Kāṣṭhīlā-Ākhyāna: Ratnāvalī’s Return, Co-wife Dharma, and the Phālguna Propitiation

Verse 1

काष्ठीलोवाच । भार्यायास्तद्वचः श्रुत्वा राक्षस्या धर्मसंमितम् । पृष्ठात्करोणुरूपिण्याः सकन्योऽवातरद्द्विजः ॥ १ ॥

Kāṣṭhīla said: Having heard the righteous, dharma-consistent words of his rākṣasī wife, the brāhmaṇa descended from the back of the she-ass, together with his daughter.

Verse 2

अवतीर्णे द्विजे साभूत्सुरूपा प्रमदा पुनः । क्षपाचरी क्षपानाथवक्त्रा पीनोन्नतस्तनी ॥ २ ॥

When the brāhmaṇa had descended, she again became a beautiful young woman—moving by night, moon-faced, with full and uplifted breasts.

Verse 3

सा कुमारी ततः प्राप्य नगरं स्वपितुः शुभम् । बाह्यरक्षास्थित प्राप्तं पुरपालमुवाच ह ॥ ३ ॥

Then that maiden, having reached the auspicious city of her own father, approached the city-guard stationed at the outer watch and spoke to him.

Verse 4

गच्छ त्वं नृपतेः पार्श्वं पितुर्मम पुराधिप । ब्रूहि मां समनुप्राप्तां रत्नशालां पुरा हृताम् ॥ ४ ॥

O lord of the city, go at once to the side of the king—my father—and tell him that I have come here, seeking the jeweled hall that was taken away long ago.

Verse 5

रत्नावलिं रत्नभूतां सुद्युम्नस्य महीक्षितुः । तल्पथा रक्षसा रात्रौ स्वपुरस्था हृता द्विज ॥ ५ ॥

O brāhmaṇa, Ratnāvalī—herself like a jewel—, the wife of King Sudyumna, was abducted at night by the rākṣasa Talpatha while she was within her own city.

Verse 6

पुनः सा समनुप्राप्ता जीवमानाऽक्षता पितः । समाश्वसिहि शोकं त्वं मा कृथा मत्कृते क्वचित् ॥ ६ ॥

“Father, she has returned again—alive and unharmed. Be consoled; give up your grief, and do not mourn on my account at any time.”

Verse 7

अविप्लुतास्मि राजेंद्र गांगा आप इवामलाः । तव कीर्तिकरी तद्वन्मातुः सौशील्यसूचिका ॥ ७ ॥

O king, I am unsullied—pure like the spotless waters of the Gaṅgā. In the same way, I bring you good fame and also proclaim the noble character of your mother.

Verse 8

तत्कुमारीवचः श्रुत्वा पुरापालस्त्वरान्वितः । अबाहुरिति विख्यातः प्राप्तः सुद्युम्रसन्निधौ ॥ ८ ॥

Hearing the words of that maiden, the city-guardian—known by the name Abāhu—hurriedly arrived in the presence of Sudyumna.

Verse 9

कृतप्रणामः संपृष्टः प्राह राजानमादरात् । राजन्नुपागता नष्टा दिहिता तव मानद ॥ ९ ॥

Having offered his obeisance, and when questioned, he respectfully addressed the king: “O King, your daughter—bestower of honor—has come back, though she had been lost.”

Verse 10

रत्नावलीति विख्याता सस्त्रीकद्विदजसंयुता । पुरबाह्ये स्थिता दृष्टा मया ज्ञाता न चाभवत् ॥ १० ॥

She was famed by the name Ratnāvalī, accompanied by her husband, a brāhmaṇa. I saw her standing outside the city; yet though I tried to recognize her, I could not discern who she truly was.

Verse 11

तयाहं प्रेरितः प्रागां त्वां विज्ञापयितुं प्रभो । अविप्लुताहं वदति मां जानातु समागताम् ॥ ११ ॥

Urged by her, I came earlier to inform you, O Lord. She says, “I am unharmed”; please know that I have arrived here.

Verse 12

पितरं मम सत्कृत्यै नात्र कार्या विचारणा । तदद्भुतं वचः श्रुत्वा पुरपालस्य तत्क्षणात् ॥ १२ ॥

“Honor my father properly—there is no need for deliberation here.” Hearing those astonishing words of the city-guard, at that very moment…

Verse 13

सामात्यः सकलत्रस्तु सद्विजो निर्ययौ नृपः । स तु गत्वा पुराद्ब्राह्ये गंगातीरे व्यवस्थिताम् ॥ १३ ॥

Then the king set out—together with his ministers, along with his wife, and accompanied by learned brāhmaṇas. Going outside the city, he reached the bank of the Gaṅgā and took his place there.

Verse 14

अपश्यद्भास्कराकारां सस्त्रीकद्विजसंयुताम् । सहजे नैव वेषेण भूषितां भूषणप्रियाम् ॥ १४ ॥

He beheld her—radiant like the sun—accompanied by women and brāhmaṇas; though in her natural form and not disguised by any costume, she was adorned with ornaments, being fond of adornment.

Verse 15

अम्लानकुसुमप्रख्यां तत्पकांचनसुप्रभाम् । दूराद्दृष्ट्वांतिकं गत्वा पर्यष्वजत भूपतिः ॥ १५ ॥

Seeing her from afar—radiant like an unfading flower and shining with the splendid luster of ripe gold—the king drew near and embraced her.

Verse 16

पितरं सापि संहृष्टा समाश्लिष्य ननाम ह । ततश्च मात्रा संगम्य हृष्टया हर्षितांतरा ॥ १६ ॥

She too, overjoyed, embraced her father and bowed to him. Then, meeting her mother, she rejoiced—her heart filled with happiness.

Verse 17

प्राह वाक्यं विशालाक्षी संबोध्य पितरं नृपम् । सुप्ताहं रत्नशालायां सखीभिः परिवारिता ॥ १७ ॥

The large-eyed maiden addressed her father, the king, saying: “I was asleep in the jeweled palace, surrounded by my companions.”

Verse 18

उदकूकृत्वा शिरस्ताताधौतांघ्रिर्मंचकोपरि । चिंतयत्नी भर्तृयोगं निशीथे रक्षसा हृता ॥ १८ ॥

Placing a water-pot by her head and washing her feet, she lay upon the cot, thinking of union with her husband; in the middle of the night she was carried off by a rākṣasa.

Verse 19

स मां गृहीत्वा स्वपुरं प्रागादर्णवगे गिरौ । नानारत्नमये तत्र गुहायां स्थापिता ह्यहम् ॥ १९ ॥

Taking me with him, he went to his own city on the mountain called Arṇavaga; there, in a cave adorned with many kinds of jewels, I was indeed kept.

Verse 20

स तत्रोद्वहनोपायचिंतयांतर्व्यवस्थितः । तस्य भार्या त्वियं सुभ्रूर्या तिष्ठति सुमध्यमा ॥ २० ॥

There he remained inwardly absorbed, pondering the means of carrying her away. And this woman—his wife—of beautiful eyebrows and a slender waist, stands here.

Verse 21

बिभ्रती मानुषं रूपं राक्षसी राक्षसप्रिया । अनया बुद्धियोगेन शक्त्या शक्रस्य भूपते ॥ २१ ॥

O king, that rākṣasī—dear to the rākṣasas—assumed a human form; and by the power of buddhi-yoga, discerning strategy, she could overcome even the might of Śakra (Indra).

Verse 22

घातितो विप्रहस्तेन क्रूरकर्मा पतिः स्वकः । पुरैव मम तं शैलं प्राप्तो देवेन भूसुरः ॥ २२ ॥

My own husband, cruel in deed, was slain by the hand of a brāhmaṇa. Long before that, O godlike brāhmaṇa, you had already come to that mountain of mine.

Verse 23

इयं तु राक्षसी दृष्ट्वा पतिं स्वं धर्मदूषकम् । विप्रेण संविदं कृत्वा दांपत्ये निजकर्मणा ॥ २३ ॥

But this rākṣasī woman, seeing that her own husband was a corrupter of dharma, made an agreement with a brāhmaṇa and, by her own actions, arranged her married life accordingly.

Verse 24

रूपेणाप्यस्य संमुग्धा घातयामास राक्षसम् । एवं कृत्वा पतिं विप्रं हस्तिनीरूपधारिणी ॥ २४ ॥

Even he was deluded by her beauty, and she caused the rākṣasa to be slain. Thus, she who had assumed the form of a female elephant saved the brāhmaṇa—her husband.

Verse 25

गृहीत्वा वास्तुकं वित्तं पृष्ठमारोप्य मामपि । समायातात्र भूपाल मामत्तुं तव मंदिरम् ॥ २५ ॥

“Taking the wealth meant for building the dwelling, and even lifting me onto your back, you have come here, O king, to your own house—intending to devour me.”

Verse 26

अनया रक्षिता राजन् राक्षस्याराक्षसात्ततः । तस्मादिमां पूजयस्व सत्कृत्याग्रजसंयुताम् ॥ २६ ॥

O King, by her I was protected from that rākṣasī (female demon) and from the rākṣasa. Therefore, honor this woman—receive her respectfully—together with her elder brother.

Verse 27

अस्या एवामुमत्या मां देह्यस्मै ब्राह्मणाय हि । अनेनैकासनगता जाता भर्ता स मे भवत् ॥ २७ ॥

“With her very consent, give me to this brāhmaṇa indeed. Having shared a single seat with him, he has become my husband—so let him be my lord.”

Verse 28

येनैकासनगा नारी भवेद्भर्ता स एव हि । नान्य इत्थँ पुराणेषु श्रूयते ह्यागमेष्वपि ॥ २८ ॥

He alone is truly her husband with whom a woman shares the same seat; no other rule like this is heard of—either in the Purāṇas or even in the Āgamas.

Verse 29

अस्याः पृष्ठे निविष्टाहं प्रीत्या सह द्विजन्मना । धर्मत स्तेन मद्भर्ता भवेदेषा मतिर्मम ॥ २९ ॥

“Seated upon her back, I am with affection alongside the twice-born man. By the standard of dharma, my husband would be deemed a thief—this is my understanding.”

Verse 30

तस्मादिमां सांत्वयित्वा शास्त्रागमविधानतः । देहि विप्राय मां तात पितमन्यं वृणे न च ॥ ३० ॥

Therefore, having consoled her in accordance with the ordinances of the śāstras and the sacred āgamas, give me, dear Father, to a brāhmaṇa. I choose no other husband.

Verse 31

तच्छ्रुत्वा दुहितुर्वाक्यं सुद्युम्नो भूपतिस्तदा । सांत्वयामास तन्वंगीं राक्षसीं प्रश्रयानतः ॥ ३१ ॥

Hearing his daughter’s words, King Sudyumna then, with humble deference, consoled the slender-limbed rākṣasī.

Verse 32

सुतैषा धर्मभीता मे त्वामेव शरणं गता । यदर्थं निहतः कांतस्त्वया पूर्वतरः सति ॥ ३२ ॥

This daughter of mine, fearful for her dharma, has come to you alone for refuge. For whose sake, O virtuous lady, was her beloved earlier slain by you?

Verse 33

त्वदधीना ततो भद्रे जातेयं मत्सुता किल । इममिच्छति भर्तारं योऽयं भर्ता कृतस्त्वया ॥ ३३ ॥

Therefore, O auspicious lady, this daughter of mine has indeed come under your charge. She desires this very man as her husband—the husband whom you yourself have brought about.

Verse 34

मया प्रणामदानाभ्यां याचिता त्वं निशाचरि । अनुमोदय साहाय्ये सुतां मम सुलोचने ॥ ३४ ॥

O night-roaming one (rākṣasī), I have entreated you with salutations and with gifts. Please consent to help my daughter, O fair-eyed lady.

Verse 35

त्वद्वाक्याद्भवतु प्रेष्या मत्सुता ब्राह्मणस्य तु । सापत्नभावं त्यक्त्वा तु सुतां मे परिपालय ॥ ३५ ॥

By your sacred word, let my daughter become the attendant of that brāhmaṇa. Casting aside all co-wife rivalry, protect and care for my daughter.

Verse 36

सुताया मम भार्याया मद्बलस्य जनस्य च । पुरस्य विषयस्यापि स्वामिनी त्वं न संशयः ॥ ३६ ॥

Without doubt, you are the mistress and rightful authority over my daughter, my wife, my forces, my people, and even the city and the whole realm.

Verse 37

तव वाक्ये स्थिता ह्येषा सदैवापि भविष्यति । एतच्छ्रुत्त्वा तु वचनं सुद्युम्नस्य निशाचरी ॥ ३७ ॥

“Established in your word, she will indeed remain so forever.” Hearing this statement—the words of Sudyumna—the night-roaming woman (niśācarī) replied accordingly.

Verse 38

अन्वमोदत शुद्धेन चेतसा सहचारिणी । उवाच च धरापालं प्रदानाय कृतोद्यमम् ॥ ३८ ॥

With a purified mind, the companion (wife) gladly consented; and she spoke to the protector of the land (the king), who was prepared to bestow the gift.

Verse 39

यदर्थं प्रणतस्त्वं मां सद्भावेन नृपोत्तम । तस्माद्द्वितीया भार्येयं भवत्वस्य द्विजन्मनः ॥ ३९ ॥

O best of kings, since for this very purpose you have bowed to me with sincere intent, therefore let this woman become the second wife of that twice-born man (dvija).

Verse 40

अहं च भवता पूज्या कृत्वार्चां देवमंदिरे । सर्वैश्च नागरैः सार्द्धं फाल्गुने धवले दले ॥ ४० ॥

“And I too should be worshipped by you—after performing arcanā in the temple of the Lord—together with all the townspeople, in the bright fortnight of the month of Phālguna.”

Verse 41

सप्ताहमुत्सवः कार्यो ह्यष्टम्या आचतुर्दशीम् । नटनर्तकयुक्तेन गीतवाद्येन भूरिणा ॥ ४१ ॥

A festival should indeed be conducted for seven days, from the eighth lunar day up to the fourteenth; it should be accompanied by actors and dancers, and by abundant singing and instrumental music.

Verse 42

मैरेयमांसरक्तादिबलिभिश्चापि पूजया । एवं प्रकुर्वते तुभ्यं सदा क्षेमकरी ह्यहम् ॥ ४२ ॥

Even by worship performed with offerings such as maireya-liquor, meat, blood, and the like—when one worships you in this manner—I ever become the giver of welfare and protection to that devotee.

Verse 43

भवेयं नृपशार्दूल स्वं वचः प्रतिपालय । तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्याः सुद्युम्नो नृपतिस्तदा ॥ ४३ ॥

“O tiger among kings, let it be so for me; keep your own word.” Hearing her words, King Sudyumna then responded and acted accordingly.

Verse 44

अंगीचकार तत्सर्वं यदुक्तं प्रीतया तया । प्रतिपन्ने तु वचसि राज्ञा तुष्टा तु राक्षसी ॥ ३४ ॥

The king accepted in full everything that she, moved by affection, had said. And when the king agreed to her words, the rākṣasī became satisfied.

Verse 45

उवाच ब्राह्मणं प्रेम्णा कुरु भार्यामिमामपि । राजकन्यां द्विजश्रेष्ठ गृह्योक्तविधिना शुभाम् ॥ ४५ ॥

With affection he said to the brāhmaṇa: “O best among the twice-born, take this princess also as your wife, according to the auspicious manner enjoined in the Gṛhya rites.”

Verse 46

ईर्ष्यां त्यक्त्वा विशालाक्ष्या भवाम्येषा सहोदरी । राक्षस्या वचनेनेह परिणीय नृपात्मजाम् ॥ ४६ ॥

Casting off jealousy, I shall become a true sister to this wide-eyed lady; and here, at the command of the rākṣasī, I will bring the king’s daughter as a bride.

Verse 47

बहुवित्तयुतां विप्रो महोदयपुरं ययौ । आरुह्य करिणीरूपां राक्षसीं क्षणमात्रतः ॥ ४७ ॥

The brāhmaṇa, accompanied by abundant wealth, went to the city of Mahodaya; mounting a rākṣasī who had assumed the form of a female elephant, he reached there in but a moment.

Verse 48

ततो मया श्रुतं देवि भर्ता ते समुपागतः । धनरत्नसमायुक्तो भार्याद्वयसमन्वितः ॥ ४८ ॥

Then, O goddess, I heard that your husband had arrived—bringing wealth and jewels, and accompanied by two wives.

Verse 49

ततोऽहं बंधुवर्गेण पितृभ्यां च सखीगणैः । बहुशो भर्त्सिता रूक्षैर्वचनैर्मर्मभेदिभिः ॥ ४९ ॥

Then I was repeatedly rebuked by my relatives, by my parents, and by groups of friends—through harsh words that cut to the very core.

Verse 50

कथं यास्यसि भर्तारं धनलुब्धे श्रिया वृतम् । यस्त्वया निर्द्धनः पूर्वं परित्यक्तः सुदीनवत् ॥ ५० ॥

O you who are greedy for wealth—how will you now go to your husband, surrounded by prosperity and splendor, when earlier you abandoned him as though he were utterly destitute and wretched?

Verse 51

चंचलानीह वित्तानि पित्र्याणि किल योषिताम् । कांतार्जितानि सुभगे स्थिराणीति निगद्यते ॥ ५१ ॥

Wealth in this world is indeed fickle—especially the wealth women inherit from the paternal line; but, O fortunate one, it is said that wealth earned by one’s husband remains more steady.

Verse 52

परुषैर्वचनैर्यस्तु क्षिप्तस्तद्भाषणं कथम् । भविष्यति प्रवेशोऽपि दुष्करस्तस्य वेश्मनि ॥ ५२ ॥

If someone is struck by harsh words, how could there be any friendly conversation with that person? Thereafter, even entering that person’s home becomes difficult.

Verse 53

गताया अपि ते तत्र शयनं पतिना सह । भविष्यति दुराचारे सुखदं न कदाचन ॥ ५३ ॥

Even if you go there, O woman of wicked conduct, lying with your husband in that place will never bring you happiness.

Verse 54

लोकापवादाद्यदि चेद्ग्रहीष्यति पतिस्तव । त्वां स्नेहहीनचित्तस्तु न कदाचिन्मिलिष्यति ॥ ५४ ॥

Even if your husband were to take you back because of public reproach, his heart would be devoid of affection, and he would never truly be united with you.

Verse 55

नेदृशं दुःखदं किंचिद्यादृशं दूरचित्तयोः । दंपकत्योर्मिलनं लोके वैकल्यकरणं महत् ॥ ५५ ॥

In this world there is nothing so sorrow‑bringing as the union of husband and wife whose hearts are far apart; such a coming together becomes a great cause of distress and disorder in life.

Verse 56

एवं बहुविधा वाचः श्रृण्वाना बंधुभाषिताः । अधोमुख्यस्रुपूर्णाक्षी बभूवाहं सुदुःखिता ॥ ५६ ॥

Thus, hearing many kinds of words spoken by my relatives, I became utterly sorrowful—my face cast down, my eyes brimming with tears.

Verse 57

चेतसार्चितयं चाहं पूर्वलोभेन मुह्यती । न दत्तं कंकणं पाणेर्न दत्तं कटिसूत्रकम् ॥ ५७ ॥

And I too—though honoured in the hearts of others—was deluded by my former greed: I did not give a bracelet for the hand, nor did I give even a waist-cord.

Verse 58

न चापि नूपुरे दत्ते येन तुष्टिं व्रजेत्पतिः । धनजीवितयोः स्वामी भर्ता लोकेषु गीयते ॥ ५८ ॥

Nor should she give away her anklets, if by doing so her husband would become displeased. For the husband is celebrated in the worlds as the lord of wealth and even of life itself.

Verse 59

तन्मयापहृतं वित्तं भवित्री का गतिर्मम । कथं यास्यामि तद्वेश्म कथं संभाषये पुनः ॥ ५९ ॥

“My wealth has been taken away by him. What will become of me—what course is now left to me? How shall I go to that house again, and how shall I speak with him once more?”

Verse 60

यो मया दुष्टया त्यक्तः स प्रत्येति कथं हि माम् । एवं विचिंये यादद्धृदयेन विदूयता ॥ ६० ॥

“How could he ever return to me—he whom I, in my wickedness, cast away?” Thus she kept reflecting again and again, her heart burning with anguish.

Verse 61

वेष्टिता बंधुवर्गेण तावद्दोला समागता । छत्रेण शशिवर्णेन शोभमाना सुकोमला ॥ ६१ ॥

Surrounded by her circle of kinsfolk, the delicate maiden was then brought to the palanquin; beneath a moon-white parasol she shone resplendent, exceedingly graceful.

Verse 62

आस्तृता रांकवैः पीनैः पुरुषोर्विधृतांसकैः । ते समागत्य पुरुषाः प्रोचुर्मामसकृच्छभे ॥ ६२ ॥

It was spread with thick, rich blankets and borne upon the shoulders of men. Then those men approached and spoke to me again and again, O bull among ascetics.

Verse 63

आकारितासि पत्या ते व्रज शीघ्रं मुदान्विता । धनरत्नयुतो भर्ता सद्धिभार्यः समागतः ॥ ६३ ॥

You have been summoned by your husband; go quickly, filled with joy. Your husband has arrived, accompanied by wealth and jewels, together with his virtuous wife.

Verse 64

प्रविष्टमात्रेण गृहे त्वामानेतुं वरानने । प्रेषिताः सत्वरं पत्या संस्थितां पितृवेश्मनि ॥ ६४ ॥

O fair-faced lady, the moment you entered the house, your husband quickly sent people to bring you back, even though you were staying in your father’s home.

Verse 65

ततोऽहं व्रीडिता देवि भर्तुस्तद्वीक्ष्य चेष्टितम् । नैवोत्तरमदां तेभ्यः किंचिन्मौनं समास्थिता ॥ ६५ ॥

Then, O goddess, seeing my husband’s conduct, I was overcome with shame. I gave them no reply at all and remained in silence.

Verse 66

ततोऽहं बंधुवर्गेण भूयोभूयः प्रबोधिता । आहूता स्वामिना गच्छ सम्मानेन तदंतिकम् ॥ ६६ ॥

Then I was repeatedly urged and persuaded by my circle of relatives. When I was summoned by my lord, I went respectfully into his presence.

Verse 67

स्वामिनाकारिता पत्नी या न याति तदंतिकम् । सा तु ध्वांक्षी भवेत्पुत्रि जन्मानि दश पंच च ॥ ६७ ॥

O daughter, a wife who, though summoned by her husband, does not go to him, becomes a she-crow for fifteen births.

Verse 68

एवमुक्त्वा समाश्वास्य मां गृहीत्वा त्वरान्विताः । दोलामारोप्य गच्छेति प्रोचुः स्निग्धा मुहुर्मुर्हुः ॥ ६८ ॥

Having spoken thus, they comforted me; and taking hold of me in their haste, they lifted me onto a palanquin and repeatedly said with affectionate concern, “Go on—proceed.”

Verse 69

ततस्ते पुरुषा दोलां निधायांसेषु सत्वरम् । जग्मुर्महोदयपुरं यत्र तिष्ठति मे पतिः ॥ ६९ ॥

Then those men quickly lifted the palanquin onto their shoulders and set off for Mahodayapura, where my husband resides.

Verse 70

दृष्टं मया गृहं तस्य सर्वतः कांचनावृतम् । आसनीयैश्च भोज्यैश्च धनैर्वस्त्रैर्युतं ततः ॥ ७० ॥

I saw his house, covered on every side with gold; and there it was furnished with seats, foods, wealth, and garments.

Verse 71

अथ सा राक्षसी देवी सा चापि नृपनंदिनी । प्रीत्या च भक्त्या कुरुतां प्रणतिं मम सुन्दरि ॥ ७१ ॥

Then that Rākṣasī goddess—and that princess as well—should, O fair one, bow down to me with affection and devotion.

Verse 72

ततस्ताभ्यामहं प्रेम्णा यथार्हमभिपूजिता । भर्तृवाक्येन संप्रीता स्नात्वाभुजं तथाहृता ॥ ७२ ॥

Then, by those two, I was lovingly honored as was proper. Pleased by my husband’s words, after bathing I was then taken accordingly.

Verse 73

ततोऽस्तसमयात्पश्चाद्भर्ता चाहूय सत्वरम् । परिष्वज्य चिरं दोर्भ्यां पर्यंके संन्यवेशयत् ॥ ७३ ॥

Then, after the time of sunset, her husband quickly called her; embracing her for a long while with both arms, he made her sit down upon the bed.

Verse 74

ततो निशाचरीं राजपुत्रीं चाहूय सोऽब्रवीत् । भक्त्या युवाभ्यां कर्तव्यमस्याश्चरणसेवनम् ॥ ७४ ॥

Then, summoning the night-roaming woman and the king’s daughter, he said: “You two must, with devotion, render service at her feet.”

Verse 75

इयं प्राक्कालिकी भार्या ज्येष्ठा च युवयोर्द्भुवम् । पत्युर्वाक्यात्ततस्ताभ्यां गृहीतौ चरणौ मम ॥ ७५ ॥

This is my former wife, Prākkālikī, the elder of the two. Then, at my husband’s command, both of them took hold of my feet.

Verse 76

सापत्नभावजामीर्ष्यां परित्यज्य सुलोचने । ततः प्रेष्यान्समाहूय भर्ता मे वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥ ७६ ॥

O fair‑eyed lady, cast away the jealousy born of rivalry with a co‑wife. Then my husband summoned the attendants and spoke these words to me.

Verse 77

यत्किंचिद्रक्षसः पार्श्वान्मया प्राप्तं पुरा वसु । सुतामुद्वहतो राज्ञो यच्च लब्धं मयाखिलम् ॥ ७७ ॥

Whatever wealth I once obtained from the rākṣasa’s side, and whatever I gained when the king led his daughter away for marriage—all of it was acquired by me.

Verse 78

तत्सर्वं भक्तिभावेन समानयत मा चिरम् । इयं हि स्वामिनी प्राप्ता तस्य वित्तस्य किंकराः ॥ ७८ ॥

Bring all of it at once, in a spirit of bhakti and devotion—without delay. For this lady has now attained the place of mistress; you are but servants of that wealth.

Verse 79

तद्वाक्यात्सहसा प्रेष्यैः समानीतं धनं शुभे । भर्ता समर्पयामास प्रीत्या युक्तोऽखिलं तदा ॥ ७९ ॥

At her words, the servants swiftly brought the wealth, O auspicious lady; and then the husband, filled with affection, gladly handed over the entire amount.

Verse 80

सत्कृत्य भूषणैर्वस्त्रैख्यलीकेन चेतसा । उभयोस्तत्र पश्यंत्यो राक्षसीराजकन्ययोः ॥ ८० ॥

Honouring them with ornaments and garments—yet with a deceitful intent—he remained there, while the two rākṣasī princesses looked on.

Verse 81

पर्यंकस्थां परिष्वज्य मां चुंचुबाधरे शुभे । तद्दृष्ट्वा चाद्भुतं भर्तुर्देहवित्तसमर्पणम् ॥ ८१ ॥

Embracing me as I lay upon the couch, O auspicious one with beautiful lips, he beheld something wondrous—his husband’s complete surrender of body and wealth.

Verse 82

उल्लासकरण वाक्यं करेण कुचपीडनम् । छिन्ना गौरिव खङ्गेन गताः प्राणा ममाभवन् ॥ ८२ ॥

His words were meant to excite delight, and with his hand he pressed my breast; then, as if a cow were cut down by a sword, my very life-breaths seemed to depart from me.

Verse 83

ततोऽहं यमनिर्द्दिष्टां प्राप्ता नरकयातनाम् । तामतीत्य सुदुःखार्ता काष्ठीला चाभवं शुभे ॥ ८३ ॥

Then I underwent the hell-torment ordained by Yama. Having passed through that ordeal, afflicted with intense suffering, O auspicious one, I became like a piece of wood—stunned and inert.

Verse 84

यास्यामि पुनरेवाहं तिर्यग्योनिं सहस्रशः । या भर्तुर्नापयेद्वित्तं जीवितं च शुभानने ॥ ८४ ॥

“I shall indeed be born again and again—thousands of times—into animal wombs, O fair-faced one, (as the fate of) that woman who does not safeguard her husband’s wealth and even his very life.”

Verse 85

सापीदृशीमवस्था वै यास्यत्येव न संशयः । एवं ज्ञात्वानिशं रक्षेत्पत्युर्वित्तं च जीवितम् ॥ ८५ ॥

Without doubt, she too will come to that very same condition. Knowing this, she should constantly protect her husband’s wealth and his very life.

Verse 86

पतिर्माता पिता वित्तं जीवितं च गुरुर्गतिः ॥ ८६ ॥

For her, the husband is (as) mother and father; he is wealth and even life itself; he is the guru, and he is the very refuge and goal.

Verse 87

प्रयाति नारी बहुभिः सुपुण्यैः सहैव भर्त्रा स्वशरीरदाहात् । विष्णोः पदं वित्तशरीरलुब्धा प्रयाति यामीं च कुयोनिपीडाम् ॥ ८७ ॥

A woman, endowed with many noble merits, departs together with her husband through the burning of her own body and attains the abode of Viṣṇu. But one who is greedy for wealth and bodily pleasure goes to Yama’s realm, suffering the torment of a wretched rebirth.

Verse 88

इति श्रीबृहन्नारदीयपुराणोत्तरभागे मोहिनीचरिते काष्ठीलाचरितं नाम त्रिंशत्तमोऽध्यायः ॥ ३० ॥

Thus ends the thirtieth chapter, called “The Account of Kāṣṭhīlā,” in the Mohinī narrative of the Uttara-bhāga (later section) of the sacred Bṛhannāradīya Purāṇa.