In my childhood, I had read a story about an interaction between Bhima, the second Pandava, and Kuber, God of Wealth. After the victory in the Mahabharat war with the Kauravas and Yudhistir’s coronation as the new King, peace and progress were established. However, after a few years, there was a drought and consequent food-shortage in the kingdom. Yudhisthir sent Bhima to Kuber with a request for supply a thousand cart-load of grains for the subjects.
When Bhima approached the abode of Kuber, he saw from a distance that Kuber was separating pebbles from a small pile of paddy. Bhima was astounded. He thought to himself, “The so-called God of wealth himself trying to salvage a few grains! It would be pointless to ask such a one for a thousand cart-load of grains.” So he came back and told Yudhistir what he had seen. Yudhistir smiled and asked Bhima to go once again and convey his request to Kuber without hesitation. Reluctantly, Bhima went, met Kuber and did what he was told to do. Immediately, Kuber arranged for dispatch of a thousand cart-load of grains. Bhima was surprised but accompanied the consignment.
On the way, but still away from their kingdom, Bhima saw that due to heavy rains, the road (At that time, pucca roads were not in vogue.) had become full of so much mud that it was impossible for the bullocks to pull the carts on it. Not knowing what to do, Bhima went back and told his predicament to Kuber. Without a moment’s thought, Kuber said, “Don’t worry. Spread the grain in the first 500 carts on the road and move the remaining 500 grain-laden carts on it. I am dispatching another 500 cart-loads of grains.” Bhima thanked him and got ready to leave. But before leaving, he could no longer suppress his gnawing perplexity. One, who was trying to salvage a small quantity of grains from pebbles, had asked 500 cart-loads of grains to be spread on the muddy road to make itdry!!! Reluctantly and curiously, he queried Kuber about this action.
Hearing this, Kuber smiled and said, “Never waste anything, be it a single grain or a single mohar (unit of money) but when needed, never hesitate to spend the required wealth. Don’t be miserly then.”
Bhima returned, happy and wiser.
The opposite of ‘thrift’ is not ‘being spend-thrift’.
This is a wonderful story!
ReplyDeleteI hope that all readers of the story always have the required wealth to do what is necessary.
Too good!! My dadima used to tell me this story everytime My brother wanted something :D Thanks Uncle :)
ReplyDeleteArun,Bubblegum,
ReplyDeleteOne will always have the necessary wealth to do what is REALLY necessary, if one follows the first advice of Kuber.
Happy spending on what is necessary!:)))))))))))
Loved the story! :)
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