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OCTOBER, 1966
T
At the Court of Akbar at Lahore
reached Lahore and had impressed the emperor by his discourses and discussions.
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After the monsoons the ācārya started again followed by innumerable disciples from the four orders and attended by the imperial envoys. On the way he inspired thousands of people and received warm welcome from the royal houses, the nobility and the laity, ultimately reaching Lahore in 1591. It was the day when the Muslims were celebrating the Id. Then the two leaders met, Akbar expressing concern over the enormous trouble that the acarya had undertaken in such a hazardous journey, and that ācārya in turn expressing unconcern about it, for he was happy about the great mission which would not only satisfy a thirsty soul but would open a great future for the religion which he was marked by destiny to propound. His discourses were arranged at the Court everyday and were well-attended. The emperor was so respectful that he called the ācārya a bade guru. The four months of restricted movement were spent at Lahore in 1592.
Akbar was so much inspired and impressed by the acarya that he sent orders under his own seal to all provincial governors for the protection of the Jaina temples and holy places against Muslim molestation. Twelve farmāns, called amari-declaration, were sent out by the emperor totally prohibiting animal slaughter for a week in the month of aṣāḍh.
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