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The Story of Muladeva
Yoga Shastra, Second Light, Verse 72
"It's time for me to act, I must go. If you wish, you can also get ready." Saying this, Vishvabhuuti left.
Afterwards, Devadatta ordered her maid, "We both need to bathe. So, call a skilled masseur." Hearing this, Dhoortaraj said, "Listen! There's no need to go far, I can massage myself." She said, "Do you know this art?" He said, "I don't know, but I know someone who does, in whose service I have been." At Devadatta's command, Shatpaak oil arrived immediately. Thus, the magical Vaman began to massage with oil. He massaged the Varaanagana's body with gentle, medium, and firm hands, appropriate for the location, so that her body experienced not only vigor and strength but also pleasure. Devadatta was impressed by his skill and thought to herself, "Oh! He has mastered all the arts. Not everyone can have such skill. He must be an extraordinary person." Attracted by his artistry, Devadatta, overwhelmed with emotion, suddenly fell at his feet. She said, "Swami! We believe that you are a noble man with virtues. But why do you deceive us and hide your true form? Please reveal yourself openly, don't deprive us of your true form. Even gods reveal themselves to their devotees when they insist." Hearing this, Muladeva took a magical pill from his mouth and revealed his form like a jester. Devadatta, with eyes filled with wonder, looked at his amazing form, beauty, and charming limbs, like those of Kamadeva, and said, "Thank you! By revealing yourself in the form of such a beautiful body, you have done me a great favor." Giving him a towel suitable for bathing, Devadatta lovingly began to massage oil on his body with her own hands. Then she rubbed fragrant substances on his forehead. Afterwards, they both bathed with a stream of hot water. After bathing, Muladeva wore the silk clothes given by Devadatta, and they both ate together, delicious food mixed with fragrant substances. Their friendship grew stronger. And they often discussed the secrets of art in private. Thus, quite some time passed. One day, seeing Muladeva in a happy mood, Devadatta said, "Nath! You have stolen my heart with your extraordinary qualities. Therefore, I pray, beautiful! Just as you have taken residence in my heart, so too, please come and reside in this house forever." To this, Muladeva said, "It is not appropriate to be attached to a stranger and a poor man like me. And if a Varaanagana becomes infatuated with a poor man's virtues alone, her profession will be ruined, and her family will also suffer." Devadatta said, "Don't make excuses. For a man like you, a lion-like hero, what is a country and what is a foreign land? For virtuous people, everywhere is their homeland. Those fools who want to make us their own with wealth, they are at least outside my heart. Therefore, Temple of Virtues! I tell you clearly that no one else can enter my heart except you. Therefore, fortunate one! My body, mind, and wealth are all dedicated to your feet, accept them." Thus, at Devadatta's insistent request, Muladeva agreed to her request, and they both began to enjoy themselves lovingly.
At that very moment, the gatekeeper came and said, "Swamini! It's time for the dance in the royal court." Devadatta took Muladeva with her to the royal court, disguised. In front of the king, Devadatta began to dance brilliantly, with gestures like those of Rambha. Muladeva played the Dundubhi, very beautifully and effectively, like Indra's Dundubhi player. The king was greatly impressed by Devadatta's classical dance with gestures and said, "Ask for a boon (prasad)." Devadatta asked for her boon to be kept safe in the treasury. Afterwards, she performed music and dance with Muladeva. The king, pleased, gave her beautiful ornaments and fine clothes as a reward. The gatekeeper of the Pataliputra king, Vimalsingh, said happily to the king, "Rajan! The intelligent artist Muladeva lives in Pataliputra. He must have either been given this artistic excellence, or stolen it. No one else can have such artistic excellence. Therefore, after Muladeva,
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