The Bell of Justice - Manu Needhi Chozhan - Story of Compassion ( 3 min read)

 The loud and rhythmic sound of the bell ringing, galvanized the King. He hurried down the steps, across the path leading to the gate, built into the perimeter of the palace grounds. That is where the Bell of Justice was hung, for anyone who wished for justice from their fair King of the Chozha dynasty.

"Who needs me so badly? Who is ringing the bell with such urgency?"

Thoughts racing through his mind, the King hurried closer to towards the gate. His feet faltered and he would have fallen, when he quickly centered himself, as a King his reflexes had been sharpened by years of training, rarely did he miss a step, but he had at this moment.

For what he witnessed was a wonder. No man or woman stood ringing the bell - a cow stood with tears streaming down its cheeks, and holding the rope end.

~~

This is the story of the noblest in the land

That man we honor and revere

Who, without fear or favor, in the great city doth stand

The friend of every friendless beast, the Great Lord of Tiruvarur

Manu Vendhan / A chozhan ? A Tamil

 ~~

Manu Chozhan had prayed many years for an heir, a son and when their wish was granted by the great Lord Nataraja, their joy was unbound. The boy, sweeter than divine nectar was the soul of their life. A boy of sweet nature and strong values, a true Chozha Prince. 

Veeram - he had, Dhairyam - in plenty and let me not forget Karunyam- a boy of great compassion did they nurture as the future King.The young Prince Vidangan followed his father in every act and every deed. Showing the same compassion to all .

That day Vidangan had climbed his chariot and taken the reins from the charioteer, steering the vehicle to the city for he wished to prostrate in front of the Ambal in his favorite temple at the centre of the city. The streets of Tiruvarur were prosperous, lined with merchants selling and bargaining their wares. Silks, gold, silver and armaments, sculptors, craftsmen and more. 

Yet Vidangan was restless and distracted and barely paid attention to these familiar sites. His mind was perhaps occupied with his love, they had met in the forest and he had vowed to marry her, but these thought of her, he knew were perilous, for she was a forest maiden and he was the future King. Yet all he could remember was the shape of her eyes, and the curve of her smiling lips....

The sudden neighing of the horse, woke him from his reverie...

The chariot crunched hard on something and a pitiful sound was heard echoing through the streets. A young calf had run across and lost in his thoughts Vidangan had not reined in soon enough and the poor beast had fallen under the sharp chariot wheels. A wee little thing crushed to death.

Vidangan, jumped out of the chariot and watched the pool of blood flowing from the poor mishappen shape in horror.  "Oh Almighty, I was on my way to meet you and now what has happened? I have killed a voiceless creature. How can I face myself knowing this crime is committed by me. Oh Lord, how will I face my father? Oh, How will I face the mother of this calf? Just this morning, she would have licked it clean and allowed it to suckle her teats. How am I to live upto my ancestors. The great Sibi, gave his flesh to protect a little dove, while I have killed an innocent beast in cold blood. I am ashamed at myself, I have dishonored my entire clan...." he sobbed.

The people gathered around him said:

"Oh Prince do not despair, this is an accident and your intention was never to hurt. Do not be harsh on yourself."

"I am not worthy to live this life after such a heinous crime" said the Prince in reply.

Just then the Cow searching for its calf reached the crowd. As people parted and the cow made its way to the chariot, its eyes fell on the blood bath. A most piteous cry was heard from the mouth of the cow. Amma....

A sound filled with grief so deep that its pain moved everyone to tears. No one moved, time stood still

The Cow, then turned and heaved itself away from them and towards the palace gate as everyone watched, wondering and waiting...

The bell was heard ringing for the King.

~~

The King arrived to see the sad and tragic fate of the calf. He too was filled with grief

"Alas" said he, "A cow gives everything to and for us, why has it been punished this way? Why does this innocent creature have to suffer so? Is not her child as dear to her as a man's child is to him? What can we do to heal a Mother's broken heart?"

Once again the Minister's repeated :

"A ruler is duty bound to protect all lives, even thieves and scoundrels. Yet an accident killing / misdeed can be atoned through penance and rituals. Do not fret, do not be discouraged Sire."

"Fools", said he. "Injustice has been done to the Cow and to the calf. This is no simple misdeed. It is a crime by one who vowed to protect this animal. A killer is a killer. A ruler is bound to protect lives even against the fear of him!A ruler is duty bound to uphold justice!"

"My son shall meet with the same fate as this calf, for that is my repentance: to feel the pain of the Mother, the parent, at the loss of her child.

So saying Manu Chozhan urged his ministers to steer the chariot over Prince Vidangan and when they ran away from fear and horror at the decision taken by their King; Manu himself climbed the chariot and shook the reins. The boy laid down willingly, to give up his life...

The clouds parted and a ray of light bathed the head of the King and his son. A voice was heard: 

"Oh Great King, we admire your nobility, your kindness and love. Go in peace, I restore the calf to its mother and you restore our faith in humanity. As long as there are people such as you, the voiceless creatures of the land will get the justice that is rightfully theirs. Live in compassion, live in love."

The clouds gave way to sunshine and Tiruvarur was bathed in an effulgent glow.

The calf was reunited with its mother and Vidangan to his father Manu Needhi Chozhan, who ruled for many long years as a just and wise  King should.

~~

This is the story of the noblest in the land

That man we honor and revere

Who, without fear or favor, in the great city doth stand

The friend of every friendless beast, the Great Lord of Tiruvarur

Manu Vendhan / A chozhan / A Tamil