King with the Golden hand

[Guest guest]

King with the Golden hand

Source:http://www.ramakrishnamath.com

 

Once upon a time Madurai was ruled by a great king. He was known as

King with the golden hand. There is an interesting story about the

golden hand.

 

One night when he was on his rounds in disguise, he overheard a

conversation between husband and wife. The husband was leaving for

far off cities to earn money and the wife was worried about her

safety. The husband consoled her saying that the King protects his

subjects so well and she should not fear.

 

The next day the brahmin Kiranthai went on a tour. The King kept a

vigil outside his house every night in disguise.

 

Some days passed thus. Kiranthai returned home but the king did not

know this. The king suddenly saw someone at the house and felt that

in the absence of the brahmin someone had entered the house. To know

the truth he knocked at the door of the house loudly. He then

overheard the brahmin ask his wife very suspiciously, " What is this?

Someone is knocking the door at this hour. Were you keeping some

company while I was away? "

 

Hearing these words the King realized his grave mistake. He decided

that he should knock all the houses in the vicinity to remove

Kiranthai's suspicion.

 

However this knocking woke up the neighbourhood. They decided to

complain to the king about the presence of the thief.

 

Very next day they assembled in the court and complained to the king

that a new thief has sneaked into the city and he even had the

audacity to knock the house doors.

 

Hearing this complaint the King asked the minister, " Minister, what

punishment do you think should be meted out to the thief if he is

found? "

 

The minister replied, " A severe deterrent punishment my Lord. His arm

should be cut off.

 

Suddenly, the King pulled out his sword and cut off his own right

hand.

 

He explained the whole story to the assembly.

 

The doctors later fitted a gold hand for the king. He was praised

for his sense of righteousness and he came to be known as the King

with Golden Hand.

GOMU