The Unicorn Hermit of India

(Part one)

Long Ago, deep in the Indian jungle, there lived a hermit called Vibhandaka, whose name means Unicorn. He lived all alone and his only visitors were people from the nearest village who occasionally came with offerings of food for their holy man. His real disciples were the birds and beasts who came to bathe in the glow of his serenity as he sat cross-legged in the mouth of his cave, meditating on the mysteries of the universe.

One animal in particular, a female gazelle, became his constant companion. She grew so enamoured of him that, in time, she miraculously conceived and gave birth to a child. The boy was human in every way, apart for the single horn that grew from the center of his forehead. He was named Rishyashringa, which means. Gazelle's Horn.

Rishyashringa also became a hermit and under the tutelage of his father went on to study and master even greater mysteries. Animals flocked to him and he seemed able to speak to each in its own tongue and even the trees and flowers seemed to bend to listen. It was also rumoured that the sky and the rain were his friends, keeping the area where he lived green and fertile.

After some time a terrible drought seized the country and people believed the gods had deserted them because their ruler had fallen into evil ways. When their mutterings reached the Rajah's ears, he began to fear for his life and called all his wise men together to ask what he should do. None dared suggest he mend his ways and make peace with Heaven, but one Brahmin had an idea. Stepping forward and bowing low he said, "Most illustrious and all-powerful master, there lives in a far corner of your kingdom a holy man on whom, is is said, the grace of the gods still falls. Where he dwells there is still rain in abundance and the earth brings forth every kind of fruit. The beasts grow fat and sleek there while everywhere else they are dying of thirst and hunger. If anyone can end this drought it is he. Only have him brought here to the heart of your kingdom and I believe our troubles will be over."

So the Rajah sent messengers to Rishyashringa inviting him to the palace, but they returned alone, saying the sage had only smiled at their request. Then the Rajah sent soldiers, telling them to use force if need be. They too, came back empty-handed, saying they could not bring themselves to lay hands on the saint, even though he had offered no resistance. the Rajah had them flogged and thrown into prison before summoning the most loyal of his bodyguards. "Bring me this hermit," he commanded them, "and if you also fail I will have you trampled by elephants under the eyes of your loved ones."

Continued in part 2