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374
Mahapuraanam
Having approached the king, Akampan, who was himself the embodiment of festivity, welcomed the delighted kings into the city, their hearts like the radiant eyes of Sulochana. [230] With great affection, he had hoisted celebratory flags in his own home and other places, and was surrounded by his sons, the noble Hemaangad and others, who were eager to show their respect. [231] Like the sun rising with its rays, Akampan, the unshakeable, welcomed his younger brother, Arkakirti, into the city, just as Bharat had done. [232] As if signifying the future success of Arkakirti, Akampan, the leader of the Nath dynasty, went to meet him with great respect. [233] Then, all the kings, who resided within the three oceans, arrived in Varanasi, their glory enhanced, like the full moon in the sky. [234] Akampan himself went halfway to meet some of the kings, accompanied by all his wealth, while he sent others, like the noble Hemaangad, to meet the rest. [235] As each king arrived, Akampan welcomed them into the city, which seemed to beckon them with its fluttering flags. [236] At that time, Sulochana, surrounded by the kings of the earth and the celestial beings, had made her father, the conqueror of the world, a Chakravarti. [237] Varanasi, which had conquered Ayodhya, rejected it by its very name. From that time onwards, it has been said that there is no gem more precious than a daughter. [238] Akampan, the embodiment of hospitality, welcomed all the kings, led by Arkakirti, into the hall of the Swayamvara, and showered them with affection. [239]