Nalrayavadanti Charita

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

Page 73

TRANSLATION
VOL. 40, PT. 4, 1950]
and a fool. (81) Now, she is another's wife. This will bring defeat upon you. If you wish to fight, then stand up!" (82)
Spoiling for fight, the two heroes left the pavilion; [and] both mighty armies. [strong] for the contest brandished their weapons. (83) The auspicious maiden seeing the interruption in the proceedings, took some water in her hand and sprinkled it out [saying] the name of the Jina.14 King Krsna bowed low, his hair standing on end. (84) His sword dropped from his hand and, going to Nala, he fell at his feet and conciliated him. Through the favor of her sasanadevata all obstacles were removed. (85) 15
Now, all the good folk were delighted and all the evil folk became wretched. Prince Nala was elated [at the thought of his impending] marriage; and the maiden was delighted in her heart. (86) All sorts of drums were rolled with great sound; the glory [of this celebration] was wafted aloft by sweet song; and gifts were presented to the bards. (87) An excellent cuisine was prepared and sweetmeats made. All the members of the groom's party were delighted and his happy kin folk fed. (88) In every house they danced the rasa 16 -so full of delightful sentiments-and they sang lovely songs. King Bhimaratha caused a great pūja to be begun in the temple of the Jina. (89) The fathers of both the bride and the groom spent crores of great wealth [on the preparations]. The wishes of the mind were fulfilled so that there was no complaint. (90) Now, the auspicious [marriage] day had arrived. Both the bride and the groom were bathed. The two were properly adorned [and, then,] the lamp-waving ceremony was duly performed. (91)
Mounted upon an excellent elephant, with great pomp he came, all excited for the marriage. An umbrella gleamed over his head, and, on both sides four chowries waved. (92) Musical instruments played loudly. Gifts were bestowed without stint. His sister, who had been presented with a newly dyed cunari, performed the salt-waving rite on the groom.17 (93) There was a fragrance of musk and sandal. All the kinfolk were excited in their hearts. Men and women gathered to look, and horses, elephants and carts [in the wedding procession] brushed against one another as they moved along the roads. (94) Heralds shouted, "Hail! Hail!" Gradually the guests came; and, when the favored one (Nala) arrived at the [bridal] arch, women of good family performed the greeting ceremonies in the prescribed manner. (95) After the bride seated herself in the marriage booth,
14 Davadanti performs a satyakriya or "act of truth." See Brown, 1941.
15 See fn. 12.
16 See Mehta, 1925: 2: 1273: rãs "a circular dance accompanied by song."
17 This was pointed out to me by Mr. Shah during my stay in Baroda. The groom's sister rides behind him rattling in his ear a small cup filled with rock-salt. The part of the cloth covering the mouth of the cup is decorated with a svastika.
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the king, greatly delighted in heart, summoned the groom and then joined their hands. (96)
The marriage [was celebrated] by the king with a great festival and everything carried out according to the prescriptions of the astrologer. Afterwards, [the women] sang dholas 18 as they went around the bride and groom. (97) King Bhimaratha, who was of joyous heart, gave many gifts to them-horses, chariots, elephants, and footsoldiers; and gold, riches, pearls, and rubies. (98)
Returning with the bride, Nala was welcomed with song at his camp. He and that heavenly creature, Davadanti, bowing before the house-shrines chanted hymns. (99)
With such revelry was the marriage performed by the two fathers with great joy. Bhima showed the proper respect to all the kings and dismissed the many heroes. (100)
After having remained there for several days at the request of Bhima, King Nişadha yearned to return [to his kingdom]. Davadanti's mother gave her this advice: "Daughter, do not neglect proper conduct and devotion to your husband." (101) The daughter of Bhima bowed low to the feet of her mother and father, and, going to Nala's chariot, mounted it calmly. [And, then] the prince of Nisadha traveled on eagerly, not reckoning night or day in his joy. (102)
Seeing the darkness of the night, Davadanti uncovered her tilaka and destroyed it (the darkness). Thus, the company beheld all the roads with ease. King Nisadha said, "Nala is a fortunate prince." (103)
Catching sight of a rşi full of merit, who, as he was standing in the kayotsarga-stance, was being stung by the bees [attracted] by the fragrance of the elephantmusk, King Nisadha, together with Nala, Kubara, and Davadanti, worshipped and paid him great devotion. (104)
When the king reached the city of Kośalā, the people of the town were all delighted. They welcomed the bridegroom and began a celebration. Everyone was delighted by the merits of Davadanti. (105) "Nala and Davadanti both are fresh, both in the bloom of youth, both very handsome, both receptacles of perfect beauty, both very lovely, both full of excellent qualities." (106)
With dancing, song, pleasure, dicing, water-sports, flower-picking, sporting in swings, fortune-telling, the king fulfilled his desires by day and night. (107)
One day, King Nişadha, after appointing Nala king and Kubara heir-apparent, undertook the vows, having become averse from the world. (108)
Nala reigned justly, and ruled gloriously, and all kings did service, yielding tribute [to him] without cease. (109) Questioned by Nala, his minister said, "You have increased Nişadha, since, your majesty, today you enjoy an entire half of India. (110) But Kadamba, alone, pays no heed to your command. If
18 Marriage-songs sung only by women.