“What’s so special, Pankaja?”
Rama Rao asked.
“It’s nothing big. You haven’t
been sleeping well for months. Even the tranquilizers haven't helped. I prayed
to Lord Hanuman to cure your insomnia and promised to offer two garlands made
of vadas and betel leaves,” Pankaja replied.
“Foolish girl,” Rao said with
a chuckle. “Why trouble the Lord for petty, age-related problems? But I'll come
along.”
The temple was wedged between
two tall textile shops on a bustling road. Though small, its presiding deity
was known for granting boons. Only eighteen steps led to the temple, with a
rope separating the paths for ascending and descending. The idol of Lord
Hanuman, standing with a hillock on his palm, seemed ready to fly. An aged
priest performed puja twice daily, and the temple was mostly crowded in the
evenings when the bazaar was busy. Devotees would bring offerings of butter,
garlands made of betel leaves, Tulsi, and flowers, sold by vendors at the
entrance.
The next day, Pankaja prepared
108 vadas on an empty stomach and was ready by 5 p.m. She called to her son,
“Nandhu, can you hold Grandpa’s hand and bring him to the temple by auto at 5
p.m.? I'll go ahead to buy the puja materials. Take care of him on the
staircase; it's usually slippery.”
“I’m sorry, Mom. I promised to
play in a cricket match and can’t come,” Nandhu replied rather curtly.
“Don’t worry, Pankaja,” Rao
reassured her. “I’ll be careful.”
They reached the temple on
time, Rao holding the basket of vada malas. “Appa, hold the basket carefully.
I'll be back after getting the flowers. Please don’t climb the stairs alone;
they're often wet,” Pankaja cautioned.
“Don’t worry. I won’t climb if
it’s crowded,” Rao promised. “And I’ll hold the rope if I do.”
As he climbed, the priest met
him halfway. “Swami, are you sleeping well these days? Your daughter mentioned
your insomnia a month ago. Please go to the sanctum carefully. I'll be back
shortly.”
There was a group of students
at the temple, noisily waiting for the priest. The results of their annual
exams were due the next day.
As Rao carefully climbed the
steep steps, a mild tremor shook the temple for a few seconds. Panicked, the
students hurried down both sides of the rope, creating a stampede. Rao lost his
balance and fell, the students trampling over him in their rush.
“Appa, Appa!” Pankaja
screamed, rushing up the stairs with some vendors. She found her father lying
unconscious, his body twisted, legs above his head. Someone tried to lift him,
but his head lolled to the side.
Pankaja’s piercing scream
echoed through the temple and down the busy street.
A voice exclaimed, “Look at
the miracle! The vada garland he carried has fallen perfectly on the nail
holding Hanuman’s picture. It’s as if the garland is adorning the picture.”
The aged priest, wiping his
eyes with his upper cloth, gently consoled her, “Pankaja, do not grieve. He has
attained Mukti here at the temple, after fulfilling his vow. He is truly a
blessed soul, destined for Sadgati. Only Lord Hanuman knows what is best for
the departed. I will ask some vendors to help you take him home. If you give me
your husband’s number, I'll call him.”
Turning to the vendors, the
priest requested, “Please help this grieving lady. Your kind act will surely
bring you blessings. I need to perform some rituals after the body is removed.”
God’s ways are mysterious. The story gives points to reflect on.
ReplyDeleteChitra
God always knows what to do, when to do, and how to do. He/She is very powerful.
ReplyDeleteGlad that Rao fulfilled vow of his daughter before attaining sadgathi as predestined. I recall the story of a Raja whose end was predicted by astrologers as by a lion. Raja ordered all lions to be put behind bars in his kingdom. One day while standing in the balcony an iron statue of lion fell from its pedestal directly on the Raja to bring his end. There is no escape from prarabhdham!
ReplyDeleteLast comment from Jagadeesan
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading the story, something told me mid way through, that Rao thatha would die....while I understand the beauty of God's mysterious ways, it wasnt good for Pankaja....
ReplyDeleteHanuman has blessed him from further sleepless nights. He died without suffering or troubling others. Great soul....Sandhya
ReplyDeleteVery nice. Ramakrishnan. A.
ReplyDeleteVery good storytelling and the imagery is powerful as well. I could almost see the temple steps and the students and the entire surrounding.
ReplyDeleteGripping and emotional story with religious belief offering solace to palpable grief
ReplyDeleteAn emotional story depicting God and his actions which are always at the perfect time and place. Glad Rama Rao passed away without being a burden but sad for Pankaja.
ReplyDelete" In our bad times when we are going through physical or mental agony, we generally remember & pray to God. Such people devote themselves to God because they wish to be liberated from their grief. " Can we surmise Rama Rao too wished this way as quoted in Bhagavad Gita. Another emotional story
ReplyDeleteFate! It was indeed a final offering for Rao.
ReplyDeleteA gripping story that makes us feel trusted and keeps us guessing until the end !
ReplyDeleteAnayesena maranam🙏🙏
ReplyDelete“Death is as sure for that which is born, as birth is for that which is dead. Therefore grieve not for what is inevitable.”
ReplyDelete― Bhagavad Gita
Rama Sampath Kumar: Is it ok to ask God for a favour? Why not . As children we always asked our parents for toys or books or going to the movies- promising them we will do very well in our exams if they grant us what we desire. God is our Father so what is wrong in asking him what we desire. This is a question that many of us debate in our minds.
ReplyDeleteThis beautiful piece tells us that God will definitely answer our prayers but it is very difficult to understand why His rewards are such that it seems to be not what we expected. But He knows best though maybe a riddle to us.,
Death is absolute truth or reality. The time, place and the circumstances of death are pre-determined, and it happens without any deviation. One fact is also true- once life spirit (Atma) is out every person becomes a BODY.
ReplyDeleteLeast expected end. Tough to decide if one should mourn or celebrate!
ReplyDeletePoor man. His problems are solved permanently.
ReplyDeleteQuick butba good read. Thank you for sharing.
Best wishes and warm regards
Hemantha Kumar Pamarthy
Again,a short story with many interesting points to ponder, especially the coming together of a string of events that lead to the ultimate result! Deep messages conveyed so succinctly! A pleasure to read!
ReplyDeleteStory with a negative twist, Anjaneya knows what is best for you!- P.Chinnaraj
ReplyDeleteIt's a matter of belief! An accident or the destiny! Atin Biswas
ReplyDeleteThe problem of insomnia truly resolved
ReplyDeleteThe 1st thought that would come in the loved one's mind is, if God exists why did he let the person die instead of protecting him. But some questions don't have answers. We just have to learn to face these things in the world of Maya.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant end :)
ReplyDeleteProfound one. Very reassuring that God listens to your sincere prayer. Many a time we need to bring in that awareness that every minute of ours is taken care by our loving Swami. Why worry when he is travelling with you? When our thoughts, words and actions are dedicated to God, then every moment becomes a miracle.
ReplyDelete