King Vikramaditya once again sought out the Betal on the tree. The Betal, astonished to see him, said, “King, you bring me here repeatedly; surely you are tired of me.” The king remained silent. The Betal, sensing this, continued, “Very well, I shall tell you another story. It will certainly not bore you.” And the Betal began his tale.
In Kannauj lived a deeply religious Brahmin. He had a young daughter, Vidruma, exceptionally beautiful. Her face was like the moon, her complexion like polished gold. In the same city lived three learned Brahmin youths. They were all enamored of Vidruma and wished to marry her. They had proposed repeatedly, but the Brahmin father had always refused.
One day, Vidruma fell ill. Though the Brahmin did everything to save her, she succumbed and passed away. The three youths, along with the Brahmin father, mourned for many days, resolving to spend the rest of their lives in remembrance of Vidruma. The first youth made her ashes his bed, begging for alms throughout the day and sleeping on them at night. The second youth collected Vidruma's bones, immersed them in the Ganges, and lay down to sleep under the starlight by the riverbank.
The third Brahmin youth took up the life of an ascetic, wandering from village to village, begging for his sustenance. A merchant invited him to stay the night at his home. Accepting the invitation, the youth went to the merchant's house. As they all sat down to eat, the merchant's young child began to cry loudly. The mother tried everything to quiet him, but he continued crying. In frustration, she lifted the child and threw him into the fireplace. Instantly, the child was reduced to ashes. The Brahmin youth, witnessing this horrifying act, was filled with horror. Shaking with anger, he pushed aside his food and declared, “You are cruel! You have killed an innocent child. This is a sin. I cannot partake of your meal.”
The host, pleading, said, “Please forgive me. Please stay and see that no cruelty has taken place. My child is entirely safe. I can restore him to life.” With that, he performed a prayer, taking out a small book and reciting some incantations. Immediately, the child revived. The Brahmin could not believe his eyes. Then, a thought struck him. While the host slept, the Brahmin took the book of incantations and, leaving the village, returned to his own abode.
Now, he wished to bring Vidruma back to life. He needed her ashes and bones. He sought out the other two Brahmin youths and said, “Brothers, we can revive Vidruma, but I need her ashes and bones.” They brought them to him. As soon as he recited the incantations, Vidruma emerged from her ashes, standing upright. She was even more beautiful than before. The three Brahmin youths were overjoyed. Now, they began to contend for her hand in marriage.
The Betal paused and asked the king, “King, which of the three is most suitable to be her husband?” King Vikramaditya replied, “The first Brahmin youth.” The Betal smiled. The king continued, “The third Brahmin brought her back to life with incantations, acting as a father. The second Brahmin cared for her bones, like a son. But the first Brahmin slept with her ashes, showing the devotion of a true lover. Thus, he is the most worthy.” “You are correct,” said the Betal, and with a final flight, he disappeared onto the banyan tree.
