Name: Bhakti Katha
Start: 2026-06-21T12:00:00+05:30
End: 2026-06-21T18:00:00+05:30
Location: Barakhamba

The Man Who Refused Water to a Thirsty Traveler
In a prosperous village located along a trade route lived a wealthy landowner named Somadatta. His fields were fertile, his granaries were full, and his courtyard had a large well filled with cool water. Travelers often passed by his house on their long journeys through the hot plains.
Despite his wealth, Somadatta was known for his hard heart. He believed that charity made people lazy and that strangers were not worth helping. His servants were instructed never to give food or water to travelers unless he personally approved.
One summer afternoon the sun burned fiercely. A weary traveler arrived at Somadatta’s gate. His clothes were dusty and his throat was parched from walking under the scorching heat. With folded hands he requested a little water.
The servant felt pity and went inside to ask the master.
Somadatta was resting comfortably in the shade. When he heard the request, he frowned.
“Why should I give water to every stranger?” he said angrily. “If we start helping everyone, we will have nothing left. Send him away.”
The servant reluctantly obeyed.
The traveler waited for some time, hoping for mercy, but none came. Weak and disappointed, he continued walking under the blazing sun.
Years passed. Somadatta grew old and eventually died.
According to the teachings described in the Garuda Purana, after death the soul travels a difficult path toward the realm of judgment. During this journey the soul experiences extreme hunger, thirst, and exhaustion.
Somadatta’s soul wandered through a barren region filled with burning heat. His throat felt dry and unbearable thirst tormented him.
He cried out desperately for water.
But none appeared.
Divine attendants said to him:
“You once refused water to a thirsty traveler who begged at your door. Now you must experience the same suffering.”
The memory of that day returned to him with painful clarity.
He realized that what he had denied another person had now become his own fate.
Only after his family performed charity and offered water to the needy in his name did his suffering begin to ease.
Moral:
Offering water, food, and kindness to those in need is considered sacred. Even a small act of compassion can greatly influence the destiny of the soul.