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The Swayamvar in Kanchanpur
417
Ayodhya. The artists and artisans of the Vidyadhar Kingdom decorated the swayamvar hall in a magnificent manner. It shone with a supernatural splendour. Kanakarath's joy knew no bounds.
The day of the swayamvar arrived. The attendants decorated the princesses with ornaments and garments in such a manner that if they looked at their images in a mirror, they would not recognise themselves. Countless Kings and princes sat in the hall clad in their best apparel. All sat in their seats.
Shri Ram and Lakshman sent the princes into the hall. They themselves did not attend the swayamvar. They had come to Kanchanpur only because of King Kanakarath's insistence. The princes Lav, Kush, Shridhar and others entered the hall and sat in the thrones meant for them. The pavilion looked heavenly with a large number of Kings and princes. At the right time, King Kanakarath stood up and extended a hearty welcome to all to the swayamvar. Then the Chief Minister stood up and said in a dignified voice.
"O Kings! O princes! I welcome you all to this Swayamvar on behalf of the King and the citizens of Kanchanpur. I wish to announce that this swayamvar has been arranged for the princesses Mandakini and Chandramukhi as desired by our King. The two princesses will enter the hall soon and choose their bridegrooms. They will garland the princes they choose for their husbands. Many of you will have to be disapp but you are all men of great culture and refinement and you know the principles relating to a swayamvar. No one can break those principles".
Soon the two princesses appeared in the swayamvar hall. First, they saluted their father Kanakarath. He bestowed his blessings upon them and instructed them to garland the young men, they chose for their husbands. Accordingly, under the guidance of an old and experienced woman of the royal family, the swayamvar began. The princesses stood before every King and prince for a few moments and heard from their guide all details about him and then the train moved forward. This
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| SR No. | 002023 |
| Book Title | Jain Ramayana Part 3 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Bhadraguptasuri |
| Publisher | Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana |
| Publication Year | 2000 |
| Total Pages | 518 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English, Story, & Literature |
| File Size | 24 MB |