By 
No time for reading the story? Give it a listen on Spotify.
In this captivating story of devotion and humility, Narad Muni embarks on a profound quest to unravel the essence of true devotion, ultimately discovering a profound lesson imparted by Lord Vishnu.
Characters in the story:
Narad Muni: Narad Muni is a divine sage and a devotee of Lord Vishnu. He is known for his wisdom, musical talents, and his role as a messenger and mediator between the gods and humans.
Lord Vishnu: Lord Vishnu is one of the three major deities in Hinduism, known as the preserver of the universe and the protector of dharma (righteousness). He is often depicted with four arms holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower.
Lord Shiva: Lord Shiva holds significant prominence in Hinduism as a prominent deity, revered for his role as the vanquisher of malevolence and the catalyst of universal change. Depicted in various forms, he is often portrayed as a tranquil ascetic engaged in deep meditation or as the divine dancer, adorned with a third eye, an entwined serpent around his neck, and a trident grasped firmly in his hand.
Goddess Parvati: Goddess Parvati is a prominent deity in Hinduism, known as the divine mother and the consort of Lord Shiva. She represents feminine power, fertility, love, and devotion, and is worshiped for her nurturing and compassionate nature.
Nandi: Nandi is a sacred bull and the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Shiva. He is often depicted sitting at the entrance of Shiva’s abode, acting as a gatekeeper and devotee of Lord Shiva.
Narad once visited Kailash to pay a visit to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He greeted them with reverence and exchanged pleasantries with Lord Shiva, who inquired about his well-being. Narad expressed that he was doing well due to the blessings of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and his devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Goddess Parvati, noticing Narad’s happiness, inquired about the source of his joy. Narad attributed his perpetual happiness to the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, along with his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu. He explained that his sole purpose was to continuously chant the name of Lord Hari Vishnu, which brought him immense pleasure.
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati nodded in approval, and Nandi, who had been present, praised Narad as the greatest devotee of Lord Vishnu due to his constant chanting. He suggested that all devotees should follow Narad’s example. Narad was delighted by Nandi’s words, sought permission from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and left the divine abode.
As Narad wandered throughout the universe, he continued chanting “Narayan! Narayan!” with a smile on his face. He couldn’t help but feel proud of the praise he had received from Nandi, being called the “greatest devotee” and the “dearest bhakt.”
Narad’s pride eventually led him to visit Lord Vishnu’s abode, Vaikuntha. He greeted the Lord and Goddess Lakshmi and inquired if he could ask a question. Lord Vishnu welcomed his devotee and agreed to answer his question.
Narad asked, “Narayan! Narayan! Who is your greatest devotee in this universe, my Lord?”
Lord Vishnu replied, “I do not discriminate among my devotees; all are equal and dear to me.”
Narad was surprised by this response, as he had considered himself the foremost devotee. He insisted on knowing who the dearest devotee was. In response, Lord Vishnu showed him a humble farmer on Earth who chanted His name thrice a day.
Narad questioned this choice, arguing that he constantly chanted the Lord’s name while the farmer did so only three times a day. Lord Vishnu explained that the farmer, despite his limited chanting, faithfully carried out his assigned duties with dedication and integrity, which mattered more than the frequency of chanting.
Feeling disheartened, Narad sought permission to leave, and Lord Vishnu asked for a favor before his departure. Narad eagerly agreed, and Lord Vishnu handed him a bowl filled with milk, instructing him to circumnavigate the Earth without spilling a drop.
Narad took the bowl and completed the task diligently, ensuring not a single drop of milk was spilled. When he returned to Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu asked him how many times he had remembered Him during the task. Narad admitted that he hadn’t remembered the Lord even once, as he had been focused on his assigned duty.
Lord Vishnu then explained that the farmer on Earth, whom He considered dearest, also fulfilled his assigned duties diligently and remembered Him three times a day. He emphasized that remembering the Lord was important, but performing one’s duties with devotion and integrity held greater significance. Narad humbly acknowledged his arrogance and ignorance, bowing to Lord Vishnu’s lotus feet and thanking Him for the valuable lesson.
Through his journey of seeking true devotion, Narad Muni discovers that humility and integrity are the essence of devotion, a lesson he carries with him forever.
