ॐ

महाक�वीसोमदेवभ��वर�चतः

कथास�र�सागरः

OCEAN

WHERE ALL

RIVERS OF STORIES

ENTER

of

SOMADEVA

Translated from the original Text

by

Tejasvini

महाक�वीसोमदेवभ��वर�चतः

कथास�र�सागरः कथामखंु नाम ि!वतीयो ल$बकः

SECOND LAMBAKA

NAMED

‘FACE (Entrance) OF THE STORY’

INTRODUCTION

The first Lambaka was named ‘KathaaPeetha’ (कथापीठं), the main pedestal or foundation

of the story. The event of story-telling happens in the Kailaasa Mountain where Shiva,

the perfect lover narrates countless amusing tales to his beloved wife Paarvati.

Whether he added more characters and life-narratives to the already-crowded Brahma’s

world through his stories, we mortals do not know. What we have before us is a

collection of stories describing the exploits of King NaraVaahanaDatta, son of Udayana,

a king born in the dynasty of Paandavas. KathaaSaritSaagara is a concise form of the

BrhatKathaa of Gunaadya, composed by Poet SomaDeva. This collection is the source of

all the stories that are prevalent in India. You read this collection and you have read all.

Story is not a Vedic dictum to be followed verbatim.

Story is not a Puraana to gain merits when read.

But story is a necessary part of our life.

A human mind has evolved from the animal-level to like stories; to make stories; and live

stories.

The main purpose of narrating the story is to imagine anything and everything to create

interest in the mind of a hearer. If it amuses you enough to forget the day-to-day turmoil

of life, then the story is worthwhile listening to.

A story becomes interesting only if there is a twist and a challenge at every sentence; and

that is well expressed in these stories composed by Gunaadya.

Of course, if the stories of the original work amounted to some seven lakh verses, then it

was indeed a task beyond the human mind. Only Shiva could do such a feat; not even a

Brahma is capable of making so many stories!

We have to go through only a briefing of the stories originally told in one lakh verses; but

even that concise form is like a huge ocean.

Here is a humble attempt to offer a comfortable ship to the reader to cross over the ocean

of never-ending stories.

Go ahead and enjoy these unique stories locked inside the treasure-chest of Sanskrit

poetry.

महाक�वीसोमदेवभ��वर�चतः

कथास�र�सागरः

कथामखंु नाम ि!वतीयो ल$बकः

SECOND LAMBAKA

NAMED

‘KATHAAMUKHAM’

(INTRODUCTARY PART OF THE MAIN STORY)

म*गलाचरणम ्/ BENEDICTION

इदं ग/�गर012जा4णयम1दरा1दोलु नात ्पराु 5कल कथामतृं हरमखा$बधे/!गतमु ु ्।

4स9य सरयि1त ये �वगत�व:नल;ध!<य=

धरंु दध>त वैबधींु भ�वु भव4सादेन त े॥

This nectar of stories rose out of Shiva’s ‘mouth-ocean’,

when churned by the ‘heavy Mandara Mountain of love’

of the ‘daughter of the Mountain-king’!

Those who cross over it perforce,

will have all the obstacles removed from their heart,

and obtain all the divine prosperities,

by the grace of ‘Bhava’, the source of all.

4थमAतर*गः / FIRST WAVE

गौर0प�रCव*गे �वभोः Aवेदा$बु पातु नः

नेDािEनभी�या कामेन वा/णाADFमवाGहतम ्॥

Let the sweat waters which appeared on the

‘All pervading Lord’

when Gauri embraced,

protect us.

They must be the weapon empowered by the ‘deity of waters’,

used by Manmatha

who was afraid of the fire shooting out

from the eyes of Shiva.

(Manmatha was well prepared this time! He cleverly used the Vaarunaastra, the weapon

powered by the deity of waters to tackle the Lord of dispassion. Before Shiva’s third eye

shot forth fire, he had snuffed the fire by drenching Shiva with sweat drops which were

produced by the embrace of his beloved spouse.)

कैलासे धजHटेवHJDा�पCपद1तंू ु गणो�तमम ्

तAमा!वर/चीभता�काणभ>तंू ू च भतलेू ॥

काणभतेगHणाLयंू ु च गणाLया�सातवाहनंु

य�4ाMत ंशणतेदंृ ु ति!व!याधरकथाOतमु ्॥

Listen to this wonderful tale of Vidyaadharas,

which from the mouth of Shiva of matted locks

went to the excellent Gana PushpaDanta,

from him who had become VaraRuchi, to KaanaBhooti on the earth,

from KaanaBhooti to Gunaadya,

and from Gunaadya to SaataVaahana.

अिAत व�स इ>त Qयातो देशो दप=पशा1तये

AवगHAय >नFमHतो धाDा 4>तमRल इव STतौ ॥

There is a country famous by the name of Vatsa,

which was created on the earth by Brahma

to subdue the pride of the heaven

like an opponent in wrestling.

कौशा$बी नाम तDािAत म<यभागे महापर0ु

लUमी�वलासवस>तभHूतलAयेव कVणHका ॥

There is a great city named Kaushaambi

in the central area of that country,

like the pericarp of the lotus blossoming on earth,

making a comfortable abode for Goddess Lakshmi.

तAयां राजा शतानीकः पाWडवा1वयसंभवः

जनमेजयपुDोऽभ�पौू Dो राZनः पर0STतः ॥

अFभम1यु4पौD[च यAयाGदप/षोऽजHनःु ु

]Dपरा�रभजAत$भ^CटदोदHWड�व_मःु ु ॥

The ruler of that country was

Shataaneeka (one who owns hundred types of armies),

who was born in the dynasty of Paandavas.

He was the son of Janamejaya.

He was the grandson of Pareekshit.

He was the great grandson of Abhimanyu.

Arjuna was the ancestor of them all;

and he was renowned for his valor,

for his long and strong arms had had

the taste of the strength of the shoulders of Shiva,

the destroyer of Tripura demons.

(Janamejaya is the one who listens to the MahaaBhaarata story narrated by Sage

Vaishampaayana.

Pareekshit is the king who gets bitten by Takshaka, the serpent-king.

Abhimanyu is the son of Arjuna and Subadhraa, Krishna’s sister.

Arjuna had fought with Shiva when he performed penance for acquiring the weapon of

Shiva.)

कलD ंभरभ�तAयू ू रा`नी �वCणमतीु तथा

एका र�ना>न सषवेु ु न तावदपरा सतमु ्॥

His wife was the ‘Earth’ and also Queen VishnuMatee.

One delivered jewels; the other did not deliver a son but!

KING SHATAANEEKA

Once, the king met Sage Shaandilya (शािWडRयम>नु ) when he was wandering

in the forest at the time of hunting.

As the king desired a son, the excellent Sage went to Kaushaambi and

fulfilled his wish by giving a potion sanctified by Mantras (hymns) to the

queen. Later he got a son named Sahasraaneeka (सहcानीक – one who owns

thousand types of armies).

His father shone forth more nobly like a good character accompanied by

modesty. (�वनयेन गणोु यथा) Shataaneeka consecrated his son as the heir prince and remained drowned in

pleasures without the worries of the kingdom.

Once there arose a battle between gods (Suras) and ‘Asuras’.

(सरु : - सCटु ु रा>त (ददा>त अभीCटम)् – a deity who fufills wishes

असरःु - अ सरताःु - Aथानेषु न सCटु ु रताः - Aथानेषु चपलाः – those who are restless in any place

Or,

सोदवानसजतe ृ त�सराणांु सर�वंु , असोः असरानसजतु ृ तदसराणांु असर�वमु ्– Brahma created Suras from his own

Self सोः - 4शAतात ्- आ�मनः 4देशात;् and Asuras from his breath, especially the lower breath.

In the oldest parts of the Rig Veda, the term Asura is used for the Supreme spirit and in the sense of a god

or a divinity like Indra, Agni, and Varuna.

Later it acquired an entirely significant opposite meaning of a demon or an enemy of Gods.

Asuras differ from Daityas (sons of Diti, the daughter of Daksha married to Sage Kashyapa)

Diti’s sons), and Daanavaas (sons of Danu, the daughter of Daksha married to Sage Kashyapa)

राTस - रTस इदं- रT�वं – demonical nature - Raakshasa is a word used for any person who behaves

terrifyingly or acts evil. A person who is rude and arrogant is also termed as a Raakshasa. )

Shakra (श_ –Indra, the most capable one) sent Maatali (मातFल -charioteer) as a

messenger to the king requesting for his help.

Shataaneeka gave the responsibility of taking care of his son and kingdom in

the hands of the chief minister named Yugandhara (यगंु धर) and the Chief

Commander of the army named Suprateeka (स4तीु क); and went off with

Maatali to Indra’s place, to kill the ‘Asuras’ in the battle. He killed many

Asuras like YamaDamshtra (यमदंCi) and others, as Vaasava (वासव - Indra -

Lord of Vasus) kept watching; and died in that very battle.

Maatali took back the body of the king to the earth. The queen followed her

husband and gave up her body.

KING SAHASRAANEEKA

The Goddess of kingdom took shelter in his son Sahasraaneeka.

�चD ंतिAम1समाjढे �पlयं Fसहंासनं नपृे

भरेण सवHतो राZना ंFशराि$स न>तमाययःु ॥

Indeed it was a wonder that

when he ascended the throne of his father as the emperor,

all the heads of the kings bent down with the weight.

Later Shakra sent Maatali and brought Sahasraaneeka, the son of his friend

Shataaneeka, to heaven on the occasion of the celebration of victory over the

enemies.

He saw the gods enjoying the company of pretty damsels in the Nandana

garden and felt depressed desiring a suitable wife for himself.

Vaasava (Indra) understood his longing and said to him-

“Raajan! Enough of this grieving! You will get what you want.

Already the wife who is destined to be your equal partner has taken birth in

the earth. I will tell you how it happened, listen.

STORY OF VIDHOOMA

In the past, once I went to see the ‘GrandFather’ (�पतामह–Brahma) in his

court. One Vasu named ViDhooma (�वधमू) followed me behind.

(Vasu means ‘to reside’. There are eight Vasus are deities who represent eight aspects of

nature. They usually act as attendants of Indra.)

As we remained in the assembly of Brahma, some Apsaraas came there to

see Virinchi (�व�रिmच – Brahma, who can create a variety of things).

One of them was Alambushaa. (अल$बषाु ) Her upper garment slipped a little because of the wind.

Vidhooma became immediately infatuated by her.

That Apsaraa also had her eyes pulled towards the handsome form of Vasu.

KamalaSambhava (कमलस$भव– Lotus born – Brahma) observed this and looked

at my face. I understood his mind and cursed them both.

“May you both get born in the mortal world for you have acted offensively

in the court; and live as husband and wife there.”

O King Sahasraaneeka!

You are that Vasu born as the son of Shataaneeka, adorning the dynasty of

the moon! That Apsaraa is born as the daughter of KrtaVarmaa (कतृ वमाH),

the king of Ayodhyaa and her name is Mrgaavatee (मगावतीृ – beautiful like a

moon or a deer). She will become your wife.”

(In Sanskrit literature women are usually compared to and named after a female deer;

as the deer has big restless eyes; acts frightened and shy, runs gracefully and so on.

Usually pretty girls are referred to with names containing the word Mrgee – female deer.

Moon is also referred to by names connected to Mrga as his mark. )

SAHASRAANEEKA GETS CURSED

By the wind of Indra’s words, the fire of passion instantly kindled in the

king’s heart which was filled with love (Aनेह – love/oil).

He was later sent back with due honor by Indra, back to the earth in the

chariot driven by Maatali.

When he was ready to return to his city, an Apsaraa named Tilottamaa

(>तलो�तमा – who is perfect in each and every minutest part (til- as small as a sesame seed part) of the

body ) enticed by love stopped him; and said--

“King! Wait a while! I want to talk to you!”

Lost in the thoughts of Mrgaavatee, the king did not hear her words and

went off.

Tilottamaa felt offended and cursed him with anger-

“Hey Raajan! You will be separated for fourteen years from her in whose

thoughts you remain absorbed.”

Maatali heard her words.

SAHASRAANEEKA AND MRGAAVATEE

The king excited by the thoughts of his beloved reached Kaushaambi in the

chariot; but his mind had gone off to Ayodhyaa.

He met Yugandhara and other ministers and told them all that Indra had said

about Mrgaavatee and all the news connected to her.

Not wanting to delay any further, he sent a messenger to her father

KrtaVarmaa, to ask for the hand of his daughter.

KrtaVarmaa felt very happy by receiving such a message and informed the

same to his queen Kalaavatee (कलावती).

She said to him-

“Raajan! Mrgaavatee should definitely be given to Sahasraaneeka. The

same thing was told by a Brahmin to me in the dream, I remember.”

Then the king feeling very pleased, showed the messenger the extraordinary

skills of Mrgaavatee in dancing, singing and other arts, and also her

unparalleled beauty.

KrtaVarmaa gave in marriage to that king, his daughter who was the single

abode of all attractive arts and who was beautiful like a moon personified.

परAपरगणाु वाM�य ैस त4ु `नयो�रव

अभ�सहcानीकAयू मगाव�या[चृ संगमम ्॥

The union of Sahasraaneeka and Mrgaavatee was like

the union of Vedas and wisdom complementing each other.

Soon sons were born to the king’s ministers.

Yugandhara had a son named Yaugandharaayana (यौग1धरायण).

Suprateeka had a son named Rumanvaan (/मWवान)्.

His amusement-companion (नमHसoतु )् had a son named Vasantaka.

MRGAAVATEE’S STRANGE WISH

Queen Mrgaavatee also within a few days became very pale in face and bore

the child of King Sahasraaneeka in her womb.

She requested the king who never had enough of looking at her, to satisfy a

unique desire rising in her due to pregnancy (दोहद), that she wanted to bathe

in as pleasure-pool (ल0लावा�प) completely filled with blood.

In order to fulfill her desire, the ‘righteous minded king’ filled the pool with

waters colored by red dye, making it look as if it was filled with blood.

When she was bathing in that pool, she was covered by the red dye; and

suddenly a bird born in the family of Garuda pounced on her mistaking her

to be a meat-piece and took her away.

Next moment Sahasraaneeka was shocked in the mind and his courage went

off as if searching for his wife who was taken away far by the bird.

That bird must have taken away ‘his mind attached to the beloved’ also,

because the king fell unconscious on the ground.

Within moments he became conscious.

Maatali, who understood what had happened by his divine power, descended

down the sky-path and came there. He consoled the king and told the king

about how Tilottamaa had cursed him and also about how long the time-span

the curse will last. He then went off.

“Ha! My beloved! That wicked Tilottamaa has fulfilled her desire!”

In this manner, the king lamented stuck by grief.

Since he now knew about the curse that he had incurred and also getting

consoled by his ministers, he somehow held on to his life with the hope of

meeting his wife again some time.

MRGAAVATEE IS LOST IN THE MOUNTAIN TERRAIN

That king of birds, who took away the queen with such speed, understood

that she was alive and fortunately dropped her on the Udaya Mountain.

After the bird discarded her and flew off, the queen found herself in the

mountain slope which was difficult to cross over; and was extremely

frightened and anxious.

She was covered only by a single cloth (एकवADा) (as she had been bathing

when the bird took her away) and she wept aloud frightened and sorrowful.

A huge python (अजगर) got up and was ready to swallow her up.

That lady ‘with a future auspiciousness in reserve for her (शभोदकाHु )’ was

rescued by a divine man who appeared instantly. He killed the python and

vanished the very next moment.

Then she feeling desperate and desiring death offered herself in front of a

forest elephant; but even he did not harm her feeling kind towards her.

It was indeed a miracle! For, though he was a wild beast, though she was

lying directly in his eye-sight, he did not kill her!

5कं न भवेद0[वरेqछया ॥

What will not happen by the will of the Supreme Lord!

That young lady, tired because of carrying a child in her womb started to

walk towards the precipice. Remembering her husband she wept aloud.

MRGAAVATEE GETS SAVED

A Sage’s son who was like the personification of purity and was engaged in

collecting edible fruits and tubes, heard the weeping noise and came to her

who was lost in that wilderness.

That Sage’s son heard her story, consoled her somehow, and his heart moist

with compassion, took the queen to the hermitage of Sage Jamadagni.

तD मतHFमवा[वासंू जमदिEनं ददशH सा

तेजसा िAथरबालाकs कवाHणमदयाचलमु ु ्॥

In the Aashram Mrgaavatee saw Sage Jamadagni,

who was like the embodiment of solace and

who had made the Udaya Mountain have a

‘permanent tender Sun of the morning’

because of his luster.

(Udaya Mountain’s peak is the place where the rising Sun is seen at first. Later the Sun

moves away from there. But because of Jamadagni staying there, the luster emanating

from his face made it appear as if the cool rising sun of the dawn was permanently stuck

in the Udaya Mountain. The very sight of the Sage removed all the dark sadness of the

heart and cooled one’s being.)

That Sage of divine vision, who always helped those who sought shelter,

spoke to that queen who held on to his feet and who was suffering from the

separation of her loving husband –

“Daughter! Here a son will be born to you, who will continue the family of

his father. You will surely join your husband in the future. Do not be

grieved.”

Thus promised by the Sage, that virtuous wife of the king held on to the

‘hope of the union with her husband’ and the ‘stay at the Ashram’.

After some days, that blameless lady delivered a ‘gem of a son who

deserved much acclaim’, like good company begets good conduct

(स�संग>त�रवाचारम)्.

“A king of great fame named Udayana has been born. His son will become

the king of all Vidyaadharas.”

At that time, a voice spoke from the sky these words, restoring the forgotten

joy in Mrgaavati’s mind.

PRINCE UDAYANA

Child Udayana gradually grew in that penance-grove along with his equal-

aged friends namely ‘virtues’.

All the ceremonies associated with his warrior-caste were performed duly by

Sage Jamadagni and Udayana became proficient in all learning and the

science of archery.

Feeling extreme affection for him, Mrgaavatee removed a bracelet worn in

her hand engraved with the name of Sahasraaneeka; and made him wear it.

Udayana once wandering in the forest, hunting for the deer saw a snake

captured forcefully by a hunter.

Feeling compassionate towards that beautiful snake, he said to the hunter-

“Release this snake by my words.”

Then the hunter said-

“This is my livelihood, Prabhu!

I am a man living in poverty. I make a living by making the snake do some

movements. The snake which I owned is dead. As I searched for another one,

I got this one and captured it by using some magical charms.”

Udayana, who was renowned for his sacrifices (giving up his possessions to

do good to others), removed the bracelet given by his mother and gave it to

the hunter; and got the snake released.

The hunter took the bracelet, saluted him and went away.

The snake said to him gratefully-

“I am known as Vasunemi (वसनेFमु ). I am the elder brother of Vaasuki, the

serpent king. As you have rescued me, accept this ‘Veenaa’ (stringed lute)

from me which has melodious sound and in which octaves are perfectly

divided; and also this betel-leaf plant (Taambooli) along with the art of

making a garland which never fades, and the art of decorating the forehead

with the ‘Tilaka’ which never gets erased.”

He took leave of the snake and returned to Jamadagni’s ashram as if

showering nectar in his mother’s eyes.

The hunter meanwhile wandered in the forest with the bracelet engraved

with the king’s name given by Udayana and tried selling it in a shop. He was

caught by the soldiers and taken to the king’s presence.

King Sahasraaneeka who was overcome by sorrow seeing that bracelet

questioned the hunter himself –

“Where did you get this bracelet?”

The hunter told him all that had happened in the Udaya Mountain from the

time of his capturing the snake to Udayana offering him the bracelet.

Hearing all that the hunter related, and remembering the bracelet as his

wife’s, King Sahasraaneeka was unable to come to a conclusion.

“Your curse-span is over, Raajan! Your wife now stays in the ashram of

Jamadagni in the Udaya Mountain, along with her son.”

A voice spoke from the sky making that king suffering the pain of separation

feel delighted, like a peacock drenched by the rains when it is suffering form

the heat of the summer.

His longing to see his wife was on the increase.

Somehow the day ended.

Next morning, keeping that very hunter as his guide, Sahasraaneeka started

towards the hermitage in the Udaya Mountain to reach his beloved sooner

than ever.

इ>त

महाक�वीसोमदेवभ��वर�चत ेकथास�र�सागरे कथामखुल$बके 4थमAतर*गः।

THUS ENDS

THE FIRST WAVE

OF

‘KATHAA-MUKHAM’

IN THE OCEAN OF THE RIVERS OF STORIES

COMPOSED BY

THE GREAT POET SOMADEVA BHATTA

ि!वतीयAतर*गः / SECOND WAVE

After traveling some distance, the king camped that day in some bank of a

lake in the forest.

Lying on the bed tired and exhausted he spoke to Sangataka (संगतक), a man

employed for his enjoyable company and who was good in telling stories- “Tell me some amusing story. I fell so restless desiring to see the lotus-face

of Mrgaavatee.”

Sangataka then said-

“Why do you suffer wastefully?

The union with your wife will soon happen for sure, since the curse has

ended.

संयोगा �व4योगा[च भवि1त बहवो नणामृ ्॥

Separations and union are always happening to men.

Prabhu! I will tell you a story, listen.

STORY OF SHREEDATTA

There once lived a Brahmin named YajnaSoma (य`नसोम) in the city of

Maalava (मालव). That good man had two sons who were liked by all the people.

One of them was named KaalaNemi (कालनेFम – the felly of the wheel of Time).

The other one was named VigataBhaya (�वगतभय – fearless).

After the father died, these two who had grown out of their childhood,

journeyed to the city of PaataliPutraka (पाटFलपDकु ) to acquire learning.

After he had mastered all learning, DevaSharmaa (देवशमाH) their teacher gave

in marriage to them his two daughters who were like two other forms of

Sarasvati.

KaalaNemi feeling envious seeing other householders, who were all quite

rich, took to the observance of some vows and performed rites to please

Shree (ी - the Goddess of wealth).

Pleased by his effort, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in front of him and said-

“You will attain abundant wealth and also a son who will rule a kingdom.

But you will be executed like a thief, because you performed fire-rites with

your mind infected with envy!”

So saying, the Goddess vanished.

KaalaNemi in course of time became very rich.

What more! He had a son also!

As the child was born by the boon of ‘Shree’, the father whose desires were

all fulfilled, named his son as ShreeDatta (ीद�त- given by Shree).

ShreeDatta grew well in time. Though he was Brahmin, he had mastered

skills like wrestling and other ‘weapons which could be empowered by

deities’ (अAD) and was unparalleled in the earth.

KaalaNemi’s brother VigataBhaya, who desired to visit sacred places, went

off to another country, since his wife had been bitten by a snake.

ShreeDatta was made a companion of Prince VikramaShakti (�व_मशिJत) by

King VallabhaShakti (वRलभशिJत), who could recognize the talents in a man.

The company of the arrogant prince was like that of Bheema with the

impetuous Duryodhana in their childhood (enmity).

This Brahmin ShreeDatta later became a friend of two men of warrior-caste

named BaahuShaali (बाहशाFलु ) and VajraMushti (वtमिCटु ).

Some sons of ministers of the south who were defeated by him in wrestling

and who appreciated the talent he had, sought his friendship.

MahaaBala (महाबल), VyaaghraBhata (uयाvभट), UpendraBala (उपे12बल) and

also Nishturaka (>नCटरकु ) became his close friends.

After some years, ShreeDatta accompanying the prince along with his own

friends went to bank of River Gangaa.

The servants of the prince made him the king (when playing some game.)

ShreeDatta’s friends made ShreeDatta the king for the time being (in a

playful mood, to tease the prince.)

The arrogant prince felt infuriated and invited ShreeDatta, the Brahmin

wrestler for a wrestling match. And in the ensuing match, he was defeated

by ShreeDatta.

Feeling insulted, he decided to put the rising hero to death.

Getting a hint of his intention, and feeling apprehensive, ShreeDatta ran

away with his friends.

They all reached the bank of River Gangaa.

There ShreeDatta saw a woman in the middle of the river getting carried

away by the flooding waves, like the wealth kept in the sea (gets carried

away). (सागरAथाFमव �यम)्

He made his six strong friends wait at the shore and jumped inside the river

to rescue that woman from the floods.

He caught hold of her hair to pull her towards him; but she kept sinking

inside the river waters. That brave man also sunk inside the river along with

her. The moment he was deep inside the waters, ShreeDatta saw a beautiful

temple of Shiva. The water was not there any more; nor the woman. He was

surprised by all these wondrous occurrences.

ShreeDatta saluted VrshaDhvaja (वष<वजृ - Shiva - with the flag having the emblem

of bull). Feeling tired he spent the night in the beautiful garden there.

In the morning he saw a girl with all the characteristics of a woman in

perfection, who was beauty personified and who had come there to offer

worship to Ishaana (ईशान - Lord of all - Shiva).

That moon-faced girl offered worship to Shiva and returned to her house.

ShreeDatta followed her. He saw her abode which was like the city of Gods.

That proud girl (मा>ननी) entered her house in a fluster as if she had been

offended by some one. That beautiful girl of slender-build (त1वी), without

saying anything to him, sat on the cot (पयH*क), attended by thousands of

maids.

ShreeDatta also sat near the cot.

Then that good lady suddenly wept aloud. Hot tear drops fell on her breasts.

Compassion rose in the mind of ShreeDatta immediately.

He asked her-

“Who are you? What is causing you so much sorrow?

Tell me O beautiful girl! I can solve any problem of yours!”

She somehow took hold of herself and said-

“We are the ten hundred grand daughters of King Bali, the king of Daityas.

I am the eldest and my name is VidyutPrabhaa (�व!य�4भाु – luster of lightning).

Our grandfather was taken away by Vishnu (�वCणु) for a prolonged

imprisonment.

Our father was killed by that Shouri (शौ�र - Vishnu -born in the dynasty of

ShooraSena) in a wrestling match.

After killing him, he expelled us from our own city. He kept a lion inside the

city to stop us from entering it.

That lion stays inside that place and grief stays inside our hearts.

He is actually a ‘Yaksha’ (यUयत ेइ>त यTः – Yakshas are those who serve Kubera

the wealth-god), who has become a lion by the curse of Kubera. His curse will

end when he gets defeated by mortals; so it was ordained in the past.

When we requested Vishnu that we should be allowed inside the city, he told

us about this condition. Therefore you must somehow win over that lion.

That is why O brave one, you were brought by me here.

When you defeat him you will acquire a sword named ‘Mrgaankakaa (with

the moon symbol)’ (मगा*ककाृ ). By the power of that sword you will conquer

the whole earth and will become a king.”

Hearing her words, ShreeDatta was ready to do what she said and spent that

night there itself.

The next day he went to that city guided by those Daitya princesses.

He defeated that wonderful lion in a wrestling combat.

The lion was freed of the curse and attained the form of a Yaksha. He was

pleased by ShreeDatta’s valor; gifted the sword to the redeemer of his curse;

and vanished along with the weighty grief of all the Asura princesses.

Along with that Daitya princess followed by her sisters, ShreeDatta entered

that excellent city which was like the huge serpent Ananta (अन1त) coming

out of the dark hole.

The Daitya’s daughter gave him a ring which could remove poison. That

young man was infatuated by love towards her.

She tricked him by saying-

“You bathe in this well; but take this sword also with you to save yourself

from the crocodiles.”

ShreeDatta agreed and went under the waters but got out in the same bank of

River Gangaa from where he had jumped into the waters previously.

He found himself coming out of the netherworld and also saw that he held in

his hands the ring and the sword. (It was a real occurrence; not a dream!)

He understood that he had been cheated by the Asura princess. He was

surprised and also dejected.

He then went towards his house to search for his friends.

On the way he saw the friend named Nishturaka.

Nishturaka went near him; greeted him; took him to some solitary place

quickly; and questioned by him, recounted what had happened to all of his

friends.

“After you entered the Gangaa waters, we searched for you for many days;

and (not finding you) we decided to slice off our heads feeling extremely

sorrowful.

‘Do not do such a daring act Sons! If you live, he will come back to you.”

A voice from the sky stopped our suicide-venture.

Then we went to meet your father.

On the way, a man quickly approached us and said-

‘Do not enter the city now! King VallabhaShakti has died! The ministers

consecrated VikramaShakti as the next king. As soon as he got the kingdom,

he went to KaalaNemi’s house (in search of ShreeDatta to take revenge on

him.) The king impatient with anger asked KaalaNemi-‘Where is your son

ShreeDatta?’ He told him that he did not know anything. Thinking that he

was hiding his son, the king became very angry and had him impaled on the

stake as a thief. Seeing that scene, his wife’s heart broke.

पापं पापा1तराTेप_रंू Gह _रकमHणामू ्॥

Men of cruel deeds are so cruel that

they tend to keep adding one sinful act over another without stopping.

VikramaShakti is at present searching for ShreeDatta and his friends, to get

them killed. You people get away from here fast.”(This was the news he

gave.” - said Nishturaka.)

After hearing Nishturaka’s words, feeling sad about the death of his parents,

ShreeDatta fixed his eyes again and again on the sword as if making it a

repository of his revenge.

Then that brave man, deciding to wait for a suitable time, started towards the

city of Ujjayini, accompanied by Nishturaka, in order to meet his friends.

He told his friend Nishturaka all the events that had happened after he

entered the waters of Gangaa.

At that time he saw a woman weeping aloud on the road, saying

“I am a helpless woman. I have to reach Maalava (Ujjayini). But I have lost

my way.”

ShreeDatta felt kind towards her and took her also along with him.

Accompanied by that woman whom he had helped out of compassion and

along with his friend Nishturaka, he reached an empty city and stayed there

for the night.

In the middle of the night he woke up and saw that the woman had killed

Nishturaka and was eating his flesh delightfully.

He immediately got up wielding his sword Mrgaankakaa.

That woman also stood up in the form of a terrifying Raakshasi (evil

demon).

He held her hair and was ready to cut off the head of that ‘night-moving

creature’ (>नशाचर0). She immediately changed into a divine form and said-

“Do not kill me, hey good man! I am not a Raakshasi.

I had been cursed by Sage Kaushika (Vishvaamitra) to become like this.

When he was absorbed in penance, I was sent by Kubera to create obstacle

to his penance, as he was afraid of the Sage attaining his position.

I was not able to disturb him with my beautiful form. I felt embarrassed.

So I took on a terrifying huge form. Then the Sage seeing my form gave a

curse I deserved-

“Hey sinner! Become a Raakshasi and eat humans.”

He told me that I will be redeemed of my curse when I would get pulled by

my hair. This is how I got this horrible form of a Raakshasi.

This city belongs to me. I have kept it captured from a long time.

You have ended my curse. So accept a boon now.”

Hearing her words, ShreeDatta spoke with all humbleness-

“What boon could I ask for? Let my friend become alive.”

She gave the boon saying- “Let it be so!” and immediately vanished.

Nishturaka again got up alive cured of all wounds.

Happy and also surprised, ShreeDatta continued his journey along with his

friend and soon reached Ujjayini.

His sight delighted his friends who were waiting for him like a cloud

suddenly appearing delights the peacocks.

Having received the due welcome for a guest, he was taken by Baahushaali

to his house. He related all the wonderful events that he had experienced.

Treated well by Baahushaali’s parents, ShreeDatta lived in that house along

with his friends as comfortably as in his own house.

Once, spring festival came. He went with his friends to see the festivities in

the garden. He saw there the daughter of King ShreeBimbaka (ी]बबंक), who

had also come there to participate in the festivities. She was like the

embodiment of the ‘beauty of spring’ itself.

Her name was Mrgaankavatee (मगा*कृ वती – beautiful like the moon).

In a moment she entered his heart as if she found a way through his fully

opened eyes.

Her glance also, which was filled with attraction and which expressed her

first sensation of love, was sent to him acting like her messenger but was

withdrawn again and again.

(The moment ShreeDatta saw her, his eyes opened wide stuck by her beauty which was

like flowers opening wide at the arrival of spring.

Her beautiful form had entered his heart now through the wide open gates of his eyes.

Attracted by ShreeDatta, Mrgaankavatee also looked at him. It was the first time she had

been ever attracted by a man and her eyes expressed her new love. Yet feeling shy she

turned her glance away from the man who won her heart. But again attracted by him she

looked at him only to shy away again. This went on for some time.)

(We find here that Sangataka uses the word ‘Mrga’ to make up the names of the sword

and the heroine; as if to soothe the mind of the king who is anxious to meet Mrgaavatee,

his wife.)

Mrgaankavatee entered a thick grove of trees and disappeared.

Losing sight of her within seconds, ShreeDatta felt his heart completely

empty. He was unable to know where he was and had lost the sense of

directions.

“I understand your mind friend! Do not try to hide your feelings.

Come! Let us both go there where the princess has gone.”-

said BaahuShaali, skilled in the expression or interpretation of internal

sentiments by seeing external gesture (इि*गतy).

Accepting his words, ShreeDatta guided by his good friend went to meet

her.

“Ha! The tragedy! The princess has been bitten by the snake!”-

a cry arose the very next moment, increasing the fever of ShreeDatta.

“My friend here has a magical ring which will remove the poison and also

the learning connected to such treatments.” –

said BaahuShaali to the chamberlain at guard (कmचकzु ), going near him.

Immediately that chamberlain fell at the feet of ShreeDatta and took him

quickly near the princess.

ShreeDatta slipped that ring in her finger and recited a magical chant. She

immediately became alive again. Everyone was happy and praised

ShreeDatta.

King Bimbaki (]ब$ब5क) came there hearing about all this.

Without taking back the ring (from the princess’s hand), ShreeDatta went

with the king to the palace accompanied by his friends.

Whatever gold etc was given by the grateful king was offered to

BaahuShaali’s parents by ShreeDatta.

Later ShreeDatta suffered much by the thoughts of the girl who had attracted

him. His friends were unable to remove his distress.

At that time a close friend of the princess named Bhaavanikaa (भाव>नका)

came to meet him on the pretext of returning the ring and said to him-

“Hey good man!

It has to be decided whether you will now become the husband and revive

her life or allow death to take her away.” (The princess will give up her life if you do not meet her.)

When Bhaavanikaa spoke like this, all three of them, ShreeDatta,

Bhaavanikaa and BaahuShaali and also the other friends discussed together

to arrive at a solution.

“Let us take away the princess secretly using some strategy; go off from

here; and live at Mathuraa.”

After this discussion and planning well the part everyone had to play for the

accomplishment of their venture, Bhaavanikaa went off.

Next day, BaahuShaali with three of friends left for Mathuraa on the excuse

of some trade he had to do.

On the way he arranged for vehicles at every step for the fast and concealed

journey of the princess. ShreeDatta then found some wretched woman with

her daughter; hid them in the harem of the princess; got them drunk well and

left them there unconscious.

Bhaavanikaa meanwhile engaged herself in lighting lamps and set fire to the

residence; and took away the princess outside. ShreeDatta who was waiting

outside went near Mrgaankavatee and sent her off to BaahuShaali who had

gone off earlier. He also sent two of his friends behind her along with

Bhaavanikaa.

That drunken woman was burnt along with her daughter in the palace.

Everyone assumed that the princess had died along with her friend.

In the morning people saw ShreeDatta engaged in his usual duties.

On the second night, ShreeDatta took his Mrgaankakaa (sword) and went off

to join his beloved who had already gone off.

With all excitement he traveled a long distance that night and reached the

forest of Vindhya after the first hour (4हर) of the morning was over.

On the road he saw many signs which predicted some tragic event. Then he

found all his friends and Bhaavanikaa lying wounded by weapons on the

road.

They told the apprehensive ShreeDatta –

“We were robbed by an army of horsemen who suddenly attacked us.

When we were lying helpless, one horseman among them placed the

frightened princess on his horse and rode off with her.

Before they are gone far, quickly follow them in the direction they went.

Do not stay with us. She is more important than all of us.”

Thus forced by his friends ShreeDatta quickly started in the direction shown

by them, to search of the princess, looking back at them again and again.

After traveling a long distance he found the army of horse-men. He saw a

young man of warrior-caste in their midst with the captured princess sitting

on a horse. He slowly approached the young warrior. When that man did not

release the princess when requested politely, he kicked him with his foot;

made him fall on the stony ground from the horse; and thrashed him well.

After killing him, he climbed that very horse, killed all the other horsemen

who angrily attacked him. Rest of them who were alive escaped from there

in fear, after observing the extraordinary valor of the courageous man.

ShreeDatta seated on the horse along with Princess Mrgaankavatee set out to

meet his wounded friends.

After moving a little distance, ShreeDatta climbed down to rest awhile. At

that time the horse which had been wounded a lot in the battle, fell down and

died.

His beloved Mrgaankavatee was exhausted, tired and very thirsty. He asked

her to wait there and went in search of water. Meanwhile the Sun set, as he

was searching for water here and there. Though he got the water, he was lost

in the forest and was unable to find the way back.

Wandering all over he spent the night calling out for his partner like a

Chakravaaka bird (ruddy goose).

In the morning he somehow found the place where the horse was lying dead.

But his beautiful princess was not there anywhere. He was shocked. He

fixed his sword in the ground and climbed the tree to see whether the

princess could be seen anywhere. At that time a hunter-chief came that way.

He saw the Mrgaankakaa and immediately grabbed it off. ShreeDatta saw

him; climbed out of the tree; and questioned the hunter-chief the

whereabouts of his lover in a pitiable manner.

“You go to my village (पRल0 – small village or tribal settlement) in this direction.

I know that she has gone there. I am also going there only; and will give

back your sword too.”

After saying this, ShreeDatta with renewed hope, was sent to that village

along with his men, by the hunter.

When they reached the hut of the village-chief, those men told him to rest

for some time. ShreeDatta tired and exhausted fell asleep instantly. When he

woke up he found that his feet were in chains, as if they had failed in their

venture of reaching his beloved. He remained there lamenting for his

beloved who like destiny had given joy one moment and had shattered all

hopes the next moment.

(Tण ंद�तसखांु Tणा1तर�वमा�थनीं दैवAयेव ग>तम)्

One day a maid named Mochanikaa (मोच>नका) came there and said to him-

“Hey good man!

Why have you come here simply to die?

The hunter chief has gone out on some important work. After he comes back

you will become an offering to Goddess Chandikaa.

That is the reason for which he brought you from the Vindhya forest through

some trick and has kept you imprisoned.

You are an offering made ready for the Goddess. That is why you are given

good food and proper clothing; and kept comfortable.

If you trust me I can tell you one way of escaping from here.

This hunter chief has a daughter named Sundaree (स1दर0ु ).

Whenever she sets her eyes on you she goes to the peak of infatuation.

Oblige my friend and save yourself.”

ShreeDatta, desiring his freedom agreed to her words and married Sundaree

through the Gaandharva method and made her his wife secretly. (Gaandharva marriage – one of the eight forms of marriage. Here mutual love between

the couple is enough. Relatives need not be consulted and no ceremonies are required.)

Every night, she came and unchained him. Soon Sundaree became pregnant.

Her mother came to know of all the things that happened from Mochanikaa.

She felt affectionate towards her son-in-law and approaching him said-

“Son!

Sundaree’s father named ShreeChanda (ीचWड) is a very fiery tempered

person. He will never forgive you.

Therefore get away from here.

But Sundaree should not be forgotten by you.”

Freed from the prison by his mother-in-law, ShreeDatta informed Sundaree

that the sword which ShreeChanda possessed was actually his. Then he left

that place and entered the very same Vindhya forest region, feeling anxious

and desirous of searching the whereabouts of Mrgaankavatee.

He observed auspicious omens and soon reached the place where the horse

had died and where the princess had got lost.

There he met another hunter. He enquired him about the deer-eyed princess.

That hunter asked him-“Are you ShreeDatta?”

He replied with a deep sigh -“I indeed am that unfortunate person!”

Then that hunter said-

“Then friend, listen to my words.

Your wife was seen by me lamenting and wandering here and there

searching for you. I asked her story and felt compassionate towards her.

After consoling her, I took that poor girl from this forest region to my own

village nearby. There I felt apprehensive by seeing the youthful hunters of

the village (who might have harmed her).

So I took her to a village called Naaga-Sthala (नागAथल) near Mathuraa and

left her in the house of an old Brahmin named VishvaDatta (�व[वद�त)

without endangering her honor in any way.

Then I came here searching for you as she had told me that your name was

ShreeDatta. So now go quickly to Naaga-Sthala and find her”

After hearing the hunter’s words, ShreeDatta immediately started towards

Naaga-Sthala and reached it in the evening of the next day. He found the

house of VishvaDatta; saw him; and pleaded-

“Return my wife who was left here by the hunter.”

Then VishvaDatta said to ShreeDatta-

“In Mathuraa there is a friend of mine who is an admirer of virtuous men.

He is the teacher and minister for King ShooraSena.

I have left your wife in his care.

This village is scantily populated and was not safe for her.

Today you rest here and start tomorrow morning for Mathuraa.”

Thus advised by VishvaDatta, ShreeDatta spent the night there itself, and

left for Mathuraa the next day morning.

Feeling dusty and dirty because of the long journey and to refresh himself,

he took bath outside the city itself, in a deep well of pure water.

Inside the water he found a cloth left there by a thief, which had been

knotted at the corner with a necklace tied inside it. He took the cloth and

wore it but did not see the necklace. He entered the city of Mathuraa to see

his beloved. There the cloth was recognized; the necklace was found; he was

arrested as the thief and taken away by the guards.

He was presented along with the ‘necklace tied cloth’ in front of the head

police officer (नगरा�धप>त); he reported this to the king; the king ordered him

to get executed.

As he was getting led towards the execution-ground followed by the drum

sounds, Mrgaankavatee saw him from far.

“This is my husband that is getting dragged to the execution ground!”

Crying aloud, she immediately went to the Chief Minister in whose house

she was staying and informed him. He immediately ordered the execution to

be stopped. He took the permission of the king; got ShreeDatta released; and

brought him to his house from the execution ground.

“How did this uncle of mine (�पतuयृ – father’s brother) ‘VigataBhaya’ who had

gone off to another country become a minister in this place?!”

Thus ShreeDatta who came to that house recognized the minister as his

uncle; saluted his feet and enquired about him.

The minister also recognized his brother’s son and was surprised.

He embraced him by the neck and asked him about his story.

Then ShreeDatta told his uncle in detail all that happened from when his

father was executed.

He shed tears and said to his brother’s son in private-

“Do not be disheartened, my son!

I have attained the support of a Yaksinee (यSTणी – female Yaksha).

She gave me five thousand horses and crores of gold coins.

As I do not have any son, all that is yours.”

Having said so, that uncle gave his beloved Mrgaankavatee back to

ShreeDatta.

ShreeDatta now having been endowed with all riches married her there.

Then he stayed there itself, in the company of his beloved Mrgaankavatee

happily, like the night in the company of the ‘moon who causes the white

lotuses to bloom’ (कमदाकरु ु – Moon).

(Night when it joins the moon smiles with all the night lotuses blooming wide open.

Similarly ShreeDatta joined Mrgaankavatee and was all in smiles.

Mrgaanka – refers to the moon which has the deer as its mark).

Though he owned abundant wealth, ShreeDatta’s mind grieved about

BaahuShaali and others, agitating his heart like the taint in the moon.

Once, his uncle called him and said in private-

“Son! King ShooraSena has a daughter.

I have to take her to the country of Avanti and offer her in marriage there,

by his order. I will take her away on that pretext and offer her in marriage

to you. You will then own the army that follows her; and the army that is

mine also is yours. You will soon be the ruler of the kingdom as ordered by

Goddess Shree.”

Having decided thus, ShreeDatta and his uncle took the girl and left that city

along with the army and the attendants. As soon as they reached the Vindhya

forest, a heavy shower of arrows of a dacoit army fell on them unexpectedly.

Binding ShreeDatta who had fallen unconscious by the attack and who had

lost all his army, the dacoits took him to their village-settlement with the

looted money.

They took him to a terrifying temple of Goddess Chandikaa to offer him to

the Goddess and they rang huge bells as if inviting Death by that noise.

There his wife Sundaree, the daughter of the hunter-chief saw him when she

came to offer worship to the Goddess along with her baby-son.

She was overwhelmed with joy and removed the thieves who were standing

in between her and her husband.

ShreeDatta entered her house along with her. He acquired the rulership of

that tribal colony bestowed by her father to Sundaree when he departed from

this world, as he had no other son.

ShreeDatta then got back his uncle and his army overpowered by the

robbers, and also the sword Mrgaankakaa. He married ShooraSena’s

daughter there itself.

ShreeDatta thus became a great king of that city.

He then sent messengers to his fathers-in-law Bimbaki and King

ShooraSena. They came to him along with their armies and accepted his

relationship happily as they were extremely affectionate towards their

daughters.

Even BaahuShaali and others who were healed of their wounds and became

healthy, heard about him, and came to him.

Along with his father-in-law, that valorous ShreeDatta attacked

VikramaShakti who had killed his father and burnt him off in the fire of his

anger.

Having acquired the whole earth surrounded by the ocean, ShreeDatta lived

happily with Mrgaankavatee freed of his pangs of separation.

इ�थं नरपत ेद0घH�वयोगuयसनाणHवम ्

तरि1त च लभ1ते च कRयाणं धीरचतेसः ॥

In this manner, O King,

those with courageous minds cross over the ocean of

the pain of a ‘long-time separation’ and

attain all the good.”

SAHASRAANEEKA MEETS MRGAAVATEE

King Sahasraaneeka who was eager to meet his wife spent the night

listening to the story told by Sangataka on the road.

Having sent the mind first seated on the chariot of thoughts, Sahasraaneeka

started in the morning towards the place where his beloved was.

Within a few days, he reached the hermitage of Jamadagni which was so

peaceful that even the deer had renounced their restless behavior.

Jamadagni welcomed the guest with due respect. The king saluted the Sage

who was sanctifying even by his very sight as if he was embodiment of

penance. After a long time of separation, queen Mrgaavatee returned to the

king along with her son like liberation accompanied by bliss (सान1दाFमव

>नवH>तमृ ्).

The ‘sight of each other’ at the ‘end of the curse’ was filled with blissful

tears and showered nectar in all the directions.

Seeing his son for the first time, the king held him in his embrace and could

let him go only with great difficulty as if he had been attached to him

through the horripilation.

Then taking permission from Sage Jamadagni, King Sahasraaneeka started

towards his own city along with his wife Mrgaavatee and son Udayana from

that penance-grove, the abode of supreme peace, followed by the deer even,

which had moist eyes.

Listening and narrating to his beloved, the events that happened when they

were separated, Sahasraaneeka soon reached the city of Kaushaambi

decorated by flags and garlands. He entered the city along with his wife and

son, as if drunk by the array of eyes of the citizens.

Impressed by the virtues of his son Udayana, he consecrated him

immediately on the throne as the heir prince.

He appointed the sons of the ministers Vasantaka, Rumanvaan, and

Yaugandharaayana as his consultants.

“This one will acquire the entire earth supported by these best of ministers.”

A divine voice spoke from the sky along with a shower of flowers.

After depositing the weight of the kingdom to his son, the king enjoyed the

pleasures of the mortal world along with Mrgaavatee which he had desired

from a long time.

अथ तAय जरा ं4शाि1तदतीमपयातांू ु ST>तपAय कणHमलमू ्

सहसवै �वलोJय जातकोपा बत दरूे �वषयAपहाृ बभवू ॥

The ‘desires for pleasures’ moved immediately far in anger as it were,

looking at the ‘old age’, the messenger of peace,

present at the edge of the king’s ears.

(As age overtook the king, the hair at the ends of his ears turned white. The king lost

interests in sense pleasures. It appeared as if seeing the messenger of peace (silenced

mind), all the desires got angry and went off.)

ततAतं कRयाणं तनयमनरJत4क>तकंु ृ

>नवे[य Aवे रा`ये जगददयहेतो/दयनमु ्।

सहcानीकोऽसौ स�चवसGहतः स�4यतमो

महा4Aथानाय ST>तप>तरगqछ�|म�ग�रम ्॥

King Sahasraaneeka enthroned his virtuous son ‘Udayana’ in the kingdom,

who was loved by all the people

and who was the ‘cause of the rise of the world’;

and went off to the Snow Mountain along with his wife and ministers

to prepare for the great journey ahead.

(उदयन - Udayana- a person who can rise high or who can achieve higher states

जगत ्उदय हेत ु– ‘Jagat- Udaya –Hetu’ -one who will cause the world to rise to the highest

state of prosperity)

महा4Aथान – great journey / Death/ to prepare for the after life by doing penance)

इ>त

महाक�वीसोमदेवभ��वर�चत ेकथास�र�सागरे कथामखुल$बके

ि!वतीयAतर*गः।

THUS ENDS

THE SECOND WAVE

OF

‘KATHAA-MUKHAM’

IN THE OCEAN OF THE RIVERS OF STORIES

COMPOSED BY

THE GREAT POET SOMADEVA BHATTA

ततीयAतर*गःृ / THIRD WAVE

Having obtained the kingdom of Vatsas from his father, staying in the city of

Kaushaambi Udayana ruled the people well.

(Vatsa Kingdom was one of the sixteen kingdoms in the northern region of

JambooDveepa, and named after the Kaashi King Vatsa.

After Hastinaapura was flooded by River Gangaa, Kaushaambi became the capital for the

kings of Moon dynasty.)

(Udayana is usually referred to by the names of VatsaRaaja, Vatsesha, Vatseshvara etc

meaning the king of Vatsas.)

VEENAA, ELEPHANTS, WINE, WOMEN, HUNTING

Slowly Udayana gave off the responsibility of the kingdom to

Yaugandharaayana and others, and remained busy in enjoying various

pleasures. Most of the time, he was out on hunting (elephants).

Night and day he played the Veenaa named ‘Ghoshavatee’ (घोषवती) which

was gifted by Vaasuki (serpent-king) to him.

He brought home all rogue wild elephants after subduing them by enslaving

them by the magical power of the sound emanating from the strings of that

Veenaa.

VatsaRaaja drank off simultaneously the liquor adorned by the reflection of

the moon-disc of the faces of the coquettish girls and also the luster of the

faces of the ministers.

(As the king was addicted to liquor and women, the faces of the ministers wore creases of

worries and had lost the luster.

The king was always surrounded by harem girls who fed him liquor. Their faces reflected

in the wine held in their hands. As he drank that wine reflecting the faces of the girls, he

drank away also the luster of the faces of the ministers.)

(Yet the king cherished a desire to marry the princess of Ujjayini, the daughter of his

enemy-king, who was a girl of extraordinary beauty and character. But he knew it was

impossible and was distressed.)

‘There is no wife anywhere who will suit my great dynasty. I have heard

about a girl named VaasavaDattaa (वासवद�ता)! How will I ever attain her?’

He got this one worry in his mind.

(ChandaMahaaSena, ‘Violent MahaaSena’, King of Ujjayini, the father of VaasavaDattaa

also knew about Udayana. He wanted his daughter to get married into that great dynasty

which was adorned by the Paandavas. But he had heard about Udayana’s vices; and also

was his sworn enemy. He wondered what he could to do get his wish fulfilled.)

That ChandaMahaaSena (चWडमहासेन) of Ujjayini also thought like this-

‘There is no one who is suitable to be a husband to my daughter except that

Udayana who always is against me! How will I bring him under control and

make him my son-in law?

There is only one trick that can be used.

That king always wanders alone in the forest and is addicted to capturing

elephants. I will use this weakness of his to capture him and bring him here.

I will make my daughter his student in learning the Gaandharva music

(heavenly music of Gandharvas). His eyes then naturally will be attracted

towards her for sure. In this way he will become my son-in-law and will

come under my control. There is no other way to bring him under control.’

Having thought like this, he went to the temple of Goddess Chandikaa in

order to pray for the success of his enterprise.

He worshipped the Goddess and asked for this boon. He heard a bodiless

voice from the sky –

“Raajan! The wish you have entertained all these days will be fulfilled!”

Feeling happy, ChandaMahaaSena returned home and discussed the same

with his minister BuddhaDatta.

“Udayana is arrogant with self-respect; has no greed; adored by his

servants; and is of great strength. He cannot be defeated by any strategies of

Saama (conciliation), Daana (gifts), Bheda (Rift), Danda (battle).

Anyhow let us try the Saama strategy first.”

After such a conclusion, that king ordered a messenger-

“Go and give this message to VatsaRaaja as sent by me.

‘My daughter wants to become your student and learn the Gaandharva

Music. If you have any regards for us, come here and teach her.’”

So ordered by the king, the messenger went to VatsaRaaja in the city of

Kaushaambi and gave the message exactly as told by his king.

VatsaRaaja heard this and consulted Yaugandharaayana about the

messenger’s words, in private.

“What is this insolent message sent by that king?

What purpose would that wicked man achieve by this?”

To these words of VatsaRaaja, the great minister Yaugandharaayana who

was the well-wisher of his master, replied-

“MahaaRaaja (O Great king)!

The ill-fame about your vices has spread out in this world like a deep-

rooted spreading creeper.

This is the astringent bitter fruit it has yielded.

ChandaMahaaSena thinks that you are a man addicted to pleasures and so

he wants to entice you with his gem of a daughter; imprison you; and own

you!

Give up all your bad habits!

Kings addicted to vices are easily captured by the enemies like catching the

elephants through holes dug for their entrapping.”

Thus advised by the minister, the brave king VatsaRaaja sent a messenger

from his side to King ChandaMahaaSena and said-

“I understand your desire to make your daughter my student. Please send

her here itself!”

After this VatsaRaaja said to his ministers-

“I will go; capture ChandaMahaaSena; and bring him here.”

Hearing his words, Minister Yaugandharaayana said-

“You can’t do it my King! It is not proper also! He is a very powerful king.

You have to only win him over in a friendly manner.

Listen! I will tell you all about him.

STORY OF CHANDAMAHAASENA

There is a city named Ujjayini, the ornament of the world which mocks at

Amaraavati (city of Indra), with its high rising white mansions. The Lord of

the world ‘Hara’ (हर) in the form of MahaaKaala (महाकाल) resides there,

himself in person, having discarded his attachment to the Kailaasa abode.

The city was once ruled by a great king named MahendraVarmaa.

He had a befitting son in the name of JayaSena.

He had a son named MahaaSena with unparalleled strength of shoulders like

an elephant among kings.

When he became the king, he once thought-

‘I do not have a sword that suits me nor a wife of a good family.’

So thinking, he went to the temple of Goddess Chandikaa. He worshipped

the Goddess for a long time abstaining from food even. He even offered, his

own flesh cut from his body, piece by piece into the sacred fire.

Pleased by his worship, Devi Chandee (देवी चWडी) appeared before him and

said-

“I am pleased with you my son! Accept this excellent sword from me.

By the power of this sword you will remain undefeatable by all the enemies.

You will also get as your wife a girl of renowned beauty in all the three

worlds, who is the daughter of demon Angaaraka (अ*गारक) and is known by

the name of Angaaravatee (अ*गारवती). Since you have performed a violent

rite (चWड कमH), you will be known as ChandaMahaaSena from now onwards.”

After talking this much, Goddess Chandi gave him a sword and vanished.

The king was overjoyed by getting the things he wanted.

Like Indra who possessed two precious gems namely the weapon named

Kulisha (कFलशु ) (Thunderbolt/Vajraayudha) and the white elephant named

Aeiraavata (ऐरावत), he now had a sword given by the Goddess and an

intoxicated elephant named Nadaagiri (नडा�ग�र – Hill of giant cane-like reeds).

(The elephant was so named because it was very huge and tall like a hill with giant

canes.)

King ChandaMahaaSena, feeling delighted by his powerful possessions,

once went to a huge forest for hunting. He saw there a very huge wild boar.

It was so horrifying in looks as if the ‘darkness of the night’ had become a

‘lump of flesh’ suddenly at the day-time.

That boar was not even wounded by his shower of sharp arrows. It pushed

the chariot of the king and ran off inside a hole. The king discarded his

chariot and chased him angrily from behind into the hole.

After some distance he saw an excellent city. Surprised he sat on the bank of

a deep well. There he saw a beautiful girl surrounded by hundred maids.

She was moving about like the ‘arrow of Manmatha’ set out to shatter the

‘courage of men’. She slowly walked towards him as if bathing the king

with her glances raining profusely the nectar of love.

“Who are you Good man? Why have you come here now?”

questioned that girl.

The king told her everything that had happened. Immediately she let out a

stream of tears from her eyes which had turned red; and also (let out) her

self-control from her heart, simultaneously. (She lost her heart to him.)

“Who are you? Why are you crying?”- asked the king.

She replied obeying the command of Manmatha-

“That wild boar who entered here is a Daitya named Angaaraka

(अ*गारक - fiery like burning coal)

King! I am his daughter Angaaravatee (अ*गारवती - red hued))

My father is made of the essence of diamond (वtसारमय ).

(He cannot be defeated by anybody as his diamond-like body cannot be broken by any

weapon)

(Being undefeatable), he stole these hundred princesses from the houses of

many kings and has made them my maids.

This great ‘Asura’ has become a Raakshasa (wicked boar) because of a

curse. He was tired and thirsty; that is why he did not harm you. Now he is

resting after discarding the form of the wild boar. After he wakes up from

sleep, he will indeed attack you for sure.

Seeing the harm in store for you, these tear drops fall out like my own five

Praanas (life-breaths) rising out of the heat of sorrow in my heart.” (Her heart was on fire because of the harm the king will be subjected to; and the smoke

coming out of that fire is her five Praanas. She will die if the king comes to any harm, as

she loves him dearly.)

Hearing Angaaravatee’s words, the king said-

“If you really love me, then do what I tell you.

When your father wakes up, you go and start crying in front of him. He will

definitely ask you about the cause of your sorrow.

You must then tell him-

‘If anybody kills you, then what will happen to me? That is why I am

worried!’

If you do this, both of us will get benefited.”

Angaaravatee agreed to do what the king suggested.

That Daitya princess apprehensive about the impending tragedy, hid him (in

that room where her father was asleep); and went near her father who was

sleeping. The moment he woke up, she started crying aloud. When he asked

her the reason for crying, she said in a pitiable way -

“If anybody kills you my father, what will happen to me?”

He laughed aloud and said-

“Who can kill me daughter, as I am fully made of diamond?

There is of course one spot in my left shoulder which is vulnerable; but it is

kept covered by my bow.”

He consoled his daughter in this manner.

The king heard the whole dialogue from where he was hidden.

Next moment, that ‘Daanava’ (belonging to Danu class of demons) got up; took

bath; observing the vow of silence started to worship Lord Hara.

At that very moment, the king appeared there; pulled his bow; stood in front

of him violently; invited the Daitya (belonging to Diti’s family) for a battle.

(Daanavas and Daityas had a common father in Kapila; so a Daanava also can be a

Daitya.)

The Daitya lifted his right hand and signaled him to wait for a second,

observing silence. The king being ready-handed shot an arrow at the

vulnerable spot on his shoulder and killed him.

“Since you killed me when I was thirsty, your five ministers will die if you do

not offer oblations to me every year.”

The Daitya died after saying these words.

The king took Angaaravatee and returned to Ujjayini.

ChandaMahaaSena married that daughter of the Daitya and got two sons;

one was named Gopaalaka and the other as Paalaka.

The king celebrated their births by holding a festival for Indra.

Vaasava (Indra) was pleased and appeared in the king’s dream.

He said-“By my grace you will get an extraordinary daughter.”

Later in course of time a beautiful daughter was born to the king. She had

been a totally new creation of Brahma and looked as if the moon had taken

another form.

A divine voice spoke from the sky-

“Her son will be the incarnation of Lord Manmatha and will become the

ruler of Vidyaadharas.”

Since she had been given by Vaasava, the king named her as VaasavaDattaa.

At present she stays in her father’s house ready to get married, like Kamalaa

(Goddess Lakshmi) was inside the hollow of the ocean before the churning of

the milk ocean. (ready to marry a suitable person.)

This is the greatness of King ChandaMahaaSena.

Deva! He cannot be defeated like a man who is safeguarded inside a fort.

But Raajan, he always has wanted to offer his daughter in marriage to you.

That proud king desires the good of his own adherents.

I think that you are the one suitable to marry that VaasavaDattaa.”

Immediately VatsaRaaja had his heart lost to VaasavaDattaa.

इ>त

महाक�वीसोमदेवभ��वर�चत ेकथास�र�सागरे कथामखुल$बके ततीयAतर*गःृ ।

THUS ENDS

THE THIRD WAVE

OF

‘KATHAA-MUKHAM’

IN THE OCEAN OF THE RIVERS OF STORIES

COMPOSED BY

THE GREAT POET SOMADEVA BHATTA

चतथ��तर�गःु / FOURTH WAVE

Meanwhile, the messenger sent by ‘Vatsesha’ went to the Ujjayini King

ChandaMahaaSena and reported to him the reply given by Udayana.

ChandaMahaaSena heard that and thought-

‘So, that king of Vatsas will not come here as he is very proud.

I cannot send my daughter also there, for it will be derogation of our

dignity. Therefore, I will get the king imprisoned by some trick and get him

brought here.’

After deciding thus, he consulted his ministers and got made a huge

mechanical elephant (य1DहिAत) exactly like his elephant. He made the armed

soldiers stay inside it concealed within; and got the machine-elephant placed

in the forest region of Vindhya Mountain.

The spies who worked under VatsaRaaja and who were equally enthusiastic

about capturing the elephants, saw the (machine) elephant from a distance.

They quickly went to VatsaRaaja and reported-

“Deva! We saw an elephant wandering alone in the forest. An elephant like

that cannot be seen anywhere in the world. His body fills the entire sky. He

is like the Vindhya Mountain on the move.”

Hearing this news from his spies, VatsaRaaja was delighted. He gave them

one lakh of gold coins as a reward.

‘If I capture this great elephant which is a fit opponent of NadaaGiri

(नडा�ग�र –ChandaMahaaSena’s elephant), then that ChandaMahaaSena will

surely come under my control. Then he will himself offer VaasavaDattaa to

me.’

Lost in such thoughts the king passed the night.

In the morning he started towards the Vindhya forest thirsting for the game

of elephant-capture; keeping his spies in the front; heedless of the advice

given by his ministers. He did not bother about the statements of the

astrologers when they said that if he leaves at that particular hour, he will

acquire a girl and also imprisonment.

After reaching the Vindhya forest, he kept his retinue at a distance, not

wanting to disturb the elephant. Taking the help of only the spies and

holding the Veenaa named Ghoshavatee, he entered that forest which was

extended like his own vices.

Pointed out by his spies, the king saw the (machine) elephant which was

looking exactly like a real elephant standing in the southern part of the

Vindhya. He slowly approached the elephant, all alone by himself playing

the Veenaa and thinking of ways to capture him, and singing melodious

songs.

His mind being absorbed in the Gaandharva music, and because of the

enveloping darkness of the evening, he could not find out that the elephant

was not real.

That elephant, lifting his ears as if enjoying his music, as if moving towards

him again and again but actually moving further way, took the king very far.

Then suddenly armed soldiers jumped out from the inside of the machine-

elephant, and surrounded VatsaRaaja.

Seeing them the king drew out his knife and attacked those in the front; but

was restrained by the others from behind.

More soldiers joined them by mutual signals and together they took the

Vatsa-King to ChandaMahaaSena’s presence.

ChandaMahaaSena immediately came forward, welcomed him with due

respect and entered the city of Ujjayini along with him.

The citizens saw for the first time VatsaRaaja but in a fettered and bound

condition. Though he had endeared their eyes, he appeared like the moon

tainted by humiliation.

All the citizens who adored his good qualities assumed that he would be

executed and decided to give up their lives.

ChandaMahaaSena pacified the citizens assuring them that the king of Vatsa

will not be executed.

The king gave off his daughter VaasavaDattaa to VatsaRaaja there itself, in

order to learn the Gaandharva Music from him.

He said to him-

“Prabhu! Teach her the Gaandharva. Then you will attain all the good. Do

not feel agitated.”

Seeing his daughter, VatsaRaaja’s mind overflowed with so much love that

all the anger vanished off immediately.

Her eyes and mind also ran towards him; the eyes returned back feeling shy,

but never the mind.

VatsaRaaja stayed in that GaandharvaShaalaa (music-hall) teaching her the

song, his eyes lost in her.

अ*के घोषवती तAय कWटे गीत>तAतथाु

परोु वासवद�ता च तAथौ चतेो�वनोGदनी ॥

In his lap was Ghoshavatee (घोषवती).

In his throat (embracing the neck) was the tune of the song (गीततीु ).

In front was VaasavaDattaa (वासवद�ता), entertaining his mind.

(He was surrounded by women here also! The words are all in feminine gender and

denote women. Udayana’s passion was for music, songs and his beloved.)

Like Lakshmi the Goddess of prosperity, VaasavaDattaa was engaged in his

services, absorbed only in caring for his comforts and did not move away

from his side, though he was in fetters.

Meanwhile, the soldiers who had accompanied VatsaRaaja reported the

arrest of their king to the ministers. The entire country was very much

disturbed. All the citizens who adored VatsaRaaja were enraged and wanted

the army to attack Ujjayini.

“ChandaMahaaSena is a powerful king. He cannot be overpowered by an

army and such an attack may endanger the king’s life. Therefore a military

attack is not advisable. Rather one should use the tactics of the brain.”

With such talks, Rumanvaan subdued the violent reaction of the people.

The brave Yaugandharaayana observing the loyalty of the people towards

the king and their steadfastness, said to Rumanvaan and others.

‘You all should stay here ever-alert. This country has to be protected at all

cost.

काले कायH[च �व_मः ॥ Timely action alone is the mark of courage.

I will take, only this Vasantaka with me; and using my wisdom will free

Vatsesha and bring him here for sure.

जलाहतौ �वशषेणे व!ैयताEने�रवु !य>तःु

आपGद Aफर>तु 4Zना यAय धीरः स एव Gह ॥

He alone is a truly courageous man

whose wisdom shines forth in dangerous situations.

The fire of the lightning is brighter when violently lashed by rains.

I know the spells of passing through walls, breaking off the fetters, and

remaining invisible which all could be used when needed.”

Having said this, Yaugandharaayana left the people in the care of

Rumanvaan and went off from Kaushaambi accompanied by Vasantaka.

4�ववेश सः तेनवै सह �व1<याटवीम ्

Aव4ZनाFमव स��वाLया ंAवनी>तFमव दगHमामु ्॥

Along with him, he entered the Vindhya forest

which was like his wisdom enriched by knowledge

(place filled with wild animals),

and was like his own principles which could never be broken,

(impassable territory).

He went to the residence of the chief of Pulindaas (mountain-hunter tribes)

named Pulindaka who lived in the upper part of the Vindhya and was a

friend of Vatsesha. He got him ready for the battle with a huge army to

protect VatsaRaaja on his return journey.

Later Yaugandharaayana went to the cremation ground of MahaaKaala in

Ujjayini followed by Vasantaka and entered inside it.

The place was filled with Vetaalas (spirits) which were stinking of the raw

flesh they had eaten, which were wandering here and there, which were

black like the darkness, and which appeared as if they were some other

smoke lines seen rising from the burning pyres.

A Brahma-Raakshasa (�9मराTस - ghost of a Brahmin who has committed a grave

mistake in his previous life), named Yogeshvara (योगे[वर) was pleased by seeing

the minister and became a friend of him. By the magic taught by him,

Yaugandharaayana changed his form immediately.

He in a second became an ugly hunchbacked baldheaded old man; and

pretending to be man of insanity became a receptacle for ridicule and

mockery from others.

With the magical power, he made Vasantaka also as a man having a fat

stomach with all swelled up sinews and a face ugly with protruding teeth.

Yaugandharaayana sent Vasantaka first to the palace and entered Ujjayini a

little later. Surrounded by some young lads, dancing and singing all the way,

watched by everyone with curiosity, the wise minister went towards the

palace.

The ladies at the harem curiously came out to watch him; and the news in no

time reached VaasavaDattaa’s ears. She got him immediately brought to the

GaandharvaShaalaa (गा1धवHशाला - Music-hall) through her maid.

नम�कसादरं Gह नवं वयः ॥

Fresh youth is always after playful pastime.

Yaugandharaayana in the guise of mad man went there; saw the king in

fetters and shed tears. He made some signs to VatsaRaaja and he recognized

his minister behind the guise. By his Yogic power Yaugandharaayana

became invisible to VaasavaDattaa and her maid. Only the king was able to

see him. All the others were surprised and said-

“The mad man has disappeared somewhere!”

Hearing their words and seeing him standing in front of him, VatsaRaaja

understood that his minister was playing a magic trick through Yogic power.

He said to VaasavaDattaa-

“Girl! Go and get the necessary materials for the worship of Sarasvati.”

VaasavaDattaa said “It shall be done!” and went out with her friend.

Yaugandharaayana approached the king and taught Vatseshvara the Yogic

chants which could break his fetters. He also taught the king some magical

charms to be added to the Veenaa-strings to attract VaasavaDattaa.

He suggested to the king--

“Raajan! Vasantaka also has come here. He stays at the gate in another

form. Get that Brahmin to stay with you. When VaasavaDattaa starts

trusting you completely, then I will tell you what to do. Wait till then.”

Having said this, Yaugandharaayana quickly went away from that place.

VaasavaDattaa came there bringing all the worship materials.

The king said to her-

“There is a Brahmin at the gate. Get him inside so that we can offer

Dakshinaa to the Brahmin at the worship of Sarasvati.”

She agreed and got Vasantaka who was disguised in an ugly form, to be

brought inside from the gate.

Vasantaka came inside; saw VatsaRaaja in fetters and started to weep unable

to control his grief. The king wanting to keep the secret safe, immediately

said to him-

“Hey Brahman! I will remove completely the disease that has caused your

deformation. Do not cry. Stay with me.”

Vasantaka said- “Deva! It is your great favor!”

The king started to laugh looking at his deformed body.

Seeing him laughing and understanding his intention, Vasantaka also started

to laugh aloud, his face going through many ugly contours.

Looking at him laughing like a live doll, VaasavaDattaa also laughed and

was delighted. Then to amuse herself she questioned Vasantaka-

“Brahman! What talent do you have? Tell me!”

He said- “Devi! I know the art of narrating tales!”

She said- “Then tell me one story.”

Then Vasantaka narrated a very amusing and hilarious story to the princess

to amuse her.

STORY OF LOHAJANGHA

“There is the city of Mathuraa where Kamsa’s enemy (क$सा�र -Krishna) took

birth. There lived a charming coquettish girl named Roopanikaa (jपVणका).

She had a mother named MakaraDamshtraa (मकरदंCiा - cruel like the sharp

teethed crocodile), who was an old bawd. She was a lump of poison for those

young men who were attracted by her daughter’s charm. (She did not allow

moneyless young men to approach her daughter.)

Once when Roopanikaa was going to the temple to offer her dance to the

God at the fixed time of worship, she saw man at a distance. The moment he

was seen, he entered her heart. All the instructions given by her mother were

lost immediately.

She told her maid-

“Go and tell that man that I told that he should come to my house.”

The maid accordingly went to him and told him what her mistress had said.

The man thought for a few minutes and said to her-

“I am a Brahmin named LohaJangha (man with iron thighs – name of a Raakshasa

in the Puraanas). I do not have any money. That house of Roopanikaa is for the

rich and wealthy! Who am I to enter there?”

That maid told him –“My mistress does not expect any money from you.”

LohaJangha then agreed to her request.

Roopanikaa heard this from the mouth of her maid; went home happily and

stayed looking at the road waiting for his arrival.

Within a few minutes, LohaJangha came to her house.

Bawd MakaraDamshtraa wondered who he was. The moment Roopanikaa

saw him, she got up with all respect; and embracing him by the neck she

took him to her room, feeling very happy.

Attracted by the talents of that LohaJangha, she did not covet any other

reward in her life than his company. She avoided all other men. The young

Brahmin stayed happily in her house.

Observing all this, her mother MakaraDamshtraa who had trained many girls

in her life, became apprehensive. She met her daughter Roopanikaa in

private and said-

“Daughter! Why do you entertain this money-less man?

Courtesans do not touch money-less man like the good men do not touch a

corpse.

How did you forget the difference between love and your profession?

A courtesan like you my daughter is like the redness of the evening time;

does not shine for long. A courtesan like you pretends to be in love like an

actor only intent on gaining the wealth of the man.

Therefore get rid of this man. Do not ruin yourself.”

Hearing her mother’s words Roopanikaa was angry. She said-

“Do not say such words. This person is dearer to me than my lives. I have

abundant wealth. What do I want with more? Therefore mother, do not

speak to me like this again.”

MakaraDamshtraa was angry by her words and remained thinking of a way

to get rid of LohaJangha from that house.

One day she saw a prince who had spent away all his money, coming that

way, surrounded by armed soldiers. She quickly went to him and told him in

private-

“Some moneyless wretch has taken over my house. You come to my house

and get rid of him somehow. Then you can enjoy the company of my

daughter.”

The prince agreed and entered her house. At that time Roopanikaa was in the

temple. LohaJangha was also had gone out the house on some errand.

After a few minutes he entered the house without suspecting anything.

Immediately the servants of that prince surrounded him and beat him and

kicked him all over his body. Later they dumped him in some dirty ditch.

LohaJangha somehow got up and ran away.

Roopanikaa came back; heard what had happened and became very sad. The

prince observed her condition and returned to his place.

LohaJangha thus humiliated by that bawd decided to go to a holy lake to

give up his life there, as he was grieved by the separation of his beloved.

When he was walking in the forest, his heart burning in anger towards the

bawd and his skin (burning) by the summer heat, he decided to sit under the

shade of some tree. There he saw the dead body of an elephant. Some

jackals had bitten through the thigh region of the dead elephant and had

eaten off all the flesh. Tired LohaJangha entered the empty skin and slept

inside that skin which had become cool by the winds entering inside.

Suddenly the sky was covered by clouds and heavy rains started pouring.

The elephant skin shrunk and the thigh-hole closed up. Soon a huge flood of

rain-stream came that way; carried away the elephant skin (along with the

sleeping LohaJangha) and threw it into the Ganges water, which again led it

towards the ocean and left it there.

A bird of the Garuda family fell on the skin thinking it to be some flesh-

piece and took it across the ocean. It tore apart the elephant-skin with its

beak; saw a man inside it; was frightened and flew away.

Waking up from sleep by the noise made by the bird, LohaJangha came out

of the skin through the hole made by the bird. He found himself across the

ocean and was surprised. He thought that it might all be a dream without

sleep.

(The place he had reached was actually the island of Lankaa ruled by King Vibheeshana.)

Then he saw two terrifying Raakshasas standing there and was frightened.

Those two Raakshasas also saw him from a distance and were surprised.

They both remembered how Rama (a mere human) had defeated the

Raakshasas after crossing the ocean and were afraid of the same thing

happening again after seeing that human.

They discussed with each other and one of them went to their king

Vibheeshana (�वभीषण) and reported everything to him.

King Vibheeshana who had witnessed the prowess of Rama in the past was

also fearful of a human visiting their land. Frightened, he said to that

Raakshasa-

“Go to that man and with all respect tell him that I told him to come to our

palace and accept our hospitality.”

The Raakshasa said-

“As the Lord commands!”

Surprised, the Raakshasa went to LohaJangha and told him what his king

had said.

Brahmin LohaJangha also felt very happy and went with him to the city of

Lankaa. There he saw the golden mansion and was amazed. He entered the

palace and saw Vibheeshana.

The king questioned the ‘Brahmin who was offered the due welcome and

who blessed the king’-

“Brahman! How did you happen to come here?”

Then that cheat LohaJangha said to Vibheeshana-

“I am a Brahmin named LohaJangha. I live in Mathuraa.

Suffering from poverty I went to the temple (of Vishnu) and did penance in

front of Naaraayana abstaining from food even.

Lord Hari appeared in my dream and said-

“Go to my devotee Vibheeshana. He will give you wealth.”

I said- “Where is that great Vibheeshana and where am I?”

Then the Lord ordered-

“Today itself you will see Vibheeshana. Go!”

After he said that, I woke up to find myself here across the ocean.

I do not know anything else.”

When LohaJangha said this, Vibheeshana believed that it was a divine

miracle indeed as no one could easily come to Lankaa crossing the ocean.

“Wait. I will give you money.”

So saying he gave the Brahmin to the care of a Raakshasa who always killed

humans. (Yet he did not kill him; for he was afraid of the human.)

He sent some Raakshasas to a hill nearby named SvarnaMoola (AवणHमलू ) and

got a young of the bird brought there, which belonged to the family of

Garuda. He gave that bird to LohaJangha to travel to Mathuraa and asked

him to get used to it. LohaJangha also rode that bird in Lankaa for a few

days enjoying the hospitality of Vibheeshana.

One day, moved by curiosity, he questioned the king of Raakshasa-

“Why the entire ground of Lankaa is made of wood?”

The king heard his words and told him that story.

“If you are curious, O Brahman, listen! I will tell you.

STORY OF LANKAA

In the past, Garuda the son of Kashyapa, wanted to free his mother from the

state of slavery she had been subjugated to because of some agreement in a

competition. He had to steal the nectar from the Gods, which was the price

fixed for her freedom. He wanted to increase his strength to accomplish that

feat and went to his father seeking advice about what food should be eaten

for that purpose.

His father said-

“Son! There are two huge elephant and tortoises inside the ocean who have

attained that state because of some curse. Go and eat them both.”

Garuda carried off those two food-pieces to the Kalpa tree branch and sat

there. That branch broke by the weight. Immediately Garuda held that

branch in his beak to avoid it falling on the ‘VaalaKhilyas’ performing

penance under the tree. (Vaalakhilyas or Baalakhilyas are sixty thousand thumb-

sized Sages with great power, produced from the body of the Creator.)

Garuda was afraid to drop the huge branch anywhere on the earth for fear of

it destroying the people living on it. Then as advised by his father, Garuda

dropped it in a place which was uninhabited. On that broken branch of Kalpa

tree only, Lankaa was built.

That is why the land here is made of wood.”

LOHAJANGHA’S REVENGE

LohaJangha was satisfied by Vibheeshana’s story.

When LohaJangha was ready to leave for Mathuraa, Vibheeshana gave him

many gems of immense value. And feeling devotion towards Naaraayana the

deity of Mathuraa, he gave in LohaJangha’s hand, lotus, mace, conch and

discus made of gold to be offered to the God.

LohaJangha took all that was given by Vibheeshana, climbed on that bird

which could travel a lakh of Yojanas tirelessly, and rose up and crossed the

ocean across Lankaa through the sky-path.

LohaJangha reached Mathuraa without any difficulty. He got down near a

monastery outside the city; hid the huge bag of gems and tied up the bird to

a stake. He just took one gem out of the heap; took it to the market place

and sold it. He bought some fine clothes, some body-colors and also some

food. He returned to the Vihaara; shared the food with the bird; dressed

himself with all the fine clothes, flowers and body-colors.

In the evening he rode the bird and arrived at the house of Roopanikaa

wearing the conch, discus and mace. As he knew the place well, he hovered

above the house and made some low deep noise to attract the attention of

Roopanikaa who was alone. She came out as soon as she heard the noise;

and saw him in the night-sky looking like Naaraayana adorned by all jewels.

He said- “I am Hari who has come to see you.”

She saluted him and said- “Please God, be kind!”

LohaJangha climbed down from the bird and entered her house followed by

her. He enjoyed her company for a while and went off in the sky seated on

the bird.

In the morning Roopanikaa said-

“I am a Goddess and the wife of Lord Vishnu. I will not talk with human

beings any more.” and remained silent.

Her mother MakaraDamshtraa asked her-

“Why are you behaving like this daughter, tell me.”

Since she was pressed for an answer, Roopanikaa got a curtain hung

between herself and her mother and told her what happened at night.

Hearing this unbelievable story, that bawd waited at night to find the truth of

her statement and saw at that moment LohaJangha arriving on a bird at

night.

In the morning she approached Roopanikaa who was seated behind the

curtain and humbly presented a request in private.

“Daughter! By the grace of God, you have attained the position of a

Goddess. I am your mother after all.

Please give me the reward of you being my daughter.

I am old and let me enter the heaven with this body only.

Please convey my request to the Lord and bless me.”

Roopanikaa agreed and said the same to LohaJangha who came there at

night disguised as Vishnu.

Then LohaJangha who was dressed as a God said to his beloved-

“Your mother is a sinner. I cannot take her openly to heaven.

The doors of the heaven open again only on the eleventh day of the fortnight.

The Ganas of Shiva only are allowed entrance at first. Your mother can get

off inside disguised as a Gana.

So you shave her head bald and leave just five tufts of hair back. Make her

wear a garland of skulls. Paint half her body with collirium paste and the

other half with vermilion (Sindoor). (Let her be covered by an animal skin

only.) When she is dressed like a Gana, I can easily take her off to heaven.”

LohaJangha said like this and went off the next second.

In the morning, Roopanikaa did to her mother, what he had suggested. Her

mother also was ready to go to heaven in that manner.

LohaJangha again came at night. Roopanikaa gave his mother off to him. He

sat on the bird, carried the mother looking horrific in that disguise and

ascended the sky. As he was flying, he saw a tall stone pillar in front of the

temple, which had the discus-figure carved on its topmost point. He left the

bawd there asking her to hang on to the discus like a flag symbolizing his

revenge for getting ill-treated.

“Stay here for a moment. I will bless my devotees on the earth with my

presence; and will take you back with me.”

So saying he disappeared from her view.

He saw in front of the temple many devotees who had come to chant

Vishnu’s names all through the night on the occasion of the sacred day.

He said to them from the sky-

“Hey people! This one is a death personified ‘Maaree’ (मार0 – Goddess who

gives small-pox) who will devour all and will fall on you. Take shelter in

Hari.”

Hearing a voice from heaven, all of them became frightened; ran inside the

temple of the Mathuraa deity; and remained reciting his hymns.

LohaJangha climbed down from the sky; removed his God-disguise; came to

the temple and stayed among them unobserved by anyone.

“God has not come to take me and I have not gone to the heaven.” thought

the bawd hanging from the pillar-top.

She could not hang any more and she heard also the noise of people down

people.

“Ha! Ha! I am falling.” She screamed aloud in fear.

Hearing her shout, all the people inside the temple became apprehensive

thinking that she was ‘Maaree’. The people who were in front of the deity

shouted- “Devi! Do not fall!”

All those people including the old and the young spent the whole night with

great anxiety, apprehensive of Maaree falling. In the morning, all the people

along with the king saw the bawd hanging from the pillar and recognized

her. Their fear vanished immediately and everyone started laughing aloud.

Roopanikaa got the news and came there. Seeing all that, she was

embarrassed and got her mother down immediately, with the help of the

people assembled there. When all the people questioned her with curiosity,

she told them what had happened. Thinking that this was wondrous act of a

great Siddha, all the Brahmins and merchants along with their king

proclaimed-

“Whoever has deceived this woman, who is a deceiver of many young men,

let him present himself in front of all. He will be honored by the crowning of

a silk turban on the head.”

LohaJangha immediately came forward and presented himself. When

questioned by the king, he told them the entire story he went through. He

offered the conch, discus etc sent by Vibheeshana to the Mathuraa deity. All

the people were amazed by hearing his story. Immediately all the citizens

happily crowned a turban on his head and honored him. By the order of the

king, Roopanikaa was offered to him.

Thus, LohaJangha lived happily with his beloved, with his treasure chest

overflowing with gems, and with his anger subdued after revenging the

bawd.”

Having heard the story from the mouth of Vasantaka who was in a different

form, VaasavaDattaa who was seated along with the ‘king bound in fetters’

was very much amused.

इ>त

महाक�वीसोमदेवभ��वर�चत ेकथास�र�सागरे कथामखुल$बके चतथHAतर*गःु ।

THUS ENDS

THE FOURTH WAVE

OF

‘KATHAA-MUKHAM’

IN THE OCEAN OF THE RIVERS OF STORIES

COMPOSED BY

THE GREAT POET SOMADEVA BHATTA

पmचमAतर*गः / FIFTH WAVE

Gradually VaasavaDattaa started to develop deep affection for Vatseshvara

and was ready to go against her father.

At that time Yaugandharaayana came to the king of Vatsa; remained

invisible to all but him; and revealed his plan to him when Vasantaka was

present.

“Raajan! You have been fettered by the deceit of ChandaMahaaSena.

He wants to offer his daughter to you and then free you.

Therefore let us ourselves steal his daughter away. Such revenge alone will

suit that arrogant king. We will also not be lightly talked off in the world as

lacking prowess.

Raajan! The king has gifted a cow-elephant named Bhadravatee to his

daughter VaasavaDattaa. Only one elephant can chase her; and that is

NadaaGiri; but even he will never fight this female elephant.

An elephant rider named Aashaadaka (आषाडक) is there. I have given him

enough money so that he will be on our side.

At night, well armed, you should secretly ride that female elephant and

escape off with VaasavaDattaa.

There is this superintendent of elephants who can understand every

movement of elephants. Get him drunk well so that he does not understand

what is going on here.

I will now go to your friend Pulindaka to get him ready to protect you on the

road.”

Having said this, Yaugandharaayana went off.

VatsaRaaja understood what procedures he had to follow.

Then VaasavaDattaa came near him. He, for some time, spoke to her many

confidential matters and told her about Yaugandharaayana’s plan.

She agreed to help and started to prepare for her escape. She got Aashaadaka

there and got the elephant ready for the ride. She got the superintendent of

elephants along with all his men, fully drunk on the pretext of worshipping

the deity.

In the evening when the clouds covered the sky with their thundering

sounds, Aashaadaka brought the female elephant well equipped for the long

journey. When she was getting prepared, that superintendent of elephants,

who could understand the meanings of the sounds made by elephants, heard

the noise. He uttered some indistinct words in the height of intoxication-

“The female elephant said that she is going to travel sixty three Yojanaas.” (One Yojana roughly measures some ten to fifteen kilometers)

His mind was not capable of any analysis of what he understood. The other

men working under him were all too much drunk to hear what he said.

VatsaRaaja then broke his fetters by using the magic taught by

Yaugandharaayana; took his Veenaa; took also the weapons brought by

VaasavaDattaa by her own will; and climbed her elephant along with

Vasantaka. VaasavaDattaa also climbed the same elephant along with her

confidant KaanchanaMaalaa. (काmचनमाला – a girl who wears golden garland)

The intoxicated elephant broke the wall and got out. Thus Vatsesha left

Ujjayini with all five of them including the elephant-driver seated on the

elephant. The two princes named VeeraBaahu (वीरबाहु) and TaalaBhata

(तालभट) who were guarding that place were killed by Udayana himself.

Then the king happily speeded up his pace along with his beloved; seated on

the elephant, while Aashaadaka held the goading hook.

The city police found the dead bodies of the two guards. They became

worried and reported the matter to the king at night. A search was made; and

ChandaMahaaSena understood that VatsaRaaja had escaped along with his

daughter VaasavaDattaa. The city was in turmoil.

His son named Paalaka climbed on the huge elephant NadaaGiri and chased

Vatsesha.

Vatsesha shot arrows at Paalaka who was chasing him. NadaaGiri saw the

female elephant; yet did not attack her.

Paalaka’s brother Gopaalaka who had his father’s interest in mind talked

convincingly and got his brother to return back.

VatsaRaaja continued his journey undisturbed. And as they went further,

night ended. They all reached the Vindhya forest by the middle of the day.

Sixty three Yojanaas were completed; and the elephant felt thirsty. The king

got down from the elephant along with wife. The elephant drank the water in

that lake; but as the water was poisonous, she died immediately. The king

and his wife were worried.

Then a voice rose in the sky-

“Raajan! I am a renowned Vidyaadhara woman named Maayaavatee

(मायावती). Till this time I was an elephant because of a curse. Today I have

helped you. I will help your son also in the future.

This VaasavaDattaa, who is your wife, is not an ordinary human being. She

has incarnated on the earth for some particular reason.”

The king was happy to hear these words. He then sent Vasantaka to the top

region of the Vindhya Mountain to inform Pulindaka of his arrival. He

slowly walked on the mountain path along with his wife. On the way he was

attacked by dacoits. With his bow as the support, he killed one hundred and

five dacoits in front of VaasavaDattaa. At that moment, his friend Pulindaka

arrived there, followed by Yaugandharaayana and Pulindaka. The king of

the hunter tribe got rid of the other dacoits; saluted Vatsa King and took him

along with his beloved wife to his own village. Her foot was cut by the sharp

Dharbaa grass as she followed her husband in the Mountain path. The king

and VaasavaDattaa rested at night in that village.

Yaugandharaayana sent a messenger to the army-commander Rumanvaan

and informed him of the events. He came to meet Udayana in the morning.

The entire army arrived there filling the ends of quarters. The Vindhya forest

at that time appeared crammed with men. The king entered the encampment

of the army in that Vindhya forest and waited there for the news from

Ujjayini. At that time, a merchant who was a friend of Yaugandharaayana

arrived from Ujjayini.

He said to the king-

“King ChandaMahaaSena is pleased to have you as his son-in-law. He has

sent his ‘Prateehaara’ (4तीहार – door keeper) to you. He is still on the way.

I secretly came before he reached you, to inform you of the news.”

Hearing this Vatsesha was happy and told VaasavaDattaa also the news.

She also became very happy.

VaasavaDattaa who had left back all her relations and who was eagerly

awaiting her marriage, feeling little shy yet excited requested Vasantaka who

was nearby to narrate a story to amuse her.

The wise Vasantaka, who was acting as a simple-minded person, then told

her this story to increase her love for her husband.

STORY OF DEVASMITAA

In this world there is a city called TaamraLiptee (ता�FलMती). A very rich

merchant named DhanaDatta (धनद�त) lived there. He had no progeny. He

invited many Brahmins; saluted them all and said-

“Do something by which I will get a son.”

Those Brahmins said-

“There is nothing that is impossible in this world. Brahmins accomplish

everything through the performance of Vedic Rites.

There was once a king who had no son, though he had hundred and five

queens in his harem. He performed a sacrifice to procure a son and a son

named Jantu (ज1तु) was born to him, like freshly rising moon in the eyes of

all those women. Once when he was crawling on the ground, an ant bit him

in the thigh region and the boy screamed and cried.

There immediately arose a great weeping in the harem interiors. The king

also started to cry like an ordinary man saying-“Son! Son!”

In a second, the ant was removed and the child stopped crying.

The king blamed the fact of having a single progeny as the cause of all this

suffering. He begged the Brahmins in a pitiable manner to suggest to him a

way of getting more sons. They answered-“There is a way to solve your

problem. You kill this son of yours and offer his flesh into the fire. When

your queens smell the burning flesh, they will all get sons.” The king heard

this and did likewise. He got equal number of sons in all his wives.

Therefore, O King, we will also fulfill your wish through the performance of

a Vedic rite.”

After advising DhanaDatta in this manner, they performed a fire-rite

accepting abundant Dakshinaa from him. The merchant got a son. He was

named GuhaSena (गहसेनु ) and he grew up gradually. Then his father searched

for a suitable bride to marry his son.

The father and son together traveled to another island in search of a bride on

the pretext of trade. He asked a rich merchant DharmaGupta (धमHगMतु ) to give

his daughter DevaSmitaa (देविAमता – a girl with a divine smile) to his son

GuhaSena in marriage. DharmaGupta who loved his daughter very much,

refused to comply with the request of DharmaGupta as he thought that

TaamraLiptee was too far from his place.

However, DevaSmitaa was attracted towards GuhaSena the moment she set

her eyes on him. She decided to leave her parents. She sent word to him

through her maid secretly and left that island with her lover and his father.

Reaching TaamraLipti, they both were joined in wedlock and both their

minds were bound by the chains of love.

When his father died suddenly, GuhaSena was pressed by his relatives to go

to the island of Kataaha (कटाह) for the purpose of trade. His wife DevaSmitaa

did not want him to go out of his country as she felt envious and was

doubtful of him getting attracted by other women. GuhaSenaa was in a

dilemma caught between the relatives who wanted him to leave the country

and his wife who did not want him to leave. He went to the temple and

observed a vow to please the deity and abstained from food desiring the

deity to guide him in the correct path. Even DevaSmitaa observed a vow

along with him like him.

Shiva appeared in their dreams. He gave them each a red lotus and said –

“Each of you keep take one lotus in your hand. When you both are away

from each other, if any one loses character, then the lotus in the other’s

hand will fade; not otherwise.”

After hearing is words, they both woke up and saw a red lotus in each of

their hands as if holding the other’s heart in their hands.

GuhaSenaa then set out on his travel taking that lotus with him. DevaSmitaa

waited at home keeping the lotus in view.

GuhaSena soon reached the island of Kataaha. There he started his trade of

buying and selling precious stones.

Seeing the unfading lotus always in his hand, four sons of merchants were

surprised. They tricked him and took him to their house; made him get drunk

heavily; enquired about the story of the lotus; and the drunkard told them

everything. Next day, when GuhaSena was engaged in his trade of buying

and selling gems, those four wicked sons of the merchant consulted together

curious about all this; immediately left for TaamraLiptee secretly with the

intention of seducing GuhaSena’s wife. Thinking of ways to accomplish

their evil task they found a lady ascetic named YogaKarandikaa,

(योगकरिWडका – a Yoga cane basket with holes) in the Temple of Buddha.

They humbly requested her-

“Bhagavati! If you help us complete our task, we will offer you abundant

wealth.”

The female ascetic said-

“I will surely see to it that you get the woman whom you want, if you tell me

who she is. But I have no need for any wealth. I have a very intelligent

disciple named SiddhiKaree (Fस�|कार0- Accomplisher). By her favor, I have

obtained countless riches.”

They asked her-

“How did you get so much wealth by the favor of you disciple?”

She said-

“If you are curious to know about it, then listen; I will tell you.

Once, a merchant came here from the northern region. When he was here,

my disciple changed her appearance into that of a laborer and worked in his

house. After gaining the trust of the merchant, she stole off all the gold he

had collected and ran off early in the morning.

As she was hurrying out of the city stealthily, a ‘domba’ with a drum in his

hand saw her and followed her quickly to rob her of her belongings.

(Domba- one who carries ‘Damaru’ or drum- is an outcaste- also known as ‘Dom’ in

North India and ‘dombaru’ in South India).

When she reached a fig tree, she found out that she was being followed by a

domba. That wicked girl immediately pretended to be in great suffering and

said this to him-

“I have fought with my husband and left the house to kill myself. O good

man! Please tie me to this rope so I can hang myself.”

‘Let her die by hanging by her own will. Why should I kill her?’

So thinking, the domba tied the rope to the tree.

Then SiddhiKaree said to him in an innocent way-

“Show me how the rope is to be tied to the neck to hang oneself.”

The domba then stood on his drum; tied the rope to his neck; and said-

“This is how it is done.”

At that time, SiddhiKaree kicked the drum with her leg and broke it to

pieces. The Domba immediately died by hanging from the rope.

The merchant who had been robbed came there at that time searching for her

and saw SiddhiKaree from a distance with all the stolen goods under that

tree. Before he could reach that place, SiddhiKaree climbed the tree quickly

and hid herself among the leaves on a branch. The merchant came there with

the servant and saw the domba hanging from the rope; SiddhiKaree was not

anywhere. The servant expressed a doubt that she might be hiding in the tree

and so he climbed the tree to find out.

“Hey handsome man! I have always loved you. All this wealth is yours.

Come embrace me.”

Screaming wildly, SiddhiKaree fell on him and bit off his tongue. The

servant fell down screaming in pain and bleeding in the mouth. SiddhiKaree

then made weird sounds like ‘La la la’ from her hiding place.

The merchant thought that the tree was haunted by a ghost and fearfully ran

away to his home followed by his servant.

Equally frightened of all that had happened, ascetic SiddhiKaree got down

from the tree and returned home with all the money.

So my disciple SiddhiKaree is endowed with high intelligence, my sons!

That is how I got so much wealth by her favor.”

So saying, that senior ascetic pointed out to them, her disciple who entered

there at that time. Then she said-

“Now tell me sons, your wish. Which woman do you desire? I will get her

for you.”

They said-

“There is a woman named DevaSmitaa, who is the wife of a merchant

named GuhaSena. Get that woman for us.”

The ascetic promised the merchant’s sons that she will fulfill their wish and

made them stay at her own house.

The ascetic lady bribed the servants in the house of DevaSmitaa with some

delicacies and entered her house followed by her disciple. As soon as she

reached the door, the bitch chained at the door stopped them from entering,

as they were unfamiliar.

DevaSmitaa then sent a maid and made them both enter the house,

wondering what the purpose of their visit would be.

That wicked ascetic gave her blessings and talking with faked affection said

to DevaSmitaa.

“I have always wanted to see you. I saw you in my dream again. That is why

I came here longing to see you. Seeing you suffering without your husband,

my mind melts for you. Such beauty and youth is wasted away without the

union of the lover.”

With such words she talked for long and invited DevaSmitaa to her house.

Next day she again took a piece of meat filled with chilly powder and went

to meet DevaSmitaa. She gave that meat-piece to the bitch tied at the door.

That bitch gobbled it up immediately. Because of the chilly, tears started

flowing from her eyes continuously and the nose was wet. The wicked

ascetic lady went inside and welcomed by DevaSmitaa started to weep

aloud.

When questioned by DevaSmitaa, she controlled her weeping somehow and

said- “Daughter! See the bitch crying outside. She remembered that I was

related to her in the past birth and started crying. Out of affection for her,

my eyes also were filled with tears.”

DevaSmitaa looked outside; saw the bitch in tears and was lost in

amazement at that moment.

The female ascetic said-

“Daughter! In my previous birth, myself and that bitch were the two wives of

a Brahmin. Once, our husband had to go out of the country again and again

as a messenger, by the order of the king. When he was on a tour, I had the

company of other men and never starved my senses. The greatest duty of

everyone is to fulfill the needs of the senses. I now in this birth remember all

that. This bitch protected her character because of ignorance. She fell into

the womb of a bitch and remembers the past somehow.”

‘What wrong interpretation of Dharma is this woman giving?’

The wise DevaSmitaa thought like this and said to the ascetic lady-

“Bhagavati! All these days I did not know what the correct Dharma is. So

get me an attractive man to give company.”

Then the ascetic lady said-

“There are some merchant’s sons of another country staying at my house.

I will bring them to you.”

The ascetic went back happily with her purpose accomplished.

DevaSmitaa then by herself said to her maids-

“Having seen the un-faded lotus in my husband’s hand; becoming curious

and having got all the information out of him when he was drunk; and with

the purpose of seducing me, some rascals of merchant’s sons have arrived

from the other island. They alone have sent this evil ascetic lady to me. So

prepare some drinks mixed with ‘Dhattura’ (ध�तरू – a plant which is a poison and

hallucinogen) and an iron piece shaped like the dog’s foot.”

The maids did as DevaSmitaa had instructed.

Later one maid dressed herself like DevaSmitaa as ordered by her.

On the side of the ascetic lady, as each one of the wicked men volunteered to

go first, she chose one of them and brought him to DevaSmitaa’s house

making him dressed as her disciple. After entering inside she introduced him

and immediately left. The maid who was dressed as DevaSmitaa made him

get drunk with the liquor mixed with Dhattura pretending to be in love with

him. He lost his senses by that liquor like a man loses control of his mind

through rude behavior. The maids removed all his clothes and made him

naked. They branded his forehead with the mark of the dog’s foot. Then they

dragged him out at night and threw him into a dirty ditch.

In the last hour of the night, he regained consciousness and found himself

sunk in the ditch waters as if experiencing the hell Aveechi (अवी�च - a huge

trench like an ocean bed but without waves – the stone bed appears as if it is water) as a

result of his sins. Then he got up; took bath; touched his forehead and knew

that he had been branded; went to the female ascetic’s house, having lost all

his clothes.

‘Let the others not make fun of me.’

So thinking he told the others that he had been robbed of all his clothes and

ornaments. And on the pretext of having a headache because of being awake

all night and drinking heavily, he covered his branded forehead with a cloth.

Again that evening the second merchant’s son went to DevaSmitaa’s house

and got into same humiliating state. He also came back without any of his

clothes or garments and told them all that though he had been careful, the

robbers took them all. He also covered his forehead pretending to have a

headache. In this way all the four merchant’s sons were humiliated and

branded, and lost all their possessions. Feeling embarrassed they hid the

facts from all.

‘Let the female ascetic also get the same treatment’ so thinking they did not

disclose anything to the ascetic lady and returned back to their island.

Next day the ascetic lady went to DevaSmitaa’s house accompanied by her

disciple feeling happy that she had accomplished her mission. DevaSmitaa

welcomed her with affection and as a mark of gratitude made her drink the

liquor which had Dhattura added to it. When the lady ascetic and her

disciple were intoxicated, that virtuous lady got their ears and noses cut and

got them thrown inside the ditch.

Apprehensive that those wicked sons of the merchant may kill her husband

to avenge her, she confided all that had happened to her mother-in-law. Her

mother-in-law said to her- “Daughter! What you did was exactly right. But

my son may get harmed because of this.”

Then DevaSmitaa said- “I will protect my husband like ShaktiMatee

protected her husband through her wisdom.”

Then her mother-in-law said- “Daughter! Tell me how ShaktiMatee

(शिJतमती) protected her husband.”

DevaSmitaa then narrated this story.

STORY OF SHAKTIMATEE

In a city in our country there is a renowned shrine of a great Yaksha named

ManiBhadra (मVणभ2). The people there solicit the deity through many types

of offerings to get their wishes fulfilled. If any man is found in the company

of woman who is the wife of another man, then he is left inside the inner

sanctum of the shrine with that woman the whole night. In the morning, he is

taken to the court of the king along with that woman and gets punished. This

is the custom followed by the people there.

Once the city police found a merchant named SamudraDatta (सम2द�तु )

with another man’s wife at night. That merchant was thrown inside the

shrine along with that woman and the door was locked outside with heavy

bolts. The merchant’s wife named Shaktimatee came to know of it. She was

very intelligent and extremely devoted to her husband. That brave woman

went to the temple of Yaksha on the pretext of worship, changing her

appearance, along with her maids. The priest of the temple who was greedy

for the Dakshinaa allowed her entrance inside opening the bolt of the door

after taking permission from the police officer. ShaktiMatee saw her

husband along with another woman. She exchanged her dress with that other

woman secretly and told her to get away from there.

That woman got out of the temple disguised in the dress of Shaktimatee.

Shaktimatee stayed inside the temple with her husband. In the morning when

the king’s men came to take the merchant away for punishment, they found

him there with his own wife. The king heard about this and made the

merchant go free as from the mouth of Death and punished the police

officer.

This is how Shaktimatee saved her husband using her wisdom. I will also

save my husband through some trick.”

DEVASMITAA AVENGES THE WICKED MEN

DevaSmitaa the virtuous woman said this much to her mother-in-law in

private and got herself dressed as a merchant with the help of her maids. She

embarked a ship on the pretext of going on a trade and went to the island of

Kataaha where her husband was. She saw her husband GuhaSena in the

midst of other trading merchants, like the embodied form of consolation.

From a distance he also saw her as if drinking her off, and wondered who

that merchant could be who resembled his beloved wife.

DevaSmitaa meanwhile went to the king and made a complaint-

“I have an announcement to make. Get all the people assembled here.”

All the people assembled there as per the king’s order. Curious, the king

asked DevaSmitaa who was disguised as a merchant-

“What is your announcement?”

Then DevaSmitaa said-“Four slaves of mine have escaped and are hiding

amongst these people. Lord should give them back to me.”

Then the king said to her- “All the citizens are here. Check everyone and

find out who your slaves are.”

She searched and found the four sons of the merchant who had been

humiliated by her previously, and who kept their foreheads covered by

clothes.

The merchants there shouted her angrily asking-

“These are the sons of a rich merchant here. How can they be your slaves?”

She said- “If you do not believe my words, then see their foreheads, where I

have branded them with the mark of a dog’s foot.”

So, all the merchants got those four wicked men to remove the cloth

covering their foreheads and saw that their fore-heads were branded with the

mark of a dog’s foot. The merchants there were all embarrassed. The king

was surprised. He asked DevaSmitaa to explain everything.

DevaSmitaa disclosed everything. Everyone laughed at those wicked men.

The king said- “It is indeed right that they belong to you as slaves.”

All the merchants of that island offered a lot of money to that virtuous lady,

to free those four idiot sons of the merchant; and the king ordered due

punishment for them.

Carrying abundant wealth, getting back her husband safely, DevaSmitaa

who was revered by all good people, returned to her city TaamraLiptee.

She never ever got separated from her husband again.

Devi VaasavaDattaa! In this manner, ‘ladies who are born in a good family’

and who are endowed with great amount of courage and good character,

always remain loyal to their husbands without thinking of other men.

Husband indeed is the deity to be adored by a woman.”

Hearing this wonderful story from Vasantaka’s mouth as she journeyed

towards her husband’s city, VaasavaDattaa’s mind discarded the

apprehension of leaving her father’s place; and though already attached to

the VatsaRaaja in love , now got established in him with renewed devotion

for him.

इ>त

महाक�वीसोमदेवभ��वर�चत ेकथास�र�सागरे कथामखुल$बके पmचमAतर*गः।

THUS ENDS

THE FIFTH WAVE

OF

‘KATHAA-MUKHAM’

IN THE OCEAN OF THE RIVERS OF STORIES

COMPOSED BY

THE GREAT POET SOMADEVA BHATTA

षCटAतर*गः / SIXTH WAVE

When VatsaRaaja was staying in the Vindhya Mountain, a Prateehaara

(armed gate keeper) of ChandaMahaaSena came there; saluted the king and

said-

“King ChandaMahaaSena sends this message to you-

It is good that you took away VaasavaDattaa by yourself. I had got you to

my place only with this purpose in mind. I did not offer her to you when you

were a prisoner because I thought that then you will be ill-disposed towards

me. Please wait a while so that my daughter can be married to you with all

the due ceremonies. My son Gopaalaka will soon be there with you. He will

conduct the marriage of his sister in the due manner.”

After delivering the message to VatsaRaaja, the Prateehaara conveyed the

message as given by her father to VaasavaDattaa. Then VatsaRaaja happy at

heart decided to return to Kaushaambi along with VaasavaDattaa

immediately.

“You people wait for Gopaalaka here itself. Later bring him along with you

to Kaushaambi.”

So saying, he made his friend Pulindaka and the Prateehaara of his father-in-

law wait there itself.

Next day, in the early morning, the great king set out for his city along with

Devi VaasavaDattaa - followed affectionately by ‘elephants oozing out

streams of rut’ which appeared like moving peaks of Vindhya; accompanied

by the ‘sound of the hoofs’ hitting the ground made by the horses carrying

soldiers as if the earth itself was praising him outshining the compositions of

bards; the ‘dust of the trampling army’ rising high above the sky, creating

apprehension in Indra about the mountains growing wings again (which he

had cut off previously).

Reaching the city in two three days, he rested at night in Rumanvaan’s

house. Next morning he entered the city of Kaushaambi with his beloved

after a long time of separation. There were great festivities conducted in his

welcome; and people stood all along the path with their faces lifted up to see

him.

That city, like a lady welcoming her husband after a long span of separation

was adorned by ladies who began their auspicious baths. The citizens saw

their dear king along with the bride and lost all their sadness like the

peacocks by the sight of the thunder cloud accompanied by lightning.

The city-ladies who crowded the terrace filled he sky with their faces and it

appeared as if golden lotuses had bloomed near the bank of the celestial

river.

Then VatsaRaaja entered his palace along with VaasavaDattaa as if another

Goddess of prosperity won by the king.

The palace of the king then shone forth as if woken up with the auspicious

hymns sung by the Maagadha people and crowded by the kings who were

there to offer their obeisance.

Then VaasavaDattaa’s brother Gopaalaka arrived there along with the

Prateehaara and Pulindaka. The king welcomed him in due manner.

VaasavaDattaa’s eyes bloomed up in delight as if she had obtained one more

joy in person. As she looked at her brother, the tears appeared in her eyes to

cover her embarrassment. Encouraged by the words he said as told by her

father, she felt fulfilled in meeting her relative.

Next day, Gopaalaka with great interest got the wedding ceremony of

VatsaRaaja and VaasavaDattaa conducted in all grandeur as per the

prescribed rules.

Vatseshvara then held VaasavaDattaa’s hand which was pretty like the

tender leaf just sprouted in the creeper of (Rati) attraction.

When her lover’s hand touched her, VaasavaDattaa’s eyes closed in the

experience of extreme joy; her limbs sweated all over and shivered; and she

was covered by horripilation.

She appeared at that moment as if hit by the weapon of Sammohana (mythical

weapon creating infatuation), weapon of Vaayu (wind) and the weapon of Varuna

(water), by getting actually shot by the one single arrow of the God holding

the flower-bow (Manmatha).

(Her eyes closed in intoxication by the Sammohana weapon; horripilation was caused by

the wind-weapon; and the body was full of sweat by the water-weapon. Manmatha’s one

arrow did the work of three weapons.)

As she went round the sacred fire, her eyes became red by the smoke as if

starting her first intoxication experience of getting drunk by sweet, strong

liquor.

Vatsesha now shone like the king of kings with his treasure chambers

overflowing with the jewels offered by Gopaalaka and the gifts presented by

other kings.

After the wedding ceremony was over, the bride and bridegroom first

entered the eyes of the citizens and then their place of residence.

Then VatsaRaaja honored Gopaalaka and Pulindaka by placing the silk-

turbans on their heads himself.

Then the king gave the job of honoring the kings and the citizens in the

appropriate manner to Yaugandharaayana and Rumanvaan.

Then Yaugandharaayana spoke to Rumanvaan-

“We have been given a difficult job. It is difficult to grasp the minds of

people. Even a child will retaliate in anger if not satisfied.

Friend, listen to this story of BaalaVinashtaka.

STORY OF BAALAVINASHTAKA

There lived once a Brahmin named RudraSharmaa (/2शमाH). That man, who

followed the rules of a householder, had two wives. One of them gave birth

to a son and died immediately. He gave the child to the care of the other

mother. After he grew up a little, she fed him daily with stale dried up food.

The boy because of that had a swollen belly and his body was pale and had

an unhealthy hue.

‘How can you neglect a child who has lost his mother?”

RudraSharmaa thus chided his wife.

“Though I take care of him so much, yet he is turning out to be like this.

What can I do?” said his wife to the husband.

The Brahmin thought that may be he was only mistaken and that she could

be telling the truth.

ADीणामल0कमEधंु Gह वचः को म1यत ेमषाृ ॥

Who will disbelieve the lies uttered by women

who pretend to be innocent and guileless!

The boy, because he had an ill-formed body in the childhood itself, was

known by the name of BaalaVinashtaka (बाल�वनCटक) in his father’s house.

‘This step-mother of mine always ill-treats me. I will surely avenge her

sometime.”- thought BaalaVinashtaka. Though he was just five years old, he

was extremely intelligent.

One day when his father came back from the palace after finishing his duties

there, he whispered in private to his father some words which were not very

clearly pronounced-

“Father! I have two fathers.”

Every day he repeated the same words to his father.

His father thought that his wife was meeting another man and stopped even

touching her.

She wondered as to why her husband was behaving annoyed with her for no

fault of hers. She thought that maybe BaalaVinashtaka had done something.

She bathed him nicely; fed him nice delicious food; made him sit on her lap;

and asked BaalaVinashtaka-

“Son! Why have you made your father RudraSharmaa to be angry with

me?”

Then the boy said to his step-mother-

“If you do not stop ill-treating me, I will do you more harm. You do take

care of your own children nicely. Why do you ill-treat me like this?”

Hearing his words, she humbly bowed before him and promised never to ill-

treat him again and begged him to change his father’s attitude towards her.

Then the boy said-

“When my father returns today from work, let one of your maids show him a

mirror. I will do the rest.”

So, when RudraSharmaa came back that day, a maid came immediately and

held a mirror in front of him.

The boy who was waiting there immediately said-

“Father! Look, this is my other father!”

RudraSharmaa heard this; lost his apprehension about his wife; and became

affectionate towards her.

Therefore, even a child may create a problem if not well-treated. All the

people should be entertained properly by us both.”

Yaugandharaayana said this and along with Rumanvaan honored all the

people in the marriage festival of VatsaRaaja.

They took care of everyone such that all felt that they were the only ones

who were honored on that occasion.

The king worshipped his two ministers and Vasantaka with abundant gifts of

clothes, unguents, ornaments and villages.

After the marriage was over, Vatseshvara united with VaasavaDattaa felt all

his desires of the mind fructified.

After a long time, those two longing for each other now had united in great

love like the Chakravaaka after the night was over.

As and when they came to know of each other more, their love was renewed

afresh.

Gopaalaka had to return by the order of his father to get married himself. He

went off requested by VatsaRaaja to visit them again soon.

VatsaRaaja who in the past was given to the company of many women,

again now sought secretly the company of a harem maid named Virachitaa.

Once mentioning her name (�वर�चता) in front of VaasavaDattaa, he fell at her

feet begging forgiveness and was bathed by her tears as if getting

consecrated as the lord of a splendorous kingdom. (got back her love)

Again Gopaalaka sent a princess named BandhuMatee (ब1धमतीु ) won by the

prowess of his shoulder, to his sister as a gift. BandhuMatee was like a

Goddess rising out of the ocean of charm. VaasavaDattaa changed her name

to Manjulikaa (मmजFलकाु ) and kept her hidden from the king.

Once, the king when accompanied by Vasantaka saw BandhuMatee in the

creeper-house in the garden. The king married her through the Gaandharva

method. This event was seen by VaasavaDattaa who was hiding behind the

bushes. She went wild in anger. She got Vasantaka bound by chains and

took him away.

The king then sought the help of an ascetic lady named Saamkrtyaayanee

(सांक�यायनीृ ) who had come from VaasavaDattaa’s parental house.

She somehow pacified the queen’s mind and by her order gave

BandhuMatee to the king.

पेशलं Gह सतीमनः ॥

The mind of a virtuous lady is very soft indeed!

Then VaasavaDattaa freed Vasantaka from his fetters.

He came in front of the queen and as if laughing at her work said to her-

“It is BandhuMatee who committed a mistake; what did I do?

You are angry at the snakes (Ahi-अGह) but beat up the water-snakes

(Dundubha- डWडभु ु )!”

“Tell me what you mean by this example.” requested by the queen like this,

Vasantaka said-

STORY OF RURU

There was a Sage’s son named Ruru.

He once when wandering in the forest saw by chance a girl of extraordinary

beauty. She was a divine damsel born to Menakaa (मेनका) and a Vidyaadhara

king. She was adopted by a Sage named SthoolaKesha (Aथलूकेश) and was

growing in his Aashram.

Seeing that lady named Pramadvaraa (4म!वरा – best of all women), Ruru’s

mind was lost to her. He went and requested SthoolaKesha to give his

daughter in marriage to him. SthoolaKesha conceded to his request.

When the marriage day was nearing, a snake bit Pramadvaraa. Ruru was

heart-broken in sorrow.

Then a divine voice was heard from the sky-

“Hey Brahman! Make the dead girl alive by offering half of your life-span.”

Hearing this, Ruru gave half of his life-span to her and she got up alive. He

married her.

Later, Ruru killed whichever snake he found in the forest so that they will

not bite his beloved again. One day a water snake addressed him who was

killing anything everything shaped like a snake, in a human voice-

“You are angry with the snakes! Why are you killing water-snakes?

Your wife was bitten by a snake. Snake and water-snake are different.

Snakes are poisonous and water-snakes are non-venomous.”

Ruru asked that water snake-“Sire! Who are you?”

The water-snake said-

“Brahman! I am a Sage cursed to be a water-snake. I will be redeemed of

the curse because of conversing with you.”

The Sage vanished.

Ruru never again killed water-snakes.

I quoted this example alone, Devi and asked you- why you are killing

water-snakes when you are angry with snakes.”

After recounting this amusing story Vasantaka went away. VaasavaDattaa

was pleased by his witty talks as she remained seated close to her husband.

The ever passionate VatsaRaaja held on to the feet of his wife and made use

of the enticing and amusing stories told by the talented Vasantaka to

conciliate his angry wife.

रसना मGदरारसकैसJता कलवीणारवरा�गणी >तु [च

द>यतामख>न[चलाु च ^िCटः सVखनAतAयु सदा बभवू राZनः ॥

The King remained happy always-

his tongue relished only the taste of the wine (मGदरा); his ear was attracted only to the music of the tunes played

in the Veenaa (कलवीणा);

and his eyes were fixed only on the face of his wife (द>यता).

(He was surrounded by women as usual! Again the words referring to wine, Veenaa and

wife are all in feminine gender.)

इ>त

महाक�वीसोमदेवभ��वर�चत ेकथास�र�सागरे कथामखुल$बके षCटAतर*गः।

THUS ENDS

THE SIXTH WAVE

OF

‘KATHAA-MUKHAM’

IN THE OCEAN OF THE RIVERS OF STORIES

COMPOSED BY

THE GREAT POET SOMADEVA BHATTA

समाMत[चाय ंकथामखुल$बको ि!वतीयः॥

THE SECOND ‘LAMBAKA’ NAMED ‘KATHAA-MUKHAM’

IS

COMPLETE

About the Author:

Maa Tejasvini

The author spent many years doing research on ancient Sanskrit texts in the Himalayan

region. She was exposed to many unique spiritual experiences which are beyond human

comprehension.

Her mission in life was to translate all renowned spiritual texts and literature of Sanskrit

and bring them to the light of the public.