Nalan 3.1 King Cobra's Gift

Chapter 3. Kali had gone The Lotus feet’s mercy Gajendran, the elephant In danger, cried out For help, and Thirumal Rushed up to its call. He saved it from a crocodile. He helps those who call. Behind cows, He went. We submit to His Lotus feet. In the temple of mind. Let Lord Mahadevan save us. With a deer in hand, He dances. He’s in the hearts of devotees. And is the Master of all Devas. King Cobra surrendered Chased by Kali, Nalan In the forest walked alone. A King Cobra called him, “Oh King, please come.” “Under you, I take shelter, As I’m now in danger. From this forest fire Save me at this hour.” He saw him burning As the fire was spreading, The Cobra was burning. Nalan saw this plight And went to him straight. He went to King Cobra The Fire God’s boon Came to his mind then. So, he crossed the fire And slowly went near. Save me he said. “Due to a sage’s curse I’m burnt like this. Please help me From fire save me.” Like this Cobra said. His story Nalan heard. He decided to help him And from fire save him. Take me away Cobra said, “Take me. In a safe place, leave me. My curse will leave me Once you save me.” He saved the Cobra Nalan took him away For him to stay At a safe distance From the fire place. Count ten and put me down The cobra told Nalan, “Please count ten From your first step Drop me at the tenth step.” Nalan counted ten From the first step To the tenth step, When Nalan counted ten The cobra bit him then. What was the reason? Nalan asked, “Tell me Why did you bite me? With no provocation, What’s the reason? Body became dark When cobra bit Nalan For a valid reason, His body became dark, Short and shrunk. Explained the reason “I bit you for the reason You’ll not be known To anyone in this body Which is too ugly.” “I’m Karkotakan. I did this in return For what you did. Now you can hide.” Take this robe “From this forest fire, You brought me here. Take this robe for use Whenever you need this.” On use, it will shine “This shape will disappear Your old one will appear, This robe, whenever you use. So, carefully keep this.” Be a charioteer “Your name is not Nalan, But will be Vagugan, Meaning short-handed man, And as a charioteer, you’ll join.” “Go to Ayodhya direct And there you'll start Your fresh career As the best charioteer.”