Read the previous part here… And so, prodded on by his fate, he went to the sanyasi, fell at his feet, and pleaded with him… “Oh revered one, if you are really pleased with me, the poor soul who has sought refuge with you, then please teach me the mantras by which this magic happens …
Read the previous part here… There, he saw a maiden who seemed to be their mistress. She was exceedingly beautiful, and it was as if she had been made by the Devas out of the curiosity of finding out what best they could make of a human being. She rose up, eager to welcome him, …
Read the previous part here… “Now where can I go in this pitiable condition, all beaten up, naked and covered in dust and grime? What would my father and my relatives and friends say of me, if they saw me this way?” “So it is better that I stay here awhile, and wait for the …
Read the previous part here… One day, this son of Devasvāmin entered a gambling den, to fulfill his desire to gamble. The tumbling dice of the hall seemed to be continuously scouting the scene with their rolling black eyes, and saying to themselves… “Who shall we catch today?” And the loud noises of the fights …
Read the previous part here… आरब्धे हि सुदुःकरे ऽपि महतां मध्ये विरामः कुतः? How can great men leave in the middle of a task that they have begun, even though it be very difficult? अष्टादशो वतेालः The Eighteenth Story The woes of Candrasvāmin ततः पितृवने तस्मिन् क्रव्यभक्षिभिर् आवृते ।ज्वालाविलोलरसनैर् भूतैर् इव चिताग्निभिः ॥ १२,२५.१ ॥ …
Read the previous part here… “So tell me, o King, who was more noble, Yaśodhana or Baladhara? Who was more praiseworthy? “Remember, if you know the answer, and don’t tell me the truth, your head will burst into a hundred pieces!“ इति वेतालतः श्रुत्वा मुक्तमौनः स तं नृपः ।प्रत्युवाच द्वयोर् राजा सत्त्ववान् अधिकस् तयोः ॥ १२,२४.४८ …
Read the previous part here… “My dear king, why are you so disturbed? You are the king of this city – you can take her for yourself any time you want!” But Yaśodhana was a righteous king, and he refused to agree to such terms. In the meanwhile, Baladhara, the commander-in-chief, and Unmādinī’s husband, heard …
Read the previous part here… King Yaśodhana saw her, shining like a flame rising from the fire of love, when fanned by the winds from the sandalwood forests of the Malaya mountains…and he nearly swooned. Seeing her immense beauty, the arrows of Kāmadeva struck his heart, and he fell unconscious. His attendants immediately brought him …
Read the previous part here… “And so we must tell the king that she does not have the requisite qualities.” The ministers decided this, and told the king that the girl was unfit to be his queen. In turn, Yaśodhana politely declined Unmada’s offer to told him that he would not be able to marry …
Read the previous part here… “Being ordinary, he yet went to extraordinary lengths to save an innocent life, and offer himself even though he faced death in return. He was truly praiseworthy!” As the king uttered these words, the Vetāla flew off his shoulder, laughing. And King Vikram once more started to walk towards the …
