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Mahakal, The Monster
183
for your teacher's son, then safeguard his life.. It is left to you. You may do whatever you deem fit. .” She said angrily; and got up to leave the court. Suddenly, Vasu began to shudder. Only one question kept repeatedly rising in his mind :
"What should I do? Which loyalty shall I prefer to the other ? If I try to save the life of my teacher's son, I will have to give up my ideal of truthfulness which I have followed throughout my life and if I should keep up my ideals it will be like throwing my teacher's son into the very jaws of death and the heart of my teacher's wife will be broken". King Vasu's mind was deeply agitated. He saw his teacher's wife, standing angry and helpless. He visualised the dreadful sight of his teacher's son cutting off his tongue. He got up at once; approached his teacher's wife who was going away; and stood before her with folded hands. He said in a polite manner;
"Mother; do not worry. Give up your agitation. I shall give my judgement in favour of Parvat. This is certain and I will not fail to keep up my promise even if the sun rises in the west instead of in the east”.
The Acharya's wife showered upon King Vasu the flowers of heartfelt blessings and returned to the Ashram.
Parvat and I went to the court of King Vasu. I was absolutely fearless because I was pure at heart and I knew that my interpretation was right but Parvat's face was gloomy and fearful. High state officials, courtiers, many scholars, poets, artists and others were present in the court. The Royal court was also the court of justice. It is to be mentioned that there were in the royal court judges who were impartial in dispensing justice.
King Vasu sitting on the throne of Sphatika looked like the moon smiling in the blue sky. Very soon the court began its activity. First of all, my teacher's son Parvat deposed and stated his contention with an example. Then, in a serious voice, I recited the hymns and tried to establish my view. I placed my argument before the court. Both of us requested King Vasu to deliver an impartial judgement after weighing our statements in the scales of justice.
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