Jain Journal 1972 10

SR No.: 520028
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1972
Total Pages: 55
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

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in the jungle, she lay under a tree and fell asleep. At that time, a big and swarthy snake, with rapid pace and blood-shot eyes slowly approached her and said in a human voice, "Charming maid, fear me not. Do as I suggest. I have been living in this forest for a very long time, and good-luck prevailing, I am happy here. But today my ill-luck is up and some charmers are here in search of me. If they capture me, they will put me in a basket and place me in severe torture. So I seek shelter with thee. Place me on thy lap and cover me with thy cloth. To shelter one in distress is an act of righteousness."
Vidyutprabha woke and heard all this.
This was an unusual experience for her and she hurriedly thought 'I did not acquire much virtue in my previous life and hence my present misery. If I do not help this snake in distress, then the door to happiness will never open for me.' So thinking, she extended her hand to pick up the snake, placed it on her lap and covered it carefully with her cloth. No sooner had she done this than the charmers came to her and enquired about the snake. Vidyutprabha only told them that she was asleep and so she had no knowledge of it.
JAIN JOURNAL
This convinced the charmers. "After all this is a young girl", said they among themselves, "She would have been frightened to see the terrible snake. So it can't be here." When they had departed, Vidyutprabha told the snake to come out and go its own way in safety. She removed her cloth but there was no serpent to be seen. She knew not if she were in a dream or confusion, but she could hardly think more when she heard a voice saying, "I am overwhelmed by thy courage. Seek a boon."
Vidyutprabha turned round and saw a god who was repeating the aforesaid words. "Oh the best among gods", said she "if you are pleased with me, then do something to protect my cattle. They are much oppressed often by the rays of the sun."
The god cast a deep sigh. Thought he, 'What a request! She could have got rid of her poverty. But ignorant is she. Whatever that may be her wishes must be honoured.' So he created a garden above her as charming as Nandanavana. Then he said to her, "Here is a garden, where you will get trees yeilding all sorts of fruits and flowers. Wherever you go this will follow you like an umbrella. Like a divine damsel, you will freely play in it and your cattle will suffer no more. you are in difficulty, think of me, and I will be at your service."
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