The Grace of God on a Devotee In a village, there was a great devotee of Shiva named Kubera. After his daily rituals, Kubera would bathe in the river during Brahmi Muhurta and perform Shiva's worship; without this, he would not feel at peace. He lived off what he received as offerings and donations. Kubera was very kind. If anyone came seeking help, he would serve them to the best of his ability. Due to this, Kubera remained poor despite his benevolence. His wife would often quarrel with him about his generous nature, but she respected him for his devotion to God and his good values. She never insulted him. To fulfill their basic needs, she worked in nearby houses to earn money. As the drought continued, the offerings at the temple where Kubera performed daily worship dwindled. Due to the unmet household needs, his wife struggled to manage their financial situation. As time passed, Maha Shivaratri arrived. Even then, Kubera got up during Brahmi Muhurta and walked to the river to complete his daily rituals. By fate, Shiva and Parvati were traveling the same path. Parvati's gaze fell upon Kubera. Even though it was Shivaratri, he did not seem as enthusiastic about his worship as usual. Parvati quickly understood the situation and said to Shiva, "Lord, this Brahmin worships you with unwavering devotion every day. Aren't you concerned about him?" To which Shiva replied, "Devi, who else but me can take care of my devotees?" Parvati then asked, "Then why haven’t you helped him yet?" Shiva said, "Devi, rest assured, the number of Bilva leaves that this Brahmin has offered on the Shivalinga will this Shivaratri bring him wealth." With this assurance, Shiva pacified Parvati, and they moved on. Coincidentally, a merchant was traveling the same route and overheard the conversation between Shiva and Parvati. An idea struck him: 'If Bilva leaves can make this Brahmin wealthy, why shouldn’t they do the same for me?' With this thought, he went to Kubera's house and said, "Priest, please grant me the favor of giving me all the Bilva leaves you have offered to Shiva. In return, I will give you 100 gold coins!" The merchant proposed to Kubera. When Kubera discussed this with his wife, she said, "Charitable giving is noble, and indeed we need money now. Let them go." Kubera filled a sack with all the Bilva leaves and handed it over. The merchant, with the sack of Bilva leaves, went to the temple and began placing them one by one on the Shivalinga, eager to see when Shiva’s grace would make him wealthy. As time passed and midnight approached, the merchant's patience wore thin. In a fit of frustration, he grabbed the Shivalinga tightly and began to shake it. It was then that a miracle occurred. His hands stuck to the Shivalinga, and despite his efforts, he couldn’t free them. Exhausted and pale, the merchant began to plead with Shiva in various ways. Realizing his mistake, he felt a deep sense of regret. Then Shiva spoke, "Greedy merchant, give a thousand gold coins to the Brahmin from whom you have bought these Bilva leaves. Only then will you be able to free your hands." The following morning, when Kubera came to the temple for his daily worship, he was surprised to see the merchant's hands stuck to the Shivalinga. The merchant, unable to move, pleaded with Kubera, "Priest, please send a message to my son to bring a thousand gold coins to the temple immediately." Kubera promptly sent the merchant's message to his son. As soon as the merchant’s son arrived with the gold coins, they were respectfully given to Kubera following Shiva's wish. Immediately, the merchant’s hands were freed from their bondage. He was liberated. Parvati then asked Shiva, "Lord! Why haven’t you yet shown grace to our devotee? Why haven’t you bestowed him with material wealth?" Shiva smiled and replied, "Devi, look carefully. Kubera has received wealth in exchange for the Bilva leaves. My devotee is no longer poor." And with these words, Shiva smiled. Om Namah Shivaya 🙏🚩