Skandapurana 4.34.3.6
English (machine translation) 4.34.3.6
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4.34.3.6
"Having seen that Jñānavāpī, we shall experience great enjoyments.
She certainly deserves to be called Jñānavāpī by name,
since it is wondrous that even when depicted in a painting, she grants you knowledge here."
Agreeing to their words and concealing her true feelings,
having done pleasing things for the king, she, knowing the right moment, addressed him.
Kalāvatī said:
"Lord of my life, there is nothing dearer to me anywhere than you.
Having attained you as my husband, O king, all my desires have been fulfilled.
One desire, O noble prince, is to be requested of you by me here;
when taken into consideration, it is also of great benefit to you.
For me, who am dependent on you, it is exceedingly difficult to attain, and great;
but for you, whose conduct is independent, this desire is nearly accomplished.
Lord of my life, what is the use of speaking much? If you have any need for my life-breaths,
then grant what is desired; otherwise my life-breaths will depart."
Hearing the words of her who was dearer than life-breaths, the king
spoke words pleasing both to her and to himself.
The king said:
"O dear one, O passionate woman, I see nothing here that cannot be given to you;
even my life-breaths have been purchased by you through your virtues of good conduct and artistry.
Speak without delay, and know it to be done, O Kalāvatī.
There is nothing unattainable by other women for virtuous women like you.
Who is to be asked? What is to be requested? Or who is the requester, O dear one?
Our conduct is not at all like that of ordinary people, O Kalāvatī.
The country, the treasury, the army, the fortress, and whatever else there is, O passionate woman—
all that is yours; none of it is mine, only lordship here is mine.
And that lordship belongs to me elsewhere, not towards you, O mistress of my life!
At your word, O proud woman, I would abandon the kingdom as if it were a blade of grass."
Hearing these words of King Mālyaketu, that
Kalāvatī spoke a charming statement with a deep voice.
Kalāvatī said:
"O lord, formerly the Creator created various kinds of creatures;
Linked texts (1)
- Skandapurāṇa — Vyāsa, Sanskrit