2 Ganesha Green background
The Sages said, “What happened to Somakanta? Did he reach the forest? Did he make any friends or engage in some type of activity? Please tell us everything!” Suta said, “Yes immaculate sages, listen carefully and I will tell you the story of King Somakanta after he had gone to the forest. With his wife Sudharma and two of his ministers, Subala and Jnanagamya, he entered the forest which was difficult to access. In front went the two ministers, in the middle was the King, and his wife Sudharma followed, like Sita behind Rama. The four were of one mind concerning eating, and choosing dwelling and resting places. They went from forest to forest, indifferent to happiness and distress. Then, terribly beset by fatigue, hunger and thirst from climbing hills which were without paths, they finally took shelter of a shady spot and settled down, not knowing where they were. Then, after traveling further into the forest they saw a large lake where dwelt tortoises and crocodiles, and where there were beautiful trees including palmyra, khadira, pine, priyala, bakula, bread-fruit, rose-apple, neem, and fig. These trees were laden with multitudes and varieties of creepers. The darkness of this forest seemed dense like the inside of a mountain cave, but the pleasant breeze carried the aroma of the lotus and kadamba flowers.
There were geese in the lake where the sages gathered their lotuses and fruit. There were also swans, herons, hawks, parrots, crows, cuckoos, sarikas and cranes, all making different cries. Those who lived within the many arbors of creepers and flowers did not notice too much light or darkness, nor heat or cold. Only those who possess great merit reside where there is no hunger, thirst or death, as in the spiritual realm. When the King’s party had reached the lake, they all drank some cool water to dispel their fatigue. After bathing and performing obligatory rituals, they also enjoyed some fruit. The two ministers, with the King’s permission, left to gather tubers, roots, flowers and lotus shoots. For a while, the King slept on a pleasant sandy bank while his wife stayed and massaged his feet. Then Sudharma noticed a boy of brilliant appearance who was intense, powerful, and radiating with splendor. Because of his striking appearance she thought, ‘this boy was previously born as Cupid’. After she had seen him, Sudharma rejoiced, and believed that he must be the bearer of good fortune.
She then felt some uneasiness in her heart because now she was unsure if the boy meant them harm or could actually be of some assistance. She then asked him, ‘Who are you and why have you settled in this place? Whose son are you and who is your mother? Friend, please speak pleasantly and delight my ears with your ambrosial words’! The boy then addressed the King’s wife with his pleasant words”. Cyavana said, “Forest woman, Bhrgu is my father and Puloma is my mother. I have come here from my house to collect some water. Beautiful lady, I am called Cyavana and I am carrying out my father’s instructions. Who are you, and is this man your husband? Why has he come to this forest? Why are his limbs streaming blood like a mountain in the rainy season? What bad karma has caused this revolting smell? Tell me! Being so charming yourself with your beautiful eyes, your impressive elegance, your clear face, and lovely, enchanting, splendid form, why are you waiting upon him who is completely covered with worms? A person as eminent as your husband could not appear like this to your father, friends, brothers and brahmins, yet he is a leper overburdened with this dilemma. Why were you chosen as his bride, and why have you come to this practically inaccessible forest?”