Page 78 - Courage Redifined

6. Ignorance : A Curse

Kamlata’s state worsened :

Initially, Kamlata had lost her courage and agreed to become
the king’s queen. Eventually, she stooped to such a level that
she agreed to prostitution. Now something unexpected and
horrible occurred. Prostitution in itself is a horrible act and
imagine its dreadfulness when it results in physical relations
with one’s own son. Doesn’t it sound horrible ? Now, look
what happens :

Kamlata’s Brahmin husband had come to pick up Kamlata
at the temple. But he died an accidental death due to the
snakebite. His son was a scholar of vedas waited for him
at home. When his father, the Brahmin, did not turn up, he
left his home town and travelled across various cities. He
impressed kings and scholars with his knowledge of the vedas
and thus, passed a happy life.

Now, can you imagine such a noble man falling for a
prostitute ? But due to youth, the abundant wealth left by
his father (given by Kamlata when she was Queen) and no
supervision in unknown regions, he could not control his
desires. He reached the same city where his mother Kamlata
had become a prostitute. He reached the King’s court and
impressed everyone with his Vedic talks. He learnt that a
beautiful prostitute stayed in the same city. He reached her
doorstep, got tempted and attracted by her beauty. He considered
his journey fruitful on acquiring such a beautiful woman.

68 Courage Redefined