part 3

As King Vikramaditya entered the city, he saw a beautiful building. Outside the building was a lovely courtyard. In this courtyard, under a mango tree, he noticed a radiant man. Unable to contain his curiosity, he approached him.

The man came up to King Vikramaditya and said, "You seem to be a foreigner. Where have you come from, brother?"

King Vikramaditya replied, "I have come from Ujjayini."

Hearing this, the man, named Anand, was pleased and said casually, "Are you from the same Ujjayini where King Vikramaditya rules?"

King Vikramaditya answered, "Yes, brother, I am from that very Ujjayini."

Anand said, "You are fortunate to live in the city of Ujjayini, which is ruled by King Vikramaditya. I have heard that King Vikramaditya is extremely handsome. His physique is very attractive. Not only is he beautiful, but he is also skilled in warfare. Moreover, he is a great scholar and respects scholars."

"He is very generous and loves his people. His court has nine gems who are the finest scholars in various fields."

King Vikramaditya was delighted to hear his own praise and said, "Brother, you are right."

However, Anand's curiosity was not yet satisfied. He continued, "I have heard that the king is very just. Stories of his justice travel from lips to lips across the entire land of India. In his kingdom, there is no theft, robbery, rape, or murder. People do not even lock their houses. He disguises himself and roams at night. He personally searches for the poor and needy to help them. He is a symbol of public welfare. His kingdom is called 'Ram Rajya.' Is all this true?"

King Vikramaditya said, "Brother! I can only say that under Vikramaditya's rule, the people are happy, and the king dutifully fulfills his responsibilities."

Anand said, "I want to hear more about King Vikramaditya. Please tell me more." He then looked at Vikramaditya expectantly. Observing Vikramaditya's face, his radiant aura, and the glow of his body, Anand suddenly remarked, "Are you, perhaps, King Vikramaditya yourself?"

King Vikramaditya laughed and said, "Brother, why do you make fun of me?"

Anand replied, "I just expressed what I felt. You have been traveling, and it is time for a meal. Sir, please accept my hospitality."

King Vikramaditya said, "Respected one, may I know who you are?"

Anand replied, "I am a sculptor."

King Vikramaditya asked, "Sculptors, painters, woodworkers, and potters all fall into the category of artisans. What is your specific art?"

Anand answered, "I am a potter. I create pots, lamps, small and large vessels, honey cups, and many other artistic objects from clay. What can I say about my art? You will see it for yourself. It is already time—please come to my home and have a meal."

King Vikramaditya accepted the hospitality of the artisan Anand, had a meal at his home, and rested. After resting, they continued discussing various matters about the world.

Before resuming his journey, King Vikramaditya said, "I am traveling south. I have heard much praise about Princess Leelavati of Kanchanpur, about her beauty and grace. I am going there with the desire to win her hand."

Anand said, "You are a healthy, handsome, and talented young man. Why waste your life for nothing? She is as cruel as she is beautiful. There is no shortage of beautiful women in Ujjayini or the rest of India. Abandon this desire. So far, I have never heard of an art that can force someone to speak who does not wish to speak."

Vikramaditya replied, "Respected one! You speak the truth. But the brave and talented young men who have gone to Kanchanpur desiring Princess Leelavati's hand are now wasting away in prison. If she is not won, the loss of talent in our country will continue. It is also my duty to free the talented men imprisoned there. The only solution to this is to marry Princess Leelavati."

Anand said, "Sir, your thoughts are noble. You wish to marry Princess Leelavati not just for yourself but also to save the talented men of our nation. May your journey be successful. But..."