Sage Narada was a faithful follower of Lord Vishnu, traveling the world and chanting, “Narayana, Narayana, Narayana.”
One day, Narada encountered Lord Vishnu. “You are very dear to me, Narada. Your devotion pleases me,” said Vishnu.
“Does this mean I am your most devoted follower?” Narada asked.
With a gentle smile, Vishnu replied, “No.”
Narada felt puzzled. “Is there someone who is more devoted than I am?” he inquired.
“Let’s see,” responded the Lord.
Early the next morning, Vishnu brought Narada to a small house where a farmer was sleeping. As the sun rose, the farmer woke up, clasped his hands in prayer, and said, “Narayana, Narayana.”
“Observe this devotee all day and then come back to me,” instructed Lord Vishnu, and he departed.
The farmer got ready for his day and went to his field. Narada followed closely. The farmer worked hard, plowing his field under the scorching sun all morning.
“He hasn’t mentioned the Lord’s name even once!” thought Narada.
The farmer paused for lunch. Before eating, he said, “Narayana, Narayana.” After finishing his meal, he returned to work.
The following day, Narada met Lord Vishnu. “So, Narada, do you still doubt that the farmer is my greatest devotee?” asked Vishnu.
Feeling hurt, Narada said, “Lord, the farmer worked all day and took your name only three times – when he woke up, before lunch, and before sleeping. But I chant your name continuously. Why do you think he is your greatest devotee?”
Lord Vishnu smiled warmly. “I will answer your question in a moment. But first, can you fetch me some water? There is a lake on top of this hill. Please bring me a pot of water from there. Make sure not to spill even a drop.”
Narada climbed the hill, filled a pot with water, and carefully balanced it on his head. He began his descent, chanting, “Narayana, Narayana.” Then he stopped and thought, “Wait, I must be careful. Lord Vishnu said not to spill even a drop.”
Narada carefully made his way down the hill, focusing all his attention on the water pot. He took one step at a time, ensuring not a single drop would fall.
Finally, he reached Lord Vishnu at the base of the hill as the sun was setting. Narada gently lowered the pot and offered it to the Lord, saying, “Lord, not a drop of water was spilled.”
“That’s good, Narada. But tell me, how many times did you say my name?” asked Lord Vishnu.
“Lord, I was concentrating on the water pot the whole time. I could only say your name twice – when I started walking and after I put the pot down,” explained Narada.
Lord Vishnu smiled kindly. Narada realized that while the farmer had taken the Lord’s name three times in a day, he had only taken it twice. He bowed at Lord Vishnu’s feet, saying, “Narayana, Narayana.”
Vishnu blessed Narada and said, “What matters is the devotion in your heart. I can feel the farmer’s love for me just as I feel your love for me.”
“And I can feel your love for all your devotees,” said Narada.
Narada understood that true devotion means having love for God, and he realized that God loves all His devotees equally.
Moral of the Story:
True devotion is not measured by how many times you say God’s name but by the sincerity and love in your heart. God values genuine love and devotion, no matter how simple or quiet it may be.