Ishaani Gupta Agrahari of class 5 shares the tale of King Vikram, a wise and just ruler who saved his kingdom from a devastating drought by harnessing the sacred power of the number 5.
In ancient India, there was a kingdom between the beautiful hill and the flowing rivers. This land was ruled by a wise and honest king named Vikram. His kingdom was a place of peace and prosperity, where the people loved their ruler for his fairness and kindness. King Vikram was not only a protector of his land but also a man of deep spiritualism. He used to seek guidance from the priests and the rishis to ensure the well-being of his subjects.
One year, unfortunately, a great drought struck the land. The once-lush green fields turned barren, rivers dried up, and people started suffering. As the crops failed to yield, the cries of the hungry people could be heard across the kingdom. King Vikram was very sad and worried for the people of his kingdom. He started praying to God, asking for a solution to the crisis.
One day, as the king was meditating beneath the ancient Banyan tree, he felt a soft breeze in the air, and as he looked up, hearing a sound, he found a wise old sage standing in front of him. He had a long white beard flowing like the waters that once nourished the land. The sage’s eyes held the wisdom of ages, and his presence brought a sense of calm to the troubled king.
“Great King Vikram,” the sage began in a voice that resonated with the depth of the earth, “the gods have heard your prayers. The key to ending this drought lies in the sacred number 5.”
“Why is the number 5 so important, oh great sage?”
King Vikram listened intently as the Sage continued. “See, the number 5 is important because there are 5 elements that make up the universe: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. These elements are the foundation of all life. There are also 5 senses that connect us to the world: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. And, as you know, there are 5 fingers on each hand, representing the power and unity of the human spirit.”
Intrigued by the sage’s words, King Vikram asked, “What must I do to harness the power of this sacred number and bring relief to my people?”
The sage smiled, his eyes twinkling with ancient knowledge. “You must build 5 temples, each dedicated to one of the 5 elements. In each temple, you will perform a ritual that honours the corresponding element and engages the 5 senses. Only then will the balance be restored, and the rains will return.”
Without hesitation, King Vikram set about the task. He gathered his finest architects and craftsmen, and together they designed 5 magnificent temples, each one a masterpiece of devotion and artistry. The first temple was built for the earth, its foundation strong and its walls adorned with rich carvings of animals and plants. The second temple, dedicated to water, was set near the dried-up river, its walls painted with scenes of flowing streams and oceans.
The third temple, devoted to fire, stood tall with a grand flame that burnt brightly at its heart, a symbol of life and energy. The fourth temple, dedicated to air, was open to the skies; its structure was light and airy, allowing the wind to dance freely within. The fifth and final temple was dedicated to ether, the element of space, and the unseen. It was a place of meditation, quiet and serene, where one could connect with the divine.
Once the temples were completed, King Vikram, along with his priests and sages, performed the rituals as instructed. In the temple of earth, they offered fruits and grains, appealing to the sense of taste. In the temple of water, they played the sound of flowing water, soothing the ears of all who listened. In the temple of fire, the warmth of the flames was felt on the skin, invoking the sense of touch. In the temple of air, they released fragrant flowers, filling the air with the sweet scent of nature. Finally, in the temple of ether, they meditated in silence, connecting with the unseen world and the spirit within.
As the rituals concluded, dark clouds began to gather in the sky. A gentle breeze turned into a strong wind, and soon, the heavens opened up. Rain poured down, drenching the parched earth, filling the rivers, and bringing life back to the land. The people rejoiced, praising their wise king and the gods who had answered their prayers.
From that day on, the number 5 was revered throughout the kingdom. People offered 5 flowers to the gods, ate 5 fruits for health, and wore 5 colours to bring good fortune. King Vikram, now known as Vikram the Wise, ruled his kingdom with even greater wisdom and prosperity, always remembering the sacred power of the number 5.
And so, the kingdom flourished, blessed by the balance of the 5 elements and the wisdom of its beloved king.
