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had been arranged for him, Bhadrā Mātā informed Śälibhadra Śétha about the arrival of King Sréņika at the house, and requ. ested him to come down to the fourth floor for the purpose of meeting the King. Sälibhadra said :-Mātāji (mother)! You are clever in all matters. Why do you want me to come down personally ? If there be any commodity worth buying, you give the actual price and buy it."
Bhadra Śéthäni said.-My child | Śréņika is not a merchant. He is the master of the entire population, and he is also your master. He is the king of this town.' On hearing this, sālibhadra Śėtha sorrowfully thought "Fie on this worldly affluence of mine! I have, as yet, a swāmi (inaster, lord) over me! Enough of these pleasures resembling the hood of a venomous serpent. I will seek shelter of the lotus-like feet of śramana Bhagavāna Mahāyira Swami and take vows at his blessed hands. At that time Śälibhadra Śétha had a violent agitation of indifference to worldly pleasures; however, at the request of his mother, Śalibhadra, accompanied by his wives, went to King Sréņika and respectfully saluted him. The king lovingly embraced him and made him sit on his own lap as if he were his own son. Both of them were greatly delighted. After a moment, Bhadrā Śéthāgi told King Śrénika .- great king! You allow my son Śālıbhadra to go away. Although he is a human being, he is greatly distressed by the odours from human beings. His father has been born as a déva (god) in déva-loka, and he has been every day supplying fresh divine garments clothes, anointments etc. and enjoyable articles for the use of Salibhadra and his wives" The king allowed Sälıbhadra to go to the seventh storey. Salibhadra Sétha and his wives used to put on new divine garments and ornainents every day. The ornaments removed from their bodies were deposited in a griha-vāpiká (household oblong water-tank). Bhadrā Śéthāņi requested King Śrénika along with his retinue to take meals at her house. Her invitation was readily accepted Then, the king's body was gently rubbed with fragrant pastes and scented oils, and he had a refreshing bath with flavoured
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