करनी का फल
Summary
The story begins with King Naravahan and Queen Kamala of Galanagar, who have a son named Lalitangkumar. The prince is raised with great care, excels in all arts and subjects, and possesses beauty and virtues. He develops a close friendship with Sajjan, who despite his name, has wicked tendencies. One day, the king gives the prince a valuable necklace. While touring the city, the prince gives the necklace to beggars out of compassion. Sajjan informs the king, who scolds the prince for excessive generosity. The prince initially curbs his charity but later resumes it, leading the king to exile him. Sajjan accompanies him. In the forest, Sajjan tricks the prince into a bet about whether virtue or vice is better. The prince loses and becomes Sajjan's slave. In a second bet, the prince loses his eyes. Sajjan abandons him. The prince overhears two birds discussing that a vine on his tree can cure blindness. He uses it to restore his own sight and keeps a piece. He travels to Champapur, where King Jit Shatru's blind daughter, Pushpavati, lives. The prince cures her and receives half the kingdom and her hand in marriage. Sajjan later arrives as a beggar. The prince welcomes him, but the queen distrusts Sajjan. The king asks Sajjan about the prince's background. Sajjan lies, claiming the prince is a servant's son and that he is the real prince. The king orders the execution of anyone entering a certain door. The prince sends Sajjan, who is killed. The king learns the truth, apologizes, and gives the prince the kingdom. The prince rules well and eventually attains liberation.
Conclusion
The story illustrates that deceit and selfishness ultimately lead to self-destruction, while virtue and forgiveness are rewarded. The prince’s unwavering goodness, even after betrayal, restores his sight and position, and his mercy toward his treacherous friend highlights the power of compassion. However, the friend’s own plot backfires, causing his death, which reinforces the moral that evil actions bring their own punishment. The tale also emphasizes that true leadership requires balancing generosity with wisdom, as the prince learns from his father’s counsel. Ultimately, the prince rules justly and attains spiritual liberation, suggesting that integrity and forgiveness lead to lasting peace and fulfillment, while malice and greed only result in ruin.