________________
150
Piyush replied:
"Dear father! keep not worried. Day and night I pray to him and Shri Mahavir Swami is present in my very breath. My very root hair resound with his name. When he is present with me, why should you be worried about me? I shall take my mala with me and mentally chant his prayers upto 25 malas in the bus. Again, when I am out, rest assured that I and Mahavir Swami are in company. Keep your heart strong even if the whole universe shudders. I have full faith in him, I am absolutely safe with him."
The father immediately signed the letter of consent, gave 15 rupees and added :
"My son! you have known Dharma fully. Go, I am happy. Do not worry about us." Piyush sat down for his chanting of the Navakara Mantra.
After three days, a hundred students proceeded on a trip in 3 reserved buses, accompanied by two teachers and the headmaster. They were to go to Shankhalpur
caves.
On the way, they came to Vasuki temple, they also saw some two hundred Palias (martyr-stones) erected in memory of those who had laid down their lives. On investigation it was found that two marriage parties had to fight dacoits and these Palias were erected. At 10, the bus passed by Shankhalpur and proceeded to go to the caves five kilometres away. An idol of Ganesh with four bodies and one mouth, that would seem to be in front from whichever direction you see. Then came all the Tirthankaras, Mahavir Swami, Vishnu, Gandharvas, etc. Then they saw the idol of Lord Shiva in Tandava dance. One student asked :