The Devoted Wife

Champeyya, the serpent king, was actually a reincarnation of the Bodhisattva. He married a beautiful serpent princess called Sumana and led a happy life. However, he soon grew tired of his life of luxury and went to the forest to meditate, leaving his wife behind.

One day, while he was sitting on an anthill deep in meditation, a snake charmer saw him and trapped him with the help of his magical powers. The serpent king was then made to dance on the streets to the tunes of the snake charmer’s flute. Meanwhile, his devoted wife went from town to town looking for her husband and at last saw him dancing in the royal court of Benaras. Champeyya stopped his dance at the sight of his tearful wife. Sumana freed her husband with the help of the king and took him home.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!