Makandika

Makandika was a man who lived on the banks of the river Ganga. He pretended to be ascetic living on alms and before others he also observed a vow of silence. He always surrounded himself with other holy men to further prove to others that he was a ascetic who had given up all desires

Once he went to a merchant's house to beg for alms. There, Makandika, saw the beautiful daughter of the merchant.

Unable to stop himself, Makandika spoke out aloud. "Ah! Ah! Alas!"

The merchant saw this. He was very furious. He took Makandika aside and spoke with their man. "I thought you always observed a vow of silence. Why did you break it on seeing my daughter?"

Makandika was clever and thought on the spot. "Your daughter has inauspicious marks on her body. When your daughter marries, you and your family will perish. It was thinking about your misfortune that I uttered my words. You are my devotee and you do not deserve this fate."

The merchant paled. "How do I avoid this?"

"Place your daughter inside a closed basket with a light on the top and set her a drift in the Ganga." Makandika shrugged elaborately. "If you send her away then her misfortune shall not affect you."

The merchant decided to follow Makandika's advice that very evening.

It so happened that a prince came to the Ganga that evening. 

He was surprised to see a basket with a light on the top in the waters. He had his servants bring him the basket and he opened it. He was surprised to find a beautiful girl inside it. 

The prince and the girl married immediately by the Gandharva ceremony of marriage. The Prince also came to know about how the girl was inside the basket.

Meanwhile Makandika asked his people to get a basket with a light on the top from the Ganga and he also told his servants not to open the basket under any circumstances. 

Once Makandika's servants brought a basket from the Ganga, Makandika was pleased. 

He took the basket to his house. 

There when he opened it a wild monkey jumped out of the basket. 

The monkey injured Makandika before escaping the house.

The next day the merchant was thrilled that his daughter had found such a suitable husband. 

He was also happy to see the injured Makandika who decided to flee the town.

Adapted from the Kathasarithsagara