Chapter IV — The Grove

Vasantha-malai’s visit brought back to Manimekalai the sad story of her parent’s death. The cruel fate of Kovalan pierced the maiden’s heart. The salt tears began to flow again. They fell on the garland of flowers in her lap. Madhavi noticed this. Tenderly she dried the tears on the girl’s face; but the garland was spoiled. ‘It is not fit now for divine service, it has lost its purity. Go now, daughter, fetch some fresh flowers.”

Suthamathi sat near. She also was weay- ing garlands. She heard what Madhavi said. She accosted them, ‘ Manimekalai is stricken with grief for the death of her parents. Fasting and penance have made her still more pale and worn. Yet even so, she is fairer far than the daughters of Kaveripatnam. Look at her face, lovely as the moon. Look at her eyes, soft and big with tears. Look at her hair, bright as the sunbeams. Look at her figure, slender and graceful as the willow. Kama himself would long for her. He would lay down his arms. His heart would swell with pity and love for her. What then would

common men do, if they saw Manimekalai? Yet you bid her go alone to gather flowers. It would not be safe. Let me tell my own story. Then you may see the folly of your commands,

“My father was a Brahman. He lived in the city of Chambai. I was his only child. One day, I went into the garden to pick flowers. [was alone. But I was young and innocent; I feared no danger, for I did not see it. A gandharva passed. He was going to the festival of Indra. He stopped to gaze upon me. He desired to possess me. His own form was of divine grace. He was full worthy to be adored. Garlands of flowers were in his hair, Ornaments of gold encircled his waist and noble limbs. I gazed in wonder. Suddenly he seized me. I was borne aloft in his arms. He set me down in a distant city. For some time, I enjoyed his love. Then he brought me here, and here he left me. He went as suddenly as he had come.

“ Manimekalai is fairer than I. What then might be her fate? At this time of festival, there are but few places where she might be safe. Fine flowers are to be picked in the park beyond the well. But she would meet the men of the king’s bodyguard. The.

palace garden is for the devas alone. Even the bees gather no honey there just now. Demons guard the spot. Then there is the pretty wood where Kaveran, father of our river, lived and died in penance. But evil spirits haunt the place. If wise men avoid it, surely so must your daughter.

“Only one place is safe. That is the Grove. Many kinds of flowers are to be found there. It is under the care of Buddha, whose one law of life is love and service to all living things. In the midst is a crystal chamber, built by Maya, the architect of the gods. No sound can come from it. But it reflects anything inside. This chamber holds a seat, that is shaped like a lotus. It is set with the rarest and finest gems. There one may see the imprint of the Lord Buddha’s holy feet. If you lay a bud on this seat, it will burst into full bloom. Full-blown flowers cannot wither while they lie there. It is holy ground, and the bees do not seek to enter there for honey. People come there to lay flowers. If they are thinking of some particular god, the flower flies straight to the feet of that god. If they do not, it lies there always, nor withers. Thus did Maya

prove that thought and motive are more mighty than action,

*“ Yes, the grove is the only place for Manimekalai, And if you please, I will go with her,”

Madhavi smiled her approval. “ Your words are wise, Suthamathi,” she said. Then she turned to her daughter. ‘Go with the good Suthamathi to gather flowers in the grove. She will bring you safely back.”