A Farmer's Encounter with a Snake: A Lesson in Greed

In this intriguing tale, a farmer's struggles with his crops lead him to offer milk to a snake deity, resulting in unexpected rewards. However, his son's greed leads to tragic consequences. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of avarice and the importance of moral integrity. Read on to uncover the full narrative and its valuable lessons.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 12:27 IST

The Farmer's Dilemma

A farmer was facing repeated losses in his crops and was at a loss for what to do. After much contemplation, he recalled the presence of a snake's burrow in his field. However, he had never offered prayers to the snake deity.

This neglect might be the reason behind his failing crops. The farmer decided to seek forgiveness from the snake deity and vowed to place a bowl of milk in his field as an offering.

That evening, he set a bowl of milk in the field, and the next morning, he discovered a gold coin beneath it. Overjoyed, the farmer continued this practice every evening, receiving a gold coin each day.

One day, the farmer needed to leave, so he instructed his son to place the milk in the field and retrieve the bowl and coin in the morning. The son agreed, saying, 'Sure, father.'

That evening, the son followed his father's instructions, but when he went to collect the bowl and coin the next morning, he thought to himself that the snake was quite stingy, only giving one coin each day. He devised a plan to kill the snake, believing he could take all the treasure from its burrow. The boy attempted to strike the snake with a stick, but the snake managed to escape and bit him in self-defense, resulting in the boy's death.

Moral of the Story

This tale teaches us the importance of avoiding greed. The farmer's son lost his life due to his avarice. Such a fate could befall anyone, so it is wise to refrain from contemplating wrongful actions.