Sunday, February 10, 2008

Test of King Rantidev

Once upon a time Indra, Yamraj and Lord Brahma had a despute regarding who amongst them is greatest devotee of Lord Vishnu. They went to Vaikunth Dham, the adobe of Lord Vishnu to knew the answer.Surprisingly Lord Vishnu replied “King Rantidev” as the most devotee. They decided to test his devotion. During that period Rantidev had kept fast for 48 days. To test him the Gods went to him on the 48th day, the last day of fasting. They knew that a hungry man can not share food.They saw Rantidev was about to break fast with food and water.Exactly at that moment a Brahmin came there and asked for something to eat.Rantidev gave him half of his share of food.The Brahmin blessed him and went away. Now as Rantidev started to eat again a beggar approached him who too was hungry since many days. Rantidev gave some of his remaing part of food. As Rantidev began to eat, again a wanderer came there along with some dogs.He begged for food for himself and for his dogs.Rantidev was so kind that he didn’t refuse him and gave away all the food.Actually all the persons who came to Rantidev were gods who were testing him.But Still God of Death,Yamraj had to took test of Rantidev. So he changed himself into a poor man and went to Rantidev. The king didn’t had any thing to eat except just a glass of water to break the fast. As Rantidev about to drink the water, the poor man came and asked for water to quench his thirst. As Rantidev invited poorman to took the glass, he refused to enter the house. The poorman said that he was untouchable shudra and if he touched the him then it would have sin for Rantidev. But Rantidev placed around the neck of poor man and welcomed him to offer a glass of water.He said “You are my guest. For me you are equivalent to God”. The poor man drank water. Now all the Gods appeared in their true form.Lord Vishnu said “I am pleased with you.You have regarded everyone equal and see me in all that is around you”. Lord Vishnu blessed him and grant him a place in heaven.

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