6
attempt was made to dig out the hidden wealth. But Bhairava in the idol at the foot of the tree gave him to understand that though he was a deserving person to take the money, he had to offer a human sacrifice. The Rajah was in a dilemma, to abandon the wealth or to find a person who would willingly offer his life for his wealth. Then came Rechan who was prepared to die cheerfully in return for the Rajah's granting him a boon that should be strictly observed by his descendants for all time to come. The boon runs thus: "Any marriage of a member of the Rajah's family has to be preceded by a marriage in Rechan's family duly performed at the Rajah's expense," which thus presupposed the protection of Rechan's line. This Rechan said would greatly recompense his death as his name would thus be long remembered side by side with the Rajahs of Velugoti line. This wish was at once granted, the offering made, and the wealth posses-
