Straw Beside Flame

In the bustling city of ancient Madurai, where temple bells rang through jasmine-scented streets, lived a respected goldsmith named Visakan. He was renowned for crafting ornaments for the royal family and held a reputation as pure as the gold he molded. But unknown to others, he had developed a dangerous habit — cutting corners by mixing cheaper metals into his work.

His wife, Karpagam, a devout woman and quiet observer, once warned, “You live too close to fire, husband. Even the strongest metal bends if placed near constant heat.”

“Do not worry,” Visakan laughed, “I am the flame, not the straw.”

One day, he was summoned to create a necklace for the goddess Meenakshi herself. The king announced that this divine ornament would be placed in the sanctum during the upcoming Chithirai festival. Visakan took it as an honor — but also a chance to make extra profit. He mixed bronze with gold, convincing himself none would notice.

The day of the offering arrived. As the high priest placed the necklace on the idol, the chain snapped in two. The temple fell silent. The king’s eyes narrowed. Priests examined the broken pieces and declared it impure. Visakan was arrested at once.

Later that evening, as he sat behind bars, Visakan recalled Karpagam’s words. He had placed his life too close to the flame of greed, without shielding himself with honesty. A mistake he thought insignificant had burned his entire life to ash.

Moral: 

Small flaws ignored today can become fires that consume our lives tomorrow.

Inspiration:

He who fails to guard himself from flaws beforehand, loses his life like straw kept next to a flame. - Thiruvalluvar