IDOL HEWN FROM A SINGLE ROCK
There was an unusual commotion in the sleepy village of Hallipura. When the villagers assembled at the trouble spot, they saw the young widow of Kotiah sobbing. “Someone tried to assault her when she went for her early morning bath in the pond,” said her nephew, with whom she lived. “It was still dark, so she couldn’t see her assailant. Luckily he ran off when she started screaming.” The villagers were outraged, especially because she was the most pious, kind hearted woman in the village. She spent her time either in the temple or attending to her nephew’s needs or in the service of some needy people. Also, such ugly incidents were unheard of in this village and nearby areas. “Do not go alone, especially at such early hours,” they cautioned, “If you doubt anyone, please tell us, we will have a talk with him.” She shook her head, indicating she didn’t know his identity. The village elders had their suspicions about two or three known village ruffians, like