The Selfless Act of Devi Parvati: A Tale of Compassion and Sacrifice

Devi Parvati's selfless act to save an innocent child teaches the timeless values of compassion, sacrifice, and humility, earning her Lord Shiva's eternal blessings.

Devi Parvati was the daughter of the mountain king, Himalaya. She longed to marry Lord Shiva. To get his attention, she performed strict tapasya. At the end of her tapasya, Brahma told her that she would marry Lord Shiva.

One day, while she was meditating, Devi Parvati heard a child crying. The child was drowning and caught by a crocodile. His cries grew louder as the crocodile pulled him. Devi Parvati ran to help. The child was shivering in the crocodile's mouth. Devi Parvati prayed, 'King of crocodiles, I bow to you. Please let the child go.'

The crocodile replied, 'The creator has a rule for me. Every  sixth day, I must eat whoever comes to me. Today, this child came to me. I cannot let him go.' Devi Parvati said, 'King of crocodiles, please let the child go. I will give you whatever you ask for.''

The crocodile thought for a moment and said, 'If you give me the result of your entire tapasya, I will let him go.' Devi Parvati agreed without hesitation. As soon as the crocodile received the fruits of her tapasya, he began to shine like the sun. He said, 'Goddess, take back your tapasya. I will release the child because you have asked.'

But Devi Parvati did not take back her tapasya. The crocodile praised her and let the child go. The child looked at Devi Parvati with tears in his eyes, thanking her. Devi Parvati comforted and strengthened him. She felt happy after saving the child. She went back to her ashram and resumed her tapasya all over again.

Then Lord Shiva appeared and said, 'O Devi, you no longer need to perform tapasya. You have already offered your tapasya to me, and it has become eternal for you.'

This story teaches us about selflessness and compassion. Devi Parvati was willing to sacrifice her hard-earned tapasya to save an innocent child. Her kindness saved the child and earned her the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Always show compassion to those in distress. A kind heart can make a big difference in someone's life. Be ready to sacrifice your own comforts and gains for others. True merit lies in selfless actions. Continue doing good deeds even when you strive for spiritual or personal growth. Good deeds increase your positive energy. Accept blessings and help without pride. True strength lies in humility. Keep your faith and devotion. Your good actions will bring you closer to your spiritual goals.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi