The Beetal hung happily from a branch of a tree, when Vikramaditya, returning to the spot, dislodged him and placed him on his shoulder. The Beetal then began his story. A long time ago, in the kingdom of Madhupura, a benevolent king named Vrishabhanu ruled. He was a very wise ruler, and his subjects lived in peace. Just outside the kingdom lay a dense forest. Within this forest, a band of robbers resided, led by Ugrasail. This gang preyed upon the villages around the forest, plundering and causing mayhem. The people of Madhupura lived in constant fear. All attempts by the king to capture the robbers had proved futile.
The robbers always covered their faces with the edges of their turbans, making them impossible to identify. Years passed in this manner. Ugrasail then married a beautiful and kind woman. She did not support his criminal activities; she often tried to reform him, but Ugrasail refused to listen to her. After some time, Ugrasail had a son, an event that changed the course of his life. He became gentle and compassionate. Driven by paternal love, he stopped attacking women and children after committing robberies.
One day, after a meal, Ugrasail relaxed and fell asleep. In his dream, he saw the king's soldiers capturing him and his wife and children being thrown into a river. Startled awake, drenched in sweat, Ugrasail made a firm decision. He would abandon his life of crime and embrace honesty. He summoned his gang members and declared his intention. In unison, they responded, "Leader, you cannot do this. What will we do without you?" Ugrasail's decision deeply upset his gang, and they began plotting to kill him.
To protect himself and his family, Ugrasail fled the forest that night and sought refuge at the royal palace. Leaving his wife and children behind, he climbed to the royal chambers and, through a window, entered the king's resting room. He fell at the king's feet, begging for forgiveness. The king, startled, rose and cried out, "Guards! Stop the thief!" The guards immediately apprehended Ugrasail. Ugrasail, with folded hands and a humble tone, said, "Your Majesty, I am not a thief. I have come to reform my ways and ask for your forgiveness. My wife and child are with me. I have no place to keep them. I will tell you the truth."
Seeing the tears in Ugrasail's eyes and the sincerity in his words, the king gave him permission to leave. After hearing his complete confession, the king presented him with a small pouch filled with gold coins. "Take this," he said, "use it to begin a life of honesty. You are free to go wherever you please. Promise me you will return in one year and tell me you have abandoned your wicked ways." Ugrasail was overjoyed. With tears in his eyes, he touched the king's feet, took the pouch, and that very night, he left the city with his family.
The Beetal asked King Vikramaditya, "Your Majesty, do you think the king did the right thing by releasing such a cruel robber?" Vikramaditya replied, "King Vrishabhanu's compassionate act is a perfect example of his benevolence and wisdom. A king's primary duty is to make the wrongdoer understand their mistakes. Since Ugrasail had realized his error, the king's act of forgiveness was justified. This sets a precedent. Perhaps hearing this example, other robbers may choose to surrender."
Satisfied with Vikramaditya's response, the Beetal immediately flew to the tree, and the king went to fetch him.
