________________
231
of this girl ! They said, “O king ! An excellent man provided with a mark of srivatsa on his chest, worshipped by gods and demi gods, and possessing one thousand and eight auspicious marks on his body, will certainly become her husband. " Since hearing these words of fortune--tellers, your son Vardhamāna Kumāra has been selected as the most worthy husband for his daught. er." King Samaravîra then called his general Méghanāda and giving him elephants, horses, gold etc, suitable for the marriage celebration of his daughter Yaśodā, he said "You go immediately and arrange for marriage-celebration. On receiving this order from our king, he went on an unfaltering march. I have been sent to you to inform you about this mission. O King ! toals is the object of my arrival here."
King Siddhartha then replied “ Well done! It is quite agreeable. Let the preparations suitable for the marriagecelebration be earnestly commenced. The messenger said "O lord! Why should not the preparations commence when the auspicious day of the marriage-ceremony is SO near ? King Siddbārtha, then, sent away the messengers from other king to their own destinations.
The next day when the king was informed of the arrival of the royal bride, a lofty seven-storeyed palace was provided for her accomodation; excellent delicious food was prepared and cordial reception was given to the party,
At a favourabld moment, general Méghanāda wore costly garments and went to King Siddhārtba, along with numerous warriors and feudatoay chiefs, and having respectfully saluted him, made inquiries about his well-being. King Siddhārtha offered him a seat and betel-leaves, betel nuts, etc, and inquired about the well-being of King Samarrvira Immediately & detailed account of his well-being was respectfully supplied. Then talking about various subjects, Méghanāda, with the permission of the king, went to his residence. As the day of marriage-celebration was drawing near, all the preparations were quickly proceeding for the magnificent celebration of marriage
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org