The Tale of Guru Dhoumya and His Devoted Disciple Aruni

Once upon a time, in the ancient land of Bharat, there lived a wise sage named **Dhoumya**. Respected for his wisdom and dedication, Dhoumya ran a small ashram where he taught his disciples the principles of life, spirituality, and duty. His students were devoted to him, and among them was a young man named **Aruni** from the village of Panchala. Aruni was known for his loyalty, sincerity, and dedication to his guru.

One day, during the rainy season, a heavy storm hit the region. The fields near the ashram were vital for the livelihood of the ashram and its residents, as they provided food for everyone. However, due to the incessant rain, the protective embankment around the fields broke, causing water to flood and threaten the crops. Worried about the loss of the crops, Guru Dhoumya called upon Aruni.

“Aruni, my child,” said Dhoumya, “the embankment protecting our fields has given way. We must save the crops before the water ruins them. Go and try to repair the breach in the embankment.”

Without a second thought, Aruni bowed to his guru and rushed to the field. When he arrived, he saw that the embankment had indeed broken and that water was rapidly flooding into the fields. He tried to block the flow by placing rocks and mud, but the current was too strong, and all his efforts seemed in vain.

Desperate to stop the water and save the crops, Aruni thought of one last solution. Laying himself down across the breach, he pressed his body against the gap in the embankment, blocking the water with his own body. The water stopped flowing into the field, and the crops were saved, but Aruni remained lying there, enduring the cold and the discomfort, determined not to move until the storm passed and the breach was repaired.

When Aruni did not return, Guru Dhoumya grew concerned. Gathering his other disciples, he went to the fields to look for Aruni. There, they found him lying across the embankment, his body shivering from the cold, but his face filled with a sense of purpose. Dhoumya and the disciples were moved by Aruni’s selfless devotion.

“Aruni, my child, rise up,” said Guru Dhoumya, deeply touched. “Your dedication has saved our crops, and you have shown me the depth of your devotion and loyalty.”

Aruni slowly got up, and though he was cold and exhausted, he felt immense joy in fulfilling his guru’s command. Seeing his disciple’s unwavering devotion, Guru Dhoumya blessed him and said, “From today, you shall be known for your loyalty and selflessness. Your devotion will be celebrated, and you shall gain wisdom, strength, and honor in life.”

Aruni returned to the ashram with his guru and fellow disciples, where he was treated with great respect and admiration. His devotion and sense of duty earned him blessings and a reputation that spread far and wide. Aruni grew to be a wise and respected figure, known for his humility and steadfast loyalty.

—

**Moral of the Story:**

The story of Guru Dhoumya and his disciple Aruni teaches us the virtues of **devotion, selflessness, and the willingness to sacrifice for a higher purpose**. Aruni’s dedication to his guru exemplifies how true discipleship requires humility, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to one’s duties. The tale reminds us that when we give ourselves fully to a noble cause, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome, and such selflessness brings great rewards and blessings in life.