Royal Headache

The Jungle Kingdom

Long ago, the people living in the Dandakaranya forest knew little about culture and refinement. But when each tribe acquired a king, things began to change. They abandoned their barbaric ways and gradually adopted civilized manners and behavior. However, this change did not reach the area of Vanapada, where the law of the jungle still prevailed, due to the lack of a leader who could guide them towards propriety.

A Wise Hermit’s Advice

A resident of Vanapada, Suguna, was disturbed by his people’s persistent bestial ways. He tried to convince his people to abandon violence and adopt peaceful ways, but was met with ridicule and ostracism. Near Suguna’s solitude, a wise hermit lived. Suguna sought advice from the hermit, hoping to bring a positive change to his people’s brutish ways. The hermit suggested choosing a brave and courageous man to rule and a wise and clever man to advise the ruler.

Simhanath’s Reign

Bringing the hermit’s advice into action, Suguna chose Simhanath as the king of their area. Despite the hermit’s insistence on appointing a wise advisor, King Simhanath believed in ruling independently. This stubborn independence led to a mismanagement of the kingdom, with favoritism and harsh punishments running rampant, which once again plunged the kingdom into disorder.

The Royal Headache

Concerned, Suguna once again sought the hermit’s help who gave him a fragrant flower, instructing that only the king should smell it. The king was beguiled by the flower’s fragrant and kept it close. However, the next day, he was plagued by an insufferable headache that none could cure.

The Sage’s Solution

Seven days later, the hermit visited King Simhanath and offered a solution – pass the headache, and the accompanying power and responsibility, to a wise counsellor. Despite an initial stubborn resistance, King Simhanath agreed to make Suguna his minister. With the help of the hermit, a portion of the king’s intelligence was transferred to Suguna, and the king’s headache vanished. Thereafter, Suguna’s wise governance brought law, order, and harmony to the kingdom.