LIKHITA AN ANCIENT SAGE

 

Likhita was an ancient sage. A long time ago, during the rule of King Sudyumna, there lived two sages, Sankha and Likhita, by the river Bahuda. They each had their own hermitage and spent their time in meditation and prayer.

One day, Likhita visited his elder brother Sankha’s hermitage. He was very hungry, and since no one was there, he took some vegetables and started eating them. Just then, Sankha returned and saw what Likhita had done. Sankha was upset because Likhita had taken the vegetables without asking for permission. In those days, stealing was a serious crime, and the punishment was to have the thief’s hands cut off.

Sankha believed in following the law, so he sent Likhita to King Sudyumna for justice. When Likhita arrived at the palace, the King welcomed him with respect and offered him a seat. Likhita then honestly told the King what had happened. After hearing his story, King Sudyumna followed the law and ordered that Likhita’s hands be cut off.

With his hands bleeding, Likhita went back to his brother and bowed before him. Instead of feeling sorry for him, Sankha praised him for accepting the punishment bravely. Then, Sankha advised Likhita to take a holy bath in the Bahuda River.

Likhita obeyed his brother and bathed in the river. To his amazement, new hands began to grow from his body, fresh and soft like lotus buds. Overjoyed, he rushed back to Sankha to show him the miracle.

Sankha smiled and told Likhita that this happened because of his deep penance and devotion. Likhita was surprised and asked why his brother had not used his spiritual power to help him before.

Sankha explained that it was not his role to punish or forgive. The duty of justice belonged to the King. By following the law properly, King Sudyumna had proven himself to be a great ruler.

This story teaches us that everyone must follow the law, no matter who they are. It also shows that true power lies in accepting justice and having faith in divine blessings.