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fifty yards far from the Royal Gate. The box was placed in the pandal by the astrologer. The king made a declaration on the lines suggested by Mahabal as follows :
The princess Malaya is lying in this big box. Just near the box are kept a bow and the arrows. From amongst you, whoever is able to open the box by only one arrow, he will be garlanded as a husband, by Malaya.'
One by one, all the kings began to try their might and skill. During this time Mahabal managed to slip away. He was not seen. Most of the kings could not even raise the string of the bow. And those who could do that much, could not open the box.
King Veerdhaval was disappointed. Is there no such a brave person who can open the box with one stroke ?
King Veerdhaval was also thinking that most of the forecasts of the astrologer
