You are currently viewing The Salvation of a Donkey Through Association with a Devotee – by Madhu Chanda das

In a village on the edge of a great forest, there once lived a humble Vaiṣṇava, a servant of Lord Viṣṇu who led a quiet life of devotion. He had no wealth, no large following, and no great learning—but his heart was pure, and he spent his days chanting the names of the Lord, worshipping Tulasī-devī, and serving wandering sādhus.

This devotee lived in a small hut and earned his livelihood by selling firewood he collected from the forest. He would go out every morning, cut branches from fallen trees, and load them onto the back of his donkey, who was old and feeble but loyal.

What made this donkey unique was its constant association with the holy Vaiṣṇava. Day after day, it would accompany the devotee to the forest, stand patiently as the brāhmaṇa collected wood, and then return home with him to hear the chanting of the holy name. Though an animal, the donkey would sit near the hut, listening to the Vaiṣṇava sing:

“Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare
Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.”

Sometimes, the devotee would gently touch the donkey’s head and say, “You are so fortunate. You carry wood for the Lord’s devotee. May Kṛṣṇa bless you.”

Years passed in this way. The donkey eventually grew weaker and one day collapsed and died near the hut.

The Vaiṣṇava was saddened by the loss of his companion and softly chanted the holy names as he looked at the donkey’s body.

Suddenly, to his astonishment, he witnessed a wondrous sight: a group of Viṣṇudūtas descended from the sky, glowing like golden suns. With garlands in hand and divine smiles, they approached the donkey’s body and said:

“This jīva, though born as a donkey, has been constantly in the company of a great devotee. He has heard the holy names, served the servant of the Lord, and remained peaceful and non-offensive. By this association alone, he is now purified and fit for Vaikuṇṭha.”

As they spoke, the donkey’s soul emerged—resplendent, in a divine form—and was lovingly escorted by the Viṣṇudūtas to the spiritual world.

The Vaiṣṇava, with tears in his eyes, offered his prostrated obeisances and prayed, “O Lord! You are so kind, so merciful. Who can understand Your grace?”


Lessons from This Story:

  • Even an animal can be delivered by serving a devotee and hearing the holy name.
  • The association of a pure bhakta is so powerful that it transforms and purifies anyone nearby—human or beast.
  • The Viṣṇudūtas come for those who serve the servants of the Lord, even unknowingly.
  • Chanting near others, living a sincere life of devotion, helps uplift all beings around us.
  • This confirms the teaching of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu: bhakta-saṅge govinda-nāma—ei-matra cāi
    “I desire only the name of Govinda in the company of devotees.”