Srngaramanjari Katha

SR No.: 002914
Original Sutra Author: Bhojdev
Author: Kalpalata K Munshi
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Publication Year: 1959
Total Pages: 312
Language: Sanskrit, Hindi
Classification: Book_Devnagari & Literature
File Size: 21 MB

Page 269

ŠĶNGĀRAMAÑJARIKATHA
STRA said: "Oh wretched KARPŪRIKĀ! you are not born of me indeed! How can one born of me be just outward-looking? Therefore, henceforth, you must so engage him and please him that he will tell you the source of his income".
He was then propitiated by services and sweet talks, and he narrated the whole incident of the she-pigeon to her. KARPŪRIKA narrated it to the bawd. Coming to know of it the bawd felt she had gained a new life, or a treasure or a kingdom. He was then fed with emetics, so he soon vomitted, and while vomitting threw out the she-pigeon. Out of covetousness (the bawd) devoured it together with saliva as soon as he vomitted it. (55) His gain of gold pieces hence-forward stopped and the bawd's began. Knowing him to be worthless now, the bawd drove him out under some pretext. With everything lost but his life, regretting why he ever revealed to her the affair, he left that city.
While wandering about he heard from some travellers that a foreigner named VIŞNUDATTA had become the king of Magadha; and that he was very pious and charitable. On hearing this he remembered the account of the she-pigeon and thinking that this man must be his brother he went to Magadha. Having gone there he gave him his own acquaintance and stayed there a few days. Then taking along with him much wealth he returned to Kāñci to avenge his defeat.
He came and gave fees to KARPŪRIKA'S neighbour woman and began enjoying in her company as before. From the very first day
Believing him, she asked him: "How did you obtain all this
wealth?”
He answered: "Why do you worry about it? It is a long story". But being requested every day he said: "I had gone to the Śrīparvata. There I performed austerities endangering even my life and then obtained this siddhi”.
Once KARPŪRIKĀ went herself with him to the banian tree and witnessed his affluence. Her desire was then redoubled and gratifying him in various ways said:
"I am very eager to possess this wealth. Therefore if I am dear to you and you have the slightest regard for me, then negotiate a bargain by accepting the she-pigeon."