Srngaramanjari Katha

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

Page 45

SRNGARAMANJARIKATHA
The fourth day came. It was the day of the return of Ratnadatta. The king called her for dancing. Reluctantly she obeyed the king after instructing her maid that she should be called back as soon as Ratnadatta was seen coming. As she started dancing she saw her maid, so taking leave of the king she hurried back to her place. The king was so curious to see the man with whom Lavanyasundari was so madly in love. He came and hid behind a latticed window. When Ratnadatta came Lavanyasundari came forward with water to wash his feet. But from her dress Ratnadatta realised that she had become the King's courtesan. And when she proceeded to wash his feet he said "Do not wash my feet. You are my mother. You are the king's wife". When the king came out of the hiding place Ratnadatta turned to him and said that he should not come there but go to his palace. He had come to join his services and would follow his instructions then, but not The king was pleased with his boldness and returned.
now.
Ratnadatta was then invited to the court. His services were much appreciated and he stayed with the king enjoying his favours, and Lavanyasundari was soon forgotten.
Viṣamaśila: Therefore oh daughter, those women who become too much attached to men destroy themselves and lose their wealth.
The ninth tale of love on both the sides
Viṣamaśīlā: I have narrated to you the nature of one-sided love. I will now describe to you love on both the sides.
In Uragapura ruled king Samarasimha. He had a courtesan named Aśokavati, who had mastered sword dancing. All the King's feudatories liked her but her heart was set upon samanta Chaddalaka.
Once during winter when all the feudatories had assembled, the king sent for Aśokavati to give a performance of sword dancing. Hoping that Chadḍalaka would be present she put on her best apparel and went to the court. On the way she vowed to God that if Chadḍalaka would see her today she would offer him kumkum and flowers. As she was coming she also saw the wish-fulfilling god Ganapati, and with her heart full of joy she came to the court.
She began dancing. Her dancing was full of rhythm and grace, but her eyes sought none but Chaddalaka. Chadḍalaka was not to be seen anywhere and she was dismayed. Her enthusiasm waned, her steps became unsteady and she lost all her grace. The dancing teacher was quick to notice the change in her. He feared she would lose her balance and throw herself on the sword, so he told the king to stop the show. The king did so, called Aśokavati and rebuked