Chapter 196 - Bṛhadbala Proceeds to the city of Ānarta

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Sūta said:

1-3. Seeing that his daughter had attained prime of youth with unrivalled beauty of form and excellent complexion, King Ānarta thought about the matter of giving his daughter away in marriage.

He was aware that a person who gives his daughter in marriage to an undeserving person out of temptation for some gain goes to hell.

He thought thus for a long time but could not meet with an excellent and deserving bridegroom.

4. He sent for men famous in the art of painting portraits and objects among all living beings (and said to them):

5-6. “Go ahead at my behest. Draw the portraits of men all over the earth on canvas and show them (to me). Better show them to my daughter so that the chaste girl can select some suitable king as her husband, lest there should be any blame on me.”

7. On hearing his words, all the painters set out and visited various kings all over the world in their own palaces.

8. After painting the portraits of kings of suitable age and prime of youth endowed with handsome features and liberalmindedness, they showed them to Ratnavatī one by one at the behest of the king.

9. Among them all, Bṛhadbala, the splendid overlord of Daśārṇa land, was chosen by her as her husband.

10. Then, after a discreet enquiry the delighted king of Ānarta sent a messenger for the sake of matrimonial alliance instructing him thus:

11-12. “At my behest go to the Lord of Daśārṇa land. He should be told humbly: ‘Come to me so that I can give my daughter in marriage to you. Her name is Ratnavatī. She is well-known as the most beautiful lady in all the three worlds.”

13-14. The messenger quickly went to the place where king Bṛhadbala was present and told him clearly what the king of Ānarta had told. That king heard the excellent statement of those and was delighted very much. Accompanied by his vast army of four divisions, that king went to the city of Ānarta.