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SANATKUMĀRACAKRICARITRA
Battle with Asanivega (257-285)
Just then two Vidyadharas came, brought a chariot and armor to Aśvasena's son and said: 'Asanivega, lord of Vidyadharas, Vajravega's father, has learned that he has been killed by you, like a snake by a garuda. He, concealing the sky by his army of Vidyadharas, possessing the strength of the elephants of the quarters, comes to fight you, an ocean with the salt-water of anger. We are your brothers-in-law and have come to help, sent by our fathers, Candravega and Bhānuvega. Get into the chariot they sent, which resembles Indra's chariot, take that armor, and subdue the enemy's army. Know that Candravega and Bhānuvega, who have come to help with conveyances swift as the wind, are like other forms of yourself.'
Just then Candravega and Bhanuvega came with great armies, like the eastern and western oceans with great rivers. Then a noise arose from the throngs of Asanivega's soldiers, as he advanced, like that from Puşkarāvartakaclouds in the sky. Just then Sandhyavali 243 gave Aryaputra the vidya Prajñaptikā. 244 For women adhere to their husbands' party. Aryaputra armed himself and got into the chariot, eager for battle. For the warrior-caste is fond of battle. Candravega, Bhānuvega, and other Vidyadharas, Rāhus to the moon of their enemies' glory, 245 surrounded him with their soldiers. Crying, 'Capture! capture! kill! kill!' Asanivega's soldiers advanced with great speed. On both sides the soldiers, devoid of weakness, fought like cocks, flying up repeatedly, striking angrily. Then nothing else was heard except the sound of their battle-cries; nothing else was seen except their blazing weapons. The soldiers retreated and advanced, they gave
248 265. In 253 the form Sandhyavali was used; here 'avalis. 244 265. See I, p. 173 and n. 218.
245 267.
See I, n. 410.
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