Mudgala

During the Pandavas’ forest exile, Vyasa tells Yudhishthira about Mudgala, a sage in Kurukshetra who lives by gleaning rice. Mudgala and his family gather one measure through gleaning. They observe the lunar rites and eat only after guests and the gods have received their shares. When another visitor comes, the remaining rice is said to increase, allowing Mudgala to feed even more guests.

Durvasa hears of Mudgala’s generosity and arrives naked, with a shaven head and dishevelled appearance, speaking harshly. He asks for food. Mudgala welcomes him, washes his feet and mouth, and gives him the food he has gathered. Durvasa eats it all and leaves; Mudgala’s family must go without and he gathers rice again. At the next observance, Durvasa returns and repeats the test. He comes six times, but Mudgala, his wife and their son show no anger or resentment. Durvasa then praises the sage’s generosity and self-command, saying that he has earned heaven.

A divine messenger arrives in a bright chariot and invites Mudgala to ascend. Before accepting, Mudgala asks about the lives and limits of those who dwell in heaven. The messenger describes its pleasures, then explains that the merit supporting its residents can run out: they fall and are born again. Mudgala refuses the ride, saying he seeks a state beyond sorrow and return. He resumes gleaning, treats praise and blame alike, and devotes himself to meditation; the tale says he attains the highest success.