A furious King Vikramaditya followed Baital to the peepal tree. He pulled down the corpse and put it on his shoulder. Then he started walking. On the way, Baital said to him, “Vikram, listen to the story I am going to tell you.” Saying so, Baital began to tell the story as follows:
Once, there was a town called Dharmasthala. In this town lived a Brahmin by the name of Keshav. He had a small family consisting of a wife, son and daughter Madhumalti. Madhumalti was exceptionally beautiful. But as she grew with each passing year, her parents became worried for her. They started looking for a suitable groom for her.
One day, Keshav came across a young Brahmin named Madho during a religious ceremony. Keshav developed an instant liking for Madho. He told Madho about his daughter and expressed his desire to get Madhumalti married to him. He even paid a visit to Madho’s house and met his parents. Madho’s parents were very happy to have such a nice alliance.
Keshav went back home and told his wife about Madho. Keshav’s wife was very surprised. She said, “I too have found a match for Madhumalti. The groom-to-be is a handsome young man named Vaman. His parents have also consented.”
Keshav could not say anything after hearing this. But there was more to come. His son entered the house and said happily, “I have some good news for you. I have found an excellent match for Madhumalti.
The boy’s name is Madhu Sudan. He is a highly accomplished man.”
The parents stared at each other in shock. Suddenly, there were three alliances for their daughter: Madho, Vaman and Madhusudan. They told their son about the matches they had found for Madhumalti.
All the three members of the family started thinking about the issue. They could not find a solution. Ultimately, they decided to leave the decision to Madhumalti. She would select her own husband from the three suitors. On the appointed day, all the three would-be grooms arrived at Keshav’s house. It was a tough choice for Madhumalti to make as all the three were good. In the midst of all this, unobserved by anyone, a black cobra crept into the room. It slowly crawled towards Madhumalti and bit her. None could save her. She died instantly. The three suitors mourned for their loss as did everyone else.
Later, Madhumalti’s last rites were performed. Madho gathered her bones in an earthen pot. He went to another town, and started living there. Vaman gathered Madhumalti’s ashes. He built a hut on that spot and started living there.
Madhusudan became a devotee and wandered from one village to another in search of peace. One night, he came across a house. He asked the owner if he could stay there for a few days. The owner said ‘yes’ immediately.
Madhusudan was sleeping soundly when he was woken up by some noise. The owner and his wife were quarrelling over some trifle. But the matter escalated. The owner, in a fit of rage, lifted his son and flung him into the fire. His son was burnt alive.
But the owner felt guilty and regretted his act. He brought a book and recited some mantras. Then he sprinkled water on the ashes and bones of his son. Soon his son was restored to life. Madhusudan could not believe his eyes. He thought, ‘If I can obtain this book, I can restore Madhumalti’s life.’
So, one night, when everyone was asleep, he stole the book. He went to the cremation ground and found Madho and Vaman there as well. He told them about the book. Both were very happy. He said to them, “Make a heap of her ashes and bones. Then I will restore her to life.” They arranged the ashes and bones of Madhumalti. Then Madhusudan recited the mantras from the book and sprinkled water. Soon, Madhumalti was alive. All the three were overjoyed to see her alive. But each wanted to marry her. They started fighting amongst themselves for her.
At this point, Baital asked the King, “Vikram! Tell me at once; whom Madhumalti should marry? If despite knowing, you don’t answer my question, I will smash your head into pieces.”
Vikramaditya gave a thought over Baital’s question and replied, “Madhumalti married Vaman.” Baital asked, “Why?” Vikram explained, “Each relationship holds a meaning. Madhusudan gave a new life to Madhumalti, so he was like her father. Madho kept her charred bones, so he was like a son to her. It was Vaman who had built a hut and preserved her ashes. So, he was fit to act as her husband. Thus, Madhumalti had every right to marry Vaman.”
Baital said, “You are really an able king. But I had warned you not to open your mouth, which you did. So, here I go back to my abode in the peepal tree.” King Vikramaditya ran after Baital, who had already flown away.
