In ancient times, King Brahmadatta ruled the magnificent city of Varanasi. The Bodhisatta was born to him as his eldest son, Prince Mahisasa. When the Bodhisatta was just a toddler, a brother was born to him, named Prince Chandra. Sadly, a few years later, their mother passed away. The king eventually remarried, and his new queen became the center of his world.
In due time, the new queen gave birth to a son, who was named Prince Surya. Overjoyed by the birth of the new prince, the king granted the queen a boon, promising to give her whatever she desired. The queen, however, did not ask for anything immediately. She politely replied, “My Lord, I shall claim this boon when the need arises.”
The Shadow of Greed and Exile
Years passed, and Prince Surya grew into a young man. One day, the queen reminded the king of his promise. “My Lord, when this boy was born, you granted me a boon. He is now of age. I ask you to grant him the throne.”
The king was taken aback. “My first two sons are entirely worthy of the throne. They shine as brightly as a blazing fire. I cannot strip them of their rights to crown your son.”
But the queen was relentless. She badgered the king day and night, demanding the kingdom for her son. Observing her obsession, the king feared that the wicked queen might plot to assassinate his elder sons to clear the path for Surya.
Summoning Mahisasa and Chandra, the king explained the peril. “My dear sons, your stepmother demands the kingdom for her son, claiming an old boon. I refuse to grant it, but the malice of a greedy woman knows no bounds. She might attempt to take your lives. For your own safety, you must leave the palace and seek refuge in the forest.” Weeping bitterly, the king kissed his sons and bid them farewell.
As the two princes left the palace, Prince Surya, who loved his elder brothers dearly, learned of their exile. Heartbroken by the circumstances, he refused the throne and decided to abandon his royal life, joining his brothers in the wild.
The Demon of the Enchanted Lake
The three princes traveled far until they reached the serene foothills of the Himalayas. One day, feeling thirsty, the Bodhisatta asked Prince Surya to fetch some water from a nearby crystal-clear lake.
Unbeknownst to them, the lake belonged to Kuvera, the god of wealth, who had entrusted it to a fierce water-demon named Udaka. Kuvera had laid down a strict condition: the demon could devour anyone who entered the water without knowing the true meaning of ‘Devadharma’ (Godly Nature).
Oblivious to this deadly rule, Prince Surya waded into the water. Instantly, the demon captured him and demanded, “Do you know what Devadharma is?” “Of course,” Surya replied confidently. “People call the Sun and the Moon gods; therefore, they are Devadharma.” “Liar! You do not know,” hissed the demon, dragging the young prince into his underwater lair.
When Surya failed to return, the Bodhisatta sent Prince Chandra to look for him. Chandra entered the lake and faced the same question from the demon. “The four cardinal directions are Devadharma,” Chandra answered. “False!” the demon roared, dragging him down as well.
Confronting the Unknown
Realizing that his brothers were in grave danger, the Bodhisatta went to the lake himself. Seeing their footprints leading into the water but none coming out, he deduced the presence of a water-demon. Gripping his sword and bow, he stood vigilant on the shore.
The demon, disguised as a humble forester, approached the Bodhisatta. “You look exhausted from your travels, friend. Why don’t you bathe in this cool lake and drink some water?”
Seeing through the disguise, the Bodhisatta confronted him. “You are the demon who has taken my brothers! Why did you capture them?” “Because they are my rightful prey,” the demon sneered. “Anyone who enters this lake without knowing Devadharma is mine to eat.” “Would you like to hear what true Devadharma is?” the Bodhisatta offered.
Eager to know the truth, the demon agreed. But the Bodhisatta remarked that he was too tired to preach. Respectfully, the demon bathed him, offered him food and sweet water, and placed a majestic seat for him. Sitting at his feet, the demon prepared to listen.
The Revelation of Devadharma
With profound calmness, the Bodhisatta spoke: “He who is of tranquil mind, who is deeply truthful, who always preserves righteousness within his heart, and who naturally feels inner shame and guilt at the very thought of a wicked deed—know him to be a person of Devadharma.”
Hearing this divine wisdom, the demon was deeply moved. “You are truly wise! I am pleased with you. I will free one of your brothers. Tell me, which one do you want?”
“Bring me my youngest brother, Prince Surya,” the Bodhisatta commanded.
The demon scoffed. “You know the words of Devadharma, but you do not practice them! Why choose the youngest over the eldest? Where is the respect for seniority?”
The Bodhisatta calmly replied, “I am acting precisely according to Devadharma. This youngest boy is our half-brother. It is because of him that we are in exile. His mother wanted him to be king, but our father refused and sent us away to protect us. Knowing this, the boy abandoned everything and followed us out of pure love. If I return without him and claim a demon ate him, who would believe me? To uphold truth, justice, and honor, I must save him first.”
The Triumph of Virtue
Tears welled up in the demon’s eyes. “O great one, you not only know Devadharma, but you live it.” Struck by such immense nobility, the demon released both brothers unharmed.
The Bodhisatta then preached to the demon, reminding him that his monstrous life and craving for flesh were the results of past sins, which would only bring more suffering. Touched by his grace, the demon renounced his wicked ways and lived a peaceful, harmless life as their protector.
Sometime later, reading the stars, the Bodhisatta realized their father had passed away. Accompanied by his brothers, he returned to Varanasi and ascended the throne. He appointed Prince Chandra as the Viceroy and Prince Surya as the Commander-in-Chief. Together, they ruled the kingdom with wisdom, justice, and boundless harmony.
Moral of the Story: True righteousness is not merely about knowing what is right, but demonstrating it through noble actions, truthfulness, and self-sacrifice.