Lord Venkateshwar Part 5

[Guest guest]

Padmavati was in a bad condition. She could only think of Srinivas.

She could not eat or sleep. She never spoke to her maids, never went to her

garden, and was becoming weaker every day. Her parents called many doctors

and performed many pujas to try to cure her, but none where susccesful.

Srinivasa was restless also and completely love sick, thinking all

the time of His meeting with Padmavati. Although His mother had tried to

discourage Him from setting His mind on Padmavati, she also wanted to see

the desire of her son fullfilled. She could not tolerate her son's

discomfort, and with determination she told Him, "Today I will go and visit

the King and propose You for his daughter," and set off for the palace.

Srinivasa doubted whether the king would honour his mothers request,

and in order to strengthen her request, He conceived of a plan. He disguised

Himself as a female fortune teller. He wore a red saree and green tilak and

mascara. He looked very beautiful and hurried to the palace before His

mother could reach there.

Being eager to solve the distressed condition of their daughter, the

King and Queen invited the the fortune teller into the palace. The Queen

said "Please tell us the future as it is, without hiding any facts."

The gypsy woman sat in front of Padmavati reading her palm. She

smiled at Padmavati, and at once Padmavati knew that it was Srinivasa. The

gypsy sang very melodiously: "A few days ago you saw a young man in the

garden. Your companions abused Him, but your heart is with Him. His heart is

also with you. Don't think he is an ordinary man. He is the Supreme Lord

Himself, whether you beleive it or not. Listen to my prophecy. Your worries

will end soon. Three crores of devas cannot stop your marraige to this man."

Padmavati was overjoyed and jumped up and ran to her quarters smiling.

The King and Queen was struck with wonder. Their daughter was cured.

"Was that all true?" the Queen asked the gypsy woman. "Don't ask me, ask

your daughter," was the reply. The gypsy woman was rewarded with valuable

pearls and quickly left.

The King and Queen discussed the news. The queen was angry: "How can

we give our daughter to a hunter! In a poor man's family there are too many

problems." The King said, "Yes, one should not knowingly tread an uncertain

path. I cannot give my daughter to the hunter. But still, we have no choice

on certain matters, and marraige is certainly one predetermined factor."

Suddenly Padmavati approached her parents and revealed her mind.

"All the gypsy woman has is was true. I will not change my mind even if the

sun and moon change their direction. If you give your consent, I will marry

the hunter." The King and queen wanted to satisfy their daughter's

determination and said that first they must consult with the elders and

rshis.

As this discussion was going on, Vakuladev (Srinivasa's mother)

arrived at the palace. She was received as befitting a saintly forest

dweller. Vakuladev said "I have a son called Srinivasa. He is very beautiful

and although he has no money, He is capable of ruling the three worlds. He

intends to marry only your daughter, so I have come to propose Him as a

husband for your daughter. Please don't doubt whether your daughter will be

happy with Him."

The King and Queen were stunned. They were very happy to hear these

words and promised to consult their elders and inform Vakuladev of their

decision.

 

(to be continued)

 

Your servant,

Dinanatha das