Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v1.c5.355

v1.c5.355

in Sahadeva’s army, man and beast, goes up in flames. “For it is learned that the uplifter of sacrifices (Agni) that dwells in Māhishmatī had once been found out as an adulterer.¹ The daughter of King Nīla was fair beyond everything. She always came to kindle the burnt sacrifice. But the fire would not blaze up, even when fanned with fans, until it was set alight with wind coming from the lovely rounded lips. Then the holy Agni fell in love with this maiden, who was sweet to look on, for King Nīla and all, and she took him to her.² But once when he happened to be sporting in love (with her) in the form of a Brahman, the just king chastised him according to the precept. Then the glorious uplifter of sacrifices blazed up in wrath. When the king saw him he was filled with wonder, and bent his head to the ground. Then, in time, the prince, with head bent likewise,³ gave this maiden as wife to the fire god with the Brahman form. Then when the shining one had accepted this lovely-browed daughter of King Nīla, he bestowed his favour on the king. The most excelling fulfiller of wishes offered the prince a favour, and the lord of earth chose invulnerableness in his army. From that time all that through want of understanding (or : knowledge) try to take this city are forcibly burned by the fire god. And in this city of Māhishmatī, as is well known, the women, too, were then freed from interference as to their wishes.¹ Thus Agni granted women the favour that they are not to be held back; for there the women are wholly free, and go the way that pleases them.”