In the verdant valleys of Kalahandi, where the sun casts a golden hue over the paddy fields, there lived a humble farmer named Sarbeswar. His life, much like the others in his village, was intertwined with the rhythms of nature and the blessings of their beloved deity, Goddess Manikeswari.
Sarbeswar, a devout follower of Maa Manikeswari, started and ended his day with prayers to the Goddess. Despite his unwavering devotion, he faced a life of hardship. His crops were meager, and his family often went to bed hungry. But his faith in the Goddess remained unshaken.
One night, after a particularly exhausting day, Sarbeswar dreamt of Maa Manikeswari. She appeared before him in a radiant form, her eyes brimming with compassion. She spoke, “Sarbeswar, your devotion has reached my heart. Walk west from your home at the break of dawn, and you shall find a solution to your plight.“
As the first light of dawn painted the sky, Sarbeswar set out, his heart brimming with hope. He walked past the village, through dense forests, until he reached a clearing. There, to his amazement, he found a plow, glowing with a celestial light.
He took the plow back to his farm and, as soon as it touched his land, the barren earth transformed. Crops grew abundantly, and his farm flourished like never before. News of this miracle spread like wildfire, and soon, people from neighboring villages came to witness the wonder.
The once-struggling Sarbeswar became a symbol of prosperity. But with prosperity came pride. Sarbeswar began to credit his own efforts for the transformation, slowly forgetting the divine intervention of Maa Manikeswari.
The Goddess, seeing the change in Sarbeswar, decided to teach him a lesson. The next season, no matter how much Sarbeswar toiled, his land remained barren. Realizing his folly, Sarbeswar wept and prayed to Manikeswari, seeking forgiveness for his arrogance.
Moved by his sincere repentance, Maa Manikeswari appeared in his dream again. She gently reminded him, “Prosperity is a gift, Sarbeswar. It flourishes with humility and withers with pride.” She blessed him once more, and Sarbeswar’s land was restored to its former glory.
From then on, Sarbeswar not only prospered but also became a wise and humble man, sharing his wealth and wisdom with his community. He reminded everyone that the blessings of Maa Manikeswari were not just to be thanked for in times of need but to be cherished and acknowledged at all times.
The tale of Sarbeswar and Maa Manikeswari became a part of the folklore of Kalahandi, passed down through generations. It served as a reminder of the virtues of humility, the importance of gratitude, and the benevolence of their revered deity, Maa Manikeswari.
