[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Jain Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina) › [Post-canonical works (philosophy, yoga, karma theory, narrative, poetry, history)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post) › [Narrative literature (kathās, kathākośas, caritas)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha) › [Surasuṃdarīcariya](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya) › [English (machine translation)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt) › 13 # The Story of Surasundarī 13 English (machine translation) 13 - **Language:** English ### [13.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.1) Then Haṃsikā said: "Alas! You have endured something exceedingly hard to bear, upon hearing which even now great distress arises \[in me\]. ### [13.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.2) You were not worthy of such griefs, dear friend! Yet what can one do against fate, whose workings are strange in this world? ### [13.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.3) Indeed, even one ever accustomed to happiness it turns into an abode of diverse griefs; even one who has never seen separation from a loved one it separates from the beloved. ### [13.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.4) Therefore, O Surasundarī, knowing the capriciousness of fate, do not feel even the least distress; for what is the use of doing so? ### [13.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.5) Moreover, from the marks that are seen upon your body, you are destined to become the chief queen of a king of Vidyādharas. ### [13.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.6) Furthermore, I too heard this being recounted before Queen Kamalāvatī by a man who arrived from the city of Kuśāgra: ### [13.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.7) When the city was besieged by King Śatruñjaya, and the people were thrown into turmoil, and King Naravāhana together with his feudatories was filled with doubt; ### [13.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.8) when the city folk were reduced to misery through lack of grass and firewood, and the ramparts were collapsing, struck by huge boulders hurled by siege-engines; ### [13.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.9) when breaches were falling, dug open by pickaxes stationed in shelters, and the sky was covered with innumerable arrows shot from the mouths of bows; ### [13.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.10) as the city of Kuśāgra was thus mired in the mud of blood from falling warriors, suddenly a certain Vidyādhara arrived, brandishing a sword. ### [13.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.11) With his sword, his eyes red and flashing with rage, he swiftly cut off the head of Śatruñjaya mounted upon his lordly elephant. ### [13.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.12) Having slain that enemy, he approached King Naravāhana and said: 'Your enemy has been slain, O lord of men! ### [13.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.13) I have come here at the word of your daughter Surasundarī, who was abducted by a Vidyādhara and remains on the island of Ratnadvīpa. ### [13.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.14) I am a Vidyādhara named Makaraketu, son of the illustrious Citravega; your daughter remains in happiness beside Priyaṃvadā.' ### [13.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.15) Having spoken thus, he departed. And the delighted king sallied forth with his army while the enemy's host was routed and struck down; ### [13.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.16) he seized their elephants, chariots, horses, and all the choicest wealth. Therefore, O Surasundarī, dear friend, do not worry about that matter! ### [13.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.17) Since your father was thus rendered fearless by your beloved alone, what can a Piśāca do to him who has mastered a new Vidyā? ### [13.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.18) Some other reason must have arisen for your beloved, and on that account, dear friend, he did not come quickly to that island." ### [13.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.19) Consolled by these and other clever words, the king's daughter was freed from the rush of deep sorrow and became filled with joy. ### [13.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.20) Then Haṃsikā went and related everything to Queen Kamalāvatī, and she in turn reported everything just as it happened to the king. ### [13.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.21) While Surasundarī thus dwelt in the house of her father's sister, causing boundless joy to the ladies of the inner apartments, ### [13.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.22) as several days passed in happiness, one day, while the king was in the inner assembly accompanied by a few trusted men, ### [13.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.23) and accompanied by the queen together with Surasundarī, with permission of the doorkeeper, a merchant exceedingly dear to the king, ### [13.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.24) named Dhanadeva, arrived carrying a platter filled with glittering jewels, and having made his obeisance, sat down before the king. ### [13.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.25) When he had presented his tribute, he was spoken to by the king with great excitement: 'Hail, O Dhanadeva! You had gone to the island of Siṃhala;' ### [13.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.26) "Then how indeed did you return so quickly? Did some misfortune befall the ship, / or did some obstacle arise, on account of which you have returned here within merely a month?" ### [13.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.27) "You departed for that island of Siṃhala, which takes many days to reach; / that you have returned so swiftly is a great wonder." ### [13.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.28) Dhanadeva said: "Listen, O best of kings, to the story, / of how I went there and quickly returned here to the city. ### [13.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.29) Encouraged by merchants who had arrived from the island of Siṃhala, / I then set out, taking various kinds of merchandise suitable for that place. ### [13.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.30) Bowing to both of your feet, accompanied by a caravan of many carts, / I reached that vast harbor named Gambhīra. ### [13.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.31) Moreover, I—making ready the ship, which was filled with sailors / and whose royal road was adorned with heaps of betel nuts, coconuts, and other goods— ### [13.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.32) Where in some places \[the shore\] shone adorned with rows of elephant tusks, like the face of an elephant king, / and in other places, stocked with camphor, aloe, and sandalwood, resembled the mountain of the gods; ### [13.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.33) Where in some places the ground was adorned with pearl necklaces, like the summit of a white lotus \[mountain\], / and in other places it was filled with nutmeg and cardamom, like the mouth of a lover; ### [13.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.34) Where every direction was blocked by the immense tolls from people gathered from diverse lands, / and where vast merchandise was entering—I saw that harbor, resembling the palace of a king. ### [13.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.35) Having paid the appropriate toll, the goods were brought to the seashore, / and a broad ship, capable of traveling over the lord of rivers \[the ocean\], was hired. ### [13.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.36) Gradually all the merchandise was loaded into the ship. / Then, on an auspicious lunar day and lunar mansion, after the lord of rivers had been worshipped according to the rite, ### [13.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.37) Having performed the worship of the lord of Jinas, given gifts to the community of monks, / taken leave of my circle of friends, and addressed my entire entourage, ### [13.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.38) While auspicious sounds were being made and the noise of musical instruments resounded, / and while crowds of bards uttered cries of 'Victory! Victory!', ### [13.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.39) I boarded that ship, which was like an eminent monk: / having broad sails \[like great forbearance\], immovable, its collection of planks fastened by an abundance of ropes \[like virtues bound to monastic rules\], and self-restrained in all its movements \[like restrained in actions\]. ### [13.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.40) Then, as the deep tide arrived, / propelled by the white sails filled with wind, it set out to go. ### [13.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.41) Streams of water surged from the threshing of the tails of delighted fishes, / and it was terrifying with flashing submarine mountain ridges submerged under torrents of water; ### [13.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.42) Crowds of sea lizards were being swallowed by sea serpents who were attacked by fierce alligators, / and whirlpools were stirred up by the rising of schools of timiṅgila fish; ### [13.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.43) A terrifying roar arose from creatures overturned by the whirlpools, / and its waters were fearful with aquatic monsters roaming about, bewildered by the force of that roar; ### [13.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.44) Its high waves filled the circle of directions with the deep and thunderous roar of the fierce waters, / and swarms of fish were crushed against sea serpents lurking among sparkling coral reefs. ### [13.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.45) Moreover: ### [13.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.46) Devouring many creatures, struck by a multitude of great disasters, / and lacking a footing \[or shore\], the ocean was like a wicked man. ### [13.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.47) With darting fish and alligators, its edges enclosed by flashing dense darkness, / without reachable boundary borders, it was like the sky on a dark night. ### [13.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.48) While that vessel was proceeding swiftly across such an ocean, / through its very midst for several yojanas, O king, ### [13.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.49) Then, on another day, the pilot seated atop the mast / shouted: 'Look at this wonder, men! ### [13.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.50) Who indeed is this noble one, with an undaunted face, resembling the lord of the gods in form, / who is crossing this boundless ocean with his arms alone?' ### [13.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.51) Hearing his words, O king, skilled young boatmen / were dispatched by me toward his side, boarding a small skiff. ### [13.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.52) Going there, they said to that man: 'Good sir, climb in here! / We have been sent to your side by the merchant Dhanadeva.' ### [13.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.53) Thus spoken to, he boarded and then arrived at our ship; / and, O best of men, I beheld that fortunate young man. ### [13.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.54) He surpassed the beauty of the bodiless god \[Kāma\]; he was exceedingly gentle like the spotless full moon; / fair as touchstone gold, with youthful facial hair newly sprouting. ### [13.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.55) Why say more? O best of kings, he resembled you! / When we gazed upon him, our eyes were as if bathed in nectar. ### [13.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.56) \[I thought:\] 'Ah, this noble one resembles Makaraketu! / Could he then be the one who back then, when \[the queen\] had fallen into the forest, ### [13.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.57) Was snatched right from Queen Kamalāvatī's lap / as soon as he was born, by some deity of unseen form bearing past enmity? ### [13.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.58) Or else, what is the use of my pondering this? First I will ask: / Who is he, where is he from, and how did he fall into the midst of the ocean?' ### [13.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.59) Having reflected thus, I had him bathed, rubbed with ointments, and so forth / with supreme respect, and fed him with utmost deference. ### [13.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.60) Seated on a comfortable seat, he was asked: 'How indeed, steadfast one, did you fall into this terrible / ocean, or where is your dwelling place?' ### [13.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.61) Then he said: 'Listen, Dhanadeva, to what is being spoken, / with a concentrated mind, if you have curiosity about this matter. ### [13.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.62) In the city of Rayaṇasañcaya on the southern range of Vaitāḍhya, / there is the son of the Vidyādhara Pavanagati, born from the womb of Bakulāvatī, ### [13.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.63) The renowned emperor of the Vidyādharas named Citravega. / His wife is Kanakamālā, daughter of the Vidyādhara Amitagati. ### [13.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.64) And I am her son, beloved to her heart, named Makaraketu. / Growing up in due course, I attained first youth. ### [13.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.65) Now, there is a city on the northern range of Vaitāḍhya / named Camaracañcā, adorned with groves of trees of all seasons. ### [13.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.66) There ruled an eminent Vidyādhara king named Citragati, son of the Vidyādhara Bhānugati. / He is my father's friend, and I too am very dear to him. ### [13.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.67) Then on another occasion, when I had arrived at the city of Camaracañcā, / out of affection Citragati gave me the Rohiṇī spell. ### [13.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.68) Remaining there, that spell was mastered by me in seven months, / according to the prescribed rite, by me who was fearless despite terrors. ### [13.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.69) Having then accomplished the spell, I returned to my own city; / with a heart filled with supreme joy, my father proclaimed in the midst of the Vidyādharas: ### [13.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.70) 'Behold how, even though a boy, with an unperturbed mind / my son has mastered the Rohiṇī spell, formidable though its form is! ### [13.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.71) Thinking, "This boy is not yet capable of mastering spells," / the spells were not given to him by us out of that concern. ### [13.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.72) Therefore, if he has first mastered this \[Rohiṇī\], though formidable in form, / what reckoning can there be of his accomplishment of other spells as well?' ### [13.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.73) Then on an auspicious day, having performed an eight-day great festival / with joy before the Jina images standing in the eternal shrine, ### [13.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.74) Declaring, 'May your attainment be equal \[to mine\],' all the spells were given to me, / and every auspicious rite regarding them was also taught by my father." ### [13.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.75) "Going to Ratnadvīpa, inlaid with gems radiant with flashing rays, / to the charming temple of the first Jina built by eminent Vidyādharas, ### [13.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.76) and there in that auspicious, solitary place, in various pavilions / glittering with nets of beams, suitable for Vidyādharas intent on accomplishing Vidyās, ### [13.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.77) accomplish the multitude of Vidyās, accompanied by a small retinue of dear attendants, / having performed worship and praise of the Jina, setting aside all other activity. ### [13.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.78) Within an area of a yojana, injury to five-sensed beings / caused by one’s own or another’s actions must be carefully avoided. ### [13.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.79) For if it happens even through negligence, an obstacle will arise." / Having spoken thus, my father gave me a ring: ### [13.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.80) "Tie this too upon your hand; it wards off the onset of every blemish, / O son!" Having spoken thus, he sent me off together with attendants. ### [13.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.81) Going to Ratnadvīpa, I began according to rule to accomplish / the Vidyās of manifold forms, led by Bahurūpiṇī. ### [13.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.82) Moreover: ### [13.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.83) Bahurūpā, Prajñapti, Gaurī, Gāndhārī, Mohana, Utpatinī, / Ākarṣaṇī, Unmocanī, Uccāṭanī, and Vaśīkaraṇī— ### [13.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.84) as I was accomplishing many kinds of Vidyās such as these, / six months passed, less a few days. ### [13.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.85) In the meantime, in the final watch of the night, just at its close, / the earth trembled vehemently, as if \[shaken\] by the elephants of the quarters. ### [13.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.86) The sky blazed, a vast host of spirits seemed to laugh, / the mountains seemed to groan, and a shower of stones seemed to rain down. ### [13.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.87) Immediately thereafter, a gentle, sweetly scented breeze blew, / and divine scented water fell there in sparse drops. ### [13.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.88) A divine shower of flowers in five colors fell on all sides; / then \[the Vidyās\] manifested, adorned with diverse ornaments, ### [13.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.89) marked with their respective names by manifold distinctive signs, / mounted on wonderful, noble vehicles, attired in various garments, ### [13.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.90) shining with diverse complexions and splendid forms, like manifold lovely maidens; / and they spoke: "We, your Vidyās, are accomplished!" ### [13.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.91) Hearing their words, with a delighted heart I performed worship / and offered oblations to each of them as was appropriate. ### [13.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.92) Learning of the accomplishment of the Vidyās, accompanied by a great host of warriors, / carrying various kinds of musical instruments, singing, instrumental music, and dances, ### [13.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.93) and taking articles of worship for an eight-day festival, / my father also arrived there from Mount Vaitāḍhya. ### [13.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.94) Having performed a great celebration with devotion in the temple of the first Jina, / he properly and carefully worshipped the host of Vidyās. ### [13.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.95) Having bathed the images of the lordly Jinas with pure, holy pilgrimage-waters, / that Vidyādhara gave great gifts \[of charity\]. ### [13.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.96) Having worshipped the venerable and honored the host of venerable persons, / he held an eight-day festival accompanied by excellent singing, dancing, and music, ### [13.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.97) which filled the ends of the directions with the great sound of clear patahas, bherīs, bhambhās, and dundubhis, / and drew crowds of sky-goers with the spectacle of beautiful Vidyādhara maidens, ### [13.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.98) which was crowded with assemblies of Vidyādharas singing praises of the spotless virtues of the Jina, / and delighted the multitude of people with the sweet sounds of playing flutes and vīṇās, ### [13.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.99) producing wonder in the minds of gods and kinnaras who came to watch; / and having performed that charming, sin-destroying night vigil in the temple of the Jina, ### [13.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.100) my father went to Mount Vaitāḍhya along with his entire retinue, / while I remained right there, having remaining duties to perform. ### [13.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.101) Having performed worship of the Jina and made obeisance to the Jina according to rule, / when the sun rose I went out to attend to bodily needs. ### [13.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.102) Having attended to bodily needs and purified myself in a long pool at leisure, / as I walked a short distance across the ground, I saw: ### [13.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.103) near a bamboo bower, an excellent sword lying on the ground; / picking it up, with lightning swiftness that bower was severed. ### [13.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.104) Inside it had previously entered a Vidyādhara named Makaraketu, / the lord of Gaṅgāvarta and son of King Ghanavāhana. ### [13.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.105) When the bower was cut down, his severed head was suddenly seen resting on the earth, / gushing a stream of blood. ### [13.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.106) Seeing that, with wide, restless eyes rolling in alarm, / I lamented in many ways: "Alas! Ah! An evil deed has been done!" ### [13.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.107) "Alas! Through negligence, this injury was done by me! / Will some obstacle arise from this for ill-fated me? ### [13.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.108) Or rather, since the Vidyās are accomplished, no obstacle can arise; / nevertheless, for the overcoming of obstacles it is proper that I perform recitations, worship, and the like." ### [13.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.109) Thinking thus, I moved on. Then my right eye twitched; / wondering, "What good omen does this portend for me?"— ### [13.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.110) as I went just a few steps in that dense forest, O Dhanadeva, / I saw, on the ground beneath a kimpāka tree, ### [13.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.111) a young woman, as if asleep or unconscious, radiant with intense bodily beauty, / like an unprecedented Fortune of her lineage, fashioned as it were of nectar. ### [13.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.112) Moreover: her noble head, covered by a mass of long, black, extremely soft locks / that attracted swarms of bees, looked like a lotus. ### [13.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.113) Adorned with eyes reaching to her ears and a straight, prominent nose, / her lovely moon-like face seemed to mock the incomplete moon. ### [13.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.114) Her delicate neck, shaped like a conch and free from rough contacts, / mocked lotus stalks burdened with sharp thorns. ### [13.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.115) Her pair of plump, elevated breasts clad in coarse bark, captivating the minds of all people— / how could they be compared to the twin frontal globes of Indra's elephant? ### [13.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.116) "May the god of love burn furiously your pair of breasts devoid of discrimination! / For you, whose eyes reach to your ears, this is not proper!" ### [13.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.117) Saying thus, as it were, that maiden's waist was slender; / or rather, instruction given to ill-mannered people only produces insignificance. ### [13.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.118) With the worry, "How shall I bear this heavy load of breasts?" / her waist was slender, like the father of a poor daughter. ### [13.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.119) Her charming, very deep navel with its clockwise whirl / was fashioned by the Creator like a bathing well for the god of love. ### [13.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.120) With her fleshy, tender, expansive hips, / at the mere sight of them she made the heart of youth level \[with passion\]. ### [13.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.121) Her pair of thighs, tender as the core of a plantain tree, shone charmingly, / as if the Creator had set up an archway at the door of Love’s abode. ### [13.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.122) Her pair of feet, high-arched like a tortoise shell, endowed with compact, soft, fleshy toes / and tinged with red—tell me, whose heart would they not steal? ### [13.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.123) Suddenly seeing her thus, my eyes rejoiced greatly, / and there arose in my heart a joy as if upon seeing someone long familiar. ### [13.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.124) Then, like a beloved wife, she was observed by me—motionless, foam pouring from her mouth, a girl whose complexion had turned dark-blue. ### [13.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.125) Having inserted my own finger, as I inspected her mouth, just then a half-chewed kimpāka fruit was found. ### [13.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.126) "Indeed, from the effect of this fruit she has become unconscious. Therefore, taking her to my own abode, I shall perform medical treatment on her. ### [13.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.127) Could she be the daughter of some vidyādhara who has arrived here? Out of some despair, I think, she has eaten a poisonous fruit. ### [13.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.128) Since this Ratnadvīpa is extremely difficult of access for humans walking the earth, how could she be the daughter of an earth-dweller? ### [13.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.129) From such attire, it is certain that she is a maiden; moreover, since my eye is throbbing, she will become my wife. ### [13.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.130) Even after seeing various vidyādhara maidens, no love ever arose in me before as it has arisen upon seeing her. ### [13.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.131) Therefore, she of slender form is surely fated to be my beloved." Reflecting thus, taking her into the embrace of his own arms, ### [13.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.132) his body thrilled with joy by the delight of touching her tender, enchanting form, he arrived at his own dwelling near the temple of the First Jina. ### [13.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.133) Now, my sister Priyamvadā, the daughter of a different mother, was there; the previously stated matter was related to her, and then she was told: ### [13.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.134) "Together with pure water, quickly hand over that ring which was given \[to you\] by father at the time of bestowing the magic science; ### [13.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.135) that which is set with a divine gem, which removes the spread of all defects, and has proven efficacy, especially against venomous poisons." ### [13.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.136) Making her drink its water and likewise sprinkling her limbs, \[he\] was addressed by Priyamvadā: "She is my sister!" ### [13.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.137) I said: "How then? Have you seen her anywhere before?" Priyamvadā said: "My mother's younger sister ### [13.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.138) is Ratnavatī in Kusāgra, the beloved of King Naravāhana; this is her daughter, a maiden named Surasundarī. ### [13.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.139) Formerly, as I was coming from the Vaitāḍhya to this island, exhausted, I descended into a garden outside the city of Kusāgrapura. ### [13.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.140) And she was seen there; and there my magic incantation was forgotten, \[but\] it was recovered the moment it was taught by this clever girl. ### [13.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.141) Likewise, upon seeing your form painted on a picture canvas, a deep love arose in her, augmenting a lovesick frenzy. ### [13.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.142) Moreover, she rejoiced, saying: 'He is exceedingly handsome!'; she worried in many ways: 'May he become my beloved!'; she sighed, saying: 'If only there could be even a glimpse of him, I would be fulfilled!' ### [13.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.143) 'If indeed I am of any worth at all, then bliss must surely be brought about for my sister through union with him!' Having said this, I arrived here." ### [13.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.144) While Priyamvadā was thus recounting her past story, just then, from the subsiding of the poison's force, her consciousness was regained. ### [13.145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.145) Leaving her, who had regained consciousness and whose body was unharmed, in the presence of Priyamvadā, I went to worship Ṛṣabha for the sake of conquering obstacles. ### [13.146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.146) Having performed the worship of the lord of Jinas and rendered homage to the Jina according to rule, and likewise having recited the mantra of the goddess Śānti, I sat in intent contemplation. ### [13.147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.147) Having recited her hymn of praise and performed kāyotsarga with \[mindful\] respiration, for the purpose of warding off the obstacle of the vidyādharas' assault, ### [13.148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.148) by the time I returned once more to Priyamvadā's side, her cheek-surfaces were bathed in streams of tears brought on by grief. ### [13.149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.149) She was seen weeping; and Priyamvadā was then asked by me: "Why is this lotus-eyed one crying, as if burned by deep sorrow?" ### [13.150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.150) She said: "For her sake, her father remains besieged by a formidable enemy; therefore she weeps in sorrow." ### [13.151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.151) Then I said to her: "While this servant is at your command, who, O beautiful one, can defeat your father? ### [13.152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.152) Sword Vasunanda in hand, all alone, I shall go and slay that wicked Śatruñjaya! What need for many words? ### [13.153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.153) Right here in the temple of the First Jina, together with Priyamvadā, you must remain comfortably, free from grief, ### [13.154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.154) while I go to kill the wicked Śatruñjaya." Having spoken thus, he flew up into the sky dark as a tamāla leaf. ### [13.155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.155) And he reached Kusāgrapura, whose immense ramparts were blocked by fierce warriors, terrifying with stones hurled from numerous mechanical engines inside. ### [13.156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.156) Banners were erected on the bastions; battlements were packed with groups of śataghnīs; and the haughty array of fierce warriors thundered with swelling, loud tumult. ### [13.157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.157) Then, staying in the sky, driven by curiosity, as I began to watch, just then the army of Mālava arose to smash the city. ### [13.158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.158) Moreover: "Give me my tight armor! Give me a fine shield!"— such shouts of warriors were heard in Śatruñjaya's army. ### [13.159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.159) "Let the wheeled assault mantlets approach! Let the engines operate! Let the scaling ladder move forward! Now let the ladder be fixed to the rampart; let the mobile shelter advance!" ### [13.160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.160) "Burn their wooden covers! Cast copious stones into the moats! Dig with the bastion-breakers!"—so says Śatruñjaya. ### [13.161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.161) Crushed by heavy stones, and with flaming firebrands accompanied by piles of straw, the mobile shelters were set ablaze by the warriors standing within the battlements. ### [13.162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.162) Pierced by lance-points by the king's warriors stationed on ladders placed against the ramparts, the enemy men fall into the moats. ### [13.163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.163) The array of assault mantlets is shattered by the mass of stones flung from the bastion engines, even when held in the hands of warriors terrified by the catastrophe. ### [13.164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.164) Pierced by arrows released by archers stationed on the rampart flanks, turned back in wild confusion, armored \[soldiers\] perish. ### [13.165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.165) The heads of warriors creeping along the base of the rampart, afflicted by razor-blades, are made into hundreds of fragments by volleys of śataghnī missiles. ### [13.166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.166) Even the scaling shelters that have not reached the rampart are burned with oil-soaked, fearsome, blazing heaps of heavy wood. ### [13.167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.167) Covered by the arrows of armored archers positioned between the battlements, the army of the enemy, whose ranks were shattered, was rendered immobile. ### [13.168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.168) Meanwhile, the host of numerous tributary kings and champions, rising up under the sway of fury, reassured their own army and advanced toward the rampart. ### [13.169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.169) Pierced by arrows from fierce bows adorned with formidable sinews, the rampart bore horripilation, as if it had taken the side of the city. ### [13.170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.170) Then, the moats having been filled by the enemy warriors with long bamboos, and the edge set ablaze, the entire defensive cover was consumed by fire. ### [13.171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.171) Delighted at the collapsing rampart crest struck by engine stones, the enemy force became noisy with a clamor arising from vehement excitement. ### [13.172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.172) Then even the rampart towers fell, firmly constructed with heavy, broad stones, / being battered and shattered by war-machines and mines. ### [13.173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.173) Thus, seeing the enemy army suddenly defeat the city's warriors, / I bit my lip in fury, drew my curved sword, ### [13.174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.174) and approached Śatruñjaya, who was seated upon an elephant; / and I said to him: 'Hey, hey! At long last you are seen today, ### [13.175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.175) you who humiliate the father of my beloved, though he did you no wrong! / Truly, at the time of its destruction, the shoot of a bamboo bears fruit. ### [13.176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.176) Be a man now, if you truly bear the title of warrior!' / Seizing him by his hair, I immediately severed his head. ### [13.177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.177) Then, seeing their lord beheaded, the enemy army became terrified; / turning around, they began to strike at me with volleys of arrows. ### [13.178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.178) Then, having carefully avoided that rain of exceedingly sharp arrows, / I reached the assembly-hall of the grief-stricken Naravāhana. ### [13.179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.179) Placing Śatruñjaya's head before him and bowing down, / O Dhanadeva, I recounted to him the earlier events, ### [13.180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.180) 'Therefore, remain without anxiety, while I go to Ratnadvīpa / so that, having fetched your daughter, I may quickly surrender her \[to you\].' ### [13.181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.181) Having spoken thus, eager to see the face of my beloved, as soon as I flew up / and reached this region, suddenly I saw: ### [13.182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.182) A vetāla whose thighs were as tall as palmyra trees, whose body was black as a crucible of ink or a buffalo, / whose arms were unjointed and dangling, whose teeth protruded, whose lower lip hung down, ### [13.183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.183) whose eyes blazed like fireflies, who possessed a lolling pair of twin tongues, / whose nose was excessively flat and snubbed, producing terrifying fear, ### [13.184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.184) striking \[his arms\] repeatedly, roaring aloud with boisterous laughter, / making the vault of the sky echo with sounds like the clouds of doomsday: ### [13.185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.185) 'Hey, hey! The sorrow you gave me then by carrying off my beloved— / I will now put an end to that enmity! I have found you; where will you go? ### [13.186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.186) Hey enemy! In your childhood you somehow escaped alive; / but now you will not escape, cast into the dreadful ocean!' ### [13.187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.187) Having spoken thus, that vetāla suddenly disappeared; / and I too fell crashing from the sky into the ocean. ### [13.188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.188) As that spell of flying through the air would not take effect despite repeated muttering, / I knew then: 'Surely my spells have been stripped away.' ### [13.189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.189) Thinking, 'Surely this powerful enemy is some asura,' / O Dhanadeva, I then began to cross the ocean with my arms. ### [13.190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.190) O king, while he was thus relating to me his own account, / just then the helmsman spoke thus in terror: ### [13.191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.191) 'Ho sailors! Along with the steersmen, be prepared! / For a dreadful portent is seen, like the mouth of the god of death. ### [13.192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.192) Look, a tiny cloud no bigger than a winnowing basket has arisen in the path of the sky, / which, growing rapidly, brings destruction like association with the wicked. ### [13.193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.193) Arising in such a place, this exceedingly terrible portent / will soon bring destruction to the boat with its warriors and sailors!' ### [13.194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.194) Hearing this speech from the man standing at the top of the mast, / the company of men aboard the ship became agitated, having lost hope of life. ### [13.195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.195) Then: ### [13.196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.196) The array of anchors was released, the mast was tilted, / and the entire ship was covered over with a thick white canvas. ### [13.197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.197) Meanwhile, the sky was covered over with masses of dark clouds; / the ocean was agitated, and a fierce wind began to blow. ### [13.198](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.198) Flashes of lightning gleamed continuously all around like the tongue of Yama; / and the clouds thundered dreadfully like the warriors of death. ### [13.199](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.199) Driven by the speed of the ocean's waves stirred up by the harsh gale, the ship was swept along, / even though held back by the group of anchors cast down into the great billows. ### [13.200](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13.200) Rising and falling with the ceaseless waves, it moved, / playing the role of a ball struck by the hand upon a paved floor. _First 200 of 254 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Surasuṃdarīcariya](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya.13.1) — Dhaneśvara, Māhārāṣṭrī Prakrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.13) · Pramāṇa