________________
8 UTTAMKUMAR
Once upon a time, King Makaradhwaja reigoed at the city of Varanasi. Lakshmivati was the name of his wife. Both of them were virtuous, benevolent and just. The people had the greatest regard for the monarch and the king was always kind to them. But uofortunately there was no son born to the king and so chances were that the line would end with him. After many years, however, a son was born and the king's wishes were thus fulfilled. The prince's intellect, conscience, beauty and intelligence were all of the topmost quality, because of which he was given the name Uttamkumar. On crossing the threshold of childhood, as Uttamkumar moved on to youth, his maaliness and vigour began to grow steadily, as also did his personality.
One day, the prince was sitting in his palace absorbed in deep thought He was dreaming about a happy future The river Ganga was flowing within his sight. The prince's eyes were drawn to its serenity Suddenly, some sweet music poured into his ears. Together with the melodious tune, the wording of the song also carried some meaning, so that the prince began to listen carefully. The song had the following purport :
It is fit and proper for a person to enjoy the property of his father during his childhood, but if he continues to do the same after 16, it only makes him lazy and good-forpotning. He must travel far and wide to gather experience and learn more and more skills. He should depend only upon himself and try his own lock. He should never forsake the path of virtue and morality. He must at least once visit a foreign land."
This harmonious yet meaningful song pulled up the dormant feelings in the heart of Uttamkumar His mapliness was touched. The music had shown him the way and he
