Part 3: Śītala’s parents (king Dṛḍharatha and queen Nandā)

In this city was established King Dṛḍharatha, whose circle of enemies had been defeated, who had covered the earth-circle, like the ocean. He was extremely modest about his virtues, which were constantly described by the throng of sages, as if they were vices. He gave to beggars the wealth taken by force from his enemies, as if making atonement for the fault of theft. Kings, falling repeatedly on the ground before him, touching the ground with their bodies, attained kingship after a long time. Even an atom of instruction in knowledge given by gurus spread in him, very intelligent, like a drop of oil in water.

His wife, named Nandā, delighting the heart, was a virtuous wife, the chief of virtuous wives, like Mandākinī, the chief of rivers. Even rājahaṃsīs were considered to be pupils in the art of walking, as it were, of her who moved charmingly with very, very slow steps. Whenever she spoke with fragrant breath, her speech became a charm for attracting bees. The only similarity to this beautiful woman was in herself. There is nothing similar in extent to the sky. She was sewn firmly in the heart of Dṛḍharatha by her virtues, and Dṛḍharatha was engraved on her mind, as it were.