Once again King Bhoja was curious to hear the narrative. ‘Tell me a tale,’ he said to the statuette. And she told him one with smiling glances which delighted the hearts of his assembled courtiers. ‘Your eagerness for a story gives me eloquence, O King,’ she said, ‘do not disdain me as just a wooden puppet, but pay attention.
‘King Vikramaditya travelled the world to see its marvels, with just his sword as a companion. Fatigued by the blazing sun, he once came to a forest looking for a place to rest. At that time a certain brahmin also arrived and sat down near the king. “From where have you come, brahmin?” the king asked. “I am a pilgrim on a trip around the world,” the brahmin replied, “and you, sir, where are you coming from?” “I am a pilgrim like you, sir,” the king responded. But the brahmin looked at him carefully and said: “My lord, who are you? Your appearance denotes majesty and displays all the signs of royalty. You merit a throne. Why are you travelling thus?”
‘Pressed for an answer, the king said: “I am the kshatriya Vikramaditya. I come from the city of Ujjayini. But my purpose, you should know, is only amusement.” At these words the brahmin’s hair bristled with joy, his head shook and his hands trembled, as he recalled the king’s unequalled splendour. “Where are your fan bearers and your tent carriers?” he asked eagerly. “Where is the royal parasol, bright as the enchanting moon of autumn? Where today do you rest your noble feet, caressed by the jewelled diadems of vassal lords? And in what harem, proud of its divine women of enchanting beauty and loveliness, do you repose here, O King? People like me are incapable of enjoying pleasures even if they could accumulate them, but why have you given up for nothing the earthly delights you have?”
“‘This is my way, brahmin,” the king replied with a laugh, “who can change one’s nature? But why do you look as if you are very tired?” The brahmin answered: “What can I say about why I am exhausted? I am suffering terribly.” “Tell me the cause,” asked the king. “Listen then, Your Majesty,” the brahmin said. “On the hill of Mahānīla abides the goddess Kāmākshā. There is a cave in front of her temple. Its portals open only with the password of her incantation. Inside it is a tank of ripened elixir. I went there and spent twelve years reciting the incantation, but the door of the cave did not open. That is why I am so tired and depressed.”
“‘Show me that place,” said the king, “I will try to do something.” The brahmin conducted him to the site, and they both spent the night there. As they slept, the goddess came to the king in a dream and said: “Why have you come here, O King? This door will open only if a man with the thirty-two auspicious marks is sacrificed here, and not otherwise.”
‘The king left the brahmin sleeping and went at dawn to the door of the cave. In the absence of any other man with the auspicious marks, as he was about to cut off his own head, the goddess held his hand. “O crown jewel of heroes!” she said, “I am satisfied. Ask for a boon.” “If you are pleased,” said the king, “give this man the ripened elixir.” Kāmākshā then opened the cave and gave the elixir to the brahmin, whose heart’s desire was thus fulfilled by the great deed of Vikramaditya; and the king returned to Ujjayini.’
After listening to the statuette’s tale, King Bhoja turned back from the throne.