Chandrajyoti: The Guardian of Thoughtful Devotion

Chandrajyoti awoke on the twentieth step. In the sacred month of Kartik, Vikram arranged a moonlit festival of devotion. Scholars, rulers, yogis, townspeople, and honoured guests were invited; lamps, music, worship, food, and flower garlands filled the gathering. Vikram personally greeted his guests and distributed blessed offerings. Yet he noticed that Chandra, lord of the moon, had not appeared.

Rather than complain, Vikram travelled with a betal to the moon’s realm. He bowed and asked whether some fault in his invitation had caused the absence. Chandra answered gently, “If I leave my place in full splendour, the world will lose its night light. Travellers, animals, tides, and households depend upon the duty I perform. I honour your gathering by remaining where I am needed.”

Vikram accepted the answer. Chandra blessed the unfinished festival and gave him a small vessel of life-restoring nectar. Vikram carried it carefully, aware that such a gift was a responsibility, not a trophy.

On the road home, Vikram saw two attendants of Yama carrying away a Brahmin’s spirit. Because he could perceive them, he asked whose life had ended and requested to see the body before they continued. They led him to Ujjain. There Vikram recognized his own elderly royal priest—the teacher who had guided many ceremonies and counselled the court.

While the attendants looked away, Vikram placed the nectar in the priest’s mouth. The priest opened his eyes, spoke the divine name, and sat up. He blessed Vikram for using the rare gift without hesitation. The attendants returned to Yama astonished; the priest’s allotted life was extended, and Vikram honoured him with care and gifts before restoring him to his household.

Chandrajyoti asked Bhoj, “Can you accept that duty may prevent attendance—and spend a blessing immediately for another?” Bhoj stepped back.

Moral: Devotion respects another's duty and uses every blessing to protect life.