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2
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S. T. Nimkar
718. My dear friend ! that beloved of yours will, indeed, never
die even after hundreds of Yugas; I have noticed his signs
of long life at that iime. 719. And if death was preferable (or, creditable) Malayānila
himself would not have lived first of all; and (Madhavānila's) mother also (would not live) experiencing the great
misery of separation from her beloved son. 720. So, enough of this feeling of constantly longing for death;
perhaps, he will be yours (again), good girl; propitiate
Bhavāni! 721. Here itself, in your family home, if you observe vows your
heart's desires will be fulfilled; dear friend, why do you
cherish death ?" 722. Hearing this said by me Mahānumati said, “Friend, if you
do not wish that I should die, let me say something; listen !
723. Is it possible in case of any miden, staying happily in her
parents' house, that propitiation of gods or concentration
of mind etc. is ever accomplished in any way ? 724. So if you think that death is wrong even in such separation
from the beloved, then let me take up residenee in a
penance-grove, unfortunate that I am ! 725. Just as that Siddha-king has abandoned his kingdom con
sidering it (as insignificant) as blade of grass, so have i decided, my friend, about the pleasures of living in my
parents' home !" 726. Having decided thus, she informed her parents, and with
unflinching mind, at once took up residence here in this
penance-grove”. 727-728. Having heard all this for a long time, from Kuvalay
āvali's mouth, o king, I said, “Good lady, did Bhavāni not alleviate your sorrow, although in such a condition you are practising such austerities where all comfort vanishes in the tortures of forest-life ?"
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