The chief named Udaya

By Halaliye Karunathilake Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila

1. King Sena appointed his elder brother, Mahinda, as the 'Yuva-raja'. The other two brothers were made chiefs. Sangha, was the Chief Queen of this king. One day, when the king wanted to go for water sports, along with his queen, he entrusted his youngest brother, Chief Udaya, to manage the affairs of government till he returned. Unfortunately, this Chief Udaya had developed an intimate friendship with his cousin by this time.

2. This cousin, happened to be his aunt's daughter. The name of the aunt was Nala. Though Prince Udaya visited this aunt's house frequently, no one knew about his friendship. King Sena, who went out of the capital city, had gone far, to a seaside spot, to enjoy water-sports that day. The king and the queen had both enjoyed themselves thoroughly that day.

3. Meanwhile, the Chief Udaya, who was entrusted with the task of looking after the affairs of state, had given that up and run away with the cousin. He had gone to Polonnaruwa. When the king got to know this, he stopped all water-sports and rushed back to Anuradhapura. He did not get disturbed over the irresponsible behaviour of his younger brother. He was only sad that he had not behaved in a more fitting manner. He felt a certain amount of guilt, thinking that he, as the elder brother had neglected his duties towards the younger brother.

4. The king decided to act in a sensible manner now. He summoned his brother Mahinda, the 'Yuva-raja' and instructed him to go to Polonnaruwa and bring the runaway couple. "In not doing our duty by the younger brother, we too are responsible for this mess. Now it is too late to change things. Let us bring them here and get them married. We shall have a grand function to celebrate their wedding," said the king rather sadly.

5. The Yuva-raja too was sad about the way things had happened regarding the younger brother. He went to Polonnaruwa and found the place where Udaya was in hiding. As he saw his brother, he flew into a rage and reprimanded him. Udaya listened in silence and did not talk back.

6. When Yuva-raja Mahinda's anger had subsided, he looked at his brother in a sorrowful manner. Udaya too looked innocent. Giving way to brotherly love, both of them embraced each other. Udaya, begged pardon for the offence he had committed. Mahinda shook his head smilingly. Then the Yuva-raja said that the king wanted both of them to be brought to the palace.

7. Through fear that the king, his brother, would punish them, Udaya asked the Yuva-raja what awaited them at that end. Mahinda assured him that there would be no punishment but added that the king was very sad about the whole affair. He even said that it was with tears in his eyes, that the king ordered him to bring them back. Then the Chief Udaya and his cousin, accompanied Mahinda to Anuradhapura.

8. King Sena, welcomed them very warmly. He had a royal banquet, to celebrate the brother's wedding. Thereafter, the brothers lived in peace and happiness. King Sena continued to be engaged in meritorious deeds. He gave relief to the poor. Alms were offered to both the Buddhist monks and the Brahmanas.