Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4

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

Page 266

THE KIDNAPING OF SĪTĀ
231 clothes of them all and Ativīrya recognized Rāma and Lakşmaņa. Ativīrya made a great pūjā to them and, being a proud man, thought very much about disgúst with existence because of the ruin to his pride.
"Shall I serve another ?” Proud in his heart, he settled the kingdom on his son Vijayaratha, intending to take initiation. Though opposed by Rāma: “You are a second Bharata to me. Rule the earth. Do not become a mendicant,” he, noble-minded, became a mendicant. His son, Vijayaratha, gave his sister, Ratimālā, to Lakşmaņa and he accepted her. Rāma and his army went to Vijayapura, but Vijayaratha went to Ayodhyā to serve Bharata. Bharata, a mountain of dignity, knew his story and honored him when he arrived. For the good are devoted to the humble. He gave his sister, Vijayasundarī, younger than Ratimālā, the best of women, to King Bharata. Then in his wandering, Ativīrya came as a muni and King Bharata praised him and asked his forgiveness. Dismissed with favor by King Bharata, Vijayaratha went joyfully to Nandyāvartapura.
When Rāma was ready to go, having taken leave of Mahidhara, Lakşmaņa said good-by to Vanamālā, intending to leave. Her eyes filled with tears, Vanamālā said: "Why did you save my life before, uselessly, lord of my life? A painless death then would have been better, my dear, than the pain, resembling a half-death, which comes from separation from you. Since you married me just now, take me with you, lord. Otherwise, death will take me away, using the pretext of separation from you." Lakşmaņa pacified her: "I am my brother's servant. Do not be an obstacle to my service by going along, proud lady. When we have found a very superior place such as desired, fair lady, I will join you again. For you are dwelling in my heart. To make you trust that I will return I will take any of the terrible oaths that you want me to take,"