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Narada's Question

© Harsh Nevatia

Narada was the son of Brahma. He was extremely devoted to all the three Supreme Gods, but especially devoted to Lord Vishnu. All on earth and heaven considered him to be the most devoted disciple of Lord Vishnu. However there was a doubt in his mind. Did his master, Lord Vishnu too consider Narada to be his most devoted disciple?

At last he could not bear the suspense. He approached Lord Vishnu and put the question before him. Lord Vishnu tried his best to avoid giving an answer, but Narada was insistent. Very reluctantly Lord Vishnu told Narada that a certain farmer in a certain village was his most ardent devotee. Narada was aghast, dejected and angry. There was a lot he wanted to say, but in his wisdom he decided to keep his silence till he saw for himself how devoted the farmer was.

He reached the village at midnight and waited for the farmer to get up. The farmer rose early in the morning. After completing his morning chores he left for the fields. On the way he stopped at a temple. He rang the bells, bowed before the idol and was out in a few seconds. He worked hard in the field till noon. Then his wife came with his lunch consisting of some dry bread and pickles. After lunch it was back to work till dusk. On the way back he again stopped at the temple for a few seconds. On reaching home he had a quick dinner and crashed out. Narada watched the farmer for the next seven days but found no change in the man's activities. By now he was boiling with anger. How could this man be Lord Vishnu's greatest devotee? On earth there were sages who had spent a lifetime in prayer and meditation, singing praises to the Lord from dawn to dusk. In heaven there were the immortal ones who expounded God's word for all to follow. And there was Narada, himself, who was ever ready, ever alert to do his master's least bidding. How could this man who spent a cursory few seconds in a temple everyday be greater than all these people?

Narada stormed into Kshirsagar, the Sea of Milk, which was Vishnu's abode, and complained of the injustice meted out to him. "I'll answer your questions later," said Lord Vishnu, "First I have a very important mission for you. In order to complete a ritual that I have undertaken for the welfare of the people of the world, I need you to circumnavigate the universe carrying this cup full of oil. But you must be extremely careful not to spill a single drop else all my efforts will be wasted." Saying this Lord Vishnu thrust a cup filled to the brim in Narada's hands. Bursting with pride at being the chosen one, Narada set off. He had to muster all the concentration at his command and block out all thoughts from his mind to ensure that no oil fell from the cup. He returned in due course and returned the cup to his master emphasising that not a drop had been spilt.

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