Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 5

SR No.: 001005
Original Sutra Author: Hemchandracharya
Author: Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra
Publication Year: 1962
Total Pages: 507
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, & Story
File Size: 11 MB

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CHAPTER THREE
cubits high, resembling the post of the elephants of the quarters. As if he did not know any pain from the loss of the kingdom, Nala lifted it up easily from curiosity, like an elephant lifting a plantain tree. Again Nala set the pillar in the same place, as if teaching a kingly practice named, ' Digging up and resetting.'126
When the townspeople saw that, they said: 'Oh ! Nala has great strength. Even though he is strong, he has troubles. Surely fate is the reason. In the past when he was playing with Kubara in the garden Naga, a great sage came, a depository of the jewels of knowledge.
He declared: Nala will be lord of the southern half of Bharata from the power of a gift of milk to a muni in a former birth. Whoever shall move a pillar five hundred cubits high in the center of the city, will certainly be lord of half of Bharata." The two things agree that Nala became lord of Bharata and that he moved the pillar, which was seen by our own eyes. But what he said, "While Nala lives, no one else will be king of Kośala," has turned out to be a contradiction. Or rather, his speech will be true with proof (already) seen. Who knows whether or not Kubara will rejoice or whether Nala will be king here again sometime? May the merit of Nala of good fame increase in every way.'
Hearing the people talk to this effect, Nala abandoned the city Kośala, his chariot bathed. in tears by Davadanti weeping. Naiṣadhi said to his wife, 'Where are we going now, queen? For the course of intelligent persons is not without reference to some place.'
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Vaidarbhi said, her mind sharp as the tip of darbha-grass: 'Majesty, go to Kundina. There favor my father by becoming his guest.' Instructed accordingly by Nala, the charioteer, a receptacle of devotion, urging the horses, entered the country adorned by Kundina. Nala arrived at a forest with mountaincaves terrible with the roars of tigers, cruel with serpents,
126 474. I have not located this elsewhere.