This is a very old story from the Himalayas about a famous lake called Manas. The lake was home to many animals and birds, including a flock of swans. Among them, two swans were particularly attractive, and both looked alike. However, one was a king and the other was a commander. The king’s name was Dhritarashtra, and the commander’s name was Sumukha. The view of the lake amidst the clouds seemed heavenly.
At that time, the fame of the lake and the swans had spread far and wide, attracting tourists from all over the country and abroad. Many poets praised the beauty of the lake in their poems, which inspired the king of Varanasi to desire to see the same sight. The king had a lake built in his kingdom exactly like Manas Lake, and he planted many beautiful and attractive flowers along with delicious fruit trees. He also ordered the care and protection of various species of animals and birds.
The lake in Varanasi was also as beautiful as heaven, but the king still wished to see the two swans that lived in Manas Lake.
One day, the other swans of Manas Lake expressed their desire to the king to visit Varanasi Lake, but the swan king was wise. He knew that if they went there, the king would catch them. He advised all the swans not to go to Varanasi, but they did not listen. Then, the swan king, along with the other swans, flew towards Varanasi.
As soon as the flock of swans reached the lake, the sight of the famous two swans made them look even more magnificent. Their golden beaks, their golden feet, and their wings whiter than the clouds attracted everyone towards them.
The news of the arrival of the swans reached the king, who planned to capture them. One night, while everyone was asleep, a net was laid to catch the swans. The next day, when the swan king woke up and went for a walk, he got caught in the net. He immediately ordered all the other swans to fly away and save themselves.
All the other swans flew away, but their commander, Sumukha, stayed back to save his king. Meanwhile, soldiers arrived to capture the swans. They saw that the swan king was caught in the net, and Sumukha was standing there to save him. Seeing the loyalty of the swan commander, the soldiers were greatly impressed and they released the swan king.
The swan king was not only wise but also foresighted. He thought that if the king found out that the soldiers had released him, he would punish them. So, he asked the soldiers to take him to their king. Hearing this, the soldiers took both the swans to the royal court. Both swans were sitting on the shoulders of the soldier.
Seeing the swans sitting on the soldier’s shoulders, everyone was amazed. When the king asked about this mystery, the soldier told the whole truth. Hearing the soldier’s story, the king and the entire court were amazed at his courage and the commander’s loyalty, and everyone felt love and respect for them.
The king forgave the soldier, and the swans were requested to stay for a few more days with respect. The swan king accepted the king’s request and after staying there for a few days, returned to Manas Lake.
Moral of the story:
In any situation, we should not leave the side of our loved ones.
