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moving towards Srāvasti, other cattle-heads belonging to Dhananjaya numbering 60, 000 oxen and 60, 000 cows left their sheds and followed them.
Dhananjaya had 14 villages under him. When Višākhā was to depart, people from all the villages became very sorry. Dhananjaya gave the following orders,
"If anyone wanted to go with Visakha and settle in her city he is given leave to do so".
Visakha was popular with all her people. As soon as the people heard this announcement, all of them moved out and the villages were virtually depopulated. This became a source of great anxiety for Sreşthi Mrgara who was worried about the cost of maintenance of such a large population. He requested them all to return to their homes.
Starting from her parental home, Visakhā and her party arrived at the city gate of Srāvasti. Suddenly she thought whether she should enter into the city in a covered vehicle or whether she should stand in an open chariot. For, if she entered into the city in a covered vehicle, the people would not get a chance of seeing her precicus mahalatā ornament. So she entered into the city in an open chariot. The people of Srāvasti witnessed with their own eyes the grace and affluence on Visakhā's person and lauded her and welcomed her with their finest expressions. People who had gone out with the marriage party had reason to be particularly happy at the grand reception and hospitality they had received from Sreşthi Dhananjaya, and they bestowed many gifts on Visakhā. She distributed them to people in all walks of life.
During Visakha's first night at her new home, a mare in the stable had a severe labour pain. When Visakha heard this, she went out from her chamber. She was attended by her maids who carried torches in their hands. The mare was given a hot bath and oil was rubbed on her body. After she was safely delivered, Visakhā returned to her chamber.
The marriage festivity lasted for a whole week. Sreşthi Mrgāra was a follower of the nirgranthas. To
