A Captive in the Forest
Once, deep in the jungles near the Himālayas, an elephant king ruled over a large herd. He was powerful, majestic, and proud. But due to the reactions of his past karma, this elephant had developed a cruel nature. He would trample small animals, uproot trees unnecessarily, and fight even other innocent creatures.
One day, while wandering farther than usual, he became trapped in a muddy swamp. The more he struggled, the deeper he sank. His cries echoed through the forest, but no one could help. Eventually, exhausted, he lay still—sensing that death was near.
The Fortunate Drop
Above the elephant’s head, on a branch, sat a sage performing japa. This sage, having just returned from a bath in the Ganges River, had brought back some water in a small leaf cup. While he chanted, a gentle wind blew, tipping the cup. A single drop of that Ganges water fell from the leaf and landed directly on the elephant’s forehead.
In that moment, the elephant took his final breath.
The Arrival of the Viṣṇudūtas
Immediately, Viṣṇudūtas appeared, their celestial forms shining like gold. They lifted the soul of the elephant from its massive body and addressed the astonished sage:
“This elephant, though sinful, has received the touch of the sacred Ganges, which is born from the feet of Lord Viṣṇu. That single drop has destroyed his lifetimes of offenses. He is now purified and ready to enter the eternal spiritual world.”
The sage bowed with awe, realizing the unfathomable mercy of the Lord and the sacred potency of His river.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- A single drop of Ganges water, especially when touched at the time of death, can liberate a soul from all sins.
- The sacred elements connected to Lord Viṣṇu—such as Ganges water, tulasī leaves, and nāma-saṅkīrtana—carry transcendental potency.
- Even the most sinful living beings are not beyond redemption when touched by the grace of the Lord.
- As the scriptures glorify: “gaṅgājalena yo snātaḥ sa pūtaḥ sarvapātakaiḥ”
“One who bathes in Ganges water becomes purified of all sins.” (Skanda Purāṇa)
Origin of the Story: Padma Purāṇa – Stories section glorifying the purifying power of Gaṅgā-jala (Ganges water), even when received unknowingly.
