As Akbar washes his hands and feet in ice-cold water, he says he would give 50,000 gold coins to someone who can stand in the water up to his neck for the night. Birbal protests, but Akbar is adamant. A poor brahmin agrees to try, and he succeeds. Jealous courtiers are angry. "How did you spend the night?" "I watched lights of the palace." They claim he got warmth from the lights. Birbal then invites Akbar and courtiers to dinner, but the dinner khichdi is not ready; it is in pot hanging from tree, far from the fire. Birbal makes his point; brahmin gets his reward.
Notes: Compare the very similar story about Nasruddin: The Heat of a Candle.
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