There lived a prostitute named Lilavati, a woman who went about her work with as much detachment as she could muster, despite the unpleasantness of her employment. She was taunted by the very same men who came to her for pleasure. The wives and mothers of these women were disdainful of her for doing what she did and had little to say about their men. 

I don’t know any other profession. And if people can have double standards and find fault with me while forgiving the men who come to me for pleasure, then how can I believe this society when it says I am a bad person? Let me go about my work with detachment. 

She kept her distance (as practically possible) from all and went about her work. But even she got tired of being ridiculed, mocked, and treated with disrespect. So, one day, she decided to leave town and find a better place to continue her employment. She decided that the likes of her cannot find solace in a single place. A nomadic life suited her better. 

Lilavati and Shuklashtami

While she moved around, seeking employment in new towns and villages, she came upon a temple for Radhadevi, Krishna’s lover and childhood consort in Vrindavan. Radhadevi was epitomised as the ultimate truth seeker, and when she finds Krishna’s love, she merges with Him unconditionally.

It was Shuklastami in the month of Prosthapada, the day Radhadevi was born. The women in that town were keeping a vrat in Radhadevi’s honour.

One of the women who was keeping the vrat spoke to Lilavati. “This vrat absolves us of all our sins. The women keeping this vrat are assured of a place in heaven.”

When Lilavati heard this, she instantly realised this was what she had been seeking, not better prospects in her profession. She realised her time on this earth was done, and she was ready for the otherworld through the Bhakti Yoga.

Lilavati stayed on in the temple and kept the vrat on every Radhastami, praying to the devi for salvation and peace of mind. Shortly, she was bitten by a snake and died. 

Lilavati Goes to Vishnuloka

The messengers of the God of Death, Lord Yama, came for her soul. However, two Vishnu Parshadas, the messengers and beings who do Vishnu’s bidding, were there before them. They drove in a beautiful chariot drawn by peerless white swans and helped Lilavati get in. Even as the death messengers watched in awe, the devoted lady was carried away to Vishnuloka.

Author’s Note:

The story of Lilavati, the pious prostitute, is found in the Padma Purana. I believe it is a powerful life lesson. It says that He sees all human life as redeemable. All it takes is to surrender to Him. Prosthapada, also known as Bhadrapada, falls between August and September. Shuklastami is the eighth day after the New Moon day (Amavasya). 

This post is a part of BlogchatterA2Z Challenge 2026

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