________________
07
Mahabal and Malaya
One day a messenger from Chandravati came in the court of Surpal, the king of Pathanpur. He gave the message of his king Veerdhaval saying :
“The 'Swayamvar* ceremony of the princess Malaya has been fixed on the eleventh day of the later half of the month of Jyeshth. The kings from distant places will be coming with a desire to marry the princess. It is the specific invitation of our king that you also send your prince Mahabal that ceremony..'
The king Surpal noted the days of the Swayamvar and gave prires tothe messenger.
The king said to Mahabal :
"Prince ! You have to attend the Swayamvar caremony of Malaya to Chandravati city on the Eleventh Day of Jyesth. When yon go there you also take with you the