The story of Lapsi and Tapasi is definitely heard during the fast of Karva Chauth and Sankashti Chaturthi. It is said that reading or listening to this story during every fast brings immense virtue. According to the story, there were two brothers named Lapsi and Tapasi. The ascetic was engrossed in penance, while the lapsi used to offer lapsi to God and eat it himself. One day, both of them asked Narada who among them was the greatest devotee. Let us know how Narad tested him.
Story of Lapsi and Tapasi
There were two brothers named Lapsi and Tapasi. Tapasi was engrossed in penance, while Lapsi prepared one pound of Lapsi every day and ate it only after offering it to the Lord. One day, there was a fight between the two brothers. Tapasi said, “I am big,” while Lapsi replied, “I am big.” While both were fighting, Narada Muni arrived. Narad asked, “Why are you two fighting?” So Lapsi said, “I am elder,” and Tapasi said, “I am elder.” The ascetic replied, “I worship God all day long.” Hearing this, Narad said, “I will decide your fate tomorrow.”
Next day, when Lapsi and Tapasi came to do their daily routine after bath, Narad secretly placed a ring worth Rs. 1.25 crore in front of them. Tapasi immediately hid the ring under her knee, thinking, “Now this will bring me great wealth. With this I will perform a yagya and become great myself.” But when Lapsi saw the ring, he thought, “If I keep it with me, someone will come and cut my neck.” Thinking this Lapsi threw the ring.
Then Narad asked the ascetic, “What is there below your knee?” Tapasi raised her knee, and there was a ring. Narad Muni told the ascetic that even after doing penance, your habit of stealing did not go away, that is why Lapasi is big. You will not get any result of your penance.” Embarrassed, the ascetic asked for forgiveness. Then the ascetic said, “Narad Dev Ji, how will I get rid of this habit? Please tell me some solution for this.” Narad ji said that this sin will be removed only when the women observing Kartik fast in the month of Kartik will give their virtue to you.
Then Narad ji said that…
If someone does not make bread for the cow and the dog, you will get the reward.
If someone gives Dakshina to a Brahmin and does not pay the fee, you will get the result.
If someone does not provide a blouse with the saree, you will get the result.
If someone lights a lamp with a lamp, you will get the result.
If someone listens to the whole story, but does not listen to yours, you will get the result.
From that day onwards, along with every Vrat Katha, the story of Lapsi Tapasi is also heard and narrated.