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[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

艢r墨 艢uka said:

1. Hearing the message of 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹�, the princess of Vidarbha, 碍峁涐梗峁嘺, the delight of Yadus, clasped the hand of the 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺 and laughing heartily, he spoke to him.

The Lord said:

[叠丑腻驳补惫补迟补 颁补苍诲谤颈办腻鈥檚 Text adds:]

1(A). Just as the most beautiful 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹� has ever fixed her heart on Me.

2. So also I too have set My heart on her. Hence I do not get any sleep at night. I know that it is due to Rukmin鈥檚 hatred against me that my marriage with her is obstructed by him.

3. As one would capture a flame after churning the fuel, I will vanquish those wretched kings in a battle and take away (as prize) that faultlessly beautiful princess who is so devoted to me.

艢r墨 艢uka narrated:

4. Having ascertained (from the 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺) the constellation under which 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹�峁� marriage was to take place (viz. day after tomorrow at night. 碍峁涐梗峁嘺, the slayer of the demon Madhu ordered his charioteer 顿腻谤耻办补 to get his chariot ready forthwith.

5. 顿腻谤耻办补 instantly brought up the chariot drawn by (the famous horses) 艢补颈产测补, 厂耻驳谤墨惫补, 惭别驳丑补辫耻峁�p补 and 叠补濒腻丑补办补 and stood before him with folded palms.

6. Taking up the 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺 with him, 碍峁涐梗峁嘺, mounted the chariot and with those swift horses (yoked to the chariot) he travelled from 膧苍补谤迟补^[1] to Vidarbha within one night.

7. Due to his weakness of being over-affectionate to his son, the king of 碍耻峁囜笉颈苍补 caused all the auspicious rites connected with marriage-ceremony, with a view to give his daughter to 艢颈艣耻辫腻濒补.

8-9. The city had all its streets, roads and quadrangles profusely sprinkled with water. It was decorated with banners of various kinds and buntings and arches. It was crowded by men and women who were wearing garlands of flowers, fragrant ointments and dressed themselves with immaculate clothes. They perfumed their mansions with the fumes of aloe wood (Aguru) smoke.

10. Having worshipped the manes, gods and 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺s with due formalities and giving them a heavy feast he caused the auspicious verses recited according to formalities (to bless the bride).

11. The bride of beautiful teeth who had taken a bath and had gone through the formal auspicious preliminaries (such as wearing an auspicious thread woven with a piece of gold) was clothed in a pair of brand-new silken pieces and was beautified with excellent ornaments.

12. For the protection of the bride (from evil influences), the most prominent 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺s pronounced mantras from the 厂腻尘补惫别诲补, the 峁欢-痴别诲补 and the Yajur-Veda. The family-priest of the king who was expert in the Atharva-Veda offered oblations to fire for the appeasement of evil stars (and the prosperity of the house).

13. The king who was prominent among those who were well versed in 艢膩stric prescriptions gave as gift to 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺s gold, silver, clothes and sesamum seeds mixed with raw sugar and cows as well.

14. In the same way king 顿补尘补驳丑辞峁�a, the ruler of Cedis, caused all the religious formalities conducive to the good of his son, by 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺s who were expert in mantras.

15. Accompanied with regiments of elephants exuding ichor, chariots decorated with garlands of gold and with armies of cavalry and infantry, he came to the city of 碍耻峁囜笉颈苍补.

16. The king of Vidarbhas went out to receive him and worshipped him with all the formalities with a gladsome heart. He lodged him in a separated mansion which was reserved for that purpose.

17. There came thousands of kings who were the allies of 艢颈艣耻辫腻濒补 such as 艢腻濒惫补, 闯补谤腻蝉补苍诲丑补, Dantavaktra, 痴颈诲奴谤补迟丑补, 笔补耻峁囜笉谤补办补 and others.

18-19 All those enemies of 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 and 叠补濒补谤腻尘补 determined to see to it that the bride was secured for 艢颈艣耻辫腻濒补. They decided among themselves, 鈥淚n case 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 accompanied by 叠补濒补谤腻尘补 and other Yadus comes and tries to carry away the bride, we shall jointly put up a fight with him.鈥� Having made up their minds thus, all the kings came with all their forces and vehicles there.

20-21. Hearing the report of military preparations of the hostile kings, the glorious 叠补濒补谤腻尘补 who came to know of 碍峁涐梗峁嘺鈥檚 having gone alone to carry away the bride, apprehended a fight, and taking with him a very big army consisting of elephants, horsemen, chariots and foot-soldiers quickly rushed to 碍耻峁囜笉颈苍补, as he was overcome with brotherly affection.

22. The beautiful daughter of king 叠丑墨峁�m补办补 who was yearning for the arrival of Lord Hari and not seeing (any chances) of the return of the deputed 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺, began to think as follows:

23. 鈥淎las! Only one night has remained for the celebration of the marriage. I am afraid I am unfortunate with little merit (to my credit). The Lotus-eyed Lord has not come as yet, nor do I know its reason. The 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺 who was my emissary with that message, has also not returned as yet.

24. Is it that the noble-souled Lord who made preparations for coming here has seen something censurable in me and hence does not come for the acceptance of my hand?

25. To me who am unfortunate, neither god 叠谤补丑尘腻 nor god 艢颈惫补 is favourable and the fair goddess 笔腻谤惫补迟墨 the spouse of god 艢颈惫补, that chaste daughter of 贬颈尘腻濒补测补蝉 too seems to be averse to me.鈥�

26. While the girl whose mind was thus fixed on Lord 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 (as if carried away by him) was pondering thus, her eyes were bedimmed with tears. But as she knew what was proper for that particular time (viz. not shedding tears), she closed her eyes.

27. In this way, of the bride who was eagerly waiting for the coming of Lord 碍峁涐梗峁嘺, the left thigh, arm, and eye began to throb indicating thereby auspicious and happy news.

28. That very excellent 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺 who was directed by 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 (after his arrival in the park near 碍耻峁囜笉颈苍补) saw the glorious princess in the harem.

29. Seeing his cheerful countenance and gait with confident steps (indicating a success of his mission) the virtuous girl who was expert in guessing the indications, asked him with a broad smile.

30. He informed her that 碍峁涐梗峁嘺, the delight of Yadus had arrived and assured her of his definite promise of taking her away (supra verse 3) and that he was brought in his chariot by 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 Himself.

31. Knowing definitely that he (碍峁涐梗峁嘺) had arrived (at 碍耻峁囜笉颈苍补pura), the princess of Vidarbha was over-joyed at heart. (In her exultation) she could not decide what gift or boon be conferred on the 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺 for his highly valuable service. And she simply bowed down to him^[2] (and later paid him sumptuously).

.earning that both 叠补濒补谤腻尘补 and 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 had arrived out of curiosity to witness the celebration of his daughter鈥檚 marriage, king 叠丑墨峁�m补办补 went forth to receive them with a flourish of trumpets, taking with him proper articles of worship and presents.

33. (Being highly intelligent, he guessed that 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 had arrived for marrying his daughter for which he was quite willing). So he worshipped 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 with due formalities suitable after the arrival of the bridegroom and he brought Madhuparka (a preparation of honey and curds鈥攁 customary offer to a bridegroom after arrival on the eve of the marriage ceremony), excellent (lit. well-washed) garments and other desirable presents (of various kinds) and worshipped them as enjoined in scriptures.

34. The high-minded monarch arranged for a spacious, luxurious accommodation for them.

[笔补诲补谤补迟苍腻惫补濒墨鈥檚 Text:]

34(A). It was quite spacious and suitable for them but in a garden on the outskirts of 碍耻峁囜笉颈苍补pura, as the city was overcrowded with kings like 闯补谤腻蝉补苍诲丑补 and others.^[3]

35. He also arranged for the hospitable reception of 碍峁涐梗峁嘺鈥檚 followers and army, in a proper manner.

36. In this way, he received all other kings who arrived there, each according to his prowess, age, military power and affluence, catering to them all that they desired.

37. Hearing that 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 had arrived, the citizens of 碍耻峁囜笉颈苍补pura came to see him and (as it were) drank (to their heart鈥檚 content the honey of beauty) of his lotus-face with both their eyes as if they were the joined palms for drinking).

38. (They spoke amongst themselves): 鈥極nly 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹� and no other girl deserves to be his consort, and he alone of faultlessly beautiful personality is the suitable consort for 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹�, the daughter of 叠丑墨峁�m补.

39. May the Lord, the creator of the three worlds, be pleased with whatever little merit we possess and as his grace (showered on us) may the imperishable Lord 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 accept the hand of the princess of Vidarbha.鈥�

40. While the citizens who were attached to 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹� by bonds of affection, were speaking thus with one another, the bride, guarded by soldiers, started from theharem to the shrine of 础尘产颈办腻 (goddess 笔腻谤惫补迟墨).

41. Deeply contemplating on the lotus-feet of Lord 碍峁涐梗峁嘺, she went on foot to see and worship the foliage-like tender feet of goddess 叠丑补惫腻苍墨.

[笔补诲补谤补迟苍腻惫补濒墨鈥檚. Text adds:]

40(A). 碍峁涐梗峁嘺, the delight of 驰腻诲补惫补蝉 went there in the company of some selected followers.

42. The bride observed silence; she was accompanied by her mothers and was surrounded by her friends (maids of honour). She was protected by the valiant royal guards clad in coats of mail and alert with their weapons uplifted.

[笔补诲补谤补迟苍腻惫补濒墨鈥檚 Text:]

41(A). And she was surrounded by aged chamberlains (eunuchs) with canes indicating their office, 惭峁沝补峁単补蝉, conchs, drums, trumpets and kettle-drums were sounded (during the procession.)

42. She was accompanied by thousands of prominent courtesans carrying with them a variety of offerings and articles of worship and by 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺 women (whose husbands were alive) tastefully adorned with garlands of flowers, perfumes (or sandal paste) excellent garments and ornaments.

43. Songsters singing songs and musicians playing on their instruments as well as bards and panegyrists like 厂奴迟补, 惭腻驳补诲丑补 and Bandins surrounded the bride glorifying her in songs.

44. Arriving at the shrine of the goddess^[4], she washed her lotus-like hands and feet. Purifying herself with sipping the water thrice as 腻肠补尘补苍补, she entered with a serene mind in the inner apartment鈥攊nto the presence of the goddess 笔腻谤惫补迟墨.

45. Aged 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺 ladies who were well-versed in the (pre-marital) rituals, guided the bride in the worship and paying respects to the goddess 笔腻谤惫补迟墨, the Consort of 艢颈惫补, along with god 艢颈惫补 as well.

46. (搁耻办尘颈峁嚹� prayed:) I constantly pay my respects to you Oh auspicious^[5] Mother goddess, along with your children (骋补峁噀艣补 and 碍腻谤迟迟颈办别测补). May Lord 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 become my consort. May this prayer of mine be granted.

47. She worshipped the goddess 笔腻谤惫补迟墨 in several ways by sprinkling her with water, applying sandal-paste and unbroken rice-grains, varieties of incense, with (a rich variety of) clothes, garlands of flowers, ornaments, various kinds of articles of worship and offerings (variety of edibles) and with rows of lights (waving them round her).

48. With similar articles she worshipped 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺 women 厂耻惫腻蝉颈苍墨蝉鈥�(whose husbands are alive) in the same way, offering them salt, 补辫奴辫补 (fried cakes), betel leaves, 尘补峁単补濒补蝉奴迟谤补. (the sacred thread to be worn round the neck by 厂耻惫腻蝉颈苍墨蝉), fruits (of various kinds) and (pieces of) sugarcane.

49. The 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺 ladies gave her some part (of what she offered as worship to the goddess 础尘产颈办腻) and gave their blessings (in addition) along with them. 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹� bowed down to them and and to the queen-mother and accepted the things offered to her (as 辫谤补蝉腻诲补).

50. Completing (the observance of) the vow of silence she came out of the temple of 础尘产颈办腻*, clasping the hand of her servant (nurse) with her own hand resplendent with rings of precious stones.

[笔补诲补谤补迟苍腻惫补濒墨鈥檚 Text adds] {after *}

50.1 Nearby was the shrine of Indra and (his consort) 艢补肠墨 who were the family deities of the royal house of Vidarbha.

50.2 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹� entered (the inner part of the shrine) in the presence of 艢补肠墨, the beloved of the lord of gods. She bowed to the feet of 艢补肠墨 whose lotus-feet were not worshipped by her for a pretty long time. Then she issued out of that temple with many umbrellas being held over her and fanned by waving of a number of chowries.

51-53. The glorious warriors who assembled there found themselves tormented with the passion of love and became perplexed at seeing her, who like the deluding potency (惭腻测腻) of the Lord, was enchanting to the warriors, with her beautiful slender waist, and countenance beautified with the earrings; she was sixteen years of age^[6], wore a girdle of precious stones around her waist: had protruding breasts (showing attainment of womanhood); her eyes were unsteady, appearing as if afraid of her over-hanging locks of hair. Beaming with bright smile, her white jasmine-bud like teeth appeared reddish as they were tinged with the splendour of her red lips-re岣� like the Bimba fruit. Her gait was like that of a royal swan and her feet were radiant with the splendour of jingling anklets.

54. Hypnotized on seeing 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹� who under the pretex of the religious pilgrimage (to the shrine of the goddess), had come to offer her beauty to Lord Hari, the kings whose hearts were captivated by her sublime smile and bashful looks, dropped down their weapons (without being aware of it), and fell senseless on the ground even though they were mounted on elephants, chariots and horses.

55. At that time, she was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Lord and hence was slowly moving (her feet resembling) a pair of lotus-buds. Removing aside her hair flowing over her eyes with her fingers, she cast bashful side-glances to have an over-view of the kings that assembled there. And Lo! she noticed him there.

56. Even while the enemies were looking on, 碍峁涐梗峁嘺 snatched away the princess who was desirous of ascending his chariot; he seated her in his chariot with the ensign of 骋补谤耻岣峚 (emblem of Garuda on the flag) setting at nought the whole lot of K峁�attriyas assembled there. 碍峁涐梗峁嘺, the Consort of 尝补办峁�m墨, then slowly (and fearlessly) departed from the place (to 顿惫腻谤补办腻) with his forces headed by 叠补濒补谤腻尘补, like a lion seizing his own share of prey from the midst of a pack of jackals.

57.^[7] Other proud kings under the leadership of 闯补谤腻蝉补苍诲丑补 did not tolerate this discomfiture and loss of reputation (by 碍峁涐梗峁嘺鈥檚 carrying away 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹� in the teeth of their opposition). They exclaimed: 鈥淔ie upon us who, although armed with bows, have been deprived of our reputation and glory by cowherds just as the lions are deprived of their kingly position by the deer.鈥�

Footnotes and references:

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[1]:

Gujarat and a part of Malwa with 碍耻艣补蝉迟丑补濒墨 or 顿惫腻谤补办腻 as the capital鈥�GDAMI p. 7.

[2]:

叠丑腻惫腻谤补迟丑补 顿墨辫颈办腻: Or: 搁耻办尘颈峁嚹� was an incarnation of 尝补办峁�m墨, the goddess of wealth. All people who pay respects to her are bestowed with all kinds of wealth. She decided, 鈥淲hen I, 尝补办峁�m墨, pay respects to this 叠谤腻丑尘补峁嘺, he will automatically become more affluent than all others.鈥�

[3]:

Probably to avoid an outbreak of conflict if the two inimical camps are accommodated in the town.

[4]:

叠丑腻驳补惫补迟补 颁补苍诲谤颈办腻鈥檚 v.l.鈥攕he entered the shrine of the goddess.

[5]:

艢颈惫腻鈥攊mplies respects to Lord 艢颈惫补 with whom she (the goddess) shares the name and person.

[6]:

艢测腻尘腻鈥攚ho had not attained puberty鈥�叠丑腻惫腻谤补迟丑补 顿墨辫颈办腻, 叠丑腻驳补惫补迟补 颁补苍诲谤颈办腻

[7]:

This is the 1st verse of the next chapter in 笔补诲补谤补迟苍腻惫补濒墨