Long ago in a far forest, there
lived a herd of Elephants. Their king was Chaturdanta, whose mean means the
intelligent one. In the forest there was a big lake. The forest animals drank
water and took bath in the lake.
Once year there was no rain and
the lake dried up. Due to which many animals and bird died. Seeing this, the
elephants got worried that they too may soon die of thirst. They went to King
Chaturdanta and said, “O King! The summers are getting hot. There has been no
rain and the lake has dried up. There is no water to drink. Many animals and
birds have died due to thirst. We should move to some other place to find
water, else we all may soon die due to thirst.”
The King Elephant asked the
elephants to go in different directions to find water. One of the elephants
luckily found a water pond in a far forest.
The King Elephant was happy and
asked all elephants to move towards the lake.
On the way, the herd of elephants
passed over the burrows of rabbits. The heavy elephants injured and killed many
rabbits. Many of the rabbits fled. The King of rabbits called his council and
said, “The herd of elephants passing through had killed many of our fellows and
several injured others. We must prevent this if we want to save our race.”
Suddenly a small rabbit stood up
and said; “You Majesty, we must talk to the King of Elephants and find a
solution. If you send me as your messenger I can find a way out.” The king
agreed with the small rabbit.
The little rabbit ran and reached
the lake where the elephants were resting. He feared getting crushed under
their feet, so climbed on the tree to talk with the elephant king.
The little rabbit said loudly and
boldly, “O, King of the Elephants, I am messenger of Moon God.” The King was
surprised and asked, “Why have come here?”
The Rabbit replied, “The Moon God
is angry with you and has sent a message for you. Your herd has killed and hurt
many innocent rabbits. Your herd has destroyed the peace of this forest. The
Moon God wants you to abandon this place and move elsewhere. Else he will
punish you and the herd severely.”
The King Elephant was scared. He
replied, “O messenger! It is true that many rabbits were killed and hurt under
our feet, but it was not intended. I pray for forgiveness. I will make sure
that no one is hurt now on.”
The little rabbit said,” You
should ask Moon God to forgive you. Please follow me.”
The rabbit took the king elephant
with him to the lake where they saw the moon's reflection. A mild breeze moved
the reflection. The king elephant thought that the Moon God was angry with him.
He vowed to Him, while the little rabbit said, “O Moon God! The King of
elephants is here to ask forgiveness. His herd has done a great sin in
ignorance. He is taking his herd back and promises never to come here again.”
The king elephant was frightened
and left the place with his herd. The rabbits lived happily thereafter.
Moral: Wit can win over might.
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