Betaal began telling another story, this time about a worried father named Vasudhar.
Vasudhar was always deeply concerned about his four sons. While he was alive, he ensured
that his sons never had to worry about food or drink, taking care of all their needs. However,
this left his sons with no opportunity to learn or enjoy their lives. Vasudhar often wondered
what would become of them when he was no longer there to provide for them.
One day, Vasudhar gathered his four sons and expressed his concerns. “I am very worried
about all of you,” he said. “When I am no longer here, who will take care of you? You must
acquire knowledge and skills; otherwise, you will only regret it later in life.”
His words struck a chord with his sons, and they decided to pursue education. Vasudhar
then told them, “One of my friends is skilled in the art of magic. Go to him and learn from
him.” Vasudhar wrote a letter to his friend, saying, “Dear friend, I am sending my four sons
to you. They have grown up enough to learn something useful. Please teach them your art.”
Vasudhar blessed his sons and sent them on their way. The four brothers traveled to the
friend’s home and began their studies in magic. After many years of rigorous training, they
mastered the art and decided to return home. On their journey back, they passed through a
dense forest.
As they walked, they came across a pile of bones and skin beneath a tree. From its
appearance, it seemed to belong to a lion that had been dead for some time. Eager to test
their newly acquired magical knowledge, the brothers decided to bring the lion back to life.
The rst brother used his magic to assemble the skeleton, carefully placing the bones in
their correct positions. The second brother added esh to the skeletal frame, while the third
brother covered it with skin, making the lion look as though it were simply asleep. Finally, the
fourth brother recited mantras to breathe life into the creature.
As soon as the lion came to life, it roared ferociously. Its primal hunger took over, and it
immediately attacked and devoured all four brothers.
Betal’s Question
After nishing the tale, Betaal turned to King Vikramaditya and asked, “Tell me, O King, who
among the four brothers was the biggest fool? If you know the answer and choose not to
speak, I will break your head into pieces.”
King Vikramaditya considered the story and then replied, “The fourth brother was the
biggest fool among them. He was the one who gave life to the lion without thinking of the
consequences. His actions not only endangered himself but also his brothers, leading to
their deaths.”
Betaal, satis ed with the king’s answer, said, “You have given the correct answer, King
Vikram. However, because you spoke, I will return to the Peepal tree.” With that, Betaal ew
o the king’s shoulder and returned to the tree
Sahasavan Veeryavan
Undeterred, King Vikramaditya made his way cautiously back to the Peepal tree. The corpse
was hanging upside down as before. He brought it down, placed it on his shoulders, and
once again started walking toward his kingdom, determined to ful ll his promise.