In English
Puranik stories to testify 's greatness
There are scriptural texts which testify to all this. But some of them are quite fanciful. For instance, in one puranik story, it is stated that once and His consort were playing a game of dice. For any game there has to be an umpire, who has to declare who is the winner. and agreed to have (the divine bull) as the umpire. is a favourite of , as he is 's vehicle. Although lost the game, declared Him the winner. It is stated that was indignant over 's partiality for and cursed him that he should die from an incurable disease. Thereupon fell at the feet of and pleaded for forgiveness. "Mother! forgive me. Should I not show at least this amount of gratitude to one who is my master? Is it not humiliating for me to declare that my master has lost the game? To uphold his honour I no doubt uttered a lie. But am I to be punished with such severity for so small an offence?" prayed for forgiveness in this manner. forgave and taught him the means to atone for his lapse. She told him, "The day in the month of is the day when my son's birthday is celebrated. On that day you have to offer to my son what pleases you most (green grass)." This means that one atones for one's sins when One offers to the Lord what is most pleasing and enjoyable to him. For the most enjoyable and relishing food is green grass. As directed by worshipped by offering green grass. was then relieved of his dreaded disease. His health improved and by the grace of he was redeemed. This incident is the basis for the practice recommended for pilgrims to , and other places that they should give up something they love most as an offering to the Divine. This means that they should give up something which they like most and not something which they do not like. Whether it be a fruit or a vegetable, what you should choose to give up as an offering to God is what you like most. This means that you give up consuming thereafter that vegetable or fruit. This practice has been prevailing from ancient times among pilgrims to , or other sacred places for a holy bath in the or .