[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Epic, Poetry, Drama & Narrative](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit) › [Story collections and fables](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories) › [Bhojaprabandha](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha) › English (machine translation) # English (machine translation) Translation of [Bhojaprabandha](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha) - **Language:** English - **Extent:** 1,284 passages, 61,269 words - **Text:** complete digital text - **Source:** pramana-mt · Machine translation by Gemini 3.8 Flash (2026-10-10) of in.lit.short\_stories.bhojaprabandha · Machine output without human authorship: no copyright is claimed (CC0 1.0). The original text keeps its own… ## Contents - [p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p2) - [p3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p3) - [p4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p4) - [p5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p5) - [p6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p6) - [p7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p7) - [p8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p8) - [p9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p9) - [p10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p10) - [p11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p11) - [p12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p12) - [p13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p13) - 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[114\_335](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.114_335) - [114\_336](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.114_336) - [121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.121) - [121\_337](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.121_337) - [122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.122) - [122\_338](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.122_338) - [122\_339](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.122_339) - [123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.123) ## Text ### [p2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p2) Composed by the illustrious poet Ballāla ### [p3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p3) Accompanied by the 'Vidyotinī' Sanskrit and Hindi commentary ### [p4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p4) Commentator: ### [p5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p5) Dr. Devarṣi Sanāḍhya Śāstrī ### [p6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p6) M.A., Ph.D., D.Litt. ### [p7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p7) Professor, University of Gorakhpur ### [p8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p8) Chaukhamba Amarabharati Prakashan ### [p9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p9) Vārāṇasī ### [p10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p10) 1979 Publisher: Chaukhamba Amarabharati Prakashan, Vārāṇasī ### [p11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p11) Printer: Chaukhamba Press, Vārāṇasī ### [p12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p12) Edition: First, Vikrama Samvat 2036 ### [p13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p13) Price ### [p14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p14) © Chaukhamba Amarabharati Prakashan ### [p15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p15) K. 37/118, Gopal Mandir Lane ### [p16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p16) P.O. Box 138, Vārāṇasī-221001 ### [p17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p17) (India) ### [p18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p18) Also available from: ### [p19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p19) Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office ### [p20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p20) K. 37/99, Gopal Mandir Lane ### [p21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p21) P.O. Box 8, Vārāṇasī-221001 ### [p22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p22) Phone: 63145 CHAUKHAMBA AMARABHARATI GRANTHAMALA 34 BHOJA PRABANDHA OF SRIBALLĀLA Edited with The Vidyotini Sanskrit-Hindi Commentaries ### [p23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p23) By Dr. DEWARŞI SANADHYA SASTRI M. A., Ph-D., D. Lit. Prof. Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur. subhagā BHdhauravamyā prakāśana 卐ppy amarabhāratī ### [p24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p24) Chaukhamba Amarabharati Prakashan VARANASI-221001 1979 © Chaukhamba Amarabharati Prakashan Oriental Publishers & Book-Sellers Post Box No. 138 K. 37/118, Gopal Mandir Lane, Varanasi-221001 ( INDIA ) ### [p25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p25) First Edition 1979 Price Rs. 00 Also can be had from Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office K. 37/99, Gopal Mandir Lane Post Box 8, Varanasi-221001 ( India ) Phone : 63145 ### [p26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p26) Introduction ### [p27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p27) In the history of Sanskrit literature, two scholars named Ballāla are mentioned: one whose active period is considered to be the second half of the ninth century, who was the author of the allegorical poem named Ballālaśataka; and the other, the creator of the Bhojaprabandha. The full name of the author of the Bhojaprabandha was perhaps Ballālasena, and he probably lived in the sixteenth century. ### [p28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p28) Bhoja was also the name of more than one individual. One was Bhoja, king of Vidarbha, whose date is accepted as the eleventh century (1005–1054). He is regarded as the composer of the Rāmāyaṇacampū. The second Bhoja was also an eleventh-century king, whose capital was Dhārānagarī. It is said that he was an extraordinary connoisseur of poetry and a king who honored scholars. It was probably this Bhoja who was a theorist of poetics, and the Sarasvatīkaṇṭhābharaṇa, Śṛṅgāraprakāśa, and Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra are his works. It is also believed that this Bhoja was the nephew of King Muñja of Dhārā, who was himself a great lover of the arts and a connoisseur. Muñja was called 'Pṛthvīvallabha' ('Beloved of the Earth'). A discussion of the thrilling love story of King Tailapa's sister Mṛṇālavatī and Muñja is found in Apabhraṃśa verses. ### [p29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p29) The Bhojaprabandha is perhaps an anthology of conversational tales composed by Ballālasena with this illustrious Bhoja as its central figure. The tendency toward such anthologies is found in Jain literature in the form of the Prabandhacintāmaṇi composed by Merutuṅga and the Prabandhakośa composed by Rājaśekhara Sūri. That the Bhojaprabandha is an outgrowth of that tradition—this view of my dear friend Dr. Bholā Śaṅkar Vyās seems entirely correct. ### [p30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p30) All this notwithstanding, it is perhaps not quite proper to give the Bhojaprabandha excessive historical significance. Its characters, numerous poets, were not contemporaries delighting in poetry; their active periods are distinct and diverse. Under these circumstances, it is far more appropriate and correct to regard the Bhojaprabandha as an entertaining collection of poetic aphorisms. It is a 'diversion of poetry,' which served wise men for whiling away their time. It is the very thing by which King Śūdraka in Bāṇabhaṭṭa's Kādambarī passed his days 'surrounded by a circle of cultivated men, composing poetic works' and celebrated joyfully with prince-companions who reflected his own self and 'were skilled in activities such as \[interpreting\] poetry, drama, narratives, historical romances, paintings, and commentaries.' A strange sigh of despair escapes when one recalls those bygone days amidst the profusion of evenings spent shuffling cards in clubs and gambling halls alongside today's newly rich. Where is that enviable, sweet hour of wise men spent in 'the diversion of poetry and learning,' and where is this dreadful age, running out in vice, sleep, and strife? Perhaps those days will not return—'those days of ours are gone'; but if only they could return……? ### [p31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p31) Who was Bhoja? Who was Ballāla? When was it? Where was it? These are not the primary questions; primary is that adoration of poetry and of those who know the inner heart of poetry. Praise is due to that Bhoja in whose royal assembly the connoisseurs and creators of poetry—Kālidāsa, Bāṇa, Bhavabhūti, and others—were present together, and worthy of gratitude is that anthologist Ballālasena who wove those commendable moments into a story. Even if the coarse truth of history might not be in it, the moments of truth that give a heartbeat to life are certainly there. Without doubt, this is an appealing, diverting work. \*Bhojaprabandha\* is a sublime ideal for the passing of time by wise minds. According to Monier-Williams, Bhoja is not only 'a king endowed with extraordinary qualities' (\*a king with uncommon qualities\*); he is also the relishing of aesthetic flavor that is 'bestowing enjoyment' (\*bestowing enjoyment\*). ### [p32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p32) Dividing the present edition of the \*Bhojaprabandha\*, accompanied by the Hindi commentary entitled \*Vidyotinī\*, into thirty-six narrative sections seemed to offer greater comfort and convenience for reading. This is an independent endeavor of the commentator, and the naming of the narrative sections is also his own contrivance. His contrivance goes so far that in several places he has even made the unfortunate effort to present the sacred verses of the \*Bhojaprabandha\* in rhymed and unrhymed, metered and meterless verses. He knows very well that this is the laughable 'raising of the arms by a dwarf' toward 'fruit reachable only by the tall,' and he must be ready to endure its bad result; yet—nevertheless. Let the 'dullard' suffer the evil consequence of his craving to become 'one who seeks the fame of a poet.' ### [p33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p33) There are many Hindi versions of the \*Bhojaprabandha\*; in such a situation, the compiler of \*Vidyotinī\* considers this effort his right to offer a single cowrie upon the threshold of the god's temple. And this right must surely be granted to him! In the words of the great poet Maithilīśaraṇa: 'Hail to the threshold of the god's temple, upon which have been offered with equal feeling— the king’s gold coin and the pauper’s cowrie.' ### [p34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p34) 26-G, Hīrāpurī, Gorakhpur, ### [p35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p35) Vikrama Saṃvat 2035 Table of Contents ### [p36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p36) 1. Bhoja's acquisition of the kingdom ### [p37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p37) 2. Govinda the learned man and King Bhoja's honoring of the scholars ### [p38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p38) 3. The arrival of Kālidāsa in the royal assembly ### [p39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p39) 4. Bhoja praised by Kālidāsa ### [p40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p40) 5. Scholars well-versed in the scriptures in the royal assembly ### [p41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p41) 6. The poet Lakṣmīvara and the weaver ### [p42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p42) 7. The king's wandering through the city at night ### [p43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p43) 8. Krīḍācandra ### [p44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p44) 9. The honoring of the poet Rāmeśvara and of other poets ### [p45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p45) 10. The dispelling of Kālidāsa's blemish ### [p46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p46) 11. The honoring of scholars: several tales 12. Bhoja's gift equal to Vikramāditya ### [p47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p47) 13. Bhoja's love of poetry: several tales ### [p48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p48) 14. The poet Viṣṇu ### [p49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p49) 15. The king's gift even when the treasury is exhausted ### [p50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p50) 16. Several tales of abundant gifts ### [p51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p51) 17. The shattering of Bhoja's pride ### [p52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p52) 18. Several tales of lavish giving ### [p53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p53) 19. The rivalry between Kālidāsa and Bhavabhūti ### [p54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p54) 20. Several tales of giving ### [p55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p55) 21. The rivalry between the two: Devajaya and Hariśarman ### [p56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p56) 22. The departure of the scholars for Kāśī ### [p57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p57) 23. The king overwhelmed with grief ### [p58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p58) 24. Playful poetry ### [p59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p59) 25. Kālidāsa, who perceives the unseen hearts of others ### [p60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p60) 26. Other tales of perceiving the unseen ### [p61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p61) 27. The warding off of the brahmarākṣasa ### [p62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p62) 28. The dispelling of Mallinātha's poverty ### [p63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p63) 29. The king's gift of all his possessions ### [p64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p64) 30. The young woman who sells buttermilk ### [p65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p65) 31. The wondrous completion of verse problems ### [p66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p66) 32. The poet who was a starving thief ### [p67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p67) 33. Honoring of the poets ### [p68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p68) 34. The diseased king ### [p69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p69) 35. The pedestal of the throne ### [p70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p70) 36. The final song of the king .. Prosperity .. ### [p71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p71) The Bhojaprabandha ### [p72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p72) Accompanied by the Hindi commentary \*Vidyotinī\* ### [p73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p73) (1) King Bhoja's acquisition of the kingdom ### [p74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p74) Hail! The narrative composition of the illustrious king of kings, King Bhoja, is related— ### [p75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p75) In the beginning, in the kingdom of Dhārā, a king named Sindhula protected the subjects for a long time. In his old age, a son was born, named Bhoja. When he was five years old, the father, knowing his own old age, summoned the chief ministers, and seeing his younger brother Muñja to be exceedingly powerful and his son to be a child, deliberated: ### [p76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.p76) May there be auspiciousness. The story of the illustrious supreme king of kings Bhoja is told— In ancient times, a king named Sindhula protected the subjects for a long time. In his old age, a son named Bhoja was born. When he was five years old, then the father (the king), realizing his own old age, called the chief ministers, and seeing his younger brother Muñja to be mighty and his son (Bhoja) to be a boy, began to consider: ### [1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.1) "If, setting aside my uterine brother who is capable of bearing the burden of the royal fortune, I bestow the kingdom on my son, then public censure will ensue. Or else Muñja, out of greed for the kingdom, will have my young son murdered by poison or other means; then the kingdom given will be in vain, the loss of my son will occur, and my lineage will be destroyed." If, leaving aside my own brother who is capable of bearing the burden of the royal fortune, I give the kingdom to my (five-year-old) son, public blame will follow. Or else, if out of greed for the kingdom Muñja causes my innocent child son to be killed by poison or other means, even the kingdom given will be useless. There will be the loss of my son, and the destruction of the lineage will also take place. Greed is the foundation of sin, and greed alone is its progenitor; engendering hatred, wrath, and other vices, greed is the cause of sin. || 1 ### [1\_77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.1_77) Greed is the root of sin, and greed alone is the parent of sin. Giving rise to hatred, anger, and the rest, greed is the cause of sin. ### [2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.2) From greed arises anger; from anger malice proceeds. / Through malice, even one who knows the scriptures and is discerning goes to hell. ### [2\_78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.2_78) From greed arises anger, and from anger malice proceeds. Even a learned man who knows the scriptures goes to hell on account of malice. ### [3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.3) Mother, father, son, brother, or dearest friend— / a man possessed by greed slays even his master or full brother. ### [3\_79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.3_79) A man possessed by greed slays his mother, father, son, brother, closest friend, master, or even his full brother. ### [3\_80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.3_80) Having reflected thus, he gave the kingdom to Muñja and placed his son Bhoja in his lap. Then in due course, when the king went to heaven, Muñja, having acquired the wealth of the kingdom, removed the chief minister named Buddhisāgara by means of the royal signet ring and appointed another in his place. Then he had the prince instructed by teachers. ### [3\_81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.3_81) Having reflected thus, he gave the kingdom to Muñja and left Bhoja under his protection. After some time, when King Sindhhula had passed away, Muñja, having obtained the royal wealth, removed the chief minister named Buddhisāgara from the post of minister and appointed another in his place. He set about having the prince Bhoja educated by teachers. ### [4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.4) Then, in the course of time, a brahmin who had crossed to the other shore of the science of astrology and possessed skill in all branches of learning came into the royal assembly, said to the king, "Blessings!" and sat down. And he said, "Your Majesty, these people call me omniscient; therefore ask me anything." The knowledge that is in one's throat should always be revealed by the wise; / by the knowledge that remains in the teacher or the book, a fool is deceived. ### [4\_82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.4_82) Thus he spoke to the king. Then, after some days, a brahmin who was a master of the science of astrology and accomplished in the skill of all branches of learning arrived in the royal assembly, pronounced words of blessing to the king, sat down, and said to the king: "Your Majesty, this world calls me omniscient, so please ask whatever you wish:" ### [4\_83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.4_83) Whatever knowledge is committed to memory ought always to be made manifest by the wise; through knowledge that resides merely in the teacher or in a book, only a fool is duped. ### [4\_84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.4_84) Then the king too, having heard those words of his astonishing by virtue of the brahmin's arrogant bearing, said: "If you tell everything, whatever has been done and whatever has been undertaken by me from my birth up to this moment, then you are indeed omniscient." Thereupon the brahmin also told everything that had been done by the king, even his secret dealings. Then the king, having recognized all the tokens of recognition, was delighted. And having advanced five or six paces, he fell at his feet, seated him upon a throne inlaid with sapphires, topazes, emeralds, and lapis lazuli, and said: ### [4\_85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.4_85) Like a mother it protects, like a father it directs one to what is beneficial, / and like a beloved wife it delights, dispelling sorrow; / it spreads stainless renown and fortune in all directions— / what does knowledge, like the wish-fulfilling vine, not achieve? ### [4\_86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.4_86) Then he gave to the excellent brahmin ten thoroughbred horses. After that, hearing that marvelous speech accompanied by the brahmin's proud manner, the king too said: "If you tell all that has been practiced and all that has been done by me from birth up to this moment, then I too shall consider you omniscient." Then the brahmin revealed everything that the king had done—even what had been done in secret. The king too was pleased, knowing all the signs to be correct, and stepping forward five or six paces, he prostrated himself at the brahmin's feet, seated him upon a throne studded with sapphires, topazes, emeralds, and lapis lazuli, and said: ### [4\_87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.4_87) Like a mother it protects, like a father it directs to beneficial works, and like a beloved wife it dispels dejection and gladdens; it spreads stainless fame and fortune in the four quarters—what does knowledge, like the wish-fulfilling vine, not accomplish? And he gave the excellent brahmin ten horses of noble breed. ### [4\_88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.4_88) Then Buddhisāgara, seated in the assembly, said to the king, "Your Majesty, ask the brahmin for Bhoja's horoscope." Then Muñja said, "Cast Bhoja's horoscope." Thereupon that brahmin said, "Bhoja must be brought from the schoolroom." Then Muñja out of curiosity had Bhoja, who was adorning the schoolroom, brought by soldiers. Then, having bowed to the king as if to his own father in the flesh, Bhoja stood modestly. ### [4\_89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.4_89) After that, Buddhisāgara, seated in the assembly, said to the king: "Your Majesty, have Bhoja's horoscope examined by the brahmin." Then Muñja said: "Examine Bhoja's horoscope." Then the brahmin said: "Have Bhoja summoned from the school." Out of curiosity Muñja also had Bhoja, who was gracing the school, brought by soldiers. Bowing respectfully to the king as if to his father in person, Bhoja sat down with modesty. ### [4\_90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.4_90) Then, as the circle of princes was fascinated by his beauty and charm, the astrologer, having observed Bhoja—who was endowed with immense good fortune, appearing like Mahendra descended to the earthly realm, like the god of love embodied, like good fortune personified—said to the king: “O King, even Viriñci is not capable of describing Bhoja’s dawning destiny; what am I, a mere brahmin seeking to fill his belly? Nevertheless, I will say a little according to my own intellect. Send Bhoja from here to the schoolhouse.” Then, when Bhoja had gone to the schoolhouse at the king’s command, the brahmin said: ### [6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.6) “For fifty-five years, seven months, and three days, / King Bhoja shall rule the Deccan together with Gauḍa.” ### [6\_91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.6_91) Having heard this, the king, though smiling cleverly as if in jest and wearing a pleasant expression, became pale-faced. ### [6\_92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.6_92) Thereupon, having seen Bhoja—who was enchanted by beauty and charm among the princes, possessing great good fortune, like Mahendra descended upon earth, like Kāmadeva embodied, like good fortune personified—the astrologer said to the king: “O King, even Brahmā is not capable of describing Bhoja's dawning fortune, of what account am I, a belly-filling brahmin? Even so, I shall say something according to my own intellect. Send Bhoja from here to school.” Thereafter, when Bhoja had gone to school by the king's command, the brahmin said: “For fifty-five years, seven months, and three days King Bhoja shall enjoy the realm of the southern region together with Bengal.” Then, having heard this, the king, though putting on a clever smile and appearing pleasant, became downcast. ### [6\_93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.6_93) Then the king, having dismissed the brahmin, went to bed at midnight and, being alone, reflected: “If the royal fortune passes to Prince Bhoja, then I am dead even while living. Thereafter, having sent away the brahmin, the king, sitting alone on his bed at night, began to reflect: “If the royal fortune should go to Prince Bhoja, then I am as good as dead while living. ### [7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.7) Those same sense-organs remain uninjured, that very same name, / that unimpaired intellect, that very same speech; / yet, deprived of the warmth of wealth, that same man in an instant / becomes completely different—how strange this is! ### [7\_94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.7_94) Those very same senses remain intact, that very same name remains; that unimpeded intellect also remains the same, and speech too remains the same. Yet what a strange thing it is that a man, merely stripped of the heat of wealth, becomes an entirely different person in a single moment. 6 Bhojaprabandha Furthermore— For one who disregards his body, who is capable, resolute, / and whose undertakings are initiated by intellect, nothing is impossible to accomplish. Even by previous expedients and efforts, struck down indeed by malice, / the prosperity of actors is seized by friends and ministers alike. ### [10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.10) Moreover, for a man who disregards the body, is clever, persevering, and acts with intellect, nothing is difficult to accomplish. Due to the tendency to find fault in virtues, the action of men who act with prior ingenuity and effort is accepted by friends and ministers. What is hard to accomplish when effort is made? From those who are overly polite, who hesitate at every step, / and who dread the blame of others, fortunes flee far away. ### [11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.11) So what is difficult when exertion is made? From men who are very clever yet hesitate at every step and are afraid of censure by others, fortunes depart far away. Furthermore— Of receiving, of giving, and of an action that ought to be done, / if not carried out swiftly, time drinks up the juice. ### [12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.12) Putting disrespect in front and leaving honor behind, / a wise man should secure his self-interest; for the loss of self-interest is indeed folly. ### [13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.13) For the sake of a trifle, a wise man should not destroy what is immense; / this alone is supreme wisdom: the protection of the immense from the trifle. ### [14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.14) He who does not quell an enemy or a disease as soon as it arises, / is later destroyed by it, even if his own limbs are exceedingly robust. ### [15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.15) What will banded foes do to one whose body is guarded by intellect, / just like streams of rain to one with an umbrella held in hand?” ### [17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.17) "A wise man should not undertake deeds that bear no fruit, that end disastrously, / whose fruit is equal only to the cost, or that are impossible." .. 16 .. (1) Envy is the pointing out of faults in virtues. Bhojaprabandha 7 \[Hindi commentary:\] What more—time destroys the wealth of a man who does not swiftly perform what is to be received, given, or done. A wise man should attain his own purpose by accepting humiliation and not minding honor; for bending to self-interest is not folly. A wise man should not lose much for the sake of little. Saving much at the cost of little is indeed great wisdom. The man who does not destroy an enemy or disease as soon as it arises, even if possessed of very strong limbs, is slain by that enemy or disease later on. Just as streams of water can do nothing to a man carrying an umbrella in his hand, even so united enemies can do nothing to a man whose body is guarded by intellect. A wise man should not begin an action that is fruitless, difficult to accomplish, in which loss and gain are equal, or which cannot be done. And then, deliberating thus without eating, in the third watch of the day, having held counsel entirely alone, he sent his personal bodyguard to summon the mighty Vatsarāja, ruler of the country of Baṅga. And that bodyguard, approaching Vatsarāja, said: "The king summons you." Thereupon he, having mounted his chariot and surrounded by his retinue, arrived, descended from the chariot, looked upon the king, made obeisance, and sat down. \[Hindi commentary:\] Then, thinking in this manner, without eating or drinking anything, the king alone, having held counsel, in the third watch of the day sent his bodyguard to summon the mighty Vatsarāja, ruler of the country of Baṅga. Reaching Vatsarāja, that bodyguard said, "The king summons you." So he, riding a chariot with his retinue, arrived, descended from the chariot, saw the king, made obeisance, and sat down. And the king, having cleared the palace of people, said to Vatsarāja: "Even when pleased, a king grants only honor to his servants; / but they, honored, assist him even with their lives. .. 17 .. ### [18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.18) "Therefore you must slay Bhoja in the forest of Bhuvaneśvarī during the first watch of the night. (1) Meaning, to summon. (2) Free of people. Bhojaprabandha And in the end his head must be brought into the palace." \[Hindi commentary:\] The king, having emptied the palace of people, said to Vatsarāja: "Even when pleased, a king gives only honor to his servants, but honored servants do him service even by giving their lives. So it is fitting for you to kill Bhoja in the first watch of the night in the Bhuvaneśvarī forest and bring his head into the inner apartments." And he, rising up and bowing to the king, said: "Your Majesty's order is authoritative. Even so, because of your indulgence toward me, I wish to say something. Therefore, even if it be an offense, my word should be pardoned. Bhoja has neither wealth nor army nor a powerful retinue; / he lives today like a mere child; how can he be killed, O lord? .. 18 .. ### [18\_95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.18_95) "Devoted to your feet, as if in hereditary service, he merely feeds himself; / I see no reason at all for his slaughter, O foremost of kings. .. 19 .." ### [20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.20) \[Hindi commentary:\] He, standing up and bowing before the king, said: "The king's command is to be borne on the head; even so, on the basis of your affection I wish to submit something. So even if it contains an offense, forgive my submission. Bhoja has neither wealth nor army nor a strong retinue. He is just like a child of yours. So, O master, why is it proper for him to be killed? He is as if powerless, and remaining devoted to your feet, fills his belly. So, O best of kings, no reason is seen for his slaughter." Then the king recounted the entire event that had occurred in the royal assembly in the morning. And hearing it, he laughed and said: "Rāma was the lord of the three worlds, and Vasiṣṭha was the son of Brahmā; / by him the auspicious moment was declared for the royal consecration. .. 20 .. ### [22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.22) "Yet by that very auspicious moment Rāma was taken to the forest without the earth, / and the abduction of Sītā also occurred; the word of the creator's son was indeed in vain! .. 21 .. Who is this ignorant, belly-filling fellow that has arisen, O foremost of kings, / by whose word you wish to slay the prince, who has the form of Kāmadeva? .. 22 .. ### [23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.23) \[Hindi commentary:\] Then the king related the whole affair that had happened in the morning assembly. Hearing it, he (the king of Baṅga), laughing, began to say: Bhojaprabandha , Rāma was king of the three worlds and Vasiṣṭha was the son of Brahmā; he indeed stated the auspicious moment on the occasion of Rāma's royal consecration. As a result of that calculation of the auspicious moment, Rāma, deprived of his land, reached the forest, Sītā's abduction took place, and the word of the son of Virañci (Brahmā) proved false. O best of kings, who is this ignorant person, concerned only with filling his belly, who has appeared, by whose word you wish to kill the prince, who is like Kāmadeva? Moreover: 'What indeed would happen to me if I do this? What would happen to me if I do not do it?' / Reflecting thus in his mind, a wise man should act or not act. .. 23 .." ### [24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.24) Whether performing what is proper or improper in any course of action, its consequence should be carefully ascertained by a wise man; for of actions done with extreme haste, the fruition, until death, is like a barb, burning the heart. (24) ### [25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.25) What more should I say? Having reflected well on 'What will happen to me by doing this, and what by not doing it?', it is proper for an intelligent man to do it or not. When performing any action, whether proper or improper, a wise person should carefully consider its outcome. Actions carried out in great haste bring results fraught with disaster, piercing the heart like an arrow and causing agony. Moreover: With whom one has sat, eaten, laughed, and spoken in confidence in secret, how can the heart turn away from him until death, even among the wicked? (25) ### [25\_96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.25_96) And what more should I say? From one with whom one has sat, eaten, drunk, joked, and spoken in private with trust, even the minds of evil men do not turn away under any condition until death. Moreover: 'If he is slain, the great heroes who are objects of supreme affection to the aged king Sindhula and are currently obedient to your command alone will submerge your city like clouds bearing tossing waves. Although your roots have long been established, the citizens mostly consider Bhoja as the lord of the earth.' Moreover: 'Even though righteous deed exists, bad policy certainly strips away royal fortune— ### [26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26) 10 Bhojaprabandha For a blast of wind destroys the flame of a lamp, even though it is constantly supplied with oil.' (26) ### [26\_97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_97) 'Your Majesty, slaying a son is never for one's good.' ... And moreover, upon his being slain, those great heroes, deeply dear to the old king Sindhula, who presently obey your commands, will destroy your city just as oceans with towering waves drown a city. Even though your roots have been established for a long time, the majority of the townspeople consider Bhoja alone as king. Furthermore, even if there is meritorious deed, injustice surely plunders wealth, just as a strong wind extinguishes the flame of a lamp filled with oil. ### [26\_98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_98) 'Mahārāja, killing a son is good for no one.' Having heard this speech uttered by Vatsarāja, the king said angrily: 'You are the master of the kingdom, not a servant! He who does not exert himself when commanded by his master is a wretch of a servant; his very life is as useless as the teat on a goat's neck.' (27) Thinking, 'One must reflect on what is appropriate for the time,' Vatsarāja then fell silent. Having heard these words of Vatsarāja, the king, becoming angry, said: 'You are indeed the master of the kingdom, not a servant.' ### [26\_99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_99) 'He who does not do as commanded by his master is a base servant. His life is as useless as the teats on the neck of a goat.' Thinking, 'One must act according to the time,' Vatsarāja fell silent. ... Then, as the sun was sinking, the courtiers, seeing Vatsarāja descending from the top of the lofty palace like an enraged god of death, were terrified and fled to their respective homes on various pretexts. Then Vatsarāja, having dispatched his servants to protect his own dwelling, directed his chariot toward the temple of Bhuvaneśvarī, and sent one \[servant\] to summon prince Bhoja's tutor. And he said to the learned man: 'Father, Vatsarāja is summoning you.' Upon hearing this, as if struck by a thunderbolt, as if possessed by a spirit, as if seized by a malignant planet, the learned man was brought by that servant— (1) gust of wind. (2) a contemptible servant is the meaning. ### [26\_100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_100) taken by the hand. ### [26\_101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_101) After this, when the sun had set, seeing Vatsarāja descending from the high palace like an angry Yama, all the courtiers, frightened, went to their respective homes under various pretexts. Then, sending his servants to guard his residence, turning his chariot towards the temple of Bhuvaneśvarī, Vatsarāja sent a servant to summon Prince Bhoja's teacher. He said to the learned man: 'Father, Vatsarāja is calling you.' Hearing this, as if struck by a thunderbolt, as if seized by a ghost, as if gripped by an eclipse-demon, that learned man was brought by the servant holding him by the hand. ### [26\_102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_102) And the wise Vatsarāja, with a bow of reverence, said to him: 'Learned man, father, be seated. Bring Prince Jayanta from the schoolroom.' When Prince Jayanta arrived, he questioned him on something he had studied and sent him away. Again he said to the learned man: 'Brahmin, bring Prince Bhoja.' Then Bhoja, having learned of the situation, furious, blazing as it were, his eyes blood-red, approached and said: 'Ah, villain! What power do you have to bring me, the chief prince of the king, alone out of the royal palace?' Thus speaking, Bhoja struck Vatsarāja on the palate with the wooden sandal from his left foot. Then Vatsarāja said: 'Bhoja, we are simply carrying out the king's command.' Placing the boy in the chariot and unsheathing his sword, he went swiftly to the temple of Mahāmāyā. ### [26\_103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_103) \[Then the wise Vatsarāja bowed and said to him: 'Learned man, revered father, be seated. Bring Prince Jayanta from the school.' Asking Prince Jayanta when he arrived about some lesson, he dismissed him. Again he said to the learned man: 'Brahmin, bring Prince Bhoja.' Then Bhoja, learning what had happened, furious, burning as it were, his eyes blood-red, arrived and said: 'Ah, sinner! What power of yours is it to bring me, the chief prince of the king, alone out of the royal palace?' Saying this, taking the wooden sandal from his left foot, Bhoja struck Vatsarāja on the palate. Then Vatsarāja said: 'Bhoja, we are executors of the king's command.' Saying this, placing the boy in the chariot and drawing his sword from its sheath, he went swiftly to the temple of Mahāmāyā.\] Then, when Bhoja was seized, the people raised a tumult. A roar of fury arose. Crying out 'What is this? What is this?', warriors came rushing, and, learning that Bhoja had suddenly been taken away to be slain, they entered the elephant stables, camel stables, horse stables, and chariot stables and slew them all. Then, on the main streets, on the terrace ramparts of the royal palace, on the outer cornices, and around the city, the roaring blare of kettledrums, tabors, drums, and small drums broke out. Some by the clear sword, some by poison, some by lance, some by noose, some by fire, some by axe, some by pike, some by javelin, some by spear, some in water, and some in the Dhārā \[river/sword-edge\]—brahmin women, princes, royal servants, feudatory kings, and citizens took their own lives. ### [26\_104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_104) \[Thereupon, when Bhoja was seized and led away, the people began to raise a clamor. A great roar arose. Crying and shouting 'What happened? What happened?', warriors arrived and, knowing that Bhoja was suddenly taken away to be killed, rushed into the elephant stables, camel stables, horse stables, and chariot stables, and slaughtered everyone. Then in the alleys, on the raised platforms of the palace walls, on the plinths of the outer gates, and in places near the city, the sky resounded with the loud beats of kettledrums, tabors, mṛdaṅgas, and various drums. Brahmin women, princes, royal servants, kings, and townsfolk gave up their lives—some by gleaming swords, some through poison, some by spears, some by hanging from ropes, some by burning in fire, some with axes, some with lances, some with javelins, some with daggers, some in wells, and some by drowning in the river.\] ### [26\_105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_105) Then Bhoja's mother named Sāvitrī, standing like the Mother of the Universe, heard from the mouth of a maidservant the plight of her son, covered her eyes with both hands, and said weeping: 'O son, to what a state have you been brought by your uncle! The observances and fasts that I undertook for your sake have all come to naught today. Even all ten quarters of the sky are empty. O son, all fortunes have been wiped away by God, who is omniscient and all-powerful! O son, look at this group of maidservants whose heads have been severed suddenly!' Having said this, she fell to the ground. ### [26\_106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_106) \[Thereupon, Bhoja's mother, named Sāvitrī, standing like the mother of the universe, hearing of her son's condition from the mouth of a maidservant, covered her eyes with her hands and began to say weeping: 'Son, to what a state has your uncle brought you! All the vows and fasts that I undertook for you have become fruitless. All ten directions are desolate. Son, God, who knows all and is all-powerful, has destroyed all prosperity. Son, look at this group of maidservants whose heads were suddenly severed!' Saying this, she fell to the ground.\] ### [26\_107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_107) Then, as the fire blazed up and the sky grew dim with thick masses of smoke rising from it, and as the orb of the sun sank into the western ocean as if out of dread of the sin, Vatsarāja arrived at the temple of Mahāmāyā and said to Bhoja: 'Prince, god of your servants, because a certain brahmin skilled in astrology predicted your attainment of the kingship, the king ordered your death.' ### [26\_108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_108) \[Afterwards, when the sky became overcast with the haze of smoke produced by the burning fire, and the solar orb sank into the western ocean as if from fear of sin, Vatsarāja reached the temple of Mahāmāyā and said to Bhoja: 'Prince, deity of your servants, because a certain brahmin proficient in astrology declared your attainment of the kingdom, the king has commanded your execution.'\] ### [26\_109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_109) Bhoja said: ### [26\_110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_110) 'Considering the exile of Rāma, the binding of Bali, the wandering in the forest of Pāṇḍu's sons, / the destruction of the Vṛṣṇis, the loss of King Nala's kingdom, / the enduring of prison, and the choosing \[of death\] by the Lord of Laṅkā— / every man perishes under the sway of Time; who indeed can be saved?' ### [26\_111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_111) Bhoja said: Considering the exile of Rāma from his realm, the binding of Bali, the forest dwelling of the sons of Pāṇḍu, the destruction of the Vṛṣṇis, the fall of King Nala from his kingdom, his dwelling in a prison house \[or: working in a kitchen\], his winning of Damayantī again at the svayaṃvara \[or: the death of Rāvaṇa the lord of Laṅkā\], every man is destroyed under the sway of time; who indeed is saved? ‘Born from the ocean of nectar together with Lakṣmī, the Kaustubha gem, and the Pārijāta tree, borne upon his head by Lord Śambhu in an act of loving grace, even today the lover of the night does not escape the waning ordained by destiny. By what other person can the course of fate, etched like a line in stone, be averted?’ .. 29 .. ### [26\_112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.26_112) Born with Lakṣmī, the Kaustubha gem, and the wish-granting tree, the son of the ocean of nectar, placed upon his head by Mahādeva Śiva as a mark of affection and favor, even today the moon, beloved of the night, cannot escape the waning decreed by destiny. By whom else could the course of fate, permanent as a line drawn on stone, ever be transgressed? ### [30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.30) Wandering through rugged wilderness, climbing mountains, crossing the ocean, being bound in chains, entering caves—how indeed can one escape the ripening of destiny? .. 30 .. ### [30\_113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.30_113) When ordained by destiny, wandering aimlessly on rugged land, climbing a mountain, swimming across the sea, being bound in fetters, living in a cave— how can deliverance be obtained from all these? ### [30\_114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.30_114) ‘By whose will the ocean becomes dry land, and dry land the sea, a particle of dust becomes a mountain, Mount Meru becomes a bedbug, a blade of grass becomes a thunderbolt, and a thunderbolt resembles a blade of grass, fire becomes cold, and snow becomes a blaze— homage to that god whose sport is fond of wondrous whims!’ .. 31 .. ### [30\_115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.30_115) By the will of which god the ocean becomes dry ground, dry ground the ocean, a particle of dust a mountain, Sumeru a speck of earth, a blade of grass a thunderbolt, and a thunderbolt a blade of grass; fire becomes cool and ice becomes fire— homage to that god addicted to performing difficult yet beautiful and miraculous deeds merely in play! ### [30\_116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.30_116) Then, taking a leaf from a banyan tree and fashioning one into a cup, he pierced his thigh with a knife, placed blood into that cup, and having written a verse upon the other leaf with a blade of grass, said to Vatsarāja: ‘Noble sir, this leaf is to be given to the king. You too must carry out the king’s order.’ Having said this, Bhoja took two leaves of a banyan tree, made a cup out of one, cut his thigh with a knife to draw blood, placed it into the cup, and having written a verse with the blood on the second leaf using a blade of grass, said to Vatsarāja: ‘Noble sir, give this leaf to the king, and carry out the king’s command.’ ### [30\_117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.30_117) Then the younger brother of Vatsarāja, seeing the radiant beauty of Bhoja’s face at the moment of abandoning his life, said: ### [32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.32) ‘Dharma alone is the friend who follows even in death; all else perishes together with the body. .. 32 .. ### [33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.33) For mother and wife do not remain there to assist, nor sons, nor friends, nor kin; dharma alone abides. .. 33 .. ### [34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.34) Though strong, he is powerless; though wealthy, he is destitute; and though learned, he is a fool—that person who is turned away from dharma. .. 34 .. ### [36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36) He who does not treat the ailment here \[in this world\]— having gone to a placeless realm devoid of medicine, what will that sick man do? .. 35 .. He who knows old age, death, fear, and disease is a learned man. Whether standing healthy, sitting, sleeping, or laughing with someone, .. 36 .. ### [36\_118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_118) He sees those of equal caste, age, and form snatched away by death; if you feel no terror at that, your heart is truly made of stone!’ .. 37 .. After this, when the time to surrender his life arrived, seeing the splendor of Bhoja’s radiant face, the younger brother of Vatsarāja said: ### [36\_119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_119) Dharma is the only friend who follows along even after death; everything else comes to destruction along with the annihilation of the body. At that time, neither mother, nor wife, nor son, nor friend, nor any relative stands by to help; only dharma remains. ### [36\_120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_120) A man who has turned his back on dharma, though powerful, is devoid of power; though rich, is poor; and though well-versed in the scriptures, is a fool. He who does not cure the disease of hell (sin) in this very world—having arrived at the place devoid of medicine (the other world), what will that sick man do? He who understands old age, death, fear, and disease is a wise man, whether he remains healthy or lies down, whether he sleeps or laughs with anyone. ### [36\_121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_121) \[O brother,\] you watch persons equal to yourself in caste, age, and form being carried away by death, yet you feel no fear; therefore, your heart is indeed like an adamant thunderbolt. Then Vatsarāja, overcome with remorse, said to Bhoja, 'Forgive me,' bowed down to him, seated him in a chariot, brought him outside the city in the darkness to a house, hid him inside an underground chamber, and thus protected Bhoja. Having himself had an artificial head of prince Bhoja crafted by artisans skilled in illusion—adorned with beautiful earrings, with a radiant face and closed eyes—his younger brother took it, went to the royal palace, bowed down to the king, and said: 'What Your Majesty commanded has been accomplished.' ### [36\_122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_122) Thereupon Vatsarāja, having attained detachment, said to Bhoja, 'Forgive \[me\],' bowed to him, placed him in a chariot, took him outside the city to a house situated in deep darkness, hid him in an underground chamber (cellar), and protected Bhoja. He himself had a head of Prince Bhoja made by those who know the art of crafting artificial objects, adorned with fine earrings, possessing a radiant face, with closed eyes; and taking it, his younger brother went to the royal palace, bowed to the king, and said: 'What Your Honor commanded has been carried out.' ### [36\_123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_123) Then the king, thinking his son had been slain, said to him: 'Vatsarāja, at the moment the sword struck, what did that son say?' Vatsa handed over that letter. The king, bringing a lamp by the hand of his queen, read the letters on that leaf: ### [36\_124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_124) 'Māndhātṛ, that king who was an ornament to the Golden Age, is gone; / where is that slayer of the ten-faced Rāvaṇa who built a bridge across the great ocean? / And other \[kings\], Yudhiṣṭhira and the rest, have also departed to heaven, O protector of the earth; / the earth went with not one of them, \[yet\] she will go with you, Muñja!' (58) ### [36\_125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_125) And the king, having understood its meaning, fell from the bed to the ground. ### [36\_126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_126) Then, knowing that the prince was killed, the king said to him: 'Vatsarāja, at the time the sword struck, did that son say anything?' Vatsa gave him that letter. Taking a lamp from the hand of his wife, the king began to read the characters written in the letter: 'Māndhātṛ, the lord of the earth who was the very ornament of the Golden Age, has departed; where indeed is that terminator of the ten-faced Rāvaṇa who constructed a bridge over the great ocean? O master of the earth, those others who were Yudhiṣṭhira and the like also went to heaven; this earth, full of wealth and grain, went with none; O Muñja, she will go with you!' ### [36\_127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_127) The king, understanding its meaning, fell from his bed onto the earth. / And then, regained his consciousness from the breeze of the corner of the garment waved by the queen's lotus hand, \[cried\]: 'Queen, ### [36\_128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.36_128) do not touch me, alas, alas, a son-slayer!' Wailing like an osprey, he called the doorkeepers and said: 'Bring the brahmins!' Then, bowing to the brahmins who had arrived at his command, he spoke to them, saying: 'I have killed my son; declare an expiation for it!' They said to him: 'O king, immediately enter the fire!' / After that, revived by the air created by the hem of the sari being waved by the lotus-like hands of the queen, the king wailed like an osprey, 'Queen, do not touch me, the murderer of a son!' and summoned the doorkeepers, saying: 'Bring the brahmins.' Thereafter, bowing to the brahmins who had arrived at his command, he said: 'I have murdered my son; declare the expiation for it.' As he was saying this, the brahmins said to him: 'O king, enter the fire at once.' ### [40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.40) Then Buddhisāgara came forward and said: 'Just as you are the vilest of kings, so Vatsarāja is the vilest of ministers. King Sindhula, having indeed given you the kingdom, placed Bhoja upon your lap. And you, his paternal uncle, did otherwise. 'During youth, which lasts only a few days and intoxicates the mind, the wicked / commit such a transgression that their very birth becomes in vain. (36) / The virtuous consider the removal of a blade of grass from their head to be worth offering ten million pieces of gold; / but the wicked, even when benefited at the cost of life itself, harbor only hostility toward others. (40)' ### [41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.41) 'For him by whom a benefit or an injury is forgotten, / this stone-hearted person's designation that "he is alive" is utterly false. (41)' ### [42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.42) 2 Bhoja... / 'Just as even an extremely tiny shoot, when protected with effort, / will bear fruit in time, so does the populace when well protected. (42)' ### [43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.43) 'Gold, grain, gems, and diverse riches, / as well as whatever else there may be, come to kings from their subjects. (43)' ### [44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44) 'When the king is righteous, they are most righteous; when he is wicked, they are constantly intent on evil. / They follow the king: as the king is, so are the subjects. (44)' ### [44\_129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44_129) Then Buddhisāgara came and said: 'Just as you are a base king, so Vatsarāja is a base minister. Having given you the kingdom, King Sindhula had placed Bhoja upon your lap, and you, his paternal uncle, reversed that...' ### [44\_130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44_130) '...Wicked persons, in their youth that lasts a few days and brings about arrogance, commit such a crime that their very birth becomes futile.' 'Good men consider even the removal of a blade of grass from their head as the offering of gold coins, / and the wicked, even toward one who does a kindness at the cost of his own life, maintain only enmity. / One who forgets a favor or a disservice, for that rock-hearted person the notion that "he is living" is vain.' ### [44\_131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44_131) 'Just as even a tiny sprout, if carefully tended, becomes fruit-bearing in due course, so too does a well-protected person.' "Gold, grain, gems, various kinds of wealth, and whatever else there is—all of that is obtained by kings from their subjects alone. The subjects are virtuous when the king is virtuous, and sinful when he is sinful. The subjects merely follow the king. As the king is, so are... ### [44\_132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44_132) Then, when the king had decided to enter the fire that very night, everyone \[gathered\]— ### [44\_133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44_133) popular rumor: '...the subjects.' ...'\[Bhoja has been\] saved.' And Buddhisāgara whispered something in his ear. Hearing that, Vatsarāja went out. ### [44\_134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44_134) Thereafter, once the king's entry into the fire was fixed for the night, all the nobles and citizens gathered together. The rumor spread everywhere: 'Terrified of sin after having murdered his son, the king is entering the fire.' Then Buddhisāgara summoned the doorkeeper and said, 'Let no one enter the palace.' Saying this, he had the king enter the royal women's quarters, and sat alone in the royal assembly hall. Thereupon, having heard the report concerning the king's \[imminent\] death, Vatsarāja arrived at the royal assembly hall, bowed to Buddhisāgara, and said softly: 'Father, I have saved King Bhoja.' Buddhisāgara said something in his ear. Hearing that, Vatsarāja departed. ### [44\_135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44_135) Then, after a short while, a Kāpālika ascetic entered the royal assembly, holding in his hand a staff made of a great elephant's tusk, his fresh mass of matted locks bound up, his entire body smeared with camphor-scented ashes, like the god of love embodied, his pair of ears adorned with crystal ear-ornaments, wearing a silk loincloth, like the moon-crested god Śiva in bodily form. Seeing him, Buddhisāgara said: 'O lord among yogins, from where have you come? And where is your residence? O Kāpālika, do you possess some miraculous skill or special medicine?' ### [44\_136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44_136) Thereafter, after about forty-eight minutes, a Kāpālika yogin entered the royal assembly, his hand adorned with a staff of an elephant's tusk, his matted hair tied up in front, his whole body rubbed with camphor-mixed ashes, appearing like Kāmadeva in person, his ears adorned with crystal earrings, wearing a silk loincloth, looking like Mahādeva himself wearing the moon upon his crest. Seeing him, Buddhisāgara asked: 'O king of yogins, where have you come from, and where is your dwelling place? O skull-bearer yogin, do you also possess any miraculous special art or special medicine?' ### [44\_137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44_137) The yogin said: ### [44\_138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.44_138) In land after land there is a dwelling; in house after house there is alms-food likewise; / and in pool and river there is water; Śiva, Śiva! for men who are yogins realizing the ultimate truth. // 42 ### [46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.46) In village after village there is a charming hut; in every waterfall, water; / in begging, food is easily had; what need is there for wealth? // 46 ### [46\_139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.46_139) 'Your Majesty, we have no single land. We wander the entire realm of the earth. We dwell in the instruction of our guru. We see the whole world like a myrobalan fruit in the palm of our hand. Father, one who is bitten by a snake, agitated by poison, seized by disease, whose head is split by a weapon, or whose body is slackened by death—we free them in that very moment from the entire mass of affliction.' ### [46\_140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.46_140) The yogin said: 'For yogins who know the auspicious ultimate truth of Śiva, there is a home in every country, alms-food in every home, and water in every lake and river. There is a lovely cottage in every village, water in every waterfall, food easily available by begging. What use do they have for wealth?' ### [46\_141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.46_141) 'Your Majesty, we do not belong to one country. We wander the entire globe. We abide by the guru's teachings. We see the whole sphere of the worlds like a gooseberry held in the palm of the hand. One bitten by a snake, suffering from poison, afflicted by illness, with head severed by a weapon, or grown cold in death—O father, we rid them of all afflictions in a mere moment.' ### [46\_142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.46_142) The king too, who had heard the whole incident while hidden behind a wall, came into the royal assembly, bowed flat like a stick before the Kāpālika, and said: 'O lord of yogins, like Rudra himself, devoted to the welfare of others, protect me by giving life to my son who was slain by me, a great sinner!' Then the Kāpālika said: 'O king, do not fear. Your son will not die. By the grace of Śiva he shall return home. But send the oblatory materials with Buddhisāgara to the cremation grounds.' Then Buddhisāgara was sent by the king, who said: 'Do everything exactly as the Kāpālika has commanded.' ### [46\_143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.46_143) The king, who had been standing hidden, having heard the entire account, also came into the royal assembly and, bowing down like a stick before the Kāpālika, said: 'O king of yogins, like Rudra, intent on helping others, save me, a great sinner, by bestowing life upon my slain son.' The Kāpālika said: 'O king, do not fear. Your son will not die. By Śiva's grace he will return home. But send the sacrificial articles with Buddhisāgara to the cremation ground.' Thereupon the king dispatched Buddhisāgara, saying, 'Do everything just as the Kāpālika has directed.' ### [46\_144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.46_144) Then, during the night, Bhoja was secretly brought to that riverbank. And the rumor spread: "Bhoja has been brought back to life by an ascetic!" Then, mounted upon a noble elephant, praised by bards, deafening the world with the din of kettledrums, tabors, and other instruments, surrounded by citizens and ministers, King Bhoja entered the royal palace. And the king, embracing him, wept. Bhoja, having comforted the weeping Muñja, praised him. ### [46\_145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.46_145) Then, during the night, Bhoja too was secretly taken to the riverbank. The renown spread: "Bhoja has been restored to life by the ascetic." Thereafter, having mounted the king of elephants, being lauded by bards, making the world deaf with the roars of nagārās, mṛdaṅgas, and other instruments, surrounded by the citizens and ministers, King Bhoja arrived at the royal palace. The king, embracing him, began to weep. Bhoja, having consoled the weeping Muñja, praised him. ### [46\_146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt.46_146) Thereupon, the gratified king, having seated him upon his own throne and adorned him with the royal parasol and chowries, gave him the kingdom. Having given a village to each of his own sons, he placed Jayanta, the object of his supreme affection, beside Bhoja. Then Muñja, intent upon salvation in the next world, went with his chief queens to a penance grove and performed supreme austerities. And King Bhoja, through the grace of the gods and brahmins, protected the kingdom. _First 176 of 1,284 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt)_ --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.short_stories.bhojaprabandha~en-mt) · Pramāṇa