This story of Vikramadhithya (Singhasan Bathisi) presented by me is the version that is popular in Tamil Nadu. The version popular in North India is almost same but the order of the dolls and their names are very different.
I have summarized the stories in to a very short form as the original stories are very lengthy , with very many descriptions.
The thrilling stories of adventure of the great Indian king Summarized by P.R.Ramachander
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The story of Shalivahana as told by Jnanaprakasavalli doll
The story of Shalivahana as told by Jnanaprakasavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the thirty second day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. There was only one more step guarded by Jnanaprakasavalli doll. It told him that he has all great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is fit to occupy the throne. It invited him to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll, please tell me how the great king Vikramadhithya died. The doll started telling the following story.
“In the shores of river Cauvery there was a town called Pallandupuri. There was very learned Brahmin called Ramakrishna in that town. At the right age he got married. But the astrologers told him that a son born to him in the month of Chithra on a Friday and with the star Rohini after twelve years would become one of the greatest people on earth. So he immediately left his wife and undertook a pilgrimage for twelve years. He was returning on the appointed night to home to meet his wife. There was a sudden floods and he was stopped in Prathishtanapuri. There he told about his problem to a potter. The potter told him that he has an unmarried eligible daughter who would be willing to bear his child. That night he spent with the potter’s daughter and later went home. After ten months the potter’s daughter bore a son and he was named as Shalivahana.
The boy Shalivahana was extremely intelligent and had an extreme fascination towards pottery. From the time he was a child he started making dolls of soldiers, cavalry, infantry, soldiers of elephant regiment, chariots, weapons and so on. When he grew up he became such a wise man that the king Viswanatha Raja appointed him as his second minister. That king was paying tribute to king Vikramadhithya. Shalivahana the minister stopped paying Tribute. When Vikramadhithya sent his emissaries he haughtily replied them, “If emperor is capable let him wage a war against me and take away the tribute.”
When he heard this Vikramadhithya got very angry and marched with all his army towards the kingdom of Viswanatha Raja. Shalivahana sprayed magical water on his dolls and crores of them came alive, pounced on the armies of Vikramadhithya and killed them. Realizing that his end was near, Vikramadhithya tried to flee. Then Shalivahana send a mud arrow against him. That arrow cut off the head of king Vikramadhithya and it fell amidst his queens. They all died in the pyre that was lit to burn Vikramadhithya. Afterwards Shalivahana ruled over Ujjaini for a very long time.”
Then the doll told king Bhoja to occupy the throne of Vikramadhithya. It also told him that all the 32 dolls are now free of their curse and would return to heavens. King Bhoja asked the doll about the nature of the curse. Then the doll told, “We were all the maid servants of Goddess Parvathi. When once Lord Shiva entered her chamber he saw us and looked at us with passionate eyes. This infuriated Goddess Parvathi, who cursed us to become dolls as we stood in front of Lord Shiva like the dolls. When we begged for forgiveness, she told us to become dolls in the throne of King Vikramadhithya, tell the story of that great king, to king Bhoja and then return to her. Since our job is over we are returning. Do you need any boon king?”
King Bhoja replied, “I personally do not need anything as God has blessed me with all that I need. I request you to bless all those who hear the stories of Vikramadhithya which were told by you to me, to live with peace, happiness and valour.” The dolls gave him the boon and vanished.
King Bhoja kept the idol of Lord Shiva on the throne and did pooja to it. As soon as it was over the throne rose up to heavens and vanished. After that king Bhoja ruled his kingdom in a just manner for a long long time.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the thirty second day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. There was only one more step guarded by Jnanaprakasavalli doll. It told him that he has all great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is fit to occupy the throne. It invited him to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll, please tell me how the great king Vikramadhithya died. The doll started telling the following story.
“In the shores of river Cauvery there was a town called Pallandupuri. There was very learned Brahmin called Ramakrishna in that town. At the right age he got married. But the astrologers told him that a son born to him in the month of Chithra on a Friday and with the star Rohini after twelve years would become one of the greatest people on earth. So he immediately left his wife and undertook a pilgrimage for twelve years. He was returning on the appointed night to home to meet his wife. There was a sudden floods and he was stopped in Prathishtanapuri. There he told about his problem to a potter. The potter told him that he has an unmarried eligible daughter who would be willing to bear his child. That night he spent with the potter’s daughter and later went home. After ten months the potter’s daughter bore a son and he was named as Shalivahana.
The boy Shalivahana was extremely intelligent and had an extreme fascination towards pottery. From the time he was a child he started making dolls of soldiers, cavalry, infantry, soldiers of elephant regiment, chariots, weapons and so on. When he grew up he became such a wise man that the king Viswanatha Raja appointed him as his second minister. That king was paying tribute to king Vikramadhithya. Shalivahana the minister stopped paying Tribute. When Vikramadhithya sent his emissaries he haughtily replied them, “If emperor is capable let him wage a war against me and take away the tribute.”
When he heard this Vikramadhithya got very angry and marched with all his army towards the kingdom of Viswanatha Raja. Shalivahana sprayed magical water on his dolls and crores of them came alive, pounced on the armies of Vikramadhithya and killed them. Realizing that his end was near, Vikramadhithya tried to flee. Then Shalivahana send a mud arrow against him. That arrow cut off the head of king Vikramadhithya and it fell amidst his queens. They all died in the pyre that was lit to burn Vikramadhithya. Afterwards Shalivahana ruled over Ujjaini for a very long time.”
Then the doll told king Bhoja to occupy the throne of Vikramadhithya. It also told him that all the 32 dolls are now free of their curse and would return to heavens. King Bhoja asked the doll about the nature of the curse. Then the doll told, “We were all the maid servants of Goddess Parvathi. When once Lord Shiva entered her chamber he saw us and looked at us with passionate eyes. This infuriated Goddess Parvathi, who cursed us to become dolls as we stood in front of Lord Shiva like the dolls. When we begged for forgiveness, she told us to become dolls in the throne of King Vikramadhithya, tell the story of that great king, to king Bhoja and then return to her. Since our job is over we are returning. Do you need any boon king?”
King Bhoja replied, “I personally do not need anything as God has blessed me with all that I need. I request you to bless all those who hear the stories of Vikramadhithya which were told by you to me, to live with peace, happiness and valour.” The dolls gave him the boon and vanished.
King Bhoja kept the idol of Lord Shiva on the throne and did pooja to it. As soon as it was over the throne rose up to heavens and vanished. After that king Bhoja ruled his kingdom in a just manner for a long long time.
The story of eight deva maidens as told by Neethivakyavalli doll
The story of eight deva maidens as told by Neethivakyavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the thirty first day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the thirty first step by Neethivakyavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
Vikramadhithya had a very wise minister called Budhisindhu. He had a son called Anarghala. Like all young people Anarghala was wasting away his time in empty pursuits. So one day Budhisindhu called his son and told him about the need for utilizing his time properly and learn all that has to be learnt. Anarghala realized that what his father was advising was correct and went to the northern part in search of a teacher. He found a good one and learned all that needs to be learned. Afterwards, he was returning to his own country. On the way he found a lake and by the side of it a very pretty temple. Half the lake had warm water and the other half cold water. Anarghala decided to spend his night by the side of the temple. That night eight deva maidens rose from the warm water side of the lake, went to the temple and did pooja. The God came in person and talked with them. Later when they were going back, they invited Anarghala to accompany them and jumped inside the lake. Since Anarghala was afraid of jumping in the lake, he did not follow them.
Later when he went to his home and later Visited Vikramadhithya, he told him about this incident. King Vikrama immediately visited the lake and the temple along with Anarghala. He also saw the eight deva maidens and was invited to follow them. Without any hesitation he jumped in to the water and reached along with them to their golden house. All of them were greatly appreciative of the valour of Vikramadhithya and offered him of their services. They told him they were the eight occult powers, Anima, Garima, Mahima, etc. When Vikramadhithya said he was not interested, they converted their powers as eight gems and gave them to him. They said that anyone having those gems will have those powers.
While he was returning he met an old man who was completely neglected by his family members. Taking pity on him king Vikramadhithya gave all those eight gems to him. He was that generous.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the thirty first day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the thirty first step by Neethivakyavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
Vikramadhithya had a very wise minister called Budhisindhu. He had a son called Anarghala. Like all young people Anarghala was wasting away his time in empty pursuits. So one day Budhisindhu called his son and told him about the need for utilizing his time properly and learn all that has to be learnt. Anarghala realized that what his father was advising was correct and went to the northern part in search of a teacher. He found a good one and learned all that needs to be learned. Afterwards, he was returning to his own country. On the way he found a lake and by the side of it a very pretty temple. Half the lake had warm water and the other half cold water. Anarghala decided to spend his night by the side of the temple. That night eight deva maidens rose from the warm water side of the lake, went to the temple and did pooja. The God came in person and talked with them. Later when they were going back, they invited Anarghala to accompany them and jumped inside the lake. Since Anarghala was afraid of jumping in the lake, he did not follow them.
Later when he went to his home and later Visited Vikramadhithya, he told him about this incident. King Vikrama immediately visited the lake and the temple along with Anarghala. He also saw the eight deva maidens and was invited to follow them. Without any hesitation he jumped in to the water and reached along with them to their golden house. All of them were greatly appreciative of the valour of Vikramadhithya and offered him of their services. They told him they were the eight occult powers, Anima, Garima, Mahima, etc. When Vikramadhithya said he was not interested, they converted their powers as eight gems and gave them to him. They said that anyone having those gems will have those powers.
While he was returning he met an old man who was completely neglected by his family members. Taking pity on him king Vikramadhithya gave all those eight gems to him. He was that generous.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Monday, June 27, 2011
The story of the wild boar as told by Rukhmanivalli doll
The story of the wild boar as told by Rukhmanivalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the thirtieth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the thirtieth step by Rukhmanivalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
One day when Vikramadhithya was meeting with several great princes, a hunter rushed in and told Vikramadhithya “Sir, In the Anjana Mountain a huge wild boar has come. We are scared because of it. Please help us and save us.”
Immediately the king along with all the princes left for Anjana Mountain in search of the wild boar. With lot of difficulty they found it and started chasing it. All the princes were not able to follow the boar but Vikrama gave a good chase and saw it enter a cave. Vikrama followed the boar in side. There he saw a shining town made of gold. He went on touring the town till he reached a palace. When he entered the palace, he saw a great king sitting there. That king introduced himself as Maha Bali the son of Virochana. When Vikramadhithya introduced himself, king Bali expressed great happiness in being able to receive such an honoured guest. Vikrama told the king that the pleasure was his because he has been able to meet Bali, with whom the Lord Vishnu himself came to beg. Maha Bali enquired with Vikrama as to why he has come. When he said he came simply, Maha Bali told him that he himself wanted to see the great king Vikramadhithya and sent a wild boar to bring him here. Then Maha Bali wanted king Vikramadhithya to ask for any present of his choice. When Vikramadhithya told him that he needed nothing, Maha Bali gave him a juice drinking which an old man will become a youth and an acid by pouring which everything will become gold.
King Vikramadhithya accepted the presents. While on his way back a poor very old Brahmin and his son met him and asked him for wealth. When king Vikramadhithya told that he has nothing except the juice which will make old ones young and an acid which would make all metals in to gold. He asked them to choose one of them. The old man wanted the juice and the Youngman the acid. When they were not able to take any decision, king Vikramadhithya gave both the juice and acid to them and returned to his kingdom. That was the generosity of our king.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the thirtieth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the thirtieth step by Rukhmanivalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
One day when Vikramadhithya was meeting with several great princes, a hunter rushed in and told Vikramadhithya “Sir, In the Anjana Mountain a huge wild boar has come. We are scared because of it. Please help us and save us.”
Immediately the king along with all the princes left for Anjana Mountain in search of the wild boar. With lot of difficulty they found it and started chasing it. All the princes were not able to follow the boar but Vikrama gave a good chase and saw it enter a cave. Vikrama followed the boar in side. There he saw a shining town made of gold. He went on touring the town till he reached a palace. When he entered the palace, he saw a great king sitting there. That king introduced himself as Maha Bali the son of Virochana. When Vikramadhithya introduced himself, king Bali expressed great happiness in being able to receive such an honoured guest. Vikrama told the king that the pleasure was his because he has been able to meet Bali, with whom the Lord Vishnu himself came to beg. Maha Bali enquired with Vikrama as to why he has come. When he said he came simply, Maha Bali told him that he himself wanted to see the great king Vikramadhithya and sent a wild boar to bring him here. Then Maha Bali wanted king Vikramadhithya to ask for any present of his choice. When Vikramadhithya told him that he needed nothing, Maha Bali gave him a juice drinking which an old man will become a youth and an acid by pouring which everything will become gold.
King Vikramadhithya accepted the presents. While on his way back a poor very old Brahmin and his son met him and asked him for wealth. When king Vikramadhithya told that he has nothing except the juice which will make old ones young and an acid which would make all metals in to gold. He asked them to choose one of them. The old man wanted the juice and the Youngman the acid. When they were not able to take any decision, king Vikramadhithya gave both the juice and acid to them and returned to his kingdom. That was the generosity of our king.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The story of Chithrarekha and also four gems as told by Sampradayavalli doll
The story of Chithrarekha and also four gems as told by Sampradayavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty ninth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty ninth step by Sampradayavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
King Vikramadhithya was so great that he never saw any differences between beings and helped them all. Because of this the Devas and Gods helped him always. Don’t you know that once a man takes a firm decision Gods would help him? Have you heard the story of princess Chithrarekha regarding this? When king Bhoja feigned ignorance of the story of the princess the doll started telling the story of Chithrarekha.
Chithrarekha was the pretty princess of the country called Pundravardhanam. In that country lived a great carpenter and weaver. They were very close friends. One day the weaver happened to see Chithrarekha and fell in love instantly with her. But he was told by the people of the country that the princess had decided to marry Lord Vishnu and no one else. When with great dejection the weaver told this to his carpenter friend, he promised to help. The carpenter built a flying doll of garuda, the eagle on which Lord Vishnu rides. The weaver himself weaved remarkably great yellow silk cloth. Then he dressed himself as Lord Vishnu and flew in to the terrace of the palace in which Chithrasena lived. Chithrarekha thought that he was Lord Vishnu and treated him with reverence and informed him her wish to marry him. The weaver gladly agreed and the marriage and it was performed the Gandharwa way. From then on daily the weaver used to visit the princess at night. Due to her bodily changes, her friends informed the king, that there was something wrong with the princess. When the parents confronted her, the princess told that Lord Vishnu was her husband and he was daily visiting her at night. He asked her parents to hide in the terrace and watch coming of Lord Vishnu. When they say the weaver dressed in silk coming on flying Garuda, they were convinced. But the king started becoming very proud that Lord Vishnu himself was his son in law. So he stopped paying tribute to his emperor. The emperor, who was very strong, came with a large army to attack him. Then the king approached Chithrasena and asked her to request Lord Vishnu to save her father. The weaver readily agreed and started towards the army of the emperor. Seeing this the devas went to Lord Vishnu and appraised him of the situation and also told that if the weaver was defeated all human beings would lose faith in Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was convinced and riding on Garuda, he exterminated the army of the emperor using his Chakra. The weaver was pleasantly surprised.
Ending the story like this Sampradayavalli doll continued with the story of king Vikramadhithya. Once king Vikramadhithya thought that there was no point in keeping great riches. So he decided to give it all away to the needy people He sent invitations to all Gods. Among them he sent a poor learned Brahmin to invite the God of the sea. The Brahmin went to the sea, prayed God of the sea and told him that he has been invited by king Vikramadhithya. Nothing happened and was returning. The God of the sea took a human form and approached that Brahmin. He told him that due to his position he cannot attend any function in earth. So he gave him 4 gems to him, which were to be delivered to king Vikramadhithya as his present. The first gem would get all wealth that is desired. The second gem would give the food that is desired. The third one would give a powerful army and the fourth one would give luxurious home, dresses, wealth etc. When he gave them to the king, he told that he was happy with the present but wanted to give one of those to the Brahmin. The Brahmin wanted to consult his family before making the choice. While his son wanted gem giving army, he himself preferred that which would give wealth. His wife preferred that which would give food while his daughter in law preferred that which would give luxuries. Not able to take any decision the Brahmin went and told the king that he does not want any of them. Understanding the reason, the king gave him all the four gems.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty ninth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty ninth step by Sampradayavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
King Vikramadhithya was so great that he never saw any differences between beings and helped them all. Because of this the Devas and Gods helped him always. Don’t you know that once a man takes a firm decision Gods would help him? Have you heard the story of princess Chithrarekha regarding this? When king Bhoja feigned ignorance of the story of the princess the doll started telling the story of Chithrarekha.
Chithrarekha was the pretty princess of the country called Pundravardhanam. In that country lived a great carpenter and weaver. They were very close friends. One day the weaver happened to see Chithrarekha and fell in love instantly with her. But he was told by the people of the country that the princess had decided to marry Lord Vishnu and no one else. When with great dejection the weaver told this to his carpenter friend, he promised to help. The carpenter built a flying doll of garuda, the eagle on which Lord Vishnu rides. The weaver himself weaved remarkably great yellow silk cloth. Then he dressed himself as Lord Vishnu and flew in to the terrace of the palace in which Chithrasena lived. Chithrarekha thought that he was Lord Vishnu and treated him with reverence and informed him her wish to marry him. The weaver gladly agreed and the marriage and it was performed the Gandharwa way. From then on daily the weaver used to visit the princess at night. Due to her bodily changes, her friends informed the king, that there was something wrong with the princess. When the parents confronted her, the princess told that Lord Vishnu was her husband and he was daily visiting her at night. He asked her parents to hide in the terrace and watch coming of Lord Vishnu. When they say the weaver dressed in silk coming on flying Garuda, they were convinced. But the king started becoming very proud that Lord Vishnu himself was his son in law. So he stopped paying tribute to his emperor. The emperor, who was very strong, came with a large army to attack him. Then the king approached Chithrasena and asked her to request Lord Vishnu to save her father. The weaver readily agreed and started towards the army of the emperor. Seeing this the devas went to Lord Vishnu and appraised him of the situation and also told that if the weaver was defeated all human beings would lose faith in Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was convinced and riding on Garuda, he exterminated the army of the emperor using his Chakra. The weaver was pleasantly surprised.
Ending the story like this Sampradayavalli doll continued with the story of king Vikramadhithya. Once king Vikramadhithya thought that there was no point in keeping great riches. So he decided to give it all away to the needy people He sent invitations to all Gods. Among them he sent a poor learned Brahmin to invite the God of the sea. The Brahmin went to the sea, prayed God of the sea and told him that he has been invited by king Vikramadhithya. Nothing happened and was returning. The God of the sea took a human form and approached that Brahmin. He told him that due to his position he cannot attend any function in earth. So he gave him 4 gems to him, which were to be delivered to king Vikramadhithya as his present. The first gem would get all wealth that is desired. The second gem would give the food that is desired. The third one would give a powerful army and the fourth one would give luxurious home, dresses, wealth etc. When he gave them to the king, he told that he was happy with the present but wanted to give one of those to the Brahmin. The Brahmin wanted to consult his family before making the choice. While his son wanted gem giving army, he himself preferred that which would give wealth. His wife preferred that which would give food while his daughter in law preferred that which would give luxuries. Not able to take any decision the Brahmin went and told the king that he does not want any of them. Understanding the reason, the king gave him all the four gems.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
The story of bad act in return to help as told by Manuneethivalli doll
The story of bad act in return to help as told by Manuneethivalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty eighth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty eighth step by Manuneethivalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
When Vikramadhithya was ruling the country there was a very learned Brahmin in his country, though he was devout he did not get any children so he along his wife started the Worship of Rudra. One day God came in his dream and instructed him to start Pradosha pooja. Soon his wife became in the family way and a s on was born to him. That Brahmin called his son as Devadatha. He taught him all Vedas and got him married to a suitable girl at the age of sixteen. He along his wife then left for a pilgrimage to Benares. While going he instructed him in the proper method of living in a pious way.
One day when Devadatha went to forest to collect Dhurbha grass, he met King Vikramadhithya who had lost his way in the forest. Devadatha helped the king by bringing out of the forest and helped him to reach his country.
King Vikramadhithya was very pleased with Devadatha, presented him with lots of money as well as a small job in his court. The king never forgot the help rendered by Devadatha and used to mention to his friends, that what little he does can never compensate for the help rendered to him by Devadatha at the proper time.
Devadatha wanted to test the greatness of the king. So one day he took the son of Vikramadhithya to his house and through his servant sent the ornaments of the prince for sale in the market. Since the police were searching for the prince they suspected Devadatha and produced him before the king. Before the king Devadatha admitted that he has killed the prince due to avarice. Though all ministers of the king advised him to award capital punishment to Devadatha, the king left him free citing the great help render4ed by Devadatha to him. Then Devadatha went home and brought back the prince and entrusted him to the king. He told the king that he did this only top test the greatness of Vikramadhithya.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty eighth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty eighth step by Manuneethivalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
When Vikramadhithya was ruling the country there was a very learned Brahmin in his country, though he was devout he did not get any children so he along his wife started the Worship of Rudra. One day God came in his dream and instructed him to start Pradosha pooja. Soon his wife became in the family way and a s on was born to him. That Brahmin called his son as Devadatha. He taught him all Vedas and got him married to a suitable girl at the age of sixteen. He along his wife then left for a pilgrimage to Benares. While going he instructed him in the proper method of living in a pious way.
One day when Devadatha went to forest to collect Dhurbha grass, he met King Vikramadhithya who had lost his way in the forest. Devadatha helped the king by bringing out of the forest and helped him to reach his country.
King Vikramadhithya was very pleased with Devadatha, presented him with lots of money as well as a small job in his court. The king never forgot the help rendered by Devadatha and used to mention to his friends, that what little he does can never compensate for the help rendered to him by Devadatha at the proper time.
Devadatha wanted to test the greatness of the king. So one day he took the son of Vikramadhithya to his house and through his servant sent the ornaments of the prince for sale in the market. Since the police were searching for the prince they suspected Devadatha and produced him before the king. Before the king Devadatha admitted that he has killed the prince due to avarice. Though all ministers of the king advised him to award capital punishment to Devadatha, the king left him free citing the great help render4ed by Devadatha to him. Then Devadatha went home and brought back the prince and entrusted him to the king. He told the king that he did this only top test the greatness of Vikramadhithya.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The story of the gem merchant as told by Manikkavalli doll
The story of the gem merchant as told by Manikkavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty seventh day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty seventh step by Manikkavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
One day a gem merchant visited the royal assembly of king Vikramadhithya. He took a very costly Manikya gem and placed it at the feet of Vikramadhithya. The king was greatly impressed by the gem and got it examined by experts in his court. All of them were of the opinion that the gem was very rare in nature and very invaluable. When king Vikramadhithya asked the merchant about the cost of the gem, he replied that it was a present to the king from his side. The king told the merchant that he would like to buy similar gems from him at a proper cost. The merchant told that he had ten more similar gems and would like to sell them to the king. The king agreed to purchase them each at a cost of one crore rupees. He summoned one dependable servant of his and told him, “Go with this merchant and bring back the ten gems that he gives. If you return within 8 days, I would give you several presents. “ The servant agreed and went along with the merchant. On reaching his home, the merchant entrusted the ten gems to him. On the seventh day, he was about to reach the capital of Voikramadhithya. But a river in between was in severe flood. The only boatman refused to row him to the other shore. Then the servant told him about his problem. Then the boatman told, “Sit , to take you to the other shore I have to risk my life. So if you give me five of those gems as my wage, I am prepared to take you.,” The servant agreed and crossed the river successfully. He reached Vikramadhithya’s court on the eighth day and gave him five gems. When the king asked him about the other gems, the servant told him about the problems that he faced and his promise to come back from the errand as more important. The king was very much pleased and gave the remaining five gems as a present for the servant. Our king was so much broad minded.”
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty seventh day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty seventh step by Manikkavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
One day a gem merchant visited the royal assembly of king Vikramadhithya. He took a very costly Manikya gem and placed it at the feet of Vikramadhithya. The king was greatly impressed by the gem and got it examined by experts in his court. All of them were of the opinion that the gem was very rare in nature and very invaluable. When king Vikramadhithya asked the merchant about the cost of the gem, he replied that it was a present to the king from his side. The king told the merchant that he would like to buy similar gems from him at a proper cost. The merchant told that he had ten more similar gems and would like to sell them to the king. The king agreed to purchase them each at a cost of one crore rupees. He summoned one dependable servant of his and told him, “Go with this merchant and bring back the ten gems that he gives. If you return within 8 days, I would give you several presents. “ The servant agreed and went along with the merchant. On reaching his home, the merchant entrusted the ten gems to him. On the seventh day, he was about to reach the capital of Voikramadhithya. But a river in between was in severe flood. The only boatman refused to row him to the other shore. Then the servant told him about his problem. Then the boatman told, “Sit , to take you to the other shore I have to risk my life. So if you give me five of those gems as my wage, I am prepared to take you.,” The servant agreed and crossed the river successfully. He reached Vikramadhithya’s court on the eighth day and gave him five gems. When the king asked him about the other gems, the servant told him about the problems that he faced and his promise to come back from the errand as more important. The king was very much pleased and gave the remaining five gems as a present for the servant. Our king was so much broad minded.”
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The story of long Homa of a Brahmin as told by Sakalakalavalli doll
The story of long Homa of a Brahmin as told by Sakalakalavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty sixth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty sixth step by Sakalakalavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
Once when king Vikramadhithya was ruling a spy who was wont to roam in foreign countries reported, “King there is a mountain called Chithrakoota. There is a pretty temple for the goddess there. There is a waterfall there staring from the top of that mountain. This goes as a stream near the temple. It is believed that anyone who takes bath in the stream completely washes of all his sin in the stream and because of this the water of the stream turns black. On the shored of the stream a Brahmin is doing Homa (offering in the fire for a long time). The ask taken from the Homa has already assumed the proportion of a huge mountain. No one knows how long he has been doing the Homa. That Brahmin does not talk to anybody.”
Hearing this Vikramadhithya wanted to go to Chithrakoota. So during his next sojourn to the forest he went to that mountain. He took bath in the river and saluted the Goddess. Then he approached the Brahmin and asked him, “Sir, how long have you been doing this Homa? For what purpose are you doing this Homa?” The Brahmin replied, “King, I have been doing this Homa constantly for the past one hundred years. I am doing this so that the Goddess would shower her grace on me.”
Vikramadhithya was intrigued. He himself did a Homa. When nothing happened, he took his sword and wanted to cut his head and do Homa. The goddess immediately appeared and told him to seek any boon that he likes.
Vikramadhithya asked her, “Revered Goddess why is it that you have not been pleased with the efforts of this Brahmin for the past one hundred years?”
The Goddess replied, “That Brahmin is doing Homa without mental concentration. When he is doing Homa he does not think of me but thinks of so many other necessities of his. So even if he does Homa for the next 1000 years I would not be pleased with him. Anyway, ask for your boon.”
Vikramadhithya asked the Goddess”Kindly grant this Brahmin what he wants.”
The Goddess told, “You are very great man, Vikramadhithya. You never ask anything for yourself but ask for the needs of others. I would fulfill all the wishes of this Brahmin “. And then she disappeared.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty sixth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty sixth step by Sakalakalavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
Once when king Vikramadhithya was ruling a spy who was wont to roam in foreign countries reported, “King there is a mountain called Chithrakoota. There is a pretty temple for the goddess there. There is a waterfall there staring from the top of that mountain. This goes as a stream near the temple. It is believed that anyone who takes bath in the stream completely washes of all his sin in the stream and because of this the water of the stream turns black. On the shored of the stream a Brahmin is doing Homa (offering in the fire for a long time). The ask taken from the Homa has already assumed the proportion of a huge mountain. No one knows how long he has been doing the Homa. That Brahmin does not talk to anybody.”
Hearing this Vikramadhithya wanted to go to Chithrakoota. So during his next sojourn to the forest he went to that mountain. He took bath in the river and saluted the Goddess. Then he approached the Brahmin and asked him, “Sir, how long have you been doing this Homa? For what purpose are you doing this Homa?” The Brahmin replied, “King, I have been doing this Homa constantly for the past one hundred years. I am doing this so that the Goddess would shower her grace on me.”
Vikramadhithya was intrigued. He himself did a Homa. When nothing happened, he took his sword and wanted to cut his head and do Homa. The goddess immediately appeared and told him to seek any boon that he likes.
Vikramadhithya asked her, “Revered Goddess why is it that you have not been pleased with the efforts of this Brahmin for the past one hundred years?”
The Goddess replied, “That Brahmin is doing Homa without mental concentration. When he is doing Homa he does not think of me but thinks of so many other necessities of his. So even if he does Homa for the next 1000 years I would not be pleased with him. Anyway, ask for your boon.”
Vikramadhithya asked the Goddess”Kindly grant this Brahmin what he wants.”
The Goddess told, “You are very great man, Vikramadhithya. You never ask anything for yourself but ask for the needs of others. I would fulfill all the wishes of this Brahmin “. And then she disappeared.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing.
Monday, June 20, 2011
The story of Kamalakara as told by Suvarnakanthavalli doll
The story of Kamalakara as told by Suvarnakanthavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty fifth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty fifth steps by Suvarnakanthavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
When Vikramadhithya was the king, Bhatti his younger brother was his chief minister. Next to him was another great man called Govinda. His commander in chief was Chandra and priest was Trivikrama. Trivikrama had a son called Kamalakara. Kamalakara lead life of luxury. He was very lazy and never even attempted to learn anything. One day Trivikrama, his father called him and told that Kamalakara by not learning anything was a blot to their family. He also told that because of him, he was leading a life of extreme sorrow. This shocked Kamalakara. He promised his father that he would learn all that has to be learned and come back. Kamalakara went to Kashmir and approached a guru called Chandramouli bhatta and told him, “Sir, I am an idiot who is not able to learn anything. If you would teach me all that you know to me I would be grateful to you.” Chandramouli Bhatta taught everything that he knew to Kamalakara. He also taught him the great chant called Sidha Saraswatha manthra and told him, “Kamalakara, now you are one of the very great learned man of the world. Both your father and king would be proud of you.” Kamalakara was glad with this blessing and started returning to Ujjain. On the way, he went to the town of Kanchi. At that time Kanchi was ruled by a king called Anangasena, in that town there was a courtesan of matchless beauty called Naramohini. People who happened to see her instantly fell in love with her. But any one spending a night with her was killed by an Asura who resided in Vindhya Mountains that night. Though people were terribly worried about their impending death by the asura, they did try to be with Naramohini.
Kamalakara returned back to Ujjain making his father very proud. His father took him to meet Vikramadhithya. At that time Kamalakara related to him the news about Naramohini of Kanchi. Greatly intrigued, Vikramadhithya decided to visit Kanchi during his next sojourn to the forest. He took Kamalakara along with him. Vikramadhithya directly went to the house of Naramohini. She received him with great hospitality. That night Vikramadhithya did not enter her bed room but was standing outside with his magical sword. That night as usual the asura from Vindhyas came. Not finding any one by the side of Naramohini, he came out of the bed room. Vikramadhithya killed him with his sword. Naramohini fell at Vikramadhithya’s feet and wanted to be his slave. Vikramadhithya requested her to marry Kamalakara, which she readily agreed. Kamalakara then lead a life of joy. This was the greatness of our king, who gave away willingly, a very pretty woman to his assistants.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty fifth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty fifth steps by Suvarnakanthavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
When Vikramadhithya was the king, Bhatti his younger brother was his chief minister. Next to him was another great man called Govinda. His commander in chief was Chandra and priest was Trivikrama. Trivikrama had a son called Kamalakara. Kamalakara lead life of luxury. He was very lazy and never even attempted to learn anything. One day Trivikrama, his father called him and told that Kamalakara by not learning anything was a blot to their family. He also told that because of him, he was leading a life of extreme sorrow. This shocked Kamalakara. He promised his father that he would learn all that has to be learned and come back. Kamalakara went to Kashmir and approached a guru called Chandramouli bhatta and told him, “Sir, I am an idiot who is not able to learn anything. If you would teach me all that you know to me I would be grateful to you.” Chandramouli Bhatta taught everything that he knew to Kamalakara. He also taught him the great chant called Sidha Saraswatha manthra and told him, “Kamalakara, now you are one of the very great learned man of the world. Both your father and king would be proud of you.” Kamalakara was glad with this blessing and started returning to Ujjain. On the way, he went to the town of Kanchi. At that time Kanchi was ruled by a king called Anangasena, in that town there was a courtesan of matchless beauty called Naramohini. People who happened to see her instantly fell in love with her. But any one spending a night with her was killed by an Asura who resided in Vindhya Mountains that night. Though people were terribly worried about their impending death by the asura, they did try to be with Naramohini.
Kamalakara returned back to Ujjain making his father very proud. His father took him to meet Vikramadhithya. At that time Kamalakara related to him the news about Naramohini of Kanchi. Greatly intrigued, Vikramadhithya decided to visit Kanchi during his next sojourn to the forest. He took Kamalakara along with him. Vikramadhithya directly went to the house of Naramohini. She received him with great hospitality. That night Vikramadhithya did not enter her bed room but was standing outside with his magical sword. That night as usual the asura from Vindhyas came. Not finding any one by the side of Naramohini, he came out of the bed room. Vikramadhithya killed him with his sword. Naramohini fell at Vikramadhithya’s feet and wanted to be his slave. Vikramadhithya requested her to marry Kamalakara, which she readily agreed. Kamalakara then lead a life of joy. This was the greatness of our king, who gave away willingly, a very pretty woman to his assistants.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The story of Brahmachari as told by Manoranjithavalli doll
The story of Brahmachari as told by Manoranjithavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty fourth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty fourth steps by Manoranjithavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
As was his usual practice king Vikramadhithya made arrangements to celebrate the spring festival. This was usually celebrated in a garden of the size of a forest. He took all his queens to that garden, and days and night were full of merry making. Next to this mega garden was a temple of Goddess Chandika. A Brahmachari who observed celibacy was doing worship in that temple. He used to spend all his time in worshipping the goddess at that temple. Hearing the laughter and merry making, the thoughts of marrying a pretty lady and making love with her crossed his mind. He also wanted to become very rich. So he decided to approach king Vikramadhithya and beg from him a village and decided to get married.
So he went and met Vikramadhithya. He wished him all that is good and prayed Goddess Chamundi to bless him with all that he wants. King Vikramadhithya was impressed and asked him as to who he was and what he wanted from him. Then the Brahmachari told, “Sir, I spend all my time in worship of Chamundi. Yesterday she came in my dream and told me, “Oh Brahmachari, I am extremely happy with your service. I feel that you should also enjoy the life of householder. So I will appear in the dream of the king Vikramadhithya and request him to make a king of a small town and also arrange for your marriage. So you go and meet Vikramadhithya tomorrow. “It is as per her orders that I have come to meet you.”
Vikrama was surprised as the Goddess had not come in his dream. He quickly understood that the Brahmachari was telling a lie. He then thought, why the Brahmachari was telling a lie. Then he thought that it is because of his shy nature that the Brahmachari was telling a lie. Then he thought that that lying Brahmachari was also one of his subjects and he is duty bound to help him. So he made him a king of a small town nearby and also celebrated his marriage with a pretty girl in a grand manner. That is our king Vikramadhithya.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty fourth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty fourth steps by Manoranjithavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
As was his usual practice king Vikramadhithya made arrangements to celebrate the spring festival. This was usually celebrated in a garden of the size of a forest. He took all his queens to that garden, and days and night were full of merry making. Next to this mega garden was a temple of Goddess Chandika. A Brahmachari who observed celibacy was doing worship in that temple. He used to spend all his time in worshipping the goddess at that temple. Hearing the laughter and merry making, the thoughts of marrying a pretty lady and making love with her crossed his mind. He also wanted to become very rich. So he decided to approach king Vikramadhithya and beg from him a village and decided to get married.
So he went and met Vikramadhithya. He wished him all that is good and prayed Goddess Chamundi to bless him with all that he wants. King Vikramadhithya was impressed and asked him as to who he was and what he wanted from him. Then the Brahmachari told, “Sir, I spend all my time in worship of Chamundi. Yesterday she came in my dream and told me, “Oh Brahmachari, I am extremely happy with your service. I feel that you should also enjoy the life of householder. So I will appear in the dream of the king Vikramadhithya and request him to make a king of a small town and also arrange for your marriage. So you go and meet Vikramadhithya tomorrow. “It is as per her orders that I have come to meet you.”
Vikrama was surprised as the Goddess had not come in his dream. He quickly understood that the Brahmachari was telling a lie. He then thought, why the Brahmachari was telling a lie. Then he thought that it is because of his shy nature that the Brahmachari was telling a lie. Then he thought that that lying Brahmachari was also one of his subjects and he is duty bound to help him. So he made him a king of a small town nearby and also celebrated his marriage with a pretty girl in a grand manner. That is our king Vikramadhithya.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The story of Chiranjeevi as told by Aparanjivalli doll
The story of Chiranjeevi as told by Aparanjivalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty third day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty third step by Aparanjivalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
As it was his habit Vikrama once, started for his six month sojourn to the forest. This time he dressed himself like a sage and wandered as he liked. Wherever he went he used to collect strange happenings. One day at sun set he reached a deep forest. He decided to spend his time below a very huge banyan tree in the forest. At night lots of birds lead by their king Sanjeevi came and sat on the tree. Sanjeevi asked all the birds about the strange happenings that they saw during their travel for food. Many of them told several happenings. One of the small bird told, “I do not have any strange events to relate but I want to tell you about a sad happening to my friend,
My friend lives in a country called Saivalaghosha. Near this country on huge mountain lives a great Rakshasa. This Rakshasa likes human flesh to eat. So daily he used to come down and eat any one whom he can catch. Then the elders of the town went and met him and requested him not to eat people at random. They agreed to send one representative per family every day. Tomorrow is the turn of my friend. He has only one son. If he sends his son, his family will come to an and if he goes himself then his wife would become a widow and suffer. This makes me sad.” All the other birds appreciated this small bird for his closeness to a human friend. Vikramadhithya who was hearing immediately rushed to Saivalaghosha . In the morning he took bath , went to the temple and was waiting near the place where the Rakshasa eats people. When the Rakshasa came he saw a man with complete happiness. It was strange for him to see a happy man waiting to be eaten by him. When he asked him, why he was happy, Vikramadhithya told him that he never put any value on his life and he was happy because he was getting an opportunity to save someone else. The Rakshasa s moved by this and asked Vikramadhithya to ask for any boon. Vikramadhithya requested the Rakshasa to stop eating human beings. Rakshasa gladly agreed. Like this my king Vikramadhithya never bothered for his life but tried to save others even though they were not known to him.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty third day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty third step by Aparanjivalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story.
As it was his habit Vikrama once, started for his six month sojourn to the forest. This time he dressed himself like a sage and wandered as he liked. Wherever he went he used to collect strange happenings. One day at sun set he reached a deep forest. He decided to spend his time below a very huge banyan tree in the forest. At night lots of birds lead by their king Sanjeevi came and sat on the tree. Sanjeevi asked all the birds about the strange happenings that they saw during their travel for food. Many of them told several happenings. One of the small bird told, “I do not have any strange events to relate but I want to tell you about a sad happening to my friend,
My friend lives in a country called Saivalaghosha. Near this country on huge mountain lives a great Rakshasa. This Rakshasa likes human flesh to eat. So daily he used to come down and eat any one whom he can catch. Then the elders of the town went and met him and requested him not to eat people at random. They agreed to send one representative per family every day. Tomorrow is the turn of my friend. He has only one son. If he sends his son, his family will come to an and if he goes himself then his wife would become a widow and suffer. This makes me sad.” All the other birds appreciated this small bird for his closeness to a human friend. Vikramadhithya who was hearing immediately rushed to Saivalaghosha . In the morning he took bath , went to the temple and was waiting near the place where the Rakshasa eats people. When the Rakshasa came he saw a man with complete happiness. It was strange for him to see a happy man waiting to be eaten by him. When he asked him, why he was happy, Vikramadhithya told him that he never put any value on his life and he was happy because he was getting an opportunity to save someone else. The Rakshasa s moved by this and asked Vikramadhithya to ask for any boon. Vikramadhithya requested the Rakshasa to stop eating human beings. Rakshasa gladly agreed. Like this my king Vikramadhithya never bothered for his life but tried to save others even though they were not known to him.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
The story of Dhanadha as told by Pankakajavalli doll
The story of Dhanadha as told by Pankakajavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty second day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty second step by Pankajavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
When Vikramadhithya was ruling over Ujjaini, there was a very rich merchant called Dhanadha in Ujjain. There was no limit to his wealth and so people called him Dhanapathi. Though he was rich, Dhanadha always felt that all this wealth is transient.
So one day he called all learned people of the world and gave away almost all his wealth. At that time he wanted to go Dwaraka temple and worship Lord Krishna there. When he started many of the people of Ujjaini wanted to accompany him. Along with all those people he arranged for many ships and started his journey towards Dwaraka. On the way, in the sea, they saw a huge mountain and on its top a temple. Dhanadha wanted to pay his respects to the deity of the temple. When he climbed up and went inside the temple, he saw the cut body of a young man and woman lying there. There was a board there in which was written, that this young man and woman would get back their life, if a good man with charitable disposition cuts off his neck and drench the bodies lying there with his blood.
Dhanadha continued his pilgrimage to Dwaraka and after Darsan of the lord returned back to Ujjain. There he presented the Prasad of Dwaraka to King Vikramadhithya and told him about the strange temple on the hill in the sea. On his next sojourn of six months in forest, king Vikramadhithya went to the temple and started cutting off his head so that the unknown young man and woman would be alive again. The goddess appeared before him and gave back the life of the young man and woman. My king Vikrama was that great.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty second day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty second step by Pankajavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
When Vikramadhithya was ruling over Ujjaini, there was a very rich merchant called Dhanadha in Ujjain. There was no limit to his wealth and so people called him Dhanapathi. Though he was rich, Dhanadha always felt that all this wealth is transient.
So one day he called all learned people of the world and gave away almost all his wealth. At that time he wanted to go Dwaraka temple and worship Lord Krishna there. When he started many of the people of Ujjaini wanted to accompany him. Along with all those people he arranged for many ships and started his journey towards Dwaraka. On the way, in the sea, they saw a huge mountain and on its top a temple. Dhanadha wanted to pay his respects to the deity of the temple. When he climbed up and went inside the temple, he saw the cut body of a young man and woman lying there. There was a board there in which was written, that this young man and woman would get back their life, if a good man with charitable disposition cuts off his neck and drench the bodies lying there with his blood.
Dhanadha continued his pilgrimage to Dwaraka and after Darsan of the lord returned back to Ujjain. There he presented the Prasad of Dwaraka to King Vikramadhithya and told him about the strange temple on the hill in the sea. On his next sojourn of six months in forest, king Vikramadhithya went to the temple and started cutting off his head so that the unknown young man and woman would be alive again. The goddess appeared before him and gave back the life of the young man and woman. My king Vikrama was that great.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
The story of Indra Jala magician as told by Kanaka Ranjithavalli doll
The story of Indra Jala magician as told by Kanaka Ranjithavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty first day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty first step by Kanaka Ranjithavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
One day when king Vikramadhithya was sitting in his court along with his ministers and counselors a man named Soora came to the court and told that he was a magician who was an expert in Indra Jala. Vikramadhithya told him that he was busy and asked him to come the next day and show his magic.
Next day when they assembled in the court one valorous individual with a great strength and with a flowing beard came to the court along with a lady. He addressed Vikramadhithya and told, King, I am a courtier of Indra of heaven. Once due to disagreement he cursed me to become a human being. As a human being I married this lady. Now I know that there is a war going between Devas and Asuras and I deem it my duty to go to heaven and help my king. Since I cannot take my wife with me I wanted her to be safely looked after till I return. All people told me that you are a gentleman and will look after her like your sister. Would you please help me?” Vikramadhithya agreed and that gentleman immediately travelled towards the sky. From that time all people in the court started hearing the sound of war in the heavens. Suddenly, the cut hand holding a sword of that gentleman who went to heaven fell down from the sky. As soon as she saw this his wife started crying. After another few moments the cut head of the gentleman and body fell down from heavens. Everybody was shocked. His wife started crying and requested that arrangements may be made to cremate her husband. She was particular that she wanted to jump and die in the funeral pyre. Though Vikramadhithya assured her that he will look after her well, she said that she does not want to live without her husband. So the pyre was set up and the lady jumped in to the pyre and was turned in to ashes. The court rose with great sorrow.
Next day when they assembled that Valorous individual came back completely alive and demanded his wife back. With great sorrow Vikrama told that man all that happened. Then the individual told that he was actually the magician who had come two days before and all that happened was due to his power of magic. Vikrama was extremely pleased and wanted to give him a suitable present. At that time the emissary of Pandya king came with the tribute of fifty elephants, three hundred horses, one hundred dancing damsels and 100 pounds of Gold. Vikrama simply handed over all these things to the magician as a gift. Our king Vikrama was that generous in accepting greatness of any individual.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twenty first day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twenty first step by Kanaka Ranjithavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
One day when king Vikramadhithya was sitting in his court along with his ministers and counselors a man named Soora came to the court and told that he was a magician who was an expert in Indra Jala. Vikramadhithya told him that he was busy and asked him to come the next day and show his magic.
Next day when they assembled in the court one valorous individual with a great strength and with a flowing beard came to the court along with a lady. He addressed Vikramadhithya and told, King, I am a courtier of Indra of heaven. Once due to disagreement he cursed me to become a human being. As a human being I married this lady. Now I know that there is a war going between Devas and Asuras and I deem it my duty to go to heaven and help my king. Since I cannot take my wife with me I wanted her to be safely looked after till I return. All people told me that you are a gentleman and will look after her like your sister. Would you please help me?” Vikramadhithya agreed and that gentleman immediately travelled towards the sky. From that time all people in the court started hearing the sound of war in the heavens. Suddenly, the cut hand holding a sword of that gentleman who went to heaven fell down from the sky. As soon as she saw this his wife started crying. After another few moments the cut head of the gentleman and body fell down from heavens. Everybody was shocked. His wife started crying and requested that arrangements may be made to cremate her husband. She was particular that she wanted to jump and die in the funeral pyre. Though Vikramadhithya assured her that he will look after her well, she said that she does not want to live without her husband. So the pyre was set up and the lady jumped in to the pyre and was turned in to ashes. The court rose with great sorrow.
Next day when they assembled that Valorous individual came back completely alive and demanded his wife back. With great sorrow Vikrama told that man all that happened. Then the individual told that he was actually the magician who had come two days before and all that happened was due to his power of magic. Vikrama was extremely pleased and wanted to give him a suitable present. At that time the emissary of Pandya king came with the tribute of fifty elephants, three hundred horses, one hundred dancing damsels and 100 pounds of Gold. Vikrama simply handed over all these things to the magician as a gift. Our king Vikrama was that generous in accepting greatness of any individual.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Friday, June 17, 2011
The story of the gambler as told by Sundaravinodha doll
The story of the gambler as told by Sundaravinodha doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twentieth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twentieth step by Sundaravinodha doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
When Vikramadhithya was ruling, Chauthuryvan the king of Chathuragiri died of natural causes. His wife decided to jump in his funeral pyre and die along with her husband. As soon as Vikramadhithya knew about this , he rushed to Chaturagiri and told the queen that he would bring her husband back to life. He took the magical wand given to him by mother Kali and patted the corpse of her husband. He woke up as if he was sleeping. Overjoyed and being greatly grateful, the couple surrendered their kingdom to king Vikramadhithya. However Vikrama returned the kingdom to them and proceeded on his six month sojourn in the forest.
He reached a town called Samarapuri. There he was relaxing one day. That day, one lavishly dressed gentleman came with several of his friends and dancing girls and spent all his time in merry making. However the same man came next day in tattered cloths and in a miserable condition. This intrigued Vikramadhithya and so he approached him and asked him as to who he was and why this difference within a day. He said that he was a gambler and this type of complete transformation was very common to him. Vikramadhithya advised him strongly to leave out this bad habit. Then that man replied that this was the only profession known to him and unless he gets sufficient wealth he cannot leave out this habit.
At that time two sages came to the inn and very conversing each other in a language called Paisachi. Since the language was known to him Vikramadhithya was able to follow their conversation. From it he learnt that if a human being is sacrificed before the Bhairava statue at the inn, he would show them a great treasure. Without hesitation Vikramadhithya went near the Bhairava statue and started cutting his own neck. Lord Bhairava appeared before him and stopped him and gave him the treasure that he was having. King Vikramadhithya gave the treasure to the gambler. The gambler from that time reformed himself.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twentieth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twentieth step by Sundaravinodha doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
When Vikramadhithya was ruling, Chauthuryvan the king of Chathuragiri died of natural causes. His wife decided to jump in his funeral pyre and die along with her husband. As soon as Vikramadhithya knew about this , he rushed to Chaturagiri and told the queen that he would bring her husband back to life. He took the magical wand given to him by mother Kali and patted the corpse of her husband. He woke up as if he was sleeping. Overjoyed and being greatly grateful, the couple surrendered their kingdom to king Vikramadhithya. However Vikrama returned the kingdom to them and proceeded on his six month sojourn in the forest.
He reached a town called Samarapuri. There he was relaxing one day. That day, one lavishly dressed gentleman came with several of his friends and dancing girls and spent all his time in merry making. However the same man came next day in tattered cloths and in a miserable condition. This intrigued Vikramadhithya and so he approached him and asked him as to who he was and why this difference within a day. He said that he was a gambler and this type of complete transformation was very common to him. Vikramadhithya advised him strongly to leave out this bad habit. Then that man replied that this was the only profession known to him and unless he gets sufficient wealth he cannot leave out this habit.
At that time two sages came to the inn and very conversing each other in a language called Paisachi. Since the language was known to him Vikramadhithya was able to follow their conversation. From it he learnt that if a human being is sacrificed before the Bhairava statue at the inn, he would show them a great treasure. Without hesitation Vikramadhithya went near the Bhairava statue and started cutting his own neck. Lord Bhairava appeared before him and stopped him and gave him the treasure that he was having. King Vikramadhithya gave the treasure to the gambler. The gambler from that time reformed himself.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The story of Amruthasanjeevini as told by Sargunavalli doll
The story of Amruthasanjeevini as told by Sargunavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the nineteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the nineteenth step by Sargunavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
Vikramadhithya had a very learned priest serving him called Vasumithra Surasena. He was a very great man and was also wealthy. After thoughtful consideration he decided to go on a pilgrimage to Varanasi and take bath in Ganges there so that all his sins are washed off. He did undertake the pilgrimage and did Sradha to his manes there. On his way back he reached a city which had a Divine damsel as a queen who had become a human being and was not married. She did not invite any one to marry her nor did she invite any one. In that town there was a huge temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayana. In front of the temple in a very big iron vessel oil was boiling always. There was a big board there announcing that whosoever jumps in that boiling oil will be married by Manmathasanjeevini, who was the divine damsel ruling over the town and that man would be made king of the city.
Vasumithra dared not do this and returned back to Ujjain, the town of Vikramadhithya; He gave the pure Ganges water to King Vikramadhithya and told him about the strange town ruled by Manmathasanjeevini.
Noticing wistfulness in his voice, King Vikramadhithya decided to visit that town. As soon as he reached that town, King Vikramadhithya went to the temple of Lakshmi Narayana, saluted the God and boldly jumped in to the vessel of boiling oil. His body became a cooked piece of meat. As soon as Manmatha Sanjeevini heard this she came running with nectar and sprinkling which Vikramadhithya became his normal self. Then she told Vikramadhithya that since he has fulfilled the condition, she was prepared to marry him. Vikramadhithya then told her that his friend Surasena was an extremely learned man and requested her to marry him. She agreed and married Surasena. He was crowned as king of that town.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the nineteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the nineteenth step by Sargunavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
Vikramadhithya had a very learned priest serving him called Vasumithra Surasena. He was a very great man and was also wealthy. After thoughtful consideration he decided to go on a pilgrimage to Varanasi and take bath in Ganges there so that all his sins are washed off. He did undertake the pilgrimage and did Sradha to his manes there. On his way back he reached a city which had a Divine damsel as a queen who had become a human being and was not married. She did not invite any one to marry her nor did she invite any one. In that town there was a huge temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayana. In front of the temple in a very big iron vessel oil was boiling always. There was a big board there announcing that whosoever jumps in that boiling oil will be married by Manmathasanjeevini, who was the divine damsel ruling over the town and that man would be made king of the city.
Vasumithra dared not do this and returned back to Ujjain, the town of Vikramadhithya; He gave the pure Ganges water to King Vikramadhithya and told him about the strange town ruled by Manmathasanjeevini.
Noticing wistfulness in his voice, King Vikramadhithya decided to visit that town. As soon as he reached that town, King Vikramadhithya went to the temple of Lakshmi Narayana, saluted the God and boldly jumped in to the vessel of boiling oil. His body became a cooked piece of meat. As soon as Manmatha Sanjeevini heard this she came running with nectar and sprinkling which Vikramadhithya became his normal self. Then she told Vikramadhithya that since he has fulfilled the condition, she was prepared to marry him. Vikramadhithya then told her that his friend Surasena was an extremely learned man and requested her to marry him. She agreed and married Surasena. He was crowned as king of that town.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The story of division of properties told by Parimala Mohini doll
The story of division of properties told by Parimala Mohini doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the eighteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the eighteenth step by Parimala Mohini valli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
There was a town called Purandarapuri. There was a very merchant there who had four sons. In his death bed, he called all his sons and told them, “Though I want all of you to continue as a single family, I am not sure about it. So when you decided to go your own, dig below this got. You would find four pots buried one over another there. The top most would indicate the share of my wealth for the eldest and so on.” After telling this the merchants died. The four brothers lead a joint family for some time. So when their wives started quarrelling they dug below the cot and recovered four pots. The first post contained coal, the second mud, the third straw and the fourth some bones. When they could not understand the significance they approached the village elders. When they were not able to understand they approached their king. But the king himself could not understand the significance and requested them to approach King Vikramadhithya. In spite of being a great genius, King Vikramadhithya also could not understand it. So the brothers returned home disappointed. But on their way they went to a town called Prathishtanapura. There was a wise potter called Shalivahana in that town. They approached him. Shalivahana heard them with rapt attention and told, “The eldest one should take the pot of mud indicating the agricultural properties of their father, the second one should take the pot of straw indicating the accumulated grain wealth of their father, the third one should take the pot of bones which indicates cattle wealth and the last one should take the pot of coal which indicates all the metal wealth of their father. The sons were very satisfied and followed the advice and went away. When Vikramadhithya heard about this, he wanted to meet Shalivahana and sent his emissaries to call him. Shalivahana not only refused to come but told the representatives that if Vikrama wants to meet him, he should come. When this message reached Vikrama, he became very angry and started with big army to Prathishtanapura. He reached outside Prathishtanapura and again sent word to Shalivahana that if he does not come outside to meet Vikramadhithya, He would come with an army and crush him. Shalivahana laughed at this and sent word that he would prefer to fight with the army of Vikramadhithya. Then he made lot of dolls using the clay and gave them life. A huge war was fought. Vikrama using his superior weapons destroyed the entire army of Shalivahana He remembered the words of his father Adhisesha, that in any crisis, he should summon his father. As soon as he thought of his father all the snakes of the world reached there and killed all the army of Vikramadhithya. Terribly disappointed Vikrama returned to his town Ujjaini and did penance to Vasuki the king of snakes. He came before him and gave him a pot of nectar, sprinkling which he can bring back to life his entire army. So he started to Prathishtanapura along with the pot of nectar.
On the way he was met by a learned stranger who compared Vikramadhithya to9 Lord Vishnu and praised him. When king Vikramadhithya asked who he is, he replied, “I am from Prathishtanapura and I have heard that you would give anything that is requested by learned people from you. “ Then Vikramadhithya replied, “Yes. I would give whatever you want.” Then the learner stranger asked for the pot of nectar that king Vikramadhithya was carrying. King Vikramadhithya then gave the learned man the pot of nectar realizing fully well that he was Shalivahana himself. Our king Vikramadhithya was like that.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the eighteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the eighteenth step by Parimala Mohini valli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
There was a town called Purandarapuri. There was a very merchant there who had four sons. In his death bed, he called all his sons and told them, “Though I want all of you to continue as a single family, I am not sure about it. So when you decided to go your own, dig below this got. You would find four pots buried one over another there. The top most would indicate the share of my wealth for the eldest and so on.” After telling this the merchants died. The four brothers lead a joint family for some time. So when their wives started quarrelling they dug below the cot and recovered four pots. The first post contained coal, the second mud, the third straw and the fourth some bones. When they could not understand the significance they approached the village elders. When they were not able to understand they approached their king. But the king himself could not understand the significance and requested them to approach King Vikramadhithya. In spite of being a great genius, King Vikramadhithya also could not understand it. So the brothers returned home disappointed. But on their way they went to a town called Prathishtanapura. There was a wise potter called Shalivahana in that town. They approached him. Shalivahana heard them with rapt attention and told, “The eldest one should take the pot of mud indicating the agricultural properties of their father, the second one should take the pot of straw indicating the accumulated grain wealth of their father, the third one should take the pot of bones which indicates cattle wealth and the last one should take the pot of coal which indicates all the metal wealth of their father. The sons were very satisfied and followed the advice and went away. When Vikramadhithya heard about this, he wanted to meet Shalivahana and sent his emissaries to call him. Shalivahana not only refused to come but told the representatives that if Vikrama wants to meet him, he should come. When this message reached Vikrama, he became very angry and started with big army to Prathishtanapura. He reached outside Prathishtanapura and again sent word to Shalivahana that if he does not come outside to meet Vikramadhithya, He would come with an army and crush him. Shalivahana laughed at this and sent word that he would prefer to fight with the army of Vikramadhithya. Then he made lot of dolls using the clay and gave them life. A huge war was fought. Vikrama using his superior weapons destroyed the entire army of Shalivahana He remembered the words of his father Adhisesha, that in any crisis, he should summon his father. As soon as he thought of his father all the snakes of the world reached there and killed all the army of Vikramadhithya. Terribly disappointed Vikrama returned to his town Ujjaini and did penance to Vasuki the king of snakes. He came before him and gave him a pot of nectar, sprinkling which he can bring back to life his entire army. So he started to Prathishtanapura along with the pot of nectar.
On the way he was met by a learned stranger who compared Vikramadhithya to9 Lord Vishnu and praised him. When king Vikramadhithya asked who he is, he replied, “I am from Prathishtanapura and I have heard that you would give anything that is requested by learned people from you. “ Then Vikramadhithya replied, “Yes. I would give whatever you want.” Then the learner stranger asked for the pot of nectar that king Vikramadhithya was carrying. King Vikramadhithya then gave the learned man the pot of nectar realizing fully well that he was Shalivahana himself. Our king Vikramadhithya was like that.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The story of Nava mohini manjari as told by Karunakaravalli doll
The story of Nava mohini manjari as told by Karunakaravalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the seventeenthth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the seventeenth step by Karunakaravalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
During the rule of king Vikramadhithya one spy who went to Northern part of India reported as follows:-
“A king called Soma prathapa rules over a town called Makarapuri. He does lot of charities and social service daily. Then he rides on his own elephant and gets down in his palace. As soon as he lands there several girls who are as pretty as divine maidens go round him with plates full of coral, pearls, rice etc and empty all those plates in the North eastern part of the city. I just wanted to know why they are doing that. There I saw many ghosts coming and eating all the food placed there and take away all the precious jewels. They climb on a huge Banyan tree which is nearby. I dared not follow them and returned.”
Egged by his curiosity King Vikramadhithya went to Makarapuri. He saw the celebrations conducted around the king, followed those ladies and saw the ghosts eating the food. He boldly climbed the banyan tree and saw a huge palace hanging on the air. He entered the palace and saw a bed room. He took bath in warm water and slept on the cot there. Soon the lady of the house called Nava Mohini manjari came there. She became very angry at some man sleeping on her cot. She then ordered one of her ghosts to remove Vikramadhithya. But Vikramadhithya cut the ghost in to two. Then several ghosts came. Vikramadhithya killed all of them. Then he asked Vetala to lift Nava Mohini Manjari along with her cot to Ujjain. When she woke up she realized that Vikramadhithya was no ordinary man. She then begged his pardon.
At that time a poor man approached Vikrama and told him, “Sir, I am so poor that I am not able to get married. Would you please give her to me?” Vikramadhithya gave the lady as present to him and also gave him sufficient wealth.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the seventeenthth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the seventeenth step by Karunakaravalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
During the rule of king Vikramadhithya one spy who went to Northern part of India reported as follows:-
“A king called Soma prathapa rules over a town called Makarapuri. He does lot of charities and social service daily. Then he rides on his own elephant and gets down in his palace. As soon as he lands there several girls who are as pretty as divine maidens go round him with plates full of coral, pearls, rice etc and empty all those plates in the North eastern part of the city. I just wanted to know why they are doing that. There I saw many ghosts coming and eating all the food placed there and take away all the precious jewels. They climb on a huge Banyan tree which is nearby. I dared not follow them and returned.”
Egged by his curiosity King Vikramadhithya went to Makarapuri. He saw the celebrations conducted around the king, followed those ladies and saw the ghosts eating the food. He boldly climbed the banyan tree and saw a huge palace hanging on the air. He entered the palace and saw a bed room. He took bath in warm water and slept on the cot there. Soon the lady of the house called Nava Mohini manjari came there. She became very angry at some man sleeping on her cot. She then ordered one of her ghosts to remove Vikramadhithya. But Vikramadhithya cut the ghost in to two. Then several ghosts came. Vikramadhithya killed all of them. Then he asked Vetala to lift Nava Mohini Manjari along with her cot to Ujjain. When she woke up she realized that Vikramadhithya was no ordinary man. She then begged his pardon.
At that time a poor man approached Vikrama and told him, “Sir, I am so poor that I am not able to get married. Would you please give her to me?” Vikramadhithya gave the lady as present to him and also gave him sufficient wealth.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Monday, June 13, 2011
The story of Courtesan Kamalareka as told by Paripoornavalli doll
The story of Courtesan Kamalareka as told by Paripoornavalli doll
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the sixteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the sixteenth step by Paripoornavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
When Vikramadhithya was the emeperor of India, a spy from Northern part of India met hiom and related this story, “King, In the Arya desa of north, there is a courtesan called Kamalareka. She is so pretty that even people without masculinity fell in love with her and want to spend the night with her. But all people who spend the night, die that night and return only as corpse.”
Vikramadhithya was intrigued by the story of Kamalareka. So during his sojourn of six month in the forest he went to Arta desa. When he enquired about Kalalareka, people told him that she was an irresistible beauty and he has to spend 1000 gold coins to spend a night with her. They also told him that he would die that night.
Vikramadhithya went to Kamalareka’s home and paid 1000 gold coins, . He was received well and taken to her bed room. He asked for a mat spread on the floor and was preparing to sleep. The courtesan gave him a fluffy pillow. He refused that also. He did not even touch her. The courtesan laughed and told, “By coming here you are ready to embrace death. If you think you can escape by not even touching me you are mistaken.” Then she entered in to sleep. Very soon a golden serpant came out of her nose and started biting the pillow near by. Vikramadhithya took his magical sword and cut her in to pieces.
Next day the courtesan was pleasantly surprised to see that Vikrama was alive. When Vikrama showed her the snake and how he killed it, she thanked Vikrama profusely.
Our king Vikramadhithya was such a one that he would help any one who is suffering regardless of the station of his life.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the sixteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the sixteenth step by Paripoornavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
When Vikramadhithya was the emeperor of India, a spy from Northern part of India met hiom and related this story, “King, In the Arya desa of north, there is a courtesan called Kamalareka. She is so pretty that even people without masculinity fell in love with her and want to spend the night with her. But all people who spend the night, die that night and return only as corpse.”
Vikramadhithya was intrigued by the story of Kamalareka. So during his sojourn of six month in the forest he went to Arta desa. When he enquired about Kalalareka, people told him that she was an irresistible beauty and he has to spend 1000 gold coins to spend a night with her. They also told him that he would die that night.
Vikramadhithya went to Kamalareka’s home and paid 1000 gold coins, . He was received well and taken to her bed room. He asked for a mat spread on the floor and was preparing to sleep. The courtesan gave him a fluffy pillow. He refused that also. He did not even touch her. The courtesan laughed and told, “By coming here you are ready to embrace death. If you think you can escape by not even touching me you are mistaken.” Then she entered in to sleep. Very soon a golden serpant came out of her nose and started biting the pillow near by. Vikramadhithya took his magical sword and cut her in to pieces.
Next day the courtesan was pleasantly surprised to see that Vikrama was alive. When Vikrama showed her the snake and how he killed it, she thanked Vikrama profusely.
Our king Vikramadhithya was such a one that he would help any one who is suffering regardless of the station of his life.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
The story of a Brahmin who fell in the river as told by Sanjeevavalli doll
The story of a Brahmin who fell in the river as told by Sanjeevavalli doll.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the fifteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the fifteenth step by Sanjeevavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
During one of his six month sojourn to the forest, Vikramadhithya resolved to go alone in the garb of sage. He stayed for one night in a village and next four days in towns around. One day after a long travel he reached a village on the banks of a river. There was a temple in the village. In the temple one learned sage was talking about the sacrifices one can make. He told that the greatest sacrifice that one can make is to save a man in danger without even bothering about one’s own life. All the people who heard this advice were taken aback, when they heard of cries for help from the river. When they rushed to the bank of the river all of them saw the swift tides of the river dragging an old man and his wife. Both of them were shouting for help but none dared to help them as they felt that getting in to the river was dangerous. But Vikrama though in the garb of a sage got in to the river, fought bravely with the tide and with lots of difficulty saved the elderly couple. Once they came out the old man thanked Vikrama and told him that he wanted to compensate for his efforts. Then Vikrama told the old man that he was the king of the country and it was his job to help and save all the people in his country. Then the old man understood that he was king Vikramadhithya and told him, “Sir, I am thankful to your majesty for helping me out. I simple cannot compensate your efforts in any way but I want to give you two presents. Please accept it. “When Vikrama agreed that Brahmin gave him the power to summon the plane of Gods and travel in it and reach any place he wants. And also gave him all the effect of all the good deeds done by him.” Vikrama thankfully accepted them and went on his way. He eventually reached a forest which was not cool but very hot. This forest had only horror sounds of bison and such wild animals. The forest instead has only thorny shrubs like the cactus. In the middle of the forest was a thousand branched banyan tree and hanging on his branches a Brahma Rakshasa. As soon the Brahma Rakshasa saw Vikrama it told him, “King, I was a very pious and well known sage but because I insulted sage Narada, he cursed me to become a Brahma Rakshasa. The only way for me to escape from this torture is to get the two boons given by the Brahmin to you. Would you please give them to me?”King Vikramadhithya gladly agreed and gave the two boons to him. Then the Brahma Rakshasa became a sage and went to heaven.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the fifteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the fifteenth step by Sanjeevavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
During one of his six month sojourn to the forest, Vikramadhithya resolved to go alone in the garb of sage. He stayed for one night in a village and next four days in towns around. One day after a long travel he reached a village on the banks of a river. There was a temple in the village. In the temple one learned sage was talking about the sacrifices one can make. He told that the greatest sacrifice that one can make is to save a man in danger without even bothering about one’s own life. All the people who heard this advice were taken aback, when they heard of cries for help from the river. When they rushed to the bank of the river all of them saw the swift tides of the river dragging an old man and his wife. Both of them were shouting for help but none dared to help them as they felt that getting in to the river was dangerous. But Vikrama though in the garb of a sage got in to the river, fought bravely with the tide and with lots of difficulty saved the elderly couple. Once they came out the old man thanked Vikrama and told him that he wanted to compensate for his efforts. Then Vikrama told the old man that he was the king of the country and it was his job to help and save all the people in his country. Then the old man understood that he was king Vikramadhithya and told him, “Sir, I am thankful to your majesty for helping me out. I simple cannot compensate your efforts in any way but I want to give you two presents. Please accept it. “When Vikrama agreed that Brahmin gave him the power to summon the plane of Gods and travel in it and reach any place he wants. And also gave him all the effect of all the good deeds done by him.” Vikrama thankfully accepted them and went on his way. He eventually reached a forest which was not cool but very hot. This forest had only horror sounds of bison and such wild animals. The forest instead has only thorny shrubs like the cactus. In the middle of the forest was a thousand branched banyan tree and hanging on his branches a Brahma Rakshasa. As soon the Brahma Rakshasa saw Vikrama it told him, “King, I was a very pious and well known sage but because I insulted sage Narada, he cursed me to become a Brahma Rakshasa. The only way for me to escape from this torture is to get the two boons given by the Brahmin to you. Would you please give them to me?”King Vikramadhithya gladly agreed and gave the two boons to him. Then the Brahma Rakshasa became a sage and went to heaven.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Sunday, June 12, 2011
The story of Dharmaseela as told by fourteenth Chandravalli doll
The story of Dharmaseela as told by fourteenth Chandravalli doll.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the fourteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the thirteenth step by Chandravalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
King Vikramadhithya maintained a very enviable system of spies so that he would be able to understand the problems of his people and solve them. They also used to gather reports of strange happenings and inform. Once a spy who returned from Kashmir told him about the following happening. “King, in the city of Kashmir, there is a very rich merchant called Dharmaseela. After multiplying his wealth manifolds by very hard work, he decided to build a temple to God Narayana and get is surrounded by a huge lake. First the temple was built. Then all round it millions of labourers started digging a lake. With their efficient dedicated work, they did dig a very huge lake around the temple. But strangely the lake did not have even a drop of water. The very sad Dharmaseela continued the digging in the hope of getting water. When he found that water was not forthcoming he prayed the God. He heard a magical voice. “Only if a drop of blood from the neck of a man with all the 32 prescribed qualities falls on the lake bed, then only water will come in this lake.” Not able to find any perfect man willing to cut his head, even today the lake is dry. Dharmaseela has announced a prize of 1000 pounds of gold to whosoever helps him get water in the lake.”
Hearing this strange story Vikramadhithya decided o do something about it. So during his six month sojourn in the forest, he went to Kashmir. There he went to the lake bed, prayer Lord Narayana and began cutting his neck so That blood would fall on the lake bed. God appeared before him and blessed that the lake would be full of water.
When the extremely happy Dharmaseela offered him 1000 pounds of Gold, Vikramadhithya gave the entire gold in charity to poor people and reached back his kingdom
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the fourteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the thirteenth step by Chandravalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
King Vikramadhithya maintained a very enviable system of spies so that he would be able to understand the problems of his people and solve them. They also used to gather reports of strange happenings and inform. Once a spy who returned from Kashmir told him about the following happening. “King, in the city of Kashmir, there is a very rich merchant called Dharmaseela. After multiplying his wealth manifolds by very hard work, he decided to build a temple to God Narayana and get is surrounded by a huge lake. First the temple was built. Then all round it millions of labourers started digging a lake. With their efficient dedicated work, they did dig a very huge lake around the temple. But strangely the lake did not have even a drop of water. The very sad Dharmaseela continued the digging in the hope of getting water. When he found that water was not forthcoming he prayed the God. He heard a magical voice. “Only if a drop of blood from the neck of a man with all the 32 prescribed qualities falls on the lake bed, then only water will come in this lake.” Not able to find any perfect man willing to cut his head, even today the lake is dry. Dharmaseela has announced a prize of 1000 pounds of gold to whosoever helps him get water in the lake.”
Hearing this strange story Vikramadhithya decided o do something about it. So during his six month sojourn in the forest, he went to Kashmir. There he went to the lake bed, prayer Lord Narayana and began cutting his neck so That blood would fall on the lake bed. God appeared before him and blessed that the lake would be full of water.
When the extremely happy Dharmaseela offered him 1000 pounds of Gold, Vikramadhithya gave the entire gold in charity to poor people and reached back his kingdom
The story of Vichithrakala as told by thirteenth Prakasavalli doll
The story of Vichithrakala as told by thirteenth Prakasavalli doll.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the thirteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the thirteenth step by Prakasavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
The king of Thangapuri did not have any children in spite of having all other wealths. By continued penance of Parashakthi, a daughter was born to him. He named her as Vichithrakala and made her master of all arts. She grew up in to a very pretty princess. One day while she was standing on a terrace, she was seen by Mrugangitha, who was a terrible magician doing penance on the Malligarjuna mountain. He fell instantly in love with her and decided that he will take her away and marry her as soon as his penance of celibacy was over. This resolution was understood by Vichithrakala. So she went to her father and told him, how Mrugangitha was infatuated with her. The king told her, “Mrugangitha is a terrible human being. I do not have the power to defeat him. So please approach the Yellamma Goddess in the boundary of our kingdom.” Accordingly Vichithrakala went to the Yellamma temple. When she went there the goddess had gone out for a walk. So she entered the temple and locked herself there. When the Goddess came back and when she wanted the doors to be opened, Vichithrakala fell at her feet and told her about her problem created by Mrugangitha. Then the Goddess told, “Mrugangitha is a very evil person. I do not have sufficient power to kill him. The only person who can help you out is king Vikramadhithya. So you go and approach him.”
Vichithrakala went to Ujjain the capital city of Vikramadhithya, got the face of the hag by the blessings of the Goddess and started staying with a lady called Annamidum nangai. She used to daily sing and pray the Goddess at night. When one day, Vikramadhithya who was doing inspection rounds in the town heard her voice, he sent his police people to bring her before him; He was intrigued by her youthful body and face of a hag. When he asked Vichithrakala the reason for this, she told him everything about her. Vikramadhithya promised to save her and built a special palace for her to live in till they got married. Once when his six month sojourn in the forest was due, he entrusted her safety to his brother Bhatti and went to the forest.
At this time Mrugangitha’s penance of celibacy was over and he started searching for Vichithrakala. When he felt her presence in Ujjaini town, he dressed himself like a jewel merchant and offered two very pretty bangles for one million rupees. Though everyone wanted the Bangles even the senior most queen of Vikramadhithya thought that the price was exorbitant. But somehow Vichithrakala wanted that Bangle. When Bhatti offered the price on behalf of Vichithrakala, the magician told him that he was the only who can put the bangles on the purchaser. Bhatti thought that something was fishy and refused to buy the bangle without the permission of Vikramadhithya. So Mrugangitha went in search of Vikramadhithya and told him that his minister Bhatti was not even fulfilling the wishes of Vichithrakala who would become his queen soon. Vikramadhithya thought there was something fishy and asked Vetala about who it was. When Vetala informed him that it was Mrugangitha himself, Vikramadhithya took his magic sword and cut Mrugangitha in to pieces.
After finishing his sojourn, Vikramadhithya returned to Ujjain and made Vichithrakala as his queen and wife.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the thirteenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the thirteenth step by Prakasavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
The king of Thangapuri did not have any children in spite of having all other wealths. By continued penance of Parashakthi, a daughter was born to him. He named her as Vichithrakala and made her master of all arts. She grew up in to a very pretty princess. One day while she was standing on a terrace, she was seen by Mrugangitha, who was a terrible magician doing penance on the Malligarjuna mountain. He fell instantly in love with her and decided that he will take her away and marry her as soon as his penance of celibacy was over. This resolution was understood by Vichithrakala. So she went to her father and told him, how Mrugangitha was infatuated with her. The king told her, “Mrugangitha is a terrible human being. I do not have the power to defeat him. So please approach the Yellamma Goddess in the boundary of our kingdom.” Accordingly Vichithrakala went to the Yellamma temple. When she went there the goddess had gone out for a walk. So she entered the temple and locked herself there. When the Goddess came back and when she wanted the doors to be opened, Vichithrakala fell at her feet and told her about her problem created by Mrugangitha. Then the Goddess told, “Mrugangitha is a very evil person. I do not have sufficient power to kill him. The only person who can help you out is king Vikramadhithya. So you go and approach him.”
Vichithrakala went to Ujjain the capital city of Vikramadhithya, got the face of the hag by the blessings of the Goddess and started staying with a lady called Annamidum nangai. She used to daily sing and pray the Goddess at night. When one day, Vikramadhithya who was doing inspection rounds in the town heard her voice, he sent his police people to bring her before him; He was intrigued by her youthful body and face of a hag. When he asked Vichithrakala the reason for this, she told him everything about her. Vikramadhithya promised to save her and built a special palace for her to live in till they got married. Once when his six month sojourn in the forest was due, he entrusted her safety to his brother Bhatti and went to the forest.
At this time Mrugangitha’s penance of celibacy was over and he started searching for Vichithrakala. When he felt her presence in Ujjaini town, he dressed himself like a jewel merchant and offered two very pretty bangles for one million rupees. Though everyone wanted the Bangles even the senior most queen of Vikramadhithya thought that the price was exorbitant. But somehow Vichithrakala wanted that Bangle. When Bhatti offered the price on behalf of Vichithrakala, the magician told him that he was the only who can put the bangles on the purchaser. Bhatti thought that something was fishy and refused to buy the bangle without the permission of Vikramadhithya. So Mrugangitha went in search of Vikramadhithya and told him that his minister Bhatti was not even fulfilling the wishes of Vichithrakala who would become his queen soon. Vikramadhithya thought there was something fishy and asked Vetala about who it was. When Vetala informed him that it was Mrugangitha himself, Vikramadhithya took his magic sword and cut Mrugangitha in to pieces.
After finishing his sojourn, Vikramadhithya returned to Ujjain and made Vichithrakala as his queen and wife.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The story of Amruthakiranakalai of Nirjeeva pattana as told by twelfth Santha Gunavalli doll
The story of Amruthakiranakalai of Nirjeeva pattana as told by twelfth Santha Gunavalli doll.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twelfth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twelfth step by Santha Guna valli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
When Vikramadhithya was ruling the country, he used to send several of his spies all round the world to find out strange happenings. One of them came back and told him as follows:-
“A king called Dharmaraya was ruling called Thirumalpuri. His wives name is Samudhradevi. They have three sons called Bheemasuran, Lakshmi sooran and Mahasooran and a daughter called Amruthakiranakalai. The king has searched good brides for his sons and a good groom for his daughter and got them married. The king and queen got several grand children, lived happily with them and died after ten years. Once the three princes who were managing the kingdom, went for a routine checkup of their kingdom. In a deep forest they located a pretty garden and a pond. Near boy was a very pretty house with three rooms. The rooms were empty during the daytime. They relaxed in the garden and decided to spend their night in those rooms. Actually the rooms belonged to three deva dancers who used to spend their nights in those rooms. When they found three handsome youths there, they spent the entire night making love to them, turned them in to stone dolls and went back to the deva loka. This continued. One day Mahasoora heard a voice from a statue on a pillar near the pond pitying them. That voice agreed to help them. It gave him seven stones. It advised him, “Today night run away from here. Those three deva maidens will chase you. When they come near you, throw a stone. This would make the distance between you very great. Keep on doing this but never talk to them. If you talk to them they will make you permanently into stone dolls.
It happened as foretold. When the deva maidens saw that these magical stones were only with Mahasoora, they thought that it must have been given to him by his lover Roopakanyaka. So the other two killed Roopakanyaka and went back to the deva loka. Mahasoora was terribly upset and wanted to cremate Roopakanyaka and die himself in her funeral pyre. Though the other two brothers tried to dissuade him, he was firm on his resolve. When he was about to jump in the fire, Lord Shiva appeared before Mahasoora and gave back the life of Roopakanyaka. Roopakanyaka was terribly charmed by the love of Mahasoora. She told him, “From now I am taking you as my husband but since I am a deva maiden, I would be in deva loka during your day time and would be with you during night. She gave him a magical Veena to summon her whenever he wants her.
That night When Mahasoora summoned Roopakanyaka, a sage was attracted by her., He promised to give Mahasoora a diamond sword which can cut any living being in to two. Mahasoora took the sword from the sage for testing and killed the sage by using the sword itself.
Next day another sage saw her and wanted her. In return he promised him a miracle purse, which will have unending source of money. Mahasoora took that for testing and killed that sage also by the diamond sword.
Next day another sage offered him a slipper which will take him to any place he wants in a jiffy and next day another one offered him a stick which can give life to dead ones.
Mahasoora stored these carelessly in a room of his house and used to summon his love Deva daily. One day his sister Amritha kirana came there when he was not there. She started testing all those things one by one and eventually played the Veena for summoning Roopakanyaka. When Roopakanyaka saw a lady playing the Veena she was surprised and asked her,” who are you and why are you playing the Veena?” Amrithakirana told that she was Mahasoora’s sister and she was playing it without the knowledge of her brother. Infuriated by this reply, Roopakanyaka dashed the veena on the floor and told Amrithakirana to inform her brother that he has lost the divine pleasure forever.
When Mahasoora returned he became very sad and decided to somehow try to bring back Roopakanyaka from deva loka. Though his brothers tried to dissuade him, by using the magical slippers, Mahasoora reached the dancing hall of deva loka. When Indra told his army of Asuras to kill Mahasoora, he killed all of them by using his magical sword. Then realizing the power of Mahasoora, Indra asked him, “Who are you and why have you come here?” Then Mahasoora related his story. Indra then told him, “In my hall fifty lakh damsels dance daily. If you can identify your lover, bring her here.” When he correctly identified her, Indra got very angry with those three girls for tempting human beings with their love and told them, “I am giving away you three as slaves to Mahasoora. Go and obey his orders.” He also asked the pardon of Mahasoora and told him, “Because of your killing my guards, half my strength has gone.”Mahasoora asked him not to worry and made all the asuras alive by his stick.”
Indra was pleased with Mahasoora and allowed him to take back Roopakanyaka and the other two deva maidens who tempted his brothers along with him. But Indra forgot the earlier rule that he had made that any one leaving the deva loka along with a deva maiden would be surrounded by fire. So as soon as he reached the earth Mahasoora and Roopakanyaka were surrounded by a great fire.
Meanwhile parents of Mahasoora and his brothers asked a great astrologer about what happened to Mahasoora and why he is not returning. He told them about the danger in which Mahasoora was in. So they went in search of him. There they saw a Rathnamala temple. They left their army outside and went inside the temple. In the temple there was a huge pond of raging fire. There it was written that any one climbing on the temple tower and jumping in the pond of fire would be taken to Patala, where there is a great temple of the Goddess. If anyone reaches there and prays her, she would give them boons to save them or their people from all dangers.
None of them dared to do the act thinking that their life would be in danger and are standing inside the temple and Mahasoora and Roopakanyaka are in the ring of the fire which is nearing them fast.”
Since it was time for Vikramadhithya to stat his sojourn of six month in forest, he entrusted the rule of the kingdom to Bhatti and riding on Vetala reached the Rathnamala temple. He climbed on the temple tower and jumped inside the pond of fire praying Goddess to help him achieve his noble aim of saving Mahasoora. The Goddess there gave him a tablet and asked him to throw it on the raging fire surrounding Mahasoora. That tablet put out the fire and Mahasoora came out along with the three deva maidens safely.
Then Vikramadhithya brought back to life the sages who had earlier given the Sword, Slipper and money bag and asked them to depart from there. Realizing their mistakes they gave back all the magical materials to Vikramadhithya. Vikramadhithya in turn gave them all to Mahasoora. Mahasoora and his brothers lived happily with their new Deva maiden wives. After spending some more time in the forest usefully, Vikramadhithya returned back to his kingdom.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the twelfth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the twelfth step by Santha Guna valli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
When Vikramadhithya was ruling the country, he used to send several of his spies all round the world to find out strange happenings. One of them came back and told him as follows:-
“A king called Dharmaraya was ruling called Thirumalpuri. His wives name is Samudhradevi. They have three sons called Bheemasuran, Lakshmi sooran and Mahasooran and a daughter called Amruthakiranakalai. The king has searched good brides for his sons and a good groom for his daughter and got them married. The king and queen got several grand children, lived happily with them and died after ten years. Once the three princes who were managing the kingdom, went for a routine checkup of their kingdom. In a deep forest they located a pretty garden and a pond. Near boy was a very pretty house with three rooms. The rooms were empty during the daytime. They relaxed in the garden and decided to spend their night in those rooms. Actually the rooms belonged to three deva dancers who used to spend their nights in those rooms. When they found three handsome youths there, they spent the entire night making love to them, turned them in to stone dolls and went back to the deva loka. This continued. One day Mahasoora heard a voice from a statue on a pillar near the pond pitying them. That voice agreed to help them. It gave him seven stones. It advised him, “Today night run away from here. Those three deva maidens will chase you. When they come near you, throw a stone. This would make the distance between you very great. Keep on doing this but never talk to them. If you talk to them they will make you permanently into stone dolls.
It happened as foretold. When the deva maidens saw that these magical stones were only with Mahasoora, they thought that it must have been given to him by his lover Roopakanyaka. So the other two killed Roopakanyaka and went back to the deva loka. Mahasoora was terribly upset and wanted to cremate Roopakanyaka and die himself in her funeral pyre. Though the other two brothers tried to dissuade him, he was firm on his resolve. When he was about to jump in the fire, Lord Shiva appeared before Mahasoora and gave back the life of Roopakanyaka. Roopakanyaka was terribly charmed by the love of Mahasoora. She told him, “From now I am taking you as my husband but since I am a deva maiden, I would be in deva loka during your day time and would be with you during night. She gave him a magical Veena to summon her whenever he wants her.
That night When Mahasoora summoned Roopakanyaka, a sage was attracted by her., He promised to give Mahasoora a diamond sword which can cut any living being in to two. Mahasoora took the sword from the sage for testing and killed the sage by using the sword itself.
Next day another sage saw her and wanted her. In return he promised him a miracle purse, which will have unending source of money. Mahasoora took that for testing and killed that sage also by the diamond sword.
Next day another sage offered him a slipper which will take him to any place he wants in a jiffy and next day another one offered him a stick which can give life to dead ones.
Mahasoora stored these carelessly in a room of his house and used to summon his love Deva daily. One day his sister Amritha kirana came there when he was not there. She started testing all those things one by one and eventually played the Veena for summoning Roopakanyaka. When Roopakanyaka saw a lady playing the Veena she was surprised and asked her,” who are you and why are you playing the Veena?” Amrithakirana told that she was Mahasoora’s sister and she was playing it without the knowledge of her brother. Infuriated by this reply, Roopakanyaka dashed the veena on the floor and told Amrithakirana to inform her brother that he has lost the divine pleasure forever.
When Mahasoora returned he became very sad and decided to somehow try to bring back Roopakanyaka from deva loka. Though his brothers tried to dissuade him, by using the magical slippers, Mahasoora reached the dancing hall of deva loka. When Indra told his army of Asuras to kill Mahasoora, he killed all of them by using his magical sword. Then realizing the power of Mahasoora, Indra asked him, “Who are you and why have you come here?” Then Mahasoora related his story. Indra then told him, “In my hall fifty lakh damsels dance daily. If you can identify your lover, bring her here.” When he correctly identified her, Indra got very angry with those three girls for tempting human beings with their love and told them, “I am giving away you three as slaves to Mahasoora. Go and obey his orders.” He also asked the pardon of Mahasoora and told him, “Because of your killing my guards, half my strength has gone.”Mahasoora asked him not to worry and made all the asuras alive by his stick.”
Indra was pleased with Mahasoora and allowed him to take back Roopakanyaka and the other two deva maidens who tempted his brothers along with him. But Indra forgot the earlier rule that he had made that any one leaving the deva loka along with a deva maiden would be surrounded by fire. So as soon as he reached the earth Mahasoora and Roopakanyaka were surrounded by a great fire.
Meanwhile parents of Mahasoora and his brothers asked a great astrologer about what happened to Mahasoora and why he is not returning. He told them about the danger in which Mahasoora was in. So they went in search of him. There they saw a Rathnamala temple. They left their army outside and went inside the temple. In the temple there was a huge pond of raging fire. There it was written that any one climbing on the temple tower and jumping in the pond of fire would be taken to Patala, where there is a great temple of the Goddess. If anyone reaches there and prays her, she would give them boons to save them or their people from all dangers.
None of them dared to do the act thinking that their life would be in danger and are standing inside the temple and Mahasoora and Roopakanyaka are in the ring of the fire which is nearing them fast.”
Since it was time for Vikramadhithya to stat his sojourn of six month in forest, he entrusted the rule of the kingdom to Bhatti and riding on Vetala reached the Rathnamala temple. He climbed on the temple tower and jumped inside the pond of fire praying Goddess to help him achieve his noble aim of saving Mahasoora. The Goddess there gave him a tablet and asked him to throw it on the raging fire surrounding Mahasoora. That tablet put out the fire and Mahasoora came out along with the three deva maidens safely.
Then Vikramadhithya brought back to life the sages who had earlier given the Sword, Slipper and money bag and asked them to depart from there. Realizing their mistakes they gave back all the magical materials to Vikramadhithya. Vikramadhithya in turn gave them all to Mahasoora. Mahasoora and his brothers lived happily with their new Deva maiden wives. After spending some more time in the forest usefully, Vikramadhithya returned back to his kingdom.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Friday, June 3, 2011
The story of Sargunavathi of Nirjeeva pattana as told by eleventh Vidhwath siromani doll
The story of Sargunavathi of Nirjeeva pattana as told by eleventh Vidhwath siromani doll.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the eleventh day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the eleventh step by Vidhwath siromani doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
Once before starting on his six month sojourn in forest, Vikramadhithya send Vetala to locate some very strange place. Vetala after a lot of search came back and told.”There is a town called Varanapuri which was ruled by its king Koil swaroopa. At his old age he became father of a pretty daughter called Sargunavathi. When she grew up in to a pretty girl she was given great education. She also became a very pretty girl. She was kept under the guard of women. Once when day Koil swaroopa went for hunting he took alcoholic drinks and happened to see the wife of a saint. Attracted by her he tried pulling her by his hand. The sage’s wife who was a very chaste and pure lady cursed him, “What you have done is unpardonable. Let you and your country become corpses on all days and come alive at night. Immediately her curse took effect. From that time the princess used to wake up at night and spend all her night time on the terrace thinking about her future. At this time one powerful Rakshasa who used to live in Himalayas came wandering and saw this town which wakes up at night. He was terribly attracted by the princess and took her away by force to his home in the Himalayas. The princess who was intelligent told him that he was willing to be his wife but after a three month penance prescribed for virgins to get a good long living husband. The Rakshasa was overjoyed and permitted her to carry out her penance. Next night when the king and queen were not able to find their darling daughter, they cried a lot and are searching for her. This is the story of Varanapuri.”
Vikramadhithya, whose sojourn to the forest was due, immediately left for Varanapuri. He felt extremely sad and prayed his Goddess, the Kali of Ujjain. She immediately came to his presence and told him that the princess was in immediate danger and the curse can be lifted only by the wife of the sage. She also told him how to find the wife of the sage. With the help of Vetala, Vikramadhithya took the form of a very old man, went near the home of the sage, arranged for a big fire to be lit and was about to jump in it. Hearing about an old man committing suicide, the wife of the sage came and asked him, why he was attempting suicide. Then the old man (Vikramadhithya) told her, “I belong to a city called Saraswathi pattanam. For a very long time, I did not have a son and a son was born to me at my very old age, after great penance. I taught him all arts and science and when he came of age, he married the daughter of Veda Shasthara Bhatta of Varanapuri. I brought the groom and bride to my home. After a few months they went for a visit to Varanapuri. By that time everything has changed there. In the day time all people became corpses. His wife seeing the sorrow of her parents continued to live with them. One day I went to bring them back and came to know of the sorrowful life that they were leading. When I asked them about it, Veda Shastra Bhatta blamed my son for the state of affairs as this state of affairs took place after his marriage. Unable to bear this unjust accusation, my son committed suicide. Due to this his wife also committed suicide. Unable to bear this shock her parents also committed suicide. I am also very sad about all this and want to die.”
The sage’s wife then told, “All that did not happen due to your son but because of the curse given by me. Since none of you were responsible for this, I am removing the curse that I put on the town. Now all people would wake up including your son’s family. “
Vikramadhithya profusely thanked her for her gesture and left along with Vetala in search of the princess and the Rakshasa. They found her out easily. They were fortunate to see her alone as the Rakshasa had gone out. As soon as the princess came to know that it was king Vikramadhithya who had come to rescue her she told him, “There is only one day left of my intended penance told by me to the Rakshasa. He wants me to marry him tomorrow. So please take me along with you.” Vikramadhithya replied, “Dear Princess, I do not steal or take away people like that. When the Rakshasa comes back ask him, how you can be safe with him as he would be killed by somebody soon. I will come again tomorrow and then you can tell me what he had told you.”
That day the Rakshasa came back happily but the princess acted as if she was very sad. When he asked why she was sad she replied that she was scared and sad for his life. Then the Rakshasa told,
“I cannot be killed that very easily. In the bottom of Mallikarjuna Mountain, there is a Vinayaka temple. Below the statue there is a tunnel. That would lead you to a tortoise called Koormathi. In the stomach of the tortoise, there is caterpillar. My soul is on the head of the caterpillar. If some were to bring the caterpillar, cut it in to half and throw before me, then only I will die. So you need not get worried.” The princess acted as if she was happy and appeared to look forward for her marriage with the Rakshasa.
When this was informed to Vikramadhithya, he went riding on the Vetala to the Mallikarjuna Mountain, located the temple and after praying God, entered the tunnel, killed the tortoise and brought the caterpillar. He killed the caterpillar in front of the Rakshasa and killed him.
While he was returning back, a poor very learned Brahmin fell on love with the princess and requested for her hand. Seeing the intensity of his love, Vikramadhithya took him along with him to the kingdom of the princess and gave her in marriage to the Brahmin and made him the new king of the country.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the eleventh day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the eleventh step by Vidhwath siromani doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
Once before starting on his six month sojourn in forest, Vikramadhithya send Vetala to locate some very strange place. Vetala after a lot of search came back and told.”There is a town called Varanapuri which was ruled by its king Koil swaroopa. At his old age he became father of a pretty daughter called Sargunavathi. When she grew up in to a pretty girl she was given great education. She also became a very pretty girl. She was kept under the guard of women. Once when day Koil swaroopa went for hunting he took alcoholic drinks and happened to see the wife of a saint. Attracted by her he tried pulling her by his hand. The sage’s wife who was a very chaste and pure lady cursed him, “What you have done is unpardonable. Let you and your country become corpses on all days and come alive at night. Immediately her curse took effect. From that time the princess used to wake up at night and spend all her night time on the terrace thinking about her future. At this time one powerful Rakshasa who used to live in Himalayas came wandering and saw this town which wakes up at night. He was terribly attracted by the princess and took her away by force to his home in the Himalayas. The princess who was intelligent told him that he was willing to be his wife but after a three month penance prescribed for virgins to get a good long living husband. The Rakshasa was overjoyed and permitted her to carry out her penance. Next night when the king and queen were not able to find their darling daughter, they cried a lot and are searching for her. This is the story of Varanapuri.”
Vikramadhithya, whose sojourn to the forest was due, immediately left for Varanapuri. He felt extremely sad and prayed his Goddess, the Kali of Ujjain. She immediately came to his presence and told him that the princess was in immediate danger and the curse can be lifted only by the wife of the sage. She also told him how to find the wife of the sage. With the help of Vetala, Vikramadhithya took the form of a very old man, went near the home of the sage, arranged for a big fire to be lit and was about to jump in it. Hearing about an old man committing suicide, the wife of the sage came and asked him, why he was attempting suicide. Then the old man (Vikramadhithya) told her, “I belong to a city called Saraswathi pattanam. For a very long time, I did not have a son and a son was born to me at my very old age, after great penance. I taught him all arts and science and when he came of age, he married the daughter of Veda Shasthara Bhatta of Varanapuri. I brought the groom and bride to my home. After a few months they went for a visit to Varanapuri. By that time everything has changed there. In the day time all people became corpses. His wife seeing the sorrow of her parents continued to live with them. One day I went to bring them back and came to know of the sorrowful life that they were leading. When I asked them about it, Veda Shastra Bhatta blamed my son for the state of affairs as this state of affairs took place after his marriage. Unable to bear this unjust accusation, my son committed suicide. Due to this his wife also committed suicide. Unable to bear this shock her parents also committed suicide. I am also very sad about all this and want to die.”
The sage’s wife then told, “All that did not happen due to your son but because of the curse given by me. Since none of you were responsible for this, I am removing the curse that I put on the town. Now all people would wake up including your son’s family. “
Vikramadhithya profusely thanked her for her gesture and left along with Vetala in search of the princess and the Rakshasa. They found her out easily. They were fortunate to see her alone as the Rakshasa had gone out. As soon as the princess came to know that it was king Vikramadhithya who had come to rescue her she told him, “There is only one day left of my intended penance told by me to the Rakshasa. He wants me to marry him tomorrow. So please take me along with you.” Vikramadhithya replied, “Dear Princess, I do not steal or take away people like that. When the Rakshasa comes back ask him, how you can be safe with him as he would be killed by somebody soon. I will come again tomorrow and then you can tell me what he had told you.”
That day the Rakshasa came back happily but the princess acted as if she was very sad. When he asked why she was sad she replied that she was scared and sad for his life. Then the Rakshasa told,
“I cannot be killed that very easily. In the bottom of Mallikarjuna Mountain, there is a Vinayaka temple. Below the statue there is a tunnel. That would lead you to a tortoise called Koormathi. In the stomach of the tortoise, there is caterpillar. My soul is on the head of the caterpillar. If some were to bring the caterpillar, cut it in to half and throw before me, then only I will die. So you need not get worried.” The princess acted as if she was happy and appeared to look forward for her marriage with the Rakshasa.
When this was informed to Vikramadhithya, he went riding on the Vetala to the Mallikarjuna Mountain, located the temple and after praying God, entered the tunnel, killed the tortoise and brought the caterpillar. He killed the caterpillar in front of the Rakshasa and killed him.
While he was returning back, a poor very learned Brahmin fell on love with the princess and requested for her hand. Seeing the intensity of his love, Vikramadhithya took him along with him to the kingdom of the princess and gave her in marriage to the Brahmin and made him the new king of the country.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The story of Thangamapuri as told by tenth doll Kanakabhishekavalli
The story of Thangamapuri as told by tenth doll Kanakabhishekavalli.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the tenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the ninth step by Kanakabhishekavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
There was a kingdom called Umapuri in the valley of Mandharagiri on the banks of River Sarayu. The king there was called Chakravarthi. He had one hundred sons. One day, he went for hunting to a forest called Uchimapuri along with all his sons and all his army. After hunting was over, they all felt very thirsty. The king requested his minister to bring some water. In spite of thorough search, the minister could not find even a drop of water in the forest. When he was returning disappointed, he saw sage Vasishta doing penance in that forest. He fell at his feet and requested him to help all of them by quenching his thirst. The sage took pity on them and requested river Ganga to come to the forest. The river came as per the wishes of the sage and quenched the thirst of the king, his sons and his huge army. Now all of them felt very hungry. They again sent the minister to the sage. Then the sage summoned Kamadhenu who provided food for all of them. King Chakravarthi thought that if he catches hold of that cow all the problems of his kingdom would be solved. When they tried to catch the cow, it flew up in the air and asked the sage permission to fight with them. Once permitted, it blew fire on the army of the king and killed all of his army and went away. The infuriated king and his sons sent several weapons to kill the sage. The holy stick of the sage stopped all their weapons. Then the sons of the king tried to catch the sage. By one angry look of the sage all of them were burnt to ashes. King Chakravarthi understood that a great sage is much more powerful than all kings. He Entered in to deep penance and after lots of years became Sage Viswamithra. By nature Viswamithra was angry and used to travel all over the world. While travelling one day, he saw the city of Thangamapuri. He was attracted by the city and got down there. When another sanyasin told him about the city and its king Thangeswaran and the queen Swarnakantha roopi, Viswamithra sent the sanyasi to the king and requested him to tell the king to meet him urgently. As soon as the king heard that Viswamithra had come he started making arrangements to receive the sage in a grand manner. But when Viswamithra saw that the king was late, he cursed that al his people should turn in to statues and the king and the queen should die. The queen understood that something bad was happening and ran to the sage. When she told him about the facts, the sage told that he cannot reverse the curse but can give a boon to her. She requested that, “I should be born as a princess in my next birth. At the age of ten, I should attain maturity and should come to Thangamapuri to worship lord Sundareswara. I should also be able to marry my own husband who must be born like me somewhere.” The sage gave the boon requested by her.
As per the boon of the sage the queen was born in the great island of Nagapuri as its princess called Sanjeevi madanthai. Her husband was born as a simpleton Brahmin boy called Adhimoolam in the same town to the priest of the king. At the age of ten Sanjeevi madanthai attained maturity. From that day onwards a divine horse came every night to take her to the Sundareswara temple of Thangamapuri. After some time her father thought that the time has come to give in marriage. When some of her friends told about her father’s plans, Sanjeevi madanthai approached her father and told him, “Papa, I want only to marry the one who visits Thangamapuri and tell me the truth about that town.” The king was overjoyed about this and put a notice about it in his country and also sent notices to 56 great kings. But nobody seems to have about Thangamapuri. Because of this only very few people came to meet her. One day when she was in her balcony Adhimoolam saw her and was terribly attracted by her. He went to meet the princess. When she asked about Thangamapuri, he was not able to tell her anything. So he was driven out. But he daily went to her and told that he knew everything about Thangamapuri. Once the princess became very angry with him and he was thrown out of the town. Then some of the friends advised Adhimoolam to approach king Vikramadhithya and seek his help. Adhimoolam went and met Vikramadhithya and explained everything to him and requested him to help him. Vikramadhithya agreed gladly but he too had not heard anything about Thangamapuri. He asked Adhimoolam to hide himself somewhere for six months. Then Vikramadhithya started on his six month sojourn in the forest along with Vetala.
Vikrama asked Vetala, “Hey Vetala, you are very knowledgeable. Can you tell me about Thangamapuri?” Vetala told him that though he has been almost all the places in the world, he does not know anything about Thangamapuri. When they were moving about in search they saw a very lonely forest. In the middle of the forest in a huge vessel large amount of ghee was boiling. When Vikrama asked Vetala about he told, “There are seven sages in this forest. They take turns in lighting the fire and boiling it daily. That man will take bath in the lotus pond nearby and jump in to the boiling vessel of ghee. Then the other six sages would take bath in the lotus pond cut seven banana leaves and sit around the vessel. Then they will call the name of the sage who has fallen in the vessel. He will come out with great sparkling body and occupy the seventh leaf. Then they will eat the body that is fried in the ghee. “Vikrama thought of a plan. When the allotted sage was about to jump in the vessel, he prevented him from jumping and jumped him in the vessel of boiling ghee. When the other sages came back after bath with seven leaves, they were surprised to the seventh sage. The seventh sage narrated all that happened. So they brought one more leaf, called Vikramadhithya by his name. Vikramadhithya came with a much more glorious body and all of them ate the fried body of Vikramadhithya. Then the sages asked Vikramadhithya what he wanted. He told them that, he was in search of a town called Thangamapuri. They told him that they also have not heard about a great saint who was doing penance in a place 500 miles from there. They felt that he may know something about that town. When Vikramadhithya went and met that great saint and enquired he told Vikramadhithya “I have heard about the town but I do not know how to go there. Please go to a deep forest 100 miles from here , where huge gigantic birds called Elephant lift birds live. Please go and hide there at night without their knowledge. They will daily discuss about the places visited by them. Possibly one of them will talk about Thangamapuri. “Vikrama travelled to that deep forest and after entrusting his body to Vetala entered the body of a dead bee and hid among the elephant lift birds. That night one bird told, “We crossed the seven seas and travelled five hundred miles further and searched for food in Thangamapuri. The town is strange. No one seems to live there though the town sparkles like gold.”
Then other birds also wanted to go there. Vikrama as a bee attached himself and reached Thangamapuri. He then detached himself from the bird and assumed his own body. He and Vetala then wandered round the town. They could not find any single living being there. But there were three very big sparkling temples there. The night set and a very pretty girl riding on a flying white horse came. She went inside the Sundareswara temple offered worship, cried a lot on seeing the dolls of people and went back. Vikramadhithya assumed that, this must have happened due to the curse of the sage, Next day he returned to the place Adhimoolam and told him about Thangamapuri and asked him to approach princess Sanjeevi madanthai and tell her about it. As per the advice Adhimoolam went to the palace of the princess and rang the calling bell. When she saw it was again Adhimoolam, she thought of driving him out but when Adhimoolam told that he now really knows, she asked him to tell about Thangamapuri. Adhimoolam then gave the exact description of the town and also gave a good description of her visit to the town. The princess was very happy and told him, “You are my husband of my previous birth, the king of Thangamapuri. We were cursed by sage Viswamithra and have attained this position. We should now together save the town. You please first go there and wait for me. I shall come and marry you there in the Sundareswara temple.” Overjoyed Adhimoolam went and south the help of Vikramadhithya. Vetala carried them both but on the way they happened to see sage Viswamithra. Vikrama went and saluted the sage and requested him to help Adhimoolam. The sage agreed and gave life to all people of Thangamapuri. Adhimoolam and the princess got married there and were crowned as the king and queen of Thangamapuri.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the tenth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the ninth step by Kanakabhishekavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
There was a kingdom called Umapuri in the valley of Mandharagiri on the banks of River Sarayu. The king there was called Chakravarthi. He had one hundred sons. One day, he went for hunting to a forest called Uchimapuri along with all his sons and all his army. After hunting was over, they all felt very thirsty. The king requested his minister to bring some water. In spite of thorough search, the minister could not find even a drop of water in the forest. When he was returning disappointed, he saw sage Vasishta doing penance in that forest. He fell at his feet and requested him to help all of them by quenching his thirst. The sage took pity on them and requested river Ganga to come to the forest. The river came as per the wishes of the sage and quenched the thirst of the king, his sons and his huge army. Now all of them felt very hungry. They again sent the minister to the sage. Then the sage summoned Kamadhenu who provided food for all of them. King Chakravarthi thought that if he catches hold of that cow all the problems of his kingdom would be solved. When they tried to catch the cow, it flew up in the air and asked the sage permission to fight with them. Once permitted, it blew fire on the army of the king and killed all of his army and went away. The infuriated king and his sons sent several weapons to kill the sage. The holy stick of the sage stopped all their weapons. Then the sons of the king tried to catch the sage. By one angry look of the sage all of them were burnt to ashes. King Chakravarthi understood that a great sage is much more powerful than all kings. He Entered in to deep penance and after lots of years became Sage Viswamithra. By nature Viswamithra was angry and used to travel all over the world. While travelling one day, he saw the city of Thangamapuri. He was attracted by the city and got down there. When another sanyasin told him about the city and its king Thangeswaran and the queen Swarnakantha roopi, Viswamithra sent the sanyasi to the king and requested him to tell the king to meet him urgently. As soon as the king heard that Viswamithra had come he started making arrangements to receive the sage in a grand manner. But when Viswamithra saw that the king was late, he cursed that al his people should turn in to statues and the king and the queen should die. The queen understood that something bad was happening and ran to the sage. When she told him about the facts, the sage told that he cannot reverse the curse but can give a boon to her. She requested that, “I should be born as a princess in my next birth. At the age of ten, I should attain maturity and should come to Thangamapuri to worship lord Sundareswara. I should also be able to marry my own husband who must be born like me somewhere.” The sage gave the boon requested by her.
As per the boon of the sage the queen was born in the great island of Nagapuri as its princess called Sanjeevi madanthai. Her husband was born as a simpleton Brahmin boy called Adhimoolam in the same town to the priest of the king. At the age of ten Sanjeevi madanthai attained maturity. From that day onwards a divine horse came every night to take her to the Sundareswara temple of Thangamapuri. After some time her father thought that the time has come to give in marriage. When some of her friends told about her father’s plans, Sanjeevi madanthai approached her father and told him, “Papa, I want only to marry the one who visits Thangamapuri and tell me the truth about that town.” The king was overjoyed about this and put a notice about it in his country and also sent notices to 56 great kings. But nobody seems to have about Thangamapuri. Because of this only very few people came to meet her. One day when she was in her balcony Adhimoolam saw her and was terribly attracted by her. He went to meet the princess. When she asked about Thangamapuri, he was not able to tell her anything. So he was driven out. But he daily went to her and told that he knew everything about Thangamapuri. Once the princess became very angry with him and he was thrown out of the town. Then some of the friends advised Adhimoolam to approach king Vikramadhithya and seek his help. Adhimoolam went and met Vikramadhithya and explained everything to him and requested him to help him. Vikramadhithya agreed gladly but he too had not heard anything about Thangamapuri. He asked Adhimoolam to hide himself somewhere for six months. Then Vikramadhithya started on his six month sojourn in the forest along with Vetala.
Vikrama asked Vetala, “Hey Vetala, you are very knowledgeable. Can you tell me about Thangamapuri?” Vetala told him that though he has been almost all the places in the world, he does not know anything about Thangamapuri. When they were moving about in search they saw a very lonely forest. In the middle of the forest in a huge vessel large amount of ghee was boiling. When Vikrama asked Vetala about he told, “There are seven sages in this forest. They take turns in lighting the fire and boiling it daily. That man will take bath in the lotus pond nearby and jump in to the boiling vessel of ghee. Then the other six sages would take bath in the lotus pond cut seven banana leaves and sit around the vessel. Then they will call the name of the sage who has fallen in the vessel. He will come out with great sparkling body and occupy the seventh leaf. Then they will eat the body that is fried in the ghee. “Vikrama thought of a plan. When the allotted sage was about to jump in the vessel, he prevented him from jumping and jumped him in the vessel of boiling ghee. When the other sages came back after bath with seven leaves, they were surprised to the seventh sage. The seventh sage narrated all that happened. So they brought one more leaf, called Vikramadhithya by his name. Vikramadhithya came with a much more glorious body and all of them ate the fried body of Vikramadhithya. Then the sages asked Vikramadhithya what he wanted. He told them that, he was in search of a town called Thangamapuri. They told him that they also have not heard about a great saint who was doing penance in a place 500 miles from there. They felt that he may know something about that town. When Vikramadhithya went and met that great saint and enquired he told Vikramadhithya “I have heard about the town but I do not know how to go there. Please go to a deep forest 100 miles from here , where huge gigantic birds called Elephant lift birds live. Please go and hide there at night without their knowledge. They will daily discuss about the places visited by them. Possibly one of them will talk about Thangamapuri. “Vikrama travelled to that deep forest and after entrusting his body to Vetala entered the body of a dead bee and hid among the elephant lift birds. That night one bird told, “We crossed the seven seas and travelled five hundred miles further and searched for food in Thangamapuri. The town is strange. No one seems to live there though the town sparkles like gold.”
Then other birds also wanted to go there. Vikrama as a bee attached himself and reached Thangamapuri. He then detached himself from the bird and assumed his own body. He and Vetala then wandered round the town. They could not find any single living being there. But there were three very big sparkling temples there. The night set and a very pretty girl riding on a flying white horse came. She went inside the Sundareswara temple offered worship, cried a lot on seeing the dolls of people and went back. Vikramadhithya assumed that, this must have happened due to the curse of the sage, Next day he returned to the place Adhimoolam and told him about Thangamapuri and asked him to approach princess Sanjeevi madanthai and tell her about it. As per the advice Adhimoolam went to the palace of the princess and rang the calling bell. When she saw it was again Adhimoolam, she thought of driving him out but when Adhimoolam told that he now really knows, she asked him to tell about Thangamapuri. Adhimoolam then gave the exact description of the town and also gave a good description of her visit to the town. The princess was very happy and told him, “You are my husband of my previous birth, the king of Thangamapuri. We were cursed by sage Viswamithra and have attained this position. We should now together save the town. You please first go there and wait for me. I shall come and marry you there in the Sundareswara temple.” Overjoyed Adhimoolam went and south the help of Vikramadhithya. Vetala carried them both but on the way they happened to see sage Viswamithra. Vikrama went and saluted the sage and requested him to help Adhimoolam. The sage agreed and gave life to all people of Thangamapuri. Adhimoolam and the princess got married there and were crowned as the king and queen of Thangamapuri.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The story of Pavalakkodi as told by ninth doll Navarathnavalli
The story of Pavalakkodi as told by ninth doll Navarathnavalli.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the ninth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the ninth step by Navarathnavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
Once Vikramadhithya started along with Bhatti and Vetala on his six month sojourn in the forest. After a long travel they reached the town of Ambalapuri in the banks of river Thungabhadra. They washed themselves and were taking rest below a banyan tree in the bank of the river. At that time people of the town caught a woman who was making love with a man other than her husband, killed her and threw her corpse near the bathing ghat of the ladies of the river. They wanted that the ladies of the town should learn their lesson from this. At that time two sisters came to take bath in the river. The elder was Muthunayagi who was married and knew the ways of the world and younger was Pavalakkodi who had just attained age. On seeing the corpse Muthunayagi wept uncontrollably. When Pavalakkodi asked her why, she replied, “You still do not know the ways of the world. Here is a lady who could not get happiness from her husband and went with someone else. She has been killed for that.” Pavalakkodi uncontrollably laughed and told her sister, “That is because that lady did not how to be with a secret lover and not get caught.”
Vikrama who was hearing this wanted to marry her and test her capacity to cheat him. When he told this to Bhatti, he enquired and found out that her father was a merchant called Muthu Manikkam. So Bhatti and Vikrama dressed themselves as diamond and pearl merchants and opened a shop in the town. Muthu Manikkam who came to the shop enquired about them. Then Bhatti told, “We are both merchants of gems. Our father died early and ever since we are going from place to place in search of a bride to my elder brother, Adhithya who was with me.”
Muthu Manikkam invited them to his house and showed them Pavalakkodi and asked Bhatti whether his brother would marry Pavalakkodi. On getting a positive reply, the marriage was celebrated. After some time, Vikrama gave all the rest of the jewels to Muthu Manikkam and started with his new bride along with Bhatti on Vetala. During all that time. Vikrama never even touched Pavalakkodi. On their way, they saw a locked and deserted fort in a town. When the people there enquired told him, that the fort was cursed by a saint who has told that only Vikramadhithya can open it. When Vikrama touched the lock it opened. All of them they decided to stay there. Pavalakkodi was pining in love towards Vikrama. But he never even touched her. In night, in three separate beds they slept with Pavalakkodi in the middle. Whenever Bhatti and Vikrama went out, they locked the door and went. For doing the cleaning of the fort and washing of the cloths they employed a very old woman. When one day the old woman described the beauty of Pavalakkodi, her son felt passionately in love with her. He stopped eating food and left out sleeping. Worried about this that old woman asked Pavalakkodi, “Please pardon me for asking you. My son is hopelessly in love with you. She wanted to make love with you. “ . Pavalakkodi then replied, “Only a man with ability can do things.” When the old woman told about this to her son, that night the old woman climbed a tall tree and entered the fort. He went to the place where the three people were sleeping. He then caressed the feet of Pavalakkodi. She got up and asked him to make love to her. In the process once her leg hit Vikramadhithya who thought that Bhatti was making love with the girl and once her legs hit Bhatti who thought that Vikrama was impatient and making love with the girl. After some times Pavalakkodi hid her lover in one of those rooms.
Vikrama and Bhatti went out and both were not in talking terms. Bhatti guessed the reason and wanted to investigate. When they went near the river, they saw two saintly persons coming there. As soon as they reached the river the saints opened their hair, took out two pretty ladies and left them there and went to take bath. The ladies immediately opened the tips of their dress and released their lovers and made love with them. By the time the sages came back, they tied the secret lovers in their dress. The saints came and tied the ladies on their hair. Bhatti invited the sages to meals. When they reached the fort Bhatti asked Pavalakkodi to prepare food for ten people and put ten leaves. First the guest saints sat, Vikrama and Bhatti sat next. Then Bhatti requested to release their wives from their hair. They were also asked to sit. Bhatti asked the ladies to release their secret lovers. As there was no other go they released them. One leaf was remaining. Bhatti then asked Pavalakkodi to bring her secret lover. As she had no other option she brought him out of his hiding. Then Only Vikrama understood. He pardoned Pavalakkodi gave her to her secret lover and made him the king of that town. He made the secret lovers of the wives of the saints as his ministers. They sages left from there to do penance.
Bhatti and Vikrama returned back after their six month sojourn.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the ninth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the ninth step by Navarathnavalli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
Once Vikramadhithya started along with Bhatti and Vetala on his six month sojourn in the forest. After a long travel they reached the town of Ambalapuri in the banks of river Thungabhadra. They washed themselves and were taking rest below a banyan tree in the bank of the river. At that time people of the town caught a woman who was making love with a man other than her husband, killed her and threw her corpse near the bathing ghat of the ladies of the river. They wanted that the ladies of the town should learn their lesson from this. At that time two sisters came to take bath in the river. The elder was Muthunayagi who was married and knew the ways of the world and younger was Pavalakkodi who had just attained age. On seeing the corpse Muthunayagi wept uncontrollably. When Pavalakkodi asked her why, she replied, “You still do not know the ways of the world. Here is a lady who could not get happiness from her husband and went with someone else. She has been killed for that.” Pavalakkodi uncontrollably laughed and told her sister, “That is because that lady did not how to be with a secret lover and not get caught.”
Vikrama who was hearing this wanted to marry her and test her capacity to cheat him. When he told this to Bhatti, he enquired and found out that her father was a merchant called Muthu Manikkam. So Bhatti and Vikrama dressed themselves as diamond and pearl merchants and opened a shop in the town. Muthu Manikkam who came to the shop enquired about them. Then Bhatti told, “We are both merchants of gems. Our father died early and ever since we are going from place to place in search of a bride to my elder brother, Adhithya who was with me.”
Muthu Manikkam invited them to his house and showed them Pavalakkodi and asked Bhatti whether his brother would marry Pavalakkodi. On getting a positive reply, the marriage was celebrated. After some time, Vikrama gave all the rest of the jewels to Muthu Manikkam and started with his new bride along with Bhatti on Vetala. During all that time. Vikrama never even touched Pavalakkodi. On their way, they saw a locked and deserted fort in a town. When the people there enquired told him, that the fort was cursed by a saint who has told that only Vikramadhithya can open it. When Vikrama touched the lock it opened. All of them they decided to stay there. Pavalakkodi was pining in love towards Vikrama. But he never even touched her. In night, in three separate beds they slept with Pavalakkodi in the middle. Whenever Bhatti and Vikrama went out, they locked the door and went. For doing the cleaning of the fort and washing of the cloths they employed a very old woman. When one day the old woman described the beauty of Pavalakkodi, her son felt passionately in love with her. He stopped eating food and left out sleeping. Worried about this that old woman asked Pavalakkodi, “Please pardon me for asking you. My son is hopelessly in love with you. She wanted to make love with you. “ . Pavalakkodi then replied, “Only a man with ability can do things.” When the old woman told about this to her son, that night the old woman climbed a tall tree and entered the fort. He went to the place where the three people were sleeping. He then caressed the feet of Pavalakkodi. She got up and asked him to make love to her. In the process once her leg hit Vikramadhithya who thought that Bhatti was making love with the girl and once her legs hit Bhatti who thought that Vikrama was impatient and making love with the girl. After some times Pavalakkodi hid her lover in one of those rooms.
Vikrama and Bhatti went out and both were not in talking terms. Bhatti guessed the reason and wanted to investigate. When they went near the river, they saw two saintly persons coming there. As soon as they reached the river the saints opened their hair, took out two pretty ladies and left them there and went to take bath. The ladies immediately opened the tips of their dress and released their lovers and made love with them. By the time the sages came back, they tied the secret lovers in their dress. The saints came and tied the ladies on their hair. Bhatti invited the sages to meals. When they reached the fort Bhatti asked Pavalakkodi to prepare food for ten people and put ten leaves. First the guest saints sat, Vikrama and Bhatti sat next. Then Bhatti requested to release their wives from their hair. They were also asked to sit. Bhatti asked the ladies to release their secret lovers. As there was no other go they released them. One leaf was remaining. Bhatti then asked Pavalakkodi to bring her secret lover. As she had no other option she brought him out of his hiding. Then Only Vikrama understood. He pardoned Pavalakkodi gave her to her secret lover and made him the king of that town. He made the secret lovers of the wives of the saints as his ministers. They sages left from there to do penance.
Bhatti and Vikrama returned back after their six month sojourn.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The story of Dasi Aparanji and the Neethi Vakya parrot as told by eighth doll soundara valli.
The story of Dasi Aparanji and the Neethi Vakya parrot as told by eighth doll soundara valli.
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the eighth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the eighth step by Soundara valli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
Once during the reign of Vikramadhithya when the time came for the six month forest sojourn, Vikrama and Bhatti along with Vetala started towards the forest after entrusting the kingdom to Viyoga the son of Bhatti. On their way after crossing the Vindhya Mountain, they reached a town called Rajapuri. In that town there was a very pretty prostitute called Aparanji. She fell in love with a very wise and handsome Brahmin called Abbasi. She was always with the Brahmin and enjoyed her life. But once suddenly due to heart attack the Brahmin died. Being terribly attached to him Aparanji did not bury or cremate the corpse of the Brahmin but preserved it and took it along with her to the local Durga temple. The Goddess who took pity on her, told her “After some time king Vikramadhithya and Bhatti will visit this town dressing themselves as merchants. Suppose you make Vikramadhithya happy, there will be a chance to make this Brahmin live again. Please obey all they say. When they ask you to jump in the fire, you please do it. They would give you back your life. Then you request from them my sacred water. Once you get it sprinkle on the Brahmin. Then he would live again.” Aparanji gladly agreed to the words of the mother and saluted her.
As soon as Vikrama and Bhatti reached that town, they dressed themselves like jewel merchants and started selling gems in the market. Vikrama called himself as Big Kanthayar and Bhatti called himself as small Kanthayar. One day Vikrama took a walk alone and happened to the red light street populated by prostitutes. There he saw the palace like home of Dasi Aparanji. Attracted by it, he entered the house. Seeing him, Aparanji understood that he is King Vikramadhithya. She received him well and served him in a great manner. Vikrama was wondering why a prostitute who normally is interested only in only was doing all these. She looked after Vikramadhithya for the entire night. Vikrama who normally used to leave the houses of ladies whom he visits early morning before dawn stayed with her till around 10 Am. When he returned back, Bhatti wanted to know why he was returning so late because, if he returns with yellow and saffron marks from a ladies house, people will jeer at him. Then Vikrama told, “I have seen various ladies in my life but I have never seen a prostitute who is so virtuous and loving like Aparanji.” Bhatti replied, “King, no prostitute is virtuous. They would either be interested in your money or on the favours that you only can do.” When Vikrama protested Bhatti told him, “If that is so ask her for her curly hair while coming back tomorrow.”
Next day Vikrama returned with her curly hair but then Bhatti told, “Still I am not convinced. Please ask for cutting her nose and giving a piece to you, while coming back tomorrow.” Aparanji, when asked by Vikrama gave him a tip of her nose. That day Vikrama returned with a piece of her nose. Still Bhatti was not convinced and told Vikrama, “I am still not convinced. Today ask her for a piece of her breast.” Vikrama did that and Aparanji gave him a piece of her bread without hesitation. That day Vikrama got very angry with Bhatti but Bhatti told, King, there must be a reason for this. I would prove to you that I am right within another 8 days. Bhatti asked Vikrama not to visit Aparanji’s house from then onwards and hid him in a forest nearby. He went back to the town, raised a big fire and started crying. When people asked him why he told that his elder brother is no more and he wanted to cremate his body. He requested them to pass on this news to Aparanji. As soon as she heard this Aparanji came running and jumped in to the fire and died. When Vikrama got upset and angry, Bhatti requested him to get the sacred water from Goddess Durga and bring back Aparanji to life. As soon as Aparanji woke up, she took the sacred water from Vikrama and ran home. She sprinkled that water on the Brahmin’s body and started loving him nonstop. That night when Vikrama went to Aparanji’s house he was not allowed inside and driven out. Then only Vikrama was convinced that no prostitute is virtuous like one’s own wife. When they were talking about this, Goddess earth took the form of a snake and laughed loudly at Vikramadhithya. Though they did not understand why the snake laughed, they walked further and Vikrama fell fast asleep due to tiredness. When Bhatti went to Goddess Durga and asked her, she told him , “ That snake was mother earth. She was laughing at Vikramadhithya because one of his favourite wives Elola Rambha is keeping her secret lover in the shape of a parrot during day time and making him take his normal form at night and enjoy with him.
Bhatti told about all this to Vikrama. That night Vikrama, Vetala and Bhatti went to the palace of Elolarambhai, caught her red handed and killer her as well as her secret lover. Since the six month’s time was not over, Vikrama went back to the forest.
This was seen by a carpenter friend of Vikrama called Vijaya. Being an expert carpenter Vijaya had made a flying doll and presented it to Vikrama. Due to this Vijaya became Vikramadhithya’s great friend. His ambition was to learn the art of transmigration of souls. Bhatti advised Vikramadhithya against teaching him this art. Having come to know that Vikramadhithya was nearby and in the forest, Vijaya went and met him in the forest. Vikrama was very happy to see this friend. As per his request Vikrama taught him the art of transmigration of souls. After that one day Vikrama was lying down, with his head on the lap of Vijaya below a banyan tree. At that time two parrots came and sat on the tree. One of them was a male and another female. Due to a stroke, the male parrot suddenly died and the female bird started crying pitiably, With a view to console the female bird, Vikrama transferred his soul from his body in to the body of the male bird. Seeing Vikrama lying motionless and also seeing the male parrot dancing, Vijaya transferred his soul to the body of Vikramadhithya. He immediately burned his own body. Seeing this Vikramadhithya was helpless and flew away from there.
Vijaya in the body of Vikramadhithya returned to his town. As soon as he reached there he sent word to Bhatti to send a palanquin for him. This was very unusual of Vikramadhithya. Besides he had returned earlier than his usual six months. Bhatti suspected that all was not well. He sent word to the queens that possibly the man who had returned was not Vikramadhithya. The first thing Vijaya wanted to do was to go to the palaces of his queens. According to the advice of Vikramadhithya, they sent word that all of them were observing penance for 6 months and because of that, they will not be able to see him. Bhatti provided Vijaya with company of lot of dancing girls and he spent all his time in their company. Bhatti meanwhile started searching for Vikramadhithya.
Vikrama the parrot mean while by his greatness became the king of 1000 parrots. One day they were all flying in search of food and all of them were caught in the net spread by the hunter. Vikrama advised all of them top act as if they are dead. Then Vikrama told them that the hunter would take them out one by one and put on the floor. The first bird to fall on the ground should start counting from two from the next bird onwards. As and when it completes 1000, it should screech and all birds should fly away together. Unfortunately before he took the last bird which was Vikramadhithya, the knife of the hunter fell on the ground. Counting it as a bird all birds flew together. The hunter caught the Vikramadhithya bird and was about to kill him. Then Vikramadhithya bird told him, “I am a talking bird. Take me to the market and ask for 1000 gold coins. Someone will purchase me and you would become rich.
The hunter obeyed Vikramadhithya. But all people thought that 1000 gold coins is too steep a price. At that time the richest businessman of that town called Manikkam Chettiar came to purchase a birthday present to the market. He was attracted by the Vikramadhithya bird. When he made3 fun of the hunter for asking too much, Vikramadhithya bird told him, “Buy and take me to your shop and hang me there in a golden cage. From that time onwards I will manage all your business.” Manikkam chettiar felt that the bird was telling the truth and bought him and hung him in a golden cage in his shop, from that time onwards, his profit went up by hundred folds by the intelligent way the bird was handling the business. The people of the town thought that the bird was very intelligent and came in search of the bird to solve their problems. The bird was called as Neethi Vakya bird.
In that town there was a prostitute by the name of Roopasoundari. She was very pretty and greatly talented in the art of love. She used to charge 1000 gold coins to her clients who wanted spend a night with her. Besides the king and ministers, Manikkam Chettiar was also one I of her regular clients.
During that time two poor Brahmins called Appa Sastri and Suppa Sastri went to take bath in the river. \Appa Sastri told Suppa Sastri that he saw in his dream Roopa Soundari and made love with her. This was heard by one of the maids of Roopa Soundari. She went and told it to her mistress. Roopasoundari made a complaint u=in the court that Appa Sastri enjoyed her company in dream and was not paying her anything. When the judge could not take any decision, they all came to Neethi Vakya bird. Vikramadhithya told Roopa Soundari that what she was asking was unjust but when she insisted, he asked Manikkam Chettiar to bring one thousand gold coins and tie it on a top of a pillar. Then he asked people to get a big mirror and place it in such a way that the money’s image was reflected in the mirror. Once this was done he asked Roopasoundari to take the image of the money reflected in the mirror as charges for making love to her in the dream. All people agreed that it was the most proper judgment. They also laughed at Roopasoundari. She got enraged and told to the bird, “Within a week, I will get your head cut and cook you and eat you,” Vikramadhithya bird told her, “ Within a month , I will make you shave of your head, and with an ugly painted face , side on a donkey by the public road.”
When cage day Manikkam Chettiar went to Roopa Soundari, she told him, you can be with me today provided you bring that parrot and give it to me. “Because he was infatuated Manikkam chettiar brought the bird from his shop and gave it to her. Next day morning Roopa Soundari asked her to cook the bird and serve her after her visit to the temple. When the cook tried to take out Vikramadhithya from the caged, he slipped away from her hands and flew away. Realizing that her mistress will punish her, that maid bought a parrot from the market, cooked it and served it to Roopasoundari after she came back from the temple.
Meanwhile the Vikramadhithya bird started following Roopa Soundari wherever she went. It understood that the ambition of Roopa Soundari was to go to heaven with her physical body. For this she used to pray God daily. Next day the bird hid behind the God’s idol and told her, “Roopasoundari, we have decided to take you to heaven with this physical body. The devas are very bad people and would not allow you in side heaven when you are this pretty. So shave of your head, wear torn cloths and paint your body with red paint and coal and come to the temple riding on a donkey. I would then take you to my heaven.”He also told her to tell the king to invite all the kings of India to see her going to heaven with the physical body.
Next day Roopasoundari did all those things and came to the temple. The Vikramadhithya bird flew and sat on the top branches of a big banyan tree and told her, “Roopa Soundari, I have won.” This was witnessed by all kings and Bhatti who had come there out of curiosity. Vikramadhithya bird went to Bhatti and told about all the happenings. Bhatti returned to the town of Ujjaini with the bird.
That evening as per the words of Bhatti the queens of Vikramadhithya told Vijaya that they would discontinue their penance if the goat of the king kills their goat in a fight. In the fight, Vetala’s spirit entered the queen’s goat and killed the goat left by the king. Unable to bear defeat and due to his disappointment, Vijaya transmigrated his soul to the goat. Waiting for this Vikramadhithya left the body of the parrot and entered his body. Later the Vijaya goat was sacrificed in the Kali temple. After this Vikramadhithya lead a life of happiness.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
Retold by
P.R.Ramachander
On the eighth day Bhoja raja after his morning duties again started climbing on to the throne of Vikramadhithya. He was stopped on the eighth step by Soundara valli doll. It told him that he does not have great qualities of the king Vikramadhithya and is not fit to occupy the throne. Then king Bhoja asked that doll, “Doll please tell me about the greatness of Vikramadhithya. The doll started telling the following story:-
Once during the reign of Vikramadhithya when the time came for the six month forest sojourn, Vikrama and Bhatti along with Vetala started towards the forest after entrusting the kingdom to Viyoga the son of Bhatti. On their way after crossing the Vindhya Mountain, they reached a town called Rajapuri. In that town there was a very pretty prostitute called Aparanji. She fell in love with a very wise and handsome Brahmin called Abbasi. She was always with the Brahmin and enjoyed her life. But once suddenly due to heart attack the Brahmin died. Being terribly attached to him Aparanji did not bury or cremate the corpse of the Brahmin but preserved it and took it along with her to the local Durga temple. The Goddess who took pity on her, told her “After some time king Vikramadhithya and Bhatti will visit this town dressing themselves as merchants. Suppose you make Vikramadhithya happy, there will be a chance to make this Brahmin live again. Please obey all they say. When they ask you to jump in the fire, you please do it. They would give you back your life. Then you request from them my sacred water. Once you get it sprinkle on the Brahmin. Then he would live again.” Aparanji gladly agreed to the words of the mother and saluted her.
As soon as Vikrama and Bhatti reached that town, they dressed themselves like jewel merchants and started selling gems in the market. Vikrama called himself as Big Kanthayar and Bhatti called himself as small Kanthayar. One day Vikrama took a walk alone and happened to the red light street populated by prostitutes. There he saw the palace like home of Dasi Aparanji. Attracted by it, he entered the house. Seeing him, Aparanji understood that he is King Vikramadhithya. She received him well and served him in a great manner. Vikrama was wondering why a prostitute who normally is interested only in only was doing all these. She looked after Vikramadhithya for the entire night. Vikrama who normally used to leave the houses of ladies whom he visits early morning before dawn stayed with her till around 10 Am. When he returned back, Bhatti wanted to know why he was returning so late because, if he returns with yellow and saffron marks from a ladies house, people will jeer at him. Then Vikrama told, “I have seen various ladies in my life but I have never seen a prostitute who is so virtuous and loving like Aparanji.” Bhatti replied, “King, no prostitute is virtuous. They would either be interested in your money or on the favours that you only can do.” When Vikrama protested Bhatti told him, “If that is so ask her for her curly hair while coming back tomorrow.”
Next day Vikrama returned with her curly hair but then Bhatti told, “Still I am not convinced. Please ask for cutting her nose and giving a piece to you, while coming back tomorrow.” Aparanji, when asked by Vikrama gave him a tip of her nose. That day Vikrama returned with a piece of her nose. Still Bhatti was not convinced and told Vikrama, “I am still not convinced. Today ask her for a piece of her breast.” Vikrama did that and Aparanji gave him a piece of her bread without hesitation. That day Vikrama got very angry with Bhatti but Bhatti told, King, there must be a reason for this. I would prove to you that I am right within another 8 days. Bhatti asked Vikrama not to visit Aparanji’s house from then onwards and hid him in a forest nearby. He went back to the town, raised a big fire and started crying. When people asked him why he told that his elder brother is no more and he wanted to cremate his body. He requested them to pass on this news to Aparanji. As soon as she heard this Aparanji came running and jumped in to the fire and died. When Vikrama got upset and angry, Bhatti requested him to get the sacred water from Goddess Durga and bring back Aparanji to life. As soon as Aparanji woke up, she took the sacred water from Vikrama and ran home. She sprinkled that water on the Brahmin’s body and started loving him nonstop. That night when Vikrama went to Aparanji’s house he was not allowed inside and driven out. Then only Vikrama was convinced that no prostitute is virtuous like one’s own wife. When they were talking about this, Goddess earth took the form of a snake and laughed loudly at Vikramadhithya. Though they did not understand why the snake laughed, they walked further and Vikrama fell fast asleep due to tiredness. When Bhatti went to Goddess Durga and asked her, she told him , “ That snake was mother earth. She was laughing at Vikramadhithya because one of his favourite wives Elola Rambha is keeping her secret lover in the shape of a parrot during day time and making him take his normal form at night and enjoy with him.
Bhatti told about all this to Vikrama. That night Vikrama, Vetala and Bhatti went to the palace of Elolarambhai, caught her red handed and killer her as well as her secret lover. Since the six month’s time was not over, Vikrama went back to the forest.
This was seen by a carpenter friend of Vikrama called Vijaya. Being an expert carpenter Vijaya had made a flying doll and presented it to Vikrama. Due to this Vijaya became Vikramadhithya’s great friend. His ambition was to learn the art of transmigration of souls. Bhatti advised Vikramadhithya against teaching him this art. Having come to know that Vikramadhithya was nearby and in the forest, Vijaya went and met him in the forest. Vikrama was very happy to see this friend. As per his request Vikrama taught him the art of transmigration of souls. After that one day Vikrama was lying down, with his head on the lap of Vijaya below a banyan tree. At that time two parrots came and sat on the tree. One of them was a male and another female. Due to a stroke, the male parrot suddenly died and the female bird started crying pitiably, With a view to console the female bird, Vikrama transferred his soul from his body in to the body of the male bird. Seeing Vikrama lying motionless and also seeing the male parrot dancing, Vijaya transferred his soul to the body of Vikramadhithya. He immediately burned his own body. Seeing this Vikramadhithya was helpless and flew away from there.
Vijaya in the body of Vikramadhithya returned to his town. As soon as he reached there he sent word to Bhatti to send a palanquin for him. This was very unusual of Vikramadhithya. Besides he had returned earlier than his usual six months. Bhatti suspected that all was not well. He sent word to the queens that possibly the man who had returned was not Vikramadhithya. The first thing Vijaya wanted to do was to go to the palaces of his queens. According to the advice of Vikramadhithya, they sent word that all of them were observing penance for 6 months and because of that, they will not be able to see him. Bhatti provided Vijaya with company of lot of dancing girls and he spent all his time in their company. Bhatti meanwhile started searching for Vikramadhithya.
Vikrama the parrot mean while by his greatness became the king of 1000 parrots. One day they were all flying in search of food and all of them were caught in the net spread by the hunter. Vikrama advised all of them top act as if they are dead. Then Vikrama told them that the hunter would take them out one by one and put on the floor. The first bird to fall on the ground should start counting from two from the next bird onwards. As and when it completes 1000, it should screech and all birds should fly away together. Unfortunately before he took the last bird which was Vikramadhithya, the knife of the hunter fell on the ground. Counting it as a bird all birds flew together. The hunter caught the Vikramadhithya bird and was about to kill him. Then Vikramadhithya bird told him, “I am a talking bird. Take me to the market and ask for 1000 gold coins. Someone will purchase me and you would become rich.
The hunter obeyed Vikramadhithya. But all people thought that 1000 gold coins is too steep a price. At that time the richest businessman of that town called Manikkam Chettiar came to purchase a birthday present to the market. He was attracted by the Vikramadhithya bird. When he made3 fun of the hunter for asking too much, Vikramadhithya bird told him, “Buy and take me to your shop and hang me there in a golden cage. From that time onwards I will manage all your business.” Manikkam chettiar felt that the bird was telling the truth and bought him and hung him in a golden cage in his shop, from that time onwards, his profit went up by hundred folds by the intelligent way the bird was handling the business. The people of the town thought that the bird was very intelligent and came in search of the bird to solve their problems. The bird was called as Neethi Vakya bird.
In that town there was a prostitute by the name of Roopasoundari. She was very pretty and greatly talented in the art of love. She used to charge 1000 gold coins to her clients who wanted spend a night with her. Besides the king and ministers, Manikkam Chettiar was also one I of her regular clients.
During that time two poor Brahmins called Appa Sastri and Suppa Sastri went to take bath in the river. \Appa Sastri told Suppa Sastri that he saw in his dream Roopa Soundari and made love with her. This was heard by one of the maids of Roopa Soundari. She went and told it to her mistress. Roopasoundari made a complaint u=in the court that Appa Sastri enjoyed her company in dream and was not paying her anything. When the judge could not take any decision, they all came to Neethi Vakya bird. Vikramadhithya told Roopa Soundari that what she was asking was unjust but when she insisted, he asked Manikkam Chettiar to bring one thousand gold coins and tie it on a top of a pillar. Then he asked people to get a big mirror and place it in such a way that the money’s image was reflected in the mirror. Once this was done he asked Roopasoundari to take the image of the money reflected in the mirror as charges for making love to her in the dream. All people agreed that it was the most proper judgment. They also laughed at Roopasoundari. She got enraged and told to the bird, “Within a week, I will get your head cut and cook you and eat you,” Vikramadhithya bird told her, “ Within a month , I will make you shave of your head, and with an ugly painted face , side on a donkey by the public road.”
When cage day Manikkam Chettiar went to Roopa Soundari, she told him, you can be with me today provided you bring that parrot and give it to me. “Because he was infatuated Manikkam chettiar brought the bird from his shop and gave it to her. Next day morning Roopa Soundari asked her to cook the bird and serve her after her visit to the temple. When the cook tried to take out Vikramadhithya from the caged, he slipped away from her hands and flew away. Realizing that her mistress will punish her, that maid bought a parrot from the market, cooked it and served it to Roopasoundari after she came back from the temple.
Meanwhile the Vikramadhithya bird started following Roopa Soundari wherever she went. It understood that the ambition of Roopa Soundari was to go to heaven with her physical body. For this she used to pray God daily. Next day the bird hid behind the God’s idol and told her, “Roopasoundari, we have decided to take you to heaven with this physical body. The devas are very bad people and would not allow you in side heaven when you are this pretty. So shave of your head, wear torn cloths and paint your body with red paint and coal and come to the temple riding on a donkey. I would then take you to my heaven.”He also told her to tell the king to invite all the kings of India to see her going to heaven with the physical body.
Next day Roopasoundari did all those things and came to the temple. The Vikramadhithya bird flew and sat on the top branches of a big banyan tree and told her, “Roopa Soundari, I have won.” This was witnessed by all kings and Bhatti who had come there out of curiosity. Vikramadhithya bird went to Bhatti and told about all the happenings. Bhatti returned to the town of Ujjaini with the bird.
That evening as per the words of Bhatti the queens of Vikramadhithya told Vijaya that they would discontinue their penance if the goat of the king kills their goat in a fight. In the fight, Vetala’s spirit entered the queen’s goat and killed the goat left by the king. Unable to bear defeat and due to his disappointment, Vijaya transmigrated his soul to the goat. Waiting for this Vikramadhithya left the body of the parrot and entered his body. Later the Vijaya goat was sacrificed in the Kali temple. After this Vikramadhithya lead a life of happiness.
The doll then told, “Oh king Bhoja, this is the greatness of Vikramadhithya who occupied this throne. If you think that you are equal to him, then you can definitely go up. Bhoja returned back that day without further climbing
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