Shanti’s Devotion and the Blessing of Hanuman

In a quaint village, there lived an elderly woman named Shanti. Known for her unwavering devotion to Lord Hanuman, she observed a strict fast every Tuesday, believing that her devotion would bring her peace and prosperity. Shanti’s faith was profound, and she often prayed for the well-being of her family, especially her daughter-in-law, Mala, who lived with her.

However, Mala did not share Shanti’s reverence for the divine. Often, she treated Shanti with disdain, dismissing her beliefs and ridiculing her fasting rituals. Despite the mistreatment, Shanti remained patient and continued to pray for her daughter-in-law, hoping that one day Mala would understand the value of faith and compassion.

One Tuesday, as Shanti observed her fast, she was feeling weak and hungry. Although she had grown accustomed to the hunger, she longed for even a small morsel to sustain her. Unbeknownst to her, Mala had plans to celebrate the day with friends, and she was preparing a feast in the kitchen.

While Mala cooked, she deliberately ignored Shanti’s needs, leaving her without any food. Shanti, though hurt, did not complain. Instead, she continued her prayers, calling upon Hanuman to give her strength.

As the day progressed, a kind-hearted neighbor, noticing Shanti’s fasting, decided to help. She baked four loaves of bread and brought them to Shanti. The neighbor explained, “I know you are observing a fast, but I thought you might like to have these. They are fresh and baked with love.”

Touched by the neighbor’s kindness, Shanti accepted the loaves with gratitude. She offered a prayer of thanks to Hanuman for sending her this blessing, even during difficult times.

Later that evening, as the sun began to set, Shanti sat down with the four loaves. Just then, Mala returned home and saw her mother-in-law with the bread. Jealous and irritated, she snatched the loaves from Shanti, claiming that she deserved to eat the food instead.

“Why should you be rewarded for your foolish fasting?” Mala scolded. “You do nothing but starve yourself while I toil for this family!”

At that moment, Shanti felt a surge of sadness but chose not to retaliate. Instead, she said, “Mala, these loaves were a gift. You are free to take them, but I pray that one day you will understand the importance of love and compassion.”

To Shanti’s surprise, as soon as Mala took a bite of the bread, she was overwhelmed by a sudden feeling of warmth and clarity. It was as if the essence of Hanuman’s love flowed through the loaves. She felt her heart soften and realized how unkind she had been to Shanti. 

In that instant, Mala understood the power of faith and the value of her mother-in-law’s devotion. She dropped the loaves and turned to Shanti, her eyes filled with regret. “I am sorry, Shanti. I have treated you poorly. Your faith is stronger than I ever realized. Please forgive me.”

Shanti, with a heart full of compassion, embraced Mala, welcoming her with open arms. “There is always room for forgiveness and love,” she said. “We are family, and together we can grow in faith and understanding.”

From that day forward, Mala began to respect Shanti’s devotion and even joined her in her fasting rituals on Tuesdays, honoring Lord Hanuman. The bond between them grew stronger, and the household became a place of love, faith, and kindness.

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**Moral:** This tale teaches us about the power of devotion, compassion, and forgiveness. It highlights that through love and understanding, even the deepest divides can be bridged, and true harmony can be achieved. Shanti’s unwavering faith and patience transformed not only her life but also the heart of her daughter-in-law, demonstrating that kindness can change lives.