e king, to do her honour, sent for his royal palanquin and had her
carried home in state. And the ugly little daughter-in-law became out
of the four the king's favourite. And he was so much nicer to her than
he was to his other three daughters-in-law that they became as jealous
as cats. But the king and the ugly little daughter-in-law did not mind
them the least little bit. And they both lived happily ever afterwards.

NOTES

[1] For an account of the birth of Kartakswami see The Tale of the
Tulsi Plants p. 93.

[2] In India days of the week have the same mysterious connexion
with the astral bodies that they have in Europe. Aditwar or Raviwar
is sun's day (Sunday); Somwar is moon's day (Monday); Mangalwar is
Mars' day (mardi); Budhwar is Mercury's day (mercredi); Brihaspatiwar
is the day of Diespiter or Jupiter (jeudi); Shukrawar is Venus' day
(vendredi); Shaniwar is Saturn's day (Saturday).

[3] His bad actions in a former life.

[4] All these stories take place in Atpat town. This literally means
"City Splendid." But in the tales it is simply a fabulous city.

[5] Although Tuesday is really the day of Mars, Mangal, this tale
by a popular error connects the day with Mangalgauri or Parwati,
Shiva's wife.

[6] Budh is Mercury; Brahaspati is Jupiter.

[7] For serpent-maidens of Patala see note to Story XX.

[8] Mahalaxmi is always worshipped in this way. And it is a common
practice for anyone who wants anything to blow on a pot and then wish
for it.

[9] Kolhapur is the chief seat of the worship of Mahalaxmi.

[10] Ashwin corresponds approximately with October.

[11] A kind of draughts.

[12] Nagpanchmi Day falls on Shravan Sud 5, i.e. the 5th day of the
bright half of Shravan.

[13] Bhatji is the name by which a mendicant Brahman is addressed.

[14] This is called the akshataropan.

[15] Vasishta was the family priest of King Dasaratha, father of
Ramchandra. After death he became one of the stars in the constellation
of the Great Bear.

[16] Divali is the feast of lamps in the month of Kartih.

[17] Saripat is a kind of draughts.

[18] Apsaras are attendants on the gods.

[19] Kartakswami was really Parwati's step-son (see Preface).

[20] The Indians do not associate the Great Bear constellation with a
bear, but they believe it to be the habitation of seven rishis. The
seven rishis vary in different works. In the Mahabharat the names
given are Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulaha, Kratu, Pulatya,