part 2

In the story, yesterday, you read that Maina started narrating the story of Leelavati to her parrot. She said:

"In South India, in the kingdom of Kanchanpur, King Jayasen's daughter, Princess Leelavati, was the most beautiful woman of her time. She was his only child. The king wished to marry her to a worthy groom and then spend the rest of his life in the service of God. However, due to Princess Leelavati's vow, her marriage seemed impossible.

King Jayasen passed away, and Leelavati took over the administration of the kingdom. She had vowed that she would marry only the man who, through his wisdom and intelligence, could make her break her vow of silence and speak four times in a single night. Princess Leelavati was a woman of extraordinary beauty, intelligence, and grace, but her vow was unusual. If someone did not wish to speak, how could they be forced to do so?

King Vikramaditya overheard the conversation between the parrot and the maina. Deep in thought, he wondered how birds could speak the human language. Were they gods or goddesses in disguise? Or was it just a coincidence? What could be the reason behind narrating this story to him?

As King Vikramaditya envisioned the beautiful Princess Leelavati, his mind was filled with images of her beauty, youth, wisdom, charm, and intellect. He became restless with the desire to win her. At the same time, he felt compassion for the young men who had been imprisoned for no reason. He resolved to free them from captivity. If he could fulfill Princess Leelavati's vow, both his purposes would be accomplished. He made up his mind to humble the pride of this beauty-filled princess.

As the golden, tender rays of sunrise touched his body, he became aware of time and returned to reality. He proceeded to the royal palace.

King Vikramaditya sat on his magnificent artistic throne in the royal court, listening to the grievances of his people and delivering justice. After completing his royal duties, he called upon his prime minister.

The prime minister humbly said, "Please command me, Your Majesty!"

The king said, "Prime Minister, I am going on an unknown journey. It is uncertain when I will return. During my absence, you must take care of the kingdom. You are familiar with the traditions of our state. Ensure that our customs and honor remain intact, and that the people live in peace and do not suffer."

The prime minister replied, "I will follow your orders with all my heart and soul, but..."

The king asked, "But what?"

The prime minister said, "If you find it appropriate, kindly tell me where you are going and when you will return."

The king replied, "Not now. In due time, everything will become clear."

King Vikramaditya disguised himself as a wealthy merchant and set out on foot. The natural beauty along the way was mesmerizing. The rivers flowing with a gentle murmur created a melodious symphony. The paintings that appeared and disappeared in the sky at sunrise and sunset revealed the unparalleled artistry of an unseen painter. The artistic blending of colors in these paintings was beyond human understanding.

Only a sensitive soul can truly appreciate the sweet and soothing chirping of birds as they leave their nests in the morning and return in the evening. These are songs of meeting and parting—songs of joy and sorrow. Their experience fills the heart with deep emotions. Indeed, nature is the true life-giver. But to witness its beauty, one needs vision—a heart that feels.

King Vikramaditya continued his journey, admiring the lush green forests, the flowing rivers, and the towering, slanting mountains. He crossed the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges and finally reached the outskirts of a beautiful city at the gateway to South India. He rested for a while in a garden outside the city's entrance. After bathing in the cool waters of a pond and changing his attire, he entered the city.

To be continued…