By 
No time for reading the story? Give it a listen on Spotify.
In the Mahabharata, Bhishma narrates the tale of Parashurama and five cursed ghosts, encountered during his pilgrimage. This story highlights the significance of performing charity with a pure and compassionate heart.
Characters in the story:
Parashurama: Parashurama is an iconic figure in Hindu scriptures, known as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, wielding an axe and revered as the warrior sage who eradicated evil from the Earth.
Bhishma: Bhishma is a revered warrior in the Indian epic, Mahabharata, who is known for his oath of celibacy and unwavering loyalty to his kingdom.
The tale of Parashurama and the five ghosts is narrated by Bhishma while lying on the bed of arrows during the Mahabharata’s Kurukshetra war. Parashurama, on a pilgrimage around the world, once encountered five ghosts.
These ghosts were drawn to Parashurama’s unique combination of warrior prowess and saintly demeanor. They began conversing with him and shared their stories.
The first ghost introduced himself as Sachimukha, the son of a warrior. He had ignored people who asked him for food, choosing to eat first and neglecting his guests. Consequently, he was cursed to become the ghost Sachimukha.
The second ghost, Shigrakh, was a hunter who drove away those seeking food. His lack of compassion led to his ghostly fate.
The third ghost, Lekhak, was the son of a Brahmin priest. He would chase away poor people who came to the temple or his house asking for food.
The fourth ghost, Pashyurshit, was the son of a merchant. He despised those who asked for food, and though his father insisted on feeding people, Pashyurshit would spit in the food before giving it away.
The fifth ghost, Pathak, was a menial worker who pretended to be asleep whenever someone asked him for food or assistance.
These five ghosts wandered, consuming only excreta and drinking urine, often starving and forced to eat the remains of dead animals.
Parashurama inquired how they might find liberation. The ghosts revealed that their salvation would come when they encountered a person who truly followed Dharma.
Realizing that Parashurama was such a person, the ghosts began to feel their liberation. Parashurama’s presence freed them from their sins.
This story underscores the importance of performing charity with a pure heart. Too often, we give grudgingly or turn a blind eye to those in need. True charity, however, involves giving with joy and without attachment, focusing on the act itself rather than what comes after.
