43.2: The king of Vidyanagar hears of the glory of Vithoba

9. Now listen to the following tale. There was a Brahman living in the sacred city of Pandhari. Feeling the desire in his heart for money he started on a begging trip from country to country.

10. Visiting many towns and cities in his journey he arrived finally at Vidyanagar. Entering the city he thought to himself, ‘I must meet the king.’

11. So the Brahman took his bath, performed his devotions and then attempted to enter the palace. The doorkeeper would not let him go inside, however. He said to him, ‘Just wait here a little while.

12. I will go and get the king’s permission; then sir, you may enter within the palace.’ The servant returned after informing the king, and the Brahman then entered within.

13. Ram [Rama] Raja, when he saw the Brahman, bowed and worshipped him. The Brahman felt exceeding joy and exclaimed, ‘Blessed are you, great king, the very image of charity.’

14. The king then enquired, ‘Whence have you come, sir? With what desire in your heart have you come? Please tell me?

15. To this enquiry of the king the Brahman replied with joy thus: ‘The sacred city of Pandhari is a most wonderful city. It is there that I dwell.

16. I have heard of your generosity and have hastened here begging from country to country on my way.’ The king listened to his story and felt keen pleasure.

17. The king replied to the Brahman, ‘Let your mind be at ease. I am going now first to my bath, and then to the worship of the goddess.

18. Come with me and see her temple. The temple glitters with gold. I shall make to her the various offerings, and present her with the tulsi leaf.’

19. The Brahman was delighted at this conversation with the king and accompanied him as he went to worship the goddess.

20. The king had planted costly flower gardens around the temple. In the inner temple he had placed the image of Ambika (mother, goddess). Here he now performed the appropriate ceremonies of worship.

21. These were accompanied by the loud noise of many musical instruments. While the king performed his part of the worship the Brahmans repeated mantras. The loud noise was a joyful one.

22. In worshipping the goddess they used the sixteen rites; they clothed her with garments, and adorned her with jewels. Thus adorned with these various divine jewels the goddess looked beautiful.

23. They perfumed her with sandal oil and other scents. Around her neck was placed a garland of flowers. With incense and lights the king made his offerings.

24. Lighting the five lamps he waved them before Mahamaya and fell at her feet making a postrate namaskar.

25. After distributing gifts to all, the king sat for a while in quiet contemplation. He then entered into conversation with the Brahman from Pandhari.