Jain Legend Vol 1

SR No.: 007594
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 367
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 2 MB

Page 229

his wife the n ga king was very angry. He resolved to kill Brahmadatta and reached his bedroom in the night on the sly. When he was outside the bedroom waiting for the right moment, he heard – Brahmadatta's queen was asking that the queen heard that astride the horse gifted by the Greek king you went very far into thick forests, did you see anything amazing? Brahmadatta told her about the incident involving the female serpent and the adulterous man and said that he had punished them for their uncalled for behaviour. Hearing Brahmadatta's words the serpent king opened his eyes. After some time when Brahmadatta came out of his bedroom the serpent king, his head bowed down, stood before him and said - "Oh king! I am the husband of the n ga woman you have punished. Listening to her words I came here to attack you but hearing the truth from you I have changed my mind. I want to serve you." Brahmadatta said - "I wish there would be no theft, illicit relations and accidental deaths in my kingdom.” The serpent king said -“So it shall be. This attitude of service to others is admirable. You may ask something for yourself too.” Brahmadatta said –“Oh serpent king! I wish I would be able to understand every creature's language.” The n gaking said – “I am so happy with you that I give you even this knowledge that should not be given. But you must remember the unshakable and tough rules of this knowledge that if you share with any other person what that creature spoke, your head will break into seven pieces.” Brahmadatta assured the serpent king and the latter gave him that knowledge and left.
Once when Brahmadatta was sitting with his favourite queen in the make-up room, he heard two house sparrows talking to each other. The female sparrow was pregnant, she told the male sparrow – “I have this whim that you bring the paste from the king's body and apply it on my body.” The male sparrow said – "it seems you are now tired of me hence you are pushing me into my death.” Listening to the birds' conversation Brahmadatta began to laugh aloud. The queen was surprised at the king laughing suddenly. She asked him the reason. Brahmadatta was in a dilemma. He tried to evade the queen's question by engaging her in all kinds of conversations but the queen was adamant. Brahmadatta tried to explain to the queen – "Oh queen! Try to understand. I do not want to hide anything from you, but there is a secret behind this revealing my head will break into seven pieces." The queen said in disbelief -"If that is so, then I too shall give up my life with you, but I cannot live without knowing the secret."
229