Srngaramanjari Katha

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

Page 42

A SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
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dead with her head severed. He was stunned and called Bhattamātrgupta, “Do you see the end of harlotry?” he asked. “Yes, Your Majesty', replied Bhattamătrgupta, "but what shall I say? This too is harlotry". The king was enraged; disregarding the worthy Bhattamātrgupta he took her body to the temple of the Goddess Ašāpurä. He prepared to cut off his head as an offering to the goddess who was pleased with his courage and love and granted him his desire, and revived Lāvanyasundari. All were pleased and the king returned with her to the city.
Days passed happily. One evening as they were seated on an ivory balcony, they saw a lordly elephant roaming at will. The king was joyous at the sight of the elephant and asked Lāvanyasundari to ask for a boon. First she refused, but ultimately said: "All that is your is mine. What shall I ask for? But since childhood I have a great fascination for elephants. Therefore give me one hundred elephants". She also requested him that this gift to her should be announced everywhere. The king did as desired.
After two or three days Lāvanyasundari stood before the king with folded hands and asked him to free her, for such, she said, was the convention of the courtesans. The king was surprised. He asked about it and Lavanyasundarī told the entire story. The king allowed her to go back and she spent the remaining years of her life in enjoyment with Ghuda.
The seventh tale of Cheating Bawd
Vişamasila: One must protect oneself from rogues. Thus:
A Brāhmaṇa begot two sons in old age. They were called Vişnugupta and Somadatta. When they grew up they desired to go to another country; and so, one summer they set out. Journeying they came to the forest of Vindhya. Their provisions were exhausted as they had to pass seven days crossing the forest. They were tired; thirst and hunger afflicted them. After some time with great difficulty they reached a lake with a banian tree on its bank. They passed the day there and at night lighted a fire to keep off wild beasts and stood on guard for one watch alternatively,
During the third watch of the night, when Somadatta was on guard he heard a pair of pigeons talking. The female pigeon suggested that they throw themselves into fire and help the poor starying Brāhmaṇa boys. The pigeon agreed and spoke of a prophecy made by a sage at their birth that he who would eat the male pigeon would become a king and he who would eat the female pigeon would get five-hundred gold pieces every day. Then they threw themselves into fire. The wonderstruck Somadatta drew them out of the fire, woke up his brother and told him about them. He gave