Baal Kaanda
33 - The story of king Pratapabhanu
Chaupais
Description
"Marvel not, my son, to hear this; for nothing is too difficult to obtain through penance. By dint of penance Brahma creates the universe; by dint of penance Visnu assumed the role of its protector. By dint of penance, again, Sambhu destroys the world; there is nothing in this world which cannot be attained through penance." Hearing this, the king felt much enamoured and the hermit commenced relating old legends. Having discussed topics of Karma (action) and Dharma (duty) and told many legends bearing on them he discoursed on dispassion and knowledge. And he further related at length countless marvellous stories connected with the creation, maintenance and dissolution of the universe. Hearing all this the king completely yielded to the influence of the hermit and then proceeded to tell him his real name. Said the hermit, "O king, I know you. Even though you tried to deceive me, I appreciated this move on your part.