The story of Rajkumar and the bird
One day, while he was standing in front of the Kalpavriksha, the tree told him that it was very happy with him and wanted to reward him. Kalpavriksha granted him a wish. Jeemutvahan said that as he was a Prince, he had everything in life but if it really wanted to give something, it should give something for all his subjects so that they live happily. Kalpavriksha gave him lots of coins and asked him to distribute it amongst his subjects; also it said that it was one’s greatness to think about other’s happiness than one’s own. Jeemutvahan distributed those coins amongst his subjects and while he was doing so, a lady of Naag tribe refused to take it saying that she did not need the money. When Jeemutvahan asked her the reason for refusal she explained to him that the Naag tribe dwelled in the valley of Manalan hills and death in the form of a bird came from the sky and one person daily was being sacrificed. She told him that if he really wanted to do something, he should protect them from the bird. Jeemutvahan was shocked to hear this and promised the lady that he would personally visit Manalan valley. He went to Manalan valley where he was welcomed by the Naag Princess. She asked him to stay back for a day but Jeemutvahan refused saying that if he stayed back for one day, one more person would die and asked her to wait for him as he would stay back on his return. When he reached the place, he saw a woman crying because it was her son Shankhchur’s turn that day to be given away to the wild bird. Jeemutvahan introduced himself and told her that he would go instead of Shankhchur.
Meanwhile, Shankhchur had gone to the temple his mother ran to tell him about Jeemutvahan but Shankhchur refused to let Jeemutvahan go in his place. Jeemutvahan was waiting for the bird. Just as the wild bird came, Shankhchur came running and asked Jeemutvahan to stay away. Jeemutvahan told him that he would fight with the bird but Shankhchur told him that the bird was very powerful and if he fought with it, the Naag tribe would have to bear the consequences. Just then the bird asked Jeemutvahan why he wanted to sacrifice his life. Jeemutvahan answered that being a prince, it was his duty to protect the lives of his subjects and it was humanity to protect other’s lives. The wild bird was very pleased with him and told him so. At this Jeemutvahan requested him that if it really was pleased with him it should stop harassing the innocent Naag people. But the bird questioned him where he would get its food from so Jeemutvahan promised that he would take care of its food and treat him as his guest. The bird then went away without taking anyone and the Naag people were very happy.
Saying this, Betaal stopped and asked Vikram who amongst the two was more courageous and brave, Jeemutvahan or Shankhchur. He forced Vikram to reply or else he would die. Vikram replied that as Jeemutvahan was the prince, it was his religion and duty to take care of the citizens so whatever Jeemutvahan did was his duty but Shankhchur was a real brave man because in spite of knowing that Jeemutvahan was ready to go in his place as food for the bird, he went and asked the bird to take him away instead of Jeemutvahan. He could have easily stayed back but he did not do so. Betaal was very happy to hear this. He completed the story saying that Jeemutvahan got married to the Naag Princess, took the bird along with him in the palace and asked Kalpavriksha to take care of the food of the bird as it was his guest. But as per Betaal’s condition, Vikram was not to open his mouth and now that he did so, Betaal flew away.
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