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In the Padma Purana, she appeared as if Vidya herself had taken a physical form, subdued by the great austerity of Ratnaśrava, and radiant with brilliance. ||157||
With loving words, Ratnaśrava, compassionate by nature, and especially kind to women, and even more so to young girls, asked, "O child, whose daughter are you? And why are you standing alone in this great forest, like a deer separated from its herd?" ||158-159||
"O one with virtuous aspirations, what are the letters of your name?" Ratnaśrava asked Kekasi. This was appropriate, for even among the virtuous, there is partiality towards the noble. ||160||
With a voice choked with emotion, and possessing infinite sweetness, capable of stealing hearts, Kekasi replied, "I am the daughter of King Vyomābindhu, born from the body of Mandavati. My name is Kekasi, and I have come to serve you, as instructed by my father." ||161-162||
At that very moment, the Vidya named Manasastambhini, possessing great power, became manifest to Ratnaśrava. ||163||
Then, by the power of that Vidya, in that very forest, Ratnaśrava instantly established a city named Pushpāntaka. ||164||
Taking Kekasi as his wife according to the proper rites, he enjoyed the pleasures of the city, fulfilling all his desires. ||164-165||
Between them, there arose an unparalleled love, such that they could not bear even a moment's separation. ||166||
If Kekasi was out of sight of Ratnaśrava's eyes, even for a moment, he would think she was dead. And if Kekasi did not see him for a moment, she would become pale, her facial radiance fading. Such was her tender heart. ||167||
Ratnaśrava's eyes were always fixed on Kekasi's moon-like face, or rather, Kekasi was like a bond for all of Ratnaśrava's senses. ||168||
Their bond was based on unparalleled beauty, youth, wealth, the power of knowledge, and the virtue they had accumulated in the past. ||169||
When she walked, she walked with him; when she stood, she stood with him. Like a shadow, she followed her husband everywhere. ||170||
Karma had created her beauty, gathering the beauty of all women in the three worlds. ||156||
She, Kekasi, seemed as if Vidya herself had taken a physical form, adorned with the brilliance of a gem, subdued by the great austerity of Ratnaśrava. ||157||