“Would you like this book on Maa NavDurga?” I asked a security guard at a nearby residential society. During Navratri, I had been distributing books on the Divine Mother to the janitors, housekeeping staff, gardeners, plumbers, electricians and anyone else in my own society who showed an interest in reading them. Having shared my collection with them, I decided to visit a neighbouring society and offer these spiritual treasures to more people.
“Of course! I would love to have it. Navratri is going on,” he replied with a smile.
I handed him the book, and he began flipping through its pages with interest. Encouraged by his enthusiasm, I asked whether he would like to read any other books from my collection. As I showed him a few titles, he mentioned something that immediately caught my attention.
“I used to read the Durga Saptashati when I lived in my village, but I don't have a copy here,” he said.
His words touched my heart. Here was someone who genuinely wished to read about the Divine Mother but did not have access to the sacred text he loved. I immediately offered to check my collection at home.
“Let me see if I have a copy. I will return in some time. Please wait for me,” I told him.
When I returned, I carried a paper bag filled with more than one book. I opened it and showed him the Durga Saptashati, the Markandeya Purana, and both parts of the Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Purana. I explained that all these scriptures glorified the Divine Mother. The Durga Saptashati, also known as the Devi Mahatmya, is a celebrated section of the Markandeya Purana, one of the eighteen Mahapuranas of Sanatan Dharma. The Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Purana, meanwhile, narrates the glory, divine power and greatness of the Divine Mother.
His face lit up when he noticed the publisher.
“All these books are published by Gita Press, Gorakhpur!” he exclaimed with delight.
His happiness was contagious. It was clear that these were not merely books to him; they were a means of staying connected with his faith. I felt that the books had found someone who would appreciate them, read them and cherish their teachings.
“If you wish, you can keep all of them,” I told him. “And after you have read them, if you would like to explore more, I will gladly share other books from the same publisher.”
He was delighted. Then, with genuine eagerness, he asked, “Please share your mobile number, Sirji!”
I explained that I did not usually answer phone calls, but he could take my manager's number. He could call him whenever he wished and tell him the name of the book he wanted to read. I would then arrange it for him.
As I returned home, my heart was filled with joy. I had set out to distribute books, but I felt as though Maa Durga had guided me to someone who truly desired them. What could be more satisfying than placing sacred scriptures in the hands of a person who was eager to read them?
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” This well-known saying is often used to describe the mysterious way in which learning finds its way to a sincere seeker. That day, I felt something similar had happened. A man who wished to read the sacred scriptures had received not one, but five books through an unexpected encounter.
Perhaps devotion does not always express itself through elaborate rituals or grand offerings. Sometimes, it takes the simple form of sharing a book, answering someone's spiritual longing or helping a seeker reconnect with the scriptures he loves.
As the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita teaches in Chapter 17, Verse 20, giving a gift to a deserving person, at the right time and without expecting anything in return, is sattvic daan.
I had gone out to share the glory of Maa Durga, but returned feeling blessed myself. Sometimes, the greatest joy lies in helping someone find what their heart truly seeks.
Jai Maa Durga!
This is the 1,100th post on my blog! :)
Pic : AI Generated
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