Shravan

In ancient India, there once lived a sage named Shantunu and his wife. Both were very old and blind. The couple had a young son named Shravan. Shravan had devoted his life to serving his blind parents. He took care of each and every wish of his parents. Shravan's whole life centred around serving his parents.

Once his parents said to him, "Son, we are old and do not have much time to live. Before we die we wish to go on a pilgrimage to Bharat's holy places." Shravan agreed at once to fulfill their wish. He made a kavad, a special carrier, for his parents. He carried the kavad on his shoulder and they left on the pilgrimage. Shravan was so devoted to his parents that he did not feel their weight. A few months later, they reached the outskirts of Ayodhya, the holy birthplace of Shri Ramchandra Bhagwan.

Shravan's parents were very thirsty. Shravan put the kavad on the ground. He took a waterpot to fill the river Saryu flowing nearby. As he bent down to fill pot, an arrow pierced his chest. King Dashrath had hit him by accident. The king was in the forest hunting for a deer. In the fading light of the dusk he mistook Shravan for a deer because of the gugling sound from the pot. As soon as the arrow hit him, Shravan cried out in agony. Dashrath realized his mistake and he ran to the young boy. Shravan was lying in a pool of blood. He was hit badly in the chest. Dashrath was immensely pained at the sight and asked forgiveness.

Shravan told him, " My old parents, are very thirsty. Please take this water to them and quench their thirst." After saying this he died. Dashrath took the water to the blind couple. He told them about his mistake and about their dear son's accidental death. The parents were very sad to hear this and wished to be taken to Shravan. Dashrath carried the kavad and took them to the body. The old couple grieved at their son's death. Dashrath bowed at their feet and begged for forgiveness.

Shravan's Father said, "King, we do not want to curse you, as the power to curse is only in God's hands. But we can see your future. As we shall die shortly longing for our son, you too shall die longing for your son." Soon they died, longing for their dear son. The couple's words later turned out to be true for Dashrath. He, too died, longing for his son Shri Ram.

Today, we remember Shravan for his sincere service, duty and devotion to his parents.