Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 3

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

Page 60

ŚREYĀNSANĀTHACARITRA
31
the search for a husband for her, like a man in debt. After he had dismissed her with favor, the king summoned ministers, Suśruta and others, and asked them about a suitable husband.
First Suśruta spoke: “In the city Ratnapura there is a king, the son of Queen Nīlāñjanā and Mayūragrīva. He, having many vidyās acquired, lord of three-part Bharata, Indra of the Vidyādharas, Aśvagrīva by name, is the best husband."
The minister Bahuśruta said: "He is certainly not a suitable husband for the Lady Svayamprabhā because he is past his youth. In the north row there are many excellent Vidyādharas, strong-armed, possessing beauty, youth, and grace. After consideration you should give the gazelleeyed maiden to one of them, Your Majesty, if you desire a suitable marriage."
Then the minister Sumati said to the king: "That was well said by that minister of yours, lord. On this mountain there is a city Prabharkarā, the sole abode of many wonders, which has reached the first place in the necklace of the north row. Its king is named Meghavana, possessing the power of Maghavan, fruitful like a cloud at dawn. He has a wife, Meghamalini, like a wreath of jasmine with the fragrance of good conduct. They have a son, Vidyutprabha, by whom all kings are surpassed, with unrivaled beauty like Kandarpa. They have a daughter, Jyotirmālā, like a daughter of the gods, with a wealth of immeasurable beauty and grace. Princess Svayamprabhā is suitable for Prince Vidyutprabha as lightning, by which the heavens are lighted, is suitable for a cloud. On the other hand, Jyotirmålā is suitable for Prince Arkakīrti. Let a festival of the two take place with an exchange of maidens."
Then Śrutasāgara declared to the king: “This maiden of yours who has become a jewel, by whom is she, like Srī, not sought ?' A svayamvara, which would make no distinction between all the Vidyādhara-princes seeking her, is the proper thing for her. Otherwise, you will have