Kurmadas was a true and sincere believer in God
The merchant patted Kurmadas’s head ad wiped away his hearts. He said, ``I am also going to Pandharpur as I have business there. Come with us. We will look after you.’’
After thinking for a minute, Kurmadas said, ``as you can see, I am a cripple. If I come with you, you will be delayed. So leave me alone.’’
But the merchant insisted that Kurmadas accompany him. Every morning they would start early. The merchant would go as his work took him and return to the camp by evening. Kurmadas would follow with the men who would look after him.
Every evening the merchant came to the appointed place, washed Kurmadas, dressed him and bandaged his wounds. In this manner the group reached Lahool, a village about 14 miles from Pandharpur.
It was exactly one day to the Ekadashi festival. Kurmadas would have to travel for nearly a fortnight to cover that distances by him self! In the evening, when the merchant was chatting with him, he noticed that Kurmadas was lost in thought. ``What are you thinking about, child?’’ the merchant asked.
With a sad smile Kurmadas replied, ``I don’t know how I can ever repay your kindness. But I know that Ekadashi is just a day away and you are staying here out of pity for me. I beg you go, on, since I can never reach Pandharpur in time. Please tell my lord that I wanted to see him on that day, but could not come, although I tried my best.’’
Just Kurmadas finished speaking; the merchant was transformed and appeared in his full glory. Smiling benignly, he said, ``my son, great is your devotion and greater your love for me. Ask me any boon you wish! ``
Kurmadas was speeches with wonder and joy. He bowed his head with reverence and said, ``O lord of the universe, grant that I may always see you, and that you shall never leave this place’’
``So be it!’’ said the lord and so it was. Lahool is visited by thousands of people and considered as sacred as Pandharpur itself.
The important message
a) Kurmadas was a true and sincere believer in God. List the qualities of a sincere believer in God as depicted by Kurmadas.
b) Kurmadas, in spite of being physically challenged, fulfilled desire. This shows that dedication to a goal and will- power can help us overcome our handicaps and achieve what we dire. We all know of Helen Keller. Find out and read about 1) Sudha Chandran, the dancer who lost a leg and still dances. 2) Anjan Bhattacharya, the deaf and mute cricketer.
c) The crippled and the physically challenged do not need pity. They need our understanding and acceptance. How can we help them?
d) It is easier to help those who are physically or mentally challenged. But some of us are emotionally, psychologically or socially disturbed. Some have an inferiority complex, some have certain fears, and some are poor. Discuss how we can help children overcome these.
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