Vennila, Who Altered Destiny

Vasantharajan and his wife had a daughter named Vennila. Vennila lived happily with her parents, grandfather, and grandmother. She would ask her grandfather and grandmother about mythological stories and get answers to all her doubts. After learning about them, she would happily wander around the house. Her grandparents would answer any question she asked without any difficulty.

Offering Food to Crows

Grandmother had the daily habit of cooking food, offering it to God as naivedyam, and then setting aside food for the crows. When Vennila asked about this practice, her grandmother explained, “When we offer food to crows, it is believed that our ancestors come in the form of crows to consume the food.” Curious, Vennila asked, “Who are these ancestors?” Grandmother elaborated, “They are my parents, their parents, and their parents; and your grandfather’s parents, their parents, and their parents.” Vennila believed this explanation and firmly thought that her grandparents’ ancestors came to eat the food.

One day, Vennila asked, “Why don’t you directly offer the food to God instead of setting it aside for the crows?” Her grandmother replied, “Just seeing the food is enough for God. When God looks at the food, it transforms into prasad, and the divine blessings fill that food.” Hearing this, Vennila requested, “Can I also feed the crows?” Her grandmother responded, “You must become older first. Only then can you take up this responsibility.”

Vennila Begins Feeding the Crows

After completing her schooling, Vennila stayed at home and began learning cooking from her grandmother. One day, she told her grandmother, “Since I am cooking now, I will also feed the crows like you do.” Her grandmother, amused by Vennila’s insistence, finally agreed. From then on, Vennila followed the same practice: offering naivedyam to God first and then setting aside food for the crows. However, she made a slight change. Unlike her grandmother, who would take a ladleful of rice and place it for the crows, Vennila felt that the food should be well-prepared for her ancestors. She would mix the rice with dal, add ghee, and ensure the taste was perfect before offering it. Sometimes, she would even taste the food herself to make sure it was delicious. Her grandmother had taught her, “Whatever we give to others must be good.” Vennila believed that this principle also applied to the offerings for her ancestors.

Swelling befitting the finger

While staying at home, Vennila also learned tailoring and embroidery. As she reached marriageable age, her family began searching for a groom for her. Her grandmother advised, “Find someone who matches her, just like swelling that fits a finger.” Vennila asked, “What does that mean, grandmother?” Her grandmother explained, “If the swelling on a finger is just right, it doesn’t look odd. But if the swelling exceeds the finger’s size, it looks awkward. Similarly, a marriage alliance should suit our capacity. If it’s beyond our means, there won’t be mutual respect. Whenever we visit that family, we should be welcomed with dignity.”

Vennila’s Marriage

Eventually, a proposal came from a wealthy family, and the groom seemed well-suited to Vennila’s qualities. However, her grandparents hesitated because of the family’s affluence. Grandfather expressed his concerns, saying, “Our family survives on my pension, and my son earns a modest income. What if their expectations are higher?” The groom’s mother reassured them, saying, “We don’t have any expectations. We are happy to welcome your daughter as our daughter-in-law.” With mutual agreement, the marriage was arranged.

Parents of a Daughter

When it was time for Vennila to leave for her husband’s home, she tearfully asked her grandparents, “My parents will take care of you, but who will take care of my parents?” Her grandmother consoled her, saying, “Daughters are a great strength. Parents who raise their daughters well and marry them off responsibly are always protected by divine blessings. Don’t worry; God will ensure your parents are cared for.” Vennila’s mother also advised her, “Show the same love and respect to your in-laws as you did to us. Whatever you give to them, God will ensure it reaches us through some means. Always give them your best.”

Life in Her Husband’s Home

At her husband’s home, Vennila lived happily and peacefully. Her in-laws treated her with love and care. Her husband was affectionate, and she had no household responsibilities, as her mother-in-law managed everything. Her only task was to collect jasmine flowers that fell in the courtyard, string them into garlands, and offer them to the deities.

Feeding Crows in Her New Home

During her pregnancy, Vennila appeared gloomy one day. Her mother-in-law noticed this and asked why. Vennila replied, “At my parents’ home, I fed the crows every day. Here, I haven’t had the opportunity to do that.” Understanding her feelings, her mother-in-law entrusted her with this task. From that day, Vennila resumed the ritual of feeding the crows, just as she had at her parents’ home. She felt immense happiness in continuing this practice.

The Crows’ Cawing

One day, as Vennila was plucking jasmine flowers, the crows began cawing loudly. Thinking it was because the food wasn’t ready, she tried to calm them, saying, “The food isn’t ready yet; Mother is still cooking.”

However, the crows grew louder and swooped near her. Surprised, Vennila turned around and saw a cobra poised to strike her leg. Startled, she moved quickly, and the crows chased the snake away. She rushed inside and told her mother-in-law, who immediately ensured the snake’s hiding spot was cleared.

The Karmas of This Story

In this story, Vennila was blessed with positive karmic vibrations of the Moon. It is believed that children born under certain stars (e.g., Bharani, Magha, Ketai, or Uttirattathi) carry the karmic imprint of the Moon.

However, due to Rahu’s influence, she faced the danger of the cobra attack. Her practice of feeding the crows transformed this negativity, as the crows protected her from harm.

From childhood, Vennila grew up surrounded by her grandparents’ wisdom and learned valuable lessons and habits. Their guidance enriched her life with prosperity and goodness. This story emphasizes the importance of grandparents in raising children. Parents should ensure that children are exposed to the wisdom and care of their grandparents, as their teachings play a crucial role in shaping the child’s future.

For a more generic understanding of Karma, please read this.

Or simply read our short stories on karma. Or hear the tamil audio stories

If you would like to know your karma from your own birth date, please click here – DNA Students can help you in understanding this easily. You can reach out to them in our facebook page or WhatsApp Channel – please click follow button in the WhatsApp channel if you would like to receive notifications when a blog post is released.