Pundarika was a great devotee of Lord Panduranga. He always held the view
that service to the parents is of paramount importance. One day, he was serving
his parents by massaging their feet. In order to test his love towards his
parents, Lord Panduraga appeared before him. But, Pundarika did not want to be
distracted from his attention and continued to serve his parents.
Then the Lord Panduranga enquired of him “My dear Son! I appeared before
you to give you My darshan; but you are not looking at Me. Whom are you serving
with such single-minded devotion?” Pundarika replied that he was serving his
parents. Then, Lord Panduranga queried, “Is not God greater than the parents?
Won’t you have My darshan at least for one second?” But, Pundarika was not
disturbed. He replied “My parents are living divinities for me. I cannot have
your darshan, unless I put my parents to sleep. If you wish to give me your
darshan, you stand there on the brick till then.” So saying, he pushed a brick
towards Lord Panduranga.
The Lord then commended his love and devotion towards his parents and
declared “The world will always remain safe and prosperous if all people
cultivate such love and devotion towards their parents. May such noble sons
like you proliferate in this world.” From then on, great and noble ideas of
sacrifice and detachment continued to develop in Pundarika. He spent his time
happily serving his parents and winning their love.
- From Swami's 2005 Easwaramma Day Divine Discourse.
