Khani Netra

In the lineage of Ikshwaku, (the originator of Rama's lineage), a king called Khani Netra was born.

Even after several years of married life, he did not have any issues. Some priests told him that he would beget a son if he offered deer flesh to the gods through fire sacrifice. The king set out for hunting. Even after much search, he could not find even one deer. Thinking that it would be cruel to kill any other animal, he refrained from hunting other animals.

After some time, a deer appeared before him and said, "O! King! I have no issues since many years. I am unable to bear this shortcoming. Therefore, kill me and relieve me of this suffering". The king wondered if the deer was mocking him.

In the meantime, another deer came there and said, "O! King! I have innumerable children. I am unable to feed them all. I am unable to protect them from wild animals. I am suffering from fear all the time because of this. Please have mercy on me and relieve me of my suffering by killing me".

Both the deer appeared like Gurus to the king. He thought "there is suffering if you don't have children; there is suffering if you have children. Therefore, it is foolish to kill an animal just to have an issue. Instead, it would be good if I give up desires and simply spend my time worshipping the Almighty."

So thinking, Khani Netra undertook penance.

In due course of time, he begot a son called Karanthama.

See! If we give up desires and pray the Almighty without selfishness, He will certainly bless us with what we really need.