Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 5

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

Page 80

MARRIAGES OF VASUDEVA WITH MAIDENS 49 for him like a son. Vasudeva put on the two new garments and the ornaments given earlier by Syāmā, arousing the people's curiosity. “Come! I think you will surpass Gandharvasenā today in knowledge. You are exceedingly skilled in music,” he was ridiculed by the townspeople in this way. Enjoying their jokes, he went to the assembly and was seated on a high seat by men laughing at him.
Gandharvasenā went there like a goddess moving on earth and she defeated many musicians from her own and foreign countries. When his time in the contest had come, Samudravijaya's younger brother assumed his own form, changing his form at will like a god.
As soon as Gandharvasenā saw his beauty, she trembled; all the people were astonished, discussing, “Who is he?” He cleverly spoiled every lute that was given him by the people and then Gandharvasenā gave him her own lute. Making ready the lute, he said, “Fair lady, what must I sing with this lute?” She replied: “Expert in singing, play the song connected with the three steps of Muni Vişnukumāra, elder brother of Cakrin Padma.” 54 Like Sarasvati in male attire, Vārşņeya sang it in such a way that he defeated Gandharvasenā together with the assembly.
Then Sheth Cārudatta dismissed all the musicians and himself conducted Vasudeva to his house with respect. At the time of the marriage the sheth said, “Son, with reference to what gotra shall I give you my daughter? Speak, fair sir." Vasudeva smiled and said, “Tell what your family is considered.” The sheth said: “ The fact that she is a merchant's daughter is the reason for your smile. At the proper time, I shall tell you the whole story of my daughter.” With these words the sheth had the marriage of the bride and groom celebrated. Sugriva and Yaśogrīva, charmed by his virtues, bestowed their daughters, named Syāmā and Vijayā, on Vasudeva.
54 183. See IV, pp. 90 ff. (6, 8, 14-203).
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