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of Vişņu during his sleep ). The messenger replied :-"O Lord ! It is so. The king, then, looked at the face of Nara-Vikrama Kumira with an oblique gaze. The Kumāra at once got up, and with a low bow at the feet of the king, he said :-“ Father ! order me what is to be done. The king said :-Kumāra ! Did you hear the words of the messenger ? Or, what is the prowess of your arms? The Kumāra replied :-Perhaps, you know it." Thinking Nara-Vikrama Kumāra to be the fit person, the king accepted the proposal of a wrestling--contest, and having honoured the messenger with suitable garments and other presents, the king permitted him to go. The messenger narra!ed the whole account before king Dévaséna, The king was greatly pleased. An auspicious day for the performance of the marriageceremony was fixed. Some clever ministers were sent to King Narasimba. After continuous journeying, they came to Jayanti Nagari. At a suitable time, they informed the king about the object of their arrival there. King Narasimha sent Nara-Vikrama Kumāra accompanied by numerous elephants, horses, and warri. ors along with them. In course of time, Nara-Vikrama Kumāra reached the vicinity of Harsapura Nagara. On hearing about the arrival of Nara-Vikrama Kumāra, the king had the entire town beautified with flags and banners at various places; the roads were sprinkled with scented waters; flowers full of buzzing bers were spread; squares, public places, market-places, and other thorough fares appeared lovely with dancing girls, story-tellers, and bards.
Besides, en elegant palace-with one hundred pillars - sultable for the Kumāra—with large hanging garlands of flowers of various colours arranged in various ways at every placewith auspicious svastikas made with sandal-paste, was kept ready for the use of Nara-Vikrama Kumāra. There was nothing remaining to be done which the kľng had not done on account of intense joy.
The ministers saw the king and with due salutation, they informed bim:-O great King ! We hail you with the happy arrival of the Kumāra near the town. King Dévaséna-riding
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