Jaradgava and Dirghakarna

# Jaradgava and Dirghakarna

## A Tale from the Panchatantra

Once upon a time, in the hollow of a great tree on Gridhrakuta hill by the majestic Ganges, there lived an old vulture named Jaradgava. His eyes were dim, and his talons were frail, robbed by the harsh hands of time. Despite his infirmities, the kind-hearted birds of the tree offered him scraps from their meals out of pity for his plight, and he, in turn, kept a watchful eye on their nestlings when they were away.

One fateful day, while the trees swayed to the whispers of the wind and the Ganges hummed along, calamity crept on silent paws towards the tree. Dirghakarna, a sly cat with whiskers sharp as blades and eyes like polished onyx, made his way to the tree, harboring dark designs on the innocent fledglings chirping within.

PROMPT 1 `[Seed: 83456271]`: Illustrate a wise but frail old vulture named Jaradgava, with grey and white feathers, perched within the hollow of a massive tree, overlooking tiny colorful birds in their nests.

The fledglings, sensing danger, cried in terror at the approach of Dirghakarna. The cat thought quickly, aware that escape was as futile as a leaf standing firm against a storm. With deceptive calm, Dirghakarna bowed respectfully and engaged the old vulture in a discourse of wits and wisdom.

"I live here, on these sacred banks, bathing in the holy Ganges and leading a devout life," lied Dirghakarna, weaving words like a spider spins its web. Jaradgava was torn, for he valued the sacred laws which command even a foe in one's home be offered hospitality. Yet he feared for the fledglings he had sworn to protect.

"I am learned in sacred laws, yearning for no flesh, my soul a fortress against worldly wants," Dirghakarna proclaimed and convinced the venerable bird of his false intentions. Thus began the cat's residence in the hollow, where he whispered honeyed lies by day and, under the veil of night, feasted on the unwary nestlings.

PROMPT 2 `[Seed: 83456271]`: Depict a sneaky and eloquent cat named Dirghakarna, with a sly grin and sleek grey fur, cunningly convincing a vulture amidst the lush green foliage of the tree.

Soon the grove of harmony turned into one of dismay, as the parent birds discovered their young ones missing. They convened, a flutter of feathers and a cacophony of sorrow, to unravel the truth behind their disappearance. 

In the midst of their grief and investigation, Dirghakarna disappeared as silently as he had arrived, leaving behind only the echoes of betrayal. The painful truth unveiled itself in the hollow of the tree, where lay the sad evidence of their lost nestlings. Consumed by anguish and misled by their findings, the birds turned their wrath onto the innocuous Keeper of the Hollow – Jaradgava, the unsuspecting vulture.

PROMPT 3 `[Seed: 83456271]`: A montage showcasing the unfolding drama: Concerned birds holding an assembly, the evidence of feathers and bones, and the final tragic misunderstanding with their guardian Jaradgava.

The tale of Jaradgava and Dirghakarna serves as a poignant reminder. It teaches us that appearances often deceive, and the ease of trust lends itself to the machinations of the cunning. Above all, it reiterates the age-old adage that discernment is the companion of wisdom.

---

### Image Prompts for "Jaradgava and Dirghakarna"

PROMPT 4 `[Seed: 83456271]`: A resplendent cover image for the story, featuring the ancient tree on Gridhrakuta hill with the Ganges flowing in the background, and silhouettes of a vulture and a cat facing each other amidst many colorful birds.

PROMPT 5 `[Seed: 83456271]`: The sprawling vista of Gridhrakuta hill, the serene Ganges meandering along, and the great tree standing tall, its branches heavy with leaves and life.

PROMPT 6 `[Seed: 83456271]`: Young vibrant birds of various species scattered throughout the tree's branches, chirping and fluttering in a tranquil, sunlit setting.

PROMPT 7 `[Seed: 83456271]`: The assembly of distressed parent birds, their expressions filled with worry and determination, as they search for their missing offspring.

PROMPT 8 `[Seed: 83456271]`: Portrait of Jaradgava, his eyes conveying the wisdom of age, yet overshadowed by sadness, as he reflects on the fate of the nestlings under his care.