(A story from Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, chapters 162-167)
Previously, Gautama entered an enchanted forest and took shelter under a banyan tree. Rajadharma, a heron living under the tree extended his hospitality to Gautama and promised to help him become wealthy.
The next morning, as Gautama was setting out, the heron told him, “Three yojanas from here is my friend, Virupaksha, the rakshasa king. Go to him and say you are my friend. He will give you the riches you wish.”
With a sigh of relief, Gautama walked through the jungle relishing divine fruits hanging from tall trees. Soon, he was at the gates of Meruvraja, the city of Virupaksha. Terrifying demons guarded the stone castle and stone gates of the city. Thereafter, Gautama told guards that he was sent by Rajadharma, the king’s friend. Soon, guards informed the king of Gautama, and men draped in white clothes came running to escort Gautama.
King Virupaksha honored his guest with a high seat and asked him who he was. Gautama mentioned only his clan and nothing else. When asked again, Gautama said that he comes from the middle province and his wife is from the servant class. Immediately, the king learned that his guest is a learned man that lost his virtue. Yet, thinking of his friend Rajadharma, the king decided to help Gautama. Henceforth, he told Gautama to attend the Karthika festival where he would honor a thousand learned men with gold.
A thousand learned men including Gautama, well dressed in silk, attended the festival. Treating each one with the utmost respect, the king gave them each a golden bowl filled with the best food. Thereafter, the king’s servants piled a mountain of precious gems, corals, and pearls. The king announced, “Grab as much as you can. But, do not delay. Today is the only day that my men leave you unharmed.” Soon, the guests filled their bowls with gems and fled away. Gautama too ran away from that place carrying a heavy load of gems on his back. Tired of the journey, Gautama halted at the banyan tree.
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