Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said,--O great king! hear the progress of
the history. When Shree Krishnù Chund, the root of joy, came to
Dwarka, after having slain Kaljumun, released Moochkoond, deceived
Joorasindhoo, accompanied by Buldeo Jee, life was revived in all the
descendants of Judoo; and joy was diffused over the whole city: the
inhabitants began to enjoy ease and happiness.
Sometime after this, several of the descendants of Judoo went one day
to the Raja Oogursen and said, “O great king! it is now necessary to
make some arrangements for Bulram Jee’s marriage, because he is of a
marriageable age.”
On hearing these words, the Raja Oogursen sent for a brahmin, and
entering into many explanations, and giving very particular
instructions, said, “Go and betroth Bulram in some good family.”
Having thus spoken, and ordered the mixture rolee, rice, a rupee and a
cocoanut to be brought, Oogursen marked the brahmin’s forehead; and
presenting him with the rupee and cocoanut allowed him to depart. He
pursued his journey, and arrived at the abode of the Raja Rewut in the
Anurta country. Having betrothed Bulram Jee to his daughter Rewutee,
and fixed upon a favourable moment, he brought the marks for the
forehead by the hands of the Raja’s brahmin, and presented them to
Oogursen at Dwarka; and informed him of all that had occurred, while
he was in the Raja’s country. The Raja Oogursen was very much pleased
with the account; and, giving a festive entertainment, he sent for the
brahmin, who had brought the marks, and received them from him; and
dismissed him with a large present of money, and afterwards went
himself in great splendour and state, accompanied by all the
descendants of Judoo, to the country of Anurta, and celebrated Bulram
Jee’s marriage.
Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo, the sage,
said to the Raja,--O lord of the earth! in this manner the descendants
of Judoo celebrated Bulram’s marriage. And Shree Krishnù Chund Jee,
accompanied by his brother, went to Koondulpore; and having fought
with evil spirits, carried off Rookmunee, the daughter of the Raja
Bheekmuk, who had been betrothed to Sissoopal; and married her at his
own home.
Having heard this, the Raja Pureechit enquired from Shree Shookdeo
Jee, “O sea of compassion! how did Shree Krishnù Chund go to
Koondulpore, and slay the evil spirits, and carry off Bheekmuk’s
daughter, Rookmunee? Please explain these circumstances to me.” Shree
Shookdeo Jee replied, O great king! listen with attention, and I will
give you a full account of all the circumstances.
In the Bidurbh country there was a city, named Koondulpore, the Raja
of which, Bheekmuk, was renowned, and known to fame in all parts of
the world. Shree Seeta Jee descended upon the earth in his house. At
the birth of his daughter, the Raja sent for astrologers, who came,
and having determined upon a fortunate moment, named the child
Rookmunee, and said, “O great king! we are of opinion, that this girl
will possess an excellent disposition, be a receptacle of beauty, and
equal Luchmee in excellent qualities, and be married to the first
male, Vishnù.”
When the astrologers had thus spoken, Raja Bheekmuk was highly
pleased, and indulged in great rejoicings and made many presents to
brahmins. After this, the girl increased daily in stature, like a
digit of the moon; and delighted her parents by her childish play.
When she was a little older, she engaged in all kinds of rare games
with her female companions. One day this young creature, with eyes
like a deer, a voice like the kokila, complexion like the flower
chumpa, and a countenance like the moon, went with her companions to
play at blind man’s buff. Whilst engaged in the diversion, her
companions said to her, “Rookmunee! you have come to spoil our sport;
because wherever you hide with us in the dark, there is a flood of
light from the brilliancy of your moon-like countenance, which
prevents our being concealed.” On hearing this speech, she smiled and
was silent.
Having narrated thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said, O
great king! she constantly played in this manner with her companions,
and her beauty greatly increased every day. In the mean while Narud
Jee came one day to Koondulpore; and, having seen Rookmunee, went to
Shree Krishnù at Dwarka, and said, “O great king! a young virgin has
been born in the house of the Raja Bheekmuk, who is a mine of beauty
and virtue and excellent qualities, equal to Luchmee, and worthy of
being wedded to you.” From the time he heard this account from Narud
Jee, Huri thought of her night and day. In this manner, O great king!
Shree Krishnù Chund heard of the name and excellent qualities of
Rookmunee; and I will now explain how she heard of the fame and
celebrity of Krishnù. On one occasion several beggars from different
countries went to Koondulpore, and sung the celebrated exploits of
Krishnù, his birth at Muttra, his joining with the cowherds’ children
in childish games at Gokool and Brindabun; and how he had made the
descendants of Judoo happy by destroying evil spirits, and removing
the burthens of the earth. All these circumstances they mentioned. On
hearing the recital of Huri’s wonderful actions, the inhabitants of
the city were greatly astonished, and said to each other, “When shall
we see him, of whose exploits we have heard.” By some means, the
beggars contrived to enter the court of the Raja Bheekmuk, and began
to sing of the famous deeds, and the attributes of Krishnù. At that
time the beautiful Rookmunee had gone up to a balcony; and the voices
of the beggars, reciting Krishnù’s exploits, reached her ears. She
wondered and was absent in mind; and turning round and peeping, wanted
to see the beggars. The Raja’s daughter, having heard Krishnù’s
history, remained absorbed in thought of him; the creeper of love
sprung up in her breast; she was delighted and agitated by turns. Huri
stole away her senses, memory and mind. Shree Shookdeo Jee
continued,--O lord of the earth! in this manner Shree Rookmunee Jee
heard of the fame and celebrity of Krishnù, and from that day she
continued to think of him day and night, during the eight puhurs, and
sixty four ghurees; whether asleep or awake, sitting, standing,
walking, eating, drinking or engaged in amusement; and celebrated his
good qualities with songs. She was in the habit of rising very early,
and having bathed, and made a mud image of the goddess Parbuttee, she
put upon it the mixture roolee, rice and flowers; and preparing
perfumes, lamps and consecrated food, propitiated the goddess with
joined hands, and downcast looks, and pronounced these words in
presence of the image, “Take pity on me, O Parbuttee! give me the lord
of the Judoos as a husband, and remove all my troubles.” In this
manner Rookmunee passed her life. One day she was amusing herself with
her companions, when the Raja Bheekmuk, beholding her, began to think
and say to himself, “She is now of an age to be married; if we do not
marry her to some one quickly, people will laugh. There is a saying,
that it is useless for a man, in whose house there is a grown-up
unmarried daughter, to offer gifts, or perform good acts, or be
engaged in prayers, or religious penance; because he obtains no
benefit from the performance of such acts, until he shall have
discharged the debt due to his daughter.”
Having thus reflected, the Raja Bheekmuk came into his court; and,
having summoned all his ministers and relations said, “Brothers! my
daughter is marriageable, it is necessary to look out for a bridegroom
for her, of good family, a mine of good qualities, an abode of beauty
and of a good disposition.”
On hearing these words, they mentioned the families, virtues, personal
appearance and power of the Rajas of many different countries; but
Raja Bheekmuk did not approve of any of them. Then his eldest son,
named Rookum, began to say, “Father! Sissoopal, the Raja of the city
of Chunderee, is very powerful, and in every respect our equal,
betroth Rookmunee to him, and gain reputation in the world.”
O great king! when the Raja would not acquiesce in his opinion, his
younger son, whose name was Rookumkesh, said, “Father! give Rookmunee
to Krishnù, and betroth her through Basoodeo.” Bheekmuk was highly
delighted at these words, and commended his son’s speech: “You,
although only a child, are more intelligent than the rest, I approve
entirely of what you have said; there is a saying, enquire from
persons of high and low degree, in order to give confidence to your
own judgment; seize upon what is valuable in the discourse of each;
this is the custom of the world.” After this the Raja again said,
“Rookumkesh has given good counsel; amongst the descendants of Judoo,
the Raja Soorsen is very celebrated and of great renown, whose son
Basoodeo Jee is; and in his house the immortal Vishnù, the god of
gods, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee, has been born, and destroyed the
mighty Kuns, and all evil spirits; and, having removed the burthens of
the earth, has shed splendour on the family of Judoo, and conferred
happiness on all the descendants of Judoo, and other subjects; we
shall acquire fame and greatness in the world by bestowing Rookmunee
on such a personage as Shree Krishnù Chund Jee, the lord of Dwarka.”
At these words, all the people of the court were highly delighted, and
said, “O great king! you have determined well, and will not meet with
such a bridegroom, and of so good a family any where else. It is,
therefore, most advisable to give Rookmunee in marriage to Shree
Krishnù Chund Jee.”
When, O great king! all the courtiers had thus spoken, Raja Bheekmuk’s
eldest son, Rookum, was exceedingly wroth, and said, “These stupid,
ignorant people speak without thinking, and do not understand
Krishnù’s condition; he has lived with Nund sixteen years, and is
universally called a cowherd; he tends herds, and wears a blanket, and
eats his labourer’s food, seated on a fig tree: he is a village
cowherd, and has no caste or rank. And how do we know whose son he is.
Seeing that no one knows any thing about his father and mother; some
look upon him as the son of the cowherd, Nund, and others as
Basoodeo’s son; but no one has yet found out, to a certainty, whose
son Krishnù is; and, therefore, each person speaks of him as he
pleases. O great king! all people honour and respect us, and know our
family; but since when have the descendants of Judoo become Rajas?
What matters it, that lately they have acquired greatness, the first
stain cannot yet be got rid of? He is called the servant of Oogursen;
how can we possibly obtain a great name in the world by betrothing
Rookmunee to him. There is a saying, that it is most fitting to
contract marriages, enmities and friendships with equals. And if we
give her to Krishnù, the world will call me a cowherd’s
brother-in-law; and my good name and reputation will be utterly
ruined.” O great king! Rookum went on to say, “That Raja Sissoopal of
the city of Chunderee was a very mighty and potent prince. From dread
of him the world trembles, and the throne has descended in his family
from time immemorial. Your best plan, therefore, is to give Rookmunee
to him; and please never mention Krishnù’s name again before me.”
On hearing these words, the courtiers felt deep regret, and remained
silent through fear; and the Raja Bheekmuk did not say any thing. Upon
this Rookum sent for an astrologer; and having fixed upon a lucky day
and fortunate moment, forwarded the nuptial gifts to the Raja
Sissoopal by the hand of a brahmin, who went with them to the city of
Chunderee, to the court of the Raja Sissoopal. On seeing him, the Raja
made a salutation, and enquired from the brahmin, “Say, O god! whence
have you come, and with what object?” The brahmin gave him his
blessing and explained the reasons of his arrival. Raja Sissoopal was
delighted at hearing them; and having sent for his family priest,
received the nuptial gifts and dismissed the brahmin with many
presents. He afterwards invited Joorasindhoo and other Rajas, who came
with their armies; and he also went forth with his troops to the
marriage. The brahmin, who had taken the marks for the forehead, said
on his return to the Raja Bheekmuk, “O great king! I have given the
marks to the Raja Sissoopal, and he is coming to the marriage in
splendid procession: arrange your plans accordingly.”
Raja Bheekmuk was at first very sad, when he heard these words:
afterwards, having reflected and thought upon the matter, he went into
his palace and mentioned the subject to his wife, who immediately sent
for musicians, and invited all her female relations; and gave a great
festive entertainment, with a view of celebrating the marriage in due
form, and with all the prescribed ceremonies. The Raja then came
forth, and ordered his minister and counsellors “To collect together
all things necessary for the marriage;” and they immediately carried
the Raja’s order into full effect by procuring every thing. People saw
and heard what was being done: and a report got abroad in the city,
that “Rookmunee was to have been married to Shree Krishnù Chund, but
the wicked Rookum would not permit it; and that now she was to be
married to Sissoopal.”
Having recited thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said to
the Raja Pureechit,--O lord of the earth! such was the talk in each
house in the city: and in the palace, the women sang and played, and
made the necessary preparations; brahmins read the Vedas, and caused
all the usual customs of marriage to be duly observed: large
kettle-drums resounded in many places; pillars formed of sprouting
plantain were fixed in the earth, and golden water pots, placed in
front of each door; strings of flowers and garlands were fastened in
every direction, and on one side, the inhabitants of the city apart,
swept and spread with cloths the markets, roads and cross-roads.
Whilst there was this bustle and preparation inside and outside the
house, some female friends of Rookmunee came and said to her, “Rookum
has given thee to Sissoopal; and now, Rookmunee, you have become a
queen.” Engaged in thought, and drooping her head she said, “My
affections, words and vows are all centred in the lord of the world,
(Krishnù.)”
Having thus spoken, Rookmunee was much depressed in spirits, and sent
for a brahmin, to whom she explained all her wishes, with joined hands
and with many supplications; and treating him with great
consideration, said, “O great king! take my message to Dwarka, and
having mentioned it to Dwarkanath (Krishnù), bring him here with you,
I shall be under the greatest obligation to you, and shall think that
I am indebted to your kindness in obtaining Shree Krishnù, as my
bridegroom.” The brahmin replied, “Tell me what message I am to take,
and I will mention it to Shree Krishnù Chund. He is the lord of
compassion: and if he should compassionately consent to come, I will
bring him with me.” When the brahmin had thus spoken, Rookmunee Jee
gave into his hands a letter, written in the most affectionate terms,
and said, “Deliver it to Shree Krishnù Chund, the root of joy, and
say to him for me, that his servant, with joined hands and the
greatest supplications, looks upon him, as being acquainted with the
secrets of the heart, and knowing the inmost thoughts of every one.
What more need I say? I have sought his protection: my character is in
his hands, let him act in such a way, that it may be preserved, and
come quickly and see me.”
When Rookmunee Jee, O great king! dismissed the brahmin with these
words, he meditated upon Krishnù, and repeating his name started for
Dwarka; and through his love for Huri, arrived immediately. On
arrival, he beheld the city in the midst of the sea, surrounded on all
sides by extensive forests and hills, and beautiful groves; in which
were heard the cries of animals, and notes of birds of all kinds.
There were elegant tanks, filled with pure water; in which the lotus
was in full bloom, and bees buzzed in swarms around: on the bank,
geese and cranes and other birds were disporting; gardens of fruits
and flowers of every kind extended for many coss, on the borders of
which betel plantations flourished. Gardeners were standing at the
wells, singing sweet melodies; and, plying the water-wheels and
buckets, poured forth water in every direction; and the quays were
thronged with female water-carriers. As the brahmin progressed, after
having viewed this beautiful scene with delight, he saw very lofty
castles on all sides of the city, having four gates, and doors studded
with jewels, and inlaid with gold. Inside the city were five and
seven-storied houses of gold and jewels, glittering with great
splendour, and reaching to the sky: the spires of which were as
resplendent as lightning. Flags and banners of various colours were
waving: perfumed odours came forth from the doors, blinds, air-holes
and trellis-work: at each door were pillars of plantain sprouts, and
golden water-pots, filled with water: wreaths of flowers and garlands
were fastened in every direction; and there were sounds of musical
rejoicing in every house. In many places the Pooranùs were recited,
and people discoursed of Huri. The eighteen different classes lived
happily and at ease, the quoit Soodursun protecting the city.
Having recited thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee
said,--Raja! viewing this beautiful and elegant city, the brahmin
arrived at the court of the Raja Oogursen; and, giving him his
blessing enquired, “Where does Shree Krishnù Chund Jee dwell?” Some
one pointed out his house; and when he arrived, and stood before the
gate, the watchmen made a salutation on seeing him, and enquired,
“Say, whence do you come, and from what country have you brought a
letter?” He replied, “I am a brahmin, and an inhabitant of
Koondulpore, and have come to deliver a letter to Shree Krishnù Chund
from Rookmunee, the daughter of Raja Bheekmuk.” The door-keepers
answered, “Be pleased to go into the house, Shree Krishnú Chund is
sitting opposite on a throne.” At these words, when the brahmin
entered, Huri, on seeing him, immediately descended from his throne,
and making a salutation, received him with the greatest respect and
dignity. Having seated him on his throne, and washed his feet, he took
the water with which his feet had been washed, and waited upon him
with the same assiduity, that a person would observe in attending upon
a deity.
At length Krishnù, having rubbed him with perfumed paste, and having
finished his ablutions, placed before him all kinds of delicacies; and
afterwards presented him with pawn, and sprinkling him with saffron
and sandal, placing a garland of flowers on his neck, took him to a
chamber, ornamented with precious gems, and placed him on a bed with
curtains, and studded with jewels.
O great king! he was weary and fatigued with his journey, and soon
fell into a most pleasant sleep. Shree Krishnù sat for a long time
near him from an anxious desire to hear what he had to communicate to
him; and kept constantly saying to himself, “That the brahmin would
wake soon.” When, at length, he found that he would not rise, he
became uneasy; and sitting at the foot of his bed, began to rub his
feet. The brahmin was awakened by this, and sat up. Then Huri made
kind enquiries, and said, “Your government, country and person are
auspicious, explain to me your circumstances, for what purpose have
you come here, and conferred happiness on me by your arrival?” The
brahmin replied, “O abode of mercy! be pleased to listen with
attention, and I will explain the reasons of my coming: Since, O great
king! the daughter of Bheekmuk, Raja of Koondulpore, heard of your
great name, and your many excellent qualities, she has her thoughts
fixed on you constantly, night and day, and desires to attend upon
your lotus-like feet. A chance offered of her doing so, but it was
rendered unsuccessful.” Krishnù enquired, “What the chance was?” The
brahmin said, “O kind to the poor! one day the Raja Bheekmuk having
assembled all his courtiers and relations, said to them, ‘Brothers! my
daughter is of an age to be married; we must now fix upon a husband
for her.’ When the Raja had thus spoken, they mentioned the families,
virtues, renown and power of a great many Rajas, of whom, however, he
did not approve. Upon this, Rookumkesh mentioned your name, at which
the Raja was delighted, and acquiesced in what he proposed, and said
to them all, ‘Brothers! his words are engraved in my mind, as though
they had been engraved on stone, what is your opinion?’ They replied,
‘If, O great king! you were to search the aggregate of the three
worlds, you would not meet with such a bridegroom, and such a family
as his: for which reason, you should, without any delay, quickly give
Rookmunee in marriage to Shree Krishnù Jee.’ O great king! this had
been resolved upon, when Rookum prevented its being carried into
effect, and betrothed Rookmunee to Sissoopal; and he has gone forth to
the marriage, taking all his army of evil spirits with him.”
Having recited thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,--O
lord of the earth! the brahmin, having thus informed Huri, delivered
Rookmunee Jee’s letter to him, who received it with the utmost
affection, and placed it in his breast; and after reading it said with
delight to the brahmin, “O divinity! suffer not any anxiety; I will
accompany you, and, having slain the evil spirits, will fulfil
Rookmunee’s wishes.”
The brahmin was restored to confidence by these words; but Huri was
occupied with anxious thoughts of Rookmunee.