The Bugler’s Prayers

The moment of truth unfolds as Jagusingh grapples with faith and betrayal at the village temple, amidst a rich tapestry of South Indian culture and mystique.

The Ritual of the Burglar

Jagusingh, the burglar, bowed to the deity of the local temple whenever he embarked on his missions, saying, “Let me be successful in my work, O Lord!” However, one fateful night, he was caught red-handed while stealing from a merchant’s godown, resulting in a severe beating from the merchant’s servants.

A Crisis of Faith

On his way back home, Jagusingh glared at the temple, angry and frustrated. “How could you let me down, O Lord? My faith in you is shaken!” he exclaimed, questioning the very deity he had worshipped.

The Arrival of a Holy Man

Days later, a holy man arrived in the village, accompanied by his disciples, receiving great respect from the villagers. Jagusingh thought the holy man must be as powerful as a god and decided to seek his blessings instead of going to the temple. Every night, he approached the holy man and asked, “Bless me so that I am successful in my mission.” The holy man willingly obliged.

The Night of Deception

One evening, Jagusingh learned that the holy man was headed to the landlord’s house to perform a ceremony. He rushed to meet the holy man, seeking blessings for his nighttime mission. Jagusingh then decided to burgle the landlord’s temple at midnight.

Meeting the Holy Man

As he stealthily entered the temple, Jagusingh was bewildered to find the holy man removing the deity’s jewelry. Startled upon seeing Jagusingh, the holy man regained his composure and whispered, “O my dear devotee, I knew you would appear here. To spare you the trouble, I have already taken out the deity’s ornaments. Take these.” Jagusingh quickly accepted the ornaments and left.

A Bitter Revelation

Passing the village temple, he scoffed, “The holy man not only protects me but assists me in my work. But what about you? You are a good-for-nothing deity!” Unbeknownst to him, the holy man was a bandit in disguise, having handed over the jewelry to avoid confrontation. However, as soon as Jagusingh reached his house, the holy man’s disciples attacked him and seized the stolen jewelry.

The Unraveling

The following morning, before departing the landlord’s residence, the holy man revealed, as if by supernatural insight, that it was Jagusingh who had burgled the temple. The landlord’s servants quickly captured Jagusingh and brought him to the landlord’s house.

The Ultimate Dilemma

While passing the temple, Jagusingh prayed fervently, “Save me from this crisis, O Lord, and I will give up stealing!” Hardly had he reached the landlord’s house when the king’s sepoys arrived, announcing that a notorious gang of bandits disguised as holy men had been apprehended, along with the stolen jewelry.

A Twist of Fate

Jagusingh was allowed to leave without punishment. Eagerly, he rushed back to the temple, exclaiming, “Great indeed is your kindness, O Lord. Who but you could have saved me?”

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