The Story of Raja Rantidev

This is an old story based on Hindu mythology where Raja Rantideva was a generous king. He helped people so much that he went bankrupt. He lost everything and led a poor life. Despite being poor, he did not forget to help others. What happened to him? What made him poor? Read this interesting story and find out.

Raja Rantideva

Once upon a time, there was a king named Rantideva. He was very generous and kind. He inherited a lot of property from his ancestors.

He always helped the poor and needy with whatever he had. Due to his habit, he lost his treasure and wealth and became poor.

He had a wife and sons living in a shanty. Life was not generous to them. Even though he helped others all the time, he had to spend his life in extreme poverty.

Rantideva and his Poor Family

The Day of the Test

All the days did not go the same. Most days, they didn't eat and the rest had to rely on whatever the villagers gave them.

One day, a generous villager gave him rice, ghee and vegetables to eat. Rantideva’s wife made food for the sons and her husband.

They were about to eat. Suddenly, they heard a knock on the feeble door of their hut. It was a holy man asking for food. Rantideva happily served a part of their food. He ate, blessed the family and went.

They sat down and heard another knock. This time it is a farmer. He was very hungry and had nothing to eat. King Rantideva gave a part of their meals to the farmer. The farmer was satisfied with the food. He left with blessings.

They all sat down in peace. They were about to eat what was left when they heard another knock. It was strange for them too. People are knocking at their door three times in a row.

He opened the door and found a traveller with dogs. He said, “Can I get some food for me and my dogs?”

Rantideva knew the food left will not be enough for the traveller and his family. The traveller was very happy. He left with his dogs.

Lord Brahma Appeared

There was no food left. Not even a morsel for the children. It was another day of hunger and starvation for the family. Rantideva said, “They needed food more than us. Thank God, we have water to drink” He said this to console his wife and sons.

The moment they went to drink water, they heard someone calling with distress. They found a farmer lying on the road and asking for water. Rantideva ran inside his home and gave him the water left.

The farmer transformed into Lord Brahma. Everyone was surprised. Lord Brahma said, “You did not restrain yourself from helping others even if there was nothing left for your children. I will bless you with a boon. You can ask for anything.”

Lord Brahma

Rantideva bowed and said, “Bless me that I can help all my fellow people all the time.” Lord Brahma agreed and restored his wealth. This time, his wealth will never run out dry as Rantideva asked for a boon to help others.

Moral of the Story

The Sacrifice of Rantideva was a big test. It made him very poor. He even had his sons starving. Despite this, he kept on helping the needy and ignored his need. Sacrifice is the key to happiness and satisfaction. One who sacrifices gets more.

Tips for Parents

Explain the Rantideva Story and then encourage the children to read more such mythological stories. Ask questions and explain why sacrificing and helping others is a good habit.