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LĪLAVAİ
in an open battle, and it is better, therefore, that he is won over by peaceful negotiations. He proposed to send a skilled messenger to Silāmegha; and if he gives in marriage his lovely daughter Lilavati, who is prophesied to make her beloved a universal monarch, to king Satavahana, there was no need of fighting any more.
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Next morning Vijayananda himself started as a massenger accompanied by a choice entourage. He reached the shore where the bridge commemorates Rama's activities. He paid respects to Ramesvara and boarded a boat for the Simhala island. A terrific gale blew up his boat to the confluence of Godavari where it wrecked on a boulder. He survived the ship wreck all alone and hoping for a better future, started once more on his mission. He reached the Sapta-Godavari Bhima, took bath in the river, offered prayers to isvara, and rested in a monastery wherein was staying a nude Pasupata ascetic who entertained him hospitably with fruits miraculously procured. Realizing that the demon Bhiṣaṇānana would molest him at night, the ascetic took him to the hermitage and introduced him to Mahanumati and Kuvalayāvali. Vijayananda learnt from Kuvalayaăvali not only about Mahānumati and herself but also about Lilavati who had resolved not to have her desire to marry Hala fulfilled until and unless Mahānumati was made happy.
Vijayananda disclosed to Mahānumati and others that he was a devoted servant of king Satavahana. They were pleased to hear this from him. He sought the audience of Lilavati who was staying in a rich palace; and after a day or two, he returned to Pratiṣṭhāna and conveyed all this to his master, viz., Hāla.
Hala found that the situation was beyond human control. He requested Vijayananda to consult that Astrologer, who had prophesied about Lilavati, on the future course of events. Just at that time there arrived Pottisa with rich spoils from which the king picked up a bright Necklace and asked Vijayananda to take it as a gift to Lilavati and do the needful in the matter.
On the back of a speedy horse [ or with one thousand horses] Vijayananda went to Lilavati and was welcomed by her joyfully. He presented to her that Necklace, and she placed it on her breasts. He informed her how the king was suffering with fervent passion. Kuvalayavali and Mahānumati recognised that Necklace which, Vijayananda disclosed to them, belonged to the treasury of a captive king, Viravahana of Malayācala; and they were grieved to realize that Madhavanila was no
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