The World of Courtesans c12.39

c12.39

In the fourth story "Turmeric love" is illustrated. It is related that a poor Brahman named Suradharman troubled by his poverty, reached the ocean and clad in a leather jacket (*charma chandataka*) worshipped it daily. As a result of this devotion he received the gift of an invaluable jewel from the ocean. Feigning madness, he hid the jewel carefully and reached Ujjayini where Devadatta, the beautiful courtesan of Vikramarka lived. Once while she was in search of a rich client she chanced to see the man and at once guessed that he possessed some invaluable treasure. She asked him from where he had come, the answer was that it was only known to his mother. Devadatta, however, brought him to her home, fed and clothed him and lived with him for six months. Realizing that she had guessed his secret, he decided to leave her. In spite of all kinds of entreaties from her and protestations of her deep love, he left her.