Introduction: A Sacred Walk
Once, Sripad Ramanujacarya, the great Vaishnava saint and philosopher, was walking by a pond with five of his top sannyasi disciples. During their walk, they stopped by the pond, where Ramanuja took some prasadam—food that had been offered to Lord Krishna—and threw half of it into the water for the fishes.
The Miracle at the Pond
What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. The fishes that consumed the prasadam immediately assumed four-handed forms, similar to those of the residents of Vaikuntha, the eternal abode of Lord Vishnu. They rose up from the water and ascended to Vaikuntha.
The Disciples’ Astonishment
Witnessing this incredible scene, the five sannyasis were utterly amazed and struck with wonder. They were so overwhelmed by what they had seen that they stopped in their tracks, unable to continue walking. Ramanuja, noticing that his disciples had fallen behind, turned to ask why they weren’t following him.
The Disciples’ Inquiry
The disciples, still in shock, responded, “We are thunderstruck by what we have just witnessed. Please explain to us the meaning of this miracle, otherwise, how can we continue to follow you in this state?”
Ramanuja’s Explanation
Ramanuja explained that what they had witnessed was the immense potency of maha-prasadam, the remnants of food that had been offered to great devotees of Krishna. He further elaborated that the fishes, having no free will, did not commit offenses or doubt the transcendental power of the prasadam. Because of this, they were able to receive the full benefit of the prasadam immediately.
The Disciples’ Reflection
The disciples, humbled by this explanation, then asked why they had not experienced such a transformation, despite honoring maha-prasadam for many years. Ramanuja replied that, unlike the fishes, they possessed free will and human intelligence. This, while a blessing, also made them prone to committing offenses and harboring doubts, which hindered their spiritual progress.
Moral of the Story: The Power of Prasadam
The story highlights the immense potency of Krishna prasadam, which many times goes unrecognized. Whenever we honor prasadam, it is essential to do so with full faith and gratitude, understanding that it is Krishna’s mercy.
Teachings from Caitanya Caritamrita
The importance of prasadam is echoed in the Caitanya Caritamrita (Antya-lila 16.59-63):
- TEXT 60: The remnants of food offered to Lord Krishna are called maha-prasadam. When these remnants are taken by a devotee, they are elevated to maha-maha-prasadam.
- TEXT 61: The dust of the feet of a devotee, the water that has washed the feet of a devotee, and the remnants of food left by a devotee are three very powerful substances.
- TEXT 62: By rendering service to these three, one attains the supreme goal of ecstatic love for Krishna. This is loudly declared in all revealed scriptures.
- TEXT 63: Therefore, devotees are urged to have unwavering faith in these three and to render service to them without hesitation.
Conclusion: The Path to Ecstatic Love
From these three sacred items—the dust of a devotee’s feet, the water from washing a devotee’s feet, and the remnants of food from a devotee—one can achieve the highest goal of life: ecstatic love for Krishna. This is considered the greatest mercy of Lord Krishna, as exemplified by the life of Kalidasa, who achieved this supreme state.
This story reminds us that the seemingly simple act of honoring prasadam is filled with profound spiritual significance, capable of transforming our lives when approached with the right attitude and understanding.
Prayer:
O Lord Krishna, we offer our humble obeisances to You, the source of all mercy. Please grant us the understanding and devotion to honor Your prasadam with full faith and gratitude. May we always remember that Your prasadam is not merely food, but a divine blessing that can purify our hearts and lead us closer to You. Just as the fishes attained Vaikuntha through the power of prasadam, may we too be lifted above our material entanglements and drawn ever nearer to Your lotus feet. Help us to serve You with sincerity, and may our hearts always be filled with love and devotion. Jai Shri Krishna!
