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PREPARATIONS FOR THE DEBATE
Kolahala's disciple was so astonished
and indignant that he could not think of anything to say, but left in a furious
rage to inform his teacher of this insult. When Kolahala heard what had
happened, he could not help but laugh on
hearing the age of his rival. The Pandya king decided to send another
messenger to the boy to see whether he was insane, and, if he was serious about
the debate, to bring him immediately. When the royal messenger came and told Yamunacarya of the king's command, the
boy replied, "I will certainly obey the command of his majesty the king;
but if I am to be accepted as a proper opponent of the great Kolahala, then
surely a conveyance should be sent to
bring me to the palace.After discussing Yamunacarya's reply, the king and his
courtiers agreed that the boy's statement was fitting and sent a costly
palanquin and onehundred soldiers to conduct him to the palace. In the meantime news of these events had spread all
over the city of Madurai, and Bhasyacarya heard the whole story as he was
returning home. He was very unhappy to learn of the danger his favorite student
was facing, for though the king was
generous by nature, it was well known that he dealt very severely with anyone
who insulted the court pandita.Yamunacarya, however, was not in the least
concerned. "There is no reason, revered sir, for you to be alarmed," he consoled his teacher when
he returned to the school, "for you can be certain that, by your grace, I
will smash the pride of Kolahala." While they were thus talking,the king's
men arrived at the school with the palanquin.
Yamunacarya worshiped the feet of his guru and calmly climbed into the
palanquin, preparing himself for the great debate that was about to take place.
A large crowd of people had gathered
along the way, for it was unheard of that a twelveyearold boy should challenge
the court pandita and everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the wonderful
child. The brahmanas, many of whom had
already been defeated by Kolahala, offered him blessings, saying, "May you
defeat this insolent pandita, just as Visnu in the form of a dwarf brahmana
displaced Bali Maharaja, the king of the asuras.Meanwhile, in the royal court a difference of opinion arose between
the king and queen about Yamunacarya. The king said, "Just as a cat plays
with a mouse, so will Kolahala defeat and destroy the boy.But the queen was
more thoughtful, realizing that
Yamunacarya was no ordinary child. "Just as a small spark,"
she said, "can turn a mountain of cloth to ashes, so will this boy destroy
the mountainlike pride of Kolahala.How can you really believe that this is
possi¬ble?" exclaimed the king in
amazement. "If you truly have faith in the child, then you must make a
wager to back your words."Very well," replied the queen, I will make
a wager. If the boy does not defeat and humble the proud Kolahala, I will become the servant of your maidservant.This
is certainly a mighty wager," said the king, "but I will match it. If
the boy defeats Kolahala, as you say, then I will give him half of my kingdom.While
the king and queen were thus exchanging
wagers, the palanquin arrived and Yamunacarya entered the palace. When Kolahala
saw him, he looked at the queen and smiled sarcastically.
"Alabandara," he said, meaning, "Is this the boy who will
conquer me?Yes,replied the queen
quietly, "Alabandara. This is he who has come to conquer you.