Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 3

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

Page 75

46
CHAPTER ONE
gave forth a humming sound, as if earnestly reciting charms for the purpose of ascending their trunks.
When the battle had gone on like this, terrible as the end of the world, Triprstha directed his chariot against the chariot of Aśvakandhara. Rāma, the best of charioteers, urged forward his horses and went near Triprstha's chariot, drawn by the cord of affection. Hayagrīva, looking at them with eyes red from anger and starting out (of his head) as if he were thirsty, said to them:
“By which one of you was Candavega attacked, villains ? Which of you is insolent because of killing the lion on the western border ? Which of you married Svayamprabhā, the daughter of Jvalanajațin, who fully resembles a poison-maiden, 66 for his own slaughter ? Which one, simple-minded, does not consider me his lord ? Which of you has taken a leap against me, like a monkey against the sun ? Why has the destruction of the soldiers been disregarded for so long ? Now, relying on what, have you approached me? Answer, boys! and fight in turn or together with me, like young elephants with a lion."
Then the younger brother of Acala said with a smile: "I, Triprstha, made the attack on your messenger. I slew the lion on the western border and I married Svayamprabhā. I do not consider you my lord and I have disregarded you for a long time. This is my elder brother, Bala by name, a Balasādana (Indra) in strength, who has no rivals in the three worlds. What are you? If 'Enough of slaughtering soldiers' is also your opinion, take your weapon, great-armed one. You are the battle-guest of me alone. Let us have a duel. Let the desire of the arm be satisfied. Let the soldiers of us both remain as witnesses."
68 662. For a detailed discussion of The Poison-Damsel in India,' see Penzer, Kathāsaritsāgara II, pp. 281 ff.