It was a dark, moonless night. The cremation ground was silent and eerie. Jackals howled and lightning crackled occasionally. Shadows danced weirdly, creating a scary scene. But King Vikramaditya remained undeterred and brave.

He walked confidently towards an ancient tree. Bones crunched under his feet as he walked. A ghostly figure screeched and vanished suddenly. Undeterred, King Vikramaditya reached the tree quickly. He took down the body swiftly and carefully.

Suddenly, the spirit in the body spoke. 'O King Vikramaditya, you’re doing this for someone. Are you sure they truly deserve it? Even heavenly beings make judgment mistakes sometimes. Listen to this story about a mistake.'

The spirit began its tale:

Long ago, in the mystical Gandharvas' realm, there was a celestial being named Chitrarath. He served under King Indradyumna, the Gandharva ruler. Chitrarath loved a beautiful apsara  named Suvarna. He proposed to her one fine day. Suvarna gave him an ivory casket. She said, 'Fill this with gems for me.'

Chitrarath was unsure about what to do. He went to King Indradyumna for help. The king agreed to give the gems. But he set a test for Chitrarath's love. 'Stand still while I throw these gems. The gems that hit you are yours.'

Chitrarath stood bravely, but the first gem hurt. It hit him hard on the forehead. He cried out in pain instantly. He begged the king to stop throwing. The king was disappointed and frustrated. ‘You claim to love Suvarna deeply. Yet you cannot bear a little pain.’

In anger, King Indradyumna cursed Chitrarath. He had to live on Earth as human. Feeling sorry, the king added, ‘I’ll fill Suvarna’s casket with gems. Find a true lover on Earth. Give the casket to them to break the curse.’

Chitrarath, now human, wandered the Earth. He disguised himself as a holy man. He eventually reached a village called Janakpur.

In Janakpur lived a young man, Prakash. He had a big family including his brother Shaurya. Shaurya was responsible and took care of everyone. Prakash, however, was a bit lazy. He liked to take life easy.

At Shaurya’s wedding, Prakash met Madhavi. She was the sister of Shaurya’s bride. Prakash fell in love with her. He asked her to marry him. But Madhavi said, 'Buy us a house first. Use money you earn yourself.'

Prakash was puzzled and didn't know what to do. He had never worked in his life. It would take a long time. He thought of giving up completely. But Madhavi’s memory haunted him continuously. He was determined to prove his love.

Seeing Prakash troubled, Shaurya encouraged him. ‘If your love is true, find a way. Earn the money for the house. Madhavi will wait if she loves you.’

Prakash went into a nearby forest. He met Chitrarath, disguised as a holy man. Chitrarath listened to Prakash’s troubles patiently. He gave him three tasks to earn treasure.

The first task: sit in a cave. Keep your eyes closed all night. Chant Lord Hanuman’s name without stopping. Prakash completed the task despite noises. The second task: retrieve a key from a scary statue. Endure terrible pain but retrieve it.

Prakash managed it, though it hurt him. For the final task, break a lock. It was on the ivory casket. Though his fingers bled, he succeeded. Chitrarath then revealed his true form. He thanked Prakash for his help. He was freed him from curse. He gave Prakash the casket of gems.

However, Prakash saw only hissing snakes. Chitrarath explained, 'The gems appear as snakes because . there is someone with purer love than you. Bring your family here to see.'

Prakash brought his family. They all saw snakes in the casket. Except for Shaurya, who saw gems. Chitrarath handed the casket to Shaurya. He returned to his celestial home gratefully.

Finishing the story, the spirit asked King Vikramaditya, 'Why did Prakash see snakes while Shaurya saw gems?'

King Vikramaditya replied, 'Prakash’s love focused only on Madhavi. Shaurya’s love extended to his family. Shaurya’s love was greater and purer. Thus, he deserved the gems more.'

And so, the spirit flew back. King Vikramaditya prepared to retrieve the body again.

Teaching of the Story:

This story teaches selfless love. Prakash’s love for Madhavi was strong. But Shaurya’s love was broader and selfless. True treasures come from selfless care for others.

Knowledge Bank

Which are the Upanishads of Shukla Yajurveda?

Primarily - Isha Upanishad and Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. There are a few more lesser known Upanishads - Jabala Upanishad, Hamsa Upanishad, Subala Upanishad, Mantrika Upanishad, Trisikhi-Brahmana Upanishad, Mandala-Brahmana Upanishad, Turiyatita-Avadhuta Upanishad, Satyayani Upanishad.

Cmmitment to responsibilites

Stability and respect come only through commitment to one's duties, while the absence of dedication leads to instability and a lack of foundation for a family or society. A truly dedicated person can uphold and protect their dharma, while others who lack such dedication cannot achieve this. Dedication is thus essential for success and the fulfillment of responsibilities.