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UJJAYINI: AFTER TWELVE YEARS Today Vasavadatta has completed sixteen years of age. Preparations were being made for grand celebrations of her birthday. Early in the morning she adorned herself and, with her friend Kanchanmala, came to her father to seek his blessings.
Udayan and Vasavadatta Daughter, how lucky I am that just by looking at you! derive the joy of having both,
a son and a daughter. non
LICEUEUE
Father, I too am #lucky. You have showered me with the limitless love of
both, father and mother.
Daughter, I want to give you a birthday present. Seek whatever you
desire.
Father, I want to learn the best of the Gandharva-arts. love playing Veena.
Alright, I will at once
send invitation to Acharya Sandipan, the best Veena player
from Karnatak.
Father, my music teacher Vasantsena is a disciple of Acharya Sandipan only.
annon
Great! My dear daughter will indeed become
Veenplayer Sarasvati*.
Yes, I have also heard
that.
Father, she says that today the best Veena player in the Indian subcontinent is king Udayan of Vatsa, as if he is the incarnation of Tumbaru, the king of
Gandharvas.
A
CO)
2
# She was the daughter of Angaravati who became an ascetic when she was only three years old.
Chandapradyot brought her up showering motherly love. She was divinely beautiful, wise, and
intelligent. She was also accomplished in dance, music and many other arts and skills. # Gandharvas are the musicians of gods and best of their arts is playing Veena, a Sitar-like instrurnent.
