Ganika

(“harlot”) In Hindu mythology, a figure
who serves as an example of the
boundless power of God’s grace and
the ease with which one can be saved
by even unconscious devotion. Ganika
is a notorious prostitute who devotes
little time or attention to religious life.
Her only pious act is to teach her pet
parrot to repeat the name of the god
Vishnu, and in trying to teach it she
repeats the divine name over and over
again. This continual repetition of the
name is enough to gain Vishnu’s grace.
Upon Ganika’s death, Vishnu’s servants rescue her from the minions of
Death and convey her to his celestial
realm, Vaikuntha.