As King Vikramaditya carried Betal on his shoulders, Betal began narrating another tale, as
was his custom.
The Brahmin’s Dilemma
In the city of Dharamsthal, a Brahmin named Keshav lived with his wife, son, and a beautiful,
well-educated daughter named Madhumalti. They lived a happy and prosperous life, but as
Madhumalti grew older, her parents became concerned about nding a suitable groom for
her. They sought advice from friends and relatives, and soon, the entire city was abuzz with
the news of their search.
Three Suitors for Madhumalti
One day, Keshav met a young Pandit named Madho, whom he considered a suitable match
for his daughter. Keshav met Madho’s parents, and they agreed to the proposal. Keshav
returned home to inform his wife of his choice, only to discover that she had already chosen
another young man named Vaman for their daughter. Vaman’s family had also agreed to the
marriage.
Later that evening, Keshav’s son came home with news of his own. He had found yet
another suitor for Madhumalti—a noble and kind-hearted man named Madhusudan. This
left the family in a quandary: three proposals, all equally appealing, had come in on the same
day. Unable to decide, they resolved to let Madhumalti choose her husband.
Tragedy Strikes
The three suitors were invited to meet Madhumalti. While the family deliberated, a terrible
tragedy struck. A venomous snake entered the room and bit Madhumalti, killing her
instantly. Her death plunged everyone into despair, especially the three suitors.
Madhusudan decided to leave the city and wander aimlessly. Vaman built a hut near
Madhumalti’s ashes and began living there, mourning her deeply. Meanwhile, Madho placed
her bones in an urn and devoted himself to guarding them in a monastery.
The Magic Book
One night, while wandering, Madhusudan sought shelter at a house. The family welcomed
him, but during the night, he overheard a erce argument between the husband and wife. In
a t of rage, the husband threw their son into a re, killing him. Consumed by guilt, the
husband retrieved a magical book, recited mantras, and brought his son back to life by
pouring water over his ashes and bones.
Madhusudan realized the power of the book and decided to use it to resurrect Madhumalti.
Under the cover of darkness, he stole the book and ed to the cremation ground, where he
met Vaman and Madho. Sharing the secret of the book, Madhusudan suggested they use it
to bring Madhumalti back to life.
The Resurrection
Following the instructions in the book, the three suitors worked together. Vaman retrieved
the ashes, Madho provided the bones, and Madhusudan recited the mantras. Madhumalti
was brought back to life, stunning them all with her beauty and grace.
However, their joy soon turned into a heated debate. Each suitor claimed the right to marry
Madhumalti: Vaman, for preserving her ashes; Madho, for safeguarding her bones; and
Madhusudan, for using the mantras to restore her life
Betal’s Question
After nishing the story, Betal posed his question to King Vikramaditya: “O King, tell me, who
among the three suitors has the right to marry Madhumalti? If you fail to answer, I will break
your head into pieces.”
King Vikramaditya’s Answer
King Vikramaditya contemplated the question for a moment and then replied, “Each suitor
played a vital role in bringing Madhumalti back to life, but their contributions de ne their
relationship to her. Madhusudan, who gave her life, is like a father to her. Madho, who
guarded her bones, acted as a son. Vaman, however, kept her ashes close to his heart and
mourned her as his beloved. This devotion makes him her true husband. Madhumalti should
marry Vaman.”
Betal’s Response
Betal was impressed. “Your answer is praiseworthy, O King Vikramaditya. You are indeed
wise and just. However, because you have spoken, I must return to the Peepal tree.”
With that, Betal ew back to the tree. King Vikramaditya, true to his promise and undeterred
by the ghost’s tricks, once again pursued Betal, determined to bring him back to the sage