- Author : Smt. Bhargavi Bindumadhavan, Chennai
Once there lived a noble king, Rantideva who was renowned for his humanity and generosity. Rantideva, the humble and pious king was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
He strongly believed in the adage “Service to man is service to God” and therefore was very concerned about the wellness of his subjects. He donated his fortunes to the indigent people and addressed all their needs.
Years passed by and it was the toughest time when his kingdom was hit by drought and famine. The effects of scarcity were widespread and resulted in starvation of the people all over his kingdom.
As a responsible ruler, Rantideva gave away all his possessions to feed his subjects. However, the famine persisted and continued. The situation became awry with every passing day. People lost everything and the condition worsened due to the prolonged period of drought. Eventually, there was a time when he didn’t have enough food to feed himself and his very own family.
The helpless king surrendered himself to Shri Hari and went on fasting to win the mercies of the Almighty. When he was about to break the 48 days fast with the porridge offered, there came to his door an aged Brahmana who was in much need of food. The generous king received the poor Brahmana, pleased and offered him a share of his food.
As he was about to eat again, a beggar came to his gates deprived of food. The liberal ruler gave him too a share of his food.
Then came a sweeper with his dog and said, “O King! My dog and I are very hungry. We have come to your refuge. Please give us food to eat”. The magnanimous king gave away the remaining porridge to the seeker with gentleness.
The poor emperor was left with no food except a glass of drinking water. When he was about to drink it, there came a low-born poor man exhausted and parched with thirst. The kind hearted king offered the glass of water to him.
Void of all possessions, the generous king prayed Shri Hari whole heartedly and said, “I am not after worldly pleasures, money and material. Just give me the capacity to feel the pain and sorrows of the people. Grant me the ability and power to serve and help them”.
Pleased by the nobility of the king, Shri Hari who had come in the guise of the low-born man appeared and manifested His own identity before the King. The king prostrated at the Lotus feet of Shri Hari and attained salvation.
