The story of Shravan is a tragic episode from the Hindu epic, Ramayana. According to the legend, Shravan Kumar was a young boy who lived in Ayodhya with his elderly and blind parents. He was known for his devotion to his parents and would often take them on pilgrimages to holy places on his shoulders.
One day, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya was hunting in the forest and mistook the sound of Shravan drawing water from a river as the sound of a deer. He shot an arrow in the direction of the sound, accidentally killing Shravan, who had come to the river to fetch water for his parents.
As Shravan lay dying, he told King Dasharatha about his elderly and blind parents and requested him to take the water back to them. He also revealed his identity and requested the king to tell his parents about his fate. The king was grief-stricken and realized his mistake, and Shravan’s dying words left a lasting impact on him.
The story of Shravan is often seen as a tragic example of the consequences of one’s actions and the importance of being mindful of others. It also highlights the virtues of devotion, sacrifice, and filial piety. The story is often cited as an example of the importance of respecting one’s parents and the value of selfless service to others.