Chellamma and Scorpion: The Story of Kindness
Kolar Journey: https://isaritha2015.medium.com/a-spiritual-walk-on-the-kolar-temple-trail-b5f28f8bcc26
Once upon a time, there was a kind-hearted woman named Chelamma, in Kolar. She had a heart full of kindness not only to humans but to animals too.
One day, Chellamma was fetching water from the village well. She noticed a scorpion was struggling in the water to come out. She could not just see it struggle. She took the scorpion and placed it in a dry hand.
To her surprise, as soon as she landed her in a dry place, it stung her hand. She started withering in pain but even for a single moment she didn’t choose to blame the scorpion for its’ action and continued her day.
The next day, as Chelamma returned to the well, noticed the same scorpion trapped in the water once again. Without hesitation, she again helped and again, the scorpion bit her and left her in pain.
This pattern continued for several days. Each time Chelamma rescued the scorpion, it would bite her as soon as it got the chance. However, Chelamma never gave up on helping the scorpion, despite the pain it caused her.
One day, a curious bystander asked Chelamma, “Why do you keep helping the scorpion when it stings you every time?”
Chelamma replied with a smile, “It is the nature of the scorpion to sting, just as it is my nature to help. I cannot change its nature, but I can choose to be kind and compassionate.”
Eventually, the scorpion seemed to understand Chelamma’s kindness. It stopped biting her and began to trust her. From then on, whenever Chelamma visited the well, the scorpion would run away, no longer afraid or in need of her help.
The story of Chelamma and the Scorpion teaches us the value of forgiveness and the power of kindness. It reminds us that even in the face of ungratefulness, choosing to be kind and compassionate can lead to positive change.
She is still honoured today in the Kolaramma Temple as the Scorpion Goddess, represented by a gold-plated scorpion statue, because of her unwavering love and compassion.
Kolar Journey: https://isaritha2015.medium.com/a-spiritual-walk-on-the-kolar-temple-trail-b5f28f8bcc26
