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God desires unwavering devotion from His devotees. A person who donates a large sum of money without genuine love or devotion towards others does so out of vanity or ego. On the other hand, another individual may contribute a small amount, but their donation is driven solely by sincere devotion and selflessness. The latter person is considered superior because it is not the quantity that matters, but the sentiment and emotion attached to the act. The life of Bhim Kundaliya exemplifies such selfless devotion and love.
In the year 1157 AD, Mahamatya Vahad took up the task of restoring the original jinalay (Jain temple) in the renowned pilgrimage center of Shatrunjaya Tirth. Celebrations were underway, and amidst the crowd, there was Bhim, a poor Jain from Timana Village, dressed in tattered clothes. Bhim earned a living as a ghee (purified butter) trader and had managed to save about two rupees. He spent one rupee to purchase flowers for performing the pooja (worship). After completing the pooja, Bhim desired to catch a glimpse of Mahamatya Vahad, but being impoverished, he hesitated to approach him. However, Vahad, perceiving the devotion radiating from Bhim's face, invited him to sit beside him. Bhim shared the story of his life and his present circumstances with Vahad, who responded, "Bhim, we are fellow devotees. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know." Overwhelmed by Vahad's words, Bhim felt a deep sense of gratitude.
Shortly thereafter, the administrators of the restoration project approached Bhim and requested his contribution. Despite having a meager amount, Bhim selflessly donated every penny he possessed and felt immense joy. It was a profound expression of his devotion and love for his religion. Mahamatya Vahad highly appreciated Bhim's gesture and proclaimed to the gathered crowd, "This is true sacrifice. He spent all he earned on flowers for worship and donated the remaining money. He is not concerned about what he will eat tomorrow. This is selfless devotion."
Vahad offered Bhim three silk robes and a certain sum of money as a token of appreciation, but Bhim refused to accept them. He declared, "Mahamatya, I cannot exchange my accumulated noble deeds (punya) for these worldly possessions. I cannot deceive myself by trading my spiritual merits for material goods." Vahad was greatly pleased with Bhim's response and honored him by offering a betel leaf, as was the custom.
Returning home, Bhim was apprehensive about his wife, who had a tendency to be argumentative and sharp-tongued. To his surprise, he found her filled with joy, informing him that she had discovered four thousand gold coins while digging the land. Bhim exclaimed, "How marvelous! This is the reward for my devotion to God. We must use this money for the restoration work in Shatrunjaya." The next day, Bhim approached Vahad and offered him the gold coins, but Vahad refused to accept them.
That night, Yaksha Kapardi, a demigod, appeared before Bhim and said, "The money belongs to you. By offering flowers from your meager earnings, you pleased the deity. Keep the gold coins and use them for your own well-being and the worship of God. You will now experience everlasting prosperity." The following day, Bhim performed the pooja of the deity Rishabhdev using flowers and precious jewels.
In the end, Bhim of Kundaliya village constructed a water tank in the sacred pilgrimage center of Shatrunjaya.
