Kathakoca or Treasury of Stories

Author(s): C H Tawney
Publisher: Oriental Books Reprint Corporation New Delhi

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queen said to the god: 'Noble sir, when I had fallen into calamity, I was most opportunely instructed by you. What service can I render you as a return for that benefit?' The god said: 'My good woman, on the seventh day from to-day I shall fall from the world of gods, and become the son of a Vidyadhara; then you must admonish me.' The queen agreed to do what he said, saying: 'If I have the requisite knowledge, I will admonish you.' When the god had held this conversation he went to his own place. Then the queen said to the king, her husband: 'My lord, abandon your love for me; I will take a vow before the hermit.' The king said: 'Queen, when the proper season comes we will both of us take a vow.' Then the queen by great persistence broke the bond of affection, and took a Vow. The king became a lay disciple, and returned to his own house. Madanávali went on performing penance. Now, on the seventh day that god fell from heaven, and became the son of a Vidyadhara. They gave him the name of Mrigánka. Gradually he grew up to man's estate. Now, one night it happened that Madanávalí, while engaged in meditation at the door of her convent, was seen by that prince Mrigánka as he was roaming through the air in a chariot. Then he descended from his chariot, and told her of his supernatural power, and said to her: 'My good lady, why do you perform a terrible penance? If you are performing it for the sake of enjoyment, then listen to my words: I am a young Vidyadhara named Mrigánka, and I am now going to marry Ratnamálá. But now that I have seen you, I ask you to ascend my chariot; I have no need of Ratnamálá. Come and enjoy with me the happiness of the Vidyadharas.' Though he said this, and uttered many coaxing speeches, Madanávalí did not swerve from her firm virtue. The more be exhibited the passion of love, the more engrossed with her meditation was Madanávalí. At last, while she was bearing patiently his persecution, there arose in her unlimited knowledge. Then the gods praised her. Then Madanávalí gave instruction in religion to that Vidyadhara named Mrigánka. Thereupon the Vidyadhara