Narada Muni’s Inquiry
Once, the great sage Narada Muni went to Vaikuntha and asked Lord Vishnu, “Please tell me, Bhagwan, what are the results of being in the association of devotees?” The Lord smiled and said, “My dear Narada, go to a certain forest on earth. There you will find a banyan tree, on the left branch of which is the nest of a parrot. In the nest, there will be a newly-born baby parrot. Ask the baby bird this same question, and it will give you the answer.”
The Baby Parrot
Narada Muni followed Lord Vishnu’s instructions and went to the tree. As he arrived, an egg hatched, and a tiny parrot emerged. Narada approached the bird and asked, “Baby bird, please tell me what is the effect of Sadhu Sanga (association with devotees)?” The moment the words were spoken, the baby bird fell down dead.
The Calf
Shocked and saddened, Narada Muni returned to Lord Vishnu and reported what had happened. Smiling once again, Lord Vishnu directed Narada to a certain village where a calf had just been born to a Brahmin. “Question the calf and get your answer,” the Lord instructed.
Narada went to the village and found the newborn calf. As the calf was just getting up on its legs, Narada asked, “Dear calf, please tell me what is the result of associating with devotees?” As soon as he finished his question, the calf too fell down dead.
The Baby Horse
Now deeply saddened, Narada Muni thought, “What a sinful person I must be! I seem to be responsible for two deaths.” Grieving, he returned to Vaikuntha and told Lord Vishnu what had happened. The Lord consoled him and said, “Don’t worry, it’s not your fault. In the stable of the king of Kasi, a foal has just been born. Go and ask the baby horse for the answer.”
Hesitant but obedient, Narada went to the stable and cautiously asked the baby horse the same question. Just like before, the baby horse fell dead as soon as the question was completed.
The Prince
In utter despair, Narada Muni returned to Lord Vishnu, feeling deeply troubled. The Lord, seeing Narada’s distressed state, smiled and said, “Despite all your troubles, you haven’t yet received your answer. Now do one thing: A son has just been born to the king of Kasi. Go and ask the baby your question.”
Fearful of causing yet another death, Narada protested, “No more, Lord! I don’t want any more deaths on my account. Let my question remain unanswered. I am already weighed down with guilt; I don’t want the death of a prince on my conscience.” But the Lord assured Narada, “This time, you will get the answer to your question.”
With great reluctance, Narada went to the palace of the king of Kasi. There was much rejoicing in the palace due to the birth of the prince. When the king saw Narada Muni, he considered himself doubly blessed and immediately brought his son to the sage for blessings.
The Answer
Narada gently took the baby in his arms and softly asked, “Baby, kindly tell me what is the result of associating with devotees?”
To Narada’s amazement, the baby gurgled and spoke, “O greatest of sages, have you not understood so far? I was the baby bird whom you questioned on the banyan tree. Because of the brief contact with a saint like you, I was released from that tiny body and was born as the calf. When you questioned me as a calf, I was able to leave that body and be born as a horse. Again, because of the brief contact with you, I was blessed with the most precious human form as the prince of the Kasi kingdom. This is the result of ‘Sadhu Sanga’—a brief association with devotees. I am grateful to you, O Sage, for elevating me to this stage.”
Conclusion
Narada Muni’s doubts were finally cleared. He was no longer saddened by the deaths of the baby animals. Instead, he realized the immense power of even a brief association with a devotee. He blessed the prince and, singing the glories of the Lord, joyfully went on his way.
Lesson to be Learned
This story beautifully illustrates the transformative power of associating with devotees, even for a brief moment. The association of a pure devotee can elevate a soul through different life forms, ultimately leading to the highest achievement of human life—spiritual enlightenment and a closer connection with the Divine.
