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MARRIAGES OF VASUDEVA WITH MAIDENS 75 an ascetic, like other people.81 I am the wife of Jvalanaprabha and, knowing this from clairvoyance, went there myself in the form of a doe and reared my son by the breast. For that reason he was called ' Eņīputra.' 82 After he died Kausika became a serpent, poisoning by its glance, in my father's hermitage. Cruel, he bit my father and I extracted the poison. The snake, enlightened, died and became a god, Bala.
Assuming the appearance of Rșidattā, I came to Śrāvasti and took the boy to the king. But he did not remember and did not accept him. Leaving the boy in his presence, I stood in the air and said: 'I am the maiden, named Rșidattā, whom you enjoyed in the forest. This son of yours was born; but I died when he was born. I became a deity and reared him by becoming a doe. He is your son, Eņīputra.' Thus informed, Silāyudha installed his son on the throne, became a mendicant, and went to heaven.
Pleased by a three-day fast by Eņīputra for the sake of a child, I granted a daughter and thus Priyangusundari was born. The king summoned kings to her svayasvara, but none was chosen by her and the kings commenced to fight. All the kings were defeated by Eņīputra because of my presence. However, Priyangusundari wishes to choose you, after seeing you today. On your account, I have been worshipped by her with a three-day fast, blameless one, and the door-keeper, Gandharakṣita, spoke to you on my instructions. From ignorance you showed contempt. But now, summoned by him at my command, you should marry Eṇiputra's daughter. Ask for some boon.” Yādava said, “You should come, recalled by me," and she promised to do so.
The goddess went away, leaving Sauri in Bandhumati's house, and at the dawn Sauri, accompanied by the doorkeeper, went to the temple. There Yādava joyfully married
81 543. As an ascetic, he should have been immune to grief. 82 545. 'Son of a doe.'
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