Read the previous part here… “I wonder how the king managed to obtain this beautiful maiden, one that I caught a short glimpse of, that too in the middle of the ocean, much like one witnesses a flash of lightning. But, as they say…” Whatever is written on a man’s forehead, whatever is written in …
Read the previous part here… “I didn’t know what to do, so I fell at his feet and begged him to lift the curse”, continued Mṛgāṅkavatī. “When he was finally placated, he said…” “In time, Yaśaḥketu, the king of Aṅga, shall become your husband, and shall see you swallowed by the Rākṣasa, and shall kill …
Read the previous part here… The king was taken aback by what he saw, and blood rushed to his head in anger. He unsheathed his sword, and rushing towards the Rākṣasa, jumped high up and cut off his head in one stroke. A stream of blood gushed forth from the trunk of the beheaded Rākṣasa, …
Read the previous part here… When she said this, the king recalled what Kuśanābha had told him, and he brought her close to him and held her affectionately, wanting to give her all the love in the world and even more. Mṛgāṅkavatī too was overpowered by affection, and agreed to accept him as her husband. …
Read the previous part here… The maiden slowly opened her eyes, which fell on the handsome king, a warrior whose wounds spoke of a hundred wars fought and won…and startled, she sprang from the couch, and hid her face in shyness. कृतातिथ्या नतमुखी पूजयन्तीव पादयोः ।फुल्लेक्षणोत्पलन्यासैः शनैर् एतम् उवाच च ॥ १२,१९.१०० ॥ को भवान् …
Read the previous part here… She was his wife in their previous janma (birth), and hence his deep desire to have her. He will return to his kingdom once he has obtained his objective!” This consoled poor Lakṣmīdatta, who bowed with folded hands, and continued on his journey. स राजापि यशःकेतुर् निमग्नो ऽन्तो महोदधौ ।अकस्मान् …
Read the previous part here… Incidentally, Lakṣmīdatta was about to set out to SvarnaDeepa. The merchant greeted Yaśaḥketu, having noticed the signs of royalty that shone beyond the costume of the sadhu that the king had worn. Yaśaḥketu returned the greeting, and then set out by ship, on the sea, towards the island of SvarnaDeepa. …
Read the previous part here… Yaśaḥketu, who had been very badly affected by the minister’s absence, came out of the palace gates to personally welcome Dīrghadarśin. He embraced him tightly and taking his hand, led him into the palace. There, he instructed his attendants to ensure that a warm bath, good food and a soft …
Read the previous part here… A huge wave rose high into the sky, and as it receded, a huge कल्पवृक्ष (Kalpavriksha) came into view. It was adorned by huge branches of gold, with fruits of gems and coral, and sweet-smelling flowers of many varieties. On it’s trunk sat a maiden, so beautiful that even beauty …
Read the previous part here… The king refused to relent, and as they were speaking, the king’s attendant entered and said “My king! The sun is rising slowly from the waters of the lake, and so your time of taking the holy dip is passing. Please come with us now…” The king readily agreed, seeing …
