A Winter Test
Akbar once challenged a poor man, “Stand in the river all night in winter. If you succeed, I’ll reward you.”
The Man Endures
The man stood in the freezing waters all night. In the morning, he explained, “I focused on a distant lamp to stay warm within.”
Akbar’s Doubt
Some courtiers mocked him, saying, “He drew heat from the lamp!” Akbar canceled the reward.
Birbal’s Response
The next day, Birbal refused to light his kitchen fire, saying, “I’m depending on the Sun to cook my meal.” Akbar understood the injustice and rewarded the poor man.
Lesson to Be Learned
Faith gives warmth even in suffering. A devotee endures trials not by strength, but by keeping the Lord’s light in his heart. Just as the gopīs remembered Kṛṣṇa during separation, their love became their shelter.
