[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) › 3 # The Story of Surasundarī 3 English (machine translation) 3 - **Language:** English ### [3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.1) Then he too was asked by me: “By whom have you been cast into such terrible misfortune? / And for what reason, good sir, in vain?” ### [3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.2) And thus asked, he sighed deeply with sorrow / and, shedding tears that betokened the deep sorrow within his heart, ### [3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.3) then spoke: “Well said! In this saṃsāra, for living beings whose minds are deluded by passion, / who do not look far ahead, misfortunes are easily met. ### [3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.4) For souls wandering in the ocean of saṃsāra, good sir, / whose sense faculties are unrestrained, misfortunes are indeed no wonder. ### [3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.5) All sorrow of living beings arises from the faults of past karma; / another person is merely an instrumental cause in faults and merits. ### [3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.6) In the ultimate truth, no one creates happiness or sorrow for a man; / past karma alone acts as it pleases in producing happiness and sorrow.” ### [3.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.7) Then I said: “So it is, there is no doubt of this. / Nevertheless, our desire is to know the particular cause.” ### [3.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.8) Then he said: “O handsome one! If such is truly your insistence, / then, becoming single-minded, listen to what is being related. ### [3.9](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.9) Here in the realm of Bharata, there is a mountain named Vaitāḍhya, famed, accessible to hosts of skyfarers, / like a towering heap of silver, possessing splendor spreading to the ten directions; ### [3.10](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.10) deafening the horizons with the roaring sounds of gushing waterfalls; / with forests adorned by swarms of bees eager to drink nectar; ### [3.11](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.11) with the murmur of flowing rivers heard in every direction; / embellished here and there with rows of great cities of Vidyādharas; ### [3.12](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.12) with solitary spots crowded by Vidyādharas intent on perfecting magical spells; / its crest-peaks adorned with excellent shrines of the perfected ones; ### [3.13](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.13) the expanse of whose sky is brightened by rows of various gods / coming to worship the images of the Jinas installed in the shrines of the perfected ones; ### [3.14](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.14) where music is constantly made in forest after forest at every noon / by Vidyādharas together with their beloveds, staying in plantain bowers; ### [3.15](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.15) where hosts of living beings are awakened here and there by sky-faring monks / who have commenced their sermons in exceedingly sweet speech; ### [3.16](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.16) which, reaching from the eastern to the western ocean, standing in the middle region, / has divided the realm of Bharata into two, as if a talebearer causing discord; ### [3.17](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.17) adorned with two vast terraces divided into south and north, / possessing all kinds of prosperity. ### [3.18](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.18) There, on the southern terrace, filled with the sky-faring people, / resonant with the jingling sound of anklets of roving sky-faring women, ### [3.19](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.19) ever resplendent with multitudes of Vidyādhara dwellings / possessing the beauty of unequaled gate-fronts with lofty makara-arches, ### [3.20](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.20) is a city named Ratnasañcaya, the innate abode of all the splendor of the three worlds, / rich in civic virtues, containing a multitude of delighted men and women. ### [3.21](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.21) And in that city, crowded with many hundreds of thousands of Vidyādharas, / there dwells an excellent skyfarer named Pavanagati, a treasure of virtues. ### [3.22](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.22) His wife, endowed with discernment and modesty, of extremely affectionate nature toward her husband, / surpassing the bakula flower with her own fragrance, is named Bakulavatī. ### [3.23](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.23) As he enjoyed worldly pleasures with her, in due course / I was born as their only son, creating joy in their hearts. ### [3.24](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.24) On my very birthday, a birth-festival that astonished the minds of the citizens / was caused to be celebrated by my father with boundless joy. ### [3.25](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.25) And when twelve days had passed in due order, / my mother and father, out of great delight, bestowed on me the name Cittavega.” ### [3.26](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.26) And when a few years had passed, on an auspicious lunar day and lunar mansion, / my father entrusted me to a teacher of great intellect. ### [3.27](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.27) Then, in a short time, through the influence of such a teacher / and through the strength of my own intellect, I mastered all the arts. ### [3.28](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.28) My father imparted to me the sciences handed down in our own family, / beginning with the sky-faring lore, which were to be mastered according to rule. ### [3.29](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.29) Then, gradually, I attained the onset of fresh youth, / which displays the stirrings of love and is magnificent in enchanting the hearts of women. ### [3.30](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.30) One day, surrounded by companions of equal youth, / I reached an enchanting garden adorned with clusters of diverse trees. ### [3.31](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.31) While we remained there for a moment having begun various sports, / just then in the sky was seen a procession of celestial aerial chariots, ### [3.32](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.32) with the expanse of the sky sprinkled with the blazing lustre of radiating, choice jewels, / moving toward the northern quarter, splendid with the singing of celestial nymphs. ### [3.33](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.33) Seeing that, I said: "Look! Where has this host of gods departed, / their cheek-surfaces white with swinging earrings and pearls? ### [3.34](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.34) Smiling slightly, my companion Bandhudatta said: / "This is very well known to those who dwell on Mount Vaitāḍhya. ### [3.35](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.35) In order to venerate the Jina, the multitude of gods comes here to the shrines of the liberated souls, / always, O companion! So why ask about a well-known matter?" ### [3.36](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.36) Then I said: "It is so, but listen: / the gods do not always come here with such great splendour. ### [3.37](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.37) Today, however, with aerial chariots, with all their supernatural power, and with great joy / they are seen going; therefore, my friend, I asked!" ### [3.38](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.38) Then, having reflected for a moment with speculation, Bandhudatta said: / "Ah, I know! The pilgrimages to the shrines of the liberated souls have begun, ### [3.39](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.39) because spring is underway, exuberant with the spreading, fragrant breeze of Mount Malaya, / the vast host of forests resplendent with all the excellent trees in sprout. ### [3.40](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.40) Moreover, with their broad branches dense with foliage waving in the blowing Malayan breeze, / the trees seem to dance with great delight at the arrival of the spring month. ### [3.41](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.41) With the deep hum of swarms of bees drawn by the fragrance of blossoms, / the multitudes of trees, pleased at the arrival of the spring month, seem to sing. ### [3.42](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.42) Yellow with nectar, their mouths the spread, fragrant blossoms, / the rows of forests seem to laugh upon seeing the arrival of the spring month. ### [3.43](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.43) Seeing the multitude of trees with thick, leafy shade in the spring season, as it were, / the palāśa tree, feeling disdained, suddenly became black-faced. ### [3.44](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.44) ‘Let alone the fruiting season—even at the time of flowering there is blackness on its face!’ / Thinking thus, as it were, the palāśa was abandoned by its leaves, like a miser \[by his wealth\]. ### [3.45](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.45) Seeing the forest's richness, the palāśa branches closed their faces; / indeed, others too who lack merit cannot endure the prosperity of another. ### [3.46](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.46) Moreover, having attained the spring month in the forest, completely red, / the kiṁśuka goblin causes fear in travellers separated from their beloveds. ### [3.47](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.47) Furthermore, seeing the wives of travellers violently struck without pity, / as it were, by the five-arrowed hunter using the spring month as his hunting bird, ### [3.48](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.48) the mango branches seemed to laugh with the cooing sound made by the cuckoos perched within them, / displaying a prominent row of teeth in the form of blossoms. ### [3.49](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.49) Seeing the multitude of travellers slain by the hunter of the spring month, / the creepers, their faces cast down, seem to weep with tear-drops of blossoms. ### [3.50](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.50) Huge funeral pyres of dead travellers seem to burn in place after place / under the guise of dense kiṁśuka flowers, sizzling with the buzzing sound of bees. ### [3.51](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.51) On the banks of mountain streams, with their branch-hands submerged in water shaking in the wind, / the trees seem to offer a libation of water to the travellers. ### [3.52](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.52) Furthermore, adorned with fresh shoots like dense kiṁśuka flowers, with excellent Cupid's fruits bound upon her, / having pāṭalā blossoms, the splendour of spring shines like a new bride. ### [3.53](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.53) Moreover, though accompanied by Mercury and attached to Venus, the Sun, through the majesty of spring, / having enjoyed Pisces, is now eager for Aries." ### [3.54](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.54) "Therefore, in such a spring, when the calls of cuckoos spread in every direction, / and the grounds of gardens resound with the spreading noise of street dances, ### [3.55](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.55) passionate folk sport, young women are swung on swings, / the sound of drums spreads, and youths drink choice liquor. ### [3.56](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.56) In the spring month dear to young women whose lovers are subject to their will, / pilgrimages are made here by people devoted to Dharma. ### [3.57](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.57) Out of devotion to the images of the Jina, these gods have therefore assembled / with all respect for the sake of pilgrimage to the peaks of the liberated souls on Mount Vaitāḍhya." ### [3.58](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.58) Then I said: "If so, O companion, we too, / having gone to the peaks of the liberated souls, \[shall make\] the eternal images of the Omniscient One..." ### [3.59](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.59) "...bowing to them with devotion, make our human birth fruitful, / and behold the Jina-festival being performed by hosts of Vidyādharas!" ### [3.60](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.60) Then all of them said: "So be it; you have spoken well!" / In the meantime, my foster-brother named Bala arrived. ### [3.61](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.61) Having arrived, he said: "Cittavega, your father has said: / 'Indeed, all these Vidyādhara folk residing in Ratnasañcaya, ### [3.62](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.62) bathed, their bodies anointed, in fine attire, with great splendour, / have set out for the Jina-festival at the nearby peak of the liberated souls. ### [3.63](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.63) Together with him, we too have set out; therefore come at once, / having performed your bath and other rites, so that we may go together.'" ### [3.64](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.64) Hearing his words, I went to my house into the presence of my father; / and those companions of mine also arrived at their respective homes. ### [3.65](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.65) Having performed my bath and other rites, I then, taking everything suitable for the occasion— / incense, flowers, and the like—together with my father, flying with the speed of wind, ### [3.66](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.66) and accompanied by the citizens, soared into the sky, dark as a sword. / As I went on, by degrees the temple of the Lord of Jinas was seen, ### [3.67](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.67) which, with flag-banners gently swaying in the soft blowing breeze, / seemed to make a sign for the multitude of people to come, ### [3.68](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.68) and which, with the sound of musical instruments—beginning with kettledrums, mṛdaṅgas, maddalas, and cymbals— / seemed to summon the people at the time of the Lord of Jinas' festival. ### [3.69](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.69) Then, by degrees, they reached the temple of the Lord of Jinas, where troupes of apsarases were dancing in every direction, / which delighted the host of the faithful with the charming melody of song, ### [3.70](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.70) with canopies made of various cloths, charming in appearance, / with festoons of hanging, spotless, excellent pearl necklaces arranged in artistic designs, ### [3.71](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.71) having dense pavilions of flowers constructed, strewn with various hanging star-like ornaments, / the expanse of its courtyard covered over by an excellent pavilion, ### [3.72](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.72) the area of its courtyards adorned with tautly-stretched awnings, / and its interior beautified by choice archways made of blossoms. ### [3.73](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.73) And in the doorway area of that \[temple\], having washed my feet / in a step-well filled with clear water, surrounded by my own companions, ### [3.74](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.74) Taking flowers from a heap of blooming floral garlands held aloft at the entrance of the Jina's temple, / I entered inside in accordance with the prescribed rites. ### [3.75](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.75) Having worshipped the images of the Jina and performed the caitya-veneration as prescribed, / I came outside and sat down in the midst of the Vidyādharas. ### [3.76](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.76) While the ritual bath of the Jina was underway, I strolled here and there / together with my companions, displaying various curiosities to one another: ### [3.77](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.77) Watching the graceful courtesans dancing in various ways in one place, / and in another, a throng of eminent poets composing new accounts of the deeds of the Jina; ### [3.78](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.78) Listening in one place to the sound of singing blending with the resonance of the vīṇā, / and observing in another place the offering-rites arranged in various forms; ### [3.79](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.79) Hearing in one place the rāsa-dance being performed by young men, / and in another place songs of praise being sung by celestial maidens. ### [3.80](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.80) And while, out of curiosity, I was wandering about at leisure / in various places in that temple together with my companions, ### [3.81](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.81) Just then, my maternal uncle's son Bhānuvega approached joyfully, / gave me an embrace, and said: "It has been a long time since I saw you! ### [3.82](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.82) Are Pavanagati and my father's sister Bakulavatī well?" / Then I said: "All are well; and furthermore, ### [3.83](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.83) Noble cousin, they have arrived right here and are staying in this Jina temple." / Accompanied by him, I went into the presence of my parents. ### [3.84](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.84) Affectionately embraced by them, he was asked for news, and he said: / "My parents are well; their failure to come was due to a special reason." ### [3.85](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.85) Then I said to him: "This pilgrimage festival of the Jina is almost completed; / so now come to our home as a guest for a while." ### [3.86](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.86) Then Bhānuvega said: "That is true, but listen: / my father Cittabhānu said, 'Return quickly.' ### [3.87](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.87) Therefore, Cittavega, come right now to my city, / for your maternal uncle is exceedingly longing for you." ### [3.88](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.88) Addressed thus by him, and permitted by my parents, / I, accompanied by my cousin, arrived at the city of Kuñjarāvarta. ### [3.89](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.89) And there, upon seeing me, Cittabhānu was exceedingly delighted and said: / "You have done well, since you have come as our guest." ### [3.90](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.90) Having recounted all my news and finished dining and other activities, / when night fell, I fell asleep on an excellent bed. ### [3.91](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.91) And there, at dawn, while the cocks were crowing, / I saw this dream, the like of which had never been seen before: ### [3.92](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.92) It seemed that, seeing a charming garland of white flowers, I set out to take it, / but somehow I was not able to grasp it. ### [3.93](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.93) Then it was handed over by some friend, and I took it with reverence. / While I was about to place it upon my own neck, suddenly ### [3.94](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.94) it slipped from my hand and fell somewhere, and I did not know where it went; / then great grief arose in me due to separation from it. ### [3.95](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.95) "Even though it had withered, I have made it burst into unfading blossoms once again," / saying this, someone placed it around my neck. ### [3.96](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.96) Just then, hearing the sound of musical instruments filled with the noise of sharp paṭaha, jhallarī, kāhala, bhambhā, and mardaṅga drums, / my sleep suddenly vanished. ### [3.97](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.97) Then, having seen a dream filled with both joy and dejection, I pondered in my heart: / "What indeed does this dream, never seen before, portend for me? ### [3.98](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.98) Alas! What could this garland be? Might it be a magic lore or prosperity for me? / It was given by someone, lost, and found again; I do not understand." ### [3.99](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.99) Thus unable to ascertain the meaning of the dream's nature, I arose, / performed my morning duties, and then, accompanied by Bhānuvega, ### [3.100](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.100) climbed to the picture-gallery on the upper floor of the palace / and sat upon a balcony with a pavement of gems and jewels. ### [3.101](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.101) Then I related to Bhānuvega that dream seen at dawn; / but he too was unable to determine the true meaning of the dream. ### [3.102](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.102) While we remained in that place for a moment, / our minds tossed about with doubts and conjectures regarding the dream's fruit, ### [3.103](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.103) Just then, all the townspeople, clad in splendid attire / and their bodies adorned with costly ornaments, set out to go somewhere. ### [3.104](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.104) Seeing them, I said: "Where are these people, young and old, / proceeding in all their finery? Tell me, Bhānuvega!" ### [3.105](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.105) And he said: "Listen, noble friend, today is the thirteenth day of Madana; / therefore, people go to the festival of Madana stationed in the Makaranda garden. ### [3.106](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.106) This crowd of men and women is going with joy to worship him; / let us also go and watch the festival of the Flower-Arrowed One." ### [3.107](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.107) Then I said, "Let it be so"; and both of us set out, / having adorned ourselves, and in due course reached the garden, ### [3.108](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.108) Where the assembly of trees, delighted at the spring festival of Madana, / seemed to sing a carcarī song with the sound of jingling anklets of playing amorous women; ### [3.109](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.109) Where the trees, shaking violently with branches stirred by the Malaya breeze, / had inarticulate murmurs in the form of the sweet clamour made by cuckoos; ### [3.110](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.110) Where the trees, with their red tips of slightly reddish fresh sprouts, / seemed to be intoxicated having tasted the honey-month \[of spring\]; ### [3.111](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.111) Where they, having crests fashioned from masses of wide-open blooming blossom clusters, / seemed to pay homage to the multitude of people with branches bowed down by the wind. ### [3.112](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.112) In that excellent garden called Makaranda, / adorned with dense, noble trees, delightful, exciting desire by its mere sight, ### [3.113](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.113) As we entered, surrounded by the citizens dressed in various costumes, / we saw from afar the temple of the god Madana, ### [3.114](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.114) Crowded with many people for the sole purpose of worshipping Madana along with Rati, / full of grace, lofty, with high ramparts; ### [3.115](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.115) Where excellent mardala drums were loudly and excessively beaten, and circles were formed by groups of wanton, charming women; / where passionate lovers were enticed by the sound of carcarī songs, and numerous dwarfs danced to the rhythm of small drums; ### [3.116](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.116) Where banana pavilions were occupied by men embracing their beloveds, and which was made lovely by young townswomen mounted on swings; / where water sports were commenced by courtesans and gallants, creating an abundance of mud from the splashing water. ### [3.117](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.117) Entering inside it and beholding Madana together with Rati, / both of us came out and sat on the outer railing. ### [3.118](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.118) O prince, while I sat there for a moment, / watching the townspeople amusing themselves with various games, ### [3.119](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.119) Just then, swinging on a nearby tree in the midst of her female companions, / a maiden of unprecedented beauty, in the bloom of fresh youth, was seen \[by me\]: ### [3.120](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.120) Adorned with rows of necklaces bouncing upon her plump, high, and dense breasts, / having the complexion of heated gold, her cheeks decorated with jewelled earrings. ### [3.121](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.121) She was fashioned by the creator as if out of nectar, bringing delight to the eyes of all the world, / gladdening the hearts of people merely by her sight. ### [3.122](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.122) Seeing her, I thought: "Ah, who is this possessing such captivating beauty? / Has a Nāga maiden descended here, or is she the goddess of the forest? ### [3.123](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.123) Or has a goddess fallen from the heavenly world, / or could she be Ratī, separated from Madana, who has assumed a bodily form?" ### [3.124](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.124) As I deliberated thus, looking at her with unblinking eyes, / she too gazed at me with an affectionate sidelong glance. ### [3.125](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.125) And Bhānuvega was asked: "Who is she, or whose wife is she?" / Then, smiling slightly, Bhānuvega said: ### [3.126](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.126) "No good will come of talk about her, let us rise and leave for now, / for she is looking directly at you with sidelong, crooked glances. ### [3.127](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.127) The glance of such women, falling upon the limbs, / makes the body unwell, and will certainly steal away the heart." ### [3.128](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.128) Then I said: "You are fond of joking; we / merely ask out of curiosity, but you imagine something else." ### [3.129](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.129) Then Bhānuvega said: "In this city there is a Vidyādhara of widespread fame, / named Amitagati, and his wife is Citramālā. ### [3.130](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.130) They have one daughter born to them, endowed with matchless virtues, / a maiden named Kanakamālā, full of discernment." ### [3.131](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.131) Then I said: "Who is this woman worshipping Madana? / And who is this other one, narrating an affair before her female friend? ### [3.132](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.132) And who is this young man clinging to the neck of a courtesan?" / Asked about these and other things by me, he laughed and said this: ### [3.133](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.133) "Why do you deceive me with such questions, noble youth? / Who is able to screen an old cat with sour gruel? ### [3.134](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.134) Indeed, noble youth, you cannot hide your first inquiry with such questions! / How, pray, can the dawn be hidden, even with effort, by glow-worms?" ### [3.135](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.135) Addressed thus by him, I stood with downcast face out of shame; / seeing that, Bhānuvega stood as if pretending not to notice. ### [3.136](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.136) Though turned in another direction by shame at that moment, / nevertheless my gaze fell, as if by force, upon her lotus-like face. ### [3.137](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.137) Bound by the cords of love, even on a road crowded with people, / slipping forward slowly, slowly, the gaze clings to where the beloved is. ### [3.138](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.138) Surpassing the play of the lightning of a Bhādrapada cloud, / with trembling casts of her glance that she repeatedly concealed from her female companions, ### [3.139](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.139) then, my heart having been shattered by the arrows of her tremulous, long-lashed gaze, / all five flower-arrows discharged by Madana penetrated it. ### [3.140](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.140) Meanwhile, the throng of her female friends moved off to their own homes; / that young girl too departed, repeatedly looking back at me. ### [3.141](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.141) Turning her neck, by the cord of her affectionate sidelong glance, / she drew out my heart secretly and carried it away at once. ### [3.142](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.142) As if knowing that my heart was being carried off by her, the anklets / clinging to her feet cried out repeatedly like angry persons. ### [3.143](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.143) Afflicted by love, she as she went was watched with unblinking eyes, / until she was hidden from the path of sight by the garden trees. ### [3.144](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.144) When she had passed out of sight, an unbearable torment arose / in my mind, together with exceedingly long sighs. ### [3.145](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.145) Then Bhānuvega said: "Let us also go to our own house." / When I had said "So be it", both arrived at the house. ### [3.146](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.146) Then I mounted to the upper floor and lay down there / upon a bed, and Bhānuvega also sat down beside me. ### [3.147](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.147) Then Bhānuvega said: "Why have you become so dejected? / Why do you utter exceedingly long sighs filled with despair? ### [3.148](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.148) Why do you contort your limbs, sighing deeply with groans? / Why do you toss about on the bed like a chickpea in a frying pan? ### [3.149](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.149) Thinking of what-not, why do you laugh for no reason at all? / And why, under the sway of your own fancies, do you become dejected again? ### [3.150](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.150) Acting out, as it were, a drama mingled with various sentiments, / why do you sit silent and not declare any of your true feelings to us?" ### [3.151](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.151) And when questioned repeatedly by him thus, prince, I said: / "I do not know, but why has my body become severely unwell?" ### [3.152](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.152) Laughing, he said: "I already told you before / that the sight of such women does not lead to good. ### [3.153](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.153) Therefore, through the fault of her eyes, all this torment of yours has arisen; / let a hand be passed over your back, so that ease may come." ### [3.154](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.154) Sighing, I said: "There is even doubt regarding our very life; / but you, a happy brother, why do you not make fun of me?" ### [3.155](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.155) Then Bhānuvega said: "When a man is devoid of candour / and his true nature is not known, what can we do?" ### [3.156](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.156) Then I spoke: "It should be told to one who does not know; / but you, even though knowing it, ask me falsely!" ### [3.157](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.157) As we were engaged in speaking such long strings of words, / the house-maid Cūtalatā came up and said this: ### [3.158](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.158) "There stands at the doorway, having come for the sake of seeing you, / the noble nurse of Kanakamālā, named Somalatā." ### [3.159](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.159) Then Bhānuvega said: "Bring her in quickly." When this was said, / that very Somalatā came into our presence. ### [3.160](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.160) Having paid her respects, she sat down and said with deference: / "Make it private." Thereupon Cūtalatā was sent away from there. ### [3.161](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.161) Somalatā said: "Since noble men are affectionate to those seeking refuge, / save me, save me from a dreadful calamity!" ### [3.162](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.162) With a heart filled with joy, I spoke in this manner: / "From where, good lady, is the calamity?" She said: "From the Flower-arrowed One!" ### [3.163](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.163) Smiling slightly, Bhānuvega then spoke: / "Your body has all its joints cracking and its loveliness gone; ### [3.164](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.164) its row of teeth is lost, its head shines laughing with white hair, / and it is repulsive with breasts having far-dangling folds of skin. ### [3.165](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.165) Seeing you, the Bodiless One flees far, far away in terror; / from where, then, can there be fear for you, whose body is shattered by old age?" ### [3.166](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.166) Somalatā said: "Do not mock me; listen to the story / of how my fear has been caused indirectly by the Flower-arrowed One. ### [3.167](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.167) Having played in the garden, Kanakamālā returned to her own house, / the radiance of her face faded, like the crescent moon seized by a cloud. ### [3.168](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.168) Then I asked: 'Why, daughter, are you distracted and dejected?' / But she disclosed nothing, and merely sighed deeply. ### [3.169](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.169) Her eyes were filled with tears, her face miserable. Then I questioned her friend named Haṁsikā. ### [3.170](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.170) She said: “Mother, today we reached the garden; we worshipped Madana, and just as we were walking out, he was seen: ### [3.171](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.171) sitting beside Bhānuvega, his mind distracted by curiosity, a noble youth, like the Bodiless One in visible form. ### [3.172](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.172) Seeing him, her eyes suddenly became motionless; she was fixed on his face, motionless as if depicted in a painting. ### [3.173](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.173) She looked at that youth with an unblinking gaze all over his body, but he, his mind distracted by curiosity, did not see her. ### [3.174](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.174) Then, failing to come within range of his eyes, her lotus-face full of shame, as if considering herself disgraced by misfortune, ### [3.175](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.175) thinking of something, she said: ‘Friends, having fastened a swing to this mango tree, let us play for a moment!’ ### [3.176](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.176) When they agreed and it was arranged, she too called out to her friends in a loud voice, though they were close at hand, ### [3.177](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.177) tossed by the hope: ‘If he hears my voice and looks toward me, then I shall have achieved my desire!’ ### [3.178](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.178) Seeing that, I said in jest: ‘Why do you call so very loudly to your friends who are right near you?’ ### [3.179](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.179) His mind distracted by curiosity, he gave you no reply; hearing that remark, she became somewhat embarrassed. ### [3.180](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.180) Meanwhile, that youth of Bodiless One-like beauty looked upon her; by his sudden glances, she attained an unprecedented rapture. ### [3.181](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.181) As soon as he looked at her, considering herself endowed with good fortune and her life fulfilled, her body thrilled with horripilation. ### [3.182](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.182) She embraces her friends, speaks loudly, laughs without cause, scratches the ground with her big toe, and arranges her hair. ### [3.183](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.183) Behaving with such manifestations, having sported for a moment, her limbs distressed by the arrows of Madana, she returned here and became like this.” ### [3.184](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.184) And when Haṁsikā spoke thus, I questioned her again: ‘Who is that man, Haṁsikā?’ She told me everything. ### [3.185](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.185) Thinking: ‘My daughter’s passion has fallen on a worthy person,’ I went to her side, and I saw Kanakamālā lying on her bed, ### [3.186](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.186) her lotus-face pale, her body withered by deep sighs, holding on to her life only with great difficulty and distress. ### [3.187](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.187) Tormented by rows of flame from the fire of separation from her beloved, to the fair girl her necklace and sandal-paste seem like glowing coals. ### [3.188](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.188) Lotus-stalks appear like firewood, lotus leaves like nets of flame, and even a feather mattress seems like a heap of burning charcoal. ### [3.189](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.189) Questioned, she gives no answer; she does not converse even with affectionate companions; she has become motionless like an eminent yoginī engaged in meditation. ### [3.190](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.190) Seized by the demon of separation from her beloved, unconscious, O handsome one, let the fair girl be revived by her friends with the mantras of your name! ### [3.191](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.191) Knowing that she is tormented by separation from her beloved and her life is breaking, pained by her distress, I have come into your presence. ### [3.192](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.192) Thus, from the flower-arrowed one, a very grave disaster has come upon me, because she being distressed, I too am exceedingly distressed. ### [3.193](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.193) Therefore, O handsome youth, let Kanakamālā, whose body is withered by sighs, that fair girl, be revived before her breaths come to an end! ### [3.194](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.194) Quickly devise some means before her life departs; once life is gone, what will be achieved by the nectar of love?” ### [3.195](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.195) Hearing her words, then, O prince, I said: “We do not even know this: who is this Kanakamālā? ### [3.196](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.196) So ask Bhānuvega, who grasps the true facts of the matter in question; we, however, are guests and ignorant of the situation here.” ### [3.197](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.197) Then Bhānuvega said: “We too know nothing at all.” Then Somalatā spoke these words indignantly: ### [3.198](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.198) “Having stolen her heart, striking her limbs with arrows of glances, and bringing her life to the breaking point, now you pretend ignorance! ### [3.199](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.199) Her life is in her throat; she is dying in separation from you, there is no doubt; yet you adopt feigned ignorance and stand there heartless, noble sir! ### [3.200](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3.200) And furthermore: _First 200 of 252 passages. [Read on](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3)_ ## Linked texts (1) - [Surasuṃdarīcariya](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya.3.1) — Dhaneśvara, Māhārāṣṭrī Prakrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.jaina.post.katha.surasundaricariya~en-mt.3) · Pramāṇa