Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4

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

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CHAPTER ONE One day, the daughter of Puspottara, Padmā, like (the goddess) Padmă in beauty, was seen by Srikantha as he returned from Meru. Mutual affection, a cloudy day for the excessive brilliance of the ocean of the emotion of love, sprang up at once between Srikantha and Padmā. The maiden stands with the lotus of her face turned up to Srikantha, as if throwing a svayamvara-wreath with affectionate glances. Srikantha discerned her desire and, suffering from love, seized her and quickly started to fly through the air. "Some one is carrying off Padmā," the servants screamed. Powerful Puşpottara armed himself and pursued them with an army. Śrīkantha took refuge promptly with Kirtidhavala 89 and gave him a complete account of the kidnaping of Padmā. Puşpottara soon arrived there, covering the directions with troops in solid ranks, like the ocean covering the earth with water at the end of the world. Kirtidhavala sent word by a messenger to Puspottara: “This preparation for war has been made needlessly without reflection. The maiden must surely be given to some one. If she herself has chosen Srikantha, then he is not at fault. Therefore it is not suitable for you to fight; but, rather, after learning your daughter's intentions, it is fitting for you to celebrate now the wedding-rites of the bride, and groom.” Just at that time Padmā sent word by a femalemessenger: “I chose him, myself. He did not abduct me." Upon hearing this, Puspottara was instantly appeased. Certainly, the anger of persons who know correct conduct is usually easily appeased. After he had celebrated the wedding of Śrīkantha and Padma with a great festival, Puspottara went to his own city.
Kirtidhavala said to Srikantha: "You stay here, since you have many enemies on Mt. Vaitādhya now. Not far to the northwest of this very Raksasadvīpa, there is Vānaradvīpa, three hundred yojanas long. There are other islands of mine, too, Barbaraküla, Sinhala, and others, that resemble pieces of heaven that have fallen to earth, my
89 17. His brother-in-law in Lankā.