Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
In the Padma Purana,
Seeing those ascetics who had attained the state of non-attachment, King Kalankar was inspired and desired to take the vow of a Shraman (Jain monk). [56]
However, the Purohit (priest) named Shrutirat, who was influenced by the false teachings of Vasu and Parvat, misled him with the statement, "O King! The Vedic Dharma has been passed down through your lineage. Therefore, if you are truly the son of King Haripati, then follow the Vedic Dharma." [57-58]
"O King! For now, follow the Vedic rituals. Later, after establishing your son on the throne, you can pursue the welfare of your soul. O King! Be gracious to me." [59]
King Kalankar agreed, saying, "It is as you say." His beloved queen, Shridhama, who was involved with another man, observed this and thought, "It seems this king has discovered my infidelity and is seeking to renounce the world. Or perhaps he will not renounce the world. Who knows the workings of his mind? I will poison him and kill him." [60-62]
Driven by the sin of contemplating the killing of animals, both the king and the Purohit were reborn as rabbits in a forest called Nikunj. [63]
Then, propelled by the force of karma, they successively took birth as a frog, a rat, a peacock, a serpent, and a deer. [64]
The Purohit was reborn as an elephant, while King Kalankar was reborn as a frog. The elephant crushed the frog to death with its foot. [65]
The frog was reborn in a dry lake and was eaten by crows. He then became a rooster, while the elephant was reborn as a cat. [66]
King Kalankar's soul remained a rooster for three births, and the Purohit, reborn as a cat, ate the rooster. [67]
The king and the Purohit were then reborn as a fish and a crocodile, respectively. They were caught in a net by a fisherman and killed with an axe. [68]
The crocodile was reborn as a...