Simhasanadvatrimshika 15.p3

15.p3

Vasumitra related the incident of the celestial maiden and the boiling oil. The king, accompanied by him, went to that place, bathed there, bowed to Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa, and leaped into the boiling oil. Then the people of the place raised a great cry of woe; the king's body became the form of a lump of flesh. Hearing of this, Manmathasaṃjīvinī brought the nectar of immortality and sprinkled it over the lump of flesh. At once, the king became a youth of divine form. Then, as Manmathasaṃjīvinī was about to place the garland around the king's neck, she was addressed by him: 'O Manmathasaṃjīvinī, if you have become mine, then hear my word.' She said: 'Sire, command me; I will obey your word in every way.' The king said: 'If you will do as I say, then choose this domestic priest of mine [as your husband].' She too said, 'So be it,' and placed the garland around the priest's neck. The king performed their marriage, consecrated that Vasumitra in that kingdom, and returned to his own city. Having related this story, the statuette said to the king: 'O King, if you have such generosity and courage, then sit upon this throne.'