23. True Devotion Works Wonders

When devotion is pure and faith unwavering, God remains ever-present with His devotees. This truth could be illustrated through an inspiring episode attributed to Sri Shankara Bhagavatpada.

Near Sri Shankara’s home in Kalady, there stood a shrine dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. Every day, his father would offer milk to the deity, then bring it back to share as sacred prasadam. One day, when he was unable to visit the shrine, he entrusted the task to his child, Shankara.

With innocent sincerity, the child placed the container of milk before the idol and requested the Goddess to partake of it. His unconditioned mind did not perceive the idol as a mere lifeless object; instead, he truly expected the Goddess to accept his offering. However, nothing happened.

Disheartened, the child waited, but when the Goddess remained silent, he began to weep. Moved by his pure devotion and unwavering faith, the Goddess manifested before him, lifted the container, and drank the milk. Overjoyed, young Shankara was about to return home when he realized that the container was empty. Worried that he had nothing to take back as prasadam, he asked the Goddess why she had consumed it all. Pleased by his innocence, the Goddess smiled and miraculously refilled the container with milk.

Narrating this episode, His Holiness reminded the audience of Lord Krishna’s promise to Arjuna: “Whatever is offered to Me with devotion, be it a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water–I accept it with love.”

True devotion never goes unanswered. ❀❀❀❀