Janabai and the Melting Stake

One day, a costly ornament disappeared from Vitthal's temple. Because Janabai often went there to serve, suspicion fell upon her. Soon people were repeating a harsh rumor: “She speaks so much of devotion, yet she has stolen the Lord's jewel.”

Janabai was called before an assembly. “Did you take the ornament?” they demanded. She answered calmly, “Vitthal is the treasure of my life. Why would I steal a necklace from the One who is already mine? I did not take it.”

But no one believed her. Without understanding her devotion or finding the truth, the authorities condemned her to death. Soldiers bound her hands and led her to a wooden stake on the bank of the Chandrabhaga River.

Janabai did not answer cruelty with cruelty. She accepted the moment as Vitthal's will and began to chant, “Vitthal, Vitthal.” With every repetition, the hard wood softened. Before everyone's eyes, the stake dissolved into a shining stream of light and water.

The soldiers and onlookers stood speechless. They understood that they had wronged an innocent devotee. The soldiers bowed to Janabai and asked her forgiveness. Janabai's steady faith had remained firm even when the judgment of the crowd had failed.