Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.164

c9.164

I am the faithful maid of Rambhā. The powerful asura called Caturāsya wanted me to procure Rambhā for him and he got this garden city built by Mayācārya, the architect of the Daityas, for me as reward for my service to him in the matter of Rambhā. Various kinds of gems light this place and creepers and trees supply food materials. Caturāsya, and Rambhā alone were living here. But, Indra came to know of it, came here, killed Caturāsya and took away Rambhā with him. He cursed me to lead a solitary life here as punishment for having helped Caturāsya. I prayed for redemption from the curse and Indra told me, that after thousands of years a company of monkeys would come here in search of Sītā and that after entertaining them with food I must see Rāma and then return to Svarga. I have thus been awaiting your arrival and now I am leaving the place, which will vanish as soon as I quit it. All of you, please stand there with eyes closed and I shall send you back to the place where you were before coming here.