Baital’s overwhelming speech made King Vikramaditya very happy. He said to Baital, “I have everything that a man could ask for by God’s grace. But I will gladly accept a boon from you. Please grant me the wish that the twenty-five stories told by with the queries raised and their answers given by me become famous all over the world.” A pleased Baital responded, “The boon is granted. These twenty-five stories will be famous all over the world. These will bring peace and solace to those who would listen to or read these pious stories with devotion.” King Vikramaditya was happy to hear this. Then Baital went away. But after Baital had gone away, King Vikramaditya felt there was some divine form around him. And within no time he was proved right as Lord Shiva stood before him. He praised King Vikramaditya for having slain the hermit. He was the vilest enemy of the people.
Baital’s Boon
