Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v1.c6.11

v1.c6.11

i, 198 f. is more important. Vyāsa exhorts Yudhiṣṭhira : “To-day the moon goes into the house of Puṣya ; to-day be thou the first to take Kṛṣṇā’s hand.” Her father has her brought up, she having been bathed and decked with many jewels. Full of joy the prince’s friends come, the state counsellors, the Brahmans, and the leading burghers, to witness the wedding. The palace shines with people and precious stones. The court is decked with strewn lotus-flowers. The five youths draw nigh in festal attire, with rings in their ears, clad in fine garments, sprinkled with sandal-water, bathed, consecrated by happiness-bringing ceremonies. Together with their sacrificial priest they come in. The priest makes the fire, sacrifices amid holy hymns (mantra), and unites Yudhiṣṭhira with Kṛṣṇā. To the right he has the two led round, who have taken one