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286
Harivamsha Purana
This captivating maiden, who navigates the ocean of beauty and auspiciousness, with eyes like a doe, has captivated the entire world. ||125||
Here, every Brahmin, Kshatriya, or Vaishya is a seeker of the maiden, a seeker of fame, a master of the Veena, and a seeker of victory. ||126||
Every month, a gathering of art connoisseurs takes place here, where this maiden, the embodiment of Saraswati, always reigns victorious. ||127||
The gathering of the virtuous had taken place yesterday, and it will convene again after a month. ||128||
Hearing this, Vasudeva asked the Brahmin, "Who is the renowned musician in this city? Tell me." In response, the Brahmin said, "Currently, Sugriva is the most renowned musician." ||129||
Thereafter, Vasudeva, like a member of the household, went to Sugriva, greeted him, and said, "I am of the Gautama lineage, and I wish to become your disciple." ||130||
Considering him to be extremely handsome and innocent, Sugriva, out of compassion, accepted him as his disciple. And he, with his peculiar Veena, would make everyone laugh. ||131||
When the day arrived, the gathering of learned men took place as before. Vasudeva also entered the assembly and observed the vast crowd. ||132||
The assembly was filled with excitement, with those skilled in listening to music and other curious individuals creating a great commotion. ||133||
Then, just as lightning enters the middle of the sky during the rainy season, the maiden, adorned with the purest radiance and the finest ornaments, entered the middle of the assembly. ||134||
Like the embodied Gandharva Vidya, the maiden, guided by Gandharva Sena, defeated many skilled Veena players in succession. Then, Vasudeva also took his seat on a distinguished throne. At that time, many Veenas were presented to Vasudeva, but he declared them all to be flawed. ||132-136||
Finally, Gandharva Sena presented him with his own Veena, named Sughoṣa, which had seventeen strings. Playing it, he joyfully said, "This Veena is excellent, flawless, and expertly crafted! O Gandharva Sena, tell me what you wish to be sung." ||137||
People have gathered here for that maiden. ||124||