his family. His wife and sons were outraged at the promise made to the young Brahmin, considering it a disgrace due to their social status. The elderly Brahmin, however, felt bound by his promise made before the Gopala Deity.
The Conflict
When the young Brahmin came to claim his bride, the elderly Brahmin’s son drove him away and accused him of trying to deceive and rob them. The young Brahmin, with full faith in Gopala, called for a village council and recounted the promise made before the Deity. The elderly Brahmin’s son challenged him, asserting that the Deity, being far away, could not bear witness.
The Divine Intervention
The Journey Back to Vrindavana
With unwavering faith, the young Brahmin traveled back to Vrindavana and prayed to Gopala to come and bear witness to the promise. Gopala, pleased with his devotion, agreed to accompany him back to Vidyanagara, but with the condition that the Brahmin should not look back while leading Him.
The Witness of Gopala
The young Brahmin led Gopala back to his village, guided by the sound of the Deity’s ankle bells. Upon reaching the outskirts of the village, the Brahmin, out of excitement, looked back, and Gopala stood still. The villagers, struck with awe, gathered to see the Deity, and in Gopala’s presence, the elderly Brahmin acknowledged his promise. The marriage was then duly performed.
The Moral of the Story
The Supreme Lord is a witness to all our actions. He is not a mere statue of stone, as the atheistic son of the Brahmin believed, but a living entity who can interact with and respond to His devotees. This story teaches us that with faith and devotion, we can directly connect with the Divine, who is always present and aware of our deeds.
Lessons to be Learned
- Faith in the Divine: True faith in the Supreme Lord can move mountains and bring the Lord to act as a witness for His devotees.
- Keeping Promises: Promises made in the name of the Lord are sacred and must be honored, irrespective of the challenges faced.
- Divine Presence: The Lord is always present and responsive to the sincere prayers of His devotees, even appearing in a deity form to uphold righteousness.
- Humility and Service: The young Brahmin’s humility and service were rewarded by the Lord’s personal intervention.
Prayer
Let us pray for unwavering faith in the Supreme Lord and the humility to serve others selflessly.
Hare Krishna Mahamantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
PS
I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share this moral/instructive story so that everyone can benefit from hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.
