The Marriage Trail
The King’s Dilemma
Malayaketu, the King of Sindhu, had a lovely daughter named Chitran. Her beauty was so exceptional that princes from across the land clamoured for her hand. To select the most deserving bachelor among the princely suitors, the king decided to hold a competition.
The Rigorous Test
The rules were spartan. Only the bravest and most intelligent could hope to succeed in the challenges set by the king. Chitrangi, the princess, agreed to this novel method of choosing a husband as she was keen to wed the best suitor.
The Difficulty of the Task
The suitors had to march unarmed through the palace garden inhabited by a ferocious tiger. After escaping the tiger, they needed to evade a deadly hawk nesting in the same garden. Those who accomplished these tasks had to traverse a valley flooded with slush and mud. Once across, they were required to clean their bodies using a minuscule jugful of water provided by the princess. Only those who succeeded in all three tasks were eligible to marry the princess.
The Failed Attempts
The competition commenced, and the suitors streamed in. Unfortunately, many fell prey to the fierce tiger while others were blinded by the hawk’s swoop. Those who managed to evade both threats found it impossible to clean themselves with the tiny jugful of water. As a result, the deadly tests defeated all competitors, leaving lovely Chitrangi unhitched.
Parakramasimha’s Triumph
News of the competition reached Parakramasimha, the Prince of Panchala. Intrigued, he decided to compete for the princess’s hand. Getting wind of the tests, he prepared himself accordingly. He collected a bag of meat and donned a set of thick steel body armour before entering the palace garden.
The moment the tiger spotted him, Parakramasimha tossed out the meat, distracting the beast. Wearing his armour, he then ventured further into the garden. When the hawk swooped down, aiming for his eyes, it was thwarted by his steel visor. Subsequently, in his armour, he journeyed through the muddy valley until he reached the princess who awaited him with a small jug of water.
The Final Test
The prince wondered how he could possibly cleanse himself with such a minuscule amount of water. However, the crafty prince had a trick up his sleeve. He challenged the surprised princess to pour water into his jug without spilling a drop. If she did spill, then for every drop wasted, she owed him a tubful of water.
Concluding that this task impossible, the princess accepted Parakramasimha’s victory. Thus, marriage-successful Parakramasimha was not only brave but also intelligent. King Malayaketu was pleased that such a splendid young man was to be his daughter’s husband.
The Grand Celebration
Parakramasimha and Chitrangi’s wedding was celebrated amidst great pomp and show. To mark this joyful occasion, all unsuccessful suitors who had been imprisoned were set free.
