151 Vikram Baital Tales

Then his son knelt before the goddess and Birbal beheaded him. But Birbal’s daughter could not bear the loss of her brother and killed herself. Birbal’s wife could not bear the loss of her children, so she also killed herself. Birbal was shattered. He thought, ‘What will I do living all alone?’ So, he also […]

Lady Luck replied, “Yes, he can be saved if someone sacrifices his own son at the temple of Mahakali to pacify Saturn.” Saying so, Lady Luck disappeared. Birbal was left gaping. He kept thinking and thinking. Then he rushed straight home. He was not aware that King Roopsen had followed him and had listened to

The spies continued, “As for himself, Birbal keeps just five coins for the members of his family.” The King was surprised at this revelation about Birbal. But he was very pleased with the information. One night, King Roopsen heard a woman wailing in the neighbouring cemetery. He ordered Birbal to find the reason. Birbal went

Birbal came on duty the next day. He remained on guard all night. He kept a strict eye on the King at all times whether he would be eating, sleeping and so on. After finishing his duty, he would collect his money and leave. One day, the curious King ordered his spies to follow Birbal

King Roopsen gave a thought as to why Birbal was demanding so much money. He reflected that it must be for a reason which would be revealed later if Birbal was asking for so much money. The King also felt that it would turn out to be in his own advantage if he gave Birbal

The King saw Rajeshwar accompanied by Birbal who greeted the King, “Hail, Your Majesty! Long live the King.” King Roopsen asked Rajeshwar, “Who is this man?” Rajeshwar told the King everything about Birbal. He then recommended that Birbal should be engaged without delay. The King, being a man of few words and many ideas, after

King Vikramaditya reached the peepal tree. He pulled down the corpse and put it on his shoulder. Then he started walking. On the way, Baital said to King Vikramaditya, “I really admire you. You have a lot of courage and perseverance. I will tell you a story. After listening to the story, answer my questions.

At this point, Baital asked the King, “Vikram! Tell me whom Madhumalti should marry. If despite knowing, you don’t answer my question, I will smash your head into pieces.” Vikramaditya gave a thought over Baital’s question and replied, “Madhumalti married Vaman.” Baital asked, “Why?” Vikram explained, “Each relationship holds a meaning. Madhusudan gave a new

The owner felt guilty and regretted his act. He brought a book. He recited some mantras and sprinkled water on the ashes and bones of his son. Soon his son was restored to life. Madhusudan could not believe his eyes. He thought, ‘If I can obtain this book, I can restore Madhumalti’s life.’ So, one

Madhusudan became a devotee and wandered from one village to another in search of peace. One night, while roaming from one village to another, he came across a house. He asked the owner if he could stay there for a few days. The owner said yes immediately. Madhusudan was sleeping soundly when he was woken

All the three members of the family started thinking about the issue. They could not find a solution. Ultimately, they decided to leave the decision to Madhumalti. She would select her own husband from the three suitors. On the appointed day, all the three would-be grooms arrived at Keshav’s house. It was a tough choice

Keshav’s wife was very surprised. She said, “You should have talked to me before consenting for the alliance. As it is, I too have found a match for Madhumalti. The groom-to-be is a handsome young man named Vaman. His parents have also consented.” Keshav could not say anything after hearing this. But there was more

One day, Keshav was invited to perform a religious ceremony in a client’s house. While he was performing the ceremony, he came across a young Brahmin named Madho. He was a student of the Vedas and the Shastras, and had topped in the Gurukul. Keshav developed an instant liking for Madho. He told Madho about

A furious King Vikramaditya followed Baital to the peepal tree. He pulled down the corpse from there. He lifted the corpse and put it on his shoulder. Then he started walking. On the way, Baital said to him, “Vikram, listen to the story I am going to tell you.” Saying so, Baital began to tell

Baital continued, “Let me remind you that all the three princes made almost the same contribution towards the release of Chandralekha from the hands of the giant. And as always, if you do not answer my question correctly, I will break your head into pieces.” King Vikramaditya was silent for a few moments and then