One day, while chanting "Narayan Narayan" on his way through the sky, Narad Muni's mind was troubled by a peculiar question, and he reached Brahmalok. Upon seeing Narad, Brahma Ji asked, "Son, what brings you here today? Your face reflects some thoughts! Is there any special purpose or problem?"
Narad replied, "Father, there's no specific purpose, but a question has been bothering me. I've come to seek the answer from you." "Then why delay? It's best to resolve doubts promptly! Don't hesitate to ask your question!" said Brahma Ji.
"Noble father, you are the father of the entire creation; gods and demons are your offspring. Gods excel in devotion and knowledge, while demons excel in power and austerity! But I am puzzled as to who is superior between them. And why have you given gods a place in heaven and demons in the underworld? I have come to seek the answers to these questions from you," Narad explained his dilemma to Brahma Ji.
Upon hearing Narad's question, Brahma said, "It's difficult to answer this question, as both gods and demons are my sons, and it wouldn't be appropriate for me to compare my two sons myself! But still, Lord Shiva might help you find the answer to your question."
With Brahma's permission, Narad Muni went to Lord Shiva and presented his problem. Lord Shiva smiled upon seeing Narad and instructed him to organize a feast for the gods and demons and invite them. Following Lord Shiva's orders, Narad did as instructed, and the next day, Lord Shiva himself arrived along with the gods and demons to partake in the feast at their ashram.
The demons arrived first to enjoy the feast, and as they were eager, they requested Lord Shiva to start the meal himself. Just as they were about to begin, Lord Shiva approached them with sticks in his hands and said, "There's a condition for today's feast. I will tie sticks in such a way around each guest's hands that they won't be able to bend their elbows, and everyone will have to eat like this."
After a while, all the demons had sticks tied around their hands. Now, in such a situation, no one could eat comfortably. Some demons tried to lean directly into their plates, while others attempted to flick food into their mouths from a distance. Seeing the plight of the demons, Narad couldn't help but smile!
Seeing all their efforts in vain, the demons left without eating, expressing their anger, "If this was to be our fate, why were we invited for the feast? Just a while later, even the gods will arrive here, and you'll tie sticks around their hands as well, so that we can witness their suffering..."
A while later, the gods also arrived, and now, as they sat down for the feast, Lord Shiva tied sticks around their hands too and set the same condition for the meal. Despite having sticks tied to their hands, the gods remained calm. They understood that eating with their own hands was impossible, so they moved a bit forward and started feeding each other from the food on the plates. With great affection, they fed each other, enjoying the meal, relishing the taste of the food, and expressing love and respect towards one another.
Seeing this scenario, the demons became very sad. Narad was smiling seeing this. Narad said to Lord Shiva, "O lord of lords, your play is unfathomable. Utilizing intelligence, power, and capability for self-interest compared to utilizing them for the ultimate good distinguishes a superior life." You have shown with this example that one's well-being lies in the well-being of others, and I have found the answers to my questions."
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