In the kingdom of Gandhar, the rule of law was strict and unwavering. The king had
established laws for every aspect of life, and breaking these rules invited harsh
punishments. One such law prohibited any man from forming relations with a married
woman
Gurudatt, a wealthy businessman, longed for a family of his own. Despite his prosperity, his
heart yearned for companionship. One day, while visiting the temple, he saw a woman
whose beauty captivated him. Determined to know more about her, Gurudatt instructed his
servant to nd out her identity.
A few days later, the servant informed him that the woman was Chandar Sena, a married
woman whose husband was Jakant. Gurudatt was heartbroken. However, he later received a
letter from Chandar Sena herself, stating that she was impressed by him and promising to
meet him soon. Elated, Gurudatt eagerly awaited the day.
When Chandar Sena married Jakant, she openly told her husband about Gurudatt. Jakant,
appreciating her honesty, gave her permission to meet him. As the evening of the meeting
approached, Chandar Sena set out to ful ll her promise.
As darkness enveloped the road, a thief appeared and blocked her path. His intent was clear
—he wanted her jewelry. Though frightened at rst, Chandar Sena composed herself. She
explained her situation to the thief and promised to give him her jewelry if he allowed her to
proceed.
Moved by her words, the thief let her go. Upon meeting Gurudatt, he was astonished. “Why
did you come here at midnight? This was your rst night of Vibha with your husband! How
could you leave him to meet me?” he asked.
Chandar Sena replied calmly, “I promised I would meet you one day, and I came to keep my
word.”
Gurudatt, now uneasy, asked, “Does your husband know about this?
When Chandar Sena con rmed, Gurudatt declared, “You are now someone’s wife. I cannot
have any relationship with you. It is against the law of our kingdom.” Saddened but resolute,
Chandar Sena returned home.
The thief, who had witnessed Chandar Sena’s courage, re ected, “I will praise your husband
for allowing you to meet your lover. You risked your life, and yet Gurudatt refused your
advances and sent you back. I understand your pain. Go home peacefully,” he told her.
Upon reaching home, Chandar Sena recounted the entire incident to Jakant. He listened but
was indi erent and angry. “King, minister, wife, a person’s hair and nails look good only in
their respective places. The beauty of a married woman lies in her faithfulness to her
husband,” Jakant remarked.
Betal’s Question
Betal concluded his story and turned to King Vikramaditya. “Tell me, King Vikram: among
Jakant, the thief, and Gurudatt, who is the best? If you do not answer, your head will be
shattered into pieces.”
King Vikramaditya pondered for a moment before replying, “The thief is the best among the
three. Jakant’s indi erence toward his wife’s courage and honesty re ects poorly on him.
Gurudatt acted out of fear of the law, not integrity. But the thief, despite being a criminal,
showed compassion. He spared Chandar Sena’s life and even comforted her in her sorrow.
For this, the thief is the best.”
King Vikramadity
Betal, pleased with the answer, said, “You are truly wise and just, O King. But since you
spoke, I must return to the Peepal tree.”
As always, Betal ew back to the tree. Determined to ful ll his promise to the Sadhu, King
Vikramaditya followed without hesitation. Reaching the tree, he retrieved Betal, placed him
on his shoulders, and resumed his journey. On the way, Betal began narrating yet another
story