[307] A (not) soka (sorrow). This beautiful tree has exquisitely coloured and abundant blossom, varying from rich orange red to primrose yellow. It is sacred to Siva.
[308] They are coloured red, white, and blue.
[309] Rutting elephants. The seasonal juice is odorous, and issues from minute holes on each side of the elephant's temples.
[310] Manibhadra, the demi-god, was worshipped by travellers, and resembles Kuvera, god of wealth.
[311] A curious glimpse of Hindu ideas regarding demi-gods or demons.
[CHAPTER XXII
Nala in Exile]
Nala's Wanderings—The Magic Fire—King of Serpents Rescued—Nala Transformed—His Service as a Charioteer—Life in Ayodhya—The Evening Song of Sorrow—Search for Damayantí—How she was Discovered—Her Departure from Chedi—Search for Nala—A Woman's Faith—Journey to the Swayamvara—The Tree Wonder—Demon Leaves Nala's Body—The Coming of the Chariot—Damayanti's Vow.
Soon after Nala had fled into the forest depths, deserting the faithful Damayantí, he beheld a great fire which blazed furiously. As he drew nigh he heard a voice crying over and over again from the midst of the sacred flames: “Hasten, Nala! Oh, hasten, Nala, and come hither!”