Appointment with Kalidasa

Author(s): G K Bhatt
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 34

Literary Works
hand stuck at the quiver. The lion then spoke to him in human terms, explaining that he was an attendant of Śiva, the Devadāra tree in this precinct was an adopted child of Śiva and Parvati, and that he, Kumbhodara, was permitted to eat any animal that came in this region and molested the tree. Dilipa found that he was helpless against the divine ordination; so, he offered his own body to the lion in place of the cow's, disregarding the ridicule and advice of the lion, bent only on doing his duty to the cow and fulfilling the kingly obligation of protecting one's subjects. But in stead of the lion pouncing on Dilipa a heavenly shower of flowers greeted Dilipa. It was all an illusion created by Nandinï in order to test Dilipa and he had passed the test. Nandini advised him to drink her milk and promised the fulfilment of his desire.
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Nandini's boon bore the fruit. In due course Sudak ṣiņā was blessed with a son. The desolate place turned into a treasure-house of joy and happiness as the little Raghu started rambling through the apartments, holding the finger of his nurse, and prattling delightful childish words and playing his games. Dilipa looked after the education of the prince with care and soon Raghu became proficient in all lores and statecraft. He acquired good physique also, and standing near Dilipa he looked like a young elephent by the side of a mighty elephant. Dilipa arranged his marriage in due time and installed him es heir-apparent. Dilipa then decided to perform the Horse-sacrifice. Reghu was entrusted with the protection of the horse assisted by at huge army. The sacrifice commenced; but suddenly the horse disappeared mysteriously. Once again Nandini came to the help of the royal family. When Raghu washed his eyes with the sacred urine of the celestial cow his vision could penetrate all open and hidden obstacles. He saw that the jealous Indra had stolen the sacrificial horse. Raghu challenged Indra to a fight. Indra was amazed at Raghu's valour. But he told him that the title Šatakratu' must belong exclusively to Indra; Dilipa can get, however, the religious merit of having completed the sacrifice. Dilipa felt that he had obtained the fruit of his life. He handed over the reins of the kingdom to Raghu and went away with his queen to live the life of a forester.
Coming on the throne Raghu assumed a new brilliance. The invisible Laksmi held the royal parasol over his head as it were, and Sarasvati sang his praises through the mouths of his bards. The Earth felt honoured and gratified at having such a king; and Raghu fully justified his designation 'Raja' to his subjects by keeping them pleased and happy. When the Monsoon was over and Autumn came, Raghu decided to undertake a military campaign of all-round conquest. Accompanied with a fully equipped army Raghu first came to the East. His huge army crossing the eastern ocean looked like the mighty stream of Ganges coaxed by Bhagiratha from the matted hair of Siva. Raghu conquered Subya, Vanga, and planted his victory pillars in the stream of Ganga. He turned then to the South. The Kalinga king paid him a tribute and saved his kingdom. Moving further down south Raghu crossed the Kaveri river and, along the southern coast, came to the kingdom of the Pandyas.