KĪRTISENĀ A heroine who has firmly established her reputation in Sanskrit literature. An exceptionally good woman, Kīrtisenā was the daughter of a merchant called Dhanapāla in Pāṭalīputra, and was married by another merchant called Devasena. Once Devasena left the country for purposes of trade, and during his absence from home the mother-in-law of Kīrtisenā shut her up in a dark room. But, with the help of an iron rod, which fortunately came to her hands she made a hole in the room at night, and through it escaped from captivity. Hungry and thirsty, Kīrtisenā travelled a long distance in the forest, and at night climbed a tree and rested thereon. Presently a Rākṣasa woman with her children came to the foot of the tree. During this period the King of Vasudattapura was suffering from pain in the head because a bug entered his ear and multiplied there in numbers. All the physicians gave up the case as incurable. But, the Rākṣasī at the foot of the tree advised the following cure for the King's illness to her children:--“Anoint the King's head with ghee and make him lie in the sun at noon. After that insert a small tube into his ear, and keep the other end of the tube in a pot full of water. Then the bugs will come out from the ear into the water, and the King will be cured of his illness. Kīrtisenā, who heard this medical advice from her seat on top of the tree disguised herself as a physician, went to the palace and cured the King of his troubles. In her disguise, she continued to live in the palace as a friend of the King. Shortly, her husband Devasena, came there and they were happily reunited. The King gave them costly presents.
[Kathāsaritsāgara, Madanamañjukālambaka, Taraṅga 3] .