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Shravan Kumar – The Ultimate Tale of Devotion & Sacrifice
Feb
The Inspiring Story of Shravan Kumar
Shravan Kumar’s story is one of the most inspiring tales in Indian history, symbolizing the ideal son. His tale dates back to the Ramayana era and teaches us that serving one’s parents is the highest form of duty. Shravan Kumar was born into a poor but deeply religious family. His parents were blind, and his only mission in life was to serve them with utmost devotion.
From childhood, Shravan Kumar was extremely devoted to his parents. He sacrificed his desires to ensure their comfort and well-being. He took care of all their needs and was always ready to serve them selflessly. His dedication and selflessness made him an epitome of devotion and duty toward parents.
Shravan Kumar’s story remains a timeless example of filial piety, inspiring generations to respect and serve their parents. His unwavering commitment to his duties continues to be revered in Indian culture.
The Desire for a Pilgrimage
One day, Shravan Kumar’s elderly parents expressed their desire to undertake a pilgrimage to visit the holy sites across the country. Without hesitation, he accepted this arduous responsibility. He built a special contraption—a balanced yoke—to carry his parents on his shoulders and embarked on the sacred journey.
Traveling through dense forests, across rivers, and over mountains, Shravan Kumar ensured that his parents had a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage. Despite enduring hardships along the way, he remained steadfast in his devotion. Many people, witnessing his selflessness, praised his dedication and commitment to his parents.
His journey was not easy, but his deep love and reverence for his parents kept him going. He faced various challenges, including hunger, fatigue, and extreme weather conditions. Yet, his only concern was the comfort of his parents.
Accidental Death by King Dasharatha
One day, during their journey, Shravan Kumar and his parents arrived at the banks of the Sarayu River. His parents, feeling thirsty, requested him to fetch water. Shravan Kumar went to the river with a pot to collect water.
At the same time, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya was hunting nearby. Hearing the sound of water being drawn, he mistook it for an animal drinking and, without looking, shot an arrow. The arrow struck Shravan Kumar, fatally wounding him.
Realizing his mistake, King Dasharatha rushed to the spot and was horrified to see the innocent young man lying wounded. Shravan Kumar, despite his pain, was only concerned about his parents and pleaded with the king to take water to them before he died.
His dying words reflected his selflessness and unwavering devotion. King Dasharatha, filled with remorse, carried water to the blind parents, trembling as he approached them with the heartbreaking news.
The Curse of the Parents
When Shravan Kumar’s parents heard the tragic news, they were devastated. Their only support in life was gone. In deep sorrow, they cursed King Dasharatha, saying that he too would one day suffer the pain of losing his beloved son.
This curse later became true when Lord Rama, King Dasharatha’s son, was exiled to the forest for fourteen years. Overcome with grief, Dasharatha could not bear the separation and passed away in agony.
Shravan Kumar’s parents, unable to bear the sorrow of their son’s death, also passed away soon after, ending a tale of sacrifice, devotion, and fate.
Lessons from the Story
The story of Shravan Kumar teaches us the values of duty, devotion, and selflessness. His unwavering dedication to his parents sets an example for all generations to follow.
His tale reminds us that parents should be respected and cared for in their old age. The moral values embedded in this story serve as a guiding light, encouraging people to uphold familial responsibilities.
Shravan Kumar’s story continues to be an inspiration, proving that love and duty towards parents hold the highest virtue in life.
