The Story of Azazil

The Story of Azazil – A Lesson in Obedience and Ego

There was once a seeker named Azazil. His Guru had instructed him: "Every day, you must perform a full prostration (dandvat pranam). Each prostration is equal in merit to a sacred yajna (sacrifice). There are five kinds of yajnas: the yajna of dharm (righteous duty), the yajna of meditation, the yajna of fire-offering (lighting a lamp, also called havan), the yajna of prostration, and the yajna of knowledge. By performing these five yajnas, one earns virtue, and on the basis of that virtue, one gains a place among the celestial beings."

Azazil faithfully followed his Guru’s instructions. He performed prostrations with great discipline—eleven billion prostrations in total. When he left his body, he rose up to the divine realm of Lord Vishnu on the strength of his accumulated virtue.

Lord Vishnu praised him: "Azazil, you have done wonders! Your devotion has been extraordinary. Now, I will give you a task—create a human being."

Surprised, Azazil asked, "How can I do that?"

Lord Vishnu replied, "Just say these words: Nara Bhava (become a man)."

Azazil spoke, "Nara Bhava," and instantly, a handsome young boy appeared before them.

Then Lord Vishnu said, "Now, Azazil, bow down before him—perform a prostration."

Azazil resisted: "But he is like my son. How can I bow before him?"

Here lay the test. All those years of practice had been meant to crush the ego, to dissolve pride. Prostrations are prescribed in devotion precisely so the devotee remembers, "This body is dust, and I must surrender my pride before God." But now, Azazil’s ego arose: "I cannot bow before my own creation."

Lord Vishnu thought, "This is dangerous—his pride will destroy all his spiritual earnings." Out of compassion, He devised a way to save Azazil’s merit.

Nearby was a small round gate—so low that one had to bend in order to pass through. Vishnu said to the boy, "Go, son, stand on the other side of that gate." The boy crossed to the other side. Lord Vishnu Himself bent and passed through the gate, standing with the boy on the far side.

Then He called out, "Come, Azazil! I will show you around heaven. Cross through this gate and join us."

But Azazil hesitated. He said, "No! I know your tricks. If I bend down to pass through, you will claim that I performed a prostration. I will not fall for your deceit."

Lord Vishnu pleaded: "Azazil, don’t ruin everything. Just obey this one thing."

But Azazil stubbornly refused: "I will not do it."

Finally, Lord Vishnu said: "Then go your way! Everything you earned is now cancelled."

And just like that, all of Azazil’s immense spiritual earnings—eleven billion prostrations—were destroyed in an instant. His disobedience and pride nullified all his efforts.

The Lesson

God teaches us through Azazil’s story: if you do not follow the true instructions of the Almighty, then your devotion is wasted—no matter how long or how hard you practice. Ego and disobedience ruin spiritual wealth.

Saints say: "Whether one accepts it or not, let the world beware of Azazil’s fate. Those who perform empty rituals—like offering food to ancestors, observing wrong customs, or worshipping lifeless stones—remain blind to the true path. They waste their lives in ignorance."

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✨ Moral: True devotion is not about rituals or stubborn pride. It is about humility, surrender, and obedience to the true instructions of God.

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