Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4

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

Page 56

SRI ARANATHACARITRA
a change in letters. He wandered at will in villages, cities, et cetera, like a Vidyadhara, showing his superiority in all the arts and crafts. Priyadarśana took leave of her parents-in-law and went to her father's house. For living elsewhere is not suitable for high-born women without husbands.
One day Virabhadra went in his wandering to the city Ratnapura, ruled over by King Ratnakara, in Sinhaladvipa. He sat down in the shop of Sheth Sankha, who had a wealth of virtues fair as a conch, and was asked, 'Where are you from, sir?' Virabhadra replied, 'I left my own home in Tamralipti in anger and came here in the course of wandering, father.' Sheth Sankha said: 'Going to a foreign country like that was not well done by you, a delicate youth, son. That crooked act of yours was made straight by fate, since you have come uninjured here into my presence,
son.'
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With these words Sheth Sankha took him to his house like his own son, had him bathed and fed and said to him affectionately: 'You alone are a son to me to whom no son was born. Having become master, enjoy and give my wealth. Amusing yourself, magnificent as a god, give satisfaction to my eyes. For wealth is easy to acquire, son, but a son to enjoy it is difficult to acquire.' Virabhadra, said politely: "Though I left my father's house, I came to a father's house. I submit to your command. I am your disciple always. For one's own son is the son of evil,19 but I am a son in religion.'
Then he dwelt pleasantly in the house of Sheth Sankha, making the townsmen show open astonishment at his skill in arts and crafts.
King Ratnakara had a daughter, the only fair one of the universe, Anangasundari by name, who hated men. Vinayavati, the sole abode of good-breeding, the daughter of Sheth Sankha, went to visit her daily. One day
19 151. I.e. of worldly existence.