Lakshmana Rao
In ancient times, Lord Rama instructed Lakshmana to leave Sita near the ashram of Valmiki, by the banks of the Ganga. Lakshmana, obedient to his lord’s command, faithfully carried out the king’s instructions and returned to Ayodhya, reporting his actions to the throne. However, upon seeing Lord Rama, he noticed a profound sorrow in him. Rama’s eyes were filled with grief, torn between his duty as a ruler and his deep love for his family. For three days, Lord Rama withdrew from all activity, weighed down by his inner turmoil.
On the fourth day, Lakshmana approached his brother and said, “O noble one, O embodiment of righteousness, do not let sorrow overpower you. Logic teaches that everything we hoard eventually loses its value, what rises must fall, and all meetings are destined to end in separation. The ultimate destination of a long life is heaven. Children, wives, friends, and wealth are transient; nothing is eternal. Hence, duty reigns supreme above all else. I beseech you, Lord, to return to your responsibilities.”
Moved by Lakshmana’s words, Lord Rama immediately recalled the stories of Vasishtha, Agastya, Nimi, Pururava, and Nahusha, who all suffered curses for neglecting their duties. He thanked Lakshmana for the reminder and ordered the ministers to convene at dawn, whereupon all resumed their responsibilities.
Lakshmana, ever the loyal brother, was tasked by Lord Rama to investigate whether any grievances or calls for justice awaited his attention. After surveying the kingdom, Lakshmana returned with a report: “Under your reign, the people live without fear or sorrow. Wrongdoers have not troubled them. They thrive due to the abundance of food produced through natural farming methods. Disease is rare, as the air and water are pure. There are no untimely deaths, as peace and prosperity are available to every citizen. Your rule of dharma leaves no one without justice, and harmony prevails, with the strong supporting the weak. No one has approached the court with complaints.”
Despite this, Rama asked him to check once more. As Lakshmana went forth, he discovered a dog barking. He approached it gently and asked, “How may I help you, noble creature?”
The dog, speaking in human language, replied, “Lakshmana, I seek justice. Please take me to Lord Rama.”
Honoring the request, Lakshmana led the dog to the court. Upon seeing the dog, Lord Rama inquired, “What wrong has been done to you, and how may I assist?”
The dog replied, “A Brahmin named Sarvardha Siddah struck me while I was wandering in the agraharam. I seek justice from you, O Lord, for you are the guardian of righteousness.”
The Brahmin was summoned to court, where he humbly explained, “O noble king, I have studied the four Vedas and Upanishads, living a life of piety and seeking alms. For two days, I found no food, and hunger clouded my judgment. The dog barked relentlessly, and in my anger and despair, I struck it. I beg forgiveness and ask for a fitting punishment.”
Rama, with great wisdom, acknowledged that anger is man’s worst enemy, for it disguises itself as a friend, undoing the merit gained through penance, charity, and sacrifice. He referred the case to his council, seeking their judgment.
The council was unanimous: “A Brahmin, especially one learned in the Vedas, should not be punished by the king.”
Rama, turning to the dog, asked, “What punishment do you deem just?”
The dog responded, “Make this Brahmin the head of Kalanjari Peeth, where he will manage the Vedic school, temples, trusts, and the gosala.”
The council was astonished, questioning whether this was truly a punishment or a reward. The dog then revealed, “I was once the head of that very institution. I performed my duties with diligence, ensuring that all were fed, caring for the cows, and safeguarding the sacred articles of the temple. However, I committed three grave errors: I ate while someone else went hungry, I drew too much milk from a cow, leaving its calf unsatisfied, and I neglected a sacred ritual. These mistakes cost me my position, leading to my rebirth as a dog. This Brahmin, blinded by anger, will inevitably make similar mistakes, and his actions will curse his lineage for generations. The role of overseeing temples and gosalas is a sacred responsibility, demanding absolute honesty and devotion. Neglect in such duties invites dire consequences. Smriti texts even suggest that intentional mismanagement be punished by banishment.”
Thus, the dog warned that only those with the utmost sincerity and reverence should undertake such divine responsibilities. “If any of us are fortunate enough to be entrusted with such tasks,” the dog concluded, “let us treat them as blessings from the gods, and fulfill them with unwavering dedication.”
