Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4

SR No.: 001004
Original Sutra Author: Hemchandracharya
Author: Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra
Publication Year: 1954
Total Pages: 449
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, & Story
File Size: 9 MB

Page 240

BIRTH, MARRIAGE, AND EXILE OF RĀMA AND LAKŞMAŅA 205
daughters-in-law King Daśaratha went to Ayodhyā which had a festival prepared by the citizens.
Episode of the bath-water (355-371) One day, King Dasaratha held a festival of great magnificence at the shrines and bathed Sānti. Then the king sent the bath-water by the chamberlain to the chiefqueen first and afterwards to the other queens by slavegirls. But the slave-girls, moving with the speed of youth, delivered the bath-water to the (other) queens first and paid homage to them. But because the chamberlain moved slowly, like Sani, 160 from age, the chief-queen had not received the bath-water and reflected:
"The king has shown favor to all the queens by the Jina's bath-water, but not to me, the chief-queen. Therefore, enough of life for me, unfortunate that I am! When pride has been destroyed, life is more painful than death."
After these reflections, she went inside, resolved on death, and the proud lady began to hang herself with her garment. Just then the king came and saw her condition. Fearing her death, he set her on his tap and said: "Because of what disrespect have you commenced such a wicked, impulsive thing? Or have I by chance shown you any lack of respect ?” Choking with sobs, she said, "You sent the Jina's bath-water to each of all the queens, but not to me."
Just as she said this, the chamberlain came, saying, “The king has sent you this bath-water of the Arhat," He sprinkled her on the head with the pure water; and was questioned by the king, "Why have you delayed in coming ?" The chamberlain said, "My old age is at fault. Look yourself, master, at me who am not able to do all tasks."
Then, looking at him who was stumbling at every step as if about to die, his teeth moving like the tongue inside
160 358. Saturn in Indian astrology is represented as an old man.