LORD IS MOVED ONLY BY
DEVOTEE’S PURE LOVE, NOT BY ANY THING ELSE
Thimman was the son of a tribal chief. A reputed archer in his tribe, he often
led his people on hunting expeditions. On one such hunt, Thimman was separated
from his friends, and he found himself in an unknown part of the jungle. Trying
to find his way out, he came across a small shrine dedicated to Lord
Shiva.
The shrine was a small one, consisting of just a Shiva Lingam, but was clean and
neat. Thimman found himself inexplicably attracted to the Lingam. He was filled
with a desire to make an offering to the deity.
Thimman had no idea about the correct way to pray to the Lord, but he was so consumed
with love for Him that he offered the meat he had with him to the Lord. The
Lord was touched by the love of the young boy, and happily accepted the meat.
Satisfied, Thimman went away, determined to find his way back to the shrine.
The shrine was an ancient one, and was cared for by a Brahmin who lived
in the nearest town, many miles away. The poor Brahman was an ardent devotee of
Shiva, but could not make the long journey every day, so he came to the shrine
once a fortnight, bringing the items of puja along with him. He cleaned and
prayed to the deity and made his offerings before returning home.
The Brahmin returned to the shrine the day after Thimman had made his
offerings, and was shocked to see the meat lying next to the Lord! He assumed
that some animals must have left the meat there, and cleaned it well with fresh
water from a nearby stream before continuing with his routine. The Brahmin left
that day, satisfied that he had done his duty.
The next day, Thimman returned, bringing more meat for the Lord. He
did not know any prayers or rituals, and spent some time talking to the Lord
and pouring out his heart. This gave him so much pleasure that he started
coming to the shrine everyday, bringing with him the catch of the day.
One day, he felt that the Lord looked a little dirty, and needed a bath. But how could he give
the deity a bath? He had no vessels to bring water! As he walked towards the
shrine carrying the day’s catch in both arms, he noticed the small stream
flowing nearby and had an idea! He bent and filled water in his mouth and went
to the shrine where he poured the water from his mouth on the Lingam, thus
bathing it. He then made his offerings and spoke to the Lord before leaving for
the day.
The next time the Brahmin returned to the shrine, he was repulsed by the sight he saw!
There was meat all over the place again, and this time, the lingam was covered
by spittle! This was not the work of an animal, but a human being! How could
anyone thus defile the Lord? He patiently cleaned up the shrine before chanting
the mantras and purifying the Lingam before making his offerings. Again, he
left, having done his duty, hoping that such sacrilege would not occur again.
Imagine the Brahmin’s predicament when he saw the same thing every time he
arrived there! Disgusted by the situation, he could not control his tears
and addressed the Lord aloud, “O Lord, You are the purest of all, the greatest
of all Gods. How can You allow such indignities to happen to You Yourself? You
are the protector of the universe. Please protect Yourself from such a sinner!”
Love.
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