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.
You 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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