Shravan Kumar was a legendary figure known for his devotion to his parents. He was born to Gyanvanti (mother) and Shantanu (father). Both of them were blind hermits. Shravan took it upon himself to become their caregiver and provider. Shravan’s parents wished to visit Chardham. He was poor so he decided to carry his parents on a wooden palanquin to the pilgrim. He would ensure they were comfortable. One day, while carrying his parents to a pilgrimage site. Prince Dasharatha was out hunting in the forest of Ayodhya when he heard a sound near a lake. He shot an arrow (Shabdbhedi Baan) hoping to hit an animal but found that he had accidentally struck a teenage boy named Shravana who was carrying his sick and elderly parents on a sling. He came to the lake to collect water. With his dying breath, Shravana requested Dasharatha to take water to his parents and inform them of what happened. Shravana passed away due to his injuries, and when Dasharatha delivered the water and the news of his tragic mistake. Shravan’s parents could not bear the shock and died of grief. Despite acknowledging that it was an accident, they cursed Dasharatha with “Putrashoka,” which means grief due to the loss of a son. This curse came true when Dasharatha died without seeing his beloved son Rama, who was exiled at the order of his step-mother Queen Kaikeyi. The story highlights the tragic consequences of hasty actions and the importance of being mindful of one’s actions to avoid causing harm to others. It also illustrates the devastating impact of grief and loss on parents who have lost a child. The story of Shravan Kumar is often used as an example of the importance of filial piety and the duty of children to care for their parents.
