Mangalam, who Destroyed Her Son’s False Pride

Audio Story in Tamil

In a village, there lived a very wealthy man named Sundaram. He naturally had a boastful manner of speech and a proud gait. His family consisted of his mother Mangalam, his wife Parvathi, and his son Panneer. Sundaram would address all the workers in his house, garden, and fields in singular terms, but they didn’t take offense and called him master. Mangalam did not like this behavior. She tried to advise him many times, but he wouldn’t listen. His wife also went along with Sundaram’s ways. His son too disapproved of his behavior and constantly urged him to change, but Sundaram paid no heed. Years passed this way.

Son’s Return from Abroad

The son completed his schooling. Following his education, his grandmother suggested sending him abroad for higher studies. Arrangements were made, and he was sent abroad. He would visit the village only during holidays. After finishing his studies, he said he would work there, and his parents agreed. He worked there for over six years. Sundaram then decided to find a bride befitting his status for his son. He selected two or three girls and decided to inform his son. Just then, a big car arrived, and out stepped his son, much to Sundaram’s surprise. He called his son over and saw him open the car’s back door. A beautiful woman in a silk saree, looking like a goddess, got out, followed by a five-year-old boy. Sundaram called his wife, who asked who they were. His son replied, “This is your daughter-in-law, and this is your grandson.” Parvathi hurried inside and returned with an aarti plate, performed the aarti, and brought them inside.

Life with the Son, Daughter-in-Law, and Grandson

After a short rest, they were called for dinner. Sundaram and Parvathi thought the girl was nice. Gradually, they inquired about their daughter-in-law. Panneer said she was his wife and the boy was his son. Parvathi asked why he didn’t inform them earlier, to which Panneer said he would explain at the right time. The grandson became very attached to his grandmother, enjoying her stories and falling asleep in her lap.

The Wedding Feast Hosted by Sundaram

Sundaram accepted his daughter-in-law wholeheartedly and informed the families of the girls he had chosen that his son was already married. He then hosted a grand feast to celebrate his son’s wedding, serving a variety of dishes. Everyone ate joyfully. In the evening, they went to the temple, performed abhishekam, and received blessings.

Madhavi’s Involvement in Work

The daughter-in-law Madhavi actively helped her mother-in-law in the kitchen and participated enthusiastically in household tasks and pujas. After a week, Panneer told his mother that they would stay for only ten more days. When asked why, he said he had only 20 days of leave. Parvathi inquired about Madhavi’s family, to which Panneer replied that her father was coming that evening.

Arrival of the In-Law and Grandmother’s Truth

Sundaram and Parvathi awaited the arrival of the in-law. A man got out of the car, whom Madhavi ran to greet, addressing him as father. Sundaram recognized him as Chadayyan, who had once worked in their fields.

Chadayyan respectfully greeted Sundaram with folded hands. Sundaram angrily demanded, “Who is your daughter, who has married my son and ruined my honor?” Hearing the commotion, the grandson ran out and hugged Chadayyan, calling him grandpa. Sundaram’s anger grew, and he told his son that there was no place for him in the house. Panneer packed his belongings and left. Parvathi, carrying her belongings, followed with the grandson, and Madhavi joined them. Sundaram was shocked and asked his mother where she was going.

Mangalam responded, “I raised you poorly. You are as arrogant as your father but without his integrity. You have forgotten how you insulted Chadayyan’s wife when she needed money for childbirth. Your daughter-in-law challenged you today because you never helped Chadayyan’s wife, who died because of your refusal. I ensured that Chadayyan’s daughter was educated and married to my grandson so that the sins of my son would not affect my grandson. Now we leave, and you must face your karma alone.”

For reading more about Karma, please click here

Explanation of Karma by the Sage

The news spread like wildfire, and people started discussing how the proud man was humbled. This reached the sage in the temple. During his evening discourse, he explained that speaking ill of someone behind their back adds to one’s karma, while the other person’s karma diminishes. When asked about Sundaram’s karma, the sage said Sundaram would suffer from multiple karmas: the Surya karma for his pride, the Chandra karma for hurting people with his words, the Shani karma for mistreating his workers, and the Rahu karma for causing the death of Chadayyan’s wife by refusing help. However, Mangalam’s actions saved her grandson from these karmas. By ensuring Chadayyan’s daughter married her grandson, she balanced the karma, and her grandson was spared. Sundaram and his wife, having been left alone, would face their karma and only after their repentance would their son support them. They eventually lived out their days in solitude, humbling themselves and treating others with kindness. After some years, their son returned, took them with him, and they spent the rest of their lives peacefully with their grandson.