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The Swayamvar in Kanchanpur
413
“Dear father! Why are you worried about us ?” They said with evident curiosity.
“We have been searching for suitable bridegrooms for you but all our efforts have failed. If some possess excellent virtues, they do not have an attractive physical appearance. If some possess handsomeness, they do not possess excellent virtues or heroism. If some are heroic, they are not high-born and if some are high-born, they do not possess fame and prosperity. So, I am in great despair. But I do not want you to marry ordinary young men. I want you to marry young men who possess all virtues, heroism, abilities and who are high-born". Their old father stroked their heads with affection. His eyes welled up with tears on account of grief and agitation. Mandakini sat stupefied. Her heart experienced great anguish. She began grieving over the situation. After thinking for a while, she said to her father.
"Dear father! You yourself advised us to leave everything to fortune and Destiny and now why are you grieving thus ?”
"But, dear daughters! My agitation is that on account of my old age, I am unable to do anything for you."
“But your daughters are capable in every respect. You need not worry unnecessarily."
“What can I do for you, children ?”
"Kindly arrange a swayamvar for us. Extend invitations to all kings and princes. We will ourselves choose our partners. What is destined will occur. We will get husbands according to the decrees of Destiny. Please do not worry about this matter."
Chandramukhi also liked Mandakini's idea. King Kanakarath accepted Mandakini's suggestion. He sent for his Chief Minister and gave him the necessary orders.
"Dear Chief Minister! Please arrange a swayamvar for my daughters. If they choose proper bridegrooms, I will carry out my duty of celebrating their marriages. After that, I will have
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