A soothsayer, on his deathbed, bequeaths a horoscope to his second son, Gangazara, predicting a life of poverty, imprisonment for ten years, and death on a seashore. Gangazara, troubled by this fate, leaves home to avoid his predicted demise. During his journey, he becomes stranded in a desert, running out of food and water. He discovers a well and rescues a tiger king trapped inside, who vows to assist him in times of need. Gangazara then helps a serpent and a rat, both of whom also promise their loyalty. Despite warnings from the animals about a goldsmith trapped in the well, Gangazara chooses to rescue him as well. After ten years of religious life in Benares, he returns home, recalling his past encounters. The tiger, serpent, and rat greet him with gifts, reaffirming their loyalty. Gangazara decides to visit the goldsmith, who betrays him by falsely accusing him of murdering the king, leading to Gangazara's imprisonment. In the dungeon, Gangazara reflects on his fate, believing in the prophecy. His animal friends unite to help him, creating an underground passage to supply him with food and water. They threaten the kingdom with increased attacks until he is released. After ten years, a crisis arises when the king's daughter dies from a snakebite, prompting the king to seek Gangazara's help. Gangazara revives her and is offered the kingdom and the princess's hand in marriage. He demands justice for the wrongs done to him, leading the king to promise fair governance. The goldsmith is punished, and Gangazara prepares to marry the princess after visiting his elder brother. On his way, he accidentally travels to the seacoast, where he reunites with his brother, who dies from joy. The elder brother seeks divine intervention, and Ganesa restores Gangazara to life. The brothers share their adventures and return to Ujjaini, where Gangazara marries the princess and becomes king, fulfilling the soothsayer's prophecy.
By Joseph Jacobs · First published 1898 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Fable