Shortly afterwards, another prince came to the court of the King. He too asked for Shashibala’s hand. He stated that he was a great scholar. He had mastery over the Vedas and the Upanishads. The King made him his guest as well. Next came the prince of Chedi kingdom. He too asked for the hand of Shashibala. He claimed that he could understand the language of animals and birds. The King requested him to stay in the palace guest-house too. The King and the Queen decided that they would leave the decision to Shashibala as they themselves were not able to decide. The King went to the princess. He said, “There are four suitors for you. You yourself have to decide whom to choose. Put the garland around the neck of the prince you like.” Then, the King called all the four princes in the royal garden to settle the matter. A while later, Princess Shashibala came there.”
The Four Grooms-to-be
