Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 5

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

Page 81

CHAPTER TWO Cārudatta's adventures (190–301)
One day Cărudatta said to Vasudeva: “ Hear today the whole story, the family, et cetera, of Gandharvasenā. In this same city there was a wealthy sheth, named Bhānu. His wife was Subhadrā; and they were much grieved because they had no son. One day a flying ascetic was asked by them, unhappy, about the birth of a son. He said, “There will be,' and went away. In course of time I, the son, was born.
Story of Amitagati (193–204)
One day as I was playing with friends on the bank of a river I saw the beautiful footprints of a Khecara. I knew that his wife was with him from a woman's footprints and I saw in front of me a plantain-house, a couch of flowers, and a sword and shield. Not far from there I saw a Khecara nailed to a tree with iron nails and in the scabbard of his sword three rings of herbs. With one herb from them I released him by my own knowledge; with the second I healed his wounds; and with the third I restored consciousness.
He said to me: 'I am Amitagati, son of King Mahendravikrama, in the city Sivamandira on Mt. Vaitādhya. One day I went to the best mountain, Hrimat, with a friend Dhūmaśikha and with Gauramunda for amusement. There I saw the beautiful daughter, Sukumālikā, of my maternal uncle, Hiranyaroman, who is an ascetic. Wounded by love, I went to my home and was married to her by my father, who brought her at once, as he had learned of my state (of infatuation) from a friend.
I remained dallying with her and one day I knew by his behavior that Dhūmaśikha was enamored of her. Nevertheless, I went about with him and came here. I, careless, was nailed (to a tree) by him and Sukumālikā was kidnaped. You released me. Friend, tell me why you have done this, that I may be free from debt to you, a friend for no reason.'