Once upon a time, in a big green forest, lived a mighty lion named Pingalaka. He was strong, and all the animals in the forest respected him. But the lion was lonely.
Not far away, there was a strong bull named Sanjivaka. One day, traders left him behind while traveling. Sanjivaka wandered into the forest. At first, he was scared.
Sanjivaka: “Oh! Where am I? This forest is so big… I hope no one eats me!”
He found fresh green grass and a clear river. Slowly, he became strong and happy.
One day, Pingalaka heard a loud bellow.
Pingalaka (thinking): “What was that sound? It’s so loud! Could it be stronger than me?”
The lion’s two jackals, Karataka and Damanaka, noticed him hiding.
Damanaka: “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I will check what it is.”
Damanaka went to the bull and saw he was gentle and kind.
Damanaka (to Pingalaka): “Your Majesty, this bull is friendly. He can be your friend.”
Pingalaka and Sanjivaka met and soon became best friends. They shared food, played together, and looked after each other.
Pingalaka: “I’m glad I have a friend like you, Sanjivaka!”
Sanjivaka: “And I’m happy to have a friend like you too, Pingalaka!”
But the jackals grew jealous. They whispered lies.
Karataka (whispering to Pingalaka): “Your friend might be planning to hurt you…”
Damanaka (to Sanjivaka): “The lion is not safe. He might attack you!”
Soon, both friends began to doubt each other.
Pingalaka (angry): “Maybe the jackals are right. I must protect myself!”
Sanjivaka (worried): “I must be careful…”
One sad day, Pingalaka attacked Sanjivaka.
Pingalaka (crying): “Oh no! What have I done?”
The lion realized too late that the jackals had tricked him. He had lost his loyal friend forever.
🌟 Moral
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True friendship is very precious.
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Don’t believe lies or rumors easily.
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Jealousy can destroy even the strongest bond.