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UTTAMKUMAR
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decided to try his luck. He took no time to dress himself up But what about seeking the permission of his father, the king He knew that his father would, under no circumstances, allow him to go, but go he must Should he then go without taking the permission of the king ? This point almost raised a storm in his mind But at last he took a firm decision to move out without taking the permission of the 'king
On horse back, Uttamkumar left Varanasi before the sun was up He passed through many villages and cities and crossed many mountains and rivers At last, after many days' ride, he reached a port named Bharuch There lived a very rich merchant named Kuverdatta in that coastal town. He was preparing to go on a long voyage He had collected many ships and was loading them with wares As the merchant himself was supervising the loading at the port, his eyes fell on Uttamkumar who was passing by that way. He said,
“Hallo young man ! Who are you? How have you come to this port ?”
-"Sethi I am a prince I left my own city with a view to gathering experience by travelling abroad."
''If that be your desire, then come with me The ships are ready. I have to see many lands to sell my things. I think, our company will be mutually profitable to us"
Uttamkumar too was looking for a chance and it had come so upasked for He accepted the merchant's invitation The voyage started. The ships had sailed over to a great distance It was really an enjoyable voyage. But all on a -sudden, a trouble arose A thunderous sound became audible and all saw to their greatest alarm that a big monster was rushing towards them and shouting-'I shall eat you up” The passengers were half dead with fear. At this moment, Kuverdatta came to Uttamkumar and said,
"Brave young man ! You are a ksatriya. If you show your skill at this difficult moment, we may all be saved "
