Long time ago, there lived an
elephant whose name was Karpuratilaka.
Karpuratilaka was proud and
unkind. He ripped branches of tree and many times he pulled down trees to
ground. Due to this the bird’s nets were destroyed and their offspring died.
The forest animals did not liked him and even animals like tigers and leopards
were afraid if him.
One day the elephant destroyed the
burrows of jackals. All animals were enraged and looked out for a way to kill
him. However, the animals felt that it was impossible to kill the elephant due
to his massiveness. The jackals whose burrows were destroyed came together to
discuss ways to kill the elephant. Then an old jackal said, “I will kill the
elephant. Leave this matter to me”. The other jackals agreed to this.
The next day, the cold Jackal went
to the elephant and said respectfully, “O mighty elephant! Kindly favor me with
your royal glance”.
The arrogant elephant looked at
the old jackal and asked, “Who are you and why have come here?” The jackal
replied, “O mighty elephant. I am only an old jackal. “I am only a poor Jackal.
You are great,
kind-hearted and have all qualities of a good ruler. So the forest animals want
you to be their king. Kindly accept this.”
The elephant was very happy to
hear the words of praise. The jackal further said, "O great elephant the
forest animals are eagerly waiting to see your kingship ceremony. The ceremony
will be held today and all forest animals will gather to see it. The
astrologers have told that the time is auspicious. I request you to come with
me immediately for crowning".
The elephant, who always dreamt to
be the king, got completely carried away by the jackal's talk. He got ready to
accompany the jackal to the place where the crowning ceremony was to be held.
The jackal took the elephant into
deep forest. They reached a large swampy area. The heavy elephant got stuck
badly in the swamp while the jackal walked the swamp easily.
The elephant tried to step out but
gradually sank deeper in the swamp. The elephant got sacred and called the
jackal for help.
However, the jackal was happy to
see his plan going good and replied, “You are arrogant and merciless. You
destroy the forest tree and the homes of birds. You kill their offspring.
Lately you destroyed our burrows. You deserve punishment and must die this way
for your evil deeds.
The jackal went back leaving the
elephant in swamp. Soon the elephant sank completely in the mud and died.
Moral: Every despot has to meet
his doom.
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