The Tale of Pundalik and Lord Vitthal

Pundalik was once a selfish and neglectful son. He lived in the holy town of Kashi with his aged parents but treated them with contempt, making them serve him and his wife while he enjoyed a life of comfort. His parents, devout and gentle, bore the mistreatment silently, continuing to pray and serve God through their suffering.

One night, on a pilgrimage, Pundalik happened to stay at the ashram of the sage Kukkutswami. Unable to sleep, he witnessed something extraordinary through a crack in the wall: celestial women appeared in the dead of night to sweep the sage's floor and wash his clothes. Pundalik recognised them as goddesses. Astonished, he asked why divine beings would perform such menial tasks. They replied, "These are not menial tasks — we are purifying ourselves. We became impure by being touched by the feet of sinners who come on pilgrimage but mistreat their own parents. Serving a true saint cleanses us." The words struck Pundalik like lightning. He saw his own life reflected in that condemnation.

Pundalik returned home a transformed man. He devoted himself entirely to the care of his elderly parents — bathing them, feeding them, attending to their every need with love and reverence. His devotion became so pure and complete that Lord Vishnu himself was moved to visit. When Vishnu arrived at Pundalik's door, Pundalik was in the middle of pressing his father's feet. Without looking up, he tossed a brick behind him and said, "Lord, please stand on this and wait. I am serving my parents." And Vishnu, delighted by this supreme act of devotion, stood on that brick and waited — and has been standing on it ever since, as Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur, the brick beneath his feet a testament to the holiest truth: service to your parents is service to God.