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SECOND)
INTRODUCTION
took to his heels, but on being caught and brought before Rāma he blessed him, admitting the omnipotence of wealth. He was richly rewarded. XXIX.. Sandhi. Episode of Vana mālā.
Leaving that place they arrived at Jivantanagara. The message of Bharata to its ruler Mahidhara to marry his daughter Vanamālā to Lakşmana wheh the latter arrived there, had created an intense longing for Lakşmaņa in the heart of the princess; but she was already betrothed sto someone else. Becoming desperate on account of such an unbearable situation, she secretly went out and was on the point of hanging herself from a tree, but the timely arrival of Laksmana saved her. While Lakşmaņa talked to Rāma about his new acquisition, the guards in search of the princess surrounded them. They were discomfited in no time by Lakşmaņa. Thereupon the king rushed forth threatening with his army, but learning their identity, welcomed them with great joy and martied Vanamālā to Lakşmaņa. XXX. Sandhi. Episode of Ananta virya.
Anantavirya, the king of Nandāvarta, was outraged by the fact that not only did Bharata flatly reject his demand to be accepted as the Sovereign, but he was proceeding in alliance with many other princes to. attack him. He sent a directive to king Mahidhara, who was one of his feudatories, to join him with his forces. A long list of feudatories and allies on his side was also given.
Rāma planned to capture Anantavirya by means of a stratagem. He along with Lakşmaņa and eight others assumed the disguise of women and went to the court of Anantavirya. They introduced themselves as court panegyrists of Bharata and while giving a performance of dance and music, they praised Bharata in glowing terms. Inflamed at this Anantavirya got up, sword in hand, but taking a dexterous leap Rāma captured him. As his queens begged for their husband's life, Rama was willing to release him on condition that he accepted Bharata's sovereignty, but Anantavirya preferred to become a recluse. Bharata arrived there and bowed to the new recluse. Rama and others returned to Jivantapura. XXXI. Sandhi. Episode of Jita pad mā.
They left Jivantanagara, came to Godavari and shortly reached Kșemāñjali city of king Aridamana. In its vicinity could be seen a mound of bones, the remains of the unsuccessful suitors of princess Jitapadmā, who was pledged to be given to him only who can fulfil the test of catching the five Śaktis successively thrown at him. Lakşmaņa went to the king and offered to pass even a harder test. . Aridamana threw five Śaktis, one after another at Laksmana with deadly vehemence. All were caught by Lakşmana, who challenged. Aridamana to withstand even a single blow of Sakti from him, but Jitapadmã intervened. Laksmana then revealed his identity and a distinguished reception was accorded to him. •
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