Srngaramanjari Katha

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

Page 39

ŚṚNGARAMANJARIKATHA
give away everything; it would be best therefore to go away. But he could not speak out his desire. Therefore he folded his hands, pointed towards his own country and repeated 'Mother knows.' Devadatta persuaded him in many ways but he would not stay back. Therefore she had to permit him to go.
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It was a defeat for Devadatta, and she felt offended. She resolved that she would make a last effort to call him back and if she failed, she would immolate herself in fire. Accordingly she called two other girls and instructed them as follows: They should both follow Suradharman. After covering two yojanas, one of them should go ahead and come from the opposite direction towards him. The other should walk behind him. On meeting each other they should converse about the happenings at Ujjayini. In the course of conversation it should be given out that the courtesan Devadattā, who had fallen in love with a mad man, had died because he left her, and her whole family was desirous of putting an end to their lives. The rehearsed talk had the desired effect on Suradharman. He stopped, told them that he was the wretch who killed Devadatta, and ran back to her house.
Arrangements in connection with the bogus death had been made meticulously. Her dead body lay on one side and her people were weeping. On seeing him, the bawd cried aloud and rebuked him for destroying the happiness of her household. Suradharman was distressed. He decided to follow Devadatta so he opened his thigh and gave the jewel to the bawd. The same moment the bawd spoke into the ears of Devadatta 'rise', and Devadatta slowly opened her eyes, started breathing and stretched her limbs. All were in ecstasy and a rumour was spread that Devadatta had been carried away by death, but was recovered again. Suradharman and Devadatta now happily passed two or three days together.
One night due to the force of habit the words 'Mother knows' escaped Suradharman. Devadatta asked: "Do I know it or your mother?" Suradharman folded his hands and said, "Mother knows not. You alone know everything." Hearing that, Devadatta kicked him out saying "If I know everything get out from here."
While going he pitifully begged of her to give him some provision for the journey. She gave him 2 palas and drove him out.
Viṣamaśīlā: Thus O daughter, even at the loss of her own wealth, Devadatta looked after him. Knowing his haridrārāga she quickly took away everything and drove him out.
As haridra fades in the heat of the sun and so on, such men of haridrārāga become averse by threats and the like; therefore they should be drained of their wealth by resorting to extraordinary
means.