________________
Kirthidhar, The Saintly King
"But....
"Discard your fears and doubts. Who can conceal the sun? You too cannot. If you do not tell me where you have hidden the child, I will have to search for him".
35
Suddenly, Sahadevi's eyes welled up with tears.
"Oh you mad one! Should we weep over this event or should we rejoice at it? Is it a matter for lamentation or for jubilation ?"
"Instead of sitting mute and motionless thus in gloom, it is necessary that we should make splendid arrangements to celebrate the birth of the Prince".
"My dear lord! I am indeed happy at the birth of our son; but you.
""
"I may become a Sadhu. I think you are agitated over that. possibility".
"Yes", she said and sobbed. The tears began to stream forth from her eyes.
"Dear Queen! It is not auspicious to weep on such an occasion. Please try to console yourself and tell me where you have hidden the child so that the people of the city may know that a son is born to us; and so that they may make arrangements to celebrate the event".
Queen Sahadevi narrated the whole story. King Kirthidhar, at once, went to the underground cellar. He found Sunanda swaying in delight looking at the beautiful child. The face of the prince was resplendent with an extraordinary radiance. Sunanda was shocked to find that the King had come to the underground cellar. She felt as if the ground under her feet was slipping away. She began to shudder with fear. With overpowering fear, she saluted the King; and stood with a bowed head.
Jain Education International
"Sunanda! You need not fear anything. You are absolutely innocent". Having said this, he tenderly took up the child. Sweet
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org