Long time ago there lived a king named Trivikram Sen, son of Vikramsen, on the banks of Godavari.
The name of the Place was Pratishthana. Everyday, when he used to be in the hall of audience, a mendicant came and
presented him a fruit. Every day, as soon as he received the fruit he used to give it to his Superintendent of treasury.
In this way, ten years passed. One day when mendicant gave the fruit to the King, and left, the king gave it to a pet
monkey. While the monkey was eating the fruit, it burst out and priceless jewel came out of it. King saw that jewel and
asked his superintendent of the treasury, "Where have you put all those fruits which I gave you."
"Sir, I used to throw them in the treasury from a window without opening the main door."
"Now go and bring those fruits" ordered the King. The treasurer went to the treasury and soon returned, and said to the
King, "Majesty, all those fruits are in the rotten condition now and I also saw a heap of jewels there which was sparkling.
Next day when the mendicant came, the King said to him, " Why do you court me everyday such an expensive gift. Today, I will
not take the fruit until you tell me." "Alright my Majesty, I have an incantation to perform very soon and for that I need
the help of a brave man. You are my brave an and I request you to assist me in performing my incantation."
"I am ready for the same," replied the King.
"Alright, then I shall be waiting for you in the great cemetery under the shade of Banyan tree at night of the coming black
fortnight and the King, you must come to me there" said the mendicant.
"Yes, I will do so, you don't worry. I will be there in time." said the King and the mendicant returned to his home. And on
the fixed day of black fortnight, the King reached the cemetery. He found the mendicant waiting for him under the shade of
Banyan tree. He went up to him and said, "I am here, now tell me, what can I do for you?"
"King, if you want really to favour me, then go alone from here to South and you will find a Pipal tree there. On that tree,
a dead man is hanging up. Please go and bring that dead man here to me."
"Alright mendicant, I will do so as I have promised to help you" Trivikram Sen said.
Then the King started his journey to south. After some days he reached the Pepal tree. He saw a dead man hanging on
the tree. He climbed up the tree and after cutting the string which held it, he took the body on his shoulder and started
his journey back to the city.
In the way, the dead body asked the King, "Who are you and where are you taking me?"
"I am King Trivikram Sen and I am taking you to my city, Pratishthana."
"But why and who told you my dwelling place?"
"A mendicant told me about you and at present I am taking you to him only. But you tell me who are you?" said the King.
"I am Vetaal, I am ready to go with you only on one condition."
"What is that?" asked the King
Vetaal said "I will tell you a story and you will not speak in between, if you speak I will go back to my place."
"I agree on your proposal." said the King.
And vetaal started telling the story to pass the time... |
