Tales froM Indian Mythology

Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

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Tales from Indian Mythology He paused and then added, "After you have finished with your 'hunting'.”
"I have finished with it," she mumbled coyly. At once a nervous smile flickered on her tender crimson lips, which quivered like petals in a breeze. He returned the smile, and hurried back to the ashram, followed by her.
She was Savitri, the only daughter of the King Aswapati. He was extremely fond of her, because she was the gift of the gods. He had remained childless for eighteen years, and during this period he sought the benediction of the sages and the gods through prayer and atonement. Her birth, as ordained by Savit, the Sun God, marked the culmination of his tapas. Savitri had the freshness of the dawn, the purity of fire and the sweetness of the moon, and everybody considered it auspicious to look upon her face. Thus she had only devotees, and no suitors. Her father felt perturbed, as the time for her bestowal drew nearer and nearer.
One day, the sage Narada, with the name of Narayana eternally on his lips, announced his arrival, when Aswapati was discussing matters of state with his counsellors. The king rushed out to receive him with due ceremony and conducted him to the throne where the son of Brahma was seated with Aswapati at his feet. "O virtuous king, the time for Savitri's bestowal has come. Have you received any proposals?”
"None from mortals." "What have you decided, then?” "The decision now rests with Savitri herself. For I have