Akbar’s Dream of Hell
One night, Akbar dreamt he had died and was being taken to hell. The flames roared, and the pain was unbearable. He cried out, “Why am I here? What wrong have I done?” A celestial voice replied, “Because of your pride, your tyranny, and your disregard for the welfare of the poor.”
Awakening with Fear
The emperor woke up trembling. The vision had shaken him deeply. That morning, he summoned Birbal and shared his dream, asking, “What must I do to be free from such a fate?”
Birbal’s Counsel
Birbal, with folded palms, replied, “O Emperor, a king is the servant of his people. Rule not with pride, but with humility. Give charity, protect the innocent, and always remember that the Supreme Lord is above all.” Akbar, moved by the wisdom, vowed to change his ways.
Lesson to Be Learned
Dreams may sometimes serve as messengers of divine warning. The path of dharma lies in selfless service, humility, and remembrance of the Lord. As Prabhupāda taught, a real leader is not he who controls others, but he who serves the will of Kṛṣṇa and protects His children.
