The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.s1.376.4

v2.c17.s1.376.4

The news of the miracle soon reached the ears of the king of Conjeveram, who, with his whole court, visited the place, worshipped the image with the greatest devotion, caused a large temple to be erected for its accommodation and dedicated several villages for its support. Since then the image became the most revered object of [144] adoration and its fame for working miracles spread far and wide. Centuries after, negotiations were set on foot for the marriage of Pratāparudra of Orissa with Padmāvatī, the daughter of the then king of Conjeveram, and at first both parties were well disposed to the match; but, it being brought to the notice of the bride’s father that the bridegroom was in the habit of performing the duties of a Candāl by sweeping the street before the Car of Jagannātha, a difficulty arose. How could the king, a descendant of the solar race, demean himself by bestowing his daughter to a Candāl? The match was therefore broken off and Pratāparudra swore that, to avenge the insult, he would by force bring away the girl and give her away to a real Candāl (*ante*, p. [119]). He invaded Conjeveram twice, and on the second occasion succeeded in carrying away the fair lady, as also the image of Sākṣi Gopāla, which was the most sacred object in the dominion of his opponent. In the latter case, it is said, the permission of the divinity was duly obtained before the removal was effected.