Years ago, in a village, there lived a Brahmin named Devdutt with his wife Devkanya. They did not have any children for many years, but eventually, after some years, they were blessed with a child. Devdutt’s wife had deep affection for their child. One day, Devkanya found a baby boy outside their house under a neem tree. Seeing the baby, she felt pity and brought him inside, treating him like her own child.
Devdutt’s wife often left the house alone with both the baby and their child when her husband was away. During her absence, the baby and their child shared a strong bond. Seeing their immense love, Devkanya was very happy. However, one day, Devkanya suddenly had a thought that perhaps the baby might harm her own child. After some time, the bond between the baby and Devdutt’s child grew even deeper.
One day, Devdutt went out for work. His wife, Devkanya, also left the house, leaving the baby alone. Meanwhile, a snake entered their house. Devdutt’s child was sleeping peacefully, and the snake started approaching the child. The baby was nearby and noticed the snake moving toward the child. Instantly, the baby became alert and fought fiercely with the snake to protect the child. They struggled for a long time until finally, the baby managed to kill the snake, saving the child’s life. After killing the snake, the baby sat peacefully in the courtyard.
Meanwhile, Devkanya returned home. As soon as she saw the baby’s face covered in the snake’s blood, fear engulfed her. Though the baby’s face was smeared with the snake’s blood, Devkanya misunderstood the situation. She became furious, thinking that the baby had harmed her beloved child. In a fit of rage, Devkanya picked up a stick and brutally beat the baby.
After fatally injuring the baby, Devkanya hurried inside to check on her child. The child was happily playing with toys. During this time, Devkanya noticed the dead snake nearby. Realizing her grave mistake, she felt immense remorse. She deeply loved the baby but in her anger and love for her child, she had mercilessly attacked the baby without understanding the situation.
At that moment, Devdutt returned home and, hearing his wife’s cries, rushed inside. He inquired, “Devkanya, why are you crying? What happened?” She narrated the entire story to her husband. Upon hearing about the baby’s death, Devdutt was deeply saddened. With a heavy heart, he said, “You have received the consequence of leaving the child alone and doubting without trust.”
Lesson from the story:
One should never act in anger without thinking and should never let the thread of trust break due to suspicion.
