पृष्ठ:पउमचरिउ.djvu/१६१

118 PAUMACARIU her immediately. Thereupon Prahasita and Pavananjaya flew across the sky (11). In a moment they arrived at Anjana's quar- ters. Pavana hid himself and Prahasita informed her of Pavana's arrival. Vasantamälä did not believe it, but Pavana himself appeared and smothered Añjanā in a passionate embrace (12). XIX Sandhi. Añja na accused of unchastity and aban- doned: Birth of Hanumat: Pavan a's Search: Their Reunion In the last part of the night Pavana prepared to leave when Añjană asked for some token for convincing others in case she conceived. Pavana gave his armlet and left. In course of time seeing Añjanā big with child her mother-in-law accused her of un- chastity; Vasantamālā showed Pavana's armlet and girdle as evi- dences of his visit and offered to pass any other ordeal (1). But Ketumati was unconvinced. She got them lashed and on her orders a fierce soldier drove them away from the city and left there (2). They spent a frightful night in that wilderness. Then she went to her father's city and as the news of her arrival reach- ed him he gave orders to decorate the city and arrange for her reception (3). But coming to know that Añjanā was pregnant and had come crying with Vasantamālā alone, without any escort or paraphernalia, the king suspected some blot on her character and ordered to drive her out forthwith from the city. His minister advised him to make enquiries before taking any steps, for dis- cord between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law was proverbial. But the king was firm in his conviction and so Añjanā and Vasan- tamālā were driven out of the city. They entered a frightful forest, crying bitterly and blaming Fate for its cruelty (4-5). Añjana's lament. Completely ex- hausted, they arrived near the Paryanka cave where sage Ami- tagati practised austerities. Añjanā paying obeisance to the sage asked about the wicked deeds committed by her in her previous lives on account of which she had been suffering (6). Vasanta- mālā attributed her sufferings to the unlucky child in her womb. But the sage said: "That child is destined to become a hero and get emancipation during this very existence. But Añjanā in her previous existence threw away the Jina idol worshipped by her co- wife out of ill-will, hence her present suffering. Henceforth she will enjoy all blessings.' With these words, the sage left. At this juncture a terrible lion appeared before them. An- janā fell unconscious and Vasantamala flew up in the sky and began to scream and lamentingly appeal for rescue. Hearing this Manicūņa, a benevolent Gandharva-chief, assumed the form of Aştā- pada and chased the lion. Vasantamālā came down to Añjanā 17-8). The Gandharva sang a charming song. They became con- scious of some benevolent being residing there, who gave them protection and comfort. While they stayed there in the Paryanka cave, Añjanā gave birth to a son bearing all auspicious marks. Pratisūrya passing across the sky saw them and coming down enquired about them (9). Vasantamāla introduced Añjană and related their tale of woe. With tears in his eyes, the Vidyādhara introduced himself as Añjana's maternal uncle and king of Hanu- ruha. Shedding tears of joy they embraced each other (10). Pra-