The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.s1.376.2

v2.c17.s1.376.2

The youth replied that the promise had been made in the presence of no less a person than Gopāla, the lord of the universe, and it should not be trifled with. The people laughed at him and said, 'Go and bring your witness before us if you wish for favourable hearing. Whoever heard of a stone image standing a witness to a marriage compact?' The youth, thereupon, repaired to Vṛndāvana and insisted upon Gopāla coming with him to bear witness to the engagement. The god agreed on condition that the youth shall never look behind him as long as he was walking. 'How can that be? The way is long and the journey must be protracted to months ; how shall I know that you are following me and had not given me the slip? Already has the Brahman treated me falsely, and if you fail I shall be undone'. 'Fear not', said the god, 'I shall not treat you so ; and if you insist on some proof every moment that I am following you, you will have it. My motion behind you will be indicated by the ringing of the tinkling bells on my feet. You must, however, be careful that I am daily served with a seer of well-dressed rice for my repast'. The youth accepted these terms and started on his journey home, serving the god daily with as delicious a repast as he could afford to prepare. Months passed away and there was no hitch on either side ; at last, when crossing a heavy sandy plain near Conjeveram, according to one version, particles of sand filled the bells and deadened their sound.