Nalrayavadanti Charita

Author(s): Ernest Bender
Publisher: American Philosophical Society

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BENDER: THE NALARĀYADAVADANTĪCARITA [TRANS. AMER. PHIL. Soc. diffused their perfumed odors (in all directions) and "There is no other equal to her--this fawn-eyed the gateway was surmounted by a jewelled arch of creature in this world." (63) triumph, shining like the bow of Indra. (48) A staff "With whomever she be compared, there is surely glittered (in front of the entrance to the mandapam none in this world to surpass this perfect lady." (64) set in a jewelled pot, its fluttering banner flapping in "Who in a previous existence performed many rethe sunlight. Having covered it with a ceiling plated ligious austerities as a forest-dwelling ascetic, him this with gold, they thus fashioned a hall of full beauty. (49) maiden will choose. Without religious austerities
The king sent out messengers with letters and in- there is no purification." (65) vited the monarchs with full protocol. From all All the kings were thus lost in thought as with countries came the kings—virtuous, beautiful, charm- extreme self-control they Igazed at this marvel. Not ing, true-speaking. (50) They, their hearts excited, moving, as if painted, so they beheld Davadanti. (66) were attended by their retinues, consisting of many The doorkeeper to the women's quarters, knowing chariots, horses, elephants, footsoldiers, and treasure. the name, the place, and the family of these choice Then, King Nişadha with his sons, Nala and Kübara, men, addressed Davadanti in this fashion: "Listen, O arrived there. (51)
Princess. (67) All these kings have come with the To as many monarchs as came, to so many Bhima design of wedding you. At your svayamvara make a rendered hospitality. As each alighted, he fulfilled to wise choice of a husband) in whom your mind is dehim the courtesies with great affection. (52)
lighted. (68) This is Dadhiparna, a most excellent Then on an (auspicious) muhurta and day, all the monarch, the lord of Sumsumārapura. This is the delighted monarchs in the maze of their retinues, mighty master of Campā, the light-maker to the (after) performing their ablutions and donning fine Bhoga-family. (69) This is Candrarāja, the embelgarments, entered the pavilion majestically. (53) lishment of the Ikşvāku race, full of virtue. This is Gleaming with the radiance of Indra and shining with the mighty Somadeva, who is, as it were, an ornament splendor like the sun-god, gladdened, they were seated of the solar race." (70) by King Bhima, the lord of men, on excellent thrones- In this way the doorkeeper recited the catalogue of each as was due him. (54) 12
honors of the many kings, but not one of them pleased With joy at her svayamvara she worshipped Sānti, her. In this world taste is a matter of individual the prince of Jinas, and, when fine raiment was placed preference. (71) 13 on her limbs, Davadanti was made ready: (55) with Then the doorkeeper spoke thus: "These, of the bejewelled earrings and an amulet, and strings of descent of Rşabhadeva, are the princes of the land of pearls and rubies; and necklaces and an excellent Košala. King Nişadha is held in high esteem. (72) girdle; (56) with golden bracelets, rings, and bangles This is the elder son of [King] Nişadha, Prince Nala [with] garments of lovely cunari-, blue netra- and by name--mighty, handsome, wise, grave, worthy, patola-cloth, and a tinkling chime of anklets. (57) young, and generous. (73) This is the younger son of There was an exquisite odor of musk, sandal, saffron, Nişadha named Kübara. Whoever pleases you, and camphor; campaka-, ketaka-, mālati-blossoms and choose him. Apply your wisdom accordingly." (74) various (other) sorts of blooms exuded fragrance. (58) Looking at Nala, the treasure-house of delights,
Seated on a golden palanquin, with a vast retinue, gleaming and brilliant as the best of the gods, there the daughter of King Bhima came in-a veritable was awakened in the heart of Davadanti the love (she avatāra of the goddess Lakşmi. (59) A white um- held for him in the previous births. (75) [And) as brella gleamed over her head and on both sides she gazed with eyes lustrous with love, she eagerly chowries waved. The heavens resounded with the threw the garland of choice around Nala's neck. (76) [music of] the musical instruments [and] bards glorified Voices in the heavens cried out, "Such a choice is [her]. (60) Men and women came to look and all well made." Prince Nala was delighted, and the drum sorts of gifts were distributed. Women of the best was beaten loudly. (77) families sang auspicious songs and skilled performers King Krsna, an arrogant prince, thereupon uttered danced. (61)
these disharmonious words: "While I am here no other Having arrived thus in pomp, [Davadanti) entered youth as bridegroom will wed Davadanti. (78) Listen the pavilion. Davadanti was beheld by all the kings here, you Nala, give up Davadanti and get out of sight. with great delight. (62)
If you will be a fool, then you will have to fight with "She is either a goddess or a heavenly musician or, me." (79) indeed, a Nāga-maiden."
In return, the son of Nişadha spoke these concilia
tory words: "If you have not been chosen by the 19 Between this and the following stanza there has been inter
maiden, why, then, are you filled with wrath? (80) polated a line or phrase from another poetical work. Its function is not to further the plot, but rather to serve as a model in the This is a mark of uncouthness in you. You lack chanting of the verses following, which are to be read with the experience. The man who suffers vain envy is base same tune as the poem, starting with the line "hiva pahiri patauli, etc."
13 See fn. 12.