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her immediately. Thereupon Prahasita and Pavanañjaya flew across the sky (11). In a moment they arrived at Anjana's quarters. Pavana hid himself and Prahasita informed her of Pavana's arrival. Vasantamālā did not believe it, but Pavana himself appeared and smothered Añjana in a passionate embrace (12).
XIX Sandhi. Añj a nā accused of unchastity and a ba ndoned: Birth of Hanumat: Pavan a's Search:
Their Reunion In the last part of the night Pavana prepared to leave when Añjanā asked for some token for convincing others in case she conceived. Pavana gave his armlet and left. In course of time seeing Añjanā big with child her mother-in-law accused her of unchastity; Vasantamālā showed Pavana's armlet and girdle as evidences of his visit and offered to pass any other ordeal (1). But Ketumati was unconvinced. She got them lashed and on her orders a fierce soldier drove them away from the city and left there (2). They spent a frightful night in that wilderness. Then she went to her father's city and as the news of her arrival reached him he gave orders to decorate the city and arrange for her reception (3). But coming to know that Añjanā was pregnant and had come crying with Vasantamālā alone, without any escort or paraphernalia, the king suspected some blot on her character and ordered to drive her out forthwith from the city. His minister advised him to make enquiries before taking any steps, for discord between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law was proverbial. But the king was firm in his conviction and so Añjanā and Vasantamālā were driven out of the city.
They entered a frightful forest, crying bitterly and blaming Fate for its cruelty (4-5). Añjana's lament. Completely exhausted, they arrived near the Paryanka cave where sage Amitagati practised austerities. Añjanā paying obeisance to the sage asked about the wicked deeds committed by her in her previous lives on account of which she had been suffering (6). Vasantamālā attributed her sufferings to the unlucky child in her womb. But the sage said: "That child is destined to become a hero and get emancipation during this very existence. But Añjana in her previous existence threw away the Jina idol worshipped by her cowife out of ill-will, hence her present suffering. Henceforth she will enjoy all blessings. With these words, the sage left.
At this juncture a terrible lion appeared before them. Añjanā fell unconscious and Vasantamāla flew up in the sky and began to scream and lamentingly appeal for rescue. Hearing this Manicūda, a benevolent Gandharva-chief, assumed the form of Aştāpada and chased the lion. Vasantamālā came down to Añjanā (7-8). The Gandharva sang a charming song. They became conscious of some benevolent being residing there, who gave them protection and comfort. While they stayed there in the Paryanka cave, Añjanā gave birth to a son bearing all auspicious marks.
Pratisūrya passing across the sky saw them and coming down enquired about them (9). Vasantamāla introduced Añjanā and related their tale of woe. With tears in his eyes, the Vidyādhara introduced himself as Añjana's maternal uncle and king of Hanuruha. Shedding tears of joy they embraced each other (10). Pra
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