A Life of Violence and Ignorance
In the remote outskirts of a dense forest, there lived a hunter. Hardened by years of killing, his life was steeped in cruelty and devoid of compassion. He hunted animals relentlessly, seeking food and gain, with no regard for dharma or virtue. Scriptures, saints, or sacred days held no meaning for him. His heart was darkened by violence, and his mind, clouded by instinct and survival.
The Sacred Day Arrives
One morning, the sun rose upon an Ekādaśī—the sacred eleventh day of the waxing moon, beloved of Lord Viṣṇu and renowned for its power to purify even the most grievous sins. Yet the hunter, unaware of the day’s divine significance, picked up his bow and set out into the forest, as he had done countless times before.
But something was different. No animals appeared. Birds flew high, deer stayed hidden, and the forest was strangely silent. Hunger gnawed at him, and thirst parched his throat as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Still empty-handed, he wandered deep into the forest until he stumbled upon the banks of a sacred river.
The Unknowing Bath
There, sages and brāhmaṇas were assembled, observing the Ekādaśī fast and bathing in the river with prayers and mantras. The air was charged with purity and devotion. The hunter, ignorant of their intentions, approached only to cool his exhausted body and quench his thirst.
He stepped into the river. As he submerged himself in the cooling water, droplets from the sages’ own sacred baths splashed upon him. Unaware, he had bathed on Ekādaśī—in a holy river and in the association of Vaiṣṇavas. Without intending to, he had performed one of the most purifying acts in all of dharma.
A Soul Claimed by the Lord
Refreshed, but still unaware of the transformation that had just occurred, he returned to his simple hut. That very night, as he lay on his bed of leaves, death came for him. The messengers of Yamarāja, dark and fearsome, appeared to seize his soul.
But in that moment, the sky was illuminated by another presence—the Viṣṇudūtas, divine messengers of Lord Viṣṇu, glowing with spiritual radiance. They held conch shells and cakras, their forms shining like the sun, their gaze filled with compassion.
They blocked the Yamadūtas and declared:
“This soul, though clad in the form of a hunter, has bathed on Ekādaśī in a sacred river, in the company of saintly devotees. Though unaware, his act has cleansed the sins of countless births. He is now under the protection of Lord Viṣṇu.”
The Yamadūtas, stunned and unable to argue with this higher truth, bowed and withdrew.
The Journey to Vaikuṇṭha
The Viṣṇudūtas then raised the hunter’s purified soul, now glowing with newfound brilliance. Carried upon celestial paths, he was brought to the eternal abode of Vaikuṇṭha, where he was lovingly received into the service of the Lord.
The Declaration of the Sages
From that day forward, the sages who had witnessed the event proclaimed to all:
“Even one who is unaware, if they come into contact with sacred time, sacred water, and saintly association, can receive the full grace of the Lord. Such is the unlimited compassion of Śrī Viṣṇu.”
Lessons to Remember
- Ekādaśī holds immense spiritual power. Even unintentional observance—through fasting, bathing, or merely being in a sacred environment—can grant liberation.
- The association of devotees enhances all spiritual acts. Their presence can uplift even the fallen.
- The Lord’s mercy is not bound by one’s awareness or birth. It flows to all who come in contact with bhakti, even unknowingly.
- This story reveals the secret of divine transformation—through sacred time (Ekādaśī), sacred place (holy river), and sacred association (devotees).
Origin of the Story: Padma Purāṇa