The Pilgrim’s Journey to the Holy River
In ancient times, a simple-hearted devotee set out on pilgrimage to visit the sacred Gaṅgā River. He was not well-versed in scriptures, nor did he possess great wealth or austerity. But he had a heart filled with faith and love for the holy rivers, especially Gaṅgā-devī, whom he revered as the divine mother.
After many days of walking barefoot, enduring heat and dust, he arrived at the banks of Gaṅgā and joyfully immersed himself in her waters, chanting the holy names of Lord Hari.
The Lizard Hidden in a Crevice
Nearby, clinging to the side of a large boulder, lived an old lizard, stuck in a narrow crevice. It had lived there for years—dry, solitary, and unknown to all. It had never tasted a drop of Gaṅgā’s waters nor heard the name of Viṣṇu.
But as the pilgrim emerged from his bath, his feet were dripping with Gaṅgā water. He stepped onto the rock, and as he bent to dry his feet, a few drops of Gaṅgā water splashed into the crevice, landing on the lizard’s head and back.
A Sudden Death and Astonishing Result
Shortly after, the lizard—perhaps due to old age—passed away. In that very moment, the Viṣṇudūtas descended, illuminating the sky with divine brilliance. They gently lifted the soul of the lizard and declared:
“This soul, though trapped in a lizard’s body, has been touched by Gaṅgā water, which is saturated with Lord Viṣṇu’s energy. That single splash has destroyed lifetimes of sin and ignorance. The soul is now liberated and destined to attain a spiritual body and residence in Vaikuṇṭha.”
The pilgrim, unaware of the incident, continued his journey. But in the unseen realm, another soul had been saved, simply by the mercy flowing from a devotee’s footsteps.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Even a drop of Gaṅgā water, touched unintentionally, can purify the most fallen and bring about liberation.
- The Lord’s mercy flows through His devotees, even in their simple acts like walking or bathing.
- Every soul is precious, and even one moment of contact with sanctity can forever transform a life.
- As stated in Padma Purāṇa: “gaṅgāmbu-pāna-mātreṇa naraḥ pāpa-yuto’pi san / vimukto jāyate tasya smaraṇa-mātreṇa caiva hi”
“By merely drinking or being touched by Gaṅgā’s waters, even a sinful man becomes freed. Even remembering her purifies one.”
Origin of the Story: Padma Purāṇa – Stories section glorifying the purifying power of Gaṅgā water and how even animals can be delivered through contact with holy pilgrims.
