The Forgotten King of Lanka
Once upon a time in the distant past, on an island gleaming like a pearl in the Indian Ocean, there existed an enchanted kingdom filled with lush trees, stunning golden beachers, and prosperous people. It was known as 'Lanka,' and it was ruled by a generous and magnificent king named Siddhartha.
Siddhartha was not just a king; he was a visionary leader. He led his people by example, and under his reign, Lanka thrived. Unity was their strength, prosperity their signature and their impressive architectural works mirrored their intellect.
Yet, there was a shadow hue in this glowing tapestry. Ravana – a fierce demon and master sorcerer, the self-imposed king of the underworld – harbored an escalating obsession with the island jewel, Lanka. Ravana’s cruel reign was a stark contrast to Siddhartha’s benevolent rule. The demon king was eager to expand his dominion, and his gaze inevitably turned towards the prosperous Lanka.
One fateful day, Ravana decided to attack Lanka. Siddhartha, a pacifist by heart, was forced into war but remained calm, sure about the strength of his people. As anticipated, the battle was fierce and bloody, but the people of Lanka stood their ground. The decisive battle came when King Siddhartha faced Ravana himself. Amidst the raging war, tranquility radiated from the king even as he fought valiantly, matching the demon blow for blow. The battle seemed balanced until Ravana, in a desperate move, used dark sorcery to incapacitate King Siddhartha and claim victory.
With the king imprisoned in the underworld, the island of Lanka came under Ravana's cruel rule. Despite his dominance, the island's glow diminished. His reign cast a shadow over Lanka, and prosperity decayed into poverty. Yet, the Lankans never forgot their king, and his teachings of unity and strength echoed throughout the kingdom.
While Lanka wept under Ravana's tyranny, in the bleak depths of the underworld, King Siddhartha remained unbroken. The king waited patiently, honing his mind, body, and spirit, watching Ravana's every move and learning his opponent. The prison became his training ground and his confinement a lesson in endurance.
Eventually, he discovered a chink in Ravana's impenetrable defenses. The demon was invincible only so long as he held onto the darkness in his heart. Siddhartha, with his enlightened mind, understood that the cruelest prison one could suffer was not without but within: in one's own mind and heart.
The saga reached its climax when Siddhartha challenged Ravana to a rematch. Ravana, underestimating Siddhartha, consented. As they again clashed, Siddhartha did not aim for Ravana's body but his heart. He showcased peace, resilience, and love, each blow and dodge a lesson in humanity. As the duel continued, the darkness in Ravana's heart began to wane. A sliver of light entered, and that was all it took. Ravana was weakened, and Siddhartha claimed victory, not over the demon but over the darkness within him.
As Siddhartha returned to Lanka, his people celebrated the revival of their beloved king and the freedom he brought with him. However, Siddhartha’s victory wasn't the end; it was a new beginning. He was not just a king who defended his kingdom but a leader who brought light into the world. His reign continued with more splendor, unity, and prosperity, and his story resonated for eons, teaching a lesson in humanity that transcends kingdoms and races—goodness always prevails over evil.
Though centuries have passed since the time of the Forgotten King, echoes of his reign still reverberate in every corner of Lanka. Still, its resplendent beaches, unparallel architecture, and the unity amongst the people are living testaments to King Siddhartha, serving as a reminder that his spirit continues to guard his beautiful island.
Unfortunately, kings like Siddhartha are often forgotten in the ashes of history. But the spirit and ideals they stood for continue to exist, waiting for the moment when we, like Siddhartha, look within ourselves and battle the darkness in our hearts. Only then can we truly be free, and only then can we truly understand the story of those forgotten.