Lilavai

SR No.: 002796
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: A N Upadhye
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Publication Year: 1966
Total Pages: 500
Language: Sanskrit, Hindi, English
Classification: Book_Devnagari & Literature
File Size: 15 MB

Page 49

LILAVAÏ
thick forest. It disappeared into a lake; and to his dismay, there stood before him an attractive girl, viz., Saradaśrī, with a garland in her hands. She introduced herself to the king who subsequently married her.
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Vasantaśrī began to weep at the curse pronounced on her sister; but Gaṇeśa blessed her with a boon that she would get the beloved of her choice. She went home and narrated to her parents all that happened. They became very unhappy. Finding after some time that they felt worried about her own marriage, Vasantasri thought of fructifying the boon of Gaṇeśa and chose Nalakubara who duly came to Sulasă. Both of them were happily wedded; and after some time, a beautiful daughter, Mahānumati, was born to them. She grew into a fine girl: and had her companion in Kuvalayavali. One morning both of them accompanied by their friends went in their swift Vimana to Malaya mountain to enjoy swing-sports with Siddha girls. They were welcomed there in a palacepark by Madhavilată, a gardenkeeper attending on prince Madhavanila, the son of the Siddha king Malayanila and his queen Kamala. The prince was staying there to practise some Vidya. Mahānumati and her party enjoyed a hearty swing-sport. When they were about to return, Madhavănila met them and happened to exchange affectionate glances with Mahanumati. Lest the serpents might trouble them on their way back, the prince put on Mahanumati's finger a Ring, Nāgāri by name, a potent antidote against serpents. Mahānumati, in her turn, presented a Necklace to Madhavilată. As Madhavanila and Mahānumati fell in earnest love with each other, they suffered from pangs of separation, soon after she returned home. The prince sent Madhavilata with a love-letter to Mahanumati. It was realized how both of them were affected by fervent passion. Kuvalayāvali suggested that the prince should marry Mahanumati. Madhavilată readily agreed to it, and returned to the prince with a message of love. Mahanumati was terribly restless, and wanted to go to the prince and offer herself to him without a moment's delay. But Kuvalayǎvali explained to her, from her own experience, the dangers of breaking the family custom and going to the prince like this in a self-willed manner. Mahanumati suggested to her to go to the Malaya mountain, see the Prince personally and do the needful in the matter. When Kuvalayāvali went there, she found the place of the prince neglected and desolate, and presenting a horrid scene. She went further to Kerala where she got some explanation of the mystery. The prince while practising some Vidya, she was informed, was carried away by wicked enemies to the great sorrow of