Sattvasheel & The Sunken Ocean Palace

For the seventh time, Emperor Vikramaditya trudged through the midnight cemetery beneath an ink-black sky. As he walked, Betal began another gripping tale of honor and sacrifice.

In the court of King Shribhatta served a noble warrior named Sattvasheel. Though impoverished in wealth, he possessed unmatched valor and boundless integrity.

On a royal mission to the southern shores, he beheld a mystical sight: amidst the roaring waves, a celestial golden banner fluttered deep beneath the ocean surface.

Without a flicker of fear, Sattvasheel leaped from the towering sea cliffs, plunging straight into the swirling abyss of the ocean!

As he sank deeper, the turbulent waters turned calm and crystal-clear as divine nectar, leading him into an enchanting wonderland.

At the ocean floor lay a breathtaking sunken city of pure gold, shimmering with crystal avenues, pearl spires, and glowing coral palaces.

Filled with wonder, Sattvasheel entered the grand jeweled palace, enveloped by divine music and the fragrant breeze of sandalwood.

Seated upon a radiant ruby throne, the celestial Vidyadhari princess was enchanted by his fearless bravery and welcomed him with warm grace.

Crowned lord of the sunken paradise, Sattvasheel lived in blissful harmony, surrounded by celestial banquets and the devoted love of the princess.

One day, the princess warned him: 'My Lord! All the treasures of this realm are yours, but never touch the enchanted painting in the eastern pavilion!'

Driven by human curiosity, Sattvasheel entered the forbidden hall. Mesmerized by the lifelike painting, the moment his fingers brushed the canvas, a burst of mystic energy erupted!

In a flash, Sattvasheel was hurled through the ocean waves, landing drenched on the sandy shore! The golden city and his beloved had vanished.

Returning to the capital, Sattvasheel faithfully narrated the entire adventure of the underwater city and the peerless beauty of the princess to King Shribhatta.

Hearing the vivid description of her divine beauty, King Shribhatta became consumed by longing, yearning to win the princess as his queen.

Bound by selfless loyalty, Sattvasheel led the King to the coastal cliffs, gripping his sovereign's hand as they plunged together into the deep sea.

They arrived once more in the radiant golden realm. Seeing her beloved Sattvasheel return, the Vidyadhari princess rejoiced with overwhelming joy.

Beholding the celestial princess in person, King Shribhatta was struck with overwhelming awe, gazing upon her with silent, desperate longing.

Sensing his sovereign's deep desire, Sattvasheel hesitated not for a heartbeat. He gladly relinquished his own claim to love and empire for his master!

Sattvasheel officiated their joyful celestial wedding, transferring his hard-won kingdom and bride to his King while remaining completely selfless and content.

Having gifted his King supreme happiness and an immortal realm, Sattvasheel returned to his humble life, free from even a shadow of envy or regret.

Pausing the tale in the gloomy forest, Betal challenged the silent King Vikramaditya with a profound riddle of virtue.

Emperor Vikramaditya judged: 'Sattvasheel's sacrifice was far superior! Kings are accustomed to receiving gifts and possessing whatever they desire. But for an impoverished servant to endure mortal peril, win a celestial kingdom and bride, and then joyfully surrender both to his master without an ounce of regret is the absolute zenith of magnanimity!'

The spoken truth shattered the king's vow of silence! With a mocking cackle, Betal slipped away and soared back to the Shinshapa tree.

Alone under the ink-black sky of the moonless night, Emperor Vikramaditya turned back into the haunted forest, fearless and determined to capture the spirit once more.