In Hinduism, liberation (moksha) is the ultimate goal of human life, signifying the release from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) and the attainment of unity with the divine. Various scriptures, epics, and legends recount the stories of devotees who achieved moksha through devotion, righteous living, and divine grace. Here are a few significant stories:
1. Dhruva
Dhruva, a young prince, is a celebrated devotee of Lord
Vishnu. His story is found in the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana. After
being insulted by his stepmother and denied his father's lap, Dhruva set out to
seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. With intense devotion and rigorous penance,
he pleased Vishnu, who appeared before him and granted him a place as a star in
the heavens, symbolizing eternal remembrance. Dhruva's story exemplifies
unwavering devotion and the grace of the divine leading to liberation.
2. Prahlada
Prahlada, the son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, is
another celebrated devotee of Lord Vishnu, specifically his incarnation as
Narasimha. Despite his father's efforts to turn him away from devotion to
Vishnu, Prahlada remained steadfast. Hiranyakashipu's tyranny culminated in
Narasimha's manifestation to protect Prahlada and vanquish the demon king.
Prahlada's unwavering faith and his ultimate liberation through divine
intervention underscore the power of devotion and righteousness.
3. Shabari
Shabari, an elderly woman, is a devotee of Lord Rama,
featured in the Ramayana. Her story is one of simple, unassuming devotion. She
spent years awaiting Rama's arrival, living a life of purity and service. When
Rama finally visited her, he accepted her humble offering of berries, which she
had tasted to ensure their sweetness. Her selfless devotion and service to Rama
led to her liberation.
4. Mirabai
Mirabai, a 16th-century Rajput princess and poet-saint, is
one of the most revered figures in the Bhakti movement. She devoted her life to
Krishna, forsaking worldly comforts and even facing persecution from her royal
family. Mirabai's soulful compositions and unwavering devotion to Krishna are
celebrated in numerous bhajans (devotional songs). Her life and works reflect
the Bhakti ideal of personal, passionate devotion leading to moksha.
5. Jatayu
Jatayu, the noble vulture from the Ramayana, is remembered
for his sacrifice in attempting to rescue Sita from Ravana. Despite his old
age, Jatayu fought valiantly to protect Sita and was mortally wounded in the
process. When Rama found the dying Jatayu, he performed the last rites for him,
granting him liberation. Jatayu's bravery and sacrifice for the divine cause
earned him moksha.
6. Ajamila
Ajamila, a character from the Bhagavata Purana, was a
once-righteous man who fell into sinful ways. However, at the moment of his
death, he called out the name of his son, Narayana, which is also a name of
Vishnu. Vishnu's messengers appeared and saved him from the Yamadutas
(messengers of death), granting him a second chance. Ajamila's story highlights
the transformative power of the divine name and the grace that can lead to
liberation, even for the fallen.
7. Markandeya
Markandeya, a young sage, is revered for his devotion to
Lord Shiva. According to legend, his parents were destined to have a son who
would live only until the age of sixteen. Markandeya's devotion to Shiva was so
profound that when the time of his death approached, Shiva appeared and blessed
him with immortality. Markandeya's unwavering faith and dedication to Shiva
granted him moksha.
8. Gajendra
The story of Gajendra, the elephant king, is found in the
Bhagavata Purana. Gajendra was caught by a crocodile and, despite his best
efforts, could not free himself. In his distress, he remembered his past life
as a devotee and called out to Vishnu for help. Vishnu appeared, saved him, and
granted him liberation. Gajendra's story symbolizes the soul's call for divine
help and the grace that leads to moksha.
These stories illustrate that moksha can be achieved through
various paths of devotion, righteousness, sacrifice, and divine grace,
emphasizing the diverse and inclusive nature of Hindu spirituality.