Indian Mythology has many a beautiful story. The story of King Shibi teaches the value of upholding Dharma and how he was put to the ultimate test by the Gods themselves.
Table of Contents
The Story of King Shibi
King Shibi was a mighty king who ruled over a vast kingdom in ancient Bharatha. He was also kind hearted and benevolent. He listened to his people and ensured that they all led peaceful and productive lives. His huge army ensured that enemies were subdued and they did not disturb the peace of the land.
He was known for his acute sense of justice. He ensured that innocent people were never punished or cheated in his kingdom. King Shibi’s name and fame spread far and wide. It soon fell on the ears of the Gods.
The Gods are intrigued
Agni, the god of fire and Indra, the god of rains were once having a conversation. As the discussion continued, the talk shifted to Earth and the people there. As you might have guessed, King Shibi’s name came up during their exchanges.
Agni said, “My messengers tell me that King Shibi is unmatched when it comes to delivering justice. Is that true, Indra?”
“I have heard similar stories of King Shibi too. There cannot be smoke without a hint of fire, isn’t it, Agni” replied Indra.
Agni responded that they go and verify the stories they had heard of him. Indra suggested that they use the opportunity to actually put King Shibi himself to the test.
They came up with a plan and off they descended down to the earth to put their plan in motion.
The Great Test
It was a bright day at King Shibi’s court and the king was attending to the affairs of his kingdom.
Suddenly there was a wild flapping of wings and out of nowhere there landed a white dove on King Shibi’s lap. It had been injured and blood was oozing from its half torn wing.
Just as King Shibi picked it up gently, the dove to his amazement spoke in a human voice. “O Great king, I seek refuge in you. Promise to protect me”.
King Shibi was amazed but quickly recomposed himself and said, “Dear dove, I have never witnessed a talking dove. Hence my surprise. Forgive me. However, since you have sought refuge under me, rest assured that you have my complete protection. I promise you that as long as I am alive, nobody will be able to harm you”
No sooner did the king speak up these words, there was a whoosh in the court and down from the blue skies swept a great eagle. He landed right at the centre of the great court of King Shibi.
With piercing eyes, he gazed at the King and on detecting the dove on his lap, spoke in a booming voice, “O great king! My meal is on your lap. I demand that you hand it over to me at once”
“O Great Bird, I, King Shibi, welcome you to my court and kingdom. However, this dove came to me seeking my protection. I am bound by my word to protect it. Ask me anything in exchange for the dove’s life. I will grant it to you as long as it is in my power to do so” spoke the king.
“Thank you King Shibi. However, I being a bird of prey, nothing will satiate my hunger than a good meal. I need fresh meat. Now that you are bound by your word, I will give you an alternative. Can you give me your flesh equal in weight to the dove to satiate my hunger?”
King Shibi agreed without a second thought as he knew that he had to be just both to the dove and the eagle.
“However, I will have to refuse your offer, if you spill even a single drop of tear as you cut out the flesh from your body. A tear would signify that you are not wholeheartedly offering your flesh.”, added the eagle.
The Supreme Sacrifice
Agreeing wholly, King Shibi got a pair of scales. He placed the dove on one side. Drawing his sword, to the horror of his courtiers, he slashed at his left arm and placed the left hand up to his elbow on the other side of the scale. To everybody’s surprise, the side of the dove weighed more.
The king cut the remainder of his arm up to the shoulder and added it to the scales. However the scale was still heavier on the side of the dove.
Without getting upset, the King went ahead and offered his right leg. The scale did not balance yet. The left half of the King’s body was lying on the scale and the king was bleeding profusely. Yet there was a smile on his lips.
At this point, a single tear escaped the King Shibi’s right eye.
“Stop!”, screeched the eagle, “I see a tear of sadness. I cannot accept your flesh”.
“Dear eagle, my right eye shed a tear not out of self-pity. The right side of my body is expressing its happiness through this tear that it too has got a chance to sacrifice for the sake of justice.”, said King Shibi.
The Redemption
The moment the king uttered these words there was a loud crackle and the eagle and the dove transformed into God Indra and God Agni respectively.
King Shibi was restored back whole. Indra and Agni sang praises of him. They mentioned that he had passed their test beyond all expectations. They blessed him saying that his name and fame as a just king would be alive till the end of time. The story of King Shibi is an exemplary story from Indian Mythology that highlights the need to uphold Dharma at all times.
Moral of the story: ಧರ್ಮೋ ರಕ್ಷತಿ ರಕ್ಷಿತಃ
Those who protect Dharma are protected by Dharma
Know More: The Story of King Shibi from Wikipedia
