2023-3WhoseSacrificeIsBigger

Once upon a time, there was a king named Roopsen who ruled over the kingdom of Burdwān. One day, a young man named Birbar approached the king seeking employment. Impressed by Birbar, King Roopsen appointed him as his personal guard and rewarded him generously. A few days later, the king heard the sound of a woman crying inconsolably in a nearby field. Concerned, King Roopsen instructed Birbar to investigate the matter. Unbeknownst to Birbar, the king himself secretly followed him. Birbar soon discovered that the weeping woman was an omen foretelling an imminent threat to the king's life. When Birbar sought a remedy to avert this danger, the lady informed him about a temple nearby. She revealed that if Birbar renounced everything and dedicated himself to serving the temple, the king's life would be spared. Upon hearing this, Birbar made the decision to leave his home and devote himself, along with his family, to serving the temple. However, life in the temple proved to be exceedingly difficult, and Birbar and his family could not withstand the harsh conditions. They eventually succumbed to their circumstances and passed away. When King Roopsen learned of this tragic outcome, he was filled with despair and contemplated taking his own life. In that moment of grief and hopelessness, the goddess of the temple appeared before the king. Recognizing the purity of his heart, she bestowed her blessings upon him. Touched by the king's plight, the goddess granted his request to resurrect Birbar and his family. Miraculously, the family was restored to life. Now, Betal, the ghost accompanying King Vikram, posed a question, asking, "Birbar sacrificed himself and his family, and the king was also willing to sacrifice himself. If you had to choose, whose sacrifice is greater?" Vikram contemplated for a moment before responding, "In my opinion, the king's sacrifice is greater. Birbar was obligated to protect the king as his personal guard, but the king was not obligated to protect Birbar. Yet, driven by his affection and compassion, the king willingly chose to sacrifice his own life." Upon hearing the correct answer, Betal swiftly retreated to his abode within the tree trunk. Moral: A true king stands by his subjects and is willing to make sacrifices for their well-being, even when not obligated to do so.