part 4

Vikramaditya spoke - "But what?"

Anand replied - "I just said 'but' for no reason. In reality, marrying Princess Leelavati is quite a difficult task. Your intelligence will have to undergo many trials. Still, my best wishes are with you. May your journey be successful—Shubhamastu Te Panthanah (May your path be auspicious)..."

Vikramaditya said - "Friend! Just wishing for my success will not be enough. Please help me gather essential information about Princess Leelavati of Kanchanpur."

Anand replied - "Of course, guest! I will be happy to share whatever I know. Listen... Travel towards the south, and when you reach a forest named Sundarvan, stop there. Sundarvan is a famous forest in South India, a vast and beautiful garden. Every month, on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi), a one-day fair is held there.

In the center of the garden stands the grand and divine temple of Goddess Chamundi, which is the main attraction for devotees. Thousands of pilgrims visit and worship the goddess. The fair concludes at sunset. After sunset, Princess Leelavati arrives from the sky route along with her companions, and the temple resonates with devotional songs and dance.

In the courtyard of the temple, Princess Leelavati removes her Kanchuki (a jeweled upper garment) and places it on a marble slab. Except for the lamp placed on the Goddess Chamundi's pedestal, all other lamps are extinguished. The temple is then illuminated only by the glow of the gems on the Kanchuki, as the princess and her companions perform devotional songs and dances in worship of Chamundi. During this time, no one except the princess and her companions is allowed inside the temple.

If you can somehow obtain that Kanchuki, you will have a chance to meet Princess Leelavati when you return it to her."

Vikramaditya said - "Brother Anand! I will never forget your kindness. If you ever visit Ujjayini, do meet me." Saying this, King Vikramaditya departed.

Anand called out - "O traveler! At least tell me your name and address. How will I find you in Ujjayini?"

Without stopping, King Vikramaditya replied - "There will be no need for that. As soon as you arrive in Ujjayini, I will know you are there."

Anand watched Vikramaditya with curiosity until he disappeared from sight.

King Vikram entered the borders of South India. Everywhere among the common people, discussions about Queen Leelavati were widespread. Some praised her beauty, others her intelligence, some spoke of her wealth, and others of her melodious voice and songs.

Vikramaditya began to imagine the figure of Princess Leelavati in his mind, and the thought of attaining such a woman, adorned with so many virtues, made him restless. His pace quickened—he wanted to reach Sundarvan as soon as possible.

Finally, his destination was near. Upon reaching Sundarvan, he worshiped Goddess Chamundi with devotion. The temple of Goddess Chamundi was grand and vast. In front of the idol of the goddess was a large courtyard where devotional music continuously echoed. Devotees kept pouring in like the flow of a river. The idol of Goddess Chamundi was enormous, and it was believed that those who pleased the goddess had their fate transformed.

King Vikram eagerly awaited the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi). Finally, the much-awaited day arrived. The dense silence of Sundarvan began to fade, and with sunrise, the excitement increased. Men and women from different regions, dressed in diverse attires, could be seen in Sundarvan.

The air was filled with chants of "Jai Chamundi Mata" (Victory to Goddess Chamundi). The entire Sundarvan echoed with devotion. King Vikram roamed around the fair, taking in the sights. The decorations and arrangements of the fair were remarkable. Acrobats performed their tricks, snake charmers played their flutes to make cobras dance, and stalls selling flowers and coconuts were crowded.

As evening approached, King Vikram purchased offerings and entered the temple for worship. The temple was packed with devotees. The air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood and camphor. Despite its vastness, the temple seemed too small due to the overwhelming crowd.

With deep devotion, King Vikram worshiped Goddess Chamundi. The setting sun signaled the arrival of dusk. As night fell, the temple priest made an announcement:

"Complete your prayers soon. It is mandatory for everyone to leave the temple before sunset. Princess Leelavati of Kanchanpur, a great devotee of Goddess Chamundi, will soon arrive for the divine darshan (sacred viewing)..."

Gradually, the crowd began to thin. King Vikram started searching for a place to hide inside the temple. In previous years, no one had ever stayed inside the temple overnight, so the priests did not bother checking whether anyone remained inside.

By sunset, the temple was empty. King Vikram hid behind the idol of Goddess Chamundi. The priest locked the temple doors and left...

(To be continued...)