The Tale of Yama Kumar and His Cunning Wife

In a small village, there lived a young couple—Yama Kumar, a hardworking and kind-hearted man, and his wife, who was known for her cleverness and quick wit. Though they were not wealthy, they led a simple, contented life. However, the wife had a mischievous streak and often devised clever plans to outsmart others for fun.

One day, Yama, the god of death, appeared before Yama Kumar, informing him that his time on earth was up and he would need to follow him to the afterlife. Shocked and saddened, Yama Kumar pleaded for more time with his wife. Yama, firm in his duties, would not relent and insisted that it was his time.

Hearing the commotion, the wife came out and, with a calm smile, greeted Yama, the god of death. She asked Yama if she could have a private word with her husband before he left. Yama, moved by her request, granted her this small favor.

The wife, known for her wit, whispered a clever plan to Yama Kumar. She said, “Listen carefully. When Yama comes close to take you away, I want you to touch his feet and show great respect. Then, follow my lead.” Yama Kumar nodded, trusting his wife’s plan.

When Yama came close to him, Yama Kumar quickly bowed down and touched Yama’s feet as a sign of respect. Taken aback, Yama was pleased by this gesture and said, “It is rare for someone to greet me with such respect. Ask for a boon, and I shall grant it before we leave.”

Seizing the opportunity, the wife quickly spoke up, “Oh, honorable Yama, since my husband has shown you such respect, please grant him the boon of a long and healthy life, so that we may continue to serve each other and live happily together.”

Bound by his word, Yama granted the boon, allowing Yama Kumar to live many more years. Smiling, Yama disappeared, impressed by the wife’s cleverness and Yama Kumar’s loyalty to his wife’s plan.

### Moral:

The tale of Yama Kumar and his cunning wife teaches us the power of wit, respect, and devotion. The wife’s clever thinking and Yama Kumar’s respectfulness saved his life, demonstrating that respect and intelligence can often help us navigate even the most difficult situations. It also shows the strength of loyalty and the importance of standing by loved ones in times of trouble.