Srngaramanjari Katha

Author(s): Bhojdev, Kalpalata K Munshi
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

Page 37

ŚṚNGARAMANJARIKATHA
As soon as Vikramasimha saw Malatika he felt an irresistible attraction towards her. He sent his servant Priyaṁvadaka to her to find out the means by which he could meet her. In answer to his request Malatikā told him of her dependency on Vasudatta due to a contract, and asked him to wait till she found an excuse to meet him. He waited patiently throughout the rainy season. Then Malatikā sent her messenger Madhukarikā to fetch him. He went, was gratified and returned after giving her a lot of wealth.
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Some days passed and Vikramasimha was offended. (The text is lost here and we do not know the exact circumstances which gave offence to Vikramasimha). He stopped going to her and sending her gifts. And his attachment for her gradually lessened.
Viṣamaśīlā: Thus O daughter, as a cloth dyed in the Mañjisthā does not completely lose its colour but fades away as you wash it, persons of mañjiṣṭhārāga become gradually detached when offended. Therefore such persons should not be troubled.
The Third Tale of Madhava
Śṛngāramañjarī: Mother, I remain unsatiated in hearing these tales that you have narrated. Therefore tell me a tale about a man of kusumbharaga.
And Viṣamaśīla said:
In the city of Vidiśa there dwelt a bawd called Bhujangavāgurā. Her daughter was Kuvalayāvali. She was reputed for her youthful beauty and graces. To that city one day came Madhava, a student of the Vedas. He had returned from Simhaladvipa after amassing considerable wealth. He came to know of Kuvalayāvali and paying her liberally, he spent a night with her. She was much pleased with him and sent for him now and then.
Many days passed; Madhava's wealth slowly flowed into Kuvalayāvali's coffers. When he had been reduced to the state of a pauper Madhava thought of going away before his name was completely ruined. To encourage him as it were, the monsoon came to an end and autumn, the proper season for travel, set in. Madhava now decided to start for the Malaya country in search of wealth and took leave of the bawd. Kuvalayāvali wept and made all efforts to keep him back, but it was futile. While leaving, Madhava left with her his rich upper garment. Both the mother and daughter followed him for some distance and then the bawd suggested that he should give to her daughter some token of remembrance. He replied he had no such thing, but the bawd insisted-"Please give this dress of yours as a token of remembrance. Pressing the garment to her heart, Kuvalayāvali will pass her days hoping for your return."