Long ago, near the town of Patan, there lived a kind-hearted Kshatriya man. One day, Shri Mahaprabhuji passed through his village on the way to visit the great temple of Shri Jagannath in Orissa. The Kshatriya and his father felt very lucky and decided to join Shri Mahaprabhuji on this sacred journey.
When they reached the city of Puri, they arrived just in time to witness the famous chariot festival. It was the day of the grand Rath Yatra, where the beautiful Deity of Shri Jagannath rides a tall, colorful chariot through the streets, surrounded by singing and dancing devotees.
As the chariot rolled forward, the Kshatriya's father did something surprising. Believing it would bring him great spiritual blessings, he laid down in front of the chariot and let it pass over him. He left his body that very moment, hoping to reach a heavenly world.
The Kshatriya was shocked and full of questions. He went to Shri Mahaprabhuji and asked, “What will happen to my father now?”
Shri Mahaprabhuji answered gently, “Whatever someone is thinking about at the moment of death, that is where their soul goes. Your father wanted to reach the heavenly worlds, so he will go there for a little while. But because you are a special soul and very close to the Lord, your connection will help him one day become free and reach Shri Krishna forever.”
The Kshatriya felt peaceful after hearing these words. He became a devoted follower of Shri Mahaprabhuji. From then on, he lovingly worshipped Shri Krishna in His playful child form. After spending a few days with Shri Mahaprabhuji, the Kshatriya returned home and offered his worship every day with great love.
In his town lived a Brahmin who had been the Kshatriya’s friend since childhood. This Brahmin followed strict rules from the scriptures and worshipped the Lord in his own way. The Kshatriya, who cared deeply for his friend, wished that he too would become a follower of Shri Mahaprabhuji. But the Brahmin said, “I already have a guru. I cannot change.”
Even though his friend said no, the Kshatriya still prayed in his heart that one day the Brahmin would join the Path of Grace. That very afternoon, Shri Mahaprabhuji told the Kshatriya, “Do not worry. I will accept your friend. But you must do one thing. If your friend ever asks you to cook, go to his house and offer the food to his Deity.”
That winter, the Brahmin invited the Kshatriya over. “Come cook for my Deity today,” he said happily.
The Kshatriya cooked the meal with care. Then he offered the food to the Brahmin’s Deity. But in his heart, he offered the food to Shri Krishna as a little child. Shri Krishna accepted the offering joyfully, eating it with love.
Later, after they ate the prasada together, the Kshatriya went back home. That night, while the Brahmin was sleeping, he had a strange dream. His Deity appeared and said, “Today, I did not get to eat.”
The Brahmin replied in the dream, “But my friend cooked for you. He offered everything!”
The Deity replied, “Yes, your friend did offer the food to both of us. But I am just a small part of Shri Krishna. Your friend gave the offering with such pure love to Shri Krishna, the Supreme Lord. Shri Krishna came Himself and ate everything before I could. I stay in the Deity only when mantras are chanted. But Shri Krishna comes where there is true love.”
The Brahmin woke up in awe. The next day, he went to his friend and said, “Now I understand the greatness of your path. I want to become a disciple of Shri Mahaprabhuji too.”
Very soon, Shri Mahaprabhuji returned to their town. The Brahmin and his whole family became His followers. Through the love and prayers of the Kshatriya, his dear friend also became a great devotee of Shri Krishna.
Just like iron turns into gold when touched by a magical gem, being close to loving devotees can help anyone become closer to God.
Poem: The Gift of a Loving Heart
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