Part 3: Dharmanātha’s parents (king Bhānu and queen Suvratā)

Its king was Bhānu, brilliant as the sun, fire to the straw of his enemies, glowing with distinguished spotless virtues. Even Bṛhaspati was not able to count his various virtues like the waves of the ocean. This earth, whose tribute was collected by him alone, did not consider any other lord, like a high-born virtuous wife whose hand has been taken (in marriage). Having bound Śrī, who is naturally fickle, by the very strong cords of his virtues, he fastened her, like a young cow-elephant, to the pillar of his arm. Possessing intense brilliance like the sun, he destroyed the splendor of rival kings like torches. Wishing to conquer kings, he did not put a frown on his brow, much less the string on his bow.

His wife was named Suvratā, an unusually virtuous wife, excelling the bees in attendance on his lotus-feet. Surely her low speech had been taught by the cuckoos, her skill in walking by the haṃsas, her glances by the deer. Modesty was her companion, a wealth of good conduct her maid, good-breeding her chamberlain. This was her natural retinue. Devotion to her husband was the ornament suited to her. Any other ornaments, necklace, et cetera, were ornamented (by her).