(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.21.2–17)
The King Who Never Strived for Wealth
King Rantideva was a ruler unlike any other. Though a monarch by position, he lived with the heart of a sage. He never endeavored to earn or hoard wealth. Whatever came by providence he accepted with gratitude, using it only for the welfare of others.
When guests came, he offered them everything he had, keeping nothing for himself. Thus he and his family often suffered from hunger and thirst, yet his composure never wavered. His mind was anchored in the peace of divine consciousness.
The Arrival of the First Guest
Once, King Rantideva fasted for forty-eight days. Weak from hunger, he and his family were about to break their fast when some simple food—prepared with milk and ghee—and a small amount of water were brought before him. Just as they were about to eat, a brāhmaṇa guest appeared.
Seeing the brāhmaṇa as a manifestation of the Supreme Lord, Rantideva immediately welcomed him with folded hands, offering him a portion of the food. The brāhmaṇa ate and departed, leaving the king’s family with a little less than before.
The Second Guest
Rantideva then divided the remaining food among his family and was about to take his first morsel when a second guest—a śūdra—arrived, weary and hungry. The king saw within him also the presence of the Lord and shared the food again. The śūdra gratefully accepted the offering and left.
The Master of the Dogs
When the king was about to eat the small portion still left, another guest arrived—an outcaste man accompanied by a pack of hungry dogs. The man bowed and said, “O King, my dogs and I are starving. Please show us compassion.”
Without hesitation, Rantideva offered all the remaining food to the man and his dogs. With deep reverence, he bowed before them and watched as they ate, feeling satisfaction in their nourishment rather than his own deprivation.
The Final Test
Now, only a little water remained—barely enough for one person. The king lifted it to his lips, but before he could drink, a fourth guest appeared—a caṇḍāla, a man considered untouchable by social standards. The exhausted caṇḍāla pleaded, “O noble king, I am dying of thirst. Please, give me some water.”
The king’s heart melted with compassion. Overcome with pity, he spoke words filled with divine love:
“I do not desire the eight mystic perfections, nor liberation from birth and death.
I desire only to remain among all living beings, suffering for their sake,
so that they may be freed from all distress.”
Saying this, Rantideva offered his last drop of water to the caṇḍāla, feeling no loss—only relief and joy. He said,
“By giving this water to save another’s life, I am freed from hunger, thirst, fatigue, and illusion.”
The Revelation
As soon as he spoke, the four guests—the brāhmaṇa, the śūdra, the man with dogs, and the caṇḍāla—manifested their true forms. They were none other than the demigods Lord Brahmā, Lord Śiva, and their divine companions, who had come to test the king’s compassion.
Bowing before them, Rantideva offered respect but asked for no boon. His heart was fixed only on the lotus feet of Lord Viṣṇu. The demigods, astonished by his unalloyed devotion, blessed him, saying that his compassion had surpassed all forms of austerity and knowledge.
The Glory of a Pure Heart
Because King Rantideva’s mind was completely surrendered to Lord Kṛṣṇa, the illusory energy (māyā) could not touch him. For him, the world of suffering was like a dream that vanishes at dawn. His example purified countless followers, who became devotees devoted solely to Nārāyaṇa, the Supreme Lord.
Reflection
The story of King Rantideva reveals the highest standard of compassion and surrender. His greatness lay not in his power, wealth, or austerity, but in his selfless love for all beings, seeing every soul as a manifestation of God.
Lessons to learn:
- True spirituality is measured by compassion. When one sees God in every heart, service becomes spontaneous.
- Self-sacrifice purifies the soul. The more we give, the more divine joy awakens within us.
- Devotion transcends all social boundaries. King Rantideva bowed to brāhmaṇa and caṇḍāla alike, seeing none as higher or lower before the Lord.
- Pure devotion leaves no room for illusion. When the heart is filled with Kṛṣṇa, there is no hunger, thirst, or pride.
Such is the glory of King Rantideva—an emperor who ruled not by force, but by love; not by wealth, but by surrender.
Source: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.21.2–17, translated and commented by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda.
