New Delhi: In ancient mythology, the divine plays (Leelas) of Lord Shri Krishna are not merely for entertainment but serve to explain profound philosophies of life. One such story involves Shri Krishna and his Queen Satyabhama, where the Lord used the simple example of salt to prove the greatness of domestic life and a woman's sacrifice.
Once, Satyabhama asked Shri Krishna, "Lord, how do I appear to you?" Krishna replied with a smile, "Goddess, you seem like salt to me." Hearing this, Satyabhama became furious. She wondered if there was no other precious object in the entire universe for comparison. Shri Krishna calmed her down at that moment but began planning a lesson to teach her the truth.
A few days later, a grand banquet (Chappan Bhog) was organized in the palace. Satyabhama, who was an expert in culinary arts, personally supervised the dishes. However, as soon as she took the first bite, her face fell. There was no salt in any of the vegetables. She tried to eat the sweets, but without salt, the balance of flavor in the entire meal was ruined.
When Satyabhama grew angry, Shri Krishna asked simply, "Goddess, if there is no salt in the food, so what? There are other precious dry fruits and sugar." Satyabhama replied irritably, "Without salt, everything is bland and meaningless."
Then, with a gentle smile, Shri Krishna said— "This is exactly why I compared you to salt. Just as salt erases its own visible existence to make the entire meal meaningful and delicious, a woman holds the family together through her love and sacrifice."