Once upon a time, in a big, green forest, there lived a mighty lion named Pingalaka. He was the king of all animals. By his side were two clever jackals—Karataka and Damanaka. They always gave him advice.
One hot afternoon, Pingalaka lay under a shady banyan tree. “Ohh… I am so hungry,” he said, “but I feel too lazy to hunt today.”
Just then, Damanaka saw a gentle deer named Sanjeevaka grazing in the distance.
“Brother Karataka, look! That deer looks strong and healthy. If we make him the lion’s friend, we will always have food.”
But Karataka shook his head and said, “No, brother. Lions and deer can never be friends. One day, this will end badly.”
Ignoring him, Damanaka went to the deer and said kindly, “Dear Sanjeevaka, why do you wander alone? Our great king, the lion Pingalaka, wishes to meet you. Don’t be afraid. He will protect you.”
The deer replied, “Really? The lion wants to meet me? Very well, I shall come.”
When Pingalaka saw the deer, he lifted his paw to strike. But Damanaka quickly said, “O King, this deer wishes to be your friend!”
Pingalaka looked at Sanjeevaka and said slowly, “Hmm… a friend, you say? Very well. I shall not harm you.”
From that day, Pingalaka and Sanjeevaka became the best of friends. They talked, laughed, and spent their days happily together.
But Karataka said, “O King, a lion should not depend on a deer. Be careful!”
Pingalaka just smiled. “Don’t worry, Karataka. Sanjeevaka is my true friend.”
But Damanaka grew jealous. One evening he whispered in the lion’s ear, “O mighty King, Sanjeevaka is not your friend. He plans to take your throne.”
“What! My friend, a traitor?” Pingalaka growled.
The next day, when Sanjeevaka came cheerfully to meet him, Pingalaka roared, “You wanted to betray me!”
The deer cried, “No, my King! I would never harm you. Please trust me!”
But Pingalaka, blinded by anger, leapt forward and killed poor Sanjeevaka.
When the anger faded, Pingalaka sighed deeply. “Oh no… I have lost a true friend because I listened to lies.”
Karataka hung his head in sorrow, while Damanaka smiled secretly.
Moral of the Story
Children, always remember—never believe jealous whispers. Think carefully before you act, or you may lose a true friend forever.