Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.3872

c9.3872

5) Vararuci becoming a Minister. Education was finished. It was time for Vyāli and Indradatta to give presents to the teacher Varṣa. The teacher demanded a crore of Vilkas (a Venetian ducat used for neck-ornament). They were not having so much wealth. They went with Vararuci to Nanda, the King of Ayodhyā, and the Brother-in-law of Vararuci. When they reached Ayodhyā, they heard that the King had just died. Indradatta said “By the practice of contemplation I shall enter the body of the King. Vararuci should come and beg money of me. Till my return Vyāli must keep my body.” “The spirit of Indradatta immediately entered the King’s body. The dead King rose up. People were struck with wonder. They celebrated a festival. Vyāli kept the body of Indradatta within a temple. Vararuci went to the presence of the King and begged for a crore of Vilkas. The King called his minister Śakaṭāla and told him to give Vararuci a crore of Vilkas. Śakaṭāla, who was an intelligent man, felt some doubt in the coming to life of the King. He decided that some one might have entered the body of the King. He ordered that every dead body in the city should be burnt. Along with the bodies, the body of Indradatta also was taken by force from Vyāli. At this time the King compelled Śakaṭāla to give the beggar Vilkas. But till the dead bodies were burnt, Śakaṭāla did not obey him. Because his body was burnt Indradatta had to remain in the body of the King. Śakaṭāla gave Vararuci the required amount. But of what use was the money? Indradatta had become the King. The King and Vyāli made a secret consultation, as a result of which Vararuci was made the Prime Minister. Śakaṭāla was charged with Brahmahatyā and was put into a dungeon with his hundred sons. They were allowed fried and powdered grain and a ‘ceratu’ (a measure) of water as food for each.