As King Vikramaditya carried Betal on his shoulders, Betal began narrating yet another story.
The Love Story of Bhadravat and Lilavati
A Brahmin named Bhadravat lived in the city of Churpur. One day, he attended a marriage
ceremony where he saw a beautiful and captivating girl named Lilavati. Bhadravat fell in love
with her at rst sight, and to his delight, Lilavati also liked him. Bhadravat proposed marriage
to Lilavati, and she accepted. They married quickly, and Bhadravat brought her to his home.
For some time, their married life was lled with happiness. The couple often spent their
time together, exploring new places and enjoying each other’s company. One day,
Bhadravat planned a trip to the seashore, hoping to enjoy the cool breeze and scenic beauty
with his wife. As they sat near the waves, a sudden and powerful tide swept Lilavati away
into the sea. Bhadravat was left helpless and devastated.
Bhadravat’s Despair and Wandering
Unable to cope with the loss of his beloved wife, Bhadravat’s mental state deteriorated. He
wandered aimlessly, overcome with grief, and reached a state of poverty and despair. His
appearance changed drastically; he became frail and emaciated.
Eventually, Bhadravat arrived in a place called Kancharpur, where his father’s friend Vasudev
lived. Vasudev tried to care for Bhadravat, o ering him food and shelter, but Bhadravat
refused to eat. His sorrow had consumed him, and he showed no interest in life.
The Fatal Kheer
One day, Vasudev decided to prepare a special meal for Bhadravat to improve his health. He
instructed his wife to cook sweet kheer made of milk and rice. Vasudev’s wife prepared the
kheer and handed it to Bhadravat, hoping it would bring him some comfort. Bhadravat,
however, took the bowl of kheer to the garden, where he sat and reminisced about Lilavati.
Overwhelmed by his memories, Bhadravat fell into a deep sleep, leaving the bowl of kheer
untouched beside him. During this time, a poisonous snake emerged from a nearby tree
hollow. The snake, acting on its natural instincts, spat its venom into the bowl of kheer
before retreating to its hole.
When Bhadravat awoke, he was famished. Unaware of the venom, he consumed the kheer.
Shortly after eating, he began to feel unwell. His body trembled, his vision blurred, and he
eventually collapsed outside Vasudev’s house, shouting accusations of being poisoned.
Moments later, Bhadravat died.
Tragedy Unfolds
Vasudev was horri ed to nd Bhadravat dead. In his grief and anger, he accused his wife of
intentionally poisoning the kheer. Shocked and heartbroken by the accusation, Vasudev’s
wife ran behind the house and took her own life by hanging herself in the well.
Betal’s Question
After recounting the tragic events, Betal asked King Vikramaditya, “King Vikram, tell me who
is guilty in this story. Is it Vasudev, Bhadravat, or the snake? Or was it Vasudev’s wife who
should be blamed for the death of Bhadravat and herself? Who is at fault?
King Vikramaditya’s Answer
After thinking for a moment, King Vikramaditya replied, “None of the individuals in this story
can be held entirely guilty. Bhadravat’s mental state was fragile due to the loss of his wife,
making him unable to act rationally. Vasudev’s wife had no ill intentions; she prepared the
kheer with love and care. As for the snake, it was merely acting according to its nature—it
spat venom without malice or knowledge of the consequences. Blaming the snake would be
as futile as blaming the wind.”
Betal asked, “Then who is responsible for these deaths?”
The king responded, “The root cause lies in Bhadravat’s unresolved grief and inability to
accept reality. However, his state of mind was not entirely his fault, as it was shaped by his
tragic circumstances. This chain of events was an unfortunate alignment of fate, and no one
can be held solely accountable.”
Betal’s Response
Betal said, “King Vikramaditya, you have once again demonstrated your wisdom and
fairness. Your answer is correct—this tragedy was a result of fate rather than intentional
wrongdoing. However, because you spoke, I must return to the Peepal tree.”
With these words, Betal ew away from Vikramaditya’s shoulders. The king, determined to
keep his promise to the sage, chased after Betal once again