________________ where she was put in charge of the almshouse, daily distributing food to the needy. Prior to Nandayanti's accusation and banishment, Sagarapota had despatched Surapala, the doorkeeper, on a mission to Nandayanti's father Nagadatta at Soparapura. He returned after long, and enquired about Nandayanti for whom he had brought presents form her father. When Sagarapota told him about her illicit pregnancy and subsequent banishment, Surapala reported how Samudradatta had secretly visited her at night previous to his departure on the voyage. He showed to Sagarapota the fingerring that Samudradatta had given him at that time, binding him with an oath not to say anything to anybody about that visit. Now becoming convinced about Nandayanti's chastity, and innocence Sagarapota felt deep remorse for treating her unjustly, and to expiate for this sin he left on pilgrimage. At that juncture Samudradatta returned from a successful voyage. Learning about Nandayanti's fate during his absence, he immediately left in search of her, disguising himself and taking a few servants with him. As they wandered over towns, cities, settlements and woodlands, they exhausted their provisions, and the servants left him. Continuing alone his search for Nandayanti for a long time, Samudradatta, wan and exhausted, reached Bhrgupura. He * went to the almshouse where Nandayanti habitually distributed food. Both happily recognized each other. The king welcomed Samudradatta and arranged for his medical treatment. Shortly Sagarapota and Surapala also arrived there. All were united happily. Another version of the story of Nandayanti is found in [5]