Chandrakala: The Guardian of Fair Prosperity

King Bhoj returned to the golden throne and approached the fourth step. A guardian in moonlit lavender opened her eyes.

“I am Chandrakala, the guardian of fair prosperity,” she said. “Listen, and consider whether you can be generous without forgetting what is fair.”

One day, a learned architect came to Vikramaditya's court with plans for an extraordinary palace.

“Begin each part when the season, stars, and materials are right,” he explained. “Pause when the appointed time has passed, and let every craftsperson work with patience rather than hurry.”

Vikram approved the plan. Beside a river, stonecutters, carpenters, metalworkers, and artists worked together over several years. They built four welcoming entrances and seven graceful levels. Some rooms displayed fine woodwork, others metal and stone. Craftspeople set bright glass and precious stones where they would catch the sunlight, including two great blue gems near the entrance that visitors believed protected the palace from an envious gaze.

When the palace was complete, Vikram went to see it with his ministers and an elderly scholar. The scholar gazed at the beautiful halls in wonder.

“If I had a quiet home like this,” he said softly, “I could spend my remaining years studying in peace.”

Vikram heard him.

“Then let this palace be your home,” the king said.

The surprised scholar moved in with his family. They were grateful, but the vast building felt unfamiliar. During the first part of the night, a warm golden light filled the room and a gentle voice asked where blessings should fall. The scholar was too startled to answer. Later the voice returned and asked once more. The family could not see who spoke, and they stayed awake until morning.

The scholar returned to Vikram's court.

“Your gift was more generous than I can describe,” he said, “but my family cannot live peacefully there. Please allow us to return it.”

Vikram did not laugh or scold him.

“A gift should not become a burden,” he replied.

He asked the treasurer to pay the scholar the palace's full value, so the family could choose a home that suited them. Then Vikram moved into the palace himself.

That night, the golden light appeared again. This time the goddess Lakshmi stood before him.

“Your generosity has brought me here,” she said. “Tell me where prosperity should fall.”

Vikram bowed respectfully.

“I have enough,” he said. “If you wish to give, let your blessing reach every household in the city.”

Through the night, prosperity fell across the city like a golden rain. By morning, gifts of grain, cloth, coins, and useful tools had appeared in courtyards throughout the city.

The ministers asked how the wealth should be gathered.

“It should not be gathered into the palace,” Vikram said. “Let each family keep what appeared in its own courtyard. No one may take a neighbour's share.”

Vikram sent drummers through every neighbourhood to announce the fair rule. The people followed it. Families received what they needed, neighbours helped one another carry heavy sacks, and no one was pushed aside.

Chandrakala finished her story and looked at King Bhoj.

“Vikram gave without showing off,” she said. “When his gift did not suit the scholar, he protected the man's dignity. When prosperity came, he shared it without allowing the strong to take from the weak. Would you remember all three duties?”

King Bhoj lowered his foot.

“A generous ruler gives,” he said, “but a just ruler also makes certain that each person can receive in peace.”

Moral: True prosperity protects dignity and gives every household its fair share.