No Disguise for Nature!

The Generous Guest House

A wealthy merchant from Kanchi founded a guest house in the town. Brahmin pilgrims visiting the city could stay there for up to ten days. In addition to shelter and free meals, guests received a rupee each day for their small expenses.

The Greedy Plan

In a nearby village lived Narayan Bhatta. Though he was not poor, he was extremely greedy. “Why not stay in the guest house for a month? That would net me thirty rupees, along with three hearty meals a day!” he thought to himself.

The First Disguise

He grew a beard and dressed as a traveling mendicant before checking into the guest house. Ramnath, the man in charge, was also the priest of the local Hanuman temple. He had placed an offering box on his table where pilgrims contributed to the temple fund when leaving.

An Uncharitable Guest

After ten days, when Narayan Bhatta received his allowance of ten rupees and was preparing to leave, Ramnath requested a small contribution toward the temple fund. However, Narayan Bhatta refused to comply.

The Return

A few hours later, Narayan Bhatta returned to the guest house. This time, he had discarded his beard. He checked in under a new name and stayed for another ten days, earning another ten rupees. Upon leaving, he returned once more, this time shaving his head and adopting yet another name. He completed a month of stays.

The Deception Unfolds

Delighted, he reveled in successfully deceiving Ramnath. He had enjoyed his time and planned to repeat his trick later. However, just as he was about to leave after the third stay, Ramnath caught him by the arm and led him before the local judge.

Facing Justice

”This man has misused our hospitality. He should be punished for deceiving us under false identities,” Ramnath complained. The judge quickly uncovered the truth. Under threat of punishment, Narayan Bhatta admitted to his deceit and was fined.

The Nature of the Deceiver

After the trial, the judge asked Ramnath, “How did you recognize him, given his clever disguises?” Ramnath replied, “It was his nature, my lord. He refused to contribute a paisa to the temple fund after his first stay, and he did the same after the second. I found it surprising that two such stingy guests would visit consecutively. When he repeated the same behavior after the third term, I grew suspicious and looked closer. I soon realized he was the same man who had shown his true nature on three separate occasions. Had he been generous just once, I would not have suspected him.”