Table of Contents
How Hiranyaka and Laghupatanaka became friends
Recap
The pigeon king, who with his followers, was trapped inside a net, had reached out to the mouse king, Hiranyaka, for help. The mouse had cut the net thus freeing the pigeons. This had been spotted by a crow, Laghupatanaka, who impressed by this wanted to be friends with the mouse.
The mouse said a crow and a mouse could not be friends and he began telling the crow about the deer, the crow and the jackal.
The jackal wanted to eat the deer but the crow tried to warn the deer, by telling the story of a vulture and a cat.
After that, the deer got trapped in a field and then realized the worth of the crow’s words.
The mouse king ended his story and said a crow and mouse could not be friends.
Laghupatanaka smiled and said:
Your highness, I will be honest with you. While you are hiding inside your palace now, I did see you earlier when you cut your friend’s net. You are too small to satisfy my hunger. Do not be scared of me. I try to maintain a calm composure and I do not easily lose my temper. Even in those times when I am provoked and I do end up losing my temper I have reached a point in my life, that I do not display violent behaviour or display emotional tendencies. The ocean is vast and naturally cool. A single torch, no matter how hot, is insignificant against the ocean's volume. Similarly, a noble soul’s patience cannot be altered by a small spark of anger.
Hiranyaka said:
I have seen crows. They are fickle travellers. You may be too inconsistent to be a reliable, long-term friend. Also, a scorpion, a snake, a ram, a crow, and a low-minded or wicked person are considered untrustworthy. If you trust these entities, they will eventually use that trust to assert their dominance or strike at you. Therefore, it is never proper to place your faith in them. A crow naturally belongs to the side of the Mouse's predators. Even if an enemy acts with extreme kindness, one should not form a bond or alliance with them. Even if water is boiling hot, its inherent nature is still the opposite of fire. If you pour that hot water on a fire, it will still extinguish the flames. Similarly, an "enlightened" or "kind" enemy still possesses a nature that will destroy you. Education or knowledge does not change a wicked heart. A wicked person who is learned is even more dangerous. Like a venomous cobra that has a precious gem on its head. Just because the snake is "decorated" with a jewel doesn't mean it isn't a deadly, terrifying creature. Things that are impossible will remain impossible, and things that are destined or naturally possible will surely occur. A heavy cart cannot travel across the surface of the water, and a boat cannot sail across dry land. Natural laws cannot be bypassed. Any person who, out of greed or "great purpose," decides to trust their enemies or unfaithful partners has effectively summoned their own death. Their end is not just coming; it is already standing at their doorstep.
Laghupatanaka said:
I will not deny the nature of crows. My singular focus now is to become your friend. I want to have the same place in your life, that Chitragriva has. I am willing to sacrifice my life to prove my sincerity. Let us forge a bond of friendship. Hiranyaka, Gold fuses easily when heated. Similarly, good people recognize each other’s worth and bond almost instantly. A blacksmith can join gold with ease, but once the bond is set, the metal is incredibly strong. Wicked people are like clay pots. They have no internal strength; the slightest disagreement causes a permanent break. Once a clay pot is shattered, no amount of skill can make it a single, functional vessel again. The relationship is permanently ruined. Even if good people argue, their fundamental love and respect for each other remain intact. The lotus flower has a stem filled with sticky, strong internal fibres. Even if the outer stalk is broken, these threads keep the parts connected. If I leave someone as virtuous and full of good qualities as you, where else in this world could I possibly find such a friend?
Hiranyaka liked the words of the crow. He then stepped out and said:
When a righteous person speaks with love, logic, and beautiful reasoning, their words act like a powerful "Mantra" that attracts pure souls. Such speech brings unparalleled peace and happiness to the heart of the listener. Even the most refreshing things—knowledge that cools the mind, a cold necklace of pearls, or sandalwood paste applied to a body scorched by the sun—cannot provide the same level of deep, internal comfort that the honest words of a friend provide. Furthermore, consider the flaws that poison a bond: the revealing of a friend's secrets, the constant begging for wealth or favours, harshness in speech, a wavering and unstable mind, fits of rage, untruthfulness, and the vice of gambling—these are the true defects of a companion. And yet, having observed the very manner of your conversation, I find that not a single one of these faults is visible in your character. One's cleverness and truthfulness are revealed through conversation. Just as physical features like nakedness or the state of one's teeth are obvious to the eye, the quality of a person's soul is obvious through their words. There is a distinct difference in the tone of someone who is sincere versus someone who is wicked. A pure-hearted person's friendship feels unique, while a deceptive person's voice betrays their inner rot. Wicked people think one thing, say another, and do a third. Noble people maintain perfect alignment between their mind, their speech, and their actions. May your desire be fulfilled. Now that we are friends, I have something for you.
He went back inside and came out with a small bag of grain. He then offered that to his new friend. The crow accepted that, and the mouse king went back inside his palace. The crow perched himself on a rock nearby and they began talking. They fell into a beautiful daily rhythm. They shared meals, checked on each other's health, and spoke without any secrets or filters.
One day, Laghupatanaka seemed a bit worried. When Hiranyaka asked him what was the reason, the crow said:
My friend, it has become very difficult for me to secure a meal in this vicinity. I am not getting food here. Therefore, I wish to leave this place and journey to another land.
Hiranyaka asked his friend:
Where will you go? A wise man is like a traveller who doesn't lift one foot until the other is firmly planted. I advise you against leaving current security without a confirmed destination.
The crow said:
Let me confess. I have been scouting for locations. An excessive emotional attachment to one's place of birth or current residence is a form of mental bondage. A person of action and resolve does not let nostalgia or the comfort of a familiar house limit their potential. For a person with a strong will, any place they land becomes their territory. If a place does not naturally welcome such a person, their sheer talent and determination will create a space for them. Their home is built by their own hands and heart, not inherited by luck. A fearless lion does not worry about which forest he is in. He does not ask for permission or feel like a stranger. Every forest belongs to him because of his nature. The lion’s presence alone changes the environment. His success is guaranteed by his very nature. Similarly, a capable person, regardless of where they are in the world, will inevitably achieve results because of their inherent character. There is a place I have seen and found it to be excellent.
Hiranyaka was curious and asked:
Which place is that?
The crow said:
In the Dandaka forest lies a lake known as Karpuragaura. The waters of the lake are so clean and pure like camphor, that you can see the white bottom of the lake. In that lake lives a dear friend of mine - a Tortoise named Manthara. He moves in a slow calm manner and that is how he got his name. To give advice or instruction to others is an easy task for all, but to actually practice that righteousness oneself is possible only for a rare, great soul. I have great regard and respect for him, the same way, he has for me. I am sure, when I go to him, he will offer me various types of food.
Hiranyaka said:
Then what is the point of me staying here. It is said there are four things which lets one live in a land – Respect or Honour, Livelihood, a support system of friends and relatives, and a way of learning and gaining knowledge. If a place lacks these, it is considered wasteful for the soul and body. Also, one should not stay in a place, where these five qualities are absent - employment, fearlessness, modesty, goodness and generosity. One should never reside in a location where these four are not found: a moneylender (for capital/trade), a physician (for health), a scholar of the scriptures (for spiritual guidance), and a perennial river (for water/agriculture). I request you – please take me along with you.
The crow flew down and landed near the door of the mouse king’s palace. As soon as he did, Hiranyaka came out and landed on the crow’s back. Ensuring that his friend was secure and would not fall down, he flew towards the Dandaka forest. They kept talking about various topics and time flew fast. Every little distance, the crow would stop to take rest and ensure Hiranyaka was fine. Thus, Laghupatanaka flew and eventually reached the Dandaka forest. It was a dense forest full of tall trees. The forest was a beautiful, peaceful place. On reaching the forest, Laghupatanaka landed on the ground. They had travelled far and the shade provided by the trees was very soothing. After assuring Hiranyaka, that their destination was not far, he asked the mouse king to get back on his back. He then flew some distance before he saw a large beautiful lake. Seeing the lake, Laghupatanaka landed near the bank and began calling out to Manthara. Hiranyaka hopped off from the crow’s back and started looking around. Seeing that the crow had come, Manthara, who was in the water, came out and slowly walked towards the crow. He welcomed the crow and the mouse. Be it a child, an elderly person, or a youth, whoever arrives at one’s home must be received with honour and respect; for a guest is a person to be revered by all members of society. Just as fire is the object of worship for the learned, and the learned are revered by all classes, and the husband is the light of the wife—so too is the guest always a person of worship for every living being.
Laghupatanaka then introduced Hiranyaka to Manthara and said:
My dear friend. I am honoured to see you and I feel so nice to see you welcome us. I have brought with me, a dear friend. He is the king of all mice, and he is truly golden hearted, which is why he is called Hiranyaka. Even Shesh, the great serpent, with his thousand heads, would find it impossible to fully describe the mouse's virtues. Let me tell you, how he helped Chitragriva, the pigeon king.
Saying this, Laghupatanaka told Manthara how he had observed the interaction between Hiranyaka and Chitragriva and how Hiranyaka cut and freed the pigeons. Manthara was impressed by this. He then said to Hiranyaka:
You were so happy and content in your palace. Why did you decide to leave your secure home and come to an unknown place?
Hiranyaka began telling his story.
Analysis
Hiranyaka’s initial refusal is based on the logic that "Nature is hard to overcome." A boat cannot sail on land; a predator cannot be a friend. However, conduct can occasionally transcend nature. It says that a person's soul is visible through their words. A noble person has unity of Mind, Speech, and Action. If these three align, a predator can become a friend.
Home is not a physical structure but a "state of being" where respect, livelihood, and knowledge exist.
The characters
Character |
Name Meaning |
What they Represent |
In Daily Life |
Hiranyaka (Mouse) |
Hiranya = Gold. "The Golden One." |
He represents the cautious intellectual. |
The prudent manager or elder who values safety and long-term consequences. |
Laghupatanaka (Crow) |
Laghu = Swift/Light. Patanaka = Flying. "The Swift Flyer." |
He represents the seeker who wishes to rise above his birth-nature. |
The networking professional or seeker who tries to build bridges across social divides. |
Manthara (Tortoise) |
Manthara = Slow/Steady. |
Living in water and land, moving slowly. This suits the "Stability" theme. A tortoise doesn't rush; he is "Manthara" (deliberate), reflecting the qualities of a seasoned scholar or yogi. |
The calm mentor or therapist who provides a "safe space" for others to share their burdens. |
Significance of the Creatures
- The Mouse: Naturally vulnerable and hidden. This justifies his focus on fortification and suspicion. His survival depends on his hole and his wits.
- The Crow: Known for being "fickle" and opportunistic. Using a crow to demonstrate loyalty shows that virtue can exist even in those traditionally viewed as "low-minded."
- The Tortoise: His hard shell and slow movement suit the role of a philosopher. He cannot run away from problems; he must endure them with patience.
Meaning of Names
- Hiranyaka: Derived from Hiranya (Gold). It signifies his "Golden Heart" and "Valuable" intellect.
- Laghupatanaka: Laghu (Light/Quick) + Patanaka (Flyer). He is the "one who flies swiftly," representing a mind that is quick to perceive and act.
- Manthara: Means "Slow" or "Sluggish." It fits the context of a lake-dweller who is unhurried by the chaos of the world, symbolizing deep meditation and patience.
- Karpuragaura (The Lake): Karpura (Camphor) + Gaura (White/Pure). It represents a state of translucency and purity, a place where there are no "murky" secrets.
Correlations with Other Scriptures
- Ramayana: The list of "Untrustworthy" entities here is like Hanuman’s advice to Sugriva regarding Vibhishana (testing an enemy’s intent and trusting the enemy).
- Upanishads: The concept of a guest being worship-worthy is derived from the Taittiriya Upanishad—"Atithi Devo Bhava."
- Panchatantra: This story is effectively the "Frame Story" for the second Tantra (Book), - The Winning of Friends.
- The Mahabharata (Shanti Parva): There is a famous dialogue between a cat (Lomasa) and a mouse (Palita) during a forest fire. Like Hiranyaka and Laghupatanaka, they form a "strategic alliance" despite being natural enemies.
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