Long ago, in Ayodhya there lived a warrior named Chudamani. He saw everyone around him becoming prosperous and wished to be as rich as they. So, he began to worship Lord Shiva and practised severe austerities. Finally, the Lord was pleased with his worship and appeared before him. Chudamani pleaded with Him for wealth and the Lord gave him a boon, telling him, “Go home. Shave your head and then hide a strong cudgel in your hand. A monk will come that way. Hit him with the cudgel and kill him. He will turn into a golden jar. After that you will never be poor!” Chudamani did as he was told and soon he had a golden jar and was rich. The barber who had shaved his head saw this and decided to imitate him to get wealthy.
The Greedy Barber
