King Nriga and Krishna – The Power of Forgiveness

King Nriga was a generous and kind-hearted ruler known for his regular acts of charity. He frequently gave gifts and alms to those in need and ensured that no one went hungry in his kingdom. One day, he promised to give a large flock of cows to a Brahmin as a gesture of goodwill.

However, by coincidence, a beggar arrived soon after at his gates, and King Nriga, unaware of the earlier promise, also gave him some of the cows intended for the Brahmin. When the Brahmin later discovered that his promised cows were gone, he was furious and felt dishonored. In his anger, he cursed King Nriga to turn into a chameleon and to live in a dry well for eternity.

Years passed, and Nriga remained trapped in the well near Dwarka. One day, while Krishna’s family members were playing near the well, their ball accidentally fell into it. As they reached in to retrieve the ball, they were startled by the sight of a large chameleon. Startled and concerned, they rushed to Krishna, seeking his help.

Krishna approached the well and, with his divine touch, lifted the chameleon out. Instantly, the chameleon transformed back into King Nriga. Nriga was deeply grateful for Krishna’s mercy and narrated his story of how he had been cursed. Thanking Krishna for his kindness, Nriga ascended to the heavens, freed from the curse.

**Moral:** The story of King Nriga teaches us the importance of careful attention to promises and the value of forgiveness. Krishna’s compassionate act reminds us that mercy and understanding can break even the strongest curses, and that kindness can uplift those bound by past mistakes.