Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4

SR No.: 001004
Original Sutra Author: Hemchandracharya
Author: Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra
Publication Year: 1954
Total Pages: 449
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, & Story
File Size: 9 MB

Page 110

ŚRI MUNISUVRATANATHACARITRA : 75 mendicant nun, 01 Atreyikā, who was skilled in various schemes, to Vanamālā. Atreyi went immediately to Vanamālā's house, was honored by her, and said with a blessing, “Child, why are you pale today like a lotus at the coming of winter? Why are your cheeks pale like digits of the moon in the daytime? Why do you keep on meditating, casting vacant glances ? Formerly you told me everything. Why do you not tell me your trouble ? "
Vanamālā sighed and said, with folded hands: "What story, consisting of longing for an object hard to obtain, shall I tell? On the one hand, a she-ass, on the other hand, the king of steeds, noble Uccaiķśravas; on one hand, a young jackal, on the other, a young lion; here, a miserable hen-sparrow, there, the king of birds; here, I, a weaverwoman, there, a lover hard to win. Even of those a union might take place some way or other by the will of the Creator; but his union with me lowborn would never take place even in a dream."
Ātreyikā said, “I will accomplish your wish. What cannot be accomplished by the virtuous who know charms and spells ?” Vanamālā said, “Today I saw the king on the road, seated on an elephant, like Manmatha in person. From the sight of him, which was like a stream of sandal, a powerful fever of love shot up in my body. A union with him, like the crest-jewel of Takşaka as a remedy for fever, is hard for wretched me to obtain. What shall I do, Blessed Lady?" Atreyi said, "Shall I drag down a god, a demon, the moon, the sun, or a Vidyadhara? What talk of charms in this case? I will cause your union with the king at dawn, innocent girl, or I will enter a blazing fire. Have confidence.”
After comforting Vanamālā in this way, the mendicant nun went away and told the minister Sumati that the king's business was as good as done. The minister told the king this and camforted him. Generally the hope of
01 42. Not a Jain, needless to say. See above, n. 45.