History remembers King Bhoja as a great ruler, but even great men have weaknesses. For the King, that weakness was gambling. It became an obsession, leading him to neglect his royal duties and his kingdom. Distressed by his addiction, Queen Lilavati turned to the legendary poet Kalidasa, begging him to find a way to intervene.
Kalidasa, a master of wit and wisdom, knew that a simple lecture would not change the King’s mind. Instead, he chose a path of "shock therapy"—a classic example of the "Vidushaka" (the clever jester/scholar) tradition, where profound lessons are delivered with ingenuity and unexpected humor.
The next day, as King Bhoja walked toward the gambling house, he was stunned to see a revered monk (Kalidasa in disguise) sitting in a meat shop, acting as the seller. Perplexed, the King approached him. Their dialogue unfolded in a series of sharp, rhythmic verses:
King: "Biksho ! Mamsa nishevanam, Kim uchitam ? (Sanyasi! Is meat-eating suitable for you?)"
Kalidasa: "Kim te na madhyam vinā ? (Really, what is the benefit of meat without liquor?)"
King: "Madhyam cha api tavapriyam? (What?. Do you like liquor too?)"
Kalidasa: "Priyam, aho Varanga Nabhim Saha. (I like it even more when I am with prostitutes.)"
King: "Varastri rata ye kutah tava dhanam? (How do you get money to go to prostitutes?)"
Kalidasa: "Dyutena, chauryenava (by gambling or by stealing) (Do you also have habits like gambling and theft?)"
King: "Bhrashtasya kava gati:? (What is the fate of the corrupt?)"
With that, the verse was completed. The King suddenly realized the monk’s reflection was a mirror of his own life. If a holy man can be ruined by meat, drink, and vice, a King can be ruined just as easily by his obsession with the dice.
Recognizing the genius of Kalidasa, King Bhoja bowed in humility. He realized that by abandoning his royal duties for the gambling house, he was already on the path to ruin. The King apologized to his friend, swore off gambling forever, and returned to his palace to serve his people once more.
Reflection on the Tale
King Bhoja and Kalidasa are legendary figures in Indian literature, often depicted as a "Dynamic Duo" of intellect and power. This story beautifully illustrates how a true mentor can guide even the most powerful individuals back to their path using wisdom, not just authority.
Sometimes, we need to see our own habits reflected in their extreme form to truly realize how far we have wandered.
What are your thoughts on Kalidasa’s unique approach to curing the King’s addiction? Share your insights in the comments.
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