Bhagavatam

The 49th Day: Could YOU Pass the Ultimate Test of Generosity?

No good act goes unnoticed

JKP - Team

19 Jul 2025 — 5 min read

Picture this: you and your family have not eaten for forty eight (48) days. Just when you’re about to reach your breaking point, a simple meal of porridge is given to you. It should feel like a feast, but wait—life has other plans.

Background

King Rantidev belongs to the Bharat lineage. He ruled the three worlds and even today is renowned as one of the greatest givers.

Even though Rantidev was the King of the entire world, he chose to serve the poor and needy, and in doing so, donated all of his wealth. The King now found himself living as a pauper with his wife and children.

Rantidev and his family had no food to eat for forty-eight (48) days; their bodies trembled with weakness from relentless hunger and unquenchable thirst. Under such circumstances, God decided to put Rantidev's devotion to the ultimate test.

The Ultimate Test

As dawn broke on the fateful 49th day, a glimmer of hope appeared: a bowl of delicious porridge, rich with rice, creamy milk, and sweet sugar! Just as Rantidev was about to savour this precious meal with his loved ones, a Brahmin—a respected scholar and spiritual guide—emerged from nowhere, hungry and longing for food.

Brahmin (with gratitude): “Oh, kind one, I am weary and hungry, and beg at your door for food."

Rantidev (weakly, but with sincerity): “Venerable one, welcome, my Lord. Please, partake of this food. It is all we have, but you are most welcome to share.”

Rantidev, without hesitation, offered a generous portion of the food to the Brahmin because he saw his beloved Lord in him. The Brahmin accepted the food with heartfelt thanks and departed.

Rantidev then distributed the remaining food amongst his beloved family members. Just as they were about to savour the first morsels of the food, an unexpected visitor—a shudra, a humble labourer—appeared at his door.

Shudra (humbly): “Brother, I have heard of your plight, and yet I come to you in need. I am faint with hunger.”

Rantidev (looking at his family, then back at the labourer): “Brother, we cannot turn away anyone in need. Please, take this.”

Again, Rantidev extended his offer of food, leaving his own portion and that of his family's even smaller. The shudra, overwhelmed by his compassion, gratefully accepted the food and left.

Soon after the shudra departed, Rantidev and his family again turned their attention towards the remaining porridge. Suddenly, they heard a knock on the door, and another stranger appeared, accompanied by a pack of eager dogs, requesting food for himself and his furry companions.

Stranger (earnestly): " Do you have any provisions to share with me and these weary souls? We have journeyed a great distance and are in dire need of sustenance."

Rantidev (a gentle smile on his face): "Dear friends, there isn’t much food left, but I sincerely hope that this remaining portion will ease the hunger pangs for both you and your companions."

While Rantidev was offering the food to the stranger, he felt satisfied that this food was being offered to his Lord through the medium of this stranger and his companions.

Hence, Rantidev did not have any second thoughts and cheerfully gave away all that remained of the porridge. What an extraordinary display of compassion and selflessness!

The Breaking Point

The scene was filled with tension as only a small amount of water remained—just enough to quench the thirst of one soul. As Rantidev raised the vessel to his lips, the unexpected figure of a chandal emerged from the shadows, his voice echoing with desperation:

Chandal (with a trembling voice): "Help, help, I beg for water. My throat is like sand."

Rantidev (filled with compassion and seeing his Lord within the Chandal): "Friend, this is all I have, but it is yours."

In an extraordinary act of selflessness, Rantidev offered up all the water without hesitation. Rather than wallowing in despair over his own hunger and thirst, Rantidev radiated joy, revelling in the fact that he had just alleviated the suffering of four individuals. This remarkable man was not simply enduring these trials to win divine favour; he was driven by an unwavering belief that God resides in everyone and was dedicated to easing the burdens of others no matter what.

With an exhilarating burst of divine presence, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shankar materialised before Rantidev, their mighty forms cloaked in the guise of a humble brahmin, a shudra, and a wandering chandal. They revealed that they had been observing him closely, putting his unwavering devotion and steadfast conviction to the ultimate test—and he had triumphed spectacularly.

Overwhelmed with joy, Rantidev prostrated before the three Lords, his spirit aglow with gratitude. He longed for nothing in return except the eternal embrace of the divine. As his heart remained steadfastly anchored at the lotus feet of the Lord, Rantidev’s devotion soared. This led him to his ultimate goal, God-realization. What a breathtaking journey of faith and fulfilment!

Summary

King Rantidev, a devout follower of God, undergoes a series of tests of his generosity. Despite extreme hunger and thirst, he repeatedly shares his meagre food and water with a brahmin, a shudra, and a chandal, who are revealed to be Brahma, Vishnu, and Shankar in disguise. His selfless acts, motivated by a sincere desire to alleviate suffering, rather than seeking divine reward, deeply impressed God. Rantidev's unwavering devotion ultimately earns him a place in God's abode.

Moral

Rantidev’s experiences push us to evaluate the true essence of selfless service. It makes you reflect on what matters: Is it our comfort and possessions, or is it our ability to extend compassion to others, even in our darkest moments?