The Tale of the Captive King and His Unlikely Escape

This captivating story narrates the journey of a king imprisoned atop a towering minaret. Despite his dire situation, he remains cheerful, believing that a thin silk thread could lead to his freedom. With the help of his wife and a wise sage, a clever plan involving a beetle and honey is devised. This tale not only highlights the power of hope and ingenuity but also serves as a reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions can lead to great outcomes. Read on to explore how this king's determination and a tiny thread changed his fate.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 28, 2026, 19:21 IST

A King's Unusual Predicament

Once upon a time, there was a king who fell into a rage with his minister and imprisoned him atop a towering minaret. This punishment was akin to a slow death, as there was no way for him to receive food, nor could he escape by jumping from such a height. As he was being taken to the minaret, onlookers noted that he appeared neither worried nor sorrowful; instead, he maintained his usual cheerful demeanor. His wife, tearful at their parting, asked him, 'Why are you so happy?'

He replied, 'If only a thin silk thread could reach me, I would be free. Is that too much to ask?'

His wife pondered this, but could not conceive a way to send a silk thread to such a lofty place. In her desperation, she consulted a sage. The sage advised, 'Capture a beetle named Bhṛṅga. Tie the silk thread to its leg and place a drop of honey on its antennae, then release it towards the minaret.'

That very night, the plan was executed. The beetle, drawn by the scent of honey, began its ascent, eventually reaching the captive. The silk thread became his lifeline. From there, they tied a thicker thread, then a rope, and finally a sturdy cord. With the help of this makeshift rope, he managed to escape from his confinement.

Just as a single ray of light is enough to reach the sun, this thread of silk was all he needed for his liberation.