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 271

THE EIGHTH TALE OF THE LOVE OF A WOMAN
I shall now illustrate to you what I told you before that one should always protect oneself from love as from a tiger. Listen.
In the town of Pundravardhana that outshines Alaka by its heavenly mansions, gardens, tanks, lakes, and its rich and great men, there lived a wealthy merchant called VASUDATTA. After observing vows and offering prayers a son was born to him who was named RATNADATTA. Being the only son he was a spoilt child. The father sent him to a teacher called VASUBHUTI for studies. Being naturally gifted with the power to retain what was once read, in short time he learnt all the lores, and mastered all the arts. He obtained great distinction in the training and care of elephants, the methods of handling horse-vehicles and the care of horses, the art of business, the secrets of gambling, the science of harlotry and the art of painting, cutting leaves, binding books and so on.
Once when he had grown up into a young man he said to his father: "Father, by your favour I have learnt all the lores, I have mastered all the arts, and have known all the sciences. But it is indeed shameful for me now to pass my days expending your wealth. (57) Therefore give assent that I may earn wealth by my own hands". When he spoke thus his father tried to persuade him in many ways but he did not stay back. He did not even accept the money offered to make a start. He took only one thousand gold pieces with him and followed by his servant SUBANDHU, set out to work. He considered his family's means of earning wealth censurable, and there. fore decided to earn wealth by serving a Sovereign king. With that determination he set out to join the services of king PRATAPAMUKUTA, the ruler of Manyakheța. His servant SUBANDHU, taking along with him his sword 'Vasunandaka', followed him. On the way he said to RATNADATTA: "Though your father offered you a large sum of money, you accepted only this meagre amount for provisions on the way. How will we be able to join the king's services? And how will we maintain ourselves on the way? To him RATNADATTA replied: "I have taken this amount in case of an emergency, not for provisions on the way. The provisions during the journey will be the arts, the lores, and the sciences that I have learnt; the wealth of the gamblers in gambling is mine, the wealth in the mansions of the prostitutes is mine; I shall maintain myself on that. This I swear that if I am seen by the courtesans they will surely call me, and will not send me away. If they do not call me or if they send me away then I will give up my life." So saying he proceeded further with SUBANDHU.