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Milk For Shiva
Milk For Shiva
One day, Shivaswami had some work outside the village. He called Koosu and explained to her he would be away
for a day. “Tomorrow morning, will you take milk to Shiva?” Koosu gladly agreed, and Shivaswami left on his
journey.
Next day, Koosu got up early in the morning. She took a dip in the village pond, milked the cow, and left for the
temple. There was no one in the temple. She walked inside announcing in a loud voice, “Look what I’ve brought for
you, Shiva!”
Just then, a jangama, walked inside the temple. Jangama is another word for a wandering sanyasi (holy man). He
had come from a far-off place. The holy man was tired and hungry as he had not eaten for a long time. Overcome by
hunger, he collapsed in front of the Shiva Linga. “Shiva!” cried Koosu as she ran to him. She sprinkled some water
on his face. The jangama opened his eyes. “Are you hungry, Shiva?” asked Koosu with concern.
The jangama was too weak to even lift the pot. Koosu herself fed him milk.
She bowed to the Shiva Linga in the temple and hurried home.
By the time, Koosu reached home, her father had already returned. He was surprised to see his daughter returning
with an empty vessel.
“Yes, father,” said Koosu, showing him the empty vessel, “Shiva drank all the milk. See, not a drop left.”
Shivaswami was taken aback - Shiva drinking milk! He could not believe it. He thought Koosu was lying or she
maybe she was day dreaming. Shivaswami was determined to find the truth.
The next day, it was Shivaratri. He asked Koosu to take milk to Shiva once again. He followed her quietly to find
out what she would do with the milk.
On the way, Koosu came across a hungry dog. The dog looked weak. It could hardly walk. It wagged its tail
smelling the milk in Koosu’s hands. “Oh Shiva, you are hungry,” cried out Koosu. “See, what I have for you - milk!”
The dog lapped up all the milk. Koosu patted the poor animal with great love.
Shivaswami was stunned to see what his little daughter was doing. “I only talk that Shiva is present everywhere. My
innocent daughter actually sees Shiva in everyone,” said Shivaswami to himself.
Shivaswami hugged his daughter, tears welling his eyes, voice trembling. “Yes, Koosu. Lead me to Shiva,” he said,
holding her hand.
As Koosu led her father to the temple, Shiva smiled.
This story is inspired by a saying of the Shiva Sharana mystic, Basavanna - ”They drive away a hungry jangama, and
offer food to a Linga which does not eat!”