One day , a king ordered his servants to hang display boards containing the sloka "avicharitam na karthavyam , karthavyam suvicharitam – Not to act without a deep thought , but to act only after serious thinking. (By Bharavi –An eminent Sanskrit Poet )
Seeing this, one of his ministers wanted to know the reason for his deed. The king replied that he will come to know about this at an appropriate time.
Once, the king had a boil on his armpit. In order to heal the boil the court doctor suggested for an opration. On the stipulated day when the doctor was ready for the operation , the writing on the display board struck his eyes. Suddenly he kept aside the knife which he was holding . He went outside and brought a new one. Though the king observed all these happenings , he kept quiet. The operation was carried out successfully and the king got recovered completely.
One day he called the doctor and asked to explain the reason for changing the knife before the start of the operation. Trembling with fear ,the doctor explained to him in detail. Then the king instructed him to tell the truth in front of the court.
Next day, the doctor appeared before the court and said, " Because of the evil influence of one of the king's enemy I was about to operate the king with a knife smeared with poison , so that the king will die. But, when I took the knife for operation the writing on the displayboard struck my eyes and made me to think. When I thought deeply I felt my act was foolish and changed my decision. I am a sinner and I may be punished for my act of treachery."
When, the king turned his eyes towards the minister , the minister nodded as if he has understood the reason for the display board.
