There was a terrible drought in the Dandakaranya forest. The ponds and rivers had all dried up. The animals in the forest had nothing to eat. They went hungry for days together.
Now, there was a magic tree in the forest. The tree is believed to have given fruits to Rama, Lakshmana and Sita when they stayed in the forest. The animals knew that the magic tree would give them fruits to eat. All they had to do was to stand in front of the tree and call out its name. The problem was, no one in the forest knew its name. Even the oldest among the animals could not remember what the name was.
One evening, the animals who had gone thin because of hunger, gathered round the tree and discussed what was to be done. After a long time, the old lion came forward and said, "My grandfather used to say that only the Mountain Spirit knew the names of trees.
Why not we send one of our younger and strong animals to the mountain? Then we shall not die of starvation!"
After much discussion, it was decided that the rabbit, being a swift runner, should undertake the journey to the Mountain Spirit.
Early next morning the rabbit set off for the mountain. Leaving the dry forest behind, he went along the small mountain paths to the peak. There he met the Mountain Spirit. Bowing low he said, "I've come to ask you the name of the magic tree. All my friends are starving. Please tell me what its name is.."
"The name is Abracadabracalobradeebracaloombo", said the spirit. "Go back to the forest fast, before you forget it".
"Thank you very much", replied the rabbit. He then bowed to the Mountain Spirit, and raced down to the forest. He did not stop to look left or right. He reached the bottom of the mountain and took the path to the forest. He was running fast, eager to reach the tree, where he knew his friends would be waiting anxiously for him.
Crash! He ran straight into an anthill. The anthill fell all over his body. The rabbit managed to recover from the impact and walked slowly towards the tree.
"What's the name? What's the name?" asked the animals eager for action.
"It is Abraca-abradabra.....oh no! I've forgotten!" gasped the poor rabbit.
All the other animals were furious. They pushed the rabbit aside and convened another meeting. This time they chose to send the buffalo to the Mountain Spirit to get the name of the tree.
