The True Essence of Devotion – When Lord Krishna appeared in the idol

Bhakti is not just a ritual, but a feeling connected to the heart. When God is remembered with mind, words and deeds, only then the real joy and miracle of devotion is seen. This feeling can be understood through a beautiful story.

A person was very troubled. One of his friends advised him to start worshiping Lord Krishna. He brought a beautiful idol of Shri Krishna home and started worshiping it. Many years passed, but he did not feel any special benefit.

One day his other friend said,

"You worship Kali Maa, your sorrows will definitely go away." The very next day he brought an idol of Kali Maa home. He kept the idol of Shri Krishna in a niche above the temple and started worshiping Kali Maa's idol by placing it in the temple.

After some time, a thought came to his mind—the fragrance of the incense sticks and dhoopbatti that I am offering to Kali Maa will reach Shri Krishna as well. Thinking this, he decided to tie a cloth on Shri Krishna's mouth so that the smoke of incense would not reach there.

As soon as he climbed up and started tying a cloth on Shri Krishna's mouth, suddenly Lord Krishna caught his hand. Seeing this, the person was surprised. He asked,

"Lord! I was worshipping you for so many years, but you did not appear, how did you appear now?"

Lord Krishna smiled and said,

"Till today you used to worship me considering me just an idol, but today you have experienced that 'Krishna is breathing' - that's it, this is true devotion, and this feeling has revealed me."

Learning:
The real meaning of devotion is not just to perform worship or rituals, but to connect with God by considering him alive in your heart. When this feeling is awakened, then only is it possible to see God.

Jai Shri Radhe Krishna