Bhanumati: The Final Guardian of the Throne

Bhanumati, the thirty-second and final guardian, awoke as Bhoj approached once more. She first completed the history of the throne. After Vikram’s death, grief spread through Ujjain. His eldest son Jaitpal received the crown and ministers maintained the government, but no succession ceremony could give him his father’s character automatically.

Jaitpal approached the golden throne and tried to sit. Before he could settle upon it, he lost awareness and saw Vikram in a dream. “Do not inherit authority as if it were furniture,” Vikram warned. “Earn the courage, generosity, judgment, and restraint required to carry it.” Jaitpal awoke and stepped down.

The chief minister advised him to seek guidance through prayer rather than force another attempt. That night Vikram appeared again and directed Jaitpal to rule from Ambavati, leave Ujjain and Dhara’s special legacy undisturbed, and return the throne to the earth until a worthy seeker could face its guardians.

At dawn Jaitpal gathered artisans and witnesses. The throne was wrapped respectfully, lowered into a deep protected chamber, and covered by a mound. No one was permitted to strip its gold or jewels. Jaitpal moved his court and concentrated on becoming a capable ruler in his own right.

Generations passed. The mound became part of the landscape until the throne was rediscovered and carried before King Bhoj. Thus the guardians’ questions began.

“After every story,” Bhanumati asked, “do you now consider yourself equal to Vikramaditya?”

Bhoj answered, “No. These stories have shown me how much I still have to learn. I would rather leave the throne untouched than claim greatness I have not earned.”

The thirty-two guardians gathered joyfully. Bhanumati explained that their watch had never been intended merely to protect gold. They had guarded standards of leadership and waited for a ruler honest enough to learn without claiming equality. Bhoj’s humility released them from their long duty. They blessed him and rose into the sky.

Bhoj did not treat this blessing as permission to sit. He ordered the throne returned to the earth with honour and kept the stories in public memory. He would measure his future choices against them, understanding that the lessons—not the gold—were the true treasure.

Bhanumati’s final question remained: “What will you do with power before you call yourself worthy?”

Moral: Recognizing that you are not ready can be the beginning of wisdom.