Upamanyu gets blessed by Shiva

In Satya Yuga, there was a sage named Vyaghrapada. He had two sons – the elder was Upamanyu, and the younger was Dhaumya.

One day, Upamanyu saw payasam being served in a sage's ashram. Seeing this, he also desired payasam. Returning home, he asked his mother, 'Mother! Please prepare some payasam for me.'

There was no milk in the house. Upamanyu's mother mixed flour in water to make it look like milk. Upamanyu had tasted real milk before. When he saw the mixture, he said, 'Mother! This is not milk.'

His mother lovingly stroked his head and said, 'Son! We live in the forest and sustain ourselves on fruits and roots. Pray to Mahadeva. Only by his grace will your desire be fulfilled.'

Hearing his mother's words, Upamanyu asked, 'Mother! Who is Mahadeva? How can I please him? Where does he live, and how can I see him?' His mother said, 'Son! Mahadeva is Shiva. Understanding him is very difficult. Yet, he is compassionate and easily pleased. He resides in the hearts of all beings. Shiva is a great yogi. You can please him through pure devotion. Chanting his name continuously will bring his grace.'

Inspired by his mother's words, Upamanyu began chanting Shiva's name with devotion. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Upamanyu, blessed him, and said, 'Child! For one kalpa, you and your brother will get payasam without any interruption. After that, you will attain me.'

Lord Shiva also assured him, 'You will always have deep devotion toward me, and I will remain with you forever.'

This story beautifully exemplifies Lord Mahadeva's boundless compassion.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi