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The Story of Gundappa the Brahman

Gundappa the Brahman You can listen to the story by clicking below

About The Story of Gundappa The Brahman

In the present day state of Karnataka, there once reigned a famous king named Châmunḍa, who was served by an household priest, named Gunḍappa. The Priest was well versed in all the rituals at which he officiated.
One day, the King Chamunda was chewing betel-leaves, and Gunḍappa was sitting opposite him. The King said,
“My most holy priest, I am greatly pleased at your faithfulness and the way you discharge of your sacred duties. For that, as a way of showing my appreciation, I shall grant your request You may ask of me now what you wish.”
The priest elated replied: “I have always had a desire to become the Headman of the village. That way, I will get to exercise power over a number of people; and if your Majesty should grant me this I shall have attained my ambition.”
“Agreed,” said the king.
Now the title for the village head in that part of the world is Amildar, and an Amildar is practically the boss of the district.
It so happened that around that time, the post of Amildâr for a town called Nañjaṅgôḍ happened to be vacant. His Majesty King Chamunda at once appointed his priest Gundappa to the post, thinking that his priest, who was intelligent in his duties, would do well in the new post.
Before King Chamunda sent Gundappa off to Nanjangod, however, he gave three bits of advice:—
(1). You should always keep a serious look.
(2). When you speak about affair of the State, you should do it while biting your ear (that is, speak into someone’s ear, not loudly).
(3). You should hold other persons’ locks of hair, that is, you should hold something in leverage over others.

What happens next? Listen to the story to learn more

This story has been produced by Gaatha Story for the Myths, Legends and Fairytales of India Podcast, narrated by Sheerali Biju. This story has been adopted from Tales of the Sun or Folklore of Southern India, compiled by Natesa Shastri and Translated by Flora Annie Steel. Parts of this story have been revised for brevity, context and language by Amar Vyas.
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