3#17c. The king’s advice
King Subaahu attended to the arrangements of the swayamvaram of Princess Sasikala. No expenses were spared in constructing the wedding hall, the decorations and the gem studded seats for the kings who would be the guests.
Sasikala watched the arrangements being made without consulting her first. She spoke to her dearest friend and told her.
“I have chosen to marry Sudarsanan. I can’t marry anyone else. Devi also told me to wed Sudrsanan – her ardent devotee. Please speak to the king and queen and make them understand my true feelings”
The friend waited for the most opportune moment and spoke to the queen. The queen conveyed the true feelings of their daughter to the king.
The king laughed at this argument and told his queen,
“Our daughter is very innocent and ignorant of the worldly proceedings. Since these were the words of the princess, her friend had conveyed all this to you with utmost sincerity.
You are exaggerating the trivial matter to me. Talk to our daughter and tell her to select one the many worthy kings who will be attending the swyamavaram.”