Srngaramanjari Katha

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

Page 44

A SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
21
Ratnadatta grew up he did not like the business of his father and desired to earn his own living by serving a powerful king. He set out with his servant Subandhu for Mānyakheța where king Pratapamukuţa ruled.
He took a thousand pieces of gold with him in case of emergency, but decided to live by his earnings on the way. He averred that courtesans would invite him and will not abandon him, and if they did not call him or abandon him he would put an end to his life.
After some days they came to the city of Vidiśä. In the temple of Bhāillasvāmidevapura he was noticed by the courtesan Lāvanyasundari who had come to dance there. She immediately fell in love with him and sent her friend Bakulikā after him. He was found sleeping in a lonely temple being attended upon by his servant. Bakulikā brought him to Lāvanyasundari's house. That very night Lavanyasundari was so charmed by him that abandoning thoughts of all other men, she became attached only to him.
But early morning Ratnadatta left her and went to a gaming house. Lāvanyasundari was perturbed on not seeing him and sent Bakulik, to bring him back to her. He came back and that night Lāvanyasundarī asked him about his whereabouts and where he intended to go. Ratnadatta spoke to her of his desire to join the services of the king Pratāpamukuța of Mānyakheța. She knew she would not be able to stay without him. So she consulted a bawd and both of them accompanied him.
After many days they reached the town of Punyapathaka. Under a mango tree outside the town Ratnadatta went to sleep placing his head on Lāvanyasundari's lap. It then occurred to the bawd that Lāvanyasundari had no intention of returning, and therefore she conceived a plot by which Ratnadatta would be killed and Lāvanyasundari would return with her. Accordingly she went to the king Suradharman of the town and told him that their daughter was being taken away by a thug. The king first sent his police officer, then a few courtiers and then himself went to see whether the bawd was speaking a lie. He found that the girl was willingly going away with the youth. He was so pleased with Ratnadatta that he offered him half his kingdom. But Ratnadatta only spoke of his desire to serve the king and went his way.
Then he came to Mānyakheta, and put up with a courtesan called Citralekhā. Next day Ratnadatta went in search of a job. He told Lāvanyasundari that she was free for four days. Unfortunately the king saw Lavanyasundari, was enamoured of her and called her to the palace. She had to obey, but she agreed to take gifts from him only on the condition that she would be allowed to go away whenever she wanted.