A place called Mahilaropyam, being ruled by a king by the name Amarshakthi. He has three children by the name Bahushakthi, Ugrashakthi, and Ananthashakthi. His children were not intellectuals. They were ignorant. Amarshakti notices this and breaks his silence one day. Therefore, he puts forth a challenge to everyone in his court seeking anyone who can enlighten his children.
Finding a solution to his misery
One minister suggested that it would take 12 years to learn about the basics and many more years to master them. At the same time, another minister suggested that it will be a long wait and he has a better solution. He mentions that he knows a brahmin man called ‘Vishnu Sharma’. Vishnu Sharma is an expert in science and has a great reputation in the village. Thus the minister suggests the king to approach Vishnu Sharma for help.
As per the advice of his minister, the king meets Vishnu Sharma. The king requests Vishnu Sharma to teach his sons about Nitishastra. He mentions that Vishnu Sharma will be rewarded with a lot of riches. Vishnu Sharma shows disinterest in gaining riches and also mentions that he has all his desires under total control. However, he agrees to teach the king’s sons in six months. He vows to the king that if he fails to do so, he would not deserve a place in heaven.
The king was pleased with the words of Vishnu Sharma comes back to the kingdom with a lot of hope. He leaves his three sons behind in his ashram.
Students start to learn from Vishnu Sharma
Vishnu Sharma composed stories based on five tantras. He will recite them to the princes. The tantras are:
1. Conflict amongst friends
2. Winning of friends
3. Crows and Owls
4. Forfeit of profits
5. Action without consideration
In conclusion, this is how Panchatantra begins. ‘Pancha’ means five and ‘tantra’ means doctrines or principles. We shall see more about the conflict among friends in the next article.
