Upamanyu's Sweet Wish for Lord Shiva

When young Upamanyu longs for sweet milk, his mother guides him to pray to Lord Shiva. Discover how a little boy's patient heart and devotion bring a magical blessing to the whole forest.

ages 5-7

Little Upamanyu lived in a cozy forest hut with his mother. One sunny morning, he wished for a cup of sweet, creamy milk. His mother smiled softly, mixing a little rice flour into water to make a warm drink. She held his small hands and said: "My dear child, ask Lord Shiva with love in your heart, for He is the kindest giver of all."

Upamanyu walked into the green forest and sat near a smooth stone. He folded his hands, closed his bright eyes, and began to think of Lord Shiva. Days passed by, but the little boy stayed patient and calm. Friendly deer and chirping birds sat softly beside him, amazed by his quiet devotion.

High up on Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva felt the glowing warmth of Upamanyu’s love. Shiva’s heart filled with delight at the boy’s sincere prayer. With a soft smile, the great Lord stepped down from the mountains to visit the young devotee. The whole forest sparkled with golden light as Shiva arrived.

Upamanyu opened his eyes and saw Lord Shiva standing right before him. The kindly Lord spoke in a voice like gentle thunder, asking what the sweet boy desired. Upamanyu bowed low and whispered: "Dear Shiva, I only wish for milk to share with my mother and friends." Lord Shiva loved the boy’s pure and selfless wish.

With a gentle nod, Lord Shiva created a shiny, endless ocean of sweet milk just for Upamanyu. The little boy cheered with boundless joy, filled with gratitude for Shiva's wonderful gift. From that day on, Upamanyu and his mother shared sweet milk with every animal in the forest, living happily with love in their hearts.

When we pray with patience and love, wonderful blessings fill our hearts with gratitude.

About this story

Retold from: Retold from the Shiva Purana

shiva ages 5-7

Bandana

ॐ नमः शिवाय
om namah shivaya

EnglishOm — we bow to Shiva, the auspicious one.

नेपालीॐ — हामी कल्याणकारी शिवलाई नमस्कार गर्छौं।

हिन्दीॐ — हम कल्याणकारी शिव को नमस्कार करते हैं।

Shloka

कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं संसारसारं भुजगेन्द्रहारम् । सदा वसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि ॥
karpūragauraṃ karuṇāvatāraṃ saṃsārasāraṃ bhujagendrahāram, sadā vasantaṃ hṛdayāravinde bhavaṃ bhavānīsahitaṃ namāmi
White as camphor, compassion itself given form, the heart of all the world — you who wear even the king of serpents kindly. You who dwell always in the lotus of the heart: to you, and to Bhavani beside you, I bow.