Srngaramanjari Katha

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

Page 43

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SRNGARAMAÑJARIKATHA
Aaaan
his brother the male pigeon and himself ate the she pigeon Somadatta then went to sleep. In the morning he found five-hundred gold pieces by his side and they were convinced about the truth of the matter. Joyously they proceeded on their journey the next day, but soon lost sight of each other and went different ways.
According to the story, the elder boy became the king of Magadha. The young, Somadatta, came to Kāñcī. In that city dwelt a bawd Makaradamstra and her daughter Karpūrika. Somadatta spent many days in Karpūrikā's company and gave her untold gold. No supplicant was ever turned sway by him and yet his wealth never seemed to lessen. The bawd was curious and asked Karpurikā to find out the source of his wealth. The secret about the she-pigeon came out. The bawd gave her some emetic and he vomitted out the pigeon. The bawd immediately ate it. Thence she got gold every day and Somadatta's gain stopped. He repented of his mistake and set out on his travels again.
On the way he heard about a new king of Magadha. Convinced that this must be his own brother he went to him. He stayed there for a few days, obtained considerable wealth and returned to Kāñci in order to take revenge on Karpūrikā.
Karpūrikā was attracted by his wealth and splendour. When pressed by her to tell the source of his wealth he said that it was due to siddhi he had obtained by practising penance at Śrīparvata. Karpúrikā's greed increased. She suggested a bargain: She would give the pigeon back if he would transfer the siddhi to her. Somadatta was not to be cheated this time. He struck a successful bargain by taking the pigeon along with all her wealth and giving in return the said siddhi. He sent away all the gold to his house, ate the pigeon and asking the royal retinue to wait upon the courtesan for five days went away.
For five days Karpurikā enjoyed the service of the king's men, and was then disappointed. Her household returned full of sorrow and repentance. While Somadatta went to Magadha to his brother and lived happily ever after.
Vişamasilā: Therefore my child, rogues should never be troubled, for when irritated they act in such a way that they take away even the previously earned wealth, The eighth tale of the woman' love
Vişamaśilä: I have said before that one's self should be protected from love as from a tiger. I will illustrate that to you.
In the town of Pundravardhana there dwelt a rich merchant Vasudatta, whose only son Ratnadatta had in a short time mastered all the lores and sciences under the teacher Vasubhūti. When