Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 108

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of a gracious master. Then dismissed by the King, delighted, he went home and told his friend Aśokadatta about the King's command.
On the next day the King went to the garden with his retinue. The citizens went there also. Subjects follow the king. Like spring with the wind from Malaya, the merchant's son with his friend Aśokadatta went to the garden. Then the people, subject to the rule of kāma, began to amuse themselves by gathering and wreathing flowers, by songs, dances, etc. The citizens, formed into groups here and there, engaged in recreation, took up the yoke of the camp of King Smara who had settled there. While at every step arose loud sounds of songs and musical instruments in conjunction as if to conquer other sense-objects, suddenly from a near-by arbor of trees arose the cry of a terrified woman, "Help! Help!” To ascertain what it was, Sāgara ran quickly, as if drawn by that voice penetrating his ear. He saw there Priyadarśanā, the daughter of the merchant Parṇabhadra, who had been seized by bandits like a black doe by wolves. The merchant's son crushed the hand of one bandit and took away his knife, just as one would take a jewel after breaking a serpent's neck. Seeing such strength on his part, the bandits ran away. Even tigers flee at the sight of a blazing fire. Thus Priyadarśanā was freed by Sāgara from the bandits like a mango-shoot from woodgatherers. “Who is he, best of men, devoted to helping others ? Fortunately he came here, drawn by my great good-fortune. Surpassing Smara in beauty, he alone shall be my husband.” With these thoughts Priyadarśanā went to her own house. Carrying Priyadarśanā in his heart as if she were sewn there, the merchant's son, accompanied by Aśokadatta, went home.
Then Candanadāsa heard indirectly about the whole incident. By whom could such a thing be concealed ?