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VASUDEVA'S MARRIAGE WITH KANAKAVATI
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began to announce the kings to her by name. "This is king Ṛtuparna, son of King Jitaśatru, who has come from Śiśumārapura. Let him be honored with a glance, princess. This is King Candra, son of Candra, the ornament of the Ikṣvāku-line, ground for the deposit of the jewels of virtues. Why do you not choose him? Here is Subahu, lord of Campa, belonging to the Bhoga-line, son of Dharana the Indra. Choose him and you will be served by the mists and winds of Jahnavi. This king is lord of Rohitaka, Candrasekhara, son of Pavana, lord of thirty-two lacs of villages. Does he please you? This is King Saśalakṣman, son of Jayakeśarin, equal to Śri's son 116 in beauty. Does he attract your heart? This is Yajñadeva, son of Jahnu, ornament of the Solar family, lord of Bhṛgukaccha. Do you wish him, ambitious lady? Here is King Manavardhana, ornament of the lord of Bharata's family. Choose him, well-known to everyone, for a husband, O husband-chooser. This is King Mukuṭeśvara, son of Kusumayudha. Do you deserve to be his wife, like Rohini of the Moon? This is Nişadha, lord of the Kośalas, the restrainer of enemies, sprung from the family of Rṣabha Svāmin. Let him be acknowledged your king. This is the son of that very man, Nala by name, long-armed. Let him be dear to you, or Kubara here, Nala's younger brother.'
Then Davadanti placed the svayamvara-wreath around Nala's neck, like Lakṣmi placing it around Visņu's neck. Voices of Khecaras were heard in the sky, saying, 'It was well-chosen! Well-chosen!' when Nala was chosen by her. Prince Kṛṣṇarāja rose quickly, drawing his sword like another meteor, and reviled Nala. In vain did Davadanti throw this svayamvara-wreath on you! While I live, no one else is able to marry her. Therefore, release Bhima's daughter to us or take up a weapon. How will you be satisfied without conquering Kṛṣṇarāja? '
Astonished, Nala said: 'Villain, basest of warriors, why
116 342. Käma.
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