Part 11: Story of Amitagati

One day as I was playing with friends on the bank of a river I saw the beautiful footprints of a Khecara. I knew that his wife was with him from a woman’s footprints and I saw in front of me a plantain-house, a couch of flowers, and a sword and shield. Not far from there I saw a Khecara nailed to a tree with iron nails and in the scabbard of his sword three rings of herbs. With one herb from them I released him by my own knowledge; with the second I healed his wounds; and with the third I restored consciousness.

He said to me: ‘I am Amitagati, son of King Mahendravikrama, in the city Śivamandira on Mt. Vaitāḍhya. One day I went to the best mountain, Hrīmat, with a friend Dhūmaśikha and w'ith Gauramuṇḍa for amusement. There I saw the beautiful daughter, Sukumālikā, of my maternal uncle, Hiraṇyaroman, who is an ascetic. Wounded by love, I went to my home and.was married to her by my father, who brought her at once, as he had learned of my state (of infatuation) from a friend.

I remained dallying with her and one day I knew by his behavior that Dhūmaśikha was enamored of her. Nevertheless, I went about with him and came here. I, careless, was nailed (to a tree) by him and Sukumālikā was kidnaped. You released me. Friend, tell me why you have done this, that I may be free from debt to you, a friend for no reason.’

‘I have done what I should just from seeing you, sir.’ So assured by me, the Khecara flew up and went away.