Uttarakhand 139*
Oh! it was no one else than her own sister
She embraced her and wept with joy
Both talked and talked, endlessly
The Goddess was there, her own sister
People rejoiced that queen had a sister
A sister in the Himalayas
Where Gods dwelled.
XXX
Nanda was feasted and fetted
And for days together the celebrations went on
As day of departure approached
Nanda expressed her desire to return, but before it
To have a share in the fortunes of Kannauj
This was too much, yet
Balpa kept cool and assured
To discuss the demand with the king
For Raja Jasdhawal it was unusual demand
Wishful thinking, he told Nanda and
Sought to be excused.
xxx
Nanda felt insulted and dishonoured
She could hardly believe
That fortune could not be shared
Infuriated and burnt up
She left Kannauj but cursed
Fire and famine
Disease and disorder
Boil, boil, boil
Entire kingdom burn and boil.
XXX
The old ladies who sing the folk song narrate the pathetic fate*
which befell on Kannauj. Complete confusion and disorder reig-
ned supreme. Frightened by the intensity of misfortunes, the
king called his counsellors and royal atrologers who advised him
to worship and propitiate Nanda who dwelt in high Himalayas.
Taking to his heart the advice of the courtiers he proceeded on,
His fateful journey along with his wife and a retinue of servants
and court entertainers. Unfortunately, against all wise counsel
and Jat tradition, the Raja took some dancing girls with him who