Story: 𝗚𝘂𝗿𝘂-𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆

𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘣𝘺:

𝙎𝙧𝙞 𝙎𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙙 𝙂𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙖 𝙎𝙬𝙖𝙢𝙞 𝙈𝙖𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙟𝙖

Once there was a guru living in an ashram on the bank of the Ganga with a few brahmacārī disciples. He was engaging them in varieties of devotional service, like cooking, serving prasādam, gardening, cleaning pots, taking care of the cows, etc. One disciple, named Govardhan, whose nickname was Govara, had a daily service to go to the river with a big water pot and collect Ganga water for the ashram. He did that service very sincerely for the pleasure of his guru. But after some time, he thought, “Why is it that although I have been doing this service for so long I am not feeling any happiness? Maybe I should leave this ashram, go to a big city, get married, and enjoy the rest of my life.” From his childhood he had lived in the ashram and performed sevā. He had no idea of anything else, no experience of any big cities — he didn’t even know where they were. Day by day he was thinking very deeply about this. Finally one day, while sitting on the bank of the Ganga, he decided, “Why should I continue to supply Ganga water to this ashram? I am not getting any benefit. I won’t do it anymore. Today somehow or other I will leave. I have heard that all the big cities like Kasi and Prayag are on the bank of the Ganga. If I follow the river bank then eventually I must reach one of them.” He filled up his water pot with Ganga water, put it down, and told the pot, “You remain here. I am going.” He looked around to make sure that no one was watching, and then began to slowly make his way towards the south.

He had only gone a few yards when he suddenly heard a voice, “Hey, where you going?” Startled and frightened, he looked back, but he couldn’t see where the voice had come from. He looked all around, and seeing no one, again started to walk. But suddenly the same voice called, “Hey, where you going?”

He became more fearful, “Who is calling?” He was surprised that he couldn’t see anyone. Looking in all directions, he crouched down close to the ground and tried to flee as fast as he could, dodging here and there. But again the voice came, “Hey Govara, where are you going? It’s me calling you — your water pot. Come here!” Govara became stunned. He was amazed to find his water pot calling him in a human voice.

With great eagerness he rushed back to speak with it. The water pot started chastising him: “Do you really think that leaving your guru-sevā will give you peace and pleasure? The chief result of your service will be the fulfillment of life’s ultimate goal. Although I am made of dull matter, I can speak like a human being because my life is successful due to my giving service to a pure devotee of the Lord.” Govara’s guru was a very powerful and pure vaiṣṇava. He was making the water pot speak.

The water pot continued, “I originated from a muddy, contaminated place. One man collected me, took me to his house, and began to knead me by pressing heavily with his feet. He then formed me into this water pot shape, let me dry, and eventually burnt me in a fire. Finally, he picked me up and flicked me with his finger to see if I had the right sound — ‘ting’. I passed the test, so he took me to the market to sell. Fortunately I was purchased by this sādhu and engaged in his service. The result is that my life became successful and I am able to speak with you directly. You shouldn’t think that your guru-sevā will be very easy, but if you engage in this sevā then your life will be a success like mine and you will get real pleasure and happiness. Otherwise, if you leave this service you will have to cry and cry. Instead of pleasure you will only get so much pain and anxiety.”

Hearing this story from the water pot, Govara started trembling. Somehow he managed to carry the pot filled with water back to the ashram, where he fell flat before his spiritual master. His guru knew everything because he was a divya-dṛṣṭa — he could see the past, present and future. He asked Govara, “What happened to you?” Govara spoke of his experience with the water pot and started crying when he revealed how he had planned to leave his guru’s service. His guru pacified him, and said, “Āre bābā! It was not the water pot speaking to you. It was I that spoke through it.” That guru was a most powerful vaiṣṇava; he could speak through anything. He advised Govara that staying in the guru’s ashram and engaging in pure devotional service would gradually purify him, and in a similar way to the water pot he could make his human birth a success.

— As told by Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami in Oriya. Translated by Bhakta Pradosh.

Narada Muni story: Value of association with sadhu – Narada Muni and brother of Ambarīṣa Mahārāja

Ambarisha Maharaj had brother who was very very sinful. Ambarish tried to preach to himbut with no success.

So he asked Narada Muni to preach to his brother.

Narada did not wanted but finally he agreed.

When Narada came to see sinful Raja, he was greeted with respect but upon hearing preaching words of Narada Muni Raja started to scream and to throw wine’s bottles on Narada.

So Narada had to escape, but from a distance he shouted to Papa-Raja ( sinful king ) “When you will be in front of Yamaraj ( lord of death ), ask him just one question -

What is the result of having sadhu sanga for a lava-matra ( moment’s association with a pure devotee of God ) ?

After death Papa-Raja was certainly taken to Yamaraja’s court. Upon hearing from Citragupta about sins committed by Papa-raja, Yamaraja felt compasion and said – you will certainly be thrown to hell for eternity, but i can fulfill your last request now, what do you want?

Hearing such words Papa – raja recollected Naradas advice and said – Could you tell me what is the

result of having sadhu sanga for lava matra?

Yamaraj became amased. He said – i’m sorry, but i here deal with sinners not with sadhus so i don’t know the answer, but since i’ve promised to fulfill your last desire i’ll take

you to Lord Brahma.

And they flew. Upon hearing such elevated question Brahma said – i’m sorry i am

busy with my creation, and sadhus are not within the realm of my creation. We have to go to Lord Siva.

When they arrived, Siva, after hearing what’s the matter, said – how can i answer such question?, i am busy with such gastly creatures who follow me, i do not deal with sadhus, we have to ask Lord Narayan himself.

After that they approached Lord Narayan in Vaikuntha. Hearing such a nice question Lord smiled and said – the result is that one is delivered to Vaikuntha by all means. So because you have already brought him here, he will stay and you my dear servants go back to do your duties. Thank you.

Such is a result of lava matra sadhu sang

Why Lord Krishna Wears Peacock Feather on His Head?

Why Lord Krishna Wears Peacock Feather on His Head?

When one day Krishna woke first from a rest in the forest with his cowherd friends, he decided to wake everyone and call the cows grazing at a distance by playing his flute. When Krishna blew the nectar of his lips into the flute, a melodious raga with a slow rhythm and a deep base emerged from its end. This wonderful vibration enchanted the peacocks in and around the Govardhan hills.

Their hearts began to sing in happiness and fill the skies with their own song. The resonant vibrations from the flute encouraged the peacocks to dance. Krishna, who is the source of all dramatic arts, was pleased with their dance and encouraged them by his kind glances and sweet smiling. They cried with joy and it sounded all over the hills. In time, their sounds became indistinguishable from the echoes. They became excited and jumped up and down, flapping their wings.

As the peacocks danced, the kings of peacocks made his way to the lotus feet of SriKrishna, touches His holy feet and makes a sound which Sri Krishna understands as a thanking note and requesting Him to dance with them. Sri Krishna accepts to dance and moves amidst them, dancing like the peacocks increasing the tempo and playing to the rhythm of His steps. The bliss of the peacocks increased multifold when Sri Krishna danced with them. It was so overwhelming, that some peacocks fainted.

All the animals and cowherds of the Govardhan hills stood transfixed, unable to move their eyes away from the dance of Sri Krishna. The flute in Sri Krishna's hand seeing the uncommon performance of its master began to sing on its own.

The spectacle was extremely splendid when seen from the top of the Govardhan hills, the heaven and even the netherland. They danced for a long time and slowly the tired peacocks stopped dancing.

Then Krishna danced to the rhythm of His own steps. After many days, when he stopped dancing, there was an enchanting silence.

The king of the peacocks approached Sri Krishna with great humility, bowed down his head and said,"You have created a festival of bliss for which we remain eternally indebted to You. It is our duty to offer you 'Gurudakshina'. I request You to accept our only opulence, our plumage. Wear them on your crown as a decoration." With large tears of ecstasy, the king of peacocks dropped many divine feathers.

Sr iKrishna lovingly accepted the offering of the peacocks and picked up the feathers and to everybody's joy, placed a few of them on his turban. Thus he came to wear the peacock feathers.

Lesson:

This story show how we should offer the best thing we have to Krishna. Not just things we dont need. Also this is story of appreciation. When we get someting from others we should be very thankful even if it is very insignificant. It is sign of love and therefore have great value. Krishna has put on his head plumage from peacocks to show his gratitude for service they have done for him by dancing.

Story: Krishna Only Accepts Love And Affection - Krishna’s visit to palace of Duryodana and house of Vidura

Story: Krishna Only Accepts Love And Affection - Krishna’s visit to palace of Duryodana and house of Vidura

Krishna will only accept an offering that is made with love and

affection. One incident that shows this took place in Hastinapura.

It is well known that Arjuna and his four brothers were Krishna’s

very dear friends and devotees.

Duryodhana, who also lived in Hastinapura, was the sworn enemy of

Arjuna and his brothers(later they fought each other at the Battle of Kurukñetra),

but he wanted to invite Krishna to a feast.

Duryodhana was very wealthy, so he served preparations of delicious foodstuffs

such as ladu, pera, kachori, sandesh and makhan — in golden dishes, and water

in golden cups.

Then he requested Krishna, “Please come and take Your meal with Me.”

Krishna objected, “I can’t eat anything, because I have no

appetite. I only eat anything where there is love and affection, I

can never eat with you, because you have no love and affection

for Me! I came to Hastinäpura to ask you to make peace with

Arjuna and his brothers, but you have not complied. How can

I take My meal with you? I’m not a beggar, and I’m not hungry.”

Shortly after rejecting Duryodhana’s opulent feast, Krishna

went to Vidura’s house. Vidura was Krishna’s devotee, and was

also very affectionate to Arjuna and his four brothers.

In fact, on several occasions he had saved them from great danger.

Because of this, Krishna was very fond of Vidura. When

Krishna got to Vidura’s house, Vidura was not there, so Krishna

pleaded with his wife Viduräëé, “Oh, Vidurani Maiya, I am so

hungry! Please give Me something to eat.”

Vidurani was very affectionate to Krishna, and she was anxious to serve Him.

She began to offer Him bananas, but in her confusion, she threw

away the fruit and gave Him the peels.

Krishna affectionately accepted the peels, and relished them joyfully.

They tasted sweeter to Him than all the preparations and offerings made in

Dvaraka by his chief queens Rukmini and Satyabhama.

While Krishna was completely absorbed in accepting Viduräëé’s

offering of banana peels, Vidura came in.

He was astonished at what he saw, and exclaimed, “Oh, Vidurani! What are you doing?”

Krishna tried to caution him, “Don’t speak to her. She is not

in her external senses. She is fully absorbed in transcendental

love and affection.”

Vidurani, however, came back to external consciousness when she heard her husband speak,

and soon realised what was happening.

She then gave Krishna the fruit of the bananas and threw away the peels.

Krishna was a little disappointed. “Oh! This fruit is not as tasty

as the peels were.”

Spiritual lesson:

From this pastime, we can see that Krishna never becomes

hungry. He doesn’t want to taste banana, or sweets, or milk or

anything.

He just wants to take the essence of all the fruits.

What is that essence?

It is simply love and affection, the mood of bhakti in the offering.

Krishnawill never accept anything from someone who has no deep love and affection for Him.

On the other hand, He will forcibly take what He wants from a devotee

who has love and affection for Him, if that devotee does not give

Him enough.

That is Krishna’s nature. Krishna is not a beggar. He is full in all opulence, but still He comes to his devotees and serve them.

In Bhagavad gita Krishna says:

patram pushpam phalam toyam

yo me bhaktya prayacchati

tad aham bhakty-upahritam

asnami prayatatmanah

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.

So in wathever we do we should add bhakti and our life will be perfect. As Krishna says in Bhagavad gita 9.27:

yat karosi yad asnasi

yaj juhosi dadasi yat

yat tapasyasi kaunteya

tat kurusva mad-arpanam

O son of Kunti, all that you do, all that you eat, all that you offer and give away, as well as all austerities that you may perform, should be done as an offering unto Me.

Power of determination – Garuda and small bird

Story: Power of determination – Garuda and small bird

Once two partridges, a husband and wife, were going on a trip. Before they left, the wife laid some eggs near the ocean. Then the husband said to the sea, "We are going on a sea voyage. You must take care of these eggs for us. if we don't find the eggs when we return, we'll empty you."

The sea agreed to take care of the eggs, and it kept them safe. A few days later the two partridges came back, but they couldn't find the eggs. They screamed at the sea. The sea wanted to give them the eggs, but it couldn't find them. The birds cursed the sea; they began taking out a drop of water at a time and throwing it on the land.

"We are going to empty you," they said to the sea.


Some little birds saw all this and they asked, "What are you doing?"
The partridges replied, "We are punishing the sea because it didn't keep its promise to look after our eggs."

The little birds thought it was a noble task and they joined the partridges. After a while some big birds took up their cause. They also started taking out water drop by drop. This went on for weeks.
News of the effort of this birds camo to powerful Garuda, personal carrer of Lord Vishnu. So Garuda came and asked, "What are you doing?"

The birds said, "Can't you see? We are emptying the sea. "

Garuda said, "You fools, how long will this take? You will never be able to do it. The sea is vast, infinite."

But the birds answered, "No, we have determination and perseverance."

Garuda was very surprised and said, "Let me show them Compassion. I'll ask Lord Vishnu to help them. If Vishnu helps, then certainly they will be able to find their eggs. If the eggs are still in good condition, Vishnu will be able to return them. But if they are destroyed, he can do nothing for them."
He went to Vishnu. "Vishnu, I have never seen fools like these. If you really care for fools, then will you do them a favor?" Garuda then told him the whole story.

Vishnu said, "No, they are not fools. They are showing the spirit of patience and perseverance. This is how human beings must try to empty the ignorance from the sea of life, drop by drop. It is what seekers must and should do. The ignorance-sea is vast. If sincere seekers want to empty it and replace it with knowledge-light, then they must do it the same way, drop by drop. I am very pleased with these birds. I will command the sea to return the eggs."

Garuda said, "The sea wanted to give them the eggs but it misplaced them and believes they are destroyed."

Vishnu said, "I will use my psychic power to show the sea where they are."

He used his psychic power and the sea immediately found the eggs and returned them to the partridges. Then Vishnu said to the birds, "Perseverance, patience and self-giving all are of paramount importance to fulfill one's divine task. "

Spirtual lesson:

Lesson from this story is so clear. We must be determined on our spiritual life to achieve our sandya, goal. God help those who help themselves. In our life there may be so many obstacles but we should not give up. When Lord see our determination he will come and help us.

Sri Krishna says in Bhagavad gita 2.41:

vyavasayatmika buddhir

ekeha kuru-nandana

bahu-sakha hy anantas ca

buddhayo 'vyavasayinam

Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one. O beloved child of the Kurus, the intelligence of those who are irresolute is many-branched.

Story: Krishna’s concern for the Devotees - Draupadi, Krishna and Pitamaha Bhishma

On the ninth day of Mahabharata war, Duryodhana approached Bhishma in his camp. He was suspicious of the grandsire’s dedication to the fight. Duryodana felt that Bhishma was not doing his best , as he was carried away by his affection to the Pandavas. Duryodhana felt anxious of the result if Bhishma continued to fight half-heartedly. So Duryodhana wanted to rouse Bhishma to his full fury, even if it meant hurting the old man.

Approaching Bhishma, Duryodhana remarked that Bhishma was waging a half-hearted fight. Stung by these remarks, Bhishma gave word that he would rout the Pandava army and kill all the Pandavas.

When Draupadi heard this, she was afraid. She prayed to her Lord Krishna.

As soon as she thought of Krishna, he appeared before her. Krishna asked her to follow him. He took her through the battlefield. The battlefield was an awful sight with bodies scattered everywhere. They finally reached a tent.

Suddenly, Krishna told Draupadi, “Sister, please remove your sandals. They are making a lot of noise.”

Draupadi removed her sandals.

Just at the entrance to the camp, Krishna whispered to Draupadi, “Please go in and fall at the feet of the old man whom you can hear pacing up and down inside.”

She did so accordingly. Bhishma was surprised to see a lady fall at his feet and he blessed her, “May you live long with your husband. Who are you? What can I do for you? Why are you here at this hour?”

Druapadi got up asking Bhishma to promise protection to her husbands.

When she got up, Bhishma recognized her. He was stunned, “Draupadi, Is it you? How did you come here?”

Draupadi replied, “Krishna brought me here. I came here to seek your blessings.”

Bhishma recognized Krishna at the door. “Krishna, please come in. What is it that is hanging on your shoulders? It looks like sandals.”

Krishna replied quietly, “Oh yes, they are Panchali’s foot wear. They were making lot of noise. So I took them with me.”

Draupadi was mortified to see this. She said, “Oh Lord! Great calamity will fall on me by this act of yours.”

Krishna replied, “What is wrong with the brother carrying his sister’s sandals? By the way, did you take his blessings?”

Bhishma replied, “She did not ask for it. I gave it on my own. Krishna, what concern you have for your devotees, you did not mind even carrying their footwear. Who can equal you in protecting the devotees? When you are with the Pandavas, what do they have to fear?”

Draupadi replied, “Grandpa, we were terrified to hear your promise.”

Bhishma said, “What can the oath of this insignificant person do before Krishna, the God incarnate. He is on your side. No harm can befall you.”

Thus succeeding in their mission, Krishna and Draupadi took leave of Bhishma.

Moral:

As soon as devotee think of Krishna he appear on lotus of his hearth. When invited by devotee Krishna is always ready to help although apparently we do not see his help. By pleasing great personalities we get blessings even without asking for them as Draupadi get blessings of Pitamaha Bhishma.

Spiritual story: Value of association with sadhu – Narada Muni and brother of Ambarīṣa Mahārāja

Ambarisha Maharaj had brother who was very very sinful. Ambarish tried to preach to him

but with no success. So he asked Narada Muni to preach to his brother.
Narada did not wanted but finally he agreed.

When Narada came to see sinful Raja, he was greeted with respect but upon hearing preaching words of Narada Muni Raja started to scream and to throw wine's bottles on Narada.

So Narada had to escape, but from a distance he shouted to Papa-Raja ( sinful king ) "When you will be in front of Yamaraj ( lord of death ), ask him just one question -

What is the result of having sadhu sanga for a lava-matra

 ( moment's association with a pure devotee of God ) ?

After death Papa-Raja was certainly taken to Yamaraja's court. Upon hearing from Citragupta about sins committed by Papa-raja, Yamaraja felt compasion and said - you will certainly be thrown to hell for eternity, but i can fulfill your last request now, what do you want?

Hearing such words Papa - raja recollected Naradas advice and said - Could you tell me what is the
result of having sadhu sanga for lava matra?

Yamaraj became amased. He said - i'm sorry, but i here deal with sinners not with sadhus so i don't know the answer, but since i've promised to fulfill your last desire i'll take
you to Lord Brahma.

And they flew. Upon hearing such elevated question Brahma said - i'm sorry i am
busy with my creation, and sadhus are not within the realm of my creation. We have to go to Lord Siva.

When they arrived, Siva, after hearing what's the matter, said - how can i answer such question?, i am busy with such gastly creatures who follow me, i do not deal with sadhus, we have to ask Lord Narayan himself.

After that they approached Lord Narayan in Vaikuntha. Hearing such a nice question Lord smiled and said - the result is that one is delivered to Vaikuntha by all means. So because you have already brought him here, he will stay and you my dear servants go back to do your duties. Thank you.

Such is a result of lava matra sadhu sang!!!

Moral: So everyone should daily find holly asscociation with sadhus and has spiritual exchange, hear from them about krishna and try to serve them. And who is sadhu? Just try to find somone who is lover of God, Krishna.

Story: The best benediction – Holy name of Krishna

Story: The best benediction – Holy name of Krishna

Once a poor brahmana worshiped Lord Siva for a benediction, and Lord Siva advised the devotee 
to go to see Sanatana Gosvami. The devotee went to Sanatana Gosvami 
and informed him that Lord Siva had advised him 
to seek out the best benediction from him (Sanatana). 

Sanatana had a touchstone with him, which he kept with the garbage. 

On the request of the poor brahmana, Sanatana Gosvami gave him the touchstone, 
and the brahmana was very happy to have it. He now could get as much gold 
as he desire simply by touching the touchstone to iron. 

But after he left Sanatana, he thought, "If a touchstone is the best benediction, 
why has Sanatana Gosvami kept it with the garbage?. He may be having 
something more valuable than this. He therefore returned and asked Sanatana Gosvami, 

"Sir, if this is the best benediction, why did you keep it with the garbage?" 

Sanatana Gosvami then informed him, "Actually, this is not the best benediction. 

But are you prepared to take the best benediction from me?" 

The brahmana said, "Yes, sir. Lord Siva has sent me to you for the best benediction." 

Then Sanatana Gosvami asked him to throw the touchstone in the water nearby and then come back. 

The poor brahmana did so, and when he returned, Sanatana Gosvami initiated him with 
the Hare Krishna mantra which is much more valuable than touch stone. 
Thus by the benediction of Lord Siva the brahmana got the association of 
the best devotee of Lord Krishna and was thus initiated in the maha-mantra, 

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ 
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Bhakti story: Hanuman and vina of Narada Muni

Once Hanuman and his mother Ketari heard a sound of misical instrument Vina and beautiful singing of Krishnas holy name.

Ketari said, "Who is this singing? It must be Narada Muni coming!"

Hanuman asked, "Who is this person?"

Ketari replied, "He is a very great soul. He doesn't need any introduction. You just go to him and you will find out the greatness of this man."

Immediately Hanuman jumped up and Narada was just on his way past their place, going to see some rishi, so Hanuman jumped in his way and paid pranams. "Narada Muni, I heard that you are a very great person, so you must bless me. Without blessing me, you are not allowed to go!"

Narada said, "What blessing do you want?"

Hanuman said, "Already the demigods have given me so many blessings. I cannot think of anything else, so you think of a blessing, and you give it to me."

Narada thought, "What blessing does Hanuman not have?"

And so he said, "You will become expert in music." That was the only benediction left to give.

So Hanuman got that benediction, and Narada Muni said, "So I have given you the benediction, and now I am going."

Hanuman said, "One minute, one minute." "What do you want?"

Narada asked. "How will I know that I am the most expert in music?" Hanuman inquired. "My father told me that you are the most expert in music, so you must do me a favour today. Give me the benediction that I will be more expert than you!"

So Narada said, "All right, I will sit somewhere and listen to you."

"Shall I start singing?" Hanuman asked.

"Yes." Narada Muni put his vina on a rock, and he sat down on the ground.

So Hanuman selected that tune which would melt the rock, and he began to sing it. The rock melted, and the vina was in the liquid. He was singing and singing, and the vina was floating in the liquid rock.

Narada was closing his eyes and enjoying in exstasy, and he said, "All right Hanuman, you are the best musician. You can stop singing now."

Hanuman said, "You open your eyes and tell me if I should I stop singing."

Narada said, "How do you mean?"

Hanuman replied, "You open your eyes."

So Narada opened his eyes and looked around. He didn't notice the vina floating in the stone water. "Yes, you can stop singing."

So then Hanuman stopped singing, and the liquid stone became rock, and the vina got stuck.

Narada said, "I am going," and he took his vina, but it wouldn't move. "What did you do, Hanuman?"

Hanuman said, "I only sung a song. You told me to sing a song, and you also gave me the ability. Now you are complaining. I have been a good boy for a whole week."

Narada said, "One week of doing nothing means that before that week you did too much." And then Hanuman told him all about what he had done, swallowing the sun etc, and Narada became very pleased.

Then he said, "Now whatever it was, you please sing the tune again, so I can get my vina."

Hanuman said, "Well, I don't know...."

Narada Muni said, "Please do it!"

"No I won't," Hanuman said, and he jumped up and ran inside the palace. So Narada Muni was running after Hanuman who was just running from one room to another. And you know monkeys are fast it is very difficult to catch them.

Finally Narada Muni become very tired so he called out, "Hey Hanuman, please come and give me my vina back ! I have to go! I have service to do!"

Just then Ketari came out, and when she saw Narada Muni she touched his feet and spoke - "What is my son doing, he is giving you some trouble?"

Narada said, "Oh no, no trouble, just that he got my vina stuck in the rock." Ketari said, "Oh no, he has started his mischief again!

Hanuman, get Narada's vina out of the rock!" said Ketari.

And then Hanuman said, "I wanted Narada Muni's feet to touch every room in this palace, that is why I was doing this. Now he has touched all the rooms and he has made our home holy place of pilgrimage. The dust from his lotus feet is so rare that what is the use of just having it in one part of our kingdom? We should have it all over. Now I can give him back his vina. "

Narada said, "You are already blessed, because you are Lord Rama's eternal servant." So Hanuman went and sung for Narada, who quickly took his vina and left.

Moral:

Holy person is not envious. They are happy when other people are happy and successful.They easily give bllessings to people to even acomplish things bigger then their. As Hanuman was blessed to be even better musician than Narada.

This story show value of visit of holy people at our home. One do not need to go to holy places of pilgrimage. We should invite holy people at our house and then our home will become holy place.

That is very wonderful way to live always at holy place and remain at our home.

Story show also how we should associate with each other. Throw singing. Singing for God is place where our souls can meet God.

PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward 
moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted. 

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Story: Narada Muni and question who is greatest devotee?

Once upon a time Narad Muni who always greets people by saying "Narayan,Narayan"visited the heavenly abode of Lord Vishnu and asked him who he thought his greatest devotee was?

     Lord Vishnu pondered for a while and then told Narad Muni that his greatest devotee was a poor farmer who lived in a small village of India.

    Narad Muni was surprised and he reasoned with the Lord that noone chanted the lord's name more than he did...( he is known to chant "Narayan,Narayan" every second of his life)

   The Lord smiled and told Narad Muni that this might take a while but before that he had an errand for him.Narad Muni agreed to run lord's errand half heartedly.

    Lord Vishnu gave him a bowl full of oil....it was filled up to the brim....and as the lord handed Narad Muni the bowl he told him that he wanted him to take the bowl around the whole world making sure that while he did so not a single drop dripped out of the bowl.Narad Muni carefully took the bowl and left for his journey around the world.

    Narad Muni returned with the bowl after having taken it around the world as the Lord had directed....proud of his accomplishment of not having spilled a single drop.

    As he handed lord Vishnu the bowl the Lord questioned him....."Narada,thank you for running this errand for me.....how many times did you chant my name as you went around the world with this bowl?"

    Narad Muni was left speechless.....he had been so engrossed in making sure that not a drop of oil spilled out of the bowl that he had completely forgotten  to chant/remember god's name in any way....

    "But Lord..."he argued"it was your errand.....I was doing the work you wanted me to do....it was your work....."

"Narada.....that farmer is also doing the work I have picked for him....he is living the life I gave him.....dealing with all the circumstances that I give....and inspite of all this.....he takes time out of his busy routine to remember me and that is what makes him my greatest devotee!"

Moral: We have to learn to chant Lord Krishnas holy name in all situation in our life. Chanting of the holy name will make us remember Krishna and make us very dear to him .

Bhakti story: Narada Muni and power of maya!!!

Once Narada Muni who is very intimate devotee of the Lord has meet Krishna.

And while they were walking, Narada Muni asked Lord Krishna, “My dear Krishna, can you please show me power of your maya, your illusiory energy? Please explain to me the secret of this magic called maya and how she act?”

Sri Krishna hesitated to do it. So Krishna asked his dear devotee:

My dear Narada are you sure you want to see power of my maya!?

Narada was very detirmened so he said: Yes, Krishna i am sure. I want to see power of your maya!

Lord Krishna replied : Ok Narada i will show you. Let’s lie down here in the shade and I shall tell you everything. But first, Narada, it’s terribly hot; would you get me a cool glass of water?”

“Right away,” Narada promised happy to do some serviceto his beloved Lord krishna. He set out across the fields. The sun beat down and though he was a good walker, the little line of thatched cottages on the horizon that marked the nearest village seemed no closer as he strode along. The heat grew unbearable. Narada’s throat became parched too; he began to think that he would ask for two glasses of water, and drink the second himself.

Finally he reached the village and ran to the nearest house. The door opened – and there stood the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She smiled up at Narada through long, dark lashes and something happened to him that had never happened before. All he could do was to look at her beatiful face. Finally he spoke out, “Will you marry me?” That is the Indian way; you cannot just say, “What are you doing on Saturday night?”

The couple settled down to a life of family bliss. After a while, children began to arrive. Narada’s became a very animated household.

Somebody was always being bathed or dressed; there were meals to get and people to be provided for. And all these things were filling up their lives. Narada and his wife became engrossed in their private little world, quietly building their dreams. Years passed. The children grew up, went to school, got married; in time, grandchildren arrived. Narada became the patriarch of a great family, respected by the whole village; his lands stretched to the horizon. He and his wife would look at each other fondly and say, “Don’t you think being grandparents is the greatest thing on earth?”

Then a flood came. The village fields became a raging river, and before Narada’s helpless eyes, everything that he loved and lived for – his lands, his cattle, his house, but especially his beloved wife and all their children and grandchildren – were swept away. Of all the village, only he remained.

He was trying to save them from all this calamities but was not successful.

Unable to watch the destruction, Narada fell to his knees and cried for help from the very depths of his heart.

“Krishna! Krishna!”

At once, the raging floods disappeared and there was Sri Krishna, standing casually on the fields where they had walked what seemed to be so many years before.

“Narada,” the Lord asked gently, “where is my glass of water?”

Moral:

This is power of maya. She make us forget lotus feet of Krishna. She overcome us and we forget our Lord. We have done this for millions of lives in this material wolrd. It has been our desire to be in maya as Narada wanted to see her. We are all in situation as great sage Narada have in this story. To be free from this illusion of the Lord we must cry his holy name:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

Sri Krishna says in Bhagavad gita 7.14:

daivī hy eṣā guṇa-mayī

mama māyā duratyayā

mām eva ye prapadyante

māyām etāṁ taranti te

This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.

PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share this
moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted by hearing about Krishna and his dear devotees.

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