17: The Tragic Tale of Gunanadha: A Story of Fate and Destiny | Conclusion: Bhoja Raja’s Journey to the King Vikramarka Throne

The Vikram Bethal stories continue…

Bethal began narrating his next story while Vikramarka. The tale took place in the city of Cholapur, where lived a kind Brahmin named Devananda. He had a son named Gunanadha, who was the apple of his eye. Devananda doted on Gunanadha, showering him with love and care.

One day, Devananda was invited to a grand wedding celebration. As he entered the hall, his eyes fell upon a young woman named Madhu Mathi. Her beauty was like the full moon shining in a clear sky, and her smile could melt even the coldest heart. Devananda felt a warmth spread through him, something he had never experienced before.

Gathering his courage, Devananda approached Madhu Mathi’s family and expressed his interest. He was surprised to find them to be so hospitable! Devananda and Madhu Mathi were soon married, and their life blossomed with love and laughter. Gunanadha adored Madhu Mathi, who treated him like her own brother.

One sunny afternoon, Devananda, Madhu Mathi, and Gunanadha decided to take a refreshing dip in the river that flowed near their home. The water was cool and inviting, washing away the day’s heat. As Madhu Mathi waded deeper into the river, she suddenly lost her footing and slipped into a hidden ditch. The current was strong, and before anyone could react, she was swept away.

Gunanadha, a strong swimmer, dived in without hesitation. He fought the current with all his might, but the river was too powerful. With a heavy heart, he realized he couldn’t save his beloved Madhu Mathi. Tears streamed down his face as he watched the river carry her away.

Devastated by the loss, Gunanadha’s world turned upside down. He couldn’t bear the empty space Madhu Mathi left behind. He stopped eating, stopped talking, and wandered aimlessly through the streets like a lost soul. He felt as though his own life had been washed away with Madhu Mathi.

One day, his feet led him to the doorstep of a childhood friend. His friend, knowing about the tragedy, welcomed Gunanadha with open arms. He offered him a place to stay, hoping that time would heal his wounds.

Days turned into weeks, and Gunanadha continued to be shrouded in grief. One afternoon, his friend’s wife noticed him sitting forlornly under a tree. Hoping to bring him some comfort, she prepared a bowl of his favorite sweet dish. With a gentle smile, she placed the bowl in front of him.

Just then, a magnificent eagle soared across the sky, its sharp eyes spotting a sneaky snake slithering on the ground. With a swift swoop, the eagle snatched the snake and carried it high above the tree. The snake, writhing in pain, spat out its venom in a desperate attempt to escape. Unfortunately, a few drops of venom fell into Gunanadha’s sweet dish, unnoticed by anyone.

Lost in his thoughts, Gunanadha picked up the bowl and began to eat. The sweet taste did little to lift his spirits, but he continued mechanically. Suddenly, a sharp pain ripped through him. He realized he had been poisoned! Before anyone could help, the poison took its effect, and Gunanadha collapsed.

The news of Gunanadha’s death spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves through Cholapur. Bethal, a wise man known for his riddles, approached King Vikramarka with a question that puzzled everyone. “Your Majesty,” Bethal began, “who is to blame for Gunanadha’s tragic demise? Was it the eagle, the cunning snake, the carelessness of his friend’s wife, or perhaps even Madhu Mathi’s untimely death?”

King Vikramarka, known for his wisdom and fairness, listened patiently.  The eagle was simply following its nature, the snake was fighting for its life, and Gunanadha’s friend’s wife only wanted to offer him comfort. Even Madhu Mathi’s death, though heartbreaking, was an accident. Things do occasionally occur that are out of our control. We call it destiny, fate, or simply the way things unfold.”

King Vikramarka’s words resonated with everyone. Gunanadha’s death was a sad reminder that life can be unpredictable. But even in the face of tragedy, there is always kindness and love to be found, just like the kindness offered by Gunanadha’s friend and his wife. The story teaches us to accept what we cannot change and to cherish the love and joy we have in our lives.

18. Conclusion: Bhoja Raja’s Journey to

the King Vikramarka Throne

The Vikram Bethal stories continue…

The next day, when Bhoja tried to sit on the throne the third idol, stopped him and told more stories. Thirty-one idols shared many stories about Bhoja Raja and challenged him if he was worthy of the Vikramarka throne. Bhoja couldn’t answer the challenges. Every story praised Vikramarka’s greatness.

On the thirty-second day, a wise idol named Jnanaprakashavalli told the final part of Vikramarka’s rule. It went like this:

Once Vikramarka fought a king named Salivahana, who defeated his army. Then Bhatti, Vikramarka’s brother, said, “Raja, our thousand-year journey is coming to an end. Tomorrow we will die.”

Vikramarka understood and took the throne given by Indra to a place called Ujjani. There, he dug a pit placed the throne covered it with soil to keep it safe.

After that, they reached the Kali temple. Vikramarka told Bhatti, “Bhatti, in the future, a king named Bhoja Raja will find this throne and rule for a year. Then the throne will go back to Indraloka.”

Then Vikramarka released the spirit, Bethal, from a curse given by Lord Shiva. Bethal turned back into a Brahmin and said goodbye, returning to his village.

 Bhatti wanted to die before Vikramarka died. He stopped his breath by himself. Later Vikramarka died.

Many years later, Ujjani Empire got buried under clay and sand. A Brahmin found the land and started growing crops there. Later, King Bhoja acquired that land and discovered Vikramarka’s throne.

When the thirty-second idol finished the story, it told Bhoja Raja, “You are a divine King, and Vikramarka himself declared you fit to rule. Tomorrow, you will sit on this throne and rule for a year, as it was destined. Then the throne will go back to Indraloka.”

Bhoja Raja felt happy and worshipped the throne with devotion. With pandits chanting, he sat on the throne and ruled wisely for a year. After that, the throne returned to the heavens.

Blessed by Kai’s guidance, Bhoja ruled his kingdom with courage and kindness, treating his people like his own children. Under his wise rule, the kingdom flourished for many years, leaving a remarkable legacy in history.