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 52

INTRODUCTION
more. Their hopes were frustrated, and in addition those of Lilavati too. Mahanumati presented the Ring Nägāri to Hala, inviting him to their hermitage, through Vijayananda who returned to his master and requested him to act immediately.
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Realizing that Lilavati, noble as she was, would not change her decision, Hala became desperate with disappointment. His teacher Nagarjuna, however, proposed to take him to Pātāla which abounds in pleasures. Led by Nagarjuna and accompanied by Vijayananda the king Hala started to Pätäla with a big retinue. At the third gate of it they saw a gallant prince restrained by serpents which fled away, leaving the prince free, through the miraculous power of the Ring Nāgāri which the king had with him. The king felt pleased to find that the liberated prince was Madhavanila who gladly learnt all about Mahanumati. The king was anxious to make him happy, so he was no more tempted by the pleasures of Patala. He returned to his metropolis to the joy of all.
With a big army the king marched next morning and soon reached the Sapta-Godavari Bhima; and his army camped there. Accompanied by Vijayananda he paid respects to the Pasupata ascetic who bestowed on him a great Mantra requesting him to strike the demon Bhiṣaṇānana with its help. The expected battle took place, and by the power of that Mantra the demons were routed helplessly. In a challenging duel the king hit on the head of Bhiṣaṇanana. Suddenly arose on the spot a charming prince who thanked the king and disclosed to him his identity as the Gandharva prince Citrangada and his relation with Kuvalayǎvali. The king felt very happy and requested him to meet her soon.
Then Hala, Citrangada and Madhavanila met together; and there arrived Nalakūbara and Hamsa with their parties. The wedding of Madhavanila and Mahānumati was duly celebrated, and Citrangada also met Kuvalayavali.
When there was a grand gathering of Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yaksas and men, there came Śilāmegha with queen Säradaśrī. She received her daughter (Lilavati) cordially, and became free from Ganesa's curse at the stipulated time, in this gathering.
In a great pomp king Satavahana married Lilavati. The various kings that had assembled there bestowed on him different miraculous gifts as well as their blessings and returned to their respective places. After worshipping Isvara and saluting the Pasupata ascetic, the king accompanied