This story was recited by my father who heard it from my
great-grandfather – CRN thatta
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Goddess Gajalakshmi painted in the walls of Cadavasal House by an
Artist from Thanjavur in the first quarter of the 20 century.
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In his early childhood, C.R.N thatha used to take a twig and
mischievously poke a lump on one of the helpers in his cadavasal ancestral home,
Dharmi Paati's leg.
Dharma patti asked him to
refrain from his mischief. On being asked why, she made up a story to satisfy
his curiosity. She said that there were jewels and money inside her lump,
something like a treasure trove, which could be taken out some day in future
and CRN can have his share.
One day, due to her old age she passed away. Owing to his boyish
innocence, CRN decided to go and retrieve this promised "treasure".
On being questioned by his mother Cadavaasal Paati, about where
he was headed to, he recited the same story, he had heard from Dharmi patti to her.
Instead of bursting his fantasy bubble, Cadavsal paati handled
the situation in a very calm and wise manner, ( Cadavasal patti being a personification of a Divine
Self within). Patti reasoned that they were a well-to-do family in the village
and one of the most important values in the family was the nature of giving.
Hence, the money in Paati's lump should be left for her own grand children. Let
it be that CRN has given his due and share for Dharmi patti’s grand children.
That day, instead of disheartening him, Cadavaasal Paati thought
CRN a valuable lesson in life, more precious than any jewels found in a
treasure trove.
Many of CRN thatta’s network of friends and family members
recall fondly the numerous ‘random acts of kindness ‘ that he has performed for
others throughout his career and life!!
-Apoorva S Jagadeesan
