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KARAKANDACARIU
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13. There was another (box) made of wood in which the first one was concealed. As it was beautifully made without any leak, it fell in to the Ganges being carried by the current. At places, it wavered by the waves, at places, it fell into a whirl-pool and at places it floated on very smoothly, thus exhibiting the beauty of a boat on the wide sea. After some days, it reached Kusumapura where lived the gardener's wife Kusumadatta. She went to the Ganges for water and saw the box floating on. Taking it out, she went home with it. Both of them stood delighted with great expectations. As they opened it and looked in, they saw a female child wrapped in a jewelled shawl. In course of days, she attained youth and fell into the sight of your father. She, who had become known amongst people by the name of Padmavati, charming by the lustre of her hody and very smooth, was married by your father, and, in time, you came into her womb. On that occasion, she mounted on the great elephant and rode about the town. The elephant, bearing the old infatuation, carried her off trembling with fear.
14. She escaped from it some how and went to the dreadful garden. A certain gardener took her home, but his wife soon quarrelled with her. Afflicted with grief, she went to the cemetery where you were born. I have told you the facts. Listen now to the account of Madanavali; mys terious is the destiny of creatures. Having obtained birth in the species of dove, she became a female-pigeon pleasing to the eyes. Feedings on curds and boiled rice in the cage, as she lived sporting with her mate, there came a snake gliding, as if the dreadful god of death had arrived. Both of them were caught by the legs by it, but you kindly rushed and saved them. By the Navakara, she has been born in her who has her affections fastened on you. The pigeon and the snake became Khecaras on account of the Navakara obtained from a sage. Out of jealousy did the snake Khecara carry away your wife to his own home.
15. Whatever you asked me, oh king, I have told you to my ability." Hearing that, the king was wonderstruck and thought in mind of practising austerities. In the mean while, Padmavati arrived
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Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
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