A long time ago a great sage by name 'Sabdhadhara' lived in the area near the 'Vindhya mountains' He had the unique power of understanding and speaking all the languages spoken by the living creatures on earth.

The sage lived in an Ashram with a few disciples who learnt various disciplines from him in addition to Vedas and philosophy.

The 'Vindhya Mountains' Continued a very dense forest extending several miles all around it. The forest was the abode of many species of animals.A big mountain stream flows between the place where the sage had his ashram and the wild forest.

Everyday the sage and his disciples went to the stream to bathe and carry water to the ashram . Many animals, some of them carnivorous, used to appear on the outerside of the stream to drink water.

Though the humans and the animals could see each other from their respective banks, they never tried to harm the other and had a peaceful coexistence.

The 'Champaka kingdom' was located on the eastern side of the 'Vindhya mountains' it was ruled by the king 'Vikrama Varma'

The queen gave birth to a male child and the king was very happy that a heir to 'Champaka kingdom' had arrived.

The astrologers prepared the horoscope of the child and examined it carefully.To their surprise they found out that it was almost similar to that of Rama, the eldest son of 'Dasaradha' of 'Dwapara Yuga'. So, they had concluded that the heir to the 'Champaka Kingdom should spend fourteen years in the forests before ascending the throne.

'Vikrama Varma' was very much worried by what he had heard.He did not want his son to suffer like 'Rama'. He begged the Royal minister to show him a way out.

The Royal minister was a learned man. He knew that nobody can escape from what the stars decreed. But ,After studying the horoscope himself he cam to the conclusion that the time of 'Vanavasa' (Exile) i.e...., the time of spending in forests was not specific.If was only an inference.

So, the Royal Minister advised the king to leave his son in the forests .as soon as he attained the age of three, so that by the time he completes fourteen years of 'Vanavasa' (Exile), he would be ready to take up the responsibilities of the kingdom..

The king was almost in tears.He could not bear to imagine his three year old son going into the forest to live and spend his entire childhood

The 'Royal Minister' told the king not to worry too much on this issue.He told the king, "I am not asking you to leave him alone in the forest.The great sage 'Sabdhadhara lives in the forest.He is a great teacher.You request him to accept your son as his ward and disciple. He will look after him well and teach him everything to become a fineking".

The king's anixety was diminished after hearing to his Minister.The prince was named 'Sura Varma'.

When 'Suravarma' completed three years, the king took him to the Ashram of great sage 'Shabhdhara' He also brought a herd of finest cows, cart loads of paddy and pulses along with him

The king prostrated at the feet of the sage who was meditating under a tree.The sage opened his eyes and grasped instantly.

He smiled with compassion and said "Oh, King ! please get up and forget your worries. Your son will be safe here with me. I foresee a bright future for him. So go back to your capital with peace of mind and take care your kingdom till your son returns".

The king handed over his son 'Suravarma' along with all the gifts he brought and returned to his capital. 'Suravarma' was intelligent and brave. Under the careful guidence and guardianship of the sage,he grew up as a fine individual. Twelve years passed without any accident.

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