The Miracle of Faith: An Emperor’s Lesson

This incident dates back nearly 400 years. In the city of Delhi lived a tailor named Parmeshthi. Although his profession was sewing clothes, his mind was immersed in devotion to God at every moment.

Once, the Emperor of Delhi summoned Parmeshthi and commanded, 'Parmeshthi, craft two exquisite pillows for us—pillows of such value and beauty that they are unparalleled.'

Parmeshthi labored intensely to create two magnificent pillows. Upon completing the task, true to his habit, he slipped into deep meditation. In the depths of his trance, he envisioned that the idol of Lord Jagannath in the temple of Puri required a pillow for rest.

Parmeshthi’s heart overflowed with devotion. Sitting right there, overwhelmed with love, he mentally offered one of the two pillows to Lord Jagannath. When he emerged from his meditation, a miracle had occurred! Only one pillow remained; the other had physically vanished from the spot.

When the Emperor learned that one pillow was missing, he deemed it an act of theft. Unable to comprehend the depth of Parmeshthi's devotion, he had the devotee thrown into prison.

Even within the prison walls, Parmeshthi remained serene. He sat there, continuing his meditation on the Lord. One day, an astonishing event took place—all the prison gates unlocked and flung open on their own! Yet, Parmeshthi did not flee; he remained seated with a calm mind, absorbed in prayer.

That very night, the Emperor had a terrifying nightmare. This dream, combined with the miracle of the prison gates, opened the Emperor's eyes. He learned a vital lesson: it is unjust to punish a true devotee of God, and a king’s power is trivial before the Divine Will.

The very next day, acknowledging the truth, the Emperor released Parmeshthi with full honors.

What is the implication of a physical object disappearing through mental surrender?
This event illustrates the pinnacle of Manasi Seva (Mental Service). When a devotee’s emotion and concentration are profoundly deep, the boundary between the gross (physical) and subtle worlds dissolves. The Divine Authority accepted the object offered by Parmeshthi in his mind as so real that it was transported from the physical realm. This proves that for God, the devotee's sentiment is the substance.

Is such an effect of mental worship possible in today's times?
Scriptures consider mental worship superior to external rituals because it leaves no room for ostentation or show. If the mind is fully focused and the intent is pure, chanting or offering performed mentally is more fruitful than physical worship. It is an internal science that depends entirely on the level of the seeker's consciousness.

Based on logic, how is it acceptable for a physical object to vanish merely by thinking?
This can be viewed through the lens of modern science's principle of mass-energy equivalence or the context of Quantum Physics, where the observer has an effect on matter. Spiritual science asserts that the entire creation is an extension of consciousness; therefore, a high level of consciousness can influence or transform matter. This should be understood under Yogic Siddhis (accomplishments) like 'Prapti,' which transcend ordinary physical laws.

Why did the devotee not run away even when the prison doors opened?
A true devotee views joy and sorrow, bondage and liberation, with equanimity. Parmeshthi knew that while he might be physically imprisoned, his soul was forever free at the feet of God. He had total faith in his innocence and in God’s justice system; thus, he deemed it appropriate to await the Divine Will rather than fleeing the situation.

Why does a common man lose patience in adversity, while a devotee remains calm?
A common man attempts to control circumstances using his ego and limited intellect, which breeds fear. Conversely, a devotee believes that every event in life occurs under Divine Ordinance. Because of this spirit of 'Surrender' (Sharanagati), a devotee remains unshaken even in deep crisis, for their center of focus is not the problem, but God.

If God was protecting him, why was the devotee allowed to be imprisoned by the Emperor at all?
This event was necessary to shatter the Emperor's arrogance and to validate the power of devotion before society. If the devotee had not suffered, the Emperor would not have realized the truth, nor would the miracle of the prison have occurred. God often orchestrates such Leelas (plays) through His devotees to open the eyes of those intoxicated by power and guide them toward the path of righteousness.

Why was the truth revealed to the Emperor only through a dream and fear?
When a person becomes blind with the intoxication of position and power, the language of logic or humility does not reach them. A dream emerging from the subconscious and the element of fear strike a blow to the rigid ego, forcing the individual to introspect. For the Emperor, this was a 'Divine Warning' that compelled him to realize he was not omnipotent.

Was it appropriate for God to frighten the Emperor?
A ruler's primary duty is to dispense justice and protect the innocent. When a ruler turns away from his duty and values material loss (the theft of a pillow) over justice, Nature punishes him to bring about correction. This fear was not meant to destroy the Emperor, but to guide him to the right path so that he would not commit injustice against any other sage or innocent person in the future.

Is releasing someone based on a dream not a sign of the Emperor's superstitious mindset?
The Emperor did not rely solely on the dream; he had also witnessed the direct phenomenon of the prison doors opening. When the evidence of a dream and the waking state point in the same direction, accepting it is wisdom, not superstition. It was the Emperor's receptivity that allowed him to understand the signs and correct his judgment, which is the mark of a capable administrator.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi