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

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CHAPTER FOUR
asked of the portrait-lady, "Who is she? Whose daughter is she?" Nārada said: "She is the daughter of Videhā and Janaka, Sītā, who was portrayed by me on canvas. I am not able to paint her as she really is in beauty, nor is anyone else. She is truly extraordinary in form. Such beauty as Sītā's is not to be found among goddesses, nor among women of the Nāgas, nor among the Gandharvis, to say nothing of humans. The gods are not able to create (by magic) such a form as it really is; gods and men are not able to imitate it; Prajāpati is not able to make it. There is a certain extreme sweetness in her appearance and her voice; and a certain deep redness in her hands and feet and throat. Yet, just as I am not able to paint her just as she is, I am not able to describe her. I tell the exact truth about that. Deciding in my own mind, 'She is suitable for Bhāmaņdala,' I painted her the best I could and showed the portrait, o king."
"She will be your wife; do not worry,” the king consoled his son and dismissed Muni Nārada. Then the king instructed a Vidyadhara, Capalagati, to seize Janaka and bring him quickly. Seizing Janaka at night, unobserved, he brought him and delivered him to Candragati. The king of Rathanūpura embraced Janaka like a kinsman from affection, seated him and said with friendliness: "Your daughter Sītā has extraordinary qualities. My son Bhāmaņdala is not deficient in beauty. Let the union of the two in marriage, which is suitable, take place now, and mutual friendship between us because of the connection.”
Janaka said, “I have given my daughter to Rāma. How can I give her to another ? Maidens are given once for all.”
Then Candragati said: “I have brought you here and asked you to promote our friendship. I am able to kidnap her. Even if your daughter Sită has been promised to Rāma, revertheless Rāma will marry her (only) after he has defeated us.