पृष्ठम्:हम्मीरमहाकाव्यम्.pdf/२७

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Some days after this, Hammira inquired of his spiritual guide; Visvarupa, as to the efficacy of the merits arising from the performance of a sacrifice called the Koti-yajña, and being answered by the high priest that admittance into Svarga-loka was secured by the performance of the sacrifice, the king ordered that preparations should be made for the Koti-yajña. Accord- ingly, learned Bråhmans from all parts of the country were convened, and the sacrifice was completed according to the ordi nances laid down for its performance in the holy Sästras. The Brahmans were sumptuously feasted, and handsome dakshinas were given to them. To crown all, the king now entered on the Munivrata, which he was to observe for an entire month, While these things were taking place at Ranathambher, many changes had occurred at Dehli, where 'Alau'd-din was now reigning, Apprised of what was passing at Ranatham- bher, he commanded his younger brother Ulugh Khān” to take an army with him into the Chohan country and to lay it waste. “Jaitra singh,” he said, “paid us tribute; but this son of his not only does not pay the tribute, but takes every - opportunity of showing the contempt in which he holds us, Here is an opportunity to annihilate his power.” Thus com- manded, Ulugh Khan invaded the Ranathahbher country with an army of 80,000 horse. When this army reached the Varanasi river, it was found that the roads which led into the enemy's country were not practicable for cavalry. Ulagh Khān, therefore, encamped here for some days, burning and destroying the villages in the neighbour-hood. The king at Ranathambher, not having yet completed the Munivrata, was unable to take the field in person, He therefore despatchéd his generals, Bhima singh and Dharma singh, to drive away the invaders. The king's army came


Malik Maizou'd-din Ulugh Khān, called “Aluf Khan" by Briggs in his translation of Flrishlah, - ',