Story Summary
In Betaal's Final Question, King Vikram learns of the monk's treachery. Discover how the King outsmarts the sorcerer in this thrilling Vikram and Betaal finale.
King Vikramaditya once again climbed the ancient banyan tree to capture the elusive Betaal. As they trekked toward the cremation ground, the Betaal did not tell a fictional riddle this time. Instead, he revealed the dark truth about the tantric monk, Shantipala. 'O King,' the ghost whispered, 'the monk who sent you seeks to sacrifice you to the goddess to gain ultimate power. He will ask you to bow before the altar; when you do, he will strike.' Vikram reached the monk, who completed the ritual and asked the King to prostrate himself. Remembering Betaal's warning, Vikram replied, 'I am a King and have never bowed. Show me the proper way.' As the monk knelt to demonstrate, Vikram swiftly drew his sword and decapitated the traitor. Pleased with the King's wisdom and courage, Betaal granted him a boon and finally agreed to accompany him, ending their long cycle of stories.
The Moral
True wisdom lies in discernment and being wary of those who offer rewards through the labor of others.
“I am a King, and I do not know how to bow; show me the way, and I shall follow.”
Fun Fact
The 'Baital Pachisi' was originally written in Sanskrit over 2,500 years ago and has been translated into nearly every major Indian language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Betaal's Final Question?
The moral is to always be alert to hidden intentions and to never blindly trust those who seek to use you for their own gain. It emphasizes that true wisdom involves seeing through deception to protect oneself.
Who was the monk Shantipala in the story?
Shantipala was a deceitful tantric sorcerer who tricked King Vikram into capturing the Betaal. His ultimate goal was to sacrifice the King during a ritual to obtain supernatural powers and rule the world.
Why did Betaal warn King Vikram about the monk?
Betaal respected Vikram's relentless determination, sense of justice, and honesty throughout their many encounters. By revealing the monk's plot, Betaal tested the King's ability to act on wisdom rather than just solving riddles.
How did King Vikram outsmart the monk?
When the monk asked Vikram to prostrate himself for the sacrifice, Vikram feigned ignorance of the ritual. He asked the monk to demonstrate how to bow, and when the monk knelt down, Vikram used the opportunity to slay him.
What is the significance of the 'Final Question'?
Unlike the previous stories where Betaal asked a riddle to make Vikram speak, the final encounter is a test of action. It marks the conclusion of their journey where Vikram finally achieves his goal through silence and decisive combat.
Where does the story of Vikram and Betaal come from?
The stories are part of the 'Baital Pachisi' or 'Vetala Panchavimshati,' an ancient Indian collection of 25 tales. They are centered around the legendary King Vikramaditya and a celestial spirit known as a Vetala (Betaal).
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