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VASUDEVA'S MARRIAGE WITH KANAKAVATI
85 was red from the shoots of the aśoka, fragrant with the trumpetflower, smiling with the blossoms of the pandanus, perfumed with the saptacchada, rich with purple sugar-cane and orange trees, full of jasmine-buds, Sauri rested and diverted his eyes.
Then Kanakavati's father paid the honor suitable for his rank to Anakadundubhi (Vasudeva) entitled to honor. Lofty palaces and houses having been built first, Sauri remained in the garden and heard this legend: “In the past there was a samavasaraṇa of Sri Nami Svāmin, which was attended by gods, asuras, and kings in this garden. Lakşmi, together with other goddesses, sported here in a dance before the Arhat. From that time it has been called 'Lakşmiramaņa.'” In the temple there the scion of the Yadus worshipped, and paid homage to the lofty statues of the holy Arhats with divine gifts.
Then Sauri, calm, saw descending there an aerial car rich with jewels in all parts like a moving Sumeru; marked with a lac of banners like a tree with shoots; with a multitude of various elephants, makaras and horses like the ocean; with a splendor as if it sipped the brilliance of the sun; filled with the tumult of bards like the sky with thunder; with the roaring of clouds threatened by the noise of auspicious musical instruments; with all the Vidyādharas with heads erect.
Vasudeva asked a god who was standing in front, “ To what god does this car, suitable for Sakra, as it were, belong? Speak.” He said: “This belongs to Dhanada. He has got into it and now he descends among these mortals for a very strong reason. After he has worshipped the images of the Arhats in this shrine, he will go soon with the intention of seeing Kanakavati's svayamvara." Then Sauri reflected: “Oh! Kanakavati is fortunate, since even gods come to her svayamvara when it is undertaken.” Then Dhanada descended, worshipped, and paid homage to the images of the holy Arhats and had a concert performed.
“Oh! This god is noble and has merit, an advanced layman. Oh! the doctrine of the holy Arhats has a person fit for its promulgation. Oh! I am fortunate in whose range
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