Jain Journal 1971 01

SR No.: 520021
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1971
Total Pages: 54
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 50

JANUARY, 1971
admitted to the audience hall of the king, reported that in Kusasthala, there had ruled a king Naravarmana who had taken the vow at the end of a glorious career, after having made over his kingdom to his son Prasenajita. The latter had an altogether perfect daughter, Prabhavati. She had once heard in the park a song in praise of Parsva's perfection, since then had been beside herself with longing for him. Prabhavati's parents had understood and approved of her feelings. Prasenajita, with a view to Parsva, had decided to institute a svayamvara. But Yavana, king of Kalinga, had been angered at the thought that Prabhavati should be given in marriage to anyone but himself. He had therefore beleaguered Kusasthala with a great host. The speaker himself, Purusottama, father of the minister Sagaradatta had been sent by Prasenajita to report these events to Asvasena, so that the latter might act accordingly.
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On the strength of this report, Asvasena, being wroth, made preparations to go to the assistance of Prasenajita in Kusasthala. When Parsva heard of this, he promptly came out of his play-room, acknowledged his father's ability to prevail in war; but offered instead to gain the end in view by instructing Yavana. His father consented. Parsva started with Purusottama and a great equipment. On arriving in Kusasthala, Parsva dwelt in a seven-storied palace, erected for him by the gods in the middle of the park. He sent an ambassador to announce to Yavana his peaceful mission, advising him to abandon the siege. But Yavana refused angrily; would not hear of either Parsva or Asvasena ; and threatened the ambassador with death at the hand of his soldiers. An old minister of his, however, warned them not to destroy the kingdom by attacking the ambassador of the holy Lord Parsva. After they had desisted, he soothed the ambassador's wounded feelings by promising to do honour to Parsva. The minister then urged Yavana to conciliate Parsva. He pointed out, more over, that Indra's car with Matali as charioteer was at Parsva's disposal. Yavana saw the folly of his ways, tied an axe to his throat, went submissively to the audience hall of Parsva and was received and dismissed forgivingly. When Prasenajita heard this, he brought Prabhavati to be his happy bride. Parsva said that he had come to act as his protector, and not to marry a maiden. Whereat Prabhavati was sorely grieved. Prasenajita proposed to join him in his return to Varanasi and to interview his father. To this
Parsva consented.
Sarga 6: Marriage and later life of the Arhat Parsvanatha
King Asvasena rejoiced at the sight of Parsva and Prabhavati, greeted Prasenajita and inquired after his mission. Prasenajita, pointing