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166 DASAIIATHI. CH. XXVt.
Thus were niauy daj's spent in useful occupation, and in
thinking out projects for the amelioration of the woi-ld. One
day, Attuzhav, the daughter of IMahilpurna, left her niotherin-laws's
house to her father'^. " What is the matter, daughter
?," he asiced lier. "Father," she complained, "you know
we women have to goto the river to bathe, after our monthlies.
I asked my mother-in-law to accompany me, girl as I am and
having to go alone. But she chose to be ill-tempered and
'
further taunted me by saying : Tour pai'ents have indeed
sent so many .servant girls as a part of your trous.seau {str'ul-
Jiana) ; why not take one of tliem with you instead of asking
me ' ! I felt this jeer so kneely that I have come to you."
" I do not know anything of these matters, poor girl !
" said
he coaxingly, " go and inform .Ram4nuja, who is our Head."
So Attuzhay hastened to RclmS,nuja and laid her grievance
before him.
•'
Oh, I see your motlier-in-liiw wants a servant
for thee at her house," said RAm&nuja, " here is one, take
him." So saying, he called Dasarathi and bid him accompany
the young lady, and work under her orders, considering
himself as part of her stridliana. DS,Sarathi immediately
obeyed, and following the young lady to the river
where she bathed, worked in her house like a slave. The sudden
advent of DaSarathi, and that for purposes of menial service,
excited the curiosity of the members of the household,
for they knew him as a venerable person attached to Ra,manuja,
and for whom they had devout regards. So, they
asked him to say what made him leave REimanuja and come
to their house unasked, and that for gratuitous service ?
" Friends," he said, " I am not master of myself, nor can I
judge why my Master Ramanuja wishes me to serve in your
household. He bid me go with this maiden and be at her
service. I have done so. For reasons and motives, if you are
particular, I mn.st refer you to our Ramanuja." They all ran
to the monastery and humbly falling at
the feet of Ram&nuja,
besought him to say why such a high personage as DaSarathi
was directed to go to their humble dwelling for drudgery.
They
submitted further that this measure impei-illed the safety of
their souls inasmuch as they were put to the necessity of using a