Manuneethi Cholan - Justice to a Cow

Manuneethi Cholan was a righteous king who ruled the Chola kingdom without deviating from justice. Known for his unwavering commitment to fairness, his people revered him even more than their own lives. For many years, Manuneethi Cholan lived in sorrow due to his lack of offspring. By the grace of God, a beautiful son was born to him. Both the king and his people rejoiced. He named the child Veethividangan and raised him with great care. Veethividangan grew day by day into a handsome young man, excelling in wisdom and good virtues. At the appropriate age, the king trained him in the arts of elephant riding, horse riding, chariot driving, and weaponry. Veethividangan mastered all these skills.

Manuneethi Cholan had a strong desire to make himself accessible to his subjects without any barriers. To achieve this, he convened a council and discussed ways to make it happen. He devised a plan that would delight his people. He installed a large bell at the entrance of his palace. He proclaimed that anyone who wished to meet him could ring the bell, and he would personally appear to hear and address their grievances. The people admired the simplicity of their king and praised him for his accessibility. Who wouldn’t love such a considerate ruler?

Years passed, and no one ever rang the bell installed by Manuneethi Cholan. The people lived peacefully, without any grievances. But time is never the same for long. A test arrived in the form of the king’s son, Veethividangan.

One evening, Veethividangan, riding in his chariot for leisure, was touring the city. At the same time, a playful calf was frolicking in the street. Engrossed in his enjoyment, the prince failed to notice the calf and accidentally ran over it with the chariot. The calf died on the spot. Shocked and remorseful at having caused the calf’s death, Veethividangan sat down next to it, overcome with grief. Out of love for the prince and the fact that he was the sole heir to the throne, no one dared to report the incident to the king.

Although the people remained silent, the mother cow, with tears streaming from her eyes, licked her calf lovingly and then ran off. The villagers followed the cow to see where it was heading. To their astonishment, the cow reached the palace and rang the justice bell with its horns, creating a loud noise. Hearing the bell, the king, startled, rushed to the gate with his ministers. Expecting to see a human petitioner, he was shocked to find the cow instead. For a king who prided himself on ruling a kingdom without grievances, this incident was devastating. When he asked what had happened, no one answered. The king followed the cow, which led him to the spot where the calf lay dead. The cow licked the calf, showing its grief. The king, deeply moved, stood with tears in his eyes. Turning to his ministers, he demanded, “Who is responsible for this crime? Bring them before me immediately.” The ministers remained silent.

“If you do not tell me, I will be a king who has failed in justice. I would rather end my life than live with such dishonor.” The ministers, unable to hold back any longer, revealed what had happened. Veethividangan himself stepped forward, bowed his head, and confessed his guilt.

The king, though shaken, took a moment to reflect. He realized that he could not bring the calf back to life. However, justice demanded that life be exchanged for life. The mother cow’s grief must be matched by the grief of the offender’s mother. He resolved to punish his own son.

As a just king, he ordered, “Prepare the chariot immediately. Place Veethividangan beneath the wheels where the calf died, and run the chariot over him. The offender must face the consequences of his actions.” The ministers and subjects, horrified at the king’s decree, refused to comply. None could bear the thought of killing the future king.

Manuneethi Cholan, steadfast in his commitment to justice, mounted the chariot himself. He placed Veethividangan under the wheel and began driving the chariot. The chariot moved swiftly, and the people cried out in anguish. The ministers stood frozen, unsure of what to do.

Then, a miracle occurred. The chariot came to a halt near Veethividangan. The cow, along with its dead calf lying in a pool of blood, vanished into thin air. Everyone was astounded.

At that moment, Lord Shiva appeared. He explained that this was a divine test to evaluate Manuneethi Cholan’s adherence to justice. The king, his son, and the people prostrated before the deity. The glory of Manuneethi Cholan spread far and wide.