Once, on the slopes of the Himavā, lived a jackal called Pūṭimaṃsa with his mate Veṇī. Nearby dwelt a flock of wild goats. Pūtimaṃsa formed a device for killing the goats one by one and eating their flesh, until only a she-goat, called Meḷamātā, was left. Wishing to devour her as well, Pūṭimaṃsa suggested to Veṇī that he should pretend to be dead and that Veṇnī should then entice Meḷamātā into the cave by asking her to assist in the funeral rites. However, the goat was wise and observant and discovered the ruse. Veṇī went to her later and saying that Pūṭimaṃsa had recovered consciousness at the very sight of her, invited her to join them in a feast to celebrate his recovery. Meḷamātā, agreed, saying that she would bring with her a large escort of her friends, fierce dogs, including Maliya, Piṅgiya, Caturakkha, and Jambuka, in order that the celebration might be a great one. At this suggestion Pūṭimaṃsa and Veṇī fled from their cave, taking refuge elsewhere.

The story was told to the monks in order to impress on them the necessity for keeping guard over their senses. J.iii.532 ff.