should also be put in jail. The news spread throughout the country and so no brahmin ventured to set his foot into the kingdom. After some time, Ashtavakra Muni happened to pass that side and, while he was about to take rest under a tree, saw two Brahmins. He enquired of them as to who was the king of that city. They replied, ‘What do you propose to ask of that king? Do you intend to enter the city?’ When he said that he was thinking of going there and that was why he was asking them about the king, they said, ‘Swami, the king that rules this city has imprisoned a number of Brahmins and we would advise you not to go there. Ifany unfortunate brahmun goes into this city, he will be asked, “Can you prove that within the time taken to put both feet in the stirrups of the saddle of a horse, one can become a Realized Soul as stated in the scriptures?” And if he says he cannot prove it, he will be put in jail.’ Amused at that, he said, ‘Oho! Is that the way of things? Then do one thing. Carry me in a palanquin and take me to the king. I shall prove that the statement in the scriptures is correct and get all the pandits released.’ They were pleased and so immediately brought a palanquin, seated the Muni in it, carried it themselves and set it down before the king. The king was then sitting in the Durbar hall.
“As soon as he saw the shining face of the Muni, the king felt like worshipping him. Immediately he prostrated before him, stretching himself full length on the floor, with his eight limbs touching the ground, and with folded hands, said, ‘Swami, what is the purpose of your visit to this place? If there is anything I can do, please let me know.’ Satisfied with the respect shown to him, the Muni said, ‘What fault have the pandits committed that you have put them all in jail? Please tell me this first. Then we can consider other
things.’ “They could not prove that the statement in the