Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

SR No.: 001006
Original Sutra Author: Hemchandracharya
Author: Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra
Publication Year: 1962
Total Pages: 446
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, Story, N000, & N010
File Size: 21 MB

Page 315

STORIES OF RAUHIŅEYA AND OTHERS 275 to eat the food, and there were unfavorable omens. As he was conversant with omens, he started up without eating and went a long way. Then, (although) hungry and eager to eat, he was prevented again by omens. Again, he went a long distance, tried to eat, and was prevented by omens.
Then he went and told the whole incident to Pradyota; and the king summoned the son of Śreņika and questioned him. He, being wise, smelled the food-bag and pronounced this decision, “ There is here a serpent that poisons by its glance, that originated from the combination of substances. If he had opened the bag, he would have been consumed, certainly. So turn it loose in the forest with your face averted.” At this advice of Abhaya, it was set free in that way. The trees were consumed at once, and it died. “Ask (any) boon from me, except release from custody.” When the king told him this, Abhaya replied, "Let the boon remain in reserve for me."
Story of Udayana and Väsavadattā (184–265)212 Now, King Caņdapradyota had a daughter, Vāsavadattā, born from Angāravati, like Sri from the ocean. Cherished by nurses, she grew up gradually, and played in the court-yard of the palace, the Lakşmi of the kingdom in person, as it were. The king was very devoted to her and esteemed her, covered with all auspicious marks and endowed with qualities of humility, et cetera, even more than a son. Under teachers worthy of herself she learned all the arts. The art of music alone remained without a teacher and the king asked a minister who had seen much and heard much: “Who, pray, will be a teacher for my daughter in the study of music? Generally the art of music is especially suitable for amusing the husband in the case of kings' daughters who have gone to the husband's house.”
212 For a discussion of this episode, see my article, The UdayanaVåsavadatta Romance in Hemacandra, JAOS 66 (1946), 295 ff.