Long ago, in a town surrounded by forests and rivers, lived a poor brāhmaṇa. Although he was born into a family of noble heritage, he had fallen into great poverty and hardship. Struggling to survive, he barely had enough to eat. Despite his situation, he never complained, nor did he lose his faith.
However, due to his poverty, he was unable to perform the daily rituals and yajñas required of brāhmaṇas. With no resources for fire sacrifices or offerings, he lived quietly, unnoticed by others. Yet, every morning, without fail, he would wake before sunrise, bathe, and offer a handful of water to a small Tulasī plant growing near his hut.
This was the only service he could afford, but he did it with devotion and care. He would circumambulate the plant, bow down, and chant the names of Lord Viṣṇu while pouring water at the roots of Tulasī-devī.
Years passed in this way. The brāhmaṇa remained poor and unnoticed. Then, one day, Yamarāja, the lord of death, sent his messengers to bring the brāhmaṇa to his court. The Yamadūtas approached him just as he was completing his morning Tulasī offering.
As they came closer, **they were stopped suddenly by radiant beings—**the Viṣṇudūtas, servants of Lord Viṣṇu. With golden complexions, conch, disc, and lotus in hand, they glowed with divine energy. They stood between the Yamadūtas and the brāhmaṇa and said:
“This brāhmaṇa is not under your jurisdiction. Though he may be poor, he has been daily offering water to Tulasī, the beloved of Lord Viṣṇu. He is under the protection of the Supreme Lord. Go back, for you cannot touch him.”
The Yamadūtas were astonished. “He hasn’t performed yajñas, nor chanted elaborate mantras. He has no wealth or charity to his name. How can he be free from our claim?”
The Viṣṇudūtas replied:
“The Lord is not bound by external rituals. He is bhāva-grahī—He accepts the devotion in the heart. This man has worshipped Tulasī-devī, who is dearer to the Lord than even Lakṣmī. With each drop of water offered to her, he has washed away lifetimes of sin.”
Hearing this, the Yamadūtas fled in defeat.
The Viṣṇudūtas then gently approached the brāhmaṇa, who had completed his last act of worship for that life. They carried his soul with great honor and reverence to Vaikuṇṭha, where he attained the eternal shelter of Lord Nārāyaṇa.
Lessons from This Story:
- Tulasī-devī is supremely dear to Lord Viṣṇu, and even simple offerings made to her bring immense spiritual merit.
- Sincerity outweighs ritual—a humble heart and steady devotion are more powerful than grand ceremonies.
- The Viṣṇudūtas protect those who have surrendered to the Lord, regardless of material qualifications.
- Even a poor and unknown devotee can attain liberation through simple, heartfelt bhakti.
