________________
CHAPTER IV
VASUDEVAHINDI
One day when he (Vasudeva ) was asleep, he was kidnaped by Surpaka. Awakened, he struck Sürpaka with his fist and Surpaka released him. Sauri fell into the Goda (Godāvari), swam across it, went to Kollapura, and married Padmaśrī, the daughter of King Padmaratha. There he was carried off by Nilakantha and, released, fell into Lake Campā, swam across it, and married a minister's daughter. Then carried off by Surpaka and released, he fell into the Ganga, came out of it and, roaming about, went to a village with other travelers. He married the village-chief's daughter, named Jarā, and begot a son on her, named Jarākumāra. He married Avantisundari, Sūrasenā, Naradvis, Jivayaśas, and other princesses.
One day as he was going on the road, a deity said to him: Rohini, daughter of King Rudhira, will be given to you by me in a svayamvara. You must play a drum. " So instructed by her, he went to the svayamvara-pavilion in Aristapura. Rohini came to the marriage-pavilion, like Rohini 161 come to earth in person, the kings, Jarasandha, et cetera, being seated there. Wishing to make themselves pleasing to her, they did this and that; but no one pleased her, who did not see anyone suitable for herself.
wwwbw
66
Sauri, disguised, in the midst of the drummers played a drum with clear words in a recital: Come! Come to me, doe-eyed! What do you look at, like a doe? I am the husband suitable for you, eager for union with you." After hearing that, Rohini, her hair erect from the sight of him, threw the svayamvara-wreath around Vasudeva's neck. A great tumult arose among the kings who cried, "Kill him! She chose a drummer," and there was loud laughter at these words.
66
161 9. The favorite wife of the Moon, one of the asterisms.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
