As Putraka wondered about the forests of Vindhya, he found two men having a wrestling match. The two men seemed very angry with each other.
Putraka stopped the two men and asked them why they were fighting.
One of them replied, “We are the sons of Asura Maya. Maya’s wealth belongs to the two of us. This vessel, the stick and these shoes belonged to our father, and now they belong to us. We are fighting to see who among us is more worthy to take them.”
Putraka smiled. “What is so special about the vessel, the stick and the shoes?”
The other son of Asura Maya replied, “If you put these shoes on, you can fly through the air. Whatever is written with this staff will turn out to be true. And you can find any food that you want in this vessel.”
Putraka thought for a few seconds.
“Why do you have to fight for this?” He studied the two men. “Organize a competition like this. Whoever runs the fastest among the two of you shall get the three gifts.”
The simple-minded sons of Asura Maya agreed to this.
They started the race and ran from there.
At the time Putraka put on the shoes flew up in the air, taking the staff and vessel with him.
He flew on and at that time he came to the city of Akarshika.
There was an old woman who lived in the outskirts of the city of Akarshika.
Putraka decided to stay in the woman’s house. As Putraka did not interfere with the old woman’s life, she had no issues with it.
It was through the old woman that Putraka learnt about the princess of Akarshika. Her name was Patali and she was the daughter of the king of the place.
Putraka heard the description of Patali from the old woman and he decided that he had to see this ravishing beauty for himself.
Adapted from the Katha Sarith Sagara
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