Namah Shivaya

Namah Shivaya

This is the tale of a tiny village with a small population. Like a large family, the village was. There were, nevertheless, a few self-centred individuals, and as they say, "good and bad" are a part of everyday existence.

There was a Shiva temple atop the hill, and every evening there was a ritual called "aarti," during which earthen lamps were lit and some women and men sang devotional songs. The priest was getting older, and since he didn't have a son and only had three married daughters living in separate places, it was becoming uncertain who would take over his responsibilities.

The members of the Gram Panchayat told the pandit to find someone genuine to whom he could hand over his duties.

The next day, the pandit told the young men, between 20 and 30, to gather over the hilltop. About 30 young men met near the temple, and there were two groups. The ‘A’ group’s leader was Partha, and the ‘B’ group leader was Shibu.

The pandit said, in front of the members of Gram Panchayat, 'Well, Partha and Shibu are the two young men whom I give the responsibility to bring each a Kamandalu of water from the stream that flows down the village. And this water would be poured by them on the Shiva Linga tomorrow evening. There are two pagdandis (footways) that lead to the temple on the hilltop. And both ways take about 40 minutes to slowly climb the narrow road up the hill.

The next morning, both the young men filled up their Kamandalus, which was made of brass and had a handle and spout, given by the pandit from the stream that flows through the tiny village and started on their way to the hilltop. Prior to this, they took a bath and put on new pajamas and kurtas. Partha filled his Kamandalu, followed by Shibu, and both went on their ways.

It was the merry month of May, the summer’s Queen and there were so many different flowers around, and one could hear the pretty nightingale's honeyed soft voice that soothed many people’s hearts. Partha was careful not to spill even a drop of water, and on his way, as he moved to walk, he met an old lady who was thirsty and asked the young man, ‘Kindly give me some water’. Partha was annoyed, and he said, ‘Go away; this water is for Shiva’. He angrily pronounced Shiva and carefully saw to it that not a drop of water spilled on the road. As he walked further, folding his pajamas high, he saw a thirsty dog excessively panting for water, but Partha shooed him away. ‘ He said aloud, Getaway, this water is for Lord Shiva’ and started walking upwards.

As Partha was going up the hill, he met a farmer who gave a long, weary sigh and looked tired. Perhaps he too wanted some water, but Partha kept his Kamandalu straight so that not a drop of water fell down. The sun was shining high, and May heat was felt by many. Finally, Partha reached the hilltop and was beaming with pride with his Kamandalu full of water. He rubbed his shoulders with the members of the panchayat, making himself important.

Now let’s come to Shibu, who had taken the other way and was left behind. Shibu, too, met an old lady who was thirsty and looked at him for some water. Shibu kindly told the lady to cup her hands. He took the handle firmly and poured some water into the thirsty woman’s hands. The old lady was grateful and wanted to thank Shibu, but he humbly said, ‘Namah Shivaya'. Then Shibu was walking up the hill when he saw a thirsty dog who was panting for water. Shibu came forward, bent his knees, and put water through the spout in the dog’s mouth. The dog had satisfaction in his eyes and wagged his tail. Shibu patted the dog and said, Namah Shivaya.' Shibu was now getting late, so he took big steps and started to walk fast. But, oh, God, he met a weary farmer and saw the same pain of thirst. He called the farmer and gave him water to drink. The farmer blessed him, and Shibu said, 'Namah Shivaya.

There were many villagers who had walked up the hilltop, and all were eager to listen to what the pandit had to say. The boys who were with Partha patted and assured him that he would get the next responsibility. Here, Shibu was sitting quietly with his empty Kamandalu. The pandit came and entered the temple, rang the bell, and told the boys to pour water on the Shiva Linga. Partha carefully poured the water from his Kamandalu, and his friends and others clapped hard. Now it was Shibu’s turn. Shibu came up to the Shiva Linga and, with folded hands, told the pandit that he had no water in his kamandalu.

Partha and his group mocked Shibu and others became quiet and looked at each other. Finally, the pandit said,I am now going to announce the next person who will take over after me as the temple pandit. There was a pin-drop silence, and all were waiting for the pandit to speak.

The Gram Panchayat members and all the villagers were eagerly waiting, and Partha was confident that he would be selected. The pandit called Partha and asked him how his day was and if he faced any trouble coming up the hilltop. Partha rolled up his sleeves and said confidently that on his way he had met the thirsty people, the old lady, a panting dog, and also a weary farmer, but he was strict and shooed all away, saying to clear his way and that the water in the Kamandalu was for Lord Shiva. The pandit listened to him, and then he told him to sit and called Shibu.

The pandit asked Shibu, ‘Well! My boy, how was your journey to the temple? Shibu said, ‘Oh! Panditji I first met a thirsty old lady and gave her water to quench her thirst. Then I saw a dog panting for water, and I kneeled down and, from the Kamandalu, put water in his mouth. Finally, I met a weary farmer, tired and dusty, and poured water into his hands to satisfy his thirst. And for the rest, I poured water on the roadway flowers. So, sir, I have no water left. The pandit had a stern expression on his face and said, ‘You got no water for Lord Shiva?. Shibu hung his head down and waited for his punishment.

The pandit told all to be quiet and still. He then addressed the Gram Panchayat members and all the villagers, ‘Well! I give the responsibility to Shibu to be the next pandit of this Shiva Temple. Partha lost his voice and looked lost. The pandit further said that in all living beings dwell Shiva. As many times Shibu fed water to the thirsty, he fed Shiva. So, he is the man who will not only look after the temple but also the villagers and will be kind to all living beings.

Shibu was granted a piece of land from the Gram Panchayat to build his own house near the temple and a monthly salary to be the caretaker of the temple.

There was a huge clap from all the villagers, and Shibu became everyone’s favorite.

Thanks for reading.