One day, Akbar’s servant, Sevakram, rushed to visit Birbal. He looked scared. Birbal asked, “What is the matter, Sevakram?” Sevakram said, “A holy man had gifted a parrot to the emperor. His Majesty had asked me to take care of the bird. But he had also said whoever would inform him about its death would be hanged.” Birbal asked, “So? Is the parrot dead?” “Yes,” Sevakram frowned. “And I don’t know how to tell His Majesty.” Birbal said, “Don’t worry. Let me handle this.” Sevakram thanked Birbal and left. Birbal went to Akbar and said, “Your Majesty, your parrot is a holy bird. It is deep in meditation.” Akbar was surprised. When he saw the parrot, he said, “Can’t you see it’s dead?” Birbal replied, “Your Majesty, everything that is born must die. Why should Sevakram be punished for this?” Akbar realised the truth and thanked Birbal.
The Holy Parrot
