In the age of Sathyug, there lived a devoted boy named Shravan Kumar. His parents were blind, and he cared for them with great love and dedication. One day, his parents expressed their wish to visit the sacred pilgrimage places of India. Though Shravan was poor and had no money for travel, he decided to fulfill their dream.
He made a carrying pole using a strong stick and tied baskets on both ends. His parents sat in the baskets while Shravan carried them on his shoulders as they traveled from one holy place to another.
During their journey, they reached the kingdom of Ayodhya. Tired and thirsty, Shravan’s parents rested under a tree while he went to a nearby pond to fetch water.
At the same time, King Dasharatha, the ruler of Ayodhya, was hunting in the forest. He heard the sound of water near the pond and mistakenly believed it was a deer drinking water. Using his skill of shooting by sound, he released an arrow toward the noise.
Soon, he heard the painful cry of a young man. Rushing to the spot, Dasharatha was shocked to see Shravan Kumar struck by the arrow. Filled with sorrow, the king apologized repeatedly.
Shravan, despite his pain, calmly said that the mistake was unintentional. He requested the king to take water to his blind parents waiting under the tree and asked him not to reveal the tragic truth immediately. After saying these words, Shravan Kumar passed away.
King Dasharatha carried the water to the old couple. Hearing footsteps, they thought their son had returned. When the king finally revealed the truth, the parents were devastated. Overcome with grief, they cursed Dasharatha, saying that just as they were dying in separation from their son, he too would one day suffer the pain of separation from his beloved son.
Years later, the curse came true when Lord Rama went into exile for fourteen years. Unable to bear the separation, King Dasharatha passed away while calling out Rama’s name.