| Feature | Standard 169-verse PDF | Abridged PDF (100 verses) | Annotated PDF (with notes) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total verses | 169 | ~100 | 169 | | Word-by-word glossary | No | No | Yes | | Suitable for O/L exam | Yes | No (misses key parts) | Yes | | File size | ~2 MB | ~1 MB | ~5 MB | | Availability | Medium (scans) | High (retyped) | Low (teacher-made) |

The plot revolves around pride, humility, and the true nature of artistic mastery. Guththila, the court musician of King Brahmadatta of Benares, is challenged by his former student Musila, who believes he has surpassed his teacher. The king arranges a musical duel. At the climax, Guththila—using spiritual wisdom rather than mere technical skill—teaches Musila a lesson in humility. The story culminates in Musila acknowledging his teacher’s supreme talent and both achieving enlightenment.

Musila, a young man from another city, came to learn under Guththila. Despite Guththila's hesitation, he taught Musila all his secrets, making him an equally skilled musician. The Betrayal:

The poem ends with a prashasti (eulogy) praising the Kotte monarch for fostering such spiritual and artistic excellence.

The central narrative focuses on the musical rivalry between , a master musician (the Bodhisattva in a previous life), and his pupil, Musila .