A Life of Luxury and Illusion
In a bustling city, there lived a renowned courtesan, celebrated for her beauty, elegance, and refined charm. Many noblemen and wealthy merchants were captivated by her, and her home was adorned with riches and luxuries. Yet, despite the admiration of society, her heart was untouched by devotion. She knew nothing of dharma, showed no interest in scriptures, and had never offered a single prayer to the Supreme Lord.
The Divine Sound Enters Her Ears
One day, a group of Vaiṣṇava devotees arrived in that town. With mṛdaṅgas and karatālas in hand, their voices rose in melodious saṅkīrtana—chanting the holy names of Śrī Hari. Their faces glowed with bliss, and their dance ignited spiritual ecstasy in the air.
As the courtesan passed by, she was struck—not by the philosophy or teachings—but simply by the sound.
She heard:
“Hari! Hari! Govinda! Gopāla! Mādhava! Murāri! Nārāyaṇa!”
Those names, sung with faith and love, penetrated her heart like rays of divine light piercing the darkness of ignorance. She paused, just for a moment, and the sound entered her ears.
A Mysterious Change
That night, she could not sleep. The names echoed in her consciousness—Hari! Hari!—resonating within her being. She did not understand it, but her heart felt a softness she had never known. Her vanity felt hollow. Her pleasures, once intoxicating, now seemed tasteless. A new yearning awoke within her—a desire she could not name.
Drawn to the Kīrtana
In the days that followed, she began secretly attending the devotees’ saṅkīrtana, standing in the back, veiled, watching. Gradually, her lips began to move in unison. She started chanting softly to herself. She no longer sought the company of her former admirers; instead, she sought solitude to repeat the holy names.
A Complete Transformation
Touched by divine mercy, she abandoned her life of indulgence. Seeking out the devotees, she humbly approached a spiritual master and received initiation. Her luxurious garments gave way to simple cloth. Her jeweled hands now counted japa beads. She studied śāstra, rendered service, and absorbed herself in the glorification of the Lord.
People in the city were astounded. “Is this the same woman?” they asked in disbelief. Her beauty had not faded, but now it was radiant with humility and spiritual bliss. Her eyes, once proud and alluring, now overflowed with tears of love for the Lord.
Glorious Departure and Eternal Reward
Years passed. Her body aged, but her devotion only deepened. One sacred morning, as she softly chanted:
“Nārāyaṇa! Hari! Govinda!”
Her soul gently left her body. At that very moment, the Viṣṇudūtas, the messengers of Lord Viṣṇu, descended, their effulgent forms glowing like the sun. With garlands in hand and smiles on their lips, they welcomed her with words of praise:
“Blessed soul! You have conquered illusion by the power of the holy name. Come, enter the eternal realm of Vaikuṇṭha.”
Carried by divine chariot, she rose beyond the heavens, beyond the material creation, and attained her eternal position in the spiritual world—serving the lotus feet of the Lord with unbroken love.
Lessons from This Story
- Bhakti knows no barrier. Even one deeply entangled in worldly pleasures can become a pure devotee by the mercy of the holy name.
- The name of Hari is supremely potent. Even accidental or casual hearing can awaken dormant love in the heart.
- Saṅkīrtana is transformative. It purifies the atmosphere and attracts even the most fallen souls.
- True beauty lies in surrender. The charm of the body fades, but the beauty of devotion is eternal.
- The Lord is eager to uplift the lowly. One sincere chant can bring down the mercy of the entire spiritual world.
