Jain Stories 02

SR No.: 011053
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani
Publisher: A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 205
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

Page 48

26
JAINA STORIES
charities soon reached the ears of King Madagabega who invited him to bis court and honoured him. He was admitted to a high rank by the king and soon became his friend and favourite
To strengthen the tie of friendship, the kiog one day jovited Harıbala and his wife to dinner. As the couple came to the palace, they were duly received by the Liog who served them food at the table with his own hands But Vasantasbri's beauty captivated the king's eyes, who lustily longed for her company. From that day on, the only thought that baunted the king was-how to get her. He conceived many stratagems but none helped him to realise his end At last, he took his chief minister into confidence. For the chief minister, this was a good chance, since he was very jealous of Haribala's popularity. Within the next three or four days, he submitted his plan which the king liked and accepted.
When the court assembled the next day, and all the courtiers were present, the following announcement was made by the king : "You all know, gentlemen, the princess is now grown up and I have to arrange for her marriage in the very near future This will be a nice opportunity to establish contact and friendship with leading kings in countries far and dear. Now, it will be the responsibility of our courtiers to go and extend invitations personally. I have in my mind to invite the great king Vibhisana of Lanka with the members of his royal household to grace the occasion by their august presence Someone from among you is, therefore, to go thither as my envoy May I know from you who may be entrusted with this very important and responsible mission ?”
There was silence all over the court Courtiers were looking at one another but none was ready to shoulder the mission. Then the chief minister stood up and said :
“Your Majesty! You are a favourite of fortude You have in your court assembled people of all sorts of calibres. Going to Lanka to invite King Vibhisana is indeed a difficult job, but we may bave someone to fulfil even this difficult mission."