Long ago, there was a kingdom known for its grandeur, and in that kingdom was a city named Mahilaropya. The city was ruled by the King Amarashakti, who was well known for his wisdom and strength. He was very kind towards his people, and they loved him and respected him in return. Though he was a great king, he was always worried about his three sons.
The princes Bahushakti, Ugrashakti, and Anantashakti were nothing like their father. They were quite lazy, uninterested in learning, and had no wisdom to rule a kingdom. The king hired many teachers to educate his three sons but in vain. Even after many such attempts, the young princes remained lazy and ignorant, this troubled the king every day.
One day, the king was desperate and called his ministers for advice. “My sons do not want to learn,” he said. “I got them the best teachers, but they still refuse to learn and show no improvement”. Who will rule this kingdom after me if they remain the same?”
The ministers exchanged uneasy glances. They were worried as teaching the princes looked impossible. Among all the ministers in the court, one minister named Sumati had a brilliant idea.
“Knowledge does not always be learned from books or endless lessons, O King,” he said. “True wisdom can also be obtained through stories and experiences. There is one man who can teach your sons through a different method. He is Vishnusharma, a wise and learned scholar from our city.“
Without delay, the king summoned Vishnusharma and explained his plight. “If you can educate my sons and turn them into wise men, I will reward you with a hundred villages,” he promised.
But Vishnusharma smiled and said, “O King, I do not seek wealth or rewards. But I will teach your sons not just knowledge, but the wisdom to live wisely. Within six months, they will be transformed. If I fail, you may do with me as you wish.“
King Amarashakti, filled with hope, placed his sons under Vishnusharma’s care. And this began the creation of the Panchatantra, a collection of fascinating tales filled with wit, wisdom, and life lessons. Through these stories, the three princes learned the art of leadership, clever thinking, and practical wisdom. True to his word, Vishnusharma transformed them, and his tales have since been passed down for generations, teaching young minds across the world.
