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Chapter Sixty-Six
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With the knowledge called Parnalavya, bestowed upon her by Punarvasu, she descended from the sky, and arrived at the forest called Shvapada. ||55||
This forest, even for the great Vidyaadharas, was difficult to enter, filled with dense darkness, with huge trees entangled in various creepers, and the sun's rays, frightened by the dense shade of the leaves, seemed to have abandoned it. It was inhabited by wolves, Sharabha, cheetahs, leopards, lions, and other wild animals. The terrain was uneven, with deep burrows, and it was a place of great fear. Entering this great forest, she was overcome with great fear, and like the flame of a lamp, she trembled. ||56-59||
Reaching the bank of a river, she looked in all directions, filled with great sorrow, and wept, remembering her family. ||60||
She said, "Alas, I was born of the great king, the protector of the world, who shines like Indra, and who is a great wheel-turner. I was nurtured with great love. Today, by the will of fate, I have been brought to this state. Alas, I have come to this forest, which is difficult even to look at. What shall I do?" ||61-62||
"Alas, Father! You are a great warrior, and you protect all the worlds. Why do you not have mercy on me, who am helpless in the forest?" ||63||
"Alas, Mother! You endured the pain of carrying me in your womb. Why do you not have mercy on me now?" ||64||
"Alas, my dear ones, who are like the shadow of my heart, and who are full of good qualities! You have never left me for even a moment. Why are you leaving me now?" ||65||
"I am not dead, I am just born. Why am I destined for this suffering? Or is it that without good deeds, one cannot obtain what one desires?" ||66||
"What shall I do? Where shall I go? Whose shelter shall I seek? Whom shall I see? How shall I live in this great forest, being a sinner?" ||67||
"Is this a dream? Or have I been born in hell? Am I the same, or is this some new state that has suddenly appeared?" ||68||
Thus, she lamented for a long time, and became completely distraught. Her lamentations melted even the hearts of the cruel animals. ||69||