Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.3147

c9.3147

Once Saṃvaraṇa entrusting the administration of the state to Vasiṣṭha went to do penance in the forests. On his way he followed a deer for a long distance on horseback and reached a deep forest named Vaibhrāja alone. There he saw a lotus pond full of blossomed lotuses and Kalhāra flowers. Celestial maidens were playing there without interruption. Among them he saw a very beautiful maiden. She was Tapati daughter of Sūrya. Even at first sight they became lovers. The king looking at her lost his balance and fell from the horse. At once great and charming Gandharvas approached the king and sprinkling water on his face brought him back from swoon. Tapati was also upset and the other nymphs took her to her father's house and consoled her.