Devotion Towards Parents - A Moral Story for Children

Devotion Towards Parents

Welcome! Here's a moral story about Pundalik, who learns the true meaning of devotion and respect for his parents. This story teaches us the importance of serving and honoring our parents, just like we serve and honor God.

Introduction

Pundalik was a young boy living in the forest of Dandirvan. In his early years, he was devoted to his parents. However, after marriage, he and his wife began to ill-treat them, causing his parents much distress.

The Pilgrimage

One day, Pundalik's parents decided to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi. Pundalik and his wife accompanied them, but their behavior remained the same. While Pundalik and his wife rode on horses, his elderly parents walked. The parents were also given odd jobs to do during the journey.

At Rishi Kukkutswami's Ashram

At one of their resting stops, they arrived at the ashram of Rishi Kukkutswami. Early the next morning, Pundalik witnessed something strange. Young women, dressed in the dirtiest clothes, came into the ashram and performed all the chores like cleaning the floor and washing clothes. But as they left, their clothes shone brilliantly.

The Revelation

Curious, Pundalik asked the women who they were. The women revealed that they were holy rivers, such as Ganga and Yamuna, who wash away the sins of pilgrims. They told Pundalik that he was one of the greatest sinners for treating his parents badly.

Realization and Change

Upon hearing these words, Pundalik realized his mistake and decided to change. He began treating his parents with love and respect, and his behavior transformed entirely during the rest of the pilgrimage.

Lord Krishna's Blessing

Lord Krishna, who was watching this change, was pleased with Pundalik's devotion. He decided to visit Pundalik with His wife, Rukmini, to bless him. When Krishna arrived, Pundalik was busy serving his parents. Even upon hearing of Krishna's arrival, Pundalik refused to meet Him until he had finished his duties. He asked Lord Krishna to stand on a brick and wait for him.

Pundalik's Humility

After attending to his parents, Pundalik came out and apologized to Lord Krishna with great humility. Krishna was so pleased with Pundalik's devotion that He blessed him and decided to stay in the place, where He would be known as 'Vithoba'—the one who stood on the brick.

Pearls of Wisdom

1. Did the Lord punish Pundalik for his insolence? What did the Lord say to him?

In spite of being kept waiting, Lord Krishna stood on the brick and patiently waited for Pundalik. He was pleased with Pundalik's devotion to his parents and blessed him. He decided to stay at the place and be known as Vithoba, where thousands of devotees visit Him during Ashadhi Ekadashi.

2. What can we learn from this story?

Serving and respecting our parents is like serving and respecting God. God waits for devotees who selflessly serve their parents and fulfill their duties toward them.

🌟 Moral of the Story: Serving and respecting our parents is as significant as serving and respecting God. 🌟

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