The World of Courtesans c12.36

c12.36

In the story of Ravidatta the nature of indigo love (*nili raga*) is illustrated. Ravidatta was born in a Brahman family and by the age of sixteen had acquired knowledge of many arts including the art of love. One day his father advised him not to go near harlots and rogues, to eschew music and merry-making, pleasure gardens and gambling houses. However, after the death of his parents a company of vitas pressed Ravidatta to go and watch the festive procession of Kama. There in a garden named Kusmakara in the temple of Kama he saw a beautiful girl and at once fell in love with her and then returned to her house. She happened to be the courtesan Vinayavati, who sent the message of love to Ravidatta through her friend Sangamika. The young man fell a victim to the allurements. He began presenting to her costly gifts and large amounts of money and completely disregarded the warning of his elders. Vinayavati took him to fairs (*yatra*) and picnics. She divested him of his wealth and rendered him a pauper. Then through Sangamika she sent him a message that merchants from the Suvarnadvipa wanted to purchase her love for a large amount of money and she asked him not to come to her place. The lover was disconsolate, but his love proved too strong and after some days he decided to visit her place. There he was insulted. He requested Sangamika to intercede on his behalf but Vinayavati refused to recognize him. In spite of all this his love persisted and he passed the rest of his days trying to get occassional glimpses of his beloved.