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purpose he chose a strong bamboo stick and tied the baskets at its
two ends with the help of strong ropes. Once prepared, Shravan
Kumartook off for the pilgrimage carrying both his parents.
After visiting some of the places of pilgrimage, he decided
to rest on the banks of sacred river Sharayu. He placed the baskets
with his parents in the shade of a tree. He described the beauty of
the surrounding place to his blind parents and told them that he
will take a dip in the river Sharayu.
His parents asked him to bring them a pitcher of water
while returning from the river. King Dashratha who was the ruler
of Ayodha was on a hunting expedition at that time near the spot.
He heard the bubbling sound coming from the river. He mistook
it for a deer drinking water and shot his arrow in that direction.
The arrow hit with precision but he soon realized that he hit a
man.
He rushed to Shravan Kumar and repented the mistake he
had committed. Shravan Kumar realized that he won’t be able to
live for long and requested the king to carry the pitcher to his blind
parents and attend them. King Dashratha went with the pitcher
to the old couple. He revealed to them what had happened. Both
the parents were struck with grief and cursed the king that he too
will die from the sorrow of separation from his son. Shortly after,
both the old couple passed away.
It was because of this curse that Lord Rama had to go for
14 years of exile with Laxman and Sita, and King Dashratha died
because of the sorrow of separation from his son.
You know children; Shravan Kumar is remembered today, as
one of the best sons ever born for his sincere service, duty and
devotion to his parents.
How about you….will you listen to your parents, respect them
and take care of them when they get old and need your help?
PG Better Living