Why Add to the Insult?
“Jagaveera confronts the pujari, Ayyasami, in a moment of pride and humility amidst the vibrant atmosphere of a South Indian temple.”
Jagaveera was a zamindar who possessed considerable wealth but was known for his miserly nature. He portrayed himself as a very pious man, visiting the temple every morning without fail. However, despite his regular presence, he never bought a coconut for his puja or offered a coin to the pujari when receiving arati. The pujari, Ayyasami, never felt disrespected and continued to perform the arati for him after concluding the puja.
During the special puja for Sivaratri, Jagaveera positioned himself at the front among the worshippers. As the pujari presented the arati, the zamindar placed a ten paise coin on the tray. The pujari, surprised, remarked, “You’re the first one to make an offering today, but a mere ten paise feels like an insult. How about another ten paise?”
Jagaveera replied defiantly, “If you consider this ten paise to be an insult, I won’t add to it by giving you ten paise more.” With that, he promptly retrieved the coin from the tray and left the temple, leaving behind an air of tension and unresolved pride.