The Challenge of the Scholars
After the first miraculous event in Kāśī, when the penitent sinner was purified, some learned brāhmaṇas still harbored doubt. They whispered among themselves, “Perhaps it was illusion, or coincidence. Can it truly be that mere sound — the name Rāma — has such power?”
Tulsīdās, hearing their murmurs, remained peaceful. He knew that faith ripens only through experience, not argument. Yet the Lord desired that His devotee’s glory — and the glory of His own name — be proclaimed once again.
The Second Demonstration
Another great gathering was held in the temple of Viśveśvara. This time, the hall was filled not only with devotees but also with skeptical pandits, eager to test the saint. One among them said:
“O Tulsīdās, you speak much of the power of the Lord’s name. But words are easily spoken. Show us again something that will silence all doubt.”
Tulsīdās simply smiled. “Brothers, I have nothing to show. But if the Lord wills, He will reveal His truth again. Bring offerings of food to Nandī, the faithful servant of Śiva.”
The crowd watched as Tulsīdās took a plate of sanctified food and stood before the great stone bull. He folded his hands and began to pray with the humility of a child:
“O blue-throated Śiva, Lord of all, when poison burned through Your veins, it was the name of Rāma that cooled You. You Yourself bear witness to the power of that name. If this truth is eternal, let this stone bull again partake of the offering.”
The Second Miracle
The air fell utterly still. The lamps flickered, and a strange fragrance filled the temple — the scent of sandalwood and lotus combined. Slowly, before the eyes of hundreds, Nandī began to stir. His massive stone frame seemed to pulse with life, and once again he bent his head and ate the offering from the saint’s hand.
A collective cry rose from the assembly: “Victory to Lord Rāma! Victory to Śiva, who honors His name!”
Even the skeptical pandits bowed low, their eyes overflowing with tears. The sound of the holy name filled the entire temple, rolling through Kāśī like a river of light.
The Humility of Tulsīdās
But Tulsīdās only folded his hands and said softly, “Do not praise me. Praise Him whose name even the Lord of Kailāsa reveres. It is not I who performed this — it is the power of the Name that lives upon every tongue willing to utter it with faith.”
He then quoted gently from the Bhāgavata Purāṇa:
“In this age of Kali, the name of the Lord is the only boat that can cross the ocean of suffering.”
The Transformation of Kāśī
From that day, Kāśī changed. Men who once debated the scriptures now gathered to sing kīrtan. The proud scholars became servants of the poor. The streets that once rang with the sound of argument now echoed with “Śrī Rāma Jaya Rāma Jaya Jaya Rāma.”
Even the most fallen souls found hope. The same brāhmaṇa who had once doubted Tulsīdās became his disciple, teaching others the glory of nāma-bhakti — devotion through the holy name.
Reflections – Lessons for Devotees
- Faith Is Born of Experience: Tulsīdās did not argue or boast; he simply let the Lord’s will manifest. True faith cannot be forced — it blossoms through grace.
- Śiva Himself Honors the Name: When the great Lord of renunciation bows to the name of Rāma, how can we, who are ordinary souls, neglect it?
- The Saint as the Lord’s Instrument: Miracles belong to God, not to the saint. Tulsīdās stood as a clear mirror reflecting divine will.
- The Holy Name Unites All: Where debate divides, the name of the Lord brings harmony. Chanting is the language of the soul.
Thus, the story of the second miracle confirmed once more that the name of Rāma is not sound alone — it is the eternal presence of the Lord Himself.
Source: Bhaktavijaya, Chapter III, verses 225–243 (Mahīpati).
